Messages of God's Love: 1949

The grace of God is His undeserved favor toward us. It is God's way of blessing sinful men, and His only way. There is no other. Any religion of man, anywhere in the world, is always one of works. Man's way is DO: God's Word tells us that the work is DONE. Even Satan's ministers can be transformed as the ministers of righteousness—though never of grace. (2 Cor. 11:13-15.) The reason people like a religion of works is because they can take some credit to themselves if they work for salvation. God says that we can neither work for it, nor glory in anything of ourselves.

If God did not save us by grace He could not save us at all, for if He gave any of us what we deserve it would be eternal judgment. Now, through the work of Christ at Calvary, where all His righteous claims against sin have been fully met, God can come out in the fulness of His grace and save "Whosoever will." The sinner must accept salvation as a free gift which he never deserved at all—and could not do anything to earn. It is ALL OF GRACE.

1. What verse shows that we are saved by grace alone? Romans 11.

2. By whom did grace come? John 1.

3. What did the Lord tell Paul was sufficient for him in his trial? 2 Corinthians 12.

4. In what should the heart be established? Hebrews 13.

5. What does the grace of God teach us? Titus.

6. How much grace will God give? James.

7. In what are we exhorted to grow? 2 Peter.

Messages of God’s Love 1/2/1949

The Story of White-Tail

WHITE-TAIL was a very pretty little deer. He had not been long in this world, but long enough to grow from a wobbly little spotted fawn into a graceful young deer. He lived in a safe place where guns were not allowed and so, when visitors stopped by the roadside, he often strolled over to see if they had a bite for him. Very often he had a good share, ending up with cookies or a few doughnuts. White-tail enjoyed it.

One day, he wandered down the highway to the great sign. No one was in sight, and so he passed under its shadow without even turning to look. The two words GAME SANCTUARY, which were clearly printed for all to read, had no meaning for him at all. He trotted lightly down the pavement and then, just for fun, bounded off into the darkness of the forest.

He did not know that he was now on the danger side of the great sign. The forest was much the same as his old home, and there was food enough if he searched for it. However, a few days' wandering brought him to the hunting lodge. The strange man with the gun did not frighten him at all until it was too late. After that, Whitetail rode down the highway, shot, dead, and tied to the hunter's car.

Why did he wander away? He was safe enough in the Game Sanctuary. It was very large and just right for deer, but there was no fence around it and he did not choose to stay. There are plenty of deer still who share the traveler's lunch in safety, but not that one, ever again.

It's a sad story isn't it?—and yet it happens over and over, not only among deer but among children. How many dear boys and girls have grown up in a Christian home, and then when they were old enough to decide for themselves, they wandered away. They turned their backs on the Lord, and those who loved Him.

Are you one who has wandered away from Him, dear young reader? There is nothing but danger and loss and certain death in this world without Christ as your Saviour. White-tail could run and hide, yes, and fight too, but he was no match for the hunter's gun. You may be skillful, but you are no match for the power of evil because it is in you as well as around you. You cannot save yourself. Come to our SANCTUARY. Come to our Lord Jesus Christ, and be eternally saved and happy. He will then keep you safely in His mighty hand.

"THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER: THE RIGHTEOUS RUNNETH INTO IT, AND IS SAFE." PROVERBS 18:10.

Messages of God’s Love 1/2/1949

Perhaps Today

HAVE you any texts hanging in your home? I was once in a home where a strange text hangs in the dining room. On the card are just two words—"PERHAPS TODAY."

Why are those two strange words hanging there? What do they mean?

I will tell you. The father and mother in that home love the Lord Jesus, and they have read in the Bible that one day Jesus is coming again. And they know it is going to be very soon. They know, too, that the Lord Jesus has washed away all their sins, and they are glad that He is coming soon. Are you?

A little girl, just eleven years of age, said to her mother,

"Mother, as I came up the street, I saw the clouds moving very quickly along the sky, and the sun shining so bright between them. So I stood still and looked up, for I thought if the Lord Jesus were coming, how I should like to be the very first to see Him!"

Perhaps you can't understand this at all. It would frighten you, instead of making you happy, if you thought the Lord Jesus would come today.

"Daily nearer draws His coming,

This makes all His own rejoice.

Who are they that fear to meet Him?

Such as now love not His voice.

Yes we'll gather at His coming,

His glorious, His glorious coming,

Gather with His saints at His coming

IF washed in the Saviour's blood."

"Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." Matthew 24:44.

Messages of God’s Love 1/2/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 3:11-22.

WHAT a great privilege God was giving to Moses to be able to carry such a message to His people, but sad to say Moses did not want to go. I wonder why? Perhaps we can answer by asking a question. Why is it that we who are saved are so slow to tell others what the Lord has done for us? Why do we often hold back rather than tell our friends about what the Lord is willing to do for them? We know only too well that the world around us is opposed to God and Christ. They do not want that blessed One whom they once rejected and nailed to a tree, nor do they want the Father who sent Him.

Moses knew he could not go in his own strength and neither can we. He said, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?" It is a good thing when we are willing to own our own utter weakness. We will then hear those assuring words which the Lord spoke to Moses, "Certainly I will be with thee." Moses did not have to go alone, and neither do we. However, Moses was still unwilling in spite of God's promise, and he began to raise questions. How patiently and graciously God answered all Moses' questions, telling him even more of what He was going to do for His people. He told Moses that His Name was I AM. He is the ever-existing One and He had not forgotten the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac, and. Jacob long before. We find the Lord Jesus using the name of I AM on more than one occasion, and when He did so in the garden of Gethsemane all His enemies went backward and fell to the ground. He just allowed a little ray of His glory to shine out, for the Jehovah of the Old Testament was revealing Himself "in Son" in the New Testament (Hebrews 1: 2).

Not only did God say that He Was going to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, but He even assured Moses that the elders of the people would harken to His voice, for He is the disposer of the hearts of men. We know too, that while many refuse to listen to the message of God's grace, still there will always be some fruit, for His Word will not return to Him void. God also warned Moses that Pharaoh was not going to be willing to let the people go. God tells us too of the opposition and even persecution we will have to endure for His Name's sake. He speaks of it as something given to us—a privilege conferred on us. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29,

In the end, however, God was going to take His people out of it all, and they were to be repaid for all they endured. And so now we may see the ungodly prospering, and gathering together their jewels of gold and raiment, but "the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof," Psalm 24:1, and some day He will take possession of it all, and then we who are His shall share it all with Him as heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17.) We can gladly wait for that day, instead of trying to get things together here, only to leave them all behind when the Lord calls us to His home above. The children of Israel got their jewels of gold and raiment when the Lord brought them out of Egypt.

Messages of God’s Love 1/2/1949

The Horse Car

PERHAPS Grandfather can tell you about riding in a street car like this, and thinking it was quite a wonderful thing. There stood the driver with his whip in place, and behind him all the passengers inside the little curtained windows thought they had a speedy ride, if the horse was not too tired.

That was years ago. It's an old-fashioned thing now, probably rotted to pieces and burned in someone's fire. Other men made much better street cars, big noisy ones, run by electricity, and now they are better still with twice the speed and half the rattling! It is wonderful how clever men are to improve things and make them a little better each year.

But God never has to improve anything He has made. Why? Because He makes it perfect the first time. Of course we know that sin has left its imprint on everything here, but when God, by His Holy Spirit, caused men to complete the Bible nearly two thousand years ago, it was perfectly finished, and every word of it is as true now as it was then, and will be for all eternity.

The Word of God does not grow old-fashioned and does not need changing to suit the world of today. It is a very different world, in speed and sound and light, since Grandfather was a little boy but man is a fallen sinner now as he was then. School books have had to change, and roads and buildings

have had to be made over, but God's way of salvation for sinful men has not changed at all. Indeed, when everything in this world has passed away, God's Word will remain unchanged before the throne of God.

This holy Word will bring you blessing and salvation if you accept the Saviour of whom it speaks now, or it will be there at the great white throne to condemn you if you reject Him. Which shall it be?

"HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY: BUT MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY." MARK 13:31.

Messages of God’s Love 1/9/1949

The Power Of Jesus' Love

SAMMY was a slave-boy, and one day when his master's son brought home a book, Sammy asked, "What's dat, Willie?"

He was told it was a spelling book and on asking what it was for, Willie said—"To learn to read."

"How's you do it?" "We learn that first."

And so Willie taught Sammy his A B C's and soon he could read the speller, although at that time the law said no negro person should do so.

Later when Willie brought home a little black book Sammy asked, "What's dat, Willie?"

That's a book to tell about Jesus—it's a New Testament." Before long Sammy could read the New Testament too, and when he read that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16), that Jesus loved and died for him, his heart went out in love for Him. He believed, his sins were forgiven, and he was so happy he wanted to tell others of Jesus' love.

When he became a young man he used to go to other plantations, read his Bible, and tell about the One who saved him.

One day his master said to him, "Sammy, I hear you go and preach on Sunday."

"Mas'r," said Sammy, "I must tell sinners Jesus died for them."

"Sammy, if you go preaching again, I'll tell you what I'll do the next day. I'll tie you to that tree and whip all the religion out of you."

Sammy made no answer. He knew his master was a very determined man, but he thought of what Christ had suffered for him on Calvary's cross, and felt this was not much to suffer in return for such love and grace.

The next Monday the master said, "Sammy, I hear you were preaching again on Sunday."

"Yes, Mas'r, I must go and tell sinners how Jesus was whipped that we might go free."

"But Sammy, I told you I would whip you if you did, and I will."

Blow after blow fell on poor Sammy's back and finally the master said, "There Sammy, I don't believe you will preach again. Go to the cotton field and work."

By the next week Sammy could not stand up straight—his back was covered with sores and scars. But, New Testament in hand, he stood before the people of the plantation and told them that, although he had suffered much, the Lord Jesus suffered on the cross, not only from man, but also the wrath of God for our sins.

Monday morning the master called him and said, "Sammy, they tell me you were preaching again."

"Yes Mas'r, I must tell sinners that Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, an' now He's livin' up in heaven for us."

Messages of God’s Love 1/9/1949

Kenneth's Friend

Ken sat on the veranda steps, patting his pet dog and thinking sadly that she was the only real friend he had in the town. Since moving from the country he had never really made friends with any of the boys at school.

Presently some lads his own age hurried down the street, and called to him as they ran. Soon afterward another boy, Marvin, passed by, and seeing Kenneth sitting on the steps called out, "Hello Ken, why do you stay home on a swell day like this? You should be going out to the country too."

Ken made no answer, but he walked down to the gate where Marvin was now standing. He was a very clever boy as well as a popular one. "Oh, how I'd like to have him for a friend!" Ken thought.

"Why don't you come with us? Four of us boys are going out to Cairn Creek for the day—it'll be fun."

"I'll run and ask Mother," he said excitedly, and to his joy she said, "Yes." While she was hurriedly making him a lunch she said, "Kenneth, I know that you are anxious to have friends here, but don't forget the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Don't do anything to displease Him."

After a long pleasant walk they met the other three boys, who seemed surprised to see Ken. However, as he came with Marvin they said nothing. The morning passed quickly and happily and at about lunch time one of the boys said, "It's time we made that raid."

"Let's send Ken," said Ray, and as all agreed Ken was told to go to Farmer Park's field to get twelve ears of corn.

Ken looked from one to another—

"Did he say we could have the corn?"

"Did he say we could have it? How could he say when he doesn't know?"

"Do you think Farmer Park would give away anything?" questioned another. "You just go and help yourself."

"Not me," said Ken decidedly.

"You needn't be afraid. We'll watch out for you."

Ken was silent for a moment. He belonged to the Lord Jesus, and he knew that stealing was very displeasing to Him. And yet he did want boyfriends too. But Jesus was the best Friend he could ever have, and so he shut his eyes and whispered, "Lord Jesus, help me."

"I won't go," he said decidedly, "it's stealing and I won't steal for anyone. I belong to Jesus."

"Don't be silly," said Marvin, "the corn will never be missed."

Ken shook his head. "The corn may seem nothing to you, but it's hard work for Mr. Park, and corn is the farmer's money. I wouldn't take his money, would you?"

Ken picked up his lunch and walked to the road. He felt sad at losing his new chums, but then he thought of Jesus, the "Friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Prov. 18: 24). He wouldn't desert him!

He hadn't gone far when he heard someone running, "Wait a minute, Ken," called Marvin. "Say, Ken, what you said is right, I never thought of it like that—it's such a lark to take corn or apples. But I don't want to if it's stealing."

Marvin and Ken became the best of friends—but better than that, Marvin soon learned to trust Jesus as his Saviour and together the two boys sought to please Him.

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word." Psalm 119:9.

Messages of God’s Love 1/9/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 4:1-5.

MOSES was still unwilling to go, but God was patient, and there is much for us to learn in His ways with His servant, Unbelief can always find an excuse, and we know only too well how often we make excuses when we do not want simply to obey.

Moses had his shepherd's rod in his hand, and God used just what he had. Once he had been the well-educated son of. Pharaoh's daughter, "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and mighty in word and in deed," but no doubt after forty years on the backside of the desert he had forgotten a good deal of that. He was just a poor shepherd with a rod, but God could use him as he was, and did not need all the wisdom of the Egyptians to accomplish His purposes. God might use Moses' education, just as He used his rod here, but the rod in his hand was enough at this time lest Moses should boast. If we are willing to let God use what we have; whether it be a rod, or five smooth stones as David had, or anything else, God can accomplish His purposes through us, but He will not allow any of His servants to take any praise or credit to themselves. We do not have to seek after things here such as money, education, or the like, to use for God; but rather let us be faithful in using what is in our hands now, like Moses, and God will give us more if He sees fit. If God had wanted one with position and influence, He could have used Moses while he was in Pharaoh's court, but then Moses could have boasted of what he had done.

"O keep us, love divine, near Thee,

That we our nothingness may know,

And ever to Thy glory be

Walking in faith while here below,"

There were three miracles which the Lord performed through Moses, and they have very important lessons for all of us if we are going to serve the Lord acceptably. First Moses' rod, when thrown down, became a serpent, and Moses fled from before it. The serpent speaks of Satan, and we need to realize his power. We are living in days when many people deny that there is a devil, but we want to warn our readers here and now that Satan is a real person with real power. Moreover, every unsaved person is under Satan's power, for he is the god and prince of this world. Only the Lord Jesus can set you free, dear reader, and so here it was only when Moses, in obedience to the Word of God, put forth his hand and took the serpent by the tail, that he was delivered. Only the Word of God used in the power of the Spirit will give us the victory in times of conflict with the enemy. The Lord Jesus Himself answered all Satan's temptations by saying, "It is written," and we may well do the same. We would say this to both young and old, for now, even at school, children are being taught to doubt the Word of God (the Bible); and our message to you is like that of a father some years ago,

"Oh cling to the Bible, my boy!"

Never allow a doubt to enter your mind as to that precious Book, for if you do, you have allowed the devil to step over the threshold, and there is no telling where he will stop.

Messages of God’s Love 1/9/1949

The Goldfinch

THE boys had built a feeding-station for winter birds not far from our window. It was fun to empty our little bag of seeds there every day, and watch the hungry birds hopping about under the snow-covered roof, and listen to their family chatter.

One little stranger we always noticed among them, but we never guessed who he was, for he did not look like royalty. There was not a speck of gold about him. He was much like a sparrow in shape and size, a trifle more greenish in color, and far more cheerful in song. He was so fond of sunflower seeds that little Sister said, "He will be made of sunflowers pretty soon!" If we stood as still as a post, he had courage enough to eat sunflower seeds right from our hands. There was no picture of him in our bird book and so, all that winter, the little stranger hopped about without a name.

Next summer, just before school closed, we were playing among the willows by the river, when we came upon a little mossy nest, softly lined with thistledown, containing four pale blue eggs. On a nearby branch perched a beautiful yellow-gold bird with black wings and a black cap. We hushed each other a short distance away to hear him sing his cheery little song.

"I've heard that song before," said one of the girls.

"He looks as if he's made of sunflowers," said another. "I wonder—-and we all ran off to meet the teacher who was coming down the road.

We told her the whole story, and she said that our guess was correct. The same little stranger who enjoyed our sunflower seeds all through the snowy days, was the bright little goldfinch with the thistledown nest.

"He didn't look like it," we said. "But he acted like it," said the teacher.

We saw the little goldfinch and his mate many a day after that, and its lesson went home to my heart in a way I shall never forget. I shall be wearing gold someday too, since I belong to the Lord Jesus, and I shall some day share His glorious home with God my Father. I don't look like a child of God now, it is true, but I ought to act like one! I should sing the praises of God so that others may hear my happy song, and I should live upon food suited to my heavenly Home—that is, I should read and think about God's Word as my daily food. Yes, and I should seek to get that food with real courage, too.

But God knows His children, though the world may call us strangers. Our happy day will come, when all the storms of life will be ended in eternal springtime in the presence of Jesus our Lord. Then we shall look like what we are—children of God. Would it not please the Lord if others should see that we act like it, even now?

WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS." 1 John 3:2.

Messages of God’s Love 1/16/1949

The Power Of Jesus' Love

(Continued from 1/9/1949)

I DON'T want to hear your preaching. Bare your back and take the flogging," and once more Sammy's back was lashed till it was covered with blood.

"Now go to the cotton field and work. I reckon you'll never want to preach again."

The next Sunday Sammy's back was in a terrible condition, but hobbling along he found his friends in the next plantation.

"Mas'r whip me mos' to death last Monday, but I am willing to die tomorrow if only you take the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, and taste His love for you."

Many were touched at Sammy's faithfulness, and some gave themselves to the Saviour he loved so well.

On Monday morning he was called to his master. "Make bare your back again — I told you I would whip you till you gave up preaching." The master raised the ugly whip but he could find no new place to strike and said, "Why do you do it, Sammy? You know I will whip you the next day, and no one pays you for it."

"You ax me Mas'r, what I'se doing it for. I'se goin' to take all those scars up to Jesus by-n-by and show Him how I suffered; because He loved you an' me, Mas'r."

The master dropped the whip and in a softer tone said, "Go down to the cotton field."

Sammy went away praying, "Lord, forgive him, for Jesus' sake."

Later in the day a messenger came to the cotton field, crying, "Mas'r dying." Sammy went straight to his master's room, who cried out in agony when he saw him, "O Sammy, I'm sinking down to hell—do pray for me."

"I'se been prayin' for you all de time, Mas'r. You must pray for yourself."

"But I don't know how to pray," was the answer.

Sammy poured into his listening ear the story that he had so often told of the Lord Jesus' great love in leaving His throne of glory to come down here and die on the cross for sinners. "All that is left for you to do is to accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour," said Sammy, "He died 'cause He loved you an' me."

Sammy's master did not die, and not long after this he confessed what a sinner he had been, and sought pardon through Jesus' work on the cross — and he was saved. He soon gave Sammy his freedom papers, and Sammy spent the rest of his life telling others of the One who died on Calvary's cross, " 'cause He loved you an' me."

In Galatians 2: 20 we read, "The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Dear reader, can you too say this?

Messages of God’s Love 1/16/1949

The Father Of The Fatherless

TOMMY was an orphan boy. His father and mother had both died when he was a little fellow, and kind friends had taken care of him ever since. But Tommy did not seem happy and he very seldom ran and played with the other boys in the village where he lived. There was a Christian man who often watched Tommy, and wondered what made him look so sad. One day this man met Tommy on the street and, putting his hand on his shoulder, said, "Tommy, is it true that you have no father?"

"No, sir, I have none."

"No mother either?"

"Nor sisters nor brothers," and he sobbed so his voice could hardly be heard.

"Tommy, has no one told you that God is a Father to the fatherless, and that Jesus is a Friend of the heavy laden?"

Tommy 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.

"Tommy, do you think any one 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."

"Come along to my room, Tommy, while we look at God's Word together." Tommy and his new friend walked off together, and soon they had God's Word open and were reading it. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price . . . Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:1, 6.

As soon as the orphan boy heard these words, his eyes brightened with hope, and he said, "Sir, do you think these promises were written for me?"

"They surely were, my boy, for listen to this, 'Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.' " (John 6:37.)

The boy thought a moment and then got quickly down on his knees and seemed to pray quietly for a few minutes, then he cried aloud, "God be merciful to me a sinner."

Do you think God heard that orphan's prayer? Of course He did, and he wrote Tommy's name down in the Lamb's book of life in heaven.

From that day on, he was a different boy. His happy face reflected the sunshine that was in his heart, for now he had a heavenly Father, who loved him, and he had Jesus as his Saviour and Friend. Have you?

Messages of God’s Love 1/16/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 4:6-12.

WE spoke of three lessons Moses had to learn before the Lord could use him in His service. The first was Satan's power.

The second miracle brought home another lesson; the sinfulness of the flesh or the old nature within. God told Moses to put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out it was leprous as snow. We all know what a terrible disease leprosy is, and God uses it in His Word as a type of the horribleness of sin. Each one of us was born with a sinful fallen nature which is so bad that Paul was led by the Spirit to tell us that "In me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." Romans 7:18. It is useless to expect any good fruit from this bad root, and yet it is in every one of us, both saved and unsaved. The only difference with the believer is that he has two natures. In addition to the old nature (which he is told to keep in the place of death) he has a new nature which is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Eph. 4:24.) The way we feed the new man, and thus live for God's glory, is by occupation with Christ through the Word. The unsaved man on the other hand has only the sinful fallen nature, and therefore no matter what he does he cannot please God. Perhaps some of our readers might wonder how we receive this new nature.

Well, the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again," and when one is born again by taking the Lord Jesus as his own personal Saviour, God gives him this new life. Then, and not till then, can he please God.

God told Moses to put his hand in his bosom again, and then, when he plucked it out in obedience, it was clean again. And so, as we remarked, when we walk in obedience to the Word of God the old nature is kept in the place of death, and we please God.

There was one more lesson for Moses to learn. He was to take the water of the river and pour it on the ground and it became blood. All that looks like refreshment and pleasure in this Egypt world has the stamp of death upon it, for we are in a dry and thirsty land. There is nothing here that we might seek after which will bring us lasting happiness. Yes, it is a scene of death, for "If One died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15. Let us then remember these three things which Moses had to learn: the power of Satan, the evil of the old nature, and that this world in which we live is a scene of death, having no refreshment for our weary souls.

Moses was still unwilling to go in spite of all the signs God gave him. It is a good thing to feel that we cannot do anything without the Lord's help, and to wait until we are sure that our service is pleasing Him, but when we have His Word for our path, and He assures us that He will be with us in it, then to hold back is only unbelief, and that is displeasing to the Lord. Moses said he could not talk well, and this reminds us of many boys and girls, as well as some of us who are older, who have a great deal to say about school and other things, but very little to say about the Lord and His interests. What we talk about shows what we enjoy, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matthew 12: 34.

Messages of God’s Love 1/16/1949

Grandfather's Boat

GANDFATHER'S sailing days are done, but his thoughts are still on the sea. Many an hour he has spent making a careful model of the old sailing ship, showing the ropes that his young hands used to haul, the ladders that his nimble feet used to climb, and the decks that rolled under him during many a storm. It is a wonderful boat in his hands today, at least Sonny thinks so.

Sonny has made a boat too, a single-masted sailboat with a paper sail, not half so wonderful as Grandfather's but pretty good for a little boy. It is almost forgotten, however, in the thrill of Grandfather's story.

"Ay, it was a wild storm," Grandfather ended up. "Ye havena' seen the like in your life, my bairn; but our good ship weathered it, right through to the harbor."

"Did you make that ship, Grandfather?" asked the boy.

"What, the ship we sailed in? Not that one, Sonny; no, I couldna' make a ship like that."

"I'd like a real ship, I would," sighed the boy.

Grandfather smiled at the thoughtful little face beside him. "Ay," he answered, "Model ships are good enough for folks who stay at home. Ye'll be needing a real ship, my bairn."

You see, my reader, Sonny is just a little boy like you. He'll be needing a real ship, and you are needing a real Saviour. Not just a picture or a story or a model, but a real living Saviour. His name is Jesus, the Lord Jesus, our precious Saviour. The work of our own hands may seem good enough to those who are not going to Heaven at all, but if you would go to Heaven, you need the Saviour whom God has provided, who died and lives again, and you need Him now.

Sonny cannot make his real boat, but there'll be a place for him on the deck some day if he wants to sail. And the Lord Jesus has a place for you if you want to come, not some day but today. He knows that you cannot make your own way to God, but He Himself is the way to God the Father. Come now and trust your little life to Him. You will prove that He is a real living Saviour through every storm of life right home to Heaven.

HE IS ABLE ALSO TO SAVE THEM TO THE UTTERMOST THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM." HEBREWS 7:25.

Messages of God’s Love 1/23/1949

A Debtor For Life

SOME time ago a man had a dog that he wanted to get rid of. So he took him out in a boat, and then, while the kind dog sat quietly in front of him, he tied a big stone round the poor dog's neck, and threw him into the deepest part of the river. Of course the poor animal sank at once; but it seems that the stone must have been loosely tied, for it slipped off his neck, and he rose again to the surface and tried to get into the boat. His master tried to push him off, but every time the dog returned. At last the cruel man became so angry that be struck at his dog with the oar. He missed his aim; and instead of hitting the poor dog's head, he overbalanced himself and fell into the water. As he was quite unable to swim, he was now in danger of drowning. What did the dog do? He could swim well and was free to make his way to land, and escape from the cruel man who had tried to kill him. But instead of this he turned round at once, swam after his master and, seizing him by the coat, lifted his head above water, and headed away for the shore. Although beaten back by the wind and waves, and in danger of being drowned, he struggled bravely on until he succeeded in bringing his master safe to land.

I need hardly tell you that the faithful creature's life was spared; and I hope that his master, grateful for his dog's kindness, will be kind to that dog as long as he lives. He ought never to forget that, under God, he is a debtor for his life to this faithful animal, and that, too, in spite of his having tried to kill him.

Nineteen hundred years ago, there was One whom men not only tried to kill, but did actually put to death.

"And such a cruel death He died,

He was hung up and crucified." Not only so, but when He was hanging on the cross His enemies railed on Him, mocked Him, wagged their heads at Him as if delighting in His sufferings, and defied Him to save Himself from their cruel hands. Not only did He endure all that from wicked men, but in the hours of darkness, He endured the judgment which we deserved from a holy God for our sins. Yes, He suffered in our place and now He is risen again and offers life, pardon and peace to all—even His murderers. He told His disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins among all nations "beginning at Jerusalem"—the very city where they had been His "betrayers and murderers." Many of those Jews believed and were saved by the very One whom they had crucified and slain. Thus they were debtors for life—life everlasting—to Him whom they rejected.

This same Jesus, so loving, so gracious, now offers YOU life—nay more, He offers you Himself. He offers you a full, free, eternal forgiveness, a heavenly home in the Father's house, and all the joys which belong to the children of God. Will you refuse these blessings? Accept Him, and be to Him a DEBTOR FOR LIFE.

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

Messages of God’s Love 1/23/1949

Princess Elizabeth And The Bible

MY story is not about the lovely Princess Elizabeth now living in England. No, this Princess Elizabeth lived 300 years ago, the daughter of the unhappy King Charles the first. And if she had not loved the Bible, she too would have been very unhappy.

When the little Princess was nine years old, she fell and broke her leg, and as doctors did not have the skill then that they have now, she was never able to walk easily again. But she learned to read and to love good books. At that time books were very hard to get, but at last she came into possession of a large and costly Bible.

It was when little Elizabeth was only fourteen years old that her father was sentenced to death. He longed to see his children before he died, and the very morning of his execution,

Elizabeth and her little brother Henry were brought to see him. As a parting gift he gave to Elizabeth two rings, in which were set two diamonds, and a yet more precious gift, his Bible. He said, "It hath been my great comfort and constant companion through all my sorrows, and I hope it will be thine."

On August 16, 1650, the two little children were placed as prisoners in Carisbrooke Castle. On the 8th day of September, Elizabeth was found in her bedroom, with her pale face resting on her father's open Bible as though she had gently fallen asleep. But her spirit had passed away, and her eyes had rested as their last comfort on the precious verses in the 11TH chapter of Matthew, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Happy Princess! A prisoner no longer! She found—resting on Christ—liberty and life in death.

"That precious page! Those living words—

`Come unto Me and rest

Ye weary, laden ones, recline

For ever on My breast.'

Allured her soul: to these she turned

And resting there her eye,

Inspired by energy divine,

She passed beyond the bounds of time

And found it sweet to die."

May you, dear reader, know the same joy, and be all ready for death, should it happen, or for the Lord's presence should He come soon.

"Jesus! Only He can give Sweetest pleasure while you live; Jesus only can supply

Comfort if you're called to die."

"And that 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 Timothy 3:15.

Messages of God’s Love 1/23/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 4:13-23.

GOD told Moses that He would be with his mouth and teach him what to say, and surely Moses could not ask any more than that. But the flesh is always weak! No doubt if we have tried to talk to our friends about the Lord, we have discovered that we were not eloquent, and that we know very little of His Word, but the Lord is ever willing to help us and teach us what to say, just as He said He would help Moses. May we be more willing for His sake!

Moses still held back, and asked the Lord to send someone else instead of him. God was then angry because of Moses' unbelief. God can always use someone else when we are unwilling, just as He used Aaron here. God will see that the message of the gospel is carried wherever He wants it to go, and no one will ever be lost because of our unfaithfulness, but we are the losers when we hold back, and eternity alone will reveal what a loss it has been. May we be more like Isaiah of old who said, "Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:8. God was very gracious to Moses, and he did not set him aside altogether; He allowed Aaron to be the spokesman for him.

Moses then went back to his father-in-law and told him that he wanted to visit his brethren in Egypt again. How wonderfully this typifies to us the Lord Jesus, who, after choosing a bride from among the Gentiles as Moses had done, will then return to the guilty nation of Israel and bring them into blessing. God told Moses that all those who sought his life were dead and therefore he could return to Egypt with confidence. Forty years before Moses' brethren had rejected him, but now God was sending him back to them as their deliverer. This reminds us very strikingly of the Lord Jesus who was once rejected by the Jews, but He is soon coming back as their Deliverer, and the world will never be able to heap any more shame and dishonor upon Him.

Moses then took his wife and children and started out for Egypt. God told him the very message that he and Aaron were to bring to Pharaoh, so that he did not have to follow his own thoughts about it. If we undertake some service for the Lord, how much better to do it in His way, than to try our own. We shall find His way in His Word and we need to read it diligently. Moses was to ask Pharaoh to let Israel go free that they might serve the Lord. Moreover, the Lord warned Moses beforehand that Pharaoh would not be willing to do it.

Some of our readers can be little messengers to tell sinners of the way of deliverance from Satan's bondage, but you will find as Moses did, that Satan does not want to let them go. Moses warned Pharaoh that if he did not let the children of Israel go, God would kill his oldest son, but Pharaoh would not listen. He hardened his heart. He did not believe the message. He was like many today, who, when warned of coming judgment, just laugh, and refuse to listen. God did not kill Pharaoh's son at once for He is a patient God. He sent many plagues first, which should have made Pharaoh realize that God was speaking to him and that he should repent of his wicked ways.

Messages of God’s Love 1/23/1949

The Story Of An Old Lady

MRS. Woods was a very old lady, perhaps even older than the one in our picture. Many happy birthdays she had passed when she was a little girl like some of our readers, but when she was more than a hundred years old, she sat often by the fire, just thinking and thinking. Her dear old face was lined with wrinkles, but it was a happy face, too.

Her thoughts must have been happy inside.

What was old Mrs. Woods thinking about? Well, her mind was a bit worn out you see, and sometimes she reminded us to be careful of the wolves, which really had not prowled about that part of the country since she was a girl. She forgot the time of day, too, and forgot many things, but she never never forgot Jesus. How could she?

God had sent His Holy Spirit to live in her body while she was still young, and now though so old He still brought to her memory over and over again all the precious verses that she had learned when she was younger. He reminded her of the glorious Home that was prepared for her in heaven with her Saviour, the blessed Lord Jesus. No wonder her thoughts were happy thoughts.

One day, the thrashers came to her farm. After a hard day's work with the grain they sat down to a good supper for hungry men, and at once began to eat. Mrs. Woods was surprised. "Aren't you going to give thanks?" she said. "Is there not one of you men who will thank God for this food?"

After a silence, she added, "Then I'll do it myself." And the dear old lady, who had praised her God and Father many a day for her daily bread, thanked Him again before all those unthankful men.

It is not long since old Mrs. Woods went to be with the Lord Jesus, and she has found that she never half guessed how wonderful it really is to be with Jesus.

If you live to be a hundred, what will you have to make you happy? None of the things that are around you now can cheer your heart then, but if your joy is in God, then you have a portion that can bring you true happiness, even though your body becomes old and feeble.

"WE ALSO JOY IN GOD THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST." ROMANS 5:11.

Messages of God’s Love 1/30/1949

What Robe Have You?

LITTLE Lisa was the daughter of a Christian gardener in Prussia. When she was five years old her father took her to visit the gardener of the Queen of Prussia. The Queen saw the little girl in the gardens, and became so attached to her that she could not get her out of her thoughts. A few weeks later she sent and asked that little Lisa be allowed to come and pay her a visit.

Her arrival was announced to the Queen just as her Majesty was about to sit down to dinner. The Queen ordered that she should be brought at once to the dining room. When the little girl entered the big room, she at once recognized the Queen, and running to her, kissed her robe. She was then, by the Queen's command, placed beside her on a high stool, in order that she might be able to see over the whole table, as her Majesty was anxious to hear what the little child would say about the beautiful things on the table. The little girl looked at everything—the costly clothing of the guests, the golden and china dinner-service, and for a while was silent. Then, suddenly folding her hands together she said aloud—

"Christ's blood my plea;

Himself my righteousness;

My only ornament and robe of state,

In these before my God shall I appear."

The courtly guests were astonished and deeply moved. At last one of the ladies, turning to the Queen said, weeping, "Oh, happy child. How much happier she is than we!"

Are you seeking for fine clothes and costly ornaments of this world? They will all turn to dust before you stand in the presence of the Judge of all the earth. Or are you arrayed, like little Lisa, in those garments of salvation, which the Saviour will give freely to all those who put their trust in Him?

Messages of God’s Love 1/30/1949

God's Ways With Israel

THE Jews, who are part (two tribes) of the nation of Israel, are the most remarkable people in the world today. The world may well watch the events which are taking place in Palestine at this time, for God calls upon all nations to take heed when He starts to bring His people back to their land (Isaiah 18:3) . Israel are God's earthly people, and He has wonderful blessing in store for them. Long, long ago God called Abram out from where he lived in Ur of the Chaldees and made certain promises to him. He told him that He was going to make of him a great nation, that Canaan (Palestine) was to be their homeland, and that through his Seed all nations of the earth were to be blessed. That promised Seed was Christ, who came in the fulness of time to accomplish the work at Calvary through which these promises could be fulfilled. (Galatians 3:16.)

Almost four thousand years have passed by, but God has not forgotten His promises. They have already been confirmed (Romans 15: 8) and are just as fresh in the mind of God as if they were made yesterday. They are as sure as God Himself, and will all be fulfilled to the very letter. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away." Matthew 24:35.

Israel were made the center of God's dealings in the Old Testament. God did not make Himself known to any other nation as He did to them. He was known as the God of Israel, and Naaman the Syrian owned that he knew "there is no God in all the earth but in Israel." 2 Kings 5:15. Moreover, God gave them the law, the tabernacle, and the priesthood. When the priesthood failed He gave them a king at their request, then the temple and all the ceremony connected with it; for man was still under trial. God was proving, through Israel as a nation, that there was nothing good in the natural man. The law did not improve him one bit, for it could not give him the new life which was necessary before he could please God. The ritual of the temple did not bring him any nearer to God in heart. Nor did the wooings and warnings of the prophets. They seemed to fall on deaf ears, and only brought out the wilful rejection of God's gracious dealings with the nation. Nothing could make them "love the Lord their God with all their heart," as the law demanded, apart from new birth. (Ezekiel 36:26, 27.)

When God's judgments did fall upon them, they still refused to hear the rod and who had appointed it. (Micah 6: 9.) They made their hearts as stone, and served the gods of the heathen where they were carried away captive, in spite of the many gracious deliverances which God granted them.

At last "Lo-ammi," meaning "not My people" was written upon them. (Hosea 1:9) and they were carried away captive: first the ten tribes, and then the remaining two tribes were carried to Babylon. Government was then put into the hands of the Gentiles, and the times of the Gentiles began with Nebuchadnezzar. (Daniel 2:38.) Nevertheless, God still acknowledged Jerusalem as His center and gathered a remnant back from the captivity in Babylon, to rebuild the temple and the wall of the city.

We shall continue with this next month, if the Lord will.

Messages of God’s Love 1/30/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 4:24-5:5.

IF Pharaoh had only listened to the voice of God through the plagues and let the children of Israel go, God would have spared Pharaoh's son to him, but he would not. Perhaps, dear young reader, God has spoken to you through a sickness or the loss of a loved one. Have you listened to His voice, and come to Him acknowledging your sin, or are you hardening your heart as Pharaoh did? Remember that the judgment which God said would come to Pharaoh came at last, and there was no way of escape then. And so it will always be, for though God is longsuffering, He must judge sin.

While Moses was on the way to Egypt God met him in the inn and sought to kill him. Moses was on his way to warn Pharaoh of judgment upon his firstborn, but how could his own firstborn escape it? "All have sinned," whether Pharaoh or Moses, Pharaoh's son or Moses' son, and the only way of escape was through that which spoke of the death of. Christ. Circumcision was the sign of death, and Moses' son must be circumcised. It was painful but necessary. There is another lesson in it, for if we who are saved wish to do anything for the Lord, we must put the old nature with its sinful desires in the place of death. God can never use anything of the flesh in His service.

At last Moses and Aaron met one another and together they carried God's message to the children of Israel, showing them the signs as well. Moses in his unbelief had said that the people would not believe that God had really sent him, but God disposed their hearts so that they did. When they heard the good news that God was going to deliver them they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Moses then went to Pharaoh, quite prepared, no doubt, for his refusal to listen. "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you," 1 John 3:13, is what God has told us, and we cannot expect anything different when we confess Christ, whether at school, or at work. The world has not improved—it is still at enmity with God. Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice? . . . neither will I let Israel go." If there is an unsaved one reading these lines, is this something like what you are saying? If so, be careful that God doesn't harden your heart as he did Pharaoh's. Turn to Him now, while He pleads in grace.

Pharaoh's anger was stirred up and he made the children of Israel's bondage even worse. When a soul begins to be exercised as to his sins then the enemy doubles his efforts. He makes the bondage greater, but God can use even this, as He did here, to make the sinner realize what a slave to sin he really is, and that he is under Satan's power. It is a real thing to have to do with God, and it is most needful that the sinner sees the awfulness of his position before a holy God. It is by no means a pleasant discovery, for on the day of atonement the children of Israel were to "afflict their souls." The passover too was to be eaten with bitter herbs. There is a great deal of shallow work today because people are not brought to see the enormity of their guilt before God.

Messages of God’s Love 1/30/1949

Bible Questions for February

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in John, chapters 11-21.

1. "Lord, Thou knowest all things."

2. "If My kingdom were of this world."

3. "Keep them from the evil."

4. "And receive you unto Myself."

5. "They loved the praise of men."

6. "I am the resurrection and the life."

7. "Be not faithless, but believing."

The Young People's Class
Mercy

The mercy of God is His compassion toward us in our need. When sin entered the world through the fall of Adam then death came too, for death is the wages of sin. All the sickness, suffering, and misery in the world are the result of sin, and God, who is merciful, feels for fallen man in his sad plight. He delights in blessing and is good to all, sending His rain on the just and the unjust.

But the question is, How can a holy God show mercy to the sinner? The Psalmist said, "Mercy and truth are met together," Psalm 85:10, but how it could be done remained a secret until the cross. When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His son, and there at Calvary the penalty which a holy God demanded against sin was fully met by Christ, the spotless victim, and now God can display His mercy. 'There is no longer any barrier, and the

moment a sinner calls out for mercy God comes out in richest blessing. Oh, how many mercies we enjoy day by clay, but the greatest mercy of all is to know Christ as one's own personal Saviour.

1. What was the publican's prayer? Luke 18.

2. How did the Lord proclaim Himself to Moses? Exodus 34.

3. On whom will God have mercy? Romans 9.

4. What kind of High Priest have we? Hebrews 2.

5. What three things did Paul wish for Titus? Titus.

6. What does God say of one who showed no mercy? James.

7. Is the believer told to be merciful? Matthew 6.

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1949

Samuel

SAMUEL was just a little lad when he came to the temple—about the size, perhaps, of the very smallest boy in your Sunday School. His mother brought him to live with old Eli the high priest, and there he learned what a little boy could do in the service of the temple. Perhaps he brought the golden snuffers, sometimes, while Eli pinched the blackened wick from the seven-branched candlestick. He must have learned many little things from old Eli, but he was only a little boy, and he did not yet know the Lord.

One night, when all were quiet in bed, Samuel heard a voice calling him by name. He answered "Here am I," and ran at once to Eli, but it was not Eli's voice. Eli told him to lie down again. A second time he heard the call and ran to Eli's room, but Eli answered, "I called not, my son; lie down again." A third time he heard a voice saying, "Samuel." When Eli saw the little boy come to him the third time,

he understood that the Lord was calling him, so he told him to lie down and listen; and if he heard the voice, he was to say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth."

Samuel obeyed, and the Lord spoke to him, telling him plainly that the old man Eli must be punished because his sons were disobedient. Samuel listened and remembered. In the morning, he rose up and opened the doors of the house of the Lord, but he did not like to tell Eli what he had heard. However, when Eli asked him he did tell him, and Eli listened sadly. He had to learn what we also must learn, that it is God's way that parents should punish children when they are bad. Eli scolded his children, but scolding is not enough. Punishing hurts, but it is God's way and that is why it ought to be done.

Samuel grew taller every year, and his mother, who came once a year to see him and bring him a little coat, must have found that it had to be a little wider and longer each time. The little boy learned to be a great and useful man, and he spoke wonderful words to God's people, but first he learned to listen to the voice of God when he was just a little boy. Would you, boys and girls, like to be useful to the Lord when you grow up? Then learn now, while you are small, to listen to the voice of God.

You have not heard God speaking as Samuel did, but He speaks to us today through His Holy Word, the Bible. You will find in its pages, many messages for you. Listen and remember, as Samuel did, for His Word is the only guide to teach us the path in which we should walk.

"THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MINE HEART, THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST THEE." PSALM 119:11.

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1949

The Indian Boy's Friend

A MISSIONARY went to see a little Indian boy who was dying. He found him in an old hut with a few leaves for his bed, and a dirty blanket for his covering.

"What can I do for you, my poor boy, to relieve your suffering?" he asked.

"Nothing, sir," said the boy. "I want but little; I am very happy. Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, died for my sins, and I trust only in Him."

"Do you find comfort in your Bible?"

"That, sir, is my dear friend," said the dying boy, raising himself on his elbow and pressing the book to his heart. "Last year I went to visit my sister, two hundred miles up the lake. When I was half way back, I remembered I had left my Bible. I turned right around and myself and my canoe were nine days tossed on the lake before I reached the house. But I got my friend at last; and I never mean to part with it till I am dead. And then, sir, I want you to give it away, so that it may do good to others."

Children, which have you, a dusty or a well-worn Bible?

Once a Christian man offered a little boy the choice between a present of $25.00 or a fine Bible. The little fellow replied, "My mother used to tell me the law of the Lord was better than thousands of gold and silver. (Psalm 119: 72.) If you please, sir, I will have the Bible." May the reader make as wise a choice.

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1949

Thou God Seest Me

For He sees what we do,

And He hears what we say;

My Lord is watching

All the time, time, time.

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 5:6-6:4.

THE children of Israel had to make bricks for Pharaoh — a certain number each day. Now since they wanted to go and serve the Lord, Pharaoh decided to make it still harder for them. He said they were to make the same number of bricks as before, but refused to give them the straw to make them. Poor people! They wandered all over the land looking for stubble instead of straw, and then, because they could not make the required number they were beaten with big whips. The Egyptians did not care about their slaves even though they worked so hard for them. You will find, dear children, that the world only wants you for what it can get from you, and when you are in trouble, it has no real comfort for you. God allowed the children of Israel to feel this, and when they brought their complaint to Pharaoh's taskmasters they would not help them at all. They said, "Ye are idle." Satan will always try to keep the sinner so busy that he hasn't time to think about the Lord, just as Pharaoh did with the children of Israel.

At last they came to Moses and poured out their complaint to him. Moses here acted for the people before the Lord and he brought their problem to Him. It is a good thing when we pour out our complaints to the Lord—when we tell Him all. He is always ready to listen, and He knows our sorrows.

"Ask the Saviour to help you, Comfort, strengthen, and keep you, He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through."

At this time Moses did not understand how God was going to deliver His people, for there was still some unbelief in his heart. It is "by faith" that we understand the ways of God.

God then revealed Himself to Moses as Jehovah. This name is wrongly used today by a large group of people, but let us remember that it is the name which God took in covenant relationship with Israel. Now we who are saved know God as our Father—the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jehovah means the ever-existing One, and He took that name to assure that failing nation that He would never forget His promises of blessing made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. If it were not for this, they could never have received any blessing at all, for they were so disobedient.

How good to know that God does not bless us because of what we are, but because of what He is. Grace is the only ground of blessing for any creature of Adam's race, whether it be Israel or the Gentiles, for in ourselves we have forfeited every claim to it. The children of Israel were idolators like the Egyptians, and why should God bring them out and give them a land like Canaan. There is only one answer; He had made certain promises in love, and He was going to fulfil them because His name is Jehovah, the covenant-keeping God. Perhaps the one who reads these lines is looking within, hoping some day to feel worthy of God's great salvation. May we assure you that although you are not worthy, and never will be, yet God wants to bless and save you through the work of His Son at Calvary. Will you come to Him just as you are?

Messages of God’s Love 2/6/1949

The Sleigh Ride

THERE were dozens of children on the hill one day, some whizzing down the hard path, others panting up the slope, and others waiting their turn.

One of the boys was at the foot of the hill. He had a happy little smile and a dandy new sleigh, but he was going neither up nor down. Can you guess why? He was stuck!

You see, this little boy got off the path into the deep snow which is no good for sleighs, and he could not budge. "Keep on the path" is good advice for sleigh-riders, and for Christians too. There is a path called "the path of obedience" in which you and I should walk, every day, and everywhere we go. It is often a long sad waste of time when we slip out of the path of obedience to the Word of God. There is nothing outside that path except sorrow, although you may think at first that it is fun, as our little boy did.

He tried it again, the little boy of whom I speak, and he slipped out of the path farther than he intended, right hard against a telephone pole. His smile was gone now. The doctor said his leg was broken, and it was many weeks before he could set that foot on the ground again.

To slip out of the path of obedience may have far worse results than you ever intended. God wants His children to walk in the path of obedience, even in little things, for you cannot guess the result of one little act of disobedience.

"HOLD UP MY GOINGS IN THY PATHS, THAT MY FOOTSTEPS SLIP NOT." PSALM 17:5.

Messages of God’s Love 1/13/1949

The Little Red Bible

LITTLE Elsa was the only child of poor parents. Her mother was a quiet, hard-working woman, but her poor father spent most of his earnings on drink.

When Elsa was six years old, she went to the Sunday School. As soon as she was able to read, her teacher gave her a little Bible, bound in red leather and with her name written in it.

What joy it was for little Elsa when she showed her treasure to her mother!

From that day on, she learned a verse by heart each day from the precious Word of God.

When little Elsa was eight years old, she became very, very sick. The doctor examined her carefully and looked at her with a thoughtful expression.

Elsa looked up at him. "Do you think I shall get better again? Just tell me, for I am not afraid to die, because I will go to heaven where Jesus is."

When her parents saw that she was getting worse, they called for her Sunday School teacher.

"Will I die?" was Elsa's first question.

"I really think so, my dear child, but are you ready?"

"Oh, yes," replied the girl with a happy smile. "I am so happy for I am going to the Lord Jesus who loves me so much. And when I die, I would like you to put my little Bible in my hand. I want to take it to heaven with me. Then I will show the Lord Jesus that verse, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me."

"Surely, Elsa," replied the teacher, "I will put your Bible in your hand."

"Shall I never see you again, my dear Elsa?" cried her father, who had been listening.

"If you take the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, Father dear, you will also go to heaven." She laid her hot little hand in his big brown one.

"Oh, I don't know what to do. Never can I find the way there," cried the unhappy father.

For a moment Elsa lay quite still. Then suddenly her face began to beam with joy. She beckoned her teacher over to her side and whispered, "Don't put my Bible in my hand. When I go to heaven I shall tell Jesus that I left it behind for Father and Mother, that they might find the way that leads to heaven. 0, Father, do come—do come —sure—!" These were the last words of little Elsa.

Both parents shed many tears for the loss of their dear girl, and at once began to read her little red Bible. In it they found this verse,

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord Bath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6. Both father and mother accepted Jesus as their Saviour, and are now waiting, as Elsa did, without fear, for the time when they too will see Jesus, their Saviour.

Messages of God’s Love 1/13/1949

Saved

BILLY was very fond of his little sister, Betty, who was two years younger than he. They always played and walked together. One day Billy heard a band playing music, so he called Betty, and away they ran to see the parade. The soldiers' uniforms looked so wonderful, and the bugles and drums sounded so grand that they stayed a long time—in fact they forgot all about the time. At last they turned to go home, but they were so excited that they lost their way. When at last they reached home, it was long past the time when they should have been in bed.

Billy was frightened. Do you know why? Their father was a very bad man, one who used to drink a great deal and used to beat his dear boy and girl. When they reached the door, Billy said, "You let me go in first, and if father is home I'll come out and tell you." But Betty crept timidly behind her brother as he entered the house, and sure enough they heard sounds upstairs which told them plainly that the father whom they dreaded was home—and drunk. He was blaming and beating his poor wife for allowing the two children to go out. Billy ran right upstairs, for he loved his mother; but as soon as his father heard him coming, he turned and began to beat him unmercifully with the same rope that he had been using on his wife. Then he turned on Betty, who had followed, and said it was her turn next.

Now, as I have said, these two children loved each other very much, and the poor boy could not bear to see his sister beaten. Although he was crying with pain, when he saw his father lay hold of Betty, he forgot his own suffering, and, throwing himself between his father and his little sister, he cried out,

"Oh, Father, don't beat her. BEAT ME AGAIN!" Brave Billy! He would rather take her turn than see her punished. I am glad to say that the man found this too much even for his wicked heart, and so let the child go, and laid down his rope. Thus she was SAVED from the punishment.

I am sure you will say that Billy was a noble boy; and if you have paid any attention to what you have read in the "Messages of Love" you will see something in his loving act which reminds you of a greater than he. You see, this boy was willing to be punished instead of his sister because he loved her.

Who was it took the sinners' place 1900 years ago, and suffered in our stead on the cross? You know it was Jesus, God's dear Son. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Not that God wanted to punish sinners, but he could not pass by sin. God must punish sin. But, here is the good news,—"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.

Billy wanted to stand in Betty's place and be punished instead of her. This proved that he loved Betty more than himself. Jesus loved you and me so much that He not only wanted to, but he did bear our punishment and endured God's wrath against sin to the uttermost. Thus He put sin away, and made it possible for a righteous and holy God to forgive the worst of sinners who believes in Jesus.

Do you believe in Him? Have you trusted Him as your own Saviour? Have you ever thanked Him for dying for you?

Messages of God’s Love 1/13/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 6:5-7:13.

GOD told Moses of seven things He was going to do for the children of Israel. He said that He would bring them out of Egypt and rid them of their bondage, and that He would bring great judgments upon the Egyptians. He also said that He would make them His people and that He would be their God. He promised to bring them into the land of Canaan and give it to them for an inheritance: and He fulfilled all that He promised! Now God offers something far better to you, dear reader. He will save you from your sins—a worse bondage than that of the children of Israel under Pharaoh—and He will give you eternal life which is far better than dwelling in Canaan. He has said, "I will," but are you willing?

When Moses brought this wonderful message to the children of Israel, they refused to listen to him because of the cruel bondage they were under. They were discouraged! Nevertheless when they knew that they could not deliver themselves, why should they not be thankful for what the Lord was going to do for them? Perhaps the one who reads these lines is discouraged by the trials and sorrows of life, and the enemy of your soul is trying to make your heart bitter against the Lord through them. May we assure you that God loves you, and that He has allowed these things so that you may cast yourself unreservedly on. Him for all you need.

After the children of Israel had refused to listen to Moses and Aaron, then they did not want to go to Pharaoh lest he should refuse to listen too, but God gave them a special charge to go. If someone refuses to listen when we tell him about Christ, let us not be discouraged, but just carry the joyful news to others, for we also have a charge to tell of His love to the unsaved. We will find it in Mark 16:15, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." What a responsibility is ours!

"Weary not to tell the news,

That if thousands still refuse,

All shall be without excuse;

Jesus saves, Jesus saves."

God then told Moses that He would make him as a god to Pharaoh, and Aaron as a prophet. This shows us how God can dispose the hearts of men as He pleases. He made Pharaoh listen, and kept him from harming Moses and Aaron. Yes, God is able! Let us trust Him more, and walk in obedience to His Word. Pharaoh hardened his heart, but "Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they."

Moses and Aaron showed Pharaoh the signs as God had told them. First Aaron cast down his rod and it became a serpent, but this time Moses was not afraid of it as before. Pharaoh then called for his wise men and they did the same with their enchantments, but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. We need never fear Satan's power if we are walking with God in obedience, for then even when Satan does display his power, he will only defeat himself as he did here. What an example of this we get in the life of the blessed Lord, for He met every one of Satan's temptations in the wilderness by the Holy Scriptures and was victorious—and surely we ourselves are only safe in such a path.

Messages of God’s Love 1/13/1949

The Train Ride

Freddie had been riding on a train, a real train, that puffed and whistled across the countryside. Of course he had to tell his sisters all about it, and this was the beginning of a merry game of train-riding in the living-room at home.

Freddie was the engine. He supplied all the choo-choo, puff, puff, and toot-toot, as round and round the room they went, with the two passenger cars following. He called the stations loudly, just as the trainman did.

"London," he shouted. The passengers stayed on.

"Glasgow," was the next call, but not one wanted Glasgow.

"Heaven," called Freddie.

Little sister stood still. "I want to get off here," she said. The engine puffed away without her. Little sister did not care for London or Glasgow. She did not know anybody there. But she knew Someone in Heaven. She knew Jesus, the blessed Lord. Jesus.

Perhaps Freddie spoke only in fun, I do not know, but it is not right to make fun of Heaven, because that is where God lives.

What would you say, little reader? Would you like to go to Heaven because Jesus is there? He is the same Jesus who took little children in His arms when He was here, and put His hands on them and blessed them, and this is what He said:

"SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME, AND FORBID THEM NOT: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD." MARK 10:14.

Messages of God’s Love 1/20/1949

The Dark Room

SHALL we take the poor boy?" said Mr. Porter to his wife at the breakfast table. "I think we should, but I am afraid that he may show a bad example to our children."

"But couldn't our children help him to improve?"

"I will be his brother, and give him my kite," said Walter.

"He is a little heathen, according to all I hear," said the father, "and I am really doubtful if we could make anything out of him."

"But, Father," said the oldest daughter, "we send missionaries to the heathen, and if we believe that one Christian can do good to a number of heathen, should we seven not be able to help our cousin.?"

"Very well then, we'll try it," said Mr. Porter, "Jacob shall come."

And who was Jacob? He was the youngest son of Mr. Porter's brother, who had died in Jamaica. Before he died, he had commended his son to the care of his brother in Detroit.

About two weeks after this conversation, Jacob arrived at his uncle's. And he was just what they had heard of him, and more. He ran wild about the house and would speak to nobody. When he could, he teased and tormented his cousins and playmates, and when he was in a temper, which was quite often, he would smash whatever came into his hands. He didn't seem to care when he was scolded or punished. Mr. and Mrs. Porter daily prayed to the Lord that He would soften the poor boy's hard heart.

Jacob specially delighted in tormenting little Susan. She was a lovable, delicate little girl, and tried in her own way to help the poor boy. She thought the worst of it was that the poor boy loved nobody, and she thought nobody loved him.

One day Jacob pulled poor little Susan to the floor by her hair, and then bit and scratched her till the blood came. Then, in his anger, he threw her doll into the fire.

In the house was one little dark room with a very small door. Here Jacob was locked up, after his uncle had first shown him how bad his conduct had been. But it seemed to have no effect on him.

Little Susan felt so sorry for Jacob. He spent a day and a night in that little dark room, and still wouldn't say he was sorry. The next day Susan said to her mother, with tears in her eyes, "Mother, I couldn't sleep all night; I was always thinking of poor Jacob who is quite alone and has no light and no nice bed to sleep in."

The third night came, and Jacob still showed no sorrow for his sin. The fourth day, Susan had a long talk with her mother, and then she ran quickly to the dark room and opened the door. "Come on out, Jacob, and see how bright and lovely it is out here. I have asked Mother, and she is going to let me stay here in your place."

"You are very silly," said Jacob, and he walked away. Then Susan's mother came and shut her in.

At the dinner table, Jacob took his place opposite the empty chair where little Susan used to sit.

"You can take the bread and water up to Susan, Jacob," said Mr. Porter, handing him a jug of water and some pieces of dry bread. He took both and went upstairs, more quietly than usual. At supper time again, Jacob went up with the bread and water.

About bed time, he came to Mr. Porter and said, "Uncle, must Susan stay in that dark room all night?"

"Yes."

A stream of tears burst from his eyes. He ran upstairs, knocked at the door and cried out, "Susie, you are the dearest child I know. I will never, never strike and scratch you again. I'm very, very sorry. Why are you so good to me?" Then he cried and cried as if his heart would break. Then he went to his uncle and his aunt and confessed to them both how naughty he had been. Jacob had been won by love.

Let me tell you of One who loves you, whether you love Him or not. "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. Have you ever confessed your sinfulness to God? He loves you and is waiting to give you pardon, through the work of His own dear Son.

Messages of God’s Love 1/20/1949

A Little Boy's Prayer

I KNEW a little boy who had done something wrong and had been hiding it all day. It was something that many children do, and most of them would say that it was not very wrong at all.

But Arthur could not forget it. He had gone to the cupboard and taken some sugar. He ate it and went back to his play as if nothing had happened.

All that day Arthur was unhappy; and his conscience, like a voice inside of him, seemed to remind him of what he had done. It was like darkness in his heart which he could not shake off.

At last, when bed time came and he had said good night, he went upstairs to his own room, and his aunt kneeled beside him and began to pray. All at once little Arthur spoke up, "Tell God about that sugar, Auntie."

Had God really seen Arthur steal the sugar? Of course He had! He sees everything that you do, boys and girls, and He doesn't forget it either. Does that make you afraid of God? But listen — He loves you and promises to wash all those sins away and never remember them again if you will but take Jesus as your Saviour.

"And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Hebrews 10: 17.

Messages of God’s Love 1/20/1949

Wanted, A Christian

SOME time ago there appeared an advertisement in the newspaper for a clerk, with the unusual condition that he must be "a decided Christian." Quite a few young men applied for the position, but very few of them could give any answer from the Bible to satisfy the employer that they were really Christians.

What would you say? Perhaps you would say, "I go to Sunday School, I read my Bible, and I try to be good." Does that make you a Christian?

A Christian man noticed that advertisement in the paper and showed it to his children. He asked them to write their answers out for him to read. This was one of the answers:

"I am a Christian because I love Jesus. I love Him because He first loved me and died on the cross to wash my sins away." Harold.

Harold was a schoolboy, like many who read these stories. And he was a happy schoolboy, because Jesus was his Saviour, and that is what made him a Christian.

Will you answer that question right now? Jesus would like you to trust Him; to take Him as your own Saviour.

"Unto you therefore which believe Re is precious." 1 Peter 2: 7.

Messages of God’s Love 1/20/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 7:14-8:12.

GOD told Moses to go to the river's edge and wait for Pharaoh to come down. There he was to warn him of the judgment which God was going to bring upon Egypt, but Pharaoh refused to take heed. He still hardened his heart and so Moses took his rod and smote the rivers so that they became blood. All the fish in the rivers died and a terrible odor came over the land. Even the water in the pails and jugs turned into blood, so that the Egyptians began to dig new wells in order to get water to drink. No doubt all this has a lesson for us too, for how many are digging in this poor world trying to find refreshment. It is a scene of death, dear children. It has nothing for you; only the Lord can bring you any real or lasting happiness. Notice, too, that the magicians could turn the water into blood, but they could not turn it back into water again. Satan had the power of death, but he cannot deliver anyone from its power. Only the Lord can do that, for He is the resurrection and the life. (John 11: 25.)

This terrible plague lasted s even days, but Pharaoh refused to humble himself and give in. How stubborn he was. May we ask you, dear yo ung reader, are you still rejecting the grace of God while He waits in long suffering patience to save you? Why not yield your heart to the Lord Jesus today?

When Pharaoh still refused to let the people go, God sent another plague. He sent frogs throughout the whole land. This would remind us very forcibly of the power of Satan which will be felt in all its horribleness after the Lord has come and taken His church to heaven. (Rev. 16: 13.) These frogs went through the whole land, even going into their bedrooms, their oven, and into everything they had. Surely it must have been an awful plague, but how much worse it will be for this whole world when Satan is cast down having great wrath. (Rev. 12:7-12.) Satan's power is bad enough today, but then his terrible activities will be unhindered by the presence of the Spirit of God, who will have gone back to heaven with the church (John 14:16, 2 Thess. 2:6, 7), and he will be able to deceive the lost at his pleasure. Men and women little realize how quickly the storm clouds are gathering, and how soon judgment is going to fall on this Christ-rejecting world.

Once again the magicians imitated Moses. They, too, brought up frogs upon the land, but, as before, they were powerless to remove the plague. Pharaoh, feeling how horrible these frogs were, called for Moses and promised to let the people of Israel go if God would remove them. How often we see things like this today! When people are made to feel the sorrows which their sins bring, they cry to God to deliver them, and make all kinds of pledges and promises to live a different life, but when God hears their cry and delivers them they soon go back to their old ways again. Not being the result of true conviction of sin before God, the results are never permanent. Promises of living differently are useless — new birth is what is needed. "Ye must be born again." John 3: 7. Then good works will be seen in the life, without those pledges and promises which an unsaved man cannot carry out.

Can You Name The Animals?

ARE you puzzling over our picture today, and trying hard to name all the animals you see? It isn't a zoo, for there are no bars nor cages, and it isn't like any farm you ever visited, for whoever saw a lion and a calf lying peacefully together, and the wolf not even trying to eat the lamb? Whose camera took this picture? It's quite a puzzle, isn't it?

After you have tried to name all the animals, take your Bible and turn to the eleventh chapter of Isaiah. There you will find this picture, just as it is drawn here, but it was not snapped by anyone's camera, for it hasn't happened yet. God has promised that this happy time will surely come, when the animals will no longer fight and kill one another, and so our artist has drawn the picture according to the plan. God has given.

Would you not like to see such a happy group o f animals, harmless snakes and friendly lions and bears? It seems quite impossible to us and so it is, for as long as children can lie and swear and disobey without being punished, just so long will the animals be cruel and kill one another. God wants His creatures to be happy and peaceful, but because sin has come in, even the animals have to suffer.

What then will God do, in order to bring about this wonderful reign of peace? The animals, of course, are not to blame, since they have no conscience; but we have a "reminder" inside of us, to tell us when we have done wrong. God must ,sweep the world clean of all that offends and does iniquity, a n d make His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, King over all, before He can give peace on the earth or make all the animals tame as we see in our picture. Never a hospital nor an ambulance nor a doctor will be needed when God gives peace to this world. There will be neither wars abroad nor sickness at home, and no one will die of old age, even though he be hundreds of years old!

Are you wishing that God would make this happy time start today? Do you wonder why He looks down upon this suffering world and delays this reign of peace so long? Then I will tell you that He must judge the world first.

He must cut off from this world everyone who has refused to own Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. He is slow to do this. He is waiting long and lovingly, perhaps for you. Will you not trust this loving Saviour today, before His waiting time ends and His judgment time begins?

"THE LORD . . . IS LONGSUFFERING TO US-WARD, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH." 2 Peter 3:9.

Messages of God’s Love 1/27/1949

Flag Signaling

QUITE a few years ago, I was on a big boat just off Rio de Janeiro, a place which you can find on your map of Brazil. We had been steaming along in the bright sunshine when all at once we ran into "thick weather" — as the sailors called it. In the distance was a big sail boat that seemed to be going very slowly. As we drew near, we noticed the flags going up, by which we knew that the captain wanted to talk. Soon we were able to make out his message —

"Where are we?"

The captain of our vessel quickly gave him his position, and they were able to sail on in the right direction. I'm sure he was glad to get the answer, and it would have been very unkind of our captain to refuse to answer, or to give him wrong information. Now will you think me unkind if I tell you where you are?

The second question in the Bible is "Where art thou?" Adam had sinned and was hiding from God. He was at a distance from God, and do you know that every boy and girl that is born into this world is at a distance from God, and quite unable to come near because of sin? But God loves you, and gave His Son to die, in order that He might bring you near. So my dear young reader, if you have not taken Christ as your own Saviour your position is a dangerous one. You are away from God — on the broad road that leads to destruction.

Let me urge you right now to accept Jesus as your Saviour, and you will be on the narrow road that leads to glory.

Messages of God’s Love 1/27/1949

God's ways with Israel (Part 2)

THE little remnant which returned from the captivity failed grievously. In the days of Malachi's prophecy they were doubting Jehovah's love to them. Even when they did bring Him a sacrifice, they offered the sick and the lame, and they would not do anything, not even open the doors of His house, without being paid for it.

However, at that time, there was a "remnant within a remnant" There were those who feared the Lord and thought upon His Name (Mal. 3: 16), but they were exceedingly weak. When, about four hundred years later, Christ was born, only two old people, Simeon and Anna, were in the temple "waiting for the consolation of Israel." Luke 2: 25.

The coming of Christ, the Son of God, into the world was, as it were, the last call. Would the heart of the nation be touched by a perfect message carried by a perfect Messenger, accompanied by such wonderful works of grace and love, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and even raising the dead? Would they accept the True Light shining in all its noonday splendor in the face of Jesus? No, they rejected Him. Their hatred knew no bounds, and the spitting, the crown of thorns, and the cross of Calvary showed in all its horribleness what was in the heart of man. Jew and Gentile joined together to reject and crucify Him, though we may say the Jews were more responsible as having the oracles of God.

What could God do with a nation like that? How could He bless them, or in fact any creature of Adam's race, after they had shown what was in their hearts in such an awful way? God is holy and He must punish sin, but the work of Calvary was, and still is, the only ground of blessing to that nation, who are beloved for the fathers' sakes (Rom. 11: 28) , or to any other.

God might well have set the Jews aside at once, but He is "slow to anger and plenteous in mercy" so He lingered in patience over them. He told His disciples to go and preach the remission of sins among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47.) Yes, He sent the message to them first but they would not receive it. Peter stood up and told them if they would turn, nationally, and repent of the crucifixion of their Messiah, God would send Him back again. Then the promised kingdom would be set up, and the times of restitution of all things would come. (Acts 3:19-21.) It was the most marvellous offer of grace that had ever been made, but the Jews rejected it, and when Stephen reminded them afresh of their guilt they stoned him to death, as if to send a messenger after Christ saying, "We will not have this Man to reign over us." (Luke 19: 14.) They closed the door on themselves as a nation, and then God, ever rich in grace, began to reach out to others — first to the Samaritans, and then to the Gentiles.

All through the book of the Acts, God lingered over the nation, and Paul always went to the Jew first as he travelled from city to city. There was, however, a gradual setting aside. Antioch soon became the center from which the Spirit of God worked instead of Jerusalem. When, in deep love for his people, Paul once again made his way to Jerusalem and attempted to bring before his nation their guilt in rejecting Christ, they cried out against him, cast dust in the air, and made a plot to kill him.

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 8:13-24.

AS soon as the plague of frogs was over, Pharaoh's servants gathered the dead ones together into heaps. This reminds us of how quickly people try to forget some terrible catastrophe which God, has allowed. Instead of being warned by it, they try to forget all about it. They will cover the casket of the dead with flowers, as though they wished to forget the solemn fact that they, too, may die, and that there is judgment after death for those who die without Christ. Do not be deceived, dear young reader, but listen to God's warnings and prepare to meet Him while it is still the day of His grace.

Pharaoh soon forgot his promises when the frogs were gone, and he went on in the same way as before. God then spoke again, and the next plague was lice. What a horrible thing to have lice everywhere; on your body, in your hair, and on all the animals. The magicians could not imitate Moses in this; and the reason is simple. They could not produce life. Men can make some wonderful inventions. They can make trains, automobiles, aeroplanes, and hundreds of other remarkable things. They can reproduce the human voice, and make an electric eye to control machinery and doors, but there is one thing they can never do. They cannot produce life. God has told us that the life is in the blood (Lev. 17:11) , but still men cannot discover the secret, and they never will. If they are truthful they will always have to admit, like the magicians of Egypt, "This is the finger of God." Not only is it impossible for man to produce life (natural life), but he is equally powerless to produce spiritual life. Only God can give divine life to a sinner who is dead in trespasses and sins. (Eph. 2: 1.) There are many imitations today — mere professors instead of possessors — and they can talk just as nicely as the gramaphone can reproduce what is on the record, but they are just as lifeless. Remember, dear reader, God does not want ceremony, or to see you bow down your head with as little meaning as a bulrush. in the wind, (Isaiah 58: 5.) You must have living faith in a living. Saviour or you will never be in heaven.

Pharaoh still hardened his heart. God continued to speak, but this time He put a division between His people and the Egyptians. How good to know that we are not part of this world which is under the sentence of judgment. We have been set apart from it by the work of Christ. We have to realize, as the Israelities did, that there is no refreshment for us here, and that we are in a scene where Satan still has power, but God has given us life — a new life over which death has no claim and sin has no power. Having shown His people this (in figure) , God then acted to protect them, and He told Pharaoh so. The flies came upon. the land, and what an awful plague it was, but there were none in the land of Goshen where the childr en of Israel dwelt. Yes, dear young reader, God cares for His own, and nothing can happen to them but what He allows. The children of Israel were no better than the Egyptians, but they were the people of God, soon to be redeemed out of Egypt, and He loved and cared for them. How wonderful is God's message to His own even today, "Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5: 7.

Messages of God’s Love 1/27/1949

The Snowdrift

JACK'S car is good enough. It has taken him over many a mile, but it is in the wrong place today. There is plenty of power in the motor, but that car won't move an inch. It is thoroughly stuck and getting worse every moment for, as you see, it is still snowing.

Jack has a camera, but that will not help. The snow is pure and white and beautiful, and God sent it, but it is holding him just where he does not want to be. He would like to be out of that place altogether, but it looks hopeless, doesn't it?

Now, my little friend, perhaps you have a healthy little body with plenty of power in it too, but if you try to make your journey to Heaven in your own strength you will find yourself stuck, just like that. God has given a law, holy, just and good (like the snow from Heaven) , but you have not kept it, and that same law which you have disobeyed and broken must condemn you,

just as a picture on Jack's camera would only show how badly stuck he is. You can't set yourself free, and the law will not melt as the snow does, for God's law is unchangeable. It looks hopeless, doesn't it?

Jack got his car out, but not by himself. He had powerful help to come right into the snowdrift, and with one strong pull he was free. What about you? Would you like to be free from the claims of God's holy law? Then here is the answer.

Christ, the Son of God, has come right down where you are. The law could not condemn Him, for He was "holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners," but He took our place and was condemned for us at Calvary's cross. After that He rose again, on the other side of death, that we might be free forever from the curse of the law. Now you see, we are out of that place of judgment altogether, set free in Him. The law is pure as the snow, but through Christ's finished work we are made whiter than snow. We who believe stand "in Christ," with death and judgment all behind us, and we can go on our way to Heaven rejoicing.

"CHRIST HATH REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW, BEING MADE A CURSE FOR US." GAL. 3:13.

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1949

The Power of The Word of God

TOM had just known the Lord as his Saviour for about two weeks and I wanted to know if he was still happy. I walked down the road and found him plowing a field, so called out to him, "How are you getting on today, Tom? Are you still happy in the Lord?"

"Thanks be to God, I am happy, but Satan has been troubling me, as you said he would, trying to make me doubt whether I am really saved or not."

"And what do you meet him with, when he tempts you, Tom?"

The young boy drew a Testament from his pocket, and opening it, said, "I just give him the verses through which I was led to the Saviour. The first is in Romans 5: 8, 'While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,' and the other in John 3: 36, 'He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life.' When I read these verses out loud, my soul is happy, and Satan leaves me."

Like happy Tom, you must first find your need of Christ as Saviour, and then when you have accepted Him as your own, just stand firmly on the Rock of the Word of God.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith." 1 Peter 5: 8, 9.

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1949

Sin

A NUMBER of children were once asked the question, "What is Sin?" They wrote their answers on their slates. One wrote, "Sin is lying." Another wrote, "Sin is swearing." Another, "Sin is disobedience." But another gave the best answer. It was: "Sin is just having your own way,"

Yes! to do my own will, to go my own way, is sin. And everyone of us has done this; therefore everyone needs salvation. There is only one way to be saved, and your name is in this verse which tells of it.

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

Look well at the twentieth word. It means you!

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1949

Bible Questions For March

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is a part of a verse in Acts, chapters 1-9.

1. "Behold, I see the heavens opened."

2. "Obey God rather than men."

3. "That same Jesus, whom ye have crucified."

4. "And preached unto him Jesus."

5. "Whereby we must be saved."

6. "Shall so come in like manner."

7. "For he is a chosen vessel."

The Young People's Class
The World

The world is spoken of in two different ways in the Scriptures. When we read that "God so loved the world," it means that God loves all the people in the world. There are no exceptions — He loves all — and He has proved it in the gift of His own dear Son who died for all.

Then in other Scriptures we are warned against the world; "Love not the world" etc. In these verses the world is looked at as a vast system with Satan as its god and prince. It began with Cain who went out from the presence of the Lord and built a city. His family became great men in commerce, inventive science, and music. Their whole plan in life was to make themselves as comfortable and

happy as they could while leaving God out altogether. They wanted it to be man's world instead of God's. It is still the same world today, for there is the world of business, the world of science, and the world of pleasure. It still hears the character of its founder, Cain. He was a murderer, and so this present evil world has been stained with the blood of the Son of God. Cain had his religion too, but it was a bloodless religion, a system of works in which fallen man could pride himself, such as we find around us today.

Let us then, dear young readers, take heed to God's warnings, and though we must of necessity be in the world, let us not be of it.

1. Does God love everyone in the world? John 3.

2. Is this earth really man's world, or does it belong to the Lord? Psalm 24.

3. Who is the rightful ruler of the kingdoms of this world? Rev. 11.

4. In which life do men of the world have their portion? Psalm 17.

5. Is the Christian really part of the world? John 17.

6. What does God call one who is a friend of the world? James.

7. Could a Christian love the world and enjoy the Father's love at the same time? 1 John.

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1949

Afraid Of God

SOME years ago a band of missionaries in the Fiji Islands found their home surrounded by a troup of black savages, armed for battle. The missionaries were not willing to fight, so they shut their door and began to pray.

Soon the howling of the savages stopped. Then one of the missionaries went out and found only one black man there.

"Where are your chiefs?" asked the missionary.

"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. God is a strong God; strong to help those who love and trust Him. This strong God is the Friend of little children. Have you trusted Him?

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 8:25-9:28.

PHARAOH decided to try a new plan. He told Moses to have the people sacrifice to the Lord in. Egypt. How the enemy would like to bring the people of God down to the level of the world in their worship as in everything else. May we ever realize that to mix up with the world and offer the abominations of this Egypt world to God, cannot be acceptable to Him. As soon as God had put a division between His people and the Egyptians, Pharaoh attempted to break it down. How the world hates the separate Christian! Moses said the Egyptians would stone them if they attempted to worship in Egypt, and we will soon find out that we do not have to give up the world, for the world will give us up if we act in obedience to God.

When Moses turned down this suggestion, Pharaoh was willing to yield a little more. He would let God's people go if they would not go very far — just a short distance, he said. How subtle is the enemy of our souls. If we must be separate, he tells us not to be too straitlaced — not too separate. Pharaoh well knew that if the children of Israel only went a little way they would soon be back in Egypt again. Dear Christian, let us take warning here. Abram once settled in Haran — a half-way place but he had no tent nor altar there. God had told him to go all the way to Canaan, and there only could he have his tent and altar, The Tabernacle of the congregation was afar off from the camp — not near it. Beware of the subtle temptation to remain "not very far away" from Egypt. All roads lead back to it, when we are near, but when the children of Israel got into the wilder. ness, the Red Sea rolled between their and Egypt, just as the cross of Christ has severed our ties with this Egypt-world. May we lay hold of this more for the Lord's glory! He wants a people separated unto Himself.

Pharaoh still refused to let the people go. God then sent a terrible murrain on the Egyptian cattle and many of them died, but not one of the Israelites lost any of theirs. How wonderfully God cares for His own! Pharaoh remained unmoved, and so the next thing Moses was told to do was to take the ashes of the furnace and sprinkle them toward heaven. This caused nasty boils to break out upon the Egyptians and on their cattle, so that even the magicians could not stand before Moses for the boils. This was followed by a great hailstorm, mingled with fire, but here we are reminded of God's goodness in providing a way of escape. He warned even the Egyptians to take shelter from the storm, and those who feared God took shelter and were preserved. The damage was terrific and Pharaoh seemed to be humbled. He called for Moses and asked that the plagues be stopped. He even said, "I have sinned," but it was not repentance toward God, but only to get out of trouble. He feared the judgments he had seen, just as men today fear war, sickness and death, but they do not fear what comes after death or they would turn to Christ for salvation. May we pause here to warn any unsaved reader of these lines that it will soon be too late to call for mercy. When the door of grace is shut it will be shut for ever. Why not call upon the name of the Lord and be saved NOW.

Messages of God’s Love 3/6/1949

What Tommy Feared

TOMMY was a sturdy little fellow, full of energy and fun. He was not afraid of very much, but he was afraid of a plate. Now that may seem strange to you, but it was one of Mother's plates, standing upright on the shelf at home, which filled him with fear. It was an old-fashioned plate with a wide crimson border, and in the cen ter were four words. "Thou God seest me." Somehow these four words made him wish the old plate would crash to the ground, but he would not have dared to touch it.

Tommy's schoolmates and friends certainly did not point him out as the worst boy they knew. And if you had asked Mother about him, she would have praised him not a little, and excused his faults in the way most mothers do.

It was what Tommy knew about himself that bothered him. Many a deceitful word or secret disobedience rose to his mind at the sight of the china plate, and he began to feel that the sinful actions of his tongue and his hands came from the evil heart within.

Tommy tried to grow better, but the evil was inside and he could not mend it. At last, to his delight he learned that the God who saw him, loved him. He had tried hard to love God, but now he learned, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us." 1 John 4:10. One verse especially was a great comfort to him. It was this "The Lord hath laid on Him (that is, God hath laid on Jesus] the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6.

From that Scripture he learned that God Himself had placed all his sins on His beloved Son when on the cross. This gave him a rest of conscience which nothing could spoil.

The old china plate made him happy now. He was glad that God saw everything he had done, because it was the same God who, through the work of Christ, had forgiven him. He delighted to remember that God's loving eye was upon him everywhere, and, although Tommy had many a fall after that, it was to God and not away from God that he wanted to run when his conscience told him that he had sinned.

"HEREIN IS LOVE, NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US." 1 John 4:10.

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1949

Kulu

KULU was very sad. She had tried so hard to learn to read, and though she had been to school for more than a year she was no more able to read than many girls who had just begun. She wondered if there wasn't something that a stupid, awkward girl could do — especially as she loved Jesus.

"I am very sorry," said the teacher in the African school for little black girls, "but we feel it might be better for you to try something else."

"If I go home," Kulu sobbed, "what will the people in my village say? And my mother will be sad because I am not a teach-books person. Isn't there something else I can do?"

"Of course there is, Kulu," said Miss MacDonald, looking in pity at the tearful face. "If you cannot be a teach-books person, you can be a live-theBook person." Kulu was puzzled — she could not understand what that meant.

Miss MacDonald got her Bible and read in 2 Cor. 3: 2, " 'Ye are our epistle . . known and read of all men.' People will read you instead of books. What you do will show that you are a child of God, and others who see you will want to belong to Him too."

Kulu clapped her hands. "Oh, can I really be a live-the-Book person, Miss MacDonald?"

"Yes, indeed you can," was the response, "but you must ask the Lord Jesus to help you. You cannot do it in your own strength, but you can

`Ask the Saviour to help you,

Comfort, strengthen and keep you,

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.'

"In everything you do, Kulu, do it to please Him — even when you scrub floors. There is a verse in God's Word that says, 'Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.' " Col. 3: 17.

A few days later Miss MacDonald came to Kulu with a letter in her hand, telling her she had just received it from missionaries who had recently moved to a new village. She read: "We need a native girl right away. Is there one at your school who would be willing to live in a hard place? There are no other Christians here." "Would you like to go, Kulu?"

"I'd like to go," said Kulu quietly, "and live-the-Book. If there are no Christians there, and no one can read, I can SHOW them what is in the Book. I'll ask God to make me an obedient child in His family."

When the missionaries first moved to the village the natives were very much afraid of them and would run away and hide when they came near. But one day Kulu came to live with them. She was as black as they were, but wasn't the least bit afraid of the white strangers! She smiled at the children peeping at her from behind trees, or out of doorways, and gradually they became less fearful. Finally the braver ones ventured near enough to ask questions.

"How long are the white folks going to sit in our village?"

"They have come to tell us about God," Kulu said.

"But we have our own gods," they answered.

And then Kulu told them about the only true God, who lives up in the sky and yet can see and hear everything we do and say. She told them God loved them and wanted to take them up to live with Him; also that they were sinners and could not come into His presence until the sin was removed. This was impossible for them to do, so He Himself provided a way in sending His own Son to die on the cross for them. "And all," said Kulu, "who will trust in Him will be saved."

The children came often and asked Kulu to tell them of her wonderful Friend, and before long the older ones were willing to listen to the story of Jesus' love from the missionaries themselves and some of them trusted Him as their Saviour.

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1949

What Is A Christian?

ONE DAY, as I was walking from Morton, I met two little girls coming from school, and asked them if I were on the right road for Grimes. The older of the two said,

"Yes, you are."

I was delighted by the bright, pleasant way she answered me, and offered her a little book, saying, "Take it home to your parents and ask them to read it," adding, "It is a great thing to be a Christian. Do you know what a Christian is, little girl?"

"Yes," she said, "my father is a Christian."

"That's fine," I said, "I am very glad to hear it—but again I ask you, 'what is a Christian?' "

Her reply surprised me. She said, "A Christian is a man who neither swears nor drinks."

You may be sure I did not leave the little girl until I put before her what a true Christian really is. A true Christian is one who has come as a needy sinner to the Lord Jesus, has accepted Him as his own personal Saviour, and has had his sins forgiven.

Children and grown-ups often think that one can be saved by living a good clean life. But the Word of God tells us "There is none other Name [the Lord Jesus only] under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. Let the reader ask himself the question, "Am I a true Christian?"

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3: 5.

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 9:29-10:24.

PHARAOH'S heart remained as hard as ever, and so God sent another plague. He sent grasshoppers (locusts) over the whole land, which not only ruined their crops but went right into their homes. They had never seen such a plague before and even. Pharaoh's servants advised him to let God's people go. Pharaoh decided to yield a little more. If they would not sacrifice to the Lord in Egypt, nor a little way from. Egypt, perhaps they would consent to leave their little ones there. Pharaoh well knew that if they did, they (the older ones) would soon be back in Egypt again with their children. He used good reasoning too, for he said it would be hard travelling with them, and that they would have difficulty. How often this same advice is offered to Christian parents by the "Pharaohs" of today. We are told that our children must have some of the world, and that we must not rob them of all it offers. We are told that they are too young to understand and that we must wait — yes, wait until the world has a good hold of them and then it is too late to try to bring them to "Canaan." It is true that the children did make it difficult travelling, but they shared the parents' joys as well as their sorrows along the way. Some might have reasoned, "Why bring the children; they cannot worship," but faith does not reason, it trusts God for our families and seeks to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4.)

Pharaoh pretended to be repentant and called for Moses again. He asked that the grasshoppers be removed and so God sent a strong west wind which took them all away. Not one was left in the whole land, but as soon as they were gone Pharaoh refused to let the people go again.

Moses was then told to stretch forth his hand toward heaven and bring darkness upon the land. It was such a terrible, dense, thick darkness that it could be felt, and everyone stayed inside their home, "but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings."

Let us make a few remarks here about this wonderful fact. We who are saved have divine light as we pass through this dark scene. We were once darkness, but now we are "light in the Lord," Eph. 5: 8, and we are to walk as children of light. The light in our dwellings is the Word of God which we should read each day. "The entrance of Thy Words giveth light." Psalm 119: 130. The children of Israel dared not go out of their homes, for outside all was dark — a darkness that might be felt. Let us, too, be careful about going out into the darkness of this Egypt-world, for we shall soon lose our way if we do, but if we walk according to the light of God's precious Word we shall be safe.

Pharaoh made one more suggestion to Moses, and it was the cleverest of all. He suggested that the children of Israel go, taking everything but their flocks and herds. In other words he wanted them to have their business interests in Egypt. Surely there is a word for us in this. Many of our readers are young, and perhaps planning what line of work or profession you will pursue. Look to the Lord for guidance in this important decision, dear young people, for we have only one short life to live, and only what is done according to the will of God will abide. We would not want to leave our "flocks and herds" in Egypt, would we?

Messages of God’s Love 3/13/1949

Lost In The Desert

WOULD you like to go for a camel ride? I think you would, just for fun, if the camel would be quite sure to bring you home safe and sound, as soon as you had had enough. That would be rather soon, too, for a camel has an uncomfortable way of jolting you, and his humps are uncomfortably high.

The man of whom I shall tell you today was not riding for fun, and he could not find the way home. He was all alone and there was not a sign of a path to follow, nothing but wind-swept sand. He was thirsty too, very thirsty, but the camel did not seem to know any more about finding water than he did.

Then, in the distance, he saw a thin little smoke rising into the air. At once he urged on the tired camel, for if there was smoke there must be a campfire and a man and at least something to drink. At last he reached the spot. There was no man there now, only a smouldering fire, and beside it, a bag of something.

The rider jumped quickly from his camel and grasped the bag. It contained small round things—grapes perhaps.

Eagerly he untied the cord and poured out upon the sand handfuls of pure white pearls. He flung himself down with a moan of despair. Only pearls and he wanted water!

My little reader, would you not think yourself rich if you had handfuls of priceless pearls? Not if you hadn't water! Water is so important that God uses it to speak to us of the Word of God. Just as water will refresh you when thirsty, as well as cleanse your body, so the Holy Word of God will refresh and cleanse your soul. Have you read it today?

You may have handfuls of precious things in your possession, but if you have not the Word of God in your heart, you will find some day that your hands are empty of all these things, and you are thirsting for the Word which you would not believe. There are no Bibles in hell, and no precious promises for lost ones there.

I am glad to say that our friend in the desert was rescued, and his thirst was satisfied. This paper was handed to you, my friend, in order that your thirst might be satisfied by drinking deeply of the Living Water before it is forever too late.

"THE LAW OF THY MOUTH IS BETTER UNTO ME THAN THOUSANDS OF GOLD AND SILVER." PSALM 119:72.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1949

The Stolen Lunch

IN a rough little school house up in the mountains the new teacher rang the bell, and stood by the door as fifteen boys and girls trooped noisily in. They were very pleased when he told them they could make their own laws for school, and they would be written on the black board.

"No stealing," "No fighting," " No swearing," "No talking in school," were suggested, and after they were written down one of the big boys asked, "There's got to be punishment for disobeying the laws, hasn't there, Mr. Kingston?"

"Surely, Torn, what would you suggest?"

"Ten stripes across the back with the coat off," replied Torn readily.

For some days all went well. Then one noon big Tom came up to the teacher's desk looking so angry. "Somebody's stolen my lunch," he said.

The teacher called everyone in and then announced, "Tom's lunch has been stolen. I don't like to think that one of you is a thief, but someone in this room has taken it. Who was it?"

No one moved, so Mr. Kingston began searching each desk. When he got to Jimmie's turn, the little chap threw himself over the desk and cried, "No, no." Needless to say, the empty lunch box was found there!

"Whatever made you do it, Jimmie?" asked the teacher.

"I was so hungry, sir," sobbed Jimmie, "Pop's been away for five days, and we had no breakfast today."

"But Jimmie, had you told me, I would have given you some of my lunch. Come up to the front, you know the penalty for stealing."

Sobbing, Jimmie followed him to the front, where he was told to take his coat off. "Please, sir," pleaded Jimmie, "may I leave it on?"

"I'm sorry, Jimmie, but that's part of the penalty."

Reluctantly he took off his coat, and everyone gasped. "Where's your shirt, Jimmie?" exclaimed the teacher in amazement.

"I haven't got one, sir," he said.

Just then there was a noise in the class and they turned to see big Tom coming up to the front. As he came he was taking off his coat—"Whip me instead of Jimmie, Mr. Kingston," he said.

Across Tom's coatless back the teacher counted ten stripes he winced with pain as it struck, but never a sound escaped him.

Dear reader, does this make you think of the Lord Jesus of whom we read in Isa. 53: 7, "He was oppressed and. He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth"? He was bearing the punishment we deserved for our sins when He died on the cross, and He suffered it all that we might go free.

"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.

As Torn turned to put his coat on and return to his desk there was a little cry and up from his seat came Jimmie. Throwing his arms around the bigger boy's waist he buried his head in Tom's coat and wept. "Tom, I'll never forget you took my whipping. Thank you. I'll always be your friend."

Dear reader, have you ever thanked the Lord Jesus for dying for you? If not, why not do so now, and accept Him as your Saviour and Friend.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1949

Have You Done It?

YOU know the shepherd story of Luke 2: 8-20. Have you done what those shepherds did?

They were told the good news.

You have heard the Gospel.

They believed the message.

Have you believed it?

They acted upon it at once.

Have you come to Jesus?

They found the Saviour.

Have you accepted Him as your Saviour?

They made it known to others.

Have you told others about Him?

They glorified and praised God.

Are you glorifying and praising God?

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1949

The Little Colored Boy

TOM was a little colored boy, who always came to the Sunday School at the mission house in Africa. It was well known that Tom's father hated Jesus and hated the Sunday School and yet the boy continued to come regularly. One day we noticed that he was very restless in class, and asked him the reason. "I feel uneasy ' and worried," said Torn, "when I think of the blows my father will give me when I get home.'' You see the father was in the habit of beating his boy every time he came home from Sunday School.

The next Sunday Tom was in his usual place, but his eyes showed traces of tears. "How is it today, Toni?" "Well," he said, "I begged my father to give me the beating before Sunday School, so that I might be more attentive when you are telling us of the Lord Jesus."

Children, would you come to Sunday School if you knew you would be punished for it when you got home?

After about three months, Tom finally coaxed his father with him and hear for himself the story of the love of God in sending Jesus to die for sinners.

If you love Jesus, I know that you, too, will want to be at Sunday School where you can learn more about your Saviour.

"Suffer little children, and f or bidu them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19: 14.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1949

Faith"

Faith is just this:

Forsaking

All

Trust

Him.

"Without faith it is impossible to please Him [God]." Heb. 11: 6.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 10:25-11:2.

WE were noticing last week that Pharaoh wanted the children of Israel to leave their flocks and herds — their business interests — in Egypt. Moses said, "No! there shall not an hoof be left behind." May we who are saved have true purpose of heart to put the Lord first in everything. It is easy for some of us to become so ambitious that we allow money-making to come before the Lord's interests, and while it is right that we should provide for honest things in the sight of God and men, we ought to put first things first. A few hours spent for the Lord will yield a great deal better income in the end than a few hours of overtime at work. The need was never greater and the laborers are so few. May the Lord stir us up, dear young people, to live "unto Run." Let us devote our spare time to sitting at Jesus' feet and telling others of His love! How of ten we mourn as we see Christian young men and women of ability, devoting all they have, to lay up treasures here, and when asked to visit the sick, to teach a Sunday school class, or to do some little service for the Lord, they tell us that they "can't." Let us take our "flocks and herds" out of Egypt, "for thereof must we take to serve the Lord."

Love that transcends our highest powers,
Demands our soul, our life, our ALL.

How Pharaoh hated this definite, decided reply from Moses. He told him to get out and not see his face again. The world will soon be through with us if we are truly decided for Christ. Moses, too, was content to take the place of rejection, for he said, "Thou halt spoken well, I will see thy face no more." May we, in like manner, bid farewell to this Egypt world and have done with it coinpletely. Soon it will be a solemn reality that they will see our faces no more, for Jesus is coming!

God said He was going to send one plague more, and it was the worst of all. It was death. All the sorrows and trials of this world are as nothing compared with eternal banishment from the presence of God, and this is the "one plague more" which awaits you, dear reader, if outside of Christ. Turn to Him now, we beseech you, while He waits in grace.

We who are saved are now a despised people, following a rejected Christ, but soon the tables are going to be turned. Here in our chapter the children of Israel were slaves, while the Egyptians had all the wealth, but God was about to take them out of Egypt and He told them to ask their neighbors for their jewels, their gold, and their fine clothing. We, too, may see the world having all the seemingly good things now, and our young hearts are liable to draw back from the path of suffering which belongs to the Christian, but soon we shall be taken out of this world to be with Christ, and then, later, when He takes the purchased possession—the whole scene — He will take it in His saints. (Eph. 1: 18.) We will have all then as Christ's joint-heirs, and we shall never lose it. We shall have it without any sorrows or tears to spoil it, and our portion will be eternal. Dear young reader, it is worth waiting for! Let us not try to accumulate our jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and fine clothing now. Let us wait God's time—and it is very near. "Ye have need of patience . . . for yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Hebrews 10:36, 37.

Messages of God’s Love 3/20/1949

The Story of A Beggar

JUST outside the city of Jericho, Bartimaeus sat by the highway side begging. Perhaps he gathered in a few mites, enough to keep himself alive, but Bartimaeus could not see the people who passed in and out through the gate of Jericho, for he was blind.

One day, a great many footsteps came near his chosen spot, so many that he listened eagerly to hear the cause of such a crowd. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming, he began to call loudly, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me."

Many in the crowd told him to be quiet, but he did not obey them. He was listening for one voice, and he was ready to obey the voice of Jesus only. He shouted more loudly, and Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be brought to Hine,

When he knew that Jesus called him, he flung away his garment because he could come faster without it. Perhaps he had huddled that garment on many a chilly day, but he didn't need it now, he needed Jesus. Quickly he was brought to Him.

Then he heard the voice- that he wanted to hear: "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?"

The blind man said unto Him, "Lord, that I might receive my sight."

Now they had told Bartimaeus that the center of attraction in that great crowd was Jesus of Nazareth, but the poor blind beggar, who could not even see Him, knew more than they. He knew that this humble Stranger was the royal Son of David, • and he was ready to confess Him as Lord, before all that crowd. Surely he had not seen and yet had believed. That is what God calls "faith," and that is why Jesus said to him, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." Mark 10: 52.

Bartimaeus was blind no longer. He saw Jesus. He was no longer a beggar by the highway side for he followed Jesus in the way. But there was one "way" which Bartimaeus could not follow. Do you know where that "way" led? It led to the cross, where the Lord Jesus died alone, bearing our sins, in order that Bartimaeus, or any other sinner who believes in Him, might be saved, not only from poor blind eyes, but from his sins and eternal darkness.

My little reader, will you follow Bartimaeus, and come to Jesus? You do not need to shout loudly or go far, for He is near you, and is listening for your whisper today. Bartimaeus believed Him and confessed Him, and was saved. If you do that, then you, too, will want to follow Jesus in the way.

"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.

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1949

The Justice of God

A LITTLE girl of twelve was asked by her mother if she were afraid to die.

"No, Mother, I'm not afraid to die." "On what are you depending, my girl'?"

"On the justice of God."

Her mother was surprised and said, "You mean the mercy of God, don't you dear?"

"No, Mather, I mean the justice of God. You know, Mother, all my sins were laid on Jesus, and He bore my punishment. God in His justice cannot punish me too."

How sweet the faith of a child! GOD CANNOT PUNISH ME TOO! "Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." I Peter 2: 24.

If you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour, God cannot punish you; but if you reject Him, your sins await His punishment on your own head. Accept Jesus today as your substitute.

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1949

Something Different

A SCOTCH girl, converted under the preaching of Mr. Whitefield, said to her mother: "I don't know which has changed, the world or my heart, but one of them has, for everything seems different."

Did you think that it was a dull thing to become a Christian? Did you think it meant losing a lot of pleasure? The Word of God tells us "old things are passed away, behold all things are become new." 2 Cor. 5: 17. Not only does the Word of God say so but nobody who has ever come to Christ and taken Him as his Saviour has ever been sorry for it. Come to Him today and let Him fill your heart with His love.

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1949

God's ways with Israel (Part 3)

AT LAST Paul, then a prisoner in Rome, called the leaders of the nation to his lodging and reasoned with them from morning until evening. When they refused to hearken, he told them about the blindness which was about to fall upon them nationally. After this he dwelt in a hired house of his own, and welcomed all who came to see him. In this we can see that the message was no longer to the Jew first, but that anyone, whether Jew or Gentile, who came, would receive the blessing. Salvation is now offered to "whosoever will," and the Jews have, during this church period, lost their place of special privilege although grace will bring them in again later. (Romans 11:25.)

However, Jerusalem was still standing, with its beautiful and costly temple. The sacrifices were still being offered as though the one perfect Sacrifice of Christ were not sufficient. Strange as it seems to us, the Jews who professed faith in Christ were going on with the temple and its worship as well as meeting from week to week to break bread in remembrance of the Lord in His death. God was not going to bear with that mixture of things much longer, and the epistle to the Hebrews was written to call those who were really Christians to leave the temple and its ritual. God, who had for many years spoken to them through prophets, and even through angels, had now spoken in the person of His Son. There had been many priests in Judaism, but now there is only one Great High Priest — Christ. There were many types and shadows of better things to come in the tabernacle: now the better thing has come. There were many sacrifices under the law, but Christ has "by one offering . . . perfected for ever them that are sanctified." Hebrews 10: 14. There was once a mount that might be touched — Mt. Sinai — but now we come to a person — the Lord Jesus. Israel were an earthly people, but now believers, whether Jew or Gentile, have become part of "the church of the Firstborn which are written in heaven" and our center and home are with Christ in "the heavenly Jerusalem." (Hebrews 12: 22-24.)

Seeing then that the temple had been set aside, where should the believers meet? The Lord had promised to be in the midst of those who were gathered in His Name (Matt. 18: 20) , and so now they are exhorted, "Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach." Hebrews 13: 13. The believing Jews were called upon then, to leave all the ritual and ceremony of Judaism, and to gather around a rejected Christ. There they could offer their spiritual sacrifices — the fruit of their lips, giving thanks to His Name. What a blessed place it was, and still is! And the joy of being gathered thus around Himself is only known to those who have claimed His promise and meet according to His Word.

Very shortly after the epistle to the Hebrews had been written, Jerusalem, that wonderful city, was completely destroyed. The Roman general Titus came against it, and over a million Jews were either put to death or carried captive. Titus wanted to save the beautiful temple, but God had said it would be destroyed (Daniel 9: 26, Matt. 24: 2), and a drunken soldier set fire to it, thus fulfilling the Word of God. Jerusalem is still trodden down of the Gentiles, and will be until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. (Luke 21:24.)

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 11:142:4

THE Egyptians had become weary of the people of God, and they were going to be glad to see them go. The world, too, is becoming weary of the Christians, that is, of the true Christians who witness for their Lord and Saviour. The unsaved will no doubt be glad to have us out of the way when the Lord comes and takes us to heaven, but there will not be much gladness when God's awful judgments begin to fall upon them.

God said that when He took His people out of Egypt not even a dog would move his tongue against them. Imagine hundreds of thousands of people going out of Egypt in great haste, as they did, and not one dog barked! Surely God controls everything, and no man or beast can harm us unless He allows it.

Why should I ever careful be,

Since such a God is mine?

He watches o'er me night and day,

And tells me, "Thou art Mine."

One great question remained. If God began to act in judgment where would He stop? How could He bring judgment upon the Egyptians and pass over the children of Israel, for they were sinners and deserved the same judgment. God is holy and He must punish sin. How could he spare the firstborn of the Israelites and bring them to Canaan as His people, while killing the firstborn in the Egyptian homes. "The wages of sin is death," and the wages must be paid. Either the firstborn in every home must die, or a substitute must be provided. Moreover it must be a substitute which God would accept. No other would do; no other means could be found: but, blessed be God, He told them of the substitute, and assured them that He would accept it. He said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." How precious, how assuring!

"This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you." It was to be a new beginning and so God changed their calendar completely. From then on they used a different calendar from the Egyptians, and the Jews still use it today. Surely this reminds us of the new birth. We were born in sin and shapen in iniquity (Psalm 51:5) , and had our backs toward God. We were dead before Him and we must "begin" to live — we must be born again — before we can please God or enter heaven.

The children of Israel were to take a lamb for every house, and if there were any small households they could share the lamb with their neighbor. Surely there is a lesson for us in this. There could never be a household too large for the lamb (for it typified Christ), but there might be one that was too small. Perhaps the one who reads these lines is saved. Have you shared your knowledge of Christ with your neighbor? Have you told him of God's Lamb? Surely there is enough in Him to fill our hearts to overflowing so that there is a portion for others as well. Let us not keep the good news to ourselves but tell others that they, like the neighbors of the Israelites of old, may know the value of the sprinkled blood, and share the joy of feeding upon Christ in their homes.

Messages of God’s Love 3/27/1949

Bible Questions for April

"And that 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 Timothy 3:15.

"The Children's Class"

Each of the following quotations is a part of a verse in Acts, chapters 10-19.

When you have found them, write out each of the seven verses in full. Mark clown the chapter and verse also.

1."Burned them before all men."

2. "We must through much tribulation."

3. "Judge of quick and dead."

4. "He will judge the world in righteousness."

5. "Cleave unto the Lord."

6. "All that believe are justified."

7. "He gave not God the glory."

"The Young People's Class"
THE FLESH

Last month our questions were about "the world." Since the believer has three outstanding enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil, let us look at "the flesh" in our questions this month. Sometimes when the Scripture speaks of "the flesh," it refers to the physical body and nothing more. The answer to Question 1 is an example of this. However, "the flesh" is more generally used as a name for the old sinful nature in us, and as such we are warned against its lusts. We need hardly mention here that although the Lord Jesus came "in the likeness of sinful flesh" (NOT in sinful flesh), He was ever holy and did not have any evil inclination within. Let us be very clear about it: our blessed Saviour could not sin, for He is God the Son, and to say He could sin, is to deny His Deity.

But we who are part of a fallen race have that sinful nature (the flesh) within us, and it never improves no matter how long we live down here. However, we who are saved are not "in the flesh" as to standing before God (see Question 5). We have died in the death of Christ out of that place of condemnation, and are now "in Christ" in a perfect standing. Although the old nature is not actually dead, we are to reckon it dead (Rom. 6:11), and then by walking in the Spirit we are delivered from fulfilling its lusts. How blessed it will be when we are with Christ in the glory, for then the old nature will be gone, never to trouble us again. We shall enjoy His presence and His love without one distracting thought!

1. Write out a verse which speaks of the flesh as the body. Rev. 19.

2. Can these mortal bodies of flesh and blood enter the kingdom of God? 1 Corinthians 15.

3. What verse shows that there is no good in the flesh (the old nature) ? Romans 7.

4. What has God done with the old nature (sin in the flesh)? Rom. 8.

5. Does the believer stand "in the flesh" before God? Romans 8.

6. What are the three lusts that appeal to our natural hearts? 1 John.

7. How are we kept from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh? Galatians.

Special Notice

In order to assist us in making up the list of those who have answered the Bible Questions, please make a special effort to mail your April answers promptly.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1949

An Old Man And An Old Book

WHICH is older, the man or the book? The book, of course, for it is the oldest Book in the world — the holy Bible. The old man has not much longer to live. See his white beard and wrinkled face. The Book may show signs of old age, too, but its words will live for all eternity. Would you like to hear a little about this wonderful Book?

The first words were written nearly four thousand years ago, and the last words nearly two thousand years ago,

so you see, it took a little less than two thousand years to write it. No one except God could give us a nook like it, and He used "holy men of God" to do His bidding in writing the Scriptures. (2 Peter 1:21.)

The words were not written in English, but chiefly in Greek and Hebrew. Then God put it into the hearts of wise men to translate the Bible into our own language so that, even if you are only eight years old, you can begin to read it a little.

It was over five hundred years ago that a Christian man named John Wycliffe became troubled because so few people in England could read the Latin Bible which he loved. Many a long evening he worked with his candle and his pen, until the complete Bible was translated into English. It was against the law, however, to read or to possess one of these precious Bibles. God took care of the dear old man, but Satan hated him, and after his death, his enemies dug up his bones and burned them, though he was with Christ in glory.

Another wise man, Tyndale, translated the New Testament into English, but hundreds and hundreds of his testaments were gathered together in London, and burned in one huge wicked bonfire. Tyndale himself was tied to the stake, strangled, and his body burned to ashes. When he died he said, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes."

His prayer was answered. Not long afterwards, the King ordered that an English Bible should be chained in every church building so that anyone might come and read the precious Book, and leave it there for the next reader. The Book was then so expensive that scarcely anyone could afford to buy one. Now, through the mercy of God, a Testament is as cheap as a candy bar!

You see, Satan has tried hard to destroy every copy of God's Word, but he has not succeeded, and he never will. Everyone, young or old, who despises this Book will have to face it before God, in the day of judgment.

Let us give thanks to God for it and pray for kings and governors, that God may dispose their hearts to give us the liberty to read and obey the Word of God as long as the Lord leaves us here.

"HEAVEN AND EARTH SHALL PASS AWAY , BUT MY WORDS SHALL NOT PASS AWAY." MATTHEW 24:35.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1949

Follow Me

WHILE speaking to some of the little girls in my class one day, I asked them what two words the Lord Jesus said to Philip when He found him.

"Follow Me," was the quick reply.

Then I said, "Those two words also mean you, dear girls, what is your answer to Jesus?"

"I mean to follow Him some day," said one.

"I should like to follow Him, too," said another.

But one little girl did not make any answer. She was very quiet and thoughtful, and so our little class broke up.

The next Sunday the silent little girl put a small note into my hand, which read like this:

"I came to Jesus this afternoon, and in answer to that question is this: I will arise and follow my own dear Saviour."

"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.

Dear reader, what is your answer to this question? If you are not saved, I know you do not want to follow Jesus; but if you are, you will find that the path of true happiness is to walk in His ways day by day.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 12:5-8.

THERE were specific instructions as to the lamb which the children of Israel were to take. It must be without blemish and a male of the first year. All this pointed on to Christ, our passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5: 7) , the holy, sinless One who alone could bear the judgment of sin for us. Their lamb was to be kept from the tenth day to the fourteenth day and this would no doubt tell us of Christ walking down here in His path of perfect obedience to the glory of God His Father before He laid down His life at the cross. Notice, too, that it says that the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel were to kill it in the evening. Although there were many lambs killed in the many homes, they are spoken of as one, for they typified the •one sacrifice of Christ whose shed blood alone can shelter us from coming judgment.

The blood was to be caught in a basin, and then a bunch of hyssop was taken, dipped in it, and the blood was sprinkled on the lintel (the top) and on the two side posts of their home. The blood had no saving value to them while in the basin. It had to be sprinkled as God had said, and yet how many boys and girls know all about the blood of Christ but they have never applied it to their own personal need. To them it is still "in the basin."

After they had sprinkled the blood they were to go into their homes and remain there until the morning. Dear young reader, are you saved? Are you under the shelter of the blood of Christ? Do not go out into the world then. Shut your "door" and remain in separation until Christ comes for us as the bright and Morning Star. This was most important for the children of Israel, as it is for us, for there was danger in the streets of Egypt, and in the homes of the Egyptians who were not under the shelter of the blood.

You will say then that there is nothing to do in this separated path. Oh yes, there is plenty to do! The Israelites were to be feeding on the roast lamb and preparing for their journey. No doubt most of those homes were very busy places as they prepared to leave Egypt, never to return.

The lamb was to be cooked in a certain way, too. It was not to be eaten raw, nor boiled (sodden with water), but roasted in the -fire. Knowing that this lamb speaks of Christ we can see that we are to think of Him as the One who bore the full storm of God's judgment against sin (the fire) . The Israelites could not eat of it raw for we cannot have part with Christ except through His death; nor was the lamb to be boiled, for cooking it in that way it would not be exposed to the full heat of the fire. All these things were types and shadows, for the Lord Jesus bore the full storm of God's judgment against sin and therefore the passover which pointed on to Him must be roast with fire.

The roast lamb was to be eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, too. Leaven in the Bible always speaks of evil, and so the only way we can enjoy thinking of Christ in His sufferings and death is to walk in separation from evil. Then the bitter herbs would tell us of the fact that we should always remember what it cost God to put away our sins, for the bearing of our sins was indeed a bitter thing to the holy Lamb of God. These two things were to he eaten with the passover lamb.

Messages of God’s Love 4/3/1949

Our Collie

NEVER a groundhog escaped from our collie — never, except one.

Though our farm was unusually free of groundhogs, we did occasionally see one sitting on top of a little hill, or running clumsily across a corner of the field. If Collie did not see him first, a whistle from us would soon bring him bounding to the spot and then — poor Mr. Groundhog!

Our farm was sandy, and if he could not corner the fellow out of doors, his front paws made the earth fly. Mr. Groundhog was not safe anywhere, when our collie set to work to dig him out.

But one groundhog was too wise for him. More than once our stubborn collie has had to give up, with his front paws bruised and bleeding, for this groundhog had his home in a rock. Collie could not understand it. Somehow he never could catch that fellow away from home, and, once home, he was perfectly safe even from our clever collie. Wise old Mr. Groundhog!

Boys and girls, are you as wise as that? Many a child, yes, and grown-ups too, have tried to escape from sin and Satan by their own efforts, and have been lost forever. But some have been wise, and have hidden in Christ, and are safe.

Are you safe in Christ, my reader, just as the groundhog was safe in the rock? If you are safe in Christ no one can pluck you out of His mighty Hand. If you know Him as your Saviour, then you have a safe Hiding Place — eternally safe. When God looks upon you, He sees you "holy and without blame before Him in love" and someday He will receive you into His spotless Home in Heaven.

Without Christ, you are lost. In Christ you are saved forever. My little reader, which is it with you today?

"GOD IS MY ROCK . . . IN HIM WILL I TRUST." 2 Samuel 22:3.

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1949

Little Sister's Fears

BIG sister was downstairs doing homework in the lighted kitchen, but little sister had to go to bed all alone. There was just a glimmer of light from the hall in her bedroom, just a little sound of nighthawks in the dark sky outside, but . everything else was quite out of sight in the darkness.

Little sister didn't want to go to bed. She wasn't sleepy and she was very much afraid. Her mind was crowded with thoughts, and most of them were unhappy thoughts, too. Perhaps you will think she was very foolish to think about bears and wolves and wild .men as she lay there in the dark, but maybe my little reader has felt, the same fears which seem very foolish in the daylight, but they are very real and miserable in the dark.

But little sister knew the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and although she was very small, God had sent His Holy Spirit to live in her little body, and to bring verses from the Bible to her memory. As she lay all alone in the dark, God by His Holy Spirit reminded her of a verse that she had read in Col. 3. "Set your mind on things above." It was a very short verse, short enough for a little girl to remember, but powerful enough to send all a little girl's fears away.

She began to set her mind on things above, and what wonderful thoughts they were! Who is above? Why, God the Father, and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ! The same God who longs to have all His children in His happy home, and the same Saviour who has the nail-prints in His hands and feet because He died for little sister. The same Lord who is coming in the air to take her to live in a better, purer, happier home than she can possibly imagine.

And where were all the f earful thoughts that had crowded her little mind before? Satan had sent them but God had driven them all away with one verse from His holy Word, and long before big Sister came to bed she was sound asleep. How very much He cares, even about the foolish fears of a little girl! My reader may be very small or quite grown up, but let me tell you that there is for you, the cure for many a heartache, sorrow, and fear in those little words, "Set your mind on things above." Col. 3:2. N.T.

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1949

Grandfather's Watch

DORIS was playing down by the river with some of her girl friends and Maxine was talking about all the wonderful things her grandfather had said and done. Doris was tired of hearing it over and over again — she knew that Maxine's grandfather didn't have such a wonderful watch as hers did! She suddenly decided to run home and get it—nobody would ever know, and she'd put it back again tonight.

How their eyes popped when Doris brought the watch, and Maxine didn't even mention her grandfather again!

Soon it was supper time and Doris, being chilly, ran home fast and then she remembered the watch. She must put it back in its place at once, but when she felt in both her pockets, the watch was gone!

"Oh, Mother," she said, "I've forgotten something. I'll have to run and get it."

But she didn't have to go far, for there lying on the street, where she had run across, was the watch. But at that second a truck turned the corner — and ran over it! Poor Doris! It was too smashed to ever be fixed, but carefully she gathered it into her handkerchief. What should she do?

Putting it out of sight in the bottom of her drawer in a little white box didn't make her forget it! All the next day it bothered her, too, and then at supper time, Mr. Dack said, "Mother, I noticed grandfather's watch isn't in its case in my drawer, where is it?"

Before her mother could answer, Doris turned white and dropped her spoon, splashing the soup all over the table cloth. The watch was soon forgotten — but not by Doris. It seemed to hang right over her head all the time! Her mother always prayed about things and asked the Lord to help her find things — what if she should pray about the watch? All evening the clock seemed to tick louder than usual, and Doris was sure it was saying, "Doris sinned, Doris sinned, she stole a watch, she stole a watch."

The next day at school everything seemed to go wrong, and when she was setting the table for supper that night she broke one of the best dishes. She threw herself on the couch and cried and cried.

Her mother came to the couch and putting her arm around her asked, "Doris, whatever is the matter?"

"Oh," sobbed Doris, "everything I do goes wrong — I can't do anything right."

Mrs. Dack looked up to the Lord about it and for an answer the verse, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper," came to her mind.

"Doris," she asked, "are you covering anything up? You know God says in His Word, 'He that covereth his sins shall not prosper' and if you are covering up something sinful it is very displeasing to the Lord. The verse ends this way — 'But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.' "

For a moment Doris was silent, and then with another burst of tears she told the whole story of the watch. How badly her mother felt, and father, too, when he came home! He had to punish her severely and also spoke to her of the seriousness of sin in God's sight, reminding her that we read in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Doris sobbingly knelt at her father's knee and confessed to the Lord her sin in taking the watch and then hiding it from her parents. And though sorry that she had grieved the Lord, and caused her parents so much sorrow, yet she was happy to know that she was forgiven.

"Thou God seest me." Gen. 16: 13.

Don't forget children — "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." Prov. 28: 13.

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 12:9-11.

WE are living in days when even Christians do not seem to realize the awfulness of sin. It is looked upon very lightly, but if we had been in the homes of one of those Israelites on that passover night, no doubt a deep feeling of solemnity would have come over us. Terrible plagues had been falling on Egypt, and that night the destroying angel was to pass through and slay the firstborn in every home where the blood had not been sprinkled. The doors were shut and the solemnity of death was felt. While they could, and did, enjoy the roast lamb, the unleavened bread was not a tasty food, and certainly the bitter herbs were not very pleasant to eat. Then, too, they were a hated people, expecting to leave Egypt at any moment. Their loins were girded and each had his staff in his hand while they ate in haste. They were not indulging in Egypt's pleasures, and their staff spoke of dependence and readiness for the journey to Canaan. The reason they ate it in haste was because they were not to be time wasters. Life is very short and it is easy to just waste our time until we find that the best of our life is gone — spent for self. Someone once penned the following lines which we may well consider as we think of the waste time in our lives.

"Lost, one golden hour, somewhere between sunrise and sunset; set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for it is gone forever.

A few more remarks might be fitting at this time, too. The passover pointed on to the cross; the Lord's supper looks back to it: and one feels that a still deeper solemnity should characterize our coming together to remember Him in His death than there was in the observance of the passover by the Israelites. There should not be any lightness on such occasions, but instead, that which was seen in type in the passover should be felt in its full reality at the Lord's table. How unbecoming at such a time to see the world in its fashion, its ways, and its light talk, and then sometimes to find that the remembrance feast is followed by the making of plans to spend the remainder of the day for one's own pleasure! We do well to lay to heart that word, "Let none of you go out at the door of his house until the morning." With the Israelites it was a literal thing, but for us it would mean that we are to be a people truly separated unto the Lord.

How we long to find these things more definitely seen among the people of God. First, thinking of (feeding on) Christ as the One who bore the full judgment of God against sin; secondly, separation from all that is evil (the unleavened bread) , and then a deep sense of what our sins cost the Lord (the bitter herbs) . Next, they were to have girded loins, for the desires and affections of the natural man were to be kept under control. Then, lastly, each one was to have his staff in hand and his shoes on his feet while he ate the passover in haste. Our privilege of remembering the Lord in His death is only until He comes. May we be watching and waiting for Him, and not be found on the streets of this Egypt-world when the marching orders are given in the "morning."

Messages of God’s Love 4/10/1949

The Huge Tree

WHAT a game of hide-and-seek we could have around a huge old tree like this! It must be tall, and very, very old. No wonder the three visitors are admiring it.

Perhaps you have not seen a tree as large as this, but I am going to tell you the story of a huge old elm tree in the province of Quebec. It was many hundreds of years old, and so large that a dozen children could scarcely encircle it with their arms. High in the sky, the beautiful green leaves tossed through storm or sunshine, casting shade and shelter for old and young. There it stood by Mr. Hamel's front door for years and years.

But it didn't stand forever. Trees don't and men don't either. Boys and girls are often tall and strong, and they love to run and jump, but this won't last forever. There comes a day, if the Lord leaves us here, when even the tallest and strongest of us must lie down in death.

A neighbor came to Mr. Hamel's door one day, to tell him that the branches of the old tree were falling on his shed. Mr. Hamel laughed and said, "Trees lose their branches just as we lose our hair. We don't die of that." But the neighbor was not satisfied, and when he left, Mr. Hamel knew there was only one thing to do—cut it down!

All the family and relations for miles around came to watch the death of the grand old tree. Their first task was to plan where the tree could fall safely, and then they took turns at chopping. It was a work of many hours but at last, just at sunset, the huge mass of greenery high in the sky trembled and crashed heavily over the road and into the field. Everyone hushed a moment. Old Grandfather Hamel sobbed softly. Then the men set to work again, for the road must be cleared for tomorrow.

God has a warning for you in the fall of that tree and of every other tree. Eccles. 11: 3 says, "In the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be." He wants to remind you that, after death, it is too late to change the place where you have gone. The men who chopped the Hamel elm tree were careful, from the first stroke of the axe, that it should fall just where they had planned, Where have you planned to go, if death should come to you? Remember, when you lie down in death, your eternal destiny will be settled, too late for change.

If our reader is one of those who trust in. Jesus, you are ready to answer, I know I am going to be with my Saviour, who said, "I go to prepare a place for you." John 14: 2. If you do not know Jesus, then why live without Him any longer? Let the fallen tree be a warning to you while it is still the day of God's grace, for He says:

IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT." HEBREWS 9:27.

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1949

Jennie's Problem Solved

THOUGH the schoolroom contained more than thirty boys and girls, it was very quiet for everyone was busy writing an examination. In the corner farthest from the teacher's desk sat Jennie. She was very busy biting the end of her pencil, and frowning. She usually smiled, but now she was frowning as she looked at the second question for it WOULDN'T come right.

"I can't see where it's wrong," she told herself as she took another bite at her pencil. Glancing around the room she wondered if anyone else was having the same trouble she was, or was she very stupid? Each head was bent over the paper, except for Bob Jones, who, true to his name, bobbed his head from morning till night.

He had seen Jennie frowning, and as soon as he caught her eye, he raised his eyebrows and looked puzzled—asking as plainly as if he had said it, "What is the trouble?"

Jennie held up two fingers, and frowned harder than ever. Then she remembered that the rules for examinations said there was to be no communication with each other in any way, so once more she bent her head over the paper.

Presently something struck her arm and fell to the floor. It was a piece of paper rolled into a little ball, and a glance at Bob's face told that it came from him. Jennie shook her head at him—if the teacher saw them it would mean serious trouble, and Jennie did not want to get Bob into a scrape.

Bob held up two fingers and nodded toward the paper, and Jennie knew what he meant—the problem was worked out on the paper. She leaned over to get it, and then suddenly remembered—that would be cheating!

Bob was watching, so with a decided shake of her head she bent over her work, and he turned to his with a look of disgust. For some minutes Jennie worked at it again, but it WOULDN'T come right. The paper was still lying on the floor at her feet, and it looked very tempting. She had tried so hard, and this would end her trouble.

"The others do it, and they say it's no harm," thought Jennie. "Bob expected me to, and I know he thinks me a little goose—but I'll be an honest one anyway," and she sighed.

Sometimes boys and girls forget what an awful thing sin is in the presence of a holy God. Cheating is sin, and just one sin which had not been cleansed away in the blood of Christ would shut a sinner out of heaven forever. What does it matter if others laugh at us? Let them laugh if they wish. Many a boy or girl has been laughed into hell, but no one has ever been laughed out of it. It is much wiser to know that our sins have been put away in the precious blood of Christ, and to know that we are pleasing Him, than to be well thought of by those who do not love Him, and will not come to Him.

Just then there flashed through her mind one verse of a hymn she had learned in Sunday School. It was this:

"Have we trials and temptations,

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged

Take it to the Lord in prayer."

"I wonder if it would do any good to pray over this problem," thought Jenny, "it's 'trouble' to me."

She leaned her head on her hand and in a very few words asked the Lord Jesus, whom she had already trusted as her Saviour, to help her with this question.

Once more she set to work, and going over each part carefully, found her mistake; and this time she worked it out correctly.

Again she leaned her head on her hand, and thanked the Lord for His goodness in hearing and answering her prayer.

"Ask the Saviour to help you, Comfort, strengthen and keep you; He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through."

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4: 16.

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1949

Only Think!

MRS. Foster, a Christian lady of nearly eighty years, had for a long time been laid on a sick bed. She was cared for by her daughter and her granddaughter, who used to bring her breakfast on a tray every morning. Then she stayed in bed till about noon when her helpers came, and, with their assistance she was allowed to sit up for a while.

One morning, having finished her breakfast, the dear old lady felt stronger than she had for some time, and thought she would try to get up. To her surprise she was not only able to get up but managed to dress herself, too. Before long, her daughter heard the noise and hurried upstairs. She was completely surprised to find her mother all dressed and sitting in a chair.

Her mother smiled happily at her surprise, and then opened her mouth to speak. "ONLY THINK . . ." There was a sudden pause,—her lips closed, and she was gone.

What a message from the lips of someone just passing into eternity. Nobody knows what she was going to say, but I would ask you to read those words again. "ONLY THINK!"

"Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!" Deut. 32: 29.

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 12:12, 13.

THE head, the legs, and the purtenance (the inward parts) of the passover lamb were all to be eaten. This would tell us of how we can feed upon Christ, in a spiritual way, as the One whose every thought (His head) , every action (His legs), and all the inward motives of His heart, were perfectly pleasing to God His Father. It is, however, only through His atoning death that we can do so, and therefore the passover lamb had to be roast with fire before they could eat it. How good to know that we do not have to be occupied with ourselves, with all our blemishes, but with Christ that blessed One in whom the Father found all His delight.

None of the roast lamb was to be left until the morning, and if any of it did remain, it was to be burned with fire. They were not to look upon it lightly, and if they ate it the next morning there might have been a tendency to do so. It was therefore to be burned with fire, so that there might not be any lessening in their minds of the awful judgment of sin.

Of course the children of Israel did not understand all this. To them it was a test of obedience. Some people want to understand everything in the Bible before they will believe it. They never can, and it would not require faith if they did. It was not a question of what the Israelites thought about the blood, nor of their opinion of the way the feast was kept; God had spoken and that was enough. He was satisfied with i he sprinkled blood and it alone made them safe from the judgment which was to fall. They were sinners like the Egyptians, but God did not say, "When I see your good deeds," or "when I see your good intentions," or even "when 1 see your faith," No, God said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." What assurance! Their faith might have been weak, but as long as there was enough faith to believe God and sprinkle the blood, they were perfectly safe. Perhaps the one who reads these lines is wondering if he has enough faith. Do not think about this any longer, dear young reader, but think rather of how the Lord Jesus is worthy of your fullest confidence. Your faith may be as weak as that of the woman who touched the hcm of Jesus' garment, but the moment she touched HIM she was healed. It is not a question of the amount of your faith, but is it in HIM—in Christ? If it is, you are perfectly safe for time and eternity. May the Lord help you to forget about yourself, and your feelings, and look to Him alone. Trust, in His precious blood alone for your salvation, for God has declared, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

The Israelites were to keep the Passover feast each year at the appointed time. They were never to forget about the blood which sheltered them from judgment. They had to kill another lamb every year for a memorial, but Christ, our Passover (1 Cor. 5:7) has died for sin once (Rom. 6:10), and now the work of redemption is eternally complete. But although we are not told to kill a lamb in commemoration of the Lord's death for us, we who are saved have the privilege of remembering Him in death in His own appointed way. Like the disciples of old we can meet to break bread on the first day of each week. (Acts 20: 7). The loaf placed on the table tells us of Christ's body given in death for us, while the cup speaks of His precious blood shed for the remission of our sins.

Messages of God’s Love 4/17/1949

Evening Shadows

IT is evening, and the old lady has come down by the fence to watch for her husband coming up from the fields. The turkeys are picking up a few last mouthfuls before going to roost, and the sun is casting long, long shadows across the grass.

The old lady is thinking. She has had her joys and sorrows too, as every old lady has. Perhaps she had little boys and girls like you who played

among the trees years ago, but now it is sunset and autumn-time, and her hair is silvery white. What do you suppose she is thinking about?

It will not be long before the long, long shadows have grown so big that they fill her garden with nothing else but shadows, and then it will be night. I wonder if, as she walks home in the twilight, she can think of this happy little hymn:

" 'Tis all sunshine there, Lord,

No sighing nor care, Lord,

But glory so fair at Thy coming again!"

You see, there are no shadows in heaven at all, and no sun to go down at night. The Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the light of heaven, and He leaves no corner in darkness. In His light, every spot of sin shows up plainly, and that is why He says, "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth," ("anything that defileth" means anything unclean.) Not one unclean sin will be allowed in the light of God's presence in heaven. How wonderful to know that our God is ready to forgive you now, through His Son Jesus. "Through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38. Not all the light of heaven can show up one sin on a child whom God has "justified from all things."

It is not all sunshine here, is it children? Many a day God sends pouring rain when we plan a picnic outdoors. God wants to remind us, even when we are small, that our rest is in heaven, our rest is not here. We hope that, even on the rainiest days, you can sing that happy little hymn about the sunshine in heaven, and know that that joy will be yours forever, -when the Lord Jesus comes for His own.

"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." REVELATION 21:23.

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1949

"Here I Am, Friends"

MANY years ago a man who loved the Lord Jesus went to live in a small village in France. He had heard that there was no one there who could tell the people of God's love for them, but, sad to say, the peasants in that village were not anxious to hear his message, and though he tried to help them in every way he could, they disliked him very much.

At one time a group of the rougher men of the village decided to stop him on his way home, and ill-treat him. Sunday was the day this was to be done, but someone told Mr. Oberlin what had been planned.—-

Not at all frightened by the news, he preached as usual' arid took for his text Matt. 5:39, "But 1 Say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." All the men came to hear him preach and afterwards met at a house where they laughed among themselves as they wondered what the preacher would do when they fell upon him. Suddenly to their surprise, the door opened, and there he stood in front of them and said, "1:141v I am, friends. I have been told you wish to punish me for what I do. If you are still going to do so, I thought it was better that I should come to you than that you should lie in wait for me."

The peasants were so ashamed of themselves they asked him to forgive them for their wicked intentions.

How wonderful this is, dear children! This man's grace and love, in coming to his enemies, broke down their hard hearts. The Lord Jesus also came to His enemies, His heart overflowing with love and grace, but, except for a few, they would not receive Him, and spitefully nailed Him to the cross.

He knew they would do this, yet He came, for there was no other way by which we could be saved. So Christ died for sinners, "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Has His gracious love broken down your heart?

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1949

God's Ways With Israel (Part 4)

LAST month we came to the point where the Roman general Titus destroyed Jerusalem, and then, as God had foretold centuries before, "desolations" began (Daniel 9:26) . Yes, Jerusalem has been trodden under foot of the Gentiles for many a long year, and the Jews are a "proverb and a byword" among all the nations where they are scattered (Luke 21:24; 2 Chron. 7:20) . They have, however, kept their identity according to Balaam's prophecy (Numbers 23:9) , but God has hidden His face from them, and will, "till they acknowledge their offense," Hosea 5: 15—till they own their guilt in having crucified their Messiah.

The Church, which was formed on the day of Pentecost, has made a parenthesis in the ways of God. Now, when a Jew or a Gentile accepts Christ as his Saviour, he loses his national identity before God, and becomes part of the Church. This church period has lasted almost two thousand years, but it will soon end. When the last soul has been saved, then Christ will come as the Bridegroom for the Church (His bride) and take her to heaven.

The times of the Gentiles are thus nearing their end, and the promised blessing is soon to come to Israel. Some of the Jews have already gone back to Palestine, but the great gathering back is yet to come. After the Lord has come and taken the Church to heaven, then God will begin to work in the hearts of his earthly people again, and vast numbers will go back to their land, mostly in unbelief (Isaiah 18: 1-6) . The Western nations of Europe, having formed a confederacy of ten kingdoms (Rev. 17: 12-14) —the revived Roman Empire—will agree to help and protect these returning Jews and give them possession of their homeland (Dan. 9:27). God speaks of this as an "agreement with hell" and says that it will not stand (Isaiah 28: 18) . However, the Jews, thinking they have obtained what they have long desired, will build a great and seemingly prosperous center for themselves in Palestine. They will rebuild the temple, and even commence to offer their sacrifices again. There will be a godly remnant among these Jews who will go out to proclaim that the Messiah is coming to set up His kingdom, and vast numbers among the heathen will believe their message (Matt. 24: 14; Rev. 7:4-9) .

Two great super men will be manifested about this time—one, the head of the revived Roman Empire (the beast) , and the other, the head of the apostate Jews in Jerusalem (the antichrist) . These two men will work together, directly energized by Satan, forcing everyone to receive the mark of the beast and worship his image. The antichrist will stop the offering of sacrifices in the temple, and will seat himself there as God, showing great signs and wonders (2 Thess. 2: 3-9) . The godly ones will refuse both the mark of the beast and the worship of his image, but they will be persecuted and many will have to flee for their lives. However, God will undertake for them, giving them the protection of some favorable nation during the days of the antichrist's power (Rev. 12:15, 16) . Some will even be put to death, but these will receive heavenly blessing for they will be given part in the first resurrection (Rev. 20: 4) . Those who are not martyred, and who faithfully "endure unto the end," will come into the blessing of the kingdom on earth.

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 12:14-20.

THE Lord knew how quickly the Israelites would forget what He had done for them, and so He gave them the feast of the passover year by year. He knew, too, how quickly we would forget about Christ's suffering and death for us, so He has given us this precious remembrance feast—the Lord's supper. As time went on the children of Israel gave great importance to the feast itself but quickly forgot its meaning. Alas! how many today partake of the Lord's supper and think but little, if they think at all, of what it cost the Lord Jesus to bear our sins in His own body on the tree.

The feast of unleavened bread was also to be observed. The passover had to be eaten with unleavened bread, and then they were not to eat anything with leaven in it for six days more—seven days in all. Leaven as we know is a type of evil (1 Cor. 5:8) , and so we can see that there was to be complete separation from evil following the eating of the passover. As we think of what it cost Christ our Passover to bear our sins, surely we too will want to be in separation from this present evil world and its ways. How can we join hands with this Christ-rejecting world and seek our pleasure here? Not only were the Israelites told not to eat leaven, but they were to put it out of their homes entirely. Let us, dear readers, ask ourselves the question, "What about our homes—and our rooms, too?" What kind of pictures are on the walls? What kind of books or magazines are lying around? What are we talking about or listening to, perhaps on the radio? If the Lord Jesus were to walk into our homes unexpectedly, would we wish we could hide a few things? Do we forget that He sees them all the time? May the Lord give us each the needed exercise before Him, that we may put away the "leaven" out of our houses. Remember, not only was the use of leaven forbidden, but it was not even to be found in their homes. It was to be put outside for seven days—the whole week through! If you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, dear reader, why not start today? Look over your room and put out all that is not pleasing Him, and then with His help keep it clear of leaven. Perhaps someone may say, "But we are not under law!" Yes, that is true, and God does not say to us, "Thou shalt not" as in the law; but do we not delight to please the Lord, who gave up all for us?

Many, many years ago some men and women who lived in Ephesus had used "curious arts" before they were saved. They had many expensive books about these things, but since they had found the Lord Jesus as their Saviour they had no further use for their books. One day they all came together and made a great bonfire, destroying every one (Acts 19: 19). They could have sold them for fifty thousand pieces of silver, but they did not wish to sell them. They were bad books and they did not want anyone else to use them, so they suffered the loss here—though it is gain above! No one had told them that they must destroy their books, but they loved the blessed Saviour who had died for them, and they decided, like the Israelites of old, to put away the "leaven" out of their houses. There are still some "curious arts" today, and may we imitate the faith of these dear Ephesian believers and put them away!

Messages of God’s Love 4/24/1949

To Our Dear Readers

ANOTHER year has passed by, and this issue begins our fifty-first year. How thankful we are that it is still our privilege to send out the "Messages of the Love of God." The world is becoming darker, and as we enter another year we wonder if it will be the last, for we are expecting the Lord to come at any moment.

When He comes with a shout, to gather His own to heaven, the door of grace will be shut, and shut forever. Many will then come saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us," but it will be too late. The only answer they will receive will be, "Verily I say unto you, I know you not." How solemn this will be! We earnestly beseech each one of our readers to decide for Christ as your Saviour now, if you have not already done so. There is no time to be wasted in this all-important matter.

When you have answered the Bible Questions this month, then ask the Lord to help you to do them every month throughout the year. If you begin to search for them as soon as you get your paper, it will not take very long, but if you put them off until some other time, you are liable to forget all about them. As you grow older you will be thankful for the chapters you have read and the verses you have committed to memory. God's Word reminds us to be diligent in His things; it says, "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Romans 12:11. Let us then answer the questions neatly and promptly each month, and encourage our friends to answer them too.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1949

Bible Questions for May

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in Acts, chapters 20-28.

1. "When I have a convenient season."

2. "Almost thou persuadest me."

3. "It shall be even as it was told me."

4. "I am ready not to be bound only."

5. "Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."

6. "Be of good cheer, Paul."

7. "He thanked God, and took courage."

The Young People's Class
Satan

Satan :is a real person; not just an evil influence. He is spoken of by many names in Scripture, such as the devil, the dragon, the serpent, and let us not forget that he has real power, too. He has gained control over man through his lusts ever since Adam listened to him instead of God in the garden of Eden.

Satan is spoken of as the god and prince of this world, and, having blinded the minds of the lost, who either deny his existence or do not realize his power, he leads them on to a lost eternity. Those who choose the devil and his service rather than Christ, must share his doom, for the lake of fire was "prepared for, the" devil and his angels."

But Satan’s power has been defeated for the believer. The Lord Jesus, the Second has defeated him. As the obedient, dependent Man He met Satan, and having ,bound him He began to "spoil his goods." Then, by His death on Calvary, He completely annulled his power for us. As long as we walk in obedience to God and His Word, Satan has no power over us. Even death, over which he once had power, now belongs to the believer (1 Cor. 3:22). Satan sometimes comes to us as a roaring lion; then at other times he comes as an angel of light, and the only way for us to meet him is to answer every temptation by the Word of God, By the word of Thy lips have kept me from the paths of the destroyer." Psalm 17:4.

1. What were the first four words Satan (the serpent) said to Eve in the garden? Genesis 3.

2. What were the first three words the Lord said to Satan in the wilderness? Matthew 4.

3. What did Satan (Lucifer) say, which caused his fall? Isaiah 14,

4. Who is the only man into whom Satan himself entered? John 13.

5. Who is the accuser of our brethren? Revelation 12.

6. Who walk's about as a roaring lion, and how do we resist him? 1 Peter.

7. How could Satan's ministers come to us? 2 Corinthians.

Note: The names of those receiving rewards for answering the Bible Questions will be published June 12 (D. V.)

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1949

Can You Answer This Question?

WHAT kind of horses drink when they come to water?" This is the question a Sunday School teacher asked his boys one day. Wasn't that a strange question? One boy said, "Brown horses"; another, "black horses"; another, "horses that pull heavy loads." But none of them was quite right. I think you may already have guessed the right answer, which was soon given by one of the boys: "Thirsty horses." "That's right," said the teacher, "and now I want some boy to read John 7:37." Soon the verse was found and read, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink."

The boys were told that the Lord Jesus was waiting for them to come to Him. And He is waiting for you, too, dear reader. Oh, if only you knew how much you need Him, and how very much He wants you!

"I heard the voice of Jesus say,

Behold I freely give

Tire living water, thirsty one,

Stoop down and drink and live.'

I came to Jesus and I drank

Of that life-giving stream;

My thirst was quenched; my soul revived;

And now I live in Him."

"AND LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY." REVELATION 22:17.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1949

Something More Than Gold

A certain man of whom we read,

Who lived in days of old,

Though he was rich, he felt his need

Of something more than gold.

Chorus:

O yes, my friend, there's something more,

Something more than gold.

To know your sins are all forgiven

Is something more than gold.

It happened on a certain day

This little man was told,

That Jesus soon would pass that way

With something more than gold.

He climbed a tree above the crowd,

So that he might behold

The blessed One with power to give

Something more than gold.

The Saviour came along the way,

And saw him in the tree,

Then calling to him Jesus said,

"I must abide with thee."

So he obeyed, and soon he found

The half had not been told,

The blessing Jesus brought to him

Was better far than gold.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 12:21-36.

FULL instructions had been given about how they were to keep the passover and the feast of unleavened bread, hut it was not enough to know all about these things: the children of Israel must act. Moses said, "Draw out and take you a lamb." Perhaps the reader of these lines may know all about Christ, but have you received Him for your own personal need? If not, we plead with you to do so now, before the night of judgment comes upon this Egypt-world.

"A bunch of hyssop was to be used to sprinkle the blood on the lintel and side posts of their homes. Hyssop was a common weed, and it would remind us of how useless we are in ourselves—only fit for the fire of judgment. Some people do not like to admit this. I was speaking to a lady today who said she did not think she deserved to go to hell. She was satisfied with her own good works and did not feel her need of Christ as her Saviour. She refused to take her place as a sinner—just a useless "bunch of hyssop" fit for the fire—and therefore she would not have the shed blood of Christ to shelter her from judgment. God did not say, "When I see how good you are," for "There is none good, no not one." But God said "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." You and I are just as useless as a bunch of hyssop in ourselves, but through Christ's finished work we are "accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6,

Perhaps their children would ask why they kept the passover, and they were to be ready to explain. God told them exactly what to say. Our children often ask questions too! Are we ready to answer them from God's Word? May we always (lo so for the Lord's honor and glory.

I suppose while these instructions and warnings were being given to the Children of Israel, the Egyptians were having a good time; but their good time did not last very long, for the promised judgment came, and then what an awakening there was: There was one dead in every home where the blood had not been sprinkled. People do not like to have their rest disturbed now, but the Egyptians were surely disturbed that night, but it was too late. What an awakening there will be for this poor world when the Lord comes and takes His own to heaven. Their rest will surely be disturbed then, as they cry, "Lord, Lord, open to us;" only to find that it is forever too late.

Pharaoh called for Moses and told him they could go, and take their children, their flocks, and everything they had. The- Egyptians seemed to be glad to be rid of them. They gave them all they needed for their journey, too; and the children of Israel went gladly, for they were READY. The world today is becoming weary of the true Christian and his testimony for Christ, and they would like to get us out of the way. Not long ago a very well educated man said, "We could do without any of those Christians!" Well, he is going to have his wish, perhaps sooner than he expects, but it will be a sorry day for him when they are all gone and he finds the door of grace shut forever. "And they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut." Matt, 25:10.

Messages of God’s Love 5/1/1949

The Two Puppies

THESE two little spaniels look very much alike, don't they? They have soft pretty ears, dark eyes, and no teeth at all. They like milk better than anything, but somewhere under their whiskers there is a funny feeling where the teeth are beginning to grow. It makes them want to chew all kinds of things—rubbers, boots, leather mitts, anything at all, so that if their owner cannot find two boots together, he had better follow puppy out into the yard for the missing one!

But our puppies did not always remain so small. They grew up and became pretty spaniel dogs. Their owner decided to sell them and he asked a good price. One was purchased by a very kind master and the other by a very unkind one. The dog who had a kind master was always with him, trotting by his side, or running and playing with him. He was fed with the best of food, too. The other dog had a hard time. Some days he was fairly well fed, but at other times his master would go away and forget all about him. His master was very cross, and he often beat him. Once the two dogs had been together in the same happy home, but how different things were now.

This story reminds us of many boys and girls. Perhaps two boys or girls may grow up together in a Christian home, where they have the same teaching and the same loving care, but they go different ways in life. They serve different masters altogether. Of course our dogs did not have any choice as to who would be their masters, but boys and girls have. We are intelligent responsible creatures and every boy and girl has a precious soul which God says is of more value than the whole world. But who could pay such a price? Only God Himself; and so in infinite love He sent His only begotten Son to die on Calvary. Jesus bore the full judgment of God against sin and paid the price of our redemption in full. Will you take Him now as your own precious Saviour? Then He will be your Master, and what a wonderful Master He is! He will make you truly happy now, and then some day He will take you to His own bright home in heaven.

But if you are unsaved, Satan is your master. He does not want you to realize the true value of your soul and would have you sell it to him for the empty pleasures of this world. He may be offering you fame, money, or other things which do not satisfy. He is a hard master and some day, if you continue to serve him, you will die in your sins and be lost forever.

But why be the slave of sin and Satan? Come to the Lord Jesus now, and thank Him for paying the mighty price of your redemption. He is a loving Saviour and Master and He wants YOU TODAY.

"CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE." JOSHUA 24:15.

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1949

Nancy and Her Father

I WAS walking through one of the poorer streets of a large city when I noticed a man selling fruits and vegetables from a little wagon. At the same time he was giving away little picture leaflets to a number of children who were gathered around him.

The leaflets contained gospel stories, and he seemed so fond of the little ones that I went up to him and asked him why he loved those children so.

He told me that it was because he owed almost- everything to .a little girl, his own little daughter, Nancy. Nancy had attended a Sunday School, and there she had heard of the love of Jesus, and had found in Him a Saviour and a Friend. Having this happiness herself, she wanted her father and mother to hear the story too.

It was very difficult for Nancy to persuade her parents to go to the gospel meeting. Her mother was deaf, and her father always said that his clothes were too worn and shabby. But at last, after Nancy had coaxed him many many times, he went to the meeting, and he was converted.

Perhaps some of you do not know what that long word "converted" means. It means that Nancy's father learned that he was a sinner before God, but that God had sent His Son to die for sinners. And so the poor man believed God's message of love and took Jesus as his Saviour. His sins were all washed away, and he was converted. From that time on he sought to do what was pleasing to God his Father.

Can you say, "The Lord Jesus is my Saviour"?

Soon after her father's conversion, little Nancy took very, very sick, and they called the doctor. But the doctor said, when he examined her, that she couldn't live more than about two hours. It was Sunday evening, just before time for the meeting, and Nancy was very anxious that her father should go to the meeting and not stay home because she was so ill.

To please her he went, and on his return had just time to give her one kiss before she passed away to be with the Lord, who had loved her and given Himself for her.

And so Nancy's father told me on the street that day, that he had always loved children since, and had tried to tell them of Jesus.

Have you taken Jesus as your own Saviour? And if you have, do you tell your father and mother about Jesus? He wants to save them also.

"Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:14.

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1949

The Lost Letter

MRS. Watson was anxiously waiting for the postman, and at last he came along, bringing the looked-for letter. He dropped it through the letter slot, and she' saw it fall and went to pick it up; but no letter was to be seen. She wondered what had become of it. She looked outside and under the mat, but no letter was there. Then, to her dismay, she saw there was a small crack in the floor, and her precious letter had fallen through.

She tried hard to get it out, but she couldn't so she waited for her husband to come home. As soon as he came in she told him about the lost letter.

First of all he started poking about with a little wire, but still he couldn't get it up. At last he got a small saw and made an opening in the floor and there lay the wanted letter.

But what else do you think he found? Lying beside his wife's letter were other letters, all dusty and dirty. He picked them up and found some were addressed to people who had left the house years before.

One of the letters had been there for six years and was addressed to a young lady who lived in some rooms above. He called to her and told her of his discovery. When she opened it, she found it was from a girl with whom she had gone to school, and it was inviting her to supper!

I know of a wonderful letter which also contains an invitation. Perhaps this letter is lying somewhere in your home and is never looked at. It is God's Word — the Bible — and it contains God's invitation to spend eternity with Him in heaven. He tells us of His beautiful home, but He also tells us that no sin or defilement can ever enter there, (Rev. 21:27). He also tells us how Jesus died for shiners, and rose again, and that He is now in heaven, and from His Father's throne is sending down this invitation for us to trust Him and come to be with Him in glory.

How are you treating this invitation? This girl did not accept the invitation to supper because she didn't receive it. But you cannot say that, for no doubt you have heard God's invitation before, and He is waiting, right now as you read this paper, to have you come to Jesus. "Behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2.

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 12:37-51; 13:1-16.

AS the children of Israel journeyed, they passed by Rameses —that great treasure city which they had built for Pharaoh. And, dear young Christian, this is just like what we have to do if we are going to be in the path that is pleasing to the Lord. Once we were slaves to sin and Satan, anxious to have all our treasures here, but as Christians we are called out of this Egypt-world, and our treasures are in heaven. The more we lay hold of our heavenly treasures (the un-searchable riches of Christ), the more willing we shall be to give up the empty vanities of this scene. The children of Israel gladly left Egypt, for it had been a place of slavery to them, and they had Canaan before them. How much better is our heavenly home, and it is eternal!

God said of the Passovers, "It is a night to be much observed unto the Lord." Dear Christian, should we not feel this, though in a deeper and fuller sense, concerning the "night" which the Lord Jesus passed through for us at the cross of Calvary?

The Passovers was to be kept by each family where all the males were circumcised, whether strangers or Israelites—as long as they were circumcised. There was but one law for both. The one title to that feast was circumcision, the sign of death, figuring the death of Christ, and only those who took that place had a right to eat the Passovers. So now, only those who know that Christ died for them have a right to eat the Lord's supper. This is our only title. But our title is not a figure—it is a reality! It is the death of Christ appropriated to one's own personal need.

Because of the wondrous deliverance granted to the children of Israel, they were told that the firstborn was to be the Lord's., Of course in Israel it was a law—they must own the Lord's claim —but in Christianity it is the constraint of love. When we think of what the Lord has done for us, of the mighty cost of our redemption, surely we feel that we belong to the Lord, "Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price." 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. May we who are saved do as the Macedonians of old, who "first gave their own selves to the Lord." 2 Cor. 8:5.

God told the children of Israel that the remembrance of this was to be upon their hands—affecting all they did; for a memorial between their eyes —guiding them in all that attracted their eyes; and in their mouths—the subject of their conversation. In other words it was to affect their whole life from then on, and so the knowledge of Christ as our Saviour should affect our whole life.

Every firstling of an ass (donkey) was to be redeemed with a lamb, and all the firstborn of their children were to be redeemed, too. An ass, as we know, is a very stubborn animal, and since we are so stubborn, God compares each one of us to an ass (Job 11:12). Either the ass must be redeemed or it must die, and so with every sinner: either he must be redeemed or he must die. Either he must take shelter under the shed blood of Christ, or he must spend eternity in the lake of fire, which is eternal death.

Messages of God’s Love 5/8/1949

The Fisherman's Net

A NET like this is a heavy thing to handle. During the night it drifts far out behind the boat, held up in position by a row of wooden floats along the top, and weights along the lower edge. In the morning, it is a heavy load to pull in the wet cord, hand over hand, and pick out the fish that have tangled their gills in it during the night..

Mr. Reid had spent the night fishing, and when his heavy nets were hauled in and piled up on the wharf, he dropped his arms wearily, and stretched himself flat out on the boards to rest. No wonder he was tired, for his nets were nearly a mile long. Just at the time when you are getting up for breakfast, Mr. Reid fell asleep on the wharf.

Along came a visitor, who was walking down to the sea in the morning sunshine to enjoy the fresh air. He stopped at the water's edge, and looked down at the sleeping fisherman. The visitor thought a moment, and then nudged the man with his foot. Mr. Reid stirred, but did not open his eyes.

"He must be drunk," thought the visitor, and then aloud he said, "man, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Don't you know better than to spend your time drinking? You ought to live a better life than that."

Mr. Reid was wide awake now He sat up and, looking earnestly at the stranger, he said, "Can you tell a poor sinner how to have his sins forgiven?" The visitor was surprised. He turned and walked away without answering a word. Though a very religious man, he had nothing to say about the forgiveness of sins.

Mr. Reid knew the Lord Jesus as his Saviour and rejoiced in it so much that he longed to hear it again. That is why he asked the question, but he looked after the visitor with sad disappointment. This man, who had told him to live a better life, had no good news at all about the forgiveness of sins.

Perhaps my reader has not heard the good news either. You might try to live a better life, but what about the past sins? What about the sins that God has seen in your life today? God is willing to forgive them all, but sin must meet-, its :righteous judgment. How can He freely forgive poor sinners then? Only through Jesus. Only through the atoning death of His beloved Son.

There are thousands of books, and many men, who have nothing to say about the forgiveness of sins, and who Would leave you lost and sin-burdened forever. God's Book says:

"THROUGH THIS MAN (CHRIST JESUS) IS PREACHED UNTO YOU THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: AND BY HIM ALL THAT BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED FROM ALL THINGS." ACTS 13:38, 39.

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1949

'The Raven's Crop

H AVE any of you seen the Wilson children. today?" The teacher looked up at her scholars as she spoke.

"No, teacher," answered. several of the girls, "we didn't see them along the road, and they weren't at Sunday School yesterday either."

"Then I wonder if they are sick."

"No, they aren't sick," called out one big boy, "because I. saw them yesterday, but their father is out of work, and he doesn't have enough money to send them to school."

The teacher made no answer, but when school was over, she walked to the little cabin rented by the Wilson family. Her missing scholars ran out to meet her with cries of welcome. No, they were not sick, but their father was in trouble, and they could not be spared from home.

"The manager has dismissed several of his best workmen," explained Mrs. Wilson to her visitor; but my husband is the only one who is the father of a family, and that makes it so much harder."

"Perhaps the manager would take him back again if he went and told him of your troubles."

"He is there right now, but better than going to see the manager, we have told our Father in heaven, and we know He will provide for us and care for us, for He loved us enough to send His Son, Jesus, to die for us."

"That's quite true, and I am glad you know Jesus as your Saviour. And in the meantime, I would like your girls, Winnie and Joan, to keep coming to school, and if they can come a little early and help me with some work, I shall be glad to pay them for it."

Soon Mr. Wilson returned from the factory, but with the bad news that there was no chance of his returning to work.

During the next few weeks things seemed to go from bad to worse. At last the family was really hungry, but stilt they happily trusted in the Lord, and daily thanked Him for dying on the cross for them, and asked Him to meet their needs for the day. One afternoon, in cruel thoughtlessness, some boys threw a dead raven in their front door, and then ran away. Hungry as they were, they didn't attempt to eat the raven, but Mr. Wilson decided he would show his boy, Walter, how to stuff the bird, for he had often stuffed and mounted birds and animals himself, as a boy.

When he tried to remove the raven's crop, his sharp knife struck something hard. What could it be?

(to be continued May 22)

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1949

The Telephone

WHILE looking at the telephone today I began to think, what a wonderful invention it is! It has a little bell which rings to tell me that someone wants to speak to me, and a receiver that I can take down to listen to what is said, and then there is the mouthpiece into which I can speak to the person calling me. But I am sure that most of my little readers know all about the telephone and have used one too.

We cannot hear the speaker, you know, until we lift the receiver, and then we can hear his voice at once. This, dear children, reminds us of God's Word. How many of us have it in our homes and yet do not use it daily! God wants to speak to us through His Word, but we must take it down and read it.

The telephone also has a bell, and so God has to call us to listen to Him. Quite softly at first, perhaps through. Father or 1Vlother or through our Sunday School teacher speaking to us.

Then if we do not take .heed; ,He may speak more loudly, and oh! dear children, God sometimes calls -very loudly that we may hear Him. 'He may lay us on a bed of sickness or He may take away one of our loved ones. What a message of peace and love He wants to bring to us, for He says, "Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16. And in Matt. 11:28 we read, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Are you listening to His voice?

But it is not only to the unsaved that God would speak. He speaks to those who know Him, as a father would to his children. He would tell us of the glories of our home above and of His love to us. He tells us of His care over us, and that He can, and will, guide us and meet our every need. He would also tell us how to behave as His children should.

Then we have the mouth-piece. Not only can God speak to us, but we can go to Him at all times in prayer, thanking Him for all His goodness and making known to Him our needs.

What a wonderful. God and Father we have! He has given us His Word to help and guide us, but remember, dear children, that, like the telephone, we will not hear its message unless we are willing to listen. May we say like one of old, "Thy Word have I hid mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Psa. 119:11.

Have you, dear, children, ever become acquainted with Him? Have you had to do with Him about your sins? If not you can speak to the Lord Jesus now, telling Him from your heart that you trust Him as your Saviour. He will surely receive you for Be says,

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 13:17-22; 14:1-18,

THERE was a much shorter way to Canaan than the way by which ' God took His people, but He knew what was best for them and He led them in His way—"the right way." Psalm 107:7. We know, too, that we have been ready to go to heaven from the very moment of our salvation, but God has a purpose in leaving us here. We are in His school, where there is much to learn, just: as the children of Israel learned the ways of God in their forty years of wilderness life.

Long before this time, when .Joseph was dying, he had requested that his hones would be carried out of Egypt and buried in Canaan—the land of promise—and so the children of Israel. took them along with them. He had died in faith, trusting in God's promises, but now we know that God has something better for him than an earthly Canaan, for he is to receive heavenly blessing (Hebrews 11:16).

As the Israelites journeyed along to Canaan they needed guidance, and so God Himself went before them in a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. And we need guidance, too! We cannot choose our own path through this tangled, evil world without making many mistakes, and so God has given us guidance for each step in His own precious Word. "His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." 2 Peter 1:3. Yes, we have all we need in Him, and let us not try to take one step without guidance from above.

Before the children of Israel were safely out of the land, Pharaoh made another attempt to bring them back to slavery again. How often we find Satan making just such an attack, especially on those who are first saved. Pharaoh could not see any way for them to get across the Red Sea, and they did cross, what a hard journey it would be through the wilderness! Did the devil ever tell you about what you had given up for Christ, and that you are having a hard road, dear young. Christian? Has he tempted you to return to this Egypt-world and build his treasure cities again? Let us look beyond this world of tribulation and see the glorious end of our journey, for it is far brighter even than Israel's blessing in Canaan. God has saved you and me for His own glory; our deliverance is sure, and the future is as certain as God Himself. God would not allow Pharaoh to take one of His people back to Egypt; neither will He allow anyone to pluck a single sheep from His hands of love.

God's Word to the children of Israel at this time was, "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." God must bring each one of us to the point where we feel our own helplessness. The enemy was behind, and the sea was ahead, and the only thing the Israelites could do was to stand still and wait for the Lord to open the way. They were thoroughly cast on Him, and He undertook their whole case. Moses said, "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your. peace." Once we have learned this, then the word is "Go forward"—God will open the way for us. Just as God used Moses' rod to make a path through the sea for the Israelites, so Christ bore the "rod" of God's judgment for us, and the victory is ours. Let us rejoice in it, and sing His praises as they did on the far side of the Red Sea.

Messages of God’s Love 5/15/1949

Mud Pies

WHERE were you today, Dolly?" asked Mother.

"In the field playing," said Dolly.

"What did you do there?" asked Mother, turning around quickly to look at her little girl.

"We made mud pies. Mary showed us how. She made good pies on an old log, and John and Sue and I got the mud for her. It was fun, Mother."

"Maybe it was," said Mother, " but you can't eat with me till you are clean."

"I'm pretty clean," said Dolly. "I washed my hands in a puddle." But Mother rolled up the little soiled sleeves, and set Dolly to work with soap and water. Now while Dolly scrubs her hands, let's stop and think what this story means to us. Mud stains are not as bad as sin stains, you know, and your heart, if you are un.- saved, is far, more soiled with sin stains than Dolly's hands with mud. You can't wash them clean either. Perhaps you have found it fun, to do wrong things but there are the stains, and the result of sin is not fun at all.

Dolly stopped a minute. "I think they're clean now," she said. "John's hands were far dirtier than mine."

Mother came to see, but she was not satisfied. "That won't do, Dolly. You can't eat with me until you're clean."

So Dolly scrubbed again, and we must think again of our sin-stained hearts. Perhaps yours does not seem very bad. Perhaps you think John's is much worse than yours and you have tried to wash it a bit by doing good deeds. But don't forget, GOD is the One who is looking at you. If you want to live in heaven, then God must say that you are clean.

Mother added a little extra soap to Dolly's knuckles and a little more to her wrists, and finally, after a rinse and a rub, she kissed the rosy little hands and said, "Now my little girl is clean. You may come to supper."

Dolly sat down to a good supper for a hungry little girl, and while she eats, let us think again.

Mother helped Dolly, but God will do it all for you. Do you remember the poor woman who wept at Jesus' feet, of whom He said, "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven"? God does it all Himself without our help, and then He says that we are clean. Then we are ready to live with the Lord Jesus in His wonderful home.

If He has washed you clean, little friends, you will feel like singing these words,

"UNTO HIM THAT LOVED US AND WASHED US FROM OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BLOOD . . . TO HIM BE GLORY." REVELATION 1:5, 6.

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1949

The Master's Little Lady

IN a very beautiful part of the country, there lived a rich old farmer named Mr. Foster. Mr. Foster was unable either to read or write, but being a hard-working man, he had made a lot of money and owned a beautiful old home. He was very proud of his home, and of his farm, and yet, in spite of all the goodness of God that had been shown to him, he didn't love God at all. On quite a few occasions, Christians had gone to Mr. Foster's home, and tried to speak to 'him about the Lord Jesus, but lie mocked them, and would not listen.

But the God of mercy loved him just the same, and did not forget him. One summer, when Mr. Foster was over seventy years old, a lady and her little daughter came to stay with him as boarders for the summer months. Little Martha was only six years old; and she was quite delighted with the big house, with its odd chairs and with the big grandfather clock.

"What a funny big house. this is, my good old man, and where is the master of the house?" asked Martha.

"I am the master of the house, my little lady," the farmer replied.

It didn't take more than two or three days to make Martha and Mr. Foster the very best of -friends,/ and she was called, "The Master's Little Lady."

One morning, when everybody was very busy, Mr. Foster found Martha in the dining room trying to reach something on the back of a shelf.

"What are you doing, my child?"

"I want that big book. I like to read."

"But surely you can't read." "Certainly I can."

"Impossible, my dear; I can't read myself."

"Well, just you listen."

The farmer got down the big Bible, and soon Martha was reading very loudly and slowly. She was delighted to have a listener, but did not think for a moment that God might use her lips to bring His blessed Word to the heart of poor old Mr. Foster, who never would have listened to anyone else. Mr. Foster sat close and put his hand up to his ear so that he wouldn't miss a word, and before very long he got up and walked away. Little Martha thought she saw him wipe away a tear from his eye, and she wondered what was wrong.

The next day, the old man came again to Martha and asked her to read some more. It wasn't long before his hard old heart was melted by the story of Jesus and His love, read to him by his little six-year-old friend. He owned himself a .poor sinner before God and accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1949

The Raven's Crop

(continued from May 15)

WHEN Mr. Wilson had opened the crop, imagine his surprise to find that what his knife had struck was a beautiful golden necklace.

"Betty, Betty, come here quickly!" he shouted. "God once commanded the ravens to feed His servant Elijah, and He has done the same for us. Go out, dear wife, sell the necklace, and buy food for the children:"

It did indeed seem like an answer to their prayers, but then in a moment they both paused. The necklace was not theirs! What were they to do with it?

They took it to the village jeweler, and as soon as he saw it he exclaimed: "This is real gold, and I remember selling it not so long ago to a man in the village who wanted to give a wedding gift. I shall give you his name, and you can take it to him.

Mr. Wilson soon learned, to his surprise, that the necklace had been given to the wife of the manager who had laid him off work. They had missed the chain some time ago, but how the raven got hold of it was still a mystery. When Mr. Wilson stood again in the manager's office, he was received very differently. First of all some money was slipped into his hand, with remark, "That will relieve your immediate need, and further, I shall see what I can do for you."

From that moment, the humble Christian workman was never allowed to want. He was soon restored to a better position, and he never ceased to thank his loving Father for providing for their needs in so unusual a way.

Do you tell your wants and needs to that same loving Father? Or may we ask, "Do you know God as your Father?" He loves you and waits to bless you, if you will receive Jesus as your own Saviour.

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name." John 1:12.

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1949

Our Lord Jesus Christ

OUR Lord Jesus Christ." Billy was just six years old and was learning to read. He had taken a long time to pick out the letters and read those four words. .And then he turned to his mother and said, "Our Lord Jesus Christ—that does sound nice. I do like that so much—it sounds

as if 'our' meant like having the Lord. Jesus Christ for our very own to keep."

Yes, that is indeed a beautiful truth. When the Lord Jesus comes into the heart of any little boy or girl, having washed away their sins in His own blood, He will never leave them again. He is indeed their own forever, and they are His for Him. to keep forever.

"They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My. hand." John 10:28.

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 14:19-25.

THE cloud which had been before the children of Israel removed and stood behind them, and became darkness to Pharaoh and his army. Yes, the Word of God which gives light and instruction to us, is a dark book to the unsaved. They cannot see any light in its blessed pages, and they hate it because it is a book of judgment to them, just as that glory cloud spelled judgment to the Egyptian host. Then, too, it kept them separate from one another all night, and so if we walk in the light of God's Word we shall be separate from the world, all through the night of Christ's absence.

When the morning came, the children of Israel were told to go forward in the path which God had made for them through the Red Sea. The water was a wall to them on the right hand and on the left. Every step they took, they were reminded that it was only the power of God which kept them from being drowned in the Sea. NO doubt as they looked at those walls of water, they marveled at the goodness and power of God which had made a way of deliverance for them.

Perhaps the Egyptians took all this to be a natural phenomenon. They did not seem to realize that it was the power of God, and so they decided that they too would try to pass through the Sea. If Israel could do it, why could not they? This reminds us of thousands of professing Christians around us in the world today. They go to church, they are baptized, and they take the sacrament. They follow the Christian way of doing things a good deal, but there is vast difference between them and those who are truly saved, just as there was a vast difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians. It was not because the Israelites were better—not at all—but there was one thing which made all the difference. The Israelites had been sheltered by the blood, and the Egyptians had not. The Israelites were a redeemed people—the Egyptians were not. The Israelites were headed for Canaan, the Egyptians were doomed. to perish in the waters of the Red Sea. The Egyptians had no faith and no blood, and there was NO OTHER way of escape from judgment. God's way was the only way, whether the v' Egyptians thought so or not, and they ' were soon to find this out to their eternal loss. Dear sinner, we plead with you to take warning now, and find shelter under the precious blood of Christ. Soon the day will come when that which might have been for your salvation and blessing, will become the basis of your condemnation and judgment.

When the Egyptians had followed the Israelites part of the way into the sea, the Lord began to fight against them and took off their chariot wheels. The Egyptians then realized that trouble was ahead and so they decided to turn back, but this did not make things any better; it only made them worse. This is like many professing Christians today. They are willing to follow the faith of others as long as it is to their advantage to do so, but they have no living faith in their own hearts, and when trouble comes they soon turn back. They have no real love for the Lord Jesus and cannot bear any tribulation for His sake. What a "fearful looking for of judgment" is before such, far, far worse than that which overtook the retreating Egyptians.

Messages of God’s Love 5/22/1949

The Indian's Song

HE was a sturdy old Indian from western Canada. His ancestors ° had been wild enough, in years gone by, to strike terror to the heart of many a lonely trader, but our Indian of today was done with scalps and tomahawks. He had a beautiful voice, and he brought laughter and tears from those who watched and heard him sing. Our copper-colored friend was a first-rate entertainer.

But one day, something happened. He and his ancestors had served the world and Satan very willingly, but he found out that Jesus died for sinners. His heart was melted at the story of the suffering and death of the holy Son of God, and he felt himself to be the very sinner for whom Christ died. The Lord Jesus rose again, you know, and went back to heaven, and our Indian found out that by faith in the risen and glorified Saviour in heaven, his sins were forever gone. No wonder he loved Jesus now.

Something else happened in this man's life.- King George VI visited Canada, and for the first time, the Indian caught a glimpse of his earthly king. He had been chosen to sing before the king, and so he dressed up in his best Indian array of beads and feathers until he looked fine enough to stand before so great a monarch, and then, as the King and Queen listened in interested silence, he lifted. up his beautiful voice and sang.

"I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold,

I'd rather have Jesus than riches untold . .

I'd rather have Jesus than anything

This world affords today."

The song ended and the royal visitors traveled on, but the Indian looks forward to another day, when he shall sing before the King of Kings. He will not have to clothe himself handsomely for this honor, for God Himself has provided him with a robe of righteousness suited to. His presence... But he will sing of the same Jesus who is his joy and delight now, and it will be a never-ending song in the presence of the One who loved him and gave Himself for him.

How is it with you, my reader? Are you washed in the precious blood of Christ now, and ready to join in that song of praise to Him above?

Would you rather have Jesus now in this world? Your choice must be made here, if you would enter heaven. and sing for joy of heart through all eternity.

This is the song of heaven: "THOU ART WORTHY . . . . FOR THOU WAST SLAIN, AND HAST REDEEMED US TO GOD BY THY BLOOD." REVELATION 5:9.

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1949

Little Jane's Service

LITTLE Jane lived in a village in Kent, England. One day she was taken to a gospel meeting, where the preacher was telling the sweet story of Jesus' love. Little Jane listened very carefully. At the end of the service, the preacher asked all to come to the Saviour. What do you think little Jane did? She stood right up and called out, "Me too!"

Yes, Jane was not a very big girl, but she was big enough to know that she was a sinner, and that Jesus loved her From that day, Jane wanted others to know Him too, so she got some Scripture story books, and lent them to her friends in the village. -

Do you love Jesus? Have you said, "Me too"?

"Suffer little . children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19: 14.

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1949

The Little Indian Girl

A LITTLE Indian girl attended the mission school in. Assam for ... two years. Then one day she came to her teacher telling her how unhappy she was because she knew that she was a sinner.

The Lord had begun a work in her 'soul, and a few days later, as she was going to school, she picked up a torn gospel tract. In it there was an invitation to sinners to trust in the precious blood of Christ. She showed it to one of her schoolmates, saying, "What beautiful words!" She kept it very carefully, reading it over each day, and soon, as a sinner, she accepted the invitation and found "peace with. God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Rom. 5:1.

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

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1949

God's Ways With Israel (Part 5)

AFTER the three and a half years of the antichrist's power, the Assyrian (the king of the north) will sweep down upon the land (Isaiah 8: 8, Daniel 11:40, 41). Then the beast and his armies will come into Palestine, no doubt to protect the Jews as they have agreed, but the Lord will appear out of heaven with His saints (Zech. 14:4, 5; Rev. 19:11-20), completely destroying the beast and his armies (the Roman confederacy). He will cast both the beast and the antichrist alive into the lake of fire. The king of the north, who will have gone down into Egypt in his conquest, will then return to Palestine and meet his doom from the Lord Himself (Dan. 11:44, 45).

The godly Jews (the remnant) will rejoice when they see the Lord coming as their Deliverer, and they will say, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us." Isaiah 25:9. Then with amazement and surprise they will ask, "What are these wounds in Thine hands?" He will answer, "Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends." As they look upon Him, the One whom they pierced, they will mourn, and truly acknowledge their offense (Zech. 12:10-14; 13:6). Then they will be brought into blessing in their land.

The two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) will be the only ones in the land at that time, but God will then gather back the other ten who are now lost to us (though not to God). The rebels will be purged out from among them before they enter their land (Ezek. 20:38), for they, as we have seen before, will not pass through the tribulation in the land, as the two tribes will,

because they had not shared in the guilt of crucifying their Messiah. The two tribes and the ten will then be made one nation in the land, and the Spirit will be poured upon them from on high (Ezek. 36:25-28; 37:21,22).

One more attack will then be made upon Palestine by Russia and the other nations who have associated themselves with her. They will come down in vast numbers upon the land, only to find that the Lord is there to meet and destroy them. It will take seven months to bury the dead, so great will have been the slaughter (Ezek. 38, 39).

After all the enemies of Jehovah and Israel have been destroyed, a great new temple of surpassing beauty will be built on Mount Zion, and a direct lineal descendent of David will sit as vice-gerent on the throne in Jerusalem (Ezek. 40-48). All nations will have to come up to Jerusalem each year, and any who do not com€ will be punished (Zech. 14:16-19). Christ, as the Most High over all the earth, will reign in righteousness, ruling in Jacob unto the ends of the earth (Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 32; Psalm 59: 13) .

This kingdom reign will last a thousand years, during which the oft-repeated promises of blessing to Israel and the world, unthwarted by the failure of that nation so beloved and favored of God, will be fulfilled. All is of grace and grace alone, whether to the patriarchs, the church, or in the coming kingdom on earth. As Paul had a glimpse of this, his heart welled up in praise (Rom. 11:32-36), and may we too realize more of the matchless grace of God to ourselves as well as to Israel.

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 14:26-31, 15:1-19.

AS soon as the children of Israel were safely over the Red Sea, then the waters returned, and every one of the Egyptians was drowned. In the same way, when the Lord has taken His own to glory, judgment will fall upon this faithless world, and there will not be any escape.

The Israelites saw the great work which the Lord had wrought, and they believed on Him. The Red Sea is a figure of the death of Christ for us, and so we know that our victory has already been won. Let us rejoice in the knowledge of it, and sing as they did. This is the first time we read of singing in the Bible, and it was because the children of Israel were a redeemed people that they could sing. The world had its songs at this time, undoubtedly, for Jubal had invented the harp and organ long before, but the redeemed are the only ones who have a right to sing, and only such songs reach the ear of God and are pleasing in His sight. Israel's song was for the Lord, and it was to the Lord. It told of redemption by power, and some of the expressions in it are really remarkable. They spoke of preparing a habitation for Him, and we know that on the ground of the work of redemption finished at Calvary, God will dwell with men (Rev. 21: 3) . God had come down in the garden of Eden to seek the company of man, but Adam had sinned and he hid behind a tree. He was afraid of God. Not until God clothed him with coats of skins could he stand before Him. The tabernacle in the wilderness was a pattern of things in the heavens (Heb. 9: 23) and in it the only way of access into the presence of God was through the blood of the sacrifice. Our privilege of coming into the presence of God (by faith now, and soon by sigh`) is founded upon the one sacrifice of Christ. and through this wonderful and perfect work, God will dwell with redeemed men forever.

How beautiful it is to hear the children of Israel giving all the glory to Jehovah. They did not take any to themselves. Some songs which even Christians sing, speak a great deal of themselves, but God delights to occupy us with Christ, for He has done it all and He alone is worthy of glory.

They said, "Thou didst blow with Thy wind." It is grand to think of this when the wind is blowing hard! It is God's wind, and it is a fine thing to learn to see His hand in everything, for He controls all. They also said, "Thou hast guided them by Thy strength unto Thy holy habitation.' They were not in Canaan yet, but faith can speak of future glory with as much certainty as it speaks of the past, for no one can hinder the fulfillment of God's purposes of blessing. We who are saved do not only hope to go to heaven; we know we are going there, because God says so. To doubt is to make God a liar (1 John 5: 10). but faith does not doubt, it believes without question; and that for one reason only—God has spoken. All the inhabitants of Palestine, the dukes of Edom, or the mighty men of Moab could not stop the children of Israel from reaching Canaan, because they were God's redeemed people and He had promised to bring them there. Let us not forget, dear young Christian, that we trust in the living God, and He is going to fulfill His promises to us in spite of all man's opposition.

Messages of God’s Love 5/29/1949

Bible Questions for June

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in Romans, chapters 1-8.

1. "All have sinned, and come short."

2. "We were yet without strength."

3. "The wages of sin is death."

4. "I am not ashamed of the gospel."

5. "Thinkest thou this, O man?"

6. "The sufferings of this present time."

7. "To him that worketh not."

The Young People's Class
The Lord's Coming for His Own

We have written about this blessed event in our Young People's Page somewhat recently, but we feel we should make a few remarks about it here.

There is no prophecy to be fulfilled before the Lord calls His own to heaven. Prophecy has to do with the earth, but the Church is a heavenly company. At any moment we may hear the shout and rise to meet the Lord in the air. May He keep us in the attitude of heart which says, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Sometimes. when in trouble, we would like Him to come and take us out of it, but if our hearts are occupied with His love we shall always be waiting and watching to see His blessed face and he like Him.

If the reader is unsaved, may we warn you to accept Him as your Saviour now, before He rises up and shuts the door of grace forever.

1. What is the first promise of the Lord’s coming for His own? John 14.

2, Where do we find the first revelation of how it will take place? 1 Thess.

3. What verses show that our corruptible bodies will he changed to incorruptible bodies at that time? 1 Corinthians 15.

4. What effect did the hope- of the Lord.':-. coming have on the Thessalonian believers? 1 Thess.

5. What were the saints at Philadelphia told to do in view of the Lord's soon return? Revelation.

6. What has the Lord asked us to do till He come? 1 Corinthians 11.

7. When the Lord Jesus says, "Surely I come quickly," what should be our response? Revelation.

Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1949

An Important Test

IT was early springtime, just the time when the new leaves are a pale yellow-green, the grass is soft and springy, and the streams are full to overflowing with clear swift water.

We felt just like the weather, that Saturday afternoon, full of life and springtime and activity. We had been playing in the sunshine until our tongues were dry with thirst, when we came to a pretty stream, clear and sparkling. There was water enough, but nobody stooped to drink. Half a field away, one of us spied a farmer pumping water, and we were there in a moment.

"Is this good water?" asked one of the boys.

"Government tested," he answered, "you're very welcome to it."

Now, my reader, I hope that you drink tested water and read tested books, for even a 'wise man cannot tell without the proper test. Germs are deadly enough, but sins are far worse, and even a wise man cannot tell you how to be free from your sins unless he gives you a tested answer from the Word of God.

There was once a wise doctor who had two little boys. He gave them safe and milk to drink, but he did not give them a true and tested answer from the Word of God. One of his little boys had been gloomy and troubled for several days, and at last the doctor found out the reason.

"I took two candies from my brother's box," Billy confessed.

"Then put three candies back," said the doctor, "and tell Bobby you are sorry."

Will that make it all right?" Billy asked.

"Yes," answered the doctor.

But the wise man did not go far enough. He only thought of how the sin affected Bobby. He forgot that it was a sin against God, too, and he had not tested his answer by the Word of God which says, "Without shedding of blood is no remission." That means that our sins cannot be cleared away from. God's record without the shedding of blood. Whose blood? The blood of Jesus. That is why our precious Saviour suffered and died, so that sins like Billy's might be forever blotted out. No one but Jesus, the Holy One, could have died in our stead. Why not conic to Him now for His loving and full forgiveness?

Remember, boys and girls, that the wisest of men need to test their answers by the Word of God, and so do you and I. His Word is the only sure guide to salvation and for your path after you are saved.

"WHEREWITHAL SHALL A YOUNG MAN CLEANSE HIS WAY? BY TAKING HEED THERETO ACCORDING TO THY WORD." PSALM 119:9.

Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1949

Do Good to Them That Hate You

TOM was a strong big colored man, who lived in the West Indies. He was a slave, but by his fine Christian character, he had gained the confidence of his master and had been made overseer of the other slaves. One day Tom's master took hint to the slave market to help in buying new strong slaves. The market had closed, when Tom's eyes fell on an old, infirm colored man who stood trembling near the buyers.

"Massa," he said eagerly, "we must buy this man."

"Why?" asked his master.

"Oh, Massa, I must have this man!"

Although the slave-owner did not understand why his overseer should want to buy this particular old man, he consented, and purchased him for a very few dollars. Not long after, the old man took sick, and Tom nursed him with such tender care, that his master began to wonder who he might, be.

"Why are you so careful about the old man?" he asked him one day. "Perhaps he is your father?"

"No, Massa."

"Well, a relative?"

"No, not a relative."

"Or perhaps a good friend?"

"No, not a friend."

"Well, what is he to you then?" asked the master.

"He is my enemy," was the reply. "That man took me away from my father and mother when I was a little child, and sold me as a slave, but I have read in God's Word, 'If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink,' and therefore I will nurse him as long as he lives."

The master went away shaking his head. He could not understand such love, for he did not know the Lord, who went into death for His enemies.

Do you know the love of the Lord Jesus? Have you taken Him as your Saviour?

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6.

Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 15:20-27.

AFTER the children of Israel had sung the song of Moses, then Miriam gathered all the women together and they sang with her. Her song did not go as far as that of Moses, in that she did not see the full extent of the blessings which God had in store for His people. Miriam's song was accompanied with timbrel and the dance and sometimes when we become occupied with the melody or music we fall short of the blessings. The tunes of the hymns which express the deepest truths, are sometimes not as pleasing to the ear, and perhaps do not go along so well with the idea of the "timbre] and dance," but the melody God hears is in the heart. He wants to hear it today, dear young Christian. Have you sung His praises today?

All this rejoicing was followed by a three days' march, during which they did not find any water to drink. After a time of great rejoicing sometimes God tests us, as He did the Israelites. To march three days without a drink was surely a hard test, but at last some water came in view. We can just see them all running to get a refreshing drink, but imagine their disappointment when they found that the waters were bitter! Have you and I found it that way at some time in our journey? I am sure we have. And what did we do? Did we murmur as the Israelites in our chapter? Surely murmuring has never made bitter waters sweet, and it never will. But Moses did not murmur: he asked the Lord what to do, and He told him. We will never get the blessing by murmuring or by turning away from the Lord. We must turn to Him. The Lord told Moses to take a certain tree and cast it into the water, and when he did, they became sweet. Surely, we can see a blessed picture of Christ in all this, for it is only as we bring Christ, in His death for us, into the sorrows and trials of this scene of death, that they can actually be made sweet—they can be turned into a blessing for us. This lesson must be learned by every child of God today, just as it had to be learned by the Israelites. As soon as they had learned it, then they came to Elim. The waters were not bitter there, and there was plenty for all. There were twelve wells—one for each tribe, and seventy palm trees—one for each year of our lives—and they encamped there. May we too learn that there is blessed refreshment for us all the way along our journey through this wilderness world. The Lord Jesus said, "The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14. Just as He gave us a drink of the water of life when we came to Him as thirsty sinners, so we can drink again and again each day of our lives. And then in the glory above, we shall find that "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Rev. 22:1.

God promised the children of Israel that if they walked in His ways, He would not put any of the diseases of the Egyptians upon them; but they failed grievously, and became subject to all those terrible diseases from which the Egyptians suffered. When the Lord Jesus came to earth, He proved Himself to be the Healer of His people, but they would not have Him. Now we have no promise of deliverance from disease, (although God makes all things work together for good for those who love Him, Rom. 8:28) , but our blessings are heavenly, and we know that no sickness shall enter our home above.

Messages of God’s Love 6/5/1949

Daisies and Clover

LITTLE May loves daisies. They are so tall and white, so round and sunshiny, that she wants to touch every one and to feel them tickle her little face. She likes them one by one or in bunches, but I think you will agree that she is quite the nicest flower of them all, herself!

Little May brought home a big armful. of these flowers to the farmer at whose home she was visiting.

"See, daisies," she said, holding up her bouquet.

"Thanks," said the farmer's wife, and squeezed every one of them into the big stove!

May was surprised and hurt to find that her pretty daisies were not wanted. Not until she was older did she learn why the farmer did not want them in his field or anywhere.

Daisies are just weeds. Clover is good for honey, and cattle feed, and fertilizer, but daisies are of no use to the farmer at all. "They're pretty," thought May, but the farmer said that he planned to root out every one of them some day, and burn them all.

This makes me think of the scripture, "Gather ye together lust the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn. them: but gather the wheat into My barn," Matt. 13: 30. You see, God knows the thoughts of all men, and He knows that there are boys and girls growing up in His world who may look very nice to other people, but they are not saved, and their hearts are still at enmity against God. Yes, my reader, this is God's world, and He will not always allow boys and girls to cheat and swear and lie; and live on without punishment. God's time will come, when His enemies shall be cast into everlasting fire.

Now there is no man who can change daisies into good clover, hut our God can cleanse your sinful heart and make you His own treasure. He wants to do this, for God rejoices in mercy, not in judgment. He wants to gather you home to Himself someday, as the farmer gathers his clover, but if you refuse to accept His Son, the Lord Jesus, as your Saviour, we must warn you that there is judgment before you. The Lord Jesus said,

"EVERY PLANT, WHICH MY HEAVENLY FATHER HATH NOT PLANTED, SHALL BE ROOTED UP." MATTHEW 15:13.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1949

The Unknown Treasure

IN a village not very far from Canton lived a young Chinese girl. Not .,. many months before she had been brought there as a bride. Her husband was very kind to her and loved her very much, but soon he found it necessary to go away to Australia on business. He left her a little store of money and promised to send her more.

Very soon, a letter arrived, and in the letter was a piece of paper carefully folded up. She thought it was very pretty with a man's head On one end, and a big building in the—middle and queer writing all around it. She pasted the picture on the wall and took the letter over to her neighbor's husband to be read to her. Letters came quite regularly, and in each one there was the same picture which she pasted up on the wall.

"It is very kind of him to send me the pictures," said the little wife, "but I wish he would send me some money."

She spent what was left as carefully as she could, but soon it was all gone and she had to go out to work. She even sold and pawned a lot of her own things in order to get enough to eat.

At last her husband came home.

"Why did you never send me any money ?" asked his wife. "I have had to work so hard."

"But I sent you money in every letter," said the husband. "You didn't need to do any work at all. I provided for everything."

"There was never anything in the letters but pictures—there they are on the wall."

Sure enough, there they all were rows of bills, plenty of money to have kept the wife comfortable all the time he was away, and she never knew it!

This story makes me think of the treasure that all may have. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23. But many people do not realize that it is a gift, and so they go to work to try to earn this treasure. And all the time the free gift of God is waiting for them, if only they would accept it. On the cross Jesus said, "It is finished."' The gift of salvation is waiting for you.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1949

Which?

Jimmy Thornton was troubled. For many years he had attended a school, the teacher of which was an earnest Christian man, who had always sought to win the boys and girls under his care for the Lord Jesus Christ. Many a time had Jimmy heard the message of the gospel, but although the thought of the pleading Saviour had often almost moved him to tears, he left school at the age of fourteen, still without Christ as his Saviour.

He had left school in order to get work, and soon began to feel quite a man. In order to finish his studies, he attended night school, and here again he had a Christian teacher. It was the custom of this teacher, at the close of each week, to have a gospel talk with the boys, pleading with them to accept Christ as their Saviour early in their lives, before sin and Satan had got a grip upon them. One evening he illustrated his talk by writing these words on the blackboard:—

WHICH?

The Saviour Satan

Pardon for sin Judgment for sin

Life eternal Everlasting death

Glory Punishment

"CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY"

Solemnly he pressed home the message — Life or Death: Christ or Satan? Long after the other boys had left the room, Jimmy sat in his chair, his eyes fixed on the blackboard. The teacher stood to one side, silently praying, for he knew that a battle was raging in Jimmy's breast.

At last Jimmy heaved a great sigh, and rose to his feet. The teacher laid his hand on the lad's shoulder.

"WHICH?" he asked.

"Jesus Christ," was Jimmy's prompt reply, and the teacher bowed his head and thanked God.

"Witt you trust Him tonight?" said the teacher.

"Yes, I will," said Jimmy, •

"Thank God," murmured the teacher, as he took a brush and rubbed from the board all the words except "The Saviour — Pardon for sin — Life eternal Glory."

He was about to turn away when Jimmy picked up the chalk and wrote under the words left upon the board:

"Saved by the grace of God. Jimmy Thornton."

Reader, which is your choice? Make it now — Life or Death: Christ or Satan!

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Josh. 24: 15.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1949

The Door

KATIE was a little girl of four, and she lived in London. One day she had been to a meeting for children, and when she came home, her mother asked her, "And do you remember the text you learned today?"

"Yes, Mother," replied little Katie, and then she repeated Revelation 3:20 all through, correctly. I wonder if you know what Katie's text was? In case you do not, I will write it out for you.

"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."

"And where is the door, Katie?"

"Up there," said Katie, pointing to the sky.

Mother shook her head. "No," she said, "it is in Katie's little heart."

"Oh, is it in my little heart? Then the door has been opened, because Jesus knows that I love Him."

Has the door of your heart been opened to Jesus?

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 16:1-2

AFTER leaving the lovely restful spot at Elim, the Israelites came to the wilderness of Sin. Although they had experienced the Lord's wondrous deliverance out of Egypt and through the Red Sea, and had seen His provision for them at the bitter waters of Marah, they had not learned to depend upon Him for everything. They had brought their dough with them out of Egypt, and no doubt some other food, and perhaps they had been eating it up to this time. Now it was finished, and what could they do? They should have turned to the Lord in faith, for He had always met their need in the past and was worthy of their fullest confidence, but they murmured instead.

God always tests those who profess His name, and brings His own to the point where they discover that everything here must pass away. The sooner we learn this the better, for then we learn, or should learn, to look to the Lord alone. It is so natural for us to depend on others that it is not a pleasant experience, at first, when we find ourselves entirely cast upon the Lord. It is especially hard for the young folks, for the things of this Egypt-world look quite attractive and permanent to them, and it is a keen disappointment when they begin to discover that this world is really a wilderness for the Christian. It is, however, a happy experience when we learn at the same time that God is "for us,"' able and ready to meet every need.

But why did. the Lord take His people out of Egypt and away from all the food which they enjoyed there? Did. He want them to be hungry and miserable? No, indeed! But He had something far better for them than all the food and treasures of Egypt; True they were some wonderful things in Egypt. but the Israelites were slaves, there, The Lord had set them free and delivered them by His mighty power, am ALL the treasures of Egypt were flu enough for the bountiful hand of God to give them. They were His people, and He wanted them for Himself, that HE might dwell among them. He was bringing them to Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He must wean them from Egypt, slowly but surely. The food of Egypt was entirely different from that of Canaan and could not be mixed. The onions and garlic of Egypt would not mix with the luscious grapes of Canaan, and so we find that the pleasures of this world will not mix with our heavenly joy. The "flesh pots" which satisfy the man of the world, are very different from the "manna" which nourishes and satisfies the new life of the Christian.

But the Israelites murmured. Alas many of them did not have real faith. and they found it a hard path. The Christian's path is one of faith, and although the unbeliever can start in d outwardly, he can never continue is it. Perhaps in a time of revival, or under pressure, he may start out and be carried along by others, but he will hanker after the world and want to get back to it. Eventually he will go back too. (2 Peter 2:20-22. A true child ci God, on the other hand, is often tried by the hardships of the way, but he finds his resource in God, and rejoices in the provision God makes for him day by day.

Messages of God’s Love 6/12/1949

Disobedience

A GROUP of happy schoolboys started off on a Saturday morning to sail their boats in. a little stream. Their parents had given them very strict orders that they must not go in swimming, as there were many deep and dangerous pools in the stream. For several hours the boys enjoyed themselves with their boats, but at noon it became so hot that one of the boys decided he would have a little swim.

At first the other boys refused, but finally they were persuaded that "no one would tell," and the whole group was soon in the water. Very soon one of the boys disappeared. His brother. climbed up the bank and gave a loud cry for help, which brought three men from a field close by. One of them threw off his coat and dived into the pool, and Sam was brought up unconscious and laid on the bank. In an hour he was in his own bed, and soon recovered; but he never forgot that day.

"As I was going down," he said, "my disobedience and other sins came before my mind; it was awful as I thought of what it would be to wake up in hell." Sam is now a true Christian and he often thanks the Lord for saving his life, and also for saving his soul.

Dear reader, are you safe in Christ, or are you still going on without Him? Why not take Him as your Saviour today? If Sam had listened to the Word of God and obeyed his parents, he would have been spared that terrible experience. But although he was naughty God was gracious and saved both his life and his precious soul. Now if you will hearken to the voice of God and accept Christ as your Saviour, you will be saved for time and eternity.

"CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS: FOR THIS IS WELL-PLEASING UNTO THE LORD." COL, 3:20.

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1949

Do You Want Him to Come?

IN THE corner of a field an old woman could be seen weeding her little patch of vegetables. Along the narrow path came three strangers.

"Which path should we take to the village?" they asked.

"What do you want in the village?" asked the old woman rather suspiciously.

"We have come to tell you the good news which saves your soul. Have you heard it?" was the reply.

"I have never heard it, and I have not any soul. I am so poor: I have nothing."

"But you certainly have a soul," said the stranger. "And though you are very poor here, the true God loves you, and His Son came to save you." The speaker went on to tell her of the beautiful home in heaven prepared for those who trust the Saviour.

"But heaven is so very far away. How can I get there?"

And then for the first time she heard of the Son of God who loved her and died for her. For the first time she heard the name of Jesus Christ, .that He became a Man, that He died on the cross for sinners, that He rose again the third day, and has gone back to heaven. She heard, too, that He is coming back to receive saved sinners to Himself.

As soon as she heard it she believe it. And she eagerly said to the messengers, "Will -you ask Him to come very soon, and take me to be with Him?"

You have often heard this story. Haw you really believed it? Do you want Him to come'? Jesus said,

"I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14: 3.

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1949

Omonombe

COLORED boys are just as excited when the school holidays come as white boys are. At least you would have thought so if you could have seen Omonombe and his companions one day about the end of December four years ago.

The New Year holidays had arrived and the sixty boys in the African boarding school were about to disperse to their various homes for a week or two. There were no trains or busses. Indeed you would not have seen any trunks or suitcases, either, for the boys had -very few belongings, and they had to go home on foot.

The school- itself would have struck you as rather -funny with its mud walls and leaf roof, built in a clearing in the dense African forest. It was not a very string building, I'm afraid, for it blew down in a storm not long after. The boys have a new school now built of brick, with a leaf roof.

But where do the boys come from'? They come from villages dotted here and there in the forest — some quite near the mission and others only :reached after long hours, or even days, of walking through the dense forests. The missionary who taught the boys had learned to love them very much, and he had one deep longing in his heart. He longed to know whether these dear boys, who had been listening day by day to the gospel story, had really received the Lord Jesus as their Own Saviour, Soon he took the opportunity of asking each one as he left whether he had trusted in the Lord Jesus, Some said, "No"; others were not quite sure, and some were quite decided that the Lord Jesus was their Saviour.

Among the boys who were not decided was the lad named Omonombe. Later in the day, however, he came back to the missionary and said, "I wish to tell you that I am saved. I have decided for Jesus Christ." "When did you do that?" asked the missionary. "Just this afternoon. I was thinking of the five foolish virgins who were left outside, and I don't want to be left outside when the Lord Jesus comes."

The missionary was so very glad to hear this confession. Soon Omonombe turned to go away. He stopped, however, and looking back he said, "Please write it down in your book,"

Omonombe, you see, wanted this great event of his life to be recorded in writing by the missionary. Perhaps he did not know that his name was written, that very afternoon, in a far more important book——the Lamb's Book of Life.

"As many as received Him, to them. gave He power to become the sons of God." John 1:12.

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1949

Little Patsy

Patsy was just five years old, but——she had been coining to our Sun- day School for some time, and she loved to hear the Bible stories. She listened very intently when the teacher told that all the boys and girls were sinners, and "must have their sins washed away in the precious blood of Christ if they wished to enter heaven. We believe that Patsy trusted in the Lord Jesus for herself.

After Sunday School one day she came back again to say goodby to her teacher, whom she loved very dearly, Twice more she did this, much to everyone's surprise.

The following Tuesday evening it was a shock to her teacher to hear that Patsy had been burned to death that morning. Her mother had taken her out shopping, but Patsy's clothes were very thin and she began to shiver with the cold. She begged her mother to take her home again, and so she did, warning her not to touch the stove, while she hurried away to do her shopping alone. Patsy soon tired of being still, and took a piece of paper out of the stove. Her clothes caught fire, and almost immediately she was a mass of flames. When help arrived it was too late — Patsy died from her awful burns.

When we visited her mother she told us how much Patsy enjoyed coming to Sunday School, and that every night when she went to bed she would not go to sleep until she sang "Jesus Loves Me." We really believe that Patsy had trusted Jesus as her Saviour, and that she is now with the One who loved her so much He suffered on Calvary's cross for her sins.

God's Word says, "Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27: J.) , and so now, while you still have the opportunity, take the Lord Jesus as your Saviour. Tomorrow may be too late!

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

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1949

Bible Talks

T HE children of Israel began to murmur, not only against Moses, but against the Lord. But then murmuring is by no means uncommon today, even in this land of plenty! We live in a murmuring world, and we hear it on every hand. We can expect to hear more of it too, as the Lord's coming draws nearer, for "unthankfulness" is one of the characteristics of the last days (2 Tim. 3: 2). Let us, who are the children of God, be watchful that we do not fall into this horrible sin. Even children can learn to he thankful for their many blessings. There is nothing more heartbreaking than to meet a child of God who lives in "Grumble Corner." We might expect it from those who do not trust in the Lord, or know anything of His love and care, but it is surely sad to meet a murmuring Christian.

Everything is wrong for the one who lives in "Grumble Corner." The weather is always either too hot or too cold. The prices of food are so high that he cannot buy the food he likes, Other people have more money and better clothes than he has. They have better. homes and cars too! Then he is always complaining about his many aches and pains. He finds the neighbors hard to get along with, and his teacher or employer is not treating him fairly. He thinks that even his brothers arid sisters in the Lord are thoughtless, and slight him. He seems to have such a hard lot in life, and the strange part is that no one is right but himself at least this is what he vainly thinks! Perhaps some of us have lived in "Grumble Corner" ourselves, but it is a terrible place to live, and we hope that none of our readers are living there now. Those who live there, bring great dishonor upon the Lord's name.

But there is a bright district called “Thanksgiving Screet.” The Christians who live there have the same troubles as those who live in "Grumble Corner," but they count, their blessings instead of their troubles. Sometimes the weather is bad, but they say, "This the day which the Lord hath made; w€, will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118: 24. When the prices of food are high they remember that their Bible says, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. When they see others having better things than they, they seek grace to "Be content with such things as [they] have," Heb. 13:5. When sick and infirm they have "throne of grace" to which they can come to "obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:16. They try to act toward their neighbors in divine love, for "Love worketh no to his neighbor." Rom. 13: 10. They have also learned that they can do their work, even for a difficult employer el' teacher, "as to the Lord," Col. 3:23, They love their brothers and sisters h; Christ, for they have been "taught of God to love one another" — not to look for love from others! (1 Thess. 4:9.)

Even the world looks at these Christians and says, "These people have something that we haven't got," They know it is real. It is the fruit of the Spirit displayed in our daily lives. We should never live in "Grumble Corner," and if we find ourselves there, let us own it to the Lord, and move to "Thanksgiving Street" at once. "Bless the Lord, O my soul,. and forget not all His benefits," Psalm 103:2,

Messages of God’s Love 6/19/1949

Our Baby

AND she said . . . For this child I prayed; and the Lord bath given—me my petition which I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord." 1 Sam. 1: 26-28.

What shall we ask for our little child?

Shall we ask for fame in this world defiled?

For the dear-bought wisdom of earthly springs,

Or a skillful hand in the use of things?

Ah, nay, our wishes much higher go

Than the highest mount with its cap of snow;

And the heart's desire must wider be

Than the utmost stretch of the boundless sea.

We ask for the blessing of God above

And an early sense of the Saviour's love,

And an early share of His wondrous grace,

And an early start to seek His face.

A soul that is cleansed by the Saviour's blood,

A heart that is kept by the peace of God,

Where the very God of peace may dwell,

His holy secrets of love to tell.

Feet that shall walk in the path of life

And follow the Lamb through stress or strife,

That following on through pain or loss

It may learn the worth of the Saviour's cross.

A place in the heart for the words of truth

And Jesus for Guide from the earliest youth.

A home in the place where His Son supreme

And His wondrous cross are the dearest theme.

"AND THESE WORDS, WHICH 1 CoMMAND THEE ... THOU SHALT TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY UNTO THY CHILDREN." DEUT. 6:6, 7.

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1949

A Penny Farthing

In these days of airplanes and cars, it is difficult to imagine the old-fashioned bicycle with solid tires, and one big wheel in front and a little wheel behind. They used to be called penny farthings.

It is a Sunday afternoon between sixty and seventy years ago. Along a dusty road can be seen a young fellow riding one of these big bicycles. He looks hot and is going as quickly as those awkward things can go when suddenly he stops and puts his bicycle in the hedge and runs on.

What can he be doing? We will watch him out of sight, and I think we had better keep an eye on the bicycle so that no one steals it. Soon we see another young fellow come running along, jump on the bicycle, and away he goes. It not long before he catches up with the first young man and they call out to each other. On he goes for about half a mile, when he gets off, and, leaving the bicycle leaning against a tree, he starts to run on.

Can you understand what they are doing? They have fifteen miles to go, and as they have only one bicycle between them, they take it in turns, running and riding.

Why do you think they were so anxious to get to that town? I will tell you. These two fellows both worked on a farm and they had hurried this day to get all their work done so that they might go and hear a preacher of the gospel make known the story of God's love. They Were unsaved, but anxious to know the way of salvation. God had His eye oo !hem too, and directed, His servant to speak just the right word for them.

The message that night was from the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. To one of the young men it was a never-forgotten night, for he was led to come as a guilty sinner to the God against whom he had sinned, and, trusting in the Saviour, he received the forgiveness of all his sins.

Are you in earnest about your soul? Have you ever felt you would. like to be saved, yet perhaps you hardly know how it can all come about? Let me remind you that there is One above whose heart yearns over you, and He longs to have you know that He loves you. You do not have to hurry fifteen miles to find Jesus. Just as you are and just where you are, you may put this paper down. and accept Jesus am your Saviour.

"Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." Luke- 15: 7.

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1949

The End of All Things Is at Hand

Yes, we are living in the last days. Even the unsaved feel that some great change is about to take place, but they do not know what it is. We who belong to Christ know what it is — the Lord is coming!

As we look at the things around us, jet us constantly remind ourselves that they are soon going to pass away. The Apostle Peter had just reminded these Jewish believers of the character of the days in which they were living. They were days very similar to our own, for the world was pleasure-mad then, and it is more so today. The "many inventions" which man has sought out are all being tried in the vain pursuit of happiness. We are told that "there is something new every minute," but the real truth of the phrase is, "there is something new to keep the heart from Christ every minute." It is a world which has been dressed up of Satan to deceive, but it can never satisfy the human heart. All the pleasures which it has to offer are intended to keep the heart from Christ — the only One in whom true satisfaction and happiness can be Found. God formed the human heart, and He only can fill it through Christ His beloved Son.

All of man's inventions, his schemes, and his plans are soon to come to an end. All are reserved unto fire. Not one of us would devote all our energies to build a fine house, if we knew that it would be destroyed by fire the following day. We would not work night and day to get money together if we did not have a secure place to keep or inve,-;t it, A place to live in is needful, and money is generally necessary in

this world, but how foolish to set our hearts upon either of them when they are "but for a moment." Yes, dear young people, "The end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." 1 Peter 4: 7.

Let us spend our time and energies laying up treasure in heaven. Our portion there will never end. What a privilege to use what we have here in view of eternity. How wonderful to think that while living here in time, we can lay up our money in an eternal "bank" (1 Tim. 6:17-19) ; that we can do the will of God in time, and be assured that our labors will abide forever. (1 John 2:17.)

As we think of the fearful judgments which are soon to fall upon Christendom, we cannot help but be solemnized. It makes us sober to consider such things. Our unsaved relatives and friends are soon going to find the door shut against them, if they do not enter before the Lord comes. Everything that man has gloried in, all that seems stable now, is going to come to an end, and that end is near! How can we be light and foolish with the world when we know all this? They should see that we feel the truth of what we preach as we warn of impending judgment.

"And watch unto prayer." The forces of evil are mighty. They are more than a match for any of us, but we have a resource — a blessed resource! We can pray like Daniel of old. We can drop on our knees when we see new and fresh attacks of the enemy looming up, and we shall prove that our "God able." We should be known as a sober and praying people, who, nevertheless, have an inward joy and peace at all times because we "trust in the living God."

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 16:4-12.

GOD did not give up His people because they murmured. No, He loved them in spite of all their sinfulness, and even after forty years of wilderness life, during which it all came out, He still would not allow Balaam to curse them. Balaam had to say, "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel." Numbers 23:21. What a gracious God is ours! How He loves His people! Nor does God love us because of anything in ourselves, but because of the goodness that is in His own heart. He knew all about us before He picked us up in grace, and will never be disappointed in one of His children — though He may be grieved at our naughty ways. May we be more careful not to grieve His loving heart, but let us never doubt His love. (John 13: 1; Rom. 8: 38, 39.)

God said that He would send them quails in the evening and manna in the morning. He knew a11 about their need and He was able to supply it too. The quails were birds, something like partridges, but they were only sent on two occasions, whereas the manna was to be their daily food. God sent it down for them each morning of their wilderness journey. It tasted like wafers made with honey, and there was plenty for everyone.

The manna speaks to us of Christ as the Bread of God who came down from heaven (John 6:33). Only the children of Israel, who were a redeemed people, could eat of the manna. So now only the true children of God can "feed" upon Christ in His life down here. That is why the Lord Jesus said, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you." John 6:53. There can be no association with Christ except through His death.

We hear a great deal today about the life and teachings of Christ from unsaved men. The first thing a sinner needs is to learn that he is lost in his sins, and that the Lord Jesus had to die to save him. This is what it means by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. It is the death of Christ appropriated to one's own personal need, Then, after we have learned that the work of Christ has met all God's holy claims against sin, and we see that we are in a new standing, "in Christ" before God, then we can enjoy thinking of the life of Christ as Man. We rejoice. to think of His perfect obedience to God His Father in every step of His pathway, and in this way we "feed" upon Him as the Manna. We have the new life from God too—the very of Christ — which delights in obedience to God, who is now our Father, and Christ becomes our perfect Example.

How foolish it is for a sinner who is "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph, 2: 1) to try to make Christ his Example! He is still at enmity with God until he has been reconciled to God by the death of God's Son (Rom. 5: 10). Nicodemus would have accepted Christ as a great teacher, but the Lord' message to him was, "Ye must be born again." John 3: 7, The children of Israel had first to feed upon the passover lamb, which typified Christ in death. before they could cross the Red Sens and eat of the manna, which typified Christ as the Bread of God come down from heaven.

Messages of God’s Love 6/26/1949

Bible Questions for July

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in Romans, chapters 9-16.

1. "Wise unto that which is good."

2. "Present your bodies."

3. "Then it is no more of works."

4. "Who art thou that repliest against God?"

5. "Thou shalt be saved."

6. "Owe no man anything."

7. "Not to please ourselves,"

The Young People's Class
The Lord's coming with His own

Last month the questions were about the Lord's coming for His own. This month they are about His coming with His own. When He comes for His own He will come into the air and we shall rise to meet Him there. Later, when He comes with His saints, He will come right to the earth, and the answer to question three tells us where His feet will stand. He will come to judge the living nations and to set up His kingdom in righteousness. Many Christians confuse these two events, but they are always kept distinct in the Word of God,

Two remarks might help our readers to distinguish the scriptures which speak of this latter event, Any verses which tell of Christ's coming in judgment, and of the setting up of the kingdom, always refer to this time. It is often called “ the appearing” for the world will see Him than. When this event is brought before as Christians, it be noticed that responsibility is usually brought in, for at that time we shall be manifested with. Christ. Therefore our walk now should be in view of that day when the world will see us with Him in His glory. It is only as we seek to walk worthy of the Lord that we can truly "love His appearing,"

1. What name will be written on the Lord's vesture when He appears? Revelation.

2. Who will see Him when He appears? Revelation.

3. Where will His feet stand in that day? Zechariah.

4. Who will come with the Lord when He appears to execute judgment? Jude.

5. Whom will He judge at this time? Matt. 25.

6. What has the Lord promised to those who "love His appearing"? 2 Timothy.

7. Give an example of responsibility connected with His appearing. 2 Thessalonians.

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1949

Caught by the Current

JIMMY was a little boy whose home was near a swift-flowing river. You may be sure his parents warned him against swimming in such a dangerous place and for ever so long Jim -my heeded their warnings. But ono hot day the temptation to go for a swim was so strong. that in Jimmy went. At first he -swam near the banks, but, becoming bolder, he ventured out a little too far and was caught in the swift current which soon pulled him under. He struggled hard, but the river was stronger than he and almost claimed. him as its victim. Just as he was going down the third time he was seized by a strong, brown hand and hauled into a canoe. When he came to himself he found that his rescuer was an Indian.

Now, we would suppose that the Indians, for there were -two, would take the boy home to his anxious parents — but not so! They took him on and on down the river until they reached the Indian camp. Here Jimmy's rescuer took him to his home and as he and his wife were childless, it was decided that the child should live with them their own son. Jimmy was very sad to learn this and fretted and cried for his loved parents. How he wished he had not disobeyed them! How true it was in his case that, "The way of the transgressor is hard"! However, the Indian woman was very kind to the little boy and, in course of time, he became quite fond of her.

Now I must tell you, children, that Jimmy's parents were believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and knew Him as their precious Saviour. They had taught their little boy how to be saved and many scriptures had he learned, which were now a comfort to his lonely little heart. And not only this, but Jimmy taught his Indian parents of the God who had loved them and sent His Son to die for them. In course of time the Indian and his wife became Christians too, believing that God so loved them that He sent Jesus as their Saviour.

Now after they had received Jesus as their Saviour they began to realize how wrong it was of them to keep Jimmy away from his parents, and so deeply did they feel about this that they could not rest until they had taken the stolen boy home. You can imagine how great was the joy of both Jimmy and his loved ones to be reunited and how glad they were to meet the Indians who had not only saved their lad but who had been saved themselves — not from drowning — but from eternal death, through the words their own son had given them.

Thus did the Lord bring good out of evil, though Jimmy never forgot the terrible suffering his disobedience caused both himself and his parents.

"HONOR THY FATHER AND MOTHER . . THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH THEE." Eph. 6:2,3.

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1949

Is There No God Today?

THERE was a little girl whose name was Anna. Her parents were not Christians. They never prayed, and when they sat down to meals, they asked no blessing. When bedtime came they never asked God to protect them through the night, nor thanked Him for His kindness through the day. How sad, and yet there are many homes like this today.

One day an uncle came to stay with them for a few weeks. He was a Christian and was often praying. During his stay he was invited to ask a blessing at meals, and to pray with the family every evening.

The morning after he left, the family was about to begin their breakfast without a blessing, when little Anna asked, "Is there no God today, Daddy?" The question went straight to the father's heart, and very shortly after this he became a true Christian.

Let me suggest to the Christian boy or girl who may be reading this, that you ask yourself, "Is there no God today?" Do you give thanks for your food? Do you look up and thank God for His goodness to you at the end of the day?

And if you are still journeying on through life unsaved, unforgiven, ask yourself again this question, "Is there no God today?" You will have to meet God some day and you ought to be ready right now. The Lord Jesus Christ has died on the cross to save you

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 16:13-26.

THE manna had to be gathered early or it melted away with the heat of the sun. No doubt there is a lesson for us in this. The way we can "gather the -manna" now, is by reading the Word of God, which brings Christ before us, and therefore we ought to read it every morning. If we put it off until the cares of the day overtake us, like the rising sun in the wilderness, we will find that it is too late and we shall not get the same good from it, It will have "melted away" like the manna in the camp of Israel.

Perhaps some of our readers find that there is a great rush in the morning, getting ready for school or work, and you feel as though you did not have time. Let us urge you to take time to get this important food for your soul. You may not have time to read very much, but be sure to read some. The children of Israel did not all gather the same amount, but they gathered according to their eating, and those who measured it up with another, found that they had no lack. "He that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack." The important thing for them was to gather it, and then measure it, and so the important thing for us is, first to read the Word, and then meditate upon it. They had to take the manna handful by handful and measure it into their orner, which is the equivalent of about, five pints, and so if we take what we have read and apply it to our need for the day, we shall get the blessing too.

There is something else we should also notice here: they were especially commanded that none of it was to be left over until the next morning, except on the Sabbath. If they tried to keep it, which some of them did, it bred worms and had a horrible smell. This would show us that we cannot read two chapters today, and expect it to do for tomorrow as well. What we read today will not do for tomorrow any more than eating two dinners today would nourish our bodies for two days, in the proper way. If we are well, we need a dinner each day, and so we need a fresh portion each day from God's precious Word. Just as the manna which was kept over developed an unpleasant smell, so there is nothing so dry and unpleasant as to hear a person speaking about some truth which he got hold of a long time ago, but which he is nut in the good of at the present time.

The children of Israel could, however, keep the manna over for the sabbath day. They were told to gather twice as much the day before, in order that they should have enough for the Sabbath, for it did not fall on the Sabbath. We will speak a little about the Sabbath and why we keep the first day, instead in our next paper, To us the first day of the week is the Lord's day. and we should do our "gathering of the manna" during the week, perhaps more particularly the day before, so that we can enjoy what we have gathered as we meet around His table on the Lord's day. Then too, we can use some of it during the remainder of the day in happy service for Him.

Messages of God’s Love 7/3/1949

The Gold Miner's Search

IT WAS a cold bitter country up in the Klondike. The dogs needed all their fur when the winds blew across the bare countryside, but men and dogs worked steadily day after day, in the long, long search for gold. Back at night. they came to a cheerless log cabin, with no loving hands to cook and wash for them. Next morning found them out again, searching, searching for gold,

One young man was searching for happiness, and as he watched the gold hunters day after day, he was puzzled to find not a happy man among them.

The newcomers were eager but unsatisfied, longing to become rich. The old-timers were worrying over their gains, striving for more, or gambling them away to other men. Nobody was satisfied. Nobody was happy. The young man decided that there must be something more than gold.

He returned home, but his family at home were not happy either. They had religion, but they .did not have Christ. There must be something more than just religion.

Our friend then went to a big boarding school to study music. He was very successful, and he loved to play and sing about anything except the blood of Christ. The music was wonderful, but it did not: heal. his troubles nor anyone else's, it only helped him to forget them for a while. There must be something more than music.

One hot summer evening, he leaned. out his little study window above the traffic of the busy city, puzzling over this sore disappointment. A -friend in the next room, who was also enjoying the evening air, leaned far out of his window and offered the student a little book to read. The young man's eyes rested upon the words to which. his friend had pointed.

He took the precious Testament in.- side, and read for the first time eagerly, longingly, thirstily, the words of the Lord Jesus in the Gospel of John. Gold, religion, and music had disappointed him, but our blessed Saviour never disappoints anyone. By the power of the Holy Spirit, his eyes were opened to see that the One who died on Calvary, died for him. He believed the message and received everlasting life.

Now our young friend loves to sing from a full heart, of the precious blood of Christ. He loves to tell others of the deep treasure he has found in Jesus. He does not care for gold. Wind and storm do not turn him back in his desire to find those in need of the Saviour, for he knows the truth of the words of Jesus.

"VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT HEARETH MY WORD, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO CONDEMNATION; BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE." JOHN ,5;24.

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1949

Thank You, R.A.F.

THE "Theresa Boyle," a trawler from Scotland, had been sunk by a bomber in.the North Sea. The crew of ten were able to get away in their lifeboat which was only a very small one. For hours they rowed about, hoping that someone would see them.

This happened in February. It was terribly cold and they had little food with them. Forty hours went past, and no one had sighted their boat. As the weary hours dragged on, one after another of the men became exhausted and could not help with the rowing.

Ten more hours passed, which seemed to them much longer, and hope was beginning to fail when in the distance an airplane was seen. How their hearts beat! Was it a friend or a foe? Soon they recognized it to be an. R.A.F. plane. But would they be seen?

The keen eye of the pilot on patrol did not miss them, although their little boat was being buffeted by 'heavy waves. By this time eight of the men were lying on the floorboard, too weak to row, but just able to wave anxiously to the pilot.

The plane flew low. The men knew that they had been seen, and then off flew the plane in search of help. It soon found two minesweepers, some fifteen miles away, and asked them, by lamp signals, to follow. By firing colored lights the pilot guided the minesweepers to the little lifeboat. It circled round until the men, the entire crew of the sunken trawler, were taken on board

— SAVED.

Then it flew off. But after going two miles, a signal lamp from the rescue ship recalled the plane. "Anything wrong?" signaled the pilot. "No," the reply flickered, "These chaps we picked up just want to say,

"THANK YOU, R. A. F.!"

And with this message off flew the plane to carry on its duty of patrol.

These men were in danger of their lives when they were rescued and saved. We were in danger of death and judgment, but the Lord. Jesus has seen. our need and died to save us from eternal hell. Have you ever bowed your knees and said,

"I thank thee, Lord Jesus, for dying for me"?

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1949

Thank You

SUCH a thing had never happened before. The postman had never had a parcel for "the caravan in the woods." But there it was this time, and a great big parcel too. It was addressed to Ted, who could scarcely believe his eyes as he sat up on his little rough bed to open it.

"Never knew I had a friend," he said, as he slipped off the string. And oh, what a parcel! There were some books and some toys and some chocolate, and. some clothes, too, that just fitted Ted and his little brother and sister.

They were all speechless with joy and wonder. They had never felt so rich before. Toys and books were things unknown to the little gypsy children, and they felt quite different in their new clothes. Where had they all come from?

Nearly a hundred miles away a little boy named Robin had sat up in bed and thought. He was tired of his lessons, tired of his toys, tired of his storybooks and tired above all of six long years in bed. However, his legs would not work so there he had to be. What could he do?

Then he heard of the gypsy family. "Poor little things with no toys or anything," he thought. "I will send them a parcel." How he enjoyed getting everything together to put in it! And then he lay and waited for the answer.

Lessons and play interested him very little. His one thought and question everyday was, "Has the postman come, and is there a letter for me?" Days, weeks and months went by and no letter came. What were they thinking about? Did they not want their parcel after all?

Oh, yes! They were so glad; they wore the clothes and read the books and ate the chocolate too — and began to try to save up to buy a toy for Robin! But they could not understand that all he wanted was a letter to say "Thank you," and to tell him how much they needed what he had sent them.

But one day they learned that he had lots and lots of toys and that if they were to save up for ever so long they could never, buy him what he wanted. So they got a card and wrote on it how much they thanked him and how they liked the parcel he sent and how very glad they were to have him for a friend, for no one else had ever cared for them like that.

Oh! how overjoyed Robin was to get that precious card at last! He was still watching for it, though it was such a long time coming, and he at once began to plan what else he could send them!

But others besides Ted have a Friend they have never seen; a Friend who has given such a wonderful gift, which was needed much more than Ted needed his parcel. And this Friend is still waiting and still watching, for someone has not yet said, "Thank You," nor owned how much he needs Him. Is that someone YOU?

Have you said "Thank You" to the Lord Jesus Christ for dying on the cross? Perhaps you are trying to do something which you think He will like — but have you said, "Thank You."?

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1949

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Exodus 16:27-36.

THIS is the first time in the Bible that the Sabbath was given to man to keep. Although God had rested after the six days of creation in the garden of Eden, He had never told man to rest. Moreover God's Sabbath had been spoiled as soon as Adam sinned (John 5: 17) ; nor is there any mention of the Sabbath's ever being kept up to this time; though it was a period of well over two thousand years.

Some might wonder why God gave the Sabbath to the children of Israel at this time before the giving of the law. It is important to see that God always shows us His purposes in grace before responsibility conies in. The children of Israel were now a redeemed people and God could give them rest on the ground of redemption, though in no other way. Afterwards, when they put themselves in a place of under law, God gave them the Sabbath as His promise of earthly rest if they could keep the law, but they could not. They will, however, enjoy the sabbath of rest during the millennial. reign of Christ, for it will not be founded upon law-keeping, but -upon the work of Christ at Calvary, (Psalm 130:3-8; Ezek. 44:24.)

For a Christian to keep the sabbath day is really to deny his position as a heavenly man. Our blessings are in heaven, not on the earth as Israel's were. Heaven is our eternal home (2 Cur. 5:1) ; our conversation is there (Phil. 3: 20), and we are waiting for the Lord Jesus to come and take us there (1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Cur. 15:49-52) . Christ, who is the Head of His body, the Church, is now seated in the heavenlies and we are seated there in Him (Eph. 1:20, 2:6). Both of the occasions on which the Lord stood in the midst of His disciples in the upper room, as well as on the day of Pentecost, were on the first day of the week. We know too that this way the day on which the early desciples met to break bread (Act; 20: 7). They were told that the Sabbath was a "shadow of things to come and it was not for them to keep as Christians (Col. 2: 16, 17). Of course we know that they often preached the, gospel on the Sabbath when the Jews were together, and so we can and do preach the gospel at any time and in any place where the Lord opens the door. We might also say that we are not under law as to the first day of the week, but it is our liberty and joy to use it as the Lord's day, for Him and for His glory.

Moses was then told to take an omen of the manna and lay it up before the Lord, and this he did. He placed it before the Testimony and then later, when the tabernacle was built, he put it in a golden pot in the ark. The manna, as we have remarked previously, typified Christ, and just as this golden pot full of manna was to be kepi for the generations to come, so we are never to forget that all blessings come to us through Him. He was the true Bread of God who came down from heaven, and how blessed to know that through eternal ages we shall feed upon that "hidden manna" (Rev. 2: 17). We shall never weary of thinking of Christ as the One who came down to earth and went into death in order to bring us into blessing.

Messages of God’s Love 7/10/1949

Home to the Highlands

A young man came home again to the Highlands of Scotland, after a wild wicked life. He was not very welcome, for, before he left to become a sailor, he had been the terror of the whole neighborhood because of his drink and wickedness.

On the whaling boat, however, he had learned the fear of the Lord which. is the beginning of wisdom, and in his misery of conscience, he had learned to know the One who said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," Malt 28, He found that rest in the One who died for him.

Now lie was home again, and visiting in a neighboring home where a number of people were gathered together for the evening. "Here is a chance," he thought, "for me to tell what the Lord Jesus has done for my soul." He rose at once and said to the people, "You all know what a dreadful character I was when living here. Well, out there on the high seas, the Lord Jesus Christ washed all my sins away in His precious blood, and now I am saved." He then sat down.

A well-known religious man at once asked him, "Young man, do I understand you to say that you know you are saved?"

"Yes, sir," he replied.

The old man turned to the people and said, "You have all known me for twenty years as an honest man and religious, and yet I would not dare to say that I am saved."

"I have a better right to say it than you, sir," answered the young man.

"What," cried the religious man, "you who were not fit to be in society! A thief and a liar, who had to run away for fear of prison!"

"Yes," said the young man, "I was only fit for the flames of hell, but, sir, I will tell you why I have a better right to heaven than you. You bring to God twenty years of honest life, and hold that up before Him. God says that it is all as filthy rags in His presence (Isaiah 64:6). I have owned to God my life of sin, but I have come before Him. pleading only the blood of Christ, God's Son, which cleanseth from all sin. This is my plea, sir — the blood. This is my only title before God, not myself at all."

Reader, what is your title? Your works call for your judgment: His blood was shed for your forgiveness.

"IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, EVEN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS." COLOSSIANS 1:14.

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1949

The Tavern Keeper and the Fly

WE READ in the Bible, in several places, how God used animals to carry out His purposes. You all remember how He opened the mouth of the dumb ass and reproved wicked Balaam, and on another occasion we read that He sent a lion to kill a disobedient prophet, Then God used it great fish to swallow Jonah, and at another time he used a small fish with a piece of money in its mouth.

I lately heard a story of how, even it these days, God used a little fly to carry out His plans, and I think you would like to hear it too.

There was, in a certain village in England, a very ungodly man who made his living by keeping a tavern. He was given to drinking and swearing a great deal, and boasted that he had never been in a church or read the Bible. Do you think God would love a man like that? Of course God loved him, as you shall see by the story.

One day some friends coaxed him to attend a gospel service, but he refused. They continued urging him, and at last he promised to go, but this was his plan. He was fond of singing, and he decided that he would listen to the singing, but when the preaching started he would put his fingers in his ears!

He did enjoy the singing too, but when he saw the preacher open his Bible, he immediately put his fingers in his ears and refused to listen. All went well for a while, but suddenly a little fly lighted on his nose. It did not stay quietly there, but walked slowly around, tickling him terribly with its little legs. First he shook his head gently, and then violently, but the fly went on tickling his nose. Then he tried blowing. But it was no use. Out came his fingers and he raised his hand to drive away his tormenting enemy. But God used that one moment to speed a text into the conscience of that wicked man. What do you think the text was? lie that bath ears to hear, let him hear." Matt: 11:15. He felt that God was speaking directly to him, warning him of the evil of his ways, and he was afraid to close his ears again. He listened eagerly to the rest of the message, and at the close of the meeting, he came right up to the preacher and told him that he was a sinner and wanted to be saved.

It was some time before he could lay hold of the fact that God had been watching him; had seen and heard all his wickedness and yet was offering him a free salvation. He found that God's beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, had taken his place and had borne the punishment that he deserved, and he bowed and accepted Him as his own Saviour.

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

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1949

I Forgive You

LE'T us imagine ourselves in a law court in Belgium. The court is concerned with a quarrel between two women, which had taken place in one of the villages. A fight had followed in which one of the women had been badly hurt, and had brought a court action against her enemy.

However, between the time of the fight and the hearing of the case, a wonderful thing had happened. This woman had been brought to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour. For you know Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and He loves to make Himself known to those who are in need and in trouble„ When she found that the Lord Jesus loved her and had died for all her sins, she felt that it would be wrong of her to bring action against this woman whom she had called her enemy.

Now let us take a look in the court again. The two women are there: the accusation has been read and the facts stated. The accused woman begins to try to tell her side of the story and to justify herself. The judge now commands the woman to be silent while he reads a letter which he has received from her accuser. Let us listen to the letter:

"Because the debt of my many sins has been paid by Jesus Christ, whose precious blood has washed them all away, I wish to forgive this woman for all the wrongs which she has done me."

The accused woman hears the letter read, but instead of being thankful, she continues to try to justify herself until the-judge stops her by saying, "Why do you try to defend yourself, Madam, since you are completely forgiven?"

Dear young reader, are you trying to plead your cause before God, or are you willing to accept the forgiveness which He offers to you through the blood of Jesus? Accept the truth of His Word which says, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." Hebrews 10: 17.

In our story there were undoubtedly faults on both sides, but as to your case before God the fault is all on your side; yet God is willing to forgive, you ALL trespasses. (Col. 2:13.)

, Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 17:1-7

The wilderness journey was one of testings and .trials, but it was also one which proved the all-sufficiency of God to meet their every need. It put faith to the test; and alas, it also discovered the lack. of faith on the part of many who "could not enter in (to Canaan) because of unbelief." Hebrews 3:19. This world is now a "wilderness" to us, as Christians, and how often we find ourselves tested by the trials of the way!

When the children of Israel came to Rephidim they could not find any water to drink, but, instead of turning to the Lord and asking Him for it, they began to murmur again. The Lord had always met their need in the past, so why not trust Him on this occasion? Alas, they put the blame on Moses instead. And don.'t we often do the very same thing ourselves? We get into some trouble, and then we start to blame others. It is an old habit which began with. Adam who blamed his wife; then Eve blamed the serpent, and so it has come down to our day. But it is a very serious thing to do, for God is over all, and nothing happens but what He allows. May we learn to take everything from His hand! Let us look up and seek His help in every time of need, but let us be careful not to blame others. If we do, then there is a message for us, as well as for the Israelites, in the words of Moses, "Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?"

Moses still loved the people of God, although they were almost ready to stone him at this time. Let us learn a little lesson from. this too, for we should never cease to love and care ]'or the children of God no matter how badly they treat us. We should love them because they are His people, not because of the good we see in them. If we find a feeling of bitterness arising in our hears against some person who has been unkind to us, we can do as Moses did here; we can pray for that person. It is the easiest way I know to gain the victory over such feelings, and so Moses' case the years that follow show how patiently he loved and cared for the children of Israel all through their journey.

Moses was then told to take his rod with which he had smitten the river. and go to the rock, The Lord told him that He would stand 'before him upon it, and that when he smote the rock the water would come out so that the thirsty Israelites might drink. What sight to see that vast multitude drinking the fresh sparkling water flowing from the smitten rock! But this is more than just an interesting story, for God has told us that "that Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4. What a beautiful figure of the Lord Jesus who was "smitten of God" (Isaiah 53:4) for us at Calvary. Through the work that He accomplished there, when He bore the full stroke of God's judgment against sin, we can drink freely of the water of life. Our thirsty souls can find perfect satisfaction in Christ, and may we repeat God's invitation to any unsaved reader of these lines, "Whosoever will , let him take the water of life freely." Rev. 22: 17, We can also see in this a figure of the Spirit of God, who indwells the believer, to bring him into the present good of his portion in Christ. (John 7: 37-39.)

Messages of God’s Love 7/17/1949

Sally and Sue

SALLY and Sue had been playing in the garden, until it would be hard to tell whether the twins had ever had a bath before in their life. There was dirt on their hands and face and clothes and even in their hair, but Sally and Sue did not mind at all.

Mother quickly decided that both her little girls needed a bath, and 1Vlother knows best. The twins took a tubbing and a rubbing until Mother was satisfied. Sally added an extra rinse to her hair with the dripping washcloth, while Mother got the camera to take a picture of her clean little girls. Then she kissed them and tucked them both into bed.

Sally and Sue snuggled down under the covers as the lights were turned out, but God can see in the dark, you know. The darkness and the light are both alike to Him. God looks down very lovingly on all the boys and girls in the world, while they sleep through. the hours of darkness.

God sees far more than Mother could see, even if she turned the light on. God sees your heart, and He knows all its secret thoughts. Do you like to think that He knows all you have thought and done today ? if He did not know it, He could not forgive you, and that is just what He wants to do. But if you are not forgiven, every thought and word and deed of sin is clearly marked, and is black in His sight, and you must answer for them. all.

How can God forgive a sinful child? Only through Christ's finished work. Only because Christ has willingly paid the debt of our sins by His work on Calvary. God now can freely forgive you once for all, but only if you come to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ.

When the lights are out tonight, and you lie there in the dark, remember that God sees you through and through. Remember that He loves you, and do not spend another night with a sin-stained heart.

THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE, BEHOLDING THE EVIL, AND THE GOOD." PROVERBS 15:3.

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1949

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

SOME years ago an evangelist was holding gospel meetings in a tent where very many came to hear the blessed news of salvation. One night I. noticed a tall elderly gentleman take a seat near me. When the meeting came to a close, as he was leaving the tent, I said to him, "Are you a Christian?" Never shall I forget the kindly smile on his face as he replied, "Oh, yes, for many years." "But," I said, "are you not Jewish?" "Yes, I am a Jew."• "Would you mind telling me how you became a Christian?" "I will gladly tell you," he replied. And as a little group gathered round he told us of his experience. This is his story.

"My father, a Jewish Rabbi in England, came to the United States when quite a young man. He was ambitious for his children, and as each one came of age, he established them in business. He started me out as a merchant with a fully equipped grocery store.

"The very day I opened, a little girl of six years, with sunny golden hair, came to buy a loaf of bread. for her mother. As I handed it to her she asked me in a sweet childish voice, 'Do you love Jesus?' Astonished, and amused, I answered, 'No, I do not believe in your Jesus.' Without a word she left the store, but she came back the next-day to make another purchase, and again her serious blue eyes looked into mine as she inquired, `Do you love Jesus now?' No,' I replied, 'I do not believe in Him.' Without a protest she turned away, but only to come again, day after day, and she always asked the same question, and was always answered., sometimes impatiently, 'No.' She never argued or asked why, but sometimes her eyes looked at me with a strange wistfulness.

"One day she came when I was alone in the store, and once again there fell on my ears the same childish question, which was now annoying rather than amusing. This time I said, 'Now look here, Mary, you have asked me that question every day for months, and every day I have told you that I do NOT love your Jesus. I do not want you to ask me that again.'

"Not one word did the little one speak to me, but she dropped on her knees, and bowed her little head on a box, and spoke to her heavenly Father. `Lord, save Mr. E. Lord, save Mr. E. Lord, please save Mr. E.' Such a short prayer from a little child's lips, and such a simple one, and yet in that brief moment of time, I saw that Mary's Jesus was my Messiah, my Saviour.”-

"I could not speak, but as I saw her going out of the store I ran after her and lifting her in my arms, I said, ‘Mary, I DO love your Jesus. I do love Him now from now on be my Jesus too.'

"I locked the store right, then and went home with the child and said to her mother, You have been a customer of mine for months. You have never spoken to me of your Saviour, but your little girl has never failed to ask me if loved Him. I have come to tell you that because of her interest I have given my heart to Jesus.'

He went on to tell us of the storm that resulted when he confessed the Lord Jesus at his home. He was forever cut off from his family, but he added, "Having accepted Jesus, through faith in His precious blood, I have gained far more!"

"Unto you therefore which believe He is precious." 1 Peter 2: 7.

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1949

I Want You To Be Saved. Too

A MAN who lived in Toronto, Canada, and had been in jail a number of times for various offenses, lay dying. His two brothers had come to see him and were standing by the bedside. They knew he could not last much longer. His wife was there too, and though he had not been a kind husband to her, she was feeling very sad.

He had been unconscious for some time, but suddenly he opened his eyes and seeing them standing around, he smiled at them all and said, "I'm so happy, I've had a wonderful dream and I want to tell you of it."

In his dream he had seen a beautiful garden — so lovely that he couldn't begin to describe its beauty. Then he had noticed that he was dirty — just covered with sin—and as he looked the beautiful garden faded away from him and Someone stood 'before "him with outstretched hands. He had a wonderful face, and. He said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 1.1.: 28.

"And now, Bill and Tom," he said to his brothers, "I have confessed my sin, and taken the Lord Jesus as my Saviour, and He has made me so happy. I want you to be saved too — Christ Jesus is willing and. able to save you right now."

Turning to his wife, he said, "Mary, I'm sorry I haven't been a good husband to you. You've often had to work hard to get enough to eat, and I did nothing but scold you for our misfortunes. But I have been forgiven; Jesus has washed away all my sins in His precious blood. Now I'm dying, but I want to meet you in heaven."

A few days later Bill was standing on his doorstep telling me this story and when I asked him, "Have you been saved? Are you looking forward to meeting your brother in the glory?" he turned around without a word, and slammed the door in my face.

How sad to think, dear children, that this man, though warned by his brother, and knowing that without trusting in the Lord. Jesus he could riot enter heaven, still refused to accept God's offer of mercy. Are you, dear children, like him? Are you closing the door of your heart to the Lord Jesus, or will you now accept Him as your Saviour?

Why not do it today?

"Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts," Hebrews 4:7.

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 17:8-13.

THE children of Israel had no sooner had a drink of the refreshing waters which flowed from the smitten rock, when the Amalekites came and fought against them. As we remarked last week, this water speaks to us of the Holy Spirit, and therefore we find that conflict begins at once. "The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” Galatians 5:17.

Perhaps some of our young readers have recently been saved. If you have, you are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God '(Eph. 1:13), and He will never leave you (John 14:16). But you still have the old nature, and it has not improved at all. It is like the host of the Amalekites who fought against the Israelites and tried to hinder their progress. It will hinder your progress too, if you allow it to act. The way in which the children of Israel gained the victory is very instructive, for it shows the only way of victory for us.

Joshua is a figure of Christ as the Leader of His people, and so Joshua went out with chosen rnen to fight against the Amalekites. Then, while the battle was going on in the wilderness, Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill and Moses held up his hands. As :long as his hands were uplifted, the Israelites were victorious, but when he let down his hands the Amalekites were victorious. This would show us that we cannot gain the victory over the evil inclinations of our sinful nature in our own strength. We need Christ leading us in the power of the Spirit of God in accordance, with His Word, just as Joshua led the Israelites according to the word of Moses; and then we also need Christ as our Great High Priest interceding for us on high, as Moses lifted up his hands on the top to the Mount, He 5 ever ready to help us in every time of need (Hebrews 4: 15-16), and we could never gain ill, victory if He were not interceding for us. Moses' hands became very tired, and so Aaron and Hur made him sit down while they held up his weary hands, Aaron on one side and Hur the other. In this way his hands were held steady until the end. of the day, and the children of Israel were victorious. Aaron is the priest, and Hur means purity. How blessed to know that Great High Priest's hands will never grow weary. His work on Calvary has, so perfectly answered to God about the sin question, that in holiness He call maintain His work as our Great Hid Priest and Advocate. He who died for: us is now living for us on high.

Let us make a few remarks here so that even the youngest may understand the meaning of all this. Perhaps you may be distressed at times to find that the old nature with its sinful desires is still within. There is real conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, but let us remember that the battle is the Lord's and that He is the Leader of His people. Our Great High Priest is pleading for us too. He knows all about us and our every weakness, but in Be strength we can go forward, counting on Him for the victory. It is just as certain as Israel's victory over Amalek if we count on the Lord and go to Him for grace to help in time of need.

Messages of God’s Love 7/24/1949

The Photograph

THE camera man stood very, very still. He did not even dare to snap a twig with his foot. He scarcely dared to breathe, but he stood patiently, perhaps for an hour, until the two pheasants were just in the right position to be snapped. They did not know anything about pictures, but they cast a very doubtful eye on the stranger, ready to take fright in a moment. His patience was rewarded, and he is pleased with a good clear picture.

"See," he says, "I waited a whole hour for that,"

But God, who sees everything, waited longer than that before he recorded a full-length picture of you. He waited patiently for four thousand years, before He recorded your picture in Romans 3. He is not pleased with this picture, but He who knows all things knows that it is faithful and true. You have more understanding than the pheasants, and He wants you to look at His picture of you.

A boy named Robert looked. at his picture in Romans 3:12: "They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one,"

"That's not me," he said.

"Then," said his visitor, "we must read it like this: 'They are all gone out of the way, except Robert. There is none that doeth good, except Robert.' "

Robert thought it over. He knew that God recorded this picture and God knows. "Leave it the way it is," he said. "Don't change God's Word."

Do you dare to change God's Word? Do you think that the God who made man and watched him and cared for him for four thousand years doesn't know you through and through? God's picture of man is exactly true, and when you have read His Word in Romans 3, you must bow your head and say, "Truth Lord," to all. He says about YOU.

But don't stop there. God loves you. All those years of patient waiting ended with the death of His beloved Son, who became a man that He might die. Now, God is not patiently waiting to record your picture, for that is done, but He is waiting for you to come to Him, in the name of His Son, the Lord Jesus, to receive the pardon which He alone can give. Then in Christ Jesus, the old picture of your old self will be done away, and God, who hates sin, will see you "without blame before Him in love."

God wants to see you in Christ Jesus, but you cannot get out of Romans 3 until you admit that it is true. God's pardon is only for sinners.

"ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD." ROMANS 3:23.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1949

Hold-My-Hand

ARE you the mother of 'Hold-My-Hand-Lord Jesus'?" This strange question was asked by a nurse who came into the hospital waiting room. She had come to look for the mother of a little boy who had just passed safely through an operation.

The little fellow had been very brave. But of course there was nothing to be afraid of, for had not Mother said, when he was parted from her, "Sonny, when Nurse takes you into the operating room, just say, 'Hold my hand, Lord Jesus,' and it will be all right"?

Sonny did not know exactly when he was to say that, so he kept on repeating all the time they were getting him ready, "Hold my hand, Lord Jesus. Hold my hand, Lord Jesus," and of course he knew that Jesus would take care of him. The nurse had been impressed for she had not found many children like that. And she had no trouble in finding the right mother in the waiting room.

What I want to tell you, boys arid girls, is this. The Lord Jesus is willing and ready to hold your hand through the very next difficulty that comes along — that examination that is coming soon at school; the new school where you do not :know anyone.

I say He is willing, but are you willing to trust Him? He took little children right up in. His loving arms when He was here on earth and He still loves them.

"Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1949

Bodily Exercise

TIMOTHY was a young man. who had been brought up in a God-fearing home and had been taught to read the holy Scriptures from his early childhood. Moreover he not only knew the Scriptures, but he sought to practice what he knew, for he was well spoken of by all who were acquainted with him (Acts 16: 1-3). One day when Paul wanted a companion to travel with him in his service for the Lord, Timothy decided to go, and, no doubt, Paul was happy to have such a young man with him. These journeys were accompanied by many hardships and suffering for the name of Christ, but Timothy counted it a privilege to be "a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." 2 Tim. 1: 8.

Some years later Paul, inspired by the Spirit of God, wrote two letters, or epistles, to Timothy and we would encourage all our readers to read them prayerfully and often. They are the only-epistles which are addressed particularly to a young man (1 Tim. 4: 12) , and since we ourselves are young, as Timothy was, surely they are of deep interest to us.

There are a few verses in 1 Timothy 4 which are very instructive, and it might be profitable to look at them. This Month we will look at verse 8: "For -bodily exercise profiteth little (for a little time,' margin) : but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

Timothy had once had some strenuous "bodily exercise" of a godly sort when he traveled with Paul on his long journeys, but there are few who would choose this kind of exercise. It means that we must "endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ," and the flesh does not like such a path. No doubt Timothy's "oft infirmities" made it very difficult for him too, and some may have suggested that he take up some other "bodily exercise." At any rate it was apparently being talked about among the Christian young people in those days. Paul therefore told Timothy that such would only profit "for a little time." Of course we need hardly remark that the Scripture tells us not to neglect our bodies (Col. 2:23) , but God would have us put first things first. Bodily exercise has its place, if found in a godly way, but there is something about bodily exercise in the way of sports, which is very liable to take a great hold upon us as young people, and we have to watch against this. Paul said, "All things are lawful unto me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." 1 Cor. 6:12. When we find anything of this world, though right in its place, assuming an important place in our lives, let us watch that we do not get under its power.

But how different the path of godliness! In it we have the promise of God's blessing in this life, as well as in the life to come. Yes, godliness is profitable unto all things. Now if bodily exercise is only profitable for this life, and godliness is profitable for both, let us choose the better part! Let us seek the Lord and His interests and He will take care of us. He will bless us abundantly in this life and reward us abundantly in the next. He is too rich to be our debtor in anything, and He delights in our blessing.

And let us remember what godliness is: it is God-likeness! (1 John 2:6; 1 Tim. 3:16.)

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 17:14-16

MOSES was told to write an account of this battle with Amalek and put it in a book so that it might be rehearsed in the ears of Joshua, He needed to be reminded over and over again that victory was of the Lord. Sometimes, even in our own lives, God. gives us some great victory and then we begin to take the credit to ourselves. We forget that it was in His strength and not our own that we gained it, and then when the next difficulty arises we go right down to defeat. We try to meet it in our own wisdom and strength and we find out how utterly helpless we are. Just as Moses was told. to remind Joshua over and over again how he won the victory over Amalek, so we need to go to the Lord each day, telling Him how weak and helpless we are and asking Him for strength to meet the difficulties of the way,

We shall always have the flesh in us as long as we are in this world. We can never "rest on our oars" and suppose that the struggle is over. The Amalekites were the enemies of Israel for generations to come, and they are even to this day. But there is a day coming when God will "utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." When Israel are brought into blessing in •their land in a coming day, Amalek will be cut oft completely. We know, too, that when we get home to glory we shall never have the old nature to trouble us there. We shall be perfectly like Christ then, and shall be able to relax and enjoy the presence of the Saviour whom we love without even having a bad thought to trouble us forever. What a glorious prospect — our Amalek will be cut off then!

To hear Thy voice, to see Thy face,

And grieve Thy heart no more;

But drink the fullness of Thy grace,

Thy love for evermore.

In the meantime as we pass through this scene, may we do as Moses did and build our altar, calling it Jehovah-nissi, which means "The Lord our Banner." We have nothing to fear — riot because of any strength in ourselves, for there is none — but because the Lord is our banner. Let us then raise our banner high, so that all can see it, and give Him all the glory.

We have traced the journeys of the children of Israel all the way from Egypt and have seen how God was sufficient to meet their every need. We learn too that there is a perfect order all through God's Word. Iii the sixteenth chapter we have the manna which speaks of Christ as the Bread of God who came down from heaven. Then in our chapter we have the smitten rock which reminds us of Christ bearing the judgment of God for our sins. This is followed by the water flowing out, for the believer' is now indwelt by the Holy Spirit because Christ has gone up on high. After this comes conflict with Amalek — the sinful nature within and victory is assured because Christ is our Great High Priest above.

All this is most beautiful and instructive, and reminds us afresh that the Bible is not just a history book, or a collection of interesting stories. It God's Word and every page bears the stamp of divine inspiration.

Messages of God’s Love 7/31/1949

Bible Questions for August

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in 1 Corinthians, chapters 1-8.

1. "Be not ye the servants of men."

2. “Unto us which are saved.”

3. “They are foolishness unto him."

4. "Ye sin against Christ."

5. "Other foundation can no man lay."

6. "Have no certain dwelling place."

7, "Such were some of you."

The Young People's Class
Reading

What we read has a great deal to-do with forming the moral character of our lives even as Christians. A had hook can do untold harm to anyone, and a good book can be a tremendous help to anyone. The question is, How can we know what is good? The answer is in Isaiah 8:20, "To the Jaw and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them." Some people think that if a book has a religious background, and is written about the Bible that it is sure to be good, but this is not the case. It may sound good and interesting, but if it is not fundamentally sound it will prove most harmful to the reader.

There is only one book which we do not have to test. That Book is the Bible. We must not judge it, for it is God's Word. It must judge us. It is the divine standard of truth and will never pass away. Every other book should be tested by this perfect measure. We can be thankful for the many books which are according to truth, and let us read and prize them, but let us refuse those which do not stand the test.

Above all, may we read this Book, the Word of God, every day, giving it the FIRST and unrivalled place in our libraries and in our lives! Then the Apostle's desire for the Colossians will be true of us, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." Col. 3:16.

1. In what book was the king to read all the days of his life? Dent. 17.

2. What effect did the reading of the law have upon the young heart of king Josiah? 2 Kings 22.

3: What happened to king Jehoiakim because he destroyed a copy of God's Word?

Jeremiah 36.

4. Does God take notice of whether we read His Word distinctly, when we read it aloud? Nehemiah.

5. What was Timothy exhorted to give attendance to? 1 Timothy.

6. 'What kind of epistle do "all men" read? 2 Corinthians.

7. What did Hezekiah do with a distressing letter after he had read it? 2 Kings 19.

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1949

Tide Fighting

HAVE you ever seen tide fighting? Perhaps you have never even seen the tide, but if you live near the sea you know what I mean. The waters of the sea gradually rise higher and higher on the land for quite a few hours, and then they slowly slip back again. This rise and fall of the sea is called the tide. Some years ago, about sixty children gathered on a sandy beach by the sea for a Tide Fighting Competition. They were each given a spade, a flag, and a plot of sand, and they were to build a castle each, as fast as they could, until the whistle blew. They all dug and piled, and dug and piled, as fast as they could till each one had a castle of his own, some very high, some not so big, hat very strong, and some not very big and not very strong.

Soon the tide, which had been comng up closer all the time, was within three feet of the castles, and the whistle blew. All the boys and girls stopped working, and sticking flags on top of their castles, they ran up the beach,

The tide crept closer and soon the castles were surrounded by water. Suddenly one collapsed and the flag went down—then another and another, till. Only two big castles remained. Everyone gathered round to watch. Soon a big wave came, a huge crack appeared in one castle, and before long the flag went down. The other had won.

All the children then hurried up the beach, well beyond the tide mark, and there they all sat down to listen, while one told them a story from Matthew's Gospel, chapter seven. It was the story of the foolish man who built his house upon the sand. When the rain, the floods. and the winds beat upon it, it fell and broke to pieces. It had no foundation! But the wise man built his house upon the rock, from which the storms and winds could riot move it.

What are you building on for eternity? Are you building on the sand without bothering about a foundation? Perhaps you are thinking your own good works will be foundation. enough, but they will not stand in that day. In the First Epistle to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul talks of foundations and this is what he says, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 3:11.

-Dear young reader, accept the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, and He will be your unchangeable foundation now and forever.

"Build on the Rock—

The Rock that ever stands;

Oh, build on the Rock and not upon the sands.

You need not fear the storm.

Or the earthquake shock;

You're safe for evermore if you build on the Rock."

"HE ONLY IS MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION; HE IS MY DEFENSE; I SHALL, NOT BE GREATLY MOVED," PSALM 62:2.

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1949

The Power of a Smile

MRS. BENNETT was standing on the platform waiting for the
train to come, when an old man stepped up to her and said: "Excuse me, madam, but I want to thank you for something."

"Thank me?" she questioned.

"Yes, ma'am. I used to be ticket collector at Trenton, and whenever you went by you always gave me a cheerful smile and a 'good morning,' and you do not know what a difference it made to me. Sunshine or rain it was always the same, and I thought to myself, 'I wonder where she gets that smile from: one cannot always be happy, and yet she seems to be,' and I knew that smile came from inside.

"Then one morning you came by, and you had a little Bible in your hand, and I wondered if perhaps that was where your smile came from, On my way home from work that night, I bought a Bible, and have been reading it ever since. I have found the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour, and now I can smile too, and. I want to thank you."

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

"For Thou exceedest all the fame
Our ears have ever heard;
How happy we who know Thy name,
And trust Thy faithful Word."

Bible Talks

Exodus 18:1-27

THE seventeenth chapter closed with the promise of the cutting off of Amalek, and now the eighteenth chapter opens with a visit :from Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. He had heard about, God's ways with Israel, and of how God had delivered them out of Egypt, so he came to see them, bringing Moses' wife along with him. Now Jethro was a Gentile as well as Zipporah, Moses' wife, and this gives us a beautiful picture of Israel's blessing in a coming day. Zipporah bad been sent away during the time of judgment upon Egypt and of Israel's deliverance out of it, and so we know that Christ will take His Gentile bride —the Church—to heaven before the awful tribulation comes upon the world. Then, after the tribulation, Christ will come back with His bride to set up the kingdom. The Gentile nations which believe will, like Jethro, come up to see the glory of the Lord at Jerusalem and will rejoice before Him. They will then offer their sacrifices and keep the feast as Jethro did, while they hear about all the wondrous ways of God with His people Israel. (Zech. 14:16.)

Jethro also saw Moses sitting to judge the people, and so there will be a display before all of righteous judgment on the earth in that day. (Isaiah 11: 1-9; 32: 1.) Sometimes the wrongdoer is let go, and the innocent have to suffer now, but when the Lord Jesus reigns He will not make any mistakes—His government will be perfect. We, as Christians, should remember that we cannot expect to see justice in this unrighteous world. They have rejected the only "Just One"—in fact they murdered Him—and now we can expect to suffer if we walk in His ways. It is part of our heritage while our Lord is rejected, for "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Phil. 1: 29. However, we know that when He reigns in righteousness, as He will before very long, then we shall reign with Him.

Jethro made some suggestions to Moses as to the government of the people and Moses immediately took his advice without inquiring of the Lord. It did seem like a good idea to appoint others to help him, but he should have asked the Lord about it. Sometimes we may become weary in well doing and may try to make things easier for ourselves, but let us be assured that if God has given us a work to do for Him, His grace will sustain us in it. Why should Moses accept the advice of his father-in-law, who was apparently a "natural man" in every way? It is always dangerous to take either help or advice from the unsaved in the Lord's service. Notice here how Jethro saw all the wonders that the Lord had wrought and then turned and went back to his own land. He did not choose to accompany the people of God through the hardships of the wilderness., but seemed to think only of the easiest path, both for himself and for Moses. Moses, on the other hand, "chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God." Hebrews 11:25. May we as young Christians, be content to suffer with Him now; for we shall reign with Him later (2 Timothy 2:12).

Messages of God’s Love 8/7/1949

Jerusalem

PERHAPS you have often sung "Mothers of Salem," and I wonder if you know that Salem is Jerusalem, the great city in the little land of Palestine. The mothers of Jerusalem, long ago, brought their children to the Lord Jesus. The stern disciples frowned at this, because they thought that Jesus was too busy to be bothered with little children, but the disciples were wrong. Jesus took the little ones up in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

Precious Lord Jesus! How this shows us His loving heart, and how event the wisest of His followers failed to see how much He cared. We can never be wrong in corning near and nearer to Him, and ALL must come as little children.

It is harder for grownups to come as little children. Older people are full of their own thoughts and plans and business, so they very often do not come at all, The grownups of Jerusalem, when the Lord was there, were much the same. Like the people of today they had their plans and their own religion, and they would rather have that instead of Jesus.

Saviour knew that they did not want Him. He knew before He chose Jerusalem long ago, that even His own. people would not have Him, but He loved Jerusalem all the same. If you read Matthew 23, you will find that He told them plainly of their wickedness, but even as He did so, and warned them of the terrible punishment that must fall upon their sinful city, He longed to protect them, just as a mother hen spreads her wings over her little chicks, but they would not come. He even wept over the sinful city as He looked at it, and said, "0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth. her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Matthew 23:37.

My little reader, are you one of the little children who will come to Jesus today, just as you are, and hide in His blessed arms and under His sheltering wings? Or are you one who is too wise and too busy to come to Jesus, and who will go right on in your own way —right on to that awful place of everlasting punishment?

The little children who looked up into Jesus' face; that day when He was here on earth, could not say, "He died for me." Now although we cannot look into His face as they did, we know He lives and He loves us, and we can say, "He died for me." Would you not like to be safe in His keeping now, and forever?

"EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, AND BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, YE SHALL NOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN." MATTHEW 18:3.

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1949

How Paul Was Saved

I DO not mean the great Apostle Paul, of whose conversion we read in Acts 9, but this was a little boy nine years old. He was at times rather a naughty little boy too, and this particular day he had given his mother more trouble than usual.

She had put all the children to bed, praying with them and speaking with them of Jesus and His love. She went downstairs and very soon she heard little feet coming down, and in came Paul, crying.

For a time his mother could not find out why he had come down, as 'he would not or could not speak, but after a fresh burst of tears, to her surprise he said that he wanted to be saved.

"Why do you want to be saved, Paul.?" asked his mother. He then admitted that he was a sinner and wanted to have his sins forgiven. So his mother said, "Come along, Paul, let us tell Jesus that you want to be saved. Mother can't save you, but she can lead you to Jesus who says, 'Come unto Me,' just as mothers used to take their children to Him to be blessed when He was here on earth."

So the two knelt down, and Paul's mother told the Lord. Jesus that he had come downstairs because he wanted to be saved, and His own promise was "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."

Then after a few more words she told Paul to speak to the Lord Jesus about it, and Paul's own words between his tears were, "O Lord, I want to be saved, and will You save me now, tonight, not only save me from sin and death, but keep me always? I thank Thee for dying for me so that I can be saved, and I take the salvation that Thou dust offer. Amen."

I may tell you that Paul and his brothers had often heard the story of Jesus, but Paul knew in his heart that He had never come to Jesus and wanted the question of his sins settled once and for all.

So after his little prayer his mother took him on her lap and told him many things—-more about Jesus' love, and verses too from the Bible that tell us of God's gift of eternal life. Before long Paul went back to bed again, and went to sleep. But in the morning the first thing he did when he came downstairs was to tell his father and his brothers the good news that he now belonged to Jesus. And some time later we found this note in his own diary, Paul was saved at 7:30, January 15, 1936."

"Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." Matt. 1:21.

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1949

The Strange Book

OLINTO lived in Brazil, and every few months he went to a nearby city to buy supplies. As it was a long journey, he always stayed overnight at a farmhouse. One night noticing a strange book on the table, he began to read it.

The farmer saw he was very much interested in it so he said, "Would you like to take that book? Someone gave it to me in the city, but you can have it."

Olinto was glad to take the New Testament—for such it was—and as soon as he reached his home he began to read it through. He read with interest of the One named Jesus, who was so kind to everyone, who "went ::out doing good," and yet men hated Him arid nailed Him to Calvary's cross. As he read on, he found that this same Jesus was the Son of God, who loved him, and came down here to die for him. His heart was touched, and he soon accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. Then, not long after, his wife and her sister •were saved too.

Hearing of a Christian man living in a another state, they asked him to come to their home and have gospel meetings. He came and preached, and many were saved.

Dear reader, have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? if so, are you seeking to tell others the good news that they too might be saved? God's Word says in Mark 5: 19, "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how, great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion. on thee."

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1949

How Eric Ended His Prayer

A LITTLE boy named Eric was one day playing with some toy blocks under the table. In the same room his mother was talking to his two older sisters, but as Eric was only four years old, she did not think he would pay any attention to what she was saying.

She spoke of the Lord Jesus dying on the cross for them and told them. that they must believe it for themselves to belong to Jesus and be His children. As she finished speaking she said, "Yes, and Jesus died for Eric too, little as he is."

That night when Eric knelt to pray beside his bed, he made his usual little petitions and then paused and added, "Thank You, Jesus, for dying for me."

Eric is now a grown man and for years has been a faithful worker for the Lord Jesus, but he always says he was saved at the age of four, by HEARING and BELIEVING.

"Suffer little children, and forbid. them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 19:14.

Will you not trust Jesus now, and thank Him for dying for you?

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 19:1-25.

THE nineteenth chapter marks a turning point in the ways of God with Israel. God had promised that He would bring His people out of Egypt and that they should worship Him in that mountain—Mt. Sinai. Up to this point God's dealings had been in grace, and now He proposes a trial. Would they obey His voice and keep His covenant? If so, He would bless them on that ground. Moses gathered all the elders of Israel together and put the question before them. They did not even stop to consider it, but answered at once, "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." How self-confident they were! Had they forgotten all about their past murmurings and rebellion? Had they forgotten how weak they were before the enemy apart from the intercession of Moses? Apparently they had. Little did they realize that to put themselves under law and to expect blessings on the ground of obedience was to forfeit it entirely, unless God should intervene in grace.

And yet how many are putting themselves under law toilay and expecting to earn the favor of God in this way. How many are trying to get to heaven by good works of their own. Even though thousands of years have rolled by, during which not one person has ever kept the law (except the Lord Jesus Himself), still people are trying, only to put themselves under its curse (Galatians 3:10). How much better it would have been for the children of Israel to tell God how helpless and guilty they were, and admit that they could never keep His holy law. This is the true position of the sinner; not to promise something for the future, but to say like the poor publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner." Luke 18: 13.

God took the children of Israel at their word. He put them to. the test. First of all before He gave them the law, they must sanctify themselves and wash their clothes, Washing the clothes in the Bible, always speaks of changing one's ways and associations. They were to be ready on the third day, for then God was going to come down and give them His law. Bounds were to be set around the mountain for they could not come up or even touch the border of it. If they did they were to be stoned or shot through with a dart. Now they had undertaken to obey the voice of God, they must obey it to the very letter or judgment would fall. God is holy and He cannot have sin in His presence—no, not even the very smallest sin.

At last the third day came. Let us imagine we were there to hear and see it. The day began with thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud was upon the mountain. Then the trumpet began to blow and it became louder and louder. The whole mountain was on fire and the smoke -ascended like great furnace. It shook greatly too, and the people trembled. Well might they tremble as they stood in the presence of God, for it is a solemn thing to have to do with a holy God. Apart from the work of Christ on Calvary, there is no escape from God's righteous judgment. He alone could meet all God's holy .claims against the sinner, and, blessed be His name, He has done it at Calvary, where He "made peace through the blood of His cross." Col, 1:20, Have you thanked Him for His finished work.?

Messages of God’s Love 8/14/1949

Bobby and Patricia

BOBBY and Pat look happy, don't they? Pat has a very special smile, and Bobby has a sunny little face, and I shall tell you the reason why.

It is a very warm day, God has sent plenty of sunshine to make all the gardens grow, but it is more than enough sunshine for -lie top of anyone's head„ 3obby and Pat feel happier in the shade, just as you do when the sun shines bright on a hot day in August.

These two children don't know what it feels like to have the hot sun shining for hours on a bare head, and I hope you don't either, There have been men lost in the desert, who have searched everywhere for a spot of shade and died because they could not find it. The hot sun is deadly enough in a weary shadeless land, but Bobby and Pat under their pretty sunshades are not worrying about things like that at all. They have shelter enough.

The same God who made the sun. for us, made the shade and shelter.. And the same God who promises to punish sin with the fire of His anger is the One who has made a place of shelter for you too. Since you are a sinner you need His shelter, for there is no other place of safety from the fierceness of His anger against sin. Hundreds of years before the Lord Jesus died on the cross, God's Word said, "A man shall be . . . as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Isaiah 32: 2. That Man is God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He only is the great Rock, under whose shelter no fire of judgment can touch you.

The sun shines hard upon the top of the sunshades which shelter Bobby and Pat, but they have no fear of dying from sunstroke. The sun beats hard too, upon the great rocks in the desert, but if the traveler can lie .down in their shadow, he is safe. So, my reader, the judgment beat hard upon my Rock, the Lord Jesus, when. He suffered from the hand of God on Calvary, but not one stroke of it is left for the sinner who takes shelter in Him. Are you safe in Christ, my reader, and happy like the two little children whose smiles you see today?

"A MAN SHALL BE AS AN HIDING PLACE FROM THE WIND . . AS THE SHADOW OF A GREAT ROCK IN A WEARY LAND." ISAIAH 32:2.

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1949

The "Kee1ong-gushi"

A MISSIONARY in Africa tells now one day he was out on a journey with some of his helpers. Hungry and tired they arrived late in the afternoon at a native village, only to be met with the news that elephants from the forest had trampled down all the crops and there was no food to offer them. However, the chief said that he would send a messenger fetch the "Keelong-gushi" or the ''Man Who Knows," who would take the white men into the forest to shoot some game for their evening meal.

The hungry men sat down to wait. But they were very hungry, and told the chief that they would go ahead into the forest and shoot the game right away. "But you mustn't go without this guide or you will be lost," said the chief.

At last the men could wait no longer so they took their guns and started off into the jungle. Soon one of them sighted a big buffalo, and after following it for some distance they managed to shoot it. They set to work at once and soon had bundles of meat ready to carry back to the village. But now, to their horror, they found that in the gathering dusk they did not know which way to take. Every way looked the same, and just then they heard the mighty roar of a lion:

As quickly as possible the men climbed into a tree and very soon they saw several lions and heard the crackling of bones as the lions began eating the buffalo which was to have been their supper.

The missionary sent one of his helpers up to the top of the tree to call out, "Lost, lost." But no answering cry came to them. However, they kept calling, and after about three hours there came a faint reply which gradually drew nearer.

At last a hand of natives appeared through the trees. They were carrying torches and shouting at the top of their voices. The lions fled at their approach, and the men came quickly down out of the tree. There the missionary met the "Man Who Knows." "As for being foolish," he said emphatically, "thou hast been very foolish." The missionary knew he spoke the truth, and thanked him for coming to the rescue. Then they packed up what was left, of the buffalo and started back to the village,

Up hills, across rivers, and through the dense undergrowth of the forest, they were safely led by the "Keelong-gushi" until at last they reached the shelter of the village. The chief came out to meet them, and led them to his own camp fire.

When they had eaten of the cooked buffalo, the missionary began to speak. "Chief," he began, "I have something to tell you."

"I was lost in the forest tonight, but that was not the first time I have been lost. When I was young, and starting out on the journey of life; my friends told Me of the dangers which I would meet, and they begged me not to start without the "One Who Knows" who would guide me safely. But I laughed and would not listen, and off I went by myself. All went well for a time, but soon. I found I was lost and in great trouble. Then in my despair I cried out as we did in the forest tonight, `Lost!' And down from the glory of his home in heaven, down, down, came the true "Man Who Knows." He found me, lost as I was, and lifting me up in His almighty arms, He brought me to safety. Oh, what it has cost Him to save me:' The price was His own precious blood.

"Chief, the true 'Man Who Knows,' who saved me, also paid the price for your redemption. He loves you as He loved me, and. He longs to be your Saviour too. His name is Jesus Christ. the Son of God."

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

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1949

A Nurse's Experience

A nurse was busily attending to her duties in a small ward where there was only One patient. She was humming softly to herself the tune of a hymn.

The patient looked up at her and said, "What are the words to the tune you are humming?"

The happy nurse replied,

"Face to face with Christ my Saviour,

Face to face—what will it be,

When with rapture I behold Him,

Jesus Christ' who died for me?"

"Oh, are you saved?" asked the patient. "Yes, I am." They were soon in conversation about the One of whom each could. speak as her Saviour.

The patient was waiting to undergo an operation, and as she wasn't very strong, she had to have entire rest beforehand.

On the morning of the operation, the patient saw the nurse pass the door and called out to her. The nurse stepped in and together they sang the words of that beautiful hymn again. Then turning to the nurse, the sick girl said, "I have a desire as I have never had before to see Jesus. Oh, if only I could see His face today I am longing to see Him!"

The nurse kissed her and said, "I wonder which of us will see Him first."

When the patient was placed on the table and the doctor bent to test her heart, to his amazement he found she had already passed into eternity. She was, with Christ—her Saviour.

Are you ready too?

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 20:1-23

GOD then gave the law, known as the ten commandments, We might remark here that this gives us what God required of man on the earth. If the children of Israel could have kept God's holy law, then they could have earned the earthly blessing He had in store for them through their own obedience. But they could not keep it. They had broken the first commandment, as well as some of the others, before Moses ever came down from the mountain. They had made a golden calf and started to worship it. How hopeless was their case if God had not intervened in grace! But God did intervene, for if they had been under pure law it would have brought certain condemnation, and so He put them under a mixture of law and grace—that is, the sacrifices were instituted. The dispensation, or period during which man was under law, lasted about fifteen hundred years. Man was given a long test, but it only proved beyond question that he was utterly helpless to keep God's holy law. We are not only sinners but helpless sinners. We could never obtain blessing through law-keeping. The law could not justify the guilty, it could only condemn him, and since all are guilty, since all are lawbreakers, therefore the law must pronounce EVERY MAN "guilty before God."

How good to be able to turn from such a sad picture, to the cross of Christ. There all God's holy claims against sin were fully met, and NOW God can come out in the fullness of grace and instead of condemning the sinner who believes, He justifies him from all things (Acts 13: 39) . What matchless grace! Dear reader, are you justified?

Perhaps we should remark here that the law has its place even today. It cannot give life to a dead sinner (Gal. 3:11) , nor is it the rule of life for a Christian (Rom. 6:14) . It is like God's looking-glass and it often convinces men of their guilt. It showed Paul his guiltiness, for he says, "I had not known sin but by the law," and when he read, "Thou shalt not covet," he saw that he was not only a sinner but a helpless sinner. He could not stop coveting for it was his nature to do so. He needed life which the law could not give; but he found life—new life—in Christ. Christ bore the curse of the broken law and has brought us out of that place of condemnation altogether. We are dead to the law by the body of Christ, and the law has no claim upon a dead man (Rom. 7:1-4). We are now "in Christ" in a position of liberty where we serve in love. (Gal. 5: 6.) "We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4: 19.

There is then, as we remarked, a lawful use of the law even today (1 Tim. 1:8-13), and we may use it freely to show a sinner his guilt before God. But let us be careful not to tell him to keep it for salvation, for he cannot. "They that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom. 8: 8. Nor let us give it to Christians as a rule of life, for our "rule" is much higher than the ten commandments. Our rule is a person—it is Christ. He is the Object and Rule of the Christian's life, and in Him we have life, motive, strength, and everything we need. He is our all in all and the nearer we are to Him the more we feel the constraint of His love.

Messages of God’s Love 8/21/1949

Cammie and Rover

WHY did Cammie go without his ,.. breakfast every morning? No one knew except little sister, end she did not tell. But little sister knew that behind a tree near the road lay a poor starving dog, and that Cammie took out his bowl of porridge every morning and fed it to the poor animal. Dover was injured and half dead, and Cammie did not think of his own hunger. He fed the poor dog every bite he could spare, until the creature was quite able to walk and follow the boy into the big home where he lived.

That was the day when. Father found out, and he was not at all pleased. He had dogs of his own, and he did not care for a mongrel like Rover. Strange to say Rover's master, Mr. Thorn, suddenly turned up and demanded that the dog should be returned to him, and Commie could do nothing but give him up,

Mr. Thorn was a hard master; but Rover had never found his service so hard as now. The poor dog was kept constantly chained, for Cammie's kindness had made him long for nothing else but to be with his new friend. Indeed he was found, chain and all, at Cammie's fine home more than once, but his master claimed him each time and strengthened his chain.

You have a hard master too, my reader, and his name is Satan. He has you securely fastened with the chain of sin. Perhaps you have not yet felt the hardness of his service, just as Rover did not feel it much until. Commie was so kind to him. If you just knew in your heart a little of what the blessed Lord Jesus has done for you, you would feel Satan's chains very heavy indeed, and would long to be free. Satan may seem a very easy master when all is well, but he will prove hard in times of trouble, and above all he does not want you to come to Jesus.

Do you know what loosed poor Rover's chains and set him free? It is a sad story, but a true one. Commie died, and, with a sorrowing heart, his father went at once to Mr. Thorn and bought the dog and brought him to live at the big house for Cammie's sake.

Now, my reader, this is but a poor illustration of how the Lord Jesus has set me free. By His death on Calvary, He has paid the price of my redemption and claimed me for His own. God the Father, who loves me, is ready with a glad heart to welcome me into His glorious home above, because of what His Son has done. Now Satan has no more claims upon me, my chains of sin are gone, and I love the company of the Blessed One who died to save me.

If you na.ve not felt Satan's hard bondage, we hope that you will feel it today, and turn to Christ, who is willing and able to set you free.

"IF THE SON THEREFORE SHALL MAKE YOU FREE, YE SHALL BE FREE INDEED." JOHN 8:36.

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1949

Are You Wise?

A BAND of young Christians were preaching the gospel on the streets of a small town, and one of their number was handing gospel tracts to those who passed by. Some took the tracts with a "Thank you," but one young man said, "Give it to someone else." Shortly after, another young man came along and said, "Not today thanks; I had one last week, but I haven't read it yet."

Do you think these young men were wise? Perhaps they were busy and had a lot of other things to think about, and maybe you, dear reader, are the same. You are interested in story books, in fun and sport, but you are not interested in the gospel, or in gospel tracts. Again I ask — "Are you wise?" The things which interest you will not last forever. They may end, for you today or tomorrow, but your soul would not come to an end. "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Mark 8:36, 37.

"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!" Deut. 32:29.

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1949

We Trust in the Living God

WHAT a wonderful expression this is, and yet how little we lay hold of it in our own lives. Paul could say, "Therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe." 1 Tim. 4: 10. Paul trusted in the living God, and it characterized his whole life. He not only trusted for the salvation of his soul, but he had learned to trust in the LIVING God for everything. Space does not permit us to tell of his labors for Christ, but we know they were "more abundant." He was often weary and knew what it was to suffer pain and hunger, but he gloried in it because he counted it a privilege to follow in the steps of his blessed Master. He and his companions were "made as the filth of the world" through the horrible reproach they suffered for Christ, but they gladly endured it because they "trusted in the living God."

Last week we spoke of "bodily exercise." Paul did not consider it worthwhile, because its advantages were only in this life — he had his eye on the next. He valued everything in the light of God's presence and how it compared with Christ, the Object before his soul. Others might be occupied with this life and with things in this world, but Paul had his eye on the eternal glory. Others might have different standards; he had only one. His standard was Christ, and he was willing to devote all his energies to His service. He was willing to be misunderstood by even Christians and be counted a fool by the world. He trusted in the living God. He knew that that mighty God was his Father 4nd the sense of His love toward him lulled his heart and molded—his life.

Dear young Christian, has it filled your heart? Has it filled mine?

"Jesus, Thou art enough The mind and heart to fill!"

We find the expression, "The living God," quite often in Paul's ministry. He told the people at Lystra to turn from their idols to the living God, and then, later on, he commended the Thessalonians because they had done so. He told the Corinthians that they were living epistles written "with the Spirit of the living God," and that they themselves were the temple of the living God (2 Cor. 3: 3; 6:16) . Here in our chapter as we have remarked, he tells us that it was because of hiS trust in the living God that he labored and suffered reproach. Then in the last chapter he warns the rich not to trust in their own "uncertain riches, but in the living God" (1 Tim. 6:17) . He also speaks of the "church of the living God" (1 Tim, 3: 15) and of the "city of the living God." Heb. 12: 22, We can see from these scriptures that the truth was a real thing to the Apostle. It was not a creed or a doctrine only, but Christ, who is "the Truth,"

is the Son of the living God. May the Lord deliver us from the cold head. knowledge which is so common today, and give us to "trust in the LIVING God" at all times.

Paul also warned the Hebrews against "departing from the living God" and of what a fearful thing it is to fall into His hands (Heb. 3: 12; 10: 31) If any of our readers are unsaved, may we warn you also, and plead with you to put your trust in the living God TODAY.

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1949

Bible Talks

E::odus 26:24-21:6

GOD'S holy law had been given 13-3t the question was, How could man worship? Could he attach some of his own works to the worship of Jehovah? No indeed! God knew beforehand that man could never get blessing through law-keeping and so He made provision for His people to worship apart from anything they had done or could do. Their sacrifices were to be such as spoke of the excellence of Christ and their altar must not display any of their own works. That would never do! They could use earth or stone in building it, but not hewn or cut stone, for if they used their tools it would be spoiled. Let us understand very clearly then, that NOTHING of man is acceptable to God in worship.

The Israelites were also told that they must not go up by steps to God's altar, for that would exalt man. He must be in his true place in the dust if he would approach God in worship. Men would like to go up to meet God, but God said, "I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." What grace! If men tried to go up, their nakedness would be seen, but God in Christ has come down to bless us. Now He has lifted us up "among princes," but to lift ourselves up would only be pride which God hates. Let us remember then, that man's work and man's way cannot be accepted in worship.

Chapter 21 is also remarkable. The Israelites were told that when a Hebrew servant had worked his appointed time, he could then go out free, but if his master had given him a wife he could not take her with him. If he said, "I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free," then he was to be brought to the judges and his ear was to be bored through with an awl and he must serve forever. What a beautiful picture of Christ, the true

Hebrew servant! He came into the world, and, as Man, He served His Father during His life of perfect obedience. In His own right and title He could have gone back to heaven alone, without the death of the cross, but love made Him a servant. He allowed Him. self to be brought to the "judges" and endured that awful judgment of sin, fully satisfying God's holy claims for us. He was "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil, 2: 8. He would not have the glory and joys of heaven alone! Love to His Father, to the Church (His bride) and to each child of God individually, led Him to choose the path of service forever. Just as the Hebrew servant had his ear bored through, so the Lord Jesus said, "Mine ears halt Thou opened." Psalm 40: 6. Having come down and taken the place of a servant, He has chosen to associate us with. Him, and to occupy the .place of a servant forever (Luke 12:37) .

Wonder of all wonders! Christ, the Son of 'God, has become a man, and will remain a man forever to have the company of His redeemed. He came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45. He served thus on earth, and He is still serving above as our Great High Priest ana Advocate. (Hebrews 4: 15, 16; 1 John 2: 1.) Even in that coming day of eternal blessedness we read that "He shall

come forth and serve them." Surely our hearts should bow in worship at such love—"the love of Christ which passeth knowledge." Eph. 3:19,

Messages of God’s Love 8/28/1949

Bible Questions for September

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in 1 Corinthians, chapters 9-16.

1. "The trumpet shall sound."

2. "Not seeking mine own profit."

3. "Ye do show the Lord's death."

4. "The gospel of Christ without charge."

5. "It profiteth me nothing."

6. "Let your women keep silence."

7. "Stand fast in the faith."

The Young People's Class
Writing

What a great mercy that God has caused His message to be written down for us. If it had come to us by word of mouth, passed down from one generation to another, how easily it could have become changed or perverted. God knew this, and so He commanded His servants to write His words in a book, so that they might be accurately preserved. We know too that not only the thoughts, but the very words, were given by the inspiring Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:13).

Satan has attempted to destroy the Scriptures over and over again. They were lost in the time of the kings, and found again during Josiah's reign. King Jehoiakim threw the roll of Jeremiah's prophecy into the fire but God caused it to be written again. And so it has ever been down the ages, but God has always preserved copies, and today under His good hand they are very plentiful. Most homes in these Christian lands have a Bible. But although Satan cannot destroy the Bible, he has another more subtle method. He tells people that the Bible is only written by men and that it is not God's Word, and in this way he really takes it from them. May we assure our readers that it is God's Word and that everyone will be held responsible for how he receives its message. Let us then value these sacred writings, and, like Job of old, esteem them more than our necessary food (Job 23:12).

1. Did Moses write the very words of the Lord? Exodus 24.

2. What will every spiritual person acknowledge about Paul's writings? 1 Corinthians.

3. Where will the preacher find acceptable words? Ecclesiastes.

4. What were the Israelites to write on the posts of their houses? Deut. 6.

5. Where does God want the truth to be written? Proverbs 3.

6. How could Joshua be assured of good success? Joshua 1.

7. Does God know what we write in our own private and secret letters? 2 Samuel 11.

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1949

Can You See?

I HOPE you can! How thankful you can be if you have two good eyes with which you are able to read this story. But did you know that it is possible to have two good eyes and yet not be able to see?

I well remember when a boy, going one night with my father to a tannery where leather is made. We went through a section of the factory filled with deep vats full of tan, and crossed by narrow planks. The night watchman with a lantern, walked ahead to show us the way. I had two good eyes, and the lantern gave a good light, but because I was walking right behind it, the light dazzled my eyes and I could not see one step in front of me. I knew that if I made one wrong step I would go over my head in a vat, and I was very thankful when we were at the end of the narrow planks.

This, dear children, reminds me of a verse from God's Word. It is found in 2 Cor. 4:4, "The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." We know that Satan is the god of this world and he will blind the eyes of all who do not believe in the Lord Jesus so that they cannot see the dangerous path they are treading, nor the awful end that awaits them. How terrible it would be to be shut out from the presence of God, to spend eternity with the devil and his angels.

Have your eyes been blinded, dear reader? Has Satan so filled your mind with the things of this world—things possibly quite necessary in their place —so that you cannot see the end of the journey? Moses refused the riches of Egypt, a type of this world's goods, because "he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Heb. 11:26.

Do not be blinded by the dazzle of this world's pleasures; consider the end of your path. Remember that "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.

Why not accept Him as your own personal Saviour now?

"THE GOD OF THIS WORLD HATH BLINDED THE MINDS OF THEM WHICH BELIEVE NOT." 2 Cor. 4:4.

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1949

Owen's Lost!

OWEN had not been long at our Sunday School. We had no trouble with him, as he always knew his verse, and sat quietly while we talked together of Jesus.

"Owen's lost!" said the boys one afternoon as I joined my class of little boys, whose ages ranged from four to seven years. "Yes, he's lost, and his father and some men are out looking for him all the time, and his mother, too, but they can't find him."

When school was I set out find out the truth of this story, This is what I learned.

They had not seen him since last Monday morning. His mother dressed him ready for school; he had a new suit on, and with his bag over his shoulder looked quite the little man.

"Good-by, Owen, your lunch is in the bag. Be a good boy, and come straight home from school."

Four o'clock struck, five passed, Mr. Thomas came in from his work, but still Owen did not appear.

"Where can the child be?" asked his mother.

"I'll ask some of the children in the street," said her husband, "maybe he has gone off somewhere with one of them."

But all the children said that Owen had not been at school all day! The poor parents passed a sleepless night, and the next day the search was resumed, but without any success.

After nearly three weeks the terrible suspense was ended. Owen's little body was found one morning floating in a little bay nearby. Poor Owen. He had made up his mind not to go to school, but to have a good time down at the bay instead. Do you think he knew he was doing wrong? Of course he did, but he didn't know how it would end.

Just so, the devil likes to lead us on into acts of disobedience, but he hides from us the result of our sin. And although you may have sinned and been very often disobedient yourself, still God waits to pardon you through the blood of the Lord Jesus.

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

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 21:1-27

THE laws and ordinances which we find in our chapter would show us that God, though so great, is interested in all our dealings with one another. There is instruction for everyone, boys and girls as well as men and women. The Israelites were an earthly people, and as such they were to be an example before the nations around of righteous government. Although we are a heavenly people and "are not under law," we must not forget the words of the Apostle, "Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace?" Rom. 6:15. Grace does not command, but it does teach, and Christianity goes much farther than the laws given to Israel. It is a terrible thing to use our liberty for an occasion to the flesh (Gal. 5:13). God never gives liberty to sin—never!

Of course we may state here that there were many ordinances for the Israelites which have only a figurative meaning for us. Such were not moral laws. They tested the people's obedience, for they were called upon to obey the voice of God without knowing why He told them to do certain things. The moral ways of God, however, do not change; they are always the same, and therefore our readers will find great moral instruction in going over these chapters. The law demanded an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but here grace goes farther—we, as Christians, are to return good for evil.

Most of the laws in Christian lands are based upon the law of God through Moses. The civil government must punish the offender, and it is right that they should. "The powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God." Romans 13: 1, 2. We who are Christians recognize the authority, not for what it is in itself, as ordained. of God. We submit to it as to God, but if they ask us to do something which God's Word forbids, and we cannot obey as to God, we must still submit to the authority, but we ought to obey God. (Acts 5:29.) When the Lord Jesus stood before Pilate, He acknowledged Pilate's authority as given from above, even though Pilate used it wrongly, (John 19:11.)

In these days of “disobedience to parents" it might be well to notice that under law, when a child hit or cursed his parent he was to be put to death. This is very solemn, and shows us how God owns the authority of the parent, whether under law or grace. Thank God, there is salvation even for naughty children now if they come to Christ!

We also find the silver line of grace interwoven through these very laws. There was to be a place of refuge appointed for the man who killed another unintentionally. How beautifully this typifies Christ, the true "place of refuge." Although the nation killed Him, He graciously spoke of their act as being done in ignorance (Luke 23:34) so that HE might be their place of refuge. And not only was that work of redemption for the guilty nation of Israel, but now Christ is the place of refuge — the true Hiding Place — for every sinner who comes, owning his guilt. Dear reader, can you say, "Jesus is MY Hiding Place"?

Messages of God’s Love 9/4/1949

The Flood

POOR little chicks. They have not been long out of the shell, and here they are in trouble already. It was warm and snug at home in the nest, and Mother Hen never let them feel hunger or cold under her care.

However, Mother Hen did not know about spring floods, and the three little chicks never thought of such a thing. It was quite by mistake that they found themselves sailing across the flooded fields all alone in a wooden shoe. Of course they were rescued, and grew to be plump young hens in another barnyard later. It is just as well not to think of the other chicks that did not find a handy wooden shoe.

But where is the foot that belongs in this wooden shoe? Well, I am glad to say that this flood did not come without warning enough. Although almost everything in the house was ruined, the owner of the wooden shoe found safety in a rowboat, and now he clatters in and out in another pair of wooden shoes, and still tells the story of how they escaped from the flood.

It's a good thing, isn't it, that God has given to us more understanding than chickens have! It saves our lives many a time, as anyone from those flooded homes would tell 'you. When we see trouble coming, how often we can find a way to avoid it. That is why we want to tell you that trouble is coming upon this world in which we live. God has said that He will judge the world, and what will become of you then? The little chicks at home died without understanding.

They couldn't help it, but you can. Why should you wait till God's judgment overtakes you, for there will be no way of escape then.

Listen, my little reader, and be prepared before God's judgment comes upon you. He gave His only Son the Lord Jesus in order to save you, and soon the Lord Jesus is coming to take all His redeemed ones home to Himself before His judgment time comes. No one but Jesus can ever save you. Come to Him now and be saved forever.

"A PRUDENT M A N FORESEETH THE EVIL, AND HIDETH HIMSELF: BUT THE SIMPLE PASS ON, AND ARE PUNISHED." PROVERBS 22:3.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1949

Gift of Grace

IT was a miserable day in China and the days can be miserable there! It was cold, and the rain and sleet were being driven by a bitter north wind until they seemed to blow right through to one's very bones.

A dear Christian man left his home that day to see a young lady off on a big ocean liner. As they left their warm cozy rooms to go to the harbor, they passed one of the most miserable looking little beggar boys that one could imagine. He looked about ten years old and had very little on but a ragged old cotton coat that had once been oiled to make it waterproof, but now the oil only seemed to make it hard and stiff so that it gave no warmth to the poor little body which it covered. He had bare feet and was almost as filthy as a boy could be.

The young lady was moved with pity toward the boy. It was not the first time that they had seen him, and they often felt sorry for him, but they couldn't take in every beggar they saw. Still, on a cold day like this it was different, and the gentleman made up his mind that, on his return from the boat, he would take the beggar boy home.

When he returned, the lad was gone. But to his surprise, when he reached home, he found the little beggar boy was there. Some of the Chinese workmen who were employed by this Christian had also seen the lad, and had brought him inside to make him more comfortable. They had lighted a fire, thrown out his old coat, given him a warm bath, and found some better clothes for him.

They explained that if the gentleman would allow the boy to sleep on his business premises they would put some of their weekly pay together Sand pay for his food and clothes. It was a real sacrifice for these workmen as they were all poor, but most of them loved the Lord Jesus and they gladly did it for His sake. They gave the boy a new name "Gift of Grace" for they thought of the grace of God that had so freely been shown to them and they rejoiced in showing grace to another.

And was "Gift of Grace" glad of all this kindness? He surely was. He beamed with pleasure. But what do you think happened next? That very boy disappeared, new clothes and all! He ran away, sold the clothes, and went back to his begging again.

What a foolish boy! And yet perhaps you are doing something more foolish. God has been good to you — He has given you many many blessings, for which I hope you have thanked Him. But God has a home for you in glory: a home which is free from sorrow and crying—and He wants to have you there. He sent Jesus down into this world to die for sinners, and to open the way that you might enter that home. Yet how many there are who take all the blessings that God gives them, and then turn their back and won't accept His Son as Saviour, or His home in glory.

"Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" Romans 2:4.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1949

Six Hundred Dollars

THAT is a lot of money, isn't it? I don't suppose many of our readers have carried that much with them at one time. But our story is about a farmer who had six hundred dollars in his pocket. He had cashed a check and had rolled the six crisp one-hundred-dollar bills in his pocket, and every little while he took the money out and counted it over again.

When he arrived home, he reached again for the money, but it was gone! He tried at once to think where he might have lost it, and he remembered that the last time he had counted it had been beside a stone wall. He hurried back to the spot, but the money was gone. However, he remembered that a man had been working in a stone quarry right by the wall so he stepped over, and there was the man still at work. He asked him if he had seen a roll of bills but the workman denied it and said he hadn't left his work all afternoon.

Can God see us all the time? And does He know if we tell the truth? He certainly does, and He knew that the quarryman was telling a lie, for while he was talking to the farmer, the money was safely inside his own pocket. Now what did God do with this man who told such a lie? He gave him time to repent. For two long years God gave him health and strength and many blessings, and all the while this black lie was on his heart. Did you ever tell a lie? Yes, and God heard it too, and waits to wash all those sins and lies away through the blood of Jesus.

After two years, the same man went to work for the last time. While he was working, there was a slide of two hundred tons of rock which fell and covered him! It was two days before they were able to dig him out and carry him away to be buried. And when they came to straighten out his little cottage what do you think they found? That roll of six hundred dollars! Apparently he had been afraid to spend it, and there it was all that time hidden in his home.

Do you say, "But I wouldn't do a terrible thing like that? I have never stolen anything more than a few cookies at home, and I try never to tell real bad lies." But remember that every act of stealing and every lie is a sin, and what is more, one sin often leads to another. There is nothing which can remove your sins from the presence of a holy God but the precious blood of Christ. "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1: 7. Do come to Jesus now and take Him as your Saviour.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 21:28-22:31

THE value of a Hebrew servant was set at thirty pieces of silver, but the price of a freeman was much higher than this. Christ, as we have remarked before, was the true Hebrew Servant, yet the nation of Israel valued Him at this miserable price. Such is the heart of man! The Creator of the universe was sold by Judas for the price of a slave, and they bought Him only to crucify Him! Dear reader, what' about you? You cannot be neutral in this matter. "What think ye of Christ?" is still the great question. Remember your eternal destiny depends upon your answer. Have you received Him as your Saviour, or are you still rejecting Him in your heart?

Another beautiful link in the chain of grace is found in chapter 22:1. If an ox or a sheep were stolen and killed, the one who was guilty must return four in place of the one he killed. Israel has been guilty of taking the Lamb of God, selling Him for a slave, and then killing Him. How can they make such a terrible act right before a holy God? They never can. There is only one Lamb of God, and they have nothing to pay. Surely their case is a hopeless one! But we hear that blessed One saying, "Then I restored that which. I took not away." Psalm 69: 4. The Israelite was to give four sheep for the one taken and killed, and so the Lord Jesus, because of the infinite value of His person and work, has not only brought salvation to the guilty nation of Israel, but the glorious message of the gospel now goes out to the four corners of the earth. Surely He has restored that which He took not away, and fourfold too!

The children of Israel were reminded that they were not to afflict strangers, widows or fatherless children, nor were they to oppress the poor. If they God said that He would hear the cry of the needy, for, He said, I am gracious." How good to know that He cares for the needy, and how abundantly He has provided for our need as sinners!.

They were also to be careful not to delay the offering of their firstfruits to the Lord. God could not accept the firstfruits of the ground when Cain offered them, but He told the Israelite to bring theirs. This might seem like a contradiction to the careless reader, but there are no contradictions in the Bible. It is God's Word and. God could not contradict Himself! If there is something we cannot understand in the Bible, let us remember that the faith is with us, not with the Bible. God could not accept Cain's offering, he.. cause he brought it as the ground or his acceptance before God, whereas the Israelites were a redeemed people, sheltered by the blood in Egypt, and now they were to own God's claims over what they possessed. If you are unsaved, dear reader, God does not ask you to do something, or to bring something to Him. You must accept His Son as your Saviour first—you must be redeemed with His precious blood—and then you can gladly own His claims over all you have. Under law they must give a certain amount and they must give promptly, but grace teaches us to give more than they, joyfully and willingly.

Messages of God’s Love 9/11/1949

An English Shepherd's Story

WE had drawn up our chairs by the fire and were seated for a friendly chat when suddenly a loud rapping was heard at the outside door. A messenger had come to tell my friend that his large flock of sheep had all gone astray.

We dressed up warmly, lit our lanterns, and set out into the dark winter's night to seek the straying animals. In the field where the farmer had left his sheep, there was not one to be seen. They had all disappeared. Looking along the hedges, the farmer soon discovered the "bolting hole" as he called it. A strong sheep had forced his way through the thorny hedge, and the others one by one had all gone out through the gap he had made.

It was a long tramp before we came upon the flock, scattered over a wide pasture. No two of the sheep seemed to be together. Each one was searching to find for himself the best feeding ground, and each one required our special effort to bring it back.

As we gathered my friend's sheep together, one verse of Scripture kept running through my mind: "All we like sheep have gone astray." Isaiah 53:6. The sheep had all wandered away. In that, they were all alike; and in that, sinners are all alike too. "We have turned every one to his own way." In that they were all different.

Each one of us also has gone his own way, and each one of us has sinned in the way he chose to sin—not all in the same way, but everyone in sortie way.

But is it not lovely that our scripture does not end there? The rest of the verse says, "And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." The Lord Jesus is the only One who could have borne our iniquity, for He is the holy, spotless Lamb of God—the "Just One, who died for us the unjust," I Peter 3:18. The blessed truth is that He has borne our sins in His own body on Calvary's tree, and now we can be gathered home like wandering sheep, to our Father's house in heaven.

It does not say, however, that He bore the sins of all. He only bore the sins of all who believe, There are those who must bear their own sins because they will not have Jesus. There are sinners who are more stubborn than wandering sheep, and who will not yield to our loving Saviour. Do not turn away from Him, my reader, but gladly put your name among those who can say,

"WHO HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE." 1 Peter 2:24.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1949

Rachel's Request

A PREACHER of the gospel was one day telling the story of Jesus and His love, when he noticed an old man weeping as he listened. At the end of the service, he stepped up to him and said, "My friend, I saw you weeping during the service. If I am not mistaken you are a Jew."

"You are not mistaken," was the answer.

"How comes it then," asked the preacher, "that a Jew attends a Christian meeting?"

"I shall be glad to tell you, but, allow me to go home with you."

The preacher at once invited the old man to be his guest for the evening, When they were made comfortable in the preacher's home, the guest told the following story.

"I have just lately come over to America from Europe, with my seventeen-year-old daughter. My wife died shortly before we left Europe, and since then I have known no pleasure except the companionship of my dear daughter. I was a devout worshiper in the Jewish faith and trained my child diligently in it too.

"But even this pleasure did not last long. My daughter took very ill, and I knew that I was going to lose her, I tried often to read to her, but I could not speak a single word; I could only weep. One day, she seemed more weak than usual, and she called me to her side.

" 'My Father, do you love me?'

" 'Rachel, you know that I love you. You are dearer to me than the whole world.'

" 'But, Father, do you really love me?'

" 'Have I not shown you many proofs of my love?'

" 'I know, Father, you have always loved me. You have been the kindest father, and I love you dearly. Will you do one thing for me? Oh, my Father. it is the request of your dying daughter,—will you grant it?'

" 'My dear child, ask what you will if it should cost me my whole fortune, whatever it may be, it shall be granted.'

" 'Please, then, my dear Father, never again speak against Jesus of Nazareth.’

"These words broke me down. After a few minutes of painful silence she went on, 'I know only a little of this Jesus, but I know that He is a Saviour, for He has revealed Himself to me since I have been sick, and I am going to be with Him forever. Now, Father, do not refuse my request; get a Testament that tells of Jesus Christ. I pray that you may learn. to know Him, and that when I am gone you will give Him the love that you would have given rue.'

"She seemed completely exhausted, and in a very short time she passed away.

"Soon after I bought a New Testament and read it with many prayers. I too found the Lord. Jesus as my Saviour and now I am His possession forever."

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1949

Suffer Me to Come to Thee

A GOSPEL preacher arrived one night in a Canadian lumber camp, and after some discussion he was given permission to hold a gospel meeting in the big dining hut.

Most of the men came to the meeting, and the story of Christ's redeeming love, and of His death on Calvary's cross was faithfully preached to them. They listened very quietly and looked quite interested, but none of them accepted the Lord Jesus as their own.

Later that night a knock came at the door of the but where the preacher was to sleep, and in walked the foreman of the camp, a big Scotsman. He went straight to the point. "Sir," he said, "you said tonight that the Lord Jesus can save sinners. Well, I'm a sinner and I want to be saved tonight.'

They got down on their knees together, and do you what that big man prayed? It was the only prayer he knew; the one he had his mother's knee away hack in Scotland.

"Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child,
Pity my simplicity,
Suffer me to come to Thee."

Do you think the Lord Jesus heard that prayer and received him? Of course He did, and you may come to Jesus too, for He has said, "Him that cometh to 1Vle I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1949

What Betty Learned

IT was at a children's meeting and in the front row sat a little girl with brown hair and brown eyes. As the speaker told the children of the love of Jesus, Betty listened very attentively and the message went right down into her heart.

As she went to bed that night she said, "Mother, I learned a lot tonight." "What did you learn, dear?" asked Mother. "I learned that one sin will shut us out of heaven."

"What else did you learn'?" asked her mother. "I learned that the blood of Jesus can cleanse us from all sin." Betty paused a moment and then added: "But, Mother, you have to believe it!"

That's the point. You probably believe that Jesus died, but do you believe that His blood cleanses from all sins—from all your sins?

"Come now, and 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." Isaiah 1: 18.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 23:1-15.

HERE is a needful word, "Thou shalt not raise a false report." Let us be careful, dear children, and older ones too, that we do not tell things about others unless we are sure they are true. Let us also be careful that we do not exaggerate. Some stories become so exaggerated, because every person who tells them adds a little, that soon they are so far from the truth one would not recognize them. We should be careful when repeating things which we have heard that we do riot state them as facts unless we are very sire they are true.

Another thing which the children of Israel were told to do was to leave their land uncultivated every seventh year. Even the land was to enjoy its sabbath of rest. The Sabbath, as we have explained in a previous paper, was God's pledge of rest on the earth, If the children of Israel had been obedient and kept God's holy law then they could have earned His rest, hut this they never did. Rest will come to the earth in a future day, not through fallen man's obedience, but through Christ—the man of God's counsels.

God delighted to remind His people of His covenant and of His rest, and therefore the Sabbath must come first before the order of the feasts. All acceptable service must be the result of the rest which Christ alone can give. Dear reader, have you received it? Have you heard Him saying, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"? Matt. 11:28. We who are saved have rest of conscience now, and some day we shall enter into His rest above. Israel will have their rest on earth.

In this chapter there are only three of the feasts mentioned although there are seven in all. First there is the feast of unleavened bread. We remember how the children of Israel had to Put away leaven out of their homes at the time of their passover,- for God would always have His people to be in separation from evil, and this is what leaven typifies. (1 Cor. 5: 7, 8.) At the various times when the Israelites appeared before the Lord, they were to come as worshipers and they must not come empty-handed. There is a message in this for us as Christians also, for we should not come before the Lord empty-handed. There are two kinds of sacrifices mentioned in Hebrews 13 which we can bring: first. "the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." Yes, even children can learn to thank the Lord for His many mercies, and above all for what He has done for us at Calvary when He "bare our sins in His own body on the tree."

Then we can be kind and help others in need, and this, we are told, is well-pleasing unto the Lord (Hebrews 13: 16) . How good it is to see boys and girls learning to be kind-hearted and generous to the poor. When showing a kindness one can often speak a word for the Lord which God may use for His glory. Others may not notice these little things, but they rejoice the heart of God. We are not called upon to bring a Iamb or a bullock as were the Israelites, but let us seek to lead useful happy lives for the Lord's glory and be sure never to come before Him empty. The Christian's life is to be one of fruitfulness, first to God and then to others.

Messages of God’s Love 9/18/1949

The Story of Dionysius

WE have a tumbled pile of sixteen stone steps in our picture today. It looks very old and weather-worn and neglected, but there was a time when these stone steps were seats for hundreds of eager, curious people, They spent their time in nothing else but to tell or to hear some new thing. No wonder there was a constant buzz of conversation. Indeed the wise men who sat there, often held their meetings at night in order to have greater peace and quietness.

On one of these stone steps some two thousand years ago sat Dionysius, a wise man whose wisdom had not taught him anything about the God who made heaven and earth. He had worshiped many gods, and probably offered many prayers, but the true God was unknown to him. But God. did not leave Dionysius in darkness. He sent His servant Paul to tell those worldly wise men something that all their searching had never discovered. Dionysius listened to the story of the one true God, in whom "we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28. He heard about God Son .who died and. rose from the dead. He heard that the judgment day had been set and that the judge had been appointed. They must repent or be judged.

If they wanted something new, this was new indeed. Some laughed at such a story. How could anyone rise from the dead? Some thought it over and planned to hear it again, but Paul went away and it is very unlikely that they ever had another opportunity to hear it.

Dionysius, however, neither laughed nor waited. He believed. His heart and conscience were stirred by the Word of God, and he "clave unto Paul." This means no doubt, that he left his old friends on Mars' Hill and followed this servant of God to hear more of the Man who rose from the dead, even the Lord Jesus our Saviour.

Now, my reader, you have heard the same Word that Dionysius and his friends heard on Mars' Hill. Those who laughed at it and those who delayed their answer are all forgotten names in the world now, but their souls are waiting to stand before God and give account of how they treated His message that day. Dionysius is "with Christ which is far better," because he believed God's Word. What will you do, my reader? Will you laugh at God's message, will you just leave it until some other day, or will you believe it now, and find your pleasure in the company of those who love Him?

"GOD . . . NOW COMMANDETH ALL MEN EVERY WHERE TO REPENT." ACTS 17:30.

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1949

Little Annie

LITTLE ANNIE had given her heart to the Saviour, and it was her delight to please him. When a friend of hers heard about it he laughed at the idea of speaking of the conversion of a little child. Annie had always been such a sweet, good little girl. Why should she .want to be better? If old Joseph Graham could be made to love the Lord Jesus, then he would believe that a child could he converted.

Little Annie was quite unhappy about her friend's careless words. She went to her room, kneeled down at her little bed and said, "Dear 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 unfriendly, most irritable man in the whole village. He worked- all day long in his carpenter shop and as soon as anyone came in sight, he began to grumble and to scold. The result was that nobody talked to old Joseph unless he had to.

He was just in the act of sawing a board in two when a lovely little 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 at me will you?"

For years, nobody had. spoken to Joseph unless he had business with him, and he wondered why this little had come to see him.

He laid down his saw, and sitting on a bench, looked inquiringly at his tiny visitor.

"Well, my child, what do you want with me?"

Little Annie sat down near him, and looked at him tenderly with her big brown eyes and said,

(To be continued October 2)

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1949

Have You Confessed Jesus As Lord?

When Jesus as Lord I had crowned,

My heart with His peace did abound.

In Him a rich blessing I found,

Sweet peace the gift of God's love.

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1949

Be Thou an Example of the Believers

THESE are very searching words for each of us. We can talk about the truth we know, but what is needed today is young people who live Christ day by day. Let us read the whole verse, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12

There is nothing which will give weight to our words like a godly life. The Scripture tells us that "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." Proverbs 20: 11. While Samuel was still a child it says, "All Israel . . . knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord." 1 Samuel 3:20. How good it is to see children who are upright and truthful and who try to please the Lord at home, as well as at school. Better still to see young people attending high school or college, or starting out to work, who are out and out for the Lord and whose lives are an example to others.

Six things are mentioned in our verse in which we can be good examples. The first one is, "in word." What we talk about is an index to what we think about, and what we think about molds our whole life (Prov. 23:7). Do we realize that the Lord is listening to our words at all times? Are we a good example in our words? We should always remember that what we talk about has an effect upon our hearers for good or bad, and others, especially those younger than ourselves, will copy us.

We are also to be an example in our conversation." This word, when used in the Scripture, does not only mean what we talk about. It rather refers to our whole manner of life: what we do, where we go, and the interests we follow. Let us be careful that we are not doing anything a Christian should not do, or going anywhere a Christian should not go.

"In charity" or "love." Love is the mainspring of Christianity. All our work and talk is just like "sounding brass" if not done in love (1 Cor. 13: 1) . "God is love," and we are to show His character before others because we are His children. How can we expect them to listen as we speak of the love of God, if we do not show love, even to our enemies and to those who have wronged us?

"In spirit" is next. How needful this is! We have seen some wonderful gifts in the Church of God whose usefulness has been spoiled by a hasty spirit. (Prov. 29:20.) We need the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with our spirits (2 Tim. 4: 22) at home, at school, at the office, and in the assembly—yes, everywhere and at all times!

The next thing is "faith." It takes faith to labor on in spite of difficulties, but there is no finer example before other young people than a young man or woman who CONTINUES in the path of faith through "thick and thin."

The last one, "in purity" is very needful also. We are living in days when morals are at a low ebb, and as young people we need to be reminded of the need of purity in thought and word and deed. Let us be sure that our conduct with one another as Christian boys and girls is an example of purity. Carelessness in this is one of the greatest hindrances to the Christian testimony today,

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 23:16-33.

NEXT there was the feast of harvest (Pentecost). At that time they were to offer a basket full of the firstfruits of their harvest to the Lord, before they began to reap the rest of it. In this way they gave the Lord His portion first, and they also acknowledged that the harvest was really His. They took it as from His hand.

It is also a beautiful picture of Christ who is the firstfruits from among the dead, and now, because He is in glory, the whole harvest will be gathered in. (1 Cor. 15:20, 23) . The harvest' began, as it were, on the day of Pentecost, though in reality it takes in all the redeemed ones. The reaping time is going on now. Dear Christian, what are you and I doing in His harvest fields? (John 4:35, 36.) Are we seeking to proclaim the Saviour's love to sinners? Let, us remember that the harvest will soon be ended.

This brings us to the next feast—the feast of ingathering, sometimes called the feast of tabernacles. At that time the children of Israel rejoiced before the Lord because the whole harvest had been gathered in. What rejoicing there will be in heaven and on earth when the whole redeemed company join in redemption's song! Dear reader, will you be in heaven to sing the Saviour's praises in that day? If you are not saved, do not go another day without settling this important matter.

The two things mentioned in the eighteenth verse are important. "Thou Shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning."

Leaven, as we know, speaks of evil, and so we can apply this in a practical way to ourselves. Some of our young readers profess to be saved through blood of Jesus. Are you walking in separation from evil? We are living in days of easy profession, and since God was so definite in His commands to His people Israel, how much more careful we should be, when we think of how much He has done for us.

The fat of the sacrifices was the -best part. Moreover it was God's part and it was to be offered at once. God mu: have His portion first. How often we look after our own interests first, and then if we have time we think of the Lord's claims. Too often we leave things till tomorrow so that we can look after our own things today, h this was not God's way for Israel, nor is it His way for us. The Lord shout have first. place today. Are we going to give it to Him?

The Lord promised to go before His people (as the Angel) and bring thee into the land of Canaan. It was however conditional on their obedience and so, although grace brought them in they never possessed all God had for them. There is however a blessed day coming when God will bring them into possession of all their land and he all their sickness, but it will be on the ground of pure grace at that time.

Once more, at the very end of our chapter, they were reminded to in separation from the people of the land, "lest they make thee sin against Me." We can never go on in worldly friendships and expect to be kept front dishonoring the Lord's name. The world is still at enmity with God and how can we be friends of God's enemies', (James 4:4.)

Messages of God’s Love 9/25/1949

Bible Questions for October

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in Galatians or Ephesians.

1. "God forbid that I should glory "

2. "And that not of yourselves."

3. "The whole armor of God."

4. "As many as are of the works of the law."

5. "Though we, or an angel from heaven."

6. "Be ye kind one to another."

7. "The Son of God, who loved me."

The Young People's Class
Prayer

Prayer occupies a remarkable place in God's precious Word, and we are making our questions on this subject with a desire that it may be more definitely the habit of our lives as Christians. We should be known as a praying people. There is, however, no value in prayer itself, unless it expresses from the heart our dependence and confidence in the Lord. God wants reality—He wants us to pray —not to say prayers, and we do not really pray until we come to the end of ourselves and all human resources. Then we are truly cast upon God, realizing like David of old, "My help corneal from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:2. This, and this only, is the prayer of faith.

The Lord Jesus, as man down here, the Man of prayer, Over and over again we see Him up a great while before day and out to the mountains to pray, or even praying all night. He is our perfect example, for He over walked in the path of dependence, obedience, and confidence in God His Father. All who have been used of God in blessing among His people, or in the salvation of the lost, have always been men of prayer. Daniel prayed three times in a day, and would rather be cast into a den of lions than give up praying. Paul told the saints over and over again of how he made mention of them in his prayers, as well as asking them to pray for him. May the Lord encourage us all, both young and old, to carry EVERYTHING to God in prayer.

1. What was the temple to be called? Mark 11.

2. How often did Daniel pray each day? Daniel.

3. Give an example of a man, who, when asked a question by the king, prayed before he answered it. Nehmiah 2,

4. For how long did the Lord Jesus pray before choosing His twelve disciples? Luke 6.

5. What man labored fervently in nrayer? Colossians.

6. How often should. we pray? 1THess.

7. Whose prayer "availeth much"? James.

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1949

How the Train Was Mended

I SHALL tell you a story," said the teacher, "and when I am. finished, tell me whether you think it is true or not."

"One day a railroad man was looking over a big train to make sure that it was ready to run. In one of the wheels, he found a big crack which he thought might cause an accident later on. He quickly painted the spot with iodine, tied it up with clean white cotton, and fastened it :with adhesive tape. In a few days, he took off the bandage and found the crack quite healed, so that the train was able to run safely."

All the children were smiling by this time. "It isn't true,", said Dorothy, "trains don't get better that way."

Then why," asked, the teacher, "does your finger get better when you bandage it like that?"

The children thought a moment, and then Mary suggested, "It's because we have blood to make it better."

"That's it," said the teacher, "blood flowing from your heart is the only thing that will heal a sore finger."

But what of those sin-wounds so deep in your heart? Your blood cannot heal them. All you can do is make them worse and more deep every day. What then can heal your sin-wounds?

Only Jesus! He can see them all, even the ones you have forgotten. But there is an important difference here! The blood flowing through your veins and arteries can heal a sore finger, but the 'life of Jesus cannot save your guilty soul. It cannot cleanse away one sin. The Lord Jesus must die, shedding His life blood before your sins and mine could be put away. Now He wants to cleanse and heal your sin sick heart. Perhaps you have often sung:

What can wash away my stains?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus,

So that not one spot remains,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

But has He cleansed your sins. away, dear reader? He will, if you come to Him today.

"THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN." 1 John 1:7.

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1949

Little Annie

(continued from Sept. 25)

I MUST tell you, Joseph, that the Lord Jesus loves me, and I love Him in return, but a man who is visiting our house says I am too little to come to the Saviour, and that I do not need to, for he thinks I am good already. He will not believe that I have given my heart to Jesus. He says that if you. Joseph, will begin to love the Lord Jesus, then he will believe it. Now, Joseph, will you do that? The Lord

Jesus loves you so much, Will you not love Him?"

She moved over and held the hand of the old carpenter and went on, "Oh, He loves you very, very much, Joseph. You do know that. He died on the cross for us, don't you?"

Poor old man! Nobody had ever spoken thus to him since his mother had gone home. The tears ran down his cheeks.

"You must not cry, Joseph, for God loves you. He loves us all, even though we are sinners, and He sent the Lord Jesus from heaven to redeem us."

Joseph was deeply moved. He could only cry, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" Yes, Joseph found out what a sinner he was, and he found out too what a Saviour Jesus is, and before little Annie left him, he was praising God for His love in giving Jesus.

When Annie got home she said to her visitor, "Now you will believe that the Lord Jesus loves me, for old Joseph has given his heart to Him."

"Nonsense!" laughed the friend, "who told you that?"

"You will see," returned Annie.

Her visitor did see it, and not only he, but the whole village saw it, for that old face was now beaming with joy and everyone passing his workshop could now hear him singing of the wonderful love of the Lord Jesus.

Dear child, will you too give your heart to the Lord Jesus as Annie and old Joseph did, and learn that "God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"? Romans 5:8.

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1949

Only One Door

Jesus said, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." John 1.0:9.

One door, and only one,

And yet its sides are two,

Inside and outside:

On which side are you?

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 24:1-11

GOD called Moses and Aaron, Nadal and Abihu, with seventy of the elders of Israel up into the mountain to worship; but we notice that, with the exception of Moses, who was in a place of special nearness, they had to worship "afar off." They could not come near in worship because Christ's work of redemption had not yet been accomplished. The only true ground of approach to God is through the shed blood of Christ, as Hebrews 10:19 tells us, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." Now, we who are saved, can come into the very presence of God and worship without any doubts as to our acceptance, for we are "accepted in the Beloved [in Christ]." Ephesians 1:6.

The children of Israel knew nothing of this, nor of their own utter weakness, and so once again we find them promising full obedience to God. How sure they were of themselves! On one occasion before the giving of the law, and twice after it had been given, they said, "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do and be obedient" (or words very similar). They never seemed to realize their own helplessness before God; and yet even in this present day how many are the same. How very few are willing to own their true position before God as helpless lost sinners. It is one of the hardest things for the natural man to do. He clings, and clings, and clings, to his own self-righteous rags (Isaiah 64:6) and will not exchange them for the "best robe" which God provides. (Isaiah 61:10.) Dear reader, how about you? Have you taken your true place, and accepted Christ as your Saviour? if not, will you riot do it today arid be saved?

If a man makes a will, it is of no force until after he has died, but after his death his wishes can be carried out. Now God knew beforehand that the children of Israel could never obtain the blessings of His covenant througL their own obedience, and therefore a sacrifice was slain and its blood shed. The death of a substitute was, and still is, the only ground of blessing for ruined man. Therefore God's covenant with Israel must be dedicated with blood, and so Moses sprinkled the book and all the people with the blood of the sacrifice. The law breaker deserved death, but through the blood of the sacrifice God could go on with His people in view of the cross where His own Son, the only Perfect Sacrifice, would die for sinners.

Pillars were often erected in those days to keep up the memory of some great event, and so Moses erected twelve pillars, one for each of the tribes, in the place where he offered the sacrifices. If Israel were to come into blessing, as they will in a coming day, it must he through the death of a sacrifice. Moses' sacrifices therefore pointed on to the Perfect Sacrifice of Christ by which the new covenant will be brought in (Hebrews 8:6-13), not founded upon what Israel hoped to do, and failed in, but upon what Christ has already done.

After the sacrifice had been offered and the blood sprinkled, then these chosen men went up and saw the God. of Israel. They caught, as it were, a glimpse of His glory, and it would no doubt tell us of the time of the new covenant, when chosen ones from Israel will he before the throne, and see the glory of God in a wonderful way during the thousand years of Christ's reign. (Rev. 7:15.)

Messages of God’s Love 10/2/1949

Aunt Peggy's Gift

AUNT Peggy, I have come for a dozen fresh eggs," said. Nina, going up to her as she was milking her cow.

"Well, Miss Nina, we will just have to look for them," answered Aunt Peggy.

Before long, they had collected a dozen eggs between them. As they came out of the barn, a large old hen ran past the door, cackling loudly.

"Miss 'Nina, if you can catch old Chloe, I'll bestow her on ye."

"Will you really, Aunt Peggy?" said Nina, looking with round eyes of surprise. Aunt Peggy had never been known to bestow anything in her life, not even a kiss, so Nina thought she must be only joking.

"I will," repeated Aunt Peggy; "she's nothing but a bother to :me, for I never can find her nest, and when I want to kill her, she's no' to be caught. You'll no' catch her either, I'm thinking."

Nina understood, and now began a breathless chase. Aunt Peggy was a ...mean old lady, and would only give away what she did not value anyway, In fact she never thought Nina could catch her old black hen at all

Can it be that any of our little readers are like Aunt Peggy in the way they give to the Lord Jesus Christ? Perhaps they give Him one hour on Sunday, and not even that when the weather is nice, and then forget all about Him through the rest of the week, How poor and mean it is to think that we should not have more than this to give the One who has done so much for us!

Well, Nina returned after nearly an hour, with flushed face and tumbled hair, triumphantly carrying old Chloe squawking in her arms.

"Ye're welcome to her I'm sure," said Aunt Peggy, but not very cheerfully, for she had never thought that the little girl would succeed in catching the hen. Nina's hen turned out as fine as any in the barnyard, and laid beautiful large eggs for many a month.

But God is not a giver like that, is He? He has given to us life and breath, and all things richly to enjoy, but even these are as nothing compared with His costliest gift, for He gave His own beloved Son.

"Oh what a gift the Father gave When He bestowed His Son! To save poor ruined guilty man, By sin defiled, undone.

"Oh 'twas love, 'twas wondrous love

The love of God to me,

It brought my Saviour from above

To die on Calvary!"

Now what does God ask from us in return? He wants us just as we are, with all our sins and our sorrows, for He knows that we have nothing else to bring to Him. He wants us in order that He may cleanse and save us, and make us happy with Himself for all eternity. Surely no one in the world is so great a giver as our God! Let us not dare to refuse His gift.

"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOT. TEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BE. LIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." John 3:16.

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1949

Do You Pray?

JEAN was born in London. She had two brothers and two sisters. Although no one in their home loved the Lord Jesus, their mother decided to send the children to Sunday school as she did not want them in her way. She didn't mind what Sunday school they went to, as long as they went somewhere. Jean and her brothers tried more than one, but soon found a place where the teachers made them very welcome and seemed to love their pupils. And jean soon found too that her teacher loved the Lord. Jesus ever so much. She could tell that by the way she spoke about Him.

One day a gentleman came to the Sunday school and gave them an address on "Prayer." He told the children how they could. come to the Lord Jesus and talk to Him, and how He loved them and died for them. Then he asked them if they always prayed before they went to bed and thanked God for sending the Lord Jesus to die for them.

Jean listened. She had never thought about praying herself. When she was going to bed that night she called her brother and said, "Don't you think we ought to start to pray?" Her brother agreed, and that night for the first time they knelt by their beds and prayed to the Lord Jesus, and asked Him to save them, and to care for them.

They taught their little brother to pray too, and many a night their mother came into the room, and when she saw her children on their knees she walked out without saying a word.

Jean accepted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, and so from then on, instead of asking Him to save her, she thanked Him each night for saving her.

As she grew older she loved Him more than anyone else and tried to please Him. She longed for her family to know the Lord Jesus as she did, and for this she prayed every day.

After some time, both of her brothers, one of her sisters, and her mother were brought to accept the Lord Jesus too, and she is still praying for her father and her other sister.

Do you pray? Have you ever knelt down and asked the Lord Jesus to save you? I hope you will do it right now. Or if you have done so, then kneel each day as Jean did, and thank Him for what He has done for you.

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God," John 1:12,

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1949

Billie's Grandmother

WHEN Billie and his little sister Ann were quite small, a lady came to their door to ask if any children lived there. "Yes," said their mother, "I have a little boy and a little girl."

"Do they go to Sunday 'school?" was the next question, and hearing they were too small to go alone, the lady said, "If they would like to come to the Sunday school around the corner, we would call for them each week, and bring them home again too." It was soon arranged that Ann and Billie were to be ready each week at a quarter to three, and before, long they learned to watch, eagerly for their Sunday school teacher to come,

As they sat in their Sunday school class from week to week they heard of God's love to them in sending His Son, the Lord Jesus, down to this world. They learned too of Jesus's love in dying on the cross, that they, and all the other little boys and girls who believe in Him might be made fit, through faith in His blood, to go- someday to live in God's happy home in the skies. They sang the same hymns that I'm sure most of our young readers sing, and one of the favorites was:

"Jesus loves me, He who died,

Heaven's gate to open wide,

He will wash away my sin,

Let a little^{-^{child come in."}}

Not long after this Billie's grandmother took sick, and, getting worse, had to go to the hospital, Soon they realized that she would not get better, and so Mrs. Taylor asked that a Christian man from the Sunday school should go and see her mother at the hospital. He visited her several times, and told her that as a lost sinner she needed a Saviour. He went on to tell of the love of the Lord Jesus in coming down to this world to die for sinners upon Calvary's cross, and urged her to trust in Him as her own personal Saviour. A few hours before she died, he had the joy of hearing her confess the Lord. Jesus' as her Saviour.

And how about you, dear reader? Are you saved? Have you put your trust in the Lord Jesus? If not you can do so right now. Just tell Him that you are a sinner and that you accept Him as your Saviour, and He will surely save you.

Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He , that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 24:12-25:1

ONLY Moses was allowed to go up into the cloud and there he received the ten commandments written in stone with the very finger of God. God also gave him instructions as to the building of the tabernacle, which we shall find most interesting and instructive. Moses remained on the mount with God for forty days and forty nights, and when he came down into the camp of Israel again his face was shining. No doubt if we see a little of the wonderful meaning of the tabernacle and its furniture, our faces will shine too, for it all speaks to us of the glories of Christ, and of the believer's place in Him.

Perhaps some of our young readers will find our "Talks" about the tabernacle a little difficult to understand, but we will endeavor to make them as simple as possible. Even if you have to read them over two or three times you will be well repaid for the trouble, for God tells us that the things in the tabernacle were the "patterns of things in the heavens" (Hebrews 9:23), and surely we are interested in this. Some of you may have seen your mother take a pattern for a dress and read the instructions two or three times to be sure that she made it correctly; but how much more important are the instructions about this wonderful tabernacle when we realize that they typify to us the wonders and glories of the Saviour with whom we shall spend eternity. If Mother makes a mistake in cutting a dress pattern she may spoil the material, but if you, dear reader, try to approach God in any other way but God's way, you will lose your soul FOREVER. How solemn!

These chapters, like all of God's Word, bear the unmistakable stamp of divine inspiration to the careful and prayerful reader. Infidels only show their own folly in finding fault with it. They, of course, do not have the Spirit of God as their Teacher, and therefore they can never understand God's Word; but, when we accept the Lord Jesus as our own personal Saviour, then we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God who leads us into all truth. (John 16:13.)

The tabernacle was so constructed that it could be taken down and moved from place to place by the priests, the Levites, and it was the center around which everyone in the twelve tribes of Israel pitched their tents. Surely this shows us, that, as we go on in our "wilderness journey," traveling home to glory, we like them have the privilege of being gathered around a Center. Yes, Christ is now the true gathering center for His people. Moreover, the children of Israel. were never to move from one place to another until the glory cloud, which was over the tabernacle, lifted, and then the ark, followed by the other parts and furniture of the tabernacle went on before them. This is full of instruction for us as Christians, for it shows us the only safe way to make a move in our Christian life. Let us be careful not to go to another place unless we look up for divine guidance and receive our "marching orders." 'Too often we move from one place to another because of some financial gain, or a more favorable climate, but unless "the ark" (Christ) goes on before to find. "the right way" for us, we may be sure that we will not have His blessing. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Isaiah 40:31. Let us ever wait on Him!

Messages of God’s Love 10/9/1949

The Old Road

THE old road of "doing the best you can" seemed good enough for most travelers, and my young friend had trodden it for years. He had heard of the new road, that "new and living way" through Christ Jesus, by which redeemed sinners can travel straight to heaven, but he thought that the old road which "seemeth right unto a man" was plenty good enough for him, never thinking that "the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs16:25.

One day he was walking along a country road in the north of Wales, on his way to attend the funeral of a friend. Before him was a notice board, which said,

"Don't use the old road, It is dangerous. Keep to the new one."

This message made him stop and think. It referred only to the branching roads before him, but it brought to his mind all that he had heard about the old paths of self-righteousness which were dangerous indeed, and about Christ Himself who is the only way of salvation. and peace.

The result was that, as he walked along the new road to his friend's funeral, he opened his heart to the Saviour of sinners who was waiting to welcome the lost one. He received from the pierced hands of Jesus forgiveness full and free, without money and without price. Now he rejoices as he treads the new road, looking forward to glory with Christ through all eternity.

My reader, don't use the old road, but trust now in the One who said:

"I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME." John 14:6.

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1949

Lost in the Woods

It was a beautiful summer day when three little girls and a boy, of whom the eldest was about eight years old, Went into the woods to pick berries. The sun was shining bright and the children spent a happy day together.

Late in the afternoon as the sun began to sink lower in the western sky, they decided to start for home, bringing the berries they had picked with them. They wandered about for some little time, trying to find their way out of the woods, but before long they discovered to their sorrow that they had gone farther from home than they had intended. Meanwhile the sun was sinking lower and lower in the sky and they found out that they were lost! You can imagine how they felt. They knew that the darkness would soon be upon them, and so one of the little girls suggested that they should all kneel down right where they were and ask the Lord to show them the way out. The three little girls did so, but the little boy refused to get down on his knees, 'The girls told him that if he did not turn to the Lord he would be lost in the woods all night, but still he refused to kneel down or pray..

After the little girls had asked the Lord for His help and guidance, they got up from their knees and the four of them started out again. They walked on for a short distance together when one of the girls noticed she had lost her hair ribbon. She asked the others to go back with her while she looked for it, but the little lad refused to go, so the three little girls left him and went back alone. While looking for the ribbon they found a cow in the woods which they decided to follow, knowing it could guide them out. They knew too that this was the answer to their prayers and so, after following its wandering path for some little time, it guided them safe out of the woods and they were able to find their own way home before the darkness fell.

The poor little boy, however, was left to his own choice. He would not ask the Lord's help, and so he remained in the woods all alone. By the time the little girls brought the news that he was lost, the darkness had fallen and before long a terrible storm came up. The lightning flashed and the thunder roared, and it rained heavily all through the night. Just think of the poor little lad, all alone in the woods through the darkness and storm. When at last the morning came his parents and the neighbors started out to look for him. Before long they found him, but he was so frightened that he ran away from -them, and they had to follow him, pick him up and carry him home in their arms.

I am sure this little boy, who is now an old man will never forget that night. I wish we could tell you that it brought him to feel his need of the Saviour who came from heaven to seek lost sinners. I am afraid he is still trying his own way to heaven through his own efforts, just as he tried to find his own way out of the woods that night. But just as others had to seek and find him the next morning, so the Lord Jesus is seeking him, as well as all the other boys and girls and men and women who have wandered. away from Him. He wants to pick them up in His great strong arms and carry them home to His Father's house above, But no sin can enter that bright home, and so the Lord Jesus went to the cross, taking the sinner's place and bearing the judgment which 'we, as sinners, deserved in order to bring us there. Now, because of His finished work, He can cleanse away your sins, dear reader, in His precious blood, and make you fit for His holy presence. Will you let Him cleanse you, and put you on His shoulders today? He will then carry you safe home.

"The Son of man is come to seek arid to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1949

Caught by the Tide

WE were just going fishing from a little Cornish harbor. The captain and Joe, his mate, were pushing off from the steps where they had picked us up.

"Nice day," I said to the captain. "It was lovely this morning," he replied, and then evidently bursting with the news, he added, "we were out saving two lives."

Of course we all wanted to hear what had happened. Two little girls in a creek further up the coast had been having a lot of fun playing and wading in the water. They were quite happy and carefree until they found that the tide had crept up and closed them in. There was no way of escape—they were caught by the tide! What would you do if you were caught like that and couldn't get out yourself? I hope you would do what did—-they shouted aloud for I, These two fishermen had heard their cries and had gone to their rescue in their boat.

Just as the captain was telling us this story, and our boat was being pushed clear of the steps and the pier, two girls came running to the edge. The captain looked up. "Why, those are the very girls I'm telling you of," he said.

One of them held out her hand and said, "We wanted to thank you." in her hand we could see some silver, which she gave to Joe to give to the captain. As we moved away we heard, them call again, "Thank you very much for saving us."

As we chugged off out into the open sea ahead of us, I could not help thinking of another rescue. The Lord Jesus Himself, the Captain of our salvation, saw us perishing and gave His own life to rescue us.

The two little girls did not at first realize their danger, but when they saw that there was no way of escape, they weren't ashamed to call for help. And then how glad they must have been to see that boat and the brave. captain coming to their rescue.

Have you ever felt your need of being saved? The Word of God says,

"All we like sheep have gone astray."

However, there is One who has been watching you, and. He is just waiting to hear your call and He will come and save you at once. If you have not already called upon Him, do it now. If you have learned to know Him as your Saviour, then I hope you have said "Thank you,"—-not only once, but many times. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 1. Timothy 1:15.

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 25:1-7

AND the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel that they bring Me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering." (Verses 1, 2.) The children of Israel were a redeemed people who had once taken shelter under the blood of the passover lamb in Egypt, and therefore God could accept what they brought. Unsaved people often try to bring Something of their own works to God, but His Word tells us that "The sacrifice of -the wicked is an abomination." Proverbs 15:8. Such offerings are like what Cain brought and can never be accepted. Neither they nor their offerings can be accepted apart from the blood of Christ which alone makes us fit to stand before God. This is what Abel's offering spoke of, and therefore both he and his offering were accepted.

The children of Israel were told to bring gold, silver, brass, and other things to the Lord. As we remarked before, these are types and shadows of heavenly things. The offering of these things to the Lord would show us what true worship is, for each of these different metals and other things speak of the varied aspects of Christ's Person and work, However, we are not left to our own imagination as to the meaning, but will find the explanation within the pages of God's blessed Word. Of course God's Book is infinite and we are only finite, so we can only touch the surface of the precious things taught us in these chapters. We are slow learners too, but let us be diligent, for "The soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4.

We must, 'however, approach the Word of God with subject minds and wills, owning that the Spirit of God is -the true Teacher, We learn mathematics and languages according to our na_ twat ability and intellect, but we do not learn the things of God in this way, The Spirit of God can only teach us when our wills are in subjection, and we are willing to walk in the truth. "Head knowledge" of the truth of God is dangerous, and we have no desire in these "Talks" to add to the intellectual knowledge of any who do not want to practice the truth which they learn, God wants reality in our Christian' lives, and would, have us walking according to the light He has given us.

True worship then, as we learn from our chapter, is to present Christ to God in all the glory and perfection of His Person and work. How little is known of this today! How many people are all taken up with their blessings, and show little attachment of heart to Christ. Such Christians are like a child who receives a beautiful present from his father, and appreciates it too, yet never wants his father's company. How it would grieve the father's heart! Dear Christian, the Lord wants your company. He not only wants you to serve Him and to sing of your blessings, but He wants you to find your delight in Him. It gives Him joy to see you at the prayer meeting, at the Bible reading, and to find you in your place at His table remembering Him in His death. The children of Israel's offering was that which -typically spoke of Christ, and so in worship God delights to have His children tell Him how much they think of Christ, His well beloved Son. Nothing is more pleasing to Him than this.

Messages of God’s Love 10/16/1949

The Story of Bounce

You will scarcely believe me when I tell you how badly we had spoiled my brother's dog "Bounce." He was a very fine dog, and he did not like to eat left-overs from the table, but just the very best food we had. One day Mother filled his plate with hones and scraps from the table, and Bounce turned away in disgust. Mother did not like to see us spoil him so, and she said, "I will not give you anything else to eat until that plate is empty."

Bounce understood perfectly. He went out to the road and came hack with a poor thin-looking dog, and stood beside him until the hungry dog had cleaned. every scrap from his plate. Then he drove the dog from the yard and came back to Mother for his usual dinner.

Bounce did not know that Mother had seen all this from the window, and indeed Mother could not help laughing at his cleverness. He was only a dog and so she gave him a good dinner. But Mother told us that God also sees everything we do, and more than that, He knows why we do it, for He knows all our thoughts, There is never a time when God is not watching us, tor

"He sees what we do and He hears what we say,
My Lord is watching all the time, time, time."

Though other people may laugh at our sins and think we are clever, yet God is the One to Whom we must give account for all that we have done, for His Word says,

"EVERY ONE OF US SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF TO GOD." Romans 13:12.

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1949

The Hind and the Bible

WILL you travel with me in thought to the land of India where, in spite of the labors of many of God's people, millions are still worshiping idols? The subject of our story is a young Indian whose parents were very anxious that he should be well educated and get on in life. Although they were not Christians, nor had any lesire to hear the Word of God, they sent their son to a Christian mission, as they knew he would get a good education there. The missionaries, however, did riot only educate the boys. They taught them the Word of God, and their desire was that the lads should be saved.

This Indian boy did not like the Bible teaching he received. He said it was only for the Europeans, and that the Hindus had their own way to be saved. Once when someone gave a tract to him, he wrote across it, "This is all a falsehood."

One day he fell sick, and while he lay suffering he began to think of his past life, and this troubled him. He felt that if he recovered he must be more strict in observing all the Hindu ceremonies, and he kept his resolve. But this did not help him. He read the Hindu books but be found no peace. Something seemed to keep saying to him that he must turn to the Bible and there learn the way of salvation,

At last he yielded. He took a Bible and went away by himself, and for the first time prayed to the true God in such words as these, "O God, if I erm, to find salvation through this Book alone, please show it to me through some text." He opened the Bible and there right before him was John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

He had often seen the verse before, for he had learned it in school, but now it spoke to his soul. "If God loves the world, then India is a part of the world and God loves me, And it says, 'Whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,' and that means me too!" He got up from his knees with his heart filled with peace. He was saved!

At once he began to tell others. When his relatives heard of his conversion they were very angry. They took his Bible from him and burned it. He had a New Testament however, which he hid and when all were asleep he read it. They continued to persecute him, and took him away to another town. But in spite of all that they did to him, he not only continued happy in the Lord Jesus, but he continued to speak to others about his Saviour.

He lived to an old age and had the joy of hearing some of those very relatives who had been so angry with him, themselves confessing Christ as their Saviour.

"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins." Acts 13:38.

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1949

Jesus Loves Me

A CHRISTIAN lady had been asked. to go to see a poor old man and his wife who lived in a very lonely village, three miles from town.

As she walked those three miles she wondered what she could talk to them about. She had been asked to have a little chat and cheer them up. "I will tell them.," she thought, "about the love of Jesus—that He loved me and gave Himself for me. And I will ask them. if they love Him too." As she came nearer to the village she ,asked the Lord Jesus to help her to give this message about Himself.

Just then she thought she heard someone singing. At first she could not see anyone, but as she went along she looked on each side of the road and then she saw an old man, seated on a bank. He was making baskets and as he worked he sang,

"I am so glad that our Father in heaven

Tells of His love in the Book He has given!

Wonderful things in the Bible I see!

This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me."

How surprised she was! What sweet words to hear out there in that quiet country lane. She stopped right in front of the old man, for she felt she must spare a few minutes to speak to him. He did not take any notice of her but went on singing just as if she were not there. At last she said,

"Do you believe the words you are singing?"

"Yes, indeed I do, Ma'am. Why, I have believed them for nigh on forty .ears now." And then he told her how

sure he was that Jesus loved him and sure he was that Jesus love him and how happy it made him to think about it, so happy that he felt he must sing!

This made the lady feel very happy and she went on her way thanking the Lord for giving her the beautiful words of the hymn and the old man's simple testimony, so that she could pass it on to the old people she was going to see.

When she arrived at Rose Cottage a pleasant looking woman was in the garden and soon made her welcome. "My husband is out," she said, "but he will not be very long. He will be so pleased, for he loves a little visit."

Very soon the garden gate opened and up the pathway came an old man with such a happy face, and he was carrying on his back a load of empty baskets.

As he came he sung softly—"Jesus loves even me!"

"Ah, here comes Tom. He's singing his hymn as usual, and do you know, he never sings any other but that one."

What a very happy talk those three had in that little cottage! She found the reason he had not looked up or taken any notice of her in the lane was because he was quite blind.

When asked why he only sang that one, he said with a smile, "Well, guess that one's good enough for me. My little granddaughter has tried to teach me some more, but I don't seem. to get hold of the tunes, and somehow I forget the words, but I never forget `Jesus loves even me!' "

Can you say from your heart, "The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me"? Galatians 2:20.

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

Messages of God’s Love 10/23/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 25:8-11

AND let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." Long, long before this, when the worlds were created, the Lord Jesus was rejoicing in the habitable parts of His earth and His delights were the sons of men. (Proverbs 8:22-31.) "God is love," and the wonder of wonders is that He has made fallen man the object of that wondrous love. He wants the company of man, His creature, but sin had made a barrier; for "God is Light" as well as love, and He cannot have sin in His presence. He came down into the garden of Eden to walk with Adam, but Adam had sinned and was hiding behind the trees. It was not until God Himself had clothed both Adam and his wife with coats of skins that they could stand before Him. NoW• in our chapter the children of Israel were a redeemed people and God told Moses to make a tabernacle that He might dwell among them. We know all too well how sadly Israel failed, but now, through the finished work of Christ, He has promised to be in the midst of His gathered people. Faith sees Him there as we meet around Himself, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20. Soon faith will be changed to sight, and we shall meet around Himself above. Then, in the eternal state, we read, "Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Hint-self shall be with them, and be their God." Rev. 21:3. What a glorious future is before the redeemed!

It is interesting to notice the order in which Moses was instructed to make the tabernacle. When we think about a home we generally make plans as to its size and_ construction first before thinking about the furniture, but God's thoughts are not ours! He told Moses how to make the ark first, before mentioning anything about how to make the tabernacle itself. This, of course, was not an ark like the one Noah built, for the ark for the tabernacle was just a small piece of furniture slightly less than four feet long and a little more than two feet wide, but oh, how important it was. It must come first, for it speaks to us, typically, of the Person of Christ, and this is the corner stone and foundation of Christianity. Take it away and everything else falls. This ark was to be made from shittim wood —a very hard, rot-resistant wood, which grew in the desert. It reminds us of the Lord Jesus' perfect humanity, for His body never saw corruption. The ark was then covered within and without with pure gold which speaks to us of divine glory and righteousness, so we can see that the blessed One who became man, was none the less God. He was perfect God and perfect man at the same time. Around the top of the ark was a crown of gold, showing us how God would ever guard the glory of the Person of Christ. We know only too" well how men, led on of Satan, have always attacked the deity of Christ down through the ages of the Christian era. Never was it more common than today, and one has to watch much of the religious literature around us in these days, making sure that we reject everything as false which does not have the "crown of gold" upon it.

Pleasures for Evermore

THE railway company found many empty seats in their trains and money was slow coming in. Therefore they decided to sell cheaper tickets to all pleasure parties in order to encourage people to travel by train.

An old preacher came to the station to buy tickets for a group of Christians, who were traveling to a Bible conference in a neighboring town.

"Is it a pleasure party?" asked the ticket agent.

"It isn't a 'pleasures of sin for a season' party, but it's a 'pleasures for evermore' party," he answered..

He could not obtain the cheap tickets. The man of the world did not know that a Christian conference is a pleasure.

How little the world knows of the deep real joy of knowing and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. You cannot know it, if you have never tasted His love for yourself. You may think that to be saved you have to give up all your pleasures, but when your heart has been cleansed in the precious blood of Christ you will have new life and will find new friends and new pleasures which will abide forever. We who are saved would repeat to you the old. old words.

"O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD: BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN HIM." Psalm 34:8.

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1949

The Rose and the Sailor

LITTLE Shirley lived in a seaport town which was often filled with sailors from all parts of the world. One beautiful summer day Shirley went into her little garden and found. one lovely rose in bloom. For some time she had watched the petals unfold day by day. She wanted to give that rose to her teacher. With a heart full of joy, she cut the rose and started off for school.

On her way she met several sailors who had just left a ship in port. One went this way, another that, but one of them stopped and looked at the beautiful rose. "Little girl," he said, "may I have that pretty rose?" Shirley didn't answer but went on her way to school. After a few steps she stopped and looked back and saw the strange sailor looking sadly at her. With a sweet smile she ran back and put the rose in his hand.

"I have not seen a rose for years, little girl, and this reminds me of home and my dear mother, whom I may never see again on earth.. May God bless you for giving it to me!" Shirley ran on to school happier than ever.

The following Lord's day, Shirley and her father were walking to the gospel meeting when they met a group of sailors. Shirley's father invited them to the meeting, but they all 'laughed and moved off but one. He said, "Your little girl gave me a nice rose, so I must not refuse to go with you,"

The sailor listened eagerly while the story of Jesus and His love was told; The speaker urged his hearers to come to Jesus and have their sins forgiven. The big seaman wiped away a tear from his cheek and walked out without a word.

Two years later Shirley received a letter from a far-off part of the world. This is what the letter said,

"Dear Young Lady,

"Perhaps you have forgotten the sailor to whom you gave a rose two years ago. He has never forgotten it and now wants to tell you how thankful he is. That rose reminded me of my dear mother who always prayed that I might be saved, and then when you asked me to go. to the gospel meeting, I went to please you and to please my mother. The preaching was for weary and heavy laden sinners, and I was one of them. By the grace of God, Jesus is now my own Saviour and I can truly say 'The Son of God, who loved me. and gave Himself for me.' Galatians 2:20.

"If I never see you again in this world we shall meet again in heaven. May God bless you.

"Richard Hall,"

You see how a little act of kindness was owned of God. Do you remember that story in 2 Kings 5 about the little captive girl and her kindness to Naaman's wife? It ended in that mighty captain's being healed of his leprosy, and he then became a worshiper of the true God.

Dear young reader, you must first know the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour, then He will be able to use you in blessing to others.

"But to do good . . forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." Hebrews 13:16.

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1949

Give attendance to reading

WHAT a needful. word of counsel Paul was inspired to give Timothy, and it has been written down for our learning too! "Till 1 Come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." 1 Timothy 4:13.

In the days in which this was written, reading matter was very scarce, and it is questionable whether Timothy had much more than the Holy Scriptures to read. He had been taught them from. early childhood and undoubtedly he knew them very well, but it was still necessary for him to read them day by day. Not very long ago some one told me about a young man who got away from the Lord in his soul. He wrote to his sister saying, "I can trace my departure from the Lord. to the time when I stopped my daily reading and prayer." Oh, dear young Christian, let us be careful not to neglect this daily portion. Just as the children of Israel had to gather the manna fresh each day, so we need to gather the food for our souls daily too. We dare not neglect it without loss to ourselves.

Nor can we expect to have light for our path unless we acquaint ourselves with God's will as revealed in His Word. Most of the great and important decisions of our lives are. made when we are young, and how important to our progress as Christians that we have guidance from the Lord and make these decisions for His glory. How many a useful young Christian has been turned aside by taking some employment which robbed him in his soul, or by forming some association or making some friendship which sapped his spiritual life. One step often leads to another, and one false step, taken when out of communion with the Lord, may bring sorrow for the rest of your life. (Gal. 6:7.) Dear young Christian, let us "Give attendance to reading."

Reading matter is not scarce today as in Timothy's time. The book shelves are filled with books of every kind, but let us be careful what we read. A. good. book can be a great help, but a bad book can do untold harm. There are so many good sound Christian books that it is not necessary to read those that are uncertain. We can and should test everything by the Word of God, but unless we are well acquainted with the Scriptures we may not detect the error. Why take a chance? Let us read our Bibles each day, and get a supply of good sound books written by men of God who have walked in the truth. They will undoubtedly prove a rich blessing to our souls.

This brings us to the last part of our verse. Exhortation is important; doctrine is important! Sometimes we need to be stirred up, and. God often uses written ministry to this end. Then there is doctrine. One person boasted to me that they did not preach "doctrine" in their "church" and yet bad doctrine is held 'there. How often Paul. insisted on doctrine when writing to Timothy, for it is specially important in a day of ruin. Timothy was warned to "Hold fast the form of sound words . . . in faith and love." 2 Tim. 1:13. Let us not suppose that the increasing confusion in Christendom gives us any liberty to let even a small part of the truth slip away, but rather let us with renewed spiritual energy "Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 25:12-17

In the sides of the ark there were four rings of gold, two on each side, through which long staves, covered with pure gold, were placed. The ark was carried by means of these staves as the children of Israel moved from place to place on their journey through the wilderness. It reminds us, as we have remarked before, of our pilgrim character, for the ark went ahead of the people each time they moved, and so we are to follow Christ as we go on in our "wilderness journey" through • this world. The staves were never taken out until the ark was brought into Solomon's temple. Solomon's temple is a figure of the temple that will be built in Jerusalem in a future day when the Lord Jesus reigns over the earth in peace. Then "traveling days" will be over, and Christ will have His rightful place on earth as well as in heaven.

Three things were to be put inside the ark: the golden pot full of manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of stone on which the ten commandments were written. The manna typifies Christ as the bread of God who came down from heaven. (John 6:32, 33.) Aaron's rod — 3that dry stick which budded, blossomed, and brought forth almonds—would tell us of Christ who went into death and rose again, the Victor over all the power of the enemy. All the fruit of His work is in resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:23.) The tables of the covenant in the ark would remind us of how the Lord Jesus was the only One, who, in the midst of the lawbreaking nation, could "magnify the law, and make it honorable." Isaiah 42:21. How beautifully all these things, placed inside the ark, present to us the glories of Christ. No one dared to look inside the ark, and any who did, were smitten dead, (1 Samuel 6: 19., 20.) This should be a warning to us too, for we are never to try to understand the mystery of the Person of Christ. The Lord. Jesus was perfect God and perfect man at the same time, and although we cannot understand it, we must believe it, and "hold the mystery of the faith in a fare conscience." 1 Timothy 3:9. If we try to fathom it we are SURE to be smitten, but rather let us wonder, worship, and adore as we think of the way God has revealed Himself in the Son. "No man knower!,, the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him." Matt. 11:27.

As we think about this wonderful ark, and how it typifies Christ in all the glory of His Person, the first question that arises in our minds is, "How can we who are sinners be in His presence?" God has not left us without a perfect answer to this important question. On the top of the ark was the mercy seat, and speaking of it, God said, "There I will meet with thee, and 1 will commune with thee from above the mercy seat." Let us then notice. carefully, the instructions as to this wondrous place of meeting. First, we are told that the mercy seat was to be equal in size to the ark, for ALL the claims of divine righteousness must he met before the sinner can be in the presence of God, and therefore the mercy seat must be the full size of the ark, which typified the Person of Christ. Indeed, Christ is both "the Ark" and "the Mercy Seat," and there can be no approach to God except through Him.

Messages of God’s Love 10/30/1949

Bible Questions for November

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in Philippians or Colossians.

1. "He might have the preeminence."

2. "Children, obey your parents."

3. "With Christ; which is far better."

4. "Put off all these."

5."That every tongue should confess."

6. "Therewith to be content."

7. "Those I counted loss for Christ."

The Young People's Class
Meditation

We are living in a rushing, hurrying, age and it is hard to find time to do things well. However, we generally find time fur anything we really want to do, and so if we really want to find time for meditating on God's Word, we shall find. it, even if we have to let other less important things go.

We remember how, in. Israel's time, they were only permitted to eat certain. animals. Only the ones which chewed the cud and divided the hoof were clean to them. Now this has a typical meaning for us and chewing the cud would tell us of meditation. The cow, for example, eats the grass and then lies down under a tree and chews it. in this way we should read the Word of God, and then sit clown quietly under His shadow, and prayerfully think over its Until it has been made good in our own soul. It takes diligence to find time for this, but it is most necessary to our growth in God's family. The written ministry is helpful, but it can never take the place of meditation. The "divided hoof" is the result of meditation, for it means separation. The more we read the Word of God and meditate upon it, the more we shall be separated in heart and ways from this present evil world.

1. To whom should we desire that our meditations may be acceptable? Psalm 19.

2. What kind of meditation is sweet? Psalm 104.

3. Upon what should we meditate day and night? Psalm 1.

4. What gave David more understanding than all his teachers? Psalm 119.

5. Where did Isaac go to meditate? Genesis 24.

6. Will others see the result of meditation upon the truth? 1 Timothy

7. Should we meditate and prepare our answers beforehand? Luke.

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1949

Moses

Pharaoh king of Egypt had given commandment that all baby boys among the children of Israel were to be thrown into the waters of the Nile, but Amram and Jochebed were not afraid of the king's commandment. Their little son was too precious to be given up to the king's cruelty, and they were willing to risk their own lives for his sake. For three months, the boy was hidden, because they had faith in the God who had given him to them.

At last his mother could no longer hide him. Carefully she made for him a little ark of bulrushes, daubed with pitch so that it would not leak, and hid their treasure among the flags by the banks of the very river which was supposed to take his life. His older sister Miliaria watched to see what would become of him.

Do you know who found him? Pharaoh's daughter came down to wash herself at the river, and there she found the strange little boat. When one her servants had lifted, the cover, there was the baby, crying probably with hunger. The princess had nothing to give him, but Miriam sped away and brought back the most willing nurse in the world—the child's own mother!

So he was rescued from death, and given the name of Moses because he was drawn out of the water. When he was still a boy, he went to live in the court of Pharaoh and was honored as the grandson of the king, but when he came to manhood he had to choose as young men must, what he would do in life. What a choice he made! He chase to leave behind him all the glories of Egypt, although he knew this would displease the king very much. He was not, however, afraid of the king's anger, because he wanted to please God.

Both Moses and his parents showed that they were not afraid of the king, although his power was greater and more cruel than that of any man you know. That was courage, wasn't it?. They feared the God of Israel, but they were not afraid of the king of Egypt. God blessed them for this and He will. also bless you if you know the Lord as your Saviour and act in such courage and obedience to His Word, whether in refusing a kingdom, or minding a baby! God takes notice and rewards us if we are faithful, even in that which is least.

But the time came when it was Pharaoh's turn to be afraid; nor could all his idols give him the courage he needed to endure then. He was plagued with flies and frogs and boils and hail. and darkness, until he cried out with fear, but God could not bless a faithless man like that. Finally, the Lord killed his oldest son, and then soon after he and all his army were drowned in the Red Sea while Moses and the redeemed Israelites were delivered and sang joyfully on the other side of the water.

The time will soon come for this thoughtless world to be afraid of the judgments of God too, but the Lord. Jesus in whom we trust, will have taken us out of it before that time, and we will then he safe in heaven singing His praises. Will. you be there, dear reader? Which are you choosing: Christ; or the world and its pleasures?

Are you afraid of displeasing some friend, or do you fear God and have you, like Moses, chosen to confess the Lord as your Saviour even if your friends laugh at you for it?

"IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS STRONG CONFIDENCE: AND HIS CHILDREN SHALL HAVE A PLACE OF REFUGE." Proverbs 14:26.

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1949

Substitution

SHEILA was five years old. She was quietly playing "teaparty" in the kitchen, while her mother was busy writing a letter. The little girl busied herself setting dishes and cups around, and all the time talking to herself. Suddenly she called out, "Mother, come and see what I have done. I took away a saucer and put a cup in its place. Isn't that what "’stitution' means?"

Mother put aside her writing, and taking Sheila on her knee gave her a big kiss. "Do you mean 'substitution,' dear?" Sheila nodded her head. "What a long word," said her mother. "What does it mean?"

"Why, Mother, don't you remember?" asked Sheila in surprise. "It means what the Lord Jesus did. He changed places with me."

Dear boys and girls, Sheila was right. That big word means just that. I was condemned to be punished for my sins, but Jesus took my place and suffered and died instead of me.

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24.

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 25:18-23

ABOVE the mercy seat and looking down upon it, -were two cherubim made of pure gold. These great figures of angels were to be made with their wings stretching upward and their faces looking downward at the mercy seat where the blood was to be sprinkled. The first time we read about these cherubim was when God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden because of their sin. He then placed the cherubim at the entrance of the garden, where, with a flaming sword, they kept anyone from entering paradise or eating of the tree of life. But now in our chapter, instead of waving the flaming sword, their faces are looking down at the mercy seat where the blood was sprinkled. These cherubim speak to us of the righteousness of God in government and in judgment, but here, instead of executing judgment, which sinful man deserved, they looked. down upon the blood which satisfied God's holy claims. The sword of judgment had fallen upon the victim whose blood was sprinkled there, and God was satisfied. Of course we know that the blood of bulls and goats which was sprinkled on this tabernacle mercy seat could never put away sin (Heb. 10:4), but it was accepted by God for that time to make an atonement for sin. (Lev. 17:11.) It pointed on, in figure, to the precious blood of Christ which ALONE could meet all God's holy claims, and so we read in Hebrews 9:12 That Ile has "obtained eternal redemption for us." Of course the Israelites knew nothing of this at that time, but their sacrifices, which were repeated over and over again, might have shown them that God had something better in view. NOW Christ's one perfect sacrifice has satisfied ALL God's righteous demands "once for all," and so God has declared.

"Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb.10:17. The sword of judgment has fallen upon the true Victim, and NOW there is no condemnation, no judgment, for the sinner who approaches God through Christ's finished work. (Rom. 8:1; John 5:24.)

Dear reader, have you come to God in this way, or are you vainly trying, like Cain, to come to Him through something you have done? We must warn you solemnly, here and now, that there is no other way but God's way, and if you try to approach God in any other, you will surely meet the sword of divine wrath and judgment.

The next piece of furniture was the table of showbread. It, like the ark, was made of shittim wood overlaid with gold. Its construction would clearly show us that it typifies Christ, and with the showbread upon it, it would tell us of Christ identifying Himself with His people. There was frankincense sprinkled upon the loaves which would surely remind us of how He has placed His comeliness upon us (Ezek. 16:14), for we are brought into favor before God, in and through Christ in whom we stand.

There was, as we know, only one table—the Lord's table. Some might despise it in the day of Israel's ruin (Malachi 1:7), just as we find those who despise it today in the Church's ruined state. However, let us set aside the thoughts of man and seek to learn the lessons the Lord has for us in it. We notice, first of all, that it was smaller than the ark and the mercy seat. Undoubtedly the reason for this is, that although Christ is the mercy seat for the whole world, the Lord's table is only for believers.

Messages of God’s Love 11/6/1949

Peter and Puff

PETER and Puff came to live at Bobby's house, and Bobby thought they were just wonderful. He liked the funny sounds they made, and he loved to watch them drink milk with their tongues and wash behind their ears.. Best of all, he liked to squeeze them, but Peter and Puff were a little too quick for him, and had a funny way of peeking around corners when he tried to catch them.,

Mother said they were a nuisance, and no doubt she was right. Mother had filled her sewing basket with all sorts of things to help keep Sonny's clothes in order, but when she came to use it, it was just full of two little bright-eyed kittens. This was more than enough. Under Mother's hand, they were not long learning that a sewing basket is forbidden fun.

But with Bobby, it was different. When he helped himself to the things in Mother's sewing basket, she had more to say to him. She knew that kittens, after all, are just kittens, but Bobby was a. responsible creature, and he must come before God someday. When she told him that her sewing basket was not to he played with, she also taught him Ephesians 6:1 until he could say it by heart, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Even a little boy can learn obedience to please the Lord.

You see, God made the animals "without reason," but He gave you and me intelligence, and we are responsible to Him. When an animal dies that is the end of it, but death is not the end for you and me. Boys and girls, each one of you has a soul, and you must meet God someday. What a terrible thing it would be to meet God in your sins and be banished from His presence forever. Just to disobey your parents is a sin and it would only take one such sin to shut you out from the presence of God for all eternity.

But we have good news for you! God loves you, and He has provided a remedy. His own Son died on Calvary, shedding His precious blood to put away all your sins. If you come to Him now, you can be made white and clean, and be sure of being in heaven with Jesus where the song will he,

"THOU WAST SLAIN, AND HAST REDEEMED US TO GOD BY THY BLOOD" Revelation 5:9.

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1949

Lost in the Dark

FANNY stepped off the train at six o'clock in the evening and buttoned her coat up tight. It was December and it was dark and chilly, although the ground was not yet frozen. Fanny's home was a little less than a mile from the little country station, and her parents didn't know that she was coming so they were not there to meet her.

She paused for a moment to decide which way to take, If she walked around by the road it was four miles, but if she took the short-cut through the marsh, it was less than a mile. A river wandered through the marsh, but there was a good path, and two very narrow bridges to cross, which Fanny had often used during daylight. Fanny thought of her home so near and decided to start off through the marsh, She soon realized she had wandered off the path, for she found herself stumbling through long grass and her feet began to sink in spongy ground. Suddenly she tripped and fell—but found she had bumped into a sleeping cow! The cow did not move so Fanny went on bravely.

She was now afraid of walking into the river. Oh, how she prayed that she might find the safe path and not have to spend the night wandering in the dark marshes. "Lord, help me," she cried as she stumbled on, "take care of me and guide me, for I am lost."

Suddenly she felt solid ground again under her feet and the next minute she was safe on the path again, and soon had crossed both bridges and before long could see the lights of her own home. And now her whole heart rose in thankfulness to the Lord who had been watching her and had guided her safely back to the path.

When she reached home she told her father about her adventure, and he said, "But, Fanny, would it not have been, better to have asked the Lord to guide you before you started out? She hadn't done this, you see, but it is never too late to cry to the Lord for help. He has said, "Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24.

Perhaps the reader of this paper is in trouble. Perhaps you are burdened with your sins. Remember that the Lord Jesus knows your every thought. and is waiting to forgive you all your sins, arid to carry you safe home to glory.

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1949

Is It Really True?

A LITTLE old woman sat under the shadow of a gate, watching the rice sunning on the threshing floor. She was so small, so thin and shrunken, she seemed scarcely bigger than a child. But her face was marked with many years of toil and suffering, and her limbs were too weak to enable her to frighten away the chickens which were feasting on her rice.

The only thing alert about her was her bright black eyes. They quickly spied two strangers walking slowly through her village. The visitors had almost missed her, She seemed so one with the ground on which she was sitting. But when they caught sight of her they were glad enough to sit down beside her.

It was late November, but when the sun shines, South China is always hot, and the missionaries were ready enough to sit down at the end of their day of wandering from village to village. Everywhere they went, they told the good news that the sin question has been settled and the way to heaven made open.

"What are your wares?" asked the little old lady, taking for granted that the strangers were peddlers.

"We don't need your pence to buy our wares," was the reply. And soon she was listening for the first time to the story of a free salvation.

"'We must all die someday, Grandmother, and if we know the true God, then He will give us true blessing."

"I have often prayed for death, but death does not come. I am so miserable." The tears came and were ..wiped with a corner of her blue coat, as she told of the crooked back, and the aching limbs .which gave her no rest; and of weariness, pain, and poverty.

They told her of a home prepared in heaven, of a God who will wipe away all tears, of the redeemed who hunger no more, neither thirst any more.

"What good fortune," she kept murmuring. "What good fortune! But it could not be for a creature like me. It is too good to be true. And then I am so poor. I have no money to give, not even a bowl of rice-water to offer."

And then they told her of a poor robber, nailed hand and foot to a cross, who received a place in heaven because the Saviour who hung at his side had suffered in his stead. They told of his last words, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom," and the answer, "To-day shalt thou be with Me in paradise."

Yes, she knew all about robbers. Was not half her village lying in ruins from their raids? If a robber could have a place in heaven, perhaps she could. She fixed her searching black eyes on the speaker, "Sister," she said, "You are not telling me a lie? Is it really true?"

It is little wonder that she should think it too good to believe. How glad they were to read it to her from God's own Word. "I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again and receive you unto Myself." John 14:2, 3.

Perhaps you, young reader, have heard of the Lord Jesus and heaven many, many times, and you hope to go to heaven when you die. However, in order to be welcomed into that glorious home, you must come to the Lord Jesus as a needy sinner and accept Him as your own Saviour.

"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" John 1:29.

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 252.3-33

THE height of the table of show-bread was the same as the ark, for the measure of communion and holiness must ever be Christ. This is most necessary in these days of carelessness, for God never lowers His standard, and holiness always becomes His house. (Psalm 93:5.)

Around the edge of the table was a border, a handbreadth wide, and then there was a crown of gold above it. This would impress on our minds afresh the dignity and glory of the Person whose table it was. How little is thought of this today, for the hand of man gets busy, and tables are set up, all claiming to be the Lord's table, Let us test their claims by the Word of God and see if there is the golden border and the crown of gold round about.

On the top of the table were twelve loaves of bread, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. This bread was the food of the priests. Even when, through failure, the ten tribes separated from the two, God's thoughts about His people did not change and the twelve loaves were still to be placed there. Surely these things have an important lesson for us, for although there are not twelve loaves on the table now as in Israel's day, there should be one whole loaf figuring the one body of Christ composed of all believers. 1 Cor. 10: 16, 17.) True, the Church of God is sadly divided even worse than Israel's division—but the one loaf on the table still speaks to faith of the one body of Christ—perfect and complete in Christ the Head. (Eph. 1:22, 23.) It is also a symbol, when broken, of the Lord Jesus' own body given in death for us.

There were rings and staves in the side of the table so that the Levites could carry it from place to place on their wilderness journey, This would remind us that we, like the Israelites of old, are pilgrims on our way home. Some of them had doubted God's power and had asked, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" They limited His power on their behalf, but how bountifully He met all His people's needs every step of the way in spite of their unbelief, and how wonderfully He has met ours too, supplying both our temporal and spiritual needs.

Over against the table was the golden candlestick or lampstand. It was beaten out of a talent of pure gold and had seven branches. Its size is not given, for the light and glory of the Person of Christ are infinite—they cannot be measured. There was no natural light in the holy place; the only light there being that given by this wonderful seven-branched candlestick. Undoubtedly this has a voice for us even today,. for in the understanding of the things of God we must not allow natural wisdom or reasoning to work. It would be like allowing natural light to enter the holy place. The Lord Jesus Christ is the "Way, the Truth and the Life—and the Life was the Light of men. (John 14:6; 1:4.) All the truth centers around Him, and is only apprehended by the Spirit. The candlestick with 'its seven branches, three out of each sire and one in the center, would remind us of this fact, for we read of the "seven Spirits of God" in Isaiah 11:2 and Revelation 5:6. Seven, in Scripture always speaks of perfection, and so the Spirit of God by His perfect knowledge will lead us into all truth when we are walking in communion.

Messages of God’s Love 11/13/1949

Tricksy

ONE day when I was up in the old maple tree, what should I spy but a pretty little chipmunk right beside me. I sat quite still and looked him in the face, and he looked at me in return.

I had. some bread in my pocket, and I put crumbs along the branch on which I was seated, beginning as far off as my arm could reach, and then nearer and nearer to myself, finishing with some nice bits in my lap.

You see what I wanted. I thought if he would only come into my lap and let me stroke his pretty striped back, I should be delighted, and —would you believe it?—he actually did pop in for a moment. I was afraid of frightening him if I moved -a finger, and he just seized a crumb and was off in a jiffy.

He thought he could trust me and so we carried on this game for several days, but at last I caught him, and that was an end of his confidence in me. I put him into my beautiful rosewood sewing box, which was lined and cushioned with crimson silk, he tried hard to escape, and bit my finger severely.

A short time afterwards, when I went to feed him, I found him panting in the bottom of the box. The silk lining was quite spoiled by his teeth, and the wood at the corners was gnawed nearly through. Mother insisted that he be set free at once, and I never saw him again.

Poor little Tricksy. He was not wise enough to know my plan, and I felt ashamed, when I thought it over, to think how I had deceived him. Mother said that this is just how Satan deceives us, and we do not know until it is too late, that the harmless things he offers us are just intended to make us his prisoners. I felt that I did not want to be Satan's prisoner, but I did want the sinful pleasures he offered me, just little ones, and I thought myself wise enough to know where to stop.

Mother said that Satan was wiser than I, and that like Tricksy, I would he caught in his trap from which only God could set me free. I am sure now that Mother was right, but our God is a God to be trusted at all times. I know that the Lord Jesus loves me and has died to set me free from Satan's power, and that He will take me some day to His Father's happy home in heaven, but if you choose Satan's service, you must share Satan's eternal doom. Will you not trust in my Saviour who will cleanse away your sins in His most precious blood so that you may come to heaven too?

"TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL THINE HEART; AND LEAN NOT UNTO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING." Proverbs 3:5.

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1949

What Can Really Cleanse

A MAN called to see me once and wanted me to buy a wonderful liquid which he said would get out all sorts of stains. He talked very enthusiastically about his marvelous cleaner and its great powers. Presently-, to show low true his words were, he opened his bag and took out some black shoe polish. Then he took off his hat and rubbed some polish on it such a nasty dirty patch it made. Then he proceeded to show, by rubbing it with his cleaner, how easily it could be cleaned.

Well, I bought some, but it wasn't as good as he said. There were quite a few stains that it couldn't take out at all. Above all, even if it was all he claimed for it, it could never clean away the stain of sin, could it? He never said that it could do that.

And yet nothing is more important for us all, for God has said in His precious Book, "ALL HAVE SINNED." Just think of that ugly stain of SIN on every one, spoiling everything. And God cannot have sin in His presence in heaven.

"What can wash away my sins?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

So that not one spot remains?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Perhaps many of the boys and girls who read these papers have sung that hymn over many times. But how many have really thought about the sins that stairs their hearts as God sees them? "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1949

Regina

ISN'T that an unusual name for a little girl? Regina's father and mother were born in Germany, and they moved to Canada quite a long time before Regina was born. They found their new home very lonely, as their nearest neighbors were far distant, and they didn't speak the same language. But they knew and loved the Lord Jesus, and as their little daughter grew up, they loved to read to her from the Bible and sing to her. Regina often heard her mother sing the little verse,

Though isolated. on this earth,

How can I lonely be,

When I know Thee, my Saviour, near.

Thou livest still for me."

The stories of Jesus and his dying love were very real to little Regina, and she never tired of hearing them over and over.

One day, when her mother and her father were both away, a hand of Indian Redskins came and burned up the cabin and took Regina away with them. The poor girl was taken far away, with a number of other unhappy children, and then she, with another little captive girl, was given to an. old Indian woman. They led a very miserable life among the savage Indians. They were given hardly anything to eat, and had to go out into the bush every day to find what fruits they could.

In the midst of all this sorrow, there beamed a bright ray of light for little Regina. It was the remembrance of what she had heard from her mother. Each day she would tell the other little captive girl the stories of Jesus that she had learned, and then she used to sing to her,

"Though isolated on this earth,

How can I lonely he,

When I know Thee, my Saviour, near.

Thou livest still for me."

The mother little thought, in her loneliness, how much these words would mean to her poor child. She mourned for little Regina and asked the Lord to take care of and keep her. As well as being dressed like an Indian girl, her face had become dark and sunburnt, and she had learned the language and the habits of those with whom she lived,

But the Lord had not forgotten. Regina, nor the other little girls who had been captured at that time, and after nine long years the English. made peace with .the Indians, and ordered them to return all their captives. Messages were sent to different parts of Canada asking parents who had lost their children to come to a certain place. to meet with the Indians and claim their children,

Regina and her little friend soon found themselves at, the meeting place. What do you think was the first thing she asked for when she saw all the white people again? A Bible! And the tears of happiness ran down her brown face as she opened it and began to read again of Jesus, whom she loved so well. Before long, many fathers and mothers also began to arrive, and they were busy finding their lost children, Regina's mother came too, and looked and looked for her little girl. But she couldn't find her! Regina was so big and so brown that her mother didn't know her, and she didn't know her mother. At last the unhappy mother thought of an idea. Perhaps her little girl would remember the hymn that she used to sing at home, and in a trembling voice she began to sing,

"Though isolated on this earth"

Regina heard and remembered! With a glad cry she ran forward and kissed her mother and they were both so happy that they cried.

I know nothing more about what happened to Regina and her mother, but I think you can see from this true story a little picture of God's love and care. How wonderfully He cared for that little girl while she was away from her mother. And how the loving heart of her mother came to meet her and stayed until she found her. God loves you, my reader, and He has His eye upon you as you read this paper. He wants to make you happy and to forgive your sins if you will but turn and take Jesus as your Saviour.

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

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 25:34-26:1

This beautiful candlestick was "beaten" out of pure gold and was made with almond blossoms on each branch. We might also notice that the olive oil used to make the light must be beaten too, for apart from the death and resurrection of Christ we would have remained in darkness. He was "beaten" for us at Calvary, but like Aaron's rod that budded and brought forth almonds, all the fruit is in resurrection. Now, consequent upon His going back to the Father, the Spirit of God (the oil) has come down to bring us into the good of our portion in Christ. We notice too, that there were four golden bowls of oil in the candlestick, reminding us that through the work of Christ, light and blessing go out to the "four corners" of the earth, and God will gather a redeemed people "out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." Rev. 5:9. How wonderfully all this is typified in the candlestick, and may we ever realize our debt to Him who endured so much for us. May we seek to walk according to the light at all times!

There is. also a practical application to this, for we find that the seven assemblies in. Asia were responsible to be light-bearers; or candlesticks, in the earth. (Rev. 1:20.) The nation of -Israel was set as God's candlestick on the earth in Old Testament times, but how sadly they failed. Then. Christ, the true Light, came, and His life was ever by the power of the Spirit of God, but the world did not want that Light shining in all its brightness. They soon cast Him out, nailing Him to the cross of Calvary. Now, during the night of Christ's absence, the Spirit of God has come down, dwelling in professing Christendom as a divine Person, as well as us the body- of every believer. The Church is therefore responsible as the candlestick on the earth now, but how sadly she has failed, just as Israel did. Nevertheless the professing church is still responsible, while here, and so let those of us who are truly the Lord's be careful to let our light shine for His glory that more of Christ may be seen in our lives. There were snuff-dishes and tongs of pure gold. to be used in trimming the lamps, and so the Lord often has to lay His chastening hand upon us in order that there may be more light for Him. The pure oil could riot flow as it should, if there were some charred wick unremoved, and so the Lord knows just when it is necessary to remove some hindrance to light and testimony in our lives. May We he exercised by all He passes us through!

The next thing described is the covering, or more accurately the tabernacle itself. It, like the veil which we shall mention later, was made of line twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim wrought with needlework on it. Even these very colors speak to our hearts of the glories of Christ. The fine twined linen tells us of His walk of perfect obedience to God His Father. We have remarked before that gold tells us of divine righteousness—the very character of God—but this fine' twined linen would tell us of that moral loveliness which was ever seen in Christ's daily life. How lovely it is to meditate upon this, and to see the perfect, display of His moral glory which "could not be hid."

Messages of God’s Love 11/20/1949

Hunting for Sea Shells

CAN you think of a boy's name beginning with "C"? Of course you can name quite a few—
Charles, Clarence, Cecil—but the little boy of this story had. a more unusual name. He was called Canterbury Taylor. Canterbury lives in Bermuda, away out in the Atlantic Ocean, and from his pretty home on the side of a hill he can look right out over the blue water.

One day as I was walking along "South Shore Road" I met Canterbury and his brothers and sisters playing in front of their house. My little girl who was with me at once wanted to play with them, so it was decided that we would go down to the seashore and hunt for shells. Canterbury led the way. He wore neither shoes nor stockings, for although it was January, in Bermuda it is quite warm all winter. We soon that we would have to go down a steep cliff to get to the water, but this didn't stop the children at all, for they were quite used to it, Before very long their little dark faces disappeared one by one over the cliff, calling to us to come after them. We weren't as steady on our feet as they were, but soon we all reached the bottom and then began the hunt for shells. I was disappointed, for I looked everywhere and couldn't see any, but in no time at all a smiling little colored boy came running up with both hands full of pretty shells. I put them in my pocket and began to look harder than ever, but still I could scarcely find any, but all about me the little colored children darted here and there picking them up as fast as they could. I was surprised that they could find them so quickly, but Canterbury told me that they often came to hunt for shells and sometimes they made them into necklaces.

Then I began to think of a verse in the Bible which says, "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, 'beholding the evil and the good." Proverbs 15:3. These quick happy children could see things which I could not see, and the Lord can see things which nobody else can see. What can the Lord Jesus see as He looks at your heart right now? Can He see many dark sin-marks, or does He see your heart cleansed whiter than snow? The Bible again says that God cannot look upon sin, so you may be sure that if your heart is not cleansed by His precious blood, He will never be able to admit you to heaven. You may think your heart is "clean enough," but is it pure enough for the eye of God?

"COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD: THOUGH YOUP SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY BE AS WHITE AS WOOL.” Isaiah 1:18.

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1949

Call Them In

A- YOUNG Christian man, calling from door to door to spread the good news of God's love to sinners, found at one home that the people were French-Canadians. He was glad to be able to give the lady a French copy of the Gospel of John, and after a short visit she asked him to come again and talk to her husband too.

When he went again the next day, he found they had already read the Gospel and wanted a New Testament, which he gladly gave to them. The young man invited them to attend some gospel meetings being held nearby. This they did and heard for the first time the story of God's love to this sinful world in giving His Son Jesus to pay the penalty sin deserved. They both realized how sinful their lives had been, and eagerly listened as the preacher went on to tell how God was beseeching sinners to come to Him and accept Jesus as their own personal Saviour. For nearly two weeks they continued to go to the meetings and read the Testament, and then both husband and wife confessed the Lord Jesus as their own personal Saviour.

Arid how about you, dear reader? Perhaps you are quite familiar with the gospel story, but have you really believed it? Have you ever taken the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? If not, why not do so now, and you will not only be happy yourself, but we read in Luke 15:10, "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1949

Neglect Not the Gift That Is in Thee

What definite and pointed exhortations Paul gave Timothy in this chapter; and how needful they are for us even today! (1 Tim. 4:14.)

Perhaps the one who is reading this message does not feel he has a gift as Timothy had. Undoubtedly there was something special about Timothy's gift, for he was marked out beforehand by prophecy and was fitted of the Lord for a special place in the Church of God. Nevertheless each one of us has a gift of some kind, even if it is only to be a help. (1 Cor. 12:28.) The important thing is whether we are using it or not. In the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:12-27) we read about ten servants who each received a pound from their master. One of them used his pound well and gained ten pounds with it, another only gained five, and one of them did not use his pound at all. His life was lost—spent entirely for self—while the pound was laid up in a napkin. These things are lessons for us, and one feels how many gifts are lost to the Church of God through unfaithfulness. How much ability is spent upon the things of time and upon. laying up treasures here. It will all be loss in that day of manifestation, and what a great "bonfire" there will be when the "wood, hay, and stubble," in the lives of Christians are "tried by fire." (1 Cor. 3:12, 13.) May we allow our hearts to be searched by the One who knows all, as we each ask ourselves, What is my real purpose in life? Paul could say, "To me to live is Christ." Dear reader, what is your purpose? What is mine?

There are various ways in which a gift may be neglected. We have spoken of how the pursuit of earthly things may hinder its use. With Timothy it was not this. He was naturally of a timid, retiring disposition, and it was not easy for him to take any prominent part. He was inclined to sit back instead of being exercised to use his gift. Do we not find this today? Many dear young Christians are willing to let others do everything. In one passage Timothy was reminded to "stir up" his gift, and here he was told not to neglect it. We would like to pass on these exhortations to our young readers. Press on. Serve the Lord in the corner where He has placed you; whether as a help, or in giving out tracts, in teaching Sunday school, or whatever it may be, but above all "neglect not the gift that is in thee." The Lord wants to hear your voice speaking of Him, and for Him in worship and. service. (Song of Sol. 2:14.)

The last part of the verse may present a little difficulty to some. It speaks of "the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." The presbytery is the elderhood, and the laying on of their hands was simply the expression of their fellowship. For us today it means that we should seek the fellowship of older godly brethren in our service to the Lord. Do not ask them what you should do, for they cannot tell you. The Lord alone can call you -to His service, but if He has, your brethren will. recognize it (for they are to judge, 1 Cor. 14:29) and you will have their fellowship in it. "The time is short—the laborers are few." May each of us be exercised in these things for His glory that there may be more wholehearted service for Him "till He come."

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 26:1-6

The blue of the tabernacle covering would remind us of Christ as the heavenly One. We look up and see the bright blue sky, and then we think of the Lord Jesus coming down, a heavenly Stranger, to walk through this dark scene. The purple comes next, and then the scarlet. The scarlet was the color of earthly royalty, and so we know that the Lord Jesus is the rightful King who shall some day reign over the whole earth. But the purple was in between the blue and the scarlet, and is a perfect blending of the two. It is another reminder of the divine mystery of His Person. As one looked from the blue to the scarlet his eyes fell upon the purple, and so the Lord Jesus was perfectly divine and perfectly human (sin apart). Faith just believes and rejoices in this.

"His glory not only God's Son—

In manhood He had His full part—

And the union of both joined in one

Form the fountain of love in His heart."

We have remarked about the cherubim before, and how they speak to us of the righteousness of God in government and in judgment. "Holiness becometh Thine house, 0 Lord, for ever," (Psalm 93:5) and so these cherubim were wrought into the curtains in order to remind us that God can NEVER pass over sin. It must be judged. But we who are saved know that the judgment of our sins is not future—it took place at Calvary. There the Lord Jesus, the Holy One, "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. Dear reader, have you trusted in His finished work? Remember that nothing else can satisfy the claims of a holy God. You have no righteousness of your own, and so why not take Christ as our Salvation and be "made the righteousness of God in Him"? 2 Cor. 5:21.

There were ten curtains for the tabernacle, all of equal measure. Five of them were joined together with loops of blue: then the other five were joined in the same way. These two groups of five curtains each were then joined together with gold taches in the center. There were ten commandments, as we all remember, arid so ten always speaks to us of responsibility Godward. Man has failed utterly in his place of responsibility, but these curtains typify Christ, and surely there was no failure in Him. Five speaks to us of human weakness, just as David in his weakness chose five smooth stones out of the brook, but in the strength of the Lord he was victorious. The Lord Jesus came in weakness, as the Babe of Bethlehem, but the "loops of blue" would tell us of who He was. as the heavenly One. The hymn writer has expressed it so beautifully,

"By weakness and defeat,

He won the weed and crown;

Trod all our foes beneath His feet

By being trodden down."

In the very center, just where the veil hung between the holy place and the most holy place, were taches of gold holding the two groups of five together. Here we see that although the Lord Jesus came in weakness, it was His Person, like the gold taches, that gave value to His work. As soon as He hall said, "It is finished" on the cross. then God Himself could rend the veil so that sinners, cleansed in Christ's precious blood, might have access into the very presence of God, "accepted in the Beloved."

Messages of God’s Love 11/27/1949

Bible Questions for December

The Children's Class

Each of the following quotations is part of a verse in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

1. "Who believed not the truth."

2. "That obey not the gospel."

3. "Not unto you in word only."

4. "If any would not work."

5. "Abound in love one toward another,"

6. "Salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ."

7. "Caught up together with them."

The Young People's Class
Communion (Fellowship)

Perhaps there is nothing so little understood among Christians as communion. Many think of it as taking the Lord's supper, and their thoughts do not go any further than this. The meaning of the word is, however, the same as fellowship, and it could be expressed as "common thoughts." When we think of this it opens up a marvelous truth to us: we who are saved can have the very thoughts of God, and these are revealed to us in His Word.

But it is only as we are walking in obedience by the power of the Spirit of God that we can enter into and enjoy these things. This is communion. There is no substitute for it, for no amount of knowledge of the letter of Scripture will keep us. Unless I am enjoying the love of Christ in my soul now, and have judged any sin and every sin in ray life, then I am out of communion and I. will not have the Lord's mind es to my decisions in life, and I am liable to make some grave mistakes. Another has rightly said that communion is the result. of self-judgment in little things. May we be watchful and never allow anything. to hinder our enjoyment of this blessed portion—communion with the Lord. To have His thoughts about the world, which is under :judgment, about His people, and about the coming glory which we shall soon enter, is a precious privilege indeed.

1. With whom can we enjoy fellowship? (two verses) 1 John.

2. Can one enjoy fellowship with God, and walk carelessly (in darkness)? 1 John.

3. By whom do we enjoy communion? 2 Cor. 13.

4. Of what are the bread and the cup the communion? 1 Cor. 10.

5. In what did the early disciples continue steadfastly? Acts.

6. Did the Philippians grow cold in their fellowship with the gospel effort? Philippians.

7. Can a believer have ally communion with an unbeliever? 2 Cor. 6.

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1949

A Hand to Be Trusted

FAR up among the Alpine heights, a band of travelers were hiking through the mountains. However, their guide knew every inch of the way and he was able to lead them safely through all the dangers of those mountain paths.

While they were traveling along they came to a deep and dangerous crack, too wide for a man to step over. Reaching out his hand over the gap. the guide offered a safe footing for each traveler in turn. One man drew back in fear, but the guide assured him, "That hand never lost a man."

Boys and girls, Christ is our Guide. He never. fails one who trusts in Him. He is able to save unto the uttermost—all the way through. Not only can He save the vilest sinner who comes to Him (He can do that for He once died for us the cross), but He is able to save right on to the very end the weakest believer, because He ever lives for us as our Great High Priest above. His hand never lost a man or a woman or a child who trusted in Him. Have you put your trust in Him? If not, why riot do so today?

"HE IS ABLE ALSO TO SAYE THEM TO THE UTTERMOST THAT COME UNTO GOD BY HIM." Hebrews 7:25.

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1949

Wadrokola

Many of you have read of those beautiful islands, far away in the great oceans of the south, which have been built up, age after age, by the work of the little coral insect. And if you know something about those tiny creatures, you wonder how they could do such work. If you could see one of these green islands with its dazzling ring of white coral gleaming in the sun, and its beautiful palm trees reflected in the clear water, you would surely want to stay there. But living in so fair a place will not change the heart nor make people any nearer to God, Missionaries who have gone to these islands with the news of God's love, have found that these poor heathen people are full of cruelty and hatred.

Wadrokola and his father lived on one of these islands. This boy had been taught by his father to worship a very horrible idol. He had been told that this idol was pleased by cruel deeds, of which it would frighten you to read. One day a missionary came to this island and asked permission to take Wadrokola and some other young boys away for a while to teach them. Mr. Patterson, the missionary, loved these boys very much, and longed that they might learn to love Jesus. He noticed that Wadrokola had hardly any clothes so he asked him if he would like some new ones. The poor boy was very shy said nothing. He was just learning to write, and the next day he handed a note to the missionary. This is what the note said: "Mr. Patterson. This is my word. I am unhappy because of what you said about clothes. I do not care for clothes. One thing only I care for, and that is that I may receive the life for my spirit. I confess and say to you that it is not the thing for the body I want; but the one thing I want is the clothing for the soul. For Jesus Christ's sake, our Lord."

Mr. Patterson was very happy when he read this note. Now, young reader, how would you feel if someone offered you a new suit, or a beautiful new dress? I think you would be quite glad! But what of this dark heathen boy? He felt that he needed clothing for the soul. What did he mean by that?

Do you remember that Adam and Eve tried to hide from God because they were naked? They had clothed themselves with aprons which they had made themselves, but they knew that they did not cover them in God's sight.

Do you remember the parable in Mathew 22, of the man who came to the wedding feast without a wedding garment? It doesn't say what he was wearing, and indeed it might have been very beautiful, but it was something which he had provided himself, and it would not do.

Now, my reader, you will stand before God some day. What will clothe you then? Good works? Church membership? Many prayers? None of these things will clothe you before God! The robe must be one which God Himself has made and provided, and that robe is Christ-the robe of salvation.

"The father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him." Luke 15:22,

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 26:6-13

THESE beautiful curtains for the tabernacle could only be seen from the inside, for there were three other coverings over the top of them. How this reminds us that the unsaved cannot see any beauty in the Lord Jesus, but those who are saved, like the priests who entered the tabernacle, can look up and gaze upon the loveliness of Jesus, and surely we delight to do so! It is occupation with Himself in this way that causes us to raise our songs of praise to Him.

This wonderful covering of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen 'hung down over the boards and clown the back of the tabernacle. Some might wonder why we are not told about the boards first, just as we would speak of the sides of a building before we plan the roof, but there is a perfect reason for this. These curtains, or more properly they are called the tabernacle itself, speak of Christ, whereas the boards are typical of believers; therefore He must come first, and we after. How the wisdom of God. shines out in every line of God's holy Word, and only blind unbelief cannot see it. "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:130„

Over the top of these lovely curtains was a covering of goats' hair. There were eleven curtains instead of ten as on the inside ones, and they were each two cubits longer. They were held together, too, with taches of brass instead of gold. We remember how, on the great day of atonement, there were the two goats, one of which had to be slain and its blood brought into the holy place, while over the other the sins of the people were confessed. Surely this covering would tell us of Christ in the twofold aspect of His work on the cross –propitiation and substitution. He not only satisfied all God's holy claims against sin and became the Mercy Seat where God can meet the sinner (propitiation), but He also took the place under God's judgment of all those who believe. He became our Substitute, and God dealt with Him instead of us, laying our sins upon His blessed holy head in those three dark hours on Calvary. We have also noticed that there were eleven curtains of goats' hair instead of ten, for the Lord Jesus' work on the cross not only answered the claims of the broken commandments, but His work goes infinitely farther, and through it we are brought into a far more wonderful place of blessing than we could ever have enjoyed even if we had kept the law. What marvelous grace! Brass, in the Scripture, speaks to us of the judgment of God against sin as at the brazen altar, and so these curtains were held together with brass taches.

These wonderful goats' hair curtains could not he seen from inside the tabernacle, nor could they be seen from the outside, for there were two other coverings over them. Surely we learn in this that salvation is "by faith." How many are beset with doubts and fears simply because they will not take God at His Word. God says that He is satisfied with the work that His Son has accomplished, and faith believes it and rejoices. We cannot see or feel it, any more than the Israelite could see or feel the covering of goats' hair, but "WE KNOW," because God has spoken.

Messages of God’s Love 12/4/1949

Me Too, Grandma

GRANDMA is a dear old white-haired lady, with a heart big enough for all the happy little flock of boys arid girls who like to cuddle up to her for a story. Her busy days are done, but she loves to have her grandchildren near her.

One day, she was sitting by the window, with her Bible in her lap and a happy smile on her face. Margaret slipped in unnoticed, and listened as the old lady read softly, "The Son of God. who loved me, and. gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:90.

"Me too, Grandma," whispered Margaret.

"What is it, little one?" she asked.

"He loved me too, Grandma," said Margaret, "and gave Himself for me."

Happy little girl! Are you eager to put yourself too in. that verse now, while you are still small? He gave Himself for sinners. Are you willing to say, "Me too"? and to know now, and forever, that you. belong to Him?

"THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME." Galatians 2:20.

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1949

A Real Missionary

WHEN Major Billing was first saved in Australia, he visited a small T B Sanitarium each Sunday.

One Sunday, as he finished talking with a patient about the things of the Lord, he turned to the next bed in which lay a young lumberjack of about twenty. The lad said to Major Billing, "I didn't think you were the kind of a man who would swear."

"What do you mean?" the Major retorted, "I didn't swear."

Upon talking to the lad, the Major discovered that he knew nothing—absolutely nothing—about Christianity or religion. The only time he had ever heard the name of Christ mentioned was when he and his companions in the lumbercamp cursed.

Major Billing started at creation. He told the chap of how God created man on the earth, of the fall of man, of sin, and then of God's remedy for sin through the precious blood of Christ shed on Calvary. The lad drank in every word and accepted the Lord Jesus as his own personal Saviour that very hour. He was saved then and there.

When the Major was leaving, the boy asked him if he would lend him his Testament. Major Billing was loathe to do so as the Testament had a special sentimental value to him, but the boy insisted, and the major consented to leave it with him until the following week.

The next Sunday the Major returned, and as he entered the gate to the sanitarium, he saw many of the patients on the driveway waiting to greet him. He thought it was unusual but soon made his way into the hospital where he was met by the matron, a fine, Christian lady. She told him the following amazing facts.

After Major Billing had departed the previous Sunday, the young lumberjack borrowed a pair of crutches and visited each one of the two hundred patients in the hospital telling the gospel story which he had just heard, and asking every one if he or she were saved. He spoke to each nurse, doctor, and orderly, at the hospital, and to every visitor too about God's great salvation which meant so much to him. From Sunday to Thursday, he had read the New Testament through twice, and on Thursday, when he died (or rather) departed to be with Christ, he was half-way through the Testament again. All this—done by a dying boy!

He had left a note behind for Major Billing saying that he hoped the Major would not be cross with him, but he did want the Testament to be buried with him as he had loved it and its contents so much, and it had scarcely left his hands since the Major had given it to him four days previously.

No doubt the one who reads these lines has heard the gospel message many times. You know about God's love in giving His Son to die on Calvary. You have heard the glorious truth that "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7. But have you believed it like this dear lad? Have you truly received Christ into your heart and been saved for time and eternity?

If you have, dear reader, do you feel a concern for the unsaved around you? Think of the efforts of this dying lad to tell others of what the Lord had done for him! No doubt eternity will declare the fruit of this bright testimony to Christ. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus to his disciples:

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1949

The Living God

WORKING in the northwest part of India a Bible woman was one day asked by a native woman, "You cannot see God, how can you pray to Him?" She had always prayed to idols that she could see and so was doubtful about praying to an unknown, unseen God. The Bible women had told her of the true God who lives far away in heaven, and who, though He could hear and see everything she said and did, even all her sins, yet He loved her and wanted her to trust in. Him and be saved.

Soon after this she found herself with no money, and nothing to eat, and remembering what the Bible woman had told her, she prayed: "If Thou art a true and living God, hear my prayer and help me."

In the evening of the same day, someone for whom she had worked brought her flour, rice, and some money. She wept for joy. When asked why she cried, she answered, "A woman told me that there is one true God, and from Him we can have salvation, because He died for our sins. I did not believe in Him before, but I prayed to Him for help, and now by your coming to me with these gifts I believe that He is the one true God who hears and answers prayer."

She joyfully sought the Bible woman to tell her the good news that she had found that God did really hear and answer prayer, for He had sent her the food she so badly needed. Better still, she not only received the food for her body, she also accepted Christ for the salvation of her soul.

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus, dear reader? Do you know Him as the One who answers prayer? If not, call upon Him now, for he says in Psa. 50:15, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me."

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1949

Jack's Prize

HAVE you ever earned a prize? I expect you have, and you could — tell me of how you worked for it. Well, I must tell you of the first and only Sunday school prize I ever got.

I had a Christian father and mother, and of course I never missed Sunday school, but somehow I never won a prize, for you see, they counted conduct as well as attendance for prizewinning, and my conduct in Sunday school wasn't the best.

Well, one prize-giving time I was sitting with the other children when to my surprise I heard my name called. Oh, how happy I was! I went up to the front to take my prize and I held it fast as I went back to my seat. I remember the title to this very day, though it was a long time ago. It was called "Thankful Rest," I'm afraid I did not know much about rest then, for I was not a Christian boy.

When we were dismissed, off I went home with my prize. But when I got indoors my sister claimed that the prize was hers. She said it wasn't mine at all! Mother soon joined in the discussion, but still I wouldn't give up my prize, so we decided to phone the Sunday school teacher. My sister was right after all! Her name was Jane and mine was John, and the prize was just addressed to J. Wilson, so I had to give it up to my sister.

But when I came to the Lord Jesus, I received something far better than a prize.—-"The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,"—-and I didn't have to earn it either, for it is a gift!

I have been to many prize-givings since those days, and have handed many prizes to happy boys and girls, but I always read the full name, because I remember my disappointment over the only prize I ever received.

There is no doubt that this gift is offered to you, dear boy or girl, for God's Word says,

"Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22: 17.

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 26:14

The next covering for the tabernacle was of "rams' skins dyed red." This covering, like the curtains of goats' hair, was not seen by the natural eye either from the inside or the outside of the tabernacle. It was for the eye of God alone. Nor is there any size given for it, and all we know is that it "covered" the tabernacle. In Exodus 29, which we shall speak of in more detail later, if the Lord will, we read about two rams that were slain when Aaron and his sons were consecrated for the priest's office. One ram was slain and its blood sprinkled upon the altar, and then the whole ram was washed and burned upon the altar. Then the other ram was killed, its blood was taken, and some of it was put on the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the great toe of the right foot of Aaron and each of his sons. We will not enter into the meaning of this in detail here, except to mention that these rams speak to us of Christ in His devoted obedience even to death. His ear was ever open to hear His Father's voice, and His blessed hands and feet were always willing to do His Father's will at any cost.

As we pause to think of where that path of devoted obedience led Him, it is not hard for us to understand what is meant by the "rams' skins dyed red." But this covering was hidden from the eye of man, for we shall never know, not even through all eternity; the awful suffering which the Lord. Jesus endured in those dark hours of Calvary, when "His visage was so marred more than any man, and. His form more than the sons of men." Isaiah 52:14. We shall never know what it meant to Him to be "made sin for us," but, blessed be His Name, we shall find our place of Eternal. joy and happiness “under its covering,"

Perhaps the one who reads these lines is unsaved. You have never seen your need of such a shelter. You may be Enjoying a so-called "good time" in your sins, and have never stopped to consider your eternal destiny. The things of time and the pleasures of this world look much better to you than the drab-looking tabernacle with its outer covering of badgers' skins. You are like the Jews who, when the Lord. Jesus Christ was here upon earth, could not see any beauty that they should desire Him. They did not want the despised and rejected. Jesus. (Isaiah 53: 2, 3.) No, dear young reader; Jesus was not popular, nor will anyone be who walks in His ways. But the day is soon coming when all will be changed. The Lord is soon coming to take His own to heaven, and then judgment will begin to fall upon this Christ-rejecting world. The One who was once despised and rejected will come in power and great glory and judge the world in righteousness. Then your pleasures will be forever ended, if not before, and your eternal portion will be the lake of fire. We plead with you to take warning NOW, and come to Christ.

Remember that under that outer badgers' skins covering, under those rams' skins dyed red, and under the goats' hair curtains, were those lovely inner curtains and all the other beautiful things inside the tabernacle, Oh, if You will only come to the Lord Jesus and receive Him as your Saviour, you can enjoy them all, now and forever. "In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalm 16:11

Messages of God’s Love 12/11/1949

Is Father on Deck?

HOW would you like to be out on the water in a storm like the one in our picture? I am sure most of us would be very much. frightened, but I want to tell you about a little girl who was quite peaceful and even slept through a had storm like this.

Her father was the "skipper" of a good-sized vessel and one time she accompanied him on one of his voyages. She loved her father very much and needless to say she had every confidence that he was able to guide the ship safe through the storms.

She went quietly to bed each night, out one night a terrible storm blew up while she was asleep. She was awakened by the tossing of the vessel and at first she was frightened. The first question she asked was, "Is Father on deck?" When she was told that he was, she just put her head. back on the pillow, turned over, and went quietly to sleep again. All was well as long as father was on deck and guiding the ship!

Let me ask you, dear reader, who is guiding your little "ship" across -the "sea of life"? How many a wreck there has been because men and women, and boys and girls, have followed 'their own ways and their own thoughts. Then others have left everything in the hands of some false guide who said he could guide .them safe to the glory land, but he has failed -them in their time of greatest need.

Do not go your own way, or trust your soul to any man, dear reader. The Lord Jesus alone can guide You safe to heaven. He shed His own precious blood to put away your sins, and now His hands, once pierced at Calvary, will hold you, as well as the "helm" of your "ship" and take you through all the difficulties of the way to His home above.

if you just trust Him, you need not fear the storm of coming judgment, for all is well for those who belong to Him. You can quietly and confidently put your head on your pillow at night and know that He will keep you safe in the "hollow of His hand" for time and eternity.

"KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH FAITH UNTO SALVATION." 1 Peter 1:5.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1949

Have You Tried It?

JACK was curled up, in the big chair in the corner of the room with one leg hanging over the arm. He was trying to read, but though his eyes were on the page he was really listening to a conversation across the room.

Mother was telling a young girl who was troubled and wanted to be saved, how she herself had been saved when she was nine years old. She told of how her mother had died two years before, and, seeing that nobody seemed to be interested, she and her little sister decided to find a Sunday school themselves to go to.

One day, after having tried several, they found one that seemed more interesting than the others.

They were placed in a class with a teacher who knew the Lord Jesus and loved to tell boys and girls how much He had loved them. Mother's little heart felt warm as she listened, and one night she knelt by her bedside and told the Lord Jesus just how she felt. She thanked Him for dying for her sins, and -told Him that she would take Him as her Saviour.

"And Helen," Mother continued to her visitor, -"you know what the Lord Jesus has done for sinners. He died for their sin and wickedness. Why don't you kneel by your bed when you go home and just talk it all over with Him, and tell Him that you will receive Him as your Saviour. Remember He has said, 'Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.' " John 6:37.

Several nights later as Jack was praying before bedtime, his mother heard him thanking the Lord Jesus for saving him. When he was through she asked eagerly, "Jack, are you saved? I heard you thanking the Lord for saving you!"

"Yes, Mother, I'm saved now!" answered jack.

"When did it happen?"

"Well, when you were talking to Helen the other day I heard you tell her to do just as you did when you were little. I wasn't sure if I was saved or not, but I wanted to be. So that night before I went to bed I tried it myself. And, Mother, Jesus saved me!"

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

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1949

Jane and the Red Velvet Motto

IT WAS Saturday morning and twelve-year-old Jane was busily dusting her mother's bedroom. Everything must be dusted very carefully, for her mother liked it done well.

There was the big bed with its high old-fashioned head and foot, the tall chest of drawers that was almost taller than Jane herself, and finally the bureau with so many things that must be dusted and carefully put back in place. There were the clock and a red. velvet text that she had dusted so many times that she hardly needed to read it, for she knew every word so well.

But as she stood with her duster in hand, her eye ran over the words, "In whom we have redemption through His )food, the forgiveness of sins." Ephesians 1:7.

Hardly thinking of what she was doing, Jane began to dust it. She was thinking of those words, "the forgiveness of sins." How she longed to know that her sins were forgiven! She knew that she had many sins, some that no one else knew about except herself and God. For a long time she had wanted to know that they were all forgiven and that she was really saved.

Father and. Mother were saved. Her sister just two years older was saved too. She had told Jane how she had been so frightened one night alone in bed, thinking that the Lord Jesus might come for Father and Mother, but riot for her as she was not ready. Then the Lord had reminded her of John 3:16: "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." Right then she had trusted the Lord and was saved. Now she too was ready for the Lord to come.

Jane rubbed the duster lightly, and just then a light seemed to enter her heart! Oh, how wonderful! The verse said her sins were all forgiven—"through His blood!" Forgiven! Gone! And gone too, every doubt and every bit of fear!

Many years have gone by and now she is an older lady. But she is just as happy, and just as sure her sins are all forgiven for she remembers the Lord's own words on the red -velvet motto:

"hi whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Ephesians 1:7.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1949

Bessie Speaks for Jesus

BESSIE was just ten years old, but she was so happy in the enjoymerit of the love of the Lord Jesus that she said to her mother one day, "Oh, Mother, if all the world only knew this! I wish I could tell everybody. Do let me run and tell some of the neighbors that they may love Jesus and be as happy as I am."

"I'm afraid it would be useless," replied her mother, "they would only laugh at you."

"I think they would believe me. Just let me run to the shoemaker and tell him. He will believe me."

Off she went and found him at work in his shop. She began by telling him. that he was a sinner, and that she too was a sinner, but that her Saviour had forgiven her sins, and now she was so happy that she did want him to know her Saviour too.

The shoemaker was taken by surprise. He had never troubled about these things. He knew that he had sinned, but he looked around and thought he was about as good as most of his neighbors. When he learned that the Lord Jesus was ready and willing to forgive his many sins, he bowed his knees and. accepted Jesus as his own Saviour. Soon lie began to speak to everyone who came into his shop about Jesus, and before long the whole neighborhood was awakened, and in a very few months more than fifty people had been brought to know Jesus as their Saviour.

Is He your Saviour? If He is, do you speak to others about Jesus and His love? "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee." Mark 5:19.

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 26:15,16

WE NOW come to a very interesting part of this wonderful tabernacle—the boards. These boards, as we have remarked before, typify to us the place that believers have "in Christ." The shittim wood speaks to us of humanity. The Lord Jesus' humanity was perfect. He was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26), but we are part of a fallen race and our humanity is fallen. However, we notice that the wood of these boards was not seen at all, for they were overlaid with gold. Although we were ruined through the fall, yet God in His matchless grace has saved us, and now we are "made the righteousness of God in Him [Christ]." 2 Cor. 5:21. He does not see us merely as forgiven sinners, but looks upon us as though we had never sinned at all, and as clothed in all the loveliness and beauty of the best robe which He has put upon us. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1. Our standing before Him is as perfect as the Lord Jesus Himself for we are "IN HIM." "As He is, so are we in this world." 1 John 417. I remember once seeing a piece of shittim wood polished and shining, but still it was shittim wood and nothing more. How many today are just like this—trying • to "polish the shittim wood"—trying to make themselves fit for the eye of God by efforts of their own, but let us assure any of our readers who are in this class that unless you have Christ for your righteousness you can NEVER stand up. before God as the boards in the tabernacle did. The very finest piece of shittim wood obtainable could never find a place in this tabernacle unless it was overlaid with gold,, whereas the most rough and knotty peace would be PERFECTLY acceptable as long as it was covered with gold.

Each board was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. The number ten reminds us of our responsibility to God, just as there were ten commandments in the law. There were also ten curtains which remind us of how the Lord Jesus ever walked to please His Father in all things. He perfectly measured up to that which God required of man, for He "[magnified] the law and made it honorable." Isaiah 42:21. But what about ourselves? We come under God's solemn verdict, "ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23, In ourselves we could never keep God's holy law or measure up to His glory, but Christ was made a curse for us (Galatians 3: 13), and now we who are saved are accepted in Him just as the boards were overlaid with gold. Oh how good it is to be delivered from thoughts of self and to glory in Christ alone, for He is our All in All. "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Cor. 1:31.

We have just noticed how our standing in Christ is perfect. It could not be more perfect than it is, but God would have our communion and walk to be according to this. Therefore the boards were a cubit and a half wide; just as the ark and the table were a cubit and a half high. We are to have Christ before us and seek to "walk, even as He walked." We all fail, and provision has been made for our failure (1 John 2:1), but God's desire is to reproduce Christ, practically, in 'the lives of His children. Let us look to Him for strength and we shall receive it. (Phil. 4:13.)

Messages of God’s Love 12/18/1949

Six Kittens — and One More

SEVEN little children watched eagerly as old Mary Currie came up the path carrying a large basket. She had promised to bring a present for each of them, and the sight of so large a basket filled them with curiosity.

They were not long in suspense, however, for, after the necessary kisses and hugs, the cover popped off and out jumped seven little kittens, one for each. Everyone was pleased except Mother, who decided truly that the two dogs already in their possession would never live peacefully with seven kittens.

After two weeks of constant barking, screaming, scolding and sobbing, six of the kittens disappeared very suddenly, and no one else in the home except the hired man knew what had become of them.

"Why," asked the children, "was Florrie's kitten spared when all the rest were gone?" The answer was simple. This homely little creature was the best behaved and the least likely to cause trouble. Florrie's kitten grew to be a good respectable cat, and never had a quarrel with anyone all her life!

Six lost and one saved! That is true of boys and girls too sometimes, though in a very different way. God looks down upon the children who are reading this paper, and He knows that some of them are saved, and some are lost. Which ones does He choose to save? Does He pick out the best behaved, the ones who will cause 'Him the least trouble? No indeed, for we were all bad. His Word says, "All. have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.

God does not choose us for any good in us at all, but just because He loves us, and in order to save us He had to give His Son to die in our place. His precious blood alone can cleanse us from our sins.

What about the lost boys and girls? Is it because God does not want to bother with those who are so bad? No indeed. It was the ungodly ones for whom Christ died. But if you will not have Christ, it is because you are allowing Satan to blind your eyes to your great need, and if you continue as you are, you will be lost forever.

"WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY." Romans 5:6.

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1949

Twins

I WANT to tell you of two boys who were twins, and whose names were Charlie and Jack. It was hard to tell them apart, and most people just couldn't do it.

These two boys went to school together, and one day Charlie was disobedient to his teacher, The teacher reported this to the head of the school and they decided that Charlie must stay in for one hour after school and do some hard work.

When school was over, the teacher kept a sharp look out for Charlie. Suddenly he spied. Jack, and, thinking it was the twin brother, he stopped him and ordered him to stay behind and get to work as punishment for his bad conduct.

"But, Sir . . ." he began.

"No words now."

"But, Sir . . ."

"No words now. You may speak to me afterward, Charlie."

So the boy set to work, and when the time was almost up the teacher came along and asked him what it was he had to say.

"Well, Sir," said Jack, "I'm not Charlie, I'm Jack. But now that I have stayed in and have done the work for him, must he be punished too?"

What do you think the teacher did? Of course he let Charlie free from the punishment, as Jack had done the work instead, although it was all a mistake.

Dear children, there was One who took our place and died in our stead — but He did it willingly. He knew what would happen to Him before He came into this world, but He went to the cross and died, in order that He might save guilty sinners like you and me.

We have all been disobedient, and all deserved punishment, , not for an hour, but for all eternity. The Lord Jesus has taken our place as sinners and borne the punishment for us. Have you accepted Him as your Saviour?

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:6.

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1949

Meditate Upon These Things

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear
to all." 1 Timothy 4:15.

Someone has said that meditation is one of the "lost arts." At least it is becoming increasingly rare, but we know that there are those who still meditate, and get the rich blessing the Lord has for them in it. We are living in such a rushing, hurrying age, that there seems to he little time for anything except to rush along with the crowd. Perhaps this is why the Lord has to allow sickness in the lives of His people so often for, when laid aside, we must be quiet and then we "look up."

But how much better if we would learn to meditate while we are well! The Lord will teach us how to do it. Just to sit at His feet and quietly think over what He has said to us in. His Word, and what sweet lessons He Will teach us. In a practical way, we need to do what the hymn writer expressed in the little hymn, "Take time to be holy." We need to go aside into some quiet place where we can be alone with the Lord, not only in prayer, though. most necessary, but in meditation. One is persuaded that this is the great secret of happy communion with the Lord. day by day. In Israel's time the clean animals were those that chewed the cud and divided the hoof. "Chewing the cud" is meditation, and "dividing the :roof" is separation. Even a pig divides the hoof but it does not chew the cud, and so one may be outwardly in a separated path without knowing anything of the practical application of the truth in his daily life. All this is surely very searching and bears out the importance of meditation.

Neither is meditation to be a formal thing, for our verse says, "Give thyself wholly to them." Many Christians would like to have a knowledge of the truth, and the many helpful. books which most of us have, enable us to get a knowledge of it somewhat easily. But God would not only have us to get hold of the truth in an intellectual way just to understand it, but He would have us "give ourselves wholly to it." It is only what we really learn from the Lord in communion by the Spirit, that we really have. Another has expressed it, "We only have as much truth as we walk in." Oh, that we might truly learn to "present our bodies a living sacrifice," desiring that our every thought, word, and deed should be according to the Word,

Then the result follows, "That thy profiting may appear unto all." Our whole life is the outcome of what we think about, and have before us as an object. The unbeliever has "the world in his heart" (Eccl. 3:11), and so the world is seen in his life. Although we who are saved still have the old nature, we are to reckon it dead, and since we have Christ in our hearts, (Eph. 3:17.), He should be seen in our lives. The more we meditate about Him and His love, the more we shall he like those of old of whom it was said, "They took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus." Yes, our faces will shine, like Moses, and our "profiting shall appear unto all."

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1949

Bible Talks

Exodus 26:17-30

WE HAVE spoken of how we are made the righteousness of God in Christ, and of our perfect standing in Him. It is so natural for us to be occupied with ourselves, and with our own unworthiness, that sonic might wonder how we could be brought into such a wonderful place of favor. A couple of weeks ago a young man was talking to a friend about the way of salvation. He told him that he was sure he was fit to go straight to heaven to be with the Lord, if he died. His friend replied, "You mean to say that you have been sinning for over forty years and that you can go straight to heaven: I don't believe it." The young man was able to tell him that his only title to glory was the blood of Christ which had cleansed him from ALL sin. (1 John 1:7.) This is exactly what was typified in the sockets of silver in which the boards stood. The silver used to make these sockets was obtained from the redemption money about which we read in Exodus 30:11-16, Silver, therefore, speaks to us of the cost of our redemption. Now, of course, we know that we are "not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, ... but with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18, 19) and this is what the silver typified. Each board stood upon two sockets of silver into which were fitted two tenons, or hands, which held the boards upright. How beautifully this typifies the two hands by faith laying hold of what the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished for us at Calvary. We are utterly unworthy in ourselves, but it is through. Christ's mighty work of redemption and through the value of His shed blood, that we are NOW in a place of perfect acceptance and favor before God. Surely the thought of this makes us want to sing what .another has -written many years ago,

"This is in story, this is my song
Praising my Saviour all the day long."

When these boards were set up we have noticed that they were held in their places at the bottom by standing in these sockets of silver. In addition to this there were five bars of shittim wood overlaid with gold rut-, ring along the sides, and there wet, loops of gold in the -boards thro-w! which these bars passed. The standing was on silver (redemption ground) alone, but the five bars above kept them in their places according to God' plan. Five speaks to us of weakness and perhaps these boards would typify to us the gifts which an ascended Christ has given to the Church for our edification and blessing. (Ephesian 4:11-16.) God has given us the written word of the apostles and prophets, and we rejoice that there are still those who, are gifted to evangelize, as well as pastors who care for the saints, and teachers to instruct them in the truth. When the Lord saved us He did not want us to become independent of all other believers, any more than the boards of the tabernacle were independent of our another. When we accepted Christ as our Saviour we became -members of the one body of Christ—"members one of another." (Romans 12:5.) Undoubtedly the precious truth of this has been lost to many of God's dear children. but God's purpose is that all the gift, should be striving together, though in a sense of their own weakness, like the five hoards, to "keep the unity of the Spirit," that the building may be "filly joined together," (overlaid with gold. and with bars of gold) according to the character of God.

Messages of God’s Love 12/25/1949

Messages of God's Love: 1949

Table of Contents

Bible Questions for January

The Story of White-Tail

Perhaps Today

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Horse Car

The Power Of Jesus' Love

Kenneth's Friend

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Goldfinch

The Power Of Jesus' Love

The Father Of The Fatherless

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Grandfather's Boat

A Debtor For Life

Princess Elizabeth And The Bible

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Story Of An Old Lady

What Robe Have You?

God's Ways With Israel

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Bible Questions for February

Samuel

The Indian Boy's Friend

Thou God Seest Me

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Sleigh Ride

The Little Red Bible

Saved

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Train Ride

The Dark Room

A Little Boy's Prayer

Wanted, A Christian

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Can You Name The Animals?

Flag Signaling

God's ways with Israel (Part 2)

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Snowdrift

The Power of The Word of God

Sin

Bible Questions For March

Afraid Of God

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

What Tommy Feared

Kulu

What Is A Christian?

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Lost In The Desert

The Stolen Lunch

Have You Done It?

The Little Colored Boy

Faith"

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Story of A Beggar

The Justice of God

Something Different

God's ways with Israel (Part 3)

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Bible Questions for April

An Old Man And An Old Book

Follow Me

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Our Collie

Little Sister's Fears

Grandfather's Watch

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

The Huge Tree

Jennie's Problem Solved

Only Think!

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

Evening Shadows

"Here I Am, Friends"

God's Ways With Israel (Part 4)

Bible Talksfor Boys and Girls

To Our Dear Readers

Bible Questions for May

Can You Answer This Question?