A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

CREATION

That was a wonder-working word
Which could the vast creation raise!
Angels, attendant on their Lord,
Admired the plan, and sung His praise.

From what a dark and shapeless mass,
All nature sprung at His command!
Let there be light, and light there was,
And sun, and stars, and sea, and land.

With equal speed the earth and seas
Their mighty Maker’s voice obeyed;
He spake, and straight the plants and trees,
And birds, and beasts, and men were made.

But man, the lord and crown of all,
By sin his honour soon defaced;
His heart (how altered since the fall!)
Is dark, deformed, and void, and waste.

The new creation of the soul
Does now no less His power display.
Than when He formed the mighty whole,
And kindled darkness into day.

Tho’ self-destroyed, O Lord, we are,
Yet let us feel what Thou can’st do;
Thy word the ruin can repair,
And all our hearts create anew.

—John Newton

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE II

By What Means God Is Made Known Unto Us.

“We know Him by two means: first, by the creation, preservation, and government of the universe; which is before our eyes as a most elegant book, wherein all creatures, great and small, are as so many characters leading us to contemplate the invisible things of God, namely, His power and divinity, as the apostle Paul saith, Romans 1:20. All which things are sufficient to convince men, and leave them without excuse. Secondly, He makes Himself more clearly and fully known to us by His holy and divine Word, that is to say, as far as is necessary for us to know in this life, to His glory and our salvation.”

The highest state of happiness is communion with God; the best example of this is Paradise, where Adam and Eve experienced this in a perfect way. There they lived in God’s presence by day and night. Adam and Eve were created after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness and holiness. Now it is necessary for man to know God, but we lost this knowledge (thru the fall) since we left Him, our Creator. If the Lord did not make Himself known to us, we would have no knowledge of God at all. How did the Lord reveal something of Himself to man? He did this in two ways - in nature and by His Word.

It has pleased the Lord to reveal something of Himself, but we may never forget: “Behold, God is great, and we know Him not, neither can the number of His years be searched out.” God is incomprehensible, but knowable. God has revealed something of Himself in His power, His majesty, His wisdom, His love, etc. - in brief, in His attributes and in His works. In nature there are many things we cannot understand, but there are greater riddles when we speak about spiritual things. How necessary it remains that the Lord gives light to understand what He says in His Word.

God has made something of Himself known in nature. This we call a common revelation whereas the revelations in God’s Word are called special revelations. These are different, but they are never conflicting.

First something about those revelations in nature! How do we know from nature that there is a God? We know that our original knowledge of God was lost by the breaking of the covenant of works, as we lost the image of God in the restricted sense; but the Lord has left something in us - a little knowledge that there is a higher Being, which we call God. This is the internal or innate knowledge which all people have. But can we prove this? I think so! All people on earth have more or less knowledge of what is good or evil. In Romans 2 the apostle says that the heathens have no knowledge of the law, but that their conscience condemns them when they sin. We know that, since we sinned, our conscience is no longer a perfect compass, but in general we can say that the Lord uses it to keep us away from many sins, especially when we live under the truth.

All nations on earth have some form of religion whereby they worship a God. This means that every child born on this earth has this innate knowledge, independent of their education. God’s majesty shines as the sun, and nobody can withdraw himself from this revelation of God. Even the devils, which are very deep-fallen creatures for whom there is no way to be saved, have knowledge of God. Even in hell the Lord cannot be excluded, but will be there with His wrath and anger burning against the sinners and devils.

When we stated that everyone has this internal knowledge of God, then this means also that, in the absolute sense of the word, there are no born atheists, but they are made such by outside influences. It is possible that, under the permission of God, the internal knowledge of God is opposed. For example, by living in sin our consciences can be closed for impressions, and thus by our own work we can come so far that we deny the Lord completely.

This innate knowledge is denied by the Remonstrants, and overestimated by Rome. The latter say that by this knowledge we can be saved, but this we do not believe. The knowledge from nature is not sufficient unto salvation because it does not teach Christ. In John 17:3 we read, “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ Whom Thou hast sent.” This we will never learn from nature.

Now we have seen that this innate or internal knowledge can be opposed in its growth by our works, but it is also possible to strengthen it by studying and observing nature. The revelations of God give impressions in the heart of men so that they begin to meditate on these matters. In Psalm 19 is written: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” By day and night we can read this book of nature in what we hear and see, and it reveals something of the attributes of God. The heavens do not speak in an audible voice, but still it is as a trumpet to glorify the Lord. See how the Lord casts the snow and ice on the world, bringing it forth out of His storeroom. It is very clear that the Lord, by the creation, preservation and government of the universe, shows that He is God.

When we observe the movement of the sun, moon and stars, then we cannot deny the work and hand of the Lord in it. Look at the birds of the air and the beasts of the field, how they work, how they gather their food; it is not of themselves, but the Lord gave them this wisdom. The stork and the swallow know their times to come and to leave. Really, when we observe nature, then it is before our eyes as a most elegant and excellent book, wherein all creatures great and small are so many characters leading us to contemplate the invisible things of God, namely, His power and divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even the eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

From this we can learn that we are without excuse when we remain lost, as the Lord has spoken in many ways to us. When this can be said of the heathen, what will it be for us who have also the revelations of God by His Word? That we together, young and old, may learn to supplicate not only for this external knowledge of God in nature and by His Word, but that by the Holy Spirit we may receive knowledge of God and ourselves which will lead to His glory, which means also the salvation of our souls.

Rev. A. Den Boer

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

Again we are near to the end of another year. Each of us has been spared and protected until this very moment, but we do not know what lies ahead of us. It is our wish and prayer for each of you that the Lord may bless you in all that you do in the year 1975. But even though the Lord blesses us with health, food, shelter, parents, friends, etc., that our prayer may be with the psalmist, “Remember me, O Lord, with the favor that Thou bearest unto Thy people; O visit me with Thy salvation.” This would be much more than all natural blessings.

In the book of Numbers we read of Balaam, who prophesied of the special blessing of the Lord upon His people, so that it would be said, “What hath God wrought!” Not a question, but an expression of wonder and amazement— a holy and a just God and a hell-deserving people. To them it shall be the greatest wonder, as we sometimes sing of it -

“He has wrought salvation,
He has made it known;
And before the nations
Is His justice shown.”

God’s Word tells us of this plan of salvation, the work of a Triune God-thought out by the Father, wrought by the Son, and taught by the Holy Spirit. May this work be revealed in our hearts in these days.

The first letters of the answers to the quiz will spell out the four words mentioned above. Here are the questions ---

The wise men came to Jerusalem, asking “____________ is he that is born King of the Jews?”

The angel said to Mary, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the______________ .”

To the shepherds an____________said, “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.”

When King Herod heard of the wise men, he was____________ and all Jerusalem with him.

With the angel that spoke to the shepherds, there was a multitude of the heavenly_____________praising God.

Before Jesus was born, there went out a decree from Caesar _______________ that all the world should be taxed.

The heavenly host praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and in earth peace, goocr will______________ men.”

Zacharias, after his speech was restored, said that the Lord “hath raised up an_____________of salvation.”

What was the name of the angel sent from God to Mary in the city of Nazareth?

Zacharias also said that the Lord remembered “the____________which He sware to our father Abraham.”

After Simeon had taken the child Jesus in his arms, he said, “Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant____________ in peace.”

When the wise men saw the young child with Mary his mother, they fell down and_____________Him.

Simeon also said unto Mary, “This child is set for the fall and____________ again of many in Israel.”

In John 16 the Lord Jesus said to His disciples, “But be of good cheer; I have_____________the world.”

John the Baptist said, “There cometh one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and______________.”

What was the name of the angel which appeared to Zacharias?

John said to his disciples, “A man can receive nothing except it be given him from ___________”

Anna, a prophetess, also came into the temple, and gave_____________ likewise unto the Lord.

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

The answers to the November quiz are as follows--

“How Great Are Thy Works” Ps.92:5

Heaven I Kings 8:22–23

Out Genesis 50:24

Wondrous Job 37:14

Good Genesis 1; 31

Rested Genesis 2:2

Ebenezer I Samuel 7:12

Adar Esther 9:20–22

Tiling Luke 5:18–19

Acts Psalm 145:4

Remember Ecclesiastes 12:1

Egypt Exodus 20:1

There II Kings 5:15

Handy work Psalm 19:1

Years Luke 1:7

Work Psalm 44:1

Own Psalm 44:3

Rain Exodus 16:4

Kings Daniel 2:46–47

Seemeth I Samuel 3: 16–18

Answers to the Bible quiz have again been received from the following boys and girls-

Elaine Frens

Leonard Frens

Sharon Frens

Mary Frens

Julie Frens

Gary Blok

Denise Zaremba

Beverly Heerschap

Arie Van Vugt

John Van Vugt

Tammy Troff

Audrey Kievit

Lynn Kamp

Jimmy Bazen

Linda Bazen

Bill Kamp

Tom Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Marlene Van Veldhuizen

Mary Kievit

William Greendyk

Henry Kamp

Linda Kamp

Mary Kamp

Elizabeth Sisco

Ken Van Wingerden

Bill Van Wingerden

Mary Polderman

Elise Polderman

Paula Timmer

John Verhey

Steve Boluyt

Neil Mast

Joylynn Mast

Jane Mast

Mary Van Giessen

Randy Van Giessen

John Blok

Carrie Jane Blok

Richard De Bat

Todd Vande Stouwe (3)

Kathleen den Hoed

Joleen den Hoed

Maryjean den Hoed

Arthur den Hoed

Joan Lugthart

Arthur Denbok

Mike Neels (2)

David Neels (2)

Joe Neels (2)

Herman John Vandermeulen

Ella Kieboom

Arline Kieboom

Kathy Overeem

Jenny Overeem

Corrie Overeem

Joanne Overeem

Casey Overeem

Janie den Hertog

Mary Van Oostenbrugge

Karl Van Oostenbrugge

Paul Van Wingerden

Melanie Van Brugge

Shirley Slotsema

Larry Slotsema

Marianne Jo Van Hoepen

Marilyn De Maagd

Amy Mieras

Cheryl Kalee

Debbie Kalee

Karel Kalee

Robert John Southway

Helen Vanderwal (2)

Peter Vanderwal (21

Margot Mast

John Vandenberg

Henry Vandenberg

Paul Vandenberg

Jeanette Vandenberg

Carol Van Bemden

Kathy Van Bemden

Mike Van Bemden

Joanne Giebink

Mamie Giebink

Karen Goeman

Dan Meeuwse (2)

Mark Meeuwse (2)

LaRae Hoogendoorn

Gywen Hoogendoorn

Elwyn Hoogendoorn

Tim Van Stelle

Andy Van Stelle

Julieann De Bruine

Steven R. Van Gemert

Julie K. Van Gemert

Mark Heystek

Daniel Ymker

Mineva Ymker

Nicholas John Bush

Adrian J. Bush

Liz Van Giessen

Kathy Van Giessen

Gladys Van Bochove

Rhonda Van Bochove

Laura Rosendall

Jim Neels

George Van Strien

Albert Bouma

Ruth Bouma

Dave Van Beek

Jonathan Van Beek

Ruth Ann Van Dalen

Jonathan Van Dalen (2)

Marguerite Kroesbergen

Joanne Kroesbergen

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Esther Van Ravenswaay

Norman Van Ravenswaay

John Martin Vander Wiele

Jane Ellen Vander Wiele

Judy Lynn Vander Wiele

Janice Stapel

Debbie Erickson

Rita Erickson

Sue Van Ess

John Rosendall

Richard Rosendall

Richard Van Ess

Irene van Heek

Lenny van Heek

Edward van Heek

Martin Oudshoorn

Wilma Oudshoorn

Bill Oudshoorn

Diane Oudshoorn

Benny Oudshoorn

Bob Greendyk

Rich Kamp

Barb Kamp

Robert Kamp

Jonathan Kamp

Lisa Neels

Lisa Markus

Becky Jane Markus

Bobb Boerkoel

Neal Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Arthur Denbok

Bill Blaak

Susan Blaak

Andy Korevaar

Adrian Korevaar

Abraham Korevaar

John Korevaar

Nancy Hoogmoed

Joanne Hoogmoed

Kenny Kroesbergen

Janie Kroesbergen

Laurie Sweetman

Donna Marie Hubers

Helen Hubers

Marcia Hubers

Janet Sweetman

Daniel John Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Stanley Aart Vander Waal

Jeanette Slingerland (2)

Amy Lou Kaat

Jeff Kaat

Leah Moore

Bobb Willekes

Paul Verhoef

Hank Verhoef

Bill Vander Weide

Roger Erickson

Deanna Erickson

Mary Van Tilburg

Leah Van Tilburg

Bill Kroesbergen

Hendrika Kroesbergen

Betty Vander Weile (2)

John Vander Boon

Albert Van Grouw (2)

Kevin Verbeke

Doris VandeHoef

Linda Vande Waerdt (3)

Wayne Vande Waerdt (3)

Herman J. Vander Meulen

Stephan Vanden Brink

Roy Brink

Gerda Vanden Brink

Delia Vanden Brink

Maria Boonzaayer

Karel Boonzaayer

Sonja Jane Boonzaayer

John Moore

Carl Moore

Harriet Hubers

Rhonda Van Voorst

Judv Sweetman

John Stapel

Nancy Vande Stouwe (3)

Brenda Kay Schelling

Linda Schelling

Kathryn Lynn Schelling

Beth Schelling

Richard Grisnich

Wendy Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Janice Vlietstra

Martin Vlietstra

David Vlietstra

Jon Vlietstra

William Slingerland

Tim Westrate

Gerrit Bezooyen

Kathy Greyn

Jeanette Slingerland

Barbara Jean Southway

Robert Glenn Southway

Joel Van Ravenswaay

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Minda Van Ravenswaay

Nancy Kwekel

David Kwekel

Nellie Slingerland

Neil Slingerland

Alan Greendyk

Alida Greendyk (2)

David Greendyk

Paul Greendyk

Joanne Slingerland

Jannie Slingerland

Ed Menger

Frances Vander Meulen

Joyce Vander Meulen

Sidney Vander Meulen

Harmen Vander Meulen

Teresa Vander Meulen

Marianne Van Hoepen

Joe Moore

Anna Moore

And now we shall answer the letters which we have again received-

HENDRIKA KORESBERGEN - We are glad that you like to do the Bible questions, Hendrika. Do you live very far from Lynden? It is nice that you hear about the Bible in school, since many children do not have this. What is the name of your school?

IRENE VAN HEEK - I see that you received Ellen’s address O.K., Irene. Did you write her again? We hope that your birthday was a happy one, and that you may have many more of them. What subjects do you have in school this year?

LEAH MOORE -I did like your letter, Leah. As you can realize, I learn to know the boys and girls and their families a little better when I receive letters from them. Do you find that some of the questions in the quiz are a little difficult?

KATHLEEN DEN HOED - You must be very musical, Kathleen. If you could play several instruments at the same time, you could really make a band of your own. Do you have machines for harvesting the grapes, or is this all done by hand?

BETH SCHELLING - Some boys and girls have to work quite hard to get a “B”, Beth, and there are some who don’t seem to have any trouble at all in getting them. The important thing is that we really do our best. Some do better in math, some in English, and some in the other subjects. My birthday is in October.

ED MENGER - Your friend John found lots of interesting things on their new farm, Ed. He had better keep right on looking. What a lot of chicks to take care of. Do you know of a text in the Bible which speaks of chickens gathered under the hen?

HERMAN JOHN VANDERMEULEN - Congratulations with the new baby sister, Herman. A new baby in the family makes a big change, doesn’t it? And to think that we were also that tiny once. Since you are the oldest, I hope that you will always try to set a good example.

BRENDA KAY SCHELLING - We are glad that you liked your book about the little woodchopper, Brenda. Did you finish reading it? Do you like to wear glasses? It is not so nice when you have to wear them, but it is worth it to be able to see better.

JEANETTE SLINGERLAND - We had some snow for a few days already, Jeanette, but it is gone again. Usually it doesn’t stay long in November. But it does show that winter is not far away. Which subject do you like the best in school?

AMY KAAT - Did I miss one of your letters, Amy? It could happen, even though I try not to let it happen. Is your grandmother teaching you how to cook, too? It is not very pleasant for the teacher when boys and girls misbehave in class. Do you think that you would like to be a teacher?

CASEY OVEREEM - What a lot of vegetables you grew, Casey. Do you sell them all during the winter? How many onions in a ton? It would take a good mathematician to figure how many of each vegetable you had. It all shows that you have much to acknowledge the Lord for in giving a plentiful harvest. We hope you also think of this.

ELLA KIEBOOM - We are all quite well, Ella, and hope that your family is all well. We also had a nice visit in Sioux Falls when we were there, but that has been quite some time ago. Are you getting any letters from your friend Jane in Grand Rapids?

BILL VAN DER WEIDE - We are looking forward to meeting you in Michigan, the Lord willing and we live, Bill. Many plans can be made, but so much can happen to change them. It doesn’t look like you have such easy subjects this year - at least there should be lots of homework

JANIE DEN HERTOG - I suppose by this time you are nicely situated in your new location, Janie. How far is it from where you lived before? Do you know which is the longest river in the world? It is one of those you mentioned were spoken about in the Bible.

LINDA SUE SCHELLING - Those who have grandparents across the ocean have quite a lot further to go to pay them a visit, Linda. And, of course, they can’t go by automobile. Do you know of a grandfather in the Bible who was very glad to see his grandchildren?

RUTH ANN VAN DALEN - What places did you visit in Pennsylvania, Ruth Ann? That is quite a large state, so I guess there are quite a few places to see. How are you getting along with your studies? I suppose it keeps you busy.

GERRIT BEZOOYEN - And a welcome to you this month, Gerrit, in answering the Bible quiz. I am sure you will learn to know more about God’s Word as you do the quiz every month. And it is a Book which we should know better than any other book.

Many thanks to all our young friends for the answers to the quiz and the letters received. As we see another year rapidly slipping behind us, it should remind us how quickly our lives also pass by. Oh, it should cause us to hasten for our life’s sake - to seek the Lord while He is yet to be found. Again our sincere best wishes to all of you, with the prayer that the Lord will bless you abundantly in the year of 1975, not only with blessings for the body and for the time, but also those blessings for eternity.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

INSTRUCTION

No doubt many of you are still at school, some in elementary school, and some even attend the universities. Others have finished their schooling and are at work. These have passed through their school years and are now in closer touch with the world and its dangers and problems. What you learned at school will no doubt help you in whatever work you may be doing; and I am sure that what may have been told you on spiritual matters must have some effect upon you, even without your noticing it.

The minds of children are very plastic. They are very much like the plastic dough which was given you to play with when you were in kindergarten. You could shape it at will, and make whatever you wished with it.

Now the devil, who hates all that is good, is very anxious to get hold of the minds of children, even at an early age. The Romanist says: “Give me a child till he is seven, and I have made a Catholic of him.” Lenin, the Communist said: “Give me a child till he is eleven, and I have made a Communist of him.” The devil says: “Give me a child in the impressionable years of his life, and I have made an infidel of him.” That is why there is so much talk today of Youth and Youth Movements. Beware of these if you value your soul. It is well that young people should receive sound instruction on things which belong to the welfare of their souls. It is to be feared, however, that the majority of these movements cater far too much for the amusement and recreation of young people, rather than for their spiritual welfare. You must understand that this accent on youth is one of the many modern movements which are doing so much to harm our country.

But to return to school. My dear young people, beware of what your teachers tell you about the Bible. I have no fear of being contradicted when I say that the great majority of teachers today do not believe the Bible to be the Word of God. Some of you, no doubt, have heard that many of the stories of the Scriptures are not true, but are ancient myths, legends, and allegories believed by the people of the days in which the Bible was written. The majority of teachers believe and teach that damnable doctrine of evolution, that we men are just improved apes. You are forced to sit and listen; but I pray you, do not believe this. Never believe a teacher who throws doubt on the truthfulness of the Word of God.

Some say: “Don’t worry children about religion; it will be time enough when they grow older and are able to choose for themselves.” This is a very subtle argument of the devil. Some are under the impression that there is a Gospel for the old, and another for the young. I do not believe this, and my experience has been that the deep truths of the Gospel can be simply but effectually taught to children. In Proverbs 22:6 we have these words: “Train up a child in the way he sould go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I have proved this to be true in my own case.

Although I was not brought up in a Christian family, I was always taught to respect the Bible, to read it, and to believe it. I can never remember a time when I did not read it daily, although the light of the Gospel had not dawned upon my soul. Yet the Word was stored in my memory, and came in good stead when it pleased God to turn me from darkness unto light.

Am I writing to someone whose mind has been turned from believing the Bible? I beg of you, take that Holy Book down, read it regularly, and above all believe every word of it; for it is there that you will find peace for your soul and true lasting happiness.

No doubt this will be read by older people-parents, perhaps. See that your children cherish, respect and read their Bibles. If they possess not a copy, present them with one. We are living in low, sad, troublous days. We never know what another day will bring. Those who revere the Bible, and know the God of the Bible, are the only ones who can be truly happy in this sorry world.

Cling to the Bible,
though all else is taken;
Lose not its precepts,
so precious and pure.

Souls that are sleeping,
its tidings awaken;
Life from the dead
in its promises sure.

Cling to the Bible;
this jewel and treasure
Brings life eternal,
and saves fallen man.

Surely its value
no mortal can measure;
Seek for its blessing,
O soul! while you can.

Lamp for the feet
that in by-ways have wandered,
Guide for the youth
that would otherwise fall;

Hope for the sinner
whose life has been squandered,
Staff for the aged,
and best Book of all.

When that writer of many books, Sir Walter Scott, lay on his death bed, he desired that someone should read to him. He was asked from which book should be read, for his library contained hundreds of books. The answer came: “Which book? There is only one Book-the Bible.”

(The Friendly Companion)

PRAISE FOR THE INCARNATION

Sweeter sounds than music knows,
Charm me in Emmanuel’s name;
All her hopes my spirit owes
To His birth, and cross, and shame.

When He came, the angel sung,
“Glory be to God on high;”
Lord, unloose my stammering tongue,
Who should louder sing than I?

Did the Lord a man become,
That He might the law fulfil,
Bleed and suffer in my room,
And canst thou, my tongue, be still?

No, I must my praises bring,
Though they worthless are and weak;
For should ] refuse to sing,
Sure the very stones would speak.

O my Saviour, Shield, and Sun,
Shepherd, Brother, Husband, Friend!
Every precious name in one,
I will love Thee without end.

John Newton

A NEW YEARS GIFT INDEED

For ever blessed be the Lord for His marvelous lovingkindness, sweetly and clearly manifested to my poor unworthy soul today--the happiest day mine eyes have seen these seven years, a heavenly boon, a blessed New-year’s gift I have received freely from the Lord today--never, never to be forgotten-a sealed pardon of all my sins, an assured sense of redeeming everlasting love; the most firm and unshaken belief that sin, and all the works of the devil in me, particularly pride, unbelief, carnality, and idolatry should be utterly destroyed from out my soul. Amen! Blessed Lord, so be it! Amen! Blessed Lord, so shall it be. Amen! Amen! What shall I render to the Lord? Heaven and earth praise Him! Ye angels that excel in strength, praise Him for evermore! Amen!

from the Diary of James Calder

PRAYER FOR A BLESSING

Now, gracious Lord, Thine arm reveal,

And make Thy glory known;

Now let us all Thy presence feel,

And soften hearts of stone!

Help us to venture near Thy throne,

And plead a Savior’s Name;

For all that we can call our own,

Is vanity and shame.

From all the guilt of former sin

May mercy set us free;

And let the year we now begin,

Begin and end with Thee.

Send down Thy Spirit from above,

That saints may love Thee more,

And sinners now may learn to love,

Who never loved before.

John Newton

THE PERFECT MIRROR

In 2 Chronicles 16 verse 10 we read, “Then Asa was wroth with the seer and put him in a prison house.” Then in the eighteenth chapter we find Ahab saying regarding another prophet, “Put this fellow in the prison and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction.” King Asa and King Ahab were both angry with the prophets who came to them with messages from the Lord and put them in prison. Was it not most unreasonable of them to be angry with these messengers? As unreasonable as it would be for a man who did not like the contents of a telegram to knock down the messenger who brought it!

There was once a very ugly African princess who had always been flattered by her subjects that she was beautiful. But one day a trader came that way and presented her with a looking-glass. When the princess looked at it and saw how frightfully ugly she was, she became so angry with the glass that she smashed it to pieces. Fancy being angry with a mirror! It did not make her ugly; it only showed her how ugly she really was.

Now the Word of God is very much like that looking-glass; it shows boys and girls their true likeness, and it is not at all a flattering picture. It gives a picture of a sinner’s heart and shows how ugly it is; “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” The Bible says, “There is no difference, for all have sinned.” People do not like to be told this, and sometimes become very angry at the message, and with the messenger too. One young woman said she would not go back to church because the services made her feel very uncomfortable. She had seen her real portrait as a poor lost sinner, and did not like it. Now surely if a person were seriously diseased, it would be far better to know his real state than to fancy there was not much the matter with him. If he knew the truth, he might seek and find a cure.

Do any of my young readers see their own likeness in what has been said? Have you been fancying you were all right when you were all wrong? See then that you do not refuse Him that speaketh? but listen carefully to the message God sends you by His Word, and seek the aid of the Great Physician of souls. Christ is able to heal you, to cleanse your soul and save you. “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all they diseases.” (Psalm 103, v.3).

Young Peoples’ Magazine

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