The Chilliwack Progress from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada • Page 7

THE CHILLIWACK PROGRESS, Sunday, January 9, 2000 7 Take it easy: January 2, 1900 'Even the triumphs and successes of the Nineteenth Century will appear insignificant in ful. They encounter many imperfections in their lives, but they strive for perfection. Time and again they flee unto the Lord for forgiveness, strength, and fellowship with Him. Yes, their lives are different than of those who walk on the broad way. They have less freedom, although they don't suffer because of that They have less fun in the world, but they have another joy that surpasses all understanding.

They fight against their own old nature and wage a war against Satan and worldly desires, but the Lord rewards them here with experiences of His goodness. And afterwards, at the end of the road, eternal glory is awaiting them. When the house of their body is broken down, then they receive a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Dear reader, the Lord wishes to say something to you: "Enter ye in at the straight gate." The Lord is so good because He warns you on time not to go ahead on the broad way. I pray that you may hear His voice.

Tears of repentance, worries about your eternal destination, a war against sin, and faith in Christ, are worthwhile. God's children inherit a life with God; this is the ultimate joy. What a contrast from those who had their superficial joy here and have nothing left over. Do you think of your death? Are you prepared? Then enter ye in at the straight gate. Enter ye in at the straight 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. (Matth. 7:13,14) A group of picnickers photographed near the Vedder Bridge by itinerant photographer J.O. Booen, who worked in Chilliwack between 1895 and 1897. In 1895, Booen ran an ad in the Progress which read, "Wanted: 50 boxes of apples, 25 dozen good chickens, 100 pounds butter, 50 dozen eggs, in exchange for photographs, at J.O.

Photograph courtesy ol The Chilliwack Museum and Archives Walking on a broad way is easy. You don't have to be worried about falling into the ditch, and you can wander around somewhat. You do not have to walk in a perfectly straight line. Walking on a broad way is not difficult; you will not easily step off the path. The broad way is a symbol of flexibility, of being able to adjust certain things to our desires and to easily change direction.

That is the way of life which many people prefer, but I must tell you: it leads to damnation. It ends up in hell. There is no bigger contrast than between the way people live on this broad way and what they will encounter at the end. Being on the broad way is so convenient and relaxing, but it brings horrible disaster and the wrath of God upon us. Many walk on this way and if the Lord has not changed our hearts we all actually walk on it.

There are many different ways to walk it: liberally or conservatively, loosely or strictly. 0 multitudes of people, also church-going people, 'good' Christians walk that way. Some of them realize where they are walking but still enjoy it. Some are worried about it, but do not really want to leave this way. Some do not care at all and will be surprised at the end.

They will find out that it is most certainly true what others have told them and what they themselves tried to laugh away. The other way is narrow and the gate to that way is small. The Lord wants to display that His children walk on a different way than other people do. They know themselves, seek salvation in Christ Jesus, but they also live a different life. They do not try to adjust Cod's law to their liking, and do not wish to interpret the Bible as is most convenient for themselves.

The heart of it is that they have love in their hearts for the Lord, and do not want to hurt Him by doing what is displeasing unto Him. Their hatred of sin is so great that they will not tolerate it in their own heart and try to ban it from their existence. I do not say that they are always success- QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE By the staff at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives Special to The Progress There is a debate about when the 21st century begins. Some favour January 1, 2000 while purists look to January 1, 2001 as the real beginning of the next century. No such debate existed in 1900 or 1901.

There was no question that the 20th century began on January 1, 1901. The January 2, 1900 Chilliwack Progress contains no references to a new century. An essay by a local student about the Boer War, which was then raging in South Africa, social news from New Westminster, and a review of a minstrel show held in Ashwell's store on Wellington Avenue are included on the editorial page. The January 2, 1901 edition of the paper however celebrates the beginning of the new century with a poignant editorial. Somehow, almost 100 years later, the words have not lost their meaning.

Here is what was written: We celebrate this week the birthday of a new century. To the thoughtful and reflective person this is an event of more than ordinary interest. For years this epoch as been looked forward to with hopefulness and as we have approached the threshold the interest has been intensified. Statesmen, educationalists, clergymen, and all reformers have hoped that this century may prove in very deed the Golden Age in the world's history. Difficult problems stand facing us today.

How to secure a fair and just distribution of the wealth produced by the toiling masses, is a question that will have to be dealt with early in the century. Steam and electricity have brought all the nations very close together and it is to be Since 1903 ITTH'friiTT COMMUNIS CCX.CU 795-0085 devoutly wished that world-wide peace will be the result of this community of interest. It is sad that the opening days of the century find war being waged on two continents. These wars will, in all probability, soon end. Let us hope that wise counsels may prevail; that the ingenuity of man and his control of the subtle forces of nature may be directed rather to the arts of peace than to those of war and that the Twentieth Century may witness such an advance in the progress of mankind and in the ameliora- tion of the condition of the masses of the people that even the triumphs and successes of the Nineteenth Century will appear insignificant in comparison.

The message from this editorial applies today. Let us all hope that at the beginning of the next century, the message will be different and that peace and prosperity will prevail. The Markdowns Continue Until Sat Jan.15 Regular Business Hours: Monday Saturday 9 5:30 pm Friday 9 9 pm Also study the following verses: Luke Rom.8:7; Rom Rev.3:l Rev. Pieter Van Ruitenburg is pastor of the Bethel N. Reformed Congregation, located at 8920 Broadway St.

Church services at lOfiO a.m. and 720 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Tapes of the services are available by calling 795-7126. CARDS, GIFTS ADVERTISING FEATURE.