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5-1-1946 Preacher's Magazine Volume 21 Number 03 J. B. Chapman (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Chapman, J. B. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 21 Number 03" (1946). Preacher's Magazine. 225. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/225

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MESSAGE OW do you use your time? A Volume 21 H preacher enjoys freedom of ac­ Number 3 May-June, 1946 tivity and use of time which few other workmen have. He does not punch a time clock, he is not checked by his employer, nor is he called upon to give an account to anyone—but God —for the manner in which he employs his time. There is nothing except his CONTENTS love and devotion to God and his conscience which demands of the preacher that he use his time wisely. The Attractions of the Ministry Many preachers are “so busy,” as J. B. Chapman ...... 3 they say; one confessed that the rea­ Objections to the Preacher’s Calling son he got by so well was because J. B. Chapman ...... 4 he made the people feel that he was Gleanings from the Greek New Testament about worked to death. But “so Ralph Earle ...... 1 busy” about what? “Worked to The Pastor and Returning Service Personnel death” with what? Chaplain John T. Donnelly ...... 9 Why not try this experiment? The Influence of the Christian Home Make out for yourself a time card Robert G. Lee ...... 12 for one week. Keep an exact record of your time for the entire waking Paul’s Suggestions for Success period of each day: time spent at J. Warren Slote ...... 14 meals, in study, in prayer, in reading, The Pastor a Leader in Loyalty in doing housework, in receiving A. H. Kauffman ...... 16 callers, in waiting on others, in mak­ The New Version ing pastoral calls, in rest or recrea­ Ralph Earle ...... 20 tion, in attendance at services, in do­ The Challenge to the Postwar Church ing nothing worth-while, in attending George Mowry ...... 24 committee meetings, rallies or conven­ tions, in writing letters, in doing such Departments work as mimeographing, stuffing en­ velopes, etc., and any other activities The Theological Question Box that take up your time for that week. H. Orton Wiley ...... 30 Note how much of your time has Searching Truths for Ministers ...... 32 been spent in useless activities, time The Preacher’s Scrapbook ...... 33 wasted, for it contributes nothing to Quotable Poetry ...... 34 you, to your family, or to your Sermon Outlines (A Preaching Program by church; time spent in doing things G. B. Williamson) ...... 36 that some of your members could do Missionary Department ...... 60 as well and would enjoy doing; time Illustrationj ...... 62 which could be used to better advan­ Book Notices. P. H. Lunn ...... 64 tage through reorganization of your work. Time is the stuff of which life is made up. We cannot waste it with­ J. B. Chapman. D.D., Editor out such waste being harmful to us. D. Shelby Corlett, D.D., Managing Editor We must some day give an account Published bimonthly by the Nazarene Publishing House, 2923 to God of our use or stewardship of Troost Avenue, Box 527, Kansas City 10, Missouri, maintained by and in the; interest of the Church of the Nazarene. Subscription time. How conscientious we min­ price: $1.00 a year. Entered as second class matter at the post isters should be in the use of our office at Kansas City, Mo. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, time. authorized December 30, 1925. Address all contributions to The Preacher's Magazine, 2923 Troost Avenue, Box 527, Kansas D. Shelby Coflett, City 10, Missouri. Managing Editor 2 (138) The Preacher's Magazine The Attractions of the Ministry

J. B. Chapman, Editor

BOUT thirty years ago, Dr. Thwing, source from which, or through which, A President of Western Reserve Univer­ knowledge may come. But the preacher, sity, Cleveland, Ohio, wrote a little book if he has the right attitude, will find books. on “The Ministry” in which there was a He will find a way to buy books, even if chapter on “The Attractions of the Ministry he must take the money for them out of his as a Calling.” budget for clothing and food, and even if he must walk instead of operating a motor­ The author confessedly kept his arguments car to make it possible. Then there are on a low level, and yet his thesis contained a number of worthy items. He said the always people who will give the preacher books. Some will give him books that they ministry as a calling offers great oppor­ have bought and do not need, some will tunities for self-development in mind, spirit, buy books (if by some means they may practical sympathy, and breadth of living. learn that these are what he wants) for the And he thought the preacher has more op­ preacher’s birthday or Christmas presents. portunities for doing good than most men, And when worst comes to worst, the preach­ since he works directly, while the majority er can do like Bishop Quayle used to do must of necessity work more indirectly. when he was a pastor. He used to an­ The preacher reaches out to men through nounce from the pulpit frequently: “Your his example, through his private counsel, preacher is Scotch, and it is difficult for through his public preaching, and by means him to spare money for buying books. of the printed page—preachers on the aver­ But he cannot be intelligent without books age writing more books than doctors and to read. So if you want your preacher to lawyers together. be intelligent, lend him books.” And the Without either adopting or criticizing the people did lend him books, and that preach­ author’s outline, I would emphasize the er was intelligent. Just one caution: make general ideas involved. Take that matter of sure to return the books, and make sure self-development: the ministry, more it the owner knows you return them. But seems to me than any other calling, de­ this caution need not lead to slavery, but mands the best of the preacher that he may should be utilized as an occasion for pas­ give what is demanded of him. Only a toral calling and for getting better acquaint­ good preacher can really do good preaching, ed with the members and friends of the and only a big preacher can do great church. And if the preacher trains himself preaching. Therefore every demand for to utilize his time, he can read more than better preachihg, whether the demand be men of most callings. from the hearers or from the preacher him­ On the question of broad sympathy, there self, is a demand for a better preacher. And, is much to be said. Sometime ago, a city after all, there is nothing in all the world mayor, in greeting a gathering of preach­ of greater consequence than that one should ers, remarked that preachers see the people be challenged to be his best self all the only on Sunday when they are washed and time, unless that better thing be that one dressed up, while the mayor must see shall apply himself, to the task of making them in their sordid everyday garb. But the required improvement all the time. this mayor was speaking from theory, not Without regard to his own age and without from experience—at least not from the ap­ regard to the class or type of people he is proach of the preacher’s experience. For called to serve, the preacher is required to while the mayor sees the people in their be alert in mind, vital in spirit and deep physical sordidness, the true preacher sees and sincere in sympathy always, and in in­ them in their spiritual squalor. And while creasing measure. And with these demands the mayor’s instruments of helpfulness are come abundant opportunities for reach­ legal and reformatory, the preacher’s meth­ ing and fulfilling these demands. ods are spiritual and regenerative. And To keep keen and alert in mind one must while the mayor may train himself to think maintain the student’s attitude, and he that things are not as bad as they seem, the must be a lover of books and of every preacher has at hand the means for really May-Iune, 1946 (139) 3 improving things by saving the persons “spending and being spent” that beckons involved. me on. Now, after more than forty years, I find it On the matter of writing books, Dr. easier than ever before to count nothing as Thwing’s thesis is quite enlightening. He having value except in its relationship to found that the proportion of books written the kingdom of God. And I can say with­ by preachers and men of other callings is an out any strain at all that if I were back evidence that the preacher has the theme at the beginning, standing at the parting of that is of more universal interest. Com­ the ways considering what my life’s work paratively few people want to read an were to be—if I were standing there know­ article or a book dealing with medicine or ing what I do now, rather than knowing law, but in all walks of life are those who so little of what is involved as I did when read about God and the Bible and man’s I stood there before, I would quickly say relation to them. And analysis showed that, “yes” to the call of the Spirit to the work taken as groups, preachers write books of the ministry. And if I were coming over pretty much on the basis of their compara­ the way again, knowing what I do now, I tive educational training. The denomina­ would lay tribute to all my ransomed pow­ tional groups ranged from one-third of a ers to be “a good minister of Jesus Christ.” book each at the bottom to two, four, And when I come at last to the “other end eight, and finally, twelve at the top. In of this way,” I hope to have as my con­ other words, preachers have to read books solation the inner conviction that “I have before they can write books. This is a fought a good fight” in the War of the good thing for would-be writers to bear in Ages on the side with Jesus Christ and the mind. Dr. A. M. Hills used to say, “If prophets whom He has ordained. A suc­ you do not quote, you will not be quoted.” cessful preacher is, above all else, a faith­ And it is just as true that if you do not ful preacher, and if those who have known read you will not (and should not) be read. me are willing to give me this title, that Now, passing from the thoughts suggested will be honor enough for me. by Dr. Thwing and speaking from the ap­ proach of our own experience, I believe the chief attraction of the ministry is in the fact that it gives the preacher oppor­ tunity to pour out his life in the direct Objections effort of being good and doing good for the glory of God and for the advantage of To the Preacher's Calling others. As I recall, this was the chief con­ sideration that haunted me during the days B y t h e E d it o r when I was “considering” the work of the T IS fundamental with the preacher that ministry. The big thought then was that the ministry would give me time and op­ I the real is of greater value than the portunity to pray and prepare and to pour seeming. Applied to words, this means that out for the salvation of souls, the preser­ truth is of more weight than effect and vation of good in the world, and the popu­ impression. Applied to methods, it means lating of heaven with redeemed souls at that mere show and spectacularism are the close of life’s day. My dream then was ruled out, and that hypocrisy is as con- of gathering the people together and demnable in demonstration as it is in rit­ preaching to them the unsearchable riches ualism. of Christ, and helping them to find mercy And yet every preacher is confronted and peace by believing in Jesus. And, after with instances in which the man with the this, the dream involved establishing the fine front seems to get by, even though wavering and helping the lame to learn there is reason to question his true worth to walk in the Christian way. I know I or even his sincerity and purity. The public is ready to accept a man’s appraisal of him­ could do these things in some measure as self, as it seems, and the preacher who has a layman, but the attraction of the ministry no press agent is allowed to abide in the was in the fact that there I could make obscurity which his misfortune has im­ use of the maximum opportunity for their posed upon him. But the preacher of less accomplishment. And with the passing of worth and less talent who has found a way years, I think the basic appeal remains to “make the front page” has a following, just the same as it was at the beginning. an influence, and a support that the worthy My conception of the ministry bars out self- man would like to have if he could get it seeking and self-concern. It is the joy of legitimately. 4 (140) The Preacher's Magazine But what shall the honest preacher do? “dead line of fifty,” and in contrast the Shall he imitate the meretricious methods preacher sees men in other callings just of his competitors or shall he hold fast to coming into their own at this age, and he “things that matter most” and wait for wonders what to do about it. God and time to vindicate him? I think In explaining why the Church prefers that question does not require formal an­ young men, it has been suggested that youth swer, for one who has lived very long has is more in earnest, more exciting, and gives learned that “time is the leveler” that brings more evidence and promise of growth. And down the high which is puffed up rather by way of suggestion, it has been said the than built up, and the true child of eternity preacher can extend his tenure by coming can afford to wait. increasingly in earnest rather than pro­ But while waiting, the preacher must fessional and casual, as the tendency is), avoid extremes. If he sees a preacher over­ by keeping alive his own sense of wonder advertising, he must not yield to the temp­ and romance in the work, and by sticking tation to under-advertise. If he sees a to his studies that he may continue to grow preacher exploiting demonstration to get and exhibit hope for himself and for them crowds, he must not swing to the opposite that hear him. by subduing true demonstration. If he sees a preacher posing as “ an expert on Then again, somewhere, away back in the prophecy,” he must not cast aspersions on past, the idea that the preacher’s calling prophetic subjects in retaliation. The best draws more heavily upon the heart than way to correct extremes is to preach the upon the head gained currency, and there truth. Neglecting truth because some one remains the idea that a good man and a has prostituted it is poor policy. wise man are of necessity two men. And for some reason, men resent being classed In the second place, the preacher’s calling with the dumb more than being listed' with appeals to the deepest unselfishness in man. the wicked. Then to be forced to watch the manifesta­ tions of place-seeking among men of the It is possible of course to show by stati­ calling is a painful experience. One thought­ stics that ministerial students hold high ful and successful preacher said, “If I were ratings in preparatory and collegiate schol­ a preacher seeking a location, I would not arship. But we are not offering defense or ask ‘How much does the church pay?’ seeking explanations. If we were doing rather, I would ask, ‘How much might this this, I think we could score a point by church pay if I built it up?’ ” suggesting that preachers are, on the whole, less officious and boastful than others. But Of course we all know that “the good what we do say for our own benefit is that places must be filled,” and we know the preachers are dumb if they are dumb, and filling of responsible places is a difficult ac­ especially if they remain dumb. complishment. But surely, in the ministry, as almost nowhere else in all the world, Unthinking people, especially those who “The place should seek the man, and not poise as “free thinkers,” have claimed that the man the place.” It is proper that the the Church stunts the intellectual growth preacher should strive to be able for the of its ministers by requiring subscription most responsible task, but not that he should to creeds and by the adoptions of stand­ seek the task itself: just as it is religious ards. But creeds and standards are in re­ to seek to be praiseworthy, but secular to ality framework for freedom, and their seek praise. abandonment always leads to intellectual So while beholding with regret any evi­ chaos. Creeds and standards are for the dences of self-seeking among his fellows, minister what axioms are to the mathe­ the preacher must not recoil from respon­ matician, formulas are to the chemist, and sibility and make his protest an excuse for anatomy is to the physician. And when restricted sphere of service. The true at­ these standards are adopted and fixed, the titude is to prepare well and do the best way is opened for safe and thorough in­ you can all the time, and then leave the vestigation. And the idea that one is matter of fields in the hands of God in trammeled because he is committed to the faith that He will work it out according to basic doctrines of Christianity is like claim­ His own plan and will for your life. ing that the physicist is trammeled by his acceptance of “the law of gravitation.” In the third place, for a long time now the Church has been calling for young men, Further, in terms of money and secular and preachers are impressed with the idea things the preacher’s calling is poor pay, that the preacher’s tenure is a relatively and it must of necessity always remain so. short one. Sometimes there is talk of the Nothing could be more calamitous than that May-Iune, 1946 (141) 5 the preacher’s calling should become one of country, business and manufactures closed the high paying vocations, for such a change almost without number, and one bank in would hinder the preacher in his work. In every six went into receivership, but only the first place, it would hurt his reputation, one church in every two hundred had to and separate him from the common people close its doors on account of want of money. who constitute the bulk of humanity. And And the preachers are really the managers in the second place, it would make demands of the churches, you know. upon the preacher’s time and energy that After all, the test of one’s financial suc­ would result in his forsaking the Word of cess is not to be measured by the amount God and prayer that he might become a of money he has received, nor by the server of tables. It is worth a lot to the amount he has saved, nor by the amount preacher’s reputation that all the world he lost in time of crisis; but by what he was knows he is poorly paid in terms of money able to accomplish with what came into his and worldly goods, and it is a boon to him hand. that he is not much troubled to take care None of these things are intended to of worldly affairs. either ignore or mollify the objections that It has been observed that in Bible times, register against the preacher’s calling. men like Barnabas, in getting ready to enter Rather, the idea is to suggest that the ob­ the ministry, sold their property and gave jections are not insurmountable, and to their money away. And while many a make a few practical suggestions as to how good man has been misled into thinking he they may be either compensated or trans­ should wait to enter the ministry until he formed into attractions. has “settled his household and provided It is well that the preacher know and for its comfort,” it still remains that the acknowledge the objections that exist with most useful preachers in the history of the regard to his calling. And even if he can­ church entered the calling penniless, served not overcome them all, it is well that he in penury or near penury, and died poor. fight out in the open, avoiding the corners And one of the most mischievous habits is where the enemy has the advantage. that of judging a preacher’s service by the I have passed over until this last moment salary he receives, by the reputation of the one of the most real and most annoying church he serves, or by the relative eleva­ of the objections to the preacher’s calling tion of his position in rank or office. —that of being the subject of “a church And right in line with this idea of worldly boss.” The church boss is sometimes a pay, although not really a part of that idea, well-to-do man, sometimes an educated and is the habit of prospective preachers, and sophisticated woman, sometimes a “super- especially of the kinfolk (and more especi­ saintly” cynic, sometimes a worldly-minded ally the wife’s kinfolk) of contrasting the time server of either sex. But, like the economic estate of the preacher and his poor, the church boss is always with us, family with that of men of corresponding and when you get away from one, be gifts in the learned professions and in busi­ thankful if you do not inherit two who, ness. Here again, we are not interested in like Herod and Pilate, will make friends defenses or in explanations. We want help in their common aversion to you. And if —and that help is available in better man­ you pray thrice for the removal of this agement, rather than in increase of pay. It thorn, do not be disappointed if you get has been observed that even from the eco­ the same answer that Paul did, “My grace nomic approach, preachers habitually do is sufficient for thee,” rather than the ex­ more with less than men in other callings. tirpation of the thorn itself. But, like the Take the standard of living as it relates to other objections to the preacher’s calling, culture, health, and sound education for this one, too, is not insurmountable. But self and family: well, here the preacher’s it is in the nature of a major touchstone; record needs no defense. It is the pastime for the preacher who can work under, over, of laymen, especially to the class who think or in spite of the church boss, becoming of themselves as “business men,” to say neither ruffled in spirit nor insensible to that the preacher does not understand money injustice, can most likely overcome all and business. But it is remarkable that other objections and carry on his work in during our last great depression in this measurable success to the end of his day.

The indwelling Spirit operates in the heart of the sanctified believer as a teacher, guide, strengthener, comforter, expounder of the Scriptures, and glorifier of Jesus—Selected, 6 (142) The Preacher's Magazine Gleanings from the Greek New Testament

Ralph Earle

Matthew Seven

EFORE beginning our study of chapter modern versions will add vividness and ef­ B seven, we might notice one or two pas­ fectiveness to the preaching of the Word. sages in the sixth chapter as they are ren­ The passage about the mote and the beam dered in the Revised Standard Version, in one’s eye affords a good opportunity for which has appeared since our last writing. the comparison of different translations. The The RSV rendering of the first half of word “mote” is karphos in the Greek and 6:1 is excellent: “Beware of practicing your occurs in the New Testament only here and piety before men in order to be seen by in the parallel passage in Luke (6:41, 42). them.” That is exactly what Jesus meant. It means “a small dry stalk, a twig” (Ab- This translation is more accurate than the bott-Smith). Thayer adds to these two “a King James and much smoother than the straw; chaff.” It comes from the verb karfo, American Standard Version. which means “dry up, wither.” So it refers to any dried up piece of wood, hay, or Me battalogesete (verse 7) is rendered in grain. the new version: “Do not heap up empty The word dokos (beam) likewise occurs phrases.” One could make good use of all only in these parallel passages in Matthew the modern translations of this command. and Luke. In the papyri it is used for They all make good sense and have a help­ a log on which planks in the house rest. ful application to our habits in praying. So it means beam, joist, rafter. One more passage in chapter six we would Now let us look at some of the modern note: “And when you fast, do not look dis­ translations. Moffatt has “splinter” and mal” (verse 16). Jesus is warning us “plank.” Goodspeed has “speck” and against parading our piety. We are to beam. ” Weymouth has “splinter” and practice our piety, but not parade it. “beam.” So does the Twentieth Century. Moffatt has a similar rendering: “Do not The Revised Standard Version reads: “Why look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they do you see the speck that is in your broth­ loijk woebegone to let men see that they are er’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in fasting.” Goodspeed gives a free para­ your own eye?” phrase of the second part: “They neglect The word for pearl in verse six is mar- their personal appearance.” That perhaps garita, from which we get the name Mar- comes a little closer to us. garite or Margaret. For the proper inter­ Chapter seven begins with a warning pretation of thig much misused verse we against judging others. The Greek term would commend highly the treatment of it used here gives us our word “critic.” In in E. Stanley Jones’ Christ of the Mount. other words, Jesus said: “Don’t be critical.” We need to be careful how we call people He was not referring of course to critical “dogs” and “swine.” It may hinder us scholarship, which is fundamental to all from winning them to Christ. progress in learning. Rather, he was warn­ Two contrasts are noted in verses nine ing against that habit of censorious criti­ and ten: loaf, stone; fish, serpent. The cism which is altogether too common in suggestion of substitution here may seem church circles. Goodspeed renders it well: at first very incongruous. But a stone “Pass no more judgments upon other peo­ might easily look like a loaf of bread, which ple.” Dr. Godbey has a good translation would resemble a thin biscuit in our day. here: “Criticise not, that you may not be And instead of pulling out of the fresh criticised. For with what criticism you catch a fish, a man might take one of the criticise, you will be criticised.” The Twen­ common water-snakes. But no true father tieth Century New Testament puts it: “Do would do either of these things. not sit in judgment upon others.” That is The word “strait” in the Authorized Ver­ good advice for all of us. sion of verse thirteen is sometimes confused The Revised Standard Version has a today with “straight.” Actually, of course, striking translation of the second half of it means narrow, or straitened. verse two: “The measure you give will The adjectives used in verses thirteen and be the measure you get.” It should be clear fourteen to describe the two ways form to any observer that a judicious use of an interesting study. The word rendered May-Iune, 1946 (143) 7 “ broad” is euruchoros, found only here in One more statement of Jesus we would the New Testament. Eurus means “broad” mention in closing our study of this chap­ and chora means “ country.” From this ter. In verse twenty-two Jesus said He we get the suggestion that the broad way will be forced to declare to some people is just wide open country, with no fences “I was never acquainted with you.” They or boundaries. may have presumed an acquaintance with Isn’t that exactly a correct description of Him, but He denies any acquaintance with the broad way? No rules or regulations to them. hamper one from doing just what he pleases. The Greek word here is ginosko, which One may go anywhere he wishes, do or means know by observation and experience, say anything he wants to, live as undis­ as distinguished from oida, know by reflec­ ciplined a life as he chooses, and still walk tion or intuition. the broad way. Such a person doesn’t need What Jesus is saying, then, is that he had to worry about getting off the road. He not had any experience of fellowship and can’t. No matter how widely he wanders acquaintance with these folk. He had or how loosely he lives he may be sure not come to know them through association that he is still on the broad way. But— with them. They claimed to have preached it leads to destruction. and labored in His name. But they had In contrast to this is the narrow way. not enjoyed fellowship with Him and so Here the word is tethlimene, which is the He disclaims any acquaintance with them. perfect passive participle of thlibo, meaning It is a solemn warning to us today. “press” or “compress.” The narrow way is a compressed way, like the narrow de­ file between two towering cliffs. The figure of the two ways is a striking one and appears in the Old Testament. "They Comfort Me” Used in Deuteronomy 30:19 and Jeremiah 21:8 it receives special elaboration in the Dr. H. W. McLaughlin, of Richmond, Va., first Psalm, which seems to be introductory tells a lovely story of an experience while to the entire Psalter. The thought also per­ in Palestine. In talking to an old shep­ vades the repeated antitheses of the book herd he inquired in what sense it could of Proverbs. be said that his staff was for the comfort It is still true that the masses are crowd­ of the sheep. The old shepherd proceeded ing into the wide open, broad way, just as to explain that in daylight he always car­ we see them thronging the brightly lighted ried the staff across his shoulder, and when Broadway in many cities. In the striking the sheep saw it, it spoke of the presence contrast drawn by Jesus the preacher will of the shepherd, and thus was a means of find powerful sermon material. comfort. On the other hand, if night over­ took him with the sheep on the mountain­ Some people have found difficulty in side, or if they were caught in a heavy harmonizing verses one and twenty. But mountain mist so that the sheep could no the distinction should be obvious. We longer see the staff, then he would lower are not to “judge” other people’s lives, at­ it, and as he walked he would tap with it tributing to them motives of which they on the -ground, so that by hearing if not may or may not be guilty. We have neither by sight the staff comforted the sheep by the ability nor the authority to judge the speaking of the presence of the shepherd. motives and thoughts of others. When we try to do so we get into trouble and cause David remembered these things and said division in the church. in effect to himself, “It would be unreason­ able to suppose that God has less care for But Jesus is talking about something very me than I had for the sheep!” “Yea, though different in verse twenty. He is simply I walk through the valley of the shadow stating an inevitable fact of life: “From of death, I will fear no evil for thou art their fruits you will recognize them.” If with me; thy rod and thy staff they com­ we see Mr. So-and-So staggering down the fort me.” street, colliding with posts and walls, a cigarette hanging precariously out of the —A Psalm of an Old Shepherd. corner of his mouth, we are not sitting in judgment when we express our opinion that the unfortunate creature is not a The difficulty is just this, that altogether Christian. We are simply “recognizing” a too many Christians live an impoverished fact which is perfectly patent. existence spiritually. 8 (144) The Preacher's Magazine The Pastor and Returning Service Personnel

Chaplain John T. Donnelly*

LTHOUGH the figures released during these young men and women to Christ will A the war from the Chief of Chaplain’s never be accomplished, however, by the office relative to attendance of service pastor and people that just sit and sing personnel at religious services were inter­ “We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes” while souls esting and very pleasing, I do not believe perish and go to hell all about them. those figures can be taken as any indication The returning serviceman and woman of a great revival of religion. Neither do know that the war wasn’t won by their I think those figures should lead church folk sitting on wooden horses talking about to believe the chaplains have converted yesterday’s victories. They know, too, that large groups of men and women who are the Pacific islands were not taken by a ready, waiting, and anxious to join the local fleet of canoes filled with boy scouts who congregation and become pillars of the were armed with air-rifles. Consequently, church. Due to the complexity of denom­ they are not going to be impressed by a inations the chaplains were not, for the minister that isn’t helpful and a congrega­ most part, able to convert the men and tion that doesn’t seem to care. If there is women of the armed forces in great num­ a battle against “principalities, against bers. powers, against the rulers of the darkness To the present time much has been writ­ of this world, against spiritual wickedness ten that would tend to lead one’s thinking in high places” (Eph. 6:12), action is re­ toward the acceptance of the fact that great quired to win. If there is no enemy and groups of ex-service personnel are going “this vile world is a friend to grace to help to seek admission into the churches of Am­ us on to God” let’s quit. If God is love erica. We have been informed repeatedly and Satan is real; if there is “a heaven to that the soldiers, sailors, and marines, young gain and a hell to shun,” the church—pastor men who before entering the armed forces and people—should be doing something had been conspicuous for their absence in about it. The returning serviceman or the local churches, who never before had woman will be impressed if the church is any real or personal interest in the church alive—alive to the reality of things as they back home, have been so impressed, and are in a work-a-day world, alive to the have become so God-conscious during the fact and consequences of sin, alive to the war that they are going to turn to the horrors of hell and to the eternal bliss of church now. It is becoming more and more heaven! apparent as greater numbers of ex-service I realize that in any church program personnel return to their homes that much much depends upon local conditions. But, that has been written and discussed relative whether the church is large or small, rural to this question has been just so much or urban, whether there is one star on the wishful thinking. service flag or a hundred, the church can However, this fact ought not change the be on fire for God! The people can be situation as far as the responsibility of the interested in, and friendly to the visitor. pastors of the Church of the Nazarene to­ The pastor can be alert to the problems of ward veterans is concerned. I believe that present-day living. In the many times that our pastors have the greatest opportunity I have criss-crossed the country from coast before them now that any ministers have to coast since my return from over-seas, ever had. I believe, too, that our church I have been disappointed to find pastors generally is faced with the most suitable who were so occupied with sermonizing and occasion and the most favorable opening spiritual matters that they gave little or no to win men and advance the Kingdom of help to the person, veteran or otherwise, God that any denomination has had. I who needed practical assistance in finding think it is possible for our pastors and our the solution to problems resulting from people to win many of the returning vet­ the stress, strain, and confusion of modern erans to the church and to Christ, although living. In the army the chaplain was the the veterans may not exhibit any interest one man the soldier freely turned to for in the church. This great work of winning the answer to any question and for the solu­ •AAF Redistribution Station No. 4, Santa Ana, Calif. tion on any problem. Chaplains made it a May-June, 1946 (145) 9 point to know the answers, or to obtain for veterans. Many fraternal societies have the answers regardless of effort, time, or well-established policies and benefits rela­ cost. I believe the pastor should be equally tive to the veterans of their membership. prepared and qualified to do the same for Generally, all of these organizations will the people of his community. I have been be happy to have a minister sufficiently in­ specially surprised, in my traveling about, terested to make inquiry and will do all to learn that so many pastors were so un­ possible to give him the assistance and in­ prepared to give any tangible help to the formation he desires. returning serviceman or woman in the way A large percentage of the servicemen of assisting them to fit themselves back into and women are making plans to go to school civilian life. I am confident that many under the educational provisions of the GI veterans could be won for Christ and Bill of Rights. The wise pastor will ac­ brought into the fellowship of the church quaint himself with all of the schools with­ by the pastor being genuinely friendly and in several hundred miles of his perish. He helpful. There is a GI Bill of Rights. Many should have data relative to their costs, pastors know little as to what it is all about. tuitions, scholarships, and so on. Especi­ The wide-awake pastor should know every ally have all this information relative to feature and item of this so-called soldier’s each of our own Nazarene schools. A postal bill of rights. He ought to know what it card addressed to the schools will, no doubt, offers and what it does not offer to the bring all the answers by return mail. veteran. Housing is perhaps the greatest problem Many returning servicemen are unable for many veterans. I believe it is one of to find employment. This is especially the most important things for the pastor true in the smaller cities and towns. The to keep in mind. The pastor ought to keep pastor could be very helpful if he would in touch with the leading real estate agents visit the local Chamber of Commerce and and housing offices and have a good knowl­ obtain a complete picture of trade, business, edge of available housing and probable and manufacturing in the community at the housing. The members of the congregation present time. Also, find out as much as can be helpful by supplying any information possible concerning the proposed or an­ they may obtain. If possible keep a hous­ ticipated growth in the various fields of ing list. employment. It would no doubt be profit­ A few men are going to ask the pastor able to obtain a list of good small businesses questions relative to information concern­ that the local Chamber of Commerce feels ing enlistment and re-enlistment. Visit the would be of benefit to the community, and nearest recruiting service and obtain com­ that might be started by a veteran. Learn, plete information. too, what is considered a bad risk for the Many returning veterans will want to veteran interested in starting his own small know about the reconversion of government business. insurance. If you cannot advise the service­ With all the labor trouble at present it man concerning this be sure to know some­ would be advisable for the pastor to visit, one to whom you can send him who will write, or telephone each trade and labor be able to give complete and correct infor­ union in the community and determine their mation. status and requirements for returning vet­ Closely akin to the matter of insurance is erans. information concerning the Soldiers and There will be some returning servicemen Sailors Act. Acquaint yourself with this who will still be in need of medical treat­ information. Know the benefits of the Sol­ ment, or at least a physical check-up from diers and Sailors Act. time to time. The pastor would do well In every large city and in most of the to know where the nearest government fa­ small towns there is a “Veterans Informa­ cilities for hospitalization and care for vet­ tion Center.” Visit the “Center” and ac­ erans is located. Many of the hospitals quaint yourself with every phase of its specialize in treating certain types of ail­ work. It will, no doubt, be able to supply ments and disabilities. Therefore, it would you with much of the needed information be helpful if the pastor would visit some concerning the other points mentioned. If of these hospitals and learn what medical it cannot supply the information, it will be care is available and how to obtain it. able to tell you where to obtain such infor­ The pastor should contact the American mation. Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Helpful information is written up in five any other military associations in the com­ little booklets under the title of “The munity and determine what they are doing Church and Returning Service Personnel.” 10 (146) The Preacher's Magazine Booklet number one deals with “Attitudes There is more real need for this kind of and Problems”; number two with “A Report pastoral work than most ministers realize. on the Baltimore Conference”; number Recently I read a report stating that sixty three, “Counseling to Meet the Needs”; per cent of the inmates of Los Angeles number four, “Welcoming the Wounded”; county prison are veterans of World War and number five, which is now out of date II. Twenty per cent of those serving time but still informative, “Government Plans in San Quentin prison are ex-servicemen for Demobilization.” These five booklets of this recent war. In a personal interview are published by several organizations in­ with the jailor of the Orange County prison cluding The Federal Council of the Churches in Santa Ana, California, I was informed of Christ in America, Literature Depart­ that about ten per cent of the men whose ment, 297 Fourth Avenue, New York 10, names are on the jail record for 1945 were New York. Each booklet is ten cents. veterans. No doubt the Nazarene Servicemen’s If our pastors will minister to veterans in Commission would be happy to assist any the way outlined in this article, I believe pastor seeking information relative to how many of them will come to church. I think he could more effectively serve the return­ that when they do come to your church they ing veterans. will believe what you preach. You will I think the pastor should contact every have the privilege of seeing some of them returning serviceman and woman that he consecrate their hearts and lives to Christ possibly can within twenty-four hours after and join you in Christian service. the veteran’s return home. Simply because they may not be sheep from the Nazarene I am confident that our pastors can do fold should not cause j'ou to neglect them. this. Some have been doing it and are see­ In addition to the servicemen from your ing glorious results. If all of our pastors own church you could have the members of would do it, there would be many souls the congregation supply you with the names won into Christ’s kingdom who otherwise of all the service personnel they know and might never have been reached. If all of whether or not those veterans are likely our pastors would work a definite program to be visited by any other minister upon relative to pastoral work among returning their arrival at home. If no other minister is veterans, there would be a great revival, likely to be making a “welcome home” call many would be saved and added to the add the names to your list. Let the returning church, and only God could estimate the service personnel of your community know results. you are available to give every possible as­ sistance. Let the returning serviceman know you are his friend, that you have his interest and welfare at heart, and that you are going to do something about it. Don’t Sad will be the day for any man when forget him, or neglect him. Don’t let go of he becomes satisfied with the life he is his hand until he has completely co-or­ living, with the thoughts he is thinking, dinated himself to civilian life. Go with and the deeds he is doing; when there is him to his boss, his labor union, the em­ not beating at the doors of his soul a desire ployment office, the bank, and the real to do something greater which he knows estate office. In other words serve him he was meant to do because he is a child and be his pastor. of God.—P h i l l i p s B r o o k s .

A K ey to Happiness

Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward (Psa. 19:11). I have been a lover of Holy Scripture; and I love it more now than I ever did. It has been my habit to read the Scriptures through four times a year; and it is important to read it in a prayerful spirit, to mediate upon what we read, and to ppply it to our own hearts. Do I understand this? Do I obey this? What has this Word for me? Then, we must practice what we find in the Scripture; and the result will be a happy man, a happy woman.

—G e o r g e M u l l e r

May-June, 1946 (147) 11 The Influence of the Christian Home

Robert G. Lee*

HE home may be made in a tent, a foundational and primary. The purification T rented house, an apartment, a mansion, and power of our national life is dependent a cabin. The home, as one has said, is a upon the home. The over-production of fold that shelters the family from the wolves spiritual pygmies today it traceable to the of lust, strife, unbelief—a harbor in which absence of great homes. Great homes are souls anchor and abide secure from the necessary to produce great men. storms of doubt and carnal stress that are We have education today, but education without—a fortress from whose citadel the has not eliminated crime, even though our armed forces of love, truth, chastity go forth great educational leaders of the last century to bless the world—a sanctuary in which promised the abolishment of crime if only faith builds an altar, opens the door of pray­ we would educate—build schools, support er, and yields life and life’s destiny to God. them, and pass compulsory attendance laws Moreover, a Christian home is an anteroom for all children. These well-intentioned to heaven where husband and wife “sub­ men said then that in a generation crime mit themselves one to another in the fear would be a thing of the past. We did all of God,” where parents rear their children this, but crime is still with us. On unim­ in God’s nurture and admonition, where peachable authority, we have the cost of children obey their parents, where God’s crime in this country—fifteen billions of dol­ Word has a place, where the Sabbath rolls lars—overtopping by some billions a year all in tender blessing over the threshold—a the money spent for educational, religious, field where love grows its orchard of most and charitable purposes put together. As delicious fruits. Livy said of his day, “Our vices have risen The rocking chair in a Christian nursery to so great a height that w e can endure is higher than a throne. It is not too much neither the burden of them nor the sharp­ to say that though George Washington ness of their remedy.” commanded the forces of the United States, Mary Washington commanded George. H o m e F u n c t i o n s Chrysostom’s mother sharpened his pen for him and kindled unquenchable spiritual Lawlessness in the nation gets its start fires in his heart. If a man should start out by the fireside. The child that respects not to run seventy years in a straight line, he the authority of parents will not respect could not get from under the shadow of his the authority of God and “the powers that own mantlepiece. If the modern mother be” when he comes to manhood. Many throws the cares of her household into the children are ruined by the overindulgence servant’s lap and spends the afternoons and of a pair of easy-going church-complacent nights at clubs, operas, theaters, she may parents. God said about Abraham, “For I clothe her children with satins and laces know him, that he will command his chil­ that would confound a French milliner, but dren and his household after him, and they her children are orphans. And there are shall keep the way of the Lord.” Today, too many orphans today. parental authority, as some wit has said, has not disappeared, but has only changed A N e g l e c t e d A g e n c y hands. Children have taken it over, he There are evidences that the influence says. of the home is less strong on the construc­ tive side than in earlier days. The home Recently I spoke in Chicago. While there, has experienced difficulty in keeping pace I read from the Chicago Tribune a case of with alternative diversions, in consequence parental buck-passing on youth’s scandals. of which the parent-child relationship is A nasty case of juvenile immortality in the threatened. The influence of the home is Mortin High School was brought up. The high school students were involved in scandal and hell-raising. There, as is a ♦Dr. Robert G. Lee is the long-time pastor of the Bellevue frequent tendency everywhere, was a ten­ Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee, one of the largest dency to call the school board or the teach­ churches in this country and mighty in Christian in­ fluence. This affirmation concerning the Christian home er to account. They forgot that the prin­ is reproduced in condensed form from Dr. Lee's book "Glory cipal responsibility for the conduct of the Today for Conquest Tomorrow/' (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Mich.) children rests in their parents—and not 12 (148) The Preacher's Magazine with the school teachers. Judge Bicek sum­ hardest task in the world is the bringing up moned forty fathers in the Juvenile Court of children, and the chief reason is that and charged them with this responsibility. example is so much more important than Their sons were in trouble—some started precept.” Can parents lie about a child’s on criminal careers. The Judge said: “Par­ age and teach it truthfulness? Can par­ ental neglect causes ninety per cent of our ents receive too much change and keep that juvenile cases.” Then he said that parents change and expect the child to be honest? are legally responsible for civil damages Can parents tell “little white lies” and ex­ due to their children. “They might well also pect little children to tell the truth? Can be placed in the dock beside children parents refuse to pray and expect to have charged with criminal offenses, not to be prayerful children? Can parents habitually tried for those offenses, but to be tried to absent themselves from church and expect ascertain whether their negligence con­ their children to love and properly evalu­ tributed to these moral offenses.” ate the church? L. E. Thomas, boys’ secretary of the Y.M. Spiritually dark homes make bad boys C.A. in Memphis, Tennessee, told me of and turn bad girls into bad women. If some boys who were caught stealing golf doctors were as careless in their practice balls at the “ Stop and Sock” Golf Club. of medicine as many of us are in our mani­ The fathers and mothers of these boys called festations of a Christlike spirit in the home, Mr. Thomas in to counsel with him as to there would be large additions to all our what to do with these boys. Can you im­ cemeteries. Let us learn first to show agine the old-fashioned fathers and mothers piety at home — hourly, daily, weekly, of a generation past doing a thing like that? monthly, yearly—all the time. My old father—deacon for forty-two years A man’s home is a real fortress in a war­ in a Baptist church—would have done no ring world. But let us not forget that such absurd thing. Nor my mother. Nor there is a vast difference in a house and a yours. Parents of years gone by would home. A house is built by human hands, have done a little “socking and stopping” but a home is built by human hearts. Only on their own account. I think we need one calamity can ruin a home—the death some old-fashioned, Bible-loving, God-fear- of love. When love dies, the home is in ing, children-bearing, and children-ruling ruins—and all the material riches, successes, fathers and mothers who “command their and pleasures of living cannot supply what children after them.” Too many children, has been lost. born of godless parents, are more damned into the world than born into it. T h e C h r i s t i a n H o m e

H o m e I n f l u e n c e s We need to get back to God’s standards Out of one hundred and twenty ministers for a Christian home as Christ would have who were addressed in a Western state, one us to maintain it. How we need to exalt hundred said that Christian influence in the sacredness of the marriage tie! How the home had much to do with their con­ we need to give Christ the throne, not the version and service in the ministry. A large footstool in our homes! We need Christlike portion of young people who recently joined homes where the Bible is ready daily, where a certain church on profession of faith made prayer is made daily, where love is ex­ claim that the influence of their homes pressed daily, where the whole family at­ turned them to think on the way of salva­ tends church together, where conversation tion and eternal life. But Tom Paine said, about the things of the kingdom of God is a “I was an infidel before I was five years rule rather than an exception, where the old.” And Lord Byron, marvelous poet that family income is tithed and taken to God’s he was, debauchee that he was, mistreated house, where God’s law of piety and conduct by his mother when he was a crippled child, is respected, where parents understand that said, “Untrained in youth my heart to tame, children do not have to understand all the my springs of life were poisoned.” Bible to be saved. What child has to know William Lyon Phelps, Bible and English about the laws of gravitation to learn to teacher and great Christian, recently said, walk? What child has ho know that there “I am extremely grateful to my parents for are seven colors in every ray of light in the religious and spiritual training she gave order to recognize its mother’s face? What me. Every day of my life I am grateful. child has to know the velocity of sound I would rather belong to the church than waves in order to know its father’s voice? to any other organization, society, or club. When will the home cease to handicap I would rather be a church member than churches by telling children that they are to receive any honor in the world. The not old enough to trust Christ? May-Iune, 1946 (149) 13 Some day we must leave our earthly I thank God that, when we are summoned homes—for death, whose only palace is a to go from our earthly homes, there is a huge sepulcher, whose only pleasure foun­ heavenly home already prepared for those tains are the falling tears of the world, who love him, and that home is the most whose only laughter is a wail, whose only beautiful place that the wisdom of God music is a sob of broken hearts, is busy. Some day, if the Lord Jesus lingers longer, could conceive and the power of God could you and I will have to stand face to face prepare. Oh, to be at home with him! with the black door of death and deal with Home—with its music! Home—with beauty death—the one sanctity that all men respect, for our eyes! Home—with joy for our the one gesture that melts the hardest, the hearts! Home—with service for our hands! one awe that appalls the impious, the one Home—with songs of praise for our mouths! stroke of common sense that annihilates Home—with testimony for our lips! Home our folly, the one preacher of righteousness and justice and nobility whose lips cannot —with worship for God!—The Watchman- be stilled. Examiner.

Paul’s Suggestions for Success

J. Warren Slote

This one thing I do, forgetting those things doubtless he would find something of suc­ which are behind, and reaching forth unto cess and something of failure. He was not those things which are before, I press to­ always successful, and not uniformly suc­ ward the mark for the prize df the high cessful. It is so with us. It cannot be said calling of God in Christ Jesus.—P a u l . of anyone that he is uniformly successful in life. No one can claim success in every AUL is telling us what he proposes to undertaking, regardless of the level on P do. It was a personal matter with him. which we think of success. Furthermore, He sets an example for us; hence we should it is not always possible, perhaps not ever make the same proposal for ourselves as a possible, for us to distinguish between fail­ purely personal matter. ure and success. What we sometimes Paul made this statement when he was designate success is wholly or partially fail­ in prison in Rome at a time when, we might ure, and what we sometimes designate say, his life was drawing to its close. It failure is sometimes partial or even com­ is interesting to note that, notwithstanding plete success. How can we measure success the fact that he had lived long and much, or failure in our lives? he still had an ambition to attain all God There are three viewpoints: (a) Some­ had planned for him, both in the matter of times our endeavors may be a failure so experience and in the matter of service. far as the outcome is concerned when We may conclude, and rightfully, that it is viewed objectively, and yet a success inso­ appropriate for us to follow the example far as they teach us lessons which serve of Paul in making this proposal regardless us in good stead in our next attempt. This of our age or circumstances. is important when the second attempt has Analyzing his proposal, we find that he far more significance than the first. Moses intended, (1) to forget the things which tried to deliver Israel by slaying the Egyp­ were past, including his successes and his tian; he failed. After realizing his failure failures; (2) to reach forth toward what was and patiently spending forty years on the ahead, which he refers to as the prize of backside of the desert, he successfully in­ the high calling of God in Christ Jesus; vaded Egypt and let out Israel, thus ac­ (3) to press, which indicates that there complishing his purpose. It may be so with would be hindering forces against which us, and in such case, who can say that and through which he would have to pro­ our first endeavor was a failure? ceed. I. (b) An endeavor may be a failure so Regarding the first division of his pro­ far as we can see, and yet may be a success posal—should we look into the life of Paul in that it makes an essential contribution prior to the time he made this statement, to the success of another person’s endeavor. 14 (150) The Preacher’s Magazine A good illustration is the fact that one sow- witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and eth and another reapeth. In the material in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the universe, we see the sowing, but that is not uttermost part of the earth.” The first quo­ always so in the moral realm. “A word tation might be applied to spiritual experi­ fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pic­ ence, and the second to prayer service, both tures of silver.” The faithful preaching as the program of God designated as the of the Word lays the basis for the reaping high calling in Christ Jesus. of the evangelistic efforts. Is the pastor III. who preaches the Word faithfully through­ Regarding the third division of his pro­ out the year a failure; and is the evangelist posal—the term “press” means to pursue, to a success because he sees more clearly the follow eagerly, to endeavor earnestly to result of his endeavor? acquire, to be in desperate pursuit of the (c) Our method of evaluating success is objective. This same term is used by Paul very uncertain because often we do not when he suggests that saints should be know what constitutes success. Isaiah was “given to (pursuing) hospitality,” meaning a failure when evaluated objectively. A fully given to it (see Romans 12:13). What prediction of his failure was included in does Paul say, therefore, when he proposes his commission (see Isaiah 6:9-12). Yet to press? He means that he will give him­ that failure was not failure when measured self fully and wholly to pursuing his ob­ by the measuring rod of the program of jective, as the dog pursues the fox in the God. What are we to do with reference chase. This means thrusting one’s self to our past successes and failures? Paul through difficulties in an attempt to reach proposed to forget them. We shall do well the objective. It means self-denial, as the to emulate his example. athlete denies himself in discipline that he II. may win the prize. It means disregarding Regarding the second division of his pro­ the cheers and sneers of those on the side­ posal—there is a plan for each of us in the lines, and going straight ahead, regardless program of God, as there was for Paul. of approval or disapproval of onlookers. It That plan is the high calling of God in meant this for Paul. It will mean this for Christ Jesus. As in the case of Paul, God us, if we follow his suggestion and adopt has a program for the life of each of us; his proposal as our own. that program is through Christ Jesus; that If our lives are to bring glory to God* program is a high calling. Paul suggests through Christ Jesus, if we hope to find the that it is something ahead of us, something highest type of joy and the largest sphere for which we must “reach forth.” Hence it of usefulness, if we are to serve our genera­ is a continuing program, one which is ever tion by the will of God, then we shall do before us. It might not be out of place to well to adopt the proposal of Paul. say that it is an ever-enlarging program. We may therefore conclude that the Chris­ tian life for each of us should not be static, It was into the real world that Christ but should be an ever-widening life, both came, and He comes to us, not to snatch with reference to experience and also with us away by some miracle from the conflict reference to service. “The path of the just of life, but to give us His peace in our is as the shining light, that shineth more hearts, whereby we may be calmly steadfast and more unto the perfect day.” “But ye while the conflict rages, and be able to shall receive power, after that the Holy bring to the torn world the healing of that Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be peace.—W i l l i a m T e m p l e .

The Altar in the Home

1. It unifies the family before God. 2. It cultivates piety and common sense. 3. It develops workers for wider fields. 4. It is the most effective evangelism. 5. It is a most potent example for good. —Church Bulletin, Flower, Calif.

May-Iune, 1946 (151) 15 The Pastor a Leader in Loyalty*

A. H. Kauffman

OYALTY is an abstract quality, apart said, “If ye love me, ye will keep my com­ L from any particular subject or object. It mandments.” He might have stated it in is comparable to such human characteristics these words, “If ye love me, ye will be loyal as integrity, nobility, and strength. It is to me.” like the pungency of the flavor of foods or While loyalty is an abstract quality of the sweetness of fragrance of flowers. In the personality and an attitude of the mind, varying degrees, people have this char­ it gives unmistakable evidence of itself in acteristic of personality which we denote the outward life. It shines out of the eyes as loyalty. and beams in the smile. It speaks in all our Loyalty is more than an abstract quality words and ennobles all our deeds. Yet, of personality. It is an attitude which an loyalty, like every other quality of goodness, individual assumes and maintains. It goes may be simulated. Outward appearances far deeper than mere words or deeds. It is may give the impression of loyalty while the mood or state of mind which determines the inner attitude is one of animosity and the direction pursued and the course of ac­ bitterness. I appeal to you and plead with tion followed. you that above all else you will be frank, There are several realms within which candid, and sincere. If you want to be con­ loyalty may function. One may have loyal­ sidered loyal, let nothing else be lurking in ty to a principle, to an organization, to a your heart and mind. cause, or to a person. An example of the Loyalty is certainly one quality which first is seen in Patrick Henry who made should characterize the minister of the the undying declaration, “Give me liberty or Gospel and, above all others, the holiness give me death.” The second is exemplified preacher. We lay unabated emphasis upon in the civic loyalty of patriotism which a the necessity and the possibility of heart citizen has for his country. We have wit- purity. We hold higher than other min­ -nessed a demonstration of this during the isters the divine requirement of unadulter­ years of the war through which we have ated love toward God and toward our fel- just passed. An example of loyalty to a lowmen. If that means anything at all, it cause is found in the attitude which millions means our loyalty to their best interest. Do of our people have taken toward the Red you not agree? Brethren, let us lay the Cross. Without compensation women standard upon ourselves. Let us plumb worked untiringly in the preparation of our own hearts. surgical dressings and men gave unstint- There is no place in which there is greater ingly of their money. All classes and races need for loyalty than in our relationships donated freely to the Red Cross blood bank. within the church. Other organizations Loyalty to a cause worked wonders. may succeed because of power, profit, or The best illustration of loyalty to a person propaganda; the church must have broth­ is the attitude of a true wife to her husband erly love. This is a solvent for discord and or of a faithful husband to his wife. Some dissension. It is a lubricant that eliminates may say, “But that is love.” True, it is friction within the body. It is the bond of love but loyalty is one of the components of the church’s unity in worship, in fellowship, love. Where there is no loyalty, there is no and in service. It is the “esprit de corps.” love. They are inseparable. It is the insignia by means of which Christ’s All the faculties are involved in loyalty— true followers are to be known by the the intellect, the will, and the emotions. world. One can not be loyal to that of which he We all recognize the necessity for whole­ is totally ignorant. There must be infor­ hearted loyalty within the local church. This mation and knowledge. Also, loyalty is a determines faithfulness in church attend­ matter of choice. The will must act. It ance and in sacrificial support. It measures must act freely. Loyalty can not be forced, the success of our revivals as well as that just as affection can not be coerced. And, of the regular services. It sets the limits of too, loyalty is always directed to the object attainment of the goals in the various de­ of one’s pleasurable emotions or love. Jesus partments. It effectively helps our leaders to succeed in the Sunday school, the Naz­ *Paper presented at Michigan District Preachers' Meeting, February, 1946 arene Young People’s Society, and in the 16 (152) The Preacher's Magazine Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society. No of our life. We must be where we are be­ one can contribute more to the loyal support cause of genuine conviction. Loyalty will of departmental leaders in the local church prevent such loose talk about the church than the pastor. He holds in his hands the and our relationship to it. master key to this situation. One sometimes hears the faults of the The matter of loyalty in the local church church paraded from the pulpit. No one is more crucial than anywhere else when it will be brought to Christ nor led into the relates itself to the attitude of the people fellowship of the church by such folly. toward the pastor. It is impossible to over­ There is not one valid reason for such a state the importance of loyalty to anyone practice. In fact, our loyalty to Christ and who serves as pastor of a church. The mem­ the church we love should preclude the bers, by their loyalty or lack of loyalty, possibility. will do more than to contribute to his hap­ What about depreciative remarks about piness or sorrow. They will determine to other preachers, even preachers within our a large degree his success or failure. (I am own denomination? It is a sure indication speaking words of truth and soberness, of a deficiency in one’s loyalty. Why should as you well know). Without loyal-hearted one cast reflection or throw a shadow upon members, the pastor had better pack his a fellow minister? Can he build himself bags, box his books, and forward his furni­ up by tearing the other down? Loyalty will ture to a new address. His work at that not “spread surmises injurious to the good place is really finished. names of others.” It “worketh no ill to his Our local churches are not isolated units. neighbor.” We who are ministers must put Every church is an integral part of the dis­ into practice as well as preach the Golden trict and general organization. Here we Rule and I Corinthians 13. have leaders who are as dependent on the The work of the church may be thought loyalty of the pastors as the pastors are of as concentric circles—the local, the dis­ dependent on the loyalty of their members. trict, and the general program. In each There may be some honor in holding high area of the church there is something defin­ offices in the church but that is far out­ ite to be accomplished. The crucial problem weighed by the heavy responsibility. The is not so much to arrange the program or work must be done. The divinely appointed to set the goals as to secure the whole­ task must be accomplished. We as pastors hearted co-operation which is required for must all take that attitude and loyally con­ their attainment. Success depends on co­ tribute our share to the advancement of the operation. Co-operation requires loyalty. work of God as a whole. Now, let us proceed one step further and It is my conviction that, in a democratic recognize that loyalty demands confidence. organization such as our church, everyone All those who arrange our programs and should abide by the will of the majority. set our goals should find the divine lead­ One should not only be subject to those who ing as a result of much prayer and waiting are over him in the Lord but he should bear upon God. Then, these goals should not toward them an unfeigned loyalty. It is my be given out in a mandatory spirit. They personal opinion that one’s ballot is his must commend themselves to our pastors own when the election is being held. He and people as worthy of the extra effort must pray for guidance and vote his own and sacrifice which they will cost. Our convictions. But, regardless of how he pastors and people have quite generally may have voted, after the election his given proof of their willingness to carry loyalty belongs to the one elected. Breth­ forward the work as outlined by the leaders ren, let us love Christ enough to be loyal in whom they have confidence. to His church. Let us love our church suf­ It must be recognized that the pastor ficiently to be loyal to its servants. holds a strategic position relative to the You have heard preachers say, “Bless district and general interests. For home God, when the Nazarene Church cools off, and foreign missions, he is the loyalty lead­ I’m going out to find something that is er in the local church. This goes for our hot!” Such preachers had better leave at publishing house, our literature, and our once. There is a serious lack in their loy­ educational institutions. He must also alty. They are like a tramp who has hopped sponsor the special projects—such as the a ride on a freight train and who can jump Nazarene Radio Hour, the Nazarene Sem-, off when he gets ready to do so. We must inary, and the missionary venture into Aus­ feel that we are a vital part of the Church tralia. The measure of the pastor’s co^ of the Nazarene and that it is a vital part operation is the extent of his success. The

May-June, 1946 (153) 17 members will pray, work, and give as he leads the way. He is the shepherd; they are Winona Lake School of Theology the sheep. He must go before them and (Winona Lake, Indiana) set the example by enthusiastic co-opera- tion. He is the key man for loyalty in our H a s L a r g e s t S e s s i o n E v e r H e l d entire denomination. The Administration of Winona Lake Absolute perfection of persons and or­ School of Theology reports that the 1945 ganizations is not prerequisite to loyalty. session was the largest ever held. The If it were, there would be no loyalty, be­ date was June 27 to August 2. cause everything human is faulty. Yet, This School was founded by the late, re­ governments continue, homes are main­ nowned, Dr. G. Campbell Morgan in 1920, tained, and friendships endure. We need and the 1945 session was the twenty-sixth. not be blind to faults and failures in order The late Dr. William Edward Biederwolf to be loyal. We can_ voluntarily overlook succeeded Dr. Morgan, as President, until them, just as we all desire that other peo­ his death in 1939; since that time Dr. J. A. ple will regard our shortcomings with a Huffman, Dean since 1927, has been Presi­ charitable spirit and be loyal to us. dent. With all its imperfections, remember that The Faculty is annually drawn from the church is of divine origin. The Church widely known educators and leaders from of the Nazarene has enjoyed the blessing various Graduate Theological Schools, Evan­ of God in its short and spectacular history. gelical Churches and Movements, each one God has not withheld His approbation al­ a master in his particular field. though its flaws and faults were all well Students come from coast to coast, from known to Him. Since the Gospel is preached, Canada and from a number of foreign coun­ since the world is evangelized, since sin­ tries. Twenty-three denominations were ners are converted, since believers are sanc­ represented in the 1945 session. tified wholly, since saints are edified, since The Faculty for 1946 is announced as children are taught, since youth is trained, follows: Dr. J. A. Huffman, President; since age is comforted, since God continues Prof. S. A. Mitmer, Pres. Ft. Wayne Bible to bless our co-operative efforts—let us Institute; Dr. Peder Stiansen, Northern rally around the standard, let us all be more Baptist Seminary; Dr. Andrew K. Rule, loyal than ever before to the polity, to the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Semin­ doctrine, and to the leadership of our great ary; Prof. John A. Huffman, Vice-Presi­ denomination, the Church of the Nazarene. dent and Registrar; Dr. James Charbonnier, Taylor University; Dr. Harold B. Kuhn, Although the explicit word “loyalty” is Asbury Theological Seminary; Dr. Ralph not to be found in the Bible, the concept is Earle, Nazarene Theological Seminary. certainly there in example and in exhorta­ The Institution has been approved by tion. Let us take Jonathan and David for the Department of Veterans Affairs, for the a pattern of our loyalty to one another. training of veterans under Law, 346 (The May we have the devotion to one another G. I. Bill), and a special course will be which the early church enjoyed among its given in 1946 session in Pastoral Counsell­ leaders and members. “The multitude of ing, with particular reference to the re­ them that believed were of one heart and turning veterans. of one soul: .... with great power gave Courses are all offered in residence, and the apostles witness of the resurrection of are applicable to regular graduate theologi­ the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon cal degrees, provided pre-requisites have them all” (Acts 4:32-33). been met. The 1946 session will be held June 27 to August 1, with two distinct semesters. Work for credit may be pursued A disappointment, a contradiction, a harsh in one or both semesters. word received and endured as in God’s Copy of 1946 Prospectus may be had by presence, is worth more than a long sermon. addressing the President, Dr. J. A. Huff­ —Selected. man, Winona Lake, Indiana.

The full assurance of faith, always attended with the full assurance of hope, never fails to be productive of perfect love, even the love that casteth out fear.—Selected , 18 (154) The Preacher's Magazine loves the children all this is but sounding Why Bother with Children brass and clanging cymbal...... The chil­ dren of the church may learn many things HIS is the title of a challenging chapter in such a situation, but they will not learn T in The Educational Work of the Church much about the Christian religion! .... A by Harner. In it the following points are church can give the Christian religion to brought out: its children only if it gives itself as well.” —Arkansas Methodist. 1. “The Church must concern itself with children out of sheer desire for self preser­ vation.” We need to remember the ancient command,—“Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah: and thou shalt love W hy Jesus Came Jehovah thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. “He hath sent me to heal the broken­ And these words, which I have commanded hearted.” One does not have to experience thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; unusual calamities to have one’s heart and thou shalt teach them diligently unto broken; every man and woman suffers more thy children.” than once from heartbreak. It is impos­ 2. “The church must concern itself with sible to escape that experience. Well, Jesus children, because they need the spiritual came to heal these broken hearts and re­ guidance which it has to offer.” The movie, store them with hope and joy. the automobile, the radio have caused the “To preach deliverance to the captives.” family ties to be less binding; the standards We are all in bondage. We are slaves to of right and wrong are not so easily fixed our sins or to our fears, to our habits or to so that the church must more than ever help our anxieties; sometimes to our pleasures. children to develop within their own souls Christ came to remove these shackles and some abiding Christian insights and skills set us free. with which to meet life.” “Recovering of sight to the blind.” We 3. “The Church must concern itself with cannot see. The truth is there and it is children in order to make its resources count hidden from us. Jesus came to open our for the most.” Impressions made on boys eyes, that we might behold the most beau­ and girls are easily made, deeply made, and tiful thing in the world. Jesus came to more lasting than on the adults of the con­ clarify our sight. A peasant with the love gregation. of God is more clear-eyed than the shrewd­ est statesman or cleverest man of affairs 4. “The Church must concern itself with without it. children and a proper provision f&r them in “To set at liberty them that are bruised.” order that it may not lose caste in their As walking on a rocky road bruises the feet, eyes.” When children spend the week at­ so the pilgrimage of life, even in the most tending modern, well-equipped public fortunate circumstances, leaves us scarred. schools, with trained teachers, fascinating Every man and woman has soul-bruises, is text books, maps, and other materials, weatherworn. Jesus came to give us lib­ should we not make the Church school erty, so that we shall stand up and walk as equally attractive and challenging? They free men should walk. will then decide that religion is important “To preach the acceptable year of the in one’s life. Lord”—to tell us that this should be the 5. “The Church needs to concern itself happiest moment in our lives. The Physi­ with its children for the sake of its own cian is himself the remedy. Jesus never soul.” Dr. Harner concludes the chapter added a hair’s weight to the burden of care by way of a warning “unless a congregation or woe. He is the only Conqueror who is warmheartedly interested in its children, came, not to oppress, but to relieve.— it can not possibly educate them in the W i l l i a m L y o n P h e l p s . Christian religion no matter how technically perfect the program it sets up for them.... it can construct a building of the latest design, .... secure the latest product of Make use of time, if thou valuest eter­ the lesson-writer’s art .... provide them nity. Yesterday cannot be recalled; tomor­ with teachers who are masters of the Bible, row cannot be assured; today only is thine, adept at teaching, and even lovers of the which, if thou procrastinatest, thou losest; children; but unless the congregation itself which loss is lost forever.—J e r e m y T a y l o r . May-June, 1946 (155) 19 The New Version Ralph Earle

HE Revised Standard Version of the Actually, the new version is not an in­ T New Testament is here. Every preach­ dependent translation. It is a revision er may now examine it for himself and form which seeks to eliminate from the King his own opinion of it. The desire to help James only those features which hinder it in the forming of a correct opinion is the from being easily understood by the pres- purpose of this review. ent-day reader. If its use results in a Let'us state at the outset that we expect clearer understanding of God’s Word on the King James Version to continue as the the part of the average reader and a great­ Bible of the pulpit, at least for some time. er interest in the study of the Bible by It has a great deal of liturgical and senti­ our young people, we should all be devoutly mental value, due to the centuries of use. thankful. That such will be the result is the For purposes of worship it will remain su­ opinion of this reviewer. preme, just as our hymns remain largely May I interject a personal word at this unchanged. point? While a senior in college I felt a But for teaching purposes there can be definite call to devote my life to teaching no denying the fact that this new version the Bible in our holiness schools. For the is vastly superior. Especially is this true past twenty years I have sought earnestly when young people are concerned. The to understand and expound the Word of 1946 version is written in language which God more accurately and effectively. As a any high school boy or girl can under­ Bible teacher I welcome this new version stand, and that is a tremendous asset. The because I am convinced it will help people obsolete and archaic words of the King to understand better the message and mean­ James have been change^ ing of the New Testament. Right here we wish to call attention to the fact that the members of the revision It should be kept clearly in mind that the committee were instructed to revise the King James Version is itself a revision of American Standard Version “in the direc­ previous English translations. During the tion of the simple, classic English style of sixteenth century not l&ss than eight of the King James Version.” Anyone who these appeared. Then in 1611 came the takes time to sit down and read the Gospel King James Version. Its translators were of Matthew in the new version will be im­ instructed to revise the Bishop’s Bible pressed, I am sure, with the fact that the (1568), changing it “as little as the truth translators took this charge seriously. To of the original will permit.” The version of one who reads the Greek and uses modern 1611 adopted phrases and expressions that translations like those of Moffatt, Wey­ had been used in all the previous English mouth, and Goodspeed, the real surprise Bibles. is that this revision departs so little from The King James Version is often referred the King James. This feature will make it to as the Authorized Version. This has led much more acceptable for reading in public some to believe that it is actually the au­ than the independent, one-man transla­ thoritative English Bible. The truth of the tions noted above. These do not pretend to matter is that the term “Authorized” means follow the King James at all, while the Re­ nothing more than “appointed to be read vised Standard Version does follow it rather in churches.” The Great Bible of 1539 and closely. It retains most of the beauty and the Bishop’s Bible of 1568 had already been force and a large majority of the familiar “authorized” in the same way. phrasings of the older version. Anyone who reads it sympathetically at all will It will be of special interest to readers sense this. My own delight in discovering of this review to note that John Wesley, it is shared by some with whom I have in the century following that of the King discussed the matter. James Version, put out his own revision of the New Testament. Incorporated with his Notes on the New Testament in the * The rendering of a number of specific pas­ editions of 1775 and 1760, it was finally put sages in the Revised Standard Version out as a pocket edition by itself in 1790. In will be treated by Dr. Earle in the next John Wesley’s translation there are no less issue of the magazine. than twelve thousand deviations from the 20 (156) The Preacher's Magazine King James Version. Wesley himself tells First, the new version is based on a us that he made these improvements in the better Greek text than was the older one. interest of better text, better sense, and The translators of the King James Version better English. Those are exactly the three had only a few late manuscripts of the main goals of the version of 1946. Greek New Testament, none of them earlier than the ninth century. Today we have In the nineteenth century a new era of over four thousand Greek manuscripts of Bible translation began. Dean Weigle, at least a part of the New Testament. Some chairman of the revision committee, points of these reach back to the third and fourth out that one of the factors in producing centuries. By a careful comparison of this was the great missionary movement these, scholars have constructed a Greek which demanded the translation of the Bible text which, without doubt, lies much closer into hundreds of languages and dialects. As to the original than does that which was men examined carefully the Greek text of used by the King James translators. the New Testament they saw that the King James Version needed very much to be re­ Second, the discovery of a great mass of vised. papyri in Egypt during the past three-quar­ Consequently, in 1870 the Convocation of ters of a century has increased our knowl­ Cantebury ordered a revision to be made. edge of the meaning of words in the New The English Revised Version appeared in Testament. The papyri consists of thou­ 1881. The preferences of the American sands of letters, business papers, and other section of the committee were incorporated documents, coming from the three cen­ in the American Standard Version, which turies before and after Christ. It has been was published in 1901. found that the language of the papyri is the language of the New Testament. As a Both the English and American Revised result the real meaning of many words in Version followed the order of the Greek the New Testament is much clearer than too closely and literally to make good idio­ ever before. matic English. As C. H. Spurgeon remarked concerning the Revised New Testament, it The papyrus discoveries have demon­ was “strong in Greek, weak in English.” strated conclusively that the New Testament That fact has made it unacceptable to the was originally written in the common lan­ people. For study purposes the American guage of the common people. It definitely Standard Version is much better than the was not written in the classical Greek of King James. But for general use it has Demosthenes and Plato, but in the ver­ never gained very wide popularity. nacular of the first century. Yet the King James Version is written in the classical In 1929 the copyright of this version was English of Shakespeare. Are we not re­ taken over by the International Council of covering the true spirit of the New Testa­ Religious Education, which represents forty ment more fully when we put it once more Protestant denominations, including the into the everyday language of the common Church of the Nazarene. A committee of people? Are we more concerned that peo­ scholars was appointed to revise the text, ple shall be impressed with a lofty literary if it seemed necessary. style or that they shall be enlightened by The actual work of revision was begun a clear, simple, direct statement of the truth in 1937. Nine prominent scholars worked of divine revelation? To my mind that is on the New Testament. Each was assigned the fundamental issue. That the Revised a section for translation. Then the whole Standard Version is more understandable group met thirty-one different times, for than the King James Version to the average several days each time, to go over all the American reader today could not possibly material carefully together. The Old Testa­ be denied by any unprejudiced observer. ment section of the Revision Committee also Third, there are many words in the King had to pass on all changes. In order to be James Version which have become obsolete accepted, every change had to receive a or archaic, or have changed their meaning two-thirds vote of the entire committee. radically. The new version puts the thought This provided a strong safeguard against the of the original writer into the English of making of too many revisions and is one of our day. the reasons for the evident conservatism Let us notice some archaisms. Acts 21: of the new text. 15 speaks of Paul taking up his “carriages” The improvements in the Revised Stan­ on his journey to Jerusalem. Certainly dard Version, as compared with the King the average young person could hardly be James Version, lie in three main fields. We expected to know that this meant “baggage.” shall note these now. In Acts 28:13 we read that they “fetched May-June, 1946 (157) 21 a compass.” “Made a circuit” in the new of fragments that remained to them twelve version is certainly clearer. The “charger” baskets.” ASV: “And they ate and were all upon which John the Baptist’s head was filled; and there was taken up that which brought was really a “platter” (Mark 6:25). remained over to them of broken pieces, “Conversation,” as in James 3:13 and many twelve baskets.” RSV: “And all ate other places, should be “conduct.” It doesn’t and were satisfied. And they took up make sense to the average person when he what was left over, twelve baskets of brok­ reads that Herod invited the “chief estates” en pieces.” of Galilee to his birthday feast (Mark 6:21). Luke 20:1-2. KJ: “And it came to pass, The new version has simply “leading men.” that on one of those days, as he taught the The King James rendering “let” for people in the temple, and preached the gos­ “hinder” in Romans 1:13 and II Thessalon- pel, the chief priests and the scribes came ians 2:7 is very misleading. The use of upon him with the elders, And spake unto “prevent” for “precede” (I Thess. 4:15) is him, saying, Tell us, by what authority archaic. doest thou these things? or who is he that The most radical change made in the Re­ gave thee this authority?” ASV: “And it vised Standard Version was that of “thou” came to pass, on one of the days, as he was to “you.” However, the revisers have re­ teaching the people in the temple, and tained the “thou” whenever God is ad­ preaching the gospel, there came upon him dressed. It seems to me that both the the chief priests and the scribes with the change and the exception are very wise. elders; and they spake, saying unto him, With the passing of “thou” and its cor­ Tell us: By what authority doest thou these relatives the verb endings “-est” and “-edst” things? or who is he that gave thee this have disappeared. This is a great improve­ authority?” RSV: “One day, as he was ment. teaching the people in the temple and If anyone feels an objection to these preaching the gospel, the chief priests and changes, let me call attention to one signi­ the scribes with the elders came up and ficant fact. Many archaic spellings in the said to him, “Tell us by what authority you original edition of the King James Version do these things, or who it is that gave were changed long ago. If this had not been you this authority?” done, we would find it decidedly difficult to Luke 23:8. KJ. “And when Herod saw read our Bibles. Anyone who has seen the Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was English of colonial times knows that to be desirous to see him of a long season, because true. he had heard many things of him; and he Now why is it not entirely logical to go hoped to have seen some miracle done by one step further and eliminate grammatical him.” ASV: “Now when Herod saw Jesus, forms which are just as archaic as those he was exceeding glad; for he was of a ancient spellings? Actually, the constant long time desirous to see him, because use of “which” for “who,” and “shall” for he had heard concerning him; and he hoped “will” can have and has had an unwhole­ to see some miracle done by him.” RSV: some influence on the grammatical accuracy “When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, of some people’s speech. Why have to for he had long desired to see him, because counteract and explain this? Why not he had heard about him, and he was hop­ have an English Bible for our children to ing to see some sign done by him.” read which is both understandable and also correct according to the standards of gram­ There are some terms in the King James mar which they learn in school? Version which are objectionable on two There is another feature of the new ver­ counts. First, they are rather offensive sion which is especially a happy one. In when read in public. Secondly, they con­ simplicity of style and directness of state­ vey to the mind of the reader something ment it excels both the King James and very different from the idea which was in American Standard Versions. Let us look the mind of the writer. at a few examples. The outstanding example of this is the Note, in the following passages, how the frequent use of “bowels” in Paul’s Epistles. KJ translation is complicated in the ASV It actually occurs three times in the brief by changes due to following the order of note to Philemon. “Refresh my bowels” is the Greek words; and contrast with both hardly acceptable today and it certainly versions the more direct, terse renderings does not represent what Paul wished to say. of the RSV: The explanation is simple. The Greeks Luke 9:17. KJ: “And they did eat, and were materialistic and thought that the were all filled: and there was taken up center of the human affections was to be 22 (158) The Preacher's Magazine found in the bowels. We use the term heart “consecrate” instead of “sanctify.” One (not the physical heart) to express this almost feels that in this instance the revis­ idea. Does it not convey to the minds of ers were influenced unduly by theological our hearers more correctly what Paul ac­ prejudice. I cannot help feeling that they tually meant when we say “heart” instead have really done us a gross injustice in of “bowels.” For some years this reviewer eliminating so largely this term which re­ has made a practice of substituting “heart” flects a powerful moral emphasis on purity. for “bowels” when reading the Scripture “Consecrate” seems woefully weak to ex­ in the pulpit. press the grand Greek word hagiadzo, There is one grave fault in the new ver­ “make holy.” sion which will bulk large in the minds of There is no question that this apparently conservatives and one phase of which will unjustifiable change will prove a real ob­ be especially objectionable to Nazarenes. stacle in the way of the acceptance of the I refer to the change in theological termin­ Revised Standard Version by our people. ology. The translation of the four Gospels One regrets this very much, for the new and Acts is excellent, in my estimation. But version does have many good points. when one reads on into Paul’s Epistles he Evidently our conclusion must be this: meets with a number of disappointments. the Revised Standard Version can be used The point which will be especially dis­ helpfully as a supplement to the King tressing to holiness people shows up first in James Version, but due to some rather John’s Gospel. It is the change from serious defects we can hardly expect that “sanctify” to “ consecrate,” as in John 17:17, it will replace the older version in common 19. This follows the usage of Moffatt’s and use. A t least this is apt to be true for Goodspeed’s translations. Both of these those who emphasize the importance of scholars were on the revision committee. theological terminology and, especially, for those who follow the Wesleyan interpreta­ Dr. Moffatt passed away in 1944. So I tion of the New Testament. The King wrote to Dr. Goodspeed, now retired from James Version will also be the favorite book the University of Chicago and living in for devotional and pulpit use on the part California. In answer to my question Dr. of the masses of Christians. Goodspeed stated that the dictionary defines both words as meaning “set apart as sacred, make holy.” He preferred “consecrate” because it seems less “technical and theo­ It is possible that one reason for the logical” than “ sanctify.” He further states: present widespread neglect of evangelistic “I understand consecrate to mean devote to effort is the fact that we do not think of the service of God, though that general defi­ men as “lost,” as our fathers did. They nition may not suit all passages.” may not be Christians, but they are kind and honest and moral, and unconsciously But while both dictionary definitions we refuse to believe they are without Christ noted above are given for both words, yet and therefore “without hope.” A much if one consults Webster’s Unabridged Dic­ needed word on this subject was spoken tionary he will find that aside from those recently by Dr. Stuart Nye Hutchinson, two points the definitions differ widely. the well-known Pittsburgh pastor: “There The development of “consecrate” is almost is a word that was once much used in re­ entirely along the line of dedication to God. ligious conversation. It is the word ‘lost.’ On the other hand the word “sanctify” dis­ Those who were not Christians were called tinctly involves the idea of moral purity ‘the lost.’ We do not hear the word used or cleansing. That is probably why “sanc­ so often now. Men do not like to be told tify” has been retained in First Thessalon- they are lost. But we need to come back ians 5:23. to it, for it is bound up in the meaning of It seems to me a great misfortune, and life as Jesus revealed it. He said He had from our point of view a really tragic mis­ come to seek and to save the lost.”— take, that the revision committee adopted Christian Observer.

Public opinion is not the test and gauge of truth, for it has continually altered, and will continue to alter. The greatest majority in the world is a minority of one when that man is on God’s side. Count heads, do you? Well, count by the million if you like, but I shall rather weigh than count; and if I speak the truth of God, I have more weight on my side than can be found in a million who believe not.—S p u r g e o n . May-June, 1946 (159) 23 The Challenge to the Postwar Church*

George M o wry

I . T h e C h a l l e n g e heavenly bodies have been held together by the pull, the golden pull of gravitation. R. H. G. WELLS, the great historian- “ ‘Now it is as if that cord has vanished M writer, is quoted on the front page of and everything is driving anyhow to any­ the Minneapolis Star-Joumal for November where, at a steadily increasing velocity. fifth as follows: “ ‘The limit of the orderly secular de­ “ ‘I find every considerable reason to be­ velopment of life seemed to be a definitely lieve that with recent weeks and months fixed one so that it was possible to sketch there has been a fundamental change in the out the pattern of things to come. But that conditions under which life—not simple limit was reached and passed into incredi­ human life, but all self-conscious existence ble chaos. —has been going on. “ ‘Distance has been abolished, events be­ “ ‘If my thinking has been sound, then come practically simultaneous throughout this world is at the end of its tether. The the planet. Life must adapt itself to that end of everything we call life is close at or perish, and with the presentation of that hand. I am telling you the conclusions to ultimatum the pattern of things to come which reality has driven my own mind. fades away. “ ‘People are discovering that a frightful “ ‘Events now follow one another in an queerness has come into life, even quite entirely untrustworthy sequence. No one unobservant people are betraying by fits but a modern scientific philosopher can and starts a certain wonder, a shrinking accept this untrustworthiness fully. and furtive sense that something is hap­ “ ‘Even in my case it plays no part in my pening so that life will never be quite the everyday behaviour. There I am entirely same again. at one with the normal multitude. The only “ ‘This new cold glare mocks and dazzles difference is that I carry about with me this the human intelligence, yet such is the hard, harsh conviction of the near, con­ obstinate vitality of philosophic bent that clusive end of all life.’ ” minds can still seek some way out or I quote Mr. Wells, for I believe he ex­ around or through the impasse. presses well the "general feeling of the “ ‘I am convinced there is no way out thinking people of today who are not defin­ or around, or through the impasse. itely Christian. We have entered a new “ ‘It is the end. age and there are many new adjustments to “ ‘My habitual interest in life is critical make to meet the new problems. Many, as anticipation. Over everything I ask, “To Mr. Wells, are gloomy about the future and what will this lead?” well they may be, for it is dark. We know “ ‘And it is natural for me to assume that human life shall not be extinguished there was a limit set to change, that new from this planet. However these amazing things and events would appear, but 'that new scientific discoveries have created an they would appear consistently preserving emergency and hastened events which might the natural sequence of life. have otherwise taken years longer to ma­ “ ‘ It is merely a question—the fascinating ture. But life will go on and life always question—of what forms the new rational does something—no matter how futile—to phase would assume, or what would or adjust itself to new situations so it can go would not break through the cloud and tur­ on. Great dangers, threatened perils to moil. life and human existence will lead peoples “ ‘I did my utmost to pursue the trends to put great powers into the hands of the that upward spiral towards their converg­ few who dare to assume them. More regi­ ence in a new phase in the story of life. The mentation, restriction of liberty and free­ more I weighed the realities before me, the dom is ahead. Many think that men will in less I was able to detect any convergence such emergencies turn to God but history whatever. does not bear this out. The natural man “ ‘Hitherto, events had been held together turns to himself or to superstition. Wick­ by a certain logical consistency as the edness and sin, like rot, gets worse until * Paper presented at Minnesota District Preachers' Convention they have consumed the whole. 24 (160) The Preacher's Magazine This condition will not mend unless the Youth and childhood present great prob­ people of God are stirred up to prevail and lems and challenge us, too. Juvenile delin­ turn the tide to God. Revivals do not come quency increases and the world at large is by themselves like the ebb and flow of inclined to believe that the church could tides. Someone prays them through and do something about it if she would. Crime then goes out to bring them to pas&. This grows alarmingly. Youth is becoming in­ war-weary, brokenhearted world, looking creasingly indifferent to the church and is for peace and rest, finds only threats of deserting it by the hundreds. Youth has darker and more terrible times ahead and suffered greatly in the past ten years. Every casts desperately around to find someone great movement such as fascism, nazism, who can point the way out. There will and communism has enlisted youth to carry be many who will try to answer. This is its designs to success. It is their blood our challenge today. It is for the Church that has been shed on a hundred battle­ of Jesus Christ—I believe the Church of fields all over the world. Youth will either the Nazarene—to show that Christ is the take up the cross of Christ and follow Him Way, the Truth and the Life. The prophet in love, devotion, and sacrifice, or'goosestep Isaiah says to discouraged Judah, “Arise, to the death with the next would-be-con- shine; for thy light is come, and the glory queror of the world. of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Besides these evils, the present generation The nations of the world have no confi­ of adults has removed nearly every stand­ dence in the good will or plighted word of ard of decency and allowed the liquor in­ their neighbors. They, like wild beasts of terests to prey upon the bodies and souls the jungle, are ready to spring again upon of the flower of its youth for gold, has each other to their mutual destruction. Let committed to the unscrupulous and vile the Church proclaim to them the gospel scum of the earth the education of the next of their rightful King and teach them His generation to train it in crime and de­ law. bauchery in the movies, dance halls, and roadhouses. The economic and social conditions are The challenge of the church in this day is little better. Note the bitter struggle for not to lower our standards, but to hold supremacy between capital and labor, the them high, and show a degenerate people suspicion and hatred seething between the the path to life is by way of holiness of negroes and whites in our own fair nation. heart and life, and warn them to flee from Every country seems to have similar dis­ the wrath to come. turbances. Everywhere, even within the strongest nations, there are forces of greed, II. T h e R e s o u r c e s o f t h e C h u r c h hate, and strife that threaten to tear society to pieces. They look for a strong man or The church is backed by God with all men who can take the situation in hand and His resources and love. He has revealed quell their strife. We fear it is the Anti­ to us that He is willing to help mankind in his need. When God is for us who can christ whom they will choose. The chal­ be against us? His promises are ours. God lenge is that we give Christ to these na­ tions, and thus show them the path to last­ is rich toward all them that call upon Him. ing peace through spiritual rebirth and When David heard the huge Philistine brotherly love and co-operation. blaspheme Jehovah and the armies of Israel and saw that no one dared to venture out In the midst of this turmoil, there are against him, he volunteered to go, believ­ many voices clamoring for attention from ing God would be with him. He went in the world that each one may direct his own the name of the Lord and was given the peculiar way. Every kind of heresy and victory. Luther dared to stand almost alone fanaticism prevails, many denominations against the might of the pagan Roman have grown utterly cold, formal, and with­ Church and in the face of death defied her. out power. The vices and wrongs they With the help of God he won. Can we not once condemned, now they condone and see Wesley preaching to that crowd gather­ favor. The Roman church still plots to ed among the tombstones? He went out overthrow all rivals to her aspiration of uni­ practically alone and with the help of God versal dominance over the bodies and souls brought about the mighty revival that saved of men, and it looks as though she were England from a bloody revolution such as not far from securing it again. Let us re­ France experienced and from which she member we have a gospel of assurance, has not yet recovered. If we will trust in spiritual power, and certainty to proclaim to God and believe His promises, we can go a perplexed people, and they need it. forth against great odds that would dis­ May-June, 1946 (161) 25 hearten others and we can do the impos­ Beware lest, slothful to fulfill thy mission, sible. Thou lose one jew el that sh&uld deck His God has given us the Word. It is alive, crown. and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the dividing Proclaim to every people, tongue, and na­ asunder of soul and spirit, and is the dis- tion cerner of the thoughts and intents of the That God in whom they live and move is heart.” God has promised His word shall love: not return unto Him void. God’s word in Tell how He stopp’d to save His lost crea­ the hands of a ministry possessed of true tion, Christian gentility will break down op­ And died on earth that men might live position and bring the multitudes to Christ. above. It contains our message. If we can get its truths to the attention of men, it will cleanse Give of thy sons to bear the message glori­ their lives and bring back to their hearts ous; and minds, peace and rest. Give of thy wealth to speed them on their way; Remember always that we have Christ, by Pour out thy s&ul for them in prayer vic­ His own promise, with us always. He is torious; our High Priest, our Intercessor, our Cap­ And all thou spendest Jesxis will repay. tain, and our Leader. With Him we shall win. Joshua, while praying in the field III. W h a t a C h a l l e n g e ! near Jordan, just before the beginning of What immense resources! How shall we the wars of the conquest of Canaan, met proceed? Where shall we begin? an armed stranger. He challenged him if In every great crisis, when faced by he be friend or foe. The stranger replied, deadly peril, ruthless enemies, fierce perse­ “As captain of the host of the Lord am I cution, and gigantic tasks, the church has now come.” Joshua never forgot that he always first gone to God in prayer for had at his back the Captain of the Lord’s strength and guidance. Shortly after Pen­ host. We have that same Captain with us; tecost, when a great persecution arose in let us not fear! Jerusalem and the Jews were taking the Then there is the great body of believers. leaders of the Christians and it looked as Thank God, for His people. There are many though they would all be killed, the people who still love Him passionately and know went to prayer and fasting. It is recorded: how to pray. “And when they had prayed, the place was We have the wonderful message of salva­ shaken where they were assembled to­ tion from all sin, a Saviour’s dying love, gether; and they were all filled with the His resurrection, and the promise of eternal Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of life to all who persevere in obedience to God with boldness. And the multitude of Him. The message of the Church of the them that believed were of one heart and Nazarene has been entrusted to her by of one soul: neither said any of them that God himself for just such a day as this. ought of the things which he possessed It is free from every nonessential and fana­ was his own; but they had all things com­ tical side-issue and ready to be carried mon. And with great power gave the apos­ by us to this perishing world. We dare not tles witness of the resurrection of the Lord fail. Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:31-33). O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling, Let the church first go to her knees and To tell to all the world that God is Light; get in contact with the great God of heaven, That He who made all nations is not willing be filled with His mighty Spirit of love and One soul should perish, lost in shades Of power; let each wait on God until his own night. heart has been possessed and illuminated with the Presence, till the face shine and Behold how many thousands still are lying the whole personality is radiant. Let them Bound in the darksome prison-house of sin, wait on God as individuals, in twos and With none to tell them of the Saviour’s threes, in larger groups, but let them wait dying, on the Lord till He rains the showers of Or of the life He died fdr them to win. blessing upon them, till he opens heaven and pours out floods of revival power. Let ’Tis thine to save from peril of perdition them weep between the porch and the altar The souls for whom the Lord his life laid and sigh and cry out the abominations of a down; wicked nation; let them travail in soul

26 (162) The Preacher's Magazine until there comes upon them a divine con­ forth to attack the foe with courage and fidence ancl urge and power to go forth confidence. and proclaim the joyful news. ■ Let them In the beginning of the Pacific war with continue steadfastly in prayer and suppli­ Japan, our land and sea forces met with one cations and carry on in the attitude of pray­ disastrous reverse after another. Then er. Yes, “men ought always to pray and Halsey was given supreme command of the not to faint!” navy in the eastern waters. When he as­ sumed the command of that defeated and Then the church must arm herself with dispirited fleet, he sent out the command, the whole armour of God. “Put on the “Attack, attack, attack!” It seemed to fire whole armour of God, that ye may be able the men with new energy and from that to stand against the wiles of the devil. For time victory began to turn in our direction. we wrestle not against flesh and blood, That is the Saviour’s direction to us also— but against principalities, against powers, Attack, Attack, Attack! That is the best against the rulers of the darkness of this defense as well. world, against spiritual wickedness in high Let us forget personal comfort, safety, places. Wherefore take unto you the whole and interest. The danger and opportunity armour of God, that ye may be able to with­ of the hour demands we waive all minor stand in the evil day, and having done all considerations and throw ourselves into the to stand. Stand therefore, having your fray without restraint. It is possible to get loins girt about with truth, and having on the gospel to the whole world in this gen­ the breastplate of righteousness; and your eration if we will. Remember the early feet shod with the preparation of the gospel church, without seminaries, without church of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, buildings, in spite of bitter persecutions wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the made more progress than at any time since. fiery darts of the wicked. And take the It is easy for God to save by many or by helmet of salvation, and the sword of the few. So always have God’s people gone Spirit, which is the word of God: praying forth regardless of odds, danger, personal always with all prayer and supplication in peril, or loss only sure that God was with the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all them and they were true to Him. “How perseverance and supplication for all saints” beautiful upon the mountains are the feet (Ephesians 6:11-18). “For the weapons of of him that bringeth good tidings, that our warfare are not carnal, but mighty publisheth peace; that bringeth good tid­ through God to the pulling down of the ings of good, that publisheth salvation.” strongholds” (II Corinthians 10:4). Christ said to us as He did to Peter, Then, finally, armed with the spiritual “Upon this rock I will build my church; and armour provided for us by God, endued the gates of hell shall not prevail against with His Spirit of love and power, let us go it.”

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The Conversion of Children

Thomas E. Pool

HE work of the modern church has al­ hood and well into their teens. They be­ T ways been the most fruitful among the lieve that children do not understand enough children and in heathen lands. The church, of spiritual things to be responsible before however, has not used her talents in the God. This is positively not true! most fruitful fields, but she has spent her The word says, “Train up the child in energies in effort to secure the conversion the way he should go; and when he is old of adult sinners and the children have been he will not depart from it.” We interpret forgotten. Those the nearest to us and the this to mean that the child should be taught most easily won to Christ have been ne­ the Word of God and be kept in Sunday school under Gospel influence until it glected and allowed to drift into sin. reaches maturity. This is not the meaning Many, yea, almost all our leaders, in­ of this important Scripture. It means, in cluding the parents of the children, seem to the original language, to initiate the child think that children cannot or need not be into the way of life or to secure its definite converted until they are past their child­ conversion,

May-June, 1946 (163) Parents who fail to get their children a revival with the purpose in view that our converted early in life, before they reach young folks who are beginning to smoke the age when the enemy makes them cigarettes and are rapidly going down into ashamed to take a stand for Christ before sin and other adult sinners may be saved, their schoolmates and young friends, may often with disappointing results but we have see them drift away into awful sin and be little thought of the tenderhearted children forever lost. Multitudes of godly parents who can be won so easily and who would missed securing the early conversion of be saved from the paths of sin from which', their children and are not praying in vain few are ever rescued. for their salvation. The evangelist should be given the whole1 Many children today, at the age of ten or Sunday school hour, minus not over fifteen twelve years, know more about the vilest of minutes for class records, to preach to the sins than the adult of a generation ago ever children on each Sabbath of the revival. knew; therefore every effort should be made The evangelist when arranging his revival to secure the conversion of the children be­ dates should expect the Sunday school fore they reach that age. hours for salvation work among the chil­ dren—if he desires to be his utmost for God. Our schools, often, are cesspools of in­ iquity to the children and training schools The children need the evangelistic mes­ of vice. Jesus commands us to bring the sage and understand it much better than children to Him, “for of such is the kingdom most folks think. The seed falls on virgin of heaven.” soil before it becomes hardened by sin or hindered by the cares of life. We think a Church history reveals that God never great victory has been won when a hard­ reached down into deep sin to get a leader ened sinner comes to God, but how much for His work. All the great leaders of the better it would have been had that soul Christian church were saved in childhood been converted in childhood and escaped or were morally clean men and women be­ those wasted years of sin. fore their conversion. The following are some of the names of the leaders of the Paul says of Timothy, “From a child church and the age at which they were thou hast known the Holy Scriptures.” The converted: Bishop William Taylor, six- prophet Samuel, “ministered before the years; Richard Baxter, three years; Esther Lord, being a child.” Carson (missionary), four years; Dr. Godbey, “They brought young children (Markr four years; P. P. Bliss, twelve years; J. A. Matthew says, ‘little children,’ and Luke Wood, ten years; John Fletcher, seven calls them ‘infants’) to him, and he blessed years; Bishop Asbury, seven years; Adon- them.” iram Judson, twelve years; David Brainerd, It is a fact that should never be forgotten when a child; Bishop McCabe, eight years; that the children want to be Christian and Adam Clarke, four years; Bishop Simpson, often wet their pillows, night after night, four years; Matthew Henry, ten years; Poly­ over their sins. carp, nine years; Jonathan Edwards, six Many parents and teachers seem to be years; Isaac Watts, eight years; Robert Mof­ satisfied to give the young children mental fat, about ten years. instructions, hoping that at some future The Sunday school is recognized as the time the seed will spring up and bear fruit, place where the Gospel seed is sown. The but their immediate conversion ought to be children come Sunday morning and hear the the aim and expectation of every faithful lesson taught, then most of them go home to Sunday school teacher. return no more until the next Sabbath day. If the child is capable of sinning it has They do not stay for the church service, the capacity of being born again. In Matt. nor do many of them come to any evening 18, Jesus, speaking of little children says, services during the week. “And of these little ones which believe in Aggressive city churches have a large me,” teaching that little children can believe Sunday school composed mostly of children in Christ and be converted. from homes where the parents are not Bishop William Taylor, one of the greatest churchgoers. Few of these children ever leaders in the Christian church since Pen­ attend any other services of the church, tecost, writing in favor of childhood con­ so if they are to hear the vital message of versions says, “Rev. Clark P. Hard, Presid­ the evangelist it must be during the hour ing Elder of Madras District, India, a most they attend the weekly session of the Sab­ indefatigable and successful minister of bath school. the Gospel, was converted to God, when he We secure an evangelist to come and hold was a child of five years.” 28 (164) The Preacher's Magazine Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, a strong advocate I never spoiled his house and land; of the early conversion of children says, But God have mercy on my soul! “Our converts from among children are among the very best we have. I should “For I am haunted night and day judge them to be more numerously genuine By all the deeds I have not done.” than any other class, more constant, and in the long run more solid.” Well may one be “haunted night and If given equal opportunity with adults day,” for here in a world of struggle be­ fewer children backslide. Many of the tween right and wrong no one is entitled to great spiritual leaders of the Christian be a loafer or try to be a neutral. No one church of the past were earnest and suc­ is safe as he lets the family drift. No cessful believers in the early conversion of one is guiltless while he lets the church children. Is it not strange that the leaders get on without him. No one is pleasing in the church today are silent on the sub­ to God while his life calls no one to God’s ject of childhood conversions? Why this service. silence? It reveals the awful drift away from the Bible and early standards. “We have not served Thee as we ought; In this day of unprecedented spiritual Alas! the duties left undone.” decline, the home life and school associa­ tions are almost universally demoralizing In that judgment scene given by Jesus in to the spiritual life of the child who at­ Matthew 25: 31-46, where the sheep are tempts to be a Christian, but we must do divided from the goats, there is not a word our best to win them all for God and to about what most people rank as sins. The hold every child won! goats are separated and condemned and sent If we had secured the conversion of our “away into everlasting punishment” because children in their tender years and kept of their neglects or failures to do what they them under spiritual leadership in our ought to have done. You see, they were yesterdays, we would not now have the built with the capacity to be good for some­ many brokenhearted parents weeping over thing, but were good-for-nothing so far as their wayward young folks who were once spiritual values were concerned. in the Sunday school with tender receptive But read that account! hearts. This does not mean, of course, that sal­ If we fail here, by not believing in the vation is of works rather than of faith. It conversion of children or do not furnish only means that this work is to be done, the spiritual leaders to care for them after and we are all under obligation to do it. their conversion, don’t expect too much The fact that one does not do it merely from our youth in the future. We are liv­ proves that he is not born of the Spirit— ing in the days of Sodom, and folks have not a child of God. Therefore the con­ not changed, for we read, “And Lot went demnation and final rejection.—Editorial, out .... and said, Up, get you out of The Free Methodist. this place, but he seemed as one that mocked,” to his children. I I- The salvation of the children is the most important work of the church and the most neglected-—Christian Witness. Prevailing Prayer David Brainerd did the greatest work by I I prayer. He was in the depth of those forests alone, unable to speak the language of the Indians, but he spent whole days in prayer. The Omission Sinners What was he praying for? He knew he One of the most common of all delusions could not reach these savages; he did not harbored by decent people is that sin is understand their language. If he wanted to only a positive thing. So they enumerate speak at all, he must find somebody that bad things which others do of which they could vaguely interpret his thought. There­ themselves are innocent, or in smugness fore he knew that anything he might do there is self-congratulation. must be absolutely dependent upon the Marguerite Wilkinson has expressed this power of God. So he spent whole days notion in verse and also the misgivings: praying simply that the power of the Holy Ghost might come upon him so unmistak­ “I never cut my neighbor’s throat; ably that these people should not be able My neighbor’s gold I never stole; to stand before him.

May-June, 1946 (165) 29 What was his answer? Once he preached Those living such lives may soon be for­ through a drunken interpreter; a man so gotten. There may be no one to speak a intoxicated that he could hardly stand up. eulogy over them when they are dead. The That was the best he could do; yet scores great world may take no note of them. But were converted through that sermon. We by and by, the great moving current of cannot account for it, only that it was the these lives will begin to tell, as in the case power of God behind him. of this young man not quite thirty years of After Brainerd was dead, William Carey age. The marvelous missionary revival of read his life and went to India; Robert Mc- the nineteenth century is due more to his Cheyne read his diary and went to the prayers than to any other thing.—A. J. Jews; Henry Martyn read his journal and G o r d o n . went to India. But all I care to do is simply to enforce this thought, that the hidden life Every circumstance in my life has come, whose days are spent in communion with not that I may fail in the Christian life, but God in trying to reach the source of power for the express purpose that I may suc­ is the life that moves the world. ceed.—Selected.

The Theological Question Box

Dr. H . Orton Wiley

Does the Bible give us a philosophical such that it will likely never be used ex­ definition of sin? tensively in public worship. It lacks the To those who are so concerned about hav­ stateliness and dignity necessary for litur­ ing the Scriptures interpreted in scientific gical use. For beauty of expression, dig­ terms, we offer the following from Dr. nity, stateliness, and grace, the Authorized Daniel Curry, an earlier Methodist writer of Version will probably never be excelled, or note. Referring to the statement of St. even closely approximated by these later John, that “sin is the transgression of the versions. law,” he says: here “we have one of the very few formulated and philosophical Why is such importance attached to propositions found in the Bible; and in this Methodology in modern Theological study? the precise relation of sin to the divine The subject of Methodology has taken law and the holiness of God are sharply on added importance in recent years be­ determined. ‘Sin is the transgression of cause of the attempt of theologians to find the law,’ is the reading of our version, a secure place for theology in modern which, if properly understood, is a just thought. One of the more important at­ and felicitous rendering of the original. tempts to lift theology out of its bewilder­ The law is a line of unvarying rectitude, ment in recent times is that of Dr. Nels which sin in its very being ‘transgresses.’ F. S. Ferre of the Andover-Newton Theolo­ And yet the figurative idea of actively pass­ gical School. He points out that when the ing over a line—trans-gressing, going be­ theologian endeavors to make theology yond—is not found in the original word scientific, he generally reduces it to em­ anomia which simply expresses being and pirical psychology or critical philosophy; character, but not action. Sin as here while if he endeavors to interpret the con­ characterized by this eminently spiritual tent of theology in a scientific manner, he apostle, is an indwelling spirit of illegality, is disowned by the scientists for his sub­ of disloyalty toward God, a law in itself jective extensions. The theologian finds opposed to the Divine law.” himself in the position therefore of being rejected either by the church or the scien­ What do you think of the new “Revised tists. Drawing upon the Swedish contribu­ Standard Version of the New Testament?’’ tion to modern theology of which he is a We think that as a student’s New Testa­ master, Dr. Ferre maintains that religion ment it will be invaluable for the simple has a category of its own, higher than those and correct reading of the original Greek. of time and space, that is, eternity; and Many of the terms in the Authorized Ver­ this gives it scientific or philosophical sion are obsolete, or their original meanings validation. On the other hand, experience, have gradually been changed until now a or faith may be treated from either the number of passages are quite obscure. standpoint of knowledge or value,—the These, the ntw version clears up in an ad­ former dealing with the forms of the facts, mirable manner. However, this version is the latter with their experiential content. 3Q. (166) The Preacher's Magazine A subject of such far-reaching consequences Christ, and therefore, every Christian is as this, demands proper study in order to under obligation to use every means of a clear understanding of the positions in­ grace possible in order to advance in holi­ volved. ness. As to the forms which this takes in individual Christiains, our attention has What is the difference in meaning he- been called recently to two experiences— tween the words “eros” and “agape” both that of Dr. S. A. Keen and that of Alfred of which are translated “love” in the New Cookman. The former in a letter to his Testament? wife says, “I have no doubt as to being These words and their interpretation are saved, and filled with the Spirit, and Christ considered quite basic in theological study. formed within, the hope of glory. Yet there Nygren in his “Agape and Eros” maintains are some of the Fletcherian touches of that these terms stand in direct opposition Christlikeness, the holy abandon of Bowen, at every point. Thus, eros begins in self and the spiritual oneness with God of love and lays stress on love to God in order Mahan, that I want. I seem to have more to a final statisfaction of the needs of the of the dynamics of the Spirit’s presence than self. It has difficulty however in finding of His assimilating power. I have blessedly a place for love to man—this being only for the power of Christ, but not so fully de­ the sake of selfish achievement. The term veloped mind of Christ. It keeps coming agape, on the other hand, is God’s own love to me that all the fulness of God is some­ regarded as the ground or pattern of love, thing richer and in advance (as to degree) and consists in a free-giving. In respect .... there is at least a deep drawing of to man, it is God’s free love flowing through the Spirit upward that means something man to his neighbor. Agape is therefore for me farther on. All this is felt just the great New Testament concept of divine now, when I am the best saved I have ever love. been. It is a kind of postgraduate course Nygren gives, among others, the follow­ in love, gentleness, heavenly-mindedness.” ing as some of the contrasts represented by Alfred Cookman once said, “I can under­ these terms. “Eros is a desire of good for stand how, subsequent to our sanctification the self. Agape is self-giving. Eros is in response to our faith in Jesus, the Holy man’s effort to ascend; agape comes down Spirit may come in an extraordinary de­ from above. Eros is man’s way to God; gree, and we be filled with the Spirit.” agape is God’s way to man. Eros is man’s Concerning his experience at Pennsgrove achievement, the endeavor of man to achieve Campmeeting, after he had been wholly salvation; agape is a free gift, a salvation sanctified, he said, “I found myself drawn which is the work of Divine love. Eros is out for more of God. I could scarcely define egocentric love, a form of self-assertion of my feelings, but there was a going out the highest, noblest kind; agape is unselfish after more of God. When surrounded one love, which ‘seeketh not its own,’ and freely day with a few Christians, struggling up to spends itself. Eros seeks to gain its life, enjoy God as never before, this suggestion a life divine, immortal; agape lives by God’s came: ‘You have been trying to get up, life, and therefore dares to ‘lose it.’ Eros are you willing to sink down?’ ‘Yes,’ I is a will to have and to possess, resting on answered, ‘and away if I may find Him a sense of need; agape freely gives and thus, let me sink into the depths.’ Then I spends, for it rests on God’s own richness began to feel I was going down, and with and fulness. Eros recognizes value in its this there came a realization of love, as I object, and therefore loves it; agape loves, had never known before, and it filled my and creates value in its object.” body, soul, and entire being. Oh, how I loved His children and His Word! I asked, Do you think that we give enough at­ ‘What does this mean, “God is love” .’ ” It tention to “growth in grace;” and what was this Alfred Cookman, who when he forms does growth in grace ordinarily take? came to die, cried out, “I am sweeping We are to “grow in grace” and in the through the gates, washed in the blood of knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus the Lamb!”

Oh, for a Thousand Tongues

Dr. Sewall, an old Methodist, when dying shouted aloud the praise of God. His friends said, “Dr. Sewall, do not exert yourself; whisper, Doctor, whisper.” “Let angels whisper,” said he, “but the soul cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ, a soul redeemed from death and hell, just on the threshold of eternal glory—oh, if I had a voice that would reach from pole to pole, I would proclaim it to all the world: Victory! Victory! through the blood of the Lamb.”—Selected.

May-June, 1946 (167) 31 Searching Truths for Ministers

Lambs Make Sheep day when I had not more business than I could get through. For forty years I have A farmer was walking over his farm with had annually about 30,000 letters and most a friend, exhibiting his crops, herds of cat­ of these have passed through my own tle, and flocks of sheep. His friend was hands. I have nine assistants always at greatly impressed and highly pleased, es­ work corresponding in German, French, pecially with the splendid sheep. He had English, Danish, Italian, Russian, and other seen the same breed frequently before, but languages. never had seen such noble specimens. With “ Then, as pastor of a church with 1,200 great earnestness he asked how the farmer believers, great has been my care. Besides, had succeeded in rearing such flocks. His I have had charge of five immense or­ simple answer was, “I take care of my phanages; also, at my publishing depot, the lambs.” printing and circulating of millions of tracts, When the disciples would keep mothers books, and Bibles. and children from their busy Lord, He said, “But I have always made it a rule never “Suffer the little children to come unto me, to begin work till I have had a good season and forbid them not: for of such is the king­ with God. The vigor of our spiritual life dom of God.” will be in exact proportion to the place Also on Galilee’s shore during the forty held by the Word in our life and thoughts.” days” He said to Peter not only “feed my -— G e o r g e M u l l e r . sheep” but “feed my lambs.” It may seem slow to work with lambs or with children. Yet those homes, those If you stand half a mile off from a man parents, those pastors, those churches who and throw the gospel at him, you will miss take care of the children will have sheep him; but if you go close to him and lay of the finest kind. hold upon him, giving him a hearty grip of Remember the early converted are, other the hand, and show that you have an affec­ things being equal, the best. They have a tion for him, you will, by God’s blessing, time for preparation for service and a time lead him in the right way.— S p u r g e o n . for service which is not possible in the case of the convert of adult years.—in Evan­ W esley’s Work gelical Visitor. “John Wesley traveled 250,000 miles on Lost Our Desperation horseback averaging 20 miles a day for 40 years; preaching 40,000 sermons, produced A Christian woman of kindly spirit and 400 books; knew 10 languages. At 83 he proven churchmanship was reporting on a was annoyed that he could not write more sermon to which she had been a recent than 1 hour a day without hurting his listener. Said she, “The subject matter eyes, and at 86 he was ashamed he could not was interesting, it was delivered in a pleas­ preach more than twice a day. He com­ ing manner, its logic was without flaw, and plained in his diary that there was an in­ its illustrations were all fresh and illumin­ creasing tendency to lie in bed until 5:30 ating, but there was no spirit of desperation in the morning.” in it.’’ —The Arkansas Baptist. This discerning woman had put her finger squarely on the weakness of much modern religious effort—we have lost dur spirit of Moody said concerning his early min­ desperation.—R o y L. S m i t h . istry, “When I first commenced to work for the Lord, I was very much pleased with my effort. When I went out, an old “I Neglected the Word of God” man followed and said, Y oun g man, when “The first three years after conversion, you speak again, honor the Holy Ghost.’ I neglected the Word of God. Since I be­ It followed me for days and for months. gan to search it diligently, the blessing has I have found out since what he meant, and been wonderful. I have read the Bible if we workers will keep the Holy Ghost through 100 times and always with increas­ in mind our work will not be barren. You ing delight. I look upon it as a lost day can’t reach a man that the Holy Ghost when I have not had a good time over the hasn’t entered. We find that we get life Word of God. through the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy “Friends often say, ‘I have so much to Ghost with a man that first gives him do, so many people to see, I cannot find life. You cannot educate a man in spir­ time for Scripture study.’ itual things, until he is born of the Holy “Perhaps there are not many who have Ghost. In the Spirit only can we be more to do than I have. For more than saved, we must be quickened by the half a century I have never known one Spirit.” 32 (168) The Preacher's Magazine The Preacher’s Scrapbook

A Mother’s Creed Where the simplest food is good enough for “I believe in God kings because it is earned. Where money “I believe in the Word of God is not so important as loving kindness. “I believe in the family altar. Where even the teakettle sings from hap­ “I believe in the sanctity of motherhood. piness. That is home. God bless it! “I believe the home to be the sphere of the mother’s greatest influence. “I believe in a deep concern for the spirit­ The Sin of Prayerlessness ual welfare of my children. Many of our sons and daughters are lost “I believe in making the home the most for want of persistent pleading with God in attractive spot, so that my children will not their behalf. Time that might be used in be forced to seek enjoyment elsewhere. praying them through to God is consumed “I believe in an intimate companionship in needless world conformity in dress and between myself and my children. housekeeping, in visiting and talking; and “I believe in pointing out the moral dan­ opportunities to pray clear through for gers to which my children are exposed home and loved ones pass forever. For and not hiding behind a false modesty.”— these hours of faithful pleading with God, alone, while others were visiting, Hudson Three Reasons Taylor’s mother not only received her son’s salvation, but saw God work through Hud­ I once met a thoughtful scholar who told son Taylor the marvels of His grace in the me that for years he had read every book world-embracing ministry of China’s In­ he could which assailed the religion of land Mission.—Selected. Jesus Christ, and would have become an infidel, but for three things: “First, I am a man; I am going some­ Money Talks Back where; tonight I am a day nearer the grave They do me an injustice who say that I than I was last night. I have read all that am the cause of all the woes in the world. such books can tell me; they shed not one I am an obedient servant, running on solitary ray upon the darkness; they take whatever errands I am sent. away the only guide, and leave one stone I am always under orders. blind. Give me an opportunity, and I will build “Second, I had a mother; I saw her go the highways of peace by which humanity down into the dark valley where I am may enter the kingdom of God. going, and she leaned upon an unseen Arm Loose me and let me go, and I will carry as a child goes to sleep on the breast of his healing to the suffering victims of hate mother. I know that was not a dream. and malice around the world. “Third, I have three motherless children. Open the doors for me, and I will build They have no protector but myself. I would hospitals, train nurses, care for little chil­ rather kill them than leave them in this dren, comfort the aged, and provide food sinful world, if you blot out from it all for the hungry. the teachings of the Gospel.” I know no color lines. I serve all men —B i s h o p W h i p p l e . with equal fidelity. Give me the chance, and I will train youth in the highest and holiest ideals of What Is Home? Christian democracy. Just a little of me is necessary to estab­ lish and maintain institutions that build A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls character. Much of me is necessary if in­ to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out vested in police courts and penal insti­ the cold. Yes, but home is more than tutions. that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of Make me an ally of righteousness, and a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth I will do much to bring in the kingdom of loving hearts, light from happy eyes, of God. kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is I am power. I am waiting to serve the Lord—Selected. first school and first church for young ones, where they learn what is right, what is good and what is kind. Where they go A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has for comfort when they are hurt or sick. by his words. Character is like bells Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. which ring out sweet music, and which, Where fathers and mothers are respected when touched accidentally even, resound and loved. Where children are wanted. with sweet music.—P h i l l i p s B r o o k s . May-June, 1946 (169) 33 Quotable Poetry

Love of Our Mothers She trains the eye to Idok to heaven, The voice to lisp a prayer to Thee. (Tune: St. Catherine) Love of our mothers, living yet, Such thanks the blessed Mary gave In cradle song and bedtime prayer, When from her lap the Holy Child, In nursery rhyme and fireside lore, Sent from on high to seek and save Thy presence still pervades the air: The lost of earth, looked up and smiled. Love of our mothers, priceless gift, Our grateful hearts thy praise uplift. All-Gracious! grant to those whd bear A mother’s charge, the strength and light Love of our mothers, priceless gift, To guide the feet that own their care The fount of childhood’s trust and grace, In ways of Love and Truth and Right. O may thy consecration prove W i l l i a m C u l l e n B r y a n t The wellspring of a nobler race: Love of our mothers, priceless gift, Our grateful hearts thy praise uplift. A Christian Home Love of our mothers, guiding Idve, W here family prayer is daily said, For youthful longing, youthful doubt, God’s Word is regularly read, How blurred our vision, blind our way And faith in Christ is never dead, Thy providential care without: That is a Christian home. Love of our mothers, priceless gift Our grateful hearts thy praise uplift. Where father, mother, sister, brother, All have true love for one another, Love of our mothers, Christian love, And no one ever hates the other, O living truth beyond our creeds, That is a Christian home. Still serve the home and save the church, And breathe thy spirit through our deeds: Where family quarrels are pushed aside, Love of our mothers, priceless gift. To let the love of God abide, Our grateful hearts thy praise uplift. Ere darkness fall at eventide, A r t h u r B a r d w e l l P a t t e n That is a Christian home.

Where jdy and happiness prevail, M y Ideal In every heart without a fail, Gdd took a ray from the shining sun And thoughts to God on high set sail, A moonbeam, a starbeam tod, That is a Christian home. Wove them together, the three into one, And made the sweet smile of you. Where Jesus Christ is Host and Guest, Through Whom we have eternal rest, God took the song of the nightingale And in Him are forever blest, At dusk when the day is through, Give me that Christian home. The Idw throbbing notes of a violin, —Anonymous. And fashioned the voice of you.

God sought for virtues great and small, Perhaps Today All the bright heavens through Then chose the fairest of them all H. G. K e r r id g e And made the pure soul of you. He which testifieth these things saith, T h e l k l a H ollingsworth Surely I come quickly, Amen, Even so, come Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20). The Mother’s Hymn He is coming! tell the story; Lord whd ordainest for mankind He is coming! read His Word; Benignant toils and tender cares, He is coming; dnce rejected, We thank Thee for the ties that bind, Jesus, Saviour, King, and Lord. The mother to the child she bears. He is coming! what a wonder When He bursts upon our view, We thank Thee for the hopes that rise With His saints the tried and faithful, Within her heart, as, day by day, Marshaled for that Great Review. The dawning soul, from those young eyes, He is coming! swell the anthem; Looks with a clear, steadier ray. Sing aloud the glad refrain; He is coming, surely coming; And grateful for the blessing given Over all mankind to reign. With that dear infant on her knee, —Christian Witness. 34 (170) The Preacher's Magazine Prayers Come, Holy Spirit So many pleas, so many prayers, Isaac Watts Sd many bringing God their cares; Come, Hdly Spirit, heavenly Dove, But this is true down all the years: With all Thy quickening powers; Each lifted voice the Father hears. Kindle a flame of sacred love Not chie too humble nor too weak In these cold hearts of ours. To claim God’s grace if he but seek. In vain we tune our formal songs, So many wants, so many claims, In vain we strive to rise; So many needs, yet each who names Hosannas languish on our tongues, His name, thdugh faltering be the word And our devotion dies. Can fully trust that it is heard. Let every race, let every land And shall we then for ever live Be sure that God will understand. At this poor dying rate? —L a l i a M i t c h e l l T h o r n t o n . Our love so faint, so cold to Thee, And Thine to us so great! The Touch of Human Hands Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, Among the hills of Galilee With all Thy quickening pdwers; Through crowded city ways, Come, shed abroad the Saviour’s love, The Christ of Gdd went forth to heal And that shall kindle ours. And bless in olden days. The sinner and the sad of heart He Will Stay Near In anxious throngs were massed The night was dark, the way was lone, To catch the great Physician’s eye And weary seemed the day; And touch Him as He passed. Rain and storm clouds hovered rdund— We have not in our hours of need Both day and mind were gray. His seamless garments pressed, Nor felt His tender human hand Oppressed, cast down, and weary, On us in blessing rest; My heart cried in despair; Then God’s sun shone instantly Yet still in crdwded city streets And showed me He was there. The Christ goes forth again, Whenever touch of human hand, Then through the rainbow, eyes tear- Bespeaks good will to men. dimmed, Whenever man his brother man I saw m y silly fear. Upholds in helpfulness, I placed my hand in God’s strong one— Whenever strong and tender clasp I know He will stay near. A lonely heart doth bless, —G a n e l l e B. M i t t a n The Christ of God is answering A stricken world’s demands, And leading back a wandering race “Holding the Ropes” B y touch df human hands. Are we “holding the ropes” in the home­ —The British Weekly. land? W here life is calm and fair, Do we think of those at the battle’s front, The Forgotten “Resting Place” And remember them in prayer?

(Jeremiah 50:6) Their lives are filled with sacrifice, M r s . P r u d ie L u d i n g t o n H a u n And many with toil and pain; How many folk aldng life’s way Let us “hold the ropes” in the homeland, Have forgotten their resting place. And help them sheaves to gain. Rushing here and there, throughout the day Without the help of His grace. While to nations grdping in darkness The little cares, how they do fret. They carry the banner of light, They try our hearts to the core, We must “hold the ropes” in the homeland As we travel on and just forget And help them to win in the fight. That prayer opens Heaven’s ddor. Satan’s hosts are arrayed against them, Our “resting place,” how good the sound! Superstition, idolatry, sin, To know there is such a place, If we “hold the ropes” in the homeland, Where sweetest rest we’ve often found With courage and, faith they will win. When we bow at the throne of grace. Let us not forget, in life’s mad, rush, Let us pray, and labor, and love them, The rest He does prepare; Those “heroes df faith,” so true, And steal away with solemn hush Just “holding the ropes” in the homeland Td commune with Him in prayer.—The Will be service for me and for you. Wesleyan Methodist. —G e o r g ia A. M e r r y May-June, 1946 (171) 35 Sermon Outlines

The Commission and the Promise of Christ or to be “a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God which is a reasonable (For Pentecost Sunday) service.” Lesson—Acts 1:1-14. Pentecost eliminates all undue curiosity Text—Acts 1:8. about times and seasons and all selfish con­ I ntroduction cern about places and positions. It gives Pentecost gave Christianity a perfect one a completely integrated personality and balance. The norm of Christian living is a singleness of purpose which works to­ found in the Pentecostal experience. There­ ward a victorious life and a maximum of fore the most urgent imperative for the effectiveness in service. In the text Jesus combined the Promise Church is to receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. of the Father and the Great Commission. The history of the Christian Church In so doing He gave to His disciples of the first century, and to the Church in all cen­ shows a tendency to one of two extremes. turies, both a field of operation and a It has oscillated between subjective and objective emphases, like the pendulum of force sufficient to guarantee their success. a clock. At some periods, the leaders of For Christianity to remain Pentecostal, Christian thought have led the Church into which is tantamount to saying if it is to remain normal, it must retain its field and the cloister. They have placed an exag­ gerated emphasis on inward experience— maintain its force. This means that we lives of complete separation from the world must receive the promised enduement and of deep devotion to Christ. They have accept the great assignment. stressed mystic experience and identity to B o d y Christ in nature and in spirit. In such I. Let us look then at the field that Jesus periods the Church has become ingrown. gave to His disciples. He said, “The field It has lost its vision of the world in its is the world” and “Go ye into all the world need. It has become theoretical if not and preach the gospel to every creature.” ethereal. It has closed its eyes and folded A. The disciples were still interested in its hands in otherworldly piety. a kingdom of power and glory. Even at At other times the pendulum has swung the scene of the ascension they were asking, to the other extreme. The emphasis has “Wilt thou at this time restore again the been on the objective. Service and good kingdom of Israel.” Jesus’ reply was such works have had major attention. Numer­ as to give them to understand that the king­ ical increases, practical results, and visible dom of the immediate future was spiritual achievements have been the measure of in its nature. It was not a system to be im­ success. In such periods, vital religious ex­ posed by arbitrary power as they had hoped. perience has been little known. The ten­ It was rather a kingdom to be built within dency has been to superficial, ineffective all the kingdoms of the world. Allegiance preaching, and powerless, non-productive to it was to be gained by embracing His living and labor on the part of Chris­ gospel and by obeying its principles. Men tian laymen. were not to be brought in subjection to Stress upon the subjective means that the His will with carnal weapons but by the white harvest fields of the world are ne­ charm of His life, the persuasiveness of glected. Stress upon the objective means His truth, and the appeal of eternal love that the power to do what is undertaken is which He demonstrated by his death on inadequate. Calvary. Pentecostal Christianity striked the bal­ B. Jesus also gave the disciples to un­ ance. It emphasizes an experience of God derstand by the words of our text that their in the heart which is effective. The en­ concern was not to be with things remote slavement of sin is broken. The discount but with a need that was immediate. There of inward sin is removed. The weakness, have always been those who would like to fear, and timidity of humanity gives place relieve themselves of present responsibility to the power, the confidence, and the cour­ by believing and proclaiming the near com­ age that the Holy Spirit imparts by His ing of Jesus to set all things right. Jesus coming in fulness. The ineffectiveness of did not blast the hope of His return and human effort is cured by the all-sufficiency certainly the white-robed men from the of God’s grace. better world gave full confirmation to the At the same time the Pentecostal experi­ “blessed hope” of His coming again. But ence clarifies the vision of a world in its certainly the words of our text were in­ need. It intensifies the passion for souls to tended to direct their faith to the immediate a white heat. It strengthens the faith until fulfillment of the promise that another men are ready to tackle the task that seems Paraclete was to come after His departure, impossible. It deepens the devotion to who should abide with them forever. And the point of willingness to die for the cause His words further urged the concentration 36 (172) The Preacher's Magazine of their attention to the task of giving the the apostles of the faith meet for planning gospel to every creature. and counsel; here now we have the school Had Jesus not said of them in His great of the prophets where we are to train young valedictory prayer, “They are not of the Sons of Thunder to be worthy successors of world even as I am not of the world.” And Peter, James, and John, Paul and Bar­ “I pray not that thou shouldst take them nabas, Luke and Apollos. out of the world but that thou shouldst I ask you one question: Do you, does keep them from the evil.” Had they been anyone think that our accomplishments in “of the world” they would have been with­ this our Jerusalem in the past 35 years out power to save it. Had they been taken would justify our claim of being a pente- out of the world they would have been costal church? without opportunity to save it. If they Let us assume that our success in other became worldly they would lose their force. parts of this land and other lands is in If they were not in the world they would direct proportion to the impression we have lose their field. Of those who are in the made on Kansas City and its environs. world and not of it, Jesus said, “Ye are How strong are we there if that be true? the salt of the earth” and “ye are the light We have had some success, but we cer­ of the world.” Ye are the salt to save the tainly are not satisfied with it. If we can world from total corruption; ye are the reproduce anything comparable to Pente­ light of the world to save it from total cost in this city then, in a generation, with darkness. For 2000 years the salt has not all our modern advantages we should change lost its savour and the light has not been the moral and spiritual complexion of the under a bushel. whole wide world. C. The Great Commission had been pre­ 2. My second deduction is that alibis viously given in words that were general. can be found for failure anywhere. The Here in our text the over-all assignment first century leaders could have said, “There was the same but it was broken down into is no use to preach the gospel in Jerusalem. four specific areas to assure that the ap­ Here they have stoned the prophets; they plication would leave no cause for omis­ have crucified Jesus. They know who we sion of any. Jesus said, “Ye shall be wit­ are; we had better move on to other fields.” nesses unto me in Jerusalem and in all In Samaria they could have fallen back on Judea and Samaria and to the uttermost the fact that traditionally the Jews and part of the earth.” We could paraphrase the Samaritans had no dealings with one it to apply to ourselves like this, ye shall another. In Ephesus, Paul could have said, be witnesses unto me in Kansas City, the “This city is given over to the worship of United States of America, the entire Eng­ Diana. False religion fills their thoughts so lish-speaking world, to the uttermost part of we can do nothing here.” In Corinth Paul the earth. One could elaborate at length again could have said, “These people are on our duties to our day in familiar style. Epicureans, they are lovers of pleasure and Instead, I would like to make some per­ wine. We can not awaken their lustful and tinent deductions which I hope will goad liquor soaked souls. In Rome the military us to more diligent effort both at home and might and the obsession of worldly power abroad. could have been an excuse for avoiding 1. The first one is, that which is inef­ that city. fective nearby must be weak at a distance. In like fashion we could spend our time These disciples who received the Spirit’s offering alibis for failure. But if we have enduement at Pentecost stirred Jerusalem the Spirit the first century Christians pos­ with their messages and miracles. The first sessed, and we may, then there are no suf­ day netted 3000 converts. Soon were added ficient reasons for failure. We can do what­ 5000 and as a summary of the local effects ever God wants done. Obstacles are every­ the record is that “The word of God grew where in every age. But thank God, suc­ and multiplied.” It goes without saying cess is not in proportion to the difficulties that a spiritual movement that demonstrated by which we are confronted, but in pro­ such energy at home was felt in every portion to the measure of power we possess. place throughout the world, with which If success were in proportion to the great­ they then had communication, within that ness of the difficulties confronted, then all generation. Every village and countryside the Apostles must have suffered total fail­ in Judea had received the witness. Samaria ure. But instead they achieved the most had enjoyed a great revival under Philip. amazing success in spiritual accomplish­ Thomas had borne the tidings to India, An­ ment the world has ever witnessed. drew to barbarous Scynthia, Joseph of II. Jesus not only gave his followers a Arimathaea to ocean-girdled Britain; to say field, He also promised them a force that nothing of the far-reaching missionary would be adequate to enable them to take journeys of Paul to Asia Minor, Macedonia, the field. He said, “Ye shall receive power Achaia, Rome, and Spain. after that the Holy Ghost is come, and Kansas City might very appropriately be ye shall be witnesses unto me.” The Greek called our Jerusalem. Here we send out word translated power, here, literally means millions of pages of printed gospel; here the ability to do. Jesus is saying then, May-June, 1946 (173) 37 here is a task and with it I give you the the Church today. It must be especially ability to do it. What a commission and characteristic of the Church of the Naza­ what a promise! An unlimited field, but rene. Our grave danger is in the relaxation also an unlimited force. We are reminded of our intensity and enthusiasm to the of the words of Zechariah, “Not by might point that we will do things only in the nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the regular and accepted fashion, so we will Lord of hosts.” meet no opposition and no persecution. The This promised power does not mean au­ word translated witnesses in our text is thority, but energy. The Greek word is the the root from which we get our word mar­ one from which we get our word dynamite. tyr. Today we must have men of courage, It suggests to us now the tremendous force men of daring, men of devotion ready to of atomic energy. The time is come for seal their testimony with their blood, if Christians to explore the possibilities of need be, to save a lost world. spiritual energy if they would save the C o n c l u s i o n world from destruction by atomic energy. Certainly the field of operations which The promised power was especially Jesus gave to His disciples was large and adapted to the proposed undertaking. the difficulties were great, but the force A. The energy of the Spirit charged the He promised them was sufficient. Let us personalities of these Christians with a pos­ possess our field, because we have received itive power, which gave them an inward the promise. Sometime ago two men stood repellent to the evil of the world. To wit­ gazing at the waters of the mighty Niagara ness for Christ effectively, Christians must River out over the cataract that has made prove that they have found a source of spir­ Niagara Falls famous throughout the world. itual life and power that enables them to One man said, “Here is the greatest source live in a sinful environment in victory. of unharnessed power in the world.” The Christ gives to His disciples through the second replied, “You are mistaken, the indwelling Spirit an abhorrence of evil and greatest source of unused power in the a love of righteousness. This is the first world is the power of the Holy Ghost.” requisite for fruitful witnessing. No one Nazarenes, let us connect the machinery who is a victim of sinful habit and passion of the church with this source of unlimited is equipped for soul saving. power and see what can be done for God in our generation. The scientists have un­ B. The power of the Spirit also qualified locked the mystery of atomic energy. Let the disciples for the endurance of hard­ us unlock the possibilities of spiritual en­ ships and tribulations. They had been ergy promised and demonstrated at Pente­ warned that they would be persecuted and cost.—G. B. W i l l i a m s o n opposed, for the servant is not above his Lord. How courageously those early Chris­ tians faced the tribunals of men who sought Triumphant Faith to overthrow them by threats of imprison­ ment and death. How wonderfully God de­ Lesson—Mark 11:12-14, 20-24. livered them or gave them grace to endure. Text—Mark 11:22. In our day, we are too easily frightened by I ntroduction opposition. We are victims of fear, self- Adherence to the law of faith is essential pity, and defeat because those enduring to triumphant living. To refuse to believe qualities are lacking in us. Christ has the is to carry isolationism to its farthest ex­ power for endurance to impart today as treme; to choose such a course is fatal. It then. If we are to possess our field, we cuts one off from the past. He is a man must have a force that will not be stopped without a heritage. He can learn nothing or checked by the difficulties to be faced from the experience and teachings of men or the hardships to be borne. We must have who have preceded him in the great drama men who will endure hardness as good of life. He must learn everything he ever soldiers of Jesus Christ. To the man who knows by the trial and error method. By had not counted the cost, Jesus said, “Foxes refusal to believe, one also closes all the have holes, the birds of the air have nests; doors of opportunity and hope for the fu­ but the Son of Man hath not where to lay ture. He stands alone on the narrow isth­ his head. The servant is not above his mus of time that we call the present. He Lord.” draws nothing from the eternity of the C. The power of the Spirit also gave to past and is deaf to the call to explore the those early Christians the energy for suc­ mysteries of the future. There are no cessful performance. Peter preached till happy memories of yesterday and no glad men said, “What shall we do,” and thou­ anticipations of tomorrow. sands were converted. Stephen preached By the same erroneous processes one is until they could not resist the power and shut up within his own dwarfed and mor­ wisdom with which he spake. Saul of Tar­ bid self to the exclusion of all his con­ sus was won by that faithful witness. Some­ temporaries. Being without faith he is with­ thing of that force that took those men out the foundation for fellowship with other through fire and flood, through prison and men. Having thus imprisoned his spirit in to a martyr’s death must be recaptured by narrow and dark confines, man is also ex- 38 (174) The Preacher’s Magazine eluded from contact and communion with He hath afore prepared unto glory.” While God. “For he that cometh to God must the wicked are punished, the righteous believe that he is and that he is a re­ remnant also suffers, but if we are num­ warder of them that diligently seek him.” bered among the righteous and the faithful Faith is a God-given faculty of the human we shall be the vessels of mercy, and we soul. The exercise of it is voluntary. There­ shall with unwavering faith wait for the fore if one does not will to believe, the fulfillment of all God’s changeless pur­ very faculty of faith will wither and die. pose. We are impelled to ask, “Watchman While in the exercise of faith, one grows what of the night?” And his reply will be, in grace and strength according to the di­ “The morning cometh.” The night is dark vine plan. Isolation and oblivion in the but the morning will be bright and glorious. world to come is the portion of the man A few years ago Dr. Henry Sloan Coffin of no faith. While the believer lays claim stood up to preach. He read for his text: to all the past, the present, and the future, Psalms 11:3, “If the foundations be de­ and unites himself with God’s eternal pur­ stroyed, what can the righteous do?” Dr. pose. Therefore Jesus set the keystone in Coffin removed his glasses, laid them on the arch of life when He said, “Have faith the pulpit as he was accustomed to do, in God.” and quietly and yet confidently said, “Keep on being righteous, to be sure.” We are B o d y facing a day filled with dark forebodings. I. One of the essential elements of a full I say to you, hold fast the profession of your faith is the confidence that God’s judg­ faith without wavering and keep on being ments are always good. righteous. The Lord’s throne is in heaven. Jesus had cursed a barren fig tree. In Someday we shall behold His glory and His a day it withered to the ground. When His knowledge shall cover the earth. disciples called the blighted tree to His II. To have faith in God is to believe un- attention He spoke the words of our text. questioningly in the wisdom of God’s pro­ Pronouncing the curse of death upon that vidences. The experiences which God or­ fig tree for barrenness was no contemptuous ders or permits to come into our lives can blast expressive of rage born in disappoint­ be grouped under two heads. First, there ment and unsatisfied hunger. The tree had are those that are adverse. Second, those no moral sense or responsibility. It ■ was that are beneficent. Those of the second a lesson literally burned into the minds group are accepted gladly and gratefully. and consciences of those who saw it and all It is not hard to believe that the good and who read of it. The lesson was intended perfect gifts come from God. The one with to be applied to the Jewish nation but it the weakest faith can do that. Even that can also be applied to all nations and all in­ faith is to be commended, for it begets dividuals who do not function according to humility. It pleases God for us to render God’s laws and purposes. This tree violated thanks for our blessings. We never over­ the laws of nature. Man violates the laws do our praise and thanksgiving. But the of God. Such men are under God’s right­ real test of faith comes when the contrary eous curse. The tree was an example. In winds blow and when the dark clouds of the incident there is a warning and a proph­ adversity hang over our sky. Then to trust ecy. May it serve to remind us all that and not be afraid takes a strong and vigor­ those who live barren and abortive lives ous faith. When Job’s afflictions multiplied are worthy to be cursed. he said, “Shall a man receive good at the The Jews of ancient Jerusalem were hand of God and not evil?” His faith grew blasted as with a curse by Titus the Roman. until he said, “Though he slay me, yet will We lament the awful atrocities that have I trust him.” been inflicted upon the Jews of today. These things have not come without a cause. They You have borne witness to your faith in are judgments which God has permitted. the protected place. How will it be when They are severe but they are also good. persecution rages. You have eloquently and appropriately voiced your thanksgiving God’s judgments are upon the earth today. for God’s blessings. How will you do when The knowledge and skill that man has His chastening overtakes you? Have you gained has been employed for destruction learned that life’s adversities may prove rather than for the uplifting and saving of to be its greatest blessings? Have you dis­ mankind. The cost to the race in death and ciplined your will to obedience in afflictions ruin has passed our ability to comprehend. as well as in prosperity? Only when faith Shall we cast away our confidence? Nay, holds fast in adversity is it a sufficient let us rather remember that God’s judg­ faith. The reward of such faith is blessed ments are redemptive as well as retributive. indeed. Character is strengthened. God is God is good even when he seems to be se­ more real and personal to those who have vere. It is true because God is primarily proved Him in the severe trials of life. interested in the spiritual and eternal. God has “endured with much long suffering The Psalmist said, “Commit thy way unto the vessels of wrath filled to destruction the Lord; trust also in him and he shall that He might make known the riches of bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth His glory on the vessels of mercy which thy righteousness as the light, and thy judg­ May-June, 1946 (175) 39 ment as the noonday.” There is something baffled by the fall. He purposes by the last about our Christian faith that enables us Adam to reclaim what was lost by the first. to transmute the most adverse experiences Ultimately, everything that has felt the of life into a blessing. God makes the blight of the curse shall know the blessed­ darkness light. ness of redemption. Think what a deep and unmitigated grief Was the creation of man a blunder? Was came to Mary and Martha in the death of Calvary a failure? Were the self-emptying Lazarus, their brother. But the coming of the incarnation and the self-giving of of Christ brought out the sun to shine with the crucifixion to no avail? You answer new glory as on an unclouded day. When these questions with an emphatic and re­ Martha met Jesus as He came near the vil­ sounding, “No!” You believe as I do that lage, she said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here God’s eternal purpose which He purposed my brother had not died.” Jesus said, in Christ Jesus will at last be realized. “Thy brother shall live again.” What a In the progress of that purpose stand wonderful assurance must have come to the many great mountains to be removed. But faith of Martha and Mary when they re­ Jesus said, Mark 11:23. Yes, by faith the ceived Lazarus alive again. mountains can be moved. All things are To give the final assurance of faith to all possible to him that believeth, and accord­ Christian believers, Jesus went from Beth­ ing to your faith be it unto you. any to Calvary. He died and went to the But in the effective operation of faith grave that He might rise again in victory. there are several principles to be ob­ All this teaches us that before there is any served. real victory there is at least a threatened The first is the principle of self-dedica­ defeat. There could have been no Easter tion. When one prays for something to be without Good Friday. If you want a faith done, he must offer his own personality that is strong and unshakable, you must as a channel through which his prayer consent to have it tried in the adversities shall be answered. When he says he be­ of life. You may rest assured that it will lieves God will do a certain work, he be tried. You are going forth as sheep must be ready for God to use him to do among wolves. This world is no friend to it, if He choose. We frequently pray as grace to help you on to God. You are go­ Jesus taught us: “Thy kingdom come. Thy ing out as torchbearers in a dark world. will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Make sure the flame of faith is steady and Those words imply submission to the King bright. You must demonstrate the fact that and His divine will. But they have still your faith holds fast and makes you strong another meaning. Those who honestly and courageous. Whatever the test, how­ offer that prayer are saying, “Lord I give ever fierce the battle: “This is the victory myself entirely to Thee for the fulfillment that overcometh the world, even our faith.” of Thy purpose. I delight to do Thy will III. He who has a vigorous faith believes for me. I will set to work at whatever my in the ultimate success of God’s great ven­ assignment may be.” ture in creation and redemption. The I will say, “This one thing I do.” “He greatness of God is declared by the uni­ who keeps one end in view makes all things verse which He created. For a moment at serve” (Browning).- You cannot pray least, I would like to know all the astron­ Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, and omers know about our universe. I would bury your talent wrapped neatly in a nap­ like to take you on a whirl through space kin. If there is a mountain to be moved, past sun, moon, and stars. But even if I take your pick and shovel and go to work. knew all they do, at best I could only With every stroke of the pick and every leave you bewildered by the immensity of shovel of dirt your faith will grow. If it all. Only an omnipotent God can be there is a big job to do, set to work at it. posited as the first cause of all of this. And If it is a church to build, use your hammer the preservation of it in order is as wonder­ and saw. If there is a debt to pay, give ful as its creation. If God’s venture in the your dollar. If there is a world to save, creation of the material universe is a suc­ seek to rescue someone at least. Mountain cess, can you believe that the creation of moving is slow work, but it goes much fas­ men is destined to end in a great fiasco ter when you are on the job with tools and and failure? a will to work. But in the creation of man a creature of The second principle to which we must free moral choices, there was an element of adhere is co-operation. You cannot move risk that was not involved in the creation a mountain alone with one pick and shovel. of the universe. The universe operates ac­ But if you can enlist a whole army in the cording to fixed laws. Man may be a law task, it can be done. Remember that if unto himself and as a free agent may defy one can chase a thousand, two can put 10,- God who made him. Yes, the clay may 000 to flight. Work goes faster when there say to the potter, why hast thou formed me is co-operation. thus? The creature may talk back to the To work successfully with people you Creator. Man has sinned. He has brought must believe in them. You need not believe the curse upon him, but God was not in their infallibility. Fluctuation between 40 (176) The Preacher's Magazine hero worship and cynicism is a character­ and venture as God did in creation and istic of immaturity. Yes, men are good redemption. With that faith we shall not and they are bad, as good and as bad as I. fail nor be discouraged. Through good and I will, with a mantle of charity, cover their ill we can discover the wisdom of the divine faults, in the hope that they will have a plan. While the vision tarries we can pa­ mantle for mine. I will use a magnifying tiently wait for it and work for its fulfill­ glass to look at their good qualities, hoping, ment. To have the faith of God is to be­ too, that there may be some in me, at least lieve in yourself, your capacities for suc­ to be seen with a microscope. cess. To have the faith of God is to be­ And I insist on working in harmonious lieve in your fellowman and the value of co-operation with all who seek to move the his help in doing God’s work. To have the mountain. They may have different ap­ faith of God is to believe that He is in­ proaches to the task. They may have dif­ terested in your particular assignment and ferent methods. But if they are working at that He will lend His omnipotence as an the same task, I will not bid them cease aid to your finite effort.—G. B. W i l l i a m ­ nor will I quit. I will call no fire from s o n heaven to consume them. If a shovel cracks my elbow I will move over to make more room, but we will both find plenty to do The Patriotism of Isaiah and plenty of room in which to work. Lesson—Isaiah 5:1-7, 24-30. If I find some of my co-workers inclined Text—Isaiah 5:7. to make issue of incidental matters, I will not be as small as they seem to be and I ntroduction debate the issue. I will ignore the differ­ February is a significant month in Ameri­ ence until it disappears. If some brother can history. In this short and sturdy month protest my right to eat meat because it-of­ two of our greatest national heroes were fends his weak conscience, then I’ll eat no born. George Washington and Abraham meat. What I lose in the exercise of my Lincoln. The first was the father and freedom I shall gain double in self-disci­ the second the savior of his country. This pline. In the application of faith we harness day is equidistant between their anniver­ omnipotence to our task. We furnish God sary dates. Therefore it is appropriate that the workmen and the tools to move the we should give attention to matters of na­ mountain. But only by God’s omnipotence tional concern this evening. can the work be accomplished. To move Isaiah was a poet. The book that bears a mountain unaided by God and man would his name is worthy to live on its literary be a hopeless task, but with my little effort merit alone. The genius and the greatness multiplied by thousands who will co­ of a poetic soul is seen in every chapter. operate, and with our human impotence It will always be cherished as a literary joined to God’s omnipotence, nothing is gem of priceless value by Hebrew and impossible. Christian alike. George L. Robinson says, Let us keep on believing and keep on “For versatility of expression and brilliancy working. Faith and work are as insepar­ of imagery Isaiah has no superior, not even able as Siamese twins. Faith without work a revival. Beauty and strength are charac­ is dead and work without faith is futile. teristic of his entire book. He is a perfect But faith and work teamed together can do artist in words.” Isaiah was an orator. miracles by God’s blessing. The famous British statesman, Edmond I believe that this mountain of hate can Burke, read from Isaiah before every speech be removed. I know it is immense in its he was to make in parliament. Jerome proportions but if I work toward under­ likened him to Demosthenes. standing and toward goodwill among men, Isaiah was a prophet. His work lives and others join me, and if God lends his more for its spiritual value than for its liter­ aid and I know He will, “then this moun­ ary style. It is, however, a great ad­ tain also shall be moved and they shall vantage to be able to put eternal truth in not hurt nor destroy in all the earth.” such words and forms as to assure its use I go one step farther, I believe that at for many succeeding generations. Soon long last, the whole vast mountain of evil after his conversion, Augustine asked shall be moved. God’s original purpose in Bishop Ambrose which part of .the sacred creation shall be achieved by a total re­ Book he should read first. The answer demption from the fall. “The curse of man’s given was “the prophecies of Isaiah.” The evil shall be transmuted into a promise by name Isaiah means “Jehovah saves.” The the alchemy of creative love.” I believe theme of his book is salvation. He anti­ God wants us to keep before us the beatific cipated more of the gospel than any other vision of a new heaven and a new earth Old Testament prophet. His message has wherein dwelleth righteousness. been called the “gospel before the Gospel.” He had a clear conception of salvation not C o n c l u s i o n only for his own people but for all peo­ Jesus said, “Have faith in God” or “Have ple. Isaiah was a prophet in every sense the faith of God.” I like that better. That of the word. He foretold future events. suggests that we are to conceive and plan He forewarned his people of the captivity May-June, 1946 (177) 41 that was soon to come. He promised the tion’s history and in relation to her leaders return. He expanded the scope of his gave Isaiah a tremendous opportunity and messages to prophesy the coming of Im­ a commensurate responsibility. Isaiah took manuel. He foresaw Him first as the Suf­ full advantage of it. At times he power­ fering Servant of Jehovah. He drew a very fully influenced the decisions of the kings, graphic picture of Him in the words of the but the ebb of the tide was too strong for fifty-third chapter. I know what the critics him to turn. His were times that tried have to say about that chapter, but in it men’s souls. If he did not save his coun­ Isaiah described the Man of Sorrows with try, he gave his people and all generations words that fit him like the “falcons feath­ of his people and other nations an ex­ ers fit the falcon.” Isaiah saw the Mes­ ample of patriotism which has proved to be siah also as the man with dyed garments an abiding blessing and a priceless heritage. from Bozrah who should tread down all His enemies in His fury and as the Won­ II. Isaiah had the longings for peace derful Counsellor, the Mighty God, the which are characteristic of a true patriot. Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace That he loved peace is clearly seen from who should reign on great David’s throne such passages as Chapter 2, verses 2-5, forever as his greater Son. “And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall Isaiah was a prophet, too, in the greater role of one who foretells the truth of God, be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and applicable to the times and conditions in all nations shall flow unto it. And many which he lives. He was a prophet with people shall go and say, Come ye, and let keen spiritual insight and accurate moral us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to judgment. His soul was aflame with a message to his people in his own day. He the house of the God of Jacob; and he will delivered stern rebukes for their sins but teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth he offered mercy to those who would re­ the law, and the word of the Lord from pent and obey the Lord. His message pro­ Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the claimed solemn judgment, but it carried a ray of undying hope and faith. He preached nations, and shall rebuke many people: and messages of comfort and compassion in they shall beat their swords into plowshares, which the heart throb of Calvary could be and their spears into pruninghooks: nation felt. shall not lift up sword against nation, While Isaiah was a brilliant poet and neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk peerless prophet, he was also an impas­ in the light of the Lord.” sioned patriot. It is in that role that we are to think of him this evening. Though we Also Chapter 11, verses 6-9, “The wolf must not overlook the fact that his poetic also shall dwell with the lamb and the genius and his prophetic vision contribute leopard shall lie down with the kid; and much to his greatness as a patriot. the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. B o d y And the cow and the bear shall feed; their I. As a patriot Isaiah held an advan­ young ones shall lie down together: and tageous position. He was probably a native the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And of Jerusalem. Therefore unlike Amos, his the sucking child shall play on the hole of contemporary, he was a city prophet. In the asp, and the weaned child shall put his messages he gives large place to the his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They capital. He maintained close relations to shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy the kings. He was a court preacher. He mountain: for the earth shall be full of was from a family of some rank, no doubt, the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters since he had easy access to the kings and cover the sea.” No man ever had a nobler close intimacy with the priests. According conception of universal peace than did to tradition he was the cousin of King Uz- Isaiah. Yet he knew full well that such a ziah. Isaiah had been called the prophet peace could only come to stay when the prince. It is a matter or reliable record that nation walked in the light of the Lord. his prophecy covered a period of more than forty years- during the reign of four kings: III. In times of national crisis, Isaiah Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. offered the wise counsel of a loyal patriot. Isaiah saw great changes take place in He knew full well that the nation’s defense his life span. He saw the loyalty to Jehovah was in her allegiance to and alliance with and the consequent security and prosperity God. He saw that other nations that were of Uzziah’s and Jotham’s reigns. He saw hired to fight for Judah would prove to be it dissipated during the time the weak and her downfall. Indeed, they should prove wicked Ahaz sat upon the throne. He wit­ to be the instruments that God would use nessed Hezekiah’s feeble attempt to restore to punish Judah for her sins. what had been lost, and he saw with his In the reign of Ahaz came the Syro- own eyes the' beginning of the decimation Ephraimatic War. Ahaz sought refuge in of Judah which was climaxed in the Babyl­ alliance with Assyria. To his aid came onian Captivity. His position in the na­ Tiglathpileser, who took Damascus of Syria

42 (178) The Preacher's Magazine and enjoyed other victories also, receiving and it fosters strife and strikes within rich rewards from Ahaz. Ahaz went then them. to Damascus to join in the celebration of the B. The second woe is upon the drunkards Assyrian victory. There he saw a Syrian in the nation. Every country has its land altar. He took a pattern back to Jerusalem problem and its liquor problem. Greed and and set it up in the Temple in the place of drunkenness are companion sins. Being Solomon’s brazen altar. Ahaz introduced greedy, men grasp for money; being drunk­ the religion of Syria in Jerusalem, even en, they spend it in their indulgence. Chap­ making his own sons to pass through the ter 5, verse 11, “Woe unto them that rise fire. Against this idolatry and sin Isaiah up early in the morning, that they may fol­ protested vigorously, warning that God low strong drink; that continue until night, would shave Judah with this hired razor. till wine inflame them!” Then when Assyria became the great C. The third woe was upon those who power threatening Judah, Hezekiah sought are daring in their defiance of law. Chap­ alliance with Egypt. But Isaiah again ter 5, verse 18, “Woe unto them that draw warned that the nation’s defense was in iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it God. He said, “Their strength is to sit were with a cart rope: ” They must have still. In returning and rest shall ye be saved, had a crime wave in that day. in quietness and confidence shall be your D. The fourth woe was upon those whose strength.” Isaiah warned that if God was moral ideals had become mixed. Chapter with them they need no alliance with other 5, verse 20, “Woe unto them that call evil powers. God would be a sufficient defense. good, and good evil; that put darkness for This He proved himself to be when Sen­ light, and light for darkness; that put nacherib came down like a wolf on his fold, bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” for God slew 185,000 men with the breath Moral standards had been forgotten. Those of His nostrils in one night. On the other that should have known and done the com­ hand, Isaiah counselled that if God turned mands of God were compromising with evil to fight against His people, no alliance till none knew by the example of others would be sufficient to save them. what was good and what was evil. IV. Isaiah also gave forth the rebuke to E. The next woe was upon those who the sins of the nation as a courageous por­ were arrogant, proud, boastful, conceited trait should do. He believed that God was sinners, independent of God, flagrant in the one and only adequate defense of a their practice of wickedness, and filled with nation. Yet he knew and declared that vanity because they were so wise they God would only defend a righteous nation. could sin with no fear of its consequences. His patriotic soul grew sick within him Chapter 5, verse 21, “Woe unto them that when he saw the sins of his people whom are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in he loved so passionately. their own sight!” In this fifth chapter, we find a touch of D. The last woe of the chapter is pro­ his tender affection. He tells of all God had nounced upon the men who were given done to make His vineyard fruitful. He positions of trust and authority, but who planted it in a fruitful hill. He fenced it betrayed their trust, accepted bribes, de­ and gathered out the stones. He planted it fended the wicked and oppressed the in­ with the choicest vine and built a tower and nocent. Chapter 5, verses 22, 23, “Woe unto made a winepress therein. He looked for them that are mighty to drink wine, and grapes and it brought forth wild grapes. He men of strength to mingle strong drink: said what could God have done more, Which justify the wicked for reward, and wherefore when he looked that it should take away the righteousness of the righteous bring forth grapes brought it forth wild from him!” grapes. Tenderly he cried, “the vineyard V. This noble patriot saw and declared of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel that because these sins were prevalent in and the men of Judah His pleasant plant the national body that judgment and doom and he looked for judgment, but behold op­ were near. Chapter 5, verses 24, 25, “There­ pression; for righteousness; but behold a fore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and cry.” The tender pathos is turned to stern the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root rebuke. The prophet pronounces six woes shall be as rottenness, and their blossom upon those who are guilty of these great shall go up as dust: because they have cast sins. The woes are the wild grapes of the away the law of the Lord of hosts, and vineyard of the Lord of hosts. despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled A. The first woe was pronounced upon against his people, and he hath stretched those who were guilty of the sin of greed. forth his hand against them, and hath smit­ Chapter 5, verse 8, “Woe unto them that ten them: and the hills did tremble, and join house to house, that lay field to field, their carcases were tom in the midst of the till there be no place, that they may be streets. For all this his anger is not turned placed alone in the midst of the earth!” away, but his hand is stretched out still.” Greed is at the root of most of the strife He is saying already the judgments of God between men. It makes war among nations have begun, but they will increase because May-June, 1946 (179) 43 the nation continues in its practice of sin. people, which are called by my name, And these judgments have only begun. The shall humble themselves, and pray, and hand of the Lord is stretched out still to seek my face, and turn from their wicked smite with judgment. This prophecy of ways; then will I hear from heaven, and Isaiah was fulfilled in Judah. The judgment will forgive their sin, and will heal their continued until the land was laid waste, the land.” This revival must touch the home, houses were without inhabitant. The na­ the school, the Church, and the nation.— tion was carried into Babylonian captivity. G. B. W i l l i a m s o n VI. Now let us briefly draw an analogy between Judah of Isaiah’s time and America of our time. There are several points in Faith Tested and Rewarded which the two are parallel. Lesson—Mark 7:24-31. A. The same sins that were in evidence in his day are here today. Text—Matthew 15:28. 1. We are guilty of greed. Look at the I ntroduction internal strife with which we are now para­ The record of this miracle is one of the lyzed. most interesting of all. One can not ex­ 2. We are guilty of drunkenness. Com­ amine it with care without receiving in­ pare the situation after the last war with spiration to his own faith. That is our need. this day. We are weak and ineffective in service be­ 3. We are in the grip of a great and cause we are weak in faith. With all we growing crime wave. have to encourage us to believe God, we 4. Our moral ideals have sagged to a new are yet inclined to doubt and hesitation. low. Things once branded as evil are now God plants the seed of faith in human accepted as respectable. hearts. That seed will grow to be a big 5. As a nation and as individual citizens and fruitful tree with cultivation and en­ we are full of the self conceit and pride. couragement. The first defeat of Germany came because Most people who profess to have faith of national self conceit. The second demon­ possess it only in its abstract and theo­ stration by the so-called master race was retical character. This Syro-Phoenician more revolting and the punishment more woman possessed that faith, for she ad­ severe. We had better take warning. We dressed Jesus as the “Son of David.” She had better thank God that in His mercy had seen Him or had heard enough about He has given us one more chance. Him to convince her that His claims to 6. We have judges and leaders who mis­ Messiahship and Saviourhood were valid. direct their power. There are many people today who have that These are the sins that have blackened much faith. They unhesitatingly place the graveyard of the nations from the days Jesus in His proper position among men. of Sodom and Gomorrah till now. “Right­ They do not question his Godhood. They eousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a re­ believe He can save men from their sins. proach to any people.” Theoretically their faith is without defect, Already we have seen the judgments but beyond that they do not go. of the Lord. We have suffered from two With encouragement of God’s Word and great wars and a great depression in the His Spirit, faith will become personal. Be­ last quarter of a century. We have escaped fore we receive anything of the Lord we with our lives one time more. Who knows must come to see our need and His ability what might have been but for a few pro­ to meet it. This- woman believed Jesus vidential interventions. Suppose Hitler had could help her. Her first words were, invaded Britain1 immediately upon the fall “Have mercy upon me.” She individualized of France. Suppose Russia had joined the her need and believed that Jesus would Axis for keeps. Suppose Japan had pressed understand her petition though she was only the attack after Pearl Harbor. We have one of a multitude. From personal ap­ been spared by the mercy of God from plication faith rises to the plane of the much sorer affliction. Now will we con­ universal. This woman said, “My daughter tinue in our sin and impenitence or will we is grievously vexed with a devil.” Now she return unto the Lord. shows that she believes that Jesus is moved with compassion toward every troubled soul C o n c l u s io n and that He has power to meet any need Is there no hope for us as a nation? Yes, however great in any life. there is one. That is in a real revival of Therefore, this woman’s first approach sincere and vital faith in God and obedience to Christ was in the form of a manifesto to His law. We should have prophets like of her faith. “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Habakkuk to cry, “O Lord revive thy work thou Son of David, my daughter is griev­ in the midst of the years, in the midst of ously vexed with a devil.” That faith had the years make known; and in wrath re­ its answer in the final words of Jesus. “O member mercy.” We need Isaiahs to cry, woman, great is thy faith. Be it unto thee “For all this his anger is not turned away, even as thou wilt.” but his hand is stretched out still.” For a Now let us examine the record of what time like this we have a promise, “If my took place under these divisions. 44 (180) The Preacher's Magazine I. Faith Tested. II. Faith Demonstrated. your help if all others fail; He will never III. Faith Rewarded. fail. C. The faith of the woman was to be I. The testing of faith is always profitable further tested by Jesus’ first answer to her. to the one tested if he can pass the test. It was a reminder of racial distinction and It simply discovers to one of the strength of the limitation of God’s immediate pur­ and steadfastness of his faith. But such pose. That these words were spoken to testing is not only profitable to himself try the seeker’s faith, I have no doubt. But but also to all who know of it. No Bible that they are grounded in the established character offers more encouragement to facts of God’s plan and purpose, I am our faith than Abraham. Why? Simply equally sure. Revelation and redemption because he was so severely tested. We cite were first to the chosen nation and then the belated birth of Isaac and his subse­ through them to all the world. That Jesus quent offering on Mt. Moriah as the great confined himself for the most part and tests of faith in that great patriarch’s life. primarily to the saving of lost sheep of the Without them we would never have known house of Israel there can be no doubt. He him as the Father of the Faithful. was first King of Israel and then King Here again we find this woman put of all men. But where He found those who through the time of testing for her good demonstrated that faith that made them and for ours. of the spiritual Israel, He never failed to A. She was tested first by the silence of recognize and reward them. To this woman Jesus. Upon her first appeal Jesus gave was given that faith that surmounted the her no answer. No doubt she had expected mountains of impossibility. She would not a ready and favorable response. Just how be discouraged, even though she was shut she must have felt when her agonized cry out by race and tradition and even by divine was met with silence, we can only guess priorities. Her faith reached up to take or possibly we know because we have ex­ what was to be had. perienced the same silence. But if this D. Jesus further tried her faith by a sec­ woman did not take silence as consent, at ond setback. He said, “It is not meet to least she did not take it as a refusal. Jesus take the children’s bread and cast it to did not give an immediate answer, but He dogs.” That would seem to have been the did not drive her away. She could wait in unkindest cut of all. I am sure that it was patience. Let us be assured that there is not unkind. I am sure Jesus did not look a purpose that is kind in God’s silence and unkind nor did he feel unkind. No doubt in His delays. And the fact that the answer the woman looked into His face and heard does not come now is no sign it will not the tenderness of His tones even though come if we with patience wait for it. God the spoken word seemed harsh. And so may be silent to see if we have faith or you and I can rest assured that back of that only selfish desire. word or that untoward providence in our B. The faith of this woman was tested by lives there is a loving heart, a gentle voice, the disinterest and evident aggravation of and a generous and benevolent purpose if the disciples. They did not even try to we will but trust Him without fear. By this conceal their attitude. Openly they said, test of faith Jesus was proving her and He “Send her away for she crieth after us.” was elevating her to a high level of faith They are contemptuous of her because she for an encouraging example to all who was a Gentile. The best they could have fight the good fight of faith in all future meant by their suggestion was, “Give her years. Whatever may have been the pur­ what she wants and let’s get rid of her.” pose in the mind of Jesus, I know He was The worst would have been, “Give the dog not unkind or discourteous then and that a kick for her barking is wearisome to us.” He is not now. He was, and is, and ever Perhaps their attitude was more the former shall be the sympathizing Jesus. but, at any rate, they were not concerned with her trouble nor generous in their II. Severely tested as she was, this Syro- spirit. No doubt the lack of loving interest Phoenician woman passed the test with an on the part of Christians has discouraged A-plus grade. the faith of many a seeker and turned from A. She demonstrated a supreme faith in the way many a convert. Let us never be Jesus by humbly accepting the place and guilty of such indifference or prejudice. station assigned to her. When she was re­ We are here to help everyone and let us minded of the distinction that excluded her never be a hindrance by smug complacency and of her station as a Gentile dog, she or carnal superiority. could have, and most of us would have, But the woman of this story would not gone away whimpering like a smitten dog. be abased or defeated by the cold unfeel­ She could have gone to nurse her feelings ing words of the disciples. Their attitude in self-pity. And all self-pity is of the did not lessen her sense of need nor did devil and is never compatible with faith. it divert her purpose or her faith. Her But instead of taking such an attitude this confidence was in Jesus. Such human in­ woman accepted the place of a dog. She consistency did not discourage her. Never did not place the worst construction on the mind, needy soul, Jesus is the source of words of Jesus but the best. She thought May-June, 1946 (181) 45 of herself, not as a vagrant cur at whom her, “Be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” everyone threw stones, but as a household He did not stop by saying, “Thy daughter pet to whom at least the crumbs were due shall be made whole.” He said that great as a just portion. She accepted her place as blessing shall be yours and take everything such and claimed her rights as such. That else your faith can claim. He swept away is the attitude that will always bring the all the barriers of race and the limits that best results by faith. You and I may not be as yet had not been universally removed as deserving of the highest station or rank they were soon after, and He gave this but we do have a place and a heritage and woman health for her daughter and joy we will claim all that is our due and we for her own believing heart. will get it, too. Jesus gave her a place among the chosen B. This woman demonstrated her faith people. A child of Abraham by faith. He by a spiritual insight which saw, in what on made a special concession to her and let its surface seemed to be a denial, a promise her in as a proselyte of the faith before and a new basis for faith. Mark records the middle wall of partition was broken Jesus’ words to her thus, “Let the children down and before the handwriting of ordin­ first be filled. For it is not meet to take ances was nailed to His cross. the children’s meat and cast it to dogs.” C o n c l u s io n This woman’s faith seized upon that word And now with this story to encourage my “first” and it was like a new promise to her. faith and yours, I say to one and all bring She had a new toe hold. She simply said, your burden to the Lord. Cast all your “Let the children be first, but if there is a care on Him. Accept the place in which you first there is a second, too. I’ll gladly be find yourself and make the most of it. You second. Give me the portion of a second will find that even the crumbs that are your place dog under the table eating crumbs and due are better than all the luxuries and leftovers. There is abundance for me when riches Satan has to offer. Put your faith all the children are filled.” in Jesus. He will save you, and He will C. This outsider demonstrated her faith never let you fall.-—G. B. W l l i a m s o n by her patient persistence. When Jesus was silent, she waited in unruffled and shameless importunity. When Man’s Curse Becomes God’s When Jesus said, “I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” she Blessing worshiped Him saying, “Lord, help me.” Lesson—Revelation 22:1-7, 13, 14, 16, 17, When Jesus gave priority to children and 20 , 2 1 . placed her in the position of a dog she said, Text—Deuteronomy 23:5. “Truth, Lord, yet the dogs get the crumbs.” Nothing would abash her. Nothing would I ntroduction discourage her. Nothing would send her The good will of one’s fellowmen is of away. Her faith clung fast to every ray of priceless value. None but fools are careless hope and promise. of this fact. The most insignificant person D. Her faith was demonstrated in the you know is worth having for a friend, for persistent undaunted confidence that Jesus in a time of need he may do you a kindness could and that he would grant her desire, that will place you in his everlasting debt. and that after all the tests that He gave Better still you may do him good. You are her it was His will and His joy to give her rich not in proportion to your material assets the desire of her heart. And we may rest but in proportion to the number and loyalty assured that what Jesus knows is for our of your friends. good He will not deny us. Luke 11:9, 13. Of course there are some persons whose He who said it is more blessed to give than friendship can only be bought at a price to receive knows it by a million times that is too extravagant. They are those proving it. And He rejoices to give the who will only be your friends on condi­ trusting heart all he seeks. tion that you go in their wicked ways. With III. Now we look for a moment at the such you cannot assemble yourself. To go full reward which the Syro-Phoenician with them or even compromise the differ­ woman received for her unshaken faith. ences between you, will bring ruin to your And faith that does not falter is always soul. There are some people with whose rewarded. It simply cannot be otherwise. contempt you are safer, than with their God is faithful. There may be delays but favor. A man is not condemned by the at last the answer will come. fact that he has enemies, but by the char­ A. This woman was rewarded by the acter of those who are his foes. final and full recognition of her faith. Jesus No price is too great to pay for friends said, “O woman, great is thy faith.” There who will not damage your character or must have been a thrill in that woman’s compromise your ideals. On the other soul that lifted her almost to the seventh hand, no friend is so valuable to you as to heaven when she heard that glowing tribute justify his being kept, if he would inten­ from the lips of Jesus. tionally cause you to violate your integrity. B. Then Jesus opened the door to the At such cost one had better live alone in treasures of God’s bounty and He said to the earth. 46 (182) The Preacher's Magazine The favor of God, then, is the one indis­ and the number of the fourth part of pensable asset in life. With that you can Israel? Let me die the death of the right­ walk alone if need be. Without it your eous, and let my last end be like his!” whole life’s course is shrouded in darkness (Numbers 23:10). He was urged again to and will end in despair. Seldom is it neces­ curse Israel but He said, “Behold, I have sary for a godly man to live without friends. received commandment to bless: and he As a rule he will find that his friends in­ hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” A crease both in number and in quality of third time he attempted to curse at Balak’s character, as he keeps God’s commandments word, but this time he said, “How goodly and does those things that are pleasing in are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, His sight. Nevertheless, if one must choose 0 Israel! As the valleys are they spread between man’s blessing with God’s curse forth, as gardens by the river’s side, as the or God’s blessing with man’s curse, let him trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath unalterably choose to be blessed of God planted, and as cedar trees beside the and cursed of man. For the blessing of waters. He shall pour the water out of his the Lord, it maketh rich and addeth no buckets, and his seed shall be in many sorrow. In such a case the curse of man waters” (Numbers 24:5-7). “Blessed is he will prove to be a blessing from God. that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee” (verse 9b.). B o d y Then in spite of Balak’s rage because I. The thesis of this message is that God he had three times cursed Israel, Balaam can and does turn the curse of man upon rose to still higher heights of vision and the people of God into a blessing. blessing. “I shall see him, but not now: A. The background of the text is a fairly 1 shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall familiar story. Israel was on her journey come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter to Canaan. When they came to the borders shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the of Ammon, they sent messengers to King corners of Moab, and destroy all the chil­ Sihon saying, let us pass through your dren of Sheth. And Edom shall be a pos­ land. The promise not to disturb the fields session, Seir also shall be a possession for or drink of the waters of their wells was his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. given. But Sihon refused to let them pass Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have through the borders of Ammon, whereupon dominion, and shall destroy him that re- Israel smote him with the sword, took his maineth of the city” (Numbers 24:17-19). cities, and possessed his land. Under sim­ “And Balaam rose up, and went and re­ ilar circumstances, a like fate was visited turned to his place: and Balak also went upon Og, King of Bashan. Thereafter the his way” (verse 25). children of Israel set forward and pitched From this bit of history we see how their camp in the plains of Moab. Where­ God defends his people against the curse upon Balak, King of Moab, and his people of man. He does indeed change the in­ were sore distressed. They said, “Now tended curse into a blessing. Jesus said, shall this people lick up all that are round “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, about us, as the ox licketh up the grass and persecute you, and shall say all manner of the field.” Then Balak sent messengers of evil against you falsely, for my sake. to Balaam, the prophet, to ask him to Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great come and curse Israel. Balaam inquired of is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted the Lord and was bidden not to go. Then they the prophets which were before you” more honorable princes came from Balak (Matt. 5:11, 12). offering great rewards. Balaam said to them, “If Balak should give me his house B. The text reveals that Israel was the full of silver and gold, I cannot go -beyond object of God’s special love and favor. They the word of the Lord my God, to do less were His chosen people. They were the or more.” But Balaam inquired again of people whom God had blessed in their fa­ the Lord who gave him permission to go, ther Abraham. To him God had said, “I but instructed him to do only as He would will bless him that blesseth thee and curse tell him to do. Balaam went on his way, him that curseth thee.” Through the cen­ to be met in the road by an angel of the turies that had elapsed between the days Lord. His own eyes were blind to his of Abraham and Balaam, God had kept presence but the dumb beast on which he His covenant with Abraham and his seed. rode saw the angel and fell down under And now in Christ the blessings of God Balaam. Then there followed a controversy promised to Abraham are ours by faith. in which the dumb ass spoke with a man’s What He promised to him and his seed in voice. Then the angel spoke to Balaam a special dispensation of mercy has now telling him that his way was perverse be­ been made available to all men in a dis­ fore him. Whereupon Balaam said he pensation of universal grace. would turn back, but instead, he went on After a series of tests in which Abraham with the princes of Balak. But when he had proved himself faithful, the word of came to the place to pronounce the curse the Lord came unto him in a vision saying, the Lord put a blessing in his mouth. He “Fear not Abraham, I am thy shield and said, “Who can count the dust of Jacob, thy exceeding great reward.” That was a May-June, 1946 (183) 47 great and glorious promise. It is enough sume us with His anger. But it does mean to make any man’s heart glad if he have that the fundamental purpose of our lives the capacity and faith to understand it. A must be to please Him and that we will while ago I heard a friend of mine bear sincerely seek to honor Him in all we do. a beautiful testimony. He had been through The main drive of the soul must be to fear a period of special test and persecution. God and keep His commandments. To He had been maligned and vilified falsely such persons the blessing of God is prom­ and had taken the abuse with great calm­ ised and the curse of men will be changed ness and without retaliation. He left the into the divine blessing. very day the climax had been reached, to fill an engagement that was exacting in its II. This thesis has an antithesis, namely, demands. That night after preaching he that man’s blessing may bring God’s curse. went to his room to rest. His body was ex­ A. No, it is not wrong to enjoy the favor tremely weary. His nerves were tense and of men. The Lord increased in wisdom and his mind filled with the false charges that stature and in favor with God and man. had been heaped upon him. His spirit was It is said of the disciples immediately after grieved within him. He said he had not been Pentecost that they had favor with all the in his bed but a few minutes when Jesus people. But when one will turn to evil came into the room as a very real and per­ to gain the rewards of the wicked he will sonal presence. Immediately a sense of quiet­ find that man’s blessing is God’s curse. ness and calm came over him. He saw Jesus and He was soothing away his pain and suf­ B. Balaam himself is an illustration of fering. A gentle caressing hand was on his this principle. When the princes of Balak brow and in a firm and reassuring voice He came to him, he knew he should not go, said what God had said to Abraham many and refused to go. But when rich rewards centuries before; “Fear not, for I am thy were offered, he persuaded himself to go. shield and thy exceeding great reward.” He When reproved by the angel of the Lord went on to tell how in the intervening years on the way, he confessed he was wrong from then till now God had fulfilled that and said he would go back, but he did not promise in being both his protection and keep his word. Four times he sought to his reward. I feel certain that God will gain God’s permission to curse Israel and prove himself to be the Defender and the each time God gave to him only a blessing Rewarder of all who put their trust in upon His people. Finally Balaam and Balak Him. “No weapon that is formed against returned to their own places. But it is thee shall prosper; and every tongue that evident that the bribes of Balak were too shall rise against thee in judgment thou much for Balaam. He was eager for the hon­ shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the ors and rewards. That is why he went servants of the Lord, and their righteous­ when he was bidden not to go, why he went ness is of me, saith the Lord.” on when he was confronted by the angel, and though he could not pronounce the C. To be sure, such a promise that turns curse, his greedy soul was lusting for Balak’s the curse of man into the blessing of the bribes and it is plain from the scriptures Lord is conditional.. It is not given because that the inspiration for the scheme to bring of parentage or race or formal adherence a curse upon Israel by the compromise of to a law or a creed, it is given to the Baalpeor was given by Balaam. Did not the willing and obedient. To those who rebel Spirit say to John in His message to the against God and compromise with evil no church at Pergamos, Balaam taught Balak such promise is given. This is substantiated to cast a stumblingblock before the children by the incident in Israel’s history which of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, immediately followed the attempts of Ba­ to commit fornication (Rev. 2:14). And laam to curse Israel. While they abode at rugged old Jude said, “Woe to them .... Shittim, the men of Israel married the that run greedily after the error of Balaam daughters of Moab and they sacrificed and for reward.” Peter said that Balaam “loved bowed down to their gods. Israel joined the wages of unrighteousness.” himself to Baalpeor, a place of idolatrous What happened to Balaam? Did the hon­ worship. The Lord’s anger was kindled ors and rewards of Balak do him good or against them and He said take the offenders evil? When he looked upon Israel to curse, and hang them up before the Lord against he blessed and prayed, “Let me die the the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord death of the righteous and let my last end may be turned away and those that died be like his.” But how did he die? The in the plague were 24,000. Thus we see record is that when the Midianites were that only those who keep the command­ slain, Balaam also the son of Beor, they ments of the Lord and separate themselves slew with the sword. He found that the unto Him will be among the blessed. The wages of unrighteousness is death. He condition of enjoying God’s blessing is in sought the blessing of man at too great a conformity to His will. We must keep price and found it to be the curse of God. the Lord always before us and seek to Whenever we must disobey God to gain wholly follow the Lord. This does not mean the favor of men the price is too great. that every time we err God will con­ Man’s blessing may bring God’s curse. 48 (184) The Preacher's Magazine III. And now we have come to the time C o n c l u s io n to state our synthesis; it is that ultimately The moral of all this is that man may so all the curse of sin will be transmuted into relate himself to the will and purpose of the blessedness of full, final, and eternal re­ God that all the curse of men will be made demption. into a blessing from God. My privilege and A. Man’s disobedience and the conse­ my duty is to put my trust in God and quent fall brought a curse upon all created obey Him. He will then sanctify to me my life on this planet. Man was driven from deepest distress, for he only designs my Eden. Woman bore her sorrow in child­ dross to consume and my gold to refine. bearing. Beasts became ravenous and —G. B. W i l l i a m s o n sought to destroy and devour one another. Thorns and briers infested the ground, re­ quiring that man should earn his living The Promise of Salvation by the sweat of his brow. But immediately upon the visitation of the curse, God prom­ Lesson—Isaiah 1:1-20. ised redemption. He said to the serpent, Text—Isaiah 1:18. “The seed of the woman shall bruise thy I ntroduction head and thou shalt bruise his heel.” That This chapter is an introduction to the was the first promise that the tempter who entire Book of Isaiah. Like the first chap­ had defeated the first Adam should himself ter of John it is a prologue of what is to be overthrown by the last Adam. In the follow. There is some disagreement as to fulness of time the Redeemer came. He the date of this prophecy. Some believe it exposed himself to the foe. He met him was chronologically the first of Isaiah’s ut­ in a mortal combat in the wilderness and terances that are recorded. They contend came off the Victor. He proved the sover­ that it would reflect the spirit of Jotham’s eignty of His will and rule in every issue reign. Others place it in the reign of that was drawn in the years of His ministry Hezekiah and very near the end of Isaiah’s among men. At last He yielded to death ministry. Since the Book of Isaiah is a that He might be the Lamb of God to bear compilation of messages which admittedly away the sins of the world. In so doing, are not necessarily in the order of their He conquered death itself. Rising in tri­ utterance, there is some room for disa­ umph, making an open show of His victory, greement. But the date of this chapter is the Lion of the tribe of Judah prevailed; not important. It is its character that and now we by faith are saved from the places it appropriately at the head of the guilt, the power, and the pollution of sin, Book as an introduction to the whole. It is and we shout, “O death, where is thy sting? a clear and complete statement of the points 0 grave, where is thy victory?” at issue between the Lord and His people B. The final redemption of the posses­ in Isaiah’s time. It is most representative sion that was purchased at Calvary awaits of Isaiah’s prophecies and a summary of the return of our Lord, who shall come the substance of prophetic doctrine. to make all things new. He will purify the The plan of the chapter is of a trial at earth as with refining fire. Then shall we law. Ewald called it “The Great Arraign­ sing, ment” ; God is Plaintiff and Judge; Heaven and Earth are called to be His Aids or As­ No more let sin and sorrow grow, sessors; the people of Judah are the Defend­ Nor thorns infest the ground; ants; Isaiah is the witness. The trial is con­ He comes tct make His blessing flow cluded by God’s offer of pardon. “Come Far as the curse is found. now, and let us reason together saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be He will tame the wild nature of the beast. He will take as His own bride the Church red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” that He has sanctified by the “washing of “That God reasons with man is a magnifi­ cent truth. Isaiah considers that the first water by the word, that he may present it article of religion. Revelation is rational to himself a glorious church” without spot and moral. Religion is reasonable inter­ or wrinkle. He will quicken the dead, and course between one intelligent being and this mortal shall put on immortality, and another. God works with man through con­ this corruptible shall put on incorruption. science. God forces himself upon men. He Death shall be swallowed up of life. We shall have a new heaven and a new earth, compels them to think. Here He speaks to men by the reasonable words of the wherein dwelleth righteousness and all the prophet. Before either salvation or judg­ redeemed ones shall cry, “Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Then will ment, must come awakening of the con­ science. Therefore the chapter falls into the curse of man’s sin be transmuted into two parts, an indictment of sinners, and a the blessedness of full and eternal redemp­ promise of salvation.”—George Adam Smith. tion. Then there shall be no more curse; we will sing redemption’s story; angels will B o d y fold their wings, for angels never felt the I. First, let us look at Isaiah’s indictment joy that our salvation brings. against Judah and Jerusalem for their sins. May-June, 1946 (185) 49 A. He charges them first with the sin of 3. Isaiah said you do not care for your­ rebellion. All sin in its essence is rebellion selves or your country. “Your country is against God. Isaiah said, “Hear, O heavens, desolate, your cities are burned with fire: and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath your land, strangers devour it in your pres­ spoken. I have nourished and brought up ence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by children, and they have rebelled against strangers.” To describe the desolation he me” (verse 2). Sin is enormous in the sight uses the figure of a deserted temporary hut of God, not only in proportion to its devas­ in a vineyard or a field of cucumbers after tation and ruin in its effects but also in the harvest of the crop. “And the daughter proportion to the standard of light and of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as knowledge the sinner has. Here the prophet a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a be­ represents God as an affectionate loving sieged city” (verse 8). And as a climax mother and a faithful and dutiful father of a description of desolation and judgment yet they have rebelled. They were not he said, “But for a very small remnant, ignorant. To them had pertained the we should have been as Sodom and like oracles of God. Throughout the history of unto Gomorrah.” The remnant of God’s the nation they had been recipients of the people have spared a nation many times. abundant mercy of God. In many and al­ And we have not been spared because of a most uncounted circumstances He had universal righteousness, probably not be­ proved His wisdom and His goodness to cause of a majority of righteous people. But them. But like wayward prodigal children for the sake of a remnant we have been they had rebelled against Him. They set given another chance. Isaiah’s prophecy at naught all His counsel and would hear may have been history forespoken but it none of His reproof. came in full measure as the sacred record bears abundant proof. 1. They were utterly heedless in their rebellion. They are dumb and stupid in B. The second sin for which the nation their sin. Isaiah said, “The ox knoweth his was indicted was the use of formal worship owner and the ass his master’s crib, but as a shield for their sins. They were guilty Israel doth not know, my people doth not of wickedness and worship. The often used consider” (verse 3). This was to say that refuge from conscience is religion. “Hear this people have wantonly sinned against the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; God so long that all their moral sense is give ear unto the law of our God, ye people dulled and stupefied. They will not con­ of Gomorrah. To what purpose is the mul­ sider reproof. They are worse than dumb titude of your sacrifices unto me? saith beasts who have no reason. The most the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings senseless and stupid animals learn obedi­ of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I ence and have knowledge enough to know delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of what is good for them. This people who lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to should have moral and rational capacities appear before me, who hath required this give no heed whatsoever. Isaiah said, “Ah at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, no more vain oblations; incense is an a seed of evildoers, children that are cor­ abomination unto me; the new moons and rupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn anger, they are gone away backward” meeting. Your new moons and your ap­ (verse 4). pointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. 2. In their stupid rebellion they showed And when ye spread forth your hands, I no shame and no repentance. The judg­ will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye ments of God had been multiplied but they make many prayers, I will not hear: your being often reproved hardened their necks hands are full of blood” (verses 10-15). for sudden and irreparable destruction. Theirs was a triple offence. The prophet said where shall ye be stricken 1. They offered sacrifice, but without any more. The figure is of a body already repentance and contrition for their sins. covered with wounds and bruises until 2. They offered wordy prayers without there was left no limb to smite. He said sincerity or confession. in the face of judgments and afflictions ye revolt more and more. He said your brain 3. They heard the reading of the law, is addled, the head is sick, and the whole but they made no application of it to their heart is faint. The courage to turn and do conduct. right is all gone. The body is cursed by sin. To Isaiah, God was holy and God was From the sole of the foot to the crown practical; God was high and God was near. of the head there is no soundness in it, but To such a God, “temple treading” was an wounds and bruises and putrifying sores, offence. To Jesus, the Pharisees with their they have not been closed, neither bound outward pretenses of righteousness and up, neither mollified with ointment. There their inward corruption were an abomina­ is not even an attempt made to heal or tion. The reproach of God is ever upon hide the open sores of sin that cover the those who have a form of godliness but deny body. the power thereof. 50 (186) The Preacher's Magazine In our day we are in grave danger of are sinners inherently and sinners willfully. stupid, wanton, heedless sin covered and But God offers us pardon. condoned by “temple treading.” How many 1. Pardon is offered on condition of people think nothing of their failure to relate turning from sin. “Wash you, make you religion to their moral conduct. Isaiah’s in­ clean; put away the evil of your doings dictment did not charge the priests and from before mine eyes; cease to do evil” princes of being irreligious but of being (verse 16). religious without being righteous. That is 2. Pardon is offered on further condition the danger of our day. The attempt of that they learn to do well. “Learn to do Isaiah was to awaken conscience. That is well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, the need of our day. Beware of being so judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” stupefied by sin that you will be religious (verse 17). without being righteous—you can be wicked 3. On these conditions God offers full and worship. pardon. It is as though we had never II. Now after this stern and solemn in­ sinned so far as God’s judgment is con­ dictment, the prophet seems to catch a new cerned. The record is clear. The page is glimpse of the infinite mercy and good­ clean. God always has and always will ness of God. God is high and God is near, bestow mercy on these conditions. He but also God is love. Even His judgments hates sin because it destroys what He loves. are to lead men to repentance. Indeed, God loves the sinner however dark his sin. a message of rebuke is to no purpose unless He therefore provided a ransom for sin it offers pardon upon repentance. and through Christ He has delivered us all from going down into the pit. A. Such an arraignment as Isaiah voices • in this chapter would result only in despair 4. God also promised purity as well as and doom if there were no hope of mercy pardon. “And I will turn my hand upon from the Lord. Therefore being a true thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and prophet of a God of love as well as judg­ take away all thy tin.” He takes away ment, Isaiah is swept with a new emotion the guilt and He burns away the alloy of as the vision of God’s goodness and grace our nature. Fire is pure and makes all possessed him. His tense nerves and mus­ that passes through it pure. cles are relaxed. His voice that had been C o n c l u s io n stern with judgment and condemnation Isaiah’s message was delivered to Jeru­ suddenly mellowed to express the compas­ salem and Judah nearly 2700 years ago. It sion of a loving God. After a brief pause is as applicable to our nation today as it probably he speaks forth in a burst of in­ was then to his people. Let us not make spired eloquence and gives to the sinful the application to that ancient people. Let nation God’s promise of salvation. “Come us not generalize it now. It is a message now, and let us reason together, saith the to us. Here is solemn indictment against Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they every sinful man. Here is also glorious shall be as white as snow; though they be promise to all who will claim it. “Come red like crimson, they shall be as wool” now let us reason together saith the Lord: (verse 18). though your sins be as scarlet, they shall B. The prophet had seen Israel’s sin. be as white as snow; though they be red Now He sees God’s grace. It always takes like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Sweet­ an adequate conception of sin to give ade­ er words were never heard by sinners’ ears. quate appreciation of God’s grace. Isaiah Greater promise was never spoken by in­ saw the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the spired lips. Hear and heed now. Let con­ plentitude of grace. Only Paul rises to such science awaken. Let reason consider. Let high vision of sin and grace as Isaiah had. faith lay claim to pardon, peace, and purity. —G. B. W l l i a m s o n C. There are two interpretations of this invitation expressed in “Come let us reason together saith the Lord.” To some it is a Following Christ Afar Off call to let conscience awaken and let reason return. But no sooner is the call to be Lesson—Luke 22:54-62. reasonable spoken than there comes the Text—Luke 22:54. promise that rises above and goes beyond I ntroduction reason. For that reason some believe that a Jesus’ most oft repeated invitation was more accurate translation would be “Come “Follow me.” With these words He in­ now let reason be at an end.” In any case vited Philip to go forth with Him to Gali­ we know that this glorious promise can lee. By the same words He admonished only be claimed by faith which is above Peter and Andrew to leave their nets to reason as reason is above sense. It takes become fishers of men. With the same faith to grasp the truth that though your words He called Matthew to leave the re­ sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white ceipt of custom and join the apostleship. as snow; though they be red like crimson, To an unnamed man He said, “Follow me,” they shall be as wool. and his answer was, “Lord suffer me first D. We are double-dyed sinners; dyed to go and bury my father.” Jesus replied, both in the grain and in the cloth, We “Let the dead bury the dead, but go thou May-June, 1946 (187) 51 and preach the kingdom of God.” To the ciple. They were no where to be seen or rich young Ruler Jesus said, “Go and sell heard. Furthermore, after the resurrection that thou hast and come follow me, so shalt he thrice affirmed his love to Christ and thou have treasure in heaven.” To make did so with a reminder that Jesus, knowing the call universal He said, “If any man will all things, knew that, too. He proved his be my disciple, let him deny himself and love to the death on a cross. take up his cross and follow me.” When B. This fault overtook Peter in a moment Peter asked what John should do, Jesus of emotional letdown. Let me hasten to replied, “What is that to thee, follow thou say, that does not justify his faithlessness. me.” But it was doubtless a contributing cause. Those words “follow me” become, then, Only a few hours before Peter was seen the most simple, most intimate, and most slinking along at a safe distance from the personal definition of discipleship. Eagerly enraged mob, he had been right beside his should those who love Christ follow in His master. And when he saw the crowd led steps. We should follow Him in obedience by Judas approach with their swords, to God’s will. We should follow Him in Peter’s sense of love and loyalty rose to the practice of prayer. We should follow a high pitch and he, like men have always Him in His example of humility and service. done, met swords with a sword. He was We should follow Him in courageous alle­ ready to fight the whole mob for love of giance to truth and righteousness. We his Lord. But instead of praising him, should follow Him in His readiness to sacri­ Jesus rebuffed him, told him to put up fice and suffer for others. We should follow his sword and healed the ear that had been Him in His unfaltering faith and His un­ severed by it, and told him that those who dying hope. take the sword should perish by it, and It is evident that throughout the cen­ that if He needed to fight He could speak turies of Christian history men have fol­ and 12 legions of angels would hasten to His lowed Jesus in varying degrees of proxim­ aid. Such a setback, however needed, set ity. Some have formed an inner circle. his highly emotional nature in reverse. And Others have been intermittent in their de­ from his high pitch of loyalty he sank to votion by times rising to lofty heights of the low level of denial. love and loyalty and at other times careless It is always true that those who have and indifferent, while some have been capacity for the highest degree of enthusi­ content to lag behind consistently, follow­ asm can sink quickly to the lowest abyss ing afar off. of despondency. At such a time, the devil To take this text alone is not a fair makes his malicious attack. Many a man measure of Peter’s loyalty. This was a has lost his bearings in such an hour. description of him as he was approaching It is said that naturally Benedict Arnold his worst moments. In general, his was a was a most ardent revolutionist and a bril­ life of true devotion and of greatest in­ liant soldier.- He saw his superiors bungling timacy. This one time he lost his bearing the strategy of war and he thought the and fell shamefully far behind. While it cause was lost, and in a weak moment of is not an accurate summary of the record despondency turned traitor and made his of Peter’s discipleship, yet it serves as a name a curse. We know so well the story warning to all that there is the ever present of Elijah, one day valiantly contesting for possibility of our lagging dangerously far Jehovah on Mt. Carmel, winning a glorious behind in our following Christ. With this victory, slaying the false prophets by hun­ warning before us let us learn some les­ dreds. Then at the threat of a wicked sons concerning the cause and effect of queen, fled for his life and sat under the following Christ afar off. juniper tree, praying to die. B o d y If you are an enthusiast, you must have I. The causes that actuated Peter’s remote learned by now that following your high pursuit of His Lord are probably quite peak of ecstasy you will go down to a low typical. Therefore we can take warning valley of gloom. You had best bridle your from his bitter experience. The setting, enthusiasm and also your despair. of course, is unique. But the inner battle, And you who are of milder and more which he temporarily lost, is the common sanguine temperament be patient with the experience of all who are given to self zealot. Understanding and love may make analysis at all. him the most valued soldier in the whole A. First, let me affirm that, in my opin­ army, while your censure with Satan’s ion, the failure of Peter was not for lack aid may make him a traitor. of love. Not one of the disciples save C. Another cause of Peter’s pitiable plight John has so much to be said in praise of was fear. He was not afraid to fight, he his love to Christ as Peter. He was one had just demonstrated that. He was not of the most eager to respond to Christ’s afraid of prison or death, he had just de­ call. He had followed most faithfully and clared. And no one who has examined intimately and he even in the most dis­ the record of Peter’s life in full could graceful moment of his life seems to have say he was a coward. But just now he been nearer to Jesus than any other dis­ had blundered to his own chagrin, and 52 (188) The Preacher's Magazine when he wanted most to gain his master’s lished in holy character. In simple and praise he had received His reproof, and familiar words it was carnality which yet he knew he deserved it. Now he was afraid lingered in Peter’s divided nature. His if he were in the thick of the fight he would enemy within gave his foes from without blunder again. Did you ever get to where the chance they sought and he was driven you did not trust yourself? Where you to take refuge in retreat from his firm were afraid to do anything lest you should stand and his avowed purpose. do the wrong thing? Did the devil push In this respect Peter was again at one you on down that gloomy way till you de­ with his fellows. The same inner condition cided you were not necessary and simply that brought about his denial made James no good anyhow? In such a state of mind and John seek the chief seats in the king­ Peter followed afar off and his fear, instead dom and caused all to quibble about who of being a protection and a warning, be­ should be the greatest. came an opening and a foothold for the devil to use, and now his hounds were And now I warn you that this perversity of nature was not only their condition of hunting in packs and ready at every sign of weakness for a new attack. Fear is one heart till Pentecost made them clean, it is your condition, too. And what carnality of our greatest foes. Nothing so dilutes did to them it may do to you. And, more one’s moral stamina. And the most debili­ than likely, you will fall upon a day when tating fear is to fear that you yourself are you betray your Lord and follow Him afar in dangers beyond your power to resist. off unless you hasten to the fountain to be D. Another cause for Peter’s following cleansed and made whole. afar was his lack of faith in the final out­ come of the venture which had commanded II. Now having looked at the causes for his interest and to which he had given his Peter’s following from afar, let us think life. for a few minutes of the consequences of Peter had faith to believe that Jesus was that fatal fault. the Christ all right. The loftiest expressions A. First, following afar off results in­ of faith that had ever been heard were evitably in obstructed vision. You know spoken by him. At Caesarea Phillipi, Jesus full well that if you are trying to follow a asked, “Whom say ye that I the Son of car through traffic you can only hope to Man am?” Peter gave an immortal answer succeed by keeping close to it. Any dis­ which Jesus approved and all his followers tance between leaves ample opportunity for have admired. He said, “Thou art the Christ, the leader to be lost to sight. Apply that the Son of the living God.” principle to following Christ. Let distance On another occasion when deserters were come between and everything will crowd in multiplying, Jesus turned to the twelve and to obstruct your vision. The only hope is said, “Will you also go away?” Whereupon to let nothing between. Keep worldly Peter said, “Lord to whom can we go? Thou pleasures out of your sight because your hast the words of eternal life.” eyes are fixed on Jesus. Keep worldly But now in the day of dark trial and possessions out of the way because you seek sore besetment of his foes, Peter could not first the Kingdom of God and His righteous­ make this talk of death and the quiet ac­ ness. Keep other people from getting in quiescence of his master fit into the pic­ your way because you see no man save ture that had filled his mind and fired his Jesus only. Keep cares of life from weigh­ faith. He could not see the resurrection ing you down so that you can not run the though it had been prophesied. He had not race with patience because you cast all your grasped the promise of another Paraclete by care upon Him who careth for you. Do whose presence and power they should do not let the vision of the Christ be ob­ greater works than any they had seen Jesus structed. do. He had not yet seen the Rejected B. Another result of following afar off Stone made the head of the corner. He is distracted purpose. The distance be­ had not seen by the inspiration of the Holy tween Jesus and Peter gave opportunity to Ghost that this Jesus whom wicked men indulge self-pity. Peter felt cold and slew and hanged on a tree should be raised alone. He sought comfort and companion­ from the dead and exalted a Prince and ship at a fire that the foes of Christ had a Saviour to give repentance to Israel and kindled. If we follow in the warm footsteps forgiveness of sins. He could not now de­ of Jesus we have no occasion for self-pity. clare that, “Whom having not seen, ye love; If we consider Him who endured such con­ in whom, though now ye see him not, yet tradiction of sinners against himself, we believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable will not be weary or faint in our minds, and full of glory.” Therefore, baffled and for we have not yet resisted unto blood confused and full of fear and doubt he striving against sin. followed afar off. Keep your purpose strong because you E. Of course, deep down underneath know however rough and rugged the path, there was a more fundamental cause. At Jesus trod the way before you. He went bottom the failure, fear, weakness, and all the way to Calvary. Nothing I can doubt all arose from that sandy nature that bear for Him can at all compare with what was not yet entirely cleansed and estab­ He bore for me. May-June, 1946 (189) 53 C. The third result of following Jesus at you walk the sweeter will be your fellow­ a distance is compromised ideals. Peter ship with Him. I plead for all who have had an ideal of loyalty that was lofty and not forsaken all to follow Him, to do it he expressed it in that vow that he would now; and all who have lagged behind, to go to prison and to death with Jesus. How quicken your pace at once. Let no dis­ far from that ideal he had departed when tance stay between you lest the whole a maid twittered with the accusation that he brood of sins that so soon found place in had been with Jesus. He denied he ever Peter’s life shall come to you also.—G. B. knew Him. W i l l i a m s o n Peter had an ideal of reverence for God and sacred things, but with oaths he em­ phasized his denial. He thought those The Glory of Going On words were gone forever. He had not used them since he repented under the preaching Lesson—Hebrews 4:1, 9-11; 5:8-14. of John the Baptist. But how quickly Text—Hebrews 6:1. our old vices return when we follow Jesus I ntroduction afar off and reach the place of open denial. The glory of life is to grow. However Anyhow, one sin breeds and justifies an­ perfect the infant may be, without normal other, the denier becomes a liar, and the growth it will become sadly imperfect. liar becomes a swearer. Let down your There are two great crises in Christian ex­ standard at one point and your whole line perience. They are the new birth and en­ of defense is in danger of collapse. Justify tire sanctification. To have the clear wit­ yourself for following Jesus afar and you ness of God’s spirit that these are wrought can soon run to the worldly pleasures such in the soul is of fundamental importance. as the movies, the dance, and like places But the true glory of the Christian life is of evil influence. Spiritual intensity is es­ to go on to the perfection of a Christian sential to moral integrity. Close company character. Such character does not spring with your Lord is the one safety against full-orbed from the first and second trips the siren call of the world and sin. to the altar. In every infant born there is D. One who follows the Lord afar off is the prospect and possibility of a man or sure to prove to be a disappointment to woman full grown in body and mind. Just Christ. Peter had seen to it no doubt that so there is a potential saint in every person Jesus was at sufficient distance not to hear born and baptized with the Spirit. This his denial and his profanity, but Jesus progress toward full-orbed Christian char­ knew all about it. He knew and forewarned acter is the glory of the Christian life. Peter and, knowing what is in man, He God has a passion for perfection. He knew when the momentj of denial came. made a universe of perfect order. He made Perhaps as Jesus was led from the High a world of perfect beauty. He made a Priest’s palace where he had been con­ man in His own moral image and likeness. demned for blasphemy, He passed the fire Through Jesus Christ He proposes to make where Peter stood among the mockers and new men who shall be perfect and com­ gave him that look, a look of anguish and plete in all the will of God. What God sorrow, yet a look of love that never faileth. loves, He has the power to produce. That Always remember that two are hurt when God loves holy men there can be no doubt. you follow from afar. You are hurt in­ Therefore He has both the power and the wardly and deeply hurt and Jesus is keen­ disposition to make men holy and at last ly disappointed. to bring them to the perfection of mature E. Bitter tears also come as the result Christian character. This is the eternal of all your weakness and failure. Peter purpose which He proposed in Christ Jesus went out to weep bitterly. Thank God, our Lord. they were tears of godly sorrow which B o d y worketh repentance. Peter did repent gen­ I. The superstructure of Christian char­ uinely. He was early at the sepulchre. He acter must be built upon a sure foundation. received the message, “Tell his disciples Such expressions as “leaving the principles and Peter.” He was recommissioned at the of the doctrine of Christ” and “not laying sea of Tiberias. The follower of Jesus who again the foundation” do not lead us to the does not keep close will someday weep tears conclusion that principles and foundations of repentance to find restoration and for­ are unimportant and are hence to be giveness or he will weep the still more bitter omitted or discounted. It is a truism that tears of remorse as Judas did and still does if a house is to stand in strength and sym­ in the long dark night of eternity. metry, it must have a good foundation. But if one gave all his time and money to lay C o n c l u s io n a foundation, where were the house, and Jesus is still calling men to follow Him. for what purpose the foundation. Sooner He is calling tonight over the tumult of your or later the foundation must be left, but wild restless life. He calls to the sinner to not until it is surely laid, and then it is left leave his old life and He calls to the Chris­ to be built upon and above. In like manner, tian to follow more closely, and the closer the foundation of Christian character is to 54 (190) The Preacher's Magazine be surely laid and then wisely left as the and that he has been cleansed from all in- support for the magnificent superstructure bred sin by the mighty baptism of the Holy of a mature Christian life. Ghost and fire. Then the otherwise vague A. Christian character must be built and formal creedal statements will become upon the foundation of sound doctrine. divinely clear and plain to him. The ethical There are those who preach that it matters ideals that previously seemed so far be­ little what one believes just so he is sin­ yond his reach will be graven upon his cere. Greater error can not be preached, heart by the power of the infinite Spirit for it is obviously true that a man’s beliefs and to live by them will be the norm for condition his character. The doctrines of this new man in Christ Jesus. the Church of Christ are the clearest and II. With this foundation underneath, let loftiest religious beliefs the world has ever us give attention to the qualities of mind known. Let a man accept the fact that and spirit that are to be built into the there is a holy, just, good, and merciful superstructure of Christian character. and eternal God to whom he is personally accountable and the effect is to ennoble A. There must be built into our lives all his living. If one takes Jesus Christ, a capacity to appreciate the spiritual truths the Son of God, as his Saviour from sin of God’s Word. (Vs. 12-14, Chap. 5). and the pattern of his conduct, certainly Knowledge of the Word of God is the struc­ the whole plane of his living will be ele­ tural steel in the superstructure of Chris­ vated. The knowledge that the Holy Spirit tian character. Hunger for the food of the is an ever present personality ready to min­ Work is a normal condition of a saved and ister salvation to the sinner, holiness to the sanctified Christian. That hunger must be believer, and strength and grace to all who fed, and as it is fed it grows. Spiritual will receive Him—certainly is an encourage­ hunger can be satisfied with nothing less ment to all who would live soberly, right­ than the strong meat of the Word. The eously, and godly in this present world. daily paper, the popular magazine, the best For one to keep before Him the prospect of seller book will not be a satisfying substi­ an eternal judgment with its rewards and tute for the daily reading of the Word. punishments is strong incentive to strive Neither will superficial lectures, book re­ to enter in at the straight gate. views, nor the sentimental stories be ac­ ceptable pulpit diet to those who have ever Paul said to Timothy, “Give attendance feasted on the hidden manna of the Word to doctrine.” It is certain that the Christian of God. Church can not stand unless it be upon The depth of spiritual life of any indivi­ the foundation of sound doctrine. It does dual can be measured by the kind of read­ not stand upon the fact of a formal com­ ing he does and by the kind of preaching mitment to a creed but upon the fact that he enjoys. The more one knows of God’s its members have grasped the eternal truths Word the more he desires it. If at first of God’s Word and have governed their it seems a little flat and bland to the spir­ lives accordingly. To know and understand itual taste, continue to feed upon it and the doctrines of the Church and to build it will soon hold the greatest relish for Christian character upon this firm foun­ your soul. dation, not only assures one of personal strength and stability, but contributes to Nothing will save us from shallowness the solidarity and perpetuity of the entire and feebleness so completely as the un­ church. derstanding of the deep things of God’s Word. B. Christian character must also be built upon the foundation of a vital Christian ex­ B. We must also build into our Chris­ perience. In recent years we have had a tian character an accurate moral judgment. group of dogmatic fundamentalists who Nothing will contribute so largely to that have stressed the importance of sound quality of mind as the knowledge of God’s doctrine to the neglect of Christian ethics. Word. (Chap. 5, v. 14). The discernment Then there have been liberals who have of good and evil is a spiritual faculty which stressed ethics to the neglect of doctrine. we receive from the interpretation of God’s There are also the mystics who emphasize Word to our understanding by the Holy the importance of the personal experience Ghost. No man can successfully live the of God in the life while neglecting both Christian life without developing that inner doctrine and ethics. moral sense. A balanced Christian character includes We may have rules and regulations for all three. The ideal toward which we all babes in Christ, but as we grow into Chris­ strive is a poised character established in tian adulthood we are confronted with many truth, imbued with the Christlike Spirit, situations which are not covered by the rule. and conformed to the noblest concepts of We cannot have laws to cover all of life’s ethical practice. Upon this tripod the contingencies. We must have a keen Chris­ Christian system firmly rests. The bal­ tian conscience which is so enlightened ancing factor in it all is the certain knowl­ and sensitive that there is a ready abhor­ edge that one has been born again by the rence of evil and a quick and firm clinging regenerating power of the Holy Ghost to the good. May-June, 1946 (191) 55 The Pharisees lived by rules of thumb enjoy the full benefit of our conditional and became whited sepulchres full of dead security. Obedience and faith will give us men’s bones. Jesus said, Matt. 5:20. He assurance now and forever. The goal to­ knew men could and must possess that ward which we press is the firmly estab­ inner spiritual connection that He imparted lished Christlike character. The crises ex­ to them which gave them quick discernment periences of regeneration and sanctification and unfailing and trustworthy reactions to are the beginning. They are not dimmed right and wrong if they were in a normal or dulled by the progress toward perfection state of spiritual health. To have a strong of Christian character. Indeed they are church and make a powerful impact upon glorified and sharpened by it. They be­ a wicked world, that accurate moral judg­ come more outstanding and more memor­ ment must be wrought into our Christian able if we go on to the fulfillment of all character and into the moral fiber of the God’s holy purpose. And the life is made entire church. deep and full and strong and fruitful for C. The full-orbed Christian character God’s own glory. which is our ideal and goal must give a C o n c l u s i o n large place to the development and demon­ The pattern before us is Jesus Christ. stration of Christlike love. (Chap. 6, Vs. May God help us to keep Him ever in full 9, 10). view. We will be aided then by the mighty Be it understood finally and forever that working of His power in us. And we will the manifestation of Christian love is not be inspired to nobler character by the automatic. God does shed His love abroad strength and beauty of His life.—G. B. W i l ­ in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, but the l i a m s o n loving heart inspires the ready mind to contrive and discover ways and means to legitimately express and prove our love for God and men. No Christian character is The Spirit of Adoption complete without that atmosphere of love Lesson—Romans 8:1-17. pervading the whole life and finding ex­ Text—Romans 8:15. pression in words that are kind and deeds that are good. Even as it requires a keen I ntroduction moral sense to make and keep one strong, Adoption is a term familiar to all. It is so it takes Christlike love to make our life used in different relationships of life. To fragrant and beautiful and hence attractive. many people, the United States of America Such love begets breadth of human un­ is their country by adoption. Being born derstanding. It inspires the dramatic in­ in a foreign country, they have chosen this stinct; the ability to forget oneself. To be as the land of their residence and citizen­ truly big Christians, we must be able to ship. They have by legal transaction be­ look at situations from the other man’s come Americans. Orphaned children are viewpoint. Failing in that we become little not infrequently adopted by parents as and lopsided and often find ourselves at an their own. By a due process of law such impasse in our human relationships. children are given the name and the home of their benefactors and become legal heirs Love’s expression is in ministry and to all the parents have of earthly sub­ service that does not seek or expect reward. stance. It is the overflow of the holy impulse with­ We have a Christian doctrine of adoption. in the soul. In this connection the meaning is very D. The matured Christian is also pos­ similar-to that already mentioned except it sessed of a fully assured faith and hope, is applied in a spiritual sense. There are (vs. 11, 19). several implications of the truth that we The full-grown Christian is not intermit­ by adoption become the children of God. tent in his devotion or in his service. He The first is that we are not by nature the is diligent. He has laid hold on something spiritual sons of God. We are all children sure. He can not be driven and tossed of God in the sense that He made us and by every wind of doctrine. He can not be breathed into us the breath of life and that diverted by trials or tribulations. He has His providential care surrounds us. But in fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope our natural unregenerate state we are of set before him. He has set his soul to go our father the devil and are children of through. Storms and tempests may come wrath even as others which have no hope. but he is held firm for the anchor grips the The second implication is that we become Rock. sons of God bearing His likeness, partaking The Christian must know that he has of His nature, receiving His love and re­ made an irrevocable decision, and that if he sponding to it by the experience of regen­ does not reverse that decision then all eration or the new birth. This work is heaven is set to bring him through every wrought of God by grace through faith in trial victoriously and every test will make our Lord Jesus Christ. Simultaneous with him stronger for the next one to come. this miracle of recreation comes the act Let us not fear the doctrine of uncon­ of God in adoption. “Beloved, now are we ditional security so much that we will not the sons of God.” 56 (192) The Preacher's Magazine The third implication of this teaching is, It is one which John Wesley emphasized that as the adopted sons of God, we who almost as constantly as he did Christian were once aliens and strangers have been perfection. An understanding of this doc­ brought nigh by the blood of Christ and do trine will save Christian people from lives now stand before God as His children to beset by doubts and uncertainty. It will whom all God’s bounty is available in this save them unto a divine assurance in their world and in eternity. souls and a glad witness to all men. Dr. J. Glenn Gould has given us a clear putting B o d y of this doctrine in his little book The Spirit’s I. Our text makes it clear that the ante­ Ministry. He sets forth the fact that in the cedent to adoption is emancipation from experience of inner assurance there are bondage and fear. three distinct phases. They are logically A. All unregenerate men are slaves. distinct, although in the seeker’s experience 1. Some are willing slaves to Satan. They they may be instantaneous and simultan­ have cheerfully yielded to him as their eous. master and with an undivided heart render A. First, there is the witness of the seek­ to him obedient service. They seem to be er’s own heart. One may certainly know forgetful of the fact that they will sow what that he has done all in his power to bring they reap, and in unrestrained indulgence himself to God. This may be known as they sow to the flesh. well as I know that I have made myself 2. Others are unwilling slaves to Satan. ready for breakfast by rising from my bed, They are led captives by him at his will. preparing my toilet, and dressing myself Habits which they have formed, sin in their to be presentable to sit down to eat with hearts, and the moral weakness which they my family. Or to take a more inward pre­ have inherited render them unequal to re­ paration for example, I may know that sist the devil with sufficient determination I have prepared myself for God’s reception to get free from him. as well as I know I have been faithful and 3. The best of the unregenerate people, diligent in preparing my mind and heart those who are decent respectable citizens, for preaching on the Sabbath day. Certain­ are in bondage to the law. They know that ly a person may know when he has gen­ they come short of God’s will and their uinely repented of his sins, humbled him­ own ideal. They would do good but evil self before God, confessed his guilt, and is present with them. They strive to ful­ made such restitution as is physically pos­ fil the law, but all the while chaff under sible for him to make. He may know that its restraint and at the same time live in the all-knowing God sees that there is fear of its transgression and impending nothing more he can do, and he may know judgment. Here they are tortured by a that if he were to meet death and the judg­ sense of moral impotence and fear of failure. ment he has done what he could do to be B. Thank God, there is deliverance from saved from the righteous wrath of God. this bondage and fear. Jesus Christ is our glorious Emancipator. At Calvary he signed B. The second phase of the inner testi­ the emancipation proclamation with His mony is the assurance of God’s Word. In blood which struck the shackles from all His Word which is settled forever in heaven the sin-bound slaves who would accept and which never changes, God has etern­ their freedom. He that the Son maketh ally committed himself to save penitent free shall be free indeed. In Him there is sinners. We do business with God on the mercy and pardon for all. There is hope basis of what He has promised in His Word. for the hopeless and the helpless. By His To doubt His Word is to doubt the veracity gracious act of pardon, the sinner is ab­ of God himself. And the only means by solved of all his guilt. His many sins are which we can expect any answer from God all forgiven. to our seeking hearts is by faith, simple and By His regenerating grace the old sinful absolute faith in His Word. He has given person becomes a new creature in Christ us such glorious promises as Isaiah 1:18; Jesus. He is translated from the kingdom John 6:37; Romans 10:13; I John 1:9. In of darkness into the kingdom of His dear such promises God has placed himself un­ Son. der obligation to us. If we believe His By a transaction which takes place in Word, there is no room for doubt when the courts of heaven the alien sinner be­ we have the knowledge that we have done comes a child of God and thenceforth may our part. To say you have done your part appropriately pray, “O Father which art in and God does not do His part is to make heaven.” Thereafter, the Spirit of Adoption Him a liar. But God can not lie, therefore works in him a filial love to God as a Fa­ you either have not done your part in ther, a delight in Him, and dependence repentance and confession or you have not upon Him as a Father. We go from bond­ taken God at His Word. Regardless of his age of slavery to freedom of sons. (v. 21). emotional reactions, the confessing, believ­ II. The concomitant of adoption is the ing sinner is forgiven instantly. God’s Word witness of the Spirit. Here we have men­ cannot fail. tioned one of the most neglected yet one of C. The third phase of the witness to our the most precious doctrines of the Church. salvation is the inner illumination of the May-June, 1946 (193) 57 Holy Ghost. There is wide variety in the O to grace how great a debtor, manner in which this phase of the experi­ Daily I’m constrained to be; ence comes. There is wisdom in that va­ Let that grace now, like a fetter, riety, for now no one can fix an invariable Bind my yielded heart to Thee, standard by which to judge another’s ex­ Let me know Thee in Thy fulness, perience. It is necessary that we shall _Guide me by Thy mighty hand, allow the Spirit to choose His own time and Till transformed in Thine own image method of bearing His final witness. He In Thy presence I shall stand. may come instantaneously—even while the seeker is in the act of praying for His com­ C. The third resultant of our adoption ing. He may come with an increasing per­ is the certainty of life eternal. (vs. 17b. suasion of His presence. It may be a sud­ and 18). As God’s children we do suffer den startling experience resulting in ec­ persecution in this world. We experience stasies of joy and praise. It may be a deep the Lord’s chastisement. (Heb. 12:6-8). settled peace that comes as quietly as the But if we suffer with Him, we shall also day dawns. It may come immediately or be glorified together. after some time of trustful obedience. And we now have the assurance of that eternal glory in Christ. This is life eternal This threefold witness to our salvation that men may know God and Jesus Christ gives to us the full assurance that we have whom He has sent. We have that life eter­ been accepted of God, that our sins are nal now. It has begun within our souls. forgiven, that we have now become sons of We shall possess it more fully in the heav­ God in the true spiritual New Testament enly glory. sense. C o n c l u s io n The first two phases of this witness are fixed and constant. The third may vary If you are here tonight an orphan or an with our moods and circumstances. We may outcast, come to God by Jesus Christ and not always be conscious of the Spirit’s be born anew. Choose the family of God presence but we may be confident of His for your family, enjoy the fellowship, God’s presence. riches of grace and glory shall be yours.— G. B. W i l l i a m s o n II. The resultants of this experience of adoption are several. A. First of all, it is obvious that we en­ The Doctrine of Sanctification joy accessibility to God’s bounty. Paul said, “If children then heirs, heirs of God Text—This is the will of God, even your and joint heirs with Christ.” We are no sanctificati&n— (I Thess. 4:3). more slaves to sin and Satan and we are not I ntroduction —T he doctrine of sanctifi­ on rationed grace as children. We are in cation is so large in scope that all the the family and have access to all of God’s phases of it cannot be dealt with in a abundant treasures of grace. We are in single sermon. In this we will deal with joint accountancy with Christ in the bank the subject under the general Proposition of heaven. This means that all that God made available to Jesus of His grace and ■—Sanctification is a second definite work power when He was in the flesh He has o f g r a c e . I . T h i s Is I m p l i e d i n t h e T e x t —I t is a made available to us. There is no danger of dissipating God’s resources. The more part of the instruction of Paul the Apostle we draw, the more there is to draw upon. to the church in Thessalonica, who there­ fore were Christians. Evidence of their God has turned over to us all His riches. having been converted is scattered His promises are for us. They are like throughout the Epistle, especially the blank checks already signed, waiting for us statement in chapter 1 and verses 9 and 10: to fill them in and cash them for our own “Ye turned to God from idols to serve the benefit. living and true God; and to wait for His B. The second resultant of our adoption Son from heaven.” Further evidence is is security by God’s grace and power. In scattered throughout the first part of the verse fourteen, Paul says, “As many as are Epistle. It is these people, converted, led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons when he was with them, that he now urges of God.” You could reverse, that order to go on to sanctification. safely. As many as are the sons of God II. It Is M a n i f e s t e d i n t h e E x p e r ie n c e they are led by the Spirit of God. As sons o p t h e A p o s t l e s —The apostles were mani­ of God we find our security in the indwell­ festly converted men before they were ing and leading of the Spirit of God. This baptized with the Holy Ghost on the Day implies the consistent exercise of obedience of Pentecost. and faith. We are kept by the power of 1. Jesus said of them when praying to God through faith unto salvation. “This is the Father about them, “They are not of the victory that overcometh the world, even the world, even as I am not of the World” our faith. Greater is He that is in you (John 17:16). Therefore they were evi­ than he that is in the world.” dently born again.

58 (194) The Preacher's Magazine 2. They were sanctified by the baptism not ask forgiveness. He must ask for with the Holy Ghost. This is evident from cleansing from it. People who are rejoic­ a comparison of the transactions of the ing in the experience of sanctification will Day of Pentecost with what Peter said be­ find no difficulty in following this line of fore the Jerusalem Council of what took reasoning. If any Christian reader has place at the house of Cornelius. He said not received this blessed experience why in Acts 15:9 that the Holy Ghost bap­ not seek it now?—W m . M. S m i t h in The tism cleansed the hearts of the group Gospel Minister. in Cornelius’ house, and that it was the same thing that happened at Pentecost. III. It Is D emonstrated i n V a r i o u s The Descent P l a c e s i n t h e B o o k o f A c t s —Not only at of the Holy Spirit Pentecost was the work of sanctification subsequent to regeneration, but other cases I. T h e D a y —P e n t e c o s t (Acts 2:1) indicate the same. Philip the deacon went A. Feast of ingathering (Lev. 28:10-21). to Samaria and preached and the people Pentecost, fifty days after, the com­ were filled with joy. Evidently they were pletion of the harvest, the work of converted under his ministry. the Holy Spirit in ingathering. When the Apostles at Jerusalem heard B. Fully come—God always on time. of the revival Philip was having, they sent No haste. No delay. Peter and John, and when they came they I I . T h e A s s e m b l y prayed for them that they might receive A. Full. All there (Acts 2:1). the Holy Ghost, which they manifestly B. Obedient (Acts 1:4). did. C. Prayerful (Acts 1:14). The baptism with the Holy Ghost in the D. United and harmonious (Acts 1: house of Cornelius appears to have come 14; 2:1). on people who were converted previously, I I I . T h e G i f t considering the experience at least of Cor­ A. A miraculous sound (Acts 2:2). nelius himself. B. A miraculous sigh (Acts 2:3). C. A miraculous experience (Acts 2:14). Paul found some disciples at Ephesus as IV. T h e T e s t i m o n y recorded in the 19th chapter, evidently A. By Peter who a short time before, converted under the ministry of Apollos. had denied his Lord (John 18:17-27). Paul asked them if they had received the B. Concerning Christ Holy Ghost, and when he found they had 1. His works prove His Messiah- not he prayed for them that they might ship (Acts 2:22-24). receive the experience which they mani­ 2. David’s testimony (Psa. 16:8-11). festly did. 3. Their own witness (Acts 2:32). IV. I t Is S y m b o l i z e d i n t h e O f f e r i n g s o f V. T h e I n g a t h e r i n g (Acts 2:41) L e v i t i c u s which set forth in type the work —Selected of Christ in His one offering. There is a trespass offering which when offered, in­ dicated forgiveness of actual sins. And Why I Belong there was a sin offering that dealt with the principle of sin. Careful reading of To the Church of the Nazarene the instructions concerning these offerings in Leviticus chapters 4, 5, and 6 will make 1. Because it speaks the truth concern­ this plain. In the case of trespass, a man ing God. was guilty whether he knew it or not. In 2. Because it speaks the truth concerning the case of the sin offering, he offered it Christ. only when it came to his knowledge. 3. Because it speaks the truth concerning the Holy Spirit. V . It Is i n A c c o r d w i t h S o u n d R e a s o n ­ 4. Because it speaks the truth concerning in g —In the Bible regeneration is spoken the Word of God. of as a birth. The receiving of the Holy 5. Because it speaks the truth concerning Ghost is spoken of as a baptism. Mani­ the whole scheme of Redemption. festly it is not possible for a child to be 6. Because of its uncompromising stand born and baptized in the same act. The against evil. two processes are entirely different. The 7. Because it engenders a positive world symbols likewise indicate different trans­ program for good and righteousness. actions. 8. Because it is a young, vigorous and Further, when a sinner seeks the Lord growing denomination. his actual transgressions are before him, 9. Because I believe that it has the great­ and he seeks forgiveness for them. When est future of any church in existence. a Christian seeks the baptism with the 10. Because it has been blessed of God. Holy Ghost, he is not asking to be for­ 11. Because in the midst of both internal given. He is not to blame for the sin and external transition, it calls forth with principle in him that has been transmitted a challenge: All out for souls!—O sca r F. by his natural birth. Therefore he can­ R e e d . May-lune, 1946 (195) 59 Missionary Department

Love Wins in the End indeed to her. She was shocked to see a man climb on to it and begin to tear away Mudishi was a very level-headed, practi­ all the thatch. Only the walls remained, cal man. There was nothing visionary about and they seemed still very solid and secure. him. Nobody could charge him with being She called for someone to stop the destruc­ “other-worldly.” tion on the thatch, but was reminded that, It was strange, therefore, that a new even if the covering perished, nothing could note began to be heard in his talks, “After destroy the house itself. my decease.” When she awoke the dream seemed to He planned for the care of his flocks, gave hold her thoughts more vividly than any written instructions that he did not want other had ever done. What could it mean? his wife to be inherited, but that after his Somehow she seemed to associate the house death she was to be free to return to her with her husband, Mudishi. people, without the usual repayment of the In the morning it was all made plain to marriage-price. her, for at the sunrise meeting they read He told his younger brother: “After my together from I Cor. 3:10-15. The temporal death I want you to take my children and was to be done away, but the eternal was rear them in practical godliness. Don’t to remain. Mudishi was to be called home allow them to think that earthly gain is to to God. The assurance of it startled her, be their aim in life, but encourage them to until God filled her soul with a great calm. live for God and souls.” Kabedi answered, “I will gladly do this, After the meeting, as they went together but why such concern for affairs after your to the garden, with their hoes on their death? You are a strong man still, and shoulders, Maita said, “Mudishi, I have we have many years before us. You are not something very hard to tell you.” likely to die at present.” He replied, “I know it, my wife. Let me Mudishi said, “One can never tell. The tell you first what God has shown me.” enemies of the gospel have often tried to Then they realized that God had pre­ get rid of me, but God has always protected pared them beforehand for the approaching me. Perhaps one day He may let them end. There seemed nothing of dread or accomplish their purposes of hate, as He did gloom about it. Indeed, Mudishi was. thrilled with John the Baptist, and James, and with at the thought of meeting his Lord and His own beloved Son. I should love to go Saviour face to face so soon. away to my Lord, for I long to be with He was in abounding health at this time, Him.” and one would have thought that he had All this was quite vague and indefinite. many years to live. However, he wrote the It is only as we look back on it from the two visions in an exercise book, and against day of accomplished facts that we realize them he made the note, “By these God has how the Holy Spirit was preparing him shown Maita and me that my work is fin­ and others for the home-call. ished, and that He is about to call me home Then came a very much clearer intima­ to himself.” tion. Mudishi had been most wonderfully pro­ One night he dreamed that he was carry­ tected. For years he had been hated by ing a load. He had come a long way with the enemies of Christ and of righteousness. it, and it was extremely heavy. Then he They had plotted against him. He had met a stranger in the path. He stopped carried his life in his hands, in a country him and said with infinite tenderness, where life is held extremely cheap. While “Mudishi, put down your load. Another he ran no needless risks, he knew he was shall carry it from now.” a marked man. As a rule he forgot his dreams as soon as He held his head high, and prayed and he awoke, but this one remained with him sang along the forest paths, where any so vividly that he felt instinctively that God bush might conceal an enemy, and any had a message for him in it. moment might let fly the poisoned arrow What load was he carrying? Why, of that would take his life. God had pro­ course, the care of Kilulwe and Mpyana tected him. Mbayo churches; and it was becoming ex­ At last those haters of all that was good ceedingly heavy. were stirred by another blessed revival, in “Lord, am I to lay down my work? Are which many of their old associates had you calling me to yourself? What will my turned to the Lord Jesus. Something must wife think, if I tell her this? It would be be done. Surely they could ensnare Mu­ a terrible shock to her. Please will you dishi through his bigheartedness and will­ yourself tell her, in your own way, and ingness to help strangers. prepare her for my going?” They sent a little boy to his house after Next night his wife Maita dreamed. She dark to ask, on behalf of his father, for saw a house which seemed very familiar the loan of a blanket. He brought a story 60 (196) The Preacher's Magazine of a stranger who had just arrived in the “When I arrived 111 the Fiji group, my first village, ill and soaked with rain, weak duty was to bury the hands, arms, feet, through struggling his way through the long and heads of eighty victims whose bodies soaking grass, and shivering without a had been roasted and eaten in a cannibal covering. feast. I lived to see those very cannibals Mudishi and Maita only had two blankets, who had taken part in that inhuman feast one for the children and the other for them­ gathered about the Lord’s table.”—The selves. However, they stirred up the em­ Burning Bush. bers of the fire and denied themselves of their blanket in order that the lad might carry it to the entirely fictitious stranger. Are There Men There? There was a man in the village who was just rotting to pieces with the vile disease. As the missionaries were approaching the Those unscrupulous enemies of the Cross immense island of New Guinea, some one wrapped this man in Mudishi’s blanket for spoke of the unhealthiness of it, and the the night, and the next morning they sent presence of alligators, serpents, and centi­ it back with the stranger’s thanks. pedes. Next night Mudishi and Maita covered “Hold!” said one of the native workers, themselves with the blanket as usual. How “Are there men there?” it was that Maita was not infected one “Oh, yes,” was the reply; “there are men, cannot tell. Mudishi fell a prey to the dis­ but they are such dreadful savages that ease, and so great was the joy of his opon- there is no use of your thinking of living ents that they boasted of what they had among them.” done, and of their success, in the open vil­ “That will do,” responded the native, lage. Thus there was no doubt as to the “wherever there are men we are bound to plot or the plotters. go-” Terrible days followed. The disease was A noble reply and worthy of a disciple swift in its deadly work. As the end drew of Him who commands His followers to near, Mudishi was full of praise and tri­ “Go into all the world and preach the umph, in spite of his weakness and pain. gospel to every creature.”—Scattered Seed. He prayed much for the family, for the church, and for his enemies. He called his younger brother and Loyalty Through Giving charged him to go to those who had caused A little Chinese widow was lifted from his death, to tell them that he forgave them, despair by the converting grace of Christ. and to beg them to turn to Christ. She became a loyal follower of the Lord In his parting exhortation to his wife, he and desired to do something for Him. To told her, “Maita, do not rely upon your her heart was suggested the giving of a experience of conversion years ago, or gift. She thought of her wedding dress. even on your past communion with God. It was the most precious possession she had. There is only one place where you can One day she brought it to the missionary be safe from all the darts of the enemy, as the expression of her loyalty to Christ. and that is in daily, hourly trust in Christ. Its actual monetary value was not great, but Walk with Him continually, and teach the the missionary kept the garment and on re­ children to do the same. Good-by, I’m go­ turning to America, told the story of the ing to my King”—and Mudishi the hunter little widow’s gift. A rich man’s heart was fell asleep in Christ. touched by the tale and he brought his of­ For a time the believers did not know fering, the price of a church for the village how to act. They were as if in a maze. in which this little widow lived. Through Mudishi had so naturally been father and her loyalty and sacrifice she was able to nurse to the saints that his absence left give to her people a Christian church.— a great blank. Selected. He had told them that his funeral must be one of praise and triumph, and that on no account must it wear the aspect of de­ An Indian said that in his preparation for feat or accident. It was all part of the the Sunday services, he made his body very Heavenly Father’s will, and he had gone clean, from head to foot. “Then,” he added, to the Father’s home, where he had longed “I sit down and think Jesus until it is time to be. They would see him again “in the for me to go.” morning.” His wife showed perhaps the How many of us “think Jesus” before we greatest resignation of all, and, gathering go to church?—Selected. her little ones together, she told them of the lovely home, where they would see their A woman in India stood by a heathen father again.—W. F. P. B u r t o n , in Belgian temple that was in process of construction. Congo (from The Pentecostal Evangel.) A missionary asked her the cost of the building. She looked at her questioner in A missionary was once asked to give a surprise and answered, “Why, we don’t proof that the cross of Christ would even­ know. It is for our god. We don’t count tually triumph. This is what he said: the cost.”—Exchange. May-June, 1946 (197) 61 Illustrations

I Gave Them Myself there was time to pray, to read the Bible, Said a mother to me one day, “When to sing Christian hymns. After a few my children were young I thought the weeks her mother came to take her home. very best thing I could do for them was The little thing objected. She wished to to give them myself, so I spared no pains stay at her grandfather’s. Her mother to talk with them, to read to them, to teach was mortified and somewhat nettled. She them, to pray with them, to be a loving said to the little child, “Do you not wish companion and friend to my children. I to go home with Mother?” and the child had to neglect my house often. I had no replied, “Yes, Mamma, I would like to time to indulge myself in many things go home with you, but you know there which I would have liked to do. I was so is not any God at our house. Grandpa busy adorning their minds and cultivating has a God here at his home and I like to their hearts with affection that I could not stay where there is a God.”—Selected. adorn their bodies in fine clothes, though I kept them neat and comfortable at all times. A mother sought the pardon of her son “I have my reward now. My sons are from the first Napoleon. The emperor said ministers of the gospel: my grown-up it was the youth’s second offense, and jus­ daughter is a Christian woman. I have tice demanded his death. plenty of time now to sit down and rest “I don’t ask for justice,” demanded the and keep my house in order. Plenty of mother. “I plead for mercy.” time to go about my Master’s business, “But,” said the emperor, “he does not wherever He has need of me. I have a deserve mercy.” thousand beautiful memories of their child­ “ Sire,” cried the mother, “it would not be hood to comfort me now that they have mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all gone out into the world. I have the sweet I ask for.” consciousness of having done all I could to “Well, then,” said the emperor, “I will make them ready for whatever work God have mercy.” called them to do.”—Selected. And her son was saved.—Good Company.

He Knew His Mother’s Hand Come and lay thy hand upon her, and What Influence Will Do she shall live (Matt. 9:18). There is a While I was calling at a home a short beautiful story told of a soldier in World while ago, this said story was related to War I who was wounded on the battle­ me by the lady: fields of France, taken to a hospital, and “As I was going down the street, I met finally brought back to America. He was an old friend of mine, who was eighty years in a critical condition when he reached old. He seemed very unhappy. I asked an American hospital—his eyes blinded, him why he did not give his heart to the his mind beclouded, and his body man­ Lord, and he told me he felt it was impos­ gled. And then his old mother traveled sible. I said, ‘Why, since God is always many miles to his bedside, laid her hand ready to forgive our sins?’ on his brow. Instantly he said, “It’s my “ ‘When I was a young man,’ he said, ‘I mother’s hand! I’d know it anywhere!” attended church and was selected as a The mother had not spoken, but he knew Sunday School teacher. I had a fine class the touch of her hand! So it is that Chris­ of young people. tians who truly know their Lord also learn “ ‘One day, under a tremendous temp­ to recognize and long for “the touch of tation, I went into the barroom and took a His hand.” There are so many references drink. A boy in my class happened to be in the Word to those hands! They touched passing, and saw me at the bar. so many suffering ones—and made them “ ‘Not long afterward, he started visiting whole again.—From Christian Digest. the bar himself; and as he grew into man­ hood, he became a drunkard. He married, What the Family Altar and his children followed in his steps and Means to Children became drunkards. “ ‘As I recall my influence on that im­ Dr. Charles A. Blanchard in his book mortal soul, and all the fearful consequences, “Getting Things from God,” tells this I feel that God could never forgive me. striking story: That is why I am not saved.’ ” “It is said that a little girl in a worldly We shall not discuss the point as to home was permitted at one time to visit whether or not the old man could get saved. her grandfather. This was an old-fash­ What we wish to emphasize is the fact that ioned Christian home, where each day if a wrong influence goes out from our 62 (198) The Preacher’s Magazine lives, it will be the cause of someone’s los­ enemy may have intended to take his life, ing his soul. We may not sense it, at the but for some reason his life was spared. time, any more than the Sunday school As I thought upon the Robin and his song teacher realized that his giving way to I discovered many thoughts could be temptation would result in the ruination learned therefrom. No difficulty or handi­ of the lives of a father and his children in cap should bring us under such a cloud years to come. that we cannot sing the praises of our The power of influence that we possess is Heavenly Father. Difficulties and severe a tremendous one, and God will surely hold trials if viewed in the proper light will give us accountable for it. We cannot escape confidence and faith in God. This confi­ this responsibility. dence and faith will inspire a joy deep down Our influence will, under the blessing of in our hearts that may burst forth in song God, turn souls to righteousness and the with melody and harmony originating in enjoyment of Heaven throughout eternity; heaven. Conditions never get so adverse or, under the power of Satan, it will be­ that we do not have something for which come a curse to souls and damn them in to be thankful. No matter how feeble our the confines of eternal destruction.—A. A. F. efforts, if we are doing our best, God se;es in The Burning Bush. and understands and will reward according to our faithfulness. If God provides for the sparrow, or robin, and takes note when The Song of the Robin one falls, surely His children can afford to (A True Story with a Thought jor the put their trust in Him, knowing that what­ Discouraged.) soever cometh to them is permitted by this loving Father, and will be for their good Recently as I went about my work in the and His glory. office there came to my ears the song of a God sent the one-footed Robin to teach Robin. For some time no particular at­ this lesson of confidence, faith, and joy, tention was paid to this song, as it is noth­ and I thank Him for it.—H. R. L e e , in P en­ ing unusual to hear the birds singing at tecostal Holiness Advocate. almost all hours of the day from the boughs of the trees that surround the office. Even­ tually the notes bespoke a melody and Humility in Service earnestness that seemed usual and singular. There was gratitude, confidence, and simple A young lady was seeking to lead Jewish faith expressed in the song. My eyes turned souls into the light of the gospel. Regularly toward the tree from whence this music was she called in a home where the wife was coming, and there with difficulty the hum­ quite sympathetic to her message; but the ble Robin was perched on a limb. I say husband remained bitterly antagonistic. One with difficulty, for he had only one foot, day as she called, she found the wife sick and special effort was necessary. By the and the work undone. Among the things support of his wings and leaning against that badly needed doing was the kitchen another limb with his body was he able floor. With a real desire to help, she got to remain on the limb. I had observed this down on her knees and scrubbed this same bird several times as he gathered his kitchen floor. While in the midst of this food about the yard, but I had never heard task, the husband came in. He was over­ his song before. In fact, I would have come with emotion. To see this Gentile doubted whether a Robin under such handi­ doing such a lowly act for a Jew was cap could sing. Would he not have all more than he could stand. His bitter at­ the joy of life destroyed in the loss of his titude was broken down; he was won by foot and the many difficulties that came a humble act of Christian service.—E x­ to him as a result of the accident? Some change.

Studies in Christian Essentials

By Harry E. lessop, D.D. (A Christian Service Text) Six chapters presenting some of the essential phases of Christian teaching. It is designed for laymen, Christian workers, and Sunday-school teachers. For such it constitutes a primer of Christian theology. The chapter titles are "God," "Man," "Christ," "Grace," "The Church," "Last Things." In paper cover, price .75; cloth $1.25 NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE 2923 Troost Ave., Box 527, Kansas City 10, Mo.

May-June, 1946 (199) 63 Book Notices

By Rev. P. H. Lutttt

These notices do not purport to be reviews, of physical adjustment in marriage. The rather brief descriptions of what is new in other deals with the families of contracting the religious book field. persons, age, personality quirks, genuine love, living accommodations. A valuable feature is a Bibliography of thirteen recom­ T r u m p e t s o f G od mended books for further study. Every By N. M. Ylvisaker (Augsburg—$1.50) pastor should have this booklet. Fifteen sermons which, according to the author’s Foreword, “try to show the un­ reasonableness of unbelief, the tragedy of T r ie d a n d P r o v e d S u n d a y S c h o o l A t t e n d ­ doubt, the certainty of the assurance of a n c e B u il d e r s faith, the strong foundation of conviction, B y Paul M. Fulmer (Herald Press—75c) and the sure hope which is theirs who learn A book of tested plans for increasing to believe in Him who is still life eternal Sunday School attendance. The author is for all who follow Him.” All of these ser­ Superintendent of an Evangelical Sunday mons have solid content and are character­ school in Akron, Ohio. Illustrated. 68 ized by sound homiletical treatment. Dr. pages. Ylvisaker is the Director of the Service

Commission of the National Lutheran Coun­ M o r e T h r i l l i n g T h a n F i c t i o n cil. He has been active in the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America. By W. G. Bennett Published by author— 75c) An abbreviated account of the great re­ T h e H o u r o f P o w e r vival in Ireland in 1858-1859. This revival By John E. Huss (Zondervan—$1.25) was accompanied by unusual manifestations The author has had signal success in se­ of God’s power. The title adequately de­ curing attendance at his prayer meetings. scribes the narrative. The author has For several years there have been more written several books, some of them pub­ than 1,000 persons present at the mid-week lished by us. He has pastored a number service. In this book he reveals some of of Nazarene churches and is now an evan­ his plans and methods by which he achieved gelist residing in Nashville, Tennessee. such remarkable results. And lest you should jump to the hasty conclusion that his methods are bizarre we tell you that T h e L eathernecks C o m e T h r o u g h the first chapter is entitled: “Making the By Chaplain W. W. Willard (Revell—$2.50) Spiritual Pre-eminent.” This challenging The absorbing story of a Chaplain in the book is well worth the time and money of Marine corps who took part in the battle of any pastor. The Rev. John E. Huss is pastor Tarawa. The author was right up front of the Latonia Baptist Church of Coving­ in the thick of the fighting, saving lives ton, Kentucky. and ministering to the wounded and dying. It’s not in the least a hair-raising account T h e G o s p e l o f D o n ’ t ’ s f o r P a r s o n a n d of battle conditions. But it does give an P a r i s h eye witness picture as this excerpt will By Wm. W. Holland (50c) Published by prove: “Bullets whizzed within inches of author— my head. Men fell dead and wounded in The author asserts that he has presented the boat. On the beach a Jap grenade ex­ negative truths positively stated. Under ploded ten feet away. I am alive today, various headings he gives pithy epigrams purely by the grace of God. Why, I do not interspersed with selections of poetry. know, except that He still has work for me to do.” Adults with loved ones in the Marine service or any young person would C o u n s e l in g w i t h C o u p l e s B e f o r e M a r r ia g e By Warren D. Bowman (Brethren Pub. be tremendously interested in this book. House—25c) A booklet of thirty-two pages filled with “Y e S h a l l K n o w t h e T r u t h ” worth-while suggestions to ministers re­ By Gerald L. Stover (Kitchener—25c) garding pre-marriage counsel. It is amaz­ This fifty-page booklet is an expose of ingly comprehensive considering its small the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The size. Fourteen hypothetical questions are author is pastor of Benton Street Baptist answered from the Christian point of view. Church, Kitchener, Ontario. The message The answer to one question discusses the is scriptural, clearly written, and convinc­ matter of children, another the problem ing. 64 (200) The Preacher's Magazine is more understandable and might easily Book Reviews revolutionize the method of a minister “in a rut,” which, of course, would be a laud­ T h r o u g h Blood a n d Fire i n Latin America able result. By Lester F. Sumrall. (Zondervan, $2.00) He dips into practices in a valuable way. In these days when it is being charged His chapter on “Radio Preaching” should be that Protestant missions are a hindrance to read by every preacher. My main criti­ the Good Neighbor Policy in Latin America, cism of the book is that it should be longer, here is a book that should be read. It shows provided the additional material would be conclusively that the real enemy to peace as informing and as interesting. However, in the lands to the south of us is the its brevity as a homiletical production is Roman Catholic church. rather exhilarating.—L . A. R e ed Another group that should read this book is composed of those who think that mis­ sionary heroism belongs only to the long T h e S t u d y o f t h e B ib l e ago. Here are true incidents that parallel anything to be found in the stories of Carey, By Ernest Cadman (University of Chicago Morris, Moffatt, and the other great pioneers Press, $2.00) of the past. True Christianity is still equal This book by the president of the Uni­ to every occasion. versity of Chicago and Dean of its Divinity One fact that will probably surprise most School first appeared in 1937 and has come readers is the rapid spread in Latin America out in a third printing in 1945. Its purpose of spiritism, theosophy, and other cults. is to give the student a proper point of view The challenge to aggressive Protestant mis­ in his approach to the study of the Bible. sions is great. It is scholarly and yet very readable. Each I found this book both fascinating and chapter carries a good bibliography for fur­ stirring. It should not be overlooked in ther reading. our present interest in Latin America.— As would be expected, the book is defin­ R a l p h E a r l e itely not conservative in its conclusions. However, there is a great deal of factual data here which is valuable.

How t o I m p r o v e Y o u r P r e a c h i n g The first chapter, on “The Origin and By Bob Jones, Jr., (Fleming H. Revell Co., Growth of the Bible,” is the most radical Price $1.50) in point of view. Very late dates are pro­ Following closely in the footsteps of his posed for almost all the books of the Old illustrious father. Bob Jones, Jr., has Testament. Granted that most of these late branched out into a field which at this dates are held very widely by scholars to­ moment seems quite opportune. We do not day, yet the conservative does not feel at think it is his endeavor to sit in the seat all compelled to accept these radical con­ of a strict homilist and give a technical clusions. We do not feel that the evidence treatise on homiletic approach. In fact, he —which is not given here by Dr. Colwell— disclaims such in his foreword. But he amounts to a satisfactory demonstration. does give a fine, all-round refresher con­ The most valuable chapters are those on sideration of preaching which would be very “The Transmission of the Bible” and “The helpful, especially to such men as returning Translation of the Bible.” Here we have chaplains, young ministers with charge, an array of indisputable facts which should and older men who have not had the bene­ be known by every really serious student fit of advanced training. of the Bible. The mature student, who can There is no doubt but what we are facing face facts and calmly think through their a renaissance of preaching. It is a post­ implications, would do well to acquaint war necessity. Men returning from battle himself with the material here set forth. experiences will demand reality. The Dr. Colwell closes with three chapters preacher has the only depositum of truth on the interpretation of the Bible. In his which will satisfy him. Dr. Jones has in his chapter on the “modernizing method” he volume the incentive which will give a has sounded some very wholesome warn­ new emphasis to facts already known but ings against speculative interpretation. This rarely utilized. would make good reading for any minister. The subject intimates the content. The We would not endorse so heartily his last chapters take a practical and somewhat two chapters, on literary and historical admonitory turn. Chapter One should have criticism. Much of the material in these been given greater consideration, for we chapters is sane and helpful. But there are are on our way back to textual and exposi­ some statements that go farther than the tory doctrinal preaching, and in the Word evidence seems to demand. of God must be found the heart-throbs of a This is a book that many of our ministers burning message. His unique divisional could read with profit. To those who are suggestions in the second chapter are at­ somewhat acquainted with the liberal point tractive as over against the heavy types of view this offers a clear and understand­ studied in our weightier text books. But it able presentation of the liberal attitude May-Iune, 1946 (201) 65 toward the Bible. Always in the use of sires—and the conclusions drawn from this such works the reader should make a care­ data. We want the facts, but we reserve ful distinction between factual data— which the right to appraise for ourselves the im­ the sincere seeker after truth heartily de­ plications of the facts.—R a l p h E a r l e

STEWARDSHIP CONTEST-1946

HIS is to inform the readers of the There are four divisions in which com­ T Preacher’s Magazine that a second petition will take place. Class A—open to Stewardship Contest will be held this year students of high school age. (An essay of (April to December 31, 1946). 500 words.) Class B—open to all groups. Members of the Church of the Nazarene, (Short story up to 2,500 words.) Class C— its Sunday school, its auxiliary organiza­ open to young people and adults. (Book- tions, and students enrolled in any of its length manuscript, of general nature or colleges or the Nazarene Theological Sem­ story form, not to exceed 25,000 words.) inary may become eligible for the contest. Class D—open to all groups. (An original The purpose of the contest is to acquaint sketch or poster.) a larger number of our people with the In all of these groups, attractive and message of stewardship by participation in it and to discover writers who can present worth-while cash awards will be given to the subject matter effectively. The general the winners. If you are interested in com­ theme will be: C h r i s t i a n S t e w a r d s h i p i n plete details address your communication to O u r W o r l d T o d a y . It may be presented in T h e G e n e r a l S t e w a r d s h i p C o m m i t t e e , 2923 manuscript or poster form provided the Troost Ave., Box 527, Kansas City 10, Mo., subject matter adheres to the broad mean­ and request this information. ing of Christian Stewardship as applied to life situations. — S . T . L u d w i g , Stewardship Secretary

FOR MOTHER'S DAY 9 MOTHER By larrette Aycock, D.D. A tribute to all Christian mothers based on a brief character sketch of the author's own mother. Numerous quotations from poets and hymn writers are used. Every paragraph of this book sparkles with hu­ man interest and wholesome sentiment. Preachers will find in it a treasure of prose and poetical material for use in sermon or address for Mother's Day. Churches and Sunday schools will want to use it for presentation to all mothers attending on Mother's Day. The book is beautifully printed; bound in attractive cover with appropriate design in colors. Each book comes in white envelope ready for presentation. Price .35 NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE 2923 Troost Ave., Box 527, Kansas City 10, Mo.

66 (202) The Preacher's Magazine • Announcing Our Own Edition of

PREACHER AND PRAYER

By E. M. Bounds

For some time this book has been out of print. We have just finished an edition of our own. The book needs no descrip­ tion or sales talk. It is doubtless one of the best known books on prayer as related to the life and work of a preacher.

FOLLOWING ARE SOME EXCERPTS FROM THE BOOK

John Wesley spent two hours daily in prayer. He began at jour in the morniltg.

John Fletcher stained the walls of his room by the breath of his prayers.

Bishop Asbury said. “/ propose to rise at four o’clock as often as I can and spend two hours in prayer and meditation.”

William Bramwell is famous in Methodist annals for per­ sonal holiness and for his wonderful success in preaching and for the marvelous answers to his prayers. For hours at a time he would pray. He almost lived on his knees.

Dr. Judson's success in prayer is attributable to the fact that he gave much time to prayer. He says on this point: “Arrange thy affairs, if possible, so that thoxi canst leisurely devote twd or three hours every day not merely to devotional exercises but to the very act of secret prayer and communion with God. En­ deavor seven times a day td withdraw from business and com­ pany and lift up thy soul to God in private retirement.”

Durably bound in cloth board; attractive jacket. $1.00

NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE 2923 Troost Ave., Box 527, Kansas City 10, Mo. AN IMPORTANT PUBLICATION

The Revised Standard Version of The New Testament

More interesting Easier to read Better understood This version is the culmination of eight years of devoted effort and research by a committee of America's foremost biblical scholars, with an Advisory Board picked from forty Protestant denominations. (Dr. Olive Winchester has represented the Church of the Nazarene on this Board.) The revisers have sought to maintain the enduring diction, the simplicity, and the rhythmic beauty of the 335-year-old King Jam es Version. At the sam e time, in the light of the most ancient manuscripts, in­ accuracies and errors of the old versions have been corrected by plainer and more direct language. Result—more accurate in translation than any previous version—more useful, more understandable, and profitable to the twentieth-century reader. • Large clear type, extending across the page • Poetry in verse form • Logical paragraphing • Modified pronunciation • Notes and cross references at bottom of page • Actual page size, 5x7 Vi inches In blue cloth, colored jacket, $2.00 Other bindings available after June 1, 1946 “ Facsimile of print there went out to him all the country of judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, s a v i n s

Printed in U. S. A.