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A PORTION FOR ALL

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A PORTION FOR ALL

5 minuten leestijd Arcering uitzetten

Beloved Congregation:

When the apostle Paul mentions the men set by God to rule in the church, he admonishes the congregation to obey them and to submit themselves to their rule. Why does he bid them to do this ? He explains it himself in the latter part of the same verse, adding to it, “For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”—Heb. 13:17.

It is, indeed, a very glorious ministration that has been entrusted to God’s servants, but it is at the same time a work of great responsibility. The work of a watchman is to be on guard, to watch, and to warn solemnly when dangers are threatening.

One of the evils against which the ministers have to watch in the congregations is mixed marriages.

Parents are certainly in duty bound to speak with their children; to speak with them first of all about the seriousness of things eternal; of the necessity of repentance and of turning to God. But the responsibility of every father and mother extends no less to the future of their children in regard to their natural life.

It is a pity when the distance between parents and children is of such a nature that such very important matters are not discussed until the time arrives for plans to be made for the coming marriage.

It is necessary for the parents to speak confidentially with their children, but it is also the duty of children to consult their parents. Boys and girls, be sure to acknowledge your parents in all circumstances of life. In the Word of God it is mentioned as a sign of the last days that children shall be disobedient to parents and refuse to submit to parental authority. 0, young people! don’t choose your own way, but consult those whom God has set over you.

Above all things, may God Himself teach you by His Spirit to inquire of the Lord like Isaac of old. We read of him in Gen. 24:63, “he went out to meditate in the field at the eventide,” while Eliezer was on his journey to seek a wife for him.

God’s servants, too, have to take diligent heed regarding this matter in the congregation which is entrusted to their care.

A minister is not supposed to act as a marriage-broker, as one who brings the young people together; no, that would be unbecoming. In this respect also the rule applies that the pastor must not be a lord over God’s heritage; and the things I’ve just mentioned are outside of his sphere.

All I want to say with the expression “taking diligent heed” is, that the minister, especially in the explanation of the seventh commandment, and also occasionally in other sermons when it is appropriate, has to warn against mixed marriages.

In the catechism classes of boys and girls who have reached the age in which they begin to keep company the matter should undoubtedly receive some attention. The minister ought seriously to point out the evil of mixed marriages and expose the dangers connected with them.

Moreover, it is the duty of the Consistory to investigate at the time of family visitation how matters stand in this respect with the young folks. (It is not superfluous to add here that it is necessary for the children to be present when the family is visited. Alas, it happens entirely too often that the boys and girls do not want to stay at home, and the cases that the children are there are few and far between. This is deplorable, for the children are a part of the family and a word should be spoken to them as well.)

But to return to my subject:

Frequently the actions of the parties involved are too rash. Many a boy or girl takes for granted (when such a marriage is contemplated) that all things will turn out all right once they are married. However, in many cases experience has proved that it is too late then! It will not do to take two young people and make them stick together. Indeed, there must be love in order to become true partners for life. Without love, marriage is an abomination.

For many, marriage, becomes an iron cross, as Luther called it, if it is begun without God, if it is carried on in the same way and if love is lacking. If marriage was contracted with an eye to the possessions instead of to the person both might wish that they had never met. And again, no good thing can be expected of a marriage that was entered into to satisfy the passions.

For years in a row, many a man (and woman) has to suffer sad consequences in a state of wedlock in which misunderstanding abounds; or even worse, in which there is a living together to condemnation. At times the one curses and swears at the other. Oh! the arrows that are thrust through one another’s soul, causing life to draw nigh unto the grave, until finally the death of one brings a welcome relief to the other. How deplorable if that is the way we must make the journey through this life! Some must experience that the sword never departs from their house.

Sorry, but I have to discontinue for this time. I hope to continue the subject in my next letter.

Be together commended to God.

Your minister,

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Bekijk de hele uitgave van donderdag 1 juli 1948

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Bekijk de hele uitgave van donderdag 1 juli 1948

The Banner of Truth | 16 Pagina's