A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH

ARTICLE XXXIV

Of Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism has always been a very controversial subject in the various churches, even though God’s Word shows the right way clearly enough. This article on baptism begins by saying, ‘We believe and confess that Jesus Christ, Who is the end of the law, hath made an end, by the shedding of His blood, of all other sheddings of blood which men could or would make as a propitiation or satisfaction for sin.’ Thus it is stated that the ceremonial laws came to an end when Christ died for His church on Golgotha, and this has also had its influence upon the sacraments.

The Greek word ‘baptismos’ means immersion or sprinkling, and this is the baptism which came in the place of circumcision, the sacrament of the Old Testament. A sacrament is a sign and seal of God’s grace. The Lord commanded Abraham (Genesis 17) not only to circumcise his son, but also all who were born in his house or were bought with money. Those who were not circumcised would be cut off from his people, for he had broken the covenant of the Lord.

This sacrament of circumcision was a Divine institution, although it is also known in other nations. The Moslims circumcise their sons between the ages of 12 to 15 years, and they do this because Ishmael was circumcised at the age of 13. In several places of Scripture (for example, Colossians 2:11) circumcision is portrayed as a sign and seal of the circumcision of the heart, or of regeneration. In Colossians 2:17 Paul shows that the Old Testament ceremonies, also circumcision, were as shadows which were fulfilled in Christ. At the Synod of Jerusalem which is described in Acts 15 it was decided that the Gentiles should not be circumcised.

With the satisfaction made by Christ is was no longer necessary to shed blood, and therefore we now have the unbloody baptism in its stead. Peter received clear instruction that circumcision was abolished, as he explained in Acts 10:28, ‘And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God has shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.’

The bloody cutting of the foreskin pointed to the necessary removel of all uncleannesses of both original and actual sins by the blood of Christ. We have mentioned it earlier that the Lord was very strict in the requirements of circumcision and that trespassing this commandment would be punished with death. This is related to God’s commandment for conversion, the circumcision of the heart; if this does not take place, then the wrath of God will rest upon us.

Corporal circumcision is no ground for eternity, for eternal blessings are only given by the Lord out of free grace. Enough evidence is given to show that circumcision was no longer a law after Christ had died. The sacrament of Holy Baptism began after the resurrection of Christ, since He had brought the true sacrifice. The outward sign changed, but the essence remained the same. Prior to this John the Baptist had also baptized, which was from heaven. Those baptized by him did not have to be baptized again. We read in Acts 19 about the men in Ephesus who had been baptized by John, but they had not received the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. These men had heard John and had been baptized by him, and this was not repeated.

Circumcision has thus been abolished, and the Lord has instituted baptism, of which our article states: ‘by which we are received into the Church of God, and separated from all other people and strange religions, that we may wholly belong to Him, Whose ensign and banner we bear.’ As Israel was separated from all other nations, so likewise is the New Testament Israel. Israel was the people of the covenant in the external form, but many of them missed the essence of the covenant in their hearts. For us baptism is the sacrament of birth and incorporation in the church. It is an ensign and banner to distinguish us from all other people and strange religions of these days. So many today forget what our fathers wrote in the confession centuries ago and are not a people separated from the world!

There is a twofold relationship to the covenant. All who are baptized, thus the entire church, have an external relationship to the covenant, but God’s people are incorporated into the covenant. This takes place in regeneration when true faith is given in the heart. All orthodox theologians confess this twofold relationship. Think only of Ishmael and Isaac. Both were circumcised, but both did not take part in grace. How necessary also for us to be incorporated into the covenant! If we are still strangers of it, then we should hasten for our life’s sake, supplicating for grace.

Baptism is not only a sign, but also a seal of God’s grace, as is here stated, ‘and which serves as a testimony to us, that He will forever be our gracious God and Father.’ In the form of baptism we read of the promises given by a Triune God, ‘For when we are baptized in the Name of the Father, God the Father witnesseth and sealeth unto us, that He doth make an eternal covenant of grace with us, and adopts us for His children and heirs, and therefore will provide us with every good thing, and avert all evil or turn it to our profit.”

When we read this, it seems that baptism will give eternal life, but we must remember that the forms of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are written in the essence of faith! With whom does the Lord make a covenant? Who are His children? For whom must all things work together for good? Is it to all those who are baptized! Of course not! Think only of Simon the sorcerer! No, the Lord makes a covenant with His people. When there is written that we are washed in the blood of Christ, this is not applicable to all people! The Holy Ghost does not give the assurance of forgiveness of sin to all who are baptized, but only the true church knows the administration of the Holy Ghost. Therefore in baptism there is the assurance that the unchangeable God of the covenant will not forsake His church.

Are we also a member of that church?

Sioux Center, Iowa

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

In the last chapter of Matthew we read how the Lord Jesus instructed His disciples before He departed from them. Little did they know the full meaning of what He said and the different ways they would go in bringing the teachings of the Lord Jesus into other countries. As is true with all of us, they did not know the future events of their lives, but yet the wonderful way of salvation was to be carried by them to many people and places. From the day of Pentecost onward, we find them working, guided by the Holy Spirit, in heathen lands and hostile nations. Even today this continues, as we can read in the reports of mission work by our own missionaries.

In our quiz this month we will learn of some of those places visited by the disciples and others in those years after Pentecost. All the answers will be found in the book of Acts, and the first letter will spell out six words taken from the instruction of the Lord Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 28.

When speaking of Saul, the Lord said, ‘He is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the__________’

When in Troas a vision appeared to Paul in the night of a man who said, ‘Come_________into Macedonia and help us.’

When testifying before Agrippa, Paul said, ‘My manner of life from my _________ know all the Jews.’

On the way from Jerusalem unto Gaza, Philip met a man of _________, an eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen.

In Corinth Paul found a certain Jew named_________, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy.

Among the first deacons appointed in the church at Jerusalem were Parmenas and_________, a proselyte of Antioch.

Saul confounded the Jews which dwelt at _________, proving that this is very Christ.

Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of_________, which worshipped God, heard Paul speak.

When Peter returned to Jerusalem from Caesarea, some said to him, ‘Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised and didst _________with them.’

God’s Word also tells us of a certain Jew named Apollos, who was born at__________

In Caesarea there lived a centurion named_________, a devout man and one that feared God with all his house.

In Rome Paul dwelt two whole years in his own _________ house, and received all that came unto him.

The disciples were called Christians first in__________

Peter came down to the saints which dwelt at_________, and there found a certain man named Aeneas.

Present on the day of Pentecost were some from parts of _______about Cyrene.

After seeing the vision, Paul and the others left Troas, and came to Samothracia and the next day to__________

Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill and said, ‘Ye men of _________, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.’

The Lord stood by Paul in the night and said, ‘As thou hast _________of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.’

When the ship broke apart, Paul and all with him escaped safe to an_________called Melita.

At Pentecost the people were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, ‘How hear we every man in our _________ tongue?’

There was in the church at Antioch certain prophets and teachers, among whom was Simeon that was called__________

Philip went down to the city of _________, and preached Christ unto them.

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

The answers to the quiz of last month are:

‘Made An High Priest For Ever’

Melchisedec -Hebrews 6:20

Authority -Acts 9:1-14

Death -Numbers 35:25

E liashib -Nehemiah 3:1

Annas -John 18:13

Nadab -Leviticus 10:1

Hilkiah -II Kings 22:1-4

Intercession -Hebrews 7:25

God -Matthew 26:63

Noah -Genesis 8:20

Palace -Matthew 26:3-4

Rent -Matthew 26:65

Infirmities -Hebrews 4:15

Ear -John 18:10

Satan -Zechariah 3:1

Things -Acts 7:1

Fire -Genesis 22:7

Ordained -Hebrews 8:3

Revilest -Acts 23:4

Eli -I Samuel 3:1

Vessel -Acts 9:15

Eleazar -Numbers 20:28

Ram -Genesis 23:13

Answers were received from the following girls and boys:

Carl Mast

Lisa VandenToorn

Debbie VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Kathy VanBemden

Darwyn Klarenbeek

David Klarenbeek

Arlen Klarenbeek

LeAnn Klarenbeek

Linda Bazen

Jim Bazen

Karen Bazen

Larry Roelofs

David Roelofs

Dan Roelofs

Michele Ann Rus

Jeremy Boot

Jeff Boot

Rachel Rosendall

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Julie VanGemert

Joel Vander Kooi

Carrie Blok

Cindy Markus

John Fluit

Jeremy Fluit

Pamela Schelling

Renita Schelling

Sherry Fluit

(1) No Name

Andy DeVries

Lisa Markus

Ray VanderKooi

Beth VanderKooi

Glen VanderKooi

Brian DeVries

Vicki VanGemert

Peter VanBrugge

Jolene Vandenberg

Tammy VandenToorn

Stanly Bylsma

Chris Bylsma

Annette Brink

John Brink

David Brink

Colin Both

Bill Dendekker

Beverly Kroesbergen

Michelle Teunissen

Brenda Teunissen

Steve VanGemert

John VanGemert

Ken Kievit

Karen Kievit

Kenny Kanis

Debbie Kanis

Margaret Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

Douglas J. Mol

Jennifer Sue Rose

Jason DeSmit

Julie DeSmit

Michael DeSmit

Stephanie Kegel

Jody Kegel

Jim Kraayeveld

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Norm VanRavenswaay

Jonathan Kamp

Dan Kamp

Peter Bazen

Dan Bazen

Sharon Bazen

Ed Bazen

Michelle Klaasen

Randy Carlson

Richard Carlson

Kristy Lamain

Sara Lamain

Brenda Spaans

Gordon denBoer

Marily Kooyman

Peter VanMaren

Tonny vanEwijk

Jim Luteyn

Monique Delooff

Marieke VanRumpt

Margaret Slootweg

Richard denHertog

Cathy Neels

Gary Dekker

Rein Bos

Herma Schutte

Janetta Stoutjesdyk

Joanne Noort

Lisa Kerkhoff

Klaas Bos

Wendy VanKlei

Doug Malj aars

Nadine Luteyn

Maureen Guliker

Kevin Traas

Neal Lindhout

Marie Luteyn

Joyce VandenBrink

Diana Sommer

Campbell Goudzwaard

Leanne VandenDorpel

Artis denHoed

Judy denHoed

Dorenda denHoed

Robert denHoed

Sharla Spaans

Daryl Spaans

Linda Spaans

Benjamin VanderMeulen

David VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Ann VanderMeulen

Frances VanderMeulen

Dwaine Johnson

Steven Johnson

Tom Hoefakker

Tim VanSurksum

Laura J. Troff

Audrey Van Veldhuizen

Rhonda VanVeldhuizen

Sheila VanVeldhuizen

Phyllis VanVeldhuizen

Peter VanderStel

Randy VanderStel

Michele Seabert

John Wesdyk

Karen Elizabeth Wesdyk

Lisa Peters

Denise Peters

Todd Koedam

Sharon Maassen

Kristi Devries

Pieter Velthuis

Cindy VanderKooi

Maria VanMaren

Ada Koppejan

Jackey Vrieselaar

Billy Malj aars

Liana Schipper

John Kooyman

Fred Neels

Judy Maljaars

Christine DenHertog

Paul Visscher

Jack Neels

Brian Jelier

Nelly Schroevers

Eva Neels

Diane Stoutjesdyk

Ken Hoefakker

Julia Vander Waal

Johnny VanderHoek

Marcella denBok

Peter Eckhardt

Jenny Vrieselaar

Tim Roos

Cathy Neels

Greg Dyck

Joel Schoonbeek

Ian Megchelsen

Dirk Sterkenburg

Marilyn VanDenBrink

Kenny Guliker

Leanne Dekker

Eddie Maljaars

Cathy Kerkhoff

Benny DeRegt

Teddy Visscher

Frances Neels

Casey Guliker

Peter Slootweg

Steve Luteyn

Pauline Dekker

Henry Neels

Arlene Wierks

Sharon Wubs

Ted VandeLagemaat

Yvonne Bisschop

Nellie VanKlei

Ken Jansen

Mike Traas

Diana VanDeMoere

Denise VanDeMoere

Carol Boluyt

Kristi Boluyt

James VandenBrink

E stella Schouten

Philip Schouten

Anita Schouten

Carmel Goudzwaard

Mary Rosendall

Kevin Rosendall

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Steve VanOostenbrugge

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Ruth Pols

Steven Bleeker

Jonas Arnoldussen

Alan Post

Michael Post

Deb Kamp

Bettina Slingerland (4)

Laurie Bleeker

Lori Beeke

Amy Beeke

Lysbeth Kroesbergen

John Heystek

Arlen denHoed

Sheryl denHoed

Sharon denHoed

Joanne Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Bob Boerkoel

Laurie VanEss

Elaine Frens

Steven Baum

Shelley Hoogendoorn

Lisa Hoogendoorn

Robert Jerrfrey Hults, Jr.

Lisa Stalker

Jennifer Bednarski

Rosemary Kardux

Janet Kardux

Rachel VanDyke

Timothy VanDyke

Anita VanTilburg

Sandra Van Beek

Kim Stelsel

Leah Talbot

Mark Talbot

Laura Talbot

Linda Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Karen VanGinkel

Leann VanGinkel

Darla Rus

Julie Van Veldhuizen

Vicki Post

Doug Post

Anita Kaster

Karrie Beeke

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Myra VandeStouwe

Dan Kwekel

Tom Kwekel

Darryl Slingerland

Glenda Slingerland

Ronald Hulshof

Cindy Hulshof

Leslie VanWyk

Jeffrey VanWyk

Edward VanWyk

Pieter Velthuis

Ralph Velthuis

Alice Velthuis

Jay Van Voorst

Judy Van Voorst

Rachel Van Voorst

Anita Roth

Krista Roth

Les Lagemaat

Nita Lagemaat

Robert Lagemaat

Tim Lagemaat

Cathy Both

Peter Vanderwal (2)

Gerald Vanderwal (2)

Helen Vanderwal (2)

Helen VanBrugge

May VanBrugge

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Constance VanderMeulen

Peter Procee (2)

Jennifer Procee (2)

Jody Ann Ymker

Marlene Vandenberg

Doreen Vandenberg

Edward Vandenberg

Goeff Erkelens

Susanna Erkelens

Karen Erkelens

Andy Kroesbergen

Beverly Kroesbergen

Ronald Kranendonk

Susan Kranendonk

Scott Van’tZelfde

Carrie Witvoet

Debbie Witvoet

Peter DenBoer

Len DenBoer

Diane Klarenbeek

Julie Klarenbeek

Stacy Seabert

Petra Muis

Louise VandenBrink

Leona Brink

Annette Brink

Mary Hubers

Duane Hubers

Howard Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Kay Erickson

Danita Erickson

Denise R. Erickson

Rita Erickson

Henry Vandenberg (2)

Timothy Vanderberg (2)

Elizabeth Vandenberg (2)

David Vandenberg (2)

Johanna Scholten

Margaret Scholten

Kathy DeBat

Joan DeBat

Steven DeBat

Peter VanBrugge (2)

Peter Eckhardt

John Eckhardt

And now to answer the letters which we have received:

DANITA ERICKSON - Your letter is the first this time, Danita. You asked about our children. We have four daughters, four sons-inlaw, and four grandchildren. That makes twelve. What a great blessing Abraham had when the Lord said of his seed, ‘And I will be their God.’

DEBRA WITVOET - Accidents happen so quickly, Debra, and they show us how dependent we are upon the protecting hand of the Lord every moment of the day. How necessary that we always pray, ‘Lord, keep me from harm,’ but then also, ‘Lord, keep me from sin.’

GLENDA SLINGERLAND - We were glad to hear that your little brother was doing well. Glenda. How often we hear about those who are sick, even though very young. What a wonder it should be that the Lord gives us health.

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - We are all quite well, Estella. Family life was instituted by the Lord, and it is a great blessing when we can be together in love and unity. For many it is so different. Give our greetings to your father.

JANET KARDUX - What do you like best about school, Janet? I am sure there are certain things that you like better than others. There are so many things to be learned while we are young. But there is one thing which is most important. Can you tell me what that is?

CINDY LE ANN HULSHOF -Do you live far from the school, Cindy? How early does the bus pick you up? It doesn’t seem possible that the end of the school year is almost here again. Do you think your report card will show that you studied hard all year?

JOHN WESDYK - Did you enjoy your class trip to the Ford Mansion and to Jockey Hollow? It is a good thing you mentioned what those places were, John, since I would not have known otherwise. Perhaps we learned about them in history class, but that I have long forgotten it.

LEONA VANDEN BRINK - We are glad to have you join in answering the Bible quiz, Leona. Today (Sat., April 24) is a beautiful day here in Kalamazoo. Spring seemed long in coming, but has arrived. The Lord Himself has said that while the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest shall not cease.

LORI BEEKE - I heard you had the chicken pox, Lori. That is no fun, is it? We saw your mother and Tommy this morning, just before they were leaving again. Did they have a good trip home? I am sure that you were happy to see them again. You write nice letters.

ELIZABETH VANDENBERG -Thank you for your picture, Elizabeth. It was very nice. Be sure to say Hello to your sister for us when you write her. I think I owe her a letter, too, but I don’t always keep up with the correspondence as I should.

ANNETTE BRINK - Yes, Annette, we had lots of snow here also. I really don’t think I would care to live where they don’t have any snow. Which of your brothers was married in March? Weddings are usually very happy occasions.

JANE SLINGERLAND - It was nice to hear from you, Jane. Since you are looking for a penpal outside of Canada, we will give your address here and hope that it may bring results. (Jane is 13 years old and her address is Diamond City, Alberta, Canada. TOK 0T0.)

JONAS ARNOLDUSSEN - Each sermon that we hear, Jonas, brings a message to us. But how necessary that the Lord bring it into our hearts, just as He did with the sermon of Paul in the heart of Lydia. The Bible tells us of other sermons which were blessed to the hearers. Do you know where?

KAREN WESDYK - Did you get a good mark on your New Jersey report, Karen? From the way you described it, I am sure you put lots of work into it. I learned some things about your state which I was not aware of just by your letter.

PHILIP SCHOUTEN - Did your friend move quite a distance from you, Philip? When you have good friends, it is not so nice when they move away from your neighborhood, since good friends are not always so easy to find. By good friends I of course mean those who do not lead you into wrong ways.

DENISE ERICKSON - Yes, Denise, I am always interested in knowing about your family. In the years that I have been making the Bible quizzes, I have learned to know quite a few. I suppose you have names for all your pets also.

AMY BEEKE - Be sure to say Hello to your teacher for us, Amy. We stayed in her home when we visited Chilliwack the last time. Do you still remember when we were there? We hope, the Lord willing, that we can make another trip there someday.

CARRIE WITVOET - What did you do during your spring vacation, Carrie? Of course, with all your animals there are lots of chores to be done, I am sure. Did Timmy’s cut heal O.K.? At times like that it is good when we have some knowledge of First Aid.

LOUISE VANDEN BRINK - It is nice to have you join in answering the quiz, Louise. The quizzes are not always as easy, but I don’t think they are overly difficult either. How important it is to learn to know just where in the Bible to look for the answers.

PETER DEN BOER - Did your sister have a good trip to Holland, Peter? It was nice that she could make the trip in that way. Do you still have many relatives there? Be sure to say Hello to your family. What kind of birds do you have?

ANITA SCHOLTEN - Yes, Anita, Easter is celebrated by many people without even thinking about the event which took place many years ago. This will only change if the Word of God is brought into the hearts of young and old by the working of the Holy Spirit. He is the Almighty One.

Thanks to all of you for your answers again this month. We hope to hear from you again next month, the Lord willing and we live. We have heard that a young girl, Susan Vander Waal, passed away in Iowa at the age of 7½ years. It is a reminder to us that, even though we are young, we do not know that we will grow old. May we be prepared for the day of our death at all times. Our sympathy goes out to her family.

With love,

Your friend,

‘Uncle Garret’

THE SEA

What a fascination the sea has for some; what an aversion it has for others! How beautiful it can be in a calm; how terrible it can be in a storm! It can toss the mighty ships as if they were playthings and bear navies on its bosom without being affected by them. The Scripture tells us that it was God Who made the sea and, being His handiwork, we may be sure it has lessons to teach us as all God’s mighty works in nature have.

1. Its Vastness. Did you ever think how vast the sea is? Are you aware that three-fourths of the earth’s surface is covered by water? Some of my readers may have sailed the Seven Seas and their first experience out on the seemingly boundless ocean was an overwhelming sense of the littleness of man and all his works. But, vast as the oceans are, the Creator’s greatness stands out in vivid contrast when it is affirmed of them that He measured the waters in the hollow of His hand. Yet for the salvation of His people the Lord Jesus Who created these waters became so low that He had to ask a drink of water, as He hung on the cross, from sinful creatures. How great was His humiliation! But vast though the sea be, it is not shoreless; if you sail over it for long enough the shore will be reached at length. But there is an ocean which has no shore—it is the ocean of God’s love; neither angels nor God’s redeemed have reached its farther shores.

2. Its Depth. There are depths in the Pacific which are reported to be 35,433 feet (the greatest recorded ocean depth), i.e. between six and seven miles deep. Mount Everest, the highest of the Himalayas, is 29,000 feet so that if it was cast into the deepest part of the Pacific it would be covered to the depth of 6,000 feet, i.e. over a mile. These depths are staggering and may convey little to us unless we try to visualize what they mean by considering the distances between places with which we are familiar. But, great though these ocean depths be, they are not to be mentioned in the same day with the unmeasured and immeasurable depths of the sea of God’s love to His blood-bought inheritance. No plummet held in mortal hand has even sounded its ocean depths.

3. Its Restlessness. The sea is never at rest—there is a continual ebb and flow. Sometimes you may see the ocean like glass but that is not often. There is a very solemn statement in the Bible which refers to this restlessness of the sea when it says: ‘the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked’ (Is. 57:20, 21). The restless sea is thus preaching a solemn sermon to godless sailors sailing over the Seven Seas and to irreligious voyagers telling them that its restlessness is warning them that there is no peace to the wicked.

4. Its Tempestuousness. You sometimes read of waves mountains high. They certainly appear high enough and may look like mountains to the terrified, but there are no waves mountains high. All the same, the sea can be terrifying enough as the vessel takes its plunge into the trough of the advancing wave and is struck by it with a thunderous crash, shaking the ship from stem to stern as the sea breaks over the ship.All this may be terrifying to the onlooker as he is made conscious of his powerlessness. All the seas of this world are subject to storms. Even the Pacific, the largest ocean in the world, though rejoicing in the name Pacific, given to it by Magellan, can be as stormy as other oceans. But there is One Who reigns over the raging sea, and He has only to say: ‘Peace be still’, and immediately there will be a great calm. One may notice the wind falling suddenly, but who ever saw the sea becoming immediately calm? None but those who witnessed Christ’s miracles. It is God alone that can still the angry sea immediately and, blessed be His name, He has calmed more tempestuous seas than ever raged on the Sea of Galilee. You remember with what triumphant confidence the Psalmist expreses this truth in the 93rd Psalm: ‘The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea than the mighty waves of the sea’.

Young People’s Magazine

A POEM FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

Death has been here, and borne away
A scholar from our side;
Just in the morning of her day,
As young as we, she died.

Perhaps our time may be as short,
Our days may fly as fast;
O Lord, impress the solemn thought
That this day may be our last.

(The above poem was found in the Newsletter of the Iowa school upon the death of Susan Vander Waal at the age of 7½ years.)

ETERNITY

Measure the ocean with the hand,
And on the shore count every sand;
Each drop and grain a million years,
If reckoned, what a sum appears!

Though these great numbers do exceed
The powers of man to count indeed;
Yet O! compared they cannot be
With boundless, vast eternity.

Then think, child, how important ‘tis
To know if you’re an heir of bliss,
We must for ever, ever be
In endless joy, or misery.

Eternity! O awful sound!
I pray to be in Jesus found,
And may God’s sovereign grace so free,
Make me His child eternally.

Submitted

THE THREE SIEVES

Betty ran in from school, and called out: ‘Oh, mother, what do you think of Freda Long? I have just heard that—’ ‘Wait a minute, my dear’, said her mother. ‘Have you put what you have heard through the three sieves before you tell it to me?’ ‘Sieves, mother! What do you mean?’ ‘Well, the first sieve is called Truth. Is it true?’ ‘Well, I don’t really know, but Mary Shaw and Shirley told me that Freda—’ ‘That is very roundabout. What about the second sieve—Kindness? Is it kind?’ ‘Kind!’ No, I cannot say it is kind.’ ‘Now the third sieve—Necessity. Will it go through that? Must you tell this story?’ ‘No, mother, I need not repeat it.’ ‘Well, then, my dear, if it is neither necessary nor kind, and perhaps not true, let the story die’.

Young People’s Magazine

TRIALS

Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Trials bring me to His feet,
Lay me low and keep me there.

Did I meet not trials here,
No chastisement by the way;
Might I not with reason fear,
I should prove a castaway?

Worldings may escape the rod,
Sunk in earthly vain delight;
But the true born child of God,
Must not, would not, if he might.

Submitted

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