A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE XXIII

Of Justification

(continued)

Dear friends,

Before we go on to the next article of the confession which speaks about sanctification, we come back to an expression which we made in the previous articles regarding the differences in describing justification by the English and Scottish theologians on the one hand and most of the theologians of the rest of Western Europe on the other.

In my first article about justification I wrote, “In some of the English writers we do not find this description in the same way as we do in the Dutch writers of the past. However, the most important is, of course, what God’s Word says of it.” In the following article we wrote, “He (that is, Christ) was justified in His resurrection and in Him the entire church is justified. We may even go further, because the justification is also from eternity in the decrees of God, as Paul expresses it in II Timothy 1:9, “Grace is given unto the elect in Christ Jesus before the world began”. It means that the elect are justified from eternity in the decree of God and also in the resurrection of Christ.

To explain our statements we will quote a few writers and their different opinions in order to show what the real differences are. The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter XI, Section IV) states, “God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect; (Galatians 3:8, I Peter 1:2,19,20, Romans 8:30); and Christ did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification. Nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them.” Robert Shaw says of this: “They are not actually and formally justified until they are vitally united to Christ by faith.” In Thomas Watson’s Body of Divinity we also read about justification. He says: “Are we justified from eternity? No; for by nature we are under a sentence of condemnation. (John 3:18). We could never have been condemned, if we were justified from eternity. The Scripture confines justification to those who believe and repent. ‘Repent, that your sins may be blotted out.’ (Acts 3:19). Therefore their sins were uncancelled, and their persons unjustified, till they did repent. Though God does not justify us for our repentance, yet not without it. The Antinomians erroneously hold that we are justified from eternity. This doctrine is a key which opens the door to all licentiousness; for what sins do they care not to commit, so long as they hold they are ‘ab aeterno’ justified whether they repent or not.” Thus far our quote of Thomas Watson.

When I read the explanation of the same Westminster Confession by Isaac Chauncy, then he begins by saying that it is as an antidote against errors of the Antinomians. He says (translated) - “When is a sinner justified? From eternity God has justified the elect sinner in Himself by an eternal in-staying (inblij vende -remaining in) deed, for Christ is an eternal Surety for sin, by which guarantee saints are justified before His coming in the flesh; also the elect are justified in His resurrection. (Romans 4:25, II Corinthians 5:19, I Corinthians 15:14,21,22, Romans 5:8-10, Acts 2:24)”.

Professor K. Dyk writes in the Christian Encyclopedia about justification, and the first thing he mentions is the justification from eternity. “From eternity God has considered the elect in Christ and He saw them just in their Surety.” This belongs, he says, to the doctrine of God’s decrees. In his “Systematic Theology” Professor L. Berkhof gives several grounds for the doctrine of justification from eternity, but he also makes objections against it.

We will listen also to another book, which is written by the brothers Erskine and Fisher. In question 64 they say: “When does God justify the wicked? Although the Lord has decreed from eternity to justify all the elect, nevertheless they are not actually justified before the Holy Spirit, at the set time, applies Christ and His righteousness.” We also quote Rev. G. Kersten in his Dogmatics, where he writes: “Brakel in the discussion about justification has spoken mainly against the Antinomians. But no less than Brakel, also Comrie, Holtius, Brahe and all sound theologians who speak of justification from eternity, all reject the God-dishonoring doctrine of the Antinomians. (Volume II, page 182). This we all believe; these theologians do not go along with the Antinomians at all, as time and again they condemn their doctrine. Further, on page 185, we read, “No one of the Reformed theologians teaches that the actual justification takes place in the decree of God and in the resurrection of Christ.”

In addition Rev. Kersten writes, “Not one Reformed theologian can deny the justification before faith, and this is from eternity in the decree of God. On which basis are the elect given by the Father to Christ, but on the basis that the Lamb, to the perfect satisfaction of the profaned justice of God, is slaughtered before the foundation of the world? Christ gave Himself as Surety for the debt of His people who were predestinated to salvation, and this Surety is accepted by the Father to the reconciliation of their sins. Thus from eternity in the making of the Covenant of Redemption God’s justice is satisfied and the acquittal took place. The apostle says it clearly in II Corinthians 5:19, “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.”

II Timothy 1:9 also speaks of this, and the last time we also mentioned Romans 8:29-30. Here there is spoken of those foreknown by God, predestinated, called; “whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Now already they are glorified in Christ. All this is also necessary for us in order to become partakers of the grace which Christ has merited. The world passes away and the pleasures thereof, but he that does the will of God abides forever.

We have seen the different thoughts about this important subject of justification, and we must say that the Reformed fathers were not so far apart from each other, as none spoke of an actual justification from eternity and in the resurrection of Christ, but agreed that the actual justification is by faith. May our sins become such a burden for us that we come into a real need for that precious Mediator Who gave Himself for His Church from eternity and in the fulness of time, and then to apply it in time.

Norwich, Ontario

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

Easter has passed by again this year, but what did it mean to us? For many in these days it means Easter eggs, rabbits and lilies, new clothes, and such things. This can be seen clearly if we look into the store windows just before Easter. But we know it has a different meaning. Can you tell something about it?

The story of the two men travelling to Emmaus is well-known to most of you. The Lord Jesus joined them as they walked sadly on their way, and asked them the reason for their sadness. After they had explained the events which had so recently taken place, He began to instruct them as a teacher does the pupils. At that moment they had the best teacher possible, and He taught them from the Scriptures, the Word of God. They were taught the true meaning of Good Friday and Easter. We still have the same Word of God today, and He is still willing to teach those who have a true desire to learn. Young friends, pray that the Lord will teach you as He did those two men. It will be a lesson you will never forget.

The first letters of the our answers will spell out three words which tell us what the Lord Jesus spoke about to those two travellers.

In his lodging in Rome Paul spoke to many, “to whom he expounded and________the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus”.

Already in the Garden of Eden the Lord had said to the serpent, “It (the seed of the woman) shall bruise thy ____.”

Peter, speaking of Judas, said, “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of________.”

The Lord said to Abraham, “In thy seed shall all the ________ of the earth be blessed.”

In the house of Cornelius, Peter said that he was to testify of Jesus of Nazareth “That it is He which was ordained of________to be the Judge of quick and dead. “

Jacob once said, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until________come.”

On the day of Pentecost, Peter said, “Him, being delivered by the determinate________and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken.”

Stephen said, “They have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just________, of Whom ye have now been the betrayers and murderers.”

Who helped with Joseph to bury the body of the Lord Jesus?

Peter said, “By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom ye ________, ….even by Him doth this man stand before you whole.”

From what country was the man of whom we read that Philip “preached unto him Jesus”?

The psalmist in Psalm 118 said, “The stone which the builders ________is become the head stone of the corner.”

Peter said to the people, “For there is none other__________ under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

When the two men returned to Jerusalem, they were greeted with the words, “The Lord is risen________, and hath appeared to Simon.”

Who was one of those who went fishing in the days before Christ ascended into heaven?

Isaiah had said, “He made His ________with the wicked, and with the rich in His death.”

After our Lord Jesus left the two men, they said to each other, “Did not our________burn within us, while He talked with us by the way?”

In the porch of the temple Peter spoke, saying, “Brethren, I wot that through________ye did it, as did also your rulers.”

Beginning at_________and all the prophets, the Lord Jesus expounded unto the two men in all the Scriptures.

Judah said to his father, “Send the lad with me, …. I will be _________for him.”

Before ascending into heaven the Lord Jesus told His disciples that they would be witnesses unto Him unto the uttermost part of the_________

Paul testified before Agrippa that it was foretold that Christ should rise from the dead, and should shew_________unto the people.

The Lord Jesus said to the two men, “O_________, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”

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

The answers to the quiz of last month are as follows—

“No Man Can Serve

Two Masters” Matthew 6:24

Noah - Genesis 6:9

Other - Exodus 20:3

Meshach -Daniel 3:12

Angel - Acts 27:21-23

Nineveh - Jonah 3:6-9

Continually - Daniel 6:16

Anna - Luke 2:36-37

Naaman - II Kings 5:17

Stand - II Chron. 29:11

Enemies - Nehemiah 5:9

Reverence - Hebrews 12:28

Vain -Malachi 3:13-14

Eyeservice - Ephesians 6:6

Transgressed - Joshua 7:11

Willing -I Chronicles 28:9

Opinions -I Kings 18:21

M ammon - M atthew 6:24

Ashtaroth -I Samuel 7:3

Serve -Joshua 24:15

Thyself - Exodus 20:5

Enoch - Genesis 5:24

Rejected -I Samuel 8:7

Satan -Matthew 4:10

Answers were received from the following girls and boys:

Becky Markus

Lisa Markus

Cindy Markus

Daniel Markus

Ray VanderKooi

Joel VanderKooi

Glen VanderKooi

Larry Slotsema

John Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Kristi Rosendall

Rick Rosendall

Steven VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Cheryl Groen

Jan Groen

Matthew Bueschel

Sara Bueschel

Ruth Pols

Don VanderBoon

John VanderBoon

Drew Nieuwenhuis

Sharon VanderWaal

Tonia VanderWaal (2)

Robert Herfst

Yvonne Herfst

Eva Herfst

Jo-Anne Herfst

Virginia VanderWaal (2)

Geoffrey Erkelens

Sally VanBemden

Debra VanBemden

Kathy VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

Carol Boluyt

Stan Bylsma

Christine Bylsma

Helen Vanderwal

Peter Vanderwal

Leah Talbot (2)

Laura Talbot

Linda Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Ingrid Kaat

Dean Kaat

Linda Burggraaf

Dennis Burggraaf

Marlene Vandenberg

Edward Vandenberg

Doreen Vandenberg

Leonard DenBoer

Andy DenBoer

Carrie Blok

Liz VanGiessen

Joan VanGiessen

Julie VanGemert

Carl Mast

Tommy Hoefakker

Beverly Kroesbergen

Jane Kroesbergen

John Kroesbergen

Peter Bazen

Ed Bazen

Dan Bazen

Sharon Lynn Bazen

Steven Bazen

Jim Kraayeveld

Kristi Boluyt

Steve Boluyt

John Jonkman

Willie Jonkman

Robert Pols

Peter Pols

Aimee Engelsma

Dave Engelsma

Robert Fletcher

Lisa Stalker

Gail denHoed

Robert denHoed

Judy denHoed

Artis denHoed

Laura Troff

Bob Huisjen

Steve Huisjen

Douglas Mol

Ross Derksen

Kristy Lamain

Pam Veltman

Janet Sommer

Ingrid Sommer

Irene Sommer

Corey Veltman

Mary Hendricks

John Spaans

Jimmy Vlietstra (2)

Matthew Schelling

Richard Carlson

Randall Carlson

James VandenBrink

Brent Bleyenberg

Daniel Kamp

Jonathan Kamp

Robert Kamp

Sherry Fluit

Shirley Fluit

Dan Sweetman

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Robert Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Tammy VandenToorn

Denise Polderman

Vicki Jo VanGemert

Annette Meeuwse

Steve VanGemert

John Henry VanGemert

Mary VanGiessen

Scott VantZelfde

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Norman VanRavenswaay

Carla Spaans

Karol Spaans

Karen Spaans

Anita VanTilburg

Rick VanEss

Laurie VanEss

Linda Bazen

Karen Bazen

James Bazen

Jackie VanHoepen (2)

Franklin VanHoepen

Brian VanHoepen

Teressa DenDekker

Joy Mast

Jeffry Knibbe

Nora Jane Knibbe

Elaine Frens

Leonard Frens

Paul Laman

Ed Laman

David Laman

LeAnn Klarenbeek

David Klarenbeek

Darwyn Klarenbeek

Arlen Klarenbeek

Judy VanVoorst

Jay VanVoorst

Rachel VanVoorst

Peter VanderStel

Randy VanderStel

Jelaine VanG ingle

Tom Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Dave Kwekel

May VanBrugge

Corry VanBrugge

Helen VanBrugge

Nellie VanBrugge

Jeff Boot

Jeremy Boot

Robert Jerry Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Danny Parmeter

Lean VanTilburg

Tim VanTilburg

Doug Post

Vicki Post

John Wesdyk

Dwaine Johnson

Steven Johnson

Tom Van Wingerden

Allan Jay Baum, Jr.

Ellen Marie Baum

Robert T. Baum

Kathy Vroegindewey (2)

Gail Vroegindewey (2)

Joy Vroegindewey (2)

Martin Vroegindewey (2)

Bill Dendekker

Michele Seabert

Laurie Bleeker

Steven Bleeker

Ken DenDekker

Jackie DenDekker

Carrie Witvoet

Debra Witvoet

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Duane Hubers

Mary Hubers

Maria Stoutjesdyk

Mary Blom

Connie Blom

Johanna Scholten

Margaret Scholten

Yvonne Kegel

Brian Kegel

David Brink

John Brink

Annette VandenBrink

Mary Rosendall

Keven Rosendall

Chad Wielhouwer

Nellie VanKlei

Leslie VanKlei

Randy DeBruine

Julie DeBruine

Nancy vanderHeide

Ruth Bouma

Martin VanWyk

Edward VanWyk

Leslie VanWyk

Jeffrey VanWyk

David Hoogendoorn

Kent Hoogendoorn

Luara Bleeker

Rhonda Van Veldhuizen

Audrey Van Veldhuizen

Richard Grisnich

Marlene Grisnich

Myra VandeStouwe

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Patricia Vandenberg

Joanne vanMourik

Anita vanMourik

Anton Slingerland

Jane Slingerland

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Sidney VanderMeulen

Harmen VanderMeulen

Jennie Sue Easterhoff

Allan Post

Anthony vandenHoek

Tim Verhey

Robert Lagemaat

Tim Lagemaat

Nita Lagemaat

Les Lagemaat

Elizabeth Verbeek

Leah Pluim

Ed Hamler

Jeff Hamler

Ken Hamler

Michelle VanBrugge

Melanie VanBrugge

Peter DeJong

Jacqueline deJong

Nancy deJong

Bert deJong

Jacqueline Leusink

Rita Leusink

Courtney Anker

Treena Koeken

And now to answer the letters which we have received:

JANE SLINGERLAND - how do you like your new school building, Jane? It must have been a busy day for the movers. We hope and pray that the Lord will bless your studies, especially those in Bible lessons. Do you live near the school?

LAURA BLEEKER - It was nice to hear from you, Laura, and we welcome you to our list of young friends. Your answers were correct and very neatly done. We have so much to learn about the Bible. Say hello to your parents for us.

DEBRA WITVOET-We are quite well, Debra. Our snow is gone and the robins have returned, so warmer weather can’t be too far away. The Lord told Noah many years ago that the seasons would continue, and the Lord brings it to pass. Give our greetings to your parents and grandparents.

NELLIE VAN BRUGGE - There was not so much snow here this winter, Nellie, but most people don’t mind that. Yes, it will soon be time for the Youth Day again, even though it doesn’t seem so long ago that we were in Norwich for the last one. We hope to see you then, D.V.

PAM VELTMAN - Mistakes just keep popping up, Pam, even though we try to avoid them. We also used the name of Solomon instead of Samson in one of the questions. It is good to see that our young friends are not letting these mistakes bother them, but are finding the right answers.

LAURA TROFF - Welcome to the Bible quiz, Laura. We hope you will be able to do it for quite a few years. At the first it might be a little difficult, but in time it becomes easier. Do you live on a farm in Iowa?

ROBERT DEN HOED - Did you find your name this time, Robert? It is nice to see new names on the list, and we hope and pray that studying the Bible will be a blessing for them. The Lord uses His Word to teach us about the way of salvation, something very important for us to know.

PETER DE JONG - How many different kinds of fish do you have in your aquarium, Peter? If you go into a pet shop where they are sold, you will see quite a few of them. Do you know on which day the Lord created the fish?

NANCY DE JONG-There has also been quite a number of people sick with the flu here, Nancy. It is not nice to be sick, but then we realize the great blessing our health is. We know that in the Bible the Lord Jesus healed the mother of one of his disciples that was sick with a fever. Do you know which disciple it was?

TREENA KOCKEN-If Hanna is crawling now, she probably has to be watched more closely so that she doesn’t get into things. Everything looks so interesting for them. But even when a person is older we must watch that we do not walk in wrong ways.

BERT DE JONG - How many of the eggs hatched, Bert? Sometimes people will ask, “Which came first—the chicken or the egg?” But if we read the story of creation in the Bible, then there shouldn’t be any doubt as to what the correct answer is.

MARGARET SCHOLTEN - We are glad to have you and your sister answer the Bible quiz, Margaret. When I look in the Banner of Truth of many years ago, I can find where I also was answering the Bible quizzes. Do you live on a farm?

JACQUELINE DE JONG - Your letter will be the last one for this time, Jacqueline. Sixty-three pets is quite a few. How are you getting along at school? When you receive this issue of the Banner of Truth, the summer holidays will be getting closer.

Thanks to all the boys and girls for their answers to the quiz. The Bible tells us that Timothy knew the holy scriptures from the time he was a child, and we hope that you too may learn to know them as he did. We hope to hear form you again next month, D.V.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garrett”

CONFESSION AND APOSTASY

(continued)

The epistles of the apostles also differentiate distinctly. When they constantly use the word “we”, we must pay close attention to whom these epistles are written. Read the title and salutation, and then it is clear enough. How does it happen that the same preaching formerly made more impression? Because they in general were living much closer to God’s Word.

Even though people in general were then working many more hours per week than now, there was more time to read and search God’s Word, and to discuss with each other (sometimes also while at work) the things about God’s Word and service. Then, too, people could often but scantily provide for the needs of their daily life. The prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread”, had to be sent up often beside an empty cupboard. Because of this they felt more strongly their dependence upon the Creator and Upholder of everything which has life and moves.

It should humble us more before the Lord that, in His great goodness, He has so provided that our material needs do not weigh as heavy as formerly, because this is also something that we do not deserve. Unfortunately, the great prosperity we have is not a blessing for our people. How clearly it is evident that it requires a strong temperament to withstand luxury.

Instead of acknowledging the Lord for His blessings, there is to be seen a hardening, and a wastefulness of God’s gifts. And who of us is not guilty? Remember that we are stewards of all the material gifts that we receive, and we will have to give an account before God’s judgment seat also for all the use (misuse) of these blessings. Must we not then already in our time observe that the Lord makes Himself ready to visit us because of this? Where will the end be of all of this? O, ask then the Lord if He will hide you in the secret place where alone a shelter is to be found in life and death. Those that may take shelter by Him shall also be preserved in the midst of aposta-cy and ruin, because for such a one the confession through grace has become experience. Such a one will also feel himself spoken to when under the true preaching.

On the other hand, Paul had to complain that the preaching of the cross was unto the Jews a stumblingblock and unto the Greeks foolishness. This is still so today, for the natural man receiv-eth not the things of the Spirit of God, because they are foolishness unto him. Then for our perverse minds the Gospel is no Gospel, is no glad tidings, then we are enemies of free and sovereign grace.

Thus Paul and all God’s true servants, of former and more recent times, had to experience the offence towards the cross of Christ. The closer we come to the return of Christ, the greater the offence will become. God’s Word teaches us, that if it were possible even the elect would be deceived. In regard to the impression from the preaching, it is valid also today what Paul wrote, moved by the Holy Spirit, to the Corinthians in II Corinthians 4:3-5. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, Who is the image of God should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”

May the Lord yet bless that preaching to your hearts not to be offended thereby, but to receive that Godly sorrow that worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.

Next: Confession and the Lord’s

Supper

THE GOD OF ELIJAH LIVES

The fishing fleet is again sailing through the canal towards the familiar fishing grounds in hopes of a good catch. Skipper Arie Blaak with his nephew Martin are in one of the last boats, for his little boat is not so fast.

A long time ago Skipper Blaak had been saved miraculously from drowning, and the moments he had then passed through had not been without fruit. He had learned to know himself as a lost sinner before God, and the Lord showed mercy and heard his cries, often encouraging and comforting him.

After passing through the locks, they look to find a likely place to set out their nets. This time there are so many vessels ahead of them that they cannot find a place. There was one spot where about half of their nets could be set out, but it was generally known that not a fish could be caught there. Some had tried it, but all in vain. Also they could not get near with their boat, but must use a small rowboat there.

Skipper Blaak hesitated. “Let us go and try it, Martin,” he said. “If the Lord will grant His blessing upon it, we shall have fish.”

Martin nodded. From the heart of the skipper a quiet prayer rose. Nothing is impossible with God. As things are now, they will catch nothing for their family; but if the Lord shall work, who shall let it? Only think of the disciples of Jesus. Their Master told them to cast the net on the other side, and then they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fish.

Martin soon dropped the anchor, and placed half of their nets in the rowboat. They quickly set out their sticks and arrange the nets. Other fishermen shrug their shoulders and shake their heads as they see what Blaak is doing, as if to say that all this work will be in vain. No one has ever yet caught a fish at that spot.

It does not take long before all things are ready. “Upon the hope of a blessing, Martin,” sighs Skipper Blaak.

“Yes, Uncle Arie.”

Together they enter their little cabin to eat their lunch. They eat in silence, as both are filled with their own thoughts.

“We will just wait until it is low tide, Martin. It is not very easy to walk here, for there are so many holes.”

When it is low tide, they both row out to the nets again. With amazement they look at the many fish they have in their nets. Skipper Blaak has never caught such an abundance as long as he has been a fisherman.

“Quick, Martin, the rowboat!” Martin quickly dragged the rowboat as near to the nets as possible.

Baskets full of fish are now put into the rowboat. In a few moments it is filled. The men work hard. The fish are transferred to the larger boat, and again they row back for more.

“This the Lord has done, Martin. The God of Elijah lives!” And the skipper rubs his eyes with his handkerchief. He is deeply affected.

Heavily loaded they sail to where the other fishermen are already waiting to go through the locks. Surprise and amazement can be read upon their faces as they see the catch that has been made.

That evening it is a feasting time in the simple home of this fisherman. There are many reasons again to acknowledge the Lord for His blessings. Others have tried to fish at that same place, and did not succeed. The Lord has again proved Himself to be a deliverer of those that are in distress and need. He hears the needy when they cry!

-Submitted

HE COMES AGAIN!

There was once a Christian king of Hungary, who was one day very sad and depressed. His brother, who was a very jolly man, asked of him the reason for his sadness and gloom.

“O, brother,” said the King, “I have been a great sinner against God, and know not how to die, or how to appear before God in judgment!”

His brother made a joke of it, saying, “These are but gloomy thoughts. You must not concern yourself with such things.” The king made no reply.

It was the custom of the country that if the executioner of the king came and sounded a trumpet before the door of any man, that person would be promptly led away to death. In that night the king sent this executioner to blow his trumpet before his brother’s door. What dismay filled his brother’s heart when he heard that sound and saw the messenger of death. He hurried into the presence of the king, begging to know in what way he had offended the king.

“O, brother,” said the king, “you have never offended me. Is the sight of my executioner so dreadful? Yesterday you laughed about my sadness, but should not I, who have greatly offended the Lord of heaven and earth, fear to be brought before the judgment seat of Christ?”

“He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.”

(Adapted - John Whitecross)

THE EXALTED ONE

The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now;
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty Victor’s brow.

The highest place that heaven affords
Is His, is His by right,
The King of kings, the Lord of lords,
And heaven’s eternal Light.

The joy of all who dwell above,
The joy of all below
To whom He manifests His love
And grants His Name to know.

To them the cross with all its shame,
With all its grace is given;
Their name an everlasting name,
Their joy the joy of heaven.

The cross He bore is life and health,
Though shame and death to Him;
His people’s hope, His people’s wealth
Their everlasting theme.

Submitted

THE WORD OF GOD ENDURETH

The starry firmament on high,
And all the glories of the sky,
Yet shine not to Thy praise, O Lord,
So brightly as Thy written Word.

The hopes that holy Word supplies,
Its truth divine and precepts wise,
In each a heavenly beam I see,
And every beam conducts to Thee.

Almighty Lord, the sun shall fail,
The moon her borrowed glory veil,
And deepest reverence hush on high
The joyful chorus of the sky.

But fixed for everlasting years,
Unmoved amid the wreck of spheres,
Thy Word shall shine in cloudless day,
When heaven and earth have passed away.

Submitted

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