A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE XXXI

(Continued)

Of the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons

In the first sentence of this present article our fathers emphasized the necessity that only in a lawful way may a person come to an office in the church. But now a serious warning is added, namely, “Therefore every one must take heed, not to intrude himself by indecent means, but is bound to wait till it shall please God to call him.” It is sad that our fathers had to write this, but in the practice of daily life it arises and does take place for various reasons.

It is possible to come into an office of the church in our own strength, without being called by the Lord. This is a serious offence against the Lord, Who calls His office bearers to serve His church. It can also be from ambition that we desire an office or that we think it will profit us. These are then wolves in sheep clothing, who think only of themselves and not about the honor of the Lord. They swear a false oath when they give their answer to the question as to whether they are called by the Lord. Of them Jeremiah says, “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophecy.”

Another wrong way to come to an office in the church is through presents and gifts. We all know of Simon the sorcerer, who tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, offering money for it. From his name and action the word “simony” is derived, which means the selling of a church office. This was once common in the church of Rome, and I recently read that it still takes place today. I have no proof of it, but it is possible. I would hope that there are none among the readers of this article, whether young or old, who would walk in such paths.

On the other hand, we cannot deny that there are those who think that their life is a failure if they do not come into an office of the church. When a little something is felt of the responsibility of this office before the Lord, it would be with fear and trembling that a person accepts the call to the office. In general, it is better to hear of candidates who are afraid, than to hear of those who think they are able to do it. In the Bible we find this to be so in most instances.

But I hope that among our young readers there are those who have a true desire for the service of the Lord, and ask, “What must a person do who has a desire to such an office?” According to this article, based upon God’s Word, we must wait until the Lord calls to the office. That is certain. However, I may also say to their encouragement that it is not unbiblical to have a desire for an office. Paul wrote to Timothy, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” Think only of Isaiah; when the Lord asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah answered, “Here am I ; send me.”

The prophet knew he was called by the Lord, and this is also mentioned in our article: “That he may have testimony of his calling, and be certain and assured that it is of the Lord.” This is very important for the person in his own life to know that the Lord has called him. I remember that one of God’s servants told me how important this is, especially in days of strife, so that one could plead upon it, “Lord, Thou hast called me.” Many people think the office in the church is always as easy life, but this is not true. They must experience time and again the attacks of the threeheaded enemy.

Here we have another point which we find in our churches, namely, that a person who feels he is called to the ministry must be able to give a testimony of it before the curatorium. The curatorium has received the authority to hear these persons on behalf of the churches; it takes place with a praying heart that the Lord might remember them in mercy. How necessary it is that throughout the whole year this be remembered in church and home! If it really becomes a matter of prayer, then the Lord could do wonders. He is the Giver of prayer, of true prayer; He cannot refuse His own work.

In the following sentences our fathers stated that all ministers have the same power and authority. It is evident that they were concerned lest hierarchy develop, which is a ruling body of clergy organized into orders or ranks, each subordinate to the one above it. It is no wonder that this is mentioned, as they had the sad experience of it in the church of Rome. There the clergy stood above the people, but also the clergy itself was divided into groups and classes. Simply stated, the priests owed responsibility to the bishops, and the bishops to the pope. This is against God’s Word, for the Lord Jesus said, “One is your Master, and all ye are brethren.” All ministers are the same, but age does make a difference. The greatest reward is to receive the approval of the Lord in our heart when we with His help may fulfill our duty according to His will and Word. The view of the reformers (contrary to Rome and Luther) was that as much as possible, ministers should receive the same salary and the same honor.

This parity is also in force for elders and deacons. All are called by the Lord to His service, and they labor in the same vineyard. One is called earlier than the other, but all will receive the reward of faithful servants, namely, life eternal. However, it is not the office which brings salvation, but only the grace of God.

This article ends with the stipulation to honor office bearers because of their work in the vineyard of the Lord. We find this also stated in the form of ordination. In the course of years much has changed in this respect. In former centuries the church was hurt by too much reverence to the clergy; at times they almost received divine honor, and this brought a darkness in the church. In our days the church is also hurt, but then in an opposite way, namely, lack of appreciation. Idolatry is forbidden, also of ministers, elders and deacons; in the same way we must condemn the abuse of the church offices as it often takes place in our times.

The development of this can be seen in the families. Where there is little or no respect by the parents for the offices in the church, the children go further, giving problems in catechism class and Sunday school. It is true, the office bearers are human beings with many shortcomings. However, we must remember that our fathers have written that we should honor them for the sake of their office, and this is based upon the Word of God. If this is not done, it is often regretted later; usually the children leave the truth and, humanly speaking, will be lost. The father or mother are basically the guilty one in such sad events. Often in our days we are warned against “junk-food,” which undermines our health and makes us susceptible to disease; if we give our children poison, we cannot expect them to survive. Likewise, when we undermine the authority of the offices, we undermine the spiritual welfare of our children, which is a very serious trespass.

With the apostle we must say, “who is sufficient for these things?” Earthly kings usually take the best educated to be their servants. The Lord does not always do so; no, most of the time it is the opposite. He often takes of the less important ones to do great things in the kingdom of heaven. Then we will not honor the person who is used by the Lord, but will honor the Lord only, Who is the origin of all blessings. But we have also a Paul and a Moses in the history of the church, who have been of great profit.

May the Lord remember us also in the offices, sending us men in His favor.

Rev. A.M. Den Boer

Norwich, Ontario

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

A special time of the year has once again arrived for us—the day set apart as Thanksgiving Day. Then a day is observed in the churches to consider the Lord’s great goodness in providing so abundantly above that which we deserve. How necessary that this be our main thought on Thanksgiving Day.

It is true that at every meal, at the beginning and close of every day, at every church service, yes, many, many times throughout the year we have reasons and opportunities to acknowledge the Lord’s blessing over us. When we see the many troubles in the world, what a great privilege it is that we may have loving parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends, when we may go up to God’s house to hear His Word, when we may have our own Bibles in our homes, when we may have food and shelter.....the list is endless and our blessings and privileges cannot be counted. We have not earned nor deserved one of them, and this should make it such a wonder to us that we may yet receive them from the hand of the Lord. Do you often think about this?

We hope the quiz this month will also teach us these very things from God’s Word. The first letters of the answers will spell out four words from Psalm 50.

James wrote, “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things________not so to be.”

In Psalm 103 David said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and______ not all His benefits.”

Later in that psalm we read, “Like as a________pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.”

Job said to his wife, “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive____?”

The question of the psalmist in Psalm 116 was, “What shall I ________unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?”

Later in that psalm he said, “I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call ________the name of the Lord.”

The women said unto________, “Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman.”

The four and twenty elders which John saw said, “________art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power.”

Naaman said, “Thy servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice unto____ gods, but unto the Lord.”

After the king’s dream was revealed to him Daniel said, “I thank Thee and praise Thee, O Thou God of my fathers, Who hast________me wisdom.”

Before Joshua died, he made a covenant with the people, and set them a statute and an______ in Shechem.

Joshua took a great stone and set it up there, saying, “It shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye________your God.”

At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, Nehemiah appointed two great companies of them that gave________.

When fire came down from heaven upon Elijah’s altar and sacrifice, the people said, “The Lord,______is the God; the Lord,______is the God.”

When travelling towards Rome, brethren came to meet Paul as far as________, and when he saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

When Elizabeth’s________and cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her, they rejoiced with her.

Moses said to________, “Seemeth it but a small thing unto you that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel?”

Melchizedek, king of________, said to Abram, “Blessed be the most high God which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.”

Malachi wrote, “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give________unto My Name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you.”

In Romans 6 Paul wrote, “Yield yourselves unto God.....and your members as________of righteousness unto God.”

When Solomon was made king, David blessed the Lord, saying, “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the______, and the majesty.”

Deborah and Barak sang, “I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of________”

The psalmist in Psalm 105 said, “O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His________: make known His deeds among the people.”

While in the ship on the stormy sea, Paul took bread, and gave thanks to________in presence of them all.

(Your answers should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Woodmont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

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

ACROSS:

3. Sackcloth -Jonah 3:5

6. Wickedness -Jonah 1:2

9. Forth -Jonah 1:15

11. Sacrifice -Jonah 1:16

14. Amittai -Jonah 1:1

16. Death -Jonah 4:9

17. Head -Jonah 4:6

19. Perish -Jonah 1:4

20. Mariners -Jonah 1:5

21. God -Jonah 1:6

22. Booth -Jonah 4:5

24. Sun -Jonah 4:8

26. Lots -Jonah 1:7

28. Word -Jonah 3:6

29. Forty -Jonah 3:4

30. Grief -Jonah 4:6

33. Cry -Jonah 3:8

34. Repented -Jonah 3:10

35. Nobles -Jonah 3:7

37. Hebrew -Jonah 1:9

DOWN:

1. Displeased -Jonah 4:1

2. He -Jonah 2:1

4. Life -Jonah 4:3

5. Three -Jonah 1:17

7. Exceedingly -Jonah 1:16

8. Tempestuous -Jonah 1:11

10. Land -Jonah 2:1

11. Shipmaster -Jonah 1:6

12. Raging -Jonah 1:15

13. Calm -Jonah 1:12

15. Tarshish -Jonah 1:3

18. Shadow -Jonah 4:4

23. Temple -Jonah 2:4

25. Nineveh -Jonah 1:2

27. Prayed -Jonah 2:1

31. Beseech -Jonah 1:14

32. Angry -Jonah 4:4

36. Seas -Jonah 2:3

Answers have been received from the following:

Jolene VandenBerg

Lisa Stalker

Carl Mast

Mike VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Kathy VanBemdem

Debbie VanBemden

Larry Roelofs

Dan Roelofs

Jim Kraayeveld

Linda Bazen

Jim Bazen

Karen Bazen

Don VanderBoon

Ross Derksen

Julie VanGemert

John VanGemert

Mary VanGiessen

Amy Beeke (2)

Andy Den?oer

Leonard DenBoer

Peter DenBoer

Brian vanHoepen

Eugene vanHoepen

Leah Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Linda Talbot

Mark Talbot

Laura Talbot

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Daniel Kamp

Jonathan Kamp

Anita VanTilburg (2)

Jeff Boot

Jeremy Boot

Kevin Rosendall

Mary Rosendall

Karrie Beeke

Tammy VandenToorn

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Steven VanOostenbrugge

Douglas J. Mol

Elaine Frens

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Norm VanRavenswaay

Herman VanderMeulen (4)

Karl VanderMeulen (2)

Ann VanderMeulen (2)

David VanderMeulen (2)

Benjamin VanderMeulen (2)

Kim Stelsel

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Sidney VanderMeulen

Steven Johnson

Dwaine Johnson

Jody Kegel

Stephanie Kegel

Treena Koeken

Bob Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Joanne Boerkoel

Sharon Bazen

Ed Bazen

Dan Bazen

Peter Bazen

Shelley Hoogendoorn

Lisa Hoogendoorn

Gary Sommer

Carolyn Sommer

Ingrid Sommer

Irean Sommer

Kenny Kanis (2)

Debbie Kanis

Jason DeSmit

Julie DeSmit

Michael DeSmit

Dave A. Engelsma (3)

Aimee Beth Engelsma (2)

Laura Jane Troff

Becky Markus

Ray VanderKooi

Lisa Markus

Cindy Markus

James VandenBrink

Darryl Slingerland (2)

Glenda Slingerland (2)

Kristi Boluyt

Dorenda denHoed

Robert denHoed

Artis denHoed

Judy denHoed

Carmel Goudzwaard

Margaret Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Les Lagemaat

Nita Lagemaat

Tim Lagemaat

Robert Lagemaat

LeAnn VanGinkel (2)

Karen VanGinkel (3)

Jelaine VanGinkel (3)

Denise VanDeMoere

Diana VanDeMoere

David Klarenbeek

Darwyn Klarenbeek

Arien Klarenbeek

LeAnn Klarenbeek

Wayne VandeWaerdt (2)

Chris Bylsma

Stan Bylsma

Jody Ymker

Bill Dendekker (4)

Janet Kievit (2)

Kenneth Kievit (2)

Leslie Van Wijk (2)

Edward Van Wijk (2)

Jeffrey Van Wijk (2)

Laurie Bleeker

Steve Bleeker

Jacob Slingerland

Linda Slingerland

Francina Slingerland

Jeffry Knibbë

Nora Jane Knibbe

Petra Muis (2)

Daniel Markus

Glen VanderKooi

Kristi DeVries

Steven DeBat

Joel VanderKooi

Steve VanGemert

Vicki VanGemert

John Wesdyk

Karen Wesdyk

Tom Hoefakker (2)

Rosemary Kardux

Janet Kardux

Jack Neels (2)

Marianne Neels

Lena Neels

Estella Schouten

Philip Schouten

Frances VanderMeulen

Lisa VanderToorn

Tom Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Rich Carlson

Randy Carlson

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Sharon Wubs

Marilyn VanDenBrink

Leanne Dekker

Robert Lagemaat

Pieter Velthuis

Susie Maljaars

Yvonne Bisschop

Cathy Kerkhoff

Dirk Sterkenburg

Pete Slootweg

Casey Guliker

Eddie Maljaars

Cathy Guliker

Frances Neels

Pauline Dekker

Steve Luteyn

Marion Luteyn

Henry Neels

Nellie VanKlei

Ted VandeLagemaat

Brian Stoutjesdyk

Ken Jansen

Mike Traas

Marina Schroevers

Judy Bremer

Benjamin Jelier

Kenny Guliker

Benny DeRegt

Neil Stam

Ian Megchelsen

Teddy Visscher

Cindy VanderKooi

Ada Koppejan

Liana Schipper

Maria VanMaren

Eva Neels

Lisa Peters

Tim Roos

John Kooyman

Judy Maljaars

Peter Eckhardt

Paul V (?)

Marcella denBok

Nelly Schroevers

Johnny VanDerHoek

Ken Hoefakker

Billy Maljaars

Diane Stoutjesdyk

Fred Neels

Brian Jelier

Jackey Vrieselaar

Julia Vanderwaal

Christine denHertog

Jenny Vrieselaar

Greg Dyck

? (no name)

Marilyn Kooyman

Monique Delooff

Marie Luteyn

Wendy vanKlei

Lisa Kerkhoff

Janetta Stoutjesdyk

Diana Sommer

Gordon denBoer

Cathy Neels

Herma Schutte

Maureen Guliker

Margaret Slootweg

Doug Maljaars

Gary Dekker

Joanne denHertog

Peter vanMaren

Neal Lindhout

Campbell Goudzwaard

Richard denHertog

Nadine Luteyn

Kevin Traas

Jim Luteyn

Leanne VandenDorpel

Joyce van denBrink

Cindy Hulshof

Lisa Ann Hoogendoorn

Caryn Dekker

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Rhonda VanVeldhuizen

Anita Roth

Yvonne Kegel

Brian Kegel

David Hoogendoorn

Kent Hoogendoorn

Neil Stam

Charles Stam

Angela Stam

Jonas Arnoldussen

Joan VanGiessen

Liz VanGiessen

Alisa-Jane Stam

Amy Baum

Robert Baum

Allan Jay Baum, Jr.

Ellen Marie Baum

Lori Beeke

Amy Beeke

Stacy Seabert (2)

Michele Seabert (2)

Randy DeBruine

Julie DeBruine

Reineke Bertram (2)

Ronald Bertram (2)

Carrie Witvoet

Debra Witvoet

Allan Post

Michael Post

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Sidney VanderMeulen

Constance VanderMeulen

Peter Vanderwal (2)

Helen Vanderwal (3)

Vicki Post

Douglas Post

Carrie Blok

Susan VanRavenswaay

Laurie VanEss

Hilda VandenHoek

Anthony VandenHoek

Linda Slingerland

Jacob Slingerland

Francina Slingerland

Steven Baum

Henry VanLagen

John VanLagen

Joan VanLagen

Gaylon Rozeboom (2)

Myra VandeStouwe

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Margaret Scholten (2)

Johanna Scholten (2)

Shirley Fluit

Sherry Fluit

Denise Peters

And now to again answer the letters which we have received—

DEBRA WITVOET - We are quite well, Debra, and hope you and your family are also well. Yes, the weather has turned cool, and we had a little layer of snow on the ground this morning. It is an indication that winter is rapidly approaching.

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - There is much work involved before milk arrives at your table, Estella. This is also true of other things, such as bread. We do not often think about it unless we visit the places where they are busy with those things. Say Hello to Anita.

FRANCES VANDER MEULEN We were glad to receive your answers, Frances. There is so much to learn in God’s Word, not only for young people, but also for the very old. Did you have a nice birthday? My birthday is just eighteen days after your birthday.

JOHN WESDYK - It has been a number of years since we were at the Statue of Liberty, John, but it is quite something to see. In the Bible we also read of monuments which were set up to remember what the Lord had done. Can you name one?

FRANCINA SLINGERLAND What is the main crop on your farm, Francina? It is a great blessing when the Lord has given a good crop, and that we have been able to do our work in this way throughout the year. How sad it is if we forget that these blessings are given us by the Lord.

KRISTI DE VRIES - It was nice to hear from you, Kristi. I am sure you have been looking for the answer to your letter. I really do not care much for cats, but my wife and daughters think they are nice. We had a cat once, but that was quite a few years ago.

TREENA KOCKEN - What color is your rabbit, Treena? Many years ago I had a white rabbit, and we also had a hutch built for him. Most of the crossword puzzles are made by my daughter. Give our greetings to your sisters and the rest of your family.

ELIZABETH VANDER MEULE ? - Did you learn some things which you did not know before as you studied about creation and the fall of man? The Bible speaks about them in a very few chapters, Elizabeth, but that which took place then has had an effect upon all people.

KAREN WESDYK - You did well, Karen, in thinking of events in the Bible which had to do with water. Even today water is used in one of the sacraments, and we know that it has a special meaning there. Do you know what the water in baptism is pointing to?

CARRIE WITVOET - How many puppies did Tiny have, Carrie? You always seem to have some acitivity with your animal families. How do you like your catechism classes? We hope that wherever the catechism lessons are taught, the Lord’s blessing may be upon them. This is so necessary.

RONALD BERTRAM - Our congratulations to your brother David and his wife, Ronald. We hope that they may have many happy years together, and that the Lord and His Word may have an important place in their home. Say Hello also to your parents for us.

LENA NEELS-Yes, Lena, we are often happier with school at the beginning of the year than we are later on in the year. It is a good thing that there is an occasional holiday to give a little respite. We hope things will go well in your studies this year.

ROSEMARY KARDUX - In the 122nd Psalm David told how glad he was when it was time to go to the house of the Lord, Rosemary. We know that the temple services in those days were different than our church service, but the same God was worshipped and served.

REINEKE BERTRAM - I do not keep a record of where our answers come from Reineke, but I only know of two families at the moment who answer the quiz from New Zealand. Perhaps some do them at home, but do not send in their answers. These we do not know about.

JANET KARDUX-If we look real carefully, there are always mistakes to be found, Janet, even though we may try real hard not to make them. What are you studying about in school at present? Do you find your studies more difficult this year than they were last year?

This again finishes our letters for this time. Thank you, boys and girls, for your replies to the quiz, and we hope to hear from all of you again next month, the Lord willing. May the Lord give His blessing upon the studying of His Word, so that as Timothy we may know the Holy Scriptures.

With love,

Your friend, “Uncle Garret”

HARVEST TIME

This is the field, the world below,

In which the sowers come to sow,

Jesus the wheat, Satan the tares,

For so the Word of Truth declares.

And soon the reaping time will come,

And angels shout the harvest home.

Most awful truth, and is it so?

Must all the world the harvest know?

All who profess are wheat or tares,

And harvest will come at unawares.

Yes, soon the reaping time will come,

And angels shout the harvest home.

To love my sins, a saint to appear,

To grow with wheat, and be a tare,

May serve me while on earth below,

Where tares and wheat together grow,

But soon the reaping time will come,

And angels shout the harvest home.

But all who truly righteous be,

Their Father’s kingdom then shall see,

Shine like the sun for ever there,

He that hath ears then let him hear.

For soon the reaping time will come,

And angels shout the harvest home.

Young People’s Hymnal

LIFE IS BRIEF

‘Tis not for man to trifle. Life is brief,

And sin is here.

Our age is but the falling of a leaf, A dropping tear.

We have no time to sport away the hours:

All must be earnest in a world like ours.

Not ‘many’ lives, but only ‘one’ have we,—

One, only one;

How sacred should that one life ever be—

That narrow span!

Day after day filled up with blessed toil,

Hour after hour still bringing in new spoil.

Adapted

RELIEF

Let me at a throne of mercy

Find a sweet relief;

Kneeling there in deep contrition

Help my unbelief.

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

Adapted

NO MAN REGARDETH

“I have stretched out mine hand, and no man regarded” Prov. 1:24. What though you are plunged into the ditch of that misery from which you can never get out? Christ offers to help you out; He reaches out His hand to you; and if you perish, it is for refusing His help.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man open to me, I will come.” He tenders you His righteousness, His grace: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold, that thou mayest be rich;” etc. The condition is impossible; for I have nothing with which to buy. You must know that this buying is “without money and without price.” This buying is by begging and seeking with your whole heart. God commands you to know Him, and to fear Him. Do you say, “Yes, but my mind is blinded and my heart is hardened from His fear?” I answer that God offers to enlighten your mind, and to teach you His fear. So that now, if men live in ignorance and estrangement from the Lord, it is because they will not understand, and do not desire the knowledge of His ways. Though of yourselves you can do nothing yet you may do all through His Spirit enabling you, and He offers assistance to you. God bids you “wash and make you clean”. You are unable, but the Lord offers to cleanse you. God invites you to be made clean, and entreats you to yield to Him. O accept His offers, and let Him do for you, and in you, what you cannot do for yourselves.

Alleine

A GREAT GOD

None is like God, Who reigns above,

So great, so pure, so high;

None is like God, Whose Name is love,

And Who is always nigh.

In all the earth there is no spot Excluded from His care;

We cannot go where God is not, For He is everywhere.

He sees us when we are alone, Though no one else can see;

And all our thoughts to Him are known,

Wherever we may be.

Adapted

ETERNITY

If eternity be a reality, then it becomes me to prepare for it, for endless terror or endless joy can be no trifle. If I must live forever, then I must seek so to live here as to make that everlasting living a happy one. If sin be a fact, then I must not trifle with it; and if God hates it utterly, then I must hate it too, and I must get quit of it, and in God’s way, for no other way of deliverance will avail. That which is so awfully real and powerful as sin is, can only be taken away by something as real and as powerful as itself. If the cross of Christ be true, then I must deal with it accordingly. It is meant to be the death of sin and the life of righteousness. It is meant to be the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness. It is meant to be the place where all sin is borne by another for us. My acceptance of the great work done there is my deliverance from wrath, and sin, and death. I am not bidden to work for pardon: I get it freely, and without desert. If all these things be true, then I must be ‘in earnest’. Everything connected with God and Christ, with sin and pardon, with life and death, with wrath and favour, with time and eternity, is so unspeakably momentous, that I must be up and minding these things without delay. My friend, would you be happy? You must go to God for His love and joy. God can give you His own satisfying peace. Go immediately, and get it from Him. Would you be safe? You must seek your safety in the Son of God, and beneath the protection of His cross. Seek immediate safety in Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. He is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by Him.

Bonar

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. “ 2 Chronicles 7:14

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