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Preacher's Magazine Church of the Nazarene

9-1938 Preachers Magazine Volume 13 Number 09 J. B. Chapman (Editor) Olivet Nazarene University

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Recommended Citation Chapman, J. B. (Editor), "Preachers Magazine Volume 13 Number 09" (1938). Preacher's Magazine. 153. https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/cotn_pm/153

This Book 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]. r& oue 3SPEBR 1938 SEPTEMBER, 13 Volume PREACHER'S MAGAZINE * eesr t big e it poiec ad oiia favor. was political days, and those prominence in into rule, men a bring as to that, necessary standing social cultured fosterfather. His Joseph, of shop the H H ak o life. of walks u mjsi i fr ad ot i thought. in lofty and form in majestic but tious. n tm ad rcfe a a malefactor. a as crucified and time and mankind. of good the atv, n gv gfs no e. i lf ws hr, His upon short, impression was A ineffaceable life — an His left He men. but unto brief, gifts ministry gave and captive, rs timhn ad sedd n ih “e e captivity led “He high. on ascended and triumphant arose h wrd nqae b ay te pro wo vr lived. ever who person other any by unequaled world the r o h t u e a rae i pvry ad okd s cretr in carpenter a as worked and poverty, in reared was He ws on n ltl, bcr tw i Plsie and Palestine, in town obscure little, a in born was E i floes n fins ee hsn rm h humbler the from chosen were friends and followers His unostenta­ always was public the before appearance His the wealth, schools, the of prestige the without was He i tahns ee odru, ra i ter simplicity, their in great wonderful, were teachings good. His doing about went He e e wt pplr cli ad fiil opposition. official and acclaim popular with met He i mrce wr rsrce t te lr o Gd and God of glory the to restricted were miracles His h gae ol nt od i. n h tid a He day third the On Him. country hold His not of could grave people The the by misunderstood was He H LR JSS CHRIST JESUS LORD THE rde i a manger. a in cradled U n w o n k n . The

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The Preacher’s Magazine of men, and let him prepare himself for this work by study and prayer until those who look to him in Published monthly by the Nazarene Publishing House, this matter will have no occasion to be disappointed. 2923 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Mo., maintained by and in the interest of the Church of the Nazarene. Obtuseness is the alibi of the indolent. The Subscription Price: $1.00 a year. Entered as second class preacher must be sure. In the spheres where he is matter at the Postoffice at Kansas City, Mo. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in Section 1103, not sure, let him be silent. Speculation is becoming Act of October 3, 1917, authorized December 30, 1925. to the philosopher, but not to the preacher, and there is plenty within the scope of certainty to J. B. Chapman, D. D., Editor occupy the sincere preacher until he can learn more. D. Shelby Corlett, Managing Editor And wherein he is sure, let him speak out without Address all contributions to The Preacher's Magazine, compromise or apology. Let him use plain words, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. simple phrases, direct sentences and understandable propositions. A layman complained that his preach­ er was incomprehensible on Sunday and invisible for the rest of the week. Truth has an authority all Three Indispensable Qualities its own— an authority of stronger force with the wills and consciences of men than can be exercised T h e E d it o r by the most absolute earthly dictator. But truth HERE are of course many qualities which go has a time and occasion element that must not be into the making of a preacher who is worthy overlooked. “Words fitly spoken are like apples of of his calling, but there are three which it gold in pictures of silver.” The preacher who, un­ T seems to me are especially indispensable. They areder the leadership of the Spirit of God, can say dependability of character, clarity of expression and the right thing at the right time need take no cog­ directness of purpose. nizance of consequences. Holy recklessness is be­ coming to the preacher who is directed by the Spirit Every man has his tests and temptations, regard­ in both the content and spirit of his message. less of his calling, and it may be we should never But what is the real purpose in it all? What think that one man’s lot is harder than another’s. does the preacher hope to gain? What difference Each man’s lot is different from another, but it may will it make if men accept or reject his message? be that the compensations bring us out about even. What action does he call for? What is to be done And if we are sure we are in the calling that God about the matter? designs for us, we may also be sure we were de­ A business man said to the preacher, “If you were signed for that calling. At any rate there are spe­ my salesman, I’d discharge you. You got my at­ cial tests which come to the preacher. Many of tention by your appearance, voice and manner; these are the more dangerous because they are your prayer, reading and logical discourse aroused subtle. For example, the preacher is more subject to the enervating effect of public sympathy than my attention; you warmed my heart with a desire the man in other callings. When did we hear that for what you preached, and then—and then you a certain doctor or lawyer was working too hard? stopped, without asking me to do something about or that a certain merchant has too many customers? it! In business, the important thing is to get them But in practically every congregation there are to sign on the dotted line.” those who contend most earnestly that the preacher Perhaps some will object to the simplicity of the is killing himself at hard work. The truth is the statement that the sole business of the preacher is preacher often is overworking, but so are the others. to save souls— men like to be full and lengthy even The difference is that the preacher gains sympathy at the price of effectiveness. And by the time the and others do not. Perhaps the sympathy is ap­ average definition of the preacher’s purpose is set preciated, but it is a test and a temptation, just forth the average man decides the purpose is inde­ the same. Then the preacher is trusted in social finable as well as indefinite and that it is unlikely to and financial ways as no other man is trusted, and ever be reached anyway. he needs to be a man of sound heart, full of good The term “ saving souls” is comprehensible of all judgment, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost that lies between conviction and glorification, but and dependable in heart and character. The good it is direct in that it centers in spiritual realities. preacher is first of all a good man, and there is no The preacher saves a soul when he encourages a substitute for goodness of the true, New Testament, tempted saint to fight on quite as much as when pentecostal type. he induces a sinner to repent and believe on Christ. On the matter of expression, it may be observed But there must be a purpose and the accomplish­ that the preacher is a specialist in his own field, ment of that purpose must be earnestly sought. and that field is well defined. Let the preacher It seems to me it might minister to effectiveness take good care to observe the limitations— his is the if the preacher would ask himself some such ques­ field of divinity, especially having to do with men’s tions as these during the process of his preparation relationship to God and their consequent duties to to preach: Why have I chosen this particular sub­ one another. Let the doctors prescribe the medicine, ject? What is my general and specific purpose in let the lawyers give the legal advice. Let the preaching on this theme at this time? Who will be preacher deal with the Word of God and the souls there that will need this sermon? W hat definite SEPTEMBER, 1938 ( 259) PAGE THREE choice or action may I reasonably expect as a result Never get up and say, “Now we do not like to to this effort? close a service without giving souls a chance to Questions like these will help the preacher to seek God. So while we sing if there is anyone here think more clearly as to the most likely introduc­ who wants to come forward, let him do so. If not, tion, the most apt illustrations, and especially as to we shall close the service at the conclusion o f this hymn.” If you do not have a conviction that the particular manner or conclusion. Shall he con­ some one there should definitely seek God, better clude with an urgent call to penitents? Shall he make the proposition general and somewhat covered close with a hymn of praise? Shall he finish with and dismiss the service. If you definitely feel that a prayer of consecration and devotion? Clear knowl­ the public altar should be presented, present it defi­ edge of his own purpose will help him decide these nitely and urgently and persistently. It is a bad consequential questions. thing to allow the people to form the habit of A pastor preached a good and effective sermon on “ not minding the preacher.” In the interest of an tithing. At the end he said, “Some of you are effective ministry, make as sure as you can that convinced that this is truth and that you should you should get response before you call for it, and become a regular, systematic tither, but you are un­ then when you call for it be insistent of receiving it. certain as to how to begin. I ’ll tell you what to do: Doctor Bresee used to say, “ Never close a meeting take out of your pocket whatever money you have without response.” If he came to the close of an there and remove one-tenth of it right now. Make evangelistic service uncertain as to whether he could this the beginning of a new practice. Then when get seekers to the altar, he would make a proposition you get any more money, take out the tithe with­ that would get the Christian people about the altar out delay, and before you spend any of it. Follow and there he would conclude the service amidst on in just that way and from this hour on account prayer and praise, and the people were better off yourself a regular and systematic tither.” This last for having been saved from the hardening effects of word bore fruit. At least one man is known to disregarding the exhortations of the preacher. It have followed the preacher’s suggestion, and he was hardens people for them to draw back. Make as a man who was already convinced that the tithing sure as you can that you should get response and plan is scriptural and best, but he needed to “get then get it. Keep the people coming your way and started.” This is directness of purpose in a matter God’s way and let them become established in the of Christian ethics. belief that they are safe always to do as you ask Just this word in closing: Propositions to be them to do. And may God give you success in useful have to be definite, plain, simple and urgent. this difficult calling.

Thoughts on Holiness from the Old Writers

Olive M. Winchester

Righteous Indignation

Be ye angry and sin not, let not the sun go sincere in seeking to keep our spirits right. This down upon your wrath (Eph. 4: 26). is an art which finds its finesse with repeated study and understanding. It is one thing to have our NE of the great problems in living the sanc­ tified life is the proper regulation and ex­ natures cleansed, and it is another thing to know pression of the feeling of indignation. This how to express that purity of nature in all of has its relevancy in our relationships to our fellow-the issues and adjustments of life. man and also to our own spirit. There is always In all of the manifestations of the grace of God Othe possibility in the expression of righteous indig­within the heart, it would seem that none is more nation that to others we may seem to be angry, indicative of its effectiveness than this special fea­ and the question arises frequently in our own hearts, ture, a right temper. There are some people who have we really admitted sinful anger or have we seem by nature to have a very placid disposition, kept within the realm of righteous indignation. Ac­ but their number is few; those who have by nature cordingly this question needs careful consideration. a fiery temper seem to be legion, and the proper We do not propose to be able to give a full solution regulation of that impulsive nature after its in­ to the question, but will consider some suggestions herent evil has been removed becomes one of the for guidance for interpretation of our own spirit major problems in Christian living. and for the control of such emotions. Facing the problem of the impulsive nature there A R i g h t T e m p e r o f S u p r e m e I m p o r t a n c e are some who never learn the lesson of poise and One thing I am sure we all feel is of supreme self-control; this fruit of the Spirit has never caught importance that we should always have and always their mind’s vision; they rush on in haste borne show a right temper. W e never can feel at rest on by natural impulses without waiting to quiet within ourselves unless we cultivate this trait; we! their spirits in divine presence that they be domi­ will have inner misgivings about the efficiency of nated by the Spirit of God rather than natural the experience of entire sanctification unless we are urges and drives. PAGE FOUR ( 260) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

Speaking of this phase of Christian living T. C. other like conditions. We become offended be­ Upham wrote, “It is not by the number of our cause we have not been treated properly, someone words and actions, that we can most effectually serve has slighted us; we have not been given due con­ the cause of God and glorify His name. It is the sideration; we are indignant. It is not sin that is temper in which they are done, rather than the marring and staining lives that we vent our wrath mere multiplication of them, which gives them against but the fact we are suffering causes us to power. It was the remark of a good man, who arouse in protest. The ego is the center of the had much experience as a minister of the gospel, battlefield and not sin that has despoiled the lives that ‘we mar the work of God by doing it in our of mankind. Herein our anger is personal resent­ own spirit’.” ment and accordingly is sinful. Righteous indigna­ tion will always be directed against sin and the ‘ T h e N a t u r e o f R ig h t e o u s I n d i g n a t i o n personal element will be eliminated. Christ prayed It is much easier to dwell upon the importance for forgiveness for His enemies when their hatred of a right spirit that it is to define exactly what is of Him had culminated in the ultimate of all bitter­ a right spirit when we draw close in to fine dis­ ness and wrath; likewise should we have an attitude crimination. In the more vociferous expressions we of forgiveness toward our enemies for the personal can detect the right and wrong very easily, but wrongs they have done us. not so under other circumstances; here much cau­ tion is needed. A P r a c t ic a l R u l e Perhaps one of the touchstones of a true spirit is While the nature of righteous indignation may the after results, the nature of our own reactions, present some difficulties in defining, more difficult whether our own spirit seems somewhat depleted still is it to determine how we shall keep it within of grace or whether the peace of Christ reigns se­ its bounds, that it may not transgress beyond its renely within. If there are disturbance and turmoil, well defined limits. The subtle foe of our souls is which may not be a turmoil of evil temper but of always lingering near to see some favorable oppor­ natural traits, it is an index finger pointing to the tunity to drive a soul beyond the proper bounds of fact that we have not kept ourselves as fully in Christ’s living. He would inject the sinful into the love of God as we should have done, and righteous indignation and then turn and accuse the have not maintained the poise and self-control that very individual that he has ensnared. Thus we befits a child of God. who are not ignorant of his devices should ever be Wesley faced some of these problems with mem­ watchful. bers of his societies, and we have his reply given on Recognizing the dangers attendant in connection one instance to one who seemed to be troubled about with righteous indignation one of the writers seek­ the matter. He wrote, “What you feel is cer­ ing to make conduct in this respect as well as tainly a degree of anger, but not of sinful anger; others conform with the standards of holiness has there ought to be in us (as there was in our Lord) given this practical rule: “ The life of our Savior, not barely a perception in the understanding that as well as the precepts of the apostles, clearly this or that is evil; but also an emotion of mind, teaches us that there may be occasions on which a sensation or passion suitable thereto. This anger we may have feelings of displeasure, and even of at sin, accompanied with love and compassion to anger, without sin. Sin does not necessarily at­ the sinner, is so far from being itself a sin, that it tach to anger, considered in its nature, b u t' in its is rather a duty. St. Paul’s word is, ‘N ot easily degree. Nevertheless anger seldom exists in fact, provoked’ to any paroxysm of anger; neither are without becoming in its measurement inordinate and you: nevertheless, I suppose there is in you, when excessive. Hence it is important to watch against you feel a proper anger at sin, a hurrying motion of it, lest we be led into transgression. Make it a the blood and spirits, which is an imperfection.” rule, therefore, never to give any outward expression In analyzing this reply we note first that righteous to angry feelings (a course which will operate as a indignation is against states and conditions and not powerful check upon their excessive action) until against persons. The persons may be connected you have made them the subject of reflection and with the state and condition but the attitude toward prayer. And thus you may hope to be kept.” the person as a being, a personality is to be com­ Herein we have, it would appear, a very good passion. I am sure that if we never lose that sense rule. But we might add that when we go to pray of compassion for human beings, we will find that over the matter, we should go with a heart open wrong temper will not easily possess our souls. It to conviction and persuasion. Sometimes in our is written of Jesus that seeing the multitude, He had praying, as well as in other phases of life, we seek compassion upon them. Thus we should ever have only that the Lord should confirm us in our own compassion. Souls may be stained with sin, but judgment rather than to become still before the our hearts should go out in tender longing that Lord, receiving from Him an understanding and they might find salvation; we desoise the sinful enlightenment as to what we are to do. If we things they do, but we long for them, that they keep our heart open for the gentle movings of the find the life that conquers sin. Holy Spirit, then we will not go far wrong in our The second thing we notice in this reply that activities and expressions. the anger is directed against sin and not against Thus the matter of righteous indignation be­ personal affronts. Sinful anger for the most part comes one of importance and a critical one in our is directed against personal injuries, injustices and Christian living. It is important above all things SEPTEMBER, 1938 ( 2 6 1 ) PAGE FIVE that we always manifest the right spirit, far more into the sinful, and we need further to exercise important in this than we should give expression ourselves unto prayer that always we may be kept to indignation and disgust. And in this connection that ever we may speak the truth in love, and we need discrimination of judgment that we detect when the truth is incisive and poignant, we let no when the legitimate has a tendency to pass over bitterness creep into our spirit.

Emphasizing Holiness in Our Ministry

H. B. Garvin

O doubt this subject is one of considerable 3. W e should emphasize holiness in our ministry importance to the ministry of our church, because Christ, the world’s great Master Preacher N for the things which we emphasize in our has emphasized it in His ministry, and He is our ministry will become determining factors in theexample. In His ministry He taught the need of spiritual life and force of our movement. And it is the Holy Ghost; He promised “another Comforter,” certain that the poise and effectiveness of our min­ whom, He said, the “ Father will send in my name.” istry will depend largely upon the emphasis which Then, as He approached the end of His stay on we place upon matters which are fundamental, and earth He prayed in a high-priestly manner, “ Sanctify upon the attitude which we take toward problems them” ; and before He left them He commanded His which are incidental. When men reverse the natural followers to tarry in Jerusalem for the Holy Ghost. and logical order of things by placing undue em­ 4. W e find reason to emphasize holiness in our phasis upon incidentals to the neglect of funda­ ministry because Christ’s apostles, who were the mentals, it may be said that they are out of poise founders and pillars of the New Testament church, and unstable. This is not only generally true in unitedly emphasized holiness as a doctrine and ex­ the course of human experience, but it also applies perience. to ministerial leadership. We must emphasize fun­ 5. W e are encouraged to emphasize holiness be­ damentals, and certainly holiness is a fundamental. cause Paul, the great New Testament theologian, Hence, the importance of emphasizing holiness in emphasized it. Perhaps next to the teachings of our ministry. This is our chief business if we Christ himself in importance, stand the teachings of are to propagate and maintain a holiness movement. the Apostle Paul relative to the doctrine and ex­ We surely believe that holiness is a fundamental perience of Bible holiness. Paul was a profound in our gospel, and we refuse any “fundamentalism” theologian, and he doubtless surpassed all other which rejects, or neglects the glorious doctrine and authority in the early church in his power to con­ experience of heart-cleansing holiness. From the vince the Jews and other learned men of his day. standpoint of the Bible holiness is essential, for The theme of holiness as a doctrine and experi­ we are exhorted in Hebrews 12: 14 to “ Follow ence was not merely an afterthought with Paul. peace with all men, and holiness | or, the sanctifica- It began with his own experience, and with his tio] without which no man shall see the Lord.” call to the ministry. He was converted on the road Then since people cannot get to heaven without it, to Damascus, left blind for three days, during which it certainly becomes fundamental in our ministry time he fasted and prayed and was led about by that we bring the people into the light and experi­ friends. Finally Ananias prayed for him, laying ence of holiness. God requires it; He has pro­ his hands on him, and he received the Holy Ghost vided it; has definitely promised it; and can surely (Acts 9: 1-20). Paul, in telling about his experi­ perform it. In Luke 1: 73, we are told how God, ence and call, later quotes Christ with whom he in conversation with ancient Abraham, took an oath had conversed at the time of his conversion as to that effect: “The oath which he sware to our giving him command to preach holiness to the Gen­ father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, tiles, “ To open their eyes, and to turn them from that we, being delivered out of the hand of our darkness to light, and from the power of Satan enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of and righteousness before him, all the days of our sins, and inheritance among them which are sancti­ life.” fied by faith that is in me” (Acts 26: 18). It may The Nazarene ministry should emphasize a holi­ be said indeed that he was not disobedient to the ness gospel for several very distinct reasons: heavenly vision, for he intelligently and systematical­ 1. We are under the call and command of God ly pressed the subject of holiness upon his con­ to carry on a very serious business, the business verts everywhere. From these efforts to properly of getting people to heaven. Therefore this em­ instruct, indoctrinate and lead the people, we find phasis should be guarded by us because holiness is much of what may be designated as the Pauline necessary to the preparation of men’s souls for en­ holiness theology. trance into that better world. I will cite the reader to a few passages from his 2. We must emphasize holiness because we find writings as proof of this: Early in his ministry that many of the church movements of our day are Paul found “certain disciples” at Ephesus, and in­ failing to emphasize this Bible truth and experience. quired of them, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost PAGE SIX ( 262) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE since ye believed?” Their answer was that they God could be richer, more encouraging, more prom­ had “ not so much as heard whether there be any ising, or more hopeful for the success of the child Holy Ghost.” Then after they were baptized in of God than these qualities which attend the ex­ the name of the Lord Jesus, Paul laid his hands perience of perfect love, or Bible holiness. To me upon them and prayed for them, and they received this seems to be the climax of Paul’s argument for the Holy Ghost (Acts 19: 2-6). In his writings to the experience of holiness. the Corinthian brethren he waxed earnest and told 6. Still another argument in favor of emphasis them that they were “ yet carnal” even as “ babes being placed upon holiness is that the early church in Christ,” and explained to them why he had so fathers and Christian leaders have left a record of said (1 Cor. 3: 1-9). Again he insisted in his their stand for this experience. preaching to the brethren at Rome that this “ old 7. It is a fact not to be overlooked that church man” or “carnal mind” must be crucified and put movements from the day of Pentecost to the present to death (Romans 6: 6; 8: 1-7). Then he went on time have ultimately succeeded or failed in the and explained the manner of their consecration by work of reaching the lost on the basis of their em­ saying, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the phasis upon the doctrine and experience of holiness. mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living In the light of this fact we are convinced that it is sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your necessary for Christ’s ministry to emphasize holiness reasonable service” (Romans 12: 1). To the Thes- as an essential. salonian Christians he testified that he was “ Night 8. Again we should emphasize holiness in our and day praying exceedingly” to the end that they ministry because, as ministers and Christian workers, might have their hearts established “unblameable we must have the experience in order to be able to in holiness before God” (1 Thess. 3: 10-13). He successfully meet the challenge of Christ’s command pressed home the subject further by declaring, “ This to “ Go into all the world” and to “every creature” is the will of God, even your sanctification” (1 with this great gospel commission. Thess. 4: 7). Stressing their need of holiness a But the question may arise as to how we are to bit more he insisted, “That every one of you should preach holiness. And it does make a great deal know how to possess his vessel [body] in sancti­ of difference as to how we preach concerning this fication and honour,” and further pointing out that, Bible truth. It will do but little good to preach it “ God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto vaguely. It must be preached intelligently; it holiness” (1 Thess. 4: 4, 7). Then he closes the must be preached wisely; it must be preached prac­ subject of holiness with these brethren by saying tically, consistently and constantly; it must be in that priestly, classical manner for them to be preached tenderly, enthusiastically and forcefully. sanctified wholly in “ spirit and soul and body,” But in order to preach holiness in this manner it and declared, “Faithful is he that calleth you, will be admitted that our ministers must have a who also will do it” (1 Thess. 5: 23, 24). solid background of experience; of training; of in­ I might point out other passages in Paul’s writings doctrination; and of holy living. M ay the Lord showing his persistent aim in his teaching on the help our holiness ministry, for we have a great task subject of holiness, but I shall now satisfy myself of emphasizing holiness. in that respect by taking the reader directly to the Finally, there are some very definite results which apostle’s summation of relative values in relation to we may have a right to expect from proper emphasis “charity” or perfect love. Here he devotes an en­ upon holiness in the Christian ministry: tire chapter in summing up in a classical manner the practical virtues found in this wonderful ex­ 1. The people who come under the influence of perience. I refer to the passage of scripture which such preaching, and who are sincere and hungry for is designated as the divine love chapter of the truth, will be surely and definitely led into the ex­ Bible, the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians. perience. Many people will read it, quote it and admire it, 2. Proper emphasis on holiness on the part of but disregard it from the standpoint of Christian the ministry will largely purge the church of carnal experience. It is an outstanding masterpiece on confusion and petty strife by keeping the people Pauline holiness theology. In his treatment of the bathed in the fullness and freshness of God’s grace subject in this chapter he makes it clear that all and glory. gifts from God, however excellent in their proper 3. Eternal emphasis upon the truth and experi­ time and place, are “nothing” without this perfect ence of heart-cleansing holiness is the only thing love experience. He then proceeds to enumerate which will enable us to keep the church on earth very definitely the characteristics of such an experi­ immune from worldliness in the midst of the mad ence: It “ suffereth long, and is kind” ; it “ envieth fashions and customs of this modern age. No not” ; “is not puffed up” ; “Doth not behave itself amount of strict church discipline, or rugged gospel unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily pro­ preaching alone will give the desired result in keep­ voked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth . . . in the truth.” ing the church free from encroaching worldliness. It “ beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth Every stroke of the radical preacher, or of the all things, endureth all things” and “ never faileth.” rugged disciplinarian, without the tender and unc­ What a glorious climax the writer has here reached! tuous anointing of the Spirit of God will only drive Nothing in the realm of nature, or of the grace of the worldly one farther into worldliness. But fre­ SEPTEMBER, 1938 (263) PAGE SEVEN

quent outpourings of the Holy Spirit in baptismal restraint which will largely eliminate the necessity power, and fresh anointing upon the people of for enforced discipline in the church. This is the God, will awaken a vital consciousness of the reality most effective type of discipline in any church. of God and righteousness, and will clearly set up Oh, if only that great army of godly pastors and a line of demarcation between the church and the evangelists who are now working under the ban­ world. And I believe that experience has proved ner of Christianity could see the importance of that this consciousness of the reality of divine things this! Brethren, let us continue to emphasize holi­ will produce an atmosphere of holy love and self­ ness in our ministry!

Casting the Net

Article Five

The “Siege” Revival

N recent years it has been the custom of not a preachers and people expect nothing and get it. few good evangelists to hold ten-day meetings. Shame! When God wants only a willing and obedi­ In the judgment of the writer, this is too short ent human agency or agencies to save a lost world. a time for either large or permanent results. For just about the time the meeting is well under way, U s in g t h e I n d i v i d u a l theI evangelist must close his engagement and push When the “ siege” is well on, it is a capital plan on for another field. The siege plan is better. to select as many capable workers as you can se­ Plan for a month or six-week campaign. This is cure for personal work in your congregation. Make especially possible in a large church, and is not im­ a diagram of your church auditorium, and place possible in the smaller churches. Here are some of these workers in various parts of the room, as­ the advantages: (1) The length of time makes it signing each to a certain section. These can then possible to interest the entire church. (2) The pro­ watch for any indication on the part of those who tracted meeting will the nearer stir and reach the may be influenced by the meeting. When one has community. (3 ) As the revival increases, the held a hand for prayer, the special worker, right on crowds will increase; thus making it possible to the spot, can usually get such a one to an altar move multitudes toward God. (4) The converts of prayer. The wise pastor or evangelist can also need the enthusiasm, and ample opportunity for instruct these workers, telling them how to do, and personal work and testimony. (5) It gives the how not to do, as the case may be. Personal evangelist time to indoctrinate those who need it. work in the congregation must be done wisely and (6) The pastor has time to gather large numbers carefully, and not a few who aspire to this kind into the church. (7) A great revival is much better of work need instruction, that blunders may be re­ for a community than a revival symptom, or just a duced to the minimum. little spurt. T h e P o w e r H o u s e

P l a n n i n g f o r t h e S ie g e Where conditions are at all favorable, appoint a meeting specifically for prayer, at an hour when a Take ample time. Lay a solid foundation. En­ number can get there; say, from nine to ten a. m., thuse the church. Spend considerable money ad­ just for one hour, and no longer. Make this a vertising. Do not plan as though you expected to red-hot prayermeeting where mighty prayer will arise fizzle out at the little end of the horn. If you do, for the services, and especially the meeting that you will fizzle. Get as many persons interested as day and night. Call this meeting the “ power possible. Talk it, pray it, sing it. Have church house” of the revival, and urge as many to come prayermeetings, cottage prayermeetings, special as possible, even if at a sacrifice. This will require prayermeetings, church board prayermeetings. W ork strength on the part of the evangelist or pastor, but up, and pray down. Use the local newspapers. it will pay large dividends in the salvation of Impress the community that something unusual will souls. happen, and it will. Have faith in God, and plan for “big” results. God is especially pleased with A Day o f Prayer and Fasting “faith that laughs at impossibilities.” He likes Set apart one day each week and call it the monopoly when it comes to religion. T oo many Midweek Sabbath or Day of Prayer and Fasting. Begin at ten-thirty a. m. and close at three p. m. These articles are taken from a handbook for Make this one of the great days of the feast. Get preachers, “Casting the Net,” by the late Rev. C. E. word to all the members and friends, and make a Cornell, one of the most successful soul winners of strenuous effort to secure a very large attendance. our church. The book has been out of print for The attendance, usually, will not be as large as you some years, but these messages are so vital we are anticipate but it will be good, and the hours spent printing them for the benefit of our younger ministers very profitable. If all persons cannot remain all and those who were not privileged to read the book. of the time, ask them to come for a part of the ■—M anaging Editor. time. Business men and women can run in for an PACE EIGHT (264) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE hour at noon. Others, maybe, can remain longer. noon. If the town is small, plan to get into every Many will remain throughout the entire time. house. Give as many persons something to do as Spend several hours of this time in prayer, even possible. Activity brings strength as well as bless­ though the same person must pray several times. ing. Spend some little time in testimony, and then let P o s t a l C a r d I n v i t a t i o n the pastor or evangelist give a short Bible reading, and close this service with a call for mourners. Print 500 or 1,000 postal cards with a well- A day of this kind during each week of the revival worded invitation on them. Leave a place at the siege, will grow in interest and intensity, and can be bottom for the sender to sign a name. Give these made to bring heaven down. It is hard work to out to the people, not more than ten to a person, pray, but God hears and answers. A revival without and ask them to mail to friends and those who groanings that cannot be uttered, is superficial, and might be influenced to come to the meetings. the results will not be permanent. A S h o p M e e t i n g

A S a t u r d a y N i g h t M e e t i n g If there are manufacturing establishments in the The writer has held a Saturday night meeting place where the revival is held, try for a shop with marked success. Only those were asked to meeting with the men and women at noon, say from come who wanted to pray for themselves, or pray 12: 15 to 12: 55. Have good singing and a brief, for others. Hold the meeting strictly to these two straight, clear address. Ask for hands for prayer, classes. Ofttimes the timid unsaved will come to and give an invitation to the meetings. Leave no this meeting, and the chronic seekers, and the slow- stone unturned to have men come under the sound pokes, and with little unbelief on hand, it is pos­ of the gospel. sible to sw'eep the altar, and make glorious progress. D a y M e e t in g s

C o t t a g e P rayermeetings We once heard of an evangelist who said he A dozen or more such meetings can be planned “would not hold any meetings during the day for for an hour; say, between ten and eleven a. m. a lot of old women and a few old men.” But the Furnish invitation cards to those where the meet­ writer would suggest from practical experience, that ing is to be held, to be used to invite neighbors day meetings are a decided advantage. A few and friends in that vicinity. Here is a form of faithful men and women can prevail with God in invitation card: prayer and bring victory to the meetings. The day meetings furnish ample opportunity for the Big Revival Now Going On unfolding of the Word, making plain the doctrine, at and establishing the saints. It also affords oppor­ ------Church tunity for testimony and praise, all very helpful to In the interest of this revival a morning swell the tide of revival. Cottage Prayermeeting will be held at my In some sections a very enthusiastic and well- home, No. ------Street, from ten till eleven. attended day meeting can be held in the forenoon. I cordially invite you to be present. In other places the largest attendance can be se­ (Signed) cured in the afternoon. Have the people bring their Bibles, and take advantage of the day meet­

L e t t e r W r i t i n g D a y ings to unfold the truth. The average person who When the revival tide is well on, set apart a day attends church needs leaching more than preaching. for writing letters to the unsaved or unsanctified. Evangelists and pastors ought to study to be Get a hundred persons, if possible, to agree to write teachers as well as preachers. Ordinarily do not a letter to an unsaved friend, inviting that one to prolong the day meetings too late, or else they will the meeting. If the church and revival are large interfere with the night services.

enough, ask jive hundred; each letter to be signed A R e v i v a l i n t h e S a b b a t h S c h o o l by the writer. But act in concert, and make this a Some time during the “ siege” plan for a revival day of invitation. service in the Sabbath school. Have officers and A P r e l i m i n a r y P rayermeeting teachers interested, and lay your plans in advance. Plan for a short prayermeeting in one of the Have this a “ Revival D ay” and urge all teachers to rooms of the church other than the main audi­ write or personally invite each scholar. By a con­ torium, for a half hour before the regular revival certed and enthusiastic action, a very large school service begins. This meeting can be made intense, can be secured. Speak briefly, but pointedly; hold and very helpful to the regular revival service that an altar service, and use teachers as personal work­ follows. ers to bring their scholars to the altar. Run a red-hot altar service, short enough not to infringe A V i s i t i n g B r ig a d e on the preaching service, if it immediately follows Have a Visiting Day, and secure just as many the Sabbath school. If rightly planned with sense as possible who will take advertising matter and and prayer, this can be made a very profitable and tracts, and go from house to house, inviting persons fruitful service. Lay stress upon the conversion of to the revival services. In a considerably sized children; it costs less to save a child than to convict church five thousand calls can be made in a fore­ a criminal. SEPTEMBER, 1938 (265) PAGE NINE

The Pastor in His Study* Milton Smith

HE Apostle Paul writing to Timothy, the is a very good rule to go by for a general pro­ young minister, said, “ Study to shew thyself gram. There will be times, nevertheless, when this approved unto God, a workman that need- cannot be followed rigidly. Some feel that three T eth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the wordhours of the morning is all the time they can spare of truth.” The first word in this scripture is the for study. Others are so interested in reading and key to the verse. Being approved of God, being studying that no time is given to calling. All study an honorable workman and being able to properly and no calling or all calling and no study will not interpret the truth art all dependent upon the first do; they both are indispensable to a successful word. This word study as related to the minister ministry. is the key word also to this discussion. M y sub­ It may be true that young ministers desiring to ject is the “ Pastor in His Study.” The topic uses be great pulpiteers are inclined to spend all their the word “ study” in a different sense from what time with books. It is equally true that some find it is used in the scripture. One means the process it unnatural and uninteresting to call among the of studying while the other relates to the place of parishioners. T o those inclined to spend all their study. If the discussion be comprehensive it will time in the study, let me give an excerpt from the include both the place and process. The process pen of Charles Edward Jefferson that is both dif­ will be included even though the emphasis may be ferent and interesting on the subject: In his book, on the place. “ Quiet Hints to Growing Preachers,” he has a That such a place as the study is needed is con­ chapter on “ Books and Reading” in which he says, ceded by all who are acquainted with the situation “A loud, long warning should be sounded against of the ministry. There is need of a place of quiet­ the intemperate use of books. It is commonly taken ness away from distracting disturbances. This need for granted that reading is of necessity a blessing; has been met in various ways. Moses went up on not infrequently it is a curse. A reader of many the mountain to be alone with God. The rural books is counted wise; his reading may make him minister has used the shades of the big trees near a fool. Many a man would be saner, stronger, his home for quietness and reading. A room in more effective in his work had he read but a fraction the house has been set apart at certain intervals of of the books to which he has given strength and the day for this purpose by some. Others have time. They are men of thoughts but not of gone to the church and locked the door in quiet­ thought. To string thoughts together is one thing, ness of that building. Even though quietness was to develop a thought is another.” In another chap­ found somewhere there was the need of books, ter of the same book he says, “ If a pastor neglects magazines, notes and the like which usually were his people for his books he pays dearly for his sins. elsewhere when needed. As a busy man of the He loses that keenness of sensibility and tenderness community the minister needs a study where the of sympathy which give sparkle and warmth to the instruments are assembled, where he may quietly sermon, and wanders in a realm of ideas foreign to think and pray; where he may look up references the lives of his people. If a minister is not taking and information needed. As the doctors and lawyers his people deeper into his heart and if he is not have their offices for convenience to their work, so constantly growing deeper into theirs, his life will the minister should have a study in the interest of grow increasingly monotonous and he will be likely his task. to be one of the notorious one hundred who apply The location of this study is also an important for every vacant pulpit. To sit in one’s study matter. Shall it be in his home or at the church? grinding out great ideas, that to a young man seems Where the church and parsonage are on the same the road to pulpit greatness; but in later years he lots it still is debatable as to which is the place learns pulpit greatness is not the knack of playing to have it. There are advantages to either place. with ideas but the power of expressing a loving mes­ If it is in the home it is easier to reach than if it sage in familiar words and throwing around it an were in another building, however near it may be. atmosphere of fire.” All of our time, therefore, must On the other hand, his work will not be interrupted not be given to the study. nearly so often by visitors, telephone calls, and by But, let us remember that the study cannot be domestic affairs if it is at the church. Wherever neglected without great loss both to the minister it may be he certainly needs a place in which himself and to the message he gives. The mind to study and to direct the affairs of the church. must be kept fresh by constant exercise. Reading The question naturally arises, “ How much time books on varied subjects will keep the mind fertile, should be spent in the study? How much shall and will give freshness to the sermons delivered. be given to study and how much to calling?” It is possible for the mind to deteriorate and atrophy N ot every one would answer this in the same way. and the minister himself to fossilize. You have For general acceptance, however, the morning is heard the expression “the old fossil” ; well, I trust given to study and the afternoon to calling. This that it may not be truly said by any of our con­ *Paper read at Western Oklahoma District Preachers’ Meet­ gregation that “ Our pastor is an old fossil.” It will ing, March,'1938. be true, I am afraid, if we do not study, whether PAGE TEN ( 2 6 6 ) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE they are brutally frank enough to say it or not. excerpt from the pen of the late Rev. C. E. Cornell, The day has come when a worth while message taken from the little book, “Casting the Net.” must be given if we want a hearing. It is not “One can judge by the books a man reads whether enough to be enthusiastic— that is important—but he is a deeply spiritual man or not. If his library our messages must have more than froth in them. contains numerous books on the doctrine and ex­ Just haranguing and wilderness wanderings in the perience of holiness or entire sanctification, books pulpit are not appreciated by an intelligent audience. on prayer and spiritual life, I could, with some de­ Our people are usually exceedingly kind to us gree of accuracy, judge of his own personal experi­ preachers, but if we do not stay alive they will ence, and the effectiveness of his ministry.” have to bury us, however regretful it may be. There are books on other subjects that should Both the minister and the congregation will find be read. W e need to keep up with the times, and freshness in the preaching that comes from a full to know what is being done in the world. Books mind and a warm heart. There are two volumes on psychology, psychiatry and philosophy should be to which a preacher must give his days and nights, read. The seriousness of the minister’s work calls his Bible and his parish. for some lighter reading also. He will not want to The man who does not study is as certain to read trash, but some fiction can be selected that fail as if he had already dropped out. There is he will enjoy. And, too, books like “A Fortune to no guaranty that a man will succeed in the min­ Share,” by Vash Young, or “How to Make Friends istry anyway, but his chances are increased con­ and to Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie should siderably if he is mentally awake and applies him­ be read. The fact is that there are so many good self earnestly. Failure, unsuccessful, Ichabod, fossil, things to read and study until after one gets misfit, all will be strung after the name of the started it is hard to quit. preacher who will not study. There is no permanent The question may arise, “ Where can I get these place in the ministry for one too lazy to develop his books?” It is best to have your own library but mind. M y precious brethren, I am saying this for it is not always possible. We will do well to forego one reason only and that is, that we may apply a few luxuries and purchase good books. Good ourselves and improve our own ministry. If we books are your true friends. They will enhance have stagnated let us refresh ourselves in the your life. They will help you to succeed in your presence of great and good authors, and in the work. If you are not able to buy many books, presence of Him who will meet us in the place of you will find a brother pastor has some that he prayer. will lend to you. The public library will have many Something of the work in the study has been volumes that you will want to read. There are so hinted already but let us come more definitely to many sources that everyone who really wants to that phase. There are many incidentals which will read can find books. be taken care of to improve the hours spent in the The preacher’s time and place for prayer is found study. For instance, studying the Sunday school also in the study. This is so important to his absentees from the services, writing letters and cards, ministry! A prayerless ministry is a fruitless one; receiving inquirers and the like. The minister’s a prayerful ministry is usually powerful and fruit­ reading and studying will be done, his personal de­ ful. We cannot stay long in His presence without votional life will be exercised within the walls of becoming like Him. If, therefore, we would have the study. The vital life of his ministry is here power with God and man we must pray. If we located. pray effectively there must be both time and place Let us think of three important things in the life for it. Both of these are provided in the study. It of a minister that are done in his study. First, is is here that his soul bears its burdens to the throne his general studying. W e cannot learn everything of grace. It is here that he pleads the cause of and therefore we must select that material which humanity to God. It is to him what the mountain will aid us in the work of the Lord. There must was to Moses— a place to meet God. It is to the be Bible study, devotional reading, doctrinal em­ people what the mountain was to God’s people of phasis, studies in theology, church history, history old—a place where they are represented to God in general, journals, magazines, church papers, the and where God gives His message for the people. dailies, poetry and biographies, as well as books of The pastor in his study is a “ prince with God” if he reference. The minister’s profession calls for a fulfills his duties as he should. It is where many definite type of study just as does any other pro­ church problems are settled. Poor indeed is the fession. Quoting from Doctor Jefferson again, he minister who has not learned to settle most differ­ says, “ Let the man of the pulpit read poetry for ences arising in the church on his knees before God. language and vision, biography for impulse and com­ Some cannot be settled there but many can. fort, history for proportion and perspective, and the Preacher brother, if we excel at this point we are Bible for fire. He who keeps constant company on the right track. May we not do less praying but with the kings and queens of human thought will more. The nature of our work demands more than have a keenness of insight, a delicacy of touch and human wisdom and strength. We are able to do an energy of persuasion which his indolent, news­ our tasks only as we are endued with power from paper, magazine, novel reading brother may envy on high. One of the supreme avenues to this needed and marvel at, but never possess.” Here is an power is prayer. When we think of what has been SEPTEMBER, 1938 (267) PAGE e l e v e n done in answer to prayer and faith we take cour­ atmosphere about him is the result of the thoughts age and feel like praying mightily to God who and preparation back in the study. The atmosphere still answers prayer today. But when we think that he creates and the influence he sheds forth of what could have been done if we had prayed and are possible because of his experience back in his exercised faith we feel like repenting for faithfulness. study. Let us therefore send up frequently strong and fer­ It is not only the power house for his weekday vent cryings to God for ourselves, our churches, and the lost about us. D o not neglect prayer in your activities but also for his Sunday duties. If he study. Resolve to pray more and do it. God will goes to the pulpit on Sunday after having fully answer; you will get a fire within, your congregation utilized the provisions of his study during the week will feel it and your ministry will be more suc­ he will not only be full of ideas but he will be full cessful in every way; do not fail to pray. of God; he will have that peculiar something that Furthermore it is in the study that the man of we call unction. There will be power in the mes­ God prepares the message that is to be delivered. sage and he will be known as a man of God. His First of all he prays for a guidance as to the mes­ very soul will speak to the people. They will hang sage that should be given. I am not speaking for on to his words, and respond with all their souls. you now, brethren, but for me I want to feel that He will be the greatest man in the community to God has given His message. How that is known is his congregation. They would not exchange him for a matter of God’s dealing with each of us individu­ any other pastor on earth. He is God’s man and ally. In my case I am on the outlook for topics they are God’s people and God feeds their souls and materials constantly. A note book that con­ through their pastor, so they are satisfied and happy. tains sermonic suggestions is kept near me most of They dread to think that the time v/ill ever come the time. On Thursday morning in prayer I wait when they will have to give him up. But they for God’s message. It may be something that I have secretly acknowledge that such a powerful man of read before, something in my note book, or it may God cannot be kept in a small place, for God has be a subject or text that is brand-new. When they use of him in larger fields of service. Brother, it is stand out in my mind from all others and I have up to us whether we have this “self-preparation” rest in thinking o f them for the services I take which will give us poise, confidence and acceptance them as being God’s messages. Many times while or whether we stumble along half-hearted and only still on my knees I write down some of the main half-way do God’s work. thoughts connected with the topics or texts. I It takes time and effort to be prepared both in suppose this is something similar to the way all of mind and soul. Is it not worth the cost? Let us our brethren prepare. remember that no group of people have the honor References are made to books, notes, commen­ that is ours. Nor any calling is quite so significant taries, scriptures, and various sources in completing as the ministry. If we are honorable servants we the line of thought for the sermon. Detailed out­ must live worthy of our high calling. Let us not line is made and sometimes the sermon is written shrink from the efforts which prepare us for our in full. It can be seen how necessary it is for the task. It is fine to be prepared in mind but let minister to have accessible in his study such ref­ none of us be satisfied to serve without the whole erence books and helps as will make his message personality being saturated with the Spirit and full and complete on the subject in hand. It is in power of God. If we will give ourselves in diligent the study and among his books plus the personal effort in the study we shall find an inner glow equation aided by divine grace that largely de­ coming therefrom. W e shall find that our ministry termine what the man of God is both in the pulpit will have both light and warmth in it. M ay God and in the community. help us to earnestly apply ourselves to this most Let me sum up the three special things that the worthy cause. pastor in his study does. First, he reads and studies in general; second, he finds there the time and place for prayer; third, there he prepares his sermon, and “ Sacrificial giving is one of the truest evidences fourth, preparation of himself will be discussed in of the inner change wrought by the ‘warmed heart.’ conclusion. Giving to God through his Church is one of the high­ It is while in meditation, study, prayer and quiet­ est forms of expressions of the changed heart. The ness that he thinks of plans, methods and suggestions laymen of the early church gave all their possessions. for the whole program. It is from this place that This was practically true of John Wesley. The king­ he goes with plans and strength to carry on the dom of God is the most costly thing that has ever work of the church. The dynamo of his soul gen­ been instituted on earth. It cost God his Son. It erates power that energizes him for the activities cost Jesus his life. Many others have paid the price of the day. His whole personality is saturated with their lives. Everyone who comes into the king­ with spiritual blessedness. It is while here that he dom must pay the price, a life dedicated to the ex­ comes in touch with the power of God, preparing tension of that kingdom. This will include material him for contacts with others. Fresh from the pres­ possessions, for, rightly understood, they represent ence of God he inspires and refreshes those whom life and have no value apart from Christian living he meets. His influence is heavenward because of and service.”— G. L. M o r e l o c k in Christian Advo­ what he is as a result of being alone with God. The cate. PAGE TWELVE (268) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

The Happy Pastor the pulpit with a warm heart, a beaming smile to cutpreach himself. We contend the best advertis- S t e p h e n C. J o h n s o n ment for the church is a happy pastor. RECALL a statment made a few years ago by Dr. John W. Goodwin, “The church has no ex­ How to Make a Decrease I cuse for existence only as it radiates Jesus Christ round about.” This being true the pastor, the recog­ By an Observer nized leader, should be one of the happiest persons NY Nazarene minister who is anxious to report in the community. We do not mean he should be A to his next Annual District Assembly a large the clown of the neighborhood, God forbid, but he decrease in members, and to leave the church con­ should create a cheerful atmosphere as a result of siderably short in salary, may effectually secure an inward, happy soul. The writer of Proverbs both results by carrying out the following rules: 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a 1. On going to the new church make a com­ medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” plete overhaul of the church roll. You can cut the The pastor should see to it that he is happy and all roll considerably if you will just notice that there close to him should contribute to this condition. are several that are not as regular in attendance on A quotation from George Mueller is very sug­ the means of grace as they should be. Perhaps the gestive to the pastors: “ It has pleased the Lord to former pastor had forbearance in hopes of restoring teach me a truth. The point is this; I saw more them, but you should cut them off at once, you might clearly than ever before that the first great and even threaten to bring a complaint against the former primary business to which I ought to attend every pastor to his District Superintendent and Advisory day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. For Board. I might seek to set truth before the unconverted, I 2. If you hear any of the members praising your might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve predecessor, take the opportunity of saying all you the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave can against his character and abilities. myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; 3. If there have been any bad cases of im­ and yet not being happy in the Lord, all this might modesty or immorality before you came, talk to not be attended to in the right spirit. Before this everybody about it; sift the circumstances to the time my practice has been to give myself to prayer very bottom, so as to prevent them being forgotten, after having dressed myself in the morning. Now and tell everybody that because of these conditions I saw the most important thing I had to do was to God cannot and will not work, therefore the cause is give myself to the reading of God’s W ord, and to permanently injured. meditate on it, that thus my heart might be com­ 4. If you find there is division in the church be forted, encouraged, warmed, reproved, instructed; sure to take sides. You cannot afford to be “ mealy and that thus, by means of the W ord of God, whilst mouthed” and neutral. One side is bound to be meditating on it, my heart might be brought into ex­ wrong, find the right side and get on it, and take a perimental communion with the Lord.” definite stand. The family of the pastor can make a valuable re­ 5. In visiting, listen to all you hear about the ligious contribution to the church and community in member’s private affairs, and then go to other mem­ giving them a happy shepherd. But how? Frist bers of the church and tell all you have heard (of the companion should content herself with the state course in confidence) about everybody else. This and station in which she finds herself. T o refer to will give you, in a short time, an excellent illustra­ the prosperity of other days, and the deprivations and tion, if you are preparing a sermon about Samson’s hardships of the present, will chill the heart and foxes scattering firebrands. trouble the mind of any normal man. A pastor 6. Make it a special point to take issue with the should leave his home in peace, to go among his district and general leaders of the church any time people, bringing sunshine and cheer to every thresh­ you have an opportunity. Remember you are not o ld he crosses. The children in loving obedience “ under law, but under grace,” you have your freedom should live in peace among themselves, should be and you will plan your own work and program in­ the pastor’s strongest supporters, ready to put their dependent of the district and general program. Do hand to any task. Children reared in a parsonage what you can to localize your church and people. are fair judges of good preaching, and a complaint on Turn them against the leadership of the church. the sermon from them means more than one from the 7. Never trouble about sermonizing until Sat­ leading deacon in the church. urday, and then spend about half the day consider­ Each local church desiring to succeed will make ing what subjects you will preach about, and the a large contribution toward its own success in soul other half in making out meager outlines; then go winning when it looks well to the care of its pastor. into the pulpit depending upon the inspiration of We do not mean he should be pampered and hu­ the moment, or, in other words, for God to reward mored, but remove every unnecessary burden, “that your industry. he may give himself to the ministry of the word of There are some other suggestions that I could God and prayer.” Go along with him in every pro­ make, but since seven is a perfect number and I gressive move. Withhold all hurtful criticism. A want you to be a perfect success, I will stop for little remembrance on his birthday, Christmas and this time. But if the editor lets this get wet with other anniversaries, a glad hand, will send him to printer’s ink I will be back again next month. SEPTEMBER, 1938 ( 269) PAGE THIRTEEN

if if if if if if if if if i^4 if if if if if if if if if if if if if >fif if if if if »3E< »i* »i< »3E< »f if »f »5 whether you want it or not, that would give you *| Open * Letters to a Young I the power to start an insurrection or sever lifelong friendships. There will come times when people | Minister's Wife | who have been most inconsiderate toward you or | By a Minister’s Wife * your husband will be in your power just as Saul if A was in the power of David on that famous occasion f if if if if if if >f >5* if if if if if >f if >f if if if >J» if if if if >f >f »f if >f if »$* >f *f *5* >f >f when he and Abishai crept past Saul’s careless body­ guard and stood over the sleeping monarch. We are N u m b e r E i g h t all human, Ann, and it may even look to you as it D e a r An n : did to Abishai as though God had delivered your I am going to begin right where I left off in my enemy into your hand. last letter and try to give you some idea of the It might seem to be doing God a service to joys and the sorrows, the advantages and the haz­ drop a word that would break up a vicious circle of ards that all ministers and ministers’ wives will meet carnal church members who have leagued together with in the delicate business of trying to help people to oppose themselves to a truly spiritual program. with their personal problems and difficulties. But do not be deceived. “ For though we walk in If it were not so pathetically serious it would be the flesh we do not war after the flesh: for the positively funny sometimes to see the dependence of weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty people upon the pastor and his wife for anything through God to the pulling down of strong holds” and everything when emergencies arise in their lives. (2 Cor. 10: 4). Prayer is the only weapon that There seems to be a persistent idea upon the part God wants us to use in such cases and any knowl­ of the public that preachers “ know all the answers,” edge about people that we gain either by natural and people seem to feel the same way about preach­ means or by spiritual discernment is a challenge to ers’ wives. If you have not already discovered it, to intercession. As Chambers puts it, “ God never you will find, Ann, that you and your husband will gives us discernment that we may criticize but that be required to engage in operating a taxi service, we may intercede.” It is a good thing, Ann, for a an emergency relief station, an employment agency, preacher’s wife to have a hidden chamber in her a court of domestic relations, an amateur law office mind where she resolutely locks up all the secrets and even a first aid dispensary. You will have op­ she knows which, if allowed to get into circulation, portunities to intervene and temptations to interfere would be bound to bring harm or embarrassment in all kinds of human relationships. to somebody. There are occasions, however, when It is of no use to say that people have no right to the knowledge of the facts in a given case will give expect so much. The fact remains that they do ex­ you the power to do untold good without letting pect it, and to me their implicit faith in our ability anyone be sadder or wiser. As I said in my last let­ to meet their needs is a real compliment that chal­ ter, a minister’s wife must needs be magnanimous. lenges one not to disappoint them. There is another temptation that may assail you You may find it somewhat puzzling and perhaps at some time or other and that will be an almost disconcerting to realize that it never seems to occur overpowering desire to take things into your own to most people that we ourselves have any personal hands and see to it that justice is done. I plead problems, temptations or trials. I was surprised guilty personally to having tried at times to play and a little amused one time to have a member of policeman. I trembled afterward when I realized our church tell me that she wondered whom I told the harm that might have resulted and in one case my troubles to. She had been unburdening her I remember having to “eat humble pie” and apolo­ own heart to me quite freely and had observed oth­ gize to someone who was embittered by my inter­ ers doing the same thing. I do not remember what ference. In fact two or three times in my early I said to her but I could have told her then as I am days as a minister’s wife I tried to set things straight telling you now that once when personal problems by my own efforts but it never turned out well. threatened to absorb my attention, the Lord defi­ One time, one of our best and most sincere members nitely assured me that if I would help to lift the came to us with a most shocking story of the cruel burdens of others He would carry mine. And I and inhuman treatment to which her sister was being have truly found that the best cure for a personal subjected by her husband. It was plainly a case for heartache is to pour healing balm on some other police intervention and we succeeded in having the wounded heart. case taken up only to have the poor little woman At this point I want to offer a few words of cau­ refuse to testify against her brutal husband where­ tion and I do hope you will not feel that it is in upon he was released to abuse her as usual. I any way reflective upon your sense of the fitness of have come to the conclusion, after several such ex­ things. You are in a position to learn many inti­ periences, that no matter what people’s family trou­ mate details about the lives and even the inner feel­ bles involve, the best thing a minister and his wife ings of the people of your church and congregation. can do is to do their utmost to get all parties con­ You are bound to find out people’s secret antipa­ cerned in a right relationship with God but do thies and grievances toward each other. Careless nothing that will look like “taking sides.” For if tongues will divulge in your presence revelations that the offending party feels that the minister is trying will shock your very soul. You will not be long in to bring him or her to justice it is likely to raise any field of labor before you will have information an insurmountable barrier to that individual’s sal­ PAGE FOURTEEN ( 270) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE vation. God does not use coercion on human beings I am called upon to comfort people going through and I am sure He does not want His children to deep waters and suffering misfortunes from which do it either. I saw some sad results one time, of there is no possible human escape or release. If I the efforts of a group of sincere but misguided Chris­ did not know that God truly loves every human tian people to convince several young people that being and can take them through anything I would they were “called” to God’s work. God may use never be able to face people in such situations. The thing that gives me courage to go on with others to confirm someone’s impression that he is this work is the fact that I have had the privilege “called” but I doubt if He needs a third party to of standing still and seeing the salvation of the reveal His will to any honest Christian heart. Lord in the lives of saints under excruciating trial. Even when we see people unquestionably flying And let me humbly testify, Ann, that I have ex­ in the face of Providence and involving themselves perienced that divine enabling and “strengthening in inexcusable dilemmas we must still be patient with might in the inner man” in some very dark with them and not feel that it is “ good enough hours in my own life. I have truly been able to for them” if they suffer for it. “ comfort them that are in any trouble by the There are so many phases of this subject, Ann, comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of that I have not been able to deal with it adequately God.” Though as yet you have not personally gone but to bring this to a conclusion let me say that I through some of the things that others have, please have found by experience, painful and otherwise, take my word for it, you need never be afraid to that there are two extremes to be avoided in this sing to any soul though “pressed out of measure matter of concerning ourselves with the problems of beyond strength” that little chorus: others. One is the mistake of undertaking to do too much and trying to play the part of an amateur “He’ll take you through, however you’re tried, providence. The other is the danger of becoming His tender care is never denied, immune to the appeal of human need and suffering So always trust His promise so true, because we see so much of it on every hand and H e’ll take you through— H e’ll take you through.” find ourselves inadequate to deal with it. Concerning the former, a certain writer says, “ One I sang this chorus just a short time ago to a woman of our severest lessons comes from the stubborn who is dying with cancer. If you could have seen refusal to see that we must not interfere in other her dear face light up, Ann, it would have done people’s lives. It takes a long time to realize the your heart good. My own insufficiency to meet hu­ danger of being an amateur providence, that is, in­ man needs no longer makes me reluctant to face terfering with God’s order for others. You see a suffering humanity for I know that God can give certain person suffering and you say, ‘He shall not them grace and glory. I have seen Him do it. suffer, and I will see that he does not.’ You put Please forgive me for being so preachy. I got so your hand straight in front of God’s permissive will stirred within as I wrote that I almost forgot I to prevent it and God says, ‘What is that to thee?’ was just writing a letter. I guess by the time I If there is stagnation spiritually never allow it to write you a few more times you will know all my go on, but get into God’s presence and find out the weak points but I do not care if it will only help reason for it. Possibly you will find it is because you to avoid my mistakes. you have been interfering in the life of another; Yours in His blessed service, proposing things you had no right to propose, ad­ H o p e V i n c e n t . vising when you had no right to advise. When you do have to give advice God will advise through you If You Are a Christian with the direct understanding of His Spirit. Your part is to be so rightly related to God that His dis­ You will seek above all else to please your Lord. cernment comes through you all the time for the You will avoid the indulgence and amusements blessing of another soul.” which will be an injury to your body, mind or soul. I have been guilty along with other Christian You will be careful of your influence, that the workers of trying to make things easier for people pull of it is ever churchward and heavenward rather so that they would not be tried so sorely by the than worldward and hellward. pressure of circumstances only to find that the Lord You will take an active interest in all those ac­ did not appreciate my meddling. The result was tivities which are set for the welfare and salvation about the same as in the case of a beautiful moth of men. that a sympathetic individual tried to assist in its You will not be satisfied with collective activity seemingly futile struggle to disentangle itself from only but will plan as an individual to serve indi­ its chrysalis. When the poor thing finally was free it presented a grotesque figure with large, awk­ viduals. ward body and weak, bedraggled wings. The strug­ You will place eternal above temporal welfare gle was the very thing it had needed to develop for yourself, your family and others. those wings. It takes real faith in God to just You will not be satisfied with a “nominal” stand by and pray and let God take people through Christianity but only with an inner experience. things when it seems as though He ought to deliver You will know the Lord and will gladly pass on them out of their troubles. There are times when to know Him better.— The Free Methodist. SEPTEMBER, 1938 ( 271) PAGE FIFTEEN

| GENERAL CHURCH PROGRAM | * s*

Again Jacob made a vow to God, recorded in Genesis 28: 22, that he would give a tithe to God Stewardship of all that God would give him. Oh, yes, someone C. W a r r e n J o n e s says, “ Jacob was a Jew and was trying to strike a bargain with God.” Oh, no; Jacob recognized that everything belongs to God and if he got anything Storehouse Tithing God must give it to him. The record shows God took him at his word and endowed him with ma­ R. F. H e i n l e i n terial blessings. If he had been trying to deceive S we come to you to discuss this very im­ God He would have known it, do you not think so? portant subject we shall not try to give With these two instances given in the Bible and you something new but shall probably with numerous instances from Adam down to Abra­ cover much of the ground that others have in deal­ham and Jacob of the giving of offerings, and study­ ing with this subject. Truths that are fundamentaling the record of the written law as given to Moses A are plainly stated in the W ord of God, and we by are God, I am convinced that tithing was commanded sure this is one of the fundamental truths of the and practiced from Adam down to the close of the Bible. First, it is fundamental to the maintaining old dispensation, or the coming of Jesus Christ. of a right relationship with God. Second, it is fun­ Now let us look into some of the direct teachings damental to the advancement of His kingdom. of God relative to the paying of tithes and for A person would naturally think that a God of what purpose they were paid. In Leviticus 27: 30- all wisdom, who has established laws that so regu­ 34 it reads, “ And all the tithe of the land, whether of late the universe until scientists can calculate to the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the fraction of a moment an eclipse, surely has estab­ the Lord’s; it is holy unto the Lord. And if a man lished definite laws for the financing of the greatest will redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto enterprise of time or eternity. It seems to me that the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of a person questions the intelligence of God who thinks the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth He called men out of the world, organized them under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the into what is known as the Church, and gave them a Lord. He shall not search whether it be good or commission to make disciples of all men, and then bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change depends upon the Church to be carried forward by it at all, then both it and the change shall be a haphazard, hit and miss system of finance. Oh, holy; it shall not be redeemed. These are the no. H e has said, “ The tithe is the Lord’s.” Yes, commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses but someone says, “Oh, that was for the Hebrew for the children of Israel in Mount Sinai.” There church in the old dispensation.” If we are to be­ are no arguments as to where these commandments lieve facts, we must admit that the New Testament came from. They are God’s own words. is enfolded in the Old, and the Old Testament is unfolded in the New. If that be so, and no doubt Now the next question is, “ What was the tithe is, then God did not abandon His financial plan to be used for?” We hear God speaking in Numbers for the advancement of His kingdom when He 18: 26 unto the Levites telling them He had given ushered in the new dispensation. Someone says, “If them the tithe and that it was their inheritance you can show us that storehouse tithing was prac­ and that they were to pay a tithe out of their in­ ticed by the Old Testament saints, then I might heritance to the priests. We believe the Bible teaches be able to believe it is for us today.” Now that is the Levites of the New Testament are those who just what I propose to do. There is no logic or are called by God for full time service in His king­ argument that is as authentic as the W ord of God dom. As the tithes in the Old Testament times so we shall give you thus saith the Lord. Now were the support of those who kept up the house of bear in mind the title of this paper, “Storehouse God and the work so those of the New Testament Tithing.” Tithing is the mainspring of this subject who keep up the house of God and its work are and storehouse is the hand that points to the place to be supported by the tithes of the people. where the tithe is to be paid. Now let us look at this matter of storehouse Tithing is a very ancient practice, for we find tithing. We read over in the Book of Nehemiah recorded in Genesis 14: 20 where Abraham paid, or 13: 10-13, the house of God was forsaken and the gave tithes to Melchizedek, king of Salem. Most Levites and singers had gone out into the fields Bible students teach that Melchizedek is a type of to work. Why was the house of God forsaken? Jesus Christ. If that be so then Abraham taught Because the people had failed to obey God in bring­ by example that all should pay tithes to Christ. ing in their tithes into the treasuries. Nehemiah The New Testament teaching is that we are in­ says, “ I perceived that the portions of the Levites structed to bring our tithes to the church. had not been given them [the portions of the Le- PAGE SIXTEEN ( 272) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE vites are the tithes], for the Levites and the singers, possessions and laid the price at the feet of the that did the work, [the work of the house of God], apostles. Were they practicing storehouse tithing? were fled every one to his field. Then contended Oh, yes, they realized that tithing was only the I with the rulers, and said, W hy is the house of touchstone of stewardship and a vision of the present God forsaken? And I gathered them together and need was a call from God, who is the rightful set them in their place. Then brought all Judah owner of all they possessed, to bring in their all the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the for the advancement of the kingdom. oil unto the treasuries. And I made treasurers It must grieve God to look upon the modern over the treasuries.” Has Nehemiah established church with its soup kitchen, its poolroom, its grab some new thing in having the people bring their bag, its rifle range, its rummage sales, and its movie tithes unto the treasuries or is he just following and dramatical shows, all to raise money to try God’s commandment relative to the matter? Oh, and carry on the work of the kingdom of God. no, this was not some new thing but had been prac­ No, the Church of the Nazarene is not guilty ticed long before Nehemiah’s time. of the things just mentioned but there are thousands We do not need some new-fangled idea. What among us who are robbing God of tithes and offer­ we need to do is to find out what God ’s will is and ings. Then there are numerous others who are follow that and we shall be assured of success. scattering the Lord’s tithes here and there while Now we can understand what Malachi meant when our beloved Zion is compelled to put on a special he said, “ Ye have robbed me, even this whole na­ drive, and her ministers must take much precious tion, but ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? time to beg and beg for the funds for the extension In tithes and offerings.” They were cursed, not of His kingdom. When, and if ever, the ministers just one or two, but every one of them. And I am and laymen of the Church of the Nazarene awaken convinced that that same fact still stands unre­ to the fact that God’s challenge through the Prophet pealed today. The individual, the church or the Malachi to the Children of Israel, is God’s chal­ nation that fails to put God first is under the curse. lenge to His children today, and as one mighty band God laid down a challenge to the people of of holy men and holy women bring in all the Malachi’s time, by saying, “ If ye will bring in all tithes and offerings into the storehouse, we will the tithes and offerings into the storehouse [not witness one of the greatest revivals the world has scatter them about promiscuously to every Tom. ever seen since the day of Pentecost. No, I do Dick and Harry | I will open the windows of not mean to say that the mere paying of tithes and heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall offerings will bring a revival, but many will bring not be room enough to receive it.” Now notice the the Lord’s tithes and offerings into the storehouse conditions upon which this blessings is given; bring who are not first changed by divine power. D o we the tithes and offerings into the storehouse. want an outpoured blessing that will put the rivers Oh, yes, you say, “ I would like to have the out of their banks, that will wash all the debris overflowing blessing.” Then obey the injunction. downstream, that will revive the whole country for W ould you wear the crown, then bear the cross. miles around, that will cheer the despondent and There are a lot of good people over this country cause the church to extend the kingdom of God to who feel they are storehouse tithers because they the ends of the earth? Then “ Yield yourselves to give a tenth of their income to the many worthy God, as those who are alive from the dead,” fast, agencies that appeal to them. But they have shot pray, and love God with all your heart, and bring wide of the mark and the reason is because they all the tithes and offerings into the storehouse. have assumed the ownership of what rightly be­ longs to God. When we recognize that all we t|Z | kZit TA TiX i A

the devil with some things existence and maintain, and I will add, further, the that we should take ourselves; he has furnished brother was from a family of high office in our de­ a good alibi for many. For what some people cannot nomination. They did not know their visitor. blame on the devil they will use the Lord as their Too many of us are selfish. W e are in bondage alibi. The janitor has killed many a good service. to our emotions and would not sacrifice the stir we House too hot, folks went to sleep; at least they may get from sermon or song for the good we were in no condition to listen. Too cool to get may do. interested in the message; folks sit in a draft, take cold and tell all their kith and kin they got it at church. The theater makes it pleasant for their The Bible patrons and the church must wake up to take care It is the treasure store of all wisdom, the founda­ of the folks. tion of all education. Janitors should be trained; in most cases it would Following its loving Savior, churches live; build­ be better to use someone outside of the membership, ing on its deathless precepts, they stand monu­ so that no hard feelings will be caused when they mental, the lighthouses of the world. are hired or fired. In no case should it be a woman, Its historic annals reveal more than all the she cannot do the work and it is not becoming to other records of ancient days. men folks to sit still at church and see a woman taking care of the building. If you have somebody It traces unerringly the origin, growth and fall of who needs the money, you should help take care of mighty empires. her, but hire a janitor and see that he does the In its biographies we have the deepest psychology work. and philosophy. I preached in a certain church on a Sunday Its law is the foundation of all laws. evening. Mrs. Harding said to me, “There were at To it we owe our schools and universities. Wher­ least two people present this morning,” and when ever it is freely read, we find the greatest intelligence. I asked how she knew, she said, “ I saw where they It is the inspiration of clergy, parent and teacher. sat in the dusty pew.” That section was empty. Its science, respected by every sage, is always in I see why. advance of every generation. It is the supreme Textbook of life and the au­ T oo many notices in the vestibule gives the thoritative pedagogical Book of all times. church more the appearance of a post-office or court­ Governments live only as they follow in its paths house than the house of God. Cloth banners over of justice and right. the pulpit give the appearance of an auction sale. The platform and pulpit and walls back of them Before its matchless wisdom wise men of all ages bow as they from the East did before the Great should be kept neat with plainness or appropriate Teacher, the Son of God. pictures. Folks look in that direction sometimes too long on Sunday morning. Forever the inspiration of motherhood, the most wonderful mothers of earth are found where its A stranger was asked as she was leaving the message of love is proclaimed and accepted. church, “ How did you like the sermon?” She said, Glorifying home life, it is the great Book for all “It was wonderful, but I could not enjoy it for parents; it reveals the eternal home and the ever­ looking at those cobwebs.” lasting Father and Jesus as the only W ay thereto. When you advertise for an audience and they To the old and the young, to the sick and the come, have some of your friendly folks on the re­ well, to the poor, the friendless and the sinner, it ception committee. The first time I went to hear comes to each with comfort and healing and hope the noted Rev. Bob Schuler, now for many years from the Holy Ghost. my good friend, the house was packed, at least four Containing the most reliable history and science, or five men along in line shook hands with me, the most beautiful poetry and the most successful one gave me a program or bulletin, another a song business advice, itself a vast encyclopedia of knowl­ book. Ladies likewise met the women visitors. On edge, it is yet more than all these, it is the Book every hand folks were heard to say, “My, aren’t of God and pre-eminently the Book of all ages: they friendly; that is what I miss in our church.” it comes from the very heart and hand of God and, A brother layman in one of our churches had been best and greatest and kindest of all, it tells of the East, was driving a new car back West, Sunday redeeming blood of Jesus, Savior of all accepting overtook him, he decided not to drive on the Sab­ Him.— Baptist Standard. PAGE EIGHTEEN ( 2 7 4 ) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

at a greater disadvantage; but even here you can refuse and leave the matter of letters to your successor and thus Problems Peculiar to Preachers give him a chance to contact them and possibly win Chas. A. Gibson them to his program.

Q. I am in favor of our schools and their program and This department is designed to present practical so­ at a recent school service I boosted for a large attendance. lutions for problems peculiar to preachers. Send your However the attendance was very small, even though I questions (no theological questions) to Preacher’s advertised the service in the papers. I cannot explain this Magazine, 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. attitude in the light of the fact that on the night before the school service we had ISO folks out to prayermeeting Q. In our last revival none of the other pastors of the and had a great shouting time. How can 1 get better co­ city attended, although I invited them several times. What operation in school and missionary services? can I do to remedy this situation? A. I am not sure but that you have answered your A. I do not think there is anything you can do to own question in your statement regarding the attendance remedy this situation. The pastors have their own pro­ at prayermeeting. First, habit is a great factor, and the gram to promote and are as you know very busy. They fact that you held to the prayermeeting attendance—a also hold a different viewpoint from you in the matter of habit that has been built up over many months and much religion, and with few exceptions neither understand nor urgency on the part of the pastor. Then you had a appreciate the methods we use. Those who do appreciate great shouting time. All of this would tend to produce a our work and methods will come without much urging satisfying effect on the people. School services, and even and those who do not thus come will hinder when they missionary services, are not likely to be of the shouting do come. They are critical and hard even though they may type, for they are fact-presenting times and deal with be courteous, and if one of their flock were to come and matters of a sterner sort and yet of just as vital nature as get under conviction the devil would use the presence of any service in the church. I suggest that you build up such an opposer to defeat that person. I would make my the importance of such services in the same relation as invitation, and having made it, feel I had done what I you would a prayermeeting or revival, and keep at it should regarding other pastors. Some good men cannot until your people feel the missionary or school interest is as attend; some good ones will, and the rest might hinder. important as any service to be held in the church. It would seem to me that where such a special service comes the following night, it would be well to put the two Q. I know that our church expects me to attend preach­ together and thus by having but the one midweek service, ers’ meeting, zone rallies, conventions, etc., yet I cannot af­ you would have a great crowd in attendance at either the ford to do so, for I receive only eighteen dollars a week missionary or the school service. In fairness to you and salary. How can I explain my situation to my District Su­ your people, I feel I should suggest that those who are perintendent and the pastors of the district? to have charge of the service should be careful to furnish A. I take it that you are under no special strain. If something interesting and helpful so as to help you in you had been you would know the explanation in a mo­ the job of selling your folks to this part of the program. ment. Therefore, I assume your situation to be one of the The people are not always responsible for the lack of average preacher. On this assumption I cannot see how interest, and a bit of study and co-operation between those you can explain your situation for you are being supported who are to come and yourself will help to correct this by the church and many of our men who receive less situation. than you do are in regular attendance on the very gath­ erings that you feel you cannot attend. I think the better Q. A preacher friend of mine has been quite a success in plan will be for you to arrange your finances so that you former pastorates, but he is continually talking about his will have something to spend on these gatherings. Then form er successes, both to his own people and to his brother another point you seem to have overlooked is that you pastors. He does not seem to be conscious that in so doing need these very meetings to put over your program. In he may hinder his present success. Could you offer him any fact without them you cannot have the proper touch with advice? the movement you are trying to advance. Therefore, on A. I could offer nothing better than that he read Philip- whatever salary you get, make your plans to attend. Do pians 3: 13 and put it into practice. Sooner or later he will not try to think up a way to explain your absence. discover that he is to succeed where he is and not where he was or where he is to go. I think you as his friend Q. I am giving up my pastorate soon. Several of the could frankly point out to him this error. members have been talking of leaving the church when I do, and have requested me to give them their letters. Q. I am failing in my ministry. For one thing I do not What woidd you advise? like to call, and when I do call I feel embarrassed. I am A. I suppose these members are your friends and are in­ trying to make up for this in other ways. Can you suggest terested in your future ministry. If they are, they will some of the ways by which I can make up this loss in my listen to you and will do what they can to help you as pastoral work? well as the church. In that event you will advise them to A. I cannot. Whatever else I could suggest you should remain in the church and get behind the new pastor. do anyway. Pastoral calling is as much the work of a You will be able to show them that not only will the pastor as the issuing of a prescription is for a doctor. new pastor be hurt, but you will be hurt for the future. After nearly seventeen years of work as a Superintendent in The job of the minister is to get men saved and sanctified our church I can say only this. Nearly every church board and into the church. By into the church I mean into the will insist on knowing whether or not a pastor will call movement of the Church of the Nazarene so that they are before they nominate him to the church. The best cure I sold to its program and will stand by its leaders, whether know of for a lack of desire to call is to force yourself to those leaders be yourself or your successor. If these who call extensively for a month and note the returns in in­ have asked for their letters are your opposers, you are terest shown in the church. SEPTEMBER, 1938 (275) PAGE NINETEEN

Q. In the event that a goodly number of folks leave BOOK CHAT after the Sunday school, should a pastor be at the door to shake hands with them the same as he does the congre­ gation after service? A. No, I should not think that would be advisable; I think it would be much better for him to follow the plan of our sainted Doctor Cornell and be there to greet them when they come to Sunday school. It was said of Brother Cornell that he knew the first name of every P. H. Lunn student in the Sunday school. I venture if you follow this suggestion there will be less occasion to shake hands UR own Basil W. Miller, pastor of Central Church, with folks who leave after the Sunday school. O Pasadena, California, is the author of a book just published by Fleming H. Revell— Growing into Life Q . In a recent P r ea c h e r ’ s M a g a z in e the suggestion was ($1.50). This volume is designed for parents, teachers, given that there should be variety in the service. Nothing ministers, social and religious workers. It deals with prob­ more specific was said. What portion of the service should lems of adolescence. be touched with variety? Doctor Miller’s book has information that no minister, A. I think every part of the service can be helped by teacher of children or parent can afford to be without. variety. The song service can be changed from the two- Dr. H. Orton Wiley in the Introduction says, “Doctor Miller song-and-praver idea to one song and a responsive reading; reviews the early endowment of life, calls attention to one song and a special from a Junior choir, and many basic psychological principles and their application to the changes until the people learn to expect something extra gnarly problems of those who are growing into life. He special. Then the subject matter of a preacher can get deals with the crises in the adolescent’s life and warns into a rut and his sermon building can be helped by against false materialistic philosophy which unduly stresses variety. The announcements could be given by someone self-expression to the detriment of proper inhibitions and else other than the pastor and thus protect the pastor from the development of self-control. He seeks to lay a firm appearing too often before the people. Many other sug­ foundation for the moral and spiritual life. His treatment gestions could be made, and yet in each case you will have of adolescent complexes and escape technics is peculiarly to find the ones that will best suit your place. In all illuminating. To know the W'eak links in the adolescent variety keep in mind that you are ever to have order in chain of life, to be able to forge them into moral char­ the service; I mean by that an ordered plan. acter and spiritual strength is a worth while task.” In his chapter on “The Religion of Adolescence” the Q. Should a preacher or a preacher’s wife be superin­ author makes a convincing plea for the stressing of con­ tendent of the Sunday school? version during adolescence. He indicates that in so doing A. If there are others in the congregation who are com­ the after effects of sin are not allowed to blight the char­ petent I would think it wise to have them have charge acter. Also “The entire life is harmonized in all its rela­ of the Sunday shcool. There are times, however, when it tions with existence.” is best for the pastor or his wife to act in such capacity The especially gratifying and commendable part of the as they seem to be the only real leaders in the congrega­ book is in this same chapter where, after evaluating the tion. work of conversion the psychology of sanctification or personal holiness is presented. This, naturally, is not done Q. How far should an evangelist go in his effort to get in quite the same fashion and in the same terminology that converts to join the church? would be used in writing to or addressing a group of A. As far as w'isdom will advise and the pastor will workers in our own denomination but the experience and permit. He certainly should in any case try to sell the the life are discussed. Differentiation is made with fine dis­ church to those who are converted, and where the pastor crimination between the work of sanctification and sublima­ desires he should use his influence to get them to join the tion. “The latter has to do with inborn passions, emo­ church. He should never go over the pastor’s advice in tional drives which are a part of one’s native equipment. these matters and should adjust his activities in compliance Sanctification has to do with one’s inborn tendencies to sin.” with any rules the church may adhere to. Some churches A copy of this worth while book should be in every prefer to wait until after the close of the revival to re­ church and Sunday school. Parents should be urged to ceive members. Some have a probation system, and read it and every worker with children should be required occasionally there seems to be little or no system. If the to study it carefully. We have every right as a church to last case prevails, it may be possible for the evangelist feel properly proud of one of our ministers who has the to help by some suggestions. ability to produce material of this kind that has been ac­ cepted by one of the foremost publishers in the world Q. Should a pastor urge young folks to go to Nazarene of orthodox religious books. schools when there are other schools closer home and these Here is an interesting autobiography of Charles L. Goodell, schools teach holiness? M y M i n is t r y , published by Revell ($1.50). Doctor Goodell, A. Yes. The pastor is doing more than preaching and as many of our readers will remember, has been particu­ teaching holiness; he is trying to conserve this beautiful larly interested, for many years, in evangelism. For many truth by building up a movement that will continue to years he was the Executive Secretary of the Commission teach and preach it. He is being supported by a people on Evangelism and Life Service of the Federal Council of who believe in organized holiness, and he owes it to his Churches. He has written several books on evangelism. church and the young people he may influence, to persuade He also has to his credit three books of radio sermons, them to attend a school of the church. In school young “Soul Reveries,” “Twilight Reveries” and “Radiant Rev­ folks form opinions, make life contacts and fall into a eries,” in all of which are found models of radio preaching— polity for their religious life, and this can best be ad­ terse, pointed, comforting, enlightening and embellished with vanced for Nazarene youth in a Nazarene school, human interest anecdotes and illustrations, PAGE TWENTY ( 276) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

In some respects this volume might be the annals of It had been left to a young man, who made it his home any busy minister’s life— college and preparatory days, first for several years. Everything went well for a while, pastorates and parishes; preaching and soul winning in pul­ then the young man began drinking and gambling, and the pit, street and at the microphone; his study 'and his books, estate was not cared for as it should have been. Finally etc., etc. Few members of the clergy, however, are privi­ (he man found it necessary to mortgage the estate in order leged to have as active and as many-sided a life as has to live as he wished, but he never once thought that the Doctor Goodell. His life story should be heartening, il­ mortgage would come due and if not paid, he would lose luminating and educational to any minister, young or old. the beautiful estate for which others had labored so hard that he might have it to enjoy. But the man continued .T.'.T.T T Y.Y. .T.T T T .T.T -▼«T ^TT T.T. T T T T lT.A A lTiT Y |TiA tTj"X T >▼-i |T| * |Xj Jk kXaT iXiA 1X11X1i * |XiT feZf T T|Zf TlX( |Zi ttTi |Zf |X his drinking and worldly pleasures, and one day his body was found on the road, a victim of sin. The once well- 1 ILLUSTRATIONS I kept estate is now neglected and weeds have choked down * * HE* *7* the flowers. What was the cause of it all?

“Sin is the cause of all sorrow, Rev. Christian F. Reisner of New York tells in his book, Though it be great or small, “God’s Power for M e ," of a prominent attorney who Doubting and fears, heartaches and tears, criticized his pastor for speaking too urgently for money. Sin is the cause of it all.” Later, as the lawyer was traveling around the world, an American missionary working in Korea served as his guide Sin caused this young man to lose his earthly home, and in that country. Looking out of the window of the car, he also his claim to a heavenly home. Sinner friend, are saw a rude plow pulled by a boy while an old man held you going to let sin rob you of your estate in heaven, the handle. The lawyer remarked, “I suppose the pair are the beautiful mansion prepared for you in the skies? Jesus very poor.” The missionary replied, “They are. That is said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go . . . the family of Chi Nouri. When our new church was erected I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”— Sub­ they eagerly sold their ox so that they could contribute m itted by C. P. A l l i s o n . the money received for it. That is why they are pulling their own plow.” The lawyer replied, “That must have Procrastination been a real sacrifice.” The missionary said, “Chi Nouri did not call it that. H e thought it was fortunate that At one time the Big Nestucca River was one of Oregon’s they had an ox to sell.”—Submitted by Ja m e s P. M c G r a w . leading commercial fishing streams. It sprang from the mountains of western Oregon, ran parallel with the Pacific Ocean about fifteen miles, finally emptying into it six miles Rev. Christian F. Reisner tells the following in his book, south of Cape Kiwanda. The four miles above the mouth “God’s Power for Me.” was used for “drifting,” that type of fishing done by “Gilbert West and Lord Lytton met and accepted assign­ throwing the nets overboard in a semi-circle, allowing them ments, as atheists, to prove Bible incidents untrue. They to drift with the tide. In this distance of four miles there returned after some ureeks and faced each other rather were about seven sections that fishermen considered good sheepishly. West said, ‘Well, I have studied the resurrec­ lays. Each lay was named; the last one where the river tion of Jesus, and I am compelled to tell you that instead emptied into the ocean was called “The Bar Lay.” of finding it untrue, I have accepted its authenticity.’ Lytton, During stormy weather it was very dangerous to fish with a happy smile, said, ‘I have come to the same con­ on the bar. Newcomers were warned not to drift too clusion about the conversion of St. Paul.’ ‘I if I be lifted close, for the small rowboats had no chance in the up, will draw all men unto me.’ ‘M y w ord shall not re­ choppy, rolling waves and swift current of the sea. It turn unto me void ’.”—Submitted by J a m e s P. M c G r a w . being the only inlet for fish naturally was the best place to make a big catch, so fishermen were constantly tempted One day while working on a church building making to venture out and “risk it.” some improvements, another member Was assisting. He One day two young men, anxious to make some extra criticized people severely who used slang, citing an experi­ cash, ventured out. No doubt they remembered the warn­ ence with an evangelist. Shortly afterward his wife came ings from friends and could plainly see and hear the life­ to my wife for advice and help because this man got buoy warning the danger signal. But no, “just a few mad, cussed and tore up the furniture so that they could more fish” ; “a few more dollars,” “a little farther,” not keep chairs nor china dishes in the house and had to “We’ll make it,” until too late! Their boat capsized and use benches and tin plates. He did not remain a member they were drowned. long. “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of Many are on the “bar lay” of time. Perhaps some are thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast drifting on the bar, when the minister preaches the life­ out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:5).— buoy warning.— Submitted by H e r m a n F is h e r . Submitted by C ari.e to n D. J o n e s .

“Choose Ye This Day ...” The Unclaimed Estate Some years ago, during a pastorate in Colorado, the fol­ “I go to prepare a place for you.” Today while riding lowing occurred: I heard of a dying infidel and began through the beautiful, fruit-laden groves of central Florida, visiting him almost daily. Each time, after doing a few I chanced to pass through a very beautiful estate. Al­ little things for him about the room, I would talk to him though very beautiful, this estate was unclaimed. The story about God, His Word, and how he should prepare to I was told brought to my mind how many people go on meet God. He tried to be courteous, but generally would each day not claiming the beautiful estate our Lord said say there is no God, the Bible is not inspired, or there He had gone to prepare for us. Many today are neglecting is no -hell or heaven. Finally he died, but just before it for some earthly things which offer nothing but passing dying, he told those present to take him out on a certain pleasures. This beautiful estate was now overrun with hill and bury him there. He said, “I have lived like a weeds. The home was modern and had every convenience. dog and will die that way. Do not have a sermon SEPTEMBER, 1938 (277) PAGE TWENTY-ONE

preached over me, do not cast a flower upon the coffin, Be abreast with the age in which you live, in reading and nor have a sons sung.” His dying request was carried out. observation. About the same time Sister Branstine, of the same place, B e natural so you will not “B” flat. was seriously ill, having double penumonia. She was the B e mindful of your family as well as other people’s. aunt of our missionary to Central America. I also visited Be at the task of spreading good literature. her almost daily. Often I would ask her as to her soul’s B e a man who would rather suffer a wrong than to waste welfare, and she, amidst labored breaths, would as often time avenging it. answer, “All is well,” or words to that effcct. The day B e in search of your “weak points” and, lo, what a crowd before she passed away she left a w onderful testimony. I you Will meet who are in search of the “same thing.” asked the Lord if it could be His will to permit me to be B e reminded that power is not in size but that a preach­ at the bedside as this child of His should be called home. er needs a “sizable bit of power.” The follow ing day as I dropped in to see how she was Be on the lookout for good in others. You will be sur­ getting along, I was assured the end was near. I was prised. there but a few moments until she was gone. Several were Be a “winner” even if you “lose.” there that day, and all wept with joy that another had Be fair and “be square” are a happy pair. made the landing safely. Be sure to “forget” as well as to “remember.” “Choose ye this day—,” which way, and which one, Be on the “lookout” if you expect the proper “outlook.” will you follow?— Submitted by H . T . E a s t m a n . Be more than just “seeming-to-be.”

Power to Save the Hardest THE WORD “AMEN” Dr. L. R. Scarborough relates, “I am thinking of a man The word “Amen” is the most often used word in the en­ who was a drunkard, very artful and skilful in sin. His tire world, as given out a few months ago by a radio an­ wife was a saved woman who for years had been beaten nouncer, when asked this question. Thus we are in common with the custom of the races. down and embarrassed by her overmastering, cruel hus­ Let’s use our “amens.” Shout them, sing them, preach band. The wife brought the children, in his absence, to them. Make them sacred. Make them musical. Make them a revival meeting. When he came home he was enraged. prayerful. Study how and when to use them. Someone has He would not let them have the horse and carriage to said, “Too many folks have spiritual indigestion because go to church. He told them if they ever went again he they have swallowed too many amens.”— B . H. P o c o c k . would either leave home, or whip every one of them. But the love of the Savior had possession of her and she said, ‘I am going to take the children, if I have to walk and if I have to live in widowhood the rest of my days.’ He said, ‘Then, if you will go I will whip the preacher Ramhlings of the Roving and run him out of this community.’ His wife said, ‘That is your responsibility and that is a game that two can Correspondent play.’ She said, ‘My prayer is that the gospel of Christ HAVE heard many pastors tell their congrega­ may conquer your life,’ and she walked with the children I tions that they (the congregations) had as much that day three miles to church. God’s power was upon responsibility and obligation to be present at every the preacher. The people prayed that God would get hold service as had their pastors. Also that the require­ of the drunkard. Toward the close of the service that ments for deep spirituality were as high for church morning the congregation saw this man ride up and hitch members as for ministers. It never was very con­ his horse and come and sit under the edge of the taber­ vincing to me. I reasoned (to myself) that as nacle. God was present in convicting power. The result leaders and as individuals whose lives were conse­ was that this enraged man was the first at the altar. crated and devoted to a cause ministers should be He was not only gloriously saved but the unsaved mem­ away ahead of their flocks in spirituality, in loyalty, bers of his family and other sinners were saved. Jesus in generosity, and in all the graces and gifts of has power to save the hardest of men.”— Submitted bv Christianity. W . W . G l e n n . The foregoing was a somewhat irrelevant intro­ duction to something I want to say about a pastor setting the example for his flock along some lines “Be’s” for Preachers not frequently thought of. For instance, every pas­ J. A. Allen tor wants (if he doesn’t he should) his congregation f to be orderly, reverent, worshipful and to refrain Be courteous at all times. Again I say be courteous. from visiting and whispering during the preaching Be void of hypocrisy. service. Does he then, during the opening service of Be prayerful. the Sunday school, bustle about, consult teachers Be a preacher of the Word. Three other things: Preach and pupils about various matters, walking up and the W ord ; preach the Word; p r e a c h t h e W ord. down the aisle and in general disturbing the service Be a student of the “Word” more than books. But be and harassing the one in charge? a student of both. Would any preacher be guilty of whispering with Be “cheerful” without an “earful.” a visiting minister seated next to him on the plat­ Be a cheerful giver before God and your people. form while someone is giving a gospel message in Be reminded; “Bodily exercise profits a little.” song? I ask you, would he? Be sure to keep the “God-of-the-cause” ahead of the “cause-of-God.” A “verbal report” does not differentiate one that B e “zealous” but not “jealous.” is given extemporaneously from one that is written. Be careful how you hold your faith lest you “ drop ” it. The latter qualifies as “verbal.” It is either an Be a student of the biographies of great characters. “oral” report or a written report that is read. B e careful about foolish jesting lest you come into con­ demnation. i ------Ml---1------PAGE TW ENTY-TW O ( 278) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

economic conditions in which capital and labor run neck and neck in unholy *I THE PREACHER’S WORKSHOP |* efforts to gain unrighteous advantages; * An exchange of methods, plana and seasonal suggestions. If you j|| the presses putting forth millions of if! have discovered an idea that has proved successful in >£ pages of corrupting literature; the sa­ your church, send it in. lacious moving pictures poisoning the * * minds of people of all ages, and prob­ * Roy E. Swim || ably creating more criminals than all other agencies combined; the state and national governments in our own land, with utter disregard for all commitments Sermon Seed the heart in the new' birth. But entire to the contrary, flooding dry territory sanctification is that act of the Holy Sins of the Disposition (Luke IS: 28). with hard liquor over the protests of Ghost whereby the justified soul is made Contrast the sins of the younger brother outraged citizens; the most degrading holy. It is the incoming of the abiding with the sin of the older. forms of gambling licensed and encour­ Comforter into the consciousness of the Old Age Insurance. “Train up a child aged by civil government; domestic life believer, bringing His own light. Its in the way he should go: and when he being undermined and corrupted by easy chief inferential evidences are oneness is old, he will not depart from it” marriage and divorce, making consecu­ with Christ, easy victory over sin, re­ (Proverbs 22: 6). tive bigamy and polygamy respectable joicing evermore, praying without ceas­ A Refuge Never Failing. “There hath and promoting legalized adultery; sec­ ing, and in everything giving thanks. In no temptation taken you but such as is tions of the social life of all elements fact it is that state of grace which ex­ common to man: but God is faithful, in our population rotting to the core; cludes all sin from the heart.” —D a n ie l who will not suffer you to be tempted some colleges and universities, accord­ St e e l e . above that ye are able; but will with ing to reliable reports, employing teach­ the temptation also make a way to “Sanctification is an experience which ers and using texts that set forth prin­ escape, that ye may be able to bear it” makes the heart pure and clean, and is ciples altogether contrary to Christian (1 Corinthians 10: 13). no more substitutionary holiness, but ideals and comon decency; and churches, an inwrought cleansing effected by the having forgotten the exhortation to Holy Ghost through the truth and by withdraw from those who walk ungodly, Light from Holiness Lamps faith in the merit of the shed blood of with long rosters of worldlings who Keeping the Fellowship ■— D r. S. A. Jesus Christ and the promises which He neither support the body of Christ with Keen, the great evangelist, was asked, gave. It is a state of complete restora­ their presence and means, nor lend their “Have you ever felt any condemnation tion ; the image of God is restamped on influence to the promotion of the things since you made the profession of sanc­ the soul of the believer, and fits and of the kingdom of God? If salt was tification?” He said, “Oh, yes, I have provides him with a disposition to know, needed when Jesus taught His disciples been condemned many times. Before I do, and to suffer God’s will.”—J. A. on the mountain, it is needed in our experienced sanctification I was in a F l e t c h e r . land today.—E. P. J. G arro tt in W ord state of interrupted fellowship with and W ay. Christ; sometimes my heart grew cold. At the Place of Prayer But God visited my church with gra­ There w'ere only tw o or three o f us cious revivals during which I renewed A Rural Plan Who came to the place of prayer, my strength and followed Christ, at least In Church Management a plan that Came in the teeth of a driving storm; for a time, with greater faithfulness. has proved successful for reaching rural But for that we did not care, But since this new experience I have areas with the influence of the church Since after our hymns of praise had not suffered my fellowship with Christ is presented. It is called “The Farmers’ risen, to be seriously interrupted. The Holy Fellowship.” The central idea is a And our earnest prayers were said, Ghost deals faithfully with me; a series of informal meetings in the homes The Master himself was present there, wrong word springing from my lips, a of the countryside, somewhat similar to And gave the living bread. wrong impulse coming into my heart, the old-fashioned cottage prayermeeting. He warns or rebukes me, and I instantly In addition to this however the idea of We knew His look on the leader’s face respond to His warning or rebuke. I neighborhood fellowship is added. There So rapt and glad and free; turn to God immediately for forgiveness is no organization involved in the setup We felt His touch when our heads were and for increased strength to do His except that of the simplest kind. Those bow ed, will. If I have given offense to others, who attend are considered “members” We heard His “Come to me.” I turn to them also for forgiveness. and are put on the notification list of Nobody saw Him lift the latch, Hence my fellowship with God has been the secretary. Phone calls and postal And none unbarred the door; uninterrupted since I entered upon this cards are used to announce the meetings. But “peace” was His token to every blessed experience.”— G. W . R idout in All are equally welcome regardless of heart, Pentecostal Herald. religious affiliation. And how could we ask for more? Sanctification Defined — “ Pure love, The plan of the meeting is well adapt­ —M argaret S a n g st er . reigning in the heart and life—this is ed to the purpose. There is first of all the whole of Christian perfection. In worship, with hymn singing, prayer and one view, it is purity of intention, dedi­ The World Today a short sermon. A folding organ as­ cating all the life to God.”— W e s l e y . One does not confess himself a pes­ sures music without regard to the equip­ “By holiness is meant that partici­ simist today who sees conditions sinking ment of the home in which the meeting pation of the divine nature which ex­ to the moral level that which obtained is held. The worship is follow ed by a cludes all original depravity or inbred in the Roman empire nineteen hundred brief business session in which projects sin from the heart and fills it with per­ years ago. Who will gainsay the cor­ of service to the church or to the com­ fect love to God and man. . . . Holi­ rectness of this modern catalog: corrupt munity are voted or plans for the future ness begins when the principle of purity, politics prevalent on every land; a dis­ are outlined. Always an offering is taken namely, love to God, is shed abroad in tressing lack of integrity in business; to provide for these special interests, SEPTEMBER, 1938 ( 279) PAGE TWENTY-THREE

chief among which is an annual Christ­ and that promise I this day renew, be­ treasure that I am coveting a vessel a mas party for the children of the coun­ fore God my Father, Christ my Re­ thousand times larger. Hence with tryside. After business is a time of so­ deemer and the Holy Ghost my Sancti- Charles Wesley I daily exclaim: cial fellowship. Plans are in charge of fier.— J o h n B u n y a n S m i t h in The W es­ a revolving committee of five. There leyan Methodist. ‘Insatiate to this spring I fly; may be musical numbers, occasionally I drink, and yet am ever dry; games, sometimes refreshments and fre­ Ah! who against Thy charms is proof? Working with God quently the group just sit and visit. Ah! who that loves can love enough?’ ” A beautifully apt and enlightening The fellowship program follows fairly —D a n ie l St e e l e . paraphrase of the original Greek of closely the special seasonal emphasis. Philippians 2: 13-16 was given by Bishop Hallowe’en calls for a “huskin’ bee.” Finney on Ministerial Qualifications The Harvest Festival calls for stocking Lightfoot: “Therefore, my beloved, with “To me it seems very manifest that up the pastor’s cellar. Christmas is spe­ a nervous and trembling anxiety, work the great difference in ministers, in re­ cial. Valentine’s Day suggests a mid­ out your salvation for yourselves. For gard to their spiritual influence and use­ winter community dinner at noon. July yourselves, did I say? Nay, ye are not fulness, does not lie so much in their Fourth all the families bring their fire­ alone. It is God working in you from literary and scientific attainments as in works and have a display together. The first to last; God that inspires the the measure of the Holy Ghost which fall concludes with a grand picnic. earliest impulse and God that directs they enjoy. A thousand times as much The suggested plan worked well in a the final achievement. Be not like Is­ stress ought to be laid upon this part rural community where the church had rael of old. Never give way to dis­ of a thorough preparation for the min­ not prospered. The pastor worked out content and murmuring; show yourselves blameless children; that so, when Christ istry, as has been. Until it is felt, of the village into the surrounding coun­ shall come to judge all our works I may acknowledged and proclaimed upon the try. Enthusiasm grew. “Rural routes” know my race has not been run in housetops, rung through our halls of were projected on Sunday to the Sun­ vain.” science, and sounded forth in our theo­ day school. In a short time the farmers logical seminaries, that this is altogether themselves were taking the responsibility an indispensable part of the preparation for seeing to it that the children from How to Make the Sunday School for the work of the ministry, we talk in their communities got to Sunday school Grow vain and at random when we talk of in the village. One can see possibilities Always go. Always be on time. the necessity of a thorough preparation in such a plan as a means of contact Enter heartily into the singing and and course of training. and service in rural communities especial­ reverently into all the opening services. “I must confess that I am alarmed, ly if a vital evangelistic program is car­ Be appreciative of the officers and grieved and distressed beyond expres­ ried on in the church services so that let them know it occasionally. sion when so little stress is laid upon people won to the church might be Accept any place you are asked to the necessity of the baptism with the brought into personal relation to God take on the Sunday school staff. Holy Ghost. Of what use would ten in Christian experience. In the class give attention to the thousand ministers be without being lesson and discussion and avoid private baptized with the Holy Ghost? Ten My Church or whispered conversation. It disturbs thousand times ten thousand of them others. My church is where the Word of God would be instrumental neither in sancti­ Treat all newcomers as guests, and is preached, the power of God is felt, the fying the church nor in converting the make them want to return. Spirit of God is manifested, the love of w orld.” Give hearty support to the projects God is revealed and the unity of God of the school to encourage the spirit of is perceived. Epigrams by Robert Purvis co-operation. It is the home of my soul, the altar “ Life breaks dow n at the point of its If you are not elected to some office, of my devotions, the hearth of my faith, exhilarations.” be happy that you can give your entire the center of my affections and the fore­ Men see apples on trees. Jesus saw attention to your class and the building taste of heaven. trees in apples. up of the interests of the school. I have united with it in solemn cove­ Jesus never steps in until the world Give as liberally as you can to the nant, pledging myself to attend its serv­ has spent its force. support of the school, and when a sur­ ices, to pray for its members, to give The real value of what Jesus does is plus accumulates, select a missionary to to its support, and to obey its laws. found in the last analysis. apply it to. It claims the first place in my heart, Do not become so heavenly minded Be enthusiastic about your school and the highest place in my mind, the prin­ that you are of no earthly use. boost it as you would a private interest. cipal place in my activities, and its Pray for the outpouring of the Holy unity, peace and progress concern my True Rest Ghost upon yourself and your school, life in this w orld and in that which is and upon all the officers of the church, Rest is not quitting to come. that all may be used of God to the The busy career; I owe it my zeal, my benevolence and promotion of a revival of interest in Rest is the fitting my prayers. When I neglect its serv­ the Bible and the means of salvation. Of self to one’s sphere. ices I injure its good name, I lessen its If you will do this, it will be the best power, I discourage its members and I year of your life.— Kansas Nazarene Sig­ ’Tis the brook’s motion, chill my own soul. nal. < Clear without strife I have solemnly promised in the sight Fleeting to ocean of God and men to advance its interests After this life. by faithful attendance, by reading the The Fullness of the Blessing Holy Bible, by never neglecting its or­ “But I hear someone inquire, ‘Have ’Tis loving and serving dinances, by contributing to its support, you perfect satisfaction? Is every crav­ The highest and best; by meeting with my fellow1 members, by ing of your soul satisfied?’ Yes. No. ’Tis onward, unswerving— watching over their welfare, and by My present capacity for the love of A nd this is true rest. joining them in prayer, praise and service God is filled, but so precious is the —A n o n . PAGE TWENTY-FOUR ( 280) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

Evening Message---- September 4 A STAY OF SENTENCE 1 HOMILETIC AL j Because sentence against an evil work I 1 is not executed speedily therefore the * * heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Eccl. 8:11).

I ntroduction A Preaching Program 1. Men presume upon God because final judgment day of sinners is Orval J. Nease delayed. 2. Men forget that sin is already Morning Message---- September 4 c. Constant em ploym ent is a p ro­ judged. tection against the misuse of I. T h e S e n t e n c e A g a in st S in THE BLESSINGS OF LABOR energies. 1. Sin has already been judged. (Labor Day) 2. Labor has a disciplinary effect upon a. The law judges sin. For thou shalt eat the labour of thy character. b. Calvary judges sin. hands; happy shalt thou be and it shall a. Regular employment trains and 2. The sentence has been declared by be well with thee (Psalm 128:2). directs the energies. God. b. It develops the habit of appli­ It is G od that is against sin. I ntroduction cation and persistence. 3. The sentence pronounced upon sin 1. The first Monday in September. c. The daily task is the foe o f p ro­ is death. 2. A national holiday by proclamation crastination. II. T h e Se n t e n c e S t a y e d o f Congress in 1894. 3. Labor lessens sorrow by profitable 1. Calvary is G od ’s authority for 3. The right to labor and its fruitage diversion. stay o f execution. is a divine heritage. a. A sense o f belonging to a real 2. The stay of execution is a time

I . L abor I s a L a w of G od world. of mercy. N ote: Luke 13: 8. Para­ “Six days shalt thou labour” (Genesis). b. A sense o f accomplishing the ble of the barren fig tree. “Lord, “Thou shalt eat the labour of thy w orthy. let it alone thjs ve^j; also, till I hands.” c. A mind occupied with labor shall dig about it, and dung it.” 1. L abor is a divine command. dwells little upon disappoint­ 3. The admonition is to repent. a. Based upon the abilities and ment. “Return unto the Lord and he capabilities of man. 4. Labor affords spiritual values. will return unto you.” b. Based upon the purpose and de­ a. The satisfaction of gainful em­ “Agree with thine adversary quick­ sign of God for man, ployment. ly, while thou art in the way with c. Labor as much a command as b. The glory of filling a place in him” (M att. S: 25). rest. the world. III. D e l a y ed S e n t e n c e M a y L ead to 2. Labor not a curse imposed as a c. The romance of labor for others. P r e s u m p t io n result of the fall. 1. Sin is a matter o f the heart. A I I I. L abor I s A ssu re d of I ts W ages a. Man was placed in the garden deceived heart hath turned him and told to keep or tend it. “Every, man receiveth wages.” aside (Isa. 44:20). b. God himself labored. 1 1. Wages are adjusted to work. 2. The heart fully set. “On the seventh day God end­ a. On superficial view this may a. Repeated choice crystallizes ed his work which he had not be true. character. made” (Genesis 2:2). b. Money is not the ony wage nor b. Character determines destiny. c. (Christ himself labored. T h e # best. 3. Death does not alter a “set” heart. “My father worketh hitherto c. All life w ork is w orthy if it is a. Second probation impossible. and I w ork” (John S: 17). wrought for noble ends. (1) Illogical that it should be 3. Labor is a natural necessity and a 2. Every man chooses his own way offered. Christian characteristic. and his ow n pay^ (2) Impossible to accept were a. A natural necessity. a. “The purse-proud materialist.” it offered. “If any man would not work, b. The glory-filled idealist. b. The “set heart” in eternity. neither should he eat” (2 Thess. c. Men will be paid in “coin of IV. T h e S e n t e n c e E x ec u t ed 3: 10). the realm” of their choosing 1. “Treasuring up wrath against the b. A Christian characteristic. (Luke 18:30). day of wrath” (Rom. 2:5). 3. Labor m ay be a splendor or a 2. No further reprieve. II. L abor Is t h e L a w o f H ap pin ess drudgery according to our spirit. “For the great day of his wrath is 1. Labor attords a worthy outlet of a. D o we put simply our brawn come; and who shall be able to the energies. and brain into our task? stand?” (Rev. 6: 17). a. Idleness a curse. b. Or do we put our ideals, aspira­ N ote:—Hauptman finally was execut­ (1) “Idle mind is iljf . devil’s tions, our soul into our task? ed. w orkshop.” c. Do we work as a hireling or as (2) “Something for nothing” a a hero? Morning Message— September 11 mistaken notion. BEHOLDING YOUTH b. Idleness and vice have very close C o n c l u s io n affinities. Then Jesus beholding him loved him “Splendid aspirations fill even the (1) Criminals are recruited (Mark 10:21). humblest sphere with divine meaning.” from the lazy and shiftless. A labor of love! I ntroduction (2) Employment of mental and 1. Millions of youth are this week physical powers preclude N ote—Jacob’s love _for Rachel made enrolling in public schools and col­ crime. fourteen years labor seem~ as nothing. leges. SEPTEMBER, 1938 (281) PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

2. Millions are potential Sunday c. Leaders and teachers with a b. Buried— school pupils sufficient to fill every mission. (1) No prayers or entreaties of church school in the land. d. Leaders and teachers with a loved ones disturb. * Twenty-seven million under twenty- passion. (2) No trumpet blast of church

five years of age receiving no for­ C o n c l u s io n or ministry awakens. mal religious instruction. The twin graces of youth leaders are (3) No miracle movement of Ten million under ten years of “gentleness” and “patience.” the Spirit arouses. age not being touched by the pro­ c. Buried— gram of the church. ( 1) A bove ground. Evening Message---- September 11 (2) Premortem damnation. I T h e R e v e l a t io n s o f Y o u t h THE FORGOTTEN MAN 1. Youth conceals his real self. I I I . T h e W ic k e d F orgo tten And so I saw the wicked buried, who a. Amid the pleasure lure of. 1. Man’s attempt at immortality. had come and gone from the place of b. Amid the extremes of an in­ a. Institutional memorials. the holy, and they were forgotten in the dulgent age. (1) Carnegie’s libraries. city where they had so done (Eccl. c. Amid the readjustments of a (2) Rockefeller’s universities. 8: 10). changing world. (3) Ford’s museums. 2. Fundamentally youth is unchanged. I ntroduction b. Cities of memory. a. A hunger for abiding reality. The vision of the God-touched man. (1) Name cities after our pio­ b. A thirst for ultimate truth. a. Unfolds not only facilities of neers. c. A passion for. the redeemed. (2) Streets after our war he­ 3. M om ents of revelation. b. But also the tragedies of the roes. “ Then.” unrepentant. (3) Buildings after public bene­ factors. a. What was it that caught Jesus’ I. T h e W ic k e d i n t h e H o l y P l ac e c. Achievements of immortality. eye that revealed the heart of 1. The place of the holy. (1) Alexander, Napoleon, C x - the youth ? a. This does not refer to the?* com­ sar, may conquer their (1) Was it an expression of mon sinner. worlds. hunger? (1) Men who never frequent (2) Shakespeare, Bacon, Ten­ (2) Was it his eagerness? the house of God. nyson, Milton, may with (3) Was it his unaffected sim­ (2) Men who manifest their their living essays and son­ plicity ? wickedness by forgetting nets. (4) W as it his quick confes­ the house of God. (3) Homer, Beethoven, Bach, sion? b. The holy place is where men Listz, may compose their b. The beholding eye is a love- consciously meet God. enduring harmonies. touched eye. (1) Meet God in the influences (4) Michelangelo, Raphael, may II. B e h o l d in g t h e Y o u n g M a n of a Christian home. paint and chisel their vi­ 1. A day of platoon teaching. (2) Meet God in the ministries sions of glory. a. N ot only in public school. of Christian church. (5) Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Berk- b. In Sunday school. (3) Meet God in the sacred ex­ ly, may formulate their c. In home and on playground. periences of providential systems of truth. 2. Youth misunderstood. circumstances. 2 . Soon nothing but the empty name a. Youth is sensitive to misunder­ 2. The wickedness of indifference. remains. standing and draws farther into “Come and gone from the place a. It is human to forget. concealment. of the holy.” b. It is the fate of all time things b. Wrong notions of youth. a. Such indifference is an affront to decay. “Ugly duckling.” to God. c. Men forgotten in the very field “ G oing over fo o l’s hill.” (1) As though there were no of their activity. “Young and foolish.” operation of the Spirit. 3. Men who forget God will be for­ c. Youth longs to be understood. (2) As though there were no gotten of God. His problems are real to him. God. “Whosoever hath sinned against me, 3. Beholding eyes. b. Only a wicked heart can re­ him will 1 blot out of my book” a. Michelangelo saw an angel in main indifferent to God. (Ex. 25:30). a block of discarded marble. (1) Such wickedness passed the “Cast ye the unprofitable servant b. Who saw the world evangelist cross wagging its head say­ into outer darkness” (M att. 25: 30). in the young shoe clerk, Moody, ing, “Away with this man.” or in the gipsy lad, Gipsy (2) Such wickedness crucifies C o n c l u s io n Smith ? Christ afresh and puts Him “ He forgot all m y sin c. Who saw in the country lad, to an open shame. But remembers me.”

Schmelzenbach, or the ungainly II. T h e W ic k e d B u r ie d Morning Message— September 18 lass, Esther Carson, missionary 1. “The rich man died and was pioneers? buried.” SALT DEPOSITS III. L o v in g t h e Y o u N f, M a n a. Men live as though there were Ye are the salt of the earth; but if 1. Passive love is but empty yearn­ no death. the salt have lost his savour, where­ ing. b. This does not refer primarily to with shall it be salted? (Matt. 5: 13). 2. Active love seeks its object. physical death. “Have salt in yourselves” (Mark 9: 3. The kind of youth leaders we must 2. The wicked buried in the field of 50). h ave: his chosen activity. Read also Luke 14: 34, 35. a. Leaders and teachers with an a. Buried— I ntroduction experience. (1) In business. 1. Christ surrounded by the multi­ b. Leaders and teachers with a (2) In pleasure. tudes, “And he opened his mouth message. (3) In society. and taught them.” PAGE TWENTY-SIX ( 282) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

a. Taught them in language of sim­ (1) No seasoning grace. b. A day when man stands at the plicity. (2) No penetrative influence. bar. b. Taught them in terms of fa­ (3) No preserving grace. c. A day when man’s disposition of miliar commodities, bread, wa­ 2. The fate of saltless salt. Christ will determine Christ’s ter, lilies, sparrows, seed, pearls, a. “Good for nothing.” final disposition of man. light, salt. “Not fit for the land nor yet I I I . W h y M e n M a k e W ro n g C h o ic e s 2. The importance of salt in the East. for the dunghill.” Nothing so 1. Moments of choice. worthless as dead holiness. I. S a l t ’s A p p l ic a t io n a. Some men choose under stress. b. “Trodden underfoot.” 1. Salt defined. b. Most men choose after due de­ (1) Saltless salt used for paths a. Salt and light both used to liberation. and roadbeds. portray the functions of divine c. Small incidents often determine (2) Saltless saints a byword to grace. great decisions. the world. (1) Light represents the outer (1) A laugh has damned a man. penetration. C o n c l u s io n (2) A prayer has saved a man. (2) Salt represents the inner “Wherewith shall it be salted?” 2. Background o f choice. preservation. Two answers suggested: a. An inconsistent hom e atm os­ b. Salt is the New Testament sym­ a. God may restore the unsalted phere. bol for Christian character. salt. b. A continued indifference toward (1) Character inwrought by di­ b. If the church refuses to be re­ light. vine grace. salted God has no other way c. A weighing of personal desires. (2) Character, the product of to salt the world. N ote—Aaron Burr, “If Christ will redemptive provision. let me alone I will let Him alone.” “Christ in you the hope of Evening Message---- September 18 3. Procrastination ultimates in final glory.” rejection. THE VALLEY OF DECISION 2. Salt located. N ote—“Almost thou persuadest me a. Container identified with the Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of 'to be a Christian.” commodity contained. decision; for the day of the Lord is C o n c l u s io n — Choice holds within it “Ye are the salt.” near in the valley of decision (Joel 3: eternal consequences. “Have salt in yourselves.” 14).

b. “Salt of the earth.” I ntroduction N o te —Dr. H. C. Morrison, 1. The prophet overlooked the valley Morning Message---- September 25 “ Salt no good until barrel is of Jehoshaphat. broken and the salt rubbed in.” a. A beautiful garden valley. BURNING HEARTS (1) Not “sugar Christians.” b. The grain ready for the harvest And they said one to another, Did (2) Virile Christians. sickle. not our heart burn within us, while he (3) The strenuous Christ. c. As the grain would fall so would talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke II. S a lt C haracteristics it lie. 1. A seasoning potion. 2. The prophet overlooked Israel. 24: 32). a. It was Israel’s day of choice. a. Saves from insipidness. I ntroduction b. Their decision would determine b. Grace in the heart makes the 1. The New Testament is the story their destiny. individual acceptable to God. of burning hearts. c. The church in the world makes I. T h e V a l l e y of D e c is io n 2. The testimony of the unnamed dis­ the world acceptable. 1. The valley of ample light. ciples who walked from Jerusalem (1) World owes the church an a. Responsibility is determined by to Emmaus is the testimony of all unrecognized debt. light. who walk with the Christ. (2) Note: Abraham prays for b. This generation has Calvary and I. T h e R e l ig io n o f t h e B u r n in g the sparing of Sodom on Pentecost. H eart the basis of the righteous 2. Light received compels decision. 1. Religion o f Jesus Christ is a re­ in Sodom. a. God is responsible for the giv­ ligion of the heart. 2. A penetrative virtue. ing of light. a. Philosophy o f men may fire the a. Grace penetrates the entire life. b. Man is responsible for obedience mind. Home, private, business, social, to light. b. Religion also appeals to the in­ recreational, etc. c. No man can remain neutral to tellect. b. Grace penetrates all society. truth. c. Religion of Jesus Christ is pri­ Note: The mayor of a city 3. Valley represents circumstances fa­ marily a matter of the heart. fraught with labor disorder re­ vorable to right decision. 2. The God-touched heart is a trans­ lated that the simple prayer of a. Right influences. formed heart. a Nazarene pastor in his office b. Right examples. a. “Saul . . . a band of men for him had more to do with II. T h e D a y of t h e L ord whose hearts God had touched” holding him steady in the crisis 1. This is man’s day. (1 Sam. 10: 26). than all other influences. a. Man the center of his universe. b. John Wesley, “Mv heart was 3. A preservative power. b. Man the king upon his throne. strangely warmed.” a. Salt saves from putrefaction. c. Man the arbiter of his own des­ c. Quakers— recognized the “inner b. Salt cleanses existing infection. tiny. light.” III. S al t l e ss S a l t 2. Christ stands today before Pilate. 3. The G od-touched heart is a heart 1. Salt may lose its saltness. a. Awaiting Pilate’s decision. aflame. a. Maintains its form, etc., but b. Christ will not embarrass man’s a. It is warm with love and com ­ loses its savor. power of choice. passion . b. Christians who have lost their 3. T om orrow is the L ord ’s day. b. It is aglow with wisdom and salt. a. A day when Christ will be judge. truth. SEPTEMBER, 1938 ( 283) PAGE TWENTY-SEVEN

c. It is afire with holy zeal and 2. “ T hy house”— begin at home. Let us consider the religion of our passion. 3. “All”— responsibility does not cease Lord in this present age: until all are in. II. T h e R e l ig io n o f t h e B u r n in g I. T r u e R e l ig io n , t h a t of C h r is t , H as

H eart J o u r n e y s w i t h C h r is t IV. T h e G oal o f t h e A pp ea l B e c o m e " C o m m o n ” 1. The journey to Emmaus began “Into the ark.” 1. People will make every possible without Christ. 1. There is but one place of security effort to see the extraordinary or the un­ a. A journey of heavy hearts and from the storm. usual. disappointment. a. In Jesus Christ. To illustrate: b. All life’s journeys without b. “ Neither is there salvation in a. Let a spectacular show come to Christ are travels of the lonely any other” (Acts 4: 12). town and it will draw an unusually heart. 2. There is but one door of admit­ large crow d. 2. The burning heart is one that tance. b. The catch of a large or unusual companions Christ: “I am the door, by me if any species of fish. “And He walks with me man enter in he shall be saved” c. One of the United States’ largest And He talks with me (John 10: 9 ). submarines came to Port Brownsville for And He tells me I am His own.” 3. There is ample room for all. the first time and people flocked there by 3. The burning heart is one that V. T h e U r g e n c y o f t h e A ppeal the multiplied hundreds to see that hears and receives the words of 1. The language of the gospel is ever which is uncommon to them. Christ. in the present tense. “ Come, n o w !” 2. A church can announce that an

III. T h e R e l ig io n of t h e B u r n in g 2. The language of the gospel is ever evangelist has come to town and a re­ H eart Is t h e W a y of S acred D i s ­ in the imperative mood, “Come!” vival meeting begins. No one becomes

c l o su r e C o n c l u s io n — The cloud of deluge wrath alarmed but just casually remarks, “Just 1. Chrirt opened to them the Scrip­ is impending. another meeting.” tures. 3. W hy is such an attitude taken? 2. The Christ revealed Himself to W ho is to blam e? them at the journey’s end. In the day of Christ and the apostles 3. Pentecost is the experience o f the the people thronged about them because burning heart perpetuated. they were doing things out of the or­ dinary. C o n c l u s io n 4. He has given us power over the Basic to all effective service is the Some Perils of the Christian devil, every authority in his name to experience of the burning heart. P a u l C o l e m a n command devils. I. That of not lifting our life to the 5. Wherein have we failed? Jesus Even:ng Message---- September 25 level of our theory. We get a new said on one occasion after the apostles THE ARK OF SAFETY ideal of what the Christian life ought had failed, “This kind cometh out only Come thou and all thine house into to be and one of five things occurs: by prayer and fasting.” 1. All may collapse so that hereafter the ark (Gen. 7:1). II . A n I n d iv id u a l E x p e r ie n c e H as we live a baser, meaner life than I ntroduction B e e n M in im iz e d U n t il t h e M a j o r it y before. 1. Old Testament pictures of the gos­ H ave N o F a it h in t h e T r a n s f o r m ­ 2. We may keep the theory and not pel. in g P o w e r of G od i n a H eart and lift life to its level, living the life 2. G od ’s provision of the Ark is such L if e of a hypocrite, with a moral body, a picture. 1. Professing Christ without any semi-moral mind, and immoral soul. I. T h e M ost T y p ic a l G o sp e l A ppeal change. Continuing in sin, just under 3. We may become religious profes- 1. The word “come” is the gospel a new name. sionalists, victims of self-deception, epitomized. 2. We must prove to world by doing saying one thing with our lips and a. It has ever been G od’s W ord to that which is beyond the human, mani­ not living it in our lives, but un­ Israel. festing such a spirit as if we were smit­ aware of it. b. It is Christ’s most frequent ten on one cheek that we would turn 4. We may drop to the level of per­ the other; if we were compelled to go w ord. functory living and become a mere c. It is used 1800 times in the a mile that we would go twain willing­ “common Christian.” ly ; if our coat was taken then we Bible. 5. May be lifted by grace to the level would give our cloak. Return good 2. It is a w ord which asks no ques­ of the new vision. tions. for evil. a. Shake loose from where you are 3. Accusations may be hurled at us, and “Come.” The Common and the Uncommon such as being drunk with new wine,

b. G od never twits a forgiven soul R . R . A k i n being beside thyself because much learn­ of the past. ing doth make thee mad, gone crazy, los­ What God hath cleansed, that call not 3. There is much implied in the com ­ ing his mind, fanatical, old fogy, etc. thou common (A cts 10: IS). ing. Illustration— Chiang Kai-Shek, the pres­ Read: Acts 10: 9-17. a. C— Confessing. ent prime minister of China, was ten b. 0 — Obediently. I ntroduction years ago a Communist general and was c. M — M eekly. 1. Definition of term “common”— very cruel, doing much violence in d. E— Earnestly. Webster: ordinary; familiar. China. After having destroyed a mis­ II. A P e rso n a l A ppeal 2. Setting of lesson is Peter’s vision sionary hospital in one of his raids, was 1. “Come thou!” on housetop. called upon by the doctor of this work 2. Conscience is G od’s index finger. 3. “And the common people heard one day. “A foreign devil wishes to “Thou art the man!” him gladly” (Mark 12:37). see you,” said the orderly. “A foreign 3. First responsibility is personal. 4. For a thing to become “common” devil? And still alive? Bring him in,”

III. T h e S c o pe o f t h e A p p ea l is to lose your esteem or appreciation said the general. The doctor says, “1 1. “ T h o u and— of it. Unimportant, in other words. have come to ask you a favor.” “You PAGE TWENTY-EIGHT (284) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

will not get it,” was the reply. Re­ b. No strenuous effort. No re­ Illustration—Water falling on Con­ lating how his thirty years of work sponsibility. tinental Divide. Destination brings wa­ was now in ruins, he then requested c. N o opposition. ter thousands of miles apart. to attend the wounded men of the 4. It is a hard way to retrace. 1. Broadway— destruction. general’s who was the missionary’s ene­ a. Restitutions to make. a. In this life. my. The general was astounded and b. Habits to break. b. In life to come—“everlasting told his wife. She said, “Oh, that is II. T h e N a r r o w W a y destruction.” nothing. He is only putting into prac­ 1. Has a narrow gate (repentance). 2. Narrow way—life. tice the doctrines of his religion.” The 2. Few travel this road. a. In this world. general said that if that is what the 3. It is not an easy w ay to travel. b. In world to come. foreign devil’s religion really is, he, too, a. Restrictions (n arrow ). (1) Enraptured saint finds would become a Christian. This he b. Requires strength. Christ even more wonder­ did and is one today. c. Requires perseverance. ful in eternity. I I I. P roper R e c o g n it io n o f W h a t G od 4. Is also a hard way to retrace. (2) Finds life, eternally with D oes III. T h e T w o D estinations the saints o f all ages. 1. The sanctified are uncommon and dangerous and different. 2. Do we have the proper respect, Expository Outlines for September reverence and esteem of the workings of God? Are we true to the charge en­ trusted to our care? Lewis T. Corlett 3. D o we truly represent Jesus Christ ? God Is O ur Keeper The Unchanging Priesthood (Psalm 121) (Hebrews 7: 16-28) The Two Ways I. T h e L ord I s t h e S o u r c e of H elp I T h e C h ar acter o f t h e P r ie st (v . (v. 2) S. H en d r ix 26). 1. God is well able to help man for Enter ye in at the strait gate: for 1. “Holy” in fellowship and harmony “He made the heavens and earth.” ■wide is the gate, and broad is the way, with God. 2. The name “Lord” implies the idea that leadeth to destruction, and many 2. “ Guileless” in the purity of His of sustainer and preserver, “the there be which go in thereat: because disposition. bread-keeper of the universe.” strait is the gate, and narrow is the 3. “Undefiled” in His having con­ 3. The Lord wants to be a personal way, which leadeth unto life, and few quered all temptations from sin keeper. “The Lord is thy keeper.” there be that find it (M att. 7:13, 14). and the world. II. G od M a k e s t h i s H elp A v a il a b l e I ntroduction 4. “Separate from sinners,” a true to M an W e are all on the journey of life. We man among men, and yet one who 1. Man does not need to beg for it. start life in innocence, free from re­ had kept Himself free from sin. “ M y help com eth from the Lord.” sponsibility. When we come to the age 5. “Made higher than the heavens,” 2. The Lord watches man continually of moral responsibility, the road of life exalted in the glory of God. to assist him. forks. One road leads to destruction, a. “He will not slumber nor sleep” I I . A n E t e r n a l P r ie st h o o d and the other leads to life everlasting. (v. 4 ). 1. “Made after the power of an end­ Let us notice: b. He never becomes weary in less life” (v. 16). I. T h e B road W a y watching. 2. “A priest forever after the order 1. Has a wide gate (anyone can c. Man has the assurance of future of Melchisedec” (v. 17). travel it). sustenance (v. 8). a. Antedated the Levitical priest­ 2. Many travel this road. hood. I I I. T h e V a r io u s W a y s G od P r o m is e s 3. It is an easy w ay to travel, b. Typical of the priest made after to K eep a. Free to do as one pleases. 1. To stabilize. “He will not suffer the power of an endless life. thy foot to be moved” (v. 3). 3. “Offered up himself once for all” (v. 27). 2. To protect from all manner of on­ slaughts. 4. “Consecrated for evermore” (v. Peter and His Lord 28). a. From the fiery darts of the By Clarence E. Macartney wicked. “ The sun shall not I I I . P u r po se oe t h e U nchangeable Twenty-one ser­ smite thee by day (v. 6). P riest h o o d mons on the life b. From the subtle temptations of 1. Brought in the better hope (v. 19). of Peter---- one of a milder nature. “Nor the 2. Provided the means for men to Peter the most interest­ moon by night” (v. 6). draw nigh unto God (v. 19). j ing characters in 3. To sustain continually. “The Lord 3. The surety of a better testament T $ r d all religious his­ shall prepare thy going out and (v. 22). tory---- treating his thy coming in from this time a. The assurance of God’s better call to disciple- forth” (v. 8). covenant. ship, his intimate 4. To preserve the soul from all evil b. The confidence of men in God. association with 4. To provide salvation for all men f ; . zst&T- (v. 7). Jesus, a n d h i s a. Inward foes. (v. 25). f t ■ ' mt**111' amazing apostolic b. Outward enemies. 5. “To make intercession for them” career. Vivid; in­ I V . G od C a n H e lp o n l y as M a n L o o k s (v. 25). teresting! $1.75 to H i m IV . T h e U n c h a n g in g P r ie st h o o d Is NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE 1. Acknowledge Him as the source of t h e H ope o p H u m a n i t y 2923 Troost Avenue help (v. 2). 1. All other priests have failed. Kansas City, Mo. 2. Look to Him for personal deliver­ 2. The Levitical law and priesthood ance (v. 1). came short of the goal. SEPTEMBER, 1938 (285) PAGE TWENTY-NINE

3. Christ goes beyond and remains 2. The children of God delight to 2. By His definite testimony of adop­ constant in character and work. please their heavenly Father. tion (v. 16). II. T h e P o w e r to P lea se G od C o m e s 3. By His continual guidance (v. 14). A Better Revelation T h r o u g h t h e G ospel b y t h e W o r k 4. By the assurance of the intimate (Hebrews X: 1-4) o f t h e H o l y S p ir it relationship to Christ (v. 17). 1. The law of Moses was not able to IV. M an Is O bligated to D o H is B e st I. T h e N eed of t h e B e t t e r R e v e l a ­ impart strength to the worshiper to P l ease G od tion- (v . 3 ). 1. On the basis of the gifts bestowed. 1. The revelation then existing was a. A code of standards to regulate 2. From the fact of being a debtor not sufficient. life. to God (v. 12). 2. Man needed a greater conception b. A list of prohibitions. 3. Because of the confidence God of God. c. No power to impart life. places in His children. 3. Man needed a clearer comprehen­ 2. Freedom from condemnation given sion of God’s will and plan. to the believer in Christ (v. 1). The Greatness of God II. G od’s R e v e l a t io n H as B e e n P ro­ a. Through the power of the living (Isaiah 12) g r e ssiv e. “God who at sundry times Christ. For great is the H oly One o f Israel in and in divers manners spake in time b. Lifts the load of sin. the midst of thee (v. 6). past unto the fathers.” c. Gives assurance toward God. I. God’s Greatness Shown in His Mer­ 1. Through conscience— the first which 3. The believer possesses a hunger and c y and Comfort in Salvation (v. 1) proved insufficient. desire for the things of God (v. 5). 1. Removes His anger. 2. Through the law—a better state­ a. A hunger for more of God. 2. Brings comfort to the distressed. ment of God’s standard for His b. A desire for a closer walk. II. G od’ s G reat n ess S h o w n in H is people. c. A longing for a more intimate S u s t a in in g P o w e r ( v . 2). 3. By the prophets— truth clarified by fellowship. 1. He gives strength. God-called personalities. 4. The Spirit is able to cleanse man 2. He gives faith. a. Used the law to denounce. from the carnal nature so that he 3. He gives a scng. b. Pointed the people to the spirit can please God more implicitly (vs. II. H is Greatness Merits the Highest of the law. 3, 6). P r a ise (v s . 5 , 6 ). c. Called the people to meet the I I I. T h e S p ir it B ears W it n e ss to tiif. 1. “He has done excellent things.” demands of God. B elie v e r of t h e P rogress i n G race 2. For the nearness of the Lord. 4. By the Son—the clearest possible. 1. Of the acceptance by the Father 3. All people should join in praise to a. This complete—the first three (vs. 9-11). Him. partial. b. This direct— those going before indirect. c. This one in power—the other? Suggestions for Prayermeetings in weakness. H. O. Fanning d. This in the brightness o f the glory of G od— the others in the Becoming Spiritually Minded spiritual life, influence and usefulness. shadows. For they that are after the flesh do Reaching the worth while goals of life e. The last effective, vicarious and mind the things of the flesh; but they is not the result of accident, but of efficacious—the others pointing that are after the Spirit, the things of steadily driving tow'ard them until they tow ard the last. the Spirit. For to be carnally minded are reached. III. T iie R e v e l a t io n i n t h e S o n Is is death; but to be spiritually minded I. What is it to be spiritually mind­ G od’ s G r a n d C l i m a x i n R e v e l a t io n is life and peace (R om . 8: 5, 6). ed? It is to have a mind kindly dis­ 1. God going farther toward man. posed to spiritual things; capable of Here the Spirit presents to us two a. Dwelling with humanity. knowing them and appreciative of their opposite states of mind in their rela­ b. In His message. importance and value. A mind capable tion to our meeting the issues o f life. c. In His ministry. of knowing the voice of the Spirit The one we have by nature; the other and disposed to yield obedience to Him d. In His death. by grace. One follows our natural birth; when He speaks. A mind capacitated e. In His resurrection. the ether our spiritual birth. The one is 2. The Son was even greater and a death, because it is enmity against God, better revelation of God than the and tends to a life inimical to His will, MISSIONARY ILLUSTRATIONS angels were (v. 4 ). and unsuited to beings created in His By Alva C . Bowers. For the use of IV. G od’ s P u r p o se i n t h e B e t t e r R ev­ image. The other is of the spirit, and ministers, teachers and missionary e l a t io n tends to a life in harmony with God’s leaders among young people and oth­ 1. To give a clearer picture of Himself. will, and agreeable to beings made in ers. The author who was for twenty- 2. To make Himself accessible to hu­ His likeness. This mind is life and six years a missionary has compiled manity. peace. Life from God; for God; with these stories of his own experiences and those of other world-famous mis­ 3. To point man to the proper w'ay. God. Peace with Him; with self; with sionaries for the use of all interested 4. T o sanctify the people (H eb. 13: others like-minded. The one earthly, in the work of missions throughout 12). sensual and devilish. The other heav­ the world. A volume of thrilling 5. To leave man without excuse. enly, spiritual and Godlike. There are stories which may be used to illustrate 6. To bring man unto glory. degrees of worldly mindedness. There missionary sermons or Junior story are degrees of spiritually mindedness. sermons, and to illustrate all addresses Pleasing God How to increase the depth, power and seeking to teach courage, faith, the abundant life, and other inspirational (Romans 8: 1-17) intensity of our spiritual minds is one truths. 1 .50 I. T h e N a t u r a l R e a c t io n o f t h e of our major problems. Shallowness here tends to shallowness of spiritual NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE C h il d r t n o f G od 2923 Troost Avenue 1. The normal child delights to please life. Depth and intensity here tends to Kansas City, Mo. his father. corresponding depth and intensity of PAGE THIRTY ( 286) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

for things spiritual; attuned to spiritual ed. W e are spiritual beings as well as the nations of the earth. This has not influences; receptive of spiritual powers; natural. been God’s choice for them, but their susceptible to spiritual forces; obedient V. We become spiritually minded choice for themselves. Not that they to spiritual impulses. through the operation of the Holy Spirit. chose this formally, but they took the II. Avoid other mindedness. See that The carnal mind we have as an in­ way that led to it directly, and they we do not put ourselves in the way of heritance. The spiritual mind as a be- are at their goal. In their spiritual becoming other minded. Worldly mind­ stowment. It is wrought in us by the blindness and obstinacy they are re­ ed by reading its literature; seeking its Spirit without co-operation. Our co­ fusing to believe the Word of God values, its attractions and its entertain­ operation is the measure of the intensity through His prophet and insisting that ments; imbibing its spirit. Worldliness of our desire to become spiritually mind­ they are not on the verge of disaster, is an evidence of worldly mindedness. ed. but are in the way of prosperity and Spirituality of spiritual mindedness. VI. We become spiritually minded by the favor of God. There are ways in Trees are known by their fruit. reading the Word of God, meditating the moral and spiritual realm that lead III. Cultivate an appreciation of the on what we read and putting it into directly to destinations as certainly as value of being spiritually minded. In practice in our daily lives. Prayer and there are in the material realm. M en its effects upon ourselves; in its effects communion with God; fellowship with among them were still glorying. The upon others coming within the sphere Him in suffering, sacrifice and service wise in their wisdom; the mighty in their of our influence; in increasing our tends to the development of spiritual might; the rich in their riches. These value to God and men. What has it mindedness. Keeping the mind concen­ had become their gods. In them they meant to us to come under the influ­ trated on religious subjects— activities, were putting their trust. They had al­ ence of spiritually minded people? What spiritual concern and thinking in terms lowed these material things to obscure will it mean to others to come within of spiritual advancement are all helpful. their vision of the spiritual; things visi­ the circle of our influence? VII. Cultivate an ever deepening and ble and temporal to rob them of things IV. The measure of our value to increasing appreciation of the gift of the invisible and eternal. They had lost God God and to others is determined by Holy Spirit; of His activities for us, in in gaining mammon. What can these what, by His grace and power, we be­ us and through us. W e becom e spiritu­ things do for them now? come. We can come to our own in ally minded as we come to know' and I. Wisdom has its place; might has value and usefulness in no other way appreciate the mighty Author of this its place; riches have their place. But than that of becoming spiritually mind- transcendent grace and enduement. He all these are subordinate places and they is here as the Executive of the Godhead must be kept in them. To glory in among men. We become what God them is to put them in places they The Essentials of an Effective would have us become as we yield our­ cannot fill. They m ay be the gifts Ministry selves to Him in His mighty trans­ of God and should be thankfully re­ ceived and duly appreciated. They may By H . A . Boaz forming operations and activities. be things we hold in trust; things^ovtsr Inspiring, N ot many of us rise to heights of eminence in any realm. In no other which God has made us stewards. Our 5 t r a ightforward, C { (■<- i ;>whi ‘“ I* glorying should be in the God who intimate addresses realm is there opportunity to rise as „f an tlM l'f on the work of Ministry high as in the spiritual realm. The bestows them, and counts us worthy to the Christian min­ men who have risen to eminence in this be entrusted with their stewardship. istry. Every page realm stand out like mountain peaks in II. To make these things our objec­ sheds some light, human history. tives in life is to give them places of old or new, upon importance that they do not and cannot the quality of the work of the minis­ Glorying in Knowing God ter or the tech­ Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise nique of his pro­ The Great Physician man glory in his wisdom, neither let the fession. The most B y D r . G . important affirma­ m ighty man glory in his might, let not Campbell Mor tions of Christian the rich man glory in his riches: but gan. This new thought and ministerial practice are let him that glorieth glory in this, that book in which well stated. $1.00 he understandeth and knoweth me, that Dr. Morgan’s ex­ I am the Lord which exercise loving Sermons From the Miracles pository gifts kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in are at their very A new book the earth: for in these things 1 delight, best m a y be by Clovis G. saith the Lord (Jer. 9: 23, 24). bought “ sight Chappell. Six- These words were uttered in a dark unseen” by any I sb k Mf s t e e n pictorial time in Judah’s history. In spite of the minister. A ll preachers ac­ sermons on the loving kindness and long forbearance of knowledge the spiritual signifi­ God the Jews had persisted in wander­ difficulty of pre­ cance of the su­ ing away from Him; honoring Him with paring exposi­ pernatural pow­ their lips, but in their hearts following tory sermons. Here are not only ex­ ers of Jesus as other gods. In these ways they had amples but much background ma­ recorded in the gone so long that they were confirmed terial for such messages. This volume Gospels. These in them. Everything that God could is different from any previous Mor­ messages reflect do for them in the land had been done gan book. Here be deals with the unusually methods of Jesus with individuals. expository and they had failed to respond favorably There are 50 sermons each one deal­ to His overtures of mercy and love. — and homiletic ing with a different person. 400 ability of this popular author. $1.50 Nothing less than discipline in strange pages. $2.50 lands is left for them. They are on NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE 2923 Troost Avenue the eve of the Babylonian captivity, a 2923 Troost Avenue Kansas City, Mo. cessation of their formal national exist­ Kansas City, Mo. ence, and a long period of subjection to SEPTEMBER, 1938 ( 287 ) PAGE THIRTY-ONE

deserve. To make them occasions of Himself; - to us as our one sufficient duct. Getting into these paths is one glorying is to exalt them to heights to Guide and points out to us the way of thing. Walking in them is another. which they cannot rise. H aving lost safety and success. He has had a peo­ V. The promise. And ye^shall find their vision of God, these men were ple down through the ages who have rest for your souls. There is no rest glorying in things unworthy of such accepted His guidance, followed His for the soul in sin. This they had treatment; worshiping the creature more counsel and walked in ways that were proved by their evil ways of living. than the Creator; the gift rather than pleasing to Him and profitable to them­ They had walked in paths that did not the Giver. selves and to others. He has given us lead to soul rest. M an is made for III. These things are not to be de- His word to be the man of our counsel. G od and finds no rest until he finds it fcpised or made light of. They have In every generation He has had His wit­ in Him; for holiness and finds soul rest Their places and their values. None of nesses and servants to point out to only in holiness of heart and life. All them could save them in their hour of men the ways in which He Would have efforts to find rest otherwise have sig­ distress and need. The fear of the them walk. Devious ways are all about nally failed. Lord is the beginning of wisdom; the us, but the most devious of all are the VI. Their present experience. From possession of the Lord our might and ways of life. Mysteries are everywhere, the least of them even unto the greatest our riches. but the greatest of them are the mys­ of them every one is given to covet­ IV. God himself is the one object of teries of life. ousness; and from the prophet even glorying to beings created in His im­ I. Stand in tlje. ways. Survey the unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. age. Before Him all else falls into situation. Ways are all about us. They They have healed also the hurt of the comparative insignificance. It is more have their parts of destination' as well daughter of my people slightly, saying, than passing strange that beings capable as of departure. Where do they lead? Peace, peace; when there is no peace. of knowing God should be satisfied What will be their ends? In the midst Were they ashamed when they had com­ without this knowledge. But they are of these confusing paths we are not to mitted abomination? Nay, they were not so satisfied. Nothing less than this walk heedlessly. Life is toa.precious to not at all ashamed, neither could they can bring satisfaction to human beings. be thus wasted. Destiny is too impor­ blush: therefore they shall fall among V. We should glory in God for what tant to be carelessly ignored. them that fall: at the time that I visit He does in the earth. He exercises lov­ II. Make proper inquiry. Ask for them they shall be cast down, saith the ing kindness, judgment and righteous­ the old paths. The paths in which men Lord (Jer. 6: 13-15). ness in the earth. What would earth be have walked in safety and security in VII. The great refusal. We will not without Him and without these things? all ages. The paths that lead to right walk therein. Men tend to become con­ What would we be in a world without and desirable destinations. Paths of re­ firmed in their ways. The longer sal­ Him and without His intervention. pentance and justifying faith, of right­ vation is delayed the less likely it is to VI. We should glory in Him for eous, God-pleasing and man profiting occur. Every refusal of proffered mercy that in which He delights. He does living. Ways in which God’s people makes the next refusal easier and more not delight in the strife and turmoil of have ever walked. certain. Every hour men spend in earth; in men glorying in things of time III. Where is-the good way? The wrong ways tends to strengthen their and sense. We were made for better way of holiness of heart, mind and life. attachments to them. things—for fellowship with Him and The way in which God would have G od is still merciful to Israel. As a for delight in the things in which He every one of His children walk. people they may refuse His proffered delights. To Him we come from the IV. The exhortation. Walk therein. grace. As individuals they may receive turmoil and strife of earth for harmony There are crises experiences of justifi­ His mercy. What the masses do may with God and heaven; from things cation and sanctification that bring us have its influence upon individuals, but temporal to things eternal. into these paths. There are lives to be it cannot prevent their closing with Him VII. We should glorify Him for His lived. In the;e paths we are to walk. in His proffered salvation. Only those faithfulness for what He is to us, and There must be inner conditions before who persist in their refusal to walk in ever has been to all mankind, for all there can be outer manifestations. Holi­ God’s ways of holiness and life are lost. the present is to us and for all the fu­ ness of heart and mind in order that He will save all He can, even though ture holds for us; for an eternity of there may be holiness of life and con­ the nation is cast out of the land. delight in the things in which He de­ lights and of the unfoldings of the possibilities of the life eternal Christ came that we might have. The Art of Illustrating Sermons The Old Paths By Dawson C. Bryan. This practical book studies Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the the art by which the most successful preachers /ways, and see, and ask for the old illustrate their sermons. It shows where they find fpaths, where is the good way, and walk their illustrations; how they collect and classify therein, and ye shall find rest for your them; how they make their illustrations essential souls. But they said, We will not walk parts of the sermon structure; and how they use therein (Jer. 6:16). story preaching to increase the substance and the remembrance values of their sermons. It includes In this world of mankind so many of some of the finest illustrations found in contem­ whom have sinned and rebelled against porary preaching and sets forth the effective tech­ God, made light of His commandments, nique employed by the Master Preacher of all refused His mercy, spurned His grace, time. THE ART OF ILLUSTRATING SERMONS scorned His counsel and turned to their is well designed to stimulate variety and increase own ways; life has become so compli­ the effectiveness of homiletic presentation. cated and its ways so multitudinous Price $2.00 that one cannot hope to find his way NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE through it successfully or make a safe 2923 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Mo. landing on the other shore without help at every step of the way. God offers PAGE THIRTY-TWO (288) THE PREACHER’S MAGAZINE

Christian Gratitude have the secret of Paul’s marvelously rich experience, glorious life, and fruit­ Thanks be unto G od fo r his unspeaka­ ful service. And there is the Fountain ble gift (2 Cor. 9:15). from which we must draw that our own SERMONS Few things, if any, are regarded as lives may be enriched, our own charac­ ON more detestable than ingratitude. Not ters perfected and our own usefulness OLD...NEV only is it one of the basest of sins, but increased. TESTAMENT CHARACTERS it is one of the most unreasonable. Everything so tends to the manifesta­ Hearing God When He Speaks tion of gratitude for favors shown that I will hear what God the Lord will its expression should be spontaneous un­ speak: for he will speak peace unto der all circumstances. It is because of his people, and to his saints: but let this that the withholding of it is re­ them not turn again to folly (Isa. 85: 8). garded with such universal disfavor. On the other hand, praise is comely, it is These words were uttered in a time Books by fitting, it calls for the approval of ev­ of mercy and deliverance at the hand of ery right thinking person. Gratitude to the Lord. They have been suffering Clovis G. Chappell God for His manifold gifts is fitting and for their folly and the psalmist sees the SERMONS FROM THE MIRACLES should be universal among mankind. danger of a repetition of their folly and of the disastrous consequences. Sixteen fresh, practical, pictorial Especially is thanksgiving to God for sermons dealing with the spiritual the gift of His Son—His unspeakable I. It is fitting that this man of God significance of the supernatural pow­ Gift—fitting and proper for all. All should express his deep appreciation of ers of Jesus as recorded in the gos­ are benefited by Him; all are blessed the goodness of the Lord for the de­ pels. The writer needs no introduc­ through Him; all are indebted to Him. liverance He has given them. Men cry tion. 1 .50 to God in times of need, but sad to One’s attitude in this matter .is an in­ MEN THAT COUNT dex to His condition and character. sav, are often negligent in their expres­ A shrewd analysis and friendly sions of thanksgiving to Him for His I. The heart of Paul was full of portrayal of Bible characters whose goodness. Christ and was constantly overflowing deeds and words challenge us to­ day. 1 .00 with thanksgiving and praise to God II. It is well for us to remember the for Him . It is as our hearts are filled follies we have committed and the MORE SERMONS ON BIBLICAL with Him that they overflow with woes we have brought upon ourselves CHARACTERS thanksgiving to God for Him. and to sedulously avoid repetition of This is a second series of Doctor them. Chappell’s masterpieces on the great II. He is God’s unspeakable Gift in men and women of the Bible, widely III. Much of our folly and suffering that the infinite glory of His person appreciated by ministers and laymen cannot be uttered or expressed in speech. come to us because of our failure to alike. 200 pages. 1.00 Because of our finite limitations He will heed what G od the L ord speaks to us. SERMONS FROM THE PARABLES ever be God’s unspeakable Gift. What It is our wisdom to hearken diligently These seventeen sermons lead and obey promptly when He speaks. a glorious thing it is that God has been strikingly to the central truths of His warning voice if heeded would save pleased to give us such a Gift! Jesus’ teaching in the parables. 1.00 us from much sin and suffering. His III. He is God’s unspeakable Gift in directing voice would put us in the way SERMONS FROM THE PSALMS that the benefits that come to us through of the enjoyment of many blessings. Sympathetic, vigorous, pictorial Him are unspeakable. By His death preaching---- seventeen sermons re­ His guiding voice would lead us into satisfaction is made to God for our lating the messages of the Psalms to many paths of usefulness. sins and our salvation is made possible. the needs of our day. Originally IV. He is God’s unspeakable gift in IV. We owe a debt of gratitude to the $1.75. 1.00 men who down through the ages have that by His life our salvation is made SERMONS ON BIBLICAL heard the voice of God and made His actual. Our sins are forgiven, our hearts CHARACTERS are purified, life, eternal life is ours, and will known to their fellowmen. It is These sermons on the great men all the benefits and blessings of salvation through such men that the knowledge and women of the Bible are notable are ours to enjoy. Who would con­ of the living God and of His saving for their originality and insight. 1.00 tend for a moment that these transcend­ grace has been kept alive among men SERMONS ON OLD AND NEW and blessing has come to our own hearts. ent works of grace are speakable? TESTAMENT CHARACTERS Words are vehicles too feeble to express V. One of the needs of the hour is Year after year the two volumes the raptures, the glories, the blessings of men who, like the psalmist of old, will combined in this book have gone divine grace and salvation. hear what God the Lord will speak. through repeated editions. Thirty- two most telling messages are offered V. All that life holds for us here is Men who will walk closely enough with here. 1.00 made possible because Christ is God’s Him to hear His voice when He speaks. unspeakable G ift to us. It is only as Men He can trust and use in this glori­ THE VILLAGE TRAGEDY we come to know Christ better and ous Work. A disposition on the part Fourteen sermons, all character come to a better understanding of what o f all o f us as G od’s people to give in­ sketches, each one as interesting as its title. One of Doctor Chappell’s God designs Him to be to us that we creasingly close attention to the voice of earlier volumes. 1.00 come into actual realization of the God when He speaks. It is our glory benefits that are ours in Him. After that God loves us; is interested in us THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT many years of sanctified experience and is ever seeking our welfare, our By Clovis G. Chappell. Seventeen apt and appropriate messages based Paul’s heart cry was, “That I may know prosperity, our advancement in spiritual, on the greatest sermon ever preached. him, and the power of his resurrection, as well as other matters. It is our 1.00 and the fellowship of his sufferings, joy that we are made recipients of heav­ NAZARENE PUBLISHING HOUSE being made conformable unto his death; enly messages fresh from the heart of 2923 Troost Avenue if by any means I might attain unto the God. It is amazing that we may thus Kansas City, Mo. resurrection from the dead.” Here we commune with Him,