A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

TO THE LAMBS OF THE FLOCK

(continued) II. What Jesus Does For His Flock

(1) He died for them. - “I am the Good Shepherd; the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.” This is the chief beauty of Christ. The wounds that marred His fair body make Him altogether lovely in a needy sinner’s eye. All that are now and ever shall be the sheep of Christ were once condemned to die. The wrath of God abode upon them. They were ready to drop into the burning lake. Jesus had compassion upon them, left His Father’s bosom, emptied Himself, became a worm and no man, and died under the sins of many. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This is the grace of the Lord Jesus. Everyone in the flock can say, “He loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

(2) He seeks and finds them. — We would never seek Christ, if He did not seek us first. We would never find Christ if He did not find us. “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” I once asked a shepherd, “How do you find sheep that are lost in the snow?” “Oh,” he said, “we go down into the deep ravines where the sheep go in storms; there we find the sheep huddled together beneath the snow.” “And are they able to come out when you take away the snow?” “Oh no; if they had to take a single step to save their lives, they could not do it. So we just go in and carry them out.” Ah, this is the very way Jesus saves lost sheep. He finds us frozen and dead in the deep pit of sin. If we had to take a single step to save our souls, we could not do it; but He reaches down His arm and carries us out. This He does for every sheep He saves. Glory, glory, glory be to Jesus, the Shepherd of our souls. Oh, children, let Jesus gather you. Feel your helpless condition, and look up and say, Lord, help me.

(3) He feeds them. - “By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.” If Jesus has saved you, He will feed you. He will feed your body. “I have been young, and now am old; yet never saw I the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

The birds without barn or storehouse are fed;

From them let us learn to trust for our bread;

His saints what is fitting shall ne’er be denied,

So long as ‘tis written — “The Lord will provide.”

He will feed your soul. He that feeds the little flower in the cleft of the craggy precipice, where no hand of man can reach it, will feed your soul with silent drops of heavenly dew. I shall never forget the story of a little girl in Belfast, in Ireland. She was at a Sabbath school, and gained a Bible as a prize for her good conduct. It became to her a treasure indeed. She was fed out of it. Her parents were wicked. She often read to them, but they became worse and worse. This broke Eliza’s heart. She took to her bed and never rose again. She desired to see her teacher. When he came, he said, “You are not without a companion, my dear child,” taking up her Bible. “No,” she replied —

“Precious Bible! what a treasure Does the Word of God afford! All I want for life or pleasure, Food and medicine, shield and sword.

Let the world account me poor. Having this I ask no more.”

She had scarcely repeated these lines when she hung back her head and died. Beloved children, this is the way Jesus feeds His flock. He is a tender, constant, almighty Shepherd. If you become His flock, He will feed you all the way to glory. (Rev. R.M.M! Cheyne)

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls —

In the Bible we read about false prophets and false teachers who led the people in a wrong way, telling them to walk in a way which was against the Word of God. The Lord Jesus (in the sermon on the mount) warned the people about them. But is that warning still necessary today? Are there false prophets and false teachers today?

God’s Word does not become old, or “out-of-date”. Neither does Satan work less to turn people away from the truth. False prophets and false teachers are also working for him today, even as they were in Bible days. Boys and girls, how many strange things we hear today, which are called religion. Oh, study to learn what God’s Word teaches us, also as you soon will again be attending your catechism and Sunday school classes. Pay close attention to what is taught you by your instructors. And may the Lord bless all our studies in His Word to the welfare of our souls. That will be an eternal blessing.

The first letters of our answers will spell out four words found in Matthew 7:15.

On the island of Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was_____________

What was another name for this sorcerer?

In Matthew 24 the Lord Jesus said, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and_____________”

In II Corinthians 11 Paul writes of false_______________, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the____________of Christ.

Balaam said to Barak, “Build here seven altars, and prepare me seven oxen and seven____________”

When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled against Moses and Aaron, we read that the “___________

opened her mouth and swallowed them up.”

In the book of Acts we read about King Herod who made an _____________ unto the people, and they shouted, “It is the voice of a god.”

In Psalm 14 we read, “The _____________hath said in his heart. There is no God.”

When Job’s wife said to him, “Curse God and die”, he replied, “Thou speakest as one of the ____________ women speaketh.”

What king did Elijah instruct to gather all the prophets of Baal unto Mount Carmel?

In II Corinthians 11 it tells us that Satan himself is transformed into an angel of_____________

Who said to Eve, “Thou shalt not surely die?”

He also said, “Your____________ shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

After Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit, they hid themselves from the______________of the Lord God.

What king forsook the counsel of old men (his father’s counsellors), and followed the counsel of some young men?

Elijah said to the people on Mount Carmel, “How long halt ye between two____________?”

When the Lord answered Elijah with fire from heaven, he said to the people, “Take the ____________ of Baal; let not one of them escape.”

Who was the prophet to whom Jeremiah said, “The Lord hath not sent thee.” (Jeremiah 28)

Because of what this prophet did, Jeremiah said to him, “Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the ____________________.”

In Peter’s second epistle he wrote, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false____________among you.”

In the sermon on the mount, the Lord Jesus spoke of false prophets who came in____________ clothing.

(Send your answers to me, Garret J. Moerdyk, at 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

The answers to the June quiz are as follows:

“The Lord Is My Shepherd” Psalm 23:1

Truth John 14:6

Hannah I Samuel 1:20

Endure Psalm 72:17

Loved John 3:16

Ono Nehemiah 6:2

Remember Ecclesiastes 12:1

Dog I Samuel 17:43

Inventions Ecclesiastes 7:24

Samuel I Samuel 16:13

Mars Acts 17:22

Youthful II Timothy 2:22

Sharon Song of Solomon 2:1

Herodias Matthew 14:6

Eve Genesis 3:20

Pray Luke 18:1

House Matthew 21:13

Ararat Genesis 8:24

Righteous Proverbs 12:5

Dagon I Samuel 5:2

Again we have some letters to answer BONNIE RAE BOUMA - Were there quite a few young people at the Sunnyside Youth Conference, Bonnie? How far is it to Sunnyside from where you are in Montana? We had a nice attendance in Kalamazoo, although there could have been more.

BETH SCHELLING - Our congratulations to your parents on their anniversary, Beth. We hope they may have more together. How quickly the years go by. My wife and I had our 25th in June. It certainly seems like a long time, but looking back, it went by so fast. How long have your grandparents been married?

ELLA KIEBOOM - I see you found a number of storms mentioned in the Bible, Ella. We are told that warm and cold air meeting together causes storms, but we must realize that the Lord controls them all. Did you enjoy your trip to Holland?

ODRIS VANDE HOEF - Two-hundred and fifty cows give a lot of milk, Doris. What a busy place that must be every morning and evening. How long does it take to milk that many? Do you live very far from Mr. De Bruin? We visited his farm a few years ago.

JANIE DEN HERTOG - We do not seem to have so many mosquitoes this summer, Janie. But they do seem to be quite plentiful in certain areas. How many berries do you pick in a day? Which kind of berry do you like to pick best?

HERMAN JOHN VANDER MEULEN — I do not know why you receive the Banner of Truth so late every month, Herman. Since it is sent out by second class mail, it is not always delivered too promptly. Maybe someone who knows more about mail service would have an answer for us.

FRANKLIN VAN HOEPEN - Hot weather is just right for swimming, isn’t it? Do you have a place to swim nearby? How old are you now that you have had your birthday, Franklin? We hope that you may have many more of them.

WILLIAM TER HARMSEL - We are glad to have you join in answering the quiz, William. I see you are also answering the quiz in your church paper, so this must keep you quite busy. Or don’t you find that the questions are so very difficult? Have you heard when Rev. Hegeman was planning to be here?

LISA NEELS — It was nice to hear from you also, Lisa. How nice it is to see that new names are added to the list. And when your Dad has to help you, he can also answer questions you may have about what you are reading. There is so much to learn in God’s Word.

NELLY KOPPERT - We were glad to hear from you again, Nelly. I imagine not only your little brother, but all of your family have changed since we saw you last. Do you have more animals on your new farm? You will have to draw a map for me so I know where to find it.

RUTH ANN VAN DALEN - Yes, Ruth Ann, Rev. Van Zweden has put together quite a few books with stories for children, but I do not know just how many. They can be read over and over again. How many of those books do you have?

CONNIE F. BOUMA - What is the seating capacity of your new church, Connie? Since I have never been in Choteau, I do not know how large the previous church was. We hope that you may always be glad as David was when they said, “Let us go into the house of the Lord”. Can you tell me where he says this?

LINDA SUE SCHELLING - We are quite well, Linda. Did you finish reading your book? What are you doing during the summer months? Do you do lots of reading? Maybe during the summer you have less time for reading than you do during the winter months.

JANET VAN ZWEDEN - Were all of your neighbor’s pets still well and healthy when they returned, Janet? You had quite a responsibility. It is nice that you have found another church building. In the old days they often had to meet in the open air. What a luxury we have today.

JANE KOREVAAR - Your answers were in ample time, Jane. It is too bad the mail service isn’t any better, but as with churches and so many other things, there is improvement in comparison to many years ago when good books and tracts were distributed by travelling peddlers.

HARLAN ROZEBOOM - It sounds as if you are having a busy summer, Harlan. I imagine on the farm the summer time is always an especially busy time. Or isn’t that correct? By the time you receive this issue, you will be thinking about school again.

JACQUELINE VAN HOEPEN - Do you have a basement in the new part of your house, Jacqueline? I suppose it is quite a ways along by this time. In the Bible we read about someone who built a room onto their house for one of the prophets to use. Do you know where this is told us in God’s Word?

MARY VELTMAN - Did you think the quiz was hard this month, Mary? If you know all the answers without doing some looking for them, we feel the quiz is too easy. And even if we learn so much of God’s Word, we must always ask the Lord for His blessing upon it.

W1LMA KOREVAAR - You asked me about wearing hats on a warm Sunday. When we believe that the Word of God instructs us in what we should do, should we then not do it because we are a little uncomfortable? How many discomforts there are in serving the world, and we seldom hear complaints. May our prayer be, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?”

JONATHAN VAN DALEN - Are you doing any travelling this summer, Jonathan? Have you ever been in Sheboygan where Andrew lives? I don’t remember if you went there the year you were in Kalamazoo. Are you getting anxious for school to start again?

KENT SCHELLING - Your letter is the last one this time, Kent. We are glad you liked the books. It is rather hard to find books which the boys and girls don’t already have. Do you do lots of reading? Or would you rather be outside?

Boys and girls, again many thanks for your answers and the letters which we received. We hope, .the Lord willing, that we may hear from all of you again next month, and perhaps even a few new ones again. With our best wishes -

Your friend,
“Uncle Garret”

ABIJAH THE SON OF JEROBOAM

Abijah was the son of the wicked king Jeroboam. Jeroboam reigned over the ten tribes of Israel and did not want the people to worship the Lord in the temple in Jerusalem. He had raised up two golden calves, one in Bethel and one in Dan. He told the people to worship them. He stirred up God’s indignation, which came down upon him and his family when the measure of sin was full.

This wicked king had a little son called Abijah, who feared the Lord. It was the God of Israel Who raised up this boy in that idolatrous family. All the other children followed the father in his footsteps, and were doomed to destruction, 1 Kings 14:13. The God of Israel is a sovereign and righteous God.

It was He that in the way of holy providence raised up this young son as a monument of His eternal sovereign pleasure, of His eternal love and sovereign grace. Israel’s God spoke to the child Abijah in his early days, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” All the wickedness, the bad examples and the temptations could not stop this. God speaks and says, “I will work, and who shall let it.”

This young lad belonged to the flock of Jesus’ lambs and sheep, of which Jesus speaks in John 10, saying, “The good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep .. . And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” How well protected and safe this God-fearing son was in the midst of all wickedness and corruption! Israel’s God is his Immanuel.

How old was Abijah when the Lord by His Spirit, word and grace started a good work in his heart? And how old was he when he died? The Lord does not tell us that in His Word; but this He has revealed, that the blessed Spirit dwelled in his young soul and that he was prepared in God’s way and work for a blessed death and eternity. It may be that like David he sang in the days of his youth, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” This will all lead to the honor and glory of God, a triune God.

Oh, consider a moment how this young son bows his knees for the blessed God of Israel and not for the idols of his father. Behold how he weeps many tears and seeks forgiveness of all his sins in the blood of the Lamb. He is the only one in that royal palace and family. Oh, what a blessing … one, a young boy, a boy shining as a light in the darkness! He was watched and known by many in Israel. Yea, he was loved by many in Israel, loved by a triune God, loved by the holy angels, who would soon come to take him to a prepared place in Im-manuel’s land.

This son Abijah became sick, and … soon he died. There is a time to be born and a time to die. God is a Sovereign. Some receive a long life, some only a very short life. So it was with the child. The most important thing is for every human creature to be prepared in this life for the never-ending eternity. Children, are you prepared to meet God? Parents, are you prepared? Is it well with your soul?

When Abijah became sick, the father Jeroboam greatly desired to know if his son would be brought back to health. He told his wife to disguise herself and to go to the prophet Ahijah, who was blind through old age. God gave the prophet Ahijah a dreadful tiding for the wife of Jeroboam. He told her that terrible judgments from heaven would come upon Jeroboam and his family. He told her also that the child would die, “and all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.”

Jeroboam’s family was to be utterly destroyed in a dreadful way, but only Abijah was to receive an honorable death and burial, and all Israel would greatly mourn for him. God fulfilled His Word. He took the child Abijah away from the evil which was to come upon his family.

What a great difference there was between this son and the other children of Jeroboam. God wrought that difference, already in eternity. Abijah was a chosen vessel and his name was in the Book of Life.

By nature Abijah had nothing good of the Lord and for the Lord in his heart. All that was good, very good, was lost in the fall of mankind in the garden of Eden. But Abijah was born again by word and Spirit. He was made a new creature in Christ Jesus. By spiritual birth he was made a dear child of God and an image-bearer again of God. God glorified him, that he might glorify God. This could not be hidden; the Israelites noticed it. Perhaps many of them hoped that some day he would rule as their king and be a better king than his father.

Abijah had the Spirit of God dwelling in him, also as a spirit of grace and supplication. With the graces of faith, hope, and love in his heart, he was a fruit-bearing tree planted in the garden of God’s Church. This son led a godly life and fought in Jesus’ strength the good fight of faith.

Abijah loved God and his neighbor. He walked in humbleness and self-abasement before God and man. No doubt he would sing at times with his boyish voice, “How do I love Thy law,” etc.

Thus this young pilgrim traveled forth on the narrow way, until he became sick and died. Perhaps he was anxious to go to a better place, than the evil palace of his father and mother.

When the Lord took Abijah to Himself, it was a great loss for the wicked family of Jeroboam and the kingdom of Israel. Abijah had a wonderful burial. He was one of the Lord’s jewels. And now eternally this young prince may sing in the midst of the great multitude of saints in Imman-uel’s land.

Boys and girls, what do you think of this God-fearing Abijah? Is there something good for the Lord in your heart also? Or is it all world, wicked world, perishing world? Abijah, by the grace of God, walked upon the narrow way. It is a holy, a safe way. Alas, how many boys and girls are. traveling upon the broad way. Oh, what a dangerous, unholy way! And how many have the privilege of living in a better family than Abijah had!

Oh, do not harden your heart. Today you may yet hear the voice of the great Lord calling: “Repent, repent, and believe the Gospel.” May the Lord teach you to pray and to beg Him to bring into your heart the same good things Abijah had in his precious soul-.

“How shall the young direct their way?

What light shall be their perfect guide?

Thy Word, O Lord, will safely lead,

If in its wisdom they confide.”

Psalm 119 J.V.Z.

“MINE’S A RELIGION FOR ALL WEATHERS”

There is a village on the Cornish coast whose inhabitants during the middle of the last century were poor, but intelligent and godfearing. In the year 1859 they were sorely tried by contrary winds which for nearly a month prevented the menfolk from putting out to the fishing grounds. At last, on a Sabbath morning the wind changed, and some of the men were tempted to go down to the beach and prepare for launching. Their wives and children looked on sadly, many saying with sighs and headshaking, “I’m sorry it’s Sabbath, but . ..” and “If we were not so poor.. ..”

“But — if!” said another sturdy fisherman who had come among the group on the shore; “surely, neighbors, you are not going with your buts and ifs to break God’s law.”

The people gathered round him and he added, “Mine’s a religion for all weathers, fair wind and foul. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.’ ‘Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.’ That’s the law, friends. And our Lord came not to break, but to fulfil the law. True, we are poor; what of that? Better poor and have God’s smile, than rich and have his frown. Go you that dare, but I never knew any good that came of a religion that changed with the wind.”

These seasonable words had their effect. All went home and made ready for the house of God. The day was spent in a profitable, God-honoring manner. In the evening, just when the boats would have been returning had they gone out, a sudden storm arose which raged terribly for two whole days. After that came a good spell of settled weather, and the pilchard fishery was so rich and abundant that there was soon no complaining in the village. Here was a religion for all weathers. Remember the words, “Trust in the Lord and do good, … and verily thou shalt be fed.” (Psalm 37:3) — Young People’s Magazine.

MR. SQUAIR’S ESCAPE

Mr. Squair, a minister, often found himself hard pressed by those who sought his life. His persecutors, whenever they got trace of him, were immediately in pursuit. His followers were thus obliged to seek out all manner of hiden paths to wait upon him, and all manner of secret places wherein he might minister to them the Word of life.

When pursued on one occasion, he was passing by the hut of one of his people, with his pursuers close behind him. He saw a girl weeding potatoes, but knew not whether he might trust her to shield him in any way. He spoke to her and asked what she was doing.

“Weeding potatoes,” she said.

“And have you,” he asked, “while so working, any thoughts about the interests of your soul?”

“Yes,” she said, “while weeding the potatoes I am praying the Lord that He may weed the love of sin out of my heart.”

“If that be so,” said Mr. Squair, “you will try to conceal me from my pursuers who are close behind me, and try to abstain from falsehood while shielding me.”

“Come quickly then,” she said, “and lie down and let me cover you with the weeds.”

This was scarce accomplished, and she set to work again, when the pursuers appeared. They asked her gruffly if she saw Mr. Squair pass that way lately. She said that she did see him not long ago come in the direction they themselves came in, and stand where they stood, and if they were active they were likely to apprehend him. They set off immediately, exulting over their prey as if already in their grasp. No sooner were they well out of sight than Mr. Squair was liberated from under his hiding place, and after being refreshed with food, he set off in the opposite direction and thus escaped in safety.

— Religious History

SAMUEL

Once in the silence of the night,
The lamp of God was clear and bright;
And there, by holy angels kept,
Samuel, the child, securely slept.

An unknown voice the stillness broke;
“Samuel,” it called, and thrice it spoke;
He rose, he asked, whence came the word?
From Eli? No; it was the Lord!

Thus early called to serve his God,
The paths of righteousness he trod;
Prophetic visions filled his breast,
And Israel, taught by him, were blest.

Speak, Lord, and from their earliest days
Incline their hearts to love Thy ways;
O let Thy voice now reach their ear,
Speak, Lord, and let these children hear.

Wm. Gadsby

PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN

(Before meals): Lord of heaven and earth; bless us in these gifts, that our weak and needy bodies may be strengthened by them. Give us also a view of our spiritual needs and impotence that we may hunger and thirst after the perfect righteousness of Thy Son, and be satisfied with it unto eternal life. Amen.

(After meals): Gracious and merciful God, Thy Name we praise and thank that Thou hast nourished us with these gifts of Thy love. Nourish also our souls with the bread of eternal life, that we may spend all our energy in Thy service and live to the honor of Thy holy Name. Amen.

(from Ontario Church News)

Lord, teach a little child to pray,
Thy grace betimes impart;
And grant Thy Holy Spirit may
Renew my youthful heart.

A sinful creature I was born,
And from my birth have strayed;
I must be wretched and forlorn
Without Thy mercy’s aid.

But Christ can all my sins forgive,
And wash away their stain;
Can fit my soul with Him to live,
And in His kingdom reign.

To Him let little children come,
For He has said they may;
His bosom then shall be their home;
Their tears He’ll wipe away.

For all who early seek His face
Shall surely taste His love;
Jesus shall guide them by His grace,
To dwell with Him above.

GOD

None is like God, Who reigns above,
So great, so pure, so high;
None is like God, Whose Name is love,
And who is always nigh.

In all the earth there is no spot
Excluded from His care;
We cannot go where God is not,
For He is everywhere.

He sees us when we are alone,
Though no one else can see;
And all our thoughts to Him are known,
Wherever we may be.

Wm. Gadsby

The lion’s young may hungry be,
And they may lack their food;
But they who truly seek the Lord
Shall not lack any good.

TRUE HAPPINESS

Whatever the wicked may say,
And those who God’s mercy despise,
Although they seem merry and gay,
They know not where happiness lies.

They seek it in pleasure and mirth,
They seek it in riches and fame,
Yet when they have sought through the earth,
At most, they have only the name.

Awhile they may boast of success,
Their goods may increase and abound;
But still, if the Lord do not bless,
No true satisfaction is found.

The hopes of the wicked will fail,
When called to relinquish their breath;
God’s mercy alone can avail
To give a man hope in his death.

But should we be ever so poor,
And yet have the Lord for our Friend,
Of life everlasting secure,
Our happiness never shall end.

May we in the days of our youth,
All learn where true happiness lies;
To savingly know the Lord’s truth
Will make us both happy and wise.

The chains of habit are too strong to
be felt until they are too strong to be broken.

Happy the home where Jesus’ Name
Is sweet to every ear;
Where children early lisp His Name
And parents hold Him dear.

GOD OF LOVE

What is love? My soul would answer,
Nought deserves the endearing name
But the God of love, the Saviour,
Whose dear heart’s a constant flame.

View him prostrate in the garden,
Wet his locks with dews of night,
Grappling with the powers of darkness,
Sweating blood, amazing sight!

Hear his groans, till he, expiring,
Cries triumphant, “It is done;”
Bearing all the wrathful anger
Which to us was due alone.

What is love? My sould would echo
With the saints in heaven above,
Who, through Jesus, gone to glory,
Sing in concert, “This is love!”
Zion’s Trumpet

MY FRIEND

For sixty-two years and five months I had a beloved wife, and now, in my ninety-second year, I am left alone. But I turn to the ever present Jesus, as I walk up and down in my room, and say, ‘Lord Jesus, I am alone, and yet not a-lone - Thou art with me, Thou art my Friend. Now, Lord, comfort me, strengthen me, give to Thy poor servant everything Thou seest he needs’. And we should not be satisfied till we are brought to this, that we know the Lord Jesus Christ experimentally, habitually to be our Friend: at all times, and under all circumstances, ready to prove Himself to be our Friend.

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