MISSION TIDINGS

GIFT RECEIVED FOR MISSION IN JANUARY, 1984

CLASSIS EAST SOURCE AMOUNT

St. Catherines Mission Boxes 205.00

Bradford Gifts 548.29

Unionville Gift 1,000.00

St. Catherines Sale 1,150.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 300.00

St. Catherines Gift 250.00

Hamilton Gift 500.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 300.00

Kalamazoo Mission Night 320.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 10.00

Friend in Michigan Gift 15.00

Friend in New Jersey Gift 10.00

Clifton Collection 736.00

Clifton Gift 231.50

Friend in Michigan Gift 1,000.00

CLASSIS MIDWEST

Friend in S. Dak. Gift 100.00

Sioux Center Sale 2,442.30

Friend in Rock Valley Gift 165.00

R. Valley Mission Guild Gift 25.00

Friend in R. Valley Gift 200.00 CLASSIS FARWEST

Sunnyside Calendars 75.00

Chilliwack Calendars 500.00

Total $10,583.09

Dear friends,

The first month of the year is already passed, so it’s time to write a short thank you note for all the gifts received for the mission in the month of January.

In behalf of the mission board we want to express our sincere thanks and may the Lord truly bless you and your gifts.

Mike and Carol Meeuwse and the baby left February 6 for New Guinea. It was a special blessing for them to be home with their parents, brothers, sisters, and grandparents in Kalamazoo and in Artesia, California. May the Lord go before them, protect them, and bring them back on the appointed time safely.

From the Netherlands we were informed that Mr. Polder had died February 10, which was his 59th birthday. May the Lord remember his widow and children in this great loss, but may they find Him to be a father of the fatherless and a Husband of the widow. Mr. Polder had been active for many years in mission activities in the Netherlands, and will also be greatly missed there.

Bill and Cheryl Moerdyk from Kalamazoo will be leaving in the near future for Nigeria to help his brother Tom with all the work of maintenance and contraction.

We are also including an article from Rev. Sonnevelt translated from the Paulus. May the Lord remember us all with His indispensable blessing.

American General Mission Fund

Netherlands Reformed Congregation of United States and Canada

John Spaans, Treasurer

R.R. #1, Box 212

Rock Valley, Iowa 51247

THE MACEDONIA MISSION SOCIETY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

March 31, 1982 – Sept. 30, 1983 We wish to herewith inform our readers of our financial statement, which failed to appear in the recent article “Abridged minutes of Classis East’s Meeting (Oct. 25-26, 1983).

Balance–March 31,1982 $ 647.51

Receipts 30,286.03

Total 30,933.54

Disbursements 24,838.67

Balance – Sept. 30,1983 $ 6,094.87

Also, the Macedonia Mission Society would like to remind all interested persons that copies of most of the sermons in our blue books are available to anyone upon request. Our address is: Macedonia Mission Society, 518 Ackerman Ave., Glen Rock, N.J., U.S.A. 07452.

SERMON FOR INSTALLATION OF REV. H. HOFMAN

“Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours” I Corinthians 3:22.

God’s true servants are given to the Church. They are no angels, but men. In Rev. 2, 3, they are called angels, but not in the same sense as those angels which God has created in the beginning of the world. (Heb. 1:14 and Ps. 103).

In the Old and New Testament angels were used to bring messages from heaven. Their work was temporary. God’s servants are called for life, Moses for 40 years as leader of Israel. Judges served for some years; priests and Levites served from the time they were 30 until they were 50 years old. Zacharias in the N.T. was different. Think of the Apostles, they also served for life. Isaiah prophesied about 60 years. Their life was dedicated to the Lord’s service. They were called by various names: shepherds, watchmen on the walls of Zion (Isa. 62:6); Boanerges, sons of thunder; Barnabas, Son of consolation. Here three names are mentioned: Paul to plant, Apollos to water, but God must give the increase. Not Paul, but the Lord Himself opened the heart of Lydia (Acts 16:14). See also Eph. 4. It is a good work (I Tim. 3:1). It is a most responsible work. They must give account of their stewardship. Who is sufficient for these things? Their blood shall be required from the hands of the shepherds. He that winneth souls is wise. They watch for your souls as they that must give account.

The Lord has not laid that work upon the shoulders of angels, so it is not entrusted to them, but to weak men, sinful creatures. Moses could not do it, Isaiah was a man of unclean lips, Jeremiah was young, Amos was a herdsman. Galileans were unlearned and ignorant men. (Acts 4) Still John could say: “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word of life” (I John 1:1).

v. 20 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

v. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men, for all things are yours.

v. 22 Whether Paul, of Apollos, or Cephas, all are yours.

Do not glory in men. Paul also has a very special reason for that caution, and that is: all things, literally all things are yours, are your property, the property of the church. When they glory in one part of their treasures, they are one-sided, they are actually neglecting their riches.

After the fall of Adam we cannot make the right use of anything. We undervalue one thing and overvalue the other. We make much of the one, and don’t look at the other. We idolize the one and loathe the other. It was also thus in Paul’s day; “Let no man despise thy youth.”

A greater richness than God’s people possess has never been found. In this text God’s children are said to be possessors of present and future riches. Are they then rich in this world? No, not generally speaking; for not many wise men, not many mighty, not many noble men are called, but those despised by the world has God chosen, as Lazarus (Luke 16), and Mary and Joseph, (Luke 2), the widow who cast in 2 mites (Mark 12:42).

Moreover God’s children are not spared adversities in their temporal possessions, “but all things must work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” This must be so, for by faith they are united with Christ, Who is the great Heir of all things, and they are joint-heirs. Therefore the apostle can say, “For all things are yours.” Then he mentions several things. First he mentions the foundation, “Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas.” How must we understand that? It means that the labor of God’s servants is for God’s children. God has given pastors and teachers to His church so that they may be built up in their most holy faith. Also for the increase and gathering in of the Church of God.

The apostle continues and speaks about the world, that world which because of sin lies in wickedness and is sustained for the sake of the elect. They receive as much of this world as they need for this life. They receive it out of His right hand in His favor, and that is the most important thing. In this world they are prepared for the endless eternity. Likewise the Apostle speaks about life and says, “It also is yours.” He means of course, our temporal life. How long God’s children must live here on earth is ordained by God. They must here serve their generation by the will of God, and thus to run the race set before them. The entire course they must run, serves to prepare them for eternity. And thus death also serves to carry them from this earthly life and bring them to the regions of eternal bliss. Death then is included in the “all” that is theirs. For God’s people death is also the last enemy, for that last enemy shall be destroyed only in the last great day of days. For God’s people death is not a satisfaction for their sins, but only an abolishing of sin and a passage into eternal life. For His people Christ has swallowed up death in victory. Death will deliver them from the sinful nature that they had to bear here. Therefore death shall do them no harm. Would then not everything be theirs?

The apostle also speaks of things present and things to come. The things present are those things that belong to our temporal life. For God’s people this must include not only external gifts, but also spiritual gifts. Especially the Apostle means the things that God gives His people in His providence. But all the things present are perishable.

The Apostle also speaks of future things, the state of eternal glory, which is far more excellent than this temporal life. (Ps. 63:3) Never can it be expressed what God’s people shall enjoy after this life. The Psalmist says in Psalm 31: “Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee.” An uninterrupted and inexpressible salvation has been prepared for the people of God after this life. Therefore the Apostle could say, “All things are yours.”

And then he continues: “And ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” What a great thing! But it is indispensable for us all! We must belong to another. (Lord’s Day 1) By nature we belong to ourselves, and that means only misery in life and in death, in time and eternity. But how necessary and what a privilege it is to belong to Christ. Then we are His property and by faith we may be united with Him as His bride, as His body, as His Church, as His flock, as the people He has purchased. Then we are His property with body and soul. Then we need no life insurance, nor fire insurance, nor for sickness, etc., etc. What can harm us then?

Therefore the Apostle also says, “And Christ is God’s.” In Christ we learn to know God as a God of full salvation, and He is willing to be the portion of His people. (Ps. 16:5) Yea, He is their eternal God, we cannot think of greater riches. How poor man is with all the goods and gold of this world if he lacks these treasures. Ps. 17:14, 15.

And still he continues to think that earthly gold can satisfy his heart, and he seeks to gather more treasures that moth and rust can corrupt.

David was happy in Ps. 119:57 when he said, “Thou art my portion, O Lord.” and in verse 94: “I am Thine.”

Rev. Lamain

THE INAUGURAL SERMON OF REV. H. HOFMAN

Congregation, the time has now arrived that I may for the first time preach the word of God to you. At this time I will refrain from relating my experiences regarding your call: “come over and help us.” I have published a booklet wherein you may find in detail what has moved me to accept your call. The booklet is presently being translated into the English language. And besides, we are not come to preach ourselves. Paul the apostle says; woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.

We pray that the Lord may give the strength and faithfulness to lay no other foundation than what is laid by the prophets and apostles, as well as by your former pastors, namely Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May the Lord bless this ministry to the extension of His Kingdom. May the word become powerful and lively in the hearts of the hearers through the operation of the Holy Spirit. May that Spirit perform his regenerating work in our midst, so that many are added to the number of them that shall be saved. We ask your attention for the word of God that we read in Psalm 84:10, the first part:

For a day in Thy courst is better than a thousand.

In this portion of scripture our attention is drawn to:

The desire to the sanctuary.

It consists of two thoughts: first, the gift of the sanctuary; second, the blessing of the sanctuary.

This psalm is for the children of Korah. These children of Korah could not boast of a noble ancestry. But the Lord is a God of mercy. This psalm speaks of the amiability of Gods tabernacles. Here we are reminded of the tabernacle which was built by Moses according to the Lords own plan; known as “The tabernacle of the Lord.” Here the Lord will abundantly bless his people with provision.

The ark is the central point, that ark, which speaks of God’s favor with man. We read in Exodus 25:22: And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony. Through Christ alone the Lord will live with His people. The tabernacle of the Lord refers to Christ, the Anointed King. He is the central point, the foundation, and the very door to the habitation of the Lord. He is the chosen One, the Servant of the Lord. He was anointed as a Mediator. Psalm 2:6 “Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion.”

“Salvation is of the Lord”, we read in Jonah 2:9. He is the fountain of all good. The life with God, and the dwelling near to God, as it was in the state of rectitude, has ended forever. Man, by his wilful disobedience has fallen away from God. It is now with us as we read of Cain. “And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.” There is no way of return. A closed paradise; a closed heaven; thus communion with God is broken forever. This is our natural state and from our side there is no way of return.

But now the Lord Himself has opened a way, through the gift of His Son. He is Immanuel-God with us: When we speak of the tabernacle of the Lord we refer to no one but this blessed Immanuel. He is all things for us. He is the first; He has prepared a place with God; He has opened a door; He has paved the way; His name is Christ; He has said, I am the way; He is the anointed King, ordained by God; He is the humiliated King; He who knew no sin Himself took the sin of His people upon Himself.

God will have His justice satisfied and the debt must be paid. Sin must be punished, in order for the door of Gods tabernacle to open. He was willing to take the punishment upon Himself. He trod the way to the bitter and shameful end alone. Behold what it cost Him to open the tabernacle of the Lord. No silver or gold was acceptable, but His life. His blood. Yet is pleased the Lord to bruise Him; “He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; He was cut off out of the land of the living and for the transgression of my people was He stricken.” But he did not remain in the power of death.

He arose: “He was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” He is the living King, the minister of the sanctuary. “How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts!”

In the preaching of the word the tabernacle of God must always be the focal point. It must also be the restoration of a broken communion with God which includes the way of salvation in Christ Jesus. The message with which the Lord sends His servants is to preach the necessity of conversion and of reconciliation with God and added to this is the preaching of the amiability of the tabernacle of the Lord; of the glory, suitability, and necessity of Christ. To preach about this caring King, He sends His servants into the highways and hedges proclaiming that God doth seek that which is lost, “And bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which wsa broken and will strengthen that which was sick.” Ezek. 34:16.

These are the blessings of the sanctuary. Here lies the beginning. The Lord said to Moses: “and there I will speak with thee.” There is a divine power in these words; it is the power of Gods electing love, with which He draws His own near to Himself. “Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest and causest to approach unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Thy house even of Thy holy temple.” Ps. 65:4.

When the Holy Spirit opens the heart then the eyes begin to see. Inquiring after the tabernacle of the Lord is begun. Their heart and their flesh crieth out for the living God; they long after God, also they find in their heart a sorrow after God, and also a sorrow for sin. They say: “Against Thee-Thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight.”

The way seems so long, and they often find Gods Tabernacle so inaccessable. They seek, cry, implore, and they confess their sins. In the world they can no longer find rest, comfort, peace or happiness. Nor can they find life in their own works and righteousness. Their heart and their flesh crieth out for the living God. One day passed in Thy house of praise, is better than a thousand days, spent in the realm of earthly splendor. They enter into Gods house, they take their place next to the publican, crying: “God be merciful to me a sinner.” They are in Gods house as a sinner, as an unworthy one guilty of all the commandments of God, confessing they are “Conceived in sin and born in iniquity.” Then there in Gods house they hear of a way which originates on Gods side, for there also those ignorant ones are instructed, the weak ones strengthened, the blind ones receive their sight, and the mourning ones are comforted. Those that have no helper, receive help from Him.

Then the house of God becomes a cave of Adullam. To this cave came every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt and every one that was discontended, they gathered themselves unto him, he became a captain over them, and this we hope to preach, the Lord is pleased to have His tabernacle also here in Kalamazoo, and who is the central point? certainly not I; I am a man sent by God. We may not seek the preacher, but the Lord alone. With John the Baptist, I hope to refer only to “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” It is my hearts desire that this preaching may bear fruit, and that this confession is heard and brought into practice. A day in Thy courts is better than a thousand, but how often do we find this reversed, a thousand days without God are better than one day in His courts; no longing for God; no life with God! Rich in and enriched in and with the world!

Boys and girls, what is your confession? Fathers and mothers, older persons, are you still at rest in the world, and at rest in your unconverted state? O that the Lord may open our eyes, that He perform His work in us, and that His grace may be poured upon us! We proclaim to you in the name of the Lord; There is room with God; “In My Fathers house are many mansions.”

In Christ Jesus there is a fulness of salvation. His store houses are never empty. He invites, He knocks, not only in a friendly way, but also in a persuasive and warning manner. Do not let the time of grace pass by; soon the door will be forever closed. Then the time of grace is past.

Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house. They have found life, and God’s praises are on their lips. They praise Him for His mercies, and with Him they find a hiding place against the floods of evil and against satan’s accusations.

Congregation, this is the way which we desire to preach to you, that in His name you may have life. Now we will sing Psalter 228:1, 2.

Congregation, before we close I desire to speak a few personal words. In the first place to the person who installed me, Brother Lamain. Who could have thought that you would install me one day? You may look back upon a rich life. One day in the courts of the Lord is already so great, and better than a thousand, but the days you have spent there are countless. It is already more than fifty years ago that you baptized my wife. The days spent in the courts of the Lord here on earth are often mixed with strife, but for you the strife has well nigh ended. What shall it be when soon you may enter into those heavenly courts of the Lord forever, and you may serve the Lamb of God perfectly. It is true, a rich life lies behind you but a far richer time awaits you. May you in the climbing of your years experience Gods favor in a rich measure.

In behalf of the Consistory and the Congregation I express our thanks for your help in this congregation. Other brothers in the ministry were unable to attend because of the weather conditions. With Gods help we will together serve the congregations in their great country. May He grant us the wisdom and strength needed for that work. We hope to receive a place in their midst, and we ask that they remember us in their prayers.

My sister Zwennie and son Marien, we are especially pleased to have you with us in this evening. What a blessing it is to see that the Lord is the same everywhere. Please convey our best wishes to all those that we left behind. Lieve vrouw en kinderen; u gaf met vrijwilligheid en overeenstemming uzelve; het gezin is nu verdeelt.

Mrs. Vergunst and children, surely your thoughts are multiplied. The memory of your beloved husband and father is especially vivid in this evening; but may you also experience the help of the Lord. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Lord be your strength in your widowhood, and may He show to you and the children His fatherly goodness in Christ Jesus.

Congregation: What shall I say? Your kind reception has overwhelmed us and made us astonished! On behalf of my wife and children we express our most hearty thanks. Do not expect the blessings from me, but look up to the Lord. He has sent me for your sake — please be assured that the parsonage is open to old and young. Remember us and our loved ones abroad in your prayers. May the Lord bind us together through His word. This is also our wish for the school. We express our thanks to the principal and teachers for the pleasant way in which they received our children, and for their helpfulness shown during this transition. May the Lord bless the principal, teachers and members of the School Board, also the children, our boys and girls.

Consistory: The Lord grant that we may live in unity and together seek the welfare of the congregation. You know the mountain that is before us; that you will have patience with me, because much time is required for the preparation of the sermons. We ask that you will bear us on the wings of prayer; praying also for a blessing on the services, and wisdom in the study of the English language.

And finally to all here present: May the Lord graciously spread His wings over us. May He keep us close to His word, destroy the works of darkness, bring us at His feet to hear His words, and bless us with His gracious presence. Amen. Let us now give thanks together:

Lord, we give thanks unto Thee for this evening. It is all Thy gift, Thy undeserved goodness. Lord bless Thy word with the dew of Thy Holy Spirit, to the extension of Thy Kingdom. Keep us over the unsafe ways, as we now depart from each other. Watch over us and our children in the coming night. Forgive our sins, and hear us, for Jesus sake. Amen.

STILL THE SAME AS BEFORE

Part I

A few years ago I wrote a small piece with the heading: “Moving, but still living in the same street.” That was an expression, which was once made by an old exercised child of God. He had not read that somewhere in a book, but had knowledge of that for himself.

What I have written above this article, is the answer which many of God’s people must give when they are asked how it is with them. It also happens that there are souls who will add to this: “I think it is even worse than before. I fear that I am continually going backward. Sometimes I am much farther away than I have ever been before. I know not what to think of it. Formerly there was still a little something, but now it is nothing. The only thing I can see is that it is a backsliding condition, and I dare not say what thoughts at times arise in my heart. At times they say within with David in Psalm 3, “There is no help for him in God.” And added to that, sometimes they are without desires, want, love and without impressions. “Sometimes I feel myself so godless that all kinds of thoughts fill my heart, whether the true beginning of the work of God has ever been wrought in my heart, and whether that which I experienced is consistant with grace.”

There will undoubtedly be some souls who are privileged to say something else. Some are led deeper into the breach of their heart, into the depth of the fall, and who have not remained strangers of the revelation of the second person, the Lord Jesus Christ, which they formerly had never known in such a way.

There may still be some souls who with joyfulness may give testimony of the hope that is in them, of new benefits which the Lord has given them in the way of grace. Here and there some may still be found who are free of their guilt, who have come in contact with God as Judge, who have received forgiveness of their iniquities through the blood of the covenant, who have received a right to eternal life, and have been set at liberty in God. They are souls, who, although it is not heard of often, may with confidence give testimony that they are reconciled with God through the death of His Son, and for their own souls may testify that they are no longer their own, but have become the possession of Jesus Christ. Therefore, “Old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17.

Souls who are no longer under the law but under grace, indeed, to mention it with only a few words, who have been taken up, taken along, brought back and brought home with the Father. These are matters to make one jealous, if in truth, the sound, true and one-sided work of God is revealed in it. The Kingdom of God does not consist of words but of power. These are also matters, if they may be experienced in the heart, whereby God receives the honor, and also that the honor of God has become of more value to us than our own salvation.

How little are these matters known and experienced in our days, what a veil of mourning lies over God’s church. Alas, there are more people who make themselves free by their own goodness, than those whom Christ has made free. John 8:36. Who are set in the glorious liberty of the children of God.

With God’s true people it is in general more backsliding than forwards, more darkness than light, more unbelief than faith.

Once more, I mean this of the true people of God, that in general, because of our sins, we live under a cloud of desertion and concealment. The superficial and outward Christendom rejoices and boasts and are so satisfied with what they think they have in possession, and they are going to eternity without strife and without concern. With the true Zionites it is so different. With many the harps are hanging on the willows, and they are hanging so high, and are sinking away so deep, that they say, “Shall it ever become different?”

So many must say, “Everything remains the same. The children are come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring forth. Though it is somewhat more lively at one time than at another, the one time more weighty than at other times, nevertheless it is still in the same condition as formerly.” We read of it in the prophet Jeremiah chapter 12. “They have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit.” The closer we come to the end, the more difficult the way becomes. One of our former ministers, who has been delivered out of the strife of this life in 1942, have I heard say, not of others, but of himself. “I am not distressed because I am not in distress; must convict myself, because I cannot rightly judge myself.”

Another of our deceased ministers wrote me near the end of his life, “I can no more come to the place where I once have been.” What an instruction! How this is missing now in general! The ancient often said, “An unreconciled guilt, a demanding justice, and an unredeemed soul.” Really, if something of this is experienced, then life is not so easy. We are traveling to such an awful eternity, and Father Ledeboer so justly wrote, “It depends upon the foundation without which none can stand.”

Sometimes it may have been easy in this life, but that time is passed. Now they must experience, “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.”

To be continued.

Rev. W.C. Lamain

Grand Rapids, Michigan

ARE WE SEEKERS OF CHRIST?

The application of a sermon by Rev. Andrew Gray on the text taken from Job 23:3; “Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat.”

I suppose we would have a very small congregation today if only the true seekers were present. Are we seekers of Christ? I will give you five considerations to move you to make it your greatest concern, to seek and to find Christ.

1st. It is the command of Christ, that all that hear his word should obey it. His Word has come to you today; therefore you ought to obey it. I Chron. 22:19: “And now set your hearts to seek the Lord God.” There is emphasis on the word NOW; it says, do not delay one hour, but begin immediately. In Isaiah 55:6: “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near.” Now, while there is such a royal and precious command for it, do not delay, be not stiff-necked anymore, but obey it.

Our second consideration is; Christ’s abiding with us is but of a short duration, therefore we should make use of the time, as is clear from John 7:33 “Yet a little while am I with you.” Therefore since His stay is for a little while, there should be no delay. Many think they may delay till the hour of death; but seldom do they ever come to repentance.

Our third consideration is; Delays are dangerous, and if in anything, much more in this. Therefore it sayeth, delay not. I suppose some of us have delayed so long, that they shall never find Christ.

Our fourth consideration is: A delay for two days may provoke the Lord to smite with deadness as is clear from I Chron. 15:13, “Because ye did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us.” And from John 8:21 and 24 comes a sad and lamentable word and I fear it will be the lot of many, “Ye shall seek me and shall not find me; where I am ye cannot come,” therefore delay not.

Our 5th consideration is; Since your occasion of finding Christ is but for a time; therefore we should not delay but begin immediately. We do not know whether we will ever have another hour after this. We may compare occasions to Peter’s sheet let down from heaven unto him, short and uncertain; therefore delay not.

There is an hour coming, that though you should seek him with tears and blood, ye shall not find Him; Isaiah 55:6. There is a time when He may be found, or as the word is, a finding time. Christ often threatened, “ye shall seek me and shall not find me.” I would leave you this word of Bildad, John 8:5 “If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes.” But I ask how shall that person seek Christ, that never knew what it was to have a need of Christ? I am persuaded, if you would begin so precious a work today, and speak but few words, you would get Him. But there are many families among you, that are the very image of hell; the voice of prayer is not heard within your walls, but the voice of cursing and that is the experience of the damned in hell. It is written upon your walls, Christ shall never come near you. To press this a little further and close; there are six kinds of people that shall never find Christ, which are seekers of Christ.

1st: Those that seek him for gain and advantage; in a word, they shall never find Him. Oh, that we might seek Him for Himself and nothing else! Sometimes our senses will seek to find Christ for His miracles and love of the loaves; but faith seeks Him only for Himself.

2nd: Those that seek Him to maintain their applause. Are there not many among us that will seek Christ in company; if we were alone on top of the mountain would we not seek Him? The great Diana applause, is the idol that many seek to keep up.

3rd: Those whose hearts are divided in feeling of Christ, who have not their hearts engaged in the work. They shall never find Him. And now I would say to you, are there not many here today who have never sought Christ with their heart? The promise of finding is to none but those who seek Him with their heart. Yes, I must say that many have not sought Christ with that earnestness that you have sought after the present world. Are there not many here today that have lived 60 or 70 years and if all that time were counted, it would not come beyond an hour that they have spent in seeking Christ.

4th: Those who seek to please their natural conscience; and if they had not a conscience to please, they would not pray. These, I say would rather please conscience than Christ.

5th: Those who are hypocritical seekers of Christ, who seek Him only for fashion, and are more taken up in seeking the picture, than the person and substance of Christ. Seeking rather to be covered with the coat of Christ than the grace of Christ.

6th: Those that seek Him to destroy sin, as Herod; that is, to destroy all sin except the sin they like to keep. Are there any such here? I fear there are too many. Are there not many that seek Him that they may sin with greater delight, without remorse, as the harlot in Proverbs, boasting, that she had paid her vows? Such a mistake as this, is sad and is an irrevocable mistake. I will ask you three questions.

1st: Are there not many here, that never knew what it was to have Christ or have a need for Him? And he that never knew what it was to have Christ or a need for Him, that could never distinguish between absence or presence, never knew what it was to seek Christ.

2nd: Are there not many here, that never knew what it was to shed one tear for the need of Christ, or so much as to be sad? These never knew what it was to have a need for Him, or yet to seek Him.

3rd: Are there not many in the world, that would prefer a trifle to the presence of Christ? These never knew what it was to find Him. I will ask some of you, were you ever so glad in prayer, as you have been by gaining some little thing in the world? Has not some excellent bargain made you more glad than you ever were when at prayer? How many are there here today that can answer these questions! Oh, that you would make it your greatest concern to seek and find Christ. To Him be praise for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev. Andrew Gray

THE HAPPY MAN

The happy man was born in the city of Regeneration in the parish of Repentance unto life. He was educated at the school of Obedience. He has a large estate in the county of Christian Contentment, and many times does jobs of Self-denial, wears the garment of Humility, and has another suit to put on when he goes to Court, called the Robe of Christ’s Righteousness. He often walks in the valley of Self-Abasement, and sometimes climbs the mountains of Heavenly-mindedness. He breakfasts every morning on Spiritual Prayer, and sups every evening on the same. He has meat to eat that the world knows not of, and his drink is the sincere milk of the Word of God. Thus happy he lives, and happy he dies. Happy is he who has Gospel submission in his will, due order in his affections, sound peace in his conscience, real Divinity in his breast, the Redeemer’s yoke on his neck, a vain world under his feet, and a crown of glory over his head. Happy is the life of that man who believes firmly, prays fervently, walks patiently, works abundantly, lives holy, dies daily, watches his heart, guides his senses, redeems his time, loves Christ, and longs for glory. He is necessitated to take the world on his way to heaven, but he walks through it as fast as he can, and all his business by the way is to make himself and others happy. Take him all in all, in two words, he is a Man and a Christian. Lachlan Mackenzie (1754–1819)

(The above is found on the introductory page of the book entitled, “The Happy Man — The Abiding Witness of Lachlan Mackenzie.” As we read it there will be some observations which should be made so that it will not be misunderstood. There are two important words used which deserve our consideration — the words “happy” and “man”.

Beginning with the last first, we must take notice that this description is of a “man” regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Man by nature is not born in the city of Regeneration, but, as the form for baptism tells us so clearly: “we with our children are conceived and born in sin, and therefore are children of wrath” — that is, born in the city of Destruction. Our pastor of many years has so often said of “a man” that he is a son of Adam, and therefore all his posterity, Christ only excepted, has derived the corruption which came into the world by our fall. And because of this, not happiness, but unhappiness and misery have become his portion.

Regarding the word “happy” — it is a word widely used in our days. “Happy” Birthday and “Happy” New Year, are greetings well-known, but the word “happy” then will carry with it different meanings according to those who pronounce them. Rightly understood the word can be full of meaning, for we find it also expressed in God’s Word: “Happy is that people whose God is the Lord.” Our catechism also instructs us in the things necessary to know to live and die happily.

Because there are many today who are “happy” in external things, lacking the only comfort, it is so essential to realize that this is not that of which the introductory page of “The Happy Man” is speaking. When we consider other texts of Scripture, we will soon discover that there is a “happy people”, but then it shall be in agreement with Job 5:17, “Happy is the man whom God correcteth”, Psalm 146:5, “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help”, and Proverbs 3:13, “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom.”

“The Happy Man” will usually be applied to another, for those who know something of their own hearts will quickly unite with the apostle in self-condemnation, saying, “O, wretched man that I am.” If we may be taught by the Lord the three necessary things to know, misery, deliverance and gratitude, a true happiness will be the end result.)

(The book, The Happy Man, is available from Bible Truth Books, Box 2373, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003.)

A FLOWER IN A PRIMEVAL FOREST

From the December issue 1982 “Paulus”

Misson work is subject to changes. Sometimes you are engulfed by waves and billows, and then you come to the top again, (I wrestle and escape). The first is usually of ourself, and the latter is always of the Lord.

In a former issue of “Paulus” I have written about cares. But now I will write about something else. Recently I preached in Ndigwe. It is a long distance on the bicycle. You cross the border almost unobserved into another state, namely, (Benue State). The paths become rougher and the forest more dense. Numberless small rivers in this part of Izi make this area isolated.

The attendance in Ndigwe was good today, almost 50 adults and 25 children. There was not room enough for all of them under the small grass roof, so we just sat outside. Alas, there is no one to give leadership to this little church. So much greater is the wonder that they come to church every Sunday again.

I spoke about the sick lunatic and his father, Matthew 17:15, and the text was Mark 9:24, “Lord, I believe; help Thou my unbelief.” I had carefully prepared the application, and then spoke about my first question.

“Do you also find it so difficult to believe?”

“No, sir,” was the answer, “how can you say that? Who is greater than the Lord Jesus Christ?” Away with that application! Or better said, the first application for myself. Later it was evident that they were not so quick to believe. An aged man said, “I can feel and see my idols; the God of the Bible seems so far away sometimes.”

But right now I will not speak about this. I wish to write about two boys, about 25 years old, who were in the small church that morning. I had never seen them there before. The name of the one is Benjamin, and the name of the other is Moses. Both of them had Biblical names. They appeared to be instructors, most likely Roman Catholic. Then they said what follows, “we are living a couple of towns from here. Not one of the white people have ever been there. Why do you not send ministers to instruct us?”

I asked them if they were Catholics. The answer was “No.” “Pentecost church then?” “No,” they said with indignation. “We are Nigerian Reformed Church, just like you are.”

“But do you have church gatherings in your town?”

“Yes,” they said, “two times every Sunday.”

“How many come to the church, 10 or 15?”

“About 200,” was the answer, “we have a Bible and we all sing out of the same songbook.”

I was startled. Then they told me the rest of their story. A few years ago a church-goer from Onuenyim had moved to their town. The soil is very fruitful there, and he had started over anew. But because there was no church, he just started to preach himself. First only two people came, but now two hundred. In a small town which lies beyond this one, the same thing had happened. And above that, these two “congregations” often have services together.

No one has ever heard about them. They held their services in all stillness, without the hand of man. The Lord works so wonderfully. We are toiling in one place and we do not make much progress. But the Lord is busy in another place, and we do not even know about it. Recently we had opened 12 places to preach, and now all of a sudden there are 14 churches. The wind of the Spirit took a seed of the Word of God, and see, there blooms a new flower, hidden in the forest.

A few years ago there was a shortage of preachers. Many names were mentioned, but no one was found good enough for them who were preachers at that time. Has that been noticed in some towns? At any rate, there have been people who have drawn their own conclusions. They have said, “They may wait, but we will not wait.” And they have started on their own.

The free course of the Word of God cannot be stopped. We cannot stop it, and we do not want to either. But we feel ourselves so helpless. The Master has said, “Give ye them to eat.” (Mark 6:37). Our heart cries to God for more leaders and especially for more ministers, because all these people need instruction. And who shall do it ... is there no one anymore in Holland who is concerned about the great need in Izi, to come and preach the Word of God to these people? “Pray to the Lord of the harvest… !” Izi Nigeria

Rev. C. Sonnevelt

MONOTONY?

One of the commonest complaints that people have is of monotony. There is a wearisome sameness about their days; how nice to have some variety! This complaint is heard on all hands. The small boy surrounded by toys complains that he has nothing to do. The schoolgirl at her desk scans the timetable to see when the boring succession of English, Math, French, etc., will give way to a period or two of hockey, swimming, or something else exciting. The school-leaver without a job feels life monotonous and bleak. And you can be assured that the same thing is to be found in people of all ages and all walks of life.

Another day has begun. Is it Monday? Ah well, Monday has its routine of activity or inactivity, its routine of meals — just like last Monday! The week begun today will be pretty much the same as past weeks; how monotonous! This is the complaint, often uttered, but more often just a matter of resigned thinking.

Now, remind such a one of the scripture truth, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1). He is liable to answer, “I am not boasting about tomorrow; I’m just saving that I know pretty well what tomorrow will be like.” But his second statement reveals that he is boasting; not certainly in exaggerated terms about the certainty of his having tomorrow, but in his presuming that tomorrow will come for him, and be just what he expects.

And this is the serious mistake we are all apt to make. Lulled by the experience of many days whose sameness has provoked the complaint of monotony, we assume that tomorrow will come and be the sort of day we expect. Whereas, we have no claim at all on life here, not even of one day. This is because our sins merit death. The fact is that all our days until now have been given us due to God’s sparing mercy, and we have no claim on tomorrow. And even if tomorrow is granted to us, we do not know what it will bring forth. It may bring trouble that would make us wish instead for what we have been calling monotony.

What lessons should we learn, therefore, from the truths just stated? First, surely, that we must cease taking tomorrow for granted. Better by far to lay up in heart and memory the words of James 4:14, 15: “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” Secondly, we should put a high value on today. If we are still unsaved, today offers an opportunity of coming to Christ: “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” Thirdly, if by God’s grace we are in a saved state, we should ask of Him the spiritual mind that would impel us to use all the available means of grace with a view to growing in grace and knowledge. If we do that, time will not hang heavily. Also, we shall be prepared for whatever time may bring forth, today or tomorrow, whether troublous and upsetting, or joygiving.

Young People’s Magazine

THE CHIEF OF SINNERS

In his latter days the Rev. Dr. Ronald Bayne of Scotland, was in the habit of speaking his thoughts aloud, so that those who were unaware beside him heard what was intended for no ears but his own. Standing at the window of his room one day, and thinking he was quite alone, someone heard him repeating the words — “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

After a pause he said, “Paul, what do you mean by saying that you are chief of sinners? Do you mean that you are of all sinners in all ages the chief? If so, I cannot agree with you, for Ronald Bayne is a greater sinner than you were. But, do you mean that you are chief of all the sinners who shall be saved? If so, then there is no hope for Ronald Bayne, for he is a greater sinner still. But, if you mean, as I think you do, that each saved sinner regards himself as chief, then there is hope for Ronald Bayne, and you and he both agree.”

TREASURES OF A SAINT

The treasures of a saint are the presence of God, the favour of God, union and communion with God, the pardon of sin, the joy of the Spirit, the peace of conscience, which are jewels that none can give but Christ, nor none can take away but Christ. Now why should a gracious soul keep off from a way of holiness because of afflictions, when no afflictions can strip a man of his heavenly jewels, which are his ornaments and his safety here, and will be his happiness and glory hereafter.

Thomas Brooks

GOD REIGNS

I was directed to one of the poorest localities in our city in my search for a man who had been recommended to me as a skilful workman. After some difficulty I found him out, and, as I might have expected from his name which was Graaffe, he greeted me with a foreign accent. He was a fine looking, intelligent young man, but had a very sorrowful face. It was a poor room he lived in, with only two chairs and a wash-basin. Before I could start on my business he said, “The Lord Jesus Christ was poor, should it be a care to me?” “No,” I replied, “it need not be if, through His poverty, you have been made rich”. 2 Cor. 8, 9. “Aye” said Graaffe, “that is what I want to feel. I want to give up work”. “But God has appointed us to labour”, I replied. “I don’t mean there”, he said, pointing to his lathe, “I mean here”, and struck his breast as he spoke. “It is here I want to give up work and be quiet — to rest. I want to leave all to His care.” “And can you not do so?” I asked. “No,” said he, “only for a little minute and it is gone; then I go to work again and work harder here than there but God has said, ‘what you build I will break down, and what you plant I will pluck up’.” “Well,” said I, “He is still ‘the just God’, He does no iniquity”. “I know, I know,” said the poor-man with affectionate eagerness. “But sometimes the Lord and I have great fights which shall be master”. “Well,” said I, “how do the battles end?” “God reigns,” he answered; “and when He makes me feel this I he like a child at His feet, and tell Him I will never try to be master again”.

By degrees I drew from Graaffe a little of his history. His father was a native of Dresden, but it appears that because Graaffe had married a woman of poor circumstances his father had left him nothing of his business or property, but had passed it on to his younger brother. Deeply wounded by this treatment Graaffe had gathered up his all and come to England. He set up in Plymouth, having his wife and two children to support. But times were hard and employment scarce. Day after day rolled on, and things grew worse and worse, until Graaffe was nearly at his wits’ end. One night it came into his mind to try the Lord in prayer. He did so, and Providence seemed to smile upon his petitions. This encouraged him to ask again. After some weeks however, these pleadings for providential mercies met with little or no success, but instead there was a sense of his sins laid upon him, and he began to pray for mercy and pardon. His little knowledge, evidently retained from his youth, told him pardon could only come through Jesus Christ, but how could God pardon him? Then the thought sprang up in his mind, — “If only I had a Bible, that would tell me all, and I should see in the Bible whether there were any as bad as I am, who were pardoned.” “Well”, thought Graaffe, “it has pleased the Lord to give me many a meal when I have asked Him, surely He will hear if I ask for spiritual food. Perhaps He will send me a German Bible which I can read.” Month after month passed away; Graaffe prayed daily for a German Bible, but no Bible came.

One evening, as he was preparing some wood for his work at the door of his house, two men passed along speaking to each other in German. He called to them and found they were two brothers on their way to London, but had neither food nor money. Graaffe told them he was poor too, but they were welcome to share with the family supper and sleep under his roof for the sake of the fatherland. The two travellers were only too grateful to accept his offer. Next day they spoke of starting but he persuaded them to stop until he returned in the afternoon. He was successful in selling some of his work during the day, and this enabled him to give them both a good meal before setting off. “I wish,” said the elder of the two brothers, “it lay in my power to repay your kindness, but I am poor”. “I know what it is to be a stranger in a strange land myself,” answered Graaffe; “but I wish you knew how to pray to God, and He would provide for your wants”. “My mother taught me some little prayers but I have given up saying them,” he replied. “Oh,” replied Graaffe, “that is not what I mean. My prayers were put into my heart by God. Like you I have often repeated prayers; but only that which comes from God can go to God”. “Well, if God has not given me prayer, I cannot have it, by what you say, so it is not my fault,” was the reply. Graaffe, assuring him it was his sin which had caused the loss, said, “I find it very sweet to get what I want from God by prayer”. “You don’t get much,” retorted the traveller drily, “for you seem poorer than you deserve to be”. “No,” said Graaffe, “I deserve nothing but damnation; my poverty does not trouble me. I only want to get rid of this load, and feel my sins pardoned”. “Well, why don’t you pray for it”? asked the traveller. “I do,” answered Graaffe, “but God will not be hurried. My prayers do not alter God’s mind, or hasten His acts”. “Well,” said the traveller, “I do not understand you, but I deeply feel your kindness, and if I could repay you I would. I have nothing worth your acceptance, except an old German Bible; perhaps that would serve to teach your little ones from”. Graaffe was stunned. The stranger undid his bundle and took out the Bible. Graaffe snatched it with a spasmodic grasp, and, pressing it to his breast, exclaimed, “He does hear my prayer! Oh what a God is my God!” The travellers stood amazed at his emotion, and still more so when he told them he had been praying for a German Bible for eight months. “It would have been kind of God to give it me without prayer,” said Graaffe; “but it was far kinder to teach me to pray for it”.

I had many a pleasing interview with him after this, and can vouch for the blessing “that precious gift” was to him. God’s sovereignty, in the everlasting salvation of His chosen Church, by the blood of the cross was the foundation of his hope, and an experimental acquaintance with his deep depravity, by divine teaching, drove him to “embrace the Rock for want of a shelter”.

The late C. Brider of Salisbury, Engl.

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