TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

We are happy to report that during the month of July gifts totalling $136.00 were received for our fund, which we gratefully acknowledge. It is most encouraging to see the gifts continue to arrive each month in support of the various mission organizations. The above amount, added to our previous balance of $29.90, brought our balance to $165.90 at the end of the month. May the privilege of having God’s Word be of great value to us, and may it also become a precious book to those who are not acquainted with it at present.

ORPHANAGE IN NIGERIA

Annelies van der Kooij enjoys being with the children of the orphanage.

GIFTS RECEIVED FOR MISSIONS IN JUNE 1972

CLASSIS MIDWEST SOURCE AMOUNT

Norwich Pentecost Col. Collection 592.72

G.R. Ladies Aid Gift 100.00

Friend in Dundas Gift 20.00

St. Catherines Pentecost Col. Collection 3545.31

Friend in Michigan Gift 75.00

CLASSIS WEST

Sheboygan Pentecost Col. Collection 423.00

Waupun Pentecost Col. Collection 187.20

CLASSIS FARWEST

Artesia Pentecost Col. Collection 116.35

Fort Macleod Pentecost Col. Collection 90.00

Linden Pentecost Col. Collection 326.65

Sunnyside Pentecost Col. Collection 283.35

TOTAL: $5759.58

FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 1972

CLASSIS EAST SOURCE AMOUNT

Choral Society of Franklin Lakes Gift 273.00

Clifton Pentecost Col. Collection 455.55

Friend in Clifton Gift 150.00

CLASSIS MIDWEST

Friend in South Holland Gift 5.00

In G.R. Ch. Col. Gift 15.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 110.00

Friend in G.R. Gift 50.00

Friend in Dundas Gift 20.00

Friend in G.R. Gift 100.00

Canadian Check Increase 6.95

Canadian Check Increase 61.85

CLASSIS WEST

Friend in Oskalooska Gift 125.00

Friend in Rock Valley Gift 10.00

Waupun (Mary Martha) Gift 100.00

Rock Valley Pentecost Col. Collection 768.48

CLASSIS FARWEST

Lethbridge Pentecost Col. Collection 567.90

TOTAL: $2818.77

Dear Friends,

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their generous support to the mission work for the month of June and July. Because of our sad bereavement we were not able to get the June issue out on time. May the Lord give us courage and grace to take up our cross and follow Him in sown and unsown ways. It is something to lose a child, a brother and a niece so unexpectedly. By nature we cannot give it over. In our break in Adam we have called misery upon ourselves, and it is a wonder that we aren’t all consumed. May the Lord sanctify all the afflictions, that His great name may be glorified therein. Oh friends, that the Lord may give us all that true prayer with Moses what we read in Psalter 246. O teach thou us to count our days and set our hearts on wisdom’s ways. The time is dark but may the Lord make us yet a true praying people, and that His holy word may never testify against us. That the Lord may give that true repentance unto God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. On the mission fields everything is progressing fairly well. Miss Ann Herfst is working hard to open a new mission field, and we will imclude a letter from Rev. Kuijt. Now we will give you the expense and income for the months of April, May, and June. For this time we will make it very short, expense in one amount and income in one amount, because we have many thank you letters to write yet.

APRIL, MAY AND JUNE 1972

Expense $5133.40

Income $15142.17

American General Mission Fund

of the Netherlands Reformed Churches

in America and Canada

John Spaans, Treasurer

Plankinton Box 106 RR1

South Dakota 57368

A LETTER FROM REV. KUIJT

Nipsan, 19th June 1972

Dear Mission Friends,

Last week we returned from our trip to Landikma and Abenago. And as I promised you, here is a report of our experiences there.

At Landikma some problems had arisen, which resulted in an attack and a police-action following. A great mistake was made in that only one side was severely punished and the other side did not loose a thing. The ones that lost almost all their pigs and houses belong to the Ulfugubuk tribe which tribe also belongs to our mission-field. There are about 200 members and they are still enemies of the Gospel. Nevertheless they are as dear to us as the Landikma people who indeed accepted the Gospel. Actually after the entrance of our mission in 1967 it did not take long before they showed a genuine interest in the Word of God. And at present there is a flourishing church, with Bible school, elementary school, and a clinic. Sister Marry van Moolenbroek is the stationhead and she is assisted by a coastel boy Simson Awom.

We had several long and tiring talks with the folks over there. On my request to help the Ulfugubuk people with some pigs, they refused. This is understandable since the police, so the government, shot the pigs. We told them to try to forget the enmity of olden days (which requires revenge) and also try, to just give the pigs and not see it like a pay-back. Actually I wanted them to give these pigs to their bretheren tribe-wise, as a token of love and friendship, to help them to build a new herd again. We could see, that there was a lot of opposition and left to give them an opportunity to think about it.

How glad we were when we heard that the Landikma people were going to give five pigs to the Ulfugubuk people. Some of the U. people were there and they also rejoiced. On Sunday there was a good crowd, I estimate around 500 people, in the church where we, together with our colored brothers, proclaimed the Gospel. A deputation of the U. tribe was also present. We noticed that they were listening very attentively. I had asked the five pig-owners to bring their pigs to the church, where, before the service starts the collection is taken consisting of merely sweet potatoes. There a short ceremony takes place to dedicate the collection to the Lord as the Giver of all good. After that we were in church. After the church service we had an extra ceremony in which the five pigs were given to the new owners, those of U. They were very happy and went home.

However, the next day at night time, there came another deputy from the U. people and told us, that they were not satisfied with the small pigs they got. So new troubles arose. However to make a long story short, it seemed that all troubles were solved by the end of the next day and till now we have not heard about anymore discord. Happy, we left Landikma on Wednesday to go to Abenago where we were met by the Louwerses and Mr. Henk Looijen.

During the past weeks Kokpan and some of his friends had been teaching some 113 men, women and children who wanted to be baptized. They not only had done away with their old idols, but professed Christ as their Saviour and wanted to follow Him in the waters of baptism. Of course we cannot look into the hearts of these people, however, in teaching and Christian life they are examples for their surrounding. To me Acts 8: 13 is a comfort: Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, etc., Philip apparently took the word of Simon and he was baptized. A few verses further it turns out that Simon’s belief was not the faith that united with Christ. Still he was baptized and it is apparent that even Philip in the extra-ordinary age of strong movements of the Holy Spirit, could not see into the heart of Simon. We do hope, that a work of grace is glorified in their hearts. At the actual time of baptism some old warriors confessed that they will never kill again and will never go to war again, as they have done in the past. “We want to follow the Lord,” was their confession. After the adults were baptized, we sprinkled the children. It was a solemn moment when these little ones received the token of the covenant.

After this long service in the open, which was attended by maybe 1500 people, we went to the church to serve the Holy Communion to the baptized members of our church. “And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him.” Luke 24:30,31a. How we desired and how we wished that all of them who took part might have their eyes opened so that they might know Him. The blessed Saviour revealed Himself unto them while breaking the bread. He gave Himself for His people was crucified and died, but also rose from the dead. Just a while before this was symbolized in baptism. And will it be well for us all, these signs and seals must become true in our own hearts. All God’s people were baptized in Christ when He came to John the Baptist, they were even in Him before the foundation of the world, when the Lamb gave Himself in the covenant of grace. Did we enter this covenant already by regeneration? Were we cut of from the covenant of works, from Adam, and did we enter, were we planted into the covenant of grace? If so, blessed are ye, your soul will live forever and nobody will be able to take this grace from you.

The service started at 8 o’clock in the open and was finished at 1 p.m. in the church, so altogether a service of five hours.

Many people also from surrounding areas were present, and we do hope a testimony of God has been given to the salvation of many souls.

We hope you are all well. In my next letter, the Lord willing, I’ll give you a report of events that took place here some months ago and wherein first the Tapla people, who attacked us and later the Nipsan people, who killed one of our boys, made peace.

May the Lord bless you richly.

Yours sincerely,

Rev. G. Kuijt

NOTES OUT OF THE CATECHISM CLASSES OF REV.J. FRAANJE

Using the Catechism Book

SPECIMENS OF DIVINE TRUTHS

by

REV. A. HELLENBROEK

Lesson 10 — part 1 Concerning Providence

Building a house and maintaining a house are two different matters. Building must take place before maintaining the structure can follow.

Creation, too, came first. After God had created all things, did He cease to care for His creatures?

“No, there is still a continual operation of Divine Providence,” answers Hellenbroek.

It is often said: “Everyone should be able to confirm the answers they give by using God’s Word. Who knows where the word “providence” can be found in the Bible?

You would not feel very good about it if I were to send you home with the assignment to look for that word in the Bible, because the word “providence” is not to be found literally in God’s Word.* The meaning however is there.

Providence is the name of that work of God whereby He upholds all that He had created and brings it to the destiny He had resolved for it from eternity. We find in Genesis 22 that Abraham called the place, where he was able to offer up the ram instead of his son Isaac, “Jehovah-jireh”: as it is said to this day, in the mount of the Lord is shall be seen (In the mount of the Lord it will be provided).

This is what is meant by it: The Lord controls all things.

Even if the word is not used literally, as we are accustomed to see it, the Holy Scripture often speaks about the acts of Divine Providence.

In how many ways can the Providence of God be distinguished?

In the broadest sense, in three ways:

1. In preservation

2. In cooperation

3. In the government of all the creation.

Now Hellenbroek asks: What is preservation?

Answer: The almighty power of God, whereby He continueth all things in being.

He proves this from Hebrews 1:3 “Who upholdeth all things by the word of His power.”

And what is His cooperation?

Answer: God’s almighty power, whereby He influences all the motions and operations of His creatures.

Can it be proved?

Surely, in 1 Cor. 12:6 “And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”

What is the 3rd one, the government of God?

Answer: That mighty power whereby He directs everything to a certain determinate end. Psalm 93:1 “The Lord reigneth: — also the world is stablished, that it cannot be moved.”

These three things, Preservation, Cooperation and Government must never be separated from one another in God’s Providence; do not ever forget that.

It is not intended to mean that there are three providences.

No, there is but one God and only one Divine Providence, and, within that framework, these three things cannot be separated from each other because each one does its work by means of the other two.

The Providence of God does not mean that God only foresees all things but that He also provides for all things; evidently, everything is comprehended in His decree.

To what, do you think, does the power of God extend? Over very many things or just a few things?

It extends, without distinction, over everything. Not only to things that pertain to a person’s salvation, but also to the smallest things in nature.

Who can give me an example?

Answer: Jesus said in Matt. 10:30 “Yea, the hairs of your head are all numbered.” Can you think of anything smaller?

This example is sufficient to show that not one thing is outside of the Providence of God.

The work of Providence is plainly observed from John 5 in the history of that man who lay sick 38 years.

Jesus said in verse 8, “Rise, take up thy bed and walk.” Then it states in verse 9, “And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed and walked; and on the same day was the sabbath.”

When the Jews heard that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day , they considered it very wicked of Him. It was so bad, that it says in Verse 16: “therefore the Jews sought to slay Him because He had done these things on the sabbath day.”

But what did Jesus answer them; He did not make lengthy excuses to try to free Himself. No, He gave a very short answer saying: “My father worketh hitherto and I work.” And as the Jews became even more angry because of this answer, the Lord made it plain to them what He meant: “Verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do; for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

What did Jesus mean by this?

He would say: “You Scribes and Pharisees believe that God created the world, isn’t it true? If the Triune God has created the world, it naturally follows that the Triune God maintains (upholds) the World too. This maintenance is the work of the Divine Providence. I am sure none of you believe that God, after He had completed all creation in six days, had nothing more to do with it after that time.” (I said it now just as you would expect the Lord Jesus to say it to the Jews.)

Just imagine that God, in order to keep the sabbath the way you understand it, did nothing from Friday night until the sabbath was past and then, repeatedly, withheld His providential care each following sabbath . What would happen then?

Naturally, everything would die. If God would withdraw His preserving hand from man and beast on the sabbath day, everything would die. We receive life and all that is necessary for life from moment to moment.

That is why the Lord Jesus said;” “My Father works (in providential preservation and cooperation) and I also work!” The Jews understood from this that Jesus was saying He too was God, therefore, they more and more tried to find ways to kill Him. Not only because they thought He violated the sabbath day but also because He said that God was His own Father, thereby making Himself equal with God.

The scribes believed they loved God and therefore kept the sabbath out of love for Him. They thought, because they loved God, they must hate Jesus. They viewed Him as a sabbath breaker.

But the Lord Jesus made it clear to them, that if He was a sabbath breaker, God the Father was, too. For that reason He said, “He that does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who has sent Him.”

When that woman, whose body was stooped for eighteen years, was healed, the ruler of the synogogue said the same as the scribes. He said to the crowd: “There are six days in which men ought to work; in them, therefore, come and be healed and not on the sabbath day.” But the Lord answered him; “Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall and lead him away to watering?”

Then all those that stood in opposition to Him were ashamed.

Do not these texts prove clearly that Divine Providence is the work of a Triune God? And it is plain from the words, “My Father worketh hitherto and I work,” that it has never been interrupted one single day since the beginning of creation.

* In Acts 24:2 the word providence means prudence.

WONDERFUL WAYS

Part 3

When I came to her house I was pleasantly surprised. I found her not only united with the will of God, but even rejoicing before Him in humility. Often she had been endowed with humble boldness, and thus it was on that day that we spent with her. She was so glad that the time of her deliverance was at hand. Her soul longed to depart and to be with Christ. She had the assurance of grace that Christ was the Surety Who had paid for her guilt, her Intercessor with the Father, and also her elder Brother. Oh, how she longed to be delivered out of this Mesech, and these tents of Kedar, so that she need no longer live a lonesome life here, but could dwell eternally in communion with the Triune God, and with the redeemed, for many of her spiritual family were already before the throne of God and the Lamb.

Much of what she spoke that day I can still remember, not word for word, but the essence of it. Among other things she said, “I have been granted the privilege of living here on earth.” Although at one time she had wished that she had never seen the light of day, when she had been given to see her sin and guilt and her deep fall in Adam. But she said, “A time came when God in Christ revealed Himself to me and gave Himself to me, a time when God found me, a time when my soul was saved, a time when my sin was forgiven, a time when I was reconciled with God on the ground of justice and righteousness, a time when I was restored into communion with God. And now in all those years God has shown Himself both inwardly and outwardly to be the Unchangeable and Faithful One, Who will never forsake the work of His hands. On my side all was unfaithfulness and shortcomings, and the pollution of sin always condemned me, but I have also experienced that the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin. In all the conflict which sometimes was so severe that in myself I always lost the battle and suffered shipwreck, the arms of the mighty God of Jacob supported my soul, so that I did not faint.” She also experienced what Christ had foretold in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Her path was no path of roses, but a path full of thorns and thistles. Many times she had been in the crucible to be purified and cleansed. I cannot relate everything here, nor is that necessary, but we have witnessed the many depths into which God had brought her. She also said, “Soon according to the desire of my heart I shall glorify a Triune God eternally. Soon I shall exceedingly rejoice without ever having to cease; partaking eternally in the union and communion with a Triune God.

Because of her disease she had to suffer much in her body, but looking upon the Surety Who had endured the cross and borne the curse of the cross, she saw so much Fatherly love in it, that she could not murmur, but rather rejoiced in God.

How different that visit was than I had expected! I could not think that I would find my friend thus, but the Lord made all things well. That day I saw with my eyes and heard with my ears what we read in Psalm 84:11, “For the Lord is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” The Lord will give testimony to His own work. Oh, what a blessing it is when a person lying on his deathbed does not lie there hardened, indifferent, hostile, or in despair, but rather that the faithful Covenant God grants that His people may glory in tribulation, that the Lord makes the bitter waters of Marah sweet. Truly, God never forsakes the work of His hands.

And there was something else that humbled her soul. She said, “I am glad that the Lord has given me this sickbed.” Firstly, and most importantly, because her faithful King was so near to her that He constantly poured out His love into her heart, that in her sickness she was supported by His divine power, that at times she might so blissfully experience the comforts of the Holy Spirit. On her sickbed she was being made ripe for heaven.

Traveling was very difficult in those days. There were almost no connections from place to place anymore, and the dangers in traveling were very great. She said, “It is a wonder to me that so many of God’s people still come to visit me. God gave me this sickbed so that I may still meet many of God’s children. Often my house was as Sion where praise waits for God, Psalm 65:1, where we experienced that there are unbreakable bands with the people of God. Often we found it to be a porch of heaven. Some whom I have not seen in a long time still come to visit me, and we experience union together by virtue of the blessed Covenant Head of the church, Christ Jesus.”

She loved to sing,

“How beautiful doth Zion stand,
A city built compact and fair;
The people of the Lord unite
With joy and praise to worship there.”

She also said, “I also noticed that ties have been strengthened between others who met each other here, and have seen so many evidences of love and affection, that I often say, ‘Lord, how good Thou art for such unfaithful, guilty, unclean sinners.’ The old became new and true, and she constantly received new evidences of God’s favor. She was fat and flourishing to show that the Lord is upright. Also: He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Ps. 92.

The main thing was that God did not leave Himself without witness, but visited her soul often, strengthened her faith in the Author and Finisher of her faith, Jesus Christ, as the only ground of salvation, and also quickened her hope and revived her love.

W. C. Lamain

INSTALLATION AND INAUGURATION OF REV.W. J.SUIJKER, UNIONVILLE, ONT.

July 29, 1972, was a day of great gladness for the rather small congregation of Unionville, Ontario. It pleased the Lord to give us another shepherd and teacher. Rev. Suijker came from Lisse, The Netherlands, where he left a large congregation to come and serve us as pastor. It must humble us to think that but for only a little over two years, our congregation was without a minister, and now already a servant was sent to minister unto us, not of any merit in us, but the Lord wanted it thus! May it never testify against us. All things are dependent upon His blessings, and without His blessings it shall all be in vain, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

The installation took place on Saturday morning by Rev. A. Elshout, who addressed the congregation in the Dutch and English language. His text for this occasion was chosen from Ezekiel 37:9, “Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”

Theme: A Divine order to prophesy.

1. The Gift of this order.

2. The Contents of this order.

3. The Meaning of this order.

The Lord also wants to use a “son of man” in our congregation to call unto the dry, dead bones, “that they may live.” Lord, Thou knowest … we do not know it … “For there was no breath in them.” Ezekiel did not know it either and could do nothing of himself, but he had to call upon the spirit … “Lord, work powerfully in the hearts of these people in our midst,” and then wait upon the Spirit of the Lord. A minister is surely responsible for what he brings, but is not responsible for the fruit it gives. It is the Lord in whose Almighty and Divine power it pleases to bring sinners from darkness into that marvellous light. Whatever the times may be, be it dark and dismal or good or evil, to bring yet “dry, dead bones” to the congregation that once shall be saved; dead in themselves but with a living hope, to thirst after life eternal, that in His time shall be fulfilled. Christ loved Himself to death “That they may live”! Never to be understood, only to be adored!

After the form of installation for ministers was read and the questions were asked, Rev. Suijker answered with a solemn “Yes, truly, with all my heart.”Rev. Elshout then spoke kind words of welcome to Rev. Suijker, his wife, and family, and wished them God’s Blessings, and closed with benediction.

In the afternoon, Rev. Suijker, now as minister, pastor and teacher of our congregation, preached his inaugural sermon in the Dutch language. He spoke from the words of St. John 3:29, “He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.”

Theme: Jesus Christ the bridegroom.

1. The Bride of the bridegroom.

2. The Friend of the bridegroom.

3. The Voice of the bridegroom.

4. The Gladness, or Joy, of the bridegroom.

God’s ways are Holy, not only personally in our life, but also especially are His servants tied to those ways. It pleased the Lord to send us to this congregation.

Christ came for a while to Judea. His disciples became mixed up regarding the preaching between Christ’s and John’s. See - they all come to Him.... “Was that but true!” John’s answer was, “He that has the bride is the bridegroom.” How did He obtain this bride? From eternity! Secondly, He bought His bride. He alone has a right to the bride, not belonging to the friend of the bridegroom, but to Him “in whom I am well pleased.” By nature we know not our bride-to-be, but spiritually, He knows His bride, and sends the friend of the bridegroom, to show the beauty of Him to arouse a Holy jealousy by the bride. The friend is obligated to the bridegroom and must fetch a bride. He must also know the groom. John was sent, but also his servants are sent.

The friend stands. He must be faithfull, must tell the glory and honor due to the bridegroom, not according to man, but “Him all homage pay.”

He also hears. When he lays ear to Him, O hear my voice today, and hear the church of old, the saints of all times have testified of the joy that there is in that bridegroom. “My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me.”

The gladness of the groom is seen in the friend. Oh what a joy that then exists in the friend, when he had won the heart of the bride, to take her by the hand and bring her in the arms of the bridegroom. Then his work was done, and would withdraw himself, having seen the first meeting, the joyful expression of the outer joy, but also some of the inner joy that exists, between Christ and His church when in the first love. He reveals Himself to the bride, “Altogether art thou lovely.”

That He may also use your servant here as a true friend of the bridegroom, to show the joy that is in Him, not the work of the minister, but the fullness that is in Christ.

After singing Psalm 52:7, Rev. Suijker thanked personally the moderator, Rev. Elshout, for the installing in the morning and thanked him kindly for his words. He also addressed Rev. F. Harinck, who visited our churches from The Netherlands, and thanked him for his presence. Further, he thanked all representatives present, and all those who had laboured to make this day possible. Rev. Suijker especially thanked the consistory of the Grace Christian Reformed Church for the facilities that were not only rent-free, but also conveniently located. Rev. Suijker then gave opportunity for all representatives to speak:

Rev. Elshout spoke on behalf of the classis.

Rev. F. Harinck spoke as a friend from Holland.

Brother Nieuwenhuis on behalf of St. Catharines.

Brother Bischop on behalf of Chilliwack.

Brother Van Vliet spoke on behalf of Unionville and Bradford, and welcomed Rev. and Mrs. Suijker and Mr. and Mrs. Gys Suijker into our congregations. He then spoke kind words to our minister and also addressed the congregation. He then requested the congregation to sing Psalm 122:3, after which Rev. Suijker closed with the benediction.

Elder, A. Fintelman

MARRIAGE: THE BOND OF UNITY

“It is not good that man shall be alone: I will make him a help meet for him.” These words God spake in the state of mans innocence. It thus became an ordinance given to man that he should leave his father and mother; and should cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. The apostle Paul speaks thereof as a great mystery; referring to the union of Christ with His church. A relationship which shall never be broken, even though they have often given Him reason to desert them; being a rebellious people. Isa. 54:10 “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.”

God therefore describes for us His plan and His ideal for marriage. A marriage well begun lacks no love, and places both man and wife in their respective places according to God’s ordinance.

We read first of all, concerning the wife. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord, For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” God thus requires of the wives: Subjection. “Submit yourselves unto your husband.” The husband is the head of the wife, as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands. This subjection is not out of bondage but with love to the husband: “To love their husbands, to love their children,” Titus 2:4. All through scripture we find the examples of godly women who subjected themselves to their husbands; we see this in Sarah, who called her husband; “Lord”; in Rebekah, as she lighted off the camel when she saw Isaac; things did not always go so smoothly in her marriage state, differing with her husband, who had a special love for Esau, while she retained a special love for Jacob. In the life of Jacob we find even a greater difference who shewed a greater love for Rachel than for Leah; not withstanding they all committed themselves unto the ordinance of God. We find in these examples that this subjection of the wife was a willing, and a joyous thing.

To the husband God says “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it.” The husbands are to love their wives because they are the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. The man the head; the woman is the body. “For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church.” It is the husbands duty to dwell with his wife according to knowledge; “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” 1 Pet. 3:7. In proper aspect to the ordinance of Christ, the husband should not try to subject his wife, and the wife should not criticize her husband into acts of love and kindness. The husband is to love his wife whether or not she subjects herself to him, and the wife is to subject herself to her husband whether or not he is loving. “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives.” 1 Pet. 3:1

It is well that we consider the statement; “That the wife must subject herself in everything.” God placed the wife in a subordinate state (which is a state of honour), or as a help meet to Adam who is the head of the wife, but the husband cannot command the wife to do what God’s word forbids, but in all things lawful to God’s ordinances she is to be in subjection.

The wife is not to compel the husband to be in subjection to her. The results of misunderstandings, and not bowing under the ordinances of God often cause great confusion in the home. The divorce rates would not be so prevalent if God’s word would be honored and obeyed. 1 Cor. 7:10 “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband.” If no oneness is found between husband and wife what can be expected of oneness in the family? Love covers a multitude of sin, and brings unity in the family. Let the husband seek the well being of his wife, and the wife yield her self fully with affection to her husband, we may then find the bond of marriage also fulfilled; Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

C. F. Boerkoel, Sr.

DIVINE GUIDANCE

It is well for those who are duly sensible of their own weakness and fallibility, and of the difficulties with which they are surrounded in life, that the Lord has promised to guide His people with His eye, and to cause them to hear a word behind them, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it,” when they are in danger of turning aside either to the right hand or to the left. For this purpose, He has given us the written word to be a lamp to our feet, and encouraged us to pray for the teaching of His Holy Spirit, that we may rightly understand and apply it. It is, however, too often seen, that many widely deviate from the path of duty, and commit gross and perplexing mistakes, while they profess a sincere desire to know the will of God and think they have His warrant and authority. This must certainly be owing to misapplication of the rule by which they judge, since the rule itself is infallible, and the promise sure. The Scripture cannot deceive us, if rightly understood; but it may, if perverted, prove the occasion of confirming us in a mistake. The Holy Spirit cannot mislead those who are under His influence; but we may suppose that we are so, when we are not. It may not be unseasonable to offer a few thoughts upon a subject of great importance to the peace of our minds, and to the honour of our holy profession.

Many have been deceived as to what they ought to do, or in forming a judgment beforehand of events in which they are nearly concerned, by expecting direction in ways which the Lord has not warranted. I shall mention some of the principal of these, for it is not easy to enumerate them all.

Some persons, when two or more things have been in view, and they could not immediately determine which to prefer, have committed their case to the Lord by prayer, and have then proceeded to cast lots: taking it for granted, that, after such a solemn appeal, the turning up of the lot might be safely rested in as an answer from God. It is true, the Scripture, and indeed right reason, assures us, that the Lord disposes the lot; and there are several cases recorded in the Old Testament, in which lots were used by Divine appointment; but I think neither these, nor the choosing Matthias by lot to the apostleship, are proper precedents for our conduct. In the division of the lands of Canaan, in the affair of Achan, and in the nomination of Saul to the kingdom, recourse was had to lots by God’s express command. The instance of Matthias likewise was singular, such as can never happen again; namely, the choice of an apostle; who would not have been upon a par with the rest, who were chosen immediately by the Lord, unless He had been pleased to interpose in some extraordinary way; and all these were before the canon of Scripture was completed, and before the full descent and communication of the Holy Spirit, who was promised to dwell with the church to the end of time. Under the New Testament dispensation, we are invited to come boldly to the Throne of Grace, to make our requests known to the Lord, and to cast our cares upon Him, but we have neither precept nor promise respecting the use of lots; and to have recourse to them without His appointment, seems to be tempting Him rather than honouring Him, and to savour more of presumption than dependence. The effects likewise ot expedient have often been unhappy and hurtful: a sufficient proof how little it is to be trusted to as a guide of our conduct.

Others, when in doubt, have opened the Bible at a venture, and expected to find something to direct them in the first verse they should cast their eye upon. It is no small discredit to this practice, that the Heathens, who knew not the Bible, used some of their favourite books in the same way; and grounded their persuasions of what they ought to do, or of what should befall them, according to the passage they happened to open upon. Among the Romans, the writings of Virgil were frequently consulted upon these occasions: And indeed Virgil is as well adapted to satisfy inquirers in this way as the Bible itself; for if people will be governed by the occurrence of a single text of Scripture, without regarding the context, or duly comparing it with the general tenor of the word of God, and with their own circumstances, they may commit the greatest extravagances, expect the greatest impossibilities, and contradict the plainest dictates of common sense, while they think they have the word of God on their side. Can the opening upon 2 Sam. vii 3, when Nathan said unto David, “Do all that is in thine heart, for the Lord is with thee,” be sufficient to determine the lawfulness or expediency of actions? Or can a glance of the eye upon our Lord’s words to the woman of Canaan, Matth. xv. 28, “Be it unto thee even as thou wilt,” amount to a proof, that the present earnest desire of the mind (whatever it may be) shall be surely accomplished? Yet it is certain that matters big with important consequences have been engaged in, and the most sanguine expectations formed, upon no better warrant than dipping (as it is called) upon a text of Scripture.

A sudden strong impression of a text, that seems to have some resemblance to the concern upon the mind, has been accepted by many as an infallible token that they were right, and that things would go just as they would have them: or, on the other hand, if the passage bore a threatening aspect, it has filled them with fears and disquietudes, which they have afterwards found were groundless and unnecessary. These impressions, being more out of their power than the former method, have been more generally regarded and trusted to, but have frequently proved no less delusive. It is allowed, that such impressions of a precept or a promise as humble, animate, or comfort the soul, by giving it a lively sense of the truth contained in the words, are both profitable and pleasant; and many of the Lord’s people have been instructed and supported (especially in a time of trouble) by some seasonable word of grace applied and sealed by His Spirit with power to their hearts. But if impressions or impulses are received as a voice from heaven, directing to such particular actions as could not be proved to be duties without them, a person may be unwarily misled into great evils and gross delusions; and many have been so. There is no doubt but the enemy of our souls, if permitted, can furnish us with Scriptures in abundance in this way, and for these purposes.

Some persons judge of the nature and event of their designs, by the freedom which they find in prayer. They say they commit their ways to God, seek His direction, and are favoured with much enlargement of spirit; and therefore they cannot doubt but what they have in view is acceptable in the Lord’s sight. I would not absolutely reject every plea of this kind, yet, without other corroborating evidence, I could not admit it in proof of what it is brought for. It is not always easy to determine when we have spiritual freedom in prayer. Self is deceitful; and when our hearts are much fixed and bent upon a thing, this may put words and earnestness into our mouths. Too often we first secretly determine for ourselves, and then come to ask counsel of God; in such a disposition we are ready to catch at every thing that may seem to favour our darling scheme; and the Lord, for the detection and chastisement of our hypocrisy (for hypocrisy it is, though perhaps hardly perceptible to ourselves), may answer us according to our idols; see Ezek. xiv. 3, 4. Besides, the grace of prayer may be in exercise, when the subject-matter of the prayer may be founded upon a mistake, from the intervention of circumstances which we are unacquainted with. Thus, I may have a friend in a distant country; I hope he is alive; I pray for him, and it is my duty so to do. The Lord, by His Spirit, assists His people in what is their present duty. If I am enabled to pray with much liberty for my distant friend, it may be a proof that the Spirit of the Lord is pleased to assist my infirmities, but it is no proof that my friend is certainly alive at the time I am praying for him: and if the next time I pray for him I should find my spirit straitened, I am not to conclude that my friend is dead, and therefore the Lord will not assist me in praying for him any longer.

Once more: A remarkable dream has sometimes been thought as decisive as any of the foregoing methods of knowing the will of God. That many wholesome and seasonable admonitions have been received in dreams I willingly allow; but, though they may be occasionally noticed, to pay a great attention to dream, especially to be guided by them, to form our sentiments, conduct, or expectations upon them, is superstitious and dangerous. The promises are not made to those who dream, but to those who watch.

Upon the whole, though the Lord may give to some persons, upon some occasions, a hint or encouragement out of the common way; yet expressly to look for and seek His direction in such things as I have mentioned, is unscriptural and ensnaring. I could fill many sheets with a detail of the inconveniences and evils which have followed such a dependence, within the course of my own observation. I have seen some presuming they are doing God’s service, while acting in contradiction to His express commands. I have known others infatuated to believe a lie, declaring themselves assured, beyond a shadow of a doubt, of things which, after all, never came to pass; and when at length disappointed, Satan has improved the occasion to make them doubt of the plainest and most important truths, and to account their whole former experience a delusion. By these things weak believers have been stumbled, cavils and offences against the Gospel multiplied, and the ways of truth evil spoken of.

But how then may the Lord’s guidance be expected? After what has been premised negatively, the question may be answered in a few words. In general, He guides and directs His people, by affording them, in answer to prayer, the light of His Holy Spirit, which enables them to understand and to love the Scriptures. The word of God is not to be used as a lottery; nor is it designed to instruct us by shreds and scraps, which, detached from their proper places, have no determinate import; but it is to furnish us with just principles, right apprehensions, to regulate our judgments and affections, and thereby to influence and direct our conduct. They who study the Scriptures, in a humble dependence upon Divine teaching, are convinced of their own weakness, are taught to make a true estimate of every thing around them, are gradually formed into a spirit of submission to the will of God, discover the nature and duties of their several situations and relations in life, and the snares and temptations to which they are exposed. The word of God dwells richly in them, is a preservative from error, a light to their feet, and a spring of strength and consolation. By treasuring up the doctrines, precepts, promises, examples, and exhortations of Scripture, in their minds, and daily comparing themselves with the rule by which they walk, they grow into a habitual frame of spiritual wisdom, and acquire a gracious taste, which enables them to judge of right and wrong with a degree of readiness and certainty, as a musical ear judges of sounds. And they are seldom mistaken, because they are influenced by the love of Christ, which rules in their hearts, and a regard to the glory of God, which is the great object they have in view.

In particular cases, the Lord opens and shuts for them, breaks down walls of difficulty which obstruct their path, or hedges up their way with thorns, when they are in danger of going wrong, by the dispensations of His providence. They know that their concernments are in His hands; they are willing to follow whither and when He leads; but are afraid of going before Him. Therefore they are not impatient: because they believe, they will not make haste, but wait daily upon Him in prayer; especially when they find their hearts most engaged in any purpose of pursuit, they are most jealous of being deceived by appearances, and dare not move farther or faster than they can perceive His light shining upon their paths. I express at least their desire, if not their attainment: thus they would be. And though there are seasons when faith languishes, and self too much prevails, this is their general disposition; and the Lord, whom they serve, does not disappoint their expectations. He leads them by a right way, preserves them from a thousand snares, and satisfies them that He is and will be their guide even unto death.

J.NEWTON

CONVERSION

The conversion of a soul is by far the most remarkable event in the history of the world, although many of you do not care about it. It is the object that attracts the eyes of the holy angels to the spot where it takes place. It is the object which the Father’s eye rests upon with tenderness and delight. This work in the soul is what brings greater glory to the Father, Son, and Spirit, than all the other works of God. It is far more wonderful than all the works of art. There is nothing that can equal it. Ah! brethren, if you think little of it, or laugh at it, how little have you of the mind of God?

Conversion may be looked at from different points. The world can notice conversion. They see a young man, perhaps, who was careless like themselves, taking to his closet. They observe a change in his speech. They see a change in his company, and they say it is a whim. There is another view of it which God’s children take. They see a soul cast out into the open field to the loathing of its person, and they see Jesus, the glorious Redeemer, stooping down and binding up its wounds. They see a sister, a brother born for eternity. A third view of conversion is as a victory of Christ over the devil — “Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” The world is a great battlefield. “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed, it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” Satan has the world bound in strong fetters. The whole world lies in the wicked one — lies in his arms, sung to sleep with his lullaby. But there is a great One gone forth, sitting on a white horse, and having on his head many crowns, and ever and anon he is cutting the strong chains with which sinners are bound, and saying, as he does so, to Satan, “Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?”

However, dear friends, I desire by the help of the Holy Spirit to show you that Satan resists every conversion. “And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.” There is no doubt but that this passage describes a vision which Zechariah saw, and that Joshua represents Jerusalem. Accordingly, Zechariah saw Joshua as a sinner awakened, and coming and standing before the Lord; but he saw another standing at his right hand to resist him, not an angel of light, but an angel of darkness. Now, brethren, this describes the case of every awakened and converted soul. When God convinces a soul of sin, he brings him to stand before him — then Satan convinces a soul of sin, he brings him to stand before him — then Satan comes to resist him. Before conversion, the devil tries to keep you secure, he cries out peace, peace. He fills you with high notions about yourself. He fills you with pride, and with high notions about your knowledge — that you know your catechism — that you are acquainted with the doctrines of the Bible. Or he binds you with silken fetters to some unlawful attachment — to someone who is going down the broad way, and he makes you to hate the gospel. Or he brings you under the faithful preaching of the gospel and makes you content to sit and hear it, and even delight in hearing it, thereby making you imagine you are Christ’s, when you know him not. But the moment Christ comes and awakens you, then comes Satan to resist you. This resistance of Satan is twofold.

1. He resists you at the bar of God. In ancient courts of justice the accuser stood at the right hand of the judge, and brought against the accused all his crimes. So is it with Satan. You will see this in Revelations 12:10, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” The same you will see alluded to in Psalms 109:6, “Set thou a wicked man over him, and let Satan stand at his right hand.” So that you will observe, from the first moment that a spark of grace is put into your heart, Satan stands at the bar of God to accuse you. And what does he accuse you of? First, he accuses you of sin. He says, That soul is the vilest in the world. Yea, there is none like it. Or sometimes he accuses you of unbelief. That soul has denied thee. Or sometimes he accuses you of going back after you had been awakened. That soul was awakened and has gone back; even after you visited that soul, it went back.

2. He resists you at the bar of conscience. He says to the sinner, How can you come, you are too vile? — thou art the chief of sinners, there is none like thee. Or sometimes he says, It is too late; you might have been saved had you come sooner. You might have been saved had you come in youth. Or you might have been saved had you come when you were a wakened, but now it is of no use to try, it is too late. Or sometimes he takes another plan. When you are awakened and stand before the angel, he stirs up corruptions with you; even when you are upon your knees he stirs up corruption in order to shut your eye from seeing the mercy seat. He stirs up the sin that is in your heart. He makes you to see its vileness in order to keep you away from Christ.

Learn two lessons from this.

1. Learn that it is a solemn thing to be under conviction of sin. It is true, you are seeking Christ, but it is also true that Satan is ready to resist you. Do not think you are safe because you are under conviction? Remember you are not saved because you have got sight of your sins. It is not every awakened sinner that is a saved man. And if it is a solemn thing to be awakened, what must be the danger of those of you who are now awakened, who are not seeking Christ, who are asleep over hell! You are in greater danger this day than ever you were, for you are now asleep. You are nearer hell now than ever. You may have sought pardon once, but now you have given over seeking it, and every hour is bringing you nearer hell.

2. A second lesson for those who are under real conviction. Remember it is only Satan that resists you. God does not resist you. Christ does not resist you. The Holy Ghost does not resist you. Remember, whoever says your sins are too many to be forgiven, it is not God, it is not Christ. It is Satan. Christ invites you to come to him. The Holy Spirit invites you, and all the friends of Christ invite you. Do not be driven back.

Rev. R. M’Cheyne

THE THORN IN THE FLESH

A minister was preaching in London one evening, and having occasion in his remarks to refer to the thorn in the flesh, as recorded by the Apostle Paul, he named the following incident in the life of the late honored servant of God, Francis Covell, of Croydon.

A friend called upon him during a brief visit to Croydon, and the two ministers had an enjoyable conversation upon divine things. It is well known that Mr. Covell was much favored of God, and that he lived very near to Him in his daily life. During conversation the friend remarked that he should think his (Mr. Covell’s) a very happy lot. “You have a loving people, all you desire in this world, and an abiding assurance of eternal blessedness in the world to come. You can have little or nothing to give you any sorrow.”

Mr. Covell made no response to this at the moment, but before bidding his guest farewell, asked him into an adjoining room, and showed him his imbecile son, grown up to man’s estate, yet totally unfit for employment. This sad sight needed no emphasis of words to convince the visitor of the mistake he had made in his estimate of Mr. Covell’s lot in life.

After service this evening, a friend stayed behind desiring to speak to the servant of Christ who had related the above.

He said, “We have a little one at home, six months old, who has never smiled. That is our thorn. It is very singular that you have been led to state what you did. We believe the child is dumb, and are also afraid she is quite blind. The medical men can give no relief, nor can they give us any hope for the future. Many, many times have we, like Paul, earnestly desired the Lord to remove our thorn by taking our little one home to Himself.

Every Christian has his own peculiar thorn or cross, and he alone best knows what it is, and how sharp it is. So far as grace rules in his heart, he also knows that it is intended to do him good, and that it is given to him by a wise and loving Friend. Even if sent by Satan, it is permitted by God. He knows that it gives him many errands to God’s mercy-seat, and sends him there very often when otherwise he would be very disinclined to go. It thus tends to make and keep him humble, watchful, tender, sober, prayerful, and very dependent upon the grace of God to make all His mercies really blessings to him, and to sweeten all his sorrows. When he is most under the influence of grace, he rather desires the blessing of God in his affliction than the removal of the affliction itself. Paul could say that he “rather glorified in his infirmity” in this sense, that the power of Christ might rest upon him.

W.W.

SUFFER PATIENTLY

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. — Rom. 12 v. 18.

There is much contest in the world about property; but believers taking Christ for their only property (a property of which none can dispossess them) have in Him alone, immense treasures and lasting peace. And since therefore wrath and anger turn into nothing but disquietness, and are punished by themselves, why dost thou having so much to enrich and delight thee, suffer thyself to be easily moved by them? The least provocation it may be, even a single word will stir up the corruption of thine heart, so as to change thy countenance, and make thee speak unadvisedly. But consider how God bears with thee, and what an abomination anger is. It is the venom of the old serpent. As for thee called as thou art to bear the image of God, and bring forth the fruits of the good Spirit, thou must follow the lamb-like mind of Christ. For this purpose it is necessary — First, To avoid all occasions of strife. Secondly, If quarrels arise, to bridle our tongues. Thirdly, To suffer patiently when we are wronged. Fourthly, Immediately to offer up fervent prayer, and thus to quench the sparks of fire, before they break into a flame. This is the easiest and only method to prevent great troubles, and lead a peaceful, happy life; for anger carries in itself uneasiness, and love a sweet satisfaction. Lord preserve me from anger, wrath, clamour, and all that is opposed to the mind and temper of Thy beloved Son.

From: Bogatsky’s Daily Readings

“THE HARVEST IS COME”

(These words, that I have brought to you
Are, in a literal sense, quite true;
For we have seen when travelling round,
Many in harvest work are found.)

According to God’s word, we see
“Seed-time, and harvest, there shall be”;
And thus, these seasons come and go,
Till time is ended, here below.

But we another harvest view.
To which the wheat and tares grow too;
(A solemn time ‘twill be for some,
When this last harvest-day has come.)

(The question, then with us, will be,—
“How stands the case, my soul with thee?”
We may religious garbs wear, here,
And yet among the tares appear.)

(It needs no supernatural power,
To make an artifical flower,
Which may resemble a real one,
But needs no water, or the Sun.)

A preparation there must be
Ere we an earthly harvest see;
And thus, the Lord prepares, (we view)
Sinners for His reception too.

When God began may not be clear,
Yet, as those little blades appear,
They prove the seed has taken root,
And, later on, will bring forth fruit.

Those stormy winds that sometimes blow,
Pass o’er these tender blades that grow,
And this they do, in grace, (we see),
When that first love is known by thee.

Though afterwards an harrow’s used,
God never breaks a reed that’s bruised;
No grain of wheat falls to the ground,
But chaff is scattered all around.

“Fair weather cometh from the north”;
The furnace real gold brings forth:
When fruit is ripe, the Lord, (we view)
Then putteth in the sickle too.

(And age has nought to do with this,
A ripened child, God calls to bliss;
Thus, one of these was heard to say—
“Lord, I am coming home,” (to-day).

(O, what a harvest it will be,
When God’s united family,
To Heaven shall be gathered in,
Where everlasting joys begin.) A.K.

THE PROPER LABEL

After an earnest sermon, dealing plainly and pointedly with sin, one of the church officers came to the study of the pastor and expressed himself somewhat as follows: “We do not want you to talk as plainly as you did about sin, because if our boys and girls hear you talking too much about sin they will more easily become sinners. Call it a mistake if you will, but do not speak so plainly about sin.” The pastor took down a small bottle of strychnine, marked “Poison,” and showed it to his visitor, saying, “I see what you want me to do. You want me to change the label. Now suppose I take this label off and substitute another, say, ‘Essence of Peppermint,’ do you not see what happens? The milder you make your label the more dangerous you make your poison. Jereboam changed the label and the more easily led Israel into the sin of idolatry.”

—J.W. Chapman, in The Bible Advocate

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