MISSION TIDINGS

TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

It is with sincere thanks that we again acknowledge the gifts received during the month of November for the Timothy Mission Fund. A total of $586. was received. Disbursements were made as follows: $300. to the mission work of our churches in West Irian; $100. to the Mbuma Mission Hospital in Rhodesia; $75. to the Bethlehem mission in Baldwin, Michigan; and $50. each to the Banner of Truth Tract Mission and the Ebenezer Scripture Mission in Rhodesia. The balance as of November 30 was $13.32.

As you have no doubt seen in the December issue, it is our intention to discontinue the Timothy Mission Fund at the end of 1975. May the mission causes be remembered in prayer, knowing that “ the Lord alone is able to ransom from the grave” . May the Lord also remember all the friends who have supported our mission fund from month to month.

GIFTS RECEIVED FOR MISSIONS IN NOVEMBER 1975

CLASSIS EAST SOURCE AMOUNT

Friend in Clifton Gift $1000.00

Psalter Recordings Proceeds 100.00

CLASSIS MIDWEST Covell Ave. Congregation, G.R. Gift 230.00

Friend in Hudsonville Gift 15.00

Friend in Chicago Hts. Gift 100.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 125.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 150.00

Friend in G.R. Gift 100.00

CLASSIS WEST

Friend in Sheboygan Gift 50.00

TOTAL: $1870.00

Dear Friends,

Herewith we want to acknowledge all of you for your kind support of the mission work. May the Lord bless you and your gifts. We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the congregations, Ladies Aid, Catechism classes, and individuals for their generous support in the year of 1975. By the time this will come in the Banner, the Lord willing, it will be 1976. In behalf of the Mission Committee we can say that the Lord has wonderfully made all things well in the financial support of the mission work in the year that lies behind us. We hope that the love for the mission work will increase in the New Year. May the year 1975 be an unforgettable year for those of the people on the mission fields in whom that the Lord has magnified His grace, even though they couldn’t say with Job, “ I know that my Redeemer liveth” , yet, that they could say, one thing I know that I was born blind and now I see. Oh what an eternal wonder when the Lord does pour out His Holy Spirit to convince of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. Oh my friends, young and old, the same wonder of God is necessary for the people whom our missionaries are working under, as well as for us and our children at home. The Bible teaches us so clearly that unless we are born again we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. May the Lord remember the missionaries in their respective fields of labor. We wish you all the Lord’s blessing in the New Year. In behalf of the Mission Committee.

American General Mission Fund Netherland Reformed Churches of America and Canada

John Spaans, Treasurer

Plankinton Box 106 RR1

South Dakota 57368

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Macedonia Mission Society has made available a supply of “ Blue Books” , sermon #123 by Rev. A. Vergunst. Since this sermon is fitting for the present time, and our stock deleted, we felt a need to make a reprint.

Also the society has in stock extra copies of most sermon booklets that have been printed in the past.

Requests for any of the above, which can be obtained at no cost, can be made by writing to Macedonia Mission Society, 518 Ackerman Avenue, Glen Rock, New Jersey 07452.

MACEDONIA MISSION SOCIETY

Leonard J. Van Grouw

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Banner of Truth Tract Mission committee hereby expresses its sincere appreciation for gifts received for the publication and free distribution of tracts. Tracts to be published will consist of suitable articles taken from the denominational publication, “ The Banner of Truth” , as authorized by Classis East and Mid-West.

Personal gifts are encouraged for the furtherance of this endeavor and will be gratefully received. Gifts may be mailed to The Banner of Truth Tract Mission, 540 Crescent St. N.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503. Gifts received during the months of October, November and December are as follows:

Artesia Congregation $ 45.75

Bradford Congregation 40.00

Chilliwack Congregation 300.00

Franklin Lakes Congregation 500.00

Port Alberni Congregation 50.00

Kalamazoo Congregation 250.00

Norwich Congregation 100.00

St. Catharines Congregation 100.00

South Holland Congregation 100.00

Fort MacLeod Congregation 50.00

Miscellaneous 261.28

TOTAL: $1,797.03

NOTES OUT OF THE CATECHISM CLASSES

Of Rev. J. Fraanje

Using the Catechism Book

SPECIMENS OF DIVINE TRUTHS

by

Rev. A. Hellenbroek

Of His Satisfaction Lesson 27 Part II

But how are those texts to be understood that say that Christ died for all people?

It is very easy to explain. Where it reads in Titus 2:11, “ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” does not say, “ Is applied or accepted by all men.”

Well then, it has appeared or been published to all men, because God has commanded the gospel to be preached to the whole world. And where it is written, “ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ,” it is very plain that it means the world of the elect.

Out of incomprehensible, sovereign love, He has chosen a determinate number, of whom He often speaks in His Word and for whom a ransom had been delivered. The angel spoke of these to Joseph concerning Mary in Matt. 1:21, “ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus; for He shall save His people (thus not all people) from their sins.”

In John 10:11 He calls them “ His sheep.” And in Acts 20 they are referred to as the “ church of God.” God’s Word often makes a clear distinction between people and people. Even the Lord Jesus says in John 17:9, “ I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me.”

What is the result of this satisfaction for them? What are the benefits of it?

1st. God is now reconciled with the elect sinner.

2nd. The sinner receives the right to life.

These are the two consequences.

Being reconciled is not the same as having a right to eternal life. I hope you understand the difference.

A typical example from life can make it easy to understand that Christ’s satisfaction consists of two distinct parts.

Take this case: There is a person who once was extremely rich but because of certain circumstances became utterly poor, and not only poor, but in addition had an amazing amount of debt. It was so bad that his creditors eventually had to bring him to court and since he had nothing with which to pay, he was committed to prison.

There he sat, without a single ray of hope of ever being released, because he had nothing with which he could satisfy those to whom he owed money. But what happened? Along came a very rich man, who loved the debtor. Without the poor man knowing it, his great debt was paid. As a consequence, of course, the judge could no longer keep him in prison. All his debts were wiped away and he was a free man.

What is he considered now, in his circumstance of discharge, standing outside of prison? A free man and one completely free of debt. This is true, but what other fact is to be considered?

He is still very poor, having not one penny on which to live or to look forward to for support. If that rich friend gave him no second sum of money with which to buy bread, he would still perish in spite of the fact that he has no debts. There is no question about that, is there?

That is the way it is in Christ’s work of satisfaction, too. We were promised eternal life upon our keeping the law, otherwise we can have no part in it. When we sinned, eternal life expired for us. It could not be given to us because we had broken the law. Instead, we now receive punishment for the act of sin.

Do you understand now that there are two circumstances involved? If the Mediator had suffered punishment only for sin that had been committed, God the Father (reverently speaking) could not condemn the elect to eternal punishment, because the punishment had been borne by their Surety and God’s righteousness would allow it to be punished but once. They need not inhabit hell, then, after they die.

But could God allow them to come to heaven? No, not there either, because eternal life (in heaven) was promised only upon obedience to the law. It would be contrary to His righteousness to take them into heaven.

What is the result of this? They cannot go to hell because punishment had already been borne, but they cannot go to heaven either because the law had not been satisfied. Was it necessary, then when they died, to hover about between heaven, hell and the earth? That is impossible because God’s Word speaks of only two places, hell or heaven. That is why Christ had to suffer punishment; to free them of punishment; but He also, secondly, had to fulfill the law in order to return eternal bliss unto them. Just as in our example, the rich man, besides paying the debt, must also give a second amount of money so that the poor man could have the necessities of life.

Our lesson finishes with the question: Has everyone grounds to believe that Christ has satisfied for him?

Answer: No, but only those who accept Christ as the meriting, working, effecting, and exemplary cause of their spiritual life.

What is really the essential fact in all this for us, children?

That we have every detail of this instruction applied spiritually to our souls by the Holy Spirit.

Our lesson time is about gone and we must bring our instruction to a close. Perhaps while you were memorizing these long questions and answers this week, you said to yourself, “ What a boring lesson this week. It is a good thing the lesson is much shorter next week.” This is about what you thought, isn’t it?

Don’t try to make yourself more pious than you are. The Lord is able to see within our hearts anyway! However, what a blessing it would be if the satisfaction of Christ became the most valuable possession we could have in this world. It is the only way through which God can accept us.

You are 12, 13, 14 years of age and even older, but has not sin become a burden to you? Perhaps your thoughts are: “ Dominie, we are not that old yet!”

I once spoke to a boy who was 10 years old when God converted him.

My words to him were something like this, “ My boy, you are but 10 years old, that is still so very young; wouldn’t you desire to participate in worldly pleasures for a few more years?”

“ Oh, no,” he said, “ It was not my desire then and still is not. I realized I had lived without God for 10 years and had sinned against Him. It had been ten years too long.”

I am sure if this happened to you, you would have expressed the same feelings.

Last week when we discussed the agonies that will be experienced in hell we said, “ We mentioned that if you should die unconverted you will then agree I had not exaggerated at all.” In words of human limitations I want to give you an impression how fearful a lot that will be. If, by way of an example, you were in hell for five minutes you would call out, “ It is impossible to remain here,” and yet it will be for eternity. It is impossible to bear and yet the full weight of God’s wrath must be borne. There will be the unquenched anger, the eternal despair, without one moment’s relief in company with other wretched creatures and devils. There God will be cursed with a cursed body and soul.

Oh, we are but a candle light in a small part of God’s church here upon earth in these dark days, but children, I must not neglect to warn you each week. We fail in our duty too much as it is.

The Lord expects us to be a guard over your soul, but he shall require an account from us too, how we have dealt with your souls.

I stand before you now and look at you, and you look at me, but soon we shall stand before God’s judgment seat. Would you dare to look at the Lord in the condition in which you are now? No, that would be impossible, but then it shall be as in Luke 30, “ --mountains, fall on us; and to the hills, cover us!” But then it will be too late. Then those who stand on His left side will be swept away by His consuming wrath. “ Before their face the people shall be much pained; all faces shall gather blackness.” Joel 2:6. Everything shall stand still and rigid because of the exceeding wrath of the Almighty.

Oh, then you will not laugh and mock, boys! You will not be concerned about pretty clothes or “ going out” , young ladies!

Just as there will be no sorrow and pain among those standing on His right hand, there will be no joy or gladness for the others.

Last week our lesson brought to our attention that the Mediator hung upon the cross for three hours. The whole earth quaked as if in delivery when the great King of heaven and earth went to that cursed tree, defied the agonies of hell and subjected Himself to death.

And we, who are deserving of eternal darkness are yet permitted here in the light of day. Wouldn’t it be just and righteous if He removed all light from us? Light as we experience it each day, spiritual light and eternal light? God’s people particularly can and are privileged to enjoy the light of day and the world in general and are allowed to partake of this benefit of Christ only because Christ subjected Himself to darkness.

Hasn’t the fact, that you opened your eyes in the morning, beholding the light of a new day, been a wonderful experience to you, boys and girls?

It is only because of the merits of Christ in behalf of His elect that there is not absence of light eternally for soul and body. The benefits that the unconverted share now will last only to death and then it will become and continue to be darkness eternally. It shall be and remain to be light eternally without a shadow of darkness anymore for the despised and mocked people of God.

May the Lord bless these truths, which have been spoken in much weakness to the salvation of your precious immortal souls. Psalter No. 67:1

Lord, to me Thy ways make known,
Guide in truth and teach Thou me;
Thou my Savior art alone,
All the day I wait for Thee.

A LETTER FROM REV. A. ELSHOUT

Slikkerveer, September 10, 1975

Dear Friends in Kalamazoo:

A few days ago we celebrated the fact that 20 years ago I was ordained as a minister of the gospel. In our family circle we commemorated some things of the past and we all have to say, “ Thanks be to God for His merciful and faithful help and guidance.” Much has happened in those 20 years. I had to unlearn and learn many things. In His grace and mercy the Lord faithfully took care of our many needs in spiritual, physical, mental, marital and congregational matters. I wish to say with Samuel, “ Ebenezer, hitherto has the Lord helped us.” Looking back at the past, I must regretfully say that I wish I had served my Lord better. What I have to say about myself is exactly what Paul said about himself in Rom. 7:24, “ Wretched man that I am.” But praise be to God, the Lord gave me something that enables me to answer the question, “ Who shall deliver me from this body of death?” with the words of Rom. 7:25, “ I thank God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

While I was resting on the day of the celebration, my thoughts were multiplied. The Lord granted me to sweetly meditate upon mercies past and I found myself swimming in waters of admiration. In spite of all my shortcomings, backslidings, doubts and fears; the Lord mercifully fulfilled His promises only for His Name’s sake. If there would not have been a merciful High Priest at the right hand of God making intercession for transgressors, I would have been justly put to nought. Thanks to His intercession, I am what I am and my hopes are enlivened in that the triune covenant God will take care also of my future needs.

This especially took place while reading I Corinthians 1:30. “ But of Him, are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption.” The Lord permitted me to see the Fountain, from which the celebrated blessings flowed. First of all the blessings related to my personal life and secondly to the ministry. They came “ of Him” . Out of His eternal love, the Father of light united me with Christ from before the foundation of the world. This I was assured of by the testimony of God’s Spirit in my soul. I cannot say how I sank away in wonderment because of such grace bestowed upon a wretch like me. I was permitted to believe that God gave His Son also to my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption because I am lacking all these things completely in myself. Without them I cannot be saved. Yea, I was granted to believe that Christ accepted me and took it upon Himself from all eternity to become also my wisdom, righteousness and sanctification and to take care of my redemption. Oh my dear friends, I cannot say what love in return filled my soul for so much undeserved love. I was led to see how He suffered and bled to atone for my sins and to merit wisdom, righteousness and sanctification so they could be mercifully granted also to me for my salvation. Words cannot explain what I felt while undergoing this and being led back to how the Lord stopped me on my way to hell. It was an agonizing and painful operation to let me die to sin, self, work righteousness and all that I tried to save myself with. Oh the struggle to escape the just judgment of God. I could not humbly accept the punishment of my sins. At times a terrible enmity rose up in my heart which made my case completely hopeless. It completely cut off my efforts to make myself acceptable to God. Once, coming home from my work and laboring with these things, it was as if I was summoned before the all knowing God. All my sins were put in remembrance. I was stunned. I could not and did not open my mouth. Everything was too true. At the same time I was confronted with the righteousness and holiness of God as never before. Then the unbelievable thing happened--my heart was then inclined to humbly accept the punishment of my sins. I felt that God could not do otherwise than condemn me and, believe it or not, I felt a desire in my heart to eternally justify Him even though an unspeakable pain filled my soul that I would be eternally separated from God. I felt a love in my heart for Him although He had to condemn me. When I came home, I went to my bedroom, bowed my knees and humbled myself before God-again justifying Him in everything. I said: “ Lord, I know that because of Thy perfection Thou hast to justly condemn me, but is it possible in some way, I don’t know, that Thou can show me mercy.” Then these words came in my mind, “ Believe thou on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved and thy house.” It was not the first time that I was led to behold the Lamb of God, but it was as if I had never heard that gospel sound. I was so surprised at such an answer that I was stunned again that it was possible for a wretch like me to be saved. After moments of wonderment I said, “ Lord, but how is it possible with Thy righteousness and holiness to bless a sinner like me?” Then these words came to my mind, “ For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb. 10:14) Then I was made to understand that Christ completely satisfied the claims of justice and holiness also for me. My soul was drawn to believingly put my hand upon the slain Lamb of God and to find rest for my soul. Oh, how did I love God for the unspeakable gift of His Son as a mediator for a wretched child of Adam. I was led to believe that not only the mercy of God pleaded for my salvation, but also His justice was satisfied by Christ. Oh, that I always could have believed this afterwards. I would not have been in so many straits. I would not have been at Pine Rest. But, blessed be God, time and again He delivered me from the brink of despair to which I came because of new sins and the tricks of Satan, whom I too often believed. Of course, he does not come with lies when he comes with his accusations. If I always had known that it was he that accused, it might not have been that bad; but oh, the remembrance of what the Lord has done for me, in me and with still fills my heart with unspeakable wonderment. “ Amazing grace, how sweet the sound...” I say with Newton and many others. Last Monday I was led, I believe by God’s Spirit, to trace the blessings received to Him, Who was made to me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. It all came out of His fulness. I was granted to believe that all I am lacking in wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption is all in Him for me. Also all that I will need in the future for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption will be granted to me out of His fulness. This is only because of the Covenant of grace which is founded upon His mediatorial work. Flowing from a God and Father, Who for Christ’s sake, is a God who pardons iniquity and crowns with blessings those who deserve to be crowned with thorns and thistles.

No need to say, that by the mercy of my God, I had a wonderful day. Still somewhat of that joy in the Lord fills my breast and I want you, my dear friends, to rejoice with me in the Lord. You have witnessed the times of distress. I want you to know that the Lord is no land of utter darkness and I want to urge you to seek the Lord while He is yet near. His blessings are yet available without money and without price for creatures who do not deserve one crumb of mercy. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. He is an ever able willing Savior to save to the uttermost the needy when they cry. Open thy mouth wide and the Lord will fill it with tender mercies from above. He still entreats you to look unto Him and be saved. Although, of ourselves we never look to Him, Yea, we neglect Him. Beg Him to open your soul’s eyes for your lost state and condition. If you still are not worried about it or if you do worry, beg Him to open your soul’s eyes for His suitability and willingness to save sinners as we all are. If your soul’s eyes are opened for that, beg Him to draw you unto Him to be united with Him for the first time or even more closely to receive out of His fulness wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Voices inside of me say, “ Don’t send away this paper, you might turn out to be a hypocrite.” My constant prayer is, “ Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Too often I have kept silent. Now I want to speak out to the glory of my Lord and to your instruction and comfort. God is good for sinners who humbly turn to Him. Take that to heart.

Three years ago when I left Kalamazoo for New Jersey to visit the Rev. Harinck family, one of my children laid on my desk Psalter 187. They wanted to encourage me. It did encourage me. The Lord did regard my cries. May this letter contribute to fulfill, With joy the meek shall see my soul restored.” Not my name, but the Lord’s name be glorified. It was good to hear about and see some of you in the Netherlands. May the Lord soon give you another shepherd, and bless the reading services.

With kindest regards,

Rev. A. Elshout

A LIVELY HOPE

(I Peter 1:3)

It is true of those who have a good hope through grace that they died to the false hope they once entertained. We have either a good hope or a false hope. If we have not been begotten again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Christ from the dead, then our hope is false. It is a hope that will perish.

The apostle Paul tells there was a time in his life that he was a godly young man in his own estimation. He fully believed he was in possession of a hope that gave him a right to the heavenly inheritance. In the mercy of God he died to that hope. He came to see it to be false and unfounded. It was based on the training and privileges he had as an orthodox Jew, which included the sacraments of the Old Testament Church, Circumcision and the Passover. Besides the thorough grounding he had in the law and the prophets at the feet of Gamaliel, and the zeal with which he did God service, he bore a character which was outwardly blameless and above reproach. If any could lay claim to credentials for heaven on the ground of church privileges and good works it was Saul of Tarsus. A day, however, came in his experience when he was brought to see that they were altogether irrelevant as a ground of salvation, that he was guilty of going about to establish his own righteousness and not submitting to the righteousness of God. “ When the commandment came,” he confesses, “ sin revived and I died.” The commandment which gave a death-blow to his mistaken hopes was the tenth commandment. “ I had not known sin, but by the law, for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” The Holy Spirit opened up to his understanding and conscience the spirituality of God’s law, that it requires perfect obedience in heart, walk and conversation. Such perfect obedience can only come from a nature that is holy, sinless and undefiled.

Adam, as he came forth from the hand of God in a state of innocency, had such a nature. He was therefore, able to come up to the righteousness of the law, to give the law that perfect obedience which the law required. But since the Fall man has a nature that is sinful, defiled and depraved. On account of the sinfulness of our nature and the sinfulness of our actions we are under the curse and condemnation of God’s holy law. As it is written, “ Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.” The ruin of man’s nature by the Fall, and his total inability to be saved by any obedience of his own to the law, is experimentally opened up in the understanding of all who have a good hope through grace. They are taught to know that by the works of the law no flesh can be justified in God’s sight. That is an unerasable conviction that the Holy Spirit stamps on their hearts. But not only did those who had this good hope die to all hope of obtaining salvation, or of being justified in God’s sight by any works of righteousness of their own, but they also died to all ability on their part of believing in Christ. Persons may profess to believe in, and even defend and contend for, the doctrine of the total depravity of man’s nature and hold to the doctrine of justification by faith, and yet only have a natural faith, or as divines term it, an historical faith. It is the faith of decisionism, the soul-deluding technique of popular evangelists who lead their converts to believe, that their decision for Christ is the fruit of the faith which is the gift of God. We can believe in the Fall of man, the divinity of Christ, His virgin birth, atoning death, His physical resurrection, ascension and glorification, and as we have already mentioned, the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and yet have only an historical or intellectual faith.

The intellect of man apart from regenerating grace can attain to such a faith and to a sound and profound acquaintance with the cardinal doctrines of Christianity. Persons brought up in orthodox circles unquestionably hold to such doctrines. There are many, too, who undergo an intellectual conversion from Arminianism to Calvinism. They come to hold and to uphold the doctrines of free and sovereign grace. But alas! They unwarrantably conclude that because their creed is sound, that their hope is good. But all who have been convinced of their sinnership before God, whether they were orthodox or unorthodox, were convinced of their inability to believe in Christ. The Holy Spirit convinces all whom He savingly teaches, of the sin of unbelief, that their inability is their sin and proof of their guilt. They are brought in guilty before God, the judge of all, in their consciences and brought to see and to believe, that God would be just in their eternal condemnation. Only those who have been convinced of their total inability believe experimentally, and therefore savingly, in the doctrine of the total depravity of man’s nature, for no sooner has the sinner died to his own ability and to realise that in himself he is helpless and hopeless, then his mind is enlightened in the knowledge of Christ, so that he sees Christ by faith and receives and rests upon Him alone as He is freely offered in the gospel. All who are regenerated are dead to the law. No sinner who has passed from death unto life looks to the law for life.

Dr. Own says, “ It is one thing to be in a state of grace, it is another to know that this is the case...... There are many believers who all their days never come to an abiding sense of peace with God, but are filled with troubles and exercised with fears and perplexities, so that they go sorrowing and heavy all their days.” Persons with an intellectual or historical faith are not tried as to their faith or as to their hope. They are buoyed up with the delusion of an unquestioned assurance. The savour of spiritual death is in their writings no matter how sound, and in their exercises no matter how scriptural. They are strangers to the poverty of spirit of the living in Jerusalem (Matthew 5). Those who have a good hope through grace are said to be an afflicted and poor people whose trust is in the name of the Lord.

(Rev. W. MacLean - from a sermon)

(Rev. Vergunst wrote of the above article -” because of the seriousness of the matter, it is so worthy to be read today. What rich lessons it contains. May it provide us together with material for close examination of our hope.” )

JANUARY 1976

As we enter the new year 1976, we extend our best wishes for the indispensible and all-fulfilling blessing of the Lord upon all the readers and contributors of our Banner of Truth. We also commend to the Lord all our congregations, consistories, our students and his docent, our schools and our mission fields, both far and near, and all those that labor in them. It is the blessing of the Lord that makes us rich. We have forfeited all blessings, for both our temporal and spiritual life. God is the Fountain of all blessings, the Father of lights from Whom every good gift and every perfect gift descends, and these gifts reach God’s people through the channel of the blood of Christ, as Thomas Watson wrote. O, that the Lord in this year might begin or continue to make room for them in our hearts. Oh, it is so necessary that God out of boundless mercy in Christ Jesus would seek us for the glory of His Name and the salvation of our souls. It is becoming more and more evident in our lives that there is no man that seeks after God.

May the Lord for His own sake remember the parents and the children, the families, also in natural things, granting them what they need to fulfil their temporal necessities, but especially granting them out of free grace what is indispensible to live in comfort and to die in peace.

May the Lord also amidst all the threatening judgments, in wrath remember mercy to the glory of His Name. May He grant our nation and especially our president and the other authorities to be filled with the fear of God, so that they shall bow down to the God of our fathers, and we shall not be given over to destruction. May there be a returning to the law and the testimony, lest otherwise there shall be no light in them.

May the Lord keep our congregations and our poor children by the old and tried doctrines. The falling away is constantly increasing, and the old paths (Jer. 6:16) are forsaken more and more. Remember, both young and old, that there is a God that judgeth in the earth. May we learn to seek the Lord before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff. (Zeph. 2)

May the Lord remember Jews and heathens, and fulfil His promise that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (Isa. 11:9)

Finally, I would express my wish for Mr. James De Meester who has done so much work for our paper these last few years. I hope that the recent operation on his eye may be successful, so that he can continue with this work. The Lord remember him and all those who give their time to care for and distribute our paper.

Nor do I want to forget Mr. J.J. Van Hassent of Prospect Park, and Mrs. A. De Bruyn of Grand Rapids who still continue to make my work lighter by translating and correcting the articles that appear in the Banner. I cannot appreciate enough what they and others do to promote the regular distribution of our church paper.

This year, my friends, may be the year of your death. May the Spirit of God prepare us to meet our Maker in peace and righteousness. “ Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

Your wellwishing pastor,

W.C. Lamain

SOMETHING OUT OF THE LIFE OF CHINIQUY

The cow, the sucking pig, and purgatory

Mr. Chiniquy died suddenly when his little son Charlie was only twelve years old. The boy was fetched home from the house of a relative who lived at a distance, and where he had attended a good school, kept by a Protestant gentleman. He had gone thrugh various lessons with his father, and delighted him with the progress he had made. They had read the fifteenth chapter of Luke, and retired to rest full of joy; but before the next day, the boy awoke to his mother’s heartrending cry, “ Oh, my dear child, you have no more a father! He is dead!” Poor child! He felt he could not believe it. He ran to his father’s bed, kissed him, pressed them, and prayed that he might live. The breath had fled, and only a lifeless corpse remained.

After such overwhelming sorrow, surely they needed the tenderest sympathy; but only a few days elapsed before the parish priest (who had, years before, to get their Bible away) called on them, and, after a few cold words, he said that something was owing for the prayers that had been offered for the departed, and he would be glad to receive it! Poor Mrs. Chiniquy assured him that, although her husband had received a considerable income as a notary, yet their expenses had been so heavy that he had left her little besides debts. The house he had had built, and the piece of land he had purchased not long ago, were only half paid for, “ and I fear,” said she, “ I shall lose them both. I hope, sir,” she added, “ that you are not the man to take away from us our last piece of bread.”

“ But, madam,” was the cruel answer, “ the money for the masses offered for the rest of your husband’s soul must be paid!”

For some time the widow sat shedding silent tears. At length she raised her tearful eyes, and said, “ Sir, you see that cow in the meadow? Her milk, and the butter made from it, form the principal part of my children’s food. I hope you will not take her away from us. If, however, such a sacrifice must be made to deliver my poor husband’s soul from purgatory, take her as the payment of the masses to be offered to extinguish those devouring flames.”

“ Very well, madam,” said the priest, rising, and walking out.

They were anxiously watching to see what he would do; and, to their horror, he went straight to the meadow and drove away their useful and cherished favorite. Poor Mrs. Chiniquy nearly fainted; and when able to speak, she said -- “ Dear child, if ever you become a priest, never be so hard-hearted towards poor widows as are the priests of today.”

Those words were never forgotten, as our next story will show.

Many years had passed. The child had become a man and a priest, when he was invited to preach a course of three sermons in the church of a rich curate. On the second day, walking with him to the parsonage, a very poor, ragged, and miserable man took off his hat, and tremblingly addressed the curate, saying---

“ You know, sir, that my poor wife died, and that was ten days ago; but I was too poor to have a funeral service sung for her, and I fear she is in purgatory. Almost every night I see her in my dreams in burning flames, and she cries to me to help her. Will you be so kind as to sing that high mass for her?”

“ Of course,” answered the curate. “ Your wife is suffering in purgatory. Give me five dollars, and I will sing the mass tomorrow morning.”

The poor man replied that his wife had long been ill, and he was too distressed to pay the money, and begged that five low masses might be said for her. The priest told him he must pay five shilling for them, but the wretched man declared he had no money, and that he and his children were starving.

“ Well, well,” said the curate, “ I saw two beautiful sucking pigs before your house this morning. Give me one of them.”

“ Those pigs, sir,” said the man, “ were given me by a charitable neighbor, that I might raise them for my children’s food next winter. They will surely starve if I give my pigs away.”

Chiniquy could not wait to hear the conclusion of the shameful bargain. He hurried away to his room, refused to take tea, and spent a sleepless night wondering whether the Church of Rome could be the Church of Christ. Next morning, he gave the five dollars to the poor man, and went breakfastless to church.

After preaching, he was led by the curate to his dining room. The long fast had made him very hungry, and the foremost dish was a delicious sucking pig. He had cut a piece, and was just about to eat, when the scene of yesterday flashed across his mind, and he inquired, “ Was this that sucking pig?”

“ Yes,” replied the curate, with a hearty laugh, “ it is just that. If we cannot take the poor woman’s soul out of purgatory, we will, at all events, eat the fine sucking pig.”

The priestly guests all joined in the laugh except Chiniquy, who, with a burst of righteous indignation, pushed his plate away, and in a few thrilling words told them what he thought of the whole proceeding. Of course they were very angry; but the sucking pig was untouched by any one.

Thus were Chiniquy’s eyes gradually opened, and he “ saw men as trees walking,” until the final touch gave him to see all things clearly.”

Lord, open Thou our eyes, and give us clearer and yet clearer light, that we not only may forsake every evil, but may follow Thee with full purpose of heart.

Submitted

COMMON GRACE

Calvin on Common Grace

I am aware it seems unaccountable to some how faith is attributed to the reprobate, seeing it is declared by Paul to be one of the fruits of election, and yet the difficulty is easily solved: for though none are enlightened unto faith but those who are preordained unto salvation, yet experience shows that the reprobates are sometimes affected in a way so similar to the elect, that even in their own judgment there is no difference between them. Hence it is not strange, that by the Apostle a taste of heavenly gifts, and by Christ Himself, a temporary faith is ascribed unto them. As God regenerates the elect only forever by incorruptible seed, as the seed of life once sown in their hearts never perishes, so He effectually seals in them the grace of His adoption, that it may be sure and steadfast. But in this there is nothing to prevent an inferior operation of the Spirit from taking its course in the reprobate. Meanwhile, believers are taught to examine themselves carefully and humbly, lest carnal security creep in and take the place of assurance of faith.

We may add that the reprobate never have any other than a confused sense of grace, laying hold of the shadow rather than the substance, because the Spirit properly seals the forgiveness of sins in the elect only, applying it as special faith to their use. Still, it is correctly said, that the reprobates believe God to be propitious to them, inasmuch as they accept the gift of reconciliation, though confusedly and without due discernment; not that they are of the same faith or regeneration with the children of God; but because, under a covering of hypocrisy, they seem to have a principle of faith in common with them. - - -

Thus we dispose of the objection, that if God displays His grace, it must endure for ever. There is nothing inconsistent in this with the fact of His enlightening some with a present sense of grace, which afterwards proves evanescent.---

In short, as by the revolt of the first man, the image of God could be effaced from his mind and soul, so there is nothing strange in His shedding some rays of grace on the reprobate, and afterwards allowing them to be extinguished.

Dr. John Owen on Common Grace

There is an inferior, common work of the Holy Ghost, in the dispensation of the word, upon many to whom it is preached, causing in them a great alteration and change as to light, knowledge, abilities, gifts, affections, life and conversation, when the persons so wrought upon are not quickened, regenerate, nor made new creatures, nor united to Jesus Christ. I suppose there will not be need for me to insist on the proof of this proposition, the truth of it being notoriously known and confessed, as I suppose, amongst all that profess the name of Christ.

In persons thus wrought upon, there is or may be, such an assent upon light and conviction, to the truths proposed and preached to them as is true in its kind, not counterfeit, giving and affording them in whom it is wrought profession of the faith, and sometimes with constancy to death.

Persons in and upon whom this work is wrought cannot be said to be hypocrites in the most proper sense, that word - - - that is, such as counterfeit and pretend themselves to be that which they know they are not, - - - nor to have faith only in show and not in substance, as though they made a show and pretence only of an assent to the things they professed; their high gifts, knowledge, faith, change of affections and conversation, being in their own kind true (as the faith of devils is): and yet, notwithstanding all this, they are in bondage, and at best seek for a righteousness as it were by the works of the law, and in the issue of Christ proves to them of none effect.

Among these persons many are often times endued with excellent gifts, lovely parts, qualifications, and abilities, rendering them exceedingly useful, acceptable, and serviceable to the Church of God, becoming vessels in His house to hold and convey to others the precious liquor of the gospel, though their nature in themselves be not changed, they remaining wood and stone still.

(Free Presbyterian Magazine)

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Isaiah, 12:2,3.

LEADERS

Where are those we counted leaders,
Filled with zeal, and love, and truth?
Old professors, tall as cedars,
Bright examples to our youth!
Some, in whom we once delighted,
We shall meet no more below;
Some, alas! we fear are blighted,
Scarce a single leaf they show.

Younger plants—the sight how pleasant,
Covered thick with blossoms stood;
But they cause us grief at present,
Frosts have nipped them in the bud!
Dearest Saviour, hasten hither,
Thou canst make them bloom again;
Oh, permit them not to wither,
Let not all our hopes be vain!

Let our mutual love be fervent,
Make us prevalent in prayers;
Let each one esteemed thy servant
Shun the world’s bewitching snares;
Break the tempter’s fatal power,
Turn the stony heart to flesh;
And begin, from this good hour,
To revive thy work afresh.

Newton

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

BIBLE TRUTH BOOKS

Again it has been possible to add some titles to our list of books which we have available. It is our constant prayer that the Holy Spirit may use and bless these books to the souls of the readers. A complete book list is available upon request. Please address all correspondence to Bible Truth Books, P.O. Box 2373, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003.

The Fear Of God Retail $3.00

by John Bunyan Our price $2.00

Bunyan deals with the object and reasons of the fear of God and the rule of fear, God’s Word. He explains the true character of the fear of God, the effects it produces, and concludes with the application and use of this doctrine. (paperback)

The Bondage Of The Will Retail $5.95

by Martin Luther Our price $4.15

Written by the “ Father of the Reformation” , this book is considered to be the “ manifesto of the Reformation” . Luther here gives what he saw to be the heart of the gospel and the dividing point between himself and the Roman Catholics. Recommended for adults. 320 pages. (hard cover)

Romans Retail $7.50

by Charles Hodge Our price $5.25

A complete commentary on the book of Romans. It is recognized as one of the truly great works on this epistle. 457 pages. (hard cover)

The Seven Sayings Of The Saviour On The Cross by Arthur Pink Retail $3.45

Our price $2.80

Pink examines the seven sayings of Christ under the seven topics of Forgiveness, Salvation, Affection, Anguish, Suffering, Victory and Contentment and enlarges upon each topic. The book is full of exhortations and warnings to the sinner, while supporting and comforting the believer. 134 pages. (hard cover)

The Afflicted Man’s Companion Retail $6.00

An excellent gift Our price $3.00

A compilation of four well-known Puritan works -Divine Cordial by Thomas Watson, Mute Christian Under the Rod by Thomas Brooks, Keeping the Heart by John Flavel, and The Crook in the Lot by Thomas Boston. (Hard cover - 4 books in one volume).

The Sovereignty of God Retail $1.25

by A.W. Pink Our price $ .90

“ Present day conditions,” writes the late Arthur W. Pink, “ call loudly for a new examination and new presentation of God’s omnipotence, God’s sufficiency, God’s sovereignty” . Pink also shows how prayer and human responsibility relate to God’s sovereignty. Very clearly written. 160 pages (Paperback).

Bible Animals Retail $1.90

by S.F.Paul Our price $1.35

A description of some of the more common animals and texts showing where these animals are spoken of in the Bible. Very suitable for children. 71 pages (Hard cover).

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