A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE MEANING OF EASTER

The Lord Jesus, who had been laid in the grave reverently by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus on Friday evening, stood up from the dead and came out of the grave. That is proof that the Lord Jesus really finished all things.

He came into this world to bear the wrath of God because of sin. He came to atone for the guilt of His people. Oh, if the devil had been successful in causing Jesus to sin, the Lord would not have risen. He would have remained in death, for then His death would have been a punishment for that sin. But now His death is the REDEMPTION for sin.

The resurrection of Christ is proof that Jesus had made complete satisfaction. The wrath of God is taken away for all his elect by the suffering and death of Christ. Their sins shall be forgiven; yes, their guilt HAS BEEN atoned for by the death of the Saviour. This resurrection is the receipt for the complete satisfaction of Jesus as the Reedeemer.

And, as the Lord Jesus has risen from death and the grave, so also shall all God’s children arise and leave their graves to go into eternal glory.

There will be a terrible resurrection for the wicked, for they shall be judged by a righteous God, and the Saviour will not intercede for them. It will be a blessed resurrection for God’s people, for they shall be delivered from sin and the consequences of sin, and they shall go into heaven to be there forever. They shall praise and glorify God to all eternity. The Lord Jesus has shut hell, overcome death, and opened heaven for His people.

The Lord, the great High Priest, the eternal Son of David, early on that Sunday morning arose from the grave where He had lain three days and three nights. I hope you have understood this portion although I know it is quite difficult for you. Probably you haven’t understood everything clearly, but ask God if He will teach you. You surely would be fortunate if your sins were atoned for by the suffering and death of the Saviour.

The resurrection of Christ is the comfort and happiness of all God’s people. They do not have a DEAD Saviour; no, they have a Saviour who is ALIVE. He, the King of Israel, lives to all eternity, and therefore they also shall live to all eternity. Are not those people a blessed people?

Are you ever jealous of them?

Children, this the meaning of our Easter. Every year we commemorate the resurrection of Christ. For many thousands of people Easter is only a dead form and nothing more. Thousands go to seek all kinds of pleasures, and other evils on Easter. They have a holiday and that is all. Most everyone only thinks of that day as a day to wear new Easter clothing. But, alas, little is thought on that day about the beneficial blessings of the resurrection of God’s Son.

May God give that you may celebrate Easter in truth.

John Vreugdenhil

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Bible Quiz

The last Sunday of March is observed as the day in which the Lord Jesus rose from the grave, which took place many years ago. It is called “Easter.” Did you know that the word “Easter” is also used in the Bible, but only once. Can you find where this is?

Therefore this month our quiz is based on the things that took place in those days. A blank space is left in each of the texts, and you must find the missing word, and where it is to be found in the Bible. The first letters of these words will spell out how the Lord Jesus was brought to Golgotha, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah in the 53rd chapter of his book.

And he cometh unto the disciples and findeth them__________.

They parted his garments, casting__________upon them.

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of _________ and Rufus, to bear his cross.

And he bore the sin of_______, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but_________.

But he was wounded for our _________.

_________not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me_________.

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the __________of judgment.

All the chief priests and______ ______of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

And for fear of him the keepers did__________, and became as dead men.

Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi,_________sabachthani.

Joseph of__________, an honourable counsellor, went in boldly unto Pilate and craved the body of Jesus.

They filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it________hyssop.

Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a________.

And there appeared an angel unto him from__________strengthening him.

When they had platted a crown of_________, they put it upon his head.

Two of them went that same day to a village called_______.

He is despised and________ of men.

Listed below are the answers to the February quiz:

Ark —Genesis 6:14

Blood —Exodus 7:20

Censer —Leviticus 10:1

Dathan —Numbers 16:27–32

Eagle —Deuteronomy 14:12

Flax —Joshua 2:6

Gaash —Judges 2:8–9

Harvest — Ruth 1:22

Ishui —I Samuel 14:49

Jonathan —II Samuel 10:6

Kidron —I Kings 3:36–37

Leper —II Kings 5:25–27

Michal —I Chronicles 15:29

Nebat —II Chronicles 13:6

Persia —Ezra 1:1–4

Sanballat —Nehemiah 2:10

Teresh —Esther 2:21

Uz —Job 1:1

Vine —Psalm 80:8

Wisdom —Proverbs 1:7

And again there are quite a few letters to answer —

ANDREW FEYTER — It was nice to hear from you again, Andrew. With all those animals on the farm to be taken care of, I can imagine that chores keep you quite busy. Your father must be quite happy that he has boys to help him. Which animals do you take care of?

GARY ROZENBOOM — Yes, your answers were all correct, Gary. How did you do on your semester tests? By the time you receive this issue of the paper, the winter will be about ended ,that is, according to the calendar. But even then snow and freezing rain can still be expected.

TRINA VLIETSTRA — We are all well, Trina, and hope the same of you and your family. How is your new baby brother? I was just looking at the map, and I can see that you have quite a ride to church every Sunday. That means you have to start out quite early, doesn’t it?

LYNNE, CARLA, YVONNE, and KENNETH LAMAIN — It was nice to hear from all of you, and also to receive your answers. I think there are more boys and girls who answer the questions, but don’t always send them in. I hope we may hear from you again.

CHRISTINE KOPPERT — Thank you for your letter, Christine. We hope that all the boys and girls read the stories in the Timothy, or have their father or mother read them to them. If we think about the children where Rev. Kuijt is working, where the parents cannot read either, then we must appreciate the blessings that are given us.

JOHN VAN WOUDENBERG — Thank you for the picture of your church, John. It really looks very nice. Is it very far from your home? From your letter I understand it must be outside of the city. That we might say with the Psalmist, “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

LINDA SCHALKOORT — I was sorry to hear that you did not receive the December issue. I suppose there are times that one gets lost in the mail, especially as it is second class mail. I think you will find the questions in this month’s quiz somewhat easier.

ALICE SCHONEVELD — It was good to hear from you again, Alice. Our congratulations to the newly-weds! That is aways a happy occasion. How old will your colt be before you can ride him? Do you expect a few tumbles before he is accustomed to a rider?

DICKY STUBBE — A sleigh behind the tractor on top of a load of wood sounds like great fun, Dicky. Did you hear about all the snow we had? School was closed for a whole week. I think you would like that, wouldn’t you?

DONNIE STUBBE — Thank you for the picture, Donnie, and also the letter. Last month I mentioned that your father had two boys to help him, but now I found out that there are three. Did the wind blow the trees over at Rev. Kieboom’s?

ALICE KOPPERT — When the hill is all ice, you must go down real fast, Alice. The winter weather will soon be over. It seems like such a little while ago that the winter was just coming, and now it is almost past. This is true also of days, of weeks, of months, and of years.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN —You must have had a lot of snow, too, oJan. We had about 24 inches in one day. Many stores and businesses just closed down, because no one could do anything but walk. That was too bad about your safety patrol officer Who died at the age of 39. It shows that we never know how short our life may be.

JOHN STUBBE — Feeling better again after the flu, John. 105 pigs seems like quite a few, and then you expect to have more. Do you know how many swine ran into the sea when the Lord Jesus sent the unclean spirits into them?

CATHY DROOGERS — We hope to come to Canada again this year, Cathy, the Lord willing and we live. But we do not know what will happen before that time. Perhaps someday you will be able to make a trip to Michigan. How are you getting along in school? BETTY JOOSSE — How does Linda like to wear glasses, Betty? I probably won’t know her when I see her. How were those report cards? We had more snow this year than any previous year that they have on record. The piles along the road and in the yards are quite high.

WILMA DROOGERS—I often wonder if the quiz is too difficult, Wilma, but if they are too easy, the older ones will not find it interesting. So I try to mix them up a little. I was happy to see that you had looked up the answer to my question, “Who changes not?”. DEBBY DROOGERS —How many cats do you have, Debby? As long as they stay in the barn, I suppose one more doesn’t make much difference. I hope you are also feeling better after having the flu. It isn’t nice to miss too much school, because you are soon rather far behind.

BILL BOESTERD — Yes, I would think that Rev. Kuijt has many problems arise as he teaches the boys and girls, and grown-ups, too. His main purpose is to bring them the Word of God, and in this way he is able to do so.

PETER KIEVIT—I see your letter is last this time, Peter. How is your hand? Your jack-knife must be real sharp, in order to cut your hand that way. A knife comes in real handy some time, but can also be dangerous, as you found out.

I have another riddle that John Stubbe sent me. See if you can work it out.

Name the man of the Bible

His first (letter) is in the “chime”

But not in “bell,”

His second is in “dime”

But not in “sell.”

His third is in “chain”

But not in “rope,”

His fourth is in “plain”

But not in “slope.”

His last is in “house”

But not in “tent,”

He is a minor prophet

Of the Old Testament.

It has been a pleasure hearing from you again, boys and girls, and we hope that as you study the Bible, it may truly become a “Word of Life” to you, which it will be if the Lord will bless it.

With love,

Your friend,

Uncle Garret

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

Arie Vandenberg . . Cordy Vanaenberg . . Janetta Vandenberg . . Peter Vander Jagt . . Steve Vander Jagt . . Sheryl Van Giessen . . Sandy Van Giessen . . Gary Van Giessen . . Doris Van Der Weile . . John Van Woudenberg . . Archie Van Wingerden . . Margaret Van Wingerden . . John Van Wingerden . . Billy Van Wingerden . . Sjaane Van Wingerden . . Pat Boluyt . . Debbie Lords . . Danny Lords . . Ruth Kievit . . Lorraine Kievit . . Linda Timmer . . Kathy Timmer . . Nancy Timmer . . Christine Koppert . . Alice Koppert . . Peter Koppert . . Harry Koppert . . Joanne Spaans . . Gertrude Spaans . . Dena Spaans . . Joan Van Zweden . . Herbert Van Den Houten . . James Dale Westrate . . Dick Westrate . . Deanna Erickson . , John Stubbe . . Donnie Stubbe . . Dicky Stubbe . . Trina Vlietstra . . Ruth Meeuwse . . Mike Meeuwse . . Ann Marie Boluyt . . Marv Boluyt . . Mary Jane Boluyt.

David Verhey . . Tom Blok . . Dave Vander Boon . . Bob Vander Boon . . Jane De Meester . . Kathy De Meester . . Donna De Meester . . Linda Kay Bleeker , . Ron Vander Boon . . Ruth De Meester . . Lynne Lamain . . Carla Lamain . . Yvonne Lamain . . Kenneth Lamain . . Gerri Moerdyk . . Michael Mol . . Leonard Mol . . Joanie Mol . . Joanne Beeke . . Joe Beeke . . Kris Vander Male . . Martha Vander Male . . Mary Jean Vander Male . . George De Maagd . . Louis De Maagd . . Marilyn De Maagd . . Alice Moerdyk . . Linda Sue Vissia . . Gary Roozenboom . . Betty Van Stelle . . Kathy Van Stelle . . Mary Van Stelle . . Andrew Van Den Toorn . . Mariene Jo Van Den Toorn.

Janet Van Driel . . Linda Schalkoort . . Alice Schoneveld . . Arlene Wallenburg . . Carol Wallenburg . . Wanita Wallenburg . . Albert Van Grouw . . Janet Van Grouw . . Judy Elizabeth Sweetman . . Janet Arlene Sweetman . . Ted Engelsma . . Tom Engelsma . . Peter Kievit . . Billy Moerdyk . . Sharon R. Bouma . . John W. Kamp . . Kay Kamp . . Joyce Kamp . . Thomas Kamp . . Ruth Kamp . . Frances Vander Meulen . . Teresa Vander Meulen . . Betty Joosse . . Andrew Feyter . . Kathy De Visser . . Connie De Visser . . Corinne Van Veldhuizen . . Joyce Van Veldhuizen . . Cathy Droogers . . Debby Droogers . . Wilma Droogers . . Barbara Jean Berken bush . . Gail Hoogendoorn . . Bill Boesterd . . Herman Rozeboom . . Leonard Rozeboom . . Larry Rozeboom . . Sandy De Visser . . Shirley De Visser.

HIDDEN TREASURE

Many years ago, amidst the rugged and snow-capped Alps, there was a beautiful valley called the Shepherd’s Valley. Nestling amidst the vines and pasture lands of the valley were scattered the few huts of a hamlet of shepherds, who for many a long year had tended their flocks and lived a simple and secluded life.

In those days when the Scriptures were very scarce, the richest possession of these people was a complete copy of the precious book. The possession of this treasure had cost many a noble life, but the constancy and courage of its owners had as yet baffled the persecuting zeal of their enemies.

The book was kept in a huge chest in the house of a very old woman named Jasperine Colbert. She was known and respected as Mother Jasperine.

Every summer all the inhabitants of the valley who were fit for work went up to the highest of the mountain pastures — the men to shear the sheep, the women to make butter and cheese. Nobody but the old people and the children were left below in the valley. Next to the valley, some distance up the forest-covered mountainside, was a little hill which overlooked the entrance to the valley. It went by the name of La Reste. At this spot was a wooden pillar and from it was displayed a red cloth when any danger threatened the valley, while the men were away on the upland pastures. This danger signal was under the care of a man named Andrew Du Roche.

Mother Jasperine lived in a little cottage, and next door lived her son and his young family. It was towards evening on a hot summer’s day that there was gathered round the doorway of Mother Jasperine’s cottage a group of children, the eldest of whom was Greta, the old woman’s grand-daughter. All the men were away and the good old woman was reading to her little friends from the old and well-thumbed Bible the story of Jacob and his sons. They were all listening so attentively that none of them noticed a stranger approaching their door. He was a tall thin man, clad in a long gray gown of coarse material, with a cord tied about his waist; his feet were bare; on one side he carried a large wallet, on the other a string of wooden beads, ending with a wooden cross. When observed he appeared to be walking briskly, but as soon as he saw he was noticed he leaned on his staff and limped along as though weary and fatigued. He greeted the children with a kindly voice and craved hospitality and rest. He was weary and thirsty.

Greta hastened to supply his needs, and then found that her grandmother had slipped into the cottage. When the old lady again joined them she had left the book indoors, and she heard her visitor ask one of the children where their parents were, and receive the answer that they were gone to the high pastures with all the rest of the village. In a little while, with many expressions of cordial thanks, the monk (for such he was) went on his way. When he had gone Greta noticed that her grandmother appeared greatly disturbed. Shortly afterwards Mother Jasperine told Greta to make her way with all speed to La Reste and ask Andrew du Roche, who was cutting wood there, to hasten to see her. A three-mile tramp was a little matter to the mountaineer’s daughter, so away she sped on her errand. In due course Andrew du Roche appeared and heard the news that a bare-footed monk had been to the house that day. The old woman, from previous experience of their ways, feared that evil was brewing so she told him to keep a look-out on the entrance to the pass, and hoist the danger signal if the soldiers or monks were seen approaching. Promising to keep a good look-out Andrew Du Roche was soon on his way back to La Reste.

Next afternoon Mother Jasperine, as was her habit, took her nap, and Greta was left alone with the children and was soon engaged in rocking the baby to sleep. It became monotonous. Suddenly the thought occurred to her that she would steal into her grandmother’s house, take the Bible from its hiding-place and finish the story of Jacob which had been interrupted by the strange visitor of the previous day. Her wish was soon accomplished and she was soon pouring over the pages of the sacred volume. Suddenly she was startled by hearing a gruff voice in the next cottage, saying, “It is no use, old woman. We have come for the book, and we will have it. Where is your heretical Bible?” The words made Greta’s blood run cold. The monks were looking for the precious book. What should she do with it? Why had she taken it from its hiding place? She knew that there was no place in the little room which could conceal the Bible from the vigilant eyes of the monks. Suddenly the thought occurred to her as if by inspiration, why not put it under the little baby sleeping in the cradle? The happy thought was soon acted upon.

Soon the crowd of monks, led by their visitor of the day before, came into the room and were turning everything upside down. But they never thought of looking underneath the baby now crying lustily in the cradle. Every house in the village was searched but without avail. None were more surprised than Mother Jasperine, who had seen the chest searched, but no Bible was there.

Enraged and disappointed, the leader drew a long sharp knife from his girdle and shouted out, “Old heretic! I’ll kill you and your granddaughter, if you do not tell me within five minutes where you have hidden the book.”

“I am willing to die for our Bible, as my father and grandfather did, if the Lord, whom I have served for more than ninety years so wills it,” said the old lady, “but, bethink you, man, that you must answer for this day’s work to Him and to the judges of this land.”

“I’ll kill you,” shouted the monk, as he rushed upon her with the knife in his hand. But as he spoke, a loud blast of a shepherd’s horn came down the valley and a cry arose among the monks, “The men of Du Berger are coming!”

Du Roche had done his work well. The danger signal had been set flying, and the monks met with many a shrewd blow before they quitted the confines of the Valley of Shepherds.

The Bible of the Valley of Shepherds had been preserved, and the child in whose cradle it was hidden lived to be its guardian; doubtless it is still treasured as an heirloom of a period of persecution of which the children of our country know nothing. — from an old Y.P. Magazine.

WEEPING MARY

Mary to her Saviour’s tomb

Hasted at the early dawn;

Spice she brought, and sweet perfume;

But the Lord she lov’d was gone.

For a while she weeping stood,

Struck with sorrow and surprise,

Shedding tears, a plenteous flood,

For her heart supplied her eyes.

Jesus, who is always near,

Though too often unperceived,

Came, His drooping child to cheer,

Kindly asking, why she grieved?

Though at first she knew Him not,

When He called her by her name,

Then her griefs were all forgot,

For she found He was the same.

Grief and sighing quickly fled,

When she heard His welcome voice;

Just before she thought Him dead,

Now He bids her heart rejoice.

What a change His word can make,

Turning darkness into day!

You who weep for Jesus’ sake,

He will wipe your tears away.

He who came to comfort her,

When she thought her all was lost,

Will for your relief appear,

Though you now are tempest-tossed :

On His word your burden cast,

On His love your thoughts employ;

Weeping for a while may last,

But the morning brings the joy.

John Newton

MISSION WORK

We may believe that God’s blessing rests upon the mission work of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations in West Irian and Nigeria. While Rev. G. Kuijt has his mission field in West Irian (New Guinea), others are laboring in Nigeria, Africa. Mr. Commelin, evangelist and architectural expert, Mr. Ten Voorde, a teacher, and three nurses are presently in Nigeria.

A mission spirit has been awakened during the last years not only in the Reformed Congregations in Holland, but also in the Netherlands Reformed Congregations in this country. Christian missionary endeavor is based upon the teaching of Christ and the example of the twelve apostles. Protestant missionary activities commenced in earnest some two hundred years after the Reformation and resulted in the establishment of various institutions for spreading religious doctrines among unbelievers, which has been neglected for many years in our congregations.

While it has pleased the gracious God to bring our fathers, and consequently us and our children, from heathendom to Christendom, we should not forget nor be coldhearted about so many millions of souls in spiritual darkness, of whom the greatest majority live in outward poverty and misery also.

It is a deplorable truth that millions live without a Bible and religion in our country, which is usually called a Christian nation; but we know that the Bible is within their reach and if they have a desire for this dear and valuable Book, it would not take much effort to possess it. Alas! there is so little desire in general to read and to abide by the blessed Word of God. It is an ominous sign of our times that such a great part of so-called Christians and church members are sinking back into the darkness and wickedness of heathendom.

Our eyes should be raised heavenward that it might please the great King of His Church to not only give true love towards the salvation and welfare of our own soul, but also the souls of others. Our daily prayer should be, “Lord, Thy kingdom come amongst all creatures upon this earth.” We read in Rev. 7:9: “After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.”

Our Reformed Congregations not only support financially, and we may believe with many prayers, the mission work of Rev. Kuijt and the domestic mission work in the southern part of the Netherlands among Roman Catholics, but are making efforts now, with an eye upon the blessed King of His Church, to send another nurse to Nigeria, Africa, to assist the other nurses at that place. Miss Ann Herfst, a nurse who has been working in a Chilliwack hospital, had the liberty and the desire to present herself for this important and charitable work. Chilliwack is a city in British Columbia, Canada, where one of our congregations is located, of which Rev. M. Romeyn is the pastor. The parents of Miss Herfst live in the city of Lethbridge and are members of our congregation at that place. She is presently taking a course in midwifery in the cities of Edmonton and Calgary. She speaks the Holland and the English languages fluently. After a few weeks she will be taking her final examination. At this writing (February 14), Miss Herfst is already making preparations for her journey to Nigeria to join the mission staff. May we also remember this sister and friend in our prayers; and while her journey to a far-away country is costly, and contributions to carry on this mission work will be needed continually, may the Lord incline the hearts of many in our congregations to give generously for her financial support. An article about her arrival and work in Nigeria will follow, D.V.

May God’s indispensable blessing rest upon the domestic and foreign mission work, that we might sing with the Church of old times with an eye upon Zion’s glorious King:

Heathen lands and hostile peoples

Soon shall come the Lord to know;

Nations born again in Zion

Shall the Lord’s salvation show;

God Almighty, God Almighty

Shall on Zion strength bestow.

(Ps. 87)

In the name of the Mission Committee,

J.V.Z.

1967 YOUTH DAY CONFERENCE

Plans are being made to again have a Youth Day Conference this summer, which is to be held, the Lord willing, on July 3 in Vineland, Canada. We hope to publish additional details in the coming issues, but it was requested that the announcement be made of the date, so that those wishing to attend could arrange their vacations accordingly. We hope that many young people and their parents will find it possible to attend.

TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

During the month of January, gifts totalling $203.00 were received for the Mission fund, which are gratefully acknowledge. Checks of $100.00 each were sent to Rev. G. Kuijt, and to Mr. D. Polder in the Netherlands. The balance on hand as of January 31st was $59.10.

“To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

FROM MBUMA MISSION

HOSPITAL, RHODESIA

Our gratitude goes out to you all for the magnificent donations, which you continue to send us. We are also most grateful for your remembrances of the work at the Throne of Grace.

Since I wrote last, many ill people have been treated, many hungry fed, many poor clothed, and very many presented with the Gospel — some for the first time ever. Hundreds of Gospels and text cards in the local language have been distributed to patients and others. There is terrible spiritual death for the people are very much tied to their superstitions and heathenish rites. Nevertheless they are eager to receive Gospels and text cards, and they are willing and thankful to have worship or a service held in their kraals. This in itself is a blessing as it could be otherwise. Pray that the seed sown will bring forth fruit and that lives in this dark part of Africa may be transformed through the reading and preaching of the Word of God. Many of the elderly and even some of the young have never learned to read, but almost every Kraal now has one child or more attending school who can read. We encourage those who are illiterate to ask their children to read to them, from the Gospels given to them.

This is the time of the year for severe malnutrition amongst the toddlers, as there is no milk, no green vegetables, no meat, in fact, no protein of any kind at their homes. We have, at the moment, ten of these poor, irritable, pathetic looking children, with their ‘pot bellies,’ thin scraggy arms and legs, and their puffy, swollen faces and feet. The feet can become so swollen that the skin blisters and peels off, leaving raw areas not unlike a nasty burn. However, it is very wonderful to see the marvellous transformation that comes over them, even in a few days, when proper treatment has been administered.

Although the toddlers suffer most from malnutrition, many adults and children at this time of the year are also suffering from a mild form of it. Every adult, therefore, and child, during their stay in the hospital receives vitamins, milk and protone. To supply this, gallons of milk are daily made from powdered milk, and potfuls of protone cooked (a soup rich in protein). These are handed out to each and all….

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Tallach

A young Frenchman who had been wounded at the seige of San Quentin was on a rough bed in the hospital when a tract that lay on the coverlet caught his eye. He read it and was converted to God by it. You may see the monument of that man before the Church of the Consistory in Paris, standing with a Bible in his hand. He is known in history as Admiral Coligny, the leader of the reformation in France. But the tract had not finished its work. It was read by Coligny’s nurse, a ‘sister of mercy,’ who penitently placed it in the hands of the Lady Abbess, and she, too. was converted. She fled from France to the Palatinate, where she met a young Hollander and became his wife. The influence which she had upon the man reached into the reformation on the entire continent of Europe, for he was William of Orange. “How far your little candle threw its beam!” Who knows what the power of a tract may be?

SCATTERING WORDS

A little girl came home from school one day, and said to her mother, “What do you think I heard about Jessie?”

“Was what you heard about Jessie kind?” asked her mother.

“Well, it was not very kind,” was the reply.

“Then, if it was not very kind, wouldn’t it be better if you didn’t tell me?” suggested her mother.

Mary promised her mother that it would go no further. But her mother pointed to a dandelion which had gone to seed in the front garden, and told her to run with it in her hand down the road and back again. Mary ran along merrily, singing as she went, while away blew the little white seeds. When she got back her mother told her to go and pick up the seeds that had fallen as she ran.

“Oh, Mother, but they’ve gone everywhere. I could never bring them all back.”

“Yes,” said her mother, “in the same way the words which you speak spread and disappear as quickly as the dandelion seeds have done, and you can never bring them back again.

“In the Bible we read: ‘Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.’ Let us ask the Lord to help us that we might never speak unkind or ugly words, for we shall never be able to take them back.”

THE UNRULY CABIN BOY

The officers and crew of a certain ship were very irritated by the conduct of a rather unruly cabin boy who annoyed them by his disregard of all authority. The Captain at last ordered that the boy should be put into the hold of the ship as he thought that this might cure him, since the hold was in total darkness. To everyone’s surprise the cabin boy became more wicked and shouted out curses and profane language. The Captain then ordered one of the crew to let down a light, and no sooner was a hurricane lamp lowered than the boy screamed for help and pleaded for mercy, promising to mend his ways if only they would take him out of this horrible place. For the first time he saw loathesome rats which were his companions in the hold. When in darkness he was unperturbed but when the light shone it was only then he saw his sad condition. A poor sinner will never realize his sinful condition until the Holy Spirit shines into his heart. When he gets a sight of his own heart it is then that he cries for mercy.

Y.P.M.

How busy we are with the things of this life! How shall we be clothed? How shall we care for our children? Shall another war break out, etc? But did we ever stop to consider that we must die? And this may take place sooner than we think. We do not know the day of our death.

We are subject to misery and by nature we are lying in satan’s claws. He was a murderer from the beginning. Oh that we might think in this our day of the things which belong unto our peace!

By the late Rev. G. H. Kersten

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