WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lord willing, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Nieuwenhuis, 723 Miller Rd., Plainwell, Michigan, hope to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on September 10, 1965. Their children are Henry, Kenneth, Mr. and Mrs. Jon E. Nieuwenhuis, and Willis.

HIDDEN IN THE LORD’S HAND

Many were the helps received during the times of hot persecution by the worthy Yorkshire preacher, — Oliver Heywood. But on one occasion he was under the necessity of leaving his dear family, and going he knew not where. But the question was — How should he be equipped for his journey? He had a horse, but the little money that remained must be left for the support of his family, for whom Mr. Heywood was much more concerned than for himself.

One cold winter’s morning, when it was yet dark, the horse was saddled; and, after bidding goodbye to his affectionate wife, and saluting his children in their beds, he set out like Abraham when he left his father’s house, not knowing whither he went.

He moved silently along in byways for some time, for fear of being seen, till he had got out of the neighborhood. Having not one farthing in his pocket to bear his traveling expenses, he committed himself to the protection of Providence. He determined at length to leave his horse at full liberty to go what way it would, and thus travelled on for a considerable part of the day, till both man and beast stood in great need of refreshment. Towards evening the horse bent his course towards a farmhouse, a little out of the road. Mr. Heywood called at the door and a clean woman came to inquire what he wanted. “I have reason,” said he, “to make an apology for giving you this trouble, being an entire stranger in these parts. My horse stands in need, as well as myself, of shelter and refreshment for the night; if you could make it convenient to furnish the horse with a little hay, and myself a seat by your fire-side, I ask no more.” The good woman, a little surprised at his request, told him she would consult her husband. After a few minutes they both came to the door, and Mr. Heywood repeated his request, but told them he had no money to satisfy them for any trouble they might have on his account, yet he hoped God would reward them.

They immediately desired him to alight. The master led his horse into the stable, and the mistress took the stranger into the house, invited him to sit down, stirred up the fire, and began to prepare him something to eat. Heywood told her he was concerned to see her give herself so much trouble, that, being unable to make her any recompense, he did not require either a supper or bed, but only that he might sit by the fire till morning. (In those countries where coal is plentiful, few people let their fires out all night). The mistress assured him that she did not expect any reward from him, and that her house would only afford plain accommodations, yet he should be welcome and therefore hoped he would make himself easy.

After supper they all sat down before the fire, and the master of the house desired to know of the stranger what countryman he was. “I was born,” said he, “in Lincolnshire, but I have a wife and children in the neighborhood of Halifax.” “That is the town,” said the farmer, “where I have been, and some years ago I had a little acquaintance with several persons there. Pray do you know Mr. S. and Mr. D.? and is old Mr. F. still alive?”

The stranger gave suitable answers to these and many other enquiries; at length the kind hostess asked him if he knew anything of one Mr. Oliver Heywood, who was formerly a minister of some chapel not from Halifax, but was now forbidden to preach.

The stranger replied, “There is a great deal of noise and talk about that man — some speak well, others say everything that is bad of him; for my own part, I can say but little in his favor.” “I believe,” said the farmer, “he is one of the sect which is everywhere spoken against; but, pray, do you personally know him? and what is that which induces you to form such an indifferent opinion of his character?” “I do know something of him,” said the stranger, “but if you please, we will talk on some other subject.”

After keeping the farmer and his wife in suspense some time, who were a little uneasy at what he said, he told them that he was the poor outcast of whom they had made so many kind enquiries. All was then surprise, and joy, and thankfulness, that a merciful Providence had brought him under their roof.

The farmer said, “Mr. Heywood, I am glad to see you here, having so long had a sincere regard for you, from the favorable reports I have always heard of you. The night is not far spent. If you will give us a few words of exhortation, with a few neighbors who also love the truth, I will run and acquaint them; this is an obscure place, and as your coming here is not known, I hope we shall not be interrupted.” Mr. Heywood consented; a small congregation was gathered, and he preached to them with that fervor, affection, and enlargement with which he was wont to do. On this joyful occasion a collection was voluntarily made to help the poor traveler on his way.

“Wonders of grace to God belong,
Repeat His mercies in your song.”

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