MISSION TIDINGS

GIFTS RECEIVED FOR MISSIONS IN JUNE 1981

CLASSIS MIDWEST SOURCE AMOUNT

St. Catharines (Tryfena) Gift $ 148.36

Friend in Michigan Gift 150.00

Ancaster (Dorcas Society) Gift 646.00

Norwich Pentecost Coll. 1688.00

Grand Rapids Ladies Aid Gift 150.00

Friend in Norwich Gift 325.00

Friend in Haledon Gift 25.00

Norwich Gift 575.00

CLASSIS WEST

Sioux Falls Pentecost Coll. 356.31

Corsica Pentecost Coll. 341.85

Rock Valley Pentecost Coll. 954.49

Waupun Pentecost Coll. 568.32

Sioux Center Pentecost Coll. 2417.00

CLASSIS FAR WEST

Artesia Pentecost Coll. 269.60

Chilliwack Gift 219.83

Lethbridge Pentecost Coll. 2622.11

TOTAL: $11,456.87

Dear friends,

It’s again time to write a few things about the missions.

In the first place we want to thank everyone for the generous support for the cause of the Lord. May the Lord bless you and your gifts.

We are sorry to inform you that one of our mission workers from the Eggede Mission in Nigeria passed away July 1, namely, Ria Baaijens, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Baaijens in the Netherlands. Ria was a faithful worker in the Eggede Mission.

For several years she was enabled by the Lord to perform that work. Personally we have never met her, though we did receive some nice letters from her. Ria suffered from a lengthy illness, and passed through great trials in her soul the last few months. The last few days before she died the Lord came over for her personally and comforted her as she saw the end nearing, and now she is no more in this world and has gone to be with her Lord, Who laid down His life that she might live forever.

We were sad to hear that the Lord took her away so young. May the Lord give other workers in her place. The Lord remember her parents, brothers and sisters in the deep way of sorrow.

Truly blessed are the people who may fear the Lord for their end shall be peace.

Tom, Meta and family are doing well in the Izi Mission.

We want to thank all those who continue to work in the Baldwin Mission. May the labors truly be blessed.

American General Mission Fund

Netherlands Reformed Congregations

of United States and Canada

John Spaans, Treasurer

2376 Shadow Lane N.E.

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Banner of Truth Tract Mission was again gladdened with the opening of another BANNER OF TRUTH TRACT MISSION BOOK STORE. We received a letter from DR. AQUAOWO ESSIEN, BARRISTERS-AT-LAW, expressing his appreciation that this book store was opened at Ikot Ataha, Ikot Abasi, local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, by Pastor Nsinah A. Umoh.

For many years we have supplied them with Tracts, and they are now in receipt of Books like the Heidelberg Catechism, Doctrinal standard of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations, sermons on the Heidelberg Catechism Vol. 1-3, A specimen of Divine Truths, Bible History, and the Bible History Vol. 1-3 by Mr. J. Vreugdenhil, to mention just a few. Speaking of books, he writes, the Psalter is hymns itself.

To read all these books, and many of your Tracts, important people like lawyers, Magistrates, Doctors and all classes of people of Cross River State, are reading now at The Banner of Truth Tract Mission Library. He appeals on behalf of the many readers that we supply them with more books and publications. He states that he has now learned, by means of these books, that the Scripture which was hidden, has been unlocked and I see light—I and my family are members of the Banner of Truth Tract Mission, witnessing for Jesus.

Extending a thousand thanks to this worthy cause.

Signed, Yours in the bond of Christian Love,

Dr. AQUAOWO ESSIEN

OFFICE - IKPA - ISONG CHAMBERS,

2, ORON ROAD.

P.M.B. 1069, UYO

C.R. STATE, NIGERIA

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Cor. 15:55-57

SONGS OF DEGREES

Psalm 132:13, 14, “For the LORD hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for His habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell, for I have desired it.”

From His eternal, sovereign good pleasure, the Lord had chosen Israel for His possession. Other nations He left in their heathen idolatry, but this people was called by His Name.

However, this was not the only thing, He Himself also chose the place where He wanted to dwell with and among the people. God did not desire the high mountains of Bashan. Those high hills He had not chosen for His dwelling place. It is still that way— and would that the Lord teach us about it many times—He dwells with the lowly and the humble. Thus, those lowly hills of Zion, which were but despised in the eyes of the people, were desired by Him for a habitation.

God Himself has desired this mountain. This was with the exclusion of all human construction and inventions. The Lord does according to His good pleasure, also in the bringing of His children back to Himself. The world, the religion-of-appearance-only may say: “This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after” (Jer. 30:17). But now the wonder of free grace: God sought after her. He desired her in His free favour which moved Him from eternity!

“This,” so speaks our text, “this is My rest for ever.”

Loudly resounds His holy good pleasure in this truth! Here the Lord reveals that He rules and takes care of His own honour but also for His people’s salvation.

The Lord said it, “Here will I dwell.” Only where God dwells it is good, not on account of reasons in the people for they had none. But He took reasons out of Himself. He testifies, therefore, “I have desired it.” Because He loves His people with an eternal love. He will also dwell with them unto eternity.

Could we but learn to adore together the free and incomprehensible love of the Lord. Even more so whereas we live not under the old dispensation but under the so much better administration of the Covenant.

Christ Jesus, the better Ark of the Covenant, the Ark of salvation, has appeared in His Temple. He has entered in the inner sanctuary. Here, too, is an ascent as this Song Hamma’aloth foretells: from the old service of shadows with an earthly ark and temple up to the spiritual service, accomplished in Christ, the Greater Ark of the Better Covenant. In Him the good pleasure of the Lord has been revealed. He is the true Bringer of Rest for totally lost sinners so that through Him they may go again to God.

All the perfect virtues of God have been adorned by Christ. He has magnified them in all His work. How? “For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:13). And in so doing, “mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). God has been satisfied by the perfect sacrifice of Him Who offered Himself without spot to God for those who are written from eternity in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

He can give, yes, has given satisfaction for the atonement of their guilt.

He is a perfect and complete Saviour.

Him, then, we need if it is to be well with us, if the Lord of hosts is to dwell with us.

But have we ever come to need Him? Then need must be born in our souls. Then our want, our lack must be discovered unto us. Then we learn that we cannot help ourselves, but that we must be helped. Missing and helpless—that is the life of God’s people. They must always be led and helped.

The Lord give those right sighs and groanings, so that we might come to Need Christ in a right way, yes, Christ, Who gave Himself a Ransom for many.

Then it surely becomes evident that the despised and rejected of the world are chosen of God and precious. Then He will never forsake the works of His hands. Amen.

Rev. A.W. Verhoef

Chilliwack, B.C.

THE FUNERAL OF THE REV. C. HEGEMAN ERMELO, THE NETHERLANDS

The funeral of Rev. C. Hegeman of Ermelo was held on Saturday, May 2, 1981. He died suddenly when attending the funeral of Rev. Mieras, his fellowlaborer in the Kingdom of God. The funeral service, prior to the burial of this faithful God-sent servant, was held in the new (NHK) Reformed Church of the Netherlands at Ermelo. This church has a seating capacity of 1200 people, and was completely filled.

Among those present there were not only ministers, and delegates from consistories and others of the Reformed congregations, but also ministers etc., from the Christian Reformed Church and (NHK) the Reformed Church of the Netherlands.

The Rev. L. Vogelaar of Elspeet officiated at this service. He requested the people to sing Ps. 89:19— Psalter 422:8, after which he read Revelation 22. After offering prayer, Rev. Vogelaar spoke heartily to Mrs. Hegeman and the children and relatives, expressing the wish that the Lord might strengthen her and the children in this painful loss. Also here again we see that life is no more than a handbreadth, a measure which everyone carries with him. Our brother has died in the Lord, because he was in the Lord, Who had granted him a Godly sorrow after God, which worketh a repentance not to be repented of.

Then Rev. Vogelaar spoke from the fifth verse of the chapter that was read: “And there shall be no night there”. Often in the life of our brother it was night. He experienced that the days of darkness are many. By nature we are all living in the night of ignorance; this can also be applied to the departed one. But by the sovereign grace of God he was privileged to make the choice of Moses and that as a fruit of the fact that it had become night for Jesus, when He had to cry out: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” Therefore, and for that reason alone the light has gone up over Rev. Hegeman, and he had received understanding. The departed one has also received knowledge of the night in which it was a lost case for him, when God was just, and he was guilty; when he experienced and confessed with the Church of ancient times, that God’s judgments are just, and His sentence is based upon the very best laws. But he also might experience in this night, that it pleased the Lord to reveal His Son in him, and that it was declared in his heart Who the light of the world was.

Rev. Hegeman has learned in his life, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous”: but also, that “the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Now he may be there, where there is no night anymore; where God’s people may serve the Lord eternally.

The departed one had to, but also was privileged, to go the way of the King, “I have many that strive against me, Oh Most High”. But also in the night when he often felt forsaken, when in depression of sin and grief, he might glory in tribulation, and he was given to praise the attributes of God which he had learned to love and to proclaim.

Now he has received forgiveness of sin with all God’s people in heaven, and is not bothered anymore with idle self-seeking pride. He is privileged to be there, where Luther and Calvin are friends eternally.

Persecution has also been his portion, for that is especially the portion of those who preach the Word of God according to the meaning of the Spirit. They have hated Me; they shall also hate you; they have persecuted Me, and they shall also persecute you. In this way God received the honor. And God’s people receive pleasure in following the footsteps of the King. “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.’’

The breach in the church of God grieved him. Especially when considering the hardening in sin, he said with David, “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not Thy law” (Ps. 119:136). At the end Rev. Vogelaar asked all who were present how it was personally with each and everyone. We all must be converted to God by God, as our beloved brother often expressed. We all need the discovering light of the Spirit of God. That the north and the southwind of the Spirit might blow.

“Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children” (Ps. 90:16).

After a prayer of thanksgiving, this part of the Dutch service was closed by singing Ps. 68:2—Psalter 420:2.

Now Rev. C. Hegeman, Jr., who is a missionary in Costa Rica, spoke in the English language. The scripture that he chose for this occasion was from Psalm 22:25. In his first point he considered the opening words of the text: “Of Thee”. Surely God has given reason to praise Him, He has given His Son and faith to believe in Him.

Next, he explained the words: “My praise shall be”, to be sure, it must become a personal case, as it was with David, and when we may experience this, then every believer will cry out with the poet of Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord”. Free grace had become the portion of his father, and he had preached it, in the congregations of, Paterson, Sioux Center, Toronto, Genemuiden, Tholen, Veenendaal, and Ermelo. He has not only done this in his sermons, and in catechism etc. but also in school, and at home, in prosperity, yes, also in adversity, and in his suffering.

His father did not have such a narrow understanding of Church walls in the congregation. He believed a Holy Catholic Church. In whatever church or denomination this might be, he was prepared at every opportunity, to serve her; he exercised the “Communion of Saints”. In his last letter to the speaker he had written that he had a longing to see and to visit the church of Christ, (no matter how small) in Costa Rica. But now the Lord has given him to see “the Great Congregation”. Finally he asked a personal question: “Is this text (Ps. 22:25) also your text?”

The Rev. L. Blok spoke first at the cemetery to 2000 people present. He said, concerning the death of Rev. Hegeman this word has become true, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.” Is. 55:8. The speaker mentioned that Rev. J. Vander Poel of Ede, had said that Rev. Hegeman had gone to the funeral of his friend and brother in the ministry, and that Rev. Hegeman considered the day of this minister’s funeral, “as a feastday”, but that he did not expect that on this day it would become an eternal feastday for him, too.

Without putting a crown on the head of Rev. Hegeman, we can nevertheless say, that it was the desire of his heart, to be busy in the service of the Lord, and he has given, (in spite of his poor health) his best strength in His service. Now his service has become different: “Now he may serve God day and night in His temple”. It is only free and sovereign grace to be enabled to end in free grace, in the free favor which has moved God from eternity. Rev. Blok wished for Mrs. Hegeman, that she might be given comfort in knowing that her husband had received that blessed portion that awaits all the people of God, so that she may not look too much upon the loss. He also expressed his wish for the children with the words their father had spoken at the graveside of his father Rev. M. Blok twenty years ago: “The God of thy Father liveth”.

Rev. Blok expressed the wish for the congregation of Ermelo, that the gospel which has been preached in their midst by the departed one, may have been a blessing and might become a blessing.

Elder Beens from Genemuiden then spoke as a friend of Rev. Hegeman. He spoke about the words of father Jacob, when he was on his deathbed, which he had spoken to Joseph: “The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him,” Gen. 49:23. Both the hands and arms of Rev. Hegeman were of themselves weak and slack; he had no courage of his own, no strength, not even a bow. But through the grace of God his bow has remained firm, and his arms and hands were strengthened by the Mighty God of Jacob. Concerning his enemies, even as with the brothers of Joseph, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good”. Gen. 50:20.

God had sought out our departed brother in His eternal love and whom God loves He loves to the end. Yes, God loved him with an everlasting love. Elder Beens mentioned what the congregation of Ermelo had been for Rev. Hegeman. It was in the congregation of Ermelo where the Lord had given him a place in the last years of his life. Elder Beens also mentioned that truly Rev. Hegeman was an Evangelist: at all places, it made no difference where, he was always ready to preach the gospel of free grace, so that the honor of God might be magnified by it. He expressed the wish for Mrs. Hegeman and children, relatives, and the congregation of Ermelo, that the Lord might strengthen them.

The third speaker at the cemetery, Rev. G.A. Zijderveld, spoke as a friend and in behalf of the congregations of America and Canada. He expressed the wish for the widow and children, and relatives, that God might be with them and comfort them.

The Lord has used Rev. Hegeman in gathering His church. The speaker emphasized that it was revealed in the life of Rev. Hegeman that he was a member of the Holy Catholic Church: he never asked about churches, but about the living Church of God. As a friend and companion of all who humbly fear the Lord, he has been taken away from us.

But he shall not miss us, because now he may always be with his King and praise Him! Shall we also be privileged to do that? Are we prepared? The Lord is still calling! Oh! Think about it! It shall be fearful to fall into the hands of a living God! For the departed one it is fulfilled, “And there shall be no night there.”

As the fourth speaker, Elder Rosendaal of the congregation of Ermelo spoke, “We mourn, but not as those that have no hope”. Our minister has received his desire. Now he may share in the one and only comfort of which we read in the first question and answer of our Heidelberg Catechism, which he has preached to us, that this was necessary to know experimentally shall it be well with us for that great eternity. The speaker asked the congregation to pray for the widow and her children and expressed the wish for her, that she may look beyond her sorrow and remember the joy, wherein her husband and the father of her children may now share.

In closing, the oldest son, Johan Hegeman, thanked everyone for the many tokens of love and friendship. He especially expressed their thanks to the consistory and congregation of Ermelo for all the love they have shown to his father, as also for the support and assistance given to the family after the death and at the funeral of his father.

LANDMARKS AND WAYMARKS OR GOD’S LOVE DRAWS THE SINNER TO CHRIST -I John 4:10

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”2 Tim. 3:16.

A need for these instructions must be felt shall we sing with our lips from the heart:

“Teach me, O Lord, Thy way of truth,

And from it I will not depart,

That I may steadfastly obey,

Give me an understanding heart.’’

We hope that there may be many, amongst the youth also, who have a desire in their heart, to be taught from the Word of God. Let us give thought to the instructions that we find in Prov. 22:28: “Remove not the ancient landmarks, which our fathers have set.” These landmarks and waymarks are the way God leads His people.

Many have no doubt read with much interest in their life, an account of the lives of their fore-fathers. History books have revealed to them much of the primitive life of the inhabitants of the country in which they dwell, or of that country from which they have immigrated. One thing they have no doubt observed, is that our fore-fathers found more time to relax, even though they worked longer hours, and they seemed to have been more satisfied with the little they had, than we are with the abundance that we possess. Life was more quiet than now. Every one, now, both old and young, run short of time. The leisure moments of our fore-fathers were spent more realistically. Amongst the people who feared God time was spent in reading God’s Word, and books of the Godly servants whom God had placed in His vineyard. Their conversations to their children were about the ways of the Lord. Less time was spent for amusements and play, and child delinquency was then little known. The Lord’s day was more properly observed, and children were not permitted to go outside on Sunday to play ball or any other games.

In former times people often met with one another, speaking about the ways of the Lord. Of this we read in the Old Testament in Malachi 3:16, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him, for them that feared the Lord, and thought upon His name.” We may consider this, especially, as one of the landmarks, also called waymarks as in Jer. 31:21, “Set thee up waymarks”; particularly the reading and searching of God’s Word. Landmarks are also marks of conquest, of which we read in Abraham’s and Isaac’s life, about the wells which they digged, and which their enemies destroyed.

Special landmarks or waymarks were also known to Jacob; when the Lord appeared to him at Bethel as he fled from his brother Esau, at which time the Lord promised him to be his God. He then placed a landmark there, calling it: “The house of God, Bethel”. A place never to be forgotten by Jacob, and that of Peniel where he wrestled with God, and prevailed. There he likewise placed a landmark, calling the name of the place “Face of El,” meaning I have seen Elchim face to face. Who shall be able to express in words the soul’s trials of Jacob, and his pleading with God on His promised mercies?

Words also fail to describe the trials of the saints of whom we read in Hebr. 11, and of the days of persecutions for the church, of which you may have read in Foxes Book of Martyrs, when many of God’s people, both old and young, were burned at the stake, or tortured to death. The Lord gave the church a great deliverance from this, a day we still commemorate, the Day of the Reformation. A landmark with which we should all acquaint ourselves.

Now in consideration of these landmarks we must not think that they were easily placed as though one would walk through a field and place such a landmark at one’s own discretion, wherever he pleased. Landmarks and waymarks of which the Lord speaks in His Word are as mentioned, places of conquest, after many spiritual trials of which God’s people are not strangers.

Let us briefly consider some of these landmarks for our instruction. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and His footsteps are unknown. He has promised however, where two or three are gathered in My name, I will be in their midst and bless them. It pleases the Lord under the preaching or reading of His Word to shoot an arrow of love in the hearts of sinners. God reveals Himself as the Holy One Who requires obedience to His Holy law, which they have broken. When their spiritual eyes are first opened regarding their deep fall, they confess: “Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight.” They repent and promise the Lord that they will seek Him with all their heart. Sin grieves them and they promise to do better. Hence they place their first landmark with many tears. And as they remain no strangers to many trials, not being able to keep their promise, they cry, “Is there yet a way whereby I may escape this damnation, and again be restored into the favor of God?” Here they place their second landmark, with anxious inquisition, “Will God be merciful to such a wretch as I am?” Receiving a view of God’s holiness they realize that they have offended such a good and righteous God in breaking all His commandments. Here they place another landmark they will never forget, being for themselves without God in the world. With penetrating sorrow in their heart God’s Word speaks to them: “And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart” Gen. 6:6. These words penetrating so deeply within their hearts, they will never forget. For them it is personal and here they place another landmark, realizing how grievously they have offended the Majesty in heaven. They again promise the Lord they will mend their ways. But soul conflicts continue with a Godly sorrow, not being able to present themselves acceptable to God. Searching the Word of God they read, “No one cometh to the Father but by Me, and no one cometh to Me except the Father draw him.” Here they place another landmark with this insurmountable paradox: How shall I be reconciled unto God? While sitting alone, grieving upon the enormity of their sins and reading God’s Word, sweet spiritual impressions fill their heart. They receive encouragement reading from Rom. 5:20, “But where sin abounded grace did much more abound.” Here they feel the welcome invitation: “Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matth. 11:28. Here they place another landmark, with the hope that salvation for them is possible with God. But then they also feel the impossibility, since the demands of the law of God must be satisfied, as we read in Luke 16:17, “And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” They then place another landmark and confess with Job, “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth” Job. 40:4. And when they find no way to escape God’s just punishments, He gives them a view of the vicarious sufferings of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. There the surety of the church in anguish of soul prayed, “Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.” “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was at it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” Luke 22:42 & 44. Here the stony heart of the sinner breaks, pleading: “Lord Jesus, didst Thou thus suffer for such a worm as I am?”

The sinner is further led to Gabatha, there to see the innocent lamb of God being scourged and sentenced to death. The cross was laid upon Him as He was led to Golgotha. Here He was crucified between two malefactors. Pleading for the salvation of His church He cried out, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.” He was mocked. Amongst the other words He spoke on the cross He said, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” He was forsaken by God but not by His Father. In John 19:34 we read, “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.” Observing the bleeding side of Christ, the blood being shed for redemption and the water for cleansing and sanctification, the burden of the sin, to penitent sinners, seems to have fallen from their shoulders. Here they place another landmark with deep humiliation and in supplication with the Psalmist of Psalm 51:7, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” With further consideration to the suffering of Christ they especially think upon these words which He had spoken: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” God forsaken of God. What greater grief could have been brought upon Him. He, the innocent lamb of God here experienced hellish anguish of soul to redeem His elect from eternal separation from God. Here they place another landmark with a great supplication, “Lord, didst Thou suffer all this for Me?” They promise Christ, by renewal, all the love of their heart, and to forsake the world and all that is displeasing unto Him.

This is but of short duration for they continue to feel that their indwelling corruption is an abomination to God, and that He cannot forego His righteousness and justice. They feel they are righteously condemned, thinking that hell is opening for them. Falling under God, they willingly sign their own death sentence and cry out: “Have Thine own way Lord, have Thine own way; Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.” Upon this confession the Lord speaks with power unto their soul, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” Is. 1:18. The Lord further comforts them with the promise of Divine constancy: “For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee” Is. 54:10. Here: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” Ps. 85:10. God is reconciled with the sinner in the blood of atonement of Christ Jesus His Son. The sinner has had no part in it for granting him this salvation. God puts to the account of the sinner the merits of His Son; “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Cor. 5:21. With great astonishment of heart the sinner’s response is: Lord, hast Thou spoken these words unto me? O marvelous grace, saying with David, the servant of the Lord: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me;” Ps. 116:12. Here he places another landmark:

‘Twas love, beyond conception great,
That form’d the vast stupendous plan,
Where all divine perfection meet
To reconcile rebellious man.

Dear reader, do you have knowledge of placing these spiritual landmarks? If you are not stranger to them, may you extol His most worthy name for His redeeming mercy. You have entered into a spiritual warfare, the flesh against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. It will endure unto the end of your life’s journey, and you will encounter many disappointments with yourself, but be herein encouraged, that He Who has begun this work within you will bring you safely to the end. Our fathers often spake of this work of grace within the heart of man, that for those who live under the gospel, the Lord generally calls His people in their youth, mostly before the age of twenty years. We see this in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, Samuel, David, the prophets, and the disciples of Christ. For the encouragement of our youth, we would say: children, young people, pray to God that He will begin this work also in your youthful heart. He is so worthy to be served.

Do some of the readers question, “Are all these things essential to know shall it be well for eternity?” We answer your question by placing before you another question. Can you meet your heavenly benefactor without the knowledge of an applied Christ to your soul? We will close with the words of the apostle Paul, “We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” 2 Cor. 5:20.

C.F. Boerkoel, Sr.

AN ADMONISHMENT TO OUR RISING GENERATION

In reading our daily newspapers the subject of abortions repeatedly appears as a way of life for many to rid themselves of unwanted burdens and responsibilities. No consideration is given to the fact that a life has begun, and therefore this act is as murder in the eyes of the Lord. The events which have taken place prior to this are then seldom given any thought.

It was in 1693 in the city of Boston that a young woman was sentenced to death for the murder of her twin children born out of wedlock. Before her death she wrote out a confession, which might also serve as an admonishment to our young people to ponder the steps which lead to usch things. We print it here with the words of Solomon, “Consider her ways and be wise.” Her statement was read to the congregation by her minister, and it was as follows:

“I am a miserable sinner; and I have justly provoked the holy God to leave me unto that folly of my own heart, for which I am now condemned to die. I cannot but see much of the anger of God against me, in the circumstances of my woeful death. He hath fulfilled upon me that word of His, ‘Evil pursueth sinners.’ I therefore desire humbly to confess my many sins before God and the world; but most particularly my blood guiltiness.

“Before the birth of my twin-infants, I too much parlied with the temptations of the devil to smother my wickedness by murdering of them. At length, when they were born, I was not unsensible that at least one of them was alive; but such a wretch was I, as to use a murderous carriage towards them, in the place where I lay, on purpose to dispatch them out of the world. I acknowledge that I have been more hard-hearted than the sea-monsters. And yet, for the pardon of these my sins, I would fly to the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the only ‘fountain set open for sin and uncleanness.’ I know not how better ‘to glorify God’ for giving me such an opportunity as I have had to make sure of His mercy, than by advising and entreating the rising generation here to take warning by my example; and I will therefore tell the sins that have brought me to my shameful end.

“I do warn all people, and especially young people, against the sin of uncleanness in particular; it is that sin that hath been my ruin. Well had it been for me if I had answered all temptations to that sin as Joseph did, ‘How shall I do this wickedness, and sin against God!’ But, I see, bad company is that which leads to that and all other sins. And I therefore beg all that love their souls to be familiar with none but such as fear God. I believe the chief thing that hath brought me into my present condition is my disobedience to my parents. I despised all their godly counsels and reproofs; and I was always of an haughty, stubborn spirit. So that now I am become a dreadful instance of the curse of God belonging to disobedient children. I must bewail this also, that although I was baptized, yet when I grew up, I forgot the bonds that were laid upon me to be the Lord’s. Had I given myself to God as soon as I was capable to consider that I had been in baptism set apart for Him, how happy had I been! It was my delay to repent of my former sins that provoked God to leave me unto the crimes for which I am now to die. Had I seriously repented of my uncleanness the first time I fell into it, I do suppose I had not been left unto what followed.

“Let all take it from me: they little think what they do when they put off turning from sin to God, and resist the strivings of the Holy Spirit. I fear it is for this that I have been given up to such ‘hardness of heart’, not only since my long imprisonment, but also since my just condemnation. I now know not what will become of my distressed, perishing soul, but I would humbly commit it unto the mercy of God in Jesus Christ. Amen.’’ Submitted

THE KING OF GLORY

Lo! the Lord by whom salvation
Is to fallen man restor’d,
Now resumes His blissful station,
Shows Himself th’ Almighty Lord;
Slow ascending,
Bids us, for a while, farewell.

Who His heav’nly state suspended,
And for man’s atonement dy’d,
By unnumber’d hosts attended,
Rises to His Father’s side;
Born by angels
Back to His eternal throne.

Seraphs, chant His endless praises,
Guard Him to His ancient seat;
Open wide, ye heav’nly places,
Your returning God admit;
Heav’nly portals
Let the King of Glory in!

Christ His kingdom re-inherits,
His before the world began;
Myriads of admiring spirits
Hover round the Son of man;
Wrapt in wonder
View the wounds He bore for us.

“Worthy Thou of exaltation,”
Lost in sweet surprise they sing;
“Mortals, with like acclamation,
Hail your great redeeming King:
Let your voices
Emulate th’ angelic choir.”

Toplady

written between 15 and 18 years of age

EXTRACT FROM PHILPOT

“...There is no ministry worth a straw which does not come out of the heart and conscience of the minister. All that is pillaged out of books falls dead and dry upon the hearts of the exercised children of God. If there be light in the understanding of a minister, it must be from the “entrance of God’s word, that giveth light.” “God” says the apostle, “who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). If there be life in his soul, it must come directly and immediately from Him who is “the Life,” and Who has said, “Because I live ye shall live also.” If he have utterance, it is the gift of God: “Ye are enriched by Him in all utterance” (I Cor. 1:5). The Apostle Paul, though so deeply instructed into the mysteries of the gospel, yet so sensibly felt that God Himself must teach him how and what to speak, that he begs the prayers of his fellow-believers, “that utterance might be given unto him, that he might open his mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19). “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Col. 4:3, 4). If there be liberty in the minister’s soul, it is from “the Spirit of the Lord,” for “there (and there only) is liberty” (2 Cor. 3:17). If there be power resting upon his spirit and testimony, it is the power of God. Stephen was “full of faith and power.” And why? Because “full of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 6:5). “Truly,” says the prophet, “I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord” (Micah 3:8). The possession of this power is the only true foundation of the gospel ministry. “Whereof I was made a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of His power” (Eph. 3:7). And the apostle expressly testifies that his “speech and his preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (I Cor. 2:4). If there is wisdom in his heart and mouth, it is not the wisdom of the creature and the flesh, but “the wisdom which cometh from above.” If there be savour in his ministry, (and without it what is all preaching but an empty sound?) it is only so as his speech is seasoned with salt: and this is only by grace (Col. 4:6). And if there be a blessing attending the word preached, if the dead are quickened, the distressed delivered, and the saints built up on their most holy faith, though a Paul plant or an Apollos water, it is still all of God that giveth the increase. God is expressly “against the prophets that steal My words, every one from his neighbour” (Jer. 23:30). And the Lord has promised to give His servants in the needful hour “a mouth and wisdom which all their adversaries shall not be able to gainsay or resist.”

I saw that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor yet my bad frame that made my righteousness worse; for my righteousness was Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. -John Bunyan

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