A Letter from Rev. G.H. Kersten to Westzaan

For many years friends of Rev. Kersten kept a short letter written by him. It could well be the last letter which the seriously ill Rev. Kersten wrote. On September 6, 1948, the Lord took him home.

In keeping with the historical significance of the letter and the rich testimony of God’s grace expressed therein by Rev. Kersten, we are offering a translated copy of what appeared in De Saambinder of February 9, 2017. To properly understand the letter we will first place the letter after which we will make some explanatory comments.

Waarde, September 1, 1948

Dear Friends,

I must give you my heartfelt thanks for the tokens of your love which you sent to me. As you know, my youngest two daughters are married and one has departed for America. In the meantime I have become ill, and I have desired from the Lord to be able to officiate the marriage of my last daughter. I did not go with them to the city hall, but I did receive the necessary strength to confirm the marriage in the church. And now I am sick. I cannot get out of bed and last night I had such a severe heart attack that I could not see that there would be any relief. I was comforted by the words out of Psalm 16:3b (rhymed version) and “Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” He has obtained the victory and has the keys of hell and of death. Oh, that is my strength and my joy; that God’s dear people might keep courage. Greet them all for me, and especially also the consistory. More I cannot write, I am too tired. Remember me in your prayers. Be commended to God and receive our very hearty greetings from us to you and yours, and also the heartfelt thanks from my wife.

Ds. G.H. Kersten

Some additional information

The first question which the letter raises is that the letter was sent from Waarde in Zeeland. After performing the wedding of his youngest daughter on August 26, 1948, in Rotterdam, Rev. Kersten traveled to the distinctive farmhouse in Zeeland called the “Puthoek” in Waarde. At that time he regularly stayed at the home of his son W.J. Kersten to find some relief from all of the pressures in his life. It is here that he also entered the eternal rest which there remains for the people of God.

Striking also is a reference to the tokens of love which the circle of friends from Westzaan sent to Rev. Kersten. After the war there was evidence of great shortages. The government, therefore, after 1945 maintained a system of coupons to try to preserve a more equal distribution of foodstuffs and durable goods. This system was not discontinued until 1948 with the exception of coffee which was rationed for a further period of time.

Who were the friends who were expressly addressed by Rev. Kersten besides the consistory? The commemorative book “Wij gedenken Uw weldadigheden” (We recall Thy mercies) mentions several names. They included Elder G. Tanger, his two unmarried sisters, and the widow M.A. Stuurman. Rev. Kersten and his wife were frequently present in their house where conventicles of God’s people were held, and it was also the place where ministers and students lodged.

Christ and His people

Rev. Kersten closes his short note by pointing to three texts from Scripture. I will repeat the texts with their references. Psalm 16:3b (Psalter 28, verse 3), “My inmost being thrills with joy, and gladness fills my breast. Because on Him my trust is stayed, my flesh in hope shall rest.” It is clear that with this instruction his soul was placed at liberty.

That was also clear from the title of a collection of addresses which were spoken at his funeral, “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places.” The “lines” were used in the dividing of an inheritance in the form of an acre of land. The writer of the letter connected this recollection of an inheritance with Romans 14:8b, “whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Christ has merited a full salvation for His people.

Finally, the writer points to Revelation 1:18b, “And I have the keys of death and of hell.”

At the end of his life Rev. Kersten testifies of the strength and joy which fill his soul as death draws nigh. In that blessedness all of God’s children may share through the administration of the Prince of Life.

Hope thou in God, His Word believing,
Thou shalt behold His face, receiving
The blessings of His countenance fair—
What bliss beyond compare!

Rev. M. Golverdingen, Dordrecht, the Netherlands

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