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7-1-1950 Preacher's Magazine Volume 25 Number 04 L. A. Reed (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Reed, L. A. (Editor), "Preacher's Magazine Volume 25 Number 04" (1950). Preacher's Magazine. 250. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/250

This is brought to you for free and open access by the Church of the Nazarene at Digital Commons @ Olivet. It has been accepted for inclusion in Preacher's Magazine by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Olivet. For more information, please contact [email protected]. JULY AUGUST 1950

SUMMER ISSUE The Preacher's Magazine

Volume 25 July-August, 1950 Number 4

CONTENTS

Editorial, “ With What?” ...... 3 The Counselor’s Corner, L. A. Reed ...... 6 Paul’s Conception of Divine Sovereignty or Is Calvinism Pauline? Richard S. Taylor .... 9

Zechariah, Ralph Earle ...... 17

Why We Should Believe and Faithfully Study the Old Testament, Peter Wiseman ...... 22 The Supreme Business of Life, Asa H. Sparks ...... 28 The Development of the Apostolic Greeting or Salutation, Paul S. Hill ...... 32

The Supreme Need, Samuel Chadwick ...... 35

The Eternal Purpose of God, James Weeks ...... 36 Forms of Worship, Edward T. Dell, Jr...... 44 Can Catholics Capture America? Asbury Smith (From the Pastor) ...... 47

The Minister Serves, Ellis L. Teasdale ...... 48

T h e P a s t o r a l M i n i s t r y

Ideas for Wide-awake Pastors, Roving Pastor-Reporter ...... 53

The Preacher’s Scrapbook ...... 56 Hints to Young Pastors, by One of Them ...... 58 Preach the Word, John Thomas Donnelly ...... 60

A Discussion About Preachers and Preaching, A. S. London ...... 60

A Code for Christian Marriage ...... 62 The Preparation of the Church for the Revival, Otto C. Perry ...... 63 A Letter Suggestion, “Happy Birthday to You,” Boyd C. Hancock ...... 65

Heard by the Wayside ...... 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 W ITH W H AT?

'T'he Christian Herald tells of a 3. Have they become so enthusi­ young clergyman who was spend­ astic that they are active advertise­ ing a vacation in a small town, which ments for their church? was a very out-of-the-way place. Go­ 4. Are you preaching to more peo­ ing into a barber shop to get a shave, ple today than you were a year ago? he encountered a very loquacious in­ 5. Has your ministry caused your dividual, as barbers generally are. congregation to become more inten­ This one surely held to the reputation sive Bible readers? and showed a very friendly interest 6. In an honest evaluation of your in the stranger, who, incidentally, efforts, which has been the stronger wore no clerical garb. In order to influence, your example or your begin the conversation the barber preaching? asked, “A stranger here, aren’t you?” The parson admitted it. “Traveling 1. When a physician ministers to man?” The parson denied it. “Then one of his patients, he watches closely what are you doing here?” continued for signs of improvement. When the the barber. “I am supplying the pul­ fever rises, the pulse quickens, the pit,” answered the parson. Now the respiration approaches the abnormal, barber had never heard such a phrase, then a diagnosis is very necessary. so in a rather questioning tone asked, Not only is the proper diagnosis neces­ “ Supplying it with what?” That ques­ sary; but, when the conclusion is tion was the beginning point of a reached, the physician must be pre­ chain of thought in the mind of the pared to do something about it im­ preacher, which brought him up mediately. When he observes his pa­ sharply with the questions to his own tient, under medication, approach heart, “With what have I been sup­ normalcy, he knows that health is plying the pulpit?” “What have I returning. given to my people?” “What have The preacher is a physician to souls. been the substance of my message and He constantly faces abnormal indi­ the spirit of my sermon and the in­ viduals whose abnormalities are gen­ spiration to my hearers?” erally caused by sin. When they are As pastors, it is a very good prac­ converted, health—spiritual health— tice to discipline ourselves to a review. approaches. The preacher expects to Businessmen take periodic inven­ observe these dear ones begin to tories in order to place an estimate grow into a normal Christian char­ on their profits and losses. When the acter. The pastoral ministry func­ barber asked the parson the question tions just for this purpose. Many “ With what?” it was time to take in­ times people are saved through our ventory, which suggests to us six ministry, light comes to them through questions which might assist us in our our ministrations, and our preaching findings. guides them into truth, and what we dispense is in the form of food for 1. Have your parishioners enjoyed their souls, in order that they might a healthy spiritual growth? grow thereby. Brother pastor, as you 2. Have they deepened their de­ look out over your flock next Sunday votional life under your ministry? morning, begin to single them out as

July-August, 1950 (211) 3 individuals and endeavor to evaluate man of prayer. He need not preach, their spirituality as over against a although he will, on the family altar, year past. Have they enjoyed a for it gets around when the family healthy spiritual growth? I think altar is neglected in the parsonage. that possibly introspection would be They can sense if the Bible is a fa­ of help here, for generally the pastor miliar or unfamiliar Book with the who grows spiritually can observe a pastor as well as with any other per­ growth approximating that in his son. They can also sense a lack of parishioners. “Like priest, like peo­ interest if the pastor is away too ple” is true in more than a single much from his pulpit. I know there sense. A true Christian is constantly is a sense in which a pastor needs the reaching out for the deeper things of refreshment of a change, but the oc­ God. The pastor is also reaching out casions should be few and far be­ in the same sense. The people look tween. I have never been able to un­ to the pastor as being a channel for derstand how a pastor or an officer much spiritual refreshment that they can do his task without being “on the receive. The pastor looks to God job.” Only radio is efficient by “re­ for His blessing upon his life. The mote control.” people look to both pastor and God, The heart of the pastor, the shep­ but the fact of their pastor’s stand­ herd heart, is thrilled when he ob­ ing before them and their confidence serves his sheep deepening their de­ in his devotion to God causes them votional life and becoming habitual sometimes to place a dependence in their religious practices. Sheep are upon him which we might think to great followers. The true shepherd be infantile but nevertheless is real. will always lead them. In the spirit­ Sometimes it really is pathetic to ob­ ual sense, this is true even in detail. serve how much trust a congregation When the sheep have no shepherd, places in its spiritual leader. O God! and are accustomed to having one, what a responsibility we have! Let they become panicky and scatter. A us not betray that trust by being less devout leader almost universally will spiritual than we should be, but live produce a devout people. so that we can entertain the same 3. Have they become so enthusi­ sentiment that Paul expressed when astic that they are active advertise­ he said, “Be ye followers of me, even ments for their church? as I also am of Christ.” They say that, outside of news­ 2. Have the people deepened their paper advertising, the most influen­ devotional life under my ministry? tial force is that of the personal in­ A pastor can be very influential in vitation. There is no doubt but that forming the spiritual habits of his if a congregation is enthusiastic over membership. The daily devotion, the their pastor they will invite others family altar, attendance upon the to come out and hear him. Frequent­ means of grace, these are all observ­ ly they will meet strangers and ask, able; and the people take the pas­ “Have you heard our pastor?” If tor for their standard more frequent­ the reply is, “No,” then they will be­ ly than he realizes. Many times the gin to extol his virtues if they are pastor is unaware of the unobserv­ really “sold on him.” The greatest able influence which he wields over advertising force in any community, his people. He does not need to be it rural or urban, is an enthusi­ preach on prayer in order that his astic constituency. The only one to congregation will know him to be a enthuse them is the pastor himself.

4 (212) The Preacher's Magazine Possibly he may not be a “great” congregation to be more intensive preacher in the commonly accepted Bible readers? sense of the term, but he may be a One time a man asked me why universally accepted personality be­ it was we did not have an altar with cause he may be a good preacher as the brass cross and lighted candles on well as a wise counselor. This will either side, etc. He asked, “Is not not only bring people to his church your church cross-centered?” I an­ but it will draw them to his study or swered that it was not cross-centered. to the parsonage. Enthusiasm for a I said, “Our church is Bible-centered. preacher finds its first expression as That is why we do not have two pul­ a reaction to his ministry from the pits, the reading pulpit and the pulpit and from the private consulta­ preaching pulpit. Our pulpit is in the tion chamber. But the preacher center and holds the Bible, for that should at least be classified as a good is the center interest of our people.” preacher, especially because of his This attitude must be reflected in spiritual emphasis. our ministry, and it should be further reflected in the conduct and practice 4. Are you preaching to more peo­ of the people. If our ministry is Bible- ple today than you were a year ago? centered and our preaching is on the If you are not and are in the same Word of God, with most of its support pastorate, then you should take time found in that Word, then the people off and evaluate your situation. Too will be impelled to read the Word many of our pastors are satisfied with also. Topical preaching generally too little. You may use all kinds of discourages Bible reading, but textual excuses for the fact that more peo­ and expositional preaching encour­ ple are not coming out to hear you, age it. The people become stimulated but you should first get an introspec­ to a daily study of the Word of God tive vision and look yourself over, if whenever the pastor furnishes the your congregation has not grown un­ stimulus in his preaching. Give the der at least one year of your ministry. people the Word. Give them lots of it. If a pastor has tapped all the pos­ Git it to them in your Bible study sibilities in his community, if all the on Wednesday nights as well as in unchurched have been reached, then, your Sunday morning sermons. When instead of becoming static, he can at you leave a pastorate, the people least have periods of spiritual empha­ should be better students of the Bible sis, wherein others might be inter­ than when you came. ested and be revived. I am unaware of such a possibility, which seems on 6. In an honest evaluation of your the face of it to be absurd. There is efforts, which has been the stronger only one reason for a man preaching influence, your example or your to the same number and possibly the preaching? same folks that he preached to the Of course any reader knows that year previous, and that reason is the two are inseparable. It is an in­ found in himself. There could be cir­ controvertible fact that example must cumstances which might alter the lead the procession of virtues. The case, but they would be so infre­ life of the preacher must exemplify quent that they need not be consid­ his ministry if he possesses any in­ ered. fluence. Hence his life must be an

5. Has your ministry caused your (Continued on page 8)

July-August, 1950 (213) 5 The Counselor s Corner L. A. Reed

D raying for people is a real ther- make God a distant Deity, so far re­ apy, both for the pray-er and the moved from the individual that the one for whom the prayer is being personal touch was eliminated. He made. Every Nazarene pastor-coun- would bring God very near, and such selor uses prayer for its therapeutic an attitude would produce a psycho­ value whether he is conscious of do­ logical effect possessing an almost in­ ing so or not. The trouble with most stantaneous healing. However, we of our prayers is that we, through would not eliminate the possibility of habit, adopt a pattern which seems to physical assistance, even though we pertain regardless of the object of our referred above to spiritual, mental, prayer. In fact, the object of our and moral healing. prayer should determine to a large de­ With the Nazarene counselor, a dif­ gree the type and pattern of our ferent segment of social culture does prayer, and we should put forth a con­ not necessarily mean that we have to scious effort to effect such an adap­ change our type of prayer. The in­ tation. dividual and his problem will deter­ There is never any objection to mine the content of the prayer. It is, one’s taking an intimate relationship as it were, the priest laying before the to God as he prays, providing that Great Physician the facts of the case intimacy does not take on the attitude or the case history, expecting this which would suggest a lack of dig­ Great Physician not only to give a nity. That is why it has always been prescription but to use His divine in­ acceptable in prayer to use the old tervention in giving assistance for this English form of address such as thee, particular individual. There are many thou, and thine. Even when praying prescriptions that are already given with someone who has a very formal in the Word of God, which are avail­ background, as for instance an Epis­ able to the pastor-counselor. Norman copalian, the dignified intimacy of a Vincent Peale, in his book, A Guide prayer with such a person would to Confident Living, suggests such create a new attitude of interest on scriptural aid on the prescription the part of the counselee, for he basis (the pastor writing it out for the would not have experienced such a parishioner). Reading such prescrip­ type of prayer, having used the print­ tions from the Word will help the ed form in both worship and inter­ seeker, as far as such a technique can cession. go. (It will give the pastor a personal lift to read Norman Vincent Peale.) But it must be noticed that the en­ However, the holiness pastor will de­ tire content of the prayer should have pend more on the experience therapy a very close relationship to the spirit­ than the suggestive therapy. ual need as revealed by the counselee. It must not generalize; it must be very The pastor must also remember, as particular. It must declare that God is he prays, that there may be involve­ interested in the most intimate affairs ments in the case which bring other of life, and especially in the case at persons into the picture. These must hand. A holiness counselor would not also be remembered, for they are as­

6 (214) The Preacher's Magazine sociated with the spiritual concern of chamber better than when he came his counselee. This is generally the in, then we must feel that immediate case, and care must be taken that the and further assistance must be at­ pastor takes no sides in an issue and tempted. prays with no bias, but for the wel­ The parishioner should be made to fare of all concerned. God is not pri­ realize that he too can pray and also marily interested in a problem, clarify situations as they might be re­ although we know He can solve any lated to his trouble and suffering. So problem; but He is primarily inter­ widespread is the belief that God ested in the personality involved, just sends suffering to try us that it hin­ as the counselor should be. ders people from praying, for they It is to be remembered that prayer feel that God must be placated and is a therapy. This being the case, if that He is secretly angry and His a very emotional situation is being anger must be assuaged. We know considered, the prayer should be so that, when suffering or trouble comes, worded and the intercession made in God may use it; but we are inclined such a way that the emotional situa­ to believe that it is a grave mistake to tion would not be aggravated. We endeavor to show a person that God have heard of preachers who felt that is the cause of his trouble. Such a if the ones with whom they were deal­ philosophy might be described as ing did not weep, they had not ac­ pagan. We believe that God must complished anything. Of course the have our devotion and respect as case at hand will determine any ex­ well as our love and worship. When pression of emotion, but such an ex­ we do not give this to Him, we get pectation as a pattern is foolish. Most ourselves into trouble through sin and of our effort will be to calm the yielding to the carnal urges. To as­ troubled heart rather than purposely sume the tenet that God brought this to cause any emotional expression. about, or God did this, is to take on The pastor should always make it the attitude of a self-appointed inter­ plain that the resources of God are preter of the divine prerogative. The always available. Peace, quietness, counselor should assist the counselees and strength are obtainable and will in realizing that God will get them take the place of stress and tension. out of trouble or assist them while in If sin is the involvement, then for­ their difficulties, but that He must giveness and peace can take the place have their co-operation through new of guilt and condemnation; and, in­ motivations and by maintaining those cidentally, this is the place where god­ contacts with Divinity through prayer ly sorrow (don’t hinder weeping which will produce a Christian life. here) will bring repentance. What­ They must be shown that God is not ever the individual needs as a spirit­ merely a “spare wheel” to be used in ual therapy, God has assets available an emergency, or that He is a Deity to to supply that need. The pastor be­ be considered only when one is in comes more or less the mediator. The trouble, but that there is a filial rela­ counselee expects him to intercede, tionship which is continuous and per­ and his faith in prayer can bring the manent; that, as our Father, He is seeking individual so close to God always and constantly interested in that contact, with its beneficial re­ our welfare. There seems to be sults, will be the answer to the need. prevalent an attitude among people If a person does not leave the counsel which may be interpreted by a poem

July-August, 1950 (215) 7 which I observed on the wall of a With What? physician’s office: (Continued from page 5) God and the doctor we alike adore, example of his preaching, and it must Just on the brink of danger, not be­ be exemplary in the sight of the con­ fore. gregation. If this is so, then his The danger past, both alike are re­ preaching will have a tremendous in­ quited: fluence in the community. God is forgot and the doctor slighted. So, brother pastor, stop long enough to take inventory. It does not The counselor must eschew such hurt or harm us to evaluate our work thinking and point out that Christian­ once in a while, and also our lives. ity is a life and not an emergency ap­ We are here such a short time, and paratus. generally we are in one pastorate too When a person comes to the pas­ brief a period; hence, it behooves us tor, we take it for granted that he to do our best while we are on the expects the pastor to help him get field of action. What is your life? It assistance. He also takes it f o r is but a vapor; it is like the span of granted that the pastor will use every a hand; it is like a hurrying messen­ resource at his disposal in giving this ger; it is like a weaver’s web; in help. But let it not be forgotten that short, it is mighty brief. What we people not only expect prayer but do, let us do quickly and well.—Sin­ they also expect more than prayer. cerely, Thy Brother. Sometimes a prayer can be totally misplaced. It must not be looked up­ on as a magical rite, or a sesame that will presto-chango, regardless of the Something to Think About attitude of the suppliant, solve all problems. Prayer is quite often the Does my life please God? start and not the finish of the situa­ Do I cherish in my heart a feeling of tion. It is generally used by the pas­ dislike or hatred for anyone? tor as the link which makes the con­ Am I studying my Bible daily? nection between the Source and the How much time do I spend in secret recipient of the power. As we have prayer? suggested, it should be shown to be Have I ever won a soul to Christ? available to all and not just a special Am I praying and working for any­ asset of the pastor. And above all, it one’s salvation? must be shown that prayer needs Is there anything I cannot give up for co-operation of conduct or it is of Christ? little value as a panacea. How does my life look to those who Brethren, don’t hesitate to use are not Christians? prayer. But use it simply, directly, Where am I making my greatest mis­ quietly, kindly, tenderly, and in the take? Spirit of God. Associate with it a Is the world better or worse for my living, believing faith. Put your living in it? whole being into it. Dulcify it. Never Am I doing anything that I would be harsh, but always remember that condemn in others? you are a representative of a loving, Am I doing as Christ would do in my kind, considerate, and atoning Sav­ place? iour. —Tract

8 (216) The Preacher’s Magazine Paul's Conception of Divine Sovereignty or Is Calvinism Pauline?

By Richard S. Taylor

T am considering only Paul’s treat- assume on the other hand that Paul ment of the subject in Romans, had no system, and that his letter has chapters 8—11, particularly 9:14-24. in it the growing pains of a theological novice, and that here is a man groping Although, theoretically, presuppo­ his own way through these difficult sitions should not be carried into an problems as he dictates, seems to me exegetical investigation, actually no unhistorical, if not absurd. A certain inquiry can be made by anyone on disconnectedness could be due to the any subject without them. My pre­ method of dictation, perhaps to the suppositions are: outward stress under which he may 1. Paul is essentially not self-con- have been at that time, certainly to the deep emotion manifest in some tradictory. His paradoxes are not un- portions; but surely not to any basic resolvable. His antinomies are not confusion or uncertainty in under­ irreconcilable. Without this presup­ standing. This is not the essay of a position there would be little point in schoolboy, or the diary of a mystic, or studying Paul seriously, for a self­ the sermonic effort of a fledgling contradictory mind on such momen­ preacher. It is rather a profound, tous issues could not merit either our carefully wrought-out letter to an im­ intellectual respect or our religious portant and intelligent church by a discipleship. Therefore, we must in­ mature apostle. He is writing as their terpret these immediate passages in teacher, not their fellow learner. It the light of the entire epistle. What is unthinkable that he would spread he says here on divine sovereignty before their eyes his own question­ must be seen in the light of what he ings and uncertainties (if any), or says elsewhere; otherwise we will permit himself to write contradic­ miss the true synthesis of his thought. tions. This is not a process of taking two antithetical positions and trying dog­ 2. Paul is not out of harmony with gedly to find a middle ground; it is, the rest of the Scriptures. He is con­ rather, seeing that Paul is presenting stantly, in chapter nine, quoting from different sides of the same total truth, the Old Testament as his final court and that the composite view yields a of appeal. It is inconceivable that deeper and higher conception than he would deliberately take a position would either position alone. which contradicted the Old Testa­ Nor is this to imply that Paul is ment on any vital, underlying prin­ consciously developing a dialectic, as ciple. Nor, furthermore, can we does Hegel, or that he is presenting doubt any want of familiarity with it. a “ closed” theological system. But to It is just as inconceivable, therefore,

July-August, 1950 (217) 9 that he would contradict at a major is divine sovereignty by human free­ point without knowing it. All that we dom. Yet God remains the Potter, have learned about Paul’s early and puts the clay again on the wheel. training and temperament, as well as He does not resign His over-all all the evidence possessed in his writ­ sovereignty, but overrules where He ings, would make any other position cannot rule. Jeremiah’s picture is untenable. If, then, we would cor­ neither the extreme of an absolutely rectly interpret Paul, we must com­ imposed will nor an absolutely with­ prehend not our but his attitude to­ held will, but a persistently over­ ward and treatment of the Hebrew ruling will. He remains the Potter. Scriptures. He designs the patterns. And ulti­ The pertinency of this presupposi­ mately He will have a vessel. But it tion is apparent when we relate may not be the vessel He desired; Paul’s use of the potter-clay analogy to Jeremiah’s. Paul uses the figure to which means that if it proves to be show God’s sovereignty from the side a vessel unto dishonor it is not neces­ of its absoluteness, whereas Jeremiah sarily because He predestined it to uses the same figure to show divine be so. sovereignty from the side of its limita­ Now my assumption is that Paul tion. was as well acquainted with Jere­ And the vessel that he made of clay was miah’s position as I am, and would marred in the hand of the potter: so not have repudiated it by a contra­ he made it again another - vessel, as dictory doctrine; and that therefore seemed good to the potter to make it. any interpretation which makes Paul Here the original design had to be teach the absolute and arbitrary im­ altered, and a substitute pattern fol­ position of God’s will upon the final lowed, because the vessel was marred, destiny of the soul, irrespective of per­ not through a slip of the potter’s fin­ sonal choice or character, and its ger, but presumably by an unyielding eternal bliss or pain as a consequence element in the clay. The application solely of this will, is a flagrant mis­ makes this clearer. interpretation of Paul—John Calvin 0 house of Israel, cannot I do with you as notwithstanding. this potter? saith the Lord. In the whole of chapter nine Paul is Cannot I remold you, though you steering his course between the rocks have not yielded to My original plan? of no-sovereignty and all-sovereignty. The case is strengthened yet more In doing so he finds his bark in wa­ in the exposition which follows im­ ters too deep for him and us: God mediately: does not unveil all the mysteries of At what instant I shall speak concerning His workings. But the waters, though a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to deep, are the channel, and therefore pluck up, and to pull down, and to de­ the only safe course. Following it, stroy it; if that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, we will escape shipwreck on the rocks 1 will repent of the evil that I thought either of God’s weakness or of His to do unto them. And at what instant I tyranny. In the words of Olshausen, shall speak concerning a nation . . . . the apostle “neither intends by the to build and to plant it; if it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, grace of God to take away from man then I will repent of the good, wherewith the free determination of will, nor by I said I would benefit them. the latter the all-sufficiency of grace; Here is the divine intention re­ his object is to establish both in re­ versed by the human reaction. Here ciprocal connection.”

10 (218) The Preacher's Magazine On the one hand is the rock of that the fulfillment of the promises divine weakness: the problem of the is to be realized by the remnant, not apparent breakdown of God’s sover­ the whole mass of Israelites: eignty. For centuries divine promises Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, had been read, recited, and believed Though the number of the children of concerning the glory that was to be Israel be as the sand of the sea, a rem­ nant shall be saved. Israel’s when the Messiah came. To the Israelites pertained “the adoption, Paul sees “in the whole past a long and the glory, and the covenants, and warning that, while an outer circle of benefits might affect the nation, the the giving of the law, and the service inner circle, the light and life of God of God, and the promises.” But now indeed, embraced ‘a remnant’ only.” the Messiah had come—yet look at the wretched condition of blind Israel! But between verses 9 and 24 he Has God failed? Is God to confess de­ turns aside slightly to show that God’s feat by casting off His chosen people sovereignty is intact not only in the utterly? “Has God done with the race revelation of His will through the to which he guaranteed such a per­ promises but in the revelation of His petuity of blessing?” writes Moule. will in election. He exemplifies by Paul quickly steers away from this citing two familiar cases: (1) His reef by saying: “Not as though the will that Jacob rather than Esau be word of God hath taken none effect.” the progenitor of the Israelitish line; (2) His will that Pharaoh be an in­ He then proceeds at once to show strument in his self-disclosure to the that the promises were never intend­ human race. He further strengthens ed to mean the unconditional inclu­ his defense of the divine sovereignty sion of every blood-born Jew. by the analogy of the clay and the For they are not all Israel, which are of potter: Israel: neither, because they are the seed Hath not the potter power over the clay; of Abraham, are they all children: but, of the same lump to make one vessel unto In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That honour, and another unto dishonour? is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: Paul has no doubt that God’s will is but the children of the promise are decisive. The apparent breakdown of counted for the seed. His sovereignty as seen in the plight Just as genealogically the super­ of the Jews is not real, but due to a natural children of the promise (not misunderstanding of God’s program. Ishmael and his posterity but Isaac) On the other hand, Paul just as are counted as the true seed of Abra­ carefully veers away from the rock on ham, so now the spiritual inheritors the other side of the channel: the in­ of the promises in Christ are ac­ justice and tyranny latent in the un­ counted as the true Israel. This is limited and irresponsible exercise of made clear when he returns to com­ sovereignty. The human mind leaps plete the argument in verse 25 f : from one extreme to the other. The extreme interpretation of Paul’s po­ As he saith also in Osee, I will call them sition is indicated in the questions: my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. “Is there unrighteousness with God?” And it shall come to pass, that in the and “Why doth he yet find fault? For place where it was said unto them, Ye who hath resisted his will?” are not my people; there shall they be At three points God’s justice is de­ called the children of the living God. fended. The first two are explicit and Even Isaiah supports him in his thesis the third is implicit in the argument.

July-August, 1950 (219) 11 1. The Jews had no moral claim tion, “ Why doth he yet find fault?” on God’s special favor, by virtue of will not be dismissed, and no amount any superior worthiness or works of of adroit ducking or pious shaming their own. It was no merit of Isaac’s will elude its bony finger. If by his that he and not Ishmael was the son vessel made “unto dishonour” Paul of the promise. Nor was it on any means that the Divine Potter deliber­ merit of Jacob’s that he was chosen ately makes a man bad, and then rather than Esau: — punishes him for being bad, then we (For the children being not yet bom, must raise the question, “Why doth neither having done any good or evil, that he yet find fault? For who hath re­ the purpose of God according to election sisted his will?” For even Calvin might stand, not of works, but of him that would admit that the eternally calleth;) damned, whether predestined to be And the whole nation was in Jacob. so or not, are sinners. But there can Not one descendant had any more be no sin where there is no resistance claim to merit for having been born to the divine will. Man’s badness into the chosen race than Isaac or consists in his rebellion against the Jacob. His birthright was an “acci­ Potter. Paul just got through imply­ dent” as far as he personally was con­ ing that it was sinful to rebel. But cerned, not the achievement of works if the “badness” of the clay consisted or character. Therefore no Jew or in its rebelling against the the Pot­ generation of Jews had a personal ter, how could the Potter make a claim on God’s promises any more “bad” vessel out of passive clay? than did non-Jews. Putting it differently: If vessel “unto 2. The second defense of God’s dishonour” is synonymous with “sin­ justice is not logical but categorical. ful man who deserves to be pun­ For Paul does not give a direct reply ished,” then the very word dishonor to the question, “Why doth he yet implies resistance in the clay. If find fault?” but rules out the ques­ there was no resistance, the “clay” tion as being improper. does not deserve to be punished. If Nay but, O man, who art thou that re- the “clay” does not deserve to be pliest against God? Shall the thing punished, God cannot justly banish formed say to him that formed it, Why “it” to hell. This may appear to be hast thou made me thus? going in circles; but I am simply By implication our obligation is to pointing out that to press Paul’s pas­ trust God. We do not know why sage here on divine sovereignty too God chose Jacob rather than Esau; far will get us into a far worse dilem­ we can but acknowledge the fact, and ma than to follow the lead of the best trust God’s unimpeachable justice commentators, personal common and submit to God’s infallible wis­ sense, and Paul’s plain deliverances dom. elsewhere, and simply assume that Paul was not talking about the final 3. The third point of defense is salvation of the individual. implicit inasmuch as its support is found in what Paul does not say here, Let us take the references in order. in contrast to what he does say else­ There is no final election of individ­ where. If Paul means to teach that uals to salvation or damnation in the God’s sovereignty, with its hardening choice of Isaac over Ishmael, or of and softening and unconditional elec­ Jacob over Esau. Sanday and Head- tion, extends to the final salvation or lam approvingly quote Gore (Studia damnation of the soul, then the ques­ Biblica, iii, p. 44):

12 (220) The Preacher's Magazine “The absolute election of Jacob,—the ‘lov­ his heart” are clauses used without ing’ of Jacob and the ‘hating’ of Esau,— any sense of contradiction, for both has reference simply to the election of are true in different senses. Pharaoh one to higher privileges as head of the chosen race, than the other. It has noth­ hardened his own heart of his own ing to do with their ultimate salvation.” free will; God hardened it by per­ So likewise write Wesley, A. T. forming the miracles which became Robertson, Garvie, Moule. “No per­ the occasion for his rebellion. “I fed sonal animosity is in question,” says the birds” and “they fed themselves” Moule, but only a “relative repudia­ are in no sense incongruous even to tion.” Of the expression “the purpose an unlettered mind. They ate willing­ of God according to election” found ly, not by coercion; but I threw out in verse 11, Garvie writes: “The sal­ the bread. This is not a perfect anal­ vation of mankind has been the in­ ogy, for if eating were wrong (as is tention of God from the beginning, self-hardening) then I would be like­ and this intention has guided His ac­ wise wrong in providing the food; bul tion throughout the ages.” (He thus it serves to illustrate the sense in interprets Rom. 8:28 and Eph. 1:9-11 which the hardening can be ascribed also.) And Sanday and Headlam to both God and man without cancel­ significantly concede: “The gloss of ing the freedom of either. But to Calvin dum dios ad salutem praedes- make the analogy really fit the case tinat, alios ad aeternam damnation- I would have to alter it radically and eum is nowhere implied in the text.” say that all birds are sick (sinners), The strong statements of verses 15, and I am putting out medicine (judg­ 16, and 18, climaxing with “whom he ments, theophanies, revelations, laws) will he hardeneth,” must be seen in which if not taken rightly will make the light of the context, and especially them worse (harden) instead of bet­ in the light of the example he ex­ ter. Then, knowing that one old pressly cites as illustrative of the prin­ feathered rogue would not take it ciples here enunciated: Pharaoh. Of rightly, I might say, “I’m making him him Garvie writes (commenting on worse.” Then if someway I could the clause, “Even for this same pur­ make an example out of him by means pose have I raised thee up” ) : of his “worseness,” and reveal my power through him for the benefit of The words in their original context mean all the other birds, my analogy would that Pharaoh had been spared in the plague of boils, as God had further in­ be more nearly perfect. But so much tentions in dealing with him, to use him for analogies—which often “darken- as an instrument for the release of Israel eth counsel.” The position remains from bondage. that God was thinking, not just of Concerning the use of the word Pharaoh, but of the whole world; “hardeneth” he further comments: that His motives were kind and His Paul is here dealing with only one aspect methods just; and that the same acts of God’s action; his aim is to assert the which “hardened” Pharaoh softened divine sovereignty over against all human others. And I think that those soft­ arrogance; it is altogether to misuse this ened were far more numerous than passage to derive from it any doctrine of Divine reprobation to eternal death. those hardened. The Exodus account makes God and Now Paul, for the moment, is not Pharaoh both responsible for the interested in showing thus both sides hardening. “And I will harden Phar­ of the matter. With this in mind aoh’s heart” and “when Pharaoh saw Moule admirably summarizes the that there was respite, he hardened case in this manner:

July-August, 1950 (221) 13 Pharaoh’s was a case of concurrent with mankind shown such unexpected phenomena. A man was there on the one mercy, what becomes of your complaints hand, willingly, deliberately, and most of injustice? guiltily, battling with right, and rightly bringing ruin on his own head, wholly of Sanday and Headlam, Wesley, himself. God was there on the other hand, Robertson, Garvie, Moule, Denney, making that man a monument not of Olshausen, and Weiss, all are em­ grace byt of judgment. And that side, phatic in asserting that neither the that line, is isolated here, and treated as if it were all. context nor the clause itself, “fitted to destruction,” requires us to ascribe to Similar modifications of an extreme God’s design their evil condition. Of view of divine sovereignty are im­ all examined, only Meyers dissents plicit in verses 21-24: from this view. Hath not the potter power over the clay; We conclude therefore that, though of the same lump to make one vessel Paul for the moment is emphasizing unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, God’s sovereignty, we are justified in and to make his power known, endured saying that even in this strongest of with much longsuffering the vessels of all passages on the subject he is not wrath fitted to destruction: and that he caught on the rock of divine tyranny might make known the riches of his glory any more than on the rock of divine on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom weakness. More conclusive than any he hath called, not of the Jews only, but of the observations above is the em­ also of the Gentiles? phatic denial of Paul that there is un­ Garvie thinks the “vessels” of verse righteousness with God (verse 14), 21 still is referring to earthly use, not which assurance underlies his whole to eternal destiny; in which case position, and which renders incorrect Jacob and Esau would be a perfect any interpretation of his words which example, for they were made, one would imply the contrary. And the unto honor and the other unto dis­ case is entirely established when we honor, out of “the same lump”—i.e., interpret this passage in the light of the same parentage. Garvie further the entire epistle (which is not only thinks that the switch to what he in­ our right but our obligation to do). terprets as a reference to individual For as Olshausen says: The doctrine destiny in verses 22 and 23, begin­ of the predestination of the wicked ning, “What if G o d ...... ” is a purely “loses all semblance of truth as soon hypothetical argument to silence the as ch. ix. 14 is viewed in connection caviling Jew, but which Paul would with ch. xi.” And I add: chapters 8 not press. The argument, he says, and 10 also. “breaks down in Paul’s hands,” for as Taking the whole we discover a a matter of fact “ God does not act fourfold exercise of divine sover­ as the exigencies of controversy re­ eignty: quire Paul to assume He would have a right to act.” He interprets verse 1. In the divine choice of earthly 22 as showing that God’s actual deal­ instruments, as in the cases of Isaac, ings do not exhibit arbitrary power Jacob, Israel, Moses, Pharaoh, and b u t “longsuffering patience a n d so on down through every king, abounding mercy.” Sanday and Head- prophet, and priest of the ages, lam give the same point in their para­ whether personally good or bad, phrase: whom God particularly uses in carry­ But if God, notwithstanding His divine ing forward His inscrutable designs. sovereignty, has in His actual dealings Why God lifts one up through his-

14 (222) The Preacher's Magazine torical providences and sets another those whom God foreknows—i.e., down, why He chooses David to be favorably regards. But to say that king rather than his more promising God’s favorable regard is arbitrary in brothers, why one in a family is called its selection of individuals without to preach the gospel and not the oth­ respect to their choice of character ers, is not for us to know: such mat­ is reading into the text what is not ters lie within the veil of God’s there, and what Paul repudiates else­ omniscient wisdom. where. God’s favorable regard is justified, whether the justification is 2. In the divine appointment of always apparent to us or not. means and methods; and here is seen the harmony of the entire epistle. 3. In the divine initiation of sal­ Throughout the letter Paul is argu­ vation. The whole plan of redemption ing a salvation obtained by faith, is God’s down-reach to meet man’s not works; based on grace, not merit; up-reach. It is not man’s device procured by Christ, not Moses. But whereby salvation may be achieved; the mass of Jews were unsaved be­ it is God’s design whereby salvation cause they rejected this method, not may be received. This is so obviously because God predestined them to be Paul’s assumption throughout all his unsaved. epistle that specific documentation is unnecessary. Yet this is the under­ For they being ignorant of God’s right­ eousness, and going about to establish lying assumption in any Pauline con­ their own righteousness, have not sub­ ception of the doctrine of grace. “For mitted themselves unto the righteousness by grace are ye saved through faith; of God. and that not of yourselves: it is the They were broken off, not by arbi­ gift of God.” Therefore what we trary design, but “because of unbe­ have is given, not earned. It is mercy, lief,” and “thou standest by faith.” not justice. It is divine, not human. To say that God foreordained their And it leaves us in eternal indebted­ unbelief and our faith is to make ness to God, the Author of our sal­ meaningless all warnings, such as the vation. But again, to implicate into one immediately following: the doctrine of grace an irresistible imposition of its blessings on certain For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not individuals arbitrarily and uncondi­ thee. Behold therefore the goodness and tionally selected is to go beyond Paul severity of God: on them which fell, and to become wiser than what is severity; but toward thee, goodness, if written. But actually it is not wiser, thou continue in his goodness: otherwise but less wise, for it is a contradic­ thou also shalt be cut off. tion in terms. Grace cannot be iden­ In Romans 8: 29-30 the divinely ap­ tified with force and injustice. pointed steps in the process of salva­ Though man cannot initiate grace, he tion are clearly named. God predes­ can certainly resist it. Says Ols- tined that whoever is to be saved hausen: shall be saved along one line, not just Yet we do not by any means conceive any; and the one line is conformity to this election of grace as a gratia irresisti- the image of His Son. He further blis, which necessarily draws after it the predestined the order of steps in the whole doctrine of predestination, with process: Those who are finally glori­ its most extreme consequences, but only, fied are first justified; those who are as we do not attribute to the holy and the happy the smallest part in that by which justified are first called by the Spirit. they become such .... so man, cer­ All who are thus predestined are tainly, in every stage of his earthly de-

July-August, 1950 (223) 15 Velopment, reserves the negative ability eignty is final and absolute. But it of resisting grace: he m ay fall at any time is not arbitrarily decisive in a Calvin- f r o m it. istically conceived monergism over This may not be the divine sover­ the eternal destiny of the individual eignty of Calvin, but it definitely is soul. of Jeremiah, and I believe of Paul Such a conclusion does not elimi­ also. nate all difficulties, but I believe it states the true synthesis of Paul’s 4. The divine guarantee oj ulti­ thought. In the words of Garvie: “We mate triumph. It is a mistake to as­ may leave the problems he left un­ sert, “God has never lost a battle.” solved, having tried to show that his He has. But He is going to win the teaching on election does not justify war, and that is what counts in the the Calvinistic interpretation.” end. As Garvie says, “God’s purpose “ O the depth of the riches both of must be carried out, and can be the wisdom and knowledge of God! thwarted, b y man’s freedom.” how unsearchable are his judgments, Thwarted, but not ultimately de­ and his ways past finding out!” feated. God has exercised a self­ limited sovereignty out of respect to BIBLIOGRAPHY the creature He has created in His Denney, James. “ St. Paul’s Epistle own image, but He has not sur­ to the Romans,” The Expositor’s rendered His sovereignty. Individual Greek Testament. New York: destinies have been prostituted by in­ Dodd, Mead and Co., 1900. dividual wills, but the certainty that Garvie, Alfred E. “Romans,” The the final outcome of history will be New Century Bible. New York: His outcome has not been weakened. Henry Froude. To repeat: He remains the Potter, and M o u l e , C. G. “The Epistle of St. Paul will overrule where He cannot rule, to the Romans,” The Expositor’s Bi­ even to making the wrath of man to ble. New York: A. C. Armstrong praise Him, and using in His intricate and Son, 1903. maneuverings wicked men as His un­ Olshausen, Hermann. Biblical Com­ witting servants. In this sense He mentary on the New Testament, used Pharaoh—“that my name may Vol. IV. New York: Sheldon be declared through all the earth.” Blakeman and Co., 1858. He didn’t will the wickedness, but He Sand ay, W illiam , and Headlam, Ar- willed to use the wickedness. Count­ t h u r C. The Epistle to the Romans, less adjustments divinely manipu­ A Critical and Exegetical Com­ lated along the way will keep the mentary. New York: Charles staggerings of human history moving Scribner’s Sons, 1926. forward. The human losses constitute Robertson, Archibald T h o m a s . the heartbreak of God but never the Word Pictures in the New Testa­ conquest of God. ment, Vol. IV, “The Epistles of I said earlier: “Paul has no doubt Paul.” New York: Harper & that God’s will is decisive.” To me Brothers, 1931. the weavings of Paul make clear the W eiss, Bernhard. A Commentary on pattern: God’s will is decisive in the the New Testament, Vol. III. New choice of earthly instruments, the ap­ York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1906. pointment of redemptive means, the W esley, John. Explanatory Notes initiation of the redemptive program, on the New Testament. New York: and the guarantee of the final out­ Phillips & Hunt (Sixteenth Edi­ come. In these particulars His sover­ tion) .

16 (224) The Preacher's Magazine Zechariah

By Ralph Earle

t is s t i l l the same year, 520 B.C . of Zechariah, namely, apocalypticism. I Only two months have passed Apparently all the material in 1:7— since Haggai began his public min­ 6:15 was delivered on the same day. istry. Now another prophet appears It consists of a series of symbolical on the scene, likewise encouraging visions, written in the language of the rebuilding of the Temple. The apocalyptic. two are linked together in Ezra 6:14, Zechariah saw these visions “in the where we read: “And the elders of night” (1:8). Calkins has made a the Jews builded, and they prospered beautiful comment on this. He says: through the prophesying of Haggai “The inspiration of apocalyptical the prophet and Zechariah the son of prophecy lies in this: that when it is Iddo.” night and others can see only clouds Who was this Zechariah? Nehemi- and darkness, these seers of God can ah 12:16 indicates that he was a priest discover divine powers at work for as well as a prophet. In this he was man’s redemption” (op. cit., p. 118). like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. There are eight of these visions. What was Zechariah’s main mes­ The first (1:7-17) might be titled sage? He sounds the keynote of his “God’s Scouts.” The prophet saw ministry in his opening utterance: among the myrtle trees of a glen near “Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of Jerusalem what looked like a group hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith of Persian cavalry scouts on recon­ the Lord of hosts” (1:3). The proph­ naissance. But soon he discovered et’s first cry was a call to repentance. that they were angels, God’s scouts, But turning to God involves turn­ checking up on earthly affairs. What ing from evil (1:4). One cannot cling was their report to their leader? “We to God unless he is separated from have walked to and fro through the sin. Repentance means more than be­ earth, and, behold, all the earth sit- ing sorry. It means forsaking our sins teth still, and is at rest” (1:11). and turning to God with our whole There are two ways of interpreting heart. The introduction to the book this. Actually the period was a rather (1:1-6) closes with the testimony that tumultuous one. When Darius took God has kept His word. The new the throne in 522 B .C ., after the death generation does not need to test that of Cambyses, he had to put down one point. It can accept the witness of its revolt after another. Apparently fathers that the truth has already there had come a lull in the storm. been amply demonstrated. But the stillness may have been This opening appeal, delivered in ominous with forebodings of the fu­ ture. November of 520 B .C ., was soon fol­ lowed by a second message in Febru­ Another interpretation would re­ ary, 519 B .C . This oracle high-lights late this to the task of rebuilding the one of the outstanding characteristics Temple. The opposition wag stilled,

July-August, 1950 (225) If and now the work could go on apace: this truth. One of these occurs in “My house shall be built” (1:16). verse eleven, where we are told that The cities of Judah would overflow “many nations shall be joined to the with prosperity. Lord in that day, and shall be my people.” God’s redemptive purposes The second vision (1:18-21) might include all nations, not Israel alone. be called “God’s Workmen.” The prophet saw four horns and four The account of the vision proper smiths. The four horns represent the (2:1-5) ends with the beautiful totality of Israel’s foes, her enemies declaration: “For I, saith the Lord, from all directions. But God’s smiths will be unto her a wall of fire round are busy breaking these horns. Those about, and will be the glory in the who had scattered God’s people are midst of her.” Our best defense is not now shattered by God’s power. walls of stone or steel, but the glory of God’s presence. The world would These two visions are supplemen­ have been saved untold war and tary to each other. The first teaches bloodshed if this truth had been us that God’s watchful care over us recognized and accepted. is constant. The second tells us that God’s workmen are always on the job The vision is followed by a lyric and that the power of evil will in­ poem (2:6-13), in which God as­ evitably be broken. sures Israel of His care. The brief pas­ sage is replete with precious promises. The third vision (c. 2) is that of The Lord says to His people: “He “The Unwalled City.” Zechariah saw that toucheth you toucheth the apple a man with a measuring line in his of his eye” (v. 8). What a picture of hand, about to measure the length tender care! The poem closes with and breadth of Jerusalem. But an the word of mingled warning and angel was sent to tell him that the comfort: “Be silent, O all flesh, before ancient boundaries would not be able the Lord: for he is raised up out of to confine the large population the his holy habitation.” city was to have in the future. Jeru­ salem would be like unwalled vil­ The fourth vision (c. 3) is that of lages, spreading out over the hills. “Joshua and Satan.” The prophet saw Joshua the high priest standing There is here a prophecy of God’s before the angel of the Lord; that is, blessings on Israel in the future. But in God’s presence. The second part perhaps the most important lesson for of the verse is most accurately trans­ us is that God wants us to overflow lated “and Satan standing at his our walls of narrow prejudice—racial, right hand to be his adversary.” The religious, national—and view things word Satan means “adversary.” The from His perspective. It is a sad com­ Hebrew reads: “ Satan to satan him.” mentary on the measure of the influ­ ence of Jesus’ spirit on ours when we The picture is that of a judgment think that the white race is the race, scene. The Jews believed that those that the church of our denomination who are overtaken by misfortune is the Church of Jesus Christ, and have been accused by the adversary, that America enjoys special immuni­ as in the case of Job. The many mis­ ties as God’s pet nation. We are clear­ fortunes of exilic and post-exilic days ly told in the New Testament that had caused the people of Judah to “there is no respect of persons with wonder if Satan was accusing them God” (Rom. 2:11), and we find in the before God. But through this vision Old Testament a few foregleams of the prophet assures the people that

18 (226) The Preacher's Magazine God has rebuked their adversary and Just as the previous vision was es­ has defended His own, “a brand pecially for Joshua’s consolation, so plucked out of the fire” (v. 2). this one is intended to encourage Zerubbabel. God’s message to him is But another problem remained. one which has been both a correc­ Joshua was covered with filthy gar­ tion and a comfort to all generations ments. Cleansing, as well as forgive­ since. Verse six is one of the greatest ness, was needed. So the change was texts in the Old Testament: “Not by made to clean clothes. Then the might, nor by power, but by my spirit, prophet interjected, “Let them set a saith the Lord.” The strongest force fair mitre upon his head,” and that in the world is not military might nor was done. Now the high priest stood boasted power—ancient or atomic— clothed with clean garments and but God’s Spirit. One of the greatest crowned, a type of the coming Mes­ travesties of religion has been the siah. The connection is suggested in Church’s substitution of carnal verse eight: “Behold, I will bring weapons for spiritual power. forth my servant the BRANCH.” Another passage often quoted from The stone of verse nine perhaps this chapter is in verse ten: “Who symbolizes the finished Temple. The hath despised the day of small “seven eyes” in the stone typify God’s things?” Though the beginnings of complete care of His people. He is the second Temple looked pitiful, yet watching over them with tender love. God would enable Zerubbabel to fin­ ish the task. Many a large church The closing picture of chapter three had a small beginning. The China In­ is one of peace and prosperity: “In land Mission started with J. Hudson that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall Taylor when he had fifty dollars—and ye call every man his neighbour un­ faith in God. In the first seventy der the vine and under the fig tree.” years thirty-seven million dollars It is the day of Messiah’s kingdom. passed through its treasuries and hun­ The main lesson of the fourth vision dreds of missionaries carried the gos­ is that peace and prosperity must be pel to the unevangelized provinces of preceded by a moral cleansing. God interior China. Essentially, it is not cannot pour out His blessings on an how much money we have, but how unclean people. How sorely is that much of God we have. message needed today! This vision pictures the nation as The fifth vision (c. 4) is of “The deriving its light from both the civil Temple Candlestick and the Two and the religious heads. Both gover­ Olive Trees.” The prophet was nor and high priest were to minister roused by the angel, so that he would to the welfare of the people. be wide-awake to apprehend this new The sixth vision (5:1-4) is that of vision. Before him was the Temple, “The Flying Roll.” The scroll was lighted by the golden candlestick, or a large one, some thirty by fifteen chandelier. The seven lamps were feet. On it were written the crimes supplied with oil by seven pipes, of the people, especially stealing and which conveyed the oil from two perjury. It would bring a curse into olive trees. The two olive trees— the house of every thief and false which particularly perplexed the swearer. Every sinner must be cut prophet (vv. 11-13) — are the two off. As in the fourth vision, the truth anointed ones, or “sons of oil,” Joshua is emphasized that the nation must and Zerubbabel. be cleansed of its sins.

July-August, 1950 (227) 19 The seventh vision (5:5-11) pic­ “The BRANCH” (v. 12). The Temple tures what Paterson calls “Madame will be rebuilt. The language of verse Wickedness.” The prophet saw an fifteen seems to look forward to the ephah, or seven-gallon measure. Sud­ Christian age for its spiritual applica­ denly the leaden lid was lifted and he tion. saw a woman sitting in the barrel. The seventh chapter opens with an­ She was pushed back inside, the cover other definite dating in Zechariah’s clamped on again, and two women ministry. The message here was flew the burden away to Babylonia. given in December, 518 B .C . So we The meaning is that sin will be know that Zechariah’s prophesying purged from the land. George Adam covered two years, as his first oracle Smith points out the fact that, where­ is dated November, 520 B .C . Prob­ as the previous vision dealt with ably his ministry continued much actual transgressions, this one typifies longer. the removal of the principle of sin. A deputation had arrived in Jeru­ It is not enough to have one’s sins salem to ask advice of the priests and forgiven. There must be a purging of prophets: “ Should I weep in the fifth the heart from the principle of sin. month, separating myself, as I have The eighth vision (6:1-8) is that of done these so many years?” (7:3). “The Four Chariots.” These repre­ The fact that they arrived in the ninth sent “the four spirits of the heavens” month suggests that these questions (v. 5). Probably a better translation may have come from Babylonia. would be “the four winds,” as the In answering them the prophet same Hebrew and Greek words mean mentions the fact of the seventh “wind” and “spirit.” The four winds month, as well as that of the fifth. The are thought of as protecting God’s fast of the fifth month commemorated people in all directions. The chariot the burning of the Temple when Je­ with black horses went north. That rusalem was taken in 587 B .C . That of with white horses followed the first; the seventh month was in memory of or, as some translate, went west. The the murder of Gedaliah (Jer. 41:1, fourth chariot, with dappled horses, 2), the governor appointed after that went south. It is not clear just what event. is meant by “the bay” of verse seven; the Hebrew reads “strong.” These had been observed for sev­ enty years (7:5). The seventy years The vision closes with the state­ of the Babylonian captivity are gen­ ment that conditions in the north erally dated 606-536 B .C . But the only have been quieted. The main threat reference to 606 b .c .—“the third year to Judah’s safety lay in that direc­ of the reign of Jehoiakim king of tion, for the center of world power Judah”—is in Daniel 1:1. No men­ was in the north. Egypt, in the south, tion of this invasion by Nebuchadnez­ was not to be feared much at this time. zar is made in Kings, Chronicles, or The series of eight visions is fol­ Jeremiah, the three books that record lowed by a sort of epilogue (6:9-15), the close of Judah’s history. It is clear portraying a coronation scene. The that the seventy years mentioned high priest Joshua is to be crowned. here refers to the period when the (Some scholars hold that the refer­ Temple was in ruins, following its de­ ence should be to Zerubbabel.) The struction in 587 B .C . (date given in the passage is Messianic in its implica­ Westminster Historical Atlas, 1945). tions. We find reference again to If we prefer the better known figure,

20 (228) The Preacher's Magazine 586 B .C ., it would probably be best ferent period. Scholars have dis­ to date the Babylonian captivity as agreed as to whether it was written 586-516 b .c . (The date of 516 B .C . for earlier or later than the first part. the completion of the second Temple But liberals are united in holding that is accepted by almost all scholars.) these chapters do not come from the If we wish to be precise, we could pen of Zechariah. Conservatives have say that the seventy years of Zecha- sometimes suggested that this section riah 7:5 would be 587-518 B.C. may have been written by Zechariah More important than chronology, in his old age. As the prophet’s name however, is the timeless, though time­ does not occur in chapters 9—14, ly, truth contained in the Lord’s an­ one’s belief in divine inspiration does swer through His prophet. It was not not bind him to any theory of author­ fasting from food which God desired. ship. The fact that Zechariah 11:12, It was rather abstinence from un­ 13 is in the New Testament attributed righteousness. “Execute true judg­ to Jeremiah (Matt. 27:9) has led ment, and shew mercy and some to suggest that at least a part compassions every man to his broth­ of these chapters came from his pen. er: and oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the This section has an unusually large poor; and let none of you imagine evil number of Messianic passages. We against his brother in your heart” shall point out just a few of them in (vv. 9, 10). This is the kind of fast closing. The so-called triumphal en­ that would be pleasing to God. One try of Jesus into Jerusalem is pre­ is reminded of the very similar words figured in 9:9, which is quoted in in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Matthew 21: 5. “They shall look upon People are always prone to offer re­ me whom they have pierced” (12:10) ligious acting in place of righteous is quoted in John 19:37. doing. The thirteenth chapter contains at The eighth chapter is one of the least two striking Messianic refer­ most beautiful in all the Old Testa­ ences. The first verse declares: “In ment. It describes the glories of the that day there shall be a fountain Messianic reign. But these blessings opened to the house of David and to cannot be enjoyed without truth and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin justice (vv. 16, 17). Then fasts are to and for uncleanness.” The sixth verse be turned into festivals (v. 19). [The is pathetic: “And one shall say unto fast of the fourth month commemo­ him, What are these wounds in thine rated the fall of Jerusalem (Jer. 52: hands? Then he shall answer, Those 6) and that of the tenth month the with which I was wounded in the beginning of the siege (II Kings 25: 1).] The chapter ends with a predic­ house of my friends.” tion that Gentiles will turn to God. The book closes with a picture of For the past three hundred years holiness triumphant: “In that day the unity of the Book of Zechariah shall there be upon the bells of the has been called in question. The first horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE eight chapters are carefully dated and LORD; and the pots in the Lord’s the subject matter relates to the house shall be like the bowls before events of 520-518 B .C . But the re­ the altar. Yea, every pot in Jeru­ mainder of the book, chapters 9—14, salem and in Judah shall be holiness appears to have been written in a dif­ unto the Lord of hosts.”

July-August, 1950 (229) 21 Why We Should Believe and Faithfully Study

The Old Testament

By Peter Wiseman

The Reasons Are as Follows: Coverdale, “lovingkindness,” “morning- star,” “kindhearted,” “tender mercy.” I. B e c a u s e o f I t s I n f l u e n c e o n t h e E n g ­ Henry Bradley points out that the word l i s h L a n g u a g e a n d L it e r a t u r e “beautiful” was not known in literature In The English Bible and Its Story, Dr. until Tyndale used it. Baikie says: “Among all the links which One writer says of Webster: “The He­ bind together the scattered branches of the brew prophets inspired him. He listened English-speaking race, one of the very to them until their vocabulary and idioms strongest is their common possession of a became his mother-tongue. Of his lofty ut­ book of which not a single line was written terances it may be said, as Wordsworth nor a single thought conceived by an Eng­ said of Milton’s poetry, ‘They are Hebrew in lishman.” “ It is a striking fact that this soul.’ Therefore they project themselves book translated into English using some into the future. While a mere lad he read 6,000 words has exerted a striking influence, with such expression and power that the still felt, upon a language that numbers now passing teamsters, who stopped to water over 400,000 words. What wonder, then, that their horses, used to get ‘Webster’s boy’ those who would write and speak to be ‘un- to come out beneath the shade of the trees derstanded of the people’ should find even and read the Bible to them. Those who now the Bible the best mentor of vocabu­ heard him in later life recite passages lary and style!” from the Hebrew prophets and Psalms, say Charles A. Dana, one of the great jour­ that he held them spellbound; while each nalists of America, in speaking before a passage, even the most familiar, came home body of students said: “Of all books, the in a new meaning. One gentleman says that most indispensable and the most useful, the he never received such ideas of the majesty one whose knowledge is the most effective, of God and the dignity of man as he did is the Bible...... I am considering it now one clear night when Mr. Webster, stand­ not as a religious book, but as a manual of ing in the open air, recited the eighth utility, of professional preparation and pro­ Psalm. fessional use for a journalist. There is “The young man who would be a writer perhaps no book whose style is more sug­ that shall be read, or an orator whom all gestive and more instructive, from which will hear, should study the English Bible. you learn more directly that sublime sim­ Its singular beauty and great power as plicity which never exaggerates, which re­ literature, the thousand sentiments and as­ counts the greatest events with solemnity, sociations which use has attached to it, have of course, but without sentimentality or made it a mightier force than any other affectation, none which you open with such book.” confidence and lay down with such rever­ “There are in Shakespeare’s works more ence.” than five hundred and fifty Biblical quo­ What a vast debt we owe to Tyndale and tations, allusions, references, and senti­ to Coverdale and their associates, who so ments. Hamlet alone contains about eighty, skillfully and in so inspired a manner drew Richard the Third nearly fifty, and Henry upon the virile language of the people of the Fijth and Richard the Second about their day for the direct and potent expres­ forty each. Shakespeare quotes from fifty- sion of the greatest truths the world can four of the Biblical books, and not one of know! From Tyndale came such expressive his thirty-seven plays is without a scrip­ combinations as “peacemaker,” “long-suf- tural reference. Genesis furnishes the poet fering,” “broken-hearted,” “scapegoat” ; from with thirty-one quotations or allusions, the

22 (230) The Preacher's Magazine Psalms with fifty-nine, Proverbs with due to the fact that, when I was a child, thirty-five, Isaiah with twenty-one, Mat­ my mother daily read with me a part of the thew with sixty, Luke with thirty, and Ro­ Bible, and daily made me learn a part of it mans with twenty.”—Bishop Wardsworth, in by heart.” Shakespeare and the Bible. And yet he had the use of the Authorized Version only Lord Macaulay (1800-1859), whose liter­ about six years before he died; so it is un­ ary fame rests secure in his History of Eng­ derstood. land and his Critical and Historical Essays, said, “A person who professes to be a critic Matthew Arnold (1828-1888) wrote in in the delicacies of the English language Literature and Dogma: “To understand that ought to have the Bible at his fingers’ ends.” the language of the Bible is fluid, passing and literary, not rigid, fixed, and scientific, Charles Dickens (1812-1870) gave full is the first step towards a right understand­ play to his sentimental mood without apolo­ ing of the Bible.” gies. Carlyle well described him as “good, gentle, ever friendly, every inch of him an Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) quoted honest man.” With penetrating sympathy extensively from the world’s literature, for the unfortunate, his Pickwick Papers, and all his writings testify to his indebted­ The Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, ness to the Bible. Concerning it he wrote: Little Dorrit, A Tale of Two Cities visual­ “The most original book in the world is the ized conditions with pathos and humor, Bible. This old collection of the ejaculations journalistic acumen and realistic touches. of love and dread, of the supreme desires It might be said of him, as it was of and contributions of men, proceeding out of Lincoln, that “the poverty of his library was the region of the grand and eternal, seems the wealth of his life.” The Bible was among the alphabet of the nations .... The eleva­ the few books he diligently read. Next to it tion of this book may be measured by ob­ was the book of daily life, which was wide serving how certainly all elevation of open to him and which he opened to others. thought clothes itself in the words and He once wrote to his son: “I put a New forms of thought of that book.” Testament among your books because it is the best book that ever was or will be Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) cannot be known in the world, and because it teaches characterized in a few sentences. The au­ you the best lessons by which any human thor of The Dictionary, who also put his creature who tries to be truthful and faith­ miscellaneous learning to such wise and ful to duty can possibly be guided.” His varied uses, such as the Lives of the Poets, Life of Jesus, written for his children, was The Rambler, and Rasselas, found in the Bi­ recently published. ble that inspiration which gave him a deep compassion and profound sympathy during II . B e c a u s e o f I t s I n f l u e n c e o n t h e N e w s ­ his courageous and independent career, as p a p e r a n d t h e V e r n a c u l a r all readers of Boswell’s inimitable Life of Johnson well know. In this (written April, An interesting evidence of the currency 1772), Boswell writes: “I paid him short of Biblical phrases can easily be noted by visits both on Friday and Saturday and, watching newspapers and magazines. Often seeing his large folio Greek Testament be­ the context is inappropriate, often apt. As fore him, beheld him with reverential awe these pages were being prepared for the and would not intrude upon his time.” Dr. printer, these items drifted in: New York Johnson himself made this entry at this Herald Tribune, Aug. 1, 1935, headline: time in his journal: “I resolved last Easter “Policeman’s Blarney Disperses Mass Picket. to read within the year the whole Bible, a Soft Word Turneth Away Wrath of Res­ very great part of which I had never looked taurant Strikers”; New York Daily News, upon. I read the Greek Testament without Aug. 4, 1935, headline over a pictorial write­ construing and this day concluded the up of Shirley Temple, child movie star: “A Apocalypse .... Easter Day.” Little Child Shall Lead Them.” An editorial in the New York Times, Aug. John Ruskin (1819-1900) acknowledges 6, 1935, in writing about accidents in the that his literary ability was due to the fact home, says: “It is the old story, as told that he had absorbed the English Bible in the Book of Amos, ‘of the man who to from childhood. This is his testimony: “All escape perils out of doors went into the that I have taught of art, everything that house and leaned against the wall and a I have written, whatever greatness there serpent bit him.’ ” has been in any thought of mine, whatever A news dispatch from Ethiopia, in the I have done in my life, has simply been same issue of the Times, signed by the

July-August, 1950 (231) 23 Emperor of Ethiopia, commences in this Lord Arthur Hervey says: “In a few cho­ way: “Our great ancestor, King Solomon, sen sentences, we acquire more accurate expressed the opinion that a wise man knowledge of the affairs of Egypt, Tyre, should roll his tongue seven times around his Syria, Assyria, Babylon, and other neigh­ mouth before voicing his thoughts, and this boring nations, than had been preserved to maxim forms today the beginning of wisdom us in all the other remains of antiquity.” for a statesman .... and the Bible has taught us that David with his insignificant slingshot The character of the history of the Old overcame Goliath.” Testament is worthy of special note. On this point Dr. T. T. Munger has well said: Says Professor A. T. Robertson in his “Indeed, it is only in the Bible that we find Grammar of New Testament Greek: “The a large, free, and unprejudiced history, for Christian spirit put a new flavor into this the reason that it is taught incidentally. vernacular and lifted it to a new elevation When we read Hume, we read Toryism; or of thought and dignity of style that unify Macaulay, Whiggism; and thus nearly all and glorify the language.” history is shot through with human prej­ One has only to be reminded of the udice and wears the limitations of a single phrases from the Bible which have passed mind. But the Bible simply reflects the into common speech to realize how much ages; they shine through its pages by their vigor and expressiveness it has added to our own light. And above all, it gives us the language: “the apple of his eye,” “cast thy secret of history: it tells us why and for bread upon the waters,” “a coat of many what the nations have existed, and shows colors,” “a good old age,” “living fountains us whither they are tending.” of waters,” “the wife of thy bosom,” “the valley of decision,” “a still small voice,” “The Old Testament is the battlefield just “miserable comforters,” “the pride of life,” now upon which the advocates of the natur­ “from strength to strength,” “the little foxes al and supernatural order of things are en­ that spoil the vine,” “precept upon precept, gaged in a life and death struggle.”—Prin­ line upon line,” “as a drop in a bucket,” “the cipal Cave. salt of the eath,” “the burden and heat of Not only is the relation of the Old Testa­ the day,” “the signs of the times,” “the chil­ ment to modern philosophical investigation dren of light,” “the powers that be,” “the a strong reason for its study; its relation to fashion of this world,” “decently and in scientific thought may also be given. View­ order,” “a thorn in the flesh,” “a cloud of ing this subject in a general way, one witnesses,” “a crown of life,” “labor of love,” thought is presented. In an article con­ “hewers of wood and drawers of water,” tributed to the Sunday School Times of “thou art the man,” “prisoners of hope,” April 15, 1899, Prof. Dr. Otto Zockler, one of “lesser light,” “the handwriting on the wall,” the most distinguished Lutheran divines of “faithful unto death,” “a mess of pottage,” Germany, discusses what modern Christian­ “the mantle of Elijah,” “the elder brother,” ity has done for science. In the article he “the widow’s mite,” “the highways and treats two questions, one of which is, “Why hedges,” “a pearl of great price,” “clear is it that the vast development of the shining after rain,” “stand in awe,” “the knowledge of nature which mankind at day is at hand,” “joy cometh in the morn­ present enjoys could not originate on the ing,” “clear as crystal,” “hip and thigh” ground occupied by any of the non-Chris­ “we are the people,” “the fat of the land,” tian religions?” In general, he answers: “It “the four winds of heaven,” “the end is not is because of the disposition of every other yet,” “a book of remembrance,” “the la­ religion besides Christianity to deify the bourer is worthy of his hire,” “whited powers of nature, leading to a confusion of sepulchres,” “righteous overmuch,” “not the provinces of the divine and the natural, gather figs of thistles,” “to entertain angels as well as a resultant disturbance of the unawares,” “the wings of the morning,” “tell human intellect with superstitious ideas. it not in Gath,” “all things to all men.” . . . . None of the civilized peoples of the ancient world, who adhered to the worship I I I . B e c a u s e o f I t s I n f l u e n c e o n H i s t o r y of a plurality of gods, .... have escaped Gladstone says truly: “Science and re­ this fate of having any free research among search have done much to sustain the his­ the facts of natural science made impos­ torical credit of the Old Testament. The sible to them through the superstitions, evidence rationally viewed, both of contents prejudices, and usages of their national re­ and results, binds us to stand where our ligion, and of thus becoming forces ob­ forefathers have stood, upon the Impreg­ structive to scientific and civilizing prog­ nable Rock of Holy Scripture.” ress.”

24 (232) The Preacher's Magazine I V . B e c a u s e o p I t s I n f l u e n c e o n C i v i l a n d over him in authority, but responsible n a t i o n a l L if e through his own conscience to his Lord and Maker. Whenever a man sees this Civil: vision, he stands up a free man, whatever Zachary Taylor has gathered up in one may be the circumstances of his life.” A few sentence the conviction that motivated the days before his inauguration to the presi­ Pilgrims in coming to our shores: “It was dency, Wilson made this statement in an for the love of the truths of this great address at Trenton, New Jersey: “The and good book that our fathers abandoned opinion of the Bible bred in me, r.ot only by their native shore for the wilderness.” the teaching of my home when I was a boy, Ulysses S. Grant knows of no book which but also every turn and experience of my has guided the affairs of men equal to the life and every step of study, is that it is the Bible: “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet one supreme source of revelation, the revela­ anchor of your liberties; write its precepts tion of the meaning of life, the nature of God on your hearts and practice them in your and the spiritual nature and need of men. lives. To the influence of this book we are It is the only guide of life which really indebted for the progress made, and to this leads the spirit in the way of peace and sal­ we must look as our guide in the future.” vation.” John Quincy Adams, speaking emphati­ National: cally of the Scriptures, says: “The first and A biographer of Lincoln says that “of all almost the only book deserving of universal the books Lincoln read during his boyhood attention is the Bible. I speak as a man of the Bible was his favorite. Poring over it the world .... and I say to you, ‘Search for hours at a time, his memory became the Scriptures.’ ” saturated with its language, his soul with Andrew Jackson in his rugged way put its spirit, his life with its teachings. So the matter very pointedly: “It [the Bible] familiar did he become with the Scripture is the rock on which our Republic rests.” phraseology, and so imbued with the Daniel Webster rises to real eloquence solemnly grand strain of thought and feel­ when he speaks of the Bible: “If we abide ing that pervades the sacred pages, that his by the principles taught in the Bible, our utterances often breathe the sublimity of the country will go on prospering and to pros­ prophets, the poetry of Job, or the Psalmist, per; but if we and our posterity neglect the sweetness and pathos of the Gospels.” its instructions and authority, no man can He regarded the Bible as the Book of God tell how sudden a catastrophe may over­ and tried to shape his life by it. He be­ whelm us and bury our glory in profound lieved that God actually directed the affairs obscurity.” of the nation, and that faith came from the Bible. He says: “That the Almighty does Robert E. Lee was not only a great soldier, make use of human agencies, and directly but an able educator of renown. He sums intervenes in human affairs, is one of the up his dependence on the Scriptures in this plainest statements in the Bible.” sentence: “The Bible is a book in compari­ The Decalogue is the summary of Old son with which all others in my eyes are of Testament teachings; the rich and varied minor importance, and which in all my per­ history of several centuries given in the plexities and distresses has never failed to Hebrew Scriptures may be examined to test give me light and strength.” the permanency, the potency, and the William McKinley while a youth joined propriety of the legislation. There was the Methodist Episcopal church and was a much of detail that was adapted to the member of the Bible class. He would have times, but the essence of the teaching of men study the Scriptures, so that they the Old Testament is unrepealed today, and might become better citizens. He said: “The is unrepealable, because it is the revela­ more profoundly we study this wonderful tion of the nature and mode of operation of book, and the more closely we observe its the eternal God, who is irrevocably com­ divine precepts, the better citizens we will mitted powerfully to make for righteous­ become, and the higher will be our destiny ness, and to combat evil until it is dead. as a nation.” There is a permanency in the teaching of Woodrow Wilson, on May 7, 1911, while the Old Testament respecting national life. governor of New Jersey, spoke these words Someone has said that history is the grave­ regarding the Bible: “For this is a book yard of dead nations. It might be added which reveals every man to himself as a that on the tombstone of each may be in­ distinct moral agent, responsible not to men, scribed the words, “Committed suicide by not even to those men whom he has put disregarding the divine injunctions.”

July-August, 1950 (233) 25 V. B e c a u s e o f I t s I n f l u e n c e o n M o d e r n ceivable how a work so widely severed from J urisprudence all the known productions of antiquity, and A prominent jurist says: “No man can be standing upon a level so much higher, a sound lawyer who is not well read in the could be accounted for except by a special law of Moses.” and extraordinary aid.” “Finney’s biographer tells us that in try­ Of the chief devotional book of the Old ing to master Blackstone’s Commentaries Testament Luther wrote: “If all the greatest and other lawbooks he found constant excellencies and most choice expressions reference made to the Mosaic institutions, of all the true saints should be gathered as if it were acknowledged by jurists that from the whole Church since it first ex­ there the foundation of all law, or of all isted, and should be condensed into the morality, was to be found. So the lawyer’s form of one book,—if God, I say, should clerk, who had already decided that there permit any most spiritual and gifted men to was nothing in Christianity for him, bought form and concentrate such a book,—such a Bible and began to read it from cover a book would be what the book of Psalms to cover. It spoiled him for the law, but is, or like unto it, for in the book of Psalms made him one of the greatest spiritual we have not the life of the saints only, but leaders of his generation.”—James McCon- we have the experience of Christ himself, aughy, in W hy Read and Study the Bible? the head of all the saints. So that you may truly call the book of Psalms ‘a little Bi­ VI. B e c a u s e o f I t s I n f l u e n c e o n M i s s i o n s ble.’ G o d t o A b r a h a m : “In thee shall all na­ “This proposal of John Bright about the tions of the earth be blessed.” This is in­ Book of Psalms might be extended to other deed an ancient missionary challenge. portions of the Old Testament. The Bible is, T h e P s a l m i s t o f J u d e a : in fact, a library of books. The Old Testa­ Lord, bless and pity us; ment contains thirty-nine of the sixty-six Shine on us with Thy face, pamphlets which the whole includes. Each That earth Thy way and nations all one of them must be accounted for. It is a May know Thy saving grace. mistake to suppose that because one rejects Jonah, for example, he has disposed of even Thou’lt justly people judge, the other minor prophets. Put out of the On earth rule nations all; canon, if you can, the Pentateuch, Joshua, Let people praise Thee, Lord; let them Judges, and Ruth, all the minor prophets, Praise Thee, both great and small. Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, Daniel, and Lamentations, each of which twenty- The earth her fruit shall yield; four treatises must be dislodged by separate Our God shall blessing send. and sufficient charges, and there still re­ God will us bless; men shall Him fear main fifteen books to be disposed of, upon To earth’s remotest end. the existence of any one of which the claim for a supernatural revelation may with rea­ VII. B e c a u s e o f Its F u l f i l l e d P r o p h e c y son be made.” a n d P r o p h e c y t o B e F u l f il l e d This reason is passed with the recom­ IX. B e c a u s e It R e v e a l s G o d a s H o l y , mendation that the student spend a few S o v e r e ig n , K i n d , a n d G o o d hours in making a list of prophecies found “In the beginning God” and forever an in the Old Testament which have been unfolding of Him for our good. already literally fulfilled. Begin with cities, “God is love,” and what He has done and like Tyre, Nineveh, Babylon, Jerusalem, what He does is for the good of the in­ and pass to persons, giving special attention dividual and the race. Even His righteous to what the Old Testament says of Jesus judgment must be considered in this light. Christ.

Unquestionably the Messianic prophecies X. B e c a u s e I t L e a d s t o C h r i s t a n d C h r i s ­ of the Old Testament comprehend the fu­ t i a n C h a r a c t e r ture. Here is a wide field but a very “Search the scriptures .... and they are fruitful one, indeed. That which God has they which testify of me.”—Jesus. Yes, spoken in His Word will come to pass. they lead to Him. VIII. B e c a u s e o f I t s A p o l o g e t ic V a l u e “The Old Testament is a book of lives. Gladstone once said: “John Bright has One is struck, on reading, at the number told me that he would be content to stake of personages introduced. We have every upon the book of Psalms as it stands the age, condition, and relation. The mother, great question whether there is or is not a the father, the son, the daughter, the wife, divine revelation. It was not to him con­ the babe, the subject, the ruler, are all here

26 (234) The Preacher's Magazine as they lived. We have hero and villain human biography frequently tends to dis­ alike faithfully described. There is a sim­ courage the reader, because of the idealiza­ plicity and charm about these records which tion of the subject, the exact opposite is make the Old Testament, in a peculiar man­ true of the study of biblical characters. The ner, the children’s book, and there is a bad as well as the good is told of them, and, reality and a depth which bring back the great as some of them were, they are seen sage to repeated meditation. to have been truly men of like passions with “Much has been said about the freshness us. A bond of sympathy is at once formed of the Bible. One declares it will stand a between us and them. However far astray thousand readings. A chief reason for this one has gone, he is led to believe that there is that the Bible is full of human nature. is yet hope; that God will yet receive. A In it we find ourselves. The psychology of striking illustration of this principle was it is quite as wonderful as its theology, and given a few years ago in Sing Sing prison, it is because both are true. It may be sug­ where a murderer was led to repentance gested that the charm of the lives portrayed and hope in Christ through the story of in the Bible is, in the main, due not only to David and the fifty-first Psalm.” the fact that they are presented as true A friend once told me how he had re­ to nature, but as true to nature in persons ceived a new impetus to Bible study and at who in their lives are brought into relation the same time hit upon what was for him a to God. The attitude of the Most High to­ new method. He was discouraged. The wards the good and the bad in each life is thought came to him to read his Bible, and made prominent. The complete psychology he took up the study of Nehemiah, as one must take God into account in relation to having reason for being cast down, who yet the soul. The Old Testament will ever be triumphed. He told me that he was as­ new and worthy of study, because it fur­ tonished to find how many parts of the Book nishes abundant material for the study of of Nehemiah fitted him. “I made a thorough mankind as related to God,—because it study of Nehemiah and recorded the re­ presents opportunity for a combined study sults,” said he. “That was several years ago, of theology and psychology in due propor­ and I have never been discouraged since.” tion. The material contained in this article is largely from a “ The biography of the Old Testament has pamphlet published on the occasion of the commemoration of "Four Hundred Years of the Printed Bible/' "The English another striking characteristic which re­ Bible and British and American A rt/' also from "Reasons quires it to be placed in a category of its for the Study of the Old Testament/' by Dr. Wilbert Webster White, published by the International Committee of Young own. It is this: that whereas the study of Men's Christian Association, New York.

The Viewpoint And used a pen far mightier than a sword. I read a book last week. He wrote of youth triumphant, clean The author dipped his facile pen in and fine. fire He wrote of sin, compassion in each And seared raw facts into my brain. line. Up from the mire he dragged dark He wrote of love—it blossomed like truth a rose And flaunted it. Sprung from good soil. He wrote of And, as I read, I knew his soul was One, warped; Giver of that great trinity of gifts, His mind must know despair, thinking Life, love, and beauty; and when he all truth was done Was ugliness laid bare. I knew somehow my stumbling feet had trod And then I read another book. The trail he’d blazed for me to his The author sat upon the very throne Friend, God! of truth —Selected

July-August, 1950 (235) 27 The Supreme Business of Life

By Asa H. Sparks

E now stand at the mid-century. Yet it is impossible to bring the W John said of his time, “The world to Christ with preaching alone. whole world lieth in wickedness.” Jesus left the synagogues and went The atomic age has burst in upon a into the market places and to the sea­ world lying steeped in sin. The day shore. Multitudes were not coming is so dark and uncertain that no one to the churches of that day, so the would be willing to prophesy what Master went out where they were. will happen in the next twenty-four Someone has well said, “It is impos­ hours. Surely the discovery of the sible to build a church with good hydrogen bomb must be the “begin­ preaching alone.” We must go out in­ ning of sorrows” mentioned in the to the highways and hedges and Bible. “ compel” them to come in. Often­ Yet there are thousands of people times, we preachers make a mistake here in our own nation who are hun­ by spending an entire week calling gry to hear a well-arranged, well- on the sick and church members and preached gospel sermon. The minis­ fail to make any new contacts for ter must first of all be a preacher. Christ and the Church. This work “Thou shalt preach” is the first com­ must be done, but we should not mand of the ministry. Jesus said, “ Go fail to enter new homes. It is not ye into all the world, and preach the wise for us to deplore our busy life gospel.” The Apostle Paul said to the young preacher Timothy, “Preach the and lack of time. We have all the word; be instant in season, out of sea­ time there is; let us improve on our son.” In every calling there must use of it. More and more the pastor- be belief in its great value before ing ministry of the Church of the there can be intense ardor in its prose­ Nazarene is coming to use the morn­ cution. It is not in the nature of mind ing for study and the afternoon for to be stirred by what it deems a trifle. visitation. Would it not be wise for Patriots are not born of low ideals. each one of us here today to deter­ The things for which a man is willing mine that he is going to use as much to die are great things to him. The of that afternoon as possible to win poet thinks no other task like his. He new people to Christ and the Church? calls it divine. The preacher in the Personal evangelism among the un­ pulpit may cause a scene of over­ saved will inspire any minister and whelming power or of tragic disaster. build the church of which he is pas­ Preaching is a great door of oppor­ tor. Four simple rules have been a tunity for the minister. The most blessing to me in this type of work hardened sinner will listen to a good for some time now. I first discovered gospel sermon. No other form of them as a student in a pastoral theol­ public speaking has attracted so many ogy class in college more than a people as preaching. What a field! dozen years ago. Here they are. I What an opportunity! trust they will be as great a blessing

28 (236) The Preacher's Magazine to you as they have been to me, or ate. God wonderfully moved on his even more so. heart. After two or three calls, con­ viction deepened. On Friday night

I. D e t e r m i n e t o D o I t . after the workers had returned, he Someone asked Lyman Beecher came to the parsonage. At about ten o’clock, after a hard struggle, he this question: “Mr. Beecher, you prayed through and shouted. His wife know a great many things. What do has been saved. She says he is a you count the greatest thing a human being can be or do?” And without changed man. It is truly wonderful what the Lord has done. any hesitation, the famous pulpiteer Dwight L. Moody was sanctified replied: “The greatest thing is not while walking on the street in New that one shall be a scientist, important York City. Moody’s talents with the as that is; nor that one shall be a power of God back of them were to statesman, vastly important as that is; be a veritable gold mine. Before he nor even that one shall be a theo­ died, he had won a million souls to logian, immeasurably important as Christ and prayed personally with that is; but the greatest thing of all,” three-fourths of them. He made it he said, “is for one human being to the rule of his life to speak to at least bring another to Christ.” He spoke one person each day about his soul. wisely and well. The supreme am­ One night after he had gone to bed, bition of every Christian should be to the thought came to him that he had bring someone to Christ. spoken to no one about his soul that Brethren, the ministry must not day. He arose, dressed, and went out fail at this point. I heard a preacher on the streets; he found a young man tell how scared he was when he first and won him'to Christ. Determina­ started out to do personal work from tion to do personal work is four-fifths house to house. The first place he of the battle. Let us determine to do came to he had to climb a long flight it. of stairs; as he knocked, he was so scared that in his heart he half hoped II. T r a i n f o r It. that no one would be at home. At the Very little need be written on this next place, after he had climbed a point to a group of ministers, for al­ long flight of stairs and knocked on most all of them have made a special the door, a colored person answered study of this subject and probably the knock. All he could say was, “Do know more than this scribe about any white people live in this house?” the matter. Certainly, it is not more How many of us have had a similar knowledge we need, but more deter­ experience? We may run into bark­ mination to do the job. There are ing dogs, and perhaps one or two that many avenues of contact. Thirty- will actually bite, but we cannot stop. eight per cent of church members Regardless of all discouragement, we come through the Sunday school. must do personal work among the un­ Ushers can get the names and ad­ saved today. Our laymen will follow dresses of all visitors at the church. if we lead the way. It is not enough From the list of obituaries in your that we just direct a program of per­ local newspaper you may get many sonal visitation; we must learn to do names and addresses and send a let­ the actual work ourselves. In our ter of sympathy and later make a call visitation evangelism recently, we ran in that home. It is easy for church into a dope addict. He had sought members to have a pastor make a call help in sanatoriums, and was desper­ in a new home when they should do

July-August, 1950 (237) 29 it themselves. However, the minister match?” Instead of answering, the must not overlook this as an oppor­ pastor reached in his pocket, pulled tunity to enter new homes and win out a match, struck it, and lit the others for Christ. Another way is just cigarette which the patient was now to go up and knock on the door. Right holding in her mouth. This pastor here, we should mention the three said this furnished a point of contact, books put out by the Nazarene Pub­ so he could talk with her about her lishing House recently. Already many soul. Maybe so, but no doubt the are familiar with the question, “Do point of contact could have been you know of a boy or girl in this made in a better way. Before I started neighborhood who does not attend in the ministry, an evangelist came Sunday school?” This is a good way to our local church. He went into the to find prospects. Organize a visita­ railroad shops, sang “I’m Headed for tion evangelism group and ask the the Last Roundup,” and used this workers to write names and addresses worldly song to call attention to the of those they know on 3 by 5 cards. judgment and invited the men to In the night evangelistic service on the revival. Then one night in the Sunday, pass out cards to those pres­ service he danced like a modern per­ ent and ask them to write the names former in a side show. This was cer­ of people whom they want to see tainly carrying matters a bit too far. saved on the cards. The Cradle Roll We do not have to submit to worldly furnishes a real opportunity to find fare to bring people to Christ. parents who need Christ. Check the On the other hand, we can swing to absentees in the Sunday school. Go the opposite extreme and become so after them in a big way. If we really negative that we can help no one. try, there will be plenty of people to Someone has well said, “If you want work on. Speak to every fellow you to gather honey, don’t kick over the meet about his spiritual condition, if beehive.” Destructive criticism very you haven’t already done so. rarely helps anyone. Let me illus­ trate: Two ministers dealt with a III. Don’t Be a Slave to Anybody’s backslider; not at the same time, but M e t h o d . one right after the other. This back­ There are some methods which slider was a frequent visitor of the have been tried and tested and will bowling alleys and had become quite work in almost any community, some an expert in bowling. The first pas­ others that will work part of the time, tor went into the home and, upon and a few that will not work any­ finding that this person went to the where. Man swings from one extreme bowling alleys, reprimanded her for to another, and in trying not to be a her conduct and condemned her slave to anybody’s method one is apt severely for doing such an awful to go a bit too far. There is a danger thing. Needless to say, this woman here. For instance, one pastor was do­ took a dislike to the first pastor. The ing personal work in the hospital. At second minister came along a little this time, he happened to be in a later. The case was explained. He lady’s ward. He was talking to one of said nothing about bowling. He had the patients about salvation, and had prayer and went away. After two or his back turned to the others. One of three times of visiting in this home, the other patients reached over, someone asked the question, “How picked up a cigarette off the table, come you don’t say anything against and said, “ Say, mister, do you have a the bowling alleys?” He answered, “I

30 (238) The Preacher's Magazine am not hunting something to con­ Pray, then go with the assurance demn you for, but would like to see that God is with you; this is God’s you saved and sanctified and estab­ work and He is more interested in lished in the Lord.” Today, she is the battle, according to the Bible, saved and a devout church member. than we are. Let us go out believing W. Dale Oldham said: “My fa­ that God will help us in this great ther was walking along the street task. Our little candle will soon burn some time ago and came upon a little out, so let us do what we can when boy who was crying. Beside him we can. The late Dr. Chapman said in stood a colored boy of the same size his book Your Life, Make the Most and age. My father said, ‘Son, why of It: “At the battle of the Big Horn, are you crying?’ The little fellow an­ when General Custer found himself swered, ‘This boy hit me.’ Turning and his little band surrounded by to the colored boy, my father asked, thousands of merciless savages, mak­ ‘Why did you hit him?’ ‘Well,’ an­ ing escape impossible, he is said to swered the dark lad, ‘he called me a have addressed his men in these brief negro.’ Father, amused, said, ‘Well, words, ‘We can but die; let us sell you are a negro aren’t you?’ ‘Yes, our lives as dearly as we can.’ ” We, mister,’ came the answer, ‘I am; I too, can but die; let us sell our lives guess it wasn’t so much what he said as dearly as possible. A prominent but the way he said it that made me physicist has said, “There is enough hit him.’ ” atomic energy in the body of one man We, as ministers of the gospel of to destroy the city of New York.” If Jesus Christ, must believe that the that is true, and it may be, surely world wants what we have. The there is enough of the power of God world is not soured on religion. By the in us to win the people of our cities grace of God, let us believe this is to the greatest cause on earth. so. Who knows but that a great One of our hardest problems is spiritual revival is about to break in getting our people to work. We are upon us and thousands will be swept looking for a solution to this prob­ into the Kingdom? Don’t allow any­ lem. We are willing to work our­ body to tie you down; go with a selves, but how to get our people prayer in your heart that God will stirred on this matter is indeed a help you in winning souls. problem. The only answer I know is to be a good example yourself, preach, and use every plan you know. If one IV. Fourth and finally, Go w i t h t h e thing doesn’t work, then try another. A s s u r a n c e T h a t G od I s w i t h Y o u . The prayer of my heart today is “O Many times the reason we are not God, teach me how to win souls more effective when we go out to win through personal evangelism and to souls for Christ is that we have failed get my people to do the same.” Let us to pray as we should have. work and pray lest the millions of earth die and perish unsaved and we Prayer is the key to the door of grace; be condemned for failing to bring Prayer is a look toward the Father’s them the message. face; Prayer will bring blessing from heav­ Two young men were returning en above; from a dance one evening near Craw­ Prayer claims salvation for those we ford, Colorado; but as they crossed a

love. (Continued on page 34)

July-August, 1950 (239) 31 The Development of

The Apostolic Greeting or Salutation

By Paul S. Hill

n all of the epistles and pastoral salutation, it does state: “That which I letters, with the exceptions of He­ we have seen and heard declare we brews, James, and the first and third unto you, that ye also may have fel­ Epistles of John, the apostolic saluta­ lowship with us, and truly our fellow­ tion is recorded fairly close to the ship is with the Father, and with his introduction of the letters. The salu­ Son Jesus Christ.” tation is of “grace” and “peace” as the The pronounced use of this apos­ evident basis with the inclusion of tolic salutation in its frequency in the “mercy” in the two letters to Timothy epistles and pastoral letters induces and in the Second Epistle of John. us to study its content as containing a In Jude the word “grace” is omitted meaning both historical and doctrinal. while the word “mercy” is used. Each of the salutations is both Old and In the tenth chapter of St. Mat­ New Testament in content and is pre­ thew we have the names of the tw;elve sented as coming from the God of apostles together with their appoint­ the Old Testament through Jesus ment and commission. These were in­ Christ, the Central Person of the structed to go only to the “lost sheep New. It is an apostolic, authoritative of the house of Israel.” They were to salutation of peace from the God of heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and the Old Testament through Jesus cast out devils. They were to preach Christ of the New Testament. The the kingdom of Heaven. They were fullest apostolic salutation is in the forbidden to prepare scrip or money. Revelation of Jesus Christ as re­ They were not making brief or formal corded in Revelation 1:4-6. Just why social calls, but were about the busi­ the other epistles did not use this ness of the kingdom of God. They form of greeting is difficult to say. evidently were instructed to use an James, who did not use it, was writ­ apostolic greeting or salutation, for, ing to the “twelve tribes scattered “Into whatsoever city or town ye abroad” ; and, as it can readily be sup­ shall enter, enquire who in it is posed, many of them were not at worthy; and there abide till ye go peace with God through Jesus Christ. thence. And when ye come into an The same could be the reason for the house, salute it. And if the house be omission in the Book of Hebrews. The worthy, let your peace come upon it: Third Epistle of John reveals the but if it be not worthy, let your peace deeds and attitudes of Diotrephes, return to you” (Matthew 10:11-13). who surely was not in the position for The evidence in the scriptural apos­ apostolic blessing and sanctification. tolic salutation is one of presenting First John is doctrinal and, though it the immediate issue of acceptance of does not contain the formal apostolic God and of Christ with peace or con­

32 (240) The Preacher's Magazine tinued estrangement from God and forgiveness. The Aaronic benediction the fellowship of the disciples of has this content. It is a salutation as Christ. If peace with God through well as a benediction and conveys the Jesus Christ is accepted and acknowl­ thought of a most favorable attitude edged, then the peaceful fellowship of from God to the people. Therefore and with the apostles is established the New Testament apostolic saluta­ and continued. If, on the other hand, tion or greeting is not new in the Jesus Christ is not accepted as the divine economy, but is an enlarge­ ground of peace with God, then the ment of all that was contained in the peace is withdrawn and the fellow­ Old Testament forms of pronounce­ ship of the apostles through Christ is ments of peace from God to the peo­ invalid and the apostles are com­ ple who believed. manded to leave the house and city, Thus the historic position of the shaking off the dust of their feet as a apostolic salutation is seen. The testimony against those who dwelt Christ of history, God manifest in the there. The final results of rejection flesh, Immanuel, not only enlarged are seen at the Judgment, when it the Old Testament meaning of greet­ shall be more tolerable for Sodom ings of peace from God, but also pre­ and Gomorrah than for that city. sented a claim that men should be­ While there was evidently an imme­ lieve Him as the “mediator between diate promise of blessing from God God and man.” It was this claim in and fellowship with Him and His the redeemership of Jesus Christ the Church through Jesus Christ, there Son of God that was contained in the was also a call for an immediate de­ apostolic salutation, “Grace be to you, cision in the matter. To decide against and peace, from God our Father, and peace through Christ meant aliena­ from the Lord Jesus Christ.” It was tion from God. this claim that went with those first The finality of it was: “He that re- apostles into the cities and houses ceiveth you receiveth me, and he that they visited. It was this that demand­ receiveth me receiveth him that sent ed immediate decision. It was Jesus me” (Matthew 10:40). Christ, the Author of peace and recon­ The Old Testament also contains ciliation with God, who was to be ac­ greetings or salutations of peace from cepted or rejected. If accepted, peace God. These in their content were should be on that city, on that house, based upon the general idea of a on that heart. If rejected, then Sodom reconciled Creator and Preserver. and Gomorrah were in a more toler­ The entire Old Testament carries a able position at the Judgment. In strong tone of expectancy of the com­ Acts 13:50, 51 is a record of Paul and ing Messiah, who would visit and re­ Barnabas’ shaking the dust from deem the people, and all of the their feet as a witness against the un­ peaceful relationships with God were believing and rejecting Jews at Anti­ understood to be because of and och in Pisidia. through Him. Though He had not been Jesus, the “great high priest and yet revealed in the flesh, still as the apostle of our profession,” also used coming Redeemer He was the basis of this apostolic salutation to his dis­ peace from a reconciled God. The ciples, “Peace I leave with you, my psalms and prophetic messages are peace I give unto you: not as the replete with wishes of peace from world giveth, give I unto you” (John God through redeeming grace and 14:27). The greatness of this salu­

July-August, 1950 (241) 33 tation as coming from Jesus Christ to ically enlarged when Christ himself His Church is almost beyond our ca­ used it prophetically of the coming of pacity to comprehend. It places the the Holy Ghost in sanctifying power Church in a place of justification be­ on the Church; and again in its use in fore God through Jesus Christ. The the epistles and pastoral letters we alienation and warfare of the human note a still later historical significance heart are past. Reconciliation is a fact with the fullest and latest use in the of experience. Oneness with God Revelation, where this salutation comes from Christ to the seven through Christ is an accomplished churches and to all the believing ones. certainty and is authoritatively ex­ pressed in this apostolic salutation by Theologically it has kept pace with Christ himself. its historic march. From the peace of God as expressed prophetically and But in this New Testament apostol­ expectantly in the Old Testament, it ic salutation there is not only an en­ has enlarged to enclude entire sancti­ largement over the Old Testament fication as a reality in the New Testa­ content; historically there is a pro­ ment Church, with the promise of nounced division of gifts and bless­ eternal glorification as it is presented ings bestowed because of what Jesus in the Revelation. gives in His own right or in His own name because of what He has ac­ Thank God for the historic and complished on Calvary and has re­ theological content of the apostolic ceived from the Father to bestow on salutation! the Church. It is not only peace with God in justification, but the gift of The Supreme Business of Life the Holy Ghost in Pentecostal full­ ness of cleansing and empowering. (Continued from page 31) The salutation theologically presents bridge, the car locked in its steering not only justification from God but knuckle, and plunged into the stream. entire sanctification by Jesus Christ. One was thrown free of the car while John the Baptist said, “ He shall bap­ the other was pinned beneath it. The tize you with the Holy Ghost, and one thrown free tried to free the sec­ with fire.” Thus in the ministry of ond, but could not, but could hold Christ are included both reconcilia­ his head above the water. He called tion with God and entire sanctifica­ for help until he lost his voice, but tion by the Holy Spirit. It is inclusive no aid came and, worn out complete­ of all the favorable attitude of God ly, he had to let his buddy go and he and all the accomplishments of Jesus was drowned. Next morning some­ Christ, who suffered outside the gate one found him walking the shore of to sanctify the people with His own the stream with reason almost gone. blood. Later, reason did topple from its We have, then, the apostolic salu­ throne, and in a short time he died a tation presented as containing an Old raving maniac. Just one soul at stake Testament scriptural basis carried for­ and he had lost! We have teeming ward to the time when the twelve thousands about us. were sent forth into the villages and About one-sixth of the members of cities. Historically it was enlarged your church can be counted on to because the Christ was present in the work with you. Let us take the world and claimed the following of all nucleus and go with the assurance believers. Later it was again histor­ that God is with us.

34 (242) The Preacher's Magazine THE SUPREME NEED

By Samuel Chadwick

'T h e c o n v i c t i o n d e e p e n s that the yet the Scriptures speak of prayer as supreme need of the Church is toil and labor. Prayer taxes all the re­ the spirit and habit of prayer. There sources of mind and heart. Jesus are many other needs. There is need Christ wrought many mighty works of laborers and funds, of wisdom and without any sign of effort. There was reform, of simplicity and of love; but in His marvelous works the ease of the need of prayer transcends them omnipotence; but of His prayers it is all. If only the Church of Christ said, He “offered up prayers and sup­ could be impelled to prayer, there plications with strong crying and would be an end of barrenness and tears.” There was no strain in heal­ failure. It is the lack of prayer that ing diseases, raising the dead, and lies at the root of all our troubles, and stilling the tempest; but in prayer there is no remedy but in prayer. The there were agony and the sweat of habits of worldliness will never be blood. All who have shared His inter­ broken by strong and fiery words of cession have found it a travail of censure. The powerlessness of the anguish. Great anguish. Great saints Church cannot be cured by reproach. have always been mighty in prayer. Spiritual destitution and moral laxity Their words are to us an unknown are not to be removed by clever tongue. It is useless to quote them, analysis and urgent appeal. Things for we have lost the key to the mys­ will never be better till prayer is re­ tery. They spent cold winter nights stored to its true place in the organiza­ in prayer; they lay on the ground, tion of the Church and the habits of weeping and pleading, and came out individual believers. of the conflict physically spent but spiritually victorious. They There is no substitute for prayer, wrestled with principalities and pow­ but to prayer all things are possible. ers, contended with the world rulers This is a truism of the Christian faith. of Satan’s kingdom, and grappled Nobody denies it. Everybody says it. with spiritual foes in the heavenly All history confirms it. If only the sphere. people of God could be baptized into a passion for prayer, life would In the open life of the Church and quicken, miracles would return, souls in the fellowship of the believers would be saved, and coffers would there is little power in prayer. There overflow. Why do we not set our­ is a marked absence of travail. There selves to prayer? The remedy is sure is much phrasing, but little pleading. and simple; the need is urgent and Prayer has become a soliloquy in­ acknowledged. Why is it so slow in stead of a passion. The powerlessness getting to work? of the Church needs no other ex* planation, and the counselors of the The remedy is not so simple as it Church need no other cause. To be seems. The command to ask seems prayerless is to be both passionless simple enough, and the promise is to and powerless. The supreme need is them that ask. “ Ye have not, because the spirit and the habit of prayer. ye ask not.” “Ask, and .... receive.” What could be simpler than that? And — From Heart and Life

July-August, 1950 (243) 35 The Eternal Purpose of God

By James Weeks

(Winner Mabes Senior Sermon Award, Nazarene Theological Seminary)

h e s c r i p t u r a l s e t t in g this eve­ I. T h e P r o g r e s s iv e D e g r a d a t io n o f Tning is the prophecy of Malachi, a S i n f u l S o c i e t y . the last prophet of the Old Testament. Sin is a hideous spectacle, wherever Three verses will bring before us the it protrudes its ugly head. As the conditions against which he spoke, the Bible scenes unfold, we see it as more message that he delivered, and the than a philosophical negation, or ab­ promise to be fulfilled in those who sence of the good; but as a progressive heeded. These verses are found in principle of perpetual degeneration. It chapter two, verse eight; and chapter is a ceaseless, debasing force that three, verses one, and three. plunges mankind gradually—but re­ Ye are departed out of the way; ye lentlessly—into lower, and lower, and have caused many to stumble at the then still lower levels of de-gra-dation law; ye have corrupted the covenant or degradation. of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. Not only individuals, but nations Behold .... the Lord, whom ye and institutions are caught in its seek, shall suddenly come to his tem­ clinging tentacles, and spun in its ple, even the messenger of the cove­ swirling vortex until their powers of nant, whom ye delight in: behold, he resistance are so stupefied that they shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. can be flung to destruction upon the And he shall sit as a refiner and rocks of moral and spiritual perdition. purifier of silver: and he shall purify It is with sin in this collective sense, the sons of Levi, and purge them as as it appears in societies, that Malachi gold and silver, that they may offer deals, and with which we are here unto the Lord an offering in right­ concerned. eousness. In the history of Israel, God’s chosen In these brief strokes the prophet people, the progressive and social na­ paints for us one of the many views ture of this degenerating principle of the plan of salvation that stand out can be clearly traced. God made a in such bold relief from the pages covenant with Abraham. He prom­ of Holy Writ. In types and shadows, ised that if Abraham and his seed facts and substance the inspired writ­ would come out from among the other ers present an ever-recurring theme: nations and be a separate people, He man is sinful, but God is able to make would be their God. him holy. Nor do the glimpses given But within Israel, the priests of of these two warring elements, sin Levi served under a special covenant. and righteousness, show them to be The condition of Abraham’s covenant static, unchanging factors, but dynam­ was separation. The priests, being ic, aggressive forces in the universe. Israelites, must meet this condition; We notice first that the conditions but also they must meet the condition against which Malachi spoke describe of dedication for consecrated service

36 (244) The Preacher's Magazine at the altar of God. The Lord had The conditions which prevailed in said to Moses, “ The Levite shall be the “ last days” of the prophet Malachi mine” (Numbers 3:45). are in sharp contrast to this glorious It is to this smaller group that Mal- day of dedication when God’s bless­ achi speaks in our text. In the first ing was so signally upon Israel. verse he indicates two aspects of their Under the pretense of worshiping Je­ spiritual decline and then the result. hovah, the priests are offering pol­ luted, deformed sacrifices upon the Ye are departed out-of the way; ye altar of the restored Temple. So un­ have caused many to stumble at the worthy were these sacrifices that the law; ye have corrupted the covenant “table of the Lord” had become a con­ of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. temptible thing in the sight of the Not only had the priests sinned; people. Thus by their sin of placing an they had been the means of causing impure offering upon the holy altar, Israel to sin, and thus had corrupted the priests had caused Israel to com­ the covenant relationship which God mit the sin of contempt for the wor­ had established. ship of their holy God. Our interest is naturally aroused in the nature of their sin. Since it was Because of this, Malachi cries out, connected with the service of sacrifice “Oh that there were one among you on the altar of the Temple, we focus that would shut the doors, that ye our attention upon the history of this might not kindle fire on mine altar in priestly function. vain! I have no pleasure in you, saith Although the priests had served at Jehovah of hosts, neither will I ac­ the altar of the Tabernacle, the sacri­ cept an offering at your hand” (Mal­ ficial service at the Temple altar was achi 1:10, A.S.V.). initiated by Solomon on the great On the day of dedication the glory Day of Dedication. of the Lord so filled the Lord’s house, Up on Mount Moriah, perhaps on in response to a fit sacrifice and a the exact spot where Abraham had humble petition, that the priests could offered Isaac, the magnificent Temple not enter. Now, so despicable has the had been erected. The elders of Israel worship in the Temple become that are all assembled; the finest of the God calls out for someone to close its flocks are to be slain; the priests of doors, that His holy name be no longer Levi have all been sanctified and stand held in contempt. How deep and how ready to serve at the altar of sacri­ dark is the pit of sin into which Israel fice—all is now ready. Solomon steps has fallen, viewed against the back­ out in full view of the people, the ground of her former glory! priests, and the altar. Getting down Several centuries pass, and we see on his knees, he lifts his hands toward the cry of God being fulfilled. Out­ heaven and begins the great prayer side the city’s gate, on what is thought of dedication. He concludes his prayer may have been the northern end of with the supplication, “O Lord God, the same Mount Moriah, there hangs turn not away the face of thine the dying form of a Man on the middle anointed: remember the mercies of cross. With a final cry in which both David thy servant.” And then we anguish and victory are mingled, Je­ read, sus said, “ It is finished.” In that, the The fire came down from heaven, most climactic instant of human his­ and consumed the burnt offering and tory, “the veil of

July-August, 1950 (245) 37 mals suffice to atone for sin. Thus burning message in one tongue, but, the curtain conies down on the pro­ breaking through the barriers of their gressive degradation of a sinful so­ own language, witnessed to all na­ ciety on the other side of the Cross. tions in their native tongues the won­ We turn to the picture presented in derful works of God (Acts 2 :11). the era instituted on this side of that Not only were individuals filled with climactic event. The new covenant is the Holy Spirit on that great Day of a spiritual fellowship, universal in its Pentecost, but a new society was born. appeal, and faith is the condition for In the crucible of Pentecost, Spirit- entrance. filled hearts were fused into a vital, Seven weeks pass swiftly by. The throbbing, living organism — the fiftieth day dawns. Once more Israel Church of Jesus Christ. The remain­ is assembled— a new Israel, 120 in der of Holy Writ and the histories number, waiting before the Father’s which follow record the dynamic pow­ throne, with consecration complete. er of this Spirit-filled “society of No temple of external splendor is saints” as it swept into its folds the theirs to dedicate—just mortal men entire Mediterranean world. To be a before God in the Upper Room; no Christian then was to be a flaming wit­ altar of sacrifice except that which has ness against sin and for God. When been erected in their hearts through the Church went to its knees build­ faith in the resurrected Lord; no sac­ ings shook, jails opened, and rulers rifice upon this altar but their selves. trembled. The barrier seemed tem­ We have no record of the dedicatory porarily dissolved between the visible prayer which concluded the waiting and the invisible kingdom of God! period, nor do we know who prayed Centuries pass with their ebb and it—just words, they were all with one flow of events—both sacred and sec­ accord. When— ular. Such terms as “The Mediter­ Suddenly there came a sound from ranean world,” “ the new world,” and heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, “the Far East” become mere figures and it filled all the house where they of speech as the earth suddenly finds were sitting. And there appeared un­ itself as “ one world.” What about this to them cloven tongues like as of fire, Spirit-born, Spirit-filled, and Spirit- and it sat upon each of them. And led Church? Surely, it should by now they were all filled with the Holy have conquered all the world with its Ghost, and began to speak with other life-giving, sin-killing witness! tongues, as the Spirit gave them ut­ No—the sad facts are that the vis­ terance (Acts 2:1-4). ible Church has long since been di­ Before, the fire came down from vorced from God and His invisible heaven—now, the Holy Spirit came kingdom. Its spiritual history can be down in person. Before, the fire con­ traced in a few short sentences. For sumed the burnt offering and the sac­ several centuries, Satan tried to wipe rifices—now, the Spirit destroyed the out the Church by bitter persecution. charred remains of carnal natures, He soon found that “the blood of the purifying their hearts by faith (Acts martyrs was the seed of the Church,” 15:9). Before, the glory of the Lord and turned to a more subtle scheme. filled the house—now, His indwelling Since then “his most effective method fullness saturated these living tem­ has been to give the Church a place ples with His presence. Before, the of honor in the community and lull it priests could not enter into the house to sleep.” Here we see the same old of the Lord, because the glory of the process dressed up in a new outfit. Lord had filled the Lord’s house— Before, the priests had held back now, a royal priesthood were them­ the best animals and offered a polluted selves overflowing streams of holy fire, sacrifice; the visible Church soon sold so that they were unable to contain the her soul—also for temporal gain. It

38 (246) The Preacher's Magazine looked foolish to the priests of Levi the world looks with contempt upon to offer good, healthy, whole animals God and religion because of a con­ on the altar; the Church soon found taminated Church. There is certainly that it, too, could “ get by” without a being written in our day a dark chap­ pure and a complete offering of selves ter in the history of sin. to God. Sin, the only force in the If the degeneration of Israel and the universe that could silence the testi­ Levitical priesthood, viewed against mony of the Church, had crept within her glorious background, was a heart­ its folds and numbed its moral and rending sight to God, what must be spiritual powers. His feeling toward the apostate Take a look at the institution which, Church of our day as seen against the although not meriting its name, now heritage of Calvary and Pentecost? represents our Lord to most of the If the sinfulness of the children of world in which we live. Closed doors Israel and the priests of Levi, under are the order of the day; some com­ the old covenant, merited the punish­ pletely, others for Sunday evenings, ing hand of a holy God whereby the prayer meetings, and revivals. But as Temple was destroyed, their land dev­ pitiful as this picture is, there is a astated, their people dispersed, and worse one. Altars where the fore­ their name made a curse, how much bears of our generation knelt in hum­ more, think ye, shall His judgment be ble contrition so that upon these who have spurned the Son God came down their souls to meet of God .... profaned the covenant- And glory crowned the mercy seat blood .... [and] insulted the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29, Moffatt) now ripped out to make place for a The Lord told John to tell the church divided chancel better to aid their of this age, I will spue thee out of my halfhearted, listless, ritualistic wor­ mouth (Rev. 3:16). ship. Pulpits which once thundered out, “ Thus saith the Lord,” now piping Nor does the picture of the power out a godless, Christless, bloodless, of sin end here. Not until the devil sinful, so-called social gospel. Men has been cast into the lake of fire and who claim to be ministers of Christ, brimstone, where the beast and the picturing the almighty, holy God of false prophet are (Rev. 20:10), shall our fathers as an anemic, doting par­ the picture be complete. ent looking through rosy-hued glasses, We have seen in panoramic view the . tinted by the blood of Christ, wink­ dynamic force which, in Malachi’s ing at the sins of His so-called children. day, and ours, is producing the pro­ Institutions which purport to be agen­ gressive degradation of a sinful so­ cies of the Church of Jesus Christ ciety. We turn, now, from the blackest condoning these sins by chopping up subject that finite man or an infinite the Word of God. When Ezekiel reads, God has ever faced, and notice the The soul that sinneth, it shall die second series of Biblical scenes sug­ (Ezekiel 18:4), they are sure that gested by our text. since this reading is not in Documents The hymn writer compares these P, D, or Q, they must have been added two mighty contradictory forces by by an overzealous redactor in the in- singing, ter-Testamental period. Surely closed doors, and silence, would do more for Dark the sin that soiled man’s nature, the kingdom of God than such mock­ Long the distance that he fell, ery! Far removed from hope and heaven, One look through yesterday’s Kan­ Near to deep despair and hell. sas City Star, or a few radio programs, But there was a Fountain opened, will show the effect of this condition And the blood of God’s dear Son upon the wider society of which the Purifies the soul and reaches Church is a part. Like Israel of old, Deeper than the stain has gone.

July-August, 1950 (247) 39 If the former series is painted in pie. Then, lest there be any lingering mighty, contrasting dashes of color doubt as to its certainty or to his by the inspired writers, with an over­ authority, he adds, Behold, he shall abundant use of dull grays, sickly come, and ends the verse, saith the blues, and deathly black, the second Lord of hosts. is painted with such masterful strokes This light of promise, shining so of brilliant splendor that not only the clearly in Malachi’s prophecy, is a canvas, but we who behold it are en­ beacon against the background of the lightened by its luminous beauty. sin around him; but soon, gradually The second scene from Malachi, but certainly, this light begins to fade then, points to into the darkness which draws a cur­ tain over the stage of history for al­ II. T h e P r o g r e s s iv e R e v e l a t i o n o f a most four hundred years. S u f f ic i e n t S a v i o u r . But, at the appointed hour, in the The Bible is a story of people who fulness of time, the curtain again goes looked forward to the coming Christ. up. The stage is dark at first; but This is the golden beam that shines as suddenly a spotlight, heaven’s bright­ a ray of hope throughout the Old est star, bites through the darkness Testament account. From the prom­ and focuses on a manger scene. On ise of Genesis, that the Seed of woman the other side of the stage a great light would bruise the serpent’s head, to floods a hillside where startled shep­ the verse before us, a composite is herds are keeping their flocks. An progressively revealed which is won­ angel comes straight down from heav­ drous to behold. Whenever sin drags en and speaks! His voice, crisp, yet man to a lower level of degradation, tender, rings out on the still night air: a prophet is raised up to show that One is coming who will solve even this Fear not: for, behold, I bring you new depth of the sin problem. And good tidings of great joy, which shall not only will He solve it but, as in the be to all people. For unto you is born case before us, a more glorious reality this day in the city of David a Saviour, will follow that which has been its which is Christ the Lord. And this type. shall be a sign unto you: Y e shall find Since, by sin, the covenant relation­ the babe wrapped in swaddling ship had been corrupted, Malachi saw clothes, lying in a manger (Luke 2: the coming Lord as the messenger of 10-12). the covenant. And when he thought As the echoes of the voice begin to of how sufficient He would be to take fade, a heavenly choir breaks forth in away the sorrow of the corrupted cov­ full-voice praise, Glory to God in the enant, he explains, even the messenger highest, and on earth peace, good will of the covenant, whom ye delight in. toward men (Luke 2 :14). Hear him as he calls out joyfully: In the midst of heaven’s rejoicing Behold .... the Lord, whom ye and to earth’s amazement—He had seek, shall suddenly come to his tem­ come! Just as the prophet had fore­ ple, even the messenger of the cove­ told—He came. Who came? The an­ nant, whom ye delight in; behold, he gel had clearly said, Christ the Lord. shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. How did He come? Suddenly, like a Jeremiah and others had foreseen bolt out of a clear sky! Where, you the new covenant that the Lord of ask, did He come? To the fleshly form hosts was going to establish, but none of a babe. Yes, He came all the way more clearly than our writer here. He down. God actually became Man! draws the picture with clear-cut, de­ Feeble, finite, frail humanity had be­ cisive strokes. It shall be the Lord, come the living temple of the om­ whom ye seek, who shall come. He nipotent, infinite, and holy God! shall suddenly come; and when he Oh, the wonder of it all! And do you does, His coming shall be to his tem- ask why He came?

40 (248) The Preacher's Magazine Once I was lost in sin’s degradation. all the limitations of this mortal, sin- Jesus came down to bring me salva­ blighted existence forever! But that tion, is only the negative aspect of His com­ Lifted me up from sin and its shame. ing again. These are only the things Now I belong to Him. we shall be delivered from by one look into His face. Out beyond these Yes, not only did He come physical­ we know that throughout the eterni­ ly, but He comes personally. The ties Jesus Christ will be revealed in Lord, whom ye seek, shall come. It vast areas of positive blessings. John, takes a specific seeking of the King of realizing his inability to describe this Kings and Lord of Lords to gain a coming reality, cries out, It doth not definite reception; but if He is ear­ yet appear what we shall be: but we nestly sought, He will come! He shall know that, when he shall appear, we suddenly come! Is there not a process shall be like him; for we shall see to salvation? Yes, but when God him as he is (I John 3:2). comes—if He really comes—He will come suddenly. As at Bethlehem, No wonder we sing, when He comes in pardon—He comes Wave the banner, shout His praises, suddenly. As at Pentecost, when He For our victory is nigh! comes in purity—He comes suddenly. We shall join our conq’ring Saviour; The preparation may be long or it W e shall reign with Him on high! may be short; the later growth may Thomas Hastings saw the wonder be slow or it may be rapid. But stand­ and the glory of the physical, personal, ing in the midst of the process there and perhaps a glimpse of the coming are the distinct crises! And His com­ revelation of Christ when he penned: ing shall be to his temple. You mean for His temple. The text says to— Majestic sweetness sits enthroned and rightly so. When He comes, He Upon the Saviour’s brow; will not merely impute, but impart, His head with radiant glories crowned, newness of life, and then purity of His lips with grace o’erflow. heart! He comes to save His people from their sins, not in their sins! Sin He saw me plunged in deep distress, is in the “ heart” of man, and Paul said, And flew to my relief; WHERE sin abounded, grace did much For me He bore the shameful cross, more abound (Rom. 5:20). Christ And carried all my grief. has been revealed as a sufficient, per­ sonal Saviour. No mortal can with Him compare, But not only did He come physically Among the sons of men; and not only does He come personally, Fairer is He than all the fair but He’s coming again! Even as the Who fill the heavenly train. Old Testament saints looked forward The contrast between this progres­ to the coming Christ, so the New Tes­ sive revelation of a sufficient Saviour tament saints and the true Church of and the progressive degradation of a all the ages have looked forward to sinful society is not an abstraction their Lord’s return. The physical and from reality. It is a picture of the personal revelation have been glorious forces that right now are engaged and soul-thrilling; but how can we in an all-out spiritual struggle. As in describe His soon coming? Our eyes every contest, we are interested in are dazzled by the glory already re­ the results of this battle of the cen­ vealed, but Paul says, Now we see turies. If we look for the victor in through a glass darkly; but then face numbers alone, we shall miss the to face (I Cor. 13:12). whole tenor of divine revelation; for We know that He shall banish all although God is certainly a God of the sorrow, correct all the defects, infinite quantity, as indicated by the heal all the infirmities, and remove vastness of His creation, He is es­

July-August, 1950 (249) 41 sentially the God of infinite quality, shall come to a temple that is already as revealed in His Son. He is inter­ His. ested in bringing out of this conflict As important as these points are to a great host who are victorious; but indicate the foreshadowing of the never be deceived into thinking that He will lower His standards to in­ second work of grace as the qualify­ crease His ranks! The Bible clearly ing principle for God’s victorious reveals that there is a triumphant band, the clearest teaching of this minority emerging from this great truth is found within the verse before spiritual warfare. us. Here we see the nature and the effect of His coming and the purpose This victorious band is referred to of the entire plan. The nature— he many times in the Sacred Book. Isaiah and Jeremiah were ever conscious that shall sit as a refiner. Certainly the God would spare a remnant of Israel. Sanctifier who sat upon each of them Malachi speaks in the context of a at Pentecost is meant. The effect— godly seed (Malachi 2:15); so that he shall purify the sons of Levi. No we now view clearer description of the essential work of sanctification has ever been given than this Old Testament pas­ III. T h e P u r p o s iv e R e a l i z a t i o n o f a sage. S a n c t if i e d S e e d . The purpose of His coming is that they may offer unto the Lord an offer­ One clear fact stands out about this ing in righteousness. The purpose triumphant group wherever they are underlying the plan of salvation, then, revealed in the Scriptures: they are to is not merely to realize a purified band. be godly, righteous, or holy. Nowhere The eternal purpose lies not in man, is this quality more clearly stated in the Old Testament than in the third but in man’s relation to God. This verse of our text. Note that, by speak­ sanctified seed is produced to glorify ing of the priests of Levi, the prophet God by their service to Him. Paul calls our attention to the covenants saw this progressively realized pur­ of separation and dedication as pre­ pose of God and likened it unto the requisites for the experience he here­ construction of a great temple when in promises: he wrote: And he shall sit as a refiner and Y e who .... w ere far off are made purifier of silver: and he shall purify nigh by the blood of Christ .... And the sons of Levi, and purge them as are built upon the foundation of the gold and silver, that they may offer apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ unto the Lord an offering in righteous­ himself being the chief corner stone: ness. in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple Several other factors in this verse in the Lord: .... according to the and the remainder of his prophecy eternal purpose which he purposed in confirm our view that Malachi is lay­ Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 2: ing the foundation for the revelation 13— 3:11). of the twofold plan of salvation, to be more clearly shown in the New Now we are able to see the whole Testament. First, Malachi shows that series of pictures suggested by our Elijah, or John the Baptist as later re­ text in the purposive pattern that God vealed, will prepare the way; and has revealed in His Word. Although then the Lord will come. Then we the power of sin’s degradation has see that His coming cannot be un­ driven humanity to unfathomable derstood in its fullest sense as to depths, God has revealed himself as sinners, for it shall be the Lord whom a Saviour sufficient still to realize His ye seek and whom ye delight in who original and eternal purpose of creat­

42 (250) The Preacher's Magazine ing man in his own image (Genesis “ girdle the globe with salvation, with 1:27). holiness unto the Lord.” Thus the picture revealed in the past We have been is clear. But what of the present, and “Called unto holiness,” Church of our what of the future? God, There can be no question about the Purchase of Jesus, redeemed by His reality of the forces of degradation blood; about us. There can be no doubt Called from the world and its idols about the mighty Arm of Righteous­ to flee, ness that is available. God is still in­ Called from the bondage of sin to be terested in realizing an even greater free. number of “sanctified seed” to glori­ fy His name. Where then does the “Holiness unto the Lord,” is our answer lie to the problem of focusing watchword and song, all the power of a holy God upon the “Holiness unto the Lord,” as we’re sinful society of our day, that saints marching along; might be produced to His glory? Sing it, shout it, loud and long, To ask the question in the light of “Holiness unto the Lord,” now and the past plan of God is to provide the forever. answer. The key to the outpouring of How can we fulfill our calling? We the Spirit in the past was the sacrifice, know the way! Our problem is not and so it is today! A fit sacrifice on the one of knowledge but of volition! Our day of dedication was consumed by problem is not one of doing good the glory of the Lord. Lives com­ things; it is one of doing “first things.” pletely consecrated through faith in Our lives are bursting at the seams the Upper Room were filled with the with legitimate activities, but the song presence of God. And it remains to writer touches the pivotal condition be seen what God will do in our day for realizing God’s eternal purpose for if we will present the same whole our day when he exhorts us to sacrifice in the same unified faith! C. B. Jernigan’s expression, “ God Take time to he holy; speak oft with cleanses every nonresisting object,” is thy Lord; but another way of saying that God Abide in Him always and feed on His will answer from heaven when His Word; conditions are fully met. Other Make friends of God’s children; help churches might be able to profess ig­ those who are weak, norance of this fact, but we as Naza- Forgetting in nothing His blessing to renes—never! We were born as a seek. group under the ringing words of Dr. May God help us so to live and so Bresee, “Keep the glory down!” We to serve in this day that Paul’s bene­ know that the heavens contain an diction may become a reality in our abundance of glory and that our task lives, as he prayed for the Ephesians: is to get it down, and keep it down! “ Now unto him that is able to do ex­ Only thus shall there be enough of ceeding abundantly above all that God’s power focused upon our day to we ask or think, according to the pow­ burn through the stupor and lethargy er that worketh in us, unto him be of the modern church and through the glory in the church by Christ Jesus filth and degradation of a sinful so­ throughout all ages, world without ciety! Only thus shall we be able to end. Amen.”

July-August, 1950 (251) 43 Forms of Worship By Edward T. Dell, Jr. And Jesus went into the temple of that revelation about God’s relations God.—Matt. 21:12. with men and their sins that was to be revealed later in the perfect arche­ The scribes and the Pharisees sit in type—Christ Jesus our Lord. Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and The literary form of Sacred Writ is do; but do not ye after their works: strongly symbolical and contains for they say, and do not.— Matt. 23:2-3. countless hidden meanings. The mes­ sages of the prophets were often acted A n a r t ic l e which we recently read out in life pattern in order to make began by speaking pointedly of the message more emphatic. Ezekiel, ritualistic or formal worship as in­ Jeremiah, and Hosea are good ex­ herently dangerous to heartfelt re­ amples. ligion. While I would agree that form Jesus’ use of the parable and the and ritual have often been substi­ “like unto” is a marvelously success­ tuted for the personal consciousness of ful method of picturing abstract truth. God in many decadent churches, it Symbolism and ritual in worship can hardly be said that the fault lies in have their dangers, admittedly. His­ the form itself. It might be more fair tory gives conclusive evidence of this to point out that it is in the misuse fact again and again. Men, having be­ of a form of worship that men have come complacent and satisfied in their demonstrated cold hearts. religion, have continued the symbol I long after the reality of the truth be­ hind the symbol has disappeared. It Formal or ritualistic worship has its is almost a truism that men replace basis in a pictorial portrayal of ab­ God in His reality with the nearest stract religious truth. Symbols in thing at hand when He ceases to be form or color are designed as helps to important to them. In the case of the human minds that think almost en­ formal church—that nearest thing is tirely in patterns and pictures. Be­ its ritual. cause abstract religious truth is Yet there is value in a formal wor­ seldom palatable as such, it is to be ship. Its reverent attitude and second­ expected that churchmen throughout ary handling of the sacred truths about the ages should use symbols and rit­ God are a guard against presumption. uals in the religious service to aid A genuine, heartfelt personal relation men in a clearer perception of the to God is the key to the realities which character of God. lie hidden in the symbols. Ritual at It is undeniably true that the aes­ best is a help. Jesus, too, used the thetic appetites of men can be con­ parable to “reveal to babes” and “con­ structively used in helping to catch found the wise.” a glimpse of God and of life’s realities as well. The Old Testament law called II for a ritualistic pattern in helping men to worship and understand their Je­ Because the Church of the Naza- hovah. The Temple in its smallest de­ rene is a reaction to a church whose tails was a symbol for God’s truth. The formality seemed to be a contribut­ Jewish ritual symbolized perfectly ing cause to its downfall, it has been

44 (252) The Preacher's Magazine our policy to eliminate formality 1. While not formal or ritualistic, from our service pattern. Freedom, as our church has adopted a type of wor­ the keynote of a joyous experience re­ ship that is peculiarly its own and ceived through a free choice, by free symbolic. grace, for all, and a resulting glorious 2. That particular type of worship freedom from sin, has understandably in our church has in it the dangers molded our attitude on the question of still found in the more ritualistic types. forms of service. In fact, it is not too Any honest appraisal of our move­ much to say that the typical Nazarene ment will recognize, I think, tend­ service is radically anti-formal. encies which are already beginning to This has thrown the burden of new manifest themselves. The type of ser­ pictures on other carriers. For it is vice used in our churches could easily true that, while we can eliminate rit­ be adaptable to a form of hypocrisy. ual effectively, we still cannot elimi­ Men who have lost the reality of nate the need for pictures in human Christ’s redeeming and sanctifying minds. Thus there has arisen a new presence easily continue in the same set of words, words with special mean­ old patterns and forms. They use the ings often unintelligible to the un­ same vocabulary, testify with the same initiated—“the blessing,” “the old well-worn phrases, sing the same ju­ man,” “die out,” “the victory.” Of bilant songs without meaning or heart course, these terms are often Biblical; and say “Amen” to the same kind of but, even so, they are special symbols. preaching. Informal worship is as easily coun­ The Church of the Nazarene has a terfeited and misused as formal wor­ special brand of song as well. The ship by any who continue a “form of songs used in our services are cer­ godliness .... without the power tainly unique. They are happy, joy­ thereof.” ous, and centered in the feelings and experiences of the individual. They Ill have an unmistakable trait that marks The problem remains. Men will, yea, them as a special kind of religious must, worship. And they will form music. The older, more staid hymns habits and plans of expressing a heart­ center their emphasis about praise to felt devotion to their Maker. We can­ God for himself. Wesley’s hymns al­ not worship without a form any more ways bear the strong flavor of evan­ than we can talk without words. But gelism mixed with awe-ful reverence. words, without the integrity and sin­ Preaching in the Church of the cerity of the speaker behind them, be­ Nazarene has taken on its own unique come hollow and empty. We revolted characteristics. Experiences, stories, from a misuse of formality. We doubt and vivid illustrative material have if formality itself was the guilty party. bulked large in the typical sermon Our reaction from formality and from the predominantly evangelistic ritual, however, robbed us of an es­ Nazarene pulpit. The need of the age sential part of what seems to be a for evangelism of a virile and dynamic well-rounded pattern of worship. The sort has called forth our men to such character of our services, in their em­ a ministry. phasis on expressions of joy over our All these general facts about the own inner experience, sometimes ig­ character of our movement, however, nores the values of glorifying God for should lead us to a few simple con­ His own sake as well as for what He clusions. has wrought within us. Certainly the

July-August, 1950 (253) 45 quiet, orderly service centered about values in both which we should not communion with God and thoughts on ignore. the majesty, righteousness, and gran­ deur of His Person would do much to correct any shocking familiarity The World Is Mine and presumption. We would do well to remember the mistake of Uzzah Today, upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl (II Sam. 6:6-7). The personal char­ with golden hair. acter of our contact with God is apt I envied her, she seemed so gay, and to make us forget, in the flood of joy wished I were as fair. over freedom from sin, that we are When suddenly she rose to leave, I still unworthy and dependent crea­ saw her hobble down the aisle; tures with much work of character She had one leg, and wore a crutch, building yet undone in our lives. and as she passed— a smile. In my own ministry it has seemed 0 God, forgive me when I whine. good to set aside the morning worship 1 have two legs. The world is mine. hour for a more formal service of hymns, devotional or responsive read­ And then I stopped to buy some ings, a pastoral prayer, and sermons sweets. The lad who sold them centering on development in the posi­ had such charm. tive graces of holiness. The evening I talked with him— he seemed so glad service is essentially a people’s ser­ —if I were late ’twould do no vice of gospel songs, testimonies, harm. prayers by members of the congrega­ And as I left he said to me, “ I thank tion, and evangelistic messages. you. You have been so kind. Adaptability and a sense of free­ It’s nice to talk with folks like you. dom for the blessing of the moving of You see,” he said, “ I’m blind.” the Holy Spirit are, of course, neces­ 0 God, forgive me when I whine. sary. But I have seen the blessing of 1 have two eyes. The world is mine. God come on the morning worship as we read Isaiah’s stirring prophecy of Later, walking down the street, I saw our Christ or as we sang Watts’s mov­ a child with eyes of blue. ing: He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to When I survey the wondrous cross, do. On which the Prince of Glory died, I stopped a moment; then I said: My richest gain I count but loss, “Why don’t you join the others, And pour contempt on all my pride. dear?” The secret of a man’s relationship He looked ahead without a word, and to God lies deeper than any form of then I knew— he could not hear. worship. Within the heart of each 0 God, forgive me when I whine. there answers that testimony of his 1 have two ears. The world is mine. own spirit that “we are the children of God.” The methods used are second­ With ears to hear what I woidd ary. know— We must avoid dead formality on With eyes to see the sunset’s glow, the one hand, but certainly not at the With legs to take me where I’d go— price of irreverent presumption on the O God, forgive me when I whine. other. There are dangers in ritual and I’m blessed indeed. The world is mine. informality alike, but there are also — Selected

46 (254) The Preacher's Magazine Can Catholics Capture America?

By Asbury Smith

(By Permission of the Pastor magazine)

a d I r e a d the headline, “Can Catholics Community Fund agency. When the an­ H Capture America?” as late as three nouncement appeared in the press, the years ago, I would have cast the paper aside Catholic Archbishop of the area wrote a as the work of a religious bigot. Now I find letter to the Community Fund protesting myself writing under that caption. Some discussion of planned parenthood and recent personal experiences convince me threatened that if the lecture was not can­ that Roman Catholics are united in a well- celed he would withdraw personal support organized crusade for the obvious intent of from the Community Fund, advise all capturing America. Catholics through their priests not to con­ tribute to the Community Fund, and use the As one of a trio on the programs of the Catholic Review to prevent Catholic giving National Conference of Christians and Jews to the Community Fund. The lecture was last winter, I heard the Catholic speaker in canceled. one instance give a vigorous defense of the Catholic position as the unique possessor of The intense campaign being waged by the truth. In all the years I had been speaking Catholic church for tax funds for parochial in these trio programs, this was the first schools is obviously a departure from the time the discussion had gotten into the con­ principle of the First Amendment to the troversial area. Constitution. It is against constitutional provisions in the vast majority of the states. Last spring I represented Protestantism at It is a departure from the tradition of the three-hundredth anniversary of the separation of church and state that is as old Maryland Act of Religious Toleration. The as the formation of our national govern­ priest who represented the Catholics on this ment. occasion began by proclaiming that St. Mary’s County (the county in which the A small group of key persons has been observance was being held) is a Catholic laying the groundwork for the Catholic at­ County and ended by protesting the forma­ tempt to get tax money for parochial schools tion in St. Mary’s County of a secret for more than a decade. Since World War society that is anti-Catholic. I later dis­ II the campaign has gone down to the covered that St. Mary’s County during the priests and the people. They are made to war ceased having a Catholic majority and, feel their power as a minority group and to after a bitter Protestant-Catholic contest, feel that by use of political power they can had just voted a public high school loan. determine American policy. I think this is­ The “secret anti-Catholic society” is that of sue of tax money for Catholic schools has the Masons. made Catholics aggressive in other areas. They believe they are strong enough to During May of this year the Y.M.C.A. of control. They believe it is ordained of God Baltimore had planned a series of lectures that they should control. It is not going to on marriage and the home for young mar­ be an easy task to prevent their success in ried people and young people in the mar­ this venture. riageable age-group. The program consisted of lectures by leading clergymen and The Roman Catholic church claims physicians of the city. One of the lectures twenty-six million members in the United scheduled was on planned parenthood, as States. This would be a powerful minority part of a discussion on child training. The bloc if it were distributed evenly among press announcement of the series carried the states. More than one piece of legisla­ the fact that the course had been planned tion has passed with sponsorship of minor­ by the Y.M.C.A. in co-operation with the ities, some as small as 17 per cent of the Enoch Pratt Library and the Planned population. The Catholic minority is con- Parenthood Association. The Y.M.C.A. is a (Continued on page 57) July-August, 1950 (255) 47 THE MINISTER SERVES

By Ellis L. Teasdale

“I am among you as he that serveth” (Luke 22:27).

S e r v in g t h e C o m m u n i t y T h r o u g h a n E x ­ acquainting ourselves with the affairs of the p a n d a b l e P r o g r a m community, we have alienated ourselves It is not my purpose in presenting this from a large part of what we call success paper to try to tell you what you should or and close in our own faces the door of op­ should not do in your service to your com­ portunity of doing the bidding of the Master munity, but rather to suggest a few ways to preach the gospel to every creature. of service that I have found an effective There are those who clench their hands means to the ultimate end of building good behind them and, with a “Bless God, I won’t will and prestige for our church. If the mingle with that group” attitude, refuse paper should suggest to you that I am lifting to work with civic organizations. They call up my methods to a place of prominence, it “living our religious convictions,” when just mark it up to ignorance on my part. I religion and conviction really have nothing realize that I have a long way to go and to do with it. Just because everyone in the many things to learn before presenting any­ city does not live as I think he should, or thing of that nature to you. Anything that I act as I think he should, gives me no license suggest has been the result of experiments, to draw my robes about me and leave him for I, as a pastor, find myself still in the to make the city or community worse than experimental stage. it is, and then “holler” about it from my Serving the Community Through Civic O r­ pulpit. If we are to follow the Master in ex­ ganizations ample in the matter of winning souls, our business and ultimate goal, we cannot and If I am to help the community in which dare not withdraw our influence for good I find myself, it is vitally necessary that from the affairs of the community. I know something about it. It is not enough for me to know or to be familiar with world One of the first things I did upon arriv­ conditions or the sad conditions of the east ing in Stillwater was to join the senior side of Chicago. What I must know is, chapter of the Chamber of Commerce. This “What are the conditions of Stillwater, or organization is in existence for but one the city where I live?” What kind of city major purpose and that is to try to make is it? What class of people live there? I the community better and to recommend must know the mayor, his politics and pol­ policies to that effect. Yes, there are times icies; the city commissioner, the county when after a meeting one feels like going commissioner; what kind of schools we through the process of purification, but at have; of what faith the superintendent the most it costs only a dollar to have the of schools is. Will the children of Naza- smoke cleaned out of a suit. Is it worth it in renes who refuse to take part in dances get terms of helping the community and the all the credits they earn? These and many church? My answer is “yes.” Being a mem­ more questions should be answered before ber gives me access to nearly every busi­ we are fully prepared to help the com­ nessman in the city on the same level. munity in which I live. Notice, I said help Being a member often finds me seated next the community. to the mayor, banker, professor at the col­ Then, too, I must in a measure, for the lege, or even Dean Donnell. Being a mem­ time being, lose sight of the immediate goal ber allowed us to put 500 dime cards into of just helping ray church. We can become the hands of our Sunday-school children, so shortsighted that all we see is our own who in turn raised $600 in two weeks to pay little crowd and all that we care about is for the tile on this floor and the plastering to row our own little boat and let the rest in the basement. Being a member has en­ of the world go by. But, really, what we do abled us to get our church before the com­ is to let the rest of the world go by-by. munity in a way that we never could have When we refrain from taking our place and without the aid of this organization.

48 (256) The Preacher's Magazine At Christmas time, the various organiza­ creased respect for our message, and the tions held Christmas parties for the poor addition of new members to the church. We children of the city. They questioned, have seen it in increased interest by the “Where can we get some appropriate community in the things we are trying to music?” They received answers like this: accomplish directly for the church. For in­ “Rev. Teasdale and his wife are musicians. stance, parking was a tremendous problem He does not belong to our club, but he for us, especially after it rained. The does belong to the Chamber of Commerce. parking lot by the side of the church was Let us ask him if they would come.” But a mudhole de luxe! Cars could get in this paper was to deal with helping the and then could not get out. We felt that community—helping our church was just we could not pay for paving right now. So, extra—or is the church a part of the com­ since we could not do it, the next thing was munity? If we say “yes,” and we do not to get someone else to solve the problem for make the community affairs a part of our us. In searching for the right party, it was ministry, then are we measuring up to the called to my attention that the county com­ complete duties of the church? missioner was a brother of one of our mem­ bers. I knew he spent most of his time Stillwater has a Master Planning Board building roads and that he would have ac­ composed of citizens who are elected and cess to materials needed. With a little per­ appointed to form and direct the policies of suasion and fun and politics mixed together, the city government. This includes new twenty tons of chat was the result. streets, paving, schools, taxes, boundaries, parks, recreation, race problems, and any Park Commissioner other questions that arise in the affairs of The city of Stillwater maintains a nice a city this size. I am one of the two min­ greenhouse and nursery to provide shrubs isters that have been elected to serve on and flowers for the city parks. I was anx­ this board. It does take time and effort, ious to meet the superintendent, for the and as time goes on it will take more time church was going to need a lot of landscap­ and effort. But to the Church of the Naza- ing. I found a mutual acquaintance and rene it has already paid excellent dividends went to the building where the superinten­ as well as to the community. dent was working. Our mutual friend in­ For example—at the first meeting, the troduced us, and immediately I saw the mayor made an announcement relative to anger rise within him. Someone in our the Fourth of July celebration and sug­ church had crossed him and he was re­ gested, (quote) “Let us bring in a good vengeful about it. We talked “shop” for clean carnival to attract the citizens to the quite some time, and I found out that he park so that revenue will be forthcoming.” needed some clay flowerpots for the green­ By my simple question, “Has anyone ever house. Yes, you guessed it—I took him a seen a good clean carnival?” the request load of flowerpots, and the first thing he was dropped or voted down. If I never do said was, “Preacher, you need a lot of anything else for Stillwater, I have at least shrubs up there around your church. If prevented the coming of a carnival. Yes, you want me to, I can help you.” I do the mayor and I are good friends. He has not need to tell you that that was my main dealt with too many delinquents not to be. objective. Oh, yes, he asked me to go fish­ The colored representative on the board ing with him. said to me, “Reverend, will you serve on the committee to help solve the colored folk S e r v in g t h e C o m m u n i t y T h r o u g h t h e problem?” Incidentally, I might get Brother R a d io Moore the first colored church on this dis­ This is a subject upon which there is trict. Following this committee meeting, I much controversy, especially now since we was asked by the owner of the New Press have the “Showers of Blessing” program. to write the sermon that I would preach the I do not wish to get into a debate as to the following Sunday morning, that he might relative merits of their program and our print it in the paper. The next Monday program. But I do know that the radio night it appeared on the front page. should be used as a means of winning the All this adds up to the fact that we can­ lost to Christ. We are told to be as “wise as not help anyone else without helping our­ serpents” in trying to win people to the selves. We reap definite benefits from every Lord. We must use every means at our seed that we sow in our effort to serve disposal to “seek” out the lost ones. If the others. We have seen this in a marked in­ devil can sneak into a million homes crease in attendance to our services, in­ through the radio, seeking women to listen

July-August, 1950 (257) 49 to “Linda’s First Love” or “Portia Faces to call people names if they do not line up Life,” I believe the Lord would help us to to what we think is right. put on a program just as exciting and inter­ I do not imply that we must compromise esting and a million times more satisfying our message, but about the best gospel to than any “soap opera.” use on the radio is the very best that you use in your church, and that is the gospel If we cannot win them by one method, it of Jesus Christ as a real, personal Saviour is our business to seek just as diligently as and Sanctifier. The world is hungry for our adversary to find some way of winning Jesus, and He is the Bread of Life; they are them. My duty to my fellow man does not burdened with cares and perplexities, and stop with an invitation to attend my church. He is the Burden Bearer; they are guilty It is my business, in so far as is possible, to and conscience stricken, and we can tell see that the church attends him. Perhaps them that Jesus can take the load of sin, the reason the devil has monopolized the forgive them, and quiet their guilty con­ radio is because we sit by with folded arms sciences; they are thirsty for something, they while he “seeks” his listeners through a know not what. We know they need the flood of emotional tears over the hardship Water of Everlasting Life. Lift up Christ of poor Linda or Portia, winning a trip to as the Bread, Water, Comforter, Redeemer, the Hawaiian Islands or being “Queen for the Deliverer. Magnify His character. Tell a Day.” We have the greatest message them of His strength, His reasonableness, and reward in all the world, and yet many His trust, His brotherliness, His optimism, times we muff the chance of a lifetime to be His poise, His patience, His greatness, and of real service to our community and the His holiness. They do not need merely or surrounding country. primarily to be saved from hell. They need the Christ who can save them from sin I have heard many a condemnation by now, and then they will be saved from its the preachers of the “rot” on the radio, but consequence in the hereafter. He is our these selfsame ministers were doing nothing theme. to put on something good. Yes, the radio can be of real service to the community. The radio is one of the greatest means Many a shut-in has had the day brightened of seeking the lost and a way into the hearts and the burden lightened by a song or of men. It can be a great tributary flowing prayer coming through his radio. The hos­ into the local church, bringing a surge of pitals in every town and city are full of interested seekers after the Lord and the people who need a little encouragement. real way to heaven. They will come to see Out on the farms where it is impossible for what the preacher looks like, come to see them to get to church because of various the choir, come to see how large a church reasons, they need spiritual help. There it is, and many will come because they are many country churches that cannot get received over the radio a portion of that for a pastor, and how easy it is to suggest and which their hungry souls are craving. furnish a radio for the church and have Our broadcast is yet in the experimental them partake of your service at the eleven stage, but the response to it has been tre­ o’clock hour! Yes, I know that all takes mendous for a new program. The local sta­ work! But is it not that for which we are tion has a potential listening audience of called of God? It is work, hard work, to one and a quarter million people. We have get sermons with good material in them had reports of the last program as far away to interest a radio audience. It is real work as 150 miles. Our telephone has brought us to have radio singers and musicians prac­ the comments of the local people who heard tice, to have music presentable for the radio. it. All this has led us to believe that we are And may I say that the most common com­ helping to serve the community and in a plaint from the radio stations has been of wider field than we could cover by any the poor quality singing and preaching by other means. religious groups. We all know that it is easy for the preacher to jump around the S e r v in g t h e C o m m u n i t y T h r o u g h t h e platform, beat the pulpit, jerk his head, and N e w s p a p e r rant and rave about the good sister’s dress whenever he gets in the brush in the church The newspapers have often been charged auditorium; but it is a different proposi­ with not co-operating with the ministers. tion for his audience who cannot see his In many instances this is true, and some­ antics but are looking into a blank radio times it is exceedingly hard to get the co­ speaker. The radio is no place to rave operation that one needs in order to put about personal convictions. It is no place the job across. We are apt to say, “But let

50 (258) The Preacher's Magazine a boy kiss a girl in Bethany and the whole S e r v in g t h e C o m m u n i t y T h r o u g h L a y

country will hear about it.” I would not V i s i t a t i o n question the validity or the “cupidity” of the kiss, but I do question the amount of “hurt” The despair of nearly every pastor’s heart the newspapers have done in printing the is how to get the people working or serv­ story. I wonder if we have become so re­ ing the community where he lives. I am not spectful or respectable that we blush to see quite in despair about it, but I have spent in print what we cry out against in the pul­ some sleeping time in wakefulness in try­ pit. ing to devise ways and means of getting I am afraid we have exploited the good the members and friends to visit. How easy will of the newsmen and have turned into it would be to win those who are sick if publicity beggars—hoping that we can pick they were visited and cheered! How easy it up a few crumbs from the journalists’ table is to ask the newcomers to the community now and then. After all, how little it costs to come and visit our church. We have a to keep the name of the church before great church. How exceedingly simple it all the public! Where can we get so much for is to invite people to come to the Lord’s so little as through newspaper advertising? house on the Sabbath day! And yet, how Why, for a few dollars you can have an hard it is to get them to do it! But if we are ad printed and distributed the same day to serve the community, this will have to that is equal to several thousand handbills. be done again and again. It must pay or Proctor and Gamble would In trying to reach all the community, we not be spending millions of dollars a year have divided the streets into five different to do it. It must pay in dividends for them, sections. Over each section we have ap­ for I do not believe they would carry on a pointed a captain and a lieutenant. They, nonpaying proposition every year. How in turn, are free to recruit the rest of the do you know that “Duz does everything”? church if they want to, as the workers to You have seen it a million times, more or do the visiting. The setup includes the less, spread all over a page in the news­ stipulation that every home in each par­ paper. Why do the women buy millions of ticular area is to be visited twice a year. Toni home permanents? Because they have At each home is left a folder entitled Church read the ads in every newspaper they pick of the Nazarene and a copy of the Herald up. Looks as though we would soon wake of Holiness. Also an invitation to listen to up and profit by their example. the Sunday morning broadcast or attend the Again, the newspaper is a time saver. church service is extended. A record of all It takes time to deliver 5,000 handbills, but prospects is carefully kept and turned in to the newspaper boys will do this for you and me. I then make a personal call and give the press will pay the bill. Each Friday we the card to the Sunday-school teacher of run a good picture of the church together the class he would attend if he came, and with its name and address and the Sunday another call is made by him. The system is sermon topics. Does it pay? Listen! “Say, paying real dividends in finding those who preacher, I saw your ad in Friday’s paper are unchurched and the shut-ins. Also an and, you know, I never have been down invitation to Sunday school and church is on Eleventh Street, so I drove by today. given them on Sunday over the radio. My, but you have a nice church there!” Or, “Yes, we came tonight because we saw by your ad in the paper that you were S e r v in g t h e C o m m u n i t y T h r o u g h S u n d a y -

speaking on ‘A Baby’s Tears’ and wondered s c h o o l E x t e n s i o n what kind of a sermon that would be.” For the last few weeks, we have been The easiest way to work and help any writing a column under the heading “The community is through the Sunday school. Village Parson” for the Village Times. It is How natural it is for the children to be en­ a biweekly publication published strictly for thusiastic and sympathetic to your plans Veteran’s Village. It does take extra work to build a large school! The larger it be­ and effort and time—but I have discovered comes, the more one touches the commu­ that there are twenty-four hours in a day, nity. I have always maintained that and I do not need nearly so much time for anything that is to be done in the church sleep as I supposed. This gives me a chance can be done better through the Sunday for any advertising that I may care to do school than anywhere else if given the for the Village and at the same time it proper support by the teachers and officers. gives me a chance to preach some short, This would include the raising of finances, pointed sermonettes. Herald of Holiness campaigns, buying of

July-August, 1950 (259) 51 equipment, and keeping the church growing attendance. In prestige for our church, this by new contacts that are so necessary. work has been invaluable. It has accom­ We all know that to start a new church plished much good; it is and has been the the first thing of which we think is a Sun­ bright spot in the lives of many of the day school, for in getting one started it soon Village children. To the college, Dr. Bennet becomes the nucleus for a church. Thus we has stated that “the Nazarenes really live conclude that the establishing of an exten­ their religion.” In the community it has sion Sunday school is of real value in terms made it easier to obtain other privileges. of service to a community. City officials, newspapers, Chamber of Com­ merce have all complimented us for the We are at present operating two ex­ work we are trying to do. This has had its tension Sunday schools. The first and largest effect on the church itself. It has given us one is located in what is called Veteran’s an outlet for physical drive and power. It Village. It is situated close to the campus has given us a larger number of people at­ of A. & M. College. Upon Arriving here last September, I naturally was interested in the tending the church. Out of this school we community I had come to serve. One of the are helping to build enough good will for first and greatest sights was that of Veter­ our church that regardless of where the an’s Village. This is the largest village of its GI may go he will always think first of kind, operated by the government. It is the Church of the Nazarene. Of course our composed of GI’s attending the college and main objective is a second church in the living with their families in the hutments, north end of Stillwater which will be fed trailers, and apartments. At the present from the Village Sunday-school contacts. time it has approximately 4,500 population. This figure, of course, will tell you that there are more people living there than there are in many cities in Oklahoma. You Extension Sunday School No. 2 will agree with me that any city of 4,500 population is large enough for a Nazarene This school is held the first Sunday of Sunday school. To my amazement I found every month in a rest home. My first con­ out there was not a church or Sunday tact with this home was to marry the school of any denomination in the Village. daughter of the folk then operating it. A A few days later I had made all necessary few days later I made a visit to the home inquiries and gathered enough facts to to call on the elderly people. Since it was make an appointment with the Village man­ impossible for them to get out to church, ager. Taking two businessmen (to add we asked to start a Sunday-school class for weight), we went to his office and presented them on Sunday afternoon. All were over­ our plans for a Village Sunday school under joyed at the prospect of getting into a the direction of our church. He in turn ob­ Sunday-school class again. Each month a tained permission from the Village Council, different member of the ladies’ Bible class and with their blessing we started. Our own has the privilege of supervising and min­ people personally contacted every home, istering to their needs. We have had an hutment, trailer, and apartment in the en­ average attendance of eighteen each Sunday. tire Village. We since have bought mailing This does not look big on the records, and privileges and kept in constant touch with them by mail. From the first service it yet this church has done nothing else that was evident that the school would reach has meant more in real prestige in the com­ many children and parents who had gone to munity than this. Many times we hear, church and Sunday school very little in “Preacher, I think that it is wonderful that their lives. The only religious training they you and your church would think to would have would be the training and brighten the day for those old folk.” Sev­ teaching of our teachers and preacher. The eral times the neighbors have attended. manager said, “Preacher, I am glad that Questions are asked and the message of sal­ someone is trying to do something for the vation has been given; Christ has been people here. Anything you need, let me glorified and many people helped. All this know.” means good will for the church and for Every semester changes, of course, a cer­ the Christ whom we serve. Others may tain percentage of the population. Many think we are “going the second mile,” do­ graduate and their families move on. But ing just a little extra, but we personally always others are waiting to take their think it is our duty to do our utmost for His places. So far we have averaged sixty in kingdom and glory.

52 (260) The Preacher's Magazine The Pastoral Ministry

Ideas for Wide-awake Pastors

By the Roving Pastor-Reporter

n F e b r u a r y I stepped into the first church grow just like gloom and depression will I which was using ideas from this depart­ grow. It’s up to you. ment of T h e P r e a c h e r ’ s M a g a z i n e . Taking Two years ago I visited seven churches in the suggestions of the November, 1949, issue, one Sunday in New York City. Six of them the pastor had outlined a program for each were in the dumps. The pastor was away. month of 1950 and he was working at the Last month I suggested that you take your job. By February they had broken every vacation in the winter. When visitors come record in attendance, not only for Sunday to your church in the summer, they will school but also for church services and find you on the job. If you are gone away, Wednesday night prayer meetings. This they will get a very poor impression of your pastor had been in this church only since church. September, but already the board was talk­ ing a new church building. You too can But one church was on fire. I could feel enlarge your crowds and number of con­ the spirit of that church as I entered the verts and intensify the spiritual life and door. The ushers were on the job with a growth of your congregation if you will add spring in their heels in spite of a July sum­ a little imagination to your plans and pro­ mer Sunday morning heat in New York grams. City. Having visited two other churches and not having found anything worth while I have always wondered why the church to stay for, we were late. The pastor was let down in its program during the summer. just announcing the final musical number Just because the devil seems to take pos­ before the sermon. The main floor was session of the crowds, we should not quit packed. The ushers apologized for having or let down. We should do more in the to take us to the balcony, and even that summer than ever. Also, when some of the was filled so that we found it difficult to get old line churches close for the summer, at a seat. There was an atmosphere of expec­ least close their Sunday night services, that tation. The ushers made much of the fact to me should open up greater opportunities that our pastor is preaching this morning. than ever for great crowds and great Sun­ day night services. That service was an oasis in the desert to me. I shall never forget it. That pastor was Instead of disbanding the choir for the certainly blessed in his own soul as he summer I would organize, reorganize, or de­ preached that morning; and, although there velop a summer choir. I would specialize was not quite the same response in the on music in July and August, and then de­ congregation that there would have been velop a series of Sunday night messages in a Nazarene church, yet I could hardly that would excite interest or curiosity or keep my seat when the pastor came to his something. climax, and a volley of amens thrilled my For your publicity a card the size of a soul. large envelope or a blotter can well be This church in the heart of New York used to advertise the summer series. List City even conducts a Sunday afternoon ser­ the dates for, say, July and August and give vice for the young people. I didn’t get back the people something extra special every to visit it, but I am sure it must have been Sunday night. another wonderful service or they would YOU CAN STUMP THE SLUMP. If you not be able to draw a crowd from all the attractions of big city life to an afternoon don’t, if you take the attitude, “Well, every­ service and do it every Sunday of the year. body is away; there won’t be anybody out tonight anyway,” you will find all your ex­ The secret of the success of this church is pectations come to pass. But you can gen­ that every member assumes his own in­ erate enthusiasm. It is catching. It will dividual responsibility, not for a program,

July-August, 1950 (261) 53 but for the salvation of men and women Monday night, it will solve in a great meas­ and boys and girls. I couldn’t get out of that ure the problem of backsliding and tempta­ church building unnoticed. The ushers tion. I believe that 95 per cent of the folk wanted my name and address. Personal who bow at an altar on Sunday and back­ workers at the door made it a point to ask slide and fail to turn up for prayer meeting me if I was a Christian. As far as I could the first week after they are saved—I be­ see, they didn’t let a single person out of that lieve that 95 per cent of them backslide on church without finding out whether or not Monday night. It is the crisis night of their each person was saved. religious experience. The old gang comes Gospel teams in this church were making around. The dance hall and theaters are announcement of Sunday afternoon ser­ open; the old gang seeks to drag them away vices, it seemed to me, all over New York or back to their old habits, and the old gang City. is out Monday night to get them. Too often In developing any of these suggestions I the church is taking it easy, the church hope you will hold out before your people doors are closed, the lights are out; and, always the thought that this plan, this ser­ even if they wanted to engage in religious vice must lead to definite results of salva­ activity, there is nothing to do, so that the tion in the crowds which we draw to the devil finds idle hands are easy to fill. church. As you deal with those new people at I spent a Sunday visiting the First Bap­ your altar and you can say, “Now can you tist Church of Fort Worth, Texas, with J. come back tomorrow night to help us?” Frank Norris. We are in a Mid-Century you will find them eager and willing to tell Crusade right now and I want to say that someone else of this first love. Send them the Forth Worth First Baptist Church has out with an experienced caller and get the been built on the crusade idea. joy of watching them grow in grace. Get the joy of constantly adding new folk to the Monday night is visitation night. For congregation and new members to the roll. years now hundreds of members have gone First Baptist of Fort Worth buys regular out two by two on Monday nights the year ads for the daily papers and advertises the around in house-to-house calling. I too fact that Monday night is visitation night. have used this plan in several churches of They tell the people to expect callers from our denomination, and I can state from the church on Monday night. For years and experience that Monday night is by far your years they have rung every doorbell in best night for calling. the city, every year. This type of calling First, because when you call on Monday pays big dividends. A little spurt is almost night 95 per cent of the people you call on wasted motion. It’s the follow-up that will be at home. When you call on Thurs­ counts. day or Friday nights you will find in call­ ing, that is, block-by-block, house-to-house Now, this summer, while the daylight is calling, that 65 per cent of the people are long, why don’t you decide to ring every away. They go to parties, dances, theaters, doorbell in your city? You can do it. If you or school programs or games. But Monday are pastor of one of two or more churches in night the average American family plans your city, then divide the city up fairly and to stay at home. You waste little effort set out to ring every doorbell in your sec­ when you call on Mondays. tion. Plan a program for fifty-two weeks of Second, your people are still enthusiastic the year. Sell your people on ringing every over the Sunday service and will have doorbell every year. It pays. much to talk about to the people they call The day I visited Frank Norris I arrived upon. When you set Thursday or Friday early. I wanted to study his methods and as your calling night, a percentage of your watch him at work. I arrived twenty callers will fail to show up for one reason minutes before Sunday school. I went right or another. The enthusiasm of Sunday dies down to the front seat and sat as near the or grows cold and, unless they really have pulpit as I could. I had hardly taken off my a burden for calling, any trivial excuse coat before a fine-looking young woman will keep them home. came up to ask me what my name was. I Third, and this is important, if you can told her and then she said, “Have you send out the young people or the new con­ moved to our city and would you like verts who have been at your altar Sunday to join our church?” As I explained that I night, if you can send them out with an ex­ was just a visitor, she welcomed me and perienced and established Christian on went on to others. A man followed her,

54 (262) The Preacher's Magazine and gave me the same kind of treatment. I converted in your Sunday school? What lost track, but about twenty-five people kind of literature are you using, and what came right up to me to ask me who I was are your teachers talking about in Sunday in the twenty minutes before Sunday school. school? Do you and your teachers follow I can really say I thought I was the king of the modern trend in Sunday-school educa­ England by that time. Here I was in a great tion built on the evolutionary modernistic church with 5500 seats on the main floor, theory that our children should not be and I was not a stranger. I knew the names brought up with a guilt complex? Do they of twenty-five individuals, but—what was learn about the birds and bees and butter­ more important—they knew who I was!!!! flies? Or do they learn that boys and girls There were 900 people in the Sunday- are sinners, that Christ died for them to save them? Take a day off and study the school class I visited that day. Yes, nine hundred, not in Sunday school but in one materials you are using; it may solve the class. And they told me they had five problem of why you can’t hold the boys and other classes as large or larger than that girls once you can get them. You can’t hold one—all built on Monday night calling. them without the gospel. Colored pictures and handwork which is not Christ-centered The bells rang for the church service, will never build nor sustain a Sunday- so the class began to move about for better school attendance. seats; but I stayed right there on the front seat. I wanted to watch Norris that morning I didn’t mean to get off on this line in to learn everything I could about the secret this issue, but I have made a study of all of of his success. The choir began to assemble the great churches and Sunday schools of on the platform, 350 that morning. They had America of all denominations, and I have a thirty-five-piece orchestra, a grand piano, found that every one of the great organiza­ a Hammond organ, and three marimbas on tions in Sunday-school success use definite the platform. And when that great crowd Christ-centered lessons and materials. This began to swell the old hymn “All Hail the might be a good subject for your next zone Power of Jesus’ Name,” I felt that I was rally or preachers’ meeting. halfway to heaven right there. I noticed all through the morning ser­ That night in Fort Worth twenty more vice that people kept coming in late. They people joined the church, making a total for came in groups of three each time and sat that day of fifty new members; and every­ down on the front seat. At the close of one apologized to me, saying that it was an his message, without any personal invitation unusually poor day, that they often had for salvation, Dr. Norris said, “Now those of one hundred people join the church and that you who are ready for church membership, they took in members every Sunday of the if you will come forward I will be glad to year. give you the right hand of church mem­ bership and fellowship.” Immediately thirty That night Dr. Norris described his ac­ people got off from that front seat, went up tivities for the week. He said that he had on the platform, and joined the church. not made a single call that week alone, that every call he had made had been made with I never saw anything like it in my life, some member of the congregation. That for those thirty people had been converted Monday morning before he was out of bed, in their Sunday-school classes. Every class in that great Sunday school except the one I the phone rang and a young man said, “Dr. was in, which was in the main auditorium, Norris, do you remember the Jones family had closed the class session with an evan­ we have been praying for and working on? gelistic invitation. That morning many had They just came over to use our phone to knelt at altars in small auditoriums or at call the doctor. Their baby is awfully ill. the front seat in the classrooms. With per­ I believe, Dr. Norris, that if you will come sonal workers on each side of them they with me the Joneses will get converted to­ had prayed until God had forgiven them. day.” Then they were told the requirements for Dr. Norris said that he jumped into his church membership and, after going over the matter completely with these workers, clothes, without a cup of coffee or shav­ thirty met the conditions, came into the ing, drove across that city, and with that services, just waiting for the Doctor to stop young man went to his neighbors, the Jones preaching so that they could join the church. family. Kneeling there around the crib of Pastor, how long is >t since anyone got (Continued on page 61)

July-August. 1950 (263) 55 The Preacher s Scrapbook

The heavier are your prayers, the We Know Too Much lighter are your cares.— Selected. We are a generation of tired, fussy little Christians, experts but not ex­ There was a time when faith began amples. We know too much. We have to slip, heard all the preachers and read all When I had lost all I had to lose— the books. It is hard these days to be Or so it seemed to me. converted and become like little chil­ I lost my name, dren. We want to be thought phi­ My job. losophers and scholars and brilliant— I had no house, no food, no shoes. but childlike? Never! Somebody Then suddenly I felt ashamed, would think we were dumb; so we For I, who talked of shoes, miss the secrets God has hidden from Then chanced to meet the wise and prudent and revealed Upon the busy highway of life unto babes. Not many wise, mighty, A man who had no feet. noble have been called; but we go on trying to be wise, mighty, and noble. — Heart and Life It is possible, of course, for a rich man to get into the kingdom and for a learned man to become like a child, but not many of them do it. How often, even among the saints, does DRINK some simple soul learn the deeper things of God and press through to Evangeline Booth, of the Salvation heaven’s best while theologians miss Army, said: them! We know too much. Drink has —V a n c e H a v n e r Drained more blood, Plunged more people into bank­ ruptcy, Hung more crepe, “When Tomorrow Is Yesterday” Sold more homes, Armed more civilians, What of your dreams of fortune and Slain more children, gain, Snapped more wedding rings, Of pleasure and social array? Defiled more innocence, What of the tinsel and pleasure of Blinded more eyes, sin— Twisted more limbs, When tomorrow is yesterday? Dethroned more reason, Wrecked more manhood, What shall it profit a man if he Dishonored more womanhood, Should lose his soul today Broken more hearts, And gain the riches and wealth of Blasted more lives, earth— Driven more to suicide, When tomorrow is yesterday? And dug more graves, than any other poisoned scourge that What of your silly excuses in life ever swept its death-dealing waves In shunning the straight, narrow across the world! way?

56 (264) The Preacher'* Magazine What good’s a smile and a pat on the 3. At the ease in meeting his own back— obligations with the remaining nine- When tomorrow is yesterday? tenths. 4. At the ease of going from one- What of your own lost, sin-stricken tenth to larger giving. soul, Which is held in sin’s dread sway? 5. At the preparation this gives What will they say o’er your last re­ him to be a wise steward over what mains— he has left. When tomorrow is yesterday? 6. At himself for not adopting the plan earlier. What will you think of the coming of Christ, When here on this earth you stay; Elbow grease is a standard pre­ When the saints are at the wedding scription for success, but some men on high— seem to get further using soft soap.— When tojnorrow is yesterday? Springfield Republican.

What will you think of the sermons Can Catholics Capture America? on hell, When you hear the great Judge (Continued, from page 47) say: centrated largely in the large urban areas “I know him not,” and condemned of the Northeast and Midwest. In some you stand— areas they represent locally the voting ma­ jority, or at least hold the balance of When tomorrow is yesterday? power. Many reasons are suggested to explain the What will you think of the decision Catholic crusade to capture America: the you made, poverty of Europe, the life-and-death As you stood at your pew that day, struggle in Communist-controlled areas, the competitive pressure of better public When you are faced with reality— schools, the difficulty of getting nuns in suf­ When tomorrow is yesterday? ficient numbers to carry on their teaching program, and the financial burden of an What will you do when your name is overambitious program of education and called, social welfare. On that terrible judgment day? At the time of the adoption of the Con­ stitution of the United States, Catholics What will you give in exchange for represented only 1 per cent or less of the your soul— population. By 1890 Catholics had reached When tomorrow is yesterday? about 10 per cent of our national population. The percentage of Catholics has increased —G o r d o n W. N ic h o l s little since that time. The Catholics of the United States have a right to any kind of religion they want. Some things in their religion I deeply ad­ The Tither’s Six Surprises mire; others I dislike. I believe Catholics The Christian who begins to tithe have a right to worship God as they choose with no hindrance from anyone. will have at least six surprises. He will be surprised When, however, Catholics attempt to de­ termine what non-Catholics may say or do, 1. At the amount of money he has when they attempt to control public policy for the Lord’s work. by boycott, when they attempt to use political power for church advantage, then 2. At the deepening of his spiritual we must fight the Reformation battle all life in paying his tithes. over again.

July-August, 1950 (265) 57 to give regularly to the cause of mis­ HINTS sions, as well as in such special offer­ ings as at Easter and Thanksgiving? TO YOUNG PASTORS What percentage of the total giving of your church goes for missions? By One of Them Every pastor ought to read the mis­ sionary study book each year. Fur­ Every pastor ought to be mission- thermore, he ought to read most of *-* ary-minded. Now that’s a fair the other books on the reading list statement, and I think nearly all of us and be familiar with all of them. They nod our heads in full assent. How­ will keep his heart aflame for mis­ ever, I have been appalled to find out sions. Surely the pastor should be how little of missions most of my fel­ well-informed on this subject. low pastors include in the program of the church. My study of the mission­ Good missionary reading will make ary program of other pastors came it easy for a pastor to preach on mis­ about when I discovered I was one of sions at least three or four times a the very few pastors on the district year. That ought to be the minimum. that regularly plan to attend the In addition, if a missionary can be meetings of the Woman’s Foreign Mis­ secured to speak during the year, the sionary Society. I attended because I people will be thrilled with this op­ wanted to be as well informed on portunity to hear from the fields first­ missions as possible. Some pastors hand. While there are not enough will manufacture every possible ex­ missionaries on furlough to speak in cuse to keep from going to these every church, many more churches— meetings, and practically turn foreign even small ones—could have a mis­ missions over to the ladies as far as sionary speaker if they tried. their church is concerned. There are several ways of getting I am not going to be arbitrary about missions across to your people. Try a these meetings—you can go (as I missionary convention, Thursday or hope you will) or not, if only you will Friday night over Sunday. Use some really put foreign missions into the outside speakers, even if only near-by program of your church. Nazarene pastors. Advertise it well and the attendance and interest may A few questions will reveal how surprise you. much of missions you have in your program. How many books on the Another method is the school of missionary reading course do you missions, conducted for a whole week, read each year? How often do you or on five or six Wednesday eve­ preach on foreign missions? How nings. Study classes in missions are many missionaries do you plan to held. Perhaps you could get another have speak in your church this year? church to join with you in such a Do you actively support the Prayer school. Christian Service Training and Fasting League? What plan do credit may be offered. Suggestions for you have for informing and inspiring textbooks can be secured by writing possible prospective missionaries to the Department of Foreign Mis­ among your young people? How do sions in Kansas City. The Missionary you educate in missions those in your Education Movement also has an ex­ church who do not belong to the mis­ tensive list of books. A missionary sionary society, including the men? offering may well be included in the Do your people have an opportunity program, but the purpose of the con­

58 (266) The Preacher's Magazine vention or school should be to give which may be secured upon request information on missions to your peo­ from the Department of Foreign Mis­ ple so that they will carry a burden sions. for this great cause. I still think you ought to attend Our people should know our own some of the meetings of the W.F.M.S. missionaries. I used this method of However, there is much more to a bringing them personally to their at­ missionary-minded church than this. tention one year. Each Sunday in the The first missionaries were pre­ church bulletin I listed the names and dominantly men, and I am not in fields of about four of our mission­ favor of turning the entire promo­ aries. Sometimes these were two tion of this cause over to the women, couples; sometimes, a couple and two while our men remain in uncon­ single missionaries. The people were cerned ignorance. The pastor should urged to pray for these missionaries preach frequently on missions. during that week and especially on One thing more before I sign off, their prayer and fasting day. When­ as I may not have another opportu­ ever possible, individuals who had nity to discuss our missionary soci­ biographies or articles in the current eties. The W.F.M.S. ought to be a issue of the Other Sheep or the For­ feeder for the church, just as the Sun­ eign Missions column of the Herald day school and young people’s society of Holiness were used, and reference are. Whatever the pastor can do to made to this material. In one year all encourage the ladies to make their of our missionaries had been brought programs interesting and then to in­ before the people in this manner. I vite their friends and neighbors will checked off their names as they were add to the evangelistic outreach of the mentioned on the list of missionaries, local church.

Breathes there the man, with soul so Rejoice dead, Who never to himself hath said, Rejoice, the Lord is King! This is my own, my native land! Your Lord and King adore! Whose heart hath ne’er within him Mortals, give thanks and sing, burn’d, And triumph evermore: As home his footsteps he hath turn’d Lift up your heart! Lift up your voice! From wandering on a foreign strand! Rejoice! Again I say, Rejoice! If such there breathes, go, mark him well; Jesus the Saviour reigns, For him no minstrel raptures swell; The God of truth and love; High though his titles, proud his name, When He had purged our stains Boundless his wealth as wish can He took His seat above. claim; Despite these titles, power and pelf, He sits at God’s right hand, The wretch, concentered all in self, Till all His foes submit, Living, should forfeit fair renown, And bow to His command And, doubly dying, shall go down And fall beneath His feet. To the vile dust from which he Lift up your heart! Lift up your voice! sprung, Rejoice! Again I say, rejoice! Unwept, unhonor’d and unsung.

—S ir W a l t e r S c o t t —C h a r l e s W e s l e y

July-August, 1950 (267) 59 PREACH THE WORD A DISCUSSION ABOUT

By John Thomas Donnelly PREACHERS AND PREACHING By A. S. London r e a c h t h e w o r d ; be instant in season,

out of season; reprove, rebuke, ex­ r o u n d - t a b l e d i s c u s s i o n was held by s Phort with all longsuffering and doctrine. A group of preachers and laymen rela­ For the time will come when they will not tive to preachers and preaching. This group endure sound doctrine; but after their own of men represented leading preachers and lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, laymen in a sister denomination. Theii having itching ears; and they shall turn questions and answers provoke thought. away their ears from the truth, and shall be “The ministry is a career that is different turned unto fables. But watch thou in all one that requires special qualifications and things, endure afflictions, do the work of an training. It implies a measure of service tc evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” the larger community. All professions re­ (II Timothy 4:2-5). quire ' ethical standards, and the ministry We cannot all be great and outstanding should stand on the highest plane of them preachers, but we can all be consecrated all.” reachers! Many reachers should be preach­ “The person who has become profession­ ers, and not a few preachers should be alized believes in all the doctrinal teaching reachers. Many a ten-talent man seems of his profession, but lacks an open mind for compelled to bury nine, while many a one- further exploration. He loses contact with talent man has to do the work of the one the people he is supposed to serve. You with ten talents. might say the ministry is a profession, but What is preaching? Is it saying some­ we do not want our ministers to become thing, or having something vital to say? Is professionalized.” it a person delivering a sermon, or a Holy “For a man to be a good minister of our Ghost-unctionized sermon delivering the Lord, he must have within him a sense of person? Preaching is a passion, not a pro­ urgency. With that, he responds to a feeling fession—and that passion is centered in the of commitment. This should lead to ade­ Person of Christ. The individual who pos­ quate training; but when he is trained, he sesses that passion must so possess the dare not lose touch with people, lest he be­ Person that the Person possesses him. come professionalized, and not simply our Lord’s minister, with professional ethics Preaching is emphasizing, explaining, ex­ and skills.” posing, and expounding God’s Word. It is not apologizing for that Word, nor mini­ “What is the difference between the mizing nor explaining away that Word. It is teaching ministry of a preacher and the not altering, adding to, diluting, or doctoring teaching ministry of a teacher? The best that Word. It is not using a pinch of the preachers are teaching preachers. Our lay­ Book and pounds of books. “Preach the men want to know what we believe and word”-—not philosophy, psychology, science, why, when they ask for doctrinal preaching. history, or current events. Telling stories, Every minister must give a good account of quoting poems, describing sunsets is not himself. This is one reason why it is not so preaching the Word! easy as some folks think to be a minister.” “But how can we tell whether a minister And remember, the written Word reveals is effective in his work, and how can he the living Word! Bible study and Bible tell? His growth in grace, his demonstra­ preaching are not ends in themselves. Christ tions of personal integrity, the loyalty and is the Subject, Source, Substance, and Sum generosity with which the congregation re­ of all the sacred Scriptures. If you do not sponds to his leadership. The minister minister Him, you are not preaching the makes his church, and the church makes Word! And if you preach the Word you will him.” preach Christ, for the Book is about Him! “If a person comes to the minister and says, ‘It’s as if the roof were lifted off my house this week and you saw the problem I was facing and helped me,’ then the min­ Faults are thick when love is thin. ister may be sure he is making some strides — Selected. forward.”

60 (268) The Preacher's Magazine “I think, also, that the success or failure dards of a God-called preacher! Gladstone, of a minister may be judged by the souls the Grand Old Man of England, said to his saved and lives changed. If at the end of the son, “If God calls you to be a preacher, do year the congregation had to take a test not stoop to be a king.” on Bible knowledge, or Christian growth, that would be a good measuring stick.” Developing loyalty to Christ and the King­ dom—these were all mentioned as tests of Ideas for Wide-awake Pastors ministerial effectiveness. A leading church official said that what (Continued from page 55) ministers do in the realm of the spiritual cannot be kept by statistics; but also added a very sick baby, Papa and Mama Jones that in normal conditions statistics are re­ and the two oldest children gave their vealing, and that it will be to the advantage hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ. That night of a more effective ministry when there he baptized the entire family, Mr. and Mrs. are more and better statistics. Jones and their two older children. They all went into the baptistry together. A “When a minister goes year after year neighbor called his pastor to go with him. without receiving persons into the fellow­ ship of the church on confession of faith, This great church and great Sunday he cannot be considered an effective min­ school have been built on a Monday night ister.’’ yearly visitation program. I know your “Isn’t there a need of ministry that can problems of indifferent members. I know help people to find the resources of God your limitations of small churches. I have within their own lives? This might offer a been there, and also I have seen the church take on spiritual life and revival tides test of an effective ministry.” come as the people began to co-operate. “Is the business of a preacher to preach Start now. Start this month. Start if you the word of God? He is responsible for the have only one person in your church who maintenance of his own personal integrity, will go with you next Monday night. Get for his commitment, for unselfish and sig­ all the Mid-Century literature the Publish­ nificant living. He haS to have pretty strong ing House has. Read it and pray until your faith, something on the inside to do that.” own soul is on fire. Get a copy of New “It is absolutely criminal for laymen to Testament Evangelism, by Arthur Archi­ expect ministers to work for less than a bald. Read it on your knees, and God will living wage, and to end their careers with give you a vision and a passion that will set less security than a businessman has.” you on fire. Start. Start with one, if neces­ “A preacher should preach and live his sary. Then the following Monday split up, convictions, no matter what the opposi­ and each of you get someone else to go with tion.” him. Get a promise from each seeker at the “The minister must realize his own limita­ altar each Sunday night that he will join tions—mental and spiritual and cultural. He you Monday night in visitation, and your must master his materials before he calling group will grow. preaches on them. What he talks about As your groups multiply, your results must have a direct bearing on the needs of will begin to be seen and they too will the people. After prayer, he must believe pyramid. Build your Wednesday evening that what he says is not merely his own testimony service around the Monday night opinion, but the will of God, as he under­ experiences of callers. That will give you stands it.” a midweek punch. “The minister who is not prepared to Every church I have visited which has speak forthrightly, when he is moved by the really attempted to use the Mid-Century Spirit, will soon lose his influence. All the Crusade material and programs has seen authority he wants is the authority of per­ real advances in every department of the suasion, the authority that comes because church. he has labored long and hard to be accurate in his facts, the authority that laymen give him because they have respect for his mind L e t t e r h e a d S u g g e s t io n and spirit.” Preaching is big business. It takes all I saw the letterhead used by G. Preston, there is in a man to be a successful minister. Bishop of Rochester, Minnesota, church. God pity any man who trifles with this The slogan thrilled me—the church with the sacred calling and lives beneath the stan­ eternal purpose.

July-August, 1950 (269) 61 A Code for Christian Marriage

This code has been prepared by D. Suggest to each couple inspira­ the Maryville Ministerial Alliance, tional and informative books on mar­ Maryville, Missouri, for the guidance riage. of individuals contemplating Chris­ E. Help parents to realize that the tian marriage, that they may be re­ homes of today are preparing people minded of the special responsibilities for the marriages of tomorrow. that are theirs. III. We Believe, Therefore, That Any I. We Believe That Individuals Minister Is Justified in Requiring: About to Enter into Christian Mar­ A. Advance notice of the request riage Have the Obligation to: to officiate. A. Prepare themselves spiritually B. Evidence of preparation for and intellectually under the guidance marriage. of their minister, as he and they see C. At least one unhurried inter­ fit. view with each person or couple. B. Assure themselves of their D. An interview with the parents physical fitness by an examination by of unusually young persons. a competent physician. E. Evidence of a satisfactory agree­ C. Plan their wedding that it may ment about religious questions. be, if possible, administered in the church and by the minister of one IV. We Believe That Any Minister of the individuals. Is Justified in Refusing to Marry: D. Give sufficient public notice of A. Persons unable to comprehend their wedding, and give the minister the significance of the marriage vows. advance notice. B. Persons believed to be intoxi­ E. Avoid seeking the blessing of the cated. church upon their marriage unless C. Persons obviously not serious. they intend in their wedded life to fulfill their responsibilities as Chris­ D. Couples desirous of making a tians. public “stunt” of their wedding. E. Any divorced persons except as his conscience and his church allow. II. We Believe the Minister Has the Obligation to: F. Couples obviously attempting to evade the laws of their state. A. Impress upon all couples re­ G. Couples whose personality pat­ questing marriage the sanctity of the terns make understanding and real vows. fellowship improbable. B. Satisfy himself that the mar­ H. Any person not acting under his riage is worthy of the blessing of the or her own free will. church. NOTE: In all matters of the inter­ C. Prepare couples for married life pretation of this code, the judgment of through classes or interviews. the minister involved will be final.

62 (270) The Preacher's Magazine The Preparation of the Church for the Revival

By Otto C. Perry

e n , m o n e y , a n d G o d are the three es­ prepared well, we are looking for unusual M sentials for a revival. A compre­ things to happen. The grounds, buildings, hensive study preparing for a revival would, and equipment are not the church; but they of course, include the entire setup of the are the tools of the church, and it is said, church. But since I am to discuss only the “You can judge a workman by his tools.” “Preparation of the Church for the Re­ Should not the church have her tools in vival,” I will endeavor to include only those polished array for this harvest of the most things directly connected with what would priceless commodity, human souls? be considered the preparation of the church. Special financial pulls should be kept out First, and of prime importance in the of the way during the revival. No doubt it preparation for the revival, is the prepara­ is a good arrangement to have the finance tion of the buildings, equipment, and even of the revival provided before the revival the grounds. Some time ago I read from starts. The workers have been called for T h e P r e a c h e r ’ s M a g a z i n e that a well-kept this special emphasis, and we should take lawn is good evangelism. In looking for­ the attitude that this is a special occasion. ward toward a revival, it would be well They are special workmen and the church to drive along the street by the church and should accept them as such. The church see what the passer-by sees. Take a good should never disappoint the called workers look at the things that would attract in an by a mediocre offering. appealing way, and those things that would And now, we come to the very essential be uninviting or even repulsive. The build­ phase of preparation, preparing the con­ ings and grounds of the church are the stituency of the church. Let us look first silent advertisers selling our church to at the community. I do not mean adver­ every passer-by of discounting every pos­ tising the revival, for that responsibility sible sale. Of course the church could not, has been delegated to another. But the out­ every revival, go into extensive landscape side, the immediate community, is definitely designing, shrubbery planting, painting, and a part of our church and certainly needs general cleaning up; but certainly there are preparation. For the attitude of friends and those little detractions that can be over­ acquaintances of the church will go far to­ come. The general appearance of the ward making or ruining a good revival premises can be tidied up and neatness and effort. There must be that undefinable orderliness prevail. Just to do some work something pervading the air, charging the on the building, repairing doors and win­ atmosphere, that something is about to hap­ dows, improving the general appearance of pen. The Nazarenes are having a revival. the property, will help to get the congrega­ There should be an accepted thought in the tion in the right anticipation for a revival. minds of the public that when the Naza­ Then, there is the inside of the building— renes advertise a revival it means some­ thing. This preparation cannot be done in the furniture and decorations—that need a day. It is being accomplished when you scrutiny. Noticeable neglect and uncon­ pay your bills, when the membership of the cern bring thoughts that set concretely in church participates in worth-while civic the minds of visitors. When entering, they see, decorating the walls, last year’s posters achievements, when it is known that the church has not only negative qualities but calling for the Easter or Thanksgiving of­ high standards of aggressiveness. That your fering, or pictures colored and stained by church is doing its part in making the com­ exposure to time. These certainly do not munity a highly desirable place in which to produce thoughts of thrift and aggressive­ live and rear a family is certainly good re­ ness. Everything, including the arrange­ vival preparation. The product of our church ment of furniture and equipment, all that is our best advertisement. reaches the keen senses of men, should testify that we have been looking forward A revival is harvest, but you cannot have to this event with much concern. Having a harvest without sowing. One harvesttime,

July-August, 1950 (271) 63 I drove along the highway between two tage prayer meetings, group prayer meet­ fields of grain. A combine was running in ings, special prayer meetings, chain pray­ each field. In one field, there was a good ing, and prayer lists are all helpful. All of harvest: few weeds, and a bountiful yield of these and perhaps many other activities grain. In the other field, many weeds were could be and should be carried on in a to be seen and a scanty yield of grain. With systematic, co-ordinated way. But the only a road between the two fields, I won­ church has been prepared only when on dered at the difference and decided to watch its knees it has been melted, filled, and during the coming year to determine if saturated with the holy presence of God. farming operations accounted for the differ­ When men reach the place they are literally ence in yield. After harvest I saw the field willing to die to see souls brought into the having the meager yield, neglected; weeds Kingdom, they are ready for a revival. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing grew. Late in the fall the ground was hap­ precious seed, shall doubtless come again hazardly plowed and later carelessly drilled. with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with The field on the opposite side of the road him.” To be prepared for a revival our peo­ was plowed with skill and carefully culti­ ple should reach that yearning that char­ vated. No weeds were allowed to grow at acterized Jacob when wrestling with the any time. Strict attention was given to the angel. He said, “I will not let thee go, sowing. No vacant places were left. At the except thou bless me.” The Scripture says, right time, and in the right way, with the “And he blessed him there,” and said, “For best of machinery was the work accom­ as a prince hast thou power with God and plished. The following year told the same with men, and hast prevailed.” Moses story as the previous one. prayed unto the Lord and said, “If thou You cannot prepare for harvest the day wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, before the reaper starts. The sowing is a I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast large part of the preparation for the har­ written.” Paul said, “I could wish that my­ vest. But consider a more definite prepara­ self were accursed from Christ for my tion of the church, the real church, the flesh brethren, my kinsmen according to the and bone of the church, which is essentially flesh.” When pastor and people have such the spirituality of the church. Long-time preparation, no doubt they are prepared for plans may have been in operation. Grounds, a revival. The church going into a revival buildings, community, all in readiness, but is going into battle, and should and must what about the leadership of the church, go in to win. Do not go in to win in a the sinew and backbone of the organization? small, mediocre way. Go in to win under Here is the real heart and life of the church. the mighty hand of God. Expect victory; The leadership of the church should have work and pray and boost, expecting God to definite training and understanding as to accomplish the impossible. Remember the how to produce or bring about the spirit of words of Carey, “Undertake great things for revival during a revival. Indeed, they need God; expect great things from God.” to be as “wise as serpents, and harmless as Then, when the revival starts, be on the doves.” Our people need to be decorous but alert to hear from heaven, openhearted and willing to obey the Spirit. Right here is willing to be obedient to the voice of the where the heart and soul of the preparation Spirit. Don’t get upset if all does not move is sorely needed. The Christian Service as you planned. Keep working and praying Training course, “Evangelism in the Local Church” (Textbook, Labor of Love, by Dr. and boosting. Keep holding on. Remember, G. B. Williamson) is fine. Win Them, a little “ ’Tis God that gives the victory.” booklet by Dr. Jarrette Aycock, will be very Yes, the church has been in preparation helpful, as will The Soul Winning Teacher, for a revival, from the basement to the attic, by Flossie Plummer. Many, many more from surrounding communities to the could be cited which would be so helpful, friends across the street, from Cradle Roll to but after all this is done, the real preparation the pastor. The working of the Holy Spirit still is needed—not head knowledge but is so ardent in the hearts of the people heart culture. It’s the daily association with that they tread softly, as if on holy ground. the Master Hand on the hearts of men that God is in this place. will prepare us to be winners of men. Con­ May I give one incident of our last revival stant association and communion is the only at Yukon, the young people’s revival? way to become “more like the Master.” Preparation was in full swing. A mother Visitation in interest of the revival is was called to come to California to a sick good. It should be, it must be, done. Cot­ married daughter. When she arrived, she

64 (272) The Preacher's Magazine found a drunken husband, neglected chil­ prayed and we held on to God. Drops of dren, and an abused wife—their home in sweat the size of peas broke out upon the a deplorable condition. The mother wired face of the sergeant. Still they cried and for money to bring the daughter and two prayed. Finally, it was settled. God had children home. They returned. The church come. The young father, kneeling, to give was in prayer. The father of the married his testimony, said: “I am thirty-four years daughter sought counsel and a suit for old. This is the first time I have been maintenance was begun. The revival date in church for fifteen years, the first time in dawned. Many of the church were in des­ my life to kneel at an altar of prayer or perate prayer. Within a week the young to make a profession. My life is completely father arrived (a T/Sgt in the army). Early changed. I am going to live for the Lord.” on the morning of arrival, he went to his Standing by the car, to go home, he tore up father-in-law’s place of business and said, his cigarettes and threw them away. The "I have come back here to go to that revival next morning he led in family prayer. and get saved.” He was told if he meant Should I say, Go into the revival expect­ business it was the finest move of his life; if ing the unusual? Perhaps I should say not, it was worthless. All that day we that just such things are the usual to ex­ prayed. In the evening service, the young pect when the church has prayed and pre­ people came together. At the time of the pared and the way is wide-open for God altar service, without personal invitation, to work. Yes, we must have men, money, they walked down the aisle together and and God. But “ ’tis God that gives the vic­ knelt for prayer. For a long, long time they tory.”

First, I am confident that if you A Letter Suggestion know that each day at this hour we are praying for you, you will draw “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU” near to God at that same time, or at some other time of day, for prayer. By Boyd C. Hancock Jesus says, “I say unto you, That if

D e a r F r i e n d : two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall According to my birthday file, you ask, it shall be done for them of my will have a birthday next week. Father which is in heaven” (Matt. Your friend and pastor is beginning 18:19). the custom of setting aside a portion Second, To let you know that your of each day for special prayer to God friend and pastor remembers your for the members and friends of the birthday. Then, too, it will open the ...... Church of the Nazarene. way for you, if you wish, to call upon Since it is impossible to pray for sev­ us and have a heart-to-heart talk with eral hundred people by name each us concerning anything that may rest day, I plan to follow regularly a sys­ heavily upon your soul. Feel free to tematic, daily period of prayer for call at the parsonage, to phone, or to those whose birthdays come within write. I shall count it a privilege to the period of the following week, be­ be of help to you. ginning with Monday and including Sunday. I also invite your daily prayers for your pastor, your church, and for Your name appears on my list for God’s blessing upon every endeavor next week. I want you to know that of our church program. “Bear ye one each day between 6:45 a.m. and 7:30 another’s burdens, and so fulfil the a.m. I shall definitely pray for you by law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). name. My purpose in acquainting you with this program of prayer is two­ Faithfully and sincerely, fold...... P a s t o r

July-August, 1950 (273) 65 the powerful, and the charming are Heard by the Wayside often just as miserable as their en­ vious brothers.— S y d n e y J. H a r r i s , Courtesy is the key to success. Chicago Daily News. There’s no lock too complicated for it to open.— Bendixline, Bendix Avia­ tion Corp. “It’s difficult to explain what a course in logic will do for a person’s thinking, but let me illustrate,” the God pity the teacher who does not professor told a student. the job for which he is paid (no mat­ “Suppose two men come out of a ter how little). For in time, his stu­ chimney—one is clean, one dirty. dents will raise whole generations to Which takes a bath?” curse him for his negligence.— C h a s . V. Y o u m a n s , College of Education, “The dirty one, naturally,” an­ University of Kentucky. swered the student. “Remember,” chided the professor, “ that the clean man sees the dirty one Recently the American Institute of and sees how dirty he is, and vice Public Opinion asked a cross section versa.” of adults: “If a person who is not a “Now I get it,” answered the stu­ citizen of the United States were to dent. “The clean one, seeing his dirty ask you what’s the one best thing companion, concludes he’s dirty too— about being an American citizen, what so he takes the bath. Am I right?” would you say?”—Freedom in gen­ eral was put down by 41 per cent. “Wrong,” said the professor non­ Freedom of speech, press, or thought chalantly. “ Logic teaches us this: was specifically mentioned by an­ How could two men come out of a other 15 per cent; 10 per cent liked chimney, one clean and one dirty?” best of all their freedom to do as they —Times of Brazil (Sao Paulo). please; 7 per cent each favored free­ dom of religion and the right to vote. In all, about 4 out of 5 of the respon­ “Save us from the sin of worrying, dents stressed freedom in one way or lest stomach ulcers be the badge of another. Only about 15 per cent our lack of faith.”— Prayer of U.S. picked the economic opportunities Senate Chaplain, D r . P e t e r M a r ­ and system of this country.—This is s h a l l . another impressive indication of the still strong and widespread devotion of our people to their basic liberties An optimist laughs to forget; a pes­ as distinguished from economic secur­ simist forgets to laugh.—R a y D. E v e r ­ ity.— Birmingham News-Age-Herald. s o n , Indiana Farmer’s Guide.

To the poor man, happiness is A real test of patience. When you money; to the sick man, health; to the dutifully call on some old acquain­ obscure man, fame; to the weak man, tance and observe three of your long- power; to the homely man, charm. lost books snug on his shelves.— Yet the rich, the healthy, the famous, Chimes.

66 (274) The Preacher's Magazine This new book for the Minister

From the Early Church Fathers

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