A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

SPORTS

Dear young friends,

Last week I was asked two questions regarding the permissableness of sports. Young friends, I do believe that sport is good if it is practiced to a reasonable extent. Our forefathers wrote that sport is good if it is practiced to relax our body. But they also said that to make sport our occupation is wrong. The Lord does not give us the time of grace to spend it in such a wasteful way. As a Christian, we must live in the world, but not belong to the world. If young people would engage in sports, it is alright, but where? We do read in Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” There are many young boys and girls today that devote their life to sports, while others do their daily work and spend all their free time in sports. May I give my comments and my answer this time by a counter question?

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two,

If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do

Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room to such an honoured guest,

And all the food you’d serve to Him would be the very best,

And you would keep assuring Him, you’re glad to have Him there

That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare.

But — when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door

With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?

Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they’d been?

Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn’t heard?

And wish you hadn’t uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?

Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder — if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,

Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say?

Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?

And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?

Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read?

And let Him know the things on which your mind & spirit feed?

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you’d planned to go?

Or, would you, perhaps, change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends?

Or would you hope they’d stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay-forever-on and on?

Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do,

If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This month the answers of our quiz will be found in the two books of Chronicles. Do you know what “chronicles” are? They are a report of events or things that happened during a certain period of time. In this way the two books of Chronicles tell us the history of the kings, and especially the kings of Judah. I am sure that the story of many of these kings are well known to you.

There is one king about whom you will probably know quite a bit, and that is King Solomon. Who were his father and mother? Who was his son? What did he build? All of these questions you could probably answer quite quickly. Solomon was the wisest of all kings. He no doubt had been given a good education by his father and mother, but when the Lord asked him what he wanted, he didn’t ask for riches, honor, or long life, but for wisdom and knowledge to lead the people. He knew that all of his education would not help him if the Lord did not add His blessing, teaching him the way that he should go.

Again this month all of you will be going back to school, and perhaps also your catechism classes will soon begin again. We hope you will find your lessons quite easy, and that you will also ask the Lord to give you wisdom and understanding to use your education in the right way. How easy it is for us to do wrong even when we know better. May the Lord teach each of us His way and His paths.

The first letters of our answers will spell out what Solomon asked of God, as found in II Chronicles 1:10. As I mentioned above, all of the answers will be found in the two books of Chronicles.

Of King Ahaziah we read that his mother was his counsellor to do_________.

Of King Ahaz it is written, “He made also molten _________ for Baalim.”

The Lord told Rehoboam by His prophet, “Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of _________.”

King David said, “I _________ in an house of cedars, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord remaineth under curtains.”

King Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the _________ men.

In what mount did King Solomon build the house of the Lord?

Who, with Uzza, was driving the cart on which the ark of God was being carried?

What king of the children of Ammon died, and his son Hanun took his place?

Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked _________ to number Israel.

When the temple was completed, King Solomon in the presence of all the people kneeled down upon his _________ and prayed unto the Lord.

Who was the prophet who told King David, “Thus saith the Lord, thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in.”

From whom did David buy the place of his threshing floor in order to set up an altar unto the Lord?

The queen of Sheba said to Solomon, “Behold, the one half of the greatness of thy _________ was not told me.

Who was the brother of Goliath?

King Asa did that which was good and right in the _________ of the Lord his God?

The Philistines beheaded Saul’s body and put his head in the temple of what god?

In what mount were Saul and his sons slain by the Philistines?

Zerah, the _________ , with a great army came out against King Asa and his people.

(Your answers to the quiz should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk, 1104 Rose-land Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

Answers to the quiz of last month are as follows —

“Behold, I will heal thee” II Kings 20:5

Baalzebub II Kings 1:2

Elijah II Kings 2:12-14

Heaven II Kings 2:11

Oil II Kings 4:1-2

Letters II Kings 20:12

Degrees II Kings 20:10

Iron II Kings 6:5-6

Wash II Kings 5:10

Isaiah II Kings 20:1

Lump of figs II Kings 20:7

Leper II Kings 5:1

Hazael II Kings 8:7-8

Eyes II Kings 25:7

Abi II Kings 18:1-2

Lord II Kings 21:19-20

Twelve II Kings 21:1

Hephzibah II Kings 21:1

Esarhaddon II Kings 19:36-37

Enchantments II Kings 21:1-6

During the month answers were received from the following boys and girls:

Joanne Beeke

Bob Vander Boon

Susan Vander Boon

Curt Jenison

Ruth Meeuwse

Eleanor Meeuwse

Mike Bolle

Jackie Bolle

Denise Carol Zaremba

Donna Lyn Zaremba

Dianne Van Ravenswaay

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

Jo Ann Van Ravenswaay

Esther Van Ravenswaay

Gary Roozenboom

Marsha Koedam

Tom Blok

Linda Bleeker

Ruth Kievit

Mary Kievit

Betty Ann Vander Valk

Henry Vander Valk

Ellen Van Ginkel

Lynn Vroegindewey

Ruth Vroegindewey

Clifton (No Name)

Barbara Van Wingerden

Marilyn Densel

Donna Densel

Joan Lugthart

Val Lugthart

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Dan Meeuwse

Mark Meeuwse

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Mary Jean Vander Male

Martha Vander Male

Faith Van Dyke

Tom Van Dyke

Dave Van Dyke

Peter Kievit

Edward Easterhoff

Bill Boluyt

Marilyn De Maagd

George De Maagd

Louis De Maagd

Betty Vander Waal

John Vander Waal

Tim Vander Waal

John Marinus Goeman

Karen Sue Goeman

Gary Blok

Bruce Blok

Carol Jean Van Bemden

Linda Kamp

Mary Ann Kamp

Betty Jean Kamp

Lillian Berman

Cheryl Berman

Albert Van Grouw

Janet Van Grouw

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Mary Beth Frens

Julie Ann Frens

Jane Ellen Vander Wiele

John Martin Vander Wiele

Arlene Kuperus

Hans Kuperus

David Kuperus

Miriam Kuperus

Joan Velier

Darlene Velier

Raymond Rieder

Arline Kieboom

Ella Kieboom

Joyce Van Den Top

Judy Van Den Top

Gloria Van Den Top

Darlene Van Den Top

Eldon Van Den Top

Dave Roskam

Jeff Roskam

Gloria Roskam

Ruth Van Grouw

Caren Nieuwenhuis

John Blok

Arie Van Vugt

Beverly Southway

Barbara Southway

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Janet Arlene Sweetman

Judy Sweetman

Judy Slingerland

Alice Moerdyk

John Van Hoepen

Dan Lords

Lisa Lords

Tim De Visser

Marianne Van Hoepen

Mary Jean den Hoed

Arthur den Hoed

Joe Van Woudenberg

Betty Jean Van Der Weile

Robert Mol

Carol J. Mol

Gert Spaans

Joan Spaans

Fred Vlietstra

Henry Rosendall

Laura Rosendall

Tammy Kaat

Jeff Kaat

Janice Stapel

Rudolph Stapel

Henrietta Stapel

Roelie Stapel

Robert Verbeke

Arie Vandenberg

Janetta Vandenberg

Cordy Vandenberg

Paul Vandenberg

Rhonda Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

Wendy Grisnich

Randy Teunissen

Mark Teunissen

John Neels

Billy Van Wingerden

John Van Wingerden

Janny Van Wingerden

Albert Bouma

Sharon Bouma

Mary Van Tilburg

Peter Feyter

Richard Allen Rozeboom

Harlan Dale Rozeboom

Tommy Greendyk

Bobby Greendyk

David Greendyk

Nick Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

Billy Greendyk

Ruth Boonzaayer

Sandy Van Giessen

Gary Van Giessen

Randy Van Giessen

John Elshout

Carolyn Van Koeveringe

Susan L. Ver Wys

Kathy Ver Wys

Ellen Ver Wys

John Van Koeveringe

John Verhey

Dave Verhey

Corinne Van Veldhuizen

Mariene Van Veldhuizen

Charles Van Veldhuizen

Arnold Van Veldhuizen

Joyce Van Veldhuizen

Donna Marie Hubers

Hermina Faye Hubers

Helen Hubers

Conrad Vlietstra

Bernie Vlietstra

Esther Boonzaayer

Delia Vanden Brink

Stephan Vanden Brink

Marianne Van Hoepen

John Van Hoepen

Arnold Rus

Shirley Rus

Judy Koedam

Joyce Kamp

Thomas Kamp

Ruth Lynn Kamp

Billy Kamp

Randy Vande Stouwe

Nancy Vande Stouwe

Alma Van Beek

Janice Vlietstra

David Vlietstra

Martin Peter Vlietstra

Karl Boonzaayer

Neil Vanden Brink

Henry Vanden Brink

Marguerite Vanden Brink

Joanne Geerling

Elizabeth Geerling

Nelly Koppert

Peter Koppert

Christine Koppert

Alice Koppert

And now we must answer our letters again —

MARIANNE VAN HOEPEN — Did you sleep in the fort, Marianne? Maybe your father didn’t think it was a very good place to sleep. Did your grandfather and grandmother leave again? How far is it from their house to your house?

CAROLYN VAN KOEVERINGE — Congratulations on the new baby sister, Carolyn. I can imagine you were happy it was a girl. You didn’t tell me her name. Were your brothers happy to have another sister? We did miss your family at the Youth Conference.

JOHN NEELS — The rain does so much good, John, especially after three weeks of dry weather. Didn’t you have any corn left after the cows got into your garden? What else did you have in your garden? Were there any weeds?

JOE VAN WOUDENBERG — Did you have a safe trip to Canada, Joe? I suppose you met some of your friends and also made some new friends. Do you like to travel? It gets rather tiresome if you have to ride all day, but there are always different things to see as you travel.

ARLINE KIEBOOM — I am glad to hear that you are feeling much better again, Arline. At least you didn’t have to miss any school when you had the measles, although I am sure you were sorry to miss the Youth Conference. Say Hello to Ella and Andrew and your parents for us.

PETER FEYTER — Your answers arrived in ample time, Peter. I can imagine if you had no rain for a month, that you were glad to see rain falling again. How dependent we are upon the Lord, Who gives these blessings. Was there a good crop this year?

ARIE VAN VUGT — It seems as if you like vacation time, Arie. Are you happy to be back in school? Did your father have a good trip to Holland? I am certain he had many things to tell about when he returned. Have you ever been there?

JOANNE GEERLING — I was sorry to hear of your little accident, Joanne. It must have been a deep cut. How is your finger now? Can you bend it like the others? At least it wasn’t your right hand, so you can still write letters.

BERNIE VLIETSTRA — It was nice to hear from you again, Bernie. How do you like to live in Canada? Are you living on a farm? As you can tell from Joe’s letter above, he wrote me that they were making a trip to Canada. I suppose it was nice to be together again.

DONNA MARIE HUBERS — I probably failed to list your name last month, Donna. We’ll try hard not to let it happen again. With so many boys and girls to list, it is quite easy to overlook one. I hope you will keep right on answering the quiz.

JUDY SLINGERLAND — There are many people travelling at this time of the year, Judy. My brother, sister-in-law, and nephew enjoyed their visit in Lethbridge. We hope that someday we might be able to pay you a visit also. Say Hello to Marinus.

BETTY ANN VANDER VALK — We are quite well, Betty. What is the name of your bird? Does it sing? Where did you go in Canada? Canada is such a big country that it is hard to guess where you might have been.

ELLEN VAN GINKEL — Congratulations with the new baby brother, Ellen. It looks as if the girls are quite out-numbered in your family. Since you are the oldest, you can probably be lots of help to your mother. Your birthday is the next day after mine.

ROELIE STAPEL — It was good to hear from you again, Roelie. You wrote about the severe windstorm you had. I’m sure you know the parable about the house built upon the sand, which was toppled by the wind, but where do we read about another house that was blown down, killing a number of persons?

CAREN NIEUWENHUIS — Don’t feel too bad if you can’t find one answer, Caren. When the answers are shown in the following issue, you can check on it, and then you’ll always remember it. Some boys and girls address me as Mr. Moerdyk and some as Uncle Garret, so it really doesn’t matter.

ELLEN VERWYS — You can send your answers in any time, even though the new Banner has already arrived, Ellen. It is best to have them in by the 15th of the following month, but if only a few days later than that, they should still be in time.

BARBARA VAN WINGERDEN — It was nice of you to write, Barbara. Did you catch any fish? Can you speak quite a few Dutch words? Maybe some day you will be able to write letters in Dutch. We hope to hear from you again next month.

NANCY VANDE STOUWE — We are glad to hear that you liked the book, Nancy. Are you anxious to be back in school again? Did your grandparents enjoy their trip to Holland? Do you have quite a few relatives there?

RAYMOND RIEDER — Some of the answers are rather difficult to find, Raymond, but in that way you are always learning something you did not know before. Is your cousin Marty the same age as you are? I imagine he enjoyed spending four weeks with you.

DELLA VANDEN BRINK — How far do you live from Waterton, Delia? I don’t always know where all of these places are about which the boys and girls write. I should have a big map on the wall in order to locate them. Say Hello to David — I am glad he is feeling better.

HENRY VANDER VALK — Did you have a nice trip, Henry? Did you take your tent with you, or didn’t you do any camping? I suppose you saw many different places along the way. You will be able to tell all about them when you get back to school.

ELIZABETH GEERLING — It sounds as if your garden is quite productive, Elizabeth, and you have lots of variety. Do you like to work in the garden? You are doing quite well in your swimming lessons. Can you be in only one class during the summer?

MARGUERITE AND HENRY VANDER BRINK — Your answers were still in time. Did you keep a record of how many cucumbers you took from those ten rows? Did you know that the children of Israel ate cucumbers while yet in the land of Egypt? See if you can find where this is mentioned.

ROY VANDEN BRINK — Have you managed to memorize the whole chapter of Isaiah 53, Roy? The Bible is the Book which we all should know well, so it is a good thing to memorize parts of it. Have you memorized other chapters?

KATHY VERWYS — It will not be long before the leaves of the trees will start to turn many colors, Kathy. But even a tree in spring with its green leaves is beautiful. At creation everything was most beautiful, because we read, “God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.”

NELLY KOPPERT — Your letter is the last one this time, Nelly. You are already writing real well, so I think you will be at the head of the class in writing. Are you glad to be back in school?

To all the boys and girls, thanks again for your answers and letters. We hope all of you are again happily at school, and that you will try to do your best. Everyone can’t get A’s, but everyone can do his best. Don’t forget to save time also for the Bible quiz, as we’ll be looking for your answers to arrive.

With love,

Your friend

“Uncle Garret”

INSECTS OF THE BIBLE THE LOCUST

The locust mentioned in the Bible is similar to a large grasshopper, being two inches or more in length. It has four wings and six legs, using four legs for walking and the hindmost pair, which are much longer than the others, for springing. Its mouth is furnished with cutting jaws, by means of which it is able to nip off leaves and blades of grass.

They were clean insects and were permitted to be eaten by the Israelites. (Leviticus 11:21-22). John the Baptist ate them (Matthew 3:4) as many Orientals did before him. They are prepared by being slightly roasted, dried in the sun, and salted.

The locust is very destructive to vegetation, as we can read in Exodus 10, where the Lord brought them upon Egypt by an east wind as the eighth plague.

NO IMPRESSION

A boy went from a small and quiet village to serve as an apprentice to a shopkeeper in a large city. The shop was in a street leading to the cemetery. Not having previously seen a funeral procession more than once or twice a year, he was alarmed to witness two or three funerals pass the shop the first day he was there. He was still more alarmed by observing as many the second day; and when he saw the same number the third day, he resolved to stay no longer in what he conceived to be such a hazardous place. By sunrise on the fourth morning he packed up his little bundle of clothes, and having escaped by the window of his bedroom, he fled home in great haste.

His mother, surprised at this unexpected visit, inquired into the cause of his return. “Mother,” said he, “a person is not sure of his life for one moment in that town, for they are burying the people as fast as they can.”

How true it is that a funeral procession or the daily lists in the obituary column of our newspaper make but little impression upon us.

(John Whitecross)

NO ROCKS FOR HIM

“You take your Christian faith far too much for granted, you know,” said a friend to the Christian captain of a steamship. “Have you ever read any of the great opponents of Christianity — people like Bertrand Russell?”

“No,” replied the captain.

“Well, you should. You can’t fairly turn down their argument until you have thoroughly investigated for yourself’ argued the captain’s friend.

“I’ve been captain of this ship for a long time, John,” returned the captain. “The chart that was given me pointed out the deep water that would carry the ship safely into port. As a young captain, I never considered it advisable to investigate the rocks; the experience I’ve known other chaps to have with the rocks has been sufficient warning for me. So the Bible I learned first from my father and mother, then in my Sunday School and from my pastor, is my chart for the sea of life.

“This Bible brings me a knowledge of the fathomless sea of God’s love and mercy, which, if I cast myself upon it will cany me with absolute safety into the Heavenly harbour.

“Look at our classmates, John. There’s poor Harry, with every prospect; no finer specimen of manhood could be found anywhere, until he threw away the chart — his faith in the Bible. Then little by little he lost his grip on the finer things of life, dying at last in a gambling hall.

“No, John, others have tampered with the rocks of infidelity to then-sorrow; the shores of time are strewn with such wrecks. I shall continue to steer my boat for the ‘deep water’ that has landed millions upon the Golden Shore. I shall hide in my heart the Holy Scriptures. For as David said, ‘By them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.’ As an experienced sea-captain, I know that it is more important for me to know where the rocks are not, and to keep my ship in the clear channel.”

Cheering Words

There was a strong and happy boy, whose mother was not very strong. He loved her very much, and he felt sorry for her because she so often suffered pain, and she sometimes had to lie in bed for several hours a day.

This boy had a canary, and it used to sing merrily all day long. His mother sometimes complained about it, because a canary can make a very shrill note, and the boy noticed sometimes that a look of pain crossed his mother’s face when it began to sing. He wondered what he could do about it, and then he had an idea, but he said nothing about it to anyone.

One day when the house was very quiet, and his mother was upstairs in bed, she asked him what had happened to the canary. “I haven’t got it any more,” he said. “I thought John down the road would like it.”

His mother knew why he had given it away. He had thought of his mother first, and had not sought to please himself.

I think of another boy. One day a lad much older than himself said to him, “I am going to tell you a secret. You must not repeat it to anyone else.” The little boy said, “I never listen to anything that I cannot tell my mother!”

Cheering Words

GOD’S WAYS

Among the many thousands who attended the preaching of the immortal Whitefield, there were some who came to scoff, or to get material with which to amuse their companions afterwards. We are informed that on one occasion, four young men met together, and laid a wager, which was to be given to him who should best mimic the great preacher. One of these young men was named Thorpe. They were each to open the Bible at haphazard, take the first verse that presented itself, and make an extempore address from it. Thorpe’s three companions each made their attempt in succession; then he said, “I shall beat you all.” Mounting the table which served them for a platform, he opened his Bible, and a wonderful providence directed his attention to those soul-stirring words, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). The moment he read this text, a great change took place in his mind. His mouth was opened to speak with much more feeling than he intended. His tones became so earnest and solemn that his hearers were greatly awed. When he had finished, he jumped from the table and hastily left the spot, without so much as mentioning the wager. He hastened to some place of retirement, where he became the subject to mighty convictions. These convictions led to his conversion, and ultimately he became a preacher of that holy Gospel which he had so thoughtlessly and so wickedly ridiculed.

Reader, how mysterious are God’s ways, both in providence and in grace! How little did that young man think when he joined his godless companions in blasphemous mockery of God’s servant, that he should there and then experience converting grace.

Dear youthful readers — for I hope there are many who do read this — if God was so merciful to one who “asked not after Him,” what encouragement there is for you who are really anxious about your souls! Hear the encouraging words of the Lord — “I love them that love Me, and those that seek Me early shall find Me”; “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” (from an old Sower)

BE PREPARED

“Can you find for me the other sock for this pair?” questioned David’s mother, in the bustle of packing cases for going on vacation.

“Mommy, do you know where my red ball is? I had it last week when Jean was over here playing with me,” piped up Mary who, by this time, was surrounded with various dolls, books and an assortment of toys and games, which she insisted had all to be taken as part of the luggage.

“Have you taken your books for Sabbath reading?” was their mother’s next question.

“Oh no, I’d better get them,” and with that, David scampered up to his bedroom on yet another errand; but he did not feel in the least tired, because the excitement of the long journey in the morning, and the glorious freedom of the long days of holiday ahead were uppermost in his mind.

You know this preparation that goes on, sometimes for days, before setting off on vacation. Of course, it is your parents who really do the preparation and make sure that everything is in order, although you help. It would be a strange vacation you would have if you did no packing beforehand!

The following well-known story shows us the foolishness of going on the most important journey of all, without the necessary preparation.

Once upon a time, there lived a king who gave a sceptre to his jester, telling him to keep it until he discovered a greater fool than himself. (Long ago kings and great noblemen used to have in their court jesters, or fools, to amuse them by their clownish sayings and actions.)

Later on, when the monarch lay dying, the fool visited the sickchamber.

“I go on a long journey,” said his royal master, “and shall not return.”

“And what preparation has your majesty made?” enquired the jester.

“None,” replied the king.

“Then,” said the fool, as he placed his sceptre in the hands of his master, “you are a greater fool than I.”

You may be very young but you do not know when you, too, may be called to go on this long journey from which there is no return. The preparation you need is to have a new heart given to you, because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God: We get this by obeying the command, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved” Acts 16:31.

Are you prepared to meet with God?

SOLOMON

If Solomon for wisdom prayed,

The Lord before had made him wise,

Else he another choice had made,

And asked for what the worldlings prize.

Thus he invites his people still;

He first instructs them how to choose,

Then bids them ask whatever they will,

Assured that He will not refuse.

Our wishes could our ruin prove,

Could we our wretched choice obtain,

Before we feel the Savior’s love

Kindle our love to Him again.

But when our hearts perceive His worth,

Desires, till then unknown, take place;

Our spirits cleave no more to earth,

But pant for holiness and grace.

And dost Thou say, “Ask what thou wilt?”

Lord, I would seize the golden hour;

I pray to be released from guilt,

And freed from sin and Satan’s power.

More of Thy presence, Lord, impart,

More of Thine image let me bear;

Erect Thy throne within my heart,

And reign without a rival there.

Give me to read my pardon sealed,

And from Thy joy to draw my strength;

To have Thy boundless love revealed,

In all its height, and breadth, and length.

Grant these requests, I ask no more,

But to Thy care the rest resign;

Sick, or in health, or rich, or poor,

All shall be well if Thou art mine.

It often takes greater faith to let God work than to work for Him.

THE GOOD CHOICE

“Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. “

Today Ruth’s choice, made and expressed at the border of Moab and Israel, calls for our attention. If it is to be well with us, her choice must also become ours. It is God’s Word that requires such a choice of us. According to human calculation and criteria of flesh and blood, Moab offered more of a future than Israel did. Orpah, with tears in her eyes, chose her people and her gods. Ruth chose Naomi’s people and God. Orpah’s choice was a surrender to the lusts of the flesh, a pursuit after the things of the world. With all sympathy for Naomi, she remained a friend of the world and an enemy of God. By her choice, Orpah turned her back on Naomi, Naomi’s people and Naomi’s God. What a terrible choice! What a terrible indulgence of her state as a sinner and her perseverance in it. What is our situation? Our behavior of yesterday, today, and tomorrow is closely related to that which we chase and choose. Of ourselves we would rather not be faced with the choice between God and the world because by nature we are opposed to God and His service and inclined to the world and its possessions. The result of our state as a sinner is that we choose the side of flesh and blood time and again in practical life when we must display our colors. The power of sin is so strong that even God’s loving invitations to turn to Him and be saved by Him have been and are ignored by us. May God grant today that the prayer “God, be merciful to me a sinner” may become the upright plea of our hearts. This is most necessary. We see the triumph of God’s grace and election in Ruth’s choice. See what they accomplish! May our eyes be cast on God today so that like Ruth we may receive grace for Christ’s sake (for the first time or by renewal) to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than having the pleasures of sin for a season. (Rev. A. Elshout) Read: Ruth 1:18, Psalm 84

(Translated from Bijbels Dagboek)

GATHERED BY THE WAY

An eminent minister in Wales, hearing of a neighbor who followed his calling on the Lord’s Day, went and asked him why he broke the Sabbath. The man replied that he was driven to it by finding it hard work to maintain his family. “Will you attend public worship,” said Mr. P., “if I pay you a day’s wages?” “Yes, most gladly,” said the poor man. He attended constantly, and each time received his pay.

After some time Mr. P. forgot to send the money, and, remembering it, he called upon the man and said, “I am in your debt.” “No, sir,” he replied, “you are not.” “How so?” said Mr. P. “I have not paid you for some time.” “True,” answered the man, “but I can now trust God; for I have found that He can bless the work of six days for the support of my family just the same as seven.”

Ever after that he strictly kept the Sabbath, and found that in keeping God’s commands there is not only no less, but great reward.

A CHRISTIAN’S REVENGE

A British sergeant in Egypt was once telling an English minister a few things about how the Lord had been leading him. Thereupon the minister asked him how he had come to the faith.

“Before we came here,” was the answer of the sergeant, “we were on the island of Malta. A certain soldier in my group had come to conversion, and he was not ashamed to testify of his faith in Christ. With great boldness he often spoke about the Word of God. We gave this young soldier a terrible time, but it did not seem to harm him.

“One evening we returned to our barracks soaking wet from the rain and very exhausted. Before we went to bed, this soldier kneeled and began to pray. For this he had to suffer. I picked up my heavy muddy shoes and threw one of them at the one side of his head, and then struck him with the other shoe on the other side of his head. I threw them with such force that I could have killed him. He did not react to this, but went on with his prayer very calmly. The next morning, however, I found my shoes carefully cleaned and polished beside my bed. This was the soldier’s answer for the cruel mockery of his sergeant! This broke my opposition, and that same day a change came about in my life. And it pleased the Lord to use it unto my eternal salvation. All honor be to His name!”

THE IMPORTUNATE WIDOW

Our Lord, who knows full well
The heart of every saint,
Invites us, by a parable,
To pray and never faint.

He bows His gracious ear,
We never plead in vain;
Yet we must wait till He appear,
And pray, and pray again.

Though unbelief suggest,
Why should we longer wait?
He bids us never give Him rest,
But be importunate.

’Twas thus a widow poor,
Without support or friend,
Beset the unjust judge’s door,
And gained at last her end.

For her he little cared,
As little for the laws;
Nor God nor man did he regard,
Yet he espoused her cause.

She urged him day and night,
Would no denial take;
At length he said, “I’ll do her right,
For my own quiet’s sake.”

And shall not Jesus hear
His chosen when they cry?
Yes, though He may a while forbear,
He’ll help them from on high.

’Tis nature, truth and love,
Engage Him on their side;
When they are grieved, His bowels move,
And can they be denied?

Then let us earnest be,
And never faint in prayer;
He loves our importunity,
And makes our cause His care.

John Newton

A wealthy but miserly gentleman was reminded by the friends of a certain charity of the divine declaration, “He that hath pity on the poor, lendeth to the Lord; and that what he hath given will He pay him again.” To this the wealthy man replied, “The security no doubt is good, and the interest liberal; but I cannot give such long credit.”

Poor rich man! The day of payment was much nearer than he anticipated. Not two weeks had elapsed from the time that he refused to honor this claim of God upon his substance, before he received a summons with which he could not refuse to comply. It was, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee, then whose shall those things be which thou hast withheld?”

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