Messages of God's Love: 1924

THE first verse shows us a complaining people, not satisfied with what a loving and faithful, unforgetting God, gave them, and we find that they were discontented and even crying, grumbling where they should have been glad, to the end of the record.

Turn to Exodus 3, verses 4 to 8, and notice what God had said before a finger was lifted to free Israel from the hardhearted and cruel Egyptians. Had He gone back on His word, do you think? Not at all; His purpose was unchanged. But what an ungrateful people! What patience in God, too!

There was a “mixed multitude” with the people. We read about them when the children of Israel left Egypt, and here in verse 4 we find that they were still with them. They were bad company for the Israelites to keep. Look out for “mixed” company, dear young believer. There is only One kind of company for a Christian, and that is, the company of those who are saved, and live and talk as those who are Christ’s. Of course, the mixed multitude were unhappy; having to live like the people of God never could suit them. But the point for us to see is, that they influenced the children of Israel to want, what the mixed multitude wanted.

God’s children ought to be pleased with whatever a loving and gracious Father gives them; but if they keep company with the world, the world’s ways and thoughts and wants, will surely become theirs too.

“We remember,” the people say in verse 5, “we remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely.”

Is that all you remember, redeemed one? Don’t you remember the slavery, the lash of the taskmaster, the demand that the babies be thrown into the river, and all the other cruelties of Egypt? Sad to say, the freedom God had won for them, and the many blessings daily which were theirs and the promised land, were all forgotten. The food He gave them, was despised, and in their hearts they longed for Egypt. Such is man, such are you and I, by nature; we must be born again. We need God’s salvation.

Moses complains, in verses 11 to 15, and surely the people were most ungrateful, but his case reminds us of One who never complained, never gave up, and never will until His people are safe in glory with Him. Jesus is that Friend; there is no change in Him. Is He your Friend, your Saviour?

ML 01/06/1924

"Ten Minutes to Three."

WHEN a boy, I read and heard of little boys being converted, and then soon afterwards dying. Afterwards I did not like to hear or read of children being converted, lest I should find out that they had died; and I was quite afraid of being converted myself, lest I should die also.

Now, I do not doubt many of my dear young readers have the same feelings that I once had about being saved while they are young. But God had His own way with me, and was pleased to save me When I was young, and that is many years ago, and since then I have been trying to the best of my ability, by the grace of God to serve and please Him who gave His own Son to die for me on the cross.

So you see, my dear young friends, not all who are converted young die immediately afterwards.

I will now tell you about a dear boy who was converted at twelve years of age.

I had been asked to address a Sunday-school at C—. There were about four hundred scholars in the school, and I addressed them three Sunday afternoons following each other.

The first Sunday afternoon while I was speaking about Jesus dying and shedding HIS precious blood to wash away the sins of little boys and girls, the blessed Spirit of God made many of my young hearers very anxious to be washed from all their sins in “the blood of the Lamb.”

Many professed to be saved that afternoon, and also the two Sunday afternoons following. My young friend W—R—was there on the first occasion. He had a praying father and mother; but he was not himself saved, and he did not want to be, because he thought that if he were, he would have to give up all his little pleasures, amusements, and companions, and that he would become very miserable. So he went away, determined that he would not come to Jesus. Nevertheless, the Spirit’ of God was striving with him, and made him very unhappy, causing him to see and feel that there is no real happiness out of Christ.

The second Sunday afternoon, W—R — was there again, and though many others were in tears, he appeared to be quite unmoved.

He was not really so, only he was listening to the wicked, lying suggestions of Satan. Thus he spent a second week rejecting Christ; and all who reject Him must be very unhappy, while all who receive Him are very happy, and are quite ready for His second coming, or for death.

Well, the third afternoon arrived for me to give my last address to the dear young people, and W—R— was there again; and while I was speaking of the love of God, the preciousness of the blood of Jesus, the hatefulness of sin, the blessedness of being saved, and the awfulness of living and dying without Christ, W— R— (as he ,told me afterwards), felt the burden of his sin to be so heavy that it seemed as if it would press him right through the floor into hell. In his distress he cried to Jesus to remove the terrible burden of unforgiven sin, and he simply looked in faith to Jesus where he was kneeling, and in a moment he said the burden was removed, his soul found rest, and his heart was filled with joy; and looking up, his eyes met the clock, and it wanted exactly “ten minutes to three.”

Yes, at “ten minutes to three,” on the second Sunday-afternoon in March, 18—, God gave W—R— to know that his sins were all forgiven. His soul was saved, and he there and then found happiness in Christ.

It is now many years since God. saved W—R—, and as I write he is living still, a very consistent, godly, young man, working for the blessed Lord, who loved him and gave Himself for him, and he has been used to bring many precious souls to Jesus among both the young and the old.

And now, my dear young friends, will you not come at once by faith to Jesus, and find rest in Him? Look at once to Him by faith, and be saved for ever. Receive Him at once as God’s gift of eternal life. Give the blessed Lord the sunrise, meridian, and sunset of your life, and then, living or dying, you are the Lord’s and ready for His second coming, or for death; and should He spare your life, and leave you in this evil world a little longer, you will be able, by His grace, to live and work for Him.

ML 01/06/1924

God's Wonderful Creation

AS we look at this wonderful scene of God’s creation, how we are made to realize His greatness and glory!

In mid-winter, the ground is often covered with a white blanket, and here the beautiful, clear mountain stream flows on, and adds to the grandeur of the place. When Summer comes, the sun’s warm rays will find their way among the rocks, and the stream will cast off its icy fetters, flowers will bloom, birds will sing, and all nature will praise God.

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.” Psa. 95:4-7.

ML 01/06/1924

Happy Lizzie

LITTLE Lizzie’s testimony to the saving grace of God, even when she was only five years old, was indeed bright. When she was but three years old, she sang in the Sunday-school treat the well-known hymn,

“Jesus loves me, this I know;

For the Bible tells me so.”

As the sweet, childish voice rang out in the large hall, strong men wept, and one said,

“It is the best sermon I ever heard.”

I have not the slightest doubt that dear little Lizzie was saved by grace at that time, and knew it then, and rejoiced in Christ as her Saviour.

It is sometimes said that all “good children die young,” but Lizzie did not die, but lives still, happy in the dear Saviour’s love. She loves to tell others of how much He has done for her.

If you would truly be happy, from your childhood days right on through life, it can only be by knowing and believing that Jesus loves you, and that He is your personal Saviour and Lord.

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

ML 01/06/1924

I a Little Pilgrim Am.

I a little pilgrim am,

Of the flock a little lamb;

Jesus has my sins forgiven,

Called me to Himself in heaven.

I was born a sinful child,

But am pardoned, reconciled;

Washed in Christ’s most precious blood;

Made a happy child of God.

Saviour, keep me near to Thee,

Lest I from Thy presence flee;

Shepherd, guard me night and day,

Lest thy foolish lamb should stray.

Teach me, Lord, to love Thy ways,

And to live unto Thy praise;

Young and feeble though I be,

Make me wise and strong in Thee.

Soon shall come the happy day

When Thou’lt call Thine own away;

Then, within the heavenly fold,

We shall all Thy face behold.

ML 01/06/1924

Jesus of Nazareth

OUR picture is a little sketch of Nazareth. Nazareth is beautifully situated on the slope of a hill, but like most of the Eastern towns of the present day is not very clean. In this town there live some true believers in the Lord Jesus, though many of the sixty thousand people are still in darkness.

In John 1:46, Nathanael asks, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Yes, indeed, that precious Jesus of Nazareth came from here, the One who died to save us.

Jesus was born at Bethlehem, but very soon Joseph and Mary took their Son down to Nazareth. In Nazareth He spent most of thirty years. He is called the Nazarene. The Lord of glory, God manifest in the flesh, takes a humble place in this world.

There is only one natural well in Nazareth. This water flows from, the spring, as it did in the time of our Lord’s sojourn down here over 1900 years ago. The Lord, no doubt, drank from this well.

When we think, children, that the Lord Jesus walked down this sloping hillside, drank from this well, worked here in the carpenter’s shop with Joseph, lived a perfect life, our hearts are filled with love and praise to this Jesus of Nazareth, the lowly Nazarene, who traveled all the way from glory to the cruel cross. There He died to save us and bring us to God. We can but thank and praise Him for love so marvelous.

“O GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, FOR HE IS GOOD; FOR HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER. LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO.” Ps. 107:1, 2.

ML 01/13/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 11:11-17, 25.

WHEN the people of Israel had complained so much to Moses, he went to the Lord, and said, “Wherefore hast Thou afflicted Thy servant? that Thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.”

But we know Moses was not alone, because God did everything Himself for His people. The Lord did not rebuke Moses. He only said, “Gather unto Me seventy men of the elders of Israel; and bring them to the tabernacle of the congregation, and I will come down and talk with thee there; and I will take of the Spirit that is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.”

This was a dishonor to the Lord, as well as to Moses. If the Lord gives us any work to do for Him, He will give us the strength and ability to carry out His purposes, and we are only an instrument in His hands, to be used of Him. He does not leave us to do anything alone for Him. We would be sure to make great mistakes, and not do the work at all pleasing to Him. It is only as we are in dependence upon Him, and seeking His guidance, that we can do the smallest thing pleasing to Him.

ML 01/13/1924

The Power of God's Word

ONE day Charles, the only son of a widow, a boy of about thirteen years of age, ran into his mother’s room with an open book in his hand, crying out: “See, mother! here it is!”

“Now, what is it?” said his mother, rather startled at his unexpected, and hasty entrance.

“Just listen, mother!” said Charles; “the Lord Jesus has said, ‘Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.’” Matt. 15:19.

The teacher read it out to us, and I asked him for the book, in which it was written, that I might show it to you. Here it is, mother! It is, in the Bible, and the Bible is God’s Word.”

A few days before this Charles had come home from school, crying bitterly. His mother thought that something had happened to him, or that one of the boys had hurt him; but Charles shook his head.

“What is the matter, my boy?” asked the mother. But Charles could not answer; the words the teacher read out to them, had pierced his conscience, and he felt convinced of their truth. At last he said, sobbing,

“O, mother! I am a wicked boy.” “But, Charlie, what have you done? Have you lied or stolen?”

“No, mother! I have neither lied nor stolen, but I have such a wicked heart.”

“Come, boy, what is the matter with you. You make me nervous with your crying. I thought something terrible had happened. And now you come to me with such silly talk.”

“No, mother! it is not silly talk,” said Charles, beginning again to cry. “The teacher at Sunday-school told us this afternoon, that we all have wicked hearts, and that out of them come everything that is evil; and that shows that we are sinners, and we shall all go to hell, unless we are converted, and the teacher said this was true of everybody.”

“Why,” said the mother, “this is worse and worse. So, I too, have a wicked heart! Come, come, that is nothing but foolishness.”

“No, no, mother! You must not say that. The Lord Jesus said it, and what

He says is true.”

“No,” said the mother, “I don’t believe a word of it. You must first show it to me, so that I can read it with my own eyes.”

Charles said no more, but remained cast-down the whole day, now and then weeping.

“What shall I do?” he said to himself. “If I die, I shall go to hell. And I might die tonight, like William, next door, who was taken so suddenly. But the teacher said also, that the Lord Jesus will forgive us our sins, and take us to heaven, if we come to Him as sinners. He will cleanse us with His own blood. O, I will go to Him’, and ask Him! He will listen to me. The Lord Jesus is good. He took even little children in His arms, and He has said: ‘Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.’”

Charles did so. When he went to bed and was alone, he fell on his knees, and implored the Lord earnestly and fervently for mercy. He wept long and bitterly, and confessed his sins, and implored Him to save Him from eternal destruction.

When he awoke in the morning, he felt quite relieved. His sorrow was turned into joy; his anxiety into peace. The Lord had heard him. No wonder that he looked quite different when he came down in the morning. Instead of weeping and sobbing, his face was radiant with joy.

“O, mother!” he cried out, as his mother kissed him; “the Lord Jesus has heard me. He has forgiven my sins, and given me peace!”

His mother said little; for she couldn’t understand it. She had never seriously thought about her being a sinner, and therefore on the broad road leading to destruction, but when Charles came with the Bible, and read to her the words of the Lord Jesus, and spoke so earnestly and faithfully about them, then she began to doubt if she was on the right way; and it was not long before she, too, cast herself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, confessing her sins, and imploring His forgiveness. The Lord heard her, and gave her rest and peace in her soul. How happy Charles was! Now they could serve Him together, and worship and praise Him for His endless goodness and unutterable grace.

Dear little friends! think about this story seriously: You have so often heard that you have a wicked heart, and without the Lord Jesus, you must be eternally lost; and yet many of you have not turned to the Lord, but live on, as if you were not sinners, and as if judgment did not follow death. O, I beseech you, do not continue so! Believe the Word of God. Do not let Satan mislead. you. Awake out of sleep. Think of your sins, and the long, terrible eternity. If you seek refuge in the Lord Jesus, He will save you, and make you happy forever. You will never regret it, but will rejoice throughout eternity.

You do not need to do as Charles did. We read that he “implored the Lord earnestly and fervently for mercy. He wept long and bitterly, . . and implored Him to save him from eternal destruction.”

The word is, “Come unto Me”, “Look unto Me,” “Whosoever will,” “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.” God is imploring you to be reconciled to Him.

Come to Jesus now; accept His loving invitations.

ML 01/13/1924

"He Paid."

FOUR Christian friends were riding in an omnibus in the city of B.; as they neared the place where the omnibus stopped, a youth stepped inside and asked for the fares. One of the four friends paid for all, which led one of the party to say to the youth,

“You won’t ask me for my fare, will you?”

“No, sir,” was the reply.

“Then you are satisfied?”

“Quite.”

“But I did not pay you?”

“He paid,” said he, pointing to the one who had done so.

This circumstance, simple in itself, brought to my mind the great transaction which took place eighteen hundred years ago, when God delivered Christ for our offences, and raised Him again for our justification (Rom. 4:25.)

“Behold the Lamb!” Tis He who bore

My burden on the tree;

And paid in blood the dreadful score,

The ransom due for me.”

Dear reader, do you believe, that Jesus Christ was delivered for our offences— the offensive (and iniquitous) thoughts, looks, words, and deeds? that He was bound about with our sins on the cross, and suffered for them there? “He gave Himself for our sins.” This was the only way sins could be disposed of God “made Him (the Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.”

Three blessed results flow from Christ giving Himself for our sins, and being made sin for us, to all who believe; sins are gone, sin is judged, and righteousness is conferred.

“He paid.” Who? The One who was personally and perfectly free from the debt. Jesus, the Son of God, “He paid.” How? With His precious blood.

“Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin has left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow

And just as the collector in the omnibus did not require payment twice, neither will God.

“Payment God will not twice demand;

Once at my bleeding Surety’s hand

And then again at mine.”

Dear children, are you satisfied with what Christ did once for all on the cross? Can you truly and thankfully say: “Jesus died FOR ME!” God grant that you by faith may be able to look up to where Jesus is in heaven, and say, with an adoring heart, “He Paid.”

ML 01/13/1924

"Why, He Promised to!"

A LITTLE maiden about seven years old, was once asked, “My little girl, are you a Christian?”

Looking up with a happy smile, she answered, “Yes!” “How long have you been one?”

“Ever since last night,” she said. “I was at the meeting, and I felt I was a sinner, and I went home and kneeled by the side of my bed, and I asked God to put away my sins, and He did it.”

“How do you know He did it?” “Why, He promised to!” was her sweet reply.

How this dear child’s faith took God simply at His word, believing that what He had promised He would fulfil. He has said,

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

“Through this Man (Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him, all that believe are justified from all things.” Acts 13:38, 39.

ML 01/13/1924

Two Little Eyes to Look to God.

Two little eyes to look to God;

Two little ears to hear His Word;

Two little feet to walk His ways;

Two little hands, to work for Him all my days.

One little tongue to speak His truth;

One little heart for Him in my youth;

Take them, Lord Jesus, and let them be

Always obedient, and true to Thee.

ML 01/13/1924

Sheep

WE all love to watch a flock of sheep quietly feeding on the hillside, and the little lambs skipping about, without any thought of where they are to get their food.

Their shepherd takes them from one place to another, and he finds out the best pastures for them.

The Lord Jesus has a flock of sheep and lambs, and He is their Shepherd.

Are you one of His flock? And is He your Shepherd? Can you say, with the Psalmist,

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters”?

Where are these green pastures and still waters to be found for us? They are, dear children, in His blessed word. If any of you have not yet come to Jesus, listen now to His loving call, and you will then be one of His lambs, whom He will love and care for until He takes you to be with Himself forever.

“HE SHALL FEED HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD. HE SHALL GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM, AND CARRY THEM IN HIS BOSOM.” Isa. 40:11.

ML 01/20/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 12.

THIS chapter gives us a lesson in the contrast between Miriam and Aaron and Moses. How easy it is for the human heart to be stirred with anger and jealousy or envy, and for the tongue to speak out the thoughts that have found a home in the heart.

They said, “Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath He not spoken also by us?” But see what God, who has chosen every sentence, and every word for the Bible, put into His book, to follow directly after what Moses’ sister and brother said: “And the Lord heard it!” We may be sure that Moses found out how they felt toward him, if he did not know the words they said, and it is the natural thing to feel provoked and say something in return but Moses could leave his troubles to God. And there the record stands: “And the Lord heard it.” Was that not better than answering again?

There is a wonderful word about Moses in verse 3 of our chapter, and I hope you will think about it, but after all, Moses was not perfect, though he was a great example of forbearance and patience. But there is One Man even Jesus, who has left a perfect record, and the first four books of the New Testament tell us many lovely stories about Him. And in the Epistles, we learn much more, as for instance in 1 Peter 2, verses 21 to 23, where we read,

“Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously.”

Perhaps when Miriam and Aaron heard the people complaining in chapter 11, they felt that they would not do such things; that they knew better, and could trust God to take care of them, and a little thought crept in that they were not likely to sin.

I know such thoughts do come to those who belong to Jesus in this day. Well, if they come to you, my reader, look out! for Satan is near, and you will be tested.

But are you saved? And have you confessed Christ as your Saviour and Lord?

ML 01/20/1924

"I'll Be a Christian When I Grow up"

A MERRY child was little Katie. There was not a girl in the school who had such a merry laugh, or was so full of fun. She was a general favorite, too, for she had such winning ways, yet she cost her widowed mother many an anxious thought. Katie’s mother was an earnest Christian, not one of those mothers who profess to be Christians, and yet never seek to lead their little ones to Jesus; no, it was her one great desire, her most fervent prayer, that her little Katie might early learn to know the Saviour. Many were the quiet talks between mother and child, but they usually ended by Katie saying,

“I’ll be a Christian when I grow up, mother; that will be quite time enough.”

So months went on until Katie was nearly twelve years old, and still the mother’s prayers for her were unanswered.

One bright summer’s day it was arranged that Katie, with one of her schoolfellows, should go for a long ramble in the woods, and, as the evenings were warm and light, they took a lunch with them, that they need not hurry home. They had a very pleasant time together, and were thinking it would soon be time to turn homewards, when a distant peal of thunder startled them greatly; they had been so busy picking flowers in the woods, and weaving them into garlands, they had not noticed the heavy clouds that had been gathering for some time, and now they found that it would be impossible for them to reach their homes, or indeed, any place of shelter, before the storm came on, for they were far from the nearest cottage.

They hurried out of the woods, but they had some distance to go to reach the road. The rain came down, the thunder pealed loudly, and the lightning was so vivid that it filled them with terror. As they neared the road, Katie begged her companion to stay beneath a large, thick tree till the storm would be over, saying that it would shelter them so nicely; but Mary insisted on their leaving the shelter as quickly as possible, saying that her father had told her it was very dangerous to go under a tree in a storm. Katie was very desirous to linger, but Mary had at length to take her hand, and almost drag her to the road. They had only just reached it when, hearing a loud crash, and turning back, they saw that a flash of lightning had struck the tree, and shivered its enormous trunk.

The children were awestruck, to think how nearly they had lost their lives, for had they stayed two minutes longer they would have been killed. In spite of the drenching rain they stood still, with pale faces looking at the place where the grand old tree had stood, then they started on their way home again in terror, lest they themselves should be struck before getting there. But they were preserved, and an impression was made on the mind of each which lasted through lifetime.

Katie did not soon recover the shock, and having taken a severe cold from the wetting, she was obliged to keep her bed for some days. One evening, after lying still for some time, she said.

“O, mother, what would have become of me if I had stayed under that tree? It would have served me right if God had killed me then for saying I would not be a Christian till I grew up.”

“I think you learned a lesson that night, Katie,” said her mother. “Do you really desire to be a Christian now?”

“Yes, mother, if Jesus will have me after keeping Him waiting so long,” was Katie’s answer.

“Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out,” answered her mother.

“Then I will come. Mother, how shall I come?” said Katie.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,” replied her mother.

“But I do believe on Him,” said Katie, “I have believed on Him all my life.”

“Ah, but not in your heart, or in such a way as to make you love Him.”

Then she showed her Katie that the Lord Jesus died to cleanse away our sins with His own blood. God gave Katie to understand, and to believe the love of Jesus, and to trust in Him. She felt her load of sins, and repented of them, and came to Jesus.

ML 01/20/1924

Freddie's Text

BUT how am I to know that when Jesus died He died for me?”

This question was asked by a little boy named Freddie.

“Supposing God had written a text in the Bible which said that Jesus died for Freddie, would you know then?” was the reply.

“O yes, Miss R—, I should, I wish that He had done so,” Freddie answered, with a very bright look.

“But there are many other Freddies in the world, how would you know that God was speaking of you?”

The bright look faded and tears filled his eyes as he answered, “O, so there are many other Freddies, how can I know then?”

The earnestness of the manner in which the question was asked, made his nursery governess look up silently to the Lord for special wisdom before answering little Freddie’s question. “Well, Freddie,” she said, “God has called us all by one name, and those who are really willing to take that name before Him, He has said that Jesus died for those people.”

“What is that name, Miss R—?”

“Sinners, Freddie,” was the reply. “You are only a child, yet you have done many things that God calls sins, and therefore you are a sinner, and need to be washed from those sins by Jesus before He can have you in heaven with Him. The great Apostle Paul called himself the chief of sinners, yet he could say that Jesus loved him and gave Himself for him. Shall I tell you a little verse about this? He said, “The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Gal. 2:20.

Who was it that Paul said loved him and gave Himself for him? It was Jesus the Son of God, He was God, as well as man, and was perfect and holy, so had no sins to die for of His own. I could not die for you, Freddie, because I am a sinner too and deserve to be punished for my own sins. But if we go to God and ask Him to save us for Jesus’ sake, He will tell you that Jesus has died instead of you.”

“Yes, I will,” said Freddie, “and I am going to say that text to God to night that “Jesus loved me, and, gave Himself for me!” I wish you would print that text for me, Miss R—; will you, please?” So while little Freddie was peacefully sleeping, the text was roughly printed on a piece of cardboard and hung beside his bed.

The Son of God Who Loved Me and Gave Himself for Me.

From that day Freddie constantly spoke of the verse as “his text.”

Perhaps some little reader of this incident may have often thought,

“Yes, I know that Jesus died, but I am not so sure that He died for me.” Will you not put your finger by faith on “Freddie’s text,” and say, “I know I am a sinful child, but Jesus the Son of God loved sinners, and gave Himself for them, therefore for me.”

He knew how wicked man had been,

And knew that God must punish sin,

So out of pity Jesus said,

“I’ll bear the punishment instead.”

ML 01/20/1924

Bessie and Amy

WHEN I was a little girl, I met with an accident, and lay in the Children’s Hospital for many weeks. I grew very weary there. and longed to be able to play with my little school companions again. In the winter evenings there were many visitors to the ward, and one little girl, who always came with her mother, brought me some nice toys. I was delighted, and spent many an hour dressing my doll. One night, just as Amy was leaving my bed, she bent her head close to my ear, and whispered,

“Do you love Jesus?”

I could not answer, for I had not thought much about Him. Amy saw that I was unable to answer, so she whispered again,

“Jesus loves you, Bessie, and wants to save you.”

I thought all next day about that, and wished Amy would come again. When she did come, she brought with her a pretty book, saying,

“That’s for you, Bessie,”

Then she told me that Jesus had saved her two years ago, and she was happy.

“How did He save you?” I asked.

“I came to Him as a sinner, believing He died for me on the cross—that was all.”

I came to Jesus in that way too, and He saved me.

ML 01/20/1924

Stop! Look! Listen!

STOP sinner, heed the warning,

There’s danger in your way,

Your sins will all confront you

In the great judgment day.

LOOK to the One who suffered

In wondrous love for thee,

Who gave His life a ransom

On Calvary’s cruel tree.

LISTEN to Him who calls you

In tones of tenderest love,

“Come unto Me,” I’ll give you

Sweet rest in heaven above.

ML 01/20/1924

Training Fido

WHAT a good time this boy is having with his dog; he has trained him to do so many different things. Perhaps you have a dog; have you taught him to sit up acid say Please, or Thank you, by barking? Animals may be taught to do many cute things, but it takes patience to train them, for they must do the same thing over and over again before they are able to do that thing well. This is true of children, too, is it not? Their parents and teachers have them repeat their tasks many times before they can do them perfectly. What patience and love is needed by these older ones; their care must be constant over the little ones to lead them to do right.

If you are a saved child, you are in God’s school as well as in your day school. You must listen to His Word in order to learn the lessons He wants to teach you; then if you are willing to do what He asks of you, you will be very happy. As long as the Lord leaves you down here, you will continue to be in His school, and how thankful you will be when you see His face, if you have learned the lessons He has sought to teach you.

Sometimes a child is permitted to do something very bad, to show him how naughty and sinful he is by nature. As we see how dreadfully sinful we are, we realize more the holiness of God, and how He only is able to keep us from sinning. “Kept by the power of God.” 1 Peter 1:5.

“Without Me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.

“BE NOT WISE IN THINE OWN EYES; FEAR THE LORD, AND DEPART FROM EVIL.” PROV. 3:7

ML 01/27/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 13.

THE moving camp of Israel had now reached a place as near to the promised land of Canaan as they were to see for about thirty-seven years. We shall see, if the Lord will, why they did not go right on to the end of their journey, but we have read enough in the last two chapters to feel sure that their ways and thoughts were very far from God’s. Without faith to believe God, though they were quite willing to eat the food He gave them, and to have His protecting care and guidance, they needed some of their number to go on ahead to see if what God had said about their new home was true. In the first chapter of Deuteronomy we learn that Moses, having told the people to go on to the promised land, not to be afraid or discouraged, they came to him, saying,

“We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come.”

In our chapter this is not told us; God, knowing what the host of Israel wanted, knowing their hearts too, told Moses to send men to search the land.

They were to be prominent men, leaders of the people, who were to go on this mission. Even their names speak of that, Shammua, the first one named, means, “Famous”, and his father’s name means, “well remembered”; one means “belonging to fortune” (Gaddi), and several speak of God. But God sees deeper than the surface; profession is nothing without possession, and only two of the men who went into the land were men of faith, —men who trusted God.

And did the twelve men find that what God says is true? They surely did.

“Surely,” they said (verse 27), “the land floweth with milk and honey, and this is the fruit of it. If you will open your Bible at Exodus 3:8 and 17 you will find that God said just that, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” He had told them, too, of enemies, —six nations of very wicked people, who lived in that land, but He had said in Exodus 33:2 “I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite,” and all the others. This the spies and the people forgot or did not believe; they evidently had no thought of God being for them, nor of trusting Him to lead them.

ML 01/27/1924

Whom Does God Love?

THE boys and girls who came regularly to the Sunday-school were having their annual treat. About 200 rosy cheeked, merry-looking children, all dressed up in their best, with hymn-book in hand, were gathered together, and after some hymn-singing and prayer, one of the teachers spoke as follows:

“Now, I’m going to ask two questions to begin with, and I’ll expect both to be answered. The first one is for the boys; and the second for the girls. Now, he ready. Will any boy tell me whether it is bad boys, or good boys that God loves?” Before he had finished the question fifty hands were up, and as many voices shouted, “Good, good, GOOD!”

“Well, now, will any girl tell me how many good boys are here tonight?”

The girls took a look across the room to the boys’ seats, and then hung their heads. No one spoke. The boys seemed impatient to hear the verdict. Still no one answered a word. At last a little girl whispered.

“None,” and some of the boys got on their feet to see who the speaker was.

“How do you know that, my girl?” asked the teacher.

“Because, it says in the New Testament, ‘There is none that doeth good, no, not one.’” (Rom. 3:12.)

“Right. Now, you see, boys, if it be good boys and girls that God loves, there will be none to love at all, for this girl has told us there is none good. Neither Jim nor Tom are good in God’s sight, —nor Mary or Nellie either. All are sinners, and unless they be saved, they will never get to heaven. Every boy and girl in the world needs to be ‘born again’ to he converted—else they can never wear a crown up yonder in glory. Now, what is to be done?”

“Pray,” cried one little fellow.

“Well, my boy, what will you pray for?”

“To be saved and get to heaven,” answered the little chap.

“And are you sure that will take you there?” No answer.

“Can any girl tell me, Whom does God love?”

“Sinners,” answered a voice at the back.

“And who are sinners?”

“All of us.”

“That’s it. All are sinners—boys and girls, fathers and mothers, too. God loves all.”

“Now another question, Was it good children, or bad that Christ died for?” “Sinners,” was the answer.

“Ah, yes! you’re getting to understand it. And who is it that Jesus saves?” “Sinners who believe on Him.”

“Are there any here that believe on Him?”

“Yes,” answered a girl of twelve, “I do.”

“And are you saved?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because Jesus says, ‘Whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’”

The meeting came to a close. The teacher waited behind, and had a talk with the little girl who said she was saved, and found she had trusted in Jesus a Sunday or two before, while in the school, and she was happy, happy!

Dear young reader, God loves you: Jesus died on the cross to save sinful boys and girls. Will you, like this little girl, trust Him? If so, you shall be saved, and happy, too!

ML 01/27/1924

The Slave Boy

DEAR young friends, I heard a gentleman tell a sad story of the death of a little slave boy. The gentleman had been a missionary for twenty-six years among the colored people.

“One evening,” said he, “a little slave boy came to my house to hear about Jesus. He had not been there long when his master came to seek for him, and, in my presence, ordered the boy to get twenty-five lashes on the bare back. After he had received the lashes, his brutal master asked,

‘What can your Jesus do for you now?’ ‘Me love my Jesus,’ was the dear little fellow’s reply.

‘Give him twenty-five lashes more,’ cried the master. After the second lashing was over, again he asked,

‘What can your Jesus do for you now?’

‘He love me.’

‘Give him twenty-five lashes more.’ The third scourging was too much for the poor boy, and when finished, the master again asked,

‘What can your Jesus do for you now?’

In a feeble whisper, which could scarcely be heard, the words fell from his lips, as life was fast ebbing away,

‘He give me grace to pray for you’; and in a short time after, his spirit was with the Saviour he loved so well.”

No doubt, dear young friends, you will be deeply touched at the reading of this sad story; but, let me ask; have you ever thought of what Jesus did for that slave boy, and for you?

The Lord Jesus suffered far more for you, than the little slave boy suffered for Him. Jesus never sinned, and the soldiers were very cruel to Him. They placed on Him a crown of thorns, and a purple robe. They smote Him, spat on His face, and, worst of all, drove great nails through His hands and feet, and nailed Him to a tree. On that cross God forsook Him, and before He died, the cry was wrung from His lips, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” His last words were, “It is finished,” and He died.

This is what Jesus HAS DONE FOR YOU, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” Isa. 53:5. He has suffered all this that He might have you with Him in heaven for ever.

The slave-owner asked the little slave, “What CAN your Jesus do for you now?

I have told you what Jesus has done for you; and let me tell you that He can now save you, and forgive you all your sins. If you simply believe that He died for sinners, yes, for you, He will give you everlasting life, and make you His own forever. Whenever you believe on His love and death for you, you will be able to say with the black boy, “Me love my Jesus.” Meantime you may take up his language, and say, “He love me,” and whenever you receive His love into your heart, you will love Him who suffered and died for you.

Your youth need be no barrier to your salvation. Boys and girls need Christ, as well as men and women, and if any die without Him, they will be eternally lost. Now, why not believe on Him at once? Why not trust Jesus? He saves all who believe on Him, and saves them without money or price, or cost of any kind to them. Jesus paid the price with His own blood.

ML 01/27/1924

A. B. C.

All the world is proven guilty,

All have sinned against their God,

All have wandered in their folly,

All have missed the narrow road.

Brief indeed your rapid transit,

Brief your time on earth to stay,

Brief your chances for salvation,

Brief for you salvation’s day.

Come to Christ who now is calling

Come and He will give you rest,

Come thou weary, heavy laden,

Come and be forever blest.

All who come to Christ are pardoned,

All who come find perfect rest,

All the joy of heaven awaits you,

All who come to Him are blest.

Bear the cross and follow Jesus,

Bravely meet each subtle foe,

Bear on high His royal banner;

Bear a light where’er you go.

Call on Him in days of sorrow,

Cast on Him your every care,

Comfort comes to those who trust Him,

Call on Him, He heareth prayer.

ML 01/27/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for December

1.“There hath no,” etc. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

2.“So that ye come,” etc. 1:7.

3.“In a moment, in the,” etc. 15:52.

4.“That, according as,” etc. 1:31.

5.“Watch ye, stand,” etc. 16:13.

6.“Whether therefore,” etc. 10:31.

7.“What is my reward,” etc. 9:18.

Bible Questions for February

The Answers are to be found in Gal., Eph., Phil., and Col.

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Have no fellowship.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Who loved me.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “No reputation.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Think on these things.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Soweth.” “Reap.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Which is idolatry.”

7. Write in full the verse containing the words, “No man is justified by the law.”

M 02/03/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 14.

WAS the journey of the Israelites across the desert to end in a return to Egypt? Unbelief stood in the way of going any further now in the direction of Canaan, and they proposed to one another to make a new leader instead of Moses, to lead them back to the country of their slavery.

Joshua and Caleb, the only godly ones of the twelve men who had searched the promised land, tried to quiet the people (verses 6-9), telling them God was on their side, and would surely carry out His promise; but they wanted to stone them. Then God appeared, His glory cloud being seen before all the children of Israel. He told Moses He would send disease among them, and have them no longer for His people; instead He would make of Moses a great nation, greater than the Israelites. This was the second time that God had offered to Moses to make him the head of a chosen nation, as you will find if you turn back to Exodus 32:10.

But Moses paid no more attention to the second offer than to the first. He thinks of the name of God, and not of getting honors for himself, and again he pleads for the people’s forgiveness. God answers (verse 20) that He has pardoned, but that none of those who would not believe Him, or trust in His word, would be allowed to enter the promised land. Two men only of all that great army of men and women who set out from Egypt were to set foot in it as their home, but the children, from the youngest up to nineteen years of age, whom their parents said were brought out to die, would be brought into that home-land which God had told of. For forty years the people were to stay in the wilderness, until all that were grown up when they left Egypt, were dead.

The chapter ends with the people, unwilling to obey as always, going on now into the enemy’s country, alone, where before they would not go with God, and so they are driven back by their enemies. There is no power against Satan except God’s power.

ML 02/03/1924

"Sing Us a Song"

‘BANK-NOTE Reporter’, sir! Three more banks down,” said a bright little fellow, of about ten years, as he entered a counting-room in Broadstreet, New York, one morning with a bundle of papers under his arm. As he entered two gentlemen were seated in comfortable chairs engaged in conversation.

“Bank-Note Reporter,’ sir?” said the boy inquiringly,

“No,” said one of the gentlemen, “we don’t want any; but stop,” added he; “if you will sing us a song we will buy one of your ‘Reporters’.”

The boy readily agreed to the terms, and the gentlemen, with an air which showed they were expecting some sport, placed the little fellow on a high stool, which was standing near, and bade him proceed to sing. They then waited, evidently expecting to hear some comical song, when to their astonishment, he commenced to sing that beautiful hymn;

“I think when I read that story of old,

When Jesus was here among men,

How He called little children as lambs to His fold,

I should like to have been with Him then.”

The effect of this sweet hymn was soon noticed upon the hearers, for before he had finished four verses they were both in tears. After he had finished, one of the gentlemen inquired;

“Where did you learn that hymn?”

“At Sunday-school,” replied the boy.

The gentlemen then purchased the “Reporter,” and presented him with a sum of money besides, after which he was allowed to go on his way, but not until they had called him back to obtain his address.

A Sunday-school teacher happened to be present, and witnessed the whole interview, and his heart rejoiced as he discovered the bright-eyed little boy was a scholar in his own Sunday-school.

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

Let us hope the confession of the Lord Jesus in song by this dear news-boy, may never be forgotten by these men, and that e’er this, God has blessed this simple testimony.

If someone were to ask you to sing a song, of whom would you sing? Can you say like the Psalmist? “Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day”? Psalm 96:2. Or would you be ashamed to speak that sweet name in the hearing of your unsaved friends?

All who know the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour have reason to be proud of that name— “Jesus”—for who has loved us as He has? He gave His life for us. He could not have done more. Should we then be ashamed of such a Friend?

“Little children, praise the Saviour;

He regards you from above:

Praise Him for His great salvation,

Praise Him for His gracious love!

Sweet hosanas to the name of Jesus sing.

When the anxious mothers round Him,

With their tender infants pressed,

He with open arms received them,

And the little ones He blessed.

Sweet hosanas to the name of Jesus sing.

Little children, praise the Saviour,

Praise Him, your undying Friend;

Praise Him, till above you meet Him;

There to praise Him without end.

Sweet hosanas to the name of Jesus sing.”

ML 02/03/1924

The Value of the Bible

A MAN, prominent in Italy during the great war, was famous for his hatred of the Christian faith, and had spent much energy in seeking to turn others away from Christ and His teachings.

But he was a man of kindly disposition, and wished to do something to comfort his peasant neighbors as they were enduring the hardships of war, so he decided to read the Scriptures to them. This he proceeded to do with patience and persistence. He read the Bible to them, especially the New Testament.

It was not long before the “Sword of the Spirit” thrust itself into his own heart, and brought about a great change. He saw the wickedness of his past life in ridiculing the heavenly message, and received the truth of the Scriptures, and the precious Saviour set forth therein, to the salvation of his soul.

Being a gifted and educated man, this talent was now used with renewed energy in leading others to the Saviour, who had become such a comfort to him, and changed his entire outlook for time and eternity.

The young reader will observe that the great change in this man was brought about by reading and believing the Bible; by receiving in the heart its teachings. Such is the value and power of the Word of God.

Were it not for this precious volume, we would not know that God loved us and gave His Son to die in our stead; to redeem, us from the consequence of our many sins, and made it possible for us to spend eternity with Him where He is the light and joy.

Satan is most busy today, seeking to destroy confidence in the Bible. It is sad to see to what extent he is succeeding. He knows full well that the entrance of the Word of God in the heart brings light and salvation.

We trust the young reader will be on his guard against such, and be preserved from it, and to recognize as the work of Satan any influence that undermines his confidence in the Bible, however reasonable it may appear.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

“He that rejecteth Me and receiveth not My words, hath One that judgeth him; The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48.

ML 02/03/1924

Awake

IT is a sweet picture to see a little child fast asleep. Her older sister has evidently been up and dressed for quite a while, and even Shep has come to her bedside to see why she is still asleep.

But there is another kind of sleep that is not good, and one may feel sad as he thinks of it. There are lots of people, old and young, who are asleep as to God’s things, and as to where they are going to spend eternity.

Are you, dear reader, truly awake to the facts that you have to meet God, and that there is eternity ahead? Have you thought of where you will spend eternity? Many are going on asleep, as to these great facts, and God would have them awake while there is still the offer of salvation through Christ Jesus.

“THERE IS NONE OTHER NA ME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED.” ACTS 4:12

That name is Jesus Christ. Have you taken Him as your Saviour? If you have, you are awake as to these two great facts, and you will be able to say: “I will spend eternity with the Lord Jesus Christ.” But if you have not, you are still asleep. O, may you awake now, for the time is near when the Lord Jesus will no longer offer to be your Saviour. He will soon take the place of judge of all those who have despised and rejected Him.

Then, too, for those who may be awake to the two facts just mentioned, there is a danger of being asleep as to the reality of these things. So the Scripture says:

“It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent and the day is at hand.” Rom. 13:11, 12.

ML 02/03/1924

Gathering Sticks

HERE are some little folks who have been very busy. It must have taken them a long time to chop these sticks in just the right lengths, and then to bundle them up so neatly. They seem happy about their work though, and feel they have done their duty well. They are not thinking how soon these sticks will come to an end; they will keep the fire but a short time and will all be burned to ashes. The children will then have the same task to perform.

How good to show a cheerful spirit in doing our work, as these little children are. Saved boys and girls work cheerfully, so as to please the Lord, as well as to please their parents.

“WHATSOEVER YE DO IN WORD OR DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.” COL. 3:17

So we want to do even the little disagreeable things in a way that is pleasing to Him.

In 1 Cor. 3:13 the apostle Paul, through the Holy Spirit, tells us that a day is coming when the works and ways of saved people shall be tried. The Lord will lay open, and show every act that we have done, whether it was pleasing to Him or not: so we are to be careful, and take heed that each little thing is done in a way to honor Him.

ML 02/10/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 15:1-23.

THIS shows us God’s unchangeable purpose to bring His people to the home He has chosen for them. After the fourteenth chapter, full of rebellion against Him, it is He who says (verse 2),

“When ye be come into the land—which I give unto you, and will make an offering—”. In spite of their ingratitude and self-will, and everything else so unlike the One who had undertaken for them, His people were to be brought into the place prepared. So, though the Christian knows from many Scriptures, that he does not deserve eternal life, or heaven, yet he reads in John 10:28 the words of the Son of God,

“I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” There are lessons to be learned on the road, but they who trust in Jesus’ blood will be in glory, everyone.

When the people were brought into their land, they would bring free-will offerings, —thank offerings to God, and He gave directions as to the offerings, all of them telling of Christ in life or in death.

ML 02/10/1924

How Does Your Version Read

IF I were to ask my little boy that question, the first thing he would say would be, “Daddy, what’s a version?” And then I would tell him something like this,—A version is the way a person tells about something. For instance if there were four boys telling the same story, they would each tell it in a little different way. Each one would have his own version.

Now I want to tell you about four versions of one story, that is four different ways that it is told, and I want you to see which one you think is right. The beginning of the story is the same each time, but the end was different.

This is the story:—

“A certain man had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat; and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, “How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father.”

You all know this story I expect. You will find it in the fifteenth chapter of Luke. You know in your head what happened next, but do you know it in your heart?

The story is told of a Chinese artist who was asked to draw a picture of what happened next in this story, so as to show it to some children in a Sunday-school. When the teacher came into the class, what do you think was drawn to show the children? There was the poor boy coming home in his rags and his dirt, and there at the other side was his old father coming out of the house with a very angry face, and a big stick in his hand.

The teacher said, “Why, that isn’t how the story reads.” The artist replied,

“No that’s not how it reads, —but that is what the old father really would do. Who would do anything different?”

That was his version of the story.

The next version I want to tell you about, was written by a very learned man. He was the minister in a big church, and he wrote a whole book about this boy coming back to his father. What do you think he said? He told in his book of how the boy came to his father and said to him,

“Make me as one of thy hired servants.” Then he went on to tell how that was the way we had to come to the father, to become His servants. Now, if this learned man had taken the trouble to look at his Bible he would have seen the boy never said that to his father at all as you may see by looking at Luke 15:21. And he would never have written his book. The dear old Father never gave that son time to say it, nor do I think he could have said it, if there was time. (It is true we are servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, but that is not the way we come, but it is because we know Him, we love to serve Him, like the little cripple boy said, “Knowing is loving, and loving is doing.”)

Well, that was the learned man’s version. I’m glad it wasn’t God’s version, aren’t you?

The next one I want to tell you about was two dear Christian men. They were brothers in Christ. I am sorry to say that one of them wandered away from his Father, but later was so sorry and came back. Well, what do you think his brother did? He wrote a letter with a list of some of his bad things, and said something like this,

“I hope you are really sorry, and won’t do these things again.”

That was his version of the story.

He forgot the old father didn’t have a long talk with the naughty boy first, and make him promise to be better, before he would let him come home into the house.

No, dear children, these are men’s versions of this beautiful story, but not God’s version. The father did not chase the boy away with a stick, or even give him a good beating before he let him come back. He did not bring him back to make him a servant, but he came back as a son, came back to a feast and joy, music and dancing that never had an end. Nor did the father say a word about the sin, there was not a word about a bargain to be better. No, let us read God’s version together,

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him,

‘Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.’” Luke 15:20-24.

Dear child, what is your version of this story? Have you ever come “home” to the Father just as you are in your sin and wretchedness, and known What it is to get a welcome, like this naughty, sinful, repentant boy?

ML 02/10/1924

A Child's Prayer Heard and Answered

THERE lived in the far west a family of, father, mother and a little girl; none of which knew or cared about the Lord Jesus. But God, as He often does, brought the knowledge of the Saviour into the family through the dear little girl at the age of seven years. She was invited by someone to attend a Sunday-school, and there she learned for the first time that there is a Saviour for sinners—even for little children like herself —and in simple faith she accepted Him in her heart.

The father later became very anxious about his soul. His distress increased daily, and one night, at the midnight hour, he arose from his bed in agony. He begged his wife to pray for him, as he did not know how to pray for himself. She told him she could not pray any better than he could.

“What shall I do, then?”

“Perhaps,” said she, “our little Mary can pray.”

So the father went up to her room, where she was fast asleep, and took her up from her bed in his arms and bore her down stairs, and putting her down gently, he said with great earnestness,

“Mary, can you pray?”

“O, yes, father, I can pray.”

“Will you kneel down and pray for your poor father?”

“Yes, I will pray for you.”

So she kneeled, put up her little hands, and in her own language, asked God to have mercy on her father, and to pardon all his sins for Jesus’ Christ’s sake.

When she had finished her prayer, her father said to her,

“Mary, can you read your Bible?” “O, yes, father, I can read; shall I read to you in my Bible?”

“Yes, read to me.”

So she began at the third chapter of the Gospel of John. She read along until she came to that verse:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

“O, Mary,” said he, “is that there?” “Yes, father, it is here. Jesus Christ said so.”

“Well, that is just what I need; what your poor father needs.”

“Yes, father, and hear the rest of it:

‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life’.”

“O, that is for me; for just such as me! Whosoever believeth in Him; I can believe in Him, I do believe in Him.”

And from that hour the father went on his way rejoicing in the Saviour with great joy.

ML 02/10/1924

The Saviour's Love

The Saviour is gracious,

His love is a well;

His blood, O, how precious!

Its worth, who can tell?

He loved us so truly,

He came from the sky,

That He, the Most Holy,

For sinners might die.

The love of a mother

And father is great;

The love of a brother

And sister is sweet:

Yet who but the Saviour

For us could have died,

To bring us for ever,

With God to abide?

From heaven, His dwelling,

That bright, blessed place,

He sweetly is telling

Us all of His grace.

In mercy delighting,

He speaks from above,

Poor sinners inviting

To trust in His love.

ML 02/10/1924

Decision for Christ

THE case of Ruth and Naomi gives to us a wonderful picture of one who has decided for Christ.

Ruth heard about Naomi’s God and her country and her people, and she was set on going to that country and dwelling there. Her heart had been filled with sadness in her own land, so she wanted a better country.

Have you found this world to be a sad place, dear reader? There is nothing here to satisfy, and I trust if you have so found it, that you may be desiring a better place. If you do, we will not ask you to go to this poor world to find pleasure, as Naomi wanted Ruth to go back to the land of Moab, where she had found so much sorrow, but we desire to have you go with us to the home above by the only way that God in His grace has provided for us, and that way is Christ. Have you decided for Christ? Can you say:

“THY PEOPLE SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, AND THY GOD MY GOD.” RUTH 1:16

This is decision in the right way. If you have so decided, listen to these words of the Lord Jesus:

“No man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6. You must come through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the only Saviour and He died for us, poor sinners, so that we could come to the Father through Him. Then there is another verse that shows that any one may come to Him, and no one will be refused.

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

Decide now for Christ. “Behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 02/17/1924

"Happy Day"

ONE Sunday I was addressing a Sunday school on the all-important theme of eternity, and the last opportunity for each one, which is fast drawing nigh. What made us all think most seriously that afternoon was a solemn occurrence which had taken place in the district only a few days before, two young women having been drowned, and having entered into the everlasting future unprepared to meet God.

On reaching the friend’s house with whom I was staying, I asked his little girl of twelve years of age, if she was resting her soul on Jesus, and would there and then trust Him with her soul. She burst into tears, and continued for a long-time weeping, so I did not press for an answer.

Visiting the same town a short time afterwards, I was glad to find the little girl resting on Christ, and learned, too, that she was growing in grace. The following are her own words—

“While sitting in the class, one Sunday afternoon, I first realized that Jesus had died for me. But I could not summon up courage to say anything about it to anyone until about a month afterwards, when you were here, and asked me whether I could really say that Jesus had died to save me, and whether I could trust Him. Then for the first time I was able to confess Christ; and now I know I am one of God’s children, and that Christ has borne my sins, and removed them, as far as the east is from the west. He loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

ML 02/17/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 15:24-41.

THERE should be the same law for the children of Israel, and for the stranger that dwelt in their land. And if they did anything ignorantly, that is, when they did not know it was wrong, they were to offer sacrifices, and their sin should be forgiven; but if any one sinned presumptuously, that is, willfully, God did not say they might offer a sacrifice for him, that person was to be put to death, because he had despised the word of the Lord, and broken His commandment.

The man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath day was stoned to death; his was a presumptuous sin (verse 30), for God had repeatedly said,

“Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein.” Leviticus 23:3.

The fringes in the edges of their clothes, and the blue ribbons, were to be seen by faith as reminders of the heavenly character of God’s people. Christians are apt to forget that they not only are going to heaven, but that they belong there now. Heaven is their home, and heavenly ways, heavenly thoughts, should be theirs.

ML 02/17/1924

Lost and Found

LITTLE reader, do you understand what a sad thing it is to be lost? Perhaps the following incident, which happened to me when a child, will help to make it plain:

I was on a visit to some friends who lived in a busy part of London. The children of the family were named Frank and Edith. One day their grandmama took us out for a walk. Frank and I walked together part of the way, and then he left me to walk with his grandmama and sister. I did not like walking alone, and thought it was unkind of Frank to leave me. But very soon I forgot the loss of his company, and became interested in the many strange sights that met my view. We were just turning into a large square, when my eye was attracted by a shoemaker busy at his work near the door of a cellar. Quite forgetting that my friends had gone on, I stood to watch him, remaining a long while, for I well remember he finished soleing and heeling a boot. As the man rose from his work, I turned around and thought of my friends, but they were nowhere to be seen. I ran up one street and down another, looking for them in vain. What was to be done? I began to feel—lost! and could keep back my tears no longer. While thus standing at the corner of a street, and sobbing aloud, a group of children gathered around me, and one or two ventured to inquire the cause of my grief. I could only sob out,

“I’m lost!”

Some rude boys seemed to enjoy the sight of my grief, for they laughed and shouted,

“She’s lost, she’s lost!”

Ah! they did not understand my sad condition: nor the painful thoughts of my heart. How lonely and helpless I then felt, as I thought of my kind parents and home, and that perhaps I might never see them again.

Many people were passing at the time, but only a few stopped to express their pity. Some told me not to cry; and some said I had better be taken to the police station, but no one offered to find my home.

A long, long time I stood at the corner of that street, getting more and more miserable. But God was caring for me—a poor, lost little girl—and was even then preparing a way to lead me back to my friends.

A rough-looking man came pushing through the group that surrounded me, saying, as he did so,

“Do you know the name of the street where you live, little girl?”

“Yes,” I replied, wiping away my tears, “and O! sir, do you know the street?”

“I’ll find it for you,” he answered; “give me your hand, and come with me.”

You will say, little reader, that I was very glad to go with the man, but indeed it was not so, for I feared that, perhaps, he did not mean what he said, and again the big tear-drops fell from my eyes.

“Well,” he exclaimed, “you are a long time thinking about taking my hand; don’t you want to go home?”

“O! yes, sir, I do, but”—and I hesitated.

“Ah!” he broke in, “you don’t like to trust yourself with such a rough-looking man as I seem to be; that’s about it now, isn’t it, little girl?”

“You are so dirty,” I sobbed out.

“That may be,” he replied; but you may trust me for all that. Are you coming?” he continued, for I still hesitated; “if not, I must leave you to your fate.”

“Well,” I thought, “I can’t be much worse off in going with the man,” so putting my hand into his, I answered, “I’ll go with you, sir; but I do hope you know the way to Aldersgate Street and that you will please take me there.”

“You are a queer child,” said he, as we hurried along; “but don’t you fear, I mean what I say; I’ll take you safe home.”

He was as good as his word. We went by a way I knew not, through many dark alleys and dirty places, but he carefully led me along, lifting me over muddy places, and holding me tightly lest I should slip, and very soon I was smiling in the arms of my friends. O! how well it was that I trusted myself to the kind man’s care! I shall never forget my misery when I knew myself lost in London, nor how happy I felt when found.

But several years later I had to experience yet greater misery, and after that, still greater happiness. Do you understand what I mean?

All my life I had been going away from God, and when at length I discovered my lost condition I was afraid to take another step. It was then that I learned,

“The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” and with the eye of faith I looked to Him.

Little reader, unless you have felt that you are lost, you can never know the joy of being found by a loving Saviour.

ML 02/17/1924

The Testimony of the Aged Christian

A GENTLEMAN was giving an address in a cottage; after he had finished, a man bent with years, and whose head was silvery grey, begged him to come and see his mother.

“Your mother?” asked the astonished speaker, for he could hardly believe that the old man of more than eighty years had a mother yet living.

Following the old man, our friend entered a cottage, and then mounted the nearly upright ladder which led from the lower room to the attic of the house. Then he found himself standing in a little room, through the small window of which the setting sun shone in, its rays lighting up a bed whereon sat upright a spare, gaunt figure. This was the mother of the old man. Though more than a hundred years old, and though very feeble in body, yet her mind was clear and strong.

After a short talk, the gentleman said to her,

“Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour?”

Immediately her dim eyes brightened; her voice started into a shrill energy at the sound of His blessed name, and she said aloud.

“To be sure I do,” and then added, pointing her finger at the questioner, “Do you know Him for yourself? Do you?” Then, as if she could hardly contain herself she added;

“Know Him! Yes; and many a long year before you were born! Know Him! I should think I do.” She told our friend how that she was but a girl, going to market along the dirty road, when the Lord Jesus revealed Himself to her heart, and how God had kept her all her long, long life.

You need not fear, for the Lord will never leave His own. Those who are His shall be kept, should they die in childhood, or live a hundred years.

Our times are in Thy hand,

Father, we wish them there;

Our life, our soul, our all, we leave

Entirely to Thy care.

ML 02/17/1924

The Lord Attends When Children Pray

The Lord attends when children pray;

A whisper He can hear;

He knows not only what we say,

But what we wish or fear.

‘Tis not enough to bend the knee,

And words of prayer to say;

The heart must with the lips agree,

Or else we do not pray.

He sees us when we are alone,

Though no one else can see;

And all our thoughts to Him are known,

Whatever they may be.

“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12.

ML 02/17/1924

Sympathy and Kindness

HOW good it is to see sympathy and kindness as expressed in our picture this week. Here is a boy much troubled about his little dog, which has been hurt, and it may have been by some bad boys throwing stones. At least, we know that is often the case.

If we want to see the fullest expression of sympathy, we must look at the cross where the Lord Jesus, in His deep sympathy and love, gave Himself in our place to bear our punishment from the hand of a righteous and holy God; and also God’s love in sparing Him from His side.

Now, dear reader, if you want to show true sympathy and love that will be acceptable to God, you must first know what your own heart by nature is, and acknowledge Jesus as the only One to meet your need. If you have accepted Him as the One who took that place for you in all your helplessness and sin, then seek to show to others the love He has shown to you.

“BELOVED, IF GOD SO LOVED US, WE OUGHT ALSO TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.” 1 John 4:11.

ML 02/24/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 16

SATAN has been watching the camp of the children of Israel as it progressed from, place to place under the pillar of cloud, and he has, as we have seen from time to time, found men and women who were ready enough to do his bidding, and God has had to punish them, even by taking away their lives in judgment.

And now as the journeys’ end gets near, Satan gets more daring in his schemes as this chapter shows. Men who were noted in the camp, religious workers and great ones among the people, gather followers, and come before the two men whom God had appointed as the King and the Priest over His people for their pilgrimage from Egypt to Canaan. Korah, Dathan and Abiram, and those with them, deny in their words that God has given Moses and Aaron the leadership of the people; they are no better than the rest, for all are holy, so these new leaders tell the two who hold their appointment from God Himself.

Now as Moses and Aaron are “types” of the Lord Jesus, and we know how Satan hates Him, we can see that to reject the leader God has given, is a most serious thing.

It is what Satan is moving men, high in the religious world today, to do; for there are not a few now telling us that the Lord Jesus’ birth into this world was just like ours, so that He must then have been born with a sinful nature like our own. They are denying many other things too, which every true believer in the Lord Jesus knows are true, because God’s Word says so. And the end of it all is, to put Jesus out, and to put man in His place; and that is what the world is coming to, —to set up a man in the place of God. (2 Thess. 2:4.)

The end of verse 10 shows what Korah and his company wanted, and Moses and Aaron, instead of arguing with them turn to God for a decision. With them there was no uncertainty, and a fearful death swallowed up those wicked men, the earth opening to receive the one group; and fire coming out from God’s dwelling place, the tabernacle, to destroy the others.

There were others left, however, and a dreadful disease was sent among the rebels the next day. How solemn! They knew the kindness of God; His patience had been great, but the unrepentant are punished! Now is the day of salvation, but judgment is coming on this poor world.

ML 02/24/1924

The Spider Weaving Her Web

ONE day, as I was walking in the fields and looking about for something to divert my mind, I saw a large spider hanging by her tiny thread from one of the branches of a small tree.

Well, Mrs. Spider, thought I, you are beginning to weave a web I suspect. I think you are a very curious worker, but I wonder how you contrive to fasten your house on the boughs of two trees.

I know you cannot fly, and I should riot think you could jump so far, and so accurately as to just hit the branch. It is true, if you fall, your thread might catch you; still, you might get hurt.

I think it must be equally difficult for you to take your thread in your mouth or in your hand, and run down one tree and up another. So long a thread would be apt to become entangled.

The spider, I believe. heeded me not, for she went on with her work at a very rapid rate. She first ran down some distance on her slender cord; then up again, apparently doubling it, and leaving it to float in the air.

When she reached the top, and turned about, I thought she was preparing to descend again; but just then I perceived that the gentle breeze had wafted her light thread to the high post of a neighboring fence, where its fibers at length caught on a projecting part, and remained firmly fastened.

As soon as the spider noticed this, she tightened the cord, attached it firmly to the tree, and then ran on the line to the fence, spinning as she went. When she reached the fence she spent a few seconds fastening firmly the foundations of the house she had begun to build.

Soon she returned to the tree, then back again to the fence two or three times, each time stopping a moment to fix securely the end of her cord. When it became a six fold or an eightfold thread, she stopped about the middle of it, and remained there for a moment.

Presently she ran to the fence again; then, instead of stopping as before to fasten her work, she went on one side, and attached a thread at a little distance from the former place. I now perceived she had bound her bundle of cords together in the middle, and that this last thread diverged from this point.

When she had made the second thread two or three folds, she diverged still more with another, and so she continued till each end of, her work resembled an open fan. She then began to fill up her work with cross threads, as you have often seen in spider’s webs.

I cannot tell how fast the time passed while I was watching her but I should think in half an hour she had woven quite a web.

I suppose you have often seen a spider’s web. How slender the silken threads are! We are told a wonderful thing about them. When the common garden spider begins her web, she weaves together more than six hundred separate strands to make one slender thread which she stretches from her body.

What wonderful instinct God has given these insects. Had we the time and opportunity to study their lives and habits, we would, doubtless, discover that God, as a good and wise Creator, has given to each the proper instinct suited to its nature. And thus they are well able to provide food and shelter for themselves and their young.

If you will read the 104th Psalm, you will see how the Psalmist is so impressed with God’s wonderful creation and His care for His creatures, that he exclaims,

“O Lord how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all; the earth is full of Thy riches.” (Verse 24.)

ML 02/24/1924

How Johnny Accepted the Invitation

A YOUNG girl came bounding into the room with a little note, saying,

“Here, Johnnie, is an invitation for you to Mrs. V’s,” and in a moment little Johnnie’s eyes sparkled at the thought of such a treat.

“But is it for me?” he said to his sister, for though the little fellow had often heard of the wonders of the magic-lantern, and of the cakes at Mrs. V’s children’s parties, he had never been invited before in all his life. And why do you think he had not been asked before?

His brothers and sisters had often been. Was he a very naughty boy? Was he a poor, little, sick child? These were not the reasons. Johnnie was too little to be asked before, but this year the invitation, so neatly written upon the pretty pink paper, said,

“All the children.” So there could be no mistake; Johnnie was one of the children—one of the all; he was therefore quite sure he was invited, and you may guess he was full of glee.

He counted the days, almost the hours, till the wonderful evening should come; he talked about it to his mother, his nurse, and to everybody he met when he was out for a walk; he even told some persons whom he had never seen before, that he was going to Mrs. V’s; he had only one fear, and that was, lest perhaps anything should happen to hinder him in going. Indeed, I feel sure little Johnnie enjoyed himself more in thinking about going to the party, than the party itself, and fancied it would be much more wonderful than it really was.

The Bible is God’s letter to us; it is full of the story of His love; in it the way of salvation, and of happiness is plainly and simply told, and all its blessings are ours the moment we stretch out the hand of faith, and take God’s Word as His very word to us.

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

“Come!” ‘tis Jesus gently calling,

“Ye with care and toil oppressed,

With your guilt howe’er appalling—

Come, and I will give you rest.”

For your sin He “once has suffered,”

On the cross the work was done,

And the word by God now uttered

To each weary soul is, “Come!”

ML 02/24/1924

The Little Boy's Confession

IT was near school time, and quite a number of boys and girls were around the village school-door, discussing last night’s children’s meeting.

Various were the opinions expressed, when M—got on the step and said:

“Look here, boys, I have found out something this morning—you can be saved just anywhere. All you have to do is to own that you are a lost sinner, and believe the gospel—believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. You have to look to Him and live, which just means the same thing. I knelt down at the bedside this morning, and I looked to Jesus, and can now say I am saved.”

All eyes were on him as he finished this little confession of his faith, and there was a general approval of it, which was cut short by the school bell ringing them into lines ready to march into school.

Have you, dear young readers, discovered this blessed fact: that if as sinners you come to Jesus, He will save you there and then and finally bring you to His eternal home? If you have, do not be ashamed to own His blessed name.

ML 02/24/1924

How Kind Is the Saviour

How kind is the Saviour,

How great is His love;

To bless little children

He came from above.

He left holy angels

And their bright abode,

To dwell here with children,

And teach them the road.

He wept in the garden,

And died on the tree,

To open a fountain

For sinners like me

His blood is that fountain

Which pardon bestows,

And cleanseth the foulest

Wherever it flows.

O, help us, blest Saviour,

More sweetly to praise,

And walk in Thy footsteps

The rest of our days.

Then grant us, dear Saviour,

To taste of Thy love,

And praise Thee forever

With children above.

ML 02/24/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for January

1.“We are confident, I say,” etc. 2 Cor. 5:8.

2.“But if our gospel be hid,” etc. 4:3.

3.“For ye know the grace,” etc. 8:0.

4.“Be ye not unequally,” etc. 6:14.

5.“Finally, brethren,” etc. 13:11.

6.“But he that glorieth,” etc. 10:17.

7.“For we must all appear,” etc. 5:10.

Bible Questions for March

The Answers are to be found in 1 and 2 Thess., 1 and 2 Tim., Titus and Philemon.

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Taking vengeance.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “A brother beloved.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “From all appearance.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Worldly lusts.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Standeth sure.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Food and raiment.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Manifest in the flesh.”

ML 03/02/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 17

THE story of sin and death ceases for a time here, and instead, we see by a lovely picture of life brought out of death, flowers and fruit out of dry wood, the man of God’s choosing.

God was going to show them that no one had any right at all, unless he was chosen by God. So He said to Moses, Tell all the princes of the twelve tribes to take a rod each, and to write the names of their tribes on each rod, and write Aaron’s name upon the rod of Levi. And the Lord said, ‘The man’s rod whom I shall choose shall blossom, and I will make to cease from Me the murmurings that they murmur against you.’ So Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle; and the next day, when Moses went in, he saw that Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi was covered with buds and blossoms and almond fruit. Aaron’s rod was only a stick like the rest, but God showed, that though the stick had no life or power in itself, yet that He could, if He chose, make blossoms and fruit come from it.

It was the sign of resurrection, that God gave as a proof of the one He had chosen. The Lord Jesus is the believer’s High Priest in glory, since He has died and risen again.

There was no fruit for God from the natural man, and the real fruit-bearing suited for His dwelling place, comes from the Priesthood that He has chosen.

ML 03/02/1924

How a Young Girl Was Brought to Christ

I WOULD like my young readers to know about my conversion. I had just left school, and was about sixteen years old, when I went for some months with my parents to a small seaside resort. I did not want to go, for the place was very quiet, and having left school, I wished to live a new life full of enjoyment. Indeed it was with great bitterness of heart and rebellion that I went, much to the grief of my parents. I had known for sometime that if the Lord should come, I was not ready to meet Him; but I wanted enjoyment in this world, and felt if I became a Christian, that would all be at an end. Day by day I was weary of cliffs, sea and sands; and often hid in some secluded spot to weep in my utter misery.

Now it fell out that one Sunday, when passing through a field with a friend, we came near to a preacher, addressing a number of people. My companion wished to go near, but I was too proud to do so, and promised to wait for her at the end of the field. However, while hurrying on to get out of hearing as fast as possible, I was arrested by these words. which rang out clearly and distinctly through the air,

“How wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Jer. 12:5.

I felt that those words were for me. and they made me feel more wretched than before. I thought, “Jordan” means death and God is asking me what I shall do when called to die. I felt that I was face to face with Him, and that I must answer the question. I went to my room and tried to think, but I could only hear the solemn words, “How wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?”

Thus it continued until about the middle of the night, when falling on my knees, I cried,

“Lord, Thou canst, and wilt save me.”

Immediately I felt my load gone, and I knew that I had passed from death unto life. In the morning, what a change! everything seemed new. My first wish was to win one soul for the Lord, and most graciously was my prayer answered. I had wondered to whom I should speak or write, when a distant cousin of my own age was brought before me, so I at once wrote to her, asking if she could say with me, that God had pardoned all her sins? She answered,

“No one ever asked me that question before. I ask all of you to pray for me.”

Barely a week had passed when another letter came, containing the following joyful news:

“Dear Cousin, I can now say with you that Jesus has pardoned all my sins. I have now peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Romans 5:1) and she told me how that she had long been burdened with a sense of guilt when the first letter reached her.

Years have passed since that time. The young girl is now a grown woman. Yes, I can say that through all the years that have elapsed since the time of which I write,

“There hath not failed one word of all His good promise.” 1 Kings 8:56.

Dear children, what would you do if called to die? Where would you go?

“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many: and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time, without sin. unto salvation.” Heb. 9:27, 28.

ML 03/02/1924

Teddie and the Frog

HOW kind and thoughtful, as well as amused, is the expression on the little boy’s face as he watches the frog. God would have us consider all His works, and surely, we cannot help but see a vast difference between what God has made and what man has made. All creation tells us of God’s wondrous wisdom as a Creator. The Lord Jesus said,

“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not: and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Luke 12:27.

Solomon was one who had every grand thing on earth that man could get, and for all that, his grandeur was nothing to be compared with even a lily. It is an easy matter for man to destroy what God has made, but he can never replace it; and yet how often we find people thinking a great deal more of some little thing that man has made, than of praising God for all His wonderful works.

“O LORD, HOW MANIFOLD ARE THY WORKS! IN WISDOM NAST THOU MADE THEM ALL: THE EARTH IS FULL OF THY RICHES.” PSALM 104:24.

ML 03/02/1924

It Was for Me

ONE stormy Sunday afternoon, at the hour when a class of young women usually gathered in a little mountain cottage, only one girl waited for her teacher. She had been learning during the week, the sweet words contained in the 53rd of Isaiah; and as she toiled up the hillside, she had been repeating the verses to herself; but they were only to her then, as the “very lovely song of one who had a pleasant voice.” She did not know the meaning of “being healed by His stripes.”

After prayer, with which the hour of teaching always began, Mary repeated the first four verses of her chapter. When she reached the fifth verse,

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed;” the tears filled her eyes, and before reaching the end of the verse, her head sank down, and the fast falling tears dropped on the open Bible before her, as she sobbed out,

“It was for me.”

The intense solemnity of that moment prevented any other words being spoken than these in answer to her words,

“Let us thank Him, dear child, that it was for you,” and they knelt down, and after the teacher had thanked the Lord for opening the blind eyes of her dear scholar to see Jesus as her substitute, the weeping girl, in broken words said,

“Lord Jesus! I thank Thee that Thou didst die for me; that Thou didst take my punishment;” and then the sweet calm of conscious acceptance in the Beloved stole into the broken heart, and peace with God was sweetly realized. Rising from their knees, the teacher saw a troubled look pass over the face upon which “the light of His countenance was shining.” In deep distress the poor child said,

“O! my father, my mother, my brother, they do not know of this joy.” So they knelt again to plead for those still “far off,” and rose up comforted.

The joy of resurrection life filled the heart of that young girl with unspeakable joy, but it was only by faith she could say, “It was for me.”

Have you, who, it may be, are reading these words, ever known the joy of realization, that “He was wounded for your transgressions, that He was bruised for your iniquities, that the chastisement of your peace was upon Him?”

If not, you are far from God; outside in the darkness of unbelief and death; and till you accept the love of a living, loving Saviour, and see Him as your Sin Bearer, there is no peace, no life, no joy for you.

FOR ME

I have heard of a Saviour’s love,

And a wonderful love it must be,

But did He come down from above

Out of love and compassion for me?

I have heard how He languished and bled,

How He suffered on Calvary’s tree;

But then, is it anywhere said

That he languished and suffered for me?

O, yes! for the Bible doth tell

Of salvation so priceless and free,

For every poor sinner who will,—

And so ‘tis salvation for me!

ML 03/02/1924

The Holy Child

Jesus, when a little child,

Was obedient, meek, and mild;

I have wicked thoughts within,

And am prone to ways of sin.

Jesus left His home above,

Came to earth in grace and love,

On the cross to bleed and die

For poor sinners such as I.

Jesus now to heaven is gone,

Where He sits upon the throne;

And is waiting to receive

All who on His name believe.

Jesus soon again will come

To convey believers home;

Then shall they His face behold,

All who’ve loved Him, young and old.

ML 03/02/1924

Two Roads

THIS man seems to be in trouble, for he has found that his horse has lost its shoe. It may be that the road ahead of him is very rough and steep and that he fears the horse may stumble and fall. He wants to travel rapidly, and wants to be sure that his horse has a sure footing over these dangerous roads.

Do you know that you are traveling a roadway, too, day by day? In the Bible God tells us about two roadways; one is broad, and the other is narrow. You are traveling one of these two.

In Matthew 7:13 and 14 we read,

“Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat”; and

“Narrow is the wav which leadeth unto life; and few there be that find it.”

Most people choose the broad road, because they want to do as they please, and not listen to the Lord Jesus, but in order to be happy we must choose the narrow way, where the Lord Jesus will walk with us.

God tells us just where the broad road ends, and where the narrow way ends. The broad road ends in hell, with the devil and his angels.

The narrow way ends in heaven with the Lord Jesus, and all those who have accepted Him as their own Saviour while they were in this life.

The two roads end very far apart, with a great gulf fixed between, so that none can go from one place to the other, but have to remain forever in the place where their road ends.

God has told us, Jesus is the way to eternal life. Following Satan and his ways end in everlasting torment, so now we cannot say we do not know which road we are traveling. God tells us; “BEHOLD, I SET BEFORE YOU THE WAY OF LIFE, AND THE WAY OF DEATH.” JER. 21:8.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15.

ML 03/09/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 18

AARON and his sons, the priests, being the only ones to go into the holy place, were to be very careful that their ways were such as suited the presence of God.

Then their food is spoken of, —whatever in the offering of Christ, in His life and death, is precious—is the food of those who are priests. And this food is to be eaten only in the holy place.

How important is it that Christians, whether young or old, should be very watchful in everything in their lives, to seek to do only the things that please God. And it is true that if the believer is to grow in his spiritual life he must be fed with the Word of God; he must read, prayerfully and thoughtfully read, his Bible daily. Neglect of the Word of God is the cause of most of the unhappiness and worldliness and sin among the children of God.

There was food for others than the priests too, for all the family of God was to be provided for. All true believers are priests, to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God; they are also members of the family of God—children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. So we who are His, are looked at as priests, and as children of God, and those who serve the Lord are specially mentioned, too.

ML 03/09/1924

Messengers for Jesus

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

A Little Missionary

A LITTLE girl, when her father was sick, went to the post-office and said,

“Please give me my father’s letters,” with a sweet childish voice.

“Who is your father?” said the postmaster.

“Don’t you know my father?” she said with astonishment.

“Of course I don’t,” he answered; “why should I?”

“Everybody knows my father,” she answered.

“There is certainly one person that does not,” he replied.

“Don’t you go to meeting on Sunday?” she asked.

“No, I don’t go to meeting.”

“What! never go to meeting? That’s why you don’t know my father. He is the minister, and everybody knows him.”

“If you will tell me his name, I will see if there are any letters.”

She did so, and when he said there were none, she said,

“Did you say you never go to meeting?”

“That’s what I said,” he answered. turning away. He had become worse than careless about such things. The little girl walked away, looking sad.

Next day the postmaster told her there were no letters yet, and turned away.

But she was not to be foiled in her purpose, and said,

“You never saw my father, did, you?” “Not to know him,” he replied.

“Everybody likes him that knows him, and they say he is a nice preacher.”

The postmaster laughed, and said he did not doubt it.

“Don’t you ever go to meeting?”

“Not in these days.”

“You would like to hear my father. Everybody does.”

The questions became too close for him, and he turned away.

Next day he offered her a letter directed to her father, saying, “It has come at last.”

“He will be glad to have it,” she said, thanking him; then with earnestness, continued, “I wish you knew my father; you would like him.”

“I have no doubt I should if he is anything like his daughter.”

“I wish you would come next Sunday and hear him preach. I know you will be pleased.”

“I don’t know anyone there; I should feel a stranger.”

“You’ll know me, and I shall be so happy to see you. You can come to our seat.”

He objected again and again, but she persisted in her childish way until at last he promised to go. He did not look entirely pleased, but she ran off, pleased enough.

She was early in her seat, and turned nervously a great many times toward the door, and at last stood and beckoned with her little hand. A tall man came awkwardly forward, and sat beside her. She nestled up to his side and placed her hand in his.

She thought her father never preached better; God certainly helped him. She looked up into the gentleman’s face and saw tears starting from his eyes. He hurried out of the church, after thanking her for the seat.

The next week however, he came to see her father, and had a long talk with him. The door was shut, but there were sounds of a person in prayer. After the man went, the minister told her that she had brought a soul to Jesus, and that he had found rest and peace.

The postmaster never failed after that to be present at meeting; and how he thanked the little girl for persuading him to go there.

Any child can do this. We may not be able to teach and preach, but we can invite persons to the meetings, and assure them of a seat there, and tell them how good’ it is to go there.

What a great thing it is for us to lead one soul to Jesus, and to know that he is saved through our efforts!

Now, dear children, do you know my Father? Everyone who knows Him, loves Him. He is so very kind and loving, and has told us such wonderful things in His blessed Book. He loves us and wants to have us live with Him forever in His beautiful home, but we are such terrible sinners and He hates sin, and must punish it. Then how can we ever go to live with such a holy God!

Well, He Himself has provided the way for us. He sent His well-beloved Son. the Lord Jesus Christ, into this world to die for us, and bear all the punishment we deserved for our sins, and now He is inviting us to come to Him, through the Lord Jesus, our precious Saviour.

Do come to Him at once, dear children. You will find that all He says is true, and you will truly love Him when you find out how much He loves you.

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

ML 03/09/1924

The Open Door

POOR Mrs. Van Loon was a widow. She had four little children. The eldest was Dirk, a boy of eight years.

One evening she had no bread, and her children were hungry. She folded her hands, and prayed to God; for she served the Lord, and she believed that He loved her and could help her.

When she had finished her prayer, Dirk said to her,

“Mother, don’t we read in the Bible that God sent ravens to a pious man to bring him bread?”

“Yes,” answered the mother. “but that was long, long ago, my dear.”

“Well,” said Dirk, “then the Lord may send ravens now. I’ll go and open the door, else they can’t fly in.”

In, a trice Dirk jumped to the door, which he left wide open, so that the light of the lamp fell on the pavement of the street.

Shortly after, the magistrate passed by. Seeing the open door, he stopped.

Looking into the room, he was pleased with is clean, tidy appearance, and with the nice little children who were grouped around the mother. He could not help stepping in; and approaching Mrs. Van Loon, he said,

“Eh, my good woman, why is your door open so late as this?”

Mrs. Van Loon was a little confused when she saw such a well-dressed gentleman in her poor room. She quickly rose and dropped a courtesy to the gentleman; then, taking Dirk’s cap from his head, and smoothing his hair, she answered, with a smile,

“My little Dirk has done it, sir, that the ravens may fly in to bring us bread.”

Now the magistrate was dressed in a black coat and trousers, and he wore a black hat. He was quite black all over, except his collar and shirt.

“Ah! indeed!” he exclaimed cheerfully. “Dirk is right. Here is a raven, you see, and a large one, too. Come along Dirk, and I’ll show you where the bread is.”

The magistrate took Dirk to his house, and ordered his servant to put two loaves of bread and a small pot of butter into a basket. This he gave to Dirk, who carried it home as quickly as he could. When the other little children saw the bread, they began dancing and clapping their hands. The mother gave to each of them a thick slice of bread and butter, which they ate with the greatest relish.

When they had finished their meal, Dirk went to the open door, and taking his cap from his head, looking up to the sky and said.

Many thanks, good Lord!” And after having said this, he closed the door.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matt. 7:7.

ML 03/09/1924

Charley's Bible

My little Bible!—mother’s gift,

You’re very dear indeed;

I love between your purple lids

My Saviour’s words to read;

And long before I could do so,

I now remember well

The pretty stories out of it

Dear father used to tell.

How Jesus, once a baby, sat

Upon His mother’s knee,

Before He cured the lame and blind,

Or walked upon the sea.

And he would speak of Bethany,

Where two sweet sisters lived,

And of the trembling woman who

A cure from Christ received.

Then, though I was a little boy,

O how I wished that He

Who did so sweetly talk to them,

Would show Himself to me!

It made me long to read His book,

So o’er the page I bent;

And till I could make out the words,

I never was content.

May I its meaning every day

Still better understand.

As God has fit me by His grace

To dwell at His right hand,

I now will try to send His word

Where it has not been given;

For it is such a pleasant thing

To send such news of heaven.

ML 03/09/1924

Happiness

THIS circle of children with their bright, happy faces reminds us of the many times we, too, have played on the lawn or in the meadows and woods. Surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers, we have often listened to the merry songs of the birds, and felt thankful to God for allowing us to enjoy all these pleasant things.

What a good time they are having! God intends that children, as well as grown people, should be happy, but how much depends on what makes them happy!

Children cannot be happy if they are not obedient to their parents, for they are displeasing the Lord when they do not give heed to their parents’ wishes and obey them.

God blesses the children who listen to father and mother, for they love you and want you to find your pleasures in that which is right, and if we love them, we shall seek to please them in our ways.

It is when we realize how much God loves us, that we are led to love Him. His love cannot be measured: the gift of His own blessed Son, Jesus, proves this to us. What goodness God shows us, to Himself prepare a way so that we can come to Him and be saved.

If we come to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ we shall he saved, then we shall be happy, and will seek to please Him in all our ways.

We will never realize how much Jesus loves us until we are taken to be with Him —then we will have a whole eternity to praise Him for saving us, and taking such good care of us each day while we were on earth.

“PRAISE THE LORD; FOR THE LORD IS GOOD: SING PRAISES UNTO HIS NAME; FOR IT IS PLEASANT.” PSA. 135:3.

ML 03/16/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 19

HERE we find a new sacrifice; it was for the cleansing of one who had in any way become unfit to come into the tabernacle—God’s dwelling place. Many things may happen to defile the believer, but the precious blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin.

The red heifer had to be without spot or blemish, and it could not have been under a yoke; these tell of Jesus, the spotless, holy One of God, never under the mastery of sin, but led out without the camp to be a sacrifice for the sins of others.

There were thrown into the fire which consumed the body, cedar wood; hyssop and scarlet; —all picturing man from the highest to the lowest; earthly glory too, for there is nothing in the natural man, that God can accept, it is put under judgment by fire.

The blood is not re-applied; the heifer’s ashes, and running water, were enough for the cleansing of the defiled one, the blood having been applied once for all in the type when the people met God. There is restoration of communion. in this chapter.

ML 03/16/1924

Can You Walk Straight

ONE day, when I was a boy, I was out for a picnic with some friends. When we were tired of playing games, one of the grown-up men asked us if we thought we could walk straight, if we were blindfolded.

Of course, we all said. “Yes”: and I expect you think you could too.

So he made one of us stand facing a tree, then tied a handkerchief over his eyes, and told him to walk till he was told to stop. He did the same with each of us in turn.

When it came to my turn, I started off feeling quite sure I should not be so silly as to walk crooked like the others, but after he had told me to stop I took the handkerchief off, and found I had turned quite a long way to the left instead of walking straight to the tree. Some of the others had turned to the left, and some to the right, but no one had walked quite straight.

Next time you are out in a field you stand facing a tree some way off, and get a friend to blindfold you; then try to walk to the tree. You will find, I am sure, that you cannot walk straight.

Now, dear boys and girls, I have told this story because of the lesson in it. We cannot walk straight unless we are looking at the object towards which we are walking. If we want to follow the Shepherd, we must look at Him. I mean that we must read about Jesus in God’s Word, and think about Him, and ask God to teach us more about Him. If we do this, we shall grow more like Him, but do not forget that we can never be like Him unless we believe that He gave His life for us.

If we believe on Him, then one day we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

ML 03/16/1924

A Little Boy's Prayer

MORE than thirty years ago a godly preacher illustrating the efficacy of prayer, related the case of a little boy with a sore hand, which had become so bad that the physician decided it must be cut off in order to save the boy’s life. The day was fixed for the operation. On hearing this, the little boy went to a retired spot in the garden, fell on his knees, and begged God for Jesus’ sake to save his poor hand. The next day the physician came and examined the hand, when, to the surprise of all, it was found to be so much better that it was not necessary to cut it off. The hand got well again; the little boy grew up to be a man; “and,” continued the preacher, holding up his right hand, “this unworthy hand can now be shown to you as a monument of prayer answered through God’s mercy.”

ML 03/16/1924

Benjamin Franklin's Whistle

A STORY is told about Benjamin Franklin. On the day he was seven years old, his mother and brothers gave him a few pennies.

He wanted to spend them right away, and was given permission. He asked his mother if he might have more when they were gone.

His mother said, “No, I cannot give you any more, so you must be very careful how you spend what you have.”

The boy, ran down the street. The faster he ran the louder the pennies jingled in his pocket, and this was like music to him.

He asked himself, “Shall I buy candy or toys, candy or toys?” He was fond of both.

He had not had much candy nor many toys in his life, so this was to be quite an event.

It was hard for him to decide which he wanted most, he kept saying, “Candy or toys! candy or toys?”

As he was running along he saw a boy blowing a whistle, “I want a whistle,” he said, and ran off to the store to buy one.

“Have you any whistles?” he asked the store keeper.

“Yes we have lots of them. Do you want to buy one, my lad?”

“I’ll give you all these pennies for one of them,” said Benjamin. He did not think about asking the price.

Benjamin gave the man his pennies, and after counting them, the man said, “All right, here is your whistle.”

Now Benjamin was happy, and off he ran home as fast as his little legs could carry him, all the while blowing his whistle.

When he saw his mother, he exclaimed, “A whistle! a whistle! Just hear me blow it.”

“How much did it cost?”

“All the pennies I had!”

“Well! well!” said his mother, “did you spend all we gave you for that whistle?”

“Yes, all you gave me.”

“That’s a dear whistle Benjamin. You had enough money to buy a number of things.”

Now I want to tell you about someone else who made a bad bargain. You can read his history in Gen. 25:27-34. His name was Esau, and he had a younger brother named Jacob.

Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; while Jacob was a plain man who lived in a tent.

One day as Esau was coming home from a hunting trip, tired, hungry, and faint, he saw his brother Jacob preparing a meal for himself. No doubt, the food appealed to Esau, especially at the time, as he was so very hungry and tired. He begged Jacob to give him, some food.

Jacob said, “I will, if you will sell me your birthright.”

Esau replied. “Behold, I am at the point of death, what profit shall this birthright be to me?”

Of course, Jacob saw that this was a fine bargain for him, and willingly gave his foolish brother some of his food.

Do some of our readers say, “How silly of Esau to do that. Why did he not wait, and ask his mother for something to eat?”

We quite agree with you; he was foolish to give all that he possessed for just one meal. Just as Benjamin Franklin gave all his money for just one whistle.

Poor Esau, he was so sorry after he had thought over his bad bargain, and wanted his birthright back; though he begged with tears, Jacob would not give it to him.

How many since Esau have done just as foolishly, and are doing so still. God is offering untold blessings to boys and girls if they win come to Him, and confess they are sinners. He wants to give them the sinner’s blessing—the birthright —a wonderful Saviour, and all spiritual blessings in Him. But so many, like Esau, choose rather the foolish pleasures of this sinful world, —the tin whistles, and the pottage, —and thus they sell their never dying souls. The day will come when all who do so will regret it, but their tears and pleadings will not avail.

Take the Saviour now, while He calls you. Make the Lord your final choice.

“Be in time, be in time;

While the voice of Jesus calls you,

Be in time.

If in sin you longer wait,

You will find no open gate,

And your cry be just too late,—

Be in time.”

ML 03/16/1924

Working for Jesus

WHILE passing along the street one day, I was told a little boy was very ill. I called. He was a stranger to me. I found him in bed.

“What ails you, my dear boy?” said I. “O my sins, sir! I cannot bear the weight of my sins.”

“Do you feel that you are a sinner?” “O, sir, I am the chief of sinners!” “And what are you doing?”

“I am, praying to Jesus.”

“And what are you asking Jesus to do for you?”

“To take away my sins.”

He was coiled up in bed, his hands firmly clasped. Even while I spoke to him, and pointed him to the Lamb of God, he continued in earnest prayer. When I called again he was full of joy. He had found the Saviour.

I asked him, “Is there anything you would like to do for Jesus?”

His reply was, “I would like to bring all my brothers and sisters and the whole world to Him.”

I called again soon after. He was there, but not alone. A number of his companions, little boys, had gathered in. What did this child do? He was not ashamed of Jesus, or afraid to tell what He had done for his soul. He then told them what he felt, and how he felt; what Jesus had done for him. He proposed to pray for them, and they all knelt down. I heard that prayer. It was most simple and touchingly earnest. Before I left, one of the boys was enabled to believe and give his heart to Jesus. The two boys embraced each other. How they spoke of the love of Christ; of their joy! How, in the presence of all, they encouraged each other to stand firm and cleave to Jesus!

ML 03/16/1924

A Kind and Gracious Lord

Is there a little sinner here,

Who mourns because of sin;

And sees with grief, and shame, and fear

How wicked he has been?

Is there a little aching heart,

Which does its vileness feel,

And groans beneath that deadly smart,

Which none but Christ can heal?

Is there a little soul that pants

To taste redeeming grace,

And longs to pour out all its wants

Before the Saviour’s face?

He is a kind and gracious Lord—

Love fills his gentle breast;

“Come unto Me,” His own word,

“And I will give you rest.”

ML 03/16/1924

The Last Snow of the Season

SPRINGTIME is just upon us, and how glad we are for the great change from the snowclad earth to the green budding trees, and from the frozen rivers to the running streams. Each season has its own particular beauty, and we might well praise and thank God for all His provisions to His creatures. God has fulfilled His promise which He made after the flood,

“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Gen. 8:22.

The earth has had its seasons from that time on, and will to the end of all things here, when He shall melt the earth with fervent heat, and there will be no more sea; all man’s works shall be burned up, and there will be no more trace of sin.

God also uses the seasons as a symbol of the time of opportunity for man to be saved.

Soon the harvest for this earth will take place; that is, the Lord Jesus is coming to take all His own to be with Himself; and those who have heard the gospel of His grace, and have not believed in Jesus as their Saviour, these words will be true of them,

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Jer. 8:20.

Thank God, the opportunity to be saved is still here, but at any moment it may be over for you.

“BEHOLD, NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME; BEHOLD, NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 03/23/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 20

WE are getting near the end of the forty-year journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, and early in this chapter we are told of the death of Miriam, the sister of Aaron.

No water being found, the people gathered together against Moses and Aaron, bitterly complaining of the difficulties of the way. Moses and Aaron took a low place before God (verse 6), and were told what to do. The people were to be gathered, when Aaron’s rod that budded had been taken out of the tabernacle, and Moses and Aaron were to speak to the rock before the people; it would then give out the needed water.

Moses took the rod, as he was directed, but instead of speaking to the rock, he spoke to the people; instead of speaking to the rock, he struck it with his own rod.

It was right to have struck the rock once (Exodus 17), for the rock was a “type” of Christ (1 Cor. 10:4), once only to suffer for sins under the judgment of God. “Speak to the rock” was the right thing to do now; but Moses, for once, speaks and acts in a haughty way, and for this disobedience, God has to tell Moses and Aaron that they shall not bring the people into their homeland.

It must have been a great grief to Moses and Aaron that they were soon to die, and their death would be before the people should go across the Jordan, but it is a serious thing to treat lightly the word of God, and more particularly is this true, we may be sure, in a leader of the people.

As the king of Edom refused to let the people go through his country, the camp of the Israelites is directed southward, to pass around a range of mountains.

Now Aaron dies, and his son, Eleazar is appointed high priest in his stead.

ML 03/23/1924

You Are Wanted!

SEARCHING one night in the slums of London, a devoted servant of God found a homeless boy asleep in an old tub.

It was the best shelter the boy could find, and he had hoped to escape the keen eye of the police.

As the light of the lantern fell upon him, he awoke with a cry,

“All right, sir, I’ll move on.” To his surprise, however, a kindly voice said,

“Don’t be afraid, my lad; but why are you here,”

“Nobody wants me, sir,” was the reply.

“I want you, my boy; come with me and I will care for you,” said the gentleman.

Soon that little waif found himself fed, clothed and sheltered, learning that love had sought him because it wanted him.

The gospel message today is that

GOD WANTS YOU.

From the height of heavenly glory God sent His only begotten Son because He wanted you to be brought home to Him. When Jesus was here He said, “The Father seeketh.” He told the secret of the heart of God as thus described in the return of the prodigal; “But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

JESUS WANTS YOU

He is the good Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep. He went after the lost sheep “until He found it.” How greatly He wanted it.

“But none of the ransomed ever knew

How deep were the waters crossed,

Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through,

Ere He found the sheep that was lost.”

He said, when down here, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me,” and He says the same today.

THE HOLY SPIRIT WANTS YOU.

God’s word says, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” But He is here today, and is active in the hearts of men that they may be brought to Christ. As the woman in the parable, who having lost one piece of silver, swept the house and sought diligently till she found it (Luke 15), so the Holy spirit of God is moving in grace that you may be blessed.

GOD’S PEOPLE WANT YOU.

You little know their prayerful interest in you. How they long that you may be brought to trust and confess the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour! They want you to be one of their companions, to stand with them in faithfulness to Christ, and to wait with them for His coming again.

But, alas, it is also true that

THE WORLD WANTS YOU.

It invites you to its pleasures, and would give you a place of honor, that you might add to its greatness and its glory. Remember, however, that “whosoever ... will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” The apostle John warned the young men to “love not the world.”

The joy of knowing the Lord Jesus (who is the Glory of God’s world,) is greater than any joy this doomed world can give you.

“This world has nothing new to give, It has no new, no pure delight.”

Then, too, there are the activities of the great enemy, for

SATAN WANTS YOU.

As a roaring lion he is “seeking whom he may devour.” He cannot destroy one of the sheep or lambs of the good Shepherd, for Jesus said, “My sheep shall never perish.” But Satan would spoil their lives, and rob them of their joy and power to speak for Christ.

May you be “kept by the power of God,” and learn that you are “wanted” for God’s pleasure, and for your present and eternal blessing.

ML 03/23/1924

A True Tiger Story

I SUPPOSE all the children who read this paper have seen a tiger, but I expect it was safely behind iron bars, and not able to get at them. Out in China there are plenty of tigers, living on the mountains, which are very lonely places, and have caves, and ravines, which make good hiding places for wild beasts; yes and for wild robbers too, but my story today is not about robbers, but tigers.

The hills all around the cities are covered with graves, sometimes up to the very top. It makes one feel very sad to see all these graves, and think of the hundreds and thousands of people who are buried there, who never heard of God, and died without hope. Between the graves, and all over the hills, long grass often grows and women go up to cut it, and then sell it for fuel, for wood is scarce and dear, and the people are mostly very poor. Sometimes you meet six or eight women coming down from the hills, each carrying two great bundles of dry grass; the bundles are fastened at each end of a pole, and carried on their shoulder. As they come towards you, there is not much to be seen, but a big hat, and big bundles of grass.

One day, some years ago now, a poor woman went up to the hills to cut grass. She had a baby tied on her back, and another little child by the hand; in the other hand she carried a sharp little sickle, to cut with. Just as she reached the top of the hill, she heard a roar. O! how it frightened her, and a mother tiger sprang at her, followed by two little cubs. I daresay the tiger thought the woman was going to hurt her babies, and I am quite sure the woman was afraid the tiger would hurt hers, so as the tiger sprang, the woman slashed at it with her little sharp sickle.

Now this poor Chinese mother was very ignorant, she had never been to a church, or a meeting, or a Sunday School in her life. She had never seen a Bible, and she could not have read it if she had, but one day as she was walking on the street, she heard a white lady talking to a few women about someone called Jesus, who was able to help you if you were in trouble, and as the tiger tore her arm and shoulder with her great claws, she remembered this wonderful story, and as she cut at the tiger with her little weapon, she kept crying out,

“O! Jesus help me,”

Do you think He heard her cry? Yes, indeed, for His ears are always open to our cry, and His promise is,

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee.”

We sometimes make promises and break them, perhaps we forget, or perhaps we find we cannot do what we said we would. But the Lord Jesus Christ is not like that. It is said of Abraham in Rom. 4. that he was “fully persuaded, that what He had promised He was able also to perform,” and we may also be fully persuaded of the same thing. And so this poor woman found out.

She went on hitting at the tiger, and crying each time, “O! Jesus help me,” and in a few minutes the answer came. The great beast, who could so easily have killed her, turned and ran away, and the woman turned also and managed to crawl back to her village. She was a good deal hurt, but her friends carried her to a missionary hospital, where she was cared for, and got quite well.

But best of all, she there learned to know more about that Jesus, who had saved her from, death, and she found that He could also save her from eternal death which is banishment from God. David said in the 103rd, Psalm,

“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases.”

How glad this poor Chinese woman must have been to find such a wonderful Saviour, who could do so much for her.

ML 03/23/1924

Let Little Children Come

“Let little children come to Me,”

So says our blessed Lord;

And I, a little child, would be

Obedient to His word:

In early days would sing His praise,

And hasten to Him—for He says,

“Let little children come to Me.”

It is my Saviour’s call:

He spoke it not to two or three,

But to the children all.

And so when they His Word obey,

It is as if they heard Him say,

“Let little children come to Me.”

“Let little children come to Me,”

O Saviour, Lord, I come;

Through’ life and death I’ll go with Thee,

Thine arms shall be my home.

I cannot fear when Thou art near,

And Thy sweet words I seem to hear,

“Let little children come to Me.”

ML 03/23/1924

Affection

HOW kind sister is to little brother! She takes care of him, and in the early morning has taken him into the garden with his little basket, and has gathered some fruit for him, and now she takes him on her knee, and holds the basket for him to help himself. Do you think God is well pleased with us when we show kindness and affection for one another? Ah, yes, He would have us with tender hearts, and He exhorts His own to love one another.

The way in which we can truly love one another, is first to know the love that God has shown to us. Where He has expressed it the most, was when He gave His own son to die in our place. He loved us so much that He did not want us to suffer for our sins, and thus be sent away forever from His holy presence, so He punished His son in our stead.

May we, dear readers, enjoy this in our souls, and then we will be able to manifest that love to others.

“THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE: AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW.” GAL. 5:22.23.

ML 03/30/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 21

KING Arad is like Satan, his master. He tries to stop, the progress of the people of God, and takes some of them prisoners. But when they ask help of God, He gives power against the enemy. Victory is more dangerous than defeat, however; and the people soon speak against God, and against His chosen leader. The lessons of the past have not been learned as they should, and therefore another lesson must be given to show that death is for them.

The Lord sent poisonous serpents among His people, which bit them dreadfully, so that many of them died. Then they came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that He take away the serpents from us.” And Moses prayed for the people.

And the Lord told Moses to make a serpent of brass, and to put it on a pole, and that whosoever looked up at it, should live.

To us, the serpent of brass is a—figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, who was lifted up on the cross to make men well of the Serpent’s (Satan’s) deadly sting, and all who look to Him shall live eternally. A look to Jesus saves the soul for evermore, for it is eternal life He gives, and it is Satan’s power that He has destroyed.

But after this there is encouragement, and we find the people singing, and going on victoriously toward the home appointed for them.

ML 03/30/1924

A Happy Death

IN the early part of a certain little girl’s sickness she thought she would not get well. She asked her parents to forgive her for not being kind and obedient. Her father asked her how long she had been a Christian. She replied,

“Father, that Sunday evening, some weeks ago, when you urged me to give my heart to the Saviour; that night I gave my heart to the Lord. I have loved Him since, and tried to serve Him.”

She asked her father to pray with her. To her brothers and sisters she addressed words of comfort, and urged them, while in health, to come to the Saviour.

Ellen was taken sick Sunday morning, and died the next Thursday. During much of that time her bodily sufferings were severe, but her mind was calm, unclouded, peaceful, and happy.

“I am going home (I used to say “heaven,” but now I say “home”) to see Jesus. O, I’m so happy! I never was so happy in my life!” These were her most common expressions.

Once, when a number were standing around her bed, she looked at each, and said, “How I wish you were all as happy as I! My cup overflows. When I get home I will see Jesus.”

Her anticipations of her heavenly home were so bright that it was a great trial for her to stay here. She invariably shrank from the thought that she might get well. She would ask,

“Why does Jesus let me stay? Why don’t He take me home? I want to see my blessed Saviour.”

The morning before she died her aged grandmother came to see her. Ellen extended her hand and said, (her countenance radiant with joy,)

“O, grandmother, I am going home to see Jesus, and I shall see grandfather, too, and will tell him you are coming pretty soon!”

With some unsaved friends she labored with great earnestness. She would select portions of God’s Word for them to read, and would then press home the truth. To one of these friends she gave her Bible, and requested that some portion of it be read every day, attended by prayer.

She expressed a desire to see the pastor. When he came she said, “I am glad to see you, Mr. A. Jesus has forgiven my sins, and pretty soon I am going home. If Jesus had not forgiven my sins, O, what would I do! I wish you, Mr. A., to preach my funeral sermon from these words, ‘For me to live is Christ, to die is gain,’ especially the last part, ‘to die is gain.’”

When asked if she had any fears of death, she quickly replied,

“No, no! dying is but going home. I think I shall go home tonight, but if Jesus wants me to stay longer, I will wait. He will take me when He thinks best.”

When Mr. A. left she bade him goodbye, saying, “The next time I shall see you I will be in heaven.”

She often repeated her Sunday-school hymns, and tried to sing them; but it was difficult for her to sing, her disease being diphtheria.

“When I get to heaven,” she said, “I shall not have sore throat; I shall be all well and happy; then I can sing,

“I can see His kind look when He said,

Let the little ones come unto Me.”

The last scene, when she summoned the family around her dying bed, her countenance radiant as though she had already passed the portals, her expressions of thankfulness for having been instructed in the way of salvation, her kind admonitions to her brothers and sisters, her final farewell, will not be forgotten by those who witnessed it, though it would be difficult to describe it. She sank away gradually, peacefully, till her soul found rest in the bosom of her Saviour.

ML 03/30/1924

"Praise Ye the Lord."

I WISH you would go and see my grandfather,” said a young man to me; “he is very ill.”

I found the old man sitting by his cottage fire, suffering greatly. As I spoke to him, and read the Word of God, I found that he was not ignorant of the way of salvation, but that he had not seen or believed in the full provision which God had made for him as a sinner, when He gave His blessed Son to die upon the cross. However, he soon not only knew Him as his Saviour, but believed the love that God had shown to him in giving His own Son to be his Lord and Saviour.

The last time I visited him with a friend, I said to the sick man,

“Well, what will you do when you get to heaven?” The reply was spoken with surprise and emphasis,

“What can I do but praise Him!” “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ... .to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5.

ML 03/30/1924

Another Tiger Story

I TOLD you a story the other day of how a poor heathen woman was saved from a tiger, and today I want to tell you how God saved two Christian ladies from another of these fierce beasts.

These two ladies were having a little holiday during the hot summer. They had gone to live in a small cottage on the side of a hill; indeed the hill formed the back of their house, so that you could easily get on to the roof from the side of the hill.

Well, one night, when they were both in bed, and asleep, they were awakened by hearing the sound of footsteps on the roof, and they soon guessed that it was a tiger come down from the mountains. They both felt very much frightened. It was a hot night, and all the windows were wide open, and they knew that in another minute it would come on the verandah, and could easily spring in upon them.

What do you think they did? Did they get up and look for a gun to shoot the wild beast? No, there was not a gun in the house; they were quite helpless. But one thing they could do, that was to pray to God to take care of them. They knew that the God they had was the same God who shut the lions’ mouths When Daniel was put in the den, so to Him they cried for help and protection.

What a wonderful thing it is, that God is a very present help in trouble. He hears instantly, and His help comes at once. The telephone is a wonderful thing, but if someone is taken ill in your house, and you ring up a doctor, he takes some time to get to you, but help from God comes just when it is wanted.

The ladies very soon heard the tiger jump from the roof to the verandah. They could hear him breathing just outside their window. Would he spring in upon them in another moment? But no, he passed their window, and went to the next one. This was the bathroom, and just inside under the window was a large tub full of water, ready for the morning bath. He made a great leap, and then they heard a plunge, as he landed in the water.

You know cats do not like water, and a tiger is just a big pussy cat, so he did not stay in that tub to take a bath, but very wet, and very frightened, he sprang out of the window, and off the verandah, and down the hill, and they heard no more of him. I am sure the ladies thanked God many times for His care and protection.

There is a beautiful verse about calling on God, when you are in trouble,

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

Do not forget the last part of the verse. We would thank an earthly friend, who helped us when we were in trouble, but how often we take God’s care as, a matter of course, and do not thank Him at all.

I remember a little boy, to whom I taught this verse, with a number of other children one winter afternoon. His home was just across a little common from where I was teaching, and as he crossed it, I saw him kneeling down in the snow. When he was asked what he was doing. he said,

“I was calling on God, as the verse said.”

What do you think little George’s trouble was? Just this, he had found out that he was a sinner, and he wanted to know that his sins were forgiven.

Dear children, who read this, do you ever feel your sins troubling you? If so, do as George did; take God at His word, confess your sins, and He will forgive you for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ who died upon the cross for sin.

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Pet. 2:24.

“He hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Con 5:21.

ML 03/30/1924

The Lord's Day

‘Tis the day we prize the most,

This “the first day of the week;”

When we thus together come,

Of the Saviour’s love to speak.

Jesus left the silent tomb,

When the first day’s dawning came;

Now His people, taught by Him,

Meet together in His Name.

O, if each of us now here,

Knew His love so rich and free,

What a joyful song we’d sing!

O, how happy we should be!

ML 03/30/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for February

1.“And have no fellowship,” etc. Eph. 5:11.

2.“I am crucified with Christ,” etc. Gal. 2:20.

3.“But made Himself of no,” etc. Phil. 2:7.

4.“Finally, brethren,” etc. Phil. 4:8.

5.“Be not deceived; God is,” etc. Gal. 6:7.

6.“Mortify therefore your,” etc. Col. 3:5.

7.“But that no man is justified,” etc. Gal. 3:11.

Bible Questions for April

The Answers are to be found in Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John, and Jude.

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Eternal fire.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “War against the soul.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “A thief in the night.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “A friend of the world.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Receive him not.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Have an advocate.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “But after this.”

ML 04/06/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 22

THE children of Israel had now all but finished their pilgrimage. The land of God’s promise was perhaps already in sight, but the river Jordan rolled between it and them. They were in the land of Moab, and Satan makes his last attack, trying once more to keep the people out of the inheritance God had provided for them.

The king of Moab saw that no human power could stand against Israel while God was with them, and so he turned to a man who had to do with the unseen world of darkness, of evil spirits, —Balaam. These demons make themselves out to be the spirits of people now dead, —often friends and relatives of those living, and it may be, pretending to be angels, or even God Himself. In verse 8, Balaam professed to be waiting for directions from God, and God indeed came to him that night, and asked, “What men are these with thee?”

Balaam, it seems, was not surprised at a visit from God; it maybe he had often had evil spirits come to him, and did not know that this was not one of his regular visitors. He answered God that they were sent by Balak, the king of Moab, to get him to curse the people that had come from Egypt, and God said to him,

“Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people, for they are blessed.” So Balaam, the next morning told the messengers to go back without him saying, “The Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you.”

Balak, thinking the reward he had offered, had not been enough to satisfy Balaam, at once sent more and greater men with bigger promises; —anything Balaam wanted he could have if he would only come to Balak’s help, and curse the people.

Balaam then, partly from a wish to get all the pay he could for his coming, and partly held back by God’s unseen hand, answered as verses 18 and 19 tell us. But it was all a pretense; faith knows that God does not change;

“He is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent.” Chap. 23:19.

Balaam wanted to go; the honor and the reward filled his heart.

God therefore, told him he might go; he could follow his own ways, since his heart was set on it. Balaam had been told already that the people were blessed, and could not be cursed, but he proposed to curse them, if he could. So he goes, but God gives him a solemn lesson on the way. Was there not something very humiliating in God’s using the donkey to rebuke the wicked prophet? Yet how gracious of God to make this man, hurrying on to destruction, stop and think, if anything could awaken him to realize what he was doing! But Balaam cared for neither the miracle of the donkey’s speaking, nor for the angel of the Lord carrying a drawn sword, if only he could have his own way.

Nevertheless Balaam went on, even though he was warned again, and was met by Balak, the king, personally, at the boundary of his country.

ML 04/06/1924

Look Where You Are Going!

A MAN was taking a walk along the cliffs, and was reading a paper as he went along. He was some yards from the edge of the cliffs.

Above him the warm sun shone brightly, the soft turf was under his feet, and, with his head bent over his paper he walked along with his mind taken up with what he was reading. Presently he happened to look up from his paper, and with a start, stopped abruptly, and just in time, for only a foot or two before him was the edge of the cliff. He thought he had been walking parallel to the edge, but in reality he had been moving gradually and unknowingly nearer and nearer to it. He was in danger all the time, but did not know it. A few steps more, and he might have been dashed to pieces over the cliff.

Many of the boys and girls who read this paper are in danger, and do not know it. They are in danger of losing, not their bodies, but their souls. Their sins are still unforgiven. They do not know and love the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour, although, maybe, they are constantly hearing about Him. They feel happy and contented enough. Their play, their work, their books, their friends —all these take up their thoughts, and they forget to ask themselves where they are going.

“Why didn’t that man look where he was going?” you say.

“Why do not you look where you are going? We cannot trifle with God and eternity, and then expect it to be all right with us at the end. The instant that man saw his danger, he stopped, and got away from the edge of the cliff. He found out his danger in time.

While your sins are not forgiven, you are on the road to everlasting ruin. Believe God now, that you are condemned, at this moment (for one sin is enough to make us guilty and worthy of punishment), and then turn to the Lord Jesus and take Him as your Saviour. Remember, while still unsaved, you are in danger all the time, but after reading this you cannot say you do not know it.

“Through this Man (the risen Jesus) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by Him all that believe are justified from all things.” Acts 13:38, 39.

ML 04/06/1924

A Child's Faith

RUTH’S mother was thankful when those in authority at the hospital told her that she might stay with her little daughter when after a long illness, the little girl had to be taken there for an operation. Ruth was quiet and patient; she seldom complained, and never said anything to show how she felt about the operation through which she was to pass. She did not seem frightened, and she met every one with a brave smile.

Being with her night and day, her mother noticed that she was careful to keep her handkerchief in a place where she could get it easily. There was nothing strange about that, but her mother also observed that whenever the nurse brought her a clean handkerchief, Ruth would transfer to it something that was tied into the corner of the one she had. Her mother was naturally curious about the mysterious something of which the child was so careful, and one day she gently asked her what it was she guarded with so much solitude. Ruth looked up with tears in her eyes,

“I found it,” she answered, “in the drawer when we left home, and I wanted to have that much with me.”

She let her mother untie the knot in the corner of the handkerchief, and there, in a tight roll, was a leaf from the Bible:

She wanted “that much” with her: she could take “that much” ‘to the operating room; she could keep “that much” in her hand when the dressings were made. She had it when the stitches were taken out, and it meant, O, so much to her! On the leaf of the Bible was this verse,

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God.” Isa. 41:10.

What confidence and strength it gave our dear little girl to know the Lord was with her, and by her side in her time of trial. He will give us the same grace, if we put our trust in Him, and sustain us in our difficult times.

ML 04/06/1924

Love for the Little Ones

WHAT a hard heart it would be that would not love the little ones. Nearly every one, has love for a little, helpless baby. It is good to think of the Lord Jesus when He was here upon earth, when some had brought young children to Him, that He should touch them. His disciples rebuked those that brought them, but when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14.

Then He took them in His arms, and put His hands upon them, and blessed them. The disciples evidently thought the children were too little for the Lord to take any notice of, but He loved them, and showed that all needed to take the humble place, and be simple as little children, to enter into the Kingdom of God.

His love is an untiring and unchangeable one, and He will never do what some parents have done—turn away from their children. Scripture says,

“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Psa. 27:10. He cares and provides someone else to look after those who are forsaken by parents.

What would any of us do if it were not for God’s tender care over us? He is the one who gave His only Son for us, and

He is the One who gives us all we need.

If you are one who has known and received God’s love in the gift of His son, may you seek to manifest it to others as well.

“SEE THAT YE LOVE ONE ANOTHER WITH A PURE HEART FERVENTLY.” 1 Pet. 1:22.

ML 04/06/1924

"Come Unto Me."

“Come unto Me, dear children,

And I will give you rest.”

blessed voice of Jesus,

Which comes to hearts oppressed!

It tells of benediction,

Of pardon, grace, and peace,

Of joy that hath no ending,

Of love which cannot cease.

“Come unto Me, dear children,

And I will give you light.”

loving voice of Jesus,

Which comes to cheer the night.

Our hearts were filled with sadness,

And we had lost our way;

But morning brings us gladness,

And songs the break of day.

“And whosoever cometh,

I will not cast him out.”

patient love of Jesus,

Which drives away our doubt,—

Which calls us very sinners,

Unworthy though we be

Of love so free and boundless,

To come, blest Lord, to Thee!

ML 04/06/1924

Happy Girls

WHAT a peaceful scene we have before us in our picture! Do you wonder what these girls are talking about? It must be something good. for they have such kind, happy faces. They are busy girls, though, for one has a pitchfork in her hand, and the other is tending the cow and calf. They are beginning a day’s work, and are happy in it. Did you know that the busy people are always the happiest ones? Idle ones are sure to get into mischief—they are apt to be saying evil and unkind things, and doing harm to others.

God has a message in His Word to idle people; look at Prov. 6:6. He tells them to watch the tiny ant; it is always busy.

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”

God is so displeased with His own children who waste their time. Our lives are so uncertain, so short, too, at the best, that we want to be occupying our time for Him.

Little people can run errands and do many deeds of kindness for others. All these things will make them very happy, if done because they love Jesus. He is watching us all the time, and knows whether we are doing our work to please Him. Big and little people can do their duties as under His eye, and have a peace and a real happiness down in their hearts, because they are doing faithfully the work He has given them strength for.

“WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD, AND NOT UNTO MEN.” COL. 3:23.

ML 04/13/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 23:1-12

NOT one altar, but seven, were built, and on each altar both a bullock and a ram were sacrificed, before Balaam was ready to go on with his master, Satan.

Baal means master, or possessor; it was the chief god of the people of the land the children of Israel were coming to take for their home. Balaam means “lord of the people,” and Balak means empty, or waster. These names seem suitable for Satan, and the people who do his work, but the seven altars, with the smoke of the burning sacrifices, must have looked very fine.

The next chapter, in its first verse tells us that it was not God that Balaam went to meet with, though he wanted the king of Moab to think so (verse 3). But God it was that met Balaam, and put the words into his mouth that he was to say when he went back to the seven altars and the king and his princes. He begins to speak, presently, and how astonished the people must have been to hear his words!

“How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed, or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?” They were God’s people, not to be counted as one of the nations. They were greater than any other people, but Balaam’s only thought for himself is that he would like to die as one of God’s children.

Perhaps even the worst of men and women of today would say the same thing, but there is no wish to live the life of the righteous, and God did not let Balaam have his desire.

Balak was angry, of course. He had been at a lot of trouble to bring Balaam there, and instead of cursing the Israelites he had pronounced their blessing. The, wicked prophet answered truly that he must say what God put in his mouth, but the king would have him try again.

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31.

ML 04/13/1924

Little Tommy Lost and Found.

ONE day a group of passengers were seen around a little boy of four years old, who was sobbing and crying very much because he was lost. ‘Tommy Ambler’ was his name, and he had just arrived by a train from B.

He had been with his parents in the crowd, where they were all waiting for the train to take them to M. and somehow had entered a wrong train. Little could be got out of Tommy except, “I’m lost, and want to go to M. with my mother;” but while he was saying this to one of the railway officials, a telegram arrived from his father, to say if a little boy was found answering the description of lost Tommy, he was to be sent by the first train to M.

This good news was at once made known to the lost but now found boy, who believed it, and was only too glad to take his seat in the train soon going to the best place on earth for him, because his best friend was there. So he was accordingly sent off, with the address ‘Tommy Ambler, passenger to M.’ tied to his button-hole, and with his face changed from crying and tears to joy and smiles.

Now, dear one, can you see nothing in all this to remind you of your lost state in God’s sight? Just mark well one or two points in little Tommy’s case. He strayed away; he was lost, and felt it; which made him very unhappy. He owned his helpless condition. Then when the good news arrived, he believed it—was thereby made happy, and went on his way rejoicing to his mother and best friend on earth.

So it is now with souls away from God.

“All we like sheep have gone astray: we have turned everyone to his own way.”

You know lambs as well as sheep go astray! but Jesus came to save that which was lost. He left the bright and beautiful glory and, in His love for the lost ones, came all the way down to Calvary’s cross to bleed and die for them, so that all who receive Him as, their Saviour might be happy in that glory with Himself for ever.

Then, dear child, whatever your name may be, do you answer to the description “Lost?” If so, hear the good news:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved,” and know yourself, for certain, on your way to your loving Saviour—your best Friend in heaven. Do not delay one moment, but at once enter the heavenly train ere it departs, and leaves you behind in your sorrow and tears, which will be yours forever.

“Joy and peace it is to know Him—

O how He loves:

Think, O think how much we owe Him—

O how He loves!

With His precious blood He bought us,

In the wilderness He sought us,

To His home He safely brought us—

O how He loves!”

ML 04/13/1924

"For Jesus Christ's Sake"

JUST before the prayer meeting closed, and after singing the hymn commencing, “Now just a word for Jesus,” most unexpectedly the voice of a little boy was heard.

“O God,” he prayed, “we have just been singing, ‘Now just a word for Jesus.’ O Lord, you know, before I came here, I used to save my money to help to send Bibles to the little boys in China. O Lord, do bless them, and bless us. And, Lord, when the great day comes, may we all be ready. For Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.”

At the commencement of the little fellow’s prayer I noticed his childish form, his bowed head, and clasped hands. The simple words we had been singing had been a reality to him, and had led him to say, “Just a word for Jesus” in a way he would never otherwise have done.

Now many of you, dear children, doubtless give your money to spread the glad tidings in foreign lands of Jesus and His love; but do you, on your knees say, “O Lord, do bless them, and bless us”?

I never thought so much of the little boys in China; of their deep spiritual need of the knowledge of Jesus as their Saviour, as I have done since I heard the simple, earnest prayer of my little friend, and I can, and do echo and re-echo it in my heart— “O Lord, do bless them, and bless us!”

There is still another petition of this prayer in which we need join also— “May we all be ready.”

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

“What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:37.

ML 04/13/1924

Plucked From the Burning.

HOW it rains! I think I will not go out with my tracts this afternoon,” said a gentleman to himself on a wet Sunday. Then retiring from the window, threw his bundle of tracts on the table, and, yawning, dropped into his easy chair.

There he sat idly musing while the hours fled. By and by his little daughter came in from Sunday-school. Seeing his bundle of tracts on the table, she said;

“Why, papa, haven’t you been out with your tracts?”

“No, my dear.”

“Are you going with them, papa?”

“Not today, my dear, it is so very wet.”

“O, papa, let me go with them. I’ve got my hat on, and can take them around.”

“No, no! It is too wet for anyone to go out. We must stay at home, my dear.”

“I won’t get wet, papa. I’ll take the big umbrella. The people will want the tracts. Do, please, let me go, papa.”

These and similar pleas conquered the father. The little girl started. She knew the district, and was soon at her blessed work. A few steps led her to a large house where she knocked again and again, but no one answered. The poor child’s patience was almost exhausted, when she heard a sound in the house. Another knock, and the door was opened by a woman who wore a good dress, but whose face, the little girl thought, looked very unhappy.

The child smiled upon her, gave her a tract, finished her round, and went home, little thinking that by her walk in the rain that afternoon, she had snatched a soul from the mouth of hell, a body from the jaws of the grave.

Yet it was even so; for the poor woman, at whose door she had waited so long, was in so much trouble and sorrow, that she had planned to take her own life, and she thought she would then be at an end of all her troubles, but, dear children, the Bible says that judgment comes after death. She had not thought that after she would end her life, she would have to meet God about all her sins, and would have a long eternity of sorrow and remorse, and of being shut out from the presence of God forever.

While she was about to carry out her wicked plans, the little girl knocked, and after waiting for some time, she knocked again and again. The knocking disturbed the sad woman inside the house, so after waiting quite a while, she went to the door to find out who was there.

The loving look of the child won her, and turned her from her evil purpose. She took the tract, sat down and read it. and was convicted of her sins before God, and she was led to Christ. She saw that He had died for her, and was saying to her, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

She accepted Him as her own loving Saviour, found in Him rest for her soul, and rejoiced in His salvation.

The next Sunday she told her joyful story to the little girl’s father. Thus was this dear child used of God for the salvation of this sad woman, through the little tract that she handed to her.

Dear children, we, who know the Lord Jesus as our own precious Saviour, can also hand out the little tracts, telling of His wonderful love to the lost and perishing ones, asking Him to bless them to their souls’ salvation.

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccles. 11:6.

ML 04/13/1924

"Search the Scriptures"

Now, O Lord, we ask Thy blessing,

On the words which we have read;

Precious words! on which Thy children

Have by Thee, been often fed,—

Feed us likewise,—

We, who have to Jesus fled.

Should a heart before Thee, Father,

Know not Thee, nor Thy great love,

O attract that heart to Jesus,

Never more from Him to rove,—

Gracious Father,

Let us all Thy goodness prove.

ML 04/13/1924

The Prize

WE HAVE just seen what you readers so often see— a dog chasing a cat. The cat’s tail looked very large as she ran from one corner to another, over a fence, and finally up a tree where the dog could not reach her. Cats are such good climbers that they generally escape the dogs that chase them.

Small dogs especially seem very fond of chasing cats. But in today’s picture the dogs are after something else. How eager they look! How closely they watch this bird! What a prize! And yet a dangerous looking one, for the bird looks fiercer than the dogs, and is ready to peck the one that dares to get within reach.

There are all kinds of prizes in this world. Many of us are working for them. Prizes are generally offered to the winner in a contest or race of some kind. Some of the prizes we win help us. Some of them harm us because they draw our energies, or our hearts away from better things. At best they are of little importance, for they are only for time.

But there is a race, and a prize at the end of it of very great importance. This is the Christian race. The apostle Paul says,

“LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US, AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US, LOOKING UNTO JESUS.” Heb. 12:1,2.

“This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:13, 14.

Dear reader, this Christian race is the only one worth running. Are you in it? If you are, throw off the weights, that you may run more easily, and enjoy more fully the prize that awaits you.

ML 04/20/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 23:13-30.

PERHAPS, thought Balak, who did not have God in his mind at all, if Balaam goes to some other place he can curse the children of Israel as I want him to do. So he takes him to another height, where only a part of the people can be seen. Again seven altars are built, and cattle and sheep are slaughtered on them,’ as at the first place to which Balaam was taken by Balak.

Balaam, saying, “Stand here by thy burnt offering while I meet yonder,” went away to seek an enchantment (chapter 24, verse 1) —not to meet God, for the words, “the Lord,” in italics in the fifteenth verse should be left out. But God met him again, and gave him what he was to say to Balak, when he should get up to make his speech against the people of Israel. Wonderful words these were that Balaam was used to tell, speaking of God’s purposes and His interest in the people He had formed for Himself, but telling too of Balaam’s bad character, and the coming judgment of God’s enemies.

Man might tell lies, but God would not. He would not, like men, say one thing and do another. He had not seen iniquity in Jacob or perverseness in Israel. God had justified them, and Satan had no power to speak against them. Enchantments and divinations were without power against the people of God, and in a day close at hand, they would drive out their enemies before them. This and more, Balaam told Balak, who of course was very displeased. Yet he proposed to have Balaam try again to curse the people.

ML 04/20/1924

Love Your Enemies.

Rom. 12:20.

A CHRISTIAN farmer in Hwatien, Manchuria, named Tung, was attacked in his home by a band of Hung-hutze in the dead of night. They bound him, set fire to his home, and robbed him of all his possessions. This happened about two years ago. Although this Christian man suffered intensely, he bore it in a meek and Christian spirit, and made no complaint to the officials.

Last year, while in town, he met a sick man, whom he recognized as one of the leaders of the band that had robbed him. The recognition was mutual, and the robber quickly covered his face with his clothes, hoping to avoid recognition.

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

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

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

Tung then took out his purse and handed him 5.000 cash and said, “Go pay your bill, and get something to eat. Tomorrow I will come and take you to the hospital for treatment.”

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

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

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

And the repentant fellow did not die. He went out of the hospital a well man in body and soul. Tung spent over twenty dollars to meet his expenses, but there is one more true servant of God in Manchuria today, because of the kindness he showed to the Hung-hu-tze bandit.

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

ML 04/20/1924

The Infidel's Child.

I HAD long wanted to speak about Jesus to a little who lived near my cottage. I knew her father was an infidel and that for six years some Christians had been praying for his conversion. When I saw his child my heart was sad, fearing she was growing up without any knowledge of God.

One bright morning, a few days ago. the little girl was playing out of doors, alone, so I thought this was my opportunity for the long-wished for talk. I quickly put on my hat and went out to her, and asked kindly,

“Would you like to come with me, dear, and pick some pretty flowers in this field?”

“O, yes, I should!” she answered brightly. We were soon, both of us busy filling our hands with pretty wild flowers, big white daisies, and bright king-cups, ragged-robin, and sweet purple clover.

“Do you know, dear,” I asked, “that this field is a bit of God’s great flower garden, and that in the love of His heart He made these sweet blossoms for our pleasure?”

“O! yes,” she answered, “I know He made them all and made us too, and everything in this world. There are many people who won’t believe it, but they will have to see it is true someday, will they not?”

“Indeed, they will,” I replied gravely, “and it will be a terrible moment for those who do not know Jesus as their Saviour. Dear child, do you believe on God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?”

“O! yes,” she answered, “I do believe that He died for my sins, and if we do confess and own them to Jesus, and accept Him as our Saviour, He will rejoice over us, won’t He? It is so strange that people try to keep their sins secret from Him, for they will all come out at the judgment day, for Jesus knows everything about us. We ought to try and please Him, for He has died for us.”

“Yes, indeed, we should, my child.” My heart was so full of joy to see that truly my Saviour was her Saviour, too. “You and I love Jesus, do we not, though we have not seen Him?”

“Yes; there is a text in the Bible I like so much it is this,

“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

“When Jesus was on earth, there were some people who would not believe on Him, although they did see Him; but now we believe on Him without seeing Him.”

This simple confession of faith from the child of an infidel greatly surprised me, and I asked her where she had learned all this, and had read the Bible. She told me that it was at the school she attended.

O, what joy to know that God had let His light shine into this dear child’s heart, and to hear how freely and confidently she spoke of what she really knew of Jesus! She also said,

“You know Jesus is alive on the throne of God today, and He will come again to this world, won’t He?”

What joy it was to me to see the reality with which the little girl spoke!

What a blessing this dear little lamb of Christ may be in this sinful world!

Every time I have since seen her, she has run to me joyfully, wanting to have another talk. Yes, heart is linked with heart in those that love the blessed name of Jesus; my heart was drawn to her as soon as she began to tell out all she knew of that blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear children, do you know Him? If you do, tell others of His love. If you do not know Him, come straight to Him, in all your sins, all your wickedness, and He will receive you. Do not try to hide your sins from Jesus, but tell Him everything, and His forgiving mercy will ‘flow like a stream. He cannot save you unless you come, and those who come to Him He will in no wise cast out. It was for sinners Christ died, not for the righteous. Sinners, Jesus calls. O! won’t you come?

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

ML 04/20/1924

Last Words of a Child

EDITH was a much-loved daughter of her parents. Her mother was a devoted Christian, and as such sought to train her child for God.

Edith, who was never strong, was very affectionate and amiable, and those who knew her best loved her most. She attended her Sunday-school until within a week of her departure to be with Christ which is far better.

The mother watched by her darling as she lay with a happy smile upon her face, gazing upwards.

“She can evidently see something more than we can,” said a friend who stood by the bedside. At length, the dear child uttered one sentence, the last she ever spoke on earth, and they are words we would like to spread the wide world over.

“Jesus paid it all!” And then she went to behold the One who had died for her, and paid the mighty debt she owed to God for the many times she had sinned against Him.

Edith was only a little girl of nine years of age, and, in this world, was of very small account, but she knew the blessed truth, that “Jesus paid it all.”

The eyes of many dear children will fall upon this page. Do you know for yourselves the truth that dear Edith uttered?

“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” and this “all” includes you! Are you aware that you have incurred a debt you can never repay, for you have nothing, and can do nothing to pay the holy God? You have sinned against God many times. Now God is just, and can in no wise clear the guilty. He has said,

“The soul that sinneth it shall die.” But He sent His own dear Son to die instead of us. He bore our sins, He suffered on the cross, that we may not suffer eternally. He paid all the debt we owe to God; and of the work of our salvation, He said, “It is finished.”

“Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.”

ML 04/20/1924

The Contented Flock

HAVE you ever seen sheep? Do you know what gentle, quiet creatures they are? You would enjoy a pretty little lamb for a net if you could have one.

Did you ever read about sheep in God’s Word? Here is one verse that tells what the Shepherd says:

“I am, the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11.

And here are other verses telling what the sheep says:

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.” Some of you can repeat all of this beautiful twenty-third Psalm.

Are you one of these sheep? Can you say, “The Lord is my Shepherd?”

What are the green pastures in which He makes us to lie down? What are pastures to the sheep in the picture? “Their food,” you say.

His pastures are not fields of green grass, such as the sheep, in the picture feed upon. No, dear children, the Word of God is the pasture in which we find our food. And it is very precious food. The more we feed upon it, the more we enjoy it.

Just as the sheep eat some food and then rest and digest it, so our Shepherd wants us to read in His word, then think about it—digest it. Then when we are ready for another meal, we can read some more. But we must not forget that we need these meals every day.

“GREAT PEACE HAVE THEY WHICH LOVE THY LAW AND NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM.” Psalm 119:165.

ML 04/27/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 24.

BALAAM was now sure that it was no use for him to try to get enchantments; God was going to bless His people, and Satan would not be allowed to curse them. The Spirit of God came on him, making this address of Balaam’s the most remarkable of the three.

With open eyes, he said, he saw the vision of the Almighty, and he heard the words of God. And, wicked man that he was, he tells what God thought of His people out there in the wilderness, not yet in their land. Balak was angry, as well he might be, for he had called Balaam to curse his enemies, and he had three times blessed them. He told Balaam to go back to his home without the honors he had intended to give him, but Balaam reminded him, of what he had said at the first, that he could only speak that which was given him to say. He now went on to tell Balak what the people of Israel would do to the people of Moab later, and in telling this, Balaam pronounced his own doom:

“I shall see Him (God) but not now; I shall behold Him, but not nigh.”

Remarkable words, and intensely solemn! He will meet God at the great white throne. (Revelation 20:11-15.)

These speeches of Balaam cover the whole purpose of God regarding the people He loved, beginning with their separation from the world of the ungodly, and ending with the coming of Christ.

ML 04/27/1924

Be Ye Also Ready

THE population of the world is approximately fifteen hundred millions, and it is calculated that about thirty-three millions die in the course of a year, ninety thousand each day, four thousand each hour, and one person every second of time. Death cares nothing who his victims are, or what they are doing when he comes for them. Whether they are well, or whether they are sick; whether rich, or whether poor; whether young, or whether old, all classes are taken, and no one knows in the morning if he will see the end of the day. Every day the newspapers contain a long list of those who had died the previous day. Every day funeral processions pass before our eyes, families are plunged in grief, and to everyone the warning is given: “Prepare to meet thy God” Amos 4:12.

But man is so constituted that what is daily occurring does not impress him; he accustoms himself to these warnings constantly transpiring, much as the traveler on a journey to the whistle of the locomotive, and although he may die at any moment, he lives really as though he was sure to live forever.

“I well remember,” said an old man one day, “that when I was a young boy a voice within me said to me:

‘My son, give Me thine heart’, ‘Now is the accepted time.’ But the devil whispered in my ear,

‘You can think of that later. Wait till youth has passed; take your pleasure now.’ My relatives and my companions said the same thing, so that I waited until I should become a man.

Then the same voice within me said:

‘Seek ye the Lord while He may be found.’ ‘Today is the day of salvation.’

‘What folly,’ replied the other; ‘attend to your business first; later, when you have made a position for yourself, you can attend to this.’ I saw indeed that everyone about me acted thus. I waited until I should have obtained mature age.

“I was soon there. Again something said to me:

‘Today, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.’

“‘Not yet,’ cried the other, you haven’t much time to work. Wait till you are old, and you will then have nothing else to do.” “I have waited. Today I am old. The spring, the summer, the autumn of life have passed. The winter is here and I am not saved.”

This confession recalls the history of a women who was in the habit of saying:

“I shall only need five minutes at the last to ask for mercy, and I am sure the Almighty will grant it.”

Although she thought she was sure, yet she never had the five minutes. One day her son rushed out of the house to find a minister.

“Come to my mother,” he cried. “Come quick, she is dying.”

The minister ran. When they reached the place they found the woman, with haggard looks, sitting on the bed. When he entered she looked fixedly at him and cried out:

“Ah, minister, I am lost! I am lost!” Then she fell back on the pillow. That was the end.

If God were to say to you, dear child, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee,” where would you go, —to heaven or hell,—to be with the Lord Jesus Christ or to be with the devil and his angels?

“Ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14.

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

ML 04/27/1924

The Boy Who Was Disobedient

BOY-LIKE, the one of whom we write was very fond of playing with fire. After school he would wander to the race-course, and, disregarding the notice which was fixed prominently in the Corporation enclosure which adjoined, would trespass within, and collect the waste papers which were there in abundance, and with this he would make a miniature bonfire. He had often been scolded, and ordered off by the yard keepers, but he persisted in his willful disobedience.

The shades of evening were beginning to fall on the occasion to which we refer, and once more he and a companion trespassed within the railed enclosure. The papers were gathered, the match struck and applied, and they were gleefully watching the curling flames when the boy’s clothes caught fire, and in a few moments they were all ablaze, which so alarmed his playmate that he fled in terror. The poor boy’s cries of distress arrested the attention of a woman who was in the road a short distance away, who seeing his condition, shouted to him,

“Jump into the water, boy!”

He heard her words, and turning saw a pool of what appeared to be stagnant water, into which he unhesitatingly jumped. Then followed an awful shriek and the flames leaped upwards. Alas! the poor boy had jumped into a pool of oil, and he fell burned to death, never more to rise. Shortly afterwards his charred body was recovered, burned almost to a cinder.

Among the many lessons you may learn from this brief account of such a sad end are three of the utmost importance.

1. Disobedience is a sin, for had he not disobeyed, both the notice and the oft spoken words of rebuke, he would never have met with that terrible death. We should also remember that if disobedience to our parents, and those over us deserves chastisement, that those who disobey God, merit a punishment very much more severe. Therefore, at all costs obey God, who says,

“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” Matt. 6: 33, and

“Remember now thy Creator in the clays of thy youth” Eccles. 12:1. Learn also to be careful both as to taking, and as to

2. Obeying bad advice. The advice given the burning boy was given in kindness, and intended for his good, yet it was bad advice. O, seek now the blessing and guidance of God, for He makes no mistakes. He will reveal to you His will in the Scriptures which will make you wise unto salvation. The Bible is a lamp to the feet, and a light to the path of all who seek its guidance, and its precepts are suitable for boys and girls of all ages. Bear in mind, too, that

3. Earnestness is not always right, for if you are earnest in wrong, it increases your danger a hundredfold. Many think they are right, and eventually find themselves all wrong. Some would tell you that it matters not what you believe, if you are earnest and sincere. This is wrong for the boy mentioned above was both. He had faith in the quenching power of that pool, but, alas, he jumped into the very jaws of death. God’s Word states:

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

Come to the Lord Jesus Christ, and He will cleanse you from your sins Now, and save you forever.

ML 04/27/1924

Telling Mother

A CLUSTER of young girls stood about the door of the school-room one afternoon, when a little girl joined them, and asked what they were doing.

“I am telling the girls a secret, Kate. and we will let you know, if you will promise not to tell anyone as long as you live,” was the reply.

“I won’t tell anyone but my mother,” replied Kate. “I tell her everything, for she is my best friend.”

“No, not even your mother; no one in the world.”

“Well, then I can’t hear it; for what I can’t tell my mother, is not fit for me to hear.” After speaking these words, Kate walked away slowly, and perhaps sadly, yet with a quiet conscience, while her companions went on with their secret conversation.

I am sure that if Kate continued to act on that principle, she became a virtuous, useful woman. No child of a pious mother will be likely to take a sinful course, if Kate’s reply is taken for a rule of conduct.

As soon as a boy listens to conversation at school, or on the playground, which he would fear or blush to repeat to his mother, he is in the way of temptation, and no one can tell where he will stop. Many a man dying in disgrace, in prison, or on the scaffold, has looked back with bitter remorse to the time when first a sinful companion gained his ear, and came between him and a pious mother. Boys and girls, if you will lead a Christian life, and die a Christian death, make Kate’s reply your rule:

“What I cannot tell my mother, is not fit for me to know;” for a pious mother is your best friend.

If you have no mother, do as the disciples did; go and tell Jesus. He loves you better than the most tender parent.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful: but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and ill His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:1, 2.

ML 04/27/1924

Jesus From the Glory Came

Jesus from the glory came,

Ever blessed be His name!

Came to die for sinful men,

Then went back to heaven again.

What a mercy ‘tis to know

Jesus loveth sinners so;

What a mercy ‘tis to prove

Young in years the Saviour’s love!

ML 04/27/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for March

1.“In flaming fire taking,” etc. 2 Thess. 1:8.

2.“Not now as a servant,” etc. Philemon 16.

3.“Abstain from all,” etc. 1 Thess. 5:22.

4.“Teaching us, that,” etc. Titus 2:12.

5.“Nevertheless the,” etc. 2 Tim. 2:19.

6.“And having food and,” etc. 1 Tim. 6:8.

7.“And, without,” etc. 1 Tim. 3:16.

Bible Question for May

The Answers are to be found in Revelation.

1.Write in full the verse containing these words, “They sung a new song.”

2.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Partakers of her sins.”

3.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Living fountains of waters.”

4.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Death,” “sorrow,” “crying,” “pain.”

5.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Hold fast.”

6.Write in full the verse containing these words, “No night there.”

7.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Just and true are Thy ways.”

ML 05/04/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 25.

IF BALAAM’S and Balak’s plans to stop the people of God from going on to their promised home by cursing them, failed, another scheme was more successful; the people were led into sin and idolatry. They made themselves one with the world about them, forgetting that God’s first work was to separate them from the ungodly. So judgment falls upon the people, for God deals first with those that are His, and afterwards, perhaps long afterwards, with the world. (1 Peter 4:17, 18) He commends the faithful Phinehas.

He is “not unrighteous to forget” work for Him (Hebrews 6:10), and the Lord Jesus in the last chapter of Revelation, speaking of His coming, says,

“My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Those who are Christ’s should seek to be faithful to Him, whatever be the present cost.

ML 05/04/1924

Answer to Prayer

ONE morning little Jane’s mama 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 mama 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.

“IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, WITH THANKSGIVING, LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD.” Phil. 4:6.

ML 05/04/1924

Eternity

PASSING the other day through a burial-ground in the country, an inscription on a head-stone struck my eye. The stone was by the side of the path, where everyone could see it; and it was placed there in memory of a youth who died at the age of 17 years. The inscription was—

“Reader, one moment,

Stop and think,

That I am in eternity,

And you are on the brink.”

A youth only 17 years of age in eternity! “And you are on the brink!” Yes, though you may be young, apparently healthy, full of life and spirits, you are on the brink of eternity. Where will you be in eternity?

Are you reconciled to God by the death of His Son? (Romans 5:10.)

ML 05/04/1924

Boat Riding

IN OUR picture we see a father with his two daughters. The girls must be tired, for they sit so quietly and comfortably.

Possibly they have been picnicking all day on the other side of the lake, and father has come to bring them home. He acts as though he is not just sure which course is best around these bushes; possibly he has not tried this way before, and does not know just where to go.

The father in our picture seems anxious as he sees the sun going down, and the day closing; but men and women, yes, even boys and girls today seem indifferent to God’s call, and to the fact that His day of mercy is soon to close. He has given His Son to be the light and Saviour of this world. Has He given light and life to your so soul? Remember our life here is uncertain—it may be your days are few: do not neglect God’s salvation for you. Put to yourself the question, “Whither bound?”

“BOAST NOT THYSELF OF TOMORROW, FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT A DAY MAY BRING FORTH.” Prov. 27:1

ML 05/11/1924

Holy Bible

Holy Bible, book divine,

Precious treasure, thou art mine.

Mine, to tell me whence I came,

Mine, to teach me what I am.

Mine, to warn me when I rove,

Mine, to show a Saviour’s love;

Mine, to guide my wand’ring feet.

Mine, to judge, condemn, acquit.

Mine, to comfort in distress,

If the Holy Spirit bless;

Mine, to show by living faith

How to triumph over death.

Mine, to tell of joys to come,

Of the rebel sinner’s doom;

O! thou precious book divine,

Priceless treasure, thou art mine.

ML 05/11/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 26.

ISRAEL’S journey is about over, and so God has them counted again, as they were about to take the inheritance He had planned for them.

The land was theirs— “Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names” (verse 53). Not one was to be forgotten, but the special place of the Levites is again told of; they were not counted or given an inheritance, —the Lord was to be their portion, as He says to them in chapter 18, verses 20, 21.

“Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel. And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.”

All those who were sheltered by the blood in Egypt, and who crossed the Red Sea as full-grown men and women, were now dead, except Caleb and Joshua, and Moses. Had they believed God, they would have lived to enter the land, but they entered not because of unbelief.

It will not do, dear reader, to believe something about God; you must believe God, or be lost eternally.

ML 05/11/1924

A Tale of Far off India

THE other day I was told a true story of three little girls in India, and perhaps the young readers of “Messages of Love” would like to hear it too. You know there are many thousands of people in India, who have never heard of God, and who worship horrible images of wood and stone, but there are a few who have learned to know “The only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.”

The father of the three little girls was one of these. His eyes had been opened to see his own sinfulness, and the wonderful salvation provided for him in the Lord Jesus.

When this man, whose name I do not know, became a Christian, he was not content to keep all the good things he had learned to himself. He wanted to tell his fellow countrymen the wonderful news, so he spent all his time going from village to village, preaching the gospel. Perhaps you are wondering how he got food for his family, when he spent all his time in this way Well, I think he trusted in God to supply his need, and he was never disappointed, for neither he nor his wife, nor the three girls, ever went hungry. But once there came a time when the money ran very short, and at last it was all spent; still there was meal in the big meal barrel, and the mother could make the cakes upon which they lived. The father was away in a distant village, and could not help them, and when, one evening, the very last of the meal was made up, the children looked grave, and said,

“What shall we have for breakfast?”

“I do not know,” their mother said, “for the meal is finished, and I have no money to buy more, but God is able to give us food, and we must trust in Him.”

So the little girls went to bed, quite sure that mother knew all about it, and that God would provide a breakfast. But when they jumped up the next morning, and ran to look in the barrel, it was still-empty, and their faces looked very sad, and one said,

“What shall we do for breakfast?” The second one said,

“Must we go hungry to school?” What do you think the third said?

“Let us ask God for something to eat.”

The poor mother had been crying in a corner, for she could not bear to see her children go hungry, but when she heard what her little daughter was saying, she came forward, and they all knelt down together, and told the Lord all about it, —how they were hungry and wanted some food, and that the meal barrel was empty, and no money to buy more. When they had finished their prayer, the little ones said,

“Let us look and see if God has filled the barrel.”

The mother smiled as the children ran into the next room, and lifted the lid of the barrel, but in a moment there was a joyful cry,

“It is full, it is full, God has sent us food.”

Perhaps you say, “This cannot be true. God does not work miracles now.”

Possibly not, but He can put it into the heart of a man to carry out His wishes. and no doubt someone brought the meal, and poured it into the barrel, but they never found out who it was.

“He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.” Psa. 147:9.

“The young lions seek their meat from God.” Psalms 104:21.

“The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat in due season.” Psa. 145:15.

“How much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke 12:24.

“God feeds the bears, and lions, too,

Provides for them what’s good;

He cares for dogs and pussy cats.

And gives the birds their food.

And when the baby lions cry,

And say they have no meat,

The Bible says, “God hears in heaven,

And gives them food to eat.”

ML 05/11/1924

I Just Want You

ONE evening, an elderly lady was talking with a young friend who had called to see her. Presently a sunny-haired little maiden of some ten years old came into the room, saying, “Are you here, grandma?”

“Yes, dear,” was the loving answer. “Do you want anything?”

“No,” replied the child, “I just want you.”

In another moment she was seated by her grandmother’s side, with the dear old lady’s arms put lovingly round her. This little girl loved her grandmother, and she knew her grandmother loved her, and that was why she wanted to be with her. It is always the case that we like to be with those we love.

There is One who loves us more than the most fond parent, and has shown His love by laying down His life for us. You all know, dear children, that I mean the Lord Jesus Christ, who is spoken of in John 10, as the Good Shepherd, where it says,

“The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” In Isaiah 53, we read,

“All we like sheep have gone astray.”

That is, we had turned our backs on God, and had no thought of Him. But He so loved us, that He gave His Son to die that we might be brought back to Him.

This is not all. His love is such that He wants those He has saved to be with Him forever, and so the Lord Jesus has promised to come, and take all His people to that bright home where He dwells.

Does this thought fill your hearts with joy? If we know something of His love to us, we cannot help loving Him; and loving Him, surely our greatest joy will be to be with Him forever.

Lord Jesus, Thou hast loved us,

And died our souls to save;

Victorious, Thou art risen—

Triumphant o’er the grave.

Soon wilt Thou come in glory

To call Thy children Home.

Our hearts, with joy responding,

Cry, “Lord and Saviour, Come.”

“Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Rev. 22:20.

ML 05/11/1924

Children's Mistakes

CHILDREN make many mistakes about Bible truth. They too often imagine that some great event must be the means of converting their souls to God, as well as of giving a direction to their future course in life.

They are prone to think that they must wait to be born again, until some particular time arrives, when they will find everything favors their conversion.

They are equally in danger of thinking that they have it in their own power to come to terms with God when they please, so that they need not trouble themselves about it now, that another day, when they are older, will do as well for them, as the day that is already throwing its shadows around them, in which to choose for themselves, whether to be “the children of God,” or continue the “children of the wicked one.” (1 John 3:10).

These mistakes are very dangerous. The Bible tells us “Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:15.)

May God not have to say to you,

“Because I have called, and ye refused;...I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me: for they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.” Prov. 1:24, 26, 28, 29.

ML 05/11/1924

I Belong to Jesus

I BELONG to Jesus—

‘Twas a happy day

When His blood, most precious,

Washed my sins away;

When His Holy Spirit

Changed my heart of stone,

Set His mark upon me,

Sealed me for His own.

I belong to Jesus—

Therefore I can sing,

For I’m safe and happy

Underneath His wing;

But so many round me

Are all dark and cold,

I must try to bring them

Into Jesus’ fold.

I belong to Jesus—

Soon He will be here;

If I love and trust Him,

What have I to fear?

Round about Him gathered

Will His people be:

And I’m sure that Jesus

Will remember me.

ML 05/11/1924

Saved

I WAS reading the other day of a little boy who had fallen into the water, and was in great danger of drowning. Several strong men had been doing their best to save him, but without avail. Presently along hobbled a poor crippled boy who instantly went into the water, and succeeded in bringing him to land.

As I read this, it brought to my mind much of what is to be found in the Bible. For instance, that boy struggling in the water, reminded me of unsaved sinners, doing their best to save themselves. God tells us that all have sinned, and therefore are lost, and without the power to help themselves as it is written, “without strength.” Then the men who were trying to save him, are like many today who tell lost sinners, both young as well as old, to do the best they can, and struggle on in the hope of being saved at the end. But just as that boy would probably have been drowned if he had been left to the efforts of these men; so if those who fail to point sinners simply to Jesus are listened to, it will prove eternal loss to those who take their advice.

But, just at the right moment, when the boy’s efforts had failed, as also those of the men, there came along one who knew just what to do, and how to do. So, my dear young friends, when there was no hope for those who had sinned against God, Jesus came to save by His atoning death those who trust in Him.

Don’t wait any longer, for He stands with loving, outstretched arms to receive you. Trust in Him, and be eternally saved. Then with joy you can say:

“UNTO HIM THAT LOVED US, AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD, — TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.” REV. 1:5, 6.

ML 05/18/1924

Bible Lessons.

Numbers 25.

IF you have a map of Palestine you can find the place where the children of Israel now were. They had come near the Dead Sea, and were encamped in the level place noted for its acacia trees, not far from the Jordan River. But a short distance separated the people from the promised land; their forty-year journey was almost ended.

Yet they were not safe from Satan’s attacks, and the wicked prophet Balaam suggested a plan to Balak that drew the people away from God in sin upon sin. Was it self confidence that brought this on them? Were they, being now sure of having the home-land God had promised them (for they must have seen its hills beyond the river) grown careless about ways that were pleasing to God?

The first wrong step was in an evil association with the wicked people of the country; and the second was adopting their false gods. Of course they went from bad to worse, even joining these enemies of God in everything, and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel. The world may go on to a certain extent as it chooses, but when the children of God turn away from Him, He will not leave them without a dealing of some kind to bring them back.

So all that had joined in fully with the unconverted world, adopting its ways, that sooner or later must bring on the judgment of God, were now to be put to death. One of the leaders of Israel, Zimri, son of a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites, sets an example worse than the rest; and a priest, Phinehas by name, jealous for God’s honor, kills him and the Midianite woman with him, but 24,000 died under a plague God had sent into the camp.

The great lesson of this chapter for the Christian is to be true to God, and not make friends with the world, for “the friendship of the world is enmity with God.” (James 4:4).

ML 05/18/1924

The Famished Lamb.

WALKING through my field on a winter’s morning I met with a lamb, as I thought, dead; but, taking it up, I found it just alive; the cruel mother had allowed it to become chilled almost to death. I put it in my bosom and brought it to my house; there I rubbed its cold limbs, warmed it by the fireside, and fed it with nice warm milk. Soon after the little lamb revived; at first it was afraid of me, but afterwards it thoroughly loved me. As I fed it with my own hand, it followed me wherever I went, bleating after me whenever it saw me, and it was always happy when it could frisk around me, but it was never so pleased as when I could carry it in my arms.

But you, dear children, have had more from your parents than ever my lamb received from me; what ungrateful hearts yours must be if you do not love your parents many, many times better than ever my lamb loved me.

Let me remind you now of a still better story. Jesus is the GOOD Shepherd —the Shepherd of souls; and of Him it is said,

“He carries the lambs in His bosom.”

It cost me but little to save that Lamb from death, but the GOOD Shepherd gave His life to save sinners like you and me.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way.”

How hard the heart must be that does not love a Shepherd like that! And yet there may be boys and girls who read this story and have never realized that they are like lost sheep, unable to find their way to heaven, exposed to all the power of the great enemy of their souls—Satan, —who, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. You need not be lost any longer, for,

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.”

You may now know that for such as you, this GOOD SHEPHERD gave His life.

“I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.” John 10:14.

ML 05/18/1924

Queenie's Confession

I DO not believe that any of you can guess the name of the little girl about whom I am going to tell you today. She was born on the 24th of May, which is always kept as a holiday in Canada, in remembrance of the good Queen Victoria, who reigned for sixty years in England. Now it is called “Victoria Day”, but for so many years everybody spoke of it as “The Queen’s Birthday”, that it constantly goes by that name still. As I said, my little friend was born on that day, and her father and mother gave her the name of “Queen Victoria.”

The first day I saw her, she was sitting on the doorstep of her home with her mother and sister, enjoying the sunshine, for it was late in the autumn. I crossed the road, and spoke to the mother, telling her I had begun a little Bible class in a house nearby, and asked her to allow her children to come to it. She said she would like for them to come very much. Then I turned to the little girls, and asked their names.

“Emilie” replied one; and the other said,

“Queenie.”

“But is that your real name?” I asked, and she said shyly,

“My whole name is Queen Victoria Graham.”

After that, both Queenie and Emilie and a younger sister Muriel, never missed coming to the little meeting, and after a time, I rented a room in their house, and had it there. Queenie was always attentive, and interested, and was a great help with the little ones, especially on cold days when they had to be “unbundled,” and bundled up again. Several times I tried to have a personal talk with her, but never succeeded in getting her to tell me whether she had received the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. When she was fifteen, she went to work in a candy factory, and I did not see her any more.

About a year after she had left my class, I received a letter, being away from home at the time, telling me that Queenie had died very suddenly. I was much distressed, and how I wished I had made a greater effort to bring her to decide for Christ. As soon as I came home, I went to see her mother. She was in great sorrow, and told me, through her tears, of Queenie’s short illness, and how unexpected her death’ had been. She had had a bad fall three weeks before, but made light of it, and no one guessed that it was so serious.

“She was ill for only three days,” said the poor mother, “and I never once thought she was going to die.”

“Then she did not know either?” I said.

“No, she did not know,” was the reply, “and though she was so ill, she was trying all the time not to give trouble. She was such a good girl, and such a comfort to me. She never went out in the evenings, but stayed and helped me with the little ones, and I miss her so.”

Then she added, “She loved her Bible so much; she was always reading it when she could get a minute. Half the time she went to work without any breakfast. She had to start so early, and she would say, ‘I must read a few verses before I go off, and there is not time for both.’ “just as I was preparing to say goodbye, Mrs. Graham said, in a hesitating manner,

“Would you like to see Queenie’s Bible? There is something written in it.”

I eagerly assented, and she brought me the little well-worn Book, and turned to the end. There I saw written in irregular girlish writing,

“Saved forever. October 1916.” “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanseth from all sin.” “Now I know that I am saved.”

I was deeply touched, and so thankful, to have been permitted to see such a confession of faith. How little she thought that in little over a year she would be called home. But in that short time, she was able to bring forth fruit for God. She proved what Job had said, so many hundreds of years before, to be true,

“I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12.

Perhaps some girl of Queenie’s age may read this true story, and if so, I would like to ask you, if you were taken away suddenly, without any time to prepare to meet God, would it be well with you, as it was with her? She had no one in her home to help or encourage her in her desire after the things of God, but in, her Sunday-school and her Bible class, she heard the good news of what Jesus had done for her, and gladly accepted it, and by her works she showed her faith.

“She got up early,” her sister who slept with her said, “but she had her Bible open on the table, and every minute she would stop in her dressing, to read a few verses, and so she had no time to eat her breakfast.”

“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.

ML 05/18/1924

The Love of Jesus!

Jesus came down

From heaven on high;

Leaving His crown,

To bleed and die!

For sinners such

As you and me—

He did so much

To set us free.

He loved us so

He left His home;

All this you know—

As has been shown.

And now He lives

In heaven above,

And still forgives,

And shows His love.

All this is true—

So says His Word—

He’ll pardon you,—

Come to the Lord.

Come now to Him

And be forgiven,

And leave your sin;

And go to heaven.

Each one of us

Who love the Lord

Should always trust

His Holy Word!

ML 05/18/1924

Watchfulness

WHAT an interesting picture we have before us! Did you ever have a dog? It is touching many times to see how devoted a dog is to his master. See how this dog is looking and watching for the return of his master, the shepherd. One dog is tired, and not as faithful as the other; he has lain down for a rest.

Do you see the shepherd’s hat with his Bible on top of it? He must surely be a Christian; at least we are glad that he cares to have God’s Word with him, as he is left alone up there in the mountains, away from all people, with his sheep and dogs. God has preserved His blessed Book to us for hundreds and hundreds of years; it has passed through many dangers. Wicked people have tried many times, in years gone by, to destroy all copies of it, but God never permitted them to succeed in their evil efforts. How thankful we ought to be to Him for this wonderful Book, the Bible! David, the Psalmist, says,

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:105.

Surely, every saved person can say the same. There is no other book that can be a daily guide to us as this book can: God wants us to make it such—a daily guide. Remember as you read it, dear children, that it is God talking to you through His inspired writers.

May we take a lesson, too, from the faithfulness of the dog that is watching so eagerly for his master,

Our Master is gone, our blessed Lord, and how pleasing to Him if we who are saved, are eagerly watching for His return! Too many of us are like the dog that has grown tired watching, and is resting and thinking only of his own ease. Jesus says to us,

“BLESSED ARE THOSE SERVANTS, WHOM THE LORD WHEN HE COMETH SHALL FIND WATCHING.” Luke 12:37.

ML 05/25/1924

Bible Lessons.

Numbers 26.

THE wilderness was almost past, and the promised land was just over the flowing stream before the thousands of Israelites, but warfare was not over; there were to be battles in the land, for it was full of enemies who would dispute every forward move. Therefore, after the plague, after the discipline of God upon the people, God called upon Moses and Eleazar for a counting up of the men able to fight in the coming wars.

Across the river a few miles, stood the strongly walled city of Jericho, but by God’s power the children of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, and, depending on Him, the new possession would be conquered step by step.

As in other cases, the meaning of the names is of great interest; a few will be given. The first son of Reuben, heading the list in verse 5, Hanoch, means “dedicated”—a good beginning, if it meant devoted to God. In verse 12, Nemuel means “God is spreading,” and in verse 48 Jahzeel means “God apportions”—a good ending.

To the fighters, the warriors for God, the land was to be awarded, according to their number. There is no getting possession practically of the Christian’s heavenly character without conflict with Satan, who does not want God’s people to be at rest in God’s presence. Too many are quite satisfied to make no progress in the knowledge of God, if only they are safe for eternity.

The Levites are mentioned last; privileged beyond the rest they had no portion in the land, —God was their portion.

All those who had been counted in the wilderness of Sinai nearly forty years before, were now dead, —the result of unbelief—except Caleb and Joshua, the two men of faith.

O, my reader, beware lest God cut you off in unbelief too!

ML 05/25/1924

A Good Old Love Story

AFTER I had been in bed for weeks in a hospital, the nurse inquired of me one Lord’s Day morning, if I would like to get up for a while, so as to be ready to see my friends when they came to see me, as it was visiting day. I was glad to do so.

In the bed next to mine lay a poor Jew, a most ungodly man. He said there was nothing beyond this life for him, and when he died he would be buried like a dog. He knew well he was dying of consumption, and yet he only used the name of God in oaths and curses.

Upon seeing me dressed, he said, “No. 16, will you go to the bookcase and get me a book?” I asked him, “What kind of a book would you like?” His answer was, “A good old love story—a jolly old love tale.”

Going to the bookcase, I looked to the Lord for guidance as to what book to take to the poor fellow. When I opened it, John 3:16 came to my mind. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

I got a Bible, and opening it at John 3:16, I gave it to the man, fully expecting to have it thrown at my head. I knew the kind of a man he was, for I had spoken to him of the Word of Life before.

Taking the book he read the verse, and seemed speechless, and stared at me. At length he said, “You are a fair knockout!” I do not think I shall ever forget his look as he said it. I told him that was “the truest love story” that had ever been written or ever would be! He seemed greatly upset, and I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit was deeply convicting him of sin.

For three weeks I was not well enough to be out of bed again. The Jew continued all this time to read the Word of God when he was awake. Often when he fell asleep, the Bible would be lying open upon his chest, or be still held in his hands. The nurse would sometimes remove it while he was sleeping, but as soon as he awoke, he immediately wanted the Book.

Then followed my removal to convalescent hospital. After returning I went into Ward F. to see the doctor. I hoped also to see the Russian Jew. I found the bed he had lain in occupied by another patient. Several weeks elapsed before I had the opportunity of seeing the nurse who had cared for the Jew. She was with him when he was dying. She said that it was one of the happiest deaths she had ever seen; he had passed away rejoicing in the One whose Name, at one time, he never heard mentioned without swearing at it. Was not this another “brand plucked out of the fire?”

ML 05/25/1924

A Little Child Saved

WHILE preaching in a town, I was much struck with the earnest attention of a little girl about ten years old, and when the address was over I made my way to her to try and find out if she was at peace with God; in the knowledge that her sins were forgiven. I asked,

“Do you know the Lord Jesus?”

She looked up with a bright smile and answered, “Yes; at least I know that Jesus died for me.”

“It is very blessed to know that,” said I; “but how can you be so very sure that the Son of God came down into the world and died on the cross for a little child like you?”

“God says He died for sinners, and I am, a great sinner,” she said, very solemnly.

“Yes, dear child, it is written in His blessed word,

‘God commendeth His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us’; and again,

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

He has shown you what a sinner. you are, and now you see that you must believe what God has said. So your sins are all forgiven?”

For a moment there was no answer, and the tears filled her eyes. At last she said;

“I am afraid not.”

“What!” I said, “can it be possible that you know that Jesus has died for you, and yet do not know that you are forgiven?”

She looked up with an expression of deep anxiety, as though she would find out what I meant, for, like many, she had truly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, but she did not know what His work had done for her. She had been attracted to Jesus; her heart had opened to His love, like the dear woman in Luke 7, but she had yet to hear Him say, “Thy sins are forgiven; thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”

So I asked, “Why did the Lord Jesus die for you?”

“To save me,” was her prompt reply. “But why must He have died to save you?”

She thought a moment, and then said very solemnly, “Because He bore my sins on the cross.”

“Where were your sins, then, when Jesus hung on the cross?”

“On Him.”

“Yes,” I said, “for ‘the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’ And where are they now?”

She had almost said. “On Him still,” but checked herself, and was silent.

“Think of where He is now,” I said. She answered at once, “He has risen and gone into heaven.”

“Where, then, are your sins?”

“They are gone,” was the dear child’s happy answer.

Her difficulty was over now. She saw that He who was delivered for her offences had been raised again for her justification; and, being justified by faith, she had peace through Him.

“Yes,” I replied, “as God says again, ‘When He had by Himself purged our sins, He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.’” Heb. 1:3.

After a little further talk with her, she was called away. On reaching her home, she ran to her mother, a dear Christian woman, then unable to leave the house, and threw her arms around her neck, saying,

“I shall go to be with Jesus too, mama.” She was startled, and wanted to know what it all meant.

“My sins are all gone. Jesus, who bore them on the cross, is now at the right hand of God, and, don’t you see, mama, they could not be on Him there.”

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30.

Years have passed since then, and the risen Christ at the right hand of God has been the ground of a peace that never could be disturbed.

ML 05/25/1924

God Sees

EMMA GRAY, on her way to school, passed a little boy whose hand was through the railing of a front garden, trying to pick a flower.

“O, little boy,” said Emma kindly, “are you not taking that without permission?”

“Nobody sees me,” answered the little boy.

“Somebody sees you from the blue sky,” answered Emma. “God says we must not take that which does not belong to us without leave, and you will grieve Him if you do.”

“Shall I?” he asked. “Then I won’t,” and so saying he drew back his hand and went away.

“Thou God seest me.” Gen. 16:13.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Prov. 15:3.

ML 05/25/1924

He Died for Me

“The Son of God, Who Loved Me, and Gave Himself for Me.” Gal. 2:20.

The highest height,

‘Mid heaven of light,

My Saviour left for me;

The kingly robe,

In His loved abode,

He laid aside for me.

From the angel’s song,

And the blessed throng

Of heaven He came for me;

From a street of gold

To a world so cold

My Saviour came for me.

They knew Him not,

So poor His lot—

So poor He was for me;

No friends, no home,

Despised, alone,

He suffered thus for me.

And the armed bands,

With cruel hands,

Led Jesus to the tree;

And the crimson flood

Of a Saviour’s blood

Flowed from His veins for me.

But soon He arose

From the dread repose

Of the death He died for me;

And at heaven’s bright gate,

Where the ransomed wait,

A welcome He’ll give to me.

ML 05/25/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for April

1.“Even as Sodom and,” etc. Jude 7.

2.“Dearly beloved, I,” etc. 1 Peter 2:11.

3.“But the day of the,” etc. 2 Peter 3:10.

4.“Ye adulterers and,” etc. James 4:4.

5.“If there come any unto,” etc. 2 John 10.

6.“My little children,” etc. 1 John 2:1.

7.“And as it is appointed,” etc. Heb. 9:27.

Bible Questions for April

The Answers are to be found in Matthew.

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The unprofitable servant.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Much better than they.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Seventy times seven.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “And ye would not.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Him only shalt thou serve.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “From the top to the bottom.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Answered and said.”

ML 06/01/1924

Bible Lessons.

Numbers 27.

THE five daughters of Zelophehad, bold in faith, asked for a possession in the land, and God commended them. He loves to see faith in His people, and always honors it.

In verse 12 we begin the last chapter of Moses’ long life. He had been told before that he should not enter the land because of his one disobedience, the record of which is in chapter twenty, (see verse 12), but he was to look from a mountain into the possession of the people he had led there. The leaders God raises up for His people must be faithful to Him, must “sanctify” Him “before their eyes,” or they will be set aside by Him.

Moses, submitting as far as we are told by the Divine Penman, without a murmur, though it must have been a deep sorrow to him, only asks for someone to be appointed to lead the people—God’s congregation, or assembly, —that they “be not as sheep which have no shepherd.” Joshua, “a man in whom is the Spirit,” the young man of whom we first read in Exodus 17:9-14, is to be the new leader. His name means “God saves;” it is the same name, in a different language, as “Jesus,” the name given to our blessed Lord when He became man.

“And Moses did as the Lord commanded him” (verse 22). It was not a question with him of pleasing himself; God came first in his plans and in his heart, even though there were disappointments and griefs in the way, for we may be sure that Moses’ deepest joys were in serving that God who had watched over him from his birth in the land of Egypt.

Is this your God, my reader, and do you, like Moses, love and seek to serve Him? Be assured that if this be true, the rewards will be as real as Moses found them.

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.” Heb. 11:24-26.

ML 06/01/1924

Christ, the Door

MAMMA,” said Charles to his mother after she had been reading to him the tenth chapter of John, “I do not understand a part of what you have been reading.”

“What is it, my child, you do not understand?”

“It is, mama, where Jesus says, ‘I am the door.’ How could Jesus be a door? He was a man when He spoke these words, was He not?”

“Listen, my son, and I will try to explain it to you, so that you may understand it. A great part of the Bible is written in figurative language; that is, it likens the truth it teaches to some well-known object. Thus, in the first Psalm, the ungodly are likened to the chaff which the wind drives away, because the chaff is of no value. And in the 13th chapter of Luke, 32rd verse, Jesus calls King Herod a fox, because he was, in nature, like that animal. And in many places Jesus speaks of Himself in this kind of language, as in the chapter I have now read, where He calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Now, my child, you know Jesus was not a shepherd, but a carpenter, and, therefore He did not mean that He took care of sheep, but that He was like one who did, because He takes care of those who love and serve Him. I pray that you may be one of His lambs too, my boy.”

“But how is He a door, mamma?”

“In this manner, my child; He is the door to heaven. You wish to go there, do you not?”

“Yes, mamma.”

“Then you can only go through Him. The same as to get into this room, you must come in through the door, for He says,

“By Me, if any man enter in he shall be saved.”

Some people think they can get into heaven without Jesus, by doing good works and living good lives. But they are wrong; this will not do; Jesus is THE way, the only Saviour, and you must believe on Him and love Him. And have you not cause to love Him? Did He not leave His bright home above, where He was worshiped by angels, and come down and be born as a little babe, and live a life of sorrow, and at last be put to a cruel death, that we might have our sins forgiven, and be made fit to live with Him forever in heaven? For you know, Charles, God is a holy God, and He could never have sin in His presence, therefore we sinners deserve to be punished; but Jesus has borne the punishment for all who put their trust in Him for salvation. And this is how He is the door.”

“But how must I enter this door, mamma?”

“If you believe in your heart that you are a sinner, as God says you are, and believe that Jesus suffered and died in your place, then you may know you are His lamb. This is how you may enter in.”

ML 06/01/1924

"This Might Be My Last Chance."

I WAS brought up in a Christian home, and was often spoken to by my father about my soul. Alas, I was bent on having my own way, so I went in for all kinds of so-called pleasure. When I was old enough I went to work, but in a strange city. It was so arranged that I went to board with Christians. After being a year or so there I left my situation and went home. My mother’s first words were,

“Well, Willie, I hope you have come home to get saved.”

Nothing seemed to satisfy me, as I was troubled about my soul. I felt very miserable. Special meetings were being held, and my mother asked me to go next evening. That night the preacher, gave a very searching address. After the meeting was over, a friend spoke to me, and read various portions of God’s Word. But although really troubled and anxious, I could not grasp God’s way of salvation. While on the way home the thought came to me,

“This might be my last chance, and if I die tonight I will be lost forever.” I said to myself, “If it is possible to be saved, I will be saved this very night.” Walking slowly along, the hymn came to me:

“Jesus, I will trust Thee,

Trust Thee with my soul;

Guilty, lost, and helpless,

Thou canst make me whole.”

I stood still and repeated these words, sent as a message from God to me, and then said,

“Yes, I am a guilty, lost, helpless sinner, on my way to hell.” But immediately I added,

“Lord, Thou canst make me whole.”

Thus while standing alone that dark night, I received the Lord Jesus Christ as my own personal Saviour, believing, as the Word says, “Christ died for the ungodly,” therefore He died for me.

I was so happy that I had to tell my fellow-work-men what the Lord had done for me. Since then I have had the joy of telling out the grand old story of Jesus and His love in various parts of the world. I am indeed thankful to God for saving me, and I gladly pass on to others how God in mercy plucked me as a brand from the burning. Dear child, is your soul saved? What God has done for me He wants to do for you.

“Prepare to meet thy God.”

“Flee from the wrath to come.”

Jesus said,

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

ML 06/01/1924

Wonders in Nature

HOW cool and refreshing the water looks as it is splashing over the rocks—can you imagine the great noise it is making—it comes roaring down this canyon from the mountains with tremendous force! Think of the years and years the water has been running down this valley, cutting it deeper and deeper all the time. We cannot number the years that these trees have been standing: some have rotted off with age, others have been torn out by the roots with the water.

God’s work in creation is something wonderful, dear children. You know He made the world before He made the first man, Adam. How grand His work has been in forming the mountains, hills, trees, immense rocks and waterfalls. People are but tiny, insignificant things by the side of these wonders in nature. What a God is ours!

Do you own Him as your God, as your Creator? He has given us all these beautiful things to enjoy, but none of these can give us rest in our hearts and souls. If you could travel the world over, dear one, and see all the majestic things that God has made, you would then come home with an unsatisfied feeling, unless you knew God in a nearer and dearer way than just as your Creator. Do you understand? You must know Him as your Saviour-God; must accept His most wonderful gift—His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as your personal Saviour, or you will not, you cannot be happy.

“Were the vast world our own,

With all its varied store,

And Thou, Lord Jesus, wert unknown,

We still were poor.”

“HAPPY IS THAT PEOPLE WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD.” Psa. 144:15.

ML 06/01/1924

Love Amazing

Jesus has to earth descended,

Here to suffer, bleed and die;

Jesus sinners has befriended,

Sinners such as you and I;

Love amazing!

Let the joyful tidings fly.

Soon again He’ll come from heaven,

And the morning draweth nigh,

When He’ll take His saints to glory,

And among them you and I,

If to Jesus,

We, through grace, have been brought nigh.

Yes, believing on the Saviour,

We shall meet Him in the sky;

Sinners saved shall crowd around Him,

Sinners such as you and I;

Come, ye children,

To the cross for refuge fly.

ML 06/01/1924

Kindness

I WONDER who owns these animals we see in our picture? It must be some very kind man for they seem to be eagerly waiting in a group for him. We cannot see the man, but he may be behind the horse hitching it to the buggy.

The big dog is holding the whip in his mouth, so his master is surely about ready to start on a drive. How interesting it is to see the dogs so anxious to be with their owner; they would not care to be near him if he were unkind to them.

We read in the Scriptures,

“A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.” Prov. 12:10.

How can a Christian man or woman, boy or girl, be unkind to any person, or any of God’s creatures, when they realize each day how much God is doing for them? Do we think enough about the Lord’s goodness to us? We know Jesus loves us so much, and has shown such grace to us in forgiving us our sins; can we not show a little more of this love and kindness to others! It may be difficult to love one who is contrary and disagreeable to us, but we must remember that Jesus loved us and died for us when we were “dead in trespasses and sins,” and were enemies to Him.

Let us think often of Jesus, and of what He is doing for us right now as He is at God’s right hand in heaven.

“O, THAT MEN WOULD PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNESS, AND FOR HIS WONDERFUL WORKS TO THE CHILDREN OF MEN!” Psa. 107:8.

ML 06/08/1924

Bible Lessons.

Numbers 28.

LOOKING onward now, into a new order of things, with the passing away of Moses, and the appointment of a new leader, about to enter the promised land which was to be the home of this people of God’s choosing, the people to be no longer on the move, but settled as a nation in their land, the offerings and sacrifices are again spread out.

In verse 3 begins the account of the general offering, telling of the spotless Lamb of God, day by day continually, and both in the morning and in the evening. God would have His people constantly occupied with Jesus; both His death on the cross, and His life as a man, are expressed in verses four and five. On the sabbath day the offerings were doubled; this tells of the millennium when the testimony will be wide spread and fuller than before.

Verse 11; A changing people forgetful of God, and wandering far from Him, need a new start, a restoration of the light which had gradually left them, so with the new moon comes a new energy of devotion to God, greater because of the neglect and departure; this will also be true in the day when Israel shall turn to God after their centuries of unbelief.

Verse 16; This begins the special feasts. Here the atoning death and resurrection of Christ are shown.

Verse 26 brings in Pentecost, the birthday of the Church or assembly of God, the whole body of believers in the Lord Jesus, who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Here our chapter ends. All Scripture is one; the same God is responsible for the whole book, the whole Bible, from first to last, though it shows man just, as he is. This book tells of Jesus, the delight of His Father and the Saviour of sinners. Before Him every knee shall bow!

The Lord shall come again!

The Conqueror must reign!

No tongue but shall confess Him then,

The Lamb one slain:

Jesus is worthy now

All homage to receive;

O! children, to the Saviour bow,

The truth believe!

ML 06/08/1924

Perhaps Today

A GENTLEMAN whom I know has a strange thing hanging on his dining-room wall. It is not a picture, it is not a text it is not a calendar.

What do you think it can be?

It is a large card with a nice frame to it. On the card these two words are printed: “PERHAPS TODAY.”

Why does the gentleman have these two words hung up on the wall of his dining-room? What do they mean?

I will tell you. That gentleman loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and he has read in his Bible that one day He will come again. It may be any day. The gentleman will not be a bit afraid when Jesus comes. He knows that all his sins are washed away by His precious blood, and he longs to see the face of the Saviour who has done so much for him. So he put the card with the two words on his dining-room wall. When he comes down to breakfast each morning he sees “PERHAPS TODAY” in front of him. He remembers that Jesus has promised to come again, and that perhaps He may come before another day is passed, with all its cares. We do not know when the Lord will come. Perhaps it will be today. Shall you be glad when He comes? Or are you still unsaved, and not ready to meet Him? Perhaps your loved ones are ready. Are you?

A dear old servant of God, now in heaven, used to say whenever he went to bed at night,

“Perhaps He will come before the morning.” In the morning when he got up to dress, he used to say,

“Perhaps He will come before evening.” He was looking out for the Saviour. Are you?

A little girl, eleven years of age, said to her mother: “Mother, as I came up the lane just now, I saw the clouds moving very swiftly along the sky. So I stood still and looked up, for I thought that if the Lord Jesus was coming, how I should like to be the very first to see Him!”

Perhaps you can’t understand this at all. It would frighten you, instead of making you happy, if you thought that the Lord would come today. Ah! you need to know Him as your own Saviour, and to be washed from your sins in His precious blood, before you can look forward with joy to His coming again.

Will you learn a verse from the Bible about Jesus coming again? Here it is:

“For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb. 10:37. Look for it in your Bible. See if you can sing this verse of a hymn:

“Jesus is coming! sing the glad word!

Coming for those He redeemed by His blood;

Coming to reign as the glorified Lord, Jesus is coming again!”

If you are not ready, even now “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” as your own personal Saviour, and you will know the joy of sins forgiven, become a child of God, and have implanted in your heart a desire to say “Even so, Come, Lord Jesus.”

ML 06/08/1924

Maggie's Plum

LITTLE Maggie brought a large bag of fruit to our door one day. As I took the heavy bag from her, I opened it, and held out to the child one of the beautiful ripe plums. Instead of an eager hand stretched out to take it, Maggie raised to my face a pair of honest, wondering brown eyes. She wondered if the plum, was meant for her, but her young mind was soon set at rest on this point.

As the child trotted off with her plum, happy and content, I thought, How like little Maggie are many boys and girls. God is offering them a priceless gift, and they hesitate to take it. They do not seem to understand that God’s gift is meant for them.

Who amongst all our young readers can tell what is God’s gift? Ah! He has thought out a wonderful plan. He gave His only, His well-beloved Son, to die on the cross. The Lord Jesus Christ took the place there of every boy and girl who puts their trust in Him.

He endured the punishment due to his or her sins. He bore all God’s holy wrath against sin, and now God offers a full and free salvation to everyone who will accept it. That gift is for you, dear child.

Can you give one verse from the Bible that tells of God’s gift? I fancy I can hear many of you answer, “John 3:10.” Yes, that is one, and you will find yourself included in that big word “who-so-ever.”

Let me ask each reader of this paper a plain question. Have you accepted God’s gift? Do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour? If you do, you will be far happier than little Maggie with her plum, for yours will be a happiness which will last forever.

Some children seem indifferent to God’s offer of salvation. Some, like Maggie, hesitate to accept it. Dear child, if you belong to either of these two classes, beware how you stay there. You can read in the same chapter of John’s Gospel, in the verse 18, what an awful portion is yours: “Condemned already.” Think over these words. Do not delay, dear children, to accept, each one for yourself, God’s gift, Who will make you secure and happy for all eternity.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

ML 06/08/1924

Two Lessons of Trust

A FEW years ago a gentleman spent a few days with two ladies in the country. They had just finished breakfast, when the younger lady crumbled some bread into a saucer, saying she expected a visitor who came every morning.

The gentleman was wondering who it could be, when she said, “Hush, I hear him.” She went to the window, and on its being opened in hopped a beautiful little bird, and began to pick the crumbs, not only from the saucer, but from her hand. He did not seem to have the least fear, but hopped about, sat on her head, her hand, her shoulder, and every now and then lifted up his bright eyes to the lady’s face, and chirped merrily. When he had finished his meal he gave one loud chirp, and flew away into the wood nearby.

There are some pretty walks in the neighborhood, and the friends invited the gentleman to go with them. The lady took some crumbs with her, and scattering them on the ground, began to call, “Dickie, Dickie.” As soon as his friend called there was a rustle in the bushes, when down came Dickie, and began to eat the crumbs at her feet. The friend thought it was only for the crumbs that Dickie loves for which he came.

“Well, we shall see which he loves best, the gift or the giver,” said the lady.

She walked on and called, “Dickie, Dickie,” holding out her hand. Instantly the faithful little bird hopped down, and settled on her hand.

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

What do we learn from this incident? Surely that we have a Friend who loves us so warmly, who died for us that we might be saved and spend an eternity with Him in the glory land. As the little bird put confidence in the lady, came to her, trusted her, was fed by her, so may each little boy and girl put confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ, come to Him, trust Him, and be saved and cared for by Him.

There is also a lesson for young believers to trust Him more fully, and enjoy His companionship day by day. May this be the happy portion of all.

“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust.” Psa. 40:4.

ML 06/08/1924

God so Loved

God so loved the world of sinners,

That His only Son He gave,

Through His blood to give remission,

By His death our souls to save.

How amazing God’s compassion,

That so vile a worm should prove

This stupendous bliss of heaven;

This unmeasured wealth of love.

Jesus, Saviour, I adore Thee,

Now Thy love I would proclaim,

I would tell the blessed story,

I would magnify Thy name.

Soon Thy saints shall rise to meet Thee,

With Thee in Thy Kingdom reign,

Thine the praise, and Thine the glory,

Lamb of God for sinners slain.

ML 06/08/1924

Blind

IF you look closely at this picture you will see that the boy sitting down is well and happy; while the other one is blind and sad. One came with a crowd of merry people to picnic on the beach. The other came to beg.

Let us think about this poor little blind boy. He cannot see any of the beautiful things God has given us. He does not see the sky, or the little birds flying over his head. He does not see the water dotted here and there with a sailing vessel. Neither does he see the little boy sitting near him; but he heard the child speak, and is asking him for something.

Do you see the printed card on his coat with the word “Blind” on it? This is to let people know that he is in need of help. He has been playing on the fiddle, which you see in his hand. The little dog near him has been taught to beg, too. See how well he sits up i on his hind legs.

I think this is a poor boy. His father may be dead, and this is the only way he can make a living.

When Jesus was on this earth, more than nineteen hundred years ago, He made the blind to see. No one else could do that. So this poor boy may have to go all through life blind; but if he believes on the Lord Jesus, he can look forward to the time when he will be in the glory where those eyes will look upon One who loved him and gave Himself for him; he will be happy then.

“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; FOR THE FORMER THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY.” Rev. 21:4.

ML 06/15/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 29.

IN the 23rd chapter of Leviticus we were given a picture of the coming thousand years of enjoyment of God’s blessing on earth, commonly called the millennium, and here is another, but as always in the Scriptures, there is no mere telling again what has once been told, but new light is given.

There are three parts to this story just as in Leviticus 23. First, the sounding of the trumpets calling Israel to be gathered before God. Second, the day of atonement (verses 7 to 11); and third, the feast of tabernacles (beginning at verse 12). For each one, you will find the expression, “Ye shall do no servile work;” or “Ye shall not do any work therein,” and in the third part it is repeated (verses 12 and 35).

Many today are counting on their works to help them to meet God about their sins, but the Bible says,

“To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Rom. 4:5.

The next thing we may notice is that this chapter is all about offerings to God. As we have before seen, these offerings speak of Jesus, God’s Lamb; His precious blood was shed for sins; “by Him all that believe are justified from all things” (Acts 13:39). Continuous shedding of blood these picture-stories have to include, so that our eyes will be opened to see that “without shedding of blood is no remission” of sin (Hebrews 9:22; 10:8-22).

Then we should notice that these offerings which were advance pictures of Jesus, the Christ of God, in His devotedness, and the worth that belonged to Him alone, the God-Man, both in His spotless life, and in His death as a substitute for the believing sinner, of them, God says here no less than five times, “a burnt offering of a sweet savor” unto Him. Reader, nothing can please God, that you and I can do, that does not tell Him of His beloved Son in connection with His death on Calvary’s cross. Have you claimed Him as your own personal Saviour?

This chapter, being then an account of the millennium, shows us first the people of Israel, called back to God in that coming day when He will take them in hand again for blessing. We are then shown that they condemn themselves, they “afflict their souls” (verse 7), because of their sins, and they see at last that the Man they rejected was in truth their Messiah, their Saviour, their King.

Next, (verse 12) the people are gathered in full heart to God; it is not perfection (13 bullocks, not 14, which would have expressed full devotedness to God), but the high tide of the millennium. Yet there is even here decline; the millennium will have sinners in it, and even the earthly saints will not be all that they should be for God. This is pictured in the declining number of the young bullocks.

ML 06/15/1924

The Hall of Medicine

IN the great city of Canton, in China, are many idol temples, and I would like to tell you about one of them.

It is called “The Hall of Medicine,” and it is entirely for the use of mothers and children. It is one good sized room connected with another large temple. There is some very beautiful carving in it, but that was not what attracted my attention, when I paid it a visit some years ago. All round the room is a broad shelf, and on the shelf are idols, each one perhaps two feet high. No two are alike, and each one is equally ugly, and repulsive. Now these idols are intended for the use of the children, —one for every year. If a mother wishes her child of two years old to worship, she draws out the second idol, and it is stood upon a square block of wood. Then the little child is taught to bow down to this image of wood covered with gold, and richly dressed. It has to knock its little forehead three times on the ground, and then the mother puts some sticks of incense in a small vase in front of the idol, and sets fire to them, and helps the little one to present food or flowers to it. Now she feels she has done all she can to preserve her child, to keep it from evil, and to ensure its health and wellbeing.

Do you think that poor woman imagines the false god loves her child, and she is thanking it for its care? O no, she feels that the evil spirits want to do it harm, and she is trying to propitiate them.

But oftentimes, it is a sick child, a very sick child, that is brought to this “Hall of Medicine,” and the mother wildly prays to the idol, corresponding to its age, to spare her loved one. She has spent every penny she has on incense and good things to give to the idol, and she fears the god she worships may forget her trouble, so she cuts out a little paper figure of a child, and ties it on to the idol. There were several such tied on to the different idols when I was there, and many mothers, with little black-eyed children in their arms, waiting to fall down before their false gods.

Only a short time ago, a young woman, 28 years old, came to our house. Her story was a sad one. She had lost four children, and had only one left.

“The last one died two months ago,” she said. “He was two years old. I did everything I could; I sold everything I possessed to have money for the priests and witches, I called in to help him, but they could do nothing. My little boy died.”

Then she went on to say that she heard someone speaking about Jesus, and it sounded good and comforting, and she longed to hear more. Then someone told her to go to the Christian School, and she would learn all about it.

“So I came a week ago,” she added, “and now I do believe in Jesus, and I am comforted.”

I think I need hardly ask anyone who will read this to draw a comparison between the gaudy images these poor Chinese mothers bring their children to, and the gentle loving Jesus, to whom the mothers of old, led their little ones. Could there be a greater difference?

One, the Son of the living God, and yet a humble Man upon earth, who “took them up in His arms.”

“But I cannot go to Him in this way now,” you say.

No, He is not here in a bodily form, but He is just as ready to listen to the voice of a little child. He is a living Man, though at God’s right hand in glory, and now, as then, He is saying,

“Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”

If a broken-hearted mother or child should chance to read this, do as the young Chinese woman did, come to Jesus for comfort. His word to you is,

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

ML 06/15/1924

"Help Thy Little Pilgrims"

I heard of a number of young Christian boys praying that God would help them to live for Christ before their classmates, and show by their ways that they truly belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ. (This is just what every saved boy and girl should do.) Then they all joined in singing so sweetly,

“And help Thy little pilgrims, Lord,

Along the narrow road,

So that our ways may honor Thee,

And glorify our God.”

This is just what we have been saved for—to tread the narrow way briskly, and happily, to honor and glorify God in all our ways.

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work,’ and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Col. 1:10.

ML 06/15/1924

The Money in the Snow

DURING the night the great fleecy flakes from heaven had covered the ground with a beautiful mantle of dazzling white. Snow-balls and snow-men were the occupation that day of the children.

An old Christian left his home to earn his “daily bread.” He had gone about two miles through the snow when he met a little girl with eyes all red and swollen, and crying bitterly. Kindly he inquired,

“What’s the matter with you, my dear?” “O! sir,” she said, with many sobs, “I was sent to buy three cuts of wool from a neighbor, and I’ve lost a 50-cent piece. If it were mother’s it would not be so bad, but it is a neighbor’s, and I am afraid she’ll beat me.”

“O! dear, no, don’t fear that,” said the old man. “I have a Friend who will help us, my Heavenly Father.”

He then prayed to God, asking Him to guide them to the lost money.

“Now, tell me, dear, what hand did you carry the money in?”

“The left hand, sir.”

“Very well, we will not look on the right.”

They had not searched more than 100 yards when he noticed a little mark made by the silver when it dropped, and putting his hand straight down through the snow he found “the lost piece of silver.” The little girl’s face beamed with joy as she thanked him.

“Now,” said he, “we have something else to do,” and taking off his hat, he gave thanks to God for helping them to find the money.

Only trust the Lord Jesus, dear children, as that little girl trusted her benefactor, and “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isa. 1:18.

ML 06/15/1924

Jesus Died

For our sins He suffered;

For our sins He died;

And not for ours only,

But all the world beside.

And now the work is “finished!”

The sinner’s debt is paid!

Because, on “Christ the Righteous,”

All of our sins were laid.

For God released our “Surety”

To show the work was done;

And Jesus’ resurrection

Declared the victory won!

ML 06/15/1924

The Pet Lamb

I DARE say my little readers have all read, or heard, about Mary and her little lamb, as the piece of poetry runs:

“Mary had a little lamb;

Its fleece was white as snow;

And everywhere that Mary went,

The lamb was sure to go.”

Well, here we have a picture of Mary and the lamb which followed her to school one day. You can see the school house off in the distance; and Mary has laid down her book and slate on the ground, and is fixing the ribbon on the neck of her little pet. No doubt, Mary thought a great deal of her lamb, and the lamb thought a great deal of her.

But now I want to tell you of another lamb, mentioned in the Bible. You will find an account of it in Exodus 12. God’s people had been in bondage under the cruel king of Egypt, and God was going to deliver them. Pharaoh, the king, had refused to let them go, and God had sent nine different plagues upon him and his people, and still he hardened his heart, and would not let God’s people go. God had said to Pharaoh, “Israel is My son, even My first-born,” but Pharaoh did not care, and now God was going to take his first-born, and the first-born of all in the land, both of man and beast. It would be a terrible night, when the destroyer would enter into every house, and slay the firstborn.

But the children of Israel were in the land too, and how would they escape the destroyer, for they were not better than the Egyptians? Well, God provided a way for them. If you read Ex. 12, you will see that they were to take out of the flock a lamb for every house—a lamb without blemish—and this lamb was to be slain instead of the first-born child. On the evening of the night that Jehovah was to go through the land to smite the Egyptians, the children of Israel were to slay their little lamb, and catch the blood in a basin, and they were to sprinkle this blood on the door-posts of their houses, and on the lintel over the door; and the Lord said;

“The blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

So you see, dear children, it was the blood of this lamb that protected the firstborn of the children of Israel in Egypt on that dreadful night.

Now Scripture tells us of still another Lamb, of which this lamb was only a type. Jesus is the. Lamb that God has provided for sinners. His blood has been shed and shelters every sinner who believes in the Lord Jesus.

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

ML 06/22/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 30.

THE subject of this short chapter is the making of vows, —solemn promises, — before God, and particularly by women. A man making a promise is only mentioned at the beginning, in verse 2. “He shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.”

Here, the Holy Spirit, in moving Moses to write this book, had the only One before him who never had to recall a word, Jesus. He it is whose word stands forever, unchanged. What He has undertaken, He will surely finish, for though “the grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away, the Word of the Lord endureth forever” (1 Peter 1:24,25). Are you trusting Him?

The young woman in her father’s house in verses 3, 4 and 5; and the married woman spoken of in verses 6, 7 and 8, and 10 to 15, present the people of Israel in connection with God who had undertaken for them as a Father and a Husband. He heard their rash promises, all of them, from first to last, and He disallowed what was wrong, though He made them to feel the result of their own badness. This is also God’s way with believers now, —those who are His children by faith in Christ Jesus.

Verse 9 speaks of a widow or a divorced woman, and the way this is brought in, in the midst of the verses about a wife who sat home with her husband, fits in exactly with the place of Israel now. She is a widow, or divorced from her husband, so to speak; they are out of relationship with God, but it is not to be forever. (Isaiah 54:4-7).

ML 06/22/1924

I Did Not Obey My Parents

THE jail was a large, gloomy-looking building; the windows were made strong by great iron bars fastened across them, but the inside was even more gloomy than the outside. It was divided into very small rooms, only five feet wide and eight feet long. Each room had a cross-barred iron door, with strong bolts and locks, and when the jailor opened or shut the door, the hinges grated frightfully on the ear.

In one of these rooms was a young man about twenty-eight years of age. He had been found guilty of making and passing had money, and for this offense he was condemned to the State Prison. But he was so sick he could not be moved to the prison.

Poor fellow! Once he could play in the green fields, down by the cool spring, or under the shady trees around his home, or when he was tired he could pa home and lay his head upon his mother’s lap; or if he was sick, that mother would sit at his bed-side and nurse him. But now how different! Shut up in a dark, gloomy jail, with no one to care for him, and all-around cursing and swearing and making horrid noises. He felt wretched. Said he, “I shall never be able to go to the State Prison, I am so sick. O if I was only ready to die it would not matter so much.”

“Are you ready to die?”

“O no,” said he, “I am afraid to die.” “But why are you afraid to die?” “Because I am such a sinner.”

“There is hope, and mercy, and salvation for sinners, for the greatest of sinners, through the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“I have no hope. You may talk to me about Christ and salvation; but there is no hope for me, and that makes me afraid to die.”

I talked to him for some time about his father; and when I spoke to him about his mother, his lips trembled, and a single tear stole down his burning cheek.

“Was not your mother a Christian?”

“O yes, indeed she was. Many and many a time has she warned me of this.”

“Then you have had good Christian parents and Christian training. Your parents, no doubt have often prayed for and with you.”

“O yes, sir.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I can answer you all in a few words: I did not obey my parents,” said the dying young man.

These were the last words he spoke to me. After saying a few more words to him I came away, reflecting on his awful condition, and the reason he gave me for his being in jail:

“I did not obey my parents.”

Many, many are the sad consequences of disobedience to parents. God has said in His word,

“Children, obey your parents, in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:20.

If the consequences of this character of disobedience are often so serious, what will they be for all who “obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power”? (2 Thess. 1:8,9.)

ML 06/22/1924

Muriel's Opportunity

MURIEL sighed heavily as she rocked to and fro in the big wicker rocking-chair, while her aunt, seated by the window was busily knitting.

“What is the trouble, Muriel?” her aunt questioned.

“O, Auntie! if I could only win some soul for Christ, how happy I should be!” Her aunt kept on knitting, but seemed deep in thought, the click of needles being the only thing that broke the silence in the room.

Presently, laying aside her knitting, she drew her chair close to where her niece was seated.

“Muriel, I will give you a suggestion which you can try if you want to.”

Get some stiff white paper, cut it in oblong pieces, and print on it, in either blue or red ink, one or two Bible verses, which would be appropriate for people that do not know Christ. Underneath each verse tell where it may be found in the Bible. Make about two dozen of these cards, then whenever you go on a street car, you can leave one on the seat as you go out. The next person that comes to take your seat will be attracted by this card, and will naturally read it.

“Why, Aunt Alice, that’s a fine idea,” Muriel exclaimed, “how splendid of you to think of it. I will go this very minute and begin to write the verses.”

Hurrying out of the room and up the stairs, she was soon busily engaged with her work.

About an hour later she returned with a bunch of cards in her hand.

“I have finished one dozen, Auntie, and I think I will use these before I make any more. See, if they are all right,” she said, as her aunt took them.

“Yes, they are very well done,” Aunt Alice praised, “I could do no better myself, and, Muriel, always pray as you use one that the person attracted by it will be benefitted.

As Muriel attended High School quite a distance from her home, she rode both ways on a street car, and this gave her opportunities to use her cards. Her first dozen disappeared quickly, and she was obliged to make more.

On Friday evening the regular prayer meeting service was held at the meeting house, and Muriel had made it a rule to always attend if possible, and this evening was no exception.

The meeting proceeded; and a middle-aged man, whom Muriel had never seen, asked if he might speak, and this is what he said:

“The other morning, as I entered the street car on my way to work. I saw a piece of paper lying on the seat.” He paused, then went on, — “I picked it up and this is what I read:

‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!’ Acts 16:31.

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

I read it over and over, then I began to realize what it meant. Right then and there I accepted Christ as my Saviour, and whoever put that card there does not know how much good has been done, and how happy I am tonight.”

He sat down, and the meeting went on. Muriel was rejoiced. Then walking home in the silent night she said, “It has worked; it has worked. ‘I thank Thee, Father, for answered prayer, and that I have been able, with Thy help, to bring a lost soul to Christ. Amen.’”

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccles. 11:6.

ML 06/22/1924

Jesus Bids You, Children, Hear!

Jesus bids you, children, hear!

Bless Him heart and tongue!

Come at once—by faith draw near,

While you yet are young.

Countless numbers heed His call!

Bless His tender love!

Jesus welcomes each and all

To His home above.

Children, now to Jesus haste,

And by Him be blest;

Not a moment dare you waste,

Make Him now your rest.

All your sins He’ll wash away,

Make you clean and white;

Not a spot shall on you stay

In God’s holy sight.

Bright and cheerful children they

Who the Saviour heed,

Who His loving words obey,

Happy they indeed.

All may join the joyful throng,

And may Jesus know;

All may to the Lord belong,

All may like Him grow.

ML 06/22/1924

Niagara Falls

WHAT a wonderful scene this is of God’s creation! How one is struck with awe as he watches the waters tumbling over the great precipice, and hears the solemn roar! One can only say, “O, Lord, how great are Thy works!”

The story is told of a stranger, whop many years ago visited Niagara Falls, and becoming so fascinated with the surroundings, took up his abode on one of the islands above the Falls. Not content with continually gazing on the roaring waters, he was in the habit of bathing in them; until one day venturing thus into the treacherous stream, the waters he had long recklessly dared, claimed him, as their own, and he was swept away to his doom by the invisible current.

Dear reader, how much this is like the case of so many poor sinners. They become fascinated with the pleasures of sin, engross themselves in them, and so indulging themselves, are swept away into everlasting perdition.

There is only One, dear children, who can save us from this terrible place, and I am sure you have heard of Him, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Saviour of all who will come to Him and put their trust in Him. He is willing and able and “mighty to save”.

Do come to Him now. Put your full trust in Him. Do not wait until it is too late.

“THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 06/22/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 31.

ONE more war is here told of, the last fighting before the people cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. In chapter 25 we had the cause, and now before Moses is taken away, the reproach must be taken away.

Headed by Phineas the priest, with the “holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow, in his hand,” twelve thousand, a thousand from every tribe, march against the Midianites, and among them the false Balaam loses his life. He had wished for a happier end, — “let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his,” was his desire, but he had chosen to serve Satan, and God makes no agreements with sinners to let them live in sin and self-will, and save theme on their death beds.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation,” and to wait for another day makes you, my reader, a neglecter of salvation. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?”

O, do not forget the sad fate of Balaam, who like Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26), and Cain (Genesis 4: 16), and many another, knew of God, and chose to please themselves, —to live for the present, and give no thought to eternity!

ML 06/29/1924

The Young Man and the Negro

A YOUNG man put up a board in front of an empty house of which he was the owner, on which were inscribed the following words:

This House
Will Be Given Away Gratis
To the First Man
Who Applies.

He was a better judge of human nature than many, as several days intervened ere any one made application for the place. The fact was, the people believed that it was a practical joke, and never imagined that the owner intended to make a present of it to anybody.

A few days after the notice board was exhibited, he was called upon by an old negro, who left his whitewash brush and pail at the door, and with a broad smile on his face saluted him, and asked if anyone had been there before him.

“Why?” replied the gentleman, “what do you mean?”

“O,” the colored man answered, “I mean ‘bout the house and lot on Locust Street.”

“No,” said the owner, “there has not been anybody yet; but you don’t suppose that I would give my house and lot to an old darkie like you.”

Scratching his head for a moment, his face brightened up, and then he answered,

“Well, I don’t suppose you’re g’wine to break your word even to a poor darkie like me.”

The young man was completely cornered by the old fellow, and with a hearty laugh he exclaimed,

“Well, I declare, you deserve to have the house, and you shall have it. I can’t afford to break my word even to a poor old darkie like you.”

The negro was, as the world would say, “simple enough” to believe the word of the young man. He claimed his promise, and he got the property on “Locust Street.”

Salvation is bestowed on those who believe the glorious Gospel of the grace of God. The Gospel is the “power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 1:16). Many think it “too good to be true,” to be told that “all that believe are justified from all things” (Acts 13:38, 39); that “whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43); and that “he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

The most terrible sin you can be guilty of, is not to believe God.

“He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son, and this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:10, 11).

Think of calling God a liar! What wickedness! Yet every unsaved sinner is doing it. Believe, then, in the Lord Jesus Christ; and you will be the happy possessor of peace, pardon, and every blessing that is treasured up in Him.

ML 06/29/1924

The Mandarin's Jewel

A HAPPY Chinese convert, preaching the Gospel to a company of his own countrymen, sought to illustrate, “How to trust the Lord Jesus” by the following simple but effective story.

A wealthy mandarin living in a country infested by robbers, was very much afraid of losing a costly jewel in his possession. It was well known that he was the owner of it, and he could not sleep at nights for fear the robbers might break into his house. He first hid it beneath the floor, but that did not seem safe. Next, he put it in a recess in the wall, but that did not satisfy him. Anxiety and care were leaving their traces on him, and making him quite sad.

“Why don’t you have it stored in the imperial safe, where many of the Emperor’s jewels are kept?” said a friend one day to the anxious mandarin.

That was a new thought to him. If the Emperor’s jewels were there safely guarded night and day, his would be safe there also. The jewel was handed over, and the look of care passed from his brow. He was trusting now, instead of fearing. The strong guards who kept watch over the Emperor’s treasures, defended his jewel also.

“And so it is,” said the speaker, “with us who have trusted ourselves to Christ. We are kept by the power of God, and only those who are strong enough to break His power, can ever reach us to harm us.”

True and beautiful was this simple testimony to the keeping power of God. Have you committed yourself to it, dear children for salvation and protection for time and eternity? You need not fear to trust yourself for salvation to Christ.

ML 06/29/1924

I'm Mother's Little Darling

I’m mother’s little darling,

She calls me this, you know;

Sometimes she calls me Lambie,

And says I’m white as snow.

She says my hair is golden,

And that my eyes are blue;

Because my mother says it,

I know that it is true.

I know she loves me dearly,

I am her constant care,

She presses soft, warm kisses

On cheeks and brow and hair;

She folds her arms around me

When sitting on her knee,

And oft when I am naughty

Tears in her eyes I see.

When I am sick and ailing

She tends me night and day,

She scarcely ever leaves me,

No matter what folks say.

She comes to me so often,

And lays her soft, cool hand

Upon my burning forehead,

Ah! she can understand.

There’s none on earth like mother;

It stills all my alarms

To feel tight clasped around me

Her tender, loving arms.

She gave me three nice dollies,

And I do love them so:

There’s fair-haired Nance and Beauty,

And darling brown-eyed Flo.

I try to please my mother,

This pleases God, you see;

My parents I must honor

If long-lived I would be.

My darling mother tells me

Of Jesus and His love,

How on the Cross He suffered

That we might dwell above.

My mother always helps me

To learn some verses sweet

From my own little Bible

While sitting at her feet.

At evening hour and morning

She bids me kneel in prayer,

She tells me God will hear me,

For He is everywhere.

O, I am only dreaming

Of happy days that are gone,

My darling mother’s sleeping

Beneath yon mossy stone.

No more she calls me darling,

My dolls are put away;

For me life’s shadows lengthen,

My hair is turning gray.

I’ve missed her, O, I’ve missed her,

So much since she has gone;

When evening comes I often

Feel weary, sad, and lone.

But I shall meet her yonder,

In heavenly sunshine fair,

I know my darling mother

Is happy with Christ there.

O, how I wish I’d loved her

Far more while she was here;

O, that I ne’er had caused her

One anxious care or tear.

O, that I had obeyed her

In every deed and word,

For mother always taught me

To live to please the Lord.

‘Twas mother dear who taught me

That all are sinners here,

Quite helpless and unable

Their souls from guilt to clear.

She told me of the Saviour,

Whose blood put sin away;

I trusted Him, He saved me,

And took my fears away.

How oft in early morning

She knelt in prayer for me,

Her earnest eyes turned upward,

While plainly I could see

Tears down her pale cheeks rolling

As for her child she pled;

God heard, for through all trials

I have been safely led.

I know He’ll never leave me,

He’ll lead me safe to heaven;

The blood of Christ has cleansed me,

My sins are all forgiven.

What joy to meet my mother,

And all those gone before;

What joy to be with Jesus,

And praise Him evermore!

ML 06/29/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for May

1.“And they sung a new,” etc. Rev. 5:9.

2.“And I heard another,” etc. 18:4.

3.“For the Lamb which is,” etc. 7:17.

4.“And God shall wipe,” etc. 21:4.

5.“But that which ye have,” etc. 2:25.

6.“And there shall be,” etc. 22:5.

7.“And they sing the song,” etc. 15:3.

Bible Questions for July

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Give in exchange.”

2.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Watch ye, and pray.”

3.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Moved with compassion.”

4.Write in full the verse containing these words, “He departed into a mountain.”

5.Write in full the verse containing these words, “The things that are God’s.”

6.Write in full the verse containing these words, “I came not to call.”

7.Write in full the verse containing these words, “Shall not lose his reward.”

ML 07/06/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 32.

THE property of the children of Reuben and of Gad divided their thoughts with the I promised land, so that they were content, and not only content, but anxious, to have their homes on this side of the river of death, the Jordan. The things of this life (2 Timothy 2: 4) are a danger to every true Christian. For him the true course is shown in Matthew 6:33,

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

There is rest here, in the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins, with many other blessings, but as the eighth chapter of Romans illustrates, there is besides, and beyond these blessings, a hope for which the believer is to wait with patience; it is the coming of the Lord to take His loved people to glory.

It would have been better for the Reubenites and the Gadites, and the children of Manasseh to have patiently waited until they had gone over Jordan, and Moses warned them of their danger. Notice in verse 20 that not God, but Moses, tells them they may have their choice of present blessing, rather than patient hope of something better beyond the river. “From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and Reubenites, and the Manassites” was the first of the land of Israel to be taken by a foreign king (2 Kings 10: 32, 33).

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.” Jeremiah 17:7, 8.

ML 07/06/1924

Little Frank

IT is some years since I was told the story of little Frank, but I think I remember all the details, and will put it in my own words.

A good many years ago there lived a lady and gentleman who had one little boy, Frank.

He was a great treasure to them, and everything that they thought could make him happy was given him; yet the only thing which could have made the little fellow really happy they kept entirely from him. They did not themselves love or believe in God, or in the Lord Jesus Christ, and had made up their minds that if possible they would never let him hear the name of God.

One morning, when Frank was about six years old, he was having breakfast with his parents, when he caught sight of a poor and feeble old woman coming up to the house.

In a minute the servant came into the room, saying that a poor woman was at the door begging.

“O, send her away,” said Frank’s

father, “we cannot have beggars coming here,” or words to this effect.

But Frank’s tender little heart had been touched by the sight of the poor woman, and he exclaimed, “O! no, father; she is hungry; let me go and give her something.”

So to please the child, his father let him take what he liked off the table, and he ran out with the servant, and gave it to the old beggar-woman. She was evidently touched with the kindness of the little boy, and said,

“Thank you very much,” then, putting her hand upon the child’s head, she said, “God bless you, little gentleman.”

Frank went quietly back to his breakfast, but presently asked,

“Who is God? The poor woman said, ‘God bless you.’ Who is He?”

His father and mother looked at each other, saying, “How unfortunate!” They then tried to put the child off, but his attention had been arrested, and he still inquired,

“But who is God; and why did she say, ‘God bless you’ like that?”

They then tried to make him think it was no one that he need trouble to know about; for the old woman it might be different.

Still the little fellow was not satisfied. He often asked them, questions which they found it difficult to answer, and at last they began to think it would be better for him to mix more with other children.

Their great object still was to, prevent his thinking any more about God, but they little knew the means which God would use to bring their child to a knowledge of Himself.

We all have immortal souls, and nothing which this earth can give brings either rest or blessing to them.

“Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matt. 11: 28, 29, 30.

Utterly unsatisfied and unblest is everyone who does not know God, for He is the Source and the Foundation of every blessing. No rest can there be for the conscience or heart apart from the rest which Jesus gives; and sad was the state of Frank’s parents, not only respecting the Lord Jesus for themselves, but trying to shut out their little boy from the knowledge of Him and of His finished work.

After making some inquiries they heard of a very select school, kept by a lady.

At their request she duly called to see them, and everything seemed most satisfactory on both sides, until they told her that they did not wish him, to have any religious instruction, or ever to be spoken to about God, or Jesus Christ.

Miss Wood (as I will call her) was an earnest Christian, and she at once said she could not receive Frank upon such conditions.

His parents, however, had been so pleased with her, and with all the arrangements of her school, that they would not take her refusal, but begged her to go home and think the matter over, telling her that it could be so easily arranged for the little boy not to go until an hour later than the other scholars, when the religious instruction would be over.

Rather reluctantly Miss Wood consented to this wish, and upon reaching her home she made it a matter of earnest prayer, desiring to know from God what His mind was with regard to it.

As she prayed there gradually came to her the conviction that she was to take Frank, trusting in God to open a way for him to hear about the Lord Jesus.

Soon after this, Frank became one of her scholars, and a very interesting little pupil he was. But before long he found that the other children went to school much earlier than he did, and he naturally wanted to know the reason. “Why may I not go with the others?” he would ask. And he persisted in his questioning as to why it was.

I daresay none of you will be surprised when I tell you that, being an only child, he was—well, perhaps I must say, rather spoiled, and allowed to have his own way a good deal.

So after a time Frank’s mother and father said, “It will be better to let him go at the same time as the other children, and we can let Miss Wood have some toys for him to play with, either in the garden, or in a room, should it be a wet morning.”

So this arrangement was made, and Frank started off to school at the same time as the other little children.

Miss Wood often prayed for, and was very interested in, her pupil Frank, but she strictly kept the promise which she had made to his parents. Still, I am sure this must have been a great test to her faith, and I am sure she must have felt at times that she might have been mistaken in thinking that God would have her take him in this painful way.

ML 07/06/1924

Swift to Hear

HAVE you ever seen deer in their native home? Perhaps, some of you have, others have not. They live among the woods, and shrubbery, but they are timid creatures, sleek, and ever on the alert. How pretty they are, with their heads thrown up, and the big gazelle-like eyes are wide open and luminous.

The dread of wild beasts, and of still more dangerous man, has brought them to a state of nervous tension, which in any moment may end into the swiftest flight.

How well, dear ones, they know their enemy! God has given them their instinct and He also has given them the swiftness to escape danger, and how ready they are to get away from that which will harm them.

Boys and girls should have greater intelligence than the deer of the field, for God has given them a never dying soul, and yet we see them running straight into all sorts of danger. The deer run away from it.

Boys and girls are so apt to listen to the voice of the enemy, and fall into his traps. Satan is the enemy of boys and girls, and he wishes to hold them in his clutches. The word is,

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Listen, dear ones,

“There’s a Friend for little children, Above the bright blue sky.”

Now, you all know that a friend is one who loves you, and is just the opposite to an enemy. This Friend came down from heaven to suffer, bleed and die on the cross for all who have sinned. He went to the cross, and there laid down His life, because He loved you. There was no other way by which you could be saved, —there had to be a sacrificed life.

“Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18. “CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES; HE WAS BURIED, AND HE ROSE AGAIN THE THIRD DAY, ACCORDING TO THE: SCRIPTURES.” 1 Cor. 15: 3, 4.

Now, He is sitting at God’s right hand in heaven, and from. there He is inviting you to come to Him, and know that your sins are washed away in His precious blood. Then you can lift up your hearts with the redeemed.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, ... .who hath delivered us front the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1: 12, 13, 14.

ML 07/06/1924

Rustic Civility

RUSTIC Civility — Perhaps these are words that many of you little children do not understand. So first we will find out what they mean.

“Rustic” has to do with the country. And “Civility” is another word for politeness or good mariners. Then “rustic civility” is good manners in the country, or good manners of country people.

This is a beautiful country scene, with the road winding through the woods, and the happy-faced children at the big gate.

What do you think they are doing? The oldest child is going through the motion of tipping his hat, or making a salute. They see someone coming, and have kindly opened the gate, so this person or persons may pass through without any trouble.

Often children in the country are more polite, and show more kindness to strangers than children in the city. If you live in the city, do not let the country children put you to shame.

The Lord is pleased when you show respect to others, especially older people; and He wishes you to show kindness to all.

“AS WE HAVE THEREFORE OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD UNTO ALL, ESPECIALLY UNTO THEM WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH.” Gal. 8:10.

ML 07/13/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 33.

IT is impossible to read this chapter without being deeply moved by the tender love and care of God so signally displayed throughout the whole. To think of his deigning to keep such a record of the journeyings of His poor people, from the moment they marched out of Egypt until they crossed the Jordan—from the land of death and darkness to the land flowing with milk and honey.

He went before them every step of the way; He traveled over every stage of the wilderness; in all their afflictions He was afflicted. He took care of them like a tender nurse. He suffered not their garments to wax old, nor their feet to swell, for these forty years; and here He retraces the entire way by which His hand had led them, carefully noting down each successive stage of that marvelous pilgrimage, and every spot in the desert at which they had halted. What a journey! What a Traveling-Companion!

ML 07/13/1924

My Father Is the Emperor

IT was in the great city of Rome, and many, many years ago, when the Romans were a great people. An Emperor was being crowned, and the great pageant or parade was passing down the great streets of Rome. There were thousands and thousands everywhere awaiting the coming of the great King. The procession and Emperor drew near.

The soldiers were commanding the people on either side of the street, and permitting none to pass over. A little boy got away from the attendant nurse, and ran toward the Emperor’s chariot. The kindly officer said to him;

“Little fellow; you can’t go across, don’t you know the Emperor is coming?” The little boy replied: “Don’t you know that the Emperor is my father?”

It was the Emperor’s child who was running to his father, and don’t you know, that a child will run to its father any time, even during a great procession? The child doesn’t know anything about feasts’ functions; it just knows its father, and knows there is a welcome there.

We have a Father, children, if we have received Christ as our Saviour, and to Him we may come at any time. While He is enthroned in great glory, and His attendants surround His throne and give Him great glory, nevertheless we, His little children, may be bold to come to Him at any time. We have a right to do it, He is our Father!

It is because Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, made the way for us, that we may come so boldly to God. There was no way open, but he opened the way. “No man cometh to the Father but by Me,” says He. It is true. We can now come, and even though He is the Ruler, and Sovereign of the whole earth, we may, like the little fellow, run to the very arms of our Father. I know it is too wonderful, but it’s true. As God’s children we have the privilege of His presence. But how very timid we are, and many times we suffer because we will not go to Him. He is our Father, and He greatly delights to have us come —just like your father does. The heart of God is big enough for all His children, who may come when they will,

Here are a few Bible texts for you to hunt up, and see what the Bible says; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 11;6; John 14;13.

ML 07/13/1924

Little Frank

One warm, sunny morning Miss Wood thought that the nice air would do all the children good, so she told them to run out into the garden, and have some games.

After the others had gone she saw Frank lingering behind, and he asked, “May I stay with you instead?”

“Would you not like to go out and play with the others?” she asked; “it is so fine this morning.”

“No,” he answered; “I want to stay with you.”

Seeing that he really wished it, she drew him to her, asking if he wished to tell her something.

“I want to know why I may not come in with you when the others do?” he answered.

“Because your parents do not wish it, dear,” she said.

“But why?” said the child; “and who is it that they sing about, and that you talk to them about, called Jesus? I have listened outside the door, and I would like to sing too, and I want to know about Jesus. Who is He? Do tell me.”

Miss Wood was much surprised, as she had no idea that he had heard anything; but she only answered, “I must not tell you, dear. I have promised your father and mother that I would not speak to you about Jesus, and I must not break my word to them. You must ask them, if you wish to know, and then if they give me permission I shall be pleased to tell you about the Lord Jesus, and to let you sing the hymns with the others.”

So when Frank went home that day he told his parents that instead of playing with his toys he had often listened outside the door of the room where Miss Wood was telling the children about Jesus, and how he had heard them singing hymns about Jesus.

“I would like to hear about Jesus too, father, and to sing the hymns with the others. Do let Miss Wood tell me about Jesus. She will, if you say so.”

His father and mother were very sorry that he had heard anything, and said to each other, “We have been foolish, and made a great mistake. Keeping things secret has only made him curious, and anxious to know. The only thing now is to let him, go, then he will soon get used to it, and not care about it.”

Thus God’s purpose of blessing for dear Frank was brought about, and Miss Wood had the joy of telling him about God and His wonderful love to poor sinners.

Eagerly he listened to every word, and his thirsting soul drank in the precious message of grace and love. “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130. He heard for the first time how God had loved him, and that because he was a sinful child, and He a holy God, He had sent His beloved Son to die upon the cross, that by the death of Jesus Christ he might be saved eternally, and all his sins be forgiven, and washed away in the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1: 18, 19).

How too he enjoyed the hymns, which he soon learned, and was able to sing with the other children! They also brought the same sweet message of a precious Saviour and of His great love for the little ones; of the bright home where He was even now living, thinking of them, and watching over them, and how presently He was coming to take them to live with Him and God His Father up there, if they put their trust in Him and in His work for them upon the cross.

Soon Frank’s little, longing, empty heart was filled and satisfied with the love of Christ, and he had the joy which only those can know who, through simple faith in Jesus and His finished work, have all their sins forgiven.

Thus the Good Shepherd, Who had died for him, had now found His little lost lamb, and was saying, “Rejoice with Me, for I have found My sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:6.

I would say here that if any dear child who may read this narrative is longing to know that his sins are forgiven, the Good Shepherd is seeking you, wanting to save you, and if you will only put your simple trust in Him, believing that He died upon the cross, bearing all the punishment for your sins there, God tells you that you are saved. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16: 31; 13: 38, 39).

Sometime after this (I cannot remember how long it was) Frank was taken very ill, and soon it became apparent that the Good Shepherd who had saved him was going to claim His little lamb.

As he lay on his little bed, his parents sat watching beside him, heart-broken to know that soon they must part with their one great treasure.

Presently the little fellow turned to his father, and in his little feeble voice said, “Father, do you love me?”

Surprised at such a question, his father answered, “My boy, how can you ask me such a thing? You know you are the pride and joy of my heart.”

“Mother,” said the dying child, “do you love me?”

“My darling,” she said, “you know that I do, and that you are everything to me.”

She then broke out into uncontrollable grief.

“If you really loved me,” said the dying child, “how was it that you never told me about God and Jesus Christ, and that you did not want me to know that Jesus died for me? I do not know how you could have really loved me, and yet not wanted me to know about Jesus.”

His poor parents were quite broken down and wept bitterly. Though in great weakness, the dear child then pointed them to the blessed Lord Jesus, who had sought and found him, and who, despite their long rejection, was able and willing to save them. “And Jesus saith unto them, yea: have ye never read, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings, thou hast perfected praise?” (Matt. 21:16). Very soon after the Lord Jesus took him home.

I know, dear children, you will be glad to hear that the words of their little child were used to the blessing of both the parents, and they too learned to put their simple faith in Jesus and His finished work, and were saved.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Does not this story of Frank show us how God works out His own purposes of blessing, however difficult it may appear, and how He honors those who put their trust in Him, and leave Him to open the way as He chooses?

ML 06/13/1924

Jesus Came to Save Sinners

Not for saints, and not for angels,

Did the Saviour come,

Not for demons did He hasten

From His glory-home.

But for SINNERS, lost and guilty,

He carne down to die,

That redeemed, they might adore

Him Round His throne on high.

“Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Rev. 1:5,6.

ML 06/13/1924

Watching the Birds

WHAT a pleasant time these girls are having in the woods. They seem to be enjoying this nice, quiet spot. The lovely trees are shading them from the hot rays of the sun as they watch the birds hopping from tree to tree, or perhaps building their little nests and singing their songs of gladness.

If these girls love the Lord Jesus, they, too, will be thankful, and sing songs of praise to Him for all the blessings they enjoy—both for the food they have to eat, the clothing they have to wear, the house they live in and for their kind parents and friends, as well as every eternal blessing which is theirs through Christ.

When we meditate upon His great love for us— “In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” we cannot help having our hearts go up to Him in praise and thankfulness, and then, surely, we have the desire to live for Him for the little while He may leave us here.

“SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS; COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE WITH SINGING.” Psa. 100:2.

ML 07/20/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 33.

IT is very consolatory to the heart of the poor weary pilgrim to be assured that every stage of his wilderness journey is marked out by the infinite love and unerring wisdom of God. He is leading His people by a right way, home to Himself; and there is not a single circumstance in their lot, or a single ingredient in their cup, which is not carefully ordered by Himself, with direct reference to their present profit and their everlasting felicity. Let it only be our care to walk with Him, day by day, in simple confidence, casting all our care upon Him, and leaving ourselves and all our belongings absolutely in His hands. This is the true source of peace and blessedness all the journey through; and then, when our desert wanderings are over—when the last stage of the wilderness has been trodden, He will take us home to be with Himself forever.

ML 07/20/1924

The Mother Who Thought the Lord Had Come

ONE night when father and mother were sound asleep, one of the little girls sleeping in the next room became frightened and cried aloud.

Mother had been very tired and was sleeping so very soundly. She did not hear the cry of the child, but the father, who could not sleep, heard it, and quietly crept out of bed, and went to the child and laid down beside her and quieted and comforted her, and he too fell off to sleep. You know if our earthly father will come to us in the night when we are frightened and afraid, so also will our Heavenly Father, when He hears our cry.

Well, pretty soon mother awakened a bit, and reached out her arm, and did not find her husband. Just waking out of her sleep it seemed so strange to her that she was startled. The first thought that came into her mind was, “The Lord has come and taken my husband and I am left.”

You see she did not till then believe in the coming of our Lord, but this half dream and half fright, thoroughly aroused her.

She cried, “Arthur, Arthur, where are you? where are you?”

Her cry awakened her husband, Arthur, and he came to her. “I was so frightened, I thought the Lord had come, and you were taken to be with Him, and I was left, and how terrible that would be!” said she.

And it would be, wouldn’t it children? Can you imagine such a thing?

There was a mother who came to Ellis Island as an immigrant, and had eight children with her, and in her excitement, she went away and left one of them, and what a time they had with her till they found the one that was left behind. You wouldn’t want to be the one left behind, would you? Nor did the mother I am telling you about.

Now, children, Jesus is coming back some day, really coming back. There are some who laugh at those who believe He is coming, but that does not change the truth in the least. He is coming. We don’t know when, but we are told to be ready.

Would it not be an awful thing to be left behind like the mother thought she was? The best thing is to be ready. See if you can’t find a place in the Bible where it tells you to be ready. Look up the place and then again find the place where it tells us, “and the door was shut.” I could tell you, but then you would not have anything to do, and I want you to search the Bible for yourselves. Please do this; mother or auntie, will help you.

“The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

ML 07/20/1924

Lessons From Chinese

Number 1. “Sin”

WHAT a strange picture we have today! I suppose that there has never been such a strange one in the “Messages of Love” before. Whatever is it? What can it mean? I will tell you, but you must listen very hard. It is a Chinese word. In China the little boys and girls do not learn an alphabet with twenty-six letters like we do, and then use these to learn to spell. No, they must learn every word separately. Instead of learning to make only twenty-six little marks, they have to learn to make thousands and thousands of them, all different. Every word, or character, is made up of little strokes, each one arranged different from the other, and O, it is so hard to remember them sometimes! The Chinese children begin to learn them when quite little, and go on learning them till they are grown up, very often; and then there may be characters they will not know! You can guess, perhaps, how hard it is for big people who come out to China to learn even to read the Bible, and perhaps you would like to help them by praying for them.

But you will want to hear something about the strange character at the top of our story today. In different parts of China it is pronounced differently, but usually it sounds something like “tsui”, and it means SIN. Long ago, many of these strange characters were pictures of the things of which they spoke, and it is said this character “tsui” was a picture of a fish net. Some of the little children who read this live by the seaside, and have often seen the fish nets, made up of the strong little cords, each cord so small by itself, that we might, say it couldn’t do any harm; but perhaps they have been out in the boats, and helped to pull these fish nets in, with the poor helpless fish caught fast in them. How helpless and hopeless they are! The more they struggle, the more hopelessly entangled they are! Unless someone from outside, stronger and more powerful than themselves comes to set them free, there is only death waiting for them. What a sad, hopeless picture a fish caught in a fish net is! What a wonderfully true picture of a poor sinner caught in the terrible fish net of sin! Surely the Chinese were right in drawing a picture of a fish net when they wanted to speak about sin.

If you have been at the sea and have seen the fish nets, you will know that there are many different kinds of nets. There are big nets for big fish, and small nets for little fish. There are nets made of fine cord, and nets made of big thick, cord; and there are nets of all sorts and sizes, but all the nets have the same purpose, and so it is with SIN.

There are many kinds of sin; some we think little sins; some we think big sins, but they all have the same purpose, to catch us and take us down to hell. The fisherman does not put out his nets because he loves the fish; and the devil does not seek to entangle you in sin because he loves you, but because he wants to have you suffer with him forever.

I wonder if my little readers have ever found out that they have been caught in this terrible net of sin? I wonder if they have ever found out that they are absolutely helpless and hopeless unless Another comes to save them from this awful net of sin? Yes, the Word of God tells us that “ALL have sinned”; not one boy or girl, or man or woman who has not been caught in that terrible net. You have told lies, been disobedient, unkind; you have wanted what was not yours, and many, many other sins you have been guilty of: but there is one that God speaks of especially: “of sin, because they believe not on Me.” the Lord Jesus says. Yes, dear child, if you have not believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, that is the most terrible sin of all; if you are still guilty of that sin, how awful to think that you are on your way to hell, and nobody knows how soon you may be there.

O, my dear young readers, may God the Holy Spirit convince you of your sin; may He speedily show you that you are just like one of those poor helpless fish caught in that fish net, that you cannot save yourself, nor indeed do anything towards your salvation, and that all your hope must be in Another, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the lesson we may learn from this strange Chinese character. May God in His grace give you to learn it, if you have not done so already.

ML 07/20/1924

The Sight of a Bible

MY eldest son,” said one, “has been skeptical from his boyhood. The best of sons; but a real rejector of Christ. For a long time past he has been a miserable man; with everything on earth: riches, honor, etc., yet as wretched as he could be. Then a serious illness, which no medical skill could relieve, seemed to make his case hopeless. He went alone to some baths in S—, and on the day of his arrival there, was invited by one of the patients into his room. There he saw a Bible—and that was enough. He could not rest till he had bought one, and read its sacred pages. He received and believed the gospel, and rejoiced in the forgiveness of sins through the precious blood of Christ.”

Such is the simple and truthful account of the way in which our God delights in sovereign grace. The sight of the neglected Bible was enough for the Holy Spirit to use, in deep conviction of sin. And that same blessed Word of God contained the revelation of the good news of God to that soul. O, what can meet the misery, and the cause of all the misery of man, but the precious blood of Jesus? What a passing from death to life! What a new creation!

Dear children, are you also neglecting and rejecting that book of all books? Or is it the greatest treasure you have on earth? How great is the privilege in this day of having the word of God. And how great also the responsibility! May the above encourage the faith of parents.

May you be able to say, dear children, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:105.

ML 07/20/1924

Truant Tommy

IT is such a lovely afternoon that little Tommy has been tempted to do something very naughty. He lives near this stream, and so, knows just where he can lie in the sunshine, and watch the tiny fish as they jump about in the clear water. He seems to be having a good time, and he had thought this would be far more fun than going back to school, but now way down in his heart he is very unhappy. He realizes now that he has deceived his parents, and he knows he will be punished both by them and by his school teacher when his disobedience is found out.

You are very glad that you are not Tommy, are you not? What a foolish boy to choose a good time in, such a wrong way, and one which can last for such a few hours.

Does this not make us think of the people all around us today, who are so eager for the pleasures of this world, which are but for a moment, that they care to hear nothing about Jesus? They know this life is uncertain, and that their good times may be ended any day; yet they go on and have their own way, surely knowing that punishment will follow. God wants us to listen now to His Word and to His Son, Jesus. He says,

“THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED; HEAR YE HIM.” Matthew 7:5.

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart.” Eleb.3:8.

It is a very sad thing to know that you are doing wrong, and then to continue in it. Take Jesus as your Saviour while you are a child, and then seek to live for Him. He loves His own dearly, and will keep them from doing evil, if they only depend upon Him each day for this.

“He will keep the feet of His saints.” 1 Sam. 2:9.

Bible Lessons

Numbers 33.

GOD recalls to His people, the way they had come, now that their long journey almost ended. Their stopping places are named, but not a word is said of the murmuring, and even rebellion against Him on the way. How gracious God is! It was good for His people to recall the way they had been brought, and no doubt they thought with shame of their past waywardness as they faced the home prepared for them across the river of death.

The closing verses of the chapter bring out the fact that there was to be war in taking possession of the land; its inhabitants were to be entirely driven away, and all their idols, and everything that belonged to them, were to be destroyed.

Failure to carry out God’s desire for them meant sorrow and vexation, and the certain judgment of God. We shall see what this became, D. V., as we go on through the succeeding books of the Bible.

ML 07/27/1924

Lessons From Chinese

Number 2. Righteousness

IN our last lesson from a Chinese character, you will remember that we spoke about SIN, and how it is like a fish net that catches us, and holds us fast until Another comes to save us. Today I want to tell you about the One Who has come to save us from the terrible net of sin into which we all had fallen. Yes, thanks be to God, One has come to do this for us, and in the very first chapter of the New Testament we read,

“Thou shalt call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins.”

That is just what we need, is it not? A Saviour! One come to save us from that awful net that holds us so fast.

Now, children, I want you to look very carefully at that big character at the top of our lesson. If you look you may see that it is made of two parts, and I have asked my Chinese teacher to write these two parts separately so that you may see them quite plainly. The top part is in the small circle and means “sheep” or “lamb;” if you look at it you can see that it has two horns, and four legs, and a tail, and that extra stroke in the middle is its body, I suppose. The bottom part of this character is in the small square below and means “me” or “I”. Now, can you guess what the whole big character in the middle means?

“Me” covered by a “Lamb?”

If you have a Chinese man who does your laundry, or there is one in the town where you live, you may ask him about it; he will probably tell you it is “ee”, but he will have a hard time telling you what it means, so I must try and make it plain for you. It means “RIGHTEOUSNESS,” but that is such a big long word, that I am afraid some of the little folks won’t understand it. There are different kinds of righteousness. There is your own righteousness; that is all the right things, the good things that you do, to try to get to heaven.

In China there are “Righteous Works Societies,” and the people in them do right, kind, good things to get to heaven. Those are our own righteousnesses. These are the things that we like other people to see when they look at us, the things that we like to keep on the outside, like our clothes, and we like to keep our bad things hidden away where people won’t see them, or covered up with our righteousness. Isn’t that the way it is? God talks about these righteousnesses of our own, and tells us that they are like clothes that we wear to cover us up, —but, O, He says that they are all like “filthy rags.” You don’t like to wear filthy rags, do you? You don’t even like to touch them, we burn them, that is all they are good for. Our own righteousnesses, the best things that we do, are exactly the same.

Our sins are like a fish net to catch us and take us to hell, and our righteousnesses are like filthy rags! What a terrible state we are in! What can we do?

Now look again at the big character in the middle at the top of the lesson. What do we see there? We see ourselves, “Me” below, with a “Lamb” above, covering me over, so to speak. Who does that Lamb speak of? I know well that most of you can tell me that it is the Lord Jesus, “the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” What a beautiful lesson we may learn from this! Just what we need! The Lamb of God to take away my sins, to save me from that fish net in which I had become hopelessly caught, and the same Lamb of God to cover me all over, in place of those filthy rags of my own righteousness. How gladly will I throw away my filthy rags, to be covered by the Lamb of God, to be hidden in Him.

But look again at the big character, and you will see that nothing can touch “me” without first touching that “Lamb” above. And, O, dear children, as we think of how all the judgment of God for my sins was borne by that blessed Lamb, of how He has borne those stripes which I deserved so well, yes, of how all the waves and billows of the wrath of a holy God were all borne by Him, while I am safe in Him, while we think of all this, how our hearts. thank Him, and praise Him for it.

As we remember that righteousness is what covers us up, whether it be the filthy rags of our own righteousness, or the Lamb of God of God’s righteousness, we may see how beautifully this Chinese character tells us of a righteousness, not our own, but of Another, even the righteousness of God.

Dear children, have you this righteousness of God? Are you all covered by the Lamb of God? When God looks at you, does He see you all hidden in His own Beloved Son? That is what he offers to you. He says, “Now, the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ” is offered “unto all, and it is upon all them that believe.” Is it upon you?

“Clad in this robe, how bright I shine!

Angels possess not such a dress!

Angels have not a robe like mine,—

Jesus, the Lord’s my righteousness.”

ML 07/27/1924

Lighting the Lamps

ONE hot summer evening the sky suddenly filled with dark clouds, and the vivid flashes of lightning told of an approaching storm. Soon the thunder crashed overhead, and the forked lightning blazed forth with awful brilliancy.

Mrs. Brown was standing by the bedside of her little five-year-old boy, who was watching the lightning play about his bed.

As flash after flash flew past her, she grew fearful, when her little son turned his large blue eyes upon her, and said:

“Isn’t it bright, mother? Is God lighting his lamps?”

The mother’s heart was touched at the child’s question, and all fear forsook her; she felt that it was indeed God who allowed the storm, and that He could protect His children through it. Her child’s trust had rebuked her fears.

“Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm; so that the waves thereof are still.” Psa. 107:28, 29.

ML 07/27/1924

"Because Jesus Was There"

SOME time ago a little, class in a Sunday-school, having finished their lessons, were looking earnestly at a picture they had just received. It was that touching scene of Christ with His disciples on the Sea of Tiberias.

The wind had risen, and was swaying the sail almost into the water. A very high wave was dashing against the frail boat, and threatening to sweep over all.

One of the boys said earnestly:

“What a dreadful storm! You can almost hear the thunder! How glad I am that I was not there!” Little Allie looked up and said:

“I should liked to have been in that boat!”

“You would like to have been in that awful tempest?” asked the first boy, in surprise. “Why?” Allie replied simply,

“Because Jesus was there.”

It was a sweet reply: To love to be near the Saviour, even in a storm! His presence can make us forget the tempest we trust Him, and when He thinks best He will hush the angry winds and waves.

ML 07/27/1924

Decide for Christ Today

Decide for Christ today,

And God’s salvation see:

Yield soul and body, heart and will,

To Him who died for thee!

Decide for Christ today,

Thyself thou canst not save;

Helpless and guilty, dead and blind,

No longer judgment brave.

Decide for Christ today,

His blood speaks on the Throne

To sanctify, and make thee nigh.

Where God Himself is known.

Decide for Christ today,

Confess Him as thy Lord:

Proclaim to all the Saviour’s worth,

How faithful is His word.

Decide for Christ today,

Procrastinate no more;

Now mercy pleads, soon wrath will burn—

The Judge is at the door.

ML 07/27/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for June

1.“And cast ye the,” etc. Matt. 25:30.

2.“Behold the fowls of the,” etc. 6:26.

3.“Jesus saith unto him,” etc. 18:22.

4.“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” etc. 23:37.

5.“Then saith Jesus unto him,” etc. 4:10.

6.“And, behold, the veil of,” etc. 27:51.

7.“And Simon Peter answered,” etc. 16:16.

Bible Questions for June

The Answers are to be found in Luke

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Confess Me before men.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words. “Blessed is he.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “They know not what they do.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Glory in the highest.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The child grew.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He lifted up His hands.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Wept over it.”

ML 08/03/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 34.

CHAPTER 34, gives the boundaries of the inheritance, as drawn by the hand of Jehovah. The self-same hand which had guided their wanderings, here fixes the bounds of their habitation. Alas! They never took possession of the land as given to them of God. He gave them the whole land, and gave it forever: they took but a part, and that for a time. But, blessed be God, the moment is approaching when the children of Israel shall enter upon the full and everlasting possession of that fair inheritance, from which they are for the present excluded. The Lord will assuredly accomplish all His promises, and lead His people into all the blessings secured to them in the everlasting covenant—that covenant which has been ratified by the blood of the Lamb. Not one jot or tittle shall fail of all that He has spoken. His promises are all yea and Amen in Christ Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. All praise to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!

ML 08/03/1924

Lessons From Chinese

Number 3. “God for Us”

WE have learned from our Chinese Characters something about SIN, something about the SAVIOUR from sin, and how He gives RIGHTEOUSNESS to those who put their trust in the Lamb of God. Today I want to tell you a little more about that precious SAVIOUR, but this must be specially for those who have trusted Him, and have that righteousness, —for if you will not believe that Jesus died for you and bore your sins on the cross, I am afraid you will not believe what I have to tell you today.

These two characters we have before us today are somewhat alike, as you can see. The right-hand part of both is the same, and they both are pronounced alike, and both mean “to protect,” but there really is a very great difference. The right-hand part of both means “the right arm,” but the left-hand part of the one in the square on the right means “man,” and the left hand part of the one on the left, might be translated ‘God.” What a difference! The one in the right-hand square might be translated, “Protected by the right arm of man,” and the one in the left-hand square, “Protected by the right arm of God.”

Now, I wonder which my little reader is protected by? What a wonderful thing to think of being protected by the RIGHT ARM OF GOD, now and forever! Have you that for your protection? Or are you like the boy I heard of once, who had a lovely new knife given to him. That night he didn’t say his prayers, and when his mother asked him

“Why?” He said, “What does a boy with a knife like that, need to say prayers for?”

You see he was trusting to the fine big knife in “man’s hand” to protect him. That might help a little down here, but it would be of no use to protect us when death comes along; or when, after death, the judgment comes, and even here. I think the little boy would have been better off with the “Right Arm of God” to protect him, don’t you?

In our last “Lesson from Chinese” we spoke about the Chinese character with the “Lamb” above, and “me” below, and we thought of the way in which the Lamb of God had borne all the judgment of God for my sins, and protected me from all the waves and the billows of the wrath of God, and how they had all rolled over our Lord Jesus, while we were safely hidden in HIM.

I think perhaps in this lesson we may think of even more than this. Not only are we protected from the righteous wrath of God against our sin, but He has given us His own righteousness, and we are counted righteous, or just. God has justified us. But this is not all. In the eighth chapter of Romans, we read,

“Whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Yes, children, God is for us. You know that if we are playing a game, and we have a very, very good player for us, we are almost sure to win. But just think what it is to have the Almighty God for us. Is that not wonderful? It is not an arm of flesh, —a man’s arm,—we have for us to protect us,—no, it is the Right Arm of God. God is for us. And yet God has to ask the question, “To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” O, dear children, if it has never been revealed to you, go right now, and ask Him to reveal it to you, and this is Christ.

There was once a good king called Hezekiah, and a great king of Assyria came to fight against him. Now Hezekiah didn’t have much strength, and the king of Assyria thought he could easily conquer him, but Hezekiah said to his people,

“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid, nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah. Here was a man to whom the Arm of the Lord was revealed, and the people could rest on that. What are we resting on?

I always love those words,

“With us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” Now perhaps the little children who read this will say,

“But we haven’t any battles to fight, we are only little.”

Yes, you are only little, but if you have put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. and are one of His little ones, then you have battles to fight. You have three very great enemies, each one terribly strong. Their names are, “the world, the flesh and the devil,” and you have to fight against them. If you try to fight them in your own strength, you are perfectly certain to be beaten: but if you have the right arm of God to fight for you, and let Him fight your battles for you, you are absolutely certain to win. Yes, when we believe in the Lord Jesus, then we become soldiers of Jesus Christ: He is the Captain of our salvation, and children let me tell you, we are fighting tinder a Captain Who has never lost a battle, and Who never will. We may trust Him absolutely, and all we need to do is to obey Him implicitly. The hymn says,

“The arm of flesh will fail you, We dare not trust our own.”

This is true but the Arm of the Lord will never, never fail you. May He help us to trust Him entirely!

Is God for me? I’ll not fear,

Though all against me rise;

When I call on Christ my Saviour,

The host of evil flies.

My Friend, the Lord Almighty,

And He who loves me, God!

What enemy shall harm me,

Though coming as a flood?

I know it, —I believe it,—

I say it fearlessly, —

That God, the Highest, Mightiest,

Forever loveth me.

At all times, in all places,

He standeth at my side;

He rules the battle fury,

The tempest and the tide.

ML 08/03/1924

Hailing the Ferry

ISN’T it good to be happy in our work. The children in our picture look so happy, and yet they have been busy. Their mother, too, has been busy; she is hurrying to get their supper while they have been to the washerwoman’s for the clean bundle of clothes that you see in the wagon. The old ferry-woman will soon be across for the children, and take them back in her boat, as she sees the little girl calling and waving. The big sister is kind to baby in letting her ride with the clothes; and little brother is being kindly cared for by the other sister. Each is serving the other, and is being made so happy by it. They show us that they love one another.

What a wonderful thing love is! How it helps us to do some very hard tasks when we know there are dear ones at home who love us, and who are pleased when we do our work faithfully. Who is it that has shown the greatest love that we have ever known about? You say immediately. “It is Jesus.” Yes, He loved us so much that He died for us; and how good to know that such a great person as He, loves us still. You are one of millions of children; yet He knows you, and cares for you.

I trust you know Him, and that you are seeking to please Him. You may not tell even brother or sister, but if you do the smallest thing just to please the Lord Jesus, He takes notice of it; for nothing slips His eye that is really done in love to Him. Let us seek to return, in some little measure, at least, the great love that the Lord Jesus has shown to us.

“IF A MAN LOVE ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORDS: AND MY FATHER WILL LOVE HIM, AND WE WILL COME UNTO HIM, AND MAKE OUR ABODE WITH HIM.” John 14:23.

ML 08/03/1924

Building

DO you know, dear children, from our early childhood till we leave this world, we are all building something. The little child delights to have building blocks, and while building with them may seem to be only play, nevertheless, his little mind is developing by it, and such things are no doubt the first steps towards doing something better. It is important that we should be always building something good, then we will have good results. The Scripture says,

“Let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon; for other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:10, 11.

According to what we do, we shall have results. I will give you an instance of a young boy who said,

“I do not care the snap of my finger for what my father says.”

That was a very foolish boy. He thought he knew better than his father, and he was forgetting what God has told us in His Word,

“HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER, . . . THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE.” Eph. 6:2, 3.

That was poor kind of building he was doing, for he was despising his father instead of honoring him, and he is bound to suffer for such a statement, unless he owns it and judges himself for it.

Our life here is very short, and it is very necessary that we should take heed to God’s Word, and go according to it from our early days, and that will be good building, and we shall have good results, for that building will stand. The foundation is Christ. That is, you should begin with Christ as your Saviour, and by taking and acting upon all the wise instructions that God gives in His Word, you will be building on that foundation.

ML 08/10/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 34

NOW the boundaries of their land, God’s gift to His people, are set out. The south border was from Mount Seir by the way of Kadesh Barnea (the place from which the twelve spies were sent into the land, where Miriam died and was buried, and where Moses a second time struck the rock, when the people complained about there being no water), to “the river of Egypt,”—not the Nile, but a small winter stream which is shown on most maps,—and so to the sea. The’ west boundary was the Mediterranean sea; the east boundary, the river Jordan, the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. The north boundary was about one hundred miles north of Damascus. This was God’s purpose, but the children of Israel never took real, full possession of all this territory. Reuben, Gad and Manasseh were, as we have already noticed, outside of these boundaries, on the east side of the Jordan.

Men were appointed by God Himself to see that the land was fairly divided among the families of Israel. Let us see what the meaning of some of their names may be. Eleazar— “God is helper”; Joshua, — “God saves”; Caleb— “bold”; Shemuel — “Heard of God”; Elidad— “God is a friend”; Bukki— “mouth of God”; Hanniel— “God is gracious”; Kemuel— “God stands (or rises)”; Elizaphan— “God is protector”; Paltiel— “God delivers”; Ahihud— “brother of honor”; Pedahel “God delivers”. Is God in your name? Not in the name by which your parents and friends speak to you, but is He truly the One you trust? Do you know Him as Helper, Saviour, Hearer of your prayers, Friend, Protector, Deliverer? And when you speak, dear young Christian, remember that name, “mouth of God”—speak of Him and for Him. Guard your words, that there may nothing come from your lips that is displeasing to Him whose name you bear.

ML 08/10/1924

"God Sent Them to Us"

ANY child who has lived in a large city knows what a tenement house is, —a tall building, with many stories, where a number of families have their homes.

In the very lowest rooms, in a large tenement house in the city of Montreal, there lived, some years ago, four little children, with their father and mother. They were low, dark little rooms, almost entirely underground. You had to go down four or five steps to get to them, but the father was only too thankful to have a place where he could live, without paying rent, for times had been hard, and money was very scarce.

Nearly a year before the time of which I am speaking, Mr. Smith had been taken very ill, and lay for months in the hospital, hardly expected to live. He suffered much pain in his body, but what he suffered in his mind, was still harder to bear. Day and night he was thinking of his wife, and little Mary, and her brothers Jimmy and Jack, and the tiny baby girl.

“How will they get food?” he asked himself, many times, and then he would cry to God, asking Him to feed and care for his loved ones, so poor and helpless. Each time his wife or little Mary came to see him, they gave the same answer to his anxious question,

“How are you getting on?”

“We have never been hungry yet.”

At last the father was well enough to come home, —very thin, and very weak, and quite unable to work, but ready to do the light jobs, which were required of him in return for the two rooms in which they lived.

Whenever the mother could get a day’s work, she was glad to do it, and little Mary played mother at home, amusing the little boys, and nursing the little delicate baby, who was just trying to walk. Though only eight years old, she could be trusted to take care of the younger ones, and even prepare their dinner, if both father and mother were out.

But work was scarce, and many days there was none to be had, and mother had to remain at home. There came a Saturday, when the last bit of bread, and the last scrap of butter was used for dinner. No work was in sight, and Mrs. Smith looked sadly at her husband, and said,

“What shall we do for supper and for Sunday?”

“We must trust in God,” was all the father would say, “He will not let us starve.”

Early in the afternoon, the mother went out to try to get some work, and the father, leaving Mary with the little one went about his daily duties.

One thing the father had to do, was to collect the garbage from each flat, and carry it down to the big can, outside the back door. The people used to wrap the garbage in paper, and put it on the veranda, off which each flat opened. When he came to the top flat he noticed a number of parcels lying by the door, supposing them garbage, he picked them up, and carried them downstairs, but as he was going down, something prompted him to open one of the parcels, and to his surprise, he found instead of garbage, a box with a dozen eggs in it. Then he opened the others. There was bread and butter, and a nice large dried fish, and several other things. He at once carried them upstairs, and knocking at the door, beside which they had been lying, he handed them to the lady, who opened the door.

“They are not mine,” she said. “Try the next flat.” But though he tried at every door, no one owned them, nor was there a bill with them, to show from what store they had been sent.

“You had better keep the things yourself,” said the landlord of the flats, “you can easily find use for them.”

When Mrs. Smith came home, cold and hungry and sad, what a good supper she found, all laid out, and waiting for her. You can guess her surprise, and how she asked,

“Where did you get all these things?” and how little Mary answered,

“God sent them to us.” To the happy little family, that was the best part of all. It seemed so wonderful to think that God, the Maker of heaven and earth, had really thought of them, had known their need, and supplied it so bountifully.

Shortly after this, Mr. Smith found work, which he was now well enough to do, and they no longer had to wonder from day to day, where the next meal would come from, but I am sure they have never forgotten how the Lord cared for them, when their need was so very great.

If you look through the Bible you will find there is a great deal said about “needy” people, and they are the very ones the Lord loves to provide for.

“He shall deliver the needy when he crieth.” Psa. 72:12,

“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none,....I the Lord will hear them.” Isa. 41:17.

“He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away.” Luke 1:53.

ML 08/10/1924

He Saved Me

ON a beautiful lawn in a gentleman’s garden, his little girl was playing all alone. The sun was shining and the birds singing, and little Lucy was as happy as the birds and the flowers around her.

At the edge of the lawn was a large fish pond, where the gold and silver fish were darting about in the sunshine. How beautiful and quiet it all was, when suddenly all is changed. A startling scream tells that something sad has happened, poor little Lucy has fallen into the pond!

The house is too far away for help to come from there, but help does come at once. The old dog, Bobbie, had been watching the little girl, and saw her fall into the pond, and plunged in after her, dragging her to shore.

The poor little girl was more dead than alive when they pulled her out of the water, but she soon revived enough to throw her arms around the neck of her rescuer, the dear brave old dog. Her mother said “Why do you love Bobby so much?”

“Why, mamma, because he saved me,” she said still hugging him tightly.

Now if Lucy loved the faithful dog so much for saving her from drowning, how much more should sinners, saved by grace, from “everlasting burning,” love Jesus, who loved them and gave Himself for them. Are you saved by Him? If you believe in Him, if you really trust Him with your whole heart, you are.

May His love constrain you to live for Him who died for you.

ML 08/10/1924

True Knowledge

A WISE man once said, “When I was young, I was sure of many things. Now, there are only two things of which I am sure: one is, that I am a sinner. The other is, that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour.”

Have you, dear readers, learned these two important truths?

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 08/10/1924

Jesus

Who left the throne of God on high?

Who came into this world to die?

Who was that One in lowly birth?

Who trod the weary paths of earth?

Who was it dried the mourners’ tears?

Who calmed His loved disciples’ fears?

Who was it little children blest?

Who was it gave the troubled rest?

Who was it hung upon the tree?

Who drank the cup of wrath for me?

Who rose triumphant o’er the grave?

Who lives in glory now to save?

Who is it soon again will come?

Who soon will take His people home?

Who soon will sit on Jacob’s throne?

Who is it every tongue will own?

JESUS!

ML 08/10/1924

The Ruined Nest

HERE some boys have been throwing up stones at the dear little birds, and some of them have fallen into the nest and broken the eggs and broken down one side of the nest. Little did they think of what it would mean to these birds to have their eggs broken, and their nice little home that they had taken so much pains to build, ruined in a moment of time. The thoughtlessness of the boys brought about a great deal of trouble, and their idle hands gave an opportunity to show out the mischief in their hearts.

May each reader seek to take a lesson from this in two ways: first, that there is evil in the heart; second, that idle hands give the opportunity to show what it contains, and therefore sorrow and suffering are the result.

I think we all may see what a hateful thing sin is, whether in breaking up birds’ nests, or in other wrong ways. And if hateful to us, what must sin be in the sight of a Holy God! Well may we praise and thank God that He has, in love, provided a Saviour for us, so that we can approach Him through Christ and His finished work, knowing that all our sins are atoned for by Him. Then the desire is to please Him in all our ways, and to tell others of Jesus, the only One through whom we can come to God.

“TEACH ME THY WAY, O LORD, AND LEAD ME IN A PLAIN PATH.” Psa. 27:11.

ML 08/17/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 35

CHAPTER 34 showed no provision for the Levites, the family or tribe of Israel, who were set apart for the service of God. It was right that they should not be counted in when the land was portioned out to the children of Israel, for theirs was the highest privilege of serving God; we read of His care for them in the eighteenth chapter. God had told Aaron for himself and the tribe of Levi in verse 8 of that chapter,

“Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them. I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.”

Yet, God will see that His servants are provided for in natural things, and in this chapter today we read of His command that the children of Israel shall give to the Levites, forty-eight cities and land around them for their homes. All over the land of Canaan were these little towns of the Levites to be found, and six of them were to be made hiding places or refuges for those who accidentally or ignorantly killed any person. God would not make little of the shedding of blood, but made a difference between the murderer, and those who killed without realization of what they did.

Verse 25 then appointed, to the one not looked on as a murderer, a shelter until the high priest’s death; until that time he was homeless, and yet in the keeping of God. No doubt, God was, in this appointment, looking on to the time when Israel should be guilty of the death of His Son. Some of them did it knowingly, and through hatred to Jesus; these have borne their punishment on earth, and shall vet bear more in eternity. But the mass of the people were covered by the prayer of Jesus,

“Father; forgive them for they know not what they do.”

In The Acts, chapter 3, verse 17, the apostle Peter declared that “through ignorance ye (Jews) did it”, and 1 Corinthians 2, verse 8 states, “which none of the princes of this world knew, for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” On this account, God was pleased to offer salvation first to the Jew, and even the unsaved Jews are in a special sense preserved by God. When Christ gives up this place as the believer’s High Priest in heaven (Hebrews 10:21), taking His heavenly people, the Church, home, Israel will go back to their land and have it as their home again.

ML 08/17/1924

Little Mary's Prayer

MR. ROBERTS was an infidel, one of those men who say the Bible is not God’s book. His wife became a Christian soon after their marriage and loved the Bible and tried to serve her Lord and Saviour. But Mr. Roberts was angry whenever he saw a Bible, and would throw it into the fire or out of the window. His poor wife did not dare let him know she had a Bible or ever read one. But she had a little pocket Bible, and kept it hid in the bottom of her trunk, and when her husband was away on his trips down the river—for he was the captain of a boat—she would take out her Bible and read it every day.

Mrs. Roberts had three small children, and she spent much time each day in speaking to them about the precious things in the Word of God. She told them of the Saviour, God’s Son, Who came down from heaven to save sinners, and that all who know Him as their own Saviour can call His Father their Father, His God, their God, and that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.

Mary, the eldest of the three children, at the age of ten years had accepted the Lord Jesus, and she loved to pray.

She continued this habit of prayer, and her father, as he returned from one of his trips, overheard her several times, but she was his pet, his idol, and he could not be angry with her, though he thought it was a childish whim, and she would soon get over it. Calling her to him, he took her on his knee, and asked,

“Mary, why do you go about praying as you do? what does a little girl like you know about prayer?”

“Father, I like to pray,” said the child. “But what do you pray for? What is it you are wanting?”

“I’ll tell you, father, what I pray for; but you must promise me something first.”

“Well, what must I promise?”

“Well, father, if you will promise to go to meeting with mother and me tonight I’ll tell you what I pray for.”

She put her little hands caressingly down his cheeks, and said,

“Father, I pray every day that God will save your soul, and make you love His Bible too.”

With the last word she put her little mouth to his, and gave him an earnest and loving kiss; as she did so, he felt as if something had struck him on the head.

He became faint, and trembled, and afterward declared it seemed as if God had smitten him.

He said nothing then, but went to meeting that night; and his conviction of God’s holiness and power and his sins increased, until he humbled himself before God as a sinner, and was enabled by faith to trust in Christ for his salvation. How ashamed and sorry he was when he remembered how he had fought against God’s word, the Bible. But he was happy to know that God remembered his sins and iniquities no more. God had forgotten all, because he had accepted Christ as his Saviour.

Mr. Roberts went away very soon after this on his boat. When he came back it was dark, on Saturday night, as he reached the wharf; but before going home he went to a bookstore and bought an elegant and large Bible, and carrying it home, laid it on his wife’s table.

As you may suppose, Mrs. Roberts and her children were very happy, especially Mary, who had first come to the Lord Jesus, and then brought her dear father to Jesus through her prayers.

Are there some of our little readers who have parents or other loved ones, unsaved? You, if you know Jesus as your Saviour, can do as Mary did, —just go and tell Jesus about them.

The Lord attends when children pray;

A whisper He can hear;

He knows not only what we say,

But what we wish or fear.

ML 08/17/1924

Snowy

DO you know what a redeemer is? It is one who helps another out of any trouble, or difficulty, or punishment, by paying the penalty in his stead.

Some little children once had a pet lamb. They had taken care of it since it was very shall. It ran after them, and played with them, and ate from their hands. But one morning, when their lessons were done, and they ran as usual to play with ‘Snowy,’ they saw before the door a large rough-looking boy dragging the little white lamb by a rope around its neck.

“What are you going to do with Snowy?” exclaimed the children, running up to him; “that’s our lamb.”

“It won’t do you much good now you have found her,” said the boy. “Master bought her this morning, and I am going to take her to the slaughter-house.”

“To the slaughter-house! Kill our Snowy! You shan’t do it,” cried Ralph, with crimson cheeks and sparkling eyes, while the other children broke out into loud exclamations, putting their arms around Snowy, and tried to snatch the rope out of the boy’s hand. Just then a gentleman came by, and asked what all that noise was about.

“It is our lamb, sir,” said Ralph, half choked with trying not to cry. “It is stolen from us, and I’m sure he’s going to kill it.”

The butcher explained that it had been sold to him.

“O, nonsense,” said the gentleman. “There, there, children, stop crying; the lamb shan’t be killed this time. Give them the rope. I’ll pay your master what he gave for the lamb.”

The butcher did not like giving up the lamb at all at first, but the gentleman insisted upon his doing so; and paying him out of his own purse, told the children to take charge of the lamb.

How glad those children were then! How they hugged poor Snowy, who had been in so much danger, and thanked the gentleman for his kindness!

Now this was redemption. Poor Snowy could not save herself, and the children, dearly as they loved her, could not save her, for they had not money enough to pay the price. But the gentleman paid the money, and redeemed the little lamb from death, and the children from the sorrow of losing her.

Now, dear children, we have someone who would like to drag us to a worse end than that to which the butcher was taking poor Snowy. It is not to a slaughter-house, but “into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

But we do not need to go there with him, for the Lord Jesus Christ has died for us on the cross; He has borne the punishment that we deserved; He has paid the price for our many sins, and if we accept Him as our own Saviour and Redeemer, we shall be happy to follow Him all the time He leaves us down here, and He will take us to His beautiful home in the glory, to live with Him forever.

‘Dear children, which one are you going to follow, Christ or Satan?

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”

ML 08/17/1924

Christ My All

God of all grace, I gladly own,

What in His death Thy Christ hath done

What He is there upon the throne,

What He is now and He alone

Is all my joyful plea.

He’s all my trust, He’s all my boast,

For since He died to save the lost,

I’m sure He died for me.

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

ML 08/17/1924

Labor

WHEN Adam and Eve were created, they did not have to plow the ground, nor to sow the seed to get food for themselves; everything grew of itself, for God wanted them to enjoy His goodness in making all things on earth for their use. But, after they disobeyed Him, the Lord said to Adam that because of his sin, He cursed the ground; henceforth thorns and thistles should grow where only good and beautiful plants had been; and he should have to work hard to make the earth produce the food he needed.

While this was a punishment, it was also a blessing, for it is certain that

“Satan has some mischief still,

For idle hands to do.”

So God wants us to work with our own hands as we are commanded to do, and says if anyone will not work he should not eat.

But many people work hard, and plan and scheme that they may get rich, forgetting that someday they will have to leave all behind; to such the Lord says,

“LABOR NOT FOR THE MEAT WHICH PERISHETH, BUT FOR THAT MEAT WHICH ENDURETH UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE.” John 6:27.

ML 08/24/1924

Bible Lessons

Numbers 36

THIS gives us a further evidence of God’s care over His people. We read of the daughters of Zelophehad of the tribe of Manasseh in the twenty-seventh chapter, where they asked for a portion of land. God’s purposes must be carried out, and the tribes must be preserved apart. So at His word, the daughters of Zelophehad are given a possession, and His word here makes that land sure to them. No one with faith in God ever went to Him with a need that He did not satisfy; no cry, however feeble, with Him as its object, failed of an answer.

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” Psa. 18:30.

ML 08/24/1924

"It Is Enough!"

THE following incident is copied from a letter giving an account of a very interesting work of God in Russia:

Before closing I must tell you an event which happened last Sunday, and which showed again the wonderful ways of God. Mr. P. went with one of his friends to a distant village to preach the Gospel. Having gone about half way, suddenly one of his horses became lame, and it was impossible to continue the journey. They were expected at a certain hour, but were helpless. At this moment a country man came out of the woods which were by the way, and offered to provide a carriage and be the driver himself. Mr. P. willingly accepted the offer; and the carriage was soon brought from a farm in the neighborhood.

They had scarcely stepped in when the driver, an aged man of seventy years, turned in his seat, and told Mr. P. that he had tried to find him for more than three years, but that he never could succeed, because he had always arrived too late where Mr. P. had held a meeting.

Several times he had also gone to a distant village in the expectation of finding Mr. P., but each time he was disappointed, appointed, because the meeting was in another place. The poor man was almost discouraged, when God Himself overruled circumstances so that he could hear the glad tidings of salvation.

He told, with trembling voice, the troubles of his soul, his fear of death and his burning desire to find forgiveness of his sins; he said he did not know what to do. Then Mr. P. began to read to him a few passages of Scripture, which tell of free grace. the Gift of God, the love of the Lord. The old man listened with close attention; his heart began to apprehend the meaning of those precious words; his face shone with joy. Suddenly he exclaimed,

“O, it is enough! Now I possess what I have longed for! Thanks, thanks to God!”

The old man forgot, in his joy, his duty as driver. The reins and whip fell out of his hands, while big tears rolled down his cheeks, tears of joy and thanks to God; his lips were unable to express his gratitude. His happiness had made him dumb for the time.

Mr. P.’s young friend was obliged to take the reins, and drive the horses, as the old man was quite unable to do it. Mr. P. asked him to sit in the carriage, and continue to speak to him about Christ and His work, His love, and all that He has done for us, and about the place He has prepared for us with the Father.

The poor man, now our brother, listened with delight, only interrupting from time to time with an artless, childlike question. He cannot read, is very untaught, but now he possesses what he needed. He does not know anything but that Christ died for him, that He has washed him from his sins by His blood, and that has given hint eternal joy. Is that not wonderful!

Who would have thought that the laming of a horse could have led to the bringing of a soul to Christ!

ML 08/24/1924

"A Boy in the Well"

A BOY in the well!” This was the cry which sounded through the streets on a bright summer’s evening. The day’s work was done, the sun had gone down in purple and gold, the busy workmen rested after their day’s labor. Some asked, “Whose boy was it?” Others “Had not the lid been laid over the well opening,” or “had it been taken off?”

But a young man sprang quickly forward, threw off his coat, and asked help of the bystanders in these words: “Never a word about the cause of the mishap, but let us see how we can save the child. That is the question?” “That’s it” was the answer of a dozen voices, while the well winch was set going, and many pale faces peeped over the edge of the well. One after another called out to the child; some asked if he was frightened; but to all the advices and questions no answer was heard, not a sound came forth.

“The weather has been dry, and there is little or no water in the well,” said one.

“O dear,” said the boy’s mother, “it was only yesterday that I grumbled because there was so little water.”

“Let us have a lantern,” said the first man, and a lantern was lighted and brought there, but in the same moment the boy’s father was seen pushing his way through the crowd. A way was made for him. He had been at work at a neighboring farm, and returning at dusk to his home, was surprised to find the room empty, the street deserted, and all the people gathered round the well.

When he heard what had taken place, and saw his wife wring her hands, he turned very pale. But recovering himself as much as possible he said: “Stand back, leave the child to me.”

Then he carefully examined the winch and the rope, and tied to the latter a couple of sacks rolled up hard. Having done this he let it down till he felt it touch the bottom of the well.

“Now be quite still,” he said, looking around. And lying down, with his face to the well opening, he called out softly and distinctly: “‘John, take hold of the rope!”

This time a faint pull was felt on the rope.

“Pull up, men,” said the man, “steady, mates, steady.”

And again leaning over the well, he said down into the dark: “Hold fast, my child.”

All the time the winch was wound, but the well was deep, and it seemed a very long while.

At last there sounded forth a right good cheer.

“He is saved,” said the crowd. “Thank you, mates,” cried the father, as he lifted the boy in his arms, and carried him down the street.

The child was saved. The father’s voice had reached him. He had learned to obey, and when the well-known voice had told him to take hold of the rope, the child understood and did it. The command was a plain one, and brought salvation to the child.

God has sent His only begotten Son down to this dark world. He has given a way of salvation. Christ is the way.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

This is His command. If you obey, you are saved. Will you do as the little boy in the well? Will you take hold of the rope “today?”

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

ML 08/24/1924

Today and Tomorrow

TWO young men returning from a meeting where they had heard the Gospel, and had been warned of their danger in neglecting it, parted at the street corner, one saying to the other,

“I’ll see you tomorrow night at the meeting.”

The other, who was deeply convicted of sin, said,

“Tomorrow is not ours, Jim.”

The night following, Jim was carried to his lodgings dead, killed by a fall in the shipyard. “Tomorrow” found him in the eternal world. There are no “tomorrows” with God.

“Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your heart.” Today He calls,

“Come, for all things are now ready.” Tomorrow is not yours: there is no certainty that you will be in life tomorrow. Tomorrow’s sun may shine upon your lifeless clay, your soul gone to its account. Be wise and settle the great matter of your eternal salvation, your relation to God and eternity, Today.

Today is God’s day of Grace, and your day of opportunity; tomorrow you may be beyond the reach’ of grace, and enduring God’s righteous judgment.

“Behold now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

To reject it is to perish. To procrastinate and trifle with grace is to court eternal judgment.

ML 08/24/1924

A Bright Confession "Christ for Me."

HE was a gallant young sailor, and knew what it was to plow the stormy deep. Wandering listlessly along the streets that November evening, he was attracted by the sound of singing, and coming into the place where a few young men were testifying the Gospel, and telling of the power of Christ to save, the young sailor received Him, and was then and there converted.

Standing in the middle of the circle, his face beaming with his new-found joy, he sang,

“Christ for me.”

“Nail it to the mast,” said one, “and make it the flag under which you sail everywhere and always.”

And he did. Amid scoffs at first, and for many years after as Captain of his ship, he sailed under the Royal flag of “Christ for me,” adorning His doctrine and owning His claim.

Can you say, “Christ for me”? If not, what? There is no half-way course, no neutral zone. It must be Christ or the world, God or the devil, sin or salvation, heaven or hell. And your present choice will fix your future destiny for glory or woe. Which?

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

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.” Deut. 30:19.

ML 08/24/1924

The Only Saviour

Not my works, my prayers, or tears,

Not my inward joys or fears,

Not my conduct—good or bad.

Not my feelings—grieved or glad.

But the Son of God who came—

Died for me and rose again,

Lives above at God’s right hand.

Is the Christ in whom I stand.

ML 08/24/1924

Hagar and Ishmael

I SUPPOSE most of my readers have read of Hagar and Ishmael (Gen. 21:12-21), or at least have heard about them in the Sunday School.

There are different lessons for us in this case, but there is only one I want to bring before you, and that is in connection with how God watched over them, supplied their needs, and purposed that a nation would come from Ishmael, which were called Ishmaelites.

It is good for us ever to remember that God is in everything, and He is and will work out His wise purposes, and the end is ever with blessing. You may find many difficulties arise in your circumstances, even when you are quite young, but may you remember how God undertook for these two. There is a verse of Scripture in the New Testament that I want you to learn by heart,

“WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD.” Rom. 8:28.

ML 08/31/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 1.

THE book we are beginning today is Moses’ review, under God, of the past behavior of the people he had led to the border of the promised land with a forward look through all their coming history. It is his farewell address, and its theme all the way through is obedience. The forms and ceremonies of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, shadows of the deep things of God, had not been, and never were, fully carried out, but assuming that they were to be duly observed, there was something deeper, as regards themselves to whom these writings of God, by His servant Moses, were given, and that was the need for a heart obedience to God.

Israel had failed, lost all title to the promised possession, but God in grace had gone on with them, and was about to bring them into it; would help them to take it, and would keep them in it, if they obeyed His words. Alas! they utterly failed, despite the unweariedness of a God of infinite patience and tender love; they lost their possession, and when the promised One came, Son of God and Son of David, they murdered Him, and are set aside in God’s judicial ways until the Church, the bride of Christ, has been gathered out by the Holy Spirit, and caught away to glory. The Church too has failed, through disobedience, and is today in a ruined condition. Urgently, then, there is a call for obedience to God and His Word. May we learn from the pages of Deuteronomy!

Verses 2 and 3. Eleven days’ journey, but nearly forty years on the way! This chapter tells us why it was so long a trip; (See in particular, verse 40). Lessons were to be learned, painful lessons, that were needed to show the children of God themselves, and the God with whom they had to do.

Verse 19. It was not far to Kadesh Barnea, on the border of the promised land, but unbelief kept them from at once entering,—rebellion against God (verse 26). Notice the care of God for them, told in verses 31 and 33.

Verse 41. “We have sinned” is easily said, and meant nothing, for their ways showed it. Verse 45. They wept, but they were tears of disobedient, self-willed children, and God kept them “many days” without a single step forward.

ML 08/31/1924

"No Fear Now"

A LADY asked me to visit a boy, who was dying in the hospital. I found him very sick. He beckoned me to draw my chair close to his bedside, for he could scarcely speak above a whisper.

After a few words of inquiry as to his illness, I asked if he knew whether his sins were forgiven. His pale, worn face brightened up, beaming with heavenly joy, as he told me he blessed God he ever came into that hospital, for this kind lady had visited him and told him about Jesus.

“Ah!” said he, “if Jesus were not the Saviour of the chief of sinners, He never would have saved me. I had no friend on earth. My mother died when I was only four years old; then there was no one left to train me right, so that from my youth I had none but evil companions, who sought only to make me still more wicked than themselves. From the time my father died, about eighteen months ago, I have lived a course of unchecked sin and profligacy, stopping short of nothing that my heart desired, and here I am as the result. Drink and sin ran away with me, and then I was friendless, and many a night had to sleep on a door-step, and six weeks ago was brought here to die, but I feared to die. The terrible prospect of meeting God in my sins glared before my mind as an awful reality, and I could get no relief or peace day or night, until that lady told me what Christ had suffered on the cross for sinners just such as I am—even for the vilest—so that I might be pardoned and go to heaven. She told me that God laid on Him the iniquity of us all; so that, guilty as I was, I might find a full salvation, in Him.”

Here I interrupted him, asking if he were sure that what the Lord suffered was quite sufficient.

“O, yes!” he said (looking me well in the face, wondering at such a question). “O, yes! He has done the work perfectly, and He has done it all. He has done ‘what I never could do—He has perfectly and for ever put away my sins, and perfectly satisfied God. If I had to do anything, what could I do, lying on a death-bed, even to help save myself?”

“Then you can die happy,” said I, “and you do not now fear meeting God?”

“No; no fear now,” he replied. “The doctor told me yesterday I could not live more than three weeks. But I would not mind if it were only three hours; for it is all bright before me, though I have nothing to trust in of my own, for it is all darkness and sin as I look back on my past life, but it is all bright before me. Here I am dying so young, but I would not change places with you, for I am going home. I have but one regret; my life has been wasted in sin, instead of being spent for Jesus, who I now know loved me, and gave Himself for me. I would like to point everybody I am acquainted with to a verse in the Book of Revelation that gave me such rest.”

He then took my Bible, and turning to Rev. 21:6, read, repeating the latter part over a second time, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.” John 7:37.

ML 08/31/1924

The Boy Who Had Never Heard

ABOUT ten months ago, a boy about fourteen years old came into our Sunday School, and took his place among the boys on the front seat.

Someone remarked as he entered, “That is the worst boy in our day school. You will surely have trouble with him.”

The thought came to me, He is just the one the Lord came to seek and to save, and from the first moment I saw him, my heart went out to him; he had a bright face, with large brown eyes.

We shall never forget the expression of that face, as the wonderful love of the Lord Jesus was told out, and the invitation given to the unsaved to come to Him. He sat there, his large eyes fixed upon the speaker, with mouth wide open, drinking all in. This poor boy had never heard before of the Lord Jesus, as the Saviour of sinners.

He had no Bible; could not repeat a text of Scripture, and I am told, only mentioned Jesus’ name in an oath. So terrible was his record, that we were afraid to have our boys with him; afraid his example would have its bad effect upon them.

However, the Lord had His eye upon this boy. He has been attending Sunday School for ten months, never missing a Sunday except for sickness, and has been, during that time the best behaved boy in the school. He has a Bible now, and values the Word of God. He has always reminded me, of the little Gypsy boy, who said,

“Nobody ever told me before.”

Now, we have every reason to believe, that through grace, he is the Lord’s. One Sunday afternoon he remarked,

“I now know the Lord Jesus, as my own Saviour.” How our hearts were comforted in hearing this simple confession. This dear boy has a new life now, and that life is seen by others. He no longer shows the desires of the old life, but the new life is now manifested.

Many of our dear ones have been attending Sunday School for years, and yet have not accepted Christ. How often you have listened to the old, old story of God’s grace, and Jesus’ love, and have treated them with indifference. May the Holy Spirit awaken you to a sense of what you are, and where you are, and give you faith to trust the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour.

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

ML 08/31/1924

Free Pardon

WHILE visiting an old man who was anxious about being saved, I found great difficulty in making him understand that pardon is the free gift of God, through the precious blood of Christ. At last I said to him,

“Now, suppose I were to go to a store, and buy something for you, and pay for it, and tell you to go and get it, need you take any money with you?”

“No,” answered the old man, brightening up; “it would be paid for.”

“Need you make any promises to pay at some future time?”

“No,” he replied, “I would have it for nothing.”

“So,” I continued, “it is with forgiveness of sins. The Lord Jesus has paid the full price for it! He has had the groans, the sighs, the tears, the wrath, the punishment, —yea, all that sin deserved! He bore it all! He paid the whole. Yes, bought forgiveness with His precious blood, and now He gives it as a gift to all who bring their sins to Him.”

“Yes,” said the old man, as his eyes filled with tears. “I see it now, it is pardon for nothing! Pardon for nothing! Christ has bought it, and He will give it to me!”

The thief on the cross was as fit to go to heaven as Paul, and he went there; and none go not fit. There is no fitness or meetness for heaven, except through the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our fitness.

Just see for a moment what blessings come to those who hear and believe the words of Jesus:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

Could anything be more plain, more sure, more blessed?

ML 08/31/1924

Jesus Dying on the Tree.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means eternal life for thee,—

Means that grace o’er sin hath sway,—

Means that love hath had its way.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means Jehovah’s just decree,—

Words of Him who cannot lie,—

“Whoso sinneth he shall die.”

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means this sentence past on me

Has descended on His head,

And that He has died instead.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means that mercy now is free,

Free to bless since He has died,

And God’s throne is satisfied.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means—and O, how sweet to see!

That my sins are all forgiven,

And that I’m made fit for heaven.

Jesus dying on the tree,

Means that I e’er long shall be,

Through His precious blood alone,

Soon in glory, safe at home!

ML 08/31/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for July

1. Or what shall a man give,” etc. Mark 8:37.

2.“Watch ye, and pray,” etc. 14:38.

3.“And Jesus, moved with,” etc. 1:41.

4.“And when He had sent,” etc. 6:46.

5.“And Jesus, answering,” etc. 12:17.

6.“When Jesus heard it,” etc. 2:17.

7.“For whosoever shall give,” etc. 9:41.

Bible Questions for September

The Answers are to be found in John

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Now Jesus loved.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Thou hast loved Me.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Loved the world.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Loved of My Father.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I loved you.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The disciple whom Jesus loved”.

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Loved His own.”

ML 09/07/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 2.

IT was not because they chose to, but “as the Lord spoke unto me,” as Moses told the people (verse 1.), that they had turned back into the wilder-

ness which was behind them. They had shown very plainly that they, as a people, —for there were exceptions, —were not fit to go into God’s land. Years had to pass, long years of waiting, and, it is to be hoped, of learning to trust God more, and themselves less, before the children of Israel should hear the call of God to cross the river and enter the land.

His eyes were on them (He never forgets those who are His, though He sends them trial after trial sometimes), and when the right time came, the word was,

“Ye have compassed this mountain long enough; turn you northward” (verse 3). They were reminded that they were only passing through, only travelers to a better land, a home God had prepared for his people, and so they must “take good heed to themselves”, not meddling with the world around, even their relatives that had not the hope set before them that this pilgrim people had.

They had lacked nothing, in all their wandering through that largely uninhabited, uncultivated land, because “the Lord thy God hath been with thee.” What kindness, what love, what mercy, they had experienced from His gracious hand all the way; yes, every day, of the journey through life! And God, in here reminding the children of Israel of their history, does not say a word about their murmuring and complaining; their speaking against Moses, and their many sins.

The strength they had trusted in, more than in God, “the men of war” (verses 14, 15, 16) had to be taken away, and then the forward march to Israel’s land, began in earnest. Then only was it, that dread and fear began among the nations (verse 25) at the report of their coming. Enemies were met; they did not seek them, but rather the enemies came out against them; and the enemies were destroyed.

We may wonder perhaps at God’s directing His people to put whole nations to death, but we must remember these were the nations which God had long before spoken of as to be judged; their day of mercy, long extended, was past.

ML 09/07/1924

Happy Day

AS I toiled at my work, in the noisy whirl of machinery, one hot August day, through my heart rang the words of my little daughter Nellie

“Sing ‘Happy day! Happy day!’” That morning she had come as usual to our room for a little fun, and had found her mother singing something in which she could not join. She said,

“Sing, ‘Happy day,’ Mamma; sing ‘Happy day’.” Nellie is not quite three years old, but she has learned to sing,

“Happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.”

Perhaps some of you, dear children, may say,

“I also often sing. ‘Happy day’.” But stay; do you mean what you sing? Remember, it is when Jesus has washed Your sins away that the happy day begins.

Have you, dear children, had your sins washed away? All who go to heaven, whether young or old, are made whiter than snow, and unless you are washed in the precious blood of Jesus, which cleanseth from all sin, you will never enter the home of glory, nor swell the song of the ransomed in praise to Him.

Do not think, dear little ones, that by saying your prayers morning and evening, attending Sunday School regularly (good as these things are in their places), that you will save your souls. No, no; you must come to Jesus, and confess your sins to God, as David says in Psalm 32:5,

“I acknowledge my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.”

Then we shall receive the forgiveness which he speaks of in this verse.

Let me advise you not to rest satisfied until you know you are a child of God.

Thus amid the rattle of the machines, and in the heat of that August day, my heart kept time to the sweet song my baby girl raised before I left home:

“O happy day, that fixed my choice

On Thee, my Saviour and my God!

Well may this glowing heart rejoice,

And tell its raptures all abroad!

Now, let me ask you, in conclusion, “Shall my Saviour be your Saviour, too?”

ML 09/07/1924

The Breastplate Tested

AFTER the battle of Waterloo, when the Duke of Wellington had returned to England, he was frequently visited by a man who had invented a bullet-proof breastplate.

He called one day when the Duke was very busy, bearing letters from several of the Duke’s personal friends, recommending his invention. Impatient at the long time taken to describe it, he curtly asked,

“Do you have it with you?”

Quickly the man produced the new breastplate, thinking to himself its success was now assured.

“Are you sure it is bullet-proof?” asked the Duke.

“Quite sure,” replied the man proudly. “Put it on then, and go stand in that corner.”

The man obeyed, wondering what the Duke intended next to do.

“Mr. Temple,” said Wellington to his Secretary, who was in the room, “tell the sentry outside the door to load with ball cartridge, and come here to test this breastplate.” But before the sentry had time to get the balls into his musket, the man, breastplate and all, had disappeared through the open door, never more to appear before the Duke proclaiming the merits of his invention.

There are others besides the breastplate maker, who have “inventions” of their own, which they consider of great value, but which they fear to have tested by the word of God. Religion, morality, self-righteousness, are all gloried in as things to commend sinners to God. But they will not stand the test of the “Judge of all the earth.” One day, sooner or later, they must meet Him, and there will be no “open door” through which they may escape. Nothing will stand but what is of Christ.

All who believe in Him are saved and accepted.

Dear children, will your religion, in which you trust, stand the test? Is it genuine?

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

ML 09/07/1924

A Sure Foundation

THE girls in our picture, dear children, are enjoying a little recreation. It may be a holiday and they are having a little rest from their studies, and apparently are going to try to catch a few fish.

How thankful boys and girls should be to God for giving them the pure, fresh air, and streams of water, both of which are necessary for health.

There is one gift above all others for which we should be most thankful, that is, the gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and when children go away for a little vacation, how lovely to take the Lord Jesus with them.

Notice, dear ones, in our picture, the great log stretched across the stream. This gives the girls a solid footing, and they step upon it with assurance, knowing they are perfectly safe, but, in time, even this heavy timber will crumble and decay. Everything in this world will soon pass away, and how needful to have that which endures for eternity —a sure foundation, —your feet upon “The Solid Rock,” “and that Rock is Christ.”

Can you sing from the heart,

“On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand”?

Some young believer may say, I believe that I am upon the Rock, but oftentimes I fear and tremble, and am so troubled, lest, after all, I may sink, and be lost.

No, never, dear one, once your feet are upon the Solid Rock, Christ Jesus, nothing can touch your salvation. You may tremble, but the Rock is immoveable, and you are just as safe, as you will be in heaven.

“Safe in Christ, safe in Christ:

He’s their glory ever;

None can pluck them from His hand,

They shall perish never.

“THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER; THE GOD OF MY ROCK; IN HIM WILL I TRUST.” 2 Samuel 22:2,3.

ML 09/07/1924

Marie

MARIE was a dear little girl of four years.

One day she was sitting on her Grandmother’s lap, listening intently to the description of the big bird, called the “eagle”, that builds its nest among the rocks way up in the tops of high mountains.

“It is so big,” her Grandmother said, “that it can carry away in its claws small animals, such as rabbits and squirrels. These it takes to its nest for the little ones to eat. And it has been known even to carry away a little lamb”!

Opening her big eyes very wide, little Marie exclaimed:

“But it couldn’t carry away one of Jesus’ little lambs, for He says, ‘Neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand!’”

How true this is! The Lord Jesus says: “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.

ML 09/07/1924

Ears and Eyes

THE three boys in our picture today are filled with amusement at something they see, and perhaps are bent on mischief and they are bright looking boys, too. They have ears to hear, and eyes to see, and souls to save, yet their thoughts appear to be far away from the One who has given them hearing and eyesight.

How very sorry we feel for the careless and indifferent boys, —those who have not had the advantages that many of you boys and girls have had. They have not had Christian parents to point them to the Lord Jesus Christ; have not been brought to Sunday-school to hear of His love.

How we long to get the clear boys, who spend their time on the streets, to the Sunday-school.

Will you not assist, dear ones, in trying to get them to come where God’s Word is read, looking to God to bless it to their souls?

Soon these ears and eyes may be closed for ever against earthly sounds and sights, but they will open again,

“All that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth.” John 5:28, 29.

“Every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him.” Rev. 1:7.

The voice of judgment will penetrate the ear that was deaf to the message of mercy.

Let the ears of the unsaved, now hear His word,

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

Let the eye of faith look unto the crucified One, and be saved!

ML 09/14/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 3.

WHEN enemies come against the believer, if he is in the path of obedience, the word of God says, “Fear not” (verse 2), though their strength be great. The enemy’s power was utterly destroyed, and his land divided among the children of Israel (verses 12 to 17).

There were other enemies yet to be met across the Jordan, for the land would become the home of the people only as they took possession of it, but the Lord their God would fight for them (verse 22). Moses longed to go over the Jordan with his people, and asked that he might, but it was not to be (verse 26). Yet he was allowed from the mountain top to see its extent, but Joshua was the new leader. He would bring them to inherit the laud which Moses should see.

In these things we are led to see God’s sovereignty; it is His people, and the world, too, is His; He does as He wills, but His judgments are just, and He is long-suffering and full of tender mercy.

ML 09/14/1924

The Excursionist's Question

HOW far is it to hell?” The profane question was asked of a policeman by one of three excursionists, who, in a half-drunk condition were sauntering along the esplanade of a favorite watering-place on the coast.

The officer was shocked at the ungodliness of the youth, whose companions evidently were half-ashamed of his conduct and apologized on his behalf. Looking the careless man full in the face, he said:

“Hell is at the end of a Christless life, and you may be nearer to it than you think. Prepare to meet thy God.”

This was more than they had expected, so without a word, they turned and hastened away.

That night a lifeless form was picked up on the sea-shore; it was that of the scoffing excursionist. Hell was nearer than he had counted on, and he had reached it sooner than he had thought.

Reader, do not forget that “Hell is at the end of a Christless life, and you may be nearer to it than you think.”

Is it at the end of yours? Pause and consider! On which road are you traveling? The broad or the narrow? The way of holiness, or the path of sin?

If you die unconverted in your sins, you will be in that hell as sure as God has said it.

“Prepare to meet thy God.”

It is madness to tread the way to hell, and expect to find yourself in heaven at last. In order to reach God’s heaven, you need to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, for by grace are ye saved, and made fit through Christ for that holy place, the dwelling place of God, the royal palace of the King of kings, the home of apostles, saints and angels. You cannot go from the haunts of sin to the heaven of God. No, never. Apart from this there is no fitness, no holiness, no heaven. The heaven of God, the home of the redeemed, is at the end of a Christian life,—no other. And that life begins at the cross, by beholding the lamb of God.

“Acquaint now thyself with Him, and he at peace: thereby good shall come to thee.” Job 22:21.

ML 09/14/1924

A Prison in a Pagoda

I THINK very likely, very few of those who read the stories in “The Messages of Love,” have ever seen a pagoda, but I daresay many of you have seen a picture of one, and know that it is a tall, stone building, looking very much like the steeple of a church.

Pagodas do not all look alike. Some are just a solid tower, with no opening. Others have small rooms inside them, one above another, and you can go to the top, by means of stone steps. I remember one pagoda of this kind with idols on each of the three floors, but I was surprised to find them with heads and arms broken off. I was afterwards told the reason of this. These idols were supposed to protect the city in the valley beneath them, for a pagoda always stands on a hill, but an army of soldiers had come, and captured the city, and the inhabitants blamed the idols, and revenged themselves upon them. Surely what the Bible says about idols is true.

“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands, . . they that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” Psa. 115:4-8.

Some years ago, in the north of China, there lived in a pagoda, such as I have told you about, a woman who was considered by her neighbors very holy. She was what is known as a Buddhist nun, and she had devoted her life to the service of Buddha. She had vowed to eat no meat, nor drink wine, to possess no gold or silver; to go to no places of amusement; to take the life of no living thing. And why, do you ask, did she do all this? If you had questioned her, she would have told you it was “to obtain merit.” She knew she was a sinner, and she feared the future, so she thought if she did many good works, it would be well with her when she came to die.

Could you, dear children, have told her differently? Could you have told her that the Bible says, “Not of works,” (Eph. 2:9), and that “the gift of God is eternal life”? (Rom. 6:23).

But this woman had not read the Bible, and as the years went on, she felt more and more satisfied with the pile of good works she was collecting.

Alas! one day a very sad thing happened. She committed a great sin. You could never guess what she did, so I must tell you. She had an old cat and several kittens, and accidentally she stepped on one of the little kittens and killed it.

What was to be done! She had broken her vow, and she felt she must bear the punishment. So she told her friends to brick up the little windows in the pagoda, only leaving one hole, large enough to pass in a bowl of rice, and here she lived for three years and six months. She had just one bowl of rice and one bowl of tea every day, and she never once went out of her prison. Of course, she could not get out if she had wanted to. At the end of the time she came out, very pale and weak and thin, but well satisfied with herself and what she had done.

A short time afterwards, a white lady gave her a copy of the Gospel of Luke. She read it all through, and then she said,

“It is very beautiful, and if I had not accumulated so much merit, I would try to believe in Jesus, but I could not let all those good works go for nothing,” and at the last I heard of her she was clinging to her own doings, and despising the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Nineteen hundred years ago, upon the cross. He cried out, “It is finished.” What was finished? The work of redemption. In the 53rd of Isaiah we read,

“The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all”, and again,

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities,. . . with His stripes we are healed.” Yes, He has done it all; the work is finished; we cannot add to it.

You can see the foolishness of this poor woman, priding herself on her own good works, but are you like her, thinking to commend yourself to God by any thing you can do? Peter tells us in the 4th chapter of Acts,

“There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.” So making a name for yourself. by doing good works, can be of no avail.

Jesus paid it all, All that I was due,” Nothing either great or small, Remains for me to do.”

But does not the Bible tell us to do good works? Yes, indeed, but not to gain salvation, but because we have salvation.

“I may not work my soul to save,

For that’s already done,

But I may work like any slave,

For love to God’s dear Son.”

ML 09/14/1924

The Scriptures

ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 1 Timothy 3:16. This commands our reverence.

“Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning.” Romans 15:4. This awakens our personal interest.

The former of these quotations, proves that Scripture comes from God. The latter proves that it comes to us. Taken together, they bind us to God by the divine link of the Holy Scriptures.

ML 09/14/1924

He Must Love You

Little children, we would tell you,

How that Jesus came to save;

How He left His home in glory,

For the cross, and for the grave.

He, in love to little children.

Died upon the cruel cross;

Gave up all He had to save you,

For your sake He suffered loss.

While on earth He loved the children,

Oft would take them in His arms,

And He often too would bless them,

Shield them too from many harms.

Mothers oft would throng around Him,

They would have their children blest,

And He ne’er would disappoint them,

But would set their hearts at rest.

Though He lives in brightest glory,

As a Man upon the throne;

Still His heart is just as tender,—

Loves you as a, little one.

Has your heart been won to Jesus?

Can you say you love Him too?

Think of how He loves the children,

And if so, He must love you.

Since He loves you, do you love Him?

Yes, you say, I love Him well;

Then in all your words and actions,

Let your life His praises tell.

ML 09/14/1924

Whom Do You Follow?

SEE the pretty picture we have today! A little donkey and its mother-donkey, and what a treat they are having, eating those beautiful flowers.

How do you suppose the little donkey found the flowers? Do you not think the mother found them first, and began to eat them? Then when baby donkey saw his mother eating, he followed her example, and began to eat too.

The little chickens see the mother-hen scratching for worms, and soon they also begin to scratch for worms. Little children see their mothers sewing, ironing, washing, sweeping, and they want to do these same things. When the baby is out playing with his brothers and sisters, he wants to do what he sees them do. It is natural for the young to watch the older ones and want to follow their example. They would be very strange children if they did not.

So, little reader, you must be very careful to set a good example to those around you. For the younger ones, especially, watch us and do as we do. We should not let them see us do anything but good.

But it you are going to set a good example for others to follow, where will you look for an example to follow? Paul, the apostle, said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ:” 1 Cor. 11:1. “BE YE THEREFORE FOLLOWERS OF GOD AS DEAR CHILDREN.” Eph. 5:1.

Jesus, the Lord, is our perfect example. If we are following Him, and doing as He wishes us to do, it will be safe for others to follow our example.

Whom do you follow?

ML 09/21/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 4.

IN the first three chapters of this book, we have been retracing the history of the children of Israel, from the time they left the mountain of the law, to the place where they were now encamped. Was it not gracious of God to omit from the story almost every Mention of the sins of the people? The blessings of obedience are shown, and but little is said here of the sorrows the people brought upon themselves by their disobedience.

Having been most wonderfully blessed, the people of Israel are repeatedly urged in this chapter to give the closest attention to God’s Word. This is not only in verse 1, but in verses 5, 6, 9, 10, 14, 2:3, & 40, the need is pressed for keeping His word in their minds and hearts. The second verse, too, commanded them to neither add to His Word, nor take anything from it. O, how important the Word of God is! How infallible a guide!

Baal-peor (verse 3) was a solemn memory, but those who stood for God were alive still. God was so near to them, unlike His ways with any other nation, but it made them very responsible; they were to take heed to themselves, for danger lay ahead. They would make idols for themselves, and provoke Him to anger, so that they would he scattered among the nations, serving false gods.

Still, Moses declared, if from thence they should seek the Lord their God with all their heart and with all their soul, they should find Him. When trouble came on them because of their sins, if they turned to the Lord their God, and should obey His word (for He is a merciful God), He would not forsake them, nor destroy them, nor forget the covenant of their fathers which He had sworn to them, (verses 29-31). How gracious are His words!

Then God, through Moses, reminds the people of the peculiar privileges that had been and were theirs: —His word is, as usual, put first (verse 33); then the Mighty deliverance He had wrought for them, making them. His people, though there were others greater and mightier than they, and giving them a home for an inheritance. This reminds us of the Christian’s happy portion,

Are you a Christian?

Because then these things had been done for them, these earthly people of God, as indeed the least, as we might say, that could be expected of them, should keep His word and do according to it (verse 40).

May our God stir up His people of this present day to a far greater desire to answer to His word in heart and soul and conscience.

Moses (verse 41), sets apart three. cities on the east side of the Jordan, for refuges for those who, without realizing what they were doing, killed another.

It reminds us of the word of the Lord Jesus when they crucified Him,

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34), for the punishment, due to Israel for putting their Messiah to death, has not been carried out, though they are set aside until another dealing of God.

This book of Deuteronomy, then, is what God, through His servant Moses, set before the children of Israel as they rested in sight of the home prepared for them by God, already possessors of many blessings secured to them by the same powerful and gracious hand. (verses 44-49).

ML 09/21/1924

The Faithful Grandmother

THE city of Yeong Kong, in the south of China, lies in a valley, surrounded on three sides by high hills. Through the valley runs a river on its way to the great ocean. The city has a high wall all around it, with four gates. At the gates stand soldiers, and they shut them at sundown every evening. A good many houses are built outside the wall however, and right down to the river. Now in this part of China there is a great deal of rain, and sometimes so much falls, that it causes a flood, and all the little rice fields on each side of the river are covered with water, and the houses are also flooded.

In the month of July 1922, my husband and daughters, were sleeping on the little Gospel Boat. One morning the old man who cares for the boat, pointed out a beautiful rainbow, all across the sky.

“When we see a rainbow like that, we know a flood is coming”, he remarked.

Old Ah Yik is a Christian, but a very ignorant one, and I suppose he knew nothing about Noah, and the rainbow God sent as a sign that the earth should not be destroyed again by water, or he might have been comforted by the thought that even in judgment, God remembers to be merciful.

But he was right as to the flood. That night a terrible typhoon arose; the rain poured down, and wind blew, and the river rose rapidly. When two days afterwards my husband went down to the boat, he found the country covered with water, right up to the wall. People were hurrying round, knee deep in water, carrying baskets with chickens, and kittens and puppies and even little pigs in them, trying to put them in some safe place. Many of the houses beside the river were almost lost to sight, and some, built of mud bricks, had fallen down altogether. In the middle of the river is a large island. This was entirely under water, and the inhabitants were to be seen sitting upon the ridge poles of their roofs. Small boats were floating round, where two days before it had been dry land. It was not long before my husband, and some Christian Chinese, had procured a boat, and were carrying food and medicine to the poor unhappy people.

It was while supplying rice on the island, that we found the “Faithful Grandmother”, as we have called her ever since. Hers was a hard case. Her husband was dead, and now her only son had been drowned in the flood, and his young wife killed, when their little house fell in, —all that was left for her was the little boy, two years old. As the water went down, which it did in a few days, she tried to gather up the remains of her broken down house, and with little help, got a new roof, but what a sad home it was, —all she owned washed away, and worst of all her only son and his wife gone too. She was very brave; she set to work to earn a little, by weeding the rice fields, up to her ankles in water, and with the little boy strapped on her back, she toiled on day by day. But she could not earn much. Ten cents a day is the regular pay for weeding rice, and on stormy days you cannot work at all. Ten cents a day is not enough to support two people, and, very often, all there was to eat, would be a little boiled cucumber or squash, which grew in the garden. Soon the little boy got sick and his good grandmother brought him over to the Missionaries for medicine.

Each time she came she heard something about the Lord Jesus. It sounded very new and strange to her ignorant, dark mind, to hear of a God who loved her, —loved her well enough to send His only Son to die for her. How different to the “Gui,” or devils she was accustomed to worship, who she thought were always seeking to do her harm, and had to have incense burned to them, and presents given to them, to persuade them not to hurt her.

She did not receive the good news for a long time. She had to go through more trouble and sorrow, before she would let the Good Shepherd find her. Her little grandson was her great comfort. He would waken in the night, and put his little hand up to feel if his grandmother’s eyes were wet with tears, which indeed they often were, and then he would cuddle up to her, and show his love in sweet baby ways, but if her eyes were dry, he would turn around and go to sleep.

He was a delicate child, and exposure and want of proper food told upon him, and in the summer of 1923 his little life was ended. Happy baby, taken home from this weary sad world, to be with the Saviour, who Himself said that He was “come to save that which is lost.” But for his grandmother, all was sadness. She borrowed money, and paid priests to burn incense and say prayers, and perform other heathen rites, for the little spirit, who was gone to be with Jesus. But she was ignorant, and she wanted to show her love. And now alone, and so desolate, she seemed more ready to listen to the “good news”. “Bit by bit”, “little by little”, it found its way into her dark heart. Little by little the darkness was dispelled; the idols were given up; the incense sticks no longer burned. She was a regular attendant at the meetings, and at last she confessed Jesus as her Saviour and asked for baptism.

On May 24, 1924 she was baptized, and I could not help being struck, a few days afterwards, by the change in her face, since first I knew her. The look of hardness and despair, had gone, and there was an expression of peace in its place.

“The Good Shepherd. . . if He lose one sheep . . .goeth after that which, is lost, until He find it.”

Is this a sad story? There are many sad stories in China, and many that end in the blackness of despair, for there is no one to point the sad and broken hearted to Jesus, who alone can comfort and save.

ML 09/21/1924

Her Friend

ONCE there was a little girl about six years of age, who not Only knew Jesus as her friend, but was able to look to Him about others. A fine large steamship was on its way to Australia, having on board this little girl and her father and mother.

During the voyage, the vessel was caught in a severe gale, and very many suffered from sea-sickness, —her own dear mother, among the rest. Seeing that they were getting so weak and ill the little one turned to Jesus in her trouble and counted upon Him as her Friend, and asked Him “for Mamma’s sake to make the ship still.”

Her simple prayer, and the prayers of others were answered, for soon there was a calm, and the ship was so still that all were able to rest.

May those of my readers who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, learn to know Him more and more perfectly as a Friend in every time of need. And O, may those who know Him not, come to Him now, even as they are reading these lines, and know the joy of having a Saviour who will always love them, and a Friend who will always care for them.

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt. 21:22.

ML 09/21/1924

The Forge

CLING! clang! goes the hammer on the anvil, then down on the hot iron, and sparks fly in all directions; thus the hard iron is formed into different shapes as the blacksmith desires. But how does he form that hard iron into shoes, and make them just the size that he wants them? He first puts it into the fire, and the man at the bellows blows up the fire, and that makes the iron soft and pliable, so that when the hammer is brought down on it, it yields, and is formed into the shape required.

This is the way God has to do with His people sometimes. He has to put them into the furnace of trial, and that softens and breaks their wills, and then He can fit them for the service He has for them to do.

Are you one of His people, dear reader? If you are, be not surprised then, if He puts you into difficulties, for He loves His own too much to allow them to go on according to their own thoughts, and be like the people of the world. He has a different place for each of His own to fill, and they have to be formed in all their ways, so as to fill their own special place, and in the furnace of trial He softens them, and with the hammer of His Word He bends and forms the will to be subject to Him, and to become more like our blessed Lord who could say,

“I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29.

“WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM.” Heb. 11:6.

ML 09/28/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 5.

THE first word is “Hear”, and the next directions are to “learn”, to “keep” and to “do” the word of God. That word was given to them directly, though the people of Israel were afraid because of the fire—a sign of the testing judgment of God which the natural man could not face and live.

This unfolding of directions for the people who had already proved untrustworthy and failures in themselves, begins properly with the ten commandments, the foundation of the covenant God had made, and where obedience began. The first word is the name of Him who had delivered them, and there was to be no one in their hearts before Him.

Down to verse 11, the commandments are exactly, word for word, as we found them in Exodus 20, but in verse 12 There is a change. It comes out in a notable alteration in verse 15, where the reason for keeping the Sabbath is that these people had been servants in the land of Egypt, and had been brought out through a “mighty hand, and by a stretched-out arm.” They were then a delivered people, and in thankfulness to God they were privileged to rest in what He had done, —the work of redemption was all His, and wholly done. The later commandments are as given in Exodus 20.

But the people had shown that they desired not to be too close to God, —distance suited them.

“Go thou near,” they had said to Moses, and God, who had heard their words, and read their hearts better than they knew themselves, expressed to Moses His thoughts about them, and His desire for them.

“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear Me, and keep all My commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!”

Satan would tempt them to turn aside from the word of God; if they saw on the “right hand” something they turned away from as wrong, Satan would try to lead them in another way into sin. It takes constant watchfulness on both the “right hand” and on the “left” to preserve the believer in the narrow path of obedience to God.

ML 09/28/1924

Enoch and Methuselah

Genesis 5:21-27.

“The dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor. 15:52.

“And Enoch walked with God”—how blest was he,

Translated, so that death he should not see!

And soon a multitude shall thus arise,

Changed and caught up in glory to the skies,

With millions ransomed from the cold, dark tomb,

Who wake with joy to see their Saviour come.

“He died”—the longest life was closed at last;

Nine hundred years and sixty-nine were past!

Methuselah, as many a one beside,

Had run his earthly race, and then “he died.”

Yes, “once to die” is man’s appointed doom,

And, if unsaved, “the judgment,” sure to come.

The young, the old, are carried to the grave,

Nor human power nor skill from death can save;

But look to Jesus, and your soul shall live;

He died that life eternal He might give:

Then if alive or summoned from the tomb,

What joy ‘twill be to see your Saviour come!

ML 09/28/1924

"If I Thought About It"

MANY years ago there was a young girl in my class at Sunday-school, in whom I was especially interested. She was an orphan, having lost both parents when very young, and had been tossed about in a hard, cold world.

Very little love had the poor child experienced; and yet, under a rough, half-frozen exterior, she had a warm heart, and seemed to cling to the one or two Christian friends who had taken a kindly interest in her welfare. She was intelligent, and very ready with texts and replies in class; but still I feared she was a stranger to the grace of Him who alone can save.

One day I met her in the street, and finding her willing to stand and talk a few moments, I seized the opportunity to press home the question of a personal acceptance of Christ.

“Does it not make you sad, Mary,” I said, “to feel that, if you were called to die, or the Lord Jesus were to come to take His own people home to heaven, you would not be ready? Does it not make you miserable to go on day after day, knowing your danger?”

“It would, if I thought about it, teacher!” was her truthful reply.

How many with equal truthfulness could echo her: “It would, if I thought about it!”

Eternity, away from God, shut out for ever from His presence! Eternity, in blackness of darkness, shut out from the glorious city where “the Lamb is the light thereof!”

If God’s word be true (and you know it is, however much you may try to persuade yourself to the contrary), this is the doom that awaits you.

Poor Mary knew it, but she sought to banish the thought of the future, for she dared not think about it.

But was the awful future less a fact, because she ignored it? Is it less a fact because you ignore it?

Look the question fairly in the face, and get it answered by Him who alone is able.

“How can a man be just with God?”

How can I, a sinner, meet the Holy God? The Lord Jesus Christ has answered the solemn question,

“I am the Way, . . no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.” John 14:6.

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17.

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

“By Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which we could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39.

“Jesus our Lord . . who was delivered for our offences. and raised again for our justification.” Rom. 1:24, 25.

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

Will it make you miserable to think of this?

Miserable! to know that because the Lord Jesus suffered in my stead I may go free?

Miserable! to know, on the authority of God Himself,

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”? John 3:16.

Only try it, and you will soon exclaim.

“O! the joy of knowing Jesus!

It is dawning on my soul;

I am finding His salvation,

And the power that makes me whole.”

ML 09/28/1924

A Little Boy's Prayer Answered

HE was only a tiny mite of three or four, and had daringly climbed up a large stack of wood in a farmyard.

While climbing upwards he did not think how he was to get down again. Indeed, he did not once stop to think, until his companion called out,

“Mind, Bertie, you will fall.”

Bertie looked down, and got very much frightened for a moment. Then he raised his head, put up his little hands, and said in a pretty childish way,

“God help this boy.”

After he had uttered his little prayer, he seemed to gain a calm courage; and so, instead of falling, he climbed down in perfect safety.

Bertie’s father and mother were true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and had taught their little children to love God, and to trust in Him, at all times.

ML 09/28/1924

A Full Confession of Faith in Christ.

“TELL me,” I said, “what is it that makes you so happy now? You say you are quite happy, and have been so since last night.”

“Yes, I am quite happy,” she replied, and evidently with much feeling.

“But do you think you could tell me distinctly what it is that gives you such new joy?” After a moment’s pause, the following reply was given: but such a reply for fullness and simplicity!

“I see the love of Jesus to me a sinner.”

“Bless the Lord,” I said, “that is something to see; may you never lose sight of it! But in what way, my dear child, do you see His love to yourself now?”

“I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there!” “Amen,” my heart replied; “surely thou art taught of God!”

“And now, once more, tell me, ‘How do you feel towards Jesus Himself, after seeing and believing all this?’” Her reply was natural and beautiful; she said,

“I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him.”

I had nothing more to ask of the young believer, and turned away quickly, but with a praising heart, and with these three answers engraved on my memory, as never to be forgotten,

“I see the love of Jesus to me a sinner. I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there. I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him.”

I have heard many confessions from many lips, but I have never heard one more simple, more concise, more complete, or more satisfactory. May it be a divine help, and a divine test to thousands of the readers of “Messages of Love.” This is the deep, earnest, and fervent prayer of Him to whom the answers were given.

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures: and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3,4

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

ML 09/28/1924

There's Rest for Thee, O Weary Soul

There’s rest for thee, O weary soul!

Why longer groan unblest?

Hear Him who cried to laden ones

“Come, I will give you rest.”

There’s peace for thee, O anxious soul!

A calm tranquility;

‘Tis Jesus speaks the cheering word.

“My peace I give to thee.”

There’s joy for thee, O mourning soul!

Dry up thy tears, and praise;

Confide, and in the Lord be glad,

“Rejoice in Him always.”

Rest, peace, and joy in Christ are found,

The Spirit makes them known;

Claim Christ—God’s gift—this very hour,

Possess Him as thine own.

ML 09/28/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for August

1.“Also I say unto you,” etc. Luke 12:8.

2.“And blessed is he,” etc. 7:23.

3.“Then said Jesus, Father,” etc. 23:34.

4.“Saying, Blessed be the,” etc. 19:38.

5.“And the child grew,” etc. 2:40.

6.“And He led them out,” etc. 24:50.

7.“And when He was come,” etc. 19:41.

Bible Questions for October

The Answers are to be found in Acts.

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He was taken up.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “None other name.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “On the right hand.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The holy child.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “By that man.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Almost thou persuadest me.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Through this man.”

ML 10/05/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 6.

GOD, who loved His people, and would give them to know the only real, lasting happiness, here tells them in simple and plain words how to be happy. It is the very thing the world seeks, in pleasure and in sin, and never finds.

It is one God, not many gods, and He must have all our heart, all our wants, satisfied in Him, and all our strength spent for Him. Then if you are His child, love to Him will lead you to store up His word in your heart (verse 6), and to diligently tell others. Verse 7 is for fathers and mothers, but it is plain that the same principle applies to all, —talking of the Lord and heavenly things when sitting, walking, lying down and rising up. His ways and His thoughts (verse 8), and the believer’s home (verse 9), are all to tell of the One who has loved him and redeemed him. This is the key to happiness, indeed.

We become children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26).

ML 10/05/1924

The Praying Engineer on His Last Run

WHEN I was a little girl I liked to watch the long railroad trains with their big engines puffing away, as they went speeding past. Now that I am grown it is still a sight that I enjoy, and doubtless many of my little readers enjoy it too.

I wonder how many of you know that in the big engine that pulls the long train, there is always a man called the engineer, and he is the one that makes the train go.

The engineer’s work is very important, because if he does not do it right, the train may be wrecked, and many people injured or killed.

A short time ago an engineer, who had been running a train for 53 years, made his last run. He was 70 years old, and ready to rest after so many years of hard work.

Whenever Mr. B. started out on a run, he first knelt down in the cab of his engine, and prayed that the Lord might help him bring his passengers safely to their journey’s end. And his prayers were answered, for in all those 53 years—which, meant thousands of trips—he never had an accident.

The Lord does hear and answer prayer, and He delights to have His children ask His help and blessing in their work, whatever it is.

We may not know anything about running a train, and we may not do any other kind of work on which the lives of many people depend. But whatever we do, we need the Lord’s help and guidance. Very often we need wisdom to do the right thing at the right time, and in the right way.

When you begin the day, you can ask the Lord to give you patience and kindness, for you need these in your play as well as your work. You would like to be kind and unselfish and obedient, and many other good things, but you need the Lord’s help. So do not forget to pray to Him often—very often—to help you every day and every hour.

If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God. (James 1:5).

Jesus said, “If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:14.

I hope you will all be like the “praying engineer,”—always turning to the Lord for help, strength and wisdom.

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5:17.

ML 10/05/1924

Brave Freddie

FREDDIE went for a three months’ holiday to his aunt’s pretty country house, which was surrounded by lovely green fields. A charming stream of clear water in which there were lots of fine spotted trout, flowed through the grounds, and Freddie’s delight was to stand on the wooden bridge watching the trout leaping in the sunshine. But what I want specially to tell you about Freddie is, that he was a converted boy, and he was not as some little boys known to me are, ashamed to confess Christ as his Saviour. His aunt was very kind, and so were his cousins, but there was no daily reading of God’s Word or prayer in their home, and Freddie was much surprised at this. On the first Lord’s Day morning that Freddie was at his aunt’s, she asked him to have a walk with her by the riverside; but when she asked if he would like to look for nests among the shrubbery, the little fellow replied,

“Not. on the Lord’s Day, auntie.”

At breakfast there was no thanksgiving before food, but Freddie bowed his head and gave thanks. There was no evening prayer, but the dear boy bent his knees by his bedside before lying down. All this began to have a wonderful effect in that worldly home, and I believe was used of God to show his Christianity, to which they were strangers.

An incident happened one day which gave the dear boy’s testimony favor in the eyes of the whole household. Playing in the meadow with his little cousins one bright day, his aunt being only a few yards off, Clara a little girl of five years fell into the water. The current was pretty strong, and she was quickly borne along. Freddie heard the cry and ran to the water’s edge. There he saw Clara being carried down by the current. Quick as thought, the brave boy ran to the wooden bridge, lay down flat on the spars, and stretching down his right hand, caught Clara’s dress as she passed. He was unable to pull her up, but a loud cry brought her mother to his aid, and in a few minutes Clara was drawn out of the water. Freddie was kissed all round that night. When he was saying good-night to his aunt, he whispered,

“Jesus helped me to save Clara. I cried to Him to do it.”

That word was never forgotten. No doubt it was true, and it proved the reality of his simple trust in Christ. Years have passed, and Freddie is no longer a little boy.

In one of the busy cities he carries on a large business, and his delight is still to speak well of Jesus who saved him in his very early days. His aunt and her household are all saved and on the way to glory, and she gladly acknowledges that Freddie’s clear testimony to the Lord Jesus first turned her thoughts to Christ.

How grand it is to be saved in early days, and to be the means of pointing others to the Saviour.

Jesus calls to you, dear one,

“Everything is fully done.

Come to Me, receive My love,

Come and live with Me above.”

ML 10/05/1924

Listen

WITH great attention John (we will call him) listens to his little brother’s secrets. Very likely it does not amount to much, but no doubt he has great delight in thinking of some kind act he wants to show to his dear father or mother, and wants his brother to enjoy the thought along with himself. So John gives his ear fully to him, and takes it all in, and delights to please his younger brother because he loves him.

There is wisdom in listening to and going according to God’s Word, and if we love Him it will be our delight to please Him, and we shall reap good results from giving ear to God’s Word.

There is a question I would like to ask each one of my readers,

Where will you spend ETERNITY?

This question has often been asked, and many have never rested till they could say, It will be spent with the Lord.

Have you, dear children, considered this important question? If not, I beg of you to consider it NOW.

Jesus is able to save every sinner that comes to God by Him, (Heb. 7:25). Jesus Christ is as able to save, as He is willing; and has promised not to cast out one sinner that comes to Him (Jno. 6:37). Therefore, no sinner need be lost, even though he be the chief of sinners, because “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

If any refuse to obey the call of the Lord Jesus, —refuse to arise and turn to Him who loves sinners, and washes them from their sins in His own blood,—only condemnation awaits them.

May you not be one of those who will refuse to come to Him. Come to Jesus now, if you have not done so before, and then in all earnestness and affection, like the little boy in our picture, tell others of that same Saviour. Eternal happiness shall be spent with Him, for all those who believe on Him.

“GIVE EAR, O MY PEOPLE, TO MY LAW: INCLINE YOUR EARS TO THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH.” Psa. 78:1.

ML 10/05/1924

The Precious Blood of Jesus

What was it washed my sins away?

That turned my darkness into day?

That chased all fear and doubt away?

The precious blood of Jesus.

What made this heart of mine so glad,

Which once was desolate and sad,

When I was far from God, and bad?

The precious blood of Jesus.

What made me fit to dwell on high

In mansions far beyond the sky

Which I shall enter bye and bye?

The precious blood of Jesus.

What makes the word of God so dear,

That banishes all doubt and fear,

And makes me feel that He is near?

The precious blood of Jesus.

What makes me hope to see Him soon?

To be with Him in His bright home?

And nevermore from Him to roam?

The precious blood of Jesus.

And now my every hope is built

On Jesus and the blood He spilt,

That blood that cancels every guilt,

The precious blood of Jesus.

Till I have left this weary land,

On that shed blood I take my stand,

Though fiend and foe my way with-stand—

The precious blood of Jesus.

ML 10/05/1924

Harvest

HERE we have a picture of the harvesters about ready to return home. Have you heard of harvest time? It is the time when the hay, grain and corn are ready to be reaped and gathered in.

Farmers always like to have a big harvest, for that means money to them—money with which to buy food, clothes, and other comforts.

The Bible tells us of another kind of sowing and reaping. (Gal. 6:7, 8, 9.) “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for 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. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

What are the seeds we sow when we sow to the flesh? Perhaps some of you will say, “Naughty things we do.” Yes, anything naughty we think, say, or do; anything unkind or selfish; anything we do to please ourselves. When we sow seeds of this kind they will not grow into anything good or beautiful. They are bad seeds. And we should not want to sow such seeds any more than the farmer wants to plant seeds that will grow up into thorns and thistles and troublesome weeds in his field. We know he does not want these.

What do you think sowing to the Spirit is? “Sowing good seed,” you say. Yes, whenever we do anything for the Lord—when we seek to help others, and do them, good for the Lord’s sake, we are sowing to the Spirit, and we shall reap good, and blessing to our souls.

May everyone who reads “Messages of Love” be happy, like the harvesters in the picture, because he is reaping good harvest. If any of you are sowing to the flesh; stop and think of the corruption—the sorrow and trouble you must reap. How much better to reap “Life everlasting,” and to bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.

“THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE.” Gal. 5:22,23.

ML 10/12/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 7.

BECAUSE the world around is to be judged by God, His people are to be in holy separation from it. They are chosen by Him to be a special people to Him, because He loved them, and will keep His promise. He redeemed them from slavery, the terrible slavery of Satan.

If God were given His true place in the believer’s heart, every earthly blessing he could wish for was to be his. Nothing would be held back. And it is still true that “No good thing will He withhold from them who walk uprightly.” Psa. 84:11.

The children of God now have heavenly blessings, rather than earthly ones, yet there is the promise in Philippians 4:19:

“God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” This is always true, though there may be a testing of our faith.

ML 10/12/1924

Crossing the Road

A SHORT time ago I was passing along a crowded thoroughfare, when a little girl of not more than five or six years of age, stepped right in front of me, and said, in a tone that expressed the fullest confidence.

“I want to cross the road, please.”

She evidently did not intend to take any refusal, for seizing my hand, she smilingly pointed to the opposite side of the street, where I saw a large, open gate leading to a recreation ground a short distance away.

I need hardly say that I undertook the charge, and soon we both stood safely on the other side. Then, without waiting to speak, my small friend bounded away, swinging her hoop. to join her friends in the playground.

I could not get her dear little face out of my mind that day, and wondered if she had trusted the Lord Jesus in the same simple way she trusted me to lead her across that busy street.

Dear children, salvation can be had just as simply. There is nothing for you, a needy, anxious soul, to do to obtain it, but to put your simple trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His work on the cross for your sins. But it cost the Lord Jesus a very great deal to provide this salvation for you.

The twenty-second Psalm tells what His feelings were when He was bearing the judgment of God. It was on the cross of Calvary that He paid the redemption price for poor sinners; and in those three hours of darkness. He drained the cup of judgment, so that His redeemed ones might be fitted to dwell with Him forever. So on the ground of that work, He can say.

“All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

From this verse we may see that any little boy or girl, who believes in the Lord Jesus with the heart, is the Father’s gift to His Son; and great indeed is the value the Saviour sets upon such gifts, and He will never—no never—cast out any who come to Him.

Come, dear children, take the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ, which He is holding out to you, and He will take you safely through this world of sin and trial, to His glorious home to live with Him forever.

ML 10/12/1924

The Wreck and the Brave Swimmer

WE were spending our holidays at the coast. It was a bright summer evening and the small-boats were all out on hire. Some were rowing, others fishing. A lot of us younger ones were wading and paddling in the little pools on the beach. A loud shrill cry suddenly rang out, causing us all to start: I looked in the direction from which it came, and saw that a small boat had struck one of the rocks and was being dashed about in the surf. Four boys were in it; two of them not more than twelve years of age. I ran up to my mother who was sitting on the beach, and told her what had happened, and by the time we got around to the nearest point to where the boat was, a crowd had gathered, but no one knew what to do. The little boat was filling fast with water and would soon become a wreck. The four boys, frantic with fear, were clinging to each other and crying out for help. Poor fellows! How I pitied them, but I could not help. Were they to perish before our eyes?

“If we only had a rope,” said someone, “we could pull the boat round to the sandy beach.”

“Who would go out with it if we had,” said dressy young lady, “nobody would risk their life for four boys, I know.”

“When the rope comes we’ll see, ma’am,” said a young boy who had just come down, and was busy casting off his upper garments close by. In a few minutes a rope was brought, and amid the tears of not a few, and the cheers of the rest, he plunged from a rock into the sea, which was tolerably calm. Every eye was fixed on the swimmer as he struck out for the wrecked boat, whose occupants were now up to the knees in water. In five minutes more he reached them and made the rope fast to the boat, then he gave a signal to those on shore to pull gently and unitedly, as he directed them. Many willing hands obeyed his order, and in less than ten minutes the water-logged boat, with its four trembling occupants, was on the beach. The swimmer followed breathless and exhausted, but thankful that he had been the means of rescuing the four boys from a watery grave.

What do you think the boys did for their deliverer? Did they walk away without recognizing or thanking him? Ah, no! They grasped his wet hand as soon as he came out of the water, and amid their tears, they thanked him for becoming their deliverer. The crowd carried him on their shoulders home, and the following day he was presented with a handsome gift by the parents of the boys, and the people of the place.

These four boys in their sinking boat remind me of the sinner, disobedient to God, taking his own way, and unable to save himself. It was such helpless sinners that Jesus came to save. He came to deliver them from going down to hell. Have you allowed Him to rescue you, or do you refuse His hand outstretched to save? Think what folly it would have been, had these four helpless boys, in danger every moment of being plunged into a watery grave, pushed away from them the noble youth, who, at the risk of his own life, had come out to rescue them. Would they not have been considered mad had they done so? Yet there are thousands doing precisely this to the Son of God, who came down from heaven and entered death’s dark waves, to save sinners from going down into hell. They reject His outstretched arm and perish.

Are you one of these Christ-rejecters, my dear reader?

Are you pushing from you the only One who is both able and willing to save you?

ML 10/12/1924

What Came of a Thunder Storm

ONE sultry day a little girl, about nine years of age, was walking along one of the fine terraces in the west-end. For some time a storm had been gathering over the sky, and at this moment began to discharge itself with flashes of lightning, peals of thunder, and torrents of rain. The little, girl’s thin dress could not resist all this. What was she to do? There was no place of public shelter near. On one side was a large garden; on the other side beautiful mansions.

“Well,” she thought, “I must not stay here. I must go up to one of these large houses, although I daresay very rich people live here; and I must ask them to let me in till the storm is past.”

So she summoned up all her courage, and, mounting a flight of steps, knocked at one of the doors. It was instantly opened by a gentleman. He had seen her from the window, and now he very kindly asked her to come in, and sit down. She did so, and he began to talk. She stayed till the storm was quite past and was thanking him as well as she could for the shelter he had given her with such politeness, when he said he, “was very much pleased to see that she was not afraid to come up and ask admittance; and his prayer for her was that she might he led to take refuge from the coming storms of judgment in the blood of Jesus Christ.”

Much else that he said has since passed from her memory; but those words which we have quoted have never been forgotten, and they have been blessed by God to her soul’s eternal good.

Like the children of Israel in Egypt, as related for us in Exodus 12, she became happy through the knowledge by faith of being under the shelter of the blood of God’s Lamb, from the fierce storm, of divine judgment. (See Rom. 3:23-26).

ML 10/12/1924

The Precious Blood

Not all the gold of all the world,

And all its wealth combined,

Could give relief or comfort yield.

To one distracted mind;

‘Tis only to the precious blood,

Of Christ the soul can fly

There only can the sinner find

A flowing full supply.

O joyful news! O happy news!

The precious, precious blood

Of Christ can bring the sinner nigh,

And give him “Peace with God.”

Was it for gold the dying thief,—

The malefactor—craved?

O, no! twas Christ, and faith in Him

That dying sinner saved.

‘Twas faith in Him, who bleeding hung

A victim by his side;

“O Lord, remember me,” he said;

“I will,” he heard and died.

O what can equal joy divine?

And what can sweeter be,

Than knowing that the soul is safe

For all eternity?

Safe in the Lord, without a doubt,

By virtue of the blood;

For nothing can destroy the life

That’s hid with Christ in God.

ML 10/12/1924

The A. B. C. Of the Gospel

WITH what quiet, calm thoughtfulness the men read the passages of Scripture on the poster on the wall. Well they may, for they bring before us our sinful condition, God’s remedy and the invitation to the weary soul to come to Jesus.

Have you thought of that first text. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

What a terrible thing it is to think of coming short of God’s glory, and yet we have to do with Him.

If it were not for the next verse, we might be filled with trouble, but thanks be to God, He has provided a means whereby we may have our sins put away, so the second verse says,

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

Who is the Lamb of God? I am sure most of my readers can readily answer, it is Jesus, the Son of God. Yes, dear children, but presented to us as the One who was to be a sacrifice for our sins. So the word to us is, “Behold,” or look upon, “the Lamb of God.” The next sentence tells us what He does,— “which taketh away the sin of the world.” It is Jesus, then, who came to put away sin by tie sacrifice of Himself. But who will get the benefit of that sacrifice? The one who comes to Jesus. So the third verse says,

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

If you have first been troubled about your sins and felt their load, then the word to you is, “Behold the Lamb of God,” and “Come unto Me.” He puts sin away, He gives rest to all who look to Him, or will come to Him.

How terrible must the judgment be for those who will not come to the Lord after all the love God has shown to them in giving His Son as the Lamb to die for sinners. May you, dear children, not turn away from Jesus, but come to Him now.

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

ML 10/19/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 8.

THE dangers and privations of the way were meant of God to humble the people who, like ourselves, had a lot of natural pride about them, to prove them and to know what was in their hearts. They were allowed to be hungry, that God might give them heavenly food. Their clothes never wore out, nor did their feet swell from walking, all through the forty years, because God was with them, watching over and caring for them, chastening (correcting) them too, on the journey. For it was just that, —a journey to a God-given home where happiness and contentment would abound.

Still there was a danger that they would forget the Giver of all, when they received His bounty.

ML 10/19/1924

Prompt Obedience

THE following true story is one from which its readers may learn several lessons, and I hope, dear children, that as you read it you will see what they are. Then, when the story has been told we will take a few minutes to talk about these lessons.

A dear old Christian lady, 80 years of age, lived with her married daughter. tike other old people, she did not need as much sleep as you younger ones, neither did she sleep as soundly as you do. So the nights seemed long, and she often looked at the clock, wondering if it wouldn’t soon be morning.

Probably all of you children have been told not to play with matches, for your parents know how dangerous it is. Many houses have been burned down, and many people burned to death, because children played with matches.

Now, people as old as 80 are often more or less shaky, and it is dangerous for them to strike matches, especially in bed. So this lady’s daughter was kind and thoughtful enough to supply her mother with a flash-light, granting her the comfort it gave her to be able to look at the clock whenever she wished.

But one night the flash-light was out of order, and the old lady told her daughter it wouldn’t give any light. The daughter went to her bedroom to get her own flashlight, which was in good condition. Some duties there attracted her attention, and she busied herself with them, forgetting about the flash-light, till finally she went to bed without taking it to her mother.

Early in the morning she was frightened by hearing her mother call for help. She hurried in, and was terrified to see the bed-clothes in a blaze. Not having the flash-light, the dear old lady had struck a match on the side of the bed, setting fire to the bed-clothes. She called again and again, but the daughter did not hear at first, and so the fire got quite a start.

When the daughter reached her mother’s room, she too called for help, and her husband hurried in, and bravely smothered the fire, and all were safe again. Then they kneeled down and thanked the Lord for His deliverance—thanked Him for sparing the house and their lives, also the lives of their neighbors who lived in the other part of the house, which was a double one.

They thanked Him, too, for that far more wonderful deliverance from the lake of fire with its never-dying flame. They were safe from this eternal punishment, because they had believed God’s Word which says,—

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Now, dear children, how many lessons. do you see in this story? First, let us speak of obedience. God’s Word says,

“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:20. And this means obey them immediately—just as soon as they speak—not whenever you happen to get ready.

Suppose the lady in this story, when she heard her mother calling, had said, “Wait a minute,” and suppose her husband, when he heard the call, had said, “Pretty soon.” I’m sure you all know that the dear old lady would have been burned, and perhaps the house and all the family.

So, when your parents speak, you should obey at once, whether there is any danger or not, because it is God’s command to you. And when they tell you not to do a thing, do not do it, whether there is any danger or not. You should obey your parents because God tells you to do so, not through fear, though you little know how much danger there is in disobeying, and how many terrible things have happened through disobedience.

Another very important lesson I’m sure you have seen is this,—Whenever we feel the Lord’s mercy and care over us, we should thank and praise Him. Many of you thank God every day for your food and clothing and daily mercies. But there are many special things taking place for which He loves to hear your thanks.

We have already spoken of the lady’s thoughtfulness in providing her mother with the flash-light. Always do what you can to make your parents happy and comfortable, and other people, too.

Perhaps you have seen several other lessons, but we will take time to speak of just one more. Our story shows that accidents happen very suddenly and unexpectedly, and it is a very sad thing not to be prepared for them. You know not what moment you may be called from this earth. After that there is no opportunity to turn to the Lord for salvation. You have heard God’s Word many times. Do you believe?

“He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Prov. 29:1.

ML 10/19/1924

Father, Did He Get in?

LITTLE Charlie had listened very attentively while his father read at family prayers the third chapter of Revelation; but when he repeated that beautiful verse,

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me,” he could not wait until his father had finished but ran up to him with the anxious inquiry,

“Father, did He get in?”

I would ask the same question of every child. Have you let the Saviour into your heart? He has knocked again and again. He is knocking now. Open your heart, and bid Him welcome, and this will be the happiest day of your life.

Behold the Saviour at the door!

He gently knocks—has knocked before;

Has waited long—is waiting still;

You use no other friend so ill.

Open the door. He’ll enter in,

And sup with you, and you with Him.

O lovely attitude! He stands

With open heart and outstretched hands;

O matchless kindness! and He shows

His matchless kindness to His foes.

Admit Him, ere His anger burn,

Lest He depart and ne’er return;

Admit Him, or the hour’s at hand

When at His door denied you’ll stand.

Admit Him, for the human breast

Ne’er entertained so kind a guest;

No mortal tongue their joys can tell,

With whom He condescends to dwell.

ML 10/19/1924

May I Be Sure?

AY I be sure, Mamma?” said Kitty, as the good news of God’s free love was read to her, and she was told that her sins could be forgiven.

“Yes, clear one, you may.”

“But how, Mamma?”

“Simply by believing what God has said for God always keeps His promise.” “And what has God said?”

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

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

ML 10/19/1924

Earthly Pleasures Fade Away

WRITTEN and sung by a popular singer, when held to complete her engagement after her conversion. It is said, her dressmaker was the means of her conversion, and they prayed together for guidance from the Lord for what she ought to do on this occasion.

The worldly mind the world pursues:

What are its charms to me?

Once I admired those trifles too,

But grace has set me free.

Those pleasures now no longer please,

No more content afford.

Far from my heart be joys like these,—

Now I have known the Lord.

As by the light of opening day,

The stars are all concealed:

So earthly pleasures fade away

When Jesus is revealed.

Creatures no more divide my choice,

I bid them all depart;

His name, His love, His gracious voice,

Has fixed my roving heart.

Now, Lord, I would be Thine alone,

And wholly live to Thee;

If I may hope that Thou wilt own

A worthless worm like me.

Yet, though of sinners e’en the worst,

I cannot doubt Thy will;

For if Thou hadst not loved me first,

I had refused Thee still.

ML 10/19/1924

The Scanty Meal

WE like to see animals enjoy their food, especially when they have been working hard. The three horses in our picture are hungry; we hope they will be given more food and be treated kindly. Each one seems to be eating quietly, and not trying to get the other’s portion. But this is not always true with animals; we often see them quarrel and fight to get what belongs to the other.

Do boys and girls ever act this way? How naughty it is for little brothers and sisters to fuss and quarrel over the same toys, or over something good to eat. Each heart is naturally so very, very selfish, that it wants to please itself, rather than the other child. Even tiny folks should he taught to give up to one another.

Christian boys and girls ought to be interested in the welfare of others, and be pleased when they succeed. We find many grown people though, who are jealous of their friends and neighbors who have better things than they. The Lord Jesus would have us who know. Him, to be happy and contented with just what He has given us. In 1 Tim. 6:6 we read, “Godliness With contentment is great gain.” So the important thing for Christians is, to live a life that is pleasing to God—a godly life and a contented heart. The happiest people are those whose thoughts are not centered upon themselves, but who are really anxious to do for others in Jesus’ name.

Are you interested in knowing that your associates are saved? Do you seek to comfort those in need, ley words and deeds that are Christ-like? Think what the loving Saviour has done and is doing for you, dear children, and surely it will bring forth love from your heart to Him and others.

“MY LITTLE CHILDREN, LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD, NEITHER IN TONGUE: BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.” 1 John 3:18.

ML 10/26/1924

Bible Lessons

DEUTERONOMY 9.

IT was not their power, but the Lord’s, their God, who went before the people, that would destroy His enemies and give the children of Israel their home, their rest. Not because of any goodness in themselves, for they were a “stiff-necked” people, provoking their God again and again to anger against them. It was the wickedness of the nations, and His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that accounted for the blessings of this people.

ML 10/26/1924

A Soldier for Christ

I NEED not ask if you have ever seen a soldier, for who of us has not?

At the commencement of the Christian era it used to be the Roman soldier that was so much in evidence. So familiar a sight everywhere was the Roman soldier with his formidable equipment, his armor for offence and defense, what he wore and what he wielded, that the Apostle Paul, when writing his wonderful letter or Epistle to the Ephesian Christians. felt sure they would quite understand him if he compared the different Christian virtues or qualities to the various weapons which together made up the Roman soldier’s panoply. “Truth” the apostle likened to a girdle; “righteousness” was like a breastplate; “faith like a shield; “salvation” like a helmet. “Peace” he compared to the soldier’s sandals, or footwear; while what answered to the sword, which the soldier so firmly held in his hand, was “the Word of God.”

Why is “truth” like a girdle? Because it braces up the thoughts and affections, the mind and the heart, of the Christian, and makes him strong to act for God.

Why is “righteousness” like a breastplate? Because it enables the Christian warrior to fearlessly face his spiritual enemies, the wicked powers in heavenly places.

Why is “faith” like a shield? Because it guards the Christian against all false thoughts and feelings about what God is, and about what God has done, for him.

Why is “salvation” like a helmet? Because it crowns the Christian with joy and confidence in God his Saviour.

Why is “peace” like the soldier’s sandals or foot-covering? Because it keeps the Christian from being distressed in spirit as he passes along a rough and thorny path, through this evil world.

Why is “the Word of God” like a sword? Because it is piercing and penetrating, “even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”; and because it is that effective weapon by means of which the Christian’s spiritual foes are defeated, and made to flee.

If you, dear children, are Christians, if you know you belong to Christ the Lord, then read those verses 10 to 18 of Ephesians 6; and be sure not to forget to act on the first two words in verse 18, “Praying always.”

ML 10/26/1924

A Candle

A MAN once said; “I have no more influence than a candle.”

“Well,” was the reply, “a candle can set a house on fire, or burn down a hay stack; yea, more, it can enable a poor creature to read a chapter in God’s Book. So, let your candle shine before men, that others seeing your good works, may glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

ML 10/26/1924

"The Work That Saves Is Finished"

A MAN who was lying in a poor and comfortless home, in great distress, had been a cab-man, and had spent his best years in sin. Laid down by a serious illness he had time to think over his past life, and the Spirit of God had convicted him of sin. Sometime, somewhere, he had heard a preacher preach the Gospel in the open air, and he sent for him to come and speak to him in his soul’s distress. Immediately the preacher crossed the threshold, the awakened man fixed his eyes upon him, and in the agony of his soul cried out,

“O tell me, sir, what I have to do in order to be saved?”

Bending down over the bed on which he lay, the preacher quietly and lovingly repeated, Jesus said,

“It is finished”, and added, “The work that saves is finished.”

He waited for a few moments to allow the great foundation Gospel truth to sink into the anxious man’s mind, a truth which has been used of God to bring thousands into light and liberty.

“I see it all,” said the awakened man, and after hearing more fully the way of salvation, how God can righteously save and justify the sinner because of the work of the cross, he was at peace with God.

Yes, “the work which saves is finished”, finished by Christ on the cross, finished to God’s eternal satisfaction, so that nothing can be added to it, or needs to be. By the perfect work of Christ alone is a sinner saved not by his own works. Nor by the work of Christ and his own combined.

Are you willing to be saved on these conditions? God will never consent to any other. You must accept God’s way, or perish.

ML 10/26/1924

Jesus Saved Me!

A POOR Indian pictured his salvation thus: He took a heap of leaves, made it into a circle, placed a worm in the center, and then set fire to the leaves. As the poor worm felt the heat, it wriggled first one way, then another, but whichever way it turned the fire met it.

He then stooped down, picked it up, and placed it in safety.

“There,” he said, “that is how Jesus saved me!” Even so, every one that is saved, is saved from hell, for heaven.

ML 10/26/1924

Do You Love the Lord Jesus Christ?

A MISSIONARY had been sent for, to visit a dying man. He had a long way to go, but he mounted a horse, and rode fast. He had to pass through a gate. It was closed. But at last a man came and opened it for him.

“Thank you, my friend, and now tell me, Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?”

The man stared; but as he made no reply, the missionary rode off.

Many years afterwards he was holding a meeting, and after it was over a gentleman begged to speak with him. And what was the surprise of the missionary when he said, “I am greatly in your debt, sir!”

“In my debt? I do not understand you. I do not remember ever seeing you before.”

“Sir, I am in your debt, more than I can ever repay you; for through your words I have been brought to a knowledge of Christ. Do you remember riding through a gate, and saying to the man who held it, ‘Do you love the Lord Jesus Christ?’ I am that man. But then I had never heard of Christ. Your words sank into my heart, and I asked everyone I met with, if they could tell me who Jesus Christ was, and why I should love Him? At last I found a pious woman, and she told me all you had taught her. And now I am a Christian.”

Thus did God bless the missionary’s words, spoken at the right moment.

ML 10/26/1924

Jesus, I Trust Thee

A YOUNG friend of mine was very anxious to find Jesus as his Saviour. I had spoken to him several times about the way of salvation, and had quoted many passages of Scripture to him, but still he seemed in doubt and fear. However, one day he looked very bright and happy, so I said to him,

“John, when were you saved?”

“O!” he replied, “it was on that Sunday evening, when we sang,

‘Happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.’”

Since then, whenever we sing that hymn his face always brightens up at the sweet remembrance which it brings to his mind.

You see, dear children, the joy of the one who knows his sins are washed away, is not only on that first “happy day,” but goes on through time and eternity.

I may never meet you on earth, but I should like to meet you in heaven, and that cannot be, unless you trust in Him now, and know for certain that His precious blood has cleansed you from your sins, and made you fit for the inheritance of the saints in light.

Jesus invites you. He says, “Come.” Will you go to Him now, and say from your heart,

“Jesus, I trust Thee to save my soul; I trust Thee now”? If this be true, you wilt gladly sing with us,

“Happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.”

ML 10/26/1924

The Text on the Wall "Come Unto Me"

Not in stately, grand cathedral,

Not in highly gilded hall;

Did I hear of God’s salvation,

And respond to Jesus call.

‘Twas a simple text that led me

To the Christ for sinners given,

And its words do still assure me

Of salvation, grace and heaven.

On the wall there hung the message,

Daily there before my eyes,

But until the soul is “weary”

It will Jesus’ Word despise.

Crushed with guilt, and heavy laden,

Jesus’ voice said, “Come to Me,”

And responding, He has set me

From my heavy burden free.

ML 10/26/1924

The Kindness of God

MAMMA,” said a little girl, “what is that that is 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 at night.”

“O,” replied the little one, “how kind of Him!”

ML 10/26/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for September

1.“Now Jesus loved,” etc. John 11:5.

2.“I in them, and Thou,” etc. 17:23.

3.“For God so loved the world,” etc. 3:16.

4.“He that hath My,” etc. 11:21.

5.“As the Father hath loved,” etc. 15:9.

6.“Then Peter, turning about,” etc. 21:20.

7.“Now before the feast,” etc. 13:1.

Bible Questions for November

The Answers are to be found in Romans

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Shalt believe in thine heart.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Whose sins are covered.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The judgment seat.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “And avoid them.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Overcome evil with good.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Ye have received.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Not be ashamed.”

ML 11/02/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 10.

HOW good of God to still go on with a people that had sinned so against Him! It is just that way in which He is acting now towards the world which crucified His Son; He is still sending out the message of forgiveness to everyone who turns to Him.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” is glad news to all who know themselves sinners before God.

Israel had broken the law; it could not then be set up in the sight of the nation as the rule they lived by, for sinners they were, guilty before God. The law is therefore put inside the ark; the sign of God’s presence, where blood, the blood of a spotless substitute was seen as the sign of the acceptance of God’s people; the law was hidden, for it could not save: but Only told their condemnation.

The death of Aaron, and his son’s taking his place as the high priest (verse 6) tell us that the way of approach to God was to remain open, for a poor sinner must, while grace lasts, be able to come to Him in the power of the shed blood.

This, it seems, is why the tribe of Levi is mentioned here, too, for God would have His servants still at work for Him in the world.

Verses 1 to 9 are a parenthesis, and verse 10 connects with the last verse of chapter 9.

The people, though they deserved to die because of their flagrant sin, were not to be destroyed, and Moses as their leader was to go on before them, that they might take possession of the promised land. What ways then should those redeemed people show in their lives,—surely none but what were pleasing to the Lord their God. How much they should have loved Him for the great love wherewith He loved them, and out of that love service to Him would grow. Pride and self-will should not anymore be shown. but the very opposite, and they were to love the strangers who would come among them, because they had been strangers too. God thus reminds His people of their past, and His wonderful works for them.

ML 11/02/1924

Have You Any Room for Jesus?

Have you any room for Jesus

He who died your soul to win:

As He knocks and ask admission,

Children, will you let Him in?

Room for Jesus, Lord of glory!

Hasten now, His word obey!

Swing the heart’s door widely open!

Bid Him enter while you may!

Room for pleasure, room for business,

But for Christ the crucified—

Not a place that He can enter,

In the heart for which He died!

Have you any time for Jesus,

As in grace He calls again!

O, “today,” is “time accepted,”

Tomorrow you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus;

Soon will pass God’s day of grace;

Soon the Spirit will be silent,

And the Saviour’s pleading cease.

ML 11/02/1924

What Became of Alice's Sins

THERE is a little girl living in the same house that I am, named Alice. She is a very wild little thing, and never sits still for more than a few moments at a time. If I listen, I hear her running up and down the halls as hard as she can go, then her restless little feet fly to the door, to see if the bakery man is coming; then she catches sight of poor pussy, and hugs her until she gets a good scratch in return.

Sometimes she comes, and stays with me, while I read to her, or tell her a little story.

One evening, hot and flushed she entered the room, and sat down on the little footstool beside the window.

I went on with my writing, but presently, hearing a deep drawn sigh, I looked up.

Alice was gazing out of the window, with a most unusually saddened look on her mischievous little face,

“I suppose God only likes the good little boys and girls,” she said, with almost an impatient shrug of her shoulders.

“What makes you think that?” I answered.

“Well, I am quite sure He doesn’t care about me.”

“Why not?”

“O! because I’ve done such heaps of wicked things.”

“Have you?”

“Yes—heaps—disobeyed mother, and slapped Johnnie, and, O! ever so much more. I’m sure Jesus doesn’t love me.”

“Come here, Alice,” I said, “and let us have a little talk about this. Now, if everyone had been nice and good and obedient, do you think God would have thought it necessary to part with His dearly loved Son, and send Him into the world to die on the cross?”

“I don’t know.”

“Ah, Alice! if we could have saved ourselves, Jesus would never have come, but He knew how bad we all were, how sunken in sin and iniquity, so He left His Father’s home and suffered on the cross instead of us, and now He says,

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

“And does He really love the naughty ones?” asked Alice anxiously.

“O, yes,” I answered, “and Alice, you know when you have been naughty or disobedient to your mamma, she doesn’t cease to love you, does she? but she feels very grieved and sad, and she wants you to tell her you are sorry, doesn’t she?

“O yes, indeed she does,” was the quick reply.

“And as soon as you have confessed your faults, she takes you in her arms, and kisses you, and tells you it’s all right now, does she not? Well, that is what God does.

‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ If we go to Him and confess that we are sinners, He shows us Jesus on the cross, the One who died for us, and who wants us to accept His full and free pardon, and if we are His children, and we confess to Him all that we do that is wrong, we are again happy in His presence.

“Then He does love me though I am so bad,” said Alice, with a great sigh of relief. When mother came in a few minutes later to take Alice to bed, she was surprised to see the quiet look on her little girl’s face, and even more so, when, instead of the usual entreaties to be allowed to sit up “just five minutes more,” she readily went to bed. And O! I am sure that He who began a good work in that little girl’s heart then, will complete it, that she may be the Lord’s for time and eternity.

Yes, dear little reader, Jesus calls the naughty ones. I want you to say—

“I bring my sins to Thee,

The sins I cannot count;

That all may cleansed be

In Thy once opened fount;

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe,

Sin has left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.”

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

ML 11/02/1924

The Rainy Day

AS the time drew hear for the children to be let out of school, the rain began to come down so fast that the roads were soon covered with water, so the mammas and older sisters went as fast as they could to the little country schoolhouse with umbrellas and extra coverings for the children.

What thoughtfulness and kindness with those mammas and sisters to go through the rain so as to shelter the others. Some had better shelter than others, because of the difference of the circumstances at home, but the mammas did the best they could.

What a lesson we may gather from this of the thoughtfulness and love of God. He looked down on men on this earth and saw what their state of ruin was, and the awful judgment that must follow, because He is holy and righteous; but as God is love as well, He sent down His Son, who was willing to come to die in our place; to be forsaken of God with all the load of our sins upon Him, so that we might be protected from that awful storm of judgment which we deserved for our sins.

If love is seen in protecting the children from the rain, and going through it in order to get them, how much greater is the love of God and His Son, when He braved the storm for us by entering into the distance that sin had put us from God.

O, dear reader, have you responded to such love as that? Have you thanked Him, and gladly confessed Him to others as your Lord and Saviour? If you have not, may you do so now, seeing He has loved you so much.

“WHOSOEVER THEREFORE SHALL CONFESS ME BEFORE MEN, HIM WILL I CONFESS ALSO BEFORE MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. BUT WHOSOEVER SHALL DENY ME BEFORE MEN, HIM WILL I ALSO DENY BEFORE MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.” Matt. 19:32, 33.

ML 11/02/1924

The Shepherd's Care

I am Jesus’ lamb;

O, how safe I am!

Folded by His strong, kind arm,

I can never suffer harm.

Jesus left His throne,

And to earth came down,

Came to seek and save the lost,

Though His precious blood it cost.

I was full of sin,

Very black within;

Jesus’ blood has washed me now

Whiter than the whitest snow.

All along the way,

Lest my feet should stray,

He, the tender Shepherd, leads,

And His little lamb He feeds.

When His home I share,

In the glory fair,

Then my lips will sing His praise

Evermore through endless days.

ML 11/02/1924

Natural Affections

AS we look at our picture, we see a little girl who has love or affection for her dear grandma. Many willing steps will she run for the one she loves, and they enjoy each other’s company very much.

The Scripture tells us,

“In the last days, men shall be disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God,” and we do see much of this around us.

If asked whether you love your parents or not, the answer would likely be, “Yes, I do.” But actions speak louder than words. Are you always as thoughtful, kind and obedient, as true love would prompt you to be? There are many ways of pleasing ourselves. We forget “We’ve now to please but One.” Are we lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God?

To any of our readers who know not the Lord Jesus, we would say they have made their own choice of pleasure rather than Jesus. We trust they may become aware of their danger before it is too late, when the voice of this same Jesus will say,

“I know you not.”

The love of Christ constraineth us,

“WE PRAY YOU IN CHRIST’S STEAD, BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD.” 2 Cor. 5:20.

ML 11/09/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 11.

THIS chapter ends the first part of Deuteronomy. It takes into consideration what has gone before, and gives a solemn warning. They had seen what God had done to Pharoah and Egypt; to themselves when they had sinned, and notably to Dathan and Abiram; and having seen the judgment of God, the people were to keep His commandments; to be strong and go in and possess the land to which they were going.

What a land it was, that God had prepared for them, (verses 9-12). It makes one think of heaven, the eternal home of those who are redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus, only that this earthly home of Israel might he lost to those who were given it. How much, we may surely say, God cared for this people, who did nothing to win His love! And that is true of you and me, reader; we have done nothing, for Him to win that love, yet He spared not His Son, but delivered Him up for us all. O, how solemn, how serious, to be refusing God’s love!

His words were to be laid up in their hearts; kept in their minds, always before them; their children, too, were to be taught of God. The very homes of the people were to be marked by the Word of God seen and heard. Should it be different today?

Blessings from God would be theirs if they obeyed Him; disobedience brought a curse. Which would it be? And what of you who read these words? Are you for God on the side of His Son, or for yourself? A blessing or a curse; heaven or hell, —which is your choice?

ML 11/09/1924

Lost

ONE day, some years ago, a family of children of different ages and sizes, accompanied by their nurse, might have been seen walking near the outskirts of a large seaside town. The roads and turnings were all strange to them, for they were that very day moving to a new house, and they had already walked a long distance. They were passing a pretty park, and the sight of trees, blooming flowers, and shady seats, made one of the children, a little girl of about six years of age, wish to run in and see for herself what the pretty place was like.

“No, no,” said the nurse, “we must not stay now, but I daresay you will often be able to come here and play, for I don’t think that we have much farther to go. Come along, dear.”

But the little girl did not choose to wait for her pleasure, or to mind what was said to her just then; so first looking and longing, and then lingering behind, she began to reason with herself.

“What harm can there be in just running in for a minute? O, I must just see what it looks like inside. I’m sure I can easily catch up to them again.” and in she ran. Of course, when she was once within the enclosure, one thing after another caught her eye; here were lovely flowers, which must be smelled and peeped at more closely, and so the time slipped by, till the child suddenly remembered where she was, and ran out of the entrance, feeling rather frightened.

When on the road again, she felt still more frightened, for no nurse, brothers or sisters, could she see anywhere! And what was worse, so many roads went this way and that way, that she could not possibly tell which one they had taken. So she stood there the very picture of misery, crying bitterly. She felt herself to be lost.

Dear little readers, this child’s condition at that time is exactly like yours now, if you are still unsaved. You, too, are lost, though you may not know it nor feel it. You need someone to save you, as did the little girl who was lost on the roadside, and that is just what God, in His love, sent His dear Son Jesus Christ to do.

You have read—have you not? —what He had to go through thus to seek and save us. He had to leave His lovely home where He was very rich, and come here and be very poor, and be despised, and finally die a dreadful death to put away our sins. So that now any one—any child—who just clings to Him, and says, Lord Jesus I am a poor lost child, and I cannot find my way to heaven, He will make them know that He is the way.

He will take you up like a shepherd takes a poor little lost lamb in his arms and carries it to a safe place. The safe place where Jesus carries us is the lovely home from which He had come, and to which He has gone back.

But suddenly there was a shout of delight: “O, there’s my sister,” was heard, and an elder sister of the lost child, who had been searching for her, came up. Sometime had elapsed before the little girl had been missed, and great had been the sorrow of the nurse and the trouble of the mother. How happy they were when the lost child was brought by her elder sister to the new home; how the kind mother clasped her little one with thankfulness to her bosom, even while speaking to her of her fault, which had caused them alarm, and some sorrow to herself.

It was that first look at the forbidden pleasure; then the desire, and then the act of disobedience, which led to her being lost.

Are you among the lost ones, who do not even know that they are lost? Or are you lost, and, knowing it, are you miserable on that account? If so, the Good Shepherd is seeking and inviting you.

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

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

The Lord grant that you may be among the happy number of the saved ones, who are being led safely along to their new and eternal home, where will be endless joy and praise.

ML 11/09/1924

Are You a Friend or an Enemy of Jesus

POSSIBLY, you have often heard people use the word enemies, and know that its meaning is, those who are not friends. Some of you may have noticed that it is a word frequently found in the Bible, where it commonly refers to the haters of God and of His people. In one very remarkable case, occurring seven times in Scripture, it refers particularly to those who oppose God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Are there such persons, then?’ Without doubt there are, and multitudes of them. Such were they who cruelly nailed Him to Calvary’s cross; but of His friends were they who sadly laid Him in the rock-hewn tomb. There is no middle class, as Jesus Himself said;

“He that is not with Me is against Me.” Now, when the enemies of Jesus had done their worst, and His friends had done their best, God put forth His mighty power, and gloriously raised Jesus from the dead, saying to Him,

“Sit Thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.”

Accordingly we learn that, forty days after His resurrection, “He was received up into heaven,” and “sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.” Jesus is sitting and expecting still; but while thus patiently waiting, He is wanting His enemies to become His friends. Obedience to His word makes us His friends.

“Ye are My friends,” He says, “if ye do whatsoever I command you.” And to those who obey Him, He is the Author of eternal salvation all the time that He is “expecting till His enemies be made His footstool.” Soon the “expecting” will be over.

“God has appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained, whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” Then will the enemies of Jesus be made His footstool, and then will His friends be made joyful in glory.

Are you a friend, or an enemy of Jesus?

ML 11/09/1924

The Shepherd's Voice, and the Sheep's Name

IT is told us by one who was once a missionary in Greece, that while living there he one night became very much interested in those words of the Lord Jesus,

“The sheep hear His voice; and He calleth His own sheep by name.” John 10:3.

Thereupon he asked his native manservant if it was usual in his country to give names to the sheep. The man said it was, and that the sheep obeyed the shepherd when he called them by their names.

The next morning the missionary happened to be passing near a flock of sheep, so he asked the shepherd the same question that he had asked his servant the night before, and he received the same answer. He then requested the shepherd to call one of his sheep. The shepherd did so, and the sheep instantly came away from its pasturage and its companions, and ran up to the hand of the shepherd with signs of pleasure. The missionary was specially struck by the sheep’s prompt obedience, the like of which he declares he had never seen in any other animal. It is also true, he says, of the sheep in that country, that “a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of strangers.”

The shepherd told him, that many of his sheep were still wild; that they had not yet learned their names; but that by teaching, they would all learn them. The others, which knew their names, he also called tame.

What a picture we have in this story of the state, not only of men and women in the world, but of children too! The Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep, but many of them are still wild; they have not learned to hearken to His voice. Others have learned to obey His call, and to follow Him, and He has given them “eternal life, and they shall never perish.”

How does our young reader act toward the Good Shepherd? Is His voice “most sweet” to you? and do you delight to “follow Him” from day to day?

ML 11/09/1924

We Thank Thee for the Blood

We thank Thee for the blood,

The blood of Christ Thy son;

The blood by which our peace is made,

Our victory is won.

We thank Thee for the grace

Descending from above,

That overflows our greatest guilt.

The Eternal Father’s love.

ML 11/09/1924

The Lord's Care

HELENE was a Swiss girl who had Christian parents. They longed to see Helene saved, but their daughter loved the world, its pleasures and companions. One day she promised to join a party climbing a certain mountain. Her father and mother did not wish her to go with this company, but Helene insisted on fulfilling her promise. The Lord was watching over her, and when the day came, it was foggy, so the outing was postponed. Helene never took this mountain climb for the Lord had otherwise planned.

A dear Christian friend was visiting Helene’s home, and had asked her again and again to cross the ocean to America with her. Helene’s parents wished her to go to break up an undesirable friendship she had made. You know evil communications corrupt good manners.

Helene always refused her friend’s request. At last, one day, she said impatiently, “O, yes! I will go.” She did not really think she would go, but it was so ordered that so many of her friends spoke to her of the trip, when the time came she saw she would have to go. Her friend Miss B. went before, and Helene was to follow shortly with a brother of Miss B.

The vessel was so well filled, a passage could not be had in the same class as the brother. Helene went in the steerage, but paid extra for a room and better food. Her expense was the same as a better class passenger, but when the vessel arrived in New York, Helene was treated as a steerage passenger, and shipped off with all the emigrants to Ellis Island. The brother expected Helene to return at once, as she had money and friends. Miss B. was awaiting her arrival at New York, and when Helene did not come, she went down to the Island. There, after keeping her waiting, she was told that Helene had been sent on to Boston, which was to be the end of her journey, as her ticket stated.

Helene had not gone to Boston, for a man, who pretended to be a representative of the company, had asked her where she was going. She told him she must return to New York where her friends were waiting, but the company was sending her to Boston. He said he would take her to her friends and asked for her ticket. Helene gladly gave him: an envelope, which contained her ticket and all her money. As he returned the envelope, Helene saw him pass something to a man standing by. She looked in the envelope, and when she saw her money was gone, began to cry. To the man she said in German,

“Please give me my money, I can go nowhere without it.”

The man said, “I haven’t your money. Come with me and I’ll take you to your friends. If we cannot find them, I’ll take you to a hotel.”

“But,” said Helene, “I have no money to pay the hotel.”

“Never mind,” said he, “I’ll attend to that, and you will soon get a place.”

He took her to a German mission in New York, not far from the boat landing. Poor Helene, how sad she was without money and without friends, in a strange city! She knew not where she was going. But One, whose watchful eye never wearies, was looking at her. On arriving at the mission, which was carried on by a Christian man, Helene noticed familiar texts hanging on the walls. It was soon time for service, and imagine her surprise when the speaker read the same Scripture her own dear father had read when she left home in Switzerland. The hymn was the same her brother had sung. Helene thought of home and wept bitterly. The Lord began a work in her soul right there, which continued till she was happy in the knowledge of Jesus Christ as her Saviour.

“THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE, BEHOLDING THE EVIL AND THE GOOD.” Prov. 15:3.

ML 11/16/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 12.

WE are finished with the introduction to this book, and here begin the statutes and judgments, —the second division of Deuteronomy. The first subjects now have to do with the worship of God; afterwards we come to the affairs of the people.

It was God’s land given to His people to possess, all their days on earth, and the first direction He gives is that every trace of another object of worship than Himself shall be wiped out. There was no choice about it, it had to be done; God must be the only object of His people’s, thoughts. He had a right to choose the center of gathering, —the place of His meeting with His people,—and in this chapter God assured the children of Israel again and again that He would choose a place where He would put His Name. To that center alone they were to come with their glad offerings to Him; it was connected with their happiness (verses 7 and 12) in the blessings of God, and nowhere else could they go, though some place of their own choice might seem suitable enough in their opinion.

There was to be no room for their own wills to work any longer; what they had done might be very good and right to them (verse 8), but hereafter that could not be, for God’s word was to direct them in everything. They had now a guide Book which would decide every question of what was due to God.

It might seem a long way to go, to reach the place where God’s Name should be set, and there is no doubt that Satan would tempt the people on that account to stay away, yet God must have His way; they could eat their feasts at home if the distance was great, but what belonged to God was to be given to Him in the place of His choosing.

Observe and hear all these words! (verse 28). O, that the children of God did that more,—delighting only in searching out of His word, that wonderful book, the Bible, all of His will, and then seeking in lowly dependence on Him, to carry it out day by day. (See verse 32 also).

The close of the, chapter shows again that the ways of the world are a snare to the people of God, and they are to take heed to themselves that they be not trapped into ways that God hated.

ML 11/16/1924

A Personal Question

IT was a calm summer evening. I walked along the river bank, admiring the beauties of nature, — the workmanship of God. I had to cross a field on my way home, and as I mounted the gate, I saw a small bill fixed on one of the posts. It had a question boldly printed on it,

“Where will you spend eternity?”

I stood pondering over it, and wondering who put it there. It all seemed so strange. Yet there it stood speaking to me, as it had no doubt done to others there. I walked away, but that question followed me. I thought over it, all that night. I knew I must spend eternity somewhere; I could not live on earth forever. The great question was—Where?

I felt confused, and unhappy. Pleasure, social intercourse, and even business, seemed to be as nothing compared with that great question. I resolved I would not rest until I knew—if that were possible—where my eternal destiny would be.

I went that night to a friend of mine whom I knew to be a true Christian, and opened my mind to him. He told me how he was saved, and read to me passages from the Word, showing how salvation was within my reach, for nothing, just as I was. That Christ had finished the work of redemption, and that apart from religion, good works, or anything whatever on my part, I could be saved at once, and forever. This was all new to me. I had a religion, but it was all morality and works; without Christ. That hour I saw that Christ was for me, and I received Him, and cast myself on His finished work for salvation. Peace filled my heart, and I praised God that I would spend eternity with Christ in heaven.

Dear children, where will you spend eternity? This is a great question for you personally to ponder. It demands your most earnest consideration today.

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God and the books were opened . . . And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life, was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:12,15.

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for Thou vast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Rev. 5:9.

ML 11/16/1924

Lily's Locket

THE children were gathered in the twilight round the fire: they could not see to read any longer, and so the books were laid aside. This was the half-hour they loved best of all the twelve hours of the day.

It was now that mother usually came in perhaps a little tired from her long round of visiting, and often sad because of the things she had seen and heard among the poor. This was just the time father managed to leave his study, and gather with his bright-faced boys and girls for a little while before the supper bell rang.

On this particular evening, their mamma was telling them of the poor families in the town, half starving, because the fathers and brothers were out of work.

“I wish I was rich; I would buy such heaps of things—bread, and nice warm clothes, and everything,” said Nellie.

“And I wish I hadn’t spent the pennies in my money-box,” sighed Bertie. And so the children ran on, and the conversation drifted into other things until the supper bell rang, and there was a general rush.

Mother noticed that Lily, the eldest girl, had been very silent while the rest had been chatting. During the supper her large thoughtful eyes looked a shade more thoughtful, and when the younger ones had been carried off to the nursery and put to bed, she stole away to where her mother sat with her sewing.

“Mamma,” she said, “I think I should like to give my new silver locket and chain, that Uncle gave me, you know, to go towards getting something for these poor people you told us about.”

The mother did not answer for a moment; then looking into her little girl’s face, she said, “What has made you wish to do that, Lily?”

“I have told Jesus about it, mamma, and I want to give it to Him.”

“Well, but Lily, I thought you liked your new locket and chain so very much.”

“Yes, indeed I do,” with a little sigh; “but I have been asking Jesus a long time to let me give Him something; and so now mamma dear, next time you go to town, perhaps the jeweler will take it back, and give me the money instead.”

Before this, Lily had given the Lord Jesus something which was of far more value than the locket and chain. A year or two back she had brought to His feet her young heart, and He had taken it, and made it His own. Since then she had longed to bring Him some little offering of her love; and so had made up her mind He should have this—the most valuable thing among her little store of treasures.

Perhaps you will wonder how such a great God—the God who fills all heaven with the glory of His presence—could think anything about such little matters; but He has told us in His word that the very hairs of our head are all numbered: and O, we have very little idea how He watches the lives and actions of His own blood-bought ones. He loves for you to tell Him all that is in your heart; and it must bring Him such great joy when He sees you making little sacrifices.

Have you ever brought Him that gift, the most precious, the most valuable, you could bring Him—your heart? If not, just stop and think a moment.

The Lord Jesus, before whom myriads of holy angels bow their heads and worship, stoops to ask you to yield yourself to Him. Is not it past all human thought? Will you grieve Him by refusing Him this gift? No! I trust you will hand yourself over to Him, take the pardon He offers you, and live to serve Him; gladly, freely, and joyfully.

He will not disappoint the soul that seeks Him; Jesus never turned any one away. Seek His blessed face; and then your life from now shall indeed be a life worth living.

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

ML 11/16/1924

Nothing but Mercy'll Do for Me

Nothing but mercy’ll do for me,

Nothing but mercy—full and free;

Of sinners chief—what but the blood

Could calm my soul before my God?

Save by the blood He could not bless;

So pure, so great His holiness;

But He it was who gave the Lamb—

And by His blood absolved I am.

ML 11/16/1924

The Lord's Care

Part 2

NOW let us return to Miss B., and see some more of God’s marvelous ways.

What was she to do? She had been told, you know, that Helene had been sent to Boston. The poor girl would have no one to meet her there, and Helene could not speak one word of English. Miss B. had moved since giving Helene her address. The house was now occupied by strangers. A telegram to these people would be the best plan, she thought, asking them to take the stranger in, if she arrived at their house.

How was she to send this telegram so that the people would understand? She asked a policeman, but he was not able to help her. On her way to the boat-landing Miss B. remembered having seen a German mission. This would be a good place to go, and ask for advice, she thought. Miss B. hastened her steps, and on arriving at the mission, poured out her tale of woe to the Christian man in charge.

He asked the young woman’s name and left the room. When he returned with Helene at his side, can you imagine the joy of that meeting!

This dear girl still lives, and continually thanks the Lord for caring for her in such a wonderful way. She is happy, too, in the knowledge of having all her sins forgiven, washed away in the precious blood of Jesus.

“THOU, O LORD, ART A GOD FULL OF COMPASSION, AND GRACIOUS, LONG-SUFFERING AND PLENTEOUS IN MERCY AND TRUTH.” Psa. 86:15.

ML 11/23/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 13.

THERE was the gravest danger that another should take the place of God in the hearts of those who professed to be His people, and He guards them against that in this chapter. They were bound by every tie to the true God, and it would take constant watchfulness against the wiles of Satan to keep out idolatry. Just so is it today, for Satan who came into the garden of Eden to tempt our first parents, is still doing his deadly work, though millions of people now have no images or idols, such as are spoken of in chapter 13.

Most people have what they call a religion, but not all of it will stand the test of verse 4. He who would persuade the people to turn away from the true God, to walk in other ways than what His word points out, was to be put to death, even though he came with signs, and foretold things which actually happened. This might seem hard, yet there was to be no compromise where God is concerned, not even where the dearest ones, —a brother, a son, a daughter, wife or friend,—should propose to give up the true God for some other name, some other object perhaps commonly sought after in the world (verse 7).

For even these, for whom, affection by the strong ties of nature would be strong, there could be no pity. In standing for God, and acting for Him, the ties of nature must be disregarded, and unsparing judgment should be visited; the leader in that solemn and heart-breaking step being the one from whom, if nature should decide, there should be pity, and protection.

Lastly, for every approach of idolatry is here guarded against—this departure from God might mark a whole city, a group or community, and not only individuals here and there; again there was to be no pity, no sparing hand. The city and all its inhabitants, its cattle even, was to be totally destroyed, nothing allowed to remain.

Idolatry is simply the taking by something or someone else, the place of God in the human heart. It does not need to be an image or idol to be prayed to, and given offerings.

Who or what is the center of your heart, my reader? Beware that it be not any substitute for the true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), and there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). God demands your whole heart, young Christian; let not the world with its attraction win you from Him.

ML 11/23/1924

A Pair of Shoes

IF any of you young readers, or older ones, have lost a little brother or sister, it is very likely, with feelings of love and tenderness, that you look upon the little garments and playthings the loved one left behind. These reminders are often very precious to us, and sometimes we keep them a long time.

Some time ago, a devoted daughter was thinking about her father who had gone to be with the Lord, and a longing came over her to look at some of his clothes.

She took up a pair of shoes, and noticed that the soles were worn very thin. Then she remembered how often he had walked four miles to meeting.

How many of you would be willing to walk that far to meeting? He went on hot days, and he went on cold days. He did not let either muddy roads or stormy weather hinder him, for he loved the Lord and wanted to go to the meetings whenever he could.

As the daughter looked at the much-worn shoes, and remembered how faithfully her father had followed the Lord, and walked in the way of righteousness, the shoes seemed to be preaching her a sermon. They seemed to tell her to follow in his footsteps—to follow the Lord just as he had done.

It is much better, dear children, to wear out our shoes and our clothes living and working for Jesus, than to be going on carelessly and selfishly.

If we know Jesus as our Saviour, and do not live for him as faithfully as we should, we will lose much blessing, both in this life, and throughout eternity.

And if we do not know Jesus as our Saviour, we are wearing out our shoes on a path that leads to an eternity of woe.

As the person in this story looked at her father’s shoes, and turned them over again and again, she made up her mind that, with the Lord’s help, she too, would follow her Saviour, and use her strength for Him. And she hopes that her walk will be a help to others, just as her father’s faithful walk was a help to her.

Dear children, if you, too, wish to live for the Lord, and walk in a way that will be pleasing to Him, seek the companionship of those who love the Lord Jesus, and are trying to please Him. This will be a help.

God’s Word says,

“Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Proverbs 4:14, 15.

If you associate with those who do wicked things, they will want you to do the same things, so God tells you to keep away from them.

If you study God’s Word, you will find a great many verses that speak of the walk and what it should be.

One verse tells us to “walk in love.” Eph. 5:2.

Another tells us to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.” Col. 1:10.

See how many others you can find, telling how the Christian ought to walk.

The Lord wants His children to follow in His footsteps—to walk even as He walked when here. You will learn how to do this if you study God’s Word.

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children, and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.” Eph. 5:1, 2.

ML 11/23/1924

Rosa's Message

ROSA ran across the street to a rough-looking man, who sat on the cold stones alone, dejected and miserable-looking. Raising her bright blue eyes, she looked into his face, and said, “Poor man, I am sorry for you; can I do anything to help you?”

The child’s sweet voice fell strangely on the ear of that hardened sinner, so accustomed to loud, harsh words, but so seldom to words like Rosa’s. He looked upon the child, and said in dismal tones,

“I am without a home or a friend on earth, child.”

“God will be a friend to you, —He loves you,” said Rosa, softly.

The poor man held out his trembling hand towards the child, and she bent down and kissed it. It was all that she could do, dear child, to speak a kind, loving word, and to couple with it a token of her love for the friendless, homeless man. But it was enough. That act of love reached his heart, and softened it. That word of Gospel grace reached his soul, and God owned it, and blessed it to his conversion.

Years passed on. A silvery-haired, patriarchal-looking man stood addressing the children of a Sunday-school one afternoon, and finished his discourse by telling the children to miss no opportunity of speaking a kind word, or doing a good deed, for, said he,

“It was a word spoken to me by a dear child, when I was friendless and homeless, that God used to save me.”

When the stranger had finished, and the children had gone, a lady walked up to the aged Christian, and, holding out her hand toward him, said,

“Sir, do you know me?”

He looked at her for a moment, and then, clasping both her hands in his, while the tears flowed from the eyes of both, he said,

“Yes, it was the word spoken by you when a child, that God used to bring me to Himself.”

How vast a work a saved child may do. A word spoken from a tender heart, filled with God’s compassion for sinners, will often reach the hardened heart. A kind act done for Jesus’ sake, may be the honored messenger of leading a soul to God. Saved children can do a great work for God and eternity.

Reader, are you saved? If so, what are you doing to bring sinners to the Saviour?

You cannot help others out of the mite until your own feet are on the Rock. You must be saved yourself, and on the way to glory, before you can lead others to the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” Mark 5:19.

“I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Come unto me, and rest;

Lay down, thou weary one, lay down

Thy head upon my breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary, and worn, and sad.

I found in Him a resting place,

And He has made me glad.

ML 11/23/1924

O, Come to the Saviour

Come, listen, my friends,

I’ve a story to tell,

Of Jesus, who once

To this earth came to dwell.

So humble, so lowly;

He blessed and He healed,

And ever to sinners

His love He revealed.

And this blessed Jesus

Who walked on the wave,

When tempests were raging,

Was able to save.

The waters were stilled

At the sound of His voice,

While those who beheld Him

Could only rejoice.

The blind and the deaf,

The sick and the lame,

Were healed and made happy

Through faith in His name,

The poorest and weakest,

He ne’er turned aside,

But always received them

With arms open wide.

O, come to this Saviour

Who willingly died;

Who, nailed to the cross,

Was there crucified.

His head crowned with thorns,

A spear through His side,

His life blood was shed,

While for sinners He died.

And there in His agony,

Under the rod,

He bore all our sins—

Forsaken of God.

That we might be rescued

From judgment to come,

And dwell with Himself

In His heavenly home.

Then take this blest Saviour

O do not delay:

Salvation He offers,—

Accept it today.

Tomorrow’s uncertain;

And may be too late;

He’s pleading in mercy,

O, pray do not wait.

ML 11/23/1924

The Serpent and the Tiger

I HAVE been looking some time at the picture, but I cannot see that there is much hope for the poor tiger. He may open his mouth, and look very angry at the huge serpent, who has wound around the tiger his beautiful but deathly coil; but he cannot get away, and will be crushed to death before he has the chance to make any resistance. You see the serpent has a small, smooth head, which he could slip under the tiger when it was asleep, and before the poor victim would be aware of it, he would have twined his powerful body around him.

There is an enemy of ours, dear children, called “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), who keeps himself out of sight, but who draws people, old and young, farther and farther from God, until they find themselves cast for ever into the place prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matt. 25:41).

But many have been most thankful to learn the power of Christ, who is “a stronger than he,” and they have put themselves into His mighty hand, that He may keep them from “all the power of the enemy.”

“TRUST YE IN THE LORD FOREVER: FOR IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH.” Isa. 26:4.

ML 11/30/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 14.

BECAUSE they were children (it is literally “sons,” here) of the Lord their God, the people of Israel were not allowed to disfigure themselves. A holy people and a chosen people, they were to be for their God outwardly and inwardly. It was not, we see, in order to be His sons, that certain ways should be adopted, but because they were in that relationship.

Verses 3 to 20 correspond to what we have looked at in the eleventh chapter of Leviticus, but there the words were given first to Moses and Aaron, and for them to pass on to the people, for Leviticus was the priest’s guide book. Deuteronomy is addressed directly to all the people, without distinction. And God here tells simply and plainly what was good for them, to eat, naming the different animals, with which the people were familiar. The creatures with names to us uncommon in the fifth verse, are different kinds of deer and wild goats and sheep. Suitable food was that which corresponded in character with the God-given character of His people. The parted hoof refers to a clean and firm walk, conscientious behavior suitable to a believer; the chewing of the cud is related to the effect of God’s Word on me inwardly. This truth is intended to have such a place in my life, that it will be a part of my very self, and be seen in the outward things that are suitable to a child of God.

So, as to fishes, what was according to divine order was food; in birds, those which cannot be tamed were rejected; and in creeping things, because they groveled on the earth, there was nothing of food. These all set before us what is or is not, suitable food for a Christian’s mind in reading and in associations.

Verse 21 marks again the difference between the child of God and the world; there are things which are not suitable in those who hear His name, and are therefore called to a holy, separate life but which might be accepted in the world where God is not honored. To eat a thing which died of itself would be, as another has said, the same in principle as for a Christian to join the world in its pleasures and amusements. He has something better than the poor dead things, of this world to feed upon, —the Living Bread from heaven, the Lord Jesus. But the unconverted know nothing of the most precious things the believer enjoys.

Yet another admonition is needed. “Thou shalt not seethe (boil) a kid in his mother’s milk.” Whatever is contrary to the order of what God has established, or is unbecoming, is forbidden.

Verse 23 brings us again to the question of meeting God in the place where He chooses to put His Name. To that place they were to bring all that was due to God, truly reckoned (verse 22). If the way were long, and the place far off, the Israelite might turn into money what he had to take, and exchange the money again at the chosen place of meeting, for there and there only was God to be met and communion enjoyed, rejoicing in the gracious gifts of the gracious Giver. Surely then there is a present-day counterpart of the earthly center of Israel, and the writer firmly believes it to be set out in the Lord Jesus’ impressive words,

“Where two or three are gathered together to My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. And in many other passages of the New Testament which set out the ground, the Center, the power and the authority of gathering.

The Levite, without an earthly inheritance, was not to be forgotten; selfishness is natural to us; strangers, fatherless and widows were all to be remembered, that the blessing of God might rest on His people. The special tithe of verses 28, 29 is only found here, —nowhere else in scripture.

A Full Confession of Faith in Christ

TELL me,” I said, “what is it that makes you so happy now? You say you are quite happy, and have been so since last night.”

“Yes,” she replied, “I am, quite happy” —and evidently with much feeling.

“But do you think you could tell me distinctly what it is that gives you so much new joy?”

After a moment’s pause the following reply was given: but such a reply for fulness and simplicity!

“I see the love of Jesus to me a sinner.”

“Bless the Lord,” I said, “that is something to see; may you never lose sight of it! But in what way, my dear child, do you see His love to yourself now?”

“I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there!”

“Amen,” my heart replied; “surely thou art taught of God! And now, once more, tell me, how do you feel towards Jesus Himself, after seeing and believing all this?” Her reply was natural and beautiful; she said,

“I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him.”

I had nothing more to ask of the young believer, and turned away quickly, but with a praising heart, and with these three answers so engraven on my memory, as never to be forgotten.

“I see the love of Jesus to me a sinner; I now see that He died for me on the cross, and put all my sins away there; I feel it easy now to give my heart to Him.”

I have heard many confessions from many lips, but I have never heard one more simple, more concise, more complete, or more satisfactory. May it be a divine help, and a divine test to thousands of the readers of this is the deep, earnest, and fervent prayer of him to whom the answers were given.

ML 11/30/1924

The Text on the Wall "Look Unto Me and Be Saved"

IT was only a sheet of paper, blue ground and white letters, but the man’s eyes were fixed upon it from the moment he entered the little hall with its plain white-washed walls. He read it over and over until—as he afterwards told us—it was deeply “graven on his memory.” But he did not know who the “Me” was, or what it was to “Look.” He needed, like the Ethiopian in the desert, someone to “guide” him to Jesus (Acts 8:31-35). And who do you think was his guide? Just his own little girl, who had come home from her class in the Sunday school that very night, saying,

“I am saved.”

Her simple testimony aroused him to think, and without telling any of them, he slipped into “Amy’s Meeting,” and came home in deep soul trouble. The Word of God which he had heard and read, was used by the Spirit to show him his sin, and his need of salvation.

“How did you get saved, Amy?” was his first question.

“‘Cause I am looking to Jesus, father,” was the grand reply. “What way looking, Amy? You can’t see Him!”

“But teacher says, looking is just trusting, the same as we look to you to give us clothes, and to mother to give us food.”

That was the golden key to unlock the mystery. To “look” to the Lord Jesus for salvation, was just to trust in Him, to depend upon Him, to take Him at His word. Dan was the sinner, Jesus was the Saviour, and he had only to “look.” And Dan the collier did look, and God saved him. There is a wonderful power in the Word of God. Looked at, read, preached, it is God’s own instrument for salvation.

Thus it has been to thousands, who were once careless, godless, unconverted sinners; but a ray of heaven’s own light shone out from the lamp of Truth, God’s eternal Word, which is His instrument used in the awakening and salvation of sinners, and they first saw themselves, then Christ the Saviour as the One who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10), and that just suited them.

Do you know Jesus as your personal, present Saviour? Have you looked to Him, like Dan the collier? Are you looking to Him now, confessing Him as your sovereign Lord? This is to be saved, to be God’s child, Christ’s disciple, heaven-born and heaven-bound. And there is no other way of salvation.

ML 11/30/1924

Why Everybody Should Love Jesus

IT is related of one of Dr. Doddridge’s children, who was a general favorite, that she was one day asked by her father why everybody loved her? when she simply but beautifully replied,

“I do not know, unless it be because I love everybody.”

Is not this sweet child’s answer the very reason why everybody should love Jesus, because He loves everybody? Was it not a great proof of His love shown in a wonderfully earnest way when He came down from heaven, took upon Himself our sins; yea, verily, bore our sins in His own body on the tree, so that by His stripes we are healed?

Let us add to this the remembrance that, while we were yet sinners, rebels, cold-hearted towards Him; when not a spark of holy love lodged in our hearts, nor a thought was lifted up towards Him; nay, more, were hardening our hearts against God’s truth and love—even then He loved us with a yearning love, and “gave Himself for us.”

ML 11/30/1924

"I'se Going to Jesus"

WEE Willie”—that was the name by which he was generally known down in the court where he lived—came to the Sunday School, and learned very early that he was a sinner. And “Wee Willie” soon after, trusted Jesus, and was saved. We all saw that he would not be long on earth; his poor little body shook with a cough, that troubled him night and day. Just when the buds were coming out on the trees, and the birds building their nests, “Wee Willie” passed away. Grasping his kind teacher’s hand, he said, “Good-bye, teacher, I’se going to Jesus.” And now he is with Him.

ML 11/30/1924

Nothing but Mercy'll Do for Me

Nothing but mercy’ll do for me,

Nothing but mercy—full and free;

Of sinners chief—what but the blood

Could calm my soul before my God?

Save by the blood He could not bless;

So pure, so great His holiness;

But He it was who gave the Lamb—

And by His blood absolved I am.

ML 11/30/1924

Answers to Bible Questions for October

1.“And when He had spoken,” etc. Acts 1:9.

2.“Neither is there,” etc. 4:12.

3.“But he, being full of the,” etc. 7:55.

4.“For of a truth,” etc. 4:27.

5.“Because He hath appointed,” etc. 17:31.

6.“Then Agrippa said,” etc. 26:28.

7.“Be it known unto you,” etc. 13:38.

Bible Questions for December

The Answers are to be found in 1 Corinthians

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Above that ye are able.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “To preach the gospel.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Your labor is not in vain.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Till He come.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I will pray.” “I will sing.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Ye are bought with a price.”

7.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Their weak conscience.”

ML 12/07/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 15.

THEY had been slaves themselves; could that ever be forgotten? They had been poor indeed; a look backward to the time before God had taken them up, when they were wretched brickmakers under the lash of the taskmaker in Egypt, would remind them of that. What then? Every seven years every debtor among the people of God was to be released, for He would greatly bless His people, if they would “carefully hearken” to His word, to do all His commandments.

Here we have an Old Testament statement of what is expressed in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,

“He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The poor human heart is so easily hardened, the hand so easily shut from the poor brother (verse 7). In verse 9 we should read, “a wicked thought in thy heart.” instead of “a thought in thy wicked heart.” as our common version reads. Ah, God can read our thoughts! May He warm the hearts of all His own, to a more real imitation of the Lord Jesus in the grace that was so beautifully shown in Him, the rich One, who for our sakes became poor. that we (believers) through His poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

The Hebrew slave (verses 12-18), was not only to be set free at the end of six years, but he was to be furnished “liberally” out of what God had given. This we may say, is like God. He sets the poor slave of Satan free, and gives him the very treasure house of heaven to draw upon; no grudging God is ours! Then is given the possibility of a willing slave who loved his master, and does not want to go free. Surely each must have treated the other in the fear of God, faithfully, and in love.

Verses 19-23: What was owing to God was to be recognized as His. Year by year He should have His portion in the gathering of His people in the appointed place, — “thou and thy household,” for the whole family ought to be the Lord’s. Nothing with a blemish should be offered to God; it might be eaten at home, but the blood. as always, must be poured out.

ML 12/07/1924

"And the Door Was Shut"

REJECTERS of Christ; cold empty professors; foolish virgins; a few more words and tears for you. Think of these words. “And the door was shut.” What will this world be to you when that door is shut? What will be the value of this world’s riches then? What pleasure will you find in sin then? What will the applause of men, and the flatteries of Satan be worth then? Think, O think, dear reader; think seriously on that coming, solemn, hour! Look that day in the face, and tell me, what is there in the wide range of thy thoughts and visions worth having, when compared with Christ? If Satan’s world be thy choice here, Satan’s hell must be thy portion hereafter. And O, remember the time is short; the door will soon be shut, and shut for ever.

Haste, then, O thoughtless, careless sinner: delay not; forget not; but at once, and with thy whole heart, flee to Jesus. He is waiting to receive thee; ready to pardon thee; willing to save thee. He invites thee to come to Himself; hear then His voice of love, “Hear, and your soul shall live.” Isaiah 55:1-3.

ML 12/07/1924

Little Hans' Letter

I ONCE heard of a little German boy who had come to America to live with his parents.

His father could find no work to do, so doubtless, the poor child was suffering from the lack of the comforts which he would have had if his father had found work. So what do you think the little boy did? He wrote a letter. To whom do you think he wrote it? To Jesus!

Well, I expect you will say, “That was no use, because Jesus is in heaven, and a letter could not reach Him there.”

But Jesus could see it as it was being written; and He could and did send an answer. This is what the dear little boy wrote,

“Dear Jesus:

I have prayed so hard to You, but I guess You could not hear me so far off, so I am going to write You a letter. We came over a big ocean when it was summer time. My mamma has been sick all the time; can You send her something to make her well? And, dear Jesus, please send my father some work to do, so he can buy us some warm clothes, and something to eat. Please answer quick, for we are cold and hungry. Nobody knows I am writing to You. I thought You might send us something for a surprise. Hans Brahm.”

Then he folded the letter, and put it into a little envelope, which, he directed to “JESUS UP IN HEAVEN.” Now, I will tell you how it was answered. In the Post Office at Washington, where this letter was posted, the young lady who was sorting mail, came across this letter, and saw the strange address. She opened the letter and read it, and her eyes filled with tears.

“The child’s faith must not he destroyed,” she thought. That evening she spoke to several of her friends about the matter, and they were all anxious to help her send a box to little Hans. In it were nice warm clothes for them all and toys for Hans, and at the very top, was a $10.00 bill.

As soon as the box was sent off, the lady wrote a letter to Hans, telling him that his letter had been received, and that Jesus had sent one of His servants on earth to help him, and a nice box was on its way to him. Before long, she received a letter of warm thanks from the little boy’s father, and soon after that he wrote again, saying that he had found employment.

Thus you see, Jesus answers the faith of a little child. How good it is to trust Him, is it not? He says,

“Ask, and ye shall receive.” John 16:24.

ML 12/07/1924

Working Cheerfully

HERE is a little girl watching by the cradle of sleeping baby. She is not idly sitting there, longing for the time to pass, and murmuring because she has to watch the little one. O! 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 do 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.

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 FULLNESS OF JOY; AT THY RIGHT HAND THERE ARE PLEASURES FOR EVERMORE.” Psa. 16:11.

ML 12/07/1924

'Twas Jesus

Who left His Father’s home on high,

For sinners lost, and doomed to die,

That they to God might be brought nigh?

‘Twas Jesus.

Who was that babe in yonder stall

Before whose feet the shepherds fall?

The one acclaimed as Lord of all?

‘Twas Jesus.

Who was that One in temple grand,

Who could before great rulers stand,

And all their questions understand?

‘Twas Jesus.

Who was that One of whom we read,

Was Son of God, yet man indeed,

Who came to meet the sinners need?

‘Twas Jesus.

Who was the “Man of sorrows” here,

The One who dried the mourner’s tear,

Who oft the troubled heart would cheer?

‘Twas Jesus.

Who was that One on Calvary’s tree

Who tasted death for you and me,

That Satan’s captives might be free?

‘Twas Jesus.

Who was it, from the silent grave

Came forth the mighty One to save,

Who e’en His precious life blood gave?

‘Twas Jesus.

Who is that One upon the throne,

Who to this world is still unknown,

But seen by faith by all His own?

‘Tis Jesus.

Who is that One who soon shall call

His ransomed people, one and all,

Before His blessed feet to fall?

‘Tis Jesus.

Jesus who once this desert trod,

Jesus upon the throne of God,

Go tell the joyful news abroad,—

Preach Jesus.

ML 12/07/1924

Sobriety

HOW fond some children are of mischief and fun! Here are two who are evidently enjoying a little sport. One has found 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 sidewise at a good distance from him, while his companion 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 he 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 O! 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 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 Peter 4:7.

ML 12/14/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 16:1-17.

THREE times every year a journey was to be made, and not empty handed, to the place, once more mentioned, where the Lord their God set His Name. These occasions were the passover (verses 1-8); the feast of weeks, or pentecost, (verses 9-12), the feast of tabernacles, (verses 13-15). In two other passages of Scripture these and other services of God appear. (Leviticus 23; and Numbers, chapters 28, 29.

The passover was at the beginning of the year, the constant reminder of redemption, —God’s foundation act for His people, —and in the place which He should choose to place His Name there (verses 2, 6 and 7), the redeemed ones were to be found, celebrating the great deliverance He had made for them, having put away sin from their dwellings. It was truly a time of remembrance, looking back to the day when they came forth out of the land of Egypt. So the Christian is enjoined, in the touching words of his Lord, “This do in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25), to recall the vastly greater work of Christ in the one offering of Himself on the cross of Calvary.

When seven weeks had passed after the beginning of the harvest, the feast of weeks brought all the males, as representing the hosts of Israel, in case all the family could not come, again to the place which the Lord their God had chosen to place His name there. It was now a free will offering, as He had blessed them (verse 10), and all are seen there, —the heads of the families, their sons and daughters and their servants, the Levites too, and the, stranger, the fatherless and the widow were to be brought there to the place of God’s appointment. This is a forecast of the beginning of Christianity on the principle of redemption and a new covenant.

Lastly, after the gathering in of the grain and the grapes, the people are to meet again in the appointed place, now to celebrate the full joy of God’s grace to Israel in the land.

This in its true meaning has not come to pass yet, for there must be first, God’s gathering in of His own (the grain), before the storm of judgment breaks, and treading down His enemies in the wine-press (Revelation 14:14-20; Isaiah 63:1-6), and these events cannot take place before the close of the present day of grace.

Where, we may ask, in the language of 1 Peter 4:18, shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Trusting in themselves, and indifferent to God, they will be eternally lost.

O, dear children, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 12/14/1924

A Bright Sunbeam in a Dark Cloud

I AM going to tell you a short story, children, of a dear little girl I met with on my journey from L. to P.

What a busy scene! There is the great long train for the north. How the frightened children cling to their mothers, and are afraid of getting into the wrong train. What patience the porters need to answer every one’s questions all in a moment. The fingers of that great clock tell us the train will be off in two or three minutes. The guard calls out, “All aboard!” and then comes the partings, the shaking of hands, the kissing of loved ones, and the good-byes. There are tearful eyes and sad partings, perhaps never to see or meet again.

What looks pass between that young boy and his sorrowful father? They are to part, it may be, for the first time in this boy’s life. He, no doubt, feels himself a real lonely stranger in the great city, and that father’s heart feels more deeply than ever before, leaving such a loved one alone!

One of you dear boys may be so left some day, and what can comfort you then and who can take care of you, then? What a blessing if you and your father, at such a time, can look up with full conference to the Lord Jesus, who Himself was once a lonely stranger, and can call Him, not only your Saviour, but your loving Friend. There goes the ringing of the bell, and off we start under no end of bridges and through dark tunnels, and soon we are in the country, dashing away at thirty or forty miles an hour, and now my story begins:

We had not passed more than one or two stations, when I discovered a happy looking girl, about ten years old, sitting in the seat with me. It was just holiday time, and supposing she had left school with a merry heart to spend her holidays at home, I looked kindly at her. and said,

“I suppose, my child, you are on your way to see your mother?”

In an instant I found my words had gone as a dagger into her heart, a cloud came over her face, a tear trickled down her cheek, her lips quivered, and at once I saw she had no mother to see. I can’t tell you how sorry I was that I had so wounded her tender heart. I looked at her with real pity, my own heart yearning over her, for well could I feel her sorrow. I too had lost a mother when just her age. Hoping to heal the wound, I said with some emotion,

“Perhaps your beloved father will meet you at the Station?”

An instant burst of grief, a flood of tears and bitter sobs, told the sad tale she was a motherless and fatherless child! I cannot tell you, dear children, the sorrow of my heart at that moment. In silence we wept together, and it was some time before I could speak a single word. How I longed to comfort her, but felt only the Lord could heal such a broken heart. In my helplessness, I lifted up my heart to Him for just the word that would soothe her troubled soul. While we were both weeping, I said to her with a trembling voice,

“There is a word in Scripture which says, ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up’. Do you know anything of Him who utters these sweet words—the Lord Jesus Christ?”

I wish, beloved children, you could have seen the immediate change which came over that dear child’s face. The tears were still there, but there came over it a smile like the bright rainbow in a summer’s shower, as with a clear voice, she said,

“O, 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 all my sins away.”

What a good confession. How sweetly it fell on my ears! I was not sorry now that I had grieved her, and very pleasant was our talk for nearly an hour longer. How happy we were together, —she, a bright-faced little girl; and I, a grey headed old man, but the One Spirit that had made us both one in Christ, had given us the same joys, and the same hopes.

Very simple and sweet was the tale she told me of how the Lord had brought her to know Himself, a little of which I will now tell you.

It was somewhere about a year before, when at school, one of her school-fellows took sick, and it was soon whispered among the children that she could never get better. This made my little friend much afraid.

“O,” she thought, “if I were to die, what would become of me? I know my sins are not forgiven,” and so she was afraid of God. But the dying girl was a dear friend of hers, and in her sickness they talked together, and she found her friend was not only not afraid to die, but was very happy, and knew for sure that she was going to Jesus who had loved her and died for her. The Lord used the testimony of this child to bring her to a knowledge of His love, and now she knew that Jesus Himself had borne all her sins in His body on the tree.

When she told me this nice story, I read to her, from the 10th of John’s Gospel, what Jesus said about His being the Good Shepherd, and laying down His life for the sheep and giving them eternal life, and that they shall never perish; also that none should be able to pluck them out of His Hands.

Then we came to my station, and we said “good bye,” and parted, perhaps not to meet again till the Lord Jesus comes and takes us all to be with Himself, and like Himself forever.

Dear children, can you say, like this little girl,

“O, yes, I do know Jesus, for He is my Saviour”?

ML 12/14/1924

Flee From the Coming Wrath

There shall come a night of such wild affright,

As none beside shall know;

When the heavens shall shake, and the wide earth quake

In its last and deepest woe!

What horrors shall roll o’er the godless soul,

Waked from its death-like sleep;

Of all hope bereft, and to judgment left,

For ever to wail and weep!

O children, give ear, while the saints are near!

Soon must the tie be riven,

And men, side by side, God’s hand shall divide,

As far as hell’s depths from heaven.

The children of day are summoned away:

Left are the children of night—

Sealed is their doom, for there’s no more room:

Filled are the mansions of light!

What an awful cry will rend the sky,

“Open to us, O Lord!”

O, dear children, yet, ere the door be shut,

Let that cry in faith be heard.

O children! to Jesus come now,

O! come while you may, while still ‘tis the day

Of grace, salvation, and love.

ML 12/14/1924

Feeding the Birds

WINTER’S snow is thickly falling, and soon the ground, as well as the trees and the bushes, will be robed in a mantle of white. And what will the poor birds do then, for the ground will grow hard with the frost, and there will not be any worms or insects for them to feed upon! Even the leafless branches of the trees will not afford them food as in summer.

We might think they must soon starve to death. But, no; God takes care of even the little birds. He feeds the sparrows; He hears the raven’s cry.

In our picture today, we see a dear child feeding the birds; and from near and from far, they seem to be coming at his call. If he had not shown them kindness, they would keep at a good distance; but they have received good at his hand, and now, without fear, they come close to him, and eagerly pick up the sweet crumbs that he has in readiness for them. Does it not give you pleasure, as you look upon the picture, to see how happy and confident these little creatures are!

Let us learn from it, two little lessons. First; may we learn to show kindness to all of God’s creatures. God cares for them, and we should care for them.

Second; let us thankfully recognize God’s care over us. While He thinks of the little birds and cares for them, He tells us we are of “more value than many sparrows.” He does not wish us to be troubled about what we shall eat and what we shall wear. He would have us to take these cares to Him who cares for us. He tells us to consider the ravens, for He feeds them; and to consider the lilies which He clothes so beautifully. He tells us too, that He will feed and clothe us, and we are not to be of doubtful mind. He gives us this beautiful word,

“Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” Should not this be enough for our hearts?

“SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.” Matt. 6:33.

ML 12/21/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 16:18-17:20

WE here open the third section of the book; we have been studying the things that belonged to the religious life of Israel, and now begin upon the ordinary affairs of the people.

Judges and officers were to be provided in plenty, to deal justly in every matter that came up. No groves of trees might be planted near the altar of God, nor might a statue or image be set up, because both of these things led to idolatry. They were thus to avoid the appearance of evil such as marked the nations around. Sacrifices to God could not include any blemished animals. (See Malachi 1). The idolater should be put to death. Two or three witnesses were needed, —the word of one person not being sufficient.

When there were disagreements too. difficult to settle, they were to take them to God—to the place which the Lord their God should choose, there to inquire, and they who abode in His presence, would show what was of Him in the matter. He who refused that judgment should die; he presumed against God. There was no thought here of going to law before the world (1 Cor. 6:1-9), for everything was settled within the assembly of God. Surely it should be no different today!

The last section of the chapter relates to the choosing of a king to rule over the people. God knew they would want a king and here tells them what he must be, and what he must not be. Perhaps it is enough to say here. that all that he should not do, as we here learn, Solomon did; and that which he should do, told here, Solomon failed in, and he was the greatest king in point of splendor of his court, and the works he did, and in wisdom, of all the kings of Israel and Judah.

Man always fails in that which God trusts to him. God is the alone one in whom we can fully trust. Has He your trust, reader, for eternity?

“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” Romans 4:7.

ML 12/21/1924

"Wake up! Wake up!"

AT twelve o’clock one night, when all the inmates of a house were fast asleep, a loud knocking came suddenly at the door, and a voice was heard shouting, “Wake up! Wake up!”

Smoke had been seen coming out of the house, and the crackling of burning wood could be distinctly heard. There was no doubt, therefore, that the house was on fire.

Aroused by the shouting outside and made aware of the danger within, a woman appeared at one of the windows. But she was too terrified to do anything, and could only cry,

“Who will save my children? Who will save my children?”

You see, the natural love of a mother led her to think of safety for her children before seeking to secure it for herself, even while she was in danger of being burned to death. But great as her love for them surely was, yet she had not the courage to risk her life on their behalf by darting through the flames to snatch her children “from the burning.” If it was to be done at all, another must do it. And I am glad to say that another did do it; for the neighbors succeeded in getting the children, and the mother too, out by the back of the burning house, and so the lives of all were saved.

Though that mother, however great her love, did not dare to plunge into the devouring flames to save her children, the Lord Jesus Christ went right into the fire of God’s judgment upon sin; and we have now only to believe in Him in order to escape being cast into the place “where the fire is not quenched,” and where the unbelieving and unrepentant must endure “everlasting burnings.”

“Wake up! Wake up!” and put your trust in the only Saviour of sinners.

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

ML 12/21/1924

The Fear of Death

FORASMUCH then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same: that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Heb. 2:14, 15.

A father had a son who had been sick some time; but he did not consider the boy’s state dangerous, until one day he came home to dinner, and found his wife weeping. He asked,

“What is the trouble?”

“There has been a great change in our boy since morning,” the mother said, “and I am afraid that he is dying. I wish you would go in and see him; and if you think he is, I wish you would tell him so, for I cannot bear to tell him.”

The father went in, and sat down by the bedside; and as he placed his hand upon his boy’s forehead, he could feel the cold, damp sweat of death, and knew its cold, icy hand was feeling for the cords of life, and that his boy was soon to be taken away. He said to him,

“My son, do you know you are dying?”

The little fellow looked up at him, and said, “No! am I? Is this death that I feel stealing over me, father?”

“Yes, my son; you are dying.”

“Shall I live the day out?”

“No; you may die at any moment.”

He looked up at his father, and said, “Well, I shall be with Jesus tonight, shall I not, father?”

The father answered, “Yes, my boy, you will spend tonight with the Saviour.”

The father turned away to conceal his tears, that the little boy might not see him weep. But the son saw the tears, and he said:

“Father, don’t you weep for me. When I get to heaven, I will go straight to Jesus, and tell Him that ever since I can remember, you have tried to lead me to Him.”

This dear little boy was one of the delivered ones from, the fear of death, having learned that the blessed Saviour had for him been into the death of which he as a sinner was under the sentence, and was trusting in His atoning death.

ML 12/21/1924

Children, Obey Your Parents

JUST a few weeks ago a very dear little boy, named William, was visiting with his parents near a lake in Canada.

One day his parents were both away from the house, and before going, had told William not to go near the water. But there were other children playing around, and one little girl, seven years old, persuaded William, to go down with her, and get into one of the boats.

A little later she left the boat to go over to the other children, not knowing that it was not tied to the shore. When she came back she saw the boat out in the lake, but William was not in it.

She called for help and soon little William was found floating on the water. But it was too late. The dear child was drowned. He had a bruise on his head, and it was thought that when he saw the boat leaving the shore, he tried to jump out, but on account of the unsteadiness of the boat, lost his balance, fell against it, and then into the water perhaps unconscious from the blow on his head.

William was only four years old, but a child of four knows it is wrong to disobey. Probably William would have stayed away from the water, if the older girl had not coaxed him down to the boat.

Dear children, I hope this sad story will make you realize more than ever, the importance of obedience.

We should obey the Lord and our parents, because we love them, and not because we fear some dreadful punishment if we disobey. Yet disobedience does sometimes bring very serious consequences.

“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:20.

Perhaps the little girl did not know that William had been forbidden to go to the water. But if she did know, it was very wrong for her to cause him to disobey especially as she was so much older.

Dear children, no matter how much others may coax you to do what is wrong, or what your parents have forbidden you to do, do not do it.

Your playmates may laugh at you, and may be very unkind to you, if you refuse to take part with them in wrong-doing. But you will gain far more than they can give you, if you obey your parents, and God’s Word which says,

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Prov. 1:10.

ML 12/21/1924

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Jesus loves the little children

Ever watchful is His care;

And He warms, and clothes, and feeds them,

And He listens to their prayer.

Though on high in heavenly glory,

Still His watchful eyes are here,

Watching o’er the ones who trust Him,

To His loving heart so dear.

Jesus loves the little children,

He for them on Calvary died.

And by wicked hands was smitten,

Mocked, and scorned, and crucified.

Death’s strong hold could not retain Him,

So He left the silent grave,

Broke the power of death and Satan.—

Mighty Conqueror now to save.

Jesus loves the little children,

And for them went up on high,

And His home is now made ready.

Far above the starry sky.

Soon He’ll come for all who love Him,

Take them, to His home above.

Where they’ll know in all its fullness,

His unchanging, ceaseless love.

Jesus loves the little children,

He would have you trust Him now,

Own Him as your Lord and Master,

Lowly now before Him bow.

Then through life you’ll find Him precious,

He will be your strength and stay,

And when life for you is ended,

With Him you will ever be.

ML 12/2/1924

Hungry and Thirsty

WHO does not enjoy a little time in the country, 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 12/28/1924

Bible Lessons

Deuteronomy 16:18 to 17:20

THIS begins a new subject; the last part of the sixteenth chapter should be read with the seventeenth.

There are those who think people are all naturally good; God evidently did not consider this to be true, for judges and officers had to be appointed in all the cities of the country; and they needed to be told to judge rightly too. What a reader of men’s hearts He is, as we may see from verse 19: “Thou shalt not wrest judgment” (turn away from the right, or force a wrong judgment); “thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift.” There is no respect of persons with God, (Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; and Colossians 3:25), but it has ever been found among men (1 Samuel 8:1-3; Luke 18:2-6; James 2).

There was great danger of idol-worship coming in; the nations of the world in general worshiped idols, and the ways of the world very easily become the Christian’s ways. Accordingly, no groves of trees might be planted near the altar of the Lord their God. These groves were not simple rows of trees; they are thought by some to have been not trees at all, but images or pillars, or were stems of trees set in the ground. They were places for idolatry and other wrong things.

Was it possible that the people would offer to God animals that were not sound and good? Yes, the last book of the Old Testament records (Malachi 1:8) that blind, lame and sick animals were offered in sacrifices. The sacrifices of the Old Testament all pointed on to the sacrifice of the holy, spotless Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us on Calvary’s cross.

Anyone who served the false gods of the nations was to be stoned to death, if it were known to be true by the word of two or three witnesses.

To think that men and women who knew of the true God, could really bow down to the sun, or the moon, or the stars, which have no life, and can neither hear nor speak! Yet everyone has an object that his heart is set upon, and if it be not the Lord Jesus, it is an idol in God’s sight. Perhaps it is one’s self; sometimes it is money, or power, but there are many things that are idols.

The presence of God was the place to seek an answer in matters too hard for man (verse 8), and that word was final (verse 11); whoever refused to abide by the sentence spoken there, should be put to death. This should lead Christians to consider the importance of attending closely to the Word of God, the only safe guide, for man cannot be trusted.

The people would demand a king, that they might be like the godless world around them; he should be king whom God would choose for them.

God chose David to be king, but his son Solomon, when he came to reign. did the very things that were forbidden in verses 16 and 17. What a record the Bible is, of the blessed God, and of poor failing, untrustworthy man!

The Word of God is again brought in, at the close of the chapter, as the rule of life to be followed always.

ML 12/28/1924

Ready and Watching

“The Coming of the Lord Draweth nigh.” James 5:8.

MANY years ago I used to hear about a little girl named Clara, and I knew the Christian friend of whose visit I am going to tell you.

Clara’s mother was out when he called, and the child was at home by herself.

“Clara,” he said, “I want to know if you can tell me the difference between being ready and watching.”

What he had in his mind was this: many persons are quite “ready” for the coming of the Lord. Their sins are all gone, washed away by His precious blood, and they feel quite secure, knowing that they will be taken up to meet Him in the air when the moment comes. But are all of these “watching” for Him?

No, surely not. Their lives are filled up with many interests; their hearts are cleaving to many things in this world. We might say in one word that, although their souls are saved, their hearts are not devoted to the One from whom all their blessings come.

But to return to Clara. She said,

“O! yes Mr.—, I think I can. You see I have the house ready for mother. The supper table is spread, so I have nothing more to do. But when the time gets very near, I get up on a chair (and I would do that now, Mr. —if you were not here!) to watch until I see her on the brow of the hill, and then—I run out to meet her!”

I do not remember the words in which this dear child of God went on to tell her friend that she was not only ready, but watching for the One to whom her young heart went out in grateful, adoring affection; but I know he was cheered and refreshed by his visit.

“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.” Matt. 25:13.

“What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:37.

ML 12/28/1924

Jesus Loves You

“DO you know Jesus loves you, and died for you?” asked Mr. C— as he came across three boys on the street; then addressing personally the eldest, he inquired:

“He wants your heart and your life. Such love demands it. Will you give it to Him?” Looking full in the stranger’s face, after thinking a moment, Robert quietly answered,

“Yes.”

It was only a word, but what a simple answer to a great question. His choice was made for eternity. Then the stranger put his hand on his head, and offered a short prayer for God’s blessing.

Mr.— C. went a little farther, and stood for a few moments to watch a little girl build a sand castle. She looked up with a smile, and he said:

“Little girl, Jesus loves you. He wants your heart and life. Will you settle the question at once?” Betty looked up at him. For a moment she hesitated and then the answer came,

“I will.”

Only two words. But choice was made for eternity. Did God save those children there and then? He certainly did. They believed the Lord Jesus loved them, and died for them. It was God’s special message that morning; it may be His message to you just now.

Twelve years afterwards Mr. C— was giving an address. At the close a gentleman came up and introduced himself,

“Do you remember asking a little boy, twelve years ago, if he would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make his decision for Christ? That was my son. He is now preparing for missionary work in Africa, and is going there soon. His mother and I daily thank God for the question you then asked, and he answered. He spoke to our boy through you that day, and Robert has faithfully followed Him ever since.”

So far the father spoke with pride and gladness. His voice took even more tender tone as he went on:

“You also spoke to a little girl the same day. She was Robbie’s sister. For a while, nothing was said by either, until one evening we heard our children talking about the decision they had made. Then we understood how the complete change in Betty’s life had come about. From being rather an anxiety to us, she had become our greatest comfort, for truly she had been converted and transformed into a “new creature” in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:17).

Perhaps you are sometimes puzzled as to what conversion means. It is a very simple thing. You know that the Lord Jesus left heaven, died for you on the cross, rose again, and waits to save. Do accept Him, and decide for Christ, as these two children did, and say “Yes” definitely to His question, “Lovest thou Me?” You can do so anywhere, at any moment, as long as you do so with purpose of heart. God did all the loving; Jesus did the dying; you do the trusting, and you are saved for ever.

“Now is the accepted time,” so, as you read this, pause, close your eyes, and listen,

“Lovest thou Me?” comes the Saviour’s question. What will you answer? Let it be,

“Yes,” and then you need never fear for the future.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:27,28. Be saved first, then serve Him right heartily during the little while, till He comes.

ML 12/28/1924

Now Is the Day of Salvation

DEAR Reader, —Have you yet received the knowledge of salvation by the remission of your sins? This is a deeply personal and all-important question. But if not, what then? Be still careless? God forbid! Come to Jesus now! You may never have another opportunity. Time is short. Life is uncertain. Eternity is at hand. The Judge is at the door. Think of your soul, how great its value! How awful its danger! Think of your sins, how numerous! How great! How aggravated! But all may yet be forgiven. God is love. Christ has died. Christ has risen. His blood cleanseth from, all sin. There is no limit to the power of the blood of Christ. The Spirit of God is working mightily. God’s people are praying for you, and God answers prayer. Thousands of souls are being saved, —still there is room. Come, then, to Jesus. Come. at once. Come just as you are. Come just now. Everlasting perdition may be the awful alternative of delay. Come in the firm faith of His own word, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.”

ML 12/28/1924

We Thank Thee for the Blood

We thank Thee for the blood,

The blood of Christ Thy Son;

The blood by which our peace is made,

Our victory is won.

We thank Thee for the grace

Descending from above,

That overflows our wildest guilt,

Th’ eternal Father’s love.

ML 12/28/1924

Messages of God's Love: 1924

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for November

Bible Lessons

"Ten Minutes to Three."

God's Wonderful Creation

Happy Lizzie

I a Little Pilgrim Am.

Jesus of Nazareth

Bible Lessons

The Power of God's Word

"He Paid."

"Why, He Promised to!"

Two Little Eyes to Look to God.

Sheep

Bible Lessons

"I'll Be a Christian When I Grow up"

Freddie's Text

Bessie and Amy

Stop! Look! Listen!

Training Fido

Bible Lessons

Whom Does God Love?

The Slave Boy

A. B. C.

Answers to Bible Questions for December

Bible Lessons

"Sing Us a Song"

The Value of the Bible

Awake

Gathering Sticks

Bible Lessons

How Does Your Version Read

A Child's Prayer Heard and Answered

The Saviour's Love

Decision for Christ

"Happy Day"

Bible Lessons

Lost and Found

The Testimony of the Aged Christian

The Lord Attends When Children Pray

Sympathy and Kindness

Bible Lessons

The Spider Weaving Her Web

How Johnny Accepted the Invitation

The Little Boy's Confession

How Kind Is the Saviour

Answers to Bible Questions for January

Bible Lessons

How a Young Girl Was Brought to Christ

Teddie and the Frog

It Was for Me

The Holy Child

Two Roads

Bible Lessons

Messengers for Jesus

The Open Door

Charley's Bible

Happiness

Bible Lessons

Can You Walk Straight

A Little Boy's Prayer

Benjamin Franklin's Whistle

Working for Jesus

A Kind and Gracious Lord

The Last Snow of the Season

Bible Lessons

You Are Wanted!

A True Tiger Story

Let Little Children Come

Affection

Bible Lessons

A Happy Death

"Praise Ye the Lord."

Another Tiger Story

The Lord's Day

Answers to Bible Questions for February

Bible Lessons

Look Where You Are Going!

A Child's Faith