A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE XVI

Of Eternal Election

The decrees of God extend over all things, both small and great, in heaven and on earth. If we believe this, it is then impossible to say that this belief is denied by man. Our fathers discussed this very briefly in our confession, but with finality.

Eternal election is called predestination, which can be divided into election and rejection, and this doctrine is the heart of the Reformed confession. It can also be found in the Lutheran confessions, but it was placed more in the background. Our Reformed fathers have always defended this doctrine that God’s decrees extend over the eternal destination or state of men and angels, the rational creatures. Thus there is an election and rejection of angels as well as of men. We can read of the election of angels in I Timothy 5:21, and of their reprobation in Jude, verse 6.

The article we are considering speaks only of the predestination of man. As we will see later on in the explanation of this article, both the election and rejection of man is spoken of in many places. Calvin said that by the bringing up of children with milk, election may not get too much emphasis, but in another place he wrote that predestination is the heart of the church. When we may know something of it in our personal life, then you can understand that it is a comforting doctrine.

In this confession there is written that the eternal election is the deepest ground of salvation. On the other hand, we can understand that this doctrine of predestination is a rock of offence for people who wish to maintain themselves and try to make God dependent upon man. Satan used the pride of man to go against this teaching wherein everything of man is excluded. For God’s people it is and always becomes a greater wonder that there is an election. If salvation had to begin with their work, then all was lost. Happily the Lord was the first from eternity, and then they can say, “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36).

We promised to mention a few places where election is found in the Scriptures. In Romans 9:13 we read that God not only loved Jacob, but also hated Esau; in I Thessalonians 5:9 that He has appointed some to wrath as well as others to obtain salvation; and in Romans 9:22 & 23 that there are vessels fitted to destruction as well as vessels prepared unto glory. This election and rejection is out of pure sovereignty, and all moving or conditional causes outside of God, whether good or evil, are thereby excluded. God did not elect because of foreseen faith or good works, nor rejected because of certain sins. It is God’s free, sovereign decree. Even faith in Christ Jesus is not a condition to election, but is a fruit of election. God shows mercy to whom He will, and hardens whom He will. And yet it will never be possible to lay the blame upon the Lord if we are not saved.

This article begins with the statement, “We believe that all the posterity of Adam being thus fallen into perdition and ruin, by the sin of our first parents, God then did manifest Himself such as He is: that is to say, merciful and just.” The previous article dealt with original sin, which is the cause of our deep fall. The consequences of it are felt over the whole world. Because of it we are subjected to the threefold death and we have no right to anything. Being in this spiritual death we don’t bother to ever think about salvation in the right way. Yet we are responsible for our deeds because we have willfully brought ourselves into this misery.

It seems to be a contradiction : being spiritually dead and yet responsible. But being the jewel of creation, it is different! We are worthy to stay under the eternal curse of the Lord, but He is both merciful and just! If man is saved, then the reason is only in the Lord. If we go lost, then it is our own fault. In Romans 9:21 we read, “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?” The ways of the Lord will end to His glory, either in His showing mercy or in His maintaining justice.

This doctrine of free grace has always had much resistance. We know that the Pelagians and the Socinians deny God’s sovereign decrees, and teach free will. Rome teaches that good works are the ground of their salvation, or at least a part of them. Luther speaks of foreseen belief and un-belief. Karl Barth denied election completely. The Remonstrants taught that they whom God foresaw would believe and convert themselves of their own free will are chosen to salvation, thus maintaining that God is dependent upon man in deciding his state for eternity. This is a God-dishonoring viewpoint - the Creator dependent upon the creature.

Against all these false doctrines we maintain, based upon God’s Word, that the sole cause of predestination is God’s sovereign pleasure. It is also thus with the means how we come to salvation, namely, the union with Christ by faith under the administration of the Holy Spirit. I think it is self-evident that man created in time cannot influence God’s eternal decree. All things on earth happen in virtue of God’s decrees, and we may not ask the Lord to give account of His deeds.

We know that all sorts of questions- come up in the mind about election. One says, Is it not arbitrary and hard of God to act in this way? Another says, Is it not a crying injustice when the Lord decrees such totally different ends for a people who are all sinners, the one receiving life and the other death? Is the Lord not partial in dealing with people, when this one receives grace and the other is rejected? We can multiply these questions.

Job gives us the answer in Job 34:10, “Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that He should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that He should commit iniquity.” He is righteous, and does righteously, also toward man. The Lord willing, a little more about this subject next time.

Rev. A.M. Den Boer

Norwich, Ontario

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

We sometimes hear the word “world-conformity.” What do you think it means? If you think carefully about the questions and answers this month, they will help to show you the meaning. It could be said to mean - being like the world. What do we then mean by the world?

A few months ago we said that our lives should show that we are baptized, and that we are different than those who have no religion. But sometimes the world is also to be found in the church and in the homes of religious people. How do we live? How do we dress? How do we act? Not just on Sunday, but every day of the week in all that we do. Can it be said that we are different? We hope and pray that the Lord makes it your desire to live according to His commandments.

The first letters of the answers will spell our six words found in the 12th chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans. When Esau was forty years old,

he took a wife ________ the

daughter of Elon the Hittite, which was a grief of mind to his parents.

The Lord told Samuel at night how He would judge the house ________because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

Solomon in the book of Proverbs said, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou________”

Samuel said to Saul, “To________ is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.’’

Nehemiah cast forth all the household stuff of________out of the chamber which was in the courts of the house of God.

Agrippa said unto Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a________”

In his farewell message Joshua said, “Put away the gods which your fathers served on the ____ side of the flood, and in Egypt.”

When Samuel was old, the elders of Israel came to him and said, “Make us a king to judge us like all the________’’

When men began to multiply on the earth, we read “that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were______

Rehoboam answered the people roughly and forsook the ________ men’s counsel that they gave him.

After the flood the people said, “Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may________ unto heaven.”

Jesus saw a man named________ sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, “Follow me.”

In Hebrews 11 we read that Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of________.

Of whom do we read that he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat?

King Jeroboam made ________ calves of gold, and said to the people, “Behold thy gods, O Israel.”

The enemies of Daniel said, “we shall not find any ________ against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.”

In the sermon on the mount, the Lord Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves ________ upon earth.”

The Lord Jesus also said there, “When ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the________do.”

After Aaron made a molten calf, the people said, “These be thy gods, O ________, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”

When asked by the Lord Jesus, “Will ye also go away?” ______ Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

The family of the Rechabites said to Jeremiah, “We will drink no________”

Elijah said to the people, “How long halt ye between two _________?”

At the rock in the wilderness, Moses said unto the people, “Hear now, ye_________, must we fetch you water out of this rock?”

We read that Dinah the daughter of Leah went out to see the daughters of the_________.

Paul wrote to Timothy, “For _________ hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.”

(Answers should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Wood-mont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001)

Answers to the quiz of last month are as follows:

“I Have Sinned Against Heaven”

Luke 15:21

Increased - Ezra 9:6

Head - Jeremiah 9:1

Acknowledged - Psalm 32:5

Verily - Genesis 42:21

Esau - Genesis 27:36

Sinned - Exodus 10:16

Iniquity - Genesis 44:16

Nineveh - Matthew 12:41

Nathan - II Samuel 12:7

Evil - Psalm 51:4

Dealt - Nehemiah 1:7

Adam - Genesis 3:12

Greater - Genesis 4:13

Affliction - Jonah 2:1-2

Innocent - Matthew 27:4

Neck - Luke 15:20

Sinner - Luke 18:13

Taken - Genesis 18:27

Hezekiah - Isaiah 38:4-5

Eve - Genesis 3:13

Abhor - Job 42:6

Voice - Daniel 9:10

Evil - Genesis 47:9

Numbered - II Samuel 24:10

Answers have again been received from the following -

Karen Kersbergen

Cheryl Groen

Margo Mast

Esther VanRavenswaay

Norm VanRavenswaay

David Klarenbeek

Darwyn Klarenbeek

Arlen J. Klarenbeek

Laura Talbot

Leah Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Linda Talbot

Larry Slotsema

Karl Van Oostenbrugge

Steve Van Oostenbrugge

Rick Rosendall

John Rosendall

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Lysbeth Kroesbergen

Annette Meeuwse

Darryl Slingerland (2)

Glenda Slingerland (2)

(?) Spaans

Jonathon Kamp

Danny Kamp

Robert Kamp

Jim Kraayeveld

Bob Huisjen

Douglas John Mol

Andy VanStelle

Tim VanStelle

John Stapel

David Brink

John Brink

Ingrid Sommer

Maynard DeGraaf

Kathy VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

Debbie VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Loretta Faye Olivier

Mary VanTilburg

Leah VanTilburg

Sherry Fluit

Judy Fluit

Tom VanWingerden (2)

Ken VanWingerden (2)

Audry Kievit

John DenDekker

Anneke DenDekker

Judy denHoed

Gail denHoed

Artis denHoed

Melanie VanBrugge

Margaret Maassen

Curtis Maassen

Nancy Hoogmoed

Joanne Hoogmoed

Carol Boluyt

Ken Luteyn

Nadine Luteyn

Wilma Roos

John Heystek (3)

Jeff Boot

Ruth Bouma

Lisa Peters

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Carrie J. Blok

Tim Kaat

Amy Kaat

Joel VanRavenswaay

Minda VanRavenswaay

Susan VanRavenswaay

Sarah Spaans

Karel Spaans

Karen Spaans

Carla Spaans

Dave Engelsma

Lena Neels (2)

Willy Neels (2)

Marie Remus

Arlene Remus

Janet Remus

Helen Jane Heykoop

Cory Verbeke

Kevin Verbeke

Mark Bleeker

Laurie Bleeker

Steven Bleeker

Michele Seabert

Lois Heerschap

Joanne Heerschap

Beverly Heerschap

Peter Bazen

Steve Bazen

Dan Bazen

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Robert Nieuwenhuis

Ken Kroesbergen

Cathy Kroesbergen

Jane Kroesbergen

(?) Kroesbergen

Steve Boluyt

Kristi Boluyt

Judy VanVoorst

Jay VanVoorst

Alan Greendyk

Paul Greendyk

Lysbeth Procee

Robert Herfst

Anita Hamstra

David Procee (2)

Richard Procee (2)

Joyce VanderMeulen

Harmen VanderMeulen

Sid VanderMeulen

Bill Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Lynn Vroegindewey (2)

Ellen Vroegindewey

Kathy Vroegindewey

Gail Vroegindewey

Joy Vroegindewey

Martin Vroegindewey

Ann-Marlene VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Benjamin VanderMeulen

Herman VanderMeulen

Tonia Maria VanderWaal

Stan VanderWaal

Virginia VanderWaal

Allan J. Baum, Jr. (2)

Lysbeth Kroesbergen

Wendy vanKlei

Nancy vanKlei

Mariene vanKlei

Maria Stoutjesdyk

Ann Mulder

Joel V anderKooi

Ray VanderKooi

John Boonzaayer

Liz Van Giessen (2)

Nicholas Koppelaar

Walter Koppelaar

Joyce Koppelaar

Jane Ellen VanderWiele

Judy Lynn VanderWiele

Paul William Laman

Edward J. Laman

Dave Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Tom Kwekel

Laura Rosendall

Mary Rosendall

John Bosch

Matthew Schelling (2)

Myra VandeStouwe

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Wayne VandeWaerdt

Trudy Vlietstra

Jimmy Vlietstra

Barbara Southway

Robert G. Southway

Angela Schipper

Laurie VanEss

Sue VanEss

Rick VanEss

Christine Bylsma

Stanley Bylsma

David Hoogendoorn

May VanBrugge

Helen VanBrugge

Corry VanBrugge

Nellie VanBrugge

Sharon Frens

Leonard Frens

Elaine Frens

John Jonkman

Willie Jonkman

Cathy Neels

Lisa Neels

Lisa Neels

Helen Hubers

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard E. Hubers

Duane Hubers

Mary Hubers

Neal Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Joanne Boerkoel

Angela Stam

Alisa Stam

Maynard DeGraaf

Linda Bazen

Karen Bazen

James Bazen

Nicholas Bush

Adrian Bush

Tim Lagemaat

Nita Lagemaat

Leslie Lagemaat

Ellen VanGrouw

Leonard DenBoer

Andy DenBoer

Margaret DenBoer

Doug Maljaars

Judy Maljaars

Glen VanderKooi

Mary Van Giessen

Randy VanGemert

Vicki VanGemert

Julie VanGemert

Steve VanGemert

Jeanette Slingerland (2)

Teresa Slingerland (2)

Anne Jansen

Henry Jansen

Jeffrey Van Wyk

Edward Van Wyk

Leslie Van Wyk

Dan Parmeter

Janet VanZweden (2)

Ralph VanZweden (2)

Roy VanZweden (2)

Mark VanZweden (2)

Franklin VanHoepen (2)

Jackie VanHoepen (2)

Anita Schouten

Martin Schouten

Yvonne Herfst

Mary Blom

Bob Maljaars

(?) Maljaars

Terry Roos

Wilma Roos

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

David Vlietstra (2)

Jon Vlietstra

Janice Vlietstra

Lisa Markus

Cindy Markus

Becky Markus

Mariene Grisnich

Richard Grisnich

Connie Blom

And now we will answer the letters which we have received during the past month -

JACKIE VAN HOEPEN - We can well imagine your excitement about going to the Netherlands, Jackie. If all is well, you will have returned by the time you read this. We are anxious to hear about your trip. Are you having any problems catching up with your school work?

ANITA SCHOUTEN - Each country seems to have certain animals and birds that are common only in that area, Anita. We are continually reminded of the wonders of creation and the great wisdom of the Creator. Were there a lot of sheep at the sheep station where you stayed?

INGRID SOMMER-Are you off to a good start at school, Ingrid? I am sure you are kept busy. Who is your teacher this year? Although it is quite a few years ago, we don’t have any trouble remembering the days when we were going to school.

SALLY VAN BEMDEN - Sally, it is nice to have you join in answering the Bible quiz. There are always those who become too (?) old for it, so it is good to see younger ones taking their places. I am sure your mother and father will help on those which are too difficult.

VIRGINIA VANDER WAAL -How is your little brother Gary now, Virginia? We hope he is well. It is always such a wonder when little children are born healthy, especially as they are so tiny. Yes, if you can’t find one of the answers after really looking for it, you may leave it blank or ask your parents for help.

MARIE REMUS - We are quite well, Marie. Do you have more students in your school this year? Did your cousin from Holland like being in America? The time when so many people are travelling is about over now, although there is always some travelling being done.

NICHOLAS KOPPELAAR-Do you milk the cow every morning, Nicholas? I suppose you have a bull by this time. Are you taking good care of him? Since he belongs to you, he probably gets special attention. We hope you had a nice birthday.

NELLIE VAN BRUGGE - What John the Baptist said to the soldiers is also a message for us, Nellie. Boys and girls can also say things about others which is not the truth. But we must try to always speak the truth. We have our classes on Sunday morning after the church service.

TONIA VANDER WAAL - We hope no one gives up too quickly when they have a problem finding an answer, Tonia. How long do you think is long enough to look for an answer? Five minutes, ten minutes, or maybe more? Are you taking good care of Gary?

NANCY VAN KLEI - The weather turned cooler today, Nancy. Otherwise we have been having quite warm weather for September. We do not have much of a garden - only tomatoes, beans rhubarb, and some raspberry bushes. We hope to hear from you again next month.

WILLY NEELS - Your brother and his family are moving quite a distance, Willy. Moving is quite a chore, whether it is a long distance or a short distance. But it is not the problem it was years ago when good roads and modern trucks were not available. Of course, they didn’t have all the furniture then.

ANN MULDER - A welcome to you also, Ann, in answering the Bible quiz. We prefer to see you show all the Bible texts where you have found your answers, as that shows that all of them have been located in the Bible. We hope to hear from you again next month.

ANGELA STAM - We assume school has opened in the new building by this time, Angela, and are anxious to know how you like it. It should be a great wonder and a reason for much thankfulness to see a new school where the other one was so recently burned down.

LISA NEELS - I can imagine you are happy to have your grand-parents living so much closer than before, Lisa. Do they like it in Washington? A move always means an adjustment to something different, and this isn’t always so easy. We hope they are gettingalong well.

BENJAMIN VANDER MEU-LEN - We are glad to have you join with the other boys and girls in answering the quiz, Benjamin. Everything in the Bible is given us for a purpose, and therefore we should study it as much as possible. We think it nice that you work together on it as a family.

JOHN HEYSTEK - Last week we had quite a lot of rain, John, but this week it has been quite nice. The grass has certainly turned green again and grows rather rapidly. Do you live quite near the school which you attend? Since Lynden isn’t such a large city, it can’t be very far away.

LENA NEELS - Whether we travel or whether we stay at home, we need the Lord’s protection, Lena. It is true, we think about it more if we are making a trip, but it is also just as necessary if we are in our own home. Has there been any more cases of polio reported in your area?

TERESA SLINGERLAND -School usually starts here the day after Labor Day, which is the first Monday in September, Teresa. That means you got an early start. Are you learning lots of new things in school? It is good to be busy with studying the Bible. CATHY NEELS - Your letter is the last one this time, Cathy. We are glad to hear from our young friends each month, so we will be looking for your letter next time. Then, D.V., you can write all about the new school and how you like it. Were the questions easy this time?

Thanks to all our friends for your replies to the quiz. Sometimes the answers are sent to the Banner of Truth address in Grand Rapids, and this always delays things a bit. So don’t forget to put your name on your answer sheets and mail them to me, G.J. Moerdyk, 5211 Wood-mont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

With love and best wishes,

Your friend

“Uncle Garret”

MAKING CONFESSION ... WHERE?

(continued)

What do we understand by the pure preaching of the Gospel? Rev. van der Groe wrote this is an introduction of the book by Rev. R. Erskine; and it was that it is completely formed on the mold of law and gospel. Thus it is the preaching of law and gospel. By the law is the knowledge of sin. And the gospel is the glad tiding for a sinner lost in himself, who by the revelation of the Holy Ghost receives the balm of the gospel. The Lord opens the soul’s eyes for the salvation of Christ.

What do we understand by the pure administration of the sacraments? Arnoldus Rotterdam, in the second portion of “Zion’s Glory and Strength”, writes of this: “What evidence is there that the pure administration of the sacraments is a mark of the church?” Answer: From Acts 2:42, “They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread.” Baptism is a sacrament of the church (Matthew 28:19). Likewise the apostle delivered the institution of the Lord’s Supper just as he had received it. (I Corinthians 11:23). If the sacraments used in the manner and to the end that Christ has instituted them, then men may safely conclude that the true church is there. We wish to yet observe that, in addition, the simplicity must be observed. Our Heidelberg Catechism points this out in Lord’s Day 28, the 75th answer, that bread and wine are certain signs of the body and blood of Christ. These signs are received from the minister’s hand and are tasted with the mouth.

And finally, if church discipline is used to punish sins. The exercise of discipline is necessary. (Matthew 18:18). Wherever the true church is, good order must always be maintained and the disorderly punished and restrained. I Corinthians 14:33 & 40, “For God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Arnoldus Rotterdam mentions yet a fourth characteristic, namely the sanctity of walk. This flows from the other three characteristics and is the result of the sanctification poured into the soul by the Holy Ghost. Observe the following texts and look them up in your Bibles: John 8:31, John 10:27, Psalm 93:5, and Psalm 110:3. These can be multiplied with many others.

The true church can easily be distinguished from the false church. Our God-fearing fathers have clearly proclaimed the Word of God, and have suffered and fought for the doctrines of free grace. They had received the banner of truth to raise it up because of the truth. This they might do, girded by the power of the Spirit. May we also confess and practice the truth in the midst of the unknown satanic powers and great confusion. May we not closes our eyes wilfully for the approaching dangers which threaten on every side. The prayer be in our hearts: Order my course and steps in Thy Word.

The Supreme Wisdom says, “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.” Proverbs 8:20.

Rev. A. Hoogerland AN ENEMY IN DISGUISE

During one of the wars with the Indians, a brave young soldier named Hugh found himself one clear September night in an exciting and perilous position. He had volunteered as a sentry for the night on one of the outposts, even though he knew that the four preceding nights brave comrades of his own had been found dead at the same spot.

“You will be number five,” said his companions as he bade them goodnight. “No fear,” he said, “my orders are to shoot if anything moves, and you can depend upon it, if even a bird stirs, I’ll do it.” And so he went his way.

His senses were sharpened to more than their ususal keenness by a consciousness of peril. Alone in the stillness of the midnight watch, the dead faces of his comrades rose before his mind. His post was on a slightly rising ground, a partly cleared space stretching between him and a thick forest lying in the distance. No sign of life broke the stillness during the first few hours, and the grey dawn, as it stole over the quiet scene, revealed not even the trembling of a leaf.

Hugh, naturally adventurous, began almost to fear that he should have a very uneventful watch to speak about with his comrades. As his thoughts wandered, he observed a wild hog leaving the distant forest, appearing to be picking up food as it gradually came closer. Hugh’s eyes were fixed upon the movements of this animal with very little interest until, as it came closer, he suddenly remembered his orders and resolution - “If so much as a bird stirs, shoot it.”

“I must do it,” he said to himself, “though the brute is hardly worth the powder.” Leveling his musket at the hog, he took careful aim and fired. A sharp human cry of agony broke the stillness, and the alarm brought two other sentries to the spot, who discovered that an Indian had been disguised in the skin of a hog. If ever Hugh thanked God in his life, he did it then, as he saw how narrow his escape had been. He had been saved from death through the wonderful providence and mercy of God.

This story is told to point out the danger in which many stand without being aware of it. No foes are really so dangerous as those which creep up on us in disguise, and thus take us at a disadvantage and off our guard. Many a young person has been thus exposed to great danger without perceiving it. Things have been called by deceptive names, such as “pleasure”, “courage”, or even “duty”, and thus the victim has been ensnared. We can never afford to trifle with danger, or to neglect even the smallest precautions against it. May Divine Grace make and keep us ever on our guard.

(from Banner of Truth)

HONEST IN PRAYER

A gentleman was visiting one morning in school with young children, when he observed the tearful face of one who was usually so cheerful. “What is the reason for your sadness this morning, Jim?” he asked. Jim turned away his face to hide a tear that was ready to start from his eyes.

His brother answered for him. “Mother is very angry with him because he would not say his prayers last night; and he also cried all day yesterday because his pet sparrow died, of which he was very fond.”

Little Jim turned quickly, and exclaimed, “I could not say ‘Thy will be done’ because of my poor bird.”

The gentleman took him by the hand, and said to the others, “Notice what he said, for it explains something about prayer which many of you do not think about. Many people repeat words of prayer, who have never prayed in their life.” To Jim he said, “My dear boy, I am very glad to find you were afraid to say to God what you could not truly say from your heart, but you may and must beg of Him to give you submission to His will.”

(adapted from John Whitecross)

THE OLD AND NEW 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 honor 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.

Though 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.

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