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Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

3-1-1950 Preacher's Magazine Volume 25 Number 02 L. A. Reed (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Reed, L. A. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 25 Number 02" (1950). Preacher's Magazine. 248. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/248

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EASTER ISSUE Volume 25 March-April, 1950 Number 2

CONTENTS

Editorial, “Think on These Things” ...... 3 The Counselor’s Corner, L. A. Reed ...... 5 John Wesley Speaks on Christian Assurance, Samuel Young ...... 7 Zephaniah, Ralph Earle ...... 10 Have the Gates of Death Been Opened? Paul S. Rees ...... 13 The Pastoral Ministry, Part III, Perils, Roy S. Nicholson ...... 17 Ministerial Responsibility for Christian Ethics, Art. I, Delbert R. Gish ...... 20 Philemon, J. Warren Slote ...... 23 Modern Gospel Song Stories, Haldor Lillenas ...... 25 While I Am on My Knees, Paul Hoornstra ...... 25 The Master and Character, Peter Wiseman ...... 26 Toward a Definition of Christian Education, Westlake T. Purkiser ...... 27 The Big Four in the Church, Joshua Stauffer ...... 31 The Pastor—a Soul Winner, Doil F. Felts ...... 33

The Pastoral Ministry

Ideas for Wide-awake Pastors, by the Roving Pastor-Reporter ...... 36 Facsimile of the India Preacher’s Magazine with translation, Paula Greer ...... 38 Illustrations, Selected by L. B. Williams ...... 39 Hints to Young Pastors, by One of Them ...... 41 The Sunday Morning Service, Lon Woodrum ...... 41 Pointed Paragraphs for Preachers, F. Lincicome ...... 42 The Preacher’s Scrapbook ...... 43 A Sermon File for Easter—Supplied by various pastors of the Church of the Nazarene .. .45 Musings of a Minister’s wife, Mrs. W. M. Franklin ...... 60 “Others Are Watching,” M. R. Karody ...... 61 Here Are the Facts About Tobacco, Houston Nazarene ...... 61 Uncle Sam Will Help You, Emma Garber ...... 62 Heard by the Wayside ...... 62 Reasons, Rudiments, and Results of Holiness, C. M. Brown ...... 64 The Remedy for Shallow Evangelism, Ross Price ...... 65 Real Might in Meekness ...... 66

L. A. REED, D.D., Editor Published bimonthly by the Nazarene Publishing House, 2923 Troost Avenue, Box 527, Kansas City 10, Missouri, maintained by and in the interest of the Church of the Nazarene. Subscription price: $1.00 a year. Entered as second-class matter at the post office at Kansas City, Mo. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized December 30, 1925. Address all contributions to The Preacher’s Magazine, 2923 Troost Avenue, Box 527, Kansas City 10, Missouri. Editorial "THINK ON THESE THINGS"

e c e n t l y I received a friendly letter from turbed during the morning period, especially one of our pastors who leads a well- before 11:30 a.m. Of course, there are ex­ Rordered life. However, his last paragraph ceptions. People will die and your minis­ bothered me to such an extent that it has re­ trations will be needed, and sometimes there sulted in this editorial. will be funerals; but these are emergencies, He said, “I think the choices of the ‘Book and should be treated as such. A friend of of the Month’ club are fine. I have them all mine in the Methodist church kept the stacked on my desk from the past year, bishop sitting in the waiting room to his but have not read one yet. Possibly you church office until eleven o’clock, for that might be interested in knowing why. Well, was his period for devotion and study and I set aside the summer and early fall to he would not allow anyone to jeopardize it. plan a year’s preaching program and put in He is one of the best that Methodism has, some real, earnest study. But they ap­ but he wouldn’t be if he allowed everyone pointed me on the teaching staff for the to disturb his morning period. Even our N.Y.P.S. Institute, then a counselor in the district superintendents should learn that boys’ camp, then to a position in the camp this is the sacred time for the pastor and meeting, besides a fall tour on the district, not disturb him. and all of my time was utilized, mostly by This morning period should extend from district interests, including working at the at least eight o’clock to eleven-thirty district center. What is a fellow to do?” o’clock. Of course there will be some home Now we sincerely hope as we endeavor duties which will involve the pastor prior to answer this question, “What is a fellow to that hour, but the diligent minister is to do?” that no one will take issue with us never a late sleeper. Of course this period in too serious a manner, as we believe that will be started with his personal devotions. this confession represents more of a uni­ There are two very definite spots where versal weakness among our ministers than the pastor will get the subjects for sermons one would believe. Our pastors are becom­ which he uses. First, they will come from ing involved in too many labors which de­ the needs of the people and, second, from mand their time, which are all legitimate his devotional reading of the Bible. God but are not absolutely necessary. One need speaks to him in both areas. The latter espe­ not be involved in too many “extracurric­ cially will be very prolific in bringing texts ular” activities. In fact, if he is, then there to the fore, as it is during this devotional is one very major item which suffers, and exercise when the mind is most open to the that is his preaching ministry. One pastor leadings of the Lord. cannot save the world in his generation. We have discovered that if we make a lit­ Then again the pastor will do some of tle dent in our part of the community we the reading of the books which come his are doing a magnificent job. To load one’s way. The “Book of the Month Club” will be self up with too many items of district and appreciated if a short period each day is local interest is to create tensions within devoted to book reading. Then, of course, one’s self which become difficult to endure. the rest of the time is devoted to research They lead to nervous breakdowns, various and sermon construction. If the pastor is types of diseases, and possibly spiritual de­ faithful in this period of devotion and study, cline. But we do know that too many the people of his town will come to hear “irons in the fire” produce poor preachers. him preach, and he will become an influ­ It takes time to make sermons, and it takes ence in the community. It has been observed time to be a good preacher. God called by your editor that, no matter how much you, first, to preach and, second, to do other of a promoter a man may be, his congrega­ things. tion always expects him to feed them on the Our recipe for a solution of this problem Sabbath. Unless he studies and feeds him­ is found in two items: self, he will have no food to give to his congregation, only dry husks. When the 1. Your mornings are supposed to be yours. members of the church begin to invite the Utilize them. citizens of the community to hear their A new broom always sweeps clean. When pastor preach, and show by their attitude you first go to your new pastorate, let the that they are proud of him, that pastor people know that you are not to be dis­ should feel complimented. If all the pastors

March-April, 1950 (71) 3 of the Church of the Nazarene were to and family and go to the woods, or the keep this morning period sacred to prayer mountains, or the seashore. If you and your and study, the preaching level of our de­ good wife can possibly get away alone and nomination would be elevated more than relax, then your ministry will profit by it. one hundred per cent. You may depend If your congregation gives you a vacation upon inspiration, but people will become with pay, then you owe it to them to store diabetic if they get nothing but the icing up physical strength so you can be a better on the cake. God can always bless some­ minister. When you do not do this, then thing better than He can bless nothing. you dissipate your physical and mental powers, and rob them of that which they 2. You must limit your extracurricular ac­ need. Do not think that you are a hero if tivities. you go for years without physical relaxation. If you are doing anything that a layman You are not a hero, but something else can do just as well, then let him do it. I which is less romantic. am thinking especially about that work you We must be at our best for God and the do at the district center. Of course it appears church. We must use good judgment in to be a lark, but it is a time-taker. I believe our endeavor to be at our best. All down that a pastor could persuade some of his lay­ through the years of my life, I have placed men to take his place, and no doubt they the important things in life in the following would do a better job than he could on order. First and foremost is my Christ. He the manual-labor side of the ledger. In the demands my first attention, adoration, early days the apostles discovered that they worship, and allegiance. Second is m y wife could not do the work of the Lord and and family. They are my God-given respon­ serve tables, so they sought out men to do sibility. They are not mere appendages to the serving, and they continued to do the my activity, but they are absolutely essen­ work of the Master. Let it be so today. I tial to my success. Therefore, they have know that some of our district centers to­ priority. Third is my church. I mean my day are monuments to the labor of our pas­ denomination. I also mean that the first item tors; but we also have some monumental under my church is the local church. That preaching failures and, although I am not demands my first attention in all denomina­ prepared to associate them as cause and tional activities. It is ahead of my district effect, yet no doubt excess activity might and general interests. If the local church cause the latter. We could do without a fails, the entire scaffolding of the denomi­ district center, but we cannot do without a well-prepared preaching ministry. nation collapses. The district is not the most important and, brother pastor, don’t Then as regards the various items that let it get ahead of your local obligation as require the attention of the pastor during to interest and time. If the local church the summer, I believe that I would choose prospers, then the general interests will in­ one item wherein I could be the most useful crease in importance in the eyes of your or the greatest blessing and major on that local congregation. Fourth, my community one type of service and call that my contri­ and my relationship to its citizens and or­ bution. If my preparation had made it pos­ ganizations. You are still a citizen of a sible for me to be a teacher at the N.Y.P.S. community. You cannot avoid these con­ Institute, then I would do my best at that tacts and responsibilities. If you walk cir­ time. Or if I “had a way” with boys, I might cumspectly, redeeming the time even though make a better summer camp counselor. Or the days be evil, your community will look possibly my district superintendent would upon you with respect and confidence. want me to function as an officer of the camp meeting; then that would be desirable. I have stated all of the above after mature But choose ONE, and let the rest go by. thought and with sincerity. The pastor who There are enough men on our districts to can thoroughly orient himself, learning to “man” all our district gatherings, and yet put first things first and conduct his min­ no pastor need serve more than once. A isterial life with order and dispatch, is district superintendent who has his force greatly needed in our movement. A pastor well organized will not use one man too is his own boss. His time is his own. It is frequently anyway. That is bad psychology remarkable how much he can waste through as well as bad policy. The more men there the lack of a program. Even his devotional are functioning, the more loyalty there will life suffers when he is unsystematic. He be to the program. can be so involved with even legitimate But don’t forget, there is the vacation to things that his time will be utilized on non- be considered. Don’t be foolish and hold essentials, and the big things which he was a revival or a convention. Take your wife called to do will suffer irreparable damage. 4 (72) The Preacher's Magazine THE COUNSELOR S CORNER L. A. Reed

h e t w o leading religious groups of swered my query in the following manner, TAmerica are each guilty on one major “He does not understand my case.” He had count. Roman Catholicism is guilty of big­ not gone to his pastor. Hence, how did he otry, while Protestantism is guilty of in­ know that the pastor did not understand sipidity. Both are blocks to the moral well­ him? He must have sensed an attitude being of society. For a church to declare which caused him to come to this decision. that anything outside of itself is heresy and This pastor was very capable and could that only in its tenets can salvation be have understood hi$ case, but he was not found is too absurd even to disturb. Also taking the time to consider individuals, and for a group such as the Protestant affiliates, hence did not sense that he had people who claiming a power when only possessing a possessed terrific tensions pulling at their form, to suggest more of its ritualistic ec- heartstrings, and troubles which they were clesiasticism plus a vitiated social gospel suffering and bearing alone. Although a as a further diet for the populace reminds pastor’s major emphasis is his pulpit, yet it one of the sentiment expressed by True- can become such an extreme major that blood in his Alternative to Futility, eg., he will cease to be a pastor. He should “When the patient is getting sicker, it is not be so dazzled by the mass of faces be­ ridiculous to prescribe more of the same fore him that the individual countenance old medicine which he has been taking for will be lost in the mass. If he can shake years.” hands with the people as they pass by and Of course, we of the evangelical group fail to read in their faces that major ten­ believe that there is a cure, not only for the sions exist, or fail to sense in a handclasp individual but for society as a whole. We the grasping for a last straw, or fail to believe that the personal, experiential ele­ hear the softly spoken request, “Pray for ment in religion must be paramount if the me,” then he has ceased to be a pastor and heart of society is to be purged. But it is merely a religious automaton. Possibly seems such a slow process to work with he is just a marionette on the stage of life, individuals. Sensing this in earlier years, being operated by the strings of ambition mass evangelism was resorted to, as the and prestige, and I wouldn’t dare suggest panacea. Multiplied thousands have become who is pulling the strings. When we pas­ morally, spiritually, and mentally satisfied tors and preachers stand before the Great through the touch of the Holy Spirit upon Judge of the Universe, I am sure He will their lives. To say that mass evangelism not ask us if we built and preached great is a failure is to deny history. Nearly all sermons, or if we were loyal to our denomi­ the major Protestant churches had their nation, or if we erected large churches and beginnings in revivals. But we have become parsonages, although in a minor way they so cathedral-conscious and so formally have their emphasis; but He will ask us if minded that the old methodology has been we loved men. thrown into the discard and we are endeav­ Men sense when they are loved. They oring to “train men into religion.” are very sensitive to the interest of others. But there is one benefit which has ac­ Most men need to be loved. When they crued from an apparent delinquency, and need the counseling of another, it is just has produced a new emphasis which might as natural for them to seek out a pastor still be the means of saving many, and that in whom they have confidence as it is for is the approach to the individual. them to breathe. If one is a Catholic, then Some time ago a very fine man came to he will go to confession, as we considered me with his problems, and during the social in one of our early editorials; but we dis­ prelude to our discussion I asked him if he covered that there was little, if any, per­ had approached his pastor for counseling. manent value in such a practice. But to Now his pastor was one of the finest men whom will the Protestant go? Naturally, to I knew, but a very busy man seemingly. his pastor. But if his pastor is not ap­ I found out later that too much of his time proachable, then he seeks for another who was being devoted to his own personal will be understanding and appreciative of affairs rather than the affairs of his con­ his needs. A pastor will always know he is gregation and constituency. This man an­ a success when people begin to beat a path

(73) 5 to his door. But this is due to individual personal, individual attention and interest. interest on the part of the pastor. Kindliness, friendliness, and interest in de­ tail will give them this feeling. Let it be­ Stop a moment, Mr. Pastor, and think of come such a part of us that it will flow the number of people for whom you are from us, because in our heart is a fountain- either directly or indirectly responsible. head of love. This is not a commercial thing. There are those children who are looking It is not a trained thing. It is there because upon you as a very superior type of being, the Holy Spirit is functioning through us. and whose confidence must be maintained Love drove Christ to Calvary; love brought through a little attention, if they are to be Pentecost; love dispensed divine gifts; love saved to the church. Then there is that crowd prompts every follower of the Christ to of high school boys and girls who are so full give out to others and then give some more, of life and awakening impulses that they and then give still more. And as each pas­ need direction and guidance or they may find tor gives of his love and interest to others, themselves morally isolated and disillu­ the Holy Spirit pours into his life more sioned, and tragically spoiled for the church. love, so that he will always have a sufficient Then there are those young adults, many supply for those in need. of them about to be married. What fine Why is it that so many of the best peo­ ple, and I say this with thought, are out­ material they constitute upon which the side the church? Yes, both Protestant and Kingdom may be built! Are you acquainted Catholic churches. May I say it and not be with their moral, spiritual, social, and eco­ misunderstood? It is because they are the nomic problems? Have you interested your­ best people. They have been disillusioned self in their welfare sufficiently that you by the insipidity of the former and the have had premarital counseling sessions bigotry of the latter, and hence have for­ with those involved, thus assisting them to saken both. Many have turned to Christian plan a happy married life? Then there is Science or Unity or Theosophy, and have that group who have preschool children, found a psychological peace which they have who have entered that phase of married life mistaken for the real thing. Oh, if we could where adjustments must be made in the only get to them with that which has been seeming humdrum of existence. It is in this tested through generations! Not get to them group also where economic problems be­ with our church, but get to them with our come somewhat tense. Again there is that salvation; with that which will bring peace group of middle-life people who seem self- to their troubled hearts! We have always sufficient, who might have practiced many been interested in the down-and-outs but, renunciations until life seemed to hold Mr. Pastor, there may be some up-and-outs nothing but monotony, who need the per­ right in your neighborhood who afe the sonality boost as well as the social contact loneliest people in the world, starving for that a wise pastor can give to them. Then the very thing which is in your possession there are the older and very mature group, to give. many of them the “salt of the earth”; char­ The whole burden of this issue of the ter members of the church possibly, who “Counselor’s Corner” is to get you inter­ look upon this local institution as their own ested in the individual. If you touch enough child; also many of them shut-ins and even individuals, then you begin to touch the bedfast, who need your personal attentions, mass. If you touch a sufficient number of regularly administered. Then there are the individuals, then your congregation grows; bereaved on all levels; the hospital cases; but if you fail the individual, then you delinquent youth among the church fam­ fail the whole. ilies. How about it? Are all of these in the personal realm of your life, or are they His Word just your congregation? Can you pick out Thy majesty, O Christ, be blest forever; the needy ones, or do they all look alike M y soul, be restful in thy glorious Lord. to you? In this day and age in which we The floods may sweep the world, but never, live, increasing emphasis is being given to never the personal contact. We hear much about Can fail one jot of His eternal word. personal evangelism, but this is one of the outgrowths of this new emphasis. We must What if today the smoke of strife confuses That which we see, and almost that we be “on our toes” these days if we are going know? to win people to the cause of Christ. We Faith laughs at fears, contemns them, and must develop the attitude and find expres­ refuses; sion for it, so that when we meet people The Lord has spoken, and it shall be so. they will feel that we are giving them our —A m y C a r m i c h a e l

6 (74) The Preacher's Magazine JOHN WESLEY SPEAKS ON CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE By Samuel Young, General Superintendent

he doctrine of Christian assurance or the In a letter to his brother Samuel, written Twitness of the Spirit was, for John Wes­ some five months after his Aldersgate ex­ ley (one of the masters in Christian perience (mentioned above), he declares, thought), fundamental and vital. Wesley “I believe every Christian who has not yet was essentially a practical theologian, and received it should pray for the witness of his interest in and emphasis upon this God’s Spirit with his spirit that he is a phase of Christian experience had its be­ child of God. In being a child of God, the ginnings in his own inner life. pardon of his sins is included; therefore I believe the Spirit of God will witness to On the second day after he landed on this also.” This witness is not for a few American soil Wesley met Mr. Spangen- religious geniuses or for the lunatic fringe berg, a German Moravian pastor, to whom of the Christian Church; neither is it limited he confided some of the struggles of his own to the so-called Methodists. “And this [wit­ soul. Immediately the Moravian pierced ness of the Spirit] is no peculiarity of the his English brother through with these Methodists. Many I have found in various words, “My brother, I must first ask you parts of Great Britain and Ireland (to say one or two questions. Have you the witness nothing of Holland, Germany, and America) within yourself? Does the Spirit of God who enjoyed that immediate witness before bear witness with your spirit that you are they had any sort of connexion with the a child of God?” Wesley records, “I was Methodists or any knowledge either of their surprised, and knew not what to answer.” persons or writings.” Then Spangenberg, seeing his confusion, added, “Do you know Jesus Christ?” Wes­ In his controversial writings we find this ley paused and replied, “I know he is the doctrine received a prominent place with Saviour of the world.” “True,” . countered emphasis. His letters to John Smith are il­ his mentor, “but do you know he has saved lustrative of this. We have reasons to be­ you?” “I hope he has died to save me,” lieve that John Smith was the pen name as­ was Wesley’s rejoinder. Then Spangenberg sumed by Dr. Thomas Seeker, then Bishop pursued with, “Do you know yourself?” of London and afterward Archbishop of Wesley replied, “I do” ; but in his Journal Canterbury, in his polemics against Wesley he confesses, “But I fear they were vain and his teaching. Bishop Seeker attacked words.” the doctrine of the witness of the Spirit, Some two years later, after he had re­ and Wesley recognized the issue as impor­ turned to England, through the influence of tant. Here are typical extracts from some another Moravian, Wesley was “clearly of Wesley’s letters in reply: “I do intend all convinced of unbelief; of the want of that mankind should understand me to assert faith whereby alone we are saved.” Bohler (what I therefore express in the clearest (the Moravian) encouraged him, “Delay language I am master of) every Christian not, I beseech you, to believe in your Jesus believer hath a perceptible testimony of the Christ; but so put him in mind of his prom­ Spirit that he is a child of God. I use the ises to poor sinners, that he may not be phrase ‘testimony of the Spirit,’ rather than able to refrain from doing to you, what he ‘inspiration’ because it has a more deter­ hath done for so many others.” The re­ minate meaning.” Again, “Therefore the lease and deliverance came on that memo­ distinguishing doctrines on which I do in­ rable Wednesday night, May 24, 1738, which sist in all my writings and in all my preach­ Wesley records in part in his Journal: “I ing, will lie in a very narrow compass. You felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for sum them all up in perceptible inspiration. salvation; and an assurance was given me, For this I earnestly contend; and so do all that he had taken away m y sins, even mine, who are called Methodist preachers. But and saved me from the law of sin and death.” be pleased to observe what we mean there­ That this personal assurance or witness of by. We mean that inspiration of God’s Holy the Spirit is the heritage of every child of Spirit, whereby he fills us with righteous­ God, Wesley does not now hesitate to assert. ness, peace, and joy, with love to him and

March-April, 1950 (75) 7 to all mankind. And we believe that it Wesley’s recorded Oxford sermons (post- cannot be, in the nature of things, that a Aldersgate). Hear him plead and insist: man should be filled with this peace, and “How can any man know that he is alive joy, and love, by the inspiration of the to God? Even as you know that your body Holy Spirit, without perceiving it as clearly is now alive. Faith is the life of the soul; as he does the light of the sun. This is (so and if you have the life abiding in you, ye far as I understand them) the main doc­ want no marks to evidence it to yourself trine of the Methodists. This is the sub­ but that divine consciousness, that witness stance of what we all preach.” Later he of God, which is more and greater than ten adds, “And this I take to be the very founda­ thousand human witnesses.” He concludes tion of Christianity.” with emphasis and warning: “If he doth not This doctrine, too, stood the test of time now bear witness with thy spirit, that thou in his own life and represents the epoch art a child of God, of that he might con­ of his maturity in religious thought. His vince thee, thou poor unawakened sinner, two principal sermons and summary of his by his demonstration and power, that thou thought on this vital doctrine are usually art a child of the devil.” listed as Discourses I and II in his “Works” In his historical approach to the question and “Sermons.” The first of these was pub­ Wesley concludes that “the whole Chris­ lished in 1746 and the second some twenty tian Church in the first centuries enjoyed years later. In the later publication he re­ it.” He adds, “None that carefully reads fers to his earlier writing thus: “After Clemens Romanus, Ignatius, Polycarp, Ori- twenty years’ farther consideration, I see gen, or any other of them, can doubt wheth­ no cause to retract any part of this. Neither er either the writer himself possessed it, do I conceive how any of these expressions or all he mentions as real Christians.” Again may be altered, so as to make them more he observes: “That all the Reformed intelligible.” In the same vein he wrote to Churches in Europe did once believe, ‘Every Samuel Furly, “Seventeen or eighteen years true Christian has the divine evidence of ago, after much searching of the Scriptures his being in favor with God.’ ” It was also and mature deliberation, I wrote my thoughts Wesley’s conviction that the people called concerning the witness of God’s Spirit and Methodists had a service to render in re­ the witness of our own spirit. I have not viving and clarifying this truth for that yet seen any reason to change my judgment generation and to all those which were to on either of these subjects; rather I am follow. “It more nearly concerns the Meth­ confirmed therein more and more both by odists, so called, clearly to understand, ex­ the living and dying children of God.” plain, and defend this doctrine; because it To Wesley to deny the witness of the is one grand part of the testimony, which Spirit really meant to deny justification by God has given them to bear to all mankind. faith. That was why it was foundational It is by his peculiar blessing upon them in and vital. “Every one therefore who denies searching the Scriptures, confirmed by the the existence of such a testimony, does in experience of his children, that this great effect deny justification by faith.” In fact, evangelical truth has been recovered, which he believed that all opposition to the truth had been for many years well nigh lost.” of a direct witness of God’s Holy Spirit to Wesley uses Romans 8:16 and Galatians the believer’s heart was ultimately born of 4:6 as key texts in the study of the scrip­ the idea of justification by works. Hear tural basis for the experience. • He also him: “And I cannot but fear that a sup­ observes that “all Christians have such a position of our being justified by works, faith as implies a consciousness of God’s is at the root of all these objections; for love.” Here he cites as proof texts: Romans whoever cordially believes, that God im ­ 8:15; Ephesians 4:32; II Corinthians 13:5; putes to all that are justified righteousness Hebrews 8:10; I John 4:10; 5:7. In explain­ without works, will find no difficulty in al­ ing Romans 8:16 he writes to the Bishop of lowing the witness of his Spirit preceding London: “You must allow there is a testi­ the fruit of it.” mony of the Spirit with our spirit that we For Wesley the pardon and the witness are the children of God. ‘But,’ you say, in terms of experience become inseparable. ‘it is not a perceptible one.’ How is this? “When God pardons a mourning, broken­ Let us examine it thoroughly. It is allowed hearted sinner, his mercy obliges him to (1) The Spirit of God (2) bears witness to another act,—to witness to his spirit, that my spirit (3) that I am a child of God he has pardoned him.” O sir, if there really be a man in the world The certainty and necessity for this ex­ who hath this testimony in himself, can perience are both evidenced in one of it be supposed that he does not know who

8 (76) The Preacher's Magazine it is that testifies? who it is speaks to his spirit only,” and consequently swallowing heart?” up the testimony of the Spirit of God, in The basic issue with Wesley concerning the rational testimony of our own spirit. the witness of the Spirit (and it is best “The function of the indirect witness is con­ summarized in his Discourses I and II on firming, but it is never primary or separate.” “The Witness of the Spirit”) is whether or “Let every man who believes he ‘hath the not there is a direct witness by God’s Holy witness in himself,’ try whether it be of Spirit to a man’s own inner consciousness God; if the fruit follow, it is; otherwise it that he is pardoned apart from the infer­ is not.” Again, “By the fruits which he ential or indirect witness he may discover hath wrought in your own spirit, you shall from the fruits of the new life in God. know the testimony of the Spirit of God. Wesley asks “whether there be any direct Hereby you shall know, that you are in no testimony of the Spirit at all”; and again, delusion, that you have not deceived your “whether there be any other testimony of own soul.” The inner fruits he enumerates the Spirit than that which arises from a as “love, joy, peace, bowels of mercies, hum­ consciousness of the fruit.” To both of bleness of mind, meekness, gentleness, long these queries he replies, “I believe there is.” suffering.” He also specifies outward fruits as “doing good to all men; the doing no The direct witness is always primary and evil to any; and walking in the light,—a is the more constant and substantial. Even zealous, uniform obedience to all the com­ the indirect witness (that of our own spirit) mandments of God.” Ultimately, the wit­ may be clouded by temptation, but the ness of the Spirit and the witness of our primary witness remains if there is obedi­ own spirit become a conjoint testimony. ence and faith. “And however this fruit may “They testify conjointly.” Wesley con­ be clouded for a while, during the time cludes, “Therefore, ‘What God hath joined of strong temptation, so that it does not together, let not man put asunder.’ ” appear to the tempted person, while Satan is sifting him as wheat; yet the substantial The Voyage of Life part of it remains, even under the thickest cloud.” Hence for Wesley the direct wit­ Human life is launched ness was a practical necessity for the soul On an ocean deep and wide. It has many storms, some calms— of man in the hours of temptation. “But as A constant flow and ebb of tide. you or I may be tried in such a manner, and so may any other child of God, that it There are shoals, rocks, and shore lines; will be impossible for us to keep our filial Breakers, waves rise mountain high. confidence in God, without the direct witness But our Pilot is on board; of His Spirit.” He will bring the Kingdom nigh. In analyzing this direct witness Wesley We are bound for home and heaven, recognized that the experience could not be Over life’s eternal tide; broken down further than the record of the We will anchor in the harbor, experience itself. He confesses, “The man­ Safe at home then to abide. ner how the divine testimony is manifested —A. E. D a v i s to the heart, I do not take upon me to ex­ plain .... But the fact we know; namely, Launch Out into the Deep that the Spirit of God does give a believer “ Launch out into the deep,” said Christ such a testimony of his adoption; that while On that eventful day. it is present to the soul, he can no more The midtitudes upon Him pressed doubt the reality of his sonship, than he To hear the living way. can doubt of the shining of the sun, while he stands in the full blaze of his beams.” “Launch out into the deep,” He said Elsewhere he declares, “To require a more To that impulsive one, minute and philosophical account of the Who quickly heeded the behest Of God’s own blessed Son. manner whereby we distinguish these, and of the criteria, or intrinsic marks, whereby Launch out into the deep today; we know the voice of God, is to make a Oh, disengage the shore. demand which can never be answered.” Into His blessed fullness launch— Wesley does not labor the issue of the Launch out forevermore. witness of our own spirit except to relate it O troubled one, incline thine ear; to the witness of His Spirit and to show that With Him thy vigil keep. it is a confirming and indirect witness. He Then hear the Master’s words once more'. warns against interpreting Romans 8:16 as “Launch out into the deep.” referring to “the testimony of our own —E a r l F. D e n n e t t March-April, 1950 (77) 9 ZEPHANIAH By Ralph Earle

i l e n c e ! — “Hold thy peace at the presence was considered to be the god of fertility. S of the Lord God.” Listen!—“For the day Connected with its temples and high places of the Lord is at hand.” were sacred prostitutes, who were used for With these words, in the seventh verse of the religious rites of reproduction. Morally, his book, the prophet announces the heart of Baalism was utterly base and degrading. It his message. Zephaniah has one theme—the is no wonder that the prophets of God spoke day of the Lord. out against it with such severity. It threat­ The trumpet tones of his opening utter­ ened to destroy the very moral fiber of the ance are like the blast of a bugle. “I will nation. utterly consume all things from off the land, The Chemarim (im is the masculine plural saith the Lord.” ending of Hebrew nouns) were evidently What? Do You really mean this? the idolatrous priests of Baal. Moffatt calls Yes, just that! “I will consume man and them “idol-priestlings.” beast; I will consume the fowls of the heav­ Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem were en, and the fishes of the sea, and the stum- prostrating themselves on their housetops, blingblocks with the wicked; and I will cut worshiping the sun, moon, and stars. off man from off the land, saith the Lord.” Though a higher type of religion, in many Surely You are talking about the heathen ways, then Baal worship, yet it was still and the lands of the Gentiles! denying the Creator His due. No, I mean the land, the land of My people. “I will also stretch out mine hand Others were swearing by Milcom, or upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants Molech, the god of the Ammonites. The of Jerusalem.” shocking feature in the worship of Molech But why? What’s the matter? was the burning of children to him in the Just this, My people have turned heathen. fire. The laws of Moses strictly forbade any They are worshiping heathen images and Israelite to cause his child to “pass through the heavenly bodies. They have forsaken the fire to Molech.” Yet here were people Me and embraced idolatry. Just take a look in Judah still worshiping this hideous hea­ at the record: then god. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this God has an answer to all of this. Through place, and the name of the Chemarims with His prophet He announces that “the day of the priests; and them that worship the host the Lord is at hand.” He is going to punish of heaven upon the house tops; and them the princes, and those who have led in this that worship and that swear by the Lord, rebellion against Him. The mention of the and that swear by Malcham; and them that princes is especially significant in view of are turned back from the Lord; and those the fact that Zephaniah was himself the that have not sought the Lord, nor enquired great-great-grandson of Hezekiah, probably for him. the famous king (1:1). What a picture! God’s people! Right in Then comes a graphic description of what the holy city! Their bodies close to the will happen in Jerusalem when the divine sacred sanctuary, their hearts full of sordid invasion takes place. Moffatt has produced sin. No wonder that God reacted. very well the feel of the original of verses Baal—what memories the name conjured! ten and eleven: The Israelites had come into contact with Baal worship when they entered Canaan. Hark! a scream from the Fishgate, The wicked Jezebel had introduced the a wail from the new Town! worship of Baal into northern Israel. Her Havoc on the Heights, daughter Athaliah had sought to impose it a wail from the Hollow! on the southern kingdom of Judah. Elijah For all the traders are undone, had challenged Baal on Mount Carmel, in the merchants are wiped out. one of the great scenes of sacred history. The glimpse we get here of Jerusalem is Jehu had destroyed Jezebel and the wor­ very vivid. New Town was evidently an ex­ shipers of Baal. But still the cult persisted tension of the residential area, peopled by in both kingdoms. It was one of the causes the rich, as was also the Heights. Between of the captivity. them was the low Hollow, with its markets One of the most unfortunate features of and merchantmen. The prophet portrays Baal worship was its immoral rites. Baal the sudden howls of anguish from these 10 (78) The Preacher's Magazine various groups when struck by the rod of a day of darkness and gloominess, God’s anger. a day of clouds and thick darkness. But the divine visitation is not to be a It is of interest to note that the last two superficial affair. In one of the striking clauses occur in Joel 2:2. Also Joel, as figures of all prophetic writings Zephaniah Zephaniah, precedes this with a warning that pictures God going up and down through “the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh the streets of Jerusalem with lamps, search­ at hand.” Both prophets are inbred deeply ing out sin. One is reminded of Diogenes with a sense of the imminence of the day walking the streets of Athens in the daytime of the Lord. Both declare that it is a day with a lighted lantern in his hand. But the of doom and destruction, of death and deso­ object of the search is different. Diogenes lation, of darkness and despair. It is no said that he was looking for an honest man. bright picture that these prophets paint of God was searching Jerusalem to discover the day of the Lord.” and punish the wicked. How is this day to appear? In the case The use of the word “candles” in the King of Judah it would come in the form of an James Version raises an interesting point. enemy invasion. Moffatt translates the first The translators of 1611 (as our great grand­ part of verse sixteen: “a day of trumpet- mothers) were acquainted with the use of blast and battle-cry.” candles for lighting purposes. So they mod­ So terrible will be the times that men ernized (!) the “lamp” of the Hebrew and “shall walk like blind men,” fumbling and Greek, changing it to “candle.” The facts stumbling in the darkness created by their of the case are that lamps, and not candles, own disobedience. Death will overtake them were used in Bible times. Many of these in the wholesale slaughter, until “their lamps have been dug up by archaeologists. blood shall be poured out as dust.” The golden “candlestick” of the ancient The wealthy will not be able to buy their Tabernacle was actually a lampstand, for way out of their predicament: “Neither their it is clearly indicated that oil was used for silver nor their gold shall be able to de­ fuel. liver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath.” The ones in Jerusalem against whom God God doesn’t take bribes. His justice is im­ had a special grievance were those who peccable. were “settled on their lees.” The figure is The day of the Lord, as pictured here that of wine left too long upon its lees, and throughout the prophets, is the day until its quality is spoiled. The people re­ of divine judgment. It is the day when God ferred to thus were the careless, indifferent takes over, when man’s day is set aside, ones, those who said: “It doesn’t make any when the eternal invades the temporal, the difference how we act; God won’t do any­ infinite arrests the finite. It is “the day of thing about it.” the Lord’s wrath” against sin. But God wastes no time in telling them That day has come many times and yet that He is going to do something about it, is still coming. It often seems distant, and something drastic. Their goods will be seized yet it is always near at hand. Every genera­ as the booty of war and their houses plun­ tion has seen some “day of the Lord,” when dered. Their homes will be left uninhabited God visited in judgment. The destruction and their vineyards untended. of Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s day and again Then comes Zephaniah’s very striking de­ in a .d . 70 could be identified with the day scription of the day of the Lord (1:14-18). He of the Lord. So could the overthrow of first emphasizes its imminence: “The great Sodom and Gomorrah, and the burial of day of the Lord is near, it is near, and Pompeii. The cause was the same in all hasteth greatly.” cases—man’s sin. God is longsuffering, be­ The day of the Lord is always imminent. yond human comprehension. But if He Whenever man forgets God—which means were to ignore sin, the justice of the universe every generation—judgment can be expected. would be shattered. Because God is holy It doesn’t always strike right away, but and just and upright, His very nature de­ divine justice is inescapable. mands that He deal with sin. Silly, soft, What is the day of the Lord like? We sentimental thinking about sin will leave us are not left in any doubt. In language bogged down in the mud and mire, the freighted with doom and fringed with thun­ muck and morass of a godless world. We derclouds the prophet proclaims “the day need to recapture the prophet’s keen sense of the Lord.” of the awfulness of sin. It was their stern denunciation of unrighteousness that paved That day is a day of wrath, the way to higher things for the human a day of trouble and distress, spirit. Our religion will be no stronger a day of wasteness and desolation, than our attitude against sin.

March-April, 1950 (79) 11 The second chapter of Zephaniah begins aloneness with God when our own spirits with a plea for repentance. The third verse will be inspired and uplifted and God him­ is one of the most beautiful passages in the self will find pleasure in fellowship with us! book: “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of God resting in His love. It is His presence the earth, which have wrought his judg­ that brings salvation. “The Lord thy God in ment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it the midst of thee .... he will save.” But may be ye shall be hid in the day of the after we are saved from our worst enemy Lord’s anger.” of sin, then we enjoy sweet fellowship with The name Zephaniah means “he whom our Saviour. Our love and joy mingle to­ Jehovah has hidden.” It may reflect the gether in heavenly satisfaction. fact that his godly parents were threatened The closing three verses speak especially with danger during the long reign of wicked of the restoration of Judah from captivity. Manasseh. It was during this king’s reign Obviously, the first application is to the that Zephaniah was born. return from Babylon. But the language Beginning with verse four, and through­ looks beyond the post-exilic period: “I will out the rest of the chapter two, the prophet make you a name and a praise among all reaches out to address foreign nations. He people of the earth.” first pronounces the doom of the great Only in Christ does this gracious promise Philistine cities. They are to be left deso­ find its fulfillments. That is true of many late. of the Old Testament prophecies. Partial, This brings up the question as to the imperfect fulfillments may be seen at vari­ time of Zephaniah’s prophecy. We are told ous points in history. But Christ alone is the in the first verse, which forms the heading fulfillment of human hope and prophetic of the book, that the word of the Lord came prediction. What a privilege to have Him to him in the days of Josiah, king of Judah. in our hearts, fulfilling in us “the exceeding Josiah reigned 639-609 B.C. great and precious promises” of God’s Word! It would apear that the Scythians invaded We can never exaggerate how much Christ the coastal regions of Palestine, including means to us. Philistia, between 630 and 624. Most schol­ ars place the writing of Zephaniah at about TODAY I WALK IN STRENGTH 625 B.C., shortly before the beginning of Because I lingered for a time on bended Josiah’s reform in 621 B.C. So it is likely knee that Zephaniah is predicting the Scythian Before the throne, at starting of the day, invasion of the land of the Philistines. If And listened to the gracious words of truth not, his reference is to the soon-coming The precious Lord and Master had to say, Babylonian invasion. I find the problems that confront me now The first seven verses of chapter three Seem trivial—I see the way more clear; And through the weary routine, common­ continue the messages concerning the na­ place, tions. Verses eight to thirteen, inclusive, I sense His presence, comforting and near. promise that a remnant of Israel shall be Why should I ever, then, unfortified, saved. “They shall feed and lie down, and Go blindly, weakly through a day alone, none shall make them afraid” (v. 13). When strength and light and confidence are But verses fourteen to twenty, inclusive, mine sing a different tune from the rest of the If I but wait for Him each morning at the book. So joyful is the note of hope that throne? subjectively-minded critics insist on denying —K a t h r y n B l a c k b u r n P e c k their genuineness. Zion is bidden to sing, to be glad and re­ HE LIVES WHO DREAMS joice. God, her true King, is in the midst Weep not for him whose fondest dreams lie of her and will protect her. shattered, The most beautiful verse in the entire Whose every hope, it seems, has been in book is 3:17—“The Lord thy God in the vain. midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he From out the ashes where his dreams lie will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest scattered in his love, he will joy over thee with sing- Full many a dream will rise to live again. mg.• ^ » . But weep, oh, weep for him too dull for dreaming, This verse portrays what Alexander Whose earth-bound eyes have never seen Maclaren has very aptly called “the glad­ the light; ness of God.” Fellowship between God and Above his solid head is glory beaming— His children means mutual joy. What a While he plods on in darkness through privilege to bring joy to the heart of God! the night. How we ought to seek those times of quiet. —K a t h r y n B l a c k b u r n P e c k

12 (80) The Preacher’s Magazine Easter Sermon HAVE THE GATES OF DEATH BEEN OPENED?

By Paul S. Rees

T e x t : Have the gates of death been opened Now war or disaster has a way of play­ unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors ing up death in dramatic and sometimes of the shadow of death? (Job 38:17). heroic lights and shadows, as for example when a three-year-old girl in California Two world wars in one generation have falls into an abandoned well and all of given a black underscoring to the fact of human ingenuity is brought into gallant death. In the first of these conflicts some display in frantic effort to reach her before vigorous and capable young poets, by skill­ the breath goes out of the little body so ful use of phrase and rhythm, set the theme tightly wedged in a rusty steel casing more of death marching in our minds. They were than ninety feet below the surface. What men like Donald Hankey, Robert Service, we tend to overlook is that death, whether Joyce Kilmer, Rupert Brooke, Charles announced in the newspaper headlines or Sorely, and Allen Seeger. Of all the war in a tiny six-line notice in the obituary poetry they produced probably the most column, is busy all the livelong day. powerful and memorable piece was Allen Seeger’s “I Have a Rendezvous with Death.” Death is a wide and wasting fact, woven The title itself has been described by some­ firmly into the very pattern of our human one as “a sharp javelin to hurl at the very existence. Death is everywhere! Death is heart of death.” potent! Death is mysterious! Because it has such qualities as universality, potency, I have a rendezvous with Death, mystery, and seeming finality, we are At some disputed barricade, bound to ask questions about it. Job found When Spring comes back with rustling it so, long centuries ago. The query was shade, put to him: “Have the gates of death been And apple blossoms fill the air; opened?” What about death anyhow? Is I have a rendezvous with Death, there light on its mystery? Do these When Spring comes back, blue days and strange portals of mortality open only one fair. way? Do they but admit us into their It may be he shall take m y hand, cold, dark embrace? Or do they swing out­ And lead me into his dark land, ward also, so that those who are received And close my eyes and quench my breath; are also released? It is no mean or wit­ It may be I shall pass him still. less question that confronts here: “Have I have a rendezvous with Death, the gates of death been opened?” On some scarred slope of battered hill, I When Spring comes round again this year, For one thing, it is obviously an ancient And the first meadow-flowers appear. question. Our curiosity about death and God knows ’twere better to be deep the future life is a strange mixture of fear Pillowed in silk and scented down, and hope. Our hope springs out of the fact Where love throbs out in blissful sleep, that we are spiritual beings, made with a Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath, capacity for God. Our fear grows out of Where hushed awakenings are dear; the fact that, apart from Christ the Re­ But, I’ve a rendezvous with Death, deemer, we are sinful beings, and we in­ At midnight in some flaming town, stinctively feel that there is some close When Spring trips north again this year. connection between sin and death. The And I to my pledged word am true, Bible, of course, confirms this feeling when I shall not fail that rendezvous. it assures us that death clamped its steely Allen Seeger, willing soldier that he was, claim upon men as a result of sin. “Where­ put down his pen, walked out to battle, and fore, as by one man sin entered into the soon thereafter kept his “rendezvous.” world,” says St. Paul, “and death by sin;

March-April, 1950 (81) 13 and so death passed upon all men, for that William Cory, one of England’s minor all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). poets, writes: "Perhaps there will be some day people with our sensibility who will Thus, because man is a curious blend of be relieved of our aching doubts about re­ hope and fear, he has always had an in­ union with beloved persons.” Here was an veterate interest in death and all that may anxiety that haunted him. Once, when he stand beyond as the sequel of death. Dr. was a guest in a home where a pet bird Herbert Lockyer has written a thoughtful was singing with gay abandon, a little and informing volume entitled The Immor­ girl in the family expressed her delight. tality of Saints. As his first sentence in the Cory remarked, “Yes, he’s happy; he does book, he says: “History, archaeology and not know that he will die.” language affirm that belief in some sort of You have the same anxious concern existence after death is found to be a torturing the mind of Hamlet in his famous catholic belief of humanity.” And Dr. soliloquy: Samuel Zwemer, in his excellent book, The Glory of the Empty Tomb, quotes the To die, to sleep; German scholar, Spiess, as declaring, “It To sleep; perchance to dream; aye there’s is an established fact that there is no tribe the rub: or people that does not possess the expec­ For in that sleep of death what dreams may tation of a future life, and none that places come the end and goal of a human life here on When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, earth.” Must give us pause .... Look at the monuments of the long-dead The dread of something after death, pagans, like the pyramids of Egypt. Read The undiscovered country, from whose the inscriptions on the tombs of tribes that bourn have been extinct for centuries. Listen to No traveller returns, puzzles the will the rites and incantations which the And makes us rather bear those ills we have heathen, from time immemorial, have mut­ Than fly to others that we know not of. tered over the forms of their dying and Yes, apart from Christ, there is an anxiety their dead. Study the learned discourses of that, tremulous and tormenting, hangs the philosophers of yesterday and today. round the question: “Have the gates of Add to all this the testimony of those whose death been opened?” voices cry out from the pages of the Holy Scriptures, asking, “If a man die, shall he Ill live again?” The evidence is overwhelming. Consider, furthermore, that we have here The query of the heart is old and quench­ an argued question. Mind you, men do not less: “Have the gates of death been argue with death; they only argue about opened?” The poet was not wrong when he death. To argue with death is futile. It is suggested too real and resistless for that. That in even savage bosoms On the other hand, there are endless There are longings, yearnings, strivings speculations as to the meaning and the For the good they comprehend not; character of death, as to what lies beyond That the feeble hands and helpless, it, as to whether or not we can give death Groping blindly in the darkness, a place in our thinking where it makes us Touch God’s right hand in that darkness, serious without making us either cynical And are lifted up and strengthened. or afraid. There are controversies, too, as to whether even Christ actually rose again II and thereby demonstrated before the eyes More than an ancient question, our text of His amazed disciples that life is master is also an anxious question. Man possesses, of death. as we have just seen, an instinctive feeling One of our most popular writers on ser­ that death does not end all. Yet his feeling ious themes is the historian and philoso­ is often accompanied by fears of one sort or pher, Professor Will Durant, of Columbia another. Apart from the light and assur­ University. Not long ago, speaking partly ance that come to us from the resurrection for himself and partly for others of skeptical of Jesus Christ, the meaning of death and mind, Professor Durant wrote: the character of the future life remain baf­ fling mysteries. Even the disciples, before God, who was once the consolation of our the Master met death and mastered it, were brief life, and our refuge in bereavement troubled by His references to His dying and and suffering, has apparently vanished from to His departure from them. “Whither goest the scene; no telescope, no microscope dis­ thou?” was their anxious query. covers Him. Life has become in that total 14 (82) The Preacher's Magazine perspective, which is philosophy, a fitful The words struck like a dagger into the pullulation of human insects on the earth, a heart of the startled lawyer and, leaping to planetary eczema that may soon be cured; his feet, he said: “No, she is not dead, nothing is certain in it except defeat and my boy; your mother is alive. I have been death—a sleep, it seems, from which there a wicked soul and spoken what is not true. is no awakening .... It seems impossible Come, now, Son, let’s begin again and from to believe any longer in the permanent now on see more of each other. Let us live greatness of man, or to give life a meaning in a way that is worthy of her.” that cannot be annulled by death." “Have the gates of death been opened?” A twin to this gloomy statement may be Men may argue about it, but, soon or late, found in the grim dogmatism of Joseph they discover that all the arguments against Wood Crutch, who declares that man’s ex­ it strike like a hollow and disastrous note. istence “has no more meaning than the The arguments against it may be clever existence of the humblest insect that crawls (though they seldom are!) but they are not from one annihilation to another.” convincing. The arguments for it don’t have It is perhaps true that our twentieth cen­ to be clever: they have only to be sincere tury produces more arguments like these and simple. (which really are not arguments but senti­ IV ments) than other periods have done. Yet, even today, these voices of despair, these Ancient, anxious, and often argued, the question of our text must have one more confessions of gloom, are in the minority. thing said about it: It is an answered What is more, they are expressions of a doubt much larger than mere denial of im­ question. I like to take the challenge that mortality and resurrection. They are part was put to Job so long ago, “Have the and parcel of a poisonous skepticism which gates of death been opened?” and set down questions the very existence of God and of beside it a glowing word which the Apostle a spiritual order of reality. And that’s try­ John one day caught from the risen ing to prove too much! Too much for our Saviour: “I am he that liveth, and was intelligence! And much too much for our dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of hearts! death” (Revelation 1:18), Ah, my soul, then I am reminded of the story of a lawyer the gates of death have been opened—by who had been brought up in the Christian the Prince of Life, who went down into the faith. However, when his wife died while prison-house of death and then came out, she was still young, he became bitter, with the dark portals flung wide open and abandoned his religious faith, and began to the keys of mastery gleaming like jewels argue in behalf of doubt in the hereafter. at His girdle. He would provoke controversy with guests in his home, and would often say, “When Joshua Liebman wrote his book, Peace of you are dead, you are dead—dead as a Mind, and almost immediately he was doornail.” Meanwhile a son was growing taken by death. He lived long enough to up in the motherless home, cared for by a see his work become a “best seller” in war- housekeeper. The little fellow would hear jangled, war-jaded America. In the book his father saying from time to time: “When he devoted a few pages to the subject of you’re dead, you’re dead—dead as a door­ immortality. He believed in it. He urged nail.” One day the housekeeper said to the his readers to believe in it. And yet he father, “Your boy has learned to swear.” wasn’t too radiantly sure of it. He says, for “Send him to me,” said the lawyer. A example, “It is true that no traveler has few minutes later the boy came in. As he ever returned from the bourne of eternity entered the room, the father suddenly and that the yearning for immortality may realized that the little fellow’s face bore a be merely a projection of the life instinct striking resemblance to the deceased and the hunger for survival in the human mother. Inwardly he thought, How much heart.” Mr. Liebman was not a Christian. he looks like Lucy! The warning against With his gentle soul and his keen mind, one swearing was duly given, and the lad ran wishes greatly that he had been. If Mr. off to play. Later the housekeeper reported Liebman had been a Christian he would that the boy had not stopped his profanity. not have said, “It is true that no traveler So the father had another session with him. has ever returned from the bourne of “Son,” he said, “you know that your mother eternity.” Let’s get this straight in our would not like to hear you talk like that.” thinking: whatever modern liberals in the Instantly the boy spoke up: “But Mother is “Christian” fold may think about it, the not alive. She is dead—dead as a doornail!” conviction that built the Christian Church

March-April, 1950 (83) 15 was mat jesus t-nrist, tne ivian or JNazaretn, feace, peace, sweet peace, crucified under Pontius Pilate, three days Wonderful gift from above; dead, actually, visibly, provably, came out Oh, wonderful, wonderful peace, from that cold tomb and renewed His fel­ Sweet peace, the gift of God’s love. lowship with those bereaved disciples who Death came closer, but Christ came closer had given Him up. He is the Traveler Ex­ still. Shepherd spoke again: “I am not traordinary who has “returned from the going to die; I am just going to change bourne of eternity.” worlds. Don’t worry about me. Oh, it is For many years there stood in a Christian glorious! Glory to God!” And with that, his pulpit in Bournemouth, England, a noble conquering spirit swept out beyond the land preacher whom England knew as J. D. of the dying into the Land of the Ever Jones. A few years ago, beloved as few Living. British clergymen have ever been, he fell “Have the gates of death been opened?” asleep. Before he died he said: Ask Shepherd as, in dying, he whispers, “Peace.” Ask a million others who, through It is the resurrection of Jesus that con­ the journeying years, have left this “bank verts promise into fact, and hope into as­ and shoal of time” to live beyond the surance. Men argued for years about the seizure of death. They will tell you, with possibility of there being a new world out voices like the sound of many waters, “Yes, yonder towards the West. They set forth wide open are the gates of death. They various reasons for believing that there was cannot imprison us. We live. Someday even such a world. But what forever settled the our bodies shall rise again, forever free matter and made the New World not a from the taint of the tomb.” guess or a theory or a speculation, was Columbus’ experience. Columbus sailed out And look! The hands that opened those towards the sunset until he discovered land. grim gates are strange hands. There are Then coming back, he was able to say, scars upon them. They bear forever the “There is a land out yonder; 1 have been print of the nails! there.” Jesus is our Columbus. When it came to the westering sun with them, men Long Sermons wondered what lay beyond the sunset— A zealous brother persisted in his effort to whether there was anything at all or only have his neighbor accompany him to the black night. But we wonder now no church. The neighbor declined, saying, more. We know. For Jesus has traveled “Your minister preaches too long.” The beyond the sunset, and he has come back to brother assured him that his pastor seldom say that beyond the grave and the gate of preached over twenty minutes. death, Finally one Sunday morning the neighbor agreed to go to church. It so happened on “ There is a land of pure delight, this morning the preacher continued his Where saints immortal reign; message for an hour and twenty minutes. Infinite day excludes the night, This bore out the contention of the non­ And pleasures banish pain.” churchgoer, and he did not hesitate to tell his zealous brother that he thought he had My dear friend, Dr. I. M. Hargett, pastor been tricked. of Fourth Avenue Methodist Church in “I do not know why this should happen,” Louisville, Kentucky, recently conducted said the faithful member. “I shall speak to the memorial service over the body of a be­ the pastor about it.” The pastor frankly loved Louisville minister, Dr. W. W. Shep­ admitted that he was at fault, and was very herd. On what proved to be the last sorry for detaining the congregation for morning of his life, Shepherd’s son, a so long a time. “But,” said he, “I made a mistake this morning. I usually try to physician, said to him, “Dad, you’re going preach about twenty minutes, and in order to have to put up a fight to live.” Out of to time myself I always put a throat lozenge the soul of that glorious preacher came a in my mouth. This will dissolve in about reply that must have moved his son to the twenty minutes, and then I know it is time depths. “Son,” he said, “I’ve fought a good to quit. But this morning, unfortunately, fight; I have finished the course; I have instead of a lozenge I put a shirt button in kept the faith. Good-by! I am going home my mouth.”—Told by Rev. T. M. Anderson. to walk tjje golden streets, where I will suffer no more. The golden gates are open­ N o t i c e : The editor is desirous of securing ing, and I am going through.” the following issues of T h e P r e a c h e r ’ s Then he murmured softly a bit of Bil- M a g a z i n e —Nov., 1940; also May, June, July, horn’s song: and August of 1939.

16 (84) The Preacher's Magazine THE PASTORAL MINISTRY Part III: Perils By Roy S. Nicholson

President— Wesleyan Methodist Church

he privileges and problems of the pas­ the flagging spirits of a weary man, tired Ttorate remind one that this work also with the competition and cares of modern has its perils. No one has as many oppor­ living, and steadies him while traversing tunities for doing good to as many individ­ the crosscurrents of a confused day and uals and groups as the pastor, if he perceives helps him to emerge victoriously, has built the almost illimitable possibilities of such an enduring memorial that will bring joy a ministry. But obligation and opportunity without measure to generations yet unborn. are balanced with the sobering thought that And whoever introduces modern youth to the obligation may not be fully discharged the privileges of their inheritance among and the opportunity may not be properly those who fear God’s name has pointed the developed. The tragedy is that a pastor who way to values that exceed the gold stored in is not fully alert to the potentialities of his the vaults at Fort Knox. ministry and parish may be guilty of crim­ These are but a few of the commonly inally neglecting the field; whereas if it overlooked opportunities of the Christian were opened to another, it might be devel­ pastor. Time would fail if one tried to oped to the glory of God. enumerate them all, for they are as exten­ sive as human needs, and as diversified in The importance of the man as pastor is detail as the personalities who need the vividly emphasized by Dr. James I. Vance pastor’s ministry. Never undervalue such in his book, Being a Preacher, in which he challenging work. declares that “there is only one problem in the church, only one problem in the S u c c u m b i n g t o S e c u l a r i s m world. It is the problem of finding the right is another very real peril of the modern man.” As an illustration for this emphasis, pastor. The “veneer of worldliness over he cited the fact that dead churches had things spiritual” is more fact than fiction. sprung into life and divisions in rent The complexity of modern life has added to churches were healed through the ministry the confusion one faces on every hand, and of “the right man.” even the pastor seems to have become in­ fected with the spirit of hurry. The quest R e v o l t i n g A g a i n s t U n d e r v a l u e d W o r k for satisfaction has led too many in the is one of the great perils facing many pas­ path of ceaseless activity, leaving no time tors. They see only the drab and forget the for spiritual meditation and reflection. The gold. They overlook its possibilities and re­ growth of secularism means the increase wards, and thereby forget its glory. The of irreligion. pastoral ministry is susceptible to all the God's gold of simplicity, truthfulness, sin­ moods of human life, for that is the material cerity, purity, love, and reverence is being with which it deals. There are periods of traded for the devil’s brass of unnatural­ clouds and days of sunshine; there are ness, cleverness, impurity, irreverence, and hours of darkness, as well as dawn; there cynicism. The result is a lowering of moral are battles and crosses, as well as victories ideals, the “compromise of divine principles,” and crowns. The pastor may find himself and a cheap presentation of the character in a furnace or a flood, because some of his and claims of Christianity. people are in these situations and he is The pastor’s main work is in the realm of there to help them. the spiritual. He is a spiritual specialist; Let it be remembered that whoever guides and if he tries to substitute anything ma­ children into right decisions and challenges terial or worldly, he sins against both God them to make noble choices has rendered and man. Human attainment or self-salva­ a service that the world rulers cannot emu­ tion, is one of the deceptive substitutes late. Whoever comforts a disappointed and which secularism offers instead of the divine crushed mother and brings hope and cour­ atonement. Another secular substitute is age back to her heart has rendered a service humanism instead of a divine revelation. no surgeon can duplicate. He who revives This is followed, as a natural consequence,

March-April, 1950 (85) 17 by a religious profession taking the place of his enemies. There are more visible ad­ of a genuine, personal religious experience versaries than there are visible allies; but wherein one’s whole being is dedicated to our assurance lies in the fact that He that is God and His service. As good as social and in us is greater than he that is in the world. moral reform may be, they are never to be Our promise is that it is “not by might, substituted for personal conversion and con­ nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the secration. He who is snared into making Lord.” that substitute has the blood of souls on his hands. D e p r e s s e d b y E v il O u t b r e a k s Let the materialists oppose, if they will, The tension of modern life with its con­ but never temper a spiritual ministry to sequent disorders gives the true pastor so please a secular and godless age. Those pas­ many burdens that his heart is heavy. His tors whose ministry has been most fruitful spirit becomes fatigued, and he sees so were the ones who preached “plainly, par­ much that is disappointing because it is ticularly, and authoritatively.” They did patently far below what the individuals this while manifesting wisdom, meekness, could attain that the pastor must guard courtesy, and gentleness. Nevertheless, those lest he begin to scold and complain. As a who hear their message and feel their influ­ “son of consolation” he must share his peo­ ence know within themselves that they are ple’s sorrows; and he often hears sordid the ones in need of help. stories of the outbursts of evil among those The idea of the true pastor in all his min­ of whom he had reason to expect better istry is not “Where can I find pleasure and things. remuneration?” but “Where can I render Then there is the annoyance due to the service?” It is not “Where and how can I amazing pettiness that sometimes appears find satisfaction?” but “How may I help in the lives of those who profess the most others find abiding satisfaction?” There are grace. Thus, the pastor is made to realize many things which may, in their places, be the enormity and perversity of sin; and respectable and legitimate; but theirs is not seeing how easily his flock is led astray, he first place. That is reserved for things spir­ is tempted to discouragement by the easy itual. advantages Satan is allowed to gain over The so-called respectable secularism is a weak humanity. “Unless the Holy Spirit greater menace than blatant infidelity. One fills, the human spirit fails” in such a crisis; says that there is no God, and that brands for one tends to get his eyes on the woes it as foolishness. The other lives as if there of man rather than the glorious gospel which were no God, and that pleases carnal man. is the power of God unto salvation. Take Secularism glorifies “table serving,” whereas heart, weary but faithful pastor, for many the need of the age is “an apostolic ministry a long night of pastoral labor that seemed of prayer and the utterance of God’s own fruitless was followed by a record catch message.” “in the morning.” As the pastor goes in and out among his O v e r w h e l m e d b y t h e S p i r i t o f t h e A ge people and witnesses the tragic breakup The greatest peril of the pastor is not of home and family life, he must be ever that he shall plunge into some enormous on the alert lest he relax his moral vigilance, evil without warning, but that he shall be and in an hour of depression and discourage­ undermined by a number of “little” things, ment leave the door open for Satan to enter one of which is too much dependence upon and secure his overthrow in an unguarded ecclesiastical machinery. One danger is that moment. this tends to develop more regard for ma­ chinery than fellowship with the saints. I s o l a t i o n f r o m t h e C o m m u n i t y Such a pastor loses the blessing of spiritual The final peril to be mentioned is one that values and associations. should be given serious consideration by Another phase of this peril is the tend­ the pastor of a church with the full-gospel ency to estimate success by numbers. That message: the isolation of his church from caused David (and many of his modern the community. descendants!) no end of trouble. While one To be sure, there are many arguments is not to “bum incense to statistics,” he about the church’s relation to the com­ should not disregard the proper significance munity, but for every church that has catered of numbers which should serve as guides, to the community’s whims to the hurt of not goals. the church’s mission and message, there If one develops too great a number-con­ are a dozen that are dying because the sciousness, it is followed by discouragement community came to feel that the church and despair due to the number and nature had no meaning for them.

18 (86) The Preacher's Magazine There are very many things of vital inter­ rare occasions when they go afield to “pick est to the community in which the church up a stray sheep.” The other extreme is also has a vital interest. And any church that of being so busy making contacts here, that is carrying out the commission of our there, and everywhere, spending so much Lord is obligated to be community con­ time trying to fill the demands made upon scious. The craze for organization which has one by the insignificant “extras,” that there swept the land produced a large number is little time left for one’s main work: the and variety of groups with which the church shepherding of the flock committed to one’s needs to be acquainted. With some of care. them, doubtless, friendly relations would Whatever outside contacts are made, they be definitely to the church’s advantage be­ should be kept in subordination to the cause the church and its minister are looked church’s main mission, the winning of the upon as representing Christ’s interests. lost to Christ, the building up of converts There are two extremes to be avoided in Christ, and the sending forth of laborers here, as everywhere. One extreme is that to work for Christ. When Spirit-filled men narrow sectarianism which has no fellow­ and women undertake this work, under the ship with any except those of their own guidance of a Spirit-filled pastor, heaven particular “faith and order,” making very will be enriched, earth will be improved, few outside contacts except upon those and hell will be impoverished.

Religion and Business handed to the next, and so on until the When religion and business interests come last one in the line had taken the poisonous into conflict, it is normally too bad for re­ draught.- However, if the one in front drank ligion. It is amazing how many men will all the poison, the others, according to law, choose hogs instead of redeemed, trans­ went free. Jesus stood at the head of the formed manhood. Roger Babson tells of be­ line; He tasted death for every man; now ing entertained in the home of a cattle we may go free. fancier who was inordinately proud of his blooded stock. He showed Mr. Babson through his splendid barns and displayed a Co-operation Needed surprising knowledge of the pedigrees of his A colored man had an unusually beau­ prize cattle. After returning to the house, tiful flower garden. A neighbor remarked a young man called for the daughter of the to him: “Uncle Mose, the Lord has given home and they went out together. When Mr. you a very fine flower garden.” Babson asked the father who the young “Yessah, yessah,” replied the colored man was, he received a nonchalant reply. man, “but you ought to have seen it when “Oh, I don’t know. Some friend of my the Lord did all the work himself.” daughter, I guess.” And Mr. Babson ob­ serves that here was a man who thought more of the pedigree of his choice stock than Effectual Prayer he did of the pedigree of the young man who was seeking the hand of his daughter. Do you know what happened on that day When, burdened for souls, you tried to pray? Do you think you failed to touch the throne Need of the Church When your lips were dumb, your prayer a A newspaper editor in the Southwest, groan? writes: “Life as it flows across my desk is not Over the sea, in a hot, dry land, always pretty. Violence, injustice, hy­ A sower sowed with a faltering hand—■ pocrisy, hatred—these make the headlines. But, lo, in that hour refreshing came; But there is more to life than that—peace, God’s servant spoke with a tongue of flame; justice, sincerity, generosity, love. I need And souls, long steeped in a land of night, the church. It helps to give me a sane per­ Passed from gloom to marvelous light. spective. It renews my faith in humanity Away from idols they turned to God, and its destiny. It keeps alive those spiritual Finding their peace in Jesus’ blood. perceptions which all too often are almost smothered under the week’s load of grizzly For your faith had moved God’s mighty events.” hand, And rain came down in a desert land. He Tasted Death for Every Man (Heb. 2:9) —E v a n g e l ic a l C h r i s t i a n In ancient time criminals were put to death by being compelled to drink a deadly If you have love in your heart, you’ll poison. Sometimes several were to be put to death at the same time. They were meet it down every highway and byway, formed in a line. The one at the head of smiling for you.—Wesleyan Christian Ad­ the line took the cup, drank from it, and vocate. March-April, 1950 (87) 19 Ministerial Responsibility for Christian Ethics By Delbert R. Gish

Article I

e c a u s e nothing less than sterling char­ history when the manifestation of love was acter will pass the scrutiny of God, it so complete and wholehearted as in the Bis essential that God’s ministers should giveEarly Church. much attention to the realm of Christian While love has never been superseded or ethics. Outward conduct is not an infallible surpassed as a basic Christian ethical prin­ sign of the state of a Christian’s character; ciple, there have been periods when human but except for the wisdom of God and the interpretations of it in daily living somewhat self-knowledge of the individual person, obscured the real meaning of the principle it is the only basis for judgment. It is rea­ itself. Beginning in the fourth century, re­ sonably accurate. “I will shew thee my faith ligious writers said more and more about by my works” (James 2:18). chastity, and spoke of it as the dominant All ministers know that the chief danger virtue. The ideal follower of Christ must with regard to right conduct is less the withdraw from the world to the place of lack of information than laxity in perform­ refuge, the monastery. If he would be per­ ance. Most people in Christian countries fect, he must remain unmarried, and re­ (even those who are not Christians) know nounce pleasure and worldly goods. Love basically how a Christian ought to act, but came to be interpreted as self-denial. Fel­ go away sorrowful when the demands of the lowship with one’s neighbor, and especially gospel are made personal. The human in­ with members of the opposite sex, was now clination is to play the role of spectator and regarded as a snare by those who sought to judge rather than that of doer of ethical love God with a whole heart. principles. A third fashion in Christian ethics which came into prominence in the medieval In matters of conduct one of the subtle Church was that of performing penances. dangers for Christians is that we shall keep One common way of trying to make expia­ most of the law, like the rich young ruler, tion for sin was that of going on armed yet fail in one point and thus be guilty of pilgrimages for the Church, the most famous all. It is but a human tendency to focus being those to the Holy Land in the eleventh attention upon the matters which clamor and twelfth centuries. Here again the hu­ for consideration at the moment and inad­ man concern for a single formula of con­ vertently neglect what may be the “weight­ duct appeared. Men have always longed ier matters of the law.” Very often, under for some one principle of action of which pressure, we become like watchers of the it could be said, “ This do, and thou shalt levee in flood time looking for leaks and be saved.” breaks, finding it necessary to concentrate Modern fashions in ethics have included upon the larger leaks first. Worldliness is the social gospel with its reforms in human so subtle that it may creep in at a spot that relationships; they also include prohibition is unnoticed while we are busy reinforc­ crusades, foreign missionary enthusiasm, and ing a weak place that has been observed. church federation. Some groups have high­ This tendency toward complete concen­ lighted their opposition to war. Others have tration on single phases of Christian ethics spoken out on the evils of tobacco, the dance, is noticeable in the history of the Chris­ and movies. The fact that these points are tian Church. During the first three cen­ emphasized by various groups does not turies after Christ, the emphasis of the necessarily mean that other phases of Chris­ Church was upon charity, or Christian love. tian ethics are neglected, but the risk is The early Christians manifested devoted­ always present. This much may be said: ness to God and to one another in a way There are recurrent manifestations of sin that attracted the attention of their pagan which must be met by energetic and timely neighbors. The inspiration for all this was Christian crusades. It is the minister’s re­ found, of course, in the teachings of Jesus sponsibility to detect these fashions, to or­ and the apostles. Genuine Christianity has ganize his forces, and to launch the attack. always been characterized by Christian Satan’s agents will not be idle and neither love, yet there have been few periods in must the man of God. 20 (88) The Preacher's Magazine As shepherds of the flock of God, minis­ and the common life was regarded as a sort ters serve not only to protect their charges of second best. Such a position is certainly from outside marauders, but to see that they not Biblical. It would be tragic if we should do not harm themselves by ill-advised and allow it to come into existence in holiness unwise conduct. The truth is that the min­ circles. The standard of perfection has ister’s example will carry more weight than comparatively little connection with a per­ his defensive action. No one is more closely son’s occupation or condition in life. watched than the minister; hence it follows Thus the example of the minister should that no one needs to be more careful in his be primarily that of a child of God rather walk. Blessed is that minister who is so than of a professional man or woman. His upright in conduct that he can sincerely salvation comes on the same terms as that say with Paul: “Those things, which ye of the layman. Whatever works of superer­ have both learned, and received, and heard, ogation he does for the sake of his minis­ and seen in me, do: and the God of peace terial standing are between him and God. shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9). He may choose to wear a special ministerial There are, of course, some religious garb—let him not forget that that is a groups which hold that the moral life of private preference. He must maintain an the minister has little to do with his ad­ attitude of dignity in his profession, but he ministration of spiritual matters. We should should not expect all about him to do like­ accept this proposition only to a limited wise. As a Christian, however, in matters degree. A man and woman who are mar­ of right and wrong, he should demand and ried by a backslidden preacher are just as expect others to follow him. His parishioners truly joined together in holy wedlock as ought to live according to the Christian though the minister were in truth God’s principles they know, and if they lack man, provided that they were ignorant of knowledge, it is his business to enlighten his status and made their vows to God. A them. convert who yielded himself to God under The influence of the minister cannot be the preaching of a sinning evangelist may separated from that of his family. In gen­ find just as vital a faith as those who found eral the public will consider that he en­ God under Paul’s ministry. But such pos­ dorses everything that his family does. Hence sibilities do not alter the Biblical principle the importance of the injunction that a that the man of God must be an example bishop must be “one that ruleth well his of godliness to the flock. own house.” The time for beginning on While there is no dispute that the min­ this important item is before marriage. A istry is a high and holy calling, there is minister's training cannot begin too young. danger that the minister may overstress the Certainly preparation for the kind of ex­ difference between his profession and the ample he ought to set begins long before calling of the average layman. The min­ he ever sees his first parishioners. ister is but human (Acts 10:26), and the The minister’s responsibility for the moral­ possibilities of grace for him are the same ity of his people goes much farther than as for any earnest layman. Both must have the obligation to set an example. We have a pure and holy character in order to sat­ said that he must enlighten them. It is isfy God. his business to preach the fundamental doc­ Concerning this point, it is interesting to trines of Scripture upon which Christian notice that one of the early manuals of in­ ethics is based. He must have the skill and struction for Christians, called the Didache, insight to analyze and make plain the taught that there were levels of perfection. quirks of human nature, its tendencies to If one could do all that the Lord com ­ self-deception. Giving guidance concerning mands, then he would be perfect; but if not, new and untried paths (e.g., television) will he should do all that he is able. Eventually be his duty. At times he may be forced to this thought came to mean that if one could speak so vigorously on some issue that he get into some kind of Christian service, some will seem to have become all one-sided. special calling like the priesthood or life Nevertheless he must faithfully hold forth in the monastery, he could do God’s will per­ Bible standards, particularly emphasizing fectly. But if he were compelled to remain those that are needed at a given time. in an ordinary occupation, he was still, un­ Ministers are familiar with the common der even that handicap, to serve the Lord tricks of self-deceit because of plentiful op­ as well as possible. Thus came about the portunities to observe them, but we do not distinction between better and worse Chris­ often pause to put into words the things tians. Until the Protestant Reformation, we see. We know that when anyone is in­ piety was generally considered to be linked volved in questionable conduct he usually up with the immediate work of the Church, finds some way of justifying himself. Each March-April, 1950 (89) 21 wrongdoer feels himself to be an exception Scriptures. II Peter 1:5-7; Galatians 5:22- to the rule and has an argument to prove 23; and Philippians 4:8 are some of these. it. The faithful man of God must point out Love is the most exalted of these virtues, that there are no exceptions. “If we say we although purity, humility, patience, and have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the hope stand out as highly important. truth is not in us.” If an act is known to There are, however, two virtues which are be contrary to the command of God, then modes of expressing love, and which seem to no excuse that is offered can transform its deserve special emphasis among us because ugly face. Just as a means of being more of the character and composition of holiness practical at this point, let us notice some churches. We holiness people prize spir­ of the ways by which we human beings itual freedom. Wherever there is life, phys­ try to justify our less savory deeds. Note ical or spiritual, freedom will be in evi­ the following: dence. Yet life needs to be subject to 1. Even if I don’t come up to the standard controls.' Physical life gone berserk may be of perfection, my conduct is still better than tumor or cancer, and spiritual life uncon­ that of the world. trolled may result in the antinomian heresy 2. I didn’t intend to do wrong and, any­ or some other kind of fanaticism. Both Paul way, a right motive is all that God requires. and Peter (II Peter 1:6; Galatians 5:23; 3. I am wholly given over to God, so that Moffatt translation) called upon Christians whatever I do is really His action and His to practice self-control. It is among the responsibility. virtues which Peter said would keep us 4. I didn’t rebuke them (tellers of lewd from being unfruitful, whose absence would stories) because love is supposed to be kind amount to blindness. Every reference to free rather than harsh. will and every exhortation in the Scriptures 5. Just one time surely won’t hurt any­ to deeds of righteousness implies self-con­ thing. trol. In the lives of sanctified Christians, 6. I couldn’t help it. There wasn’t any­ self-control should be the consistent, con­ thing else to do. I couldn’t offend those peo­ tinuous will to live under the guidance of ple. the Holy Spirit. If there is any value in 7. It isn’t right, but even a Christian has works as an adjunct to salvation, then our to live. determined effort to live disciplined lives 8. Other Christians do this or other things and be instruments in His hands must please just as bad. Him. (Cp. Matt. 19:21; 23:23; 25:40.) 9. Sometime I’ll do it, but not now (ask It is precisely because human nature is forgiveness). weak and must depend upon God for 10. I am a person of influence in this strength that self-control is needed. Our church and I should certainly have some natural human inclination is to be inde­ privileges (to do wrong is a privilege). pendent when the going is easy, but a 11. I don’t have much influence; so what proper self-control will resist this inclina­ I do or don’t do won’t matter. tion and take precautions against the com­ 12. I’m sorry X had that accident, but it ing storm. The minister’s advice and looks like the hand of Providence. Who am example will be most effective at this point. Knowing the weak points of his flock, he I to meddle in God’s affairs?* can help them overcome temptation. The deceptive feature about several of Two practical matters come to mind. the above statements is that they might Tolstoy thought that gluttony was a root conceivably be acceptable reasons for cer­ vice, and that fasting was the touchstone tain actions, and their respectability as ex­ of self-control. Every man, with the help cuses in some situations is borrowed for un­ of his conscience, must be his own judge at worthy purposes. It is the minister’s task this point. But if a man can resist habitual to determine whether those in his care are facing facts or deceiving themselves. When self-indulgence in food and drink and he sees that the excuse is offered to cover pleasures in general, it may be that there up guilt feeling, he must be prepared to will be a carry-over of self-control in point out as confidently and boldly as Na­ other aspects of living. And that, says than did to David, “Thou art the man.” Peter, leads to fruitfulness. The antidote for all self-deceit and mis­ The second practical item concerns talka­ taken self-justification is the constant effort tiveness. Perhaps as much felt among to develop character and foster Christian holiness groups as anywhere else in the virtues. Various lists of these occur in the world is the need to bridle the tongue. Freedom of speech is a snare. Like all * For certain ideas with reference to self-deception, I am easy freedoms it may be quickly misused. indebted to Richard C. Cabot, THE MEANING OF RIGHT AND WRONG. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1933. Only constant vigilance and control will 22 (90) The Preacher's Magazine suffice to curb it, for often the man or souled, for he does not depend primarily woman who feels most free of condemnation upon men for his rewards. He cannot afford for evil speaking becomes the greatest ever to be so little in spirit that his actions offender. Above all, because he is a central arouse contempt. In order to teach his figure and a natural clearing-house for parishioners not to be unfair and hasty in much intimate personal information, the their judgments of others, not to be eager minister must be both an example and an to believe the worst in every situation, not admonisher of his flock. to be obsequious toward those of high None bears more responsibility than the station and hateful toward those of humble preacher for demonstrating and teaching the place, he must preach and live the truths virtue of self-control. For he must preach of the gospel. It is possible on every issue Jesus’ doctrine: “If any man will come after to take the small or the great view. In me .... let him deny himself.” He will time a flock will reflect and imitate the feel the constraint to follow the examples of spirit of their leader; therefore he cannot men like Paul (“I keep my body under”) afford to manifest any other spirit than and John Wesley, whose strict regimen and that of Christ. Magnanimity is the spirit exacting demands upon himself enabled of mercy, of the extra mile, of forgiveness, him to live an extraordinarily fruitful life. and of charity. It is like a magnet to at­ tract strangers to our churches. We call attention to one other somewhat comprehensive virtue or quality of spirit Seldom does the spiritual life or quality of which the preacher should be a fervent of conduct of a church group rise higher example and teacher. Although the King than that of its leader. Our ministers have James Bible does not use the word “mag­ powerful influence upon us. Even though nanimity,” it is implied over and over in there are some independent souls in every passages as Romans 12:9-21 and I Corin­ congregation, the rank and file depend upon thians 13. Even the best sanctified man in the guidance of those who are ordained to the world can thirst after it, for no one minister to them. As he lives up to his can ever be more magnanimous than he trust and speaks forth the Word of G6d, should be. There are yet unreached the leader of the flock, will “be a good heights in brotherly love, generous atti­ minister of Jesus Christ.” “In doing this tudes, nobility of soul, patience, and kindly thou shalt both save thyself, and them that consideration of those strange people who hear thee” (I Tim. 4:16). vociferously differ with us. For most of the historical data used the source is A. C. Knudson, PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS. New York: The man of God can afford to be great- Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, 1943. PHILEMON By the late J. Warren Slote

ie Epistle of Philem on is a beautiful worker, and Archippus, whom Paul recog­ piece of literature as well as a most nizes as a fellow soldier, evidently the son Pimportant document from the standpointof Philemon and Apphia. We are not cer­ of Christian doctrine and ethics. It is one tain regarding the identity of Archippus, of the letters Paul wrote during his im­ but he must have rendered some service prisonment at Rome. Paul, in the salutation, which Paul considered worthy of recogni­ describes himself as a prisoner of Jesus tion, and the most logical conclusion is Christ. He includes Timothy as at least that he was a member of the household of confirming his message, if not its coauthor. Philemon, the son of Philemon and Apphia. It is just possible that Paul is expressing This identification and interpretation seems the sentiments of Timothy as well as his confirmed by the fact that Paul calls at­ own in including his name in the saluta­ tention to the place at which the local tion of this short note. congregation had its meeting place by re­ The letter is addressed to Philemon, one ferring to this congregation as the church of the members of the church at Colossae. in thy house. It is likely that Philemon Paul refers to Philemon as a dearly beloved and Apphia and Archippus not only per­ one who is a fellow laborer. This evidently mitted the congregation to make their home means that Philemon was a prominent lay­ its meeting place, but did all to further man in the church of which he was a mem­ the interests of the Christian group, and ber. Paul addresses Apphia also, evidently that for this reason Paul includes the en­ the wife of Philemon, who was his co­ tire family in his salutation. By the way,

March-April, 1950 (91) 23 Bishop Lightfoot thinks Philemon and make up for any lack of responsibility or Apphia and Archippus were martyred dur­ deficiency in service or dishonesty of ing the persecution of the Christians which which he was guilty prior to the time he took place under Nero, not too long after left. If, however, such is not the case, and this epistle was written. there is anything due you from him, please Paul pronounces grace and peace from charge it to my account. I will repay it. God the Father and from the Lord Jesus As certification of this promise, I am Christ upon the trio before proceeding to writing this note with my own hand. Then make known the purpose of his message. Paul adds the following word: Philemon, Following what has been said about the do not forget that you yourself are a congregation meeting in the home of the debtor because of the grace of God mani­ family of Philemon, which congregation fested to you. He might have had in Paul lovingly addresses as “ the church in mind the statement of Jesus, viz., “If ye thy house,” Paul tells Philemon, head of forgive not men their trespasses, neither the family, to whom the message is officially will your heavenly Father forgive you.” addressed, that he thanks God for him and Now, please, adds Paul, let me have the particularly for his love and faith expressed joy of knowing that you are granting my toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints. request so that my inner man may be re­ Paul adds that he prays that the communi­ freshed by the good news. As a matter of cation of his faith may become effectual fact, I have confidence that you will do by the acknowledgment of every good as I request. I might add that by your thing which he enjoys and of which he prayers I hope to have the privilege of partakes by Jesus Christ. The remarkable visiting you a little later and ask that you statement in verse seven should be noted. prepare for me a place to stay while I Here Paul says in substance that we (Paul am in your city. and Timothy) have great joy and con­ Just a final word of farewell: I have solation because of the manifestation of other friends with me in Rome, and these love causing refreshment in the inner life salute you: Epaphras, my beloved fellow of the saints. Paul then uses the finest term prisoner (doubtless also in a Roman cell which it is possible for him or anyone to or custody), and Marcus (John Mark), use with reference to another. It is the Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas (Luke, the term “brother.” beloved physician), all fellow laborers Now Paul comes to the point of his with me in the gospel. message, and introduces it by a very sig­ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be nificant statement, which is essentially as given you. Amen. follows: The matter about which I am The historical event which forms the writing is placed in the form of a request. basis for this epistle has symbolic meaning Due to my superiority in office as an in several directions. Perhaps the most im­ apostle, the apostle to the Gentiles, I could portant symbolic item is the change in exercise my authority and give you a com­ Onesimus, the servant of Philemon. mand; but for love’s sake, and particularly Onesimus was an unprofitable servant, a considering my age and the fact that I runaway slave. Onesimus heard the glori­ am a prisoner of Jesus Christ (in a Roman ous truth of the everlasting gospel from the cell), instead of commanding you I plead lips of Paul. This truth found lodgment in for the request I am about to make. The his heart and, working therein, wrought request is in behalf of my son, Onesimus. a change, so that Onesimus the undepend­ He has become my son because he has able and unprofitable became Onesimus the been begotten in my bonds, that is, while true and trustworthy. I was (and still am) in bonds. Onesimus, The change in the life of Onesimus was as you well know, was to you an unprofit­ brought about through the labors of Paul, able servant; but since he has been who, true to the trust reposed in him, pro­ begotten (born again) is no longer un­ claimed the gospel everywhere and under profitable, but rather profitable both to all circumstances, even while in jail in you and to me. Gladly would I retain him bodily discomfort. in my service as a helper in my ministry; Every man is a spiritual Onesimus in but since he is your servant legally, I am the sense that by nature he is unprofitable sending him back to you with this mes­ to God, his Maker and Master. Every sage. No doubt his departure from your man may experience the change symbolized household (absence without leave) was a in the life of Onesimus and, instead of matter of great inconvenience to you. But remaining an unprofitable servant, may it has been providentially overruled, and become a profitable servant to God. The I am sure when Onesimus returns he will means by which this change may come 24 (92) The Preacher's Magazine about is the same gospel which Paul pro­ peace for pain, life instead of cold, stark claimed, namely, the gospel of our Lord death, and song in place of mourning. Jesus Christ, who, by His atonement, pro­ Then the wounds of earth will be healed. vided the power (dynamite) which, enter­ We shall forget the tragic experiences of ing the heart as the result of the hearing of the past. Our roses will have lost their the gospel, changes it. From this inward thorns, our swords will be beaten into plow­ change stems an outward change which shares, and our spears into pruning hooks. makes the difference between unprofitable “Nation shall not lift up sword against and profitable. nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). The song, “Your Roses May Have MODERN GOSPEL Thoms,” was written in the year 1925, during the time of our pastorate in In­ SONG STORIES dianapolis, Indiana. One Sunday morning we had invited Rev. C. W. Ruth to preach. S u p p l i e d b y H a l d o r L i l l e n a s During his discourse he said, “Your roses YOUR ROSES MAY HAVE THORNS may have thorns; but don’t forget, your By Haldor Lillenas thorns may have some roses, too!” In the garden of life we find a variety Prof. Kenneth Wells, one of our gifted of flowers. All of them have their own evangelistic singers, being seated beside me peculiar charm. In plucking the rose, one on the platform, remarked: “Brother Lil­ of the loveliest of blooms, we are often lenas, do you not think that would make pricked by the thorns. These, for some a good theme for a gospel song?” I re­ strange reason not known to us, infest this plied that I thought it had too many briers attractive plant. However, in a short while to make a practical song. Nevertheless, our pain is forgotten in the pleasure we the idea lingered with me, and within enjoy from the exotic beauty and fragrance a few days I had written both words and of the rose. music. Within a week I sang it as a solo It is one of the mercies of our Heavenly to my congregation. Since that time the Father that He permits the hand of time to song has become popular and gone into erase from our memory the bitter things of virtually every community in this country— life, while we remember the pleasant ex­ and other nations. It has found its way to periences of the past. We remember the radio microphones, and is used in hospitals, roses while we forget the thorns. Does it sick rooms, jails, penitentiaries, and at not seem strange that in reviewing your funerals, in addition to becoming a congre­ yesterdays they seem more beautiful than gational number. the present? The sorrows that have come to you unbid­ The reason is that God-given enabling, den causing you to forget the dark and somber Have often brought a peace before un­ things of the past, while you remember the known; bright and the beautiful. From this it would The Maker of your destiny is striving appear that, after all, the pleasant and To fit your heart to be His royal throne.* lovely, the good and the true, are the things * Copyright 1925, by Haldor Lillenas. Nazarene Publishing House, owner. that abide. They abide not only now, but in our tomorrows, and in that fadeless land where our roses have no thorns. WHILE I AM ON MY KNEES We should all be profoundly grateful that there are more roses than thorns. Life B y P a u l H o o r n s t r a has more sunshine than shadows, and more While I am on my knees, I find a new sweet than bitter. We are living in a day love and appreciation for those who do when there is much distress among the not appreciate me. nations. The dark shadow of war hangs like If my own people give credit elsewhere a pall over the entire world. Men’s hearts for their new victory in Christ (to evan­ are failing them for fear. But there is light gelists, guest preachers, etc.), even though on the hills, and a new day must soon I have labored faithfully to help them in dawn. The Sun of Righteousness will arise the same points, while on my knees I find with healing in His wings. myself thanking God for their new victory The people of God are watching and regardless of who receives the credit. waiting for the Great Deliverer, who will For what am I thankful? I’m thankful bring order out of chaos. He will give us for their occasion to give credit to som e­

March-April, 1950 (93) 25 one. After all, my labor is so my people will never been answered, for the simple reason have something new within that gives rise it cannot be done. While His followers can­ to new appreciation. It really makes no not reach the standard of absolute perfection difference who receives the credit, for what that He reached, yet they are commanded I want is that my people shall possess to be perfect as the Father is perfect (Matt. Something worthy of credit. Then if that 5:48); urged by St. Paul to have “the mind credit settles down upon someone else, [disposition] of Christ” (Philippians 2:5). fine. They have come into possession of Christ himself prayed for the sanctification something that caused them to offer that of His followers, that they might be one as credit; and possession of that new victory He and the Father were one, in order that is the thing that concerns me. the world might be convinced (John 17:17, They are my sheep and I love them. If one 21, 23). A clean heart is a heart like His, becomes bruised and torn, and if I bind it and out of that heart will flow that which is up tenderly, I have filled my pastoral Christlike, for “out of it [the heart] are the privileges in the incident. Then, when that issues of life” (Prov. 4:23; Matt. 12:34). sheep is whole again and gives the credit Truth is a test of character. It is the to another for the healing oil and for the highest thing possible; a lie, the lowest. The tender care—well, I’m not too much con­ Lord said, “ I am .... the truth.” Paul cerned. My concern is that the sheep might speaks of Christ as the lesson of truth, be well. If it is well and whole, then I can “learned Christ”; Christ as the Teacher of rejoice and not worry about the “credit.” truth, “taught by him”; Christ as the stan­ I find this deep love for my people— dard of truth, “As the truth is in Jesus” those who don’t appreciate me—while I’m (Eph. 4:20-22). All truth is of God, on my knees. though all truth is not saving truth. Truth is fundamental to character. It may be vio­ lated by action without word. To leave the The Master and Character impression that a thing is not when it is, or that it is when it is not, is to lie. A ques­ B y P e t e r W i s e m a n tion mark may be raised over a person’s he Lord Jesus Christ rebuked the character by a shrug of the shoulders. Some T Pharisees for their empty externalism. person has defined a lie thus: “To do or say Ceremonies and forms meant nothing to something untrue with the intention to de­ Him unless there was spirit behind them, a ceive.” And “all liars,” says the Book, “shall spiritual urge within, a heart to love and have their part in the lake which burneth serve. “The hireling fleeth, because he is an with fire and brimstone” (Rev. 21:8). Is a hireling.” Out of what he is, action is ex­ lie, then, ever justifiable? pressed. This is a point on which the Lord Jesus laid great emphasis. “From within, Speech is a test of character. If by our words we shall be justified or by our words out of the heart of men, proceed evil we shall be condemned (Matt. 12:26, 27), thoughts.” “Make the tree good, and his then our words should be the very oracles of fruit [will be] good.” “If ye love me, keep God (I Peter 4:11). They should be worthy my commandments.” and profitable. “ Silence is golden.” Our Mr. Moody said, “Character is what a man Lord was silent before the Sanhedrin (Matt. is in the dark.” That is true. The Lord laid 26:62, 63), before Pilate (Mark 15:3-5), the guilt of committal at the door of an before Herod (Luke 23:8-11). The New unclean heart, a lustful look (Matt. 5:27, 28). Testament condemns foolish talking and It is not, then, so much what a person does jesting (Eph. 5:4), gossip and tattling (I as it is what a person is, what he is “in the dark,” what he is when no person is looking. Tim. 5:13), uncleanness, evil suggestiveness, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5: and such like. Our words should be words 48). “Ye are,” says Paul, “God’s workman­ of truthfulness. Jesus spoke the truth ship [poem].” “Ye are the epistles of Christ.” (John 16:7). He came to bear witness to the “Ye are.” That is the emphasis. truth (John 18:37). God is the God of truth (Ps. 31:5). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of The Lord Jesus Christ is the great Ideal, the great Example, of character. He con­ truth (John 14:17; 15:26). The Word is sidered himself holy enough to show the truth (John 17:17). God’s children are chil­ Father: “He that hath seen me hath seen dren of truth. They both tell the truth and the Father.” He was without guile, without do the truth (John 3:21). They worship sin. He was the sinless One. His challenge, in truth (John 4:24). The truth makes them “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” has free (John 8:32).

26 (94) The Preacher's Magazine Toward a Definition of Christian Education By Westlake T. Purkiser, Ph.D.

(Address repeated by request at the District Superintendents’ Conference, Kansas City, 1950)

hen our general superintendents, in their last quadrennial address, challenged the W educators of the church to present a definite philosophy of education, they did not mean that we have not had one, but that we have not said enough about it. We have as­ sumed what should have been asserted. To this end, then, I offer you tonight a tentative definition of what may be conceived to be the nature and scope of Christian higher educa­ tion. Our title, Christian education, is, of course, synthetic. That is, it joins together two ideas not essentially related, however well they may go together. Many have taken them to be contrary, and have supposed that one excludes the other. It is certainly possible to be edu­ cated, highly educated, and not be Christian. And it is equally possible to be Christian without the advantage of much, if any, formal education. But it will be the point of this address that education is not what it ought to be and can be without a vital sense of spir­ itual values; and that the Christian faith finds many of its best examples and strongest proponents among those who have disciplined their minds to an unending quest for truth. Critics of higher education are legion in our day, and the almost monotonous theme of their criticism is the sense of indirection, of uncertainty, which pervades the educational scene. Modern educators do not seem to know exactly what their goals are. There seems to be a strange lack of any clear concept of what the educated man should be like. We are much like the cavalier in Stephen Leacock’s essay, who, being in a hurry, jumped on his horse and rode rapidly off in all directions. In contrast, the Christian educator should have a definite conviction as to the scope of his task. He must envision clearly its goals, lest he, too, lose the forest in the abundance of the trees of academic trivia. He must also be aware of the major paths by which these goals are to be reached, for to have a beautiful ideal with no means to reach it is at best of dubious value. We in the Church of the Nazarene believe in higher education. The fact that we have invested almost five million dollars in our colleges and seminary bears witness to the sincerity of this conviction. But we are convinced that education alone will not solve our human predicament. As Mr. Don Macmillan, city manager of Pasadena, said on the occa­ sion of groundbreaking for our new library building a few months ago, “Education without God but gives us greater capacity to get into trouble.” Therefore, with us, education must first of all be Christian. We do not mean by this that in a college otherwise secular there shall be maintained a department of religion, or that a few units of Biblical literature shall be required for graduation, or that chapel at­ tendance shall be compulsory. We mean by this that our educational program shall be unequivocally and unashamedly Christian to its very core. I realize the vagueness often associated with this wonderful term, but it is here used very explicitly and definitely. At risk of seeming to elaborate the obvious, let me point out that there are two aspects of the Christian life important for a proper understanding of its significance. These may be termed the subjective and the objective, the inner and the outer, the crisis and the process. To us, the term “Christian” shall always carry the connotation of the experiential. We shall ever hold in focus the primary truth that a person becomes a Christian only by com­ ing into a vital, personal relationship to God wherein he receives an infusion of divine life we recognize as the new birth. And we shall ever lay equal stress upon the necessity of a complete commitment to God on the part of the regenerated individual wherein his moral nature is completely cleansed of all depravity, and his total being so integrated in harmony with the will of God that he loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and hfe neighbor as himself. It is to this latter element, that of entire sanctification, that we feel called to give special emphasis. The Christian way of life seems destined to face unprecedented challenges in the days that lie ahead. On one hand is atheism, which now finds its most vigorous em­ bodiment in the dialectical materialism of Karl Marx and Russian Communism, and which seems avowedly embarked on a program of world-conquest, as another swaggering anti­ christ. On the other hand is secularism, that insidious practical atheism which does not

March-April, 1950 (95) 27 deny the existence but simply ignores the claims of God, and which is the moral and spiritual termite boring from within our foundations. Hunter Blakely, president of Queen’s College, put it in sharp focus when he declared last fall, “Democracy is deeply rooted in Christian faith. The most dangerous blind spot in modern life is the impression that we can preserve the fruits of democracy without its roots. The concepts of democracy—free­ dom, respect for life, the worth of the individual, a sense of personal responsibility—are not basic but are derivative, flowing out of our Christian heritage.” This is not said to inject any note of pessimism or fear, but to indicate that this age demands Christianity at its summit. A weak, vacillating, uninspired, and unimpassioned church has no future in a world such as we face in the early tomorrows. We must have normal, not nominal Christianity. We must have religion in the vigor and intensity of the New Testament standard, pure and undefiled before God, and Spirit-anointed to face fear­ lessly a decadent age. These are times cut to order for genuine Christianity. Anything less than Christian holiness is subnormal. Anything other than Christian holiness is abnormal. This, and this alone, is normal—and this, and this alone, is sufficient for a generation like ours. The centrality of the crisis and experiential side of salvation means that the altar and the revival will always be focal aspects of religious life on the campuses of our holiness colleges. The ideals of spiritual power which our young lay and ministerial leaders form will not be derived from what we tell them about the revivals of the past, but from what they see of the workings of the Holy Ghost in the present. But the objective or process side of our Christian heritage is of equal concern. To question which is the more important of these two, the subjective or the objective, is much on a par with the question as to which is the more imporant wing of a bird in flight. The objective is impossible without the subjective; and the subjective is worthless without the objective. Much that might be said here must remain implicit rather than be made explicit for sheer lack of time. As the term “Christian” connotes vital experiences of regeneration and sanctification, no less does it connote the attitudes, skills, and knowledge essential to enable the individual to be an active and constructive participant in the program and work of the visible Church. There is a tendency to separate these two aspects of religion. It is sometimes made a matter of “either .... or,” when in truth it is a question of “both .... and.” To be Chris­ tian, one must not only have a subjective religious experience; he must be disposed, trained, and constantly encouraged to find his place of service in the Christian community. By crisis—a subjective experience—one becomes a member of the organism, the true Church of Christ. By process—objective training—he becomes a member of the organization, the visible Church of Christ. “What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” So, in this sense, education must be, for the Church of the Nazarene, truly Christian. But it must be more. It must be education of the highest quality. The Christian educator has not less to do than others, but more. We can no more allow the substitution of good intentions and pure motives for objective achievements in the realm of educational activity than we can allow it in the realm of the Christian life. A newspaper classified advertise­ ment carried a request for a maid, with the added note, “No objection to a Christian, if she can cook.” It is not hard to read between these lines the story of what had previously happened in that home. Someone had substituted piety for efficiency, with sad gastronomic results. We must have consecrated teachers, but they must be good teachers. Our schools must always be Christian, but they must be good schools. When young people graduate from our colleges, they must have had an education of such quality as will enable them to compete on equal terms with the graduates of any other college in the land, in life, in business, in the professional schools, or in university graduate schools. Now, I do not propose to attempt a complete statement of the goals of higher education, as they are recognized among us. If the volumes which have been written on this subject have neither solved nor settled these problems, they shall certainly not be solved tonight. In fact, Lowry Harding has recently written in good-humored sarcasm, “The major role of leadership in education is said to be the meeting and solution of problems...... Prob­ lems in education must be recognized and faced, but left unsolved in a masterful manner. If the problems were solved, there would be no need for leadership. Where would educa­ tion be without leadership? And where would leadership be without problems?” The function of education at any level is to conserve, enrich, and transmit the distinc­ tive culture of the society which supports it, and we have come to believe that the liberal arts college is the type of higher educational institution best fitted to accomplish this end.

28 (96) The Preacher's Magazine This insight, however, has not been gained without some trial and error. We have tried the Bible school organization, but found that it could serve the interests of too few of our young people. We have even attempted the university type of organization. We have had Texas Holiness University, Peniel University, Central Nazarene University, Illinois Holi­ ness University, Olivet University, and Pasadena University. In the case of Pasadena University, it was not only the obvious difficulties the undergraduates must have experi­ enced in referring to “good old P.U.” which led to the change in organization, and name some thirty years ago, but the recognition that it would be better for us to say with Paul, “This one thing I do,” than to be forced to confess, “These dozen things I dabble in.” It is true, of course, that the college is an instructional rather than a research institu­ tion. Its primary task is to sift, select, and interpret rather than to enlarge the borders of existing knowledge. But this selective and interpretative function is, after all, as important as the creative. We must have facts, but we must also be sensitive to what those facts mean in the light of the whole life of man. It is for this task that the college of liberal arts, as distinct from the university or research institution, is peculiarly fitted. What, then, must our educational effort accomplish if it is to succeed? What outcomes may it envision? The specific goals of higher education in general, and Christian higher education in particular, may be enumerated as six: First, a command of the communications skills, the ability to read and understand, and to write and speak the English language clearly, correctly, and forcefully. This is certainly not solely the task of the English department nor of the speech arts. To gener­ alize and cultivate such abilities is the task of the entire college, and must be a major objective of every department. Second, an understanding of the social process, of the principles of group life as worked out in the institutions of local, state, national, and international communities, with a view to contributing, as it has been said, “a sound mind to the body politic.” The Chris­ tian should be a good citizen. Third, a grasp of the basic concepts of mathematics and the natural sciences, with special emphasis on the nature of the scientific method of dealing with the descriptive and quantitative aspects of the universe, as contrasted with those normative and qualitative aspects which are the concern of philosophy and religion. Our young people need to real­ ize that while scientific men may sometimes be irreligious, in the nature of the case, there can never be any conflict between science and religion. Science is morally neutral, and whether it shall work for us good or ill depends entirely upon the ends to which we devote the almost limitless means with which it has provided us. Fourth, the ability to weigh and discriminate values: aesthetic, logical, moral, and spiritual values. In every area of life, we must learn to discriminate between judgments of fact and judgments of value. We must be alert to the situation that everything which is, not necessarily ought to be. We must recognize that the relativity of morals, about which we have heard so much, is not a relativity of morals as such, but a relativity in our oft- mistaken judgments about right and wrong. At this point, and for this purpose, we emphasize the serious, scholarly study of the Bible. It is scarcely conceivable that anyone in our Western culture would consider him­ self liberally educated who remains in ignorance of the greatest volume on spiritual and moral values the world has ever had. The classic words of Woodrow Wilson, onetime head of Princeton University, and twenty-eighth president of the United States, should be heard in every classroom across this country where the development and establishment of moral character is a serious objective: “The Bible is the word of Life. I beg that you will read it and find this out for yourself—read, not little snatches here and there, but long passages that will readily be the road to the heart of it. You will find it full of the things you have wondered about and been troubled about all your life...... When you have read the Bible you will know that it is the word of God, because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your own conscience, and your own duty.” Fifth, such information as is required for, and a lasting appreciation of the importance of, physical health. A sound mind requires a sound body. In the context of Christian edu­ cation, this means the awareness that each young person has a lifelong task as caretaker of the temple of the Holy Spirit. The last, but not the least, of the specific goals of higher education is the necessary information, skills, attitudes, and abilities essential for the successful prosecution of some honorable vocation—a bread winning skill. It is particularly important that Christian young people come to view the field of a lifework as an opportunity for service to the kingdom of God, regardless of the so-called secular character of the employment.

March-April, 1950 (97) 29 In addition to these major goals, there are certain underlying attitudes which Christian higher education would strive to inculcate. The first of these is true tolerance—not the imitation tolerance which is really nothing but indifference, but tolerance grounded in a strong conviction that truth will triumph in the end. It is easy to call ourselves tolerant about those things for which we have no concern. But the tolerance which we need is that born in the quiet confidence of a reasonable faith. Closely allied is the demand for devotion to objective truth. The educated mind must be open but not empty, thoughtful but not gullible. The habit of constructive thinking, so essential for creative leadership, is one of the greatest safeguards we may have against persuasive propagandas and the shifting winds of doctrine which constantly blow over us. Finally, there is need for a realistic attitude toward the fundamental problems of our age. The easy optimism of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century has perished in the first birth-pangs of a new age. No longer are men convinced that progress is inev­ itable, that the millennium brought about by humanitarian reform is just around the corner. Two devastating wars, and the dreadful possibility of a third, have taught us bet­ ter. As Douglas MacArthur, general of the army, said on the deck of the battleship “Mis­ souri,” anchored in Tokyo harbor not five years ago: “We have had our last chance. If we do not now devise some greater and more equitable system [than war], Armageddon will be at our door. The problem basically is theological and involves a spiritual recrudesc­ ence and improvement of human character that will synchronize with our almost match­ less advance in science, art, literature and all material and cultural developments of the past 2,000 years. It must be of the spirit if we are to save the flesh.” That optimism has largely vanished does not mean that the opposite mood of pessimism is justified. Optimism asserts, Evil is but an illusion. Good will triumph without fail, and there is nothing we need to do about it. Pessimism claims that good is a phantasm, evil is inevitable, and there is nothing we can do about it. And as William James long ago pointed out, in either case the outcome is the same: nothing is done. But there is another attitude possible. It would recognize that evil is real, and every­ where deeply entrenched. But there is something we can do about it. It is the mood of the early circuit rider who announced as his text, “They that have turned the world upside down have come hither also.” “This text shows three things,” he said. “First, the world is upside down. Second, it should be turned right side up. And third, we are the ones to do it.” History has always been fashioned, whether for good or for evil, by creative minorities. The task of Christian higher education is to help fashion a creative minority which shall be for good and not for evil. The young leaders who are part of this creative group must be inspired by a realistic attitude which will neither be incapacitated by overconfidence in an easy victory nor paralyzed by fear of an unavoidable defeat. We cannot do everything, but must not on that account yield to the subtle temptation therefore to do nothing. Here we stand at midpoint in our century. And what of the future? The cynic claims that history repeats itself—that what has happened to the colleges of the older denomina­ tions will happen to the colleges of the Church of the Nazarene. But we as Nazarenes are out to prove that such historical fatalism is not necessarily true. We are out to demonstrate denominationally that a people can grow strong and numerous without losing their evan­ gelistic power and zeal for souls. And we are out to prove to the doubter that our holiness colleges and seminary may be academically respectable, and at the same time centers of holy fire and spiritual passion. The teaching commission of the church has been clearly given to us in the Word of God. The same Lord who gave His Church apostles and prophets, evangelists and pastors, has also given to her teachers. The function may be different, but the purpose is the same —“for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying [building up] of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” The teaching credential of the holiness college is definitely worded—“Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.” Three essentials are given here. “Tell the towers thereof.” The tower is the vantage point from which the watchman may see afar. The tower is the place of vision. Our Zion has high towers, a wide vision. What matter they said the Aguarunas couldn’t be reached, the Cape Verdes were impossible, the Transvaal hopeless? They said it couldn’t be done, but young Nazarenes didn’t know that—or knowing, didn’t care—and they went ahead and did it. For God-sent and divinely-

30 (98) The Preacher's Magazine led young people, the only difference between the difficult and the impossible is that it takes a bit longer to do the impossible. Our young men still see visions. We must tell of the towers to the generation following. Then, “mark ye well her bulwarks.” The bulwarks are the defenses, the ramparts, the fortifications and strength of the city. Not only has our Zion high towers; she has strong bulwarks. The joy of the Lord is her strength, a joy born of salvation experienced within, the joy of sins forgiven and hearts made pure. When his Master asked, “Whom say ye that I am?” Peter replied, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The answer of our Lord is assurance for today, “Blessed art thou .... flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee .... upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The revela­ tion of the divine Christ in our hearts by the Holy Ghost in regeneration and entire sancti­ fication—this is the rock upon which an invincible Church may withstand the gates of hell itself. “Mark ye well her bulwarks .... that ye may tell it to the generation following.” Then, “consider her palaces.” The palace was the dwelling place of the king, the place from which issued the royal decrees, the seat of authority. Our Zion has lofty towers, strong bulwarks, and a beautiful palace. For the palace is our truth, our doctrine, our authority to speak in the name of the King. We seek no new gospel. We want no re­ interpretation of holiness—only a re-emphasis. We believe in an inspired Bible, in the deity of Christ, the personality of the Holy Spirit, the impotence and doom of the natural man. We affirm the necessity of regeneration, followed by the second, instantaneous work of entire sanctification. We assert the witness of the Spirit, divine healing for the body, the second coming of Christ, the final judgment, and the rewards and punishments of eternity. We believe God has given us the best, most scriptural, and most complete system of theology this side of the apostolic age. We know what we preach, and we preach what we know. “Walk ye about our Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces.” Then, “tell it to the generation following.” What of the future? They asked it of Adoniram Judson at one of the darkest hours of that great missionary’s heartbreaking ministry in dark Burma. His answer has been quoted until it has become trite, but is still as true as the Word itself: “The future is as bright as the promises of God.” Holiness in higher education is past the experimental stage. It is here to stay—to stay until Jesus comes.

A charge to keep we have, To serve the present age, A God to glorify, Our calling to fulfill, Never-dying souls to save, Oh, may it all our powers engage And fit them for the sky. To do our Master’s will.

The Big Four in the Church By Joshua Stauffer

he Sunday school is a separate institu­ The Big Four in the Church—Opinions Ttion; yet it should be considered as an may differ as to who are the “big four” in integral part of the church, and be governed the church. We will suggest the four follow­ by the church. When the Sunday school is ing: the pastor, the Sunday-school super­ considered as a feeder for the church, it will intendent, the Sunday-school teacher, and receive more attention from the church. the father. The first named one owes a Each should help the other. The oft-re­ great obligation to the church; the second peated saying, “The youth of today will be one, to the entire Sunday school; the third, the church of tomorrow,” sounds very in­ to the entire class; and the fourth, to the teresting, but that will be too late. The home. youth of today need to be gathered into the The Pastor’s Relation to the Church and church today, and they need to become a School—There are many in the church who part of it. If we wait till tomorrow, the expect too much out of the pastor, even youth will be gone, and it will be too late. thinking he should do practically all of the All Sunday-school officials should be good church work. It is the duty of the pastor church members and have the burden of to take a vital interest in the church and the church on their hearts. the Sunday school. A thorough course in

March-April, 1950 (99) 31 pastoral theology and in Sunday-school work week, and demand diligent preparation on would be very profitable and practical for his part. Encouraging the pupils to remain him to pursue. If he is successful, it will not for worship services and to attend the mid­ be merely because of his own undertakings; week prayer meeting will be helpful to the but the wise and efficient pastor will instruct, pupil and the church. Being spiritual, a encourage, and agitate all church officials. good active church member, and living a holy The development and growth must come and influential life will leave its impress through these. If he is alert, he will study even after such a teacher deceases. the report of the school, the attendance, and The Father’s Relation to the Family—The the interest. Of course, he should be a mem­ church is made up of families. Salvation ber of the Sunday-school board and fre­ should go by the household. The responsi­ quently meet with the board. bility of a father is great. He, too, needs to The Superintendent’s Relation to the Sun­ be holy, live a godly life at home, be an day School—The superintendent’s position is active church member, maintain a family the most important in the church, even next altar, be careful what he says around the to the pastor. In a sense, he should be the family table in regard to the pastor, the pastor’s right-hand man. The best, holiest, Sunday-school superintendent, and teachers. most evangelistic, studious, and kindhearted If he speaks in a derogatory manner of these, leader in the church should hold this office. the chances of not winning his family to the He should hold it, that is, keep it until a Lord and the church will multiply. Speak­ better one can be selected. Some have held ing well of these and the sermon will have this office for fifteen, twenty, and twenty- a great wholesome effect on the family and five years, and longer. This is not too long also court God’s favor. He, too, needs to be if he is a good superintendent. Such leaders a good Sunday-school attender, taking his are too few in the church. All week long he family regularly to the school and church should pray, think, and plan for the follow­ services. When the fathers fail to co-operate, ing Sunday. Then, and only then, will he the battle of winning the children will in­ be loaded and ready. He will be on time or crease. ten minutes early to see that all goes well All Four Pulling Together—When these for a good start. Being wide-awake to see, four co-operate and pull together, they will feel, and fill the needs are his prerogatives. constitute a strong team to pull the children He will look well to see that all teachers into the Sunday school, the Kingdom, the do well. Making everyone appreciate him church, and into heaven. When these four by encouraging all, and practicing the art of co-operate, the Lord will help them; then appreciation are his privileges. Every op­ the chances are all will succeed. The pas­ portunity for succeeding will be taken ad­ tor’s interest in the pupil should be mani­ vantage of by him. Making the opening fested directly to each pupil and through the and closing exercises inspiring and inter­ superintendent, the teacher, and the father. esting will be another string which he will The superintendent’s interest in the pupil pull. Being concerned about absentees will also should manifest itself directly to each also receive his attention. Instructing the pupil, then through the teachers and the school occasionally and briefly along lines fathers of all children. The same needs of conduct, morals, ethics, spirituality, and to be true of the teachers. Then the father character will prove beneficial to the school. must take the same attitude toward the pas­ Giving attention to children will reap a tor, superintendent, and teacher. When bountiful harvest. The great objective of fathers fail, it is to be borne in mind that the superintendent should be more than a it will be easier for children to fail.—The large school, but a good school. The spir­ Gospel Minister. itual welfare of all pupils needs to be sought and their salvation. The Bridling of the Tongue The Teacher’s Relation to the Class—This It is re'corded that a man can: — also is a very important office in the school, Live without sleep for 115 hours; live even next to the superintendent. The teach­ without water for 22 days; hold his breath er should be more than an officeholder. He for 20 minutes, 5 seconds; live in a heat needs to have some objectives in heart and of 248 degrees; live in a cold of 103 de­ mind. Increasing attendance in the class grees below zero; glide for 465% miles; and gathering all in the community into his climb without oxygen to 74,000 feet; dive class is a part of his duty. Leading all to below water to 500 feet; run 5,625 miles in 59 days; walk on his hands 16 miles a day the Lord is another objective that never for 58 days; squat on a pole for 10 days, should be lost sight of, but always retained 14 hours, 34 minutes; parachute jump from in view. Teaching the lesson simply and 30,800 feet, but “the tongue can no man interestingly should engage his interest all tame.”—Weekly Underwriter. 32 (100) The Preacher's Magazine THE PASTOR-A SOUL WINNER*

By Doil F. Felts

E c h a r g e of the Christian ministry is do because of duty, because it is expected the salvation of souls. This is our of us, because we receive honors and re­ r calling—it is the task bequeathed to us atwards, or because we are compelled by law the time of our divine commission; and, re­ to do it; it is what Christ gets us to do gardless of the standards which men have that counts.” made to determine greatness in the ministry, The task of winning souls is bigger than yet it remains that only those “who rescue man—bigger, I say, than any man. But we the perishing and care for the dying” are must remember that we are only channels considered successful and faithful servants whereby men may be led to Christ. We by our Lord. Soul saving cannot be con­ only bring men to Him—it is He who saves sidered a spiritual luxury for ourselves and them. But even the bringing of men to a kindly deed toward those we serve—it is the Master is too big for us alone. We must rather to be the working out of our own daily seek the leadership of the Holy salvation; the reconciliation of the lost to Spirit; we must if we are to be successful God, yea, the ministration of life to those soul winners. who are dead in trespasses and sins. One of the most important results of In his proverbs, Solomon informs us that Pentecost was the enduement of power “he that winneth souls is wise.” But, alas, upon those who believed, in order that he who is employed in the ministry and they might more effectively give their wit­ does not win souls is of all men most ness and testimony regarding the good news miserable. A call to the ministry is a call of salvation—that they might be soul win­ to be a soul winner; and if in a reasonable ners, if you please. “But ye shall receive amount of time we have not been able to power, after that the Holy Ghost is come press home the claims of the gospel, result­ upon yotf: and ye shall be witnesses unto ing in the salvation of souls, then it is me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, high time we give consideration as to and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part whether or not we were mistaken in what of the earth.” we thought was a call of God to the most As pastors, not only are we responsible sacred of all callings. Our talents may not for winning souls personally, but we must be great, but we may all be assured that if be examples of soul winning before the we go forth bearing precious seed we shall members of our churches are burdened with doubtless come again, bringing our sheaves a passion to go out and win their fellow with us. men. We must show them our concern If we as pastors are to be winners of the about others. Says our general N.Y.P.S. souls of men, we must feel toward the lost secretary, Dr. L. J. Du Bois, “not just as Christ felt toward the inhabitants of the because we are preachers or because we city of Jerusalem. We must be possessed have adopted it as a ‘side-line’ activity, but by a spirit of abandonment, a sense of holy because we have a passion for others which slavery, to the cause of winning men. Such is constant and a vital part of our Christian a description is given by the Apostle Paul life.” when he said, “The love of Christ con- We of the Church of the Nazarene have straineth us.” He had a passionate love for been pleased to call ourselves and be known souls, and it was just this constraining love as an evangelistic church. We take literally which gladly made him imperil his life the command of our Lord when He said, in so many ways while seeking and min­ “Go ye into all the world, and preach the istering to lost humanity. Paul was com­ gospel to every creature.” This sentiment pletely mastered by the love of Christ. was voiced by our founder, Dr. P. F. Says Dr. D. Shelby Corlett, “There is no Bresee, when he said, “I am indebted to law to compel such devotion, no proffered give the gospel to every man in the same bribe could elicit such a sacrifice, no amount measure I have received it” ; and this still is of promised honor or reward could inspire the foundation of our Zion. We were indeed such consistency in service and suffering. bom in a revival, and it takes just that to What law, bribes, honors, and rewards keep us revived and alive. Either we could never do, Christ got Paul to do, earnestly seek to reconcile the sinful souls and that,” he continues, “is what counts in of men to God or we become complacent the lives of ministers. It is not what we and lukewarm in our own experience. It

March-April, 1950 (101) 33 takes the heart-warming passion for souls order that they may be fruitful and effec­ to satisfy the heart of him who has knelt at tive. Regarding such, one of our leaders the foot of the Cross and has accepted Christ has this to say: “Our purpose in personal as Lord of life. The new birth is new life, evangelism is to bring people to our and without this newness of life our Zion Saviour that they might be saved, to bring will someday be listed among the deceased believers to the place of seeking and ob­ of denominations. taining the experience of entire sancti­ We who are pastors have a most varied fication. The contacting of people for life. There are many demands which are attendance at church services or Sunday outside the church and the pulpit, and to school will not be discounted; rather, it them we must give our attention if our will be used to pave the way for the preaching ministry is to result in the sal­ actual work of soul winning.” vation of souls. Today, preachers are called We as pastors know too well that, gen­ upon to be builders, executives, financial erally speaking, we are living in a day economists, architects, judges, teachers, when people are not greatly interested in janitors, “taxi drivers,” and a thousand and attending church. How disappointing it is one variations of these. But with all of at times to have some particular person our doings, our goings, and our beings, we promise us faithfully that in the very near must win souls or we have missed the high future he will attend our services and then purpose of our calling. for some reason or another he fails to come! I. We must win souls with our T e a c h in g . And yet in many cases these very people are One of the most important phases of our hungry in their hearts for the satisfaction ministry is in the instruction of our people. of some spiritual need. In such instances, Jesus was just as profoundly great in His if they ever get the gospel it will be be­ teaching ministry as in His preaching min­ cause we take it to them. Just recently istry. He was the Master Teacher. He we had occasion to call in the home of a taught with such simplicity that even the backslidden minister of a sister denomina­ little children were able to comprehend tion. For almost a score of years he has the meaning of His message, and yet it been out of the ministry and, consequently, was so profound that the greatest of minds he does not attend church. As he hesi­ through the centuries have been able only tantly told me of the “good ol’ days” when to scratch the surface of its full mean­ he was preaching, his big chin began to ing. But, my dear ones, not once did Jesus quiver; and when I asked him if he had teach just to be imparting factual knowl­ not left the best life behind, he admitted edge—He taught men that He might win that he had. But at the present, anyway, them and keep them won by instruction this man won’t come to church; and if he is in righteousness. As pastors we must be to be ministered to, then it must be through teachers. We must continue. to have our personal evangelism. Sunday schools; we must make progress True it is that this business of personal arid advancement with our daily vacation evangelism was ordained and. instituted by Bible schools; we must make better use of Christ and used successfully by the early Christian Service Training for the instruc­ Christian Church; but if our purpose is not tion of our Christian workers; we must kept clear, then we are likely to become pioneer and blaze new trails with such mechanical and professional and so lose the projects as weekday Bible and catechetical fire—even while we are carrying the light. schools. But if in all of our doing we fail to The way to guard against such professional­ win souls to our Christ, then the whole of ism, said our late Dr. H. V. Miller, “is the our efforts is of no avail. This time of very way by which we are able to discover seed sowing will and must precede sal­ the burdens, sorrows, and cares of our peo­ vation, but under God there must come that ple—by visitation evangelism. Some min­ time when the student and scholar becomes isters,” he continues, “are under the mis­ a seeker and weeps his way to God and taken idea that pastoral calling is outmoded. forgiveness of sins. No, such an attitude is a grievous error. II. And again, we must win souls in our People are still just as human as ever. V is it a t io n M in is t r y . Throughout the Their capacities of appreciating attention Christian world there has recently been and love are, if anything, more acute in a renewed interest in personal visitation these trying hours. Old-fashioned pastoral and evangelism. In our own church we are visitation is as vital and effective as ever. now in our second year of the “Mid-Cen­ And it is a sure defense against profession­ tury Crusade for Souls.” This program is alism when one opens his heart and designed not to do away with special evan­ emotions to the burdens of others.” gelistic services, but to implement such in III. Then there is another important way

34 (102) The Preacher's Magazine by which we as pastors must be soul win­ decisions, and people decide for God only ners, and that is by P asto ral C o u nseling . when they have heard a divine revelation This is linked inseparably with personal of truth from the messenger of God. The evangelism and yet is distinct from it— Bible, God’s revealed Word, is to be our if not in kind, then in degree. We are Source Book. Like Wesley, we ought to presently hearing a great deal in the re­ be students of many books, but preachers ligious world about personal counseling. of only one Book, the Bible. We must not But, as Dr. L. A. Reed suggests, “Nazarene preach ourselves or our opinions, but fol­ pastors have been doing this very thing for low closely the example of the Apostle the past thirty years, but without any Paul, who said, “We preach not ourselves, scientific knowledge to assist them in their but Christ Jesus the Lord.” In order to approach to people.” Brethren, we today make our preaching ministry more effec­ are living in a frustrated, chaotic, bewil­ tive, we ought to give our sermons the dered world and our hospitals, penal best preparation possible. We ought to think institutions, and insane asylums are over­ and rethink them—and, yes, write and re­ flowing. The annual expenditure in Amer­ write them. We must needs pray before we ica for fortunetelling, astrology, and the begin planning, and pray while we plan, and like runs into tens of millions of dollars. then pray about what we have planned, if These people used to go to their pastors for our messages are to grip the souls of men help. They quit doing so either because in conviction. It is wise to choose well our the minister did not make himself avail­ introductory statements and give illumina­ able for counseling or because he ceased tion to our messages by means of fitting- to be of any help. We as pastors must illustration; but, as Charles Reynolds Brown counsel with the sick and dying, and be­ so aptly says, “All this detailed preparation, reaved, those with social and domestic taken by itself, is mere dust of the ground. problems, the aged and the shut-ins, and It has little worth until the Spirit of the many, many others. Each of these par­ Lord shall move upon the face of it the ticular cases offers a most wonderful way breath of His own mighty life, bestowing of being a soul winner. In a great many upon our sermon a living soul.” cases of either mental or physical sickness, Our beloved Dr. Chapman was continu­ when a burden of guilt is removed the ally exhorting us to become better preach­ malady is removed also. Dr. W. S. Sadler ers, and the following is one of his heart is quoted as having said that if all the pleas to us. Even yet we can get a mental people were to accept the teachings of picture of him as he would say: “Become Christ one-half, yes, one-half, of the in­ the embodiment of the gospel you preach. mates of our physical and mental hospitals Seek more to assimilate than to contact. would be cured at once. Then Dr. Reed Just as it is not the food you eat, but the states, “If this be so, then there is a food you assimilate, that feeds your body; positive place for the pastor and pastoral so, likewise, it is not the gospel you hear, ministrations in the curing of life’s ills. or even the gospel you speak, that saves To whom else would a person go who is others and blesses you. Not, What have suffering from disappointment, disillusion­ you experienced? but rather, What did ex­ ment, sorrow, bereavement, and trouble, perience do for you?—that is the question. but to the pastor?” But Jesus touched their The preacher is the substance of the ser­ bodies only that He might heal their souls, mon, even as the Word of God is its and we must lead them to Him and newness content; and it is the combining of the of spiritual life or all our counseling is divine and the human elements that con­ worthless. stitutes that preaching that God has or­ dained as His means of saving them that IV. Then, finally, the pastor must be a believe.” soul winner in his P reach in g M in is t r y . A s We may be theologians like St. Paul, a servant of the Most High God, he must John Wesley, or Jonathan Edwards; we declare with authority, “Thus saith the may be great “homileticians” as was Charles Lord.” The pastor has many tasks indeed, Spurgeon; and we may be almost perfect in but the foremost of them is the preaching of our delivery as was that silver-tongued the “unsearchable riches of his grace,” for orator, John Whitefield. But unless we as “it pleased God by the foolishness of pastors win souls, the lost will die lost, the preaching to save them that believe.” But loving heart of God will be broken, and we like all these other essentials of the min­ shall become as sounding brass or a istry, our preaching must have a purpose, tinkling cymbal. “He that winneth souls is and that purpose can be none other than wise.” the salvation of souls. We must preach for •Paper read at Missouri D istrict Preachers' Convention

March-April, 1950 (103) 35 The Pastoral Ministry Ideas for Wide-awake Pastors By the Roving Pastor-Reporter

(1) Do you have a Christian Workers’ of space and photos too when you use this Conference, Christian Service Training one. Course, or Sunday-School Rally coming up (3) A Western pastor published the titles soon? How about an award for the faith­ of all his sermons for the past year on a ful teachers who work Sunday after Sun­ special insert for the church bulletin—the day, year after year with hardly a word morning subjects on one page, the evening of public appreciation? Rev. George Lake, on another. At the bottom was a coupon while pastor at Salina, Kansas, used the to be returned by mail or placed in the unique idea of giving a ribbon Bible book­ offering plates, listing the favorite sermon of mark to each teacher at the close of a the year or the sermon each listener would conference on personal work. A survey like to hear preached again. The pastor was made to find out how long each had no idea the subject would generate teacher had served in the Salina Sunday so much enthusiasm. He was astonished at school. A different colored ribbon was the returns. A month later he inaugurated used for each term of service: white for the first annual Favorite Sermon of the one year, pink for two years, and on Year Sunday. The morning sermon re­ through to gold for ten years of consecutive ceiving the highest number of votes was one service. The following was then typed on entitled, “Something Better, or Why Do each ribbon. Be sure to use a new type­ Christians Suffer?” based on the book writer ribbon and clean the type thorough­ Christ and Human Suffering, by E. Stanley ly- Jones. Try it. IN (4) G. Carey Campbell of Edmonton First GRATEFUL Church, recently conducted a Cradle Roll APPRECIATION Graduation Service in a combined Sunday- OF school and morning worship service which FIVE broke all Sunday-school records for at­ YEARS tendance. The organist played the pro­ OF cessional “Jesus Loves Me” while the pas­ SERVICE tor and departmental officers led the march IN THE for the six graduates. These four-year-olds were outfitted in caps and gowns made by SUNDAY SCHOOL the teachers, white caps with blue or pink OF THE tassels, and white gowns. Of course the FIRST CHURCH graduates were about paralyzed with fright, OF THE and the congregation could hardly hold NAZARENE themselves together. The commencement SALINA, KANSAS address was given by the Cradle Roll (date) superintendent and was addressed, not to PERSONAL WORKERS’ the class, but to the mothers present. It was INSTITUTE a masterpiece on “The Privileges and Obli­ (Speaker’s name) gations of Motherhood.” The pastor pre­ REV. G. M. LAKE sented the diplomas, and as each graduate Pastor received his scroll the tassel was transferred Your teachers will appreciate such a ribbon to the right side. One little fellow cried far more than you can imagine. most of the time, he was so sorry for himself, so sorry to leave the Cradle Roll. (2) A St. Louis church found a set of Two of them lost their hats, and the rest twins on the Sunday-school roll; so they sat frozen with importance. The entire ser­ decided to see how many other sets of vice was a huge success because it was twins they could get to attend a special well organized and well advertised for Twin Sunday. May, 1949, they had twenty- weeks in advance. Invitation cards should nine sets of twins present for Sunday be sent to all visitors and to a good list school. The newspapers will give you plenty of friends of each graduate. Make them

36 (104) The Preacher's Magazine formal, like a high school or college gradu­ tom of the can in the water, the lights will ation invitation. be at their full brilliance. As you pull the (5) Rev. F. Arthur Anderson, while cover up to the top of the water level, the pastor at Bakersfield, California, First lights will gradually fade until you will Church, always gave place both in the have only a faint outline of each globe or bulletin and in the service for the Visitors’ light visible. Use enough wire so that Minute. At this time all the visitors were can may be kept' well out of sight, and asked to lift their hands. Halfheartedly you will be well pleased by the effectiveness about half of them would respond. Then of this simple device. Brother Anderson would announce that the ushers had a gift for each first-timer. Now every hand would be raised high until the ushers presented an enrollment card to be filled out at once. After signing the cards, the visitors were told to give them back to the usher but to keep the fine new pencil containing the church name and address as a souvenir of their first visit to the church. The “VIP’s” were introduced or mentioned. I liked the atmosphere of the service. (6) As I was walking down Main Street in Wichita, Kansas, three years ago, one of those street photographers snapped my picture and presented me with a yellow coupon which informed me that for 25c I could secure a print of the photo just taken. On the reverse side, to my surprise, I found a cleverly worded advertisement for First Church of the Nazarene, Rev. Percy Bartram, pastor. It was a well- worded invitation to all strangers and visitors in the city. (7) About this time last year Rev. E. E. Mieras of Southgate, California, got tired of looking at a great pile of unsold mission­ ary calendars at the door of the church. He Your reporter would like to hear from any pastor who has solved the problem of grabbed up the lot and started down Main keeping the Sunday-school boys and girls Street selling each store owner or manager in church for the morning service. Will you a copy. Only Ed Mieras would try to sell please write me, in care of “The Preacher’s a calendar at retail to a merchant who buys Magazine” at once. This seems to be a them by the thousand at wholesale. But he major problem in most churches. sold them. One man said, “Ed, how’s the church coming over there? Got any money?” Brother Mieras replied that of course the missionary society could always Worry use more money; so the manager sat down A young man was applying for a job in and wrote him out a check for $100. Pretty a New England factory. Asking for the good profit on a 35c calendar! owner, he found himself in the presence of a nervous, fidgety man who looked hope­ (8) We said last month that we would lessly dyspeptic. “The only vacancy here,” tell you how to make a cheap but effective he told the applicant, “is a vice-presidency. dimmer for your electric cross or for your The man that takes the job must shoul­ lights at any program. The diagram shows der all m y cares.” how to split one of the lines from your “That’s a tough job,” said the applicant. electrical outlet to the cross. Solder one of “What’s the salary?” these wires to the side of a one-gallon can. “I’ll pay you $10,000 a year if you will Fill the can with water, and be sure to add really take over all my worries.” one tablespoon of salt for each gallon of “Where is the $10,000 coming from?” asked water. Fasten the cover of the can to a the applicant, suspiciously. stick, and solder the other end of the wire to “That, my friend,” replied the owner, “is this cover. When the cover is at the bot­ your first worry.”

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38 (106) The Preacher's Magazine On the Opposite Page Introduction: 1. The meaning of peace. is a facsimile of one of the pages selected 2. The efforts made in various religions from a recent issue (Sept-Oct.) of the to find peace. Preacher’s Magazine, from India. It is pub­ 3. The natural longing for peace. lished at the Mission House, Basim, Berar, I. Who Satan is and how he has stolen C.P., India, the editor being Earl G. Lee. away the peace of the world. The intent, of course, is to help the Indian II. What has been the effect of sin on preacher as he works to bring Christ to his the world? people. Mrs. Paula Greer, missionary on III. Individual, personal questions. furlough from India, kindly furnished the (1) My own spiritual condition. translation below. (2) Am I free from sin? (Translation) IV. The Promise of Christ. The Sermon for This Month (1) I will give you peace. (A Message for Hindus) (2) The effect of peace on the world. J esus’ In v itatio n (3) Its effect on the individual life. Matt. 11:28— Come unto me, all ye that V. Personal Testimony. labour and are heavy laden, and I will In v it a t io n : Come and receive peace from give you rest. Christ.

Illustrations Selected by L. B. Williams We are sanctified by faith, by the Word, or the converging lines at various distances by the Holy Spirit, and Jesus is our Sanc- from the center—Christ. But let them start tifier—all these have their part. “I am going toward the center and when they get there, to paint the house,” said a can of paint, with Christ, it will be found that they are waiting already mixed in the woodshed. all together. “No, I am going to paint it,” the paintbrush ****** asserted, bristling with importance. “You “Reckon Ye Yourselves to Be Dead are, are you?” answered the ladder, lying against the wall. “How far would either Indeed unto Sin” (Rom. 6:11) of you get without me?” “Or without me to In Jamaica the night the slaves became pay the bill?” said the checkbook of the free the natives prepared a great grave and owner of the house, in a voice muffled by a large coffin into which they put the relics the pocket of the coat hanging on a nail. of their slavery—the whips, the irons and Just then the painter, who had overheard fetters. As the midnight hour approached, the proud remarks, ventured to put in a they lowered the coffin into the grave, and word. “Perhaps I would better take a holi­ a man stood beside it, crying, “The monster day,” said he quietly. “I wonder if the is dying, dying, dying,” and, as the clock house would be painted by the time I get struck twelve, “The monster is dead.” Then back.” they filled the grave and shouted and sang the chorus of liberty. That is what reckon­ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦ ing does for you. The “old man” is cruci­ fied, dead, and buried. “That They All May Be One” ****** Charles Reed, a member of Parliament, No Reservation once said that he had in his library an old A colored man came to a railroad ticket book describing the various sects of re­ office and said, “I want a ticket for Vir­ ligion. The book belonged to his grand­ ginia.” “All right,” said the ticket agent. mother, and she had drawn on the flyleaf a “What part of Virginia?” “Law, man, I want rough diagram of a circle, with lines drawn all of her to go; there she is,” he replied. from the circumference like the spokes of ****** a wheel. On the converging lines she had written the names of the various sects, with Perpetual Care Christ at the center. Individuals and de­ In some of the modern cemeteries we see nominations may be on the circumference signs, “Perpetual Care.” A portion of the

March-April, 1950 (107) 39 purchase price of each lot is set aside in If you sleep in an upper berth, you will a permanent fund, the interest from which have to get up before you get down. will maintain forever the care of the lot. God has made provision for the fully sur­ rendered soul so that all his needs will ONCE—ALWAYS be supplied forever. ****** A colored woman was taken to a Catholic hospital for an operation. After preparation “All Things Shall Be Added” had been made, she was placed on a The young couple had just been mar­ wheeled table and started for the operating ried and had started in an automobile on room. A nurse slipped a crucifix into her their honeymoon trip. All was going nicely hand. As they proceeded down the hallway, and they were enjoying the trip and each she was heard to pray: “Dear Lord, don’t other, when suddenly the bride said, “O You let them fool You by this gadget they George, we have forgotten to take along have placed in my hand. I’se still a Baptist.” anything to eat and any extra clothing!” “Let not your heart be troubled,” said George. “I have made provision for all that —they are in the trailer coming on behind.” POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ****** If you should attach a wire to an object Forgetfulness and then pull on the wire, you could draw the object to the tensile strength of the The speaker said there were three things that it was hard for him to remember. wire. Now if you will attach the same wire to a dynamo and the other end to a motor, “The first is the names of people I have met; the second, my automobile number; and you can have the power of the dynamo—not the third is—is—er—I have forgotten what the strength of the wire. the third is!” We may endeavor to do work for the Lord in our own strength; but when ****** coupled to God’s dynamo, the Holy Spirit, Quips Gleaned from Evangelists we have the power of God. If you have ever really met Jesus, you will know there is nothing in the drugstore that will make any improvement in your­ self. SINS OF IGNORANCE Suppose I should visit the hospital where The only time I ever go riding with an­ my friend, Brother Smith, is sick. I find other man’s wife is in a revolving door, and that he has a very high fever, and is deliri­ I get out of that as quick as I can. ous. I say, “Brother Smith, how are you today?” He draws back his arm, clenches “Some of you claim to be God’s sheep,” his fist, and smacks me one on the nose as said the colored preacher, “but it is about hard as he can. I am very sorry to as hard to get wool from a hydraulic ram find my friend in such a condition. I pray as to get money from many of you.” for him and go away without his knowing who it was that called upon him. In a Some women literally obey the scripture few day I go back to see him again. When which says, “ Take no thought .... what I go up to his bedside, he says, “Brother ye shall put on.” Browning, I am so glad to see you. They tell me that when you called the other day The teakettle will sing when it is up to I struck you with my fist. I am very sorry its neck in hot water. What is it singing? that I did that; I want you to forgive me.” Probably, “Home on the Range.” Of course, I freely forgive him, for I know he did not realize what he was doing when No use to unload your excess baggage at he struck me. “But,” he says, “I want you the mourners’ bench. You can just as well also to forgive me for having this fever unload it where you are. that caused me to do what I did!” The Lord can and will forgive us for our actual A mockingbird was up in a tree gaily sins, whether willful or sins of ignorance; singing one morning. A bullfrog down in but He cannot forgive us for something for the mud blurted out, “Oh, hush! I don’t which we are not responsible, i.e., inbred see anything to be singing about.” “If you sin. That must be cleansed.—Told by Ray­ were up here, you would,” replied the bird. mond Browning.

40 (108) The Preacher's Magazine because of what it takes out of him; but HINTS true comfort will pass to the bereaved as they sense the love and suffering in the heart of their pastor. He is not a profes­ To Young Pastors sional puppet mouthing beautiful phrases in a solemn tone, but a godly shepherd of the By One of Them flock. o m etim es the number o f things I didn’t S learn in school, and no one bothered Sunday Morning Service to tell me about, appalls me. I suppose I just took the wrong classes, but that is little By Lon Woodrum consolation when a situation pops up in my I stood up in the pulpit and I spoke my path and insists on being grappled with Pauline text; now. Fortunately for all of us, the Lord But my message was not started till my seems to prepare the way before us so that soul was sadly vexed. we avoid many mistakes we might other­ Came a rustle and a rattle as the people wise have blundered into. settled down; For example, the memory of the first Some faces had no future, some were blank, funeral I conducted is still vivid. I had been some had a frown. thinking about funerals in a vague sort of I felt that some were thinking, and the way, wondering just what I would do feeling grew quite strong: when the first one confronted me and de­ “It’s eleven-thirty, preacher; so please don’t siring to think through some definite phi­ be too long!” losophy that would help me to know what to do and how to do it. Now here it was, I dug into Isaiah, and I gave them Luke and I was not prepared. I dropped every­ and Paul; thing and read The Funeral, by Andrew But I lost a psalm of David when a child W. Blackwood, from cover to cover. It was commenced to bawl! of great assistance in crystallizing my If I tried to keep it simple, if I tried to thoughts and giving helpful suggestions as make it deep, to details. The service was conducted in With some it didn’t matter, for they were one of the most beautiful funeral parlors sound asleep! in town, complete with directors in formal I sensed my spirit climbing—then felt it dress and professional pallbearers. There start to fret was not a flaw in the proceedings, and I At boys and girls playing Romeo and felt very satisfied with myself over the Juliet! compliments at the appropriateness and beauty of the message and the ease with I lost my sense of balance and my talk grew which it was handled. Surely I had learned flat and blunt much in a short time. When an usher brought a late one down the aisle right to the front. My satisfaction was shattered completely My mind began to wander and I got into at the next funeral. The service was the “brush” simpler than the first and in a more modest When a lad began loud stomping and his establishment. Everything went along in mom began to “shush”! the same perfect order, but something was My sermon wasn’t finished .... but I’d missing. I went home puzzled and unhappy. have to stop right soon; Where had I failed? My folk were getting restless and the clock Soon I saw my error. The first service said almost noon. was but an expensive parade in which I, as the chief puppet, had performed without I gave them something Jesus from a moun­ a slip. There were not many close relatives, tainside had said; the deceased’s life had been full, and his I stepped down from the rostrum and my departure triumphant. In the second ser­ heart was like pure lead. vice, the relatives were in need of some­ But with the service ended, well, I got a big thing I was unprepared to give them—gen­ surprise; uine sympathy. A man came up to meet me with a good A pastor needs to have a “philosophy of light in his eyes. funerals”; he needs to know what to do and He said: “My mind was troubled and my how to do it. But even more important than heart was hopeless when these is the ability to feel, to suffer, to I came to hear your sermon, but I’ve got bleed, to love. He will dread each funeral new faith again!”

March-April, 1950 (109) 41 into our sermons. One man tells a thing I watched him going slowly down the aisle and we hear it; another man tells it and we and out the door, feel it. There is a fundamental law that And I had a strange sensation that I’d never will prevent my sermon from making a had before. greater impression on those who hear it The man had seen no people sleeping, than it makes on the one who delivers it. heard no babies wail. Only as I feel will I make my hearers feel. A quiet whisper seemed to reach me: It is not enough for a preacher to say the “Truth will never fail— right thing, easily and glibly—we must feel So speak it; and with hearers, as with what we say. It is soul passion that makes heaven, let it rest! the difference between a sermon and a For preaching is for people who are ready message. A message is more than an outline to be blessed!” with divisions, amplifications, applications, and conclusions. It is unction that makes a message; and preaching without it, though POINTED PARAGRAPHS Biblical, has a killing effect. Bishop Wade, of the Methodist church, for told the ministers of his conference that he deplored the increase of intellectualism in PREACHERS religion and pleaded for a return to the emotionalism that made Methodism famous. By F. Lincicome “We are on the wrong track,” he told the ur fath e rs talked much about heaven ministers. “We have' good news to tell the O and pleaded with sinners to accept for­ world, and we should be telling it with our giveness that they might be sure of entrance hearts as well as with our minds.” A min­ thereto. That emphasis has been largely ister’s preparation is twofold: head and lost sight of in much modern preaching and heart. Don’t neglect either if possible; but the loss has been very great, for we do not if you should be forced to neglect one, don’t live trivially when we live for two worlds. let it be the heart preparation. We are in need of the long, long look of ********* eternity, in modern religious thought, for Preaching, administration, and shepherd­ such a belief will sanctify all of life. We ing are an indivisible trinity; but the greatest have been made for two worlds and are not, of these is preaching. Preaching is primary. as some would have us think, a sort of Able administration, faithful shepherding high-grade, cultured, educated biped, walk­ and counseling are most vital; but apart ing over this earth. Man is a trinity con­ from helpful preaching, business administra­ sisting of body, mind, and soul. He is the tion is cold and pastoral work ineffective. offspring of Deity; he has an existence here The great need of our day is a revival of and is going to have an existence here­ good preaching. Many of our churches are after. “For we must all appear before the suffering from sterile, uninspiring, dull judgment seat of Christ,” and give an ac­ preaching. This is not fully the fault of the count. A one-world man is an inevitable pew. One of America’s outstanding clergy­ failure. The man that lives for one world men said, “ I wish our seminaries would only has dissipated one-half of his heritage, train our men to preach.” The modern and the man that does not include two preacher is accused of dullness, confusion, worlds has committed suicide for both conceit, and a lack of interest in his preach­ worlds. Yet the majority of the people live ing and the spiritual needs of his congre­ only for this world; and the reason they do gation. Preachers must not forget that a is that they live by sense rather than by sermon is a co-operative undertaking. Ev­ faith, and sense always prefers the present ery sermon, therefore, should take the to the future. That is why the bulk of hu­ preacher into the pews with his people. No manity would rather have a saxophone now, sermon is effective which is not shared by bought on the installment plan, than a gold­ the preacher and the hearer. en harp to play on over yonder.

********* N otice: “I would like to buy a complete or The churches are not dying for a lack of near complete set of the back issues of The trained preachers so much as for lack of pas­ P reacher’ s M a g azin e. Anyone having any sionate preachers in the pulpit. It is the such copies to sell please contact me with loss of this emotional element that has made full particulars.”—R. T. Williams, Jr., First our modern pulpits so stale, stiff, and m e­ Church of the Nazarene, 901 N.W. 6th St., chanical. It is passion that puts the grip Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

42 (110) The Preacher's Magazine The Preacher's Scrapbook

Henry Ward Beecher was once asked the I know the sweetness of the minor chord, question, “What is giving with simplicity?” The glory of the major full and clear. and answered, “Why, it is giving just as if I know the power of my risen Lord—■ giving was so natural that when a man He lives, and they shall live whom 1 hold gave he did not think of changing his counte­ dear. nance, his manner, or his air at all; but did it quietly, easily, beautifully.” And though I cannot help the tears that flow, And though my heart is sad as heart can Our Share in Calvary be, I sing the Easter song because I know I see the crowd in Pilate’s hall; The blessed Easter message is for me. I mark their wrathful mien. — Unknown Their shouts of “ Crucify” appall, With blasphemy between. Another group of pre-Easter subjects And of the shouting multitude used by Rev. A. W. Dodds, pastor of I feel that I am one; Buffalo, N.Y., are listed under the theme, And in that din of voices rude “These Crucified My Lord”: “The Friend I recognize m y own. Who Betrayed Him,” “The Ruler Who Sought Him,” “The Disciple Who Denied ’Twas I that shed the sacred Blood; Him,” “The Judge Who Sentenced Him,” I nailed Him to the tree; “The Pharisees Who Hated Him,” and “The I crucified the Christ of God; Soldiers Who Mocked Him.” I joined the mockery.

Around the cross the throng I see Beyond Mocking the Sufferer’s groan; Yet still my voice, it seems to be, If to die is to rise in glory from the dust As if I mocked alone. of the earth-sown wheat; If to die is to burst all perfect from the But not the less that Blood avails husk of the incomplete; To cleanse away my sin; If death fills the hand with fresh cunning And not the less that Cross prevails and fits it with perfect tool, To give me peace within. And grants to the mind full power for the —H o ratiu s B onar tasks of its greatest school; If death gives new breath to the runner and wings to the imprisoned soul, To mount with a song of the morning to­ Last year a Pittsburgh divine spoke ward the limitless reach of its goal; throughout Lent on the general theme, “Ye If to die is to throb with the urges of life Are Redeemed with the Precious Blood of that eternal abides. Christ.” Sermon topics and texts were as And to thrill with the inflowing currents of follows: infinite love’s great tides; “The Consecrated Christ” (John 6:38), If to die is to see with clear vision life’s “The Conquering Christ” (I Cor. 15:27), mysteries all revealed, “The Changeless Christ” (Heb. 13:8), “The All beauty to sense unfolded, and the Completeness of Christ” (John 14:6), “The essence of joy unsealed; Challenging Christ” (Loyalty Day), “The If death is the end to all sorrow and cry­ Compelling Christ” (Luke 19:4), and “From ing and anxious care; Supposition to Certainty” (John 20:15). If death gives fullness for longing, and the answer to every prayer; Easter Song If to die is to greet all the martyrs and prophets and sages of old, Last Easter when my voice was lifted up And to walk again by still waters with the To sing the praises of my risen Lord, flock of our own little fold; I had not tasted sorrow’s bitter cup; If to die is to join in hosannas to a risen The music held for me no minor chord. and reigning Lord, And to feast with Him at His table on the This Eastertide my stricken heart sends up bread and wine of His board; The strains I lift in accents clear and If to die is to enter a city and be hailed as strong, a child of its King—• For I have drained the dregs of sorrow’s Then, O grave, where soundeth thy tri­ cup, umph? O death, where hideth thy And learned the meaning of the Easter sting? song. —Unknown

March-April, 1950 (111) 43 Because of one small, low-laid head all I Go to Prayer Meeting crowned With golden hair, BECAUSE the church is no stronger than Forevermore all fair young brows to me its prayer meeting. A halo wear; BECAUSE I want to see our church I kiss them reverently. Alas, I know prosper. The pain I bear. BECAUSE I have covenanted before God and this church to be faithful. Because of little pallid lips, which once BECAUSE of my influence upon others. My name did call, BECAUSE I want to so live that the un­ No childish voice in vain appeal upon saved will have faith in my profession as My ears doth fall: a Christian. I count it all my joy their joys to share, BECAUSE I want to live as I want to die. And sorrows small. BECAUSE when I neglect the prayer meeting I injure the good name of my church, discourage her members, and starve Because of little death-cold feet for earth’s Rough road unmeet, my own soul of the continual spiritual nourishment needed. I’d journey leagues to save from sin and harm —From the Long Beach First Church (Cal­ Such little feet, ifornia) Bulletin And count the lowliest service done for them So sacred, sweet. (Written by a missionary after the death of her only child.) From the Way of Holiness Let Thy Blessing Rest upon Us He giveth more grace (Jas. 4:6). He in- Let Thy blessing rest upon this church, creaseth strength (Isa. 40:29).Mercy unta O Lord. you, and peace, and love, be multiplied Out from the by-roads, out of our care- (Jude 2). filled days He giveth more grace when the burdens We come, an earnest throng, to hear Thy grow greater; Word, He sendeth more strength when the la­ To offer Thee our sincere, heartfelt bors increase; praise. To added affliction He addeth His mercy; We come to see Thy - steadfast guiding To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. power; We come to lay our burdens at Thy feet; When we have exhausted our store of en­ We seek the calming quiet of this hour durance, Away from the clamoring throng, the When our strength has failed ere the day crowded street. is half done, Let Thy blessing rest upon this church, we When we reach the end of our hoarded re­ pray, sources, Upon a people in their vital need. Our Father’s full giving is only begun. Be Thou our Helper; be our Guide and Stay, His love has no limit, His grace has no And be our Wine, the Bread on which we measure, feed. His power no boundary known unto Lord God, for every church in every land, men; We crave a blessing from Thy mighty hand. For out of His infinite riches in Jesus —G race N oll C rowell He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. —A n n ie J o h n s o n F lin t (Throughout her life, Annie Johnson Flint was a cripple, and was compelled to lie in bed the last twenty years of her life. The What Is Worldliness? last ten years, she wasn’t able to feed her­ self. Yet through it all she was able to pro­ It is human activity with God left out. duce some of the most beautiful poems It is life which is horizontal and not ver­ ever written.) tical. It is ambition without aspiration. P reach in g : George Bernard Shaw is re­ Its goal is success, not holiness. ported to have made the following observa­ Hearing no mystic voice, it is destitute of tion about preaching: “Some preaching is reverence. like wine; it has color and sparkle, but does It never bows in rapt and silent wonder in no permanent good. Some is like drinking the secret place. coffee; it stimulates, but does not nourish. It has lusts but no supplication. Some is like carbonated water; a fuss over God is not denied. He is forgotten and nothing. Some is like spring water; good, ignored. but hard to get.” — J. H . J ow ett 44 (112) The Preacher's Magazine March-April, 1950 (113) 45 IV. W e S ee J esus R esurrected. PRE-EASTER A. He proved His identity to: SEEING THE CHRIST 1. Mary, disciples, in Upper Room, on road to Emmaus R ev. W. G. A rdrey B. Ascending 1. Gazing disciples, Great Commission, S cripture L e sso n : John 12:12-22 Comforter promised, Pentecost T e x t : Sir, we would see Jesus (John 12: V. T h a n k G od, W e W il l S ee H im A g ain . 21). A. This is the Christian’s hope. Introduction 1. Coming soon, dead raised, mortal put A. Remember with interest the royal on immortality procession of the king and queen in Toronto 2. Meeting in the air; “sun, moon, and some years ago. stars forgot, upward I fly.” 1. Happy mob, laughter, ecstasy, snapping 3. Singing round the throne, Marriage cameras Supper, devil bound, Tribulation ended 2. Fixed eyes, unity of desire and pur­ B. No more earthly care. pose, foreigners represented 1. No taxes, mortgages, rents, sorrow, 3. The monarch, ruler, sovereign, king pain, death, parting, misunderstanding was coming. 2. Oh, the joy in seeing Jesus! Have you B. I thought of another procession. Tri­ seen Him? umphal Entry of Jesus. THE END OF HIS MORTAL ROLE 1. Palm branches, cheers, hosannas, wor­ ship, fixed purpose J. R. B uffington 2. Thousands followed, acknowledging S cripture L e sso n : Luke 22:39—23:46 His mighty works. 3. Their Monarch, Sovereign, Ruler, King I. H is A g o n y . 22:42 had come. A. The nature of the petition. 22:42 4. Greeks inquired of Philip, “Sir, we B. The willingness of the petition. 22:42 would see Jesus.” II. His D eliverance. 22:47-53 5. Oh, that the same hunger to see Jesus A. The kiss of Judas. 22:47-48 were seen today! B. The defense of Peter. 22:49-50 C. The submission of Jesus. 22:52-54 I. W e S ee J esus in H is In f a n c y and III. His T r ia l s. 22:54—23:24 C h ild h o o d . A. Before the high priest. 22:54 A. Manger B. Before the council. 22:66 1. No room in inn; cattle, swaddling C. Before Pilate. 23:1 clothes, shepherds, wise men D. Before Herod. 23:7 2. Confounding doctors in Temple at age E. Before Pilate. 23:13-24 of twelve IV. His C r u c if ix io n . 23:32-47 II. W e S ee J esus in H is P ublic M in is t r y . A. His prayer of intercession, v. 34 A. Performing miracles B. His act of mercy, v. 43 1. Cana, draught of fish, tempest stilled, C. His yielding of life. v. 46 feeding of 5,000, of 4,000 2. Walking on the sea, tribute money, TIIE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF EASTER cursing fig tree R ev. O. D. C u r b o w B. Healing the sick 1. Centurion’s daughter, demoniac, par­ Scripture Lesson: I Corinthians 15:12-22 alytic, withered hand T e x t: Because I live, ye shall live also 2. Issue of blood, deaf and dumb healed, (John 14:17). lunatic, dropsy Introduction : C. Raising the dead Week before Easter is usually one of wor­ 1. Nobleman’s son, Lazarus, Jairus’ ship. daughter Comparatively few know the true mean­ ing of Easter. III. W e S ee J esus D uring P a s sio n W e e k . A. In the Garden of Gethsemane Many give attention to worldly traditions 1. Praying, alone, weary, lonely, blood, commemorating Easter, but give little or sweat, tears no attention to the Cross. 2. Sleeping disciples, approaching hour I. T h e S to ry of E aster Is a L ove Story. 3. The angry soldiers, Judas, the kiss, the 1. “For God so loved the world” (John capture 3:16). B. During the trial 2. “I am crucified with Christ; neverthe­ 1. Sanhedrin, high priest, Herod, Pilate less I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in 2. Barabbas released, Christ taken away me: and the life which I now live in the 3. Cross, suffering, pain, agony, vinegar, flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, blood, water, Finished who loved nje, and gave himself for me” C. In the tomb (Gal. 2:20). 1. Roman soldiers, seal, stone, earth­ 3. The love for a lost world caused God quake, angel in white to give His only Son. 46 (114) The Preacher's Magazine 4. He came to deliver us from the bond­ THE MEANING OF THE CROSS age of sin. We shall never know His infinite THROUGH THE CENTURIES love until we shall see Him. 5. Calvary was love by demonstration. It G len G . D a y t o n was a public demonstration of God’s love S cripture L esson : John 19 :13-37 for lost humanity. T e x t : For I determined not to know any II. E aster W a s a T im e of S ubstitution . thing among you save Jesus Christ, and 1. Jesus gave himself for me. him crucified (I Cor. 2 :2 ). 2. Example of substitution on Mt. Moriah when Abraham offered Isaac. Introduction: On Mt. Moriah the ram died in the place There are many people today who pass of the lad. by a church with a cross over its door, and On Mt. Calvary Christ died in the place even go so far as to wear a cross as an of the sinner. ornament on their person, who have no 3. Men give their lives today in the place idea of the true meaning of the Cross. of others. I. T h e A nticipation of t h e C ross III. T h e S pir it u a l M ean in g of E aster Is A. Promised by God. Gen. 3:15. O ne o f Identification . B. Prophesied by Isaiah. Isa. 53:12. 1. Identification means: To treat or make C. Patiently waited for by Simeon and the same. Anna. Luke 2:2 5-3 8. 2. Many know the meaning of substitu­ II. T h e A c tu a l ity of t h e C ross tion, but identification is not so well known. A. Paul’s statement concerning it. I Cor. Not only did Christ die for me, but as my Representative. 2: 2. B. Incidents of the Passion Week re­ 3. “The love of Christ constraineth us; corded in all of the Gospels. because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead” (II Cor. 5:14). III. T h e A pplic atio n of t h e C ross 4. The practical outcome of our union A. Necessity of the shedding of His blood. with Christ is this: “And they that are Heb. 9:22, 28. Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the B. Present salvation provided by the affections and lusts.” atonement. IV . T h e T ragedy of E aster Is O ne of C. The necessity of accepting. D e a t h and t h e G rave. D. The compulsion to spread the gospel. 1. Nothing attractive about death. C o n c lu sio n : 2. Jesus, nailed to the cross. Thieves Let us look to Calvary and feel with on either side; pierced by the Roman spear; Christ that same passion for souls; and if saying, “It is finished.” “Into thy hands I there is anyone who does not have the commend my spirit.” Bowed His head and true meaning of the Cross applied in his died. heart, let him turn to Christ and accept Him 3. Laid in a new tomb and sealed with a today. large stone. V . T h e G lory of E aster Is O ne of R es­ THE SORROWS OF CHRIST urrection. R a y m o n d H a yes 1. “Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” T e x t : Isaiah 53 :3 2. We are made one in resurrection: I. T h e In clin at io n to M isunderstand “Buried with him in baptism, wherein M anifested b y H is F ollow ers also ye are risen with him through the A. The motive of Christ. faith of the operation of God, who hath B. The method He used. raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:12). 3. The death of Christ alone would not II. T h e In a b il it y of t h e P eople to P er­ have saved us. ceive D ivin e T r u th His resurrection was necessary to com­ A. Christ weeps over Jerusalem. plete our redemption. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that kill- “Because I live, ye shall live also.” est the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even The following may be used in part as as a hen gathereth her chickens under her a pre-Easter series, or in toto. The subjects wings, and ye would not!” (Matt. 2 3 :3 7 ). are all based on Luke 22 through 24, using B. Christ upbraids Peter for failing to paragraphs or sections rather than single understand the plan of His life. verses. III. T h e Ingratitude D isplayed on th e 1. Christ Concerned P art of t h e M ultitudes 2. Christ Confined A. For His acts of mercy 3. Christ and the Curious B. Regarding His love for sinful men. 4. Christ Condemned IV . T h e In st a b il it y of C a rn al H u m a n 5. Christ Crucified C haracter 6. Christ Crowned A. The boast of Peter at the Last Supper —P a u l H oornstra B. The sleeping disciples in the Garden

March-April, 1950 (115) 47 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS their lunches to go to the desert country to Ross W. H a y s l ip hear Jesus. b. Let us think together for a little while S cripture: Ephesians 2 :1 6 -1 9 on the voice of Jesus. T e x t : By the cross (Ephesians 2 :1 6 ). I. F irst of A ll, I A m S ure It W a s a I. R evelation of G od to M an (verse 17) V oice of A u t h o r it y . 1. Distance diminished—He came 1. The man of Gadara—demons must 2. Ignorance illuminated—He preached obey his voice. 3. Differences demolished—Those afar off 2. At the grave of Lazarus—even death, and those nigh which apparently had triumphed, must II. Restoration of Man to God (verse wrap its mantle around its bony skeleton 18) and skulk away in shame. 1. He became an instrument “Lazarus, come forth.” 2. He gave access to God 3. Early in John’s account—as the offi­ 3. He made way for the Spirit cers sought to lay hands on Him—but they III. Reconciliation of Man to Man couldn’t. (v e r se 19) a. In their report they said—“Never man 1. Crosses over class—Strangers spake like this man” (John 7:46). 2. Crosses over caste—Foreigners 4. In His ministry and teaching we read 3. Naturalizes into family of God—Fel- in Matt. 7:28, 29— “The people were as­ lowcitizens tonished .... for he taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” COUNTENANCES AROUND THE CROSS II. B ut I B elieve It W a s A lso a S y m p a ­ a y s l ip Ross W. H th etic V oice. T e x t : They watched him there (Matthew 1. If ever we are sympathetic, it is at a 2 7 :3 6 ). funeral. I. T h e C areless C rowd a. But no words of man can compare 1. Gamblers with Christ’s, “Weep not,” in Luke 7:13. 2. Scorners b. Here was compassion, mingled with 3. Curiosity seekers authority. II. The Convinced Centurion 2. Man is harsh upon his fellow man 1. A man of influence caught in sin. 2. A man of false religion a. The accusers of the scarlet woman 3. A man of frank conviction were vociferous in their denunciations of III. The Converted Criminal her sins. 1. A man of confessed guilt b. When Jesus had dispersed them, He 2. A man of spiritual hunger said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, 3. A man of assured destiny and sin no more.” (1) Here was an understanding sym­ THE VOICE OF JESUS pathy. L e o n a rd C. J o h n s o n 3. Peter must needs be included here. a. “Feed my sheep”—what pathos—what Scripture Lesson: John 10:1-14 sympathy! T e x t: And to Jesus the mediator of the III. B ut I W ould H ave Y ou K n o w It new covenant .... that speaketh better things .... See that ye refuse not him W a s a C onvicting V oice. that speaketh (Heb. 12:24, 25). 1. When the officers came for Jesus, and He said, “I am he.” Introduction a. They fell back— (Conviction, I am 1. The Importance of the Voice. sure.) a. Longfellow says of the voice—“How 2. Then the woman at the Samaritan well wonderful is the human voice! It is indeed —wasn’t left in doubt of her condition— the organ of the soul. The intellect of man and repented. sits enthroned, visibly on his forehead 3. It is a convicting voice today. and in his eye, and the heart of man is written on his countenance, but the soul of IV. B u t, T h a n k G od, It Is a F orgiving man reveals itself in the voice only.” V oice. b. One of the early Crusaders in the 1. The palsied man in Luke 5 heard the eleventh century said—“There is no index wonderful voice, the forgiving voice say, of character so sure as the voice” (Tan- to him, “Thy sins are forgiven thee.” cred ). 2. Denying Peter had the look of dis­ c. An early nineteenth century German appointment change into the personal in­ poet said of human voices—“The tones of struction—“Tell My disciples—and Peter.” human voices are mightier than strings of 3. Mary Magdalene had heard that for­ brass to move the soul” (Klopstock). giving voice—and was the first at the tomb. 2. What, then, must have been the voice V . It Is th e V oice. T oo, of A ssurance. of Jesus, the Son of God? 1. “Today shalt thou be with me in a. If George Whitefield could get people paradise.” to weep by merely pronouncing Mesopo­ 2. “ Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, tamia, little wonder that thousands forgot that will I do.”

48 (116) The Preacher's Magazine 3. “I will pray the Father, and he shall prayed and were unprepared, and reaped give you another Comforter.” failure. 4. “Lo, I am with you alway.” C onclusion THE PLACE CALLED CALVARY 1. Many voices trying to take this One’s J. R eyndal R ussell place. 2. The still small Voice that Elijah heard T e x t : And when they were come to the is the one I want for my Guide—don’t you? place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him (Luke 23:33a). THE PRAYER IN THE GARDEN Introduction: A. E. P etersen A magic spell rests over some scenes and places: one’s youthful home, places of his­ T e x t : Then cometh Jesus with them unto toric interest, Bible scenes toward which we a place called Gethsemane, and saith un­ cherish a deep regard. But here is a scene to the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and that transcends other scenes by all means. pray yonder (Matthew 26:36). Let us draw near this divinely honored Introduction : The prayer habit of Jesus is place and observe: full of suggestiveness for us—the times, I. It W as th e P lace of U nparalleled S u f ­ places, and occasions of His prayers. fering. He prayed in the morning, “a great while No alleviating circumstances. No soften­ before day” (Mark 1:35). He prayed in the ing of anguish. The darkened heavens and evening after a day of exacting toil (Mark the rended earth gave tokens of sympathy 6:46). He sometimes prayed all night (Luke with the dying Saviour. 6:12, 13). The mountain, the desert, a II. It W as t h e P lace of S ome S ingular friend’s garden—any place that offers soli­ P h e n o m e n a . tude was welcome to Him. Total darkness. Earth and sky put on He prayed in all the great crises of His their mourning clothes. life: before making serious decisions—as III. I t W as th e P lace of t h e M ost M o­ in choosing of His disciples, and apostles—- m en tou s of A ll A chievements. Luke 6:13; before great victories, as at the Here is the mightiest moral transaction. grave of Lazarus—John 11:41; and after, as On the brow of Calvary the price was laid immediately following the feeding of the down for a lost world. five thousand—Luke 9:18-20; for He knew IV. It W as th e P lace of G lorious T r iu m p h . that “the morrow of victory is often more Christ met stern justice and silenced her dangerous than its eve.” demand. He arched the chasm between Here is His supreme hour of trial; heaven and earth and opened the way to crushed under the awful weight of the glcry. The bridge—the only bridge—to sins of the world, Christ gives himself to heaven is in the form of a Cross. prayer. V. It W as t h e P lace of P ardoning M ercy. I. His P rayer W a s a L o n e ly O n e. In the very agonies of death, He spoke Heavy trouble usually involves two pardon to the dying thief, and took him to things—longing for companionship and a the courts above as a trophy of victory of call to loneliness. Christ took His disciples redeeming love. to the garden with Him, but they were un­ And there may I, though vile as he, able to enter into His agony and struggle. Wash all my sins away. So it will be with us in the great decisions of life. “FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I II. It W a s F il ia l P raye r. COMMEND MY SPIRIT” He did not lose sight of the fact of His Father’s love, or that the agony was of His M iles A . S im m o n s permission. How different would be our S cripture: Luke 23:44, 46 bearing in the hour of trial if we recognized T e x t : Luke 23:46 this! I ntroduction: III. It W a s a P ersevering P raye r. 1. We have been at the Cross this week “He went again the second time, and and listened to the words of Jesus, and have prayed.” The light did not break even then, been thinking about what He has said. We and He “prayed the third time.” Only have seen the anguish of His soul and the then did the calm succeed the storm. agony of His suffering. We have listened and IV. It W a s a S ubm issive P ra ye r . waited, catching insights of His work on “If it be possible, let this cup pass”; “If the Cross. Each word has been a lesson for this cup may not pass”; “nevertheless, not us. The seven words begin with “Father” as I will, but as thou wilt.” upon His lips—“Father, forgive them”—and V. It W a s a T r iu m p h a n t P raye r. end with “Father, into thy hands . . . .” Everything was won at that point—not 2. We have seen how Christ suffered for only the divine strengthening of His own our sins. He was numbered with the trans­ spirit, but the Atonement, Resurrection, and gressors; the iniquity of us all was laid upon Ascension. Him. A Man of sorrows and acquainted Contrast the case of disciples. Christ was with grief. He was wounded for our trans­ strengthened for the Cross, and triumphed gressions and bruised for our iniquities. gloriously; the disciples slept instead of Having thus suffered and made atonement March-April, 1950 (117) 49 for the sins of the world, He shouted, “It is in the hour of our dying. Yea, it is true finished,” as has been studied; and following that when the earth is receding heaven is immediately thereupon He commends him­ coming closer. When our spirits are be­ self to the Father, bows His head .... coming disengaged from the body, they are 3. In this parting moment we have a great clinging more closely to the Father of Spir­ word that comforts us about Him and our­ its. selves. -Faith’s reward is already beginning Blessed are they who can say in truth, “I to appear on this side of the grave. The commend my spirit to God.” confidence and trust that sustained Him a) There is a world beyond the sorrow, there was worth more than any possession grief, and pain of death! It is that God is of earth. Everything was left behind; and there to comfort and take charge of the if He had had great possessions and great spirits. He is our Refuge. acclaim, they were powerless to comfort Saints have a foretaste of the future while Him. still in the body. (Illustration) A little moth­ There is only one thing that is sufficient er at the door of death thought her sainted in time of death, and Jesus had that, trust loved ones were meeting her! Why not? in God. 3. This last word from Jesus should alle­ I. H e C om m itted H is S pir it to G od. viate the dread of entering the spirit world. 1. This again reminds us that Jesus gave God is Love, heaven is glorious, and all himself for us. He said, “No man taketh is wonderful over there with God. it [My life] from me, but I lay it down of Faith and trust for the future is encour­ myself.” Last words bear out this thought. aged by this last word from the Cross. “Fa­ He in a sense said to His spirit, “Be on ther, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” the way,” and sent it to the Father. After Jesus died that all might be saved. But He had thus said, He bowed His head and only those who believe on Him are assured died. of the future! 2. It brings great joy to know He could commit himself to God. It took the terror out of the death for Him. EASTER Man dreads the unknown future because “BEHOLD YOUR KING!” of the uncertainty of its state. He feels that dying is the most terrible crisis of his­ E. D rell A llen tory—the supreme peril of the soul, the T e x t : When Pilate therefore heard that appalling event that decides our fate for­ saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down ever! in the judgment seat in a place that is called But dying does not decide our future the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gab- fate; it is our living that decides that, the batha. course we have taken, the choice we have And it was the preparation of the passover, made! Reminds us . . . . and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto 3. The safety of trusting one’s soul to the Jews, Behold your King! God. But they cried out, Away with him, away Where is there greater safety than in God? with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto Yea, there is no safety out of Him. Three them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief things are required to a safe hand: power, priests answered, We have no king but wisdom, love. Caesar. a) Power—it must be kept from violence Then delivered he him therefore unto or it is not safe. them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, b) Wisdom—it must be handled wisely and led him away (John 19:13-16). or it is not safe. Introduction: c) Love—then if it is not a friendly hand A. The Jewish idea of their King and one of love, the trust will not be safe. 1. The Messiah-King God meets all three requirements. 2. Deliverer from Roman yoke If. In C o m m ittin g H is S p ir it to t h e F a ­ B. The Jews’ rejection of Jesus as their th er , He says a word to us about the fu­ King ture. 1. Denied their prerogative—a con­ 1. He says the soul outlives the body— fessed hope in Messiah not the end of it all when we die. 2. Aligned themselves with Rome— That question has bothered man from time “We have no king but Caesar” immemorial. C. Did Jesus have any right to claim place The oldest book that we know of was as their King? asking, “If a man die, shall he live again?” 1. His claim to Kingship would be as All people have been interested in the valid today, if true. same question. Hear Jesus answer it for I. T h e C l a im of a K ing b y P ersonal F it ­ us. He said to the dying thief, “This day ness shalt thou be with me in paradise”; and A. Compared to human prerequisites now He is saying, “Into thy hands I com­ 1. Appearance—“He hath no form nor mend my spirit.” comeliness” 2. It is a word about the future before 2. Success—“He is despised and re­ we leave this life. It teaches us what to do jected”

50 (118) The Preacher's Magazine 3. Reputation—“He shall be called a 2. He would accomplish the purpose Nazarene” that had brought Him to the world. 4. Riches—He “hath not where to lay 3. He was the willing Sacrifice. his head” II. T h e P rice of H is T r iu m p h a l E n try 5. Rank—Only a carpenter’s Son A. He might have resorted to His divinity. 6. Kingly demeanor—Washed dis­ 1. He “became obedient unto death, ciples’ feet even the death of the cross.” B. Compared by moral and spiritual 2. It was of necessity a complete standards emptying of himself. 1. Sinless—in Him was no sin 3. His life was given for our trans­ 2. Would persuade by love rather gressions. than force B. He paid the price in becoming our 3. Would manifest His own love by Sacrifice. atonement at Calvary 1. What the blood of bulls and goats IT. T h e C l a im of a K ing b y H u m a n it y ’ s could not do, He did. N eed 2. Have you accepted the blood of Christ for sins? A. Personality needs a Kingly center 3. He accepted your sins when He around which to unify itself. went to the Cross. 1. Morally III. T h e P erspective of H is T r iu m p h a l 2. Spiritually E n try B. The problem of sin must be dealt with. A. The life of Christ has become the 1. This Jesus can and will do. basis for Western culture, 2. Complete deliverance through re­ 1. There are twentieth century gains generation and sanctification from His life. C. The door to immortality and eternity 2. There are personal gains from His must be unlocked. life. 1. This, Jesus has done by His death 3. There are eternal gains from His and resurrection. life. C o n clu sio n : B. To get the right perspective of the A. Is He the King of your life? Will you Triumphal Entry cry out, “I have no king but Caesar”? In 1. We must give our all to Him. effect you are saying, “I have no king but 2. We must live holy and acceptable self.” He who will not have Christ as lives. King must bow to a tyrant and be a slave. C o n c lu sio n : “Behold your King!” 1. He is trying to make a triumphal entry into your life. King of my life, I crown Thee now. 2. Will you permit Him to come in? Thine shall the glory be. 3. Will you crucify Him again just out­ Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, side your heart? Lead me to Calvary. GIFTS OF THE RISEN CHRIST THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY H. L. F erguson G lenn R . E vans S cripture L esso n : L u k e 24:31-53 T e x t : Hosanna to the Son of David: 1. The Gift of Assurance, v. 32. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the 2. The Gift of Peace, v. 36. Lord (Matthew 21:9). 3. The Gift of Joy. vv. 37-43. Introduction: 4. The Gift of Knowledge, w . 44-46. 1. Jesus was about to observe the yearly 5. The Gift of Pardon, w . 47-48. Feast of the Passover. 6. The Gift of Power, v. 49. 2. The disciples had no realization of the 7. The Gift of Praise, vv. 50-53. events about to take place. THE FACT OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION 3. The pilgrims cut branches and shouted C. B. H a il words of triumph. 4. This has been called the Triumphal T e x t : But now is Christ risen from the Entry into Jerusalem. dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept (I Cor. 15:20). I. T h e P urpose of H is T r iu m p h a l E n tr y Our faith rests on facts, and the fact of A. Finitely, it was more than a triumphal Christ’s resurrection rests on: entry. I. T h e P u b lic ity of t h e T ransaction 1. Repeated attempts had been made II. T h e T e s t im o n y of E yewitnesses on His life. III. T h e F u lfillm en t of P romises 2. He showed the triumph of hu­ Genesis 3:15; Psalms 16:10, R.V., “For mility in His actions. thou wilt not leave my soul to Sheol; neither 3. It was a fit occasion to be ac­ wilt thou suffer thy holy one to see cor­ claimed Ruler. ruption” ; with Matthew 16:21. B. Divinely, His entry was for the salva­ IV. It Is t h e P ledge of O ur O w n R esur­ tion of the world. rection 1. Ahead of Him lay the Cross. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18) March-April, 1950 (119) 51 THE RESURRECTION salvation.” The ones who only think will always have doubts. C. B . H ail 1. How Can We Be Positive? T e x t : Come, see the place where the Lord Jesus said, (John 14:19) “Because I live, lay (Matt. 28:6). ye shall live also.” How can we know this to be true? Because of a promise of Christ, This empty tomb witnesses to you in the recorded in John 15:26, “But when the most decisive terms: Comforter is come .... even the Spirit of I. The Truth o f His Mission (Rom. 4:25) truth .... he shall testify of me.” II. T h e S u fficien cy of H is W o r k and M edi­ The Comforter is the Holy Spirit, Third ation Person in the Trinity. It says of Him, “How- III. T h e P ledge of H is P ow er beit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, A ddress: he will guide you into all truth .... and he (1) To unbelievers we say, “Come and will shew you things . . . .” see.” For man, “Seeing is believing,” (2) To the humble believer Christ says, “Feeling is believing,” “Fear not.” “Knowing is believing.” For the Christian we add one, “Faith is EASTER, A POSITIVE OF CHRISTIANITY believing.” S t a n le y D. H u le t t 2. “He [the Holy Spirit] will shew . . . .” Scripture Lesson: I Corinthians 15:9-22 Through Him we gain spiritual insight. T e x t: N o w is Christ risen from the dead. Through Him we gain the inward feeling of peace. I. T h e E aster M essage N ot N egative Through Him we gain the knowledge es­ A. Now, not to be, not was. It is an sential to Christian living. Trying to live actual experience in the present. v/ithout the Spirit’s guidance is like trying B. Is, a qualifying word preceding the to gain salvation without the Christ. word risen. A powerful word, a posi­ tive word, which can be used only in III. E aster Is t h e “ P ositive F ocal P oin t” the present tense. of C hristianity C. From the dead, death is bound by A. Easter made possible a born-again ex­ chains of inactivity. A person who is perience for man (illustrate from an dead in the physical sense cannot oper­ actual case). ate a car, or even feed himself. A B. Easter made possible the coming of dead thing is a lifeless thing. the Holy Spirit. Christ's work was “BUT now is Christ risen from the completed with the Resurrection. If dead.” He had turned away from the Cross, This indicates “new power,” renewal the way would not have been cleared of life. for the coming of the Spirit. II. N e w L ife in C h r is t ’ s F ollow ers C. Easter made possible “the power that A. Matthew 28:8. Does not show the fol­ sets men free for Christian service.” lowers in a state of inertia and sor­ (Illustrate from an actual experience.) row. They were changed. Something quickened the life within them. Something created action, “and they “IF CHRIST BE NOT RISEN” departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear [awe] and great joy.” J. P. I ngle B. Easter’s Positive Appeal Should: T e x t : I Corinthians 15:14 1. Awaken drowsy Christians and be­ Introduction fuddled minds. 2. Convert the sinner to a positive, Jesus Christ is the central Figure of all purposeful life, “Now is Christ human history. He is the First and the Last, risen.” He can produce the “power” the Beginning and the Ending, He who that sets men free. lives, and was dead, and is alive forever- We cannot know the actual thrill they had more. In Him are met “the hopes and fears at seeing Him alive. But we can know the of all the years.” He is the answer to the experience and the thrill in a personal sense, question: “Why are we here today?” He or “feeling” and “knowing,” His power that is the “ desire o f all nations.” He made us sets men free. for fellowship and companionship with him­ C. How Can We Know? self and with one another. In proportion to Still the Easter message rings with a our harmony with Him are we happy and positiveness; to know is a positive experi­ contented. All things center in Him. ence. It was with Paul. “ I know that my I. I f C h r is t H ad N ot C o m e : W hat redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). Those who T h e n ? have to say, “I think so,” cannot have a A. Then God’s promises had failed, for positive Christian experience. (Illustration) He promised the Seed of the woman should A young preacher was preaching a call ser­ bruise the serpent’s head. mon. He kept saying, “ I think this, that, B. There would have been no Christian and so!” Finally one of the old elders said, teaching, no Church, no hope, no God to “Young man, we want a preacher who knows save us from our sins. 52 (120) The Preacher's Magazine C. There would have been no rainbow of changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of promise for a future life to fill our vision an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet for the future. shall sound,” and we “shall be caught up D. The world might have continued . . . . to meet the Lord in the air.” hopelessly on, lost, wrecked, and ruined by F. Take courage; Christ Jesus speaks sin forevermore. What a pessimistic outlook with authority from all heaven backing on life! Him: “Go quickly, and tell” others the II. If C h r is t H ad N ot D ied: W h a t t h e n ? story. Sound the word, make it plain. A. Not enough for Christ to set us an Christ Jesus lives with power to save and example, which He did. sanctify and keep in the midst of a wicked B. “It behoved Christ to suffer, die, and world. enter His glory. He was made perfect C o n c lu sio n : through suffering, so He could more per­ Easter is a time of rejoicing. Let us re­ fectly sympathize with us in our needs. joice and go from here to tell men what a C. Our sins could never have been for­ wonderful Saviour we have found. Exalt given, nor our carnal natures cleansed from His shed blood. Show forth His praises. sin. Bring men to Him. D. All men would have been rebels SUNRISE IN THE EASTER GARDEN against God and under the doom of death eternally in hell. And such was our desert. R ichard J. K issee E. Sorrow, anguish, darkness, and dam­ T e x t : Noiv in the place w h e r e h e was nation awaited all men, and would await crucified there was a garden; and in the them. garden a new sepulchre, wherein was III. If C h r is t H ad N ot R is e n : W h a t never man yet laid. There laid they T h e n ? Jesus. . . . (John 19:41, 42). A. Forgiveness and cleansing are both Introduction: dependent on Christ’s ability to rise from 1. There are a number of famous gar­ the dead. dens in the Bible. Someone has said, “We B. There would have been no hope of are nearer God’s heart in a garden than immortality, no life beyond* the tomb. anywhere else on earth.” There are several “Back to dust” would have been our only well-known hymns that give expression to hope. No immortality either for the body this thought. or spirit. 2. The first sanctuary God built was a garden. C. No hope of ever seeing our loved ones a) He was lavish in its construction. and friends, those whom “we had loved and b) It was made for man. lost awhile,” no hope of heaven and eternal c) It was God’s meeting place with man. bliss for the good. 3. The greatest tragedy that ever oc­ D. Life would have been an abortion. curred happened in a garden. Our days are so short and frugal at best. a) Sin’s dark shadow entered. We do not have time to get done what b) Man was shut out of the garden and we desire in a whole lifetime of seventy away from his Maker. or eighty years. 4. But the glorious message of Easter E. No heaven for people who were made Sunday is that in another garden the for companionship with God and to enjoy world’s greatest triumph occurred. Him forever. a) The power of sin was destroyed. IV. “B ut Now Is C h r is t R isen from th e b) Christ overpowered death. ead D .” I. W h e n t h e E aster S unrise S h o n e in A. He appeared to His disciples on J o se ph ’ s G arden, C h r ist H ad D ispelled twelve different occasions according to t h e D ar k n e ss o f D e a t h and F illed It w it h records. Hundreds saw Him and heard Him t h e L ig h t of L if e . speak and give the Great Commission, etc. A. A darkness blacker than the blackest B. Then, we have the silent testimony of night had settled down over the followers the empty tomb. The founder of no other of Christ. religion left us with an empty tomb. Let Someone has written: them come forth if they are divine. He died! C. The growth and progress of the Chris­ And with Him perished all that men hold tian Church across the centuries loudly dear; acclaim the Resurrection, and He is now Hope lay beside Him in the sepulchre; “Lord of life.” Death has lost its sting. Love grew corse cold, and all things beau­ Christ took it out. tiful beside D. The presence and work of the Holy Died when He died. Spirit in our hearts right now settle it 1. Indicated in the first visitors to the forever in the hearts of those who believe. tomb. E. Because He lives, we shall live also. a) Mary Magdalene came early in the Also, “them also which sleep in Jesus will morning, before dawn, “while it was yet God bring with him.” “We which are alive dark.” and remain .... shall not prevent them b) The darkness without could scarcely which are asleep.” “We shall all be be compared with the darkness within.

March-April, 1950 (121) 53 c) The Light of her Life had been Note. Anyone willing to take the time to eclipsed. examine evidence can assure himself of d) The other women, too, were weeping. the truth of Christ’s resurrection. 2. Indicated in the visit of Peter and 111. Two prominent lawyers, both atheists, John to the sepulcher. Gilbert West and Lord Littleton, decided to a) They believed the report of Mary disprove the story of the Resurrection and Magdalene, “They have taken away my the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Both Lord.” became Christians when all the evidence b) They failed to remember Christ’s was in. words concerning His death and resurrec­ Paul states it simply: “If Christ be not tion. raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (I Cor. 15:17). B. The Easter sunrise uncovered the re­ III. W h e n th e E aster S unrise S h o n e in ality of the Resurrection. J o se ph ’ s G arden, C h r is t H ad D ispelled t h e 1. The first visitors found the stone rolled D a r k n e ss of D espair, and G iven to M en a away. B rig h t and B lessed H ope. 2. The graveclothes were found neatly A. The resurrection of Christ from the folded. grave brought with it the beginning of a 3. The angelic messengers reported: “He new life for His followers. is not here: for he is risen.” 1. He had promised them that their sor­ The whole world ought to know that row would be turned to joy. H e a rose! 2. The Resurrection brought hope again And with Him hope arose and life and light. to the hearts of men. Paul said: “If in this Men said, “Not Christ but death died yes­ life only we have hope in Christ, we are of ternight.” all men most miserable.” And joy and truth and all things virtuous 111. The Cape of Good Hope was once Arose when He arose. known as the Cape of Storms until an 4. Death to the non-Christian is like tak­ ancient mariner sailed through its treacher­ ing a fearful leap into the dark. ous waters and found favorable winds and a 5. The Christian has found the answer to safe voyage «on the other side, with profit­ Job’s question, “If a man die, shall he live able returns for his efforts. Christ braved again?” death’s chilly tide, bringing with Him the a) No one who understands the meaning glorious hope that we too shall reach the of the Resurrection need any longer fear desired haven of rest. death. B. The Ground of Our Hope b) “Christians die well.” Paul wrote, “O 1. Our hope is grounded in the resurrec­ death, where is thy sting? O grave, where tion of Christ. I Peter 1:3. is thy victory?” 2. It is the soul’s sure anchor. Heb. 6:18, C. Many scriptures testify to the truth of 19. Christ’s victory over death and the final 3. It inspires to clean living. I John 3:3. triumph of His followers over the same. C o n c lu sio n : Note Rev. 1:18; John 5:28, 29; I Cor. 15: These are only a few of the glorious rays 25, 26. of truth to be found in the Easter garden. II. W h e n E aster S u nrise S h o n e in Jo­ A realization of their significance should seph ’ s G arden, C h r is t h a d D ispelled th e make us very happy on this Easter morn­ D a r k n e ss of D oubt and G iven to M a n a ing. R ad ian t F a it h . A. No one believed that Christ would THE MESSAGE OF THE RISEN ONE rise again from the grave. E rnest S. M a t h e w s 1. His disciples did not understand the S cripture L e sso n : John 20:19-23 scriptures concerning His death and resur­ T e x t : “ . . . . Receive ye the Holy Ghostt” rection. They had dispersed. (John 20:22). 2. His enemies were confident of victory. Introduction: 3. Mary Magdalene was so blinded by If the crucified Christ, the Son of the her tears that she supposed she was talk­ living God, actually came forth from the ing to the gardener. dead, then all the world should listen to B. Proof of Christ’s resurrection is what He has to say, His message. founded upon His many appearances during The scripture lesson, in five verses, gives the forty days prior to His ascension. a marvelous story and a wonderful revela­ C. Proof of Christ’s resurrection is tion. Let us note: founded upon the faith and the changed I. T h e F act of a R isen O ne lives of Christ’s followers afterwards. A. The time 1. The resurrection of Christ became the “ The same day”—evening—shut-door time keynote of Peter’s sermon on the Day of B. The day—“First day of the week,” Pentecost. See Acts 2:29-36. Easter 2. It made the disciples willing to suffer C. The place—“Where the disciples as­ persecution. sembled” (Church of the Nazarene) 3. It gave them a radiant faith in Christ’s D. What happened — Jesus “came,” second appearance. “stood,” and “saith”

54 (122) The Preacher's Magazine E. The proof—He showed them His 3. Today we celebrate His resurrection. hands and His side a) We can know the power of His resur­ F. His message—was recorded and may rection. A power that saves, sanctifies, be reproduced today keeps. II. T h e O ccasion Notice four great facts about our won­ A. Their Leader had been killed, and derful Lord. now the malice of the Jews might be I. H e D ied. Mark 15:44— Pilate marvelled turned to His followers. Natural fear if he were already dead. caused them to lock the doors. 1. He was the Lamb slain from the foun­ B. They needed just such an assuring dation of the world. visit. 2. His life was lived in the constant C. The effect—“Then were the disciples shadow of the Cross. glad.” 3. His ministry of mercy closed in a III. T h e M essage death of shame. A. A Message of Assurance—“Peace be unto you.” 4. He became the final and everlasting 1. Peace of mind—in such an hour sacrifice for sin. By giving His own life, 2. Peace with God—in spite of their fail­ he brought to us eternal life. ures 5. Why did He die? 3. Peace of full salvation. Not w ith but a) He could have saved His own life. of God. Not received then, but the need But He died because He loved us! “Such recognized. The Kingdom He wanted them love, such wondrous love!” to have was “not meat and drink; but b) While we were yet sinners, He died righteousness, and peace, and joy in the for us. Holy Ghost.” c) He died, giving himself a ransom for “Oh, the peace that Jesus gives the sins of the whole world. Never dies—it always lives, etc.” 6. His death brought a gloom, despair, All disciples need that peace. hopelessness to the disciples. (Elaborate B. A message of tremendous responsibil­ here upon their actions and statements.) ity. vv. 21, 23 II. H e R ose. Luke 24:34—The Lord is 1. “As my Father hath sent me, even so risen indeed. send I you”—the very same commission 1. The whole picture changes from a 2. “Whose soever sins ye remit,”—or re­ hopeless despondency to one of eternal tain. Oh, what a responsibility! brightness. We must not accept the Roman Catholic 2. The fact of the Resurrection brings idea of priests forgiving sins, but we must new hope to the world. face the fact that some sins will be forgiven 3. Why did He arise? or remain unforgiven—souls saved or lost— a) The bonds of death could not hold in the measure that the disciples fulfill their Him. The resurrection of our Lord was a duty. “Sent ones” must believe in a risen testimony to His power. Death could not Lord, and receive the Holy Ghost, who hold Him. qualifies them to face the responsibility and fulfill the commission. b) He came forth Conqueror over death, hell, and the grave. C. A. Message of Urgent Appeal As He stood there in that room with His c) This proves His divinity beyond any little band, so lately terrified and scattered, question. Critics of the Bible and atheists and realized their weakness, then thought have never been able to provide an answer of the time when He would have to leave to the Resurrection. all to them, is it any wonder He sighed, 4. What is the effect of His resurrection? breathed out the cry of His burdened a) Confidence. He had promised that He heart—Oh, “receive ye the Holy Ghost.” would arise the third day. I do not understand that they received b) Salvation. We may now arise from that peace of which He spoke, or the Spirit, death in trespasses and sins to newness of at this time. He was urging them not to life in the resurrected Lord. fail to “wait for the promise of the Father.” c) Hope. A hope of our own bodily C o n c lu sio n : resurrection. “As in Adam all die, even so The message of the Living One is the in Christ shall all be made alive.” message of a living Saviour, who bap­ d) We worship today a risen Christ, tizes men with the Holy Ghost. not a dead one! Mohammed, Confucius, Buddha, and other leaders of religious faiths FOUR GLORIOUS FACTS ABOUT are dead and in the grave. But our Lord lives! Hallelujah! OUR LORD III. H e L ive s. Rev. 1:18—I am he that J. B. M iller liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am Introduction : alive for evermore. 1. Jesus, the greatest Character who ever 1. Once and for all He conquered death. lived. “Amen; and have the keys of hell and of 2. He set the example in life for us. death.” Blazed the trail to glory. 2. He reigns in heaven today.

March-April, 1950 (123) 55 3. “He ever liveth to make interces­ (“But tarry.” “Go .... teach.” Remember sion for us.” We have a divine Representa­ our Mid-Century Crusade for Souls.) tive at the throne of grace, who intercedes VI. “Lo, I Am with You Alway” (Matt. for us. 2 8 :2 0 ). IV. He C om es. Rev. 22:20—Surely 1 come The empty tomb speaks assurance. quickly. 1. He will come as the living, resurrected TRAGEDY, TRIUMPH, AND TIDINGS Christ. Glorified. Ralph S. Phillips 2. He has gone to prepare a place for Scripture Lesson: Acts 3 :1 -1 6 His people. T e x t : Acts 3 :1 3 -1 5 3. Are you living for His coming? It will Introduction: be the greatest spectacle men have ever 1. The Healing of the Lame Man beheld. 2. The Amazement of the People a) Poet expresses it thus, in words of old 3. Peter’s Denial of Native Power or hymn: Piety (Holiness) The mossy old graves where the pilgrims Peter then uses the opportunity to speak sleep of— Shall be opened as wide as before; I. T h e G reat T ragedy And the millions that sleep in the mighty He makes his charge against the “men of deep Israel” (v. 1 2 ). Shall live on this earth once more. A. They had “delivered up” the Messiah There we’ll meet all our loved ones in Eden, (v. 1 3 ). our home; B. They had “denied him in the presence Sweet songs of redemption we’ll sing; of Pilate” (v. 1 3 ). From the north, from the south, all the C. They had “desired a murderer” (v. ransomed shall come, 1 4 ). And worship our heavenly King. D. They had destroyed “the Prince of Hallelujah, Amen! Hallelujah, again! life” (v. 1 5 ). In a little while we shall be there. II. The Glorious Triumph. “ Whom God Oh, be faithful, be hopeful, be joyful till raised from the dead” (v. 1 5 ). then; A. It was a triumph over the sepulcher. And a crown of bright glory wear! B. It was a triumph over Satan. Gen. 3:1 5. THE MESSAGE OF THE EMPTY TOMB C. It was a triumph over sin. C larence T . M oore III. The Glad Tidings. “ W hereof w e are Introduction: witnessses” (v. 1 5 ). “He is not here.” A. To the reality of the Resurrection. Our religion is the only religion with an 1. His followers had seen Him over a empty tomb. period of forty days. Acts 1 :3 . I. T h e A ngels S aid, “ H e Is R isen, a s H e 2. They had heard Him speak “of the S a id .” things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Peter declared, “It was not possible that Acts 1 :3 . he should be holden of it” (Acts 2:24). 3. They had touched Him. Matt. 28:9. The empty tomb speaks of resurrected life. B. To the results of the Resurrection. II. “ C o m e, S ee t h e P lace W here t h e 1. “God hath glorified his Son Jesus” (v. L ord L a y .” 1 3 ). Phil. 2 :9 . I.e., The Resurrection bears inspection. 2. Temporal blessings are granted Peter and John went into the tomb and “through faith in his name” (v. 1 6 ). saw the napkin that was about His head 3. Spiritual benefits flow to all mankind. and the clothes lying. John 20:4, 7. “Unto you first” (v. 2 6 ). Jesus said to Thomas, “Reach hither thy “Also to the Greeks [Gentiles].” Romans finger .... thy hand .... be not faith­ 1:16. less, but believing” (John 20:27). a) Salvation. Acts 3:12. The empty tomb speaks an esablished b) Sanctification. Acts 26:18. fact. c) Glorification. I Cor. 15:20, 23. III. T h e A ngels P r oclaim , “ W h y S e e k Y e t h e L ivin g A mong t h e D ead? ” (Luke WATCHING THE CLOCK AROUND 24:5). AT THE CROSS “ Go .... tell his disciples that he is risen F lo y d H. P o u n d s from the dead” (Matt. 28:6, 7). Scripture Lesson: Matt. 2 7 :3 4 -6 6 The empty tomb speaks encouragement T e x t: And sitting down they watched to the fearful. him there (Matthew 2 7 :3 6 ). IV. “A ll P o w er Is G iven- unto M e in I. T h e J ealou s E n em ies ( v . 3 5 ). H eaven and in E a r t h ” (Matt. 28:18). II. T h e M o c k in g P riests ( v . 41) The empty tomb speaks of omnipotent III. T h e D y in g T h ieves ( v . 44) power. IV . T h e B elieving C enturion ( v . 54) V. “B u t T a r r y ” (Luke 24:49). V . T h e A n x io u s W o m en ( v . 55) “ Go .... teach” (Matt. 28:19). V I. T h e B ereaved J o se ph ( v . 57) The empty tomb speaks with authority. VII. The Careless Soldiers (v. 66) 56 (124) The Preacher's Magazine THE INFALLIBLE PROOFS OF THE imagination and enthusiasm, they would RESURRECTION have continued, increasing constantly the emotional excitement out of which they L. Wayne Sears sprung. ‘The ablest representative of the Scripture Lesson: Mark 16:1-8; Acts 1:1-8 skeptical schools of criticism confesses that T e x t: T o whom also he shewed himself no explanation can be given of the un- alive after his passion by many infallible doubting and immovable faith of the Apos­ proofs, being seen of them forty days, and tles in the resurrection of Jesus.” (F. C. speaking of the things pertaining to the Baur: History of the First Three Centuries, kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). p. 39.) There is only one reasonable ex­ planation—namely that the fact occurred.” Introduction: —Fisher, Manual of Christian Evidences. The resurrection of Jesus is the central III. T h e T e s t im o n y of t h e C hanged L ives theme of the New Testament. Not all four A. Peter. The Resurrection and Pente­ Gospels tell of Christ’s birth, but none cost made the difference in Peter. neglect Calvary and the Resurrection. The B. Thomas. “My Lord and my God.” basis of the faith of the New Testament C. Paul. From Saul the Pharisee to Paul Christians was that Jesus arose from the the Christian. dead. It is essential for us today to know D. Others. Great Christians through the that He did rise. There are many “infallible centuries were not changed by a dead creed proofs” that might be cited. Here are five but by a living Christ. testimonies that can be classed as “infal­ IV . T h e T e s t im o n y of t h e C h r ist ia n lible.” C h u r c h I. T h e T e s t im o n y of t h e E m p t y T omb A. Every effect must have an adequate A. Seen by the disciples cause. 1. Peter and John B. The Church has survived the cen­ 2. The women turies. Men still sing “He Lives.” B. Testified to by the Roman guard C. Easter is churchgoing time for many C. Priests recognized the importance. who do not go at other times. Other things They endeavored to forestall the very enter in, but would not be sufficient with­ thing that happened. When it did happen, out a belief in the Resurrection. they bribed the guards and tried to hush it V . T h e T e s t im o n y of C h r is t up. A. “Behold my hands and my feet” D. Here is the number one mystery of (Luke 2 4 :3 9 ). the ages. If Jesus did not rise from the B. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; dead, what happened to the body? Can and, behold, I am alive for evermore” (Rev. anyone imagine that the disciples stole it 1 :1 8 ). away? Would they then have returned to C. He will testify today to every believ­ the scene of the crime? Can anyone imagine ing soul. that the most thorough search ever made C o n c lu sio n : was not instigated by the priests and Ro­ Therefore, because of the “infallible mans? Was not Roman authority at stake? proofs” of the Resurrection, because of His Was not Jewish religion at stake? They testimony in our hearts, we know He lives. would have done, and probably did do, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, everything in their power to recover the where is thy victory?” body. What happened to the body? No one at any time or in any place or circumstance ever claimed to have found the body. THE RESURRECTION We must either believe in the Resurrec­ Peter Tucker tion of Jesus Christ from the dead, or we Scripture Lesson: I Corinthians 1 5 :1 -5 8 are forced into a dilemma from which Introduction: there is no escape. The gospel defined (vv. 1 -4 ) II. T h e T e s t im o n y of t h e D isciples Paul defines the gospel as the death, A. Mary Magdalene saw Him in the gar­ burial, and resurrection of Christ. den. I. T h e F act (vv. 5 -1 1 ) B. The two on the Emmaus road saw Him. Christ confirmed His resurrection by C. The ten disciples in the Upper Room many infallible proofs. saw Him. 1. He was seen of Peter, then of the D. Thomas saw Him later. twelve (v. 5). E. He appeared again at Galilee. 2. He was seen of above 500 brethren at F. Paul testified that He appeared to him. once (v. 6). G. Manifestations limited. “The manifes­ 3. He was seen of James, then of all the tations of Jesus to the disciples were limited apostles (v. 7). to a certain number of instances. The 4. He was seen of Paul, last of all, as principal of these Paul refers to. A few one born out of due time (v. 8 ). others are related in the Gospels. All these II. T h e I mportance ( v v . 1 2 -1 9 ). interviews ceased after a limited, not a very Salvation is based on the ground of long time. Had they been the product of Christ’s resurrection.

March-April, 1950 (125) 57 1. If Christ be not risen, our preaching the most gigantic hoax in history. We have and faith are vain (v. 14). pinned our hopes on nothing, to be com­ 2. If Christ be not risen, we are false wit­ pletely disillusioned—all self-denial, perse­ nesses (vv. 15-16). cution, etc., are to no purpose, for they are 3. If Christ be not risen, we are yet in done for One who is dead, if Christ be not our sins (v. 17). risen. 4. If Christ be not risen, the righteous 2. But all this is beside the point, for He dead perish (v. 18). did rise! Therefore our faith is not vain— 5. If Christ be not risen, our hope of it is fully justified. He did not deceive us, heaven is vain (v. 19). nor lead us into a hoax. III. T h e O rd er ( v v . 20-34). II. C h r is t I s R ise n Indeed, S ecuring O ur “Every man in his own order.” S alv a tio n (verse 17). 1. Christ, the firstfruits (v. 20). 1. Without the Resurrection there could 2. The righteous dead at the Rapture (v. be no salvation. Calvary, profoundly won­ 23). derful as it was, was not enough. If that is 3. The wicked dead at the end of the the end, then we are yet in our sins, Paul Millennium (v. 24). says. IV. The Method (vv. 35-50). 2. Christ had to rise to give dynamic and “How are the dead raised up?” vitality to His plan of redemption—to give He answers this question by referring to power and hope to His followers—to make the principle of vegetation (vv. 36-37). possible His Church. 1. “It is sown in corruption; it is raised 3. Most of all, He had to rise victorious in incorruption” (v. 42). over Satan (who had done his worst) to 2. “It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in secure to all who would come to Him an glory” (v. 43). eternal salvation from all sin. 3. “ It is sown in weakness; it is raised in III. C h r is t I s R isen Indeed, G ivin g Us power” (v. 43). A ssurance of E ternal L ife (verses 20-23). 4. “ It is sown a natural body; it is 1. His resurrection is the proof that we raised a spiritual body” (v. 44). too shall rise. He is the first fruits or, as V. The Mystery (w . 51-57). Moffatt says, “the first to be reaped of those “Behold, I shew you a mystery.” that sleep in death.” If He could raise 1. The dead in Christ shall be resur­ himself, then He is able to raise us up. (A rected. five-year-old boy, looking at a picture of 2. The living saints shall be translated the raising of the son of the widow of Nain, (vv. 52, 53)—the Easter of all Easters. stopped the person who was showing the This twofold character of the resurrection pictures with this comment, “Yes, I can un­ was revealed to Martha (John 11:25-26). derstand that. Jesus had the life. He had Only the Christian dead will have part all the life inside himself.”) in the first resurrection (Rev. 20:6). 2. “In Christ shall all be made alive.” C o n clu sio n : This the glorious hope that has inspired Three things will follow our faith and men through all ages to face every foe tri­ hope in the Lord’s return (v. 58). umphantly. His resurrection guarantees 1. Steadfast in the faith. ours if we are found in Him. (A Moham­ 2. Unmovable from the right. medan said to a missionary, “We have 3. “Always abounding in the work of something you Christians do not have. We the Lord.” find a coffin when we go to Mecca. When you Christians go to Jerusalem, you find CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED nothing but an empty grave.” The mis­ sionary replied, “That is just the difference. V e r n o n L. W il c o x Mohammed is in his coffin, but Jesus Christ Text: I Corinthians 15:20 is not here; He is risen. That is our hope!”) Introduction: THE OPEN TOMB Paul here is confronted with the argu­ ment that Christ did not actually rise, F . F r a n k l y n W ise that there is no such thing as the resurrec­ T e x t : For the angel of the Lord descended tion from the dead. In strong words he as­ from heaven, and came and rolled back serts (Moffatt’s translation): “It is not so! the stone from the door, and sat upon it Christ did rise from the dead!” It was not (Matt. 28:2). imaginary, or merely a spiritual occurrence. Introduction: It was real. And Paul could add, “He was A. The whole scheme of events at the seen of many—far too many to have been tomb could find symbolic significance to the mistaken—and then I saw Him too. He effects of Christianity upon the world. spoke to me on the Damascus road. I 1. The earthquake could symbolize the know He lives!” quaking of the foundations of Satan’s king­ I. Christ Is Risen Indeed, Justifying Our dom. F a it h (verse 19). 2. The fact of the women’s coming was 1. He does not mean here that the Chris­ prophetic of the new place Christianity tian life is miserable, but that if Christ would give to women in what was con­ is not risen then we are sorely deceived by sidered a man’s world.

58 (126) The Preacher's Magazine B. But the picture of the angel sitting on DOES THE RESURRECTION MATTER? the stone at the mouth of the open tomb R ich ard S. T aylo r has special significance. T e x t : But now is Christ risen from the 1. Significant of the “plus” of God’s dead .... (I C or. 15:20a). power over sin, “They sat upon it.” Introduction: 2. Significant of the final triumph of God Does it make any real difference whether over Satan, righteousness over unrighteous­ Christ arose bodily from the grave, and is ness. alive today? It is well to see certain per­ a) Stone was placed there by Satan’s sonal implications which inevitably follow scheming. the fact of a risen Christ. His scheme was set aside by God. I. A R ise n C h r ist Is Invincible. P r o po sitio n : Because of this triumph of 1. He who triumphs over death will tri­ God, we can expect and can experience the umph over all else. “All power is given same triumph within our own lives. As unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. the stone was rolled from the tomb, so the 28:18). stone has rolled from us. 2. Therefore we too are invincible in him. “I can do all things through Christ which I. T h e S tone of S ilence W h ic h S e p a ­ strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13). Also Ro­ rated G od fr o m C h r is t W a s R emoved. mans 8:35-39. A. Angels ministered to the resurrected II. A R isen C h r ist Is Indispensable. Son now. 1. Indispensable in life, death, and Judg­ B. This was a sign of God’s approval ment. “Thou hast the words of eternal life” upon His completed redemptive mission. (John 6:68). Also Acts 4:12. II. T h u s , t h e S tone of D e a t h ’ s M ystery 2. Therefore Christians should never W a s R olled A w a y and D e a t h B ecam e a n cease giving Him to others. The world can­ O pen S ecret. not do without Him! A. Gave to us glorious hope beyond the III. A R isen C h r is t Is Inescapable. grave. 1. Inescapable now as a Seeking Saviour. B. We now have some inkling of what Illus. Holman Hunt’s picture of the Christ our resurrected bodies will be like. knocking at the door. 2. Inescapable then as a Righteous Judge. III. A lso, t h e M illstones H ung A bout “For we must all appear before the judg­ M a n ’ s N e c k b y S a t a n H ave B een C a s t ment seat of Christ” (II Cor. 5:10). L ig h t l y O f f . C o n c lu sio n : A. Sin’s power was now completely Jesus is alive. It is therefore folly to seek broken. to evade Him, for He is inescapable. It is 1. In sanctification, man can be rid of its futile to try to live without Him; for if we retarding effect. Heb. 12:1. would be holy, if we would be truly happy, 2. Man can be more than conqueror of if we would be eternally saved, He is in­ both life and death. dispensable. It is needless to hesitate to B. The millstone of Law was rolled commit our all to Him, now and forever, away, and the yoke of grace given instead. for He is invincible. 1. We now live under the law of the THE SHOUT OF TRIUMPH Spirit rather than under the Mosaic law. E d w in Z im b le m a n 2. Service to God now springs from love, S cripture L e sso n : I C or. 15:13-28 not fear. C. The millstone of ritual was discarded T e x t : Thanks be unto God, which giveth for the avenue of prayer. us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I C o r. 13:27). 1. In place of animal sacrifices and hu­ man priests, we now have Jesus’ blood and Introduction: himself as High Priest. Easter is Christianity’s day of triumph! Great victories have been won on numerous 2. In the dark hours of trial and sorrow, occasions, but nothing has ever equaled He intercedes for us and prays the Father this victory in the history of the world. on our behalf. I. T h e E n e m y : D e a t h C on c lu sio n : A. Sin demands this penalty of the whole Alfred Adler, the great psychologist, once human race. said, “Anxiety is high treason against the B. Spiritual death demands eternal sepa­ Holy Ghost.” Because we live on this side ration and doom. of the open tomb, we should be released C. The grim finality and curse of this from every millstone of Satan—sin, death, enemy. fear, anxiety, trial, temptation, affliction, II. T h e V ictor: C h r ist sorrow, and persecution. For God in Christ A. He came specifically to deliver us has opened to us every mystery of death from our enemy. and given to us a chart for all unknown B. He defeated death for those who ac­ seas. We can share in the triumph of God cept His life. now through Christ, “who always causeth C. He became the first fruits of those us to triumph.” who slept.

March-April, 1950 (127) 59 D. He broke death’s bond and removed the trustees said, “It will be interesting to its sting. know what the next preacher’s wife wants.” E. He brought life and immortality—total Then it helped me a little when I heard victory. later that she liked the gloss finish too. III. T h e B eneficiaries: T h e C hildren of Now in this parsonage we have our own G od choice in finishing woodwork. I’m choosing A. The resurrection of Christ gave us stain and varnish for the finish and hoping the hope of life. that all the rest of the people who live here B. Without His victory we would have will like it. been most miserable. Some of the places where we’ve lived I’ve C. We benefit by His victory, fought on loved every nook and cranny of the house. our behalf. It seemed that I was leaving a friend when D. We join in the “shout of triumph” I packed and left, for a minister’s wife made possible through Him. cannot always have the conveniences she E. We give God thanks for that which wants. But she can always make the par­ He has provided. sonage a happy home for that dear servant of the people and of God that calls her, “ Wife.” POST-EASTER Her home can always be a “Home” for CHRIST’S TWELVE APPEARANCES those parsonage children who have such a AFTER THE RESURRECTION time adjusting themselves to new school systems and new environments. J. E. T u rn ock The parsonage can always be a place I. J esus I s t h e R ise n C h r is t . where the spiritually needy may come to A. To Mary Magdalene. John 20:14-18 find someone who will pray for them. The B. To the women. Matthew 28:8-10 calls come in the nighttime for prayer for C. To Peter. Luke 24:34 sick loved ones. The call comes in the II. J esus I s t h e E ncouraging C h r ist morning for prayer with the soul convicted A. To the two on Emmaus Road. Luke for holiness. 24:13-31 The parsonage is the meeting place for B. To those behind closed doors. John committees, for neighbor children, and for 20:19-24 other ministers who are journeying through C. To seven by Lake of Tiberias. John town. But most of all it should be the 21: 1-2 place where the minister’s wife, with the III. J esus P roves H e Is t h e C h r is t . rest of her family, has often a meeting A. To the apostles and five hundred. I with God. May this parsonage, and future Cor. 15:6 parsonages in which I live, be graced ever B. To Thomas. John 20:24 by the presence of God, and may we so C. To the eleven. Mark 8:14-20 live that in “all things he might have the pre-eminence.” IV . J esus Is t h e L astin g C h r is t . A. To Stephen. Acts 7:55 B. To Paul. Acts 9:3-6; I Cor. 15:8 Recently my musings have been about C. To John. Rev. 1:10 people. How interesting people are! Yes­ terday I rode to Chicago on a South Shore electric train early enough in the morning Musings of to be a fellow passenger with a large group of workers. I sat beside a little woman A Minister's Wife whose skin was black. She was reading her New Testament and then skipped over B y M rs. W . M . F r a n k l in to Psalms 121. After reading it she said to It’s parsonages this time. I’ve never be­ me. “I often read this psalm. For years I fore lived in a nice new parsonage as we have not been well, and doctors could not have in this place, but once I lived where seem to help me. One day I read this my first winter day task was to get rid of psalm. I believe God gave it to me. I told the snow that had blown through the my husband we should pray and I would cracks and onto my bed during the night. trust God to help me. He gave me strength Once we lived in a rented-furnished and grace for that day. Then the next day house. The young people of the church God provided for my physical need for had a taffy-pull all over the place. And I that day. For ten years now I’ve lived by worked for a week trying to get taffy out of faith for each day, and now I’m better the cloth rug that belonged to the owner physically than I had been for many years. of the house. I have looked to God ‘from whence cometh Once we moved to a parsonage where a my help.’ ” I was glad that I could tell few months before the women of the of what Jesus means to me to the woman church had worked for weeks to take the who had black skin but a white heart. varnish off the woodwork of such a light Today a woman from this community color that I (with two tiny youngsters) was knocked at our door. When she had com­ washing fingerprints away every week. pleted her errand I asked her about at­ Later we put on a gloss finish, and one of tending Sunday school. (By the way, she

60 (128) The Preacher's Magazine had white skin.) She said: “I have at­ tended your church and, frankly, I don’t "Others Are Watching" like it. You people are too critical. My We were gathered together for our regu­ husband drinks and smokes [and she had lar monthly meeting of the Anchorage her own package of cigarettes in the pocket Ministers’ Alliance. The subject at hand of her rolled-up jeans] and I would not was “Universal Week of Prayer.” Schedules want my husband changed. He’s good to were being arranged for the week-long me, provides well, and I think a lot of him. program of evening services. With twenty My brother-in-law is a minister in an denominations represented and only five ...... church and he takes a drink topics and services to consider, it was going now and then and smokes too. He says we to be difficult to arrange tactfully. must be broad-minded, and that’s the way I’m trying to raise my children.” As the topics were being reviewed, the Episcopalian minister broke the silence She said she had been singled out as the with, “Let us give the Nazarenes the second one sinner in the congregation once, and service. This is a topic I believe they can she did not like that. I tried smoothing handle.” Another said, “Yes, they are things over by saying that perhaps the good witnesses.” I was somewhat embar­ former minister was trying to help some rassed by the sudden attention coming our backslidden Nazarenes to get fixed up way, yet I was glad to be a member of a spiritually, but she would not have it that church where, even in this far Northland, way at all. We closed the conversation their testimony for Christ was appreciated. with a comment of good-will about the The topic was “The Call to a Personal Wit­ errand on which she had come, and she ness.” left (having had quite a time to get her Credit goes to the laymen of our church, broad-minded four-year-old son to ride in and with the credit goes the warning, Be the car with her instead of on the door sure to “let your light shine.” Credit goes of the opened trunk compartment). Can to the faithful ministers of our church who I think she has a white heart? I can pray are living and preaching under the anoint­ for people like that. ing of the Holy Spirit. With this credit Then my musings ran around to the nice goes the warning, “Keep the glory down.” group of Intermediates we have. Help me, Others are watching! Lord, to win them before life-habits have M. R . K arody spoiled them, as they had spoiled this Mt. View Church second woman. Anchorage, Alaska

HERE ARE THE FACTS ABOUT TOBACCO The Tobacco Companies Don't Tell You!

The press suppresses all news unfavor­ tobacco contains a tar which has a carcino­ able to cigarettes. Congratulations are due genic (cancer-producing) effect. an exceptional paper, the Durham, N.C., “Smoking is a factor because of the Morning Herald, for printing the following chronic irritation it produces.” news on its front page: What a pity that the great tobacco con­ cerns are cursing the girlhood of America C ancer of t h e L ung Increases with cigarettes as they have cursed the boyhood of many years past! All they care W it h S ale of C igarettes for is the money they get out of it. They Cancer of the lung is on the increase, and do not care a straw for the health and hap­ there is a distinct parallel between that in­ piness of our girls, for the morality, virtue, crease and the increase of the sale of and spirituality of our girls, how they go to cigarettes. So declared Dr. Alton Ochsner destruction through the use of tobacco, just of New Orleans (Tulane), regional medical so they fill their coffers with filthy lucre: director of the American Cancer Society, just so they make big money. and one of the nation’s authorities on A recent report from one of America’s cancer at Duke University—“Incidence of leading physicians, Daniel H. Kress, as re­ cancer of the lung,” Dr. Ochsner said, ported by Between the Lines, quotes sev­ “definitely has risen within the past two eral authorities who present overwhelming decades, although cancer incidents in other evidence of the poisonous substances con­ organs has remained about the same or is tained in tobacco smoke, and their effects somewhat less. Today cancer of the lung on heart action, muscle strength, mental represents from 10 to 15 per cent of all abilities, blood pressure, the digestive or­ cancers found in the ■ body. Prof. Roffo, gans, and the lungs. He presents a letter director of the Institute for Malignant Dis­ written to a great tobacco company by Dr. eases in Buenos Aires, has shown that William G. Lennox of Harvard.

March-April, 1950 (129) 61 “I suspect that even you may be get­ feeling, for the card was signed “your ting tired of the statement endlessly re­ pastor.” peated through papers, billboards, and Swiftly the girl remembered that distant radios that 20,679 physicians say that your city of three millions, when accident had brand of tobacco is not so irritating as swept down with its aftermath of trial and other tobaccos. Just for the sake of vari­ discouragement. She recalled days of ety you may welcome the opinion of 140,- puzzled anguish. She recalled walking down 000 physicians of North America who did the street, her subconscious mind repeat­ not join in the statement—no number of ing mechanically the last phrase of that good-looking women on billboards, or on card. Then it had suddenly taken hold any amount of lively dance music can, and had the effect of a potent tonic. however, blur the fact that cigarettes con­ The same card she now held in a more tain a poisonous drug. The following state­ steady, mature hand, as she spoke aloud ment of the Journal of the American with conviction: “ That pastor was a man Medical Association, issue of June 22, 1929, of God.” page 2125, far outweighs any impression “Who?” said the friend as she reached for you would seek to gain through your men­ the proffered card. tion of 20,679 physicians. It read: I just called the ...... Co. and “Nicotine is to be accepted as a high found you were not working today, so drop toxic chemical. One gram (half drop) is the you this line. approximate lethal dose for a man; its ac­ We missed you and would like to see you tion is swift and death occurs after large and find out how you are getting along. We doses within a few minutes. have been praying. Did you get your sister out of the hos­ “I have two adolescent daughters who do pital? Are you working regularly? How not, as yet, smoke. You are directly con­ are you feeling? etc. etc. tradicting my statement to them concerning As ever, Your Pastor, the physical and social effects of cigarette ...... (Signed) smoking. You are endeavoring by every A simple communication, isn’t that? An means in your power to break down my investment of one cent in money and less authority with them and to induce them to than five minutes in time. The card ac­ smoke. I thoroughly resent this, and if I am complished its spiritual purpose and its not mistaken, there are thousands of par­ social purpose as well. ents who feel as I do and who are about So, pastor, or evangelist, are there sheep ready to stand up and say so.” with whom circumstances make it hard for Dr. J. J. Kellogg performed an experi­ you to keep in touch? Uncle Sam will act ment of soaking one cigarette overnight in as your personal messenger. two teaspoons of water. He took one-half —E m m a G arber of the solution in a hypodermic syringe and injected it into the skin of a cat. The cat died in 15 minutes. The remainder was injected into the skin of a fox terrier. He Heard by the Wayside died in 34 minutes. In face of all this, there are still Christians who persist in smok­ Several years and some fifty pounds later, ing, and defend themselves on the ground I returned to lecture at a woman’s club of that the Bible does not mention tobacco which I had once been a member. The pro­ specifically. What about the warning of gram chairman, when it came time to intro­ 1 Cor. 3:17, “If any man defile the temple duce me, said in a whisper, “I’ll tell them of God, him shall God destroy; for the a story while you get your breath.” She temple of God is holy, which temple ye proceeded to say cheerily what a lovely day are”?—Houston Nazarene. it was and weren’t we all glad to be there, and then launched into her little story. She had come across a magazine cartoon a day or so before which had struck her UNCLE SAM WILL HELP YOU fancy. The cartoon—which showed a mamma and a baby hippo deep in conver­ For Veterans and Nonveterans sation—was captioned: “I don’t mind being What was that? a hippopotamus, Mamma, but do I have to look like one?” Something dropped on the floor as the With a stately flourish in my direction, girl handled the book which she took from she turned to me and said, “And now may I the table. With quick curiosity, she picked present our speaker for today, M rs. Dorothy it up—a postal card, and she found it was Waldo Phillips.”—From M rs. D o r o t h y W al­ addressed to herself. This was a surprise, do P h il l ip s , author and lecturer on youth for she almost never kept old mail. Her guidance and adult education. dark eyes grew sober, and then radiant, and then shining with unshed tears, as she read line by line to the last word of the card in The editor has just returned from a con­ her hand. She read the last two words ference held at Cincinnati, Ohio, and the several times; they still conveyed a warm sentiment expressed below is very apro- 62 (130) The Preacher's Magazine pos—-“A conference is a discussion whose object is to defer a decision.”—Horizons, Life's Best Things .... syndicated by Cambridge Assoc’s, Boston. A pure and holy life .... the best the­ ology. If ever a new Statue of Liberty is de­ A contented mind .... the best philosophy. signed, it will be holding the bag instead of The Golden Rule .... the best law. the torch.—I den. Items. Knowledge of the Bible .... the best edu­ cation. Scientists claim the day isn’t far off when Ruling one’s own spirit .... the best gov­ we will wear paper clothes, walk on paper ernment. rugs, sleep under paper sheets, and live in Extracting sunshine from each cloud .... paper houses. When this comes to pass, the the best science. phrase “I see by the papers” should take on Painting the true and beautiful on memory’s new meaning.—Phoenix Flame, Phoenix canvas .... the best art. Metal Cap Co. Flashing sunshine’s rays into gloomy lives .... the best radioing. Having looked in vain for a certain kind Steering life’s barque under the Pilot’s of notebook in the big stores of Hong command .... the best navigating. Kong, an English woman came upon a tiny, Building faith’s bridge over the river of grimy stationer’s shop. Entering, she asked death .... the best engineering. the Chinese proprietor: “Have got note­ -—The War Cry. book? All little hole along top side?” The reply was: “I have several notebooks, madam, of different sizes, with perforated God in the Center pages.”—All Veterans News. When wandering Arab tribes pitch their An old gentleman in Moberly, Missouri, camps, they set the sheik’s tent in the consulted a doctor about his heart. Every center, the place of honor and authority. time he took a deep breath, said the patient, Whenever the Israelites camped during he could hear his heart squeak. The doctor their forty years’ wanderings in the wilder­ went over him carefully, but found nothing ness, in the center of the encampment was much amiss. But he did prescribe a bit of fixed God’s tent—the Tabernacle of Witness. lubricating oil for a small pulley on the This was so called as an evidence that God was with them. old gent’s suspenders.—Medical Economics. I must set God in the center of my life; then my life will witness for Him. The Under the heading “News of the New” Buddhist thinks of life as a circle—the in Quote we find this interesting paragraph wheel of life, he calls it. But that wheel has which should alert all students. “Compact to turn itself, or it is turned by blind fate, photographic copying device will be vastly for the Buddhist has no God. He is ever helpful to scholars who must scribble labo­ seeking, but never finding, so his soul is rious research notes. Called Contoura, never satisfied. I may think of my life as a camera will fit in brief case; can snap con­ wheel, with God in its center, and the tact photo of book page even where paper spokes of the wheel as my desires, all run­ curves into the binding. Used with flash­ ning up to God and finding their fulfillment light batteries or with any current, device in Him. costs two cents a page to operate.—Nafl. I have the promise that He will give to Parent-Teacher. me “all things that pertain unto life.” Love, joy, peace, goodness, truth, beauty, all are A waggish report from London recounts from Him. He is the “Fount of every bless­ that, as a result of a reduction in the ing”; “streams of mercy never ceasing” amount of bacon which the citizens may flow from Him. Even though I should be as purchase, many protests have been received in a barren land, yet the Bible says He by the “Bacon Society.” This has caused “will open streams in the desert.” the Society, devoted to proving that the Then, with God in the center of my life, plays of Shakespeare were written by all my movement will be in accordance Francis Bacon, to add “Francis” as part of with His will. As the wheel revolves on its their official name.—Portland Oregon. axis, so my life will revolve on its center, God. —The War Cry A firm advertising for a male stenogra­ pher received this reply from a Chinese ap­ plicant: “Sir, I am Chinese Bung Ho, but Small Things can drive a typewriter with good noise, and my English is it. My last job left itself B y A d ju tan t M a r t h a G renfell (P) from me for simple reason that big man Just give the kind word, wrapped up in a was dead. It was on account of not my smile, fault. So, honorable Sirs, what of it? If Neatly tied with a sweet, quiet voice; I can be of big use to you I will arrive on For only God knows how far it may go, same date as you can guess.”—Coronet. And how many hearts make rejoice. March-April, 1950 (131) 63 Just do the kind deed you’ve planned for ciples to pray, “Thy will be done,” then so long, oppose the very thing they prayed for? And don’t put it off ’til tomorrow; 3) Chosen to holiness. “According as he Perhaps you may think there’s time enough hath chosen us in him before the founda­ yet, tion of the world, that we should be holy And wait far too long, to your sorrow! and without blame before him in love” Just breathe a low prayer, as you travel (Eph. 1:4). along, 4) Called to holiness. “Not called us un­ For some heart that is heavy with grief; to uncleanness, but unto holiness” (I Thess. God hears, and because of that kind, earnest 4:7). prayer, 5) Holiness purchased. “Husbands, love May bring to that soul sweet relief. your wives, even as Christ also loved the The small things of life may not seem worth church, and gave himself for it; that he while, might sanctify and cleanse it with the As you carelessly pass through the washing of water by the word, that he throng; might present it to himself a glorious But the soft, whispered prayer and the kind church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or word and deed any such thing; but that it should be holy May bring to some heart a glad song. and without blemish” (Eph. 5:25-27). —The War Cry 6) Holiness promised. “Behold, I send Pride the promise of my Father upon you” (Luke A little girl, aged seven, was asked to 24:49). Then again in Acts 1:5, “Ye shall explain the difference between pride and be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many vanity. After a little thought she answered: days hence.” “Pride means ‘I don’t think much of you’; 7) Holiness provided in the atonement. vanity means ‘What do you think of me?’ ” “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanc­ —Boston Transcript. tify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate” (Heb. 13:12).

Reason, Rudiments, II. T h e R u dim ents of H oliness 1) God, the originating Cause. He and planned it before the foundation of the world. Results of Holiness 2) Jesus, the meritorious Cause. We merit it because Christ gave himself that By C. M. Brown we might have it (Eph. 5:25). 3) The Holy Ghost, the efficient Cause. here are three classes to whom reason 4) The Bible, the instrumental cause. T does not appeal: the fool, the in­ 5) Faith the conditional cause. furiated, and the prejudiced. Or we might say, I. T h e R eason for H o liness God thought it; Jesus bought it; 1) Because God commanded it. “Ye The Word taught it; shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am The soul sought it; holy” (Lev. 19:2). Here is a positive state­ Faith brought it; ment, “Ye shall be holy.” Then Peter takes The Spirit wrought it; up the same thought: “But as he which The devil fought it; hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all But I've got it. manner of conversation; because it is writ­ ten, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (I Pet. III. T h e R esults of H oliness 1:15, 16). Here we are told why we should be holy, because God is holy; and, of 1) It unifies and makes us one with our course, if we expect to go where God is, we better self. Mind and heart will work in too will have to be holy. Jesus tells us: harmony, “not double minded” (Jas. 1:8), “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they not double heart (I Chron. 12:33); the dis­ shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). And we are cordant elements of sin are removed. told in Heb. 12:14, “Without holiness no 2) It unifies individuals. The first work man shall see the Lord.” is internal and subjective; the second work 2) God wills it. “For this is the will of is external and objective. Chirst’s prayer is God, even your sanctification” (I Thess. then answered: “That they all may be one; 4:3). Is it not strange that some folks will as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, pray the prayer that Jesus taught the dis­ that they also may be one in us: that the

64 (132) The Preacher's Magazine world may believe that thou hast sent me. the ministry of the evangelist. The man .... that they may be one, even as we who preaches the same sermons over and are one” (John 17:21-23). I wonder if the over again without digging out something professors are showing the oneness so the new and fresh will soon find that spiritual world will believe. decay has set in both as to his heart and 3) It unifies the recipient and the Au­ head. This is not to say that a man of learn­ thor; hence, makes us one with Christ. ing and study will by virtue thereof become “Both he that sanctifieth and they who are a thorough evangelist, but it is to contend sanctified are all of one: for which cause that the evangelist who grapples with great he is not ashamed to call them brethren” truths will find his spirit quickened and (Heb. 2:11). his horizons enlarged. We have often been 4) It gives power for service (Acts 1:8): plagued in various circles of the church “But ye shall receive power, after that the with a false conception of Christian schol­ Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall arship. For the man of God, study and in­ be witnesses unto me,” at home and to your spiration are inseparable. A twentieth- neighbors and among strangers, not only century James was known to remark: in word but in life. “Show me your piety without your study 5) It qualifies us for heaven. This is and I will show you my piety by my universally admitted by all creeds and studies.” Luther said, “Prayer is study.” confessions, that the pure in heart, the But one who really goes in quest of divine holy, will pass the pearly portals and make truth will find that “study must take on it safely through. Jesus forever settled the aspect of prayer if it is to be genuine.” that in Matthew 5:8, also in Hebrews 12:14: The real seeker after truth finds that some “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, of his greatest moments of blessing are without which no man shall see the Lord.” the times when he is working desperately with some tenet of divine revelation. Some of our weeping and shouting and prevail­ ing prayer should be during the times of The Remedy for sermon preparation, when in a golden moment of divine illumination the Holy Shallow Evangelism Spirit has baptized our study with His own presence and guidance. The evangelist who preaches from outlines born in the By Ross Price intense fires of devotional study will not T is n ot our purpose here to disparage be perfunctory and professional. His will I the “Ten-Day-Wonder Evangelist” with be the tongue of fire. If he preaches to his twelve memorized sermons, or even to warn or to comfort, he will do so with a pay respects to the “modern-manipulator of burning heart and a sincere soul, and his the masses” with his claptrap methods of message will not fall on ears that are filling the altars with the unconvicted and deaf and hearts untouched. unrepentant, whom he erringly refers to as A supreme sense of one’s responsibility “seekers.” Rather should we like to go in should make the evangelist desperately in quest of some of the positive principles earnest to make full proof of his ministry. which will serve to deepen the reality of Souls may be damned through a careless the evangelist both as to his piety and handling of the Word just as surely as they practice. may be saved through its careful proclama­ The necessity of eminent piety is just as tion. How Satan likes to tempt the evan­ great for the evangelist as it is for the gelist at the crucial point of his own spirit Christian pastor. The same things that and attitude even while preaching the make for such piety on the part of the pas­ Word! No one stands so definitely between tor will be found effective for the evan­ the living and the dead as the Christian gelist. A clear experience of full salvation evangelist. “Every revival,” it has been (conversion and sanctification), persistency said—and the statement seems to be borne in the devotional exercises of prayer and out by the facts—“settles some soul’s des­ Bible reading, fasting and waiting upon tiny either for or against God and his own God for divine leadership, making one’s eternal welfare.” How solemnly careful ministerial duties a means of grace to one’s this ought to make us in dealing with the self—all enter into the building of vital congregation to whom we preach! How we piety in the soul of the evangelist. ought to flee from the merely human in More thorough scholarship deserves men­ order that God might be made real to tion as another remedy for shallowness in men!

March-April, 1950 (133) 65 And what can we say about this thing Perfect Peace we call “common sense”? Shouldn’t this also characterize Christ’s ambassador? “Muddling-through” has too often char­ Prince of Peace, control my will; acterized the evangelistic work of the Bid this struggling heart be still; church. But soundness of judgment and Bid my fears and doubtings cease; spiritual discernment always have a way Hush my spirit into peace. about them of commending the messenger to every man’s conscience in the sight of Thou hast bought me with Thy blood, God. Both translations of the Scripture Open’d wide the gate to God; embody the truth no doubt, “He that win- Peace 1 ask—but peace must be, Lord, in being one with Thee. neth souls is wise,” and, “He that is wise winneth souls.” One evangelist was heard May Thy will, not mine, be done; to say, “If I could I would want to admin­ May Thy will and mine be one: ister to every Christian the baptism of Chase these doubtings from my heart; common sense.” It is a virtue especially Now Thy perfect peace impart. commendable in the Christian evangelist. He will err in counsel and method, doing Saviour, at Thy feet I fall; that which he will have occasion to regret, Thou m y life, m y God, m y all! Let Thy happy servant be unless he is guided by that higher Wis­ One for evermore with Thee! dom and sustained by an arm that is stronger than his own. (from an old Methodist Hymnal, 1849) Thus it would seem that deeper piety, more thorough scholarship, a true sense of one’s responsibility, and an abundance of I hate the guys who criticize good common sense make a powerful anti­ The other guys whose enterprise dote for the shallowness that too often Has made them rise above the guys plagues modern evangelism. May God help Who criticize and minimize us all in this high and holy calling! The other guys.—Selected.

Real Might in Meekness

We Cannot Help Our Feelings, but Jesus in Us Can

People often sneer at meekness. “As “I’d rather go without my ‘rights,’ ” said meek as an old sheep,” people say in dis­ a man to someone who was indignant be­ gust, as though that useful quadruped did cause another had taken an advantage of not fill a very important place in the ani­ him. “I’d rather go without my ‘rights’ than mal kingdom. To many, meekness seems lose any of the sweetness out of my soul!” to be but another name for stupidity; and “You might have both,” a listener sug­ to say: “He’s a meek fellow,” appears only gested. another way of saying: “He’s a fool!” Now meekness is not weakness, as some He smiled: “I might, but I could not be suppose. They fancy that the meek give in sure. It is too big a risk to take.” because they cannot stand up for their We can’t help our feelings, you say? That rights. Meekness is really strength, for God is exactly the point. We cannot but Jesus has promised to uplift the meek. The meek in us can. A young man excused his pride simply yield to a higher will than their own, and resentment by saying: “Oh, well, meek­ and become tools for the hand of God. ness comes with age; when I get older I’ll Meekness accepts His plan for them, and do better. It’s a virtue belonging to middle obedience prompts them to make all things age.” after it, and to work it out day by day. It is Yet Jesus was not an old Man when He a meek man who can truthfully say: “Mine said: “Learn of me, for I am meek and eyes are ever toward the Lord,” and in that low ly”—not in word or action or manner, attitude God speaks to him. but—“in heart.” That is where meekness Many a rich blessing has been lost begins, in a Blood-washed, Christ-filled through “standing up for one’s rights.” heart.— The War Cry.

66 (134) The Preacher's Magazine Our Latest Book—

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