A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH-ARTICLE XXII

Of Faith in Jesus Christ

In articles twenty-two through twenty-six of our confession the doctrine of justification is discussed in detail. This doctrine is of the greatest importance for us, and is even sometimes called the heart of Christendom. We may not forget that many errors of the church in the past have resulted in errors regarding justification. This should be as a sign on the wall for us to make us aware of the danger that exists.

The word ‘justification’ itself we find in many places in Scripture. Think only of the well-known text of Romans 4:25, “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” In the dictionary the word justify is defined as a proving or showing to be just, right or reasonable. We may not explain justification as a moral change for the better or an improvement by man so that he becomes just before God. That would be according to the concept of the church of Rome — first a certain degree of holiness, and then the Lord will justify. This would signify that sanctification precedes justification and is the basis of it. This is against God’s Word.

Especially since the Reformation this doctrine has been scripturally explained that we are justified by God the Father on the ground of Christ’s merited righteousness without the works of the law, by faith only, just as we find it expressed in this twenty-second article: “We believe that, to attain the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Ghost kindleth in our hearts an upright faith, which embraces Jesus Christ, with all His merits, appropriates Him, and seeks nothing more besides Him.” It speaks here of an upright faith, meaning a true faith, a true saving faith.

Often there is also mentioned the historical, the temporal and the miraculous faith, but they are different in essence from saving faith. To obtain a portion in the merits of Christ, it is necessary that we be united with Christ. By nature we are one with Adam, united with him, which makes us condemnable before the Lord. Only when this unity with Adam is broken can we be saved. It is not enough, for at that time we are not yet on Christ’s account. We must be incorporated into him; by Word and Spirit the sinner is quickened and becomes one with Christ—on His account, although the comfort of it is missed because he feels just the opposite—that he is unconverted. The Lord Jesus has said that we have to be in the vine and should receive the saps of Him.

Our fathers have always made a difference between the gift of faith and the exercise of faith.

Faith is given in regeneration; at that time faith is implanted in the soul. It is necessary that this faith is exercised. Never forget that faith is a gift of God, but the exercise of faith is also a gift of God. This true faith is worked in the heart by the Holy Spirit, Who is the Author of faith. From all that is written you can understand that faith is not of man and that there is not such a thing as a preparation for faith.

The doctrine that man cannot do anything to his own salvation is always opposed from various sides, but especially by the Pelagians. It is an old error that always stays alive. They of course have texts by which they claim to prove their point. They point to Luke 11:9-10, where is written, “And I say unto you: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” It is pleasant for us to hear that by a decent life and using of the means we may become something. We may never, of course, plead for a sinful life, as that is dishonoring the Lord and we will never receive His favor upon such doings.

However, on the other side there is also a great danger. It is perilous to make a foundation of our doings. The Lord says very clearly that man is dead in sin and trespasses. How can there then be any preparation from our side? A person who is dead is not able to do anything. It is true that we remain rational creatures, also after the fall, and we are able to do morally good works, but these are only horizontally among people. Spiritually good works cannot be performed by us; they are works which are good in the sight of the Lord.

Free will is against God’s Word and the practice of the saints. We must always be careful that an old error does not return dressed in a new garment, for the devil is more sly than ever before. Many will call the doctrine of free grace a dishonoring of man, but God’s people are so happy that there is free grace, for else it was lost for them. No one will ask for the Lord, but the wonder is that the Lord asks for His people, whom He has chosen from eternity and who were bought by the precious blood of His beloved Son. Isaiah gives the answere very clearly, “I am found of them that sought Me not.”

Faith is not of us, but it is a gift of God. This does not mean that we may live as we like. In the sixteenth chapter (section 7) of the Westminster Confession we read, “And yet their neglect of them is more sinful, and displeasing unto God.” The word ‘them’ points to the works done by unregenerate men, although, for that matter, they may be things which God commands and which are of good use both to themselves and others. When they are neglected, it displeases the Lord more, but they are no ground for salvation. The Lord commands us to use the means of grace, and He uses the Word to the conversion of His elect.

We know of Agrippa that his conscience was moved, but nothing more; it was no true conversion. True conversion goes together with the moving of the conscience, but there is also sorrow after God and because of sin. This is missing in historical, temporal and miraculous faith. Sometimes the Lord uses wonderful ways to bring His children to and under the Word. The names of Lydia and Onesimus tell us of those ways, how they were brought to the Word to their eternal welfare.

Has that already happened in our life? No, there is no free will on our side, but the Lord uses the means to conversion. Therefore may we be faithful in the use of the means with a praying heart that it may be blessed in our personal lives and in the lives of our loved ones. It is the greatest treasure we can receive.

Rev. A.M. DenBoer

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

It is again the time of the year when we have Thanksgiving Day, a day set apart by our governments, so that all the people may observe it. What a great difference there is in how it is observed. As we study the Bible we will see that also in those days the offerings, the praises, and the prayers unto the Lord were not always sincere, but were often merely a custom learned from parents and forefathers. Is that our reason for Thanksgiving Day? We hope it is different. If the Lord shows us the many blessings He bestows in a true light and gives us also a thankful heart, then it will be different.

In our quiz we will see some of the differences we have mentioned. The first letters of the answers will spell out four words from Psalm 51, which is a psalm of David. In Psalm 51 David cried, “O Lord,____________ Thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise.”

Cain brought of the____________ of the ground an offering unto the Lord.

Abel brought of the firstlings of his _________and of the fat thereof.

After destroying the city of Ai, Joshua built an altar unto the Lord God of Israel in mount______.

When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram rebelled, Moses said unto the Lord, “______________ not Thou their offering. “

*

In the city of Athens Paul found an altar with the inscription, “To The ____________God”.

When one leper from among ten who were healed returned to thank the Lord Jesus, He said, “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the__________?”

After Solomon became king, Joab fled unto the ____________of the Lord, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

Zacharias and Elisabeth walked in all the commandments and ____________of the Lord blameless.

*

After Aaron made the molten calf, the people said, “These be thy____________, ? Israel.”

The first commandment reads, “Thou shalt have no ________gods before Me.”

In Psalm 103 the psalmist sang, “Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His__________”

*

The Pharisee in the temple prayed, saying, “I fast twice in the week, I give______________ of all that I possess.”

In the book of Malachi the Lord said, “I have no pleasure in you; neither will I accept an offering at your____________.”

As the Lord Jesus watched the rich give their gifts in the temple, He said, “All of these have of their ____________ cast in unto the offerings of God.”

Abihu and____________, the sons of Aaron, offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not.

The Lord spake to Eli by a man of God, saying, “Wherefore ____________ye at My sacrifice and at Mine offering?”

After returning to Jerusalem, Manasseh repaired the altar of the Lord and ______________ thereon peace offerings and thank offerings.

The angel of the Lord smote Herod because he gave not God the____________ Paul said to the people of Athens, “Whom therefore ye________ worship, Him declare I unto you.”

After casting Jonah into the sea and the sea became calm, the men offered a sacrifice unto the Lord and made____________.

The Lord said to Samuel, “The ____________of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.”

Who was the captain of the Syrian host who said, “Thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto other gods”? After seeing the Egyptians drowned in the Red Sea, Moses and the people sang, “I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed______________.”

The answers should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Wood-mont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

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

Instructed -Acts 18:24-25

Nathanael -John 1:4-6

Country -Genesis 12:1

Lot Genesis 19:12

Inspiration -II Timothy 3:16

Naaman -II Kings 5:11-15

Ezekiel -Ezekial 37:l

Taught -Psalm 71:17

House -Genesis 7:1

Israel -I Samuel 1:17

Nicodemus -John 3:9-10

Egypt -Genesis 1:2

Eyes -II Kings 6:17

Accepted -Genesis 4:7

Ravens -I Kings 17:2-4

Ulai -Daniel 8:2

Night -Daniel 2:19

There -Jeremiah 18:1-2

Overthrown Jonah 3:4

Words -Exodus 4:28

Isaac -Genesis 27:13

Serre -Exodus 8:1

Deliverance -Obadiahl:17

Oven -Malachi4:l

Midianites -Judges 6:16

Answers were received from the following boys and girls:

Larry Slotsema

Melanie VanBrugge

Mary VanGiessen

Danny Markus

Lisa Markus

Becky Markus

Rick Rosendall

John Rosendall

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Bob Huisjen

Jim Bazen

Karen Bazen

Linda Bazen

Jeff Boot

Jeremy Boot

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Steven VanOostenbrugge

John Spaans

Richard Procee (2)

David Procee (2)

Kathy VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

Debbie VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Treena Koeken (2)

Henderika Kroesbergen

Bill Kroesbergen

Tonia VanderWaal

Virginia VanderWaal

Margaret Maassen

Sharon Maassen

Kathy L. Schelling

Linda Schelling

Beth Schelling

John Fluit

Joel VanderKooi (2)

Julie VanGemert

John VanGemert

Annette Meeuwse (2)

Joan VanGiessen

Liz VanGiessen

Michelle VanBrugge

Darryl Slingerland

Glenda Slingerland

Len vanHeek

Ronnie vanHeek

Scott Van’tZelfde

Dan Bazen

Peter Bazen

Eddie Bazen

Sharon Bazen

Steve Bazen

Kevin Rosendall

Mary Rosendall

Margaret Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

Leah Talbot

Linda Talbot

Laura Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Jim Kraayeveld

Marlene Grisnich

Rhonda Van Veldhuizen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Debbie Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Robert Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Jane Nieuwenhuis

Robert J. Hults, Jr.

Douglas John Mol

Leonard DenBoer

Andy DenBoer

John Heystek

Norman VanRavenswaay

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Tim Westrate (2)

Patricia Vandenberg

Judy Van Voorst

Jay Van Voorst

Rachel Van Voorst

Margot Mast

John Brink (2)

Anette VandenBrink

David Brink (2)

Jane Kroesbergen

John Kroesbergen

Ken Kroesbergen

Cathy Kroesbergen

Kristi Boluyt

Laurie Bleeker

Steven Bleeker

Carrie Blok

Ray VanderKooi

Jacqueline Leusink (2)

Anton Slingerland

Anthony VandenHoek

Hilda VandenHoek

Dwaine Johnson

Steven Johnson

Laurie VanEss

Rick VanEss

John Groen (3)

Tammy VandenToorn

Lisa Peters

Sharon Kae denHoed

Sheryl Renae denHoed

James VandenBrink

Tom Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Robert Kamp

Jonathon Kamp

Daniel Kamp

Michele Seabert

Brian Kegel

Yvonne Kegel

Reineke Bertram

Ronald Bertram

Gail denHoed

Artis denHoed

Judy denHoed

Brent VanBeek

Sharia VanBeek

Anita VanTilburg

Paul Greendyk

Alan Greendyk

Elaine Frens

Leonard Frens

Kathy Vroegindewey

Gail Vroegindewey

Joy Vroegindewey

Dave Engelsma

Martin Schouten

Anita Schouten

Cynthia Kooiman

Matthew Jon Schelling

Gordon DenBoer

Casey Anker

Lisa Kerkhoff

Gary Dekker

Campbell Goudzwaard

Randy Lindhout

Margaret Slootweg

Leanne VandenDorpel

Martin VanderZwan

Jim Luteyn

Neal Lindhout

Marilyn Kooiman

Marie Luteyn

Wendy VanKlei

Nadine Luteyn

Richard DenHertog

Cathy Neels

Joyce vandenBrink

Janetta Stoutjesdyk

Peter vanMaren

Maureen Guliker

Joanne DenHertog

Doug Maljaars

Alisa Stam

Marianne Neels

Wilma Stoutjesdyk

Sandra Maljaars

Daniel Anker

Marlene VanOort

Cathy Visscher

Andrew Boesterd

Jennifer Wubs

Veronica Schep

Clara Slootweg

Paul Neels

Sharon VanderWaal

Martin Goudzwaard

Garrett Schipper

Edward Neels

John VanSaane

Jeff Lindhout

Wes VanDenBrink

Daryl Rozeboom

Cathy Neels

Joanne Kooyman

Bert Dejong

Greg Herfst

Dick vanDerKnyff

Vincent Visscher

Marshall Roos

David Vrieselaar

Diana Guliker

Martin ? wart bol

Ed Les

Angela Stam

Shiela VanDenBrink

Kelly Vogt

Jennifer Verbeek

Anita denBoer

Florence Westeringh

Peter Dekker

Ron Sterkenburg

Margaret Dekker

Hilda denHertog

Ken Luteyn

Martin Arends

Bob Maljaars

Bruce vandenBrink

Marlene Les

John Anker

Nancy vanKlei

Wilma Wilbrink

Annette Grisnich

Mary Maljaars

Larry VanMiddendorp

Frances Guliker

Wendy Sterkenburg

Lisa Bremer

Connie Blom

Leroy Blom

Mary Blom

Joanne Boerkoel

Bob Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Rita Leusink

Anthony VandenHoek

Hilda VandenHoek

Glen VanderKooi

Roy VanZweden (2)

Robert Southway

Marlene Vandenberg

Doreen Vandenberg

Edward Vandenberg

Tom Berkenbush

Maria Stoutjesdyk

Janetta Stoutjesdyk

Nita Lagemaat (2)

Leslie Lagemaat (2)

Tim Lagemaat

Robert Lagemaat

Ruth Bouma

Billy Dendekker

Barbara Southway

Robert G. Southway

Marjan vanHierden

Ellen Maire Baum

Allan Jay Baum, Jr.

Kevin Verbeke

Robert Koppert

Carl Mast

Lysbeth Kroesbergen

Sandra Southway

Wayne VandeWaerdt

Martin VanWyk

Edward VanWyk

Leslie VanWyk

Jeffrey VanWyk

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Myra VandeStouwe

Robert Herfst

Yvonne Herfst

Jo-Anne Herfst

Eva Herfst

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Harmen VanderMeulen

Sidney VanderMeulen

Helen VanBrugge

May VanBrugge

Corry VanBrugge

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

Nellie VanBrugge

Doug Post

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Duane Hubers

Mary Hubers

Anette VandenBrink

Carla Spaans

Karen Spaans

Karol Spaans

Arlene Remus

Peter DeJong

Nancy DeJong

Jackie DeJong

Lisa Neels

Richard Grisnich

Marlene Grisnich

Herman VanderMeulen

Ann Marlene VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Benjamin VanderMeulen

Helen Vanderwal

Peter Vanderwal

And now to answer the letters which we have again received— MARTIN SCHOUTEN - How many sheep are there on the farm where you were staying, Martin? We have only read about them, but I am sure you could give us a good explanation about sheep and their characteristics. Sheep and shepherds are frequently mentioned in the Bible.

NANCY DE JONG - Every day we usually receive a number of answers to the Bible quiz, Nancy, so we are always busy opening our mail. It is a good thing that they don’t all arrive at once. The important thing, of course, is that boys and girls may learn to know their Bibles.

LISA NEELS-We are quite well, Lisa. Health is such a blessing, but we don’t often give it much thought. If we visit a hospital, we realize something of it, and also when we ourselves are sick, we quickly use the means to become well again.

SANDRA MALJAARS-Our cool weather has arrived, Sandra, and we are also having quite a lot of rain. What are you studying in your science class? If we look up the word ‘science’ in the dictionary, we will see that it can cover quite a variety of things.

ANITA VAN TILBURG - It was nice to hear from you, Anita, and to have you join in answering the Bible quiz. What is the population of the town of George? Also in the Bible mention is made of large cities, but also of small towns and villages. Can you think of some examples of each? RONALD BERTRAM - It sounds as if your father had a very nice birthday, Ronald. Also in the bible days gifts were given to others. But we also read in the Bible about an ‘unspeakable gift’. Do you know what that would be? HILDA VANDEN HOEK - Do you live far from the school, Hilda? When do you have your catechism classes? How wonderful it is to have teachers, schools, catechism classes, books, etc. They are all used to help us learn those things we need to know.

ANETTE BRINK-How many students are there in your school, Anette? When do they expect to have the school finished? Sometimes the construction doesn’t go as fast as we would like it to go, especially when you are waiting to move in. JOHN GROEN - How many persons attend the church services on Sunday, John? It was nice to hear that it continues to grow. Yes, Paradise (or the garden of Eden) must have been a beautiful place, for we read that the Lord God Himself planted it. And all that He made was very good.

ANTON SLINGERLAND - Do you live far from Peace River, Anton? It must be a nice river, since it has such a nice name. Now that you have a watch, you can always be on time. I imagine you were surprised to receive such a nice gift.

REINEKE BERTRAM - Texts which you learn when you are young often stay in your mind all your life, Reineke. If you learn one every week, you must know quite a few already. I have read of a family in which the children learned the whole book of Proverbs.

MARIANNE NEELS -I am sure the weather has changed to colder by now, Marianne. Which do you like best—cold weather or hot weather? It is the best if we may be contented with the weather we receive, realizing that it all has a purpose.

PETER DE JONG-We were glad to have you join in with the others in the Bible quiz, Peter. There are so many things to learn when we are young, but certainly nothing better than the Bible. We hope to hear from you again.

ARLENE REMUS - Do you like school better now, Arlene? It is sometimes rather difficult to get back to your studies after summer vacation. But all vacation would not be good for anyone. Which of your subjects do you like best?

ANTHONY VANDEN HOEK-There is quite a lot to do in order to have a school, Anthony. It isn’t only the building, but, as you have found out, many other things are required, such as books, furnishings, supplies, busses, etc. We are glad to hear that everything is going so well.

TREENA KOCKEN-If your answers arrive late for the one month, they are just kept over until the following month, Treena. I see there were two for you this time. In order to save space we put the number (2) behind your name.

WILMA STOUTJESDYK - Your letter will be the last one for this time, Wilma. Have you finished reading the book you received? It took a long time to get to you. Have you studied about the “Man of Geneva” in school? If you learn about church history, I am sure you will hear of him. Many thanks, boys and girls, for your replies and letters. One more quiz and the year will again be ended. May the Lord bless you in your studies, but especially in the study of His Word, for in it there are eternal treasures.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

CONFESSION AND APOSTASY

The apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonians (2nd epistle) in chapter 2:3, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” Paul writes about the coming again of Christ. False teachers had written a letter in Paul’s name, saying that the day of Christ was at hand. Others said that they were driven of the Spirit to proclaim this. The people believed it and were troubled. The apostle put them at ease, and wrote that all these allegations and agitations were false. Thus there have always been sects and movements, and these shall also remain.

As one of the marks which would precede the coming again of Christ, Paul mentions the apostasy (the falling away). Not the apostasy of one, but a general apostasy. Calvin says that if we fall away, we must have previously been united with it (have made a profession). This union is thus a uniting with the church by confession. Of course, the falling away is in respect to an outward confession, for God’s children can fall, but never fall away.

This appears to take place in these times with increasing frequency. Viewed universally there is a departure from God’s Word. Churches are being closed or torn down. Church attendance decreases in many places. Now it is also true that in many churches the Word of God is no longer proclaimed. There is a watered-down and voiceless Christendom which is no longer warned or spoken to. The doctrine of free grace has long been cast out and a doctrine is proclaimed whereby one can continue in sin. The spirit of revolution does not only go about in the world, but it is also in the church. There is a godless, but also a pious revolution. Hence the decline is dreadful and ends in apostasy.

Many ministers are oriented to the left, others speak well of homosexuality, and others preach that freedom consists in the overthrow of the government. Men go out with a right of self-determination for minors. The brakes are off, and on this basis men will enjoy a full life of sin. It is a world of sex, drugs, and abortion. And what does the church do against it? Here and there a voice as of one that crieth in the wilderness. The respect for authority is gone. What do you think of long-haired ministers, playing football and dressed in the latest fashions? It is not a warning against sin, but a leading in sin. There is not the least realization of God’s holiness and God’s righteousness.

Truly, the great apostasy is here and it continues on. It is unrestrained, for God permits the spirit of the anti-christ to gain ground. However, it is true that the Lord takes care of His living church.

One of the heaviest judgments which can come upon people is a hardening — think only of the first world. Perhaps you say — there certainly are still groups outside of the church which take God’s Word into consideration? Think of the Pentecostal groups, the Jesus followers, the Salvation Army, the movements which arouse and excite, etc. It is a true maze of all sorts’of sects and movements. All these groups bring a doctrine which is of man. Devotion, virtue, duty, boasting in Jesus without a basis, that is their religion. It shows us clearly the apostasy from the true doctrine which is of God. To many it appears to be good, but the root of the matter is missing. For many sects it has already been: an appearing, a glittering, and a decline. When we see the religious movements in the world in these times, I am brought to think about the parable in Luke 18, of the judge and the widow. It is directly against the religion of these times. In the 8th verse, Jesus says, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” Shall He find that faith on the earth, that faith of the elect, which cry to Him day and night?

(to be continued)

Rev. A. Hoogerland

HARVEST

See the corn again in ear!
How the fields and valleys smile!
Harvest now is drawing near,
To repay the farmer’s toil;
Gracious Lord, secure the crop,
Satisfy the poor with food;
In Thy mercy is our hope,
We have sinned, but Thou art good.

While I view the plenteous grain
As it ripens on the stalk,
May I not instruction gain,
Helpful to my daily walk?
All this plenty of the field
Was produced from foreign seeds;
For the earth itself would yield
Only crops of useless weeds.

Though, when newly sown, it lay
Hid a while beneath the ground,
(Some might think it thrown away,)
Yet a large increase is found;
Though concealed, it was not lost,
Though it died, it Uves again;
Eastern storms, and nipping frosts,
Have opposed its growth in vain.

Let the praise be all the Lord’s,
As the benefit is ours!
He, in season, still affords
Kindly heat and gentle showers;
By His care the produce thrives,
Waving over the furrowed lands;
And when harvest time arrives,
Ready for the reaper stands.

Thus in barren hearts He sows
Precious seed of heavenly joy;
Sin and hell in vain oppose,
None can grace’s crop destroy;
Threatened oft, yet still it blooms,
After many changes past,
Death, the reaper, when he comes,
Finds it fully ripe at last.

-John Newton

THE FEAR OF THE LORD The fear of the Lord is clean and approved;

Makes Satan abhorr’d and Jesus beloved;
It conquers by weakness, is proof against strife;
A cordial in sickness, a fountain of life.
The fear of the Lord is lowly and meek
The happy reward of all that him Seek;
They only that fear him the truth can discern;
For, living so near him, his secrets they learn.
The fear of the Lord his mercy makes dear,
His judgments adored, his righteousness-clear;
Without its fresh flavour, in knowledge there’s fault;
In doctrines no savour; in duties no salt.

-J. Gadsby

THANK-OFFERING

Gracious Saviour, gentle Shepherd,
Bring these little ones to Thee.
Gather’d in Thine arms and carried
In thy bosom thine shall be;
Safely tended
Now and through eternity.

May their hearts be cleansed from folly
In the stream Thy love suppUed;
Mingled stream of blood and water,
Flowing from Thy wounded side;
And in pastures
Lead them, where still waters glide.

Let Thy holy word instruct them;
Fill their minds with heavenly Ught;
Let Thy love and grace constrain them
To approve whate’er is right.
Thy yoke bearing,
May they prove Thy burden Ught.

May they Usp the holy praises
Which on earth Thy children sing;
Both with lips and hearts unfeigned,
Make them their thank-offering bring.
Then in glory
Join to praise their Lord and King.

-Gadsby Selection

LIGHT

Since all our secret ways
Are mark’d and known by thee,
Afford us, Lord, thy Ught of grace,
That we ourselves may see.

—Newton

SEND HELP

Send help, O Lord, we pray,
And thy own gospel bless;
For godly men decay,
And faithful pastors cease;
The righteous are removed home,
And scorners rise up in their room.

While Satan’s troops are bold,
And thrive in number too,
The flocks in Jesus’ fold,
Are growing lank and few;
Old sheep are moving off each year,
And few lambs in the fold appear.

O Lord, stir up thy power,
To make the gospel spread;
And thrust out preachers more,
With voice to raise the dead;
With feet to run where thou dost call;
With faith to fight and conquer all.

The flocks that long have dwelt
Around fair Zion’s hill,
And thy sweet grace have felt,
Uphold and feed them still;
But fresh folds build up everywhere,
And plenteously thy truth declare.

—Berridge

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