CHURCH NEWS

Rev. J. Van Zweden entered thetiospital on October 31, and was operated on November 5. The Lord has strengthened him in his old age. When we visited him on November 11, he spoke of Psalm 23 and Hebrews 12, out of which God had comforted him. On November 13 he left the hospital of Sioux Falls, and returned to his home. May the Lord further strengthen him and give him the privilege of performing some labors in his congregation and in the congregations of which he is Moderator.

As noted in the November Banner he observed on November 18 the forty-fifth anniversary of his installation as minister in Passaic, New Jersey by the Rev. Adrian Van Dyke. For many years he was the editor of “The Banner of Truth”. In the name of our congregations and on behalf of the readers of our church paper, we congratulate him and his family with that special privilege. May the Lord be with him in his old age, and bless his labors in preaching and writing to the honor of God and the salvation of many immortal souls.

Call Extended

To Rev. D. Hakkenberg, The Netherlands, by the Clifton, New Jersey, Congregation.

Calls Received

Called to Sioux Center, Rev. A. W. Ver Hoef of Lethbridge.

Calls Declined

Declined for Unionville, Rev. W. Suiker.

Expression of Appreciation

Our sincere appreciation is herewith expressed to Mr. James Van Stee for his many years as Managing Editor of “The Banner of Truth”.

We also express our sincere best wishes to Mr. James De Meester as successor, may the Lord’s blessing rest upon the publication of our church paper.

Reverend William C. Lamain, Editor and Committee.

Classis Far West, meeting in Sunnyside, Wash., on October 21, 1970, decided that the members living in Lynden, Wash., under the jurisdiction of the congregation of Chilli-wack, B.C., will soon be organized as a separate congregation.

The Corsica, S.D., Congregation has decided to build a new church. They are already laying the foundation. May the Lord’s blessing rest upon the building.

GOOD BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Pictorial Pilgrim’s Progress ………….. $.95

Children’s Pilgrim’s Progress ………….. 95

A Remarkable Shipwreck ………….. 50

Two Wonderful Christian Stories ………….. 50

The Twin Brothers & Kenousky ………….. 90

Ruth’s Reward, and other Stories ………….. 65

The Preacher of St. Andrews ………….. 90

Several other books for children, and also Bibles in various sizes.

Address: Mrs. Cora Jongetjes

1718 — 18th St.

Rock Valley, Iowa 51247

INTRODUCTION

The late Rev. Jozias Fraanje, after the Lord had drawn him out of the world with the chords of His eternal love, was called to labor in God’s vineyard. Adorned with many gifts and with a deep insight in the firm foundations of eternal salvation, he was privileged to serve various churches. Of the 37 years of his ministry, 31 were spent in serving the congregation of Barneveld. 21 years ago God gave him rest from all his labors, so that he might glorify God for ever. For us personally, our association with him remains a precious memory. The memory of the just is blessed. Prov. 10:7.

Many of the sermons he preached were written out and published, as also his lessons on the Compendium, I believe the fourth edition has appeared. Also the Notes out of the Catechism classes have been reprinted. The Lord had given him the gift of teaching clearly and simply. In this, too, he, being dead, yet speaketh.

One of our members has the desire to translate these lessons into the English language. We are very glad to have him do so. From time to time they will appear in our paper. May the Lord richly bless these lessons to young and old. There is so little knowledge of the truth. The Lord grant our young people desire to search the Scriptures.

Rev. W.C. Lamain

NOTES OUT OF THE

CATECHISM CLASSES OF

REV. J. FRAANJE

Eva Corenwijck, a young lady about 15 years old, attended the catechism class taught by Rev. J. Fraanje, who was the minister in the congregation of Barneveld, The Netherlands. He taught from the Hellenbroek catechism book, “Specimens of Divine Truths.” These truths caused her deep concern. The effect was such upon her that as she returned to her home after catechism she thought, “If only I could retain all that we have been taught today.”

Once, while she was reading the preface of her catechism book her attention was drawn strongly to the part which reads, “Endeavor to retain it (the teaching) in heart and

BANNER OF TRUTH

Official Publication of the Netherlands Reformed Churches of the United States and Canada. Published at 3220 Four Mile Road, N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan. Subscription 4.50.

Reverend William C. Lamain, Editor

2115 Romence St., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Banner of Truth

3220 Four Mile Rd., N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504

All announcements and material submitted for publication must be typed and corrected. No handwritten copy can be accepted. Advertisements and anniversary or memorial notices are charged at 30 cents a line.

Copy for the next month’s issue is due the 15th of the month before publication.

memory, even making notes of it, so as to be able to use them when you need them. Pray therefore unto God for His Spirit, to help you retain what was heard and to make you mindful of it.”

These words stayed with her continually until it led her to speak to her parents of her wish to write down as much of the lesson as she could remember.

Her intention was only to be able to review in her later life that which she had learned in her youth.

As soon as the opportunity presented itself she took notes of the lessons taught by Rev. Fraanje until they finished the whole book.

Many times she experienced sadness and tears while she was busy writing them out because she could not remember exactly how the minister had said it. She realized that her shortcomings were a result of her depravity and lack of spiritual knowledge.

No one knew, except her parents and a few friends, that she was making notes of the lessons for it was done merely for the interest she had in the teachings. Even in those years the minister did not know about it.

There came a time about 15 years later when her friends encouraged her to arrange for printing them. She never had expected that these writings with her limited grammer education would ever come in print. But, Rev. Fraanje, after reading them consented to have these writings printed. The contents agreed perfectly with what he had taught them.

Since she had written out these notes as she recalled them, it was necessary to rewrite them and in many instances to put them in plainer language.

Fifteen years after the lessons had been taught verbally they were printed to be used as God would bless them.

What is so remarkable is the providential leading of God in using this young lady to preserve the pure truth for the youth of the church and those who are able and who desire to read the book in the Holland language.

It is a wonderful book when we consider that Rev. Fraanje never attended a formal school, yet had deep insight in God’s Word. He had the ability to proclaim the doctrines purely and soundly. He holds to the teachings of the Triune God as in the twelve Articles of Faith. He could in faith say, “I believe in God the Father, the almighty Maker of heaven and earth.” He knew with assurance that God was his Creator, his Judge and Father.

In his own words he said, “I am a creature, a sinner, and have become His child for Christ’s sake.” Then he received the grace to know. “I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. That Christ I honor, just as we honor the Father.”

Then the third person, that beloved Holy Ghost came to live in him, and to convince him that he had been chosen, drawn, uncovered and preserved.

He was given to see the church as a holy catholic Christian church, of which he was a member and shall be to all eternity.

These experiences were followed by the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead.

One time when his mother questioned him regarding his behavior during one of these sacred times, he called out “Oh, mother, I see the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the dead. Mother, I shall live eternally.”

During these experiences, he would sink away at times in the love of God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

These are the teachings of God which enabled him to become knowledgeable in the divine truths without any formal education.

An endeavor is being made to translate this series of lessons of his book, “Notes out of the Catechism Classes” into the English language. It is our ardent desire that all of our youth and adults also may have the precious experience of reading the explanation of the Hellenbroek Catechism book written by this man of God.

His humble way of speaking to the children in deep concern for their souls is always mingled with the Word of God as he proceeds through the lessons.

It is our intention, the Lord willing, to publish these lessons in English in The Banner of Truth in the following issues. Also it is possible that these lessons will be put in book form later as they are in the Holland publication.

Marinus Westrate

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With thanks to God and to the giver, I have received since writing the last acknowledgement the following gifts:

For The Banner of Truth:

$ 25.00 from Illinois 5.00 from Sheboygan

For the Macedonia Mission Society:

S 25.00 from Illinois

For the Inheritance Publishers:

$ 25.00 from Illinois

650.00 a collection from Franklin Lakes

For Plymouth Christian School:

$ 81.70 a collection from Waupun

601.00 a collection from Franklin Lakes

For the General Mission Fund:

3-$75.00 for the mission

3-$25.00 for the clinic in Africa

$ 100.00 from a friend

$ 5.00 from South Holland

For the Benevolence Fund:

$ 40.00 & 75.00 & 100.00 received at our 40th anniversary.

From Pella, Iowa:

$ 20.00 for general needs

$ 20.00 for special needs

May the Lord’s blessing rest upon it. Again, hearty thanks. Your voluntary deacon,

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