A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

Dear Boys and Girls:

Again another month is past, and school is well along for all of you. I hope you are all getting along real well in your studies, and also with your teachers.

The end of this month there is a day which is remembered by the Reformed Churches because of what took place many years ago. Do you know what it is? It is Reformation Day on October 31. It was on this day in the year 1517 that Martin Luther nailed on the door of the church in Wittenberg a list of 95 articles, which he was prepared to defend as based on the word of God. If you have never read the story of Martin Luther and his withdrawal from the Roman Catholic Church, you should try to do so. Perhaps your parents will give you a book about his life for your next birthday.

Last month’s quiz covered occupations of the Bible times. This month the first letters of our answers spell out what is the beginning of knowledge, as found in Proverbs 1 (or the beginning of wisdom, as found in Psalm 111). I hope you will not find them too difficult.

To whom did Paul write two letters of instruction, whom he called his own son in the faith?

What did God give to Solomon in addition to the wisdom he had asked for?

From where did the wise men come who saw the star when Jesus was born?

Who despise wisdom and instruction? (Proverbs)

Who was the sorcerer, who with stood Paul and Barnabas when they were preaching the word of God?

Who was David’s counsellor, who joined with Absalom against David?

Upon what did the wise man build his house that withstood the storm, as told by Jesus in a parable?

Who was the servant of Philemon, whom Paul sent back to his master with a letter?

What did Paul, in writing to Timothy, tell him not to give heed to?

What did Jesus tell the rich young man that he would have in heaven if he sold his goods and gave to the poor?

Who was one of the men from Asia, who turned away from Paul, as mentioned in Paul’s letter to Timothy?

From what should we depart? (In Proverbs we read — “fear the Lord and depart from_______”)

Who was the grandmother of Timothy?

To do what is better than sacrifice, as told by Samuel to King Saul?

What did Jesus say those were who do not enter by the door into the sheepfold?

What prophet was found by King Nebuchadnezzar to be ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in matters of wisdom?

During the past month, answers were received from the following:

Sharon De Visser (2) … Carol Arnoudse . . . Marilyn Arnoudse . . . Martha Vander Male . . . Kris Vander Male . . . John Vander Waal . . . Betty Vander Waal . . . Louis De Maagd . . . George De Maagd , . . Mike Meeuwse . . . Charlene Kwekel . . . Linda Kay Bleeker . . . Joanne Beeke . . . Joe Beeke . . . Geraldine Moerdyk . . . Betty Moerdyk . . . Corinne Van Veldhuizen . . . Rudolph Stapel . . . Henrietta Stapel . . . Roe-lie Stapel . . . Carol Van Tilburg . . . Jean Van Tilburg . . . Jay Mol . . . Janet Van Grouw . . . Albert Van Grouw . . . Ben Hegeman . . . Neal Hegeman . . . Engel Knibbe . . . Shirley De Visser . . . Sandra De Visser . . . Andrew Van Den Toorn (2) … Marlene Van Den Toorn (2) … Roy W. Kaat . . . Jane Van Den Top . . . Willis Van Den Top . . . David Kamp . . . John Kamp . . . Alice Koppert . . . Harry Koppert . . . Maria Stryd . . . Patty Boluyt . . . Donna Post . . . Carol Van Tilburg . . . Jean Van Til-burg . . . Joanne Rus . . . Gilbert Rus . . . Joanie Mol . . . Mike Mol . . . Herbert Van Den Houten . . . Julie A. Ripma (2) … Sally Slotsema . . . Donna De Meester . . . Agnes De Meester . . . Ruth De Meester . . . Kathy Johnson . . . Viola Van Beek . . . Roger Kaat . . . Janice Kaat . . . Lois Pluim . . . Jan Pluim . . . Brenda Fletcher . . . Sandy De Visser . . . Shirley De Visser . . . Tom Blok . . . Mary Moerdyk . . . Arie Vandeberg (2) … Janna Westrate . . . Laurie Westrate . . . Dick Westrate . . . Mary Verhey . . . Jim Vander Boon . . . Ronny Vander Boon . . . Linda Sue Vissia . . . Sandra Eppinga . . . Gary Roozenboom . . . Alan Verbeke . . . Susan Burgard . . . Joyce Kamp . . . Kay Kamp . . . John Kamp . . . Jenny Van Kempen . . . Margaret Van Wingerden . . . Archie Van Winger-den . . . John Van Wingerden . . . Sjaane Van Wingerden . . . Bill Van Wingerden . . . Archie Van Kempen . . . Mathew Remijn (2) . . . Gerdy Remijn (2) . . . Adrie Remijn (2) . . . Berty Remijn (2) . . .Sandy de Jong . . . Marsha Koedam . . . Gary Koedam . . . Harlan Spaans . . . David Spaans . . . Betty Van Stelle . . . Kathy Van Stelle . . . Mary Van Stelle . . . Russell Vanden Toorn . . . Ruth Kievit . . . Lorraine Kievit . . . Janet Engelsma . . . Tom Engelsma . . . Ted Engelsma . . . Alice Moerdyk . . . Judy E. Sweetman . . . Alice Kaye Schoneveld . . . John Van Woudenberg . . . Randy Teunissen . . . Mark Teunissen . . . Diane Teunissen . . . Jane Ruth Verblaauw . . . Janet Van Sweden . . . Doris Van Der Weile . . . Peter W. Kievit . . . Judy Mae Koedam . . . Nellie Heykoop . . . Sandy Van Giessen . . . Sheryl Van Giessen . . . Laurie Easterhoff . . . Russell Easterhoff . . . Trudy Kreft … (?) Kreft . . . Albert Van Grouw . . . Janet Van Grouw.

And again we have a number of letters to answer —

JOHN VAN WOUDENBERG — I was glad to hear from you, John. I

think most boys and girls were anxious to have school start again. What subjects do you like best?

ALICE KAY, SCHONEVELD — Yes, Alice, I liked school too when I was your age. I never had any Spanish, but did have several years of Latin. The weather here is also quite cool at present, but this we can expect after the first of September.

SANDY DE JONG — Well, Sandy, did you get the nice teacher you were hoping for? Most teachers aren’t so bad, that is, if you get your work done. Do you have pigeons for pets? I hope your kitten doesn’t eat too many of them.

ENGEL KNIBBE — It was good to hear from you, Engel. I have been in Imlay City several times, as we have relatives there. Have you moved to Sioux Center yet? I think you will like it there. You should be receiving the Banner every month now.

JENNY VAN KEMPEN — I am checking on your question regarding the mailing of the Banner, Jenny, and will let you know as soon as I find out. I suppose you are just beginning your summer weather now, aren’t you? Do you have several months of vacation during the summer, too?

VIOLA VAN BEEK — Do you have quite a few animals on the farm, Viola? I always think of farm animals when I think of farms. But I suppose all farms don’t have animals. How is your brother getting along? Where is he stationed?

ALICE KOPPERT — I hope you will be able to visit us some time, too, Alice. Yes, you had all the answers right. How do you like school? And how about Christine — does she like it?

BETTY VANDER WAAL — I’m glad you found the quiz quite easy, Betty. But I’m sure some are easier than others. How old are the calves when you sell them? You must have quite a few cows on the farm.

BEN HEGEMAN — So your flower garden did alright this year. If you lived in Kalamazoo, you could take care of mine, Ben. Although our flowers did pretty well, too, this summer. Give our regards to your parents.

CAROL VAN TILBURG — August 25 does seem early for school to start, Carol. But perhaps you get out a little earlier in the summer. I was sorry to hear that your sister Jean hurt her foot. I hope it’s better by this time.

DONNA POST — Most of the schools start here after Labor Day, Donna. It’s nice you like school, as this always makes the subjects easier. If you don’t like a subject, it is more difficult. Don’t you find this true? What subjects are you taking this year?

BERTY REMIJN — Since you answered both quizzes, Betty, I put you down for two month’s answers. It must take quite a while for second class mail to cross the ocean. Do you get it before the end of the following month? Best regards to your family.

NELLIE HEYKOOP — Say, Nellie, it sounds like you are getting to be a good swimmer. I imagine you rather miss it during the winter, don’t you? But now that school has started you will have many other things to do.

And this finishes our mail for this month. Many thanks, boys and girls, for your replies and letters. The Lord willing, we hope to hear from all of you again next month.

Your friend,

Garret J. Moerdyk

The answers for our September

quiz are as follows:

Demetrius —Silversmith—Acts 19:24

Simon Peter —Fisher—Matthew 4:18

Joseph—Carpenter —Matthew 13:55

Cornelius—Soldier (Centurion)

—Acts 10:1

Simon —Tanner—Acts 10:6

Aquila & Priscilla —Tentmakers—Acts 18:2

Nehemiah —Cupbearer—Nehemiah 1:11

Cain—Farmer (Tiller of the ground)—Genesis 4:2

Joseph’s brethren—Shepherds—Genesis 46:31 and 32

Zacchaeus—Tax-collector (Publican)

—Luke 19:2

Lydia —Seller of purple—Acts 12:14

Alexander —Coppersmith—II Timothy 4:14

Zenas —Lawyer—Titus 3:13

Luke —Physician—Colossians 4:14

Deborah —Nurse—Genesis 35:8

Joseph —Overseer—Genesis 39:4

A MINUTE FOR MEDITATION -- WHO MADE THE WORLD?

Sir Isaac Newton was a devout believer in the creative and redemptive work of God. His friend was an unbeliever. Drawn together by their mutual interest in science, they often argued about the existence of man and the universe.

One day Newton had a skillful mechanic design and make a replica of our solar system in miniature. In the center was a large gilded ball representing the sun. Revolving around this were smaller balls fixed on the ends of arms of varying lengths. These represented Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn in their proper order. The balls were so geared together by cogs and belts as to move in perfect harmony by turning a crank.

As Newton sat reading in his study with his mechanism on a large table nearby, his fellow scientist stopped in. At a glance he recognized what was before him. Stepping up to it, he slowly turned the crank and with undisguised admiration watched the heavenly bodies all move with their relative speed in their orbits.

“My, what an exquisite thing this is! Who made it?”

Newton replied without looking up from his book, “Nobody.”

Quickly turning to Newton, the infidel exclaimed, “Evidently you did not understand my question. I asked who made this thing.”

Timothy Mission Fund

During the month of August we were gladdened with donations for our Mission Fund in the amount of $247.00. We were able to send out checks as follows: Rev. G. Kuijt — $50.00; Miss Dini Sonneveld — $50.00; and Mr. and Mrs. Jan Van Woerden — $50.00. The balance of our fund at the end of August amounted to $137.50.

We wish to thank those who sent in their donations, and hope that many others may feel inclined to do so.

We received an acknowledgement from Mr. and Mrs. B. B. Geytenbeek, of the Wycliffe Bible Translators, who are stationed in New South Wales, Australia. A portion of the letter follows:

“Recently we received a note to say that a portion of a gift of yours had found its way right round here to the far side of the globe. We’re not sure who or how many are involved in the “Timothy Mission Fund”, but we are grateful for your share in our work in this way. It brings a reminder that God has His various tasks allotted out to His various servants, but that He is the Master Strategist who oversees the whole work.”

JACK, THE HUCKSTER OR HAPPY JACK

There was once a poor man, a huckster, who used to go round the country villages selling little goods. This poor creature in going round on his journeys heard some old woman singing the simple little ditty:

I’m a poor sinner and nothing at all

But Jesus Christ is my all in all.”

Jack recalled that. “Ah!” said he, “that just suits me.” So he began to hum it himself as he went round on his huckstering expeditions, and By God’s good grace that little ditty burned its way into poor Jack’s heart. After some time he became regularly to attend the church services.

At last he determined that he would join the church; so he went to the minister. The minister said, “Well, friend, what can you say for yourself?” “Not much,” he said, “Only this:

I’m a poor sinner and nothing at all,

But Jesus Christ is my all in all.” “Well,” said the minister, “you must tell me more than that.” “No,” said Jack, “I can’t, for that is my confession of faith, and that is all I know.” “Well, friend,” said the minister, “I can’t refuse you church fellowship, but you will have to come before the church meeting, and the members will have to see you and judge you.”

Jack accordingly went to the church meeting, and there sat some good old-fashioned deacons — some of whom began to see whether they could find fault with him. He stood up, and on being requested to state his experiences, simply said:

I’m a poor sinner, and nothing at all,

But Jesus Christ is my all in all.”

Some one old deacon said, “Is that all you have to say?”

“Yes,” says Jack, “that’s all.” The minister said. “You may ask my friend here some questions if you like.” So one says, “Brother Jack, have you not many doubts and fears?” “No,” said Jack, “I never can doubt but that ‘I’m a poor sinner and nothing at all’ for I know I am; and I cannot doubt that ‘Jesus Christ is my all in all’ for He says He is, and how can I doubt that?”

Then another began to question him thus: “But my dear friend Jack, don’t you sometimes doubt whether you are a child of God?” “Well,” said he, “I don’t quite understand you; but I can tell you I never doubt that ‘I’m a poor sinner and nothing at all,’ and that ‘Jesus Christ is my all in all.’”

Always after that in the villages they used to call him “Happy Jack,” for he was always happy; and the reason was that you could not drive him from that simple standing point, “There is nothing in me: I believe in Christ; I deserve punishment; I am lost in myself, but I trust in Him who came into the world to save sinners, and I know He will not let me perish.”

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand.”

Hard Questions

It was Sunday night, and the minister’s family sat long around the supper table. I do not know what the text of the evening sermon had been, but it had led to a discussion about the mysteries of the doctrine of election and predestination. While the elder chil-der were joining in the talk, the younger ones, who stayed up for supper on Sunday nights, were quickly dispatched to bed.

Frances went to her own room in the attic—the same litle room where you saw her once before; but it looked different tonight, because the bed was turned another way. Frances was fond of moving the furniture about to make a change. She was soon in bed, but somehow she could not get to sleep. The conversation at supper had stirred up in her mind a problem which was constantly recurring to her. Was she, or was she not, among the elect? Nobody had ever spoken to her directly on the subject, and she would never have thought of asking anyone about it; but the talk of the elders was often on such topics, and it was a great trouble to Frances. Usually she was able to dismiss it from her mind by trying to think about something else; but tonight that was impossible. She lay in bed, tossing restlessly. I suppose she was about eleven or twelve at the time; anyhow she was quite able to reason it out. “If I am one of the elect,” she thought, “I am bound to be saved sometime; and I can’t make myself elect; so hadn’t I better just wait, and hope it will be all right?” In this way she had often put the subject out of her mind. But she went on thinking: “And if I am not one of the elect, I can’t possibly be saved, so it is no use bothering about it.” But this prospect was too awful. Suppose she were to die that night in her sleep! Frances could not bear to think about it, knowing that if she were not saved, she would surely be lost. Besides, in her heart of hearts she knew that though her reasoning sounded logical enough, yet there was something wrong in it somewhere. She tossed and turned, trying to remember what the Bible said about election. But not a verse would come to her mind, and Frances was almost in despair.

It was at this time that some words of Scripture did come to Frances; and they came with power, though they did not seem to refer to election. “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.” Frances just seized those words with her mind, and held on to them. It was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself Who had said that sentence, and Frances at once accepted it for truth. “It must be true, if He said it,” she thought; “‘in no wise cast out’; it doesn’t say anything about being elect; perhaps I don’t need to bother about that, after all. Oli, Lord, it is too hard for me to understand about whether I am elect or not, but, oh, Lord! Jesus did say, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’; don’t cast me out, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.” Frances was soon sound asleep after that.

It is quite likely that some of you who read this have been troubled over the same problem that distressed Frances. Then perhaps the text that was given to her may be a help to you. There can be no doubt at all that the sinner who comes to Christ will never be cast out; the Lord Jesus will never turn away the boy or girl who comes to Him. When the mothers brought their little ones to the Lord, the disciples tried to prevent them, but what did He say? “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” And He took them up in His arms. What a loving Saviour! Not only does He receive those that come to Him, but He laid down His life for them, bearing their sin in His own body on the tree.

The text that was such a help to Frances is in the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, and if you look you will find that it is the second half of a verse. The first half, which Frances did not recollect, says, “All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me;” which is the same as saying, “All that the Father hath chosen shall come.” So you see that no fears about election need prevent your coming to the Lord Jesus, for you would never come at all if the Father were not drawing you. “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”

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