Messages of God's Love: 1940

Maggie lay quite still for some minutes, first thinking of Jack Frost’s beautiful work. After that she thought of something her mother said when she bade her “good-night” the evening. before. It we this,

“My dear little girl, tomorrow is The first day of the New Year. Will you ask God to take care of you, and bless you, and make you one of His dear little lambs?”

Maggie remembered that when her mother stooped down and kissed her, there were tears in her tender eyes.

“I wish I could be one of Jesus’ little lambs,” she said softly, “but I don’t know how I can. I’m afraid He would not want such a naughty little girl as I am sometimes. I will ask Him though; perhaps He will take me and make me better. Mother said He would, and she knows better than I.” So Maggie shut her eyes, and this was her prayer,

“Lord Jesus, I want to be Thy little lamb, but I am naughty. O Lord! please do save me, and take care of me, for I don’t know how to take care of myself. Amen.”

After this, Maggie was happy and sang to herself in a soft voice, until the sun came in at the window reminding her it was time to rise, So Maggie sprang up, and in a moment her white feet went pattering over the floor to her mother’s room.

“Happy New Year, father! Happy New Year, mother!” she called aloud, climbing on the bed and kissing father and mother, for Maggie loved her parents dearly, and she was the only little girl they had left on earth.

Will you, dear little reader, like Maggie, ask God to make you one of Jesus’ little lambs now? You cannot take care of yourself, you need a Saviour: Jesus died for you and longs to have you safe in His loving bosom.

Jesus little children blesses:

O, how He loves!

Fondly He each lamb caresses

O, how He loves!

ML 01/07/1940

A Drink of Water

The children were playing at the fountain, when a flock of sheep came along. Evidently, they had been driven for some distance over the hot, dusty roads of the country, or the hard stones of the city streets for one of them had lain down in the street, “weak, and helpless, and ready to die.”

A little boy, seeing the poor animal tried to quench its thirst by carrying water from the fountain. He carried the water in his hat, but it must have been a very old one, for most of what he carried ran out at the holes. The poor sheep could never get a really good drink in that way. How much it would like to have been in the beautiful green pastures and beside the still waters, but it would never be there anymore. Soon the butcher would come back looking for it, and then there would be, not a refreshing drink, but—death.

Don’t you wish that some kind man had bought the poor creature, and put it in a nice field where it could eat, and drink, and play as long as it lives, without having to fear being taken to the slaughterhouse at last. I think that the boy would have done this if he had had enough money, hut a sheep costs quite a lot, and he was very poor.

Some children are like this poor sheep —all weary of sin, and knowing that soon Satan will come to take them away with him, they are unhappy all the day. Kind friends try to amuse and satisfy them with nice things, but, like the few drops of water in the hat, these things cannot quench the thirst for forgiveness of sins, and peace with God.

Are you one of these children? If so, see who it is that comes to you. It is the Lord Jesus Christ. He looks at you with deep pity, and says,

“Come unto Me, poor, and heavy-laden child, and I will give you rest. I have paid down the price—My own precious Blood—for you, and I want to give you pleasure for evermore. Will you have Me for your own Saviour and Shepherd; or will you reject Me, and let Satan take you to endless woe?”

What shall the answer be? Choose this moment: Christ or Satan—which? Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, drink of the Water of Life now, and you will be satisfied for evermore. And do this now before it is too late.

“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10.

ML 01/07/1940

A Comfortable Home

How good God is to give us warm homes in the cold, snowy winter time, and how thankful we should be, especially when so many people do not have as many blessings and comforts as we have, ‘Do you thank Him for them each day?

You know, He could easily take them away from us, if we are not thankful for them.

He has given us a greater gift, the best He had, His own beloved Son the Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour, to go to the cross to die for us, the only one who could bear the judgment from God for our sins, to save us from Satan and hell, and bring us to Himself.

Have you accepted Him as your loving Saviour, and are you thankful for all His love to you? if you are saved, you will, and will let others know you belong to Him.

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

ML 01/07/1940

Writing the Names

Nehemiah 7

After the walls of Jerusalem were repaired and the gates set in place, the men were to take turns as watchmen on the walls, and some men were to be porters at the gates, which were to be kept shut while dark, that none could enter without being seen.

Nehemiah had promised to return to the king, so he could not be with the people all the time and his brother and another man were given charge of all necessary matters in the city.

There was also a record made of the names of the men and the family to which each belonged. Nehemiah had found a record which had been written before this, of the people who had come back to Jerusalem from Babylon, and it seems that a new record would start from that one, so he wrote out that record again.

There were many hard names in those records which we do not need to learn. Yet we can understand why It was so important for the Jewish people to keep careful records. Because, to have land, the men must prove from which family they were; those who cared for the temple were to be of the family of Levi; the singers in the temple were to be of a certain family, Asaph; no man could be a priest except he was from a son of Aaron; and no rightful king could rule except from the family of David.

At that time there was no such king, the king of another land ruled over theirs, but God had said a great King should come for them, so if no record were kept they could not prove a true claim. God had such records kept until Jesus came (Matt. 1).

How many porters were there to take turns keeping the gates of Jerusalem? (See Neh. 11:19).

Who had first told Nehemiah of the ruins in Jerusalem and what charge was he given in the city, and why was the man given such a charge? (Neh. 1:2, 3; Neh. 7:2).

Was there room for more people in Jerusalem? (See Neh. 7:4).

Had records of the men of Israel been kept before? (See 1 Chron. 9:1).

Who “put it in Nehemiah’s heart to make a record of the Jewish families?” (See Neh. 7:5).

Since the Lord Jesus came to earth, God has not said a record of any family must be kept, but all who read God’s words may know if they belong to His family, which is the highest place possible.

“As many as received Him (Jesus) to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12.

ML 01/07/1940

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, took 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, 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.” Psa. 107:1, 2.

ML 01/14/1940

"The Ninety and Nine"

Far up among the Cumberland Fells, where wintry blizzards rage, and deep snowdrifts lie, Ben, a young shepherd, while leading home his flock to shelter near the farm, fell exhausted in the field, and was found by searchers, some hours after, with a lamb locked in his bosom. He had lifted the tiny creature there for warmth and sheer, and no doubt saved it from a cruel death that wintry night.

It was many days before the shepherd boy got over the effects of that noble deed, which nearly cost him his life.

The following Spring, a preacher of the Gospel came to a village, not far from the farm where Ben, the shepherd, still cared for a flock of sheep, and his message of present salvation, by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8), faithfully spoken in the Spirit’s power, was used in the conversion of a number, both old and young.

Ben was invited by a neighbor to go to the meeting in the village on the Sunday night, and. while the preacher was telling in tender words the story of the Good Shepherd, Who went out into the lone wilderness after the wandering sheep, and brought it back on His shoulders rejoicing, Ben, it was noticed, was deeply interested, for well he knew what such a jourey meant. But when at the close of the address, the “Ninety and Nine’’—then quite new—was softly sung by many who had experienced in power the truths it so touchingly tells forth, it was noticed that when the words were reached—

“But none of the ransomed ever knew,

How deep were the waters crossed;

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

Ere He found the sheep which was lost.”

Ben’s eyes were fixed on the floor, the tears were coursing down his ruddy cheeks, and before the hymn was finished, he had buried his head in his hands and was sobbing aloud. And it was more than mere feelings and natural sentiment with Ben, for the Spirit of God had convicted him of sin, and shown him that it was because of his sins and follies tin the Saviour suffered thus. That night Ben was soundly converted, and confessed the Good Shepherd Who gave His life for the sheep (John 10:11), as His Redeemer and Saviour. He singled himself out from all the rest, and like one who knew himself as the “chief of sinners’ (1 Tim, 1:15), he said,

“The Son of God Who loved me, and gave Himself for me” Gal. 2:20.

“Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search My sheep, and seek them out.”

“I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven await, and will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick.” Ezek. 34:11, 16.

ML 01/14/1940

The Finger of God

It was summer, and the rain, was pattering down, and little Arthur stood watching the rain-drops glistening in the sunshine. He was looking, too, at the flowers, and a particular rose took his fancy, though he had been forbidden to touch the blossoms in his papa’s garden. The rain ceased, and a beautiful bow appeared in the heavens. Arthur watched his opportunity, and presently crept out to the rose-bed, where, seizing his prize, he was about to pluck it, when. casting his eyes up towards the blue, he saw the vari-colored rainbow. At once by dropped the flower from between his fingers, and, rushing in to his mamma, breathlessly exclaimed:

“O, mamma, such a lovely painting in heaven! God has drawn His finger right across the sky because He was angry with me.”

Then he explained about his contemplated theft of the rose, and his fear of God’s anger when he saw the suddenly light above him.

“My son,” said his mother, “God’s love, and not His anger, set that bow in the cloud, but I would have you see the finger of God ever before you, pointing to the true way, to Him, and directing you from the way of sin.”

Arthur often thought of the finger of God after this, and it was a help to him, when he felt inclined to depend on his own will, to look to the Lord for strength, against the evil of his own heart.

The finger of God points to His Son as the Saviour from sin. Is Jesus yours Saviour and Friend?

The finger of God wrote on the wall of Belshazzar’s palace the doom of that impious king (Daniel 5:5). So you will see that this, of which the astrologers spoke was not to be lightly regarded.

The same finger is pointing out other words, read them,

“This is My beloved Son; hear Him.” Mark 9:7.

“He that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life.” John 6:37.

ML 01/14/1940

Do You Ever Pray?

Children, do you ever pray?

Hark! one answers— “No, not I,

‘Twill be time enough to pray,

Just when I’m about to die.”

Say not so! how many pass

Quickly from this world below;

In a moment some are called

To the dark, dark grave to go.

You may perhaps yourselves have known

Children young and light and gay,

In a moment called to go

From this wicked world away.

O, bethink you! turn to Jesus!

Listen to His voice today;

Only those who Christ receive

Can with true acceptance pray.

Then shall faith and prayer and praise

Cheer you as through life you roam;

Heir of glory, child of grace,

Peace your portion, heaven your home!

ML 01/14/1940

Citizenship

A story is told of an old man who lived in a lonely, isolated cottage, earning just enough to keep body and soul tether, by breaking stones.

First his wife died, and then his son, and age creeping on, he finally became quite blind, but he still gathered the shepherd boys around him, especially on Sundays, telling them of the Good Shepherd Who gave His life for the sheep—who tends and cares for them—and watches over the lambs of His flock.

Soon the last days of his life came, and death drew on. A kindly old Christian came to his bedside, and with these words tried to comfort him,

“It won’t be long now, brother, you will very soon be in heaven.”

The dying man raised himself slowly up, and lifting his sightless old eyes heavenward, said,

“Why man, I’ve been in heaven these last ten years!”

His words are true; one can live in heaven while yet upon earth. Every boy and girl who reads this paper is a citizen of some part of the world, but earthly citizenship is not enough, “the world passeth away” (1 John 2:17). “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20). The new birth that Christ speaks about in John 3:3 is the entrance to our heavenly citizenship, and God calls us through Christ to be His citizens on earth, His ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20) to represent Him here, as His ambassadors. We are to shine with heavenly light, that Christ may be seen through us.

One day we shall have the inestimable privilege, as God’s children, of walking the street of heaven, where “we shall he like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2); but it is also a privilege to be on this earth as citizens of heaven—Christ’s representatives—where everything is so unlike Him, speaking His Word where His name is so rarely heard, shining amidst the world’s darkness, and serving Him faithfully here, where there is such great need, and then the joys of His own great welcome will be ours,

“Well done, good and faithful servant ... . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

ML 01/14/1940

Reading in the Street

Nehemiah 8

One morning the people of Jerusalem and the near villages all came to one of the city streets. It was a feast day when they left their usual work to rest, and honor God. There were men, women, boys and girls, and Ezra, who was a priest, was asked to bring the Book of God’s law to read aloud to them.

They had made a platform near the gate for him to stand on, to be more clearly heard. There may have been seats for the people, or they sat on the ground, but when Ezra opened the Book they all stood up in respect to God’s words, and when he prayed, they bowed down to the ground.

Some of the words read made the people weep, because they knew they had not obeyed. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the other men who read, told the people not to keep weeping, but to rejoice in God’s goodness, and to take portions of their food to those who could not be present.

The next day some of the men listened again while Ezra read from the Book of God, and they heard of a feast which their people had not kept for many years. For this they were to make porches, or arbors, called booths, from the branches of trees, to sit under for seven days, so they would not forget the time the Lord had taken Israel from Egypt.

The people went to the woods and got thick branches and made the booths, some were made in their yards, some on the roofs of their houses, which were flat with stairs from the ground, and much used for people to sit in the open air; then they also made the booths in the court of the Temple and in two of the streets. It must have been a pretty sight to see the, booths of the leafy branches all over the city, and the people sat under them and listened each day while Ezra read from the Book of God, and “there was very great gladness.”

The Book they had was in Hebrew, but we have those writings in our languages in the first part of our Bibles. Sometimes now a boy or girl is asked at home or elsewhere to read a verse of the Word of God and reads so low, or carelessly, that it is not understood by others, and is read as though ashamed to read God’s word. Notice how it was read that day, “distinctly”, so all the large company could hear (verse 8), and all were “attentive” to listen.

Near what gate did the people sit to hear God’s Words? (Read Verse 1).

Why did the people “make great mirth”? (Read Verse 12).

What kinds of tree branches did the people get? (Read Verse 15), Also, read Lev. 23:39-44.

ML 01/14/1940

The Pony and the Dogs

What fun it is to race across the meadow on the back of a pony. The little boy and the dogs are very happy, and are good companions for our little boy. Most children are fond of these kind of pets, and are very kind to them.

Do you know that God is pleased to see children happy, and He is so ready and willing to give them happiness that will last as long as we live on this earth, and all through eternity, if we will only accept His dear Son whom He has given to be our loving Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, Do you belong to this loving Saviour who gave His life for you on the cross, that you might be brought to Him, and be His Forever? And do you know He is coming very soon to call all those who have put their trust in Him, to be Forever with Him in His glory?

“WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:13.

ML 01/21/1940

The Honey Gatherers

A lesson from the Bees

How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour: And gather honey all the day, From every opening flower.”

So said an English poet and we may learn a good deal from even the tiniest of God’s creatures.

Let us notice some of the ways and habits of the honey-bee. Most boys and girls like honey; and everybody admires the beautiful honeycomb, with its neatly made cells, filled with rich layers of glistening sweetness. A wise and industrious little worker is the bee. It lays up in the present, what it is to feed upon, and enjoy, in the future. It gathers its stores from all kinds of flowers and blossoms in the bright sunshine of summer, and in the dreary winter there is plenty of work inside the beehive, to keep them going until the summer comes round again.

The bee goes out with the sunrise, and flits from flower to flower, singing a sweet solo all the time. They are musicians, as well as toilers. Their labor is lightened with song. Their busiest days are their merriest. During the early evening hours there is a perfect concert of music in the busy hive: treble, and tenor, and bass, all helping to keep tip the harmony.

The Word of God is said to be sweeter than honey, and the honeycomb, to the one who loves it: and if a little girl or boy desires to be right with God, and to have a home with Jesus in heaven, now is the time to prepare for it. This is your summer time: “The Gospel day.”

If you simply believe what God says about yourself in Rom. 3:23, and then believe what He says about Jesus in 1 Tim. 1:15, you will be cleansed from all your sins, and made fit to be with the Saviour in His own bright home.

The honey-bee does not live alone. It has thousands of companions, and they have one borne which they flock to when evening draws nigh.

If you are a believer in Jesus, you too, have many companions. All God’s children are dear to Jesus, and they all love, and are kind to, each other.

In this they are like the little bees, and just as a hive of bees cluster together, so the children of God should be united and happy in each other’s company. This is what God delights to see (Ps. 132).

Bees are not at all selfish; each one labors for all the colony, and not for itself alone; their labor is for love as well as duty.

Don’t you think that all Christian girls and boys should be like the bees in this respect, and always be seeking to make each other happy?

Another fact about the little honey-gatherers is this: Every flower, or blossom, that the bee taxes, is made the better for its visit. They take what enriches them, but it leaves the flower richer than before. Their visits are like angels’ visits. They bless where they land. They satisfy their own wants, and gather sweet food for man, yet leave the blossom richer than when they found it. It will not be easy to tell which is most benefited, the bee or the flower.

So should it be with all who love the Lord Jesus Christ. For all we receive, we should give. Every home we visit, every place we pass through, should be the better for our having been in it. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples, when He sent them forth:

“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8.

Bees are day-laborers. They toil on, from early morn, through all the sunny day, but never late at night. Let us, dear children, be like the diligent and happy honey-bee, and do all our little service for Jesus cheerfully, while it is daytime, for God’s Word tells us that “the night cometh when no man can work” (John 9:4).

And just as the bee sings its merry song, while it gathers the sweet nectar from the flowers, and carries it to the hive, so it is your privilege, while you gather up that which is “sweeter than honey” from the Word of God, and pass it on to others, to be “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

ML 01/21/1940

The Negro Boy's Prayer

Many years ago, a boy who had been liberated from a captured slave vessel, was landed at Sierra Leone, and placed under the care of a schoolmaster named Thompson. On one, occasion, the boys not being in school, and the door being shut, Mr. Thompson, on passing, heard a murmuring noise; he listened, and discovered that this boy was engaged in prayer. His petitions were to the following effect,

“My Lord Jesus, I tank Thee that wicked men came and catch me, and that food King George’s big ship came and catch wicked men’s ship, and bring me here, and Massa Thompson teach me read, and teach me know Thee. Me one very great favor to ask, send more wicked men, catch father and mother, and send good King George’s big ship, catch wicked men’s ship, and bring father and mother here, and Massa Thompson teach them read, and teach them know Thee, and we al1 go to Heaven together.”

Mr. Thompson then went and asked him if he thought Jesus Christ would hear such a prayer? to which he replied that he (Mr. T.) had said Christ would hear all prayer. In the evening of that day, Mr. Thompson was walking on the beach, and there saw little Tom. On asking him what he was doing, he replied that he had come to see whether Christ had heard prayer.

He continued frequently to visit the beach, and one evening returned dancing and clapping his hands! Mr. Thompson inquired the reason and he answered,

“Prayer answered, “father and mother come!” and dragging Mr. Thompson to the beach, he pointed out two aged negroes, who had just been saved from a slaver by a man-of-war—his own parents!

Thus Tom not only exemplified the spirit of real prayer, but showed a waiting spirit looking for the blessing.

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt. 21:22.

ML 01/21/1940

Vera's Hoop

Vera’s mother had given her a new hoop, and she was very proud of it. Her little brother had one too, so the first fine day, their governess took them for a walk, and of course the hoops had to be taken with them.

They had great fun together, racing each other with their hoops. But on the way home a sad thing happened. The children wanted to go back a different way, along a cliff path close to the sea, to which their governess agreed. It was very windy, and all at once the wind caught Vera’s hoop, and over and over it went at a great speed before she could get it. Faster and faster went the hoop, and faster and faster went Vera’s little legs, as she chased after it. But alas, just as she had nearly reached it, a big puff of wind came, which made the hoop give a sudden bounce, and away it went, right over the edge of the cliff.

O, dear! poor Vera thought she would never see her hoop again. Whatever could she do? Just as they all stood wondering, to their surprise they saw a big fisherman coming towards them, and what should he have in his hand but Vera’s lost hoop. Vera was delighted to have her treasure back again, and the rest of the wav home she held it tightly, so that it should not get lost again.

Dear little ones, what the kind fisherman did, reminds me of what the Lord Jesus has done for us.

“The Son of Man,” that’s Jesus, “came to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

He is seeking the lost ones, those who have sinned against Him, and when He finds them, He carries them safely to His home above. How safe are all those who trust Him!

“He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:11.

ML 01/21/1940

Had God Been Good to Israel?

Nehemiah, Chapters 9, 10

When the Jewish people had heard God’s words read each day, they were very sorry that they had so often disobeyed Him, and one day they spent half of the time in prayer. This prayer was written by Nehemiah, which we may now read. That prayer gave the past history of their nation, and also could be called a very brief review of the whole Old Testament.

They spoke much of God’s goodness, but of the peoples’ disobedience. After the prayer was finished, the leaders and men of the temple agreed together to follow God’s words. Each man wrote down his name to show others that he wished to obey God; then all the people, even the boys and girls, said they too, would obey God’s words.

The people especially agreed not to choose the neighbors, who did not honor God, to be their friends or members of their families; and not to give their sons or daughters to be husbands or wives in their neighbors’ families, most of whom worshiped idols; nor to buy or sell on the Sabbath day, which God had given this people to keep as a holy day and a day of rest from work, for all their generations to remember that God had saved their nation from the slavery of Egypt. We will read later if these promises were kept.

As we read that prayer we, too, think of God’s great mercy, and that we too sadly dishonor Him each day.

The first words of the. prayer were: “Blessed be Thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

Them, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven heavens, with all their host. The earth, and things that are therein The seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservedth them all and The host of heaven worshipeth Thee.” The answers to these questions are all found in that prayer:

From what land did Abram come? It was the same land from Which the captive Jews had come. (Ans. Verse 7).

What did God do to the sea that the, people could cross over? (Ans. Verse 11).

What protected the people from the He; sun in the day time? and what gave them light at night? (Ans. Verse 12).

From what mountain did God speak, and give them right laws? (Ans. Verse 13).

From where did the people receive bread in the deserts? (Ans. Verse 15).

Was it a good land God gave this people? (Ans. Verse 25).

Whose name was first in the names of those who agreed to keep God’s laws; (Neh. 10:1).

ML 01/21/1940

The Snow

Who sends the white and feathery snow

From yonder inky cloud?

Its gentle flakes fall soft and slow

Till shrubs and flowers they shroud.

Now scarlet berries, leaflets green,

Are hidden from our sight;

Nor is the earth no longer seen,

All, all is spotless white.

Dear children, He who makes the snow,

And sends it from the sky,

Is God, who to us long ago,

Sent Jesus here to die.

And by His blood our souls are made,

Ah! whiter than the snow;

Thus speaks His word, and what’s there said

Is true, we fully know.

“He saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth.” Job 37:6.

“Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?” Job 38:22.

“COME NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD: THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL” Isa. 1:18.

ML 01/28/1940

"Only a Miracle Can Save"

The Doctor bent gravely over his young patient—a young girl—as he carefully examined her. The anxious parents waited to hear the verdict.

Alas! it held out little, if any hope. The words sounded more like a death sentence than anything else.

“Only a miracle can save the child,” he said.

The young patient’s sister, a child near her own age, happened to overhear the doctor’s statement. With the simplicity and ignorance and faith of the little girl, she rushed out of the house, and made her way to the nearest grocery.

The man behind the counter looked at the little maiden inquiringly.

“Please, I want to buy a miracle,” she said.

“A miracle, my little girl, we don’t keep miracles here,” he said, with an amused smile.

But the matter was one of life and death to the girl. Her sister was dying. Only a miracle could save her sister’s life. A miracle she must get somehow or other.

So she tried another grocery with the same result. Baffled, she began to think. Would not a Drug store be more likely to supply a miracle than a grocery? It was a case of illness, and perhaps a miracle was some kind of medicine.

So to the chemist she went, and asked to be supplied with a miracle, The chemist too, was amused, at the unusual request. He kept no such thing as a miracle in stock.

The little girl was bitterly disappointed at the barren result of her efforts. Her voice was, tremulous, and the tears stood in her eyes.

A man in the store, noticing her deep grief, inquired kindly the cause of her distress. She explained how ill her sister was; and told him what the doctor’s verdict was, that only a miracle could save her, and how anxious she was to get a miracle.

The man requested the little girl to take him to her parent’s house. She did so. The man explained to the parents how he had become deeply interested in the case, that he happened to be a specialist, and requested that he might see the child.

Doubtless medical etiquette was arranged for, and the great specialist saw the sick daughter, told the parents an operation, similar to the one he had just performed, and for which he has come specially would be successful in saying their daughter’s life, that his ordinary fee was one hundred dollars, but that he would gladly perform the operation free, if the parents would consent.

Needless to say, the parents gratefully accepted the specialist’s generous offer, the operation was successfully performed, and the child recovered to the great joy of her sister. The miracle was performed.

How God looked down on the anguish of the little sister’s soul and pitied her ignorance in seeking to buy a miracle, and arranged in His own wonderful way to give her one.

Would she ever forget such a, wonderful interposition of God, or ever cease to be grateful to Him? Every sight of her sister would serve to keep the miracle vividly before her mind.

But now I want to remind my young readers of another case where only a miracle can save, and that is your own case and mine.

Death to the body is the result of—SIN; but that is not all— “AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT.”

Read the following verses, and you will see what I say is true.

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

“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. 9:28.

Only a miracle can save us. We cannot buy a miracle. That is certain.

But the miracle has been performed—the miracle of the Son of God becoming man, and dying to atone for sin.

As the old hymn puts it:—

“For man, O! miracle of grace, For man the Saviour bled.”

And then another miracle must be performed. There is first the great general miracle of the death of Christ, whereby He became a Ransom for all.

“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5.

And then there must be the special and particular miracle of your receiving Christ as your own Saviour, and thus obtaining the blessing of salvation for yourself. Has this happened with you? You may be saved and that just now, if only you put your trust in the Lord Jesus. Why not do so now? Remember only a miracle can save.

ML 01/28/1940

Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord

Several years ago, a man and his young daughter were in dire circumstances and were cast entirely upon the Lord for their needs.

There came a day when they were without food or money, so they both knelt before the Throne of Grace and cast their burden upon the Lord. When they arose from their knees, they felt led to search the house to see if they could find a few coins.

The father thought of an old trunk in the attic and immediately went to it. In it he found a very old purse, but it was empty. He went downstairs to look further, but felt compelled to go back to the purse in the trunk. When he did, he tore the lining from the purse, and there, underneath, found enough money to buy food for them.

We can all imagine the joy and happiness shared by the father and his daughter that day.

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psa. 55:22.

ML 01/28/1940

The Birds and the Lighthouses

It has been said that more than one hundred thousand sea birds kill themselves every year by dashing themselves against the lighthouses along the American coast of the Atlantic Ocean. They fly against the shining lights as they flash across the stormy sea, with such a force that they instantly drop dead on the raging waters, and are cast up dead upon the shore. What a strange sight, to see these poor birds running against that which has been set up to save life, losing theirs.

Yet such is the case, and it only tells what is being done by sinners every day and every hour. The Gospel Lighthouse has been set up by God to guide lost sinners to the haven of safety—to Christ. But instead of being guided to Salvation, many are lost because they fly against the light. They reject and oppose the gospel, and drop into the dark waters of judgment, to be cast up on the shores of a lost eternity.

See to it, reader, that you are not flying against God’s light. You know the gospel well no doubt. You have heard it, read it, sung it, and it may be you know others who by believing and receiving it, have been led to Christ, But have you yourself been saved?—that is the great question.

The light that guides the storm- tossed mariner to the harbor, becomes death to the birds that fly against it, and the gospel of God, by which believers are saved, becomes to the rejector, the savor of death unto death.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

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

ML 01/28/1940

Marching on the Walls

Nehemiah 12:27-44

One day, when the high walls of Jerusalem were finished, the people met together to give thanks to God that the great work was completed, and to dedicate those walls to Him; that meant, to make it known to all, that those walls were for use to the honor of God.

People now often meet to dedicate a new building, but perhaps not often to the honor of God. You may wonder how stone walls could be for an honor to God. It was because the temple of God was in that city, and the walls were to keep away any who would do harm to the temple, or bring evil ways to the people.

Many came from the country and towns of Judah to celebrate with those in the City. There were priests with the trumpets, men with cymbals and harps, and many singers to lead the people in praise and thanks to God.

Where do you suppose the men marched while they played and sang? On the top of the big stone walls. In our land there would hardly be a wall wide enough for men to march upon, but that wall was very wide and strong.

Nehemiah divided the men to lead the music and singing into two great companies, and other men also marched with them; Ezra led one company, and Nehemiah, one. They started from the fountain gate and went up the stairs unto the wall close by what was once the palace of King David; one company marching one way on the top of the walls, around the city; the other company marching the opposite way.

We cannot well describe this procession, for the gates and towers are not now the same, yet we can imagine what a great celebrating it must have been, the men singing and playing while they marched on top of the walls, and the people shouting and singing in the streets. All had helped with the work of the wails; if not in building, to supply food or other needs of the workers; and they all rejoiced together.

The two companies came together again at the sheep and the water gates, which seem to have been near the temple, and in that, they again praised God. No doubt many psalms were sung that day, as those were their hymns of praise to God.

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our God.” Psalms 48:1.

Did you notice from where the men started the march to praise God? It was from the fountain gate. And we all must start at such a gate before we can sing praise to God; not at a city wall, but out “fountain gate” is the Lord Jesus Chirst, He only can give life and blessing.

Notice, too, the people were not sorry to praise and thank God but very happy.

Were the children also happy that day, and where was the sound of the singing heard? (Verse 13).

ML 01/28/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Children’s Class”

1. “And their,” etc. Rev. 11:8.

2. “And they sung,” etc. 5:9.

3.“And another,” etc. 8:3.

4.“I am he,” etc. 1:18.

5.“Him that,” etc. 3:12.

6.“And said,” etc. 6:16.

“And the rest,” etc. 9:20, 21

Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 10-48

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Honor thy father and mother.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Even as I had pity on thee.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Heareth the word, and understandeth it.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “One greater than the temple,”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Lord of heaven and earth.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The Son of the living God.”

7.What did the Lord Jesus say as to the peon who should give to one of these little ones a cup of cold water?

Answers to Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. That which we have. Rev. 3:11

2. Rev. 1:19.

3. Jerusalem. Rev. 11:8.

4. Rev. 10:1.

5.In the blood of the Lamb. Rev. 7:14.

6. Smyrna. Rev. 2:8, 10.

7. Rev. 6.

Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class” Matthew, Chapters 10-18

1. How did John „Baptist meet his end?

2. What is done with the wicked at the end of the age?

3. What about the one who loves father or mother more than Christ?

4. Who can know the Father?

5. On what terms did the Canaanite woman get the blessing from the Lord?

6. What lesson did the transfiguration teach the disciples?

7. What verse gives the definition of a church meeting?

ML 02/04/1940

The Word of God

“From a child thou past known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

How good to know in early days,

God’s Holy Book;

Where wisdom tunes the soul to praise,

As there you look.

As Israel, by the Red Sea flood,

Did loudly sing;

They praised the glory of their

God,

Their Saviour-King.

So may the child who trusts in Christ,

The Saviour, Lord,

Rejoice in God’s great gifts unpriced,

Known by God’s Word.

There, told. in simplest English tongue

That all can read,

Is all that faith requires among

Earth’s loss and need.

Amongst God’s gifts is not the least—

Salvation given—

A seat at God’s eternal feast,

A place in heaven.

Soon from this earth forever freed,

Eternal rest

They’ll share who now by faith do read

God’s Word, most blest.

ML 02/04/1940

"What About Yesterday?"

This was a question of a little boy who had become anxious to be saved.

He was being spoken to by a Christian lady, and she had asked him, “If you could live today without doing anything wrong, could you go to heaven?” It was then that he quickly asked,

“What about yesterday?”

He thought of the past sins. They must be put away, he felt, or else he would still be unfit for the presence of God. His conscience was awake and told him

“God requireth that which is past,” Eccles. 3:15.

Is there a way in which the past may be covered? Thank God, there is. Can sinful boys or girls stand clear of all their sins before God? Thank God, they may.

God Himself has found the way, and in perfect righteousness He can have us near Him. He gave His only well-beloved Son to suffer and to die for us, so, that our sins might be atoned for.

“It is the blood that maketh atonement for the soul.” Lev. 17:11.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

For all who believe, the past is settled. Our sins of “Yesterday” and all other days, have been laid upon Christ at the cross, and He has borne the judgment on our behalf, and so we are free.

As to the past—all that we had clone and all that we were in our sinful state, has been fully met at Calvary. Christ’s death has removed all, from under the eye of God, and God has raised Him from the dead for our justification.

As to the present. Christ lives for us at God’s right hand, ever interceding for us, and bearing us on His heart of love and on His shoulders of strength, and he is able to save us all the way through, until we reach His Home.

As to the future. Christ is coming again for us. Then He will give us bodies of glory like His own, and have us as His companions in the Father’s house on high.

“Yesterday, today and forever,” Christ is the SAME.

“Yesterday.” His death.

“Today,” His intercession.

“Forever,” His glory.

“Yesterday,” His love, “Today,” his love, “Forever,” His love.

What about yesterday? As we think of it, we think of Him who has died for us in love, and Christ and not our sins fills our gaze.

It is the knowledge of Him that can make boys and girls happy at home, at school, in town or in country, in the fields or on the seashore. It matters little where we are if we have Christ with us, and we seek to serve Him.

“Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4.

ML 02/04/1940

Feeding

The coldness of the snow has probably made the deer’s appetite keener, and it must have whatever food is provided for it.

We, too, are like the deer in one respect. Those of us who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, have a new nature which is not at ease in this world which has been so filled with the effects of sin. We are hungry and need to feed upon Christ, “the bread of life.”

When we read in God’s Word about Christ and meditate on Him, we feed upon Christ and our souls are thus fed with spiritual food, and we grow to be strong in the Lord.

It is more important that we give our souls good, wholesome food every day, than to feed our bodies. Let us not starve our precious souls, but feast continually on that heavenly Food that always brings with it great strength, blessing and joy.

“I AM THE LIVING BREAD WHICH CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN: IF ANY MAN EAT OF THIS BREAD, HE SHALL LIVE FOREVER.” John 6:51.

ML 02/04/1940

God's Words Forgotten

Nehemiah 13

It was about twelve years that Nehemiah stayed as governor over the land of Judah, directing, the building. up of the walls and houses of Jerusalem, making it again a pleasant city. Then the time came for him to return to the king, as he had promised; so he left the charge to others and the people said they would remember to keep all God’s laws to their (Neh. 3:6 and 5:14).

After some time, we are not told how long, the king gave Nehemiah leave to go again to Jerusalem. The people there had said they would not buy or sell or do any work on the Sabbath or feast days, but would keep them to honor the Lord as He had said (Neh. 10:29-31). But when Nehemiah came back to Jerusalem, he saw men working in the gardens and others carrying loads of fruit and grain into the city on the Sabbath Day; while others were buying articles from the merchants at the gates.

The Lord had given that land to the Jewish nation, and had made the grain and fruit grow, (as He still does for all the world). They could work for themselves six days each week; was it too much to obey and honor the Lord of all the earth one day? No, surely not, and Nehemiah again gave orders for the city gates to be kept shut so nothing could he brought in on the Sabbath, which began at sunset on the sixth day of the week, and ended at sunset on the seventh day. They did not reckon the days from mid-night as we do.

The people had also said they would not choose friends of their neighbors who refused to honor God; yet Nehemiah found that the leader in the temple, who was called the high priest, had made a special friend of one of the evil men who had tried to stop the work on the walls, and had fitted up a guest room for him in the temple where the food for the singers and the workers should have been kept; so no food was brought to them; and they left the work of God’s house to get food. The furniture for the guest room may have been handsome; but it crowded out the food of those who served God, so they could not work or sing. The Words of God are called “food” for His people, and they may soon be crowded out by many things, as untrue books, foolish pictures, or songs, so God’s people cannot sing or work for Him.

There were others also who had done wrong by taking into their families those who served idols. God has always blessed any who wished to know Him: those people knew of His great works, but would not honor Him; so Nehemiah sent them away front the temple.

How do you suppose the evil neighbors got into the city so easily? Perhaps because the priests had made no locks and bars for the gate they built, as other men had made for the other gates (See Nehemiah 3:1, 13, 14, 15).

We do not have stone walls and locked gates to keep evil away from us, and evil can come to us also by bad companions. But God’s Words will be like walls and locks to keep out evil, if we remember them,.

When on earth Jesus spoke to those who believed in Him of meeting together to praise God (John 1:23, 24).

And in Acts 20:7, we find that the disciples came together 011 The first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread—to remember the Lord.

“This do in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19.

ML 02/04/1940

The Young Watchmaker

What fun these children are having at keeping shop. “Mr. Jimmy” looks very wise, but his big spy-glass and the hammer look to be rather clumsy instruments for mending watches.

Probably the three at the end of the room are only playing; and it is quite well that they should all be having fun of a wholesome sort. It is pleasant to think again that the Spirit of God takes notice of the activities of children.

“And the streets of the city (Jerusalem) shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.” Zech. 8:5.

Since you are not playing, but only looking at the picture, perhaps you may learn a good lesson from the notice, “Time taught while you wait.”

Our lesson is that God’s great clock of salvation points only to one time.

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

To learn that now is God’s day of salvation, is not merely to learn the text in our memory, but to receive Christ as our own Saviour in our heart.

While you look at this picture and enjoy its fun, don’t forget that now is the best time, and God’s time to be saved.

“IT IS TIME TO SEEK THE LORD.” Hosea 10:12.

ML 02/11/1940

Two Tempted Boys

A boy once received from a. store-keeper more change than he ought to have received. He said nothing about in but put it into his pocket, giving the correct change to his employer. The amount was small, and the matter passed without any further notice. The boy’s employer knew nothing of his dishonesty, and continued to treat him with confidence.

Years afterward, when that boy became a man, he fled from the country, having robbed his employer of large sums of money. His ruin dated from the day when he put the trifling sum into his pocket which did not belong to him.

Another boy received in much the same way two dollars in excess of what he ought to have received. He took it and went home, feeling all the time that he was doing wrong. At length the words flashed into his mind; “Thou, God, seest me,” and summoning up courage he went back to the man and returned the two dollars. Very little notice was taken of the act, but it was not really forgotten. It so happened that the business man had an opportunity of doing the boy a service later on, and that led to the boy becoming a prosperous merchant.

O, let us judge the little things. In God’s sight they are as terrible as the so-called “big” sins. If left unjudged, no telling what they might lead to.

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

“If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1.

ML 02/11/1940

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, the Bible doth tell

Of salvation so priceless and free,

For every poor sinner who

And so, ‘tis salvation for ME.

ML 02/11/1940

"I Do Believe"

Even a child’s faith is tested. Abbie’s mother was ill. One night during her fifth year her loved mother had a severe hemorrhage, and was given up to die. An older sister hurried upstairs to bring the baby sister to receive her mother’s good-bye kiss, telling her that her mother was dying, and that they must hurry. The little girl commenced crying,

“My mother must not die! my mother must not die!”

As they passed a closet at the foot of the stairs, Abbie asked her sister to let her go in the closet alone for a few minutes. The sister put her down, but told her to hurry. Little Abbie entered the closet, shut the door and closed the window, then kneeling, prayed:

“Dear Lord, here I am; I’ve done just what You said. I have come to the closet, and I have shut the door. No one is here but just You and me. Please, dear Lord, don t let my mother die till I’ve confessed Christ.”

A great peace filled her heart, and she ran to her mother’s bed saying, “My mother will not die.”

Her sister lifted her to the bed, and laid her in her mother’s arms and, to the surprise of the physician, her mother fell into a natural sleep, clasping her little girl.

When she awoke the danger was past, and while she never became entirely well, God spared her life five years.

Then Satan began troubling little Abbie. Many people think it is not important for children to be saved, but Satan is on the alert to tempt even the little ones, so how necessary it is to lead them early to the Lord Jesus.

In her prayer for God to spare her mother’s life, Abbie had said, “Don’t let my mother die till I have confessed Christ,”

So every time she tried to tell her mother she was saved and belonged to Christ, Satan would whisper,

“The minute you confess Christ your mother will die.”

For two years this torture continued. Abbie longed to tell her mother she was saved. She knew her mother was praying and longing for her salvation, but fearing her confession would mean her mother’s death, Satan kept her lips closed. The child believed with her heart, but was afraid to confess with her mouth, Jesus as her Saviour.

One Sunday with her parents she started for service. The mother was taken in a wheeled chair, since she was unable to walk. Little Abbie would trot ahead to see things, then would run back to the chair to tell her mother. Soon they heard singing, but could see no singer.

“Run and see what it is, dear,” said her mother.

Abbie ran ahead and found a little, ragged girl a few years older than herself, sweeping the street crossing. As she swept, she sang:

“I do, I do, I do believe,

That Jesus died for me;

And through His Blood, His precious Blood,

I am from sin set free.”

Again she sang:

“O, I do, I do, I do believe,

That Jesus died for me”—

“If you believe that, then you’re saved, aren’t you?” said Abbie.

“Yes,” said the little girl. “Do you believe it?”

“I don’t know,” answered Abbie, great fear of confessing Him and the thought of losing her mother coming upon her.

“That’s queer,” said the little crossing sweeper. “Your father told me how to accept the Lord Jesus. You are his daughter, and you don’t believe in the Lord.”

This was more than the child could stand.

“I do believe, so there,” confessed Abbie firmly and joyfully. Turning she ran back swiftly and climbed up in the chair beside her mother. Then throwing her arms around her mother’s neck, she cried, “Mother, I’m saved; whether you live or die.”

What a great burden was lifted from the heart of a little child as she confessed Christ with her lips. Later in the day she told her mother how she had accepted Christ two years before, but how Satan through fear had kept her silent.

God spared the dear mother for three years longer, until Abbie was ten years old, and many lessons of faith were learned at her mother’s knee. When the mother knew her time had come, and she was soon to go to be with her Lord, Abbie was reconciled and willing to let her go.

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

“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 02/11/1940

A Very Important Date

Besides making Jerusalem a safe and pleasant city, there was something else very special about the order of the king for Nehemiah to rebuild that city,—that was the time of the order. It was a very important date for the Jewish people, and is of very great interest to us, even now.

Since the time of Moses and David and the prophets, the Jewish nation had been told that God would send a mighty ruler, called the Messiah, to deliver them from their enemies; but no date had been given them, until an angel of God told the time to Daniel, who was a captive Jew in Babylon, living some years before the time of Nehemiah.

The angel said to Daniel, “Know therefore, and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks.” Daniel 9:25. To the Jewish people “a week” meant “seven”; they counted their years in periods of sevens; so to them “seven weeks and three score and two weeks”, altogether sixty nine “weeks”, meant, 483 years. Their year had about the same number of days as we count a year.

Nehemiah and others may have known of the words of the angel to Daniel, but at least, the Jewish nation afterward had the writings of both Nehemiah and Daniel, and should have known that in 483 years after the date given by Nehemiah, the Messiah would come.

They very much needed the Great King to deliver them and rule over them, as they were not a free nation any more, but were under the rule. of what were called Gentile kings, and have been ever since.

The order of King Artaxerxes was in his twentieth year (Neh. 2:1-9). We cannot now reckon the dates of those kings of Babylon and Persia, but the people living then, and for many years after, could keep exact account. Yet many of the Jewish people still are looking for the Messiah, so they seem not to have believed the records of Daniel and Nehemiah.

Those 483 years are long gone by. Did not God keep His promise made by the angel to Daniel? Yes, God’s promise surely came true.

“When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His. Son.” Gal. 4:4.

Some of the people who lived at the end of those 483 years, and very many others since, have believed that Jesus of Nazareth came to be the great Messiah of Israel. He rode into Jerusalem as King David and Solomon did, but the leaders of the city did not want Him to be king (Matthew 21:1-1.6).

We do not know of Nehemiah’s last days; perhaps the king allowed him to stay at Jerusalem to help the people more. His writing was to encourage the Jews until their Messiah came, His is the last sure account we have of the people in Judah, until the books of the New Testament; and when we read his record we too are encouraged to remember that God’s promises always come true.

“Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4.

Notice that Nehemiah gave also the month of the king’s order; it was called the month, Nisan, in the king’s calendar, which was the same as the month Abib in the Jewish calendar, the Passover time (Exo. 12:2; 13:4; Lev. 23:5).

ML 02/11/1940

Rabbits

God has implanted in His creatures the feeling of fear in connection with danger. If men, or women, little boys, or little girls, see danger approaching, they fear it, and will seek to avoid it. And the same is true of the other creatures, such as horses and cattle. The rabbit is especially a timid little creature, and it will flee, or hide, the moment it sees danger near.

In this world of sin and evil, the different kinds of creatures have their enemies, which prey upon them, or destroy them; and so they need to be on the watch against these.

Rabbits burrow in the ground, so as to have a place where dogs cannot reach them. Scripture tells us,

“The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats, and the rocks for the conies.” Psa. 104:18. The coney is a creature very much like the rabbit, feeble and timid, but they make “Their houses in the rock.” Prov. 30:26.

We have a greater enemy than any of these little creatures have, and we need a place of safety, where we can be secure from danger. Our enemy is the devil, but in Christ Jesus we have a place of refuge.

We are sinners too, and there is a day of storm and tempest of judgment coming for every sinner who is tint sheltered in Christ. O! how terrible it would be to be overtaken in that storm.

Let me ask you, dear children, have you fled to Jesus for refuge? If you have not, will you not take warning now, and be as wise as the little coney, or the rabbit? Flee at once from the corning danger. Flee to Jesus Christ, and He will shelter you from all danger.

“THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER: IN HIM WILL I TRUST.” 2 Sam. 22:2, 3.

ML 02/18/1940

Willie's Story

Willie’s, had been amused in very early days through the Holy Spirit’s gracious work. He knew that he was a sinner, and unfit to spend eternity in heaven.

A dream further alarmed him. He thought he was being pursued by Satan who wished to bring about his eternal ruin. Glad he was when he woke up to find himself in his bed, and that the day of salvation was not yet past.

Sometime after this he was at the preaching of a faithful servant of God. The solemn subject was of the final judgment of the dead at the great white throne, after Christ’s millennial reign. (Revelation 20:11-15).

The truth of the coming of Christ for His own before His reign, was spoken of as well, and the words of verses 15 and 16, of 1 Thessalonians were quoted.

“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught tip together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

The speaker said that the glorious event might take place at any moment. That the Lord might come and call the saved ones to be with Himself.

“If He came to-night,” he said “many saved fathers and mothers would be caught up and taken away from their unsaved sons and daughters, and many saved sons and daughters would be caught up and taken away from their unsaved fathers and mothers.”

He showed that those who were left, would be exposed to the judgment of God, and that if they died in their sins, they would come up to stand before the great white throne.

Willie knew well that his father and mother were saved, and was sure that if the Lord. Jesus came then, they would be taken away. He felt sure, too, that he must be left behind, and that the judgment would fall upon him because of his sins.

After the meeting he hurried home, weeping bitterly and sought to hide himself from everybody. Then going to bed, he buried his head under the bed-clothes and began to plead with God to save him.

Soon some words which Willie had seen quoted in a gospel leaflet, came to his mind,

“I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud, thy sins: return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee” Isaiah 44:22.

It was like a message from God to the boy. But could it be true? Could it be for him?

“Lord, how am I to know it?” he asked.

As if in direct answer, the words of John 3:16, those words which fell from the lips of the Saviour Himself, seemed spoken into his ear,

“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.”

Willie knew that whosoever meant anyone, therefore, it must mean him.

“I believed it and I was saved, are his words as he tells the story.

Many years have passed by, but Willie still lives and seeks to serve the One who died for him.

The judgment to come has no terror for him: He knows that the Lord Jesus bore the judgment he deserved, and that He is His deliverer from the wrath to come.

How is it with YOU?

Come now to Willie’s Saviour, and He will save you too.

Turn now to Him, the Saviour of sinners. Receive Him as your Saviour and Lord, and present and permanent salvation shall be yours. Then will you be happy in His presence, and a blessing to others.

ML 02/18/1940

Have You Counted the Cost?

Two young soldiers were talking about the service of Christ. One of them said:

“I cannot tell you all that the Lord Jesus is to me, or what He has done for me, I do wish you would enlist in His army.”

“I am thinking about it,” answered the other young man, “but it means giving up several things—in fact, I am counting the cost.”

A Christian officer just passing heard the last remark and, laying: his hand on the shoulder of the young soldier, said:

“Young man, you talk of counting the cost of following Christ, but have you ever counted the cost of not following Him?”

For days that question exercised the mind of that young man, and he found no rest till he trusted the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners, whose faithful soldier he has been for many years.

“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thess. 1:7, 8.

ML 02/18/1940

The Lord's Cow

Some years ago a couple of stock buyers in the South rode up to the home of an old colored maid and noticed a fine milk cow grazing in the yard. One of them said,

“Uncle, we would, like to buy this cow. Is she yours?”

“No, sah, boss, dat ain’t my cow. It’s de bawd’s cow, I’m jet a-keepin’ her fer Him,” replied the old Negro.

That old man had grasped the great principle of stewardship. We really do not own anything, Whatever we seem to possess is just loaned to us for a little while, for:

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Psa. 24:1.

Let us each one ask ourselves how we are using what the Lord has entrusted to us. Are we laying up for ourselves treasures above or down here?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart he also,” Matt. 6:19-21.

ML 02/18/1940

Eternal Things

Eternal things cannot be bought—

They all exceed in fame;

Satisfaction can he had,

Through faith in Jesus’ Name.

God is too rich to sell it us,

And we too poor to buy;

if life were to be offered thus,

Then surely we must die.

But, O, God knew we could not pay,

So He was pleased to lay

Believer’s sins on Christ His Son,

Who bore them all away.

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

ML 02/18/1940

A Captive Made a Queen

Esther 1 and 2

This story is of a time when a great king of Persia ruled over many other countries. He was very rich with lovely gardens and grand palaces; there were big marble pillars in his courts, with colored curtains hung between; the floors also were of marble; the couches, used in those lands instead of chairs, were of gold and silver; and his food was served in golden dishes. He must have had many servants and an abundance of provisions, as he gave feasts, lasting many days, to the people, for he wanted them to see his riches and know his power. This king was one who must be obeyed in whatever he wished, or he would order cruel punishment.

A new queen was to be chosen by this great king, and many beautiful young women were brought from all parts of the empire for him to choose the one who pleased him most.

Among the young women taken for the king’s choice, was a Jewish maiden, named Esther, whose parents, had been brought captives from Judah by another great king. Her father and mother died, and a cousin, named Mordecai, was very kind to her, keeping her as his own daughter.

Esther was a beautiful young woman, not bold or vain, and when her turn came to be presented to the king, he chose her to be the new queen, placed the royal crown on her head, made a feast in her honor, and gave her gifts and servants.

We do not know if Esther was happy in the great palace, for a queen in that land could not g-o about or do as ladies do now, but Esther kept her kindly ways and soon showed herself useful to others. Her cousin, Mordecai, was an officer outside the palace, and he walked each day by the part where Esther lived to hear from her servants of her welfare, but he could not see her. He had told Esther not to let it be known that she was his relative, or that she was of the Jewish race; and although Esther was queen, she obeyed the words of Mordecai. The Jewish people had been kept in that land many years, not as free people, but to work as the kings chose and were often despised; so Mordecai feared for Esther to tell her race, although some of the Jews had proved valuable servants and advisors to the kings, and had been granted special favors.

Not long after this, Mordecai found that two of the guards were so angry at the king that they were planning to kill him. Mordecai sent word of this Queen Esther; she warned the king; and his life was saved. The men were punished and the matter was written in the court record, yet the king sent no thanks or reward to Mordecai for his faithfulness. But we will find that after a time the king rewarded Mordecai. We also find how Queen Esther told the king of her nation.

What was the name of this great king and of his city, and over how many countries, or provinces, did he rule? (Esther 1:1,2).

What were the colors in his rooms? (Esther 1:6).

What was another name of Esther? (Esther 2:7).

ML 02/18/1940

An Old Monarch

What a specimen of strength we have before us in this picture. Another mark of the wonders of God’s creative power. As we look at those intelligent looking eyes; his thick coat of hair and shaggy mane, we can say, All these display wisdom on the part of the Creator, But I think I hear someone say,

“Why did God make him so ferocious, and have him use his strength in a wrong way?”

Ah, God did, not make him that way. Sin coming into this world, through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, enabled Satan to have power over animals as well as man, and that ferocious character is by the working of Satan.

God is permitting Satan for a time to exercise his power, but soon the Lord Jesus Christ shall come again with power and great glory, and shall cast Satan into the bottomless pit, and not allow him out for a thousand years. Then the lion will be quiet and peaceful as a lamb. So the lamb will lie down beside it and the lion, instead of eating the lamb, will eat straw like an ox.

The same naughty way in you is through the working of Satan too, but there is this difference between you and the lion; you are responsible for what you do, but the lion is not. If you obey Satan, you are not obeying God, and God asks you to believe on. Him whom He has sent, and that one is His Son,

“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 5:24.

If we accept Christ as our Saviour, we can, count on His grace to keep us in all our ways.

“THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE: BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE.” Isa. 26:3.

ML 02/25/1940

Dan's Prayer

Daniel W., is a dear little lamb in the fold of the Good Shepherd. At four years of age he learned to lisp in simplest trust the precious name of Jesus. Jesus is Daniel’s own Saviour. He believes in His death for sinners, and knowing something, of the naughtiness of his own heart, has turned to Him for rest, and knew even at that early age, what it was to be “Safe in the arms of Jesus.”

Daniel’s parents didn’t believe in children “coming to Jesus” (or grown-up people either,) and they would never have spoken one word about the Saviour to their dear little boy. But Daniel’s grandmother knew Jesus, and loved Him. She told the little fellow the sweet story of His love in coming down from heaven to die for sinners; and when it pleased the Lord to take the dear old lady to Himself, a Christian servant girl carried on the work already begun in the heart of the child. It was her great delight in leisure, moments to speak of all the glorious

One afternoon, Daniel’s mother was taking tea at the house of a married brother-in-law. This man’s wife and family were present at the table and dung the conversation, Daniel’s mother said,

“O! what do you think, my little Dan has begun to pray.”

“Indeed !” said her brother-in-law, “then you put your foot down firmly, and stop this before it goes further. Had I been firm with M. at first, she would never have imbibed the foolish notions she has nor have taken the step she did.”

M., was one of the daughters of this man, who, some time before had been converted to God, and who, in speaking to her unsaved brothers and sisters of the good news of God’s grace, had been severely rebuked for “talking cant.”

Dan, was a delicate child, and dearly loved as he was by his mother, his weakly condition gave her no small anxiety. The tears stood in her eyes as she listened to her brother’s words—

“O,” she said, “I found him one night on his knees before his cot, and I lifted him up and said—

‘O! Dan, you must not do that—it’s all nonsense, child—it’s no good your praying to Jesus.’”

I put him in bed, wrapping the bed clothes round him, and as I kissed him, said,

“Now do go to sleep darling, there’s a good boy.”

But he cried and cried, O! so bitterly as if his little heart would break. It pained me so to hear him. O! Charles, I cannot stop him. I must let him pray. If it doesn’t do him any good, it, cannot do him any harm.”

Dan knows that Jesus is his Saviour and Lord, and he loves to speak to Him in prayer. He was helped to speak of Him to others.

My dear young reader, is Dan’s Jesus yours? Has He saved you?

If we know Him as our Saviour, we will want to talk to Him, for He is our best Friend, and we will thank Him for all He has done for us. We will also pray for our unsaved relatives and friends, that they too may accept Him as their own Saviour, and to know the joy in Him that we know.

“Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.” John 16:23.

ML 02/25/1940

"Laid on Him"

I went one day with a friend to visit a person known to her.

On the sofa sat a very old lady, and while the other two were talking, I repeated to her, slowly and distinctly, that: verse in Isaiah 53:6,

“All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

A bright smile lit up her face, and she said,

“Ah, I heard those words many years ago in my own land, and they made me very happy.”

Her face wore its bright look for some time, for she was saying softly to herself,

“Laid on Him, laid on Him.”

Perhaps her thoughts were wandering back to that far-off time when she first heard those words, and had believed that her sins were “laid on Him”—on the Lord Jesus Christ, “Who His Own Self bare our sins in. His Own Body on the tree” 1 Peter 2:24.

Many, many years beyond the allotted span of life, her memory retained the three words of the verse that had made her, and still kept her so very happy, “laid on Him.”

I often repeated them to her, when I saw her afterward, if only to watch for the bright smile they always brought to her face, making it, old as it was, look beautiful.

Has my reader been made “very happy” by knowing that his or her sins were “laid on Him?”

ML 02/25/1940

Caroline's Trouble

The big tears were roiling down little Caroline’s cheeks. Caroline did not like to have anybody see her cry, but the tears would come.

“What is the matter, my little lady?” asked her grandmother.

I can’t love Jesus, and I do so want to love Him,” the little girl sobbed.

“Why, what is the matter dear?” her grandmother asked.

“I don’t know, but I just can’t love Him,” answered the child meekly.

Her grandmother bowed her head a moment, asking the Lord to give her the right words to speak to her little granddaughter.

“Just forget about your love for Jesus,” she said, “But go to your room for an hour, and say to yourself over and over again, ‘Jesus loves me,’ and then come back and see me.”

Caroline did so, and in an hour she was back with a beaming face. She had thought so much about God loving her, that she could not help but love Him.

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

ML 02/25/1940

Little Katie

A dear little girl just four years old,

One day went out to tea;

And returning home, ‘twas very dark,—

So dark she could not see.

A kind friend’s hand she tightly held;

“It’s dark,” she softly said,

“And where I’m going, I cannot tell,

But still I’m not afraid.”

“Why are you not afraid,” was asked,

“When the way you cannot see?”

“Because I know,” little Katie said,

“You have tight hold of me.

Besides I know there’s One above

Who keeps us in His care;

We shall not harm while He is near,

Nor none can harm us there.”

ML 02/25/1940

A Wicked Plan

Esther 3

There was one prince in the court of the great king of Persia to whom the king gave the best honors of all the nobles. The name of this prince was Haman; it seems he was the son of the ruler of a small country in Arabia. We do not read that Ile ever had done any great deed for the king, yet he was given a higher place than any other prince; and the king gave a command for all the servants to bow down when Haman. passed by. This was not just a bow of respect as should be given to an officer or man in rule, but, of reverence or worship, as these people did to their idols.

There was one officer at the palace gates who did not bow down when Haman passed by: that was Mordecai, the cousin of Queen Esther, who knew it was wrong to offer worship to any man.

The other servants told Haman that Mordecai, the Jew, did not obey the order to bow before him; then Haman took notice of Mordecai and saw that he did not bow down to him. This made the proud prince very, very angry. He could easily have had Mordecai punished or killed for disobeying the king’s order, but he was so offended and angry he wanted to kill, not only Mordecai, but all Jewish people. Mordecai knew of Haman’s anger, yet he obeyed God’s Words.

So Haman went to the king and told him that the Jewish people who lived in different parts of his empire were not a race who were of profit for the king, because their ways and laws were opposite to the laws of the great heathen ruler. He asked the king to make a command for all the Jews in the empire to be destroyed, and said he would pay the king a large amount of silver money if he would do so.

The plan of Haman was a most awful and wicked one, for the Jewish people had done no wrong against the king, yet he was willing to make the command, and called for the scribes to write the orders in all languages, and gave Haman his ring to mark the seal on each order, which would show that the command was from the king and must be obeyed.

Haman had cast lots to decide what day the dreadful killing of the Jewish people should happen, and the lot fell for the 13th day of the last month of the year, and the orders were written on the 13th day of the first month and sent to every part of the king’s empire, so the men carrying the orders would have time to reach the farthest countries in those eleven months.

After the cruel orders were sent, the king and Haman sat down to feast, but others who knew of the matter were very troubled.

How many talents did Haman offer to pay the king? (Esther 3:9).

Did the king order that the Jewish children should be saved? (Esther 3:13).

How far did the king’s rule extend? (Esther 1:1).

ML 02/25/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

1. “And I saw,” etc. Rev. 15:2.

2.“And all,” etc. 13:8.

3.“And there fell,” etc. 16:21.

4. “Standing.” etc. 18:10.

5. “And there shall,” etc. 22:3.

6. “And cast him,” etc. 20:3.

7. “And the great,” etc. 12:9.

Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 15-28

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “All things are ready; come.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words,“The righteous into life eternal.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Would I have gathered thy children.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, “They shall condemn him to death.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Is betrayed to be crucified.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “All power is given unto me.’

7. What did the Lord Jesus say after the disciples had rebuked those who brought little children unto Him?

Answers to Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.By the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. Rev. 12:11.

2. In the right hand or in the forehead. Rev. 13:16.

3. In their foreheads. Rev. 22:4.

4. The lake of fire, Lev. 20:15.

5. Peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues. Rev. 17:15.

6. They will be destroyed by an earthquake, Rev. 16:18-19.

7. Ten. Rev. 17:12-14.

Bible Questions for March

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Matthew, Chapters 19-28

1. In What Names are we to be baptized?

2.What happens to those who take the sword?

3.Who went into the marriage?

4. Why are we to watch?

5. What does the Lord say about divorce?

6. For what purpose did the Son of Man come?

7. Where does our Lord signify the transfer of the blessings of the kingdom of God from the Jew to the Gentile?

ML 03/03/1940

The Text of Scripture

There lived some years ago a dear aged Christian woman who was accustomed daily to hang a text of Scripture over her fireplace, where she and her friends might easily read it, and be benefitted thereby. Words of gospel and coming glory often thus gladdened the Christian’s heart, as she moved about in her humble home doing her work, and if others called, she was not slow to point them to the Words of God, and seek to press them home upon their hearts.

A gaily dressed young woman called, asking if she could be accommodated for a week in her room. She represented herself as the daughter of a city merchant in search of health.

As the Christian woman rented her room to any respectable visitor, arrangements were made. The “signboard” as she called her daily text, and always hung above the fireplace, seemed to attract the visitor’s attention, but for the first few days she said nothing about it. No doubt the texts for all of that week were given through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as they were all of a searching character, telling of sin, and its judgment, and of the sinner’s doom and destiny.

The Spirit of God used them to awaken the young woman, who, as it afterward came out, was a runaway from a Christian home. She had been often troubled about her soul’s welfare, and in order to escape her Christian parents continual reminders of God and Eternity, she had left home suddenly. God had followed her to that lonely spot, and had His messenger there, and His message awaiting her. She could no longer conceal her state, but told Grandma her whole story. The aged Christian spoke to her of Jesus the Saviour, and told her how He had saved her many years before.

The Lord used the earnest words of the happy saint to bring the troubled and unsatisfied young woman to cast herself. upon Christ, and she had the joy of seeing her converted.

She returned home a new creature in Christ, and confessed Jesus as her Lord. Now she lives to serve Him, and adorn His doctrine, and often visits Grandma in her humble home, where she was first arrested by the Text on the Wall.

Reader, have you ever looked God’s truth full in the face, and allowed it to search you? You must one day; now, or in the judgment. Your sin will find you out. You cannot hide it from God. You must either have it forgiven now, or it will be punished in eternity.

Now, God in grace is proclaiming a full and free forgiveness through His Son.

ML 03/03/1940

Do You Hide Your Bible?

This question was put to a little boy who had professed to love Jesus, by a lady who knew the boy very well, but who never heard him speak of Jesus, nor saw him read his Bible. The question went deep down into his heart, and he remembered how Jesus had said,

“Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me, and of My words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26.

That night he prayed earnestly to God that he might have the strength never to be ashamed of His Saviour again, nor to be ashamed to be seen reading his Bible.

ML 03/03/1940

The Lord Made Them All

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small;

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord made them all.

Each little flower that opens,

Each little bird that sings;

He made their glowing colors,

He made their tiny wings.

The purple headed mountain,

The river running by,

The sunset and the morning,

That brighten up the sky.

The cold wind in the winter,

The pleasant summer sun;

The ripe fruits in the garden,

He made them every one.

The tall trees in the green wood,

The meadows where we play;

The rushes by the water,

We gather every day.

He gave us eves to see them,

And lips that we might tell,

How great is God Almighty

Who has made all things well.

“SING UNTO THE LORD WITH THANKSGIVING,” Psalms 147:7.

ML 03/03/1940

I Want to be a Blessing

On examination day, in a country school, the teacher was asking those scholars who were to leave the school what occupation they intended to follow. Of course, many thoughts and plans were thus brought to light. One said proudly, “I want to be a soldier!”

Another thought to become a merchant, another a farmer, still another a tailor, or a shoemaker, etc., so that most every trade would be represented by these boys. Finally, a quiet and shy boy was asked by the teacher:

“And now, Albert, what had you thought of becoming?”

I want to be a blessing,” was the answer, “Very good, my boy,” said the teacher, “you have given me the best answer; the Lord grant that you may carry out your intention.”

The boy had been deeply touched by a portion of Scripture which had been read at the beginning of the exercises from Gen. 12:2, where the Lord tells Abraham:

“And I will bless thee, and make thy name great, and thou shalt be a blessing.”

Would you not like to be a blessing? How can this be?

ML 03/03/1940

A Time of Great Sorrow

Esther 4

When the Jewish people in the king’s city heard of the cruel order for all their nation, young and old, to be destroyed, there was the bitterest sorrow and crying. They went without food, and put on coarse, rough garments, called sackcloth, with ashes sprinkled on their heads to show how awful was their sorrow. The man, Mordecai, came dressed in the sackcloth to the king’s gate, although it was against the rules to show grief there.

Queen Esther was also of the Jewish nation, but she had not heard in the palace of the wicked order against her people, so when her maids told her that her cousin, Mordecai, was dressed in sackcloth, she did not know the reason, and sent new clothes for him, but he was too sad to change. She sent again to learn why he was so troubled; then he sent a copy of the king’s order for her to read, and told her that she must go to the king to beg him not to let the Jewish people be killed.

The queen answered Mordecai that it was against the rules of the king for any person to go into the king’s room unless invited, and that, even her life would not be safe if she went to him, unless he should hold out his scepter as a signal that she could speak. Esther knew the king could be very cruel so she greatly feared to go to him. But Mordecai told her that even though she was the queen in the palace, her life too would be taken by the cruel order, the same as the other Jewish people, unless she made request to the king to save them.

Mordecai believed that God would not let the nation be killed, and that Queen Esther was the one to have favor with the king to save them.

So Esther consented to go to make the request to the king that he should save the Jews from the dreadful order of death. But she asked for Mordecai to first have all the Jews in the city of Shushan fast, which meant for them to go without their usual food and drink. She said that she and her maids would also fast. When these people fasted in a time of trouble, they also prayed for God to help them. They knew God’s promises, for He had said long before this sorrow:

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

How many days were Esther and the Jews to fast? Verse 16.

What kind of a scepter did the king have? Verse 11.

ML 03/03/1940

A Great Enemy

What a sight we have before us of some men lassoing a bear! How frightened you would be if you were in the place of these men. Their lives are in great danger: we all know how very fierce bears are when they are attacked, or when they are hungry. Isn’t it good that we live in a settled country, where we need not fear the wild beasts of the forest?

You probably have seen a bear, but no doubt it was behind iron bars, or was penned within stone walls. None of us would want to meet on of these animals in the street or in our own yard: they seek flesh to eat, and will eat men or beasts.

The lion has the same ferocious nature. Have you ever seen a lion? He can make a tremendous roar, and is called the king of the beasts, for he is the strongest of any of the wild animals.

While we feel we are safe from ever meeting a bear or a lion, even in our woods, yet we do have a great enemy who has been compared to a lion. Do you know who it is? God has warned us about him in the Bible. He calls him an adversary, which means an enemy. Satan is this adversary, and he is great and powerful.

He comes to boys and girls in a pleasing way to make them sin; he tells them there is no harm in this thing or that, and they don’t realize that he is like these wild beasts, leading them on to harm. It is this evil one who puts it into the hearts of people to neglect their greatest Friend, the Lord Jesus.

Let us give our hearts to the Saviour, who loved us so much that He gave Himself in death for us. He is able to keep this wicked one from having power over our lives.

“Kept by the power of God.” 1 Peter 1:5.

“YOUR ADVERSARY, THE DEVIL, AS A ROARING LION, WALKETH ABOUT SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR.” 1 Peter 5:8.

ML 03/10/1940

Nellie B.

Seated by the wayside, under the shade of a tree, Nellie B.— rested with her basket by her side. She had been to the village for her mother’s errands, and the full basket was heavy enough for the little girl to carry.

Two young ladies from the city, spending their summer holidays in that pretty village, walked along the road that afternoon, and passing the quaint like figure seated by the wayside, asked if they might assist her to carry her basket along the road.

“Yes, thank you,” was the ready reply, and soon the two strangers with a hand each on the basket, carried it toward the village, while Nellie blithely tripped along by their side.

“Do you have any Sunday school here?” asked one of the strangers.

“In the village, two miles along, but not many go from here, it is too far away,” said Nellie.

The young ladies looked at each other and smiled. They had been speaking together that very afternoon, about the number of children in the village who seemed to idle away the afternoon of the Lord’s Day, and wondered if they could gather them together, in a simple class, and tell them the story of a Saviour’s love, which they themselves believed, and by which they had been saved.

Before they slept that night, they had secured an empty room, had it seated with borrowed seats, gone round the houses asking the parents to allow their children to come to a children’s service on the following afternoon, and together prayed that God who had thus opened a door to them for His blessed gospel, would work mightily in the saving. and winning of some precious souls for Himself from among the quarrymen’s children of that place.

Nellie, whose parents were considered of the “better class” in that village, and whom they hardly expected would he allowed to mingle with the rougher children at their quickly arranged meeting— was the first to enter the place on the afternoon of the Lord’s Day, twenty mites before the time, and when the villagers saw the manager’s little daughter thus lead the way, they quickly dressed and sent their children to the meeting. The two Christians were greatly cheered, alike by the numbers and interest, and intimated a second meeting for the following week.

That small beginning, gave them an entrance to the mothers in their homes during the day, whom they visited, giving them gospel papers to read, and speaking a word for the Lord as they had opportunity. God blessed their labors wonderfully. First among the children, then among the mothers, there was soul-anxiety, and quite a little ingathering of souls. Among the first to “trust in Jesus” was Nellie B.—, and she was a bright little witness for the Lord.

When the summer ended, and the Christians had to leave for home, the work of grace went on, and an earnest evangelist was sent to carry on the work. Then the men were reached, and many of the rough, ungodly quarrymen were saved to own and serve the Lord Jesus. Nellie’s parents were converted, and a gracious work was carried on for many years in that place.

In a far-off Australian home, as a Christian wife and mother, the Nellie, who as a little errand girl sat by the wayside that Saturday afternoon long ago, lives and serves the One who saved her then, in life’s early years. Has He saved you?

“Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.”

“All things are ready, COME.” Matt. 22:4, 8.

ML 03/10/1940

Rescued from the Flames

A fire broke out in a dwelling house some years ago. All the people were safely brought out, except one family, whose home was in the highest flat of the burning house. Somehow they had been overlooked when the alarm was given, and although the flames were rang all around them, the inmates were yet asleep. Stones, thrown from the street below, broke a pane of glass in the window, and aroused the father and mother, who immediately seized their two sleeping children, a boy and girl, and rushed from the burning house.

But in the excitement of the moment, they forgot that their eldest boy, Willie, was still there. The father attempted to make a second journey up the burning stairs, but, blinded by the smoke, he was unable to proceed beyond the first landing. Willie appeared at the window, rubbing his eyes and calling for help. No ladder could be found long enough to reach him. Not a moment was to be lost. The father stood beneath the window, and stretched out a sheet, which strong and willing hands grasped the four corners of. A space was cleared by the crowd, and one of the firemen shouted to the boy,

“Jump, and your father will catch you in this sheet.”

Willie stood looking down, quivering with fear for a moment. Then the crowd saw something like a great white snowflake drop from the window, and the next moment Willie was safe in his father’s arms. He trusted his father’s word, and he was saved.

So you must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust yourself to Him. You will be lost if you remain where you are: the eternal fire will reach you. But you need not perish. The outstretched arms of Jesus, the mighty Saviour, are ready to receive you. The only open question is, Are you ready now to trust yourself to Him? Will you tell Him from your heart,

“I will trust, and not be afraid,” casting yourself into His Almighty Arms— “Mighty to Save.”

ML 03/10/1940

Because the Bible Says so

I once met a little girl to whom I said,

“Do you know that Jesus loves you?” Her face lighted up with a simple smile of confidence and the ready answer came forth:

“O, yes, sir!”

“How do you know that?”

“Because the Bible says so.”

“But as you speak about the Bible, my little girl, I must tell you what that Holy Book says, that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God; and that there is none righteous—no, not one.”

“But Jesus said, ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me,’” she replied.

“But you are a sinner. You have done many naughty things. What makes you think He would receive you?”

“The Bible says He died for sinners, and therefore He died for me.”

“But this is a very great thing for you to say. How can you be so sure about it?”

“Because the Bible says so.”

“The Bible also says that Jesus will come again and take His people up from the earth someday. What will become of you then? How would you feel if He were to come now, while you and I are talking?”

“I should be very happy.”

“Why would you he happy?”

“Because He would take me up to be with Him forever.

“And how long have you been able to say this, my child?”

“Some weeks, sir.”

This was childlike faith, and I found that she showed by her ways that the confession of her lips was the real working of the Spirit of God in her soul.

“The Word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:25.

ML 03/10/1940

The Queen's Supper

Esther 5

Queen Esther dressed in her royal robes and went to the do-or of the palace room where the great king was sitting on his throne. She does not seem to have feared, but appeared calm.

The king was pleased to see the queen, and held out his golden scepter, which meant she could safely come near. She touched the scepter, and the king knew she wished to make a request, and said,

“What wilt thou, Queen Esther, and what is thy request?”

He thought she wanted gifts or land, and he said he would give her all she wished, even if it were half of the kingdom.

Esther did not then ask the king to save the Jewish people from the wicked order that they were to be killed. She seems to have been wise to know it would be better to wait to ask him; she simply invited the king and the prince, Haman, to come that day for a supper in her banquet room.

The king and Haman went to the queen’s supper, and she invited them to come again the next day and said she would then tell her request.

Harmen felt very proud that he was the only person who was invited with the king for the queen’s supper, and he started away from the palace very happy, but as he passed the gate he saw the man Mordecai who gave him no bow of reverence. This changed Hamon’s joy to great anger; he went on to his own home and told his wife and friends of the queen’s supper; he boasted of his riches, of his children, and of the king’s favors to him, that he had been honored above all the other princes; yet, he said, all that was nothing to him as long as Mordecai, the Jew, would not honor him.

Haman’s wife seems to have been a hard, cruel woman, for she advised him to ask the king the next day that Mordecai should be hung, saying, Haman could then go merrily to the queen’s supper. Haman was pleased with her advice, and ordered men to make a high frame, called a gallows, for the wicked deed.

The great anger of this proud prince warns us of the awful effect of pride and hate. He could not enjoy even his great favors, because of his own pride and his hate.

How high were the gallows Haman ordered made? (Verse 14).

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Pro. 16:18.

ML 03/10/1940

Helping Mother

It was love that caused little Dora to want to help her mother. She loved her mother because her mother loved her so Dora did what she could for her mother.

How this reminds those who know and believe that Jesus loves them, that there should be this same response, and we should delight to live for and serve our blessed Lord. We know there will be a measure of desire to be in His presence and work for Him, if there is real belief in the heart that the Lord Jesus gave Himself for us on Calvary’s cross.

“GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS: THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.” John 15:13.

But the Love of the Lord is greater than the love in our text, for He gave His life for us when we were not friends, but enemies. What love was His, who can measure it! And what response must He expect from us?

But it may be that one who is reading these lines has not taken the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, so is still a rejecter of the very One who loves him. If so, dear reader, do not spurn that love longer, but bow now and accept from His hand, full and free salvation which has cost Him so much.

“He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

ML 03/17/1940

A Remarkable Answer to Prayer

A little eight-year old Mohammedan girl, who had heard about the Lord Jesus, gave her heart to Him and was eager to learn more about Him. The kind missionary explained to her about praying in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and that He heard and answered prayer.

At home, however, the child found no sympathy. When she talked about the Lord Jesus and wanted to pray, her grandfather was very angry. A proud old Mohammedan, he would have no such doings in his house, and the child was beaten and even kicked if he found her praying. But the little girl prayed on, longing for the conversion of her parents and grandparents, and sure that the Lord would find a way.

The time was one of danger and distress through the evil practices of soldiers as well es bandits, and the grandfather suffered much from one company who had taken up their abode on his premises.

One day he saw the same company returning. They were marching toward the city with the very officer at their head whom he had painful occasion to remember. What to do the grandfather did not know. He was sure it was his place they were coming.

Searching in vain for some hope of succor, the grandfather suddenly thought of the the girl. Why, of course! Did she not pray? Hastening home he found her, shook her roughly to awaken her to the seriousness of the situation, and said:

“If you ever prayed in your life, pray now! Those soldiers are corning back, I have seen them from the city wall, they will soon be here. You say God answers prayer. Go into that room and pray—pray that they may not come to our house.”

He pushed the child into an empty room. All alone, the little girl knelt down. Was she frightened, fearful, uncertain? I Her mother who was in an inner room, heard her as she poured out her heart to the Lord.

“Lord Jesus,” she said, “I am so happy, so thankful, because my grandfather has told me to pray. Always before he beat me or kicked me if I prayed; he was so angry. But now he has told me to pray. Lord Jesus, now’s Thy chance! Please show my grandfather that Thou dost answer prayer. Please don’t let those soldiers come back —don’t let them come to our home. In the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.”

The soldiers entered the city and came tramping down that very street. The door of the grandfather’s house was standing open —a big door into the courtyard—for he knew it would be no use to shut it. The officer in front of the band drew up, and turned his horse’s head to go in. That was the place he was making for.

Was that little prayer heard and answered? Ah, yes! something happened, perhaps the last thing one would have thought of,

Most unaccountably, the horse would not go in. No, it backed and kicked; it shied this way and that way, and nothing would make it go in! The officer beat it dug his spurs into it but all to no purpose, until at length he superstitious fears, that are never far to seek in China, overcame him, and he turned to his men and said:

“Why, this courtyard must be full of demons. We cannot see them, but the horse can. Not one of you go in there!” And he turned his horse and led them to another part of the town.

What the horse saw or feared we do, not know but we do know what Balaam’s ass saw long ago when it turned aside in the way. (Read Numbers 22). And we know it would be just as easy for the Lord to send His angel with a drawn sword today as it was then.

This was the means of the grandfather’s salvation, and you can imagine the joy of the little girl. He said with tears in his eyes:

“To think, that all this while that little granddaughter of mine was right and I was wrong! I want to learn more about the God who answers prayer like that.”

“Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13.

ML 03/17/1940

The Open Door

A lady had been away from home in the afternoon, and upon her return, discovered that she had lost the key to her door.

She thought to herself, How unfortunate! and time is pressing. She went to three neighbors and borrowed as many keys, in the hope that one would fit. But not one of them would do.

Finally someone asked if she had tried the latch. She replied in a spiritless voice, “No, but I will.” She did, and found that the door had been unlocked all the time, and walked in.

What a good illustration this is of the anxious soul, in his desire to approach God. He stands outside, with his mind full of doubts and fears as to his welcome. He believes there are many things in the way before he may see the Saviour, when really the door is not only unlocked but stands wide open, with a cordial invitation to enter.

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

ML 03/17/1940

"Behold, I Come Quickly."

Behold, I come quickly.”

Yes, that is the word,

The promise once given

By Jesus our Lord.

“Behold, I come quickly,”

E’er sweetly the same;

Then why should I care

For earth’s riches and fame.”

“Behold, I come quickly.”

If sorrow is mine,

With this cheering promise

Why should I repine?

“Behold, I come quickly.”

Is joy mine below?

Still greater my joy

When to Jesus I go.

“Behold, I come quickly.”

Let come, then, what may,

This comforting promise

My spirit shall stay.

“Behold, I come quickly.”

His word must abide;

I’ll soon be with Jesus,

Safe, safe at His side.

ML 03/17/1940

"Are You a Sinner?"

A dear little girl was asked the question, “Are you a sinner?” to which she promptly replied, “No, sir.”

But have you never done anything that was wrong?”

“O, yes!” she replied; “a great many times.”

“How, then, can you say that you are not a sinner?”

“It is tooken away,” she replied.

“Who, has taken it away?” she was asked again. She replied,

“I have trusted in Jesus.”

“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 03/17/1940

A Ride on the King's Horse

Esther 6

The same night that Haman ordered the gallows made, the king in the palace was restless and could not sleep; so he called for his servants to bring the book of the court records and read to him. From this book they read how Mordecai had warned the king of the evil plan of the two guards to take the king’s life. After hearing that, the king asked what honor had been clone for Mordecai because of this faithfulness. The servants said there had been nothing done for him.

The next day Haman came into the palace to ask the king that Mordecai should be hung, as his wife had advised. But before he could ask this, the king said to him,

“What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor?”

Haman felt so much pride that he thought there could not be anyone the king could want to honor only himself, and he said that the king should have his royal robe put on that man, and his crown placed on his head; and to order his own horse brought for the man to ride; then, for one of the nobles to lead the horse through the streets of the city, and call out for the people to hear that the man on the horse was the roan the king most delighted to honor. We can know by this that Haman was so proud, he wanted the honor due to the king.

But when the king had heard Haman’s plan he did not say that this honor should be done to Haman; instead, the king said, “Make haste, and take that apparel and the horse ... and do even so the Mordecai the Jew.”

Haman did not dare to disobey the king, so he placed the royal robe and crown on Mordecai, and he was seated on the king’s horse, while Harman walked before leading the horse, and calling out that this was the man the king delighted to honor.

How do you suppose Haman felt when he heard the king’s order to so greatly honor Mordecai? and while he led the horse along the streets, and the man he hated was so honored? Haman was one of a nation who “feared not God”, (Exo. 17:8), and that was why he so hated Mordecai, who was of the people of God.

Haman was too disappointed to go back to the palace for the queen’s supper, and went to his own house grieving. But his wife and friends did not comfort him.

Soon, one of the king’s men came to take Haman to the queen’s supper, where we will find he met the greatest disgrace.

“The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips”. Proverbs 12:13.

Did the king tell Haman he could omit any part of the honor to Mordecai? (Verse 10).

Did Mordecai return to his duty at the king’s gate after the strange ride? (Verse 12)

ML 03/17/1940

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 others’ 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 toy or 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. 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, by words and deeds that are Christlike? 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 03/24/1940

Wanted to Go Home

I’m going to tell you about a little girl in South Africa, who loved the Lord Jesus. She heard about Him through some dear servants of the Lord, who had gone to Africa to tell the natives there about Him.

Not long after this little girl became very ill, and one of the teachers called on her. The first thing she said to him was:

“I want to go home.”

“You are at home, my dear; this is your home,” the teacher replied. Still she said,

“I want to go home. I want to go. home.”

“What home is it you want to go to?” her teacher then asked.

“O, the Home where Jesus is,” she answered.

Her pains then became very great. Her poor mother, and those who stood by her, shed many tears. For some minutes she could not utter a word, but as soon as her pain stayed a little, she said, repeating the words three times, as these Africans always do when they wish to speak very strongly.

“Jesus receiveth sinners, sinners, sinners! Joy! Joy! Joy!” That dear little girl knew Jesus as “the way”, and her heart overflowed with joy at the thought that He “receiveth sinners”, and casts out none who come to Him, and that soon she would see Him.

Thus peaceably did this little African go Home, to be forever with the Lord. She was far wiser than many in this favored land, who tell us that they hope to go to heaven when they die, and yet forget, or will not see that heaven is the Home reached only through the Lord Jesus.

And now we must ask our young readers if they too will believe, as the little girl did, that Jesus is “the Way, the Truth and the Life,” the only way to salvation.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.

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

ML 03/24/1940

Found Out

Carl, and Benny were playmates, and had many good times together. Therefore, it was not strange when one got in trouble, that the other also was with him. The boys were not what you would call bad boys, yet there were times when they were leaning strongly that way. Some folks would have said they were good boys, only mischievous at times, but the Bible says “there is none righteous, no, not one.” These boys had never accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

Now here is what happened. These boys visited the shoe-maker so that Carl might have new rubber heels put on his shoes. On the way home Benny told Carl what he had discovered.

“There is a tree of peaches back of the shoe-maker’s shop, and they are ripe enough to eat. Let’s go over and get some.”

“That wouldn’t be right,” Carl replied, yet his mouth watered for some of that fruit. “That would be stealing, wouldn’t it?”

“O, we won’t take very many. Just enough to eat. I’ve got a basket just the right size, and we’ll go over there after dark and get what we want of them.”

“But suppose we get caught? They’ll send us to jail.” Benny laughed after the manner of one who is sure of himself.

“O, we won’t get caught. Don’t you worry about that. I’ll show you how to do that trick and get away with it.”

Now that his fear of being-caught was allayed, Carl was more willing to take be peaches. The temptation was big, and he yielded to it. That night after it was pitch dark, these boys crept through the tall grass and reached the tree without being seen. Carl held the basket while Benny picked the peaches. As soon as the basket was full, they crept back through the grass, and made their way to Carl’s barn where they intended to hide the peaches.

By the time they reached the barn, Carl was feeling very uneasy. No one had seen them, but that didn’t make any difference with him.

“Benny, we are thieves,” he declared.

“But no one saw us,” Benny replied.

“We know it, however, whether others do or not. Because others don’t know about it, doesn’t alter the fact at all. We are guilty just the same.”

The two boys were on the verge of a quarrel and the argument grew stronger.

“What are you going to do about it now?” Benny asked. “You have stolen them.”

“I’m going to take my share back in the morning, and confess to Mr. Brown. I don’t intend to have this hanging over my head to think about all the time.”

Benny called Carl a quitter, and other names, but Carl remained firm in his decision. Early the next forenoon, he entered the shoe-maker’s shop with a sack under his arm.

“Hello, young-man,” the shoe-maker said. “What can I do for you today?” “I have some peaches here—”

“Ho, Ho,” the shoe-maker said. “So you brought back those you took last night. Where is Benny with his peaches?”

Carl opened his mouth wide with astonishment.

“Who told you?” he finally managed to ask.

“A silent witness,” the shoe-maker said. “Come with me and I will show you.”

Out under the peach tree, the shoemaker kneeled down and pointed to some tracks in the soft earth.

“Compare that track with those heels I put on for you yesterday. I put some on Benny’s shoes last week. I only had two pairs of those, so I knew at once who was guilty. I’m glad you brought them back. I wish you would find Benny and bring him here. I have something to say to each of you.”

Carl was also glad he confessed his guilt, otherwise while he was thinking no one knew, Mr. Brown would have known and looked upon him as a thief. Carl’s sin found him out almost at once.

“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 82:23.

He had no trouble finding Benny, and together they went to the shoe-maker.

“Boys, I could have you arrested for stealing, but that is not my intention,” Mr. Brown told them, “I want to talk to you concerning the real cause of your action.”

So he told them how “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23), and how they were sinners and needed the Lord. Jesus as their Saviour. He talked not of reforming them, but told them very tenderly the “old, old story of Jesus and His love.”

ML 03/24/1940

"He Wants Even You"

Why should you do without Him?

It is not yet too late;

He has not closed the day of grace,

He has not shut the gate.

He calls you! Hush! He calls you!

He would riot have you go

Another step without Him,

Because He loves you so.

Why will you do without Him?

He calls and calls again—”

Come unto Me! Come unto Me!

Oh, shall He call in vain?

He wants to have you with Him;

Do you not want Him too?

You cannot do without Him

And He wants—even you.

ML 03/24/1940

Queen Esther's Request

Esther 7 and 8

While, the king and Haman were at Queen Esther’s banquet the second time, the king again inquired what she wished him to do for her.

The queen then told her request, and spoke very earnestly; she said,

“If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish.”

She told the king that it would also be a loss to him if the Jewish people were killed, for they were faithful servants to the king, and also paid an income to him.

The king was very surprised and angry that someone wanted to take the lives of Queen Esther and her people. You remember that the queen had not told that she belonged to the Jewish nation, so he had not known that the wicked cmmoand, to kill all Jews, which he had given Haman authority to send, was against his own queen and her people. So he asked,

“Who He is he and where is he that durst presume in his heart to do so?”

The queen then said it was Haman who was the enemy of her people. Haman was ashamed, and afraid to hear this charge made by Queen Esther, and he begged for his life, but we do not read that he was sorry for His plan to kill the Jews.

The king did not listen to Haman’s words for mercy; but when one of his officers told him. of the high gallows which. Haman had made to hang Mordecai upon, the king in his great anger, at once ordered that Haman himself should be hung on that gallows. So the proud prince had what is called a death of shame, because of his awful hate of the Jewish people.

The queen again spoke earnestly to the king about the dreadful order to kill the Jews everywhere, for she was not content that her life should be saved without the lives of her people; and she begged the king with tears, to stop the order of Haman. But the great king had not power to change his own command when sealed with his ring; so all he could do was to have a new order written to give the Jewish people permission to fight against any who should attempt to kill them.

So the new order was written in all languages by the scribes, sealed with the king’s ring, and men were sent to all parts of the empire to carry the order to the rulers and to the Jews to know the right was given them to resist any who would attempt to harm them.

The new order was written in the third month, so there was still time for the carriers to go to the far lands before the set day in the twelfth month.

When the new order was proclaimed in Shushan and all the lands, there was great rejoicing among the Jews, and even others joined with them. Surely none could have been more happy and thankful to God, than Queen Esther and Mordecai; they had proved the words,

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

ML 03/24/1940

"Jonah and the Whale"

Those who deny the truths and teachings of the Bible have always sought to place the account of “Jonah and the Whale” in the class of not only the improbable, but of the impossible. In the first place, the Bible narrative does not say that it was a whale, but a “great fish”, but even so-called scientists who claim that it would be impossible for a whale to swallow a man, have evidence against them. Even in recent years whales have swallowed men.

But Scripture does not need to be proved true by external evidence it is the Word of God, and therefore true and infallible. Then let us not deny the Infinite, All-Wise and Almighty Creator the power which He exercised in the preservation, transportation, and safe delivery of His prophet Jonah, so that he might obey the command given to him to deliver the message of warning to the city of. Ninevah, and by heeding the Word of God, and renting of their evil ways, the people were spared from, judgment.

Have you heeded God’s warning of judgment on account of your sins, and have taken refuge in Christ, the One who bore the judgment that you deserved while He was on the cross? “He bore our sins ill His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

“NOW THE LORD HAD PREPARED A GREAT FISH TO SWALLOW UP JONAH.” Jonah 1:17.

ML 03/31/1940

Satan's Handkerchiefs

We will have a little talk about Satan’s Handkerchiefs.

Here is one which Satan often uses to blind people with—the pleasures of sin, which hides the guilt of it.

Many years ago there lived in Egypt a man who had many advantages. He was strong and handsome, gifted, learned and well educated. He was prominent among the king’s advisers, and stood a very good chance of becoming King or Prime Minister of Egypt. But when he was forty years of age he made a very important choice: a very foolish one in the eyes of his worldly friends, but a very wise one in the eyes of God. He decided that he would no longer “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Heb. 11:25), and so he left the palace, with its honors and riches, and threw in his lot with the people of God. Moses is one of the greatest men we read of in the Old Testament.

The “pleasures of sin.” Has sin any pleasure in it? Of course it has.

Why does a boy play truant? Is it not because of the pleasure he gets out of his stolen holiday?

Why does a girl take something that is forbidden? Because of the pleasure that comes from possessing it. And the pleasure that conies, blinds them to the guilt of the wrong they do.

Satan has another handkerchief: the profit to be had from the sin, that hides the loss of it from the eyes of the mind.

A man does something wrong, let us suppose, in business. He is not at first found out. On the contrary, he gains, by the wrong. He repeats the wrong time after time, and still he seems to prosper. And all the time the profit he is gaining is blinding him to the sin he is doing. Poor man! Satan has his handkerchief over his eyes. Let us hope that before it is too late he will face. the question,

“What shall it profit a marl, if he shall gain. the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

Boys, be long-sighted; girls, look right ahead. Don’t play into Satan’s hands. Don’t let him put his handkerchiefs over your eyes. Look right into the future, past the time when you are grown up, past old age, past death, right through into the next world. You can’t see through death without the help of the telescope—the Word of God.

Death seems to you like a great mass of black rock in the distance, stretching from earth to heaven. You can see nothing that is on the other side. If you look through God’s telescope, you will see that what you thought was a mass of rock, is really a thin, half-transparent curtain, through which you can make out some of the things that are going on, on the other side; you will see that what is on the other side is real. God calls some of these things “pleasures for evermore,” which will be enjoyed by every boy and girl that comes to Jesus.

And even in this world, you will have both pleasure and profit, for you will belong to the Lord, and will possess every real blessing in Him.

ML 03/31/1940

The Little Indian Girl

In Assam, a country in the East Indies, a little girl who for two years had attended the mission school, came one day to tell her teacher the sorrow she felt for sin.

A few days after, as she was going to the school-house, she picked up a torn leaf of a tract which contained an invitation to sinners to trust in the atoning blood of Christ. She read it again and again, and showed it to one of her school-mates, sang, “what beautiful words!”

She carefully laid up the torn leaf, and every day took it out to read. By degrees her soul found peace, her tears fled and she became a true Christian believer, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Eph. 1:7.

Books That Ran Home

Missionaries have to learn to do all sorts of things. There are no stores around the corner in the African jungle.

Many years ago a missionary was trying to teach some of the African boys and girls to read. She had no blackboard, no tablets, no pencils. With a sharp stick she made letters and figures in the red earth. School books written on the ground did not last long. Sometimes the rain came and washed the lesson away. Sometimes the people walked over it. The missionary was dreadfully discouraged. Then, too, there were only a few children who could see her book on the ground. She wanted books that could be sent to other villages.

“What are we going to do about it?” she said to the other missionary.

Now the other missionary was a man and he was very strong.

“If I knew where a printing press could be found, I’d go out to get it for you,” he said.

But both of them knew there was no printing press in that part of Africa. He took from his pocket his sharp knife and looked at it.

“I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll make you a printing press,” The teacher laughed.

“Make a printing press with a pocket knife! Who ever heard of such a thing?”

But the man missionary already had a good smooth board in his hand and he, began to whittle away with all his might. He tried one way to whittle a letter and when that wouldn’t work, he tried another way, and then, half a dozen other ways, until at last he had a wooden type that would print the letter A. After that it was ease to make all the other letters, But his troubles were not over Now that he had a printing-press, where would he find the ink?

When the next boat came in there was some printer’s ink in it, but there were no pads, and printer’s ink is so thick, it has to have pads and rolls. He found two empty tin cans and stuffed them full and running over with cotton.

“Now, if you’ll give me one of your old shoes,’’ he announced, “I’ll show you how to make the latest thing to be had in printing pads.”

The soft leather was ripped from the top of the shoes, and tied over the cotton which stuck from the ends of the two cans. The inventor rubbed the soft pads together in great glee. Then he daubed some of the ink on them and kept on rubbing them together until the ink was thin enough for printing. He pressed the wooden type down on the pads and then he pressed the type on a piece of paper. What should he print for the first words of his printing press?

One by one he made the letters in the African language:

“The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23.

One day a little boy, who had heard about the Lord Jesus, and loved Him very much, was watching the wonderful printing press make the letters on white cloth. He pressed one of them on his body and the letter was printed on his smooth brown body. Then he added another until there it was— “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

When the other children saw it, they wanted the printing press to give them some printing they could carry around with them too. So Bible verses were printed on their bodies.

The children ran home to show the wonderful printing. Fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters began to learn to read from these living books, and the Lord used it for blessing to many souls.

ML 03/31/1940

A Feast Long Kept

Esther 9 and 10

The day set to destroy the Jewish people came; but their neighbors had heard the send command of the king in their favor, and only a few dared to fight against them; and those were soon defeated.

Then other letters came to the Jews everywhere, sent by Queen Esther and Mordecai, telling them to make feasts on the two days after that set day, to give thanks for the saving of their lives. They were told that those days should always be kept by them and their children, in whatever city or land they might be. This feast was called Purim, because Pur was their word for lot, and Haman had cast lots to decide the day for his evil plan to kill the Jews. We do not know how they chose the lot; the names of the months may have been written on stones, or on what was used for paper; all shaken together, and drawn out one by one, and the last one drawn, was the one taken. There is a verse which says,

“The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing is of the Lord.” Prov. 16:33. So God ruled this lot for good to the Jews and there was great joy in keeping the feast.

Although it was many hundreds of years ago that queen Esther and Mordecai sent the order, the feast of Purim is still kept each year by Jewish people in all parts of the world; and they read over the story of Queen Esther pleading for the lives of the nation.

We are not told more of Queen Esther, but Mordecai was given a place of power next to the king, who is thought to be the one called Xerses in ancient history; but it cannot be known for certain.

Since that time, and even lately, Jewish people have been threatened with death; they have lived among other nations, without a country of their own, because they neglected God’s words and refused the Messiah when He came to them; yet God’s promise that they should never be all destroyed has always proved true. He said, “When they be in a land of their enemies I will not cast them away, neither, ... . to destroy them utterly, ... .for I am the Lord their God.” Leviticus 26:44.

There is an order of death for the whole world, for every person of every nation. This is the order,

“It is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment,” Heb. 9:27. Then another order shows all may be saved from that judgment, not by fighting, as the Jews did on the set day, but by the death of Another. The second order reads,

“Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Heb. 9:28.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. The great king’s orders might change, but God’s promises never change.

Believers in Jesus do not keep the feast of Purim, but there is a simple feast He told them to keep to remember His death, which has been kept by faithful believers ever since (1 Cor. 11:23-26).

It may help you to better understand the Bible stories if we notice the Jewish months: they had twelve months in a year, of 29 or 30 days each, so 354 days. But certain years an extra month was added so their average year was about as ours. When God made Israel a free nation, He said Abib, the Passover month, should be their first month; but after they became servants to the kings of Babylon, they used the names of the months which the kings used, for government matters.

ML 03/31/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Children’s Class”

1.“But when he,” etc. Matt, 9:36.

2. “And she shall,” etc. 1:21.

3. “For where your,” etc. 6:21

4. “And when they,” etc. 2:11.

5. “Then the devil,” etc. 4:11.

6. “And the rain.” etc. 7:25.

7. “But when he,” etc. 3:7.

Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Mark

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Have salt in yourselves.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Come ye yourselves apart.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Peter calling to remembrance.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That they should be with him.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Rising up a great while before day,”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He was received up into heaven,”

7.Who is the only one who knows “of that day and that hour”?

Answers to Bible Questions for January

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. Love them, Matt, 5:44.

2. “Neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matt, 6:15.

3. Yes, as a babe. Matt, 2:14.

4. By quoting the Word of God. Matt, 4:4.

5. “The Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.” Matt. 8:20.

6. “The kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” Matt. 6:33.

7. By asking the Lord of the harvest to send them. Matt. 9:38.

Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class” The Answers are to be found in Mark.

1. Whence conic those things that defile a Man?

2.What are we to do to keep from entering into temptation?

3.What verse gives the universal gospel commission?

4.Whom did Jesus come to call?

5.Was the Lord Jesus ever angry?

6.Where did Jesus definitely state that He was the Christ?

7.What chapter has tour “Take heed’s” in it?

ML 04/07/1940

Enjoying All Things

I don’t like oatmeal,” exclaimed Jack, looking mischievously at his mother.

“And I don’t like prunes,” added-Jean daringly, as both children knew they were not allowed to complain about their food. But this time their mother only smiled and said,

“Your Heavenly Father gives you prunes and oatmeal to enjoy.”

“How do you know He wants us to enjoy them?” asked Jack, who always wanted to know the reason for everything, “It doesn’t say anything about our eating prunes or oatmeal in the Bible.

“No, the Bible doesn’t mention them,” answered his mother. “But it says He gives us ‘all things to enjoy’ (1 Tim. 6:17), and since the food He provides is part of all things, then we ought to really like them. You like, candy and ice cream, don’t you? Think how nice it would be to enjoy everything you eat like that.”

“It surely would,” said Jean.

“I like oatmeal already. Let’s see how many things we can find today to enjoy that we didn’t like before,” suggested Jack.

“I’d love to,” replied Jean who almost always agreed with her brother’s plans. He was two years older than she was, and she considered him very wise.

“An excellent plan,” said their mother. “You’ll want to make a list of them, for, you’ll find a great many things if you try hard enough. You can put them in this box,” she added as she placed a small covered box on the sideboard.

Several times during the day Jack and Jean put slips of papers in the little box. At bedtime their mother opened the box.

“Let’s read Jean’s first,” suggested Jack Hs he stood on one side of his mother’s chair and Jean on the other.

“Jean likes spinach, dusting the chairs, and doesn’t mind so much if Lois brings her little brother to play. Fine!” said mother approvingly as she took, up Jack’s s slips.

“Jack likes cabbage better, pulling weeds, sweeping the walk and picking up his clothes.”

“Excellent,” said mother, “and now aren’t you glad that God gives us everything to enjoy?”

“I certainly am,” said Jean, “Let’s play this game. every day, Jack.”

“Let’s do,” said Jack. “We can have much fun if we learn to enjoy all of God’s good gifts.”

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Col. 3:23.

“Trust ... in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” 1. Timothy 6:17.

ML 04/07/1940

Your Name is There

While little Mabel was spending her holidays from school at the seaside, her mamma asked her to practice writing by finding and copying something from a book. These were the beautiful words she copied,

“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.

Then she took it to her mamma. to look it over, who said it was nicely written, and that she was very pleased with her choice of such beautiful words. While mamma was saying this, the postman came, so mamma showed Mabel’s writing to him. The postman then said to Mabel, “Why, those are the words of Jesus, and your name is there.”

But Mabel could not understand. She had copied the verse out of the Bible, and did not think her name could be there. So the postman explained that it was the word “whosoever,” which was his name, and Mabel’s name, and everybody else’s name in this world.

Will my little readers read the verse again with the postman’s explanation printed in the place of the word “whosoever.”

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that (you, or I, or anybody else) who believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Won’t you believe on Him right now?

ML 04/07/1940

The Fish and the Pussies

As this beautiful setting amid. the flowers and the well-behaved. little pussies a safe place for the pretty fish? No, alas! the defenseless fish may be devoured by any one of the three merciless creatures.

We may remind ourselves that we have the bitterest of all enemies, Satan. Nor is this foe always easily detected. Not all that is of the world is mean and disgusting. Often Satan comes to us as “an angel of light,” rather than as a “roaring lion,”

Can we escape from this enemy? Yes, for Christ Jesus, the Lord of glory has “stood between us and the foe,” and all we have to do is to believe on Him. Who gave up His life, and was raised again to save us. Then we have a sure refuge; for the Lord Jesus tells us, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.

We must believe on Jesus, for if we reject or neglect Him, our doom is certain. The fish may not become a victim to its possible. enemies; but for all who do not receive Christ as their Saviour, there is no escape from hell.

“HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE, IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION?” Heb. 2:3.

ML 04/07/1940

A Man in Trouble

Book of Job

This man, named Job, lived ever so long ago, but there has always been much trouble in the world, so perhaps that is why his story is in God’s Word. Job was greatest of all the men of the east at that time; no doubt he was a leader, or ruler, in his country, for he says, “I....sat chief, and dwelt as a king.” Chapt. 29.

Job’s home was in the land of Uz, which must have been east of Palestine, as in the Bible, Jerusalem and its land are spoken of as the center, and “east” meant east of there. It must not have been far from Chaldea, as men came from there to take Job’s camels; so may have been in north Arabia, or nearer Iran (Persia).

Job was very rich; you will be surprised if you, read how many animals he owned. He may have traded with other peoples since he had so many camels, which were used to carry articles from one place to another; he had ever so many sheep, which would be used for meat, and the wool may have been sold to weavers, for he spoke of a weaver’s shuttle; men of those eastern lands have been noted since earliest known times for making rugs and other weaving. Job had many oxen to plow the fields, and many servants to do his work.

Some who have wealth, and much business, do not think of others nor trust in God, but Job helped the poor, did justly to all and believed in God and spoke much of His wonders and great power.

God knew that Job believed in Him, and that he did right, but a wicked angel, called Satan, had watched Job’s good deeds, and wanted him to do evil, and to have him speak against God; Satan said job did right only for what God did for him. Then God let Satan cause trouble to Job, to show that Job really loved God, and not because of the things God had given him.

Some people say there is no such evil one as Satan, but he is spoken of, and warned against, in the Bible. We cannot see him because he is a spirit, but he is able to see people, and to suggest for them to do evil, as he did to harm Job.

The first trouble Satan caused to Job was to persuade wicked men to kill his servants, who were plowing with the oxen, and take away the oxen and asses for themselves; only one servant escaped and hurried to tell Job. While that man was speaking, a servant came to tell of another dreadful trouble: fire had killed all Jobs great flocks of sheep; we cannot explain this fire, but it was a force of nature Satan had power to send. Before that man had finished telling his bad news, a third man came to say that hands of robbers stolen all Job’s camels!

We can imagine what bad news all this was to Job: to lose all his property in one day; yet much greater sorrow was to come. But we shall find Job did not speak against God as Satan had said he would. And this is something for yet to remember, Satan, also called the devil never speaks truly. When on earth the Lord Jesus told of Satan’s wickedness (see John. 8:44).

How many children did Job have? (Verse 2).

How many animals did Job own? (Verse 2 and 3).

What did Job’s sons do? (Verse 4).

Note: A great grandson of Noah was named Uz; the men of his time, living after the flood, no, doubt had large portions of land named for the men, and Job probably lived in the land which had bonged to Uz (See Genesis 10:22, 23, 25).

ML 04/07/1940

Be Kind to All

This is a beautiful country scene, with the road winding through the woods, and the happy-faced children at the his gate. What do you think they are doing? The oldest child is going through the motion of making a salute. They see someone coming, and have kindly opened the gate, so this person or persons may pass through without any trouble.

The Lord is pleased when you show respect to others, especially older people; and He wishes you to show kindness to all.

When we realize how much the Lord has done for us on Calvary’s cross in bearing the judgment that we deserved for our sins, and is still caring for us each day when we are so cold and unfaithful to Him, and will soon come to take us to be in the glory with Himself for all eternity, then we are happy in serving others, and thinking of their needs.

“AS WE HAVE THEREFORE OPPORTUNITY, LET US DO GOOD UNTO ALL.” Gal. 6:10.

ML 04/14/1940

Joanne Telephones to Jesus

Crash! Boom! Boom!

“Josephine! What was that?” Joanne exclaimed.

“I—I— don’t know,” was the answer as the two clutched each other, listening.

Joanne and Josephine stood in the nursery, where pictures of water, sky, horses, ships and other interesting things had been painted upon the panels. No other sound came to them, and with a rush they ran to the window.

“The oak tree! Look, sister,” said. Joanne.

“It has fallen across the driveway!”

“But it has always stood so high and pretty,” wailed Joanne. “What made it fall down and be dead?”

Josephine, though older than Joanne, could not answer. Sadly they looked at the tree, hardly believing their eyes, until Josephine shouted:

“Papa and Mamma! Joanne, they won’t be home until dark. Maybe they won’t see the tree and run into it with the automobile!”

Joanne looked startled at such a thought. Again the two clutched each other.

“We can’t telephone to Grandma,” began Josephine,” “cause Mamma said the line was out of order.”

What should they do? They felt so little and helpless. Then Joanne said eagerly: “I’ll just telephone to Jesus.” She walked over to her little play telephone and took down the receiver. “Jesus, this is Joanne calling,” she said in her best grown-up voice, “The big tree—” her voice choked for she had so loved that big tree—”the tree’s right across the road. Please, Lord Jesus, don’t let Papa and Mamma bump into it and get hurted,” she hung up the receiver and placed the telephone on the table,

“Jesus will take care of them,” she said sturdily to Josephine.

Tears came into her sister’s eyes. Little, Joanne had been so happy to learn of Jesus at Sunday school and often talked to Him on her telephone. Now Josephine wondered how He could help them. Mamma had said that afternoon:

“Josephine, you and Joanne must stay at home, because there are some sick folks where we must go. It is Katie’s day off but I must go with Papa. We won’t get back until a little after dark. You just stay here in the nursery and light your lamp when you need it. I can trust you to take good care of sister?”

She had promised, but how could Mamma know that the big tree would fall? O, what should she do now?”

“Don’t cry, Josephine,” said Joanne patting her sister’s cheek. “Jesus will take care of Papa and Mamma.”

They went to the window and pressed, their noses against the glass. Soon it would be dark.

“Look! There is a car coming. Goody, maybe it is Papa and Mamma,” almost shouted Joanne.

“It’s Grandpa and Grandma,” declared Josephine. “I’ll run down and open the door. You stay here.” Gayly she ran down the stairs and soon was in Grandma Holt’s arms.

“Grandma, the tree just fell down—boom, like that—and we’ve been so scared that Papa. and Mamma would be hurrying to get to us and might run into it. What’ll we do?”

“Grandpa left our car down by the gate, dear. He said he would put a sign down there as a warning. Aren’t Papa art Mamma here?”

By this time they had walked up to the nursery where. Joanne was gathered up into Grandma’s arms.

“I telephoned to Jesus. I guess He couldn’t come and sent you,” she said happily.

“What’s this? You did what?”

“Our telephone is out of order, so Joanne telephoned Jesus on her little telephone,” said Josephine.

Grandmother sat down in the big chair and the children climbed on her knees and began: “You know, children, the Lord Jesus does not come Himself, but he uses others to answer payers. I was very busy this afternoon when a little voice inside of me said, ‘Why don’t you go over to see Joanne and Josephine!’ That was the Lord Jesus that put that thought in my head.”

“Did you want to come, Grandma?”

“It seemed hard for me to get away, but that little voice would not be quiet, so I came, just when my two little girls needed me most.”

“But if Joanne had not called Jesus, you might not have come?”

Grandma smiled at her. “Don’t forget, when the Lord lays on your heart to do something, let us do it willingly. Above all, when He knocks at your little heart and wants to come in, don’t let that voice go unheeded, but open wide the door, He says in His precious Word:

‘ Behold, I stand at the door, and knock if any man hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.’” Rev. 3:20.

Dear reader, have you let Him come into your heart?

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 3:15.

ML 04/14/1940

"Plenty of Time"

One evening, as a gentleman was standing at the door of a hall where the gospel was to be preached, he noticed a little girl looking at him. When the others had gone in, he said to her: “Will you come in?”

“Not yet, sir,” she replied, “I will come in presently; there is plenty of time yet.”

About a quarter of an hour after, he was again standing outside to keep the boys quiet. The same little girl came up to him and said “Please may I go in now?”

“No,” he said, “there is no more room, the hall is full; you are too late.

“But I was asked to go in only a few minutes ago,”

“I know you were,” he replied, “but you did not want to come in then. When I invited you, you refused, and now that you would like to come in there is no room.”

Dear children, let me ask you, are you like this little girl? Do you say, “Plenty of time” to believe in Christ? O, be wise, remember what God has said in His Word,

“Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regardeth; I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh.” Prov. 1:24, 26.

God has, no doubt, invited you many times—have you refused? He has stretched out His hand, and stretches it out still. Will you look? Listen to Christ’s gentle voice, saying,

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

“All things are ready, come,

Tomorrow may not be.

O sinner, come, the Saviour waits

This hour to welcome thee.

ML 04/14/1940

Statesman or Sinner

Daniel Webster, the famous American politician and orator, once spent a summer in New Hampshire. Every Lord’s Day he attended some meetings in a hall nearby.

His niece asked him one day, why he went there, when he paid little attention to far abler sermons in Washington. He replied,

“In Washington they preach to Daniel Webster, the statesman, but this man has been telling Daniel Webster, the sinner, of Jesus of Nazareth.”

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

“Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead ... . Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:10, 12.

ML 04/14/1940

Job's Sons and Daughters

Job 1

The great man Job had seven sons who were grown up and had homes of their own; they liked to make feasts, “each one on his day”, perhaps that meant on a special day, as a birthday, or each in his turn. Each time they sent for their sisters to feast with them.

These young people may not have had a book to tell about the Lord and His wishes, but they knew of His power, as every person may, by the wonders of the sun, moon, and stars, by storms, and by all that we call nature. But more than that, their father would have told them how sin came, for he spoke of Adam (chapter 31:33); he would have told them that God received Abel’s offering, and that Cain refused God’s mercy; and surely he told them of the great ship, built by Noah, of the flood, and that only Noah and his family, because they believed God, were saved.

Job looked for a Redeemer to come, and must have spoken of-Him, yet his son’s seem to have been planning only for their own pleasure and not to honor God, for their father feared they would sin at their feasts and turn against God in their hearts. So early on the mornings of the days they were to feast, he always offered sacrifices for them, as men, who believed God, did at that time One day Job’s eldest son was having a feast at his house for his brothers and sisters, when a great wind came and blew down the house, and all were killed; only one servant escaped to tell their father of this dreadful sorrow. We are not told if the sons did speak against God that day, but if they had not spoken for His honor, they lost their chance to do so, they were not left to grow old; the storm came suddenly as such storms do. Even such a good father as Job could not save his children. God has said,

“If I send pestilence into that land, and pain out My fury upon it ... . to cut off from it man and beast. Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter.” Ezekiel 14:19, 20.

No fathers now, can save their boys or girls from danger, or their souls from God’s judgment; they can only tell them, and pray for them. Every boy must believe the Lord for himself, every girl must believe for herself; God’s words to each one are,

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

There are sons and daughters now, who may know God’s ways better than Job’s family, who put off speaking for Him until they are old or death comes. It is so much happier to

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Eccles, 12:1.

There is something else for us to notice in the feasts of Job’s sons: there were poor children in the land of Uz, there were widows, orphans, lame and blind people, whom Job helped (chapt. 29:12-16), and his sons and daughters could have helped also; instead, they were feasting and honoring themselves. Do you not suppose there are now poor children, widows, lame or blind people in every land whom those who love the Lord can help, not to give them feasts, but to supply some needs, comfort, and tell them of Jesus; instead of “each on his day” making a feast and honoring one another? (See Luke 14:12, 13).

ML 04/14/1940

The Sparrow's Song

I’m only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

My life is of little value,

But there’s One who cares for me.

He gave me a coat of feathers—

It is very plain, I know;

With never a speck of crimson,

For it was not made for show.

But it keeps me warm in winter,

And it shields me from the rain;

If bordered with gold or purple,

Perhaps it would make me vain.

And now that the spring-time cometh,

I will build a little nest,

With many a chirp of pleasure,

In the spot I like the best.

I have neither barn nor store-house,

And I neither sow nor reap;

God gives me a sparrow’s portion,

But never a seed to keep.

If my meal is sometimes scanty,

Close picking makes it sweet;

I’ve always enough to feed me,

And life is more than meat.

I know there are many sparrows—

All over the world were found,

But the Father in heaven knoweth,

When one of us falls to the ground.

Though small, we’re never forgotten,

Though weak, we’re never afraid,

The Father in heaven keepeth

The life of the creatures He made.

I fly through the thickest forest,

I light on many a spray,

I have no chart, nor a compass,

But I never lose my way.

And I fold my wings at twilight,

Wherever I happen to be,

The Father in heaven watcheth,

And no harm can come to me.

I’m only a little sparrow,

A bird of low degree;

But I know my Father loves me,

Dost thou know His love for Thee?

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” Luke 12:6.

“FEAR YE NOT THEREFORE; YE ARE OF MORE VALUE THAN MANY SPARROWS.” Luke 12:6.

ML 04/21/1940

Why Hettie Was Happy

Most girls would have thought that Hettie B. had not much to make her happy. She had few friends, and had passed through many trials in her brief life. But the truth of the whole matter was that Hettie was a Christian. There was often a song on her lips, and Mrs. Adams was wont to say, “The kitchen is the brightest room in the house.”

“What a sunshiny disposition your little kitchen girl has!” guests would sometimes say to Mrs. Adams. And the mistress, who knew well the secret of Hettie’s happiness, always answered,

“Yes, it is the sunshine of God’s love in her heart.”

“Hettie,” Mrs. Adam asked one day, “why are you always se happy?”

“Why, ma’am,” she answered, “Jesus loves me, and isn’t that enough to make any one happy.”

“But how do you know He loves you, Hattie?” continued Mrs. Adams,

“He said so, and I couldn’t doubt His Word.”

“Then you think He never forgets, Hettie?” Her face lit up, with a smile.

“O, that is the beauty of such love; we forget sometimes, but He never does.”

“But, Hettie, don’t you ever feel lonely?”

“Not while He is with me; but sometimes when I forget His great love, I repine.”

“Well,” said Mrs. Adams to herself as she stepped out of the kitchen, “what grace He has bestowed upon this girl!”

While Hettie may be a poor kitchen girl, as we view things, yet hereafter a great reward awaits her.

ML 04/21/1940

"Jesus Loves Lizzie"

Lizzie was a child of four-and-a-half years old. An evangelist visited her native town, Scotland, and set up his canvas tent on the town links.

Lizzie spent much of her time on these links with her little playmates, and when the “good man’s show,” as she called it. came, they all attended the children’s service in the tent.

There the thought of Jesus’ love to her came with a power as great as it was new. No words were so often on her lips now as,

“Jesus loves Lizzie, mamma,”

In pure, childish joy she would, when, as she thought, alone and unobserved, clap her little hands, and say to herself, “Jesus loves little Lizzie.,”

Sometimes she would be overheard telling her little baby brother, as if he should understand her, and enter into her joy, “Yes, Willie, Jesus loves little Lizzie.”

It became more and more manifest that the Holy Spirit was the child’s teacher, and love to Jesus had filled her heart.

On the Lord’s day, seeing the people going to hear the Word of God, she went to her mother, eagerly asking that she might be dressed to go. None from that house had ever gone; but so earnestly did she press her mother to get her ready, that the mother promised when she got a new dress for her she would not only let her go, but would go with her.

Thinking over her lack of a new dress, and that such a thing should stand between her getting to a place where she could hear about Jesus, she said to her mother—

“Well, mamma, father won’t bring me a new dress, but Jesus is going to give me a dress.”

“Did you tell her of these things?” we asked the mother some time after.

“No, I did not,” was the reply.

“Who, then, spoke to her of them?” we asked. The mother did not know.

Wishing to know if the dear child knew anything of prayer, we asked, “Did Lizzie pray?”

“O yes,” was the reply.

Are you a young worker in the Lord’s vineyard? Then never consider any case hopeless, and no living person too ignorant or too young to be the subject of the saving change. Remember, that it is yours to sow the seed. ‘Tis God’s to give the increase.

Are you a believer? Then let the truth that thrilled Lizzie’s heart be more heartily and fully received by you. The Lord Jesus loves you.

Are you still ignorant of His love? O, hear Him who says,

“As I live ... .I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezek. 33:11.

“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.

O what love! To have provided such a Saviour; and now He offers Him to you with all that He is. Is that not love?

“Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. (22: 17.

ML 04/21/1940

Are You Ready?

I had one night been to a meeting, addressed by a Mr, B— , and some words which he spoke greatly impressed me. I went home from that meeting in a different state of mind, but not saved. I went to bed, and to sleep. I slept with my elder sister at the time.

In the night I awoke, to find the bed occupied only by myself. Then it struck me. Had Jesus really come and left me behind? O, how miserable I felt! I listened for the sound of voices (for my mother and sisters were Christians). But I could hear nothing, all was dark and still. I went out to the landing on the stairs and listened. Hark! was that not my mother’s voice? O! joy! It was.

I went into my room, and, falling on my knees, I asked God to forgive me, and to make me His little child. And He did I heartily thank God that Jesus did not come then. But I am willing now to go whenever it is His will. “Yet a little while, and He that shall. come, will come, and will not tarry.” Heb. 10:37.

“They that were ready went in with Him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Matt. 25.10.

ML 04/21/1940

"My Book"

Little Emmie was left in a room for a few minutes with a gentleman. Wishing to entertain him in her father’s absence, she took up from the table his pocket Bible, and said,

“Would you like to read a little from this—this is my father’s Book, Mr, H. I don’t often see him reading any other.”

Emmie grew up, and at twelve years of age found the Lord Jesus as her own Saviour; and then the Bible became her Book, as it had been her father’s. From it she gained the guidance and direction she needed day by day. By it her heart was cheered in trouble, and her sorrow turned to joy. Through it she grew in grace„ and in the knowledge of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Can you say, “It is my Book too—the Book of books to me?” Treasure its words and precepts more and more. Remember the words of the aged apostle Paul to his beloved child, Timothy,

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

ML 04/21/1940

More Trouble to Job

Job 2

When Job heard of the loss of his animals, and the death of his sons and daughters, all in one day, he was very, very grieved; yet he did not speak against God, as Satan said he would, instead Job said,

“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

But Satan was not satisfied with all that sorrow to job; he wished him to have still more trouble, and said Job would then speak against God. This shows Satan’s awful wickedness, wanting Job to dishonor the Lord.

Satan was allowed by God to cause more trouble to Job: this time he sent him dreadful boils; even one such sore would have been bad, but Job had so many that they were from “the sole of his foot to the crown of his head:” He could get no rest and was so distressed that he sat down among ashes, showing his utter misery.

It is not easy to be patient in pain, and sometimes people blame God for their troubles, but Job honored God by being patient, and he did not once speak against Him, although his wife, who should have comforted him, was so wrong as to tell him to curse God.

So Job again proved that Satan had spoken falsely; and we do not read that Satan tried to send more trouble to him, Satan still tries to have people dishonor God; he even tried to tempt the Lord Jesus to do so. However his power was broken by the death of Jesus, and he is to be finally punished (Heb. 2:14; Rev, 20:10).

Not all our troubles are by Satan; we may cause trouble by our own sinful hearts (see James 1:12-18); but when we are tempted to dishonor the Lord, we may know it is what Satan wishes.

It was God’s wish to do good to Job, more than Job had known before, as we shall see later. But, first, there was something He wished Job to learn by his troubles, and we find more of that in the next chapters. Here are words about Job written many hundreds of years after he lived:

“Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy.” James 5:11.

Who came to visit Job, and how long did they sit without speaking, and why? (Job 2:11, 12, 13).

These verses tell us how to “resist’ Satan: (1 Peter 5:8, 9, and Eph. 6:11-17).

ML 04/21/1940

Just a Peep

Ah! they have caught him, just taking a peep while playing at blind man’s buff. But this is not fair, it is cheating they say because he is uncovering his eyes so as to see where they are, while he pretends to have his eyes covered all the time. He is trying to deceive them. Some may think this does not matter much, because it is only at play: but acting a lie is as bad as telling a lie, and if it is allowed in play, it will soon be thought nothing of in connection with what is not play.

Well, God is so, thoroughly just and right in everything, that He cannot allow even that sin to go unpunished: so what will we do, dear children? Must we hear the punishment ourselves? No, we need not, for the word is, “HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES: THE CHASTISEMENT OF OUR PEACE WAS UPON HIM; AND WITH HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED.” Isaiah 53:5.

“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.

O, what a wonderful thing this is, and how thankful we, who believe, should be to Him who has borne the punishment from God for our sins, so that we should never have to bear it. He said on the cross, “It is finished.” Then instead of perishing, we receive “everlasting life.”

If you believe in Jesus as your own Saviour, may you not only thank Him for what He has done for you, but may you seek in all your ways to please Him.

ML 04/28/1940

The Brave Lady

“Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22.

I think little girls and boys often like to hear about grown up people, as well as about children, so I am going to tell them of a lady who loved Jesus, and how He made her strong to act for Him. This lady lived some distance from a town, in a quiet lonely spot, and one day her husband was obliged to ride away from home on business, leaving her quite alone in the house. She had not even a servant with her, but her husband said he hoped to be back before night.

When it began to grow dark, the lady thought she heard her husband coming, and ran down-stairs to meet him, but, to her surprise, she saw two strange men instead, who were robbers, and who had forced their way into the house. They came forward, and seizing her roughly, said, that if she did not give up all the money in the house, they would immediately shoot her.

The lady told them she had no money, but did not fear them or their pistols, for if they took her life, she would at once be safely at home with Jesus, who loved her and gave Himself for her. This made them angry, so they began to load the pistol, telling her that unless she gave them what they wanted, they would shoot her in five minutes.

But the lady knew that the Lord Jesus was with her, and this took away all fear for herself, and made her think of the poor sinful men before her, whom God would judge. She looked up calmly in their faces and said, “If you kill me you will do me no harm, but I fear for your own souls, because the eye of God is upon you.”

She then told them about the love of Jesus, in coming down to this earth to the for sinners, just to seek and to save such guilty ones as they were, though the wrath of God was upon them for their wickedness.

As she spake, the men trembled, and when she finished speaking, she knelt down and began to ask God aloud to keep them from the great sin of killing her, and to save their souls. While she was praying, the robbers silently walked away for God was touching their hearts, and they felt their sinfulness. They felt also that His great power was keeping them from hurting the lady, because she trusted in Him, so they went out quietly and shut the door, leaving her quite alone. The lady was praying so earnestly, that she did not hear them go, but when she ceased, and looked round, she knew that God had sent them away, and saved her life, so she thanked Him joyfully for His love and care over her. While she did this, her husband came home, and she told him all that had taken place, and they praised God together with thankful hearts.

Now this story makes me think of the time when God shut the mouths of the lions, when Daniel was thrown into the den, because he trusted in Him.

The lady knew in her heart that the Lord Jesus had forgiven her all her sins, and that He was with her, though she could not see Him, so she was able to trust Him to do what was best for her This is what made her so brave.

There are many girls and boys, who can say, like the lady, that Jesus has saved them, and that they do not fear to die, or to hear that He will soon come to call His people Home to Him; but there are others who cannot say their sins are forgiven, am so they do not love Jesus, or want to meet Him.

Now if any boy or girl who reads this paper would like to know the way to come, to Jesus, and be sure they belong to Him, let me tell them what coming to Him means, and how easy it is to be quite sure of being saved.

Coming to Him only means believing that His blood has put away your sins out of God’s sight, so that you can never be punished for them, fir Jesus was punished instead of you, when He died upon the cross. The moment you believe this, you are forgiven, and have a new life. for Jesus says,

“He that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life.” John 6:47.

You see this can make you quite sure you belong to Him, and will make you love and thank Him, for His great love to you.

But I have said enough for this time, and will close, leaving a little text with you to remember.

“We love Him, because He first loved us.”1 John 4:1 9.

ML 04/28/1940

Two Roads

Dear reader, you and I are traveling to Eternity—each moment brings us nearer. The Lord Jesus, when upon earth, said,

“BROAD is the way that leadeth to DESTRUCTION, and many there be which go in thereat.

NARROW is the way which leadeth unto LIFE, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7:13, 14.

ML 04/28/1940

"Jesus-For-Me"

Johnnie, can you read?” asked a servant of the Lord of a boy who was anxious about his soul.

“Yes, a little bit, sir.”

“See if you can find and read 1 Peter 3:18. O! here it is! Now read it, Johnnie.” Johnnie then read it, “

Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”

“That was nicely read, my boy. But I suppose you don’t know Greek?”

“No, I scarcely know English yet!”

“Well said. But if you ever do learn to read your Greek Testament, you will find that in this passage ‘just’ is in the singular, and ‘unjust’ is in the plural. You know what singular means?”

“It means one—only one.”

“That’s right. And what does plural. You know what singular means?”

“It means one—only one.”

“That’s right. And what does plural mean?”

“More than one.”

“It does. Now who is the singular in this Scripture —who is the just One?”

“Jesus.”

“Yes, Jesus. And who are those in the plural—who are the unjust ones?” “Everybody,”

“That includes you, does it not?” “Yes,” said Johnnie, looking quite sad. “And what about the ‘us’— ‘that he might bring us to God?’ Does that include you too

“I suppose it does, sir.”

“Don’t suppose, Johnnie, be sure. Think about it. Are you included in the ‘us’?”

Johnnie did think, and presently he said, slowly, thoughtfully, believingly,

“I see it now. Yes, I’m sure of it now. I am not left out. I am one of ‘the unjust ones’ and I am one of the ‘us’ too.”

Thus Johnnie accepted Jesus as his Saviour. And when he wrote his name in his Bible, what do you think he wrote?

JOHNNIE JONES,

Jesus—for—me

“The Just for the unjust”

And you, dear boy and girl, if you receive Jesus as your own Saviour, can write under your name,

“Jesus—for—me.”

ML 04/28/1940

God is Love

Who holds me with His mighty arm,

And keeps me day by day from harm?

Who guards me while I sleep at night,

And bids me wake, with heart so light?

Who gives me health, and clothes and food,

And lets me want for nothing good?

‘Tis God, the God who dwells above,

That does it all—for “God is Love.”

Who gave the blessed Book to me,

To tell me what I ought to be?

Who calls a little sinful child

In words so sweet and voice so mild?

Who bids me come to Christ and live,

And He will all my sins forgive?

‘Tis God, the God who dwells above,

That speaks it all—for “God is Love.”

ML 04/28/1940

Extract

“Perhaps it’s not so much the greatness of your trouble as the littleness of your spirit that makes you complain.”

ML 04/28/1940

Job and His Friends

Job 2-6

There were three men, who were friends of Job, who heard of his troubles and came to visit and comfort him. But when they saw him so wretched, all covered with the dreadful sores, sitting on the ground, they realized his great sorrow and could not say a word to help him.; they could only weep and tear their clothes to show their sympathy, and sat down on the ground beside him.

At last after seven days and nights lob spoke to his friends and told them his thoughts; then one of them gave a long talk, which Job answered; afterward the other men spoke, and each time job made a long answer. These talks are interesting and show the men had great wisdom. We would not expect these men to talk together in poetry, yet their talks are all a form of poetry.

It is thought that Job and his friends were of the early men of earth, living before, Abraham, and that his story is the oldest of any writing: now known; no one has the original writing, but the old copies were carefully copied and kept, century after century, as other scriptures.

Some people now, who do not fully believe the Bible, say that the early people of the world were very ignorant; that it was thousands of years before people were intelligent or had things of skill, living in caves or huts. Yet Job and his friends spoke of houses, cities, ships, of kings, princes, judges, and nations, of the mining of gold, silver and iron, of a weaver’s shuttle, of instruments of music, of the writing of words, and of a “swift post”, which means the carrying. of letters to others; all of these show intelligence. They spoke very beautifully of the wonders of the sun, moon and stars, and of all nature. They believed in God and wish to honor Him.

But there was something these wise men did not know, that was, that there was. pride in their hearts, and that no one could be fit for God by his own goodness; they had also forgotten that God was ready to bless and forgive, which He had shown to the very first man, Adam (Genesis 4:7). Job had been very patient for a long time in his troubles, but at last he was discouraged, because He did not think of God’s goodness, and even wished he were not alive. His friends thought God was a hard Judge, and that He was punishing Job for sin, but they did not think of their own sins, so they could not comfort job, although they said many true words.

The friends’ names were Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.

Could Satan take Job’s life? (Job 2:6).

What did Eliphaz say God does “without number”? (Job 5:9); a verse for us to think about:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jer. 17:9.

ML 04/28/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Children’s Class”

1.“For God,” etc. Matt. 15:4.

2.“Shouldest not,” etc. 18:33.

3.“But he that,” etc. 13:23.

4. “But I say.” etc. 12:5.

5. “At that time.” etc. 11:25.

6. And Simon Peter,” etc. 16:16.

7. “And whosoever,” etc. 10:42.

Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke, Chapters 1-12

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “In thee I am well pleased.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The certainty of those things.”

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Be ye therefore ready also.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, “And spake of his decease.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “He fell down at Jesus,’ knees.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Which of them will love him most?”

7. If the seventy disciples were not to rejoice that the spirits were subject unto them, in what were they to rejoice?

Answers to Bible Questions for February

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Beheaded by Herod in orison. Matt. 14:10.

2.They are cast into the furnace of fire. Matt. 13:50.

3.He is not worthy of Him. Matt. 10:37.

4.He to whom the Son reveals Him. Matt. 11:27.

5.She took the place of a dog, Matt. 15:27.

6. The Lord’s supremacy over Moses (the law), and Elijah (the prophets). Matt, 17:1-5.

7. Matthew 18:20.

Bible Questions for May

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke, Chapters 1-12

1. In what detail did the Lord show His sanction for order?

2.Where are we to show what great things God has done for us?

3.Who was one of the greatest prophets ever born?

4.Whom did our Lord come to call?

5.Did the child Jesus teach the doctors in the temple?

6.Did Mary need a Saviour?

7. Whom did God call a fool?

ML 05/05/1940

Too Proud to be Seen There

Foolish parents teach their, sons and daughters to look down upon those whom they regard as being beneath them in social scale, and often lead them to ruin for time and eternity. Such a case came under my notice not long ago, in the case of a young, gay girl, the daughter of the parents who considered themselves of the “upper classes,” and more anxious to preserve the “caste” of their sons and daughters, than to ensure their morals, or secure their salvation.

The daughters of a neighboring family, who were in quite as good a position socially as the other, invited this fair but thoughtless girl to a Gospel Service, conducted by a well-known preacher in their vicinity. The only desire of these Christian girls was, that the fragile girl might hear of something to give her the joy and satisfaction she sought for in vain in the gay scenes which she was in the habit of frequenting, but to their invitation she gave the stinging reply that “only very common people went there.”

Pride of rank, as in the days of old, forbade her to mingle with the “common people” who, as in the days of Christ’s earthly ministry, “heard Him gladly.”

Poor, proud thing! little did she think that within two brief weeks of that night, her fragile form would be laid beneath the sod, right among the “common people” in the village graveyard, and her soul in the world beyond.

Do not let pride of rank, pride of family, pride of personal beauty, or any other form of pride, lead you to a lost eternity, to lament your folly in rejecting God’s full and free salvation forever. True, you will not be saved as “one of the better class,” not even as a moral or a religious sinner, bot—if you are willing to take your place as one of the common people” —a sinner for whom Christ died, then, as such, there is salvation for you, for it was to save sinners that Christ Jesus came into the world.

ML 05/05/1940

"He Died for Me"

At the close of a children’s meeting during which the preacher had spoken much of the love of Jesus, and what He had done out of love for sinners, a little boy was asked,

“Can you tell me what Jesus has done?”

With a bright smile, the little fellow looked up into the questioner’s face an said,

“He died for me!”

Happy child! In the simplicity of faith he had believed the glad tidings concerning Jesus, the mighty Saviour; and the value of that wonderful work ‘Jesus finished on Calvary’s cross was for him.

Dear boys and girls, can you say the same in truth? Can you say, like the beloved Apostle Paul,

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

How precious this makes Jesus to us, and how worthy He is of our confiding trust!

ML 05/05/1940

Jesus Near

JESUS is always near me,

And loves me night and day,

And He will always hear me,

And answer when I pray.

I cannot hear Him moving

Beside me as I go,

Or see His face so loving,

But He is near, I know.

ML 05/05/1940

The Beauties of Nature

If you’re traveling through the mountains

With their snow-capped peaks of white

Towering high and gleaming brightly

With a million beams of light,

Can you tell just how they came there

With the valleys in between?

And just why the peaks are snow-clad

And the valleys rich in green?

‘Tis the handiwork of God.

Yes, the flowers, the trees, the mountains,

All bespeak God’s love and power,

And the heavens in all their splendor

Breathe His glory, hour by hour,

May our hearts be ever grateful

To the One Who made them all

And our ears be ever open

To fits tender, loving call.

“IN THE BEGINNING GOD CRTED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH.” Genesis 1:1.

ML 05/05/1940

Job and His Friends

Job 6-23

There were ever so many questions asked by job and his friends in their talks tether; but few of the questions were answered in the talks; each man could answer them in his own thoughts. Perhaps you would like to try to answer some of their questions:

“Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder?

“Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg?” Chapter 6:5, 6.

“Can a rush grow up without mire?”

“Can the flag (a water plant) grow without water?” Chapter 8:11.

“How should man be just with God?” Chapter 9:2.

This last question could never be answered except that God forgives sin and counts those who, trust Him just, because Another took the punishment for them, One question Job asked, he answered right away; he said: “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Chapter 14:4.

One question Job asked he answered in a later talk, he asked,

“If a man die shall he live again?” Chapter 14:11.

Afterward he spoke of living again after death, he said,

“But as for me I know that my Redeemer liveth,

And at last He will stand up upon the earth:

And after my skin, even this body is destroyed,

Yet from out of my flesh shall I see God” Chapter 19:25, 26. (N, T.).

Those words show that Job believed his soul would live again after death and he would then see the Lord; many since who wait to see the Lord have repeated and enjoyed those words of Job.

Job’s friends seemed to think of God only as One who punished sin, and because Job had so much sorrow they thought he must have sinned greatly, which was not true. At first, the leader, Eliphaz, had spoken of Job’s help to others but in his last talk he said that Job’s wickedness was great, saying he had taken what was not his and had not helped the hungry or the poor. Chapter 22:5-10. Zophar even said that Job had not been punished as much as his iniquity (sins) deserved. Chapter 11:6.

Others also seemed to scorn Job and because of the dreadful sores, even his relatives and servants did not care to come near or help him. (Chapter 19:14-20).

Even if Job had done wrong, he was in such sorrow that his friends and relatives should have treated him kindly. Perhaps the manner of the men was even more unkind than their words. So their very wisest words could not comfort him: and at last Job said, “Have pity upon me O ye my friends: for the hand of God hath touched me.” Chapter 19:21. Yet we read that the men said much more to him.

What did Job say “are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle?” Ans. Chapter 7:6.

What wish of Job was fulfilled by the Book of Job? Ans. Chapter 19:23.

ML 05/05/1940

The Hippopotamus

This enormous animal, sometimes called the River Horse, is native of various parts of Africa, and is always found either in the water or in its near vicinity.

The skin is covered with a vast number of pores from which comes a thick oily liquid, which effectually protects him from the injurious effects of the water in which he is so constantly immersed. Thus we see God made him fit to live in water. He has also prepared him with teeth which have a terrific appearance, but are only intended to cut grass, which he can do as neatly as if it were mown with a scythe: and he is also able to sever, as if with shears, a tolerably stout and thick stem.

Its stomach is capable of holding five or six bushels of food. So we see the wisdom in the whole design—the mouth and teeth suitable for the stomach, and the stomach suitable to digest enough food to support such a large body.

We have seen God’s power and wisdom as Creator in our sketch of the Hippopotamus; but many of our readers can tell us, His love was shown to us when He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross in our stead, to deliver us from the wrath and judgment we deserved for our many sins. So the Scripture says, “IN THIS WAS MANIFEST THE LOVE OF GOD TOWARD US, BECAUSE THAT GOD SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON INTO T H E WORLD, THAT WE MIGHT LIVE THROUGH HIM.” 1 John 4:9.

ML 05/12/1940

For the Whole World

The Sin of mankind is the same in kind, though not in degree, all the wide world over. White man, black man, red man, yellow man, differ in much, but they are all alike in this, that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

The Ransom of Christ, His atoning death for sin and sinners, avails “for all,” and He is the propitiation for “the whole world” (1 John 2:2). So none need perish, since Christ has died for all.

The Gospel is for “all the world,’’ and to “every creature” in it (Mark 16:15). There is salvation provided for all, and all are invited, “whosoever will” commanded to “take” it, without cause, and apart from merit.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Hire should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

ML 05/12/1940

God Answered Anna's Prayer

“What shall we do, Marie?”

“Do? Why, let the poor maid come and live with us,” said his wife.

“But it is hard enough to make ends meet, and what will it be with another mouth to feed?”

“Fear not. It is but little we can offer her—only a roof over her head and a share of our bread—but it will be a home and a shelter for the poor girl.”

So it was settled, and Anna Braden, homeless, almost friendless, found a home with the poor working man and his wife who lived on the sea coast.

She could have been happy in her new home with her warm-hearted friends, but the thought of their poverty-weighed on her, and she could not bear to think how she added to their burdens, but she knew who to go to for help. She would go down to the seashore and pray to her heavenly Father.

“O God send help to my poor friends, in need,” she prayed.

No voice spoke in answer to her cry, in her heart a still small voice whispered, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith believing, ye shall receive” Matt. 21:22.

As she looked she saw a bottle floating in the water, coming nearer and nearer the shore. In a little while she laid hold of it.

She saw there was something in it and she drew out the cork.

There were no less than thirty slips of paper, each one containing a promise to the finder of the bottle. By sending their address to the different signatures and their addresses, they would send the varied things mentioned. They read,

“Ten sacks of flour will be sent to the address of the finder of this bottle on application to,” then followed a merchant’s name and address. On another, five kegs of butter; on another, ten cases of eggs, and so on, and in wonder and amazement Anna read the thirty promises. Anna thought, “It is too good to be true, but I will just try one promise.”

Choosing the slip promising ten sacks of flour, Anna sent the slip and her own address to the merchant whose name was on it. Then she waited: but not a word did she utter to Carl or Marie of her strange discovery lest they should be disappointed.

A few days later a message came from the station-master.

“There are ten sacks here waiting for you; bring a wagon and take them away.”

The little cottage was a place of joy and praise and thanks to God on that wonderful day. Carl borrowed a horse and cart from a neighbor and brought home the treasure, while tears of joy ran down the women’s faces.

“Anna, Anna, what a blessing; you have brought!” said Marie. And Anna remembered her prayer to God and the wonderful answer, and thanksgiving and worship went up to Him.

Poverty was now a stranger in the little house by the sea. One sack supplied their needs, and the rest were sold and brought in a welcome sum of money. But this was not the end. Anna took her precious slips of paper—twenty-nine now and sent them all to their addresses.

A few days later the little station was a scene of great excitement. The station master was astonished to find his platform covered with huge stores of provisions of all kinds, and of the very best quality.

“Well, well, it is very strange—and they are all addressed to Anna Braden. Truly it is wonderful!”

But there was no mistake, and Anna Braden was a rich girl in the eyes of the wondering villagers. Excitement increased when a little later a gentleman arrived and was directed to where Anna lived.

He explained the mystery of the bottle to them. He said,

“You have heard of the new canal which has just been opened in K.? Well, it was to celebrate this event that thirty of us merchants met at a banquet. There it was agreed—as a joke—that we should each put our promise on a slip of paper and placing it in a well corked bottle, commit it to the waves and see where it would land.”

What these merchants had done purely for their own amusement, God had overruled for His own purpose and blessing of His children, and the waves of the sea had brought it to the very feet of the child of God, even when her prayer was going up to Him. Truly before she called God had answered.

“It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and While they are yet speaking. I will hear.” Isa. 65:24.

ML 05/12/1940

Trust Him Now!

A grand event will soon take place, dear children, for which Christians eagerly wait it is the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. But this event, which will introduce believers into eternal happiness, will be the forerunner of the judgement for all those, young or old, who have refused to receive Jesus as their Saviour.

The child of who, I am going to write was ready to meet the Lord at His coming for he said,

“I trust Him now, and long for the time when I shall be with Him.”

Albert had often thought how he would like to be among those who will be living when the Lord comes. But it was God’s good pleasure that he should first pass through death, and that after much suffering. But God gave him patience in his pain, and he did not murmur, because his soul was in peace. He once said to his mother, who reminded him of the sufferings of Christ,

“Ah! mine are nothing beside His, and I can bear them patiently for Him.”

It was not only when Albert was ill that he thus witnessed for Jesus, for before his illness his daily conduct showed that he had passed from death unto life. Not that he was always sad. O, no! Like other children he was bright and cheerful, but he had found a happiness above any that the world can furnish, and he could say, “Life is sweet, but Jesus is much more precious.”

No doubt: you say, “Life is sweet,” but can you add, “Jesus is much more precious”? To know and love Jesus will not make your life less happy. On the contrary, a brightness will illuminate it which will last through all eternity.

One day Albert asked his mother to sing a hymn commencing—

“Nothing, O Lord, now Thee I know,

Can satisfy me here below,”

and he sang as long as his feeble voice would allow him. His mother also sang—

“Jesus, our Redeemer, soon will take is home;

For His waiting loved ones He from heaven will come.”

“Yes,” said Albert, “that will be a happy moment. I am ready to go with Him.” Dear children, can each of you say, “I trust Him now?” Albert is now with Jesus, and his parents are waiting for the day when they will meet him in the presence of the Lord. Will you be there? Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet Him? Come to Him now, and you will be ready Jesus has said,

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

ML 05/12/1940

The Wonders of Nature

Job 23-27

Job spoke much of God’s great works in creation, of the earth, sea, clouds, and their wonders. Notice these words:

“He (God) stretcheth out the north over the empty space, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.”

Men of science now who have instruments to measure with and many books to study, cannot tell these facts of the earth’s position better than Job did so long ago.

“He bindeth up the waters in His thick clouds, and the cloud is not rent” (torn).

Is it not a great wonder that the clouds hold the heavy showers of rain for all the earth?

“He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.”

If you have ever watched great ocean waves come up on the beach, you know how true that is. At first when you see the waves coming toward you so swiftly with their great roar, you think they will never stop; but they do, for the bounds have been set, and are the same year after year.

“He hath garnished (ornamented) the heavens.”

That means the sky we see above us and what is more beautiful than to see the moon and stars on a clear night! Their beauty can be seen from ships, from deserts, or from lands of snow and ice where no other beauties are seen. The sun also “garnishes the heavens”, although we do not think as much of its beauty as of its majesty, and of its light and heat (without which we could not live) but, except for the sun, we could not have or see the beauties of trees, plants and all else; even the light of the moon is light reflected front the sun.

“His hand hath formed the crooked serpent.” A serpent, crawling on the earth, is very opposite from the heavens, vet God formed it also as He did all the animals, birds and insects.

“Lo these are parts of God’s ways.” Job knew he had not spoken of all God’s works.

We do not know if Job had any written words of God, but the words of God he had heard, he prized. He wished for God to show him why he had such troubles, and said,

“He knoweth the way that I take, when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Chapter. 23:10.

Gold is carefully separated from less valuable minerals or from dirt by washings, and it can safely pass through fire. And Job felt that God would keep him in spite of his troubles.

What did Job “esteem” more than his “necessary food”? (Chapter 23.12).

Which friend of Job gave the shortest and last talk? (Chapter, 25). Read chapter 26 in your Bible.

ML 05/12/1940

The Bible

No book for our souls like the Bible,

Everything else may deceive;

Reading the true words of Jesus,

What can we do but believe?

No book for our hearts like the Bible,

Telling the kindness of God;

Proving that sinners are pardoned,

Ransomed and purchased by blood.

No book for our path, like the Bible,

Showing where sin leads astray;

Pointing our eyes of to Jesus,

The Light, the Life, and the Way.

O, what can compare with the Bible,

Spreading its blessings around,

Pouring out streams of salvation

Just where poor sinners are found.

ML 05/12/1940

The Milk of the Word

What a nice picture we have before us today in these Jersey Beauties. They are well cared for. Apparently the young girl has brought them along with the goat, to the creek for a drink and a cooling. The dog no doubt will watch them and keep them from going too far into the water.

In these cows and goat do we not see God’s wonderful care for boys and girls, older ones too, in providing milk for the, nourishment of our bodies? How thankful we should be to the Giver of every good and perfect gift!

There would be no growth for the babe, unless fed and nourished be milk, and we love to see baby grow. So it is with young believers, whom God calls babes in Christ. You know, dear ones, God has provided food for our souls, as well as for our bodies. There will be no growth of soul, unless we feed on God’s food,—the Bible. A young believer in a healthy condition will be hungry for God’s food.

“AS NEW BORN BABES, DESIRE THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY.” 1 Peter 1:25.

ML 05/19/1940

"Going Home to Die No More"

In one of the large cities of this continent, some earnest hearted Christians are in the habit of collecting little children together at four o’clock on Saturday afternoon, to tell them about Jesus; and through the truth taught in this way, hundreds of dear little ones have been brought to the knowledge of Jesus.

I want to tell you of one dear little boy who in this way was brought to Christ. He had a drunken father, for whom he often prayed; and one day as he knelt and poured out his heart in prayer to God for his conversion, who should come in but the father! He took him by the collar, pulled him up from his knees, and said,

“Let me hear no more of such praying, let me never catch you on your knees, praying like that again.” The boy looked up, and said,

“O, dear papa, I love you very much, and I love mamma, too; but I love that dear Jesus who died for me, better still, and I cannot help praying to Him; but I will not pray in the house as you do not wish it.”

And so that dear child, away among the trees of the garden, communed with his heavenly Father, and prayed fervently for the conversion of his father and mother, and often was he kept without food because he loved that blessed Saviour who had become so dear to his soul.

At length he became ill; and as he lay upon his dying bed, he called his mother and said,

“Dear Mamma, I am going away from this cold, cold room to my blessed home, where there shall be no night, and no need of a candle. I shall not be long down here. I am going to have all my tears wiped away, and be forever with the Lord; and I should like to see my dear papa once more before I go.”

She sent for her husband, (he was in a saloon,) and when he came in, he rested his elbow upon the mantel-piece, and looked vacantly over at his dying child.

“Do come near the bed, dear papa,” the little fellow said. He came over and bending his head down, said,

“So you are dying, my child.” “O no, papa, not dying, but I am going to my blessed; blessed home above, where we shall ‘die no more.’ Will you help me to sing that sweet hymn, papa,”

“I am going home to die no more.” “I cannot, I do not know it,” the father said.

“Will you join in the chorus?” He promised to try; and there stood the father and mother weeping bitterly, and the dear child comforting them.

“Do not cry for me, I am going home to that blessed place where tears shall be all wiped away.” And then, raising his sweet voice he sang—

We go the way that leads to God,

The path that saints have ever trod;

So let us leave this sinful shore,

For realms where we shall die no more.

The ways of God are ways of bliss,

And all His paths are happiness;

Then weeping souls, your grief give o’er,

We’re going home to weep no more.

Come, sinner, come, O come along,

And join our happy pilgrim throng;

Farewell, vain world and all your store,

We’re going home to die no more.

The father and mother promised to give their hearts to the same Saviour whom he loved, and go where they should die no more.

And, dear little children, may that precious Saviour be yours, too; so that when death comes, you may be able to go home to that blessed place where we shall DIE, NO MORE.”

ML 05/19/1940

Now, Not Tomorrow

An intelligent boy about twelve years of age, attending a meeting held for conversation and prayer, inquired of one who was assisting what he must do to be saved. He was told to go home, and read the Bible, and pray.

“But,” said the little fellow with deep emotion, “Sir, I am afraid I may die before I get home, and then it will be too late.”

The child was quite right in his reply, for “now is the accepted time;” the Bible nowhere invites sinners to come tomorrow. Today all that come to Jesus may have their sins forgiven through His name (Acts 10:4). This very hour you may become a child of God by believing in Him. (1 John 5:1)

Salvation now, this moment:

Then why, O, why delay? Now is the accepted hour,

Now is salvation’s day.

ML 05/19/1940

What a Tract Did

A son of one of the chiefs of Burdwain was converted by a single tract. He could not read, but he went to Rangoon, a distance of 250 miles; a missionary’s wife taught him to read, and he soon could read the tract through.

He took a basket full of tracts, and with much difficulty, preached the gospel at his own home, and was the means of bringing hundreds of people to the Lord Jesus Christ, to accept Him as their own Saviour, He was a man of influence, the people flocked to hear him; and in one year, 1500 natives were baptized. And all this through one little tract!

That tract cost one cent, O, whose cent was it? God alone knows. Perhaps it was the mite of some little girl; or perhaps it was the well-earned offering of some young boy. Yet, what a great blessing it was.

Now, dear reader, will you not make an effort to buy some good, gospel tracts, and send them out in one way or another? You may thus be used of the Lord to bring one or more dear people, young or old, to the Saviour. What precious Seed it was to sow, to bring forth fruit to God.

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

ML 05/19/1940

"Mind Where You Step, Father!"

One morning, when the snow lay on the ground about two inches deep, a little boy was going with his father to a neighboring village, about four miles distant from the town in which they lived, to see some friends, and to scatter the gospel tidings of God’s great salvation.

Ascending a hill, the little son of eight, who was walking behind his father, said, “Mind where you step, father I am coming behind, and am putting my feet right into your marks.” The father, turning to the little preacher, replied,

“All right, my boy; that means a good deal, and has a word of caution to every father,”

Little boys of eight, you can preach the truth to your fathers. You go, perhaps, to children’s meetings sometimes, and hear many things about God, and His wonderful love to the world (John 3:16). Now, remember what you hear, and carry the news away to others. The message that you carry may say, “Mind where you step,” and those who hear may “mind.”

But do you know what it is to be saved —saved by Christ?

Jesus died, Jesus lives, and He wants all to believe in Him.

ML 05/19/1940

True Obedience

A boy was tempted by some of his companions to pick some ripe cherries from a tree which his father had forbidden him to touch.

“You need not be afraid,” said they “for if your father should find out that you had taken them, he is so kind that he will not hurt you.”

“That is the very reason,” replied the boy, “why I should not touch them. It is true my father may not hurt me; yet my disobedience, I know, would hurt my father; and that would be worse to me than anything else.”

Was not that an excellent reason?

ML 05/19/1940

A Path Job Knew

Job 28-32

As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire, The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.”

We know those words of Job’s are true, our food is grown from the earth, and the food for all creatures; in the earth are the metals and precious stones, so valued; and out of the earth comes the fire of volcanoes. Then Job tells of a certain path:

“There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen: The lion’s whelps (young lions) have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.”

The vulture is an eagle with very keen sight, and, when flying high above, it can see a small animal, and swoop down to take it; yet it cannot see the path Job knew about; and the lion has not been in that path, though it is the strongest of animals, and, in lands where it is wild, goes whatever it pleases, hurting those in its way.

So the path Job knew was some different path than the paths of earth. What do you think that path was, and where did it lead? There is still such a path, and those who trust God walk in it through this world, but no natural eye sees it, so we call it “the path of faith.” This path is to heaven and all who believe the Lord will be is led there in safety. It is also the path of true wisdom. Job asks where it shall be found, He says it cannot be bought with gold, silver or precious stones. He does not mean a wisdom learned from school books, for he says,

“God understandeth the way thereof, and He knoweth the place thereof. For He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven, ... .He prepared it, yea and searched it out.”

“And unto man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.”

To “fear the Lord” does not exactly mean to be afraid; it means to reverence the Lord above all, whose greatness and power are beyond our knowing. If we believe Him, we will not be afraid, but choose His way. When we read in the New Testament of the Lord Jesus, we know God has “prepared” the way, for Jesus said,

“I am the Way,” John 14:6.

So Job spoke very beautifully of God’s way and power, but soon began to think again of his high position before his troubles came, and spoke much of his good deeds, and grieved at the unkindness of others, which all was true, but in thinking of all that, He also spoke as though God no longer thought of him (chapter 29:5), and we find front the next chapters that was not true. The Lord does not forget His people.

Read all of chapter 28 in the Bible. See how many names of metals and jewels you can find in chapter 28.

ML 05/19/1940

A Lost Lamb, Sought, Found and Set Free

One summer we visited a farmer, and one morning, at his desire, we went out to count the sheep and lambs.

We were sorry to find that one lamb was missing in the count. Close search was therefore at once made at the pools, open ditches and other dangerous places, and the stray lamb was at last found caught among the thorns and briars of the hedge, and a good deal out of sight. It was most interesting to see that when set free, it scampered off across the meadow to its own company, where it was evidently very happy, and its companions seemed not less pleased to see their young friend liberated, and with them again.

Dear young reader, have you yet really known yourself lost, found, freed, and have you reached your own company?

“If the Son ... shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

How delighted God’s dear children always are to see others saved and brought to be with them. Love likes company, and heaven is full of love.

“TEERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH,” Luke 15:10.

ML 05/26/1940

The Stolen Turnips

A farmers received a sum of money enclosed in a scrap of paper on which was written five words:

“For turnips I once stole.”

There was neither date nor place, but an admitted fact. Sin had found out the thief in time, and he tried to make amends. Wise person! Better face sin in time, than in Eternity,

“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Num. 32:23.

ML 05/26/1940

A Big Risk

Some time ago I was on a steamer taking a trip to the Menai Straits. The weather was fairly Fine with a moderate breeze blowing, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

On the way out we had noticed quite a number of small racing yachts, and with their white sails they looked very pretty. When we returned, rain began to fall, and so most of the passengers retired to the lounge or some sheltered spot.

Presently, the steamer, for some reason which we could not make out, slowed down almost to a dead stop. What could be the matter? Then a sudden rush of the passengers to the front and side of the steamer, I among the number, of course.

We soon saw what was the cause of the excitement. In the water, almost touching the side of the steamer, was one of the small yachts. There was a race on, and it would appear this particular yacht was, very anxious to cut across in front of the steamer so as to get to the opposite side of the Strait without being delayed in any way. It was a foolish risk to take, but it was taken, and it nearly cost the lives of the occupants of the yacht, for it was practically filled with water which came from the swell of the steamer.

The captain of the steamer, seeing the danger, stopped his vessel and promptly gave orders for a boat to be lowered and go to the rescue.

One of the occupants of the yacht, a lady, pluckily hanging in the water on to the outside of the yacht, managed to keep it from keeling over and so save it from immediately sinking. The yacht sailed slowly away, every moment threatening to capsize in the gale owing to the quantity of water it had shipped. Then a small motor boat rushed out to the rescue and we journeyed on our way, the small yacht just managing with exceeding difficulty to reach the shore in safety. But it was a near shave and an unnecessary risk.

The incident reminded me of the risk that so many boys and girls run in the matter of their souls’ salvation. Each one of my readers has a soul which will live forever in one of two places, heaven or hell; yet the awful risk that is run is totally unnecessary.

The Lord Jesus Christ wants to bless you, wants to save you from your sins and take you one day to heaven. Sin can never enter there, Satan does not mind how much you sin and only wants to get you to dwell with him. Whom are you going to choose—the One who died on Calvary’s Cross to save you, or Satan?

Will you not trust Jesus and be safe forevermore? Do not think you can come to Jesus just when you like, at the last moments of your life, for you will be running the totally unnecessary risk of being lost. God’s promise is “that those that seek Me early shall find Me” (Prov. 8:17); so you come to Him now.

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

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

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

ML 05/26/1940

The Class at the Farm

Two girls were cleaning their door-step one morning, as a farmer’s wife passed. Taking a step back, she said,

“I see you are both busy, and I do not wish to detain you, but thought I might tell you of a Bible-class for young women at our farm on Sunday afternoons. If you are not engaged at that hour, I shall be glad to see you both there.”

The two girls were glad to accept the invitation, and the following Sunday they were in the circle of girls gathered to hear the Gospel. it was all new to them, and the Spirit of God used the word spoken to show them their sinful state.

Week after week they came, and as the Word searched them, the burden of sin, the conscious weight of it, increased, and the fear of coming judgment with it. One Sunday afternoon, Jeannie, the elder of the two, waited after the others had gone, and said to her teacher,

“My burden is gone now, Mrs. S—; I see Jesus has borne it away.”

Next week, Jeannie’s companion was saved, and both were exceedingly happy.

How delightful it was, to see the two girls tripping along the country road, Bible in hand, to town, making the woods echo with their song to Immanuel’s praise.

And now, though sundered by oceans from each other, they keep up a constant correspondence, seeking to help each other on along the heavenward way.

The same Gospel that removed Jeannie’s fears is within your reach, reader, today.

ML 05/26/1940

The Boy Who Broke the Window

Now, Reggie, you must not throw your ball toward people’s houses, and mind what I say,” Reggie said he would.

A day or two after this he went out for a walk with his mother, and on the way home he said, “Please, mother, don’t go up that way; we can go the other way.”

“But why, Reggie, don’t you want go home this way?”

“Well, mother, I don’t like; please do come the other way.” On returning to the house, someone was there waiting to see Reggie’s mother.

“Please, ma’am,” she said, “your little boy threw a ball and broke our window, and I came to get paid for it.”

Poor Reggie might say he would not do it again. He might even cry with true sorrow for what he had done. But there was the woman, and she waited to be paid for the broken window. Tears and repentance could not pay for a broken window. Reggie could not satisfy the woman’s demands, for he had nothing to pay her with. So his mother, because she loved her boy, paid the debt for him.

Perhaps my young friends have not broken a window, but, far worse, you have all broken God’s law—you have all sinned. Tears and prayers, and promises to do better, cannot make amends for your sin.

Poor Reggie’s tears and prayers could not mend or pay for the broken window, so someone else had to pay instead of him. just so Jesus Christ, because He loved us, came to earth, and with His precious blood paid the debt of sin for us; and now, if we believe in Jesus, God will save us, and own us as His own dear children. So long as Reggie’s debt was not paid, he was afraid to meet the woman.

Are you afraid to meet God? Then it is because your sins are not forgiven, because you haven’t truly believed in Jesus.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:8.

ML 05/26/1940

A Young Man's Talk

Job 22 and 33

While Job and his three friends talked together, another person had listened but had not spoken, this was a young man named Elihu. Because they were much older than he, Elihu showed great respect, not trying to tell his thoughts while they were speaking; but when they had no more to say, Elihu spoke. He knew Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had been wrong to accuse Job of evil which he had not done, and had spoken without kindness to him in his sorrow, and had also been very wrong to say that God was punishing job.

Elihu knew that Job also was wrong in boasting of his good deeds, and thinking that God had forgotten him, and had even said,

“He counteth me for His enemy.” Chapter 33:10.

Job and the three friends believed God’s great power; but did not know His care or mercy. Yet Job had wished someone would speak to God for him; and it was a proof of God’s care that Elihu was there to tell of God’s ways. (Chapters. 16:21 and 33:6).

God gave Elihu wisdom to know it was not His wish to punish people, but His great desire was to turn them from then, pride, and to save them from the punish-. went of sins. It was God “speaking” to them in sickness; sometimes in dreams, and by saving their lives in danger, to teach them not to be proud, but to believe in Him. Notice these words,

“He (God) speaketh once, yea twice. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, ... . He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.” Chapter 33:14,27,28.

Elihu said God had “found a ransom” to save people from “the pit” which means a place of punishment. A ransom is the price paid for a slave or a prisoner. Job’s own words show that even such; good man as he, was proud, so he needed one to save him from sin, and although he was rich, he could not pay a ransom for his sins. Another must pay the price for him.

Elihu did not know the name of the One to be the Ransom, but we know, for when God’s Son came to earth, an angel was sent to say, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.’’

And Jesus said He came “to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 1:21; Mark 10:45.

God still speaks to people; we have His words in the Bible, and most of all He has spoken by sending His Son. (Heb.1:1, 2.) There is also sickness and trouble, even for boys and girls, to teach us how helpless we are to save ourselves.

Although God speaks “once, yea twice’’, and perhaps more, He has not promised to keep on speaking. You do not wait to obey your father or mother until they speak many times; surely you must not wait when the Lord speaks dt is now we can say to Him, “I have sinned”. There is a time when even the “great Ransom” cannot save.

“Because there is wrath, beware lest He take thee away with His stroke, then a great ransom cannot deliver thee,” Job 36:18. (Read all of Job 33).

ML 05/26/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Children’s Class”

1. “Again, he sent,” etc. Matt. 22:4.

2. And these shall,” etc. 25:46.

3. “O Jerusalem,” etc. 23:37.

4. “Behold, we go,” etc. 20:18.

5. “Ye know that,” etc. 26:2.

6, And ‘Jesus came,” etc. 28:18.

7. “But Jesus said,” etc. 19:14.

Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Luke, Chapters 13-24

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Followed him, glorifying God,”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Joy in the presence of the angels of God.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The glorious things that were done by him.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I will send my beloved son.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, When the passover must he killed.’

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “He showed them his hands and hic feet.”

7. What does the Lord Jesus say as to the one who is faithful in that which is least?

Answers to Bible Questions for March

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Matt. 28:18.

2.They perish by the sword, Watt, 20:52.

3.They that were ready. Matt. 25:10.

4.Because we know not what hour our Lord may come. Matt. 24:42.

5.What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Matt. 19:6.

6.To minister, and to give His life. a ransom for many. Matt. 20:28.

7. Matt. 21:43.

Bible Questions for June “The Young People’s Bible Class” The Answers are to be found in Luke. Chapter 13-24.

1.What was the prayer of the publican?

2. Into what three parts did the Lord divide the Scriptures?

3.What is the meaning of, “I shall be perfected?”

4.What did the Lord prophesy about the city of Jerusalem?

5. What had those whom the Lord sent lacked?

6. When did the crucified thief go to paradise?

7. What does the Lord call the resurrection of believers?

ML 06/02/1940

Jesus Is the Saviour for You

Children do not like to be left out. They like to go with their parents. There is a Saviour for boys and girls as well as for parents. God has left none out.

“A little child of seven,

Or even three or four,

May enter into heaven

By Christ the open door,

For when the heart believeth

On Christ the Son of God,

‘Tis then that soul receiveth

Salvation through the blood.”

Will you learn those simple lines and think about them, dear children?

Christ is the door which God has opened for all. Father and mother may enter, and so may you. All are welcomed. We all must enter to be saved. No other way will do; Christ is the only door.

No, other way of escape from judgment can he found. He alone can save. But He is the Door.

O, enter by Him now.

Do not think you are too bad. It was for sinners Jesus left His glory home on nigh. God gave Him that the ungodly and the undone might be saved. All may enter by that blessed open Door.

We have not to open it. No; we have only to enter by it, and this we do by simple faith.

The Door will he shut. It may he today. Would you be outside? Ah blessing is found in Him.

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

ML 06/02/1940

"I Would not be an Angel"

I want to join “the ransomed,

And with the ransomed stand,”

A crown upon my forehead,

A harp within my hand,”

I want to join their chorus,

My voice I want to raise,

And swell the song of vict’ry

To my Redeemer’s praise.

Angels look on in wonder;

They cannot join that song,

But ‘list in silent rapture

While saints the notes prolong.

Make me a saint in glory;

O! let me see Thy face,

Like those who now before Thee,

Repeat Thy wondrous grace.

They cast their crowns before Thee,

They hail Thee, Saviour, King,

And while they thus adore Thee,

New praises there they sing.

And thus through endless ages

The blissful rapture grows,

And thus through endless ages

Thy love unchanging flows.

I would not be an Angel—

For them no Saviour died;

No, rather let me glory

In Christ, the Crucified.

His love shall draw me nearer

Than Angels ever come;

At His right hand He’ll place me

In our eternal home.

ML 06/02/1940

The Flower Girl's Song

It was a dull morning, the city was shrouded in fog, and everybody hurried from trains to place of business. A flower girl stood on the pavement selling her blooms, but few seemed to patronize her. I bought a bouquet and as I left, she struck up the lines of the hymn:

“O, the blood that bought me, O, the love that sought me,

O the grace that bought me

To the fold.”

It was so unusual to hear such words on the streets, that I went back and asked the happy flower-seller where she learned these words, and if she knew their meaning.

“Yes, sir, I learned them at our Sunday school, and my sister Amy and I were saved there three weeks ago.”

I could only praise God. I often see that happy girl, she is usually singing, and her happy face tells of her heart’s peace and joy. To have Christ is to be happy everywhere.

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

ML 06/02/1940

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.

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 NAME 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.

ML 06/02/1940

A Young Man's Talk

Job 34 to 37

The ear trieth words as the mouth tasteth meat.” These words of Elihu would be called a proverb; we are all quick to know if food is not good, but this young man was quick to know that some of the words he had just heard were not good, although spoken by Job and the other wise men, for they had not given God honor for care or mercy.

Sometimes you may hear persons with much knowledge speak more wrongly of the Lord than Job and his friends, because they do not feel their need of His care and mercy. So young people who have learned God’s love may be able to speak for His honor, if they are respectful as Elihu was. Elihu knew that God did not think more of the rich than of the poor:

“They all are the work of His hands.” Chapter 34:19. “His eyes are upon the ways of man, and He seeth all his goings.” Chapter 34: 19, 21.

“Behold God is mighty and despiseth not any. He is mighty in strength and wisdom.” Chapter 36:5.

Elihu showed Job that all who desired God’s help would have comfort, for He is the One “Who giveth songs in the night.” Chapter 35:10. That meant God gave joy in dark troubled times.

“Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven.” Chapter 35:11.

Job and the other men believed God’s great wonders in creating all. Elihu spoke most of the everyday wonders which we forget are from God.

‘He maketh small the drops of water they pour down rain according to the vapor thereof: He giveth meat (food) in abundance.” Chapter 36:27, 81.

Do we not forget the wonder of the great quantity and variety of food which grow for people and animals? The plants take from the soil the minerals and other substances our bodies need, so we have them in grains, vegetables and fruits, which is all by the wisdom of God.

“He saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth.” “Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.” Even the frost is from God. “He scattereth His bright cloud. It is turned round about by His counsels; that they may do whatsoever He commandeth.” Chapter 37:6, 9, 11.

So God sends the weather and storms “for correction, or for His land, or for mercy.” We learn from this that God has a right reason for all.

So Elihu said to Job, “Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.” Chapter 37:14. The word, consider, means to think carefully. Elihu asked Job if he knew what to say to One so mighty, of such majesty, power, judgment, and justice. This is the last we read of Elihu.

‘When He (God) giveth quietness who then can make trouble? and when He hideth His face, who then can behold Him? Whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only.” Job 34:29.

ML 06/02/1940

Sympathy and Kindness

Poor doggie hurt his leg. Off little Cecil hurried with his to the blacksmith, who always seemed to know how to doctor sick animals. The kind smith showed his sympathy by looking at the injured leg and telling the little master what to do for it.

How good it is to see sympathy and kindness expressed. To find the fullest expression of love and sympathy, we must think of God’s love in sparing His Son from His side to die for us, and, look at the cross where the Lord Jesus gave Himself to bear our punishment from the hand of a righteous and holy God.

If we want to show true sympathy and love that will be acceptable to God, we must first know what our own heart is by nature, and acknowledge Jesus as the only One to meet our need. Then we can seek to show to others the love He has shown to us.

“THE SON OF GOD WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.” Gal. 2:20.

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” 1 John 4:11.

ML 06/09/1940

"Edith With Them"

At a Gospel meeting the preacher took for his text the Scripture, “This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.”

In the company there was a little girl named Edith, who listened attentively to all the speaker said. When he gave out the text it seemed to her that he read it thus: “This Man receiveth sinners, and Edith with them.”

The preacher repeated the text several times, and each time she seemed to hear him say, “and Edith with them.”

At the close of the service she ran home, and directly she reached the door she called to her mother, “O, mother, I believe in Jesus now!” “How do you know that?” asked her mother.

She replied, “Because the preacher said so. Again and again he said,

‘This Man (Jesus) receiveth sinners, and Edith with them.’”

‘No, my dear,” said her mother, “you are wrong. It is ‘This Man receiveth sinners and eateth with them’.”

“But, mother dear, every time he said, And Edith with them,’ and it meant me.”

“Yes, yes, my dear,” said her mother, taking Edith in her arms with tears of joy, “It means you and it means me too,” so they both rejoiced together.

My dear young friends who read this, just put your name in the space left for it “This Man (Jesus) receiveth sinners, and,..... with them.”

He will receive you just as you are. Edith put her name there during the preaching. You can put yours there NOW.

How precious is Jesus

To all who believe,

And out of His fullness

What grace they receive!

When weak, He supports them,

When erring, He guides,

And everything needful

He kindly provides.

O, give then to Jesus

Your earliest days,

They only are blessed

Who walk in His ways;

In life and in death.

He will still be their Friend,

For those whom He loves

He will love to the end.

ML 06/09/1940

Fear and its Remedy

In a farm house at some distance from any town, lived two dear children of God with their one little girl of about three years of age.

They were not rich in this world’s goods, and their house was small, having only one bedroom in it, but they dearly loved the Lord Jesus, and their hearts were large. One night, quite late, a servant of the Lord Jesus knocked at the door, and asked for shelter and a night’s rest. Most gladly they took him in, and gave him the only bed there was in the house, well pleased for the sake of Him he served, to put up with the personal inconvenience it gave them.

Their little girl was fast asleep in the cot at the bottom of the bed when they showed their guest where he was to rest. With care, so as not to wake the little sleeper, he undressed and went to bed in the morning quite early he woke, and lay thinking of the Lord and His love. Suddenly a little white figure stood up in the cot at the bottom of the bed, and looked over, expecting to see the well-known faces usually there. To her amazement a strange face looked upon her. Their eyes met. Like a statue for a moment she stood gazing with a fascinated look of fear, Then the little frame quivered with excitement, and the startled look gave way to one of deep inquiry. The little lips parted, and in lisping words she quietly asked,

Do you love Jesus?”

“Yes, my child, Jesus is my Master,” fell softly on her ear. Her face settled into of happy repose, and without another word she lay down in her cot again, covering herself over, and went off to sleep.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds,

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

ML 06/09/1940

The Old Sweet Story

Listen to the old sweet story,

Sweet and old, yet ever new—

How Jesus came and dwelt below,

Suffering, dying, loving you.

Many, many years ago,

Jesus came from heaven to earth,

Center of adoring hosts,

Lowly, lowly was His birth.

Lord and Maker of the world,

Scarce for Hint a place it made,

In a table He was born,

In a manger was He laid.

Soon the Babe became a youth,

Subject and obedient too;

Filled with wisdom and with grace,

Waxing strong—and Urns He grew.

As a man this earth He trod,

Often weary, worn and sad,

Much He found o’er which to grieve

Few there were to make Him glad.

Fairer than the sons of men,

Faithful, guileless, undefiled,

Yet He’s wounded, mocked, despised,

Stricken, smitten, bruised, reviled—

Crowned with thorns, and pierced with nails.

Scourged, condemned and crucified;

“It is finished”—Peace is made—

Jesus, Lamb of God, has died.

Empty tomb—triumphant risen—

Satan’s power has been defied;

“Man of sorrows,” now no more,

Jesus, God has glorified.

Perfect in His childhood days,

Perfect in His manhood hour,

Precious was the blood then shed,

Glorious in its saving power.

Children, little children, hear—

Little ones like you He loves,

Such as you He died to save,

Lo! His heart with longing moves.

Children, little children, hear—

“Suffer them to come to Me,”

Thus He spoke when yet on earth,

Now He says, “I died for thee.”

Children, little children, hear,

Listen while He speaks again,

See His loving arms outstretched,

Shall He call and plead in vain?

Children, little children, come,

Even now, yes, just today,

Sinful, wayward though you are

Do not doubt, nor yet delay.

Children, little children, come,

Faith you need, that faith He’ll give;

Jesus’ blood was shed for you,

Trust Him now, believe and live.

Children, little children, think,

How His tender heart was riven,

How He meekly all endured,

That your sins might be forgiven.

Jesus gone, but comes again,

He has gone to make a home,

Soon He’ll come to take His own,—

Little children, won’t you come?

Children, listen yet once more—

“All My blood-washed, loved ones dear,

Father I would have with Me,”

Little ones, will you be there?

ML 06/09/1940

The Lord Speaking to Job

Job 38 and 39

Job had thought that God did not care for him in his troubles; He believed God’s great power in all He had created, and should have trusted that such a One cared for people. Yet Job did not truly learn God’s goodness until he heard what was more wonderful than the wonders of the earth: that was the voice of the Lord speaking directly to him from a whirlwind. Surely God showed His care to Job, to speak Himself to him! We too now may reverently read those words written in our language.

The Lord spoke to Job mostly in questions, which even so wise and good a man as Job that instead of being great, he was helpless without the Lord. Those questions were about the earth, the clouds, the sea, light, of death, of rain, snow, frost, and ice, and about the groups of the stars, which are still called by that same names. Was Job, or is any person now wise enough to explain or change those things? No, surely not. The Lord asked,

“Canst thou send lightnings, the they may go, and say unto thee, “Here we are?” “Who hath given understanding to the heart?” Chapter 38:35,36.

Even Job’s ability to know was from God. The next questions were if Job could give care and food to all the hungry wild animals and birds, as the young lions or the young ravens, which seem always so eager for food. If Job would try to answer these questions, he could only say it was God who had given the wild animals and the birds their instinct to take care of themselves and to hunt their food, with He had made grow.

The Lord spoke of one animal, the spoke of one animal, the unicorn, which is not now known, but which seems to have been a strong fierce wild ox, with great horns. It could not be tamed to eat a grain crib, or to plow a field. It is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, so we know it once lived in Asia, (Psa. 29:6; Deut. 33:17).

The Lord spoke of the largest of birds, the ostrich, and its beautiful plumes. These still live wild in desert lands, and also are kept on farms in warm. countries. They have the same habits now as those God told Job. A grown ostrich may weigh as much as 100 pounds, yet, it is a timid bird, and runs in fear at any noise, leaving its eggs in the sand to be carried off by animals or men, and not watching over its young ones, because God has not given it the instinct to care for its young as He has to other birds. The ostrich cannot fly but raises its short wings which help it to move swiftly, and its legs are so strong that it can outrun a fast horse. So the Lord said, “It scorneth the horse and its rider.”

The Lord spoke much about the horse, which seems at that time to have been used mostly in battle, because of its strength and swiftness, and because it can be so well trained to do as its rider wishes, without fear. Horses are still trained for the dreadful cause of war. Who gave the horse its intelligence and strength?

What did the Lord ask Job of the hawk and the eagle? (Job 39:26-30). If yen read about these birds and animals in a Nature Book or Encyclopedia you will find the same habits described as the Lord told of to Job so many years ago.

What did God command the sea? (Job 38:11).

ML 06/09/1940

The Forgotten Errand

This little girl has been sent to buy some fruits and vegetables, with money in her hand, and a basket in which to carry them home. She was told distinctly what to buy, but on her way, she was thinking about the things that concerned herself, and when she reached the market, she had entirely forgotten what her errand was.

She looks so confused, and is trying to remember what her mother told her to buy.

How much this reminds us of dear boys and girls who are told over and over again about their being sinners, and that they need a Saviour who is able and willing to save them, if they will only accept Him as their Lord and Saviour, and of all the rich eternal blessings that will be theirs by doing so, But they go on carelessly day by day thinking only of their own pleasures, which last but a short time, forgetting the terrible eternal judgment that awaits all who refuse to accept the wonderful salvation that might be theirs through Christ and His work on the cross.

Now, Jesus is saying,

“Come unto Me.” Matt, 11:28.

Later He may have to say to you, “Depart from Me.”

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

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

ML 06/16/1940

Do You Want Jesus?

Fresh-gathered this morning!’ said a bright-faced little flower girl, who sat near me on a rustic bench, her basket by her side.

The flowers did not look very fresh, but I took a bunch, and then asked some questions, which were readily answered.

She went regularly to Sunday school, and had heard about Jesus and His love for sinners, shown in coming into the world to die for them.

It is a great privilege that most of us in this Christian land have had, that of hearing of Jesus while we were young, and being taught from God’s Holy Word. Still, there is a great difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing our personal need of Him as a Saviour, so I next asked the little girl,

And are you a sinner?”

“No!” she replied.

I expressed my sorrow that she was not one of those who wanted Jesus. He “came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

To my next question.

“Have you ever told a lie?” she again answered without a blush or a sign of hesitation,

“No!”

I told her that God heard what she was saying, and He alone knew whether it was true or not: she might deceive me, but she could not possibly deceive Him. I warned her too, one lie would bring her under judgment, if she remained without the shelter of the blood of Christ.

Let us hope this dear child has been led to see her need of Jesus.

“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight.” Prov, 12:22.

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue.” Psa. 120:2.

ML 06/16/1940

Search the Scriptures

What a very wonderful book the Bible is! The Holy Scriptures of which it is made up are given by God.

Things we could never have known in any other way are told us there.

They tell us what God is, and they tell us what we are, and also we learn from them how sinful people, such as we are, can be made fit to dwell forever where God dwells.

This is the greatest thing the Bible tells us; indeed, it was for this great purpose God told holy men of old to speak and write them.

The most wonderful of stories are told in the Bible, and all true ones. The most marvelous facts are there recorded.

Paul spoke to Timothy of the Holy Scriptures which are able to make wise unto salvation. They all point to the Saviour, the Lord Jesus.

They are worth searching then. These Holy Scriptures have been kept by God’s great power, for although many great kings and wicked popes have tried again and again to destroy them, there are more Bibles in the world today than ever before, and the number is always increasing.

The Scriptures (or parts of them) have been translated into over 400 different languages.

There are more Bible Searchers now than ever there were. In searching the Scriptures you will find they tell us of—

Our Sinfulness......God’s Holiness.

Satan......... The Lord Jesus.

Our Need........ God’s Salvation.

Hell ... ... ... .....Heaven,

The Lake of Fire ... ..The Glory of God. Eternity.

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My Word shall not pass away.” Luke 21:33.

ML 06/16/1940

"The Crown of Glory"

I was walking one day with a little girl whom I knew to be a true believer in the Lord Jesus, Christ, and Who, both by her ways, as well as by the words of her lips, gave clear evidence that, she had been really saved, and, by way of trying where her thoughts really dwelt, I said to her,

“Would you not look nice if a crown were placed on your brow?”

Well, many young people would like to be Kings or Queens and have many servants beneath them, and many strong soldiers around them, and never know what it is to be poor and friendless.

Now, the little girl to whom, I spoke was poor. Her parents had only enough to keep them from day to day, and had to work hard for their bread. And what do you think she said to me?

“Ah! yes, if I had the crown of glory!” She thought she would look nice if that crown sparkled on her brow! And truly she would! But she had no desire of having an earthly crown. She loved Jesus, and she knew that Jesus wore no crown on earth, but one of thorns, and she did not wish to be unlike Him.

Earthly glory is not the portion of those who follow Jesus. He was crucified, and His cross is to them the mold of their ways. She felt this, and her hopes were set on heavenly glory alone. She shall not be disappointed.

ML 06/16/1940

Rosalind

Rosalind lives in India. When Rosalind is afraid of anything she at once runs to her mother for protection and safety. Are you afraid of anything? You may well be afraid of Satan and death, but let us run to the, Saviour—the Lord Jesus Christ—and find a place of safety at His side.

When Rosalind is in pain, she goes to her mother for help and comfort. It is certain as you grow up you too will have to suffer pain in this world, but id you take all your trouble to the Lord in prayer, He will help you to bear them, and give you comfort for your heart as well.

When Rosalind is in difficulty, she looks to mother for help, because she knows that “mother knows best,” So as we go along through this world, we, who are Christians, learn to “cast all our care upon Him, for He careth for us.”

May these three little lessons from the ways of a little child in India, be blessed to all our little readers all over the world.

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

ML 06/16/1940

Keep Me Day by Day

O Lord, my foolish heart

Would lead me oft astray.

But Thou my faithful Shepherd art,

O! keep me day by day.

And, Lord, my tongue is apt

To speak some foolish word,

Unless by Thee I’m daily taught,

And Thou fresh grace afford.

Mine ears will oft attend

To vain and foolish talk,

Unless I’m hearkening to my Friend.

And with Him daily walk.

My feet are apt to tread

In paths that lead from Thee,

But if by Thee I’m daily led,

In safety I shall be.

Mine eyes will oft delight

In things that foster pride,

But if Thou fill my soul with light,

I humble shall abide.

Lord Jesus, I would long

More like Thee here to be,

Till I shall join that ransomed throng,

And there Thy glory see.

And there I’ll sing. Thy love,

Which saved my soul from hell:

I’ll cast my crown with those above,

And of Thy mercy tell.

ML 06/16/1940

The Lord Speaking to Job

Job 40, 41, and 42

After hearing the questions of the Lord, Job no longer thought himself to be wise or good, since he had thought so, wrongly of the Lord, instead he said, “Behold, I am vile.”

Yet the Lord spoke more to. job: “Behold now behemoth, which. made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.

This animal was the “chief”, or strongest, of all the animals God had made. if you read the verses in Genesis about creation, you find the animals were all made the same day as man (Genesis 1:24-31).

The behemoth could walk and eat grass on the hills, and liked to be down in shady places: it could also live in rivers, and was not afraid of the rushing waters. No animal is now called behemoth, but it is thought to have been like, or the same as the big strong hippopotamus, which can walk and feed on land, and lives and swims in sonic of the warm rivers of Asia and Africa. It is very fierce when angry, and dangerous to capture, no one would dare to go near its huge mouth.

The Lord next asked Job about another fierce animal: “Canst thou draw out leviathan with a hook?” This animal we do not know by this name, either, but it seems to be like what we call the crocodile, which lives in warm waters and is very dangerous to people. Its scales are so hard a spear cannot pierce, them, nor even a bullet from a gun. The leviathan “esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood ... he maketh the deep to boil like a pot of ointment ... Upon earth there is none like him, who is made without fear.” Yet when God divided the waters for Israel, He destroyed the leviathan for them to cross safely (Psa. 74:13,14). So this serpent-like animal, pictures evil which God alone can destroy.

When the Lord finished speaking, Job spoke humbly, saying he had a spoken of what he did not know, and said.

“I abhor myself, and repent in lust and ashes.”

He was truly sorry for his wrong thoughts and words.

The Lord told the three friends of Job, to offer a sacrifice because they had spoken falsely of Job. They did so and the Lord forgave them, when Job prayed.

So they all learned God’s mercy, as well as more of His power and wisdom, Afterward the friends and relatives who had not been kind to Job in his great troubles came to visit him, and Job became a great man again, living many, years more. If Job had not had the sorrows, he would have become more proud of his good deeds and could not have told others of God’s mercy and care.

What river did the Lord speak of—? Job 40:23.

What did Job’s friends bring him Job 42:11.

How many sheep, camels, oxen, and asses did Job, have in his last years? Job 42:12.

How many sons and daughters did Job again have? Job 42:13.

How long did Job live after the Lard spoke to him? Job 42:16.

ML 06/16/1940

Nature

How beautiful are all of God’s works! All speak of His power and wisdom. The beautiful trees in all their variety; the hills and the running stream, with its abundance of fish can only cause our hearts to praise the all-wise Creator, to thus turn to look from nature, up to nature’s God.

“O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all the earth is full of Thy riches.” Psa. 104:24.

But while it is good to rejoice in the power and wisdom of God, and all the beautiful things in creation He has given us, it is better still, dear children, to be able to rejoice in His love—a love that led Him to give up His well-beloved Son as a sacrifice for poor sinners.

Sin and a holy God cannot dwell together, so Jesus took the place that the sinner deserved—being forsaken of God—and now the poor sinner who will believe in Him, may come right into His presence and will never be forsaken.

“IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, EVEN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.” Col. 1:14.

ML 06/23/1940

Rosie's Gift

The golden sunlight of a beautiful evening was shedding its!a.st rays over a clump of pretty trees, with their many-tinted leaves, at the end of which was a little arbor, in which two young girls sat in earnest conversation.

“I wonder if we shall ever meet again, Chrissy,” said the younger of the two, as she clasped her companion’s hand, and looked earnestly into her face, her pretty blue eyes filled with tears. “Mother said I might give you this little book as a reembrace of the happy days we have spent together here, with best wishes from us all, and in the earnest hope that we may meet again, if not on earth, in heaven.”

The evening village bell rang as the words were spoken, and that was the signal for Chrissy to go home, so after a fond embrace and a kiss, they parted.

Chrissy was the daughter of a city merchant, whose family had been staying during the summer in a lovely country house, not far from which was the house of the manager on the estate, whose only, daughter Rosie had been invited by Chrissy’s mother, to come and keep her company. The girls had become fast friends, and now they were about to be parted for a time, as Chrissy’s family were about to return to their city home.

Rosie was an earnest little Christian; she had been truly converted, and she did not hide her light beneath a bushel. Whenever she had opportunity, she put before Chrissy the Gospel, and sought to show by her life and ways the real brightness and happiness of a true Christian. Chrissy’s parents went to church, but beyond that they professed nothing, and I fear they neither knew themselves, nor could tell their child, of Him who came to save the lost.

Rosie presented her companion with a nice volume of gospel stories, that night as they sat in the arbor, and resolved that she would specially remember Chrissy every night in prayer to God, that He would save her little companion in the far-off city. Weeks went past, and Rosie only had heard once from Chrissy and that was simply a note, telling of their arrival. She wondered what had become of her, and feared she must either have forgotten her, or that she was ill. At last the postman brought a letter for Rosie, addressed in Chrissy’s own hand-writing. She eagerly opened it, and as she read first page, was sad to learn that Chrissy had been laid aside for many days with, a severe illness. It went on to say, say through reading Rosie’s “gift book of gospel stories, and the words of Jesus as they are found in the Gospel by John,” she had “found peace, salvation and joy and could now join with her in singing,

“Now none but Christ can satisfy,

None other name for me,

There’s love, and life, and lasting joy,

Lord Jesus found in Thee.”

That joy continues still, and Chrissy goes on following the Lord and seeking to testify for Him, among worldly friends.

Dear boys and girls, how is it with you? Are you sure that you are safe for eternity? Can you look forward to the world beyond, and to the meeting with God without fear? If you are not saved; if you have not heard the voice of the Son of God as Saviour, you must one day hear the voice of the Judge.

“When the solemn trump has sounded,

Heaven and earth shall flee away.

All who hate Him, must, confounded

Hear the summons of that day—

Come to judgment! Come away!”

Or come to Jesus, now.

ML 06/23/1940

What Foundation Are You on?

Dear young readers, let me ask you what foundation you are building on? The only foundation that will stand is the Rock of Ages. And what is that? I think I hear someone say,

“It is the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Yes, “Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:11.

Some people would try and make us believe that the Apostle Peter was the rock on which the Church was to be built. But this is not so, Peter was only a stone, and Christ was the Rock. Do you know that the word Peter means “a stone?” But a “stone” and a “rock” are two very different things.

But what a foolish thing it is to build on the sand, when God has given us such a firm foundation as Christ.

“Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings, of Mine, and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matt. 7:24-27.

“On Christ, the solid rock, I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand,”

ML 06/23/1940

A Cheerful Giver

There is a little test in our Bible that reads thus; “God loveth a cheerful giver,’’ and I was thinking of this text when I heard of how a farmer and his wife acted.

They had been to a missionary meeting, where the question of giving away copies of the Bible to the poor had been talked over, and how much money would be wanted to carry out the purpose.

When they came home, the wife said that she would like to put aside $10.00 a year for the purpose, but the farmer replied that he intended to give $10.00 a year, and he did not think they could afford $20.00, but she reminded him that he had given her $40.00 a few days before to buy a hive of bees, and she would rather give the money for the Lord’s work, and go without the bees.

They agreed to his and strange to say the next day a swarm of bees settled on a tree in their garden, and was soon safely placed in an empty hive.

The farmer and his wife were both struck with this circumstance. It seemed as if the Lord were rewarding them for giving money for His service, and they made up their minds that all the honey that came from this hive of bees should be given to the Lord, and also any other swarms that might come from the same hive.

This little colony of bees increased so fast that after a few years quite a large sum of money was given away year by year.

“He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully,” 2 Cor. 9:6, 7.

ML 06/23/1940

The Clock

Little folk are like the clock, always in motion. Some little tongues are always making a noise, like the Tic, tic! Tic, tic! Tic, tic! of Mr. Clock. You see the dial and hands which go round and round, but hidden behind is the strong spring. So out of sight beats your heart, God sees it, but only your face and hands can be seen by those about you.

See the two weights and the heavy pendulum. This keeps Mr. Clock from ruing too fast. God gives us things sorrows, crosses, to keep us steady. Sometimes Mr. Clock gives us a cheery sound with his gong. But his chief aim in life is to tell that time flies swiftly.

When time is done, then comes the long forever. Where will you spend the long forever? With the Lord, or with the devil and his angels?

“It is time to seek the Lord,” Hosea 10:12.

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

ML 06/23/1940

The Songs of Israel

Psalm 1

Do you remember that when David was a young shepherd he played the harp so skillfully that he was chosen to play soft music for King Saul? (1 Samuel 16:17-23). Later, when David was the king, he both played and sang in honor to God, and he also wrote the words of many of the songs which were used by all Israel in prayer and praise, about 3,000 years ago.

It was by the Holy Spirit that David knew the words to write (2 Samuel 23:2; Mark 12:36). Other men of Israel also wrote songs, the names of all are not known, but these songs were carefully kept with the writings of Moses and the prophets, and now we have them in our Bible, called, “The Book of Psalms.” The word Psalm means praise and while many wonderful songs of praise were sung by the Israelites in the Psalms, none so high in praise as are sung now by those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, His marvelous love at Calvary’s cross, the wonders of His Person now in the glory, and the happy prospect of soon being forever with Himself.

You may think many of the Psalms do not seem like songs, for so many of them tell of trouble, of war, and of enemies, some are prayers; but in the troubles, help was asked of the Lord, and in every one there are words of praise to Him. In the Hebrew language the Psalms are a form of poetry, and could all be set to music.

David chose men of skill to train sinners and players, and even those to lead the music in the great temple to be built in Jerusalem. They had harps, flutes, cymbals, and other instruments; the music in that first temple must have been most beautiful, all with joy and in honor to God. Later, also, there were times of joyous singing in Jerusalem.

But we do not read in the New Testament of any grand singing in the temple: the leaders were then doing much wrong and there could not be such praise.

After the Jewish leaders refused Jesus to be the Messiah of Israel, those who believed in Him had no big temple, and harps or other instruments of music are not spoken of; but they still sang praises to God wherever they went, and tier. Psalms were used.

Boys and girls of many nations have memorized some of the psalms; we hope you will do so also. The first psalm is not hard to learn, notice how it begins:

“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.” The word blessed means “O, the happiness!” so how happy for everyone who loves the Lord not to take the advice of those who do not believe Him, nor go in their ways.

“His delight is in the law of the Lord.”

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.”

One who believes God is cheered by His, words, as a fruit tree grows and is kept fresh by water.

“The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away!” The outside, thin cover of a kernel of grain is chaff, and so quickly blown away!

“The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

How many Psalms are there?

Who was “the sweet psalmist of Israel?” (2 Samuel 23:1).

ML 06/23/1940

"Shall I Draw Your Portrait?"

O yes, little artist, you certainly may;

But mind that it’s very correct:

And don’t let your colors be all sober and gray,

But some of your sunshine reflect!

My lips with a smile I’ll endeavor to curl,

Since my orders are “not to look sad!”

Besides, if the artist’s my dear little girl,

I think I have cause to be glad.

Well! what shall I think of, or where shall I look,

To make me seem happy add bright?

Fix my eyes on a picture, or else on a book?

Well! dear little artist, “all right!”

I remember one day that my likeness was drawn—

Ah! drawn by the light of God’s Word:

A light that eclipses the light of the morn,

The lamp is in Romans, the third!

My picture was drawn with the pencil of truth,

My features and character too;

And I find there the sins both of age and of youth

Are strikingly brought out to view.

But the blots and the blemishes—numberless stains

And they were much blacker than mud,

(When I found out how useless, how helpless my pains,)

Have all been washed out in the blood.

The blood of the Saviour—the Lord from above,—

Who died upon Calvary’s tree;

And who from the glory sends tidings of love,—

Salvation for you and for me!

For the aged and young, whom the world has enticed,

And Satan and sin have enslaved;

If we but believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,

The Scriptures say, “We shall be saved!”

“ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.” Rom. 3:23.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 06/30/1940

The Token of Peace

Away in the far West, many years ago, a white settler took up his abode near to the hunting grounds of the dreaded Indians. But unlike many other white men, he proclaimed himself to be a “man of peace,” No warlike preparations surrounded his dwellings.

No aggression was made by him on the rights of any of his neighbors, and no reprisals or revenge did he take for any wrong done to him. On the contrary, he treated the dusky warriors whenever he met them, with open-hearted confidence and kindness, so that in the end he completely disarmed them of any evil intention they may have had towards him.

Sometime after he came to the district a terrible war of extermination was two proclaimed against the red man’s enemy, and the savages assembled to carry out their dreadful purposes. Directly in their way lay the log cabin of the “man of peace,” but no preparation for defense had been made—no precaution taken. There at the open door stood the old man defenseless and alone. Even the savage braves in their war-paint could not fight with man like this, so before passing one of them climbed on the roof and fastened, a white feather above the doorway as sign of peace. No Indian was to molest that house, nor did any do so. The war raged all around. Many white men were slain, and many red men too; but the inmates of the house with the white feather slept in peace, trusting to the word of Indian chief.

How much more secure are those who are trusting in the precious blood of Christ which made peace, and who have the pledged word of God that peace is made! If the settler could trust the word of an Indian, surely my reader can trust the word of God. The apostle could say: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1. Can you say the same?

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is on, peace”’ Eph. 2:13, 14.

ML 06/30/1940

Little Freddie

It was a long promise, that Freddy should be allowed to go to Sunday school as soon as his sixth birthday was come. It was New Year week and the snow lay thick upon the ground. But what of that, to Sunday school Freddy must go. So, well wrapped up in his overcoat, with his Testament and Text Book, Freddy set off by his brother’s side, to school.

They had fully a mile to walk, in deep snow, from the country house where Freddy lived, to the village school-room. When they arrived, the first hymn was being sung, and Freddy thought it was grand. There words were—

“Around the throne of God in heaven,

Thousands of children stand,

Whose sins, through Christ, are all forgiven.

A holy, happy band,

Singing glory, glory, glory.”

He was put into a class, and the teacher told them about the paschal lamb slain in Egypt, and how its blood was put upon the doors to shelter the firstborn children inside from the sword; then about “The Lamb of God” dying on the Cross, that sinners might be saved from death and hell.

At the close, his teacher gave bins a pretty Text Card, on which the words, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin” were printed. He was told to learn the text during the week, and to be able to repeat it when he came the following Lord’s Day.

Freddy went home, greatly delighted with what he had seen and heard, that first day at school, and it was found after many days, that some of the good seed that was dropped into his young heart that day, took root, never to be forgotten. All thorough the week, the cottage rang with the precious words,

“The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleauseth us from all sin,” until Freddy could repeat them without a mistake. Not only so, but they became so familiar to him, that he kept thinking about them every day for long after. But Freddy did not know their meaning then, nor did he know how great a sinner he was, and how he needed the “blood of Jesus Christ” to cleanse him.

It was some years after this, that Freddy came home from in a Children’s, meeting one evening, really anxious to be saved, convinced that he was a sinful boy unfit to be in heaven. His first text, these glorious words learned on his first school-day, were, brought to his memory; they had been there since the time they were sown, and Freddy trusted the precious blood, and was cleansed frond all his sins, and made fit to be in heaven.

How he loved then to trace along the pages of his Bible, the various things the precious blood of Christ has done, and is doing, for all who believe on Jesus. On a page in his well-read Bible, you might read.

Sheltered by the Blood (Exo. 12:13).

Cleansed by the Blood (1 John 1:7).

Peace through the Blood (Col. 1:20).

Made nigh by the Blood (Eph. 2:13).

Victory through the Blood (Rev, 12:11).

Dear boys and girls, have you known, like this dear boy, the cleansing of the blood of Christ? Are you made clean from all your sins, and fit for heaven through “the precious blood of Christ?”

ML 06/30/1940

'Cause We're Thirsty

Passing a drinking fountain, which was about four feet from the ground, I noticed two very little ragged boys standing by, who, when they saw me approaching, came running, and said,

“Mister, mister, give us a drink of water.”

This I did very gladly, and then asked them why it was they were drinking water on such a cold, wet evening.

‘Cause we’re thirsty,” said they Their answer set me thinking why so many children have never been to Jesus for the living water.

“I heard the voice of Jesus say, ‘Behold, I freely give

The living water—thirsty one,

Stoop down, and drink, and live.’”

Then the answer came, those children are not thirsty, they have not felt their need of Jesus, who gives the living water, of which whoever drinks shall never thirst again.

O, dear young reader, as you read this, may you be led to feel your need, because you, will never find satisfaction in the, world; though you may drink of its pleasures, it will only be to thirst again. Jesus says,

“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Rev. 21:6.

“Jesus, the water of life will give,

Freely, freely, freely;

Jesus, the water of life will give.

Freely to those who trust Him.”

ML 06/30/1940

More About the Psalms

Psalms 2, 3, and 4

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and His anointed.”

The verses spoke of the most awful plan which any rulers could ever make, a plan against the Lord. This plan was partly fulfilled when the Lord Jesus was here on earth, as we read in the Gospels, and in Acts 4:25-28, though its complete fulfillment will not be till a future time.

“The kings... and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ....both Herod and ... Pilate with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel.” Acts 4:25-28.

Neither the rulers of the Jews nor the Gentiles wanted the Son of God to be king. This would be a sad psalm to sing, yet it tells a way for salvation:

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.”

Do you notice there is a note in fine print at the first of most of the psalms? These notes are from the Hebrew, telling who wrote the psalm, or why. The note over the 3rd Psalm says, “A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.” It was one of the greatest troubles of David’s life when he had to leave Jerusalem and flee across the Jordan River to escape death from his own son Absalom, who wanted to be king.

God had chosen David for the king, and Absalom was a very wicked son to try to take his father’s place. Many went with David, but Absalom had a large army and went after them. It was at that time David wrote the 3rd psalm. He says,

“I cried unto the Lord.... and He heard me”; so he says,

“I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me.”

David was brought back and again had his throne in Jerusalem. He knew the Lord had delivered him:

“Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people. Salah.”

The last word of this psalm, “Selah” is found many times in the psalms; it is said to mean a pause, or change, for the singers or players. So there was care in all the music that it should be in honor to God. Perhaps the word, Selah, would remind us now not to read God’s word carelessly, but to pause and think of their meaning.

Over the 4th Psalm is the note, “To the chief musician on Neginoth, A psalm of David.” Such notes, are also over other psalms. Those hard words were the names for certain kinds of music or instruments to be used, which we cannot explain, but which again show us what care the singers were to have in the praise, to God. The last verse of this psalm is a nice one to learn:

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: For thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Ps. 4:8.

The story of the battle of Absalom against David is in 2 Samuel 18.

How many times is the word “Selah in the 3rd psalm?

Of what tribe of Israel was the chief musician? (1 Chronicles 15:22).

Note: Some of the psalms are perhaps too hard for younger boys and girls, so we will not study all, but will choose those which will help both younger and older. But if any will read all the psalms, perhaps one a day, there are verses in all to enjoy.

ML 06/30/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Children’s Class”

1. “Salt is good,” etc. Mark 9:50.

2.“And he said,” etc. 6:31.

3.“And Peter,” etc. 11:21.

4. “And he ordained,” etc. 3:44.

5. “And in the morning.”etc 1:35.

6. “So then after,” etc. 16:19.

7. “Put of that day,” etc. 13:32.

Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “And manifested forth his glory,”

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “As nanny as received him.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Thou halt the words of eternal life.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “And I give unto them eternal life.”

6.Write in full the verse containing, the words, “He would have given thee living water.”

7. What did the Lord Jesus say in the last day, that great day of the feast?

Answers to Bible Questions for April

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.From within, out of the heart. Mark 7:20-21

2.Watch and pray, Mark 14:28.

3. Mark 16:15.

4.Sinners. Mark 2:17.

5.Yes. Mark 3:5.

6.Mark 14:62.

7. Mark 13:5, 9, 23, 33.

Bible, Questions for July

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 1-10

1.What is necessary in order that we receive anything from God?

2. To whom did Jesus reveal Himself as Son of God?

3. Who is the father of a lie?

4.Who has declared the Father?

5.What was Jesus’ first miracle?

6.What does the reaper in the Lord’s harvest receive?

7. Who is it that makes the believer free?

ML 07/07/1940

"My Father's House is Finer, Than This"

New Zealand chief, so called, who visited England, few years ago, was remarkable for the deep spirituality of his mind and his constant delight in the Word of God. One day he was taken to see a beautiful mansion. The man who took him expected to see him greatly astonished, and much charmed with its magnificence and splendor; but it seemed, to his surprise, to excite little or no admiration in his mind. Wondering how this could be, he began to point out to him its grandeur, the beauty of the costly furniture, brought from all parts of the world, the view from the windows, etc. Tamahana heard all silently; then looking round upon the walls, replied:

“Ah! my Father’s house is finer than this.”

“Your father’s house!” thought the man, who knew his father’s home was but a poor mud cottage. But Tamahana well on.

“My Father’s house is finer than this, and began to speak, in his own expressive touching strain, of the house above— the house of “many mansions”—the eternal home of the redeemed.

“In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2,3.

ML 07/07/1940

"How Old Ought I to be?"

“Dear Mother,” said a little maid,

“Please whisper it to me—

Before I am a Christian,

How old ought I to be?”

How old ought you to be, dear child,

Before you can love me?”

“I always loved you, Mother, mine,

Since I was tiny wee.”

“I love you now and always will,”

The little daughter said,

And on her mother’s shoulder hid

Her golden curly head.

“How old, my girlie, must you be

Before you trust my care?”

“O, Mother, dear, I do,—

I trust you everywhere.”

“How old ought you to be, me child,

To do the things say?”

The little girl looked up and said,

“I can do that today.”

“Then you can be a Christian, too,

Don’t wait till you are grown,

Tell Jesus now you come to Him

To be His very own.”

Said so the little maid knelt down.

And said, “Lord, if I may,

I’d like to be a Christian now—.”

He answered, “Yes today.”

ML 07/07/1940

Serving One Another

How happy these dear children are. The big sister is kind to baby, 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? 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. If you do the smallest, thing just to please the Lord Jesus, He takes notice of it; for He sees all 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.

“WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.” 1 John 4:19.

ML 07/07/1940

Happy All the Day

We have in our Sunday school a girl of ten, who is a wonder unto many. She is always so happy. I never yet saw her bright face clouded with a frown. She became a real follower of Christ at the age of six years. There is not a doubt of Annie’s conversion, her bright life would put many an Older Christian to shame. She has two sisters and a brother, all younger, and to them she is as a mother. She has a smile for all the school children, and although, as some think, her lot is hard, for she is virtually her father’s little housekeeper, Annie is happy all the days of the year. She is a true pattern of what the grace of God can do for and in a child of ten years.

If you would share the same joy, and have a life of brightness and usefulness, you may have it where she got hers—that is, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ with your heart, and confessing Him with your mouth to others (Rom. 10:9). Then day by day enjoying His love, and walking in the paths of His holy Word, you will know what it is to be kept m “perfect peace” and “always rejoicing.”

There are boys and girls at school of all ages who have this joy, and it may be yours today, “Rejoice in the Lord away and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4.

ML 07/07/1940

More of the Psalms

Psalms 8, 14, 16, 18

One day when Jesus went up to Jerusalem, many people were with Him, singing words of a psalm (Psalm 118), in praise to God and to honor Jesus, as One whom God had sent. When they reached the temple, the children still called out there the same words of praise.

The men who were the leaders in the temple were displeased. to hear them. and spoke to Jesus. He answered them with words from the 8th Psalm saying,

“Have ye never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?’” Matt, 21:15, 16; also Psa. 8:2.

Those men knew the psalm, as all the Hebrew people were taught the psalms in childhood, but only those who believe in God’s Son like to hear Him praised. The children’s song made the words of the 8th Psalm come true that day, and also true of Christ’s future glory. God is still honored by the songs of even the youngest child who sings of Jesus.

This psalm tells of the rule of the earth given to man; but Adam lost full power because he sinned, and the earth waits for the right ruler. (Genesis 1:26, Hebrews 2:6-9).

In Psalm 14, we learn that

“The Lord looked down from heaven. upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.” But He found “They are all gone aside ... . there is none that doeth good, no not one.” God looks in the heart and can find none pure. But in Psalm 16, a Holy One is spoken of; so there was to be One Who would be holy, and when Jesus was raised from the grave He was proved to be that Holy One (Acts 2:25-32).

The 18th Psalm was written by Davin in thanks to God for keeping him safe while King Saul tried to take his life, for Saul did not want David to be king, David had to hide among rocks and in caves many times to escape from Saul and his soldiers. David knew that it was the Lord who kept him safe, so he says,

“The Lord is my Rock, and my Fortress and my Deliverer,”

Some words used by David are no often used now, as a “buckler”, which was like a shield, only strapped around a soldier’s body to protect him from the enemy’s arrows or spears, and a shield was held in the hand. A “horn” meant power or victory, because horns were the power or weapon of some animals, and horn was used as a trumpet in victory. David said that often he was afraid, but he called on the Lord to save him, and had much praise to sing.

This psalm is given almost the same in 2 Samuel 22.

What same words begin and end the 8th Psalm?

What words of Psalm 14 are repeated in Romans 3:12?

ML 07/07/1940

Mount Corcoran

We have here a picture of a mountain in the western part of the United States. Perhaps some of our readers live near enough to this mountain to see it from their homes. It is a very beautiful sight, with the pretty lake and big trees in the foreground.

“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even forever.” Psalm 125:2.

So those whom the Lord is protecting can never be harmed.

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, ‘Destroy them.’” Deut. 33:27.

There is one enemy who would like to keep away from the Lord, all those who do not yet know Him; and draw away from Him all who do know Him. This enemy is Satan. But Jesus says, ‘‘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.” John 10:27, 28.

ML 07/14/1940

Afraid of God

Some years ago, a band of missionaries in the Fiji Islands found their home surrounded by a troop of savages armed for battle. Being both unable and unwilling-to fight, they shut their door, and began to pray.

Presently the howling of the savages ceased. Then one of the missionaries went out and found only one savage there. Said the missionary: “Where are your chiefs?”

“They are gone. They heard you praying to your God; and they know your God is a strong God; and they are gone.”

The savages were right at last, God is a strong God; strong to. help those who love Him; strong to punish His enemies. This strong God is the loving Friend of little children. What good news this is for the weak and helpless! (2 Sam. 22:2,3).

ML 07/14/1940

True Courage

People are called courageous who are not afraid to fight other people. A boy is said to be very “brave” when he will do very dangerous things, but, dear children, all this is far away from true courage. Doing what we know ‘to be right in the face of opposition and contempt, that is true courage. To confess with our lips the Lord Jesus, or to pray to God before our companions, who may not love or fear Him, that is true courage.

Listen, dear boys, while I tell you a true story about a little boy who had this true courage. He was a weak, sickly boy to look at, and had a meek, quiet, little face that great, big, strong, rude boys laughed at, and called a baby face. He had, up to the time that I am going to tell you about, in consequence of ill health, been kept much at home, and had rarely been absent many hours together from his mother’s side, and had mixed very with other boys. He was timid and awkward at most of the games boys play at, for which they laughed at him a good deal; he would not fight when ill-treated, or resent in any way the unkindness of others, so that he was thought to be a coward, by boys who don’t know what true courage is.

After the death of his father, who up to his death had taught him at home, he was sent to a large public boarding school. Most of you can think what sort of a place a large boarding school would be for a weak, timid, little boy, with no kind mother or friend to watch over him. Well, it is about his first night at school that I want to tell you.

Picture to yourselves, then, a large room with over a dozen little beds in it, and as many boys laughing and talking and undressing, before getting into these little beds, and not once thinking of the God that made them, or of the Lord Jesus who died on the cross to save them. Now see them one by one getting into bed without bowing their knees in prayer; do you think you would have been able, before, them all, to kneel down by your bedside and pray to God?

Well, this little boy did. Yes, with, trembling heart, on this his first night at school, he kneeled down and prayed God as he had been accustomed to do at home in his own little room, where there was no one to see him, but the “Father who seeth in secret.”

Some of the rude boys laughed at him and threw their slippers at him, and called him names to make him stop, but he just quietly went on praying. The next morning he did the same, and continued morning and night thus on his knees to confess the Lord Jesus. Nor was this all, other little boys who once had prayed at home but had been afraid to do so before the other boys at school, encouraged by his example began again to pray. After a while there were only three boys in that large room who did not bow their knees, and lift their hearts to the Lord morning and night. The true courage of the little, weak boy had been a real blessing and help to others.

Dear children, I want you to have this true courage, and to never be afraid to own the Lord Jesus, by confessing Him or praying to Him before others, where there is a need for it, The Lord Jesus says,

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

ML 07/14/1940

Ellen's Conversion

The nurse was a Christian and had been praying for Mary. How glad she was when God answered her prayers, and Mary was converted.

Then a new maid named Ellen came, and Mary and Ellen being about the same age, became great friends, Mary told all about her conversion and how happy she had been ever since.

It was plain that Ellen was interested, though not a believer.

“Nurse, I am sure the new maid is anxious about her soul,” said Mary one night.

“Why do you think so?”

“Because when I told her of my conversion last night there were tears in her eyes.

“Ask her to come up to the nursery and have a talk.”

Soon all three were seated in the nursey at their needlework while they talked. After a while Ellen burst into tears, and cried,

“I want to be saved, but what shall I do?”

Then the nurse handed her the Bible and asked her to read John 3:16.

“Look,” she said, “God loved and God gave. We believe and we have. Salvation comes to us through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Do you see this ball of wool?” continued the nurse; “I give it to you.”

Ellen put out her hand and took it, and said, “Thank you.’’

“Just in the same way” said nurse; “accept God’s gift and thank the Giver.”

Soon Ellen was rejoicing in Christ, and that night she told the cook.

The cook repulsed the girl, and said she was mad, and that the nurse had made her crazy.

“O no” said Ellen, “I am not mad was lost, but now I am saved, and how can I help being happy?”

In the fullness of her joy she told her mistress, but alas! “not many noble” are called. The mistress rebuked her, and in a short time all the three Christians were dismissed. But if confessing Christ brought them dismissal from their earthly employer, what joy and reward will it bring to them in that day when the Lord of heaven shall confess their names in the presence of His Father and the holy angels, and tell of what they suffered out of love for Him.

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

ML 07/14/1940

"The Good Shepherd"

And is it true, as I am told,

That there are lambs within the fold

Of God’s Beloved Son?

That Jesus Christ, with tender care,

Will in His arms most gently bear

The helpless little one?

O, yes, I’ve heard my mother say

He never sent a child away

That scarce could walk or run:

But when the Saviour was besought

To touch the babe the parent brought,

He bless’d the little one.

And I, a little straying lamb,

May come to Jesus as I am,

Though goodness I have none;

May now be folded in His breast,

As birds within the parent nest,

And be His little one.

And He call do all this for me

Because in sorrow on the Tree

He once for sinners hung;

And having put their sins away,

He now rejoices day by day,

To bless the little one.

ML 07/14/1940

More About the Psalms

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork, Day unto day unttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.”

As David thought of the light and beauty of the moon and stars at night and the bright sun each day, he said they were like a voice telling of the glory of God! The beauty of the heavens has not been for just a few days or a few nights, but every day and every night ever since they were created. There is no place where they cannot be seen. It seems now, as it did to David, that the Sun is like a strong man running a race across the sky, while giving the earth light and warmth. These verses are beautiful ones for us all to learn.

There are several verses of this 19th Psalm which tell of the words of God: they are called the law, the testimony, the statutes, the commandments, and the judgments; when David was the king over Israel, he could have gold and many choice things, but see what he says of God’s words:

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”

ML 07/14/1940

Books of the Bible

In Samuel First we read of Saul—The people’s king—his rise and fall.

In Second Samuel, then we hear of David—man to God so dear.

In First of Kings the glory filled The temple Solomon did build.

And Second Kings records the lives of prophets, kings, their sons and wives.

In First of Chronicles we’re shown The house of David and his throne.

And Second Chronicles records King Solomon’s GOOD deeds and words.

In Ezra is built God’s house again, Which had for long in ruins lain.

And Nehemiah builds the wall Round Judah’s city, great and tall.

Then Esther, Jewish maid and wife. Raised up to save her people’s life.

And Job—his patience sorely tried—At last God’s dealings justified.

Then come the Psalms, whose sacred page

Is full of truth for every age.

ML 07/14/1940

The Happy Children

How happy these children are. We do not know just how long the little boy must hold his position on the bar. He seems pleased to do what is expected of him, and the others are interested in seeing him succeed. They are able to enjoy the attainments of others, and are willing to wait their turns.

Is this not a lesson God would have Christians to learn? When our hearts are filled with joy in the Lord Jesus and with His love, we are all happy with one another, and are glad to see our fellow believers given places of honor for His sake.

One little tot, who is too small to enter into the gamey is attracted by the first object near him, just now a rooster. Unsaved people are like this boy, for they cannot understand or enjoy the things which please God and His people, Alas! that some believers. with hearts cold towards Christ should act like unbelievers. Mae we ever respond to the exhortation:

“Keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 21.

“WALK IN LOVE, AS CHRIST ALSO HATH LOVED US, AND HATH GIVEN HIMSELF FOR US.” Eph. 5:2.

ML 07/21/1940

Undeserved Love

Mrs. C., running up to her daughter’s bedroom to fetch something, and hastily opening the door, was surprised to find her in tears, which Mildred, on seeing her mother, hurriedly brushed away.

“Why, what is the matter, darling?”

“Nothing, mumsie dear—I’m only stupid. Did you want something?” she added, with the evident desire to change the subject.

But her mother was not so easily put off!

“Tell me what is wrong; darling,” she went on. “I’ve noticed often lately you have looked worried and have not been nearly so bright as usual. What is upsetting you? Perhaps I may be able to help.”

Then bit by bit, by dint of most coaxing and questioning, Mrs. C, got the whole story out. For Mildred was very reluctant to tell, though her mother could see she was very miserable. Ella D. and Mildred were in the same class, both fairly equal as regards marks, but now for some weeks Mildred had got ahead of her and always came out top of the weekly list, an honor which formerly they had alternately shared, and now Ella was very angry and jealous, and out of revenge began in mean little ways a petty persecution. Mildred would remember putting all her books away carefully, but somehow one would be missing and nowhere to be found when required, though afterward it reappeared mysteriously. She would leave her drawer perfectly tidy and come back to find it all in disorder, and if this happened, as it sometimes did, when the teacher made a chance inspection of the class-room, this meant a bad mark for Mildred. Something of hers would be found lying about the room; poor child, she was always getting a severe reprimand, and the marks mounted up and threatened to spoil her report at the end of the term.

Miss Garnett, the head teacher, could not understand all these complaints about Mildred, who had always been such a good conscientious pupil. Ella did it all so cleverly and secretly that no suspected her, except Mildred herself.

“I cannot do my lessons badly just to let her be top, can I? She cannot alter my class marks, so she is making me lose my conduct ones. I have so prayed that God would touch her heart and make her different, but mumsie, please do not say a word! I should hate to be thought it sneak”—and Mildred looked very distressed.

“Trust me, dear, but I must speak to daddy and consult with him what is to be done. It is too serious a matter to be passed over lightly. Meanwhile let us pray, dear, for poor Ella.”

Mr. and Mrs. C. talked the affair over that evening, and decided upon the proper course to adopt, and Mrs. C. was to undertake matters the following afternoon, But God had His own plan and was going to deal with Ella Himself.

When Mildred arrived at school the next morning she found little knots of girls talking together in suppressed, excited tones. Mildred went up to a group.

“Hadn’t she heard? “Didn’t she know that Ella, returning home from school, the previous afternoon, had met with a serious accident and was very, very ill?”

The news cast a gloom throughout school, and no one was more upset than Mildred herself. At dinner time she told her mother, and begged to be allowed to go round and ask for Ella. In the succeeding days and weeks Mildred was constant inquirer. The doctors, after the first day or so, had every confidence that her life would be spared, but said she would not be able to walk for many months, as her back was injured.

After about a month, Ella was well enough to be told about things, and she heard of Mildred’s constant visits. As she lay there, thoughts of her past conduct and unkindness overwhelmed her. Her very accident had been the result of disobedience, and one day when her mother was sitting by the bedside, Ella poured out the whole story. After a time of quiet, sacred intercourse and prayer, her mother got up to go, and as she was leaving Ella said,

“I should like to see Mildred when she next calls, please, and O, mother, I would like you to write or see Miss Garnett, and tell her all about it.”

“Very well; darling, only go to sleep now. You must not get over tired and excited,” and with a kiss Mrs. D, crept quietly out of the room.

Two days later Mildred called and was shown up into Ella’s room. There was a little awkward pause for both girls were very shy—Mildred distressed to see her strong, lively schoolfellow lying there pale and weak; and Ella feeling she had sinned too deeply to be forgiven but soon the ice was broken and the reconciliation scarcely asked, before it was given, and a bond of friendship cemented between the two girls which was to grow deeper and stronger as years went by. In fact, the two became inseparable, Mildred spending much of her leisure time by her friend’s couch, making pleasant the weary hours for the invalid, Though no word of complaint ever, passed Ella’s lips, the forced inaction must have been very tedious to a high-spirited girl, but she felt he had been “forgiven much.” God had become very real to Ella, who had accepted the Saviour and was learning daily to love and serve Him more.

Mildred’s prayers, among others, had brone fruit, and Ella often told her it was her unselfish love and forgiveness which had first led her to understand and accept God’s love and His wonderful salvation.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, hut that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” 1 John 4:10.

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

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. Do we? Have you yet come to the Saviour? Do you know His love, and forgiveness?

ML 07/21/1940

Jesus Is Mine

Papa,” said a child, “is not the day after tomorrow Friday?”

“Yes, my child.”

“Papa,” said he, “is not that the day of prayer?”

“Yes, my boy.”

“Papa, won’t you have me prayed for? I have been trying to find Jesus and cannot—I want Jesus.”

The Friday meeting came—an immense gathering of people, and there was such a blessing poured forth that the father on that occasion entirely forgot his promise to the child; and at the close of the meeting, the people rose and sung,

“Now I have found a Friend, Jesus is mine.”

The little fellow was at the end of the crowd, but he perforated his way through, and flung himself into his father’s arms, looked up into his face with a countenance of joy, and said, “Papa, I have Jesus now—Jesus is mine; I have Jesus—Jesus is mine,”

Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? Can you say, ‘He is mine?’

ML 07/21/1940

"I am Thine."

Yes, Lord Jesus, I am Thine;

O, what grace! what power divine!

Purchased by Thy precious blood:

Thus I’m made “a child of God.”

Naught shall take away from me

That blest bond of unity,

Which I hold with Christ the Lord,

Since I’m made “a child of God.”

O that blessed happy thought,

To know that Jesus Christ has taught

This heart of mine to lisp and say,

“Lord Jesus, come without delay.”

Then be it so; Lord Jesus, come,

And take Thy waiting people home,

That they may there forever be

Thrice happy, blessed Lord, with Thee.

ML 07/21/1940

A Psalm of One in Sorrow

Psalm 22

The music for this psalm must have been in slow, solemn tones, for it tells the grief of One in very great trouble. David wrote this psalm and had many times been in much sorrow, but not like this One, for David had always been comforted and helped by God, so had Elijah, Job and all others who trusted in God, But the cry of this One, given in the first verse is,

“My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”

Forsaken means to be left alone. This person had prayed to God day and night, yet was left to suffer without the comfort of God, as no one else ever had.

In the New Testament we read of One who lived long after David who cried out those same words in Hebrew while suffering it cruel death on a cross outside the city of Jerusalem. This One was Jesus of Nazareth, who was hated by the leaders. of the Jews because He told them that He was the Son of God. And to please those leaders He was crucified by Roman soldiers.

Things which took place at that time were the same as told of in this psalm: the suffering One says,

“All they that see Me laugh Me to scorn” (Verse 7).

Would men laugh at one in pain and sorrow? Yes, that was what the soldiers and others did while they watched Jesus suffer. The psalm also told the words some would say about this One: “He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver Him: let Him deliver Him” (Verse 8), Those very words were said by the Jewish priests and scribes about Jesus, as He hung on the cross. Those men used the words of this psalm, but they did not believe the One God sent to deliver or them from their enemies and from their own sins.

The soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross divided His garments, a part for each soldier, excepting His cloak, which was woven in one piece; so they drew lots to see which one should have that. Now notice what had been written in this psalm, verse 18,

“‘They parted My garments. among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.”

The Roman soldiers did not know the psalms, but God knew what they would do, and told David long years before to write it.

The answer to the question, “My God My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” seems to be in the words of verse 3, “Thou art holy.” Because God, the Father, was holy He could not comfort His Son when He was taking the punishment for sin.

There is more in the psalm of how that One would suffer; we cannot explain or understand such sorrow; we can only believe that the Lord had these words written that His people should, honor the One who so suffered. The people of Jerusalem must often have read this psalm yet who Jesus said the same words on the cross, and was so despised, only a few believe Him to be the Son of God.

We very much wish that each boy and girl who now reads this psalm may believe honor the Lord Jesus who suffered for sin, “the Just for the unjust.”

The prophet Isaiah also wrote of a “Man of sorrows” and said,

“The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6.

David was called a prophet, one who told events before they happened (See Acts 2:30), For the account of Jesus on the cross read Matthew 27:26-51, also John 19:23,24.

ML 07/21/1940

Peace

How peaceful is the scene before us, with the cattle standing quietly, lashing the flies away with their long tails, and cropping the ends of the overhanging boughs. The sheep lie in the shadow of the elm trees, and the shepherd boy seems to have covered up his face with his hat, perhaps to keep the flies off while he may try to sleep.

However peaceful all around, may seem, it is possible that the boy may not have much peace in his heart. If he thinks about his sins and having to meet God, it might well fill him with fear: but if he only knows that he can have all his sins put away through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, he may have peace in his heart.

Do you have peace in your heart? Can you say you have peace with God? All that is asked of us in order to have this peace, is to have faith in Christ. Do you ask, “What is faith?” Faith is believing what God has said, without seeing or feeling. The Scripture says,

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

Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, have peace in their hearts that no one can take from them.

ML 07/28/1940

Content and Happy in the Lord

Many years ago there lived a poor widow and her only son, twenty-eight years of age, having been blind thirteen years.

The few necessities of life, the mother earned by selling small articles, and by working for the village people. The blind son remained at home all alone, praying and spinning. Eveningss, when mother came home, the old handed-down treasures were brought out; these were the large Bible, a, song book, and a few other good books of a Christian character, then mother read to herself and her son, and the blind man’s soul was lightened, and warmed by hearing the Word of Life. To their mutual sorrow, the mother had been compelled to read very loud of late, for the ears of her beloved son were beginning to close, also.

One, Lord’s day after the meeting, our blind man, led by boy, appeared at the village school-master’s house to see the preacher who was stopping there. From passing strangers, our friend had heard that a young girl was performing wonderful cures on many sick, and such as could get no more help from physicians were made well. Now he desired to know if the Word of God would allow him to ask the help of this girl. The minister who had to go to another place just then to preach the gospel, promised to see him and talk with him about this matter some other more convenient time.

A few days afterward he was able to redeem his promise, and appeared in the little room of the blind man, who sat in a dark corner, occupied with the yarn he had spun. The servant of the Lord sat down and began to talk about his plan more in detail. In a loving way he told him how it might, after all, be a deception, and not of God; but yet that God was able to do wonderful things, and often through weak vessels shows his power to deliver and to heal.

“It is not impatience at the sufferings that God in His wisdom has allowed to come upon me, has made me wish to be healed, I have been, as you know, blind about thirteen years, but the Lord has not left me without comfort in this of darkness. You gave me a verse shortly before my eyes began to trouble me.

‘Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.’ Ps. 119:105.

I am not sad or discouraged because I am blind, for I know Jesus and His light I sit here all day alone, for mother must go out and earn the living, but the Lord is near me while I spin, and He refreshes my soul with the precious verses and songs I have learned in my youth. And I meditate upon what mother has been reading the night before. Our meals are, plain and sometimes very little, but I have always had enough to satisfy our hunger; I know, too, that the Lord will provide in the future, even should He take mother before me, I am altogether content and happy in the Lord. It is another reason which has made me desire to seek the help of this girl. Sometime ago my hearing, also, became affected and it is probable I may become entirely deaf. You will call to remembrance the great thunderstorm we had last summer. Mother had gone out and left me locked up in the house. After a few hours she returned with some women, and they spoke together of the awful thunder and lightning. Then a great fear and anxiety came over me, because I had not heard anything. And since all around us seems to indicate that the Lord’s coming is very near at hand, I was afraid I should not be able to hear the sound of the trumpet which will announce His coming. You see this is my only burden, and I had wished to be healed of my deafness at least, though I might not get my sight back.”

At this point the Lord’s servant could not refrain himself any longer. Taking hold of both hands of the blind, he said with tearful eyes “When the Lord Jesus comes, He with open wide your ears and your eyes:

“When the Lord Jesus comes, He will open wide your ears and you eyes, and reveal Himself to you in His grace and glory. He will never leave you here, and will not forget you.”

Then the face of the blind began to brighten up and tears of joy filled his eyes. From that time on he desired no more to be cured by that young girl; the anxiety of his heart had been taken away from him.

The Lord’s servant has not forgotten this little incident in the cottage of the blind. Often when he would get impatient, and life’s burden and cares press heavy on him he would think of the simple words of the bling man:

“I am content and happy in the Lord,” and with same and humility he would confess how far he was yet behind even this poor blind man, and instead of murmuring, thanksgiving and praise would go up to the Giver of all good.

ML 07/28/1940

Emma's Hymn

Emma’s father was a worldly man. He stayed out late at nights, with ungodly men. Her mother died when she was five years old, and the dear child was brought up by a housekeeper, who was very kind to her.

She had no companions, and was often very lonely at nights. Her father seemed in have little interest in her, and seldom spent an evening in the house. A kind lady who had known Emma’s. mother sometimes invited the lonely child to spend the evening with her children, and this greatly cheered and delighted Emma.

Once a week, there was a children’s meeting in a hall close by, and to this meeting Emma sometimes went, along with these children. There was a favorite hymn often sung at this meeting, the first verse of which is—

“We know there’s a bright and glorious home,

Away in the heavens high,

Where all the redeemed shall with Jesus dwell;

But will you be there and I?”

Emma learned this hymn, and resolved that she would sing it at night to her father, and pray to God to bless it to his soul.

When he returned from his office at night, Emma was sitting on the sofa singing—

“We know there’s a bright and a glorious home.”

“What’s this you have tonight, child?” said her father as he sat down to tea. “Who taught you that?”

So Emma told about the meeting, and the happy hour she had spent there, to which her father made no reply. She thought he was offended, but to her surprise, when he had finished his tea, instead of hurrying away to his club as usual, he sat down beside her on the sofa, and taking her hand in his, looked very sad.

“Are you ill, father, dear?” asked Emma.

“No, my child, but I want to stay beside you tonight, if you will sing that pretty hymn,”

Emma was delighted and taking her hymn book, sang the hymn right through. When she had finished, she saw a tear drop from her father’s eye. That was so unusual, that she felt sure the words had reached his heart.

This was the beginning of his soul-anxiety. For several weeks he remained in the house, and read many books, but still no light, no peace came to him. At last one of his employers who was a Christian, and noticed his dejected look, asked him if anything was wrong. He told him the whole story of Emma’s song, and how it had aroused him to think of eternity.

That night his employer invited him to his house, and there he found the Lord as his Saviour, and passed from death to life.

Emma and her father, after this, often sat together for an evening, reading and singing together their favorite hymn—

“Will you be there and I?”

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth,” Rom. 1:16.

ML 07/28/1940

The Shepherd Psalm

Psalm 23

When David was young, he took care of his father’s sheep on the hills near Bethlehem and led them to streams or springs for water and to grassy spots for their food and rest. There were woods and wild rocky places near, from which wild animals would come to carry away a lamb or even a sheep, for sheep are more gentle than most animals and do not cry out or try to fight off an enemy: Sometimes a sheep wanders away from the flock, and does not find its way back, and is lost or hurt.

So David knew how watchful a good shepherd must he And when he was older and thought of how the Lord had kept him safe when he had been in danger, and had sent someone to him with food when in need, he spoke of the Lord as his Shepherd, the One who had watched and kept him, and he wrote this beautiful psalm:

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I. shall not want.

He maketh me to be down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will, fear no evil: for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”

Perhaps David sometimes led his sheep along a wrong path which would take them to a poor past use, or near a steep cliff, but he knew the Lord always led him in a right way David had found that a dark valley with hills on each side, where an enemy could watch, was not a safe place, but with the Lord to keep him, he feared no evil even there. And the last verse is:

“Surely goodness and mercy (or loving kindness) shall follow me all the days my life; And I will dwell in the house the Lord forever:”

When the Lord Jesus was on earth He said He was a Shepherd, but He did not mean for sheep, although you may have seen Him pictured as a shepherd holding a lamb. He meant He watched over and cared for people, not sheep. He was so, good a Shepherd that he gave His life to save His “sheep” A prophet after David, spoke of a time when they would “smite the Shepherd” (See Zechariah 13:7).

But Christ was raised from death and is now in Heaven, yet He know and watches over those who trust in Him, and by His Spirit leads them only in right paths. If we are in wrong ways it because we are not following our Shepherd. Because of sin all around, this world is like a dark valley, yet the Lord can keep His people from evil, and it is indeed good to have such a Shepherd. Can you say as David did, “The Lord is my Shepherd?”

From what wild animals did David save his lambs? (Ans. 1 Samuel 17:34.).

“I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the, sheep, Jesus said, also.

“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 pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:11,28,29.

ML 07/28/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And the Holy Ghost,” etc. Luke 3:22.

2.“That thou mightest,” etc. 1:4.

3.“Be ye therefore,” etc. 12:40.

4.“Who Appeared,” etc. 9:31.

5.“When Simon Peter,” etc. 5:8.

6.“And when they had,”etc. 7:42.

7.“Notwithstanding,” etc. 10:20.

Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 11-21

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, “By what death he should glorify God.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “It is finished.”

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, “The world hath not known thee.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words. As I have kept my Father’s commandments.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “And make our abode with him.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Whosoever beliveth and believeth in me.”

7. What did the Lord Jesus say about the corn of wheat?

Answers to Bible Questions for May

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.By making the multitude sit down in companies of fifty. Luke 9:14.

2. In our own house. Luke 8.39.

3. John Baptist. Luke 7:28.

4.Sinners. Luke 5:32.

5. No, He heard and answered questions. Luke 2:46, 47,

6. Yes. Luke 1:47.

7. The rich man who made no provision for the future, Luke 12:20.

Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in John, Chapters 11-21

1.Whom did Jesus raise from the dead?

2.Where did Jesus say, “till I come?”

3.Did Jesus teach in secret?

4.What proves we are Christ’s friends?

5. How shall all men know we are Jesus disciples?

6. On what charge did the Jews demand Jesus, death?

7. Why was John’s gospel written?

ML 08/04/1940

How I Know I Am Saved

My dear boys and girls, I hope you quite see the difference between working for salvation and working out salvation. You are not told even once to work for salvation. Where will you find a text which says so? Not in the Bible, I am sure. But then a person who is saved,—who has eternal life, is told to work it out in his life by the power of God.

Now, I want to tell you how one knew he was saved. Sometime ago, at the close of a gospel meeting, I spoke to a dear mull who was converted. I asked him,

“Have you eternal life? Are you saved?”

“O, yes,” he said.

“But do you feel it?” I asked.

“No,” he answered, “I do not feel I am saved.”

“Then, how do you know you are saved and have eternal life?” I asked.

“Because Jesus says I am saved, and that I have eternal life,” was his answer.

“Now tell me where He says that?” I inquired.

“In John 5:24, Jesus says, ‘Verily, verily,’—which just means it’s true— “I say unto you,’—that’s to me, he continued— ‘He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me’—now I do believe on God, the sender,——the giver of Jesus; and the word of Jesus I have heard and read many a time— ‘hath everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment (no’ condemnation), but is passed from death, unto life.’ I know therefore everlasting life is mine, I know judgment is past and gone, I will never come into it, because Jesus says so; I don’t feel it, but I know all this to be true by the word of Jesus.”

I saw this dear man soon afterward, and found him very happy, and feeling it too. I have given you the substance of the conversation between the man and myself, to show you how one knew he was saved, not by feeling it, but by the Word of God.

Now, my dear boys and girls, are you not very happy some days?

“O!” say some, “I feel so happy,” putting their hands on their breast, “I feel so happy within, I know I am saved.”

Well, but tomorrow comes, bringing its cares and trials with it, and very likely finds the little one miserable and unhappy. How is this? Can you not put your hands on your breast now and say,

“I am saved?”

No, you cannot, because you do not feel happy within. Ah! that’s the secret of it. Now, I want you to turn from all within, to God’s Word, that will never fail you—will it now? The Word of God is settled in heaven. People’s feelings change with their circumstances. Bright days give happy feelings; dark days often bring miserable feelings. There are two things which never change. Shall I tell you what they are?

The CROSS and the WORD of God. Now, my peace rests on these two things which can never change, and never shake. The heaven and the earth will he removed, —they will shake to their very center, but the Cross of Christ and the Word of God will stand forever. The Word of God, then, assures me I am saved, because I believe on Jesus.

I will conclude this letter by entreating you, my dear young friends, to read carefully what God says to you in His Word. The Scripture cannot be broken, which says,

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

ML 08/04/1940

A Child's Message

One day a little girl entered the store of a merchant near her dwelling, and where her mother had been in the habit of buying her goods, and she said to its owner,

“I have come to tell you that Jesus died for sinners.”

It was a short sermon, but the Spirit of God applied it to the heart of the hearer. The thought came up in his mind all day long,

“Jesus died for sinners, I am a sinner, then Jesus died for me,” and he found no peace until he accepted that blessed Saviour as his own.

How much a little word can do! and yet how many would be unwilling to go on such a little errand, or tell so brief a story as did this little girl.

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

ML 08/04/1940

God Feedeth Them

Look at these five sweet little birds. How contented and happy they all look! They have no thought of care.

Who gives them their food?

Who cares for them?

You will no doubt answer, “It is God who cares for the little birds,” and that is quite right.

Dear boys and girls, you are of more value than the birds, and God cares for you!

“YOUR FATHER KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE HAVE NEED OF.” Matt. 6:8.

Read Matt. 6:25 to 34. But God has shown greater love to you, He has given His own dear Son that you might have everlasting life, if you only believe on Him as the One who has suffered for your sins.

Have you thought of His love and His care? Do you trust Him?

How many of you can say, Jesus is mine?

ML 08/04/1940

The King of Glory

Psalm 24

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein.”

Most of us have seen only a small part of the earth, and do not think how vast it is. Men and nations claim much, or all, for their own; perhaps we all think our homes, our things, our pets, belong to us or to our parents. But this psalm is for a time to cone when people will know and give honor to the Lord, as the owner of the earth, all that is on it, and the people themselves.

Although the Lord is so great He has always wished, to have the thanks of people on earth, and these verses speak of the “hill of the Lord”, meaning the place where he could be honored; and the question is asked,

“Who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”

That does not mean one whose hands are made clean with soap and water, even then the heart would not be pure. There has never been but One on earth whose hands did no sin, and whose heart was pure; that One was God’s Son the Lord Jesus, and true praise can now he given only because of Him, and at last there will be perfect praise.

A very great King is also told of,—the King of glory. David was a king many years, but he twice repeats in very beautiful words about this far greater King to come:

“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in.

Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.”

When Jesus was on earth and stood he before the Roman governor in Jerusalem He was asked if He were the king of Jews, and He answered,

“Thou sayest”, which meant, “Yes” or “It is true.” But the Jewish leaders did not want Him for king. Yet God’s Word shows that the One then refused will at last rule, not only over Israel, but over all the earth.

To open or “lift up the gates” means to welcome, so there will at last be a welcome for the great King of Glory. His “host”, or army, will not be like the armies, of kings now, and we cannot describes that time, but there will he peace and right or the earth.

From the New Testament we learn that before that time, the Lord Jesus will call those who believe in Him to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:14.-18; Rev. 3:10). It is also shown that the evils of earth will be punished by His power, and He will rule over all. It is not told when this time will be, but it gives patience to all who believe God’s words, when they see or hear of battles and wrongs on earth, to wait God’s time for peace by this great King of glory.

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,.... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10,11. (See Colossians 1:13-20.

“He hath ... a name it written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:16.

ML 08/04/1940

The Serpent and the Tiger

I have been looking for 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 keep himself out of sight, but who draws people, old and young, farther and farther from God, until they find themselves cast forever 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, “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 08/11/1940

The Need Supplied

A lady boarded a bus, and a moment or two later the conductor asked for her fare. To her dismay she found she had lost her purse, and the conductor intimated that she better alight. She did so.

It was a hot morning. She was miles away from home. What was she to do? She asked herself, Turning into a park, she sat down on a seat. She was in an awkward plight indeed, but—there was God! She would tell Him about it. Opening a pocket Testament she carried, her eyes fell on Philippians 4:19, which was underlined:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Her “need” that moment was a dime. She closed her eyes and told the Lord Jesus about it, and immediately she had the assurance that her “need” would be supplied. How, she did not know, and that did not matter—God knew.

She began to trace letters in the gravel with her umbrella. She traced the text:

“God is Love.” As she was writing the last letter “e,” her umbrella point turned up a dime. Her heart gave a big thump. Her “need” was supplied! And she bowed her head and thanked Gad.

No need is too small and none too great but what the Lord is able to supply them all.

“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.” 1John 5:14.

ML 08/11/1940

A Story of an Echo

A little boy named Edwin was once taken from his home and kept hidden with a family who lived far from other people in a large forest.

This family expected to gain money when they would return the child, but this they were afraid to do. They put old ragged clothes, on Edwin and called him “Tom”, but the little one did not forget his own name and often cried for his home, saying, “Edwin wants mama.”

During this time the sad parents, Mr. and Mrs. L., were searching in all possible ways for their little boy, but could get no trace of where he had been taken. The winter passed, and their hope of his safety grew less. They had never known sorrow before, and had lived for their pleasure, without trust in God or wish to honor Him. So they were without any comfort in this great trouble, until a young girl who helped about their house spoke to the lady of the Lord, and told her that she was praying God to show them where to find little Edwin. At last the poor mother found comfort in trusting the Lord herself.

One day early in the summer, a small boy awakened from his nap in the house in the woods and could see no one about although a woman was not far away gathering sticks for cooking their meals. The child went outdoors and ran along a path which led to a stream. There were rocks and thick bushes along the bank, and the briers hurt the little one’s bare feet, and he began to cry. A big crow flew close by his head frightening him, and he called for someone to help him, saying,

“Come to Edwy ... ... come”. No one came, but he heard a faint answer, “Come... come!”

It was the echo of his own voice, the sound coming from the high bank across, but the child was too young to understand that, and he cried louder,

“Papa, mama, come to Edwy.” The echo answered more plainly, Come ... .Edwy!”

This made little Edwin keep calling: each time the echo answered; he was keeping on slowing in the path each step taking farther from the house.

The Lord knew the little one’s need and was bringing help. He has many ways of doing for sad hearts; this time He used an echo.

While little Edwin was crying all alone and afraid, a carriage had stopped on the highway not far away, for the horses to rest before climbing the steep, hill. There was a man and his wife, and a young girl and a boy, who stepped from the carriage. Many trees and wild bushes hid the path in the valley from them, but the servant boy heard a faint sound like the voice of a child; he listened intently; it came again faintly; then again louder. With a brief word to the man, the boy started running down a narrow path leading into the woods. The voice was heard a third time more distinctly, and afterward, the faint echo; then the man also hurried down the path into the woods.

After a short run, the boy came to a turn where he could see a child, but not then alone, for the wicked woman had heard the cries and came to him, and was pulling his hand to lead him back, but the child did not want to go, crying, “Edwy wants his mama.”

The servant boy spoke to her, and took little Edwin’s hand, but he did not know what to do; indeed the ragged, dirty child did not look like the little one he had known.

At that moment the man from the carriage, who was Mr. L. reached them. The woman evidently recognized him, as she quickly dropped the child’s hand, turned, and hurried toward her house.

Edwin knew his father and clung to him, and was quickly carried to his mother at the carriage. What joy for her to again see and hold her dear little boy, ragged and dirty though he was! And also what joy to the young girl for the answer to her prayers!

Before the carriage started on, they all knelt on the grass by the roadside to thank God for the finding of little Edwin. Afterward in the home, he was taught of the Lord, which he had not been before, and the parents’ desire was to speak and live to honor Him.

The wicked family could not be found after this when sought; we can only hope they repented of their evil ways.

“For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him,” Ps. 103:11,8.

ML 08/11/1940

My Saviour was a Child

“He came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” Luke 2:51.

I love to think, though I am young,

My Saviour was at child;

That Jesus walked the earth along,

With feet all undefiled.

He kept His Father’s word of truth

As I am taught to do,

And while He walked the paths of youth,

He walked in wisdom, too.

I love to think that He who spake,

And made the blind to see,

And called the sleeping dead to wake,

Was once a child like me.

That He who wore the thorny crown,

And tasted death’s despair,

Had a kind mother like my own,

And knew her love and care.

I know ‘twas all for love to me

That He became a child,

And left the heavens so fair to see,

And trod earth’s pathway wild.

Then, Saviour, who was once a child,

A child may come to Thee;

And, O! in all thy mercy mild,

Blest Saviour, come to me.

ML 08/11/1940

Verses for Our Help

Psalms 27 and 32

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Psalm 27:10.

There are few fathers or mothers who would leave a child alone in trouble, yet some boys and girls have known such sorrow.

David, who wrote this, may never have been forsaken by his parents; we read that when he was in great danger from King Saul and hid in a cave, his family went to stay with him. His father and mother must have been old at that time, as David was their youngest son, and he feared they might be harmed, so sent them to another land. Yet David knew if such a sad thing, as “his father and mother to forsake him” were ever to be, the Lord would help him, and that would be better than the best help any father and mother could give.

There were enemies for David and Israel, and they often asked in the Psalms for help to be freed; but when we read of the Lord Jesus we find He did not ask for help against His enemies, but asked for them to be forgiven, and gave that example to His disciples, waiting for God to punish; and in this psalm there is also that thought:

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage.” Also a verse about the happy man. “Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” Ps. 32:1

To transgress means to break god’s laws; whatever we think, say, or do, not right in God’s sight, is sin.

Are we happy when we do wrong? No, there is no one really happy in sin. But the Lord forgives those who believe in Hint, and to know this makes them very happy. These verses are quoted in the New Testament, and there we learn it is because of the death of the Lord Jesus, that God forgives (Romans 4,6,7, 8,24, 25)

Now notice what God promises to for those who believe Him:

“I will instruct thee in and teach thee the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.” Psa. 32:8.

Perhaps you sometimes know, as you watch the eyes of your father or mother that they wish you to do a certain thing, and they do not need to, tell you. So this verse means the Lord would just as gently show us the right ways, for He would, instruct and teach as carefully, by His Word, the Bible.

“Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit at bridle.”

No matter how carefully a driver trains a young horse or moue, he must put on, each a bit and bridle; he could not guide them in the road by his eye. Sometimes we do not turn from wrong by God’s gentle guiding by His words, and He must turn us by a harder way of sickness or trouble. So when we want to go our own way instead of God’s way, let us remember what this psalm says, “Be ye not as the horse or the mule.”

To what land did David send his father and mother? (Ans. 1 Samuel 22:1-4).

ML 08/11/1940

Timothy

The aged apostle Paul, in the very last letter he wrote bore he went home to be with Christ, said to Timothy,

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

Timothy had godly mother and grandmother and they taught him to love the Word of God, but you see it was not being their child that saved him. They were persons of faith, but it was not because they had faith in Christ that could save Timothy. It was his own faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that saved him.

When he was grown to be a man, he was very useful in the work of the Lord, and much loved and value by Paul, as we see almost every time Paul speaks of him (Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 16:10; Phil. 1:1; 2:19-22; 1 Tim. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:5).

Paul tells us that the Christian can find all the instruction he needs for his work in the service of God in those very same Scriptures that Timothy had known front a child. The Lord Jesus tells us to “SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES ... ..THEY ARE THEY WHICH TESTIFY OF ME.” John 5:39.

The Lord wants to have a people in this world who will confess Him before men, and prove that they are not their own, but His, for He has bought them with His precious blood—He has died for them, that they should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him, then living Lord and Master in heaven.

“Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.” 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.

ML 08/18/1940

The Prayer of Faith

It was Saturday, evening, and Mrs. O. was laying aside her bread-earning work to prepare for the Lord’s day. She had five children, Nelly the oldest was ten years old, and three boys aged six, four, and two, respectively, and a baby girl in her first year, each one must have a bath, and several little garments needed washing, so that each one might be sweet and clean.

On this particular evening, Mrs. O. allowed her eyes to wander around the cheerless, destitute home, and her heart sank within her as she realized her own helpless condition, for she had no friends to help her.

“Nelly my child,” she said, “you and I must prepare ourselves for another hard day tomorrow, we have but half a loaf left and 3 cents and what is that among so many, and I cannot think of drawing the little I have earned today, because it is needed for rent on Monday morning, so we shall have no dinner, but we will bare it bravely dear, and go to bed early.”

“O, mother, Nelly answered, “how can you say that; do you think God will let you work as you have done all this week, early and late, and then let us have no dinner on Sunday? I know He won’t.

Her mother’s heart was very full tonight, and the choking sobs now rose, in her throat; but no, she would not give way, before her children, for she knew that would mean sobbing all round, so she, turned aside until she had gained her usual control, then she spoke again,

“Nelly,” she said, “have you asked God for some dinner?”

“Yes,” said Nelly, “I have; and I know he will send us some.” Then said the mother,

“If you have asked God for it, and you feel sure He will send it, never you disappointed a trusting child since the world began, and He never will to its close, so we will cheer up and get ready.”

Scarcely had she ceased speaking when a knock was heard at the door.

“There,” said little Nellie, “didn’t I tell you.’’ But the mother said, “Hush, child, it may be a neighbor.”

But Nelly shook her head knowingly as the door opened, and a lady appeared.

“Mrs. O.,” said the lady, “whatever is the matter? I know it was God that would not let me rest at home. It is such a dreadful night, I made up my mind for a comfortable evening by the fire, but no sooner had I sat down in my easy chair than this thought came to me, ‘Have Mrs. O. and her children anything to eat tonight?’ I got up and went to the window, looked out, and went back to my chair, but I could not rest, for I felt I must come, so I got up and went to the door, but on opening it, the wind blew the snow in my face and settled the question. No said I, I will not go tonight, but I will go, if I am spared, the first thing on Monday morning, Scarcely had I sat down again, when my daughter came into the room and said.

‘O, mamma, I wonder if Mrs. O. an her children have anything to eat this bitter cold night?

That was more than I could stand, so here I am. I called at my butchers for a piece of the best cut, and here is bread, sugar, tea, and a pot of jam.”

The mother tried to speak her thanks, but failed through tears and sobs.

And so it was, that lady went away without receiving the thanks in words she so nobly deserved, and from that day to this, she never knew that the prayer arid faith of a little child had gone up to the throne of God, and moved that all powerful arm on her behalf.

Pray, little children pray:

Jesus will hear your cry,

And He will send the answer

Down from His home on high.

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given, will He pay him again.” Prov. 19:17.

ML 08/18/1940

The Happy Little Boy

I want to tell you about a little boy whom God had made really happy, though not by giving him much down here, for he was only the son of a poor cottager. What was it, then, do you think, that made this dear boy so truly happy? Listen to his own earnest words. I had called to see his mother, who was one of God’s children, and, while we were talking together, he came in, and I asked him if he loved the Lord Jesus? The mother replied, “He tells me he has eternal life, and that he shall never die.”

I turned to the little boy, and said, “But how can you say that?”

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

“Well, but don’t you know that God is holy, so very holy, that not the least spot of sin, can enter into His presence?”

He answered, “Yes,” very quietly.

“How, then, can you—a little sinful boy—expect to get to heaven where God is?”

After a thoughtful pause, “It says in Scripture that the Lord Jesus was without spot of sin.”

“O, yes, I know that; hut what has that to do with you? You are full of sin. God said, ‘the soul that sinneth, it shall die;’ and when God says a thing, He always keeps His word.”

“God’s Son died for sinners, and all the sins of those who believe were put away by the blood of Christ.”

“Do you think your sins were there?” I asked.

“Yes, I know they were”

“Why, how do you know it?”

“Because I believe God has given me His Spirit—and I feel so happy here,” laying his hand upon his heart.

“Do you? Why, you have a sinful little heart there—does that make you feel happy?”

“O no, but God’s Spirit does.”

I could question no more, dear children. I could only lift my heart in praise to the Lord for His great goodness in so early teaching this dear little one the-true and only way to be really happy.

ML 08/18/1940

Do You Ever Pray?

Children, do you ever pray?

Hark! one answers— “No, not I,

‘Twill be time enough to pray,

Just when I’m about to die.”

Say not so! how many pass

Quickly from this world below

In a moment some are called

To the dark, dark grave to go.

You may perhaps yourselves have known

Children young and light and gay,

In a moment called to go

From this wicked world away.

O, bethink you! turn to Jesus!

Listen to His voice today;

Only those who Christ receive

Can with true acceptance, pray.

Then shalt faith and prayer and praise

Cheer you as through life you roam;

Heir of glory, child of grace,

Peace your portion, heaven your home!

ML 08/18/1940

The Greatness and Goodness of God

Psalms 33, 34 and 37

By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made; ... .He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap:

“Let all the earth fear the Lord:, For He spake and it was done; He commanded and it stood fast,”

“The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men... He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works.

“There is no king saved by a multitude of an host, a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.”

Men may plan to rule and do as they wish, but these verses show that the Lord is watching the deeds of all on earth: He may let men try their ways for a time, hut surely, He, who has made the world; can change peoples’ plans as He wills. You find in reading world history that the greatest kings or generals have not always won the victories, even with a “multitude of an host’’ (army). Strong winds on sea or land, snowstorms, a fog, even clouds or what might seem very small matters, have caused the greatest generals to lose their battles. The Lord spoiled their plans for His own purposes, which are always for good. To remember this verse will help us now when there is war in a great part of the world:

“The counsel (or plan) of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.” Ps. 33:11.

The next psalm tells more of the Lord’s goodness than of His power:

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

That is an easy verse to learn, and a happy one to know. If you see and taste nice fruit you know it is good, so we must take and enjoy God’s goodness to be happy in Him.

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good.” Psa. 34:10.

David was old when he wrote the 37th psalm, yet there was something he had never seen:

“I have been young, and now am old yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed (his children) begging bread.” Verse 25.

No one of Israel who obeyed God’s laws needed to beg: his food; God had promised plenty to that land for those who obeyed. But there is not just the same promise now; Paul and other believers since, have been in want for a time, but the Lord gave them greater blessings than food, and they were always comforted by Him.

Were the young people of Israel to wait until they were old to learn of the Lord? No, read these words:

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear or the Lord.” Psa. 34:11.

ML 08/18/1940

The Gazelle

The Gazelle, or roebuck, is a small deer or antelope. Its tail is short; the fawn color on the back is separated by a brown or nearly black band from the white of the stomach.

This animal’s activity of power of leaping have procured for it its familiar name of “springer.”

It is celebrated in Scripture for its beauty, gracefulness, swiftness, and gentleness. The eyes of the Gazelle are so beautiful and so kind; its movements so graceful, so nimble that the animal often serves as a subject for, the poets.

The Gazelle is always met with in herds, often of a hundred, thus forming a sure prey to lions, panthers, hyenas, wolves, and eagles. They are inoffensive creatures, gentle and timid which have as a defense against their enemies, only their rapid flight to some high and secure place on the mountain.

God tells us in His Word that Satan goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Let us not, as these little creatures, try and stand in our own strength when we meet with temptations, but let us flee to Christ who is our Rock, our Secure Hiding Place.

“THE LORD IS Y LIGHT AND MY SALVATION; WHOM SHALL I FEAR?” Psa. 27:1.

ML 08/25/1940

Little Tommy, and Sailor Boy

The captain of a vessel was telling me of a little boy, who served in his ship many years ago. The captain is an earnest Christian now, but in the days when he knew this little fellow, he was not a follower of the Lord Jesus, but a stern and hardened man of the world. His first ship was a small frigate, with about a dozen men, who composed the crew, and among them was this little Tommy, who did odd jobs, and made himself generally useful. Poor Tommy had a bitter life of it among this reckless, godless set of men. His mother had taught him to love the Lord Jesus, and a few weeks before he joined the ship, he accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, promising that he would serve Him faithfully.

Of course when the men discovered this fact, Tommy became a capital butt for all their jokes and ill treatment—the captain himself encouraged their sport—but still he held on persisting in kneeling down night and morning, to pour out his heart to his Father in heaven, in spite of the cruel blows which were directed at him, while pleading with God for the souls of the godless crew. With a heart sorely tried, and well-nigh breaking at times, the boy wandered about the vessel seeking a quiet spot, but seldom of ever finding one.

In the course of one voyage the little vessel encountered a succession of terrific storms, day by day increasing in violence. The captain and crew were too much occupied now to notice the boy, so amid the furiously raging elements his happiest and most peaceful moments were spent.

One awful night, when the sky over head was dark and clouds, and the sea dashed mercilessly over the decks of the frigate, Tommy stole aft, and clinging with both hands to a rope, kneeled on the wet boards and pleaded for the men who, regardless of him altogether, were hurrying hither and thither carrying out the captain’s orders.

“It’s all up with us, Bill,” he heard the latter say to the chief mate, in a hoarse whisper. “It’s no use trying to save her.” Then the thundering voice of the waves drowned their voices, but still Tommy went on praying.

Presently he heard, above the rain and wind, the sound of his own name, shouted in different parts of the vessel. Springing to his feet, he made his way (by dint of clinging to every available rope) to the captain’s side.

“Do you want me, sir?” he asked.

“Look here, boy,” said the captain “we’re going to the bottom; its impossible to do anything now—but” and stern and weather-beaten as he was, his voice trembled, “there’s a God in heaven, you say—well—I—I thought perhaps you’d pray for us.” Tommy gave one bright, glad look into the captain’s face.

“O yes sir,” he answered, without a moment’s hesitation, “I shall like that so much.”

The rough sailor turned on his heel and led the way into his cabin below, Tommy and one or two of the crew following. There they knelt down, while the little boy prayed that the storm might abate and with choking sobs, asked God to save the captain and men.

Very shortly afterwards the fury of the waves and winds lessened, the clouds broke, and the clear winter’s moon shone down upon them. This was the result of a boy’s faith. O! what a mighty power that boy became among that crew. Is not this a God worth having, who had said,

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee?”

Is Tommy’s God, your God? Is Jesus you Friend?

Dear boys and girls, settle this question with yourselves. Listen to the voice of Jesus calling you to Himself. He has borne the punishment of guilt and sin on the cross, and now waits to receive you. Accept His pardon, forsake your sins, and you will be able to prove what a Saviour He is.

“I will receive you and be gracious unto you,” saith the Lord

“All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matt. 21:22.

ML 08/25/1940

Little Lizzie

Some time ago, I was reading the story of little Lizzie, and I think my young readers will be interested in hearing it too. A man was walking through one of the poorer street of a large city, when he observed a man selling vegetables standing by his barrow, and at the same time giving away picture leaflets to a number of children who were gathered round him.

These leaflets contained gospel stories, and he seemed so fond of the little ones that the man went up to him, and asked the reason of this.

The man told him it was because he owed almost everything to a little girl, his own little daughter, Lizzie. She had attended Sunday school, and there had heard of the love of Jesus, and had found a Friend in Him. Having this happiness herself, she wanted her father and mother to hear the “old, old story.”

It was very difficult for Lizzie to persuade her parents to attend a gospel meeting. Her mother was deaf, and her father made repeated excused about the shabbiness of his clothes. But at last, after Lizzie and her brother and sisters had been pleading with them for a long time, her father went, and was converted.

Perhaps some of you do not know the meaning of this long word. It means there was a great change in the man. He learned he was a sinner; but he learned too, that God had given his Son to die for sinners. And so the poor man believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, got the forgiveness of his sins, and became a happy child of God. From that time he sought to do only what was pleasing to God his Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ his Saviour.

Can you say, The Lord Jesus is my Saviour?

O! I beseech you, come to Jesus, and those who have come, can do as Lizzie did, lead others to Jesus.

“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He, first findeth his own brother, and he, brought him to Jesus,” John 1:40, 41, 42.

ML 08/25/1940

A Negro, Slave Treated Kindly

After he had been some time in service, his master said to him,

“Now you are of age, you may go where you please, and serve any master you think proper. I did not buy you to keep you as a slave, but that you might enjoy the sweetness of liberty. You can leave my house tomorrow if you life.” The poor slave boy was melted by the power of kindness, and with the deepest emotion he exclaimed,

“Me leave you my dear massa? O! no, not for all the world. Me want no wages to serve you, if massa turn me out at one door, me will come in at the other,”

“No man can serve two masters ... . Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matt. 6:24.

“Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:23,24.

ML 08/25/1940

A Willing Servant

Psalms 40

There is much in the Bible about something we do not now do,—that is to sacrifice an animal when we do wrong.

When the first man and woman on earth disobeyed God, they learned of a sacrifice, and their sons, Cain and Abel, knew an animal must be offered because of sins, and the people after them who believed God, made sacrifices of animals and birds, and there were many laws for the nation of Israel about these.

King David, who wrote this 40th psalm, gave many sacrifices for sins and to honor God. Yet, we here read that sacrifices were not what God could take pleasure in, and that another way had been planned, — there was One to come (the Lord Jesus) Who would fulfill God’s will, and in Whom He would be pleased. These verses are written as though the One to come were speaking the words:

“Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offerings and sin offerings hast Thou not required,

“Then said I, Lo,I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O my God.”

In olden times the ear of a slave was marked or bored by his master as a sign he was to obey commands. And this One to come would have the place of a servant. But notice, this One would not be forced to be a servant, but would be willing to be one, for He says,

“Lo, I come.” “Lo” means there is something very special to wonder about; so those who heard these words would wonder about such a One to come.

“In the volume of the book”, does not mean just the same as we think of a book, but those words show that, in the past, a sure plan had been made of this One to come. And the words of God, after the first sin of Adam and Eve, tell of such a One (Genesis 3:15). David could not have known to write this psalm except the Lord had shown him.

Those words are quoted in the New Testament in the Book of Hebrews. There we learn the willing One to come to earth as a servant to God was the Son of God. Who became a man and gave His life, here, a sacrifice for sin. God, the Father took delight in Him, and another sacrifice never is needed. These are some of the verses from the Book of Hebrews:

“Then said He, Lo, I come to do Thy will O God. He taketh away the first that He may establish the second..... through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. See Hebrews 10:1-12).

Could we count all the wonderful works of the Lord and His thoughts for His people? (Ans. Psalm 40:5).

If all that the Lord Jesus did for people when on earth had been written would there have been many books? (Ans Gospel John 21:25).

Not all the blood of beasts

On Israel’s altars slain,

Could give the guilty conscience peace,

Or wash away its stain.

But Christ, the heavenly Lamb,

Took all our guilt away.

A sacrifice of nobler name,

And richer blood than they.

ML 08/25/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Children’s Class”

1.“And immediately,” etc. Luke 18:43.

2.“Likewise, I say,” etc. 15:10.

3.“And when he had,” etc, 13:17.

4.“Then said the lord.” etc. 20:13.

5.“Then came the day.” etc. 22:7.

6. “And when he had.” etc. 24:40.

7. “He that is.” etc, 16:10.

Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 1-14

1.Write in full the verse containing. the words, “What was I, that I could withstand God?”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “He left not himself without witness.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “By many infallible proofs.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Hath glorified his Son Jesus.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words, “And saw the glory of God,”

7. What was the Lord’s answer to Saul’s question: “Who art thou, Lord?”

Answers to Bible Questions for June

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1. “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13.

2.“Law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms.” Luke 24:44.

3.The Lord’s resurrection. Luke 13:32.

4.There should not be one stone left upon another. Luke 19:44. It should be trodden down of the Gentiles, Luke 20:24.

5. “Nothing.” Luke 22:35.

6.The day he died. Luke 23:43

7.“The resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:14.

Bible Questions for September

‘The Young People’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapter 1-14.

1.To what did the deacons give themselves continually?

2.What did the traveling evangelists tell their church when they returned home

3.Where did Judas go??

4.Whom should we obey rather than man?

5. By what Name must we be saved?

6.What is preached unto us thru this MAN?

7. What happened to James the brother of John?

ML 09/01/1940

The Smitten Rock

The great host of Israel had crossed the Red Sea, and had left Elim with its wells and palm trees, and now in the wilderness they can find no water to drink Fancy about three million people in a desert without water, and you will see how serious was their case.

You know very well, I am sure, that without water people must die. So that in the Bible we read a lot about water.

By nature we are in just such a case as the Israelites were. We need the water of life of which the Bible speaks.

Well, how was the water to be had for that great thirsty multitude? God told Moses to smite the rock with the rod—the rod of God as it is called. Moses did so, the waters gushed out, and Israel drank and lived.

Where is the living water to be found which our souls need? From the Rock—the Rock of Ages—Jesus, who was once smitten for our sins.

You remember He spoke of it to the woman at the well (John 4), and He offers it to every thirsty one, He says,

“Let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev. 22:17.

This water of life conies to us through His death. We have simply to take what he died to give us. Can you say—

I came to Jesus, and I drank

Of that life-giving stream;

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

And now I live in Him?

If not, do you wish to be able to? Then go to Him, for He says,

“I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Rev. 21:6.

ML 09/01/1940

A Lamb in Jesus' Fold

O mother dear, I’d like to be

A lamb in Jesus’ fold;

To look to Him who died for me,

With love that grows not cold.

But I am very changeful oft,

And disobedient too;

And when I think to be so good,

My wicked heart peeps through.

Each morning, in my little way,

I say, “I wish, O Lord,

To give my life to Thee today;

Please guide me by Thy Word.”

But when in school I sit each day,

My little friends all round,

I smile at them, and talk, and play,

And ignorant am found.

And even when at home with you,

Impatience oft I show;

To darling little brother, too.

Unkind I am, I know.

O! how then, mother, can I be

A lamb in Jesus’ fold?

To follow Him who loveth me

With love that grows not cold?”

“My child, He loves you It is true

Your heart is full of sin;

And He would have you learn that you

Can find no good within.

But He for you has died. He came

From that bright home in heaven

That you might trust His precious name,

And know your sins forgiven.

And thus you may rejoice to be

A lamb in Jesus’ fold;

An ever-faithful Shepherd He,

Whose love will ne’er grow cold.”

ML 09/01/1940

Led by His Child

Those who come to the Lord Jesus Christ in their early days may be used of God in bringing many to Christ.

A little girl who loved the Lord Jesus was the means of blessing to her ungodly father.

He had been a drunken man, and one day, while under the influence of drink, had committed a crime for which he had been imprisoned.

When released from jail he returned to his home and told his wife and children that he was about to leave them, never to return. He had disgraced them again and again, and was now determined to go right away, so as to bring no more dishonor on their name. He knew he was bad, and could never be anything else but bad.

His wife, who was a Christian, entreated him not to despair, but to turn to Christ for salvation.

“Husband, read God’s Word and seek His help,” she said, as she brought the Bible and placed it near him on the table. Pushing it away, he said,

“Don’t torture me by bringing me that Book. There is nothing in it for me but condemnation. I am a lost man.”

He bowed his head, burying his face in his hands, and his poor heart-broken wife left him sobbing aloud.

His little girl, knowing the grace of the Lord Jesus, opened the Bible and gently pushed it towards him, saying, “Do read the Bible, father, and ask Jesus to save you, and He will, father, He says He will.”

He looked up, and as his child slid the Bible along until it was just before him, his eyes rested on the words:

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

It was God’s message to his soul.

He believed it, and there and then falling on his knees, he looked to Christ alone for salvation, and was delivered from the power of sin.

ML 09/01/1940

The Resting Place

Here are two fine deer, and their two pretty baby deer. They have such a splendid resting place under this beautiful big tree with its shading branches.

They feel safe in this nice secluded spot, and they are pretty safe. But still some hunter might come along and discover them, They would be safe no longer.

Dear reader, are you safe? Perhaps you have a very comfortable and beautiful home, well-guarded against storms, fire, thieves, and other dangers. You may think you have a resting place that is safe from every harm.

If you have learned to know and love the One who said,

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matt, 11:28, you have indeed found a resting place from every danger, which Christ alone can give. With your soul resting there, you need have no fear.

ML 09/01/1940

A Friend Not True

Psalm 41

It is very sad to have a friend who is not true. Here are Words which tell of such a one:

“Yea mine own familiar friend in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” Ps. 41:9.

To “lift up the heel against” means to do harm to. In the New Testament we read that the night the Lord Jesus gave Himself up to the soldiers, one of the men who had been much with Him, had seen His good deeds, and eaten bread with Him, or He called, “Friend”, was the one to show the soldiers where to go to take Him a prisoner. So the words of this psalm proved very true hundreds years after they were written.

David also had friends who were not true, but the words about this friend were repeated by the Lord Jesus in the evening before the man Judas betrayed Him (Read Matthew 26:47-50; John 13:18).

In the Hebrew language the Psalms are divided in five books, of different lengths, and each book was a special instruction for the people of Israel. The first book ended with this psalm, the 41St. Notice the words at the close; they art sort of a double ending and you will find much the same ending’s at the close of the other books. Perhaps you would like to mark these divisions in your Bibles sometime you may learn more about them.

Psalms 1-41 is the 1St Book. Psalms 42-72 is the 2nd Book. Psalms 73-89 is the 3rd Book. Psalms 90-106 is the 4th Book. Psalms 107-150 is the 5th Book. “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8.

ML 09/01/1940

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 and been; 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 might 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 09/08/1940

The Father of the Fatherless

A man, while spending the Lord’s day in a small village, became acquainted with an orphan boy. The child told him what kind friends he had found, giving him a home, good food, and clothing, and showing him much affection; in fact, everything was done for him that kindness could do, and yet all this did not drive away the sadness that hung over him. He was so sad, a smile was seldom seen on his face, and rarely, if ever, could he be persuaded to go to play like other children, Everything about him showed the was something that weighed upon his heart heavily. All his relations were dead; he alone was left to weep for them. The man determined to have a private talk with the boy, and seek to lead him to the one who said,

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I give you rest.”

During the afternoon the noticed our orphan boy going slowly towards the cemetery where his parents were laid.

He went after him and putting a kindly hand on his shoulder, said very tenderly,

“John, is it true you have no father?”

“No, sir, I have none.”

“No mother, either?”

“Nor sister, nor brothers,” and he sobbed so, his voice was hardly audible.

“John, has no one told you that God is a Father to the fatherless, and that Jesus is the friend of the heavy laden?”

John knew something about these things, for his tender mother had taught him some verses from the Bible when he was very young, but he did not answer.

“John, do you think anyone down here needs God for a Father, and Jesus for a friend more than you?”

“No sir, no one needs Him more than I do.”

And have you never asked God to be your Father?”

“I pray every morning,” said the boy, “but I don’t think I pray right.”

His voice trembled, his eyes turned towards his new friend with a look of anguish, as much as to say, what can I do? His friend invited him to come to his room, and in a few words told him promises in the Bible,

“Him that cometh to be I will wise cast out.”

He told him that God never turned a repentant sinner away. The boy listened with deep attention; and said,

“O! sir, do you think I could be saved?”

“Certainly I do, for God has said, now is the accepted time, ‘now is the day of salvation,’” and opening his Bible at Isaiah 55, he read those precious words,

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

“Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good. And let your soul delight itself in fatness.”

As soon as he heard these words, his eyes brightened with hope, and he said,

“Sir do you think these promises were written for me?”

“Surely they are, my friend; they are for all those who are thirsty and need the water of life.”

They knelt together, and his friend asked God very earnestly to reveal Himself to this poor child; to show him the path of life; to lead him to the source of living waters, and when he had finished, the poor child, from the anguish of his heart, burst out with the publican’s prayer,

“O! God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Thus did this generous man take John by the hand, poor orphan that he was, sad and lonely, and lead him to the fountain of life. He who alone can heal the broken-hearted. From that time on, John was another boy; he was calm, and happy. Before this, his spirit was like a landscape where the clouds were so dense that all the beauty was obscured, and now the rays from the sun of righteousness chased all the clouds away— all was clear and bright, and grace and peace, shone out, so all could see the change. He was no longer alone, for the one who has said,

“I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,” was by his side.

And now, dear children, will you not accept Jesus too? Then you, too, will be happy; you, too, will have One with you if trouble should come, as it did to John. God’s word says,

“Incline your ear and come unto Me, hear and your soul shall live,’ Isaiah 55:3.

ML 09/08/1940

Think of This!

My reader, think of this. Do remember there is a last to everything here. Think of it!

There will be the last year, the last day, the last solemn warning, the last invitation to come to Christ, the last offer of pardon. Yes, the last time will come when those eyes of yours will gaze upon the sunlight. The last best and throb of the heart of yours will arrive, and then, what? ETERNITY!

O, why trifle? Why not at once flee from the wrath to come? Flee to Jesus, flee to Him now. God loves you, Christ died for you, the Holy Spirit whispers to you. What does He say?

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

“Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

Happy they who trust in Jesus,

Sweet their portion is and sure.

ML 08/08/1940

Tommy's Faith

A teacher in a large school was one day giving a lesson in geography to a class of the youngest boys. In the course of the lesson, she had occasion to speak of the size and shape of the earth on which we live; its roundness like a ball or an orange, and of many other things which seem strange and wonderful.

At the close of the lesson, the teacher, in order to ascertain what her pupils had learned, commenced to ask them about it. The first few questions were answered very well, every boy seeming quite sure that the earth was round like an orange. But the next question caused a complete stop, and not a hand was seen uplifted to signal that a reply was forth-coming.

The teacher had asked for a proof that the earth was round, and thirty or more busy brains were hard at work trying to solve the difficulty, and win the honor of answering this hard question. Again the question was asked,

“Now, tell me, how do you know that the earth is round like an orange?”

But still no answer; just, however, as the teacher was about to explain, a hand darted up from the middle of the class, and all eyes were turned upon Tommy. The teacher at once put the question,

“Well, Tommy, how can you prove ‘that the earth is round?”

Tommy looked round in triumph on the rest of the class for a moment, and then answered,

“Because you say so.”

Now this was faith. Tommy believed that the earth was round, because his teacher said so, and he knew no better proof. He had faith in his teacher that she would not deceive him: his teacher’s word was enough, and Tommy rested satisfied.

How many have exercised a simple faith like this little boy’s in the matter of their own souls’ salvation. How many boys and girls there are who will confess they are sinners, and as such unfit for the presence of God, and for heaven, and yet have never taken God at His word the says; “All have sinned,” Rom 3:23.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15.

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

ML 08/08/1940

Some of Israel's Singers

Psalm 42

If you read the note over this psalm, you will see the words, “for the sons of Korah.” This man was one who had been given certain duties for the Lord when the Tabernacle was first set up in the wilderness; but he was not satisfied with his place, and led others to speak against Moses and Aaron whom God had chosen to lead the people. He kept on in his sin and anger until the Lord sent sudden death to him and others. But the children of Korah were saved; we do not know if they were young grown up, but God showed mercy to them; and for very many years after, ones from this family were chosen for work and for praising God in the tabernacle, and were called, “the sons of Korah.”

One of these men, named Heman, who lived in the time of David, was a leader of the singers. He was not only skilled in music to praise God, but also knew God’s words well, and was a seer, or adviser, of the king. It is good to read that Heman’s sons praised God with their, father; probably they were not then children but young men, their names are given but are hard to pronounce. His daughters also are mentioned, but their names, are not given, perhaps because daughters were not given a place to lead, but praised God with others.

But these people were not always in their city where they could honor God and hear His words. When this psalm and those following were written, David and others were in trouble and away from Jerusalem. They wept and prayed to God for help.

“As the hart (a deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” ‘Ps. 42:1.

A thirsty deer pants for water, and these people wished much for the Lord and His words; their hope was in Him. There is a long wind here which tells of God’s goodness, and is found many times in the psalms: it is “lovingkindness” (verse 8), and is a precious word to all who believe God.

The New Testament does not tell us that certain ones are now to be chosen to praise God, but all, who know they are saved by the mercy of God, as, the children of Korah were, joy to sing in praise to Him. They do not need to long to be in a certain city, because the Lord Jesus came to satisfy all, anywhere, who believe in Him. He said:

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me.” John 7:37.

“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” Rev. 22:17.

Can you find several other psalms “for the sons of Korah?”

How many sons and daughters praised God with their father, Heman? (1 Chronicles 25:4-6).

The sad story of Korah is in Numbers 16; see also Numbers 26:11 and 1 Chron. 6:33-38.

It seems that Heman, the singer, was a grandson of Samuel, and perhaps, learned of God’s words from him. 1 Chron. 6:31-34.

“Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel.” (N.T,).

ML 08/08/1940

Your Picture

A lady said to me the other day, “I never can have a photograph of myself that I like. Either I look cross, or old or something like that.”

She did not want to see herself as she was, but wanted to appear better.

We are all like this lady; but wishing to look or be better, does not make us so.

God tells us the truth about ourselves (and we do not like it either) that we may know what we are in His sight.

“THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?” Jer. 17:9.

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

He wants us to know just how bad we are that we may realize we cannot hope to win salvation by our own efforts, and that we may turn to the Lord to receive, through Him the forgiveness of our sins.

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

ML 08/15/1940

David Solves the Depression

PART 1.

“The depression” had found its way into the Gas Creek region, deep in the Rockies of Colorado, David Morton, ten years resting: heavily on his thin young shoulders, was not thinking of it in terms of stocks and bonds or world conditions: he was concerned over something to eat and wear and a place to live. So intent was he on these problems, as he trudged up the narrow, rutted road to the schoolhouse, that he failed to note the beauty of his surroundings—the grandeur of the distant peaks, the pines softly covered with snow, the valley glittering with a million diamonds. He was not even listening to the wind as it whistled through the trees, a, sound he loved: today he only shivered and drew his shabby coat closer about him.

“It’s not fair!” he suddenly shouted to a chattering blue jay in an adjacent spruce.

“It’s not. She’s the onliest brother ‘n’ sister I got.” He tried to think, but the doctor’s words kept bothering him. “She needs to cry,” the doctor had said That was last night. He had been curled up behind the stove, trying to keep warm, when he heard his mother say,

“Father, I’m worried about sister; she isn’t picking up as she should. She won’t eat, and she fusses in her sleep. Henry, can’t we call the doctor? We’ll pay him when better times come.”

There was pleading in her voice, and father had gone for the doctor. When the doctor came, he examined the baby carefully, and then said bluntly,

“There is nothing the matter with the child, except that her little lungs are not developed; she needs to cry, that’s all.”

“It’s true, doctor, that I haven’t let her cry. I’ve held her and hushed her for fear she’d disturb the people downstairs, who have so kindly let us have these two rooms, free of rent.” Mother’s voice had choked and the doctor had gone away soon afterward.

“Father wants to work,” David muttered defiantly to the world at large. “It isn’t his fault we haven’t enough to eat—and I guess we have to live somewhere.” But the problem remained—place to live where baby sister could cry.

So absorbed was he in thought that he stumbled in his heavy boots and fell down in the snow. His dinner pail was sent rolling, not that it mattered, for it was empty save for a lone piece of cold cornbread. In picking up his lunch, he thought happily of the new teacher at the Gas Creek school. She often gave him some of her own lunch to add to his. If she hadn’t, he would have often been more hungry than he was. But an apple, a fat sandwich, a piece of cake, or perhaps a cooky or nuts helped out a great deal. His mouth watered hungrily.

“I wonder what she’ll give me today,” he sighed. “Maybe I can take some of it to mother. Mother looks so thin and tired.” He clenched his fists, blue with cold. “When I get big, there’ll just have to be jobs enough to go ‘round.” He thought of the teacher again, and of the idea he had been pondering ever since the doctor had left last night.

“Maybe her Jesus will help us.” At the thought his steps quickened, and then as he rounded the bend and the stone schoolhouse came into view, involuntarily they slowed again, for in the yard the “gang” was playing snowball.

“If I get there just in time for the bell they won’t have a chance to yell mean things at me,” he reasoned. He’d never let the gang know the agony it caused him to come to school dressed as he was. Of course he looked like a scarecrow in his father’s old cut-down overalls and shirt, and those rubber boots for shoes. They weren’t so warm either; his toes were stiff with cold right now; but he wouldn’t complain. Father and mother did the best they could, and it would only make them feel bad.

Slowly as he walked, someone caught sight of him and yelled derisively,

“Hey, fellers, here comes Boots!” They all laughed with that unconscious, cruelty of youth.

He quickly entered the schoolhouse, as he warmed himself by the fire, the jeers forgotten, he thought happily. “I’ll ask teacher today.”

The school bell rang and the sturdy rosy-cheeked youngsters filed into the schoolroom. There were only fourteen or fifteen in all, and they came in quietly, for even the most mischievous of them had a great respect for Miss Nelson, the new teacher, She was very different from all their other teachers. How vividly they remembered that first morning of school. When all were in their seats, she had said in a soft clear voice (little they knew the courage it had taken to do so),

“Before we begin our school this morning, let’s bow our heads and ask Jesus to be with us.”

Then she bent her head and closed her eyes (hadn’t they all watched?), and talked to this Some One called Jesus, whom they couldn’t see. And every morning since then she had opened the school with prayer.

ML 09/15/1940

A Gift

Once two little girls, Katie and Elsie were playing together when a friend offered Katie a penny. She was five years old and like all little children was glad to get pennies, but she did not take this one. Then the penny was offered to little Elsie, only two and a half years old. She believed the words of her kind friend and took the penny at once.

In the same way a gentleman once told some boys that he would give a watch to the one who would receive it. But as he handed it first to one and then to another none took it till he came to the last and smallest boy. This one took the man at his word and received the watch. Why did not the others take it? Because they did not think the man would give it to them.

These little stories make me think of another and much more wonderful story—the story of Jesus’ love. Jesus, too, is holding out a gift—the gift of eternal life. And yet many poor sinners are doing just as Katie and the boys did. They would like to have God’s gift but they do not take it because they do not think it is meant for them. They have not faith to believe that God means just what He says. They keep on working and trying to be good, thinking they will get salvation that way.

I hope that all of you little ones believe the simple promises of God.

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

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

ML 09/15/1940

Trust

Remember, it is a command as well as a promise; it is what you are to do today, and all day long, “Under His wings shalt thou trust!” Psalm 91:4.

“I am trusting thee, Lord Jesus,

Trusting only Thee;

Trusting Thee for full salvation,

Great and free.

I am trusting Thee to guide me,

Thou alone shalt lead:

Every day and hour supplying

All my need.”

ML 09/15/1940

What the Singers Had Heard

Psalms 44 and 45

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work Thou didst in their days, in the times of old.” Psalm 44:1. David and the singers of Israel had heard from their fathers the great work God had done for their people, and they too asked help from Him.

One way God comforted them was to tell them of the great King who should come; the 45th Psalm is all in praise to Him. Notice the first verse:

“My heart is inditing (glad to tell forth) a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the King.” Psalm 45:1.

You see the writer wanted very much to tell about this King, and the words are as though spoken directly to Him: “Thou art fairer than the children of men.... therefore God hath blessed Thee forever.”

This King would be “mighty” with glory and majesty. Kings often do not rule long, and may use their scepter (or staff) to direct for wrong ways, but to this King is said:

“Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever the scepter of thy kingdom is a right scepter.

“Thou lovest, righteousness and hatest wickedness.”

Some of the words in the psalm we call, “word pictures,” for they teach of greater things than the words really mean; as, real arrows and swords will not be used by this King, but these words show He has power to destroy what is evil. It speaks of myrrh, aloes and cassia on His garments; those were rare spices or perfumes, used by the rich on their clothes and in burial, so those words would show that this great One had been in death. Palaces of ivory, beautifully polished, were the finest known, and from the best there will be praise to Him, whose glory will be far beyond ivory. He will give places of blessing to many, and there will be great joy. Notice the last verse:

“I will make Thy Name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the people shall praise Thee forever and ever.”

But many of the people of Israel and their children who sang these praises neglected what God told them of their sins, so they did not believe God’s words that this great One must first suffer for sins.

We now have heard even more wonderous things than they: in the Book of Hebrews, words from this psalm are repeated; there we learn it was God tih Father, who speaks those words to His Son:

“Unto the Son, He saith, Thy throne. O God, is forever and ever.” So the great King promised to Israel, will be Christ, the Son of God, who has already come to earth as Saviour, It is not told when He will come in power as King over Israel and the world; before that time there must be even greater sorrow than now on the earth.

We will learn from these psalms much of the greatness and glory of the One who will at last come in power, if we, too first remember we are sinners, and believe what we have heard of Christ’s work in death for us (Read Acts 4:10 and 12).

Who knows the secrets of our hearts? (Psalm 44:21).

Find these promises for a great Ruler (Genesis 40:10; 2 Samuel 7:16).

What did a prophet tell of One to come to suffer for sins? (Isaiah 53:3-5).

ML 09/15/1940

What is Your Need?

These women must be needing something, or they would not be so anxious to go to the other bank. They have empty baskets, and must want to get them filled with food, or some other things. You see they are dressed very poorly, so must be needy ones.

Have you ever felt very much in need of anything that your parents could not afford to get you? You ask them, when there is anything you want very much to have, don’t you?

Did you ever get down on your knees, and ask the Lord Jesus for anything? There is a verse in your Bible that says our Heavenly Father is far more ready than our earthly parents are, to give good things to them that ask Him (Matt. 7:11.)

You have many needs now for your body, and for your comfort, but do you know your greatest need, dear child? It is to have your soul saved.

You are born into this world a lost child, and you cannot call God your “Father,” until you come to Him about this awful need of yours. Sin has put you far from Him,—do come to Him for forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.

He wants every child and every person to accept Jesus,—do not wait till it is too late.

“IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE.” Eph. 1:7.

ML 09/22/1940

David Solves the Depression

PART 2

Classes began, but David, in his baggy trousers and big boots, was not intent on his arithmetic and spelling; he was wondering desperately about prayer and Jesus. Recess came without his having a chance to ask his question, but during the noon hour, while the others were shouting outside in the snow, he approached the teacher timidly,

“Miss Nelson,” his voice was anxious, “if I asked Jesus for just three things, do you suppose He’d give them to me?”

“If you ask, and believe that He will answer. What three things do you want, David?”

“I’d like some clothes like the other fellers wear, so they won’t laugh at me anymore; an’ I’d like for us to have enough to eat, so we wouldn’t always be hungry; but, Miss Nelson, I want most of all a new place to live so little sister can cry—she’ll die if she doesn’t! Will He give me these things, teacher; will He?”

Miss Nelson’s heart was touched and her faith was shaken. Too well she knew the poverty of this home, the father’s inability to get work, and even if they had been able to pay, which they weren’t, she knew of no vacant house for rent in the settlement. But she stilled the doubts in her heart, and answered,

“Yes, David, I believe that he will. Do you?”

His face shone with happiness; of course he believed that her Jesus would send the things. Hadn’t she said that He would?

School over, the last tasks at the schoolhouse finished, she started for the settlement. Every time she thought of David and his simple faith, the tears would come. Reaching her boarding place, she went in, her eyes red with weeping. Planning to go directly to her room, she was stopped by her landlady’s voice.

“Come in a minute, Ruth,” she called. But when the girl appeared in the doorway, she exclaimed, “Why, dearie, what is the matter?”

Having found a sympathetic listener, Ruth Nelson poured out the whole pitiful story of David’s three desires. She fished with a sob.

Until she was almost through with her story, she had not noticed Mrs. Black’s visitors, Mrs. Howard, a neighbor, and Mrs. Richards were in the room. The three women were moved deeply by the story and when it was finished, there was a moment of absolute quiet. Who dare say that the voice of God was not speaking to their hearts? Mrs. Black was the first to speak.

“I know how the second request of that prayer is going to be answered, she said. And as soon as her company left she made a number of trips to the cellar, bringing back vegetables, jars of fruit and other canned goods, which all found their way into a big basket. When it was full, she surveyed it with a smile. “You won’t get hungry for a while, laddie and when this is gone, there will be more.” Later that evening the heaped basket found its way to the Morton door.

As Mrs. Richards was leaving, she took Ruth’s hands, and said,

“I know how the laddie’s first request is to be answered, I’ll see that he has plenty of warm clothes for the rest of the winter,”

The next morning she visited the owner of the one general merchandise store in town, explained what she wanted, and that is how David became the proud owner of not just one complete new outfit of clothes, but two! No more boots or overalls, or ragged coats for him!

But the third and most important part of the prayer was, as yet, unanswered— a place to live. Mrs. Black’s other visitor went home without making any promises. That evening she told her husband the pitiful story. He listened in silence, until she said that none of them knew of any place where the family might move.

“Why, I have a place,” he interrupted gruffly, “that house I have been using for a granary. It isn’t much for looks, but it is a good tight house. Two rooms can easily be cleaned out, and they can move in there. I don’t want any rent, and the baby can cry all day!”

And so David’s prayer, prayed in simple faith, was answered. Several days later, when all these wonderful things had been accomplished, he approached Miss Nelson’s desk one noon, and looked up into her face with shining eyes, “

Teacher, Jesus is so good! I mustn’t forget to thank Him, must I?”

“Let’s do it right now, David,” she suggested. And there in the quiet schoolroom, they knelt together,

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.” Psalms 118:29.

“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Gen. 18:14.

“With God all things are possible.” Matt, 19:26.

ML 09/22/1940

Not Ashamed

A little ragged boy, aged nine years, was discovered on the fourth day of a voyage from Liverpool to New York, and brought before the first mate, whose duty it was to deal with such cases. When questioned as to his object in being stowed away, and who brought him on board, the boy, who had a beautiful sunny face, and eyes that looked like the very mirrors of truth, replied that his stepfather did it, because he could not afford to keep him, nor to pay his passage out to Halifax, where he had an aunt who was well off, and to whose house he was going.

The mate did not believe the story, in spite of the winning face, and truthful accents of the boy. He had seen too much of stowaways to be easily deceived by them, he said and it was his firm conviction that the boy had been brought on board and provided with food by the sailors. The little fellow was very roughly handled in consequence. Day by day he was questioned and re-questioned, but always with the same result, He did not know a sailor on board, and his stepfather alone had secreted him and given him the food which he ate.

At last the mate, wearied with the boy’s persistence in the same story, and perhaps a little anxious to impress the sailors, seized him one day by the collar and dragging him to the fore, told him that unless he told the truth in ten minutes from that time he would hang him from the yard-arm. He then made him sit down under it on deck. All around him were the passengers and sailors of the mid-day watch, and in front of him stood the cruel mate, with his watch in his hand, and the other officers of the ship, at his side. It was the finest sight, said our informant, that he ever beheld—to see the pale, proud, sorrowful face of that noble boy, his head erect, his beautiful eyes bright through the tears that filled them.

When eight minutes had fled the mate told him he had but two minutes to live, and advised him to speak the truth and save his life: but he replied with the upmost simplicity and sincerity by asking the mate if he might pray. The mate said nothing, but nodded his head and turned as pale as a ghost, and shook with trembling like a reed with the wind. And there, all eyes turned on him, the brave and noble little fellow, this poor waif whom society owned not, and whose own stepfather could not care for him, knelt on the ship’s deck and prayed.

Our young friend was a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and there, with clasped hands, and eyes upturned to heaven, he asked the Lord Jesus to take him to Himself and to forgive the mate. Our informant adds that there then occurred a stirring scene. Sobs broke from strong, hard hearts, as the mate sprang forward to the boy and clasped him to his bosom, and kissed him, and blessed him, and told him how sincerely he now believed his story, and how glad he was that he had been brave enough to face death and be willing to sacrifice his life for the truth of his word.

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

“Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed,” Romans 10:11.

ML 09/22/1940

When Wars Shall End

Psalms 46 and 47

He (God) maketh wars to cease unto the end. of the earth; He breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariot in the fire,” Psalm 46:9.

Every promise made by God and every event spoken of in the Bible are sure to come true, but God has not told just the time for all to come to pass. He wants His people to believe and trust Him. And surely One so great deserves to be trusted. This verse about wars ending has not yet come true; there are wars in many parts of the world now, and have been ever since there were nations. For every new war, men have learned to make more dreadful weapons: the bow and spear have been changed for guns of great power and, instead of the heavy chariots, once driven to crush the enemy, there are now great tanks and bombs. But another scripture tells of a time when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” They will then make over their dreadful weapons into useful articles (Micah 4:3).

But before that peaceful time comes, all evil will be punished, there will be great trouble and “desolations” (Psalms 46:8).

The Lord does not take pleasure it wars or the punishment of wickedness: it is spoken of as a work “strange,” or not pleasant, to Him (Isaiah 28:21), and in every time of trouble all who believe Him will find certain help:

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

The singers of Israel sang of the time when there would be no more enemies. You clap your hands when you hear good news, so those who believe God will one day sing:

“O clap your hands, all we people: shout unto God.” Psalm 47:1.

To read of these events to happen, has always made those who believe God, more earnest to tell others of His mercy to all who will believe before the sorrows come God has shown His love to the whole world by sending His Son, Jesus, to earth. The Lord Jesus had great power, but Tie did not use it against those who tried to do Him harm, hut lived a patient, perfect life, and suffered death because of sin of men. Remember these verses:

“God so loved the world, that He give, His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

“God is not slack concerning His promise but long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

Who said, “They that take the sword, shall perish with the sword?” Matthew 26:52.

ML 09/22/1940

Not to Be Caught with Chaff

In our picture we see a girl seeking to catch her pony. She has something in the box, but the pony is not to be coaxed or caught with chaff.

She would like something more substantial.

God has given intelligence to these dumb animals, and they often put to shame boys and girls and older ones too. Satan is frequently enticing us in one way another, holding out to us husks, and worthless matter.

My dear young readers, Satan has many baits for catching you, and if you are not careful, and do not resist him, he will have you in his power before long.

I am sure some of our dear unsaved readers, have at some time, been exercised as to their condition before God, and have not as yet yielded to Him. O, I beg of you, do not go on any longer resisting God’s wonderful offer of salvation, but turn to Him at once, accept His precious Gift, the best gift of heaven, the Son of His love, who gave up His life for you and me; and now from the glory, He is saying,

“Come unto Me, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28.

Then, as one redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, you will us longer be enticed by the chaff of this world, but you will have a real desire for the Word of God as food for your soul.

“What is the chaff to the Wheat? saith the Lord,” Jer. 23:28.

“THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURETH FOREVER. AND THIS IS THE WORD WHICH BY THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED UNTO YOU.” 1 Peter 1:25.

ML 09/29/1940

Come, at Once, as You Are

Many years ago, when in Cowdenbeath, I had a meeting for young people one Saturday afternoon. A little girl named E—B—was amongst the crowd of attentive hearers who sat in the hall. Directly the meeting ended she arose from her seat, made her way out to the street, and hurried home to the village where she resided, which is about two miles distant. Having reached it, almost breathless, she jumped into Mr. B—’s arms, saving, “Father, I’m saved.”

That afternoon she had heard that God had sent His beloved Son into this world to die for sinners, and that He now receives and freely saves all who trust in Him. So, realizing her need of pardon and salvation, she at once accepted God’s offer, and as soon as she could, rushed off to tell the good news, which filled her heart, to those she loved at home.

Home is a very good place indeed for all young believers to begin the confession of Jesus as Lord. Most Christians have been saved when they were young. Very few get anxious and troubled about their souls when they become aged. So delay no longer in coming to Christ.

A friend of mine, visiting some houses in the south of England, met a very old man, who, upon being questioned as to his soul’s salvation, replied, “I never think about it.” Being asked if he had ever thought about it, he gave the following sad answer; “Yes, when I was young, but I cannot bear to think about it now.”

Apparently the Spirit of God had striven with him in days gone by; and possibly now had ceased to strive any longer. My friend seemed altogether unable to help him, and had at last to leave him as a hopeless case.

Come to Jesus now, while you are still young, for God has said,

“My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” Gen. 6:3, Come, at once, as are you are!

ML 09/29/1940

The School Examination Day

Toward a little country, schoolhouse, around which the honeysuckle and old-time white and speckled roses bloomed in profusion, groups of merry school-boys wended their way, clad in their best Sunday clothes, eagerly discussing the probabilities of who was to be the honored recipient of the “dux” medal of that eventful day. There were no school boards, no Government examiners, in those days; but on the day that the “holidays” were given, the worthy old minister, assisted by one or more students and friends, conducted an examination of the classes, and presented the prizes to those scholars who had been most diligent in their lessons. An extra half-hour of games in the green field adjoining the school was allowed that morning, and then at eleven o’clock the examination began.

On this particular examination day the aged minister was accompanied by a well-known visitor, whose preaching in that district had been greatly blessed of God in the conversion of old and young—Duncan Mathieson, the Scottish evangelist. It fell to Mr. Mathieson, to examine a class of senior boys, and ever on his Master’s business, he used the favorable opportunity to bring before them the great truths of the Gospel, and to press them home in his quaint and solemn manner.

“Now, boys,” said Mr. Mathieson, “get your paper and pencils all ready: I am going to give you a problem in Profit and Loss.”

“Are you all ready?” asked the evangelist’ and quickly the response came from a score of youthful arithmeticians eager to show their skill.

“Yes, sir!” Slowly the question was stated:

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

Instead of the usual hurried commotion of paper and pencils, the schoolboys first looked at the teacher, then along the line of visitors who were present—many of them parents and friends—to witness the examination, and finally at the man who had given the question, in blank amazement. No such “sum” had ever been given them before, nor did they know how to work it out.

Seeing their embarrassment, the evangelist simply and lovingly set before the class and all who were present, the great acts of the value of the soul, the danger and folly of its eternal loss, the price paid by Christ for its redemption, and the blessedness of being redeemed from sin in serve the Lord here, and dwell with Him hereafter. There were some hard sayings and unkindly criticisms among some of the visitors, about that unusual and (as it seemed to them) unwise procedure; but that question and the result which followed, have been the cause of unceasing praise in at least two young lives, the turning point of which date from that examination day. John and Alec M’B. were led to think seriously on the value of their souls then, and both were soon after brought to Christ, to receive Him as their Saviour and to know Him as their Lord, then to spend their lives in His joyful and honored service.

That question of Profit and Loss remains on the pages of the Book of God for us today; and I will give it to you, loved reader, for your earnest consideration, as uttered by the One who loves you and died to save you,

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

ML 09/28/1940

O How She Loved

A poor widow was unable to pay the rent of her little cottage, and set off over the hills to see a relative, whom she hoped would give her help.

She had one little boy, and early one bright morning set out upon her long walk. By-and-by the sky grew gloomy, the wind chill, and little silent flakes of snow began to float about. Her little boy got tired trotting, and she had to carry him. The snow came more quickly and lay upon the ground quite thick. The path over the fields became covered up. But still the widow battled on against the rising blast and drifting, blinding snow. At last she got bewildered, and sank down exhausted and worn out by the wayside.

She never reached her relative. A search party found her cold and dead. They had looked in vain, for hours, for some trace of her, till one of them espied a bit of her shawl in the snow, and there, rolled up warmly was her little boy, alive and well. The mother in her love had wrapped the little boy in her warm shawl and thus exposed herself to the icy blast, and died to save her boy.

Years rolled on; an old man entered where a minister was preaching. The preacher was telling the love of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost, and told of this mother perishing for her son. The old man was that widow’s child. He had wandered far from God, and been in distant lands, but God, in mercy brought him back to his native land, and brought him to Himself by the story of his own mother’s love, and the love of Christ which passeth knowledge.

“O, how He loves!” Do you know Him?

“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.

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

ML 09/29/1940

A High City

Psalm 48

The city of Jerusalem (in Palestine) is one of the oldest cities in the world, and one which will always be known. It is built on several hills, the highest one is Mount Zion, which was where King David built his house, and where he set a Tent for the golden Ark.

Afterward the grand temple was built on a nearby hill, Mt. Moriah; and the Ark was placed in that; and the Lord. showed His cloud of glory there. So Jerusalem was called “the City of God,” and also often, “the City of Zion,” and “the City of David.”

The name Zion means sunny; the name Jerusalem means “a place of peace,” and there was peace there when the people obeyed God, but it has most often been a place of trouble and war, because the people have been careless of God’s words; for a long time many of them prayed to idols, and houses were built for the idols and other wicked ways were followed. Then God let fierce nations come against them, and tear down the high walls and burn the houses and the temple.

So this high city teaches that God is holy, and does not bless or accept gifts from His people when they do evil. But when the people were sorry for their wicked ways, He helped them to rebuild their city, although it is not told of ever being as beautiful as in the time of the first great kings.

It was to Jerusalem that Jesus, the Son of God, often came, while on earth; and taught the people of God. But the leaders did not like Jesus because He spoke against sin. And it was just outside that city’s walls that He was crucified. Since then the people of that nation have had no true peace; other nations have ruled eat, of Jerusalem, and the city of Jerusalem, and there is no temple for God.

But in this psalm Jerusalem is praised as city which God will at last bless; then He will truly be honored, and such praise sung:

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth Mount Zion.”

This high city pictures to us a much higher city, not on earth but in heaven where the Lord will have delight in those who have believed in Him, and where sin will ever enter, and called New Jerusalem, of which very blessed things: are told in the last chapters in the Bible. The people saved by the blood of the Lord Jesus are spoken of as a “city.” God gave the apostle John to see this in a vision, and told him to write what he saw:

“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Rev, 21:22, 23.

David took Jerusalem, on Mt. Zion (2 Samuel 5:6, 7).

David took the Ark there (2 Sam. 6:12, 17).

Temple built on Mt. Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1).

Jerusalem, chosen by God (1 Kings 11:13).

Zion is written Sion in-the New Testament (Romans 11:26).

What did the Lord Jesus once say of the city of Jerusalem? (Matthew 23:37).

ML 09/29/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Children’s Class”

1. This beginning,” etc. John 2:11.

2. “Jesus heard,” etc. 9:35.

3. “But as many,” etc. 1:12.

4.“Then Simon Peter,” etc. 6:68.

5.“And I give,” etc. 10:28.

6.“Jesus answered,” etc. 4:10.

7.“In the last day,” etc. 7:37.

Bible Questions for October

“The Children’s Class,”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Opening and alleging.”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “To turn them from darkness to light.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That thou shouldest know his will.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, “And have hope toward God.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “I commend you to God.”

7.When in Rome, what did Paul preach and teach “with all confidence, no man forbidding him?”

Answers to Bible Questions for July

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.It must be given to us from heaven. John 3:27.

2.To the man healed of blindness. John 9:35-37.

3.The devil. John 8:44.

4.Christ, the Son. John 1:18.

5.Turning the water into wine. John 2:11.

6.Wages, and fruit unto life eternal. John 4:36.

7. The Son. John 8:36.

Bible Questions for October

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Acts, Chapters 15-28

1.Why were the Bereans “more noble”?

2.What three things did the unsaved Gentile, world need?

3.What did Paul confess that he believed?

4.For what purpose did the disciples come together on the first day of the week?

5. What four things are forbidden to Gentile believers?

6.What caused Paul to thank God and take courage?

7.Who were present at the seaside prayer meeting?

ML 10/06/1940

The Contented Heart

A judge passing before the stall of an old woman who sold fruit year in and year out said to her one day,

“Don’t you get tired sitting here on such cold days?”

“Well,” she answered, “it is only for time.”

“But when it is very hot and dusty, don’t you find it hard to sit here? And when it rains, and when you don’t feel good, how do you stand it all the year round?” But she gave the same answer to all those questions, “It’s only for a time, sir.”

“But afterward,” said the judge, “what then?”

“Then I will enter into my rest, and this happy prospect enables me to support joyously and courageously all my trials.”

“I guess you are right: ‘all is well that ends well’; but how do you get such confidence?”

“I get it from Christ, sir. He is the way to eternal life, and I belong to Him. I am His, and He is mine. Life is long and hard, it is true; but in a short time now I will see the Lord, and He will give me perfect rest.”

“Well,” said the judge, “you know more than I do—I know all about law, books and such, but I have never learned what you know.”

“I read the Bible, sir, and there is where I learn.”

“I guess I might better learn about such things too,” said the judge in parting.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Tim. 6:6.

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

ML 10/06/1940

Johnnie

Little Johnnie though of tender years, was chosen of God in the furnace of affliction. When his story of suffering is known, one can only attribute his peaceful expression, to a deeper peace, the peace of God in the heart. Now he rests in the presence of his Lord Whom he loved, and for Whom he delighted to witness while here in the body, and we are sure that it would have given. him joy to know that his testimony should be read by many readers of the “Messages of the Love of God.”

Johnnie, could speak of two birthdays, one when he was born into the world as a baby; and the other, still more important, when he accepted Christ as His Saviour.

He took seriously ill, and when taken to the hospital, the X-ray examination revealed the presence of a deadly bone disease. So serious was the development, that in time it was found necessary to amputate the left leg. He spent three pronged periods in the hospital, undergoing in all about twelve operations. During his illness Johnnie made many friends, his patient suffering and calm spirit arresting all who knew his case. To doctors, matron and nurses he faithfully testified “of the blessed hope that he possessed,” and every morning his first reading was from the Bible. Some one in the hospital asked him,

“How long are you going to be here, Johnnie?” to which he promptly replied, “Until the Master finishes His work.” His doctor who loved him very much, on one occasion offered to pay his expenses to visit a circus, but Johnnie said he could not serve two masters, and with thanks, declined the doctor’s kind offer. One of his greatest joys was to have the young Christians gather on Friday evenings in his room for a Bible reading. A brother in Christ once asked him,

“How will you know Jesus in heaven?” Johnnie’s reply was, “It will not be hard to know Him.”

If my reader has never been “born again,” there lurks within a worse disease than that which brought Johnnie to an early grave. What about that foul disease. known as— “SIN?” Thank God, although there is no cure for it with man, yet in the person and work of our Lord. Jesus Christ, God has found a remedy for those who will accept it.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” Isa. 53:5.

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

ML 10/06/1940

Gleaners

These dear girls have been spending some pleasant hours in the field, gathering grain, and are taking it home.

We do not all have the opportunity of gleaning grain from the fields, but there is one kind of gleaning we all may do.

The different grains provide food for our bodies, and we need them in order to grow and be healthy. We need food for our souls as well, if we expect to be healthy as Christians, and this we find in the Bible, the Word of God. God has given us food for our natural bodies, and He also gives us food for our spiritual life.

In the Bible we find how to be saved,—and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross for lost sinners, such as we.

May we glean from this wonderful Field daily, constantly, and find the precious food He has for us.

“GROW IN GRACE AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. JESUS CHRIST.” 2 Peter 3:18.

ML 10/06/1940

Can You Reject Such Love?

Shall Jesus suffer death for me,

That I might never die;

And I not long His face to see,

Nor to His bosom fly?

Shall Jesus call and wait for me,

His arms extended wide;

And I refuse His child to be

Nor in His bosom hide?

Shall Jesus open wide the gate,

And bid me enter in;

And I despise His love so great

And perish in my sin?

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

ML 10/06/1940

For All to Hear

Psalm 49

Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: Both low and high, rich and poor together” (Vees 1, 2).

What did the singers of this psalm want all the people to hear? They were to hear wisdom, and true wisdom comes only from God, so this was something He wanted all people to know:

“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches: None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: For the redemption of their souls is precious, and it ceaseth forever.”

There is a soul within every person which does not die when the body dies, and belongs to God; and no person, no. matter how rich, can buy the soul of anyone else. The redemption of the soul is too precious to ever be bought with money or gifts of people.

Many people build great houses, or castles, and think they will last always and be for their children, and “call their lands after their own names,” yet in a few, years there is no one who remembers them.

But the people are told there is One who can redeem (buy again) the soul.

“But God will redeem my soul from the, power of the grave: for He shall receive me. Selah.”

The word “Selah” means “to pause” in the music, so each singer would pause at the wonder of this thought that God could redeem his soul! These singers believed God, that was why He would save their souls.

Words written after the Lord Jesus died, to those who believed Him, show most plainly why God can save souls:

“Ye were not redeemed with.... silver and gold ... .But with the precious bloat of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

There is also a call for all people, rich or poor, in the very last of God’s Word:

“Whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely.” Rev, 22:17.

We know we must all have water to live in this world, so God’s Son, the Lord Jesus, is spoken of as “The Water of Life,” whom we must “take,” or accept, for everlasting life.

Jesus was given for all,—rich and poor, —that whosoever will, may drink freely of the Water of Life for their salvation.

ML 10/06/1940

Astonished

The story is told of a monkey and a cat who were kept at the same house. The monkey took great delight in tormenting the cat, and she was very much afraid of him, and would run way from him to keep out of trouble.

One day she was lying asleep on the window sill, and the monkey spied her, and quietly sprang up and pounced on her. There was no way for her to escape, so, to defend herself, she slapped him on the ear with her paw; and at the same time scratched him, which astonished him very much, and made him jump back, and then she made her escape.

It is quite natural to all animals, also boys and girls, to defend themselves, but there was one person on this earth that did not have that fallen nature, and He acted very differently. I suppose you can all tell me who He is, He was the Lord Jesus Christ. “WHO, WHEN HE WAS REVILED, REVILED NOT AGAIN; WHEN HE SUFFERED, HE THREATENED NOT; BUT COMMITTED HIMSELF TO HIM THAT JUDGETH RIGHTEOUSLY.” 1 Peter 2:23.

All who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are called upon to follow in His steps, and they shall find, if they do, that their life will be a happy one, and to the Lord’s glory, and at the end, a happy home with Himself.

ML 10/13/1940

Selling Their Ears

A wealthy woman, who had the misfortune of losing her left ear in an automobile accident, advertised for a left ear, offering $2500 for anyone who will sell an ear that will fit.

It is reported that she had about a dozen responses to her ad. Among others was a young woman who wanted the money in order to buy better clothes.

There are multitudes of people in this country who have sold their ears for less than this in fact, vast numbers give them away. They have loaned their ears to fanciful theories, and have never gotten them back again. The outward appendage is all that the aforesaid people offer to sell. They could still hear without it but the numbers of whom we speak have sold their inner ear, the ear of the soul, and can hear nothing else any more but the pet theory that they have been induced into loaning their ears to. The Word of God tells us:

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matt. 11:15.

“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 into life.” John 5:24.

ML 10/13/1940

"God is Now Here"

An infidel, some years ago,

Lay resting on God’s holy day;

Agnostic writings, high and low,

Around him in confusion lay.

His little girl, a tiny thing,

She’d hardly reached the age of seven.

He dearly loved, and thought it time

A lesson in his creed was given.

So as upon the couch he lay

He wrote with charcoal on the wall:

“GOD IS NO WHERE” then turned around

His little fair-haired child to call.

“Ethel, come here,” and by his side,

With laughing eyes, the maiden stands;

He lifts her up, and lovingly

Lays on her head caressing hands.

“You are at school now, let me hear

How well you’ve learned to read and spell;

You see those letters on this wall,

Can you to me their meaning tell?

The little child upon his knee

Spells out the letters sweet and clear

“God is N-O-W—now—H-E-R-E— here—

God is now here.”

The infidel looks up aghast,

And gazes blankly at the child;

She sees his look of wonderment,

And patting his stern face, she smiled.

“Say I am right, dear father, say,

For I have read the letters well;

You did not think I’d do it—but

GOD IS NOW HERE the letters

spell.”

The clinging arms around his neck

He eased, and bade her go and play,

While from the writing on the wall

He resolutely turned away.

The child is gone, the room is still,

The stalwart man is trembling now;

His face is pale, the cold sweat stands

In beady drops upon his brow.

His whole black catalogue of sins

Crowd on his memory line on line,

While from the wall the dreaded words

In fiery letters seems to shine.

GOD IS NOW HERE, O dreadful thought,

He feels His power and presence near;

Then falling on his face he cries,

And pleads for mercy in his fear.

Hours speed away, and there he kneels,

No ray of light, no hope is given;

Then, O, a flood of blessed light,

The dawning of the day of Heaven.

‘Twas but a little text he’d learned,

And then forgotten it again:

“The Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son,”

Can cleanse the soul from every stain.

“Lord Jesus,” now in joy he cries,

“Who gave Thy life in love divine;

I, once a rebel, lowly bow,

And pledge myself forever Thine.”

Then to his feet with shining face

The now forgiven sinner leapt,

And all his once loved books he piled

Where firewood for the stove was kept.

And then the Bible, much abused.

Which he had loved to criticize,

He lifted up with trembling hands,

And reads anew with lightened eyes.

A monument of saving grace,

A miracle of power divine,

For through each action, look and word,

The glories of the Saviour shine.

His home is changed, where scoffers met

To ridicule God’s love and claim;

A lowly band now weekly meet

To praise their great Redeemer’s Name.

And there above his couch is hung

In brilliant letters, bold and clear,

Sewn by his little daughter’s hand,

Four blessed words: GOD IS NOW HERE.

ML 10/13/1940

Rene's New Coat

Little Rene had just been given a nice new coat, and when she had put it on she went to let her father see it. Father said it was very nice, and then he added,

“I hope you thank the Lord Jesus for giving you good clothes like that, Rene.” And Rene said,

“O, yes,” and ran off. Just then she was thinking more of the nice warm coat than of the One who had given it to her.

I wonder if you little ones ever think who gives you all the nice things you have. It is the Lord Jesus.

“O,” perhaps you say, “My mother gives me my food and clothes.”

Yes, but it is God who provides her with them, and it was He too who gave you a loving mother to care for you. Do you thank Him for being so kind to you? Little Rene did not forget to thank the Lord Jesus for the coat, for she knew that it was He who had sent it to her. But she learned that there was something else to thank Him for—something much more than food and clothes. Do you know what that was? For dying for her! Just think of it! The blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus died for you He suffered on the cruel cross that He might save you, save you. Have you ever thanked Him?

Dear little ones, you know that the Lord Jesus died for sinners, but do you know He died for you? If so, you will want to thank Him. Just go as Rene did, and kneel down by your little bed, and tell Him you do thank Him that He loves you and has died for you. I know He will make you glad, and you will give Him joy too. Won’t you come to Him? He is waiting for you. He has done so much to have you for Himself. Surely you cannot keep away from Him any longer. Just thank Him now for all His love.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Psa. 103:2.

“Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Cor. 6:20.

ML 10/13/1940

A Little Plant

Psalm 51

There was a small plant in the land where King David lived, which was found in very dry, rocky places. It needed so little earth or water that it could grow even in the cracks between the stones of the walls. We cannot describe its leaf or stem but it was well known there and was called, the hyssop.

This low plant grew also in Egypt, and when the destroying angel was to pass through, God said the men of Israel should take the blood of a lamb in a basin and dip a bunch of the hyssop in the blood and sprinkle it over and at the sides of their doors. Some one might think a bigger plant would sprinkle more quickly, but all who believed God would use just what He said, and their children were kept safe.

Afterward God told those people to use hyssop to sprinkle a leper when cleansed from his dreadful disease, and also to sprinkle with a special water any who sinned or had done something which made them unfit to praise God. So David spoke of the hyssop in this psalm, for it was a prayer confessing his sins to God; he said:

“Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall he whiter than snow” (Verse 7).

“Purge” means to clean thoroughly.

David loved the Lord, yet he had been so careless of His words that he had greatly sinned. He knew that to dip the little plant and be sprinkled would not wash away his sins; for all sins come from had thoughts within the person, and no outside sprinkling can make one clean.

When you do what you know is wrong, have you not had a guilty feeling within you, instead of being happy? Whatever wrong we do is against the Lord most of all because He has told us the right ways and only He, can take away our guilt.

The sprinklings with the little hyssop showed those people that they were to be sorry and humble, not proud and careless of sin, and God would forgive them.

That little plant growing in the dry bare places teaches us the same, and even more: the Lord Jesus came to this earth a poor, humble man; there was little to help or keep Him, and He was spoken of “as tender plant, as a root out of a dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2). You see His life on earth was like the little hyssop.

If we believe this One who came so lowly, and gave His blood to save from God’s judgment against sin, then we “take”, or accept Him, as God’s Way, as simply as those people took the bunch of hyssop, and did as God said. We are to confess every sin to God as David did, and He will forgive because the blood of the Lord Jesus has been shed.

There is nothing on earth whiter than snow, how good that we too can say. “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!” Then there will be joy to praise the Lord and to tell others of Him.

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

The hyssop in Egypt (Exodus 12:21-23).

The hyssop for the leper (Levitiets 14:6, 7).

The hyssop for those who sinned. (Numbers 19;6-9, 18).

King Solomon spoke of hyssop (1 Kings 4:33).

For what was a bunch of hyssop used when the Lord Jesus was crucified? (John 19:29).

ML 10/13/1940

The Early Morning

I wonder if our boys and girls are in the habit of arising early. You know if we wish to accomplish much, there is nothing like an early start.

There is a little lesson from our picture today,—perhaps you remember the old saying,

“The early bird catches the worm.”

The girl has apparently fed the turkeys, and they now are seeking for beetles and worms. The girl is still guarding them, for these birds wander away, and unless watched, they may get a long distance from home.

I am sure many of our little readers can say,

“I know Whom I have believed,”

Many who truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, and His precious Word, and seek to please Him, in all their ways; whatever you have to do, ask the Lord to help you. for He says,

“Without Me ye can do nothing,” and, dear ones, always start the day with Christ.

Have you ever read the book of Joshua? You will find, Joshua was an early riser, “And Joshua rose early in the morning.” God was with Him and blessed Him.

How important to take a little time early in the morning to gather a little spiritual food before leaving for school or your duties. If you have time for only a few verses of Scripture, read them and meditate upon them, and God will bless them to your soul.

“THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH.” Psa. 119:105.

Then you will value God’s blessed Word, and find pleasure in searching the Scriptures. Rest not, until you can truly say,

“Jesus is my own dear Saviour, and I’m with those who can sing, ‘Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.’” Rev. 1:5.

ML 10/20/1940

The Three Legged Stool

PART 1.

Near to L—was a woman who trusted in her own goodness. She was outwardly religious and inwardly self-righteous. Nothing that was said to her by an earnest Christian preacher, to show her, her need of Christ, seemed of any avail. She clung to her own imagined goodness and would not let it go.

Now the Word of God makes clear and plain that the only true way of salvation is our Lord Jesus Christ, and tells us,

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

But many trust to themselves and not to Him. They rest on their being religious, or on some supposed difference between themselves and others. But, “There is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23.

All are alike guilty and undone in God’s holy sight. Well it is to learn this and to flee to Him who alone can save.

At length a friend said he would-visit her and see if he could help her at all. Very soon he did so, and told her he had come from Mr. P— who said that she was willing to see anyone who talked of religious subjects. The statement set Betty at liberty and soon she was unfolding a history of her long continued church going and prayer saying and good living.

The visitor sat still and let her tell her story, which showed him how very self-satisfied she was, and unaware of her true condition. When at last she came to a conclusion, he got up and stood pointing to an old three-legged stool which was on the floor in front of the fireplace. At once Betty exclaimed,

“Yes! indeed, it’s an old worthless thing, fit only for the fire. It should have been there long ago.” The visitor now looked her full in the face, and in serious tones said,

“And you are just like that three-legged stool, fit only for the fire.”

Then taking his hat, and without saying another word, he passed out of the house. Betty was thus left alone to her thoughts. At first she questioned with herself, “What could the man mean?”

Then, as she remembered all she had said to him, she came to the conclusion that he had meant that all she was, and all that she had done, in her good life was nothing better than her old, good-for-nothing stool, and “fit only for the fire. At this her temper rose high, and to relieve her feelings she went to her next-door neighbor to tell her how she had been insulted, and to seek her sympathy.

Now the neighbor was a humble-minded Christian, who long since had given up all trust in herself and who, taking the guilty sinner’s place, had claimed the guilty sinner’s Saviour. Betty told her all, indignantly saying as she closed.

“And be had the impudence to tell me that I was no better than an old three-legged stool, fit only for the fire.”

“Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matt. 25:41.

“As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.” Heb. 9:28,29.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

ML 10/20/1940

"Must I Believe Before I Feel Saved?"

Some years ago, as I was leaving my home, a woman requested me to visit her mother. As we entered the room, the lady said,

“I know you will tell me the truth; I want to know what I must do to be saved.”

“We will look into the Word of God,” I answered, “for there we shall find a true answer to the question. An account s given there of a man who once asked he same question, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ and if we could find out by what means he was saved, then you could surely rest on that foundation.”

We turned to Acts 16, and read the story of the jailer at Philippi, how he asked this question, and the answer which was given him:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and Thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

“But must I believe before I feel saved?” my aged friend inquired.

“Yes,” was the answer, “God never speaks in His Word about our feelings as affecting our salvation, for they are not the same for even one day. He says,

‘Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’” Rom. 5:1.

“He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” John 5:24.

After speaking to the woman for a little longer on the importance of trusting simply to the word of God, and not to our thoughts or feelings, I left her, praying that the Lord would bless her soul.

The next time I visited her she put up her hands as I entered the room and said,

“O! I am so happy, for I am trusting in Jesus.”

Dear reader, can you say her Saviour is your Saviour, too? If not, trust Him now. How precious to be able to say.

“It is well with my soul, for I am going to meet the One who died for me.”

ML 10/20/1940

Christ

Of Him the Scriptures speak,

His worth, and work, and ways;

His wondrous grace, His matchless love,

Calling for ceaseless praise.

By Him all that believe

Are justified and free;

Their sins are all on Jesus laid,

On Calv’ry’s awful tree.

In Him accepted now,

All His in favor stand;

Nor condemnation ever dread,

Safe hid within His hand.

With Him the countless throng

Of blood-washed ones shall dwell,

And through a long eternity

His praise their song shall swell.

ML 10/20/1940

Lost Eddie

The little fellow left home in company with a group of companions to look for a traveling circus coming along from the next town, and was last seen in the vicinity of a bridge. Night came, and Eddie was not to be found. We started off to seek him, and after walking for miles and asking at every house, we heard that a lost boy had been found by the wayside crying, and taken to a farmhouse further along. There Eddie was found, seated by the warm fireside, and. quite happy. He could tell his name and where he lived, but was unable to find his way home.

Very like the sinner, away from God, lost, and unable to ‘find the way back. But if you are willing to own your na.me to be “Sinner,” then it was for you that Jesus died (Rom. 5:6). He came to seek and to save the “lost” (Luke 19:10). When we took Eddie home there was great joy, as there is in heaven over every sinner saved,

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” I Timothy 1:15.

ML 10/20/1940

A Psalm in a Cave

Psalm 57

David once had to leave his home for a long time and hide in caves, or woods, or in wild rocky places, because King Saul was envious that the people liked David, and he many times tried to kill him. Whenever anyone told him where David was hiding, he took a large hand of soldiers to hunt for him, and Did had to hurry to another hiding place.

In this psalm David says the men were like lions to hunt him, and made plans to take him, as men fix nets to catch birds, or as they dig pits to take an animal. Sometimes it was hard for David and his friends to get food; and we might think in such great trouble that David would not praise God. But he trusted in God to save him, and speaks many words of praise.

Do you think David was old at this time when he prayed, and spoke for the Lord? No, he was a young man, and he said:

“My heart is fixed, O God ... .I will sing and give praise.” Verse 7.

You see David’s mind was settled to honor the Lord. In another psalm, while hiding in a wild desert place, he said:

“O God Thou art my God, early will I seek Thee, my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is.” Ps. 63:1.

The Lord helped and saved David in his troubles, and since he wrote these psalms, many people, more than we could count, have been comforted in their troubles by his earliest, trusting words.

Because David had so much trouble was perhaps the reason God used him to write of the One who had the great sorrow of any, as we find written of in several of the psalms. In David’s troubles he had friends with him, but this is what we read of the Lord Jesus, “I looked for some to take pity, but there was none.” Psalm 69:20.

As we read all these sad words, and then read in the New Testament, we can understand that David wrote the psalms, as a prophet, many years before, to tell of the sorrows of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus. It says of His friends that they all “forsook Him and fled.” Matt. 26:56. “They gave Me also gall (a bitter substance) for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.” Psalms 69:21.

The Roman soldiers did not know the psalms, but mocked Jesus on the cross offering Him vinegar to drink, and it also says,

“They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall.” Matthew 27:34. Luke 23:36. So the words of the psalm came true.

Of whom did the Lord Jesus say there were things written in the psalms? (Luke 24:44).

David in the cave (1 Samuel 22:1;24)

ML 10/20/1940

The Mate Who was Lost for a Trifle

How solemn, that boys and girls should, lose their lives for a trifle. We have read of the prince who lost his life because he trifled ten minutes: of the railway man who lost his life in endeavoring to catch his cap which had blown off; of the sailor boy who returned to the sinking vessel for his kitten and was lost.

Are you, dear ones, clinging to something of no value, and losing your never losing soul? What trifle is keeping you from salvation, At this moment your soul is either “lost,” or “saved.” Which is it?

On the coast of C—the ship had struck a rock, and the pumps had failed to keep her afloat. The boats had been lowered, and all were safe except the captain and Mate. The call was urgent for the two to leap into the boat. The captain plunged in the mate was about to follow, when he cried,

“Wait a minute, I have forgotten my purse.” Rushing into the cabin to reach his coveted treasure, he tarried one moment, and that moment proved fatal. Had he let all go, and plunged into the boat, he would have been saved.

So with the sinner. When he gives up all hope of salvation by his own merits, doings and strivings, and rests wholly on Christ’s finished work, he has everlasting life. The purse was taken from the dead man’s hand and found to contain only 30 cents; that was all. The mate had sold his life for 30 cents.

Remember dear ones your soul was so valued by the Son of God, that, He gave His life for it.

“WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL.” Mark 8:36.

ML 10/27/1940

The Three Legged Stool

PART 2

Her neighbor listened quietly and tried to calm her, while praying secretly that God would use the visitor’s words to show Betty her need of Christ. Going back to her home, Betty kept repeating to herself,

“Fit only for the fire—fit only for the fire.”

She was deeply distressed and soon went to bed. But she could not sleep. She began to go over her life’s history, and little by little she saw how her religiousness had been but an outward show, and that though she had drawn near to God with her lips, her heart had been far from Him. She was convicted of her sinfulness—that she was not right with God, though her conduct might have been correct enough in the sight of those around her. God reads our hearts, while man looks at the outward appearance. Seeing herself now in the light of God’s holiness she began to cry out aloud for salvation. Her neighbor heard, and having dressed, went in at once to find out what was the matter.

“Is there any mercy for me?” asked Betty as she entered, “O, tell me, will God save a sinner like me?”

She was pointed to the Saviour of sinners—to Him who came not to “call the righteous, but sinners to repentance,” and the value of His precious blood which “cleanseth us from all sin” was presented before her.

Betty heard with the hearing of faith, and giving up all hope in herself, cast herself unreservedly and alone upon Christ Peace came and filled her soul, for He who heard the cry of the taxgatherer, “God be merciful to me a sinner,” had heard her cry and now answered it.

The next day she hurried to the preacher to tell him that now she had seen her need, and was trusting Christ and finished work alone.

What are you trusting to? In ourselves, we, writer and reader alike, are “fit only for the fire.” Christ has saved the writer by His grace. Has He saved you, the reader? He will save you it owning your need, you come to Him. But,

“Your righteousness as filthy rags,

Must all relinquished be;

And only Jesus’ precious blood

Must be your plea.”

“All we like sheep have gone astray we have turned everyone to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all” Isa. 53:6.

“To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Rom, 4:5.

“It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Lev. 17:11.

ML 10/27/1940

Ready to Start

At one time I saw six children lined up ready to start for race. Three of them were smaller than the other three, so could not run very far till they would not give up. But that would hinder the larger ones from going ahead and winning the race. One of the older ones called out,

“One, two, three” and off they went.

I thought, when I saw that little group, and watched their race, of another race of which we read in the Bible. It is begin when we are saved, and brought to the Lord, and continues through life, its end is the glory.

I know boys and girls who made what appeared to be a good start, and went ahead of others, yet, after a time, they went back and you can hardly tell today whether they are Christ’s and Satan’s.

Others go on, holding a straight course in the Christian life, pressing on, seeking to, please the Lord in all their ways, and to them, the path is brighter and happier as he years go by.

They were saved at the beginning by entering in by “the Door”—Christ—(John 10:9), and they will be rewarded with a crown at the end.

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith; who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:1, 2.

ML 10/27/1940

The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-24.

Far from the Father’s loving care,

Far from the Father’s home,

Har from the joys that abounded there,

Far, far did the prodigal roam.

Down to the friends who delight in sin:

Down to the riotous band;

Down to the haunts of sinful mirth;

Down to the distant land.

Now when the famine comes apace,

Now when his all is spent;

Now at the swine-trough, outcast, vile—

Now doth the sinner repent.

Back from the downward paths of sin,

Back from the shame and woe,

Back from the place of want and care,

Back did the prodigal go.

Home to the Father’s pardoning love;

Home to the Father’s heart;

Home to the Robe, the Ring, the Feast;

Home, never more to depart.

ML 10/27/1940

What Sammy Found

Sammy was all smiles as he walked down the road.

“Found something asked Mr. Crusty.

“Sure,” said Sammy, and he walked on smiling.

“I never trusted that boy, and you may be sure he has found somebody’s purse with $500 in it, and he won’t let anybody know,” old Mr. Crusty said.

Mrs. Lovejoy, who saw Sammy’s smile and heard Mr. Crusty’s remark, said, “It does me good to see a boy with a smile like that. There are too many folks going around with a grouch.”

But Mr. Crusty did not like Sammy’s smile. He thought there was something wrong back of it. And so when he came to a policeman he said,

“Officer, I am sure there is something wrong. I think you ought to get hold of that boy who has just gone down the street. I think he has picked up a purse that does not belong to him and he won’t give it back.”

The policeman walked with long strides down the road and soon came up to Sammy and said to him,

“I understand you have found something and I want to hear about it.”

“Sure,” said Sammy, “I’ll gladly tell you. I found that I was a sinner, and I found that Jesus came to save sinners, and I have let Him save my poor lost soul, I have found Jesus; and Jesus has found me. And He has given me a joy that, like dear old grandmother says, is

‘Better felt than telt.’”

The policeman let him go, and Saymm went down the road still smiling. And when Mrs. Lovejoy and Mr. Crusty saw him the next morning he was smiling.

“Yes, sir,” he said to Mr. Crusty as they passed, “I found it is a good thing to serve Jesus, and I have made up my mind to serve Him as long as I live.” And as Sammy walked on he was, still smiling. “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” Psa. 100:2.

“I rejoice in Thy salvation.” 1 Samuel 2:1.

ML 10/27/1940

A Psalm to a King

Psalm 72

King David loved the people of Israel and ruled over them many years. When he was old he wanted his son Solomon to be made king and wished him to be wise and do what was right and good for the people, that there should be peace. He wrote this psalm in prayer and praise for such a righteous king, who should rule “from sea to sea”; all kings should obey him; there should be help for the poor and blessings for all; and his name should always be remembered.

Solomon was crowned king and ruled many years; God gave him great wisdom, and while he was a young man he prayed to God to help him, and did well for all the people; there was plenty for all. and Solomon used the great wealth to build up their cities, and for the temple for the Lord; there was peace with other nations, and many kings paid tribute and brought gifts to Solomon, and all came to hear his wise words,

But after awhile Solomon left the good ways of God, and did the ways of those who served idols; then he became careless of the people, using their money for idol temples and for his own pleasure, and was unjust to the people. So this great and wise king sinned, and God divided the nation (1 Kings 11:9-11).

As we read the words of this psalm we can understand that they are meant to praise a greater King than Solomon, Who shall rule with justice for all, and will never fail to do right.

This psalm is the last of the second Book of Psalms, and among the last words of David, but other of his psalms, written earlier, were placed after this. There will be no more troubles, or need for prayer when such a faithful King comes and when David thought of such a One his prayers were “ended”.

How long did King Solomon rule? (1 Kings 11:42).

How did King David say a king should rule? (2 Samuel 23:3).

What was the name of David’s father? (Psalm 72:20).

ML 10/27/1940

Who is He?

Who is He in yonder stall,

At whose feet the shepherds fall?

Who is He in Calv’ry’s throes,

Asks for blessings on His foes?

Who is he that from the grave

Comes to heal, and bless, and save?

Who is He on yonder throne,

Rules the world of light alone?

‘Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!

‘Tis the Lord, the King of Glory!

At His feet we humbly fall—

Crown Him, crown Him,

Lord of All!

ML 10/27/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Children’s Class”

1.This spake he.” etc. John 21:19.

2. “When Jesus therefore.” etc. 19:30.

3.“O righteous Father,” etc.17:25.

4. “If ye keep,” etc. 15:10.

5. “Jesus answered,” etc. 14:23.

6. “And whosoever,” etc. 11:25.

7.“Verily, verily,” etc. 12:24:

Bible Questions for November

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans Chapters 1-8

1. Write in full the verse containing the words, “They are all under sin.”

2. Write in full the verse containing the words, “The judgment of God is according to truth.”

3. Write in full the verse containing the words, “Made of the seed of David.”

4. Write in full the verse containing the words, “To him that worketh not.”

5. Write in full the verse containing the words, “We also should walk in newness of life.”

6. Write in full the verse containing the words. “It is Christ that died.”

7. How is it that God commendeth his love toward us?

Answers to Bible Questions for August

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.Lazarus. John 11:43.

2.John 21:22.

3.No. John 18:20.

4.. Doing what He commands us. John 15:14.

5. If we have love one to another. John 13:35.

6. He made Himself the Son of God. John 19:7.

7.That we might believe that Jesus is the Son of God, John 20:31.

Bible Questions for November

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans Chapters 1-8

1. What will God do with the “secrets of men?”

2.What do we know about “all things?”

3.Of what was Paul not ashamed?

4.What does Paul say about his flesh?

5.What does God say about “all the world?”

6.What is the wages of sin?

7. What gives us peace with God?

ML 11/03/1940

Are You in the Ark?

Before the flood, they ate, they drank.

And married day by day;

And knew not till the flood did come

And take them all away.

So now men live and buy, and sell,

And peace and safety cry;

Not knowing, in their unbelief,

That Christ the Lord is nigh.

The Ark, the Ark, and it alone

Was safety in the flood;

So Jesus, and no other name,

Saves sinners by His blood.

ML 11/03/1940

He is Able

When going to the seaside the other day to see two little friends who were staying, there, I was very much struck by the behavior of four children in the train. I had seen two children before I got in the train, and they were very worried and bothered. But these four little folks were so very calm and contented that as the train went on, my curiosity was very much, roused as to why they were such calm little travelers.

But I had not to wait very long, for when the train stopped, they got down on to the platform and waited for about a minute. Then a man came up to them and gave them each a kiss, and when I looked I saw he was the engineer. He was their father, and of course that at once settled all my difficulties, for with their own dear father driving the train how could they be unhappy.

I thought Well, if only all the children traveling: on their way to their heavenly home were quite sure the Father was taking them, how different it would all be.

But there are such a lot of restless little travelers that the train is not such a peaceful place as it should be.

How glad we should be to go with One, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is so able to lead us and take us safely to our journey’s end. Like the little children, we could leave it all to Him, quite sure of His love and care for us.

“Thou art my Rock and my Fortress; therefore for Thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” Psa. 31:3.

ML 11/03/1940

Praise

Praise, is what God delights in. It tells Him that His creatures are finding their joy in Him, and that is the highest blessing they can have.

But can little children praise? O, yes, they are specially spoken of as praising!

“Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise,” were the words of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 21:16), who rejoiced in the praises of the dear children of Jerusalem.

Do you think He has changed since then?

“Ah! no,” you say, “for Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8).

“My lips shall utter praise when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes.” Psa. 119:171. And in another verse the psalmist says,

“Thy statutes have been my songs.” Psa. 119:54,.

What does he mean? Well, you see, it is when we receive God’s words into our hearts that they become our song. A little girl once wrote to another little girl,

“I write to tell you that I am saved ... Now I can sing the hymn,

‘My soul rests on the Lamb.’”

When she believed God’s Word about Jesus, the Lamb of God, she could sing of Him as the rest of her soul. I wonder if you, little reader, could sing like that little girl?

It is a joyful thing to belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course not all singing is praise; sometimes, we sing a prayer, sometimes an invitation or a warning. Praise is our hearts going up to God, telling Him what He is to us, whether we sing it or just simply speak to Him. It is only saved people that sing to God, and to the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” Psa. 147:1.

ML 11/03/1940

David and Goliath

Goliath of Gath was a great giant in the Philistine army. These Philistines were enemies of God’s people Israel, and had gathered for battle against them Goliath came out alone to defy God’s people.

David was a young man who wished to deliver the people from this great enemy. He met the giant with only a stone and a sling and killed him. God, through David, saved the people from this foe.

In this beautiful story of David and Goliath we have a remarkable picture of the Lord Jesus delivering us from the power of Satan.

Like a mighty Goliath, Satan, our great enemy, held us in slavery. No human power could deliver us from him. We were like the poor Israelites trembling at the voice of Goliath. We knew that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” and therefore were in fear of death.

But, O, thanks be to God! a great deliverer appeared, far more than David, and volunteered to save us from the power of death and Satan. And this Deliverer, this One who alone could save us, is the Lord Jesus, our Saviour, the Son of God, the true David. By His death on the cross He destroyed him that had the por of death, that is the devil.

Only believe, and accept Him as your, Saviour, and with a heart full of thankfulness, praise Him for His great love to you.

“FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SON OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL” 1 John 3:8.

ML 11/03/1940

A Review for the Children

Psalm 78

This psalm was a review given by God for the boys and girls in Israel to know what great things God had done to save their nation from slavery in Egypt, and to lead them safely through deserts to a good land. When these boys and girls were grown, they were to tell the stories to their children. It is a long psalm and we can give only a few verses:

“Marvelous things did He (God) in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and He made the waters to stand as an heap. In the daytime also He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. He clave (opened) the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.” Verses 12-15.

Perhaps you remember reading how God divided the water of the Red Sea so the big company of men, women, children, and animals crossed safely over, out of reach of the cruel king of Egypt; then how later, God gave them food and water in the deserts, until at last their children were brought to a good land.

This psalm also reviews the dreadful troubles sent against Egypt, because they rebelled against God (Verses 43-51). But even though the people of Israel saw the wonders and power of God, many of them spoke against Him.

“But He... forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not.” Verse 38.

Yet at last; many of the people made images and prayed to them, instead of to the Lord, so great sorrows came to them (Verse 58). Because the people forgot to obey and honor God, much of this is a sad review for the young people who were to hear it; but it was all true.

Why do you suppose the boys and girls of Israel were to review this, and why should we, when perhaps none of us are from that nation? As you grow older you will find that we are not different from those people,—we too forget the wonderful works of God’s power and of His love, so this was a warning for the boys and girls then, and is a warning for all of us now, and tells us to set our “hope in God” (Verse 7).

The last of the psalm speaks of David, chosen by God, as a careful shepherd of His people. Since then God has given His Son Jesus to be as a good Shepherd, greater than David could be, to give His life for His people, and Who still cares for them as a careful Shepherd.

The plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7 to 11).

The Red Sea Divided (Exodus 14:15-30).

The Cloud by Day, Fire by Night (Exodus 40:34-38).

Water from the rock (Exodus 17:6).

Bread from Heaven (Exodus 16:4,15).

Zoan seems to have been a capital city of Egypt (Numbers 13:22).

ML 11/03/1940

God Cares for You

God knows whether the winter will be severe or not, and He sends food for the birds accordingly. Jesus said, “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap: which neither have storehouse nor barn: and God feeteth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” Luke 12:24.

They go forth in search of their food each morning, never troubling themselves because they have no store at home, and when the day is over, they have had enough, for “God feedeth them.”

May each one, young or old, who reads these lines, seek first to know and confess the Lord Jesus as the One whom God sent for them; and rejoice, not only that He has saved them, but that they are such objects of His care, that the very hairs of their head are numbered, and that they are of more value than many sparrows.

“MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS.” Phil. 4:19.

ML 11/10/1940

Seeker and Sought

Noble seamen are scanning the horizon for the sight of any vessel peradventure needing assistance. See the earnestness in their steadfast gaze; following the pointing and directing of the hands. Yonder out on the ocean is a vessel in distress, she is signaling for help, which will be readily given, willing hands doing all in their power.

In Bridlington Bay a rowing boat was out, and a strong sea rolling toward the shore. Hear the old salts talking—— “She’s a good ‘un, she is.” “There she is again.”

“She’s lost to sight— she’s gone.” “No, she’s no, she’s riding the crest.” “My, she’s a good ‘un.” But our friends in the boat did not realize their danger in the strong current and stormy sea, they were young and venturesome. Fortunately they returned safely. The experienced watchers were anxious for the reason they knew the dangers of which the others were blissfully ignorant.

You fathers and mothers warn your boys and girls of the dangers in life which they do not see. Life is joyous to them, they know no danger; life is opening out to them and they know not the pitfalls set by Satan to enslave them. But you know, you have experience.

Do they heed the warnings of those who know? No! they swing on in life, confident of what they can do, until, too late, they find themselves ensnared by evil.

My dear reader, do not resent the inquiry about your soul’s eternal welfare. The inquirer has learned by experience the saying and keeping power of God, through the atoning sacrifice of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the operation of the Holy Spirit. The saved soul knows, and can help you to see your real, though unknown danger.

God’s Word speaks emphatically, but unless you read the warnings you do not know the dangers. Let those familiar with God’s Word warn you, at least see whether your danger is real or not. Let not the bliss of the moment blind you to your eternal state e’er it is too late.

Are you a seeker, or are you sought?

God seeks lost souls to save through the Lord Jesus, by His Holy Spirit and His followers. If you are lost it is not that you were not sought.

When distress signals are shown aid is forthcoming: when the prodigal was returning his father met him, and to every repentant soul there is forgiveness and for every believing heart there is life joyous, glorious life everlasting.

ML 11/10/1940

Little Annie

Little Annie believed that Jesus loved her, and had died for her, that He was her Saviour, and it was her delight to please Him. When a friend of her father’s heard that she was saved, he laughed about people speaking of the conversion of little children. She had been such a sweet little girl, why should she want to be better? If old Joseph G. could be made to love the Lord Jesus, then he would believe that a man could be converted.

Little Annie was quite upset about this unreasonable speech. She went to her room, kneeled down at her little bed and said, Lord Jesus, they will not believe that I love Thee, because I am so little.” Then she ran away to old Joseph.

He was, without doubt, the most inn friendly, irritable man in the whole village. He worked all day long in his carpenter’s shop, and as soon as anyone carte in sight, he began to grumble and to scold. The result was that everybody who was not compelled to do business with him, kept well out of his way.

He was just in the act of sawing a board in two when a lovely child-like voice called out,

“Good morning, Joseph!”

The voice sounded, so sweet, that he turned round, without the usual frown on his face.

“Please, Joseph,” said little Annie, “I must tell you something, but you won’t be angry with me, will you?”

For years, nobody had spoken to Joseph, unless they had business with him, and, he wondered why this little girl wished to speak to him.

He laid his saw down, and sitting on a bench, looked inquiringly at his visitor.

“Well, my child, what do you want with me?

His voice was rough as usual, but it was a great thing that he had permitted himself to be drawn into conversation.

Little Annie sat down near him, and looked at him tenderly with her big brown eyes and said,

“I must tell you, Joseph, that the Lord Jesus loves me, and I love Him in return. But there is a gentleman who is on a visit to our house, who says I am too little to come to the Saviour, and that I do not need to, for I am so good already. He will not believe therefore that I have given my heart to Him. He says if you will begin to love the Lord Jesus, then he will believe it. Now, Joseph, will you not do that? The Lord Jesus loves you so much. Will you not love Him?” She seized the hand of the old man and went on,

“O, He loves you very, very, much, Joseph. You do know that He died on the cross for every one of us, don’t you?”

Poor old man! Nobody had ever spoken thus to him since his mother had gone home. The hot tears ran down his cheeks.

“You must not cry, Joseph, for God loves you He loves us all, even when we are grieving Him so much by our sins, and has sent the Lord Jesus from heaven to redeem us.” Joseph was deeply moved. He could only cry,

“God be merciful to me a sinner!”

While little Annie was speaking to him in her child-like way, the scales from his eyes had suddenly fallen, and he saw what a great sinner he had been.

He took refuge in Jesus, who came to bless sinners, and who could wash him clean in His blood, and before the little one had finally left him, he was praising God for His unspeakable grace.

When Annie got home, she said to their visitor,

“Now, you will believe that the Lord Jesus loves me, for old Joseph has accepted Jesus as his own Saviour and Lord.”

“Nonsense!” laughed the friend; “who told you that?”

“Well, you will see!” and he did see it, and not only he, but the whole village also saw it. Everybody saw that the old, ill-natured face had become bright and beamed with joy. Cross old Joseph became so friendly that everybody liked him, and anyone passing his workshop could hear him singing of the wonderful love of the Lord Jesus.

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

“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 11/10/1940

He Means Just What He Says

“I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” Acts 27:25.

There are some who believe the Bible,

And some who believe a part,

Some who trust with a reservation,

And some with all their heart;

But I know that its every promise

Is firm and true always,

It is tried as the precious silver,

And it means just what it says.

It tells me that God has loved me,

That He gave His Son to die;

That all who believe are forgiven,

And by Jesus’ blood brought nigh.

And I seek to know no better

Than to take Him at His Word,

For He says I may trust Him fully,—

My Saviour and my Lord.

It is strange that we trust each other,

And only doubt the Lord,

We take a mortal’s promise,

And yet distrust His Word.

But, what a light of glory

Would shine through all our days,

If we always would but remember

God means just what He says.

ML 11/10/1940

A Very Old Prayer

Psalm 90

The note over this psalm says, “A prayer of Moses, the man of God.” Moses lived many Years before David, more than 3,000 years ago, but, these words are just as true and of help for us now.

“Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. Thou turnest, man to destruction (crumbling) and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.”

It is good for us to think of the Lord’s greatness, that He lived before there were mountains or a world. He does not change by days or years; to Him a thousand years are as a day, or as even less than a day, “as a watch in the night”. The watchmen of a city changed every few hours, so “a watch” would be only a short time.

God gave very long life to early men in the world; they could learn a great deal and could enjoy much; the first man, Adam, lived 930 years; some men after him lived even longer. But when we are told how long those men lived, there are three short words added (except of one), the words are, “and he died.”

Men later have not lived as long as the early men did; no matter how wise, or great, or rich, all have died. Do you know the reason people die? The answer given is:

“By one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12. In, this psalm Moses said:

“The days of our years are three-score (a “score” is 20) years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four-score years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away.” Verse 10.

Boys and girls think it would be fine to be grown up, and some may say that you need not think of the end of life, but Moses’ words are for us all:

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts into wisdom.” Verse 12.

That means more than lessons in school; it means to set our hearts and minds to what the Lord will teach us now, and not wait to learn of Him after we are old; and do you think to learn of the Lord will make us sad and miserable all our lives? What does this verse say?

“O satisfy us early with Thy mercy (loving kindness) that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Verse 14.

When the Lord Jesus was on earth He did not say to wait until old to learn of Him: He said,

“Suffer (Let) the little children to come unto Me.” Luke 18:16. He wants boys and girls to believe and trust Him as soon as they hear of Him. The Lord Jesus did not promise His people long life un. earth, but eternal life with Him.

ML 11/10/1940

A Winter Scene

The ground has a blanket of white, and the roads are coved with snow, such a contrast to the black, leafless trees. The Bible tells us,

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

It is sad to know that with some people, sorrow, sickness, and suffering are brought about by winter’s cold and storm.

We trust our dear friends who have all they need, may be willing to share with those who do not have the comforts of life. It will not be difficult to find those who are in need of warm clothing, and other necessities. Whatever we do for others as unto the Lord, we will have a sure reward from. Him, both in this life and in eternity.

How good it is for the Christians, those who know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, to look on to the time when they shall be at Home with Him where there will be neither cold, storms, nor suffering.

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

“GOD SHALL WIPE ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES, AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NEITHER SORROW, NOR CRYING, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN.” Rev. 21:4

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

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

ML 11/17/1940

Something Lacking

I had said I “believed in Jesus” since I was seven years old, and it was assumed by my parents and Sunday school teacher that I was truly converted. When all who believed were asked to “put up their hands,” I held up mine, but deep in my heart I knew there was something lacking. The truth was, I had the theory of the Gospel in my head, I knew it and could state it perfectly, but I had not known my need of it as a sinner guilty before God (Rom. 3:19), or received Christ as my personal Saviour (John 1:12) made the discovery under the searching preaching of a faithful servant of Christ, who does not bolster up false profession, but exposes it. I was for weeks in deep soul distress, for I saw something of the guilt of sin, and its hatefulness to God. Then I learned—and O, it was a great deliverance to me; so unlike the earlier flippant profession— that “Christ died for our sins” (1 Cor 15:3), and that in His death God’s holy justice had been satisfied.

“That God the Just was satisfied To look on Him and pardon me.”

In my conscious guilt “I came to Jesus as I was,” and resting my soul upon His precious blood as my only plea, I knew He received me (Luke 15:2), and I had peace with God in believing on Him (Rom. 5:1). Years have come and gone, but my peace, and rest in Christ remain the same.

There is the greatest danger of those who have been accustomed to hear the Gospel, as I was from my earliest years, creeping in among the people of God and being regarded as Christians who have not really accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their own Saviour, and do not know that He washed the sins away from all who their trust in Him. But this will not do; to one and all the word is

“Ye must be born again.” John 3:7.

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

ML 11/17/1940

The Other Sheep

When the Saviour left His throne,

Did He die for me?

He did, but not for me alone,

He died for others o’er the sea.

Let us the news of Gospel joys

Send to Other girls and boys.

The beautiful story in Luke 15, concerning the lost sheep is, perhaps, so well-known that we fail to appreciate it fully. We read it so often that we fail to grasp the wonder of its message. It speaks to us of God’s love for the lost sinner, and of the Good Shepherd Who sought the straying sheep. Just as the shepherd in the story spared no efforts to find the lost sheep, so the Lord Jesus was willing to suffer even unto death, for us. The Word of God tells us that,

“ALL, we like sheep have gone astray” (Isa. 53:6), and have wandered from God; let us ever be thankful that we were not left in our lost condition, but that the Saviour sought us.

But we were not the only sheep for whom the Lord died. He said Himself, “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, arid they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one flock, and one Shepherd.” And sad to say there are still some who have not heard of the Shepherd Who died for them—they are still in heathen darkness. Have we not a responsibility to help to send the Gospel story far and wide?

Jesus died for all the children,

All the children of the world;

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight.

ML 11/17/1940

Jesus Died for Me

A little girl was sitting one Sunday night upon her father’s knee talking about the Lord Jesus Christ. Somehow they at last began to speak of dying. To die and go to heaven is not the proper hope of the believer, but rather the coming of the Lord. It is that that the believer in Christ is to look for, and it is that which is called “the blessed hope.” But, although death is not what the Christian is to expect, it so happened that this little child and her father got to talking about it, and at last the father said,

“Would you like to die, and go to be there Jesus is?”

“Yes, I should,” replied the child.

“What! and leave your father and mother here?”

“I should like you all to go with me.” “But suppose you had to go first and leave us behind?”

“I should like to be with Jesus, because Jesus loves me.”

“But don’t we love you?”

“You I know you love me,” replied the little girl.

“Well, then, why would you not rather stay with us?”

‘Jesus loves me, too,” said the child, hardly able yet to express her thought, but it came presently.

“Don’t we do all we can to show that we love you?” said the father.

“Yes,” replied the little girl looking very thoughtful; “You love me, but Jesus died for me.”

This settled the question to her mind, and her father’s, too, you may depend upon it. Much as the little one loved her parents, and much as they loved her, they both felt that there is One whose claims are far beyond all others; One who has proved His love in a way no other could.

Think, dear little reader, what must it have been for that Holy One to be “made sin for its that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” What must it have been for Jesus to bear the wrath of God? He loved God as none on earth ever loved Him, yet He had to bear God’s wrath because in His love for us, poor lost sinners, He took our place, “bare our sins in His own body on the tree,” and so took all the punishment, all the judgment, all the sorrow that we who believe in Him, as this little girl did, might never have to bear it.

O! what love was this! Well might the little girl say she would rather be with Him who had thus proved His love for her. She felt that His is a love no other can equal, though she could not express all she felt. But those few earnest words told her thought: “Jesus died for me.”

Can you say this by faith? Can you say, “He loved me, and gave Himself for me?” Gal. 2:20. I hope you can. And if you cannot, may grace be given you to enable you to do so for His name’s sake.

ML 11/17/1940

Tell of Jesus

Children, go and tell of Jesus,

How He died to save our souls;

How, that He from, sin might free us,

Suffered agonies untold.

Tell the guilty of their danger,

While they wander far from God;

While they live to Jesus strangers,

And reject His precious word.

Tell them of the joys of heaven,

Purchased by the Saviour’s blood;

How, that they might be forgiven,

Jesus left His home above.

Tell them how He hath ascended

To prepare a home on high;

Where all sorrows shall be ended,

Where the saints shall never die.

ML 11/17/1940

A Song for a Day of Rest

Psalm 92

The people of Israel were once slaves to a king who made them work very hard building his walls, forts and towers; he set men to watch, and punish them to make them work harder; they had no day of rest.

But the Lord saved them from that cruel king, and led them to fields and cities of their own. Soon after they started that journey from. Egypt to Canaan, God told Moses to tell the people to rest from all work on the seventh day of the week, and to meet together to give thanks for being taken from the dreadful slavery. He said:

“Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.... It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever.” Exodus 31:15, 17.

The seventh day began at sunset on what we call Friday, and ended at sunset on what we call Saturday; the word Sabbath means “rest;” They could not so much as kindle a fire or carry a bundle; the servants and visitors also were to rest; the food was to be prepared the day before. You see they could not work just a little, if they wished, or carry just a small bundle; they must keep this law exactly (Deut. 5:14; Numbers 15:32-36).

As long as the people of Israel obeyed God and remembered His care, they were happy to sing words like this psalm, which the note above says was for the Sabbath Day:

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy Name, O most High: To show forth Thy loving kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night.”

But after awhile many of the children of those people were careless of the goodness of God, and thought only of their fields, cities, and pleasures, and worked and bought and sold on the Sabbath days; nor did they meet to praise God; some even gave their praise to idols.

Because of that God let them be taken away from their land by strong armies (Jeremiah 17:27). After a time He let their children go back to their land, and for a while they obeyed His words, and kept the Sabbath Day. They should have learned how easily they turned to evil and believed His promise to send One to free them from their sins and give rest. But instead they did a strange way, they began to honor the Sabbath Day itself, more than the Lord or His Words, so when Jesus, the Son of God, came to live among, them, they would not believe or listen to Him, and wanted Him to be crucified (See John 5:16-18).

God had forgiven that nation’s sins many times, but when they had Jesus, His Son, killed, His covenant, or agreement, was broken entirely, and not repeated to those who believed in Jesus. They afterward met on the first day of the week in His memory, because that was the day He arose from the grave.

The Sabbath is called “a shadow.” You know the shadow is not the real object, but is like it, the real object meant by the Sabbath, was Christ. He was to be their source of rest, for they could not have rest while they sinned and had enemies (See Col, 2:16, 17). Jesus said,

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

ML 11/17/1940

A Shelter from the Storm

The dear little birds take shelter from the fast falling snow. They have wisdom given to them of God for this, and therefore take advantage of this protection.

This reminds me of a dreadful storm that is coming on this world, God’s sore judgments are going to sweep over this world, and then at the end there will be everlasting judgment; but He has provided the way of escape, a shelter from the dreadful storm, and that shelter is Christ.

Are you wise, dear reader, like the little birds, by taking shelter? In other words have you accepted Christ as your own Saviour, as the One who died for you to shelter you fruit. the awful judgment that you deserve for all your sins? If wise, you will settle that matter now, and I trust you will be able to say from your heart;

“I do believe, I will believe

That Jesus died for me,”

If you can say, “Jesus died for me”, you are not only saved from the awful judgment of being separated from God because of your sins, but you are saved to share the glory with the Lord Jesus into which He has entered.

“CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.” 1 Cor. 15:3.

ML 11/24/1940

A Billion

Some of you boys who know arithmetic will be able to tell me what a billion is?

“It is a million of millions,” answered one of the boys.

Yes, a million of millions. What an immense number that is.

And do you know that every one of you must live a billion of years either in heaven, or m the lake of fire, and when that billion of years is spent, then another, and another. In fact, you must live on forever, and ever, through unnumbered ages whether you want to or not. You cannot stop living even if you would. You will not find death there, even if you should want to die.

In heaven, where Jesus and all His saved ones shall forever dwell, there is no more death, nor sorrow, nor sighing. Through these billions of ages there will be unbroken peace, unclouded happiness, and unceasing, song. An eternity forever with the Lord; forever with all His saints; forever free from sin; forever amid the brightness of our heavenly home.

But there is another place and another company, and they, too, exist forever. It is awful even to this of them, and to read in the words of Holy Scripture their doom. There will be Satan and his angels who sinned long, long, ago, in the past, and there will be those who reject Christ, all cast into “the lake of fire and brimstone,” to be there tormented forever and ever. Billions of years will roll over them there, but no release, no exchange, no ending of their woes.

Now, my dear reader, you must spend these ages in one or the other of the two companies. You must dwell in one or other of the two places. The time for having it settled is now; and whether you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour, or reject Him, will settle in which of the two companies you are to be.

“These shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matt, 25:46.

ML 1/24/1940

I Didn't Feel Saved

My parents had always taken us children to hear the gospel; and from early days I knew that I had to be saved to go to heaven.

One evening a girl companion of mine asked me to go along with her to the meeting. I promised to go, and she added,

“Remember that I am praying that you will get saved.”

These words forcibly brought the reality of being saved before me. O, how I wished I was saved. I don’t remember anything the preacher said that night, but when I got into bed, I was in despair. I had tried so hard to be saved.

I spent half the night praying and reading, and still didn’t ‘feel saved.’ At last I got up and knelt on the floor, and told the Lord I had done all I could do, and couldn’t pray any more. In the morning, the first thing that came to my mind was, “I don’t feel saved yet.” I was standing near a little table in my room, when question crossed my mind,

“Where does it say in the Bible to pray for God’s salvation?”

While I was thinking if I had ever read or ever heard of such a verse, there flashed into my trend the one,

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

I remember clapping my hands together, and saying, “Lord, I believe,” and I knew I was saved.

ML 11/24/1940

Tom's Conversion

Tom was a bright cheery boy, a favorite with all who knew him. He was fond of music, and used to play the harmonium at the mission hall for the Gospel services on Sunday evenings. But with all his ability, Tom was not happy. It might have been said of him, as of the young man in the Gospel,

“One thing thou lackest,” Mark 10:21.

Tom was not saved. He had never come to the Saviour, to have his sins forgiven, and so he was restless and dissatisfied. But God had His eye upon him and loved him, and in His own way was going to lead Tom to Himself.

Tom’s father was a Christian, and often prayed for him, and spoke to him about his soul. As day after day Torn heard the Word of God read in his home or at the meetings, he became more restless, till he felt he could not stand it any longer. He decided to leave home, and go away where no one would speak to him about his soul, or ask him if he were saved.

How many are like Tom! Perhaps you who read this have tried to put away all thought of God, of your soul, of eternity. But you cannot get away from God. His eye follows you everywhere, and he knows all about you.

So Tom found. Across the ocean, far away from home, he thought he would be free and happy. He found work, and tried to forget God, seldom reading his Bible. But illness came, and he was glad to stay for a little while in a Christian home where daily he heard the Bible read, making him think of the loving Saviour he was rejecting, and he began to long for peace with God.

Then one evening he went to a meeting where the tenth chapter of Matthew was read and explained. One verse struck Tom especially, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matt. 10:30. God knows all the details of our lives. He is interested in the smallest things that concern us, and He cares for us. This was a new thought to Torn, and he could not forget it. God was speaking to him.

He went home with a Christian friend, and as they sat together, Tom said,

“Is not that a remarkable verse, ‘The very hairs of your head are all numbered?’”

His friend said that it was, and went on to speak of the love of Christ. They sat and talked until it was long past midnight, and Tom could not pull himself away. He felt the Lord was seeking him, and the great question had to be decided now, which would we have, Christ or the world? At last he said;

“It is coming to the bit.” Then they both got on their knees, asking the Lord’s help. What happened then is best told in Tom’s own words,

“In less than two minutes after being on my knees, I had accepted the gracious offer of life through a crucified Saviour. I cannot say how long we were on our knees (I care not), but when we rose, I was resting on the finished work of Christ.”

The next morning at breakfast he told his friends, “I have found the Saviour,” and his friends added, “And the Saviour has found you.” No wonder he wrote home,

“I went to work a happier fellow than ever I was before. I was proud to confess Christ as my Saviour, and enjoy reading His Word.”

What a change had come over Tom! He had found the secret of true happiness.

Dear unsaved reader, what the Lord did for Tom, He can do for you.

“The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” He loves you, He died for you. Won’t you trust Him now?

“Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18.

ML 11/24/1940

How Shall We Answer the Lord?

Psalms 94 and 95

Here are some questions for us to answer: “He that planteth (or placed) the ear, shall not He hear?” “He that formed the eye, shall not He see?”

“He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not He correct?”

“He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not He know?”

Surely we must answer “Yes”, to all these questions; the Creator of all the world must see, hear, correct and know all people and things. He has given men knowledge to search out and learn much of the wonders of all things, yet people often foolishly think that all is by their own wisdom.

The Lord not only sees, hears, corrects and knows all, but He also has ways to speak to all, as we learn in the next Psalm: “For the Lord is a great God... 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.” Ps. 95:3-5.

If you have seen a high mountain, or a very deep cave, or a great ravine or chasm, or the ocean, you wonder about them. These are as voices to speak to us of the greatness of the Creator.

God also spoke in real words by Moses, David, and others, that people would know of His care and will, and He had those words written that they should not be forgotten.

Then at last, God spoke in the greatest way of all by sending His own Son, the Lord Jesus, whose voice when on earth called for all to believe. His words were also written and kept, so when you hear, or read the Bible you are hearing God’s voice.

If our father or mother call, you answer promptly. What are you to do when the Lord of all speaks? Here is what He tells us not to do;

“Today, if ye will hear His voice harden not your heart.” Psa. 95:7,8.

Those same words are found four times in the Bible, so must be very important. Do you think you could make your heart hard toward God, whose love has been told in all these ways? Yes, you may, and it is the saddest thing as, boy or girl or man or woman, can do. Suppose you hear about God’s love today, and you listen for a while, then you say to yourself, “I will not believe or think more of that today;” the next, time you hear or read God’s words, you do not feel quite so much care, your heart is getting a little harder, and you put off again to believe Him; soon you will not care at all to listen to His words; there will be no tender thoughts for Him: your heart will be hardened.

When the Lord Jesus was on earth, He wondered at the unbelief (or hardness) of men who heard His words and saw His kind deeds, yet would not believe. (Mark 6:6).

When we hear God’s words, if we believe Him, we will each answer in our hearts, “Lord, I believe;” then we will speak to others of Him and sing His praise.

ML 11/24/1940

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Children’s Class”

1.“Forasmuch,” etc. Acts 11:17.

2.“Nevertheless,” etc. 14:17.

3.“To whom also,” etc. 1:3.

4.“Him hath God,” etc. 5:31.

5.“The God of Abraham,” etc. 3:13.

6.“But he,” etc. 7:55.

7.“And he said,” etc. 9:5.

Bible Questions for December

“The Children’s Class”

The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

1.Write in full the verse containing the words, “That judgest another roan’s servant,”

2.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The word of faith, which we preach.”

3.Write in full the verse containing the words, “To every man the measure of faith.”

4.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The revelation of the mystery.”

5.Write in full the verse containing the words, “Who is over all, God blessed forever.”

6.Write in full the verse containing the words, “The depth of the riches.”

7.What was God’s purpose in giving the things which “were written aforetime?”

Answers to Bible Questions for September

“The Young People’s Bible Class”

1.To prayer and the ministry of the word. Acts 6:4.

2.All that God had done with them. Acts 14:27.

3.To his own glace. Acts 1:25.

4.God. Acts 5:29.

5.Jesus. Acts 4:10-12.

6.Forgiveness of sins. Acts 13:38.

7.Killed by Herod. Acts 12:2.

Bible Questions for December

“The Young People’s Bible Class” The Answers are to be found in Romans, Chapters 9-16

1.What are we exhorted to do with our bodies?

2.What brother and wife are highly commended?

3.How long is blindness over Israel?

4.What verse says that Christ is God?

5.What is to be our attitude toward our government?

6.What verse shows that there are “poor saints?”

7.What is necessary in order to be “saved?”

ML 12/01/1940

Precious Promises

2 Peter 1:4.

I am going to speak of three precious promises, which I hope my dear little readers will make their own by faith in the Promiser.

The first one we find in Hebrews 10:17, and a very precious promise it is. It says,

“Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”

Who are these people which the text speaks of, who are so highly favored?

Well, you know the Epistle to the Hebrews was written to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Most of the Jews would not have Him; they cast Him out and got Pilate to crucify Him. But these Hebrew Christians had received Him as the long-promised Messiah, and had put their whole trust in Him.

Now if you, like them, receive Jesus as the Saviour who came to seek and save you, and put your whole trust in Him and His precious blood, you will be among those who can claim this first precious promise.

Them when you have thus taken the Lord Jesus as your own precious Saviour, He has a most beautiful promise for you. You will find it in Hebrews 13:5;

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

You are in a world that does not love the Lord, a world which hates Him and His people. You will have trials, temptations, and difficulties to meet with on the journey home to heaven; but all the way this precious promise will be realized, if you simply try, day by day, to please the Lord Jesus.

Then there is another profuse, perhaps the best of all. It is in John 14:3. It is this:

“I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am there ye may be also.”

How sweet! The earthly pilgrimage sill not always last. The day of which Jesus spoke, fast draws near. He is coming, and coming for you, if you are His; and when He comes He will change these bodies of ours and make them like His own: then in a moment we shall find ourselves caught up into the air to meet Him, and to go with Him to His father’s house of many mansions. Truly these are precious promises, are they not? I hope you can say they are yours.

ML 12/01/1940

My Master is Always in

Give me an extra half-yard, Willie; your master is not in, and nobody will ever know anything about “it,” said a customer to a lad who was selling her some cloth.

The lad looked at the woman, and respectfully, but firmly replied, “My Master is always in, and He knows everything.”

The woman quite ashamed, shrunk away, muttering something about Willie’s “religion.”

But that was a noble answer of Willie’s, and it was perfectly true. Willie was a believer, and he had learned to do his work behind the counter in the presence of His Master, Jesus Christ, and He was “always in.”

It would be a great blessing to all the Lord’s saved ones, if they would thus seek to live and serve as in the very presence of the Lord, conscious that His eye is ever looking on. It would be a powerful corrective too, for many little inconsistencies that are apt to occur among the Lord’s people.

Our Master is always in; His back is never turned.

“The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous.” 1 Pet. 3:12, and “He withdraweth not His eyes from them.” Job. 36:7.

My dear young believer, seek to live and walk in the daily consciousness of this. At school, at home, in the office and in the work-room, seek to remember that “the Master is always in.”

It had a wonderful power over the habits and ways of the people of God, when they seek to walk and live as under the eye of the Lord, and it preserves them, too, from falling into the crooked ways of the world, arid doing such things as bring dishonor on that worthy Name by which they are called.

ML 12/01/1940

The Woods

How very beautiful the woods look in the winter with the trees covered with snow, and the ground so white, but these pretty animals cannot find anything to eat here, though we know the snow will not last long. The warm sun will soon shine on it, and it will be gone.

There is nothing in this world that lasts long. Every day brings changes, and God has told us in His Word,

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

There is no change in our Lord Jesus Christ, and His finished work of redemption on Calvary’s cross. It will last forever. All who put their trust in Him and His work are saved for eternity. They will never be lost, for He paid too much for them and He will never let them be taken away from Him. He is now in heaven, and He will safely lead His own people to His Home in the glory to be with Him forever.

“BY HIS OWN BLOOD, HE EN. TERED IN ONCE INTO THE HOLY PLACE, HAVING OBTAINED ETERNAL REDEMPTION FOR US.” Heb. 9:12.

ML 12/01/1940

A Change in the Sky

Psalm 102

As we look up at the sky on a clear evening and think that the moon and the stars have shone since the world began, we think they could never be changed. Yet in this psalm we read:

“The heavens are the work of Thy hands, They shall perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax (become) old like a garment; as a vesture (robe) shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed.” Psalm 102:25, 26.

These words are repeated in the New Testament, and other verses also speak of a change in the earth and sky. The change is not explained for us, but teaches us of God’s great power (2 Peter 3:10). John saw a vision of a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1).

But notice this psalm speaks of One Who does not change:

“But Thou shalt endure... But Thou art the same, and Thy years have no end.” Verses 26, 27.

When we read those same words in the Book of Hebrews, 1:12, we find this was spoken of the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, Who laid aside His glory with God, the Father, to come to earth to suffer, but returned to that glory, so His “years have no end.” When on earth He said that the prophets and psalms spoke of Him; He was the One promised. and written of in these psalms and other scriptures:

“Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (See Luke 24:26, 27, 44).

Our word, Christ, is the Greek form of the Hebrew word Messiah, whom Israel was to look for. It was because Jesus was One so great, that He can be the Saviour of all who trust Him. The Lord Jesus said:

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35:

What in the sky is not pure in God’s, sight? (Job 25:5).

ML 12/01/1940

Little Twinkling Star

Who was it made thy tiny light,

Sparkling in the darkest night—

Whose hand doth hold thee up so far,

When thou twinklest, little star?

“Twas God who made thee shine so bright,

The God who gave me life and light,

And though you’re beautiful, bright star,

Yet God cloth love me, better far.

For Jesus spoke the word, and thou

Didst shine at first, as thou Bost now;

But, O! this Jesus died for me,

And thus God loves me more than thee.

And though thou lookest bright and free,

Thou wilt wax old, and changed shalt be;

But God shall make me brighter far

When thou art faded, twinkling star

“The heavens are the works of Thine hands....They shall wax old as doth a garment ... and they shall be changed.” Heb. 1:10-12; Psa. 102:25, 26.

ML 12/01/1940

In Danger

See how the cat is eyeing the bird; she is leaving her pan of milk, and is thinking she may have a far better meal. The bird seems to know that it must not fly down to the ground with such a foe so near, but is risking itself on a limb, of the tree not far from the ground. It is foolish to go this far, don’t you think so? Suppose pussy would give a sly spring—I fear the poor bird would be caught—then its freedom would surely be gone, and it would be killed, unless some person rescued it.

This makes us think of unsaved people, doesn’t it? They are caught and held in bondage by Satan and sin, though many do not know it, if they run the risk of not accepting Jesus as their Saviour, they will be lost for eternity.

God’s Word says, “All have sinned,” This includes everyone, from the most aged to the smallest child; and if Jesus had not died to redeem us, we would all be forever lost. How much the blood of Jesus means to us who have believed in its cleansing power!

“YE KNOW THAT YE WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE THINGS, AS SILVER AND GOLD, BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, AS OF A LAMB WITH. OUT BLEMISH AND WITHOUT SPOT.” 1 Pet. 1:18, 19.

ML 12/08/1940

What Peter's Bible Texts Did

You can do nothing with John Klug. I assure you we have done everything we could.”

The comrade was only a workman, but he had a heart full of love for his Saviour, and for immortal souls. He prayed much for poor John Klug, and at last the Lord gave him a plan.

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

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

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

No doubt Peter put under John’s door such texts from the Bible as these:

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

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

“The blood of Jesus Christ God’s Sor, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

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

ML 12/08/1940

Reading the Bible

In this favored land of ours, where the Bible may be read by everybody without interference, boys and girls at in danger in not setting a proper value on the privilege which they enjoy. It was not always so, there were dark days once when those who read God’s Word often suffered much, as the following incident will show.

In the year 1537 “Matthews Bible,” as it was called, was issued. It was not complete, as it only contained the New Testament and a part of the Old.

The King having authorized it to be read in the churches, people flocked to hear it, among them a boy named William Maldon, who went every Sunday to listen.

But William’s father did not like the Bible, and was very angry when he knew that his son had listened to its being read, and forbade him to go to church again. The boy, however, longed to know more of what the precious Book contained, so set himself the task of learning to read. This he was soon able to do; and, with the help of his father’s apprentice, he bought a copy.

The two boys used to hide it under their straw bed, and at night-time would, with great pleasure, read it together.

This was soon found out, for William, in talking to his mother one evening, made a remark about the death of Jesus, which surprised and enraged her. She at once went and told the father, who, when he heard it, became very angry, and took poor William and beat him so tin mercifully that he almost killed him.

Instead of resenting such cruel treatment, William was filled with joy at being counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake.

May you, dear boys and girls, learn to value God’s Word more, so that you may know something of the joy of reading it.

How good if it could be said of you, “From a child thou host known. The Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psa. 119:105.

“Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine ... . Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them.” 1 Tim. 4:13, 15.

ML 12/08/1940

"I Have Rest Now!"

A friend directed me to visit a girl who was seeking the Lord. As nearly as I can remember, the following conversation took place.

“Do you believe on the Lord Jesus?” “O, yes, I could not save myself, and 1 had no other way but to trust in Him.” “How happy for you, then, to know that you have everlasting life!”

“Well, sir, I think I have.”

“But God’s Word says, ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.’ Do you not believe on the Son of God?”

“Indeed, I do.”

“And does not God tell you that you lave everlasting life?”

“Yes, I see it now. I know I have it, because. God says so, and what He says must be true.”

“Did you ever think how it is that God, who is so holy and righteous, can forgive you your sins?”

“I have often thought over it, and it has troubled me a good deal.”

“There is a verse in the First Epistle of Peter which will help you. In the second chapter, 24th verse, you will find it written of Christ,

‘Who His own self bare our sins in its own body on the tree,’ You are a believer, and God’s word says,

‘Christ bore your sins in His own body on the tree.’

God took the sins off you, and put them on Christ. God loved you, and, therefore, would save you but God is righteous, and cannot look on sin with the least degree of allowance—so, in order that you might go free, someone had to be punished in your stead. Then the Lord Jesus, ‘the Son,’ in answer to the desire of God’s heart, offered Himself. God accepted Him, and punished Him instead of punishing you, and now, because God is righteous, you can never be punished again.”

“Yes, I see that; Christ was punished for my sins! Ah! I have rest now. You don’t know how wearied I used to get while. I was trying to do something to satisfy God when I knew I had done wrong.”

How is it with the reader of these pages? Are you a believer on the Son of God? If so, God says you have everlasting life. He does not say you have life so long as you believe: the word is, “everlasting.” Is it not better to cast away our thoughts, and to accept thankfully what God says? The song of the redeemed in heaven,

“Unto Him that loves us, and has washed us from our sins in His own blood,” should he the song of the redeemed now.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47.

ML 12/08/1940

The Youngest Invited

The Saviour has invited

The youngest to His love;

And deigns to smile delighted

Upon them from above.

All things are His in heaven

And all on earth beside,

And shall be freely given

To those for whom He died.

The Holy Spirit calls us

To make this God our friend;

And then, though ill befall us,

We need not fear the end.

Why should we be complaining,

Whatever we endure,

If, when all else is waning,

Our Father’s love is sure?

ML 12/08/1940

How Great is God's Mercy?

Psalms 103 and 104

The word “mercy” means kindness to one who does not deserve kindness, or to one in trouble. We might help such a one for a short time, but this psalm tells how long God shows mercy:

“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high. above the earth, so great is His mercy tard them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He roved our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth His children so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” Psalm 103:10-13.

We cannot measure how far it is from the earth to the sky, or from “the east to the west”, neither can we measure God’s mercy, and it is forever. He has now shown His mercy in sending His Son to bear the sins for all who will receive Him. The next psalm has many beautiful “word pictures”, the heavens, or sky, are spoken of as a “curtain”; the clouds as a “chariot”, which we know does not mean what is drawn by horses, but God uses the clouds as though to carry, as chariots; for when the Lord Jesus returned to heaven, “a cloud received Him,” and, “Behold He cometh with clouds:” Acts 1:9, Rev. 1:7.

The waters once covered the earth as “a garment”. Notice how God knew the needs of all; it says the streams among the hills give drink to the wild beasts, and also make a place for the trees to grow, that the birds may have homes and rest among the branches; the birds could not fly and fly, without a place to rest. He gave grass for the animal’s food, and plants for people; and even more than just the necessary food, He gave the fruits for “wine”, to enjoy, but which people misuse, for if much used, of fermented it causes sorrow instead of joy, as other scriptures warn (Pro. 20:1; 23:29-32.)

Perhaps you have heard how Indians and other men in wild places keep count, of the months by the moon, for God has given the moon its exact time, as He has also the sun. The wild beasts like best to roam at night but the daytime was given for man.

“O Lord how manifold (many) an Thy works! in wisdom Thou past mad, them all: the earth is full of Thy riches. So is this great and wide sea.” Psalm 104:24, 25.

Men sail ships on the sea, and creatures small and large live in it, so God provides for all.

Why do not the waters now cover tile earth? (Psalm 104:9).

What bird has its home in the fir tree? (Psalm 104:17).

What little animals have their homes in the rocks? (Psalm 104:18).

When the sun is high where do the lions and other wild beasts go? (Psalm 104:22).

"In the Beginning God"

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

When was the beginning? This is a time we cannot understand. It is a depth too great for us to look into, too great for us to measure. One thing is certain, the heaven and the earth had a beginning, however long ago it may have been. God alone had no beginning.

“From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” Psa. 90:2.

There was a time called “In the beginning”, when nothing existed but God alone.

Then God made all things out of nothing. He spoke, and from nothing came the heaven, and from nothing arose our earth, and all that is therein.

“He hangeth the, earth upon nothing.” Job 26:7.

He called the heaven and earth into being by a single act of His all-powerful will. It is by reading the Word of God that we have the knowledge of all these wonderful things.

“THROUGH FAITH WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE WORLDS WERE FRAMED BY THE WORD OF GOD.” Heb. 11:3.

But, dear children, sin came, into the world through. Adam and Eve, and everyone has sinned since then; all are sinners, so God loved all, and sent His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to take their place, bear the judgment due to them; shed His blood to wash away the sins of all who will accept Him as their Saviour.

In creation, we see God’s power; but in redemption, we see God’s love.

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

ML 12/15/1940

How Long is it Safe to Wait?

When I was a little girl, my grand-uncle from the West Indies came on a visit to our home. The aged man with his long gray hair, clasping my mother, to whom he had been a foster parent, in his arms, said,

“God be praised that I see you alive and well.”

Before he had been with us many days, he and I were great friends, but I could see that he was sad at heart that I had no interest in the things of God, in which he occupied the whole of his time. One morning, he said,

“Emms, how long do you think it will be safe for you to remain unsaved? Will it be safe to wait until you are twenty-five?”

I could not answer that question, but sat silent. So he said,

“I was at the funeral of a young lady of nineteen the other day, so it would not be safe. Eighteen; how would that do?”

I remembered my cousin C. died at eighteen, and so did my grand-uncle, for he mentioned it at once. He looked at me in tender sadness and said,

“Each day is a danger, for we cannot tell when Death may come. The Word says,

“Now is the accepted time,” 2 Cor. 6:2.

No, more was said then, but I had no rest until about a week later I received Jesus as my Saviour. I do not regret my choice.

ML 12/15/1940

What M. Found Out

It was near school time, and quite a number of boys and girls were around the schoolhouse door discussing last night’s children’s meeting. Various were the opinions expressed, when M. stood on the steps and said: “Look here, boys, I have found out something this morning—you can he saved just anywhere. All you have to do is to 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 now I can 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, calling them to form into line, 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 will surely bring you to His eternal home?

If you have, do not be ashamed to own His blessed name.

“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 12/15/1940

Flora Jane, the Little Sower

Flora Jane longed to tell others about the Lord Jesus who died for sinners. As she was thinking what she could do to spread the good news that had made her own heart so happy her eye fell upon a gospel tract. She remembered how she enjoyed reading that tract and said to herself,

“That went to my heart, perhaps it would to the hearts of others; It says just what I should like to say, if I were old enough, and brave enough to speak. I wonder if I could give some away! I have enough money that I could buy twenty-five, and mamma has some so I will buy them from her.”

Flora’s mamma let her have twenty-five copies for her money. Flora felt very happy as she thought how many people could he reached with these tracts; but she was a shy little girl and soon found it was hard even to give away a tract that spoke about the Lord Jesus. She was discouraged and almost wanted to return them to her mother.

The next day she was sent on an errand, and she put three of the tracts into her hag, hoping to have courage to give them away. On the way she put one in a hedge, hoping a man who was coming along would see it and take it to read. On the way back Flora was very impatient to see whether the man had taken it or not. When she reached the place, where do you think she found it? Not in the hedge, nor had the man taken it, but blown into the ditch and was all dirty. She saw that one was wasted.

When she reached home, she saw a little boy standing at the door, so she thought she would give one to him; she did not feel afraid to speak to a little boy, and with a silent prayer, offered him one. He said he could not read, but his father could, and he would give it to him, so put it into his pocket.

When Flora entered the house she found two visitors, a lady and her daughter. After shaking hands with them, her mamma told her she might take the girl to her room where they might play together. Margaret Forester and Flora were very glad, went upstairs, where Flora showed her all her pretty things. Margaret said,

“And you have plenty of nice books.”

Flora asked tier if she would like to have her read to her, and the offer was willingly accepted. Flora then began to read the tract to her guest, but they were called to dinner before she had finished reading. Margaret was disappointed, so Flora said,

“You may take it with you and keep it.”

“I should like it very much,” said Margaret, “but my brother is a soldier and we are packing some things to send him, and I shall send it to him.”

Little Flora was very happy as she thought of her little tract going so far, and reaching one whom she probably would never see on this earth, but hoping it might lead this man to the Saviour.

One morning Flora’s mamma asked her to go with her to see a sick woman. This woman had a very wicked husband, and Flora was afraid to go in, but she was told that the man would be away at work, so they both went in. The eyes of both Flora and her mamma soon saw one of the well-known tracts, and they asked who gave it to her. This woman explained that her little boy had brought it home about three weeks ago, saying that a little girl had given it to him.

Tears came into the eyes of the sick woman as she said,

“It took my husband’s fancy and many’s the time he has talked about it since; he has been a different man since and likes to read the Bible now.”

Flora’s heart leaped for joy as she heard how she helped to lead one soul to find the Lord Jesus.

Dear children, we need to know the Lord Jesus as our own Saviour first, and then we will want to tell others about the Saviour we have found. You can’t be too young to tell others in some way about Jesus.

“Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee,” Mark 5:19.

“Let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9.

ML 12/15/1940

One Blessed Name

But ah! There is one blessed Name,

Still slighted and abhorred;

The Name of earth’s rejected King,

Of David’s Son and Lord.

Happy the few that own Him now,

The living Lord who died;

And choose their portion here below

With Jesus crucified.

They wait to see Him face to face,

Nor do they wait in vain;

And they shall in His glory shine,

When Jesus comes again.

ML 12/15/1940

Praise for God's Goodness

Psalm 107

This psalm begins the last book, or division, of the Psalms, and these seem to have been written when the people cattle again to their land after much trouble, and they were very thankful to God, Because of the work of the Lord Jesus for our souls, we have even more than they, for which to thank God, and to wish, as this verse:

“O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful Works to the children of men!” (Verse 8).

How many times are those words found in this Psalm?

Instead of praising God, we may honor our own works or things: suppose a kind man gave a boy a large box of tools and materials, and the boy took a piece of the nice wood, and one of the good tools and carved a figure of an animal or man; then he thanked the figure he had made for his fine gift of tools, instead of thanking the friend. Would not that be foolish and ungrateful of the boy? He would really be trying to honor his own skill.

Here are words something like a puzzle, do you know what is meant? “They have months, but they speak not: Eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: Noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: Feet have they, but they walk not: Neither speak they through 11teir throat.”

The answer to this is in Psalm 115:4. These things are not pleasing but often hideous, although perhaps very costly and all are helpless and useless, yet in some lands every home has one or more, and grand buildings have been made for them, and people pray to them. It is sad that instead of praising the living God with all His goodness, people praise helpless, useless things.

“When they knew God they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful ... . but their foolish heart was darkened.” Romans 1:21.

Our hearts, too, will become darkened and foolish if we honor ourselves or others more than the Lord.

Now read the shortest of the psalms which is all in praise to the Lord (Psalm 117).

ML 12/15/1940

Children in School

What a happy class of children, Each, except the child who is taking the needed rest, is intent on his hand-work or a book, they seem to love their gentle teacher, and to be glad to please her.

These children will likely not have to learn through experience that idleness brings unhappiness.

We have often to thank God for His grace in allowing us the contentment that comes through useful activity of mind and body. But even the satisfaction that attends diligence in work and play does not give soul happiness.

The only way to be truly happy is to know the Lord Jesus as our Saviour. He, God’s holy Son bore the sins of all who accept Him, and their hearts are set free to enjoy His love and grace.

“WHOSO TRUSTETH IN THE LORD, HAPPY IS HE.” Prov. 16:20.

Happy they who trust in Jesus;

Sweet their portion is and sure,

When the foe on others seizes,

God will keep. His own secure.

Happy people;

Happy, though despised and poor.

ML 12/22/1940

"I am Coming, Lord"

One Sunday evening, many years ago, a business man in one of the largest cities was walking along the street when he was arrested by the sound of singing coming from a large hall, He went to the door and listened. The tune of the hymn fascinated him, and he was constrained to go inside. The great meeting was being brought to a close, and the congregation were singing an appeal for those who had not yielded their heart to the blessed Saviour. He listened to the words of the chorus:

“I am coming, Lord,

Coming now to Thee!

Trusting only in the blood

That flowed on Calvary.”

That night he made the words of that chorus his own, and went back to his home in the suburbs of the city happy in the love of Jesus.

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

ML 12/22/1940

"What Do You Know?"

An aged saint, grown gray in his Master’s service, for he was a minister of Christ, was once in conversation with a-young-man who was very full of himself, and of what he had been acquiring at school or college.

“Of course, Mr. —,you are acquainted with such an author, and familiar with his works.”

“No,” replied the aged man, “I do not know them.”

Some other subject was started by his companion, and question after question put, to each of which the answer was,

“I do not know them.” Teased at length, and forgetting the honor clue to gray hairs, the young man asked,

“And what, sir, do you know?”

“Young man,” was the reply, “I know Him, whom to know is life eternal.”

Dear reader, could you have given this answer to such a question?

“Jesus Christ, Whom not having seen, ye loved sets Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” 1 Peter 1:8.

ML 12/22/1940

A Happy Ending

All boys and girls like stories which have a happy ending. This is the story of a boy who began by being very sad, but who finished up by being made glad.

He was walking along a street one Saturday evening when he saw an open-air meeting in progress, and went over to listen to what was being said. The preacher was very earnest, but the boy did not take in much of what the speaker was saying. Do you know why? It was because almost the first words he heard convicted him that he was a sinner, lost, and condemned in the sight of God. Poor Jack was miserable as he hurried home. He had heard the Gospel preached many times, but now, for the first time, he was feeling the load of his sin, and realized that he was helpless to rid himself of the burden of guilt. Have you reached this stage yet, dear reader? Remember that God’s Word says: “All have sinned!” Jack realized with distress that he was a sinner, and he no sooner reached home than he spoke to his father, who was a true believer, about it.

“I am glad to see you so-unhappy,” said his father, much to Jack’s surprise; “because the burden of your sin is driving you straight into the arms of the only One Who can save you, that is our Lord Himself. “Now, see here,” his father went on, as he took a match-box in one hand and a big Bible in the other, “Let us say that this match-box represents your sins, and this Bible is the precious blood of Jesus. just watch what happens.”

He took the Bible and laid it on top on the match-box.

“Now, my boy,” he said, “can you sec the match-box?”

“No,” Jack replied, “it is quite covered it is hidden, covered altogether.”

In a flash the truth rushed in upon him, and he dropped down on his knees and, gave himself to God, for he saw that the blood of Jesus was sufficient to blot out every sin. Now his load was gone, and instead of being sad and miserable, he was filled “with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” Was not this a happy ending?

As you read the story of how this boy was saved, why not, like Jack, confess yourself a sinner in God’s sight, and trust ai the precious blood of Jesus to cleanse you.

ML 12/22/1940

How the Bank Clerk Escaped

A Christian who lived near a large city secured for his son a position in one of the banks.

His father gave him the following good advice as he was leaving home for his situation on Monday morning;

“My dear boy, I want you to be obedient, civil, and respectful to all who are about you. Be very attentive to your business, and above all, remember the text that has hung so long in your bedroom,

‘Thou God seest me.’”

He thanked his father for his good advice, and promised to follow it. He began his work earnestly, and kept on. with ii faithfully. The officers of the bank all thought a great deal of him. By degrees he rose to be head clerk in the bank.

The key of the safe, in which the money dud valuable papers were kept, was left in his charge. It was his duty before leaving the bank at the close of the day, to see that all the money was safely put way, and the safe locked.

One day an acquaintance of this young man’s told him that he knew of an opportunity of investing $5,000 in a way that, was entirely safe, and by which he would be sure to make a good deal of money.

The young man thanked him, and said he had not that much money to invest, and so could not take advantage of this opportunity. But after he had gone he was tempted to take $5,000 out of the bank, when no one was there, and put it back by and by, and so he would never be found out.

At first he resisted this temptation, but, after struggling for a while against it, he gave way to it, and made up his mind. that he would take the money.

This young man’s mother was an earnest Christian. When her boy was growing up she tried to fix in his mind that God was present with him in every place.

She got a beautifully illuminated card, with this Scripture on it,

“THOU GOD SLEET ME,” and hung it up in his bedroom, so that he might see it the last thing at night and the first thing in the morning.

At the close of the day of which we are telling, when he was left alone in the bank, before leaving he went into the safe and picked up a parcel containing $5,000, which he intended to take away.

But he had no sooner taken up the parcel than, in a moment, that Scripture in his bedroom came into his mind, and came with delivering power,

“THOU GOD SEEST ME.”

Instantly the parcel dropped from his hands. He knelt down on the floor, and prayed with great earnestness,

“O my mother’s God, save me from this great sin.”

God heard his prayer and delivered him. He put back the money, and locked the safe.

Then he went to the president of the bank and told him about it, and asked to be dismissed.

The president was a wise and good man. He said, “No, my young friend, you keep your position. The thought of God’s presence which has kept you from sinning now, will always keep you. You go on doing your duty as you have done, and all will be right. I will never say a word without this to anyone.”

“Be sure your sin will find you out.” What makes this sure is the presence of God.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3.

ML 12/22/1940

A Song at the Feasts

Psalm 118

The feast times were happy times for the people of Israel, and they sang, many psalms, which the boys and girls must have early learned.

Psalm 118 was one much used, and the crowd of grown people and children sang words from it the day they walked beside the Lord Jesus and placed branches of palm trees and garments in the path to honor Him as they went up to the temple. They cried out “Hosanna”, which means, “Lord, save us”, and

“Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord”. Matthew 21:9.

But the men of the temple did not like to hear their joyous singing; Jesus told them other words of this psalm, saying:

“Did ye never read the scriptures, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Matthew 21:42.

It seems from the words of the psalm, that there was a great stone which the builders refused,” but which was afterward taken for the most important corner. So there would be One, not really a stone, but a Person Who would make His people safe, as a strong stone makes the corner of a safe foundation; that One was the Messiah Whom the men of the temple rejected, but Who was given the most important place by God. After Jesus’ death his disciples said of Him:

“This is the stone set at naught of you builders: which is become the head stone of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name, under heaven given among men, where we must be saved.” Acts 4:11, 12.

The psalm also speaks of “The gate of the Lord, which the righteous enter.” Verse 20. A gate is a right place to enter so, because Christ is the only One to make any righteous, He is the right “gate” or way to God.

When the Lord Jesus was on earth, all the people should have rejoiced and been glad, as this psalm says (verse 24), but they did not all believe Him, so the nation must wait until the day they ai last will believe Him, and say the words of this psalm again,

“Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Matt. 23:39.

What is the last verse of this psalm?

Where did Isaiah say a precious store should be, and he that believed should “not make haste” (be troubled)? (Isaiah 28:16).

ML 12/22/1940

The End of the Year

In a few days the end of 1940 will close, and who can tell where we shall be when 1941 will have run its course?

Our time is spent in coming and going, meeting and parting, joy and sorrow, pleasure and disappointment—so each year comes and passes away.

Have you spent the past year for God, or has it been wasted? We must let the past go, and not mourn over it, but press forward, just as the horses in our picture are doing. Are we as anxious to reach our destination as they? They know what awaits them at the end of the journey. Do you, my dear young friend, know what is awaiting you?

Each one who is a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ knows something of the joy which is before him—the untold joy of being forever with the Lord in glory.

That which awaits those who have not accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour is untold misery, and dwelling forever with the devil and his angels.

May not one of our dear readers put off a moment longer accepting God’s free gift of salvation through Christ. He wants you to know and believe the love He has shown to you in giving His Son for you, so that you might dwell forever in that glory above with ail the redeemed, singing with thorn, the new song to the Lord.

“THOU ART WORTHY. FOR THOU WAST SLAIN, AND HAST REDEEMED US TO GOD BY THY BLOOD.” Rev. 5:9.

ML 12/22/1940

"Forgiven"

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven; whose sin is covered.” Psalm 32:1.

“Forgiven!” only one word! What an immensity is in it! It speaks volumes, breathing great grace, salvation, and the cleansing blood of the Lamb of God, Christ.

Only those who are forgiven from all their sins, will go to be with the Lord Jesus. Will you go, when He calls for all of His own redeemed ones?

Time is short; eternity is long! today you may be saved, by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour,

“In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph. 1:7.

ML 12/29/1940

Not Alone

A little girl of six was going along the road alone one day, when she heard a peal of thunder. Now this little girl was rather afraid of thunder, and she was beginning to be so frightened when she suddenly said to herself,

“But I am not alone, for the Lord Jesus is with me,” and this thought comforted her and chased away her fear.

Do you know the Lord Jesus as One who is always with you, as the little girl did? He says to His own—those who belong to Him.

“Lo, I am with you alway.”

How wonderful to have the Lord Jesus ever with us to shield and comfort us, no matter where we are or what trouble we are in. We shall always find Him a true Friend in need, One who is over able and willing to help us. Yes, He can help us, for He said, “All power is given unto Me and He loves to help those who trust Him.

Now I wonder if you know Him—this faithful Friend—or are you still a stranger to Him? If you are, you need be se no longer, for He is longing to bless you He died to put away your sins, so that there might be nothing to hinder you being in His presence forever. Now He wants you to trust Him, first as your Saviour, the One who died for you, and then as your Shepherd and Friend, who will take care of you all through life’s journey till He has you at Home in His own presence.

Then if you are ever afraid, don’t forget that the Lord Jesus is near to comfort and help you, and He knows those who trust in Him. May you be able to say,

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

ML 12/29/1940

"Do Tell Me Something About Jesus"

A soldier was brought to Jesus in a singular way by a little child. He was quartered for some weeks with a Christian farmer and his family.

They were kind and hospitable and truly Christian people. His first meal in that house made a deep impression on his mind. Before eating, the parents, children, and farm-servants each stood behind a chair and bowed the head, while the father asked a blessing. After they had eaten, all did the same, and the father returned thanks. The farmer and his servants went to the harvest-field, the children went to school, except Johnny, the youngest. The soldier sat down after dinner, gazing from the window on the surrounding objects, feeling, impressed with this thought, “These people love God.”

While thus meditating, the little boy came to him, looked into his eyes and said,

“Tell me something about Jesus.”

Rather startled at the request, he began talking about dogs, horses, cows, and other things. When he stopped, the little one looked into his face again, and said,

“Do tell me something about Jesus!” Somewhat ashamed, the soldier replied,

“I don’t know anything about Him.” Johnny, much surprised at the answer, replied,

“And you so big, and don’t know anything about Jesus Christ? If you don’t love Him and serve. Him you won’t go to heaven.”

The soldier could not reply. This was an arrow from God. He felt miserable. He soon left the house and joined his comrades in the village. In vain he tried to forget the child’s words,

“And you so big, and don’t: know anything about Jesus!”

He lingered till dusk, and returned to the farm-house, hoping the family had had supper, that he might avoid the prang. The careful wife had reserved the supper, and, as he sat down to table and was about to eat, his little friend said,

“Please, pray first, then eat.”

Quite discomfited by this rebuke, he down his knife and fork, not knowing what to do. The little fellow seeing his embarrassment, folded his hands and asked God’s blessing on the soldier’s supper. Strange thoughts passed through his mind while he was eating.

When the table was cleared, all the family was seated for evening reading, and each one was supplied with a Bible. All united in reading the Scriptures; the soldier read with them. All joined in singing a hymn. The father prayed, and he did not forget the soldier; they then retired for the night, all except their guest, and the farmer and his wife. They spoke kindly to the young soldier, and read other portions of Scripture, and prayed, then showed him his room. The strangest feelings came over him. The Spirit of God was shedding light on that dark mind. He was ashamed, troubled, hardly knew what to do. So he kneeled down by the bed, and prayed the first prayer he had offered for many years:

“O God of this house, be my God.”

He there sought for mercy. He found peace in believing on Jesus, and became a devoted servant of God.

“This is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment.” 1 John 3:23.

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

You see, God can use even a little boy or girl in leading a “big” man to Christ.

ML 12/29/1940

"May I be Sure, Mamma?"

May I be sure, mamma?” said Kitty, as the good news of God’s love was read to her, and was told there was forgiveness for all her sins, and a happy home in heaven for all who love the Lord Jesus.

“Yes, my dear, you may.”

“But how, mamma?”

“Simply by believing what God has said; for God tells no lies and breaks no promises.”

“And what has God said?”

“He that believeth on Me, hath Everlasting Life.” John 6:47.

“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 12/29/1940

Christ Alone

Not the cross on which He suffered,

Emblem of man’s shame,

Not the crucifix exalted

Graven with His name.

But the Lamb of God most holy,

Dying on the tree,

Crucified for guilty sinners,

Crucified for me.

Now exalted high in glory.

On the Father’s throne,

Look to Him for your salvation

Look to Him alone.

ML 12/29/1940

The Longest Psalm

Psalm 119

Open your Bibles to this psalm and you will see it is given in sections, with a small mark above each. These marks are the characters, or alphabet, used in writing the Hebrew language, and the name of each mark is beside it; these marks are used to form words, the same as we use letters in our language. If we could see this psalm printed in the Hebrew, we would see the first word of every sentence of a section begins with the same mark; the first eight sentences begin with the character, Aleph; the next eight, with the character, Beth, and so on. But when translated into our language various letters begin the words.

This psalm has been the reading and spelling lessons of Hebrew children. How careful they would need to be! since seral of the marks seem alike, and to use the wrong one would change their words, as a different letter does ours.

What would the children learn most from this psalm? About God’s words; notice the words in the first verses, “the law of the Lord”, which was what guided; “His testimonies”, which proved; “Thy precepts”, which were separate rules; “Thy statues”, written rules; “Thy commandments”, showed His authority; “Thy judgments”, which were His decisions. These words are found all through this psalm, and, also, “Thy word”, many times.

These verses, written so long ago, are still of help to us for right ways: if we travel in strange places, we watch the signs, or the guide book; and God’s Words are life’s guide book for young or old in all places.

“Where-withal shall a young mart cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.” Verse 9.

“‘Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Verse 11.

Here are verses which help us when there is great trouble in all the world, and it is all like a dark valley:

“Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven” (v. 89).

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (v. 105).

“Thy Word is very pure, therefore thy servant loveth it” (v. 140).

“Thy Word is true from the beginning’’ (v. 160).

You may wonder at this verse:

“For I am become like a bottle in the smoke” (v. 83).

If you remember the bottles then used were of skin, you know such bottles would shrivel in the smoke of a fire; the writer felt drawn and pressed by sorrow, but he said,

“Yet do I not forget Thy statutes”, and he hoped and longed for God’s salvation (v. 174).

But we now know God’s salvation has come in Christ, and we must believe and trust Him. When Simeon saw the child Jesus, he said:

“Mine eves have seen Thy Salvation. Luke 2:30.

Perhaps you would like to try writing this Hebrew alphabet. You will notice that the 10th mark, Jod is the smallest of all, so you can better think what the Lord Jesus meant when he said:

“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or jod) or one tittle (the tiniest mark of a character) shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled:” Matt. 5:18.

ML 12/29/1940

Messages of God's Love: 1940

Table of Contents

Answers to Bible Questions for October

"Happy New Year!"

A Drink of Water

A Comfortable Home

Writing the Names

Jesus of Nazareth

"The Ninety and Nine"

The Finger of God

Do You Ever Pray?

Citizenship

Reading in the Street

The Pony and the Dogs

The Honey Gatherers

The Negro Boy's Prayer

Vera's Hoop

Had God Been Good to Israel?

The Snow

"Only a Miracle Can Save"

Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord

The Birds and the Lighthouses

Marching on the Walls

Answers to Bible Questions for November

The Word of God

"What About Yesterday?"

Feeding

God's Words Forgotten

The Young Watchmaker

Two Tempted Boys

For Me

"I Do Believe"

A Very Important Date

Rabbits

Willie's Story

Have You Counted the Cost?

The Lord's Cow

Eternal Things

A Captive Made a Queen

An Old Monarch

Dan's Prayer

"Laid on Him"

Caroline's Trouble

Little Katie

A Wicked Plan

Answers to Bible Questions for December

The Text of Scripture

Do You Hide Your Bible?

The Lord Made Them All

I Want to be a Blessing

A Time of Great Sorrow

A Great Enemy

Nellie B.

Rescued from the Flames

Because the Bible Says so

The Queen's Supper

Helping Mother

A Remarkable Answer to Prayer

The Open Door

"Behold, I Come Quickly."

"Are You a Sinner?"

A Ride on the King's Horse

The Scanty Meal

Wanted to Go Home

Found Out

"He Wants Even You"

Queen Esther's Request

"Jonah and the Whale"

Satan's Handkerchiefs

The Little Indian Girl

Books That Ran Home

A Feast Long Kept

Answers to Bible Questions for January

Enjoying All Things

Your Name is There

The Fish and the Pussies

A Man in Trouble

Be Kind to All

Joanne Telephones to Jesus

"Plenty of Time"