A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THORNS AND THISTLES OR THE LIFE OF JOSEPH

(An address to the Youth Day conference of 1966 by Mr. C. F. Boerkoel)

The Bible, as we are taught, dear children, is the inspired word of God. Many blasphemers and infidels have denounced its truth, some have called it a myth, and many, who are now in eternity and have appeared before God, shall in torment bewail the foolishness of their hearts. May God keep us all from this delusion.

Throughout the ages God’s true church has found its joy in this word. The contents are God’s revelation to sinners, the salvation which is only in Christ Jesus, but this knowledge is only attained by ways of trials and affliction, as we read in Acts 14: 22b. “and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

God has promised that the earth would bring forth thorns and thistles. Who do you think has the most bother with these thorns and thistles? Infidels or a poor child of God? I think that we have enough proof in God’s word to affirm that it is the child of God.

Often when we read the word of God, we read it carelessly, failing to obtain the spiritual meaning thereof. How often have we read the story of the children of Israel being delivered out of the house of bondage, and have never realized that we personally must also be delivered from Satan, world and sin. Shall this ever take place, the God of the children of Israel must perform a miracle. Deep were the ways for the Israelities, deep are the ways for every truly converted sinner. But God remains ever faithful to His promise, “I will not leave you or forsake you.”

At this occasion I would like to direct your and my attention to a youth of whom we read in the Bible, who was taken from his father’s house, supposed to have been killed by wild beasts, turned over to dwell in a dungeon, and later sits upon a throne.

Can you guess of whom I am speaking? — you may answer, It is Joseph. Touching as this story may be, we shall first see the tears of sorrow, and then the tears of joy.

First let me tell of this boy’s family. His father was Jacob, a son of Isaac, the son of Abraham. His mother was Rachel. In addition he had eleven brothers and a sister. There was also another woman in this family — her name was Leah. Quite a family indeed. Place yourself in your thoughts amongst such a family. We know that Jacob, the father, was a priest in his house, and we may believe that upon rising from his bed in the morning, he with his family, would unitedly call upon God, making confession of sin and guilt, and asking God’s blessing for the day. Returning to his tent in the evening, tired of the day’s labors and soul’s trials, he would address his family after supper, telling them of God’s ways. The family noticed many a tear in his eyes, which sometimes he could not control, because he is convinced that he has again grieved God so much during the day.

Jacob’s prayer no doubt has been that of Job, who also prayed for his children. “It may be that my sons have sinned.” Upon retiring for the night, we again see this family worshipping upon bended knees, and praying for God’s faithfulness. Do you also live under a similar environment in your home? What effect must this have had upon the family of Jacob! Wouldn’t you think that things would go smoothly?

I do not think I should have to ask what is your relationship towards your father, mother, brothers, and sisters. Are things always peaceful, with never a quarrel? Do you always agree, always obey your father and mother? Much to Jacob’s regret, there were quarrels also in his family. His children were no different than in our generation. Shall they not experience the bitter sorrow of disobedience for sin?

However, in this family we find a young lad who did not have an easy life. His conscience bothered him in the early days of his childhood, and secretly he had bowed his knees before the Lord. What an encouragement for Jacob. Did Joseph reveal his soul’s troubles to his father? I think it is hard for a child to talk about these matters, as they will question the seriousness of the truth of it themselves. But can it remain hidden? No, Jacob did not only love Joseph because he was a son of his darling wife Rachel, but he soon observed that Joseph was different than his brothers.

Was it wrong for Jacob to have a special love for Joseph, who tried so hard to please his father? At least it was to be understood. Jealousy amongst children is a grief. If children would only analyze the cause thereof in their hearts. How many harsh words are there not spoken, what arguments in a family, what vain words, even sometimes using God’s name in vain, and then to have one of your brothers try to correct you. This creates enmity. This, amongst other reasons, caused dissension in the hearts of the brothers of Joseph. Especially Joseph’s coat of many colors was a sore spot in the eyes of his brothers. Had his father not shown this special favor to Joseph, things might have been different.

What is Joseph’s reaction under this? Boys and girls, even Joseph’s meditation during the night were sweet to him. Joseph was a young man of seventeen when the Lord revealed special things unto him. Having bowed his knees before retiring one evening, he lies down asking God to help him through his difficulties. Perhaps his brothers have frightened him that day for being so pious. He is sad, but falls asleep, and has a dream. He dreamt that he and his brothers were binding sheaves in the field. He places his sheave in the field and it remained standing while the sheaves his brothers had bound came unto his sheave and bowed before it. Upon this he awakened.

No doubt a question arises in his heart what the meaning might be. Shall be tell the dream to his brothers. He ponders upon it, and decides to tell them. Anger fills their hearts. “There you are again,” no doubt was their reply. “Who do you think that you are? Shall you indeed have dominion over us?” Had Joseph only kept quiet. He would have prevented all this commotion.

Joseph’s life was sad, as every one in his family was against him. But God had a purpose with all this. At another occasion he again had a dream. This time it didn’t concern sheaves, but instead he saw the sun, moon, and eleven stars make obeisance to him. What a strange thing — the heavenly elements bowing before him. It is no wonder that when he awoke, he was greatly amazed, not knowing the meaning thereof. Should he keep this to himself? He has not forgotten the reaction of his brothers the other time he told them of his dream. He is impressed that it must have some meaning. But what? he knows not.

This time he relates the dream to his father and his brothers. His heart is so full and he is so excited about the matter. Shall his father listen to this? No, he is again rebuked, now even of his father, who says, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I, thy mother, and thy brothers, indeed come to bow down ourselves to you to the earth? You can imagine that his brothers actually hated him, and were secretly jealous of him. No doubt they wished in their thoughts that Joseph had never been born. In their mind brews the thought of what to do with this fellow.

And now observe the providence of the Lord over Joseph. The dreams of Joseph did not proceed out of the pride of his heart, but were given to him of God, like as his father Jacob when he fled from before the face of his brother Esau. You can well understand that his father had special thoughts about Joseph. What shall become of Joseph? But what disappointments are awaiting Jacob in this matter, what “thorns and thistles.”

(To be continued)

Bible Quiz

In February our quiz was taken from the books of the Bible from Genesis through Proverbs, so this month we will continue on beginning with Ecclesiastes. One answer will be found in each book in proper order. Usually the quiz is taken from only certain books of the Bible, but in this way you will learn about all of them.

Thomas Watson, a minister who lived 300 years ago, once wrote, “Oh that the Bible might be seen printed in our lives!” He points out that a carpenter who has a rule in his back pocket, but does not use it, makes a very poor carpenter. But how we dishonor God’s Word if we do not pay any attention to it. It is the field in which is the pearl of great price. That we might be like the people of the city of Berea in the time of the apostle Paul, for we read of them that they searched the scriptures daily.

Here is the quiz:

In Ecclesiastes, what did Solomon say should be cast upon the waters ?

Of what kind of wood were the beams of the house in the Song of Solomon?

In Isaiah 53, foretelling of Christ’s suffering, what was not to be found in his mouth?

Who was one of the men that made intercession with King Jehoiakim not to burn the roll that Jeremiah had dictated to Baruch?

Who had dealt treacherously with the city (of Jerusalem) and become her enemies, as told in Lamentations?

Who was the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, against whom Ezekiel was to prophesy?

What was one of the musical instruments that would be heard when the people were to bow down and worship the image of Nebuchadnezzar?

The blood of what city would be avenged upon the house of Jehu?

What insect would eat that which the palmerworm left?

What image (or god) did the house of Israel make to themselves and serve?

The book of what prophet follows the book of Amos?

What did Jonah do while in the fish’s belly?

What was to be in Israel that came forth out of Bethlehem Ephratah?

Wherein does the Lord have His way?

In the prayer of Habakkuk, from what place did God come?

Who knoweth no shame?

What were the people to bring from the mountain to build the house?

Before whom should a great mountain become a plain?

What were the people called upon to bring into the storehouse?

Answers to last month’s quiz are — A Lamb To The Slaughter.

Asleep —Matthew 26:40

Lots —Mark 15:24

Alexander —Mark 15:21

Many —Isaiah 53:12

Barabbas —John 18:40

Transgressions — Isaiah 53:5

Ought —Luke 24:26

Thrice —Luke 22:61

Hall —John 18:28

Elders — Matthew 27:1

Shake —Matthew 28:4

Lama —Mark 15:34

Arimathaea —Mark 15:43

Upon —John 19:29

Garden —John 19:41

Heaven —Luke 22:43

Thorns — Matthew 27:29

Emmaus —Luke 24:13

Rejected —Isaiah 53:3

And again it is time for our letters —

DICKY STUBBE — Where do you go ice skating, Dicky? Do you have a pond nearby? By this time I would imagine the ice is all gone. Do you see owls in the woods very often? I think they move about mostly after dark.

RIA VAN HIERDEN — It was nice to hear from you again, Ria. Do you live on a farm with lots of animals? When I think of a farm, I always think of cows, and horses, and pigs, and chickens. But some farmers have just tractors, and maybe a dog.

WILLIAM L. and CORNELIUS BLOM — I was happy to have you answer the quiz, boys. Sometimes they will be more difficult than others, but do the best you can. Do you go to the church in Rock Valley? How are you getting along in school?

LINDA SCHALKOORT — Yes, your answers were all correct, Linda. Maybe this time you will think the quiz is not as easy. How did you do on your exams? If you do as well on them as you do on the Bible quiz, you won’t have any problems.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — Yes, you were still in time, Joan. Once in a while a Banner gets lost in the mail, but if you can borrow someone’s copy, it isn’t quite so bad. How do you like your organ lessons? It will be real nice when you can play some songs.

JANET VAN DRIEL — Our snow is almost gone, Janet. But this year it took a long time. Today, which is the last day of winter, we still had another snow storm. Did you have to sing all alone at school? Can you still talk Dutch to your grandparents?

MARSHA KOEDAM — I was glad to hear from you again, Marsha. I can imagine you were real happy to have a baby sister. And I think that she will keep you busy, too. My best wishes to your brother and his bride. Will you tell them that for me?

BETTY JOOSSE — We are all quite well, Betty, and were glad to hear that you and your family are also well. Have they started working on the new locks yet? Are you still planning to visit Michigan this year? Be sure to say “Hello” to Jake for me.

CORDY VANDENBERG — You found one of the sons of Saul, whose name started with the letter “I” all right, Cordy, but there was another one found in the book of I Samuel. I do not think the story of “The Inquisitor’s Secretary” has come out in book form, but if it does, we will certainly try to let you know. It was a very interesting story.

CHRISTINE KOPPERT — By this time you have probably had some of the spring weather you were looking for, Christine. Do you know in whose days we find that the Lord promised that spring and fall and winter and summer would continue as long as the earth remained?

ALICE KOPPERT — I am sure by this time your snow fort has melted away, Alice. You have several penpals, don’t you? It must keep you busy just writing letters. Did you know the answer to the question I gave Christine? If you don’t, I’m sure your father can tell you.

LINDA KAY BLEEKER — You were correct, Linda. Titus was the right answer to John Stubbe’s riddle. There were quite a few that figured it out, and wrote the answer along with their other answers. Do you know who in the Bible gave a riddle to a group of young men?

GARY ROOZENBOOM — I can imagine that a reference Bible can be a big help in answering some of the questions, Gary. But then sometimes you might still have to ask your father or mother. 18 degrees below zero is real cold. We don’t have that cold a temperature very often.

DAVID SPAANS — I was glad to hear from you, David, and I could read your letter very well. I was happy to see that you were doing so well in arithmetic. It sometimes takes a little work to stay at the top of the class, so try hard.

JOHN VAN WOUDENBERG — How do you like working in a florist shop, John? I imagine there are lots of things that boys can do to help. Speaking of flowers, do you know who is meant in the Bible, when we read, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys”?

BARBARA MAE HENDRICKS — My, I have several new friends this time, Barbara. I have been in Waupun several times, but have never been at a church service. I was glad to have you send in your answers, and hope we may hear from you again.

TRINA VLIETSTRA — Have you had the mumps already, Trina? I certainly hope that Jimmy and Peter got over them O.K. Do you enjoy your Science class? That you might always remember the text, “the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us.” So often the schools teach it so differently.

And again, dear friends, we have come to the end for this month. I was asked to remind you again of the Youth Day Conference, which is to be held, the Lord willing, July 3rd in Vineland, Canada. We hope it will be possible for many of you to be there that day.

Again with sincere greetings,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

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

Billy Moerdyk . . Gail Hoogendoorn . . Casey Blom . . Trina Vlietstra . . Arnold Kelderman . . Peggy Kelderman . . Kathy Kelderman . . Sharon Bouma . . Alice Moerdyk . . Gerri Moerdyk . . Tom Blok . . Sandy De Visser . . Shirley De Visser . . Joanne Beeke . . Louis De Maagd . . George De Maagd . . Marilyn De Maagd . . Ruth Meeuwse . . Mike Meeuwse . . Peter Zevenbergen . . Jane Zevenbergen . . Brian Zevenbergen . . Lynne Lamain . . Carla Lamain . . Yvonne Lamain . . Kenneth Lamain.

David Spaans . . Harlan Spaans . . Kris Vander Male . . Martha Vander Male . . Mary Jean Vander Male . . Jacqueline Vander Berg . . Joe Beeke . . Barbara Jean Berkenbush . . Herman Rozeboom . . Leonard Rozeboom . . Larry Rozeboom . . Jimmy Mol . . Michael Mol . . Leonard Mol . . Joan Mol . . Gary Roozenboom . . Bobby Greendyk . . Judy Elizabeth Sweet-man . . Janet Arlene Sweetman . . Tommy Greendyk . . Ann Boluyt . . Mary Boluyt . . John Kamp . . Sally Slotsema . .Susan Slotsema . . Mary Boluyt.

David Verhey . . Linda Kay Bleeker . . Lorraine Kievit . . Ruth Kievit . . Frances Vander Meulen . . Teresa Vander Meulen . . Herbert Van Den Houten . . John Van Woudenberg . . John Van Houten . . Janet Van Sweden (2) . . Jane Verblaauw (2) . . Joanne Spaans . . Gertrude Spaans . . Dena Spaans . . Ted Engelsma . . Tom Engelsma . . Andrew Feyter . . Marsha Koedam . . Joan Van Zweden . . Marilyn Kay Blom . . Doris Van Der Weile . . Janet Van Driel . . Barbara Mae Hendricks . . Nick Greendyk . . Alice Koppert . . Christine Koppert.

Peter Koppert . . Bill Van Wingerden . . Archie Van Wingerden . . John Van Wingerden . . Sjaane Van Wingerden . . Margaret Van Wingerden . . Steven Langerak . . William L. Blom . . Cornelius Blom . . Betty Van Stelle . . Mary Van Stelle . . Kathy Van Stelle . . Albert Van Grouw . . Janet Van Grouw . . Ria Van Hierden . . Linda Schalkoort . . Kathie De Meester . . Ruth De Meester . . Donna De Meester . . Jane De Meester . . Thomas Kamp . . Kay Kamp . . Ruth Kamp . . Joyce Kamp . . John W. Kamp.

Dick Westrate . . James Dale Westrate . . Connie Stam . . Rita Stam . . Jo-an De Visser . . Jerry De Visser . . Dicky Stubbe . . John Stubbe . . Donnie Stubbe . . Betty Joosse . . Linda Timmer . . Nancy Timmer . . Kathy Timmer . . Arie Vandenberg . . Cordy Vandenberg . . Janetta Vandenberg . . Cherly Van Unen . . Mike Van Unen.

THE JEWISH SECTS AND THEIR BELIEFS

Often we hear about the Jewish sects that existed during Bible times, and yet many do not know what their beliefs were. It is the purpose of this article to explain three of these sects, the Scribes, Pharisees, and the Sadducees, and give a brief description of their beliefs.

After the time the Jews were in exile in Babylonia, the people found themselves once more in their native land. But the glorious temple was in ruins and public worship was nowhere to be found. In these circumstances there grew a deep national longing to again establish the laws of Moses as their basis of the national and daily life. The leaders of this idea strongly believed that unless the nation returned to the Lord, and to the faithful observance of the laws of Moses and the prophets, the glory and magnificence of the Jewish people could not be restored and its destiny remain forever unfulfilled. It was therefore their mission to renew the religious life of the nation, but at that time the law was written in a language that had long ceased to be spoken. In addition to the written commandments of the first five books of Moses, many oral and traditional requirements had been added. Therefore it was necessary that a class of men be found who were learned in the law and able to interpret it with authority. This class was found in the Scribes.

In the course of time, under the teaching of the Scribes, the ancient law — the Thorah — had once again become the law book of the Jewish people, and their guide in the affairs of daily life.

The Pharisees originated among the Jews as the result of differences of opinion concerning the strictness of the law. The Pharisees were the most strict, and were, in many respects, the most important. They believed in the complete observance of the laws, and in separating themselves from the common people and from whatsoever was impure according to the laws of the Levites. Thus they made themselves a sacred caste. Not only did they refuse to eat with non-Pharisees, nor eat that for which tithes had not been paid, but they also strictly observed all the laws relating to purity.

By studying the law, by careful self-preparation, and by pure living, they believed that anyone might hold a position as important and influential as that of a priest, even though not descended from Aaron. They lived temperately and held to the declaration of the Talmud that “he who acquires a knowledge of the divine law acquires for himself life in the world to come.” It is estimated that their numbers never exceeded 6,000, yet they had much power and influence over the people. They hated the Messiah because He was not of their own order, He ate with publicans and sinners, and disregarded many of their observances.

The Sadducees or “the righteous ones,” were fewer in number, but they were educated men, mostly wealthy, and of good position. Unlike the Pharisees, they did not consider important the oral laws and traditions of the elders, but limited their beliefs to the doctrines which they found in the Thorah — the written law of Moses. They felt that the resurrection could not be proved in this law, did not believe in angels and spirits, emphasized man’s free will, and held that all happiness and repayment was found in long life, prosperity, and numerous descendants, blessings which came to those who faithfully fulfill the law. In the Gospels the Sadducees are simply charged with denying the bodily resurrection, and nothing said of their other false beliefs. They believed in God and in the divine origin of the laws of Moses, but refused to accept doctrines which they could not prove by pure reason. They had a greater influence in the affairs of the temple, but were less popular with the people than were the Pharisees. When Rome destroyed Jerusalem, the sect of the Sadducees fell also.

Submitted

APRIL

I love the fresh green April time, Its sunshine, showers, and shade; Its flowers that spring, its birds that sing In garden, grove, and glade.

I dearly love the gentle sheep,

So innocent they seem

When feeding on the mountain side,

Or drinking at the stream.

I love to see the lambs at play,

So happy and so free;

Each leap they take, each bound they make,

Is full of gladsome glee.

But oh, how sweet to contemplate

The flock by Jesus blest!

He knows their names, and neath His shade

He causes them to rest.

He leads them forth to pastures green,

And by the limpid stream;

He guards them while they rest, for all

Their safety is in Him.

The lambs He carries in His arms,

And folds them to His breast;

He knows their weakness, soothes their pains,

And says, “I’ll give you rest.”

He loves them with a perfect love

That ne’er can know a change;

Nor shall the powers of earth and sin

From them His heart estrange.

To ransom them He shed His blood,

He bore the fearful rod

Due to their sins because He would

Redeem them back to God.

And now He says, “Come unto Me;

I am the living way;

No seeking soul will I cast out,

Nor children turn away.

Who’er repents of sin shall find

That freely I forgive,

And vilest sinners shall be saved,

Who on my name believe.”

Dear Gleaner, may you truly be

A lamb of Jesus’ fold,

And may your name with joy be found

In His fair book enrolled.

Then when this desert you have trod,

When life’s short day has sped,

You hence shall go, and be by Him

To living fountains led.

Timothy Mission Fund

We gratefully acknowledge your gifts to our fund during the month of February. A total of $258.00 was received. During this period the following checks were sent out: $100. to the Bethesda Clinic in Nigeria, $100. to Mr. and Mrs. Jan van Woerden, and $50. to the Wycliffe Bible Translators. Our balance at the end of February was $67.10.

Your generosity in making these gifts possible is appreciated by us, but especially by those who receive them. That we might continue to remember these in their labors, especially in prayer at the Throne of Grace.

FROM MBUMA MISSION HOSPITAL IN RHODESIA:

Dear Friends:

For months now the hospital has been extremely busy. When I wrote last we had an outbreak of malaria. Now there is an outbreak of measles among the children, the hot, dry air carrying the infection from one kraal (village) to another, and nearly every kraal possessing many young ones. The form of measles we have in Rhodesia is a most severe type, as it is accompanied in many cases by serious eye, chest, and throat complications. Some of the patients suffer from these complications more severely than others, their breathing becoming laboured and extremely difficult. If something is not done very quickly to alleviate the symptoms, the patient’s breathing rapidly becomes more and more distressing, until eventually the lungs are deprived of all oxygen and death ensues.

The dry, hot, dusty air that is prevalent at this time of the year only helps to aggravate these symptoms. The most serious cases we have had to nurse in a cot completely covered with a canopy, and the air under the canopy being moistened by steam blown in from a steam kettle. Normally, after several hours in this moist atmosphere the patient’s breathing improves somewhat and becomes less distressing. If need be, oxygen is also administered. When there have been a number of children requiring this treatment at the same time. we have had to place them by turns in this cot.

Another method, devised by Mr. van Woerden, which has proved beneficial, is of nursing the child inside a canopy of wet, cold sheets. This raises the humidity and lessens the temperature of the air inside the canopy, thus giving relief to the patient.

There have been quite a number of deaths, but it has pleased the Most High to grant us a high recovery rate, and there have been some miraculous recoveries. Many children are extremely ill before they are brought to the hospital, some having had their throats scraped. This is an old-fashioned “cure” for a sore throat! A witch-doctor or an old grandmother scrapes the child’s throat with her nails or with a spoon — both being far from clean. Consequently, instead of improving, the child becomes seriously ill and its breathing extremely difficult. Apart from requiring much treatment, including the steam kettle, these children have to be fed by a nasal tube at regular intervals for a number of days, as they cannot even swallow a drop of water.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Tallach

A PRISONER’S PRAYER

(The following is a true story, related by a Russian refugee.)

During the Russian revolution, a certain man was imprisoned for taking the liberty to dispute with a communist leader. Along with several other prisoners he was put into a narrow cell. Although his lot was lamentable, yet he was happy to be counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake, and even as Paul and Silas of old, he was enabled to praise God by singing psalms. Several of his fellow prisoners began to sing along with him, much to the disliking of the guards. But despite the many warnings, the prisoners kept on singing. It seemed as though the prison was changed into a house of worship, for not only did they sing, but the Christian man also served as a preacher to his fellow prisoners. At length the guards decided to separate our Christian friend and they took him to the lower cells, where it was very dark. When he was roughly thrown into this awful dungeon, he feared that in this place he would surely die. However, when his eyes became somewhat accustomed to the darkness, he soon realized that he was not alone. Two others were with him. He soon learned that the one was a Greek priest, and the other a murderer. What undesirable company for our Christian friend! The murderer was continually cursing, and the priest had already suffered so much abuse from this man, that he no longer dared to speak.

At this time the murderer was uttering malicious threatenings that he would kill the priest. At once the Christian man began to speak to him, and seriously admonished him to leave off this terrible cursing. But this made the man all the more furious. “I know how to curse,” he cried, “and I shall continue to do so!” And presently it seemed as though he became completely insane. “And now I want to hear both of you pray, you hear?” he exclaimed, “I want to know if you can pray.” He seized the priest and, roughly shaking him, he sneered: “Let’s go, start praying.” The poor priest did not dare to resist, and soon he began to mutter a prayer in Latin. But the madman stopped him at once. “You cannot pray,” he roared, “no one can understand you.” Then he caught hold of the Christian and screamed: “Now it is your turn.” Our friend knelt down and began to pray. He first prayed for the priest who was unable to pray, then for the murderer who was so profane, and finally he prayed for himself. When he arose, it seemed as though the murderer had been touched. “You know how to pray far better than that man,” he said. The Christian quickly said: “And beside praying, I also know many things I can tell you about.” “Tell me whatever you know,” was the reply, “I shall but die in this dungeon.” The Christian then told of God’s creation, of the fall in Paradise, of God’s counsel, and of the malefactor on the cross. The following day the man again asked the Christian to pray, but this time in a polite manner. The Christian complied with his request, and after prayer he began to sing, to the honour of the Lord. Soon the murderer joined him in singing.

When the guards heard of what had taken place, they did not know what to do with the Christian, since in their opinion he was spoiling the whole place. At length they decided to let him go. When the news of the release reached the dungeon, the murderer wept bitterly. But by now he himself had learned to pray. God is omnipresent, and He snatches His people out of the world and Satan’s claws, whenever and wherever He pleases.

— (Translated)

Two friends once, visited a jewelry store. After they had admired several beautiful and precious gems, they noticed a stone that was dull and without lustre. “There is no value in that stone” exclaimed one of the men. “Why do you keep such a worthless thing with all these beauties?” The jeweler took up the stone and for a while he held it in his closed hand. When he opened his hand, the stone was sparkling in unequalled splendour. “How is this possible!” exclaimed the men.

“This is an opal,” the jeweler replied, “which has the characteristic to sparkle only when it comes in contact with heat. When cold, the stone is without lustre and beauty.

How beautifully this story depicts the quickening of the soul by Gods’ Spirit! He is black in himself, but comely in Another. As the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

In these days it is generally assumed that we shall surely die in peace, if we are baptized, have made confession of faith, attend church services regularly, and live a decent life. Although this is still questioned by some, yet the majority of the people boldly contend that no miracle needs to take place in the heart of man. But this is contrary to the Word of God. My friends, it is my wish that in spite of the teachings of modern and so-called enlightened men, we may be privileged to cling to the simplicity of God’s eternal Word, and not to depart from it. The Word of God teaches us that we must know of a time in our life when the Lord delivered us from Satan’s claws in which we are clutched by nature.

And now you may heedlessly say: “This is but foolishness,” but we must yet learn to know that experimental and inward life. It is not I that judge, but the Word of God. And now may I ask: “Do you know of a time when the Lord became too strong?” The Lord is just, even though we should be forever lost.

By the late Rev. G. H. Kersten

Down beneath the surface of the sea there is a part that is never stirred, and the peace of God is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies too deep down to be reached by external trouble and disturbance. He who enters into the presence of God becomes partaker of that undisturbed calm.

— A. T. Pierson

(Things Concerning Himself)

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