Messages of God's Love: 1976

TRUDY and her little brother Nickey lived with their daddy and mommy in a little farmhouse near the road on the outskirts of town. They had a little pet goat whom they called Mary Ann.

Mary Ann was a great favorite. Nicky was too small to go to school and he spent many a happy hour playing with Mary Ann while waiting for Trudy to come home from school. Mary Ann had a nice straw bed in the stable and she supplied the family with milk. She had a little collar around her neck and often times on sunny days she would be staked out on the green grass or allowed to run in the pasture.

But one day when Trudy came home from school Mary Ann was nowhere to be found. Trudy and Nicky looked all up and down the lane. She wasn’t in the pasture. When Daddy came home, he too went to hunt for Mary Ann. They saw the stake in the ground but Mary Ann was nowhere to be seen.

The next day Mother sent Trudy and Nicky to the village store for groceries. While Nicky stood looking out the store window, he saw a very old horse pulling a very funny yellow wagon down the street. The wagon looked like a house on wheels and there were little windows in it. A man walked alongside the wagon; his clothes were old and raggedy. He had a big black moustache and wore an old black hat. He had a whip in his hand and didn’t look at all like a nice man.

Nicky watched the wagon go by. Then he saw something... behind the wagon fastened by a rope, so that she had to go along was... all of a sudden Nicky shouted, ‘Mary Ann! Mary Ann!”

Both Nicky and Trudy ran out of the store down the street, after the wagon. Yes, it was Mary Ann!

“Mary Ann! Mary Ann!” Trudy called.

The little goat heard her. She wanted to stop. She wanted to turn her head and look around but she couldn’t. That hard rope was around her neck and tied to the wagon and she was being pulled along.

“Mary Ann! Mary Ann!”

“Maaah! Maaah!” the little goat answered. She pulled and tugged at the rope trying to get loose. But the man with the whip kicked her. “Get along, you!” he said in a very rough voice.

“Mary Ann! Mary Ann!” the children called out.

The little goat pulled hard trying to get loose. The man angrily swung his whip toward Trudy and Nicky. “Go way!” he shouted, “and leave my goat alone!” Then he snapped the whip and hit poor Mary Ann. Trudy and Nicky began to cry.

And then — a motorcycle with a policeman came roaring down the road and stopped. “What’s going on here?” he asked.

“Those youngsters are teasing my goat!” said the man angrily.

“Oh no, sir!” Trudy stammered. “It’s Mary Ann. She’s our own goat. We couldn’t find her yesterday and... there she is!”

“Get up!” called the man to his horse. And he kicked at the goat again. “Hurry up!” He wanted to get away as fast as he could.

The policeman saw the tears in Trudy’s and Nicky’s eyes and took in the situation. He said to the man with the whip, “Just come along with me to headquarters.”

The chief of police was surprised to see them come. He came out and looked at them. “Whose goat is that?” he asked.

“Mine!” said the man, with the whip.

“No, no! She is ours!” insisted Trudy and Nicky.

The chief shook his head. “Who must I believe?” he asked. Then he did something that Trudy and Nicky thought was very strange. He told them to go to one corner of the building and the rough man he told to go to the other corner of the building.

Then he told the policeman to unloose Mary Ann and to put his hands over her eyes. Now he said, “You must take turns calling the goat. Let the man call her first, and then the children will call her.”

The man grumbled something and then called out, “Come here to your master, girl; come here, don’t you hear me?” But Mary Ann did not even listen. She only sniffed at the policeman’s hand.

“Now let the children try it,” said the chief.

“Mary Ann! Come here to us!” The two children called out together. As soon as she heard their voices, the little goat turned and ran tards them. A moment later both Trudy and Nicky had their arms around her neck. It would be hard to say who was the happiest — the children or Mary Ann. To make a long story short, the two children were soon running down the street towards home with Mary Ann gamboling alongside. The man was tried and went to jail for stealing.

We were all like the little goat, dear boys and girls, taken captive by Satan at his will. We were chained by our own sins and could not free ourselves. Neither Trudy nor Nicky could help Mary Ann. And “None... can by any means redeem his brother.” Psa. 44:7. But there was one who can save. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. He died to set us free.

If you are still a captive to sin and Satan, cry to the Lord Jesus to deliver you. He will hear your cry and will not turn you away. “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13. Perhaps you do not realize your need of Him; but oh, that you might realize that you are being dragged down the road to death and judgment. The Lord Jesus says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will answer thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15.

ML-01/04/1976

Margie the Miller's Child

Far away from the city in a quiet spot along the bank of a stream, father was a miller, and went to town every Friday to sell his flour. Usually he brought some little present for Margie who was an only child.

One day he brought her a pretty book, full of pictures and true gospel stories, and Margie sat night after night reading. One of these stories showed her how to be saved, and she trusted Jesus.

Margie is now a young lady, and on Sunday she has a class of girls in her father’s mill, to whom she tells the story of Jesus and His love. You will be saved too, dear young reader, as truly as Margie was, if you accept Jesus as your Saviour.

ML-01/04/1976

Little Tommy's Prayer

LITTLE Tommy was not taught to repeat his prayer simply by heart. No one knows where he heard it, or whether God taught it to the dear little fellow. He was dressed for bed one night, and climbing on his older sister’s knee to say “Goodnight,” he clasped his little hands and prayed, “Lord Jesus, who died to save sinners, keep Mary and me.” Next night, he came again to his sister and clasping his little hands he prayed, “Lord Jesus, save dear Daddy. Bring him home safely from his shop.”

These were simple requests but they came from his heart, and God heard them. At that early age, Tommy was a believer, and no doubt saved. His young and tender heart was very early won by the love of Jesus, and he has been a true follower of the Saviour now for over ten years. How grand it is to be saved in childhood! Dear reader, are you?

“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 or him.” John 3:36.

ML-01/04/1976

He Feared Not the Grave

(From the pen of a dear boy who fell asleep in Jesus at the early age of fifteen. The following lines composed by himself were found in his pocket after his death.)

Oh, I have been at the brink of the grave,

And stood at the edge of its deep, dark wave,

And I’ve thought in the calm, still hours of night,

Of those regions where all is forever bright.

But I feared not the wave,

Nor the gloomy grave,

For I knew that the Lord was mighty to save.

And I have watched the solemn ebb and flow

Of life’s tide, which was fleeting, sure, though slow;

And I’ve stood on the shore of eternity,

And heard the deep roar of its rushing sea.

Yet I feared not the wave,

Nor the gloomy grave,

For I knew that the Lord was mighty to save.

I found that my only rest could be

In the death of Him who died for me;

For my peace was made by the precious blood

Which flowed from the side of the Son of God.

So I fear not the wave,

Nor the gloomy grave,

For I know that my Jesus is mighty to save.

ML-01/04/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 26:1 1-1 9

“AND THOU shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.” In this chapter we have an Israelite, humbled with a sense of the grace shown to him, rich with the blessing God has given, returning to Him in thanksgiving and worship. Such would be the effect of the blessing, and yet how often when we get the blessing we run off to enjoy it by ourselves or with our friends in forgetfulness of the blessed God who gave it.

But here we have the work of the Spirit, for God has brought His people to Himself and all distance is gone. It is the picture of a happy heart, filled with a joy that must overflow. This is what Israel ought to have been, but alas, were not. Yet they shall be in that coming day when the glory shall come to this poor sin-weary earth and they are restored. It is what we, the Church, ought to be now, as indwelt by the Spirit of God, and what we shall be when at home with the Lord, in the Father’s house above.

Each third year, the year of tithing, the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow, were all to be especially remembered. The Levite and the stranger had no inheritance in the land, and so the stream of grace was to flow out to all the needy and the poor.

Instead of our hearts being shut up in selfishness, if we were occupied with the Giver, this joy would flow out to others. Here He who gave is more before us than the gift itself. God has given us Christ, and “all things richly to enjoy"; He has held nothing back that would make His people happy. It is indeed sad that so many Christians are not happy in spite of all He has done to make us glad. And yet “Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:3,4.

ML-01/04/1976

A Crocodile Story

THE old crocodile was both the king and the terror of the river where he lived in the heart of Africa. He knew the spears and arrows of the native hunters could never pierce the armor of his hide. At times he would crawl up on the rocks and lie in the sun. At other times he would lie almost submerged in the rivers, with only his snout and half-closed eye showing above the water. Then it was he looked like a log floating in the stream. Yet how often those great cruel jaws closed on some unsuspecting, thirsty animal that had come down to the river’s edge to drink.

Like most of his kind the old crocodile had a lair, or pantry, where he stored his victims until he was ready for dinner. His lair was a big cave underneath the overhanging bank of the river. Deep under the bank, above the level of the water, was a dry spot, which was his storeroom.

This particular day, the old crocodile was hungry, as he patiently waited in the stream. Down to the water’s edge came a little African boy. He had often been warned of the dangers that lurked there, but this time he was a little careless. The old crocodile’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He waited until the little boy turned his back, then slowly and silently the big reptile swam closer to his victim. The little fellow was enjoying the quietness of the scene, interrupted only by the singing of the birds. Suddenly, the floating log came alive. Two massive jaws, with rows of great shiny teeth, opened and grasped him by the leg, and began dragging him under the water. Half-drowned, overcome with pain and fright, the poor little fellow lost consciousness. Dragging his victim with him, the old crocodile made for the cave under the bank and deposited his prey on the floor of his den.

A crocodile doesn’t always eat his victim at once, but often leaves it in his pantry to devour later. For some reason, the old crocodile plunged back into the water, and returned to his favorite spot in the river.

By and by, consciousness returned to our little African friend. He opened his eyes, but everything was pitch black. Where was be? His leg hurt terribly. Suddenly he remembered that splash and those awful jaws that dragged him under, and he knew now that he was in the crocodile’s lair. Perhaps at any moment his captor would come back to eat his dinner.

Poor little fellow. Oh, if he could only escape from that awful prison! He dare not dive back into the river, for the old crocodile might seize him again. What could he do?

It so happened that this little African boy had attended some of the children’s meetings at the mission station. There he had heard the missionaries tell about the true God, and about Jesus, His beloved Son, the sinner’s Saviour and Friend, who hears and answers prayers. Could the Lord help him now? Would He look down upon a poor little African boy? Could He see him down in that dark awful cave? The Lord Jesus was his only hope, and the little captive cried, “Oh, Lord, please help me, please help me!", again and again.

Then as he lay in the dark, it seemed that a faint ray of light was shining down through the roof of his prison. Yes, there was a crack overhead. He tried to scrape away the ceiling with his fingers but it was hard as stone, and he had to give up.

Presently he heard footsteps; someone was walking overhead. The little prisoner shouted as loud as he could, and as he shouted he prayed, “Oh, Lord Jesus, save me.”

A native was walking down the path to the river and heard a voice crying from somewhere. Where did it come from? It seemed to come out of the earth. He put his ear down to the ground. Yes, it was true. He ran back to the village to get help. Other natives came ruing with shovels and began to dig. Soon they could see the little African boy lying down below. The hole got bigger, and then from the darkness of the cave they gently lifted the little prisoner out into the beautiful sunshine. They carried him to the missionaries who dressed his wounds. Oh, how thankful that little boy must have been to the Lord Jesus for saving him from such an awful death!

That old crocodile reminds us of Satan, that old serpent, the devil, and the little boy pictures to us a poor sinner caught and imprisoned by him through sin. Such are all who are outside of Christ—all who do not have Jesus as their Saviour. But if such is your case, dear reader, the Lord Jesus will hear your cry, “Lord Jesus, save me,” and in a moment He will deliver you from sin and Satan’s power. He will bring you out of the darkness of the pit of sin into the sunshine of His love, and care for you both now and forever. Won’t you let Him?

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit,... And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord His trust.” Psa. 40:1-4.

ML-01/11/1976

Four Bible Boys Who Had Godly Mothers

Answer to last week’s question: Lemuel, Obed, Samuel, Timothy. The initial letters of each name spell LOST. Ask yourself, Is it I?

ML-01/11/1976

The Jewish Boys

IN a poor district in one of the big cities where many Jewish families lived, Isaac and Aaron lived with their parents. The boys were very industrious, and helped their parents who were very poor.

Not far from where they lived there was a room to which a number of the Jewish children went on Sunday afternoons. Here they had hot drinks and buns served them, followed by a gospel address. Now you may know that most Jews today, just like their forefathers, do not believe in Jesus Christ as the true Messiah, or the Saviour, and are much opposed to their children gng anywhere to hear about Him. However, the parents of these boys were so poor that they were glad for their sons to go where they got something to eat, and it was only after Isaac and Aaron confessed the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, that the trouble began.

The Jewish neighbors round out hearing of it, came in crowds to the house, and demanded that the boys be punished. Their New Testaments were taken from them, and they were told never to go back to the Sunday school room again. But Christ was in their hearts, and they would not deny His name, so in order to escape terrible persecution, they ran away. A kind Christian man who served the Lord in looking after the poor boys and girls, found Aaron and Isaac huddled in a corner, cold and hungry. He took them to a place where they were cared for, and there they learned a trade. Both are now bright followers of the Lord, seeking to lead other Jewish boys to the Saviour.

Wouldn’t you like to be happy too in serving the Lord Jesus, dear reader? If you take Him as your Saviour, He will wash your sins away, and will use you in blessing others.

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

ML-01/11/1976

There Is No "If"

Tommy and his sister Betty sat poring over the pages of a large picture book. There was one picture called “Noah entering the Ark,” which especially captured their interest. Beasts and birds were there, entering in before Noah, all fleeing to safety from the coming flood.

“What if the Ark had gone down and become a wreck?” said Tommy, thoughtfully, “and then everybody in the world would have been drowned.”

“No fear of that when God was in it,” answered Betty. Then putting her arm around Tommy’s neck, she added, “There is no ‘If,’ Tommy, when God says, ‘shall not perish.’ He means it, and if you come to Jesus and trust Him, you will be safe, like Noah and all the beasts were in the Ark. There’s no ‘If,’ Tommy.”

Dear boys and girls, how true this is! God says to all who trust in Jesus, they “shall be saved"; to all those who do not believe, they “shall be damned.” There is no “If” about it.

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

ML-01/11/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 27:1-14

IN THE book of Numbers Moses I was teaching God’s people how to behave in the wilderness, but in Deuteronomy he was teaching them how to behave in the land of their inheritance.

Moses earnestly desired that their hearts should be true to God, not only that they should obey the Ten Commandments which told them what they must not do, but that they might think of the good ways of God, so He could delight in them as obedient children. The law, instead of being hidden in the ark was to be in their hearts and in their mouths, for in this Book God called His people His children, which He had never done before. He wished them to be like children to Him.

“And it shall be, on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the Land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaster them with plaster: and thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law... in mount Ebal.”

They were also to build an altar of unhewn stones, and offer burnt offerings and peace offerings on it, and eat and rejoice before God. Mount Ebal was the mountain upon which the curses of the law were to be announced, while on mount Gerizim the blessings were to be proclaimed. These two mountains stood in the middle of the land of Canaan and faced each other Ebal on the north, Gerizim on the south. We are told that Ebal is 200 feet higher than Gerizim and is steeper and more barren. It is always identified with the curse and not with the blessing.

Moses said they should divide the people — six tribes should stand on Gerizim to bless the people, and the other six were to curse. However, the blessings never were uttered. Israel had put themselves under law at the beginning and the law could never bless. So it was under this shadow that Israel entered the land. And so it was they lost that good land. They are scattered today, save for a few who have returned and claim the land as theirs in the face of the threats of their enemies. But it will really not be theirs to possess again until He comes, their rejected but long-promised Messiah, who will appear on behalf of the little remnant of His people who will trust in Him. He will give it back to them and then they shall possess it forever, not because of anything they have done to merit it, but according to His own grace, who has never ceased to love them in spite of all they did to Him long ago.

The altar built on mount Ebal, upon which they were to offer sacrifices and rejoice before the Lord is a shadow of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the death of Christ grace has triumphed over the claims of the law and now reigns through righteousness. “As many as are of the works of the law are under the curse,” but “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” Gal. 3:10,13.

O what a Saviour is Jesus the Lord!

Well may His name by His saints be adored!

Memory Verse: “YE TURNED TO GOD FROM IDOLS TO SERVE THE LIVING AND TRUE GOD; AND TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN.” — I Thess. 1:9, 10.

ML-01/11/1976

Hit by a Train

IT WAS a foggy Monday morning 1 in Florida. The school bus was loaded with children. The driver paused at the railroad crossing; vision was poor, and the driver thinking all was clear proceeded to cross the tracks. Suddenly, out of the gloom, a fast freight train loaded with oranges appeared, and hit the school bus. Many of the children were killed or badly hurt. They were rushed to the hospital in ambulances.

A local Christian preacher went to the scene of the wreck and helped put the injured ones into the ambulances. Among them was little Sharon whom he knew. On the very night before the accident Sharon had confessed her faith in the Lord Jesus as her Saviour.

“Aren’t you glad you confessed the Lord Jesus as your Saviour last night?” he asked.

“Oh, I’m so glad that I did!” she replied.

How good and needful it is to be ready, dear boys and girls. “We know not what a day may bring forth.” We do not know how soon we may be suddenly ushered out of this world into eternity. “There is but a step between me and death,” 1 Samuel 20:3. Come to the Saviour now; get it all settled bore it is too late, and then you’ll be ready to meet God no matter what happens.

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

ML-01/18/1976

Found

IN CHINA years ago there was a little boy whose father and mother were Christians. Mr. and Mrs. Wong loved their little son and sought to bring him up for the Lord. Before meals he would close his eyes, hold his hands and give thanks for the food.

But one day the parents were made very sad when the little boy disappeared and no trace of him could be found.

Sometime later a Christian lady was visiting in a Chinese home. There was a man and his wife and a little boy. They told her they had no children of their own, but they had bought this little fellow from someone and they treated him just as if he were their own little son. But there was one thing that puzzled them, they said. Before he ate anything, he always closed his eyes, folded his hands and said some strange words.

Their visitor knew at once that the little fellow must have been brought up in a Christian home. Then she suddenly remembered that she had seen an ad telling of a lost boy in the Lost and Found column of a Christian paper. The parents of the boy lived in a town many miles away.

They made inquiries and soon it was determined that the little boy in the home where she visited was the lost child belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Wong. He had been stolen and sold.

When his new parents learned the truth, they took the little fellow back to Mr. and Mrs. Wong. What joy and happiness there was in their hearts when they received back their lost little son. How they thanked God for His goodness!

But it was because of the little boy’s faithfulness to his early Christian training — his giving thanks for the food that was used of God to bring about this happy reunion.

ML-01/18/1976

The Lord Jesus Changed Me

There are some who have made a study of the human body and can tell by the shape of one’s head what his traits and capabilities are. One such a man was giving a lecture before a group of people one night and he declared that he could tell any one’s nature by examining his head. He asked if someone would volunteer to come to the platform.

One man in the audience walked up and mounted the platform. The lecturer having examined his head quite thoroughly, declared among other things that he had an unfriendly nature.

Many in the audience laughed because they knew the man to be kind and friendly, and always looking for opportunities to help others. They decided that the lecturer had utterly failed in his examination.

However, the man turning to the audience said, “Friends, what this gentleman has said of me was exactly true once. I used to be hard, and unfriendly, just like he said, but one day I met Jesus. His love laid hold of me; He took possession of me. He has completely changed me. I have a new nature. I want to be like Him. To Him belongs all the praise!”

ML-01/18/1976

Like Daddy

One night just before bedtime, when Jimmy knelt at his father’s knee and prayed, he said, “Dear Lord Jesus, make me wise and strong like Daddy.”

That night after Jimmy had gone to sleep, his father knelt beside the little boy’s bed and prayed, “Oh Lord Jesus, make me like my own little boy. Help me to trust Thee with a faith so simple and sincere as his!”

ML-01/18/1976

The Voice From Heaven

ONE DAY the Lord Jesus took Peter, and James, and John up into a high mountain by themselves, and there He was transfigured bore them. His face shone as the sun, and His clothes became white as the light; and two men appeared in glory with Him there.

Peter and James and John were sound asleep, but when they woke up they saw His glory and two men were talking to Jesus. They knew the two men were Moses and Elijah.

As they departed from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here, and let us make three tabernacles, one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.”

Peter did not know what he was saying, the vision was so lovely he did not want it to pass away; but as he was saying these things a bright cloud came over them and all around them. It was the cloud of the glory of God, and the three disciples were very much afraid as they entered into it.

“And, behold, a voice came out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.”

The voice which spoke was the voice of the Father. That voice had been heard before speaking to Jesus when He was baptized by John the Baptist; but now it spoke to Peter, James and John.

God spoke of old to the Israelites through Moses; later on He spoke through Elijah and the prophets; but now, today, He speaks in His beloved Son.

“And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.”

Peter, James and John obeyed that voice from heaven, they listened to the words of Jesus and spent their lives in teaching them to others. But that voice came for us too, though we did not hear it on the holy mountain, it speaks in our hearts today, “This is My beloved Son, hear ye Him.”

Have we heard Jesus? Have you heard Him? He says, “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-01/18/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 27:15-26

WE WERE noticing last week that six of the tribes of Israel were to stand on mount Gerizim to bless the people, and the other six on mount Ebal were to curse. The Levites were to speak and say with a loud voice, “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord,... and putteth it in a secret place.” And all the people were to answer and say, Amen. There were twelve curses, and the people were to say, Amen to them all.

Israel had put themselves under law and God would have them know (and us too) that every one who did not continue in the law of the Lord was cursed. We look in vain for the blessings in this chapter. There are none. It is all curses. Then why are there no blessings? we might ask. The answer is a solemn one. Man is a sinner, he has broken the holy commandments and all hope of finding blessing from the law is gone.

The law is good; it is we who are bad. So all is ruin on that ground. “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” Gal. 3:10. We cannot keep it so as to be saved.

God wrote the holy Commandments on tables of stone. When broken those stones could never be restored. And a poor sinner who hopes he can be saved by keeping those Commandments only finds out the strength of sin working in him. He sins not just once but times without number. The law does not know how to forgive. Indeed it cannot, so all hope of his being saved on that ground is gone.

But how wonderful and precious it is to find that the One who gave that law is Himself a forgiving God. He gives us Himself this sweet assurance in His Word: “If Thou, LORD, shouldst mark iniquity, O LORD, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee.” Psalm 130:3. Again, “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity,” who “delighteth in mercy” and who will cast all our sins “into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18,19.)

God has found a way whereby He can bless poor ruined sinners when they have no other hope. And as always, Christ is His answer. Jesus has died. On the cross He took our place in the judgment we deserved. He has “redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” Gal. 3:13. “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Eph. 1:7.

“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.

Surely we ought to be overwhelmed at such a display of grace! Certainly we do well to be bowed low in the presence of such goodness, but at the same time our souls should be in perfect peace with God.

Memory Verse: “IF THOU SEEK HIM, HE WILL BE FOUND OF THEE.” 1 Chron. 28:9.

ML-01/18/1976

Across Niagara Falls on a Tightrope

CHARLES Blondin, the famous French acrobat and the world’s greatest tightrope walker, performed the amazing feat of crossing Niagara on a rope carrying a man on his back.

His first trip he made alone in the year 1859. 100,000 people went nearly frantic as he pranced and ran, turned somersaults, walked backward, sat down, lay down, walked with baskets on his feet and even walked with stilts. When he landed safely on the other shore the great crowd were weak with anxiety for his safety.

The next year he came back to do it again. Special trains were run from Toronto and Buffalo carrying the huge crowd that gathered to witness the breathtaking spectacle. Among them was the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.

With a 40-pound pole to balance him Blondin darted back and forth across the river like a playful monkey. He walked across pushing a wheelbarrow, he ate his lunch at mid-stream and cooked himself an omelet on a small griddle he carried with him. Finally amid the cheers of the thousands of onlookers he set foot on the American shore.

Then waving his hand in thanks he shouted: “I don’t want to go back to the other side by myself. I want to carry a man on my back. Who will volunteer?”

There were no volunteers. It is said he asked Edward the Prince. Edward didn’t question Blondin’s ability, but he wouldn’t dare take the risk.

At last he asked his manager, Henry Colcord, from Chicago, “Do you believe I can carry you across?”

“Yes,” he replied. “Then will you trust me?” “I will.” “All right. Let’s start.”

With Colcord on his shoulders, piggyback fashion, off they went, Colcord shaking in his boots. Foot by foot and inch by inch they moved along. They reached the center of the river. Below them churned the deep dark swirling waters of death, as if waiting for their prey.

So far all was well. But as they neared the Canadian side one of the guy lines had been severed and the rope was swaying fearfully. Blondin was nearly exhausted. He told Colcord to dismount while he took a rest. Colcord obeyed somehow holding on to Blondin’s hips. The crowd, all tense, held their breath.

“Henry,” said Blondin, “you are now no longer Colcord. You are now Blondin. Be a part of me. If I sway, sway with me. Do not try to balance or it will be the end of us.”

Colcord climbed back. The rope was swaying wildly. Blondin’s teeth were set, for this was his closest call. Then he started to run. How he kept his balance no one could understand. But he made it. At last with Colcord on his back he stepped safely on the Canadian shore, while the crowd went wild with excitement. But that was Blondin’s last trip across the mighty Niagara.

Well, dear friends, Charles Blondin has long gone. “The paths of glory lead but to the grave.” Whether he crossed the deep dark mighty river of death and is landed safe on the heavenly shore eternity alone will reveal. Gone too are his friend, Colcord, and all the great crowd that witnessed his death-defying feat.

One thing is sure, no man, no one of Adam’s race, has crossed the waters of death alone.

But there is One who crossed that deep dark river. Jesus went down under those mighty waters of God’s judgment against man’s sin and gave His life that He might land guilty hell-deserving sinners safe on the peaceful shore. We deserved to die, but He took the sinner’s place in death. And when that fearful judgment against sin had spent itself He rose from the dead the mighty Conqueror of Satan, death and the grave.

Since then He has borne countless thousands of souls who have trusted Him, whom He has redeemed by His precious blood, across the river of death to that peaceful happy shore. He wants to take you over too, dear reader, if you are not saved.

Prince Edward thought Blondin could carry him across Niagara all right but he didn’t have the faith to trust him. Do you believe Jesus can save you? Are you willing to trust yourself to those everlasting arms of love that will never let you go?

May God give you the faith to commit the safe-keeping of your soul to Him who has said, “They shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:28,29.

ML-01/25/1976

Hero's Rescue

ONE afternoon as we were coming home from school, we saw a boy sitting on the riverbank with a little dog on his lap. As we came to where the boy sat, we noticed that he had a string tied around the dog’s neck and at the other end there was a big stone tied with a cord. The little fellow was crying bitterly, and every now and then he gave the little dog a hug as he clasped him to his breast. Several of the school boys stood still, but no one liked to ask what was the matter.

At last a man came walking along the river bank, and when he came opposite to where the boy sat with the dog, he stopped. “What are you going to do with the dog, my boy?” he inquired in a kind sympathetic voice.

Bursting afresh into tears, the boy said, “The man I work for sent me to drown him, sir. But I have never drowned a dog in my life, or killed any of God’s creatures, and I can’t do it.”

“Why does he want the dog drowned?” asked the man.

“I think it’s because he has no need for him, and nobody would buy him, sir,” replied the boy, half hoping that the man would in some way relieve him of his unwelcome job.

“Take me to your boss, and we’ll hear what he says. I need a dog, and if he will sell him to me, I will save you this sad work of drowning him,” said the kind gentleman.

The boy wiped his tears away and cut the big stone from the cord. In a moment he was on his way to his boss’ house. The man walked along by his side and we all followed to see the end.

I’m glad to tell you that the dog’s owner was very glad to sell him, so the money was paid over and Hero — for that was the name his new master gave him — was rescued from death, and passed over to his new master, who had redeemed him. He grew up to be a fine useful dog, and for many years he faithfully watched his master’s property.

I often think of this simple incident, and as I do so, the picture rises before me of a more wonderful Deliverer and of a redemption at much higher cost. We were all sinners, “for all have sinned,” Romans 3:23, condemned to die the sinner’s death, From that just and well-deserved doom, we could not deliver ourselves. But there was One who saw us in our terrible case, and He looked upon us with love. He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor; He came from heaven down to this earth to where we were. It was Jesus, the Saviour of sinners. He saw us in our ruin; He knew we had “nothing to pay.” Then it was that He Himself paid the price of our ransom, and that price was His own precious blood. He could say, “I have found a ransom.” Now all who believe on Him are set free, from sin and from Satan’s chains, to enter His blessed service, and to own His claims as their Lord and Master.

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

ML-01/25/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 28:1-16

IN CHAPTER 28 we have both blessing and cursing, but these are not the same as we had in the last chapter. These here had to do with God’s government in their daily walk. And we as God’s children now come under His chastening hand in our daily walk. If our souls rest on what He is for us in Christ, we get the blessing. But if we choose to stand on what we do ourselves, on this ground we do not get the blessing but the curse. For even a Christian may put himself under the law and thus come under the curse, the very thing the Lord Jesus died to deliver us from. He gave Himself upon the cross, to take this curse upon Himself that it might not fall upon us.

An Israelite who kept the commandments of the Lord was blessed — his land, his children, his cattle, and all that belonged to him. All the nations should be afraid of them if they kept God’s commandments and the Lord would make them the greatest of all the nations. They would be the head and not the tail.

The Lord would open unto them His good treasure, the heaven would give rain upon the land in its season, and He would bless all the work of their hands. Under His good hand they would have such plenty that they could lend to other nations, but they must not borrow from them, because they would have more than they needed.

We can see that all these blessings were earthly and are in marked contrast with our blessings now, for we are a heavenly people. The Lord has promised to supply all our needs as we pass through this wilderness world, and oftentimes He gives us more than we need, for He is ever a free-giving God. But we are not promised earthly blessings; ours are heavenly. God has blessed us “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3.)

“But it shall come to pass, that if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all His commandments,... Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field....” Moses tells them that if they turned away from God then all their blessings should become curses, because they had forsaken their God who loved them so much.

Alas, such is the natural heart. It will ever turn away from God, in the face of all His goodness and grace. May we profit from Israel’s sad history, for our hearts are no better than theirs. We cannot keep ourselves, dear young Christian; the Lord alone can keep us. May we cleave to Him with purpose off heart, and not settle down in this world, but go on quietly with Him, waiting for that blest moment when He shall come and take us to our heavenly home.

ML-01/25/1976

Face to Face

Fanny Crosby, who wrote so many beautiful Christian hymns, was blind. One day when she was over 90, she stood before an audience and sang the lines of one of her hymns:

Some day the silver cord will break,

And I no more as now shall sing;

But, oh, the joy when I shall wake

Within the palace of the King.

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story—saved by grace!

What particularly thrilled the audience was when the aged blind hymn writer emphasized the word see: “And I shall see Him face to face!”

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

ML-01/25/1976

Black Fritz

BRUCE and Fred climbed up on their father’s knee, and begged him for a story before they went to bed.

“Shall I tell you a story of a boy or a girl?”

“Of a boy, please — a brave boy.”

“A number of years ago there was a boy named Harold. His mother was a widow, and she loved the Lord Jesus. Her son also was a bright happy Christian, and when Harold grew up, he decided to go to sea on a merchant vessel. When he left home his dear mother kissed him and said, ‘My dear boy, be true to the Lord Jesus wherever you are and whatever it may cost.’

The very first evening on the ship, Harold knelt to pray. The other men had never been in the habit of praying, and so they decided it would be fun to mock this new young boy. They shouted at him, but still he knelt silently bore the Lord. One of the biggest men poured a jug of cold water over his head. But still he prayed on. Many times they tried to make him feel ashamed of his Saviour, but when Harold thought of how much the Saviour suffered for him, he asked God to keep him true and faithful. He often thought of that verse, ‘Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not.’ 1 Peter 2:23.

“These things were only the beginnings of Harold’s sufferings. The ringleader in all the persecution was a young man named Fritz. For some reason they all called him ‘Black Fritz.’ He was in the habit of calling Harold all kinds of nicknames, which were then taken up and used by the others. After that Harold would go up to the top of the mast where he could be alone with the Lord in prayer. There he told the Lord of his troubles, and then came down strengthened and comforted.

“One day a severe storm came on very suddenly, tearing one of their highest sails. The captain ordered black Fritz to go up and take in that sail. Now it happened that Fritz was very brave when doing mischief to others, but he was a coward at heart. When he looked at the swaying mast, and the torn sail, he turned very pale and shook all over. Just then brave Harold stepped up. ‘Please, captain, let me go up there in Fritz’ place.’ The captain looked amazed, ‘But my boy, you have only been on board three months and you don’t know the danger of this work.’

“Yes, sir, I wish to go up in Fritz’ place,” he returned.

“Every eye on board was fixed on Harold while he was up at the top of the swinging mast. He quickly and carefully finished his work and came nimbly down again. When he was safe on deck again, black Fritz fell down at his feet and cried, ‘A pious and God-fearing boy you may be, but you are not a coward. Please tell me what made you act like that toward me when I have always been your enemy?’ "

Father got just this far in his story when he said,

“And now, boys, can you guess whom this story speaks of?”

“It sounds just like our good Uncle Harold, but who could wicked black Fritz be? We don’t know anybody like that.”

“That, I am sorry to say, was myself; but after I learned to know Harold’s Saviour as my own, we became fast friends. He is now as dear to me as a brother, and that is why he always wants you to call him Uncle Harold.”

Bruce and Fred never forgot that story; and they too soon learned to know themselves as sinners, and to trust the Lord Jesus as their own Saviour.

“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.

Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,

Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;

Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,

Tell them of Jesus, the Mighty to save.

ML-02/01/1976

Prince Frederick

YOUNG Prince Frederick, son of Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany years ago, like many another boy and girl, was somewhat spoiled as a child. Some interesting stories have been told of his willfulness.

In common with many other small boys his Highness had a great dislike for soap and water. Often he flatly refused to allow his nurse to wash his hands and face. One morning, to his immense delight, he was allowed to go out unwashed, and for a time he reveled in his freedom. But happening to pass the sentry on guard at the palace gates, he was surprised to find that the sentry did not salute him. The young prince was greatly offended and went at once to report the guard to his father, Kaiser Wilhelm. Pouring out his tale of woe, he expected to have the guard reprimanded.

To his astonishment the Kaiser merely said, “The guard did quite right. Surely you do not expect him to salute a dirty boy?”

The lesson had its effect, and from then on the nurse had no further trouble with the young prince, in applying the soap and water.

Young Christians, and older ones too, sons and daughters of the heavenly King, should act “as becometh saints” (Eph. 5:3). Sometimes, sad to say, they act otherwise, instead of honoring the Saviour to whom they belong. They act like the world around them to their own shame and to His dishonor. Sometimes God allows the world to rebuke his children; but this is “that we might be partakers of His holiness.”

May we who name Christ as our Saviour ever remember that He did not redeem us to do as we please, but that we might be to His honor and praise while down here in this dark world, as soon we shall be in the bright glory above.

“Walk as children of light.” Eph. 5:8.

“Ye are not your own... For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Cor. 6:19,20.

ML-02/01/1976

Among Robbers

ONE NIGHT a band of robbers broke into the house of a Christian man in China. They took away his son and then asked for a great sum of money as a ransom. The poor man did not have enough money to pay the ransom, and he knew that if the money was not paid on a certain day in an appointed place, the child would be killed by the robbers. But he knew the One who has said: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.” Psa. 50:15. The father got down on his knees and prayed earnestly to God to save his child. He prayed the whole day and the following night.

Early in the morning he heard the voice of his boy at the door. He had a happy face, but his clothes were torn and his feet were sore. He told his parents how the Lord had helped him. In the evening, while the robbers were quarrelling among themselves and not watching him, he took the opportunity to steal away in the twilight. He had run all night to get home. With thankful hearts the whole family praised the Lord for this merciful deliverance.

ML-02/01/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 28:16-68

“THE FIRST fourteen verses of this chapter are bright with the blessings that God would bestow upon His people as a consequence of their obedience. But then the sun disappears, as it were, behind dark clouds, ominous and threatening, and in the next 54 verses we have spread out for all to see the fearful curses that would fall upon Israel for their unbelief and disobedience. It is a dark picture, and we who through grace have come to know in some measure the perfect and unwearied love of God should feel so thankful as we think of what a terrible thing law is, and for men as sinners to be in such a relationship before God.

Still in these awful threatenings God was in love seeking to turn His unbelieving people from the path of certain ruin, the consequence of forsaking Him and going their own way. Alas, the thunders of the law were insufficient to turn them from such a path, and Israel’s history is but the long sad fulfillment of the curse that came as surely as God had said.

The Lord told them that if they hearkened diligently to His voice and were obedient they would be blessed “in the city, and... in the field.” v. 3. However, if they were disobedient then “Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and... in the field.” v. 16. Thus their blessings should be turned into curses.

If they went on with the Lord then heaven would send rain on their land, but if not, for lack of rain the land would become powder and dust. He promised to set them on high “above all nations of the earth,” but if they were unfaithful then “The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low.” “He shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail.”

“And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee.” v. 37. Such has been the history of Israel, a solemn reminder that “Our God is a consuming fire.” Heb. 12:29.

Still how encouraging and instructive to us to see individual faith shine so brightly in the midst of Israel’s darkness. Mordecai would serve the king faithfully but he would not do homage to Haman, the Amalekite. Daniel’s three friends would suffer the burning fiery furnace rather than bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. And Daniel himself would pray to no one but God though it cost him the lions’ den. In each case God stood by His faithful servants and honored them.

The day is coming when Israel’s long dark night shall end. The Lord shall come in the glory of His kingdom and make good in grace His promise to His earthly people that they shall be the head of all nations, and not the tail, to His own everlasting praise.

Memory Verse: “COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD: THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW.” Isa. 1:18.

ML-02/01/1976

The Strange Book

OLINTO lived in Brazil, and every few months he went to a nearby city to buy supplies. As it was a long journey, he always stayed overnight at a farmhouse. One night noticing a strange book on the table, he began to read it.

The farmer saw he was very much interested in it so he said, “Would you like to take that Book? Someone gave it to me in the city, but you can have it.”

Olinto was glad to take the New Testament — for such it was — and as soon as he reached his home he began to read it through. He read with interest of the One named Jesus, who was so kind to everyone, who “went about doing good,” and yet men hated Him and nailed Him to Calvary’s cross. As he read on, he found that this same Jesus was the Son of God, who loved him, and came down here to die for him. His heart was touched, and he soon accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. Then, not long after, his wife and her sister were saved too.

Hearing of a Christian man living in another state, they asked him to come to their home and have gospel meetings. He came and preached, and many were saved.

Dear reader, have you accepted the Lord Jesus as your Saviour? If so, are you seeking to tell others the good news that they too might be saved? God’s Word says in Mark 5:19: “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.”

ML-02/08/1976

King George and Queen Mary

KING GEORGE V and Queen Mary were out in the country with Lord Stamfordham one Saturday afternoon. They came to a humble little cottage. The queen was tired and going to the door she asked if she might come in and sit down and rest for a few minutes. The good woman who answered the door ran inside and cried, “Oh William, the King and the Queen! Whatever shall we do?”

“Let them come in, of course,” said William.

When the royal visitors were seated in the little parlor, they noticed a family Bible nearby.

“I am glad to see you have got the good Book,” said the King.

“Aye, your Majesty,” said William, “would you like to hear about my conversion?”

“Of course I should,” said the King.

Then William proceeded to tell with warmth and enthusiasm, of the grace of God and how the Lord had saved him.

The Queen, with tears in her eyes, turned to the good wife. “Have you had an experience like that?” she asked.

Yes! she had, and she told how that she too was saved. When they rose to go, the King and the Queen, much affected by the incident, thanked them and said simply, “We love Him too, you know.”

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:14,15.

Memory Verse: “BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE INIQUIES ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED.” Romans 4:7.

The Saviour calls, He knows thy sin;

But trust Him now, He’ll enter in;

And He thy heart will satisfy,

And every needed grace supply.

ML-02/08/1976

Bob the Fireman's Dog

BOB was a fireman’s dog — a swift, fearless helper in the days of horse-drawn fire engines. At the first sound of the fire bell, Bob was ready with sharp, excited barks, and then off like the wind, beside the horses. Guided by the smell of smoke, he was first at the spot, nipping at the crowds to keep them back out of the way of the hose and firemen. When the fire chief gave his sharp word of command, Bob was on hand in a second, ready to obey, always — except once.

On this particular day the house they came to save was past saving. Great clouds of smoke and sparks were rising, and the chief gave orders to the firemen not to risk their lives. “There is no one in it,” he said. “We must save the neighboring buildings.”

Bob disappeared through clouds of smoke into the burning house. “Bob,” called the chief sharply, but Bob did not obey. The chief said the house was empty, but Bob knew better. For once, he had a right to disobey.

Bob’s courage led the chief to follow him, though almost choked with smoke, and there he found a child, whom he was able to rescue quite unharmed. Good wise Bob wiser on that occasion than his master.

Now, dear reader, God is warning you that death and the lake of fire are before you if you are unsaved. Do not say that you do not believe in hell. You are not wiser than God. Bob disobeyed because he knew that his chief was wrong. But you have no right to disobey God, who “commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30.

Jesus has died; He has borne the fire of God’s judgment against sin, and God offers salvation now to all who put their trust in His dear Son.

“O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” Deut. 32:29.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” while it is yet the day of grace.

ML-02/08/1976

Sold for a Straw

A young man lay dying. He had spent his short life for self; he had drunk deeply of this world’s pleasures, and had had no time for God. Suddenly he lifted up his hands and cried, “I have sold my soul for a straw” — and then he was gone. Sold what was worth more than the universe for a straw!

And you, what’ are you doing? What are you selling your soul for? For the straws of pleasure, or riches, or fame, or learning; selling God’s priceless gift for a straw? God forbid. I trust you may feel your responsibility this day.

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

ML-02/08/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 29:1-29

“THESE ARE the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab.” Israel were on the borders of the land and God makes another covenant with them “besides the covenant which He made with them at Horeb.”

They could never have entered the land under the covenant made at Horeb, or Sinai. They had broken that when they made the golden calf, and had forfeited all title to enter the land on that ground. Only Moses’ intercession saved them from destruction then.

So the Lord brings in fresh terms. Since the sacrifices had been instituted God could go on with His people, not according to the full purpose of His grace which He will make good in a future day, but here it was government mixed with mercy. “See,” the Lord says, “I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.”

It was a solemn occasion for all Israel were called to stand before the Lord that day — the captains, the elders, the officers with all the men.” Even the little children were present, their wives, and the strangers in the camp, “from the hewer of wood unto the drawer of water.”

Moses recounts to them what the Lord did before their eyes in Egypt, unto Pharaoh and his land, and the signs and great miracles He wrought on their behalf. Here Moses states the solemn fact that in spite of those great miracles they had witnessed their hearts remained untouched. Their consciences had not been reached. Such is the human heart. It is not to be trusted.

Then Moses reminds them of the Lord’s tender care all along the way those forty years. Their clothes had not grown old, nor had their shoes worn out. How wonderful this was! They had not had to eat bread nor drink any stimulating drink. The Lord fed them manna from heaven and they drank water from the smitten rock.

He had been tender in His ways toward them, but He had smitten their enemies, Sihon and Og. How wondrous His grace, but they did not have eyes to see, ears to hear, nor a heart to appreciate what the Lord had done for them. This only shows that no external display of God’s power or goodness, will change the heart of man, for unless God by His Spirit works in us there is no lasting effect.

It is nice to see that the little children were present when this covenant was made. How precious to think that we are never lost in the crowd to God. He knows us individually and seeks our blessing according to His own purposes of love and grace.

There is a solemn warning to anyone who hardened his heart in the face of this lovely appeal and thought he could do as he liked without hearkening to the voice of the Lord. The Lord would not spare him. There are many who despise the grace of God and go on in their sins, but they will not escape His judgment.

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God.” The “revealed things” which belong unto us and our children forever, “that we may do all the words of this law,” are those things in the previous chapter, which Israel did not do. But when they had failed completely, had lost their land and all hope was gone, God had treasured up, in secret, ways by which He would bring His people into blessing that is by grace, all because of the work of Christ upon the cross.

ML-02/08/1976

How Jeannie Won Her Dad

GEORGE was a stone cutter in Minneapolis. He made good wages when he worked, but sad to say he wasted his money on strong drink and gambling.

One day when passing a mission he was invited to a gospel meeting.

“What do I want with a gospel meeting?” answered George, and he went on his way.

Not long Afterward, one Sunday afternoon, George’s little daughter, Jeannie, passed by the same miion. A Christian lady invited her to come in to the Sunday school, and Jeannie went in. It was the first time she had ever been in a Sunday school and she was greatly pleased with all she heard and saw. The teacher told her about the Lord Jesus who came into this world and died on the cross to save sinners.

Although Jeannie had not been brought up in a Christian home she knew that she had done many sinful things and that her heart was not right with God. She was burdened about her sins and there at the Sunday school she accepted Jesus as her Saviour and from then on her little life was devoted to that One who loved her.

After that she became so anxious that her daddy should be saved too. She talked to him and begged him to come to the Saviour, but he refused.

Then one day she asked some of the Christians at the mission hall to come to her home and have a cottage prayer meeting. She wanted her father to hear about Jesus.

After supper Jeannie’s father got up to put on his overcoat to go down to his favorite tavern.

“Daddy, we would like to have a cottage prayer meeting tonight,” she said. “Won’t you stay?”

“What do I want with a cottage prayer meeting?” he answered roughly.

“But, Daddy,” pleaded Jeannie “please stay for my sake.”

Now George loved his little girl and so he was prevailed upon to hang up his overcoat and sit down. Soon the Christian friends arrived and neighbors crowded into the house. George felt very uneasy. He wished he were at the tavern but he could not get out of the crowded room.

They sang a hymn, then one read a passage from the Bible, and they all got down to pray, one after the other. All through the prayers, Jeannie was quietly praying, “Lord, save my daddy. Please, save my daddy tonight!”

The prayers went like an arrow to the heart of George the sinner, and he who had long rejected the Saviour Himself prayed to God that night for mercy. God heard his prayer of repentance and faith and George was saved. For him it was a complete turnabout. He became an ardent follower of the Saviour and worker in His vineyard.

ML-02/15/1976

Swimming to Sunday School

Nyangandi was a girl who lived near the Ogowe River in West Africa. One day she came in her boat with some fruit to sell to the missionary. The next day was Sunday and when she was ready to leave the missionary’s wife said to her, “Tomorrow is the Lord’s day. I hope you will come to Sunday school.”

“I will come,” said Nyangandi, “if I am alive.”

The next morning Nyangandi was at Sunday school. No one knew how she got there, but Afterward she told the missionary that during the night some one had stolen her boat. None of her friends would lend her one, so rather than not keep her word she swam across the river alone. The river was deep and wide, the current swift, and crocodiles were there too. But she had made it safely across, and who can say but that the Lord helped her. In these days of cars and Sunday school buses, very few of our rears have had to swim a river in order to be at Sunday school and learn about Jesus, the wonderful Saviour.

ML-02/15/1976

Bible Acrostic

My first were lost and found again – 1 Sam. 9

My second of a brook its name – 1 Sam. 30

A woman wise who perished not – Josh. 6:20-25

A man who died upon the spot – Acts 5

Look for a mount a prophet trod – Ex. 3

A widow who night and day served God – Luke 2:25-38

A woman last of whom we read,

“And blessed is she that believed.” – Luke 1:41-45

Place the first capitals side by side,

And in them you shall see

The name of a man whose life of faith

Is a lesson for you and me.

ML-02/15/1976

"Lord Jesus, This Is Sandy!"

Sandy was still a boy when he worked in a big shipyard. Every day at noon he would go into a little hall nearby and sit quietly and meditate. The preacher, seeing Sandy sit there so reverently in such a prayerful attitude day after day, asked him, “Sandy, what do you pray about as you sit there so quietly?”

In his shy and hesitating manner, Sandy replied, “Oh not a great deal, sir. I just say, ‘Lord Jesus, this is Sandy!’ "

Dear Sandy enjoyed a real sense of the Saviour’s presence and surely the Lord blessed those quiet moments to his soul.

ML-02/15/1976

Harry

HARRY was a young country boy and worked on his father’s farm. But he grew tired of farm life, and so one day, he said farewell to his father and mother and started off for the city where he hoped to earn his living by working in a factory.

But he could not find a job, and soon his scanty savings were all used up.

Penniless, hungry and depressed he wandered through the busy streets of the great city, but no one took any notice of him. What could he do? He began to wonder what would become of him.

Then he heard someone behind him call out, “Harry!” He was about to turn around, but then he thought, “No one knows me in this town. There were probably many other “Harrys there.” So on he went.

But again he heard the call, “Harry!” behind him. But what had that to do with him? Still he went on.

Then a third time the call was heard above the noise of the busy streets, “Harry!” At last he turned around and saw a man turning into a side street. The man waved to him. And looking more carefully he recognized an old school chum from his home village.

Quickly Harry ran to him. “Climb in,” said his friend, “for I can’t stop here. Why didn’t you look around? Another minute and I should have turned the corner out of sight.”

Then Harry told him of his plight, how he could not get work, and had no money, and was hungry. His friend took him home, and gave him a good dinner and got him a job. Lodgings were included with the job, so Harry’s problems were solved temporarily at least.

When Samuel was a little boy in the temple, the Lord called him once, and then a second time. But Samuel did not realize that it was the Lord calling him. When the Lord called him the third time, Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.”

The Bible tells us that, “God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not... then He is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.” Job 33:14,24.

How often has the Lord Jesus called to you? Have you listened? Have you followed Him, and told Him all your needs and troubles? “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 4:7.

ML-02/15/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 30:1-10

IN CHAPTER 29 we read that “The secret things belong unto the LORD our God....” Here the Lord reveals some of those “secret things” treasured up in His heart. They have to do with His chosen people Israel, when having utterly failed, suffering under the curse and scattered among the nations, He in His grace will gather them again, bring them back to their homeland and bless them there.

God will yet be glorified in His people, in spite of all their disobedience and their unfaithfulness to Him. In this chapter they are seen where they are today, driven out of every land under heaven, yet not beyond the reach of His love and compassion. “If any of thine be driven out unto the utmost parts of heaven, from thence will the LORD thy God gather thee, and from thence He will fetch thee.” O what a God we have, for “Israel’s God is ours"!

But it will be a broken and humbled Israel that will return instead of the proud haughty people that went out and were scattered over the face of the earth. For their sorrows and sufferings in the far-off lands of their enemies will have worked repentance. We read that “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” (Rom. 2:4.)

There will be a deep inward work in their hearts as well as a great outward change in their circumstances; for “the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.” v. 6.

In that day God will remove the curse from His people, in virtue of the work of Christ for them upon the cross. “And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.”

“For there shall be a day, that the watchman upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. For thus saith the Lord; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

“Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

“They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of water in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

“For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord,... and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.” Jer. 31:11-12.

O what mercies and blessinge lie in store for God’s earthly people, all because of Christ and because of His grace and compassion for them. Later we shall see how the Apostle in Romans 10 applies these precious scriptures to us in the gospel now.

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

ML-02/15/1976

Henry's New Beginning

HENRY was a young mason who, much to the sorrow of his young wife, spent his free time with godless companions who made fun of the Word of God.

One evening as he and his companions were passing a lecture hall, they saw posted on the billboard the announcement of a gospel address to be given by a visiting gentleman the following evening.

“Henry, here’s your chance to date with this man and contradict what he says,” said his friends. “You can argue well and are just the right one for it.”

Henry readily agreed and so they all decided to go together to the meeting the next evening, with the intention of interrupting the meeting and heckling the speaker.

On his way home, as he was passing the railway station, Henry met an old gentleman carrying two bags. Henry was kind and always ready to help so he offered to carry the old man’s bags. When they parted the aged traveler thanked Henry kindly and said in a friendly tone, “God is seeking you, dear friend.” These words made Henry uncomfortable especially in view of his plan to mock at God and His servant the next evening.

However, the following evening Henry, having steeled his conscience, went off with his friends to the meeting ready to play his part. But what a shock he got when he found that the speaker that evening was none other than the old gentlemen whose bags he had carried the night before.

As he sat there in the midst of his friends, Henry heard the sweet story of the Good Shepherd told with such warmth and love, the Shepherd who was seeking the lost sheep, and about the God of love who gave His Son so that “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Henry’s friends whispered that now was the time for him to stand up and contradict the speaker, but he sat as if rooted to the seat and did not move when his companions nudged him and urged him to go ahead. The blessed Spirit of God was at work in his heart and conscience. It became clear to him that he was the lost sheep whom the Good Shepherd was seeking, and he remembered the words of the old evangelist, “God is seeking you, dear friend.”

All Henry’s bravado had disappeared that night. There at that gospel meeting, melted by love divine, he received the Lord Jesus as his Saviour.

When he got home he said to his wife, “Sue, I am born again and with God’s help I intend to begin a new life.”

Sue was so taken by surprise but she said, “Good! If you really mean to lead a changed life and give up your bad companions, I’ll go and hear the gospel too.” The next evening found them both sitting in the gospel meeting. The story of the love of God who was seeking lost sinners entered her heart also and she too was converted to the Lord Jesus. Now they are both following the Good Shepherd, and God has given them two dear children whom they are seeking to bring up for the Lord.

Such is the power of the Word; for “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16. Has it proved its power in your heart, dear reader? If not, bow to it now. Do not hold out against it. God is seeking you. He loves you, He wants to save and make you happy. Then your life too will be completely changed, for “if any man be in Christ he is a new [creation]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

ML-02/22/1976

Roger's Victory

ROGER had just been converted, he had trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. Then he began to think of his family and friends. Alone he prayed that the Lord would save and bless them as He had himself. He also asked the Lord God to give him strength and courage to read the Bible with his family and pray. It was going to take a great deal of courage, but after a long struggle he decided to start that very evening.

That very night one of his friends, an unbeliever and thorough man of the world, paid him a visit. Roger was terribly embarrassed, but the Lord gave him courage not to wait until the next day to witness to his family.

After supper he opened his Bible. The family and company were astounded as he read a few verses and then knelt down to pray. Poor Roger trembled and he felt a great lump in his throat, so that all he could do was to stammer out a few words, “Lord—Lord—Lord—" with long pauses between. Then confused and ashamed he got up. His friend made no remark but bade him farewell.

Sometime afterward, much to Roger’s joy and shame, he received a letter from this same friend full of praise and thanksgiving, telling him that he had felt the Lord speaking that night at the supper table and that He was present in the room. There it was that he began to read the Bible and now he too could say that he was rejoicing in the Lord Jesus as his Saviour.

The Lord can bless the feeblest witness and overcome the adversary in a way that a well-polished sermon could not do. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Cor. 1:25.

ML-02/22/1976

How Lynn Overcame Fear

When Lynn came home from school she had to pass through a dark hall where she lived with her parents. Her father was a cripple and her mother had to work, so neither could meet Lynn at the front door.

Lynn dreaded having to go through that dark hallway, but after a while her father noticed that she entered the apartment smiling.

“Lynn,” he asked, “aren’t you afraid to come through the dark hallway alone any more?”

“Oh no, Daddy,” she answered. “I’m not afraid anymore. I just sing, ‘God will take care of you,’ and He always does.”

The Lord says in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.”

Memory Verse: “WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?... BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED.” Acts 16:30, 31.

ML-02/22/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 30:11-14

THOUGH ISRAEL might “be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven” — the farthest away that one could imagine — yet they were not beyond the reach of God’s mercy, for He loved them even though He had to chasten them for their disobedience and unfaithfulness. Even in the most remote land on earth, if in their low estate they turned to Him with all their heart, He would be gracious and gather them back to their own land.

“For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.” It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.”

In Romans 10 the Apostle sheds wonderful light on this very passage. Israel by the law had set about to establish their own righteousness, but had failed completely. God’s answer to man’s ruin is Christ. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Rom. 10:4.

God has made the way of salvation as simple as possible. He could not have been more considerate and gracious to man in his weakness and low estate. For one does not need to go down up to heaven to find the Saviour, nor does he need to go down into the depths of the earth to bring Him again from the dead. Instead of being afar off, “The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart.” One only has to believe and confess the Lord Jesus as risen from the dead, to be saved (Romans 10:9)

So it will be with the remnant in that day. When, chastened and repentant, they bow to the word of God and own Christ, whom they rejected long ago, as their Messiah, God will not be slow to bestow upon them the grace and goodness of His heart.

If there is one unsaved who reads these lines, we can tell you that no matter how far you have wandered in sin, you are not beyond the limits of the grace of God. If you will but turn to Him in true repentance and confess Christ as your Saviour, you will be the everlasting object of God’s love and care. “Whosoever” means anyone, everyone. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:13.)

If you who read these lines are a child of God but have gotten away from the Lord, if you turn to Him with your whole heart and own your failure, no matter how far you have drifted away, God has mercy and grace for you. He delights in blessing and will restore your soul to a sweet sense of His love. It is all so simple too, for again, it is not a word afar off, “But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.".

Oh! come to Jesus, children, come,

Don’t delay, don’t delay;

Secure a place in heaven’s bright home,

While ’tis day, while ’tis day.

That blessed home is filling fast,

And mercy’s day will soon be past,

Soon earth shall hear the trumpet’s blast;

Come away, come away.

ML-02/22/1976

Almost but Lost

IT WAS a sad day for the men aboard the aircraft carrier. The ocean was terribly rough and the giant craft was tossed up and down like a ball by the mighty waves.

But it wasn’t the roughness of the sea that made the men sad they were not afraid of the waves. It was a tragedy that took place right before their eyes that caused them such sorrow of heart.

One of the planes had been trying to land on the carrier, but just as it was about to light on the runway a huge wave tossed the carrier and the plane almost crashed into the sea. However, the pilot suddenly speeded up his engine and took off up into the air again. He circled about for another try, and three helicopters went up from the ship to stand by and help if he crashed.

A second time the pilot came in to land, and again a giant wave moved the carrier. But this time the plane failed to rise in time and with a terrific splash the plane crashed into the ocean and disappeared.

Moments later the pilot’s head appeared above water and all on board gave a mighty cheer. One of the helicopters quickly let down a rope right beside the pilot.

“Hurray!” they cheered again. The next minute the pilot was being drawn up into the helicopter, and the shout went up, “He is saved!”

But just at that moment the parachute on the pilot’s back suddenly opened in the strong wind; the strings wound themselves around him and trapped him. They had to lower him down into the water again where the wind was not so boisterous and another man was lowered to help him cut all the lines of the chute. But the powerful wind was blowing on the chute all the time and both men became wrapped in the strings tighter and tighter. Then a huge wave hit them, and they went under the water. When the wave had passed, both men were gone.

Aboard the carrier all watched breathless, hoping to see their heads again. “Oh, come up!” someone cried. Alas, they watched, and waited — and waited, but in vain. Finally they gave up hope of ever seeing the men again.

They had tried hard to save those men, but failed. Almost saved — but lost!

The Lord Jesus, however, is mighty to save — “able to save to the uttermost all that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:25. The man from the helicopter came down to try and save the pilot, and the Lord Jesus came down from heaven to “seek and to save that which was lost.” It was the strings from the parachute that so entangled these men and trapped them; and so it is our sins that entangle and trap us and drag us down to death and hell.

Jesus the Son of God is the only One who can set us free from our sins and guilt. He can lift us up and set us in a place of safety where no storm of trouble or of judgment can ever touch us. What a wonderful Saviour He is!

He alone the Saviour is Everlasting praise be His!

Memory Verse: The Lord said, “Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.” Job 33:24

ML-02/29/1976

Has the Text Changed?

Look Unto Me

Mrs. Pratt came home full of joy from the gospel meeting one evening. She was saved. Her burden was gone and she was rejoicing in her Saviour.

She was so happy that she woke up Freddie, her little boy, and told him the glad news. She even read to him the verses of Scripture that had been blessed to her own soul. Freddie was a bright little fellow and was delighted to see his mother so happy, for she was naturally of a sorrowful spirit.

When Mrs. Pratt got up the next morning, sad to say, her joy rapidly ran out. Things seemed to go wrong, so much so that by breakfast time, when Freddie came bouncing downstairs, he was at once dismayed by the old careworn look on his mother’s face.

“What is the matter?” he asked.

“Oh,” said his poor mother. “I believe I must be wrong. What I told you last night must be all a mistake, and I am not saved after all.”

But God taught her a great lesson through her little boy that day. With childlike simplicity Freddie went to where her Bible lay, and looking up he said, “But, Mother, has the text changed?”

No, it had not, and there and then Mrs. Pratt remembered that God’s Word was true and unchanging no matter what she felt. The light broke through again, her sorrow disappeared, and she was happy once more.

ML-02/29/1976

Meet Me in Heaven!

A mail once came to Mr. Chapman after a gospel service and said, “Sir, would you like to shake hands with a redeemed drunkard?”

“Why, yes, I would,” Mr. Chapman assured him.

Taking hold of Mr. Chapman’s hand, he said, “Listen to my story: “I once had a good job in this city, but drink was my ruin. One day while lying in the gutter, someone came and taking me by the hand, said, ‘If you want to see your boy alive, hurry home at once.’ As quick as I could, I made it up to the miserable room where my sin had forced my wife and boy to live, and there I learned that a big truck had run over my child, and he was dying. The little fellow took me by his side on the bed, saying, ‘Daddy, I won’t let you go until you promise to meet me in heaven!’ Then still holding my hand tight he died. They had to literally force his hand from mine, he gripped it so tightly,” and the man held up his hand as he spoke.

“From that day till this it seems as if I felt my boy pulling me heavenward. My proud wretched heart was broken down before the Lord, and I cried to Him to save me too. Blessed be His name He has saved me.”

Not only did the Lord save his soul from going down to the pit, but He delivered him from the aul power of drink. Now he was looking forward to meeting his dear boy in heaven one day.

This is true of many who have a loved one up yonder.

The Lord Jesus is “able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Heb. 7:25.

ML-02/29/1976

A Piece of Money

EVEN after hearing the voice on mountain, Peter did not always remember that although Jesus was a Man upon the earth He was not to be classed with other men.

That night Peter had made the great mistake of wanting to make three tabernacles, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. And now he made another mistake, for when some men came to him and asked, “Doesn’t your Master pay tribute money?” he answered, “Yes.”

Now it was a right thing for Jewish men to give their money towards the service of God in the temple, and right that all should give, whether rich or poor. But it was not a right thing to ask Jesus to give this money, because the temple was the house of God, and Jesus was God’s Son.

When Peter was come into the house, before he had time to tell the Lord about it, He said to him, “What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?”

Peter knew quite well that kings do not make their own sons pay tribute, so he answered, “Of strangers.”

Jesus said to him, “Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for Me and thee.”

The piece of money that Peter found in the fish’s mouth was a drachma. It was just twice as much as the men had asked for, and it paid for himself as well as for Jesus.

What pleasure it must have given God that His own well-beloved Son was willing to pay tribute money in order that poor ignorant men, who did not know who He was, might not be stumbled. Love seeks not her own; and because Jesus loved those poor Jewish men, He gave up His right to be exempt from the tax they paid, and He paid it for Peter as well as for Himself.

ML-02/29/1976

"Drop Dem S'posins"

Old Mamie was an aged Negro lady. When she was urged to come to the Lord Jesus and to accept His salvation, she would always reply, “But s’posin’ He don’t accept me; s’posin’ I could not hold on; s’posin’ I fell away at last.” and so on, with s’posins.

Another old Christian friend, Lucy, exclaimed: “Mamie, you better drop dem s’posins, and just trust the Lord.”

There are many like old Mamie. Dear reader, how about you? Take old Lucy’s advice, drop all your doubts, and fears, and supposes, and trust yourself wholly to the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

ML-02/29/1976

Westie

WESTIE was just a pup when the war started. He was a pure bred Newfoundland, and like all other healthy dogs he ran and jumped, he barked, and ate and grew. Like others too of his breed he became a strong, brave and faithful dog, and was trained to help the soldiers in the war.

Westie was sent along with a regiment to Hong Kong. Wherever the soldiers went, Westie went with them. He loved the men, he worked with them, sometimes he pulled a cart like a horse; he ate and slept with the troops, and was always on the alert.

The men had dug a trench in which they hid for protection from the enemy who were always firing at them. One day an enemy soldier threw a hand grenade, or a small bomb, into the trench. The situation was serious. Suddenly faithful Westie, knowing that the hand grenade would explode and kill many of the men, snapped up the bomb in his mouth, and bounded over the mound in front of the trench. Seconds later the bomb exploded, blowing the faithful dog to pieces.

How sad the men were to lose their good faithful friend in that way, but in sacrificing his life he had saved twenty men.

Westie had proved his love for those men by dying for them, but God’s love goes far beyond that. “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.

Jesus died for us when we were enemies, for “when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son.” (Rom. 5:10.)

Westie died to save his friends, but the Lord Jesus died for “the ungodly,” for those who hated Him and nailed Him to the cross. On that cross, in the midst of His sufferings He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34. We deserved death and judgment, just as much as those men who crucified Jesus, for “all have sinned,” but He was punished for our sins; for “Christ... hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18. Surely each of us ought to trust in Him, to love and serve Him who has proved His love for us.

Can you say, “The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me"? Gal. 2:20.

Memory Verse: “The Son of man came ... to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20:28

ML-03/07/1976

How Old Are You?

Say, little friends, and big ones too,

God sends this message, ’tis for you;

Now is the time, Salvation’s Day,

Receive the Saviour while you may.

How old are you? Six, seven, or eight?

Come now to Jesus, do not wait.

The knocker of His door is low.

The smallest child to Him may go.

How old are you? Nine, ten, eleven?

Is your name written yet in Heaven?

The Book of Life alone records

The names of those who are the Lord’s.

How old are you? Twelve or thirteen?

Ask your own heart —

“What does it mean

That JESUS died on Calvary?”

Can you reply: “It was for me"?

How old are you? Fourteen or more?

Come! enter now through Christ the Door;

In Him is everything you need,

In Him you’ll find new life indeed.

How old are you? That matters not.

His blood alone can cleanse each spot;

You need Him, whether young or old,

There’s room for all within His fold.

How old are you? The years pass by,

And soon will come ETERNITY;

The Holy Spirit calls today,

Come now, His loving call obey.

Elsie S. Pinney

ML-03/07/1976

A Brightly Colored Thief

A man in Fairmont, Minnesota, had a gas tank installed in his rear yard. Not long Afterward, he was plagued by thefts of gas from his tank.

He rigged up a homemade thief-catcher. He fixed a small charge of explosive so when the hose was lifted from the tank, it would go off, spraying the culprit with hard-to-remove dye.

It worked, and soon the sheriff’s office arrested a teen age boy—brightly colored — for the gasoline theft.

We are all brightly colored sinners, for sin has the effect of spreading an impossible-to-remove dye upon all who sin.

The bright color is red, but God says, “Come now, and let us reason together,... 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.

We said the stain was impossible to remove. It is as far as man is concerned; but what man cannot do, the precious blood of Christ can.

The Saviour shed His life’s blood for sinners. Now, we are told, “the blood of Jesus Christ... cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

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

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

T. M. O.

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing—

Passing from you and from me;

Shadows are fading and Jesus is coming—

Say, is He coming for thee?

ML-03/07/1976

Sailor Jack

A young sailor was converted at a gospel meeting. A few nights later he came up to a Christian friend and laying a blank card before him, requested him to write a few words on it, “Because,” he said, “you can write better than I can.”

“What must I write?” asked my friend.

“Write these words: ‘I love Jesus —do you?’ "

After writing down these words, his friend said, “Now you must tell me what you are going to do with the card.”

The young sailor replied: “I am going to sea tomorrow, and I am afraid if I do not take a stand for my Saviour at once, I may begin to be ashamed of being a Christian, and let myself be laughed out of it all altogether. Now as soon as I go on board, I shall walk straight up to my bunk and nail up this card, so that everyone will know that I am a Christian. Maybe they’ll give up hope of making me ashamed or afraid to stand for the Lord.”

The young seaman was right. It will make it much easier for you, dear young Christian, if you hoist your colors right at the start, and let others know from the beginning that you belong to Christ, that you intend by His grace to act like a Christian.

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

ML-03/07/1976

The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven

AFTER telling Peter that wonderful secret about His church, Jesus said to him, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16.)

When we look up into the sky on a starry night, and see those myriads of stars shining in their glory so far above us, perhaps it makes us feel that heaven must be very, very far away. But though heaven may seem far away, we know that what takes place on this earth is of very great interest in heaven, and even while we are down here we may enter into the kingdom of heaven.

It was after Jesus went back to heaven that the keys of the kingdom of heaven were given to Peter, that he might open the door for all who would turn from their sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The first time he used the keys three thousand of his own nation pressed in at the open door. The key that let in the Gentiles was used later on, when Cornelius the centurion, his family and friends, were let in. Since then millions of men and women and children have entered the kingdom of heaven, and all by the door that Peter unlocked.

You must not think that the keys he was given were great iron ones, for keys of that sort could never have opened the way into the kingdom of heaven. But Peter was the first to preach to the Jews and to tell them that though they had so wickedly put Jesus to death on the cross, God had raised Him from the dead and set Him on His throne, and made Him Lord and Christ.

By preaching to them about Jesus he opened the door and showed the only way by which they could enter the kingdom of heaven. They must change their minds about the Lord Jesus, and instead of refusing and rejecting Him, they must believe in Him and be baptized in His name, confessing their terrible wickedness in crucifying Him.

Peter was the first, too, to tell the Gentiles that Jesus is the One whom God has appointed to be the Judge of living and dead, and that we must believe on Him and receive forgiveness of our many sins.

ML-03/07/1976

Luther's Little Bunny

MARTIN LUTHER was one day asked to take part in the royal hunt. He would rather have roamed the harvest fields with his wife and family instead but he thought it well not to refuse royalty in this way.

When all was ready, the horns blew, and the hunters galloped away into a day filled with sunshine. Rabbits, deer, and other wildlife bounded through the fields and woods, with men and dogs in pursuit.

Unnoticed by the rest, Luther fell back at a distance, dismounted and sat down by a hedge. It had been agreed at the outset that at the close of the day the hunters would assemble under an oak at the edge of a wood, when the bugler’s blast announced the hunt was over.

Last of all to arrive was Luther. One by one the hunters related their adventures and displayed the game they had brought down. When it came to Luther’s turn, one of the men asked him, “And what did you bring down today, Doctor?”

"A rabbit,” was his prompt reply. Whereupon Luther opened his coat, and pulled out a frightened little bunny. “I took it in, as it was calling for its mother,” he went on. “I shall take it home as a pet for my little boy.”

The gracious prince here shook Luther’s hand warmly saying: “A strange and wonderful man you are, Doctor Luther. Such an iron will as yours welded to such a tender heart brings us music whose strains will be heard for centuries.”

Luther’s heart was but a faint but true reflection of the tender sympathies of his blessed Master, the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Whose heart is filled with tenderness,

Whose very name is Love.”

How sweet to behold the Saviour in His life on earth taking to His very heart tried, hunted, lonely, unfortunate outcasts, the suffering victims of sin and Satan’s power! He healed all that were oppressed of the devil; disease and death fled before Him. Sinners, confessing their sins, found welcome and refuge in His bosom. He wept over Jerusalem, that guilty city which rejected the pleadings of Infinite Love. Think of Him weeping over the doom of the lost!

Dear friend, the Lord Jesus is more concerned for the salvation of your soul than you are yourself. He longs to have you take refuge under His protection, even as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, for it is written, “God our Saviour;... will have all men to be saved.” 1 Tim. 2:3,4; and “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37. To neglect, to spurn, to refuse His love will spell your doom forever.

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 4:7.

Memory Verse: “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19

ML-03/14/1976

Jesus

A fond mother, her heart nearly breaking, paced the room, seeking to soothe the patient little sufferer she held in her arms, a lovely boy of just five summers.

As she gazed into the dear face, she longed to hear from those sweet lips the name of Him who was soon to take His tender lamb to His own loving bosom.

“Who loves my darling better than Mother?” she softly asked.

The tired lips slowly opened and clearly uttered one word: “Jesus"—the one precious Name that is above every name.

Do you know, dear children, the power of that saving Name? You are not too young to be saved.

A little child of seven,

Or even three or four,

May enter into heaven.

Through Christ the open Door. “He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isa. 40:11.

ML-03/14/1976

Turned Inside Out

ONE EVENING an African native came running to the missionary with a Testament under his arm. All out of breath from running he stood on the porch and asked, “Tell me, did the holy men who wrote this Book know there were Africans in the world?”

“Why do you ask such a question,” answered the astonished missionary.

“Because we have just had argents about it in our village,” was the reply. “I believe they must have known, for in this Book is written a list of all the sins an African has in his heart. Therefore there are many in our village who won’t listen when this Book is read out loud. They say it is like turning one inside out.”

And that is just what the Bible does; it goes down to the very boom of our hearts. Nor does any good appear but all bad — anger, envy, strife, idolatry, adultery, and many more sins are mentioned in God’s Word — everything that is in the heart of man.

How then can such a ruined man be saved? This same blessed Book gives the answer. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. The very Word that turns one inside out also shows the way of salvation and this way is Jesus Christ. He who repents and trusts in Him for salvation has everlasting life.

ML-03/14/1976

God Wants the Boys

God wants the boys, the merry boys,

The noisy boys, the funny boys,

The thoughtless boys;

God wants the boys with all their joys,

In Jesus’ blood to make them pure,

And teach them hardness to endure;

Soldiers of Christ He’d have them be,

Living for truth and purity,

God wants the boys.

God wants the happy-hearted girls,

The loving girls, the best of girls,

The worst of girls;

God wants to make the girls His pearls,

And so reflect His holy face,

And bring to mind His wondrous grace;

As lights mid darkness they should be,

And filled with love and purity;

God wants the girls.

ML-03/14/1976

The Old Labrador Fisherman

Dr. Grenfell told the story of an old fisherman in Labrador. He was 73, and through many a hard winter he had helped feed poor and hungry villagers.

One day he came to Dr. Grenfell with twelve dirty five dollar bills his entire savings. “Here,” he said, “take this and buy food for hungry people.”

“But,” protested Dr. Grenfell, “you are getting old, and may need this money for yourself!”

“Doctor,” the old man replied, “God will take care of me. I can trust Him for that.”

It was another hard winter and the $60.00 went a long way in feeding hungry fisher folk who lived along the rugged coast. And the Lord took care of the old fisherman, as He always does those who trust in Him.

“O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him.

“The young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Psalm 34:10.

ML-03/14/1976

What Is His Name?

Take a letter from five words shown to spell a precious name in Scripture.

Not in PETER, but in JOHN;

Not in GOING, but in GONE;

Found in STORY, not in TONGUE,

Not in SINGING, but in SUNG;

Found in SAVIOUR, not in LORD.

Ever be that name adored!

“Unto us a Son is given”;

Sweetest name on earth, in heaven.

ML-03/14/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 30:15-31:8

MOSES is nearing the end of his course and now he makes one more solemn appeal to his people.

I call heaven and earth to witness against you, he said, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore now chose life that you and your children may live, that you may love the Lord, and obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life, that you may dwell in the land that God promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Then having finished this discourse he said, “I am a hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in.” Also the Lord had told him he should not go over Jordan. But they need not be afraid if he, their leader, should be taken away in death. For the Lord abides, and He would go before them and destroy all their enemies.

Joshua too would go over before them and be their new leader, as the Lord had said. Just as the Lord destroyed Sihon and Og, those great kings of the Amorites, so would He do to the nations of the land; “and the Lord shall give them up before your face.”

“Be strong and of good courage,” he said; “fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

There comes a time when those whom the Lord has used to guide and shepherd us, whom we have looked up to and leaned on, must leave us and go to be with Him.

How comforting it is when such can commend us to God’s care and keeping, and say like Moses, Fear not; God will be with you; He will not fail you, nor forsake you.

Moses then called Joshua, and in the sight of all Israel he encouraged him personally saying, “Be strong and of a good courage,” for the Lord would be with him and under His good hand he should cause His people to inherit the land.

If we are to go on in that quiet confidence in God through the day, we need to walk with Him in secret. We need that daily reading of His Word and private prayer if we are to have spiritual power and courage before others. If we are faithful to the Lord in this He will be our strength and may use us to help and encourage others along their Christian pathway.

How lovely the spirit of Moses here as he turns over the reins to another whom the Lord had chosen to replace him. How he had patiently endured and yearned during those long forty years of wilderness wanderings to see that good land and to lead God’s people into it!

But it was not to be and Moses sweetly submits to the Lord’s will.

Emptied of self he can rejoice in seeing another so honored, and is happy in the thought that His people are soon to enter in and possess the land of their inheritance though he himself must remain outside.

This is the precious fruit of grace and we might well desire to know more of it in our own hearts.

Through all eternity to Thee

A joyful song I’ll raise;

But, oh, eternity’s too short

To utter all Thy praise.

ML-03/14/1976

The Hidden Hook

MUKITELA wanted the bird that lived in the tree near his African home, and he wanted it alive. He had set traps for it but the bird was too smart to enter his traps. The people in the village laughed at Mukitela because he who was so big and strong could not catch this little bird.

One day when Mukitela was in a trading store he saw some hooks which men used to catch fish in the river. Mukitela bought one of these sharp hooks and some strong string and hurried home.

He drove a peg into the ground, then tied one end of the string to the hook and the other end to the peg. After that he baited the hook with a locust, or grasshopper. All the while the little bird was sitting in the tree watching what was going on. He wanted that locust very much for locusts tasted good to him.

As soon as Mukitela had walked away the bird flew down on the ground. He looked at the locust but he did not see the fatal hook. He seized the locust and tried to fly away, but alas, the sharp hook pierced him and held him fast. Mukitela came back quickly, he caught the little bird, put him in his bag and took him away.

Dear young friends, let us learn a lesson from the story of Mukitela and the bird. Satan, the great enemy of our souls, uses all kinds of bait to catch boys and girls, and men and women. He uses many kinds of sin, the things we like to do naturally, the pleasures of the world, even things that appear to be harmless, to take people captive.

There is only One who can set sinners free from the power of sin and Satan. That is God’s dear Son. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. If He had not loved us so and come to save us, every child of Adam’s race would have gone down to the pit, to suffer the judgment of God against their sins forever. But love brought Him down from the glory to where we were. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil"; “that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” (1 John 3:8; Heb. 2:14.) He bore sin’s penalty upon the cross for those who trust Him as Saviour, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Memory Verse: “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-03/21/1976

Earnestly Sought

A farmer lost a $20.00 bill in his barn. He was not a wealthy man, and the loss of $20.00 was a serious matter to him. He resolved to turn over every straw until he found it.

After hours of determined search he discovered the precious bill and went home rejoicing greatly.

A little later the farmer became deeply convicted of sin, and remarked to his wife: “I wish I could believe in the Saviour; but alas, I cannot find Him.”

His prudent wife replied: “If you look for Him as diligently as you looked for that $20.00 you lost in the barn, you will find Him.”

The farmer thought much upon that advice, and made up his mind to seek the Saviour and find Him, come what may. He spent much time in earnest prayer. Now, unknown to him, the Saviour was seeking him more earnestly than he was seeking the Saviour. The farmer’s search was not in vain, for he was soon rejoicing in the possession of Christ.

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate.” Luke 13:24.

“Those that seek Me early shall find Me.” Prov. 8:17.

ML-03/21/1976

"Tell Me of Jesus"

“MY MOTHER is converted, and sometimes my husband and I would go down to have supper with her. But neither of us liked these visits, because sometimes she used to speak to us about our souls. We said we wouldn’t be preached to by her.

“Well, one Sunday we were so angry at her for speaking to us in this way, telling us that we were sinners, and needed Jesus to save us, that we said we would never go near her again. The next Sunday we went to my husband’s mother’s place.

“But my little boy, Johnny, just five years old, was very fond of my mother, so I let him go to see her. When he came home he said to me, ‘Grandma says you are to tell me about Jesus.’

“Now, I couldn’t do that; I just didn’t know anything about Jesus myself; I could not tell my little boy; so I went upstairs, and I felt very uncomfortable. I thought to myself, ‘Oh, what a mother I must be, not able to tell my own child about Jesus'!

“After a little while I came down, and Johnny said to me again, ‘Mother, tell me of Jesus.’

“I said, ‘I can’t tell you of Jesus, for I don’t know anything of Him, my dear. We must ask Grandma.’

“Well, I put him to bed; but I was so unhappy, so miserable; I could not get my little boy’s words out of my head. To think that my little boy, only five years old, should ask me to tell him of Jesus, and I couldn’t tell him a word! I couldn’t sleep all night; and the next day, when Mother came, I told her how wretched I was. So she said I’d better come to the gospel meeting on Tuesday night. So I came to the hall, and there it was I was converted. It was on Tuesday, the third of December. I saw Jesus had died for me, and that I was saved through His blood. I found peace through believing. Now I am so happy, and I can now tell my children about Jesus and His love. But I must tell you that I was first convinced of sin through my little boy, just five years old.”

ML-03/21/1976

A Talk on Eyes

Eyes are often mentioned in God’s Word. There we learn that

“The Eyes of the Lord”

are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3). “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth” (2 Chron. 16:9), and “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Heb. 4:13).

Nothing done is hid from Him, so that all day, and every day you may say, “Thou God seest me.” (Gen. 16:13). All the ways of man are “before the eyes of the Lord” (Prov. 5:21). Nothing can be hid from them. Even “secret sins” committed in the dark are well known to Him. And for all these things God will bring sinners into judgment (Eccles. 11:9), and they will have to give account to Him of all that they have done.

Some, both old and young, who are

“Clean in Their Own Eyes”

(Prov. 16:2), are not “washed from their filthiness” (Prov. 30:12). They are

“Right in Their Own Eyes”

(Prov. 21:2), but wrong in the eyes of the Lord and need to be saved. To get

“The Eyes Opened”

(Acts 26:18), to see our sinful condition, is our first need. Then to look to Christ (Isa. 45:22) for salvation, as the Israelites did to the brazen serpent on the pole (Num. 21:8: John 3:14).

“Our Eyes Are Upon Thee”

(2 Chron. 20:12), expresses faith’s look to God, first for salvation, then for preservation each day, all the way.

But to disbelieve and reject Christ causes

“The Eyes to Be Closed”

(Matt. 13:15), then “blinded,” so that they cannot see.

“In Hell He Lifted Up His Eyes”

(Luke 16:23), tells of the awful end of such a life — in torments, with a great gulf fixed between the soul and heaven — “afar off” from light, and love — from Christ forever.

ML-03/21/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 31:9-13

“BE STRONG and of a good courage.... And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”

How much we need exhortations and words of encouragement like this today! The power of Satan seems to be increasing daily and fresh difficulties arise on every hand-problems at home, at school, at work, throughout the land and abroad, even among the saints of God. But the Lord abides; He changes not. He is faithful, and if we keep our eyes on Him we can press on with courage and confidence, knowing He will never fail those who trust in Him. Then let us not lose heart but count on His love and power to carry us through every step of the way.

After this Moses wrote the law in a book and gave it to the priests who carried the ark, and to the elders. They were to put it beside the ark in the tabernacle. Thus they were to have the law ever in remembrance, for God would have not only a redeemed people but an obedient people as well. Even Moses knew beforehand that Israel would prove to be a disobedient, rebellious people, still it remains true today that obedience is the path of strength and blessing and happiness.

Then Moses told them that every seven years, in the year of release, when all the captives and slaves were set free, at the Feast of Tabernacles, all Israel—men, women, children, and the strangers in their cities were to come up before the Lord, and the priests were to read the Word before them. This was so that they might know it and do it, and fear the Lord always.

We notice that even the little children were taught the law. They are especially mentioned in this book. They were to be taught it when they were so young that they did not know anything else; “that their children, which have not known anything, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye live in the land.” v. 13.

How good it is to have our own little ones sit quietly while the Word is read at home, at Sunday school or in the meetings, and for them to learn to repeat from memory the precious texts of Scripture! Where there is faithfulness Christian parents and Sunday school teachers can count on the Lord to bless His Word stored up in young minds in this way. The Lord Jesus is worthy of the early love and the devotion of little ones, and the effort to win them to Himself in those tender years, before the world and its sinful attractions claim their young hearts, will surely bring its own glad reward.

ML-03/21/1976

A Night With a Lion

A WILD and careless young fellow named William Stephens had enlisted as a soldier. After a time he was ordered off to Africa with his regiment, and while there had a strange and dreadful experience.

One afternoon as a few of the soldiers were going through a forest, William somehow got separated from his companions, and could not find them. On, on, on, he wandered, vainly trying to get out of the forest, but every step seemed to entangle him more and more in its mazes. At last the day began to wear away, and the shadows crept on the scene. Poor William was getting very tired and hungry, and wished himself safely among his comrades at the camp. But still he toiled on, hoping against hope that he might escape from his dangerous position, until at length the dark night came on, and with it the cries of wild beasts, seeking their prey.

At length our soldier friend was quite exhausted, and feeling unable to walk any further, crept into a cave and lay down to rest.

We could wish that he slept peacefully in his strange bedroom!

But no! William was not to get any sleep that night, for before many minutes had passed, he was startled by a roar, and soon afterwards another and louder one made his blood run cold. Looking out of the entrance of his cave, he saw by the moonlight an immense lion coming towards him; and then the truth flashed into his mind that he was resting in a lion’s bedroom!

Quicker than I can write he decided what to do; he must pretend to be asleep, as this was the only chance of the wild beast sparing him. So he lay perfectly still with his eyes closed, and presently with a terrific roar, that seemed to make the very ground shake, the lion bounded in. William felt his hot breath upon his face, the lion licking him all over, as the poor fellow feared, preparatory to tearing him in pieces.

Then William cried out to God in real earnest, and begged that he might be delivered from the lion, and promised that if his life were spared, he would become a Christian, return to England, and preach the gospel. Has not God said: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me"? Psa. 50:15.

At any rate God heard his cry and in mercy shut the lion’s mouth. The king of beasts laid quietly down by the side of the young soldier having probably already eaten a good supper, and soon went off to sleep. But before doing so he put his paw on William’s chest, and gripped his shoulder with his claws as though in a vice, as if to say, “I’ll have you for my breakfast in the morning, and will take good care you don’t run away in the night.”

Oh, what a time of suspense and agony this was for the soldier, and he did plead to the Lord with all his heart that he might get away from the powerful beast! At last, when the lion appeared to be sleeping very soundly, William managed to extricate one arm, and gently unlocked the claws from their terrible grip, his heart beating very fast, as may be imagined. Would the movement wake the monster? If so, one stroke of that great paw would instantly dash his brains out. But no! his strange bedfellow did not wake, so he slowly tried to move the heavy paw from his chest, and at last laid it down on the ground. The next thing was to creep out of the cave without making the slightest noise, and this God enabled him to do, and thus to make his escape.

William did not forget the prose he made to God in the time of his distress. He returned to England as soon as he was able to do so, and at a little prayer meeting in his native village told the thrilling story of his adventure, and how he had promised to be a Christian, concluding by asking those present to plead that he might have all his sins forgiven.

You can imagine what joy this gave the good people, and what earnest prayers followed; how some gathered round him and told him the old, old story of the Saviour’s love; how He came from Heaven on purpose to seek and save lost sinners — how He lived a life of sorrow; how He, who made the world, had not where to lay His head; how He was falsely accused, insulted, spat upon, ridiculed, cruelly beaten, and at last nailed to the cross between two thieves. They told him how He prayed for his murderers, saved the repentant thief, bore the jeerings of the mob, and at last cried, “It is finished"; how He was laid in the grave, but rose again, and went back to heaven, after He had told His disciples to go into the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15); and how those who trust in His name shall receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43). They told him how he was really under the paw of Satan, the roaring lion of hell, a more terrible monster by far than the sleeping one in the cave, but that Christ had come to destroy the works of the devil, and would deliver him, if he only trusted in Him.

So William fell down on his knees in that little schoolroom and cried to the Lord to save his soul, just as he had cried for deliverance from the African lion, and he heard the Lord say, “Yes. Go in peace; thy sins are forgiven.”

From that time he became a good soldier of Jesus Christ, and witnessed to others of the wonderful grace of God, until at a good old age he went home to see Him who loved and gave Himself for him, and to receive His reward. He was buried in the little village where he had lived and labored for Christ, and I have stood beside his grave surrounded by a crowd of children, who were delighted to hear the story of his encounter with the lion.

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

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

ML-03/28/1976

Safe

THE DOGS were chasing the cat, as dogs love to do, and she jumped up on the donkey, believing she would be safe there. The dogs cannot reach her.

Whose friend do you think the donkey is? Will he help the dogs get the cat? No, I don’t think so. That hind leg is ready to kick, and the terrier knows well enough to keep his distance.

The cat has found a friend that is stronger than her pursuers — a friend willing and able to protect her. She is in a safe place.

Does not this picture make you think of another place of safety? It does me. Do you know of One who can protect you from harm, from enemies that are stronger than you and that would drag you down to ruin and death?

Jesus, the Son of God, wants to be your Protector from Satan and from judgment. He came into this world and died on the cross for sinners, so that you might have salvation.

“All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23), and no one will escape judgment who is not safe in Christ. And just as the cat in our picture is beyond the reach of those rascally pups, so is the sinner who has fled to Jesus for refuge far beyond the reach of death and judgment. Are you safe from “the wrath to come"?

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee.” Deut. 33:27.

ML-03/28/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 31-14-30

AFTER THIS God told Moses that his end was at hand and soon he must die. He was to call Joshua and together they were to present themselves at the door of the tabernacle where He would give Joshua a charge. Accordingly Moses and Joshua appeared before the Lord.

The Lord then gave Moses a glimpse into the future, telling him that after his death the people would forsake Him; they would break His covenant and go after other gods. Because of this He would forsake them and hide His face from them. Such terrible troubles would befall them that they would say, “Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us?”

But before Moses died God gave him a song. He was to write it out and teach it to Israel. Those who really learned that song would find in it the remedy for the very evil it predicted would come to pass.

How wonderful this is! God, as it were, in His love for Israel hoped that, if it were possible, the predictions of solemn judgments might not come true, and that He might repent of what He would be forced to bring upon them. Such is the gracious holy God with whom we have to do.

This song is based on “the secret things that belong unto the Lord our God” (chap 29:29), for in it at the end we find the promise that God would in. His grace bring Israel into blessing, when they repented and turned to Him again. Thus Moses, though knowing the dark and evil days that were ahead for his people could look onward to the blessings that would surely come to them in the latter days.

In view of this the charge to Joshua was: “Be strong, and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.”

Man’s course has always been away from God, whether it be Israel or the church. In both cases it has been a record of disobedience, failure and ruin. He who would serve the Lord is to be prepared for this. He is not to be discouraged, but, having no confidence in the flesh, he is to labor on in the confidence that God will work in grace, and that He will never fail. If we build only on the Lord there will be no disappointments or deluded hopes. All is sure in Him.

We live in days when things are breaking up and going down all around us. All that is of the First man fails; on the other hand all that is of Christ in our lives will abide forever. May the Lord’s words to Joshua encourage our hearts in these difficult times: “Be strong and of good courage.... I will be with thee.”

ML-03/28/1976

"That's All I Want!"

Each child recited a Bible verse

In the Sunday school one day;

And each with honor performed his part,

Till at last came little May.

“The Lord is my Shepherd” — she paused to think,

And her heart the faster beat

"The Lord is my Shepherd — that’s all I want,”

And she promptly took her seat.

’Twas a message new from a little child,

And it stirred my inmost soul;

Such a tender Shepherd is all I want

Till I reach the heavenly goal.

— Selected

ML-03/28/1976

The Little Overcomer

IT WAS at a communist school and the teacher told the children to stand up and say aloud, “There is no God!”

A little nine-year-old girl in that class knew very well there is a God. Did not her father and mother pray to Him? Had she not often prayed to Him herself, and received answers? Was not this proof enough that there was a living God, and how could she deny Him? Thus in fear and trembling she refused to obey the command.

The teacher became very angry, and said: “Go home and write 50 times, ‘There is no God,’ and bring it to me tomorrow morning.”

The little girl went home and told her parents all about it. She feared the Communists and prayed earnestly to God for guidance. Finally she wrote 50 times, “THERE IS A GOD!”

The next morning the child gave the writing to her teacher. As he read it he became furious and ordered her to write 500 times “There is no God!” promising he would resort to other punishment if she refused. The girl knew what this meant — DEATH. However she remained calm, and without dismay went home and told her father.

The father’s eyes rested on the God-fearing child, and with a long smile said tenderly: “Be of good cheer, tomorrow we will go to the superintendent.”

That night she slept peacefully without fear, knowing that God would not forsake her. Together father and daughter went to the superintendent the next morning and told him the whole story.

Smiling, the man said, “My dear child, the Lord has already undertaken for you. Yesterday your teacher was killed in a motorcycle accident. The matter is closed.”

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” Psa. 14:1.

“Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Psa. 2:12.

Memory Verse: “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins, forever sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:12

ML-04/04/1976

Tung

TUNG was a Chinese farmer and a happy Christian. One day a band of robbers came to his home. They tied up Tung, burned his home, and carried off his belongings. After they were gone, Tung rebuilt his home and went on with his work.

In the city, two years later, Tung met and recognized one of the robbers. He thought Tung would have him arrested and thrown into prison; so he begged Tung for mercy.

Said Tung, “I do not hate you. Tell me about yourself.” The man told Tung all about his troubles. He owed money, he was hungry, his feet were frostbitten. Tung gave him some money and told him to pay off his debts and buy something to eat. “Tomorrow,” said Tung, “I will call for you and take you to the hospital.”

Sure enough, the next day Tung called for the man and took him to the Mission Hospital in his own cart. “Perhaps, he will learn of Jesus as I did,” thought Tung, “then he will come out a different man.”

The robber did learn of Jesus, the Saviour, who forgives guilty sinners and brings them out of darkness io His marvelous light. Tung and his friends prayed for the man. The robber repented of his sins, and was wonderfully saved by the grace of God. He came out of the hospital a different man!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath recoiled us to Himself by Jesus Christ... we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:17,18,20.

“BEING JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS.” Rom. 3:24.

ML-04/04/1976

The Magnet

MARGIE was a little girl who asked a lot of questions. But she didn’t ask them for mere curiosity’s sake, for she really wanted to know about many things, and it is always good when children are anxious to learn things that are pure and right.

There was one subject that interested Margie especially, and that was the coming of the Lord. She had learned that He was coming soon to take all His people up to heaven; that all who had died trusting in Him would be brought forth from their graves, that those who were living would be changed, and then all believers—men and women and little children would be caught up to meet Him in the air, to be forever with Him. She knew too that all those who did not trust Him as their Saviour would be left behind for judgment.

But what she could not understand was that if all the saved ones would rise to meet Him at His coming, how is it that the unsaved ones would not go up too. When Margie asked a dear Christian friend to elain it to her he thought of a simple way to illustrate this wonderful truth.

He put a number of pins and needles in a dish and covered some of them with a light layer of earth.

The pins were made of brass, the needles were of steel. He then took a strong magnet and brought it close to the earth. What do you think happened? Immediately all the needles—those under the earth and those above — flew upward and became attached to the magnet, held there by unseen power.

The pins of brass remained quietly behind unmoved; there was nothing in them to respond to the power of the magnet.

But what about those who sleep in Jesus in the depths of the ocean. Will they hear the Saviour’s assembling shout? Indeed they will.

One day we watched another Christian put some brass pins and steel needles in a glass bowl with water in it. When he brought his magnet over the water immediately the needles leaped upwards and clustered around the magnet.

And so, dear young friends, the dead in Christ and the living ones shall rise together and go home to be with the Lord Jesus forever. They are not afraid of His coming, rather they look forward to that moment with joy, for He has washed all their sins away in His precious blood and they belong to Him. But how sad to think of many who neglect or refuse His salvation and will be left behind in that day. The dead shall sleep on until they are raised, still in their sins, to be judged eternally at the great white throne.

How is it with you, dear reader? Are you one of the needles, or one of the pins?

“For 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: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:16,17.

ML-04/04/1976

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32-1-3

WE NOW come to the song itself and what a wonderful song it is! It is truly a “song in the night” and one which only God Himself could give. By the way it begins we see at once there must be something in it especially worth noticing.

“Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of My mouth.” It is God who is speaking; and what a blessing it is that God has spoken! What a responsibility for us to heed His word, but what a solemn thing for one to reject what He has said! The Lord Jesus said on earth: “He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” John 12:48.

But here when God speaks we see that it is something refreshing, something precious: “My doctrine shall drop as the rain.” How different is God’s word to man’s teaching! To a heart dried up through sinful failure, sorrow or trouble, how refreshing His words of grace! His teaching is like the rain on the parched ground. “My speech shall distil as the dew.” pure, gentle, soothing and quiet. If we come to His word morning and evening He will speak to us as the dew.

“As the small rain upon the tender herb.” How precious to see God’s care of the weak and tender plants of His planting! Every child of His is one of His plants; and the Lord Jesus said, “My Father is the husbandman.” He will refresh us by the “dew” and the “small rain” of His Word, and will also purge us that we might bear more fruit.

“And as the showers upon the grass.” How beautiful and refreshed the grass looks after a shower of rain! May we be careful and watch that there may be nothing that will hinder God by His Spirit continually refreshing us by the “dew” and the “showers” He sends from above.

We read of the Lord Jesus that “He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: and as showers that water the earth.” O what “times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” for Israel, for all the earth, when Jesus comes to reign in the millennial day that is drawing near. But we as believers now do not have to wait till then. He gives “the living water” and refreshes the souls now of all those who know His wonderful redemption.

“Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.” God’s word speaks of Himself; we are refreshed and strengthened by hearing of Him and by knowing Him. To be occupied with one’s self, or the world, only dries up the soul. But to be occupied with the Lord Jesus, that sweet and wonderful name which expresses what He is — how refreshing and uplifting! This song then is a song of joy in God; “we joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:11.

ML-04/04/1976

Soldier Meets Blood Donor

THE PHONE rang late one evening at the home of Mrs. Hazel Otto, Alhambra, California.

“Mrs. Otto,” a voice asked, “did you give a pint of blood to the Red Cross last December 14.”

Mrs. Otto hesitated, as she thought back a while, and then replied, “Yes, as a matter of fact I did. Who is this?”

“This is Capt. Richard Hamilton at the Birmingham Hospital in Van Nuys, California. A patient has just arrived here who wants to meet you.

“That pint of blood you gave was flown to the Philippines. A young sergeant was wounded there and lost his leg, but your pint of blood saved his life. He wants to thank you.”

Mrs. Otto was stunned. “Why that’s wonderful!” she cried over and over. “Of course I want to see him.”

An hour later two Americans wept unashamedly. The tears were those of sincere appreciation. Mrs. Otto and Sgt. George Bruce, just 19, of Eastgulf, West Virginia, embraced each other and cried.

“I am so grateful,” Mrs. Otto said. Sgt. Bruce could say nothing.

It is a rare occurrence when a soldier meets the one whose blood saved his life on the battlefield. But just before the bottle containing Mrs. Otto’s blood reached the Philippines, George and his buddies had been caught in an ambush. Badly wounded, George was carried to a field hospital, where his leg was amputated. When he rained consciousness, the doctor handed him the tag from the blood container. “It was this woman’s blood that saved your life,” he said. Clutching the tag, George muttered, “I’m going to keep this; maybe some day I can thank her for saving my life.”

This touching incident made us think of that coming glorious time when each soldier of Jesus Christ, saved by grace, will see heaven and earth’s greatest Donor face to face, and will thank Him personally for shedding His precious blood which was the means of his salvation.

But the place will not be a hospital; it will be the Father’s house in which are the “many mansions” the Lord Jesus spoke of in John 14. No one will be speechless there, for all infirmities, afflictions, imperfections of the flesh and sinful natures shall be past history.

All believers shall be “with” and “like” their beloved Lord in that scene of “Fullness of joy” and of “pleasures for evermore.”

With all life’s battles fought and won — for “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” — and with complete deliverance from the world, the flesh and the devil, it will be pure delight to heartily thank the glorified and exalted Saviour for giving His precious blood at Calvary, for the remission of our sins.

Nor need we wait until that day to thank Him, but we should thank Him now for such love and so great salvation. But, what will it be in His own blessed presence to sing: “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father: to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen!” Rev. 1:5,6.

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

ML-04/11/1976

Did They Let Him in?

Little Harry was listening as his father read the Bible. He heard the words of the Lord Jesus in Revelation 3:20: “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.”

Suddenly Harry ran to his father’s side and eagerly asked, “Did they let Him in?”

Perhaps the Saviour is knocking at your heart’s door, dear reader. Won’t you quietly say to Him, “Lord Jesus, come into my heart” Never will He refuse such an invitation.

ML-04/11/1976

The Cow That Preached

AN INFIDEL used to jeer and scoff at the Bible. He denied that God lived. One Sunday he went out to his field to while away his time, for Sunday can be a dull day for a godless man. In the field was a cow that he owned and when she saw the man she came to him and licked the back of his hand. And he was converted through that cow. How? Did the cow preach? Yes, the cow preached by reminding the man of a verse from the Bible.

“The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider.” Isa. 1:3.

The cow brought to his memory that striking verse, which he had learned as a boy, and it went to his conscience.

“The Bible is true after all,” he said to himself. “That cow knows me, but I do not know God.”

As a result of this, he came to God, confessing that he was indeed a sinner. He took the Lord Jesus Christ as his own personal Saviour. The man who had been an infidel, who had claimed that there is no God, now joyfully took God’s offer of salvation. Won’t you do so, too?

ML-04/11/1976

Who Was He?

He married Ruth the Moabitess — Ruth 4.

The mother of Samuel — 1 Sam 1.

The son born to Boaz and Ruth — Ruth 4.

One of God’s angels — Luke 1.

He wrote the book just before Daniel.

What kind of a building was Babel? Gen. 11.

ML-04/11/1976

Heaven

Heaven is a blessed place.

Free to all of every race;

Boys and girls, and grown-ups too,

Will be there, and so may you.

How to reach that blissful shore –

Has been told you o’er and o’er;

Trust God’s Son this very hour

Saviour from sin’s guilt and power.

Yes, I’ll trust God’s blessed Son,

Trust the work that He has done,

He has died on Calvary’s tree,

Risen on high to set us free.

From that happy home above

He will come for those He loves;

No more sorrow, sickness, tears,

Through the everlasting years.

ML-04/11/1976

A Singer Converted

GEORGE had been a popular music-hall singer and a great favorite at concerts. He came to a gospel hall one night and heard a faithful message, telling of the sinner’s need and of Christ who came to meet that need. George was converted to God there. Then he resolved, “I’ve sung my last song for the devil. From now on my song shall be of Jesus.” Henceforth his gift of song was dedicated to the praise of the Saviour who had bought him with His own precious blood.

“And they sung a new song, sang, Thou art worthy...: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood.” Rev. 5:9.

ML-04/11/1976

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:4-8

IN THIS song of Moses God tells His people what they are, but first He tells them what He is.

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.”

He had just been saying His doctrine is as “the rain,” His speech as “the dew,” and “as showers upon the grass.” To learn what God is is as the dew to our souls. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Prov. 25:25. Such is the gospel to the thirsty dried up soul of a poor sinner; the “far country” tells of that heavenly land where God is and where Jesus dwells. For a lost sinner to come to God and learn that He is love is as rain to his poor parched soul.

Perhaps I, His child, have failed, and we all fail at times, though there is no excuse for failure; still, if broken down and repentant I come to Him, He says, “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins...” That is as dew to my heart after the day’s trials and failures. It is necessary to learn what the flesh is in us and to be broken down before the Lord about it, but knowing this does not refresh us, though it does lead us to Him. But to learn something of what God is comforts the heart.

He now tells them what they are and what they will do. “They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of His children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.” But what God is is the safety of His people. He is “our refuge and strength” (Psa. 46:1), and He will be true to Himself. If His people are unstable, He is “the Rock"; if their works are evil and crooked, “His work is perfect,” and “His ways are judgment.” He is “a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.”

“Remember the days of old.” Had He not been a Father to them? Let them ask their fathers and their elders who would tell them of His goodness and of those wonderful works He had done on their behalf.

We now come to a most wonderful verse which helps us to understand the place that God had obtained for Israel in the earth and their relation to all the other nations. He is going to bless them in a coming day, after all their failure, their rebellion and their ruin, but this was no after-thought of His; He had purposed this long before. He makes His plans and then proceeds to work them out.

“When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.” How wonderfully this describes the Lord’s care of His earthly people before they turned away from Him and dishonored Him.

Sovereign grace had chosen Israel for earthly blessing, but their election was in time. Still more precious is the grace that marked us out for heavenly blessing with Christ, in that past eternity — “bore the foundation of the world.”

Saviour, the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fills the breast;

But sweeter far Thy face to see,

And in Thy presence rest.

ML-04/11/1976

Kim

KIM LIVED in the Philippines. He was just a young boy but he had learned to read. His favorite Book was the Bible, and he was the only one in the village who possessed one.

One man in the village did not like the people to read the Bible and had threatened Kim with trouble if he did not destroy his Book. So he hid it in a hole down by the river, and from time to time, when no one was looking, he would steal away down there and all alone he would read the stories of Jesus that he loved so well.

One day after a great rain the river flooded and his precious Book was washed away down the river. How sad he was when he found it was gone!

However, in another village farther down the river, there lived a man who was famous among the people as a storyteller. He was out on the river the day after the big rain when he noticed something black in the water. Picking it up he discovered it was a book. After drying the pages he read into it, and found it to be full of wonderful stories. He began to tell these stories to the people and he became more famous than ever.

One day a Philippino Christian came to the village and he began to tell them wonderful stories about Jesus, about David and Joseph, and others we read of in the Bible. Some of the people said, “We have heard those stories before. Are they true?” The preacher told them they were, and asked where they got them from. “From the storyteller,” they replied. “Where did he get them from?” They went to the storyteller, and he hold them about finding the black Book in the river.

Sometime later the same preacher visited the village where Kim lived and told him the story of how a black Book had been found down the river. Together they went to visit the storyteller, and what was the boy’s delight to find that it was his own precious Bible that the other had found floating on the water. How happy he was when the storyteller gave his treasured Book back to him again.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” Jer. 15:16.

So the Word of God grew and multiplied in that land, and many of the Filipinos found Christ as their Saviour.

“My word... shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isa. 55:10,11.

Memory Verse: “But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

ML-04/18/1976

A Mother's Love

A POOR GOD-FEARING widow, evicted from her home on the mountain side, was forced to walk ten miles over the hills, carrying her only child, to the home of a relative. The weather was warm and sunny when she started, but as she was crossing the pass a storm blew up. She did not reach her friend’s house.

The next day a dozen men searched for her. At the summit of the pass they found her in the snow, stripped almost naked, and dead. In a nook in some rocks they found her little son, wrapped in his mother’s garments, asleep but well.

Time passed, and a young evangelist, son of the minister who had conducted the poor widow’s funeral, was preaching the gospel in a large city. The night was stormy, it was snowing and the audience was small. The snowstorm remind him of the story of the widow and her son, and he told it that night.

Some days after he was asked to come at once to visit a dying man. The man was a stranger to him.

“You do not know me,” he said, “but I know you. Although I have lived in this city for many years, I have never attended a gospel service. The other day I heard singing outside a hall and slipped into a back seat. There I heard you tell the story of the widow and her son. Never did I forget my mother’s love, but I never saw the love of the Saviour in giving Himself for me until now. It was God Himself that made you tell that story. My mother did not die in vain. Her prayer is answered.” He had found Christ. The seeking Saviour had found His wandering sheep and claimed him for His own. Now the man looked forward to meeting his dear mother in heaven.

“My mother did not die in vain!” And the Lord Jesus did not die in vain, for millions of redeemed souls will be in heaven on the merits of His precious blood. Will you be there, dear reader? Only yourself can keep you out. If you are not there the death of Jesus Christ will be in vain so far as you are concerned.

Think of how much He loved you to die for you. Come to Him now. Accept Him as your Saviour, and say to Him, “Lord Jesus, so far as I am concerned Thou didst not die in vain.”

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

ML-04/18/1976

Good News for You

O, I have got good news for you,

A story wonderful and true;

’Twill make you happy, that I know,

It made me glad, and now I go

To sing my great Redeemer’s song,

With the happy saints above.

I once was far away from God,

On ruin’s dark and fatal road,

And little dream’d I’d see the day

When I should tread the narrow way.

O’er this wild waste I loved to roam,

My back to God and heaven and home,

When Jesus met me, far astray,

And beckoned me to come away.

He said on Calv’ry’s cross He died—

A sacrifice for sin was made

And all because He loved me so;

Then how could I do else than go.

Now, every one that’s standing by,

O, ’twas for you the Christ did die:

This moment, too, He waits for thee;

Then just believe, and you’ll be free.

Whene’er the record you believe,

You life eternal shall receive;

And soon, from pain and sorrow free,

You’ll join that glorious company.

To sing the great Redeemer’s song,

With the happy saints above.

ML-04/18/1976

Faith in God

Sandy, an old Scotchman, was sitting in his poorly-lighted cottage, while little Margie played outside. Calling her inside, old Sandy said, “Noo, Margie, lass, you’ll know what faith means. When God tells you to go into the darkness, go.”

“But I don’t like the dark,” said Margie.

“No one does,” replied the old man. “But faith knows that God is with us in the dark.”

Someone has said, “Faith is a step in the dark, but not a step into the dark.”

ML-04/18/1976

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:8, 9

LONG BEFORE God called His earthly people out, He had prepared a place for them.

“When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sops of Adam, He set the bounds of the people [peoples] according to the number of the children of Israel.” He knew their number, how many they would become, and according to that number He set the bounds of the nations.

In the purpose of God that little strip of land along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean was to be the center of the earth, and will be soon. It was to be the center of earthly government and blessing. There will be Messiah’s capital, the city of the great King, and the nations of the earth will bring their glory and honor there. Some of His earthly people, once scattered to the four corners of the earth, are already gathering back, though it be in unbelief, yet it is a remarkable sign that “the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” Jas. 5:8. How soon then it must be that we the Church will be called home to heaven!

When speaking of the nations God used His title as “the Most High"; but when He speaks of Israel He uses the name “Jehovah,” for that is His covenant name with them.

So He says, “For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance.” And what a wonderful thought we have here! He assigns a portion of the earth to each nation, and He reserves a special portion for His people; but what does He leave for Himself? “The Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance.” Speaking reverently, God needed a portion for Himself, someone to take care of, an object on which to display His grace. If His grace to Israel is wonderful, how much more so is His grace to us, poor sinners of the Gentiles, without God and without hope in this world, but now part of the Church, the Bride of Christ, soon to be brought home to glory; “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:7. God’s first thought in saving us was not just to put our sins away, but that we should be “to the praise of the glory of His grace” (Eph. 1:6).

The Lord needed an object for His love and grace, and He finds it in His saints. For this reason we ought also to delight in His people, in one another, though our portion is in the Lord Himself.

Jesus, Thou needest me,

E’en me, Thou Light divine;

O Son of God, Thou needest me,

Thou needest souls like mine.

Thy fullness needs my want,

Thy wealth my poverty;

Thy healing skill my sickness needs,

Thy joy my misery.

Thy strength my weakness needs,

Thy grace my worthlessness;

Thy greatness needs a worm like me

To cherish and to bless.

ML-04/18/1976

The Story of Fabian Estrada

FABIAN had worked for many years in the tin mines of Bolivia. But the dust from the ore had ruined his lungs; now he was suffering from chronic silicosis, and he had to leave the mines.

It was during those years as a miner that he had met a missionary who labored throughout those regions and told Fabian of Christ who loved him and died for him upon the cross. The Lord opened Fabian’s heart to receive the gospel and he became an ardent follower of the Saviour.

One day Fabian pleaded with the missionary to take him with him into the interior to help carry the gospel to the Indians living there.

“Well, Fabian,” said the missionary, “anything I have I’ll share with you. So you come along and we’ll trust the Lord to supply our needs.”

Fabian went along and spent a year with his missionary friend in the Indian region of Yulo. Then one day his friend said to him, “Fabian, you remember you told me you would like to carry the gospel to the Indians?”

“Indeed I would,” returned Fabian. “I know I am weak and may not live too long, but I’d like to spend the rest of my days in giving the gospel to those poor people.”

“Very well then,” said the missionary, “I’ll make up a package of little things for you to sell along the way, to help pay your expenses.” So he made him up a package of needles, knives, scissors, cotton spools, and a few pieces of cloth. Soon after Fabian started out with his bundle over his shoulder. He made his way right across the country, a distance of 200 miles, till he reached a town called Chita.

Fabian at once began to preach the gospel in the open air to a crowd of men standing idly around. Among the crowd was a man named Lino Bueno. Lino was a musician, a band master, but a drunkard. Once in a drunken spree he had let off some dynamite sticks which nearly cost him his life. He was blinded in one eye and badly crippled; but God spared him for he was to be a trophy of His marvelous grace. Standing there listening to the message of redeeming love, and all unknown to Fabian, Lino’s heart was stirred. The seed had fallen into good ground. Lino Bueno came to trust the Saviour as his own and became one of His most faithful followers.

A whole year Fabian trudged up and down preaching the gospel to the Indians in that large northern section of Bolivia but saw no visible fruit from his labors. Weary and down-hearted he returned to the missionary and said, “Brother, I’m so sorry; but I haven’t seen any response to the gospel. I know it is the power of God unto salvation, but I haven’t had the joy of leading one soul to Christ.”

When the Chaco War broke out between Bolivia and Paraguay Fabian was drafted into the army and the missionary became a chaplain. One day a commander of one of the regiments sent a message to the chaplain saying, “There’s a man who wants to see you. His name is Fabian Estrada. He went at once through the jungle to the outer trenches, and there he found dear Fabian, just skin and bones. He was dying.

“Oh, dear brother,” said Fabian feebly, “I’m so glad to see you.” He tried to get up on his feet, but he was too weak. Kneeling down in the trench beside him his friend prayed for him, and they both wept together. When it was time for the missionary to go, Fabian whispered, “Brother, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Early the next morning the missionary went back to the trench, but all there was left of dear Fabian was a stick stuck in the ground to mark his grave. He had died during the night, and like so many thousands of other men who had perished in that cursed war, they had just dug a hole and buried him in the jungle. But dear Fabian was at home with the Lord, to await the trump of God and that glorious resurrection morning, that “morning without clouds.”

The stick that marked the grave of Fabian has long gone, but God has erected a monument to his memory that neither time nor eternity will ever efface. That monument is the life and labors of Lino Bueno, one of the richest trophies of His grace among the mountains of Bolivia. Lino saved through hearing the gospel from the lips of Fabian Estrada, has served the Lord for many years among the poor in those remote mountain regions, and many an Indian brother has cause to thank God for the life giving message heard from his lips, for he has won many for Christ. As a result there are in that area at least 15 assemblies of believers, gathered simply to the precious name of Christ, fruit of His wondrous grace and the faithful labors of Lino Bueno. He is an old man now, and soon when the trumpet shall sound he and Fabian will meet in heaven around their blessed Lord.

“The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep” (John 10:11) to Him be all the praise!

Memory Verse: We believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved.” Acts 15:11

ML-04/25/1976

"My Daddy Is the Conductor"

Little five-year old Ann was sitting all alone in a seat on the train as it sped across the countryside.

Across the aisle opposite her sat a Christian lady.

“Aren’t you afraid to ride all alone on this train?” asked the lady kindly.

“Oh no!” answered little Ann. “I’m not afraid. My Daddy is the conductor.”

Those who trust the Lord for their salvation have God as their Father, and they have nothing to fear. Jesus is the Way to heaven and He will take care of each of His loved ones until they arrive safely there.

ML-04/25/1976

The Monster

STEVE AND JIM were having fun on the ocean beach, playing in the big waves as they came rolling in.

Suddenly Steve called out, “Look at this queer fish.” They were just in time to see a small creature, the size of a coconut, with several long tentacles, or arms, before it disappeared. It sent out an inky fluid which helped it to escape into the deeper water.

“It was a squid,” said Jack, an old sailor who had just happened along at that time. “I have seen their big cousins, the octopus, in many seas, and fierce creatures they are.”

“Are they dangerous?” asked Jim.

“Dangerous? I should say they are,” went on the old salt. “We sailors didn’t like them. They are very strong, and one of the bigger fellows, with a body perhaps the size of a football and with arms over four feet long, is powerful enough to hold down and drown two or three men at once.

“The octopus swims backward, or opens its mouth and sends out a stream of water with such force that the creature is forced through the seas with its arms sagging bind. It’s a weird, ugly monster, with its parrot-like beak, and its terrible arms covered on the under side with round suckers.

“Now boys,” continued old Jack, “can you tell me of another monster that is mentioned in the Bible and which we are warned against?”

“Is it sin you mean?” asked Steve.

“Yes, you’ve got the right answer. Sin is a deadly thing, and from it come many powerful evils, like the tentacles of the octopus. From sin come anger, malice, bitterness, hate, lies, dishonesty, sorrow, sickness, death. But there is a remedy for sin. Can you tell me what it is?”

“Yes sir, the blood of Jesus.”

“That’s right! The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.’ Never forget, boys, that this is the only remedy for sin, and it is free to all.”

" ‘The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ God bless you, boys!”

ML-04/25/1976

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:10-12

NOTHING excels the beautiful language of Moses’ song. What had not God done for Israel whom He loved!

“He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the field; and He made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.”

God does not deal with a slack hand. How rich and abundant the blessings bestowed upon His people in the land of Canaan, far above and beyond anything they had had in Egypt. Nevertheless these are all earthly blessings. Ours are of a much better and higher sort, for He “hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3).

“But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked.” Jeshurun is a name given to Israel and means “upright ones,” or “beloved of the Lord.” God’s loved and upright one became rebellious in prosperity. “Then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.” How deceitful and treacherous is the natural heart, nor is it any better in the Christian! How often when things went well have we forgotten God’s gracious goodness and in our hearts have turned away from Him! We went to Him in our troubles but in times of prosperity we lived as if we could get along without Him. Then He sent trouble into our lives to recall our foolish hearts to Himself again, and when restored it was only to find His love unchanged toward us in spite of our unfaithfulness.

And yet to find Thee still the same,

’Tis this that humbles us with shame.

Israel “provoked Him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils (demons, or he-goats), not to God, to gods whom they knew not.... Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.”

Israel would become as the Gentiles in idolatry. Even now, if a child of God gets away from the Lord there is no telling how far into the world he may go, nor how deep into its corruptions he might sink. Dear young Christian, we need to pray daily the prayer of the godly dependent man: “Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust.” Psalm 16:1. We cannot keep ourselves. “O Lamb of God, still keep us.”

ML-04/25/1976

General Flores' Conversion

GENERAL FLORES was commander-in-chief of 20,000 Bolivian troops in the Chaco war between Bolivia and Paraguay. In the space of three years 60,000 men died in that awful jungle conflict.

A missionary, who was also a chaplain, used to preach the gospel to the men as they moved up to the trenches, at any hour of the day or night.

General Flores himself took a real interest in the gospel. He and his staff would sit around on munition boxes and listen while the missionary preached to them of God’s love in sending His Son Jesus into this world to die for sinful men. He told them too of judgment to come.

One verse the missionary quoted that seemed especially to awaken in the general his need of Christ was Hebrews 2:3: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation.” Heb. 2:3.

One evening he preached from the verse, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9:27.

“General,” said the missionary, “you have escaped the bullets and the bombs these three years, but there’s one thing you cannot escape.”

“What is that,” asked the general. “You cannot escape the judgment of God.”

He was deeply impressed, that proud officer. Then he said, “I must make peace with God. I’m going to get on my knees and pray.” They both got down on their knees and that night the general found Christ, for before he got up again he had confessed Him as his Saviour. Praise God!

After the war General Flores said to his Christian friend, “I want you to come to the capital, La Paz. I have a wife and an only daughter; they’re both unsaved. I will make arrangements for you to come to my home with the gospel of Christ; and I want you to preach the gospel to my wife and daughter.” The missionary went and had the great joy of leading them both to the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sometime later General Flores left the capital and took charge of a large army on the Brazilian Frontier. Then the missionary got word that his friend and brother in Christ was gone. He was hit by a poisoned arrow fired by an Indian from one of those tribes that live on frontier.

But sudden death is sudden glory for the Christian, and so dear old General Flores went home to be with Christ. He’ll see his dear wife and daughter, and his missionary friend, with all the redeemed, “in the morning.”

Memory Verse: “Jesus said: I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

ML-05/02/1976

Ju the Japanese Boy

Juiji was just five years old when his father died. His death made a deep impression on the little fellow’s mind. He would lay awake at night thinking about death and the great beyond.

The gods he was taught to worship gave him no comfort. He did not know about the true and living God and Jesus His Son. One day in despair Juiji cried out loud, “O God, help me. I am so helpless!”

At school the next day he asked his teacher, “What god helps us when someone dies?” His teacher said he didn’t know of any such god.

One day Juiji met a missionary who spoke to the little boy about the true and living God and His dear Son, Jesus, who died that we might live. How happy Juiji was to learn that Jesus gives eternal life to every one who owns and confesses Him as Saviour.

This was just what Juiji wanted, just what he had been looking for for so long. He trusted Jesus as his Saviour and Lord, and gave Himself up to serving Him. For many years he went about telling others of what Jesus had done for him and that He gives eternal life to all who receive him by faith into their hearts.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish.” John 10:27,28.

ML-05/02/1976

A Wonderful Secret

JESUS asked His disciples one day who they thought He was, and it was Peter who answered the question.

When He asked, “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” the disciples answered, “Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.” For people then were much like people now, and some said one thing, and some said another.

But when Jesus asked, “But whom say ye that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus had called Himself the Son of man, and He was indeed Man; but Peter knew that He was the Christ, the Messiah for whom they had been waiting, God’s chosen and anointed Man, truly Man — and yet, the Son of the living God.

Peter had not found this out for himself; he had been with Jesus and seen the wonderful things He did, but even so, Peter could never have known that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, if it had not been revealed to him. Jesus said to him, “Blessed art thou, Simon son of Jonas; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven.”

And then Jesus said to him, “And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Peter’s name meant a stone, and Jesus tells him the wonderful secret that He is going to build His church, not with stones, like those men use in building, but with stones like Peter himself, with men, women and children who confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

When Jesus told Peter He was going to build His church upon “this rock,” He went on to say, “And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

When Jesus went down into death, He died, and it looked as though Satan had gained the victory, as though the Rock of Ages had been overthrown. But the power of hell was broken by Jesus’ death, and on the third day He arose.

He rose from the dead, and ascended up into heaven and sat down at God’s right hand as the mighty Victor over death and Satan’s power.

This is why the gates of hell can never, never prevail against the church which He is building on the Rock.

ML-05/02/1976

Consider the Ravens

A man was riding along in front of a hotel one day when he accidentally ran over his fine Newfoundland dog’s foot. While Roger’s crushed foot was being examined and bound up, Blackie, a pet raven who belonged to the hotel keeper, kept hopping about and showed great interest in the proceedings.

Roger was tied up in the corner of the barn for the night, and all the while Blackie waited on him in the kindest possible manner. He even went and brought him some bones lest his noble friend should get hungry.

Thus a deep affection sprang up between the two. One night the stable door was closed. Blackie pecked away at the bottom of the door so that by morning the hole was nearly large enough for him to get through into the barn.

This story of Blackie reminds us of the ravens which brought Elijah the prophet food in his time of need. It was God who caused them to do so, for He never forgets His own, and He was caring for His servant (1 Kings 17).

The Lord Jesus comforted His followers with these words: “Consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls!” Luke 12:24.

Happy are you, dear reader, if you can say, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”

ML-05/02/1976

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:13-18

MOSES goes on to sing of sovereign grace that had taken up Israel and cared for them from beginning to end — everything was of the Lord.

“He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.”

“He found him” — “He led him” — “He instructed him” — and “He kept him.” It was all His doing. Surely this tells of His grace with us.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

Wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger,

Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

“He instructed him” — but what slow learners we are! May the Lord help us to be better scholars in divine things, more easy to teach and quick to learn.

“He kept him as the apple of His eye.” “The apple of the eye” is a beautiful figure of speech and Forays to our minds the very choicest of one’s treasures. How tenderly God cherishes every one of His children, no matter how weak and feeble we may be. It also suggests that part of the eye to be especially guarded and so tells of His loving watchful care over each one of us.

So dear, so very dear to God,

More dear I cannot be;

The love wherewith He loves the Son,

Such is His love to me.

Why should I ever careful be,

Since such a God is mine?

He watches o’er me night and day,

And tells me, “Thou art Mine.”

“As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him.”

Like the mother eagle, the Lord knows when to stir up our nest. How prone we are to settle down and be comfortable in our earthly circumstances! But He wants us to be heavenly-minded, to rise on our wings of faith above this world, to bask in the sunshine of His love and enjoy the pure air of that heavenly scene where He dwells — our heavenly home. Then if we get faint or fearful in the midst of the difficulties and trials of the way, His everlasting arms of love bear us up and carry us onward to our heavenly rest.

ML-05/02/1976

A Thief Saved

CAFFRE was a fine, tall athletic young man in Africa. At times he had attended the mission services and had sat under the gospel. But Caffre was not a Christian; often he yielded to the voice of the tempter and went on in his sinful ways.

One day it came into his mind to steal a horse from the white men in the village, a common practice among his tribe. So leaving home one night he walked into town and there he saw some fine horses tethered and grazing in a clearing. Seizing one of them Caffre started out for home as fast as he could, pleased to think he had not been seen.

As he rode along, all at once he heard a voice inside him say, “Thou shalt not steal.” Caffre stopped; he could go no further.

“What is this?” he said to Himself. “I’ve heard these words often from the missionary, but I never felt as I do now. It must be the voice of God.”

Getting off the horse, he held the bridle in his hand, wondering whether he should go on home or return and restore the horse to its owner. Almost an hour passed by. At last he decided to take the horse back and this he did. Then truly repentant he set off for home, determined to serve God from then on. But he could not sleep that night thinking of his sinful past life. The arrows of conviction stuck fast in his conscience.

The very next day he took one of his cattle and taking it to a nearby village he sold it. With the money he bought a nice outfit so that he could attend the services and listen to the Word of God.

But all this did not make Caffre a Christian nor wash away even one of his sins. Not until he came to the Saviour confessing his guilt, did he receive forgiveness and then he felt the burden on his soul was gone. Caffre became a happy Christian, a faithful follower of his Saviour and a blessing to his people.

Memory Verse: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:6

ML-05/09/1976

Harry and the Beans

“HARRY,” said his father one day, “I want you to take this bag of beans, and plant them in rows in the garden, like I will show you.” He then showed Harry how to sprinkle a few beans down each row, and to cover them over with soft moist earth. His father had other work to do so he left Harry by himself.

Harry worked away for a while, and then he sat down to play. As he played he tipped the bag over and the beans spilled all over the ground. At once he set about to pick them up, but there were so many scattered over the ground that soon Harry became tired. Then the thought came to him that if he covered up what was left with dirt, no one would ever know he spilled them. Finally he got the rest of the beans planted and went home.

As the days went by he often thought of the beans he had spilled, but he did not tell his father. Then one day his father went out to the garden to see if the beans were coming up. He saw several straight rows of little plants pushing their heads above the ground. But where did all these come from that were in a patch by themselves, growing so thickly together? Harry did not need to tell his father what he had done. He guessed at once what had happened.

Harry was sorry for what he had done, and he learned a lesson that day he did not forget, for his father spoke to him of the foolishness of trying to cover up his failure and sin. “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Num. 32:23.

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

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.... If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7,9.

ML-05/09/1976

The Infidel and His Books

INFIDELS are often bold in blaspheming God and ridiculing the Bible when things are going along smoothly, but when trouble or danger appears how often their courage vanishes.

During a gale on Lake Erie once, a ship named the Robert Fulton was wrecked and many lost their lives. On board was an atheist with a box of books he intended to distribute among those who listened to his infidel lectures.

The man was loud and clamorous in proclaiming his atheistic views until the gale came on. Then like the rest of the passengers he was silent and trembling, anxiously awaiting the uncertain fate of the ship. The huge waves struck the boat and rolled over the deck. Even as they neared shore, pounded by the mighty waves the whole forward part of the ship broke apart and the water poured into the cabins.

A passenger who was saved told of how the infidel was on his knees crying for mercy. His voice could be heard above the raging elements begging the Lord to forgive his blasphemies, till a heavy sea swept over the deck, and carried him and his books to the bottom.

Whether the poor wretched man found the forgiveness he sought in his last moments eternity alone will reveal. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Gen. 18:25. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb. 10:31. How much better to humbly bow before Him, to own His claims and accept His salvation by trusting in Christ as Saviour, before it is too late! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

ML-05/09/1976

A Converted Gypsy

Sarah was a gypsy and for years she had made a living telling fortunes at fairs and street corners. But one day she had met the Saviour and charmed by His love she had opened her heart to Him and was brightly converted. No longer did she practice her art of fortune telling, but her New Testament became her most valued treasure on earth.

One day she called at the home of an old couple she had known and they served her a cup of tea. The old lady told her visitor she was glad she had come as she had not seen her for a long time. And then she went on to tell of many things another gypsy had told her, things that would happen in her life, and so on.

“Don’t believe her,” said Sarah. “It’s all lies. She doesn’t know anything more about the future than you do.”

The old lady was astonished and asked Sarah how it was that she who had so often told their fortunes and promised them good luck, could be so changed now.

Taking her New Testament from her pocket Sarah replied so sweetly, “It’s all different now. The Lord has saved me, and I have learned from this blessed Book that ‘All liars shall have their portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone” (Rev. 21:8). I’d rather starve than tell people’s fortunes again.”

ML-05/09/1976

The Eye of a Needle

THE DISCIPLES were some-1 Times very much surprised by what Jesus did and said, and one day His words made them “exceedingly amazed.”

They had always thought it was easier for rich people to be saved than for poor people. Now Jesus was saying that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

You see, the disciples had forgotten that a poor man only has God to trust in, while a rich man has his riches as well. Very often he trusts in riches and forgets God. It is a dreadful thing to trust only in riches and forget God, and it is only God who can so change a rich man’s heart that he turns away from his riches to trust in God, But God can do it. When the disciples asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus answered, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Peter did a bit of thinking just then, and then he said to Jesus, “Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed Thee; what shall we have therefore?” He wanted to know what reward they would get, would it be treasure in heaven, or treasure on earth, or both?

How graciously the Lord Jesus answered him. He knew they had all given up something already, and they would be found ready to give up more yet, even to laying down their lives for His sake and the gospel’s. The reward He prosed them would be great indeed: He promised them each a throne.

“Verily I say unto you,” He said, “That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that has forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

There were twelve apostles and there will be twelve thrones, but when Jesus said “every one,” He reached down to you and me. He promised that every one who gives up anything for His name’s sake will be rewarded, will receive a hundred times as much now, and eternal life for his inheritance.

But though Jesus answered Peter so graciously, He gave him a warning, and the warning is for us too. He said, “But many first shall be last, and the last shall be first.”

Go, labor on; spend, and be spent,

Thy joy to do the Father’s will;

It is the way the Master went;

Should not the servant tread it still!

ML-05/09/1976

Pierre, the Shepherd Boy

PIERRE was a young shepherd boy who with others about his age kept sheep and goats on the mountainside and hills during the summer months.

In the nearby mountain village a Christian man had built a little gospel mission where God’s Word could be preached and the young instructed in the gospel.

Among the first who came to Sunday school was Pierre. He knew very little when he first came, but he became very interested after hearing the story of God’s love for the first time. One Sunday afternoon just before he left he said to the lady teacher: “I would like so much to have a New Testament. While I look after the sheep and the goats I should be so happy to read the Testament as I lie on the grass in the sun.”

They gladly gave him a New Testament, and Pierre went off with his treasure. The following week when he returned he gave them a happy surprise. “Jesus is mine,” he said. He had read the Book, he believed God’s Word, and was truly saved.

The next time Pierre came to Sunday school he asked for a hymn book so that he might sing praises to God, and this too he received. Then the following week he brought a companion, Jean. Jean also believed and was saved.

In the weeks that followed, the old roads and paths that wound through the forests and over the hills rang with the songs of a circle of happy shepherd boys who had believed the gospel. Many a happy day they spent there together, reading the Book that had given them light. Soon they were telling this wonderful story to others, whose hearts were also made glad by the joyful tidings?

O happy day, that fixed my choice

On Thee, my Saviour and my God!

Well may this glowing heart rejoice,

And tell its raptures all abroad.

Happy day! happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away.

He taught me how to watch and pray,

And live rejoicing every day.

Happy day! happy day!

When Jesus washed my sins away.

Memory Verse: “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-05/16/1976

He Died for Me

Twelve sailors were packed into a heavily loaded lifeboat after their ship had been wrecked. One of them deliberately jumped overboard to lighten the boat. The brave fellow perished, but eventually his eleven mates were saved.

For which of the eleven did he die?

If Christ died for all, He died for each one. He died for me; He died for you.

The sun shines for all mankind; but I know as a fact that it shines for me, and it would if not another soul survived.

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

ML-05/16/1976

True Love

IN INDIA a heartless Hindu I father placed his motherless little baby girl by the side of the road and abandoned her. The helpless little thing was picked up and tenderly cared for by a Christian lady in a home where she and other rescued children were taught the sweet story of the Saviour’s love. Rose is now 14, a bright Christian girl.

During the recent famine in India, a number of sick and starved little girls were brought to this Christian home. The mother appealed to the older girls to adopt as their special care one of these famine-stricken little children. Among the first to respond was Rose, the gentle Christian girl who had once herself been an outcast. She did not choose the prettiest and most attractive baby, but a poor, thin wasted little thing. One of the other girls thoughtlessly asked, “Why did you choose one like that? She looks so funny!”

Rose answered so nobly. “To take a poor sad-looking little child instead of a pretty one is love.”

Rose’s choice reminds us of the love of the Lord Jesus who did not seek out the attractive, but the vile; not the righteous, but sinners. Think of this happy little foster mother with her little charge upon her knee and then recall those wonderful words, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” 1 John 4:10. When we were not good, not worthy of being loved and not wanting to be loved, still He loved us. “God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8.

“When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:6.

ML-05/16/1976

The Story of the Laborers

THE LORD JESUS had just said that every one who gives up anything for His name’s sake will receive a rich reward both in this life and in the life to come. But He also warned the disciples, and us too, saying, “Many first shall be last, and the last shall be first.”

Then He told about a man who owned a vineyard, and went out early in the morning to hire labors to work in His vineyard. When he had agreed to give them the usual wages, a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Three hours later he went out again and found other laborers standing idle in the market place, and he said to them, “Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you.” He went out again later on, and again yet later, and each time he found more men to send into his vineyard.

At last, when there was only one hour left before quitting time, he went out once more. Even then he found men who had been standing idle all day because no one had given them work. And he said unto them, “Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.”

When evening came the lord of the vineyard told his steward to call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with those who had been hired last. You can just imagine how delighted these were when they received every one a penny — wages for a whole day — when they had only worked one hour. And you can imagine too how grateful they would be to such a good and kind master. They would feel like saying, “We will come tomorrow and work for you all day long just for love.”

But when those who had been hired early in the morning came, they too received every man his penny, just as they had agreed upon. Then they began to grumble, because they had expected more.

They forgot that the lord of the vineyard could do as he pleased with what belonged to him, and they did not like it that those who worked but one hour should be made equal to themselves who had borne the burden and heat of the day — for that was how they looked at it. They had been first to serve, but they had counted service a burden, and because they were the last to be rewarded they murmured, and showed that they were the last in love.

The Lord did not want Peter to be like that, and He does not want us to be like that either. He wants us to serve Him wholeheartedly, not because of the reward He has promised, but because we love Him.

ML-05/16/1976

Out of the Mire

BEMVINDO was a young boy, born and raised in Brazil. He grew up to be a short but powerful young fellow, naturally courageous and very ready with his weapons. He spent some time in prison for one dark crime.

But one day two native gospel preachers came to Bemvindo’s village and he invited them to have meetings in his home. His heart was opened to receive the blessed message, how that God so loved poor sinners like himself that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to die for their sins. Bemvindo believed; he was brightly saved, and became a faithful follower of Christ.

One evening as they were assembled in their hall for prayer, an old dark skinned native of nearly 100 years was passing by. He was a notorious old scoundrel, a spiritist who practiced “black magic.” It happened that our friend Bemvindo was praying at that moment, and the old fellow stood outside, cursing and blaspheming at the door and open window, and disturbing the meeting. He then went on his way, and being the worse for drink, he fell into a mudhole some distance from the village. Here he got firmly stuck and could not get out. The more he struggled the deeper he sank in the mud.

Bemvindo had to pass that way on his way home and found the old fellow a fast prisoner. By this time Bemvindo was an evangelist who “sowed beside all waters,” and what could offer a better opportunity? So he sat down beside the old man and preached the gospel to him. The prisoner in the mud could not get away from it, though it is doubtful if he appreciated the message just then, or thought it as “in season” as the preacher did.

Having finished his sermon, Bemvindo got hold of the old man, and by sheer force pulled him out of the mire. Then all wet and dirty as he was, he put him on his shoulders and carried him all the way home. The old fellow was amazed for he did not expect this kind of revenge for his conduct. He thought that at least he might have been left to die in the ditch. Bemvindo told him the Lord would do more for his soul, pulling him out of the mire of sin, and would carry him safely to that heavenly Home, prepared for those that love Him.

The old man came to the meeting to hear more. Finally the glorious light of the gospel flooded into his darkened soul and he was saved. With Christ now as his Saviour he threw away all his magic, and his conversion caused quite a sensation in the village. He never missed a meeting when he could get there, and his family too were all attending. They had to enlarge the hall for many more were coming to hear the gospel.

What wonderful stories of redeeming love will be told in heaven, when all the redeemed from every kindred and tongue and people and nation shall be gathered Home! And God is still saving souls and fitting them for heaven. Has His love won your heart yet, dear reader?

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

ML-05/16/1976

"Not Afraid of the Devil"

JOE WAS a born leader, and things he said and did often impressed the young boys he played around with. One day he declared emphatically, “I’m not afraid of the devil!” And as to hell, well, he wasn’t scared of that either. In fact, he said, “I’m not so sure that there is one!” With that Joe swaggered off leaving a bad impression on the minds of some of his young friends.

Joe’s parents were dear Christians and they were deeply grieved that their boy had no interest in the Saviour they loved.

One night, not long after making his proud boast, Joe was out looking for some stray cows. It was during a thunderstorm and where should he find them but in the old cemetery next to the church. It was hard to round up the cows in the dark and guide them home, so he was glad of a flash of lightning now and then so he could see where he was going. Then one cow, more contrary than the others, took off in another direction and Joe swore as he rushed after her.

Suddenly he felt the ground disappear underneath his feet and he was launched into mid air! Down, down, down he went! A great horror took hold of him—he thought he was falling straight down into hell. He remembered the swear words he had just uttered, and the proud boast made to his friends, and he felt that God in judgment had opened the mouth of hell, the bottomless pit, at his very feet.

It all happened in a moment of time! Then his feet struck the boom and the fear of Satan adding impetus to his motions, he managed to scramble out of the hole almost as fast as he went in.

The next day Joe learned that he had fallen into a freshly dug grave, not yet used. The mystery was solved but the experience sobered Joe not a little. He discovered that he was afraid of the devil and that deep down in his soul he did believe in hell, but he was not at all willing to go there.

The experience he had that stormy night was God’s way of preparing his heart for the good news of the gospel, how that the Lord Jesus loved him, had died for him, sinner as he was, both to deliver him from Satan’s power and to save him from going to hell. Joe found out how real the Lord Jesus was and how great His salvation. How happy his father and mother were when he told them the Lord Jesus had saved him. And he was a humbler, happier Joe from then on.

“Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Heb. 4:7.

Memory Verse: “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.” Isa. 53:6

ML-05/23/1976

Michika's Prayer

“Father, won’t you go to Sunday school with Mother and me?” pleaded Michika, a little Japanese girl.

“No,” her father replied.

Many times Michika had asked him to go with her, but he had always refused. Still his little daughter prayed every day, “Dear Lord Jesus, please send Father to Sunday school. I want him to hear about Thee. I want him to trust in Thee and become a Christian.”

So Michika and her mother went alone to the gospel meeting. They sang the hymns that Michika loved so much. They listened as the Bible was read and heard the preacher speak about the Lord and His great salvation. Then they all knelt down to pray. Silently Michika again asked Jesus to send her father to hear the gospel.

When Michika and her mother got off their knees, Michika saw someone coming in the door. It looked like her father! She looked closely — yes, it was her father!

He smiled and sat down beside them. There were tears in Mother’s eyes — tears of joy.

Father listened closely while the speaker read from the Scriptures: “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.” Then the speaker said, “God loves everyone. He wants everyone to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and have everlasting life.” Michika thought, “God loves Father too.”

There were tears in Father’s eyes as he listened to the message of love. When the service was over he said he would like to talk with the speaker. “I want to know how to become a Christian,” he told him. With joy the evangelist told him he could be saved by believing in the Lord Jesus who died to put his sins away. Not long after Father confessed Him as his Saviour. Michika’s joy knew no bounds. God had honored her faith.

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

ML-05/23/1976

Little George Who Wanted to Learn

A little negro boy, whose parents were slaves, wanted very much to learn to read and write. In those days his people were not allowed to go to school, but the little fellow went to the schoolhouse anyway. He could not go in, so he sat on the doorstep, and cried.

Then he went into the woods and prayed, “Lord Jesus, please help me to go to school. I want to learn to read and write. Please fix it so I can learn.”

God answered little George’s prayer. A kind lady that very day gave him a spelling book which he studied earnestly. Then later he did go to school, and finally he went to college. He became a famous scientist. He was a great blessing to his own poor people and to this whole nation as well.

His name was George Washington Carver.

“Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jer. 33:3.

ML-05/23/1976

Bobby

HE WAS only a little fellow and he was very, very sick when he was admitted to the hospital. The nurses felt sure he would not live long.

The doctors thought so too but one of them suggested a very serious operation in hopes that it might save his life. A number of students were waiting to watch the operation when the little fellow was wheeled in.

Bobby was afraid. Everything and everyone looked so strange. “Could anyone pray for me?” he asked anxiously. “A wee bit of a prayer would do.”

There was no answer. For there was not a praying heart in all that group.

Then the little fellow bowed his head. “Oh, Jesus,” he said softly, “be with me now and stand close by.” And the Lord Jesus heard his little prayer, for He always hears the prayer of faith. Why not ask Him now for what you need, dear reader, and if it is His will, you will most surely have His gracious answer.

Bobby was put to sleep with an anesthetic and the doctor himself wondered at the speed and skill given to him to perform such a difficult operation. The little life hung in the balance for a time; but God had work for Bobby to do and so he soon recovered a happy, healthy boy.

It is wonderful what God is willing to do in answer to the prayer of faith, and most wonderful of all is that He is willing to take away all our sins if we trust the Lord Jesus as our Saviour.

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

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

ML-05/23/1976

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:19-29

IN THE beginning of his song Moses said that God is “the Rock,” and His work is perfect. These two thoughts are very precious to us: God the confidence and refuge of our souls, and His work — the result of His way — perfect. Here faith finds rest and peace.

We see further on in this chapter how this turns out to Israel’s salvation. For after they have left Him and turned to other false gods (v. 16), and He in judgment has given them over to their enemies (vs. 20, 25) after they are brought very low (v. 36), He, for His own sake, will act in grace on their behalf and will take vengeance on their enemies (v. 43).

“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God” so we read in chapter 29:29. That is, when Israel, corrupted and scattered over the face of the earth, when ruined and all hope naturally is gone, there is yet a secret God has hidden among His treasures, and that is the secret of His grace. For when humbled and repentant they turn to Him in the coming day, He will come in His sovereign grace and gather them back to their own land again.

“Behold, the LORD God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.

“He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isa. 40:10,11.

His love never ceases, even though at times it has to express itself in chastisement.

So for a time He must hide His face from Israel, for they gave Him up for gods that were no gods. They became like the Gentiles in idolatry. They moved God to jealousy, so He tells them He would move them to jealousy by a people whom they despised most of all — poor Gentiles who would be brought into blessing.

How faithfully the Lord warned Israel here! How it grieved His heart to see them follow their sinful ways and the exceeding wickedness of the nations around. And how often do we choose paths of self-will, to the Lord’s dishonor and our own sorrow and loss. These things ought to be a warning to us whose hearts are no better than Israel’s; they were written for our learning (Rom. 15:4).

“O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!” How touching are the Lord’s pleadings with His people! But they were living for the present only, as so many are today.

God appeals to each one to “Consider his latter end.” Where does the path we are on lead to? Does it lead home to that blessed rest above with Christ in glory? or does it lead one away from God and down to death and eternal judgment? If you do not have Christ, dear reader, do not go on one moment longer without Him. Trust Him now as your Saviour and be sure you are on the heavenly way.

“I WILL SURELY DELIVER THEE,... BECAUSE THOU HAST PUT THY TRUST IN ME. SAITH THE LORD.” Jer. 39:18.

ML-05/23/1976

Joe Sieg

IT WAS back in the early days of the railroads, when the old-fashioned trains did not have automatic controls like the modern locomotives. There was an open coal car and the engine had a high chimney which often shot out a great shower of sparks. On this particular evening the cars were crowded with passengers. They became aware of an unusual smell of smoke and as they entered “Bergen Cut” there was a strange glare which lit up each carriage. Then the frightening cry was raised, “The train’s on fire!”

Looking out the windows, they could see Joe Sieg the engineer ahead in the smoke. Another glimpse, and then he seemed to be swallowed up in a burst of flame. The train was roaring down the cut.

“Who will stop the train?” was the cry. “He’ll never do it. We are lost.”

But even as they spoke, the speed of the train began to slacken. Slow-

er and slower it ran and finally it stopped. The passengers leaped from their cars.

“Where’s Joe Sieg?” some asked. “Is he still alive?”

There lay the brave engineer on the burning tender; he was almost gone. A few more tortured moments and then Joe Sieg died. The passengers were saved.

They never forgot the brave engineer who stayed at his post and stopped the train at the cost of his life. He might have leaped to safety but he chose to die that others might live.

And how could we forget our Saviour, the blessed Lord Jesus Christ, who died that we might live? He was not one of the perishing multitudes. He was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Heb. 7:26); so death could not touch Him. However, He died that we might live. Surely we ought to show our gratitude for what He has done by trusting Him as our Saviour, and then seeking to live for and honor Him the rest of our lives.

“He laid down His life for us.” 1 John 3:16.

“For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if One died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:14,15.

No need now to labor, the work has been done;

To be in God’s favor, believe on the Son.

Memory Verse: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all.” 1 Tim. 2:5,6

ML-05/30/1976

A Little Rag Doll

Ralph was the youngest boy of a family of four. When he was just a wee little fellow his mother had made him a little rag doll. Ralph carried his doll around most every where he went, and at night he always wanted it for company when he went to bed. He called it Susie.

One evening at bedtime Ralph began to cry, “Mommy, I want Susie!”

“Where is Susie, Ralph?” she asked.

“She’s on the back porch. She is ‘deaded'!”

When Mother went to get Susie she found the little doll was soaking wet; when she held it up its head fell over.

She carried the doll into the bedroom and asked Ralph some questions. She learned that her little boy had “baptized” Susie, in the bath just like he had seen his father baptize some believers at the hall.

“Don’t cry, Ralph,” said Mother. “Susie isn’t dead. I’ll fix her, and she’ll be all right in the morning.” Thus comforted, Ralph soon dropped off to sleep.

Mother took the rag doll apart, dried the wet cotton by the stove, stuffed it back in again, sewed it up, and soon Susie was back in business.

When Ralph woke in the morning he was delighted to see that Susie was all right again. She wasn’t “deaded” any more; Mother had fixed her!

One day soon the Lord Jesus is going to raise from the dead all those who have “died in faith” — those who have believed in Him. He tells us in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout... and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” I Thess. 4:16.

Even now He is quickening dead souls, those that hear His voice. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” John 5:25.

ML-05/30/1976

Saved From a Rattler

One summer day little Jen was playing in a field making a clover necklace.

Suddenly she heard Daddy’s voice call out to her: “Be perfectly quiet, Jen, and do not move!” Scared as she was she obeyed and sat there motionless.

A moment later a shot rang out. Turning her head she looked around and there she saw a large rattlesnake coiled near her. Had she moved doubtless the poisonous snake would have struck her bore her father could have shot it. Obedience saved her life. Little Jen never forgot that experience, and ever after she was glad she had learned to obey.

The Lord tells us in His Word that obedience and happiness go together. “To obey is better than sacrifice.” I Sam. 15:22.

“If ye keep My commandments, Ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments; and abide in His love.” John 15:10.

ML-05/30/1976

"We Know He Is There!"

The Sunday school lesson that day was on the resurrection and the ascension of the Lord Jesus. Uncle Bill wanted to make sure that the children understood what they had read.

“How do you know that Mother is upstairs?” he asked.

“Because we saw her go up, Uncle,” Elaine answered.

“But you only saw her start to go upstairs,” said Uncle. “Maybe she didn’t get there.”

“Yes she did,” persisted Timmy. “I know she is there ‘cause I went to the bottom of the stairs and called her and she answered.”

“But did you see her?” asked Uncle.

“No, but I heard her and she spoke to me. She said my name, and I know her voice,” answered Tim emphatically.

“Children,” said Uncle Bill, “the disciples saw the Lord Jesus go into heaven. We know that He is there—alive! because the Bible says so. We talk to Him in prayer, and He talks to us. By His Spirit and through His Word He speaks to us and we know it is His voice!”

“While they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9.

“I am the good Shepherd... My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:14, 27

ML-05/30/1976

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Deuteronomy 32:30-43

THIS chapter gives the solemn judgment of a people, privileged above all others, but who despised the grace and goodness of God. Israel blessed of the Lord as no other nation, nevertheless slighted His love and turned to other gods. Now they must suffer for it; “For a fire is kindled in Mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell.” Here are cast those who forget God.

No other nation has been suspected to such heavy chastening as Israel. Yet grace has spared them, for the Lord said, “Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done this.” God might use their enemies to punish His rebellious, erring people, but He would allow the proud adversary to go only so far. He uses the rod to chasten His children and then He breaks the rod.

“How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up?” We read elsewhere the prose that “one of you shall chase a thousand,” but here Israel are told they would be put to flight by a contemptible enemy, and the reason would be all too plain: because “their Rock had sold them,” and delivered them into their enemy’s hand.

“For their Rock is not as our Rock.” The Lord is unchangeable; He never ceased to be the Rock, no matter what His poor failing people might become, and this their enemies knew only too well.

But the day will come when He will in His grace and pity take up His people Israel again, though this cannot be until after the Church has been gathered out and called home to heaven. Then, “when He seeth their power gone, and there is none shut up, or left,” He says, “I will render vengeance to Mine enemies, and will reward them that hate Me.” Israel’s enemies will be His enemies in that day of judgment.

Israel will be brought into blessing, but the Gentiles will also be brought to rejoice with them in the Lord’s grace and mercy. Thus we read: “Rejoice, O ye nations, with His people: for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance to His adversaries, and will be merciful unto His land, and to His people.” v. 43.

So Moses’ song ends with the beautiful picture of the millennial day of blessing which is drawing near, when the little nation of Israel shall call upon all the saved from among the Gentiles to rejoice together in giving thanks to the Lord, for He is good and because His mercy endureth forever.

“O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people.

“For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 117.

“I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH, AND THAT HE SHALL STAND AT THE LATTER DAY UPON THE EARTH.” Job 19:25

ML-05/30/1976

Too Late

IN INDIA one day a man went out hunting tigers up in the hills. After some time he sighted one of the great beasts, and taking careful aim with his gun he fired. The tiger was hit but not in a vital spot.

The man fired again and again the tiger was hit. The next thing the infuriated animal was making for him. He had three shells left. The first two whizzed through the air but missed. Taking the greatest possible care the hunter fired his last shell. Alas, the tiger was bearing down on him and in his excitement he missed again.

He ran for his life, hoping to reach a nearby refuge hut, the tiger gaining on him with every leap. He reached the hut, but was horrified to find the door was locked. Oh, if he only had a key! Why wasn’t the door left open? Even as he desperately tried to force it open the enraged beast was on him. The next day a rescue party found all that was left of the poor hunter.

Thank God, dear reader, the door of salvation is not locked like that one in the jungle. “Flee from the wrath to come!” “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2. Jesus is the only place of safety from the judgment of your sins. Safe forevermore are all those who trust Him as their Saviour. That judgment can never touch one who has fled to Christ for refuge.

Perhaps you are on the very threshold, like the man in the jungle. But the threshold is no place of safety. You must be inside to be safe. The Lord Jesus said, “I am the Door, by Me if any man enter he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

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

Memory Verse: “Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:22

ML-06/06/1976

Henry and the Pancakes

MOTHER HAD made pancakes for breakfast that morning. Little Henry ate one after another for he liked pancakes. Then Mother said, “Henry, you mustn’t eat any more, or you will get sick.”

After breakfast Mother set the leftover pancakes on the stove and went into the living room to do some mending and dusting. A few minutes later she saw Henry coming from the kitchen, his eyes tightly shut and his hands behind his back. He walked right past Mother. Then she saw he had in in his hands several pancakes.

“Henry, what do you have?” she asked.

“You can’t see me,” replied the little fellow.

“Oh, but I can,” said Mother. “You have your eyes shut and you can’t see me, but I can see you. Now take those pancakes back to the kitchen. You are a bad boy!”

Little Henry was like some people — they think that God can’t see the bad things they do. But they are wrong. God sees everything we do, and what’s more, He knows every thought in our hearts.

At first those hearts were black with sin, and only the blood of Jesus can cleanse those sins away. How happy for us if we take Him as our Saviour. Then those hearts become His dwelling place by the Spirit, and God looks down and sees Christ there.

“Thou God seest me.” Gen. 16:13.

ML-06/06/1976

All Day and Every Day

“EVERY DAY will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name forever and ever". Psalm 145:2

“His compassions fail not. They are new EVERY MORNING: great is Thy faithfulness". Lam. 3:22,23

“It is good to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O MOST HIGH: to show forth Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness EVERY NIGHT". Psalm 92:1,2

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL THE DAYS of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever". Psalm 23:6

ML-06/06/1976

In But Not Out

I remember when I was a little boy, how my mother would draw me to her knee and speak to me so solemnly of the importance of trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I would say, “Well, Mamma, I would like to do it, but the boys will all laugh at me.”

Mother used to say, “Harry, remember, they may laugh you into hell, but they can never laugh you out of it.” And oh, how that used to go home to me, and it stayed with me all through the years. Yes, men may sneer and ridicule and persecute us as we come out for Christ, but after all, His is the only approval worth having.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” Eccl. 12:1.

ML-06/06/1976

A Bartender Converted

Eddie Thomas was a bartender in an Anderson, Indiana, tavern when he was converted. He attributed the first step to a placard tacked on a telephone pole to advertise some gospel meetings. Directly in front of the tavern where Mr. Thomas was employed was a card reading, “Get right with God.” He said his attention became riveted to the card and its command, so that he could not rest. One day he walked from behind the bar, went to the meeting, and has not been in any tavern since.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

ML-06/06/1976

Lo, the Chinaman

Lo was just a poor sinner but he had never heard of the Lord Jesus, and of His precious blood that cleanses from all sin. He hoped that somehow his idols could take care of him, but still the burden of sins seemed to grow heavier and heavier.

One day he heard of the Lord Jesus, and he longed to know more about Him. He started going to Sunday school and very soon he learned that the Lord Jesus loved and died for sinners. This was really good news! Gladly he knelt down and accepted the Lord Jesus as his own Saviour, and he knew that all his sins were gone! He was eager to learn to read, so that he might learn more about Him. His favorite verse was, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

One day as he was reading the last chapter of Matthew, he came upon a most wonderful verse. He could hardly believe his eyes there was his own name! Over and over he read the wonderful words, “Lo, I am with you alway.” Lo believed that the Lord Jesus had spoken these words just for him. And indeed the Lord does want you and me, and Lo too, to accept it as a wonderful and true promise to every one who trusts in Him.

ML-06/06/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 32:44

IT IS lovely to see that the last thing Moses did on earth was to sing a song of the goodness of God. How precious a theme! And how blest are we, as those taught by grace, if we are in this same happy spirit.

Through every period of my life

Thy goodness I’ll pursue;

The desert past, in glory bright,

The precious theme renew.

How often do we find the goodness of God celebrated in the Scriptures. The Spirit of God delights to dwell upon it and to occupy our minds with this same blessed theme.

David said: “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of God in the land of the living"; “O that men would praise the Lord for His goodness,... for He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Then in the New Testament we read that it is “the goodness of God” that leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4). They who have proved His goodness and grace are best suited to tell it out to others.

A dear brother, now with the Lord, used to remark that the last book of the Psalms is the backward look of Israel in a coming day; they are dwelling on all the gracious goodness of God toward them, and it is all praise. So with us, when at home in the glory with Christ we too will look back, and it will be all praise.

Moses spoke all the words of this song in the ears of the people — he and Joshua. Both the old leader and the new guide are seen together here, for God would have Joshua also to fully enter into the meaning of this wonderful song. God’s greatness, His power and grace are brought out on the one hand, and man’s complete ruin on the other. God will intervene in power and grace just before the millennium; Israel’s blessing waits on this. All is over with the first Man; there is no blessing apart from Christ.

Moses told the people to set their hearts to do and to teach their children all the words of this law. Thus from first to last in this wonderful book he presses on them obedience to the Lord.

“For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life.” We are not under law; the thunders of Sinai are not sounding in our ears now since Jesus died. Nevertheless obedience and happiness go hand and hand all through our Christian life. Our whole duty is to walk in simple obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom we now belong.

“Because it is your life.” What else is worth living for but Christ? May we know more of the blessedness of those words — “for to me to live is Christ.” Phil. 1:21.

ML-06/06/1976

Giving and Taking

Christ’s Declaration:

“I WILL GIVE” says the Lord, “unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely". Rev. 21:6

Christ’s Invitation:

“LET HIM TAKE” says the Lord, “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely". Rev. 22:17

Faith’s Response:

“I WILL TAKE” says the trusting soul, “the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord". Psalm 116:13

ML-06/06/1976

The Lady and Her Clock

A lady had a very fine clock. It chimed the hours beautifully, but it also played a lovely tune like a bird singing.

One day her clock stopped. She took it to several watchmakers but none of them could make it go.

At last she took it to a Christian watchmaker. Soon he had it chiming the hours again, but it would not play its tune. The lady was disappointed.

When she again appealed to the watchmaker he said, “If you will leave the clock with me, I’ll pray about it. Perhaps God will show me what is wrong.

Now this lady was one of those people who do not believe in God. She didn’t think there was any use praying about it, but she left the clock anyway.

The watchmaker knelt down and asked God to show him what was wrong with the clock. God answered his prayer, and soon the clock was playing its lovely tune again.

The lady was overjoyed. She exclaimed, “Now I know that there is a God, for no one but He could have told you what to do.” And this was not all. She wished to know more about the God who hears and answers prayer, and bore long she learned of His love in sending His only begotten Son who died for sinners. She trusted in the Lord Jesus as her Saviour believing that He had died for her. Thus she knew her sins were forgiven, and she proved for herself that God answers prayer.

Memory Verse: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

ML-06/13/1976

The Moth Collector

AMOTH collector made a spial journey to the coast to collect some specimens of moths not to be found elsewhere.

Shortly after sunset he proceed along the top of the cliff, armed with a pot of syrup and a brush.

Whenever he came to a thistle, he just daubed it slightly with the syrup and passed on. About midnight he returned along the same path, but this time provided with a lantern. As he stepped from thistle to thistle, his innocent victims were found clustering round the syrup, and fell, an easy prey, into the collector’s hands.

What a solemn picture this is of how Satan catches his victims! He too stalks through the land with his pot of syrup, daubing the pleasures of sin with a delusive sweetness, and soon after his victims hardened by the deceitfulness of sin, forget about their terrible danger.

Dear young friends, if you are yet unsaved, don’t let sin, that sweet morsel upon which you have fed so long, take you into a lost eternity. Turn to the Lord Jesus now, and be saved. You will find in Him a Saviour who will wash away all your sins in His own precious blood and bring you safe home to heaven.

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

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

ML-06/13/1976

Godly Talk and Godly Walk

JOHN BUNYAN made his living going about mending pots and pans. At the time he was not a Christian, in fact he had been a wild reckless youth and swore dreadfully. One day he was standing in front of a shop window and swearing as usual. The woman who kept the store, though she herself was not the best character in the village by any means, came out and rebuked him sharply, saying his example was enough to spoil all the youth in the place. Poor John was so ashamed of his conduct and went away silent and downcast.

John tried hard to give up swearing. After a few weeks he found he could speak better, without putting a swear word before every sentence and another after it. He also began to read the Bible and at times he would have a very good opinion of himself.

He tried keeping the Ten Commandments, thinking he might get to heaven this way. Now and then he thought he had kept them pretty well and felt encouraged, almost happy in fact; but then when he had broken one he would repent and say he was sorry, and begin again. His efforts at law keeping proved wearisome and hopeless.

But one day as he sat in a doorway mending some pots, he overheard the conversation of two godly women nearby. To his surprise they seemed to be quite sure that through faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ they had received the forgiveness of sins. They spoke of the love of God and of the preciousness of Christ, and of the delight they found in reading the Word of God and prayer. They spoke with such joy and there was such grace in all they said that to John they were as persons who had found a new world.

Later on John went back and talked with these dear souls and they became his first friends. They did what they could to help him find what he longed for — peace with God. The time came when John did find joy and peace in believing in the Lord Jesus and His finished work on the cross. He found salvation to be a free gift from God and he rejoiced in the knowledge that God for Christ’s sake had pardoned all his sins. He wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, a book that has been a mighty power for good for over 300 years and is still read by many people around the world.

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

ML-06/13/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 32:48-52

“AND THE LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day (that is, the day he sang that wonderful song), saying: Get thee up into this mountain... and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel... and die in the mount whither thou goest up... Because ye trespassed against Me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh... Yet thou shalt see the land before thee; but thou shalt not go thither.”

Moses had failed at the waters of Meribah (or strife), for there he lost his patience with the rebellious people and so did not sanctify God in the midst of Israel. God had told him to take Aaron’s rod that budded (beautiful type of Christ in resurrection and priestly grace) and simply speak to the rock, but in his anger Moses took his own rod (the rod of judgment) and smote the rock twice. God did not hold back the blessing for the waters gushed out, but Moses had spoiled one of the sweetest types of Scripture, and Moses’ loss of Canaan was the penalty for that one fault. God could not pass over it.

Moses thus became in his own self an example of the condemning power of the law which He himself gave to Israel. “For all have sinned,” we read in Romans 3:23, “and come short of the glory of God.” Moses came short of the requirement of the glory of leading the people into the land. Nevertheless his submission to the will of God is very beautiful and he holds back nothing in transferring his office and dignity to Joshua.

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” so we read in John 1:17. God must chasten Moses for his failure, but He does not fail in His grace to His precious servant, for He makes all things work together for good to those that love Him (Rom. 8:28). If Moses lost in one way, he gained immensely more in another. He did not lose anything in nearness to the Lord, for God Himself took him up to the top of Pisgah and showed him all that beautiful land, its breadth and length.

Then too he was spared the grief of seeing the unfaithfulness of the people, their sin and idolatry, after they had entered in and possessed the land.

Who can doubt that Moses must have felt on Mount Pisgah away from the people’s murmurings and strife that God meant more to Him there than all the land of Canaan, or the privilege of leading Israel into it. In a later day the thief on the cross said to the Saviour beside him, “Lord, remember me, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom"; but the Lord said to him, as it were, “I have something better for you than that. ‘Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:42, 43). The kingdom and its glories are surely coming by and by, but what can compare to being forever at the side of the dear Saviour Himself.

ML-06/13/1976

William Wilberforce

When William Wilberforce was dying, he said to a dear friend: “Come, let us talk of heaven. Do not weep for me. I am very happy. But I never knew what happiness was till I found Christ as my Saviour. Read the Bible. Let no other book take its place. Through all my trials and perplexities, it has been my comfort. And I know it comforts me, and make me happy.”

ML-06/13/1976

"Coming, Sir!"

A man was driving home one dark wet night. On the way he had to pass the toll-gate near the bridge. When he arrived at the gate he found it closed. So he shouted out with all his might to the man in the toll-house to open the gate, and a sleepy voice replied, “Coming, sir!”

After waiting a few minutes in the rain he called out again to the man, and he heard him say as before, “Coming, sir!” The rain was soaking him through, but the man did not come. Again and again he shouted and got the same sleepy reply, “Coming, sir!” At last he opened the toll-house door. What was his surprise to find the old man asleep by the stove! So he gave him a good shaking, and the old man woke up, rubbed his eyes and looked so astonished.

“Why did you keep me waiting all this time in the rain? You answered me and kept saying, ‘Coming, sir!’ But you never came!”

“Did I, sir? I am very sorry, but I get so used to saying, ‘Coming’ that I must have said it in my sleep!”

How many are like the old man when it comes to the question of their soul’s salvation. The Lord Jesus calls not only once, but twice, and perhaps often. Still they sleep on. Then the Lord has to send a great shaking to wake them up to their danger of going on unsaved and meeting God in their sins.

Let every dear reader come to the Saviour without a moment’s delay. It is a solemn, and ofttimes fatal, thing to put Him off even though you intend to be saved. Open the door of your heart when He knocks, for He may go away and never come back again. Then your hope of salvation will be gone forever.

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

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

ML-06/20/1976

God Everywhere

A wayward boy had a good Christian mother who was very anxious about his soul’s salvation.

“Mother,” he said, “I am not going to be bothered with your prayers any longer; I will go to America and be rid of them.”

“But, my boy,” she said, “God is on the sea, and in America, and He hears my prayers for you.”

Well, he came to this country and as they sailed into New York harbor some of the sailors told him that two well-known evangelists were holding meetings in that city. His conscience had been bothering him, however, and strangely enough the moment he landed he started for the place of meeting. There he surrendered to Christ and was joyfully saved. He became an earnest Christian worker and wrote his mother telling her that her prayers had been answered; that he had been saved, that he had found his mother’s God.

How foolish to think that we can get away from God, for God is everywhere! “Thou God seest me.”

The boy in our story thought he could get away from God, and yet how wonderful to think that God was tracking him down, not to punish and send him to hell (which all of us deserved), but that He might save his precious soul.

That is what God is seeking to do for you, dear young reader, if unsaved. He gave His beloved Son to die upon the cross for your sins. Are you trying to run away from God who wants to bless you?

“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-06/20/1976

But Jesus Can Save Me!

A general who became famous for his bravery, was a believing Christian.

Often he would take his little son into his arms and tell him about the Lord Jesus. One day he said to the little one: “Would my little boy like to go to heaven?”

“Yes, Daddy.”

“But how would you get there, where the holy God is; and your little heart is full of sin?”

“But all people are sinners, Day!”

“That is true,” said the father, “still God has said, that only those that are pure in heart, shall see Him, and you have no pure heart; how shall that come about?”

The boy became very sad, the sorrow could be seen in his face, and he began to weep, and laying his little head on his father’s chest said: “But, Daddy, Jesus can save me!”

He had confidence in the Saviour, for he had often heard that the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. So he took refuge in the Lord Jesus and found peace.

Have you done that yet, dear reader?

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

As soon as He becomes your Saviour, then He is also your Good Shepherd, who will lead you in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day. Psa. 25:4, 5

ML-06/20/1976

A Little Donkey

There was once a wild little donkey,

He had to be tied to a tree,

But Jesus was thinking about him;

He said, “Go fetch him to Me.”

And when they had brought him to Jesus

As quickly as ever they could,

That restless, that wild little donkey

Was Quiet, obedient and good.

When Jesus was riding upon him,

He went just the way that he should,

A patient, submissive wee donkey,

Made so by the blest Son of God.

And Jesus is able to make you

Whatever He wants you to be,

He loves you and longs to forgive you

And make you both happy and free.

ML-06/20/1976

"I Have Christ! What Want I More?"

In the heart of London City,

Mid the dwellings of the poor,

These bright golden words were uttered

“I have Christ! what want I more?”

By a lonely dying woman,

Stretched upon an attic floor,

Having not one earthly comfort,

"I have Christ! what want I more?”

He who heard them, ran to fetch her

Something from the world’s great store,

It was needless — she died, saying,

“I have Christ! what want I more?”

But her words will live forever—

I repeat them o’er and o’er,

God delights to hear me saying,

“I have Christ! what want I more?”

Look away from earth’s attractions;

All earth’s joys will soon be o’er;

Rest not, ‘til each heart exclaimeth,

“I have Christ! what want I more?”

ML-06/20/1976

A Night to Be Remembered

One day the Lord Jesus sent Peter and John on an errand together. He told them to go into the city, and a man should meet them carrying a pitcher of water; they were to follow him into the house he went into, and to say to the master of the house, “The Master says to thee, Where is the guest-chamber where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?” “And,” said Jesus, “he will show you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.”

The two disciples did as they were told, and they found everything just as the Lord Jesus had said. Then they made ready the feast in the large upper room which the master of the house showed them.

They knew just what to provide, for no doubt they had come up to Jerusalem to keep the Passover year by year since their boyhood. There must be the lamb roast with fire, and the bitter herbs, to remind them of the time when God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you,” and the destroying angel passed over the houses of the Israelites and spared the firstborn because of the blood sprinkled on the door-posts and lintels. There must be unleavened bread too, for the first Passover had been eaten in haste, staff in hand, all ready to leave Egypt.

God had never forgotten that night, and He did not want His people to forget it; they looked backward over the years as they kept the feast, but for God it spoke of the time which was coming, when Jesus Himself should be the Passover Lamb.

Peter and John made everything ready, and then, when the hour was come, Jesus came and sat down with His twelve disciples.

That feast meant very much to the Lord Jesus. He told them that He had longed to eat it with them before He suffered.

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.”

Did Jesus really mean that His body was about to be broken for them as that bread was broken? Yes, He did. He was about to give His body to be nailed to the cross and pierced with a spear, and it was for them, for all who believe on Him, and He asks us to break the bread and eat it for a remembrance of Him.

He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you,” and He told them all to drink out of it.

It is nearly two thousand years since the Lord Jesus suffered on the cross, but He knows that there are still those who meet together every first day of the week to “break bread” in remembrance of Him. And those who do it, find that this remembrance is sweeter and more precious than anything the world can give.

ML-06/20/1976

Saved Three Times

A man said he had been saved on the water, in the water, and under the water. First when on board ship, he had found Christ as his Saviour. Second, when about to drown he had been rescued. Third, as a diver, the Lord had preserved him from danger. “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25

ML-06/20/1976

Little Mary, the Heroine

It was late autumn in New Brunswick, and three little children had gone for a walk along the beach — Mary, the eldest, only six, and her little brother and sister, Johnny and Beth.

The sun had already gone down in the West and, as the shadows of evening began to steal across land and sea, the little ones hastened their steps toward home. But night came on fast, and feeling sure they could not make it home in the darkness, Mary decided to make a little nest of seaweed for the tired little travelers and spend the night there.

Mary gathered seaweed which she stowed away in a sheltered nook in some rocks and so made a bed for her little brother and sister. Fearing the cold of the night might be too much for them she took off most of her own clothing and covered over her little charges. She then went off to gather more seaweed to lay on top of them. After considerable effort in this way, the poor little girl fell down with cold and exhaustion.

Meanwhile at home their father and mother waited wondering where their dear children were. At length they roused their neighbors and search parties went out to look for the missing ones. All night they searched without success. Then in the early morning light in the sheltered nook, they found little Johnny and Beth, numbed with cold, but otherwise all right. Not far away, however, was the cold, lifeless form of their little saviour. Mary had sacrificed her life to save her little brother and sister from certain death.

Does not this recall the love of the Lord Jesus to our hearts? Mary had given her all to save those she loved so dearly. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. But the Lord Jesus went far beyond this, for He laid down His life for us when we were His enemies.

“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son; much more, being recoiled, we shall be saved by His life.” Rom. 5:10.

He loved the ones for whom He died—

Not ours to question why;

But ours to know the love of Him,

Who came to die!

His is the loving voice we hear

That leads us to the sky.

We bless Thee, Lord, who came to earth

For us to die!

Memory Verse: “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17

ML-06/27/1976

Little Esther's Prayer

Little Roy was a very sick baby in Elmira. Weary with watching over her little one Mother had come downstairs for a short rest. She heard the voice of little four-year-old Esther in the hall talking to someone. Curious to know whom she was talking to Mother paused and peeked in at the half open door.

Little Esther had pulled a chair up in front of the telephone on the wall and was standing on it with the receiver pressed against her ear. The child’s earnestness showed that she was in no playful mood, and this was the conversation the mother heard as she stood there, her eyes filled with tears. Esther was carrying on both sides of the conversation, as if she were repeating the answers:

“Hello!”

“Who’s there?”

“Is God there?”

“Yes.”

“Is the Lord Jesus there?”

“Yes.”

“Lord Jesus, our little Roy is sick, and we ask Thee to make him better. Will You now?”

A silence followed and then the request was repeated. Finally the answer came, “Yes.”

Then little Esther put the receiver back on the hook, clambered down from the chair, and with radiant smiles ran to Mother who caught her up in her arms.

That very day little Roy, whose life had been despaired of, took a change for the better and got well again.

Can a little child like me

Pray to Jesus fittingly?

Yes, O yes, He loves to hear

Prayers from lips of children dear.

I will need His help today

In the things I do and say.

ML-06/27/1976

God Sees Us Always

“No one will see us, Janie,

I think we need not fear”

And Charlie opened the cupboard

And gazed at some apples there.

By his side was his little sister,

A child of six years old,

Her face like the summer sunshine,

That shone midst her locks of gold.

The children looked at each other—

The apples were fair to see;

“How nice they would be,” said Janie,

“Just look at them, one, two, three!

How rosy and fresh and juicy,

They look on this sultry day;

I’m so tired and hot with playing;

Let us take one while we may.”

“Yes, we’ll take the largest,” said Charlie,

As he gazed at its rosy hue;

“It will not be much between us;

But we’d better not take two.”

Then he laid his hand upon it,

And turned it o’er and o’er;

How easy ‘twould be to take it,

And fasten the cupboard door!

Now, just at this very moment,

The sunlight bright and fair,

Stole in at the open window,

In all its beauty rare.

It shone on the rosy apples,

It shone on the painted floor,

It shone on the tempted children,

By the open cupboard door.

Then it seemed to say to Janie,

As its lovely radiance grew,

“There is One who sees you always,

Whatever you may do.

His holy eye looks on you;

Nothing can you hide from Him,

So if no one else had seen you,

He would have known your sin.

“He sees in both light and darkness;

He knows every word you say;

He’s looking at you and Janie

By the cupboard door today.

He knows you are sorely tempted,

Yet there is no need to fall;

Run away from the rosy apple,

And tell your dear mother all.”

Then sweet little Janie trembled

Her breath now came thick and fast,

While tears to her blue eyes started;

And she saw her sin at last.

Then she drew away her brother,

And firmly closed the door.

“Charlie,” she said, “God sees us;

We will look at them no more.

“We will go and find dear Mother,

And tell her what we’ve done;

She’ll pray with us, I know, Charlie,

When we tell her why we’ve come.

We’ll tell her how we were tempted;

So together now we’ll run,

And she’ll ask that God may pardon

For the sake of His dear Son.”

How full was the mother’s bosom,

As they knelt down by her side,

How happy were Janie and Charlie

As she told them of Him who died—

Told them of One who could wash them

Whiter than the purest snow,

And He is waiting to bless them,

Because He does love them so.

“My dears,” she said, as she kissed them

Before they started away,

“I hope you will try to remember

The lesson you’ve learned today.

We are open to temptation,

And our hearts are prone to sin,

But the Lord will keep you safely

If you only look to Him.

“And now, you may have the apples;

I intended them all for you.

Go, sit on the lawn and eat them,

And soon I will come there too;

When Father comes home this evening,

And we have our usual prayer,

We’ll read of Nathaniel’s fig tree,

And how Jesus saw him there.”

(Gen. 16:13; John 1:48)

ML-06/27/1976

Upward At Noon

Where do the hands of your clock point at noon? “Up,” you say. That’s right, “Upward at noon!”

I wonder, do you ever think of lifting up your heart to God in prayer at noon? Don’t you think the upward pointing hands of the clock are a good reminder? The lifting up of hands is connected with praying in the Bible. David said, “At noon will I pray.” It is written of Daniel that he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God. “He heareth us.” 1 John 5:14.

ML-06/27/1976

Loved to the End

How very much Jesus loved His disciples! “Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.” He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, He knew that He was come from God and was going to God, but at that last supper He got up from the table and laid aside His garments, and took a towel and girded Himself. Then He took a basin of water and began to wash the feet of His disciples, wiping them with the towel with which He was girded.

Peter must have watched his Lord with wondering eyes; and when it came to his turn he could not keep silence any longer. He said, “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?”

Jesus answered, “What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”

Peter said, “Thou shalt never wash my feet.”

Jesus said to him, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me.”

Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.”

Jesus said to him, “He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.”

Why did Jesus say, “But not all?” It was because the traitor Judas was there; he had gone about with Jesus; he was even numbered among the apostles, but his heart was still black and sin-stained in God’s holy sight. He had never, like Peter, fallen down at the feet of Jesus and owned himself a sinful man, and been washed and forgiven.

After Jesus had washed their feet and had taken His garments and sat down again, He told them why He had done this. He said, “Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am: If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Jesus was going to leave His dearly loved disciples, He was going back to His Father in heaven; but they would still be left down here, and even though their hearts had been washed white and clean they would be walking through a world where their feet would get weary and travel-stained. He wanted them to love one another so much that they would take care to wash one another’s feet, so that things of this world might not hinder them from following Him where He was going to be with the Father. Let us never forget those words of Jesus, “I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

ML-06/27/1976

Saved From Lions

Perisi was a little African girl. She had come to the Bible classes and there heard the sweet story of Jesus and His love in dying for sinners everywhere. Perisi believed that He died for her, and she trusted Him as her Saviour.

Her mother, however, was not at all pleased and beat the little girl for going to the Bible school. She turned her over to the witch doctor thinking he would make her afraid and give up her new religion. But Perisi did not cease to love her Saviour, and to memorize Bible verses, and sing the sweet Christian hymns she had learned.

At last her mother took her into the forest and tied her to a tree. She hoped the lions would come and frighten her belief in Jesus out of her.

When her mother left she said, “You are a worthless girl to me-good only for the lions.”

Throughout the long black night little Perisi remained there and prayed. He who has said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,” watched over her all night long. The next morning at dawn, a Christian boy found her still tied to the tree. There were lions’ tracks all around, but little Perisi was unharmed. She saw the eyes of the great beasts shine in the darkness, but not one of them had come within fifteen feet of her. Perisi remembered how God had shut the lions’ mouths and delivered Daniel, and she prayed that He would deliver her also. All her fear had gone.

Perisi never forgot that night and many, many times since did she thank her Saviour that she could experience His love and care for her in such a remarkable way.

“He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust:... Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night.” Psa. 91:4, 5.

Memory Verse: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

ML-07/04/1976

He Sings in the Rain

The veerie is a thrush and has a beautiful song. But one thing about him that makes him most appreciated by bird lovers is that he sings in the rain. The rain will silence most other songbirds, but the veerie sings on.

A dear old Christian lady was an invalid. She had been a shut-in for many months. One day another Christian called to see her. She said: “I have a lovely thrush that sings outside my window every day. In the early morning he serenades me, and in the twilight he sings his evening song. But what I like most about him is that he sings in the rain!”

And this is what the Christian should seek grace to do-to sing not only in the sunshine, when all is going fine, but in the dark and gloomy day as well. The Lord’s love is unchanging, He is ever near and is able “to give songs in the night.”

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Eph. 5:19.

ML-07/04/1976

Reconciled

A Christian friend was one day taking a walk along a pier that went far out into the sea. Some distance out he came upon two dogs growling at each other so fiercely that it seemed a fight was inevitable. One dog was bigger than the other, but they both bared their teeth and snarled at each other in a dreadful manner. My friend moved out to the extreme edge of the pier in order to get around the angry beasts.

By and by when he returned, the two dogs were nowhere to be seen. But looking over the edge of the pier he was surprised to find both had fallen into the water below. How different things were now! The dogs were both swimming for shore, and the big dog was swimming along side the smaller one as if to make sure he got safely in. Soon they reached the shore and walked up the sandy beach together-no longer enemies, but friends! They were reconciled!

When man sinned, sin put distance between him and God, for God is holy and cannot have sin in His presence. Not only are we sinners, but there is in our hearts enmity (or hatred) against God. Man proved he was an enemy of God, for when God sent Jesus, His beloved Son, into this world, man put Him to death.

However, God still loves man in spite of this enmity toward Him. He sent His Son into this world to save sinners such as we. Those who trust in Christ as their Saviour not only have all their sins put away, but that enmity against God is gone too. They have a new nature which delights to please God, and they can say, “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Man needs to be reconciled to God. When the Lord Jesus was on earth, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19). But the world would not be reconciled to God, and the day is drawing near when God will “judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31).

Still God is seeking to save and bless sinners, and the Word says, “Be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

ML-07/04/1976

Ting's Joy

Ting was just a poor uneducated Chinese laborer; he worked hard for little pay. But a missionary spoke to Ting one day about the Saviour. Ting believed what he heard and was wonderfully saved.

With a face that radiated his newfound joy Ting would say: “I am nothing; just a poor coolie. I have no money, and no schooling. But in my heart I have an unable-to-speak-it-out joy!”

When the Lord Jesus was here on earth, He went about doing good and making people happy. Would you let Him make you happy, dear reader? If you open your heart’s door and let Him in, He will first cleanse it from all sin and then come to dwell there. This is true and everlasting happiness.

ML-07/04/1976

A Japanese Thief Converted

A chaplain in a Japanese prison noticed one of the prisoners, named Maki, always carried a New Testament with him. “Tell me,” he said one day, “how you happen to have that Book.” And this was his story.

He had been a burglar. One day he and a companion made plans to rob a missionary school. In the dark of night they entered the building by a kitchen window and went upstairs. As they went Maki heard voices.

“What is that?” he whispered to his companion.

“It is somebody praying,” replied his friend laughing. “They are afraid and are asking God to protect them.”

Soon they saw the girls on their knees praying. Maki grabbed one young girl’s coat but she looking up calmly said, “Please don’t take my coat; my mother made it for me. Please take this Book instead and read it,” and she handed him the New Testament.

The robbers threw the Book aside and then in fear of being caught, they quickly left and went their ways.

For three days Maki stayed indoors. At last he ventured out to visit his partner in crime. But he was surprised by a policeman waiting to arrest him. His friend was already in jail.

The next day Maki appeared before the police chief in the presence of some of the girls from the mission school.

“Do you recognize this?” the chief asked him, showing him the little Book he had thrown aside the night of the robbery.

“These girls heard of your arrest and they have brought the Book to offer it to you again. You are guilty and will go to prison. But this Book will lead you to repentance. These girls are Christians and treat their enemies with kindness.”

Maki accepted the Book this time and thanked the girls. But he knew nothing of Jesus. The convicted thief went to prison taking the New Testament with him.

When Mr. Hara, the chaplain, heard Maki’s story, he told him of the Saviour’s love for sinners. Maki knew that one day he would have to stand before a holy God to be judged. But now he learned that that same God had provided a way of escape for him. His Son, Jesus, had died for him and borne the punishment he deserved for his sins. Maki believed, he accepted God’s offer of mercy and was saved. With the chaplain’s help, he learned to read his Testament by himself.

“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-07/04/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 33:1-5

We now come to the last words of Moses and it is precious to see how they all speak of grace and of Israel’s future blessing in the land.

In Jacob’s dying utterances (Gen. 49) when he has his sons before him, he looks at them in a very different aspect. He speaks of blessing, but he also recalls to them their sin. Moses was about to die, too, and how well he knew the character of the people he had led throughout those forty long years. But he looks at them from the heights of God’s thoughts and purposes, in contrast to the actual history of the nation in its sin and failure as Jacob sees them. Moses looks on to that coming day when a king shall reign in righteousness and his people shall be the objects of the richest grace and unmingled blessing.

Jacob recalls Reuben’s moral faire, and Simeon and Levi’s cruelty. Thus corruption and violence, the two dominant forms of evil that have marked man’s history in this world, would characterize the early history of Israel as a nation and would sweep on to the end and “befall the people” in the last days. Jacob gives the sad sinful actings of his sons, but Moses rises above all man’s ruin and failure and gives us the actings of divine grace.

In our chapter Moses sees the Lord coming from Sinai with His people, His glory flooding the wilderness, from Seir on the east, from Mount Paran on the north and west, and His angelic hosts around Him. “From His right hand went forth a fiery law for them.”

“He loved the people(s).” This really goes beyond Israel, because when Israel is blessed, the world at large will be brought into blessing, too.

“All His saints are in Thy hand.” Not only does God love His people, but they are in His hand. What a safe place to be in! How precious the promise of John 10, where the Lord Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” There we are eternally secure, eternally held by those mighty hands, while “underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut. 33:27.

“And they sat down at Thy feet; every one shall receive of Thy words.” At His feet! This is the place of blessing. How precious a privilege to sit at His feet and hear His words, like Mary of Bethany, of whom the Lord said, “She hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42. What a treasure the words of the Lord! more precious than thousands of gold and silver.

Low at Thy feet, Lord Jesus,

This is the place for me.

There have I learned deep lessons

Truths that have set me free.

~~~

Just on the threshold! oh, why not come in,

Leaving the mazes of darkness and sin?

Forward the light, and the glory divine;

Backward the dangers, and woes that were thine.

Just on the threshold, and joy near at hand;

Yonder’s the gleam of Immanuel’s land!

Refuge and rest are now offered to thee:

Sin or salvation—oh, which shall it be?

Just on the threshold —and Christ calls to thee!

Come! with the pardoned forever to be!

Just on the threshold—why linger so long?

Sing, with the ransomed, Eternity’s song!

ML-07/04/1976

Man Overboard

One day Hudson Taylor the missionary was traveling up the river in a Chinese junk. On board was a Chinese friend named Peter who had visited Europe and many other lands. Peter had often heard the gospel preached, but he had never surrendered to the Lord Jesus. Hudson often encouraged him to put his trust in the Saviour. Peter was greatly moved, even to tears, by what he heard, but made no decision.

Hudson had gone into the cabin for a few minutes when suddenly he was startled by a splash and a loud cry. Running upon deck he saw that Peter had fallen overboard.

In an instant Hudson sprang to the mast, let down the sail and leaped overboard in hopes of finding his friend. But alas, the water had closed over poor Peter.

Looking around in an agony of suspense Hudson saw a fishing boat nearby with a drag net. It would be just the thing to save Peter.

“Come,” he cried, hope rising in his heart; “come and drag here; a man is drowning.”

“It is not convenient” was the callous reply.

“Don’t talk of convenience,” cried Hudson in agony. “A man is drowning.”

“We are busy fishing, and can’t come.”

“Never mind your fishing; I’ll give you more money than many days fishing will bring; only come at once!”

“How much money will you give us?”

“Oh don’t stop to discuss that now,” cried Hudson in exasperation. “Come at once or it will be too late. I will give you $5.00.”

“We wouldn’t do it for that; give us $20.00 and we will come.”

“I don’t have that much, but I’ll give you all I have,” said Hudson. “How much may that be?” “About $14.00.”

At last, but ever so slowly, the fishing boat was paddled over and they let down the net. In less than a minute the body of Peter was found and brought on board. However, all efforts to revive him were without success. It was too late; poor Peter had drowned. But even while Hudson and others worked over him to try and restore breathing, the callous fishermen actually clamored for their money and became indignant at the delay.

How vast the difference between those fishermen and that of our blessed Saviour. He alone knows the value of a soul. Not all the gold in all the world can redeem a lost soul. “Without the shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9:22.

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18, 19.

How sad to think of poor Peter dying perhaps unsaved. Dear unsaved reader, do not put off the salvation of your soul for one moment. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

Memory Verse: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

ML-07/11/1976

Abu the Syrian

Abu lived in northern Syria some years ago. He had come in contact with the gospel and became a happy Christian. Then his troubles began.

He was severely persecuted for his faith by his family and countrymen. His father-in-law took his bride away from him. The townsfolk tore down his new house. Then when he refused to give up his belief in the wonderful Book of God, they led him out of town and tied him to a pile of wood intending to set it on fire. At the last they gave him a chance to say his last words.

Instead of cursing his enemies and weeping, Abu knelt down and prayed for his persecutors. Then a miracle took place. The power of God was felt by all. One by one the angry mob left him and stole quietly back to their homes. They left Abu completely alone and yet not alone, for God was with His dear child.

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.” Luke 6:22, 23.

ML-07/11/1976

"Why Don't You Love Jesus?"

A Sunday school teacher had been seeking to lead her scholars to the Lord, and she had told them how they too might become missionaries at home and bring others to the Saviour. One day the smallest came to her and said: “I asked some children to come with me to Sunday school, but they said their father was an infidel.”

She wanted to know what an infidel was, and the teacher went on to explain to her that he was one who didn’t believe in God nor the Bible. One day, when she was on her way to school, this infidel was coming out of the post office with his mail in his hand when the child ran up to him and said, “Why don’t you love Jesus?”

If it had been a man, the infidel would have resented it; but he did not know what to do with the child, and with tears in her eyes she asked him again, “Oh! please, tell me, why don’t you love Jesus?”

He went on to his office, but he felt as if every letter he opened read, “Why don’t you love Jesus?” He attempted to write, with the same result; every letter seemed to ask him, “Why don’t you love Jesus?” He threw down his pen in despair, and left his office, but he could not get rid of the question. It was asked by a still small voice within, and as he walked along it seemed as if the very ground and the very heavens whispered to him, “Why don’t you love Jesus?”

At last he went home, and there it seemed as if his own children asked him the same question. So he said to his wife, “I will go to bed early tonight,” thinking to sleep it away. But when he laid his head on the pillow, it seemed as if the pillow whispered it to him. So he got up about midnight, and said, “I can find out where Christ contradicts Himself, and I’ll search it out and prove Him a liar.”

Well, he got up and turning to the Gospel of John, he read on from the beginning until he came to the words, “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.

What love! he thought; and at last the infidel’s heart was stirred. He could find no reason for not loving Jesus, and down he got on his knees and prayed. Earnest were his prayers that went up to God for forgiveness, and before the morning sun flooded the countryside, the once hardened heart of that infidel was melted with the sunshine of God’s love. He saw what a sinner he had been, but he saw too that Jesus had died for such as he. Peace and love now filled his heart.

I challenge any one on the face of the earth to find a reason for not loving Christ. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” O unsaved friend, if you knew Him, you would have no wish to find a reason for not loving Him. He is “the chiefest among ten thousand,” “He is altogether lovely.” Song of Solomon 5:10, 16.

ML-07/11/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 33:6, 7

No doubt the blessing of the tribes which Moses foretold had its partial fulfillment when they possessed the land under Joshua. But this was only a shadow of the fullness which his eye of faith saw in the distance. The fullness of blessing could not be poured out while Israel was striving under the law, but in that future day, because of the work of Christ for them on the cross, God’s grace will rise above all man’s sin and failure. His gracious goodness and unmingled blessing will flow out to all the tribes of Israel and to Gentiles as well.

There is no mention here of Reuben’s failure. Instead his sentence is exchanged for blessing. “Let Reuben live, and not die"; he would be a numerous people. We can apply some of these things to ourselves, for what were we apart from grace? We deserved to die, but “Christ died for us,” and now we “live through Him” (1 John 4:9). This is the grand starting point of all blessing with us. Nor will the redeemed of the Lord be few in that day, for God is “bringing many sons unto glory” (Heb. 2:10).

We do not get the order of the tribes here according to nature; Simeon is not mentioned at all. But his guilty connection with Levi in cruelty and violence is no more. Little is recorded of Simeon as a tribe after they entered the land. They may have been scattered among the other tribes according to Jacob’s prophecy (Gen. 49:5-7) but they are mentioned in Revelation 7:7 when a remnant of them shall be sealed for blessing. Then when the land is re-divided in the millennium, they will have their place and portion.

Judah is next, brought forward as the tribe which would take Reuben’s, the firstborn’s, place. We know the Jews have long had a separate place and have suffered much from their enemies. But in the coming day Judah and the rest of the tribes will be brought together and joined in one people. “Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people... and be Thou a help to him from his enemies.”

In Reuben we have the setting aside of the first man; in Judah the bringing in of the Second Man, Christ; for of Judah, Christ was born after the flesh. He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright and Morning Star; “the chiefest among ten thousand... the altogether lovely One.” (Song of Sol. 5:10, 16.)

Thus we can see God had Christ before Him in choosing Judah. “Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise:... The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” (Gen. 49:8-12). That gathering together of the people around Christ on earth is drawing near. But before then there will be that great gathering together in the air. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,” and call all His redeemed ones from earth to be around Himself in their heavenly home forever.

Behold the Saviour at the door!

He gently knocks—has knocked before;

Has waited long—is waiting still;

You use no other friend so ill.

Admit Him, for the human breast

Ne’er entertained so kind a guest;

No mortal tongue their joys can tell,

With whom He condescends to dwell.

ML-07/11/1976

The Loss of the Lusitania

ON SATURDAY, May 1, 1915, the giant Cunard liner, Lusitania, one of the largest and fastest ships afloat in her day, sailed out of New York harbor with 2000 souls aboard.

It was wartime, but most of the passengers, seemingly confident that the great swift vessel could elude and outrun any enemy underwater craft, were having luncheon. As she neared the coast of Ireland, suddenly, without warning two torpedoes, fired from a German submarine, crashed into her starboard side, and in a very short time the huge ship sank with a frightful loss of 1400 lives.

Harold Boulton, a young Englishman, was one of those who were saved. When he heard that the ship had been struck by torpedoes, he quickly put on a life belt, jumped into the ocean, and started swimming away from the ship. From the water he saw the Lusitania sink. Later Harold was saved by some fishermen who pulled him out of the water and took him to England. He wrote: When the lifeboats were just about to be lowered, I saw Captain Turner appear on the bridge, shouting loudly and waving his hands. “Don’t lower the boats!” he called at the top of his voice. “The ship can’t sink. She is all right. Kindly assist in getting the women out of the boats and off the upper deck!”

I believe that the loss of many lives is chargeable to the captain’s order to empty the boats, for later there was not time to reload them. I saw that the send class passengers had ignored the captain’s orders and were loading the lifeboats; they had launched four of them. This is why, I think, more second class than first class passengers were saved.

The captain made a terrible mistake. How sorry he was later that he told passengers on the Lusitania they were safe, when they were not.

Clergymen, preachers, teachers and parents can make terrible mistakes too. Oftentimes they tell people they are safe when they are not. Do not rest, dear reader, in the thought that you are saved from judgment, and saved for heaven, until you have God’s word for it.

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

“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:9,13.

Harold Boulton also wrote: I asked a woman and her daughter if there was anything I could do for them, and the mother replied, “Not a thing, thank you. We’re not going to get excited, but remain calm and stay here. The captain says the Lusitania cannot sink.” Alas, they were both drowned.

Why were they drowned? Because they thought they did not need to be saved. But they did need to be saved, and so does every child of Adam’s fallen race. God says in His Word: “All have sinned....” and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

This world is a sinking ship, but Christ is God’s Lifeboat — large enough to save all who will come and put their trust in Jesus. Countless thousands have left the sinking ship of this world and are safe aboard, safe in Christ and on their way to heaven’s happy shore. There’s still room for more.

But all who remain in the world’s doomed ship will surely go down with all their sins into death’s dark waters and eternal judgment.

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

Come from darkness into light,

From the way that seemeth right;

Come and start for heaven tonight!

Be in time!

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

Memory Verse: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” Hebrews 2:3

ML-07/18/1976

How God Saved Hudson Taylor

NO ONE thought that the careless boy would later go to China to tell others how to be saved. For from the age of 11 when Hudson was at school, he grew more and more careless of his own need of being saved. He seemed to want fun and money more than God’s salvation.

Often he had tried to make Himself a Christian, and failed of course. Then he began to think he never could be saved, and thought he might as well enjoy as much of the world as he could, so there was no hope for him beyond the grave.

When 15, young Hudson met some men who claimed that the Bible was not true. He quickly accepted their infidel reasonings, only too thankful for some hope of escape from the doom which, if the Bible were true, awaited the ungodly. Hudson was smart in school, but he was stupid to think he could escape hell by pretending it were not real.

However, Hudson’s mother and sister were praying earnestly for his salvation, and God answers prayer.

One afternoon he was alone and picked up a little book which he read. It made his sinful and dangerous state very real to him. If he died that afternoon, he knew he would be in hell. He read on until he noticed the words, “The finished work of Christ.” He thought about the Lord Jesus on the cross saying, just before He died, “It is finished!”

“What was finished?” Hudson asked himself. He understood then that the Lord Jesus had paid his debt of sin when He died, and God does not ask anything more.

What was there left for him to do? The answer was, “There was nothing left to be done, but to accept this Saviour and His salvation, and praise Him forevermore.”

Before Hudson had finished reading the little book, he was saved... a sinner saved by grace.

“It is finished!” yes, indeed,

Finished every jot.

Sinner, this is all you need,

Tell me, is it not?

ML-07/18/1976

Sandra's A B C

“GRANDPA,” said little Sandra one day as she climbed up on his knee, “do you know the A B C of the gospel?”

“What do you know about it?” asked Grandpa.

“Well,” replied Sandra, “I’ll tell you what I learned in Sunday school. A means ‘All have sinned,’ and that means you too, Grandpa. B means, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.’ Did you ever do that?” she went on. “Then C means, ‘Come unto Me.’ Did you ever come to Jesus, Grandpa?”

Poor old Grandpa knew he hadn’t many days left to live and he felt his need of the Saviour. But it was the word of God from the lips of his little grand-daughter that went to his heart and he came to the Lord at last.

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

ML-07/18/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 33:8-11

IN MOSES’ blessing the tribes of Israel Levi comes next.

“And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; “Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew nis own children: for they have observed Thy word, and kept Thy covenant.”

Levi means “joined"; in an earlier day he had been joined with his brother Simeon in a dark, cruel deed of murder, and this Jacob never forgot, for he spoke of it on his death bed. But since then grace had wrought in Levi and his history is marked by outstanding faithfulness to the Lord. Once in the darkness of nature his feet had been “swift to shed blood,” but now under grace his feet were swift to follow the cloud in the wilderness.

When Moses came down from the mount and found Israel worshiping the golden calf, he cried “Who is on the Lord’s side?” It was then that the tribe of Levi separated themselves unto Moses. The Lord’s glory meant more to them than even father or mother, and they “joined” with the Lord and His servant Moses for the execution of righteous judgment upon idolatry.

Israel had lost sight of the fact that Moses was alive on high in the presence of God for them and they fell into idolatry; “the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” What a picture we have here of Christendom today. The professing church has largely forgotten that Christ is alive and on high in the presence of God interceding for His own. How many have gone into idolatry; how many also are seeking to find satisfaction in worldly pleasures! May the Lord preserve us from such forgetfulness, but keep us instead with our eyes fixed on Him, waiting and watching for His coming in the air.

As a reward for their faithfulness God had chosen the tribe of Levi for the priesthood and for the service of the tabernacle. Moses requests that the Urim and Thummim, meaning “lights and perfections,” might be always with them. We are not told what they were, but they were put into the breastplate of the high priest, and by them God answered questions. They are lost to Israel now, but when His people are restored Christ Himself will take the place of the Urim and Thummim of old. How He delights to prove Himself the answer to all the needs and problems of His people now!

Levi was to teach Israel God’s law, to burn incense and offer burnt offerings unto the Lord. Thus Levi’s service is ours. It is our happy privilege to bring the Word of God before others, but best of all to present Christ before the Father in the service of worship and praise.

The blessing of Levi reminds us of the Lord’s words: “Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Matt. 19:29.

ML-07/18/1976

Demetrio's Conversion

DEMETRIO WAS a sergeant in the Bolivian Army during the Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay. As a soldier, Demetrio was a man of courage, but he was also a thoroughly ungodly fellow and he and his friends spent much of their spare time dancing and drinking.

One day the Bolivian troops were ordered to fix bayonets and storm a Paraguayan fort. A fierce battle ensued and Demetrio fell badly wounded with six bullets in his body. Taken out of action to a field hospital behind the lines, he was given blood transfusions which saved his life.

From there he was sent to the main hospital in Potosi, the capital, and thanks to the care of the surgeons who attended him, after considerable time he was able to walk again.

The doors of the hospital were heavily guarded, but one night, Demetrio, along with some other wounded soldiers, weary of confinement, climbed over the walls, bent on a night’s pleasure. They passed the hours in bar rooms and other places of wickedness. Then returning to the hospital drunk, they were severely reprimanded by the doctor for their bad behavior.

A little later, desiring a change from hospital life, the men again escaped over the walls. But this time Demetrio refused to accompany his mates in their visits to bar rooms and dance halls. He preferred on this occasion to be quiet and alone.

Walking slowly down Junin street, he was surprised to hear singing, and stopped to listen. He found himself outside a building with a sign over the door, “Local Evangelico” (Gospel Hall). It wasn’t the singing that attracted his attention so much as the words he heard, “Busca a Dios” that is, “Seek God.” Demetrio had never heard such words, nor had he ever read a Book called the Bible; never had he read a tract so he stepped inside the door to listen. A gentleman requested him to take a seat, but he refused.

After the singing, a man stood up, opened a Book, and began to speak. He spoke of the “judgment of God,” and stressed the fact that there was only one way to escape this judgment; that was by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who came from heaven and who died on the cross of Calvary to save lost sinners. He went on to say that we were all lost sinners and that if we refused to accept Christ as our Saviour, we would not escape the judgment of God, but eternal punishment would be our sentence.

The speaker, who was a missionary, said he had seen so many soldiers who were afraid to die because they were sinners. Demetrio thought to himself, Well I’m not afraid of death! Why be afraid? Had he not been a soldier, a proud fighter, wounded, but still not afraid of death?

Still the thought lingered in his mind what the speaker had said: “You cannot escape the judgment of God unless you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

That night Demetrio went home to his parents at 9:15 p.m., and told them what he had heard. Never had he done such a thing as that before, and then he returned to the hospital. That was on a Wednesday night. There was another meeting on Friday night and Demetrio was present. The people sang another hymn, “Paz Cor Dios busque janarla,” that is, “Peace with God, I sought to gain.” This peace Demetrio did not have, but he desired it, so after the meeting he went to the speaker and talked to him. He told Demetrio again: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. He has made peace through the blood of His cross on Calvary.” Demetrio suddenly understood that the Lord Jesus had been seeking him. He got down on his knees, and asked God to save him; and God did save him that night.

The next day all noticed the great change in his behavior. The doctors remarked that if he continued as he was doing, he would be well again. They even changed his medication, ordered him a new suit, and informed the hospital director to allow Demetrio to attend the gospel meetings.

He got to know the missionary who had led him to Christ and looked up to him as his spiritual father and guide in his earthly pilgrimage. That was 40 years ago and Demetrio has gone on faithfully ever since.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (or creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

Memory Verse: “I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

ML-07/25/1976

Could I Trust the Bridge

WHEN I was in the mountains once, I wanted to cross a deep gorge. There was a slender rope bridge stretched across one mountain to another; over a thousand feet below was a river. I knew that if I fell from that great height I should certainly be killed. The question was, Could I trust myself to that rope bridge?

I stood there and watched seral other people go across. I saw that even heavier men than I went safely over. At last I believed that that bridge would sustain my weight. Finally I believed in it enough to trust myself to it, and went safely across.

This illustrates what it is to believe in Jesus. It is beautifully expressed in the little hymn,

Jesus, I will trust Thee,

Trust Thee with my soul;

Weary, worn and helpless,

Thou canst make me whole.

There is none in heaven,

Nor on earth like Thee;

Thou hast died for sinners,

Therefore, Lord, for me.

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

ML-07/25/1976

Simple Searching

In Barnabas, not Paul,

In Samuel and in Saul,

In David, not in King,

Not found in Stone, but Sling.

In Jonah, not in Whale,

In Esau who did fail,

In Persians, not in Medes,

Whole: One a sinner needs.

ML-07/25/1976

A Dog and a Goose

A FARMER had an old dog and a pet goose. One day a fox visited the barnyard and seizing the goose, began to carry it off. But the dog chased the fox and rescued the goose.

From that time on the goose became so attached to the old dog, and loved him so, that she always stayed by the dog’s house, and would scarcely leave his side. She would never go and eat with the other geese, but had to have her pan of grain by the doghouse.

Two years later the old dog got sick and stayed in his doghouse. The goose never left his side. When he died the goose continued to live in the dog house. However, she pined so much for her old friend that within a few weeks she too passed away. Wasn’t she a faithful friend?

The goose loved the old dog because he had saved her life. And should not we who have been saved by our Lord Jesus Christ at such an infinite cost — the cost of His own life, redeemed by His precious blood — love Him for all He has done for us, and seek to be faithful to Him? How often we fail Him, and grieve Him, yet “He abideth faithful.” 2 Tim. 2:13.

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

“I AM THE DOOR: BY ME IF ANY MAN ENTER IN, HE SHALL BE SAVED.” John 10:9

ML-07/25/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 33:12

AMONG all the blessings bestowed upon the tribes of Israel in this wonderful chapter Benjamin’s shines as one of the brightest.

“And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders.”

How comforting and cheering these words have been to many since that day, for, like Benjamin, we are “the beloved of the Lord.” Benjamin was the son of his mother Rachel’s sorrow, for she passed away at his birth. None of us are very long in this world bore we experience what sorrow is.

It is wonderful to have someone to love, but more wonderful to be loved. And how very comforting and precious to know that we are “beloved of the Lord.” And this is our refuge — not our love for Him but His love for us. Poor Peter had to learn this through bitter experience. His boasted love for the Lord failed him in the trial. What kept Peter was the Lord’s love for him.

He shall “dwell in safety by Him.” Amidst dangers and foes on every hand the beloved of the Lord experiences the safety of His presence. Sheltered by the blood, “kept by the power of God,” how happy and blest is he who dwells “by Him,” near Him — not far off. The Father has brought us near to Himself and wants us to abide there.

“The Lord shall cover him all the day long.” What a wonderful Defender and Protector we have! “If God be for us, who can be against us?” “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.... He shall cover thee with His feathers and under His wings shalt thou trust.” Psa. 91:1,4. Feathers and wings are used in Scripture as symbols of covering and protection. The Lord will protect and preserve His people Israel through all the fearful dangers and sorrows of the coming great tribulation. “He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psa. 121:4.

“All the day long” tells of His care for us not only day by day, but the whole time of our sojourn here on earth. “Behold, I am with you all the days.” Matt. 28:20. J.N.D. Trans.

“And he shall dwell between His shoulders.” The shoulders speak of strength, and in this we are reminded of the high priest of old who carried the names of the children of Israel engraved in the stones upon his shoulders. Our dwelling place then as the beloved of the Lord is between His shoulders of strength. Thus we are ever carried upon His bosom, near to His heart, in the place of love, and also in the place of strength.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 8:38,39.

Oh that we might dwell more in the hiding-place of His love until that moment when suddenly faith shall give place to sight and we shall be at home in His presence forever.

ML-07/25/1976

Tang

TANG WAS a brave Newfoundland dog, a most valuable member of the crew of the Ethie, a Newfoundland fishing boat. The Ethie never sailed without Tang on board, and one day the dog proved more valuable than any of the crew.

Many a sailor’s life has been saved by the ship’s dog. These dogs are trained, on command, to leap into the ocean and swim for shore with the end of a rope in his mouth. In shipwreck this becomes a lifeline for the sailors to reach land.

The Newfoundland dog has natural love for the water. His waterproof coat, web feet, and great strength, suits him as no other animal to be the fisherman’s companion.

One day the Ethie was caught in a terrible winter storm which forced the ship closer and closer to the rocks until the Ethie struck.

Then the great crashing waves ban to break the ship apart like a toy. The crew fired rockets ashore to call for help, but the waves were so high the men on shore could not get a lifeboat out to the doomed Ethie.

One brave member of the crew volunteered to swim ashore pulling the end of the lifeline. But even as the crew looked on, the cruel waves dashed him against the rocks and he perished.

Fear filled the hearts of the crewmen now, for their ship was being torn apart under their very feet. They knew they were lost.

Suddenly the captain thought of Tang. Would he be able to take the lifeline to shore?

“To shore, Tang!” commanded the captain, and Tang leaped into the water, only to be spun over and over among the rocks by the savage waves. But Tang got his balance again, bounded clear of the deadly rocks and with the lifeline in his jaws, looking like a tiny speck amid the white caps, he swam for shore. As he reached the land, a rescue party gladly took the lifeline from his mouth. As a result, every man on board was saved.

How sad that one sailor was lost trying to swim for shore! If only he had relied on Tang, he would have been saved, like the rest.

Yet there is something sadder than that. Many, many people think they can get to heaven by their own strength, and save themselves from death and judgment. But God knows we are without strength, because we are sinners. That is why God gave His blessed Son, “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Rom. 5:6).

The Lord Jesus crossed those deep, dark waters of death and judgment all alone — the billows of God’s wrath against sin rolled over His blessed head, so that He could say, “all Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over Me.” Psa. 42:7. But in His resurrection, He rose the mighty victor over death and the grave, and now He is the lifeline that stretches from earth to heaven. All who trust Him as their Saviour pass from death unto life, and all will be landed safely on the heavenly shore.

If He is not your Saviour, dear reader, trust Him now. Or you will surely go down, like the Ethie, beath those raging waves of judgment.

“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.

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

ML-08/01/1976

Daniel's God Lives

IT WAS a hot day in Africa and May, the missionary’s little daughter wandered down to the pool by the river. For some time she enjoyed cooling her little feet as she waded in the water, but then it began to grow dark.

She started up the path toward home but the long dark shadows of approaching night frightened her. Strange night sounds, the cries of birds and beasts, sent shivers through her little frame and she was afraid to go up the lonely path. Turning back she waded into the pool again and sat huddled upon a rock with fear.

At home mother and father hunted frantically for their little girl and everyone in the mission joined in the search. They spent the whole night calling and searching, but to no avail. Dawn was lighting the sky when they found the little girl asleep on the rock in the shallow water of the pool.

Oh how thankful they were to the Lord for preserving their little one. “But weren’t you terribly frightened, out here alone all night?” asked Mother.

“Well, yes — I was, just at first,” answered little May. “But then I remembered that the Lord Jesus could take care of me out here just as well as at home in bed. So I just prayed and asked Him to!”

“And He did,” she went on simply. “But you should have been here to see. Why, He sent a whole lot of great big dogs who sat around me all night and took care of me.”

She waved her arm in a semi-circle to show where the “big dogs” had sat watching her. Stooping to examine the fresh tracks in the soft mud around the pool the men were amazed. The tracks the “big dogs” had left were none other than lion tracks.

So in answer to the simple faith and trust of little May, the same God that Daniel trusted again closed the mouths of the big lions, causing them to guard instead of harm her that night.

“The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Pet. 5:8. In ourselves we have no more strength to resist him than little helpless May on the rock. But God speaks to our hearts and says, “I have laid help upon One that is mighty.” Psa. 89:19. He is mighty to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.

ML-08/01/1976

Singing Hymns Helps Me

JOE WAS a young Sunday school boy. One day he was hit by a car. They carried him to the hospital and in the emergency room the doctor was examining him to see if he was seriously hurt.

Suddenly little Joe exclaimed, “I wish I could sing! I think I would feel better then!”

“All right, sonny,” said the door. “You can sing if you sing something nice.”

In a clear high-pitched voice Joe began to sing, “Nearer, my God, to Thee.” The song rang out. The doors, the nurses, and the patients down the hall all heard the words. Some of them got a blessing, for Joe was singing from his heart.

When the doctor had finished his examination, he said, “Well, little man, you seem to be all right. I can’t find any broken bones.”

“It was singing the hymn that helped” said Joe. “I always sing when I feel bad, and then God helps me!”

ML-08/01/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 33:13-1 7

IN BENJAMIN’S blessing we see Israel, “beloved of the Lord,” in the place of safety, favor and privilege. God in His grace will bring His redeemed people near to Himself, and this is true of both His earthly and heavenly saints.

Jerusalem was within Benjamin’s borders and there that magnificent temple was erected to Jehovah’s praise. There the tribes went up to worship, and from there in the coming day blessing will flow out to all the land, and to all the earth as well. When the land is divided in the millennium, Benjamin’s portion will be immediately next to Jerusalem, the city of the great King. To have Him as their Center and to be gathered around Him will be Israel’s special glory in those days to come.

And the Lord is going to have His own, the Church, His bride, with and around Himself in the heavenly glory, in the midst of blessings that will far outshine Israel’s privileges and glories. How precious to be gathered around Himself now.

“Blessed of the Lord be his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, and for the precious things brought forth by the sun, for the precious things put forth by the moon, and for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills... let the blessing come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him that was separated from his brethren.

“His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.”

The sun’s radiance tells of God’s grace shining down upon His people. But it is Christ portrayed here who will bring down all these wondrous blessings. The Gentile intruders will all have been driven from the land to make way for the ten thousands of Ephraim and the thousands of Manasseh. Truly Israel in that day of glory will be as the sand of the sea and as the stars for multitude.

But all these blessings, so richly lavished, will be upon the head of Christ, the true Nazarite, who was “separated from His brethren.” All blessings are His whether of the heights above or the depths beath, and He shares them with His redeemed. In Joseph we see sufferings and glory put together and how much more so in Him of whom Joseph was but a faint shadow. The suffering and rejected One is crowned with the highest glory and honor.

Surely these things were written for our learning, dear Christian reader. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him.” 2 Tim. 2:12.

ML-08/01/1976

Black Sugar Finds Refuge

ONE DAY a missionary upon a jungle trail was surprised to see a small black boy stumble through the brush and fall sobbing at his feet. Stopping to lift him, the missionary tried to find out what his trouble was, for the boy was trembling with great fear. When he grew quiet enough to speak he cried, “Don’t let him get me!”

“Who do you mean, my boy?”

“The slave trader!” he sobbed. “He stole me from my home. He wants to sell me — maybe even to a cannibal tribe! Oh, don’t let him get me! He is coming!”

The missionary listened, and finally his ear caught the sounds of heavy running as someone followed the trail of the boy through the jungle. In his heart the missionary wondered just what he could do, but he lifted his heart to God, and then putting his arm about the trembling figure he said, “No! I will not let him get you!”

The jungle brush parted again, and revealed a tall, powerful native with an ugly club in his hand.

“Give me that boy!” he shouted.

The missionary tightened his arm about the boy as he answered: “No! he does not belong to you. You cannot have him!”

In anger the slave trader raised his club, but the missionary stood calmly with no sign of fear. Slowly his arm dropped to his side and turning he disappeared into the jungle.

Together the boy and the missionary made their way to the missionary station. In the days that followed the little boy was so sweet in his love for his new friend that it seemed he just could not do enough for him! Nothing pleased him more than to be able to run an errand or do some little task for the missionary, so the name of “Black Sugar” was given to him.

One day the kind missionary said, “Black Sugar, do you remember when the slave trader was after you?”

“Oh, yes!” cried the little fellow, trembling even at the memory.

“Did you know that someone even more dreadful than the slave trader is after you?”

“Who? Who?” cried the boy in fear.

Then the missionary told him of Satan who, “as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” As he spoke the boy flung himself into his arms, crying, “But you will not let him get me! You will save me from him too!”

As the missionary explained that he could not, he pointed the little fellow to the Saviour who alone could save him. Tears streamed down the boy’s dark face as he learned that this One had had to die to save him, and that He willingly died for him. In simple faith Black Sugar believed the wonderful story and received the Lord Jesus as his Saviour.

Memory Verse: “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-08/08/1976

John Was Justified

JOHN was a poor speller. Many a time he had to remain after school to write out his mistakes.

One day the inspector was present and his presence made John nervous. That day John had an unusually large number of mistakes, but at closing time imagine his surprise when the teacher said, “The inspector says that any who have errors are to be forgiven ALL their mistakes.”

John raced home and a few mites later he came bounding in the door, breathless.

“Mother,” he exclaimed, “I had fifteen mistakes, but it’s just as if I’d none.”

“Why,” said Mother, “that’s just what God does for those who put their trust in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Jesus died for my sins, and now it’s just as if I’d none. I am justified.”

God is “just and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Rom. 3:26.

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 3:24.

“A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Rom. 3:28.

“Being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Rom. 5:9.

ML-08/08/1976

Whiter Than Snow

IT WAS wintertime and the whole countryside was covered with a beautiful white blanket of snow.

Rose was on her way to the neighboring farm to get some milk for Mother. With a small can in her hand she was taking a short cut across the field. About halfway she stopped and took three looks.

She looked around. All was pure and white. The hedges, the trees, the ground, even the houses were all covered with the beautiful snow. “How pure everything is!” she thought.

Then she looked within. She thought of her sins. How many bad words she had spoken! How many lies she had told! How many naughty things she had done! She knew her heart was black with sin, and how different to the snow around her! Her heart drooped with sadness at the thought of it.

Then she looked up, and she thought about Jesus, the Saviour of sinners who never turned any one away.

“Lord Jesus,” the little girl cried, “wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow!”

Did Jesus hear her cry? He surely did, and He answered at once. There in the middle of the field “the great transaction” took place, for little Rose opened her heart to Jesus and felt, as she did so, that His precious blood had cleansed her from all sin and that she was now whiter than snow in His sight.

“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-08/08/1976

Singing in Heaven

MR. HAYE, the evangelist, was talking to George about heaven.

“Oh yes,” said George; “I want to go to heaven, and I think I will. I’ve always been kind to my wife and children, and I’ve never tried to harm anybody.”

“It is nice that you have been a kind man,” said Mr. Haye, “but what kind of a place do you think heaven is? What do you think we will do there?”

“Oh I think it is a happy place,” replied George, “and we will sing a good deal there.”

“Yes, they do sing there!” said Mr. Haye. “I want to read you one of the songs they sing!”

Then opening his Bible he read: “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Rev. 1:5.)

“Could you join in that song of praise?” he asked George. “Have you been washed from your sins in His own blood?”

George was silent for a moment. The arrow of conviction had entered his conscience. “No, I couldn’t sing that song!” he said at last. “Oh won’t you pray for me? I want to be washed from my sins in His blood.”

That night the Lord saved George, He bowed at the feet of the blessed Saviour of sinners and felt the load of his sins taken away forever. Now he goes about singing redemption’s song, the song that he will sing with all the redeemed in heaven.

On earth the song begins,

In heaven more sweet and loud.

ML-08/08/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 33:18

JACOB on his dying bed spoke of Zebulon as mingled with the nations and trafficking among them. Such Israel have been ever since their scattering. In Issachar he saw Israel in submission to the Gentiles, “couching between two burdens.” For the sake of ease and gain he “bowed his shoulder to bear” and became a servant to tribute.

But here in Moses’ blessing we see Zebulon and Issachar freed from the yoke of the Gentile, and rejoicing in liberty and plenty.

“Rejoice, Zebulon, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents. They shall call the people(s) unto the mountain; there they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; for they shall suck of the abundance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.”

Freed from their Gentile masters, in that day they shall be the messengers to the nations with the invitation to come up and do homage to the great King.

“And many peoples shall go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isa. 2:2,3.

Israel shall be enriched by the abundance of the wealth of the nations which shall flow unto Jerusalem in that day.

Of Gad Jacob said, “A troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.” Moses says, “Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion.” Israel shall be delivered from all their distresses, they shall execute the juice of the Lord and His judgments with Israel; thus they “shall overcome at last.”

Dan would no longer be “an adder in the path,” as Jacob predicted, but a “lion’s whelp: He shall leap from Bashan.” Israel will no longer be characterized by self-will and rebellion, but bear the image of the King of righteousness in strength and majesty.

Naphtali is Israel in that millennial day “satisfied with favor, and full of the blessing of the Lord.”

Last of all Asher is “blessed with children” and “acceptable to his brethren.” What a lovely picture we have here of peace and contentment! Such will Israel and all earth be under Messiah’s beneficent reign.

“Let him dip his foot in oil.” The oil as ever is a type of the Holy Spirit. May we like Asher know what it is to “dip our foot in oil” to walk in the power of the Spirit so that we might enjoy in fuller measure the spiritual blessings so richly bestowed upon us.

“Thy shoes shall be iron and brass.” The iron speaks of strength, the brass God’s righteousness in judging sin, and these two things go together. To walk in self-judgment and communion with the Lord is to enjoy His strength along our pathway.

Then how comforting and encouraging to God’s people in all ages is the last promise to Asher: “and as thy days so shall thy strength be.”

ML-08/08/1976

A Survivor From the Titanic

One Sunday night in April, 1912, the great liner, Titanic, on her maiden voyage, struck an iceberg in the Atlantic. In a few hours she sank to the bottom of the ocean, and over 1500 passengers went down to a watery grave that fateful night.

Among the passengers on board the Titanic was Colonel Gracie. His wife at home could not sleep that night. Her mind was filled with fear for her husband. She felt that he was in grave danger, and she began to pray earnestly for him. The hours went by, and she kept praying in agony. At last, about 5 o’clock in the morning, a feeling of peace came into her heart, and she dropped off to sleep.

Meanwhile, during the night Colonel Gracie was helping to launch the lifeboats from the sinking ship. He had given up all hope of being saved himself. There were not enough lifeboats to take care of all the passengers.

Then suddenly the Titanic went down; the ocean closed over her. Colonel Gracie was sucked down in the great whirlpool of swirling waters.

He began to swim under the water. Then he came to the surface. He found himself near an overturned lifeboat. He and several others climbed on top of that upside-down boat. For several hours they clung there until about 5 o’clock in the morning another lifeboat came near and rescued them.

God had miraculously saved Colonel Gracie. When all seemed hopeless, He came to the rescue in answer to the prayer of a believing wife who prayed earnestly for her loved husband.

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Col. 4:2.

“BEHOLD, THE LORD’S HAND IS NOT SHORTENED, THAT IT CANNOT SAVE; NEITHER HIS EAR HEAVY, THAT IT CANNOT HEAR.” Isa. 59:1.

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

ML-08/15/1976

Stealing Apples

Tom was a good boy sometimes, but he could be naughty, too. One day his neighbor drove off in his car and left his garage door open. Tom and a couple of other boys entered the garage and stole some of Mr. Woods’ apples.

That Sunday night, as Tom sat and listened to the gospel, he heard the speaker say, “We are all sinners, but the Lord Jesus loves us. He died on the cross to put our sins away so that we might be forgiven.”

His sin in taking the neighbor’s apples had been bothering Tom, so after the gospel meeting, Tom went to the speaker and unburdened his heart. He told him he was sorry for what he had done and he wished he could know that all his sins were forgiven. Tether they got down on their knees and prayed. Tom told the Lord he wanted to be saved, and he meant it. The Lord heard Tom’s prayer, and that night Tom found forgiveness and peace. Soon after he was baptized.

“Now, Tom,” said his Christian friend, “you must be careful to live a Christian life, but the Lord Jesus will help you. He will help you, to say ‘No’ when you are tempted to do wrong.”

One day one of his friends said to him, “Tom, Mr. Woods has just gone off again and left his garage door open. Let’s go in and get a few apples.”

“No,” said Tom, “I’m not going to steal any more of his apples. The Lord Jesus is my Saviour now, and I want to live to please Him.”

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

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him.” Isa. 55:7.

“BLESSED ARE THEY WHOSE INIQUIES ARE FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS ARE COVERED.” Romans 4:7

ML-08/15/1976

Buddy, the Hero

Buddy, a pure-bred collie from Budd Lake, New Jersey, was named “Dog Hero of The Year.” Buddy was credited with saving an entire herd of female goats in a raging fire that destroyed a fine dairy farm.

It was one day in January, in the early morning hours, that Buddy frantically barked the alarm of fire. Then rushing into the blazing “maternity barn” Buddy proceeded to lead 70 mother goats out to safety. The brave doggie’s feet were burned and he suffered injury to his nose from the smoke, but he got the goats out unharmed. How thankful were his owners and how proud of their brave pet.

Accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Crinkley, Buddy was taken on a trip to the Palmer House in Chicago to attend a banquet given in his honor. He was awarded a $1000 U.S. bond, a gold medal, a gold plaque, a gold-plated leash and collar, a custom-made dog blanket, and a year’s supply of dog food. We suppose that Buddy scarcely knew what it was all about, and cared less. A good juicy bone would probably have pleased him just as well. He thought no more of what he had done in saving the goats; it was all in the day’s work.

This story of Buddy and the fire made me think of another sacrifice and of another fire. The fire was the wrath of God against my sins. I deserved that judgment but Jesus, God’s dear Son, bore it for me on Calvary, and He set me free. Buddy was scorched, yet he lives to be honored of men; but Jesus died — for me.

“He died for all;

He died for me.

And when He died

He set me free.”

Yes, He died for you too, dear reader! How few honor Him here on earth, and yet God honors Him in heaven. He has “given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:9, 10, 11. Have you bowed the knee to Him yet? Have you confessed Him as your Lord and Saviour?

ML-08/15/1976

Before He's Five

Before a child has reached age seven,

Teach to him the way to heaven;

Better still, the work will thrive

If he learns before he’s five.

-Spurgeon

“I LOVE THEM THAT LOVE ME; AND THOSE THAT SEEK ME EARLY SHALL FIND ME.” Proverbs 8:17

ML-08/15/1976

The Shepherd Boy's Song

He that is down needs fear no fall,

He that is low, no pride;

He that is humble ever shall

Have God to be his guide.

I am content with what I have,

Little be it, or much:

And, Lord, contentment still I crave,

Because Thou savest such.

Fullness to such a burden is

That go on pilgrimage;

Here little, and hereafter bliss,

Is best from age to age.

—John Bunyan

ML-08/15/1976

God's Care

How can our Father ever forget

His children here below?

Does He not feed the ravens all,

And make the lilies grow?

No sparrow to the earth can fall

Without the Father’s care;

The frailest thing that He has made

Does in His goodness share.

Then shall we doubt His thoughtful love?

Should we not trust Him more

Than weaker creatures of His hand,

Who feeds them from His store?

So brood not o’er, with anxious mind,

Tomorrow and its need;

In Jesus Christ our Father gives

A full supply indeed.

-Selected

ML-08/15/1976

Bible Talks

Deuteronomy 33:26-29

In the most beautiful and exalted language the closing words of Moses’ blessing celebrate God’s excellency and power and the triumph of His goodness to Israel in the last days. If on the one hand in His governmental ways He had dealt with them according to their conduct, on the other hand He would rise to the heights of His grace and glory to bless and keep them.

“There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in His excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” How blest are they who are the objects of such a salvation!

How precious and assuring to us in times of sickness, sorrow or trial, in danger, or even when humbled through some failure, to know and feel that underneath are those “everlasting arms” of love that will never let us go!

“He shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.” Before such a display of power Israel’s foes will be helpless and utterly defeated. Then under God’s beneficent smile Israel “shall dwell safely alone.”

In that millennial day of peace and prosperity, when Israel shall have turned to the Lord, the promised blessings will come upon them in their fullness. “The fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also His heavens shall drop down dew” telling of refreshment, joy and abundance for all.

Israel’s father had been named Jacob (or “supplanter") at his birth, but there came a time in his life when God called him Israel, meaning “a prince with God.” So in those happy days to come the “Jacob” nature will have disappeared, and God’s people will manifest the grace and dignity of their “Israel” calling. In those days “a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice on the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely.” Jer. 23:5, 6.

In contemplation of such a wondrous prospect, in a spirit entirely emptied of self, though he himself was not permitted to be with them in it, Moses rejoices in the triumph of God’s goodness to Israel, and at the brightness of their glory and blessing at the end. How beautiful are his last words to his people: “Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord...!”

ML-08/15/1976

Sundar Singh

Sundar Singh was the youngest son of a wealthy family in India. When he was 15, he found Christ as his Saviour and became a Christian. His whole family turned against him.

One evening they put poison in his food and turned him out to die alone. Half dead, he made his way to the mission station. The missionaries cared for him and he slowly recovered. When he was well again, he attended the mission school.

Sundar’s Christian friends wanted him to stay at the mission and preach. But Sundar felt that God wanted him to go and preach the gospel to the needy people of the villages of India; and he obeyed God. He went from village to village telling the gospel story to all who would listen. The people in the villages learned to love him, and they watched for his coming.

One day Sundar felt God’s call to go over the Himalaya mountains to Tibet, and tell the people there the story of Jesus and His love. These are the highest mountains in the world, and only the hardiest people tried to climb them; but Sundar went.

When he got to Tibet, the people gladly heard the gospel, but the Lamas, the priests there, were very angry at Sundar and his message. They threw him into a well, put a cover over its mouth and left him there to die. But God was watching over him, however. A man came along and let down a rope to Sundar and he was saved.

For many years Sundar continued to preach the gospel, and souls were brought to the Saviour.

“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3.

Memory Verse: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Jeremiah 17:7

ML-08/22/1976

Sin's Load Gone

Sam Black was carrying a large bag of potatoes on his shoulders. On the way a friend stopped him and said, “Sam, I hear you have become a Christian. How do you know that Jesus has saved you?”

Sam took a few steps and then he let the bag of potatoes slip from his back. “How do I know I have dropped this bag of potatoes?” he asked. “I haven’t looked around.”

“No, but you don’t feel their heavy weight on your back now,” replied his friend.

“That’s one reason I know I am saved,” explained Sam. “I don’t have the heavy burden of my sins on me any more. The Lord Jesus has taken them all away and has given me peace and joy instead!”

“No more conscience of sins.... their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Heb. 10:2, 17.

ML-08/22/1976

A Hid Treasure

Old Joel was a Christian and he used to hide his money between the pages of his Bible. He thought the money would be safe there.

One night some robbers broke into his house. They hunted all over for his money. They emptied his drawers, they ransacked his cupboards, they lifted up his carpets, they looked behind the pictures. But they didn’t find any money. They never thought of looking in the old Bible which was on the living room table all the time.

The Bible is full of precious treasures. It contains the wonderful story about Jesus the Saviour of sinners. It tells us about God the Father who sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world. It tells about the heavenly home which He has prepared for His children. It tells, too, of Hell, the dreadful place to which all who reject the Lord Jesus will surely go.

Read the Scriptures daily, dear reader, for they are able to make you wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15), and they will lead you “in the way everlasting.”

“How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” Psa. 119:103.

ML-08/22/1976

A Baseball Fan Saved

Tom and I were young fellows together, and baseball was our favorite game. Tom’s parents were real “born again” Christians, and I too had known the Lord Jesus as my Saviour for some time, and had been brought up in a Christian home.

One day coming out of the house I saw Tom coming up the road. “Where are you going?” I called out.

“Up to see the ball game,” he replied.

“Well, I’m going by that way myself,” I said, and so we went along together.

Outside the ball park entrance, I said to him, “Tom, has it ever occurred to you that your folks would be so glad to see you come to the Lord and seek to please Him. Do you know that the Saviour loves you, and did you ever think how He bore your sins in His own body on the tree?” Then I also gave him John 3:16 as a text: “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.”

We closed our eyes, bowed our heads and had a little prayer together, right there outside the ball park. It was then that dear Tom decided for Christ, and the light of the gospel shone into his young heart. He too had found the Saviour, and such a look of happiness spread over his face as the joy of his salvation filled his soul. That was the beginning of days for Tom. Now he was truly saved and on his way to heaven.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

ML-08/22/1976

The Old Rao Pillow

When Adoniram Judson went to Burma with the gospel, he began a translation of the Scriptures into the Burmese language.

But the time came when Judson was put in prison. It was an evil-smelling place; still he wanted to have the pages of his Burmese Bible with him hoping he might finish his translation someday.

His wife, Anne, had a hard time getting things to him in the prison. On one occasion she put a message in a cake she had baked for him. Another time she wrote a note on a scrap of paper put in the spout of an old coffee pot which she sent to him by her faithful servant, Moung-Ing.

But how to get the loose sheets to him was a problem. However, Anne made an old pillow of rags, and stuffing the leaves of the translation inside, she sent it to the prison by Moung-Ing. The jailor let Judson keep his old rag pillow. He did not know the pages of God’s precious Word were hidden inside.

After two years in that vile place, Judson was set free. The jailor took all his possessions for himself, except the rag pillow which he threw out on the scrap heap. Moung-Ing rescued the old rag pillow and Judson got back his most prized possession.

The time came when Judson fished his translation and it was printed. Burma had its first Bible in Burmese. In the years that followed many Burmese were brought to Christ through hearing and reading the Scriptures in their own tongue.

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isa. 45:22.

“Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

ML-08/22/1976

Bible Talks: The Death of Moses

Deuteronomy 34

We now come to the close of the life of this honored servant of God, whose steps we have traced all the way from Egypt, through the wilderness to the borders of Canaan.

“And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho.” He went up alone, it seems, an old man, but surely not sad or sorrowful, judging from his last happy utterances to his people. On the contrary Moses had such joy in God that he did not think of himself at all. From the beginning, when he endured the trials and sufferings in Egypt, he had a bright and blessed faith in God, because he saw Him who is invisible (Heb. 11:23-29).

By faith Moses saw God who rewarded him richly, for he enjoyed more of God’s company than any other Old Testament saint, and the Lord spoke to him as one would speak to his friend. Even at his death the Lord waited on him, for He met him upon Mount Pisgah and granted him a marvelous view of the whole of that fair and glorious land which his people should eventually possess.

“And the Lord showed him all the land,... unto the utmost sea.” Moses saw with his eyes all that good land, and though he could not enter in himself, nevertheless he could rejoice, for by faith he saw the people of the Lord dwelling there according to His word, and this was a supreme satisfaction to this dear servant.

So Moses died there, and the Lord Himself buried him in a valley in the land of Moab. But no one knows of his sepulcher to this day, for men would be quick to make a shrine there and worship the servant rather than God; this God would not allow. Satan tried to get hold of his body to use for his own evil purposes, but Michael the archangel was sent to defeat his intentions.

God loved Moses, and Moses knew it. This is what makes the story of his life so lovely. He lived in this world for 120 years, and from the moment he was born, God had watched over him. He took care of him when as a helpless little babe his believing mother had put him in the ark of bulrushes on the river, then all the time he was in Pharaoh’s court, and when he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the sinful pleasures and riches of Egypt for a season. He was with him during those 40 years in the backside of the desert; then in Egypt again and lastly throughout those long 40 years of wilderness wanderings.

Moses was denied Canaan, but God had something better for him. He spared him the grief of seeing his people turn away from the Lord in their unfaithfulness. Then in the gospels we see him in company with the Son of God on the mountain top of glory.

And Moses will be in His company again, when He comes in His glory and power. Moses will see then how God fulfills all He has spoken about His people.

Israel wept for Moses—after he died. How much better for them-and for him—had they listened more to his words while he was living! But such is the human heart. May we all heed the exhortation: “Remember your leaders who have spoken to you the word of God; and considering the issue of their conversation [manner of life], imitate their faith.” Heb. 13:7. J.N.D. Trans.

“And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.”

ML-08/22/1976

"We Pass By"

Poor Tom was a slave to drink, but during a gospel mission he was soundly converted to God. After that he became a sober respectable man.

Tom was missed down at the tavern, and one day the owner stopped him as he passed by and said, “Tom, what’s gone wrong with you? Why do you pass by instead of coming in?”

Tom stopped for a moment. Then with tears in his eyes and glancing heavenward he replied: “It’s not me who passes by. It’s us Jesus and me-who pass by without stopping.”

“Sin shall not have dominion over you.” Rom. 6:14.

“Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isa. 45:22.

Memory Verse: “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

ML-08/29/1976

The Rescue of Pau Wa Shin

Pau Wa Shin lived in Hong Kong. A terrible storm, called a typhoon, swept over the island wrecking houses and ships and killing a great many people.

Pau was walking along the waterfront when all of a sudden a great whirling gust of wind caught him up and swept him into the sea. No one else nearby could swim, so it seemed as if poor Shin would drown.

However, an Englishman named Mr. Bevan, without stopping to think, dived into the surging waves and catching hold of poor Pau managed to bring him to the steps of the pier. Pau was little the worse for his adventure, but his rescuer was badly hurt by the rocks and the waves.

Pau was profoundly grateful to his great deliverer and made him a present of a beautiful silver cup. He also wrote him a letter. “Gentleman,” he said, “I owe my life to you. You are my savior. You saved my life at the risk of yours. I do not know how to express my gratitude. Myself and family are forever obliged to you for your great kindness and heroism.

“Please graciously accept this silver cup in token of my everlasting gratitude to you.-Yours ever gratefully, Pau Wa Shin.”

Pau was in danger of perishing, and, you, dear reader, if unsaved, are in danger of being eternally lost. Now the Lord Jesus came into the world to save that which was lost. He is the only Saviour, so that your only hope of salvation is through His work upon the cross where He died for sinners. Will you trust Him?

You can express your gratitude to Him for His love, even unto death, not by giving Him a cup, as Pau did to Mr. Bevan, but by accepting a cup.

In Psalm 116 David asked: “What shall I render unto the LORD for all His benefits toward me?” Then he answers this question: “I will take the cup of salvation.” This is the only way a sinner can thank the Lord Jesus for saving him. Then he can let others know what a Saviour Jesus is.

Do not be ashamed to confess His name.

“That 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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Rom. 10:9, 10.

ML-08/29/1976

I Thank Thee, Lord

For life and health and strength,

I thank Thee, Lord, so kind;

I cannot count Thy blessings all,

So many gifts I find.

The little birds have nests,

Safe in the trees so tall,

And I a home; but for Thyself

I thank Thee most of all.

ML-08/29/1976

"Don't Talk to Me!"

In a Christian family there were three little sisters. One day a friend gave them a bag of candy which was shared equally between them.

Beth and Linda, the two older sisters, ate theirs rather sparingly, to make it last, and they kept some for the next day. They each hid what was left over under their clothes in their drawers.

Little Sally, the youngest of the three, who was little more than a baby, had not yet learned to save for the future. Her share was soon gone, and she began to cast longing glances at her sisters who were still enjoying theirs. Later in the day her craving for sweets got the best of her and yielding to temptation, while her sisters were playing outside, she began to rummage through their drawers. Her search was rewarding. The hidden candy was discovered, and soon she was enjoying to the full her coveted find.

Scripture says: “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” Prov. 9:17. It wasn’t long before the last of her sisters’ treasured store had disappeared down the little girl’s tummy.

The next day, sure enough, Beth and Linda discovered their loss. They had little doubt as to who the thief was, and the two young prosecuting attorneys were not long in subjecting Sally to a severe cross-examination. However, no amount of probing or persuasion could force the young culprit to confess. Seated in her high chair she stoutly refused to answer their questions.

“Don’t talk to me!” she exclaimed. “I won’t talk!”

This was a giveaway and an indication of guilt. A little later, standing in a corner with her two interrogators before her, Sally confessed to the theft.

That was long ago. Sally has grown up, a happy Christian young lady, who loves to tell others about her Saviour.

Tiny though she was, Sally had a conscience—that faithful monitor in all of us that first warns, and then convicts when we do wrong. May we ever heed its voice. Sometimes it whispers low when we are first tempted. Then if we do not take heed, it speaks louder and warns us against doing wrong. Then if we fail, it does not let us rest until we have confessed our sin.

Sin does not pay. Sin only brings unhappiness, sorrow, shame and misery. And if unconfessed, it will bring us into judgment. How much better to trust the Lord for salvation and ask Him to keep us from falling.

Thank God there is a remedy for sin, for He 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.

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

ML-08/29/1976

New Testament Men: Mark

Mark was not one of the twelve apostles. John, surnamed Mark (Acts 12:12, 25) — called also Marcus — was the son of Mary, sister to Joses Barnabas. Both he and Mary were of the tribe of Levi, but natives of Cyprus. She was now probably a widow, dwelling at Jerusalem, and opening her house for the disciples to meet in. This was Mark’s home.

Peter calls Mark “my son” (1 Pet. 5:13), so he may have been the means of his conversion from Judaism to Christ. Mark may have been with him at Babylon just then.

Early Christian writers also tell us that Mark wrote his Gospel under Peter’s superintendence, or call him Peter’s amanuensis (letter writer). Be that as it may, Mark, who was not apparently one who had companied with the Lord, does record details which may have been recounted by Peter, always remembering, however, that Mark and other writers of the Bible wrote “as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” and that God often inspired them to relate what they had not seen.

Of Mark’s conversion or death, Scripture tells us nothing, nor does church history enlighten us thereon. His Gospel was written after most of the epistles, about A.D. 68 — possibly after the deaths of Peter and Paul. He comes upon the scene first, in Acts, at Jerusalem, which city he left in the company of Saul and Barnabas (12:25). He seems to have remained with them as their servant (13:5) and to have accompanied them to Cyprus, and thence to Perga, in Asia Minor (13:13), where for some reason he left them and returned to Jerusalem. One false step may lead to sad consequences, as will be seen in Acts 15, for Mark lost the blessing of the company of Paul and the prayers of the brethren, and went instead with his uncle to their native island of Cyprus. It is, however, encouraging to learn that God restored the soul of His servant and again called John Mark into happy fellowship and service with Paul, who, when in prison at Rome, with Mark near to him, expressed his approval of his desire to visit Colosse (Col. 4:10, Philem. 24). And again when Paul was in prison a second time he wrote to Timothy to bring Mark with him (2 Tim. 4:11), alleging that he valued him for his service.

Mark’s Gospel is the shortest, but the one which records many details in the life of the Lord, who is here presented to us as the Servant proclaiming the Word, and the Teacher instructing. His birth is not mentioned, but we may follow Him from the time He was 30 years old to His ascension, observing, as we do so, the rapidity which characterizes Mark in passing from one event to another, and yet the detail; “straightway,” “immediately,” strike us, and he tells us of a “pillow,” and “green grass,” etc. The events and testimony resemble those in another Gospel, but in Mark we have more Christ the Prophet, who is serving and who is rejected. At the end we have a complete, though brief, picture of the close of the Lord’s life on earth. Let us read it and learn of Him!

Glory before thee,

Pilgrim, press on;

Share now the sorrow,

Share soon the crown.

Tell forth the Saviour’s fame,

Honor His holy name,

Bear now His cross and shame,

Pilgrim, press on.

ML-08/29/1976

Frederick's Resolve

When David Livingstone, the African missionary and explorer, was on his last trip to England, he spoke to many school children. He told them stories of the cruel slave trade in Africa and of the great need among the poor people there.

In his audience sat a little fellow named Frederick Stanley Arnot and his mother. Frederick was only six years old, but he listened eagerly to Livingstone and the missionary became his hero. Then and there he decided that when he grew up, he wanted to go to Africa and help his friend. All through his boyhood the idea of going to Africa was uppermost in his mind.

But Frederick had to learn that before the Lord could use him he must be saved. The Lord drew him to Himself, however, and when ten years old, Frederick was converted. It came about this way.

One day he and his friend, Jimmie, went to a neighbor’s orchard and helped themselves to some plums. Jimmie’s older brother saw them from the window and shouted, “Thief! Thief!”

These words so troubled Frederick that the next day, when he had to pass the town prison, he was terrified as he thought he might be taken to prison as a thief. When he saw a policeman bringing a boy to prison who had stolen a pair of boots, Frederick rushed home and hid until bedtime.

When everyone else in the house had gone to bed, Frederick got up saying to himself, “I must tell God about my sin. I must ask Him to forgive me.” While on his knees, he began to cry, feeling he was too bad for God to forgive him. Then he thought about Jesus dying on the cross for his sins. “Jesus had to die for me because I am wicked,” thought Frederick; and there came into his mind the verse his parents had taught him when he was a tiny boy: “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.

At that moment Frederick suddenly knew that he believed on Jesus as his Saviour. He also knew that his sins were forgiven. He went to sleep and the next morning he awoke with a happy heart. The burden of his sin was gone.

Frederick’s desire to take the gospel to the Africans now grew. He felt he had a wonderful message to tell the people of God’s salvation and of God’s forgiveness of sins. When 15, he began to fit himself for his work as a missionary. He learned to be a blacksmith, to repair watches, and how to find his way with a compass. He also preached the gospel with his father in the open air.

When 23 years old, he sailed for Africa. For the next 32 years he spent his life for the Lord and in helping others. When 55, the Lord took him home to heaven. His life was not long, but it was filled in service for his Saviour whom he had learned to love when just a boy.

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

“And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19.

Memory Verse: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

ML-09/05/1976

Tsuchida

Tsuchida lived in Japan. In the village where he lived, at one time he was a man of influence and was honored by his people.

However, when Tsuchida became a Christian, the people turned against him. They persecuted him and treated him with scorn and contempt. On fences and telephone poles throughout the countryside they placed placards which read: “TSUCHIDA, THE CHRISTIAN TRAITOR!”

A missionary asked Tsuchida how he felt about those placards. With tears in his eyes Tsuchida replied, “When I see my name together with that of Christ I feel most unworthy!”

He was a humble Christian who loved his Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he counted it an honor to suffer for Him.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you... If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.” 1 Pet. 4:12, 14.

ML-09/05/1976

Jesus - Saviour and Example

Harry was a clean-living boy and pretty much at peace with himself and the world. He liked to think of Jesus as our Example, but he did not think he needed Him as his Saviour.

One night he went to a gospel meeting and the speaker gave a faithful message. After the service Harry said to him, “I don’t agree with your preaching. You preach too much about Jesus on the cross. I think you should preach more about Him as a good example to follow.”

“Harry,” said the preacher, “you like to think of Jesus as a good example. Do you follow Him?”

“Yes, I follow Him,” said Harry.

“Well,” the preacher went on, “the Bible says, ‘He... did no sin.’ Do you follow Him in that?”

Harry thought seriously and then he confessed, “No, I don’t believe I can altogether. At times I do sin.”

Then the preacher said to him, “Harry, I think you need Jesus as your Saviour. Then you can follow Him as your Example.”

“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.

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

ML-09/05/1976

Rachel

Rachel was a little Jewish orphan. She lived with a lot of other little girls in an orphanage. She longed for a father and mother who would love her. Every night she prayed, asking God to send her loving parents. Then one day God answered her prayers.

A kind Christian man and his wife came to the orphanage and took little Rachel to their home. She was so overjoyed and excited that she ran about the house exclaiming, “I have a daddy; and I have a mamma!”

Rachel always loved her home and her kind parents. She tried to please them in every way. She grew up to be a happy Christian and had a home of her own.

If we take the Lord Jesus into our hearts and bring Him into our homes, we shall have happy homes, too.

ML-09/05/1976

Acrostic

The prophet who stood in the lion’s den,

He feared his God, but he feared not men.

(Dan. 6)

The man who went with his brother meek

To Pharaoh, Egypt’s king, to speak.

(Exo. 5)

The Queen who refused to show her face;

Esther was sent to take her place.

(Esther 1)

The son of her who was sent away

By Abraham from his tent one day.

(Gen. 16)

The great god of the Philistine folk

Which fell before the Ark and broke.

(1 Sam. 5)

The letters first of every name you’ll find

Form the name of the king after God’s own mind.

ML-09/05/1976

Prairie Dogs

Prairie dogs are little animals that live out on the desert and western prairies. They have little tails and short ears and can move quickly.

They build little mounds in which they have their homes, and often you will see many mounds together in one area, for prairie dogs like to live close to one another.

We as Christians, who love the Lord Jesus, should be like them in this respect, for we need one another’s fellowship. Scripture tells us not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is.” (Heb. 10:25.)

Prairie dogs will dig a hole five feet deep in the sand and make a large underground living room where they live and keep their babies.

They like to sit on top of their mounds, for up there they can see all that’s going on. If danger approaches—perhaps a coyote, or a hawk—they make a sharp little cry and then they all dive for safety.

We, too, should be on the lookout for danger. It might be in the form of temptation to do wrong, for Satan is very busy. Our natural hearts love the things of this world, so it is easy to fall into sin. The Lord Jesus is the only safe refuge. If we trust Him as our Saviour, He will keep us safe. May we learn to flee to Him when danger, trial or temptation appear.

David said: “In God is my salvation and my glory: the Rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times.” Psa. 62:7, 8.

ML-09/05/1976

New Testament Men: Matthew

With the Lord’s gracious help we have completed our Talks on the book of Deuteronomy. Before going on with Joshua we thought to run a series of short biographies of New Testament men, reprinted from the past. This will take 12 weeks to complete, after which, the Lord willing, we will return to the Old Testament and begin our meditations on Joshua. We trust this will meet with our readers’ approval.

Matthew

Matthew was one of the twelve apostles. His Gospel was probably the first written, though the order of the books of the Bible does not always correspond with their date. Matthew’s is not the longest gospel, in spite of its containing the most chapters.

Matthew’s own account of his call is contained in one verse (9:9), and he alone styles himself “Matthew the publican,” in the lists of the apostles. Considering how the publicans were hated by the Jews, it would have been natural had he omitted this, but if Jesus was not ashamed to call him to follow Him, Matthew is not ashamed of the truth about his previous life, and afterward never mentions himself, nor does he even add that he made Jesus a “great feast” — he sought not honor from men. This is a good lesson for us. The more we know of Jesus, the less we shall find to say of ourselves. Mark and Luke call him Levi, son of Alphaeus.

Judea was a Roman province, and taxed like one. A publican was a person who farmed the taxes — i.e., he paid a certain fixed sum to the government, and what he collected was then his own. These men often employed others to collect, who in turn extorted what they could over and above for themselves. They were generally Jews, lightly esteemed by their brethren, and classed with “sinners” — with such the Lord sat at meat in Matthew’s house.

Every gospel has its own character, and each writer presents the Lord to us in a different aspect. Matthew sets Him forth as Son of Abraham and David, and in connection with His people Israel. His genealogy through Joseph is given, for by law He was accounted his son. He is the King who comes to reign, but withal Emmanuel the Saviour, the Jehovah-Jesus who should forgive His people’s sins and heal their diseases. (Isa. 53:4, Psa. 103:3.) He came to fulfill this to Israel.

He touched the leper, He healed the sick, He raised the dead, He cast out devils, He calmed the sea, He forgave sins, He gave sight to the blind; the dumb spake, and to the poor the gospel was preached (chaps. 8, 9). He did all that would prove Him to be the expected Messiah. He was more than a prophet, greater than John, greater than Jonas or Solomon (chaps. 11, 12). Yet they refused Him (11:19, 12:10, 14, 24, 34-45). Rejected by those to whom He came, He goes outside to “whosoever” will (12:50, 13:1, 2), and teaches by parables.

The kingdom of heaven is one of Matthew’s great subjects; the King who was refused on earth would rule from heaven, and all that goes on in His name down here during His absence is within the kingdom of the heavens.

The Lord’s last journey to Jerusalem begins at chapter 20:29, and ends in the cross where He gave His life a ransom for many. The ascension is not mentioned by Matthew. Let these few words about this beautiful Gospel encourage us to read it afresh for ourselves.

ML-09/05/1976

Leonardo Da Vinci

Many of our readers will be familiar with the name of Leonardo da Vinci, the famous Italian artist, sculptor and carver. He lived in Milan, one of the old cities of Italian story. The people there still tell the tale of his life among them years ago.

In his time one corner of the quaint market place was occupied by dealers selling cages of beautiful birds caught in the forests of Italy, or freshly stolen from the nest. Day by day Leonardo would walk down the street to the market place and there he might be found buying from the dark-eyed peasant lads their frightened fluttering prisoners.

These ragged barefoot boys used to watch for his coming, and nudge one another as the “crazy painter” came in sight, certain of a ready sale for their birds. No matter how many he bought one day, the next he was back for more.

“What can he want them for?” they asked, and perhaps you do, too.

Let us follow him as he makes his way through the thronged marketplace, his arms full of cages and more cages slung on his back. The chattering peasants smile and point after him as he passes out of sight. On he goes until he reaches the pleasant fields and hedgerows. Then, oh so tenderly, so gently, a smile of joy shining on his face, he opens every cage and sets the birds free!

The flower-scented summer air is filled with the happy song of birds as, wild with delight at their freedom, they soar upward into the blue sky. Leonardo da Vinci stands watching them with the greatest pleasure and an echo of their joy is in his own heart.

We cannot help admiring the great painter in his lowly work of love to God’s creatures.

We may see in his act a picture of God’s wonderful gospel. God is Himself the great Artist and Sculptor of the universe. He sees poor souls caught in the snares of Satan, and caged by sin, and He looks down upon them with the greatest love and compassion. The Lord Jesus Christ, His beloved Son, died to redeem these souls. To those who have trusted Him as Saviour, whom He has redeemed by His precious blood, He says now, “Ye are bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20)—His own life laid down for them. And so God finds supreme delight in setting prisoners free from sin, and death and judgment.

Dear reader, are you still bound with the chain of your sins? Do you long to be free? Jesus will set you free. Only He can open the door of your prison. Listen!

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36. “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32.

Believe that Jesus died to purchase you, and He will set you free from all guilt of sin and Satan’s power. Then let your heart sing out His praises in the sunshine of His love, as the birds set free sang in the joy of their liberty.

I will sing of my Redeemer

And His wondrous love to me;

How He purchased my redemption

With His blood, and set me free.

Memory Verse: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” Psalm 103:8

ML-09/12/1976

Out of the Horrible Pit

George liked to give his testimony, and tell how he got saved.

“I was in the horrible pit of sin,” he would say, “and could not get out. One day the Saviour came to me. He didn’t give me advice. He didn’t tell me how bad I was. But He put His loving arms around me and lifted me up out of the pit of sin. He placed my feet on a solid rock.

“I found out that He had died for my sins on the cross and that the old account was settled long ago. I believed His Word and He saved me. Since then my grateful song has been:

My hope on nothing less is built

Than Jesus, and the blood He spilt;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on His blest name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

“BLESSED IS THE MAN TO WHOM THE LORD WILL NOT IMPUTE SIN.” Rom. 4:8

ML-09/12/1976

Chundra's Discovery

There are many thousands of little orphan boys and girls in India, and Chundra was one of them. She was a sad little girl, not merely because she had no father or mother to love and care for her, but because the burden of her sins weighed heavily on her little heart. She longed to know forgiveness.

Chundra made four long pilgrimages hoping to find forgiveness and peace. Along the way she suffered a great deal, but nothing seemed to help her. Each time she brought her burden back with her, and it was always heavier than before. There was no peace in her heart; all was dark and hopeless.

Long hours she sat under the burning rays of the hot sun and surrounded by fires. Then on wintry nights she would sit in icy water for hours counting beads. But still she found no peace of heart. The heavy burden of her sins was still there.

At last one day a missionary met Chundra and spoke to her of the Saviour. He told her that God loved her and that He freely forgives all who come and put their trust in Jesus, His dear Son, for salvation from their sins. He told her Jesus had died upon the cross and shed His precious blood to wash her sins away. Now she could have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the only way she could know forgiveness and peace was through believing in Jesus.

And Chundra listened to that wonderful message of the gospel, and she believed. She received Him by faith into her heart as her own Saviour.

Immediately she felt the burden of her sins was gone-and gone forever! She had a peace she had never known before. Her heart, so long filled with sorrow, was now filled with gladness, so that she went about singing little songs of praise to Him who had done all this for her.

O the power of the name of Jesus! “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” Psa. 107:9.

“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.

Chundra had found a Friend in Jesus, “a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Prov. 18:24. She had found, too, a loving Father who cared for her and watched over her night and day.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

“Come unto Me and rest;

Lay down, thou weary one, lay down

Thy head upon My breast.”

I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary, and worn, and sad;

I found in Him a resting place,

And He has made me glad.

ML-09/12/1976

The Price of His Soul

There was once a man who joined in the gold rush and went to California. After some time he decided to go back East again. As he and others were crossing the Mississippi, their boat struck a rock and sank not far from shore. Those who could swim swam to shore and were saved. Some, however, were drowned.

Among those drowned was the man we have been telling about. He was a good swimmer. They could not understand why he had drowned.

When his body was recovered, they discovered that around his waist he wore a belt. To the belt were fastened bags filled with gold nuggets. The weight of the gold had carried him down to a watery grave. Could he not have taken off the belt and saved his life? It seems he did not want to give up his gold, until it was too late.

How many thousands there are like that poor man. They are more attached to earthly riches than heavenly things. But, “what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.

ML-09/12/1976

New Testament Men: Luke

The “most excellent Theophilus,” to whom Luke wrote two lengthy epistles, his Gospel, and the Acts, is totally unknown to us in any other way. It would be interesting if we unravel his history, or ask him to relate us further details about his friend. That Luke was a Gentile, we may gather from the fact that Paul’s mention of those who “are of the circumcision” (Jews) excludes Luke, of whom he speaks directly after as “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:10, 11, 14). But for this verse, we should not have guessed he was a doctor.

Twice more Paul writes of him from his Roman prison. “Lucas, my fellow laborer” (Philem. 24), and “only Luke is with me” (2 Tim. 4:11). Some years, be it remarked, elapsed between these two mentions of him, and Paul had been set at liberty during that time.

But there is another way of learning about Luke. In reading Acts, we may notice the change of pronoun. It first occurs in chapter 16. In verse 8 it is, “they” came to Troas: there Luke must have joined Paul, for he continues “we” and “us” for some verses. By noting these changes carefully, we may infer when Luke was of the company and when not, as for example, he was not imprisoned at Philippi, but six or seven years later he rejoined Paul in the same place. He also accompanied him to Jerusalem, and then to Rome, where he seems to have remained near him, probably to the end. He is said to have suffered martyrdom himself at an advanced age.

He was not one of the twelve apostles, yet he writes as vividly as if he had been an eyewitness of the Lord’s life. Inasmuch as he had “perfect understanding of all things from the very first,” we might expect to find in his gospel a full account of the blessed One, whom he describes “as He was, a man on the earth — the Person whom we should have met every day had we lived, at that time, in Judea or in Galilee.” Such lovely stories as Luke tells us too! Where besides can we read any like those of Zacchaeus, Lazarus and the rich man, the ten lepers, the walk to Emmaus, and many more?

In this Gospel the lineage of the Lord is traced back to Adam, as if to remind us that, though Adam had failed when placed down here in the garden of God, the last Adam would not, could not, even though in a world of sin, and tempted by the devil. Adam brought in sin; Jesus would deliver from its power. The Lord’s genealogy given here is through Mary.

If Luke describes in his gospel the life of the Son of man, in his second book he relates the acts of the Holy Ghost, that second divine Person who was to take His place down here, and, it may be added, who is still here. It was in His power that Peter, and Philip, and Stephen, and Paul were enabled to preach, and suffer, and die as described in Acts, and it was all done for the glory of the One whose life and death Luke related in his gospel. May the same motive govern our lives, too!

“Go on!”

If the Saviour’s won your heart,

And for heav’n you’ve made a start,

Keep your eye upon the chart,

And — go on!

Feed on Christ, the living Bread,

Drink of Him, the Fountain Head,

Think of why His blood was shed,

And — go on!

Soon each act will meet the light,

Then we’ll value things aright;

Ever keep THAT DAY in sight,

And — go on!

ML-09/12/1976

The African Boy

Fred Arnot, the missionary, was one day traveling through the African jungle. He was tired and thirsty after walking many miles, so he entered into a hut to rest a little while.

The native children gathered around and gazed with deep wonder at the missionary, for they had never seen a white man before. Mr. Arnot had a sweet smile which won the hearts of many of the children. They came closer, encouraged by his smile, and at last one little fellow drew nearer than the rest and in his own artless manner he gave expression to his puzzled mind.

“White man,” said the little fellow, “please tell me what river you wash in, and can I wash there, too?”

This opened up a subject dear to the missionary’s heart, so he explained to those little African boys and girls that the color of our skin doesn’t make any difference with God, but the color of our hearts. A white man’s heart may be just as black as an African’s, but when cleansed with the blood of Jesus, an African Christian’s heart will be just as white and pure as that of a white Christian. But he went on to tell that only the blood of Jesus can wash away sin’s stains, and the longer we go on in sin, the blacker our hearts will get.

The missionary told the little African boys and girls that they should not seek to have skins white like the white man, but that they should seek to have their souls made whiter than any white man’s skin by believing in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and being cleansed in His precious blood.

“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.

“For skins of every color,

From lands between the poles,

Are welcome to God’s heaven

If they have blood-washed souls.”

Jesus died for little children,

All the children of the world:

Red and yellow, black and white,

All are precious in His sight;

Jesus died for all the children of the world.

“It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:14

Memory Verse: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid.” Isaiah 12:2

ML-09/19/1976

A Song From the Sea

Sandy was a Christian fisherman in the North of Scotland. One day when he was returning from a fishing trip, suddenly there came on a terrible storm of wind which overturned his boat. He and all the crew were thrown into the water.

Sandy’s son was drowned before his eyes, but he himself managed to keep afloat and drifted far away from the other men.

He could not see any land; his strength was failing, and he felt that before long he would be in the presence of the One whom he loved and had served for many years.

With the little strength that was left he sang:

Lord Jesus! to tell of Thy love

Our souls shall forever delight,

And sing of Thy glory above,

In praises by day and by night.

Sandy was nearer land than he imagined. In a little village on the coast some fishermen were surprised to hear the sound of singing being wafted across the waves. Darkness had fallen; they could see nothing. But a boat was hastily manned, and the men followed the sound of the singing. They were just in time. Sandy was rescued, taken ashore and put to bed.

The next day the villagers came to see the man who had been found under such extraordinary circumstances. Sandy rose and dressed, though still suffering from the effects of the many hours spent in the cold water, and mourning the loss of his dear boy, he went to the living room packed with people.

He told them what had happened and preached the gospel to them. He told them that there was a time when he realized he was a sinner. But he learned that, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15. Trusting in the Saviour, there resting his soul upon His finished work upon the cross, he knew what it was to be cleansed by His precious blood and saved.

“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-09/19/1976

Lost and Found

A tiny baby was found in a basket on a doorstep. They carried her to the local hospital and the nurses all fell in love with the little thing. They took her to their home and called her Mary Lost.

The nurses taught her about Jesus who loves and died for little boys and girls. While still a little child Mary opened her heart to the Saviour and became a Christian. She was a “new creature in Christ Jesus.”

After that Mary went on her own to the superintendent of the nurses’ home and told her she didn’t want to be called Mary Lost any more. “Jesus has found me,” she said, “and now I want to be called Mary Found.” And so she was from then on.

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it. And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.” Luke 15:4-6.

ML-09/19/1976

Where Do We Go From Here?

Years ago the American troop-ship, Tuscania, filled with young American soldiers, was sunk off the coast of Ireland. It is said that as the ship took the fatal plunge, many of the men sang lustily, “Where do we go from here?”

How sad that so many dear boys, the flower of our nation and the joy and hope of many hearts and homes, should pass into eternity not knowing where they were going. And yet Scripture is so plain.

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

Dear reader, if you were facing death, what answer could you give to the question,” Where do we go from here?”

If you were asked the question,

“Where will you go from here?”

Could you give back the answer,

With confidence and cheer:

“Trusting in Christ, my Saviour,

Who bought me with His blood,

I’ll go from here to heaven;

I’ll be at home with God?”

Others are coming to Him!

Oh take Him while you may!

Cast all your doubts behind you,

And come to Christ today.

Then should Death sound your summons,

You need not have a fear.

Receive Him as your Saviour,

And go to Heaven from HERE!

ML-09/19/1976

No Half Crowns

In England a Christian was preaching the gospel to a crowd gathered on the street corner. A man, driving past, shouted, “Sir, you’ll be getting a half-crown for that job!”

“No, sir, you’re wrong,” replied the speaker instantly. “The Lord Jesus doesn’t give half crowns. He gives whole crowns to those who serve Him faithfully.” And we read that in heaven they will cast their crowns at His feet. (Rev. 4:10.)

Here are some of the crowns promised in Scripture: “A crown of rejoicing” (1 Thess. 2:19); “a crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:8); “a crown of glory” (1 Pet. 5:4); “a crown of life” (Jas. 1:12).

ML-09/19/1976

Bible Searchers

We are now in the book of Ruth in our Bible Questions for Young People and Adults. In the Scripture Search for Children and Early Teens we are in Luke. If you would like to join us in answering these questions, write for Bible Searcher worksheets to be mailed along with your regular subscription to Messages of the Love of God. We will send you back issues from May when the new year began.

We are thankful for all who answered the Bible Searchers last year. We trust your reward reached you safely. We hope, too, that you will continue to read your Bible every day and fill out your worksheets. Mail them in as promptly as possible.

If you live far away and your Bible Searchers are late in arriving, answer the Questions and mail them in as soon as you can. You will still receive full credit. There is no reward, however, for any answering less than four times.

ML-09/19/1976

New Testament Men: John

John was one of the twelve apostles. He and James (called the Greater) were the sons of Zebedee and his wife Salome, who was sister to Mary, the mother of our Lord. Zebedee was a well-to-do fisherman, owning boats and nets and hired servants. Of him we hear little, whereas his wife is often mentioned. John, who was thus nearly related to Jesus, had been a fisherman, and he and his brother were surnamed by Him “sons of thunder” — they were fearless, impulsive characters.

A good deal may be learned of the daily life of John. Let us take Mark’s account of him. It was from the shores of the Sea of Galilee, from mending nets, that John was called to follow Jesus, and then his name appears in the list of the apostles. He was one of the three who were called to follow Jesus when He raised the twelve-year-old daughter of the ruler; and he was of the same three when they beheld a very different scene the Lord’s transfiguration, a sample of the kingdom of God coming with power. “We were eye witnesses of His majesty,” one of them wrote later on.

It was John who told the Master that they had seen one casting out devils in His name, and had forbidden him so to do; and again, John and his brother came asking to sit on either side of Him in glory. Both these occasions called forth memorable words from the Lord, but James and John earned the displeasure of the other disciples the last time. John was of the four who asked Jesus in private the question to which Matthew 24 and 25 give us so interesting an answer as to future events.

The rest of John’s history may be filled up with his own gospel, where we learn that during the last supper, which he had been sent with Peter to prepare (Luke 22), he was lying on Jesus’ breast, and near enough to inquire who it was that should betray Him. We also learn that John was an acquaintance of Caiaphas, and thus gained entrance into the palace of the high priest where Jesus was; he brought in Peter, too. The touching scene on the cross when the Lord committed His mother to John will never be forgotten, nor that after the resurrection he was the first disciple who arrived at the sepulcher, though Peter entered it before him.

At the Sea of Tiberias, whence John had been called to follow the Master, he is betrayed into following Peter “a fishing” again. But John first recognized the Lord on the shore, and was then a witness of His closing hours on earth. He was one of the 120 who awaited the coming of the Holy Ghost in an upper room at Jerusalem (Acts 1), and later on with Peter he cured the lame man, and was imprisoned in consequence. Then when Samaria received the word, he was sent thither with Peter to ensure for Gentiles the gift of the Holy Ghost.

In Revelation John describes visions at Patmos, an island in the Grecian Archipelago, whither he was banished “for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ,” and where it is believed that that book was written. His three epistles may have been sent from Ephesus, which again became his abode after his exile, and was possibly the place of his death, A.D. 100.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9

ML-09/19/1976

Close Call on the Turnpike

“Breaker, breaker, how about a base? I have an emergency!”

“Go ahead, you’ve got your base!”

Such was the sudden startling conversation that C.B. owners picked up as the big trucks rolled on through the night.

Ron Clark was both owner and operator of his own rig. Heading east on the Ohio Turnpike about 12:00 midnight he had come up with a camper traveling in front of him. Nothing seemed unusual, but as he watched intently, he noticed a small child open the rear door of the camper and fall out.

A skilled truck driver, Ron was able to bring his big rig to a halt in seconds.

Without a moment to waste he jumped from the rig to assist the child. He did not know what he would find as he walked toward the still small figure. Would he find the child badly mangled, or possibly dead?

As he neared the body, the child reached out and spoke to him. Surprised that the boy was conscious, he knelt beside him. There seemed to be no visible signs of a fall.

The boy’s first words were not of concern for himself, but for the trucker. “Are you a Christian?” he asked.

Ron was impressed with the boy’s deep concern for him and replied, “Yes, I am a Christian.”

Immediately the boy seemed relieved. By this time another trucker had stopped to assist, but everything was under control.

Mr. and Mrs. Danston were traveling on the turnpike that night, while their two boys slept in the camper. Walking in his sleep, David had crawled over his brother, opened the rear door and fallen out. While he was falling, he saw the truck coming and immediately took action to avoid getting hit. The boy only received a fractured wrist and was released from the hospital that same night and taken home to rest.

The Danstons were a Christian family. The following night they were having a Bible study and prayer meeting in their home. They were praising God for His care over David and for sending Ron just in time to rescue their dear boy.

While they were praising God, the doorbell rang. To their surprise it was Ron. He had a very serious look on his face. They knew he was concerned about their boy, but this went deeper. Ron explained how David had asked him if he were a Christian. Ron had said he was when actually he was not. They went upstairs where David was resting, and there Ron heard the gospel, how that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23), that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; He died for Ron, too, and if he would but believe on Him, he, too, would be saved.

Ron went on his way, and it is not known if he received Christ as his Saviour. We can only hope that he will be among the redeemed who will sing the Saviour’s praise in heaven in that coming day. But it was evident that that night he came face to face with God.

Maybe God has spoken to you as He did to Ron. “For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not... He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing.” Job 33:16, 18. Do not turn a deaf ear to His pleadings. God loves you; Christ Jesus died for you. You can be saved NOW, and forever. Tell Him you are sorry for all your sins, that you want to have them all blotted out by His precious blood, and that you really mean what you say.

“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 he saved!’ Rom. 10:9.

(Adapted from the Highway Evangelist)

ML-09/26/1976

Bobby and the Train

Bobby, who was just four years old, and his little sister, had been left in the care of a neighbor while their father and mother went into the city on the train.

Hearing that his parents would be coming home on the next train, little Bobby slipped out of the house when no one was looking and started off to the station, as fast as his little legs could carry him.

Arriving there he heard the whistle of the train away down the track. Unaware of his danger, he started off down the line to meet the train. He just knew that his father and mother were on that train, and he couldn’t wait to see them again.

It so happened that Jimmie, the paper boy, standing on the platform caught sight of the little fellow running up the track. At the risk of his own life Jimmie jumped down on the track, seized Bobby and sprang up onto the platform again just as the train roared into the station.

When Bobby’s parents stepped off the train, they saw a large crowd gathered around a small boy-it was their own Bobby. They were soon told the story of how he nearly lost his life, and you can imagine how both mother and father thanked God as they hugged and kissed their little lad. You may be sure, too, that Jimmie came in for unbounded grateful thanks and a reward for saving their dear little son’s life.

If you have not trusted Jesus as your Saviour, you, too, are in danger, dear reader. Bobby did not realize his peril, and perhaps you do not either. It is a solemn thing not to be saved, when judgment, like a train coming down the track, is on the way.

But there is One who loves you and whose outstretched arms will immediately reach out and lift you to a place of everlasting safety, if you will only let Him. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:31.

ML-09/26/1976

The Old Home

Charles and Harry lived with their parents in a home in the country. Their father and mother were dear Christians, but the boys did not follow on in the path of faith their parents trod. When they grew up, both boys went to work in the city and prospered, but they left God out of their lives. On occasions they would visit their old father and mother in the country.

The time came when their parents both went home to heaven. Their boys decided to tear down the old farm house and build a summer home there.

But one day as they walked around the old home, they entered the living room, and Charles sat down in a chair.

Harry walked back and forth in front of the fireplace.

“Harry,” said Charles at last, “I’ve changed my mind. We can’t tear this old house down. It is too filled with sacred memories!”

“I’ve been thinking the same thing, Charles,” returned Harry. Then he pointed to the chair where his father used to sit. “There’s the old chair Dad sat in when he read the Bible to us in our family worship. Here are the chairs where we knelt when he used to lift up his heart to God and pray for us!”

A long time the brothers stayed in the old home and talked things over. It seemed that God by His Spirit was speaking to them both, for finally they got down on their knees by the old chair where their father had sat. Tears began to flow, and they both wept out their hearts before God in true repentance for their sins of many years.

When Charles and Harry returned to the city, they went back as saved men, ready to spend their lives and their means for the Lord.

The old house was left standing just as it was. Many a happy hour the boys spent mid happy memories of the past, while they looked forward to meeting their dear parents in heaven.

ML-09/26/1976

New Testament Men: Paul

To write a complete history of Paul in these pages would be impossible. Noted men have spent years in studying his life, and in writing most interesting volumes on it, many of which may be read with profit.

Of Saul’s parents we only know that they must have been in a position to afford their son all the advantages of his time. He was born at Tarsus "no mean city” (Acts 21:39); he was a Roman freedman, of the tribe of Benjamin (as was his namesake, the first King of Israel), and a strict Pharisee. He was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, the famous master of the day; but according to Jewish custom, he was also taught a trade, and learned to make the camel’s-hair tents, for which the province of Cilicia was famous.

We are introduced to Saul as a “young man” (Acts 7:58, 22:20), at whose feet the cruel murderers of the first martyr, Stephen, deposited their clothes. He gave his voice against the followers of Jesus, although he did it ignorantly (1 Tim. 1:13). Saul appears as “a blasphemer, persecutor, and injurious"; and it is worthy of note that the last picture given us of his life shows us Paul, the persecuted one; he changed characters and places. “Paul, the aged,” is in a Roman prison, awaiting his summons to appear before the brutal Nero, having been once already delivered out of the mouth of the lion; he is in chains, he has only Luke with him, and asks for a cloak (winter is approaching) and his books (2 Tim.).

What a scene! Who shall fill in the details of all that happened between his first appearance and his last? His own account of his life may give us some slight idea of it (read 2 Cor. 4:7-12; 6:3-10; 11:21-33); and who could ever be tired of following the graphic recital of his missionary journeys by his devoted friend and companion, Luke?

Paul was not one of the twelve who had companied with Jesus when on earth, though he was none the less an apostle, because when he was converted on the road to Damascus, he saw the Lord in glory as really as Peter had seen Him on earth (compare Acts 1:21 and 1 Cor. 9:1). An apostle evidently is one that must have seen the Lord, though the word is used very occasionally for disciples (Acts 14:14). Paul was an apostle of the circumcision or of the Jews. After his own nation had put from them the Word of God, he turned to the Gentiles, for so, said he, has the Lord commanded (Acts 13).

His epistles, many of them written in prison, form a unique collection of letters, for which we shall always have to thank God. No human pen has produced such among any ancient writings. Their chronological order does not concur with their place in the Bible. 1 Thessalonians was the first written, and 2 Timothy probably the last, while something like twelve years elapsed between them. Most were written to churches or assemblies, others to individuals whom he loved. His warm heart is shown by his many greetings to absent friends.

ML-09/26/1976

Too Late!

A volcano called the Soufriere was located on the northwest section of St. Vincent, a beautiful green windward island in the West Indies. Although this volcano was mostly dormant and had not erupted for many years, every so often rumblings could be heard from within. Such activity gave warnings that fiery forces were building up within the bowels of the volcano and that a full-scale eruption might take place.

Now, when volcanos erupt, they may do so very suddenly. Often with little warning, red-hot molten lava will be spewed out, raining fiery destruction on every living thing in its path. In order to prevent people from perishing in such a disaster, the government of St. Vincent appointed a guard to be “keeper of the Soufriere.” Brother Edwards, a dependable Christian man was chosen for this important position. Mr. Edwards lived in a little house on the slope of the small mountain which contained the volcano. It was his responsibility to warn the neighbors to flee to safety when especially violent rumblings signaled the likelihood of a volcanic eruption.

In a similar way, dear reader, God has appointed workers in our time who are warning sinners to flee to Christ, the only place of safety. Also the Bible contains many warnings of judgment to come. “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:7; and “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night... the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Pet. 3:10. Just as man could not predict the day that the Soufriere would erupt, so man cannot predict the day that God’s judgment will fall on this world of sinners.

“Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.” Matt. 25:13.

One morning, Mr. Edwards arose as usual, read his Bible, asked God’s help for the day. He was just finishing breakfast when he heard the ominous rumblings. As he listened, the rumblings grew louder and louder. Realizing that the volcano was about to erupt, he immediately left his breakfast and ran down the slope shouting for all the local residents to flee to safety.

Some laughed at him saying, “We’ve heard these rumblings all our lives and nothing has ever come of it.” Others said, “There isn’t any hurry because if the volcano does erupt, it won’t for several days yet, so we are going to save as many of our belongings as we can. We have lots of time!”

“No!” “No!” Mr. Edwards shouted. “Leave now for the volcano may erupt at any moment!” A few people believed Mr. Edward’s message and retreated with him to safety down the mountain side. Sad to say, many rejected or neglected the warning, some even making fun of those who heeded the alarm.

Suddenly the volcano erupted with a violent roar, spewing out red-hot lava. Many of the unbelieving neighbors perished in the fiery destruction, some were cut off as they were trying to escape at the last moment! Too late!

Dear reader, this is only a very faint picture of the terrible eternal destruction that awaits the multitudes of unsaved souls who have neglected or rejected God’s warning of judgment to come. Do you believe the warnings of Scripture? Scripture plainly states that the only hope of escape is in Christ. Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”

Put your trust in Christ today before it is too late! “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2.

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

ML-10/03/1976

Saved

Mrs. Carter was nearly 100 years old. She had a little friend, named Joanne, who visited her every few days and did small jobs for her around the house.

Joanne was a Christian, and she loved to tell old Mrs. Carter about the Lord Jesus who came into this world to save sinners. The old lady would listen very carefully and then proceed to tell Joanne all the good things she had done. She hoped that her good deeds would one day get her into heaven. Joanne was grieved that her old friend persisted in this reasoning for she knew the Scripture says: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2:8, 9. “There is nothing we can do to merit salvation,” Joanne told her, but Jesus has already done it all on the cross.

Joanne prayed for her old friend, asking the Lord to save her even in her last hours.

One day after Joanne finished washing the dishes, she sat down on the sofa with old Mrs. Carter to read her stories from the Sunday school paper. What was her surprise and joy to hear the old lady say, “Do you know that I was saved just last week? I came to the Lord Jesus just as I was, and He saved me.”

A few weeks later this dear old lady passed peacefully away to be with the Lord Jesus. Her last words were, “I’m going Home now!”

ML-10/03/1976

Just in Time!

A fire was raging in a large building. It was thought that all had escaped when suddenly someone saw a man hanging by his hands from a window in an upper story. They quickly brought a ladder, but it was too short to reach him. A fireman climbed up as far as he could and called to the man to drop down to him. But he did not answer—alas, he was deaf and dumb.

How sad to be so near certain death, and yet deaf to the offers of salvation!

But there are many boys and girls and older folks, too, who are deaf to the offers of salvation for their souls. Are you one of them, dear reader? The man in our story needed to be saved from a burning building; you need to be saved from a burning hell. He needed salvation for his body; you need salvation for your soul. Do not turn a deaf ear any longer to the voice of the Spirit, but hear the warnings of love and be saved.

With great difficulty a brave fireman climbed up so that he could touch the foot of the poor man and attract his attention. Praise God! He was saved just in time!

The fire of God’s judgment is before those who die in their sins, but God has provided a way of escape.

“How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?" Heb. 2:3. One must own himself a guilty sinner deserving punishment and believe that the Lord Jesus came down from heaven and bore his sins on Calvary’s cross.

Believe and you will be saved, dear reader—saved from an endless hell, and saved to spend eternity with that precious Saviour who loved you and gave Himself for you.

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

ML-10/03/1976

New Testament Men: James

Following the King James Version and order of the New Testament, brings us to James as the next of its authors or writers.

That there were three disciples of the same name seems clear:

1. James (and John), son of Salome and Zebedee, called the Greater.

2. James (and Joses), son of Mary and Cleopas, called the Less.

3. James (and Joses, Simon, Jas), the Lord’s brother, called the Just.

It is with the last named that we have to do here, inasmuch as he is the author of the epistle called after him. He was not one of the twelve apostles. In John 7:5, we read, “Neither did His brethren believe on Him,” showing that James was not among the followers of Jesus at that time. Many think that he only became a disciple after the crucifixion; perhaps, indeed, he is the James to whom the Lord appeared (1 Cor. 15:7) after His resurrection, an interview of which we have no other record.

That the Lord’s brethren had witnessed some of His mighty works (see Matt. 12:46; 13:55; Luke 8:19; John 2), and that they were at last really converted, is evident from the fact that they were gathered with the apostles at Jerusalem, awaiting the descent of the Holy Spirit.

In the upper room then we start with James (Acts 1:14), and he seems to have made Jerusalem his abode until his death or martyrdom, which took place shortly before the siege of Titus. Perhaps James 5:6 is his own way of speaking of it. Josephus tells us that he was stoned to death by the Jews, and adds that this crime was punished by the destruction of the city. Others say that he was thrown down from the temple and afterward slain — so it seems clear that he was martyred.

James certainly occupied a place of power in the early Church in that city, and hence he has often been styled its bishop or overseer. After the great persecution at Stephen’s death, believers were scattered from Jerusalem, except the apostles, among whom the Lord’s brother was chief. A great company of priests there were obedient to the faith, and thousands of Jews believed, but were still under the law of Moses, and had not given up frequenting the temple and the synagogue. It was a moment of transition or change, and it required time for a Jew to comprehend that Christ was the end of the law, and that God was no longer dwelling in their beautiful temple made with hands, and still standing.

Paul went to Jerusalem after his conversion to visit Peter, and only saw James besides (Gal. 1). At the conference there later on, at which Paul and Barnabas were delegates, James could say, “My sentence is...,” etc. (Acts 15.) Paul calls him a pillar, and refers to his influence over Peter (Gal. 2). Then when Paul went again to Jerusalem (Acts 21), he declared to James what God had wrought by him, and received advice from him which may be questioned; but we must remember the influence the temple and Jewish observances exercised over the dwellers in that city.

These facts show us the place James occupied, and it is from this standpoint that he writes his epistle. His subject is — “The practical life of the poor of the flock, who still frequented the synagogue; the denunciations against the rich unbelievers.” He desires that the “external practical life should correspond with the inner divine life of the Christian,” which, indeed, we ought all to seek after. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” James writes to the whole people of Israel, to whom the promises of God were being presented in the gospel.

ML-10/03/1976

Having Fun

A large mother hippopotamus was playing with her baby hippo in the Nile River one day. What queer tricks they performed. Standing on the bank of the river was a crowd of dark-skinned natives who watched the performance with great excitement and delight.

Now the young one was wallowing in the river-now riding on its mother’s back. What fun they were having splashing around in the water!

Suddenly something very surprising happened. All at once mother hippo opened her huge mouth very wide and the baby jumped inside, disappearing from view as the mother’s jaws closed. What happened? Had she swallowed her baby? If so, why? There was no apparent reason, but mother hippo must have sensed some danger in the river, and this was her way of shielding her baby from harm. Obviously, her mouth was large enough to enable her to close her jaws without hurting her baby.

Sometime later when the danger seemed to have passed, mother hippo opened her mouth again and baby hippo came out safe and unharmed.

Kangaroos, too, have a wonderful way of protecting their young. Mother kangaroo has a little pouch in which she carries her young. Wherever she hops the little one is taken in comfort and safety, being able at the same time to peep out and enjoy the view. Any person foolish enough to try to interfere and harm the baby would be driven away quickly by a blow from the mother’s powerful legs.

How wonderfully God has provided even dumb animals with wisdom. What precautions they take against danger. So in everyday life, when we see danger threatening, our first thought is to find a refuge or shelter. How true and up-to-date is our Bible, for it says, “A prudent man forseeth the evil and hideth himself: but the simple pass on and are punished.” Prov. 22:3.

How foolish we would be if we saw danger and did not take precautions. And yet there is evil and danger, unseen by natural eyes, but which is far more solemn than that which can be seen. It is the danger of eternal punishment against sin which awaits all those who know not Christ as their Saviour. All who believe on Him are safe from judgment.

Have you, dear reader, taken refuge in Jesus, the only Saviour of sinners? He is the Rock of Ages, even as the psalmist could say, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strong rock in whom I will trust.” Psalm 18:2. “Flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:7.

Memory Verse: “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble: and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7

ML-10/10/1976

"Daddy, Is God Dead?"

Mr. Harvey had once professed to be a Christian, but he had gotten away from the Lord and become a backslider.

One day his little girl looked up earnestly into his face and inquired, her lips quivering the meanwhile, “Daddy, is God dead?”

“Why, no, my pet,” he replied. “Why do you ask that?”

“Why, Daddy, ‘cause you never talk to Him now like you used to,” she answered with emotion.

These words from his little girl went home to the father’s heart like an arrow; they haunted him day and night. Finally he broke down before the Lord, confessed his sin and failure in neglecting prayer and reading his Bible, and the Lord graciously restored him to communion, joy and peace with Himself.

“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.

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.” Matt. 18:10, 11.

ML-10/10/1976

Lost Susie

Little Susie and her mother and father were attending a Bible conference. After supper was an open-air street preaching across the street and Susie’s daddy went to the meeting. Susie asked if she might go with him, but he told her she must stay by her mother.

However, Susie thought her own ideas better suited her purpose and, quietly stealing away from her mother’s side when no one was looking, she went to find her daddy. She hadn’t noticed which way her daddy went and she walked the opposite direction. On she went hoping to find him, but alas, he was nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile the street meeting ended and daddy returned to the conference ground.

Little Susie walked about two miles down the road in search of her daddy. Then finally a car pulled up beside the curb and an elderly couple asked the little girl where she was going.

“To find my daddy,” she replied. “And where is your daddy?”

“At the meeting.”

At last after some questioning they took her to the police station.

Meanwhile, Mother and Daddy were frantic and everyone was searching for Susie. Finally they went to the police station and there was poor, disobedient little Susie. How glad she was to see her dear father and mother again!

You and I are just like Susie, dear young reader. We were lost, and the Lord Jesus had to come to seek us. He tells us in His Word, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Without Him we would all be lost and on our way to judgment. But the Good Shepherd loved us and died for our sins. When we meet Him and trust Him as our Saviour, then we are “found,” and He will never let us be lost again, for He keeps us safe forever.

ML-10/10/1976

A Step at a Time

It was growing dark in the old barn, and to little Freddie straying in and out of the fading afternoon light it looked more shadowy still.

But someone was moving about in the hay overhead, and the little fellow came to the foot of the ladder and called out: “Is you up there, Grandpa? I want to come up.”

“All right, come along then,” was the cheery response.

But the little foot paused at the foot of the ladder, and a troubled face was lifted up toward the dim loft.

“Grandpa, I can’t see the top step,” came the small voice again.

Then came a reassuring laugh from above. “Put your foot on the rung where you are, little man, and climb up. The last step is here; you’ll see it when you get to it.” Thus assured, Freddie mounted the ladder and soon felt himself lifted into the mow by Grandpa’s strong arms.

It was only the old lesson we need over and over again. How often we want to see the end from the beginning. But the path of faith is one step at a time. We must take the first step and trust God for the next. He will give light for each step at a time. He does not always give us to see the end from the beginning, though He does assure us that all will be well.

The path of faith through the darkness of this world will soon be over for those who love the Saviour. The Father’s house of many mansions is at the end of the way. Soon He will send His beloved Son to usher us into those bright courts of love and light and song, where we shall enjoy His presence forever. May this be the hope and comfort of every reader.

“As thou goest step by step, I will open up the way before thee.” Prov. 4:12. Hebrew Trans.

ML-10/10/1976

New Testament Men: Peter

Peter’s history is very interesting, but much too full of detail to enter upon except in part.

Simon, and Andrew his brother, were among the first called to follow the Lord. They were fishermen, partners with James and John, and plied their boats on the Sea of Galilee. To Simon the Lord gave the name Cephas, which means a stone, as does also Peter. He was foremost among the twelve Apostles. His name always comes first in the lists of them, and it is believed that he was older than the others.

Peter, James and John were occasionally singled out by the Lord: they alone saw Him raise the daughter of Jairus; and they were asked to watch with Him in Gethsemane, and, alas! they slept instead. We may feel inclined to be disappointed with Peter when we think of this and other events in his life, and yet it was to such as he that the Lord said, “Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations.” Would we say that to one that we knew would forsake us at the sorest moment of trial? But Jesus, who knows all, knew that they loved Him, and what it may have cost them to follow Him so far. That Peter was not afraid of the Lord is evident from the frequency of his remarks to Him, and it is interesting to notice how often he is addressed by name by Him.

In thinking of failing Peter and his denial of the One he loved, we must remember that he had not the Holy Ghost dwelling in him as he had after the day of Pentecost and that hence he was weak. The Lord said, “Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto Me” (Acts 1).

When Peter was so undaunted in the presence of the persecuting Jews in Acts, he was asked “by what power or by what name, have ye done this?” Filled with the Holy Ghost (the power), he replied, “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead has this been done.” Ah! he was not ashamed to confess Him then; neither ought we to be who have the Holy Ghost.

Peter was the Apostle to the Jews, or of the circumcision, and he wrote to them. We have no scriptural proof that he was ever at Rome, but church history asserts that he suffered a violent death there during the reign of Nero. Certain it is that he knew he was to end his life thus, “even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shown me,” he says. Moreover, the description of his end (John 21:18) seems to point to crucifixion—any way, he glorified God in it (v. 19).

To Peter were given the keys of the kingdom of heaven—to open or shut, to bind or loose. You may notice in Acts how remarkably he used them. He opened the door by baptism on the day of Pentecost to 3,000 Jews; he wrought the first miracle by “loosing” the lame man; he “bound” Ananias and Sapphira; he opened the door to Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, and explained to the Apostles how God had granted the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles. Of his subsequent life we have few details.

Yes, leave it with Him,

The lilies all do,

And they grow

They grow in the rain,

And they grow in the dew

Yes, they grow:

They grow in the darkness, all hid in the night

They grow in the sunshine, revealed by the light

Still they grow.

ML-10/10/1976

God Who Answers Prayer

He was only a poor goatherd in Southern India. His hours were long and his work toilsome. He rode an old ox which he had trained and brought up, and the flock followed him in the true Eastern custom.

One of the difficulties the shepherd had to encounter was the lack of water. To find a well was a most welcome occurrence.

A day came when the poor goats had been without water for some time. Leaving the ox with them, the shepherd wandered a long time in search of water.

Suddenly he came upon an old well, among some ancient ruins. While he was looking down to investigate, the edge of the well gave way and the shepherd fell some feet. However, he was caught upon a ledge and his life was spared.

Somewhat bruised and half stunned, the poor man began to collect his thoughts. He was truly in a pitiable plight, more than a mile from his faithful ox and the flock of goats. He was not able to climb up the side of the well and not a soul could hear his cry for help.

Just then he heard a hissing sound and, though it was growing dark, he saw something moving below in the bed of the well. It was a mass of snakes! What was he to do? In the hour of his extreme danger, he remembered that when he was a boy there had come into his native village a missionary. Although he had not taken much heed, he went to hear the white teacher speak.

One thing he remembered the missionary had said, and that was that in the hour of danger or trouble, a certain wonderful Lord Jesus Christ would hear and answer prayer. With a childlike faith, in agony and fear, the poor man prayed to the Lord for help.

After praying for some time, he seemed to have fallen asleep. Some hours later he woke up and found it was dawn-the darkness had gone! Something was touching his head. He looked up and saw the face of his old ox looking down at him, and it was the rope dangling from the faithful animal’s neck that was touching his head.

Grasping the rope he called to the ox to back away. Thus he was pulled from the well. In answer to his prayer God had sent his ox to find him and saved his life.

It was this experience that brought the goatherd to trust in the Lord, and he became a faithful follower of His. He devoted his life in testifying to his people of that wonderful God who answers prayer.

“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.” Psa. 55:16. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” Psa. 56:3.

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

Memory Verse: “As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.” Psalm 55:16

ML-10/17/1976

"I Listened Right off"

A missionary in Africa was telling some native children the gospel story of the king who made a marriage for his son and invited many people to come to the feast. He told them of how many who were invited did not seem interested and did not accept the king’s kind offer.

The missionary explained how that God has prepared a marriage feast for His beloved Son, and that now through the gospel He was inviting sinners to come to the feast that love has spread. But how sad it is that many do not heed the gospel call; they are satisfied with earth and the pleasures of this world.

However, one of the larger boys at the school told the teacher Afterward that he wanted to follow Jesus, and another little boy, named Sammy, said he wanted to do the same.

“Have you felt for some time that Jesus has been calling you?” asked the teacher.

“Oh no,” replied Sammy; “it is only today. But I listened right off when He called.”

“Right off” is the time to answer, dear boys and girls—as soon as you hear His call.

The Lord Jesus says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28. “Come, for all things are now ready.” Luke 14:17.

“Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Rev. 19:9.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

ML-10/17/1976

"Is Your Horse a Christian?"

Dick was a young farm boy. He had a friend who was an earnest evangelist. One day he spoke to Dick about his need of the Saviour.

Dick told his friend that he wasn’t such a bad fellow and added: “I have been doing a great many good things lately.”

“Well,” said his friend, “I have no desire to dispute that, but your good deeds will not earn you salvation, nor are they proof that you are a Christian.” Dick was quite surprised, but his friend went on.

“You own that horse over there, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Does he not do many good acts?” “Why, yes!”

“Is your horse a Christian?”

“Well,” replied Dick thoughtfully, “about as much as I am, I guess.”

He saw the point, and admitted that a good act in man or beast is a good thing, but nothing more. It is nature and not grace; mere virtue and not holiness. A good character is a good thing, education may be a good thing, clean thoughts and pure acts are a good thing; but these things, good as they are, will not carry a man to heaven. Until we turn to God and are cleansed from our sins in the blood of Christ, there can be nothing for God to put to our account.

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” saith the Lord (Isa. 64:6); “and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.” Prov. 21:4.

What a sinner needs is the Saviour and the robe of righteousness which God Himself provides for all who come to Him in faith, owning their unworthiness but trusting in His mercy. All is found in Christ.

ML-10/17/1976

Saved Over the Telephone

Harry Bright was deeply concerned about his soul’s salvation, but he was determined to fight off his convictions. He stayed away from preaching of any kind, and carefully avoided getting into conversations of a religious nature.

One day he was in an office and asked permission to use the phone. It seems the line was still in use, for when he picked up the receiver, the sound of children’s voices filled his ear. Some little children were singing:

“What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear...”

This appeal quite overcame Harry; the message went right to his heart. He could not hold out on God any longer. Right then and there he determined to surrender to Christ. And surrender he did. He found the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep was still seeking him, and the lost wanderer was found at last. God used the voices of those little children as a means to His blessing.

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:7.

ML-10/17/1976

Jimmy

The doctors and nurses hovered over little Jimmy. There was a questioning look of anxiety on his mother’s face. Why did Jimmy look so sickly? He was only six years old — the morning of life! But the doctor had just announced that Jimmy had a brain tumor and had only one year to live.

Dear little Jimmy, his life had just begun. Oh dear young friends, let us remember that verse, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1.

How important it is to be saved while we are young! Tomorrow may never come! Take the Lord Jesus as your Saviour now, receive Him into your heart by faith and you will be saved both now and forever.

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

ML-10/17/1976

New Testament Men: Jude

There are many men spoken of in the New Testament named Jude or Judas, and of two of these it is difficult to determine which was the author of the Epistle of Jude.

“Judas said unto Him, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself to us?” John 14:22. This is probably the apostle called “Judas... of James” in two of the lists of the twelve (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). In the other lists he is called either Lebbaeus or Simon the Canaanite.

Another Judas was the Lord’s brother. (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3).

But, you will say, the Jude who wrote the epistle was the “brother of James.” Yes, but both these men answer to the description. The Lord’s brethren were “James, Joses, Simon and Judas,” and the other Judas being also “of James” may have been brother or son to the other James. It is, however, generally believed that the writer of the epistle was brother to the Lord and to the James of Jerusalem.

In any case, we are glad he wrote us a letter, and that God has preserved it for us till now. Think of a letter more than 1800 years old—a letter, too, which speaks of events which occurred 4000 years before it was written! It tells us, too, of terrible things that are to happen in the future, so that it spans an immense space of time. It is all very well for so-called clever men to say nowadays that they do not rely on the Old Testament, and for scoffers to assert that they do not believe in the Lord’s coming. Here is a man who was alive on the earth with Jesus, and who puts his seal on the Old Testament and quotes the words of a saint about the Lord’s coming, who lived 4000 years before him.

It is wonderful how many inspired histories Jude refers to: the departure of the children of Israel from Egypt, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the burial of Moses, and the stories of Cain, Balaam and Korah. He even knows the genealogy from Adam to Enoch! Could any better proof of the inspiration of the Bible be wanted? Would any man’s word have lived so long? Would a human pen reach our hearts and consciences in the same way? God says His Word is like a hammer. (Jer. 23:29.)

Jude wrote to people who were in danger of forgetting (v. 5) what they had learned of God’s Word. So are we; therefore, verse 21 is applicable to us all: “Keep yourselves in the love of God.” Though we are “preserved [kept] in Jesus Christ” (v. 1) yet there is the other side. We are to watch and pray and read, making use of the helps God has given us, and so be ready to praise “Him who is able to keep us from falling” (v. 24).

The mention of the fallen angels is interesting, as also the allusion to the dispute concerning the body of Moses. Peter and Jude tell us that there were long ago angels who sinned, and sought to be something more than God had made them, and that now they are in chains, awaiting judgment. We know that everlasting fire is prepared for such.

ML-10/17/1976

Ruth the Moabitess

Ruth the Moabitess is the beautiful story of how a poor Gentile came into blessing through that wonderful character, Boaz. And this illustrates the precious gospel story—how a poor sinner, without hope and without God in the world, may find blessing and rest in Christ, the true Kinsman-Redeemer, who, when all was lost in the fall through sin, redeems all back to God.

We are now in the book of Ruth in our Bible Questions for Young People and Adults. If you would like to join us in answering these questions, write for Bible Searcher worksheets to be mailed along with your regular subscription to Messages of the Love of God.

ML-10/17/1976

All Well! A Chaplain's Story

The battle was over, and hundreds of men had been killed and wounded. A soldier came to my tent and said, “Chaplain, one of our boys is badly wounded and wants to see you right away.”

Hurriedly following him I was taken to the hospital and led to a bed on which lay a fine young fellow.

I could see at a glance that he had but a few hours to live on earth, so taking his hand I said, “Well, my boy, what can I do for you?”

The poor dying young fellow looked up into my face and placing his finger in his hair he said, “Chaplain, cut a big lock from here for Mother; for Mother, mind, Chaplain!”

I hesitated to do it, but he said, “Don’t be afraid to disfigure my hair, Chaplain. It’s for Mother, and nobody will come to see me after I’m gone.” So I did as he requested.

“Now, Chaplain,” said the dying boy, “I want you to kneel down beside me and return thanks to God.”

“For what?” I asked.

“For giving me such a mother!” he replied. “Oh, Chaplain, she is a good mother. Her teachings comfort and console me now. And, thank God, that by His grace I am a Christian. Oh what would I do now if I wasn’t a Christian? I know that my Redeemer liveth! I feel that His finished work has saved me. And, Chaplain, thank God for giving me dying grace. He has made my dying bed feel soft as downy pillows are. Thank Him for the promised home in glory. I’ll soon be there-there where there is no more war, no sorrow, nor desolation, nor death-where I’ll see Jesus, and be forever with the Lord.”

I knelt beside the dying boy and thanked God for the blessings He had bestowed upon him, as he requested. Shortly after the prayer he said, “Good-by, Chaplain. If you ever see Mother, tell her it was ‘ALL WELL!’ "

Memory Verse: “Through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43

ML-10/24/1976

Prince Bernadotte

In Norway once an American traveler had taken a berth on a night train. He complained when he found he had been given an upper berth on the sleeper; he thought he should have been given a lower.

But the man who had the lower berth, though a complete stranger said, “I’ll change with you. You take my lower berth.” The American accepted.

In the morning the traveler cheerfully greeted the American. He was glad to meet him. “And I hope,” he said, “you will remember Prince Bernadotte! I am on my way to carry the gospel to the ‘Laplanders’ —who live in the land of the reindeer.”

The American blushed, for he was ashamed when he found so distinguished a stranger had taken such a humble place for his sake.

“I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.” Eccles. 10:7.

“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9.

ML-10/24/1976

Christ in All the Scriptures

A friend of mine was walking with a small boy across the park. “Do you go to Sunday school?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied the little fellow.

“What did your teacher talk about last Sunday afternoon?”

“Oh, he was talking about Jacob.” “And what did he talk about the Sunday before that?”

“Oh, he talked about prayer.” “Well, did your teacher not talk about Jesus?”

“Oh, no,” said the little fellow again, “that’s at the other end of the Book.”

Now I hold that Jesus is not only at the other end of the Book, but He is at the beginning of the Book, and all through the Book. Every chapter, every verse, and every incident may somehow lead to Jesus.

“Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27.

ML-10/24/1976

Carmen's New Baby

Carmen the cat lived with the Mendez family in Arizona. She had a little family of her own in a box in the corner of the kitchen.

One day young Juan came home with a tiny little ground squirrel that lay limp in the palm of his hand. “Look, Mother,” he exclaimed. “I found it out under a bush; but it’s almost dead.”

“Poor thing,” said his tenderhearted mother. “Something must have killed its mother, and it is starving.”

Juan asked if he could keep it. “But how?” said his mother. “It’s too little to eat lettuce, and how could we keep such a tiny thing alive?”

Just then Carmen the cat strolled in and walked toward her box. Then Juan had an idea.

“Mother, let’s give it to Carmen. She’ll raise it along with her babies.”

“Cats are natural enemies of ground squirrels,” said Juan’s older brother. “Carmen would kill it.”

However, Juan put the little thing among the kittens in the box and watched to see what would happen. Carmen was purring contentedly. When she saw the little stranger, she sniffed him all over; then pushing him aside, she called her babies to dinner.

But the starved little ground squirrel sensed that food was near and crawled over to the mother cat, hoping to get in on the feast. Again Carmen cuffed him away, but again, driven by hunger, the little fellow came back to try again.

Finally, while Carmen was busy washing one of her kittens, the tiny stranger made contact and began to nurse. From then on Carmen accepted the new baby as one of her own.

The little fellow thrived on such wholesome fare, and strangely enough he became Carmen’s favorite. He was much more active than her own babies and could frisk in and out of the box long before her own could. Juan named him Frisky.

Frisky loved to jump on top of his big white mother and ride around her back. He would climb chairs, and the family had to watch carefully lest they sit on him. Sometimes when he was climbing a chair Carmen would grab his tail and pull him down.

Juan and his brothers and sister loved to play with Frisky. He would climb up and sit on their shoulders, and when he scolded and chattered in his little squeaky voice, he would make them all laugh.

Frisky was accepted as one of the family. By and by when he was on his own he made a tunnel in the back yard for his home. Then he found a mate and they had a little family of their own. Carmen would often pay them a friendly visit.

As I read this story of Carmen and Frisky, I could not help but think of how God has taken into His family poor famished, friendless, lost and unworthy sinners. But He doesn’t simply wait for them to come to Him; He goes out after them. He sent His beloved and only begotten Son into this world to be our Saviour, and Jesus left His home in the glory and came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10.)

Thou didst attract the wretched and the weak,

Thy joy the wanderers and the lost to seek.

The proud Pharisees reproached the Lord saying in scorn, “This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Luke 15:2. But the Lord replied, as it were, “I go further than that. I go out and seek them and carry them home.”

All those who trust in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour are born into the family of God, “taken into favor,” “accepted in the Beloved,” and share in all the joys and privileges of the heavenly family. They are loved, nourished and cared for down here. They have a home in heaven prepared for them. Soon the Lord Jesus will come and take them there to be with Himself forever. Do you belong to this heavenly family, dear reader?

ML-10/24/1976

New Testament Men: Timothy

Timothy, or Timotheus, the receiver of two epistles from Paul — the first written perhaps from Macedonia, about A.D. 65, the second, from his Roman prison — was the son of a Greek father (whose name is not given) and a Jewess called Eunice. Evidently the father died while Timothy was young, and Eunice and her mother, Lois, brought up the boy Timothy to know the Scriptures. Prophecy had already pointed him out as the receiver of a gift from on high (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6); and the elders and Paul confirmed this (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6).

Derbe and Lystra were (Acts 16) cities of Lycaonia, a province of Asia Minor. It was probably at the first named that Paul found Timothy, for the Revised Version reads (Acts 20:4) “Gaius of Derbe and Timothy"; or it may be read “Timothy of Derbe.” The brethren of the whole neighborhood knew him and commended him to Paul as a companion in his travels, but, before starting, Paul circumcised him according to the law of Moses, the reason given being “because of the Jews.” Perhaps he was acting on the principle of 1 Corinthians 9:20, as he did on several occasions.

From Acts 16 to 20 Timothy frequently appears. He was with Paul at Berea, Athens (1 Thess. 3), and Corinth and accompanied him to Asia. It is easy to see how Paul loved and valued him: “My work-fellow,” “my beloved son and faithful in the Lord,” “our brother and minister of God, and our fellow-laborer,” he calls him, besides all that he says to him in his letters. From them we learn that he was Paul’s son in the faith; that, in spite of his youth, he was left in charge of the church at Ephesus, that he was weak in health and usually only drank water (would that all young Christians were as careful about strong drink as he was!), and that he was probably of a shy and retiring disposition. When so many had turned away from the aged Paul—all in Asia, Demas, Alexander, etc.—how glad Timothy must have been that God had enabled him to continue in the things he had learned and that he could thus be a comfort to one to whom he owed so much!

In the first epistle Paul hoped to go to him “shortly” (3:14), but in the second he was in prison at Rome and begs Timothy to come “shortly” to him and to bring Mark and his cloak and books and parchments before winter. Timothy himself is said to have been martyred at Ephesus in the reign of Domitian.

There is much that might be dwelt on in the lowly life, and certain personal details in the second epistle not to be found anywhere else, besides the interesting journeys of Timothy and Paul—all this must be left to our young readers to search into. But let us each ask ourselves, Am I seeking to walk in the steps of this young man? Could any servant of Christ find me of use to him in his service to the Lord? Young Christians ought to remember Paul’s words, “give attendance to reading"; (See 1 Tim. 4:12-16.)

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Psa.118:5, 6

Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner"?

Then you’re just in the very spot

To learn the wondrous resources

Of Him who faileth not:

No doubt to a brighter pathway

Your footsteps will soon be moved,

But only at “Wit’s End Corner”

Is the “God who is able” proved.

ML-10/24/1976

Gypsy John

Little John was born of gypsy parents. He had a gentle, loving mother, but his father was a hard drinking man. His father had left him in care of the horse while he was in a tavern. The horse broke loose and ran off down the street. Little John fled when his enraged father shouted, “I’ll break your neck.”

Afraid to face a terrible whipping, John ran away from home and finally arrived in the big city. He never saw his parents again. Often in years to follow, with a bundle of unsold newspapers under his arm, he would steal away by himself and sob his heart out. He would have given all he possessed for but one glimpse of his dear mother again, but this was not to be.

Alone, unloved and homeless, poor little gypsy John wandered among the crowds on the streets of the great city. But a gracious God and a tender Saviour in heaven had His eyes upon the friendless little waif, and he was destined to experience a father’s affection beyond anything he had known at home in the gypsy caravan, for God “setteth the solitary in families” (Psa. 68:6).

John got in with some newsboys, and for three months he derived a meager living from the sale of newspapers. Many a night he spent in an unused wagon or down on the riverbank.

Then one day he appeared at the door of a Christian refuge home carried on by a Mr. & Mrs. Gray. Meetings were held regularly, and God blessed the gospel to the salvation of many. It was here that John came under Christian influences for the first time. Mrs. Gray was much attracted to the little gypsy boy and became a real mother to him. He loved her as much as any boy loved his own mother.

John worked hard and saved his earnings and became an apprentice in shoemaking. One night the gospel services were taken by a shoemaker who had a real love for souls and gave an earnest appeal. His text, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee,” gripped young John’s soul. A solemn hush fell on all who heard the story of the rich farmer who had lived without God. (Luke 12.)

Fastening his eyes on the gypsy boy and pointing his finger directly at him the speaker said, “if God called you tonight, where would you spend eternity?” These words went like a sword to John’s heart, and he saw himself a vile, unclean sinner unprepared to meet God. That night he could not sleep. The text haunted him; he was afraid to sleep unconverted, lest he should wake up in hell.

In the silence of the night the shoemaker was awakened by a tap on his door. “Whose there?” he called out gruffly. It was John. As the shoemaker opened the door, the boy burst into tears and sobbed out, “Oh, sir! I’m such a big sinner that I can’t go to sleep.” His friend put his arm around him and made him sit down by the fire. He read from his Bible several scriptures, among them: “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. Then he read Acts 2:21: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Light shone into the boy’s soul. They knelt down together, and for the first time in his life, John prayed to God. Immediately the burden of his sins was lifted and a great peace stole over his heart. Gypsy John had found Christ, and the loving Shepherd had found His lost little sheep. From then on He would bear him on His shoulders rejoicing.

“Now, Johnny,” said his friend, “take a bold stand for Jesus Christ. Nail your colors to the mast and refuse to haul them down.”

Then he gave John a text, “Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him shall the Son of man confess bore the angels of God; but he that denieth Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8, 9.

“My dear boy,” he continued, “you have no friends or relatives to help you, but remember, Johnny, God will take care of you. If you look after God’s interests, God lives to look after yours.”

John became a real soul winner. While still a young fellow he busied himself in gospel work, speaking at meetings for the boys and giving his testimony on the street corner. He was naturally shy, and when asked to say a few words to an audience where mostly adults were present, the only words he could stammer out were: “Jesus loves me and I love Jesus; I want you to love Him, too.” Then he broke down, the tears flowing down his face. But many hearts were softened that day, and perhaps more was done by those simple heart-felt words and tears than many an eloquent, polished sermon.

For 50 years and more John served the Lord in the gospel and God blessed His simple ministry of Christ. Only eternity will reveal how many found the Saviour through the faithful testimony of the converted gypsy boy. “He faileth not.” To Him be all the praise!

Memory Verse: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

ML-10/31/1976

Freddie's Bible

Freddie wished he had a Bible of his own. “Tom has a Bible,” he said to his grandmother. “Linda has one, too, and they carry their Bibles to Sunday School. They take turns reading verses in class, but I can’t.”

“But you can’t read,” said Grandmother. “You couldn’t read a Bible if you had one.”

“I think I could,” said the little fellow. “I’m learning to read, you know; let me try.”

Grandma took her Bible and opened it to Psalm 1. Freddie looked at it and then shook his head. He couldn’t read a word.

But he studied hard at school. Every day he could read a few more words and Grandma taught him some words at home.

One day Freddie read the whole Psalm to his grandmother without one mistake. Quickly Grandmother opened a drawer and took out a beautiful little Bible.

“It is yours, Freddie,” she said; then on the very first page she wrote, “Freddie Thompson.”

Freddie was thrilled. He read his Bible before he went to bed that night. He read it when he got up in the morning. He took it to Sunday school and took his turn reading in class. He took his Bible with him wherever he went.

One day Freddie took his Bible with him when he went shopping with his grandmother. He was so interested in all the things there were to see, and in the crowds that thronged the stores, that he forgot all about his Bible. They were on their way home when he discovered his tiny Bible was not in his pocket. He began to cry, so Grandmother took him back to the stores to look for his lost treasure. But they couldn’t find it.

For a whole year Freddie looked, but in vain; then one day a gospel preacher visited his grandmother.

“Freddie,” he said, “I saw your Bible a few days ago. An old lady has it. She is dying and sent for me. For many years she had lived without God, but about a year ago, when she was shopping in a store, she saw a little book on the floor. She picked it up and took it home.

She read about the Lord Jesus, and He spoke to her heart through His Word. Gently He drew her to Himself and at last she claimed Him as her own Saviour. Now her life is changed. She showed me the Book, and there on the first page was your name. Soon she will be leaving this world and go to be with that blessed One who saved her. She would like to keep the Bible until then. Do you mind if she does, Freddie?”

“Oh, of course not!” said Freddie, “Just think, if I hadn’t lost my Bible, perhaps she never would have been saved.”

ML-10/31/1976

Pat and Lynn

Pat and Lynn worked together in a large hospital. Lynn was a Christian girl, and whenever she had the opportunity, she sought to tell Pat about her Saviour.

She told her how important it was to settle the question of her eternal destiny NOW, and that the Bible says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1. God does not promise us a tomorrow; tomorrow may never come. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2.

At first Pat scoffed at Lynn, and the other employees did, too.

But one Saturday morning, when Pat and Lynn worked the first shift, and no one else was around, Pat meekly said, “Lynn, tell me about heaven and hell.” It was evident that her conscience was being affected now, so Lynn spoke to Pat of sin, of righteousness and judgment to come; she told her of her great need to be saved and of the Saviour so willing to save her.

“I want to turn to the Lord,” said Pat, “but how could I face my relatives?”

Sad to say, as far as we know, Pat never turned to the Saviour.

The Bible tells us that “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Prov. 29:25. It also warns us to “flee from the wrath to come.” Matt. 3:7.

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

ML-10/31/1976

New Testament Men: Titus

To Titus, Paul wrote one epistle. An epistle is simply a letter—in this case a letter from God—for the men who wrote these Bible-letters were inspired of God, and what they wrote is a revelation from Him to us. Now, when we receive a letter from a friend, we begin at the beginning and we read it through to the end, even though we may be interrupted in the middle. If we value it we read it again, and even many times, perhaps. Certainly we ought not to treat God’s letters less well.

“How do you read your Bible?” is a question sometimes addressed to young people, and the answer often received is, “Oh, I just open and read anywhere.” Now, though it may be very nice and even profitable to do this sometimes because all the Bible is good, yet it is far better to study a book or an epistle as a whole and to read it straight through. Thus we may gain some idea of its contents and are more likely to discover what God had in view in preserving for us such a letter or book. We know, for instance, that each gospel presents Christ in a different character, that in Ephesians Paul tells us about the body of Christ, in Philippians he instructs us what the life of a Christian here should be like, Colossians is about Christ the Head of the body, and so on. Let us try and read God’s letters in this way and learn His thoughts in this evil day when men are making much of themselves and trying to ignore His Book and His ways.

But to return to Titus; who was he? He is not named in Acts, but chapter 15 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to consult the apostles about circumcision, “certain others” went with them, and from Galatians 2 we learn that among these “others” was Titus. He was a Greek, and he was not circumcised. Timothy had been circumcised, perhaps because his mother was a Jewess; but Titus was purely Gentile, and Paul would not give up his liberty in Christ Jesus and be brought into bondage to law to please anybody.

It is in Corinthians that we hear the most of Titus. It appears that he was sent to Corinth to find out how Paul’s first Epistle, containing some sharp reproofs, had been received, and that then he was again sent there with the second letter. All this was a source of great anxiety and also great joy, both to the messenger and the writer (2 Cor. 7). Titus was also commissioned to incite them to liberality and to distribution for the needs of others.

The Epistle of Titus somewhat resembles 1 Timothy and was probably written about the same time; but though Titus was converted (1:4) through Paul, he does not seem to regard him with quite the same affection and confidence as Timothy. He left him, however, in Crete, in a position of responsibility (chapter 1). Then he begged him to meet him at Nicopolis (Macedonia), and spend the winter with him, but whether this was accomplished is not known.

From 2 Timothy 4:10 we learn that when Paul was almost alone at Rome, Titus had departed to Dalmatia, whether rightly or wrongly we cannot say. It is said that he went from Dalmatia to Crete where he died at an advanced age.

ML-10/31/1976

Caspar, the Snow King

Caspar was a great Saint Bernard dog who lived far up on the Alps mountains. He was a king of the snow, every inch of him. Though not a very old dog, he had already saved two lives.

One day early in the morning it began to snow up on the mountains. Upon the mountain sides lay vast masses of snow and ice that grew heavier as the snow fell. Sometimes just a loud word spoken would jar the air or the snow and send an avalanche crashing into the valley. In spite of the bad weather, four men and 14-year-old Paolo came trudging up the mountain road. Paolo’s father had advised the men not to attempt to cross the mountain that day, but they insisted on going on. Paolo had slipped unseen out of the house and joined them, for he had lost one of his goats several days before and had hopes of finding it.

Suddenly one of those terrible whirlwinds which often occur in the Alps swept around a corner and moments later Paolo found himself buried beneath an immense heap of snow.

He could breathe but that was all. How many feet of snow was above him he did not know. He found himself sinking deeper and deeper in the soft snow. At last his feet touched the ground. He struggled and kicked and rolled and scrambled his way along for several yards. Suddenly he stumbled out into the open air and went plunging down a precipice only to fall into another bed of snow. He found himself on a ledge some 20 feet below the road, but there he was unable to go further.

Paolo thought about his parents and what a wretch he was for leaving them as he had done. He could not shout for the cold, and he could not see far. He knew if he went to sleep, he would never wake up again. In all the world there was no one who could save him. But Paolo was not counting on Caspar. Then he dozed off.

In the meantime the four men had gone on and reached the inn. They told of how Paolo had disappeared in the avalanche of snow.

At once two men started out with Caspar. Right through the snow storm came the great dog! Running over the frozen crust, plunging through the deep places, bounding, leaping, caring not for drift or storm, like a snow king, as he was, came Caspar.

He made a dash at Paolo and rolled him over in the snow. Then he barked at him in his deep gruff voice as if to say, “Wake up, foolish boy! Don’t you know I’m here? It is all right now.” He pushed Paolo first on one side and then the other until finally the boy opened his eyes.

Again the great Caspar barked. His loud commanding voice seemed to announce: “I’ve found him! Here he is!” The two men arrived, and taking Paolo by the arms, they lifted him Up. They started home with Paolo between them and Caspar leading the way.

Caspar cared not for drift or storm until he found the boy. Conqueror of the snows, triumphant over the storm, he was a true snow king.

And the Lord Jesus has conquered death and the grave to save His lost and perishing sheep, for “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.” Isa. 53:6.

The Saviour cared not for death or demon. He loved the ones for whom He died, and nothing could turn Him back. His love carried Him on through all the sorrows, the reproach and “the contradiction of sinners against Himself"; and finally when He entered that deep dark valley of death, where on the cross He suffered the judgment of God against sin, still He would not turn back.

Himself He could not save;

Love’s stream too deeply flowed;

In love Himself He gave,

To pay the debt we owed.

Now He is carrying His lost sheep on His shoulders rejoicing and will not set it down until safe home in the glory. One day He shall reign as King over all the earth, and those who love His name now shall reign with Him in that day.

O! that you might come to know this blessed Saviour, dear reader, and be carried home to heaven on those shoulders of strength.

Memory Verse: “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Hebrews 7:25

ML-11/07/1976

Old Joe

Old Joe the fisherman was an earnest happy Christian. In his declining years he used to spend his afternoons on the beach giving away gospel papers and tracts among the people and speaking to them about Jesus as he had opportunity. The children were very fond of old Joe, for he had lots of stories to tell of the sea and its danger.

Perhaps the one he told mostly was the story of his own conversion. This took place at sea one stormy night, through resting his soul on the Lord Jesus through the words of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

“My anchor held there,” he would say, “and I know of no better anchorage for a sinner than that grand, glorious verse. Many a weary storm-tossed soul has anchored there, and found rest and peace through believing that God loved them.”

Reader, have you anchored there, or are you tossed about, afraid to meet God, because you do not know His love for you, a sinner?

Old Joe took suddenly ill one day. He was missed on the beach, and many who knew and loved him called at the house to ask how he was. His pilgrim days were done; just before he passed away, he raised his hand and, pointing to a framed card on the wall with the words of John 3:16 on it, he said in triumph, “The anchor holds! The anchor holds!”

Wasn’t it good anchorage? Let it be yours, my reader; all else will fail, but “The Word of the Lord endureth forever.”

ML-11/07/1976

Are You Sure That Is There?

Grandpa was old and blind and was spending his last days in a nursing home. While there he was often visited by his little granddaughter, who would read to him portions of the Word of God.

One day while little Rose was reading from First John, she came to that wonderful verse, “And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Here the old man suddenly interrupted her, and raising himself up on his bed he asked with great earnestness: “Is that there, my dear?”

“Yes, Grandpa,” she replied.

“Then read it to me again, I’ve never heard the like before.”

Little Rose read again: “And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

“You are quite sure that is there?” “Yes, quite sure.”

“Then take my hand, and lay my finger on the passage, for I should like to feel it.”

The little girl took the old blind man’s hand and placed his bony finger on the seventh verse. Then he said, “Now, read it to me again.”

With her sweet gentle voice little Rose read again: “And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Again the old man asked, “You are sure that is there, Rose?”

“Yes, quite sure, Grandpa,” she assured him.

“Then,” said the old man, “if any one should ask how I died, tell them I died in the faith of these words, ‘And the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ "

With that he withdrew his hand, his head fell softly back on the pillow, and he silently passed into the presence of Him whose blood cleanseth from all sin.

Now, dear reader, may I ask, if you were called to die, would your parting testimony be like that of the old blind man? Are you resting on the precious blood of Christ? Can you say, “I live as well as die in the faith of these words, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’"?

“Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psa. 51:7.

ML-11/07/1976

Simon Peter: Sifted as Wheat

When farmers sift grain they separate the grain from the chaff. The grain is precious, but it needs to be separated from the chaff before it can be used.

The last passover night after Judas had gone out into the darkness, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Peter did not think he needed to be sifted, so he answered, “Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and into death.”

Jesus said, “I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest Me.”

But Peter could not believe this, and he spoke more emphatically still: “If I should die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise.” The other disciples said the same.

And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane, and He saith to His disciples, “Sit ye here, while I shall pray.” And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; and said unto them, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here and watch.” And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground and prayed.

When He came back, He found them sleeping and said to Peter, “Simon, sleepest thou? Couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”

But though temptation was so near at hand, they slept again while Jesus prayed. They slept from grief, but they missed the unspeakable privilege of watching with their Lord in the hour of His soul’s deep agony.

Then Judas came and with him a great crowd with swords and sticks to take Jesus.

When Peter saw Jesus in the hands of His enemies, he forgot the Lord’s words: “I say unto you, that ye resist not evil.” And he drew a sword and smote one of those standing by, a servant of the high priest’s, whose name was Malchus, and cut off his right ear.

Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put up thy sword into the sheath; the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?” And He touched the man’s ear and healed him.

When Peter and the other disciples saw Jesus taken and bound, they all forsook Him and fled. But as He was led away to the high priest, Peter followed afar off. Then they took Jesus into the high priest’s palace. John went in, too, but Peter remained at the door outside until John went and brought him in.

The servants and officers had made a fire, for it was cold, and poor Peter stood with the enemies of His blessed Master around the fire and warmed himself. Three times he was asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, and three times Peter denied Him. The last time, while he was yet speaking, the cock crew.

And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, “Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice.”

And Peter went out and wept bitterly.

ML-11/07/1976

The Parting of the Ways

A newspaper headline announced the death of a Canadian Customs Inspector. It read: “Death writes finis to... the parting of the ways!”

The Inspector was killed by a truck trailer at the end of the Ambassador Bridge as he was about to retire after 25 years’ service.

In his pocket was found a farewell speech he had planned to read at a party to be held for him at 5 o’clock p.m. that same day. His speech read: “And now at this parting of the ways, I thank you and wish you long life, health and happiness.”

His wish may have come true for some of his friends to whom his farewell speech was addressed, but for the Inspector himself all was over. He had suddenly left this world where he had hoped to enjoy life for a while longer. Whether his spirit is at home with the Lord or whether he waits the dreaded judgment day, we cannot say. This tragedy and a thousand others that happen every day in this world, should bring home to our consciences the solemn truth that life is so uncertain and that eternity is but a step away. King David said, “There is but a step between me and death.”

O, dear friends, be ready! If you are not saved, do not put off salvation’s day any longer.

Tomorrow’s sun may never rise

To bless thy long-deluded sight;

This is the time, Oh, then, be wise;

Thou wouldst be saved, why not tonight?

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

ML-11/07/1976

Sirrah

James Hogg, the shepherd poet of Scotland, told a remarkable story of his shepherd dog Sirrah.

One evening Mr. Hogg’s large flock of lambs became frightened. In spite of all he could do, they scampered away over the hills in three different directions.

“Sirrah,” said the worried shepherd, “they’re all awa'!”

Sirrah trotted off into the darkness as though he knew exactly what to do. All night long Mr. Hogg wandered over the hills in search of the lambs. Finally at day break he decided there was nothing to do but go to his employer and tell him that 700 lambs had been lost.

Just as he was returning sorrowfully homeward, he saw a number of lambs at the bottom of a deep ravine. To his immense joy, he noticed that Sirrah was keeping guard over them. At first he thought the dog must have found one of the three groups of the runaways, but when he came closer, he was surprised to see that the whole flock was there. Not one lamb of the 700 was missing.

How the dog had managed this and how he had brought all three groups of lambs together, the shepherd was never able to figure out.

“But I never felt so grateful to any living creature,” he said, “as I did to my faithful Sirrah that morning.”

The Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He could say, “The Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” Not one of His lambs will be missing in that day when all His flock are gathered safely home in the heavenly fold.

When His enemies came to take Him on the night of His betrayal, He went to meet them, saying: “If therefore ye seek Me, let these [My disciples] go their way: that the saying might be fulfilled, which He spake, of them which Thou gavest Me have I lost none.” John 18:8, 9.

The shepherd was ever grateful to faithful Sirrah for saving all his lambs, and God the Father will ever be grateful to His beloved Son for His work on the cross by which He has saved every sheep and lamb of His flock. God is going to fill heaven with sons and daughters; they will be just like His own beloved Son, and they shall sing the Father’s praise and the praise of Jesus forever and ever.

Are you one of His lambs, dear reader? Can you join in heaven’s eternal song and sing, “Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood... to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen"? Rev. 1:5.

Memory Verse: “I am the LORD thy God ... : for there is no Saviour beside Me.” Hosea 13:4

ML-11/14/1976

No Trespassing

When we were young my brother Bob and I used to have a lot of fun on the way to and from school. Our route was through a country lane about a mile long. There was not a house to be seen along the way and very seldom a policeman. We used to run through the woods, climb the trees, pick the flowers along the side of the lane and enjoy ourselves to our heart’s content.

One morning as we were starting out for school as usual, we noticed a big new sign which read, “No Trespassing.” This meant that we must keep to the road and no longer were we allowed to climb the trees or pick the flowers.

No sooner had we read the sign than we wanted to disobey the warning. On our way home from school we threw stones at that sign board, but it stood firm. Each day we threw stones and even mud at it, until finally we could hardly read the words at all. We were like hundreds of people who dislike the solemn warnings of the Bible and who resent or avoid anyone or anything that might bring the Word of the Lord home to their consciences.

One morning we noticed that the farmer who owned the fields had set up a new sign with the same big black letters, “No Trespassing.” This time we climbed over the hedge, pulled up the sign, post and all, and then ran away as fast as we could. However, we were not to get away with our mischief. The farmer had been watching. He quickly gave chase and caught up with us. He went right to the principal of our school, and Bob and I were punished for our misdeeds.

Young though we were, we should have had the sense to know that we could not get rid of the law by pulling up the sign. And yet how many there are, boys and girls and older folks too, who think that they can insult God and escape judgment by getting rid of His Word and by running away from Him.

Bob and I ran for a mile, but some have been running away for years from the God whom they have wronged. How foolish this is! No one can escape Him; “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:10.

The wonder of it all is that the God the sinner is running away from is One who loves him. Instead of wanting to punish him, God wants to save and bless him.

If you are one of those who are trying to get away from God, dear reader, know this, that God loves you, and if you will but turn to Him in true repentance, He will forgive you. He gave His own dear Son to die upon the cross for you, and His precious blood cleanses from all sin.

Do not stay away from Him any longer, but turn to Him now and you will find in Him a Saviour-God. Instead of death He will give you life eternal life, and in the place of your fear, peace and eternal happiness.

ML-11/14/1976

The Magnet

A magnet is made of steel and is magnetized at both ends. It has the power of attracting to itself and of holding whatever it attracts.

Suppose we mix some steel filings with some sand. When we bring the magnet near, immediately all the steel jumps and gathers to the magnet, leaving the sand behind.

The magnet is like the Lord Jesus Christ, and it is like the gospel also. The magnet

Separates

When Christ is preached as Saviour, all who receive Him are separated from the ungodly, they come out from among unsaved companions, drawn by the gospel, which is to all who receive it, “the power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16).

The magnet

Attracts

The Saviour said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto Me.” John 12:32. He has been lifted up on the cross in death; He now is lifted up on God’s throne in resurrection; and when He is lifted up before sinners in the gospel, all who look to Him are saved (John 3:15). Then they are so attracted to Christ, they cleave to Him with purpose of heart (Acts 11:23).

The magnet

Holds

It keeps its grip. None who are drawn to Christ shall ever perish (John 10:28). They are “kept by the power of God” (1 Pet. 1:51.

The magnet

Guides

In the sailor’s compass on the tract-less ocean, the sailor has in it the means of sure guidance as he keeps his eye on the needle and steers his ship as it indicates.

So Christ is the living compass. The written Word is the chart which those sailing across life’s sea need ever to consult for guidance, safety and progress on the voyage to their heavenly home.

ML-11/14/1976

No More a Stranger

Years ago, before the coming of the railroads, people used to travel largely on horseback, in stage coaches, or by boat. In those days most everyone who visited the town of Cincinnati came by boat.

One sunny afternoon a boat arrived from Pittsburgh. Aboard was a company of people coming to live in Cincinnati. Their friends were waiting on the pier for the boat to dock. As soon as the newcomers stepped on shore, they were surrounded by friends and warmly welcomed.

But in that company which had just arrived, there was one who was a stranger. He had no friends or anyone who knew him in Cincinnati. He had a sense of loneliness as the boat came down the river, but he felt ten times more lonely now. What would he do? The crowd was beginning to scatter, when suddenly he called out, “Friends, if there are on shore any of you who love the Lord Jesus Christ, I am your brother.”

In a moment half a dozen were at his side. They welcomed him to Cincinnati and to their homes. How differently he felt now! Instead of being lonely he felt quite at home because he had found those of “like precious faith.”

How real and precious is the bond that is felt between those who belong to the Lord Jesus. Dear reader, can you say that you are a brother or sister to those who love Him? Do you like to be in the company of those who love to talk about Him as their Saviour?

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26.

“Unto you therefore which believe, He is precious.” 1 Peter 2:7.

ML-11/14/1976

Simon Peter: Sifted as Wheat

The Lord Jesus had prayed for Peter that his faith might not fail, and though Peter went out and wept bitterly, he did not go away and hang himself like Judas did. The look that broke Peter’s heart brought the sorrow and tears of true repentance. The chaff of self-confidence was winnowed away, but the precious grain of love to his Lord remained.

We cannot tell how Peter bore those terrible, sorrowful hours when Jesus hung in suffering on the cross, when the dead body of his Lord lay in the tomb and it seemed as if His enemies had gained the victory, but they must have been the saddest in his life. Then came the third day, and very early in the morning, the first day of the week, Jesus rose triumphantly from the dead. When the women came to the sepulcher, they found the stone that had covered the entrance rolled away. Going in they found a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment. He was one of God’s messengers and he said to them: “Be not afraid; ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified; He is risen; He is not here.” He told them to go their way and tell His disciples and Peter that He went before them into Galilee.

The women were too frightened to give the message. But Mary Magdalene ran to Peter and John and said, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb and we know not where they have laid Him.”

Peter and John ran together to the tomb. But Peter’s heart was heavy, and that made his feet heavy, too. He did not run so quickly as John, so John reached the tomb first. He looked in there but did not go in. Then Peter came up, he went right inside the tomb, and saw the linen grave clothes lying there empty. Then John went in, and he saw and believed.

When they found that the tomb was empty and the grave clothes left behind, they did not linger there but went away again to their own home. John believed, but Peter went home wondering at what had happened.

Mary Magdalene was the first one to whom Jesus appeared. But later in the day He came to Peter when he was alone, for Jesus had something to say to Peter that not even John must hear. And do you not think that Peter must have had something he badly wanted to say to Jesus? But all we know about that meeting is that when the disciples were gathered together that evening, they were saying to one another, “The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.”

ML-11/14/1976

"Coo-O-Ey"

In Australia there lived a family of five; Father and Mother, Gordon (9), Jimmie (5), and Janet (7).

One day Mother sent them out to gather firewood. Somehow they wandered too far into the forest and suddenly found out they didn’t know the way home.

“Coo-o-ey! Coo-o-ey!” called Goon as loud as he could, his eyes red with crying. But the only answer was the “Ha-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha!” of the laughing bird. There were other birds like the bell bird and the colored parrots, but they all seemed to be saying, “We don’t know you. Who are you?”

“I’m so tired,” cried little Jimmie, and he fell to the ground. Gordon and Janet had to give up, too. The three huddled close together and soon all were sound asleep.

Back in the little cottage, mother was getting supper. Mr. Bruce would be home soon, and the children should show up any time.

“Mary, where are the children?” asked her husband as he came in.

“They went to the woods for kindling.”

John Bruce went to the door and called, “Coo-o-ey!” but there was no answer.

At last father and mother were both alarmed. They called their neighbors and a search party went out. All night long they searched, but in the early morning, Mr. Bruce came back and said, “They are nowhere to be found.”

With a heavy heart and her eyes filled with tears, Mrs. Bruce gave her husband a quick bite to eat. The whole neighborhood party kept up the search for seven weary days and nights. But there was no sign of the children.

Finally they thought of calling in some of the natives-the aborigines-to help. These fast disappearing people are experts on the trail. Soon they found a bent twig, further on some flattened grass, and then suddenly one of them sent up a yell and darted forward.

There in a bed of ferns were Gordon, Janet and Jimmie huddled together. They were still alive! Goon tried to sit up but fell back, and his lips were so dried he could only groan, “Father!” The others murmured, “Cold! Cold!”

Strong arms carried the children home. They were put into warm beds. With careful nursing they actually recovered. For nine days and eight nights they had been lost. Father and Mother were overcome with thankfulness.

Many dear boys and girls and grownups, too, are lost and do not know it. They are wandering in this dark world of sin and sorrow. Now the Lord Jesus “came to seek and to save that which was lost.” He loves each straying lamb and sheep far more than father and mother. He laid down His life to save His lost ones. A lost seeking sinner and a seeking Saviour are sure to meet. When one puts his trust in Jesus, then He will put that one on His shoulders of strength and carry him safe home to heaven.

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

Memory Verse: “I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10

ML-11/21/1976

A Sidewalk Prayer

“Tom! Tom!” called Mother from the bottom of the stairs one morning. “Aren’t you ready for school? The first bell has already rung and you haven’t had your breakfast. You will be late if you don’t hurry.”

Tom woke up suddenly and looked at his watch. Oh, horrors! He had overslept. Hurriedly scrambling out of bed he hurried to get ready for school. A few minutes later he was in the kitchen gobbling down his breakfast. How hot the cereal was that morning!

Hastily kissing his mother goodbye, he set out for school on the run. Then suddenly he remembered he had not read his Bible nor prayed that morning. What should he do?

He decided he would honor the Lord, so there and then he pulled his little Testament from his pocket and read just two verses. Then going aside into a vacant lot, he knelt down and prayed. Getting up he ran as hard as he could to school. The Lord helped him, and he got there just in time.

Tom grew up to be an honored Christian and served the Lord faithfully. He remembered to put God first. God has promised to honor them that honor Him, and His promise never fails.

ML-11/21/1976

"I Say, Mister!"

“I say, Mister,” said little Judy, as she watched a workman go up a very long ladder. “Aren’t you afraid to go up that big ladder?”

He laughed. “No, I’m used to it,” he replied.

Little Judy was not satisfied with that answer, so after thinking for a minute or two, she said, “I guess, Mister, that you are not afraid because when you came out this morning you asked God to keep you safe.”

Now this man had not asked God to keep him safe that morning; in fact, he had lived without God and had not prayed for many a day. He did not answer the little girl, but for the rest of the day her childish words kept ringing in his ears. He could not forget them. They brought back memories of Sunday school, of his mother and of the Saviour who had died for him. That night he got on his knees and prayed for forgiveness. Before he got into bed he sought the Saviour and found Him.

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

“They that seek Me early shall find Me.” Proverbs 8:17.

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-11/21/1976

Why Willie Couldn't Sing

Mr. J. Denham Smith was a Christian preacher and wrote the hymn:

Rise, my soul! behold, ’tis Jesus,

Jesus fills thy wondering eyes;

See Him now in glory seated,

Where thy sins no more can rise.

Mr. Smith had a little boy named Willie. One day the family were singing another lovely hymn:

Now I have found a Friend,

Jesus is mine!

His love will never end,

Jesus is mine!

He will my wants supply,

His precious blood is nigh,

None can my hope destroy,

Jesus is mine!

But Willie was not singing at all. Afterward he said to his mother, “Don’t sing that song any more. I can’t sing it because Jesus is not mine.”

The next morning when Willie did not come down for breakfast, his daddy went upstairs and he found his little son kneeling by his bed.

“When is the next children’s meeting, Daddy?” asked Willie. “Next Friday.”

When Friday came, Willie was at the meeting, listening carefully to all that was said. After the meeting, he went to his father’s side and said happily, “Now I can sing, that ‘Jesus is mine!’ "

During the meeting Willie had trusted the Saviour as his own. Years passed and he went on faithfully, a bright happy Christian.

Can you truthfully say or sing with others, “Jesus is mine!"?

If you trust in Him as your Saviour, then you, too, will be able to sing, “Jesus is mine!” He loves you and died for you upon the cross. He wants to save you and be a friend, for He said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me.”

ML-11/21/1976

Was It a Dream?

Was it merely a dream?

A light shines clear and sweet,

The prisoner hears a voice,

“Put sandals on thy feet.”

It was not merely a dream,

He walks the starlit street;

God’s messenger has come

His freedom to complete.

Who was he? Read Acts 12.

ML-11/21/1976

Back to Fishing

After the Lord Jesus had risen from the dead, Peter and the other disciples had to learn to follow Him in a new way. Before He died on the cross, they could see Him all the time, but now they only saw Him when He showed Himself to them. Very soon He was going up into heaven, and they would only see Him with the eye of faith; but they must follow Him still.

One day after they had gone back to Galilee, Peter said to his fellow disciples, “I go a fishing.” They answered, “We also go with thee.”

They did not stop to ask themselves whether they would be following Jesus by going. They went out and got into a boat at once — Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James and John and two others — seven of them. “And that night they caught nothing.”

When morning came Jesus stood on the shore, but they did not know that it was He. He said to them, “Children, have ye any meat?” They answered, “No.”

Then He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find.” They did so, and the net was so full of fish that they could not draw it in. John knew who it was standing on the shore and said to Peter, “It is the Lord.”

Peter did not wait for another word, but wrapping his fisherman’s coat around him, he flung himself into the sea to go to Jesus. The others followed in the boat dragging the net and fish along with them.

When they got to shore, they found a fire of coals and some fish laid on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.”

Peter went up and drew the net to land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty three of them, and yet the net was not broken.

Jesus said to them, “Come and dine.” Instead of their going home hungry and tired, they found they were to be His guests. And not one of them dared to say to Him, “Who art Thou?” for they knew it was the Lord.

Then Jesus came and waited on them; He took bread and gave it to them, and He gave them fish besides. How good that meal must have tasted to them after being out on the sea all night, and especially since the Lord Himself prepared it!

And, blessed be His Name, He is still the same, for He richly provides for all who trust Him as Saviour and Lord. Especially does He provide for the needs of our souls, for He feeds us with the Bread of Life—Himself come down from heaven and made known in grace—which if a man eats, he shall never hunger again, and if he believes, he shall never thirst.

He richly feeds our souls

With blessings from above,

And leads us where the river rolls

Of endless love.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” Psalm 34:8.

We believe that in this scene on the seashore we have a picture of the coming millennial day when the Lord Jesus shall return in power to this earth. In the fish already on the shore we have the little Jewish remnant. The net full of great fishes tells of the great millennial haul of the Gentiles who will be brought into blessing through the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom by the Jewish remnant. But all will be through the work of that blessed Saviour who through His death and resurrection has accomplished that great work of redemption. How wonderful to think that that day is near at hand! “Come, Lord Jesus."..."Thy kingdom come.”

ML-11/21/1976

The Black Book

Roy was a young boy who lived in a village in the Philippines. He had learned to read, and his favorite Book was the Bible; but he was the only one in the village who possessed one.

Those were days when some men in the village did not like the people to read the Bible. So Roy hid it in a hole down by the river, and from time to time, when no one was looking, he would steal away down there and all alone he would read the stories of Jesus that he loved so well.

One day after a great rain the river flooded and his precious Book was washed away down the river. How sad he was when he found it was gone!

However, in another village farther down the river, there lived a man who was famous among the people as a storyteller. He was out on the river the day after the big rain when he noticed something black in the water. Picking it up he discovered it was a book. After drying the pages he read into it and found it to be full of wonderful stories. He began to tell these stories to the people, and he became more famous than ever.

By and by when American missionaries began to arrive, they gave the people Bibles. They were not afraid to read them now.

A Philippino Christian came to the village one day and he began to tell them wonderful stories about Jesus, about David and Joseph and others we read about in the Bible. Some of the people said, “We have heard those stories before. Are they true?” The preacher told them they were and asked where they got them. “From the storyteller,” they replied. “Where did he get them?” They went to bring the storyteller and when he came, he told them about finding the black Book in the river.

Sometime later the same preacher visited the first village where Roy lived and told him the story of how a black book had been found down the river. Together they went to visit the storyteller, and what was the boy’s delight to find that it was his own precious Bible that the other had found floating on the water. How happy he was when the storyteller gave his treasured Book back to him again.

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” Jer. 15:16.

So the Word of God grew and multiplied in that land, and many of the Philippinos have found Christ as their Saviour.

“Look unto Me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth.” Isa. 45:22.

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

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9

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

ML-11/28/1976

Grandpa and Susie

Grandpa used to drive a bus. When the bus stopped, he would open the door and the people would step in.

Grandpa had a little granddaughter named Susie. She had gone to Sunday school, and there she sang about the Lord Jesus and read out of God’s Holy Word. She also learned Bible verses and liked to take picture texts home to color.

In the evening Grandpa was sitting in the living room with Susie on his lap. How he loved that little girl.

“Grandpa,” said Susie, “I’m going to sing the song we sang in Sunday school for you.”

Standing up in front of him she put her little hands up in the air and sang, “Christ is so high that you can’t get over Him.” Then she put her hands down low and sang, “So deep that you can’t get under Him.” Then putting her hands away out, “So wide you can’t get around Him.” Then pointing with her finger at Grandpa she sang, “So you’d better come in at the door.”

Grandpa thought it was very nice, and so Susie sang it over and over again. Soon it was bedtime and he kissed his little pet goodnight.

Before Susie was up in the morning Grandpa was on the bus again. When he opened the door for people to step in, he thought of the little chorus, “You’d better come in at the door.” It seemed as if little Susie was pointing her finger at him each time he opened the door and he thought of those words.

Grandpa didn’t want those words to trouble him constantly, so he went to a home of a Christian friend where he found out how he could come in at the door and be saved. His friend told him how the Lord Jesus died on the cross and became the door. He is the only way for sinful men and women and boys and girls to enter in and be saved.

Grandpa came to the Lord Jesus as His Saviour and now is safe inside the door. His little Susie is safe inside, too. Are you?

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

ML-11/28/1976

Nardoo

A strange plant called the nardoo grows in the deserts of Australia. It is like a fern, and the natives would eat its seeds when they could get no other food.

The nardoo has one peculiar property, however. While it satisfies and produces a pleasant, comfortable feeling, it does not nourish.

A party of explorers once crossing this central desert, ran out of food.

“Here,” said King their leader, “is a plant which the natives eat, I know. We need not fear of starving.”

Day after day they fed on the nardoo, and they felt satisfied. Presently their strength began to fail.

“I feel as weak as a baby,” said one.

“I can’t walk more than a mile today,” exclaimed another.

As there was no other food to be found, and as they did not know the deceptive nature of the nardoo, they continued to feed on it.

Finally they laid down and died of starvation. A solitary survivor was discovered under a tree, and he told the story of their journey.

Dear reader, are you feeding on the nardoo plant of this world? Are you thinking that the pleasures of this life can satisfy you? Have you forgotten that you have an immortal soul that needs the Bread of Life to satisfy it? The Lord Jesus said: “I am the Bread of Life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35.

ML-11/28/1976

A Treasured Bible

One of the most highly valued possessions of the British and Foreign Bible Society is a little old Bible that once belonged to a small Welsh girl, named Mary Jones.

In the year 1800 Mary lived in a small village in Wales. She had learned to read at a school three miles away. Usually she spent her Saturday afternoons on a farm owned by a Mrs. Evans who possessed one of the few Welsh Bibles in the community. In those days Bibles were not nearly so plentiful as they are now, and so it was mostly the well-to-do people who owned copies.

Mary read chapter after chapter in Mrs. Evans’ Bible, and there was nothing in the world she wanted so much as a Bible of her own. But she was poor, and very few pennies came her way.

One day Mrs. Evans gave Mary two hens. Mary sold the eggs that the hens laid and saved every penny. After many weeks she had enough money with which to buy the treasured Book. Away she trudged on foot one morning to Bala, a town 16 miles away, where she had heard that a minister, Mr. Thomas Charles, had Bibles in the Welsh tongue to sell.

Mr. Charles had sold all his Bibles but two, and, when Mary arrived, she found that even these two copies had been promised to friends. The sorrow of the tired little girl who had walked so far to buy a Bible touched Mr. Charles’ heart so much that he decided one of his friends must wait for his copy, and so he let Mary have the Book.

Mary’s joy knew no bounds as she returned home with her treasure. Many an hour she spent reading the precious volume alone, and after supper, before the blazing fire, in the dim light of a candle, she would read to her parents the wonderful stories in the Old Testament and of the Saviour’s life and death in the New.

After Mary had left with her Bible, Mr. Charles got to thinking of her and the joy she had found in possessing a Bible all her own. He went up to London to the tract society and urged upon them the need of Bibles in Wales. One to whom he spoke remarked, “If Bibles for Wales, why not for the whole world?” As a result, plans were made for sending copies of the holy Book to many parts of the world. Since that time, the Bible has been printed in many hundreds of different languages, and millions of copies of Bibles and Testaments have been distributed world-wide.

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” Isa. 9:2.

Do we treasure our Bibles as Mary Jones did hers? Can we say with the psalmist, “The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” Psalm. 119:72.

ML-11/28/1976

"I Belong to the King"

King George VI had a little terrier dog, and a very proud little dog he was, for he wore on his collar the words —

“BOB, I BELONG TO THE KING.”

How wonderful that the Christian can say much more! Those who are redeemed can say they belong to the King of kings, purchased by His precious blood and day by day kept by His power.

ML-11/28/1976

What Jesus Would Have Done

A missionary told a story of four young African girls who had come to know and love the Lord Jesus as their Saviour. Now they wanted others to know and love Him, too. All alone they had built a little mud hut with a thatched roof where they could have gospel meetings.

During one service the missionary noticed with horror that the four girls were sitting close to an old woman who was a leper. The missionary knew the girls were in great danger of contracting the dread disease, so after the service he spoke to the four girls and explained to them the danger in sitting too near the old leper lady.

“Sir, we know,” said one, “but no one wants Sisi to be near them, so we asked her to sit with us. We thought it would be what Jesus would have done.”

ML-11/28/1976

Lovest Thou Me?

It was early morning on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, after the Lord’s resurrection, and He had just treated His disciples to a rich repast—one that they will never forget.

After they had dined, Jesus said to Peter, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?” Peter replied, “Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” He said unto him, “Feed My lambs.”

Then He said to Peter the second time, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” and Peter answered, “Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

Jesus said unto Him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” Peter was grieved because the Lord said unto him the third time, “Lovest thou Me?” And he said unto Him, “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love thee.” Then Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

When the Lord asked Peter the third time, Peter replied as it were, “Lord, I have failed Thee completely, and there isn’t anything outwardly to prove what I say; but I know that Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that deep down in my heart I love Thee.”

Yes, Jesus knew that Peter truly loved Him, even as it had grieved His heart so sorely to hear Peter’s denial three times over, so now it is sweet to Him to hear his humble confession of love.

It cost Peter a lot to have to make that confession there in the presence of all the others, and that three times over. But how worthwhile it was to know that Jesus trusted Him with the charge of the lambs and sheep of His flock, those sheep that were so precious to Him that He laid down His life for them.

Peter had seen Jesus hang in suffering on the cross, and he knew a little bit how precious the sheep were to the Good Shepherd. He never forgot the charge given to him, and he never forgot that Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and that he, Peter, was only an under-shepherd. Years afterward, when an old man, he wrote a letter in which he reminded the other under-shepherds that they must feed God’s flock. Then he told them of the bright crown, the crown of glory that will never fade, which they will receive from the Chief Shepherd when He comes in His glory.

ML-11/28/1976

The Robber's Scarlet Sash

“They are coming! The robbers from the hills! They have outnumbered the police and driven them away! What shall we do?”

The cry ran from lip to lip in a great city in northwest China. The bandits were on their way to sack the town. The armed officers had fled before them, and the town was at their mercy. Suddenly there arose a cry: “To the foreigner’s house! The mission compound is large! There we shall be safe!”

So the English missionary found to his amazement the doors of his compound besieged by a terrified crowd — women and children by the hundreds were clamoring to be admitted to the shelter of the mission. Mr. Shirley, the missionary, could do nothing except pray. God knew, and God could preserve them even now with danger and death advancing so near. Already far up the streets where the bandit chief was leading his lawless horde in looting and pillage, could be heard the dread cry: “The foreigner! Show me where he lives!”

Mr. Shirley knew only too well what kind of fate was likely to be in store for him. But he made no attempt to hide or escape. Calm and fearless, trusting in God, he went outside closing the gate behind him and waited.

“Where is the foreigner?” demanded the bandit chief.

“Here! I am he!” The missionary stood waiting. What terrible fate was to be his? Instead — the robber chief stopped. Then he came forward smiling — and held out a friendly hand.

“You are the foreigner? No harm shall come to you,” said the bandit. “Once I was ill, and one of your foreign doctors saved my life and I got well. So now your life shall be spared. Take this!”

He unwound his scarlet sash and handed it to Mr. Shirley.

“Take it! Tie it to the gate of your compound. No one will dare harm you or anyone else within your gates. I have spoken.”

The robber band pursued their way through the city, robbing and looting everywhere. But none came near the mission — it was safe! — protected by the robber’s sash.

Did the missionaries and their Chinese guests, sheltered behind that scarf tied on the gate open their Bibles and read of others saved by a scarlet line? For a red cord saved the messengers whom Joshua had sent to spy out Jericho. Let down by that line from a window on the city wall, the messengers escaped back to Joshua’s camp while Rahab, who had saved their lives, obeyed their order and tied the red cord in her window.

To Rahab it was a signal of protection; to us it is a picture of the scarlet line which runs through all the word of God, telling of the coming of One who, on the cross of Calvary, put away sin so that the guilt that is like scarlet, and red like crimson, is washed as white as snow.

“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.

The crowd of Chinese women and children were safe behind the gate where hung the scarlet sash because Mr. Shirley had gone outside and parleyed with the robber chief. And we read that “Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” Heb. 12:12. He met the enemy’s power and the judgment of God against sin at the cross for all those who trust Him as their Saviour. Are you under the shelter of His blood, dear reader?

It cost the blood of God’s dear Son To save the soul of anyone.

We have no strength, guilty and lost; But grace is free, at infinite cost. Friend, be with self forever done, And put your trust in that blest One.

There is no sorrow, Lord, too slight,

To bring in prayer to Thee;

There is no burdening care too light

To wake Thy sympathy.

Memory Verse: “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11

ML-12/05/1976

Your Sin Will Find You Out

When we were young, my brother Rob and I had lots of fun together. But we were not always good; we were often naughty. There were times when Mom told us to do something, but we ended up in doing just the opposite. We hadn’t yet learned the importance of the scripture: “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not... for whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord.” Prov. 8:33, 35.

One summer morning Mother told us to take her grocery cart and do some shopping for her at the supermarket. She specifically instructed us not to go by way of the creek and to come straight home when we were finished.

In a few moments we were off, but all along the way we were plotting and planning how we could get down to the creek without Mom’s finding it out. We decided to visit the creek on our way home.

With our cart packed full of groceries, we trudged down the path towards the woods. Suddenly I said, “You know, Mom told us not to go down here.”

“Oh,” said Rob, “no one sees us, and Mom will never find out because we won’t tell her.” We had forgotten the verse: “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Num. 32:23.

With my mind a little more at ease, we slowly took the cart down the steep embankment that led to the creek. Already we could see the water splashing over the rocks below. Oh how delightfully inviting it looked!

Suddenly we reached an unexpected soft spot in the gravel, and the cart overturned. Groceries flew everywhere and went rolling down the steep embankment. I became alarmed, but. Rob reassured me that he would recover the groceries and clean off the dirt.

I watched him work and thought how clever he was to get all the dirt off and pack the cart full again. I was relieved as we started home once again. But I had forgotten that verse: “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

Mom was smarter than we were, and it wasn’t long before she began to ask questions. She noticed the bananas at the bottom of one bag; then a loaf of bread crushed between cans of soup. She knew that no cashier would pack groceries that way. She didn’t have to ask many questions, for our red faces and guilty looks told the tale.

We were punished for our disobedience. I proved that day that disobedience does not pay, but only brings sorrow and shame, whereas obedience and happiness go together. I also learned the truth of that verse: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.

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

ML-12/05/1976

How She Knew

A poor Italian lady was asked how she knew the Bible was the Word of God. At first she became confused and could not answer. But suddenly she turned to her inquirer and asked, “How do you know there is a sun in the sky?”

“I feel its warmth and I see its light,” was the reply.

“Just so!” cried the poor woman joyfully. “That is how I know that the Bible is from God, for it warms my heart and lightens my soul.”

ML-12/05/1976

In the Beginning

Long, long ago there was a time when there was nothing, no one except God. There were no people, no birds or animals, no land or sea, no sun, moon or stars — only God! He was always there, and He was the Creator of all things.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” But the earth became a waste and empty place — all dark and covered with water. “God said, “Let there be light: and there was light.” He called the light Day and the darkness, Night.

Then God made the sky and called it Heaven. He caused the waters to be gathered together, and the dry land to appear. The waters He called Seas and the land Earth. He made the grass and flowers to grow on the earth and all kinds of trees.

On the fourth day He caused the sun to shine during the day and the moon at night. “He made the stars also.”

Then God created the fish and the great whales to swim in the seas and the birds to fly in the air. On the fifth day He made all the animals and things that creep on the earth.

Last of all He made man and made him lord over all His beautiful creation. And God looked on everything He had made and said it was very good.

ML-12/05/1976

Sam's Prayers

Sam was a wooly-headed smiley-faced native Christian who acted as a guide to the missionary.

“Ah, Suh,” said Sam, “I used to treat the Lord as if He were a poor man and had very little to give away.”

“How so?” asked the missionary.

“Well, in those days,” answered Sam, “I prayed, ‘Lord, do give me a little more faith,’ or ‘Oh, I beseech Thee, Lord, bestow on Sam rather more grace!’ And I begged and prayed for everything as if I had to drag it away from Him. Then a white man came to preach at Lagos, and he described how great the Lord was and what His riches in glory must be.

“As I sat under a tree that night I said to myself, ‘Sam, you’ve been praying as if the Lord owned only a small sago palm, and as if His heart was as hard as the shell of a coconut; when all the time every beast in the forest is His, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. His heart is like the great sun that warms and gladdens us all, and He is full of love to both poor saints and sinners.’ "

“Well,” said the missionary, “what did you do after that?”

“Oh, suh,” was Sam’s glad reply, his dusky face all aglow with joy, “I just acted on what I had found out. I said, ‘Lord, Ise very poor and quite empty of grace and patience and all them beautiful things. But Thou art very rich. Give this poor sinner according to Your great heart and great supply.’ "

“And I know He answered you, Sam,” said the missionary, remembering with thankfulness how God was blessing Sam’s simple faithful testimony to his fellows.

“Suh,” answered Sam, “the Lord jus’ weighs me down with a load of all the good things that He gives, and He seems to be saying to me all the time: ‘Use this, Sam; I’ve a lot more I want to give you.’ O, suh, life has been a different thing to me since that time. You see, I’m never afraid of asking too much, for I know He loves to give it.”

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21.

ML-12/05/1976

On Which Side Are You?

A man was hurrying to catch a ferry-boat one day, but just as he reached the barrier, the gates were closed, and he had to watch his boat leave the dock without him.

Instantly the words flashed into his mind: “And the door was shut.” Matt. 25:10.

“If this had been the door into heaven,” he thought to himself, “it would never have opened for me again.”

After a wait of some little time, the ferry-boat returned, the barrier was raised, and the man was able to resume his journey. But he could not concentrate on his work that day, for the word spoken by the Saviour kept returning to his mind: “And the door was shut.”

At last he went aside by himself, and getting down upon his knees, he gave himself to the Lord Jesus Christ who also said: “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” John 10:9.

Immediately his mind was at peace, for he had entered through the Door while it was still open. Have you?

ML-12/05/1976

Chan's Journey

Chan had stumbled and fallen heavily, breaking his leg two weeks previously. In the little village where he lived, there was no proper surgical aid. Lying on the hard mattress in his little cottage, Chan decided on a plan which at first seemed wildly foolish, but he determined to carry it out.

Forty miles away was a hospital where he had been told the white foreign doctor was doing wonderful things for sick and injured folk.

But how could Chan expect to endure a journey of 40 miles, dragging himself along as best he could? Yet it was better to die on the road than linger miserably like this. So he made up his mind. Gathering together a little store of food for the journey, and after burning a stick of incense with a prayer that the gods might help him, Chan started out.

For 14 days he dragged his way painfully over the road of stones. Scorched with the burning heat of the sun by day and chilled at night, living on his scanty store and begging help from an occasional passer-by, Chan lost count of time, living through one weary day after another.

“May the gods have pity on me!” he groaned, as he rested on the roadside one afternoon.

Three days later the doctor in the missionary hospital was surprised when one of his Chinese attendants called him to come and see a man at the gate who had crawled 40 miles in 17 days with a broken leg in order to see the honorable doctor.

His clothes torn and covered with dust, Chan was tenderly lifted and carried inside. There he received the skilled medical attention he needed so badly; there, too, he heard for the first time the story of Jesus, the Saviour who loved sinners and who was able to save.

Six weeks later Chan walked out of the hospital strong and well again. But not only was he changed outwardly, but an inward work had been done in his soul, for he had responded to the message of love that was told out in the gospel. He had come to know and love Jesus who he learned had died to put his sins away. Now he was going back to his own village eager to carry the message of salvation to his people at home.

Four years passed. Chan had faithfully gone on for the Lord and won many to the Saviour. Seventeen had asked to be baptized — one for each day of that unforgettable journey. Was the journey worthwhile? Ask Chan.

“Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven.” 1 Thess. 1:9, 10.

Memory Verse: “For there is no difference ... : for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.” Romans 10:12

ML-12/12/1976

How Rags Was Spared

Rags was a little wire-haired terrier, with a rough head and big brown eyes. She belonged to the Martindale family and was a special favorite of little Barbara. Both Barbara and Rags were five years old and had been brought up together.

They lived in India in a white bungalow with a lovely wide sunny veranda in front. One day when Daddy was coming home, Rags dashed out to meet him and badly cut her little moist black nose on the screen wire. It became infected, and they had to take her to the vet. Rags was in such great pain that the kind vet only shook his head saying he could not do anything for her. He said she would have to be put to sleep for she would die anyway.

Little Barbara cried her heart out at the thought of losing her playmate.

“Don’t cry, darling,” said Mother. “We’ll ask the Lord Jesus to make Rags better if it is His will.”

Together they knelt down and prayed. Barbara was just a little girl, but she knew and loved the Lord Jesus and somehow she felt sure in her little heart that He would answer their prayer.

The next morning when Mother went to see the vet, he told her sadly, “We have just put her to sleep. Her pain was so great this morning that I felt it was cruelty to keep her alive.”

Mother looked down heavy-hearted at the stiff little body of Rags and thought of her little girl’s hope.

That evening little Barbara was trying to forget her grief by playing on the veranda when up the steps came the vet — and Rags! — not dead, but a very much alive little Rags, who frisked and tumbled about her small mistress with joyous abandon.

Smilingly the vet explained: “She fell down on the floor when we gave her ether, and we thought she was dead. But 20 minutes after you had gone, Mrs. Martindale, I went back and found her sitting up! I believe her nose will heal completely.”

And it proved to be true. Rags is an old dog now but is well and happy.

After that experience little Barbara, when she knelt to pray at night, would say: “Lord Jesus, bless Daddy and Mommy; help me to be a good girl; and I thank Thee for making Rags better.”

ML-12/12/1976

Isn't That Good?

Mr. Martin was sitting in the big railway station in Detroit waiting for the train. An old man came and sat down beside him. In a few moments Mr. Martin turned and offered him a gospel tract, and this started a conversation between them.

The old man said he had come to Detroit to see a doctor, because he had been feeling very sick. The doctor had just told him that nothing could be done and that he only had about four months to live.

“And are you not afraid to die?” Mr. Martin asked.

“Oh, no, I am not afraid to die.” “Why not? Are you sure you are going to heaven?”

“Yes, I am sure. I have lived all my life in the north of Michigan, and neither my wife nor myself can read. I had never heard a sermon since I left home as a boy, and we had no Bible in our home. Our own little boy, Donald, went to school up there and learned to read. Then one day a man spoke to him on the way home from school and gave him a Testament to read. Every evening after that, we would all sit around the supper table and Donald would read to us from the Testament.

One night he was reading in 1 Timothy 1 until he came to verse 15: ‘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.’

“When I heard that wonderful verse, I well remember I called out, ‘Stop! Stop! Wife, isn’t that good? We are sinners and Christ Jesus came into the world to save us — isn’t that good?’

“And right then we both knelt down beside the supper table and thanked God for His great gift which in simple faith we had just accepted.”

Perhaps, dear reader, you have often heard that wonderful verse before. You may even be able to quote it and many others from memory. But have you ever knelt down and thanked God for sending the Lord Jesus to die for you?

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15.

ML-12/12/1976

The Indian Chief

The Indian chief flung himself off his horse outside the little mission station and entered the building. As he listened to the “old, old story of Jesus and His love,” the heart of this native man was deeply touched so much that he suddenly rose, walked up the aisle of the little wooden building, and laying down his hunting knife on the table before the missionary said, “Indian chief give his knife to the Lord Jesus.”

Presently as the missionary was talking of the wonderful miracles which the Lord Jesus did while He was on earth, the chief rose again and walking up the aisle laid his tomahawk on the table.

“Indian chief give his tomahawk to the Lord Jesus,” he said and went back to his seat.

The preacher went on to tell of the cruel mockings and scourging which the Lord Jesus endured. Again the chief rose and going outside for a moment, he untied his fine horse and led him clanking up the aisle.

“Indian chief give his horse to the Lord Jesus,” he said quietly and went back.

And then the missionary told the story of the cross and of how the Lord Jesus died to put away sins.

Once more the chief rose and walked up the aisle.

With tears in his eyes he said, “Indian chief give himself to the Lord Jesus.”

ML-12/12/1976

Driven From the Garden

God planted a beautiful garden and put Adam and Eve there. They were very happy, but Satan, that wicked old serpent, came in to spoil their happiness and to ruin God’s fair creation.

God had said they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” If they ate of that tree, they would surely die.

Now the serpent was very cunning, and he told Eve that they would not die. Instead they would become wise like God Himself. Poor Eve believed Satan’s lie instead of God, and she ate the forbidden fruit. She gave some to Adam and he ate, too. At once they knew they were naked, for sin had given them a bad conscience. They sewed fig leaves together and made aprons to wear.

Soon they heard God’s voice as He walked in the garden, and they hid from His presence behind the trees. “Where art thou?” God asked. “Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat?” Adam then blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent.

God put a curse on the serpent. He told Eve she should have pain and sorrow. Adam, He said, would have to work hard for a living, for earth would no longer be like this beautiful garden. He would die and his body return to dust.

But God loved them in spite of their disobedience and covered them with coats of skins in place of their fig leaves. Then He sent them forth from the garden, never to return, for He placed angels with flaming swords to guard the way to the tree of life.

ML-12/12/1976

"That Proves I'm Saved"

Old farmer Giles was converted at a gospel tent meeting in his village. But when he got home again, Satan came and whispered to him that he was not saved at all — he couldn’t really be saved. So down the old farmer got on his knees and asked the Lord Jesus to give him back the assurance of his salvation.

This went on for some time — one day the old farmer would feel sure he was saved, but the next Satan had him in doubt about it. At last he got tired of Satan’s wiles.

“I’ll take the Lord at His word, and just believe I’m saved,” he cried. Then going out into a field, he knelt down right out there under the blue sky and asked the Lord Jesus to give him the assurance of his salvation once more.

When he got up from his knees, he went and fetched a post; then, taking a hammer, he drove the post firmly into the ground. After that, whenever Satan came and whispered to him that perhaps he was not really saved at all, he would go out into the field and pointing to the post planted there, he would say triumphantly: “There, devil, that proves I’m saved! The Lord Jesus Christ sent me the message, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.’ Yes, and I believed and asked him to give me the sense of my salvation at the spot where that post is stuck into the ground, and He did it!”

“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, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” 1 John 5:13.

ML-12/12/1976

"I Will Never Leave Thee, nor Forsake Thee"

Jesus loves me though I’m bad,

And He waits to make me glad;

Waits to fold me in His arm,

Keeps me safe from every harm.

Jesus loves me, He who died,

Heaven’s gate to open wide.

He will wash away my sin,

Let a little child come in.

Jesus loves me, He will stay

Close beside me all the way.

If I trust Him should I die

He will take me home on high.

Yes, Jesus loves me,

The Bible tells me so.

“A friend loveth at all times.” Prov. 17:17.

“There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Prov. 18:24.

Memory Verse: “Thus saith the Lord ... Seek ye Me, and ye shall live.” Amos 5:4

ML-12/19/1976

A Goat to Buy a Book

Mr. and Mrs. Quelch had labored faithfully in Africa for three years, but there had been very little response from the natives to the message of the gospel. The missionary had translated some of the scriptures into the language of the Lugu people, and now they had been printed.

Mrs. Quelch was taking a brief rest outside the mission bungalow one afternoon when she saw a strange sight. An African clad in skins had come out of the long grass. He was leading a goat by one hand, while he grasped his spear in the other. Mrs. Quelch watched while he tied his goat to a banana tree. Then laying aside his spear, he approached the bungalow with a smile of keen anticipation on his face.

“White lady,” he began, “has God’s Book arrived in our country?”

Mrs. Quelch was surprised. “Are you interested in God’s Book?” she asked.

“Yes,” replied the man, taking some small pieces of paper from a hidden place. “My son brought me these papers from the coast where he has gone to work for the white men. He says that on them are the words of the Father of creation, and my boy has taught me these words: ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.’ White lady, I want to learn to read God’s words. I have walked for five days, and I have brought this goat to buy God’s Book.

Gladly Mrs. Quelch gave him a Gospel of John. How cheered she was to see the joy that shone in that dark face before her as that poor native took the precious Book into his hands, raised it to his lips and kissed it.

Kacengu, for that was his name, proved an apt pupil, and within six months, the missionary found in him a true helper in the gospel. He seemed to fairly drink in the words of life and made rapid strides in reading. His one desire was to take the gospel to his home five days journey away, and great was his joy when he was at last able to return there as an evangelist.

A year later Kacengu came back to the mission station to say that six Africans wanted to be baptized. The missionary was surprised to find out how much real knowledge of the gospel these converts had. And all because one man had thirsted for the word of God and had received it with joy.

“O send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them lead me.” Psa. 43:3.

“Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isa. 45:22.

ML-12/19/1976

A Simple Bible Searching for Boys and Girls

Who gleaned in Bethlehem’s golden field

Among the waving corn:

Whose father as a “stranger” lived,

In days where he was born?

Whose little son was raised to life,

And welcomed by his mother?

Who’s written to as “my own son,”

And also called “our brother?”

Initial letters of each name

A gift of Christ will tell;

In all its fullness known in heaven,

In all its lack in hell.

ML-12/19/1976

Cain and Abel

Adam and Eve had two sons. The elder was Cain and the younger Abel. Cain was a gardener, but Abel was a shepherd and kept sheep and goats. The time came when Cain and Abel decided to bring an offering to God. Cain brought of the fruits he had grown in the ground. Abel brought a little lamb from his flock. God accepted Abel’s offering, but Cain’s He would not accept.

Abel understood he could only go to God through the death of another, so he sacrificed a lamb. Cain didn’t feel he needed a sacrifice; he thought if he brought the best of what he grew, even though the ground was cursed, God should accept that.

When God refused Cain’s offering, he was very angry and jealous of Abel. God said to Cain, “Why art thou angry? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?”

One day when Cain and Abel were out alone in the field, Cain rose up against his brother and killed him.

And God said to Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?”

And God said, “What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto Me from the ground.”

“And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand.”

And Cain went out from the presence of God and built a city. He tried to make himself as happy as he could and to forget about God and the awful sin he committed.

ML-12/19/1976

Dog Waits for Owner at Russian Airport

A recent Associated Press report states: “For nearly two years a forlorn German shepherd has met every Ilyushin-18 passenger jet arriving at Moscow’s Airport in search of the master who flew away.

“Airport workers feed the ragged-eared dog, but she refuses to let anyone come near her, and won’t leave, authorities say.

“Sometime in late 1974 airport authorities refused to let the dog board the plane with her owner because he did not have the necessary health certificate from a veterinarian. So, the man boarded the plane and left the dog at the airport. During the first few days the dog chased after all the departing 11-18s as they taxied away, much to the consternation of the pilots. Then she switched to meeting incoming flights.

“The dog lives under a construction worker’s trailer near the airport terminal, watching for the 11-18s. No one knows how she tells the difference between the planes.

“As soon as the staircase is sent over to the plane, the dog runs over, stops at a safe distance from the passengers and waits. Probably her owner thinks the dog has forgotten him, but it is hoped that he will yet return to claim his faithful friend.”

We as Christians, saved by the grace of God, ought to be looking for our Saviour’s return with the same singleness of heart and purpose as the dog in our story awaits patiently her master’s return. Alas, her faithfulness puts many of us to shame, for we are so occupied with our cares and material things. We forget His faithful promise, “Surely I come quickly” and are scarcely able to say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20.)

May we be set free from all that hinders and be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for us.” Titus 2:13.

ML-12/19/1976

His Pet Toad

The Duke of Wellington who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo was one of the great generals of history. He could rule armies as few men have been able to do, and yet he was not above taking care of a very humble little pet creature.

One day when the Duke was out riding in the country, he came upon a small boy engaged in some mysterious occupation on the ground.

“What are you doing?” asked the Duke.

“I’m feeding my pet toad,” answered the boy, his eyes filled with tears. “They are going to send me away to school, and my toad will die.”

“Never mind,” said the great general. “You go to school, and I’ll take care of your toad.”

So he did, and soon afterward the small boy received a letter from the Duke saying that the toad was doing well.

The Lord Jesus is God and He loves all the little creatures that He has made. He cares for them, too. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matt 10:29-31.

ML-12/19/1976

The People of the Book

Robert Morris had gone to Asia Minor to visit some Christians living in a very remote section. But no one seemed to be able to direct him to them.

Looking around he saw a man coming towards him. So he asked him if there were any Christians in the neighborhood.

“Christians?” The man shook his head. He had never heard of such people. Who were they?

“People who believe in Jesus Christ,” replied Morris.

The man looked very puzzled, and then after a moment’s thought, he said, “I don’t suppose you mean ‘the people of the Book'?”

This time it was the missionary who looked astonished.

“The people of the Book? Who are they?”

“Well,” replied the man, “they are a little band of people who get their way of life from a big Book which they say is holy. They do everything the Book tells them to do, and so they are called ‘the people of the Book.’ "

“Is the Book called the Bible?” asked Morris eagerly.

“That I couldn’t say,” was the reply; “but these people live about two miles from here across the valley and over the hill.”

“Thank you very much indeed,” said the missionary warmly and pressed forward on his way.

A little later he came upon a row of humble cottages and rapped on the door of the first one. A tall swarthy-looking man opened the door and invited him in. As Morris stepped inside the rough room, a strange and beautiful sight met his gaze. Half a dozen men and women were gathered round a rough table on which lay a large volume. The missionary discovered it to be a translation of the Bible in their own language.

Having made friends with the little group, Morris learned that they had obtained this treasure sometime previously, and although no one had ever visited them from the outside, they had read and studied the Scriptures so diligently that they had discovered God’s way of salvation, and had come to know the Saviour.

Their joy was as great as that of their visitor. Even as he entered, they had been considering how they could tell others of their wonderful discovery that they, too, might share in the blessings of knowing Christ.

When Robert Morris had to depart, it was with mingled feelings of joy and sadness that he bade them good-bye.

“The people of the Book,” he thought to himself, “what a title! Here are poor folk receiving a Bible for the first time, and not only reading and believing every word, but obeying it; while over in our country there are educated people who scorn and despise this same precious Book, calling it foolish and out of date though it has been in their possession for centuries. What grander title could be bestowed on any people than which these isolated Christians have earned, ‘The people of the Book'?”

ML-12/19/1976

"Twice Mine!"

“Say, Mister, your catcher has just got my dog,” exclaimed Jim to the pound keeper. The boy was almost out of breath from running. “And he’s a good dog,” he added.

Even as he spoke the dog catcher arrived, and they heard the rear door of the pound open. Soon they saw several dogs being shoved into the pen.

“That’s him!” cried Jim. “That one over in the corner.”

“Well,” said the keeper, “I expect the trouble is he hasn’t a license, or somethin'.”

Poor Jim hung his head and confessed that it was so.

“He’ll have to have one before we can let him out of here,” said the keeper.

“How much does one cost?” asked Jim, as he fingered two quarters in his pocket.

“A dollar fifty” replied the keeper.

“Any work I could do around here, so I could earn the money?” queried Jim hopefully.

“No, I’m afraid not, son. You might try the food store on the corner.”

That afternoon Jim reappeared at the pound and handed the keeper $1.50. Moments later the gate to the dog pen opened, and a joyful pup, wiggling and twisting all over and barking with excitement, was in Jim’s arms.

On the way home Jim paused and taking his pup in his arms he said, “Pup, you’re twice mine now! You were mine the day Dad gave you to me; but then I lost you, and I’ve had to buy you back. So you’re twice mine now!”

And so it is with all of us. The Lord Jesus, our Creator, made us and gave us life in this world. But we were lost through the fall. He had to come to redeem us-to buy us back, and this He did at the cost of His own precious blood on the cross, for He loved us so. If we have trusted Him as our Saviour, then we are saved. We belong to Him, never to be lost again, for He gives us eternal life; we shall never perish, for no one shall ever pluck us out of His hand. (John 10:27-31.)

Dear young friends, can you say, “I am twice His, for He has redeemed me "?

“Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold,... but with the precious blood of Christ.” 1 Pet. 1:18, 19.

Memory Verse: “I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah 43:25

All Blotted Out

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

ML-12/26/1976

I Believe God Answers Prayer

In the province of Hunan, China, there lived a little Chinese boy named He Long. He attended a village children’s meeting and there learned to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ, the “Friend of little children.”

He’s home was a sad one. His father used to spend night after night away in the village, gambling and drinking, so that his poor mother was very miserable and often cried.

One night she was sitting up as usual, waiting for her husband to come home, and her heart was so heavy with dark hopelessness that she sat and sobbed as if her heart would break.

“What shall I do?” she cried. “What shall I do?”

At last little He could stand it no more. “Why don’t you pray to the Lord Jesus?” he suggested.

“I don’t know how to pray,” sobbed the poor woman.

“I’ll teach you, Mother,” said the little boy, sitting up.

“But your God wouldn’t listen to me, and He can’t do anything for your father,” replied his mother in a hopeless voice.

He climbed out of bed and knelt beside his mother. “Let’s pray, Mother,” he coaxed. “The Lord Jesus can change Father. He changes people’s hearts.”

“I don’t know what to say. I can’t pray,” said Mother.

“I’ll say it first, and you say it after me, Mother,” said little He.

So in the shadowy darkness the little fellow taught his mother to pray sentence by sentence. She hardly believed there could be any answer to that prayer, but little 8-year-old He had no doubts about the matter. Had he not been praying for some months now that the Lord Jesus would change his father’s heart, and bring peace and happiness into that little home?

Night after night, when the father was gambling and drinking away his earnings, He and his mother prayed together, and she seemed to get comfort from their prayers.

A few months later, the gospel tent came to their village. Out of curiosity He’s father began to attend the meetings. Before long he was convicted of sin. At last the time came when he was saved by the power of God.

Now there was no more gambling or drinking, and soon He Long’s home was the happy place he had dreamed of, while together he and his father and mother thanked God for hearing and answering their prayers.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

ML-12/26/1976

The Flood

After Cain killed Abel, Adam and Eve had more children. Men lived to a great age in those days. Some lived for hundreds of years. Men became very wicked, and the earth was filled with violence and all kinds of evil.

But Noah was a just man and walked with God.

God told Noah He was going to bring a flood of water upon the earth to destroy all that evil generation. He told Noah to build an ark of wood and that he and his wife and family would be saved from judgment.

After a long time the ark was ready. Then God told Noah to take with him into the ark two of every living thing — birds, animals and all creeping things.

Noah obeyed God and went into the ark. Then God shut them in.

God waited seven more days, but no one else entered the ark. Then it began to rain. It rained for forty days and forty nights. Besides, the flood waters came up from beneath. All the high hills and even the mountains were covered. The ark floated safely on the water, but all other people were drowned.

Only Noah and his family were kept alive. They were safe in the ark. Those who trust in the Lord now, like Noah, are safe too, from judgment.

ML-12/26/1976

Are You Ready?

Oswald was a boy who worked for a wealthy Christian doctor. During morning prayers, when the family and servants gathered together in the large dining room, he had often heard the doctor read words about the coming again of the Lord Jesus. However, Oswald did not understand much about what was said, for while his master was explaining these things, he was generally thinking about football or some other sport.

One day the kind doctor called Oswald into his study and began to talk to him about the Lord Jesus. He explained how the Saviour had come to die for all, and how each one might be saved by trusting in Him, but it must be a personal thing. Each one must be able to say, “The Son of God... loved me, and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20.)

The doctor ended his talk by saying, “The Lord Jesus is coming back perhaps very soon. When He comes, you may have my house, Oswald, and my car, my furniture and all my money.” The boy looked very much surprised.

“Thank you—thank you, Sir,” stammered Oswald, so surprised that he hardly knew what to say.

“You see, I’ll not need them,” went on the doctor. “I shall be safe with the Lord Jesus, for I love Him, and have taken Him as my own Saviour. But you have not; you will be left to face all the terrible things that are going to happen on the earth.”

Oswald returned to his room and, alone in bed, he began to think of all that the doctor had said.

“If the doctor goes to be with the Lord Jesus,” he reasoned to himself, “what will I do with his house, his car and all the other things? Where will I be? I wish I was ready to go with the Lord Jesus like he is! I would rather be safe with Him than have all these things and be left behind.”

Poor Oswald could not sleep that night. At last he could bear it no longer, and getting out of bed he crept downstairs and knocked at the door’s door. The doctor was surprised to see who was there.

“Oh, Sir,” cried Oswald, “please will you tell me how I can be ready when the Lord Jesus comes? I don’t want those things you offered me.”

The doctor gladly told him again the simple gospel story and asked him if he would not then and there ask the Saviour to come into his heart. Oswald was glad to receive Him now, and that night he passed from death to life. From then on he, too, could say, “I am ready to meet Jesus when He comes.”

“Behold, I come quickly.” Revelation 22:12.

“For 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: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.

ML-12/26/1976

Peter: "When Thou Shalt Be Old"

After the Lord Jesus had said to Peter, “Feed My sheep,” He told him what would happen to him when he should be an old man. He said: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, when thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.”

Perhaps you say, “Poor Peter!” but we should say rather, “Happy Peter!” for though we do not know for certain in what way Peter was put to death, we know that by his death he brought glory to God. Some historians say he was crucified, like his blessed Master, only with his head downwards by his own request. They also state that his wife died with him.

Then Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.”

What a comfort those words must have been to Peter when he was an old man and it all came true—when he was bound and carried away to die. What a comfort to know that he was following his Lord, and that even though the path lay through suffering, shame and death, it would take him where Jesus was on the other side.

When Peter heard what should happen to him in his old age, he turned and saw John following, and he said to Jesus, “Lord, and what shall this man do?”

Jesus said to him, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me.”

Peter had to learn what we all have to learn, that we and our fellow disciples belong to the Lord Jesus. He has His own plans and purposes for each, He has the right to do what He wills with us, the right to call one home to be with Himself by a violent death, and the right to leave another to serve Him down here to extreme old age.

The one thing we need to concern ourselves about is just this: Are we, am I, following Him, following Him in my youth, following Him all the days, until I reach Him where He is?

ML-12/26/1976

Messages of God's Love: 1976

Table of Contents

The Lost Little Goat

Margie the Miller's Child

Little Tommy's Prayer

He Feared Not the Grave

Bible Talks

A Crocodile Story

Four Bible Boys Who Had Godly Mothers

The Jewish Boys

There Is No "If"

Bible Talks

Hit by a Train

Found

The Lord Jesus Changed Me

Like Daddy

The Voice From Heaven

Bible Talks

Across Niagara Falls on a Tightrope

Hero's Rescue

Bible Talks

Face to Face

Black Fritz

Prince Frederick

Among Robbers

Bible Talks

The Strange Book

King George and Queen Mary

Bob the Fireman's Dog

Sold for a Straw

Bible Talks

How Jeannie Won Her Dad

Swimming to Sunday School

Bible Acrostic

"Lord Jesus, This Is Sandy!"

Harry

Bible Talks

Henry's New Beginning

Roger's Victory

How Lynn Overcame Fear

Bible Talks

Almost but Lost

Has the Text Changed?

Meet Me in Heaven!

A Piece of Money

"Drop Dem S'posins"

Westie

How Old Are You?

A Brightly Colored Thief

Sailor Jack

The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven

Luther's Little Bunny

Jesus

Turned Inside Out

God Wants the Boys

The Old Labrador Fisherman

What Is His Name?

Bible Talks

The Hidden Hook

Earnestly Sought

"Tell Me of Jesus"

A Talk on Eyes

Bible Talks

A Night With a Lion

Safe

Bible Talks

"That's All I Want!"

The Little Overcomer

Tung

The Magnet

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Soldier Meets Blood Donor

Did They Let Him in?

The Cow That Preached

Who Was He?

Heaven

A Singer Converted

Bible Talks: The Song of Moses

Kim

A Mother's Love