A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

Dear friends,

I’m so happy to see many of our youth here today especially among the older ones. It has gladdened our hearts that we may see them with their parents.

It is our intention to say a few words concerning morals in the times that we are living in. David says in one of the psalms “How wonderfully we are made.” And how fearfully man is made. Take only one faculty — the palate or taste of each and every one of us. Think of how the tissues and nerves analyze all the different flavors and convey the impression of what we are tasting to our mind. Think also of the tastes that are found in the animals from the smallest insects to the largest mammals. Man, too, has many different tastes. I am thinking of the slides that Rev. Kuijt showed of the heathen people whose tastes are so different from our. Dear friends, then we must say, Oh what a great God we are called upon to worship!

So far we have said only a few words about a material taste, but now it is our intention to speak a little more about another taste — that is, the taste of morals. More and more in Canada as well as in the United States, you hear about certain sects which are trying to put across the idea of “the new morality.” These sects are becoming stronger in our times in the Junior High Schools, in the High Schools, and especially in the colleges and universities; perhaps you have read or seen articles about it in the newspaper. As God has placed a palate in the mouth of every man to convey the tastes to his mind, so He placed something in the heart of every boy and girl to form the taste of morals. What does the Lord use for that? We read in the book of Romans 2:15, “Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another.”

Calvin says that in the first place God uses His Word, and secondly, the conscience. Even through the conscience has become hardened, there is still a natural conscience which accuses or excuses. I am thinking again of the slides Rev. Kuijt showed. One man in the tribe had stolen a shovel. Even though the Word had not been brought to him before, his conscience told him that he was doing wrong in stealing the shovel. Now the “new moral sect” says that our consciences are too bound up. They say, “You must stretch your conscience in your youth. You must be more liberal. You must overstep that voice within.

This sect is also affecting the morals of sex in our times. Oh how terrible. The apostle Paul says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Boys and girls, the theory of this sect comes from the bottomless pit.

Many times the question arises among our youth, “How far may I go?” “How far will my conscience allow me to go?” or “May I go to this place or that place?” Rev. Mc Cheyne says that the heart of man (and that is the heart of our youth also) is like a volcano. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” I once read a statement of Martin Luther which was as follows: “Do not go anywhere or be in the act of doing anything where you would not want death to find you.” Boys and girls, your conscience will bear witness and your thoughts will either accuse or excuse. It will tell you plainly how far you may go. May your taste of morals remain based on the Word of God.

Another sect that is becoming stronger especially in our universities presses upon our youth the theory that “God is Dead.” Oh what terrible times we are living in.

Boys and girls, that you may receive in your early youth another hunger, a taste for something else. Not only that you may have a good moral taste but above all that you may receive a spiritual taste; a spiritual taste as David says in Psalm 119 and as Jeremiah received who ate the Word of God and found it sweeter than honey and a honeycomb.

Be wise in choosing your friends and those with whom you assci-ate. Do not become involved in worldly groups. We have seen boys and girls who followed in the footsteps of wrong companions and were led astray. Beg of the Lord as David did in Psalm 143, “Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk.” May the Word of God truly be a lamp unto your feet and a light upon your path.

We read in Revelation that in the last day the book shall be opened, not only the book of God’s omniscience but also that of our conscience. Oh boys and girls, that you may not follow many of the trends of our times. Your conscience will accuse or excuse you. Do not overstep your conscience. Rev. Mc Cheyne says in another place that the restraining grace of God is a greater wonder than the bounds he sets unto the oceans. Remember what we read in Eccle-siastes 12:1 “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.”

ANNUAL YOUTH DAY CONFERENCE

The Annual Youth Day Conference was held July 1st in the Vineland Church near St. Catherines, Ontario. The church was filled when the meeting was opened by Elder J. Slingerland, of the Vineland congregation. Psalter No. 245 was sung, after which Mr. Slingerland read Ecclesiastes 11 and offered prayer, imploring the Lord for a blessing upon the meeting. He welcomed those present, and announced that Rev. Kie-boom was not able to be there, because of weaknes.

Throughout the afternoon and evening a number of songs were sung by the choirs of Norwich, of Vineland, of Vineland and Kalamazoo combined, and the children’s choir of Vineland. Mr. J. Koetsier directed the Norwich choir, and the choirs of Vineland and Kalamazoo were directed by Mr. A. Fintleman.

In the afternoon, Rev. Lamain spoke on “Problems,” Elder J. Beeke on “Morals,” and Elder C. Boerkoel on “Thorns and Thistles,” all being directed particularly to the young people present. The address by Mr. Beeke is printed elsewhere in this issue. David Meeuwse also gave a short talk on “Being Kind to Others.”

During the evening session. Rev. Hegeman spoke briefly on Psalm 119: 9 & 10 — “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.” Elder P. Beeke addressed those present on the words “My son, give me thine heart,” as found in Proverbs 23:26. In addition, several poems were recited by Willy Sterk, a talk was given by J. Don on “Young People Have Problems,” and a Bible quiz for boys and girls under 14 years was conducted by G. Moerdyk.

It was indeed a pleasure, but also a privilege, to meet with one another throughout the day. That the exhortations and serious warnings directed to our young people might yet prove to be a blessing.

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls:

When you receive this issue, your summer vacation will be almost over. It will soon be time again for school books and studies. How quickly the summer goes by. And now, as you are starting back to school, I hope you will all try to do your best. I’m sure that everyone can’t get A’s, but the important thing is that you try hard.

But in some classes they may teach you things that are not correct, particularly about the Bible. In these days we hear and read that the Bible is not true, and that some parts are only like “fairy tales.” I am sure that you know better, but do remember it. And do spend some time in studying your Bible, because this is the most important book we have. It should be the book which we know the best. Pray that the Lord might bless it to your souls.

The first letters of the answers to this month’s quiz spell out that which the Lord Jesus told the people to do when he was upon earth. Do you know what it was? We find it in John 5:39.This should give you a good start on the quiz. Some of the questions may be a little harder than others, but your father and mother can help you with those.

In the sermon on the mount, what gate did Christ tell the people they should seek to enter in?

To what city were two of Jesus’ followers going when He met them and opened to them the scriptures?

What friend of Paul was it said — “an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures”?

In the sermon on the mount, upon what was the house built that did not fall during the storm?

Who did the friend of Paul (mentioned above) show that Jesus was, by means of the scriptures?

In II Peter we read that the prophecy (the scripture) came by holy men of God, who spake as they were moved by whom?

To whom did Paul write, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures”?

What did Jesus feel, when the devil tempted Him to make bread out of the stones?

What man of Ethiopia did Philip find riding in a chariot, reading the scriptures?

In Matthew, to whom did Jesus say—”Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures”?

Who was queen of Ethiopia, as found in Acts?

In the sermon on the mount, what did Jesus mention as one of the corruptions of earthly treasure?

In II Timothy, we read that all scripture is given by what?

As they chose an apostle to replace Judas, who said, “this scripture must needs have been fulfilled concerning Judas”?

Into what city did Paul go where he reasoned with the Jews for three Sabbath days out of the scriptures?

In II Peter, what are they who wrest the scriptures unto their own destruction?

What was Ezekiel commanded to eat before he was sent to speak unto the people?

In the sermon on the mount, whom did Jesus say that we should love?

What did the Jews of Berea do with the scriptures daily after Paul had come unto them?

The answers to our quiz in the July issue are as follows:

The first letters spell out—”I Am The Good Shepherd” as found in John 10:11

Isaac —Genesis 25:2426 Abomination —Genesis 46:34

Moses —Exodus 3:1

Thief —John 10:1

Hireling —John 10:12

Ephron —Genesis 23

Goliath —I Samuel 17

Oil —Psalm 23:5

On —Genesis 41:45

Dothan —Genesis 37:17

Smooth stones —I Samuel 17:40

Herdmen —Genesis 13:7

Elijah —I Kings 17:1-6

Paths of —Psalm 23:3

righteousness

Herdman —Amos 7:14

Evil —Psalm 23:4

Rachel —Genesis 29:9

Didymus —John 11:16

And again we have a number of letters to answer —

PHILLIP KATT — I was glad to hear from you again, Phillip. Where do you go swimming? Are you quite near Lake Michigan? How is your friend’s wrist? Although I’ve never had a broken bone, I would think it would be quite painful. Even a sprain can be quite sore.

HARRY KOPPERT — Yes, I know now how hot it can be in Canada, Harry. It was real warm the weekend of the Youth Day Conference. We were sorry that we didn’t see you while we were in Canada. But then, if we may be spared, that we will see you the next time.

ALICE KOPPERT — I see I have two letters from you, Alice. I am glad you sent your answers in, even though they were a little late, because then I do know that you are working them out. Now that you are in grade four, I imagine that you are looking forward to school.

ALBERT ETELMAN — I would like to hear you play your violin, Albert. It is always nice to be able to play a musical instrument. Do you like to practice? It takes a lot of practice to be able to play well, and sometimes we would rather be playing outdoors. Or don’t you have that problem?

CORINNE ETELMAN — I was sorry I didn’t meet your grandmother while she was in Michigan, Corinne. I certainly have made a lot of new friends in the past few years. I hope you will be able to come to Michigan some time, too. The weather was also very hot and humid last week, but this week we have had real nice weather.

SJAANE VAN WINGERDEN — Thank-you for the picture, Sjaane. You have a nice famly with three girls and three boys. How did you like the pictures which Rev. Kuijt showed? It was real interesting to see and hear under what conditions he must work. How did you like meeting your pen-pal?

PETER KIEVIT — It was good to hear from you, Peter. Thanks also for the picture. I have a number of pictures mounted here on the wall where I can see them as I write my letters. I hope you are not jumping off any roofs this summer.

LINDA SUE VISSIA — How did you like your trip to South Dakota, Linda? Did you play in the barn with your cousins? I can still remember when I spent a week at the farm when I was a boy. Be sure to write me all about your trip.

SHARON BOUMA — I found one mistake, Sharon. I shouldn’t really write that, because everyone gets credit for effort in our quiz. But I do look them over as I receive them. I see your address hasn’t changed, so I’m sure I could find it.

STEVEN VANDER JAGT — Your letter shows how quickly accidents happen, Steven. One moment we are chasing a ball, and a few moments later are being carried off with a broken leg. But the Lord yet spares us from more serious accidents, for how often do we read of them in the newspaper.

JOHN VAN WOUDENBERG — I was sorry to hear about your brother’s accident, John. It seems the doctors are quite busy taking care of broken bones lately. Which hand was it? We hope that it will all be healed before school starts, especially if it is the hand he writes with.

CATHY DROOGERS — I was also very glad to meet you at the Youth Day Conference, Cathy. How did you like the conference? It was nice that so many young people were there. It has also been quite dry here, but not quite as bad as in Canada. If we realize that the Lord alone can give the rain, then we see how dependent we are upon Him in all our ways.

BETTY JOOSSE — We are all well, Betty. I certainly enjoyed spending a few days in your home. Now I hope you will come to see us. How are Jakie and Linda? If we may be spared, we would like to visit you again sometime. Give our regards to your father and mother.

And now a special letter to a little friend who is very sick. Her name is JACKIE GRISNICH — Dear Jackie, we were sorry to hear that you again were brought to the hospital. That you may pray much to the Lord, not only for strength, but also for a new heart. The sickness of our body can be serious, but much more serious is the sickness of our soul. But He has said, “I am the Way.” We are not worthy, and are so unable, but the Lord is the Great Physician for both body and soul. We hope that He may yet give you such a blessing.

And boys and girls, who are blessed with health, may you think often of this blessing, and acknowledge the Lord or it. That you may also pray for a new heart while you are young, but also pray for Jackie in the hospital far away. She is able to receive cards and letters, and enjoys getting mail, so why not send one today. She is 9 years old. She can read and write both Dutch and English. Her address is — Jackie Grisnich, c/o Gerrit Gris-nich, Box 232, Picture Butte, Alberta, Canada.

And so we conclude for this time again, hoping the Lord may yet spare and protect us together.

Your friend,

With love,

Garret J. Moerdyk

Answers to our quiz were received from the following boys and girls during the past month:

Harry Koppert . . Alice Koppert (2) . . Corinne Etelman . . Albert Etelman . . Bill Van Wingerden . . Margaret Van Wingerden . . John Van Wingerden . . Archie Van Wingerden . . Sjaane Van Wingerden . . Deanna Erickson . . John W. Kamp . . Andrew Feyter . . Joe Beeke . . Peter Kievit . . Herbert Van Den Houten . . Joanne Spaans . . Dena Spaans . . Gertrude Spaans . . Joanne Beeke . . Tom Blok . . Judy Arlene Sweetman . . John Van Woudenberg . . Lorraine Kievit . . Ruth Kievit . . Linda Sue Vissia . . Sally Slotsema . . Sandy De Visser . . Kay Kamp . . Ruth Kamp . . Joyce Kamp . . Steven Vander Jagt . . Joan Mol.

Mike Mol . . Gloria Boluyt . . Pat Boluyt . . Ruth De Meester . . Donna De Meester . . ane De Meester . . Sharon Bouma . . Mary Verhey . . Geraldine Moerdyk . . Alice Moerdyk . . John Kamp . . David Kamp . . Mike Meeuwse . . Ruth Meeuwse . . Maria Stryd . . Linda Kay Bleeker . . Gary Bleeker . . Kris Vander Male . . Martha Vander Male . . Mary Jean Vander Male . . George De Maagd . . Louis De Maagd . . Marilyn De Maagd . . Debbie Lords . . Danny Lords . . Gary Roozenboom . . Jenny Van Kempen . . Nellie Heykoop . . Roelie Stapel . . Mariene Jo Van Den Toorn . . Andrew Van Den Toorn . . Philip Kaat . . Joanne Van Peenen . . Brenda Fletcher . . Tommy Greendyk . . Joyce Van Veldhuizen . . Corinne Van Veldhuizen . . Kathy Van Stelle . . Mary Van Stelle . . Betty Van Stelle . . Andy Stam . . Connie Stam . . Emily Stam . . Rita Stam . . Wilma Droogers . . Betty Joosse . . Cathy Droogers . . Debbie Droogers . . Ann Boluyt . . Alice Groen.

MISSIONARY SECTION

Timothy Mission Fund

Only one gift in the amount of $3.00 was received for our mission fund during the month of June, giving us a balance of $11.00 at the end of the month. We realize that many gifts were given to our missionary, Rev. Kuijt, as he travelled through the country. However, we trust that we may be hearing from many of you again in the months ahead. That we might give cheerfully, each according as God hath prospered him. But also may we pray much for the extension of His kingdom, both amongst the congregations and in the heathen countries. April, 1966

Mexico

Dear Friends,

Three months in Mexico means a new language, new food, new customs, new friends — a whole new way of life for the Williams’ family.

We are studying Spanish at the Cultural Institute two days a week. We are learning many new words each day but find it somewhat difficult to put them into sentences in order to communicate with our Mexican friends. Trust you will remember this item of prayer for us as we endeavor to learn the language.

We are getting settled in our apartment which is located in the Mexico City suburb of Tlalpan.

We want to thank each of you lor the part you had in making it possible for us to be here so that we can have a small share in giving God’s Word to the eighty-nine Indian tribes of Mexico.

Albert and Eunice Williams

From the Wycliffe Bible Translators in New Guinea:

June 6, 1966

Dear friends,

We are just coming into the dry season and that means cold nights. We had a cold night last night. When I got up this morning the temperature in the house was 48 degrees. Have to hunt up a few more blankets tonight. Our altitude here is 5,200 feet.

We are Jungle Aviation And Radio Service personnel. Willis is a pilot-mechanic and manager of the JAARS program in New Guinea. Before coming here 2½ years ago, we served in Peru and Bolivia for eight years.

We have four children: Regina, who is attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago;; Alan, 16, and Loren, 14, who go to the Uka-rumpa High School consisting of 25 children; and Douglas, 9, who goes to the Aiyura Public School two miles away.

I work in the JAARS office doing bookkeeping and typing. Housewives usually spend their mornings doing group service. We are thankful for the house boys that help with the household chores so that we are free to be of service.

We have translators working in 67 tribes. Our print shop is busy putting our primers and portions of God’s Word into these various languages. We have two Cessna 185’s, and our Aztec arrived the 23rd of April. That was an exciting day! Willis flew down to Sydney last month for modifications and Australian registration, and returned to pick it up last week. On his return trip he’ll be doing a survey for the Aborigine Branch to determine if they need a flying program. We hope to see him by the week-end.

Thank you for the gift we received from you through emergency support. It is wonderful to see the Lord supply, and to know of your interest and prayers. Pray for translators to enter the tribes that are yet to be occupied.

Serving Him in New Guinea, Willis and Phyllis Baughman and Family

THE SEA OF GALILEE

R. McCheyne

How pleasant to me thy deep blue wave,

O sea of Galilee!

For the glorious One who came to save

Hath often stood by thee.

Fair are the lakes in the land I love,

Where pine and heather grow; But thou hast loveliness far above

What Nature can bestow.

It is not that the wild gazelle Comes down to drink thy tide,

But He that was pierced to save from hell

Oft wandered by thy side.

It is not that the fig-tree grows, And palms, in thy soft air,

But that Sharon’s fair and bleeding Rose

Once spread its fragrance there.

These days are past—Bethsaida, where?

Chorazin, where art thou?

His tent the wild Arab pitches there,

The wild reeds shade thy brow.

Tell me, ye mouldering fragments, tell,

Was the Saviour’s city here?

Lifted to heaven, has it sunk to hell,

With none to shed a tear?

Ah! would my flock from thee might learn

How days of grace will flee; How all an offered Christ who spurn,

Shall mourn at last, like thee.

And was it beside this very sea, The new-risen Saviour said

Three times to Simon, ‘Lovest thou me?

My lambs and sheep, then feed.’

O Saviour! gone to God’s right hand!

Yet the same Saviour still,

Graved on thy heart is this lovely strand

And every fragrant hill.

Oh! give me, Lord, by this sacred wave,

Threefold thy love divine,

That I may feed, till I find my grave,

Thy flock — both thine and mine.

THE DYING TESTIMONY OF A LITTLE BOY

John Sim, a dear little boy, was carried away by consumption. His child-like heart seemed to be filled with joy about seeing Jesus. His simple prattle, mingled with deep questionings, arrested, not only his young companions, but pierced the hearts of some careless sinners who heard him, and greatly refreshed the faith of God’s dear people. It was the very pathos of song to hear the weak quaver of his dying voice sing out:

“I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God.”

Shortly before his decease he said to his parents: “I am going soon to be with Jesus; but I sometimes fear that I may not see you there.” “Why so, my child?” said his weeping mother. “Because,” he answered, “If you were set upon going to heaven and seeing Jesus there, you would pray about it, and sing about it; you would talk about Jesus to others, and tell them of that happy meeting with Him in glory. All this my dear Sabbath School teacher has taught me, and she will meet me there. Now why did not you, my father and mother, tell me all these things about Jesus, if you are going to meet Him too?”

One day an aunt from the coun-try visited his mother, and their talk ran in channels for which the child no longer felt any interest. On my sitting down beside him, he said: “Sit you down and talk to me about Jesus; I am tired of hearing so much talk about everything else but Jesus; I am going soon to be with Him. 0, do tell me everything you know or have ever heard about Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God!”

At last the child literally longed to be away, not for rest, or freedom from pain—for of that he had very little—but, as he himself always put it: “To see Jesus.”

Friendly Companion

Gustavus Vassa

(continued)

During this time I was out of work, nor was I likely to get employment suitable for me, which obliged me to go once more to sea. I was hired as steward of a ship called the “Hope” with Captain Kichard Strange which was bound from London to Cadiz in Spain. A short time after I was on board I heard the name of God much blasphemed and I feared greatly lest I should catch the horrible infection. I thought if I sinned again after having life and death set before me, I should certainly go to hell. My mind was unusually vexed and I murmured much at God’s providential dealings with me, and was discontented with the commandments because I could not be saved by what I had done. I hated all things and wished I had never been born. One day, I was standing on the very edge of the stern of the ship thinking to drown myself, but this Scripture was instantly impressed on my mind: “That no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” (I John 3:15). Then I paused and thought myself the unhappiest man living. Again I was convinced that the Lord was better to me than I deserved and I was better off in the world than many.

After this I began to fear death; I fretted, mourned and prayed until I became a burden to others and even more so, to myself. At length I concluded to beg my bread on shore rather than go again to sea among a people who feared not God and I requested the captain three different times to discharge me. He would not, but each time gave me greater encouragement to continue with him and all on board helped make my work easier. Notwithstanding all this, I was unwilling to sail again. At last some of my friends advised me by saying it was my lawful calling and consequently it was my duty to obey, and that God was not confined to place, etc.; particularly Mr. S., the governor of Tothill-fields, who pitied my case and read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews to me with exhortations. He prayed for me and I believe that he prevailed on my behalf, for my burden was then greatly removed and I found a heartfelt resignation to the will of God. The good man gave me a pocket Bible, and the next day I went on board again. I had many opportunities of reading the Scriptures. I wrestled hard with God in fervent prayer, who had declared in his Word that he would hear the groanings and deep sighs of the poor in spirit. I found this verified to my utter astonishment and comfort in the following manner:

On the morning of the 6th of October I had a secret impulse on my mind of something that was to take place which drove me continually to the throne of grace. It pleased God to enable me to wrestle with him as Jacob did. I prayed that if sudden death were to happen, and I perished, it might be at Christ’s feet.

In the evening of the same day, as I was reading and meditating on the 4th chapter of Acts, verse 12, under the solemn apprehensions of eternity and reflecting on my past actions, I began to think I had lived a moral life, and that I had a proper ground to believe I had an interest in the divine favor. While meditating on the subject, not knowing whether salvation was to be had partly for our own good deeds, or solely as the sovereign gift of God; the Lord was pleased to break in upon my soul with his bright beams of heavenly light and in an instant, as it were, removing the veil and letting the light into a dark place, I saw clearly, in a way of believing, the crucified Saviour bleeding on the cross on Mount Calvary. The Scriptures became an unsealed

book. I saw myself a condemned criminal under the law, which came with its full force to my conscience and “when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” I saw the Lord Jesus Christ in his humiliation, loaded and bearing my reproach, sin and shame. I then clearly perceived that by the deeds of the law no flesh living could be justified. I was convinced that by the first Adam sin came, and the second Adam (the Lord Jesus Christ) all that are saved must be made alive. It was given me at that time to know what it was to be born again. I saw the 8th chapter to the Romans and the doctrines of God’s decrees certified agreeable to his eternal, everlasting and unchangeable purposes. The Word of God was sweet to my taste, yea, sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. Christ was revealed to my soul as the Chief-est among ten thousand. These heavenly moments were really as life to the dead, an earnest of the Spirit. This was indeed unspeakable.

(To Be Continued)

A LETTER TO THE YOUNG

My Dear Young Friends,

We are sure you are all familiar with the words of the Eighth Commandment: “The Eighth Commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.” This Commandment therefore enjoins certain duties with respect to ourselves and others and forbids certain sins. As we are taught in the Shorter Catechism, “The Eighth Commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others,” while “the Eighth Commandment forbiddeth whatsoever does or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbor’s wealth or outward estate.”

Let us think first of the duties required of us by this Commandment. It teaches us that we ought to endeavour, by lawful means, to have a sufficient portion of the good things of this life for ourselves, and to improve our opportunities. “Provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Romans 3:17). “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (Proverbs 27:-23). Also, as far as we can, we are to try to assist others for their material benefit. “As we have therefore opoprtunity, let us do good unto all men” (Gal. 6:10). “Look not every man at his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:4).

To these ends, our first desire and aim should be to seek union with Christ, who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” A little enjoyed by covenant right is incomparably superior to all the wealth of the richest man in the world, out of Christ. We should seek to be prayerfully dependent upon God for all our needs, and for those things which are necessary and convenient for us. We would do well to pray, as Agur did, “Remove from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal and take the name of my God in vain.” We ought also to use foresight in attending to our affairs, and endeavour to have everything befitting our ability and position in the world. Thus we may avoid the sinful extremes of over-anxiety or indifference. It is our duty to exercise our God-given talents in some lawful calling, which will prove, with the Lord’s blessing, glorifying to God and profitable to ourselves and others.

Moderation is necessary in the use we make of the fruits of our industry. We are only stewards of that which is God’s, and therefore, we must guard against waste or loss through negligence. We must use what we posses to the best advantage. Unjust gain is an abomination to the Lord and a haste to be rich is a snare of Satan, causing the downfall of many. Strict honesty is, of course, enjoined. Prudent liberality is also our duty. We must, according to our means, remember the Lord’s Cause, the poor, those in temporary trouble, and other lawful charities. These things are to be done without thought of praise or reward from men. “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

The sins forbidden by the Eighth Commandment may be logically concluded from what has already been written. Idleness is to be abhorred. All who are fit in body and mind ought to be employed in some lawful calling, according to their ability. “The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be fat” (Proverbs 13:-4). Failure to acknowledge God and to depend upon Him in our daily lives is a breach of this Commandment. Waste is forbidden. Rash engagements in what is speculative or liable to fail are to be guarded against. Foolish giving to such as have no need, or to sluggards and such like is also forbidden.

The use of callings, by which men are deprived of their substance and others get excessive gain, with the curse of God upon it, for example, by gambling, is another form of stealing. Thus, apart from direct theft, there are many more subtle ways in which this Commandment is violated. In this way the Church of Rome is a notorious offender. She will “grant pardons,” say “masses,” and give many other “favours” for filthy lucre’s sake — all, of course, founded upon a lie.

If we take advantage of the ignorance of another, or some other disability in another, to make gain we are guilty of sins forbidden by this Commandment. Likewise, we are guilty if we misrepresent, for example, something we may wish to sell. We may over-rate it in advertising or try to sell it for more than it is worth. Money, too, may be extorted by many other subtle means. We may, under some pretext or plea, refuse to pay that which it is our duty to pay, or we may quite blatantly refuse to pay our debts.

Hoarding of wealth, while turning a deaf ear to the cry of the poor and the needy, and to the Lord’s Cause is also to be abhorred. It is an evidence that such as are guilty of it never received the Gospel in truth. Those who know the value of salvation by personal experience are bound to do what they can to send that Gospel to the uttermost corners of the earth.

May the Lord enable us to be upright and strictly honest in all things. His grace is sufficient. And may you, my young friends, in going out into the world, seek to be kept by the power of God from all such sins, and from sin in every shape and form.

“Hold up my goings, Lord, me guide in those thy paths divine,

So that my footsteps may not slide

out of those of thine.”

ADDRESSES FOR

TIMOTHY CORRESPONDENCE

Timothy Section —

Thomas Moerdyk

1222 Vassar Drive

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

Timothy Mission Fund —

c/o Adriana Kievit

1121 N. Westnedge Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Bible Quiz —

Garret J. Moerdyk

1104 Roseland Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

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