June 1931
254
T h e
K i n g ’ s
B u s i n e s s
know that there was not a philanthropy in the world when Christ came. You must also know that such an idea does not occur to the women of heathen lands; indeed, such con ceptions exist only in that small portion of the world where Christian ideals have had their greatest influence. Will you pardon me, then, if I ask a somewhat personal question ? Am I not right in concluding that you may have had some devoted Christian forebears or have been brought into association with Christian friends to whom you owe in some measure this vision and outlook? I speak of this because I have noticed that some recent statistics show that more than ninety per cent of social and philanthropic workers are professing Christians.” The answer to this question was immediate and the most subdued of all. “You are perfectly right in your supposition. I come from an old-fashioned Christian home; my father is a dear old Presbyterian elder; in fact, my only attendance at church in recent years has been on occasions when Father has come to visit me.” As the train entered the station enclosure, there was again the brisk movement of the erect, soldierly Red Cross officer; a somewhat tremulous acknowledgment that she was leaving with some new and serious thoughts; a quick handshake—and a quite unmilitary brushing of moisture from feminine eyes. self again. A Christian worker visited him and became the channel through whom God’s message of salvation reached his heart, wooing him to the Saviour. Now, just as those brave men went down to where Sam Brown was, helpless and dying, so Jesus came to you and me in our dire need and dying state to rescue us from sin arid Satan’s power, binding up the wounds sin had made, pouring in the oil and wine, putting us in safe keeping, providing for us until He comes to take us to His heavenly home, where we shall dwell with Him for ever. The law, as represented by the priest and Levite in the story, was utterly helpless to befriend the man who had fallen among thieves. But the Good Samaritan “came where he was.” Where “sin abounded, grace did much more abound,” and still “grace is reigning through right eousness.” May every reader yield to the appeal of love and be embraced for ever.—Quartus. The reaction against the so-called “conclusions” of the critics of the Bible is becoming so pronounced that the most timid soul may well take heart. In view of this re action, which is hourly gaining in momentum, it is some what amusing to hear the radio messages of devotees of the disappearing criticism about “the assured results of modern scholarship.” If anything in the world of scholar ship today' is not assured it is modern critical scholarship. It is in a condition of flux. Its dogmatism is giving place to doubt, and many who a quarter of a century ago were quite certain that “assured results” had been reached are now less confident, and even ready to confess they were led astray by untrustworthy methods and brilliant but erratic teachers.— Watchman-Examiner.
instanced, were achieved as a direct outcome of secular education, legislation, or social agitation. She admitted her inability to cite such a case. I then called attention again to the elevated place of womanhood in America, to her unexampled freedom and influence, to the sanctity which attaches to motherhood, and the hallowed influ ences of the Christian home—benefits which have come alone from the hands of Jesus Christ. This recital, which seemed to make the deepest impression of all, led me to press the inquiry as to whether woman had properly ap praised this revolutionary change in her status, and whether she had manifested a becoming gratitude for these priceless blood-bought blessings. The train was now nearing its destination and there were at least two added questions that I desired to ask. I was thinking of the fine spirit of this modern crusader whose culture and rare ability had been so freely given to the cause of humanitarian effort. So, with a word or two of introduction, I began : “I want to express to you my great admiration for the calling to which you have given your life and for the fine spirit of unselfish devotion with which you are serving your country and the cause of suffering humanity. I have been wondering all through our conversation just what was the controlling motive which prompted the yielding of your life to this sacrificial service. Of course you T HE Gospel according to Luke presents the Lord Jesus as the living representative of God’s grace to men. The startling proclamation of the angel messenger from heaven was, “Unto you is born this day in the city of Davjd a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.” This was preceded by the announcement that the good tidings were to be to all people (Lk. 2:10, 11). Never before had such a message of grace reached the ears of men. There are several aspects of grace presented in Luke’s Gospel. In the story of the Good Samaritan, chapter 10, we read that Jesus “came where he was.” This parable reveals the fact that the Lord Jesus “came” to seek and to save the lost. His mission was to link ever}" rescued soul to Himself by an unbreakable band of eternal rela tionship. An incident which occurred many years ago helps to illustrate this parable. In the north of England at the “Oaks Colliery,” an awful explosion took place and only one man out of the great number working was saved alive in that heartrending catastrophe; and, remarkable to relate, this man, whose name was Sam Brown, was known to be the most wicked man in the district. How came it that this man was saved ? He said: “The moment I heard the report I fell down to the ground and buried my face in my flannel jacket. There I lay for a long time and when I thought the worst had passed I rose up and groped my way to the bottom of the pit shaft. I managed to pull the bell which communicated with the engine house above and then lost consciousness.” Those above were startled to learn that any one could have survived the ter rible ordeal. As quickly as possible a rescue party was organized. These brave men descended the shaft. On reaching the bottom they saw Sam Brown standing erect, but motionless. They lifted him into the cage, gave the signal, and all were drawn to the top. Still unconscious, Sam was conveyed home and in a little while he was him
“Came Where He Was”
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