A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

FAMILY AND HOME (2)

The well-known Thomas Watson said, “If you would have your children honour you, teach them by a holy example. A father is a looking-glass which the child oft dresses himself by; let the glass be clear and not spotted.” Can this be said of us?

When Napoleon, the Emperor of the French in the 19th century, complained to a lady regarding the awful education that the young were receiving and asked her who was to blame, her answer was, “Mothers.” And to his inquiry as to who could help out in such circumstances, she again replied, “Mothers.”

We have Biblical proofs, too. Why was Ahaziah, king of Judah so devoted to evil during the one brief year of his reign? It was because he was guided by the wicked counsel of his idolatrous mother, Athaliah. On the other hand, remember Hannah’s life and you have in the way of means the secret of Samuel’s early consecration to the Lord.

Think of Monica, and you and I should not be surprised at the devotion of Augustine, the great preacher in the 4th and 5th century. In his Confessions he wrote, “It is my mother that I owe all!” In his youth he went his own way in the world, although his mother was a praying mother. The famous Ambrose, bishop of Milan, once told his mother when she wept bitterly about the behaviour of her son: “Talk not much about your child; pray much for your child.”

Many of us know what it is if our teenagers desire to go the way of the world. Many times there comes into the hearts of parents: I cannot bring up my children.

When, as happens, a son or daughter steps aside from the path of honour and virtue, and brings shame to himself and the name he bears, and tears fall in sorrow for the one who goes his own way, may God give us to pray at the Throne of Grace out of the depths of our heart that He will stop our child and bring it back.

Would that we feel our responsibility before God! Therefore, teach them very early a simple prayer, and when they grow older, teach them to pray for conversion, a new heart. When they grow up, parents, do not forget to ask the Lord if He will lead them in such a way that the friendships of your children may be wisely formed. God bind them upon your heart, especially in our world of today, where they are surrounded with evils we did not know in our youth.

May God give us the desire to tell them very clearly in their youth the many simple stories out of the Word of God. O, try it, even if you feel you cannot do it properly. Is it not worth it? Also read to them the Bible stories from Vreugdenhil with their sincere applications.

Another important thing is: When you talk with your young children, remember that they are children—they think as children, they understand as children. See, for example, Abraham taking Isaac in order to offer him on Mount Moriah. The boy asked his father that single question, “Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” What would his father Abraham say?

He got this answer: “God will provide Himself a lamb.” How, or where, or whence, or in what manner, or by what means? All this was not told Isaac, but the answer was enough; it was simple and child-like. Abraham talked on the level of his child and it was not necessary to give a detailed explanation. Isaac believed that it would be well because his father said so, and he was content.

When children grow up, know that idleness is the devil’s best friend. An idle mind is like an open door, and if Satan does not enter in himself by it, it is certain he will throw in something to raise bad thoughts in our own and our children’s souls. Give them useful activities to do.

It is natural to be tender and affectionate towards your own flesh and blood. But take heed that it does not make you blind to your children’s faults. The shortest way to spoil children is to let them have their own way—to allow them to do wrong and not to punish them for it. Remember Proverbs: “He that spareth his rod hateth his son.” “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and deliver his soul from hell” (Prov. 13:24; 23:13, 14).

See it in Eli’s case. He gave his sons no more than a tame and lukewarm reproof while he ought to have rebuked them sharply. In one word, he honoured his sons above God. And we know his own grey hairs were brought down with sorrow to the grave.

We should not give way to every wish of our children. Do not make idols of your children. God can break our idols. See how many things God withholds from His children. It is for their best interests that He does not always fulfil their desires. Remember Moses. He desired exceedingly to cross over Jordan and see the land of promise; but you will remember his desire was never granted.

Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear. No school will make such deep marks on their character as will the home. Be an example, therefore, in words, in temper, in diligence, in humility. God give us to pray for that. It is for the welfare of our children, even when they are grown up.

Let us never forget what the Lord Jesus did in His dying hour on the cross and how He did it. When He was in pain and agony and the devil tried to destroy Christ’s work, the Saviour looked down from the cross upon the woman, who, thirty-three years earlier had clasped Him to her bosom, watched over His slumbers when He, as a helpless Baby, lay in a manger in the stable at Bethlehem, and always guarded Him. Setting a most beautiful example of love and respect, He addressed to His beloved disciple the words, “Behold thy mother!” (John 19:27). It is as if we hear: Take care of her, provide for her in her declining years.

And do not forget that it is God’s own lesson for us: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). This is a subject, on which all concerned are in great danger of falling short of their duty. Let us be honest: We all do fall short and make many mistakes.

It is a blessing if we may learn to train up our children with all tenderness, affection, and patience. Love should be the silver thread that runs through all our conduct. These are the ways we must follow if we would find the way to the heart of our children.

For a good relationship in the home, try to speak with your children patiently. Fear puts an end to openness, fear sows the seed of much hypocrisy and leads to many hes. Remember Colossians, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged” (Col. 3:21).

I know that grace is the most powerful way of God, but other than that there is nothing more powerful than Christian education of our children—and that has to begin in our home. In training up our children, God give it to be constantly before our eyes that the soul of our child is the first and most important thing to be considered.

And let us as parents not forget that we must not be content to do the things of the world merely because they are the customs of the world. The time is short and the fashions of this world pass away.

Watch also your language! Children have good ears. Obviously, no rough language should come out of your mouth. And when you say a thing is bad for them, it must be bad. And when you say it is good for them, it really must be good.

Children are quick observers; very quick in seeing through some kinds of hypocrisy; very quick in finding out what you really think and feel; very quick in adopting your ways and opinions. You will often find: as the father so is the son. We can find back our own sins in our children.

Then another thing. Many times young couples come to me for their marriage. We try to speak with them. One of my questions is: You spoke together about your love, your house, your furniture, your wedding. Did you speak to each other about the welfare of your souls? Even so with parents. When do we speak with our offspring about the one thing needful? That we are fallen children of Adam? That we need grace?

O, I know we do not always see God-fearing parents have Godfearing children. Rehoboam was the son of Solomon. Manasseh was the son of Hezekiah. But I also know that God is a God Who works by means. Timothy was the son of Eunice and the grandson of Lois, and unfeigned faith dwelt in both women.

It is true, children have mixed the most bitter cups that man ever had to drink. Children have caused the saddest tears that fathers and mothers ever had to shed. Adam could tell you so. Remember Cain. Jacob could tell you about some of his sons. David could tell you this. Remember his cry, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!” (II Sam. 18:33).

The Lord teach you all your needs by the Holy Spirit, to quicken, renew, and sanctify your souls and your children’s souls. What a blessed family and home we would have. There is not a greater blessing than when the Lord will make your children new creatures!

Finally, a few warnings. Young people, who have known nothing but prosperity, think that having many things —motorcycles, radios, stereos, expensive cars, and so on—is normal. But prosperity is not always a blessing.

If, for example, the parents spend their evening in front of a television set, no wonder that the younger ones take to the streets because of an unpleasant home atmosphere. The parents are to blame. No one knows which of the two is the biggest problem of today: young people who rebel or parents who take life easy and please themselves. If you go away every night to visit others and your children are alone, do not be surprised when in eternity they fly in your face and say: Why did you do all these things, while we were left alone?

The well-known Professor G. Wisse wrote about television and used the expression “De kijkkast van de duivel”—the showbox of Satan. A Christian Reformed weekly, Calvinist Contact, used as headline of an article about T.V. “The One-Eyed Giant.” Even worldly doctors and specialists warn the awful consequences for children looking for hours against the screen. They come automatically into a dream-world.

Parents, watch and pray that you enter not into temptation— nor lead your children into it.

Another important thing is that when your children grow up, we should teach them that it can be good not to satisfy our every wish so that they can give more to God’s Kingdom and to those who are in need. Paul told the Corinthians, “God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7). Also true for our rising generation is that which the old apostle tells us: “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully” (II Cor. 9:6).

We brought our children into the world, into a world full of sin. God give us to pray for their well-being and not to bring them up for the world. The old apostle John wrote so earnestly, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (I John 2:16, 17).

God give us to walk in simplicity, to beg Him for mercy, to ask Him for wisdom in bringing up our children to His glory. And then it shall be an eternal wonder if at the end of our life we come before the Judge on that last and great day and may say: Behold, Lord, I and the children whom Thou hast given me (Is. 8:18, Heb. 2:13).

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This is a month when many of us are again travelling to see friends and relatives in other places. And as we travel we are able to see a small part of the work of the Great Creator of all things. The oceans and lakes, the mountains and canyons, the waterfalls—all these things display God’s mighty power and greatness. But also the very little things—the flowers, the leaves on the trees, the small animals, birds and insects—are wonders of His hand. And then we see all types of people, some travelling, some working, some playing—they also are created beings wonderfully made. Everything that we see as we travel speaks to us of God. Do you think of this as you travel?

In one of our psalters we sing:

In the earth let all things praise Him,

Seas and all that they contain,

Stormy winds that do His pleasure,

Hail and lightning, snow and rain.

Hills and mountains, praise your Maker,

Praise Him, all ye flocks and herds,

Woods and fields and fruitful vineyards,

Creeping things and flying birds.

Kings and princes, bow before Him,

Earthly judges, give Him praise;

All ye people, tell His glory,

Old and young, your voices raise.

Perhaps you will try to think of this when you travel and see these wonders of His creation. We so quickly forget God our Maker, even though there are so many things which speak to us of Him.

The first letters of our answers will spell out seven words of Paul to the people of Athens. He, too, was reminding the people of that city that they must remember the God of heaven and earth.

In the beginning God created the _____ and the earth.

God saw____ thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.

The Lord said by Jeremiah, “Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in Mine hand, O house of _____”

The psalmist said, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof; ….for He hath founded it upon the _____.”

The Lord said to Abraham, “ ____ now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them.”

Elijah said, “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of ___ fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain.”

Peter said to Cornelius, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no _____ of persons.”

Joseph said to Pharaoh, “What God is about to ____, He sheweth unto Pharoah.”

The Lord said to Job, “Who hath divided a watercourse for the _____ of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder?”

The Lord said to Eijah, “I have commanded the ravens to _____ thee.”

The Lord said, “Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand_____.”

In his psalm Moses said, “Even from ____ to ____, Thou art God.”

A man of God said to king____, “God hath power to help, and to cast down.”

In Psalm 60 we read, “Through God we shall do ____; for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.”

The Lord said to ____, “I have left Me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal.”

Paul said, “He hath made of one blood all ____ of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.”

Daniel said unto the king, “My God hath sent His ____ and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me.”

Who said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel”?

God did so that night; for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was ____ on all the ground.

A lord on whose hand the king leaned said to ____, “Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?”

The Lord Jesus said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God: for with God ____ things are possible.”

The Lord said unto Moses, “Behold, I will ____ bread from heaven for you.”

David said, “Thou preparest a ____ before me in the presence of mine enemies.”

The Lord Jesus said to His disci ples, “All power is given unto Me in ____ and in earth.”

(Your answers should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Wood-mont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

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

“Arise, Anoint Him, For This Is He” I Samuel 16:12

Armourbearer -I Samuel 16:21 Robe -I Samuel 18:4

Innocent -I Samuel 19:5

Slain -I Samuel 18:7

Encouraged -I Samuel 30:6

Achish -I Samuel 21:10

Nob -I Samuel 22:9

Oil -I Samuel 16:13

Iniquity -I Samuel 20:1

Name -I Samuel 17:45

Talmai -II Samuel 3:3

Harp -I Samuel 16:23

Israel -II Samuel 1:17–19

Mephibosheth -II Samuel 9:6–7

Fight -I Samuel 17:32

Obededom -II Samuel 6:10–11

Remaineth -I Chronicles 17:1

Thirty -I Samuel 5:4

House -I Samuel 22:22

Ishbosheth -II Samuel 4:7–11

Skirt -I Samuel 24:4

Ithream -II Samuel 3:5

Shimer -II Samuel 16:5–6

Hushai -II Sam. 16:16–19

Earth -I Kings 2:2

Answers to the quiz have been received from—

Jason DeSmit

Michael DeSmit

Julie DeSmit

Jonas Arnoldussen

Nicole Arnoldussen

Joel Arnoldussen

John Heystek

Michele Rus

Stan Bylsma

Chris Bylsma

Rachel Rosendall

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Jason Engelsma

Bill Dykstra

Tim Dykstra

Genny Pavan

Len denBoer (2)

John VanHeek

Peter DenBoer (2)

Eugene VanHoepen

Brian VanHoepen

Andy Pavan

Rick Maljaars(3)

Doug Maljaars (3)

Judy Maljaars (3)

Eddie Maljaars (3)

Ted VandeLagemaat

Louie VandeLagemaat

Hilda VandenHoek (2)

Anthony VandenHoek (2)

Trudy Viets

Robert VanVeldhuizen

Bruce denHoed

Susan denHoed

Amy Beeke (2)

Lori Beeke (2)

Karl VanderMeulen (2)

Benjamin VanderMeulen (2)

David VanderMeulen (2)

Frances VanderMeulen (2)

Diane Spaans

Renita Schelling

Pamela Schelling

Jolene VandenBerg

Lyle VanRavenswaay

Norman VanRavenswaay

Stephen Kaat

Reineke Bertram (2)

Ronald Bertram (2)

Steve VanOostenbrugge

Rodney VanderZand

Bobby VanderZand

John Leonard Kaat

Tim M. Kaat (2)

Elaine Frens (2)

Debbie VanBemden

Sally VanBemden

Howard Hubers (2)

Duane Hubers (2)

Mary Hubers (2)

Vicki Post

Doug Post

Rosemary Kardux (2)

Janet Kardux (2)

Cheryl VandeStouwe (3)

Myra VandeStouwe (2)

Beverly Kroesbergen

Andy Kroesbergen

Anita Kroesbergen

Joan VanGiessen

Liz VanGiessen

Craig Phillips

Kristi Lamain

Sara Lamain

Colin Both

Cathy Both

Jeremy A. Boot

Jeff Boot

Laurie VanEss

Ray VanderKooi

Jacob Nijsse

Leslie VanWijk (2)

Jeffrey VanWijk (2)

Edward VanWijk (2)

Cornie Boon

Daniel Boon

Nathan VanderMale

Larry Roelofs

Daniel John Roelofs

David Roelofs

Heidi Fish

Richard Thomas Fish

Karen DeVries

Margaret Karelse

Shirley Karelse

Karen Karelse

Michelle Karelse

Carol Boluyt

Kristi Boluyt

Chad Wielhouwer

Julie VanGemert

Vicki VanGemert

Stephen Sporte

Cathy Baum (2)

Steven Baum (2)

Karen Wesdyk

John Wesdyk

Kevin Dale Hoogendoorn

Allan Post (2)

Michael Post (2)

Natalie Post (2)

Michelle Klaasen

Jon Peter VandenToorn

Tammy VandenToorn

Lance Teunissen

Brenda Teunissen

Michelle Teunissen

Lisa Hoogendoorn

Shelley Hoogendoorn

Kim VandenToorn

Lisa VandenToorn

David Elshout

Robert Thomas Baum

Allan Jay Baum, Jr.

Amy Baum

Ellen Marie Baum

Carl Mast

Stephanie Kegel

Jody Kegel

Dwaine Johnson

Steven Johnson

Danny Eppinga

Scott Eppinga

Robin Eppinga

Karen VandenBeukel (2)

Eirka VandenBeukel (2)

Debra VandenBeukel

John Schelling

Cindy Markus

Lisa Markus

Dan Markus

Glen VanderKooi

Ray VanderKooi

Laura Talbot

Leah Talbot

Linda Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Mark Talbot

Bettina Slingerland (2)

Joanne Slingerland

Jeremy Kaat

Rick Carlson

Randy Carlson

Jennifer Sue Rose

Janelle VanVoorst

Rachel VanVoorst

Cindy Hulshof

Ronald Hulshof

Steve Tanis

Craig Tanis

Stephen Kaat

John L. Kaat

Leann Klaren beek (2)

Arlen Klarenbeek (2)

Darwyn Klarenbeek (2)

Melinda DeMeester

Warren VanDenTop

Dan Bazen

Ed Bazen

Peter Bazen

Sharon Bazen

Craig Phillips

Rich TenElshof

Timothy TenElshof

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Rob Nieuwenhuis

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Hugo Kranendonk

Joanna Kranendonk

Carrie Lynn VanderStel

Pete VanderStel

Randy VanderStel

Arlen denHoed

Sheryl denHoed

Sharon denHoed

Tom Hoefakker

Doug Post

Vicki Post

Jody Ann Ymker

Julie Ann Rozeboom

Gaylon Rozeboom

Julie K. Klarenbeek

Diane Klarenbeek

Jim Kraayeveld

Rachel VanDyke

Timothy VanDyke

Jennifer Bednarski (2)

Kenny Kanis

Debbie Kanis

Jack Neels (3)

Wilhelmina Neels (2)

Kent Evan Hoogendoorn

Louise VandenBrink

Tim Lagemaat

Robert Lagemaat

Les Lagemaat

Nita Lagemaat

Johanna Scholten

Margaret Scholten

Mariane Neels

Helen VanBrugge

Linda VanBrugge

Corrie VanBrugge

Anita Roth

Krista Roth

Julia Roth

Andy Lee Devries

Kristy Schipper

Karrie Beeke

Peter VanBrugge

Jamie Hossink

Eric Widner

Steve DeBat

Marc DeVisser

Kristi Devries

Petra Muis

Sherry Fluit

Shirley Fluit

Beth VanderKooi

Brian DeVries

Laurie Bleeker

Steve Bleeker

Michelle VanBrugge

Craig Timmer

Rachael Timmer

Brenda Spaans

Rose Teunissen

Daryl Slingerland

Glenda Slingerland

Leah Pluim

Stacey Seabert (2)

Michele Seabert (2)

Susan Kranendonk

Ronald Kranendonk

Sarah Verkade

Timothy David VanGrouw

Bobby Hults, Jr. (2)

Sidney VanderMeulen

Elizabeth VanderMeulen

Constance VanderMeulen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Rhonda VanVeldhuizen

Sheila VanVeldhuizen

Phyllis VanVeldhuizen

Kristi VanVeldhuizen

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

Anita VanTilbury

Bob Boerkoel

John Boerkoel

Joanne Boerkoel

Lorraine Blom

Brian Kegel

Yvonne Kegel

Kevin Eppinga

Dwayne Eppinga

Terry Eppinga

Kevin Knibbe

Jeffry Knibbe

Nora Jane Knibbe

Estella Schouten

Philip Schouten

Anita Schouten

Leona VandenBrink

Annette VandenBrink

Amy VandeVrede

Bryan VandeVrede

Jacob Nijsse

Susan VanRavenswaay

Tim VanSurksum

Rachel Pluim

And now I shall answer the letters received—

JEREMY KAAT - Did you have a nice trip to Arizona, Jeremy? How many miles did you travel? It is not so bad to travel that distance along nicely paved roads, but just think what it must have been to travel there in a wagon drawn by horses or oxen.

LOUISE BRINK - We are quite well, Louise. What are you doing during the vacation from school? Do you still have lots of pigs on your farm? The book of Acts shows us how the church was gathered by the Lord in those days, and He has continued to do so even till today.

RONALD BERTRAM - The parable of the ten virgins has been the subject of many sermons throughout the years, Ronald. Did you learn something that you had not known before? God’s Word brings a message to all corners of the earth, and is the same for all people.

AMY BEEKE - How many different kinds of birds do you find in British Columbia, Amy? I am sure you find some there which are not to be seen in this area. The Bible also speaks of quite a few different birds. Do you have some of those birds too?

ERIKA VANDEN BEUKEL - We are glad that you liked the book, Erika. Do you like to read? It is important to find books which give good instruction, since there are many which do not do so. Or do you get tired of books after nine months of studying at school?

JOHN WESDYK - Are your fish surviving, John? Just as with birds, there is a great variety in fish of all kinds. When we consider all the different shapes, colors and sizes, I think it would take a rather large book to list them all.

ANTHONY VANDEN HOEK - We have rather hot weather at the moment, Anthony, but a few weeks ago it was cool and rainy. We are dependent upon the Lord for both the sunshine and the rain, and they both are necessary for the crops in the fields.

KAREN VANDEN BEUKEL - You have remembered the subject matter of your book real well, Karen. How much we must acknowledge the Lord for the materials those men have given us. It was not easy for them, but they were able to do much good for the churches of later years.

LEONA BRINK - Do you think you would like to go to a strange country in order to do mission work, Leona? As we mentioned earlier, the book of Acts speaks of mission work, and also there we can see that it is not always pleasant for those who are sent out into those places.

ANITA SCHOUTEN - Yes, Anita, every day must be a wonder for us, and we think of this more when we are sick or someone we know well is sick. The Bible tells us, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”; and it is so sad that man’s treasure is usually only of material value.

TIMOTHY DAVID VAN GROUW - Does your brother live near a lake, Timothy? In the Bible we read about some fishermen who were taught to fish for something other than fish. Do you know who they were and what they were to catch? What did they use for bait?

PETER VAN BRUGGE - Do you think all of your class will be doing the quiz during the summer, Peter? I am sure it would be helpful for them if they did, because then they would be ahead of the others in their Bible lessons. We will be looking for your answers.

ESTELLA SCHOUTEN - How is your father, Estella? The medication which the doctors give is also dependent upon the Lord’s blessing. In the Bible we also read about a remedy prescribed for a sick man; in fact there are several that could be mentioned. Do you know of any?

ROSEMARY KARDUX - How is the goat and the baby kids, Rosemary? How many other animals do you have? Also in the life of the animals we can see how the Lord provides. The young are born and are taken care of by their parents until able to care for themselves.

HILDA VANDEN HOEK - As you travel through the countryside, you can see that the crops are not as far advanced as usual, Hilda. Do you find this true also in Alberta? Each person in his own particular occupation requires the Lord’s blessing if his work is to prosper.

REINEKE BERTRAM - We hope we may be able to meet your parents when they are here, Reineke. I am sure you will miss them while they are gone. Did you think that the quiz was quite easy this time? When the questions are about well-known persons or events, they are not as difficult.

JANET KARDUX - The bikeathon brought in quite a lot of money, Janet. How many persons took part in it? We are often amazed at the amount of money with which the schools are provided. How necessary that the Lord be acknowledged in these things.

KAREN WESDYK - New York City has many interesting places to be visited, Karen. But then we are reminded of how the disciples were viewing the beautiful buildings of Jerusalem at one time, and how that later they were destroyed so that there was not one stone upon another.

PHILIP SCHOUTEN - Yes, Philip, the Lord has healed many while He was on this earth many years ago, but He continues to give the blessing of healing to many sick ones today. Too often we forget the Lord’s hand in these blessings. Give our greetings to your father.

Thank you, boys and girls, for the answers to the quiz again this month. May we learn to love God’s Word, so that we may say with the psalmist, “Thy testimonies also are my delight.” May the Lord spare us so that we may meet here next month again.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

A NEW COAT For the Little Ones

How pleased you are when you have a new dress or coat. And although it is very pleasing you would hardly think such a thing would be mentioned in such an important Book as the Bible. But it is. The story of Samuel when he was quite young, but living a long way from his mother, tells us that she “made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year,” (I Sam. 2:19). Just what use Samuel made of it we do not know, possibly he went out for a walk, or on special occasions, because he wore a long loose linen coat when he was working in the tabernacle. It is said in verse 28, chapter one, that his mother “lent him to the Lord.” True, she did, but her mother’s love was not altered by that. He must have looked forward to seeing his mother. And how kind of the Lord to tell us about this little boy and the coat his mother made him each year.

Question: What was his mother’s name?

The Friendly Companion

WHAT THEN?

Said the old college professor, “Well, your college course is finished!”

“Yes,” said the young man, “I graduate today.”

“And then?”

“Oh, I shall take up my profession, marry a fine woman, make a fortune, and make my way in the world.”

“And then?” asked the professor.

“Well, old age will come, but I hope to enjoy that too.”

“And then?”

Well, then I shall have to die, I suppose.”

“And then?” asked the professor. But the young man had no ready answer. Have you, my reader?

Does this not aptly describe the aim and desire of almost every one today? They give no heed to the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, Who said to the multitude gathered around Him, “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13–14.)

A certain rich man whom the Lord had prospered said within himself, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall those things be which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself and is not rich towards God” (Luke 12:19–21). (Young People’s Magazine)

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