Chapter 6

"Today the tempter told me that there would be no use in my surrendering, for I would not prove true, and anyhow that it was only a matter of excitement and not of firm conviction. I fully realize that I have no power in myself, and that the first moment I look away from Christ I shall fall. I am resting on the promise that He is able to keep me from falling and to present me faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.

"Your message Sunday and your message today burned deeply into my soul, but it is this little girl whom God was pleased to use in the breaking of my stony, icy heart. I wish to take her as my own daughter, knowing that she will lead me still closer to the Lord she loves so well.

"Rosa," he asked tenderly, "are you willing to be my little girl instead of my Margaret whom God has taken to Himself?"

For her answer she slipped her arms about his neck and kissed him, while Mrs. Dale smiled through her tears upon the happy pair.

"My brother, may God bless you and keep you," fervently responded the pastor, "leading you from victory up into victory.

"You are not the only one to be filled with gratitude for having been brought under the influence of this child. I too view life differently, seeing more clearly than ever the duty, nay, privilege of personal soul-saving work for the Master. Rosa's quest has brought me face to face with the insignificance of this world, and the realities of the next. Her attitude is only what that of every true follower of God should be. Our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. If we could only remember our position in Him, the surrendered life would be the natural outcome, and, like Rosa, our faces continually would be turned toward the beautiful land.

"This is only another verification of the fact that a little child shall lead them.

"Yes, it means a rich and new blessing to me!"

"And to me, too," softly sobbed Mrs. Gray, "fer it's all come through her, the sweet lamb, and I've been a-threat'nin' to lick her. She was that patient when my ankle was twisted, that I'll never fergit it, no never! I can see now how she'd shake of fear when she'd come up to me, then run to poor old father fer a bit of comfort. I didn't know it then, but do now, that she was 'most a-starvin' fer the kind of love she didn't git. How she must have missed her ma! Oh, I've been so awful mean! I don't see how God can fergive me, but I know He has. I never knew'd before that the Saviour is fer sech as me. Tom used to try to tell me, and I wouldn't let him. He wuz good, and I wuzn't. And dear old father! How happy he and Tom must be tonight, but it'll be dreadfully lonesome with them all gone. I wish I could have Rosa back ag'in, though I'm awful glad she's to have sech a good home. And I made sech a fuss about a-keepin' her till spring. If it hadn't been fer her, I don't know how I'd ever got along when I couldn't walk. But God has fergive me now, and I feel like another woman."

"I'll go back with you, Mis' Gray," faltered Rosa, "if you want me to."

"No, my child, you promised to stay with me," interrupted the doctor, "but you may visit Mrs. Gray every week, and I shall see that she never wants for anything again."

"Ain't He a wonderful Saviour?" said Mrs. Gray, brightening up. "I can't see how 'tis, but I love them all over there on Burton street now, and I used to be that ugly they're all afraid of me, I know. Seems like I can hardly wait till mornin', I'm that anxious to git back to tell them all about it. They're all so poor, and have sech heavy loads. They need Him bad to help them, but they don't know He's promised to. And Billy Bruce, the poor laddie, I want to tell him how sorry I am fer a-tryin' to throw that piece of coal at him. His ma's drunk most of the time, and so's his pa. He used to come to me fer somethin' to eat, and I wouldn't give him a thing, but jest scold him and tell him to git out of the way, fer I didn't feed beggars. He ain't never had no chance yet, and I'm jest a-goin' to see what I can do fer him. He's got a good heart, and once he told me I'd never lick Rosa if he wuz only a little bigger. He'll run when he see me a-comin', but I'll put some peppermints in my pocket, and mebbe they'd help catch him."

"Oh, Mrs. Gray," said Esther, "I am so glad that you are going to help Billy. I saw him the other day, and feel sure that you can bring him around all right. I shall come over often to assist you, and I know that many will find the same dear Friend in whom you are rejoicing tonight.

"How wonderfully has the Lord's hand been guiding since first I saw Rosa that cold December day; and the end is not yet!"

For several minutes the little company sat in silence, each one buried in thoughts too deep and sacred to find expression in words.

Presently Rosa lifted her head from the doctor's shoulder, her lustrous eyes becoming more luminous than ever, as she said:

"Oh, how glad I am that I have found the way to the beautiful land! Mother's there, and don't cough no more. Grandpa's there, and we're all going some day, 'cause Jesus paid the fare a long time ago!"

AFTERWORD.

One bitterly cold December day, while riding in a streetcar in a large city, a frail-looking little girl, bending beneath the weight of a huge package, entered the car, sitting directly in front of me. She was thinly, though neatly, clad. Her pale face was overshadowed by an expression of care far too old for her baby shoulders, while her eyes were large, dark, and pathetically wistful.

There was something irresistible about her whole appearance, impelling me to cross the aisle and sit down by her side.

She told me that her name was Rosa, and the conversation which followed, suggested the story, "ROSA'S QUEST."

I asked her if she knew anything about Jesus. To this she replied:

"Not much, ma'am, but it seems like I've heard just a little."

Of heaven and the way of salvation she was as ignorant as a child in the wilds of Africa. The sad expression of her face did not alter till I quoted John 3:16, then looking up with a smile she said:

"Ain't that pretty?"

For some time we talked, her hungry soul eagerly drinking in the old, old story, but to her so new.

Suddenly she left the car, and with a sense of deep depression, I saw her disappear amid a great, seething mass of humanity.

If she has not succumbed to the hardships of poverty, she probably is still toiling on in that proud "Christian" city, and has any one taught her more of Jesus than she knew that day?

Who will be responsible for these lost souls, constantly coming into contact with those who profess to know the Lord?

Why is it that so many Christians view life from an inverted standpoint, attaching apparently vastly more importance to the few brief years spent upon this earth, than to the countless cycles of eternity? Why not view it normally, making our one business that of serving that blessed Christ?

Surely the saddest word in a Christian's vocabulary is indifference. By-and-by many a one would doubtless gladly forfeit ten thousand years of heavenly bliss just to recall the wasted opportunities of this day.

It is an incomparable privilege to be a child of the King, and the only way in which one may prove his appreciation and loyalty is by the degree of consecration and quality of service rendered.

At the day of Christ's appearing there will be many an unrewarded Christian, saved eternally by the precious blood of God's sacrificial Lamb, but with no glittering starry crown to cast at those once-pierced and bleeding feet!

If the reading of this little story draws any nearer to the Lord, influencing them to become more diligent in their search for the lost, it shall accomplish that whereunto it is prayerfully sent.

MAN'S QUESTIONS; GOD'S ANSWERS

Am I accountable to God?

"Every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12).

Has God seen all my ways?

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

Does He charge me with sin?

"The Scripture hath concluded all under sin" (Galatians 3:22). "All have sinned" (Romans 3:23).

Will He punish sin?

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4).

"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).

Must I perish?

"God is not willing that any perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

How can I escape?

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

Is He _able_ to save me?

"He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him" (Hebrews 7:25).

Is He willing?

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15).

Am I saved on believing?

"He that believeth on the Son _hath_ everlasting life" (John 3:36).

Can I be saved now?

"_Now_ is the accepted time; behold, _now_ is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

As I am?

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

Shall I not fall away?

"Him that is able to keep you from falling" (Jude 24).

If saved, how should I live?

"They which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them" (2 Corinthians 5:25).

What about death, and eternity?

"I go to prepare a place for you; that _where I am_, there ye may be also" (John 14:2, 3).

* * * * *

LIFE on the HIGHEST PLANE

_By_ RUTH PAXSON

Now, all 3 volumes in one book. 820 pages,

The three volumes, "THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST"; "THE RELATION BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE CHRISTIAN"; and "THE BELIEVER'S RESPONSE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT'S INWORKING" have now been combined, without revision and with fourteen colored charts included in one handy volume. These Bible studies were first given in embryo to pastors, evangelists, teachers, and other Christian leaders in conferences held in China. Later, printed in three volumes, they brought great blessing to many.

_Other Books by Ruth Paxson_

GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION

It will aid one in personal Bible study or provide a practical outline for study groups. The questions are based on the teaching in each chapter of "Life on the Highest Plane." Can be used with or without the larger book. 48 pages, paper,

CALLED UNTO HOLINESS

Addresses given at Keswick's Conference in England. Sounds the clarion call to a more holy life. Here is victory for the defeated; deliverance for the enslaved; rest for the weary; peace for the discouraged; and joy for the sorrowing. 126 pages, paper,

RIVERS OF LIVING WATER

Studies Setting Forth the Believer's Possession of Christ, How Obtained--How Maintained. Multitudes of Christians are living a dry and thirsty existence when the Lord is waiting to give them His very best--rivers of living water! Perhaps few Christians have heard or read the Divine plan and purpose for the life of the believer presented so tersely, simply and clearly, and withal so lovingly and compellingly. 124 pages, paper,

CALEB, THE OVERCOMER

An inspiring account of this outstanding Bible character, a man out of the common run of people who lived a life brilliant in faith, obedience and courage. 80 pages, paper,

MOODY PRESS. 153 Institute Pl., Chicago 10, Ill.

* * * * *

BIBLE LESSONS IN BIBLE ORDER

(_For Teachers of Children_)

BY MRS. FRANK HAMILTON

Vol. I: THE PENTATEUCH

Vol. II: JOSHUA TO SOLOMON

Vol. III: THE KINGDOMS OF ISRAEL AND JUDAH: _Concluding lessons from the Old Testament_

Vol. IV: THE LIFE OF CHRIST-- _Matthew, Mark, Luke, John_

Vol. V: THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES _and Program Material_

With the use of the blackboard and objects, the lessons in Bible order, beginning with Genesis, are taught in a way that the child can _see_ them as well as _hear_ them, and thus be able to _retain_ them.

Each lesson begins with a Golden Text, which may be used as a memory verse, after which the story is told in a manner that will interest the young. At the close of each section, blackboard suggestions are given. There are maps and pages of blackboard drawings.

Teachers of the Beginners, Primary and Junior grades in Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools, as well as parents in the home, who recognize the importance of following a _consecutive_ course of Bible lessons, will find these books of great value. They are practical and true to the Word. They are full of suggestions that can be developed by the skilful teacher.

Mrs. Hamilton is an exceptionally successful teacher of children. She had charge of Primary and Junior Departments of large and successful Sunday Schools for many years. She has been Superintendent of Instruction of a Primary Sunday School Teachers' Union. Summer Bible Schools have also come within the author's experience.

Vols. I, II, III and V, 112 pages each; Vol. IV, 144 pages

Durable Art Stock Covers. Each, 60 Cents

THE MOODY PRESS 153 Institute Place Chicago. Ill., U.S.A.

* * * * *

The Moody COLPORTAGE Library

Uniform in size and style, attractive paper covers, 4-3/4 x 6-3/4 inches. 25c each.

1. All of Grace. C.H. Spurgeon 2. The Way to God. D.L. Moody 3. Pleasure & Profit In Bible Study. Moody 4. Life, Warfare and Victory. Whittle 5. Heaven. D.L. Moody 6. Prevailing Prayer. D.L. Moody 7. The Way of Life. Various authors 8. Secret Power. D.L. Moody 9. To the Work. D.L. Moody 10. According to Promise. C.H. Spurgeon 11. Bible Characters. D.L. Moody 13. "And Peter." J.W. Chapman 15. Light on Life's Duties, F.B. Meyer 18. The Good Shepherd. Life of Christ

20. Sovereign Grace. D.L. Moody 21. Select Sermons. D.L. Moody 23. Nobody Loves Me. Mrs. O.F. Walton

26. Sowing and Reaping. D.L. Moody 28. "Probable Sons." Story. Amy LeFeuvre 30. Good News. Robert Boyd

34. The Second Coming of Christ 40. The Power of a Surrendered Life, or Kadesh-Barnes. J.W. Chapman 42. Whiter Than Snow and Little Dot--Stories. Mrs. O.F. Walton 44. The Overcoming Life. D.L. Moody 48. The Prodigal. Various authors 49. The Spirit-Filled Life. John MacNeil 50. Jessica's First Prayer. Hesba Stretton 51. The Christ-Life for the Self-Life. Meyer 54. Absolute Surrender. Andrew Murray 58. What is Faith? Spurgeon, Moody, etc. 57. Christie's Old Organ--A story. Walton

60. Weighed and Wanting. D.L. Moody 61. The Crew of the Dolphin. Hesba Stretton 63. Meet for the Master's Use. F.B. Meyer 64. Our Bible. C. Leach and R.A. Torrey 65. Alone in London. Hesba Stretton 66. Moody's Anecdotes

70. The Power of Pentecost. Thomas Waugh 71. Men of the Bible. D.L. Moody 72. A Peep Behind the Scenes. O.F. Walton

76. Moody's Stories

81. Thoughts for Quiet Hour. D.L. Moody 82. The Shorter Life of D.L. Moody. Fitt

86. Moody's Latest Sermons

88. Calvary's Cross. Spurgeon, Whittle, etc. 89. How to Pray. R.A. Torrey 90. Little King Davie--Story. Nellie Hellis 91. Short Talks. D.L. Moody 93. Pilgrim's Progress. John Bunyan 96. Kept for the Master's use. Havergal 98. Back to Bethel. F.B. Meyer

102. Popular Amusements and the Christian Life. P.W. Sinks 104. Answers to Prayer. George Muller 105. The Way Home. D.L. Moody 109. Life of David Livingstone. Worcester 114. First Words to Young Christians. Boyd 115. Rosa's Quest--A Story. Anna P. Wright 116. Difficulties in the Bible. R.A. Torrey 119. Practical and Perplexing Questions Answered. R.A. Torrey

123. Salvation from Start to Finish. Gray

126. Burton Street Folks. Anna P. Wright 127. Bible Problems Explained. J.M. Gray 128. Papers on The Lord's Coming. "C.H.M." 129. Christian: Creed and Conduct. Evans 130. Intercessory Prayer. J.G.K. McClure

132. Ruth, the Moabitess. Henry Moorhouse 134. Forty-Eight Bernard Street. Clark 135. Deliverance from the Penalty and Power of Sin. O.R. Palmer 136. Mrs. Mary's Go-Tell. Graham Clark 137. Bird's-Eye Bible Study. A. Patterson 138. "I Cried, He Answered."

143. Moving Messages. J.C. Massee 144. The Christ We Know. A.C. Gaebelein 145. Five "Musts" of the Christian Life. F.B. Meyer 146. The New Life in Christ Jesus. Scofield 147. Problems in the Prayer Life. Buswell

151. The Faith that Wins. Roy T. Brumbaugh 152. God's Way of Holiness. H. Bonar 153. Souls Set Free. Mission field miracles 154. Thinking with God. Norman H. Camp 155. "Charge That to My Account." Ironside

158. Antidote to Christian Science. Gray 159. Is the Bible the Word of God? Scroggle 160. And God Spake These Words. W.H. Griffith Thomas 161. Methods of Bible Study. Thomas 162. Romance of a Doctor's Visits. Wilson 163. The Little Shepherd. Anna P. Wright 164. God's Picked Young Men. H.K. Pasma 165. The Cross of Christ. James H. Todd 168. By Ways Appointed. Briggs P. Dingman 167. Miracles in a Doctor's Life. Wilson 168. The Living Christ. Will H. Houghton

171. Full Assurance. H.A. Ironside

173. A Sure Remedy. Walter L. Wilson

175. Vivid Experiences in Korea. Chisholm 176. The "True" Mystery Solved. Wright 177. The Resurrection of the Human Body. Norman H. Camp 178. On Silver Creek Knob. Story. Cannon

180. Remarkable New Stories. W.L. Wilson 181. Rivers of Living Water. Ruth Paxson 182. "Called Unto Holiness." Ruth Paxson 183. The Soul-Winner's Fire. John R. Rice 185. Aunt Hattie's Bible Stories--Genesis. H.I. Fisher

187. In His Hands--Story. Harriett Heine 188. Great Words of the Gospel. Ironside 189. So Great Salvation. J.F. Strombeck

_Ask for descriptive folder._

MOODY PRESS 153 Institute Place (Dept. MCL) Chicago 10

* * * * *

THE EVANGEL BOOKLETS

A series of brief, timely messages of supreme importance, and gospel stories, by evangelical preachers and teachers, Christian workers and laymen. 32-page booklets, self-cover.

1. God Is Love. An appeal to the unsaved. D.L. Moody.

2. God Reaching Down. Messages to the unconverted. C.H. Spurgeon.

4. Jack Winsted's Choice. A Gospel story. Lillian E. Andrews.

6. Ruined, Redeemed, Regenerated. C.H. Mackintosh.

7. By the Old Mill. Story. Katherine Elise Chapman.

8. The Day After Thanksgiving. Story. Mrs. S.R. Graham Clark.

9. True Stories About God's Free Gift. Alexander Marshall.

10. Lois Dudley Finds Peace. Story. Anna Potter Wright.

12. The Penitent Thief, and Naaman the Syrian. D.L. Moody.

13. Adder's Eggs and Spider's Webs. H.A. Ironside.

14. Samuel Morris. The true story of a Spirit-filled African.

16. Saved and Safe. Salvation, Assurance and Security. Fred J. Meldau.

17. "In the Beginning God--" and other Talks. Mark A. Matthews.

18. Christian Science: Pedigree, Principles, Posterity. Percy W. Stephens.

19. Modern Education at the Cross-Roads. M.H. Duncan.

20. Is the Bible True? Nashville address. Wm. Jennings Bryan.

21. How to Read the Word of God Effectively. A.T. Pierson.

22. The Most Important Thing in My Life. The testimony of Dr. Howard A. Kelly, world-famous surgeon. William S. Dutton.

23. Where Are the Dead? H.C. Marshall.

25. Mary Antipas. Story. Howard W. Pope.

26. Four Old Pals. Story. Frederick Burnham.

28. Dios es Amor (God Is Love). Spanish edition of No. 1.

29. Forethought in Creation. W. Bell Dawson.

30. Bryan's Last Word on Evolution. William Jennings Bryan.

33. The Double Cure. A Gospel appeal. Melvin E. Trotter.

35. Old Truths for Young Lives. For children.

37. How to Have a Happy Home. Harold Francis Branch.

38. The Peril of Unbelief and the Danger of Doubt. D.L. Moody.

39. Moody the Evangelist. Joseph B. Bowles.

40. The Only Begotten Son. H.A. Ironside.

42. Tom Bennett's Transformation. Story. Howard W. Pope.

43. Will a God of Love Punish Any of His Creatures Forever? Alexander Marshall.

45. Intercession for Revival. Helen C. Alexander Dixon.

46. With Everlasting Love. Story. Elzoe Prindle Stead.

47. How the Word Works. Fred J. Meldau.

48. Why I Believe the Bible. M.H. Duncan.

49. Caught. Story. C.S. Knight.

50. The Fruit of the Spirit Is Joy. John R. Riebe.

51. A Life Decision in the Sand Hills. Story. Ronald R. Kratz.

52. Love's Danger Signal. Doctrine of future retribution. John G. Reid.

53. Pictures That Talk, Series One. E.J. Pace.

54. Pictures That Talk, Series Two. E.J. Pace.

56. My One Question Answered: Was Jesus Christ a Great Teacher Only? R.D. Sheldon.

57. Modern Miracles of Grace. John Wilmot Mahood.

58. How to Study the Bible. A helpful outline. B.B. Sutcliffe.

59. What is Your Answer? Oswald J. Smith.

60. Deus E Amor (God Is Love) Portuguese edition of No. 1.

61. The True and False in Christian Work and Worship. M.H. Duncan.

62. What Must I Do to be Saved? George E. Guille.

63. The Man in the Well. Other religious faiths. Oswald J. Smith.

64. Why All "Good People" Will Be Lost. J.E. Conant.

66. The Compromise Road. Story. Paul Hutchens.

67. An Hundredfold. Stewartship. David McConoughy.

68. Death or Life, Which? A clear presentation. Oswald J. Smith.

69. Bernard Enters the Race. Story. Anna Potter Wright.

70. The Trial of Jesus. Harold F. Branch.

71. The Christian's Citizenship. M.H. Duncan.

72. Atheism and the Bible. A startling revelation. Oswald J. Smith.

73. Galatians. God's answer to legalism. B.B. Sutcliffe.

74. O Sangue. (The Blood) Portuguese. D.L. Moody.

75. Who is a Christian? Timely questions answered. Oswald J. Smith.

76. Broken Life-Line. Story. Paul Hutchens.

77. Eagle Christians. Harry McCormick Lintz.

78. Elisha Rice. Man of God--Mountaineer. Helen R. Blankenship.

79. The Master Touch. Rebuilt Lives. William Seath.

80. The Bully of Stony Lonesome. Story. Charles S. Knight.

81. The Stolen Pearl. Story. Paul Hutchens.

Each, 10c; 12 copies (any assortment), $1.00; 100, $7.00

Attractive rates on large quantities.

MOODY PRESS 153 INSTITUTE PLACE Chicago 10, Ill., U.S.A.

* * * * *

CHRISTIAN FICTION

SUN IN THE STREET--By John Leonard Lovdahl

A gripping novel of Revolutionary France. Rugged, God-fearing Georges Gerot; frugal, hardworking Mama Gerot; Jacques, the prodigal elder brother who decides to test his own theories of life; François, the younger son who becomes a missionary--these are the central characters in this fascinating account of spiritual conflict and romance. 264 pages; cloth cover

NOT MY WILL--By Francena H. Arnold

Strong in plot and characters, this easy-to-read novel portrays events in the life of headstrong Eleanor Stewart who discovers that fortune plays strange tricks on those who try to manage their lives to please themselves. She seeks peace in vain until she surrenders her life completely to Christ. 334 pages; cloth cover

THE YEAR OF THE TIGER--By John Bechtel

This exciting story of China portrays vividly the experiences of the Tsui family, and what the ill-omened Year of the Tiger, occurring every twelfth year, meant to them. Written by a missionary who knows Chinese life. Fascinating reading. 224 pages; cloth cover

COLORING BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

By Dorothy Grunbock Johnston and Emmy Lou Osborne Murphy

TOGNIA: School Boy of India

Previous books in this series have been eagerly received by children and parents, for this team knows what appeals to the very youngest. This book is the heart-warming story of a little Indian boy who comes to know the Lord Jesus. The pre-schooler will enjoy painting or coloring the adventures of Tognia. 32 pp; 11 x 14-1/2 inches

Yakalo: Indian Boy of Brazil

Youngsters can run the gamut of their crayons in coloring brilliant scenes of Brazil and primitive life of Yakalo. A wonderful way to teach missions. Shows the Indians' ignorance of God contrasted with the missionary's good news. Each page is a true picture of Indian life. 32 pages; 11 x 14-1/2 inches

CHING LIN: China Boat Girl