Messages of God's Love: 1954

Look at the big pile of shining white snow, and a dear little boy named Cyril standing in it! The snow looks so beautiful and clean, and yet we know it will all melt away in the bright sunshine, and be gone before long. As time goes on, even the buildings and trees will disappear too. Even Cyril himself will have to leave this world someday, but that will not be the end of him.

Yes, dear children, everything in this world must pass away sooner or later, but every boy and every girl, every man and every woman, have within them a soul that will live on and on. Every one must spend eternity in either heaven or hell, and that is why we have given you this little gospel paper. It is the earnest desire of Cyril’s dear father and mother that their little boy should be saved, so that he may spend eternity in heaven, and it is our earnest desire that you, dear reader, should be there too.

But how can sinful boys and girls be in God’s bright home above where sin can never enter? God says “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. If we are going to be there our sins must be washed away, and there is only one way this can be done. Each one who wishes to be saved must take his or her place as a lost sinner and put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, whose precious blood “cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. The Lord Jesus bore the judgment of sin at the cross and now, as a risen Saviour, He offers a full pardon and a free salvation to all who come to Him. He has said,

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matthew 11:28.

ML 01/03/1954

Bessie

Bessie and Nancy were walking home from work together.

“Look, Bessie, what’s on that sign over there?”

Together they crossed the road, and Bessie read the sign aloud.

“AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT.” Hebrews 9:27.

“What rubbish!” said Nancy. “Some of the tent preacher’s work, I suppose. Let’s move on.”

Bessie stood still and read it again. “Come on, Bessie. Hurry away or you’ll be converted.”

“I wish I could say I was converted, Nancy. I remember Joan saying that very text to me when she worked in the factory. Joan was converted, Nancy, and she was a lot happier than I am. And now she is dead, but I know she is in heaven.”

Both girls walked on in silence till they came to their usual parting place. Bessie’s heart was heavy and she simply said, “Good-night, Nancy.”

That night, Bessie couldn’t sleep. Over and over she could see the words of that solemn text, and she could hear Joan’s faithful voice repeating them to her. The burden of her sins grew heavier, and the awful future of judgment grew darker. At last she knelt by her bedside and poured out the story of her guilt and burden bore the Lord.

In a moment the words of another verse, which Joan had often quoted, came before her like a ray of sunshine. “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.

She trusted her soul to the Saviour of sinners and the burden of her sins was lifted forever.

ML 01/03/1954

The Happy Child

Some time ago a little girl about eight years old was one day sitting on the grass in front of her father’s cottage in Prussia. Her father was a common laborer. They were very poor, and the little girl was dressed in well-worn clothes, but she was a little Christian. She loved Jesus and it made her very happy to think about Him, and sing sweet hymns to His praise. This was just what she was doing at the time of which I am speaking. She was singing about Jesus, and her eyes were filled with tears. While she was singing, a gentleman, who lived in that neighborhood, passed by. He was very rich and indulged in all kinds of wicked pleasures. He was an infidel, too, and was very fond of making fun of religion and Christians. He heard the little girl’s voice as she was singing, and saw her happy-looking face, and yet her eyes filled with tears, and he stopped to talk with her.

“Why do you weep, my little girl?” asked the gentleman. “Are you sick?” “No, sir, but I am so happy!”

“How can you weep if you are happy?”

“Because I love the Lord Jesus Christ so much.”

“Why do you love Him so much? He has been dead a long time: He can do you no good.”

“O yes, sir! He died but He lives again in heaven.”

“Well, suppose He does, what benefit is that to you? If He could help you, He would give money to your mother, that she might buy you better clothes.”

“I don’t wish for money; but the Lord Jesus Christ will take me one day to heaven.”

“Oh! nonsense,” said the gentleman. “Your grandmother, or some foolish person has told you this.”

“No, sir: it’s not nonsense,” cried the child, “but it’s true. I know it’s true, and it makes me glad.”

The gentleman turned away, but he could not forget what he had seen and heard. The happy face of that sweet child, with her bright eyes filled with tears, seemed to be before his mind all the time.

These words rang in his ears for a long time, and it was after a long and hard struggle he gave up his infidelity, and became an earnest and devoted Christian.

ML 01/03/1954

Bible Questions for January

1. Was Paul ashamed of the gospel of Christ?

2.Will God judge the secrets of men some day?

3.Are there any whom God calls good?

4.How did Abraham give glory to God?

5.How is the love of God shed abroad in our hearts?

6.What is “the gift of God”?

7.Does God make all things work together for good to those who love Him?

The Young People’s Class

1.Were the gifts of pastors, teachers, etc. given to a local assembly only, or for the body of Christ? Ephesians.

2.Who has aiven these aifts? Eohesians.

3.Was one man to conduct the meetings of the assembly? 1 Corinthians 14.

4.Does Scripture forbid more than one speaking at a time? 1 Corinthians 14.

5.Who chose the ones responsible for the distribution of assembly funds? Acts 6.

6.Who chose the elders in the assemblies? Acts 14, Titus 1. Is there any scripture for the assembly choosing its own?

7.In singing, where is the melody made, which God values? Ephesians.

ML 01/03/1954

Bible Talks

Judges 16:21-30

God sometimes uses such sad and humbling circumstances, as with Samson here, to awaken his faithless, disobedient children, for in the prison house Samson’s Nazarite hair began to grow again. How good the Lord is! How great His restoring grace! He restored failing Peter, He restored failing David, and here He restored failing Samson. And He will restore any erring believer who turns to Him in true repentance and confession. His Word says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

But let us remember that even though we are fully restored to the Lord, we do not get back what we lose through a fall. This is deeply solemn. Samson was mightily used of God against the Philistines after his restoration, but he never got out of prison, nor did he get back his lost eyes. When we are away from the Lord, we may take some step which will cause us sorrow all the rest of our lives.

The Philistines, of course, did not see the hand of God in all this. They attributed their deliverance from Samson, to Dagon their god, for the world never understands the ways of God with His people. The Philistines therefore decided to hold a great feast to celebrate the binding of Samson, and then they brought him up out of the prison house to make sport for them at their feast. Now God must deal with His people Himself, but He will not allow the world to take pleasure in avenging them. But such is the world. They seek to drag the people of God down to their level, and then laugh at their profession when they have done so.

God must deal with the Philistines, therefore, and that in a very solemn way. While this feast was going on, Samson asked the young lad that held him by the hand to let him feel the pillars of the great house where it was being held. He then asked the Lord to give him the strength to pull it down upon his enemies. The Lord heard the prayer of His restored servant and down it came, so there were more slain at this time than in all his lifetime. How gracious of God to restore His erring servants, and to use them again so mightily, but, alas, Samson himself died with the Philistines, because he was no longer a Nazarite.

It might be well to speak also of the collective application of all this, as we have briefly in a previous paper. The enemy seeks to lure the Church into association with the world, and indeed has succeeded all too well in doing so. Surely we can see in the present day the sad results of Satan’s work, with the corresponding loss of power among those who ought to be separated to Christ. May the Lord stir us all up, so that we maintain a place of submission to His Word and of bearing His reproach, refusing worldly associations. If this is given up, then, like Samson, we lose our spiritual eyight and become the servants of the world. We fear there is a great danger of many doing this, and going in with the great recognized systems of things in Christendom, to escape its scorn. While God may, and does, in His grace, use His own who are faithful to Him, even in a false position, it does not justify the position. We notice here that there were more slain in the day of Samson’s death than in his life, but who would like to be in an unscriptural association when the Lord comes?

ML 01/03/1954

A Toothache and What Came of It

Have you ever had a toothache? This picture of a dentist’s office reminds me of a boy who had a very important toothache, and I rather wish that you had one just like it! That may sound unkind, but wait till you hear this story.

He was a big boy, working in a grocery store, but as he handed out pounds of sugar and tea and flour, that tooth really bothered him. So, at the first opportunity, he climbed the steps to the dentist’s office. While waiting his turn, he picked up a gospel tract and began to read a touching little story. A few moments more and he was seated in the dental chair.

“Did you like that little tract?” asked the dentist.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Are you saved?” was the next question.

“I don’t know what you mean,” said the young man. “I go to church and to Sunday school too, but nobody ever asked me that before.”

That was all he had time to say, for he had to open his mouth wide, and let the dentist begin his work. While the dentist worked, he talked, and explained earnestly that the Lord Jesus is the only Saviour of sinners. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. It is not optional. It is necessary. God commands us to repent, and to turn to the Lord Jesus and accept Him as our Saviour.

The boy with his mouth wide open could not answer, but he could think. He thought himself a good enough boy indeed, treasurer and librarian of the Sunday school, and nobody had any right to talk to him as if he needed to be saved. When his teeth were fixed, he strode proudly out of the office. It would be a long time before that dentist got a chance to talk to him again!

It was a long time, too. If he saw the dentist coming, he would cross the street, rather than even say “Good-morning” to him. But another tooth needed attention, and there was no other dentist within reach. The boy put it off as long as he could, but finally he just had to be seated in the same dental chair, and operations began again.

The kindly dentist guessed the feelings of his patient. He had been snubbed before, for speaking about Jesus, but he was not discouraged. Very gently he opened the subject again, and reminded the young man that God says that “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. He was either a saved sinner or a lost sinner. Still the patient could not answer, but his mind was deeply troubled, for he began to see that it was God, and not just the dentist who was speaking to his soul.

After a few unhappy days, during which the Christian man was praying for his young friend, they met on the street, and the boy did not try to slip away. He was too miserable.

“Will you come with me in my car to an all-day meeting?” asked the dentist.

Perhaps this would give him the peace he longed for, and so off they went together. All day he listened wonderingly as these happy people talked over their Bibles, in a manner that seemed so strange to him. But in the evening, when the speaker told out the glad tidings of salvation through faith in Christ alone, the light broke through. He knew he was a sinner, and his “good works” were of no avail in the presence of a holy God, but he saw the Lord Jesus by faith as the One whose precious blood was shed on Calvary that he might be cleansed from all sin.

That was twenty years ago, but the dentist and his patient are still rejoicing in the Lord together. The Saviour has not let them go, and will not, until they are gathered together in His Father’s home forever. Dear reader, will you be there?

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

ML 01/10/1954

God's Looking Glass

Let us take a peep into God’s looking glass.

An ordinary mirror is for the purpose of showing us exactly how we look. It will show up rough hair or a dirty face; but if all is right in our appearance it will also make it known.

In some tailors’ shops, long mirrors are so arranged that by a double reflection you can see how your coat fits at the back as well as in front.

Now, God’s looking glass does not take into account so much the outside of the man but the inside; not the body so much as the heart. God’s mirror shows up the heart and also the thoughts and intents of the heart. What a wonderful mirror that must be!

I have seen mirrors that change the appearance of a man and make him look bigger, or taller, or broader than he really is. But God’s mirror is not like that, it always shows us exactly as we are, and therefore it is entirely reliable.

Do you know what God’s looking glass really is? It is the Scriptures, the Word of God, and it is such a true and wonderful mirror that although we may see boys and girls whom we have never met before, yet we know something about the thoughts and intents of their hearts, because the Scriptures reveal them. As a mirror will show a black mark on the face, so the Word of God will show up a sinful heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I, the Lord search the heart.” Jer. 17:9, 10.

None of us like to look in a mirror that shows us such a sad picture as this, but thank God it also shows us how we may be made fit for His presence, so that His eye cannot see a single spot and stain of sin.

A woman once looked at a photograph of herself and exclaimed, “What a fright.” But the photographer, not liking his work to be colained of, replied, “It is exactly like you, madam.”

Although that man could touch up the photograph, he could not take away the wrinkles that were upon her face. God’s mirror first shows us our guilt, and then points out the remedy.

God knew that we could no more remove one of our sins than the woman could transform her appearance, so He provided a way whereby we may be justified from every trace of guilt.

He has sent Jesus to die for us, to bear our punishment, to atone for our sins; and now all who put their trust in Him as their Saviour, receive the forgiveness of all their sins and are “justified from all things.” They are no longer afraid to look in God’s looking glass, because they know that a certain text of Scripture is true of them which says, “Her sins, which were many, are forgiven.” Luke 7:47.

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

ML 01/10/1954

Our Faithful Bantam Hen

When we were children, my brother and I had a little brown bantam hen, and we were very fond of her. She once sat on a duck egg and a little duck was hatched after a short time. The bantam was so proud of her baby duck and would walk about the yard with “Stella”—for that was the name we gave the duck.

“Bantie” seemed quite puzzled when her duck would swim in the little tub we filled with water, but she would wait patiently until the duck was finished. As “Stella” grew older she became much larger than the bantam hen, but the little mother would peck the other chickens to get food for the duck. Finally my father killed the duck, but the bantam tried to stop him by flying up at him. Needless to say, we didn’t enjoy our duck dinner for we were thinking of the two pets!

It is lovely to see affection among God’s little creatures, but more wonderful to see love to one another among God’s children.

“Let us love one another: for love is of God.” 1 John 4:7.

ML 01/10/1954

Bible Talks

Judges 16:30-18:31

It is a sad thing, as we have remarked, when the Church gives up her separated position, but it’s also sad to talk of a separated position, without practical separation from the world. If we do this, it will not be long until we, like Samson, give up such a position to please our friends whom we have made outside the true path of faith.

Samson’s parents went down, and took him up, to bury him. Thank God, no true child of God can ever be lost, nor will anything done for Christ in obedience to His Word ever be forgotten, but may the Lord keep our feet walking in His ways in these days of testing. Samson was brought up in a separated home, as perhaps the one who reads these lines has been, but it is only by cleaving to the Lord with purpose of heart that we are kept faitul to Him.

“O Lamb of God, still keep us

Close to Thy pierced side;

‘Tis only there in safety

And peace we can abide.”

The seventeenth chapter begins a new section of the book of Judges, for it gives us a little insight into the sad condition into which the people fell, so soon after God had brought them into the land. It is not the enemy’s power oppressing them, which we find here, but their own evil state within, and thus we often read these words, “In those days there was no king in Israel.” Refusing to own Jehovah as their king, they fell into all forms of evil.

In the chapter before us we see how they still used the name of the Lord, but connected it with idolatry, just as we find so commonly today; and there seemed to be little, if any, conscience about cursing and stealing. We also find the origin here, of the idea of a man being clothed, fed, and paid to be a priest by human appointment. Micah, the householder here, thought everything must be right because he had a Levite for his priest, and the young Levite who took the position was happy and content to do whatever Micah required, for it was he who paid him. It was simply a place and an easy occupation he was seeking.

The children of Dan sought to expand their coast, at this time, and, after spying out the land, they gathered an army to capture Laish. It was a typical example of the state of things in those heathen cities, where they did not fear God nor regard man, and nothing put them to shame, we are told. When the spies came to the house of Micah, they asked the young Levite to inquire of the Lord for them, and he told them, “Go in peace; before the Lord is your way wherein ye go.” When these Danites returned with their army to capture Laish they came to the house of Micah, stole his idols, and persuaded the young Levite to come with them and be the priest of the tribe of Dan.

Like many a “hireling” today, he was glad to be a priest to so many. It was pleasing to have “a larger congregation” and he willingly accepted “the call,” without any thought of what the Lord would have him do. Alas, he had the miserable “honor” of becoming the priest of the tribe of Dan, who were the first to set up idolatrous worship as a tribe, setting aside God’s center at Shiloh. What a solemn thing it is to have to do with the One who knows the secrets of the heart—even all our moves and motives.

ML 01/10/1954

Little Willie

“Please, sir, will you come and see Willie?” “And who is Willie?”

“Come with me, and I’ll show you.”

It was a cold night, and I was tired, but I loved to tell folks about Jesus and felt that this would be another chance to serve my Master.

“Just a moment, my boy, and I’ll be right along with you.”

I slipped on my coat, picked up my Bible, and hurried out the door to follow the little stranger.

In a short time I was standing by the dying lad.

“Well, Willie, you look like a sick boy. What can I do for you?”

“Sir, I heard you preaching three months ago, and you said Jesus loved and died for little boys and girls. I had always thought He just wanted grown-up people.”

“Willie, I’m glad to tell you that it is really true. And have you really taken Jesus as your Saviour?”

Before answering, the sick boy turned and took a drink of water. Then he replied, “I don’t think I have. Tell me how to do it.”

“My dear Willie, if you open your heart to the Lord Jesus, just as you opened your mouth for that water, you will be saved.”

“If that’s it, then I was saved three months ago, the night you told us that the Lord Jesus loved boys and girls. I believed He loved me and died for me.”

After talking a little longer, I rose to leave and Willie said with a happy smile, “If you had asked me three months ago, if I would be afraid to die, I would have said, ‘Yes,’ but not now.”

“VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS A LITTLE CHILD, HE SHALL NOT ENTER THEREIN.” Mark 10:15.

ML 01/17/1954

"Seek and Ye Shall Find"

A Chinese Christian farmer was on his way home from the market. The road which led to his little village was narrow and lonesome, but that did not trouble him. His heart was overflowing with praise for the goodness and loving-kindness of his God. Then he noticed that one of his straw sandals was coming off, so he sat down to mend it.

Just then a man from the other direction came near and looked at him, and said, “Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the only true God?” The farmer looked up astonished and said, “O yes, I know Him well.” The stranger said, “Can you tell me about Him, for I have been seeking Him for a long time?” “Sit down here and I will do so,” he said. “But why did you ask me, when you do not know me?”

The stranger told how he had heard about the Lord Jesus, and had seen some Christians. He was dissatisfied with the idol worship, but did not know how to find the true God. The very night before he had been in great distress of soul, and he prayed to God for the first time, asking Him to send him someone who could help him. In the night the Lord spoke to him in a dream, telling him to go the next day towards evening to the road which leads to a certain little village. On that road the Lord showed him that he would find a man mending his straw sandal. He said, “You ask him and he will help you.”

The Christian farmer was very touched by this incident and thought it was just like the eunuch in Acts 8. For hours the two men sat by the roadside, and when they separated, both went happily on their way, the one, because the Lord had used him to show the way of salvation to a longing soul, the other because the Saviour of sinners was his very own Saviour.

“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6.

ML 01/17/1954

Ada's Prayer

I am going to tell you about a little girl who is a Christian—I mean she is really saved and on her way to heaven. Indeed, she has been used of God in leading her own infidel father to the Lord Jesus.

Several years before Ada was born, her father, who was the captain of a vessel, and often away for several months at a time, fell in with some wicked men who did not believe the Bible to be God’s book. Previous to this, Captain Moston read the Bible on Sundays when he was at home. Now he forbade his wife to keep the Bible in the house.

Only after he had gone to sea did she venture to take out her Bible from her drawer and read it to her little girls, Ada and Mary. She was very grieved that her husband had taken such a hatred to the things of God, although she herself did not know Jesus as her Saviour. She read the Bible to her little girls and taught them to say their prayers, more as a duty than anything else, and her wearied heart often longed for that rest she had heard others say that they enjoyed. Ada and Mary were attending some children’s meetings held in the town, at which the Lord was graciously working and leading many of the little ones to Himself.

Ada, when kneeling at her mother’s knee to repeat her usual prayers before she went to bed, quietly looked into her mother’s face, and said, “I aril saved, mother dear, and I am going to thank God for giving me eternal life.” Then without further explanation she poured out her thanksgiving to God in simple childlike words. She thanked Him for sending Jesus to die for her, and for saving her that night at the children’s meeting. The mother listened with astonishment and silent awe, to the outpouring of her child’s thanksgiving to God for the salvation she had received, followed by earnest pleading that He would reach and save her father as he sailed far away on the distant seas.

The mother became so deeply concerned about her soul that she attended the meetings, and in a few nights she was saved, too. How anxiously they now awaited the father’s arrival home! Ada, who was his special favorite, declared she would tell him she was saved, as soon as he came home, and that she would not let him rest, until he came to the meetings and was saved.

Not long after, her father came home, and Ada, faithful to her promise, confessed the Lord, and urged her father to come to the meetings. He overheard her praying several times, but said to himself it was only a childish whim and would soon wear off. Yet somehow it did not wear off but continued and increased until he became annoyed and said to Ada one day,

“What do you go on praying and singing in that fashion for, child; you seem as if you were mad?”

Ada rushed into her father’s arms, locking her arms around his neck, and with a gush of affection in her tone of voice, said,

“Dear father, I pray that God would save your soul and make you to love His Bible and His people too,” and then buried her head in his bosom and sobbed as if her heart would break.

This was more than the infidel captain could stand; that earnest prayer, those heart-yearning longings for his salvation, went as an arrow from the Lord to his heart, and fairly reached it. That night Captain Moston, to the amazement of all who saw him, sat between his wife and his little Ada, listening to the story of the cross. He believed it and was saved. The next day he bought a Bible, on which, as he laid it on the table, he dropped a tear. Now with his wife and two little girls, he is a happy and decided Christian. Often he thanks the Lord for his little Ada’s prayer and words, that God in grace used to reach his hardened heart.

My dear young reader, how great a blessing you might also be to your friends and loved ones. But you must first be saved yourself. You cannot truly pray or speak to others about Jesus until you know Him for yourself; until you are able to say, “Jesus is my Saviour.” Now tell me, can you honestly say this? Is He your Saviour, the One in whom you trust? If He is, then you will be able to say, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” Isaiah 12:2. You will own Him as your Lord by keeping His words, and doing what pleases Him, and you will seek to bring others to Him. “Now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML 01/17/1954

Bible Talks

Judges 19:1-20:27.

We are reminded through the shameful incident recorded by the Spirit of God in our chapter, that God knows every detail of our lives. Nothing is hidden from His all-seeing eye, for His Word says, “All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13. The darkness and the light are both alike to Him, and this horrible scene which took place in the dark hours of the night has been fully recorded here so that we might learn the folly of trying to hide anything from Him. Even the little things which led up to this awful crime, are brought out in the fullest detail, to assure us that God knows all.

Because the tribe of Benjamin were the guilty ones in this matter, the other eleven tribes were stirred up in righteous indignation against them, for the men of Benjamin had shielded the evildoers. Too often this “shielding” takes place in the families of God’s children, and, because of natural relationships, sin is looked upon lightly. We believe therefore, that there were, and are, many lessons to be learned from this incident, both for all the tribes of the children of Israel then, and for us today.

Were the other eleven tribes any better than the tribe of Benjamin? Let God’s Word answer. “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise.” Romans 3:9. But here all the eleven tribes were asked to speak their minds in this matter, and they did not seek the Lord’s mind at all. It reminds us of how, when a difficulty arises, we often inquire of others, “What do you think?” or perhaps say, “Let every one speak his mind about this,” or use similar expressions. Ought we not rather to first humble ourselves before the Lord and own His hand upon us?

Needless to say, it is perfectly right that sin should be judged among the people of God, but never because we are better than others. This, however, was the attitude of the eleven tribes here, and so they were all agreed to go up and fight against their brethren, without seeking the Lord’s mind at all. Surely it shows us that to be of one mind is not enough we need the Lord’s mind or we are sure to go wrong. Even when the eleven tribes did finally turn to the Lord to inquire of Him, there was no self-judgment, for they only asked Him who should go up first to light against Benjamin. Yes, they were ready to fight! Let us remember that we are in no position to set others right until we have first owned our own failures to the Lord and humbled ourselves in His presence. We can never carry out discipline in the proper way until this has taken place, e and then the Lord will reveal His mind.

Now Israel had not done this, and so the Lord, having told Judah to go up first, allowed them to be put to flight before the Benjamites. They had not asked the Lord “What shall we do?” but only “Which of us shall go up first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” The Lord had to allow them to have a second defeat, also, before they were truly humbled and broken before Him. Then they wept and sat before the Lord. They fasted too, and offered sacrifices, while they waited upon Him to tell them what to do. They asked, “Shall Igo up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother?” Self was now being judged, and they were ready to call Benjamin their brother. At last they were in a right state to act for God’s glory.

ML 01/17/1954

What Sort of Eyes?

I have seen people with blue eyes, gray eyes, brown eyes, and even some with blind eyes like the man in our picture. But I want to tell you about eyes that are different from any of these.

It was in Sunday School that we had been talking about seeing Jesus, “with the eyes of faith.” Archie was listenir g very carefully but did not seem, so sure what it was all about. At last he said, “What sort of eyes are those, teacher? I don’t know what eyes of faith are.”

“Well now, Archie, that is a hard question to answer to little boys and girls, but I shall try to make it as plain as I can. Why were you given the name of Archie?”

“Because I have an Uncle Archibald over in England, and my mother called me Archibald after my uncle.”

“How do you know you have an Uncle Archibald? Have you ever seen him?”

“No, I haven’t, but I know he lives in England because he writes me leers, and I know he loves me too.”

“Well, now that’s strange. You have never seen him, and yet you are sure that he is alive and that he loves you.”

“But he always ends his letters ‘your loving uncle,’ so I really believe he loves me.”

I tried to look as doubtful as I could, and even asked, “But have you never seen him with those very blue eyes of yours?”

“No, sir, but I really know it’s true.”

“Good, my boy, I believe it too. But I think you believe it, not because of your own blue eyes, but because of your ‘eyes of faith.’ You have seen his letters, and he has told you that he loves you and you just believe it. Is that right?”

“Yes, that’s it. And now I think perhaps I know what ‘eyes of faith’ are too. God has written to me in the Bible and told me that He loves me. And I really believe it.”

“Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” John 20:20.

“BLESSED ARE THEY THAT HAVE NOT SEEN, AND YET HAVE BELIEVED.” John 20:29.

ML 01/24/1954

Advice from a Bedside

Would you like to visit a poor woman with me, one who has been in bed for years and years? People may think she cannot do anything, but see, the dear invalid has a group of children around her bed, who come regularly for her stories and her ready sympathy with their troubles.

Today she is telling them the story of the Lord’s temptation in the wilderness, and emphasizing most earnestly how our blessed Lord used the Word of God, saying “It is written,” in His reply to each temptation. Of course, the Lord Jesus had no sinful nature within, as we have, but He overcame by the Word.

“But what do we do,” asks a young girl, “when Satan will not go away?”

See the kind woman smile. She has known many a battle, too.

“Keep hurling the texts at him, dearie, never missing a stroke, till he leaves you. He cannot stand the Word of God. Some of David’s mighty men could hurl stones with both hands, and I suppose they knew where to get them, too. That’s what you’ll have to learn; get well versed in your Bibles, so that you may have the Word dwelng in your hearts. Then no fear but you’ll have plenty to give Satan when he attacks.”

True enough. Let us take the dear woman’s advice, and fill our hearts and minds with the Scriptures—for what good is a sling without a bag of stones?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11.

ML 01/24/1954

God Has Sent His Angel

The girls of an orphanage in India I asked the missionary, whom they called “Mother,” to take them to the mountain to see the sunrise. The lady was reluctant, but the children continued asking, and at last she consented. Food was prepared, and two oxwagons for the smaller girls were provided for three o’clock in the morning.

The oxwagons arrived punctually at three o’clock, and the little ones were packed into it, so they were on the mountain at sunrise. It was a marvelous sight. The peacocks were unfolding their brilliant tails, the monkeys were climbing in the trees, and all the birds were singing in the bright sunlight. After breakfast, which tasted especially good in the fresh air, they had their morning reading and then went for walks. The bigger girls wanted to climb up a rocky mountain to look into the valley below. The missionary went with them warning them to keep together. The girls in front of her were singing happily. When they nearly reached the top of the mountain, the girls suddenly stopped and said fearfully: “Mother, a tiger is lying in front of his den.” The beast had been awakened by the noise of the children and stood up. Crying to the Lord for help, the missionary pushed the girls behind her and, while she fixed her eyes steadily on the tiger, they all moved slowly backward. About the time her strength began to fail, the tiger withdrew into his den. They went backward for a long time, however, watching out for the tiger, and then they ran down the mountain as fast as they could. When they had joined the other smaller girls, they all fell down on their knees and thanked the Lord for His merciful deliverance. The children said, “It was just like Daniel; God sent His angel and shut the tiger’s mouth.”

The girls were very thankful, too, for the missionary who was willing to face the tiger for them, while they hid behind her. This makes us think of how the Lord Jesus met all the power of Satan for us at the cross; only there was no escape for Him as there was for the missionary. He died that we might live, and by His death, He took away all the power of Satan who would lead those who trust in him down into hell. Those who take shelter under His shed blood are safe, saved for all eternity. Just as these girls were filled with thankfulness for their deliverance from the tiger, so may we give thanks to the Lord for the great work of redemption He finished for us at Calvary.

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13.

ML 01/24/1954

A Lie Sticks

“Would you tell a lie for three cents?” asked a teacher of one of her boys.

“No, ma’am,” answered Dick very promptly.

“For ten cents?”

“No, ma’am.”

“For a dollar?”

“No, ma’am.”

“For a hundred dollars?”

“No, ma’am.”

“For a thousand dollars?”

Dick was staggered. A thousand dollars looked like such a very big sum. Oh, what a great many things he could buy with a thousand dollars! While he was thinking about it, and trying to make up his mind whether it would pay to tell a lie for a thousand dollars, a boy behind him cried out, “No, ma’am.”

“Why not?” asked the teacher.

“Because, ma’am,” said he, “THE LIE STICKS. When the thousand doars are all gone, and the good things bought with them are all gone, too, the lie is there all the same.”

Yes, dear reader, “a lie sticks” and the Bible says, “God requireth that which is past.” Eccl. 3:15. How many tell lies, use bad language, do many other sinful things and forget that those sins are going to be brought against them for judgment some day. The Bible says that “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” Revelation 21:8. How solemn!

And yet we have good news to tell. The Lord Jesus bore the punishment of sin for all those who believe in Him, while He hung upon Calvary’s cross. Now if you turn to Him, He can cleanse you from all your sins in His precious blood. Why go on with all your sins “sticking” to you, when God graciously offers to pardon you. Turn to Him today and be saved.

ML 01/24/1954

Bible Talks

Judges 20:28-21:25.

Now that the eleven tribes had humbled themselves, they were in a state to act, and so the Lord told them to go forth to battle against the tribe of Benjamin, their brethren, to punish them because of their sin. At first Judah had gone out alone, but now all the eleven tribes had to take part in this sad action, for as we have remarked before, an act of discipline among the people of God is the responsibility of the whole assembly. Nor is discipline ever an easy matter, and so this battle against Benjamin was not an easy one. It required unity in action according to the mind of God in order to be victorious. The men of Benjamin, still following their own self-willed plans, thought they would escape defeat as they had before, but instead they were utterly overcome. The wrongdoer may seem to “get by” many times, but let us never forget that we cannot escape the government of God, and His dealing hand will fall upon us sooner or later if we follow a course of sin. God’s Word says, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23.

After this solemn judgment had fallen upon the tribe of Benjamin, the eleven tribes then sought out any from among themselves who had not gone with them to battle. Any of their own who did not take part in this judgment must be dealt with in the same way as the wrong doers, and be put to death. This is a very solemn consideration, for the same principle is repeated in the New Testament in connection with assembly action (2 Cor. 10:6). It is a serious thing to oppose the authority of the Lord in the midst of His people. Of course, we ought never to act in a self-righteous manner, as Judah did at first (and the Lord will deal with such, as He did with Judah), but there is no excuse for lightness as to sin.

After all this had taken place, we find the tenderest feelings going out towards the erring tribe, and there was a desire for their restoration. They loved them as their brethren. This is indeed beautiful to see, and surely it will always be seen, whenever we seek to act for God’s glory in the spirit of true humility. May there be more of this restoring grace manifested among us now, as there was here!

It is instructive to see that God’s much-neglected center at Shiloh was remembered at this time, and blessing flowed to the erring ones who returned there. The restored of Benjamin found their life partners there, and oh, what a mistake it is to try to find such outside of the path of faith and obedience! It was difficult to find this long-forgotten spot, where the Lord had placed His name, but it was there all the time, and the feast of the Lord was still being kept there by those who sought Him. How precious it is today, to know that we have His promise, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. Let us not be discouraged by fewness of numbers, or a difficult location, for in a day when everyone is doing what is right in his own eyes, as it was in Israel, such a position will never be popular; but it will always be precious to faith.

Thus we come to the end of this deeply instructive book. Its record of God’s faithfulness, in spite of the unfaithfulness of Israel, gives us both encouragement and warning. May we profit by it, in this corresponding day of the Church’s history!

ML 01/24/1954

"I Wonder Where They Came From?"

It was well past time for breakfast, and so we were very thankful to see a little restaurant by the side of the road. We had traveled thousands of miles, and felt very far from home, but no matter how far we may be from our earthly hoine, we are never far from Jesus and from our heavenly home. Before we entered the little restaurant, we looked around us at the wonderful mountain scenery. It was our first trip through the mountains, and we were thrilled with their beauty.

I think the man who owned the restaurant must have seen us looking up at the mountains, for when we sat down he started to talk about them. Of course he saw them every day, and I guess they didn’t look quite as woerful to him as they did to us. But this is what he said, “I often look out at these mountains, and I wonder where they came from. I’m quite sure they must have been there a long time!”

Now I wonder what boy or girl could answer that man’s question. Where did mountains and lakes come from? The answer is most surely that they came from the hand of God. Yes, God made them all, and when we look at what His hand has made, whether it is a mountain, a river, a little bird, or butterfly, we can surely see the wisdom and the power of God. And so I told the restaurant owner that I was sure God had made the mountains. He didn’t seem to like my answer for he had nothing more to say.

And where can we look to see God’s love? We must look at the cross of Calvary. There we see that God loved poor unworthy sinners, and gave His dear Son, the Lord Jesus to die for them. Perhaps you enjoy God’s sunshine and the beauties that He has put before us; but have you ever looked to Calvary, and thanked Him for sending His Son, the Lord Jesus, to die for you?

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

ML 01/31/1954

The Wee Boy's Friend

Some years ago a poor little waif of a boy, about ten years old, was brought to the Royal Infirmary in Glaow to undergo an operation which, it was thought, might prolong the boy’s life.

He was so low that it was feared, not only that the operation might not be successful in its results, but that during or right after the operation he might pass away. While the operating table was being made ready, the little fellow was seated on a chair, and looking up toward some students who were there to witness the operation, with a pitiful voice he said, “Will one of you gentlemen put up just a wee prayer for a wee boy—I am in great trouble—just a wee prayer to Jesus for me in my sore trouble?”

The surgeon, patting him on the shoulder, spoke kindly to him; but as he heard no prayer and saw probably only a pitying smile on the faces of some of the students, he turned his head away and in childish tones and words, which were heard by those around him, he asked Jesus, his Friend, “the Friend of wee boys who loved Him,” to be with him—to have mercy on him in his distress. And while the young doctor was putting the boy under chloroform so that he might feel no pain during the operation, just as long as he was conscious, the voice of the boy was still heard in prayer.

The surgeon, as he stood by the table on which the boy lay, knowing that he had to perform an operation requiring some coolness and calmness and delicacy of touch, felt just a little overcome. There was a lump in his throat which rather disturbed him. Soon, however, he heard the words from the assistant who was administering the chloroform, “Doctor, the boy is ready”; and taking the knife in his hand, lump or no lump, he had to begin the operation. Soon the surgeon was conscious that the prayer, which the little boy had offered up for himself, had included someone else, for the steadiness of hand, and delicacy of touch all came as they were needed, and the operation was completed with more than usual ease, and success.

On the following morning, the surgeon came to the little boy and saw from the comfortable look on his face that his sufferings had been relieved, and that all was well with him. Going up to the bed and taking the little wasted hand in his, the surgeon whispered in his ear, “The good Jesus heard your prayer yesterday.”

A bright, happy, confident look lit up the boy’s face, and with a feeble yet distinct pressure of the little hand, he looked up at the doctor’s face and said, “I knew He would.” Then he added, “You, doctor, were good to me too.” But thinking that the doctor required something for his care and trouble, in a plaintive voice he said, “But I have nothing to give you.” Then a bright thought came into his mind, and with a little cheer in his tone he added, “I will just pray to Jesus for you, doctor.”

The surgeon, before leaving the ward, in bidding the boy good-bye for the day, asked him where he came from, and where he had learned to know so much about Jesus, and to love Him so dearly.

He answered, “I come from Barr-head.”

“And were you in a Sunday school there?”

“Oh, yes,” he replied.

Our readers will be pleased to learn he made a successful recovery, and is now at home.

The simple faith and prayer of the poor suffering boy is touching. God’s love to the young, proved in sending His Son to die, is the power to win to Christ, the risen, living Saviour.

Is this dear boy’s Saviour yours? If not, will you take Him as your own Saviour? His precious blood cleanseth from all sin; has it cleansed away your sins? Is all your instruction in the Sunday school about Jesus and His love to go for nothing? O receive God’s love and trust in the finished work of Calvary and you will be saved, yes, saved the very instant you believe God’s Word about His Son. Just read what the Bible says in John 5:24. “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.” And 1 John 2:12 Says, “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.”

“There’s a Friend for little children,

Above the bright blue sky;

A Friend who never changes,

Whose love can never die.

Unlike our friends by nature,

Who change with changing years,

This Friend is always worthy,

The precious name He bears.”

ML 01/31/1954

The Lost Book

Fred had just learned to read, and so he read a Psalm to his grandmother without one mistake. For a reward the grandmother gave him a beautiful, small New Testament. Fred was radiant with joy, for he had wanted one for a long time. He put the New Testament in his pocket and carried it with him wherever he went.

On a bright spring day he accompanied his mother to town to do some shopping at the market. There was a great throng pushing in all directions. On the way home Fred suddenly noticed that he had lost his precious book. He shed many tears about it, but still the book was not found.

A year later a friend came to the grandmother and told her how he was called one day to see a sick woman who said to him that her whole life had been changed through reading a small New Testament which she had found on the market. Before that she did not want to hear about the Saviour, but on that day her heart was full of sorrow, and while walking through the market she saw the little book laying at her feet. Through reading it she had learned to trust the Saviour who gave her the forgiveness of all her sins and peace of heart. Not long after this she went joyfully to her heavenly Home.

The grandmother and Fred were very happy to know that the lost book had become a blessing to somebody, to the saving of a precious soul.

ML 01/31/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 1:1-5

We have just traced the record of Israel’s failure under the judges in spite of the faithfulness of God in delivering them over and over again, until at last there was no remedy. It is refreshing, therefore, to come to the book of Ruth and see the grace of God working in blessing, even in such a dark day.

We learn in this deeply interesting and touching story, how God never loses sight of the individual, and no matter what the state of things among His people, He ever blesses those who turn to Him. Even a poor Moabitish woman who saw that the true God was in Israel, in spite of all their failure, tasted of this grace, when she came into the land of Israel.

The book begins with a famine in the land, particularly in Bethlehem-judah. Even though it was God’s land, indeed we might say because it was God’s land, a famine was there. Judgment must begin at the house of God, and so the prophet Amos said, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Amos 3:2. He dealt with Israel because they were His people, even as He now deals with His children. The unbeliever may receive his “good things” here in this life (Luke 16:25), but how awful to have to meet God in his sins at the end. The Christian, on the other hand, comes under the chastisement of God’s family here (Hebrews 12: 7), but what a glorious ending there is to his journey.

When the famine came, however, instead of taking it from the Lord, Elimelech with his wife and two sons, decided to try to escape it by going down into the country of Moab. How often this takes place among God’s people. We had an example of it before, in the life of Abraham, who, when a famine came upon God’s land in his day, went down into Egypt, to his own sorrow and loss, spiritually, even though he became wealthy there. Many times in our day too, because of our unfaithfulness, there is a lack of fresh ministry in the assembly—there is a spiritual famine—and some are turned aside. They leave the place where the Lord has put His Name to go other places, where they “sojourn” to escape the “famine.” Undoubtedly there is an important lesson for us all, therefore, even today, from this story of Elimelech.

We are not told what Elimelech found in Moab in the way of better crops, but we can at least say that the whole time spent there was full of sorrow and disappointment, both to himself and to his family. Moab might be all right for the Moabites, who knew nothing of the Lord’s presence among His people, but it was no place for those who had known such a place and privilege. And so today, God may bless those who have never known the truth of scriptural gathering, but it is an entirely different thing for those who have known it, or have been thus gathered, to leave it. This Elimelech learned, for he never returned to God’s land, nor did his two sons. The three of them died in the country of Moab under the government of God. In addition to this, his two sons had taken wives from among the Moabites, a thing forbidden of God, and now their wives were left widows along with Naomi his wife. It is sad indeed to miss the path for oneself, but there is surely a greater responsibility upon those who are parents, who lead their children away from the path too, when a false step is taken. Oh how watchful we have to be! And our children may never come back, even if we do.

ML 01/31/1954

Poor but Happy

I just love to see boys and girls happy, don’t you? But sometimes we see them crying, sometimes pouting, and, even lying in real pain on a sick bed. And grown-up folks too, are sometimes happy and sometimes sorrowful. Let me tell you of one time when I found a dear old lady very happy; so happy that I was surprised.

I had been walking along a hot and dusty road, and had passed many little huts in which people lived who were very poor. Some of them looked so sad that it made me feel very sorry for them, but all poor people are not sad. In front of one hut sat an old lady with a very happy smile on her face. Her hut was just as little and bare as the rest, and her clothes were just as worn and faded, but her face was so very different.

She looked up at me as I stopped, and then I just had to know why she smiled so.

“Are you happy today?” I asked her.

“Yes, I am happy every day.”

“And what is it that makes you so happy?”

“Because I have Jesus here,” she said, placing her wrinkled hand upon her Bible. “And I have Jesus here,” she said again, laying her hand upon her bosom. “And I have Jesus up there,” pointing up to the sky.

I cannot tell you the old lady’s name, for I do not know it, but I am sure that her name is written in heaven, and that I shall see her again some day.

What makes you happy? Sunshine? toys? friends? We surely ought to thank God for all the good things that He gives to us to enjoy, but I want to ask you, can you place your own hand over your heart, and say, “I have Jesus here?”

He wants to come into your heart and to wash away all your sins and bring happiness into your life now and forever.

“BEHOLD, I STAND AT THE DOOR, AND KNOCK: IF ANY MAN HEAR MY VOICE, AND OPEN THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN TO HIM, AND WILL SUP WITH HIM, AND HE WITH ME.” —Revelation 3:20.

ML 02/07/1954

Tommy and the Scales

Tommy was just a little lad when he first heard about God’s scales. He went to a gospel meeting one Sunday night, but he was so small that I don’t think the preacher even saw him, for he spoke to the grown-up folks, and poor Tommy could hardly understand what had been said at all. But he did remember the text, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” Daniel 5:27. Tommy kept whispering that verse over to himself and wondering what it all meant. The preacher was reading from the 5th chapter of Daniel, but by the time Tommy found the book of Daniel, the preacher had read most of it, and Tommy was away behind. But he kept the place marked in his own Bible, and when he reached home, he slowly and carefully read the story of the wicked king, and of God’s word of warning, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”

Somehow, the boy felt that he was found wanting too. He knew very well what scales were, for his father had a pair of scales in the store, and he had often seen him weigh meat and sugar. Tommy felt that he was something like that wicked king. When he would be weighed in God’s scales, he would be found wanting. He would not be good enough for heaven, and he feared he would be lost in hell. This made poor Tommy tremble and he could hardly sleep. He told his father and his mother of his fears, and they both told him to be a good boy and go to Sunday school and then he would be ready for heaven. But still the poor boy felt that he was “found wanting.” Someone else told him that if his own good deeds were not enough, that Jesus would add His own, and then he would not be found wanting. But all this gave him no real peace.

One day, as he walked slowly along the street, thinking of the day when he would stand before God and be found wanting, he saw a lady reading her Bible as she sat by the door of her little home.

Timidly, Tommy stopped and looked at her. She looked up and smiled, and then Tommy walked right up and said, “I would like to ask you a question. I am afraid I have been weighed in God’s balances and found wanting. What shall I do?” The lady was greatly surprised at such a question from a young boy, but she knew God’s answer, and this is what she told him.

“Let us turn to Romans 3 and see if what you say is true. God says here in verse 23, ‘For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’ So you are right, Tommy. You and I and everyone else is found wanting if we are weighed in God’s scales. But now I want to show you two more verses. Here in 1 John, chapter 1 and verse? we read, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ And then back here in Titus, chapter 3, verse 5 we read, Not by works of righousness which we have done, but aording to His mercy He saved us.’”

For quite a long time they talked, and verse after verse of God’s precious Word was read by the anxious boy, until he saw that he did indeed come very far short in God’s sight, and that nothing that he could do would make things one bit better. But he also saw that the Lord Jesus Christ had died to put away his sins and to make him perfectly fit to stand in the presence of God.

If you were weighed in God’s scales tonight, would you be found wanting? You cannot meet God’s standard alone, or even with help! You must own, as Tommy did, that you can do nothing but trust Jesus who has done it all.

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

ML 02/07/1954

Bible Questions for February

1.What are we to confess and believe to be saved?

2.If salvation is by grace, as God has said it is, then is it by works also?

3. How should we act towards those who persecute us?

4. Should we owe money to any man?

5. Who will give account of himself to God?

6. Why have the things aforetime been written down in the Scriptures?

7. Is there such a thing as a church in a house?

The Young People’s Class

1.What event will end the Church’s (the bride of Christ’s) history on earth? Matthew 25.

2.Who will go up when the Lord comes? 1 Thessalonians.

3.Where will the marriage of the Lamb take place? Revelation.

4.What has the Lord asked His own to do until He comes? 1 Corinthians 11.

5.What were the servants told to do until their Lord returned? Luke 19.

6.For how long are we going to need patience? James.

7.In view of what event were the faithful in Philadelphia to hold fast? Revelation.

ML 02/07/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 1:6-15.

Ten long years passed by, and at last the message reached Naomi, the wife of Elimelech who had died, that the famine was over. God had had to deal with His people, but He had not forgotten to be gracious, for He delights in blessing. Naomi then decided to return to Bethlehem-judah in God’s land. She then departed out of the place where she was, and started for the land of Judah, with her two daughters-in-law. If there should be one reading these lines who knows that he or she is in a wrong position, as Naomi was, may the Lord lead you out of it too. We are told to first “cease to do evil,” then “learn to do well.” Isaiah 1:16, 17. The way back may seem hard, and almost impossible, but we may be well assured there is blessing for those who come back where the Lord would have His own, just to please Him.

But what about Orpah and Ruth? Naomi was grieved. Her faith was weak, for she was not yet fully restored in her own soul, and she still thought first of natural advantage. She had never really owned the root-cause of her departure from God’s land, and so she told Orpah and Ruth to return to the land of Moab where, she said, each would find a husband and a home. She thanked them for all their kindness to her and to her sons, telling them how badly she felt for them. She even acknowledged that it was because of her that all this trouble had come upon them, for let us not forget that when we get away from the Lord, we bring trouble upon all those associated with us, as well as upon ourselves.

This unselfishness on Naomi’s part was beautiful, as far as it went, but Naomi had failed of the grace of God. We can be very unselfish, and thoughtful of others too, and yet fail to see their real need, and actually hinder them in the path of faith. This is but the “honey” of nature, and there is nothing for God in it. A Christian in this state can give the most terrible advice, and turn a soul into a wrong path. If seeking advice for your path at any time, dear Christian, be sure not to go to a believer who is materially minded like Naomi, or you will get ruinous advice, as Orpah and Ruth did. Nevertheless God used all this, as we shall see, to bring out the true state of their hearts.

Orpah first said that she would go back to God’s land with Naomi, but we soon see that she was influenced entirely by natural motives. She loved her mother-in-law, and did not want to leave her, but after a little persuasion she soon turned back. The tears that she shed were not because of the course she was choosing, but just natural love. Often parents speak to their children about taking a wrong course, and tears are shed, but let us not be deceived by this. If there is really repentance toward God, the sin will be felt as against God, and there will be a real turning to Him from it. Esau’s tears long before, and Orpah’s tears here, were of no avail before God.

When Orpah turned back, then Naomi told Ruth to return with her to her people and to her gods. It was shameful advice, we must say, from a believer, but just as a little persuasion had brought out what was really in Orpah’s heart, so the mention of “her gods” brought out what was really in Ruth’s heart. What does a little persuasion bring from yours, dear reader?

ML 02/07/1954

A Snake

Have you ever seen a snake? I suppose most of us have at least seen grass snakes, but I would like to tell you about one twenty feet long—a big fat one too! Down in Bolivia, in the great Andes mountains, there are huge python snakes and they are terribly dangerous. Most of the natives would run as soon as they see one.

But the snake of which I wish to tell you today was a pet. An army officer had caught one of these horrible creatures, and he decided to feed it and keep it for a pet. It had an enormous appetite and he would give it deer or other wild animals he had caught, to eat. The snake would entwine itself right around the animal, and then tighten in until it had broken every bone in the body of its prey. Then the snake would devour it.

The officer thought he could make an easy living out of this snake, so he taught it to entwine itself around him, and since it was tame it would not harm its master. He would gather large crowds to see him acting with this snake, and he collected a great deal of money from these “shows.” He would stand in front of the crowd and let the monster entwine itself around him, and then the stage curtain would drop. At this moment he would give a great shriek, which gave the people quite a thrill. He would, of course, be perfectly safe, but many would cry out in terror, while others would applaud. This pleased his vanity considerably.

One time he did it in the usual way, and this time it seemed like a better “act” than ever before. He shrieked and shrieked, and the crowd laughed and applauded more than ever. But soon the shrieks ceased—the terrible monster had done to him what it had done to hundreds of animals before. It had broken all his bones and he died an awful death.

Dear children, this great python snake is like Satan. You see him dragging others down in paths of sin, but you think he will not do it to you. You may be having a “good time,” as you call it, while others are laughing and applauding you. You want thrills and Satan gives them to you in your sins, but remember, if you keep on, you will play with sin and Satan too long. Satan is seeking to lead your poor lost soul down into hell for eternity, and unless you turn to the Lord Jesus he will succeed in his plan.

You cannot save yourself, any more than that army officer could free himself from the clutches of his pet snake. You cannot put away one sin, nor free yourself from your pet sins. But the Lord Jesus bore the judgment of sin on Calvary that you might be cleansed from all your sins in His most precious blood. Now, as a risen Saviour, He offers salvation, a new life, new power, and a new affection — all you need in Him. He will set you free today, if you come to Him.

“BOAST NOT THYSELF OF TOMORROW; FOR THOU KNOWEST NOT WHAT A DAY MAY BRING FORTH.” Proverbs 27:1.

ML 02/14/1954

"She Hath Done What She Could"

Yes, dear children, the woman who came to Jesus with her precious box of ointment to anoint His head, that head that soon was to be crowned with thorns, did what she could (see Mark 14:8). But there were some who thought this a great waste, and another who thought it out in terms of money. There are a lot of folks in the world like that, but the woman did the right thing, and the Lord defended her and said, “She hath done what she could.” Have we, dear children, followed her example?

Let me tell you of a little girl who lived in India. She was just six years old, but a real Christian girl. Yes, she had her sins washed away in the precious blood of Christ (1 John 1:7), and she delighted to go around the village where she lived and to speak about her Saviour. One day as she was speaking of her Saviour, an elderly person, who should have known better, told her to wait until she was older before she spoke again of the Lord. Our little friend firmly decided that she must go on speaking about the Lord, bause the Scripture says we know not what shall be on the morrow (James 4:14). And how wise was our little friend, because soon after this cholera was raging through the district and took many away in death, and with them died the little disciple, just six years old. Had she waited until she was older she would never have spoken of her Lord, but “she did what she could” while she could.

“Son, go work today in my vinard.” Matthew 21:28.

ML 02/14/1954

Darling Johnnie

Hush! tread softly’p speak gently! H Jesus is here. He is calling a tiny boy to Him, and now He is taking him in His arms and blessing him. “Suffer little children... to come.” He said when here, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 19:14.

Angels have gathered in that humble room, marveling still over the mystery of God’s great salvation. On either side of the bed of the little sufferer is a messenger of God’s tenderness — two loving women, who, though not related, love him because he loves the Lord Jesus. They wept and prayed over the little one. Their long night watch is over. The first pale, quivering beams of morning fall through the half-opened shutter, upon the pillow where rests the head of the little child of three years old: his body is swollen with mortal disease; he lies in the grasp of death.

“Sing me about Jesus,” he cries, looking alternately at the weeping faces about him: and they sang.

The expression of anguish had passed from the pallid face, and it glows with a smile of love. The peace of God is upon his brow; the Name above all other names upon his lips. The eyes of the child suddenly kindle with delight; they follow some Object unseen by others, and at last become fixed in the same direction, but nearer to him, and at the foot of the bed. With an expression of intense love he raises his hands and points with his two forefingers to the spot.

“Darling Johnnie, do you see anything?” inquired one of the loving sisters, bending over him.

He turns his head to her, and with a heavenly smile replies,

“Yes, Jesus!”

Formerly, when he had seen anyone pass the window whom he did not know, he had generally asked, “Who that man?” But there was no question now; he knew whom he had believed; the Object of his young heart’s affections was before him, and he knew it. Again the enraptured gaze, and the bright intelligent smile, as if in loving recognition of Him who was his whole soul’s delight.

He beckoned with both hands; then, stretching forth his eager arms, he exclaimed joyfully, “Jesus! Jesus! I quite ready — I come!”

Then for the last time he turned to clasp the fond hand beside him; and lifting it up towards Jesus, he said, in a tone of loving invitation, “You come, too!” — and the dear lips were silent on earth forevermore.

Take home the message, little ones; take it to your hearts, fathers and mothers and teachers — and you who cast dishonor on the Word of God, and deny the blessed truth of the conversion of children.

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord,” Zech. 4:6, hath this conversion been accomplished. “Not many wise,... not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” 1 Cor. 1:26. The child-like heart shall behold the glory of Him who gathers the lambs in His bosom.

The sun was shining in its golden glory on the hill top; the little darling had passed away, folded in the Good Shepherd’s arms. He was gone! gone to be with the Lord he loved. He had believed in Him; he had witnessed for Him; and his parting song vibrates in many hearts. From a little one now on the Saviour’s bosom sounds forth the invitation— “You come, too!”

ML 02/14/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 1:16-20.

Ruth had already, we believe, given up “her gods” in her heart. She had turned from the false gods of Moab, to Jehovah the true God of Israel, and she would not turn back. No true believer will ever give up the Lord. The very mention of such a thing only confirms the fact, as it did here. Perhaps Ruth had never made an open confession before, but how definite it is here. It is beautiful to read it. It is so clear, so decisive, and a life decision too. She said, “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried.” Ruth 1:16, 17. It was not merely the company of Naomi she had chosen, but Naomi’s God, whom she had learned to trust. She loved Naomi, too, because “everyone that loveth Him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him.” 1 John 5:1.

How marvelous is the grace of God; surely it was greater than all Naomi’s failure, for “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Romans 5:20. Yes, God had overruled this whole sad story, to bring blessing to a daughter of Moab, and to introduce her into the royal line of Israel, of which Christ was afterward born as man (Matt. 1:5). Such things bow our hearts in praise and thanksgiving, do they not? This is the grace of God indeed! Dear reader, have you tasted of the grace of God? Have you ever acknowledged yourself as a lost sinner in your sins, and placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour? If you will, there is salvation for you, as there was for Ruth the Moabitess.

Encouraged, no doubt, by this token of God’s goodness, Naomi went forward with Ruth all the way to the land of Judah. When they had come back right to the very place Naomi had left ten years before, the whole city was moved about them, saying, “Is this Naomi?” It is a fine thing, when one has wandered away, to get right back to the point of departure, but one cannot just slip in among the people of God again unnoticed. There must be a public as well as a private restoration.

Naomi had come back to God’s land now, restored in her soul, but a confession of her self-willed departure was necessary. Naomi means “Pleasant,” but she had learned the evil of her own failure under the dealing hand of God, and she did not expect to return as though nothing had happened. When one who has wandered away, wishes to be received back by the people of God as though nothing has happened, it makes one question his restoration. Naomi felt she could not lay claim to her old name of “Pleasant” any longer. Could the Lord really find any pleasure in an erring child like her? She suggested they call her Mara, which means “Bitter,” for she said, “The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.” God had been working in her heart, and now she had acknowledged her wrong; she had submitted to God’s hand, but as yet she had not fully entered into God’s grace. Did He call her Mara? Oh, no! As soon as one has taken his or her true place in repentance, either a lost sinner, or an erring child of God, God delights to manifest His grace. Indeed He will find His eternal joy in the trophies of that grace, and so here the Spirit of God, ever after this, called Naomi by her old name meaning “Pleasant.”

ML 02/14/1954

"No Sins at All"

A dear little lad, about the age of Timothy, who is the oldest boy in our picture today, was taken very sick, and his parents called the door in to see him. The doctor found him in a very critical condition, so much so, that he was unable to do anything for him. He had to tell his poor father and mother that their dear little lad was not going to get better. He was dying.

Needless to say, his father was heartbroken, and he felt he should tell his little son the sad news. He knew, too, that his little lad must meet God, and he did not know if he were ready. Mr. —had been a good father, and had provided for his family, but he had forgotten the needs of their souls, as so many do.

When he came into the room and told his little boy what the doctor had said, he then added, “It will be all right with you, my boy, for you do not have many sins.”

“Daddy,” said the little lad confidently, “I have no sins at all.”

His daddy could recall quite a few times when his boy had been naughty (even though he would like to forget them now!) and so, after hesitating a minute, he said, “Not very many sins, my boy.”

“I have no sins at all, Daddy,” said the little boy again, “for the Bible says, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin!’”

Happy lad! He had not forgotten the verse he had learned at Sunday School. He had just taken God at His Word and he knew all his sins were gone.

Dear reader, young or old, have you done this? The blood of Jesus Christ is all you need to put away your sins from the presence of a thrice-holy God. Will you just take God at His Word today, as that little boy did, and as I hope Timothy in our picture has done? If you have not done so, then why not bow on your knees at once and thank the Lord Jesus for what He did for you on that cross of Calvary? He finished the work there, for all who believe in Him. But we must warn you that if you reject God’s way of salvion, and meet God in your sins, He will have to send you away into “everlasting punishment.” He has no other way to save you, or to put away your sins, but through the precious blood of Christ.

“THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST HIS SON CLEANSETH US FROM ALL SIN.” 1 John 1:7.

ML 02/21/1954

Saved on His Wedding Day

It was young James Taylor’s wedding day, a wintry morning long ago in the north of England. The young man was up before sunrise, making ready for his bride. There was water to carry from the well, and wood to prepare for the fire, as well as wheat to thresh and take to the mill for Betty’s first baking.

He was full of thoughts of his bright little Betty, and all the fun and feasting of his wedding day, for he was specially fond of singing and dancing. Right then as he made his way to the barn through the frosty air, he could hear Mrs. Shaw in the house next door, singing as she went about her morning tasks, but James did not care for that kind of singing. The people in that house “trusted in the Lord.”

What was it that brought to his mind, just then, the words he had heard last year at Midsummer Fair in the town? It was not part of the Fair, but the earnest words of a preacher there which were persistently repeating themselves in his mind, as he worked away in the barn. “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15.

It was his wedding day, and no time for solemn thoughts, but the words somehow fitted that day perfectly. “Me and my house” — yes, a new household was beginning that day, but why should he serve the Lord, and be thought narrow and queer, as his neighbors were? But the words would not leave him. “We will serve the LORD.”

The sun rose high over the village where his bride was waiting, but James was on his knees in the straw. “As for me,” had taken on a new meaning to him. He felt himself personally responsible to God. God has decreed that every knee shall bow to the Lord Jesus. James Taylor bowed before Him that day, and yielded himself, heart and soul, to the One who died for him.

“Yes, we will serve the Lord,” he said. But it was now nearly noon, and he had two miles to go to his wedding! He ran all the way, and found the bridal party still waiting. The church clock had stopped, so he was not yet too late! As soon as the wedding was over, he amazed everyone by refusing to allow dancing at the feast, and confessing, with his new wife on his arm, his earnest desire to serve the Lord.

Betty was disgusted. If he wished to have family reading and prayer, he must do it alone, for she was too busy. She grumbled and scolded, and James bore her words patiently for many days. At length, as her grumbling became louder than usual, she suddenly found herself lifted in James’ strong arms and carried upstairs. There he knelt down beside her and poured out all his longing to God in prayer. She never before knew how much he cared. All that day and the next the thought of her sin troubled her, and her distress grew unbearable. When he brought out the Bible in the evening she was ready to listen, and that night, while James was still on his knees, she yielded to the Saviour and was saved.

Have you yielded, dear reader? You are a sinner, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Have you just knelt before Him, owning you are a sinner, and claiming Him as your Saviour?

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15.

“Come to Jesus, come to Jesus,

Come to Jesus just now;

Just now come to Jesus,

Come to Jesus just now.”

ML 02/21/1954

The Little Man

Zaccheus was not very tall, perhaps about as tall as you are, though he was not a child but a man. He would never be any taller.

Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus, who He was. Lots of other people that day in Jericho, wanted to see what Jesus looked like, and they crowded the road where He was to pass. But the little man wanted to see who He was, and that is something quite different. Perhaps you can tell a great deal about the things He did, but it may be that you, like Zaccheus, have not yet learned who He is.

Well, Zaccheus climbed a sycamore tree to get a good view of Him, over taller people’s heads. He settled himself there among the branches before Jesus came, but how could he tell who Jesus is, by just seeing Him?

But Jesus knew all about Zaccheus. He stopped under that very tree and called the little man down. “Zaccheus,” He said, “make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” And he made haste and came down and received Him joyfully.

How much more that little man got than he ever expected when he pulled himself up into that tree! You also, little cne, if you want to know who Jesus is, will never go away disappointed. Who is He? He is God the Son, the only Saviour, the Crucified One, who died that we might live with Him forever!

The crowd complained because Jesus had gone to be a guest with a man who was a sinner. How much better if they had taken the sinner’s place, and welcomed Jesus as Zaccheus did. Zaccheus was a rich man, but it was not the luxury of his house that made the Saviour abide there. No indeed. The Lord Jesus knew far better than the crowd did, that this man was a sinner. Zaccheus knew it too, and his conscience had already set him to work repairing the wrongs he had done. He had already restored every stolen penny four times over, but all this did not save him. He was still lost.

Jesus said, “This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” It was not because of any patching up of past sins, that Zaccheus was saved that day, but because, like Abraham, he believed in the Lord. The Lord Jesus Himself saved Zaccheus.

Dear reader, has He saved you? If we ask you who He is, will you take the sinner’s place and answer joyfully, “He is my Saviour?”

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

ML 02/21/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 1:21-2:1.

Naomi now makes her public confession. She said, “I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?” How lovely to read such a confession as this! How rare to hear one like it today! There are, I believe, five things to be noticed here, which show the reality of it all.

1. “I went out full.” She did not blame her husband, or her sons, or the famine. She took all the blame herself —it was her own self-will. She had left the place of “full” blessing and had gone out.

2.“The LORD hath brought me home again empty.” It was the Lord who had brought her back. The restoration was His doing—not hers. Moreover she had not gathered any good in Moab. Instead she had lost what she had before, and had come back “empty.”

3.“Why then call ye me Naomi?” She said she did not deserve to be called “Pleasant” (which her name means). What a contrast this is to king Saul, who said, “I have sinned: yet honor me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel.” 1 Samuel 15:30. The Lord saw to it that Naomi was still called “Pleasant,” while Saul lost everything. Naomi did not seek honor, but rather owned that she did not deserve it. This is true self-judgment.

4.“The LORD hath testified against me.” She did not feel that it was her brethren that were against her, but that it was the Word of the Lord she had disobeyed, and it was not her brethren, but His Word, that testified against her.

5.“And the Almighty hath afflicted me.” She unquestioningly bowed to the hand of God in all she had passed through. There were no “second causes” —it was the LORD who had afflicted her.

“So Naomi returned.” It is lovely to see a return like this! Moreover Naomi never spoke of Ruth’s return with her —it might have seemed like boasting that she had done some good in Moab. Hers was a real restoration, and she knew in her heart that she could not take any credit for Ruth’s return, for she had tried to persuade her otherwise. It was all of grace from first to last. Is it any wonder then that the barley harvest, in which she returned, was the beginning of such large blessing for herself and Ruth?

If there is one who has wandered away, who is now reading these lines, we beseech you, do not let the devil hinder you from coming back in the way Naomi did. You will then see for yourself that God’s grace is greater than all your failure. Be assured of this, however, that if we spare the self-judgment, we but limit the blessing. God cannot put one bit of His approval or blessing upon our miserable self-will and self-importance.

Now that Naomi had been restored the blessing begins to come, quite unsought and undeserved, for it is the grace of God manifesting itself. Naomi had a very wealthy relative named Boaz, and we believe he is beautifully typical of Christ here. He, the One to whom everything belongs — truly a “Mighty Man of Wealth”—became a man and dwelt among us. While we must never speak of Him as brother, He in matchless grace is not ashamed to call us brethren (Heb. 2:11). He is the true “Boaz” who has redeemed us.

ML 02/21/1954

The King's Ransom

Here is a picture of Cannes, France, and it brings to mind an interesting story of that land.

King John of France lay bound in an English prison. It was long ago, about six hundred years, I think, that the soldier king was captured in battle. Bound with heavy chains, he was taken from his native land, but his hopes were high. Surely his people would ransom him from death.

Three million golden crowns was the ransom price set by his captors. Who could pay so great a debt? Days grew into months and months into years, but still the king’s ransom money could not be found, and his prison gates were barred, long miles from sunny France.

All who are born into this world, unless set free by the Lord Jesus, are Satan’s prisoners, bound with the chains of sin. All have gone down to defeat. We have no right to breathe the pure air of the garden of Eden, which was once man’s beautiful home, because we have sinned. The ransom price is great indeed, for we cannot be redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold. Oh, poor lost sinner, if this is your case, death draws nearer and your chains grow heavier. Who can set you free? Who can pay so great a debt?

Up and down the hills of France went the heralds of the king, but the ransom price was too great. After seven long years of disappointment, King John died in an English prison.

But for lost sinners now, how eagerly and gladly we tell you that the ransom is paid! It was great indeed. It was not three million golden crowns, but the precious life-blood of the only begotten Son of God. He died for our sins and the price of the sinner’s ransom has been paid in full.

What must you do to be saved? Believe the wonderful message of God’s love and accept Christ as your Saviour. Then you will pass from darkness to light. We, who have lost any right to the garden of Eden, may spend eternity with Christ in glory above. But if you die unransomed, as King John did, then you will be lost forever because you refused to accept the ransom fully paid, and your chains of sin will bind you under God’s judgment, for all eternity.

Will you not gladly accept the finished work of our precious Saviour, and pass from death unto life? Listen to God’s wonderful Word which says,

“Deliver bim from going down to the nit: I have found a ransom.” Job 33:24.

“REDEEMED... WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

ML 02/28/1954

Andrew and the Penny

There was a penny, lying on the floor, a little brown penny. Andrew had not often had a penny of his own, and so he quickly slipped it into his pocket, and went back to his play.

But what a weighty penny it was! Surely a little boy never had such a heavy pocket before. Even with his hand over that little round lump, it was still more than he could bear. He slipped out to the end of the garden, scraped a hole at the foot of the apple tree, and buried the money. Now the weight would be gone.

But it wasn’t. It must have been his conscience that bothered him so much, for even when he went to bed, that penny still weighed heavily upon him. Maybe you have taken a penny, or something more than that, in your life, and it scarcely bothered you at all. Maybe you think Andrew was a foolish child. Let me tell you this, dear reader, that if your sins do not bother you now, they will bother you in hell for all eternity.

Andrew lay in bed, thinking of the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, which his Mother had read to him in the morning, and these were the words that troubled him, “He... digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money” (verse 18). Over and over again the words repeated themselves with the awful sentence which follows later. “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (verse 30).

At last, Andrew could bear it no longer. It was a warm summer night, and the little fellow climbed out of bed, slipped out the back door, and down the stone path in the moonlight. He scraped up the penny, crept in softly on his little bare feet and laid it on the floor, right where he had found it.

Now, was the sin all patched up? Oh, no! Even that does not undo what we have done. No one in the world knew of Andrew’s sin, but God did. And so the little fellow confessed it at once to the One he had sinned against. Andrew knows that God has blotted that sin out, because the Lord Jesus bore the punishment for it on Calvary’s cross.

Andrew told the whole story to his mother in the morning. He is a man now, and a happy man too, but he does not forget the sting of his conscience that night, nor the joy of God’s forgiveness.

Do your sins trouble you, my reader? Our sins troubled the Lord Jesus when He suffered and died for sin at Calvary. if you shake off the thought of them now, you will know the misery of a stinging conscience forever and ever.

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

ML 02/28/1954

The Story of a Coat Pocket

I can’t do it. It just won’t come right.” Did you ever feel like that? That is the way Carl’s mother felt, as she struggled over the pockets of a new coat which she was making. She could sew very nicely, but the pockets seemed impossible. Perhaps Joyce’s mother could help, so she took her problem across the road to her friend.

The two ladies puzzled over that knotty problem half the afternoon, and Joyce’s mother was also ready to say, “I can’t do it. It just won’t come right.” There was no more time to spare, so Carl’s mother went home, leaving the coat with her neighbor.

Now Joyce’s mother had a Friend, to whom she could go with every problem, big and little. This Friend was never too busy to listen, and He never found a problem too hard. So Mother and Joyce knelt down together by the unfinished coat, and asked the One who is perfect in wisdom, to solve this difficulty, and make the pockets come right. Then, with a little more work, they turned out perfectly.

Would you not like to have a Friend like that? I know you would. His name is Jesus, the Lord Jesus, the high and holy One, who listens to the prayer of a contrite and humble heart. He has proven His loving interest in us by going to the cross of Calvary to die for our sins. His love is more precious than gold, and His ear is open to your cry.

But you see, it is the prayer of the contrite and humble heart, that the Lord Jesus loves to answer. If it comes from the heart, then you love Him, for that is what your heart is for!

When Carl’s mother came back, she was astonished to see her work perfectly done of course she did not know the secret. But Joyce’s mother was able to tell her about the Lord Jesus, our Saviour and Friend who had helped her to do it. I think Carl’s mother will not forget that answered prayer, and I hope you will not forget it either. Jesus loves you. Do you love Him?

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.” Psalms 34:15.

“What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear,

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer.”

ML 02/28/1954

Yam Sing

This story is going to be very short, for I know only one thing about am Sing, but I think it is worth telling. He was a Christian Chinese, and one day he was sitting in meeting, hearing of the love of Jesus, with a happy smile on his face. None of the others in the meeting were Chinese, and some of them wanted to get auainted with Yam Sing, so when the meeting was over, one of them went up to him and said,

“Tell us how you found Jesus.”

“I no find Jesus at all. Jesus find me!”

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

ML 02/28/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 2:2-8.

Our attention is particularly directed to Ruth now. She is in God’s land, and, her trust being in the Lord, she immediately lays claim to that which He had promised to the widow, the fatherless, and the stranger. (Lev. 23:22, Deut. 24:19.) She started out to glean in the fields. She knew that the Lord, the true God, would not fail her, and that she would find grace, undeserved favor, under His good hand.

And so it was! Not by her own wisdom, but simply because she had acknowledged the Lord in all her ways, He directed her. (Prov. 3:6.) She went right to the field of Boaz, Naomi’s kinsman, for this is the way God works—He directs those who look to Him in simplicity. Boaz then came out to the fields and said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you.” Dear reader, are you a reaper in His fields. If so, is this not precious to your soul? How could we reap in His harvest fields if we did not have the assurance He were with us? Moreover this was Ruth’s first sight of Boaz, when he spoke to his servants. Have you and I thought of this, that we (believers) are the epistle of Christ, and the world, as well as other Christians should see Christ through us? Ruth saw at once the happy relationship that existed between Boaz and his reapers. Have others taken knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus? The reapers answered Boaz, “The Lord bless thee.” If we are truly serving the Lord, as those sent forth of Him, and knowing He is with us, we will not be cumbered with much serving, as Martha was, of old. Instead of this, we will be a praising people, like Boaz’ servants, for we will find His service joyful. The Lord never wants His service to be servile work, for such a feeling not only grieves the Lord, but brings dishonor on His Name. What would Ruth have thought if the reapers had grumbled about what they had to do? And what kind of a testony is it to the world, or even other Christians, when we murmur about the service the Lord gives us. Let us again say that this was Ruth’s first sight of Boaz, and it is often through those who serve the Lord that others first learn of Christ. Let us be watchful lest we hinder His work by our carelessness!

Boaz took notice of Ruth too. How beautiful this is! Someone hears the Word, perhaps in a gospel meeting, or through a personal conversation,—perhaps through a little paper like this—and the Lord looks upon them with purposes of blessing. Boaz then asked the servant who was set over the rears all about Ruth. This servant who was set over the reapers typifies to us the Holy Spirit, for it is by His Spirit that God works. We can easily understand the lovely attitude of the reapers, which we have been noticing here, when we see the One under whom they were serving. There is sure to be blessing when this beautiful order is seen, and our service is by the power of the Spirit of God. It is well for us to see too, that the Lord knows all about us, as this servant knew about Ruth.

Now Boaz himself speaks to Ruth. He says, “Hearest thou not, my daughter?” He then tells her not to glean in another field. As soon as one becomes interested in the things of the Lord, the enemy seeks to lure such away, and so Boaz warned Ruth to stay by his maidens. Ruth had come back from the land of Moab, like the sinner who has come out of nature’s darkness to God, and so Boaz told her to be careful of the company she kept—a needful warning now.

ML 02/28/1954

A Dog Story

What a great number of different dogs there are. There are little ones and big ones; white ones and black ones; friendly ones and fierce ones, but the dog of my story was a big black friendly dog, known as a Newfoundland dog. I don’t know his name, but we shall call him Shag, just for our story.

Shag knew the shore line of the village where his master lived, better than any of the fishermen. He romped and played with all the children, and he loved to be at the shore when the boats were brought in with their loads of fish.

One day a stranger came to visit in the village. Early one Saturday morning, the visitor wandered down to the rocky shore to watch the tide, and to explore and take some pictures. Shag seemed to feel that he could be of some help, so he followed quietly at a distance. With a keen eye, he stood at the top of the cliff and watched the movements of the stranger. All at once there was a cry of despair followed by a loud splash. With a loud bark and a bound, Shag headed down the cliff toward the spot where the man had disappeared under the waves. In a moment, he was in the water, waiting for the drowning man to appear again above the surface. Quickly he seized him by the collar, with his strong teeth, and then turned towards the shore again. What a struggle! The cliff was steep and the man was unconscious! With a strong and steady stroke, he swam around the point and made for the beach. There the fishermen were already at work, and they rushed out with their boats to meet the brave dog, and to lift the body and carry it to shore.

It was not long before the man opened his eyes and looked about. The kind faces of the fishermen were bent anxiously over him, and right behind them, Shag was busy trying to shake the water out of his black coat. The story was soon told, and the man realized that he owed his life to Shag. How thankful he felt. And not only thankful, but he at once found out the owner, and promptly bought the dog for his very own. And I am told that every year, on the anniversary of the day when Shag saved him from that watery grave, his new and kind master gave him all the good beefsteak that he could eat! I can’t tell you much more, for my story is a true one, but perhaps it has made you think of another and far greater story.

It is the story of Jesus who came all the way from heaven to lay down His life in order that He might save you for Himself. He loves you, dear boys and girls, and He wants you to thank Him for coming to save you from your sins. I sometimes hear boys and girls swear by the precious name of Jesus, and speak very wickedly about the Saviour. Surely if they were trusting in Him as their own Saviour, they could not speak that way.

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

“LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE THE LORD. PRAISE YE THE LORD.” Psalm 150:6.

ML 03/07/1954

The Little Blue Flower

Do you know the lesson of the tiny blue forget-me-not? God has planted them in this world to speak to you of Him—to say, with a silent voice, as you look into their bright blue eyes, “Forget-Me-not.” Ah, how much we need to learn that lesson by heart! We are always forgetting about the One who has done such great things for us.

How would it have been for us—poor lost sinners, young and old—if the Lord Jesus in His infinite love and mercy had not remembered us—remembered us with a love that could even “bare our sins in His own body on the tree?” 1 Peter 2:24. Can our cold hard hearts forget that? Shall we who are saved not come to Him and say, “Lord Jesus, Thou hast remeered me and died for me. I do thank Thee for it. I do thank Thee that Thou has saved me. Help me to always remember Thee.”

Strange that we should need reminders of love like that, but we do.

God has given a solemn warning in His Word for those who forget Him altogether and who die in their sins. We hope that none of our readers are in that class, and will refuse to be reminded of God’s great love in providing a Saviour for sinners. How dreadful the words,

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 9:17.

ML 03/07/1954

Temptation

Feili, a little Chinese girl, had never prayed to idols made by men’s hands, for her parents were Christians, and she was taught by them, and in the mission school, to pray to the only true God. She loved to sing the beautiful hymns and to read the Bible. She memorized whole portions of Scripture.

One day something happened that upset everyone. Nine new silver dollars which the Biblewoman had put under her pillow were gone. Nobody had been in the room but Feili, but she said she did not know where they were. She even helped to search for the money, and prayed with the others that the thief might be found. She seemed very restless, however, and became very quiet and shy.

After some days she said to the Biblewoman: “The thief may have put the money under the staircase, because he is afraid to bring it back himself.” And, sure enough, when the Bible-woman looked under the staircase, there were the nine silver dollars wrapped up.

Feili continued to be unhappy all summer, until at last she could bear it no longer. She went to the Bible-woman and confessed with tears that she had been the thief. It was very humiliating for her, but then peace came into her heart. She knew now that she could not resist a temptation in her own strength, so she gave her whole heart to the Lord and trusted Him. She asked to be baptized and was received at the age of fourteen and became a great help in the Sunday school, to tell of God’s way of salvation to the little children.

“All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:13.

ML 03/07/1954

Bible Questions for March

1. Does God tell us that the preaching of the cross will SEEM foolishness to those who perish?

2.Can the natural man understand the things of the Spirit of God?

3.Can any man lay another foundation than the Lord Jesus Christ?

4.Should we glory (or boast) about anything we have received more than others?

5.Can a believer say that he is really his own?

6.Do the fashions of the world pass away?

7.What does God say of a man who thinks he knows anything?

The Young People’s Class

1.For how long will national blindness be upon Israel? Romans 11.

2.Whose “time of trouble” is the tribulation spoken of? Jeremiah 30.

3.What will the Jews ask when they see the Lord? Zech. 13.

4.What will they do as they look upon the One whom they pierced? Zechariah.

5.How will this great change be brought about in them? Ezekiel 36.

6.What will those who despised and afflicted the Jews have to do in the millennial day? Isaiah 60.

7.What will be the great metropolis in that day, to which all nations must come to worship? Zechariah.

ML 03/07/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 2:8-14.

How often a young believer is led away through bad company. Sometimes the enemy even uses another believer to do this, one who is not in the “field” of Christ—one who is not following Him in obedience. So Boaz warned Ruth not to go to other fields or follow other maidens. He even told her to keep her eyes on his fields, for if she looked at the fields of others, she might be led astray. It is often by looking enviously at the activities of those outside of the path of obedience, that we find our feet following, and thus we miss the path.

If she became thirsty, Boaz told Ruth to go and drink of what the young men had drawn. I believe we could apply this to the precious ministry of the Word drawn for us by God’s “young men.” How thankful we should be for the labors of those who have written down the truth for us. Let us read and profit by this precious ministry of the Word, and not waste our time trying to satisfy our thirst with that which is not of God, but from the “broken cisterns” of this poor world.

All this touched Ruth’s heart, and she fell on her face before Boaz, acknowledging she did not deserve such grace at all. She who was a stranger, outside of all God’s covenants and promises, and yet Boaz took knowledge of her. And surely the Lord has done far more for us. We were strangers, having no claim upon God whatever, but oh! how abundantly He has blessed us through the work of His beloved Son at Calvary. Let us fall upon our knees and thank Him from the bottom of our hearts for His love and grace.

Boaz told Ruth of how he knew all about her, and about the kindness she had shown to Naoini her mother-in-law. He knew what it had meant to her to leave her home and loved ones to follow the Lord, and he assured her that the Lord would fully reward her for all she had done and endured. Is there one reading these lines who has come out from home and loved ones to follow Christ? Does the way seem hard? The Lord knows all about it, and a “full reward” will be given, as we read here, for anything done for Him, in accordence with His Word.

Ruth was comforted by these words from Boaz, and she thanked him. If you feel discouraged, dear reader, feeling that no one understands, be assured that the Lord Jesus cares, and His Word will comfort your heart today, if you let Him speak to you through its blessed pages.

Moreover Boaz continued speaking to Ruth, and told her that at mealtime she was invited to come to his table and eat of his bread and dip her morsel in the vinegar. What a beautiful picture this is of the Lord Jesus, who has brought us back from our great distance in our sins and enmity, and drawn us after Himself, giving us a place at His table. Have you, dear reader, come to Him as your Saviour? Have you responded to His loving request, “This do in remembrance of Me?” 1 Cor. 11:24. Ruth responded to the invitation of Boaz, for she came and sat down at his table beside the reapers, and Boaz took special notice of her. He reached out his hand and gave her parched corn too. We who have heard the Lord’s call to His own, and have come to His table have found He has blessed us beyond our expectations too. He has truly made Himself precious to our hearts on such occasions.

ML 03/07/1954

An Adventure

Boys and girls like adventures, and sometimes they like to imagine themselves having all kinds of wonderful events happen to them. So I think you will enjoy reading of an adventure that happened to a boy named Gerald. Gerald lived near the coast of North Devon, in England.

Picture yourself standing on a rocky beach, with the waves majestically rolling in and breaking at your feet. There is a safe and easy path down to this beach, but Gerald doesn’t like things that are safe and easy. He is too fond of adventure for that, and he stands on that very beach looking at the towering cliff one hundred feet above his head. I am afraid he didn’t examine the cliff carefully enough, for he decided that he would climb straight up, and then boast before all his friends how clever and daring he was.

Slowly and carefully he started up, up, up till forty, then fifty, then sixty feet were mastered. Then he began to fear that he could not find another step for his foot. The remaining forty feet were almost straight up, and almost perfectly smooth. But Gerald had been in a close spot before, so he clung closely to the wall of the cliff and bit by bit he worked himself up another ten feet. Now his fingers were just barely holding on, and his feet were planted on the very last crack that he could see in the cliff wall. He looked down, and his heart began to pound! He couldn’t go back, and he couldn’t go on. Did he care? Of course he cared — a great deal. He cared so very much that he shouted at the top of his voice, “Help! Help! Help!”

Wouldn’t you do the same if you were stuck there? I think you would. But before I finish the story I want to tell you that God is waiting for you to cry to Him right now. You cannot climb to heaven by anything that you can do. And you cannot just stop where you are, for you are hurrying on every hour closer to eternity. And the Lord Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, wants to come to you right now and save you. You know how very badly Gerald needed someone to save him, and he knew it, too. He knew it well enough to cry out in his need. And I beg of you right now as you read this paper, that you stop and kneel down and own your need of the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour. He will save you now.

Gerald had scarcely uttered the third cry for help, when a little face appeared over the edge of the cliff, and then just as quickly disappeared. It was such a little face that Gerald wondered if the child knew his danger. Minutes seemed to be hours and his hands were getting weaker, but he dared not let go. At last he heard the sound of voices, and then strong faces appeared over the edge of the cliff, and quickly a strong rope was lowered. The rope had a loop on the end, and Gerald knew he would have to trust himself to that rope. But suddenly it stopped, just before it came to him. It was too short! Poor Gerald! There swung the rescue rope within twelve inches of his weaning grasp.

I am afraid this makes me think of some who tell boys and girls to be as good as they can, to read their Bible and pray, and all this will help them toward heaven. Such a message is as much a mockery as that short rope. It was no rescue at all, and it was pulled back up again.

Then came the rescue. A brave man with a rope tied round his waist came swinging over the top, and was quickly lowered to the side of the poor terrified lad. In an instant he let go and fell back into the arms of his rescuer, and they were both pulled up to the top. Poor Gerald could hardly talk; he was so frightened his breath just would not seem to come, but as soon as he could speak, he turned to the men who had pulled him up and thanked them again and again for saving him. They were very sorry that their first rope had been too short, and all were thanul that the longer rope had been brought just in time.

Gerald even found the little girl who had first heard his cry, and thanked her for running for help.

Now, we want you to know that the salvation that God offers comes to you just where you are. God doesn’t ask you to help yourself one little bit, but just to fall into the arms of Jesus and He will do it all. Have you done this? Have you thanked Him yet?

“WHEN WE WERE YET WITHOUT STRENGTH, IN DUE TIME CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY.” Romans 5:6.

ML 03/14/1954

God Asks Questions

“He knoweth the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 44:21. If then God knows exactly what is in our hearts, why does He ask questions?

You know the story of the garden of Eden, where poor guilty Adam covered himself with fig leaves and hid among the trees. God, who sees everything, said, “Adam, where art thou?”

Eve also did the same thing as her husband, and to her, God said, “What is this that thou hast done?”

If you read the rest of the story in the third chapter of Genesis, you will find that God, after questioning Adam and Eve, did not ask Satan any queions at all.

Even in the first story in the Bible, you see God is full of love, and longing to bless His creatures. He gave them a chance to confess their sin to Him, that He might provide a righteous way of forgiveness and blessing for them. They gave a half-hearted confession, with excuses, explaining that it really wasn’t their fault.

God gave Satan no opportunity for confession or forgiveness, but, my dear reader, He gives you an opportunity, right now. What hast thou done? Have you sinned against God? You know you have. Tell Him so, without excuses, and God, the righteous Judge, can freely forgive you because His only Son has died in your stead.

Is it not wonderfully simple, to be saved forever? How can you refuse this full and free forgiveness — and how can we, who are saved, live any longer in sin, since our sins caused the death of our precious Saviour? Here is ather of God’s questions, for which there is no answer, because there is no escape, if you neglect this important matter.

“How shall we escape; if we neglect so great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3.

ML 03/14/1954

Thomas

A little colored boy in Africa wanted so much to go to the gospel hall and hear about the Lord Jesus, but his father had forbidden it. One day Thomas could resist no longer, and so he went secretly. He was overwhelmed with what he heard of the great love of the Lord who even died for him. Coming home he found his father waiting for him with a stick, and he gave him a cruel beating on his bare back for having gone to listen to the foreign doctrine.

When the next Sunday came around, Thomas could not bear to stay away from the meeting of the Christians. He went again. Again the father gave him a cruel flogging. Thomas quietly endured it all. It is worth while, he said to himself, for all the joy and happiness which the Lord Jesus has put into my heart.

On the third Sunday, early in the morning, Thomas went to his father and said: “Father, I am going to the meeting of the Christians. Please, give me the flogging now, so that I don’t have to think of it during the service.” The father said: “Today I will not beat you, but will go with you to the service to hear what is said there, because this foreign doctrine has changed you into a better boy.” Thomas went into the bush and thanked the Lord on his knees for His marvelous help. With radiant face he went to the meeting with his father, whose heart was also touched by the message of God’s love revealed in His Son. Thomas was allowed to ask for baptism, being the first one in his family to be saved.

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” James 1:12.

ML 03/14/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 2:15-3:2.

Speical blessing followed Ruth as she gleaned in Boaz’ fields, after she had been at his table, for Boaz told his reapers to let some handfuls of grain fall just for her. How happy she was at the end of the day to find that she had gleaned an ephah of barley — more than enough for herself — and she had some left to share with Naomi, her mother-in-law. Surely those of us who have known what it is to gather around the Lord at His table, have found that a special blessing has followed us too, and we have had something to share with others of His love and grace.

We notice here, too, that Ruth beat out what she had gleaned, and did not bring home the chaff. Sometimes we make the mistake of bringing home “the chaff.” In our time at the meengs, or serving the Lord, there is often something said or done which is like the chaff — it is unprofitable, it is of the flesh. Let us not get occupied with it, but rather leave it right there, as Ruth left the chaff, and only carry away that which is good, to share with those at home. What an empty occupation to be feeding upon the “chaff,” and yet how many of God’s children are doing it to their own poverty of soul!

Naomi was surprised at the amount of barley Ruth brought home, and I am sure the happy look on her face, told of the blessing she had received that day. Undoubtedly if we see “Jesus only” in our meetings, we too will have happy faces, but alas, our occupation with the troubles and difficulties among the people of God reflects in our face as well. Let us be careful what we think about (Phil. 4:8).

Naomi then encouraged Ruth, telling her that Boaz was one of their own relations. She also mentioned the kindness of God in not forgetting her departed husband and sons. Perhaps Elimelech (Naomi’s husband) had prayed for the restoration of his family to the land of Israel before he died, and now God had answered his prayers. We do not always live to see the answer to our prayers, but truly we can say like Naomi, “Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead.”

Ruth told Naomi what Boaz had told her — she was not a “forgetful hearer” —and Naomi told her to do exactly as he said. Once she had given her bad advice, telling her to go back to the land of Moab, but when she had been restored herself, how, different it all was. She now helps Ruth in the path of faith, and so Ruth continued steadfastly following Boaz, and gleaning in his fields, until the end of the harvest. May we be more diligent in steadfastly following Christ.

When at last the harvest was finished, Naomi said to Ruth, “Shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?” She had told her before, that she could find rest in Moab, but now she seeks it for her in God’s land. Are we, who are older, seeking the true path of rest and happiness for our dear young people? May the Lord show us how to help them, as Naomi did here. How it reminds us of the Lord’s word to Peter when he was restored, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:32.

Naomi then told Ruth that Boaz would be winnowing barley that night, and so we can say that the Lord is “winnowing” our ways. He is separating the “chaff” in our lives from the precious “grain.” Because of this Naomi told Ruth to do several things which we shall notice next week (D.V.).

ML 03/14/1954

The Letter

Here is a little girl dropping a letter in the mail box. I wonder whom it is for. I know a little boy who once ran up to a postman saying, “Please give me a letter.”

“I do not know you, little sir,” replied the man smiling. “Do you not know I am the Queen’s servant, and may only give my letters to the people they are meant for?”

So the little boy ran back empty-handed and not very happy, to his mother.

I heard the same request made again one day, and the good-natured postman smiled and handed the little fellow an “ad.” It was for everybody, and therefore for him.

God will not turn you away empty-handed, if you come to Him for a message. No indeed. “To you is the word of this salvation sent.” Acts 13:26.

God’s salvation is for “whosoever will.”

A little girl once ran to the postman for a letter, and came back with an envelope. “This,” she said, “is for my very own self.”

That is how you must receive God’s message. It is for your very own self, but it will not be yours until you take it, and then you can say “Jesus is my Saviour.”

“THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.” Galatians 2:20.

ML 03/21/1954

"Wee Jamsie"

Jamsie was just seven years old when his dear mother died. He felt very lonely, and as our story opens he was standing at the window of the little woolen mill across from his home, watching the shuttles fly.

Twelve o’clock came, and all the noise stopped. Jamsie turned to leave, but one of the workers hurried to the window and spoke a few words to him about the Lord Jesus.

“But who is that?”

“Oh, Jamsie, don’t you know about the Lord Jesus?”

Jamsie shook his head and again asked, “Who is He?”

“Did you never hear, Jamsie, about the One who lives up in the bright glory, who always sees us, and who loves us so?” asked Mrs. M.

“Oh, is that the Good Man who lives up in the sky? I’ve heard about Him, but I never knew His name before.” Then in a rather surprised tone, he asked, “Do YOU know Him?”

“Yes,” replied Mrs. M., with a smile, “and I love Him, and would like you to know and love Him too, Jamsie.”

Seeing the little boy looking so interested, she said, “If you will come to my house tomorrow afternoon, I will tell you more about the Lord Jesus.”

Jamsie readily promised, and when the time came he was in the room of his new friend, to hear the wonderful story of Jesus and His love.

Mrs. M. was alone at the time, and she began to tell him in simple words of that wonderful love that was filling and overflowing her own heart; of how the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, had left the bright glory to come and die, to bear our punishment; of how He had been nailed upon the cross, and put into the grave; of how He rose again, and is now in the glory as Saviour. It was the first time that the story had fallen upon the little one’s ears, and he listened with breathless attention. His earnest, up-turned face and eyes fixed upon his friend, showed that it was all sinking down deep into his heart.

“But does the Lord Jesus know me?” Jamsie asked earnestly.

“Yes, dear boy, He knows and loves you.”

A shadow crept over his little face as he said falteringly, “Ah, but—I’m bad.”

“Jesus knows that,” said his friend, “but still He loves you.”

“But I’ve told lies,” continued Jamsie, with his eyes still fixed upon her face.

“Jesus knows that, but He loves you,” said his friend.

The little boy’s voice sank to a whisper as he said, “But I have said bad, bad words, too.”

“Yes, Jamsie, the Lord Jesus knows how bad you are, but He died for you, just because you were bad, and because He loves you. He wants you to let in His love, and to be His,” said Mrs. M.

Jamsie was silent for a little, and then he burst out, “Oh, I want to love Him, and to be His; what will I say to Him?”

It was Mrs. M.’s turn to be silent now, for it was the first time that an “inquirer” had turned to her to ask the way, and she was afraid to tell him wrongly.

“I do so want to love Him,” again pleaded Jamsie earnestly: “Tell me what to say.”

“Well, Jamsie, just tell the Lord Jesus so,” she answered. “He will hear you and make you His.”

As they knelt together in that little room, Jamsie covered his face with both his hands, and sobbed out,

“Lord Jesus, I’m bad but You’s good, and loves me—make me Yours.”

It was a touching, but a solemn scene, for Mrs. M. felt that this was the work of the Spirit of God in the child’s soul, and with bowed head, and in broken words amid her tears, she too, prayed and commended the little one to God. And if it was said by the heavenly messenger about Saul of Tarsus, “Behold, he prayeth,” so also it was said now.

The look of peace rested upon Jamsie’s face as they rose from their knees, and after a little more talk, he kissed his friend and bade her good night. But after going half-way down the stairs he returned and asked earnestly, “If I feel turning bad again, what will I do?”

“Just tell the Lord Jesus, Jamsie.”

ML 03/21/1954

Linda

Little four-year-old Linda and her daddy were visiting her aunt and uncle, and they were all sitting in the livingroom having a nice little chat.

Soon Linda lost interest and sitting back in her chair she began looking all around the room at the different pictures hanging on the wall. Every now and again she would interrupt her daddy and, with her tiny finger, Linda would point to a certain picture and ask, “Daddy, who is that?” and her Daddy would tell her.

Then in one corner of the room a small picture of an old, smiling, white-haired lady attracted her special attention. Linda pointed very quickly to that picture and said very excitedly, “Who’s that lady, Daddy?” Her daddy told her it was a picture of her auntie’s mother. “But, Daddy,” Linda pouted, “I never saw her.” “No, of course not, dear,” her daddy said, “that lady has been dead for a long time.”

Tears came into Linda’s eyes as she said, “Daddy, she died before I ever meeted her!”

Yes, it was true this elderly lady had died many years before Linda was born.

And I am sorry to say that I fear Linda’s daddy is not saved and he could not tell her about what is after death.

But God’s Word tells us. If someone you knew and loved dearly had died trusting in the Lord Jesus, and if you believed 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, then you KNOW you will meet that dear departed one again in heaven.

If only Linda and her daddy would believe in the Lord Jesus too, then they would know that they have a home in heaven where they would meet again with all those who are saved.

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

We know there’s a bright and a glorious home,

Away in the heavens high,

Where all the redeemed shall with Jesus dwell,

But will you be there and I?

If you take the loving Saviour now,

Who for sinners once did die;

When He gathers His own in that bright home,

Then you’ll be there and I.

ML 03/21/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 3:3-14.

Naomi told Ruth that before going down to Boaz’ threshing-floor she should wash herself, and so as we think of the Lord “winnowing” Our ways, and the manifestation of them at the judgment seat of Christ, we need to apply the Word of God (typified in the washing here) to our lives. Is there anything in our ways that is not according to truth? Let us then apply the truth of His Word to such things, and give them up, like the water washing away the dirt.

After this Naomi told Ruth to anoint herself. This speaks to us of the Holy Spirit of God, who is the power for our walk as believers in this world. Our whole life ought to be by the Spirit’s power, and so we are exhorted to “Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16. This will truly make our faces “shine” like the anointing with oil.

Then Naomi told Ruth to put on her raiment. If we allow the Word of God to cleanse away the defilements, and then walk in the Spirit, it will be like the raiment here, the new man will be seen. This is what we are exhorted in Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holines.” Too often we are very occupied with the raiment we buy in clothing stores, instead of that which is the result of walking with the Lord, “even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4.

Naomi told Ruth not to make herself known to Boaz Until he had done eating and drinking, and so this is now our time of “walking by faith.” Our day of, public association with Christ as His bride is coming later, as Ruth’s did with Boaz. May we know more of this “walking by faith,” while we await that day.

Ruth then went down and lay at the feet of Boaz in the threshingfloor until the morning. In this way she claimed the position that was rightfully hers, because of her being near of kin to Boaz, and so God delights to have us lay claim to our blessings in Christ. Surely we can say too, that it is as we lay at His feet like Ruth, that we learn them. It is not a question of our deserving them at all. Ruth knew that it was only by the grace of God that Boaz had taken notice of her, and how much more we know of His grace now, as we think of our portion in Christ. Are we lying at His feet? Do we hear His voice speaking to us now, in this the night of His absence, though we cannot see His face? “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1: 8. May we know more of this, day by day!

When at last Ruth did go out into the street, it was still dark. No one knew where she had been except Naomi, and Boaz told her not to tell, and so if we are walking as heavenly men in this dark world, we will not be understood. We read of this in 1 John 3:1. “Behold, what manner of love the Father bath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” Nor is there any use for us to tell the secrets we have learned at Jesus’ feet to the world, for they will not understand them. What sinners need is the gospel—let us give them this message faithfully!

ML 03/21/1954

The Lifeboat

“Come, Mr. McTavish, climb into my boat for a little trip down the river.”

Old Mr. McTayish needed no coaxing, for he loved the water, and soon he and his friend Jamie were riding smoothly through the deep waters of the Clyde River.

Presently Jamie shouted in alarm, for a big steamer was coming rapidly toward them, and he was afraid of being swamped. Before he could get out of the way, the big vessel struck them a glancing blow, and caved in the side of their little boat. At once it began to fill with water, and it looked as if both of them would soon be drowned. But of course the sailors on the big vessel had seen what they had done, and action was taken at once. A lifeboat was quickly lowered, and two brave, strong sailors pulled as hard as ever they could toward the sinking men. What a pitiful sight it was. Old Mr. McTavish’s hat was knocked off by the collision, and with his white hair blowing in the breeze, and his hand stretched out, he cried aloud for help.

Jamie in the meantime was bailing out with a bucket as fast as ever he could, and the people on the steamer were watching and praying as the sailors rowed hard toward the sinking men. At last a great shout went up—they were saved! They were rescued just in time, for they were no sooner lifted into the lifeboat than their own wrecked boat went to the bottom.

Perhaps you have never had an adventure like this, but just the same, something very much like this has happened to many boys and girls that I know.

They have been sailing along the sea of life, bound for eternity. They seem quite content and enjoy themselves a lot, not thinking that someday their journey will end. Slowly but surely, sin burdens every heart and life, just as the water filled and sank Jamie’s boat.

But Jesus knows your peril! He loves you and died to wash away your sins and to take you safely to Himself. Right now He stands ready to rescue you. But have you cried to Him for help as old Mr. McTavish did? Jamie soon stopped his effort to save the doomed wreck when the lifeboat came to them, and we want you now to turn to Jesus and to own your need of Him. He will do all the rest, for He is “mighty to save.”

“THERE IS JOY IN THE PRENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH.” Luke 15:10.

ML 03/28/1954

"Wee Jamsie"

Greatly comforted, the little boy again kissed her, and departed. When he reached his home several people were in gossiping about the news of the day. Soon his father put him to bed, tucking him well in the blankets.

Jamsie lay quite still for a little while, then he suddenly sat up in bed, and with beaming face exclaimed,

“Oh, I am so happy, for Jesus loves me.”

All were startled; some laughed, but others brushed the tears from their eyes.

Jamsie now longed to hear more about the Lord, and watched for every opportunity of getting his friend alone, so that he might hear of Him, and very sweet were the talks they had together.

It was after one of these talks that Jamsie suddenly inquired, “But when will we see Jesus? I would so like to see Him.”

“Well, Jamsie, we shall see Him soon, for before He went away up to the glory, He said that He would come again and receive us unto Himself, and He won’t forget to come. Someday maybe before long, He will give a shout that none will hear except those who love Him. But every one of them will hear it, even though they have died and been put in the grave—they will hear His voice, and be raised in a moment, and both they and we shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord, and then we shall be forever with Him, and shall forever see Him.”

Mrs. M. had spoken slowly but earnestly of what was the joy and hope of her own soul. The little boy had been drinking in every word, and the light of her face was reflected in his. Some time later on in the day, while in a workshop where he was a general favorite, he stood gazing absent-mindedly into the fire.

One of the workers, an old man, noticing his absorbed look, said to him kindly, “Now, Jamsie, take care and don’t burn yourself at that good fire.”

“No, no, I’ll not burn myself,” said the little boy slowly; then looking up into his face, he asked eagerly, “Will it be long till Jesus comes and we’ll all fly up?”

The old man was quite taken aback by surprise, for though a professing Christian, he was neither looking nor longing for the Lord, and shaking his head, said, “I can’t tell you that, Jamsie; are you expecting to fly up?”

“Yes,” said Jamsie confidently, “whenever He comes for me.”

“Well, you will need to be a very good boy then.”

“Oh, but it’s Jesus that makes me good, for I asked Him.”

“And what did you say when you asked Him?” inquired the old man with much interest.

The little boy colored deeply at being called upon to make such a public confession, for the other workers were listening; but covering his face with both hands, said, “Lord Jesus, I’m bad, but You are good, and loves me; make me good, too. Amen.”

The tears ran down the old man’s cheeks as he answered,

“The very thing, Jamsie, the very thing; there is no fear but you will fly up when Jesus comes.”

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

ML 03/28/1954

Little Minnie

Dear little Minnie was just eight years old when she accepted the Lord as her Saviour.

Not very long after, a little friend wrote to her, wishing her “a happy New Year.” Quite of her own accord, she wrote back to tell her friend how very happy God had made her, begging her to come to the Lord Jesus and own herself a sinner. How much I would like to see that letter, wouldn’t you? Well, we do not have the letter, but we have some of the words that were in it, and I will tell you presently what they were.

When people are troubled about their sins, whether they are big people or little people, they sometimes think the Lord is unwilling to have anything to do with them; and even though they see other people rejoicing in Christ, they take no comfort. Why not? Because they think that those who are rejoicing in Christ were never so bad as they, or that they were more earnest in seeking the Lord.

But this dear little girl had very little experience about other people’s thoughts and feelings on this subject; yet hear now what she writes to her young friend. After entreating her to come to the Lord Jesus, this is the way she pleads: “Jesus is so willing to save you. I was not worth having more than you; none of us are worth anything but He is so full of grace.” Every word is full of truth and meaning. “Jesus is SO willing” to save even you, dear little reader, and will you hang back? How sad to think that you should do so! But perhaps you will say, “I am willing.” Well then, only believe little Minnie’s testimony, and the thing is done. Better still, only believe the Lord Jesus Himself, who said, “Come unto Me... and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28. Believe in Him and you are saved. Now at once, believe Him, for “He is so full of grace.” Why, then, wait another moment?

“I wish,” said little Minnie, speaking to a Christian friend, “that everybody I love, and everybody you love, and everybody any of us loves and prays for, would be converted right now, and then the Lord would come to take us all together to Himself.”

What a precious thought for a little child of eight.

“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.” Isa. 1:18.

ML 03/28/1954

Bible Talks

Ruth 3:15-4:22.

Before Ruth returned to her mother-in-law, Boaz gave her six measures of barley to carry home. Now seven in the Scriptures is the perfect number and six is just short of it. It would remind us, in a typical way, of how we have been blessed so abundantly in Christ, but one thing still awaits us—the very thing that awaited Ruth. She had been abundantly blessed by Boaz, but she was soon to become his bride, and then her blessings would be complete. And so we are now espoused to Christ, and the marriage day is coming for us. The coming of the Lord will be the blessed moment when we (the Church) will be called home to be His bride (Matt. 25:6). May we be found rejoicing in our portion now, and sharing it with others of the family of faith too, like Ruth, while we await “the marriage of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7).

Naomi told Ruth not to be impatient, but to wait for Boaz; for she said he would not rest until he had finished what he had begun. How good to know that Christ, our heavenly Bridegroom, is more earnestly waiting to have us, His bride, than we are to be there. “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6.

In the morning Boaz went down to the gate of the city and sat down, waiting for the nearest kinsman to Naomi to come by. When he came along he asked him to stop and sit down, which the kinsman did. Boaz then took ten men of the city and asked them to sit down also. Undoubtedly this figures to us the ten commandments, for the law had to come first, like the nearest kinsmen who had the first right of redemption.

Boaz then asked this kinsman if he would redeem the land of Elimelech who had died, and the kinsman said he would. He then told him that, along with the land, he would also have to redeem Ruth the Moabitess, and take her to be his wife. The kinsman then said he could not do that, for he would mar his own inheritance by marrying such a stranger and an outcast as she. How clearly we can see the law typified in all this. The children of Israel, like the nearest kinsman, said they could keep God’s holy law when it was given at Mount Sinai, but they could not, and they only earned its curse. “The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good,” Romans 7:12; but we are the poor outcasts, like Ruth, and the law could not do anything for us. It could not redeem us.

But here Boaz stepped in and said he would redeem Elimelech’s inheritance, and take Ruth to be his wife. What a beautiful picture of the blessed Lord Jesus, who stepped in when we were ruined and undone, cursed by the law, and redeemed us to Himself. The first kinsman then took off his shoe, giving up forever any right to the inheritance, and it was given to Boaz. All right, all power, belongs to Christ now, our mighty Redeemer, and just as Ruth was associated with Boaz in his newly purchased possession, so we, the Church, will be associated with Christ in His place of headship in a coming day. He will then, like Boaz here, publicly own us as His bride.

Israel too, as a nation, having lost all claim to blessing on the ground of their own faithfulness, are thus pictured as strangers, for they, on the ground of pure, sovereign grace, will be brought into earthly blessing—we, the Church, into heavenly blessing.

ML 03/28/1954

The Cocoon

Do you know what that strange word means? I expect most of our boy readers will not only know what it means, but maybe they have even found a cocoon, and kept it for a while. If you have, then you will know what my story is all about.

We were piling wood for the winter, and Gracie and Charlotte were busy helping, as little girls sometimes like to do.

“Daddy, what is this funny thing on the side of this piece of wood?”

“I do believe it is a cocoon. Let’s take it off very carefully and keep it, and then see what happens.”

Gracie had heard of cocoons before, but had never found one, so she very carefully lifted the cocoon and put it in a box.

“I would like to take it to my teacher tomorrow. May I?”

Just a very few days later she came home from school quite breathless. “Mother, Father, guess what happened to my cocoon. It turned into a beautiful Monarch butterfly!”

It seemed almost too wonderful to be true, and yet that is exactly what happened. A cocoon, you know, looks just as dead as can be. It feels cold and lifeless, but inside that cold dark body, there is a little life. At one time, a caterpillar was crawling along, and he stopped on the side of that very piece of wood, and slowly, with the wisdom which God has given to these creatures, he spun for himself that strange home which we call a cocoon. And then, after a long time of waiting, he came out again, but this time not a caterpillar, but a butterfly!

Don’t you think God is teaching us lessons by these strange things we see about us? We see a dried up little beet seed put into the ground, and before long there comes up a living plant.

What is the lesson that God intends us to learn? I believe it is this. He wants you to know that you are not always going to live in this world. You may be cold and lifeless, and laid away in the grave while young. Or you might grow old and wrinkled, and then be laid away. But that is not the end! Every boy and girl that ever lived, is going to live forever in eternity! Yes, even the little friends that have already been laid away in the cemetery will some day come out again and will stand before the Lord Jesus.

I know that when I stand before Him, He will welcome me home as one of the saved ones whose sins have been washed by His most precious blood. Are you saved too? When you stand before Him, for you surely will, will you be stained with sin, or cleansed and welcomed? If you are stained with sin, then it will be too late to be cleansed, and you will be cast away into the lake of fire. But He loves you so much that He wants to make you His very own, and soon to welcome you into heaven with the other boys and girls who have taken Him as their Saviour.

“SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME, AND FORBID THEM NOT; FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD.” — Mark 10:14.

ML 04/04/1954

Mrs. Kao

It was about ten years ago when a poor old Chinese woman stood at the door of a gospel hall in a town of China. On her old wrinkled face was an expression of sadness and despair. The lady missionary asked her to come in, and there she heard the glad tidings for the first time in her life. She continued to come regularly to all the meetings and before long her sad expression disappeared.

But what was her sorrow? She had lost her husband and five children, and then the only surviving son, who had supported her by turning a hand mill to grind corn for the neighbors, had also died. Mrs. Kao, for that was her name, was too old and feeble to turn the heavy stone mill. She had no income, no one to care for her, and she was even turned out of her little house since she was now unable to pay rent. Through coming to the gospel meetings, she learned about the Saviour who loved her and died for her upon the cross. She learned how He has opened the door to heaven to all those who receive Him as their Saviour, and by and by the peace of God changed that sad face into a happy one.

As one of God’s children she proved that her heavenly Friend did not leave her nor forsake her. He was always able to feed her and provide a place for her to live. She was such a happy, thankful Christian and always brought half a dozen children from her neighborhood with her to the meetings. But she was getting more feeble, and one day, while going home from a visit to her missionary friend, she became dizzy and lost her sense of direction. She wandered about until dark and then fell into a deep ditch. The next morning someone helped her out and she continued to wander about, till toward evening a neighbor found her, far away from where she lived, and brought her home. Everybody was so glad to see her again. But she was never well again and after a month went peacefully home to be with the Lord. God took her away just before the town had to suffer much through civil war and famine.

Even though we may have many trials and sorrows in this world, dear reader, all those who have taken the Lord Jesus as their Saviour know that He makes all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28), and even death itself is ours. “The sting of death is sin,” 1 Cor. 15:56, but since our sins have been washed away in the precious blood of Christ, we have nothing to fear. Death only takes the believer from this world of sorrow to be forever with the Lord. Even though the believer will pass through death (if the Lord does not come in his lifetime), yet he does not taste death at all, for the Lord Jesus said:

“If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death.” John 8:52.

ML 04/04/1954

Bible Questions for April

1.Did Paul seek to make the gospel without charge?

2.How should we do, whatsoever we do?

3.What has the Lord asked us to do until He comes?

4.By whose power can a man say that Jesus is Lord?

5.How does charity act after suffering long?

6.Is God the author of confusion and disorder, or peace in the Church (assembly)?

7.How long will it take for our bodies to be changed when the Lord comes?

The Young People’s Class

1.When Satan is loosed at the end of the millennium (the thousand years) what will he do? Revelation 20.

2.Are the unbelieving dead raised before the thousand years, as the believing dead are? Revelation 20.

3.What is the doom of these unbelieving dead when they stand before the great white throne? Revelation 20.

4.For how long will they be punished? Mahew 25.

5.Will those “under the earth” (Satan and the lost) all have to bow the knee and own Jesus as Lord? Philippians.

6.In the “reconciliation of all things,” will the things “under the earth” be reconciled? Colossians 1.

7.When all enemies are subdued and righteousness dwells, what is this eternal state called? 2 Peter. Who is all in all? 1 Corinthians 15.

ML 04/04/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 1:1-28.

We now come to a distinct turning point in God’s ways with His people Israel, and a careful consideration of this interesting book of First Samuel will be for much profit.

The priesthood, which had been set up, in the wilderness, had been the means by which God went on with His erring people. But oh, what sad departure had come in. Eli, the high priest, had been faithful himself, but he had honored his sons before the Lord, and allowed them to remain as priests, while practicing the most horrible sins publicly. God was about to judge this, though He had waited patiently. He is never in a hurry to judge, for it is a principle in His ways that He always gives space to repent (Rev. 2:21).

It is also beautiful to see God’s grace rising above all man’s failure, and here, before we ever read of the sad condition of things in the house of the Lord, we are told of a woman named Hannah, who, though passing through trial, had a real love for the Lord and a quiet confidence in Him. She would not be hindered or turned aside in spite of these things in Eli’s household, nor even by the false accusation of Eli himself. Her confidence was in the Lord. Surely no flesh can glory in His presence (1 Cor. 1:29), and He uses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise. He always encourages the faith which looks to Him, for He never fails in His love to His people, no matter how failing they are (John 13: 1).

Hannah did not have a child, though she longed for one, and so she asked the Lord for a son. She said she would give her son to the Lord if He gave her one. How lovely it would be if every parent followed this touching example! While she was praying in the temple, asking for a son, her lips were moving, but she was not talking out loud, and Eli thought she was drunk with wine. He therefore rebuked her and told her to stop her drinking, but she gently replied that she was praying, and had not been drinking at all. Eli then said, “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him.”

She then returned home with her husband to their house at Ramah, and the Lord answered the desire of her heart and gave them a little son, whom they named Samuel. After a short time she and her husband went up to Shiloh with their young child and presented him to the Lord. Recognizing that their little lad was born in sin, they killed a bullock at this time, for the ground of any approach to God, or claim for blessing for ourselves or our children, is the death of Christ. It is beautiful to see the faith of Hannah laying hold of this, in a typical way, when they presented little Samuel to the Lord. Hannah then told Eli that this child was the one for whom she had prayed, and now she would lend him to the Lord as long as he lived. Let us, too, lend our children to the Lord and, acknowledging His claims over them, seek to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4. What a terrible mistake to bring them up to occupy high positions in this poor world that is under judgment, and yet how many parents seem to put success in this world first for their children. Oh, for more devotedness to Christ today!

ML 04/04/1954

Terry, the Bird Catcher

One Sunday afternoon, two young men were in the country, distributing gospel tracts. As they passed by a meadow they noticed a man crouched by a hedge, with several bird cages at his side, evidently busy catching live birds.

One young man asked him if he would have a tract.

“Can’t read it,” answered the bird catcher shortly, but the truth was that he did not want to read it, or anything else that spoke of God.

“That’s a pity,” answered the young man. “Seeing you are not very busy, perhaps you would allow me to read it to you, and, seating himself by old Terry’s side, he began the story. It told of the conversion of a man who was not unlike Terry himself—a great sinner.

“Is that true?” asked the old man.

“Perfectly true,” was the answer, “and what’s more, God can do that for you.”

Terry looked in wonder. How memories began to stir in his neglectful heart! “My mother told me that,” he said, as he brushed his eyes with his sleeve.

Terry sat a long time with his empty cages; and the people wondered when they saw him at the gospel meeting that evening.

They wondered still more to hear him boldly confess that he was saved by the grace of God. His great regret was that he had served the devil the best of his days, and his earnest advice to you would be— “Come to Christ today.” If you are young—come now, and if you are old, it is not yet too late.

“TODAY IF YE WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.” Hebrews 4:7.

ML 04/11/1954

The Child and the Apple

A child stands at his mother’s knee,

An apple in his hand,

But gone is all his usual glee,

In silence doth he stand.

“O mother!” is at last his cry,

“I wish that I could do

Something for that great God on high,

Who lives ‘bove heaven so blue.

“I know He loves me, mother dear,

He knows I love Him well;

My softest word He plain can hear,

Mine inmost thoughts can tell.

“But when I wish to pleasure you,

A kiss, a flower, I bring;

But God, who lives ‘bove heaven so blue

Hath all, hath everything.

“But I should like to give, you know,

The best thing I possess;

To Him who made you love me so,

Whose gifts so cheer and bless.”

Can you answer this dear child’s question? What can he give to God? Since God has made everything, He does not want us to bring anything we possess to Him for our acceptance. He has given us “life, and breath, and all things.” Acts 17:25. There is one thing He asks for, however. He says, “My son, give Me thine heart.” Proverbs 23:26. Even though our hearts have been defiled by sin, He wants us, for He can cleanse away every sin in Christ’s precious blood. If He has our hearts He has all, for if we really love the Lord Jesus who died for us, we will want to please Him, but if not, our service, our works, and all our efforts are of no avail.

“Just as I am, without one plea

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come.”

“My son, give Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways.” Proverbs 23:26.

ML 04/11/1954

The Three Scoffers

Do you know what a scoffer is? The devil has always had numbers of them in his service, but today they are more numerous than ever. Some of them scoff politely, and some very rudely, but all of them make light of God’s Word and refuse to believe the promise of the Lord’s coming.

I shall tell you the story of three scoffers who lived in Scotland some years ago. It was a time of much blessing, and these three boys were at first deeply interested, but soon they began to laugh at each other’s sober faces, and tried hard to spoil the meeting.

One market day, as the preacher stood upon a chair and uncovered his head to pray before a crowd of souls, many of whom were anxious to be saved, these three fellows raised such a mocking laugh that his words were drowned.

He paused a moment, and then spoke solemnly. “God has given me a message for you three lads. If you are not converted to God this day, in twelve months you will all be in the eternal world.”

This remark was greeted with renewed laughter, but the Christians trembled, for they felt it was a fearful thing to tempt God. Beware, my dear reader, for God has recorded that, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man.” Genesis 6:3. If you insist upon it, God may give you up to a Christless life and a Christless eternity.

Less than twelve months from that day, the graves of the three scoffers were green in the cemetery. One was kicked to death by a horse; another was suddenly seized with a fever and died in agony, and the third was drowned in a mill pond.

“He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Proverbs 29:1.

ML 04/11/1954

Jamie Dean's Message

A number of boys were coming together from the Sunday school one afternoon, when one of their number pointed to a house and said, “There’s an old woman in there, and the doctor says she’s dying. She told a woman today that nobody goes in to speak to her or pray with her and that she’s afraid to die. She wants to be saved but doesn’t know how.”

There was a hurried consultation among the boys as to what ought to be done. Most of them were Christians, and their teacher had been telling them that afternoon that they could preach the gospel as well as other people, and point weary sinners to the Lamb of God.

“They’ll not allow boys to go into a house where a woman’s dying,” said one, “so it’s no use thinking we can go and speak to her.”

“There’s a back window,” said another, “if we could get a ladder we might call out a text, and tell her that Jesus died for her.”

A ladder was found and placed bow the window. “Who will go up?” and “What shall he say?” were the next questions.

“I’ll go,” said Jamie Dean, a bright lad of twelve years; and Jamie mounted the ladder while the rest held it below.

When he reached the window he laid hold of the sash with both hands, put his mouth as close to the glass as he could, and repeated slowly the verse, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” He could add no more, so down he came.

The ladder was taken back, and the boys walked home wondering whether the words reached the dying one’s ear.

The old woman lay alone in her little room thinking about the dreaded future, and the state of her soul. So quietly was the whole thing done by the boys, that she heard nothing until the words fell with strange and mysterious sweetness on her ear, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31. She looked up and saw no one. She thought it must have been an angel’s voice.

When a neighbor some time after came into the room, the old woman was very happy. The visitor asked her what had made the change.

“An angel has spoken to me, and he said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ I have believed, and I am saved.”

This is a true story, and shows how God delights to use willing instruments. He uses His own Word, so simple and real, to bring poor sinners to Himself. We should, like those dear boys, try to reach others with that blessed gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one who believes. Have you received it? “Happy they who trust in Jesus.”

ML 04/11/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 2:1-19.

Hannah’s prayer recorded here is most beautiful. Her whole confidence and boast was in the Lord alone, and she, by her prayer, rebuked the proud, and spoke of how the Lord knows all. She said, “The Lord is a God of knowledge, and ‘w Him actions are weighed.” We are inclined to forget this at times. Hannah might have been discouraged by the condition of things in the house of God at Shiloh, but she knew that the Lord is a God of knowledge. It may seem as though Christians “get by” with things at times, but they do not, for the Lord knows all, and He deals with them in His own time.

Hannah also acknowledged that life is in the hands of God, and she rejoiced in this. This is particularly interesting when we consider how long she had waited before the Lord gave her a son.

She spoke of how the Lord lifted up the poor from the dunghill and set them among princes, and made them to inherit the throne of glory. Truly this was our position in our sins, and how high we have been lifted by His grace. We are now risen with Christ and seated in heavenly places in Him, soon to be glorified together with Him (Ephesians 1). May we be found praising Him more!

Hannah then spoke of God’s keeping grace, and how precious this is! “He will keep the feet of His saints.” Surely we need this in this dark scene, “for by strength shall no man prevail.”

We now come to the prophecy of a coming king, though as yet there was none. Truly “the secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him,” Psalm 25:14, and it is to the humble and weak instruments He makes known His mind, while the wise and mighty of earth cannot understand His Word, or see the purposes of God. May we learn to walk in humility before the Lord, thus growing “in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.

Little Samuel then started to serve the Lord. If there is a child reading this, may it be an encouragement to you, for even a child, if saved, can do little things to please the Lord, as Samuel did. This is not the way of salvation, which is only by faith in the Lord Jesus who bore our sins upon the cross, but those of us who are saved always want to please the Lord, according to the measure we are enjoying His love in our souls.

It was not long, however, until Samuel found out about the careless and evil ways of Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, but apparently he did not follow them at all. It is a great thing for even children to learn to serve the Lord, and not to copy the sins of others, not even those of their friends from Christian homes. We are told to be followers of God as dear children.” Ephesians 5:1. Let us all remember this, both young and old. There is too much of copying others today, and when some Christian does a wrong thing, then others make it an excuse to do the same. It is nice to see the faithfulness of little Samuel, though brought up in such surroundings.

Each year Samuel’s mother brought up a little coat to Shiloh for him. She made provision for his growth. It is nice when we see spiritual, as well as physical, growth with our children each year. Let us look for it!

ML 04/11/1954

The Swallow Comes Home

Down in the sunny southland, my swallow was flying about last winter, enjoying as much food and sunshine as any little bird could wish. But somehow, it had a feeling that all this warmth and plenty wasn’t home. Home was in my garden, in the northern land of leafless trees and gusts of snow. My swallow was just waiting for the right time to fly north again.

When the tulips bloomed and the spring buds began to swell on our maple trees, that faraway swallow knew. I don’t know how he knew. It is instinct, I suppose. But he came north, hundreds of miles, flying on tired wings straight to the birdhouse in my garden, and there he is at home. There he and his mate are building their nest where they can hatch and feed their hungry babies. See, there he goes, to find some straw for the nest.

The swallows, says the Word of God, “observe the time of their coming, but My people know not the judgment of the LORD.” Jer. 8:7. Reader, do you know? The swallows come back in thousands, every spring, heeding the call of instinct, to build their homes. Have you heeded the voice of conscience and the Word of God and made ready before the day of the judgment of the Lord?

Let me tell you then, that there is a past judgment day, and a future judgment. One took place two thousand years ago, on Mount Calvary, when the sun was darkened, and all the awful judgment of a sin-hating God was poured out upon His beloved Son, who bore our sins. That is past forever and the Lord Jesus is alive forevermore. If your sins were there, your judgment is past forever too!

But there is a judgment yet to come. God, the same sin-hating God, has “appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness,” Acts 17:31, by His Son, Jesus Christ. Why should you wait, unsheltered and unforgiven, until that awful day? The world may be fair around you, but we know that the judgment is soon to fall, and there will be no escape then. The judgment will be eternal too, just as God says, “These shall go away into everlasting punishment.” Matthew 25:46.

See how the swallow instinctively flies home. May you, dear reader, “flee from the wrath to come.” Matthew 3: 7. Before judgment falls, claim that Saviour who died for you on Calvary, and find your home in Himself.

“GOD... HATH APPOINTED A DAY, IN THE WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHOUSTENESS BY THAT MAN WHOM HE HATH ORDAINED.” Acts 17:31.

ML 04/18/1954

Lost Bertie

Mr. Lester had three little girls, and one little boy named Bertie. Bertie was a lovable boy, and as time passed on, he became more and more the delight of his parents. One day, when he was about three years old, he managed to slip out of the nursery and downstairs without being noticed. Coming to the hall he saw that the front door had been left open, so he thought he would take a peep at the outer world, and stepped out onto the porch.

Now, apart from his real worth, little Bertie was a valuable piece of property as he stood that afternoon at the front door. His clothes were made of expensive material; from his waist hung a beautiful coral with silver bells; his sleeves were looped up with corals, fastening with massive gold clasps; and a costly necklace encircled his little white neck.

All this was noticed by a tall, dark woman who was passing. She stopped, spoke kindly and softly to him, and taking from her pocket a. candy stick, she held it toward him.

Not in the least shy, little Bertie hastened to her to receive the prize. As he came near she slowly backed away till she had enticed the child some little distance from his home. Then taking him in her arms she gave him the candy, promising him more when he had eaten it. She wrapped her shawl round him to conceal his clothes from any passer by, and talked to him pleasantly while she bore him rapidly toward the lowest part of the city.

Soon Bertie became frightened, and asked to be taken home, but the woman was no longer afraid of his cries. She spoke sternly to him which only increased his terror. At length a narrow, dirty street was reached, down which the woman hurried, and entering a door she carried poor Bertie up a narrow, dark staircase, and into a miserable room at the top of the house.

Poor little Bertie! His sobs and screams gave no pity to the wicked woman. She took off all his pretty clothes, and while doing so, gave him many cruel blows because he cried. A ditty, ragged suit was put on him, and soon, worn-out with crying, poor lost Bertie fell asleep on the hard, dirty floor.

At first Bertie’s absence from the nursery was not noticed, but soon the nurse went in search of him. Great was her alarm when she found that no one had seen him. Soon every one in the house was searching for Bertie, but they could not find him. Someone remembered seeing the hall door open about the time Bertie must have left the nursery; so they decided he had strayed into the street.

You may imagine the terrible distress of the parents. The mother could not be persuaded to stay at home. She must join in the search for her child. Long she wandered about, but could discover no trace of her lost boy, till at length her steps were guided to the very street into which poor Bertie had been carried some hours before. At any other time she would have trembled to find herself alone in such a neighborhood. But now she didn’t think of herself. As she hurried down the street, she heard a sound coming from one of the houses which made her heart bound. It was a child’s cry, and well she knew the voice.

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.

ML 04/18/1954

No Place to Pray

Little Allen was just six years old, but he listened very carefully every morning as Father read the Bible to the family after breakfast. One day, he heard these words, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6.

Ever after that, when Allen went to bed at night, he slipped into the closet and there prayed to Jesus, all that his little heart could think of.

A few months later, his father moved to another city to work, and Allen found himself, along with father and mother, looking for a new home. A nice little home was chosen at last, and father and mother were quite pleased about it. But not Allen. His mother could see that there was something wrong, so she turned and asked him the trouble.

“I am so sorry you are choosing that house, Mother.”

“Why, my boy, don’t you like it?”

“No, I don’t like it because there is no closet in it where I can pray to Jesus,” and the dear boy burst into tears.

I am so glad that Jesus hears me pray, wherever I may be, although I do like to get away all alone each day to have a time of quiet prayer. But I was really glad to hear about little Allen and his wish to pray to the Lord Jesus, and I want to tell all the boys and girls who read this paper that the Lord Jesus loves to have you pray to Him. I suppose most of you are more than six years old, but you are never too old to pray. First of all, the Lord Jesus wants you to accept Him as your own Saviour, and then He delights to have you tell Him all the joys and problems of your own heart, and to pray too, for your friends that they also may learn to know Him as their Saviour.

ML 04/18/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 2:20-3:9.

After the Lord had given Hannah her little son, Samuel, and she had loaned him to the Lord, then He gave her three sons and two daughters. If we do anything for the Lord we can be sure He will fully reward us, although our motive in doing it is not the reward, but just to please Him.

We find here that, although Eli rebuked his sons for their wicked conduct, he did not restrain them. He allowed it to go on unpunished. We, as parents, may correct our children for their evil ways, but this is not enough. We should put a stop to it; and God holds us, as parents, responsible if we do not, as He did Eli here.

God then sent one of His servants to Eli to tell him how He was going to punish him for the sins of his sons. Let us remember, children, that if your parents do not make you obedient, God says they are honoring you above Him, and this is serious indeed. He will have to punish them for this, as He did Eli. Oh, dear parents, let us not think that we are wiser than God, who has told us to use the rod upon our children (Proverbs 13:24, 19:18), for if we spare them, God.will have to use the rod of His chastisement upon us for our folly and disobedience to His Word. How often this has taken place, as we all know!

God said that in place of the house of Eli, He would raise up a faithful Priest who would walk before His Anointed forever. This is undoubtedly a beautiful reference to the millennial day, when Christ will be both Priest and King. The priesthood had failed, and the king who was soon to be chosen would fail too, but it is remarkable to read this prophecy here concerning Christ. The priesthood was to be set aside as the direct means of God speaking to His people, and now, before a king ever reigned in Israel, God tells us of His anointed One. It is lovely to see this, I say, for in the Word of God, purpose is always before responsibility. Man has always failed under responsibility, but, thank God, His purposes shall stand forever.

We now come to the interesting story of Samuel as a child. The dear little lad had early learned to be helpful, and to serve the Lord. He had learned the preciousness of the Word of God too, although so young, for God had not spoken by signs for some time. Let us always read and value the precious Word of God, the Bible.

One night, when both Eli and Samuel had gone to bed, Samuel heard someone calling him. Like an obedient little lad he jumped out of bed, and ran in to Eli and said, “Here am I; for thou calledst me.” Eli had not called him, and he thought Samuel had just imagined it, so he told him to go and lie down again. Samuel did so, and before long he heard the voice again. For the second time he went to Eli and said, “Here am I; for thou didst call me.” Eli assured him that he had not called, and told him to go and lie down again.

Soon the voice called again, the third time, and Samuel ran in to Eli. By this time Eli realized that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel, and so he told him to lie down in bed once more, and if the voice called again to just say, “Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth.” What a lovely attitude for a little boy, with his ear opened to hear the Lord speaking to him!

ML 04/18/1954

Johnnie and Carrie

I remember it so well; it was one morning many years ago, when I was a very little girl. I had been disobedient at breakfast time, and my father had said to me gravely, “Carrie, you must go and stand outside the door for five minutes.”

I choked back a sob as I went out, and the door was shut against me. I remember well how my tears dropped down on the mat. But the five minutes were not nearly over, when the handle of the door was partly turned, and Johnnie’s curly head peeped out.

Both his arms were round my neck in a minute, and he said, “Carrie, go in. I’ll be naughty instead of you”; and before I had time to say a word, he had pushed me in and shut the door.

There I stood, with my eyes on the floor, feeling so red and uncomfortable, not knowing whether I might go up to the table or not. Father then took my hand and kissed me and put me on my chair, so I knew that I was cleared, just as if I had borne all the punishment, but oh, how I wished that Johnnie might come in!

When the five minutes were up, he was called in and then Father took us both—me, the poor naughty child, and Johnnie who had taken my place, and folded us in his arms and I sobbed it all out, my repentance, and love, and gratitude, while we were held close to his loving heart.

Years passed by and I found myself outside another door, separated from God the Father in heaven, sin having come between my soul and Him. Then I saw the One whom God sent, because He loved me, and how He, the Lord Jesus, bore the judgment of God at Calvary and took my place. Now He has put me into His place of nearness, and I am forgiven because of what He has done. I know the fullness and freeness of that forgiveness, for God my Father has drawn me close to His heart of love, and there, through His Son the Lord Jesus my Saviour, I have found peace, and “joy unspeakable and full of alorv.” Dear reader, have you?

“THE FATHER SENT THE SON TO BE THE SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD.” 1 John 4:14.

ML 04/25/1954

Lost Bertie

The woman who had stolen Bertie IL was evidently ready for a tramp. She had a bundle in one hand, and with the other she grasped Bertie’s hand. The child was clothed in squalid rags, his little face all tear-stained and dirty; but the mother did not care for that. She had found her darling boy, and in a moment he was sobbing in her arms.

Before the woman could recover from her astonishment, and without waiting to say a word, Mrs. Lester folded her boy in her bosom, and hastened down the steps and into the street. She hardly felt his weight, so light and joyful was her heart. She cared not for his dirt and rags; it was enough that she had found him, that his little arms were clasping her neck. His tears soon ceased, and only a deep-drawn, quivering sob now and then told of the trouble in which he had lately been.

Home was reached at last. The joyful but exhausted mother bore her little one in and put him into the arms of his father, who had just returned from his unsuccessful search. Oh, how delighted he was to welcome back his lost boy! The little sisters, who had been crying bitterly for their brother, rushed in to rejoice over him. Of course little Bertie was soon well bathed by his loving mother, and fresh, clean clothes replaced the gipsy’s rags. Soon he was sweetly sleeping in his own cot, placed beside his mother’s bed.

Happy little Bertie! He was now found, safe in his father’s house.

I want you to notice several things in this story, for it is a picture of a great many people in the world, both young and old.

Like that wicked woman, Satan goes about seeking whom he can entice into the paths of sin. Like her, he has baits to tempt them, something to suit every eye, and while eagerly following the coveted “candy,” the victim is led farther and farther into the paths of sin, till Satan gets him securely in his grasp. The pleasures he so eagerly pursued, fade into nothing, and the poor stray one finds he is lost! Happy if he discovers this before it is forever too late.

What did little Bertie do when he knew he was lost, far away from his home? Poor child, he could do nothing; he could not get out of that dreadful room; he was far too small and too weak to overcome his terrible captor. All he could do was to cry.

Just so with the poor lost sinner whom Satan has bound hand and foot; he can do nothing to save himself.

The great love Bertie’s mother bore him, led her to leave her home and seek for him in that low and dirty neighborhood; her anxious ear heard his cry, and she hastened to the very place where he was.

Just so, Jesus, the Son of God, left His bright throne above to come down to this earth to seek and save lost sinners.

“‘Twas love, unbounded love to us, Led Him to die and suffer thus.”

And now He is able and willing to save every lost one who cries to Him. “His ear is ever open to their cry.”

Poor Bertie was a very wretched looking little object—ragged, dirty, and tear-stained; but his mother did not say, “Bertie, go and wash yourself, and put on your handsome clothes; then I will take you home.” No, indeed, her love was far too great for that. She forgot all about his clothes, and, catching him to her breast, she kissed him again and again, just as he was. How like the beautiful story of “the prodigal son.” His father ran to meet him, fell on his neck, and kissed him just as he was.

Bertie was carried home in his mother’s arms. Would she let the wicked woman get him again? No, indeed, she would be willing to lay down her life for him, if need be!

Did Bertie’s safety depend on hielf in any way?

No; he just lay in his mother’s arms and she bore him home.

Yet he did what was very sweet to his mother’s heart. Now and then he raised his head to give her a loving kiss.

Even thus it should be with those who have been rescued from the power of Satan, and are being safely and tenderly carried home. We can do nothing in the work of salvation—

“Jesus did it, did it all,
Long, long ago.”

But we can turn lovingly and trustfully to the precious Saviour and thank Him, and so give joy to His heart.

Dear reader, are you brought home to God? Have you been cleansed from your sins? If not, you are in a far worse state than little Bertie was. You may not know it any more than he did while he was sucking the candy stick in the woman’s arms, and believing her promises of greater treats in store.

You are perhaps so taken up with the things Satan is using to attract your attention, that you know not you are straying farther and farther into the path which leads to hell; another step may plunge you into everlasting woe. God’s ear is open to the feeblest cry, but do not delay, tomorrow may be too late.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

ML 04/25/1954

The Birthday Picnic

There was a little girl who was promised a picnic on her birthday, if the weather was suitable for an outing.

She prayed every day that it might be a bright day. But lo! when the morning came, dark clouds covered the sky, and soon the rain was pouring down.

Was there a cloud on our little friend’s face? Or did she shed any tears? Not at all! Some of her friends were unwise enough to say, “Your prayer was not answered after all.”

“Yes, it was,” she replied, “but God said, ‘No.’ “

“The Lord is righteous in all His ways.” Psa. 145:17.

ML 04/25/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 3:10-4:3.

Obedient Samuel had lain down for the third time, when he heard the voice speaking to him again. It says here that “the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times.” It was the Lord who was calling Samuel, not Eli, and so Samuel answered, “Speak; for Thy servant heareth.” The Lord then told Samuel of all that was coming upon the household of Eli because of his wicked sons, and because he had allowed such evil things to go on unchecked.

This story of the Lord calling little Samuel, makes one think of many boys and girls today, who do not know that the Lord is calling them, as He did Samuel here. They hear their parents speak to them many times about the Lord Jesus. They sit in Sunday school and listen to the sweet story of His love and grace over and over again, but still they have never realized that this is the Lord’s way now, of bringing the message to them, and that it is He who is calling them. Perhaps they do not like to hear the message of judgment, like Samuel heard, and they are afraid; but when God speaks, it is a serious thing not to listen. Do not refuse, dear children — and older ones too — for God must warn of the judgment which will surely fall upon all those who reject His Son. The promised judgment fell upon Eli’s household, just as God had said it would.

Samuel lay in his bed until the morning. I doubt if he slept that night at all! In the morning he got up and opened the doors of the Lord’s house. He was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said, but Eli told him he must do so. Let me encourage you, dear young reader, to tell of what the Lord has spoken to you. It is well, when we see children exercised before the Lord, to seek to draw them out too. His Word says, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9. Perhaps we could say that Samuel’s mouth was opened here, and oh, how faithfully he spoke the Word of the Lord afterward. Samuel told Eli everything the Lord had said.

This was the beginning of a real work in the heart of dear little Samuel, and as he grew, it says, “The Lord was with him.” Even children can have this wonderful knowledge that the Lord is with them, and others can see it too, for it says here that “all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.” There was a reality seen in Samuel’s life that made everyone know he was seeking to please the Lord. The Lord spoke to Samuel again in Shiloh, as He had before. What a joy this dear lad must have been to his parents’ hearts; who had so willingly given him to the Lord. What a contrast to poor Eli, who had honored his sons before the Lord, and reaped bitter sorrow for it.

The word of Samuel now came to all Israel. The Philistines then gathered an army and fought against them, and the men of Israel were defeated, about four thousand of them being killed in battle. When the Israelites returned home, they wondered why they had been defeated by the Philistines, but sad to say, they did not seem to feel any exercise as to the real reason for it. They then decided that they would send to Shiloh to get the ark of God and bring it into the camp.

ML 04/25/1954

After the Sunday School Picnic

Mrs. True was invited to attend the Sunday school picnic. She came, and enjoyed watching the games and having supper under the trees. Before returning home, each of the parents was given a paper, bearing three questions with answers from the Scriptures, which the children themselves had searched and copied out.

Mrs. True read her paper over many times, and this is what it said.

Question 1. Is it necessary to be born again, in order to enter the kingdom of God?

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

Question 2. How can your sins be washed away?

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

Question 3. Is the Lord Jesus coming from heaven to gather to Himself all believing ones, whether living or dead?

Answer: “The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,... and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.

Not long after this, a messenger came to our Sunday school just as the classes were beginning, to ask one of the teachers to come and see Mrs. True, who was very ill. The teacher went at once, while his fellow-workers joined in prayer that the dear woman might be saved.

The young man found her crying to God for the new birth, of which she had read on the school paper. He longed that she should cease calling, and just accept what God so freely offered her. So he opened his Bible, and read to her the same words as were on the paper which she had so often read, with the assurance that it was God’s word, and God’s way of salvation. Then he prayed with her, and soon all the distress and entreaty left her face and voice. “I have come to Him,” she said, “and He has received me. My sins are all forgiven.” Then, turning to her husband, she earnestly begged him to come to Christ also.

She was filled with joy and peace in believing, and her last hours were very happy ones, before she fell asleep in Jesus. Will your dying hour be filled with the same joy?

And what of the children who read this story? Could you answer those three questions, and do you believe it because “God says so?”

“FAITH COMETH BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD.” Romans 10:17.

ML 05/02/1954

The Boy in the Police Station

One cold evening I had business in a police station in England. It was a noisy place, the men’s boots clanking heavily on the stone floor, and loud voices, sometimes very unpleasant ones too, occupied in the business of keeping order.

Off in one corner on a hard bench, lay a little boy, fast asleep. He was a well-dressed little fellow, plump and rosy. He did not move, even when the kindly policeman turned his flashlight so that I could see his face more plainly.

“He’s lost,” said the policeman. “There’ll be someone after him soon.”

I could not help him, for I did not know his name, but I do know the names of many lost little boys and girls, and older ones too, today in this world. Many of them are like that little sleeping boy—they don’t know, or don’t care, that the Saviour is seeking His lost ones, and longing to bring them to His home above. Do you know, my reader, that you are a lost sinner, quite unable to get home to heaven, dependent entirely upon the Saviour to find you?

Somewhere I suppose an anxious mother was searching for her little son, but she did not come while I was there, and I did not see her joy in finding him. But I’m sure the little fellow was glad enough, among all those strange faces, to welcome the dear face of his mother when he wakened.

I don’t suppose, I know, that my Saviour is seeking the lost little ones in the world today. I know that “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. What a welcome awaits you, if you will but open your eyes to Him! Perhaps peace and plenty are around you, dear sinner, or perhaps trouble and fear, but if you are lost in sin, then the Lord Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, longs to save you and give you joy, here and in heaven, such as you have never known before.

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

ML 05/02/1954

The Danger Signal

We were down at the seashore one Saturday with our Sunday school children. It was a beautiful day, and we all enjoyed our outing. On the way back, our train suddenly came to a dead halt at a place where there is no station. We peeped out the window, and saw nothing on the line. Our coach was next to the engine, and the engineer was a Christian man whom we knew. Some asked what was the cause of delay. Pointing to the signal, which indicated “Danger,” he said, “There it is. I don’t know all that may be beyond that, but the simple sign is enough for me.”

While he was speaking the signal fell, and with a smile he said, “And that’s enough, too; I need no more.” So, putting his hand on the whistle, it blew, and we were off.

I thought these two signals were just like God’s Word. In that Word there is a “danger signal” standing against every unsaved sinner, barring the way, warning him of wrath to come, saying, “Escape for thy life.” To go on in the face of that is madness: it is to perish. But the gospel tells of an open way, opened by the death of Christ, and God signals that way “Clear” to every sinner who comes to Him by faith, believing in His name. Yes, the way to God is clear. Sin has been put away; the great barrier has been removed by the death of Christ. Now “whosoever will” may come to God, and from Him receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

ML 05/02/1954

Bible Questions for May

1. After God has comforted us in trouble, how should we act toward others in trouble?

2. Where should the epistle of Christ be written, other than with ink?

3. Does the god of this world (Satan) want the light of the gospel to reach sinners?

4. When is God’s day of salvation?

5. Why did the Lord Jesus become poor?

6. What does God tell us to do with our vain imaginations and thoughts?

7. Does Satan sometimes come to us as an angel of light?

The Young People’s Class

BIBLE CHARACTERS

1. What verse shows there could not have been a race of men before Adam?

2. What was different about the way Adam received his life, from the animal creation? Genesis 2.

3. What did God call the first man and woman? Genesis 5.

4. What were the first words God spoke after sin entered the world, showing He is a seeking God? Genesis 3.

5. Does the fact of Eve’s being deceived in the garden have anything to do with a woman not teaching or usurping authority over a man? 1 Timothy.

6. What has been the result of that one man’s (Adam’s) disobedience? Romans.

7. Who is “the second man”? 1 Corinthians 15.

ML 05/02/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 4:4-22.

The Israelites then sent to Shiloh and brought up the ark of the Lord, with the two sons of Eli as priests. They thought they were sure to be victorious while the ark was in the camp, and so when it was brought in, the people gave such a mighty shout that the earth echoed and rang with the cheers. Oh, how people like cheering and boasting!

When the Philistines heard what had taken place they really trembled, for they knew what God had done for His people in delivering them out of Egypt, and they feared what would happen to them. Nevertheless they strengthened their hands and decided to fight with all their might. The children of Israel were confident too, so it was a fierce battle, ‘but alas, Israel was defeated and put to flight. Thirty thousand of them were put to death, among them the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. Worst of all the ark of God was taken and carried away by the Philistines. Oh, how foolish for Israel to think that the ark would deliver them when they had forsaken the Lord. Surely it is like Christendom today, which boasts of its enlightenment, but alas, God is being left out of all their plans and schemes. To call themselves Christian nations, and yet set aside the authority of God’s Word, and sink into open sin, is serious indeed. Yet there is a false confidence seen, like Israel in our chapter, which is soon to be followed by the most solemn judgments. “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them... and they shall not escape.” 1 Thess. 5:3. If a careless professor, who is not saved, should read these lines, may it be a warning to you, for position and privilege are of no avail apart from the possession of divine life in the soul.

One feels there is also a danger of boasting of a scriptural position today, while we fail to walk in the practical truth of it. Israel’s position was surely one of privilege, and it was a marvelous thing to have the ark of God among them, but this in itself did not keep them—it only made them much more responsible. This is deeply solemn, for a right position will never keep anyone, any more than the ark delivered Israel at this time. May we know more of keeping the Lord’s Word and not denying His name (Revelation 3:8), in the spirit of true humility. Boasting today would be like Israel’s shout when the ark came into the camp, entirely out of place; but when there is confession, and an acknowledging of the ruin, while valuing the position that is according to truth, how the Lord delights to encourage such. (See Haggai 2:3-5.) May we be real before Him!

The message was carried to Shiloh of this defeat at the hand of the Philestines, and when poor Eli heard that the ark of God was taken, he fell over backward in his seat and died. Phinehas’ wife, too, gave birth at this time to a son, and called him Ichabod which means “there is no glory,” for she said, “The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken.” Then she herself died. Truly we can say that “there is no glory” was then written across the nation of Israel. It is because of this that Samuel is spoken of as the first prophet (Acts 3:24) to announce the coming of Christ. He alone will bring in the promised day of glory for Israel.

ML 05/02/1954

A Stranger Here

Mr. John was visiting in a strange city where he boarded the streetcar one evening to go to a meeting of Christians. As he paid his fare, he said to the operator, “Will you please tell me when we come to Gladstone Avenue, for I am a stranger here?”

“And I am a stranger too,” replied the operator, “a stranger and a pilgrim.” 1 Peter 2:11.

Perhaps you are puzzled by this unusual reply from the streetcar operator, but Mr. John was not puzzled. He knew at once that the man was “redeemed ... with the precious blood of Christ,” 1 Peter 1:18, 19, and he gladly shook hands with him and spoke of the “better land” to which they were both traveling.

I suppose most of us have been in a strange place at some time, and we have asked someone to tell us the way. We have been very thankful, too, when the person whom we asked was able to help us.

But, dear reader, when you leave this world, do you know where you are going for eternity? Be sure you are not mistaken about that, for if you should die in your sins it will then be forever too late. Do not take the word of any man in this important matter, but take God’s Word, the Bible, read it, and believe it. It tells you of ONE WAY ONLY, and that is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

When you have believed on the Lord Jesus, then you, like Mr. John, the streetcar operator, and many others, become a stranger and a pilgrim in this world. Our blessed Lord and Saviour was cast out and crucified here, and we find that the world has not changed —it does not want those who love and speak of Him. As for us, we are traveling to our home above; we do not belong to this world, but to the Lord Jesus and to heaven.

“OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN; FROM WHENCE ALSO WE LOOK FOR THE SAVIOUR, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.” PHIL. 3:20.

ML 05/09/1954

Out to Buy a Car

Claude Harrold set out to buy a new car. It was not every day that he made such a purchase, so he gave the whole day to making his important choice. He visited showrooms all morning, looked at picture folders, and listened to salesmen’s long stories.

About noon he met an old friend and they talked the matter over from all angles, so that he had almost made his decision when they parted.

He had returned to his hotel to eat, when an urgent message called him to the home of the same friend whom he had met at noon. He was rather impatient with himself and with the poor success of his day’s shopping, when he found himself led up to the bedside of his friend, who had been seized with a sudden illness, and was very low.

Mr. Harrold was shocked. He grasped the sick man’s hand in silence. Only a few words were spoken, and he came away with this last message from a dying man, “Do as you will wish you had done when you face eternity.”

The new car was forgotten for the time being, for what is a thing like that in the face of eternity? Eternity—the long, never-ending destiny of every soul into whose nostrils God has breathed the breath of life. There is no change, no improvement in eternity. It is forever in heaven, or forever in hell. No wonder the car was forgotten that day.

During the next week Mr. Harrold and his wife knelt down and prayed together as they thought of eternity. They prayed that God would teach them how to be prepared for eternity, and they looked in His Word for the answer. I do not know whether or not they bought a car just then, but I do know that God heard their prayer, and He will most certainly hear yours if you call upon Him in truth. What will you wish you had done when you face eternity? You will certainly wish that you had gotten rid of the load of your sins—that you had settled the question of your soul’s salvation, if you have not already done so.

Now is the time to settle this question, for death often strikes without warning. The Lord Jesus is ready now to receive you. His death has atoned for the sins of “whosoever will.” My dear reader, will you own Him now as your Saviour and Lord? It is a simple thing to do it today. Tomorrow may be forever too late.

“Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1.

ML 05/09/1954

John Stevens

John Stevens had seen better days. His father was a well-to-do farmer in old England; and John and Roger, the two sons, were brought up with good clothes, good schooling, and money to spend as they liked, until they were young men.

About the lime that John was twenty-one, his father died. Then, as often happens, there was a quarrel between the brothers about the money he left behind. There were angry words between them, which led to blows, and finally Roger went off in a rage, declaring that his brother had cheated him, and that he would never speak to him or set foot on the place while he lived.

John, in an equal rage, answered: “Go, and good riddance to you!” He added that if he ever did come back, he would set the dogs on him. A foolish speech it was, which he made in haste, and repented of at leisure. But Roger took it in earnest, and was never seen or heard of at Hollybrook Farm afterward.

John, left to himself, did not get on well. His mother soon died of a broken heart. Then John married, and his troubles were made worse. He was soon in debt; he took to drink which didn’t help matters at all. His poor wife, and their dear little son and daughter were all taken away in death and John was left a wanderer.

But God’s eye followed poor John as he wandered and worked in Australia and New Zealand, and then in California. Sometimes he had lots of money, and sometimes he had none. At last he wandered east from California and found a job on a farm in Michigan.

By this time he was middle-aged, and travel and rough living made him look older than he was. Nobody would have guessed that the sturdy, gray-bearded man bending over a wood saw all day had once been the gay young master of Hollybrook Farm. John himself had almost forgotten it, and the old home life seemed like a dream to him.

But one day something took place that brought it all back. He was sawing wood as usual when a little bright-eyed girl ran across the yard, and stopped to watch him at his work. She was a tiny creature, five or six years old at the most, but had what people call an old-fashioned look, wise and earnest, in her sweet face. It was a look that went to John’s heart, for it made him think of the little girl he had buried twenty years before. She had just such curly brown hair, and blue eyes that looked up at you in the same bright, wiome way.

“What’s your name, man?” she asd him sociably. “My name’s Nannie; but my mother calls me her precious baby.”

“My name’s John,” answered the “man” smiling at her. “Do you think I look like anybody’s precious baby?”

“You’re too big,” shaking her head wisely. “You’re ‘most as big as my daddy. I guess you’ve got some little babies of your own, haven’t you?”

“Not now; but I had a little girl once, just about your size. She’s dead and gone, many a year ago.”

“Then she’s up in heaven,” said Nannie, cheerfully. “I’m going there too, one of these days, to see my little brother that’s dead and to see Jesus. I want to see Jesus most of anybody in the world.”

“What for?” asked John. “What does such a little thing as you know about Jesus?”

“Oh, my mother telled me all about Him. He died on the cross to save sinners. Don’t you know? Is you a sinner, John?” looking up at him with innocent earnest eyes, that seemed to see right through his heart.

“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23.

“Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matt. 1:21.

ML 05/09/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 5:1-6:12.

Although God must judge His people and allow them to reap the folly of their evil ways, He will not allow their enemies to despise His glory and presence among them. Thus when the Philistines boasted over Israel’s defeat, and over the ark of God which they had taken from them, the Lord soon showed them that He will not give His glory to another. That night, when they had set the ark of the true God in the house of Dagon their idolatrous god, He let them know that He was greater than their idol made with men’s hands. When they arose the next morning, Dagon had fallen on his face before the ark. However, the foolish Philistines put Dagon back in his place again, as though this were only by chance. The next night their idol fell on his face again, and this time his head and his hands were broken off.

Nor was this all. God caused the men of the city to have emerods, and they suffered greatly. They decided, therefore, to remove the ark of God to Gath, but there again the people were smitten with a great destruction.

The Philistines of Gath then sent the ark to Ekron, but again the hand of God in judgment was manifested, and many died there. Many, too, were smitten with emerods. God often has to deal with His own, but when unbelievers despise His power it is a serious thing. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31.

At last the Philistines came together and decided to send the ark of God back to the land of Israel, for the hand of God was heavy upon them during the seven months they kept it in their land. They gathered their priests and diviners together therefore and asked them what they should do. They replied that the ark of the Lord should be sent back to the land of Israel, and with it golden emerods and golden mice as a trespass offering, because of their sin in taking it. They recalled how the Egyptians, many years before, had hardened their hearts against God and His people, and how they never had any relief from His judgment until they had let the people go. The priests and diviners suggested that they should make a new cart and put the ark upon it. They should then take two milch kine which were never under a yoke, and harness them to draw the cart, tying their calves in the stall at home. If the animals, without even a driver, took the ark back to the land of Israel, then they would know that the hand of God was upon them. If the animals would not go, but stayed by their young calves, they would know it was only chance that had brought upon them all the trouble of which we have just spoken. They knew that it would be altogether contrary to natural instinct for them to leave their young, and draw the cart.

When they had made the cart, therefore, and tied the cattle to it, the animals, controlled by their Creator’s unseen hand, set out for the land of Israel, lowing as they went. They never turned to one side or the other, but went all the way to Beth-shemesh in the land of Israel. The lords of the Philistines followed the ark, wondering at what they saw. Oh, how wonderful is the power of God which was so manifest here! Even the dumb animals obey the hand of God, but poor blind man refuses to submit. “Who hath hardened himself against Him, and hath prospered?” Job 9:4.

ML 05/09/1954

The Sailor's Compass

A young sailor lad had always carried a small pocket compass with him, and many of his shipmates had laughed at him for doing so. They said it was only a toy, and so it was, in comparison to the one used by the captain.

But one day the ship was wrecked in a storm, and our sailor friend, with three others, escaped on a raft, far out in the ocean. They only had very few provisions and what could they do?

Needless to say they were very glad of that compass. No one called it a toy then, for by following its guidance they reached land safely on the third day. Although faint and famished, they were all safe and sound, so thankful for the little compass they had once despised.

Our young friend, the sailor, has been since led to the Saviour, and now he carries something else in his pocket. It is a New Testament, and just as his shipmates once laughed at him for carrying his little compass, so now they laugh at his New Testament. Yet he knows that his compass was a very useful thing in time of trouble, shong him and his friends the way to land, and he knows too, that God’s Word alone can show him the way to heaven.

When everything goes well in life, how many there are who forget, or despise the Word of God. Like the little compass, they feel they have no use for it; but there is a day coming when all Christ-rejectors will have to meet this blessed Book and be judged by it. Do not wait until you are in trouble, dear reader, for your call may come very suddenly, and you may not have time to prepare then. The Lord Jesus stands with His arms open wide, waiting to save you. His Word tells us of the great salvation God has provided for sinners at such infinite cost. You cannot save yourself, but He is able and willing to save ALL who come to Him in faith. But those who will not have Him as Saviour must someday meet Him as Judge. The Lord Jesus said,

“HE THAT REJECTETH ME,... THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY.” JOHN 12:48.

ML 05/16/1954

John Stevens

John’s eyes fell before the sweet pair of eyes looking at him, and he thought of all the sinful years he had lived, forgetting that he had a soul to be saved.

“I’m afrid I am, my dear,” he answered gravely.

“Well, you needn’t be afraid,” Nannie went on sweetly.

“If you’re sorry, you know, Jesus will forgive you just the way my mother does me, when I’m naughty sometimes. I know a hymn about Jesus —would you like to hear me sing it?” And folding her arms across the end of the log, she began to sing like a bird.

“One there is above all others

Well deserves the name of friend;

His is love beyond a brother’s,

Costly, free, and knows no end.

“Which of all our friends, to save us,

Could or would have shed his blood?

But the Saviour died to have us

Reconciled in Him to God.

“Oh, for grace our hearts to soften;

Teach us, Lord, at length to love!

We, alas, forget too often

What a Friend we have above.”

“I think that’s real sweet,” she said when she had finished.

“And I know another that says: ‘Don’t you be discouraged, for Jesus is your Friend.’ You mustn’t be afraid, John, because you’re a sinner. Jesus will forgive you if you ask Him.”

But just then, somebody across the yard called, “Nannie! Nannie!” She said, “Good-bye, John!” and ran away. In a little while, however, she came back again, and climbed up on one end of the big log that John was using for a saw horse.

“My aunty says I can stay here till the dinner bell rings,” she said. “I don’t live in this house all the time, you know, but I’ve come to make a visit till my mother gets home. She’s gone to the city to buy me a dress, and a dolly, and a picture book.”

“Where do you live when your mother’s at home?” asked John.

“Oh, I live at Hollybrook. That’s my daddy’s farm; and Patty lives there, and Susan, and my brother John. Did you know I had a brother John?”

“What’s your father’s name?” asked John, laying his saw down, for his hands trembled so that he could not hold it. “Tell me that, dear.”

Nannie laughed. “Why, I thought you knew,” she said. “I thought everybody knew my daddy. He’s Judge Stevens, but my mother doesn’t call him Judge. She calls him, ‘Roger, dear.’”

“And he lives at Hollybrook Farm?” said John with a tremulous voice. “And you’ve got a brother named John?”

“Yes, indeed. He’s named after my Uncle John, that died a long time ago.

I never saw him.”

“Are you sure of that?” asked John, with a queer smile about his mouth. “How do you know your uncle is dead?”

“Daddy said he was. Daddy heard it in a letter, a long time ago.”

“And was he sorry, do you think?”

“I guess he was. But I can’t ‘member very well, you know. I guess I wasn’t born then.”

“You little darling!”

John leaned across the log, put his arms around the child, and kissed the innocent lips that had brought him, all unconsciously, such good news. There was no doubt in his mind that she was his brother’s child, and had come fairly enough by that look in her face which was so sweet and well-remembered. His own little girl had “favored Roger,” everybody said. And to think of finding Roger again, after all these years! Roger, with a house of his own—named for the dear old home in England—and with a son that was called John!

John Stevens sawed no more wood that day. When the dinner bell rang, and little Nannie was called in, he went off to a quiet place in the woods, where nobody but God could see him. There on his knees he gave thanks, and prayed to the Saviour who is the Friend of sinners, and has promised pardon and peace to all who come to Him.

Then he started off for Hollybrook Farm. After a ten-mile tramp through wood and clearing he found it. He found Roger too, and in spite of all the years and changes, and of Roger’s believing that John had died in Australia a dozen years ago, the two brothers knew each other at once. Like Esau to Jacob, Roger “ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him, and they wept.” And John’s wanderings were over from that time forward.

His brother’s house became his home; and his brother’s wife, who had been the means of blessing to Roger, leading him to the Saviour, and to happiness, was equally so to John. But of all the household, little Nannie is the dearest to him, for it was the baby hand that led him first to the Friend of sinners.

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

ML 05/16/1954

The Stranger at the Prayer Meeting

It was at a cottage prayer meeting in England years ago. There had been an awakening in the little town and numbers had been brought to the Saviour. Nevertheless, Satan was trying hard to spoil the work and lead folks astray.

One young man made great fun of those who professed to be saved. He attended the little prayer meeting, slipping in by a back door and finding a place to hide so that he might play some trick and upset these praying people. As he hid there, he heard prayer after prayer arise for those who are “on their way to judgment, blinded by the god of this world.” In a moment it flashed across his mind that those words described him. He was lost, on the way to eternal judgment, blinded and led on of Satan. He slipped from his hiding place, took his place on his knees among that praying company, and right then and there he came as a sinner to the sinner’s Saviour. Satan lost another poor, blinded soul, and the Lord Jesus, who died for sinners, set him free, giving him light, joy, and salvation by faith in Him.

Have you been set free? Are you saved, or are you still blinded of Satan? Come now as a sinner to the Saviour who says,

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

ML 05/16/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 6:13-19.

Oh, the folly of hardening one’s heart against God! He alone is the source of all blessing, and yet how many will accept the blessings and still resist the Word of God. If there should be an unsaved one reading these lines, we beseech you to bow your stubborn will in His presence now, owning that you are a poor lost sinner, deserving His judgment. He commands you to repent, and if you will but do so, He has rich blessing for you. God’s beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, died upon Calvary’s cross for you, that you might be saved, and when you take your true place in repentance, and put your faith in Him and His finished work, He will save you. “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.

The lords of the Philistines watched the ark to the borders of the land of Israel, and when it came to Bethshemesh the Israelites were reaping their harvest. When they saw the ark they rejoiced. The kine came into the field of a man named Joshua, and stood still. The Levites took the ark off the cart, and also the golden mice and emerods which the Philistines had sent. The Israelites who were there took the kine and offered them as a burnt offering to the Lord. After this they continued to offer many sacrifices to the Lord that day, for they were so thankful to have the ark back again.

In spite of all the Lord’s goodness in returning the ark to them, they were not satisfied with approaching Him in His appointed way, but curiously looked into the ark. Now this ark is a figure of the Person of Christ, as we noticed in our talks on the tabernacle from the book of Exodus, and no one could look into it without being judged. The Person of Christ is a divine mystery, and we can never understand it, for the Scripture says, “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father.” Matt. 11:27. Many, down the years of the Christian era, have tried to fathom this mystery, but they, like the men of Beth-shemesh, have been smitten. They have always fallen into evil doctrine, and brought great dishonor upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Dear reader, let us ever “hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience,” 1 Tim. 3:9, and bow in worship at His divine Person. “For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Col. 2:9.

Many of the men of Beth-shemesh were smitten dead, as we have remarked, when they looked into the ark. It might have seemed like a little thing to them, just as many today treat bad doctrine as a small matter. They are horrified by crimes against their fellow men, but care little what is taught about the Person and work of Christ. Let us never forget that the deity of Christ is the very touchstone of Christianity, and everything stands or falls upon it. Alas, great numbers in Christendom today have given up this great truth, robbed themselves and their hearers of a Saviour, and are on the downward path to eternal death—eternal hell. This is far worse than death to the body, which the men of Beth-shemesh suffered here.

We would like to warn our readers that if anyone tries to sell or even give you literature which denies the full Godhead glory of the Lord Jesus, refuse it definitely and finally, no matter how attractive it looks. Such literature is deadly spiritual poison.

ML 05/16/1954

Hanging by a Thread

Ronald and his mother were very poor, and he used to go down to the cliffs by the sea to gather birds’ eggs for food. This was very dangerous work, as the large birds defended themselves furiously when their nests were robbed.

One day he set out with some other boys, taking with him a strong rope by which he was to be let down over the side of the cliffs, and also a knife to defend himself, if attacked by the birds. He could look out over the foaming ocean as it dashed against the rocks beneath him.

He fastened one end of the rope carefully to a rocky point, and then tied the other end around his body. His comrades then lowered him till he came to a nest. He set his foot on the rock, took his knife in one hand, and stretched out the other to seize the eggs.

At this point he was attacked by a bird. He tried with a blow of the knife to defend himself, but to his horror he hit the rope instead of the bird, cutting it nearly in two.

He gave an awful shriek which was heard by his comrades. Seeing the danger he was in, they pulled the rope up as carefully as they could. Ronald could feel that one thread after another was breaking, and he closed his eyes so that he would not see the precipice. He felt the rope getting thinner every second and cried to God for mercy. I cannot tell you whether or not his soul was saved then, but I know it was surely a voice from God to him.

He heard the anxious shouts of his comrades, and then became unconscious with fright. One of his friends was leaning over the edge, reaching as far down as he could at the risk of his own lite. Just as he neared the top his friend caught him and pulled him to safety. Ronald was saved! What a diverance!

We tremble as we think of the awful death that would have come to him had he fallen upon the rocks below, but if you, dear reader, are unsaved, your position at this moment is worse than his. Each day another little “thread” breaks, and you are that much nearer eternal judgment. How much time have you left? At any moment your “silver cord” of life may break, and if you die in your sins you will be lost forever.

Ronald was thankful for the strong arm that saved him, and there is a stronger Arm reached out to save your soul from eternal doom. The Lord Jesus Christ came all the way from heaven’s highest glory, down to Calvary, and there He died to save your precious soul. Are you going to turn a deaf ear to His gracious call, as He offers to save you? Why refuse His loving entreaties any longer?

“I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST: FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH.” ROMANS 1:16.

ML 05/23/1954

Happy John, the Deaf and Dumb Boy

There is a lot to tell you about John, for he spent a good deal of time with me, but I must not make my story too long.

John could neither hear nor speak, and as his parents were very poor, and had to work hard, they didn’t have the time to teach the boy anything at all.

He was eleven years old when I first happened to meet him one day on a country road, and since I had tried to help other deaf folks, I followed the boy home to see if his parents would let me try to help him too. They gladly agreed, and so John and I walked off hand in hand to my home. He was poorly clothed and in his bare feet. I shall never forget his look of surprise when he stepped into our house and stood on the carpet. He had never stood on a carpet before, and he shuffled his feet this way and that. Then he saw what looked like a window, and when he went over to look out into the yard, he fell down in a fright. It was a mirror, and not a window at all.

You have no idea what a hard time I had teaching John, for he seemed to know nothing at all. First I cut out the alphabet letters for him, and every time we saw a dog, I would pick out D-O-G and show them to him. After a long time, he seemed to get the idea, and then we tried another word. But I was not just interested in making John comfortable and in teaching him to read. I wanted John to know the Saviour’s love. I prayed very much for him, and for the wisdom needed to teach him about God. Little by little he learned to talk to me by making signs, which he had never done before. To my surprise, one day he asked me if I had made the sun and the moon! Then I knew that I must soon try to tell him about God.

Little by little, the dear boy learned that there was One above the sky who had made all these things, and that He had sent His own dear Son down into the world to die that sinners might go to heaven to be with Himself. I am sure the Lord heard my prayer, for it was surprising how quickly he laid hold of this truth. Never shall I forget the day when dear John really gave his heart to Jesus. I am sure the Lord Himself opened the feeble understanding. As we talked together, by signs and by those alphabet cards, I suddenly saw a happy light fill his face. He quickly picked out five letters and made the most wonderful word possible—J E S U S. He laid them slowly in order before me, and then with a beaming smile, he clapped his hands and pointed up. John was saved!

He lived with me for seven years after that, and never lost the sweetness and freshness of the love he had for JESUS!

Dear boys and girls, I suppose most of you can hear and talk and even read a Bible more easily than poor afflicted John. But have you given your heart to Jesus? If not, do it now.

“‘Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” Phil. 2:9, 10.

ML 05/23/1954

A Noble Example

A Chinese mandarin (which means, you know, a great nobleman) was ordered by the Emperor of China to be put to death because he had acted wrongly and dishonestly in a business matter which had been entrusted to him. The mandarin’s son, a boy only fifteen years old, was so grieved at the idea of his father being killed, that he went to the Emperor, and begged that he might be put to death instead. The Emperor was very surprised to have so strange a favor asked of him, and he felt much for the brave boy who so loved his father as to wish to die instead of him. He told the son that neither should be put to death, as he would spare the mandarin’s life, and that, to show how much he liked to see children love their parents, he would make him a great man, and give him grand rewards.

This is a beautiful example of the love of Christ to us as sinners. We were guilty and under the sentence of death and judgment, but the Lord Jesus died in our place. He bore all the righteous judgment of God for the sins of all those who believe in Him, that we might go free.

Now He is risen and seated at the right hand of God in heaven. Just as the boy in our story was rewarded for offering to die in his father’s place, so the Lord Jesus, who died for us, has been exalted to the highest place in heaven. All honor is His now, and we who are saved gladly bow the knee to Him. In a coming day, all will have to bow the knee to Him, but alas, with many it will then be too late to be saved. They will be judged forever for their sins.

“At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow.... and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Philippians 2: 10, 11.

ML 05/23/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 6:20-7:9.

After so many had been slain for looking into the ark of God, the people said, “Who is able to stand before this holy LORD God? and to whom shall He go up from us?” They then sent the ark up to Kirjath-jearim. Sometimes when God speaks loudly, as He did here at Beth-shemesh, people, even Christians, are afraid, and instead of turning to the Lord in humiliation under His mighty hand, they give up the path of nearness to Him. They would rather walk at a distance from the Lord than be exercised as to why He speaks. Like Job, they choose iniquity rather than affliction (Job 36:21), but although this may seem like the easiest path at the time, it is not the path of.the Lord’s blessing. The Lord said to Israel, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Amos 3:2. Judgment always begins at the house of God, but when it does fall upon the ungodly and sinner, how terrible it will be (1 Peter 4:17, 18). Let us not chooSe their company now to escape His dealing hand, for God must deal with His own. If we try to run away from His hand, we soon find, as Jacob did, and Jonah too, that He will follow us and bring us back, perhaps in a harder way than the one we tried to escape.

The ark of God remained in Kirjath-jearim for twenty long years, for so it is when we take a false step; we do not get back as quickly as we got away. Indeed, laxity in spiritual things grows upon us, and God often has to shake us up in some way, before we become exercised about our waywardness. So it was here, for the Philistines came up to fight against. Israel before they became exercised about their neglect of the ark. Samuel then called the people together, and told them that if they would put away their false gods, and seek the Lord only, He would deliver them from their enemies. This they did, and all came together at Mizpeh where Samuel poured water before the Lord, while the people fasted and acknowledged their sin. The water poured out was to show how helpless they were, for when water is spilled on the ground, no man can gather it up again (2 Sam. 14:14). It is always a good thing when we acknowledge our helplessness, admitting that we cannot do anything of ourselves. The Lord Jesus said, “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” John 15:5.

As soon as the Philistines heard that the Israelites were gathered together before the Lord at Mizpeh, they went up to fight against them. This made the Israelites afraid. Whenever the Lord begins to work in the hearts of His wayward people, the enemy gets busy to hinder the restoration, and sometimes our poor hearts are overcome by fear of the enemy, as Israel here.

They asked Samuel to pray for them, and so Samuel, in communion with the mind of the Lord, took a sucking lamb and offered it wholly to the Lord. First he had acknowledged their helplessness by pouring out the water before the Lord, and now this sucking lamb would show their dependence on Him, and confidence that He would help. A baby lamb would be entirely dependent on its mother for its very life, and so the Lord delights to have us acknowledge our helplessness, dependence, and confidence in Him when difficulties arise. He then comes in on our behalf to diver us, as He did here with Israel.

ML 05/23/1954

"I Know What It Cost"

Our picture today is of the Aquarium building on the beautiful island of Bermuda. It is built in a lovely park and it brings to mind an occasion when two men were riding past another such spot in this land.

As they were admiring its beauty, one man said to the other, “How much do you think this estate is worth?”

“I don’t know how much it is worth,” was the answer, “but I know what it cost the late owner of it.” “How much?”

“His soul,” was the startling reply. “The owner of it died a wretched death, saying on his deathbed that all his misery was due to his money, which had often led him to fraud and sin.”

Alas! there are many like him too, who are so taken up with the empty things of this passing world that they have “no time” for the Lord Jesus Christ. They may drive beautiful cars and have grand homes, but they will have to leave them all behind some day, and then the great question, “Eternity! Where?”

Dear reader, you will have to meet God some day, and you will have time for that. Do not allow the enemy of your soul to deceive you into thinking that you have “no time” now for this important matter. You may have great wealth in this world, or you may not, but one thing is certain, you cannot take anything with you. You can be saved this very day, if you will acknowledge yourself as a poor lost sinner, and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. He died upon the cross of Calvary as the Sin-bearer, that He might give you a mansion in heaven. Why not decide for Christ today!

“FOR WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT A MAN, IF HE SHALL GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL?” MARK 8:36.

ML 05/30/1954

Beautiful, But No Song

It was very hot, and I was very I far from home. No wonder it was hot, for I was on the island of Trinidad, just ten degrees north of the equator.

At last I found a shady spot under a tree, and sat down to write a letter home. I had no sooner put down a few words when I heard a strange “squawk” from above my head. The squawker wasn’t hard to find, for there perched on a branch was a beautiful macaw. Unless you have seen a macaw, you can’t imagine what a beautiful bird this fine fellow is. His beautiful featrs are red, orange, green and gold. But when he opens his mouth to sing, all he can say is “squawk.”

All at once I thought of another little fellow back home called the wren. He doesn’t have as beautiful feathers, but when he opens his little beak a wonderful thrill of song warbles through the air. Then as soon as he catches his breath, he sings again, and again.

What a strange story, you say, for a Sunday school paper! But these two birds make me think of people I have met. Some of them wear fine clothes, they drive beautiful cars and live in wonderful homes. They go regularly to a place of worship and all, their neighbors say, “What fine people the Welshes are!” But let me ask one of them a question.

“Mr. Welsh, are you saved? Do you know the Lord as your Saviour?” The poor man has no answer: he cannot sing from his heart the glorious songs of heaven, because he is not saved.

Now we see a little boy coming out of Sunday school. His clothes are not as nice as Mr. Welsh’s, and he turns toward the poorest part of the city where he lives. Let’s stop him and ask him the same question.

“Freddie, are you saved? Do you know the Lord as your Saviour?” With a very happy smile Freddie answers, “Yes, sir, I was saved two months ago. Jesus is my very own Saviour.”

“That’s good, Freddie, and tell me now, what do you like to sing about?”

“I like to sing about Jesus, and I think my favorite hymn is, ‘Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away.’”

Now I want to ask you, dear boy or girl, “Are you saved?”

The Bible tells us the very song that we shall sing together in heaven, and I do hope that you will be able to join in singing it. If you turn to Revelation 5, verse 9, you will read that song.

“Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

ML 05/30/1954

Minnie's Prayer

I wish all little children would do as our Saviour tells them when He says, “Ask and ye shall receive.” If, when they are in any sorrow or trouble, they would always go and ask Him to help them, they would find that He never fails to hear and answer in some way or other those who cry to Him. I will tell you of how two little girls, Minnie and Emmy, first experienced the truth of those words. They went one day to play in an old attic.

“Let us shut the door, Minnie,” Emmy said, “and play a game; and we can make as much noise as we like without disturbing anyone.”

Emmy shut the door with quite a bang, and then the game began. It was a very exciting one and lasted till twilight came, when Minnie said, “It must be tea time; we had better go downstairs now.”

Emmy agreed and went to open the door, but though she tried hard, she could not turn the handle. Minnie came to help her, but her efforts were alike unsuccessful.

“Oh, what shall we do?” asked Em-my, half crying. “No one knows we are here. If we call, they won’t hear us, and then we shall never get out. It will be dark soon, and I’m so frightened.”

Minnie’s eyes filled with tears, and she cast a timid glance round the rapidly darkening room, which now seemed gloomy and prison-like to them; but then, as if remembering something, her face brightened as she said, “God is near us you know, Emmy. Let us ask Him to help us get out. I think we may.”

Emmy looked frightened and doubtful if this would be right, but it was too dark for Minnie to see her face, so, folding her hands, the little girl said, “Pray, God help us to get this door open for Jesus’ sake. Amen.” And then she went to try and open the door once more, feeling sure God would help her.

As she did so she remembered that the handles of some doors do not turn, but require pulling backwards. She tried this plan, the lock yielded, and they were free. Emmy did not see how she did it, and said in an awed tone, “Oh, Minnie, did God open the door Hielf?”

“No, Emmy, but He showed me how it might be done,” Minnie said; “for when I had prayed to Him, I thought perhaps the handle would draw back instead of turning around; you see it did.”

“We must thank God for helping us,” Emmy answered. “And oh, Minnie, I shall always go and ask Him now, after this, when I’m in trouble.”

Minnie and Emmy are grown up now, but they have never forgotten their prayer in the attic, and its answer. When one is in trouble, the other reminds her of the time when they first called upon God, of how He heard them in their fears, and of how He never fails to help those that put their trust in Him.

Yes, dear reader, the Lord wants us to turn to Him in trouble, and He will help us, but can you tell me what your greatest need is? Your greatest need is that you might be saved from your sins and delivered from the power of darkness. These two girls were delivered from a dark room in answer to prayer, but the Lord Jesus will deliver you from “the blackness of darkness forever.” Jude 1:13. If you will but acknowledge your sin and guilt today and call upon Him for mercy He will save you. His dear Son died for sinners and now He is mighty to save. How wonderful it is to be able to say, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13.

ML 05/30/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 7:10-8:3.

While Samuel was offering this sacrifice, the Philistines drew near to battle, and the Lord thuered against them and discomfited them. The children of Israel then went out and pursued their enemies, utterly defeating them. How much better it is when we meet the difficulties of life in the strength of the Lord, instead of in our own strength — then there is victory instead of defeat. May this be a lesson to us to walk in dependence on the Lord at all times. Even when we have failed, let us come to Him in confession, and count upon His faithfulness which will never fail.

Not only were the Philistines defeated in this battle, but they did not attack Israel again all the days of Samuel. A clear-cut and definite stand against the enemy, in the strength of the Lord, is so important. Nor did Samuel forget to acknowledge at this time that the victory was all of the Lord, for he set up a stone and called it Ebenezer, which means “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” Even the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were returned to them after this, and a season of peace followed.

It is interesting to notice the yearly circuit of Samuel, which has an important lesson for us. Bethel means the house of God. Gilgal was the place of circumcision, typifying self-judgment. Mizpeh means “Watchtower” and Ramah, where he dwelt, means “height.” Bethel makes us think of the words of the Song of Solomon, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.” Song of Sol. 2:4. This is where grace has put us, and indeed it is the starting point of blessing in our lives when we learn of our standing in Christ. No doubt this is why Bethel comes first here. Then there is Gilgal, the place of self-judgment, for alas, we will soon lose the enjoyment of our blessings in Ghrist if we do not judge self, and seek to keep it in the place of death. After each spiritual victory we need to get back to “Gilgal,” and acknowledge before the Lord that our old sinful self has not improved, but is likely to get puffed up with pride. Let us not forget this, for some of the worst falls have come after the greatest victories, because “Gilgal” was forgotten. The next place in Samuel’s circuit was Mizpeh, meaning “Watchtower.” When we have learned how easily we can be turned aside, and the need of self-judgment, that leads us to watchfuess, as the Lord Jesus said, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38. Samuel then dwelt in Ramah, which means “height”; and so it is only as we have learned the truth of where grace has put us, the weakness of the flesh, and the need of continual watchfulness, that we can dwell in the height of our blessings. Oh how abundantly we have been blessed, ‘but we must all confess how little we know of dwelling in Ramah, because we have neglected self-judgment and watchfulness.

When Samuel was old he made his sons judges over Israel, even though they did not walk in the ways of the Lord as he did. They took bribes and perverted judgment. Alas, the mistake of Samuel is a common mistake. We who are parents do not see the mistakes of our children as others do, and we are likely to push them forward in the assembly of God, when their walk is not what it should be.

ML 05/30/1954

Across a Busy Street

As I was passing down one of the busy streets one day, I saw a blind man holding out his hand for someone to lead him across the street.

With care I did so, for the traffic was very heavy there. He held on to my arm and felt himself quite safe, although he could not see one step, or even tell whether it was day or night. When we arived at the other side, he said:

“Thank you, my friend; and so may God lead you to heaven.”

“By what way?” I asked.

“By faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he replied in a way which showed that he had entered into this blessed and simple way of salvation for his soul. “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.” Matthew 13:16.

And so we parted; he went his way and I passed on mine, perhaps never to meet again until we see each other to part no more forever in the glory above.

This poor blind man was in a much happier position than many around him who could see all the interesting sights of the big city. Many of those with eyes to see, are, alas, spiritually blind. They have never seen their need of the Saviour of sinners, and they are living for this life only. What an awful awakening is before such, when they see the One who is now the Saviour, before them as their judge. It will be too late then to cry for mercy —too late to “see,” as did the blind man, that faith in the Lord Jesus is the only way of salvation.

“BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED.” Acts 16:31.

ML 06/06/1954

The Mussulman's Prayer

It is noon in a little town in southern India. The summer sun shines fiercely on the burning hot streets; the place looks dreary and deserted—the very street dogs look too exhausted to move. The natives are taking their noonday rest, and the town is hushed as at midnight. But see, from the doorway of yonder house, a Mussulman bearing a lamb in his arms! His face is anxious and careworn, and he evidently wants to be alone on his errand, which surely is a strange one. Strange enough and sad too; for within that doorway his only boy lies sick. Fever has wasted the lad to a shadow, and he lies there, tossing in pain with parched lips and burning brow. It seems as if the struggle must soon be over. The father’s heart sinks as he thinks of his boy and he resolves to make the last effort to restore him to health.

Passing down the street almost unobserved, he at last reaches a desolate house. The father is alone. Taking off his shoes to show his reverence for the one to whom he desires to appeal, he takes and slays the lamb. As its warm life-blood sinks into the thirsty earth, he kneels and, raising his hands to heaven, he cries from the depths of a father’s heart, “Allah! take the life of the lamb, and spare the life of my child!”

Again and again the pitiful cry rises through the sultry air until the last struggles of the victim are over and the lamb lies lifeless. In completion of the strange act handed down from generion to generation by tradition, the father strips the flesh from the body of the lamb to distribute amongst the religious beggars who live by the alms of the faithful; then he buries the skelekon of the lamb without breaking a bone.

I’m sure you have never seen so strange an act, and you know that the death of that little lamb could not save the boy’s life. But there is a lesson in it for you and me. It may be that you are well and strong, but God says you have a fatal disease. He says,

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

Is there a remedy for sin? Must we go on and reap its awful wages? How blessed to know that God’s beloved Son is the true Lamb of God, and HE CAN SAVE YOU.

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s spotless Lamb has come down into this world and died on the cross that you and I might be cleansed from all our sins in His most precious blood.

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

ML 06/06/1954

Serving the Lord

Bessie was a servant girl and spent most of her time washing dishes, ironing clothes, and keeping the house clean. I suppose some girls wouldn’t like that very well, but Bessie seemed very happy at her work, and I will tell you why. She had been attending Sunday school for some months, and had learned from her teacher, first of all, that she was a sinner in the sight of God. This is not news which would make us very happy, but it is what the Bible tells us, and it is true about me, and you too. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

But Bessie went on to learn that God had provided a remedy for her guilt in sending the Lord Jesus to die for her on the cross. She rested on that lovely verse, “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24.

Shortly after she had trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, she asked her teacher one day in class,

“Teacher, I wish I could do something for the Lord Jesus. I only get out on Sunday afternoon, and I don’t think there is anything much I can do for Him.”

“That’s a good question, Bessie. Let us turn to Colossians, chapter 3, and see if we can find an answer. Read verses 22 and 23.”

Very thoughtfully, Bessie read, “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsver ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

The teacher waited, and soon Bessie looked up from her Bible.

“I see it now, Miss. If I do my work around the home to please the Lord Jesus, it is just like serving Him.”

And so Bessie’s work was done more diligently. A happy smile and cheerful song went with her work, for her heart rejoiced to know that her Lord and Saviour was watching.

Dear young Christian, may the Lord Jesus help you to do what you do for Him, at school, at home, and at play.

ML 06/06/1954

Bible Questions for June

1. What does God say about a man, or an angel, who preaches any other gospel?

2. Who did Paul say “loved me, and gave Hielf for me?”

3. What does God say of those who are of the works of the law?

4. How do we become the children of God?

5. What does the Spirit of God in our hearts teach us to say?

6. How should we serve one another?

7. To whom should we seek to do good?

The Young People’s Class

CAIN AND ABEL

1. What kind of an offering did Cain offer to the Lord? Did the Lord accept it? Genesis 4.

2. What does God say of those who, leaving out the blood, go on in the way of Cain? Jude.

3. What kind of an offering did Abel offer to the Lord? Did the Lord accept it? Genesis 4.

4. Did Abel “obtain witness that he was righous” by his good life, or by his sacrifice? Hebrews.

5. What came upon Coin because he had shed Abel’s blood? Genesis 4.

6. Whose blood speaks better things (pardon and blessing) than Abel’s, to those who believe? Hebrews 12.

7. Were those who rejected Christ when He was here, held responsible for what their fathers had done, even as far back as the time of Abel? Luke 11.

ML 06/06/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 8:4-22

No doubt Samuel’s sons could talk very intelligently about the things of God, but this was not enough. Their conduct was bad. Indeed this is very often the case with children brought up in Christian homes today, but let us remember that God wants reality. The truth we know must be practical in our lives, or there is a real danger, and how much damage has been done in the assembly of God by “vain talkers.”

The elders of Israel told Samuel that since his sons did not walk in his ways, they would like a king to reign over them. It was sad indeed when Samuel’s sons became a stumbling block, but all this did not make it right for Israel to ask for a king. One wrong thing is bad enough, but another wrong will never make it right, only worse. Sometimes people are stumbled by the faire they see in others, and they use this for an excuse to turn aside from the path of following Christ in obedience to His Word. We should be careful not to stumble others, but let us never make the failure of another an excuse to disobey the Word of God.

Samuel was grieved that the people asked for a king, and he prayed to the Lord. The Lord then told him to listen to them, for it was not he whom they were rejecting, but the Lord. They did not want the Lord to reign over them. He was their King, and they were rejecting Him when they asked for a man as king. The Lord told Samuel that it was the way they had always acted, for they continually turned away from Him, and now Samuel was tasting it for himself. God’s servants have to expect rejection and opposition, but must still go on loving and serving the people of God. The heart of a true shepherd will not give up because the sheep are wayward. “The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep.” John 10:13.

Nevertheless Samuel was to warn Israel of the folly of their choice. If we are anxious to get something, the Lord may give it to us, even though it is not good for us. But He always warns, as He did here; for Samuel told them what their king would be like. He told them how he would take the best of all they had for himself, until they were so oppressed they would cry unto the Lord for deliverance. But the people would not hear. They said, “Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we may be like all the nations.” They wanted to be like others. Even we who are Christians do not like to be different for the Lord’s sake. We will pay a tremendous price to be like others. We will even make ourselves uncomfortable and spend plenty of money to keep up with the fashions, just to be like those about us.

Boys and girls, and older ones too, let us not mind if we are considered strange — God’s people are different. Our talk is different from a godless world. Our appearance ought to be different too. Our meetings also are different, when we seek to meet according to God’s Word. We are a “peculiar people.” Titus 2:14. We are not of the world, and if we are trying to be like the Christ-rejecting world about us, we are like Israel who wanted to be like the heathen nations around them. No wonder Samuel was displeased, and above all the Lord was displeased. And surely when the Lord’s people today want to be like the world, He is grieved, and His servants are too!

But the people’s minds were set, and the Lord told Samuel to yield to their desires and let them have a king.

ML 06/06/1954

Holding the Treasure

A missionary who spent many years in South America once told us the story of a young Indian who lost his life in the discharge of a duty entrusted to him. Many years before, his people had been conquered by the white man, and now in return for certain previleges, the Indians were required to render a yearly gift to the government. The money was collected by each tribe and an able, trusorthy tribesman, usually a young chief, was chosen to carry it to the capital of the land. As a badge of his authority, he also carried with him a silver wand.

Having been commended by the chiefs of his people, the young Indian of our story started out on foot one morning with the precious bag containing the treasure. It was a long, hazardous journey, as through the dense jungle, abounding with wild animals, across wide stretches of grassy, snake-infested prairie, he made his way. Sometimes he had to wade waist-deep or swim the waters of a river that crossed his path; yet he pressed on. It was in crossing a river, swollen with recent rains, that he lost his footing and was carried away by the swiftly moving current. Still he clung to his change. Helpless in the grip of the swirng waters, and bumped against the rocks, he lost consciousness. Finally his battered, lifeless body was found far downstream cast upon the bank, his fingers closed in a vise-like grip around the bag of gold—in death he was still holding the treasure.

This story, dear young friends, reminds us of that treasure above all treasures that God has entrusted to us—His own blessed Word, the Bible. He holds us responsible for it, too, for He tells us in Rev. 3:11 to “hold that fast which thou hast,” and again, “we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Heb. 2:1.

The enemy of our souls will surely come and seek to snatch away the good seed, which the Spirit of God has sown in our hearts. At school they will often teach you that the Bible is not for our day, if not pure fiction, and in the world you will meet many who will ridicule your faith in its sacred truths. Except you know its Author as your own Saviour, and you cling to that Word, your faith will be undeined and perhaps entirely overthrown.

Perhaps some of you have sung the old hymn, “Cling to the Bible, my boy!”

Soon God will judge the world by that same faithful Word which has long testified both of man’s sin and of His mercy. “The world passeth away,” but “the word of our God shall stand forever.” (1 John 2:17; Isaiah 40:8.)

Another year has passed. We have finished our term and already begun another. May the Lord richly bless those who have answered the Bible Questions over the past-months, and all those who keep His Word and love His name. Soon He will come and take us to be with Himself in that bright home above. May each of us be found in that day going on for Him—still holding the treasure.

ML 06/06/1954

Mary and the Tracts

Mary’s home was just outside the town, and it was a long way to walk to the post office. But Uncle Charlie was at the post office every day, and so he offered to bring Mary’s mail to his own home, and let Mary pick it up there.

Uncle Charlie loved the Lord Jesus, so did his dear old mother, and they often prayed that Mary might be saved. In fact they often put gospel tracts, like those the dear Christian man in our picture is giving out, between the letters, so that Mary would be able to read the good news.

I am sorry to tell you that as soon as Mary picked up the letters and started home, she looked carefully for tracts, took them out, and threw them away! But listen to the rest of the story. God loved Mary even though she didn’t love Him, and He began to make her think seriously about her sins, until she wanted to be saved.

It was Sunday afternoon, and Mrs. Campbell was teaching her class of girls. Mary listened quietly as her teacher read this verse, “What must I do to be saved?” This, thought Mary, is just what I need. I must listen carefully.

Patiently, Mrs. Campbell showed that God was not asking us to do anything at all, but to accept as our Saviour, the Lord Jesus who has done It all for us. Right there in Sunday school Mary accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. Now she loves to visit Uncle Charlie, and to talk about Jesus. She never throws tracts away either. In fact she loves to read them and to give them away to others. Now she has gone to faraway India to spread the news of Jesus and His love to those who never heard the story.

Have you accepted the Lord Jesus yet? He loves you and wants you to come to Him now.

“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.

ML 06/13/1954

The Golden Curl

Dear old Grandma! She seemed to love everyone, and everyone loved her, especially children. So it wasn’t surprising that when Grandma sat out in the sunshine, she was often surrounded by boys and girls. They watched her busy hands knitting; they brought her little bouquets of flowers; but best of all, they loved to hear her tell stories.

One day, beside her knitting and her Bible, she had a little box on her lap.

“What’s in the box, Grandma?”

“Come close and I will show you.”

Four pairs of eyes watched eagerly as Grandma raised the lid, and there it was—a big curl of beautiful golden hair!

“Whose is it, Grandma?” “It’s my own.”

The little ones looked from the gold in the box to the pure white on Grandma’s head but they said nothing.

“When I was a little girl my father cut that off with an ax! Shall I tell you the story?”

“Please! Yes, please!”

“My dear father was chopping wood in the yard, and I was running about playing with my cat. Suddenly, just as Father’s sharp ax was about to come down hard on the log, I tripped and fell with my head against the wood. With a crash the ax came down just as I screamed.

“Poor Father fell to the ground with a groan. He thought surely he had killed me. But he soon jumped up and picked me up in his arms. When he saw that I was not injured at all, he knelt beside the log and together we thanked the Lord for the wonderful deliverance. As he turned again to the log, he found a curl of my hair which had been cut off by the ax.

“With renewed thanks, to God, he took up the curl and gave it to me to keep. Here it is, and it still reminds me of God’s goodness and care.”

The boys and girls were thrilled with her story and they told her so. Grandma just smiled and went on to tell them more of the wonderful Saviour whom she loved so well. She told of the Lord Jesus, God’s dear Son, who hung upon the cross while God’s rod of judgment was raised and brought down upon His sinless head. That judgment was just what you and I derved, but Jesus bore it all instead. Now this Saviour who once died, is risen again and seated at God’s right hand in heaven.

Have you ever owned your guilt before God and thanked the Lord Jesus for bearing the punishment for you?

“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.

ML 06/13/1954

An Old Man and a Card

Old Mr. Talbot had not always been a saved man. In his youth he had been a clever gambler. He sat at the tables one day long ago, planning to win lots of money, when he put his hand in his coat pocket and brought out a card. It was a Scripture card, put there by some stranger when his coat was hanging on a peg. I do not know the words, but I know they were God’s words, and they went like a sword to the heart of that godless young man. They ended his gambling forever. He believed the Word of God and became a new man in Christ Jesus.

How do you feel when God’s Word is brought before you in everyday life? Is it welcome, or does it interrupt and spoil your fun? If it is not welcome to your heart, then beware, for you are on the wrong road. Your fun is not worth having. Believe God’s Word, as Mr. Talbot did, and find in Christ a new joy which is eternal.

It was the earnest prayer of Mr. Talbot in his last days that he might lead others to Christ, as he had been led himself. His hand was not shaky, and his penmanship was truly wonderful; so he copied Scripture verses on little cards in his very best handwriting.

One day as he sat in the sunshine by his little cottage, a young man on horseback rode up.

“Good morning, Reuben,” said the old man. “They tell me you are going to London. May the Lord keep you safe amid the temptations there.”

Reuben smiled proudly. “Fine place London is, for developing a man.”

“Maybe,” said Mr. Talbot. “And if I may make so bold, I’ll ask you to put this little card in your pocket, just to please an old man.”

Reuben accepted it politely, but he planned to forget it and leave it at home. He knew what Mr. Talbot’s cards were about! But he forgot to forget it, and one bad night it turned up among his papers in London.

Reuben had been having too much “fun,” and he was tired that night. It was pouring rain outside too, and there was that card, beautifully written, lying on his desk. These were the words: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” Heb. 2:3.

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

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

“Just a fad of an old man,” said Reuben as he put it away and went early to bed. But they were not an old man’s words. They were God’s. The letters were as vivid in the darkness as in the light, and he, had a restless night.

God’s Word called him a sinner, and so at last Reuben took the place that God gave him and received that great salvation, offered to all through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Six months later he again visited Mr. Talbot, and found the old man seated by his fireside.

“Eh, sir, I’m glad you’ve not forgotten me,” said the old man.

“I’ve come to thank you for that card,” said Reuben grasping his hand. “Do you remember the words on it?”

“I do, and I’ve prayed that you might remember them too.”

Reader, we pray also that these holy words, which are not man’s but God’s, may be remembered and accepted in your heart today. If you have already received God’s message, pass it on.

“Thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.

ML 06/13/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 9:1-10:8

The Lord knew what kind of king the people wanted, so He chose one for them whom He knew they would like. Saul was a fine-looking man, head and shoulders above the rest of the people, and he was to be their king.

Saul’s father had lost his asses just at this time, and Saul went to look for them. After hunting for them for some time he began to realize that if he did not return home soon, his father would be looking for him, no longer caring about the asses. However, when he came to the place where Samuel was, he and his servant decided to go and ask him where the asses were. He felt Samuel would know because he was a man of God. Now the Lord had shown Samuel that the one who was to be the king over Israel would come to him that day. So when Saul came, Samuel knew he was to be king. Samuel told him that he was to eat with him that day, and the next day he would let him go. He told him also that the asses he was looking for had been founds and that he need not be concerned about them any longer. Instead of that, he said that the eyes of all the people were upon him. Saul could not understand this, for he was of the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest tribe in Israel.

Samuel brought Saul into his parlor where thirty people were gathered together, and he gave him the chief seat. He also told the cook to give Saul the best portion of food, and so they ate together. The next morning Samuel and Saul arose very early, and Samuel went with Saul to the end of the city. Here he told Saul to bid his servant pass on, while he showed him the Word of God.

Samuel then took a vial of oil and poured it upon Saul’s head, anointing him in this way to be the king of Israel. He also gave him certain signs by, which he would know that God had chosen him. He said that he would meet two men by Rachel’s sepulcher who would tell him that his father’s asses had been found, and that his father was now anxious about him. After this he would meet three men going up to Bethel. Samuel even told Saul what each one would be carrying. They would give him two loaves of bread which he was to take from them. After this he would come to the hill of God where was the garrison of the Philistines. Then when he came to the city, he would meet a company of prophets who would prophesy. Samuel told him that the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him; he would also prophesy with them and be turned into another man. By this he would know that God was with him.

Surely these signs ought to have spoken to Saul. How they show that God knows everything beforehand. He understands our thoughts afar off. (Psalm 139:2.) He sees in the dark as well as in the light. He orders all things. May we never forget that we have to do with the living God.

But poor Saul was soon to show that he was unable to enter into the meang of these things. Signs never change what man is by nature. There must be new birth.

Samuel further told Saul that after he had seen all these signs, he was to go down to Gilgal and wait there seven days until he came to meet him, and then he would tell him what to do. Here the test was to come. It is one thing to listen to the Word of God, but the Lord Jesus said, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28.

ML 06/13/1954

My Father's House

Tamahana, who was once an idol worshiper, often sat outside his little hut reading God’s Word and looking very happy. And why should he not be happy? God was his Father, the Lord Jesus Christ was his Saviour, and he was able to read God’s Word in his own language.

Tamahana belonged to a native tribe in a faraway heathen land, but the faithful preaching of some of God’s servants had turned his heart to God from idols to serve the living and true God. Then came a time when he was invited to travel with a missionary all the way to England. Tamahana agreed to go and soon left his hut and his village — but not his precious Bible. Lovingly he carried it wherever he went, for, although he had already learned to read and speak English, he still loved his own language best.

Of course there were many things in England which surprised him greatly. One day he was taken to see a very beautiful home. The gentleman was surprised that Tamahana had very little to say. He was led from room to room and shown the magnificent furniture. Still he said nothing for some moments. Then with a wonderful smile, he said, “My Father’s house is finer than this.”

Now the gentleman knew that both Tamahana and his father had lived in a little hut. But he said nothing.

Slowly Tamahana raised his hands and eyes to heaven, and in broken words, but from his very heart, he told of the wonderful home of his Father in heaven. He told with tears of the love of Jesus in leaving that home to come down and die for a sinner like Tamahana. And he told with delight of his joy in waiting for Jesus to call him away to that wonderful home above.

Dear young reader, your home down here may be a hut or a mansion—but you must leave it some day. Where are you going?

“In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.” John 14:2.

“I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE: NO MAN COMETH UNTO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME.” —John 14:6.

ML 06/20/1954

Dorothy

It was four o’clock on a bright Lord’s day afternoon, the last hymn had been sung, and the children were all eager to be let out of Sunday school, when the speaker said, “We should be so glad if any boy or girl would stay with us to a short prayer meeting we are going to have this afternoon.”

Several children remained, and among them a bright-faced girl about twelve. She knelt very quietly in a corner with her face buried in her hands, while short earnest prayers were being offered up. Then she tried to slip away without being noticed, but her teacher laid a hand on her shoulder and said kindly, “Why won’t you trust Jesus, Dorothy?”

The child laughingly shook off the detaining hand and darted into the street. Then her face grew very grave, and Dorothy said wearily to herself, “That’s what they all say, ‘Why won’t you trust Jesus?’ and they can’t see how all the time I am longing to know Him, but I can’t understand it. I don’t know the way to be saved. I wish I did—Oh, I wish I did!”

Late that night Dorothy went up to her room. All the evening she had tried to be her usual cheerful self, but there was such an aching in her heart, poor child—she was longing to know the Good Shepherd, and she knew not how.

Kneeling down by the window, she laid her head upon the sill and let her tears flow.

“Oh, if Jesus were here, if He lived on earth now,” she thought, “I would go straight to Him, and tell Him all about it. I would tell Him that I caot understand how to be saved, and He would help me to find the way.”

Suddenly a bright thought came to her— “Wasn’t Jesus there all the time with her in her room? Even though she could not see Him, mightn’t she speak with Him just the same? Why hadn’t she done it before?” And there in the deepening twilight, Dorothy told Jesus all—how unhappy she was and how she longed to be saved. Long she knelt there—she had so much to tell the Lord Jesus—and when at last she got up from her knees, her face was peectly radiant with happiness. The Lord Jesus had taken the trouble all away. She had found the way to be saved, and trusted Him at last. Now her sins were all washed away in His precious blood.

“He who for our sins was slain,

Lives and dwells above again,

Where He’s waiting to receive

All who will His love believe.”

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

ML 06/20/1954

Little Rob

The “Blue Line” streetcar stopped I at the corner, and an anxious-looking young woman put a small boy inside.

“Now, Rob,” she said as she hurried out to the platform again, “don’t lose that note I gave you; don’t take it out of your pocket at all.”

“No, Mother,” said the little man looking wistfully after his mother. Then the door closed and the car was away.

“What’s your name, bub?” asked a mischievous-looking young man sitting beside him.

“Robert Cullens Deems,” he answered. “Where are you going?”

“To my Grandma’s.”

“Let me see that note in your pocket.”

The look of innocent surprise in the round face ought to have shamed the child’s tormentor, but he only said again, “Let me see it.”

“I can’t,” said Robert.

“Here, bub, I’ll give you this peach if you pull that note half vvay out of your pocket.”

The boy did not reply, but some of the older people looked angry.

“I say, chum, I’ll give you this whole bag of peaches if you will just show me the corner of your note,” said the tempter. The child turned away, as if he did not wish to hear any more, but the young man opened the bag and held it just where he could see and smell the luscious fruit.

A look of distress came into the sweet little face. I believe Rob was afraid to trust himself and when a man left his seat on the other side to get off the car, the little boy slid quickly down, left.the temptation behind, and climbed into the vacant place.

A pair of prettily gloved hands began almost unconsciously to clap, and then everybody clapped and applauded until it might have alarmed Rob, if a young lady sitting by him had not slipped her arm around him and said, with a sweet glow on her face: “Tell your mother that we all congratulate her upon having a little man who resisted temptation and was wise enough to run away from it.”

I doubt if that very long, hard message ever reached Rob’s mother, but no matter, the note got to his grandmother without ever coming out of his pocket.

I think I hear some of my young readers say, “Well done. Hurray for brave little Rob.” And if you thus admire his obedience, ask the Lord to help you follow his noble example. We cannot resist temptation in our own strength, but the Lord will give strength if we look to Him.

God’s precious, unchanging Word says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother.” Eph. 6:1, 2.

Dear Christian reader, may I encourage you to learn those verses and always seek to carry them out in your young life. You cannot disobey or dishonor your parents and expect the Lord’s blessing upon you.

ML 06/20/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 10:2-4

Let us consider something of the meaning of all these signs which Samuel told Saul, for just as they should have spoken to Saul, so they have needful lessons for us today. May they not pass unheeded, for if they do, it will be to our own loss, as it was to Saul’s.

Often the Lord brings some circumstance or circumstances into our lives which we should take as a voice from Him. Such things, if heeded, would turn the whole course of our lives for His glory and for our own blessing, but alas, we do not have the spiritual eyes to see it. We are too occupied with ourselves, too impatient to wait upon the Lord, and we fail to see His good hand which ever seeks the blessing of His own. Oh, how often while blaming others, we ourselves are the hindrance to our own blessing! Let us consider then, what happened to Saul here.

When Saul came to Rachel’s sepulcher two men met him, as Samuel had said, telling him that the asses he had been seeking were found, and that now his father was sorrowing for him, saying, “What shall I do for my son?” Saul was of the tribe of Benjamin, and it was at the birth of Benjamin that Rachel had died. Here was Saul by her sepulcher. She had called him Ben-oni which means “The son of my sorrow,” but his father, Jacob, had changed his name to Benjamin which means “The son of my right hand.” Faith on Jacob’s part could look beyond the sad circumstances connected with Benjamin’s birth, and see what the grace of God could and would do for him. This ought to have spoken to Saul, a Benjamite, for though his father was sorrowing for him, God was able to come in and use him for the blessing and deliverance of His people from the Philistines, if he were but willing. As we, too, look back upon what we were by nature, dead in sins, what sorrow it gives us, but how wonderful is the grace of God that has picked us up and set us among princes and made us inherit the throne of glory. (1 Sam. 2:8.) Are we living in the good of this? We were once so stubborn and rebellious, like Saul’s asses, but we have been redeemed and brought to God.

After this, at the plain of Tabor, Saul met three men going up to God to Bethel. One was carrying three kids, another three loaves of bread, and another a bottle of wine. Even though Israel were in such a bad state, there were those who sought the Lord and went up to Him. It reminds one of the sad state of things in the professing Church today, but, thank God, there are still those who seek the Lord’s face and worship in His appointed way. There may be only a few, as there were only three men here going up to God to worship, but God takes notice of it. His Word says, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20. These men saluted Saul, the one whom God had marked out as king, for faith always recognizes all that is of God, even though it may be spoiled in the hands of man. Saul could share in this blessing too, for he received bread at their hands, but as we follow his sad life we see there was no real work of God with him. He always seemed to be more occupied with his position before the people than with the Lord. Each sign given was a little more plain than the one before, but unbelief is always blind.

ML 06/20/1954

The Chick That Wouldn't Eat

The development of little chicks inside the egg shell where they grow, is very wonderful. At just the exact time appointed of God, each little chick expands, and pecks his way out of the little shell house into the big wide world outside. They look rather damp and bewildered at first, but soon they are dry and downy soft, and begin to peck around curiously. They are provided with enough remaining nourishment from the yoke of the egg, from which they are developed, to last them for a day or so while they learn to eat and drink for themselves.

They pick at the oat screenings, used to make nice dry litter underfoot, and they peck at the cardboard fence all around them. Finally they taste the chick mash provided conveniently for them. How good that is! How busy our three hundred and fifty little chicks were, discovering what was good to eat, and what was not.

I should have said three hundred and forty-nine, for Bruce discovered one the next day, that did not try to eat. It just huddled in one spot. Careful examination proved it to be a nicely developed chick, but strangely it just wouldn’t eat. Nor would it drink, even when he dipped its bill into water. Its time was running out—if it didn’t get food, it could not live. Bruce tried his best, but it grew weaker and weaker.

This one little chick finally toppled over dead, and Bruce felt rather bad, but of course there was nothing he could do about it. And it reminds me of a man who remarked on the street one day at an outdoor gospel meeting, “I just can’t swallow that,” meaning the gospel message. Of course his statement was not true; he simply would not. He would rather believe Satan’s lie, and if he continued on in unbelief, he would surely die in his sins.

Dear reader, how are you treating the gospel of God’s grace? Are you refusing it? It cost God a great deal to provide a full and free salvation for sinners, and now He offers it to you, if you will only receive it. Why delay, for you cannot be sure of another moment?

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

“O TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD: BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT TRUSTETH IN HIM.” Psalm 34:8.

ML 06/27/1954

Bought with Blood

Many years ago a young Englishman by the name of Walter Perry was traveling through the forests of Africa. He had spent some time in that wonderful land, and was returning with his treasures to his own country. With a team of oxen and a wagon, he was slowly making his way along the river bank, when he heard sounds of wild yells and of running feet.

In a few moments, a poor black slave broke through the trees from the far side of the river, and with a dive and a splash he was swimming for his life. He just climbed up the bank at the feet of Mr. Perry, when his pursuers also appeared on the other side, and three of the most powerful of them also dived in and swam across. Howling with rage, they rushed up the bank to seize the trembling slave. But the Englishman stepped in front of him and demanded to know what was wrong. The chief and his two followers knew Mr. Perry well, for he had lived some time at their village, and this is the story they told him.

The chief’s little son had just died, and he blamed this slave for having bewitched his little boy, and caused his death. Of course the poor slave was as innocent as the father himself. But the chief’s rage wascruel and he would not hear. Vainly did Mr. Perry plead for the poor slave’s life, even offering a share of his treasures in exchange for the life which was hanging in the balence. But all was refused. The chief must have blood for revenge, not money.

He turned at once to one of his men and ordered him to shoot the slave right then and there. Quickly an arrow was fixed and flew toward the heart of the poor victim. But it never reached his heart. Mr. Perry’s arm was out in a flash, and there the arrow found its mark. It pierced deeply into his arm and hung there quivering while the blood began to flow.

The chief’s rage changed to fear. It was no light thing to shed the blood of an Englishman, and he knew it. Very gladly he listened as Mr. Perry again pleaded for the life of the slave, saying, “Now you have had your revenge. You have shed blood. See it flow from my arm. Now go, and leave this man to me!”

In a moment the three men were gone, and Mr. Perry was left with the astonished slave. Quietly the wound was bound up, and then the poor overcome African knelt at his feet in tears and thanked him again and again for saving his life.

I, too, dear young reader, was once a slave. And a cruel master was mine also. But a very dear Friend shed His blood—His life blood—to save me. I was a slave to sin and to Satan, and I was doomed to die and to spend eternity in hell. But the Lord Jesus, in wondrous love, bore my sins and shed His precious blood on the cross of Calvary to rescue me. He is now risen and seated at God’s right hand in heaven. Can you say that He died to save you too?

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

ML 06/27/1954

"Charlie, Come Home"

Charlie was excited. His mother had been busy making a new pair of trousers for him, and he was so eager about it that he loved to sit and watch her work.

As he sat by her side, he held in his hand a book called “Peep of Day.” His dear mother had given him the book, and although he could not read, he loved to look at the pictures and to remember the stories that his mother had told him about Jesus and His wonderful love. There was one picture which he never tired of seeing. It was of a kind shepherd, holding in his arms a weary little lamb.

At last the new trousers were ready, and although it was time to go to bed, Charlie was so excited that he just had to put them on and look at himself in the mirror. He was so thrilled that he didn’t want to take them off again, and get to bed. Carefully he laid them out beside the bed, all ready for the morning. Then he carefully folded his old ones, and said that he wished to give them to Freddie, a school friend who was very poor.

The next morning Mother went into his room to call him.

“Mother! I’m not going to get up today.”

Surprised at his laziness she said, “But, Charlie, remember those new trousers.”

“Yes, Mother, but I won’t need them in heaven, and I’m going to heaven today. Jesus has called me and said, ‘Charlie, come home.’”

The surprised mother did not know what to do, for Charlie looked so well. But to please him she brought his breakfast up to his room and let him eat his breakfast in bed. Soon he began to doze and to talk in his sleep, asking again and again for his favorite picture. They looked in his book, but the page was gone! Very soon, Charlie’s mother saw that her little boy was going to leave her, and more and more his little wandering mind spoke of Jesus whom he was soon to see.

By three o’clock that afternoon, Charlie was with Jesus.

With many tears, those new trousers were folded and made ready to be taken, along with his old ones, to his friend Freddie. And there in the pocket of his old trousers, they found the treasured picture, carefully folded, and ready for Freddie to enjoy!

Did you ever think, as you laid out your clothes for tomorrow morning, that you might open your eyes in eternity, and not in your own little bedroom? God wants, you to be ready now, for Jesus may soon call you away, and then how wonderfully happy it all will be if you truly belong to Him. Come now, for He says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

“Tomorrow’s sun may never rise,

Upon thy long deluded sight.

This is the time, O then be wise,

Thou wouldst be saved—

Why not tonight?”

ML 06/27/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 10:5-22

The next place Saul came to was the hill of God, where was the garrison of the Philistines, and there at the city, a company of prophets met him with musical instruments. The Spirit of the Lord then came upon him and he prophesied with them. Samuel said, “And let it be, when these signs are come to thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.” To see the hill of God in the hands of the Philistines, the enemies of God’s people in the land, ought to have spoken to the heart of Saul. He was now chosen to be king over Israel to deliver God’s people from their enemies, and God was with him. Would he lay hold of this, or be carried away with the music and excitement? Alas, we find poor Saul, often victorious over other enemies, was utterly unable to overcome the Philistines. Indeed in the end he was overcome by them himself, and slain on the mountains of Gilboa. Is this not a lesson for us? We may be able to overcome enemies from without, but it requires a walk with God, self-judgment, and much patience, to overcome the enemy’s power within the assembly. These things were lacking with Saul, as we shall soon see. How often we fail in the same way; and act as natural men.

After prophesying with the others, Saul was to go to Gilgal and wait there for Samuel to come. There he was to offer sacrifices and Samuel would tell him what to do. Samuel was the link between God and the people, and in this he typifies to us the Lord, for whom we ought to wait in every circumstance. Gilgal, as we have noticed before, was the place of self-judgment, a painful work for the flesh, from which we naturally draw back. To wait there for seven days, (perfect patience, James 1:4) was too much for Saul as, alas, it often is for us, but the whole course of blessing to him depended on it. We cannot walk in communion with God apart from self-judgment.

Samuel then called all the people tether unto the Lord to Mizpeh. He reminded them of God’s faithfulness in bringing them up from the land of Egypt, and delivering them over and over again from the oppression of their enemies. He had never failed them when they had turned to Him, but now they had rejected Him and wanted a king to be like the nations about them. One fears we have often done this too. We do not like to be different for the Lord’s sake, and so we reject His Word, speaking plainly to us, to be like others about us. What a warning this ought to be to us! It is a solemn thing to notice here that when the people were stubborn and refused God’s warnings, He allowed them to have their own way. If we refuse His voice speaking to us, He may allow us to reap the fruit of our own ways and be filled with our own devices (Prov. 1:31). Many dear children of God have done this, as Israel did, and are still reaping today for their folly. Let us seek grace to always bring our wills into subjection to the Word of God. We cannot be wiser than He.

When all the tribes of Israel came to Samuel, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. Then all the families of Benjamin came, and Saul was chosen, but he had hidden himself among the stuff. He had been marked out before, but here he displayed a false humility, pretending he did not want the place of king. This sort of thing is usually seen in those who are most proud, but how empty it is before God. True humility will not make us unwilling to serve when the Lord calls.

ML 06/27/1954

The Song of Heaven

We had been spending some time together out in the Canadian prairies and, like the group of people in our picture, we were gathered together to read the Word of God and to sing His praises. It was a beautiful day and everyone seemed so happy. But it wasn’t the weather that made us happy, it was the Lord Jesus!

Many boys and girls were present at those happy meetings too, for it is boys and girls, as well as grown-up folks, that Jesus came to save. Dinner was over, and the next meeting was not to begin for another hour. A number of the children gathered in the little meeting room, and we began to sing. We sang, “Jesus bids us shine,” “What can wash away my sins?” arid many others. Presently some of the little ones sang a chorus for us in Dutch, which we all enjoyed. The dear girls were from Holland, and they could speak both Dutch and English. Next Mr. Whitaker sang for us in African; then someone started a chorus in Chinese, and then in French! And we ended by singing in German. What a good time we had, singing and listening to the songs of praise to Jesus in these six languages.

It made me think of a happy day that is coming, when every one who has been saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ will be home with Him in glory. Then we shall all sing one song, and all in the same language. I don’t know what the language will be, and it doesn’t matter, but I do know what the words will be. We shall sing,

“THOU WAST SLAIN, AND HAST REDEEMED US TO GOD BY THY BLOOD OUT OF EVERY KINDRED, AND TONGUE, AND PEOPLE, AND NATION.” Revelation 5:9.

I often wonder if all those boys and girls who sang together with us at Craven, Saskatchewan, will join with us in heaven to sing the praise of the Lord Jesus.

Around the throne of God in heaven Will many children sing;

Children whose sins are all forgiven, Will heavenly anthems bring, singing, “Glory, glory, glory be to God on high!”

ML 07/04/1954

Peter, the Dwarf

Peter was a sharp little fellow; his neck was thrust forward and his shoulders hunched, for the poor man was a dwarf. He had lived behind the old jewelry store ever since his mother died. He proved himself very useful to the owner of the store, and to Hildah, his master’s little daughter.

But somehow, during the past month, a change had come over Peter. He was as quick as ever, tidy and careful, but there were some errands that Peter would not run. There was some jewelry that Peter would not touch. There were new words repeating themselves over and over again in his mind. Peter was not the same at all.

What had happened? The queer little man had heard the gospel preached and his conscience was deeply touched. He felt himself to be guilty before God. He had often had a share in his master’s dishonest business dealings. He knew the fair pretense of worthless jewelry, but “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” Proverbs 9:10, and Peter was beginning to be wise.

Then one day the matter was settled. He looked by faith to the Lord Jesus, “who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24. Peter’s load of sins had been borne by Jesus. He believed it and the little dwarf man was free. Blessed knowledge for Peter, and for you and me too!

He told Hildah of his salvation, and urged her to attend the meetings also. The very same day his master ordered him to make a dishonest purchase. Peter, in refusing, bravely told him that he served a new Master, the Lord Jesus. The old jeweler flew into a tempest of anger.

“Let us settle our accounts,” he shouted, “for you leave here this very night!”

“It is late,” pleaded Hildah. “Let him stay this one night.”

So he stayed, and after settling his master’s account book, the dwarf went to his usual corner and was soon fast asleep.

The jeweler sat down to look over his accounts, gloating over every bit of profit, and fretting over every loss, until he came to the end where he found written across the page in clear bold handwriting the words, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

How could Peter dare write such words? The master knew that they were God’s words, and they stirred him up until—Hildah heard a heavy thump upon the floor.

“Peter,” she called in terror. They found her father fallen from his chair. Together they lifted the poor man to his bed and called the doctor. There were days of anxious watching before the poor sufferer opened his eyes, and then he fixed his gaze upon the dear face of the little dwarf.

“Peter,” he said faintly, “didn’t you go?”

The little man came closer and touched his hand.

“I saw the gulf,” murmured the sick man, “and I felt I was lost. Is there any hope for my soul?”

Peter leaned forward eagerly. “I can tell you that the Lord Jesus died to save your soul, and to give eternal gain. He paid the price of sin. Believe and accept His forgiveness and let Him cleanse your heart in His most precious blood. He isn’t willing that even you should perish and lose your own soul.” Then Peter closed his eyes.

“Go on,” said the sick man. “Why do you stop?”

“To pray for you, Master.”

“Dare I pray for myself?” asked the sick man, and he trembled like a child.

They left him alone for a little. They did not hear his prayer, but God did, just as surely as He will hear yours, if you mean what you say.

Six months passed on. It was the same little room behind the shop, but all was altered. There were many wrongs to be set right before men, since Peter and his master had settled the question of gains and losses in the presence of God. Hildah also is one with them in the joy of God’s free salvation.

It is free for you also, dear reader, but remember, you must acknowledge you are a sinner. If you say you are not a sinner, you deceive yourself. If you acknowledge you are a sinner, come then, with the dwarf, the thief, and the little girl, and accept God’s free salvation and be saved.

“The Lord is... not willing that any should perish, but that all, should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9.

ML 07/04/1954

Bible Questions for July

1. Who is head over all things to the Church?

2. Are we saved by grace and works too?

3. What does God want us to know that passeth knowledge?

4. How are we to forgive one another?

5. Is it a good thing, or a shame, to repeat the wrong things others do secretly?

6. In whose name are we to give thanks always?

7. What is the first commandment with promise?

The Young People’s Class

Enoch and Noah

1. When are we told that Enoch began to walk with God, and for how long did he do so? Genesis 5.

2. Did Enoch see death? Hebrews.

3. What testimony did Enoch have? Hebrews.

4. What was Enoch’s prophecy? Jude.

5. Was it possible for Noah to walk with God in the corrupt and evil days in which he lived? Genesis 6.

6. Did Noah build the ark as God told him? Hebrews.

7. How many people came into Noah’s ark? 1 Peter.

ML 07/04/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 10:23-11:15

Saul was a fine-looking man—head and shoulders above the rest of the people—just exactly the kind of man they would have chosen themselves for their leader. When Samuel brought him before the people as the one whom the Lord had chosen, they all shouted, “God save the king.” Then Samuel told them about the kingdom that was to be established, and he wrote it in a book which was laid up before the Lord.

A group of men whose hearts God had touched gathered around Saul when he returned to Gibeah, but some despised him and did not send him any presents. It is instructive to notice that faith always owns whatever is of God, even when failure has lowered its character. It does not show a good state of soul to set at naught those whom God is using, even though we cannot go along with all they are doing. May we profit by what we learn here of the perfect ways of God.

As far as we can learn here, Saul did not wait for Samuel, as he had been instructed, but returned to Gibeah and went about his regular occupation. Before long, the Ammonites came up and encamped against the men of Jabesh-gilead. The men of Jabesh offered to make a covenant with and serve the Ammonites, but they refused except on one condition; namely, that they would put out the right eyes of the men of Jabesh for a reproach on all Israel. The men of Jabesh asked for seven days to see if they could get help, and sent messengers to Saul and told him what had taken place. He took a yoke of oxen and hewed them in pieces, saying that the oxen of any who did not come after him and Samuel to battle, would be hewn in pieces too. The men of Israel then gathered together with one consent—over three hundred thousand of them. Saul divided them into three companies and went out against the Ammonites in the morning watch. The victory was so complete that there were not even two Ammonites left together.

Saul showed a beautiful spirit here, and would not allow those who had previously opposed his being king to be put to death; but he still did not show any concern about the Philistines who occupied the hill of God, and from whom the Lord had raised him up to deliver His people. We notice too, that he spoke of the people following himself first, then Samuel. His false humility was soon manifested, for he thought of his own honor first, and in this his first conflict, he failed to wait for the word of the Lord through Samuel.

Nevertheless God is patient, as He always is, till we definitely and finally reject His Word. Then Samuel gathered the people together to Gilgal. This ought to have spoken to Saul, since he had been told to wait there for Samuel, as we have noticed previously; but in all the rejoicing over their victory this had been forgotten. However the kingdom was renewed, for God had proved Himself faithful. Saul was still being tested, but how unable he was to enter into the thoughts of God for His people as the natural man always is.

As far as Saul’s personal life was concerned, there was much that the natural man would admire, and little he would condemn, as compared with David. Yet Saul was an unregenerate man, while David, in spite of his sad failure, was a man of faith and mightily used of God. How important it is that we measure things by God’s standards and not man’s. Man measures sin by how it affects himself; God measures it by the standard of His own glory.

ML 07/04/1954

Not Satisfied

“I have traveled from end to end of this country, seeing all that is to be seen, and still I am not satisfied,” said a young tourist as we sat together.

“I do not wonder at that,” I replied, “for that is exactly what a wealthy and wise king said three thousand years ago, after he had seen a great deal more than you or I have ever seen.”

“Is that so?” asked the young tourist quite astonished.

“Yes, here are the words of the great king Solomon: ‘All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.’ Eccl. 1:8, 14. You will never be truly satisfied,” I said, “until you ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which tath away the sin of the world!’ This is the greatest of all sights—greater than anything in this world, and all who see Him by faith, are both saved and satisfied.”

The young tourist replied as we parted, “I wish that were so with me.”

Dear reader, it can be so with you, though I cannot tell you any more about that young tourist. You do not need to go on through life with a heavy heart, burdened with the sorrows of this poor world, and above all with your many sins. It is sin that has spoiled everything in this world, but God has declared that it can never enter heaven. If you would be there, you must have your sins taken away, and there is only One who can do this.

The blessed Lord Jesus died for you, and He is able to put away every sin in His precious blood. He is able and willing to do it today.

“BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD.” John 1:29.

ML 07/11/1954

Johnny's Message

Little Dottie Mayfair who was spending the summer at her aunt’s home, came running down the broad, sunshiny walk, swinging a crimson tulip slowly to and fro in her hand. “Here’s another big, lovely day,” she said stretching her arms out to the blue sky, “and what shall I do with it?” She soon found out as we shall see if we follow her movements.

By this time she had reached the gate, and pushing it open, stood still a moment, looking up and down the road. “Nobody coming, nobody at all ‘cept just two yellow butterflies and an old fat bee. I can’t stop to play with you. I’m going for a visit to that brown house over there. Come with me, pretty butterflies.”

But the butterflies floated off in another direction, so Dottie had to go alone. Everything was very quiet about the brown house, and when she knocd at the half-open door there was no answer.

“They couldn’t be so lazy as to be asleep now, when everything else is so much awake everywhere. I guess I’ll peep in.”

At first she thought the darkened room was empty, but presently she saw a man sitting by the bed with his face in his hands. She coughed a little, but he did not stir.

“I wonder if he could be a preacher making up his sermon?” said she to herself. “Then I wouldn’t like to disturb him, but it was Sunday yesterday, and he wouldn’t be beginning so soon again. I’ll just ask him where Johnny is, and then run away.”

She opened the door wider and let in a broad band of sunlight which streaked across the face of a little dimpled baby lying on the bed. The man lifted his heavy head, and said roughly, though in a whisper, “Keep away, will you? There ain’t nothin’ you can say as’ll do any good.” Then when he saw who the visitor was, “Oh, is it you? This ain’t no place for the likes o’you, Miss.”

“What is it?” asked Dottie in an awed voice, touching the little face on the pillow, so familiar and yet so strange. “Is he—asleep?”

“He’s dead,” said the man dropping his head back in its old place.

Dottie was silent for a while, and then said softly, “I was bringing him this beautiful red flower, ‘cause he was in such admiration for them the other day. May I give it to him now?”

The man watched her put it in the chubby hands, and then bend over and kiss him, while her tears fell fast on his white shirt—much whiter than it had often been in his lifetime, dear little fellow.

“He got through giving his message soon, didn’t he?” she said.

“What?”

“Why, you know, the preacher said yesterday that God had a message for everybody to give. Big men like you, and children like me, and even tiny ones like Johnny. Every day when we’re alive He ‘spects us to be giving His message, and by-and-by He’ll send for us when He’s ready for us to stop.”

“I tell you, I don’t believe none o’ that. There ain’t no God—leastways, if there is, He don’t care nuthin’ for folks like me.”

“Oh, He does. He loves you dearly.”

“Then why did He take away all I had? The Lord knows I’m wild and wicked enough, and the only thing as kept me straight a bit was thinkin’ as the little lad mustn’t be ashamed of his father. Now I don’t care what happens.”

“I can’t explain it very well,” said Dottie with a sigh. “But wouldn’t you rather God would lend him to you for a little while than never at all?”

He hesitated. “I guess so.”

“‘Specially when you can be with him forever an’ ever by-and-by. I think it will be nice to have friends in heaven, don’t you?”

“There’ll be two of them there then, ‘cause she was always a-talkin’ that sort, and livin’ it too, for the matter o’ that. ‘Twarn’t no sham business with her. If there is such a place, she’ll be there, and so’ll the boy; but where’ll I be?”

“You must get ready to go too,” said Dottie earnestly. “Maybe our Father saw you weren’t ready, and so He sent Johnny to remind you. I guess that was all the message Johnny had. And you will listen to it, won’t you, ‘cause Jesus’ll be very, very disappointed if you don’t ‘cept His invitation?”

There was a long silence in the room after that. Then the man rose to his feet, and laying his big brown hand on the baby’s head, said slowly, “I will, I promise ye.”

With his head bowed and with many sobs, he owned his stubborn sinfulness before God, and thanked Him for sending the Lord Jesus to save him.

Reader, are you ready?

“Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace.” Job 22:21.

“At the heart’s door, the Saviour’s knocking,

At the heart’s door, locked in sin;

Can’t you hear Him, gently knocking?

Open the door, and let Him in.”

ML 07/11/1954

London Bridge

There are many stories about London Bridge; I suppose because it is so crowded with human life. On the day of which I wish to tell you, one poor woman was wearily coming home from her day’s work. She was very poor and wretched, and as her footsteps dragged along over the bridge, she thought of her future of toil and suffering, and the awful darkness of eternity.

Coming toward her, in the opposite direction, were two Christian women who spoke earnestly of the Lord Jesus as they walked along. Just as they passed the poor woman, one of them quoted some precious words from the Holy Scriptures to her friend.

Surely it was God, by His Spirit, who directed those words just then. I do not know what they were, but we will know in heaven, for those three women will be there. The poor woman heard those words as from the Lord Jesus Himself, and her burden was gone. The entrance of God’s Word had given light indeed. Her fears had fled. She had now peace in her soul about the question of her sins, with Someone to live for—the Lord Jesus—and Someone to go to when she left this world—the Lord Jesus! She went on her way rejoicing.

You have heard God’s Word. Have you received it as from God Himself? You will never be saved until you do. God’s Word is forever settled in heaven, and the awful memory of it will be in hell. Has God’s Word brought to you the knowledge of your guilt, and of the blood of Christ that cleanses from all sin?

“The entrance of Thy words giveth light.” Psalm 119:130.

ML 07/11/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 12:1-13:3

Samuel, who was by this time an old man, called the people to witness the fact that he had always sought their good and had not taken anything from them, yet they had rejected him. He shows how God had always been faithful, and in their time of need had never failed to raise up a deliverer when they turned to Him. Even now, though they had sinned in asking a king, yet the Lord would not forsake them. He would bless both them and their king, if they would follow Him. He said that if they would walk in His ways, He would use their king to deliver them, even though they had wilfully chosen him. If not, His hand would be against both them and their king.

In order to show that it was really a sin before the Lord that they had asked for a king, Samuel prayed that the Lord would send thunder and rain upon them. When the Lord sent it the people feared and owned their sin. We believe, however, that their confession was only because of the thunder and rain and not because they felt their sin before the Lord. Sometimes we are stirred up when trouble comes, but soon forget our sins when the trouble has passed.

In spite of all this, it is beautiful to see Samuel’s love for the people of God. We can never serve them according to the heart of God unless we love them with a love that is not altered by their failure. Paul could say that he loved the Corinthians, though the more abundantly he loved them, the less he was loved (2 Cor. 12:15). Samuel said it would be a sin against God if he ceased to pray for the people. He said he would also continue to teach them the good and the right way. This is surely a message for every servant of the Lord, and undoubtedly for us as parents too. Let us not weary of praying for our children, even in moments of disappointment when they have failed grievously. Let us never weary of pleading with them, and of teaching them the good and right way. How much we need this in a day when the Church has failed even more sadly than Israel. We need those who will go on faithfully serving and teaching the people of God according to His mind—parents in Christian homes, as well as pastors and teachers in the assembly.

Saul reigned for two years, but in all this time he failed to go out and fight against the Philistines. He had gathered together a great army against the Ammonites, and the Lord had given him a great victory over them; but here we find him with a feeble company of two thousand men at Michmash, and Jonathan his son with a thousand. Saul then sent all the rest of the people home.

It is both interesting and instructive to see that when Saul failed here to act in his place of responsibility because he lacked faith, the Lord used someone else. Jonathan had faith and the courage which faith always gives, because his faith was in God. He had a smaller company of men with him than Saul, but this did not hinder him. He went forward and smote the garrison of the Philistines in the hill. This stirred up the Philistines against Israel, and so Saul blew a trumpet saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.” Now the name of “Hebrews” speaks of what the people were by nature, but God had changed the name of Jacob to “Israel” which means a “Prince.” It speaks of the place of favor which was theirs before God. But Saul was a natural man and he spoke of them only as “Hebrews.”

ML 07/11/1954

The Children's Treat

The boys and birls who came to Sunday school, like those in our picture, were having their annual treat. About two hundred bright, merry looking children, all dressed in their best, had gathered together. After some hymn singing and prayer, one of the teachers spoke as follows:

“Now, I am going to ask two questions to begin with, and I’ll expect both to be answered. The first one is for the boys, and the second for the girls. Now, boys, will any of you tell me whether it is bad boys or good boys that God loves?”

As soon as he had asked the question, fifty hands were up and as many voices shouted out, “Good, good, good.”

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

The girls looked over to where the boys were sitting, and then dropped their heads. No one spoke. The boys seemed impatient to hear the answer. Still no one answered a word. At last a little girl said, “None.” Some of the boys stood on their feet to see who the speaker was.

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

“Because it says in the New Testent, ‘There is none that doeth good, no, not one.’”

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

“Pray,” cried one little fellow. “Well, my dear boy, what will you pray for?”

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

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

“Can any girl tell me whom God loves?”

“Sinners,” answered a voice at the back.

“And who are sinners?” “All of us.”

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

“Was it for good or bad children that Christ died?”

“Sinners,” was the answer.

“Ah, yes! you are getting to understand it now. And who is it that Jesus saves?”

“Sinners that believe on Him.”

“Are there any here that believe on Him?”

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

“And are you saved?” “Yes.”

“How do you know that?”

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

The meeting came to a close. The teacher waited behind to have a talk with the little girl who said she was saved, and found she had trusted Jesus a few Sundays before while in the school, and she was quite happy.

Dear young reader, God loves you; Jesus died on the cross to save sinful boys and girls and men and women. Will you, like this little girl, trust Him? Then you will be saved and happy too. The Lord Jesus said: “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.

“THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS.” — 1 Timothy 1:15.

ML 07/18/1954

Willie's Faith

Upon the river Mersey

The wind was blowing strong,

And big waves tossed the steamer

As she made her way along.

A little girl was sitting

Close to her mother’s side,

Who never had been tossed before

Upon so rough a tide.

“Oh, Mother, I am so afraid

When the boat goes up and down;

I hope she will not sink, Mother,

I should not like to drown.”

“Fear not, my little darling,”

The mother’s voice replied;

“The boat is strongly built, dear,

She will reach the other side.”

That afternoon to Willie,

Her brother five years old,

When sitting by the fireside,

She all her story told.

And this is what the brave boy said,

When she spoke of her fear,

“‘Twas very wrong to trouble so,

For God is always near.

“He made the men who made the ship,

He made the water too;

And though the waves were very rough,

He’d strength to bring them through.

“And this is what you should have said,—

‘Please, God, if ‘tis Thy will,

Make the rough waves be quiet,

And the noisy wind be still.’

“And He could then have done it, Sis,

As He did it once before;

For His disciples tossed about

A long way from the shore.”

It pleased me very much to hear

My little boy speak so;

I pray that his firm faith in God

Through life may with him go.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psalm 56:3.

ML 07/18/1954

A Choice to Make

I well remember the day when I was a little girl, I had a ride to school on the bar of my brother’s bicycle. It was hard work for him to pedal up the hill, but he did not let me off till we reached the top, where was the school corner. Here he let me jump off, and gave me a penny for my very own.

I went into Jerry’s candy store, and what a line-up of one cent candy I had to choose from! I can see them yet—black licorice sticks, white peppermints, jelly beans and gum drops. It was an important choice for a little girl, but I did not have much money and Mr. Jerry was not very patient with me.

“Here,” he said taking my penny and tossing me a package of peppermints which I had not chosen. I parted with my only penny for a big disappointment.

It seems to me, when I think of that day and the long glass case full of candy, that God sets before us only two choices—grace or judgment.

I came to that store with just one penny. In the same way I came before God with just my sins—my many, many sins. He offered me two choices —grace, free grace to pardon all my sins through the blood of Christ; or judgment, eternal punishment under the wrath of God if I refused His grace.

What has been your choice, dear reader? It does not seem like a difficult choice to make, does it? If I had to choose between candy or a spanking, it would not be hard at all. But when it is a question of your soul’s need, all the skill of Satan is at work to hide the truth and dress up the falsehood. He will tell you there are many pleasures in sin, many roads to heaven, many years to make the choice. But when your last opportunity for choosing is past, he will leave you to your doom.

Yes, dear reader, there are only two choices—grace or judgment—and the time to choose is right now. Will you not come with just your sins and receive, through the free grace of God, the pardon He offers to you? The Lord Jesus went to the cross to bear the righteous judgment which our sins deserved. He said, “It is finished” and now, as a risen and glorified Saviour at God’s right hand in heaven, He offers a full and free salvation to all who will receive it. If you refuse His grace, then you must meet His judgment.

“How long halt ye between two opinions?” 1 Kings 18:21.

“Jesus for your choice is waiting,

Tarry not, at once decide;

While the Spirit now is striving,

Yield, and seek the Saviour’s side.”

ML 07/18/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 13:4-23

When the people heard that the garrisons of the Philistines had been smitten, and that the Philistines were stirred up against them, they came together to Saul at Gilgal. In the meantime the Philistines gathered together a great army of thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand of the sea, and came up against Israel to attack them. When the men of Israel saw this great army, many of them hid in caves, and any other hiding place they could find; others went over Jordan to escape, while some remained with Saul at Gilgal, trembling.

Saul waited at Gilgal seven days, as Samuel had told him previously, but when Samuel did not come on the seventh day, and the people began to be scattered from him, he called for a burnt offering and peace offerings. Samuel had told him that he himself would offer these sacrifices; for, as we have remarked before, he was the link between God and the people, but Saul became impatient and forced himself and offered the sacrifices himself. As soon as he had finished offering them, Samuel appeared, and Saul went out to meet him. Samuel asked him, “What hast thou done?”

Saul began to explain how he had waited, but when he saw that the people were being scattered, and that the Philistines gathered at Michmash, he felt he could not wait any longer, so he had offered the sacrifice himself. Unbelief is always impatient, and always has many excuses to offer. It can never wait God’s time, and knows nothing of simple, unquestioning obedience to Him. It only seeks the Lord in trouble, and then is always impatient to receive immediate deliverance. How definitely this was seen in Saul, the natural man.

Samuel told Saul he had done foolishly, and that now his kingdom would not continue, but the Lord would give it to a man after His own heart. Saul’s fine appearance and great stature were a poor substitute for the faith in God which alone could enable him to lead the people in time of difficulty. The flesh always breaks down when tested. Samuel then left Gilgal, for the place meant little or nothing if there was no self-judgment there. Places and ceremonies are empty indeed when God and His Word are forgotten or set aside. May we never forget this!

The Philistines then began to send out their spoilers into the land of Israel. The poor Israelites were in a sad plight at this time, for there was not a smith throughout the whole land, and as a result no one had a sword or a spear among the people except Saul and Jonathan. They had taken the easy course and had gone down to the Philistines to have their instruments sharpened, forgetting entirely the need of armor. What a picture this is of the assembly today—too often content to compromise the truth rather than do anything that excites reproach or persecution from those around. Just as this course left Israel without any armor in their time of need, and utterly unable to defend the land the Lord had given them, so when we choose the easy path, rather than obedience, we soon find ourselves unable to take a stand for the truth, even when we would like to do so. How much we see of this today. We feel there is a solemn warning here to us all. Let us all, young and old, value the truth of God and NEVER compromise it.

ML 07/18/1954

Peter the Sailor

Peter was an old sailor. For many years he had sailed the oceans, but he was a hardhearted sinner and tried to drown out all thought of eternity. But God loved Peter, and God loves you too. You may be too young to be a sailor but you are not too young to die, and I want you to read this story as though you yourself were Peter the sailor.

Many a storm had been faced by Peter, but he was sure of his own strength and skill to come through. But one day he and a shipmate were working together when there was a flash of lightning, a crash, and both of them were knocked flat. Peter lay stunned a moment, and then staggering to his feet he stepped over to help his friend. He was dead!

Peter stood silent and solemn. His shipmate was in eternity—where? Well enough Peter knew where it would mean if he were gone, and his friend were spared.

The cold and stubborn heart of the fearless sailor was broken before God, and he trembled from head to foot. With bowed head, he sought out a man whom he knew to be a Christian and begged him to show him the way of salvation.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” was the ready reply, and the Bible was promptly opened to 1 Timothy 1:15.

“I’m one of them,” said Peter, with tears. “I am drifting on to hell, and I want to be sure of the Pilot that can take me to heaven.”

Together they knelt down, and with a broken voice Peter owned his guilt and sin before God; he gladly accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour.

Your voyage will be over some day, and it will end either in heaven with Jesus, or in hell without Him.

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

ML 07/25/1954

A Clock Story

Our clock just wouldn’t tick. A clock that won’t tick is not much good, so away I went to take it to Mr. Sproule the watchmaker. He put a strange glass over one eye and peered inside.

“I can fix it. Come back in one week.”

But all clocks are not so easily fixed. Let me tell you a strange story of a watchmaker. He went from home to home with his tools, and as he worked he would sing and talk to any who would listen to the wonderful love of Jesus.

“Good morning, madam. Have you any clocks here that need repairs?”

“Yes, sir. We have a beautiful clock that just won’t tick. But I know you can’t fix it, as it has never worked since it came from France, and ever so many have tried to make it go. I wish it would, for they tell me it used to chime at the quarter and half hours, and that every hour it played a beautiful melody on the bells in this little tower on the top. But I have never once heard it.”

“May I be allowed to try my hand at it?” he asked. “I think I can put it in order.”

“If you do succeed,” she replied, “we shall call it a miracle; although,” she added in an undertone, “none of us believe in miracles, or in God.”

“I am so sorry to hear that, dear lady,” was the grave reply.

Soon the watchmaker began to take the clock to pieces. The lady remarked that she had so often seen the pieces that she thought she could put it tether herself. While the work proceeded, he told her what God had done for him. In his early years he had lived without God. When he had been brought to know the Lord Jesus as his Saviour, he had been blessed and cared for in all things to the present moment.

When each bit of the works had been examined and cleaned and oiled, he prepared to put all in place, and asked if he might be allowed to follow his usual habit and sing a hymn while doing so. The lady pleasantly said she would like to hear him sing, and a song of faith and thanksgiving arose to the Lord in that godless dwelling.

When all was finished, he ceased singing, and said, “Now you shall hear chimes and carillon. This clock is a wonderwork of art.”

“Ah,” she replied, “others have said so, but no one has yet been able to prove it.”

He touched the pendulum, but the movement stopped when his hand was withdrawn. The lady asked if some part of the works was perhaps missing.

“No,” he said, “all is in perfect order; but I will pray to my God and Saviour to show me where the fault is, and how to remedy it. He will hear me.”

“Do not give yourself so much trouble,” she said. But without waiting for permission, the man of faith knelt and laid the matter simply before Him to whom all power belongs. He asked that, for the glory of His own name, and the sake of His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the request for wisdom and skill might be granted.

He rose from his knees. She asked him how he could think that a God whom he believed to be the Maker of the universe could occupy Himself with such trifles.

“Madam,” he replied with warmth, “we read in the Bible, the words of Jesus Himself, that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His will, and the very hairs of our heads are all numbered.”

He then took his leave asking to be allowed to return early the following morning to make a further attempt.

The rest may be told in his own words: “Twilight was coming on as I took my lonesome way across the fields which led to my temporary home. My heart was filled with thanksgiving to the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth, my Saviour and Redeemer.

“Suddenly my thoughts turned to that clock. I thought of each piece I had handled, and then suddenly rembered one little part which had probably never been touched by any of those who had tried to make the clock run. I praised God for reminding me of this.

“The next morning early I returned to the house. The lady was waiting on the veranda. She greeted me and led the way to the clock. The extra works were soon taken out, cleaned, and replaced. I touched the pendulum, and with a measured ‘tick-tock’ the clock went on, as though it had never stood still. We sat awhile in silence. The third quarter chimed; when the hour ended, the bells in the tower rang out a merry carillon. At length the lady spoke: ‘I can hardly believe my eyes and ears; but if your God has heard your prayer and helped you do this, I too will believe in Him, and bow before Him.’

“And this through His grace she has done. And her whole household, one after another, has been brought to know the Saviour, and to live to serve Him.

“I have visited the family for many years in my journeys to and fro. Together we have praised Him who came to seek and to save the lost, and then have gone on our several ways rejoicing in His love.”

Yes, young reader, God watches the sparrows; He knows the hairs of your head, and He loves you. He wants you now to bow and own before Him that you are a sinner, and He wants you to accept His dear Son, the Lord Jesus, as your Saviour.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6, 7.

ML 07/25/1954

Two Good Answers

“What is faith?” The Sunday school boys and girls thought silently and long, for it is a hard question. But they had been coming to Sunday school for many months, and I hoped they would have a good answer.

At last Jimmy’s hand went up.

“It is believing what God says.” Jimmy was quite right, but still I waited hoping for a better answer. Soon Carol’s hand was raised.

“It is believing what God says because God says it.”

That sounded better. Not only believing God’s word, but believing God Himself. For we read that Abraham believed God, and not simply God’s promise.

Then Alice’s hand went timidly up. “Faith is believing God and asking no questions.”

Do you, dear boys and girls, believe God? Listen to what He says.

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

“The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.

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

ML 07/25/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 14:1-10

How refreshing it is, at this time when Israel was in such a weak state, and when there were only two swords in all the land of Israel, to notice how the Lord worked for the deliverance of His people. The Philistines’ army was large and well-equipped, and the spoilers had already gone out to spoil the land. Saul was afraid, too, and his followers were unarmed, but God was able, as He always is.

Jonathan was the only man in the whole land, apart from Saul, who had a sword, and Jonathan was a man of faith. He did not look at the sad state of Israel or muse over their weakness. Nor did he think of how impossible it all seemed, or blame his father for the state of things. His father might call them “Hebrews,” but to him they were “Israel,” the people of God, and he had the thoughts of God toward them. He did not go to his father for advice, for he knew he had no faith for such an “impossible situation,” but in the strength which the Lord gives to those who look to Him, he said to his armor-bearer, “Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison.” How touching this is, and full of deep meaning for us in a day when we are inclined to look at people and things, instead of looking to the Lord, and seeing His people so dear to Him—the objects of His care no matter how they have failed. This alone gives true courage and purpose of heart in a day of ruin.

While Jonathan with one truehearted helper was preparing for action, poor Saul and his six hundred men were in the uttermost part of Gibeah. Saul was under a pomegranate tree, while Jonhan was faced with two high and sharp rocks between him and the emy. Saul had the priest too, wearing the ephod (the form was there), but Jonathan had the Lord, and this is what made all the difference. Nevertheless there was no boasting or self-confidence with Jonathan, but a quiet spirit of humility, and a beautiful realization of what the Lord was able to do. He said to his armor-bearer therefore, “It may be that the Lord will work for us: for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.”

Jonathan’s armor-bearer was, as we have remarked, a true helper. He was not a hindrance in the work of the Lord, as so many are when dangers arise. One such helper is better than a crowd who are unwilling to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 2:3). Dear young reader, what kind of friends do you have? Far better to have only one or two who really want to follow the Lord, instead of many who would rather sit under “a pomegranate tree” than go forward and meet the difficulties of the path of faith. The armor-bearer’s reply to Jonathan was so encouraging, for he said, “Do all that is in thy heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.” The two of them then set forward at once, ready for whatever took place. It were better to die in conflict, than to bow to the enemies of the Lord and obtain a path of ease. Nevertheless they would not make difficulties for themselves—that would be the spirit of bravado, which is not of God. They would wait upon the Lord to open the way, if it were His will, for they knew He was able. And the Lord did open the way, for the enemy called them up, scorning their feeble attempt to overcome them. Soon the high and mighty rocks were left behind and victory was ahead.

ML 07/25/1954

Best of All

Most boys and girls find waiting rather difficult and uninteresting, but I am going to tell you what happened to me the other day when I had to wait in a parlor nearly two hours, and did not find it at all dull.

The lady of the house was busy, so could not come and speak to me, but sent her little girl Lucy. We began talking, and after a little while she showed me one of her great treasures, a tiny little china doll. To show you how small it was, I will tell you that a thimble would have been large enough for its cradle. Next she showed me a large beautiful doll dressed in white, and another one made of India rubber; besides these three, she told me she had four more upstairs. What a number of dolls happy little Lucy had. Presently I said,

“Lucy, what do you like best of all?”

Lucy stopped playing, and coming up to my side said with such a bright smile,

“Oh! I love Jesus best of everything, of course!”

Ah! this is what made Lucy so happy and joyful. She loved Jesus above everything. This little girl had all that a kind father and mother could give her: she was full of life, and so merry, yet there was something better than all this that she cared for. She loved Jesus best, “of course.”

Can you say you love Jesus best of all? I suppose you know about Him—how that He came to die for sinners. You know about His wonderful love, and that He, the only begotten Son of God, the Father’s well-beloved, was put upon the cross. Do you in your heart believe it was for your own sins He suffered and died there? The Lord Jesus looks at our hearts. He wants our first love to be given to Himself.

“WE LOVE HIM, BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US.” —1 John 4:19.

ML 08/01/1954

Power Failure

The fluorescent light in the kitchen flickered and went out. The fan on the oil stove stopped. Mother looked at the clock—the second hand had ceased to move. What had happened? Power failure! The electricity supply had been shut off for some unown reason. The refrigerator was dark inside and silent. The water pump couldn’t pump water. How many things suddenly ceased to go!

And then the thought—poor little chicks out in the brooder house, with no infrared lamp to keep them warm, and snow on the ground outside! Baby chicks must be kept warm, you know, or very soon they chill and die. What must be done?

“Boxes! Get lots of boxes! Catch the little mites and bring them into the house by the heater.” Already they had huddled down, but even so they tried to escape the hands that would rescue them. “Soft little bits of fluff that chirp, and have that precious spark of life—let’s try to save them all.”

Many things fail us in this life—money, friends, plans, machines, medicines—and just when most needed, too.

But there is a power that upholds the universe, and the One to whom that power belongs is God. To His own, He has said: “Be strong and of a good courage... for the LORD thy God, He it is that cloth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deut. 31:6.

Would you not like to have Him for your Friend? You can, for He says, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. He is just the Friend you need. He, and He alone, can wash away your many sins in His precious blood, and shelter you from the judgment to come. He came from heaven to save you, and if you put your trust in Him as your Saviour, He will be your Friend too. You can then call upon Him in distress or trouble, for He neither slumbers nor sleeps.

The little chicks were soon transferred to the warm kitchen, but not a bit too soon. We had got them just in time or they would have died. After awhile the electricity came on again, and the chicks could be put back into their own little house.

Dear reader, how is it with you when trouble comes? Are you trusting the Lord Jesus who always watches over and cares for His own? His love will never fail, for the Bible tells us that. “Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.” John 13:1.

The Lord Jesus has already proved His great love by dying on the cross and bearing the punishment of sin.

How sad to think that each sin of those whom He came to save caused Him such agony in those hours of darkness on Calvary. Let us confess our sinfulness, and thank Him for what He has done for us in opening the way to heaven at so great a cost.

“The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19: 10.

ML 08/01/1954

His Last Message

Boys and girls usually like to read Of stories about young folks, but perhaps we can find space for this short message about an old man—a very old man. This dear man had come to the Lord Jesus when he was just a lad in Sunday school, and now he was dying in a little cottage in England.

Raising himself up on the bed in the little cottage room where he had spent so many years, he said to his neighbor and to the doctor who were standing by him,

“Bless the Lord. He’s taken care of me for nearly ninety years, and now He’s going to take care of me forever and ever. ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.’” (Psalm 103:2.)

I don’t know what my last words may be, for I don’t know when I may be called away. But I am thankful to be able to say like that dear old man, the Lord is going to take care of me forever and ever. He died on the cross for me, and He is my own precious Saviour. Is He your Saviour too?

ML 08/01/1954

Bible Questions for August

1. Did Paul think it better to depart and be with Christ, or remain in this life?

2. Who will have to bow the knee to Jesus?

3. Was Paul able to do all things in his own strength?

4. Unto what are we strengthened with all miaht?

5. What does God say of man’s philosophy and vain deceit?

6. What are children told to do that is well-pleasing to the Lord?

7. How did Epaphras labor fervently?

The Young People’s Class

Noah

1. What was the first thing Noah did when he came out of the ark? Genesis 8.

2. What happened to Canaan for looking on his father’s nakedness? Genesis 9.

3. Did Noah become an heir of righteousness by works or by faith? Hebrews.

4. Is there a similarity between the days of Noah (Noe) and the condition of things when the Lord comes? Matthew.

5. Where ARE the spirits of those who rejected the preaching of Noah? 1 Peter 3.

6. What did those whose “foundation was overflown with a flood” say to God? Job 22.

7. Should the judgment of the flood have a voice to men today, of a more severe judgment that is coming? 2 Peter.

ML 08/01/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 14:11-24

The Philistines might call the pe ple of God “Hebrews” as Saul had done, but Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me: for the Lord hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.” To him they were “Israel,” the name grace had given to them. Indeed Jonathan did not say, The Lord hath delivered them into our hands, but he counts himself and his helper as but instruments in the Lord’s hand on behalf of His people. When we think of the sad condition of the people of God at this time, we can surely say that this was the language of faith.

The first encounter was not an easy one, for after climbing up the rocks on their hands and feet they met about twenty men—ten against one—but the Lord was with them, and pressing forward they slew the whole twenty. When we undertake to do something for the Lord, He often allows us to feel the difficulties before He comes in. Do not be discouraged by this, dear young Christian, for the Lord wants us to be cast upon Him, lest we should boast of what we have done. He must have all the glory, and surely He is worthy.

After this first encounter, fear fell upon the whole host of the Philistines, as well as upon all the people and even the spoilers who had gone out to spoil the land of Israel. The very earth trembled, and the Philistines began to beat one another down. The Lord had given the victory by the hands of two men having only one sword of their own. Truly “Salvation is of the Lord.” Jonah 2: 9.

When the watchmen of Saul saw the multitude of their enemies melting away, they came to Saul under the pomegranate tree and told him. Saul did not know who had gone out against them, so he numbered the people and found that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were missing. Even then he did not act in the energy of faith and go out at once to the battle, but delayed to find out who had gone out first. We ought not to be concerned about whom the Lord is using, but rather be content that He is working. How easily we, like Saul here, become occupied with the instrument instead of with the Lord, who alone can bless. Then Saul called for the ark of God, pretending to want the Lord’s mind about what he should do. In the previous chapter he had acted without waiting, but here he waited when he ought to have acted. That the Lord was working there could be no doubt, for the evidence of it was before his eyes. It was now a time to go foard, but poor Saul did not have faith, and the flesh never knows what to do or when to act in the things of God. As the noise of the battle increased, Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw thine hand.” He then went out with all the rest of the people, while those who had previously been hiding also came out to the battle, pressing hard after the Philistines, and the Lord saved His people that day.

But again we see the foolishness of unbelief and how it only spoils a work of God whenever it mixes itself up with it. Saul had been afraid of the Philistines when he should have been acting, and then he had caused a delay when the Lord was using Jonathan against them. He had pretended to be seeking the Lord’s mind when Jonathan knew it and was acting accordingly; now he puts a curse upon all those whc eat any food that day until he is enged of his enemies. How foolish is the “prudence” and religiousness of unbelief!

ML 08/01/1954

Saved by a Telegram

Have you ever listened to the busy “tick-tick” of telegraph messages coming and going at a busy railway station? I have often seen curious boys standing and watching with interest as the little machines “rat-tat-tat,” and a clever man sits at the desk “tap-tapping” the answers. What a strange way to send a message, but what important news sometimes comes ticking its way along the wires. Many offices now have teletype machines, but I would like to tell you the story of how God spoke to Fred Thorne and saved his soul by means of a telegraph message.

Fred was in misery. He wasn’t sick —in fact his health was excellent. He wasn’t poor, for he had a steady job in a telegraph office. But Fred was a lost sinner and he was miserable. Oh, yes, he had been a lost sinner for a long time, but he had just been awakened to the fact.

He had often been to Sunday school, yet he had paid little attention to what was said. When at last he got a job he felt he was too old for Sunday school. But last night, a friend had brought him out to hear the gospel, and today he was miserable. He had found out just last night that he was a lost sinner in the sight of God! What a discovery! It is true of you too, unsaved reader, and I hope the discovery of it may burden your heart till you find the Saviour that Fred found.

Fred sat at his desk and lifted up his heart to God that he might find peace instead of misery. At that moment he heard the peculiar “tick-tick” that let him know his station was being called. He quickly picked up his pencil and wrote the name of the sender and reiver of the wire. Then came the message: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7.

What a strange and yet what a glorious message to come through a telraph office! As soon as Fred was through work, he rushed home to his mother and told her, “That message went right down into my heart.”

Dear reader, young or old, are your sins forgiven? Have you redemption through the blood of Jesus?

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

ML 08/08/1954

"Jesus Loves Me, He Died for Me"

A little girl was sitting one Lord’s day evening on her father’s knee talking about Jesus. Somow they began at last to speak of death. To die and go to heaven is not the proper hope of the believer, but rather the coming of the Lord. It is the coming of the Lord that the believer in Christ is to look for, and it is that which is called “the blessed hope.” Although death is not what the Christian is to expect, it so happened that this little child and her father got to talking about it, and at last the father asked, “Would you like to die, and go to be where Jesus is?”

“Yes, I should,” replied the child. “What! and leave your father and mother here?”

“I should like you all to go with me.” “But suppose you had to go first and leave us behind?”

“I should like to be with Jesus, bause Jesus loves me.”

“But don’t we love you?”

“Yes, I know you love me,” replied the little girl.

“Well, then, why would you not rather stay with us?”

“Jesus loves me too,” said the child, hardly able yet to express her thought, but it came out presently.

“Don’t we do all we can to show that we love you?” asked her father.

“Yes,” replied the little girl looking very thoughtful. “You love me, but Jesus DIED for me.”

This settled the question to her mind and her father’s too, you may be sure.

Much as the little one loved her parents, and much as they loved her, they both felt that there is One whose claims are far beyond all others; One who has proved His love in a way no other could.

Think, dear young reader, what it must have been for that holy One to be “made sin for us... that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

What must it have been for Jesus to bear the wrath of God? He loved God His Father as none on earth ever loved Him, yet He bore God’s wrath against sin because in His love for us poor lost sinners He took our place and “bare our sins in His own body on the tree.” 1 Peter 2:24. He took all the punisent, all the sorrow, that we who believe in Him, as this little girl did, might never have to bear it.

ML 08/08/1954

"Play with Me"

Patsy put away her picture book I and stood looking out the window. There was not much to see, for it was dark and raining. Slowly she turned around and watched her older sister Irene, who was busily reading a big book. Patsy was too little to read, and it was awfully quiet with nobody to play with.

“Irene, will you play house with me, please?”

No answer. Another page of the book was turned, and Irene’s face was filled with the interest of the story.

“Irene, let’s play house, please!” “I’m busy.”

Patsy turned away and watched the rain splash against the window for a few minutes, although it seemed like a few hours.

“Irene, have you finished? I wish you would play with me.”

Instead of an answer, Irene’s fingers covered her ears and she went on reading. But there was a voice which came from within which could not be silenced by those naughty fingers. Irene’s conscience was saying, “Close your book and play with your sister.” All at once she remembered the words of a text which was hanging over her bed. She could almost see the words, “Even Christ pleased not Himself.” Irene was a true Christian and she knew it would be wrong to be selfish, so she closed her interesting book, ran across the room and said,

“All right, Patsy. Let’s play house.” Patsy’s lonesome little face was filled with smiles at once, and deep inside Irene was happy that the Lord Jesus had given her a victory over selfishness.

Dear young Christian reader, let this little story awaken you and me to follow the path of our Saviour in all things, and to see before us that verse, “Even Christ pleased not Himself.” Romans 15:3.

ML 08/08/1954

A Glorious Prospect

A Christian man was one day visiting among the poor. He was just leaving a cottage when he noticed a tottering old man nearly eighty years of age.

He offered him a tract and addressed him thus: “You do not look far from eternity. Where will you spend it?”

The aged man answered, “With Jesus, I hope.”

“Where are all your sins?”

“All gone, long ago.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” The old man directly replied, “I am waiting for Jesus to come and take me.”

What a glorious prospect this pilgrim had. He was waiting for Jesus to take him.

When the old man replied, “I hope,” the visitor said to him, “Would you like a child of yours to say he hoped you were his father?”

“No, sir, indeed I should not.”

“Then neither does God like you to say that you hope He is your Father, and hope that Jesus is your Saviour.”

“Well, sir,” said the old man, “to be sure not. I never thought of that bore.”

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” 1 John 5:13.

“We know that... we have a builng of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Corinthians 5:1.

ML 08/08/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 14:25-37

While pursuing the Philistines, the Israelites became faint and hungry through not having eaten any food as Saul had charged them. Entering the woods they found honey on the ground, but all were afraid to eat any through fear of Saul. However, Jonathan had not been with Saul, so had not heard the faithless king’s command. He put his rod into the honey and began to eat. Thus strengthened he was able to press forward into the battle, while the rest of the people were too faint to go on. When Jonathan was told what his father had commanded, he spoke to the people saying: “My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey. How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?”

When the battle was over, the people took sheep, oxen and calves, and ate them with the blood, for they were so hungry.

All this, we believe, is very instructive for us. Jonathan, the man of faith, sought the liberation of the people of God from their enemies, and though his heart was not set on honey, he had a happy liberty in his soul which could eat of it when it came before him in the path of the Lord’s service. He was not under bondage, but could enjoy what the Lord provided, and pass on. In this way the Christian also is not under bondage. There is, of course, no liberty to disobey the Word of God, but there is liberty to enjoy the things God has given us in nature, while not allowing them to hinder devotedness to Christ. How many of us enjoy these things in the path of the Lord’s service and are, like Jonathan, refreshed and strengthened to go on for Him.

On the other hand we find those who, like Saul, would impose rules of cold formality. They trouble the saints and hinder that happy liberty in service which should characterize the children of God. Such a path always leads to what took place here. As soon as the people were free from the miserable bondage imposed by Saul, they flew upon the spoil and ate it with the blood. This was disobedience to a positive command of God (Deut. 12:23), and was far worse than disobeying Saul. Once again we see how impossible it is for the flesh to please God, and here it is “religious flesh” in which a man can pride himself for what he has done. How empty it all is before God! May the Lord deliver us from all such legality, that we may serve Him gladly and devotedly, yet “with reverence and godly fear.” Hebrews 12:28.

When Saul heard that the people were eating the flesh with the blood he undertook to set things right. He built an altar unto the Lord, the first one he had ever built, for he felt that in the face of such a victory he must acknowledge the Lord. Up to this point he had only hindered; now he seeks to be recognized as the champion to utterly destroy the Philistines, but the priest said, “Let us draw near hither unto God.” So Saul asked counsel of God, but we read, “He answered him not that day.” Previously Saul had tarried when he should have been acting; but now when he wished to display his zeal before the people, the Lord did not answer.

ML 08/08/1954

"Let Her Go 'Stead of Me"

“Please, sir, I want to know if ye’d mind if I gived my ticket for the treat to my little sister Nell, and let her go into the country tomorrow ‘stead of me?”

“Don’t you care about going yourself, then?”

“Yes, I’d like to go well enough, only I’d a hundred times rather little Nell was to go. She hardly ever gets a treat, and she’d enjoy hearin’ the birds sing and smelling the flowers just ever so.”

“But it’s against our rules, my boy, to allow any but our regular scholars to go to the treat.”

“I know it be, sir, but Nellie’s such a dear little girl, and she’s blind. Ye see it couldn’t make no difference if she went ‘stead of me. Just say she may go, sir, and I’ll ever be grateful to you.”

“Well, I will do my best about it, Jerry, but I can’t quite promise that Nellie shall go, because I don’t know what the teachers and the other boys will say to it. I don’t at all think any of them would mind, but I have only a certain number of tickets. You are quite sure you are willing to give up yours for your little sister?”

“Oh, quite, sir; ‘twould be such a treat for her to go into the country.”

“Well, I’m very glad to see how fond you are of your little sister, my boy. Do you know anyone who would take care of her tomorrow if she goes with us? As she is blind, poor child, she will need to be in someone’s special charge.”

“Oh, my pal, Bob Stamp, he’ll take care of her, sir, I’ll be bound. He’s as nice a chap as ever lived, is Bob, and he’s mighty good to little Nell. I wouldn’t be a bit afraid of trusting her to him.”

By this time Mr. Malcolm and his little companion had arrived at the schoolroom, but before opening the door, the teacher, with something very much like tears in his eyes, stooped down and said, “Jerry, what would you say if I were to write out another ticket, so that you and Nellie might both go into the country?”

“Say, sir? Why, I don’t know, sir, that’s a fact. I’d just want to turn head over heels and yell.”

“Well, I’ll just mention it to the other boys.”

The next morning, about ten o’clock, amidst ringing cheers of delight, two buses full of children, accompanied by a good staff of teachers, left the Sunday school for the country. Little Nell, dressed in a pretty blue dress, had a comfortable seat between Bob and Jerry. She looked radiantly happy. Her little face, which was usually so pale and wan, had become quite rosy with a great amount of washing and rubbing, and at Jerry’s urgent request Mrs. Watkins had curled her hair. The day was very fine, and the drive alone was a glorious treat to the poor London children, the majority of whom had never before seen a green field or wild flowers. When at last they reached the woods, and all alighted from the bus, their delight knew no bounds. With glad shouts they rushed about in every direction, until the sounds of a gong summoned them to a bountiful dinner under the trees.

When dinner was over, Mr. Malcolm opened his Bible and told them the most wonderful story ever told. He began with God’s wisdom in making the world with all its beauties. Then came the sad story of man’s disobedience and sin. But the best part of the story was God’s love in sending the Lord Jesus to die for our sins on the cross of Calvary. All the children repeated together: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

When the meeting was over, the boys and girls joined in playing games of all sorts. But Jerry and Nellie wandered about hand in hand while Jerry picked flowers and told his little blind sister all the beauties that she could not see.

When they were tired of walking, they sat down together and sang, “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

It was a very happy boy and girl who stepped out of the bus again in London that evening—happy for all the good things God had given them to enjoy, and happier still for that which God had given to them in His great love—the gift of His own Son to become their Sin-bearer, bearing on the cross all the judgment they deserved.

“THANKS BE UNTO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT.” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

ML 08/15/1954

A Little Child

The children were all looking up so attentively as I spoke to them of the love of God, and of the precious blood of Jesus. But Nancy was more attentive than any one else, so when the meeting was over, I spoke to her.

“Nancy, do you know the Lord Jesus?”

She looked up with a bright smile and answered,

“Yes, at least I know that Jesus died for me.”

“I am so glad you know that, but how can you be so very sure that the Son of God came down into the world and died on the cross for a little child like you?”

“God says He died for sinners, and I am a great sinner,” she said very solemnly.

“Yes, Nancy, it is written in God’s blessed Word, ‘God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ And again, ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.’ He has shown you what a sinner you are, and now you see what God has said, so your sins are all forgiven.”

For a moment there was no answer, and the tears filled her eyes. At last she said, “I am afraid not.”

“What!” I said. “Can it be possible that you know that Jesus died for you, and yet do not know you are forgiven?”

She looked up with an expression of deep anxiety, as though she would find out what I meant. Like many, she had truly believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, but she did not know what His work had done for her. She had been attracted to Jesus and her heart had opened to His love. But she had yet to hear Him say to her, “Thy sins are forgiven thee, go in peace, thy faith hath saved thee.”

So I asked, “Why did the Lord Jesus die for you?”

“To save me,” was her prompt reply.

“But why must He have died to save you?”

She thought a moment and said, “Because He bore my sins on the cross.”

“Where were your sins when Jesus hung on the cross?”

“On Him.”

“Yes, for ‘the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.’ And where are they now?”

She almost said, “On Him still,” but checked herself, and was silent.

“Think of where He is now,” I said. She answered at once, “He has risen and gone into heaven.”

“Then where are your sins?”

“They must be gone,” was the dear child’s happy answer.

Her difficulty was gone now. She saw that He who was delivered for her offenses had been raised again for her justification, and she had peace.

“Yes,” I replied, “as God says again, speaking of the Lord Jesus, ‘When He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.’” Hebrews 1:3.

After a little further talk with her, she was called away. On reaching her home she ran to her mother, a fine Christian woman, and threw her arms around her neck, saying, “I shall go to be with Jesus too, Mother.”

Her mother was startled, and wanted to know what it all meant.

“My sins are all gone. Jesus, who bore them on the cross, is now at the right hand of God, and don’t you see, Mother, they could not be on Him there.”

The mother and child, now more dear to one another than ever, rejoiced and praised the Lord together. Years have passed since then, and the risen Christ at the right hand of God has been the ground of peace for her—a peace that never could be disturbed.

ML 08/15/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 14:38-15:3

When Saul saw that the Lord did not answer him, he sought to find out who was at fault. Yet how could the Lord answer him to connect His name with Saul’s self-importance? Saul was not walking before God in such a way as to know his own folly. Therefore, having assembled all the people together, he and Jonathan stood on one side, while the people stood on the other. He then asked the Lord to give a perfect lot, and he and Jonathan were taken. They cast lots again and Jonathan was taken. Saul asked Jonathan what he had done, and Jonathan told of how he had eaten some honey in the battle against the Philistines. Saul said, “Thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.”

The Lord would not answer poor Saul, but He had given a perfect lot and showed the foolishness of Saul’s ways before the people. Therefore when Saul would have put Jonathan to death, the people rescued him and would not allow it. They said, “He hath wrought with God this day,” and the Lord used them for the deliverance of Jonathan who was willing to leave all with Him. Jonathan was willing to die or live, according to the will of the Lord.

Then Saul went up from following the Philistines and they went to their place. The Lord was allowing His people to see the foolishness of their choice of a king, and that deliverance was not through “a king to lead them like the nations,” but only by the good hand of God using whomsoever He would. Are we not often like Israel, thinking if we could only have our own way things would run along so much more smoothly? May all this be a lesson to us, making us content to bow to the Lord’s hand in all He passes us through while making our one aim in life just to do His will.

In spite of their self-will and failure the Lord did not forsake His people, but undertook for them over and over again, even in the conflicts they brought upon themselves. How good and patient He is, as we have so often proved! Yet we are so slow to learn and have to reap the folly of our own ways.

Samuel came to Saul again and brought before him the importance of obedience to the Word of God. He had failed in this before—not having waited for Samuel when he had told him to do so. But now another opportunity would be given him to carry out the judgment of the Lord upon Amalek. The Amalekites were those who had come out against Israel when they came out of Egypt, and they typify to us the power of the enemy through the flesh, or the old nature within us. Saul was instructed to cut them off ENTIRELY, not leaving a man or woman or even an infant, along with all their cattle. This reminds us of the word in John 6:63: “The flesh profiteth nothing.” It might seem unkind to Saul to cut off ALL the Amalekites, and their animals too, but the Lord said it must be done, and there was no room left for Saul’s opinion when God had spoken.

No doubt this test comes in each of our lives. Some matter comes before us and the Lord clearly makes His mind known, as He did to Saul here. A desision must be made and the cost is great. It seems unkind, it seems more than we can do, but obedience to God and His Word clearly demands it. The rest of our life turns upon it, as it did for Saul. Let us carefully consider then, the word before us here.

ML 08/15/1954

The First Day and the Last Day

It was Helen’s first day in high school. She was a shy little girl, coming from a country home many miles away. The other girls seemed to know each other, and chattered busily, while Helen went quietly to her seat.

The English teacher smiled a welcome and gave the girls their first exercise to do. They must each write a letter to their new teacher, telling of their home life, their school days of the past, and their hopes and plans for the future. This letter was to be sealed at once and put away, and then read aloud on the day of their graduation, four years later.

Helen set willingly to her task of writing, for her lonely heart was full of childhood memories. The letter was duly sealed and put away when she finished. Soon she found new friends and new fun, and the loneliness wore away.

I do not think that Helen knew the Lord Jesus as her Saviour. I wish she did. She entered fully into the worldly wisdom of the school, and often the thought of that childish letter troubled her. She hated to have the girls know what a baby she was, and how backyard and old-fashioned her home life had been. If only she could tear up that dusty old letter, but it must come out some day and be read in public. Her cheeks burned. If only she had been wiser.

But you know, there is a heavenly record of your life, which you cannot alter. It is written, day by day, all through your childhood and youth and old age, by the unerring hand of God. When your record is done, it will remain unchanged, should you die in your sins, until you stand before the great white throne to be judged. “The Lord... will bring to light the hidden things of darkness.” 1 Cor. 4:5. “He knoweth the secrets of the heart,” Psalm 44:21, and He judges not only what you did, but why you did it. What will you do, dear reader, if unsaved, in that day when God shall judge the secrets of men according to His holy Word?

The day came when Helen stood at the top of the graduating class, and her sad little letter was read, as she knew it must be. But one letter lay on the desk that day, unclaimed. The writer was dead. Her record was with God, and I only hope she was saved before she was called away.

What of your record, dear reader? The day will surely come when you must meet God, the same God who loved the world, and gave His only begotten Son to die for sinners like you and me. He does not record our lives as a man would, who sins as we do. His perfect holiness cannot endure one sin, but His beloved Son has died to provide a perfect pardon for sin. He is ready now, to blot out “as a thick cloud, thy sins.” Isaiah 44:22. Is your life the record of an unforgiven sinner, or of a sinner saved by grace?

“HE THAT COVERETH HIS SINS SHALL NOT PROSPER: BUT WHOSO CONFESSETH AND FORSAKETH THEM SHALL HAVE MERCY.” Proverbs 28:13.

ML 08/22/1954

The Power of a Song

One Saturday evening the Brown’s saloon was filled with a noisy throng of boys and men. Suddenly, above the din, a sweet childish voice arose in song, and through the thin partition came the words—

“Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe;

It will joy and comfort give you;

Take it, then, where’er you go.”

“That’s my little daughter, Bessie, singing,” explained the proprietor. “I don’t take stock in such songs, but she has a praying mother.”

“Better hush her up, Brown, she will hurt your business,” whispered a wily-faced man.

There was a momentary hush, and again the child’s voice took up the refrain—

“Take the name of Jesus ever,

As a shield from every snare;

If temptations around you gather,

Breathe that holy name in prayer.”

A young man standing near the bar resolutely set down his glass and left the room.

“What is the matter, Will?” questioned a companion who followed him out.

“Matter enough,” he bluntly answered. “I have a mother who has been praying for me, and I had forgotten all her early instruction till a moment ago, when that song recalled it all.”

“Yet there is still hope, if the song be true. I had a praying mother myself, and God knows I loved her, though I never sought to follow her example.”

The two young men paused just outside the saloon door and gazed at each other in blank despair.

“What is there in the name of Jesus to save?”

As if in answer to the question, the childish voice reached them again—

“Oh! the precious name of Jesus,

How it fills our souls with joy,

While His loving arms receive us,

And His songs our tongues employ.”

The young men started silently down the square together.

“There might be hope for me still, if I could only give up the drink habit,” said Will, as he clutched his hands.

“Yet the song says His name is a shield from every snare. Oh, Will, if that be really true, as I believe it is, we need not despair! My mother used to read about a dying thief who was saved upon the cross, and we haven’t gotten that low yet. Come to my room; there is a Bible in my trunk that mother gave me; we will see for ourselves what it has to say.”

“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” “He, every one that thirsteth, come.” “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The young men continued to read, with hearts full of hope and courage.

“‘Though your sins be as scarlet.’ That must mean me,” sobbed Will.

“But read on, Will. He says, ‘They shall be as white as snow.’” O the beauty of such truth! The blood of Christ has power to blot out all our sins, and He can preserve us from future evil.

Little Bessie, the saloonkeeper’s daughter, never knew how the Lord used her song, but Will and his young comrade, as they daily passed by the attractive room where choice liquors were displayed, never did so without thanking God that the proprietor had a praying wife, who had early in life instructed her daughter in the things that are of more importance than all things else beside.

“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 crion, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

ML 08/22/1954

Which Loved Best?

“I love you, Mother,” said little John:

But forgetting his work, his cap went on,

And off he ran to the garden swing,

And left her the water and wood to bring.

“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell,

“I love you better than tongue can tell”:

Then she teased and pouted full half a day,

Till mother was glad when she went to play.

“I love you, Mother,” said little Fan,

“Today I will help you all I can:

I’m glad that we have no school this week.”

So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

Then, stepping softly, she brought the broom,

And swept the floor and tidied the room;

Busy and happy all day was she,

Helpful and happy as child could be.

“I love you, Mother,” again they said,

Three little children going to bed.

How do you think that mother guessed

Which of the little ones loved her best?

Jesus said, “Tell Me therefore, which of them will love him most?” Luke 7:42.

“The Son of God, who loved me, AND GAVE HIMSELF for me.” Gal. 2:20.

ML 08/22/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 15:4-10

Saul gathered a great army together for this battle against the Amalekites. He had two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah, and they came up against them. Before entering into battle, Saul told the Kenites, who dwelt among the Amalekites, to depart from among them, lest they fall in the battle too. God had not forgotten the kindness of the Kenites to His people — indeed nothing done for Him is ever forgotten. His people are dear to Him, and kindness shown to them is like kindness shown to Himself, for His Word says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” Matt. 25:40. The Kenites then came out from among the Amalekites.

Before going further, we can surely see a lesson for ourselves here. Many dear Christians are living among the enemies of the Lord and do not seem to realize the wrong of their position. Of course, we cannot help being with the world in our daily duties and employment, but our real “life” ought not to be among them. The Lord therefore calls us, like the Kenites, to “Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” 2 Cor. 6:17. We read of the early disciples that “being let go, they went to their own company.” Acts 4:23. How can we go on in fellowship with a world that has rejected our blessed Lord and Saviour, and is soon to come under the judgment of God? “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4.

Saul then fought against the Amalekites and utterly destroyed all that was vile and refuse, but all that was good (in his eyes) he saved. He also spared the life of Agag, the king of the Amalekites. We have already mentioned in a previous paper, that Amalek figures to us the old sinful nature within, which God has told us “profits nothing” (John 6:63). But sometimes we are like Saul, and while we acknowledge that there are bad things in the flesh, we are inclined to think that there is also some good in it. We see nice, kind, unsaved people, and we think there must be some good there. We even think there are some good things in our own natural selves, and that we do not need to utterly condemn self before God. Perhaps there were some nice, kind people among the Amalekites too, but they were, in spite of all that, the enemies of the Lord and of His people. And so these nice, kind friends, if unsaved, are enemies of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. The very best of them will show positive enmity if we speak very much about our blessed Saviour. Out of common courtesy they may allow us to say a little, but when they find that we really love Him and want to please Him, they will soon display their true colors. Then too, even, among real Christians, the finest and best natural characters will break down in the path of faith. God has set aside the “first man” entirely. He has condemned and crucified it at the cross.

But Saul did not destroy all, as God had commanded him, and so the word of the Lord came to Samuel to go out to meet him as he returned from this battle with Amalek. Saul thought he had won a great victory, and that he had done as the Lord had commanded. Are not we like this very often? When we have given up some evil friendship, or broken some bad habit, we think we have done something wonderful, but what about our “King Agag,” and some of his belongings? Are there some fleshly things we still cling to?

ML 08/22/1954

Louise's Surprise

Little Charles seems to be having lots of fun climbing the cherry tree. But if you have ever picked cherries in the heat of the midday sun, you will know exactly how Louise felt as she climbed wearily down the rickety old ladder and, heaving a big sigh of relief, emptied the fruit into the basket. Beads of perspiration stood out on her forehead, and telltale smudges on her hands and face hinted of the struggle she’d had—reaching, grasping, craning this way and that—trying to capture the clusters of beautiful dark red cherries, always seeming to hang just out of reach. Now after hours of hard work, the baskets were full. No time must be wasted in getting the precious fruit into the bottles and stored away for the winter ahead.

“Are you ready yet, Louise? I’ve filled my basket,” called her mother, wiping her forehead and looking up into the gnarled old tree. “My, but these cherries look good! And it’s a wonder to me because the trees are all so old and rotten.”

“Yes, I know; I nearly had a fall when one branch gave way beneath me!”

“Maybe that’s why they’re selling them for only five cents a pound, and I think we’ve earned ours; but let’s hurry, time is wasting.”

And truly, time was wasting, but it wasn’t until they had reached home and were preparing the fruit that they realized the truth. Cherry after cherry was cut open only to expose decay and rot at the heart, for nearly every cherry housed a well-established worm. Oh, the outward appearance was perfect enough, but the worms were working inside.

“Oh, Mother, after all our hard work!” wailed Louise.

With sinking hearts they looked at the empty bottles and thought of all the wasted time and effort—efforts well meant to lay up store for the future, and yet, worth nothing now.

How sad was their mistake in expecting to receive from a rotten tree, good fruit; and yet, it reminds me very much of many poor unsaved souls today, who, because they look all right on the outside, and perhaps spend their life toiling in good works, expect to inherit eternal life. Oh, how very sad it is that in that day they shall have to view all their time and efforts as wasted—efforts well meant to lay up store for the future. God’s holy Word tells us that if yet unsaved, we are “dead in trespasses and sins,” Eph. 2:1; and in another place, “From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness... but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores...” Isa. 1:6. Surely fruit or works fit for the eyes of God could not come from such corruption. God does not look on the outward appearance, as man does, but upon the heart, and He has said in His Word that our hearts are “deceiul above all things, and desperately wicked.” Jer. 17:9. Nothing less than the fruit of the Spirit can satisfy a holy sin-hating God, and the Holy Spirit of God can dwell only in those who have owned their need of a Saviour and have been washed in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, shed on Calvary’s cross.

“A GOOD TREE CANNOT BRING FORTH EVIL FRUIT, NEITHER CAN A CORRUPT TREE BRING FORTH GOOD FRUIT.” Matt. 7:18.

ML 08/29/1954

Donald's Success

Donald and his wife lived many years ago on a little farm in Scotland. They had rented the farm, and looked forward to living there until the Lord called them home. But one day, Donald received bad news. His farm was to be sold, and he must move out. He told his wife the news, and they prayed about it together.

At last Donald went to the man to whom he paid the rent and begged to be allowed to stay on, for they had no place else to go. But the steward was very gruff and said he must leave, as soon as his lease was up. Now Donald knew that the steward didn’t really own the farm, but that he was simply in charge of the estate which was owned by a very wealthy lord, who lived in a fine castle.

Again Donald and his wife told their troubles to the Lord, and then he turned his footsteps toward the castle, to see if he could talk with the owner. But more trouble was waiting. As soon as he reached the big gate, the porter met him and refused to let him in. I believe the hardhearted steward had told the porter to turn him away, and so poor Donald walked down the road in despair. Presently he stopped and looked up again to the Lord for help, and then turning off the road he walked around to the wall of the castle. Quietly, he climbed over the wall where the porter could not see him, and made his way to a side entrance. At last, after passing through more than one large hall, he heard the nobleman’s voice. Poor Donald’s heart trembled. He listened carefully and heard the prayer directed to the Virgin Mary, and St. Francis, asking for care and protection.

When the prayer was ended, Donald knocked at the door of the room. “Come in.”

Donald entered with faltering steps. “Who are you, man? What do you want?”

“Sir, I have lived on one of your farms all of my life, and I have come to beg you that I might not be put out of my home.”

“And who wants to put you out?”

Then the whole story was told, and Donald was assured that his home would certainly not be sold, and that Ile might go home without fear.

With many thanks, Donald bowed before the kind nobleman, and then turned to leave. But at the door he paused.

“My lord, I was a bold man to come right to your room, and you kindly forgave me and have saved me from ruin. May I be bold again and say something further to your lordship?”

“Speak out, Donald.”

“Well, sir, your steward and your porter turned me away, and I would have been a ruined man if I had trusted them. But I came directly to you and you have heard my cause. Oh, sir, if you would but go directly to the Lord Jesus in your need, I know He will hear you, for He has heard even me, and has washed all my sins away.”

With another bow, Donald turned and hurried away.

I cannot tell you if his lordship really turned to the Lord Jesus, but I do know that Donald told him the truth. Dear reader, there is only One who can meet your need as a sinner.

“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.

ML 08/29/1954

Jesus Shining in

Peggy had a lame hip and had been in bed for a long, long time. I have been to see some sick people who had boxes of candy, and vases of beautiful flowers to make them happy. Peggy had neither candy nor flowers, but she was very happy.

It was a cold, rainy day when I first went to her little room to visit her. The only window in the room was very tiny, and it faced the north. What a pity, I thought, that her window faces north.

“You never have any sunshine in here,” I said. “It’s too bad your window doesn’t face the south and then you would enjoy the sunshine.”

“Oh!” she answered with a very bright smile, “the sun shines in here all the time, even through the cracks.”

I looked surprised.

“The Sun of Righteousness—Jesus,” she said softly.

I could not doubt her, for she looked happier than anyone I had seen for many a day.

I know of a home where they have no need of the sun at all. It is heaven, where the Lord Jesus is. And I know of a place—I shall not call it a home—where there is blackness of darkness forever. It is hell. Which will be your eternal destiny, dear reader? If you know the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour now, you can enjoy the sunshine of His wondrous love every day, and you can be sure of the eternal home that He has prepared, where there is no night. Only those who are saved shall enter there. Will you?

ML 08/29/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 15:11-23

When the Lord told Samuel that He was grieved with Saul, Samuel was so cast down that he cried and prayed about it all night. Surely this is the heart of a true servant —one who really loves the people of God. Such a servant feels for them as God feels, and seeks their good according to His mind.

Coupled with this love for God’s people, Samuel also had a sense of what was due to the Lord, and he knew he must be faithful. God wants faithful servants. Paul said, “If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10. It is a serious yet blessed thing to serve the Lord, but too many think more of pleasing men than Him. How much better to be like Haggai who was “the Lord’s messenger in the Lord’s message.” Haggai 1:13. Surely a service of man pleasing must be an empty thing in the eyes of God who knows all our motives.

When Samuel met Saul soon after this, he heard the bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the oxen which Saul had brought back with him from the Amalekites. Samuel then asked what all this meant, and Saul said that the people had decided to bring back the best of the sheep and oxen, and that they intended to sacrifice them to the Lord. This seemed like a splendid idea to Saul, but not to the Lord—nor to Samuel who sought the Lord’s glory. Saul had put the people’s desire before obedience to the Lord. He had disobeyed the Lord to please them. What a choice! Yet we fear there are many today who would rather please their friends than the Lord. In order to escape being called narrow and legal, we keep things in our own lives and homes which belong to the flesh—to “Amalek”—and yet we know full well that we are disobeying the Lord in having them. We argue for them against our own consciences. We make excuses, like Saul here, and blame others, as he blamed “the people,” but the Lord knew where to put the blame, as He always does, and He put it right on Saul himself, Samuel told Saul exactly what the Lord thought of what he had done. He did not excuse Saul, or belittle his sin. Saul had been “little in his own eyes,” when God chose him to be king, but now he was acting on his own self-importance. It is a bad thing for any of us when we cease to be “little in our own eyes.” Samuel told Saul that the Lord valued obedience more than sacifrice, and that it would have been much better to have obeyed His Word, than to have brought back those animals to use in sacrifice. He said, “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is a, iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hasi rejected the word of the Lord, He hatl also rejected thee from being king. Surely this message to Saul ought to be a solemn voice to all of us. What an exceedingly serious thing it is to continue in the path of our own stubborn wills, especially when the Word d God has been presented to us in all it clearness and simplicity. If there should be one reading these lines wh is allowing his stubborn will to hinde him from following Christ, may ye seek grace to own it now, and bow ye will to His. The awful sorrows tha followed in poor Saul’s life are a solemn warning as to where a path of self will may lead.

ML 08/29/1954

Harvest Time

The Lord Jesus, when He was here upon earth, told us of a farmer whose fields must have looked like the harvest field in our picture today. He had very good crops, better than ever before, and his barns were not large enough for him to store everything away.

He began to wonder what he would do. Sad to say, he never thought about God, nor did he thank God for giving him such good crops, but only thought of how he could use them for himself and his own pleasure. He decided to pull down his barns and build larger ones and he said to himself,

“Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”

He decided that he was going to have a good time, just like many people in the world today. He thought only of this life and seemed to forget all about the vast eternity that is beyond. His plans were wise enough, but he had forgotten one thing, and that is that he did not know how long he had to live in this world. It was not very long either, for God said, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.”

Yes, the day he made his plans was his very last day on earth! He never lived to see his great harvest brought in. He was called to meet God that night, and as far as we know from the Bible, he was unprepared. He was rich in this world, but had nothing for eternity!

Dear reader, how is it with you? Undoubtedly, you are making, or have made, some plans for the future in this world, but have you made any prision for eternity? Remember that as soon as the breath leaves your body, your eternal destiny is fixed. It will be either heaven or hell. You would like to go to heaven, I know, but you can never enter there in your sins. If you want to be ready when the Lord comes, or when called away in death, you must be saved. Why not come to the Lord Jesus, just as you are, acknowledging your guilt and sin? He will save you. He died upon the cross of Calvary as the sin-bearer, and now He is a risen and glorified Saviour offering a full and free salvation to “whosoever will.” Do not allow the cares of this life to hinder you from settling this most important of all questions, or you will someday find yourself in a lost eternity, and have to say,

“THE HARVEST IS PAST, THE SUMMER IS ENDED, AND WE ARE NOT SAVED.” Jeremioh 8:20.

ML 09/05/1954

He Died for Me

Mr. and Mrs. Foster said good-by to Barbara and went off to hear the usual Sunday evening sermon. I am sorry to say that Mr. Foster was not a Christian at all, and the preacher knew this too. There are many people who are very religious but who have never accepted the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour. I suppose they feel that they are not really bad enough to need their sins washed away.

Very carefully, and with the very best of English, the preacher told the gospel story and earnestly appealed to any unsaved ones to trust in the Lord Jesus. But Mr. and Mrs. Foster rose when the meeting was over and went home just as they had come, unsaved. Shortly after they reached home, Mr. Foster went upstairs to tuck his little Barbara in bed and give her a gooight kiss.

A little tear was slowly slipping down her cheek, and another was just ready to follow it.

“What is it, Barbara dear? Why are you crying?”

“I was just thinking of what teacher told me in Sunday school this afternoon.”

“And what was that, Barbara?”

“She told us that Jesus came down from heaven to die for us. I know I have often heard it before, Daddy, but just think, He came to die for me—poor me. Oh, Daddy, I do love Him so, don’t you?”

Mr. Foster gave her another quick kiss and then turned suddenly and hurried to his own room. The fine sermon was all forgotten, but Barbara’s tears had touched his heart. His own dear little daughter knew that Jesus really died for her and she loved Him. And yet he knew that his own heart had never yet been opened to the Saviour. On bowed knees he confessed himself a sinner before a holy God, and accepted the Lord Jesus personally as his Saviour. With a rejoicing heart, and this time with tears in his own eyes, he slipped back and gave his sleeping daughter another kiss.

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

ML 09/05/1954

"God Forgot About Me"

The children’s meeting was over, and most of the boys and girls were hurrying, as boys and girls always do, to get out into the sunshine.

But one little lass was sitting quietly in her chair. Quickly I stepped over to her and sat down.

“Are you a good little girl?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Are you always good?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And do you think God always speaks the truth?”

“Oh, yes, sir.”

“Then if God were to speak to you tonight, would you believe Him?”

“Yes, I would.”

“Then let me read from God’s Book what He says to you, ‘There is none that doeth good, no, not one.’ How many good people are there?”

“None.”

“And are you good?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Now think carefully while I ask you again. How many good people are there?”

“None.”

“Then are you good?”

“Yes, sir.”

“But there must be a mistake, when God says there is none good, and yet you tell me you are good.”

“Sir, I think God forgot about me.”

Perhaps you smile at the little girl’s answer. But don’t you think many grown-up folks talk and think just the same? But God has spoken the truth, and it is true of you and me too. He says, “There is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Romans 3:12.

God cannot have sin in His presence, and He cannot have you and me in His presence either, unless we have been cleansed from our sins in the precious blood of Christ.

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

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

ML 09/05/1954

Bible Questions for September

1. What were the Thessalonians waiting for?

2. Did Paul speak to please men or God?

3. Where will we meet the Lord when He comes?

4. Should we render evil for evil to anv man?

5. What is going to happen to those who obey not the gospel?

6. Can signs and wonders be done by Satan’s Dower?

7. What does God say of those who would not work?

The Young People’s Class

Abraham

1. What four things did God tell Abram to do at the first? Genesis 12.

2. Did Abram come all the way to Canaan at once? What happened before he moved on to where God wanted him? Acts.

3. Did Abraham know where he was going when he started out? Hebrews 11.

4. What two things did Abram have in Beth-el when he arrived there? Genesis 12

5. When Abraham did not get an inheritance in Canaan, could he have returned to his old place? Hebrews 11.

6. What did he look for? Hebrews 11.

7. What does he desire NOW? Hebrews 11.

ML 09/05/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 15:24-33

The confession of sin which Saul made here was not a true one at all. God wants reality. He will never accept a confession that is only made to gain back the prestige or position we have lost before others by our sin. Such a confession is not repentance toward God at all, but only for self-exaltation. Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Loan, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD.” Saul acknowledged that he had sinned, but not to the Lord, only to Samuel. He said he had disobeyed the Lord and Samuel, not the Lord only. He blamed the people for his sin, not himself. He asked Samuel to pardon his sin, instead of asking the Lord to pardon it. He wanted to worship the Lord with Samuel, instead of offering the sacrifice of “a broken and a contrite heart,” Psalm 51:17, which is what the Lord wants. All this stands out in marked contrast with David, whose confession of his sin we read in this psalm. David realized that his sin was against the Lord, and that he ought to confess it before Him. This he did, frankly and fully. The result was that he was completely restored while Saul lost everything.

Samuel told Saul here that it was too late now to regain what he had lost, for the Lord had rejected him as king. Oh how empty is a profession without reality, and such people soon show, in spite of all their pretensions, where their hearts really are. They never feel sin as it is before God, but only think of how it appears before others. Indeed even a true Christian, if away from the Lord, may only be taken up with what others say or think of hint, Now the Lord never gives up one who is really His own, but He did give up Saul, for he was never a true man of faith. When the Lord is dealing with His own, He continues until He has brought such into His presence in true confession. How gracious He is with us over and over again in all our failures.

Saul acknowledged his sin again, but only to Samuel, asking at the same time that he might be honored in the presence of his people. Samuel then turned with him to worship the Lord. Later events showed the utter breakdown of poor Saul, a man after the flesh, but in the meantime Samuel acknowledged Saul’s position as the Lord’s anointed until he was removed by the Lord Himself. Faith could see another in view, even David, “a man after God’s own heart,” the figure of the true David, the Lord Jesus Christ.

If Saul would not carry out the judgment of the Lord on Amalek, then Samuel must do it, and so Agag, king of the Amalekites, whom Saul had kept alive, was brought to Samuel. No matter how delicately he came, the mind of God had not changed, and Samuel hewed him in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal. If any of us have an “Agag,” no matter how nice it may seem, or how delicate, let us bring it to the Lord in Gilgal. We cannot walk in the enjoyment of our portion in Christ, or in the power of the Spirit of God, as long as we allow some fleshly thing in our lives, “for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:17, It is not enough to just put it aside, but let us “hew it in pieces before the Lord.” He wants a full whole-hearted obedience.

ML 09/05/1954

Fishers of Men

Here is a fisherman cleaning his fish, and he seems to be quite pleased with his catch. Many people are very fond of fishing and will travel long distances to find a place where there is good fishing.

When the Lord Jesus was here upon earth, He called some fishermen to Himself and told them that He would make them “fishers of men.” You can read the story for yourself in Mark 1:16-20.

A good fisherman knows the right time to fish, and he will spend a good deal of time and money getting the proper kind of equipment necessary for his work, which is really a pleasure to him. But there is something far more important than catching fish from the water. That is fishing for men, as the Lord Jesus said. It is seeking to bring sinners to the knowledge of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are very much interested in this kind of fishing, as was a dear man of which I wish to tell you.

He found an old man who was burdened with his sins, and he longed to see him saved, like “fishers of men” always do. He therefore said to him, “Where are your sins?” As the old man considered, he was asked another question.

“Did God lay your sins upon Jesus on the cross, and did He bear them there?”

“Indeed He did,” was the man’s response.

“But the Lord Jesus is on the throne of God now; sin’s load is no longer on Him there. Where are your sins?”

As he pondered the question, thinking how he should answer it, the old man’s eyes were opened. He saw the precious truth that his sins had been borne by Christ upon the cross, but that they were no longer upon Him now — therefore they must be gone. Peace filled his soul, as he rested upon the finished work of his precious Saviour, whom he could now see by faith seated at the right hand of God.

The man who had pointed out this precious truth to him, rejoiced too, that another had been saved by simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

“CHRIST... WHO HIS OWN SELF BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE.” 1 Peter 2:24.

ML 09/12/1954

Brought into Favor

Ricky had a calf that he had earned all by himself. It was a bit scrubby, which probably accounted for its name Teeny. But he was very fond of it and gave it such good care that it grew to be a pretty fine cow.

One day Teeny had a new little calf. What a cute little creature it was! It was so lively and frisky that Ricky’s eyes just twinkled when he looked at it. He would not give it a name until he thought up a real good one.

Yes, it was lively all right, too lively for its own good. Before it even had a name, it scooted under a fence and ran right onto the road before an coming car. Little calves, like little children, do not realize the danger of running off—and this one got hit Of course Ricky was very sorry about it. So was Teeny! She ran frantically this way and that, bawling for her calf, not stopping long enough to eat or drink.

Daddy decided something should be done about it. He went to a sale where they auction off cattle, and there he looked around for a day-old calf. At last he found one. It was a little coal black animal with a white face. He bought it and took it home to Teeny.

Teeny looked at it and took one sniff.

Did she want it? Of course not. It wasn’t hers. She kicked it into the corner and kept right on bawling and mooing as loudly as ever.

The poor little calf huddled down shivering in misery in such strange surroundings. It was frightened and was very hungry.

It doesn’t make any difference what color we are; we still know what hunger and fear and loneliness are, and we take courage when kindness and affection are shown to us. We do not expect animals to understand this—indeed many people do not—but God does. He created us, and He loves each one of us wherever we are. “Wisdom is justified of all her children.” Luke 7:35. Right at this moment He sees your heart; He knows all your longings and whatever troubles you or makes you downhearted or discouraged. He wants you to come to Him just as you are. He says, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.

But somehow we are often like a little girl who used to go to Sunday school wearing rather shabby shoes and clothes, for she had no mother to look after her. When she saw other children there looking so nicely dressed, she thought God would surely love her much more if only she had shiny shoes and a pretty dress too.

But she was wrong, wasn’t she? God promises to be a Father to the fatherless. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Ps. 27:10. Yes, it is the very ones who need Him most that can claim His special interest and care. And oh how He longs to have you draw near to Him now, just as you are. If you draw nigh to God He will draw nigh to you. He won’t push anyone away, as Teeny did the poor little calf.

When Daddy saw that Teeny would have no compassion. whatever on the little orphan calf, he decided to try a scheme. They took the hide off the calf that had been run over and tied it around the black one. This changed matters right away. Teeny sniffed a few times, and then allowed it to snule right up close and get its fill of nice warm milk.

It really looked funny to see Blackie frisking around with the loose hide flopping this way and that. But what was more surprising was that it made such a difference in the way Teeny treated it. She licked its little white face nice and clean and claimed it as her own. Before long the extra hide worked loose and dropped off, but by that time Teeny didn’t seem to notice the difference.

If fine clothes do not make us fit for God’s presence or bring us into favor with Him, what will? Some people try good deeds, church-going, and other ways to earn their way to heaven, but God says: “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6. Adam and Eve tried fig leaf aprons, but that did not hide their sin from the all-seeing eye of God. How gracious of God then to clothe them with coats of skins, showing them that the only way they could stand before Him was through the death of another. Of course we all know that the death of a little animal could never put away sin, but it told, in figure, of the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God who shed His precious blood upon the cross of Calvary to cleanse us from all our sins. All who believe are brought into favor with God, in Him.

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us aepted in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:6.

ML 09/12/1954

Heaven's Door

Little Maude was very sick, and the doctor had told her father and mother that she would not get better. Although she was just four years old, she well knew what that meant.

“Mother,” she said, “where is my Daddy? I want to talk to him.”

Daddy came quickly and little Maude asked, “Daddy, has God got a door in heaven?”

“Yes, my dear, God has a door in heaven.”

“How do you know that?”

“The Lord Jesus says in the Bible, ‘I am the door.’”

“And may I go and knock at God’s door?”

“Yes, little Maude, Jesus wants you to come.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because Jesus said, ‘Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’”

“Thank you, Daddy, I will knock, and Jesus will stoop down and listen, and then He will open the door and say, ‘Maudie, come in.’” Jesus said: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

ML 09/12/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 15:34-16:7

Samuel, then returned to Ramah, which means “height.” Saddened as he was, no doubt, by Saul’s failure, he did not allow himself to be overcome by it. Every true-hearted servant will always feel the failure and breakdown of everything in the hands of man, but we ought not to allow this to hinder us from “dwelling” in the heights of our blessings in Christ, and viewing His own there, in the purposes of God. His purposes in grace are not altered by man’s failure, and He will never fail in love and faithfulness to those whom He has redeemed at so great a cost.

Samuel did not come to see Saul again till the day of his death. It is solemn indeed when God’s Spirit ceases to strive with a man, as He did with Saul, but such a thing can take place even today, and it is final. It makes one tremble to think of it. As we think of those around us who seem to have closed their ears to the truth, we cannot but mourn as Samuel did for Saul here. Dear reader, if you are rejecting the gospel of the grace of God, beware lest God should give you up. We cannot treat the Word of God with indifference, and be guiltless. God says, “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7. And again, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3.

The Lord told Samuel that he must not allow his grief over king Saul to hinder his service to the Lord. We have to watch against this ourselves. When someone in whom we have placed a great deal of confidence breaks down, we are liable to get discouraged and feel like giving up, but this is wrong. God must allow us to see the end of all perfection (Psalm 119:96), and sooner or later we find out that “the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63). Happy for us if we take God’s Word about it, instead of being oveome when we learn it experimentally.

The Lord then sent Samuel to anoint another, even David, to be king over Israel in place of Saul. At first Samuel was afraid to do this lest king Saul should kill him, but the Lord told him to go and call the house of Jesse to a sacrifice, and then He would show him what to do. We are always slow to walk in the path of faith, for there are difficulties in it which we never encounter in the path of nature. The anointing of Saul as king, of which we have read previously, was entirely different to what we have here. There was no sacrifice when Saul was anointed, but a “choice young man and a goodly,” head and shoulders above the rest of the people, put in a position of honor before others. Because of this no doubt, when Samuel went to choose another in Saul’s place, he looked for another “Saul”—another man of impressive appearance and great stature. After he had called the house of Jesse to the sacrifice, Eliab the oldest son came before Samuel. Samuel was pleased with him because of his appearence and height, and thought “surely the LORD’S anointed is before Him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” This was a needed word to Samuel, and indeed for us, for we are often taken up with a man’s appeance and stature, only to find him a disappointment. Let us never forget that the Lord looks upon the heart, and He knows the hearts of all men.

ML 09/12/1954

The Boat in the Back Yard

In the back yard of a house in one of the suburbs of that great city of London stands something that you would never expect to see there at all. It is a boat, and it just about fills that little back yard. There it has stood for quite a long time, some distance from the river or sea. I have passed by it many times, and it has often reminded me of another boat which was built long, long ago, and which stood on dry land far from the sea. Yes, you may have guessed, it has reminded me of the ark which was built in the days of Noah.

The boat of which I speak has remained in the back yard while some alterations have been made on it, and there has been added a superstructure to cover it and to protect the occupants from the wind and the rain. All the work on this boat has been going on for many months, and I suppose that when at last it is finished, the boat will be moved somehow down to the nearest river or to the sea.

The ark which Noah prepared according to God’s instructions took a very, very long time to make, and there it stood for all to see while it was being built. Many must have been surprised to see how much time Noah spent preparing that ark, and that all his life seemed devoted to that work. I have no doubt that many people laughed at him and mocked him as he worked, but it made no difference to him. God had warned Noah of a terrible flood of waters that would come upon the earth, and he believed God and obediently carried out all God’s instructions down to the smallest detail.

At last that ark was finished, and there it stood with its only door, wide open for all who wished to enter. God then invited Noah and his family to enter—which they did—and the ment came when they and the animals were inside and God shut the door. What a solemn moment that was, dear reader! Just think of it. Just a few people inside, but many, very many, were shut out, with no possibility of getting in. I feel sure that when the flood came, many wanted to get inside, but it was too late, and they were overwhelmed by the judgment. Those who were inside were safe from those storms of judgment, and as the waters rose higher and higher the ark rose above and upon those very waters.

This story is a solemn warning to us in our day. God’s Word warns us of a judgment that is surely coming upon this world, and yet it tells how God has provided a way of salvation through the work of His own beloved Son upon Calvary’s cross. All who believe in Jesus are safe in His arms and will never come into judgment. (John 5:24). But the Bible also says, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3. Oh, my dear reader, whoever you are, may I plead with you not to neglect this great salvation, but to enter now before it is too late, through the door which is open for you. When the Lord Jesus returns for His own the door will be shut. (Matthew 25:10). All those left outside will be shut out forever. What a solemn and awful thought! But now is the day of salvation, and the Lord Jesus says,

“I AM THE DOOR: BY ME IF ANY MAN ENTER IN, HE SHALL BE SAVED.” John 10:9.

ML 09/19/1954

The Operation

Bruce did not need an alarm clock this morning. A single thought broke through his sleep and made him sit upright. This was the day! Today he was going to have his tonsils out.

Of course he wasn’t really scared—it was just that it was all a new experience. He wasn’t a bit sure he was going to like it. He didn’t even get any breakfast.

By ten o’clock Bruce was in the hospital writing his name on the register. His eyes were wide as he followed a nurse to his room. Then he was bathed and given a white hospital gown and tucked into a high white bed. Everything smelled of antiseptic.

“You see, there really is nothing to be afraid of, for you will soon be asleep and when you wake up, your tonsils will be out.”

“But I want you to stay right with me, won’t you?” he pleaded.

“If they will let me,” I promised.

Soon a stretcher rolled through his door, and Bruce slid over onto it for a ride upstairs to the operating room. As we came to the elevator the nurse said to me, “This is as far as you may go—only those who are in surgically sterile garments are allowed in the operating room.”

Bruce’s eyes fluttered open in alarm. “Aren’t you going with me?”

“Sorry, Bruce! They will not permit me to go any further—but I will wait right here for you, and I will pray for you.”

The door clanged shut, and he was gone. “The Lord Jesus will be with you—doors cannot bar Him. He is an all-the-way-home Saviour, who will never let His own down till they are safely at home in the glory,” I said to myself.

My thoughts followed the dear little boy who was really very brave. I thought too of the nurses and doctors up there in their sterile uniforms, worn in safeguard against germs and disease. These things are very necessary in such places, but though ever so clean they cover only the outside. They are like our own righteousnesses which are only “filthy rags” in God’s sight. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse us and make us fit for His presence. How wonderful to be cleansed within, clothed in the perfect righteousness of God, and then to know that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Bruce was still asleep when the elator door once more opened and he was rolled back to his room, and put to bed like a weary, little lamb. How thankful we were to the Lord for His goodness to our dear lad, and we trust he too will be among the white-robed company of heaven who will sing the Saviour’s praises.

“These... have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Revelation 7:14.

ML 09/19/1954

Watching and Warning

On a platform at one of London’s busy railway stations a man was seen wearing, around his arm, a band bearing the words “Look-out.” Apparently his duties consisted of two things: one was to be always watching for approaching trains, and the other was to warn some men who were working on the lines below, so that if a train approached they could get out of the way as quickly as possible. I could not help feeling how important was his work, for any failure on his part might mean the loss of the lives of his fellowmen. It was as important to warn as it was to watch, but both must go together, and that man must be always on the alert.

This man spoke to my heart of how a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is really in a very similar position. He has two very important things to see to. One is to be watching for the return of the Lord Jesus and the other is to warn those around him of approaching judgment, and of the danger in which they stand if they have not obtained salvation. He must bid them to “flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:7.

The coming of the Lord will mean eternal joy for all who believe in Him, for those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus know that when they see Him they shall be like Him, and will dwell forever with Him in glory. In 1 Thessalonians 1, we read that those in Thessalonica who believed were waiting for God’s Son from heaven, even Jesus, our deliverer from the coming wrath. But those who do not believe in Jesus will find that they are lost forever when Jesus comes again, and that all opportunities of trusting in Him will then be gone forever. So while we watch for our Lord to come, may we be warning those around us of their danger, and at the same time telling out the wondrous story of the love of God. “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.

“Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching.” Luke 12:37.

ML 09/19/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 16:8-20

Mistaken in thinking that Eliab was the one the Lord had chosen, Samuel was now prepared to wait on the Lord, and so one by one six more of Jesse’s sons passed before him, but he said, “The Lord hath not chosen these.” He then asked Jesse if these were all the sons he had, and Jesse replied that he had one more, the youngest named David who kept the sheep. We see another contrast between David and Saul here, for Saul had been hunting for his father’s asses, those stubborn unclean animals, when Samuel found him to anoint him as king, but David was keeping sheep. Jesse then sent for David, and Samuel said, “We will not sit down till he come hither.” How beautifully we see in all this the figure of the true Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was despised and forgotten because of the lowly place He took to save His “sheep,” nevertheless He is the rightful King. Just as Samuel said they would not sit down till David came, so we ought not to expect rest here in this world where He was cast out. We cannot “sit down”—we cannot rest—until He comes, but then when He has His rightful place we shall rest with Him above.

When David came in and Samuel saw his beautiful countenance, he recoized at once that he was the chosen king, for the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” Surely in this way we can say of our blessed Lord, the true King, that He is “the chiefest among ten thousand... yea, He is altogether lovely.” Song of Sol. 5:10, 16. The nation of Israel, His brethren, could not see any beauty in Him, but despised Him, as was David by his brethren, but blessed be His name, He has opened our eyes to see His loveliness.

Samuel then anointed David in the midst of his brethren, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day forward. Again we see a picture here of the Lord Jesus anointed by the Spirit (Luke 4:18) in the midst of His brethren, yet recognized only by a small remnant of them as the rightful king (John 1:49).

But we read “The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul.” How solemn this was. Perhaps we should remark here that the Spirit of God did not indwell believers until the day of Pentecost (John 7:39). That which marks out the present dispensation as distinct from all others is the presence on earth now of the Holy Spirit of God. He dwells here as a divine Person (1 Peter 1:12), as well as in the bodies of all believers (1 Cor. 6:19). This was not so in the Old Testament, for then the Holy Spirit came upon those who prophesied, but did not indwell them. The Holy Spirit, who now indwells believers, will never leave them, though we can grieve this divine guest within. Thus we read, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30.

When the Spirit of the Lord, who had once come upon Saul, departed from him, then an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. Such is the government of God upon one who is given up to the power of the enemy. Saul’s sernts suggested that a man be found who could play a harp, so that when Saul was troubled by the evil spirit the sweet music would relieve him. One of his servants suggested that David should be brought before Saul, for he was a skilled harpist as well as a prudent man, and the Lord was with him. Saul therefore sent for David to stand before him and he loved him greatly.

ML 09/19/1954

Johnnie's Tract

John, the name of the little boy in our picture today, brings to mind another lad with the same name and about the same age, who loved to give out gospel tracts. He used to go out with his father for a walk, and found great pleasure in helping him pass out these precious stories of the Saviour’s love. Because of his sweet, childish manner very few people refused to take a tract from him.

One evening as they returned home, he looked at his father with a very serious expression on his face and said, “I would like to write a tract myself.”

His father said that he was very willing to let him do this, for he wanted to see, what was really in the child’s mind. He knew that sometimes a lesson can be learned from a child, too.

After supper Johnnie went up to his room, and about an hour afterward he returned with his tract for his parents to read. He was only a little lad and could not write, but he had printed the following message in capital letters: “GOD IS LOVE. GOD LOVES YOU. DO YOU LOVE HIM? I LOVE HIM. JOHNNIE.”

Needless to say his father and mother were quite pleased with their little boy’s tract. After this he occupied himself during several days making copies of his tract, and then gave them out to those he met in the street.

What a wonderful message Johnnie’s tract tells! Yes, “God is love,” and He loves you, dear reader. But we also read in the Bible that “God is light.” He is holy and cannot have sin in His presence; so if He was to show His love to us poor sinners, the question of our sins must be settled. On the cross of Calvary the Lord Jesus, God’s beloved Son, bore the punishment of sin for all who put their trust in Him, and now as a risen Saviour He offers a full and free pardon to “whosoever will.”

Johnnie’s tract also asked the queion, “Do you love Him?” If you have put your trust in Him as your Saviour, then I am sure you do, for the Bible says,

“UNTO YOU THEREFORE WHICH BELIEVE HE IS PRECIOUS.” 1 Peter 2:7.

ML 09/26/1954

"Leave It Alone"

I am afraid many of us, boys and girls, as well as grown-up folks, often forget that God sees us all day long. He sends us rain and sunshine, food and clothing, and yet I am afraid we are often very unthankful. And we often complain if it rains when we want the sun to shine. Let me tell you a story of a man who blamed God for the weather.

Mr. Vickers had a very fine farm, and one field especially was filled with beautiful growing wheat. Even his neighbors stopped to admire it, but I am sorry to say Mr. Vickers never once thought of the goodness of the Lord in making it grow. He remembered only all the hailstorms and windstorms that had damaged his crops in other years. So when neighbor Dalton stopped at the fence to remark about the fine wheat, Mr. Vickers said,

“Yes, I’ll have a good crop this year, if God will only leave it alone.”

And God did leave it alone. From that day the plants grew no more! Not a head appeared in the whole field of grain, and after standing unchanged for weeks, it gradually withered away and died, just at the time when the neighbors were gathering their wheat into their barns.

Let us not forget that God will not be mocked, and we ought to thank Him for His goodness. Surely we ought to thank Him most of all for the wonderful gift of the Lord Jesus, His only and beloved Son, whom He sent into this world to die for sinners like you and me. Have you ever thanked Him for the Saviour?

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” — 2 Corinthians 9:15.

ML 09/26/1954

Richie's Own Chick

Richie was all ready for bed, that is — almost. He put his arms around his uncle for a good night hug and kiss. He lingered a bit, and then, with a sudden rush of words, whispered something in his uncle’s ear.

Uncle’s eyes twinkled, “What’s this? You want to stay home from school tomorrow to help get the baby chicks from the hatchery? Well, that’s nice of you to offer to help me, but I think I can manage all right; and when you get home from school they’ll all be in the brooder house for you to see, and you can help me take care of them after that.”

The next day the big yellow school bus stopped at the gate long enough for six youngsters to hop off, and race for the brooder house. Even before they reached the little white building, they could hear the cheep-cheep-cheep of three hundred and fifty busy little chicks.

“Oh, look, they’re black.”

“Aren’t they cute?”

“It looks as if they have fur instead of feathers, doesn’t it?”

“Uncle says these are supposed to be more hardy, and better layers, too.”

“I think I like them better than the yellow ones we had last year.”

And then Richie, who had run the fastest of all to see them, spied a tiny chick lying beside a feed trough. Tenderly he picked it up. “Look, it’s almost dead.”

Sure enough, it had been crowded away from the infrared lamp, and was very weak and chilled. Richie’s uncle told him he could have it, if he could help it to get well again. So he gently carried it to the house and found a box and made a nest for it close by the heater.

“Do you think it’ll live?”

“It doesn’t look like it to me.”

“I hope it doesn’t die, though.” ‘

All evening he took frequent looks at it, watching for signs of improvement, and he warmed it in his own warm hands.

No one offered much encouragement. His big brother even teased a bit by saying, “It looks like the dying kind to me, Rich.”

“Don’t say that—only the Lord Jesus knows if it will live. I hope He doesn’t let it die.” Richie was almost in tears.

But he was quite right. The Lord Jesus knows everything, and His Word says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.... Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt. 10:29-31.

If we can become concerned over our little pets, let us consider how infinitely greater is God’s interest and love for us. Unlike animals, each one of us has a never-dying soul, for God breathed into Adam’s nostrils, and he became a living soul. God is not willing that any should perish, so He gave His only begotten Son to redeem man from the lost condition into which his sin had brought him. “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Eccl. 12:1.

Well, by bedtime Richie’s pet was standing, and could hold its head up and chirp a bit. Richie ducked its lile bill into some water, and it tilted its head up to swallow it. Feeling a bit revived, it picked at some food. It soon began to peep louder—this time because it felt lonely, and wanted to be with the other chicks. Richie went to bed happy because his chickie was growing strong and lively. His uncle put it back into the brooder, and to us it looked just like all the rest; but not to Richie—he could always find just which one was his very own. God the Father knows each of His own too, and calls them by name.

Dear reader, are you one of His own? Have you come to the Lord Jesus and acknowledged that you are lost and ruined by sin? Unless you are trusting in the Lord Jesus, death and judgment are before you. Just as Richie’s little chick would have died if it had not been cared for, so you need the mighty arm of the Lord Jesus to save you. He died that you might live, and now in glory He waits to forgive and bless all who come to Him by faith.

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

ML 09/26/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 16:21-17:29.

Saul made David his armor-bearer, and whenever the evil spirit troubled him, David played upon the harp, and the evil spirit departed. Music, which is always very appealing to nature, helped Saul on these occasions, but it did not change his heart nor make him right with God. Many are deceived in this way by music, for while it helps them to forget self for the time, only a work of God in the soul can produce any lasting change, and make true melody within. The first man is now entirely set aside, and the true worshipers “worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.” John 4:23.

The Philistines then gathered tether against Israel, and set the battle in array. They had a giant as their leader named Goliath, who was about ten feet tall, and he was armed with a heavy coat of armor. He carried a tremendous spear in his hand, and a man bearing a shield went out in front to protect him.

This great champion came out and shouted to the armies of Israel, asking them to send a man to fight against him. If the man whom they sent was able to kill him, then, said he, the Philistines would become the servants of Israel; but if he overcame their man, Israel would become the servants of the Philistines. The Israelites, said he, were the servants of Saul, while they were Philistines and proud of it. Goliath the giant continued this defiance of Israel for forty days, but neither Saul nor any in his army were ready to go out and fight against him. Instead, we read that “they were dismayed and greatly afraid.”

Now David is brought before us at this point. He was not in the army of Saul at this time and did not hear the challenge of Goliath. Nor was he in Saul’s court. He was caring for his father’s sheep in the wilderness, but his father sent him into the army of Israel with a message and a present for his brethren. When David came into the host the men of Israel were shoung for the battle, and he ran and saluted his brethren. While he was talking to them, Goliath the giant came forward and defied the armies of Israel as he had done before, and the Israelites fled from him. When David enquired why this should be, he was told of all the honors that the king would bestow upon the man who killed the giant.

Now David was not afraid of any man who dared to defy the armies of the living God. Goliath might call the Israelites the servants of Saul, but David was a servant of the living God, and he was not afraid of the giant. He looked upon the people of Israel as God’s people.

This courage on David’s part aroused the jealousy of his oldest brother Eliab. This is the one, we remember, whose appearance was so appealing to Samuel, but how weak he appears here, and opposed too to the one whom God was about to use against the Philistines. He accused David of pride and naughtiness of heart for coming into the army at all, but David in the beautiful spirit of grace simply asked, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” His father had sent him to inquire as to his brethren’s welfare; now, however, he was ready to deliver Israel from the Philistines. There was no further use trying to explain this to Eliab, jealous as he was of his younger brother, so he simply addressed to him these two brief questions. It should have aroused Eliab’s conscience.

ML 09/26/1954

Mr. Richard's Horse

Mr. Richard lived in Ireland a good many years ago, and like many of his friends he lived what is called a “good life,” never thinking of his need of a Saviour.

One night he was persuaded to go to a gospel meeting, and strange to say what impressed him most of all was not the preaching, but the singing. He heard a young man sing that beautiful hymn, “It is well with my soul.” The second verse particularly went home to his heart and conscience:

“My sins—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—

My sins—not in part but the whole—

Were nailed to His cross, and I bear them no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”

His sins then began to trouble him, for he knew his sins were not gone. At last he cried to the Lord to give him the knowledge of salvation, like that young man whom he had heard singing. The Lord brought a short verse of only three words home to his soul as he walked along the road. It was that verse with the wonderful words of the Lord Jesus on the cross, “It is finished.” There and then the Spirit of God revealed to him that the Lord Jesus had finished the work of redemption—had borne ALL the judgment for ALL his sins upon the cross of Calvary, and from that moment he was saved and knew it. His heart was filled with rejoicing and now he wanted to tell others.

Perhaps you are beginning to wonder where the horse comes into our story, so I must tell you. It was like this. Mr. Richard had an old horse named Buckshot. He had this strange name because he was so quick and jumpy. The very next morning after Mr. Richard was saved, he walked into the stable and put his arm around old Buckshot and said to him, “Buckshot, you can never know the love of God in forgiving sinners, but I know it. And now I am going to try to show it to you!”

This may sound strange to you, but it is true. Old Buckshot soon found out that his master had learned the love of God, for he treated him so differently from that day on.

Yes, when one is really saved, “all things become new,” and others can see the difference. Dear Mr. Richard is still living today and he is still roicing in the knowledge of his Lord and Saviour. He loves to tell others of the wonderful grace of God which brings salvation, and then teaches us how to live in this present world.

(Titus 2:11, 12.)

“IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BOLD ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW.” 2 Corinthians 5:17.

ML 10/03/1954

The Story of John Nelson

It must have been nearly two hundred years ago that little John Nelson sat by the fireside with his father. It was Sunday evening, and the man was reading aloud to his family the twentieth chapter of Revelation. John, who was then nine years old, sat on the floor by his father’s chair listening earnestly until he came to these words:

“And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.” Rev. 20: 11, 12.

The boy hid his face at these words, for he did not want anyone to see that he was crying. He did not ask any questions, but carried that great fear in his heart all through the years of his youth. He was fond of pleasure and sport, but whenever he allowed himself to think, the awful scene rose before his mind again, and he saw him. self standing before the great white throne, guilty, condemned before God.

When John grew to manhood, he married, and resolved to live for the glory of God. In a short time, however, all his good resolutions were broken. He determined to go to London and look for work there, hoping that a change of surroundings would bring a change of heart. He found good employment there, but work, pleasure, and religion all failed to satisfy him. His sins were as high as a mountain, black and unforgiven in the sight of God.

The young man then resolved to pray often, to hear many sermons, and this he did most earnestly, but still his soul was in darkness. But God, who “knoweth the secrets of the heart,” had mercy on him. He was walking along the street one day when he overheard a group of young men preaching earstly. One of them was telling very simply how he had been a sinner “going headlong to hell,” how he had tried to turn from his sins but the pull of his old companions had brought him down again— “until,” he added, “I believed in the precious blood of Christ, and was saved.”

John Nelson had heard this message often in sermons, but here was a real, living example of it. He went to his work again, with a renewed resolve to be a Christian, but his fellow woran tormented him and took away his tools. Poor John lost his temper and flew into a rage.

But Satan had now led him one step too far. Instead of eating his dier, John went up to his room and knelt down to pray. Poor John, he could not pray. “I was as dumb as a beast,” he said afterward. God was taking away the last prop on which he had been leaning.

And now, when he could not even pray, the Holy Spirit brought clearly before his soul the blessed truth that Christ had borne the punishment for his sins at Calvary, and in believing, his sins were all put away. “Christ,” he said, “was plainly set forth, crucied for me.” From that happy day, John Nelson was a saved man.

Would you like to be saved and to be joyfully sure as John Nelson was, that your sins are all put away? God is ready and willing to forgive you also if you come, as John did, with every human prop gone.

“Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. (Next week, D.V., you will hear more about John Nelson.)

ML 10/03/1954

Bible Questions for October

1. What kind of people did Christ Jesus come to save?

2. What kind of apparel should women wear?

3. Should the children of those who have a position in the assembly be subject to their parents with all gravity?

4. What is God’s way of great aain?

5. What did Paul know that the One in whom he had believed was able to do?

6. Whose soldiers are we to be?

7. What are we to expect in the world if we live godly?

The Young People’s Class

Abraham

1. Why did Abram leave the land of Canaan where God had called him to live? Genesis.

2. When Abram was about to enter Egypt what did he ask his wife to do? Genesis.

3. What did Abram get in Egypt instead of his tent and altar? Genesis.

4. When the Lord brought Abram back to the land of Canaan again, to what place did he come? Genesis.

5. When a quarrel arose with Lot’s herdsmen, did Abram demand first choice of the land? Genesis.

6. How much of the land did the Lord tell Abram He would give him after his unselsh act? Genesis.

7. Did Abram leave his “brother Lot” to the trouble he had brought upon himself through his selfishness? Genesis.

ML 10/03/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 17:30-40.

What a beautiful picture we see in David here of the Lord Jesus Christ. When rejected by the leaders of the people of Israel, the Lord turned to those who looked for deliverance, just as David did, when his brethren despised him. The Lord Jesus had been sent by His Father in love to save His people from their sins, but was hated and despised by the scribes and Pharisees, who were envious of Him. Any of us too, who seek to please the Lord in the path of obedience, will find ourselves accused of pride sometimes, even by other Christians, but let us not resent it. Let us be gracious, and continue in the path of obedience to the Lord, regardless of what others may say. Obedience to God ought always to come before everything else. There will be a time of manifestation some day, when the Lord will reward all that is according to His mind, even though we have been despised for it. This encouragement is given to those who trembled at the word of God in Isaiah 66:5.

When Saul heard that David was not afraid of Goliath the giant, he sent for him. David told Saul that their hearts need not fail because of Goliath, for he would go up and fight with him. Saul, the natural man, thought only of how Goliath was a giant, and a man of war from his youth, while David was young and inexperienced. He could not understand David’s courage. David then told Saul of how the Lord had enabled him to overcome a lion and a bear, which had come to rob his father’s flock, and this Philistine was no different seeing he had defied the armies of the living God. Poor Saul did not have faith and he could not understand David. He even forgot he ever knew him, though David had once played the harp in his court.

However, if David were willing to go, Saul would not hinder, so he said, “Go, and the Lord be with thee.”

Saul did not know anything of the strength of the Lord and thought only of natural means. He therefore put his own armor on David, and David took Saul’s sword in his hand and started to go. But he soon realized that this would never do, for he had not proved them. To wear Saul’s armor was not confidence in the Lord, but in the armor, and so he said, “I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.” He had not proved the armor, but he had proved the Lord and knew He was able!

David then took his staff and a sling in his hand instead, and went down to the brook where he chose five smooth stones which he put in his shepherd’s bag. Five, in the Scriptures, figures weakness, and this would, I believe, tell us of the Lord Jesus who came into this world in weakness, and in weakness He overcame all Satan’s power. He first met Satan in the wilderness, using the Word which, as man, He had hidden in His heart, and there He bound the strong man and went forth to spoil his goods (Matt. 12:29). In applying this to ourselves we see the importance of the Word in meeting Satan’s power against us through temptation. Of course the Lord Jesus, the blessed Son of God, could not sin, but the manner in which He met Satan became an example for us. He did not dismiss Satan in His power as God, though He could have done so, but met him as a perfect, dependent man should. Let us then form the habit of meeting Satan’s questions and temptations by the Word of God.

ML 10/03/1954

Two Sailors

Our picture of the beautiful Empress of Britain reminds me of a true story about two sailors who were on leave, traveling in the railway train. As they talked together they frequently took the name of God in vain in a very thoughtless way. At last a Christian man who was sitting nearby turned to them in a kindly way and said, “Please, my friend, do not insult my Father any longer.”

“Insult your father!” said the astonished sailor. “I don’t know him, and have never spoken of him. Perhaps you know him, John.”

“No,” repligd his comrade.

“All the sadder for you!” said the unknown man. “If you knew my Father you would love Him.”

He then went on to tell the two young men of God’s love and mercy through His Son Jesus Christ. He told of how the Lord Jesus Christ had died upon the cross for sinners, and that now He is risen and seated at the right hand of His Father in heaven, from whence He offers pardon and salvation to all who will receive it.

One of the sailors then spoke of how his mother had died only six months before, and told of how she had spoken to him about the Lord before being called “Home.”

“Do you believe that God will still save me, a poor sinner?” he said.

With what joy the Christian was able to tell the two young men that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1: 7. Simply and lovingly he showed them that all they needed to do was to come, just as they were to Him, and they would be saved for time and eternity. I am happy to say that they both said they would accept the Lord Jesus as their Saviour that day.

God’s grace is greater than all our sin, even than the awful sin of taking the name of the Lord in vain. Alas, it has become a very common thing in our day, but let us not forget what the Word of God says about it:

“THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN: FOR THE LORD WILL NOT HOLD HIM GUILTLESS THAT TATH HIS NAME IN VAIN.” Exodus 20:7.

ML 10/10/1954

More About John Nelson

John’s glorious knowledge of sins forgiven was too good to keep to himself. He told his landlady, and she immediately turned him out of doors, for “she would not have such a fuss made about religion in her house.” But when John went back to get something he had left, he found the woman’s husband was filled with sorrow for having turned him out, and said, “Tell us how we may obtain the same mercy.” So John sat down and told them of Christ, and they were both saved, the man and his wife.

Reader, this is a true story, and how we long to hear the same good news of you! It may be said just as simply of you, that——is saved. Fill in your name in that space. Come to the Lord Jesus, the risen Saviour, with all your sins, just as you are, and believe that He bore the judgment for you at Calvary and you will be saved, forgiven forever.

John soon set off to rejoin his wife in Yorkshire, but he had anything but a warm welcome from his family. John’s old mother said, “Why lad, your head is turned.” “Yes, Mother, and my heart too, thank the Lord,” he answered.

His wife said she couldn’t live with him if he went on saying people needed to be converted. “If thou wilt not go to heaven with me, Martha,” said John, “I will still do the best I can for thee, only I will not go to hell with thee for company. But I believe God will hear my prayer, and convert thy soul, and make thee a blessed companion for me in the way to heaven.” You will be glad to hear that John’s prayer was answered, and Martha became a bright happy Christian.

What then, dear reader, if your companions will not share your joy in Christ? Pray for them and be kind.to them, but do not walk with them in their sinful ways. It may be that God will save them also. If you are not saved, God is speaking to you right now. He wants to save your soul and take you to heaven. Will you let Him?

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3.

ML 10/10/1954

The Right Road

Mr. Young buttoned his coat and trudged off into the dark. He had nine miles to walk, and it was quite late. One by one he left the little cottages with twinkling lights behind, and soon he was feeling quite lonely, as though he had left all that was friendly behind.

After walking about a mile he heard the sound of little footsteps, and soon after little voices. Two boys were on the road before him. Hearing his step they stopped, and as he came up one of them said: “Please, mister, is this the right road to N—?”

The little fellow’s voice trembled, as though he was not quite sure whether the newcomer was friend or foe.

“Yes, my lad, it is quite right. Are you boys going to walk there?”

“Yes, sir,” said both in a breath.

“So am I. We will walk together.” The boys told him how they had been sent together to drive home a cow, and what a long weary job they had, and how glad they would be to be home.

The man listened, and wondered as he listened whether or not they knew the “right road” to God, and the Friend, the strong Friend, who would tape them all the way.

“Boys,” said he, “do you go to Sunday school?”

“No, sir.”

“I am sorry for that.”

“Why, sir: what do they do there?”

“Oh, many things. They learn to read the Bible, and they sing hymns, and they hear about God’s love, and about heaven, and many other things.”

There was a little pause; then one said,

“What’s heaven like?”

This was rather a difficult question to answer, so the man began to tell about boys, and men too, being all siul before God. Then he told how God was very sorry for these sinners, because sin would shut them out from His presence in heaven.

Pointing up to the sky, he said, “The bright home of God—that is heaven.”

Then, telling them that God loved them so much, and was so sorry for them in their sins, he told of how God sent His Son down from heaven to save them. He went on to say that this Son of God was called “Jesus,” the Lord Jesus Christ, and that He loved to please His Father, but the world did not want Him. He told of how wicked men nailed Him to the cross, and that on the cross He bore the judgment of God for guilty sinners. He told of how He was taken down from the cross, and laid in the grave, but the third day He rose again and went back to heaven.

“And now, boys, God has a wonderful message for us. He tells us in the Bible that if we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, all our sins will be washed away in that precious blood, and He will take us home to be with Him in heaven.”

There was a deep sigh from one of the boys, and then after he had thought a little, he turned to his companion and said, “I hopes I goes there, don’t you, Jake?”

“Yes, Bill, I do.”

These poor boys had never heard these things before, and it seemed their earnest wish to accept God’s mercy and be saved. I wish I could tell you they did but I do not know, because Mr. Young never saw them again. But it made him think of the many boys and girls who have heard that wondrous story of Jesus and His love over and over again. Yet it is only a story to them. They have never really come to Him and accepted Him as their own Saviour. Will you, dear young reader, come now?

“What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?” Matthew 27:22.

ML 10/10/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 17:41-18:1.

David’s stones were made smooth by the continual running of the water over them. So it is by reading the Word of God continually that we become well-acquainted with it, and are able to use it wisely.

When Goliath the giant saw David coming out to meet him, he came toward him boldly. He despised David because he came without a coat of armor, having only a staff and a sling, and he said he would give David’s body to the fowls of the air and to the beasts of the field.

David replied, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” David was not afraid because his confidence was in the Lord. He did not look at the size of the giant, for he knew that his size meant nothing to the Lord. Instead he ran out to meet him, and, putting his hand in his shepherd’s bag, he took a stone and slung it at the Philistine. The stone hit the great giant in his forehead and he fell upon his face to the earth. David then went forward and took the sword from Goliath’s sheath, cutting off the giant’s head with his own sword. What a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus who went to the cross, despised, rected, and delivered up to die by sinful men, but there on that cross where He was “crucified in weakness,” 2 Cor. 13:4. He won the great victory over Satan’s power. Satan had the power of death, and kept men in fear by it, but the Lord Jesus went down into death for our sins, took the sting out of it, robbed it of all its power for the believer, and then arose in triumph (Hebrews 2:14, 15). And so here, David came back with the head of the giant in his hands, and the army of Israel then pursued the Philistines until they had completely overcome them. Then they spoiled their tents. Now we, as believers, need not fear death. The Lord Jesus victory at Calvary was for us, and He has divided the “spoil” with us. Even death itself is ours, for we read, “All things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Cor. 3:21-23. May we be more thanul for the wonderful triumph won for us at Calvary and praise Him more!

As we have remarked before, Saul did not recognize David after this viory, nor did Abner the captain of Saul’s host. Unbelief never sees anhing attractive about walking by faith. While David was playing his harp in Saul’s court, Saul had been refreshed, but he did not know him when fighting the Lord’s battles. Even the world can appreciate what appeals to the flesh in religion, but they will never appreciate the obedience of faith.

If Saul failed to appreciate what David had done, Jonathan his son, who was a true child of God, a man of faith, was quick to recognize it. David had won his heart, even as our hearts have been won by the true David, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jonathan’s soul was knit to the soul of David and he loved him as his own soul. When a sinner sees his need, and what the Lord Jesus has done to save him on the cross of Calvary, his heart goes out in love to Him. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19.

ML 10/10/1954

"Hold Me Tight!"

Frank and Peter were hurrying through the fields toward their favorite stream. It was a school holiday, and they were going to make the best of the bright warm sunshine.

There had been a lot of rain, and this was the first sunny day for a long time. When at last they came to the stream, they found that it had risen a lot, and was rushing along much faster than usual. This only added to their delight, and they threw sticks in the water and hurried along the bank to watch their “boats” race with the current.

“Frank,” said Peter, “don’t go too near the edge. That water is pretty deep.”

“Don’t be afraid. The bank is good and solid.”

“But that rush of water might have washed away some of the earth, and the sod might give way and let you down.”

“Just you watch,” said Frank. And with a run and a jump he landed right on the edge of the bank—and disappeared! The sod gave way beath him and with a splash he was down in the rushing water.

It was a good thing that they had played there before, for Peter at once remembered a little foot-bridge that crossed the stream not too far down. Just as fast as his feet could carry him, he raced along the bank toward the bridge, bounded out into the middle and lay down on his stomach just in time to see Frank come splashing and struggling down with the current. With one hand holding the bridge, he made a quick grasp with the other and caught Frank by the collar.

“Hold me tight!” cried Frank.

I am sure you would not have wanted to be in poor Frank’s place. His rescue from the water depended altogether on what someone else could do for him. Unless you have taken the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour, your condition is even worse. You are rusng toward the punishment that your sins deserve. But Someone is ready, and willing, and able to save you. Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ is “long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish.” 2 Peter 3:9.

With a great struggle, Peter was able to pull his friend out of the water, and safely to the shore. But it cost the Lord Jesus His own life to rescue me. Yes, He died for me. He bore the judgment of God for my sins, on the cross, and I know He will hold me tight, for He has said,

“I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH, NEITHER SHALL ANY MAN PLUCK THEM OUT OF MY HAND.” John 10:28.

ML 10/17/1954

Life

In the late fall a huge bulky truck outfit that barely cleared the telephone wires, drove into the yard right past the house and on up to the big red grain shed. Bill and Rickie trotted along behind in the cloud of dust it raised, and read the sign painted on it which said, “Tompkins and Nibler, Wheat Treater.”

They watched the men pour some of the wheat they had recently harvested into a chute on the rig that conveyed it into a cleaning compartment. When the machine was set in motion, it rattled and whirred with the vibration of the motor inside, removing every speck of chaff, dirt, and foreign seed, in the re-cleaning process. Then the grain was dusted with powdered copper carbonate, to resist smut, and emptied out again into burlap sacks. These sacks were tied shut, and piled high in the big grainery to await the coming of spring. This wheat was not to be ground up into flour to make bread, or to be used for food. It was set aside especially to be planted, and so was called seed wheat.

Each one of the little kernels of wheat in those sacks contained a tiny germ of life.

What is life? The dictionary calls it existences. And for wheat it is what makes it grow and reproduce, for continuity of existence on the earth. Wheat does not have a soul as we do.

This spark of life is God-given. Scientists can do many remarkable things. They can fashion a tiny seed with the same chemical composition of starch, protein, minerals, ash and moisture, as wheat, but they cannot make it have life or grow. Life is from God.

Boys and girls are full of life too—and it seems so good to be alive, doesn’t it? But “what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14. Men and women, and even boys and girls die, and doctors cannot make them alive again. It is what comes after death that is most important.

To us God not only gives life here and now, but He has given us a never-dying soul—the very breath of God breathed into Adam’s nostrils, not to be snuffed out when our earthly body dies. Is this not a wonderful possession? Indeed it is, but sad to say many pele are careless of the destiny of their never-dying soul, which is either heaven or hell forever.

One man we read of was so busy with his good crops and new barns and plans for his successful farming, that he disregarded completely this main issue of life. Was he then the clever man he thought himself to be? No, God did not call him wise; He said, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” Luke 12:20.

Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour, dear reader? Do you know where your eternal destiny is? Why not settle it now?

“This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3.

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

ML 10/17/1954

The Fare Was Paid

A little girl and a little boy entered an omnibus one day in London. The girl sat down in one of the seats and took the little boy upon her knee, and the bus moved on its journey. Presently along came the conductor to collect the money for the fares and he asked the age of the little boy. He was told that the boy was five years old and quite rightly he demanded the boy’s fare. The little girl explained that she had only enough money to pay for herself, but the conductor said that she and the little boy would have to leave the bus if she was unable to pay for him. As the lad began to descend the stairs, a kind gentleman, who had been listening to the conversation, handed some money to the girl in order that she might be able to pay for the little boy’s fare. Gladly the girl showed the conductor that she now had sufficient money to pay for both of them, which she did. The little boy returned, and I noticed that he now occupied a seat of his own. He was now entitled to it because his fare had been paid, and he had a ticket to show his right to travel on that bus. Yes, his fare was paid in full, and yet it had cost him nothing. All he did was to accept that which another had so wilngly given on his behalf.

As the bus proceeded on its journey I was reminded by this incident of how the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s own beloved Son, had so lovingly and so wilngly died on Calvary’s cross for sinners. Through His work He has given to all who accept Him the right to a place in heaven. He paid it all. His precious blood which alone cleanses sinners from all their sins, freely entitles all who believe in Him to go to be with Him in glory. Like that little boy, we were unable to do or to pay anything ourselves, but another, even Jesus, has seen us in our need, and has suffered the punishment against sin on our behalf, in order that we, by accepting His payment, might go free and never come into judgment. Dear reader of this story, has your fare been paid? Have you accepted the great salvation which God freely offers to you?

“By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8.

ML 10/17/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 18:2-9.

Jonathan and David made a covenant after this great victory, and David went to live in Saul’s palace. Jonathan then stripped himself of all he had, giving his own robe, his garments, his sword, his bow, and his girdle—all to David. This is touching devotion indeed, and ought to be a lesson to us. Have we presented all to the Lord Jesus, our mighty Victor? Has He won our hearts so that we desire to be with Him above all else? Jonathan gave all he had to David, but still there is one thing which we notice he did not give, and that one thing was the most important of all. He gave everything he had, but he never gave himself to David. Everything was fine as long as David was in the place of honor in Saul’s court, but it was quite another thing to follow David when he was rejected and hunted by Saul. This test was soon to come, as it comes in the life of every young believer. When we are first saved we delight to give everything we have to the Lord, and we long to see Him in the place of honor, but when we learn that He is not wanted, are we willing to leave position and friends to be where He is in the outside, rejected place? This is the test that was soon to confront Jonathan, as it does you, dear young believer. May we be willing to give ourselves, as well as what we have, to the Lord. It was not that Jonathan did not love David, but he did not want to follow him to the cave of Adullam. He tried to serve two masters. He tried to be loyal to his father King Saul, and to David also—an utter impossibility!

David went in and out wherever Saul sent him and behaved himself wisely, so that he won the confidence and favor of all in the court. When he returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, the women came out singing and dancing and playing musical instruments, saying, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” Saul had been very glad of the victory over the Philistines, but when he heard this he was very angry. To ascribe ten thousands to David and only thousands to him, made him very jealous, and he eyed David from that day forward. The world is very glad of the blessings Christianity brings, but they do not want those who speak of and exalt Christ. They want the right to do as they like—to talk as they like, to act as they like, to dress as they like, without any mention of the rights of Christ. He is left out, in spite of the mighty victory He has won, and yet all blessing comes from Him.

Even we who are Christians have to watch against pride and jealousy. One may find plenty of help from others until his ability begins to eclipse the one who helps him, and then, alas, jealousy is so likely to come in. Naturally our poor hearts like first place, and are prone to be jealous of those who have more friends, more ability, or more influence than we have. It may be called “inferiority complex,” but it is worse than that—it is pride and jealousy which we ought to judge. Oh, let us watch against it! These horrible “weeds” which thrive so well in our natural hearts have caused more broken homes, broken assemblies, and broken hearts, than perhaps anything else. Let us watch against their very first beginnings, and judge them, root and branch, in the Lord’s presence. God hates pride and jealousy, and He cannot bless us if we allow these things in our hearts.

ML 10/17/1954

Happy Carlos

Johnney has a very kind little nurse, who is trying to do all she can for him, and his mother will do some of the things the nurse cannot. But I want to tell you today about a little boy named Carlos who has been in bed for a long time, even though he is just eight years old. Perhaps the reader of this paper is eight years old, but I don’t think you would like to have all the suffering that Carlos had. For six long years Carlos had never been able to get out of bed. Yes, when he was just two years old, he took very sick and never again was able to get up and run, but always had to lie and suffer.

Not far from Carlos’ home, there was a Sunday school where boys and girls heard about the love of God in sending the Lord Jesus to die for sinners. Over and over again they sang the hymns that told of that wonderful love, and many of them accepted the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Some of the children knew about Carlos, and they decided they would go to see him and sing some of their favorite hymns in his room. Every week, on their way home from Sunday school, they would stop at his home, and tell him what they had heard, and sing for him, and read him a story from the Bible. Wasn’t that a fine thing for Christian boys, and girls to do? I wonder if there is someone near your Sunday school that is too old or too sick to come to hear about Jesus. Perhaps if you really know Jesus as your own Saviour, you can find the time to visit them, and speak to them about your Saviour.

A few weeks after the children had started calling on little Carlos, one of the teachers stopped by for a visit. He was surprised to see such marks of suering on so young a face. But as soon as the precious name of Jesus was meioned, the face of the sufferer lighted up with joy.

“Do you know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour?” the teacher asked.

“Oh, yes, sir. Jesus has washed all my sins away.”

“Tell me how that happened,” he said.

“When the children from the Sunday school came and told me about the love of the Lord Jesus and how He saved them, I listened carefully. Then when they were gone, I accepted Him as my own Saviour. I tried to kneel in my bed to pray, but my knees just wouldn’t bend, so I raised my hands up like this, and just told the Lord Jesus that I wanted Him as my own Saviour. And now I know my sins are gone.”

I can’t tell you much more about Carlos, for he lived in far-away Spain. I really do not know if he ever got up from that sick bed, but I do know that I shall meet Carlos in heaven some day, for the Lord Jesus said,

“HIM THAT COMETH TO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT.” John 6:37.

ML 10/24/1954

The Gift and the Giver

Many years ago I went to see a very poor woman who was ill with bronchitis. After talking with her for some time, I asked her if she had no friend that could help her a little. “No,” she said, “I have none; all are dead, all are gone.”

“Are you quite sure you have no friend?” I said.

“Well, the only one I know of is Queen Victoria,” was the surprising answer, “but I’m sure she’s forgotten me—it’s so long ago.”

“What does Queen Victoria know of you?” I asked.

“It was when she was a young lady about sixteen that the sailor who steered her boat at the Isle of Wight, and who was a great favorite of hers, was taken very ill. I nursed him until he died, and at that time the Queen said she would never forget me.”

“Well,” I said, “I’m sure she will be as good as her word. Shall I write to her for you?”

“It’s no use,” she said. “It’s so long ago.”

I did not agree with the poor woman, and said nothing; but when I reached home, I sat down and wrote a letter to Queen Victoria. I brought the facts before her, telling her how poor and needy the old woman of seventy was.

The letter was put into just a plain envelope, but it was directed to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Balmoral,

Scotland.

The Queen answered me.

In a few days I got a large envelope, sealed with a huge black seal, with the Queen’s arms on the envelope, addressed to me. It contained a gracious letter and a money order for the poor woman. Oh! how delighted I was, for now I had received a gift from the Queen’s own heart to offer my poor friend, which I knew she sorely needed.

Next morning I put the letter in my pocket and started off for the poor woman’s house. I walked quickly enough, for three reasons:

First, I had a gift from the Queen.
Second, I knew the woman needed it.
Third, I knew she would gladly take it.

I knocked at the door, and was shown into the little bare room occupied by the poor woman and her husband, who, though over seventy, was still working as a gardener.

“How are you today?” I asked, quite innocently. “Oh, very bad; I shiver dreadfully this cold weather, and my cough shakes me to pieces.”

After another word or two I thought it was time to offer the Queen’s gift, so I just put my hand in my pocket, and said: “Can you read?”

“Oh, yes, with my glasses.”

“Well, here’s something that may interest you,” and I pulled out the letter, and gave it to her.

She put on her glasses, and with her aged hands trembling, held up the letter to read it. The first line was enough. The mingled look of blank astonishment and of speechless thankfullness I shall never forget. It was a great joy to me to see how the Queen’s letter was received.

Then she took up the money order and said, “Praise the Lord! Only last night I was shivering, and thought, Whatever shall I do this winter for clothes; and He said to me, I took care of you last winter, and I will care for you this winter, too, and so He has.

But oh! how kind, how good of the Queen. I never thought she could remember me. But what am I to do with this order?”

“You must do one thing,” I said. “Can you write your name?”

“Yes, well enough, only my hands tremble so.”

“Well, before you can get the money, you must sign your name here.

As I left the woman rejoicing in the gift, she said, “I will not tell my husband; it might excite him too much.”

But the next time I went, I asked, “What about your husband?”

“Ah!” she said, “I had to tell him. I couldn’t keep it in.”

I am sure that none of you can receive God’s blessed gift of salvation and a Saviour without showing a real change in your life and ways. The great mistake is to think that the change should come first. No; the shawl the poor woman bought with part of the Queen’s money, followed the gift. Will you take God’s great gift—this pardon from all your sins? Will you now believe His Word that Christ has been wounded, bruised, punished, crucified, forsaken, put to death for YOU, and instead of YOU? Oh, believe this now, and tell God you have accepted His gift at last.

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

ML 10/24/1954

Pardon

“Through this Man (Christ) is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.” — Acts 13:38.

“Yes, Jesus has the ransom paid,

The price, His precious blood,

By which the worst can now obtain

Pardon and peace with God.”

ML 10/24/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 18:10-19:7.

Saul’s jealousy was truly “cruel as the grave,” Song of Sol. 8:6. Twice while David was playing on the harp he threw a javelin at him, intending to kill him. However, David escaped and Saul realized that the Lord was with David. This made Saul still more afraid of him. Sometimes when a person does a mean thing to catch another, and he is found out, he feels more afraid and more ashamed than ever, as Saul was here. Jealousy will cause one to do the meanest and most unkind things and we feel the importance of mentioning again the need of self-judgment about this horrible sin.

Saul decided to put David out of his presence, and so he made him a captain over a thousand of his men, hoping he would be slain by the Philistines. This position, however, only gave David still more favor before the people, and they loved him because of his faithfullness and courage.

King Saul did not want everyone to know that he was jealous of David, and yet the more the Lord blessed David, the more Saul wanted to get rid of him. He decided therefore to pretend that he wanted to honor David by giving him his daughter Merab to be his wife. This was nothing more than a cruel plan to cause David to be killed by the Philistines, for Saul asked for one hundred foreskins for the dowry. David brought two hundred, instead of a hundred, without being harmed whatsoever, but when the time came for him to marry Merab, Saul gave her in marriage to another man. However, Saul’s daughter Michel loved David, and so it was suggested to him that he marry her instead, which he did. David was very humble and little in his own eyes, as one always is who is seeking to please the Lord. He did not seek the honor of being the king’s son-in-law, and did not see Saul’s wicked plan in it Nevertheless when he became the king’s son-in-law, he won still more of the favor and confidence of the people, and Saul’s schemes only worked for David, instead of against him.

There is a very important lesson for us in all this. If we walk to please the Lord, Satan’s schemes against us will fail—indeed the Lord will instead turn them into a blessing for us. Surely this was seen in all its perfection in Christ, as man here, for all the wiles of the enemy only brought out the perfection of that blessed One who did not, and could not, sin. Satan’s worst act of malice in leading man to nail Him to the cross, became but the fulfillment of all that God had spoken before concerning Him, and the occasion to show out the love and grace of His heart in all its fullness. “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” Romans 5:20. May we seek grace to take all that God allows, as but an occasion to display the love of God.

Saul’s jealousy could not be hidden any longer, and he spoke openly to Jonathan and to all his servants that they should kill David. He had tried to do it secretly, but now his hatred comes out in full flame. In the same way the Jews hated Christ secretly, but at last that hatred came out openly. Jonathan, who loved David, warned him that Saul sought his life. Jonathan said to David however that he would speak to his father on his behalf, and so he did. He spoke well of David, telling of how he had been so good and kind, and had fought the Lord’s battles for him. Saul then promised Jonathan that he would spare David, and he brought him back into his presence again.

ML 10/24/1954

A B C D

Little David was taking care of of his father’s sheep. He was not a very big boy, and he had never gone to school because his father and mother were very poor, and David had to do what he could to help at home. He had never learned to read, but he had learned his alphabet.

It was a bright Sunday morning, and David watched boys and girls, dressed in their very best clothes, going off to Sunday school and service with their fathers and mothers. How he wished that he could go too! All at once it occurred to David that God could see him as he tended the sheep, and then he thought that perhaps he could pray to God right where he was. But what could he say? He had never prayed in his life, and he didn’t know how.

After a little thought, he knelt down by the hedge and with folded hands and closed eyes, he began, “A B C D.”

When he had finished, a man’s head appeared over the hedge.

“What are you doing, little man?”

The lad looked up surprised, “Please, sir, I was praying.”

“But what were you saying your letters for?”

“Well, sir, I didn’t know just what to say, only I felt I wanted to talk to God, and ask Him to take care of me, and help me to take care of the sheep. So I thought if I said all I knew, He would put it together and spell all I want.”

“Bless your heart, my little man. I’m sure He heard you.”

And indeed I am sure too. God was watching David, and He watches you too—all day long. He loves you very much—so very much that He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for your sins. Have you ever knelt down and talked to Him? He will be sure to listen, for He has said,

“COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matt. 11:28.

ML 10/31/1954

Report Cards

Virginia ran all the way to the house when she got off the school bus. She was quite breathless by the time she was finally in the, living room holding something behind her back and smiling mysteriously. “Guess what! Just guess what I got! E in spelling!”

There—it was out. She couldn’t contain such good news a minute longer. Investigation only proved it to be true. A sheaf of neat spelling papers was evidence enough that she deserved the E on her report card.

That night there were six children’s report cards to be signed, each one telng its own story. One, though not so good in arithmetic, rated merit checks beside “Courtesy and considerion of others” and “Makes good use of time.” Another was a very satisfaory card, and had a merit check bide the words “Follows directions.”

Still another rated high in everything but music. At first that seemed strange, but on second thought it didn’t seem so strange, for the children had not particated in a gala musical play, The Show-boat, put on by the school.

Did you know, dear young reader, that we should seek to have two good reports—one from God and the other from men? That all believers should have a good report from men without. is, very important; but God judges the heart and motives within, and He will give a reward for all that is done for Him in faith. We do not all have the same ability, but what is done can be done as unto Him.

When the Lord Jesus was mocked by the unbelieving Pharisees, He said unto them, “Ye are they which justify youelves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16: 15.

We often hear unsaved people speak of their good lives as compared with others, but God is holy and shows us that all are guilty and sinful in His sight. We need the precious blood of Christ to cleanse away those horrible sins, and then, but not until then, are we fit for His presence. No one can enter heaven unless he has been made clean in this way.

When we are saved, we are in the “school of God.” Then we can seek to please Him in all we do. It is only through His Word that we learn what is pleasing to Him. Let us read it and walk in obedience to it day by day. One day when we go to be with the Lord Jesus, we shall graduate from this “school.” Then at the judgment seat of Christ, our lives will be reviewed, and it will be His delight to reward all that has been done to please Him.

“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it.” 1 Corinthians 3:13.

ML 10/31/1954

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

A gentleman was once preaching to a large congregation of Christians, and urging them to work for their Master. At the close of his address, a little boy from the farthest end of the hall made his way through the crowded seats to the platform, and touching the preacher’s arm, said, “If you please, sir, what can I do for the Lord? I am willing to work for Him.” The gentleman hardly knew how to answer, so he quietly lifted up his heart to God, and trusted Him to give the right message for this little volunteer.

“Well,” said he, “are you converted?” “Oh, yes, sir!” was the quick answer. “Have you a mother and father?” “I have a mother, sir.”

“And is she converted?” was the next question.

“Oh, yes, sir.”

“And your brothers and sisters?” continued the good man.

“I haven’t any, please, sir.”

“Then have you a companion?” “Oh, yes, there’s Charlie,” was the quick reply.

“Well, my boy, is Charlie converted?”

“No, he ain’t, sir.”

“Then go and try to get him saved, and that will be working for the Lord.”

With a glad heart the little fellow ran off. As soon as he got home he rushed up to his little room and knelt down.

“Please, Lord, convert Charlie. Please, Lord, convert Charlie.” This he said again and again.

Presently Charlie himself came bounding up the stairs in search of his companion. He paused outside the door, quite awed at hearing his own name repeated so many, times, for he understood that Johnnie was praying for him. “Come here, Charlie, and kneel down,” said his friend. Charlie came, and soon he was sobbing as though his heart would break.

“Give your heart to God, Charlie, give your heart to God,” urged the little fellow, and then he continued his prayer, “Please, Lord, convert Charlie.”

“Oh! but I’m so wicked,” sobbed Charlie.

“Never mind that, Jesus’ll take all your sins away if you’ll only trust Him.” Charlie did trust, and there and then the Lord gave him the assunce of His pardon and forgiveness.

The next morning Johnnie went in search of the preacher and found him at home all alone.

“Well! my lad,” he said, recognizing the little fellow.

“If you please, sir, Charlie’s converted,” burst from Johnnie’s lips, and then he went on to say how it had come about. “And now what else shall I do?”

“Go to your neighbors,” said the gentleman, “tell them about Jesus.”

Away went Johnnie, his heart quite full, at the thought of doing this.

One by one, he told the people who lived near his mother’s cottage about the love of Jesus, until he won fifty precious souls for his Master, and today they can praise God for the “little child who led them” to the foot of the cross.

God calls you to work for Him, dear boys and girls. If you have realized that the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ has cleansed you from all sin, go and plead with your unsaved brothers and sisters, or companions. Do not be discouraged by the chilling words you may receive from those who do not believe children ought to work for Jesus. Ask the Lord Himself to teach you, and to give you the right words to say. “Son, go work today in My vineyard” is addressed to you just as it is to older ones.

ML 10/31/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 19:7-20:3.

Jonathan, as we have remarked before, figures to us a true Christian who loves the Lord, but does not want to follow the Lord in His rejection. Such a person tries to speak well of the Lord before the world, and for a time the world may listen, as Saul here, but sooner or later their enmity comes out. It cannot be hidden. Then the test comes as to whether we are prepared to go out “unto Him,... bearing His reproach.” This test was soon to come for Jonathan.

No sooner had David returned to Saul’s court, than war broke out again with the Philistines and David slew a great number of them. This stirred Saul’s envy and hatred again, and David had to flee for his life. In spite of the world’s fair promises, they are at enmity with God. They hate Christ, and this is not just the Christian’s opinion—it is the Word of God. The Lord Jesus said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18. Michal, David’s wife, helped David to get away, but she was Saul’s daughter, and one fears she did not go with him in her heart.

David then fled to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done. When Saul heard that David was with Samuel, he sent messengers to take him, but when the messengers came, the power of the Spirit of God came upon them and they prophesied. Saul sent messengers three times to take David, but in each case they prophesied and did not take David captive. At last Saul himself came down, and he too came under the power of the Spirit of God and prophesied, but alas, to his own shame and nakedness. Poor Saul, his course now was steadily downward in spite of all his pretensions and profession. His life is a sad example of one who has profession without reality. What an awful thing this is! One feels there is much of it today too. There will be a terrible awakening when the Lord comes and the door is shut forever upon these enlightened lands of Christendom.

After this David went to Jonathan and asked him why his father hated him so, but Jonathan still would not believe that his father really sought David’s life, and he tried to comfort David. He said that his father would not kill him without telling him (Jonathan) about his plans. David told Jonathan that his father knew of the friendship between them and therefore did not tell him of his plans. Jonathan again reminds us of a worldly Christian who does not believe the real enmity of the, world, but tries to keep on good terms with it, yet loving the Lord and wanting to enjoy His company too. This is an impossibility and only ends in dishonor to the Lord, for He has said, “If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be.” John 12:26. Happy privilege to be where He is, for no man can serve two masters!

David then asked Jonathan to find out exactly how Saul felt toward him. He knew, but he wanted Jonathan to see for himself. There is nothing like talking about the Lord Jesus Christ to others, to find out just where they stand. It soon comes out. The world will have the Christian’s company only if he does not talk of Christ. If he talks about Him, they soon let him alone. Christ is still the rejected One.

ML 10/31/1954

Happy Old John

Old John’s poverty was quite a business with him. He had no time to think about anything else. He had no time to read his Bible, or pray, or go to hear the gospel—he was too poor!

I have often met people who are too rich to think about the Lord Jesus. They are too busy with their fine homes and big cars to be interested in a gospel meeting—but John was too poor!

At last the Lord laid old John on his back, and it was there that I found him. Many of us had prayed for him, and again we prayed that the Lord might open his heart through his illness.

After a few words of greeting, these beautiful words were read to him, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” John 3:36.

“John, believing in Jesus is having. It does not say ‘believe and hope’—it says ‘believe and have.’”

After a little more conversation, the riches of God’s grace began to unfold before the old man’s soul. He saw that the mercy of God was meant for him, a poor guilty sinner, just where he was. Right then and there, on his sick bed, old John closed his weary eyes, and thanked God for His wondrous grace in giving the Saviour to meet his need. He trusted the precious blood of Jesus and his sins were all washed away.

It was not long before John was well and at work again. But he seemed to forget all about his poverty. Though just as poor as ever, he didn’t fret over it, but sang happily at his work instead.

John’s cabin was small and old, and there was not much furniture in it either, but it was a joy to pass by and hear him singing, or to see him sitting on the front step reading his Bible. All his neighbors knew that John had found something more than gold. He delighted to tell them of what the love of God had done, and of how the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, his risen, living Saviour, had washed away his many sins.

“WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.” Revelation 22:17.

ML 11/07/1954

"Lock Him up!"

The night had been very stormy and most of the passengers had been quite sick. We were glad to see the shore of Trinidad, and to sail into smoother waters. As we neared the island a boat came alongside, and an officer in uniform came on board and asked to see our papers.

With a loud voice, which told the strain of the rough night, the captain called us all together and ordered us to have our papers ready. One by one we passed by the Immigration officer, answered the questions put to us, and had our papers stamped by his seal. Then the trouble began. One poor boy had the wrong papers! I really think the officer felt sorry for him, and questioned him again and again, but it was no use. His papers were not in order. He turned to the captain and said,

“Captain, we can’t let this young man land. He is in your care and must be taken back to St. Vincent.”

The captain’s face grew dark with anger, and he shouted and swore at the frightened young man and threatened him with all kinds of violence. The lad had nothing to say for himself, and although I felt sorry for him, there was nothing I could do either. The captain phoned ashore and called the police to come out and take him away.

“Lock him up!” he shouted. “Lock him up! I can’t be bothered with him at all.”

Sadly I turned away from the young lad’s worried face. I thought of my own guilt, of my condemnation, and of God’s wondrous love. The captain’s hard heart was filled with anger for the trouble that had been caused, and he showed no mercy.

But my pages of life were stained with many sins, and I was not fit to enter heaven. I deserved to be banished in hell forever. But oh, the love of God! He punished His own dear Son instead of me, and now He has given to me pardon and forgiveness, and free entrance into His glorious home above.

What about you? What is your pasort to glory? The Lord Jesus is the One who died that your record might be cleansed by His precious blood. But His death will profit you nothing unless you accept Him as your Saviour. Do come to Him now, telling Him just what you are, as His holy eye sees you, and accept Him as your own.

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

ML 11/07/1954

Bent Down

A lady missionary was talking to a group of Chinese women and children in a little gospel hall. She heard a peculiar sound outside and in came a stranger, a young woman walng with the help of a little wooden bench, for she was deformed like the poor woman of whom we read in Luke 13:11-13. She had a beautiful face and looked very intelligent. She listened with intense interest, for it must have been her first opportunity to hear the glad tidings about the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who can take away our load of sin under which we are bent down. She heard about the happy land which the Lord has prepared for all who know Him as their Saviour, where there is no more sickness, sorrow, pain nor death.

The missionary inquired about her and learned that she was a newcomer, and lived in a little hut on a nearby hill. After two days the missionary went to see her, but it was too late. She had died suddenly with cholera, the day before. She had heard the gospel only once, and we wonder if she had believed it.

Dear reader, how about you? You may have heard the gospel many times, but have you received the Lord Jesus as your own personal Saviour? Do you know Him as the One who bore the judgment of God for your sins on the cross, and who is now a risen, living Saviour in heaven?

“By Him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39.

ML 11/07/1954

Bible Questions for November

1. Could a person profess to know the Lord, and deny Him in his works?

2. Can one be saved by works of righteousness of his own?

3. Would Paul try to get a kindness from Philemon, done “by necessity” (because he had to)?

4. Where is the Lord Jesus, God’s Son, sitting now?

5. Is there a way of escape for those who neglect God’s great salvation?

6. What are we to watch against that will harden the heart?

7. What discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart?

The Young People’s Class

Abraham

1. Would Abram take a reword from the king of Sodom for his kindness to him and to Lot? Genesis.

2. In whom was Abram’s exceeding great rard for what he had done? Genesis.

3. How did God tell Abram to walk? Genesis.

4. What does Abraham’s son by Hagar (Agar) figure to us? Galatians.

5. What does Abraham’s son Isaac figure to us? Galatians.

6. Did Abraham believe in “self-expression” in his household? Genesis 18.

7. Was Abraham hospitable to the strange visitors who came to visit him? Genesis 18.

ML 11/07/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 20:3-34.

David said, “There is but a step between me and death.” Dear reader, how would it be with you if there were but a step between you and death? Are you ready? Are you cleansed from your sins in Christ’s most precious blood? Remember you cannot tell when your turn will come—you may be but a step from death now.

David said that he would hide in a field, and then if Saul missed him, Jonathan was to say that David had asked permission to go to Bethlehem. If Saul became angry then he would know that evil was in his father’s heart toward David, but if he said, “It is well,” then Jonathan would know there was peace in his heart toward him. Jonathan then asked David to promise to show kindness to his household, even after his own death, and this David did. When he came to the throne one of the first things he did was to find Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, and show kindness to him. How the Lord delights in blessing, even to those who are unfaithful, a’s Jonathan was here.

Jonathan left David out in the field and returned to Saul’s court. On the first day, when David’s place was empty at the table, Saul did not say anything, but on the second day when he was still absent, Saul asked Jonathan why David was not there, and Jonathan began to explain how he had asked leave to go to Bethlehem. King Saul then became very angry and railed on Jonathan for the “foolish” choice he had made in becoming so attached to David. Jonathan then began to ask his father why he hated David so, but Saul did not answer; instead he threw a javelin at Jonathan. He could not bear to have anyone speak well of David; neither can the world bear to have anyone speak well of Christ.

If Jonathan never knew before the full enmity and hatred of his father to David—an enmity without cause—he surely knew it now. Jonathan felt so keenly that his father had spoken against David that he got up and left the table in the heat of anger. This was righteous anger (Ephesians 4:26). It is not righteous anger when we get upset over personal insults, but we ought to feel angry inside over anything that is said against the Lord Jesus Christ. Jonathan did not eat all day. Now the test had come. He knew exactly how his father felt toward David, and he loved David greatly, but whose company was he going to choose? He could not have both.

Dear reader, has this crisis come in your life? Have you, like Jonathan, been walking with the world, thinking it is not really so bad after all? Then has the Lord allowed you to see its real enmity against Christ? Has that unsaved boy or girl friend come out in his or her true colors, so you really found out they hated Christ and did not want you to speak of Him? What are you going to do? Is your heart broken? Jonathan’s was. Have you gone to the Lord, telling Him all about it? Jonathan went to David and told him all about it too; but it was a time for action, not just talking. Sometimes God brings us to this point, when everything comes out in the light of His presence and we must act one way or the other. There is only one right way, and we know it! Is He worthy of our ALL? Indeed He is!

ML 11/07/1954

"Sir, Can You Swim?"

The big ship was within sight of the shore at last, and the passengers were eagerly watching from the deck, or getting their luggage ready. All at once, the dread cry of “Fire, Fire!” rang up and down the crowd. Eyes were opened wide with terror as the crew rushed to their posts and tried to conquer the flames. But it was hopeless —the ship was doomed.

With full steam ahead, she made for the shore, but all could see that there was no hope of staying on board and reaching safety. Many plunged into the waves, but after a brief struggle, they disappeared. One strong man was seen buckling a wide belt about him, and preparing to make for the shore. That belt contained gold. He had been a miner in California, and he had made a fortune. He was not anxious to lose that gold, and so hoped to swim to shore with his fortune safely hidden in the belt. Just as he was about to plunge into the waves, a little voice stopped him, and a little hand pulled at his arm.

“Please, sir, can you swim?”

A child’s tender eyes were looking up at him with mingled expressions of fear and hope.

“Yes, little one, I can swim.”

“Then, sir, won’t you please try to save me?”

He looked at his heavy belt, and then at those tender eyes. There was a moment of delay, but he threw the belt into the sea and lifted the little lass up on his back.

“Now hold on with your arms around my neck—not too tight or you will choke me.”

With a brave heart and a strong arm, he struck out for the shore with his precious burden. Wave after wave washed over them, but still the strong man struggled on, and the little girl held tight. At last a mighty wave lifted them both high on its crest and cast them on the shore. The exhausted man lay senseless for a time, as kind and ready hands did what they could for him. Presently his eyes opened and he looked up into those same tender eyes. How different they looked this time! The fear was gone and they were filled with tears of love, and thankfulness. For a long time she said not a word, but just looked at him so still and tired. Then she knelt with her mouth to his ear and whispered, “Thank you, sir. Thank you for saving me.”

I am sure that if someone saved your life, you would want to thank them too. But let me tell you of One who laid aside, not a belt full of gold, but all that He had. The Lord Jesus Christ left all the glory of heaven and came down here into this world to save you and me. And He not only risked His life, but He laid down His life that you might be saved. He bore all the punishment for my sins and I have thanked Him for saving me. Have you?

“FOR YE KNOW THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THAT, THOUGH HE WAS RICH, YET FOR YOUR SAKES HE BECAME POOR, THAT YE THROUGH HIS POVERTY MIGHT BE RICH.” 2 Corinthians 8:9.

ML 11/14/1954

Jem the Sailor

Everyone called him Jem, and I can’t even tell you what his real name was. As our story opens, he was just a boy, and a very lively boy, living at home with his big brother Robert, and his little sister Elsie. Both Robert and Elsie loved the Lord Jesus, but Jem did not, and he didn’t want to hear them talk to him about Jesus either. Elsie prayed very often for her brother and used to like to sing hymns around the house. But whenever she would start to sing, Jem would whistle, or he would take up his cap and go outside. One day as Robert was going utairs, he saw Elsie coming out of her room looking very sad.

“What is it, little Elsie? What makes you look so sad?”

“I’ve just been asking Jesus to save dear brother Jem.”

Soon after this, Jem took a fancy to go to sea, and it wasn’t long till he bade them all good-bye. You may be sure Elsie never forgot to pray for her absent brother.

I’m sure Jem didn’t find it quite so pleasant as he had expected, but he was a strong determined boy, and he made the best of it. Every once in a while, though, when the storms would be bad, and the sailors would be swearing, Jem would suddenly remember little Elsie’s prayers and hymns, and they made him feel very strange inside.

Then came one storm, worse than all the others. The gallant ship would ride up the crest of a mighty wave, then tip and slide down into the boiling trough, with mountains of water toweng beside it. Deep in Jem’s soul was a sense that the eye of God was watching him through the storm. And above the roar of the storm and the whistling of the wind, came the quiet words of Elsie’s hymn, ‘We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Fastened to the rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.”

Then and there in the midst of the storm, Jem bowed his head and accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour, believing that He died for his sins upon the cross of Calvary.

Not many months after, Jem stood at the door of his old home, waiting for someone to answer his knock. Elsie came and her eyes opened wide. It was Jem home again! But best of all, Jem was a Christian! With what joy they gathered together and heard of the Lord’s goodness in bringing Jem to Himself. And when the hymns of praise were sung, Jem’s voice sounded loud and clear with the others.

Some day, every saved one will join in the song of heaven, “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” Revelation 1:5. Will you be there?

ML 11/14/1954

The Weaver and the Raven

There was, many years ago, a German weaver who earned a scanty living, plying his daily task for a hard-hearted employer.

One Saturday night as he received his wages, the employer told him that trade was bad, and his services were no longer needed.

“But what of my poor wife and family?” cried the weaver.

“I know nothing of that,” answered his master.

“Well,” said the weaver. “The Lord helps. He will not forsake me.”

With the same words did the poor man comfort his sorrowing wife and children. It was not long before they felt the pinch of hunger, but the man did not give way to anger or despair. He comforted his hungry family, and prayed often with them, and alone, that God would supply their daily needs.

The neighbors, who were poor also, felt sorry for them, but one mocking lad despised them for their prayers. One day as this boy passed by the house and heard the voice of prayer, he threw a dead raven through the open door, shouting, “There, saint, there is something for you to eat.”

The weaver picked it up. “Poor thing,” he said, “it seems to have died of starvation, for it is very thin. See, here is something hard in its crop!”

He opened the bird’s crop, and found there a golden necklace. It appeared to be of great value, so he took it at once to a jeweler.

“Do you know who is the owner of this necklace?” asked the weaver.

“Yes, indeed,” said the jeweler. “It is a great treasure. It belongs to your former employer, and his whole household is in distress because it is missing.”

The weaver at once hastened to his former master and told him how he had found the necklace. The man was very grateful, and immediately promised to restore his trustworthy weaver to his old employment. He was also touched by this proof of the poor man’s simple faith as expressed in the words, “The Lord helps.”

The reader may have heard it said, “The Lord helps those who help theelves,” but this is not what the Bible says. All God’s promises of help are to those who own they cannot help theelves. Our only claim upon His goodness is our utter helplessness, which casts us upon His strength, and His everlasting love. His promise is “The Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” Psalm 37:40.

ML 11/14/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 20:35-21:9.

Jonathan, as he had promised, went with a young lad into the field where David was hiding. Then he shot three arrows as though he shot at a mark, and told the lad to run and find them. He had planned this beforand with David. If the arrows went beyond him, David would know that evil was determined from the hand of Saul. After this Jonathan sent the young lad away while he went to where David was. Then they kissed each other and wept until David eeeded. David then went his way to be hunted “as a partridge upon the mountains” by Saul, while Jonathan made his sad decision. He chose the easy path in the court of his father, king Saul, where he knew David was hated, rather than the path of trial and hardship with David, God’s rightful king.

What is going to be your choice, dear young believer? What you may think is an easy path may not be the one the Lord has marked out for you in His Word. May God grant that you will be led to follow a rejected Christ here, for one thing we know, as some one has said, “There are joys in the path of faith known only to those who walk in it.” Jonathan missed all this, for he never lived to see David crowned as king, nor was he among David’s mighty men. It was those who shared the hardships of the cave of Adullam, where David was forced to hide, who were reckoned among David’s mighty men in his day of power. And so God has said, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.” 2 Timothy 2:12.

David then fled to Ahimelech the priest at Nob and asked bread from him. The priest told David and his men that he had nothing there but the show-bread, so David took this, for they were hungry and faint. David, as we have noticed, was God’s rightful king, but he was rejected, and so all God’s ordances lost their value because the one whom God had chosen was in exile. The same thing was true when the Lord Jesus was here. His disciples could pluck the ears of corn and eat them on the sabbath, when the nation was rejecting Him, the One who was Lord of the sabbath. (Mark 2:23-28.)

Doeg, the Edomite, was there in the house of the Lord with Ahimelech, and he was the servant of Saul. How this shows the condition of things in Israel, for the Edomites were enemies of God’s people, and were not to be received into the congregation of the Lord until the third generation (Deut. 23:8). Everything was in disorder.

After eating of the showbread with his followers, David then asked Ahimech for a sword and he gave him the sword of the slain giant Goliath. How beautifully all this typifies our association with the blessed Lord Jesus in His victory. Satan’s power through death has been defeated, like David’s triumph over Goliath, and now we trmph in Christ’s victory. Death may overtake us, but its sting is gone. It is now ours, like David with Goliath’s sword, for should we be called upon to pass through it, it only takes us out of this sad world to be “with Christ which is far better.” If we should be alive when the Lord Jesus comes, we will not have to pass through death at all. Goliath’s sword (Satan’s power through death) is now in the hands of our David—the Lord Jesus Christ.

His be “the Victor’s name,”

Who fought the fight alone;

Triumphant saints no honor claim,

His conquest was their own.

ML 11/14/1954

Snowy

Snowy was a pet lamb. Carol and Helen had taken care of Snowy since he was very small, and he ran after them and ate from their hands. But one morning when they went outside after breakfast to play with Snowy, they saw a strange sight. Poor Snowy was being taken away by the butcher’s big boy. Yes, it was Snowy all right, with a big rope around his neck. With a cry and a rush they had their arms around that woolly neck. and they held on tight, calling out for the big boy to let their Snowy go free.

“That’s our Snowy, you must let him go.”

“Master bought this lamb this morning, and I am going to take him to the slaughterhouse.”

“Kill our Snowy! No, you won’t, we won’t let go.”

By this time some of the neighbor children had come along and were looking on rather fearfully as Carol held onto Snowy’s neck, and Helen tried hard to pull the rope from the butcher boy’s hand.

Just at this moment, a stranger came along and stopped to watch.

“What’s all this noise about?” asked the stranger.

“It’s our lamb, sir, and he wants to kill it.”

Quickly the kind man took out his purse and asked the boy how much he had paid for the lamb. Then he counted out the amount and a little more. This he gave to the boy, took the rope from his hand and gave the lamb back to Carol and Helen.

It all happened so quickly they could hardly believe it. They jumped up and down for joy and thanked the kind stranger again and again. Snowy was redeemed!

Yes, Snowy could not save himself, and the children, dearly as they loved him; couldn’t redeem him either. But someone else paid the price and redeemed the lamb from death.

I have been redeemed too. Someone paid the price to redeem me. Shall I tell you who paid for me, and how much He paid? The Lord Jesus paid the price that I might be redeemed, and this is what He paid: He bore all the punishment for my sins on the cross. His precious blood has removed them all, and now I have been redeemed to God at this great cost.

“FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YE WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE THINGS, AS SILVER AND GOLD... BUT WITH THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

ML 11/21/1954

Called and Found Watching

As I sit writing this story, I can see three pictures on my desk. Two girls and one boy are smiling at me from their picture frames, and I love to look at them, for they are our own three children.

It reminds me of what Mr. Wallace told me one day after he had visited in a home where there were two girls playing happily in the parlor. On the wall hung a picture of a happy little boy. Mr. Wallace stepped closer to look more carefully, and then he noticed four words written underneath. The four words were, “Called and found watching.”

“That was my little brother Freddie,” said Patsy.

“Freddie has gone up to heaven to be with the Lord Jesus,” added sister Winnie.

“Mother,wrote those words under the picture,” added Patsy. “She told us that Jesus had taken our little brother up to heaven.”

“I’m so glad Freddie is in heaven,” said Mr. Wallace. “How does your mother know that Jesus took him there?”

“Oh, we’re all sure about that, because we know the Lord Jesus died to wash away our naughty sins. Our brother Freddie trusted in the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour, so we know we are going to see him again some day with Jesus.”

Happy children! I wonder if the rear of this story has done what little Freddie had done. Have you trusted the Lord Jesus as your own Saviour? Some day you will be “called”—will you be ready?

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

ML 11/21/1954

Willing Even to Die

I remember reading a story, a true story I think, of an incident which occurred during a war many, many years ago. It was about a certain prince, named Seuthes, who lived in a country called Thrace. Now this prince had hired same Greek soldiers to fight for him and his army decided to attack some villages. The order was given that no mercy was to be shown to any of the people who were taken prisoners. Among the Greek soldiers was a man who was very fond of boys, and when he saw among the captives a handsome boy about to be put to death, he ran as quickly as he could to the leader of the Greek soldiers and pleaded earnestly that the life of this lad should be spared. The Greek general, impressed by the soldier’s earnest pleading, took them both to the prince, and the general begged Prince Seuthes to spare the boy for the soldier’s sake. The prince turned to the soldier and asked him: “Would you even be willing to die for this boy’s sake?” The soldier just stretched his neck forward a little and replied, “Strike, if the lad bids you and is grateful.” Yes, this soldier was willing even to die for the one whose tender looks had so attracted him. The prince was very gracious and spared both the soldier and the lad, and we may be, sure that he was very impressed indeed by the noble action of the soldier.

Now, dear reader, as you read this story, does it not remind you of One who came into the world willing even to die, in order that poor guilty sinners might not perish but have everlasting life? The Lord Jesus Christ loved not only boys, but girls also and men and women too, when there was nothing attractive about any of them. In fact it was the very opposite with us, for we read in the Word of God “that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” and that “when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6, 8. Yes, Jesus died upon the cross at Calvary and there He bore the judgment of God against sin that we might never come into judgment but that we might live with Him forever. Can you say, “He died that I might live?”

Such was the wonderful love of the blessed Son of God, and He who once died has risen again, and now is in glory, a Prince and a Saviour, willing and able to save.

May God, who knows all about you, give you to trust in that blessed Saviour this very day, and then you will be able to say with a thankful heart, “the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

ML 11/21/1954

Dick's Tears

Dick was only three years old and he couldn’t run very fast, but he wasn’t wasting any time as he hurried up the garden walk with the big tears chasing each other down his rosy cheeks.

“Hello, Dick! Why those tears, and where are you going?”

“I’ve just eaten some strawberries from the garden and I’m going to tell mother. She told me not to touch them.”

That’s the end of the story, but I hope it may be a lesson for us all. Our every act of disobedience has been seen and recorded by God. And He has heard every wrong word too. Shall we run from Him or to Him? Come to Him now with all your sins, confessing your guilt, and you will find Him ready, willing, and able to forgive you. It is through the work the Lord Jesus did in bearing sin upon the cross that God can righteously pardon you.

“Come now, and let us reason tether, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18.

ML 11/21/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 21:10-22:2.

David then fled to Achish, the king of Gath, for fear of Saul. Like every type of Christ, he fell short; nevertheless, there is a lesson for us in what took place here. It is always a foolish thing to turn to the ungodly, to the enemies of the Lord, when trouble comes. And yet this is often done by God’s children, causing even the unbeliever to wonder at our folly. They know a Christian should be consistent— they know how we should act and set very high standards for us. The Philistines therefore said, “Is not this David, the king of the land?” making David feel afraid and ashamed. David then acted like a madman before the Philistines. He had been foolish indeed to go there at all, and now when he acted like a madman, Achish said he did not want him in his presence. If we are not willing to be “fools for Christ’s sake,” if we are not willing to be considered foolish because of our obedience to God and His Word, the Lord in His government may allow us to be made fools, even before others, for our self-will and disobedience to Him. So it was with David.

It is sad when the world has to rebuke us for our inconsistency, as with David here, but it is a good thing when we take the rebuke and profit by it. So David left Achish and went down to the cave of Adullam. Far better to be suffering hardship there, than to be at ease among the Philistines. Far better for us too to be suffering with a rejected Christ than trying to escape suffering by mixing with the enemies of the Lord.

David, the rightful king in his rejection, hiding in the cave of Adullam, becomes such a beautiful figure of the Lord Jesus who has been rejected and cast out of this world. The world did not want Him and if we are going to follow Him we will find ourselves outcasts as He was. David’s brethren therefore went down to him in the cave. Those whom the Lord Jesus has called His brethren are to go to Him “outside the camp”—the place of rroach. The company who were with David in the cave were not, an attractive group. They were distressed ones, discontented ones, and those who were in debt. What a picture of ourselves! It is our very trouble that drives us to the Lord, and then, like these dear men, we find in Him all our souls’ need, and He becomes our Leader and our Captain. If any of these men started looking at one another they might have seen a good deal with which to find fault, and if they had looked inside they would have found still more, but that would be a poor occupation. David was their center, and their hearts were taken up with him.

Alas, how often the children of God become occupied with the failures of their brethren, or perhaps look inside at the weakness of the flesh. But this always leads to an unhappy state of soul. If any of our readers, young or old, are thus engaged, may the Lord show you the foolishness of such occupation. It always makes one sad and miserable. Let us rather think of our wonderful Leader and Captain, and of His loveliness and worthiness. This will keep us humble and happy. It is a great thing to cultivate good thinking habits. If we do, with the Lord’s help, we will grow in grace and be happy with our brethren. It is especially important that we learn to do this while we are young, for a fault-finding spirit grows on one, and fault-finders are a continual source of unhappiness among the children of God.

ML 11/21/1954

"I Have It"

In a fishing village, some years ago, a young lady asked an old fisherman to come to a gospel meeting which was being held in a tent.

“I will,” he said, “if you can show me that the Bible is the Word of God. I have never yet met anyone who could do that.”

“What is the best evidence that a bank note is genuine?” asked the young lady.

“When you get-the money for it,” said the old man.

“Well,” she said, “God promises salvation to the sinner who believes in His Son, and I HAVE IT.” Then she added, “You come along and get it too!”

The old fisherman was silenced. He could have argued and discussed “evidence” long enough, but here was one who could say, “I have it.” This was too difficult “evidence” to deal with.

I wish I could tell you that the old fisherman came to the tent and accepted Christ as his Saviour, but I cannot, for the real trouble was not that he wanted evidence, but that he did not want the Lord Jesus Christ. When people begin to argue about the gospel, it would be better for them to say at the very start that what they really wish to tell us is that they do not want God’s great salvation.

But all will want it some day—many when it will be too late. The Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon to take all His own to heaven, and then there will be a great awakening. They will have the “evidence” then, but it will be too late, for the door of mercy will be shut forever. How solemn this will be! May none of our readers be among that weeping throng who will call for mercy when the door is shut.

You may have the “evidence” now, if you will but take God at His Word. He says,

“THESE THINGS HAVE I WRITTEN UNTO YOU THAT BELIEVE ON THE NAME OF THE SON OF GOD; THAT YE MAY KNOW THAT YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.” 1 John 5:13.

ML 11/28/1954

A Message for You

“And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak: for Thy servant heareth.” 1 Samuel 3:10.

I want to ask you to read the third chapter of the first book of Samuel, and if you do, you will realize that God was calling a little boy by his name. God not only called him once but again and again, and when little Samuel realized who was calling, then he answered.

But was it not wonderful that God should call a little boy by name—not someone great or noble, but a little boy? The 10th verse of our chapter tells us that the Lord called “as at other times.” How gracious that God should speak again and again, and wait for some response from little Samuel. When Samuel did answer, God gave him a message.

I wonder whether you have ever thought that Jesus is calling YOU. I want you to realize that today He is calling, not only to grown-ups, but to boys and girls. There is a message for YOU—it does not matter how young you may be—Jesus is calling YOU.

We read in Matthew’s Gospel that when the Lord Jesus was here in this world, He called a little child unto Him. How wonderful that was! That little child could say afterward, “Jesus called me and I came to Him.” It may be that you have not yet responded to the call of Jesus, but do you realize who is calling to you? It is God’s own dear Son who came from glory into this world to die for sinners upon the cross. The Bible tells us that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Listen to His loving call: “Come unto Me.” “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14. Jesus blessed the children who were brought to Him when He was here, and today He is calling YOU that He might bless you. Have YOU been like little Samuel? Have you responded to His call? Do not delay, but come.

Jesus is calling YOU.

ML 11/28/1954

"I See It Now"

Linda was a cripple. She had once been as happy and as active as others, but when I first met her she was lying in bed, and she knew that she would never walk again.

She told me that she had fallen down a flight of stairs three years before, and was so badly hurt that she would never be better. “But,” she said, “I am accustomed to it now, and I don’t mind it nearly so much. At first I could not bear to be in bed and see the bright sunshine, and hear the birds sing. Now, thank God, I am content.”

“Do you love the Lord then?” I asked.

“Yes, Miss, indeed I do.”

“I am so glad of that, for it must make a wonderful difference to you when you are alone. And are you happy then, and ready to go when He sees it right to take you?”

She looked at me for a moment and then replied, “Oh, no, Miss, I can’t say that.”

“Why is that? If you love Him, can you not trust Him? Has He not saved you? Can you not say that you are saved?”

She stopped for a moment, and then said, “Oh, Miss, it would be too great presumption for me to say that.”

Silently I asked the Lord to give me the right word, then asked her, “Do you think He is willing to save you?”

“Oh, yes.”

“Is He able?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Then why was He nailed to the cross, why did. He hang there for those dreadful hours, and why did God hide His face from Him? Because He was bearing our sins. He was bearing the judgment that we might never have to bear it, and now He is able and willing, and ready to save all that come to God by Him. Yes, ‘the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all,’ and His own word to us is, ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.’”

“Now,” I added, “I should think that the presumption is, not in believing His word, but in doubting it. You believe Jesus died on the cross for us?”

“Yes.”

“That He bore all our sins there?” “Yes.”

“That He bore yours as well as mine?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then, the Lord says you are saved, you have eternal life.”

She seemed much surprised, but could not quite grasp it. I found for her some scriptures in her own Bible to prove what I had told her, and then left her.

Several days passed before I could go again. She welcomed me warmly, and said, “Oh, Miss, I am so glad you have come. I did so want to see you. I have thought over all you told me, and read the verses again and again.”

“And are you afraid to say now that the Lord has saved you? Can you fully trust Him now?”

She looked at me with a bright face, her eyes beaming, and the color flushing her poor wasted cheeks, “Oh, yes, Miss, I see it now.”

I visited her often afterward, before I left the place, and had happy times with her talking about our precious Saviour.

Do you, dear reader, have the joy of knowing you are His own—saved, and possessing eternal life?

ML 11/28/1954

"Do You Know Jesus?"

The streets were crowded with people, and is was hard to hurry along as fast as I would like. It was just about closing time for the bank, and I had two blocks more to walk.

A steady hum of voices buzzed about me, and snatches of conversation could be heard, but I paid no attention, for I was eager to get to the bank in time. All at once I heard one clear question stand out above all the others.

“Sir, do you know Jesus?”

For the time and place, it was a strange question. But it caught my ear at once, for I do know Jesus. I love Jesus, for He first loved me and died for me. In a moment I turned to see who had asked the question, but I could not find out. There were so many people around, and such a confusion of voices, that I could not tell who had spoken.

Reader, do you know Jesus? He is the Son of God who died for sinners like you and me. Have you put your trust in Him?

ML 11/28/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 22:3-22:16.

Any of the men who went down to the cave of Adullam for any other reason than just to be with David, would doubtless soon have wearied of the place. How many we have seen, even in our day, who find fault until they finally leave the path of the truth, often taking others with them and enng up generally in an easier path. Unless we have learned to see the Lord in the midst of those who are gathered by the Spirit to His precious name (Matt. 18:20), we are likely to weary of the problems and difficulties of the narrow pathway. We need to learn, like the disciples, to see “no man any more, save Jesus only.” Mark 9:8.

David’s sending back his father and mother to the care of the king of Moab, while he was in the hold, would perhaps tell us of how God is providentially caring for His people Israel now, until the time when they will be associated with Him in His place of power. They are God’s people, though for many years they were out of their land, and even now, though going back, it is still in unbelief.

The prophet Gad came and told David to go into the land of Judah. It might have seemed easier to stay in the cave, but we are not to seek the easy path. Even though gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the outside place, we can take the easy path in life, but this is not the will of God for us. We are to be willing to follow the Lord wherever He may lead.

When Saul heard where David was, he set at work to stir up opposition and trouble for him and for all who were even favorable toward him. He told his followers that David would not do as much for them as he had done. This is like the lie of Satan, the enemy of our souls, for he always makes out that the path of following Christ is a hard one. Satan, like Saul, deceives his followers with the glitter of material things. Do not hearken to Satan’s lies, dear young reader, for we can assure you that to share the reproach of Christ brings “greater riches” than all the treasures of this “Egypt world.” Poor king Saul’s followers were soon to lose everything, for when David took the throne their day of glory came to a complete end. King Saul spoke against Jonathan too, for even though Jonathan did not go out to David to share his rejection, he loved him in his heart and spoke well of him to Saul. The enemy does not want any testimony to Christ whaoever, and will do all he can to hinder it.

Doeg, the Edomite, was with Saul at this time. He spoke up and told how he had seen David at Nob and how Ahimelech the priest had given him the sword of Goliath when he stopped there while fleeing from Saul. King Saul then called for the priests of the Lord and questioned Ahimelech, but Ahimelech said he did not know David was fleeing when he came to him. This circumstance ought to be a warning to us against keeping bad company. Ahimelech the priest should never have had an Edomite there before the Lord (Deut. 23:8), and now he had to reap the fruit of it. We may think lightly of keeping company with those who do not belong to the Lord, but how often it has led to a great catastrophe, as it did here. Let us remember the warning, “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. It is very important to be in the right company.

ML 11/28/1954

Deep Thoughts

Here is a little boy who is very deep in thought as he sits on the edge of the sidewalk. He is just a little older than David of whom I wish to tell you today, but David had some deep thoughts too, though his came not while sitting on the sidewalk — but it was while playing with an old organ stool. The old stool was rather the worse for wear. The seat would still spin around but the threads were so worn that it could not be raised or lowered as once it could.

David was only four years old, and somehow that very stool captured his fancy. It fitted into whatever game he chose to play after the other children had gone to school. First it was his milk truck. He drove it slowly about, stopping often to deposit milk bottles at each imaginary doorstep. Next it was a brand new Buick like Uncle Bob’s, and how quietly it could glide along on its smoothly worn glass bearings. Sometimes he lay beneath it, tinkering away in his service station, while other cars waited till he could give them gas.

One day he started it up in a great hurry, and it came zooming into the kitchen with the siren screaming, the little driver spinning his steering wheel furiously to make the corner. Perhaps this was a fire truck on its way to a fire. But no, listen!

“Here comes the ambulance— watch out ‘cause I have to hurry. I have to get my mother ‘cause she fainted. I have to take her to the hospital. She might die.”

And then quite abruptly the little fellow fell silent in thought. His play had brought him unexpectedly face to face with a vivid memory that time would never erase. His mother, busy getting breakfast over with, busy getting little brothers and sisters off to school, had suddenly fainted. The ambulance came to carry her away, never to return. All was so sudden, so unexpected, and now the familiar, quiet life of home was shattered.

The little boy lay over the, stool, only one stubby shoe propelling him slowly, slowly around, like the thoughts that were revolving in his mind.

Wistful eyes looked up. “How do you get up to heaven? Could I climb up there?”

“Your dear mommie wants you to come to heaven and see her again and live there forever, and the Lord Jesus wants you there too, but we can’t climb. Do you know why?”

“Why?”

“Probably big strong people would be the only ones who could get there. I’m not a very good climber, so I wouldn’t be able to get there at all. And if there were wicked people that did not believe in the Lord Jesus, they would try to spoil everything. I’m glad people can’t climb up there, aren’t you?”

“How about an airplane?”

“You’d have to have money to get on an airplane, David, so what would poor people do that didn’t have enough money? And what if the plane should crash, and wouldn’t get there after all? The Lord Jesus has a better way.”

“How is it?”

“There is only one way. The Lord Jesus died on the cross and bore all the punishment for the sins of all who will believe. When the Lord Jesus hung on the cross, a soldier pierced His side and there came out blood and water. ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ 1 John 1:7. There will be no one who has his sins upon him up in heaven—only those who have believed and have been born again can enter there. The Lord Jesus knows each of His own, and will make no mistake about whom He takes up to heaven.”

“When will we go up?”

“When He calls us. First He wants us to work for Him, and tell others about how He can save them too, and then, when the time comes, He will call us. But we do not know what moment that will be.”

“Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep (die), but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.

“THEN WE WHICH ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN SHALL BE CAUGHT UP TOGETHER WITH THEM IN THE CLOUDS, TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR: AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD.” 1 Thess. 4:17.

ML 12/05/1954

"God Cares Anyway"

Just as I passed the school the bell rang for noon and the boys and girls came hurrying out, chattering and laughing. Two sets of little footsteps followed behind me and two happy voices conversed together.

“Ruthie likes the girls that dress pretty a great deal better than those that dress poorly.”

“Yes, I think she likes the rich children best.”

“I’m glad my mother can keep me clean and warm, even though I have no pretty clothes. And God cares anyway. I know He loves me even if we aren’t rich.”

“Of course He does. I’m sure He would love us both just as much if we were all in rags. Oh, I’m so glad He loves us.”

I couldn’t go along farther without speaking to them, so slowed down for a chat. They were just seven and eight years old, and their names were Pauline and Marjorie. Our chat was short, but we were just so glad to find that we all belonged to the Lord Jesus, and to know that He loves us and watches us all the time.

Dear little ones, God’s eye is upon you all the time. It is not on your clothes, or your homes, but upon your heart, for He loves you and wants to make you happy. And real true happiness can be found only in thy Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of boys and girls.

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.

ML 12/05/1954

Bible Questions for December

1. Is the believer’s hope sure and steadfast?

2. Can the Lord save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him?

3. Is there any remission (forgiveness) of sin apart from the shed blood?

4. Should we be careful not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together?

5. What did Moses choose instead of the pleasures of sin?

6. What kind of a kingdom do we have, and how should we serve God?

7. What may we boldly say?

The Young People’s Class

Abraham

1. Could Ishmael, who laughed at the child of promise, remain in the same house and crow uo with him? Genesis 21.

2. What did God tell Abraham to do with his son Isaac? Genesis 22.

3. Did Abraham do what God said without asking why? Genesis 22.

4. Although Abraham did not know it, what did this sacrifice figure? Hebrews 11.

5. Was Abraham the loser for his obedience? Genesis 22.

6. Would Abraham consent to his son Isaac’s marrying one of the unbelieving girls of the land of Canaan? Genesis 24.

7. Did Isaac get a home of love and comfort by his faithful obedience to his father? Genesis 24.

ML 12/05/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 22:17-23:12.

Saul told his footmen to kill the priests of the Lord because they had helped David as he fled from Saul, but his footmen were afraid (and well they might be!) to kill them. He then told Doeg to do it, and Doeg killed eighty-five priests as well as destroying the city of Nob with all its inhabitants. How dreadful this was, and all because of bad company. The very man whom they had sheltered (Doeg) turned against them, and so it always is. The world wants a Christian only for what it can get from him, but will soon show its enmity (especially in the presence of other unbelievers) when Christ is confessed.

One of the priests, a man named Abiathar, escaped this terrible slaughter and fled to David. Surely this is a lesson for us too, for it is a great thing in time of trouble to flee to our David, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to tell Him all, just as Abiathar did here. The Lord knows what we have to bear in the path of following Him, and He alone can sustain and comfort us. And so David said to Abiathar, “Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard.” What an encouragement this must have been to Abiathar in the difficult and trying days ahead of him.

David heard at this time that the Philistines were fighting against the city of Keilah and robbing their threshingfloors, and it concerned him. He loved the people of God, and all the trials that had come into his life through King Saul had not made him bitter. Often we have to watch lest trouble should make us bitter in our souls, and cause us to give up the path of devotedness to Christ and service to His own. There are few who retain fresh energy when in trial, but how beautiful it is to see it here.

David asked the Lord if he should go up against the Philistines and diver Keilah, and the Lord told him to go. His men, however, advised him not to go so he asked the Lord again.

I believe this is a beautiful lesson to us, for while we are to look to the Lord to direct us in serving Him, we are not to close our ears to the advice of others. If we feel the Lord has given us some service to do, and others advise us against it, let us ask the Lord again. It could easily be our own wills instead of the will of God, but if we seek only His will, He will surely make it clear to us. Let us not be stubborn, for God says “stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Samuel 15:23. Let us quietly seek the Lord’s mind again, as David did. He knows our hearts and whether we desire to do His will only.

When the Lord told David the send time that he was to go out against Keilah, then his men were persuaded and were ready to go with him. The Lord will never fail those who look to and count upon Him. When they went up there, they defeated the Philistines and delivered Keilah.

Saul soon heard that David was in Keilah, and in spite of the fact that David had fought against the Philistines and delivered the city, he still hated him. Immediately he came out against him to besiege the city where he was. When David heard this he called for the ephod and asked the Lord if Saul would really come, and if the men of Keilah would deliver him up to Saul. He did not trust in man, or in fair promises, but in the Lord, so he left Keilah and went to hide in the wilderness.

ML 12/05/1954

A Stowaway

I don’t know if you have ever heard of a “stowaway” before, but sometimes people try to hide themselves on board ships, often among the big bundles of freight, in order to avoid paying their fare. This doesn’t happen very often now, but the incident which I wish to relate occurred in the days when boats had great sails and took weeks to cross the ocean.

The boat was just a few days out from the port of Liverpool when a poor little boy about the size of the one in our picture was found hidden on board. The sailor who found him carried him at once to the captain. The captain was a hard-hearted man, and had very little patience with the boy. He gruffly asked him why he was there, and where he intended to go. The brave boy looked up with clear and fearless eyes into the captain’s angry face.

“Sir, my stepfather did it because he wanted to get rid of me.”

The captain had met stowaways before, and he didn’t believe the story at all. With anger, he shouted,

“Tell the truth, boy. Tell the truth or it will be the worse for you.”

Still the boy would not change his story, and the captain handed him over to the first mate, who was even more rough and cruel. With all his threats, he still couldn’t make the brave boy change his story. At last, in anger, and in the sight of many passengers, he brought him to the edge of the deck, and told him that unless he would speak the truth, he would throw him overboard.

Holding him by the collar he growled, “Come now. I’ll give you just two minutes to tell the truth, or I’ll throw you into the sea.”

With head erect, and with his tear-filled eyes fixed on the angry sailor, the boy replied, “Sir, I am telling the truth. If I must be thrown overboard, I would like to pray first.”

The sailor turned white and let go of the brave boy. In a moment the boy was down on his knees, and with a firm voice, thanked God for saving his soul through the blood of Jesus, and asked for His protecting care in this hour of danger. Then he arose from his knees and stood before the mate. But the mate’s anger was all gone, and in its place were tears and trembling. More than one of the passengers sobbed aloud at the brave boy’s firmness in telling the truth, and his fearless confession of the Lord Jesus in the face of death.

Needless to say, his story was firmly believed, and he was well treated the rest of the voyage. I can’t tell you what happened after he landed, but I want to ask you if you know this brave lad’s Saviour as your own? Accept Him today as your own. Trust Him fully and then seek to walk in ways that would please Him.

“VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT HEARETH MY WORD, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO CONDEMNATION; BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE.” John 5:24.

ML 12/12/1954

Waiting

As soon as the big yellow school bus rumbled into the yard where it always stayed for the night, Jon hopped down the steps and rushed into the house to change his school clothes. No loitering this time. Pretty soon he was ready and back outdoors again, running in the direction of the road. On he ran, peering down into the ditches on either side. He was looking for something he had spotted on the way home.

Down in the culvert a big fine snow goose was painfully making its way through the dried tumbleweeds and loose rocks. Hunters had shot and wounded it in the wing. It had floundered awkwardly to the ground, calling in distress to its mate and friends who were on their way south for the winter. Frightened by the gunfire they flew on, leaving him helplessly alone.

A shadow, then a dark figure bore down on him as he waddled along dragging his injured wing. He struggled in vain as Jon’s strong hands pinned him down and then lifted him gently in his arms and carried him home.

He locked the goose up in the vacant brooder house and put fresh water and mash and wheat before it. For weeks he cared for it, and turned it outside into an open pen for fresh air each day. Sometimes he sprayed it with fine mist from the hose. This was what Dudley, as he was nicknamed, specially liked.

By this time Jon was quite attached to his pet and he phoned to the game warden to see if he could possibly locate a mate for it so it wouldn’t be so lonely. But it was a snow goose that spent the summers in Canada and flew south for winter, so there were none others to be had here.

One day Jon left the gate unhooked while he was putting down wheat for Dudley, and it swung open. When he turned the goose was gone.

Dudley walked out the gate and down to the water trough. He fluttered his wings and found they could work pretty well, for the wound was healing nicely by now. After a little investigating he walked back to his pen and looked at Jon, who was delighted to see he wasn’t trying to escape.

Have you known what it is to be lost? Have you known what it is to be without strength? Well then, consider yourself for a moment like Dudley, traveling toward your destiny—but stricken by sin which will not allow you to enter into God’s holy presence. Yes, you too are stricken and just as unable to lift yourself out of your fallen condition as he was. And you will be left behind when the Lord comes, if mother and father and sisters and brothers are saved and you are not.

“When we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6. Here then is the Saviour, the only One who is able to help poor perishing sinners. And He is willing. He is loving. He proved His love by bearing all the punishment for all who will believe, from God’s own hand on the cross of Calvary. “With His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5. Dudley walked back into his pen with a “Quack, quack, quack.” But after this, the gate was not locked, so he could come and go as he pleased.

Dudley was well fed and cared for, and was such a friendly, social pet, yet he was unmistakably lonely. He seemed to be watching and waiting for something. All winter long he patiently waited, though it was evident he could fly if he wished.

Spring arrived early this year, and with the warmer weather came flocks of birds. Early one morning high overhead we heard “Honk, honk, honk.” Guess what it was! Dudley heard it too—he was last seen flying over the housetop, and away.

Are you watching and waiting for something too? Are you ready? A dear old white-haired grandpa was waiting and listening for something, even though he was stone deaf. He did not worry that he might not hear it, for he knew it would wake even the dead in Christ, and he always said, “The first sound I’ll ever hear will be the shout in the air.” Yes, he waited to hear the voice of his precious Saviour who is soon coming to call us who belong to Him to His bright home above.

Are you one of His redeemed ones who will hear His voice saying, “RISE UP, MY LOVE, MY FAIR ONE, AND COME AWAY?” Song of Sol. 2:10.

ML 12/12/1954

"Precious"

Jamie was sitting on his front steps learning his Sunday School text. He was just a little fellow and so his teacher had given him a little text. It was this: “He is precious.”

Mr. Wilson was passing by and he heard the little lad. Stopping a moment, he asked, “Who is precious, Jamie?”

“Jesus is precious.”

“And what does ‘precious’ mean?”

Jamie was silent for a minute, and then answered brightly. “Mother is precious: we couldn’t do without her.”

Mr. Wilson smiled to himself as he walked away thoughtfully, saying quietly to himself, “Jesus is precious—couldn’t do without Him.”

“Unto you therefore which believe, He is precious.” 1 Peter 2:7.

ML 12/12/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 23:13-24:20.

Then David and six hundred men with him went into the wilderness to hide. Saul began to hunt for him, but the Lord graciously delivered him from his hand. While David was hiding from Saul, Jonathan went down to him in the woods. He told him that he knew he was to be king over Israel and, he said, “I shall be next unto thee.” Jonathan then returned to his own house, for the path of remaining with David was too difficult for him. Alas, poor Jonathan never had his desire—he did not reign with David when he became king. Instead he was slain upon the mountains of Gilboa, and died with his father whose company he had chosen instead of David’s. And so with us, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him,” 2 Timothy 2:12, but if we choose the easy path, we shall miss something of the joy of reigning With Him above Jonathan was a true man of faith, but he made a sad choice to his own loss. May we be careful not to do the same. Dear young reader, how is it with you? Are you choosing this happy path of following Christ in your youth?

Saul continued hunting for David, and the men of Ziph said they would deliver him over to Saul if they found him, but they were unable to do so. Men are powerless to do any more than God allows. At last, however, Saul had David and his men hedged in, but just then the Philistines invaded the land, and Saul returned to fight against them. This gave David and his men the opportunity to find another hiding place.

When Saul returned from fighting against the Philistines, he began to hunt for David again, and at last he came right into the very cave where David and his men were hiding. Saul could not see David in the darkness; this was David’s opportunity. His men suggested that the Lord had delivered Saul into his hand, and indeed he could very easily have killed him in “self defense.” Some of his men suggested that he should do so, but David went up quietly, without Saul’s knowing it, and cut a piece off Saul’s robe.

When Saul went out of the cave, David called after him saying, “My lord the king,” and bowed himself to the ground. After this he asked Saul why he had listened to men’s words, thinking that David wanted to hurt him, for he surely did not. He told Saul he could have killed him but would not because he was the Lord’s anointed. Then holding up the piece of robe, he showed it to Saul, telling him how he had cut it off while he was asleep in the cave. He went on to say that the Lord was the judge, and that Saul’s hunting for him was like hunting for a flea or a dead dog. This lovely humble spirit on the part of David is’ so beautiful, and it broke down the heart of even wicked king Saul. What a picture of the cross, where unbelieving Israel put the Lord Jesus, and yet it became but the occasion for Him to show out the wondrous grace and goodness of His heart. While hanging there He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Saul then called David his son and began to weep. He acknowledged his guilt too, and owned that David had rewarded him good for his evil. He said that the Lord would reward David for his kindness to him. He even admitted that he knew David was to be king after him. All this, however, did not change Saul’s heart. Admitting the truth is not enough—there needs to be a turning to God in true repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

M 12/12/1954

"Lost! Lost!"

One afternoon in the late fall I went for a walk along the sea coast. The weather was foggy, and it was getting dark. Before I realized it I had walked to a part of the coastline I was not acquainted with.

Not knowing just what to do, I listened and heard a bell. Thinking it was a church bell I started in the direction from which the sound came, but I soon discovered it was a bell on a buoy near a sandbank which was placed there to warn sailors. Then I started in another direction, but I found that the tide was coming in, so I did not know which way to turn.

I realized I was lost and in great danger of being drowned, so I began to call out, “LOST! LOST!” An answer seemed to come back:

“I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.” Proverbs 1:26.

I knew I was not saved, not ready to meet God, and I was afraid to look up or even to pray. The sea gulls which flew around seemed to mock me in my despair, but I continued to cry, “LOST! LOST!”

At last I heard a voice saying, “Come this way.” A man had heard me and had come to my rescue. You can imagine my joy as he led me to safety.

I am thankful to say that God used this terrible experience, not only as a proof of His care in saving my life, but to awaken me to my soul’s deep need. I was lost in my sins, and needed a Saviour. Now I have found in the Lord Jesus, the very Saviour I needed, and He has received me in all my sins and guilt. His precious atoning blood, shed upon Calvary’s cross has washed away all my sins, and now I can say, “I am His and He is mine forever and forever.”

“THE SON OF MAN IS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.” Luke 19:10.

ML 12/19/1954

"I Will Come in"

Little Doreen came home from Sunday school with a very solemn face.

“Mother, our verse in class today was, ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock.” Rev. 3:20.

“Teacher said it meant Jesus was knocking at our hearts and wanted us to let Him in. I wish I knew how to open the door.”

“I believe,” said her mother, “that if you told Him all about it, He would come in right away.”

There was silence for a few minutes, and then Doreen dropped on her knees, and in her own seven-year-old way, she invited the Lord Jesus to come into her heart.

She rose from her knees with a happy smile and said,

“Mother, I really believe He has come in. I’m saved.”

There were a few minutes more of silence while her mother was breathing a prayer of thanksgiving, and again Doreen dropped on her knees and said in a firm voice, “Dear Lord Jesus, now You are in, please shut the door. Amen.”

I hope it is your desire and mine, ‘dear Christian reader, to keep our hearts forever closed to anything which would not please our Lord Jesus.

“Into my heart, into my heart,

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;

Come in today; come in to stay;

Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.”

ML 12/19/1954

Jimmy

The preacher stood at the back of the hall,

Thoughtfully scanning the aisle;

Daily the doors were open wide

For strangers to rest awhile.

A small boy entered and reverently walked

Right up to the front of the hall,

Carrying papers, too heavy a load

For a body so small and frail.

He stayed but a moment on bended knee,

Then out on the busy street,

He sold his papers with a winning smile

To all whom he chanced to meet.

The preacher watched from day to day,

He longed with the child to speak;

But had only a glimpse of a fleeting form

As it vanished on nimble feet.

He met him one morning face to face,

And asked with a kindly smile,

“What prayer can you offer, my little lad,

While you tarry so short a while?”

“I know no prayer,” he shyly said,

“I don’t know how to pray;

But ‘Jesus—this is Jimmy,’

Is all I ever say.”

How sweet is this, the faith of a child,

That came to Jesus in need

And you, dear reader, may come today,

And from sin and guilt be freed.

He shed His blood that you might be

His very own today.

O trust His love, believe His Word,

He’ll be with you, alway.

A few days later the preacher was called,

And he saw little Jimmy again,

Felled by a truck on the busy road,

He lay on a bed of pain.

The preacher stood by the dying boy,

Listening to catch a word—

Not Jimmy’s—another Voice he heard,

“It is I, be not afraid.”

The Lord Jesus said, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37.

ML 12/19/1954

Who Else Was Crucified with Jesus?

“Daddy, who else was crucified with Jesus? Of course, I know the thieves were. Was anybody else?”

“Yes, Eddie, there was indeed; but what makes my little boy ask such a question?”

“Why, daddy, I heard it read the other day at meeting—something about ‘our old man being crucified with Jesus’ and I couldn’t think what it meant. I thought none but the two thieves died with Jesus.”

“You will think it stranger still,” said his father, “when I tell you that this ‘old man’ the Bible speaks of, died on the same cross with the Lord Jesus.”

“Why daddy, I never heard of that. Who was it?”

“I think you know something of him, my dear boy. At least, if what you tell me is true, that you believe in Jesus. Are you sure you do?”

“I am quite sure I am a sinner, daddy, and Jesus, you know, died for sinners. And I do trust Him.”

“Well, Eddie dear, ‘blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.’ But is your heart quite changed now? Have you a new heart that loves Jesus? Is it all, all new?”

“Why no, daddy, not all. I do so wish it were. But I sometimes think it’s as if I were two people now. There’s still one Eddie that doesn’t seem to want to please Jesus, and there’s another one that does.”

“So it’s as if there’s an old Eddie, and a new. There’s one Eddie, a new Eddie, called ‘the new man’ who loves the Lord: but the old Eddie, called ‘the old man,’ is there too. Well, even the Apostle Paul found that. He found he had in him an old Paul still. That’s what he calls his ‘old man,’ and that’s what was crucified with Christ.”

“How, daddy? Hadn’t Jesus died before I was born?”

“Yes, my dear, He had. But you know, for all who believe, it is just as if, when He died, they died too. When God saw His dear Son hanging on the cross for us, He saw us there in Jesus. It is just as if that bad ‘old man’ had been put upon that cross with Him. Now, when He looks at you, He sees the new Eddie He has made, not the old Eddie that you feel in you. The old Eddie, God says, is as dead before Him. ‘Our old man was crucified with Christ.’ In heaven it will be gone, so that you will never find it any more. But even now while you do find it, God says to reckon it dead. Do not let it lead you to sin. The old Eddie died upon the cross with Jesus. You are now to let the new Eddie be seen in your daily life.”

Dear Christian boys and girls, this may sound like a new and a strange lesson. But God says it is true, and I am glad.

Read it for yourself in Romans 6:6. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him.”

ML 12/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 24:21-25:1

Saul asked David to promise that when he became king he would not cut off his family in spite of the wicked way he had acted toward him. David went even father than complying with Saul’s request, for when he came to the throne he sought out one of Saul’s household. Mephilosheth, the son of Jonathan and showed great kindness to him. He restored to him all the land of Saul and gave him a place at his own table, even though he was lame on both his feet. (Sam. 9).

Saul then gave up hunting for David for a time and returned home, but David and his men went up to the hold. He did not trust Saul nor believe that the confession he had made was real.

This chapter we have been considering is also a remarkable picture of God’s dealings with the sinner. Saul was brought into contact with David, whom he hated, just as the sinner is often brought into the presence of the Lord in an unexpected way. It may be through some business or personal matter, like Saul’s going into the cave, but the hand of God is in it, even though the sinner’s heart is full of enmity to Christ, as Saul’s was toward David. Then just as David reached out and cut off a piece of Saul’s robe, so the sinner is “cut” by the Word of God. (see Acts 2:37; also 5:33 and 7:54, where in the first case they cry out, “What shall we do?” and in the latter cases they rise up against God’s messengers.) The sinner, blind to the hand of God as was Saul here, seeks to go on his way again, still at enmity with Christ.

Dear reader, is this what you are doing? Are you turning a deaf ear to the voice of God in your life? Undoubtedly He has spoken to you already, and today He speaks to you again through this little paper. Even though it may seem to “cut,” yet it is in love, as it was when David cut the piece off Saul’s garment.

Saul was very near death without realizing it, and now he is forced to turn to the Lord and recognize His goodness to him in sparing his life, through the kindness of David. Saul made some fine promises too, and even called for mercy upon himself and his loved ones. He also turned from his evil course, but he did not feel his sin before God. How solemn this is, for in spite of all God’s goodness, Saul’s heart was really unmoved by it. If God has spoken to you, dear reader, remember that your fair promises and an outward change in your life will never take the place of new birth. It is surprising how a man can change his ways and seem very religious, yet still have a heart full of enmity to Christ. May we warn you that if this is your case, in spite of all your fair promises and good deeds, you are still in your sins and on your way to a lost eternity. Nothing less than new birth, and cleansing through the precious blood of Christ, will avail to make you fit for God’s holy presence.

At last Samuel died. Israel had rejected his testimony during his lifetime, yet they came and mourned for him after he had died. This is the way man deceives himself. He will reject a testimony from God while it is being given. because it touches his conscience, but then he will make a great man of the one who gave it, after his death. The Lord spoke to the scribes and Pharisees of this in His day (see Matt. 23:29-36), and it ought to be a warning to us too, for it is a common snare.

ML 12/19/1954

His Own Father

Here is a boy dressed up like a knight of ancient times. It makes me think of a story about a little boy whose father was a soldier in those times. His father wore a coat of heavy armor and a shining helmet upon his head.

One day when his father was going away to war, his mother took their little boy up in her arms to kiss his father good-bye. The little lad had never seen his father dressed that way before, and he cried out with fright. His father then took off his shining helmet, and when the little boy saw that it was his own father he kissed him again and again.

This story makes us think of the time when John saw the Lord Jesus as the Judge. He says, “His eyes were as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and His voice as the sound of many waters... and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword.” Revelation 1:14-16.

John was so afraid that he fell at the feet of the Lord Jesus as dead, but the Lord Jesus put His hand upon him and said, “Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:17, 18.

What a terrible thing it would be to meet the Lord Jesus as a judge! And yet if you are still in your sins, dear reader, that is the way you will meet Him, for the Bible says He is “ready to judge the quick (living) and the dead.” 1 Peter 4:5.

But He does not want to be your judge—He wants to be your Saviour. He is the One who died, as He said to John, and now He is alive forevermore. He died for our sins, so that He might be able to say to all who believe, “Fear not.” He is not only able, but willing to save you. God is holy and cannot pass over sin, but the “sword” of God’s judgment fell upon the Lord Jesus, and now He stands before you as a Saviour, with a spear-pierced side, waiting to bless you. But do not forget that if you do not receive Him as your Saviour, you will surely meet Him as your judge, and then He will have to say to you those awful words, “DEPART FROM ME, YE CURSED, INTO EVERLASTING FIRE, PREPARED FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS.” — Matthew 25:41.

ML 12/26/1954

The Serpent in the Toy Box

After a long day spent in going from one village to another by canoe, the missionary had returned home tired and weary. He had talked to many people, given medicine to others, and some had received his books telling of the love of God, but now the day was done. He was sitting at a late tea in his little bungalow, accompanied by his wife, and a brother who had just arrived from England. They were talking of home and old associations, but were interrupted by a little native girl bursting into the room.

“Ammo, Missie Mary, bamboo!”—. “Oh, Mother, Miss Mary and the snake.” Rushing to the bedroom, the little girl was found in her cot fast asleep, and there were no signs of snakes or anything else to disturb her.

“The girl must have been dreaming,” said the visitor.

“No. I saw it come in from the verandah,” said she.

The sleeping child was lifted out and sent with her nurse and mother to the sitting room. The bedroom doors being closed, search was made, but nothing discovered, till a box containing toys was noticed to have its lid slightly raised! On being opened, out came a large cobra, more than four feet long. Raising itself to strike, it darted its head right and left, but the missionary, by swift blows with a stick, soon killed it.

How often Satan who is called “that old serpent” hides in unexpected places. He creeps in often unawares and hides in our homes. It may be in the things we listen to on the radio, or the things seen on television, or in the books we read, and we need to be watchful. He wants to ruin your soul, dear reader, and maybe he is hiding in some of your pleasures. The Bible, which is God’s Word, says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. Do not allow anything in your life or home that would hinder you from accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, or from living to please Him. Watch out for the old serpent, Satan, in your “toy box.”

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil... walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

ML 12/26/1954

Life Through Death

It almost seemed to Jon and Al that the time to start seeding would never come. During the long winter months, the boys helped on Saturdays to get the machinery in good repair. Axles had to be greased, wheels adjusted, bolts tightened, plough shares sharpened, and many such odd jobs.

When spring finally arrived, it took quite awhile to get the ground worked just right. Even after that, late frost lay hard and cold on the fields in the morngs. But at last one afternoon they backed the truck up to the grain shed and began loading up the heavy sacks of seed wheat, and hauled them out into the field where the seeders were hitched behind the tractor.

Five sacks were emptied into the trough of each seeder. Along the bottom of each trough, a row of funnels extended down to the ground, through which the seeds dropped uniformly in rows as it rolled along behind the rumbling tractor. Jon rode on one seeder and Al on the other. Their jobs were to move back and forth on the foot board that extended from one end of the seeder to the other, and keep check on the funnels to see they did not get stopped up. The seed must run out freely—there must be no “skips” in the field.

The keen fresh air fanned their faces, and the sun felt warm and good on their backs—the boys liked this job of riding the seeders. Sometimes they hoed ff the foot boards and jogged along behind in the soft dirt, watching the seed dropping, dropping, dropping into the ground. Then they had to run extra fast to catch up, and jump onto the foot board again.

Down under the ground these little seeds soon began sprouting, and the kernels became mushy and died, yielding up their matter to the new shoot that was springing up. A couple of weeks later, the whole field was a soft living carpet of green wheat.

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” John 12:24. The Lord Jesus spoke these words to His disciples to show them that life is through death. The wheat seed must die to give life to the new stalk of wheat. So He, the blessed Son of God, came into this poor sinful world to die that we poor sinners, dead in our sins, might live. Nailed to that center cross on Calvary’s hill, with thorns for a crown, jeered by the cruel mob, forsaken of God, He bowed His head and died. His blood was shed.

They buried Him in a sepulcher, sealed the tomb and set a watch. But He arose! Here is immortality and por. Here is resurrection life! “Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at His coming.” 1 Corinthians 15:23. Are you, dear reader, one of His? They that are Christ’s are those who have come to Him as lost guilty sinners and received life—eternal life—by faith in Him and His finished work. God teaches us this wonderful truth every time we plant a seed in the ground.

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4.

ML 12/26/1954

Nothing Hidden

“You can’t do wrong and get by,

No matter how hard you may try.

Nothing hidden can be,

Everything He doth see,

You can’t do wrong and get by.”

“Be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23.

M 12/26/1954

Bible Talks

1 Samuel 25:2-36

We now come to the story of Nabal, who pictures to us the ungodly part of the nation, of Israel who would not receive the Lord Jesus when He came into this world in humiliation. David sent a message to Nabal saying, “Peace be both to thee, and peace be to thine house, and peace be unto all that thou hast.” How this reminds us of the message spoken by the angels at the birth of the Lord Jesus, “On earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. But how was this message received by men, and by the nation of Israel to whom the Lord Jesus came? Alas, it was received in the same way as Nabal received the message from David, the rejected king. Nabal said, “Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants nowadays that break away every man from his master.” And so when the Lord Jesus came there was no room for Him in the inn. “He is despised and rejected of men.” Isaiah 53:3. “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” John 1:11. They did not see or believe who He was as the sent One of God, nor would they even accept the works He did as a testimony to it (John 10:38, 39). David had shown great kindness to Nabal and his men, but Nabal reward him evil for good. And oh, what wonderful works of love and grace the Lord Jesus did, yet in His hour of need, He could say, “I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave Me also gall for My meat; and in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink.” Psalm 69:20, 21. They not only rejected the Lord of life and glory, but they crucified Him, putting Him to death in the most shameful way.

It is beautiful at this point to see Abigail, the wife of Nabal, brought in. She went out to meet David and brought food and wine for him. She spoke of Nabal as a son of Belial and acknowdged David as her lord, bowing down before him. She owned the guilt of her husband as though it were her own, and pleaded for mercy. David had come out to judge Nabal and his household, but the judgment was not executed at that time. In this way John the Baptist said, when announcing the coming of Christ, “And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” Matthew 3:10. Those who came out and were baptized with the baptism of rentance were like Abigail, who identified herself with David, and so the judgment of which John the Baptist spoke, did not fall at once on the guilty nation of Israel. Whether they would receive Christ or not was the final test.

It is interesting to notice that Abigail did not become the wife of David until after Nabal’s death. And so the godly of Israel, while identified with the Lord in measure during His life on earth, did not leave Judaism, nor would it have been right for them to do so until God had set it aside (Matt. 23:2, 3). Even in the early part of the Acts, before the stoning of Stephen, the testimony of Christ’s death and resurrection was presented in the very temple itself, and the Jews were given the opportunity of acknowledging their guilt in rejecting their Messiah. Peter told them that if they would repent, God would send Jesus and bring in the kingdom then. (Acts 3:19-26.) However they rejected this testimony and stoned Stephen, thus sending a messenger after Christ saying, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Luke 19:14.

ML 12/26/1954

Messages of God's Love: 1954

Table of Contents

Cyril

Bessie

The Happy Child

Bible Questions for January

Bible Talks

A Toothache and What Came of It

God's Looking Glass

Our Faithful Bantam Hen

Bible Talks

Little Willie

"Seek and Ye Shall Find"

Ada's Prayer

Bible Talks

What Sort of Eyes?

Advice from a Bedside

God Has Sent His Angel

A Lie Sticks

Bible Talks

"I Wonder Where They Came From?"

The Wee Boy's Friend

The Lost Book

Bible Talks

Poor but Happy

Tommy and the Scales

Bible Questions for February

Bible Talks

A Snake

"She Hath Done What She Could"

Darling Johnnie

Bible Talks

"No Sins at All"

Saved on His Wedding Day

The Little Man

Bible Talks

The King's Ransom

Andrew and the Penny

The Story of a Coat Pocket

Yam Sing

Bible Talks

A Dog Story

The Little Blue Flower

Temptation

Bible Questions for March

Bible Talks

An Adventure

God Asks Questions

Thomas

Bible Talks

The Letter

"Wee Jamsie"

Linda

Bible Talks

The Lifeboat

"Wee Jamsie"

Little Minnie

Bible Talks

The Cocoon

Mrs. Kao

Bible Questions for April

Bible Talks

Terry, the Bird Catcher

The Child and the Apple

The Three Scoffers

Jamie Dean's Message

Bible Talks

The Swallow Comes Home

Lost Bertie

No Place to Pray

Bible Talks

Johnnie and Carrie

Lost Bertie

The Birthday Picnic

Bible Talks

After the Sunday School Picnic

The Boy in the Police Station

The Danger Signal

Bible Questions for May

Bible Talks