A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

FEAR GOD

Eccl:12:13,14: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Dear Young Friends:

In this last chapter of Ecclesiastes Solomon, who was wiser than all men, according to God’s Word (1 Kings 4:31), addresses himself not only to the young people of his time, but also to the generations that should follow. There are reasons to believe that Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his old age as one who is standing behind life, having repented from serving idols in his former days. Furthermore, Solomon also learned, as do all of God’s elect, that God strips His people of all that is not God and Christ, and that they enter into heaven as a totally lost sinner being made a fit vessel of mercy only through the righteousness of Christ out of free and sovereign grace.

He solemnly addresses the young people about the things which are temporal and perishable, regardless of the great value at which these things are priced, for they shall all fall away in the hour of death. And while we are young, we make so much effort and spend so much time to appear to others as a strong young man or an attractive young lady only to honor ourself and to be praised by others. Consequently, we serve and worship the creature more than the Creator who is blest forever. (Rom. 1:25). King Solomon goes on to show the gradual deteriorating of our physical body despite all our efforts to keep it strong and beautiful. He portrays this step by step, earnestly urging young people to cease from putting their trust in themselves and to devote all their corporal gifts to the service of the Lord instead of Satan.

In Solomon’s days, there was much idolatry. Even in our days this is present under a form of godliness and different types of rituals and ceremonies through which the desire of our eyes and the lust of our flesh are satisfied. This form of godliness increases our sins, for all that is not God and Christ is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. If we observe the way in which young people live today generally, we must conclude that these are ways in which there is no fear of God before their eyes, but a walking in a way of self-righteousness and worldly lusts to satisfy the flesh. These are ways of departing from God and His Word and asking to be converted according to our own standards and not according to God’s chosen way. There are also ways of good works and good deeds only to quiet the conscience and to earn salvation. However, my young friends, when it pleases God to work in our hearts with His irresistable power, then all our good works and all our good intentions melt as wax in a fire and we shall see that we are missing God, that His righteousness is violated and must be satisfied. Then we shall see that it is impossible to meet God and to stand before Him on account of our sins and we shall also realize that we are standing outside instead of inside of His favor and that we ourselves have brought this about. Then all our reasoning stops, all our self-righteousness falls away, and we must come before a righteous God whose image we have lost and who rightfully requires it back. Then we realize, that we never had any fear of God in our heart and that this fear of God is now implanted in our heart. What a difference between now and then! Before it was only in our mind and conscience that we had to fear God, but now it has become reality and it is in our heart. We now know and believe that there is a God and we begin to fear Him as one who shall judge the living and the dead. We cannot stand before Him on account of our sins. Here is the difference between a childlike fear and a slavish fear. Then we begin to fear and worship God truly as one who is worthy to be feared. When this work of grace has begun, we also see that we never have feared God before as He ought to be feared. We also receive a desire to keep His commandments just as we wholeheartedly try to please our loved ones in our daily lives. Having now received a desire to keep God’s commandments, we realize that we never have kept them before, and that the harder we try to keep them now, the more we find that we cannot keep them. Therefore, having to keep the law and not being able to do so increases our burden and sorrow. We want to break away from outward sins, but find that more and more sins are uncovered in our hearts. This will continue until it pleases the Lord to bring all our works to an end. Then we become truly guilty before Him and He causes us to lose all hope in ourselves so that to us there is no way of regaining God’s love and favor. Now when it all seems to be lost for ourselves, Christ is revealed unto us as the only way of salvation. Our former life now becomes death unto us, our former friends become our enemies, and we esteem all God’s people so highly, that we do not even dare to speak to them. My young friends, here is true life by losing our own life, here is a broken heart and a contrite spirit, here we have high thoughts of God and low thoughts of ourselves, here we cannot bow down low enough when we experience that such a guilty one is not consumed by the wrath of God. Instead of God’s wrath, the door of grace and mercy is opened unto him. He now has a true desire to keep all God’s commandments and walk in all of them for he sees that in “keeping of them, there is a great reward.” Here he sees with king Solomon that “this is the whole duty of man,” because the Lord is so worthy to be feared. Also in verse 14 follows the righteous verdict to fall upon us for doing good or evil. Young people: the world offers only what never satisfies, whether it is pleasure, good times, drugs, drinking, dancing, games, laughter, or other forms of vanity, they shall all aggravate our punishment and keep our eyes closed for the reality of life. Here is the antidote: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Then we have a place to go with all our needs and wants, we have the promises, not only for this life, but also for the life to come. Furthermore, we may by the grace of God, as Solomon did, not only come to a conclusion, but find the solution that “Whoso findeth me, findeth life and shall obtain favor of the Lord.” So when we who are worthy of death, find life in Him who died, we shall receive eternal life out of free and sovereign grace.

Elder, J. DeBruine

YOUTH DAY CONFERENCE

As mentioned in the previous issues of Timothy, the 1971 Youth Day Conference will be held in Kalamazoo on Saturday, July 3, the Lord willing. In order to be most convenient for the greatest number of persons from Canada and the United States who would like to attend this meeting, the date of July 3 was selected. The celebration of Independence Day in Canada on July 1 and in the United States on July 4 will very likely result in a long weekend both for Canadians and Americans. Those from Canada could come to Kalamazoo on Friday July 2 and stay overnight. If they wish to or must return to Canada before Sunday, they can do so after the close of the conference Saturday afternoon. Those from the United States could also arrive on Friday and return home on Monday.

The conference will begin at 9:30 A.M., and close at 3 P.M., with the morning session lasting until 12 o’clock and the afternoon session commencing at 1:15. For both sessions plans have been made for youth participation in the form of giving reports, a possibility of asking questions relative to the reports after they have been given, choir-singing, a Bible quiz, and the combined singing of psalters. The morning session will include two reports, one to be given by a young person and one by myself. The Bible quiz has also been scheduled for the morning session. For the afternoon session a report by another young person is planned.

We certainly hope that this conference will have a good attendance. We at Kalamazoo are most willing to make arrangements for those who need overnight lodging, and hope to have accomodations in the homes of our members. If you would like us to plan on you in this way, please do not wait until you arrive in Kalamazoo, as some planning will be necessary in order to be certain that arrangements are made for those planning to stay overnight or over the weekend. “Uncle Garret” will be happy to make these arrangements. His address is — Garret Moerdyk, 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001, and his phone number is 1-616-345-3475.

Your friend,

Rev. A. Elshout

112 Pratt Road

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

P.S. The Kalamazoo Church is located at 108 Pratt Road just west of Burdick Street in the city of Kalamazoo, Mich.

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This month we have arrived at two more New Testament books, the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistle to the Romans. As many of you already know, the book of Acts was written by Luke, a doctor and close friend of the apostle Paul. This book tells of the growth of the church for a period of about thirty years after the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven, but the greater part is the history of the apostle Paul and his missionary travels. The next book, Romans, is the first of the letters written by the apostle Paul, and is addressed to the church at Rome.

In order to help you with those questions taken from the book of Romans, we have shown again the group of chapters where the answers may be found. My daughter and her friend helped me in making this quiz, so we don’t think you will find it too difficult. The first letters of the answers will spell out four words found in the last verse of Romans 12.

________no man anything, but to love one another. (R. 10–15)

_______is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (R. 10–15)

Who was the young man who fell from the window in the third loft while Paul was preaching?

Who came to the door as Peter stood knocking at the door of Mary’s house?

Who was a devout man in Ceasarea, to whom the angel appeared, and told him to send for Peter?

For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are_______of God. (R. 10–15)

Stephen was charged with speaking blasphemous words against______ and against God.

What was the other name of Barjesus, the sorcerer, whom Barnabas and Paul met with in Paphos?

From what country was the eunuch whom Philip taught and baptized in the desert?

What kind of venomous beast fastened on Paul’s hand while he was on the island of Melita?

Paul wrote to the Romans, “I long to see you, that I may_________unto you some spiritual gift. (R. 1–5)

What did Saul desire of the high priest when he wished to go to Damascus to search for the disciples?

When we first read of the apostle Paul, we find written that the________ laid their clothes at his feet as they stoned Stephen.

Peter said of Judas, “Now this man purchased a field with the reward of__________”.

Who was the orator who informed Felix the governor against Paul?

In Jerusalem after the death of Stephen, Saul made____________of the church, putting men and women into prison.

As Peter and John went up into the temple together, they saw a lame man sitting at the__________called Beautiful.

Stephen said, “Behold I see the heavens_____________, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God.

So by the___________of one shall many be made righteous. (R. 1–5)

Who was a silversmith and made shrines for the goddess Diana?

(Send your answers to me at 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001).

Answers to the April quiz are as follows:

“Gethsemene and Golgotha”

Gadarenes Luke 8:26–37

Earth Matthew 5:5

Tiberias John 21:1–14

Hebrew John 19:19–20

Siloam John 9:1–7

Elias Mark 9:2–4

Marriage John 2:1–11

Enter Luke 13:24

Nicodemus John 3:1–2

Except John 3:1–3

Alphaeus Matthew 10:3

Nain Luke 7:11–16

Deliver Matthew 6:13

Greek Mark 7:26–30

Olives Mark 14:26

Lazarus John 11:1–5

Galilee Matthew 4:18

Oil Matthew 25:1–13

Thunder Mark 3:17

Herodias Matthew 14:3

Alabaster Mark 14:3

Answers were received from the following boys and girls:

Linda Bleeker

Sandy Van Giessen

Randy Van Giessen

Gary Van Giessen

Tom Blok

Walter Rozeboom

Curt Jenison

Dave Verhey

John Verhey

Delores Rozeboom

Mary Rozeboom

Carol Jean Van Bemden

Mary Kamp

Betty Jean Kamp

Linda Kamp

Henry Kamp

Erik Broekhuizen

Laura Rosendall

Henry Rosendall

Mary Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Marilyn De Maagd

George De Maagd

Cheryl Kalee

Debbie Kalee

Karel Kalee

Ruth Meeuwse

Eleanor Meeuwse

Betty Pols

Konnie De Vries

Joanne Beeke

Deanna Erickson

Cindy Erickson

Daniel Lords

Lisa Lords

Roger Derksen

Joyce Derksen

Russell Derksen

Jane Derksen

Ruth Vande Berg

Kaye Vande Berg

Shirley Slotsema

Sue Slotsema

Steve Slotsema

Lana Den Hartigh

Laurie Den Hartigh

Dave Pluim

Joanne Giebink

Diane Giebink

Bob Vander Boon

Sue Vander Boon

Carol Mol

Jim Mol

Jay Mol

Robert Louis Mol

Ruth Kamp

Joyce Kamp

Tom Kamp

Billy Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Sharon Frens

Julie Ann Frens

Mary Beth Frens

Marty Anker

Herlan Zomer

Loren Zomer

Jim Zomer

Faith Van Dyke

Tom Van Dyke

Dave Van Dyke

Alma Van Beek

Anden Van Beek

Joann Van Beek

Deanna Lynn Wynia

Linda Keizer

Cornelia Heykoop

Nelltje Heykoop

Duane Alan Rus

Esther Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

Denise Carol Zaremba

Donna Zaremba

Wanita Wallenburg

Arlene Wallenburg

Carol Wallenburg

Nancy Kwekel

David Kwekel

Joan Lugthart

Val Lugthart

Steven Boluyt

Gordon Boluyt

Bill Boluyt

Jim Van Giessen

Kathy Van Giessen

Arie Van Vugt

Henrietta Stapel

Janice Stapel

Rudolph Stapel

Jerry Pluim

Rose Pluim

Gloria Pluim

Billy Greendyk

Leanne Hoogendoorn

Larry Hoogendoorn

Ruthy Berman

Ruth Van Grouw

Roelie Stapel

Ruth Ann Van Dalen

Arlene Southway

David Kuperus

Miriam Kuperus

Arlene Kuperus

Hans Kuperus

Randy Teunissen

Mark Teunissen

Mary Kievit

Joan Spaans

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Mark Heystek

Rhea Stubbe

Donald Stubbe

Billy Stubbe

Mark Heystek

Neal Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Barb Hendricks

Arline Kieboom

Ella Kieboom

Marsha Koedam

Joyce Van Ginkel

Charlene Van Ginkel

Annette Koutstaal

Wilma Koutstaal

Nancy Vande Stouwe

Todd Vande Stouwe

Randy Vande Stouwe

Dan Meeuwse

Mark Meeuwse

Richard Kamp

Barbara Sue Kamp

Randall Vanden Brink

Charles Van Veldhuizen

Marlene Van Veldhuizen

Arnold Van Veldhuizen

John Neels

Larry Rozeboom

Richard Rozeboom

Harlan Rozeboom

Mary De Meester

Peter Feyter

Billy Van Wingerden

Kenny Van Wingerden

Martin Oudshoorn

John Oudshoorn

Wilma Oudshoorn

Diana Oudshoorn

Billy Oudshoorn

Janet Van Zweden

Janet Remus

John Remus

Linda Remus

John Pols

Cordy Pols

Ralph Van Zweden

Mary Ellen Van Zweden

John Van Zweden

Mark Van Zweden

Joan Van Zweden

Bill Moerdyk

Gary Blok

Shirley Rus

Arnold Rus

Gilbert Greyn

Nina Greyn

Linda Greyn

Larry Greyn

Vernon Greyn

Kathryn Greyn

Judy Elizabeth Sweetman

Janet Arlene Sweetman

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Robert Etelman

Albert Etelman

David Etelman

Lawrence Overbeeke

Marilyn Densel

Peter W. Kievit

Donna Lynn Densel

Andy Walma

Jackie Walma

Gladys Van Bochove

Marie Rozeboom

Glenn Rozeboom

Tommy Greendyk

Nick Greendyk

Bobby Greendyk

David Greendyk

David Spaans

Larry Spaans

Janice Spaans

Albert Van Grouw

Pamela Klarenbeek

Barbara Klarenbeek

Donna Klarenbeek

Nad Aderson

Albert Bouma

Wendy Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

Kenneth Rus

Gerarda Grisnich

John Blok

Bruce N. Blok

Geneva Van Tilburg

Gerald Van Tilburg

Vernon Van Tilburg

Connie Kooiman

Bonnie Vonk

Alvin Roskam

Gloria Roskam

Gary Roozenboom

Billy Blaak

Nicky J. Bush

Adrian Bush

LaRae Hoogendoorn

Todd Van Middendorp (2)

Beverly Southway

Barbara Southway

Christine Koppert

Alice Koppert

Nelly Koppert

Peter Koppert

Elen Van Ginkel

Joanne Geerling

Elizabeth Geerling

Hermina Faye Hubers

Donna Marie Hubers

Helen Hubers

Marcia D. Hubers

Robert Verbeke

Janny Van Wingerden

John Van Wingerden

Billy Van Wingerden

Billy Van Wyk

Cornelius Van Wyk

Marty Van Wyk

Engel Knibbe

John Knibbe

Amy Mieras

Alice Moerdyk

Judy Slingerland

Marinus Slingerland

William Slingerland

Arie Vandenberg

Cordy Vandenberg

Jeanette Vandenberg

Paul Vandenberg

Joe Van Woudenberg

Joanne Vande Waerdt

Linda Vande Waerdt

Wayne Vande Waredt

Lanna Teunissen

Judy Teunissen

Janet Van Driel

Raymond Rieder (2)

Carol Overbeeke

Joyce Vander Meulen

Harmen Vander Meulen

Frances Vander Meulen

Teresa Vander Meulen

William Grisnich

Peter Grisnich

Bill Droogers

Debbie Droogers

Martin Peter Vlietstra

David Charles Vlietstra

Janice Vlietstra

Francina Boesterd

Conny Boesterd

And now it is time to answer the letters which we received —

MARTY ANKER — Your letter is right on top, Marty. Two days without electricity must have been quite different. What type of heating system do you have? Our telephone wires are above ground. Did your brother arrive home safety?

BETTY POLS — It was nice to hear from you, Betty. Are you getting lots of nice weather now? Sometimes it seems to take quite a while before spring arrives, but we have to be patient. I am happy you didn’t find the questions too difficult.

JOANNE GEERLING — We have not have any problems with flooding in our area this spring, Joanne. I am sure it is not very pleasant to live where floods are common. When you see a rainbow, do you think about the flood in Noah’s time, and about the promise connected with it?

BILLY AND KENNY VAN WINGERDEN — Thank you very much for the pictures, boys. I think they are very nice and will put them in my album with all of the others. Thank you also for your expression of sympathy. We hope you will always appreciate your parents, as we never know how soon we must miss them.

ELLA KIEBOOM — Yes, I heard that you were moving to Sheboygan, Ella. Are you getting anxious to see where you are going to live? Or have you seen the house before? Be sure to say Hello to Andrew and your parents for us.

CHARLENE VAN GINKEL — You certainly have lots of recess, Charlene. If they aren’t careful, you won’t have any time left to study. We soon learn how many things electricity does for us when we have to be without it. I am sure it would make quite a list.

ANNETTE KOUTSTAAL — Your answers were all correct, Annette. My father was sixty-eight years old, and my mother is just one year older. But, as you mentioned, we are not sure that we will grow old, and therefore the Bible tells us, “Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth”.

GARY ROOZENBOOM — The weather has been quite nice of late, Gary. It is not quite so difficult to get along without a telephone as it is to be without electricity. Do you have your own generator on your farm? I can imagine they are real useful in an emergency.

BILLY BLAAK — It must be that you don’t like bees, Billy. Have you been stung by them? Can you tell me where bees are mentioned in the Bible? Have you counted to see how many more days of school there are before summer vacation starts?

JOHN REMUS — You didn’t tell me if you caught any fish, John. Do you catch quite a few? Have you used your sleeping bag yet? You are probably waiting for warm weather. According to your report card it looks as if you will have to work a little harder at math.

RALPH VAN ZWEDEN — Have you finished studying about Argentina, Ralph? Do you think it would be a nice place to live? I suppose you can tell me how many miles it is from where you live. Say Hello to your parents for us.

RHONDA GRISNICH — It was nice to hear from you again, Rhonda. I am not a very good artist either. You are progressing real well with the booklets, Words of Wisdom. Do you find the questions in them rather difficult?

JANET REMUS — I don’t think there are many boys and girls who don’t like ice cream cones, Janet. Even when they are real young, they know that some things taste better than others. How old is your little sister now?

BARB HENDRICKS — Is your father’s ankle completely healed yet, Barb? Sometimes a broken ankle takes a long time to heal. Did he fall? We read of a man who was lame so that he could not walk, but in a moments time he was leaping upon his feet. Can you tell me where we find this?

ARIE VANDENBERG — Others mentioned that the Banner of Truth did not arrive, Arie. I wonder if everyone renewed their subscription the first of the year, f you have had music lessons for four years, you must be able to play real well by now.

MARINUS SLINGERLAND — We were happy to hear from you, Marinus. Our purpose of the Bible quiz is to help you know and study the Bible, and so we do like to see the list of names grow every month. Don’t forget to write again.

BARBARA VAN WINGERDEN — We seem to have more letters than usual this month, Barbara. What kind of plants do you have in the greenhouse? How many greenhouses do you have? Do you grown anything for your rabbits?

GERARDA GRISNICH — You do have quite a few cousins who answer the quiz, Gerarda. I suppose some of them you don’t see very often, as you don’t all live in the same part of the country. Do you plan to take a trip this summer?

LAWRENCE OVERBEEKE — We are still having some frost at night, Lawrence, but the weather has been very nice lately. You have quite an orchard to take care of. How many apple trees are there on an acre? Do you have many varieties?

MARK VAN ZWEDEN — How did you like your class trip to the telephone company, Mark? Did you see all the wires? There are so many telephones, you would think the calls would get mixed up. What did you do during your spring vacation?

ELIZABETH GEERLING — Eighty degrees is quite warm for the month of April, Elizabeth. We haven’t had many April showers as yet — in fact, the ground is quite dry. Are you getting anxious for summer vacation to arrive?

JOE VAN WOUDENBERG — We are all quite well, Joe. Did you find a job? Sometimes this isn’t so easy to do. What kind of work were you looking for? I guess there are quite a few things a boy can do while still in school.

WILMA KOUTSTAAL — It certainly was too bad that the school equipment was stolen, Wilma. What a blessing it is that the Lord keeps us from stealing. How are you getting along in school this semester? I suppose you will soon be ,having some final exams for the year?

FRANCINA BOESTERD — It was nice to get another long letter from you, Francina. My mother lives only about six blocks (about a third of a mile) from here. My father was an elder for about twenty years. Are you having lots of nice weather now?

JOHN VAN ZWEDEN — I see you are already counting the weeks until summer vacation, John. Have you figured out how many miles it is to New Mexico? That should be a nice trip. I suppose you have been studying the maps to learn all about it.

JUDY SLINGERLAND — How is your brother getting along in Holland, Judy? Do you get lots of mail from him? Maybe he is so busy that he doesn’t have much time for writing. I was happy to see that you got both of your brothers to answer the quiz.

WILMA OUDSHOORN — We are happy to have you join in answering the quiz, Wilma. How is your minister feeling now? We hope that he is much better again. I suppose Albert really likes to be outdoors now that he can walk.

DONALD STUBBE — Your answers were still in time, Donald. The birds are early risers in the morning — at least here they are. Do they wake you up? I can imagine that you feel badly that your minister is leaving for another congregation.

ROELIE STAPEL — When one congregation is sad because their minister is leaving, another congregation is happy. And, of course, it is nicest to be among the happy ones, Roelie. I suppose lots of arrangements have to be made. How many more weeks of school for you?

RUTH ANN VAN DALEN — I think the sea aquariums are quite interesting, Ruth Ann. There certainly are many different kinds of fish. The questions of our quiz should be quite easy for you if you are just studying the New Testament.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — Did you manage to get all of your school work caught up which you missed, Joan? It won’t be long before final marks will be out and then you will know how well you’ve done. Give our greetings to your grandparents.

ARLINE KIEBOOM — We hope that you will be able to find some new girl friends in Wisconsin, Arline. Do you know when you will be moving? Do you already know some of the girls of the church there? It will probably take some time before you like it as well as Norwich.

PETER GRISNICH — Is your grandfather still quite healthy, Peter? Eighty-one years is quite a long time. I met him at your cousin’s house in South Dakota some years ago. Be sure to say Hello to him and to your grandmother.

LINDA REMUS — I guess your little sister has to learn that books are for reading, and not to write in, Linda. Maybe she is anxious to learn how to write just like you do. Have you read all of the old books you received?

BILL STUBBE — Well, did you get the goat you wrote about, Bill? I hear that goats often eat things they are not supposed to, so you will have to watch him closely. Of course, I really don’t know much about them, so I’m depending on you for my information.

JANET VAN ZWEDEN — We were happy to hear that your grandfather had been able to preach again, Janet. How is he feeling now? Is his throat still bothering him? I suppose you are also looking forward to summer vacation.

CONNY BOESTERD — We were real sorry to hear about Andrew’s tumble, Conny. How is he now? We certainly hope that he is all beeter again. Be sure to say Hi to him for us. I remember your brother Bill writing us that Andrew was born.

CHRISTINE KOPPERT — That isn’t so bad when you forget to put your name on your answers, Christine. Usually I can figure out whose they are. But once in a while I might just have to guess at it or list it as “No name”.

MARY ELLEN VAN ZWEDEN — I thought maybe you might be planning to bring the new camper to Michigan this year, Mary Ellen. But it sounds as if you plan to go in the opposite direction. What did you do during spring vacation?

JOYCE VAN GINKEL — The girls are outnumbered in your family, Joyce. We were happy to hear that your mother was feeling better again. Since you are the oldest of the girls, you probably are her best helper. Or am I wrong?

ERIK BROEKHUIZEN — We are also glad to hear from you, Erik. What is your teacher’s name this year? How many boys and girls are there in your grade? Someone asked me how many students you had in your school and I really didn’t know.

RHEA STUBBE — You are the last one this time, Rhea. I didn’t think I had quite so many, but I guess it turned out to be quite a few. I’m sure you’ve found your name in the list last month and this month. We try hard not to miss anyone.

Again, many thanks, boys and girls, for all your good work in answering the quiz. We hope you are growing in Bible knowledge, just as you are growing in age, in size, and in other knowledge. May the Lord remember each of us, sparing, protecting, and guiding us, but also teaching us His way.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

SHALL HE NOT FREELY GIVE?

Alexander the Great had a famous philosopher in his court who was also quite poor. At one time he was in dire need of money. To whom alone should he apply but to his king, the conqueror of the world? His request was no sooner made than it was granted. Alexander gave him a commission to receive of his treasurer whatever he wanted.

The philosopher immediately demanded, in his sovereign’s name, ten thousand pounds, which was a great deal of money. The treasurer, surprised at so large a demand, refused to give it, but went to the king, telling him of the affair, adding that he thought the request unreasonable and the amount exorbitant. Alexander heard him with patience, but as soon as the treasurer had ended his remarks, replied, “Let the money be instantly paid. I am delighted with the philosopher’s way of thinking; he has done me great honor; by the largeness of his request, he shows the high idea he has conceived, both of my superior wealth and my royal liberality.”

In like manner let us honor what the inspired writer styles the ‘marvellous loving kindness of Jehovah.’ “He that spared not His Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things!” (Romans 8:32).

PLANTS OF THE BIBLE THE VINE

We read about the vine and the vineyards many times in the Bible, The grape-bearing vine was of great value to the people of Palestine. Vines were trained to grow over trellis or posts, over walls; and in court yards. They were often planted near fig trees, in whose branches they entwined naturally.

If the vineyard was large, a hedge or wall surrounded it for protection. Keepers of the vineyard kept a lookout against prowling animals which might spoil the vines.

The harvesting of grapes was a time of special thanksgiving. When the vineyard owner had harvested the grapes, the leftover fruit was gathered by the poor. The grapes were put into a vat, and the juice trodden out with bare feet. Treading out of grapes was accompanied by joyful shouting and singing.

Though mainly used for making wine, the grapes were sometimes eaten fresh, and also dried for food as raisins.

SONG OF PRAISE TO GOD

How glorious is our heavenly King,
Who reigns above the sky!
How shall a child presume to sing
His dreadful majesty!

How great His power is none can tell,
Nor think how large His grace;
Not men below, nor saints that dwell
On high before His face.

Not angels that stand round the Lord
Can search His secret will;
But they perform His heavenly word,
And sing his praises still.

Then let me join this holy train,
And my first offerings bring;
The eternal God will not disdain
To hear an infant sing.

My heart resolves, my tongue obeys,
And angels shall rejoice,
To hear their mighty Maker’s praise
Sound from a feeble voice.

SABBATH-BREAKING

The Rev. Daniel Tyerman, while sailing round Cape Horn to visit the mission-stations in the South Sea Islands, related to the crew of the vessel the following remarkable passage in his early life:

Yesterday was the anniversary of a great and very remarkable deliverance which I experienced in the year 1793. At that time I was intimate with several young men as gay and trifling as myself, and we frequently spent our Sabbaths in pleasure on the Thames. Early in the week, on the occasion referred to, I and four others had planned a Sunday party down the river; to make the most of it, we agreed to embark on Saturday afternoon, and proceed to Gravesend. On Friday night, when I lay down to rest, a transient misgiving, whether it was right so to profane the Sabbath of the Lord, gave me a little uneasiness; but I overcame the monitory feeling and fell asleep.

On Saturday morning, when I awoke, the thought again came upon me, but again I resisted it, and resolved to meet my companions in the afternoon. I was about to rise, but while I mused I fell asleep again, and dreamed. I thought myself in a certain place, whither divine Providence often led me at that season of my life. Here a gentleman called me to him, saying that he had a letter for me, which I went to receive from his hand. When I reached him, he had opened the enclosure and appeared to be reading the contents. I imagined then that I looked over his shoulder, and perceived that the letter was closely written, but a pen had been drawn through every line and had obliterated all the words. Wondering what this could mean, I was going to take hold of the letter, when a large black seal presented itself to my sight, and so startled me that forthwith I awoke, with this sentence upon my mind, “You shall not go!” Though I had never been in any way superstitious regarding dreams, this so affected me, and the words, “You shall not go!” seemed so perpetually sounding in my ears, and haunting my imagination, that I determined to be obedient and not go; persuaded that some evil would befall me if I did.

I spent that day and the two following in great anguish and anxiety, expecting hourly to hear something that would explain this singular presentiment. No tidings, however, arrived till Tuesday, when I read in a newspaper the following paragraph: “Last Sunday, in the afternoon, as a boat, with four young gentlemen, a waterman, and a boy, belonging to Mr. —, of Wapping, was coming up the river, in Bugsby’s Hole, a little below Blackwall, a gust of wind upset the boat, and all on board perished.” That was the identical boat in which I was to have embarked. I could scarcely believe my eyes; I read the paragraph again and again. There it was, and there it remained, speaking the same words. I cannot express the horror and consternation of my mind — I was constrained to exclaim, “This is the finger of God! Who am I, that God should in so wonderful a manner interpose for my deliverance? What a warning against Sabbath-breaking! What a call to devote myself to the Lord and His service!” — a warning which I took, and a call which I humbly hope I was thenceforward enabled to obey. “For God speaketh once, yea twice; yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon man, in slumberings upon the bed; then He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, that He may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing.”

Selected

FACTS ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is the Life and Tree of Knowledge, which contains 66 Books, 1,189 Chapters, 31,173 Verses, 810,697 Words, 3,566,480 Letters.

The longest chapter is Psalm 119, the middle verse is Psalm 118:8.

The longest name is in Isaiah 8.

The word “and” occurs 46,627 times. The word “Lord” 1,855 times.

The 19th chapter of 2 Kings and 37th of Isaiah are alike.

The longest verse is the 9th verse of Esther 8, with 90 words, 426 letters; the shortest the 35th of John 11. — “Jesus wept.”

The 21 st of Ezra 7 contains all the letters of the alphabet except two.

Ezra the scribe was the first to preach from a pulpit.

The words boys, girls, chapel, coffin, eternity, religion, and reverend are only mentioned once — read on until you find them.

Curious but true, the name of God is not once mentioned in Esther, although it contains so much holiness, knowledge, love and wisdom.

Read the Bible diligently in preference to the trash of the present day. All who may doubt these words and figures, count them for a pastime.

RESIDENCE ABOVE

Over the door of a carpenter shop, which is on the ground floor, are the words: “Residence above”. We, too, should work below, but live above.

If you can say, “There is no God”, I can only ask how a speck of a mortal, living for a moment of time on an atom of an earth, in plain sight of an infinite universe full of beauty, wonder, and design, can confidently hold so improbable a view.

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