A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

A LETTER TO THE YOUNG

My Dear Young Friends,

As promised, we shall continue with the same subject as we wrote about in our last two letters to you.

To begin with this month, we may notice the strategic position of Palestine — that was especially true in former times when world communications were so different from what they are now. In the ancient world all overland routes between Africa to the southwest and Europe and Asia to the northwest and north-east, respectively, passed through Palestine. Those Trade-routes were naturally of very great importance. Palestine, too, had natural protection against invading forces. The Mediterranean Sea, with no natural harbors along the whole length of the coastline, afforded a complete protection to the west, from any surprise attack. To the north were the mountains of Lebanon, and to the south forbidding desert. Turning eastwards there was a great rift, of which the Jordan valley was a part. There were no bridges and the river could only be forded in certain places when the rains were not too heavy.

Next we may notice that the scripture contain many references to the plants, animals and birds which are to be found in Palestine. We shall discuss first the plants. Vineyards and the vine are mentioned many times. Grapes, the fruit of the vine, were greatly valued by the people, both as a food, either fresh, or dried in the form of raisins, and as a beverage. Water was scarce and sometimes not fit for consumption and therefore a variety of wines, both fermented, were produced. Each large vineyard was surrounded by a protecting wall or hedge, within which there was often a watch-tower where the keeper of the vineyard could mount a watch against prowling animals, which could spoil the vines. Mark 12, verse 1, gives a description of those features, as does the first part of Isaiah, chapter 5. To-day in Palestine, the vineyards are situated mainly in the coastal plains, where the swamps have been drained.

Another common fruit is the fig. The tree itself, being tall and leafy, was much valued for the shade it afforded, and the fact that it bore fruit for about ten months of the year greatly added to its value. Figs, fresh and dried, were part of the staple diet. We are told in the Book of Kings that “every man dwelt safely under his own vine and under his own fig tree.” In the Book of Samuel we are told that two hundred cakes of figs formed a part of the present which Abigail gave to David. She also gave him, among other things, two bottles of wine and a hundred clusters of raisins. Figs were also used medicinally in Bible times. You may remember that Hezekiah was cured of a boil by an application of a fig poultice.

In Genesis the olive tree is mentioned. The dove brought back an olive leaf to Noah in the ark. Olive groves were situated along the coast, on the hillsides and in the highlands. Both the fruit and the oil were widely used. The berries were pressed or trodden with the feet to obtain the oil, which was then used in the preparation of food, in cooking, as a fuel for the clay lamps, as a healing agent, and for cleansing and protecting the skin. Olive oil was also used in certain Old Testament rites. From the Book of Kings we learn that the doors and posts of Solomon’s temple were made of olive wood.

Palm trees are often referred to in the Bible. Palm trees grew at Elim, and the countryside around Jericho was famed for its beautiful palm trees. The chief tree of the desert is the date-palm. Carvings of palm trees decorated Solomon’s temple. It seems highly probable that the fruit of those date-palm trees would also be a valued addition to the diet, although there does not seem to be any definite reference to this fruit in the Scriptures. Another fruit-yielding tree which does not seem to be mentioned in the Bible, but which is well-known in present day Palestine, is the orange. Pomegranates, on the other hand, are mentioned, and the beautiful pomegranate trees are still greatly admired and the pleasant juicy fruit exported to many countries.

The word ‘corn’ as used in Scripture is a general term used for any small grains grown in Palestine, for example — wheat, barley, and millet. Lentils and beans were common. Melons, cucumbers, onions, leeks, garlic and herbs were also produced. Herbs were used in the preparation of food and as medicine. Tithes and taxes were paid on many things, including herbs, in the New Testament times. The Lord Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for being more concerned about payment of tithes “for mint and rue and all manner of herbs” than about the true worship of God.

In spring-time the country-side is brilliant with many varieties of beautiful flowers, including anemones, lilies, roses, narcissi, and gladioli. They have a short life because of the scorching effects of the hot summer sun. The lily of the valley and the rose of Sharon at once occur to the minds of those at home in the Word of God.

Many animals, both wild and tame, are mentioned in the Bible. Sheep and shepherds are spoken of frequently. Unlike the shepherds we know, those shepherds led their sheep instead of driving them, and they carried a short wooden rod as a weapon against wild animals, a crook, and a sling with which to aim stones to prevent sheep straying. Sheep would provide wool and meat. Sheep and lambs were also used in sacrificial rites. Goats, too, were common and useful. Being hardy animals, they could survive in conditions unfavourable to other domestic animals and their flesh was the common meat among the poorer people. Their milk provided butter and cheese, their hair was woven into cloth and their skin was used for carrying water and for storing wine. Eleven large curtains were woven from goat-hair and made into a tent over the Tabernacle. Oxen were also very useful. They were used for ploughing and hauling, for food and in sacrifices. The ass was used for riding, for pulling the ploughs and for bearing burdens. You remember that it is said of Job that he had five hundred she-asses. Camels, horses, and dogs are other domestic animals spoken of in the Word of God. Among wild animals referred to, we may mention lions, wolves bears, leopards, foxes and jackals.

Many kinds of birds are found in Palestine. The dove is spoken about in the Bible much more than any other bird. The eagle is mentioned quite often. Reference is also made to the raven, the ostrich, the peacock, the stork and the swallow.

If you read Job chapter 39, and Psalm 104, you will find, in brief compass, a description of many of the creatures familiar to God’s chosen people, many of which creatures are still to be found in that same part of the world.

We must leave an account of some of the places which feature in Bible history for another issue, the Lord willing.

— Young People’s Magazine ELECTION

My dear young friends,

Election is from eternity, and the reason for election is the free sovereign pleasure of the Lord. The doctrine of election is a stumbling block for many people. Many churches deny the election; they teach a free-will doctrine. They teach that man must make a decision. This is is not to the honour of God. If it were for man to decide, it would be an election by man. But no, my young friends, man does not elect the Creator of heaven and earth to be their God, but God has elected those who shall be His children, and those who shall not. This is a comfort for God’s people. They know by the discovering light of the Spirit of God that by nature they would never have desired to seek the Lord. They must confess: “I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbor.”

My young friends will perhaps say, “Yes, this is a comfort for God’s people, but what does it mean to persons who are unconverted?” For them it is a reason to pray for conversion. Young friends, if there were no election, there would be no salvation either. The preaching of the gospel is a fruit of the election. If there were no election, the invitations of the gospel would not be extended to us time and again. We would not have a Bible in our home. Some people might say, “If God has elected those who shall be saved, does anything make a difference, or am I still responsible?” Yes, we are! The Lord has included the means to salvation also. Isaiah knew about the election, but nevertheless he preached in chapter 55:6—”Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near.” This is the duty of every minister to extend this call to the people. Not that it is up to the people to perform this spiritual obligation, but in dependency upon the Lord.

The doctrine of election must humble us before God. The outward call to salvation is not enough for fallen man; it must be blessed from above. Jesus said in Matthew 20:16 — “Many are called, but few chosen.” Young friends, perhaps you shall wonder, “Is the gospel call extended to the unconverted also?” Yes, it is. We read in the Canons of Dordrecht (Psalter, page 46), in Article 8: “As many as are called by the gospel, are unfeignedly called. For God hath most earnestly and truly declared in His Word, what will be acceptable to Him; namely, that all who are called, should comply with the invitation. He, moreover, seriously promises eternal life, and rest, to as many as shall come to Him, and believe on Him.” In Article 9 we read: “It is not the fault of the gospel, nor of Christ, offered therein, nor of God, who calls men by the gospel, and confers upon them various gifts, that those who are called by the ministry of the word, refuse to come, and be converted: the fault lies in themselves; some of whom when called, regardless of their danger, reject the word of life; others, though they receive it, suffer it not to make a lasting impression on their heart; therefore, their joy, arising only from a temporary faith, soon vanishes, and they fall away; while others choke the seed of the word by perplexing cares, and the pleasures of this world, and produce no fruit. — This our Saviour teaches in the parable of the sower. (Matthew 13)”

Young friends, if we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that the gospel invitation is extended to us, and we do not take it to heart. The call of the gospel must be applied to our heart by the irresistible power of the Holy Spirit. If this might be so, it will be free grace only, and then a person will be seriously concerned about his state and condition. The responsibility of man does not give man an ability. Some people think that if we are responsible, we therefore must be able to meet our obligations. This is not so; fallen man is not able to restore that which was lost in the deep fall of Adam. If a person, by grace, must accept his responsibility, he becomes a sinner before God. The eyes are opened, and they see their lost condition. They learn to know how great their sins and miseries are. They learn that they are lost on account of their sins, and they learn to speak God free of their blood. They also learn that if they must be saved by their individual qualities or abilities, it is without hope. They can only pray for mercy. Those are they whereof the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” They do not only belong to those who are called, but also to those who are chosen.

Young friends, I do hope that you shall understand that the election is not a stumblingblock, but a comfort for the church. May the Lord bless you that it might also be a comfort to you.

Your friend and minister,

Rev. M. Romeyn

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls:

This month the first letters of the answers to our quiz will spell” out three words found in the 13th verse of Ecclesiastes 12. How necessary it is to study God’s Word in order to know His will. That is also why we feel it is so necessary to learn all we can about the Bible and its contents. How true is that which we sing in Psalter 321 —

“Yea, they are kept from paths of sin

Who walk in God’s appointed way;

Thy precepts Thou hast given us

That we should faithfully obey.”

And here are the questions for this month —

Who did Abraham take to wife?

In what book and chapter of the Bible do we find the Ten Commandments given?

Of the sons of what priest was it said, “they hearkened not unto the voice of their father”?

A lawyer from what group (or sect) of the Jews asked Jesus, “Which is the great commandment in the law?”

What food did Samson find in the carcase of the lion?

Whom was Abraham willing to offer for a burnt offering in obedience to the command of the Lord?

Who was the Israelitish woman (wife of an Egyptian), whose son blasphemed the name of the Lord and was put to death outside the camp?

The form of what animal did Aaron make as an idol for the children of Israel while Moses was in the mount?

What did Samuel tell Saul was better to do than sacrifice?

Who was struck with leprosy because she spake against Moses?

For what god of the Ammonites did Solomon build an high place after he became old?

Who stole silver and gold, and a garment, causing the children of Israel to be defeated by the people of Ai?

Name one of the sons of Aaron which offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not ?

In what book and chapter of the Bible do we find the Ten Commandments repeated (Listed a second time) ?

After Deborah, the prophetess, judged Israel, into whose hand did the Lord deliver them for seven years?

Of what ornaments of the children of Israel did Aaron make the golden idol?

Of whom do we read that he “found grace in the eyes of the Lord,” so that he was saved with his family from the great flood?

What did Moses break when he saw what the children of Israel were doing as he came down from the mount?

By what beast of the field was Eve deceived?

Answers to the quiz of last month are as follows:

“God Is Not Mocked” Galatians 6:7

Gadarenes —Luke 8:26–37

Oak —Genesis 35:4

Dagon —I Samuel 5:2

Ishmael —Genesis 21:9–10

Sons-in-law —Genesis 19:14

Noon —I Kings 18:27

Ordinances —Luke 1:6

Thorns —Matthew 27:29

Messengers

of God —II Chron. 36:15

Oppressors —Isarah 3:12

Cain —Genesis 4:9

Kill him —Numbers 22:29

Esau —Genesis 27:34

Delilah —Judges 16:10

And now let’s see what letters there are to answer —

JOHN OUDSHOORN —Thank you for the stamps, John. Yes, I know your uncle who lives in Grand Rapids. After I look the answers over that are sent in, I throw them away. Otherwise I would soon have a cupboard full of paper. You must be very good in art in order to win a prize.

BETTY JOOSSE — I think almost everyone found the January quiz quite easy, Betty. But when you study a little, even the difficult ones are easy. Most of the answers arrive about the last week of the month or the first week of the following month. It does keep me busy.

BILL VAN WINGERDEN—I was glad to hear from you, Bill. We like our new church real well. I hope you will come and see it some day. Has your new church been started now? Be sure to say “hello” to the rest of the family. And write again, won’t you.

DENISE VAN RAVENSWAAY— I was glad to hear that you were studying the “Mother’s Catechism,” Denise. The number of children who answer the quiz is not always the same, but this month I counted more than 150. That is quite a few, isn’t it. How long have you been taking piano lessons?

BILL BOESTERD — Congratulations, Bill. I can believe that you were happy to have a baby brother. We haven’t had so much snow here either. But I don’t mind that too much. Take good care of little Andrew, but be careful that you don’t spoil him with attention.

DEBBIE DROOGERS — Happy Birthday, Debbie. This issue probably won’t arrive in time for your birthday, but it shouldn’t be too far off. It sounds as if you are going to have to get rid of your dog, if he is going to get into trouble. How many little pigs do you have to feed?

JOHN VAN ZWEDEN — Thank you very much for the picture, John. How you have grown since I last you | We don’t realize ho _wthe years go by until we see a picture of a boy or girl whom we haven’t seen for some time. Your new kitchen table looks real nice.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — What a nice, long letter, Joan. How did your report card turn out? Your suggestion about mission boxes seems like a good idea. We are going to look into it. From your letter I would guess that you like to have lots of snow. Am I right?

WILMA DROOGERS—Yes, Wilma, we had heard that a young woman of your congregation had passed away. It is another warning to all that we know not the day of our death. We think that we shall grow to be old, but how different it can be. The Bible says, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”

BILLY DROOGERS — How do you like your new teacher, Billy? Do you like school quite well? Did you have names for the twin calves? I suppose you help take care of them. Most boys would like that kind of chore.

ARELENE KUPERUS — It was nice to hear from you, Arlene. Do you have snow at all during the winter? What grade are you in in school? I imagine your Bible school on Saturday helps you to know the answers to quite a number of our questions.

CORINNE KROS — Thank you for the stamps, Corinne. They are very happy to receive them in the Netherlands, and when everyone helps, it doesn’t take long to get quite a few of them. Was your report as good as you expected? Or maybe a little better?

RODNEY DIBBET — I’m glad you enjoy answering the quiz, Rodney. We try not to make all of the questions easy, because then it would not require any study. And this way even fathers and mothers (and grandfathers) get in on it. You did real well on the typewriter.

PHILLIP KAAT — Sliding down hills can be dangerous when there are too many trees. How fast do you think a sled goes on a steep hill? Maybe you can figure that out mathematically, Phillip. Say “hello” to your parents for us.

JANNY VAN WINDEEDEN — I was happy to hear from you, Janny. Do you live near enough to your school so that you can walk, or do you ride the bus every day? What grade are you in? Be sure to write again, won’t you.

JOHN VAN WOUDENBEEG — You were correct, John; one inch of rain is about ten inches of snow. We read in Genesis that “fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.” Can you tell me how many inches a cubit is?

HANS KUPEEUS—How long have you taken lessons, Hans? I think it is nice to be able to play an organ. Do you spend lots of time practicing? Some times boys and girls don’t like to practice, but that isn’t the way to learn.

CHEISTINE KOPPEET—It is not nice to have water in the cellar, is it, Christine? Usually this happens in the spring, but this year we had quite a little rain in January. Did you have a lot of snow in Canada this year?

LINDA SCHALKOORT — Do you bring the goldfish inside during the winter, Linda? With all your animals, you must be busy taking care of them. Thanks for again sending the cancelled stamps. It is surprising how quickly you can save quite a few of them.

CORNEY VAN WYK — Yes, your answers were all correct, Corney. I don’t find very many mistakes. But we can not expect every one to have them perfect, as long as they all try try real hard. It is nice that so many are interested.

CORRIE VAN WYK—That is correct, Corrie, another year — other happenings. We read in the same verse as the words are found which our answers spelled out that “thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” And this is also true of each new year. That we might yet be taught to “number our days.”

MAY VAN WYK — Yes, May, the past year has flown by. There are some comparisons made in the Bible to show how quickly time passes by. Can you find some of them? For example, in Psalm 90 we find — “we spend our years as a tale that is told.” Can you find more like that?

And this concludes our letters for this month. Many thanks to all the boys and girls who answered the quiz, also those who sent in stamps and letters. We hope to hear from all of you again next month, the Lord Willing.

Your friend,

“Uncle Garrett’

Answers to our Bible Quiz were received during the past month from the following boys and girls:

Mary Boluyt .. Ann Bolyt .. Rodney Dibbet .. Mike Meeuwse .. Ruth Meeuwse .. Julie Ann Boluyt .. Judy Elizabeth Sweetman .. Janet Arlene Sweetman .. Brian Zevenbergen .. Peter Zevenbergen .. Jane Zevenbergen .. Joanne Beek , . Tom Blok .. Janice Kaat .. Roger Kaat .. Mark Teunissen .. Randal Teunissen .. Larry Howard Van De Vendel.

Marilyn De Maagd .. George De Maagd .. Louis De Maagd .. Laurie Van Ree .. Joan Van Zweden .. John Van Zweden .. Dianne Van Ravenswaay .. Marilyn Van Ravenswaay .. JoAnn Van Ravenswaay .. David Mol .. Mike Mol .. Leonard Mol .. James Van Giessen .. Geri Moerdyk .. Linda Kay Bleeker .. Donna Zaremba .. Steve Vander Jagt .. Jay Mol .. Betty Vander Waal .. John Vander Waal .. Tim Vander Male .. Kris Vander Male .. Martha Vander Male .. Mary Jean Vander Male .. Steve Slotsema .. Sally Slotsema .. Susan Slotsema .. Dave Verhey .. Susan Vander Boon

Bob Vander Boon .. Phillip Kaat .. Case Schipper .. Conrad Schipper .. Bruce Blok .. Mary Ann Kamp .. Linda Mae Kamp .. Betty Jean Kamp .. Gail Hoogendoorn .. Betty Jo Mast .. John Mast .. Annette Koutstaal .. Gilbert Koutstaal .. Harlan Spaans .. David Spaans .. Larry Spaans .. Janice Spaans .. John Van Wingerden .. Linda Schalkoort .. Denise Van Ravenswaay .. Alane Van Ravenswaay .. Frances Vander Meulen .. Teresa Vander Meulen .. Gary Roozenboom .. Henry Rosendall .. Marsha Koedam .. Deanna Erickson .. Cindy Erickson .. Ken Lugthart .. Valerie Lugthart.

Corinne Van Veldhuizen .. Arnold Van Veldhuizen .. Joyce Van Veldhuizen .. Billy Droogers .. Wilma Droogers .. Debbie Droogers .. James Van Tilburg .. Mark Van Tilburg .. Corinne Kros .. Joanne Spaans .. Gertrude Spaans .. Dena Spaans .. Hans Kuperus .. Arlene Kuperus .. Joyce Fluit .. Cheryl Verblaauw .. Margaret Van Wingerden .. Bill Van Wingerden .. John Van Wingerden .. Janny Van Wingerden .. Sjaane Van Wingerden .. Shirley De Visser .. Sandy De Visser .. Alice Moerdyk .. Ruth Lynn Kamp .. John W. Kamp .. Joyce Kamp .. Thomas Kamp .. Sharon Bouma .. Karen Newhouse.

Mariene Van Den Toorn .. Billy J. Van Den Toorn .. Andrew Van Den Toorn .. Nick Greendyk .. Tommy Greendyk .. John Van Woudenberg .. Deloris Klarenbeek .. Christine Koppert .. Peter Feyter .. Alice Koppert .. Betty Joosse .. Peter Koppert .. Arlene Southway .. John Van Koeveringe .. Janet Van Driel .. Bill Berkenbush .. Jane Verblaauw .. Janet Van Sweden .. Herbert Van Den Houten .. Delia Vanden Brink.

Stephan Vanden Brink .. Roelie Stapel .. Rudolph Stapel .. Henrietta Stapel .. John Oudshoorn .. Martin Oudshoorn .. Brenda Van Oosterom .. Arie Vandenberg .. Cordy Vandenberg .. Janetta Vandenberg ... Mark Stoutjesdyk .. Esther Boonzaayer .. William Van Grouw .. Beverly Lynn Southway .. Randy Vande Stouwe .. Nancy Kay Vande Stouwe .. Bill Boesterd .. May Van Wyk .. Corney Van Wyk .. Corrie Van Wyk .. Eia Van Hierden.

Missionary Corner

TIMOTHY MISSION FUND

During the month of January a total of $308.00 was received for our mission fund, which we wish to acknowledge with sincere thanks. Checks in the amount of $100. each were sent to Eev. G. Kuijt and to the Spanish Missions, leaving a balance at the end of the month of $159.90. We hope you will continue to remember our mission fund with your gifts, but that they may also be carried in prayer unto Him Who is able to feed thousands with a few loaves.

Recent acknowledgements received are place below —

SPANISH MISSION —

Dear friends,

Thank you very much for the check from the “Timothy Mission Fund.” It is very fine to know that the love for our mission work in Spain is a very wide one. We often hear of God’s blessing on missionary work, also today. God is working by Word and Spirit in Spain. Please keep praying for this work and for the Spanish Protestants.

With best wishes for the New Year for all of you,

J. R. Van Oordt

(Zeist, Netherlands)

FOREIGN MISSIONS— Dear friends,

It has taken quite some time before I was able to write to you. Our two-year old child has been in the hospital for the past four weeks. Now this past week my wife was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night. So that leaves me mother as well as father to the four children at home.

Our heart-felt thanks for the gift for the missions through the “Timothy Mission Fund.” This is written in haste, but again thank you.

With friendly greetings and God’s blessing,

D. P. Polder

(Vlaardingen, Netherlands)

ANNUAL YOUTH DAY CONFERENCE

We have received notice from the consistory of Vineland, Canada, that they are again planning to hold a Youth Day Conference this year. The conference will be held on Monday, July 1, the Lord willing and we live. Further details will be made known in our later issues.

NEWS FROM THE MISSION FIELD IN NIGERIA

Finally the way was opened for Miss Ann Herfst to leave her parents and home in Canada to depart for the mission-field in Nigeria. After a long trial and wait there was gladness in the heart of the nurse, but also in the midst of the mission-committee in the U. S. When the nurse had just about given up hope, the almighty and gracious God opened the way. He is a prayer - hearing and a prayer - answering God in Christ Jesus. All honor unto Him! She arrived safely at the mission destination and was soon busily engaged with the other nurses to show mercy to poor and miserable people in Nigeria.

Here follows a letter of the nurse Ann Herfst in which she describes something of her activities being not without disappointments. But is God not mighty and wise to make disappointments a blessing in more than one way? Bethesda Clinic, 2-2-68.

Dear Mission friends.

No doubt you all like to hear about what is going on in our Mission-field.

Not too long ago people from one of the villages sent us a message for help, there was some difficulty with one of the women in labor.

Sister Commelin and I started out to get there. We asked the people if we could reach the place by car. Their answer was “yes.” But we found out a little differently. We had to leave the main road, and had to drive over what was supposed to be a bridge —a few tree stumps, and the uneven parts filled with fine gravel and sand. From now on the road became more narrow all the time. According to our guide, one of the relatives of the woman, we could reach the place very well by car, but we decided to put the car at the nearest open spot and walk from there.

By the time we arrived at the village a crowd of people had gathered to discuss the matter. The woman herself was tired out and surrounded by older women who were giving her green leaves and herb-soup. This had gone on for a day already. It was a pitiful and sad situation.

Sister Commelin and I explained to the people what had to be done for this woman, and that we would like to take her with us to the clinic. But, Oh no! we were not allowed to do one thing for the woman; she herself just wanted some medicine from us, that was all.

In this case just medicine was not sufficient.

We tried to explain the matter again; another discussion was held. One needs a lot of patience as far as the time-consuming discussions among relatives is concerned. Practically everyone else in the village became involved as well.

We waited a while longer and asked them what their deciscion was… it had not been changed one bit; we could neither help her, nor take her to the clinic.

One has mixed feelings about an experience like that. You wonder why they came to us for help; but it also gives one a very sad feeling that in this day and age a woman has to go through such a misery and finally die. Especially when you know that the means are available to prevent such a situation, humanly speaking.

This is only one of the sad cases, happening to people who want to continue in their old way, and who prefer to sacrifice to their own idols, instead serving the Lord of Heaven and Earth. But we know that the Lord is mighty to deliver the people out of the power of satan, and to open their eyes so that they may learn through the Holy Spirit to seek and find Him as their personal Savior.

With friendly greetings,

Ann Herfst

May it please the sovereign and gracious God to also build and manifest His Church among those blind and ignorant people, that it may be heard with gladness: “This and that man was born in her: and the Highest Himself shall establish her.”

Rev. J. Van Zweden

A WIDOW’S PRAYER ANSWERED

Many years ago a missionary was making his daily rounds, and going from house to house teaching and preaching Jesus Christ to the people. One day among his listeners was a widow who had an only son — the comfort and support of her life. His weekly earnings were small and uncertain and scarcely sufficient to meet their daily wants. He thought he might earn more by going to Canada and working as a farm laborer. He explained to his mother the prospect he had in view, and how much he longed to be able to help her more bountifully. After much prayer, she consented to his going. The project was explained to the missionary. She said to him: “I don’t know what has come over my son that he should wish to leave home and to go abroad; but he says he finds it so difficult to get sufficient means out of his present work to keep us both with any degree of comfort, and he is under the impression that by going to Canada he will be able to increase his income. But, sir, the prospect of his leaving me is nearly breaking my heart, for he is my only son, is a very good boy, morally, but I cannot regard him as a converted young man; and as he has made up his mind to go, may I ask you to be so kind as to select a nice pocket Bible that I may present him on his leaving.” The missionary procured one. Prior to the young man’s leaving the mother requested the missioner to write on the fly leaf:—

“Presented to my dear son, J. D, —, on his leaving home for Canada; praying that in all his wanderings he may find Jesus.”

The young man went to Canada, was there for about two years, and sent monthly remittances to his mother. The same missionary after a time went to a Mediterranean garrison, and there labored among the soldiers. One day, as he was visiting the rooms occupied by the Canadian Regiment a young man came over to him, looked steadfastly into the missionary’s face, and inquired: “Is it Mr. —?” “It is,” replied the missionary. “Do you remember me, sir? I am J. D —, to whom you presented a Bible when at C.” “Indeed!” He fetched the Bible from his knapsack.

Inquiring if his mother’s prayer had been answered, he said: “Yes, indeed; the Lord Himself sought me (out there in the back-woods of Canada) when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God, and brought me out of the death and darkness of sin, set my feet upon the Rock of Ages, established my goings, put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto my God. And now,” he added, “I praise Him, and I want many to see and fear and trust in the Lord.”

The young man’s mother was still living, to whom he sent the better part of his pay, rejoicing her heart to hear from time to time of his progress in the Divine life. He also became a great help to the missionary in his work. “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

W. H. H.

ON DULL BOOKS

What in your opinion are the ten dullest books ever written?

That question was put to a dozen men and their answers appeared in the Winnipeg Tribune’s Weekend Showcase (April 22).

The article was introduced with this comment:

“Books can shatter empires and create new ones.

“Ever since Gutenberg invented moveable type, the printed word has probably had more to do with changing the course of mankind’s history than any other method of communication.”

This evaluation of the printed word is right to the point.

We were amazed therefore to find that two of the dozen writers listed the Bible as one of the ten dullest books they had ever read. Wrote James H. Gray: “The Bible as you will discover in any conversation with practically anybody, is the book nobody can read.”

We may be prejudiced in favour of the Book, but as for ourselves we do not find the Bible to be a dull book. There are passages, in deed, which we find difficult to read and to understand, but we find in the Scriptures the most wonderful story ever written, the story of God’s love for mankind.

But look at Dr. Gray’s statement again: “The Bible … is the book nobody can read.” That is true in this sense: The Bible is the book nobody can read without the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the One who inspired the writers of the Scriptures. In the final analysis, the message and meaning of the Bible cannot be grasped by blind people; only when spiritual eyes are opened by a creative act of God’s Spirit does the Bible have a message to the needy heart.

BARTIMEUS

“Mercy, O thou Son of David!”

Thus blind Bartimeus prayed;

“Others by this word are saved,

Now to me afford thine aid.”

Many for his crying chide him

But he called the louder still;

Till the gracious Saviour bid him

“Come, and ask me what you will.”

Money was not what he wanted,

Though by begging used to live;

But he asked, and Jesus granted,

Alms which none but He could give:

“Lord, remove this grievous blindness,

Let my eyes behold the day;”

Straight he saw, and, won by kindness,

Followed Jesus in the way.

Oh! methinks I hear him praising,

Publishing to all around,

“Friends, is not my case amazing?

What a Saviour I have found:

O that all the blind but knew Him

And would be advised by me!

Surely would they hasten to Him,

He would cause them all to see.”

— John Newton

A pious minister, calling one day in the course of his pastoral visits at the house of a friend, affectionately noticed a little girl about six years old in the room. Among other things he asked her if she knew that she had a bad heart, and then opened the Bible where he pointed to the words where the Lord promises, “I will put a new spirit within you, and I will take the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” He then entreated her to plead this promise in prayer, and she would find the Almighty faithful to His engagement.

Many years later a lady, at the age of twenty-three, came to him to propose herself for communion with the church, and how inexpressible was his delight when he found that she was the very person with whom, when she was a child, he had so faithfully conversed on the subject of religion, and that the conversation was blessed and made the means of her conversion to God. Taking her Bible, she had retired as he advised, pleaded the promise, wept, prayed, and the Lord heard her and answered her prayer. He gave her what she most ardently desired — a new heart.

(Young People’s Magazine)

ADDRESSES FOR TIMOTHY CORRESPONDENCE

Timothy Section —

Thomas Moerdyk

1222 Vassar Drive

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

Timothy Mission Fund —

c/o Miss Adriana Kievit

1121 North Westnedge Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Timothy Bible Quiz —

Garret J. Moerdyk

1104 Roseland Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan

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