A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

II Timothy 6:20

“DOES GOD … ??”

My dear friends,

In my previous article I promised to tell you something about the lesson which I learned that evening in Haarlem during the conversation with the naval officer who had been sentenced to death, but who had been spared in a most remarkable way. You will recall that he interpreted his deliverance out of an agonizing situation as a clear proof and sign that he was a child of God. He felt that the words which had come into his mind, “I have called thee by thy name, thou are mine,” and the fact that he had not been put to death, were sufficient proofs of this. Because I had not heard him mention one word about his spiritual life after he had been freed from prison, nor had he been able to give the simplest answer to my questions about deliverance from guilt and sin, therefore I felt that he had wrongly interpreted his experiences.

Unfortunately, it quite often happens that those who experience deliverances from agonies caused by financial or domestic problems, or from circumstances similar to those of this naval officer, will assume that such deliverances automatically include that wonderful childhood resulting from adoption by God, by grace, for Christ’s sake. However, without underestimating God’s wonderful and providential dealings, we must consider that the Bible has provided us with many other touchstones for self-examination as to this most important matter.

But you might ask, “What then is the interpretation of the text, ‘I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine’.” That was also my question in my prayer to the Lord. It is indeed the most simple and obvious explanation of the meaning of this text to apply it only to those who have received a new heart and truly love and fear the Lord. But if we look at the text in Isaiah 43:1, we can see that the Lord did not speak these words to an individual person, but to the people of Israel, called after their father Jacob. The Lord made a covenant at Mount Sinai with the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, “I am the Lord, thy God, Who led thee out of the land of Egypt”.

The Lord has given the Covenant of Grace several forms of revelation. We speak about the PARTICULAR form (only with individual persons) from Adam to Abraham. Beginning with Abraham, the Lord made a covenant not only with god-fearing persons, but the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were also included in it. This form of the Covenant of Grace is called the PATRIARCHAL form. Since the time of Moses when the Lord made a covenant with those who had left Egypt and had become a real nation, saying, “I am the Lord thy God”, the form of the Covenant of Grace became a NATIONAL one. Although there were many, many Israelites who did not fear God at all, yet they were included in the words, “I am the Lord thy God, who led thee out of the land of Egypt.”

When the prophets of the Lord were sent by God to call the people of Israel to repentance, they were instructed by the Lord to use such words as “O my people, what have I done unto thee?” (Micah 6:3). Although Israel as a nation had broken the Covenant (Exekiel 44:7 — “And they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations) by saying, “Depart from us”, yet the Lord for the sake of His Name and eternal pleasure did not break the Covenant from His side, in order that He might save many sinners out of Israel’s nation. He still called the people of Israel — “My people”, indicating that He still had a right on their souls and bodies, that He still wanted to save them, and that they still were in duty bound to love and serve Him. For His Name’s sake the Lord delivered Israel from Babylon; because they were “His” and His covenant-people, He called them by their name “Jacob-Israel” by means of the prophets who spoke in the Name of the Lord to them of sin and deliverance; because of His covenant-faithfulness He redeemed Israel from Babylon and would be their God in the future.

That evening in the consistory room of our congregation in Haarlem I understood as never before the difference between the covenant-relationship resulting from church membership (in the days of the Old Testament — the people of Israel; in the days of the New Testament — the Christian Church) and a personal covenant-relationship resulting from regeneration and conversion. I also was privileged that evening to realize once again the difference between a calling by our name as this happens by God’s servants in the ministry of the Word of God, and a calling by our name as this happens by God’s Word and Spirit in the hour of regeneration, which also happens so many times afterwards when it pleases the Lord to apply His Word of salvation unto them that truly love and fear Him.

The first manner of “calling” is the outward calling, and the latter the inward calling. That outward calling is to be considered as a covenant-blessing. It is a sin, a guilt, and a shame that we of ourselves do not see it as a blessing, even as the naval officer in the days of his youth. He ignored the admonitions and invitations, he lived as a heathen, he broke (as Israel did in the past) the realtionship into which he came by birth and baptism, he broke the covenant-relationship (although it was only an outward affiliation to the Church, yet it was a very meaningful relationship), but … the Lord did not annul it, just as He did not do so at the time of Israel’s departure from Him. Because of this, when the naval officer called upon the God of his mother, the Lord heard and delivered him. His misinterpretation of it was caused by his ignorance about the two kinds of “callings”, and the two kinds of “covenant-relationships”. Next time, D.V., I’ll try to give you more information about this subject, hoping that the Lord might use it to keep us and cure us from both overestimating and underestimating church membership.

Your friend,

Rev. A. Elshout

18617 Cortner Avenue

Cerritos, California 90701

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls,

Last month our quiz covered men of Bible times, so this time I have questions about women of those days. Again I have made it quite easy by giving you the first letter of their names.

A ______ A wife of David, whose first husband owned many sheep.

B ______ A wife of David, whose first husband was slain in battle as plotted by David.

C ______ The queen of the Ethiopians in the time of the apostles.

D______ A woman who judged Israel.

E _____ A cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

G ______ The wife of the prophet Hosea.

H_____ A woman who made a coat each year for her first-born son.

J _____ A woman who slew the captain of an army with the nail of a tent.

K______ The second daughter of Job after the Lord had restored him to health.

L _______ The grandmother of Timothy.

M______ To whom did Jesus say, “Thou art careful and troubled about many things.”

N______ A woman who returned to her native land with a daughter-in-law.

O______ The daughter-in-law of the above woman who did not go back with her mother-in-law.

P ______ The wife of Aquilla, who together with Paul were tentmakers.

R______ The girl who answered the door when Peter stood knocking during the night.

S ______ The woman of whom God had told her husband that she would be a mother of nations.

T _____ A woman who was known as a helper of the poor, and was restored to life by Peter.

V______ A queen who did not obey her husband.

Z ______ The wife of wicked Haman.

Answers to last month’s quiz are as follows —

Ahab —I Kings 21:1–2

Bartimaeus —Mark 10:46–52

Cain —Genesis 4:8

Darius — Daniel 6:1–9

Elijah —I Kings 17:1–6

Felix —Acts 24:25

Gehazi —II Kings 5:20–27

Herod —Mark 6:21–27

Ishmael —Genesis 16:10

Jairus —Mark 5:22–43

Kish —I Samuel 9:1–2

Lappidoth —Judges 4:4

Matthew —Matthew 9:9

Nicodemus —John 3:1–2

Obadiah —I Kings 18:3

Publius —Acts 28–7

Quartus —Romans 16:23

Rufus —Mark 15:21

Seth —Genesis 4:25

Timon —Acts 6:1–5

Uriah —II Samuel 11:15–16

Vajezatha —Esther 9:9–10

Zebedee —Mark 1:19–20

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

John Van Zweden

Joan Van Zweden

Billy Greendyk

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Norma Bouma

Donna Bouma

Rosalie Bouma

Randy Teunissen

Mark Teunissen

Diane Teunissen

Peter W. Kievit

Gloria Boluyt

Julie Ann Boluyt

Dianne Van Ravenswaay

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Tim Vander Waal

John Vander Waal

Betty Vander Waal

Martha Vander Male

Mary Jean Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Tom Blok

Geri Moerdyk

Joanne Beeke

Marilyn De Maagd

Louis De Maagd

George Allen De Maagd

Susan Slotsema

Steven Slotsema

Shirley Slotsema

Eleanor Meeuwse

Ruth Meeuwse

Mike Meeuwse

Dave Vander Boon

Laurie Ann Spaans

Peter Zevenbergen

Jane Zevenbergen

Brian Zevenbergen

Thomas Jay Kamp

Billy Kamp

Joyce Kamp

Ruth Kamp

Roelie Stapel

Rudolph Stapel

Henrietta Stapel

Janice Stapel

Ruth Boonzaayer

John Oudshoorn

Martin John Oudshoorn

Ruth Van Grouw

Betty Jean Van Der Weile

Bruce Blok

Gary Blok

John Blok

Janet Arlene Sweetman

Judy Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Joan Lugthart

Val Lugthart

Ken Lugthart

Janice Kaat

Roger Kaat

Gordon Boluyt

Bill Boluyt

Cheryl Berman

Lillian Sue Berman

Laura Rosendall

Henry Rosendall

Denise Carol Zaremba

Donna Lyn Zaremba

Linda Bleeker

Jim Van Giessen

Kathy Van Giessen

Frances Vander Meulen

Joyce Vander Meulen

Teresa Vander Meulen

Joyce Van Grouw

Susan Van Grouw

Nick Greendyk

Tommy Greendyk

John Vroegindewey

Ruth Vroegindewey

Lynn Vroegindewey

Tonia Vander Waal

Janet Vander Waal

Gary Vander Waal

Art Vander Waal

Bette Jo Mast

Neil Daniel Mast

Jane Renee Mast

Rodney Dibbet

David Spaans

Larry Spaans

Janice Spaans

Cindy Erickson

Deanna Erickson

Delia Vanden Brink

Stephan Vanden Brink

Joanne Spaans

Lynn Spaans

Neal Boerkoel

Carol Overbeeke

Bill Van Wingerden

Janny Van Wingerden

John Van Wingerden

Mark Van Tilburg

James Van Tilburg

Arlene Kuperus

Hans Kuperus

Gary Roozenboom

Joyce Van Den Top

Judy Van Den Top

Conny A. Boesterd

Sandy Dole

Rhonda Grisnich

Wendy Grisnich

Jay Mol

Carol Mol

Jim Mol

Bob Mol

Lisa Lords

Dan Lords

Curt Jenison

Phillip Kaat

Bob Vander Boon

Susan Vander Boon

Dave Verhey

Linda Mae Kamp

Betty Jean Kamp

Mary Ann Kamp

Martin Peter Vlietstra

Albert Van Grouw

Carolyn Van Grouw

Janet Van Grouw

Marsha Koedam

Robert Verbeke (2)

Janet Van Driel

Cheryl Verblaauw

Larry Van De Vendel

Howard Van De Vendel

Barbara Sue Kamp

Richard Kamp

Debby Droogers

Billy Droogers

Wilma Droogers

Alice Koppert

Peter Koppert

Christine D. Koppert

Nelly Koppert

Judith Slingerland

Judy Koedam

Alice Moerdyk

And it is time for answering our mail again —

DENISE VAN RAVENSWAAY — Denise, I see your letter is on the top this time. The man who was in your church on Ascension Day was my father. Yes, we are certainly very happy that we are going to have a minister in Kalamazoo. Where does your grandmother live?

PHILLIP KAAT — How is your father, Phillip? I hope he is feeling much better again. Be sure to give him our greetings. I suppose you are busy working in the fields every day. A few years ago you were just a beginner with the tractor, but now you are probably quite expert. Are the rows straight?

CONNY A. BOESTERD — The weather is quite nice here, Conny, although we have had quite a lot of rain lately. Since we don’t live near the mountains, we don’t know what it is like to see snow on the mountain tops. Our congratulations to your grandparents on their anniversary.

DELLA VANDEN BRINK — How many puppies were there, Delia? And how many kittens? Did you sell the kittens too? I was happy to hear that your grandmother was home again after being in the hospital for so many weeks. We hope she is getting along well.

JUDITH SLINGERLAND — We were sorry to hear that you had been in the hospital, Judith, but hope you are much better again. How long is your cousin going to stay in this country? I imagine you would like to take another trip to Holland some time.

RHONDA GRISNICH — Do you have names for all the new calves, Rhonda? I don’t think it is too easy to tell them all apart. You wrote that you were not so happy that vacation time was here. What are you doing every day? Is the house for the minister all finished?

WENDY GRISNICH — What is wrong with your dog, Wendy? You wrote that he was bad, but I wasn’t sure whether he was old or naughty. All of my children are in school, in fact two of them have graduated from high school. What grade will you be in next fall, if all is well?

ALICE KOPPERT — Thank you for the folder showing your memorization course, Alice. It is quite interesting to see all the verses you have to learn. Are you in the second year now? I am sure you will always remember most of the texts which you learn.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — Are you a good housekeeper, Joan? It is nice that you can be so helpful when your mother goes away. Thanks to you and John for the stamps your uncle sent us. I was able to send out quite a few of them again last month.

JOHN VAN ZWEDEN — How is your rabbit getting along, John? Do you have a cage for him? Did you get your bike repaired yet? Riding to school is so much faster than walking, especially if you have to go some distance. But walking is good exercise just like riding a bike.

DEBBY DROOGERS — It sounds as if you had quite an interesting trip with your class, Debby. When we see the wonders of nature in fishes and trees, then we can see the greatness and wisdom of the Creator. Do you know on which day of creation the fish were created?

ARLENE KUPERUS — Have you taken your trip to Canada, Arlene? I can imagine your grandparents were happy to see you. How many miles did you travel? On the map it looks like quite a long trip. It was nice to hear that you had won another trophy at your recital. You must play real well.

RODNEY DIBBET — How is the corn this year, Rodney? You are probably real busy on the farm this time of the year. Do you know of someone in the Bible who had a dream in which he saw corn upon the stalk, some very good and some very poor?

PETER W. KIEVIT — Are you working with your father again this summer, Peter? This is probably his busy season, so that he appreciates some experienced help. Thank you for the stamps which you sent for the mission. Have you ever studied the history of the postage stamp?

NELLY KOPPERT — I think Robbie is like most other little boys, Nelly. He just doesn’t like to stay inside of a playpen, because there are so many interesting things on the outside. Did you pick lots of strawberries this year?

ROELIE STAPEL — We are all quite well, Roelie, and hope that you and your family are also in good health. Those school days (and school years) go by so quickly. The Bible says, “We spend our years as a tale that is told”, and how very true it is. What are you doing during the summer months?

And this again winds us our correspondence for this month. We appreciate so much that there are so many young people working out the quiz and sending in their answers, and hope that the Lord will use His Word to make you “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus”.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

Missionary Corner

Timothy Mission Fund

During the month of May, gifts totalling $43.00 were received for our mission fund, which we acknowledge with many thanks. The balance of the fund as of May 31 is $74.40. Although we realize that opportunities to support the missions are also encountered elsewhere, we hope that we may continue to hear from our friends and supporters. Although it is not possible for you to personally bring the Word of God to far-off lands, you can make it possible through your gifts for others to do so. We pray that the Lord will follow these efforts with His blessings.

NEWS FROM NEW GUINEA

We were glad indeed to receive a letter again from Rev. Kuijt for the readers of the Banner of Truth. There are clear evidences that the Lord has sent him to that heathen mission field. His labors have been a blessing among those primitive heathens, although there are very many difficulties and obstacles to overcome with an eye upon the Almighty God. There are also many dangers, but the Keeper of Israel has wonderfully protected him and his family hitherto.

Two missionaries have been killed and eaten lately in his vicinity, and not long ago they found one of Rev. Kuijt’s friends and helpers by the name of Unugeri dead on the roadside, his body terribly mutilated.

This occurred during the time that our missionary was traveling on a few occasions to and from Landikma. This heathen tribe is not far from Abenago. There used to be great enmity between those two tribes. Since Rev. Kuijt has been laboring at Abenago, however, peace has been declared.

Then it also became the desire of his heart to have a mission station opened amongst the people of Landikma. It was not an easy task to prepare a landing strip at that place, and the journey to Landikma required nine hours of walking over hills and through jungle. More than one stream had to be crossed. The accompanying picture shows a river spanned by a crude, dangerous and narrow suspension bridge. In one of his letters Rev. Kuijt writes about this bridge as follows:

“When I saw the bridge for the first time, I was seized with fear. My helpers and carriers had warned me already, and now I saw it with my own eyes. My first thought was to swim across the river, but that also presented problems. There was much water and thus a very strong current. Therefore I had to go over the suspension bridge, which was constructed of wood and of liana (high-climbing plants with a woody stem found in tropical forests). The entire bridge, which was only wide enough to place one foot at a time, was suspended and bound together with liana, which also served as a “handrail.” It was so risky that we could only pass over it one by one. The bridge hung approximately ten yards above the river.

“It became my turn to go to the other side, and I cannot tell you how I called upon the Lord with my whole heart. Yes, it went so far that I asked Him to receive my poor soul if the bridge collapsed. As I was crossing the bridge (the entire length of it was about thirty yards) I saw that some of the connections were broken and were hanging down. Thus I feared greatly, but the Lord protected us and brought us safely to the other side. In the presence of all we then thanked the Lord, Who alone is worthy of all honor and thanksgiving. I crossed the bridge on several occasions after that, and thus far the Lord has made all things well.

“Landikma has now been officially opened for the Gospel. My men worked hard and after some time the strip could be officially opened. That was a feasting time. There is now a wonderful connection between the two tribes. Without any difficulty the first plane came down on the new strip. Afterwards three of us led in prayer and thanksgiving. Kokpan was second, and Mepdanbuk was last. We then sang with gladness the first verse of Psalm 116:

“I love the Lord Who heard my cry

And granted my request;

In Him Who hears and answers prayer

My trust thro’ life shall rest.”

“When it was time to depart, the pilot told us to step inside and in about five minutes we were home. That was quite different from a nine hour walk.

“One Sunday we had a service in Lankikma before the strip had been opened, and several hundred of the Jalies were present. That was very encouraging. We sincerely hope that your prayers may be multiplied for the building up of God’s Kingdom here and all over in this world. A new place has been opened for the preaching of the Gospel and many more places will follow where darkness yet has dominion now.”

In other correspondence Rev. Kuijt writes that they feel weary at times because of all the work that must be performed. He and his wife are busy at least an hour every day taking care of the sick. It is also his desire that the people might have more meat to eat. The mission committee in Holland has sent him ten thousand guilders with which to buy some cattle. It is very expensive to import them from Australia. He has been thinking about getting 10 heifers, 20 goats, 20 sheep, and 20 geese. May the Lord’s blessing rest upon it.

In the near future, the Lord willing, they are expecting the arrival of the new missionary and his wife. When Brother Fahner and his wife have been there about six months and have become acquainted somewhat with the people and the work, then Rev. and Mrs. Kuijt hope to take a leave of absence for six months. They are hoping that this might be lengthened a little, however, as six months is not very long considering all the preaching and other work to be performed.

He has been considering another visit to America on his way to or from the Netherlands, having received invitations from various places here. We hope that this will be possible and that God’s blessing may rest upon this good plan.

Rev. Kuijt comments about the many dangers on the ground and in the air. He writes about a tragic plane crash that took place there last New Year’s Eve. A small airplane belonging to the Mission Aviation Fellowship crashed against a mountain. It was the third plane they lost in three months time. In the plane were the pilot and a missionary with his wife and four children. They, too, were making preparations for their leave of absence. All were killed except one child, a boy of ten years.

Thus, with an eye upon the Lord to direct all things, Rev. and Mrs. Kuijt are looking forward to another trip to the Netherlands and possibly America also. And whom the Almighty and Gracious God shall protect, shall be well protected indeed. It is our prayer that the Lord will further protect, guide and direct them, and that His blessing may abundantly rest upon their labors.

Pastor J. Van Zweden

MODEST APPAREL

Let us be in no doubt that the wearing by women and older girls of skirts inches above the knees is immodest and unchristian. The fashion has been in vogue for some time now and, like many of the present day dress features, is designed to display parts of the female form in a way that will draw the eyes of the opposite sex. The Saviour calls looking upon a woman with lustful eyes, committing adultery in the heart. (Matthew 5:28). Can it be supposed, therefore, that the wearing of clothing which will encourage that is anything but very sinful? Even in Christian circles these things need to be stated, for immodesty is infectious.

Scripture is clear on this subject. Women are to “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety.” (I Timothy 2:9). A brief note on this subject in a Bible encyclopedia states: “Modesty consists in purity of sentiment and manners, inclining us to abhor the least appearance of vice and indecency, and to fear doing anything which will justly incur censure.” Not what the world of fashion and majority opinion approve is to determine our dress and behaviour, but the Word of God and the pattern of Christian behaviour which it affords. (Y.P.M.)

THE KITCHEN MAID

The Rev. Hector M’Phail was a minister in Scotland who in November of 1802 accepted a call to Rotterdam with the Scottish congregation there. Many of his unusual experiences have become known, such as that of the young Highland kitchen maid. Once the Rev. M’Phail was on his way to the General Synod of the Scottish state church, where he represented the consistory of Chancory. This was before he had come to Rotterdam. This trip to the Synod was one of about thirty to forty miles and therefore took about a week’s time. Consequently he spent his nights in what is now called a motel or hotel and restaurant. It would surprise no one who knew Rev. M’Phail to learn that he would carry out family worship as was his habit even in these public places.

One certain night at an inn he called the guests together and as he was about to open the Bible he looked around and asked if all at the inn were present. The answer was in the affirmative. But the minister still paused. “All of them?” he asked again. “Yes,” answered the host, “they are all here. There is a small girl in the kitchen, but we never call her in because her appearance is so poor that she is not presentable to our guests.” “Call the girl in, we will wait till she comes.” The pastor calmly sat down and waited so that the host had no choice but to call the girl. The host attempted to excuse his attitude, but the minister remained steadfast. “The girl has a soul,” he stated, and added further, “if she has not been allowed to attend family worship it is the more necessary that she do so now.” He refused to begin speaking until she came, and she entered. At the close of worship Rev. M’Phail called the girl to him and spoke to her of her soul and her desires concerning eternity. He discovered that she was sadly ignorant. “Who created you? Do you know you have a soul?” She answered no to everything. “I don’t know. I never knew I had a soul. What is it?” “Have you ever prayed?” asked the minister. “I don’t know what you mean”, she answered again. “Well”, said the minister “I am now going to Edinburg and I shall bring back a pretty cloak for you if you promise to say a prayer which I shall teach you. It is very short, it consists of only four words, and if you repeat it every morning and every evening I shall not forget to bring you what I have just now promised”.

The little kitchenmaid was happy. The condition of the promise was simple and a pretty cloak appealed to her very much. So she began to fulfill her promise with all the energy she had. Sometime later the minister returned to the inn. At the usual time he again summoned the guests, but again the girl was not there. The hostess explained that since the minister’s previous visit the maid had done little but weep day and night and consequently had become so weak she could not arise from her bed. When he visited her the minister realized with great joy that the Spirit of God was working in her young heart. She was no longer eager for the cloak he had brought her. Rev. M’Phail explained to her that the present state in which she found herself was the state of grace and told her of the great plan of deliverance in Jesus Christ. He concluded by advising her that now she should repeat a new prayer, one of five words, “Lord, reveal thyself to me”. One day many years later the minister’s servant brought him the message that a stranger wished to speak with him. When she entered he discovered it to be the same kitchenmaid who had prayed at his request. But she had learned to do it differently, by the Spirit of God. “Lord, show me myself … and reveal thyself to me!” She had not relinquished the first prayer, for now the two belonged together. The first prayer had brought her to realize her need of a Saviour, and the second had brought her to the Saviour himself.

In this way the once despised kitchenmaid from the secluded inn came to reconciliation with God. She was now married and mother of many children, but she had undertaken the lengthy journey to tell him what the Lord had been pleased to do by means of his servant. It will suffice to say that together they passed a blessed day.

A FRIEND

Can you keep a friend? By a friend I mean one who is more to you than a playmate. A friend is one for whom you feel a special attachment. You seek his company, you have similar interests, you go about with him and do things together. Friendship with someone who has the same religious beliefs and moral standards as yourself can be very pleasant and useful. Sometimes, however, it does not last. The breach may be caused by faults on both sides, or it may be that one party alone is to blame. If one is too demanding, leaving your friend no time to himself, or wanting him entirely to yourself; that will produce friction. Or if you are always wanting your own way and rarely consult his wishes, the friendship won’t last long. Again, if you are not trustworthy or show yourself unfriendly at times, you will soon lose him.

Yet sometimes a friendship is long-lasting, and only ends when in the providence of God your ways in this world have to separate. Then we discover how precious friendship really is. Such was the friendship of David and Jonathan. Nevertheless there is one that is even better. Prov. 18:24 tells of a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. It is Christ who is meant. Amazingly, He seeks sinners to be His friends, and makes them His friends by showing them what He did to save such as they from their sins. He so wins their hearts that they trust Him for salvation and follow Him. He is all that a friend should be. His friendship is disinterested and generous; He gives them infinitely more than they give Him. He is faithful and constant, and although their behavior is sometimes unfriendly, He never turns his back upon them. This friend sticks closer than a brother, and nothing that happens, even death which ends all other friendships, can destroy this one. Every boy and girl needs this friend to go with him through life and into eternity. Be seeking then the salvation and friendship of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Young People’s Magazine

OH, ADAM!

A gentleman was once driving along the road, when he saw a man at work in the field close by, who every now and then stopped digging, rested on his spade, uttered a groan, and exclaimed, ‘Oh, Adam!’ The gentleman stopped and asked him what was the matter, why he was groaning, and what he meant by saying ‘Oh, Adam!’ ‘Well, sir, I think there is a great deal the matter; for if it had not been for that silly old gardener, our grandfather Adam, and his disobedience, I should not have to sweat in this way.’ ‘Oh,’ said the gentleman, ‘I suppose you fancy that if you had been in Adam’s place you would not have taken of the forbidden fruit?’ ‘No, sir, I wouldn’t have been such a fool as to let my curiosity lead me on to disobedience, and cause me to be turned out of Paradise, and bring nothing but worry, and trouble, and death, and work, work, work, on all my children. 1 wouldn’t have been such a fool, not I.’ ‘Well, my food fellow,’ said the gentleman, ‘come up to my house by and by, and I will see what I can do for you,’ and he drove on. The man thanked him, and went on with his digging. At the appointed time the man went up to the house, and was shown into the presence of the gentleman, who then said to him, ‘I have been thinking what I could do for you. And now I tell you that you may have the use of this room, and the run of the garden in which to walk whenever you like, and four good meals a day shall be provided for you, and you may stay here as long as you like, on one condition, viz. that you do not touch that pewter plate.’ The man was delighted, and was most full in his expressions of gratitude. ‘Well, I am in luck surely,’ said he, as he passed out through the window, to wander in the garden till his meal should be ready. He got up in the morning, had his four good meals in the day, passed most of his time in rambling in the garden with his hands in his pockets, doing nothing. After about a week of this he began to find it very dull and monotonous: every day was much the same, and there was nothing to do but to get up and go to bed again, to eat and drink, and walk in the garden. He almost began to wish he had a little digging to do just to pass the time. One day he went into dinner, feeling very dull and low-spirited, it was so intolerably dull and miserable being all alone and having nothing to do. His eyes wandered round the room, and he caught sight of the pewter plate. A longing came over him to take it up and see what was in it; and said he to himself, ‘There’ll be no harm done in just touching it. He need never know and will be none the wiser.’ Accordingly he left the table, crossed the room, and took up the pewter plate to have a good look at it, when out jumped a mouse! He put back the plate, but he could not put back the mouse, for that had got away. Next time the gentleman cam in to see the man, he noticed that the pewter plate had been moved. He call the man, and said, ‘Why, what is this that you have been doing? Have you touched the plate? He was obliged to confess that he had. ‘Out upon you! go back to your digging, and never more say, “Oh, Adam!” for you have been put in the same position that he was, and have failed. Your curiosity has led you on to disobedience. And now you too must lose your paradise.’

OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS

Let children that would fear the Lord,
Hear what their teachers say;
With reverence hear their parents’ word,
And with delight obey.

Have you not heard what dreadful plagues
Are threatened by the Lord,
To him that breaks his father’s laws,
Or mocks his mother’s word?

But those that worship God, and give
Their parents honour due,
Here on this earth they long shall live,
And live hereafter too.

—Isaac Watts

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 49001

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