A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF WOMEN IN THE CHURCH

(continued)

We have written about what women may notdo in the church, and we observed that a wife is to show her submission to her husband in different ways. Especially in public worship God wanted her to be silent and to be in submission. Paul based this upon the facts that (1) Adam was first created and then Eve, and (2) Adam was not the first in transgression, but Eve.

However, this teaching of Scripture does not imply that women are inferior or less privileged than men. Nor does it mean that God has no task for women at all and that they cannot be used in His Kingdom. The woman has a very important place in Scripture and in God’s plan of salvation. Contrary to what many people may think, the Bible presents women and their work in a very favorable light. In the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament we meet many God-fearing women, and Scripture speaks of them with deep appreciation and respect.

The Old Testament says in Proverbs 12:4, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband”, meaning that a virtuous woman is the most precious possession that a man can have. As a crown to a king, similarly is a virtuous woman to her husband. Again in Proverbs 31:10 we are told the high value of a God-fearing woman. There we read, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” In those days rubies were among the most precious stones. Soloman says: If you have a virtuous woman as a loving wife and mother, then you are richer than those who have many rubies, for her value is far above rubies.

Not only are the lives of many God-fearing men recorded in the Old Testament, but we also have the record of many great women. We have only to remind you of Sarah, Rebekah, Hannah, Ruth, Naomi, and the Shunammite woman. Humanly speaking, what would Moses have been without his mother Jochebed. And who can think about Samuel and Timothy without thinking also about their mothers Hannah and Lois.

The idea that women are the slaves of men and may be exploited and enslaved is not instigated by the Bible. One can never blame the Word of God for this view about women which was and is yet very common in the Middle East. In the Old Testament we find that many laws were specifically given to protect women. This was very unusual for the days in which the Old Testament was written. A woman was then considered as a slave and a chattel of her husband, and had almost no rights at all. There were no laws to protect her, and in most societies the husband had absolute power over his wife. If he became tired of her, he could just tell her to leave.

But when you turn to the laws of the Word of God, you may notice the high regard which God places upon women. There is a great difference between God’s Word and the customs of those days when God gave these laws to Israel. For example, in Exodus 22 you can read how God protects the widows. There the Lord threatens to kill the man who lays his hand upon any widow to oppress her. You will also find laws to protect women from cruel, sinful men who might mistreat them.

The New Testament is not different in this respect, but there we find the same genuine appreciation and respect for women. When we study the Gospel accounts, it is clear that the Lord Jesus had a high respect for women. When the Syrophenician woman came to Him, He did not refuse her. He healed her daughter and said of her, “I have not seen anybody with greater faith in all Israel.” What a commendation of a woman! When Christ was in Capernaum, an unclean woman with an issue of blood touched Him on the hem of His garment and was healed. Jesus turned to her and spoke with tender love, “Daughter, go in peace; thy faith hath made thee whole.”

When Christ instructed how to pray, He chose the illustration of a widow (Luke 18). At the well of Jacob a woman came to Him and He spent a long time talking with her alone. Christ did not ignore her, even though she was ignored by others because she had led a sinful life. What a contrast this was with the teachings of certain rabbis of that time who taught: do not talk to a woman even if she is your wife. We read that the Pharisees came, dragging a woman unto Him, and accused her of adultery. The Lord Jesus showed concern for this woman that had fallen into sin.

In teaching a lesson about real giving, Christ pointed to a widow who gave her last two pennies for the ordinance of God. And as a final proof whereby Christ showed that women are no less than men in God’s eyes, we read that on the day of Easter when He arose from the dead, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils. The woman, who was the first in transgression, became the first to hear about Christ’s resurrection, the first to meet the risen Christ, and even the first preacher of the tidings that Christ had risen indeed. It was not to Peter, but to her that Christ said, “Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me.”

As we proceed further in the New Testament, we read of Dorcas, of Lydia, and of Priscilla. It is clear that the apostle Paul had deep respect for Priscilla. In Romans 16 we read of Phebe, of Mary, of the mother of Rufus, of Julia, and many others. Likewise Ephesians 5 evidences the regard of Christianity for women, for the Bible tells there about the duty of husbands - that they ought to love their wives as Christ loved the church. As Christ gave Himself for the church, so ought men to give themselves for their wives. They are to nourish them and to cherish them, and are admonished to treat their wives as they treat their own bodies. They are to give honor to them as the weaker vessels, and as being heirs also of the grace of life, so that their prayers be not hindered. God says that He will not hear the prayer of the man who does not treat his wife as he ought to do.

Looking at all these testimonies of Scripture, we must say: Wives are in the eyes of God no second-class persons and, when they fear Him, are no second-class citizens of heaven. Women are not less important to God and for His Kingdom than men are.

(Rev. C. Harinck)

(to be continued)

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This month our Bible quiz is based on the 6th article of the “Apostles’ Creed,” and this article teaches us further about the Lord Jesus. After He arose from the grave, He was upon the earth for a short period (I am sure that most of you know for how many days this was), and then He went up into heaven. If you read the first chapter of the book of Acts, you will read how He ascended into heaven as His disciples stood watching. Ascension Day, which is forty days after Easter, is a special and important day for His church, as it was also for Him and for His disciples. The first letters of the answers spell our four words of the article.

The questions are as follows:

Stephen said, “Behold, I see the _________ opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

David sang, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye _________doors, and the King of glory shall come in.” (Psalms)

In Psalm 68 David wrote, “Thou hast _________ on high, Thou hast led captivity captive.”

When Stephen was stoned, at whose feet were the clothes laid of those who stoned him?

While the disciples stood watching, the Lord Jesus was taken up, and a _________ received him out of

their sight.

Of whom do we read that he “walked with God; and he was not; for God took him”?

Paul wrote in Colossians 3, “Set your affections on things above, ___________ on things on the earth.”

Saul came near to what city, when a great light from heaven shone round him?

Philip was sent by the Spirit to preach Jesus unto a traveller from what city?

Jacob, in a dream, saw angels of God ascending and ___________on a ladder which reached to heaven.

Paul, writing to the Hebrews (chapter 7), spoke of Christ, saying, “He ever liveth to make _________ for them.”

Peter said unto the lame man, “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee; in the_________ of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

For how many days was Saul without his sight?

The apostle John heard a great voice while on the island of Patmos saying, “I am Alpha and _________, the first and the last.”

Jesus said to His disciples, “In my Father’s ___________ are many

mansions, … I go to prepare a place for you.”

The traveller to whom Philip was sent was reading___________the prophet.

Who was sent to Saul that he might receive his sight again?

While on earth the Lord Jesus said, “I am the true __________ and My Father is the Husbandman.” (John) Of whom in the Bible do we read that he went up by a whirlwind into heaven?

Matthias was chosen to take the place of Judas, “and he was _________ with the eleven apostles.”

Answers to the quiz in our March issue are as follows —

“He rose from the dead”

Holy Acts 2:22–27

Early Mark 16:1–2

Resurrection John 11:25

Opened Luke 24:13–32

Stone Mark 16:1–3

Excellency Philippians 3:8

Faithless John 20:26–27

Rabboni John 20:11–16

Observe Matthew 28:16–20

Magdalene Mark 16:9

Thomas John 20:24–25

Here Luke 24:4–6

Enemy I Corinthians 15:26

Dead Matthew 28:2–4

Earth Matthew 28:16–18

Alway Matthew 28:16–20

Deceiver Matthew 27:62–63

Answers have been received from the following boys and girls —

Billy Blaak

Bob Van Grouw

Trudy Van Veldhuizen

Christine Koppert

Brian Westrate

Cheryl Kalee

Debbie Kalee

Karel Kalee

Linda Bazen

Steve Slotsema

Shirley Slotsema

Larry Slotsema

Frances Rus

Gary Van Giessen

Randy Van Giessen

Mary Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Marilyn De Maagd

Neil Boluyt

Mike Boluyt

John Boluyt

Elizabeth Van Giessen

Jim Van Giessen (2)

Kathy Van Giessen

John Blok

Esther Boonzaayer

Ruth Boonzaayer

Maria Boonzaayer

Janice Polderman

Elise Kay Polderman

Ellen Polderman

Bruce Blok

Henry Rosendall

Laura Rosendall

James Rosendall

Jim Zomer

Mary Van Zweden

Joan Van Zweden

John Van Zweden

Janet Van Zweden

Ralph Van Zweden

Mark Van Zweden

Bruce Verblaauw

Brian Van Grouw

Sharon Van Grouw

Gail Hoogendoorn

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Gene Hoogendoorn

Perry Hoogendoorn

Kenneth Ymker

Mineva Ymker

Daniel Ymker

Ruth Bouma

Albert Bouma

Mary Kievit

Arie Van Vugt

Beverly Southway

Barbara Southway

Mark Bleeker

Harlan Rozeboom

Linda Van De Vendel

Sharon Van De Vendel

Billy Van Wingerden

Kenny Van Wingerden

Carol Van Bernden

Kathy Van Bemden

Paul Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

David Greendyk

Billy Greendyk

Ronald Van Wingerden

Paul Van Wingerden

Leonard Frens

Juli Frens

Mary Frens

Sharon Frens

Tim Westrate

Bob Mol

Carol Mol

Nicholas John Bush

Adrian J. Bush

Val Lugthart

Joan Lugthart

Susan Blaak

John Martin Vander Wiele

Jane Ellen Vander Wiele

Ken Nieuwenhuis

Kevin Verbeke

Martin de Peuter

Janny Louise Van Wingerden

Cheryl Timmer

Rhonda Van Voorst

Neal Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Bobby Boerkoel

Neil Mast

Jane Mast

Joylynn Mast

Jackie Walma

Andy Walma

Tim Van Stelle

Andy Van Stelle

Gary Roozenboom

Henrietta Stapel

Janice Stapel

John Stapel

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

Jo Ann Van Ravenswaay

Esther Van Ravenswaay

Gywen Hoogendoorn

La Rae Hoogendoorn

Richard Rozeboom

Ken Noorlander

Patricia Noorlander

Gretta Noorlander

Arline Kieboom

Ella Kieboom

Andrew Kieboom

Ellen Van Ginkel (2)

Rita Erickson (2)

Roger Erickson (2)

Deanna Erickson (2)

Debbie Erickson

Cindy Erickson

Gary Blok

Karl Boonzaayer

Margaret Den Boer

Willem Den Boer

Jonathan Van Beek

David Van Beek

Roger Van Beek

Janet Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Daniel Sweetman

Judy Sweetman

Mary Van Tilburg

Leah Van Tilburg

Mary De Meester

Marilyn Kamp

Bill Kamp

Tom Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Susan Van Ess

Richard Van Ess

Mark Fintelman

Michael Fintelman

Mary Brouwer

David Kwekel

Gary Kwekel

Nancy Kwekel

Tina Blok

Dan Meeuwse

Mark Meeuwse

Tammy Troff

Mary Van Oostenbrugge

Karl Van Oostenbrugge

Heidi Engelsma

Sheryl Spaans

Marcia Spaans

Ken Spaans

Amy Lou Kaat

John Verhey

Dave Verhey

Tom Greendyk

David Klarenbeek

Amy Mieras

Laurie Den Hartigh

Lana Den Hartigh

Jennie Sue Easterhoff

Karen Easterhoff

Bobby Greendyk

Betty Pols

Marilyn Pols

Karen Van Kckerix

Tim Timmer

Raymond Van Grouw

Ruth Van Grouw

Tammy Koedam

Marsha Koedam

Helen Hendricks

Tom Timmer

Linda Remus

Janet Remus

John Remus

Anita Hamstra

Jane Derksen

Russell Derksen

Joann Van Beek

Anden Van Beek

Alma Van Beek

Albert Van Grouw

Carla Van Grootheest

Gloria Rus

Meivin Rus

Harlan Rus

Kenneth Rus

Leonard Timmer

Tammy Kaat

Jeff Kaat

Gerarda Grisnich

Jerry Pluim

Gloria Pluim

Rose Pluim

Janny Van Wingerden

Linda Kamp

Mary Kamp

Henry Kamp

Betty Kamp

Hermina Faye Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Marcia D. Hubbers

Donna Marie Hubers

Helen Hubers

Anna Moore

Leah Moore

Carl Moore

Marie Rozeboom

Glenn Rozeboom

Mark Heystek

Julie Van Gemert

Marianne Van Hoepen

Rhea Stubbe

Gladys Van Bochove

Rhonda Van Bochove

George Van Strien

Richard Rosendall

John Peter Rosendall

Elizabeth Koppert

Nelly Koppert

Peter Koppert

Christine Koppert

William Slingerland

Marinus Slingerland

Judy Slingerland

Billy Van Wyk

Cornelius Van Wyk

Martin Van Wyk

Gloria Roskam

Shirley Blok

Bill Kroesbergen

Lisa Carlson

Donna Klarenbeek

Barbara Klarenbeek

Pamela Klarenbeek

Teresa Klarenbeek

Abraham Korevaar

Adrian Korevaar

John Korevaar

Andy Korevaar

John M. Goeman

Karen Goeman

David M. Goeman

Wilma Korevaar

Evelyn Korevaar

Jane-Marie Korevaar

Todd Vande Stouwe

Nancy Vande Stouwe

Delia Vanden Brink

Roy Vanden Brink

Gerda Vanden Brink

Stephan Vanden Brink

Larry Greyn

Vernon Greyn

Kathryn Greyn

Gilbert Greyn

Nina Greyn

Linda Greyn

Dennis Lee Hup

Harvey Andrew Hup

Alfred Hup

Casey Blom

Bobby Blom

Marlene Van Veldhuizen

Kristine Rieder

Raymond Rieder

Lavonne Van Beek

Glenda Van Beek

Audrey Van Beek

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Jan Van Dalen

Ruth Ann Van Dalen

Jacob Van Dalen

Teresa Vander Meulen

Frances Vander Meulen

Joyce Vander Meulen

Harmen Vander Meulen

Sidney Vander Meulen

Cordy Vandenberg (2)

John Vandenberg

Paul Vandenberg

Henry Vandenberg

Jeanette Vandenberg

Willem Den Boer

Margaret Den Boer

Randy Teunissen

Priscilla Van Ree

Carol Wallenburg

Wanita Wallenburg

Arlene Wallenburg

Bill Koeber

Janice Vlietstra

Jonathan Edward Vlietstra

David Charles Vlietstra

Martin Peter Vlietstra

William Grisnich

Peter Grisnich

Corrie Overcem

Joanne Overcem

Casey Overcem

Jenny Overeem

Kathy Overeem

Laurus Sinke

Arthur den Hoed

Maryjean den Hoed

Kathleen den Hoed

Joleen den Hoed

Jeanette Slingerland

Bill Droogers

Debbie Droogers

Jannie Slingerland

Nellie Slingerland

Benny Oudshoorn

Billy Oudshoorn

Diane Oudshorn

John Oudshoorn

Martin Oudshoorn

Wilma Oudshoorn

Gloria Van Den Top

Darlene Van Den Top

Eldon Van Den Top

Daryl Van Den Top

Joyce Van Den Top

Jane Van Den Top

George K. Veltman, Jr.

Gerarda Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Wendy Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

John Van Hoepen

George Feyter

And again it is time to answer our mail —

LINDA BAZEN — It was nice to hear from you, Linda, so your letter will be the first one this time. There are many things as we grow older, and we can never say that we have learned everything. We hope you will like the book which we are sending you.

JANICE VLIETSTRA — Do you have your own strawberry patch, Janice? We have a small patch of them. It is surprising how many strawberries grow in a little area. Do you have any idea why they are called “straw-berries”?

RHEA STUBBE — I heard that your nice weather which you wrote about didn’t stay with you, Rhea. We too had lots of snow on the 17th of March, even though there were lots of robins already here. Were you able to get to church on Sunday?

MARIANNE VAN HOEPEN — We are all quite well, Marianne. Did you receive your book already? The weather is quite nice again and our snow is just about all gone. We will certainly try to pay you a visit if we are ever again in that part of the country.

JUDY SLINGERLAND — Did the teachers go on strike at your school, Judy? How few people there are today who are satisfied with what they have. The Bible tells us — “A little that the righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked”. Can you find this text in the Bible?

ELLA KIEBOOM — We hope you are feeling better again, Elk. I did not feel well one day this week either. It must have been an upset stomach, as it only lasted part of a day. Did your schools close because of the snow? You don’t have far to go, but everyone doesn’t live that near to school.

KRISTINE RIEDER — I was happy to hear that you were starting your own library of good books, Kristine. We hope, of course, that you never forget which is the best book. You certainly have a collection of animals. Do you have names for all of them?

LINDA REMUS — Sometimes we have snow on the ground all winter, but I guess that wasn’t the case this year, Linda. Were you quite sick when you had the chicken-pox? There are others who wrote that they had the chicken-pox this winter.

MARGARET DENBOER — Your answers arrived in time, Margaret. Does Peter like to stay inside the playpen? It doesn’t take long before they realize how nice it is to be outside of it. Did you find the quiz to be quite easy this month?

TAMMY TROFF — Very good, Tammy, I see you found the texts in the Bible which tell us about the ants. How old is your little sister now? Does the cast on her foot bother her? Doctors or physicians are very important to us today. That we may also see our need of that Great Physician.

SUSAN BLAAK — We were happy to have you join in answering the Bible quiz, Susan. This month we seem to have quite a few new ones, and, of course, we hope that they will all stay with us. What does your “sans suisy” corner look like? I suppose you mean its not too neat.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — I remember also taking a trip to our state capital with a class many years ago. Too often we do not take an interest in the laws which are being made, and this is not good, especially if we complain later. How far is it to your capital from Sioux Falls?

ANDREW KIEBOOM — I was real happy to hear from you, Andrew. We had lots of snow a week ago, but it is about gone again. How is your dog getting along? I suppose he has grown quite a bit. Say Hello to your parents for us.

CAROL VAN BEMDEN — We are always glad to hear that the boys and girls enjoy doing the Bible quiz, Carol, and that we receive their answers each month. There are always many things to do, it seems, but studying God’s Word is one of the best things to do. We’re glad that Kathy is also joining in.

WILMA KOREVAAR — Did you receive your book, Wilma? Since there are quite a few to send out, it could always happen that we missed someone. Reading good books is another good way to spend your time. Do you like to read? We hope everyone liked the books we selected this time.

NELLIE SLINGERLAND — How long were the teachers on strike, Nellie? It is not so easy to do your lessons at home by yourself. How far are you from Lethbridge? Since the name of your city is Diamond City, I suppose it is a rich city. Or am I wrong?

JOHN VAN ZWEDEN — Is the basement remodeling about finished, John? 1 know those things always take time when you do them yourself — at least they do at my house. Is your dad teaching you all about electricity? We depend on it a great deal today, as we realize when it is off for a few hours.

ARLINE KIEBOOM — Did you get caught up in school after being sick for a week, Arline? I imagine you had to do some extra homework. We are having a nice spring day today. I think everyone likes to see the nice weather here again.

LAURUS SINKE — It was nice to hear from you, Laurus, and to have you join in answering the quiz. Did you think the questions were quite difficult? We don’t like to make them too easy. When do you plan to come to Kalamazoo again?

RICHARD ALLEN ROZEBOOM —

You had a very good report card, Richard. Which subjects do you have to work a little harder on? Do you live quite near to school, or do you have to ride the bus to get there? Write again, won’t you.

AMY KAAT — Thank you for the pictures of you and Tim, Amy, and also for the stamps for the mission fund. I can see that you both have grown since the last picture you sent. Certainly hope everyone is feeling much better again at your house.

EVELYN KOREVAAR — Are you taking good care of your goat, Evelyn? Or doesn’t a goat need much care? Now that nice weather is here, she can find grass to eat. Since your sisters asked for the other books, you should be able to read all three of those we were giving out.

MARK VAN ZWEDEN — We will soon be having hot weather, Mark, and then we will probably wish it were a little cooler. Is your family planning to make a long trip again this summer? Maybe it’s a little early to plan, as we never know what is ahead of us.

GERARDA GRISNICH — Gerarda, you tell your grandfather, “Hartelijk gefeliciteert” for us, and also our greetings to your grandmother and parents. We will be a bit late for his birthday, but I’m sure that won’t matter. I suppose your dad is really busy when he has 2700 head of cattle to feed.

RALPH VAN ZWEDEN — I guess you will have to forget about snow forts for this winter, Ralph. If we live and all is well, you can make that your first project for next winter. I see you have a set of four books by Mr. Paul now. That is nice. Have you read them all?

JANE-MARIE KOREVAAR — Your answers weren’t too late, Jane. It is always a good idea to do them as soon as possible after you receive the Banner of Truth. But even those from British Columbia usually arrive in time, and they do have to travel quite a distance.

WILMA OUDSHOORN — Your dad received some very nice birthday presents, Wilma He should be able to put them to good use. Our congratulations to him and we hope he may have many more of them with the family. Thank-you for the picture which you sent.

MARY VAN ZWEDEN — I see you too had a birthday recently, Mary. Congratulations! How old are you now? You were probably named after your grandmother, but we hope that you may be like the Mary in the Bible, who chose that good part, sitting at the feet of the Lord Jesus and hearing His words.

JAN VAN DALEN — It was nice to hear from you, Jan. We hope that you too may have many more birthdays. How are you getting along in school? I suppose when the weather is nice you would rather play outside than to sit in school. Or don’t you have that problem?

CHERYL GRISNICH — I think your little sister will soon be walking, Cheryl. It seems like just a few months ago that you wrote about your new baby sister. What’s included in your study of Project Canada? I suppose this means that you will know lots about Canada when you are finished.

JANET VAN ZWEDEN — Since you travel 4 5 miles to church every Sunday, you have probably become accustomed to it, Janet. But since we only travel about three miles, we would think it was quite a trip. Did you finish reading your new book? Say Hello to your parents for us.

ABRAHAM KOREVAAR — And your letter is the last one, Abraham. As you can see, we have quite a list of names and also quite a few letters, so we too are running out of things to write. Do you help quite a bit in taking care of the pigs? Feeding that many must require quite a lot of food.

And to all the boys and girls, many thanks for your replies to our quiz. We hope to receive your answers each month, if we are spared. Mail your answers to me at 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

With love and best wishes,

Your friend,
“Uncle Garret”

COUNSELS OF THE AGED TO THE YOUNG

(continued)

19. Seek divine direction and aid by incessant fervent prayer. You need grace to help you every day. Your own wisdom is folly, your own strength weakness, and your own righteousness altogether insufficient. ‘It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.’ But if you lack wisdom you are permitted to ask; and you have a gracious promise, that you shall receive. Whatever we need will be granted, if we humbly and believingly ask for it. ‘Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.’ ‘Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.’

Faith and prayer are our chief resource under all the various and heavy afflictions of this life. When all other refuges fail, God will hide His people who seek Him in His secret pavilion, and shelter them under the shadow of His wings. Prayer is essential to the existence and growth of the spiritual life. It is the breath of the new man. By this means he obtains quick relief from innumerable evils, and draws down from heaven blessings of the richest and sweetest kind. Possess your minds fully of the persuasion that prayer is efficacious, when offered in faith and with importunity, to obtain the blessings which we need. God has made Himself known as a Hearer of prayer: yea, He has promised that we shall have, as far as may be for His glory and our good, whatever we ask. The most important events may be brought about by prayer. One righteous man, by fervent and effectual prayer, has been able to shut heaven and open it again. How often did Moses by his prayers avert the divine wrath from the people of Israel! That man who has access to a throne of grace will never lack anything which is really needful. ‘God will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.’ But he will be inquired of by the house of Israel for this thing that he may do it for them.’

Banish, as most unreasonable, the idea that prayer is a dull or melancholy business. Such a sentiment must have been invented by Satan; for it could never have been suggested by reason, or taught by experience. Intercourse with the greatest and best of all beings must be a source of exalted pleasure; and surely man can have no greater honour and privilege conferred upon him, than to be admitted to converse intimately and confidentially with the God Whom angels adore. The experience of every saint attest that ‘it is good to draw near to God’; and that ‘one day in His courts is better than a thousand’, I need not be afraid, therefore, to counsel the young to cultivate the spirit of prayer and to be constant in its exercise. ‘Pray without ceasing.’ ‘Be instant in prayer.’ It will not spoil your pleasures, but will open for you new sources of enjoyment, far more refined and satisfactory than any which prayerless persons can possess. Prayer is the only method by which intercourse between heaven and earth can be kept open. Often, too, in the performance of this duty, a taste of heaven is brought down to earth; and the pious worshipper anticipates, in some degree, those joys which are ineffable and eternal. Prayer will, moreover, be your most effectual guard against sin and the power of temptation:

For Satan trembles when he sees

The weakest saint upon his knees.

(A. Alexander)

to be continued.

AT GOLGOTHA

Upon the hill where Jesus died
A thief was placed on either side,
Each nailed upon a tree.
The one reviled Christ’s name in death,
The other cried, with dying breath,
“0 Lord! remember me.”

The Savior heard the poor thief’s prayer
And promised He would take him where
Our God and angels dwell.
Alas! his life was spent in sin:
What joy a heaven at last to win,
And to escape from hell!

And oh! for him what glad surprise,
When heavenly glories met his eyes,
And Christ arrayed in light!
He had just seen the dying pains
That had released his soul from chains
And everlasting night.

Ah, sure, of all the hosts that sing
The praises of their heavenly King,
His voice will loudest sound;
For when just trembling on the brink,
And just about in hell to sink,
Pardon and grace he found.

— submitted

A GOOD FOUNDATION?

A student at a theological school was brought in providence into the company of a young lady who was just recovering from a dangerous illness. Speaking, among other things, of her illness, she said, “At one time I sent for my parents and beloved brothers and sisters to take, as I thought, my last farewell of them. The physicians had given me up, and my friends expected to see me no more.”

“We seldom meet with a person,” said the student, “who has been so near to death as you have been. Tell me, what were your feelings when you were on the verge of eternity?”

“I was happy,” she replied.

“And will you care to tell me what your prospects were?” he asked.

“I hoped to go to heaven, of course,” was the reply.

“Had you no doubts, no fears, no suspicions?”

“None.”

“Perhaps almost all hope to go to heaven,” said the young man, “but I fear there are very few who have a good foundation for their hope. On what was your hope founded?”

“Founded!” she replied, “why, I had never injured any person, and I had tried to do all the good I was able - was not this sufficient?”

“It is a delightful reflection,” said the student, “that you have never injured any person, and it is still more delightful to think that you have done all the good in your power, but this is a poor foundation for a sinner to rest upon - was thisthe foundation of your hope?”

She seemed quite astonished at the question, and eagerly inquired, “Is not this sufficient?”

The student did not give a direct answer, but observed, “I am very thankful that you did not die.”

“What! do you think I should not have gone to heaven?”

“I am sure you could not in the way you mentioned. Do you not perceive that, according to your plan, you were going to heaven without Christ?— a thing which no sinner has done since Adam fell, and which no sinner will be able to do while the world stands. Be very thankful that you did not go out of this life resting on this delusive foundation, for had you done so, the moment that you entered eternity, it would have given way, and you would have fallen through it into the bottomless pit. Jesus says, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh to the Father but by me.’”

God carried home this word to her soul; light broke in upon her mind. From that day a decided change took place in the young lady’s views.

(John Whitecross)

THE THAW

The ice and snow we lately saw,
Which covered all the ground,
Are melted soon before the thaw,
And can no more be found.

Could all the art of man suffice
To move away the snow,
To clear the rivers from the ice,
Or make the waters flow?

No, ‘tis the work of God alone;
An emblem of the power
By which He melts the heart of stone
In His appointed hour.

All outward means, till he appears,
Will ineffectual prove;
Though much the sinner sees and hears,
He cannot learn to love.

But let the stoutest sinner feel
The softening warmth of grace,
Though hard as ice, or rocks, or steel,
His heart dissolves apace.

Seeing the blood which Jesus spilt,
To save his soul from woe,
His hatred, unbelief, and guilt,
All melt away like snow.

Jesus, we in Thy Name intreat,
Reveal Thy gracious arm;
And grant Thy Spirit’s kindly heat,
Our frozen hearts to warm.

TO THE YOUNG

“No!” “Won’t!” “Don’t want to!” Do you recognize these words? My question is directed mainly at younger readers, but does not exclude others. Just in case you do not catch my meaning, I shall put the words into little segments of conversation, and I am sure that you will recognize them then. “Johnny, stop your play and run to the store for me.” “No!” — “Now, Mary, see that you share your candy with your brother.” “I won’t!” — “Time to go to bed, children.” “We don’t want to!” Perhaps these replies are muttered rather than spoken aloud, in case mother should punish us for disobedience. Yet, if they are said under the breath, or even just in our hearts, it is the same in God’s sight as though they were spoken aloud.

Remember that God does come into these things, because it is his law which is being broken and not merely mother’s. In the fifth commandment God requires that we should honour our parents by obeying all their lawful commands. So that when we disobey them, or even just grumble at having to obey, we sin against God as well as against them. How many times have we sinned in this way alone? Do we not need to come to Christ for that salvation from sin which includes forgiveness and the great blessing of a new heart. (Read Hebrews 8:8—12). That would mean such a change in our natures that we would wish to cease from sinning, and would possess some measure of the spirit that was in Christ Himself. You can read what that was in Psalm 40, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea thy law is within my heart.” Is not that a very different attitude from “No!” and “Won’t!” and “Don’t want to!”? (Young People’s Magazine)

A poor but pious man was visited at a poorfarm, and said to his visitor, “I am as full of pain as my poor body can bear, but I find the truth of the promise, ‘As thy days are, so shall thy strength be.” (Deuteronomy 33:25). Then pointing to an orange which was near his bed, he said, “I, a poor man, have an orange to refresh me, while my Savior had only vinegar mixed with gall to quench His thirst.” (White-cross)

BAD COMPANY

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Abstain from evil companions. Many a young life has been ruined, and the first step towards it has been mixing with bad companions.

A father once taught his son a useful lesson on the danger of evil company. The boy was given to going about with other boys who did not walk in straight paths. His father, wishing to break him of the habit, one day brought him a basket of apples. He gave them to his son, who was very pleased with the present. Upon examination he found one amongst them which was rotten. He took it out, and his father observing him, said, “George, why take that one out?”

“Oh,” said George, “it will make all the rest bad.”

“Well,” said the father, “is it not possible that the good apples should make the rotten one like themselves?”

“Of course not,” answered George.

Then his father used the illustration to good purpose, pointing out how evil companions corrupt good morals. It was a lesson the boy never forgot.

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