A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH ARTICLE XXXVI

Of Magistrates

The word “magistrates” as here used actually means the government, which has received a certain authority originating with God. We read of this in Romans 13, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” Thus governments have power on earth, and, since it is the will of God, we are subjected to them.

In the explanation of the fifth commandment you have heard the same thing. It especially speaks about father and mother, who are the first authority in our life to whom we are subjected. Upon the keeping of this commandment, the Lord has promised His blessing, namely, a long life. This was first of all applicable to Israel; if they would live according to God’s will, they would dwell for a long time in the promised land. If they were disobedient, it would not take place, for then the enemies would rule over them and all kinds of judgments would be their portion.

We must remember that the various governments, both high and low, are performed by men, sinful men, but by Divine providence they are called to rule over their subjects. This is also emphasized in the explanation of the Heidelberg Catechism. A country or family where authority is not found will sooner or later come into disorder. Isn’t this evident in our countries today? Where is the authority? Consequently more and more liberties are taken, regardless whether or not these are contrary to the law.

Therefore, young people, view it as a great privilege if your parents teach you that discipline cannot be lacking in our midst. If it is, we go against the institutions of the Lord, those institutions which are to His honor, but also to our own welfare. As an example, in many public schools there is hardly any discipline to be found. Young people must have freedom. But what is the result? Education decreases, and the classes can no longer be controlled by the teachers. Therefore how necessary to go back to the so-called old-fashioned Bible, which gives such good advice: Authority!

In Proverbs 8:15 we read, “By Me kings reign and princes decree justice.” That which we find in article 36 of our confession is according to God’s Word. It is not the only confession which speaks in this way, as there are many others which do the same, such as the Helvetic Confession, the Confession Gaallicana of the Church of England, the Confession Scoti-cana (Scotland), and the Westminster Confession.

Regarding the differences in opinions we hope to speak later on, but we will first consider the article itself. We read there, “We believe that our gracious God, because of the depravity of mankind, hath appointed kings, princes and magistrates, willing that the world should be governed by certain laws and policies; to the end that the dissoluteness of men might be restrained, and all things carried on among them with good order and decency.”

Without government the world would be full of murder, and there would not be much left of the population. Perhaps you think this is exaggerated. I will give an example. Some years ago the police in Montreal, Quebec, went on strike. Do you know what happened? Young and old, rich and poor, went out into the streets to steal and to rob! Can you believe it? The varnish of our decency is so thin. And this has been the same in many places throughout the world. By having government, a little order is maintained in the world. Where people live together, a government cannot be lacking. In God’s common goodness we have a government, and it is an indispensable brake in the life of men. Thus we do not only have a criminal code to punish sin, but also a civil code to coordinate our daily lives.

Government on earth is necessary because of our sins, and it is God’s goodness that we have it. Otherwise life would be impossible; life would become a hell. “For this purpose He hath invested the magistracy with the sword, for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the protection of them that do well.” It was already in Genesis 6 that the Lrod commanded that the murderer be killed. He Who is the Almighty God could destroy the sinner in many ways, such as by fire from heaven or by opening the earth so that they would go down into the grave. But no, the Lord commanded men to keep His law, and He gave authority to men to punish the sinner. This power is not given to all men, but to the government, who, when it is right, is the servant of the Lord!

God only has the power over life and death, and this is also given by God to the government. The sword mentioned points to the punishing of the sinner, even the death penalty when necessary. Many are against this, as we can read in the newspapers. Religious objections are also brought in; they say, “If they receive life imprisonment, such sinners can yet then be converted.” Others say, “The judge can also make a mistake and condemn the innocent.” It is a possibility; think only of Golgotha, where the righteous One was condemned, while Barabbas went out free. This is the responsibility of the judges or of the false witnesses.

We must never forget that in murder the image of God, which was originally in man and whereof small remnants still remain, is injured. We may never place God’s honor secondary to or under the saving of men. God’s honor demands the death penalty of the murderer. When we have pity for the sinner, it must be because of the great sin committed, since he assaulted man, who was an image-bearer of God. God has power over life and death, and therefore the given-power of the government is also over them; “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.”

Have we ever seen our guilt before the Lord? Even though we have not committed this sin in deed, we are nevertheless guilty, because we are self-murderers since our rebellion in Paradise. We have tried to take the power of the Lord away, and to take it to ourselves; we have tried to be as God. May that highest Authority begin to rule over us!

Sioux Center, Iowa

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

As we come near to the end of the year, the story of the birth of the Lord Jesus in Bethlehem is heard in church, in school, in catechism class, but also in many other places. It is a story well-known to all, I am sure. But what does it mean to us? Is it important for us?

We read how the shepherds heard of it, how the wise men learned of it, but also how King Herod and others in Jerusalem and Bethlehem heard of it. A few saw great value in it, but others lived on in their daily lives, not greatly concerned that such an important event had taken place. Some had a need for the Savior, but most of them did not have. What a great difference there was between these two groups of people. Aren’t these same two groups with us today? Many will hear about it and even talk about it, but for how many does it have great value?

It is true that we cannot do as the shepherds and wise men did, going to Bethlehem to see Him there, but we may ask the Lord to show us within our hearts what our great need is, and then also show us the purpose and value of the coming of the Lord Jesus. It will then be an event for which God shall be glorified and praised, not only at Christmas, but throughout the year.

The first letters of the answers will spell out a part of what the shepherds said to each other after the angel had spoken to them. Looking unto Jesus as He walked, John the Baptist said, “Behold, the ______ of God.”

When the wise men saw the star again after leaving Jerusalem, they rejoiced with ______ great joy.

The Samaritan woman said to the men of the city, “Come, see a man which ______ me all things that ever I did.”

The shepherds were told by the angel, “For ______ you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

When Nathanael said, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said, “Come and ______.”

Who came to the Lord Jesus by night to be taught by Him?

Peter said to the rulers of the people, “There is none ________ name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”

When Jesus said to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Peter answered, “Lord, to ________ shall we go?”

Herod said to the wise men, “____ and search diligently for the young child.”

In the house of Simon the leper there came unto Him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ______

Simeon took Him up in his arms and said, “Lord, … mine ______ have seen Thy salvation.”

The Lord Jesus taught, saying, “In ______ do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

A certain centurion, when he heard of Jesus, sent unto Him the ______ of the Jews, beseeching Him that He would come and heal his servant.

Paul wrote to the Hebrews, “How shall we escape if we ______ so great salvation?”

Unto the Corinthians Paul wrote, “Thanks be unto God for His ______ gift.”

The Lord Jesus said to Martha, “But one thing is ______ ; and Mary hath chosen that good part.”

In the wilderness the ______ came to Jesus and said, “If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

John wrote, “He came unto His ______, and His ______ received Him not.”

Who was the blind man begging by the highway as Jesus went out of Jericho?

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Whom do men say that I am?” they replied, “John the Baptist, but some say______.”

As He went with Jairus, a woman having a disease came behind Him, saying within herself, “If I may but ______ His garment, I shall be whole.”

There were brought unto Him little children, that He should put His ______ on them, and pray.

We read of one who sought to see Jesus, who He was, but could not for the press, because he was ______ of stature.

The scribes who told Herod where Christ would be born found a text in Micah, which read, “But thou, Bethlehem ____, … out of thee shall He come forth.”

Who said, “John have I beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” And he desired to see Him.

Mary said, “He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent ______ away.”

In the garden Judas came to Jesus and said, “Hail ______,” and kissed Him.

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

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

“In the Valley of Berachah”

II Chronicles 20:26

Israel - I Samuel 17:46

Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel 3:29

Things - Mark 5:20

Half - I Kings 10:7

Ebenezer - I Samuel 7:12

Vain - Psalm 60:11; &108:12

Altar - Genesis 8:20

Leaping - Acts 3:8

Lord -Joshua 24:15

Elisha - II Kings 7:1–2

Young - II Chron. 34:3

Offer - II Kings 5:17

Feared - Exodus 14:31

Benefits - Psalm 116:12

Egyptians - Exodus 18:10

Rejoicing - Acts 8:39

Angel - Acts 12:23

Cain - Genesis 4:4–5

Hannah - I Samuel 1:27–28

Asa - II Chron. 16:12

House - II Chron. 20:28

Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mark 1:11

Answers to the quiz have been received from the following:

Diane Spaans

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Julie VanGemert

Michelle Klaasen

Jamey Klaasen

David Boon

Cornie Boon

Jana Boon

Ricky Maljaars (2)

Doug Maljaars (2)

Eddie Maljaars (3)

Judy Maljaars (2)

Mary Maassen

Linda Zomer

Ken Kievit

Karen Kievit

Lisa VandenToorn

James VandenBrink

Bobby Hults (2)

Rich Carlson

Randy Carlson

Carl Mast

Mary VanGiessen

Steve VanOostenbrugge

Hilda Vandenhoek

Anthony Vandenhoek

Bob Boerkoel (2)

John Boerkoel (2)

Joanne Boerkoel (2)

John VanGemert

Brian DeVries

Andy DeVries

Rachael Timmer

Craig Timmer

Ray VanderKooi

Susy Eckhardt (3)

Peter Eckhardt (3)

John Eckhardt (3)

Ed Bazen

Dan Bazen

Peter Bazen

Sharon Bazen

Daniel Kamp

Jonathan Kamp

Nora Jane Knibbe

Jeffry Knibbe

Rodney VanderZand

Bobby VanderZand

Tim TenElshof

John Lee Fluit

Matt Bueschel

Jeff Boot

Jeremy Boot

Christopher Engelsma (2)

Alice Engelsma

Aimee Beth Engelsma (3)

Dave Engelsma (2)

Scott Van’tZelfde

Margaret Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

Mark Talbot

Leah Talbot

Linda Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Laura Talbot

Jolene VandenBerg

Gaylon Rozeboom

Julie Rozeboom

Diana VanDeMoere

Denise VanDeMoere

Peter DenBoer (2)

Andy Pavan

John VanHeek (2)

Len DenBoer (2)

Eugene VanHoepen (2)

Brian VanHoepen (2)

Genny Pavan

Elaine Frens

Dwaine Johnson

Steven Johnson

Scott Teunissen

Amy Teunissen

Jarrod Teunissen

Sara Lamain

Kristi Lamain

Glenda Slingerland

Darryl Slingerland

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Norm VanRavenswaay

Tom Hoefakken

Jason DeSmit

Julie DeSmit

Michael DeSmit

Pamela Schelling

Beth Schelling

Renita Schelling

Ronald Bertram (2)

Reineke Bertram (2)

Art VerHoef

Yvonne Kegel

Brian Kegel

Karen VanGinkel

Laura VanGinkel

Leann VanGinkel

Kristi Boluyt

Shelley Hoogendoorn (2)

Lisa Hoogendoorn (2)

Karen Wesdyk

John Wesdyk

Debbie VanBemden

Mike VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Brent Bleyenberg (2)

Karrie Beeke

Hugo Kranendonk

Joanna Kranendonk

Jon VandenToorn

Tammy VandenToorn

Mary Ann Droge

Jake Droge

Carmel Goudzwaard

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Laurie VanEss

Lean Neels

Marianne Neels

Jack Neels

Laura Troff

Mary VanGiessen

Corry VanBrugge

Helen VanBrugge

Cindy Hulshof

Ronald Hulshof

Liz VanGiessen

Joan VanGiessen

David Elshout

Jennifer Sue Rose

Linda Bazen

Jim Bazen

Karen Bazen

Julie Klarenbeek

Diane Klarenbeek

Gerrard Stubbe

Bruce denHoed

Sheryl denHoed

Arlen denHoed

Sharon denHoed

David Hoogendoorn

Kent Hoogendoorn

Constance VanderMeulen

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Elizabeth DenDekker

Henrietta DenDekker

Stephanie Kegel

Jody Kegel

Peter VanderStel

Randy VanderStel

Carrie VanderStel

Peter Vanderwal

Helen Vanderwal

Gerald Vanderwal

Krista Roth

Anita Roth

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Duane Hubers

Mary Hubers

Doug Post

Vicki Post

Jody Ann Ymker

Estella Schouten

Anita Schouten

Philip Schouten

Grietje Bos

Sharon Wubs

Susie Maljaars

Cathy Guliker

Marion Luteyn

Benjamin Jelier

Cathy Kerkhoff

Ken Jansen

Pauline Dekker

Casey Guliker

Laura Anker

Robert Lagemaat

Kenny Guliker

Leanne Dekker

Steve Luteyn

Benny DeRegt

Ted VandeLagemaat

Frances Neels

Kenny Kanis

Yvonne Bisschop

Marilyn VanDenBrink

Judy Bremer

Mike Traas

Arlene Wierks

Annette VanTil

Nellie VanKlei

Peter Slootweg

Gordon Schep

Neil Stam

Henry Neels

Brian Stoutjesdyk

Ian Megchelsen

Teddy Visscher

Jim Kraayeveld

Lisa Peters (2)

Denise Peters (2)

Ann VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Benjamin VanderMeulen

David VanderMeulen

Frances VanderMeulen

Chris Bylsma

Stan Bylsma

Rosemary Kardux

Janet Kardux

John Heystek

Amy Sue Beeke

Lori Beeke

Scott Eppinga

Robbin Eppinga

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

Debbie Witvoet

Carrie Witvoet

Chad Wielhouwer

Leona Brink

Louise VandenBrink

Annette Brink

Debbie Kanis

Kenny Kanis

No Names (2) California

Leah Pluim

Darwyn Klarenbeek

LeAnn Klarenbeek

David Klarenbeek

Arlen Klarenbeek

Steve Bleeker

Laurie Bleeker

Edward VanWyk

Jeffrey VanWyk

Leslie VanWyk

Jennifer S. Bednarski

Judy VanVoorst

Rachel VanVoorst

Tim Kaat

Lysbeth Kroesbergen

Rhonda VanVeldhuizen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Kristi VanVeldhuizen

Phyllis VanVeldhuizen

Sheila VanVeldhuizen

Rachel VanDyke (2)

Timothy VanDyke (2)

Michelle Brunia

Inge Schutte

Tara Vandebe

Charley Stam

Peter deJong

Monica denBok

Kevin Herfst

Marina Schroevers

Helen Neels

Allan VanderKooi

Johnny Vrieslaar

Christine Dunstan

Martin Pronk

Colin Both

Johan Bos

Dirk Sterkenburg

Henry John

Wes Kooyman

Colin vandenBrink

Mike VandenDorpel

John Eckhardt

John Vanderwaal

Evelyn DenHertog

Danny Guliker

Anita VanTilburg

Trudy Viets

Elizabeth Vandenberg

David Vandenberg

Timmy Vandenberg

Johanna Scholten

Margaret Scholten

Geoff Erkelens

Petra Muis

Karen VandenBeukel

Erika VandenBeukel

Tim Lagemaat

Les Lagemaat

Nita Lagemaat

Myra VandeStouwe

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Steven Baum (2)

Rachel Pluim

Karen DeVries

Kristi Marie DeVries

And now to answer the letters which we have received—

BOBBY HULTS - According to your address, you do not live far from the church, Bobby. Moving is not such an easy task, so it was nice that you could help. Did your father have a good trip with the truck? I am sure he travelled quite a few miles.

MARY MAASSEN - It was nice to hear from you, Mary. What kind of farm do you have? In the Bible we also read of those who were farmers. Can you think of some? The crops of the field have been a source of food for men since God created the world.

KRISTI DE VRIES - I thought the school program was very nice, Kristi. It was nice to see and hear all that had been learned by the boys and girls. It must take lots of practicing in order to make the program go so smoothly. What do you like best in school?

LEONA VANDEN BRINK - We are still having nice days, Leona, but they are not real warm days. When winter sets in, it seems so impossible that crops and flowers will again appear, but the warm sun in the spring soon changes everything.

DEBBIE WITVOET - We had about an inch of snow when we woke up yesterday morning, Debbie. It is a pretty sight to see everything white, but it is not always so pleasant for those who have to travel on slippery roads. But we do know that the Lord can protect us wherever we go.

JOHN WESDYK - Don’t you think it was a great blessing that we had men such as John Calvin in the church years ago, John? The Lord gave him much wisdom and understanding in His Word, and he was able to teach others. We may still benefit from his teachings.

ANNETTE BRINK - What grades are using the new classrooms, Annette? I’m sure everyone was glad to have it completed, since it gave you more room. It is just as with the crops in the field—we are glad to see the growth take place and pray that it may be with the Lord’s blessing.

ANITA SCHOUTEN - Did your Oma live in New Zealand or in the Netherlands, Anita? Yes, the five wise virgins had something which they could not give to others, but which they themselves had received. They could say, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”

JODY YMKER - Did you have a nice birthday, Jody? We hope that you may have many more of them. We do not know how many years each of us will have, but the Lord knows, since it is determined by Him. In the obituaries we see all ages.

AMY SUE BEEKE - Do you have as many leaves to rake as you had when you were living in Kalamazoo, Amy? The trees are nice for shade in the summer, but the falling leaves make lots of work. How many leaves do you suppose there are on some trees?

DAVID ELSHOUT - I heard about that accident at your school, David. How is he getting along? Nineteen feet is a long way to fall, but how quickly it can happen to a person. Did you have a nice birthday? We hope that you too may have many more.

LOUISE VANDEN BRINK - If all is well, we hope to give some books after the first of the year, Louise. Do you like to read? We hope that all the boys and girls read one book more than any other, and that would be the Bible. Do you have your Bible?

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - Did you do well on your World War II project, Estella? War is a terrible thing, especially when we think that it is all because of sin. In the catechism we are taught that man by nature hates God and his neighbor, and war shows this to be so true.

CARRIE WITVOET - Have you started your catechism class again, Carrie? I am sure you miss your teacher of last year. How is school going this year? It will probably be time for report cards before long. Give our greetings to your parents and grandparents.

LORI BEEKE - You are learning to write very nicely, Lori. There seem to be quite a few birthdays at this time of the year. Your birthday was on our Thanksgiving Day this year. Our birthday should always be a Thanksgiving Day, since the Lord has given us another year with our family.

KAREN WESDYK - Your letter about John Calvin was very interesting, Karen. It certainly was not easy for him to live according to the teachings of the Bible, since his enemies wanted to be rid of him. We can see that the Lord protects His people even among many dangers.

REINEKE BERTRAM - Many people would say that Stephen did not have a victory, Reineke, but the Bible teaches us that with the apostle Paul he received a crown, which the Lord would give him. Can you find the texts which speak about the crown laid up for God’s people?

ANITA ROTH - We hope that all the boys and girls are learning many things about the Bible as they do these quizzes, Anita. Some people do not feel the Old Testament is as important as the New Testament, but it is always pointing to the work of the Lord Jesus, Who was to come.

EUGENE VAN HOEPEN - Do you like going to Bible class, Eugene? How many are there in the class? Many older people in looking back in their lives wish they had paid more attention to those things when they were young. As in all things we must ask the Lord for His blessing upon it.

PHILIP SCHOUTEN - Many copies of Pilgrim’s Progress have been printed and sold since it was first written, Philip. How necessary it is that we become such a pilgrim fleeing from the city of Destruction. We hope that you may be given to understand the meaning of the book.

Many thanks, boys and girls, for your answers to the quiz. It was good to see so many names on the list again. May the Lord Who has led us through another year add His blessing to your studies, so that it may yet be to the good of your souls. We pray that He may teach us the true meaning of Christmas, and that He may remember us in His favor in the New Year.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

THOU SHALT CALL HIS NAME JESUS

It was God Who gave the precious Name
Of Jesus to His Son,
Because He knew His gracious work
By Him would well be done.

The Name of Jesus Savior means;
And such He is indeed
To all who feel the weight of sin,
And peace and pardon need.

His Name was Jesus when on earth,
His Name is Jesus now;
And God declares that to that Name
All heaven and earth shall bow.

Young People’s Hymnal

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior. Luke 2:11.

A SAVIOR BORN

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.

“Fear not!” said he; for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind;
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.”

“To you, in David’s town, this day
Is born of David’s line,
A Savior, Who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign:”

“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands
And in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the angel; and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:

“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease!”

Young People’s Hymnal

WORK AND PLAY

Bessie was just a little girl, and like many others, she sometimes had foolish thoughts. This was one of them: “If I could only have one whole day to do nothing in— no work and no lessons—only play, play all day, I should be perfectly happy.” When she told this wish to her mother, that wise woman said, “Today shall be yours entirely. You may play as much as you please, and I will not give you any work, no matter how much you may want it.”

Bessie laughed at the idea of wishing for work, and ran out to play. She was swinging on the gate when the children passed going to school, and how they envied her for having no lessons. When they were gone, she went to the cherry tree and ate as much fruit as she wanted. She also picked a lapful for pies, but when she came in with them, her mother said, “That is work, Bessie! Don’t you remember that you cried yesterday because I wanted you to pick cherries for the pudding? You may throw these to the pigs; I cannot take them.” At this point the baby began to waken, and Bessie ran forward to rock the cradle, but her mother stopped her again. “No work today, you know!” and Bessie had to go away. She then fetched her doll, but soon tired of playing with it. None of her other toys pleased her any better. So she came back and watched her mother shelling peas and rocking the cradle with her foot.

“Mayn’t I help you, mother?” she asked.

“No, Bessie: this isn’t play.”

Bessie now felt very much like crying. She went out to the garden again and leaned over the fence, watching the ducks and geese. Soon she heard the clatter of plates as her mother set the table for dinner. Bessie longed to help. Then father came in from work, and they all sat down to dinner. Bessie was quite cheerful during the meal, but when it was over and her father away, she sat down on the low seat by the cradle and said wearily, “Mother, you don’t know how tired I am of doing nothing! If you would only let me wind your cotton, or put your workbox in order, or even sew that tiresome patchwork, I would be so glad.”

“I cannot, my little girl, because I said I would not give you work today. But you may find some for yourself if you can.”

So Bessie looked at some old stockings of her father’s and began to darn them. Her face grew brighter, and presently she said, “Mother, why do people get tired of play?”

“Because God did not mean us to be idle, not even little girls like you. His command is, ‘Six days shalt thou labour’. He has given all of us work to do, and has made us in such a way that unless we do the work He has given us, we cannot be happy.”

“What is your work, mother?” asked Bessie.

“To serve God in my daily life as a wife, mother, and Christian”.

Bessie did not quite understand this, but she said, “Don’t you ever get tired?”

“Yes, often; but I then go to the Lord and tell Him so; and if He thinks I have more than I can bear, He either takes it away, or gives me added strength to do it.”

“And may I do the same, mother?”

“You may, my dear. If you will ask God to make you His child and forgive you your sins for Christ’s sake, you may ask His help in every work you have to do through life, and He will give you everything you need.”

So, on Bessie’s day of idleness she learned a lesson that she never forgot.

Young People’s Magazine

WHAT DO WE DO?

Let none compromise their principles. Let none go together with the practices of the world with the mistaken notion of reconciling opinion, or winning over the ungodly to religion. We must be consistent if we would be useful. If we are faithful we must indeed expect reproach; if we boldly confess Christ before men, and steadily maintain that marked distinction which forms the line of separation between the church and the world, we must submit to have our names cast out as evil. But true Christians ought never to shrink from the cross. Like Caleb, they should follow the Lord fully, when all else forsake him; and like Joshua, they should declare, with humility, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” We must let the foundation of our practice be seen, the reason we cannot do as others do.

Gospel Standard

AGAINST LYING

Oh, ‘tis a lovely thing for youth
To walk betimes in wisdom’s way;
To fear a lie, to speak the truth,
That we may trust to all they say!

But liars we can never trust,
Though they should speak the thing that’s true;
And he that does one fault at first,
And lies to hide it, makes it two.

Submitted

PRAISE FOR THE GOSPEL

Lord, I ascribe it to Thy grace,
And not to chance, as others do,
That I was born of Christian race,
And not a heathen or a Jew.

What would the ancient Jewish kings
And Jewish prophets once have given,
Could they have heard those glorious things
Which Christ revealed and brought from heaven!

How glad the heathens would have been,
That worshipped idols, wood and stone,
If they the book of God had seen,
Or Jesus and His gospel known!

Then, if the gospel I refuse,
How shall I ever lift up mine eyes?
For all the Gentiles and the Jews
Against me will in judgment rise.

Submitted

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