A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

TO SAY “NO” TO SIN (II) Daniel Might Say “NO” to Sin

Seven centuries after Joseph (see last Banner) in another world empire, there was another young man whose name is well-known, who knew by the grace of God how to refuse evil, how to say “No” to sin and wrong ways.

Daniel was one of a group of four young men who had been carried down from Jerusalem as captives, to be reared at the court of the world despot Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The first thing that was done there was to change the names of these four young men from Jewish names to Babylonian names. You can read their names in your Bible. But it was the greatest wonder that those young men received new names out of heaven. And that was far better. Because of it, we shall see that even though there was a change in their names, there was not a change in their principles.

The first thing which confronted Daniel and his companions was the invitation that came to them to sit at the king’s table and partake of the king’s food. This raised the problem of conscience, for on that table there was meat which was forbidden by the Law of Moses and wine which had been offered as a sacrifice before the heathen altars. What now were these four young men to do? I can imagine a discussion among them, as they were dressing for dinner on the first evening. One could say to the other: “Let us remember that we are far from home. We shall probably never see Jerusalem again. The best plan for us will be to do in Babylon as the Babylonians do. They eat different food here, and we can hardly be expected to obey the Jewish traditions in that respect.”

Oh, young people, how many of you, when you are far away from home, shall think within yourselves, “Neither my parents nor anyone else can see what we are doing. We can go our own way?”

Not so the four converted young men. Do you know what was in their heart? Was it this?: “After all, right or wrong does not he in what we eat or drink, but in what we do. Suppose this food has been offered to an idol? What difference does that make to us? We know that there is only one true God, and that an idol is nothing at all.” Oh, it was such a great temptation. They stood at the gate of opportunity and promotion; everything would be favorable for them. If they were looking only at the outward circumstances they would say: “It would be foolish to lose the chance for distinction and high office in the empire of Babylon merely for a scruple about not eating the flesh of swine or drinking wine offered to Babylon’s god.”

These young friends did not ask “Why, for the sake of this, should we lose our chance, forfeit the favor of the king, and perhaps lose life itself?” Do you know what Daniel could say, because of the fear of God in his heart? It was, “No, I will not eat of the king’s meat. I can only say, no! and once again, No.” He could say with Peter (Acts 5:29): “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Remember all your days, my young friends, that the Lord says in His precious Word many times that there is a great reward in the way of God’s commandments.

Daniel’s mind had already been made up; he had prepared himself with the help of God against the day of temptation. Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank. Oh, too often young men lose their battle with the world before it is really commenced, because they have not purposed in their heart to stand alone and refuse the evil. In the way of Daniel and his friends we can say: “They also did do no iniquity, and the Lord blessed them.”

What was the outcome of their refusal? The outcome was that Daniel and his three companions were permitted to eat the Hebrew food; and in doing so, they grew in body, in knowledge and learning, in wisdom, and in favor with God and man.

That was the trial and temptation of Daniel’s youth. And we may say with boldness: The Lord was with him. But look at his further life. He became famous and served as prime minister in the successive reigns of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar and Darius. It was when he was an old man, in the reign of Darius, that Daniel’s greatest trial befell him. Therefore there is in this story also a lesson for us as older people. We have to learn to say “No!” to sin. When Daniel’s enemies persuaded king Darius to issue a decree that for thirty days no one should offer a petition or make a prayer save to the king himself, their purpose was to secure the downfall of Daniel. They were convinced that he would not obey such a decree and would continue to pray to the God of Israel as he had always done. Nor were they mistaken about the stedfastness of Daniel.

I can imagine these conspirators on the first morning after the decree had been issued and posted throughout the city and throughout the land, discussing, as they lay hidden in the garden of Daniel’s place, whether or not he would obey the king’s decree. As the day dawned, they could see the window of Daniel’s house. They knew it was at that window that he was wont to pray daily, opening the window toward Jerusalem. But how shall he behave himself now? Do you hear that noise? It is the roar of the famished lions, who are waiting for a prey.

Then, as they were waiting, the window was slowly pushed open, and the aged statesman and servant of God knelt down, stretched out his arms toward Jerusalem, and prayed to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Daniel refused to stop praying to the God of Israel. By means of his prayer he said “No” to his enemies, even though the punishment was that he be cast into the den of the lions. Oh sad event, into that den he was cast! But in the morning, when king Darius, troubled in conscience, arose from a sleepless bed and went in haste to the den of lions, he looked down into that den and cried out, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, Whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” And back from the depths of the lion’s den came the answer of Daniel, “O king, live for ever. My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouth, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me.” Oh, dear friends, he might have added, “And because I might refuse to obey the decree of Darius to stop praying.”

Daniel had said “No.” It was for him an eternal blessing and the Lord helped him out of all his terrible needs. Let it be a lesson for all of us.

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

The beginning of the school year has arrived, and the task of studying lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic is again placed before you. Included are, of course, some other subjects, but each boy and girl is required to be busy in learning things which should be helpful to them in later years. The Bible, with its most important lessons, will be taught in some schools, but in other places these lessons must be taught at home and at church. As we study God’s Word we will find that there has always been a need for instruction. Children must be taught and learning continues our whole lifetime. So it is not something new, even though certain things to be learned have changed.

What a blessing it is, boys and girls, if we may have parents who place God’s Word before us, parents who try to lead us in the way in which the Lord commands us to walk. There are many who do not have such parents. Do you at times think about this? It is not always easy for us to be different than others in what we may or may not do, but the Lord calls us to walk in His ways — to be different than the world about us in certain things. We hope you may remember that which the apostle Paul once wrote, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

Our Bible quiz this month is about teachers and pupils, those who taught others and those who were to be taught. As you will see, there were also pupils in Bible times who did not have instruction in right ways, in ways pleasing to the Lord. The first letters of our answers will spell out five words found in Genesis 18. They are words spoken regarding Abraham, who also had the responsibility of teaching others.

In Proverbs 23 we are told, “Apply thine _____ unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.”

The chief priests and the _____ of the people came to Jesus as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority doest Thou these things?”

In Ecclesiastes we read, “Moreover, because the preacher was _____, he still taught the people knowledge.”

The Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Art thou a master of _____, and knowest not these things?”

To Daniel and his three friends God gave knowledge and skill in all _____ and wisdom.

In Psalm 43 the psalmist asked of the Lord, “O send out Thy light and Thy truth: let them _____ me.”

Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and _____ him, and said unto him “Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan.”

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “Be thou for the people to Godward … and thou shalt teach them _____ and laws.”

The Lord said to Moses, “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy _____, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

Paul, in speaking to the people at Jerusalem, said, “I was brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect _____ of the law.”

Aquila and Priscilla took a certain Jew named _____ unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

At Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers, among whom was Simeon that was called _____.

Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all his _____ wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

The daughter of _____was before instructed of her mother as to what she should ask for of Herod.

Solomon wrote, “My son, hear the _____ of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.”

Of the Lord Jesus we read, “He taught them as one having authority, and not as the _____.”

Although the apostles were commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, when they were let go, they _____ not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Peter wrote, “There shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable _____.”

In the book of Genesis we read of Tubalcain, an _____ of every artificer in brass and iron.

In the third year of Jehoshaphat’s reign, he sent his princes and some Levites to teach in Judah, and they had the book of the _____ of the Lord with them.

As Jesus was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His _____ said unto Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Samuel said to the people at Gilgal, “I will teach you the good and the _____ way.”

Stephen said, “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the _____ , and was mighty in words and deeds.”

The parting words of the Lord Jesus to His disciples were, “Go ye therefore, and teach all _____.”

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

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

“Whose Heart The Lord Opened” Acts 16:14

Windows -Malachi 3:10

Hand -Psalm 104:28

Open -Matthew 25:11–13

Scriptures -Luke 24:45

Eyes -John 9:7–10

House -Zechariah 13:1

Entry -Proverbs 8:1–3

Alleging -Acts 16:2–3

Root -Revelation 5:5

Talked -Luke 24:32

Tents -Psalm 84:10

Heaven -Revelation 4:1

Enter -John 10:9

Lips -Psalm 51:15

Open -Colossians 4;3

Righteous -Psalm 34:15

Door -Acts 14:27

Opened -Revelation 20:12

Porter -John 10:2–3

Enter -Luke 13:24

No -Revelation 3:7–8

Earth -Numbers 16:32

Deceitful -Psalm 109:2

Answers to the Bible quiz have been received from the following:

Michele Seabert

Stacey Seabert

Jeremy Fluit

Kristy Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Rachel Rosendall

Jeff Boot

Jeremy A. Boot

Julie VanGemert

Shirley Fluit

Sherry Fluit

Rhonda VanVeldhuizen

Phyllis VanVeldhuizen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Sheila VanVeldhuizen

Kristi VanVeldhuizen

Diane Marie Spaans

Eric Wielhouwer

Bobby Hults, Jr.

Lorraine Blom

Melinda DeMeester

Jolene VandenBerg

Peter VanBrugge

Michelle VanBrugge

Ronald Kranendonk (2)

Susan Kranendonk (2)

Lena Neels

Jack Neels

Marianne Neels

Kristi DeVries

Kristi Boluyt

Jonathan VandenToorn

Tammy VandenToorn

Jeffry Knibbe

Nora Jane Knibbe

Kevin Jay Knibbe

Craig Phillips

Rodney VanderZand

Bobby VanderZand

Karrie Mae Beeke

Carl Mast

Reineke Bertram

Ronald Bertram

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Pam Lubbers

Jeff Stoutjesdyk

Rosemary Kardux

Janet Kardux

Tim TenElshof

Rich TenElshof

Laurie VanEss

Kristi Lamain

Sara Lamain

Joanie Lamain

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Estella Schouten

Robert Boerkoel

Allan Post (2)

Michael Post (2)

Natalie Post (2)

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Constance VanderMeulen

Tim Van’tZelfde

Scott Van’tZelfde

Mary Hubers

Howard Hubers

Duane Hubers

Leona VandenBrink (2)

Annette Brink (2)

Louise Brink (2)

Steve VanOostenbrugge

Joanna Kranendonk

Hugo Kranendonk

Elaine dekok

Ricky dekok

Anthony VandenHoek

Hilda VandenHoek

Adrienne Mynders

Craig Tanis

Steve Tanis

Steven Johnson

Dwaine Johnson

Jason DeSmit

Julie DeSmit

Michael DeSmit

Jennifer Rose

Shelley Hoogendoorn

Lisa Ann Hoogendoorn

Rachel VanDyke

Sally VanBemden

Debbie VanBemden

Sharon Bazen

Daniel Bazen

Peter Bazen

Ed Bazen

David Hoogendoorn (2)

Kent Hoogendoorn (2)

Sherry Fluit

Shirley Fluit

Laura Talbot

Leah Talbot

Linda Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Mark Talbot

Fred Neels

Sara Anker

Jessica Anker

Tom Hoefakker

John Wesdyk

Karen Wesdyk

Jody Kegel

Stephanie Kegel

Rachael Timmer

Craig Timmer

Lisa VandenToorn

Kimberly VandenToorn

Philip Schouten

Anita Schouten

Amy Beeke

Brian DeVries

Andy Lee DeVries

Liz VanGiessen

Joan VanGiessen

John Boerkoel

Joanne Boerkoel

Margaret Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

Scott Eppinga

Robbin Eppinga

Jason Engelsma

Brenda Teunissen

Michelle Teunissen

Lance Teunissen

Julie Ann Rozenboom

Gayion Rozenboom

Tammy Vandenberg

David Vandenberg (2)

Elizabeth Vandenberg (2)

Timmy Vandenberg (2)

Julia Roth

Anita Roth (2)

Krista Roth

Karen Erkelens

Susanne Erkelens

Geoffrey Erkelens

Leah Pluim

Rachel Pluim

Kevin Voskuil

Susan denHoed

Bruce denHoed

David Elshout

William Suyker

Yvonne Kegel

Brian Kegel

Karen DeVries

Alice Engelsma

Aimee Engelsma

David Engelsma

Christopher Engelsma

Linda VanBrugge

Corrie VanBrugge

Karen VandenBeukel

Erika VandenBeukel

Rich Carlson

Randy Carlson

Constance VanderMeulen

Liz VanderMeulen

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Myra VandeStouwe

Vicki VanGemert

Susy-Anne Eckhardt

John Eckhardt (3)

Peter Eckhardt (2)

Louie VandeLagemaat (2)

Ted VandeLagemaat (2)

Nathan VanderMale (2)

Carrie Witvoet

Debbie Witvoet

Tom Kwekel

Dan Kwekel

Susan VanRavenswaay

Sharon denHoed

Sheryl denHoed

Arlen denHoed

Stephen Sporte

Melanie Hazeleger

Lisa Stalker

Leslie VanWyk

Jeffrey VanWyk

Edward VanWyk

Petra Muis

Cindy Hulshof

Ronald Hulshof

Jody Ann Ymker

Jennifer Bednarski

Vicki Post

Doug Post

Mary Ann Droge (2)

David VanderMeulen

Karl VanderMeulen

Frances VanderMeulen

Benjamin VanderMeulen

Ellen Marie Baum

Rosemary Kardux

Kristina Schipper

Susan N. Kievit

Janet Kardux

Glenda Slingerland

Daryl Slingerland

Brenda Spaans

Jacob Nijsse

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

Elaine Frens

Steven Baum

Cathy Baum

Timothy VanDyke

And now we will try to answer some letters again—

LEONA VANDEN BRINK - It is hard to realize that school is starting again, Leona. What a wonder it is, though, that we have been kept from harm and our lives spared until this moment. The Lord continues to give blessings, even though we do not deserve them.

JANET KARDUX - Did you stop to see the flower gardens on the island while you were there, Janet? The variety of flowers to be seen there is something not soon forgotten. Our congratulations to your parents on their anniversary. We hope that they may have many more together.

MELANIE HAZELEGER - The numbers which sometimes appear beside the names indicate that the person has answered the quiz for several months. Rather than list their names twice, we give them credit that way. How far do you have to travel to reach Nova Scotia, Melanie?

CARRIE WITVOET - I see that your animal population has increased again, Carrie. It is probably hard to leave them all behind and go back to school again. Were you happy to see all of your friends again? Do you live near the school?

REINEKE BERTRAM - I suppose your mother has told all about her visit in the United States, Reineke. We were glad to be able to meet her. Although you are living on the other side of the world, there are the same needs in church, school and homes which are found here.

ANITA ROTH - Searching God’s Word together is a very good way to spend your time with a friend, Anita. We may study many books, but we will never find a better one. A dying man once said, “If one more year were added to my life, it should be spent in reading David’s Psalms and Paul’s epistles.”

WILLIAM SUYKER - You forgot to put your name on your answers, William, but we figured it out from your letter. This happens more often, so it is a good reminder for everyone. Do you know of anyone in the Bible who is mentioned as having his birthday?

ELIZABETH VANDENBERG - It was very nice to be able to meet you at the Youth Conference, Elizabeth. Did your sister arrive safely in Nigeria again? School has probably started for her also, although she is the teacher rather than the pupil.

JOHN WESDYK - Do you spend a lot of time with your train set, John? We once visited a train museum where they had many engines of years ago. It was quite interesting to see the changes as they developed through the years.

PHILIP SCHOUTEN - Some schools are more strict than others, Philip, but I really don’t know how they would compare to those in New Zealand. Even in the same school building, some teachers are more strict than others. Do you like school?

ADRIENNE MYNDERS - It is nice to be able to visit your grandparents, isn’t it, Adrienne? When I was your age I only had a grandmother who lived in Holland, and we were never able to visit her, although she did come to visit us one summer. We hope you may have a happy birthday.

ANTHONY and HILDA VANDEN HOEK - Has your wrist healed, Hilda? School will be quite difficult if you can’t write out your lessons, unless Anthony will do all the writing for both of you. Accidents do happen so quickly, but we must also realize that it could have been much worse than a broken wrist.

LOUISE BRINK - I see that there are two letters from you, Louise. Because of slow-moving mail, the months overlap in the listing of names. But the main purpose of the Bible quiz is the study of God’s Word, and therefore we are always glad to see the mail arrive with many answers.

JACK NEELS - Both too much rain and too little rain can bring us problems, Jack. And although men would like to control it themselves, it is the Lord Who gives and withholds the rain, in the realm of nature, but also in a spiritual sense. However, in prayer we may ask Him for that which we need.

KRISTI DEVRIES - It was very nice to receive your letter, Kristi. I suppose you are glad that school has started. Do you have a new teacher this year? We hope you may learn many new things this year, especially as you study the Bible together.

RONALD BERTRAM - How many miles did your parents travel on their trip, Ronald? Were they tired of travelling when they arrived home? Although they have seen much, it is only a very small part of that which we read about in the book of Genesis, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

KAREN WESDYK - A busy summer lies behind all of us, Karen, and when you return to school, I am sure there is lots to tell. Pictures which were taken are put in an album, and the things which happened become memories in our mind. How quickly a whole lifetime passes

by.

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - Is your cousin coming to live in New Zealand, E stella, or only for a visit? Were you born there, or did you move there with your parents? There are so many things which have an effect in our lives—and the Lord rules over all these things.

SUSAN KRANENDONK - In the question which you wrote about, Susan, the correct answer was found in the book of Chronicles, rather than in Samuel. You were right in your answer as to what a second birthday is. The Lord Jesus Himself said, “Except a man be born again, etc.” I am sure you know what follows it.

LENA NEELS - Yes, Lena, the future is hidden for us. There are those who try to predict future events by crystal balls, palm readings, birth dates, etc., but the Lord alone knows what shall take place in our lives. The Bible gives us much instruction in certain coming events, and that we must believe.

DEBBIE WITVOET - There seems to be quite a few letters again this month, Debbie. Do you still have your pet raccoon? The Bible tells us that every kind of animal, bird and fish has been tamed, but then mentions one thing which man has not tamed. Do you know what it is?

KAREN VANDEN BEUKEL - Did you have nice weather while you were at the lake, Karen? The weather is not always what we would like to have. Are you glad to be back in school again? We are never finished with learning, but our school days are especially the time to apply ourselves to study.

ANITA SCHOUTEN - The spring time (which it now is for you in New Zealand) is every year a time when we see the Lord’s promise to Noah fulfilled. Seeds grow and many things which to appearance are dead are showing signs of life. Our greetings to your father.

CRAIG PHILLIPS - You must have travelled many miles, Craig. The ruins which are being uncovered of former days show us men and their accomplishments can soon come to nothing. Great cities of Bible times are also indications of this. We hope you will write again.

Many thanks to all the boys and girls for their replies to the quiz. May it prove to be profitable to all of you, that is, profitable for your souls. The apostle wrote of this to Timothy, when he said, “From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scriptue is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” We hope and pray that it may be this for you.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garrett”

THINKING ABOUT OURSELVES

Mary was puzzled about something the Sabbath-school teacher had said. “He told us all to spend a little time practising self-examination. What is that, mother? How is it done?”

“Self-examination is thinking about ourselves,” replied her mother. “You know how apt we are to forget what we have done, or said, or thought today itself, and yesterday, and the day before, and the day before that. Now, it is by deliberately calling to our mind our past conduct that we can examine it and discover whether it was good or bad, and with God’s help improve it.”

“And how do I do it?” asked Mary. “I don’t know how to begin.”

“You can begin by thinking over your conduct towards your parents. Have your father or myself found reason to find fault with you during the week? Have you disobeyed us, or argued about something we told you to do, or been sullen or peevish? And what good have you done us? Have you made us glad by your good behaviour and prompt, cheerful obedience?”

“Then think of your duties to your brothers and sisters, and your little friends. Ask yourself how you have behaved towards them. Have you made any of them unhappy? Have you spoken crossly, or shown bad temper, or been selfish?”

Mary seemed to be studying the ground intently. When she looked up, she had a somewhat bashful look. “Oh, mother, it would take me a long time to think over all that, and I’m afraid it would not always please me. But what next must I think over?”

“Faithfulness in your business,” her mother replied, much to her little girl’s astonishment. “Business!” she said, “Is it not father who has business? I did not think of girls doing it.”

“Oh, yes,” said her mother, “any work you have to do is your business—dusting this room, taking care of the baby, school work—these are your business in which you ought to be diligent and faithful. Have you been? Do you learn your lessons thoroughly, and mind what the teacher says?”

“I know a verse about business,” said Mary. “The Bible tells us to ‘be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’. That means we must mind God in it, doesn’t it? But what more is there to think about?”

“Secret faults,” answered her mother. “Have you nursed bad feelings in your heart? Have you had thoughts which you would not like to have exposed? Any envy of others—any pride? Have you left God out of mind, and neglected to pray to Him or thank Him? This ground you should go over thoroughly, confessing your faults which of course are sins, and asking the Saviour to forgive you and make your heart clean.”

“But Aunt Jane says there’s no need of children thinking,” said Mary. Her mother smiled, but said firmly, “Without thinking there can be no improvement. Thoughtlessness is the besetting fault of childhood and youth. It makes them foolish and vain, and blinds them to their defects.”

Mary, whose question had been answered so fully, and who did love her good mother, came over and put her arms around her mother’s neck. “I will try to examine myself as you say, mother.”

Sabbath is certainly a good time for self-examination, but it is really an everyday duty. Each night, children, before you become too sleepy, try to recall what you have done, or failed to do, that day. It can only do you good, and will give you reasons to humbly pray for pardon and other blessings.

Adapted

MOTHERS CAN DO MUCH—

“Mothers can do great things” —It is recorded of the mother of Philip Doddridge, that she taught him the rudiments of Scripture history from the Dutch tiles round their fireplace; and that for this, her son expressed himself indebted to her for his first serious impressions. John Newton imputed much to early maternal instruction. “Further,” (said he) “my dear mother, besides the pains she took with me, often commended me, with many prayers and tears, to God; and I doubt not but that I reap the fruits of those prayers to this hour.” Philip Henry is said to have often mentioned his thankfulness to God, in having a mother who was to him as Lois and Eunice were to Timothy, acquainting him with the Scriptures from his childhood.

The Friendly Companion

TASTE NOT

“Touch not; taste not; handle not:” Colossians 2:21

You know, even when you were a baby, whether you liked the taste of what was given you. And now you are no longer a baby you know better still whether what you taste is nice or nasty; bitter or sweet. Taste is a wonderful thing, which we do not often think about, until perhaps we meet some poor person who is ill and has lost his taste. Eve liked the taste of the fruit she took, and gave some to Adam, and they made it bitter for all of us.

But God has altered that for a good many, so that one of these people can say as in Psalm 119:103, “How sweet are Thy words unto my taste!”

We never talk about tasting words, do we? But in this case we must go back to where we started and ask if God’s words are sweet or sour. Are we willing to obey them or are we not? From all that we can see it looks as if the answer is that we are not until He is pleased to do for us what He has done for the man who wrote the verse above.

The Friendly Companion

THE HEART’S NEED

The heart by nature is defiled

And closed against the Lord;

Nor can it ever be reconciled

Till conquered by His Word.

Yet Jesus can its power subdue,

Satan and sin dethrone,

His image in the soul renew

And melt the heart of stone.

He draws the heart to heavenly things,

And writes His laws therein;

And where the reign of Christ begins

There ends the reign of sin.

Our ears He opens to His Word,

Our eyes to see His face,

Our mouths He opens to record

The wonders of His grace.

Young People’s Hymnal

GOD’S BLESSING SEEK

Come, my dear child, and hear

A loving father speak:

Before you plan, in godly fear

Always God’s blessing seek.

What you’re ashamed to ask,

Then be afraid to do;

To ask His will’s an easy task,

And all His words are true.

What thou hast in thy heart,

And can’t commend in prayer

Be sure those things you need not start,

They have no business there.

Gadsby selection

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