A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

CHOOSING FRIENDS

Never make an intimate friend of any one who is not a friend of God. Understand me — I do not speak of acquaintances. I do not mean that you ought to have nothing to do with any but true Christians. To take such a line is neither possible nor desirable in this world. Christianity requires no man to be uncourteous.

But I do advise you to be very careful in your choice of friends. Do not open all you heart to a person merely because he or she is clever, agreeable, good-natured, high-spirited, and kind. These things are all very well in their way, but they are not everything. Never be satisfied with the friendship of any one who will not be useful to your soul.

Believe me, the importance of this advice cannot be overrated. There is no telling the harm that is done by associating with godless companions and friends. The devil has few better helps in ruining a man’s soul. Grant him this help, and he cares little for all the armour with which you may be armed against him. Good education, early habits of morality, sermons, books, regular homes, letters of parents, all, he knows well, will avail you little if you will only cling to ungoldy friends. You may resist many open temptations, refuse many plain snares; but once take up a bad companion, and he is content. That awful chapter which describes Amnon’s wicked conduct about Tamar almost begins with these words, “But Amnon had a friend, a very subtle man” (II Samuel 13:3).

You must recollect, we are all creatures of imitation; precept may teach us, but it is example that draws us. There is that in us all, that we are always disposed to catch the ways of those with whom we live; and the more we like them, the stronger does the disposition grow. Without our being aware of it, they influence our tastes and opinions; — we gradually give up what they dislike, and take up what they like, in order to become more close friends with them. And, worst of all, we catch their ways in things that are wrong far quicker than in things that are right. Health, unhappily, is not contagious, but disease is. It is far more easy to catch a chill than to impart a glow; and to make each other’s religion dwindle away than grow and prosper.

Young people, I ask you to lay these things to heart. Before you let any one become your constant companion, before you get into the habit of telling him everything, and going to him in all your troubles and all your pleasures, — before you do this, just think of what I have been saying; ask yourself, “Will this be a useful friendship to me or not?”

“Evil communications” do indeed “corrupt good manners” (I Corinthians 15:33). I wish that text were written in hearts as often as it is in copy-books. Good friends are among our greatest blessings; — they may keep us back from much evil, quicken us in our course, speak a word in season, draw us upward, and draw us on. But a bad friend is a positive misfortune, a weight continually dragging us down, and chaining us to earth. Keep company with an irreligious person, and it is more than probable you will in the end become like him. That is the general consequence of all such friendships. The good go down to the bad, and the bad do not come up to the good. Even a stone will give way before a continual dropping. The world’s proverb is only too correct: “Clothes and company tell true tales about character.” “Show me who a man lives with,” say the Spaniards, “and I will show you what he is.”

Do you ask me what kind of friends you shall choose? Choose friends who will benefit your soul, — friends whom you can really respect, — friends whom you would like to have near you on your death-bed, — friends who love the Bible, and are not afraid to speak to you about it, — friends such as you will not be ashamed of owning at the coming of Christ and the day of judgment. Follow the example that David sets you: he says, “I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts” (Psalm 119:63). Remember the words of Solomon: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20). But depend on it, bad company in the life that now is, is the sure way to procure worse company in the life to come.

(J. C. Ryle)

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

A few months ago we finished a series of quizzes using the Ten Commandments as our guide, and so I thought it would be good to choose another subject which we could follow from month to month. Therefore I chose the “Apostle’s Creed,” which you also hear read every Sunday from the pulpit. It has twelve articles, and each month we hope, the Lord willing and we live, to make our quiz about one of these articles.

Because of its name, probably some think that this creed was written by the twelve apostles, but we are told that it was many years later when this was written. However, we do know that it briefly tells us what the apostles believed, based on the Word of God, and therefore it is also good for us to know it well. This time the first letters of our answers will spell out four words taken from the first article. For those who can do so, it would be good to learn the first article so that you could recite it if I called on you to do so.

In the beginning ________ created the heaven and the earth.

Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord that I should ___________ His voice to let Israel go?”

At the command of the Lord, Elijah lived by the brook Cherith, where the ravens fed him, and he _________of the brook.

King Darius made a decree that in every dominion of his kingdom men __________ and fear before the God of Daniel.

Daniel said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “There is a God in __________ that revealeth secrets.”

Jehoshaphat prayed, saying, “O our God ... neither know we what to do; but our ___________are upon Thee.”

Elijah said unto the people, “The God that answereth by__________, let him be God.”

Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and _______.”

God said to Noah, “I do set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a _________of a covenant.”

Elijah also said to the people, “How long ___________ ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow Him.”

Joseph said to his brothers, “But as for you, ye thought __________ againstme; but God meant it unto good.”

Who spoke with a loud voice to the people on the walls of Jerusalem, saying, “Do not hearken to Hezekiah when he tells you, ‘The Lord will deliver us?’ “

When the king of Syria sent Naaman to the king of Israel to be healed, he said, “Am I God, to kill and to make_________?”

Abraham said to Isaac, “God will provide himself a _________ for a burnt offering.”

To whom did God say, “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

And God said, “Let us make man in our__________, after our likeness.”

And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very ________.

Who took a blasphemous letter which he had received unto the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord?

When the children of Israel had crossed the Red Sea and saw the Egyptians drowned, they sang, “I will sing unto the Lord, for He hath __________ gloriously.”

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy__________

(Send your answers to me at 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001, and don’t forget to put your name on your answer sheet.)

The answers to the quiz of last month are as follows —

“The beginning of Wisdom” Psalm 111:10

True I Kings 10:6

Hearing Luke 2:46

East Matthew 2:1–2

Bezaleel Exodus 31:1–5

Egyptians Acts 7:22

Gamaliel Acts 22:3

Instruction Proverbs 1:7

Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 2:1–13

Nations Matthew 28:19

Israel John 3:10

Noah Genesis 7:11–22

Great Job 32:9

Oü Matthew 25:1–4

False II Peter 2:1

Worship Matthew 15:9

Instructed II Kings 12:2

Scriptures II Timothy 3:15

Discreet Genesis 41:39

Opened Luke 24:32

Mouth Exodus 4:10–11

Answers to the quiz have been received from the following boys and girls:

Robert Kamp

Richard Kamp

Barbara Kamp

Alfred Hup

Janet Bouma

Christon de Leeuw

Marilyn Van Ravenswaay

JoAnn Van Ravenswaay

Esther Van Ravenswaay

Willy de Leeuw

Gerrit de Leeuw

Mariam Kuperus

David Kuperus

Hans Kuperus

Billy Van Wingerden

Kenny Van Wingerden

Janny Van Wingerden

John Van Zweden

Joan Van Zweden

Janet Van Zweden

Mark Van Zweden

Mary Van Zweden

Ralph Van Zweden

Henry Kamp

Linda Kamp

Betty Kamp

Mary Kamp

Conny Boesterd

Billy Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

David Greendyk

Nellie Heykoop

Adrian Heykoop

Cory Heykoop

Helen Heykoop

Gary Van Giessen

Sandy Van Giessen

Randy Van Giessen

Arie Van Vugt

Richard Van Ess

Susan Van Ess

Carol Van Bemden

Sheryl Spaans

Marcia Spaans

Ken Spaans

Jimmy Rosendall

Henry Rosendall

Laura Rosendall

Cheryl Kalee

Debbie Kalee

Karel Kalee

Amy Lou Kaat

Joan Lugthart

Val Lugthart

Gary Blok

John Blok

Tammy Troff

Nanette Mast

Marilyn De Maagd

Shirley Slotsema

Steve Slotsema

Karl Van Oostenbrugge

Mary Lou Van Oostenbrugge

Laurie Ann Spaans

Dick Allen Spaans

Donna Zaremba

Denise Zaremba

Carol Mol

Mary Vander Male

Lilly Ann Vander Male

Bruce Blok

Cindy Hoogendoorn

Perry Hoogendoorn

Gene Hoogendoorn

Joyce Vander Meulen

Frances Vander Meulen

Teresa Vander Meulen

Harmen Vander Meulen

Sidney Vander Meulen

Ella Kieboom

Arline Kieboom

Marinus Slingerland

Judy Slingerland

William Slingerland

Nancy Kwekel

Mineva Ymker

Jacob Van Dalen

Ruth Meeuwse

Kay Meeuwse

Paul Van Wingerden

Ronald Van Wingerden

Peter Feyter

Gywen Hoogendoorn

LaRae Hoogendoorn

John Verhey

Dave Verhey

Sharon Frens

Julie Frens

Mary Frens

Brian Van Grouw

Sharon Van Grouw

Tim Van Stelle

Andrew Van Stelle

Debie Droogers

Billy Droogers

Patricia Noorlander

Gretta Noorlander

Ken Noorlander

Nancy Vande Stouwe

Todd Vande Stouwe

Gordon Boluyt

Steven Boluyt

Rhea Stubbe

Jane Ellen Vander Wiele

John Martin Vander Wiele

Joanne Giebink

Marnie Giebink

Robert Verbeke

Kevin Verbeke

Billy Kroesbergen

George Van Strien

John Vander Boon

Sue Vander Boon

Mark Heystek

Nicholas Bush

Adrian Bush

Albert Bouma

Gloria Rus

Melvin Jay Rus

Harlan Rus

Marcia D. Hubers

Hermina Faye Hubers

Helen Hubers

Donna Marie Hubers

Debbie Kamp

Bill Kamp

Tom Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Trudy Van Veldhuizen

Esther Boonzaayer

Karl Boonzaayer

Ruth Boonzaayer

Maria Boonzaayer

Dan Carlson

Lisa Carlson

Henrietta Stapel

Rudolph Stapel

Janice Stapel

John Stapel

Wilma Oudshoorn

John Oudshoorn

Martin Oudshoorn

Diane Oudshoorn

Abraham Korevaar

John Korevaar

Andy Korevaar

Leah Moore

Carl Moore

Anna Moore

Adrian Korevaar

Elizabeth Koppert

Christine Koppert

Peter Koppert

Nelly Koppert

Alice Koppert

Alane Van Ravenswaay

Denise Van Ravenswaay

Wendy Grisnich

Rhonda Grisnich

Cheryl Grisnich

Jane Derksen

Betty Jean Van Der Weile

Wilma Korevaar

Jane Marie Korevaar

Ruth Boerkoel

Neal Boerkoel

Nick Greendyk

Tom Greendyk

Bobby Greendyk

Beverly Southway

Barbara Southway

Gary Roozenboom

Harvey Andrew Hup

Alfred Hup

Mariene Van Veldhuizen

Delia Vanden Brink

Stephan Vanden Brink

Roy Vanden Brink

Gerda Vanden Brink

Jim Van Giessen

Kathy Van Giessen

John M. Goeman

Karen Goeman

David Goeman

Dan Meeuwse

Mark Meeuwse

Amy Mieras

Albert Van Grouw

John Remus

Linda Remus

Janet Remus

Raymond Rieder

Kristine Rieder

Paul Vandenberg

Gerarda Grisnich

Cordy Vandenberg

Ellen Van Ginkel (2)

Henry Vandenberg

Jeanette Vandenberg

John Vandenberg

Linda Van De Vendel

Judy Sweetman

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Janet Arlene Sweetman

Tunis Sweetman, Jr.

Daniel J. Sweetman

Rhonda Van Voorst

Gladys Van Bochove

Rhonda Van Bochove

Rose Pluim

Jerry Pluim

Gloria Pluim

Jeanette Slingerland

Robert Vanderknyff

Joanne Overeem

(?) Overeem

Marianne Van Hoepen

John Van Hoepen

( ? ) No Name

Again it is time to answer our mail received during the past month —

JOHN VAN ZWEDEN — We will start with your letter this time, John. Have you started making anything in your shop class? I still have several of the items which I made in shop. How is the basement ceiling project getting along?

GRETTA NOORLANDER — I can well imagine that you like living in a new house, Gretta. The mice would also like to be inside, especially as it gets colder outdoors. Do you know where in the Bible we read about mice?

TAMMY TROFF — Have you started piano lessons yet, Tammy? It takes lots of practicing in order to play well. Some boys and girls don’t like to do that very well, especially when everyone is outside playing. Did you tell your friends at school about your trip to the zoo?

CONNY BOESTERD — How is your mother, Conny? We hope she is feeling O.K. We have been having rather cold weather for the month of October, so it looks as if we are going to have an early winter. Have your grandparents returned from their trip to Holland?

PETER FEYTER — Yes, Peter, our future is so unknown and so uncertain. But God’s Word gives us much good instruction — “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct they paths.” May you remember this always when making your plans.

DELLA VANDEN BRINK — You did very well in typing your answers and the letter, Delia. Your father can probably put you to work as his secretary. In the Bible we read about a young man who was a secretary for the prophet Jeremiah. Do you know his name?

GARY ROOZENBOOM — How thankful we should be for plentiful crops, Gary. The Lord Jesus told a parable about a rich man whose plentiful crops were not a blessing to him Can you tell me where this parable is found? How are you getting along in school this year?

AMY LOU KAAT — How is your father, Amy? We hope he is much better again and is out of the hospital. Be sure to say Hello to him for us. We see how quickly accidents happen. Have you had any snow yet in Sheboygan? We have had some snowflakes, but that is all.

RHONDA GRISNICH — We are all quite well, Rhonda. You almost did start autumn with snow on the ground. The Lord promised that summer and winter and spring and fall would return each year, and so we see it happen. Can you tell me where in the Bible this promise is found?

MARY VAN ZWEDEN — Have you been picked as the “student of the week,” Mary? I suppose that makes everyone work extra hard. We were happy to hear that your grandmother is so much better. Give our greetings to her and to your grandfather.

JACOB VAN DALEN — Thank you for the pictures, Jacob. I can see that you have grown older since you were here, but they look very nice. Where do you go to pick apples? I suppose you are anxiously waiting for the time when you can learn to drive.

JANET VAN ZWEDEN — What are you studying in school, Janet? Do you have to write reports of any kind? What part of school do you like the best? In the Bible we read about four students who had to know science and languages and many other things, and God blessed them in their studies. Do you know who they were?

ROY VANDEN BRINK — Your answers were all correct, Roy. Some missed the first question — answering 7 instead of 1 3. Seven was the number of years Solomon spent in building the house of the Lord. Are you taking typing in school?

RHEA STUBBE — Do you play the organ too, Rhea? Or maybe you would rather sing when someone else plays. Have you had snow on the ground yet? Some have written that they had four inches of snow already in September.

KRISTINE RIEDER — I was glad to hear that you were doing so well in school, Kristine. What are you studying? There was a time when it was very difficult for boys and girls to go to school, especially if their parents were not rich. How thankful we should be that we can learn to read and write.

ROBERT VANDERKNYFF — We are happy to have you join in answering the quiz, Robert. I remember well our visit in Alberta and that we had supper at your house. We still talk about the trip quite often and hope to be able to travel there again. Say Hello to your parents and sisters.

JOAN VAN ZWEDEN — The Bible tells us, “He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly.” And this is also true of our studies, Joan; if we study only a little, we will learn only a little. Don’t you think that is true? Which subjects do you like best?

MARIANNE VAN HOEPEN — We hope your mother is feeling much better again, Marianne. Do you help her all you can? We really find out all the work a mother does when she is away for a few weeks. Did you check back on the answer to the question you couldn’t find?

HENRIETTA STAPEL — Did you receive the letter you were looking for, Henrietta? How many pen-pals do you have? If they write too often, you won’t have time to write them in return. Did you have trouble with too much rain on the farm?

PATRICIA NOORLANDER — How did your teacher catch the raccoon, Patricia? We also read in the Bible about snares and traps. Can you find one example? They are not quite as easy to find as some of the other questions I have asked, but probably with a little searching you will find one.

JOHN VAN HOEPEN — Yes, John, the end of 1972 will soon be here. How quickly another year has passed by. Do you have a name for your calf? I imagine that since it is your own, you give it extra-special care and attention.

RAYMOND RIEDER — Your letter is the last one this time, Raymond. Where do you keep your guinea pig? It is certain that most boys and girls like to have a pet of one kind or another — at least most of them do have one.

And again we have come to the bottom of our mail-bag. We hope to hear from all of you again next month. Don’t forget — be sure to include your name on your answer sheet. And send them to me at 1104 Roseland Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

With Love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

LIFE’S JOURNEY

(continued)

We have a word in the dictionary called “procrastination”, which means putting off, postponing. I think we are all guilty of that in our daily life, especially if we look against a certain job. I wish to project this thought into our spiritual concerns. We have an example of this in the delaying decision of the rich young ruler in Matt. 19. Jesus, who knew his heart, told him to sell all that he had, and give to the poor and to follow Him. When he heard that, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. What is your idol? Are you putting a boyfriend or a girlfriend who asks you to follow him or her under a false or a misleading doctrine before God’s commandments? Are you taking a job or following an occupation which will cause you to leave or forget the seriousness of life and your soul’s welfare? Many persons have left the truth for the sake of finding a better job and have starved their souls and destroyed their family. We are also accountable to the Lord for our children.

We have another example of procrastination in Luke 9:59–62, of putting minor things first. One wished to bury the dead, another wished to say farewell to those that were home. Jesus rebukes them both for he knew their hearts. We would say these were just natural things, but the question comes up for each one of us. If we were put to the test, what lies the heaviest, the honor and obedience to the Lord or some of our earthly cares?

Some try to push out of their minds the thought that we once have to die. We may say religion is for old people, I’ll become more serious when I’m a little older. I’m having so much fun now, religion is so dull. Life is uncertain, read the paper, look at who was just killed in that motorcycle accident. Look at him who was permanently injured for life after his accident while drag racing. Solomon says in Proberbs, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow? for thou knowest not what the day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1. “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Prov. 29:1. If we live with the world, we shall die with the world. “Behold now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation.” IICor 6:2b.

The Lord is still knocking at the doors of our hearts. How often will he knock and you not answer? “Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.” Jeremiah 13:16. The Rev. Watson said, “It is a dangerous thing to hesitate and waver about fundamentals. Doubting of principles is the next way to the denying of principles.”

For those especially in high school or college, listen to what God’s word says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ.” Col. 2:8.

Young people and everyone present, where are you going? What is your destination? What a disappointment if traveling down a super highway our whole life time and when finally coming to the end, finding out that it was never completed. Better to be on a little traveled road which is rough and full of unseen difficulties, but guided by the Holy Spirit and be privileged to cross that great gulf by the blood of Jesus Christ who came down to lay down His life that we may have life in Him. My wish and prayer is that there may be many who may be pricked in their heart, and cry out, “What must I do to be saved?”

(The above is a part of an address by Elder G. Deur at the 1972 Youth Conference in Kalamazoo.)

THE WONDERFUL CARE OF GOD

During a very severe winter a certain farmer, who lived in a wild part of Cumberland, had an unexpected visitor. A snow storm was threatening, but the farmer had the door of his porch left open. He and an old maid were the only occupants of the farmhouse; and just as he was about to ask God’s blessing on the supper before them, a kind of pushing and scraping sound was heard at the door.

“Hello! Who’s there?” cried the farmer.

No answer, but the noise continued.

“Who’s there, I say? Speak out, can’t you?” again cried the farmer.

Still the sounds went on, but no voice was heard.

“Maybe it is someone who can’t speak,” whispered Sarah, the servant; whereupon the farmer went to the door and opened it gradually, but it was forced wide open by a large dog with a basket in its mouth.

“Hello, boy! What do you want here at this time of night? Have you got a New Year’s gift for me?” said the farmer, patting the snow off the animal’s head. But the dog laid down his basket, and stood looking at the two occupants of the house with a beseeching expression in its great brown eyes and a not unmeaning manner in the constant wagging of its tail.

“What is it, old fellow? said Sarah. “We don’t know what you mean, poor doggie!”

The dog looked at the supper-table, and gave some quick, short barks. The farmer offered it a cake, when, to his surprise, the creature took it gently between its teeth and dropped it into the basket, and then asked for more in the same way. A second, third, and fourth cake were thus dropped into the basket. The sympathetic maid, full of delight at the wonderful conduct of the dog, went to the door, opened it, and said, “Good doggie, go.”

But good doggie did not want to go. On the contrary, he kept his place and said again, “Yap! Yap!” The farmer and the servant yielded to its importunities and proceeded to fill the basket, adding some cheese and bacon. The dog then took up the basket and moved for the door.

“Stop a moment,” said the farmer, “I’ll write you a note, or perhaps some honest person will be whipping you for being a thief.” Accordingly, he scribbled these words on a piece of paper: “Honestly come by. Send the dog again.”

“Now then, off, doggie!” and the great creature sprang out, and disappeared down the dark road. “I will try to find out what this means,” said the kind-hearted farmer, proceeding to put on his overcoat. The old servant begged him not to go out, and placed the large Bible on the table for evening prayers, knowing that this was the best way to detain her master.

After prayer, however, the farmer could not go to bed without seeing if he could find out whether any hungry people were out of doors in his neighborhood. But after walking some two hundred yards against the driving snow and hail, he was obliged to turn back, feeling certain that he should see or hear more of the dog and his burden. And right he was. The next morning the dog appeared again at the door, carrying his basket and requesting entrance with the confidence of an old friend.

“So you’re not afraid to ask for another dinner,” said the farmer, his face beaming with pleasure as he saw the noble animal again. “Have you cut that pie yet, Sarah? You might - but look! here’s a letter;” and he drew out of the basket a folded paper with these words in a woman’s handwriting: “I do not know how to thank my kind benefactors, unknown to me. I didn’t know the dog had gone to beg. He is a neighbor’s dog which my children are very fond of, and when he heard them crying for bread, he seemed to go frantic and caught up the basket that I fetch food in, and ran off. We didn’t know where he had gone till he came back with food which was sent, I believe, in answer to prayer. The God of the fatherless and the widow reward and bless you! Please do not think that I have sent the basket for more, but only to carry the note safely.”

“All right,” said the farmer; “but I am not going to send back the basket empty.” The servant, with tears in her eyes, beckoned to the dog, who jumped up to her and tried to lick her face. “So you couldn’t bear to hear the children cry, could you? Here’s a bit for yourself.” But the dog dropped it into the basket as before, and could not be persuaded to eat his morsel until he saw the basket filled by Sarah. The farmer then took the basket in his hand and started out, followed by the dog, who proceeded to make his way over a large moor that lay nearby.

Here the dog entered into a cottage, while the farmer paused on the threshold from which he could see a neat, plain home. Then a child’s voice cried out, “Mother, here’s Carlo come again,” and a little girl of about five years appeared at the foot of the stairs, but stopped shyly upon seeing the farmer.

“Is this your basket, little one?” asked the farmer.

“No, it’s mother’s.”

“Well, will you take it to her and tell her I’ve filled it again, my dear?”

The little girl looked wonderingly, and said, “Was it you that filled it yesterday? Mother said it was God, and she has been singing, ‘Praise God from Whom all blessings flow’ all the time.”

“Did she want it very much then, my little one?” asked the farmer.

But the child only repeated, “She said it was God. You didn’t fill it, did you?”

“Mother was quite right — it was God,” said the farmer, scarcely able to restrain his tears at the thought that God had thus led him to befriend one of His little ones.

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.

Submitted.

COUNSELS OF THE AGED TO THE YOUNG

(continued)

15. Cultivate peace. Next to the blessing of peace with God and in our own conscience, is that of peace with our fellow men. “As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” And again, “Follow peace with all men.” The true source of all the wars, contentions, and disturbances which are in the world is the pride, the envy, the covetousness, and other evil passions of our nature. Eradicate these, and in their place introduce pure and kind affections, and you will experience a double peace — peace within, and peace without.

Every Christian temper is friendly to peace. I know, indeed, that Christ says that He came not to bring peace but a sword; but He refers not to the nature of His religion, but to the event which He foresaw would occur from the perverse opposition of men to that which is good. The genuine spirit and tendency of the Gospel is beautifully and emphatically expressed in the angelic anthem, sung by the celestial choir at the nativity of our Savior — “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth PEACE, good will to men.” All the adopted sons of God are sons of peace, and are peacemakers. “Live in peace, “ says Paul, “and the God of peace shall be with you.” Humility, meekness, and benevolence must, from the nature of the case, have a mighty influence in producing and maintaining peace. For, as the apostle Peter argues, “Who will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”

No system was ever so well adapted to produce universal peace as Christianity, and the only reason why this effect has not followed its reception everywhere, is that its true spirit has not been imbibed. Just so far as this blessed system is cordially embraced, it cuts up by the roots all causes of contention, except that which has for its subjects sin and error. It teaches us not only to love our friends and brethren, but also our bitterest enemies, to return blessing for cursing, and kindness for ill treatment. Endeavor then to cherish habitually those kind affections which lead to peace; and while you seek peace in your own souls, make it an object to promote peace in the world, and covet the blessedness which is pronounced to belong to peace-makers. Their high honor it is to be called “the sons of God.”

(A. Alexander)

(to be continued)

GOD HEARS AND ANSWERS PRAYER

The following narrative was related by Mr. John Warburton, of Southhill, at Rehoboth Chapel, Stotfold, on December 24th, 1876.

The lad spoken of was known to Mr. Warburton, and I believe that he had the relation from his own lips. He was one of a family in good circumstances, and was brought up to attend the Church of England. When about fourteen years old the Lord was pleased, by His Holy Spirit, to make him sensible of the need of something more than he could obtain from the world and all his youthful amusements, and he found not what he wanted where he attended with his parents. Many were his sighs — and, doubtless, his tears, too — but it was his hap to hear of a few people who met at a cottage or house in the evening of the day for prayer and praise, and also to read and listen to God’s holy Word. But he was not satisfied with hearing about them; he wanted to meet with them, and he did meet with them. Then he felt for the first time since the Lord touched his heart that in the petitions of those followers of Jesus Christ there was that which found echo in his heart, and produced a bond of union with to which before he was a stranger. He continued to attend their meetings until he felt some establishment in the things and truth of God. His father hearing of it, though it was very much beneath him to allow his son to meet with such “poor and deluded people” as they were, and he determined at once to put a stop to it altogether.

He summoned his son into his presence, and sternly said as follows:

“I hear you are in the habit of attending such and such a place with such and such a people. Is it true?” “Yes, father, it is true.” The father then said, “I shall not have my name disgraced by your attending such places. You must promise me you will never go there again, or I will take you to London and bind you apprentice to-morrow.” “I can make no such promise, father.” “Now my son take your candle and go to bed directly, and give me your answer tomorrow morning. “With a heavy heart the candle was taken, the stairs were ascended, the bedroom reached, and with a burdened heart the throne of grace was approached. Was it in vain? No! Was there not an old promise to plead - “Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee.” While on his knees pouring out his sorrows, he had an answer in these sweet words, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” “Oh,” said he, “how willing I was to go anywhere with Him, to travel anywhere; and then I lay down in peace.” When he met his father in the morning, the words were, “Have you made up your mind?” “My mind is made up, father.” “What is it?” “Father, I am willing to obey you in all lawful things, but in your request I cannot obey you.” “What, you refuse to obey me!” “In this I dare do no other!” “Pack up your things immediately;” and they were packed up, and father and son made their way to London. In accordance with the threat, the son, fourteen years of age, was bound apprentice, and the Lord soon gave him favor in the eyes of his master. The youth found his way to Zoar chapel, found out there was a prayer meeting once a week, and also preaching one a week. In accordance with his indentures, he was not to absent himself from his master’s service, without leave, day or night, so, with some trepidation, he asked his master whether he might attend the service on Thursday evenings. His master said, “Yes,” and asked if there were no other services on the week evenings. He said, “Yes, but he did not wish to ask too much; there was a service on the Monday evening.” His master said, “You may always go both evenings; stand for nothing; if anyone says anything to you, refer them to me; let nothing on my part hinder you.” And so he had a plain path for his feet.

In process of time his father called to see how he was getting on, and whether he was weaned from his old prayer meeting practises. His master said to the father, “Have you any more sons like this one? If you have, send them to me, for the one I have is the best and most trustworthy lad I ever had.” He finished his apprenticeship, and became an honorable member of society. His father’s appointed time to die drew near. He sent for his son, who was soon by his bed-side. Taking the hands of his son into his own hands, he said, “My son, I am about to die. I have left everything in your hands; I know you will do right. I leave you to do right for your mother, your sisters, and brothers. That which is right, honest, and just, I feel sure you will do. My son, you are an honorable man;” and so he died.

(This is a remarkable case, and shows, first, the overruling providence of God; second, the value of godly fear in the heart of the young, and third, that God hears and answers prayer.)

THE PROFIT OF BIBLE STUDY

How I love Thy law, O Lord!
Daily joy its truths afford;
In its constant light I go,
Wise to conquer every foe.

Thy commandments in my heart
Truest wisdom can impart;
To my eyes Thy precepts show
Wisdom more than sages know.

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