In addressing the multitude one day, Jesus spoke a parable of "a certain rich man". This man had just completed an inventory of his possessions. His report was something like this: "Bountiful harvest" -- shortage of storage space; order barns rebuilt to increase capacity. Financial problem solved. Now for a GOOD TIME!
    But God made an audit of this man's assets that very same day. His report was quite different. In brief it was: "Foolish man, death only a few hours away, his barns are full but his soul is empty". This, says the Hester, applies to everyone who, in the mad race for earthly possessions, forgets or neglects the riches of God.
    "And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth", (Luke 12:15).

    Bro. Clay Thompson informs us that he has purchased a folder for the CLARION HERALD. No more worn-out thumb nails. THANKS!!

    "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth", (Eccl. l2:l).
    An attractive young lady was surprised one day when she received a gift of roses from a wealthy woman named Mrs. Mack. Upon opening the box, her amazement turned to sheer bewilderment, for she saw that the roses were wilted and the petals were falling off. Perhaps the flowers had been packed for delivery a few days earlier and then neglected.
    Later that day she met Mrs. Mack on the street and thanked her for the roses. The older woman smiled and said, "I'm glad you like them. I cut them last Monday and enjoyed them all week, but this morning, when I noticed they were beginning to get old and faded, I THOUGHT OF YOU and had them delivered to your door."
    Seeing the puzzled and hurt look in the girl's face, she continued, 'The other evening I was sitting in the car while my husband went into the drug store. As you walked by, I heard you telling someone that you wanted to become a Christian later, but not now while you are still young. You said you wanted

    After mailing out some 40,000 copies of the CLARION HERALD we received the first, "rejected" copy last week with the following note written across it: "Would you stop sending this stuff. I am afraid someone else will read it before it gets to us. And get confused, with this chasing rabbits. Please please take me off your mailing list".
(P. B., Lexington, Kentucky)
    Needless to say, we removed this plate from our address file at once; it is not our desire to be an "irritant", but a blessing, and a challenge to such hearts as are open and sincere.
    This brother's address had been given to me several months ago by a mutual friend who felt that he would he blessed by the contents of the paper. (But one can never fully know the tastes, desires, fears, or resentments of another heart.) If others receive the paper who

would prefer not to, a simple post card saying: "Please remove my name from your mailing list" will get the job done.
    The many, many letters of appreciation, received from readers of the CLARION HERALD, during the past three years of publication, have filled our hearts with gratitude for your prayers and faithful remembrance. Lest someone should think us commending ourselves, we have refrained from publishing such letters of commendation and encouragement -- merely thanking God for your faithful remembrance, and cherishing your love. You have encouraged us to believe that this ministry is worth all the extra effort that it requires. Thank you, and continue to pray for us.

    Jesus said: "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me; for whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.... whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple", (Mk. 8:34-35; Lk. 9:23; 14:33).
    This doctrine of "crucifixion" is discarded by all who are content to call Jesus "Lord", while refusing to do what He says. The language of their heart is: "Speak unto us smooth things, prophecy deceits" (Isa. 30:10). How vastly different was the language and attitude of the apostle Paul "So fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that, by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (I Cor. 9:26-27).
    Without a cross there will be, for us, no crown. When we refuse it, we reject the staff of every Christian pilgrim. We renounce the tree of life for that of knowledge, and practically deny Jesus Christ.
'Dear Master, in Whose life I see
All that I long and fail to be;
Let Thy clear light forever shine,
To shame and guide this life of
    mine.
Tho what I dream and what I do
In my poor days are always two,
Help me, oppressed by things
    undone,
0 Thou, Whose dreams and deeds
    were one.'

to have a good time first. In other words, you wish to give the Lord your life after the beauty, charm, and vigor have faded and you have become old and wrinkled. I thought these roses would be an illustration of what you are doing in relation to the Lord'.
    The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote this book after he had in wasted much of his life in pursuit of empty pleasure. He had found that this world does not satisfy the deepest longings of the heart, and urged the youth to avoid the mistakes he had made. The young person who gives the Lord his best will never regret this decision. H.V.L.
"Choose you this day"; time
    hastens on,
Thou canst not neutral be;
To serve the world or Christ,
    thy Lord,
"Choose now, which shall it be ?"
(Meyer)
THOT: Waiting until old age to give yourself to Christ is making a sacrifice to God of the devil's leavings.

    The World Council of Churches has appointed a Buddhist as executive secretary; thus, the W.C.C. regards the Buddhists as eligible for membership in that apostate organization: another fruit of universalism and syncretism. It is preparing the way for one-world religion.
    One wonders what will come next under the guise of "Christianity"!

    Bro. Charles D. Loper and Family will be leaving for their labors in Paraguay about April 1. Sponsored by the church that he formerly pastored, Bro. Loper already has his visa in hand and is eager to depart for his new field of labor. Being practical, however, he recognizes the need to visit such churches as extend him a welcome -- knowing he will need both the financial and prayer-support of his brethren when he arrives on the field.
    Anyone desiring to assist this brother in getting established on the field in Paraguay may write to him c/o Chas.S. Grainger, Route 5, Box 4-a, Whitesville, N.C. 28472.

Edgar D. Sullivan and Family arrived in Los Angeles, from Japan on Wednesday, January 10. Accompanying the Sullivan's is Bro. Tajima, native pastor of the Noborito Baptist Church. (This church is a token of the missionary-labors of brethren S. E. Ford and Steve Montgomery.)
    It is Bro. Tajima's desire to visit the churches that have supported those missionaries who have been such a blessing to his life, and who have led in the establishment of churches that bear a clear, biblical testimony in the Tokyo area. He wants to express his gratitude, while observing the "order" of those churches.
    At this writing the Sullivan's are enroute to Judsonia, Arkansas. The children will be enrolled in school there. Then Bro. Sullivan plans to visit briefly with churches in Arkansas and Louisiana before heading North in early February.
    Eager to begin his labors on Okinawa, he expects to leave for that new field in August. It is his desire to visit as many churches as possible during this short time, This will necessitate his following a fairly rigid schedule that may not be "convenient" for everyone. But, an opportunity to hear this brother will be well worth scheduling an "extra" service if necessary.
    Perhaps you should write him at once -- asking that your church be included on his itinerary. Write:
      c/o Jimmy Dixon
      P.O. Box 364
      Judsonia, Arkansas 72081