A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

DID GOD CREATE?

Dear friends,

In the Grand Rapids Press of Monday, June 10, 1968, I read some statements made by Dr. Harry M. Kuitert, Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics at the Free University in Amsterdam. This university was founded by the late Dr. A. Kuyper, the “father” of the Gereformeerde Kerk. The immigrating members of this church group in America have called themselves and their churches the Christian Reformed. Almost all of the ministers of that church in the Netherlands receive their training at that university.

In speaking about creation, Dr. Kuitert stated: (1) That he did not think that Adam and Eve ever lived; (2) That we should listen to what is told us by scientists in regard to how things came into existence (the evolution theory) rather than to what is written in the first three chapters of Genesis. According to Dr. Kuitert, the Bible writers used Adam and Eve as teaching models to discuss creation, just as writers of fairy-tales and other writers do. In other words, they create certain characters, names, and events in order to explain things which they think people must know or do. Usually the people about whom they write never existed and the events never really happened.

I know that many people and ministers of these congregations in the Netherlands do not agree with these opinions of Dr. Kuitert, but I also know that many more people than we can estimate have fully or partially adopted the theories of evolution rather than to believe what God’s Word teaches us about creation. Recently I read in the “Saambinder” (the publication of our congregations in the Netherlands ) that at a classis meeting of a number of our congregations the question was brought up as to whether it was permissible to accept as members of the church those persons who do not believe that Genesis 1, 2, and 3 are the true record of events that happened. Thus also in our congregations there are individuals who listen to the scientists who say that all forms of life developed or grew from other earlier forms through a series of changes rather than listen to the “holy men of God, who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost”. (II Peter 1:21).

I am quite certain that, especially among our young people who at school hear the doctrine of creation attacked and the theory of evolution defended, there are some who have problems regarding these matters. Therefore I considered it beneficial to write about the subject — “Did God Create?”

That God created heaven and earth is not a matter of apprehension and it cannot be apprehended with our reasoning. Creation was a wonder, a miracle, and a manifestation of God’s wisdom, strength, and love. God only can call, and did call, “those things which be not as though they were”. (Romans 4:17). “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3). To say that Adam and Eve never really existed and were not created is terrible. It is to make God a liar, Who said to Moses, “Who has made man’s mouth? have not I the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11).

The Lord Jesus, God’s Son, said to the Pharisees, “from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female” (Mark 10:6). If Adam and Eve have never really existed, what must we think about Romans 5:12: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world,” and Romans 5:14: “death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him (Christ) that was to come.”

Dr. Kuitert asked, “Why is it dishonoring God because we say creation takes the shape of evolution?” Why?? Did not the Lord Himself say, and also write it in stone, “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is”? Dr. Kuitert and they that agree with him dishonor God in robbing Him of His honor as Creator, and also as a Comforter, Who said, “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: … Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.” (Isaiah 40:26 & 28).

I think that Dr. Kuitert’s language is about the same as that of the deceiver from the beginning, who said to Eve, “Yea, hath God said,” and, after having sown the seed of doubt, stated that things were not as Eve believed them to be. Instead of inviting the people to listen to the scientists, it would have been much better if he had invited his hearers to listen to what has been written in the Bible. The Lord Jesus Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God, when tempted by Satan, the father of deceit and the never-sleeping tempter and deceiver of mankind, answered, “It is written, … It is written,…. It is said,…” Also in respect to questions about how things came into existence, the Lord gave His Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

You do well that you take heed unto it as unto a light that shines in a dark place. (II Peter 1:19). Let our constant prayer be: “Order my steps in Thy word” (Psalm 119:133). Your friend,

Rev. A. Elshout

18617 Cortner Avenue

Cerritos, California 90701

A ROMAN CATHOLIC PRIEST PUT TO SHAME BY A YOUNG GIRL

A few years ago a Roman Catholic woman in Dublin, Ireland, lost her husband by death. Since at that time widows were not taken care of, and the Romish Church was also negligent in this matter, it was necessary for her to support herself by going out to work. Her two children, a girl and a boy, would have to be left to themselves most of the time. This, however, was not advisable, and therefore she was counseled to send her children to a Protestant mission school. There they would be given breakfast in the morning and a warm meal at noon. The mother was very grateful for this solution and agreed to do so.

After awhile this came to the attention of the sister of the deceased man. She was a fanatical papist, and told her sister-in-law that she would take the girl and give her an education. She was not interested in the boy, who was younger.

Very soon after this proposition was accepted, the aunt sent her niece to a Romish convent school.

One of the first questions her teacher (a nun) asked her was, “Louisa, have you ever been to confession?”

“No,” answered the child.

“Sister Celeste, Theresia, Marie,” she called to her colleagues, all upset, “this child is nine years old and has never yet been to confession!” None of them had ever heard of such a dreadful thing.

Two of the good sisters, pitying the girl, immediately took the child to the chapel connected with the school, where a priest was sitting in the confessional.

“Now, my child,” began the priest, “it is necessary that you tell me all your sins.”

“I cannot, sir, for I have not one sin that I must tell you.”

“What? you have no sins? Then you must be a specially good child.”

“Oh, no, I am not at all a specially good child. But I was given to come to the Lord Jesus with all my sins and He took them all away.”

“How do you know that He saved you from them all?”

“Why, sir, because I believe what it says in I John 1:7, “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” And if He saves us from all sins, then there is not one left for you, or for purgatory, or for anything else.”

“But you must confess your sins, my child.”

“I know that, sir. I must confess my sins. But in John 1:8, 9 it says, ‘If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

“Yes, but the word he means the priest, you must confess your sins to the priest.”

“Oh, no, sir. That is really not so, for David says in Psalm 32: “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid.” And King Solomon says in his prayer at the dedication of the temple in I Kings 8: “What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place and forgive, as Thou knowest his heart, for Thou, even Thou only knowest the hearts of all the children of men.

Also in Jer. 17:9 the Lord says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart.”

“Now, sir, what good would it do me if I told you my sins? You do not know my heart. I could tell you a whole lot of lies. But should I really confess my sins to you, what could you do with them. You cannot save yourself from your own sins. You must go to another priest, and so on. No, it is better that I confess them to the Lord Himself, for He says in Isa. 43:25, “I, even I am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.”

By his conversation with the child the priest gradually became quite confused. The only thing he could still ask was: “Where did you learn all this?”

“Why, at the Protestant Mission School where I stayed till now.”

“But I thought you were Catholic!”

“I certainly am Catholic, but not Roman Catholic, nor could I ever be so. For I do not believe that you can lock Jesus Christ in that little box.” (the host)

“Why can’t you believe that?”

“Why, sir, because it says in Heb. 9, “Nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; for then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

Now the priest had enough. All upset with anger, he stormed out of the confessional, and, almost failing over the waiting sisters, he lifted his hands above his head in agitation and called to them, ‘i can do nothing with her. She is full of heresies. Remove her from here. Get rid of her immediately. Send her back to where she came from. If you keep her in this school she will infect every child. She will talk about it with others, and they might swallow it as poison. Send her away! Send her away from here immediately.”

Auntie took her away and brought her back to her mother’s poor home. They were very glad to see her. And she said, “Momma, although our house is not as rich and nice as that of Auntie, yet I would rather stay with you and brother. And may I go to the mission school again?”

This young gracious girl, Louisa O’Conner, later became a missionary.

And her brother was later known as the Rev. T.P. O’Conner of the Irish Mission Church.

Translated from “De Zendingsbode.”

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls,

Last month we mentioned the importance of the things we say, but equally important are the things we do. For we read in the Book of Ecclesiastes, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” How easy it is to do that which is wrong, perhaps thinking, only this time and never again.” But if we notice the prayer of David which we mentioned before, he also prayed, “Incline not my heart to any evil thing”. That this may also be a part of our prayer.

In connection with this thought, our questions this month cover deeds done by certain men and women, as told us in the Bible. They are again in alphabetical order, but not all of the letters will be used. Who was a prophetess and served God in the temple with fastings and prayers night and day?

Who conspired against King Ahasuerus and was hanged?

Who was cursed by Noah because of what his father had done?

Who was an Areopagite of the city of Athens, who believed the gospel preached by the Apostle Paul?

What king was killed by Zimri while drunk, and Zimri reigned in his place?

Who left Paul bound because he wanted to do the Jews a pleasure?

What giant defied the armies of Israel forty days, and was killed by a young man?

What son of a high priest did wickedly, and was slain at the same time that the ark of God was taken by the enemy?

What son of a bond woman was sent away because he was mocking?

Which of the disciples of Jesus carried the bag for their use and was also a thief?

Who was one that rebelled against Moses and Aaron, and was swallowed up in the earth?

Who was rescued from a city which the Lord was to destroy, but his wife was left behind?

Who was given tithes by Abram (Abraham)?

What king ate grass as the oxen do because he did not acknowledge God as Supreme Ruler?

Who judged and delivered Israel, and was also a younger brother of Caleb?

Who killed Pekahiah, king of Israel, and became king in his place?

Who hid two spies upon the roof of her house among the stalks of flax?

Answers to the August quiz are as follows:

Ahab I Kings 21:20

Balak Numbers 22:5–6

Caiaphas Matthew 26:57–65

Delilah Judges 16:6

Esau Genesis 25:32

Festus Acts 26:24

God Genesis 1:3

Hazael II Kings 8:13

Isaac Genesis 27:22–25

Jacob Genesis 27:19

Lot Genesis 19:14

Moses Exodus 3:3

Naboth I Kings 21:3

Philip Acts 8:30

Rebekah Genesis 24:58

Solomon I Kings 3:27

Thomas John 20:24–25

Zacharias Luke 1:18

During the past month answers to the Quiz were received from the followine

Jim Greendyk

Gloria Boluyt

Julie Ann Boluyt

Albert Van Grouw

Janice Kaat

Roger Kaat

Roelie Stapel

Rudolph Stapel

Henrietta Stapel

Faith Van Dyke

Linda Kay Bleeker

Tim Vander Waal

Betty Vander Waal

Cheryl Berman

Lillian Berman

Arlene Southway

John Vander Waal

Herbert Van Den Houten

Joan Mol

Leonard J. Mol

Mike Mol

Kathie Lynn De Meester

Donna De Meester

Jane De Meester

Ruth Meeuwse

Kris Vander Male

Mary Jean Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Mike Meeuwse

Eleanor Meeuwse

Geri Moerdyk

Alice Moerdyk

Ellen Van Ginkel

Gail Hoogendoorn (2)

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Linda Mae Kamp

Mary Ann Kamp

Betty Jean Kamp

Tommy Greendyk

Dave Verhey

Henry Rosendall

Jane Verblaauw

Janet Van Sweden

Peter Kievit

Randy Vande Stouwe

Nancy Vande Stouwe

Diane Teunissen

Mark Teunissen

Randal Teunissen

Linda Timmer

Nancy Timmer

Deanna Erickson

Cindy Erickson

Joan Spaans

Laurie Easterhoff

Bill Boluyt

Donna Lyn Zaremba

Ruth Kievit

Dena Spaans

Dianne Van Ravenswaay

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Konnie De Vries

Marilyn De Vries

Janet Van Grouw

Tom Blok

Louis De Maagd

George De Maagd

Marilyn De Maagd

Heidi Vander Male

Valerie Lugthart

Ken Lugthart

Judy Koedam

Joanne Beeke

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Janet Arlene Sweetman

Judy Sweetman

Susan Slotsema

Steven Slotsema

Esther Boonzaayer

Betty Van Stelle

Phillip Kaat

Marsha Koedam

Mary Jean den Hoed

Gary Roozenboom

Corinne Van Veldhuizen (2)

Joyce Van Veldhuizen

Arnold Van Veldhuizen

John Van Zweden

Joan Van Zweden

Nick Greendyk

And again it is time to look at the mail

JOHN VAN ZWEDEN — At the present time it is also very warm in Kalamazoo, John. But since September will soon be here, we can expect that the hot weather will disappear. It has already been five years since we visited at your home. We hope that we may make that trip again sometime, D.V.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — Did you know that it was possible to see 144 different kinds of birds, Joan? That is certainly a lot of them. The boys arrived home safely after almost 8000 miles of traveling. I think they enjoyed their trip very much.

PHILLIP KAAT — We are all quite well, Phillip. Do they have a large zoo in Milwaukee? We do not realize how many different animals and birds there are until we visit a large zoo. When you get back to school, I’m sure you will be typing more often. What subjects do you have this year;

JUDY KOEDAM — Thank you for the stamps, Judy. I imagine you find the newly remodelled kitchen is much nicer. Is everything all done now? I was glad to hear that you were checking your answers to see if they were correct. Of course, sometimes I can make a mistake, too.

MARY JEAN DEN HOED — It was nice to hear from you, Mary. How old is your grandfather? Do you live on a large farm? I have never been in the state of Washington, so I really don’t know very much about it. Are you glad to be back in school again?

ROELIE STAPEL — Thank you for the stamps, Roelie. And be sure to thank Mrs. Kaat, too. They appreciate receiving the common stamps, but more especially the commemoration stamps. I have never received any complaints about them. So keep it up. Say Hello to Rudolph and Henrietta, and also your parents.

GARY ROOZENBOOM — You have given me lots of questions, Gary. The Euphrates River is still a large river in Western Asia, and the Tigris River, also a large river, is thought to be the Hiddekel River mentioned in Genesis.

The other two rivers are not known today, and there are varying thoughts on the location of them. I’m going to save your other questions until next time.

PETER KIEVIT — No, I have never been in Maine, Vermont, and that area, Peter. I can imagine that it would be nice country through which to travel. Did you have good weather while you were there? Thank you for the stamps you sent.

BETTY VANDER WAAL — We were happy to hear that you enjoy the quiz, Betty. This month we do not have all the names and letters we usually have because of the strike by the Canadian postal employees. But we hope all of our Canadian friends will be back with us again next month.

HERBERT VAN DEN HOUTEN — We will use your riddle this month, Herbert. I see you have followed the topic of our quiz, and made it spell out the name of a river. Here it is —

The first letter is in “Joel”,
But not in “Micah”.
The second letter is in “Obadiah”,
But not in “Ezekiel”.
The third letter is in “Romans”,
But not in “James”.
The fourth letter is in “Daniel”,
But not in “John”.
The fifth letter is in “Amos”,
But not in “Job”.
The sixth letter is in “Nahum”,
But not in “Psalms”.

And that ends our letters for this month. As we again pick up our school books to study our lessons, that we also will find time to study God’s Word, the holy scriptures, which, as the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus”.

With love,

Your friend, “Uncle Garret”

RETALIATION

How often, for some trivial wrong,
In ange, we retaliate,
We learn, although it takes us long,
That life is far too brief for hate.

Missionary Corner

TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

We gratefully acknowledge gifts totalling S156. received during the month of July. A remittance was made in the amount of $100. to the Wycliffe Bible Translators, leaving a balance of $107.40 as of August 1st. May you continue your kind support of these most worthy causes, knowing that, with God’s blessing, it may serve to the extension of His kingdom.

A Letter from Miss Ann Herfst at the Bethesda Clinic in Nigeria —

July 2, 1968

Dear Mission Friends, As it was my turn to visit the people in the villages last week, I would like to share with you some of our experiences.

One day Grace, who is one of our clinic workers, and I started out for a visit to Hillelukpo. We travelled by car till we arrived at one of the school buildings along the main road, where we parked the car and went further on foot. It took us about twenty minutes to reach the first compound. We greeted the women of this compound, and asked them to follow us to the next one, so that we could gather the people from there also.

Many little children ran ahead of us, calling out, “Bacay, Bacay!”, which means that there is a white person nearby. The children are usually very helpful and like to carry things for us. However, some of the little ones are afraid of us. I really con’t blame them, because some of the parents tell their children that when they are disobedient, they will call us, and that we will give them an injection. It is a pity to see this, but some of the children are very much terrified.

When we arrived at the next compound the people greeted us, and chairs were brought out from one of the huts and placed in the shade of a mango-tree. We waited a little while until all the other’ women had been notified. As soon as everyone was present who wished to attend, we started with instructions on health.

We first discussed family nutrition, explaining the importance of a well-balanced diet every day, rather than eating only yams and rice. Secondly we talked about the care of the skin. It is necessary to remind some of the people to use soap and water at least twice a day, as there are many cases of skin infection. There are many children and grown-ups who suffer from hookworm, and tuberculosis is also quite a common disease in this area.

The sick people are advised to come to the clinic where tests can be made in order that they will receive the proper treatment for their needs. We also stress the fact that it is really necessary to return for regular checkups. Quite a few of the people expect the first dose of medicine given them will cure them immediately, and so we try to explain to them why this is impossible. However, when they do not notice an immediate improvement in the patient’s condition, they go back to their native treatment. This treatment is more familiar to them, and it is no wonder that it takes time for them to become accustomed to a different treatment of their illnesses. Some of them just laugh at “our method”, but many of them do come back regularly.

This does not mean that they follow our advice and instructions completely, but it does indicate that a start has been made. We encourage the people to ask questions, because when they do have questions, it gives us an idea whether they understand what we have told them.

Following the question period, we told them the Bible story of the “brass serpent”. There were two questions which were asked when we finished — (1) What must we do to become a Christian? and (2) How do you believe that the Lord Jesus has risen from from the dead? We had a discussion about these questions, and closed our visit to Hillalukpo with prayer.

With friendly greetings,

Ann Herfst

EBENEZER SCRIPTURE MISSION

Dear Friends,

During the past ten years we have been engaged in Medical and Spiritual Mission work at Mbuma Mission.

We have now turned to the task of circulating the Truth “To others also”. Two African friends have been helpful and willing translators of short extracts of Reformed writers in two African languages. We feel that the distribution of such literature is a crying need in Africa today.

During a recent trip we found ample opportunity for circulating God’s Word. Shortly after the start of our journey we gave a lift to three young men who were going to the airport, looking for work. Each received a Gospel in Sindebele. As we left them walking towards the airport, all three were reading the Truth presented to them. Further on we met two women carrying heavy bundles of grass for thatching their huts. They also accepted portions of Scripture in their own tongue. Although they could not read themselves, their children would no doubt be delighted to show their knowledge by reading aloud around the evening fire in the kraal.

The sandy bushtrack led us past several women winnowing grain on a threshing floor beside an open well. The scene was reminiscent of Biblical times. They too, willingly accepted the written Word. We do not know which will prosper, this or that.

The following day we called at a big African store, where there appeared to be much activity. Two tailors were working at their sewing machines under an open verandah with a group of people around them. A number of men were sitting under a tree, drinking beer. They were obviously under the influence of drink and tried to argue against the Truth. But they could not resist accepting the attractively bound Scripture portions, in the languages they understood best. Some in Sindebele, others in Shona or English. One was a telephone operator, another worked in the Post Office, several of them were clerks.

One of the tailors under the verandah gave us a hostile look, but nevertheless accepted the printed page. We were just driving away, when a young fellow came’ running after us. He wished four books for himself and his friends. “They can all read,” he assured us. Although he appeared very anxious to get something for nothing, we gave him the few Scripture portions we had left and bade him farewell. He ran back to his friends, clasping in his hand the Word, which under the operation of God, the Holy Spirit, is able to make one wise unto Salvation.

The district in which we live is called “Nyamandhlovu” (Elephant’s meat). The Africans in this area are mainly detribalised farm workers. Last Sabbath evening Jan had a short service with the patients at Nyamandhlovu District Hospital. This is a small Government hospital, not far away from our home. Some of the patients spoke Lozi but understood a little Sindebele. New Testaments and Gospels were left with a helpful member of the staff for free distribution to future patients.

A few days ago, we came upon a very sick man and his relatives, sitting at the roadside. The poor sufferer had been discharged from Mpilo hospital. His hospital card showed he had incurable cancer of his throat. He was too weak to walk the last few miles to the farm where he worked. We gladly gave him a lift, and spoke to him about the Truth, the kindness and care of the farmer, whom we met near his home, was somewhat reassuring for our hearts were moved as we said goodbye to the poor, dying man, holding the Gospel in his hand. Would he receive it in his heart before entering eternity? The poor ye have always with you.

The best we can do is but a drop of help in an ocean of need. “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest.” “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.”

We most earnestly desire to thank the friends who so graciously and liberally have met our needs and the need of those whom we seek, as we have strength and opportunity, to reach with the Word of Truth.

Yours very sincerely,

THE MISSIONS

At the synod held in Grand Rapids the 18th and 19th of June, there was considerable discussion about the mission work. We are glad to report that the congregations in America and Canada have not only given financial support, but in sending Miss Ann Herfst to the mission field in Nigeria, they have their own personal share in this work. There was a unanimous feeling about the necessity and profitableness of mission work. It was generally agreed that in the event more candidates became available, they should be sent out at the expense of the American and Canadian congregations, and that this would have their wholehearted support.

A number of delegates requested another form of organization for this purpose, as the existence of various funds caused some trouble and confusion. Synod decided to appoint the committee of Classis West (which presently handles the matters of Miss Herfst) to be a Synodical committee which would handle all mission affairs of the congregations in America and Canada.

Synod considered it essential to have some idea of the total amount of money given by the congregations for mission work, and therefore all congregations, groups, Ladies-Aides, etc. are in the future requested to send their gifts for the missions to the treasurer of the committee, Mr. John Spaans, R. 1, Plankington, South Dakota, 57368. He will acknowledge these gifts in a monthly accounting published in the Banner of Truth, so that donors can be certain their gifts were received.

Those who desire to send a gift to a certain mission organization, mission field, or mission worker, may do so by specifying this when sending their gift. Gifts for the mission in general will be used to pay our share of the cost and expenses connected with the work of Rev. Kuijt and of the mission team in Nigeria. Should more money be received than is required to pay our share of these expenses, the additional amount will be held in a reserve fund by our treasurer for future expenses in connection with sending out more mission workers from this side of the ocean. In this way it would not be necessary to request additional collections from the congregations at that time.

THE BIBLE SAYS SO

Children should early be taught that the Bible is the great authority; and that, when it speaks upon any point, the question is settled for ever. They should be taught to go directly to the Scripture to find what is good and what is bad, what is true and what is false. Thus, with the blessing of God, they will acquire the habit of constantly subordinating their own notions and inclinations to the plain declarations of Scripture. It is a good sign to hear a child often use the expression, “The Bible says so.”

In sending funds to Mr. Spaans, please give him complete information about the source of the money. (For example - “from collection”, “from Ladies-Aid”, “from mission boxes”, “special gift”, etc.) Just as in the Netherlands, we would like to account for all the sources. For order and good management, we really need the cooperation of all.

If there are any questions regarding this, please let me know. With thanks, in anticipation of your cooperation,

Rev. A. Elshout (clerk)

General Missions Committee

18617 Cortner Avenue

Cerritos, California 90701

In addition to the above mentioned committee members for this purpose is Rev. J. Van Zweden, who is the chairman.

A WORD TO YOUNG AND OLD

(cont. from last month)

Carry yourselves tenderly and religiously, being holy in the whole of your conversation; “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” Heb. 12:14. Whatever be your station in the world, be conscientious in the duties of it, looking on the all-seeing God as the party with whom you have chiefly to go. And particularly be modest in your dress, speech and behavior, that Satan may not carry on his triumph at the rate he has often done, to the dishonor of God, reproach of religion, and the ruin of souls.

Eye God seriously, and walk by His counsel, in your settlement in the world, Prov. 3:6, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, an; He shall direct thy paths.” Lay your matters before the Lord in prayer, and, in dependence on Him for light, weigh them in the balance of sanctified reason, according to the general directions of the Word; and walk as the Lord is pleased to discover His mind. Especially in your marriage acknowledge God, and walk by His direction. The neglect of this in the old world was one of the springs of that wickedness that brought on the flood; and that spring is fast running this day, carrying on the apostasy of the generation.

A sinning time will be followed with a suffering time; and it is good to prepare for it in time. They quite mistake their measures who go off the Lord’s way for safety, Prov. 10:9, “He that walketh uprightly, walketh surely; but he that perverteth his ways, shall be known.”

Consider how comfortable it will be in a dying hour, as it was with the good king Hezekiah, when he said, “Remember now, O Lord, I beseech Thee, how I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight,” Isa. 38:3. Sinful going with a multitude, coming in remembrance on a death-bed, makes bitter reflections; whereas that is sweet which is mentioned, 2 Cor. 1:12, “Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world.”

I shall conclude with the following directions:

Seek, in the first place, to be just by faith in Jesus Christ. Where the soul has not the imputed righteousness of Christ, there can be no righteousness or a holy life. For the unjustified man is under the curse; he lacks the root of good works, namely faith. But the soul furnished with faith, is furnished for holy walking. Make the Word of God your rule, and not men. “All men are liars,” Rom. 3:4. It is dangerous for one to be satisfied with a thing, just because men are so. Most men, good men, will not be a safe standard in a declining time.

Labor for holy courage in the Lord’s way; men are in hazard of being ashamed of Christ in a sinful time. There is need of a brow to face the daring wickedness of such a generation.

Labor to be resolute for God, and a good conscience, Eph. 6:15. They that would row against the stream, must be resolute, like Joshua, Chap. 24:15, who, whatever others should do, was resolved with his house, to serve the Lord.

Let not the world’s account of singularity have weight with you. They will be apt to think it strange that you “should not run with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of u,” 1 Pet. 3:4. But do not regard their opinions or censures. Many comply with sinful courses, because they cannot away with being singular. But better be alone in God’s way, than out of it with the whole world. God’s people can hardly miss to be a world’s wonder sometimes, as was the case with Joshua, and his fellows, Zech. 3:8, “Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee; for they are men wondered at.”

Keep eternity much in view; 2 Cor. 4:18, “Look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

This is an excellent help to get right through an evil world. He that considers, he knows not how soon he may step out of the world into eternity, will take heed to his steps, that he step not wrong in a declining day.

Therefore let the example of Noah, who “was a just man, and perfect in his generations, and walked with God,” have due influence upon you to move you to follow his steps.

Thomas Boston

ADDRESSES FOR TIMOTHY CORRESPONDENCE

Timothy Section —

Thomas Moerdyk

1222 Vassar Drive

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

Timothy Mission Fund —

c/o Miss Adriana Kievit

1121 North Westnedge Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Timothy Bible Quiz —

Garret J. Moerdyk

1104 Roseland Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

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