IN MEMORY OF REV. WILLIAM C. LAMAIN (1904–1984)

When called upon to write in memory of Rev. Wm. C. Lamain and to summarize the memorial service on December 4, 1984, our thoughts are multiplied. By grace, Rev. Lamain has received a large place in our denomination in general and in the hearts of true believers in particular. The experiential insights the Lord had given him, as well as the grace to communicate them to us, will be sorely missed — not only by the Grand Rapids congregation, but by all those in whose lives the Lord had utilized his ministry for their spiritual instruction.

At 4:00 a.m. on November 30, 1984, Rev. Lamain died quietly in his sleep at home at the ripe age of 80. Though we had been hopeful that Rev. Lamain would recover fully from his operation and subsequent physical weakness, so as to be able to continue to serve our congregations for some time, the Lord’s will was otherwise. God’s time of fulfillment had come: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matt. 25:21b).

Born on January 8, 1904, Rev. Lamain became a subject of God’s Spirit-wrought regenerating grace in his early youth. Often he spoke to us as ministers and office-bearers of his boyhood days when he experienced so vividly what it means to be without God, Christ, or hope in the world. In his early teenage years, he was made acquainted with the root of original sin that plagued his soul, and stained all his righteousness as filthy rags. His captive bands were loosened under two sermons preached by Rev. Kersten from I Kings 17:9 and Micah 6:3 on Thanksgiving Day, 1920. On this unforgettable day, Jesus Christ was revealed to him under the proclamation of God’s Word at the age of 16. Subsequently, it pleased the Lord to lead him further into a personal knowledge of God Triune through an applied Savior.

Shortly after making public confession of faith at the age of 18, Rev. Lamain could not refrain from testifying of his calling to the ministry. In God’s providence, he first received opportunity to speak the Word of God publicly on December 23, 1923 in Bruinisse, the Netherlands, where the Lord enabled him to speak with freedom from Luke 2:7 in the morning, Jeremiah 31:9 in the afternoon, and Psalm 119:105 in the evening.

In February of 1924, the Particular Synod at Middelburg granted him permission to speak an edifying word in the congregations, and by May of that same year he commenced his five-year student training under the leadership of Rev. W. DenHengst, a capable and humble theologian. After Rev. DenHengst died in 1927, Rev. G.H. Kersten became Lamain’s instructor. Later, on August 28, 1929, at the age of 25, he was ordained into the ministry by Rev. Kersten at Leiden, the Netherlands, from Isaiah 62:6.

While at Leiden, Rev. Lamain was privileged to enter his 54-year marriage with his dear wife who remained a faithful helpmeet throughout all his labors. In 1932, he accepted a call to the large church of Rotterdam-South, the Netherlands, where he labored for more than eleven years. From 1943 to 1947, he served th congregation of Rijssen-Wal, the Netherlands.

In October of 1946, Rev. Lamain accepted the call from Grand Rapids, Michigan where he would labor for more than 37½ years until his death. Throughout these years, he has preached, taught, wrote, and traveled extensively — all of which was frequently accompanied with the blessing of the Lord. Particularly of his writings, we trust that the Scripture will be fulfilled also in years to come: “He being dead, yet speaketh.”

For more than 55 years, the Lord allowed Rev. Lamain to proclaim death in Adam and life in Christ as His ordained servant. Upon his 40th anniversary of ordination into the ministry, he spoke out of Deuteronomy 8:2, “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness.” To this event he dedicated his volume, Memories and Fragments, which aptly concludes with a confession of the very grace he received in his old age:

Cast me not off when hoary age
Becomes my weary lot.
And in the days of failing strength
Do Thou forget me not.
Yea, I will tell the mighty acts
Performed by God the Lord;
Thy righteousness and Thine alone,
With praise I will record.

This text and these poetic verses summarize the convictions of his heart, for even through his last weeks and hours the leading grace of God and the righteousness of Christ upheld him. For some time after his recent surgery, he thought that the Lord would allow him to return to the pulpit. He even received freedom to preach from Job 5:19 on the last Sabbath he was privileged to bring God’s Word to his beloved flock, “He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.” Only later was he brought to the realization that this seventh trouble was the Jordan of death over which he crossed without any evil touching him.

But now, this beloved husband, father, grandfather and servant, need travel through no more wilderness. Rather, now he is experiencing:

When I in righteousness at last
Thy glorious face shall see,
When all the weary night is past,
And I awake with Thee
To view the glories that abide,
Then, then I shall be satisfied.

Summary of Services Following

Rev. Lamain’s Death

On the Sunday after Rev. Lamain’s entrance into the church triumphant, Student John DenHoed served the congregation of Grand Rapids. He applied the words of Joshua 3:4 to the congregation’s present occasion of sorrow: “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.”

The theme and points were: “The Way that Leads through the River — first, an impossible way; secondly, a wonderful way; and thirdly, a way not traveled before.”

After expressing sympathy to the family and congregation, Student Den Hoed reflected on Rev. Lamain’s having served as an ambassador and spiritual father among them for so many years. He stood as a watchman upon the walls of Zion, proclaiming to you the one thing needful for 37 years.

And now the Lord has taken him to his eternal reward. He is above sorrow and difficulty. The way to and through Jordan which he so often preached, he need not travel again. Due to the fast-flowing river of the wrath of a just God, this way is an impossible way from the side of man.

Nevertheless, with God all things are possible. The Lord opened the way when the priest carrying the ark entered the river and Israel received a path to travel to the promised land. For Israel, there must be 2000 cubits (1/2 mile) between them and the ark, so that every eye may be focussed upon what the Lord would do. Through Christ, the great High Priest, God opened a way not only for Rev. Lamain, but for all His chosen church, to cross the river of His justice to behold what God has done to His glory and their salvation.

All Israel traveled a way they had never walked before. Looking back, they would not miss one day of all the 40 years God had led them in the wilderness. Otherwise, that land would not be so wonderful. Similarly, for the church of God looking back from the shores of eternity, not one day will be wished back, but all glory will be ascribed to free and sovereign grace.

In the afternoon, Student Den Hoed spoke from Isaiah 61:1–2 (“The Offices of the Promised Mediator”) and in the evening from Luke 7:4, 6, 9 (“A Threefold Opinion of the Roman Centurion”).

At 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, December 4, a large number of persons from far and near were gathered in the Grand Rapids Netherlands Reformed Church for the memorial service. As moderator of Grand Rapids, the Kalamazoo pastor, Rev. H. Hofman, led the service by opening with the singing of Psalter 422:5–6, the reading of 2 Corinthians 5, and prayer. For the widow, Mrs. Lamain, he wished that the Lord might be her husband, and encouraged her to seek grace to look above death and grave so as not to begrudge her husband his state of glory. He wished the children and grandchildren that they might receive the same God their father and grandfather possessed. For the congregation, he hoped that the preached message for the last 37 years might continue to bear much fruit.

Turning to Scripture, Rev. Hofman expounded 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Paul speaks of a certain expectation of God’s children: “We know.” This is the expectation and certainty of faith. By this faith, Rev. Lamain has lived and died. Hence, we need not ask about his last words, for throughout his entire life the work of God was glorified in him.

Paul compares our earthly body to a tabernacle, a tent. A tent is for temporary use only. It is built to be taken down in due season. Not only for brother Lamain, but for all of us, it must become real that the earthly tent of our natural bodies will be taken down and be dissolved. For all — young and old, there is but one step between us and death.

But Paul not only knew of the frailty and dissolving of our earthly tabernacle; he also knew of an indissoluble building — “a building of God, an house not made with hands.” Our eyes see the natural remains of our mourned brother, but the eye of faith sees the building of salvation reserved for the living Church — that building constructed by the electing love of the Father, the redeeming love of the Son, and the sanctifying love of the Holy Spirit.

For 60 years, brother Lamain has been privileged to preach the Word of God — to preach of this sure building, but now he may enjoy its fullness undisturbed. Now he may praise his Lord without interruption. Now his long white robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb. No fresh tears will ever be shed, for it is an eternal home. Hence, let us sorrow, but not be too sorrowful, for we are called to rejoice in the glorious grace of God manifested so richly in the life of our beloved brother.

Moreover, we must ask ourselves if we also are assured of a home in the heavens not made with hands. “Be ye also ready.”

After the singing of Psalter 426:1, Rev. A.M. Den Boer spoke to the mourning family, congregation, and friends on behalf of the congregations. He acknowledged that all that was transpiring seemed as a dream as only four weeks before Rev. Lamain had ordained Rev. Spaans into the ministry. He wished the widow strength and divine help.

The Lord has granted Rev. Lamain many blessings, converting him in his early youth and calling him to the ministry when 15 years old. For more than 37 years he has labored in our North American congregations with the love of his heart, accenting repeatedly the free and sovereign grace of God. Whether as preacher, theological teacher, catechism instructor, or in daily conversation, he stressed time and again what man is by nature, and what free grace can do through the work of the Holy Spirit. He was concerned that what the Lord does might come on the foreground.

But now his time has come to an end. His voice will not be heard anymore. We thought he had to undergo simple surgery, but complications arose. He died without even seeing the last enemy, and silently exchanged a place in the church militant for one in the church triumphant. His place is better than ours.

Mrs. Lamain, it is a temporary separation. Children and grandchildren, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” Congregation and friends, we must be born again.

In concluding, Rev. Den Boer expounded 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Paul has no intention of boasting in himself here. Rather, he desires to acknowledge that God’s grace has been sufficient for him. Only outside of himself in Jesus Christ could he find sufficiency. Similarly, Rev. Lamain’s fight has been waged by grace. His course is now finished. His faith has been preserved by Christ. The Lord has spoken: “It is enough, my servant; come to the place prepared for you.”

After Psalter 426:8, 10 was sung, Rev. J.C. Weststrate spoke on behalf of our denominational churches in the Netherlands. He stressed that the contents of Rev. Lamain’s preaching had always been that God must be “all” and man “nothing,” and encouraged the congregation to pray that the Lord might bring back his teachings with saving power to their souls. He stated that he believed eternity would reveal fruits upon the labors of Rev. Lamain which he himself had never known.

The messenger is taken away, but not the message. The Lord is able to revive His work. Mrs. Lamain, your marriage-bond is broken, but the marriage-bond of the heavenly Bridegroom can never be severed. Let us all seek grace to flee to Him.

Psalter 187:3–4 was sung before Elder J. DeBruine added some words on behalf of the consistory and congregation. He stated that Rev. Lamain’s last request was for the reading of Hebrews 12:1–13, after which he confessed that he was tired of “everything.” He died in his sleep in a full age, and fell as ripe fruit into the bosom of the greater Abraham.

Mrs. Lamain, your marriage has been one that exceeded fifty years. You, too, like your husband, have become part of our congregational family. Whereas Rev. Lamain has been our father, you have been as a mother to the congregation. You have lost your head and a praying husband, but may you receive solace in Jesus Christ as the ever-living Head and Husband of His Church.

Children and grandchildren, your father and grandfather has laid up a stock of prayers for you. He has continually pointed you to the only foundation: Christ, everything; we, nothing.

Congregation, we will miss our minister. Often his answers to questions were short sermons to themselves. We are in widowhood. Children and congregation, do not the words of 2 Samuel 3:38 apply also to us today? “Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?”

May the Lord provide for us. Remember the widow, the mourning family, and the consistory in prayer.

After Elder DeBruine closed with prayer Psalter 203 was sung. A long funeral procession went to the cemetery. Due to cold and darkness, Rev. J. Spaans spoke briefly from Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” After commending Mrs. Lamain to the God of grace, and adding a few personal words, Rev. Spaans closed the services on this solemn day with prayer.

The following evening, the congregation gathered in God’s house to hear a sermon based on 2 Kings 2:6b, 7b, 8b. In this message, Rev. J.R. Beeke spoke about, “The Union of Elijah and Elisha as a Spiritual Type of the Church’s Security in its Union with Christ Jesus.” Three thoughts were brought to the fore: first, the Church’s past security in Christ: “they two went on” (6b); secondly, the Church’s present security in Christ: “they two stood by Jordan” (7b); and thirdly, the Church’s future security in Christ: “they two went over on dry ground” (8b). As with your minister, Rev. Lamain, so with all His living Church, Christ “goes on” throughout their entire lives. He stands with them at their Jordans of impossibilities and death. He crosses over the Jordan with them, allowing them to go dryshod because He paid the price of the billows of His Father’s wrath on their behalf.

The thrust of this message was to encourage the congregation to seek grace to go forward in the same grace and strength under which their pastor had labored among them. Though he had been ripped from their side as Elijah was torn from Elisha’s side, the cause of the church must go on. Despite impossibilities, the Lord told Moses to “speak unto the children of Israel that they go forward” (Ex. 14:15). Happily, the church is not dependent on man — not even on Elijah. Though Elisha could rightly call out at Elijah’s departure, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof,” thereby implying that the prayers and ministry of Elijah were worth more to Israel than its entire army — nevertheless, Elijah did not take everything with him. His mantle fell from him, and that mantle symbolizes for the Church of all ages the perfect, white-robed righteousness of Christ woven without seam. This, then, is the Church’s task: to proclaim the righteousness of Christ, even His only (Ps. 71:16). Thus, though we will miss Rev. Lamain not only as ministers and as office-bearers, but especially in his family and congregation, were he able to speak to us today, he would surely advise us with David in old age, “I will go in the strength of the Lord God; I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only.”

May the Lord grant Elishas among us to pick up this mantle by grace for thereby the task of the Church will “go on” solely for Christ’s sake. For Mrs. Lamain, all mourning relatives, and the congregation at large, the hopeful message is: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Ps. 27:14). -Rev. J.R. Beeke

For The End of That Man is Peace. Ps. 37:37B

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