A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS

(from the Youth Day Address by Rev. Elshout July2, 1973 in Vineland)

After reading Daniel 3, Rev. Elshout spoke about three young men, who by the grace of God were faithful to their God. These three boys had been brought up under the Word of God. They knew the will of God and the way of salvation. To know this is a great privilege, but it also carries along with it a great responsibility.

From what has been recorded in Daniel 1, it is clear that these three boys were well-educated, intelligent, and good students. It is also manifest that the fear of God was planted in their hearts from their early days. What a blessing that is when a person may fear the Lord from the days of his youth. All of us should plead with the Lord to bless the instruction in His Word also to our souls. The younger a person is, the better it is, in knowing the Lord and fearing His Name.

Under the judgments of God which came over Israel because of their sins, these three boys were taken to Babylon. This must have been a painful thing for them. They were separated from relatives and teachers and were taken into a land and environment which differed greatly from that to which they were accustomed. The fact that they were children of God did not spare them from being taken into Babylon. They also had to taste the bitter results of the sins of Israel. Yet there was a difference between them and the other youngsters who were taken there as captives. The Lord was with these three boys, as is evident from what is told us in the Book of Daniel. When that is the case, then we can be anywhere; then the Lord will help us through and will show His care for us.

The boys were brought into a sinful environment, into the court of Nebuchadnezzar, where idols were worshipped and the people indulged in many other sins. They had to face many temptations. We, too, are living in a sinful world; every day we come into contact with unbiblical ideas and customs at school or at work. We are tempted in many ways to follow the customs of a sinful world. We should pray daily — Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Of ourselves we are not able to withstand any temptation.

Soon after the three boys arrived at the court of Nebuchadnezzar, their piety was put to a severe test. The food that the people of Babylon ate was consecrated unto idols; moreover, these people ate things which the Israelites were forbidden to eat. Daniel and the three boys refused to eat this food. They did not say, “Everybody eats it, so we may also eat it.” Too often we hear and see that our youngsters follow the customs and ideas of the world. They say to their parents and others who instruct them not to do this, that they don’t want to stand alone. We can be sure that the food served at the court of Nebuchadnezzar tasted good, but the three boys preferred pulse and water instead of the dainties which were offered unto them. They asked for peas, beans and water. How faithful they were to their God. How often did and do we flunk the test when confronted with the things of this world. God’s Word tells us that we must stand alone and not follow the world in its customs. Yet we see more and more youngsters yielding to the temptations of the worldly fashions. How sad this is, and it greatly displeases the Lord. When Daniel and the three boys called on the Lord for a blessing upon the food which they had requested, the Lord answered their prayer. After ten days it was manifest that the food they ate was remarkably blessed. They looked healthier and better than all the other youngsters who had eaten of Nebuchadnezzar’s meat. The Lord has said, “Those that honor Me, I will honor.”

Some time after this they were put to another test. Nebuchadnezzar wanted everyone to bow before the golden image which he had made. He threatened that those who would not bow before his image would be thrown into a burning furnace. What a severe test this was! Of ourselves we love our life. However, the three boys refused to obey Nebuchadnezzar’s commandment; they loved God more than their own life. How is that possible? By the grace of God. They certainly will have begged the Lord to give them grace to be faithful to Him. They were afraid of sin; again they chose to stand alone. They did not do what everybody did, but they wanted to live according to God’s will. When Nebuchadnezzar called them to account for their behavior, they boldly confessed that they wanted to worship no other God than the God of Israel. They testified that the Lord their God was able to deliver them from the burning furnace, but that if He would not do it, that this would not make any difference to them. What a wonderful standpoint. See what grace can accomplish in a man’s life. What a wonderful example of faithfulness to God do we see in the behavior of those youngsters. And the three boys were not confounded in their hope; in a wonderful way they were delivered from the fire. Their clothes did not even smell of fire.

The Lord is the same yesterday, today, and for ever. Many other examples in the Bible confirm that the Lord is an ever present helper to those that love, fear and trust Him. The grace which God gave to the three boys is still available. We may have it upon humble request. Conformity to the world is an offence to the Lord, a disgrace to the church of God, and a denial of our responsibilities towards the Lord. Let us humbly beg the Lord for the pardoning of all our sins for Jesus’ sake, and let us also humbly ask for the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives that our life may be an example of godliness in following after the things which are pleasing in God’s sight.

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

Another month has passed and we are now at the tenth article of the Apostles’ Creed. In Psalter 83 we sing —

“How blest is he whose trespass

Hath freely been forgiven,

Whose sin is wholly covered

Before the sight of heaven.”

(Psalm 32)

The psalmist David saw what a great blessing it was to receive forgiveness of sins. And this is a blessing which is so necessary for all of us. Today there are those who will tell you, “Be a good boy or a good girl and you will have nothing to worry about.” They do not speak about the wickedness of our hearts and that we are sinners from the time we are born. Even though we may appear to be good and obedient boys and girls, yet, without a new heart, we do not live to God’s honor, but only serve ourselves and the world. We must ask the Lord daily for the forgiveness of our sins, not because we deserve it, but for Jesus’ sake, Who suffered and died to make this possible for sinners. If we may receive it, it is not only a blessing for this life, but for all eternity.

You will find that the first letters of our answers will spell out the entire tenth article of the Apostles’ Creed. When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said,”Behold the Lamb of God, which ________________ away the sin of the world.”

Abigail said to David, “I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine _____________.”

In Acts 5, Peter when speaking of Jesus said, “Him hath God __________ with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior.”

In the prayer which the Lord Jesus taught His disciples is the petition, “_______________ us our debts, as we _______________ our debtors.”

And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his _______________

John the Baptist said unto the Pharisees and Sadducees, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for ________

The last part of the prayer which the Lord Jesus taught is, “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the _________________, for ever. Amen.”

In the third chapter of Jeremiah he was instructed to proclaim unto the people in God’s Name, “Only acknowledge thine _________

In the same chapter of Jeremiah, the Lord said to the people, “Ye have not obeyed My _______________”

When Jacob was dead, Joseph’s brothers said, “Joseph will certainly requite us all the ______________ which we did unto him.”

To whom did Jesus say, “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?”

The Lord said unto the serpent, “I will put _______________ between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed.”

When they brought a sinful woman to Jesus, He said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a ______________ at her.”

In the parable of the prodigal son, the son returned and said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy ____________”

The servant who had been forgiven 10,000 talents said to his fellow servant, “Pay me that thou._________.”

The father of the prodigal son said, “This my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is _______.”

The angel told Joseph, “Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for He shall _______ His people from their sins.”

Pharaoh said to Moses and Aaron, “Forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and ________________ the Lord your God.”

To those at Pentecost who asked, “What shall we do?”, Peter answered, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the _______of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”

When Peter asked how often he should forgive his brother, the Lord Jesus replied, “Until________________ times seven.”

(Send your answers to me at the following address:

Garret J. Moerdyk,

1104 Roseland Avenue,

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

The answers to the quiz of last month are as follows:

“An Holy Catholic Church”

Added Acts 2:47

Nations Genesis 26:1–4

Head Ephesians 5:23

One John 10:1–16

Lord Genesis 4:26

Yoked II Corinthians 6:11–14

Corner Psalm 118:22

Affliction Exodus 3:2–7

Thousand I Kings 19:13–18

House Romans 16:3–5

Oil Genesis 28:18–20

Letters Acts 9:1–2

Isaac Genesis 28:10–19

Churches Revelations 1:11

Common Acts 10:9–16

Happy Psalm 144:15

Upper Acts 1:12–13

Remembrance Luke 22:19

Christ Ephesians 5:25

Havock Acts 8:3

Answers were received from the following boys and girls —

Mark Bleeker

Laurie Bleeker

John Blok

Gary Blok

Cheryl Kalee

Debbie Kalee

Karel Kalee

Mary Van Oostenbrugge

Karl Van Oostenbrugge

Joan Lugthart

Val Lugthart

Tammy Kaat

Jeff Kaat

Mary Kievit

Audrey Kievit

Mary Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Esther Van Ravenswaay

Robbie Van Veldhuizen

Gary Van Veldhuizen

Trudy Van Veldhuizen

Henrietta Stapel

Janice Stapel

John Stapel

Bill Kamp

Tom Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Chuck VanDenToorn

John Van Zweden

Joan Van Zweden

Mark Van Zweden

Ralph Van Zweden

Janet Van Zweden

Mary Van Zweden

Roy Van Zweden

Marilyn De Maagd

Tammy Koedam

Mary Van Tilburg

Leah Van Tilburg

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Gene Hoogendoorn

Perry Hoogendoorn

Joanne Vande Waerdt

Linda Vande Waerdt

Wayne Vande Waerdt

Richard Van Ess

Susan Van Ess

Carol Van Bemden

Kathy Van Bemden

Billy Van Wingerden

Kenneth Van Wingerden

Robert Kamp

Barbara Kamp

Richard Kamp

Jenny Sweetman

Daniel Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Judy Sweetman

Janet Sweetman

Brenda Schelling

Linda Sue Schelling

Beth Schelling

Kent Schelling

George Van Strien

Connie Bouma

Bonnie Bouma

Evelyn Van Dyke

Helen Van Dyke

Ruth Van Dyke

John Van Dyke

David Van Dyke

LaRae Hoogendoorn

Elwyn Hoogendoorn

Gywen Hoogendoorn

Dave Verhey

John Verhey

Bobby Van Kempen

Kim Schoonbeck

Brian Westrate

Albert Van Grouw

Edward Nieuwenhuis

Joann Van Beek

Anden Van Beek

Alma Van Beek

Dan Meeuwse

Mark Meeuwse

Andy Van Stelle

Tim Van Stelle

Betty Kamp

Henry Kamp

Mary Kamp

Linda Kamp

Juli Frens

Mary Frens

Sharon Frens

Leonard Frens

Adrian Bush

Nicholas Bush

Rhonda Van Voorst

Albert Bouma

Ruth Bouma

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Steve Boluyt

Gordon Boluyt

Billy Blaak

Susan Blaak

Linda Van De Vendel

Sharon Van De Vendel

Billy Oudshoorn

Martin Oudshoorn

Helen Hendricks

Barb Hendricks

Amy Lou Kaat

Carol Mol

Denise Zaremba

Donna Zaremba

Bernie Vlietstra

Fred Vlietstra

Trudy Vlietstra

Tammy Troff

Neil Mast

Joy Lynn Mast

Jane Mast

Laura Rosendall

Henry Rosendall

Jim Rosendall

Andy Korevaar

John Korevaar

Adrian Korevaar

Abraham Korevaar

Jeanette Vandenberg

Cordy Vandenberg

John Vandenberg

Paul Vandenberg

Henry Vandenberg

Bobby Greendyk

Tom Greendyk

Billy Greendyk

David Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

Sharon Van Grouw

Brian Van Grouw

John Vander Boon

Kaye Vande Berg

Mark Vande Berg

Beverly Southway

Barbara Southway

Neal Boerkoel

Bobby Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Michael Fintelman

Mark Fintelman

Carla Van Grootheest

Paul Greendyk

Kenneth Ymker

Gloria Rus

Harlan Rus

Virgil Ray Rus

Janet Bouma

Gary Roozenboom

Cindy Erickson

Deanna Erickson

Roger Erickson

Rita Erickson

Debbie Erickson

John Oudshoorn

Wilma Oudshoorn

Helen Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Marcia Hubers

Donna Marie Hubers

Amy Mieras

Roy VandenBrink

Stephan VandenBrink

Delia VandenBrink

Gerda VandenBrink

Rebecca Markus

Randy Van Giessen

Gary Van Giessen

Richard Rosendall

John Rosendall

Julie Van Gemert

John Goeman

Karen Goeman

David Goeman

Tom Kamp

Bill Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Teresa Vander Meulen

Frances Vander Meulen

Joyce Vander Meulen

Harmen Vander Meulen

Sidney Vander Meulen

Melanie Van Brugge

Jane Marie Korevaar

Gladys Van Bochove

Rhonda Van Bochove

Margaret Den Boer

Willem Den Boer

Wendy Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

Martin Peter Vlietstra

David Vlietstra

Janice Vlietstra

Arthur Denbok

Christine Koppert

Peter Koppert

Nelly Koppert

Jane Ellen Vander Wiele

John Martin Vender Wiele

Elizabeth Koppert

Judy Slingerland

Marinue Slingerland

William Slingerland

Marianne Van Hoepen

And it is again time to answer the letters which we have received —

MARIANNE VAN HOEPEN — 1 see there are two letters from you, Marianne, so you really should be first this time. Did you get any pen-pals? If not, we will have to try again. When summer is here and the weather is nice, we don’t spend as much time inside in order to write letters.

LINDA SCHELLING — Do you help milk the cows, Linda? Do you use milking machines? I suppose there are not many farms where it is still done by hand. The Lord promised Moses that He would bring the children of Israel unto a land flowing with milk and honey. Do you know what that meant?

MARY ELLEN VAN ZWEDEN — What kind of cards do you have in Sunday school, Mary Ellen? Do you also learn a text or a psalter verse? I suppose you are getting anxious to go back to school again. Or do you like the vacation time better?

AMY KAAT — Did you take a trip this summer, Amy? I didn’t see you in Kalamazoo, but maybe you went in another direction. Of course, summer isn’t quite over yet, but we can already notice that the days are getting shorter and it is dark earlier in the evening.

CHRISTINE KOPPERT — Did you know the two boys who drowned near Woodstock, Christine? How sad those parents must be when two of their children are taken away in one day. It is also a warning to each of us that we must also one day appear before God. No one can be certain that he or she will become 89 years old, as your grandmother is.

TAMMY TROFF — Your birthday is already past, Tammy, but we hope that is was a happy one and that you may have many more of them. Did you receive a new bike for your birthday? We don’t always receive what we would like to have, but that is probably best for us.

MARK HEYSTEK — Lynden seems to be having quite a few visitors this summer, Mark. At least I know of several families who have been there. We certainly would like to visit it again sometime. What have you been doing during the summer months?

HENRIETTA STAPEL — We are all quite well, Henrietta. Did you like your visit in Kalamazoo? We had a very nice trip to the Netherlands, enjoyed the plane ride and also our visit there. We had heard so much about the Netherlands, so it was real nice to be there.

JANET VAN ZWEDEN — I have never read the book, The Young Pilgrim. Perhaps your uncle will know where it is available and you could let me know, Janet. In Holland we visited the places where my father and mother were born, and also met many of our relatives.

JUDY SLINGERLAND — It was nice to hear from you again, Judy. Our congratulations to your parents on their anniversary. May the Lord spare them yet for many years together. I can imagine that they were busy days during that week, but it certainly was nice that you could all be together again.

WAYNE VANDE WAERDT — Good books are wonderful possessions, Wayne, and always make nice gifts. Of course, to be really worthwhile, they must be read and not just sit on the shelf. So we are happy to hear that you are making good use of your books.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — Where di you go on vacation, Joan? It has been quite a few years since your family has been in Michigan. I am sure you read the letter in the July Banner of Truth which had been written many years ago by your great-grandmother. It is well worth keeping. We hope that her God may also be your God.

And this finishes our letters for this month. As we mentioned, vacation time is a busy time and therefore the letters are few, but we are glad to see that the number who answer the quiz is about the same. Hoping to hear from all of you again next month, D.V.

With love,
Your friend,
“Uncle Garret”

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

A Story for Children (continued)

Part II

After a prosperous voyage, the ship arrived at St. Petersburg. William’s eyes opened wide. Such a big city! As soon as the first bustle was over, the captain gave him permission to go ashore, escorted by one of the mates, to see the city. That was something for him. Never before had he seen the like. Such long streets, such immense squares. And then those palaces and churches! William did not have eyes enough to see it all.

When they turned the corner of a distinguished street, they saw a multitude of people before a church, and in the midst of them, many beautiful carriages. Naturally, both strollers stood still too, and the mate, who could speak a little Russian, asked one of the spectators what was really going on. He answered that a lady-in-waiting of the empress was getting married.

Hardly had he said this, than there was a great stir among the people. The bride came out of the church dressed in a beautiful gown, with six young ladies behind her to carry the train of her dress. Everyone tried to see her. This was not so easy for William because he was small of stature. But before the church stood thick pillars with broad bases. William ran towards one of the pillars, and as a kind man gave him a helping hand, he soon sat four feet above the ground and could just see the bride step into the carriage. The wedding coach rode away, a second one came, a third one, and finally the last one. Just at the moment that this last carriage was about to ride on, the sleeve of the gown of one of the ladies moved aside somewhat, and William, who just happened to look at her, saw that something dropped to the ground between a pillar and the iron gate.

“Hey, hey, coachman,” our young friend cried with a loud voice, “something fell! Wait a minute!” But he could have spoken to the stones as well, for the coachman and the spectators did not understand a word of what he said, no more than he could understand Russian. Besides, no one seemed to have noticed that anything fell. No one, therefore, could make out what the meaning was of that shouting. The coach turned and rode away. William remained a while longer on his elevated place. The spectators went away. The boy looked for his companion, who, fortunately, noticed him, came to where he was, and helped him down.

Hardly was William on the ground than he ran to the gate where he saw laying the object in question. He put his hand through the latticework, and thus he could just pull it towards him. He saw, to his great surprise, that it was a sparkling golden bracelet, set with precious stones. The mate, of course, did not understand what William was doing there. But when the boy ran towards him and showed him the bracelet, he was greatly astonished, and said: “You are a lucky bird, boy. Only just on shore, and then to find such a precious article. There’s a nice profit in that, eh!”

“A profit,” the boy answered, it being his turn to be astonished. “I would rather believe that it is a great loss to the lady who lost it. She sat in the last coach, and it belongs to her. I called to the coachman, but he did not understand me.”

“I will gladly believe that,” said the mate, “but what of that? It is a nice profit to us. That thing is worth more than what both of us earn in a month. We will sell it, and you shall see how much money they will give for it.”

William stood still. He looked at the mate with wide eyes. He had not expected such a proposition. Finally he said, “But that would be stealing. My mother has not taught me that, and in God’s law we read, ‘Thou shalt not steal.’ “

“Ah, come, boy, those ladies are rich enough, and you can make good use of the money. No one will be able to accuse you, and besides, how are you going to locate the lady, as we will soon sail again?”

“I will try my best nevertheless,” said William resolutely. “I am on leave today and will see if I can return the bracelet.”

The mate became somewhat angered and said, “You’ll not be so foolish, I hope. I won’t go with you. You will have to find your way yourself.”

“I can’t help it,” replied the boy, “I must not be dishonest. My mother has always taught me, ‘honesty is the best policy.’ And the Lord forbids me to steal. I will do whatever I can to return the bracelet.”

“Then I bid you goodbye,” said the mate, and left William standing alone.

That was a difficult case for our young friend. To be alone in the midst of a strange city, unable to find his way, and where no one could understand him. For a moment he lost courage. The temptation was strong, and for a moment he wondered whether the mate was right after all. But then he again thought of his mother, how she had told him that the Lord takes pleasure in uprightness, and that we must be honest before all men, because “honesty is the best policy.”

This took such hold of him that William walked on without knowing where he was going. Secretly he prayed to the God of his dear mother, that He might lead him and protect him. After he had gone a short way, he heard loud speaking. It was just as if he understood some of those words. He listened. No, it was not Dutch, but still he could understand some of it. He looked about him and noticed two gentlemen, one of whom looked rather friendly. He gathered all his courage, stepped closer, politely removed his cap, and asked, “Sir, could you tell me where those ladies are that came out of the church a while ago?”

The stranger looked astonished at the boy, but seemed to have understood something of the question. Both men spoke German, and after conversed with each other for a moment, William understood enough to know that the lady whom he sought belonged to the company of the court lady, who was married that same day, and most likely would be found at the palace of Countess Polotzki, which was not far from there. William knew enough, and though it cost him a little trouble, it wasn’t long before he had found the street and saw the same carriages stand before the building where the guests were assembled. He recognized the carriage immediately, walked toward the coachman, and realizing that he did not understand him, he showed him the bracelet, and pointed with his finger to the carriage as if to say, “What I found, came from there.”

The coachman understood. He hurried inside and soon came back with a neatly dressed gentleman, who fortunately could speak German, and after exchanging a few words with William, understood the whole case. This gentleman proved to be a servant. He beckoned William to follow him. Our young friend obeyed timidly. He had to wait a moment below while the servant went upstairs.

Soon the message came that the lady herself desired to see the honest finder. William followed the servant through various corridors and rooms, all of them beautifully decorated, so that the plain cabin boy became confused with wonder and embarrassment. At last he was led into a small room. There the lady, whom he had seen in the carriage, sat waiting for him. A short conversation followed, which was difficult for William to understand because the lady spoke German. She took a hearty leave of the boy and departed with the bracelet which he had found.

Soon a servant came, who regaled William to a sumptuous dinner. When at last he was filled and arose to go, a servant accompanied him to the door. While bidding goodbye, a small paper roll was put into his hand. Cheerfully the boy walked on, and after a long walk he reached the ship where he had to relate his experience, of course.

“And what did you get for all your trouble?” the mate asked.

“That I don’t know. This small roll was given to me. Whatever is in it, I cannot say,” William answered.

It was speedily opened up, and to the astonishment of all, contained no less than twenty-five gold pieces. The mate was ashamed.

Just then the captain came on deck. He came closer, and when he had been told all his eyes became moist. He took the hands of William and said, “William, you have acted honestly and faithfully before God and man; remain that way. You will never be sorry for that. ‘Honesty is the best policy.’ How happy your mother will be!”

William was happy. How glad he was that he had not followed the advice of the mate. He longed to go home. Soon the ship had another cargo and sailed away. After a few weeks the youthful voyager stepped ashore again in the little port and ran home, where he fell upon the neck of his dear mother and kissed her heartily.

What a surprise that was when he counted out twenty-five gold pieces to his mother. But she rejoiced yet more when she heard in what manner her son had obtained that money, that he had not listened to the mate’s tempting words, but had acted honestly and faithfully and did that which the Lord commands in His Word.

After a couple of months William had to leave again. The captain paid a brief visit to the home of his faithful cabin boy and said to the mother, “I had promised to take care of your child, but the prayers of his mother availeth more. And above all, that God, Who hears the prayers of His children, shall keep him and preserve him.”

Children, those of you who read this, mark well. He that behaves himself shall prosper. Honesty and faithfulness, and that in the fear of the Lord, are treasures which far surpass all the riches of this world.

— Submitted

PRIDE A DANGER TO THE YOUNG

I know well that all souls are in fearful peril. Old or young, it matters not; all have a race to run, a battle to fight, a heart to mortify, a world to overcome, a body to keep under, a devil to resist; and we may well say, Who is sufficient for these things? But still every age and condition has its own peculiar snares and temptations, and it is well to know them. He that is forewarned is forearmed. If I can only persuade you to be on your guard against the dangers I am going to name, I am sure I shall do your souls an essential service.

Pride is the oldest sin in the world. Indeed, it was before the world. Satan and his angels fell by pride. They were not satisfied with their first estate. Thus pride stocked hell with its first inhabitants.

Pride cast Adam out of Paradise. He was not content with the place God assigned him. He tried to raise himself, and fell. Thus sin, sorrow, and death entered in by pride.

Pride sits in all our hearts by nature. We are born proud. Pride makes us rest satisfied with ourselves, — think we are good enough as we are, — stop our ears against advice, — refuse the gospel of Christ, — turn every one to his own way. But pride never reigns anywhere so powerfully as in the heart of the young.

How common is it to see young persons heady, high-minded, and impatient of counsel. How often they will not stop to listen to a hint from an older person. They must needs be independent, and have their own way. They seem to think, like those whom Job mentioned, “We are the people, and wisdom shall die with us” (Job 12:2). And this is all pride. Such an one was Rehoboam, who despised the counsel of the old experienced men who stood before his father, and hearkened to the advice of the young men of his own generation. He lived to reap the consequences of his folly. There are many like him.

Such an one was the prodigal son in the parable, who must needs have the portion of goods which fell to him, and set up for himself. He could not submit to live quietly under his father’s roof, but would go into a far country, and be his own master. Like the little child that will leave its mother’s hand and walk alone, he soon smarted for his folly. He became wiser when he had to eat husks with the swine. But there are many like him.

Young people, I beseech you earnestly, beware of pride. Be not proud of your own abilities, — your own strength, — your own knowledge, — your own appearance, your own cleverness. Be not proud of yourself, and your endowments of any kind. It all comes from not knowing yourself and the world. The older you grow, and the more you see, the less reason you will find for being proud. Ignorance and inexperience are the pedestal of pride; once let the pedestal be removed, and pride will soon come down.

Remember how often Scripture sets before us the excellence of a humble spirit. How strongly we are warned “not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think” (Romans 12:3). How plainly we are told, “If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know” ( I Corinthians 8:2). How strict is the command, “Put on humbleness of mind” (Colossians 3:12). And again, “Be clothed with humility” (I Peter 5:5). Alas, this is a garment of which many seem not to have so much as a rag.

Think of the great example our Lord Jesus Christ leaves us in this respect. He washed the feet of His disciples, saying, “Ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). It is written, “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (II Corinthians 8:9). And again, “He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself’ (Philippians 2:7 & 8). Surely to be proud is to be more like the devil and fallen Adam.

Think of the wisest of men that ever lived — I mean Solomon. See how he speaks of himself as a “little child,” — as one who “knew not how to go out or come in,” or manage for himself (I Kings 3:7 & 8). That was a very different spirit from his brother Absalom’s, who thought himself equal to anything: “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice” (II Samuel 15:4). That was a very different spirit from his brother Adonijah’s, who “exalted himself, saying, I will be king” (I Kings 1:5). Humility was the beginning of Solomon’s wisdom. He writes it down as his own experience, “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 26:12).

Young people, lay to heart the Scriptures here quoted. Do not be too confident in your own judgment. Be distrustful of your own opinion when you find it contrary to that of those older than yourselves and specially to that of your own parents. Age gives experience, and therefore deserves respect. The wisest men would tell you they are always learners, and are humbled to find after all how little they know. The great Sir Isaac Newton used to say that he felt himself no better than a little child who had picked up a few precious stones on the shore of the sea of knowledge.

Young people, if you would be wise, if you would be happy, remember the warning I give you, — Beware of pride.

(Adapted from J. C. Ryle)

THE MARKS ARE LEFT

A little boy, whose father desired to see him a good child, was told one day that a nail should be driven into a post whenever he did an act which was wrong. Whenever he would do a good deed, he could pull one of the nails out.

The little fellow tried to be good, and, although there were a number of nails driven into the post, after a while there was not one left. How happy Benny was when he saw the last nail disappear from the post.

His father, too, was greatly pleased and was congratulating his son, when, to his surprise, he saw that he was weeping. Very touching was the remark Benny made — “Ah! the nails are all gone, but the marks are left!” Was this not contrition? All wrong-doings and sin will leave sad marks behind. (Submitted)

THOUGHTS ON THE SEA-SHORE

In every object here I see

Something, O Lord, that leads to Thee;

Firm as the rocks Thy promise stands,

Thy mercies countless as the sands,

They love a sea immensely wide,

Thy grace an ever-flowing tide.

In every object here I see

Something, my heart, that points at thee

Hard as the rocks that bound the strand,

Unfruitful as the barren sand,

Deep and deceitful as the ocean,

And, like the tides, in constant motion.

— John Newton

THE SLUGGARD

“The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.” Proverbs 22:13

The wishes that the sluggard frames,

Of course must fruitless prove;

With folded arms he stands and dreams,

But has no heart to move.

His field from others may be known,

The fence is broken through;

The ground with weeds is overgrown,

And no good crop in view.

No hardship he, or toil can bear,

No difficulty meet;

He wastes his hours at home, for fear

Of lions in the street.

What wonder, then, if sloth and sleep

Distress and famine bring!

Can he in harvest hope to reap,

Who will not sow in spring?

‘Tis often thus, in soul concerns,.

We gospel-sluggards see;

Who, if a wish would serve their turns,

Might true believers be.

But when the preacher bids them watch,

And seek, and strive, and pray;

At every poor excuse they catch —

“A lion in the way!”

To use the means of grace, how loath!

We call them still in vain;

They yield to their beloved sloth,

And fold their arms again.

Dear Savior, let Thy power appear,

The outward call to aid;

These drowsy souls can only hear

The voice that wakes the dead.

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