A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

DID GOD SPEAK????

My dear friends,

On December 9th, 1968, a man died in Basel, Switzerland, who had influenced theologians and churches throughout the world as no other in our century. He was Dr. Karl Barth, who died at the age of 82 years. Some of his friends said that he was a giant and genius in theological thought, ranking him with such luminaries as Augustine, Luther, and Calvin. They considered him to be the greatest theologian of the 20th century, and perhaps even since Luther and Calvin. As a professor he lectured in many countries, including the United States. Did you ever read of him or hear his name mentioned? Perhaps not. However, it is very well possible that some day you will meet with some of his friends or his ideas, and be required to give your opinion about the things he taught.

Barth was a Reformed minister, yet many Reformed ministers did not at all agree with his views. The late Rev. G.H. Kersten in the foreword of his book, “The Reformed Dogmatics”, wrote that the writings of Dr. Karl Barth (his name rhymes with “start”) are from page to page a slap in the face to Calvin and Luther. Also in the foreword of his explanation of the Heidelberg Catechism, which was recently translated into English, Rev. Kersten wrote, “There is scarcely any of the old heresies that have not reappeared in Barthianism in a new form. The concept of God: the revelation of God, whereby He is known unto life eternal, … the fall in Adam; redemption in Christ; the ministry of the Holy Spirit; the doctrine of the sacraments, and whatever article of our Reformed religion I would mention, Barth represents it contrary to the Reformed doctrine”. Also others who love the Reformed doctrine as taught by Augustine, Luther, and Calvin opposed Barth fiercely. Personally I think much of the confusion and turmoil in various churches, but especially in the Reformed churches, is due to Dr. Barth’s teachings and influence.

In one of my previous articles entitled, “Did God Speak?, I stated that it is easily realized that what people think of the Bible is very important for their understanding of the subject about which the Bible informs us. Without mentioning his name (although I had intended to do so later), my articles have been written against Dr. Barth’s ideas about the Bible and its significance. In his point of view, Barth taught that we must consider the Bible as a human testimony of God’s revelations. He considered the Bible to be a human record, containing “divine thoughts about men”. Onlythe thoughtsof godly men were inspired, nottheir words.Since he held that the Bible was a human document, Barth felt and taught that criticisms of it are not only possible, but also permissable.

Now perhaps you can understand how it is possible that those persons and ministers who at one time accepted the first three chapters of Genesis as God’s divine revelation of creation now embrace evolution. They consider these chapters as “divine thoughts” clothed in human words, and contend that the men who wrote them did not know any better. Scientists now have a greater knowledge, they say, so we must accept their version. In this way people are brought to doubt whether Adam and Eve have ever existed. Also for Barth it was not important whether or not Abraham had actually ever lived, but the importance in the story of Abraham was the example of faith.

Those who agree with Barth’s conception of the Bible say that for them the Bible does not lose its beauty. But what about the authority of the Bible in things of faith and religion? For them the Bible is nothing more than a beautiful book — a book of great value but without any decisive authority. Barth taught that those who accredit the Bible with a decisive authority make of it a paper “pope”. He felt that it was not permissible to say that the Bible was simply God’s Word. According to his teaching, the Lord usedthe words of the Bible asHis word when He used themin the past, and so the Lord can still use the words of the Bible as His Word, but to say that the Bible isGod’s Word just as it lies there on the table … this he rejected. An old heresy and misinterpretation of the words from II Corinthians 3:6 (also too often misinterpreted and abused among us) “for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life”, where Paul testified about the law (the letter) condemning and killing the sinner, and the gospel quickening (both by God’s Spirit) the dead sinner, was also used by Barth to give an appearance of truth to his views. Both Luther and Calvin wrote in a very different way about the Bible and its significance.

Unlike the writings of Luther and Calvin, the writings of Barth are very complicated and almost incomprehensible for those without a theological schooling. His writings lack that which is written of the testimony of the Lord, that it is sure,making wise the simple.Peter even placed the value of God’s Word (the prophecy) above the hearing of the Voice of God heard by him in the holy mount, saying, “We have also a moresure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed”. (II Peter 1:19).

Dear friends, I hope that this article will not be too difficult for you to understand, and that it may give you some light as to why the late Rev. Kersten and others have so wholeheartedly rejected Barth’s ideas. As Barth differed from Luther and Calvin in the subject of the significance and authority of the Bible, so he also did in other points of doctrine. Let us remove the question marks from behind our title, and place instead of them some exclamation marks … GOD DID SPEAK!!! The Bible, God’s Word, is the truth!

Your friend,

Rev. A. Elshout

18617 Cortner Avenue

Cerritos, California 90701

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls,

Last month our quiz covered animals, birds, and insects of the Bible. As there were quite a few more, I thought that this month we would continue with the same topic. Here it is —

When the children of Israel murmured because they had no meat, what did the Lord send them for meat?

What animal did Abraham find caught in a thicket, which he offered instead of Isaac?

What animals did Pharaoh see in the dream which Joseph interpreted for him?

What animals were brought forth in great numbers as the second plague upon Egypt?

When the twelve spies were sent into the land of Canaan, what did they say they were like in comparison to the giants?

When Samuel was brought to serve in the temple by his parents, what animal did they offer to the Lord?

With what animals was Elisha plowing a field when Elijah came and cast his mantle upon him?

What animal was Absalom riding when his head was caught in a tree?

What insect was used by John the Baptist as food?

What animal did Aaron make of gold, which was worshipped by the children of Israel while Moses was on the mount?

In blessing his sons, Jacob said that Dan would be like what reptile in the path?

What birds were brought to King Solomon by the ships of King Hiram?

In addition to these birds, what other animals were brought on these same ships?

What insects did Samson find in the carcase of the lion which he had slain?

The hair of Nebuchadnezzar was like the feathers of what bird when he lived among the animals?

The answers to the January quiz are as follows:

Lion Genesis 49:9

Sheep Job 1:16

Vipers Matthew 3:7

Camel Matthew 3:4

Dog II Samuel 10:8

Ravens I Kings 17:6

Swine Mark 5:13

Foxes Judges 15:4

Ant Proverbs 6:6

Hart Psalm 42:1

Lambs Luke 10:3

Wolves Luke 10:3

Ass Numbers 22:28

Serpent Genesis 3:1

Dove Genesis 8:8-9

Bears II Kings 2:23-24

Answers to the Bible quiz of December were received from the following boys and girls —

Bruce Blok

Larry Van De Vendel

Howard Van De Vendel

Carol Wallenburg

Arlene Wallenburg

Wanita Wallegburg

Jane Zevenbergen

Judy Sweetman

Janet Arlene Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman Jr.

Peter Zevenbergen

Ruth Kamp

Thomas Kamp

John Kamp

Joyce Kamp

Phillip Kaat

Geri Moerdyk

Tom Blok

Ruth Kievit

Steve Vander Jagt

Kris Vander Male

Martha Vander Male

Mary Jean Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Mide Meeuwse

Eleanor Meeuwse

Ruth Meeuwse

Arlene Southway

Peter Southway

Henry Rosendall

Louis De Maagd

George De Maagd

Marilyn De Maagd

Konnie De Vries

Teresa Vander Meulen

Frances Vander Meulen

Nellie Heykoop

Dave Verhey

Mary Ann Kamp

Betty Jean Kamp

Linda Mae Kamp

Joan Van Zweden

John Van Zweden

Harlan Spaans

David Alan Spaans

Larry Gene Spaans

Janice Kay Spaans

Gordon Boluyt

Dan Lords

Lisa Lords

Mark Van Tilburg

James Van Tilburg

Larry Tozenboom

Rhonda Grisnich

Betty Vander Waal

John Vander Waal

Tim Vander Waal

Lillian Berman

Cheryl Berman

Joanne Beeke

Janet Van Driel

Christine Koppert

Alice Koppert

Peter Koppert

Donna De Meester

Kathie De Meester

Rudolph Stapel

Henrietta Stapel

Janice Stapel

Roelie Stapel

James Westrate

Neil Mast

Arlene Kuperus

Hans Kuperus

Tommy Greendyk

Marlene Jo Van Den Toorn

Billy Van Den Toorn

Andrew Van Den Toorn

Joan Mol

Mike Mol

Leonard Mol

Faith Van Dyke

Marsha Koedam

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

Dianne Van Ravenswaay

Donna Lyn Zaremba

Denise Carol Zaremba

Billy Greendyk

Carolyn Spaans

Sharon Spaans

John Van Woudenberg

Joe Van Woudenberg

Ed Van Woudenberg

Elizabeth Van Woudenberg

Arie Vandenberg

Cordy Vandenberg

Paul Vandenberg

Janetta Vandenberg

Linda Bleeker

Nick Greendyk

Bobby Greendyk

Jim Bleeker

Debbie Vos

Don Vos

Vickie Vos

Carolyn Van Grouw

Delia Vanden Brink

Stephan Vanden Brink

Gail Hoogendoorn

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Albert Van Grouw

Janet Van Grouw

Shirley Slotsema

Steven Slotsema

Susan Slotsema

Sally Slotsema

Betty Jo Mast

Alice Moerdyk

Joanne Spaans

Gertrude Spaans

Janice Kaat

Roger Kaat

Martin Peter Vlietstra

Judy Mae Koedam

Casey Blom

Ruth Ann Van Dalen

Jim Van Giessen

Gloria Roskam

Jeffrey Roskam

Willis Van Roekel

Mark Teunissen

Randal Teunissen

Diane Teunissen

David Greendyk

Peter W. Kievit

Brenda Van Oosterom

Janny Van Wingerden

John Van Wingerden

Billy Van Wingerden

Gary Roozenboom

John M. Goeman

Arnold Van Veldhuizen

Beverly Southway

Joyce Van Veldhuizen

Corinne Van Veldhuizen

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Wilma Droogers

Debby Droogers

Billy Droogers

Peter Feyter

Deanna Erickson

Cindy Erickson

Nancy Van De Stouwe

Randy Vande Stouwe

Sander de Jong

Martin J. Oudshoorn

And now it is time again to answer our letters.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — You must have had a lot of snow, Joan. I think you get more snow than we do in Michigan. I can only remember once that the snow was so deep that we couldn’t go to church. But you have quite a distance to travel. How are you getting along in school?

SHARON SPAANS — It was nice to hear from you, Sharon. I remember that we stopped by to see you when we were in South Dakota. Do you still live in the same house? Since we missed you that time, we will have to try again sometime. Or better yet, maybe you can come to see us.

JUDY MAE KOEDAM — Congratulations on the new baby sister, Judy. Are you helping to take care of her? I’m sure there are lots of things you can do to help your mother. Thank you for the stamps. I haven’t sent any away lately because of the strike on the east coast.

BRENDA VAN OOSTEROM — Did you name the new baby calf, Brenda? Or don’t you have a name for all the animals on your farm? Quite a little of our snow has melted away again. Books are nice gifts to receive, aren’t they? They are something you can keep for a long time.

MARTY ANKER — I was happy to receive your letter, Marty. Yes, I have been in Iowa, but that was five or six years ago. You may also send stamps if you wish. We send them to the Netherlands, where they sell them to get money for the mission fund. Write again, won’t you.

NANCY VAN DE STOUWE — I am wondering if you worked out the riddle in the January issue, Nancy. In typing it I must have changed it, because two letters were not correct. Maybe you figured it out anyway. Say Hello to Randy for me.

ROELIE STAPEL — We are quite well, Roelie, and hope you are too. Winter is a pretty time of the year, but if we think about it, all four seasons can be quite pretty at times. Can you tell me who in the Bible slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day? (Hint: he was one of David’s men.)

JOHN VAN ZWEDEN — Four feet of snow means a lot of shoveling, John. I thing you had to rest quite a few times before the driveway was clear. Did you get a snow fort made? Is your family all well again after having the flu?

SANDER DE JONG — Have you had quite a few days of no school because of the snow this winter, Sander? I don’t suppose you mind that so very much. But if it lasts too many days, then that isn’t nice either. Do you like to paint pictures?

RHONDA GRISNICH — I hope your sister Wendy is feeling better again, Rhonda. Quite a few people have been sick this winter. Twenty-six little calves are quite a few to take care of, aren’t they? I think everyone found the answers quite easily, since we heard from more boys and girls than usual.

JOHN, JOE, ED, AND ELIZABETH VAN WOUDENBERG — Thank you for your New Year’s wishes. We should always remember the many blessings we receive, especially when we do nothing to deserve them. We hope that the Lord will spare and also bless all of our young friends.

PHILLIP KAAT — You must be a better fisherman than you are a hunter, Phillip. You told me who the hunter was mentioned in the Bible; I’m sure you probably know without even looking who the Bible mentions as being fishermen.

PETER KIEVIT — Thank you for the stamps, Peter. I can tell you are a stamp collector, because you send quite a variety. Where do you get all these stamps? There are so many different stamps just in the United States.

DELLA VANDEN BRINK — Your answers and letter arrived on the last day, Delia, but still on time. I imagine you like to babysit for your little sister. You were right — the one answer was Samson. His parents, like Joseph and Mary, were foretold of the birth of their son by an angel.

STEPHAN VANDEN BRINK — Forty-five degrees below zero is really cold, Stephan. I don’t think I have ever seen it that cold. I don’t suppose you go skating when it is that cold. Do you help to take care of the new pigs? Or are you helping to build the barn?

JAMES VAN TILBURG — How are the twin calves, James? That is one for you to take care of and one for Mark. Or do you take turns? There are probably lots of other things to do, too. Your answers and letter were nicely typed. Are you the typist?

MARK VAN TILBURG — Thanks to you and your brother for the stamps, Mark. And also for the riddle which you sent. I imagine you worked it out together. I saved your letters until last, so that I could put the riddle right below them. Here it is—

A King in the Old Testament

The first letter is in Joshua,

but not in Judges.

The second letter is in Numbers,

but not is Esther.

The third letter is in Leviticus,

but not in Psalms.

The fourth letter is in Samuel,

but not in Haggai.

The fifth letter is in Hosea,

but not in Malachi.

The sixth letter is in Ecclesiastes,

but not in Deuteronomy.

The seventh letter is in Lamentations,

but not in Habakkuk.

The eight letter is in Zechariah,

but not in Ezekiel.

The ninth letter is in Obadiah,

but not in Daniel.

Who is he?

And this again finishes our letters.

Many thanks, boys and girls, for your answers to the quiz. I think this time we have more names than ever before, and we hope you will keep it up. Thank you also for the many New Year’s wishes. That we might learn to know God’s Word better in this year, and, if He might bless it, it will be better than silver and gold.

With love,
Your friend,
“Uncle Garret”

Missionary Comer

TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

During the month of December, gifts were received totalling $339.00, which we acknowledge with sincere thanks. This has made it possible for us to send the following amounts — Wycliffe Translators — $100., Miss Ann Herfst — $100., and Mbuma Mission Hospital in Rhodesia — $100. The balance on hand as of December 31, 1968 was $106.40.

As this is the end of another twelve-month period for our mission fund, we submit the following statement showing disbursements throughout the year 1968:

Balance on hand Jan.l ,1968 51.90

Donations received

during 1968 2,007.00

$2,058.90

Disbursements:

Bethesda Clinic (Nigeria) $ 300.00

Rev. G. Kuijt (Indonesia) 300.00

Miss Ann Herfst (Nigeria) 300.00

Spanish Evangelical Mission 300.00

Wycliffe Bible Translators 300.00

Mr. & Mrs. Jan van Woerden

(Rhodesia) 150.00

Mbuma Mission Hospital

(Rhodesia) 150.00

Mission Airplane (Indonesia) 150.00

TOTAL $1,950.00

Balance 108.90

Less Bank Charge 2.50

Balance on Hand

December 31, 1968 $106.40

Our hearty thanks in behalf of the above mentioned recipients for this support in their labors. May the Lord bless His Word to the hearts of many by these means.

FROM THE EBENEZER SCRIPTURE MISSION IN RHODESIA

TREK TO THE ?ATONGA TRIBE

We shall try to tell you something of our experiences on trek to the Batonga tribe in the Zambesi Valley. En route we pass an area peopled by a small tribe, the Nambya. Gospels in their language were freely distributed and the people delighted to receive them. Further on we spent considerable time at a big store, obviously the only one for miles around. People were constantly coming and going, and this opportunity was used to supply them with the Word of God. I expressed my disappointment to the store owner that the big poster with the Ten Commandments in the Sindebele language, which we had nailed to a tree in front of his store several months before, was no longer there. He immediately suggested nailing a poster on the door of his store, so that the people would treat it with more respect. This man is a Greek from Athens, and was not a little amazed when we presented him with a New Testament in Modern Greek.

Early the next morning we headed further northeast. The changing architecture of the huts showed that we were now nearing Tonga territory. An African Microscopist at Nyamandhlovu hospital, who knows the Tonga language, had helped me to prepare for this trip by reading out passages of Scripture, which I recorded on a tape. This method of breaking through the language barrier proved very helpful on many occasions.

Kamativi is a Dutch tin mine with a large labor force. A number of Tongas there gathered around the tape-recorder and heard the reading of God’s Holy Word in their own language; the majority of them no doubt for the first time. Several old women turned away after a few moments, indifferently puffing away at their two-foot long waterpipes. Their hard, blank expressions confirmed the Truth: “And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil.” O, what barriers of sin must be overcome before sinners will hear God’s Word to salvation. What comfort however there is in the doctrine of God’s irresistable Grace and that His Word is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two--edged sword.

We spoke to some pleasant boys and girls at Kamativi, who were learning English at the mine school. Each child took home a Tonga New Testament. May these silent messengers spread Light in heathen darkness.

WAITING FOR FRUIT

It was James’ birthday. He was twelve years old. He had received several nice presents, but none pleased him as much as the shiny new boy-sized spade, which looked so businesslike that it made him feel quite grownup just to hold it in his hands. All afternoon he had been digging with it in the garden. After tea his father took the spade and started down the path. James wanted to see what he was going to do, and followed till they came to the corner by the fence. Then his father, without saying anything, dug a small hole, took some apple seeds from his pocket, placed them in the soil, and covered them very carefully. “Why father,” said he, “I did not know that people planted apple seeds.”

“Your grandfather planted some once, the very day I was twelve years old, and I stood by him, just as you stand by me now.”

“Where was it?”

“Close by a large stone in the garden of my old home.”

“Oh, is that the big tree of Golden-sweets that hangs so full every year up at grandma’s? But you had to wait a long time for apples from it!”

“Yes, ten long years! I remember how slow it seemed to grow. I used to think it would never have anything but a few leaves on it. The first time it had blossoms, I was away at college, and when I tasted the first Golden-sweet from that tree, I was a man and had graduated. But my father was dead; he never saw the fruit of what he had planted.”

The plane has just arrived. A crowd soon gathers, curious to see what the “bird” looks like inside. Mrs. Kuijt awaits the mail from home and friends.

James was silent. His father had finished and was standing with both hands on the spade, and James thought how in ten years there would be a fine young apple tree there, and his father would be an old man, and he should be — his father interrupted his thought. “You think, son, that ten years is very long to wait?”

“Oh, yes; I would never care anything about such a little tree that took so long to be good for anything.”

“I know of One,” returned his father, “who has watched a tender plant just as long, and yet sees no sign of any fruit.”

“I should cut it down,” said James.

“He may wait,” continued his father, “many years more, fifteen or twenty, or even thirty, still sparing the unfruitful tree, sending faithful laborers to do all they can about it; and on the other hand, He may cut it down suddenly and very soon.”

James began to grasp what his father meant. It was several years since he had known that he ought to be a Christian; but he had thought, “When I am a man, it will be time enough for that.” They went silently back to the house, and James never saw the little tree that grew up after a while without thinking of what his father had said.

How very patient is the Lord who waits so many years and does not cut us down, although we do not serve Him. Dear reader, how long has God waited for you?

Young People’s Magazine

CONSIDER THE WAYS OF THE ANT

Ants are small creatures with so little strength that they are in danger of being trodden under foot by those who use the same path, yet they are wise in that they prepare their meat in the summer. They know that they will need a store of food for the coming winter so they gather it in summer when it is plentiful. In the same way, if we were wise we would foresee a time ahead when we shall have nothing to supply our needs unless a provision be made now. The time I refer to is, strictly speaking, not time at all, but that eternity to which we must pass when time for us is ended. Our great need then will be that God would look favourably upon us, but we cannot expect to experience that favour in eternity unless we obtain it now. By nature we do not possess it because we are sinners and God is a sin-punishing God. “The face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (I Peter 3:12).

But God who is so righteous is also very merciful, and He has prepared a great salvation and made it freely available to any sinner who will humbly ask for it. Through Christ is preached unto us the forgiveness of sins, therefore the years in this world when we enjoy Gospel privileges are our summer time of opportunity. As the ants spend the summer gathering food, so we ought to spend our time here preparing to meet our God. If we would like to be in heaven at last, then we must be saved from sin now and reconciled to God by the death of His Son.

Summer is a pleasant season. The ants might be tempted to spend it in the enjoyment of its charms and bounty, living only for the present. Being wise, however, they go busily about their task of laying up store for a season of want. With ourselves there is a strong tendency to waste the season of grace. Childhood and youth are life’s summer time. How many fritter away its golden years in the pursuit of earthly enjoyment! Will you not seek grace to employ the time of your youth wisely in seeking salvation so that you may never see the endless winter of divine wrath? “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Young People’s Magazine

LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

My dear young friends,

In Luke 11:1 we read; “one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray”. Who of us is not in need to be taught to pray? We know that no person is able to pray without the help of the Lord. God is a spirit, and those that call upon him, must call upon him in spirit and truth. Prayer is often times called the pulse beat of spiritual life. The answer of question 116 of our Catechism saith, “that prayer is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us; “God speaketh to us by His Holy word, and we may speak to God with prayer. By prayer we place our desires before the Lord; it is a humble supplication, if it may

please the Lord, to fulfill our desires. It is the pouring out of our soul before God. We may only pray to God so as it has pleased God to reveal himself in his word. God the Father and our creator, Christ the Son and our redeemer, God the Holy Ghost and our sanctification, and we read; and these three are One. God is worthy to receive all the honour and the glory. He is the Most High, and above everything and everyone which exists. The Lord knoweth our downsitting and our uprising. We sing in Psalter 123; “He knows all our hearts and the secrets within”. According to the Might of God, He is the only one able to answer our prayers, and according to His Goodness, willing to hear us. If we pray, we must know our needs and wants. We must seriously take in consideration; is our prayer in accordance with the Holy will of God? We must pray with reverance, knowing that we are speaking to an infinite being, and we must understand that we are so little, so unworthy ourselves. When Abraham prayed, he said, “Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am dust and ashes;”. If we go on unrepented, we are instructed that God does not hear us. John 9:31; “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth”. My friends, you shall understand if our ears are closed for the speaking of the Lord, the Lord shall not have an open ear for our prayers. Otherwise if we confess, in uprightness, our sins before the Lord, and do this with a broken heart, the Lord shall hear. Psalm 51:17 — “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise”. Not everything we pray for is good for us. The Lord’s children agree if the Lord had always answered their prayers according to their desires, it would not have been beneficial to them. We read in James 4:3 — “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts”. The Lord knoweth better than we do, what is best for us. Agur was blest with self knowledge, listen to his prayer: (Proverbs 30:8) “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me; Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. What about the outward appearance of our body while we pray? People have different customs; shall I condem the one custom and justify the other? No, I may not and do not dare.

It would be very strange if we would see a man pray like David did it, with his hand raised toward heaven. We read in Psalm 141:2; “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice”. We also read in Lamentations 3:41; “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens”. We know that the Israelites directed their faces toward Jerusalem; there stood the Temple, and the Ark of the Covenant. We may and must direct our spiritual eyes upon the Lord Jesus Christ; only for His sake, the prayers of God’s children are answered in accordance with God’s will. Psalm 123; “Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens, Behold as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto her mistress, so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us”. Young friends, we must need do some self searching; are we willing and desirous to forgive our fellowman? Matthew 6:14; “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you”. Let us not look too much at the other man, how he prayed. Let us pray for a true prayer. Searching ourself, knowing that the contents of our prayer must be; “Thy will be done”. If we see our prayers in the light of the Scriptures, must we not all pray, “Lord, teach us to pray”?

Your friend and minister,

BUY THE TRUTH AND SELL IT NOT

A Sabbath-school teacher remarked that he who buys the truth makes a good bargain. He asked if any of his pupils recalled an instance in Scripture of a bad bargain. “I do,” replied a boy, “Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage.” A second said, “Judas made a bad bargain when he sold his Lord for thirty pieces of silver.” A third boy observed, “Our Lord tells us that he makes a bad bargain who to gain the whole world loses his own soul.”

THE THAW

The ice and snow we lately saw,

Which covered all the ground,

Are melted soon before the thaw,

And can no more be found.

Could all the art of man suffice

To move away the snow,

To clear the rivers from the ice,

Or make the waters flow?

No, it is the work of God alone;

An emblem of the power

By which he melts the heart of stone

In his appointed hour.

All outward means, till he appears

Will ineffectual prove:

Though much the sinner sees and hears,

He cannot learn to love.

But let the stoutest sinner feel

The softening warmth of grace,

Though hard as ice, or rocks, or steel,

His heart dissolves apace.

Seeing the blood which Jesus spilt,

To save his soul from woe,

His hatred, unbelief, and guilt,

All melt away like snow.

Jesus, we in thy name intreat,

Reveal Thy gracious arm;

And grant Thy Spirit’s kindly heat,

Our frozen hearts to warm.

LAST WORDS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD

Glory — glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.

The sands of time are sinking.

The dawn of Heaven breaks,

The summer morn I’ve sighed for,

The fair sweet morn awakes:

Dark, dark hath been the midnight,

But day-spring is at hand,

And glory — glory dwelleth

In Immanuel’s land.

Oh! well it is for ever,

Oh! well for evermore —

My nest hung in no forest

Of all this death-doomed shore:

Yea, let the vain world vanish,

As from the ship the strand,

While glory — glory dwelleth

In Immanuel’s land.

ALWAYS SPEAK THE TRUTH

A young man — we will call him Frank — who loved truth, was a clerk in the office of a rich merchant. One day a letter came cancelling an order which had been received the day before. The merchant handed it to Frank, and with a persuasive smile said, “Frank, reply to this note. Say that the goods were shipped before the letter was received cancelling the order.” Frank looked into his employer’s face with a sad but firm glance, and replied, “I cannot, sir.” “Why not?” asked the merchant angrily. “Because the goods are still in the yard, and it would be a lie, sir.” “I hope you will always be so particular,” replied the merchant, turning upon his heel and going away. Frank did a bold as well as a right thing. What do you suppose happened to him? Did he lose his position? No; quite different. The merchant was too shrewd to turn away one who would not write a lying letter. He knew the untold value of such a youth, and at once made him his confidential clerk.

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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