"THE LORD KNOWS"

It was an exciting day when a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mind this World. As they held their new-born in their arms, they were thrilled with the miracle of life and "resolved" to be the proper kind of parents.

But, Mr. and Mrs. Mind this World determined their daughter should not have to experience hardships to which they were subjected, and so they gave her everything that would make her life comfortable and fashionable. In order that she could have some things other girls her age had, Mr. and Mrs. Mind this World had to work very hard.

It was the desire of these parents that their daughter should "mature" to the "realities of life," so Mr. and Mrs. Mind this World regularly purchased magazines which told all about the "stars" of both the television and the motion picture screen. They even subscribed for her those magazines which emphasized boy-girl relationships.

She grew up with the television, her parents having given her one of her own. In her bedroom she viewed all programs according to her own discretion. And after school she habitually watched the "soap operas", when her own stereo was not resounding with the music "all the kids" listen to.

Her parents were proud when she chose her friends from the most popular people in her school, and from the time she was twelve years of age they purchased for her things that were intended to make her as attractive as possible to the boys. They bought her the most fashionable halters and shorts and were glad when the older boys at her school began inviting her on dates nearly every night.

One night when she was sixteen, she home from such a date and awakened her mother. In the paroxysms Of sobs, she told her, "Mom, I am in trouble."

Her parents knew abortion is simple murder and counseled her to marry. But within two years, the marriage, having no solid foundation, ended in divorce. Now, all day long she groans, "I wish I had not been allowed to do as I pleased."

In the bitterness of sorrow, her parents declared, "We did our best with her. We took her to church. We tried to be the proper kind of parents --THE LORD KNOWS."

I cannot help but wonder that when Mr. and Mrs. Mind this World "trained" their tomatoes to grow where they desired; and when they "trained" their dog to "go outside" --I cannot help but wonder at their surprise at the way their daughter turned out when they neglected to "train" (her) up in the way she should go.

Indeed, the Lord does know! And there is mercy with the Lord whenever Mr. and Mrs. Mind this World confess their sin.

IF DRINKING IS A DISEASE

I

It is the only disease that is

contracted by an act of the Will.

II

It is the only disease that requires

a license to propagate it.

III

It is the only disease that is bottled

IV

It is the only disease that requires

outlets to spread it.

V

It is the only disease that produces

revenue for the government.

VI

It is the only disease that is habit

VII

It is the only disease that provokes

VIII

It is the only disease that is permitted

IX

It is the only disease without a

germ or virus cause, and for which

there is no human corrective medicine.

X

It is the only disease that will

condemn you to eternal separation

from God in hell (Gal. 5:21).

--Grace and Life

15, 1685 --Scotland. Ralph Erskine is born in Monilaws, Northumberland. He will conduct correspondence with George Whitefield which will result in Mr. Whitefield’s Visit there in 1741. The brother of Ebenezer, Ralph is the sixth son of Henry Erskine, under whose preaching Thomas Boston was converted.

18, 1518 --France. Francis I having delivered France to the ecclesiastical dominion of the Pope, Leo X, in his Concordat, today a solemn procession of university Students and bachelors dressed in their gowns, walk to the Church of St. Catherine des Ecoliers to pray that God will preserve the liberties of the Church and of the kingdom.

21, 1656 --England. At Reigate, Surrey, James Usshur, Archbishop of Armaugh dies. In 1615, he drafted the 104 Articles of the Irish Church which are both Calvinistic and Anti-Romanist. In 1626, along with 11 other bishops, he protested the toleration of Popery; and in 1627, he called for the removal of grievances expressed by the non-conformists.

He is chiefly remembered for his chronology which still appears in most English Bibles, and for the statement, "The Chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever."

22, 1622 –Virginia. Indians swoop down upon unsuspecting settlers, and in one hour, three hundred and forty-seven settlers are killed. Last night, a converted Indian warned the inhabitants of Jamestown and the nearby settlements, and these were thus prepared for the attack. As a result, this day will be set aside annually to commemorate the deliverance of the colony from utter extermination.

24, 1816 --Virginia. In Richmond, Francis Asbury preaches his last sermon. He has to be carried to the pulpit and seated on a table; yet he speaks for almost an hour on Romans 9:28 --"For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth."