VOL. XIV. September 1, 1931 Nos. 17 A
Christian’s Privilege of Fellowship Half
Hour Meditations on Romans, VOL. XIV. September 15, 1931 Nos. 18 Annual
Report of the Pastoral Bible Institute The
Pilgrimage to Great Britain Character
Development of the Saints VOL. XIV. September 1, 1931 Nos. 17 Suggests the SecondComingAS BEARING
on the world outlook, we submit bebelow an article published in the Journal-Courier (New
Haven), being in the nature of a letter sent to that Journal by one of its readers. The
review of a number of considerations by this writer is impressive, being, we believe, in
remarkable accord with our convictions drawn from the ‘more sure word of
prophecy.’ To the
Editor of The Forum: Sir:
Recently during his European trip, Nicholas Murray Butler gave a remarkable address on
world events. He declared that one of the strangest aspects of the present period is the
almost complete lack in every country of men with calibre for leadership. He said never
before in history was the world as impoverished of great men. The paucity throughout the
globe, with the glowing exception of India, of leaders of vision, self-immolation and
passionate daring, marks our era, as unique. The most
profound of the many remarkable phenomena which marked Woodrow Wilson’s leadership
was the fact that for the first time in history the common people of all nations evinced
an eager readiness to ignore national and even racial lines in their allegiance to a
leader. Hitherto man
had acclaimed their native patriots: England her Cromwell and Wellington; France her
Charlemagne and Bonaparte; Italy her Garibaldi and Mazzini; and America her Washington and
Lincoln. But men of
all nations wildly acclaimed, with a fervor approaching, in some countries, the fervor of
worship, a leader whom they honestly believed would guide mankind into the paths of peace.
The heart is burdened with an overwhelming sense of disillusion and dismay when one dares
to think of what the peoples hoped of Woodrow Wilson. Mr. Wilson’s greatest
contribution to his time was the revelation that at last, humanity was one, mankind had
achieved solidarity, and the studpendous, glorious revelation, that at last mankind was
ready for a leader who stood, not for the pomp and circumstance of administrative power,
not for martial glory -- but for peace. But, alas,
Mr. Wilson failed, whether through the unseen treachery of his allies or through some
inner weakness, some alloy in the mental or moral outfit of the plumed knight of ‘the
New Freedom’ future disclosures must determine. But the bright vision passed and
today the posture of events is such that, failing enlightened leadership, the earth
promises again and soon to become the scene of shattered homes, mutilated bodies, ravished
women, impoverished children and ‘scraps of paper’! But Mr. Butler solemnly
declares such leadership lacking. And yet the
desire of the peoples for peace is still unshaken. World travelers declare that the common
people in every nation are alarmed and despairing because of the trend toward war in the
leadership of their statesmen. Make no mistake, never in the world’s history has the
human family in its humbler ranks so yearned for a leader into the paths of peace. Then why, if
the nations are actuated by one desire, and the desire of all nations is for peace, is it
unreasonable to entertain the thrilling hope that Haggai’s wonderful promise that the
‘desire of all nations’ shall come is nearing fulfillment, and that ere long
bleeding humanity may find consummation for its yearnings in the coming again of the
Prince of Peace? What meant the ancient seers and prophets? To what purpose did the Master
and His followers point to a time of world-wide shaking and upheaval as a prelude to the
setting up of the reign of Him of whom it is spoken: ‘The government shall be upon
His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The
Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there
shall be no end.’ ‘But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and reprove
with equity for the meek of the earth.’ ‘And he shall judge among the nations,
and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and
their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither
shall they learn war any more.’ -- Is it all a glittering mirage, a tantalizing
vision held before the eyes of perishing humanity? Are we destined as a race to submersion
into chaos and cold night? To believe so were blasphemy! Mankind is surfeited with husks,
and out of the welter of ‘distress of nations, with perplexity’ pleads that the
Lion of Judah shouldst take unto Himself His great power and reign! Why should
one be scoffed at because one sees some relation between planetary disaster and the
promised return of the Savior? That return was declared to be coincident with a well-nigh
complete lack of faith upon earth. With the clergy of Christendom nearly a unit when
brought face to face with war, assuming that the Nazarene evidently could not have
apprehended Germany and her doddering Kaiser when He promulgated His doctrine concerning
the sword, when our leaders in church, state and forum hurled themselves ardently into the
preaching of the doctrine of force and that ‘without stint or limit,’ to the
utter abandonment of preaching that patience and love should have their slow but perfect
work -- which is the doctrine of Jesus -- with such leadership unquestioningly followed[
by the multitude I say, is it not perfectly sane and reasonable to insist that if
worldwide apostasy is a condition of the second coming, Christendom can certainly qualify? If Christ is
not supreme, if man is simply the most ferocious of the brutes, then let us scratch and
claw our selves into the abyss if need be; but let us be honest and reject, cant. The
world is very sick,nigh unto death, but nevertheless it is preparing its plaudits for a
leader who will make the world safe from hypocrisy! ‘Throughout each war-swept,
war-scourged, sorrowing land, Traveling Light[Contributed] ‘TIS a
wonderful journey, and I am traveling light. I pity those who, straining, bend beneath the
weight of burdens. Here and there I see them, and such loads they bear -- loads of
inordinate ambitions that cause sleepless nights and weary days; loads of fear of what
others may think or say; loads of earthly goods exceeding the measure of one’s needs;
loads of apprehension of what the future may bring. Poor souls, I indeed pity them, for
they know not the great Burden-bearer and the incomparable solace that cometh from above. Along the
way, on either side, are flowers that shed their fragrance on the air. ‘There are
pansies that bring thoughts of sweet experiences of the part, under the gracious guidance
of One who is ‘too wise to err, too good to be unkind.’ There are roses, red as
the heart of love. There are lilies, white as truth itself, and they tell me that the
wisdom from above, is first pure. Yonder the purple iris lifts its head. and speaks of
royalty, the reward and boon of him who stanchly makes the journey and its hardships
braves. Then there are forget-me-nots, which fondly tell of you, my brother and my sister
fair, who also press along this way. Others in
past time have traveled light. One of these was Moses. Faith so lightened his burden of
worldly things that he made no attempt to carry with him the court of Egypt, or the honor
of being called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, or his, prestige and power as a leader
of armies. He simply cast aside the old life and traveled on without it, and thus
unencumbered with troublesome and useless ‘impedimenta,’ he was eligible for a
service of the highest renown and became a type of the world’s Great Deliverer, who
is to free the sincursed, death-smitten world of all its woes. And Abraham
traveled light. Leaving Ur of the Chaldees, he journeyed forth, dwelling in tents at night
time, out in the solitude with God, under the, benign, glorious stars, and by day he
marked a pathway of faith through the lone wilderness, looking and preparing himself for
‘a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.’ And the
Apostle Paul traveled light. Positively indeed he made it known. that he was determined to
know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Then again he gave, the exhortation,
‘Let us lay aside every weight and the sin, that doth so easily beset us and run with
patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith.’ And we remember, too, his words, ‘Forgetting the things that are behind
and looking forward to those things that are before, I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ And above
all, Jesus traveled light. Not having where to lay His head for an earthly possession, He
carried no titles, no honors, no worldly wealth. Born in a lowly place, and meek and lowly
of heart, He said, ‘To this end was I born and for this cause came 1 into the world,
that I should bear witness to the. truth,’ Furthermore, He cautioned His disciples to
travel light, telling them not to be -over-anxi,ous for the future as to matters of food
and clothing, for the God who cared for the birds of the air would assuredly care for
them. And oh, what power and -peace in His words, ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God
and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.’ And now
today some are traveling light. They are living not for the world nor for the things of
the world. They have cast aside all useless luggage. They have one purpose in mind and one
goal toward which they look, They realize that the consummation of the Age is at hand and
that the elements of the old-world system are about to be dissolved. They have their
treasure up above, where neither moth nor rust can corrupt and where thieves cannot break
through and steal; and so they are traveling light. Beautiful way that leads on and on, For the way is the way that leads to
bliss, Yes, the way
lies on and on. The great sun reaches down to me with golden. light that sheens the
opening path with burnished facts that spur resolve and hope and faith. The warblers of
the grove speak to me with the voice of song, and one bright bird calls, ‘Come away,
come away.’ So on I go and tarry not. For Truth is worth while and Love is worth
while, and Faith’s morning is worth while; these and the purpose, the set road and
victory. And the toils of the road will seem as nothing to those who catch Love’s
vision and follow its gleamthose who stand the test and win out -- Oh blessed thought! --
for these are the heirs of all things -- all things that shall ultimately and imperishably
endure. And now I
feel a tender softness from the breath of peace; the breeze has died away; the evening
quiet steals upon my heart, and love’s fragrance is in the air. O it is a
wonderful journey, and I am traveling Light. The Visit to Great BritainBy Brother I. F. Hoskins BELIEVING
MANY will be interested in reading a report of experiences, journeyings and meetings with
brethren abroad in the old world, of various lands and tongues, it affords much pleasure
at this time to review and to some extent record the details of the experiences of these
weeks and months of pilgrimage and travel which began when we sailed from New York City on
March 20th for Great Britain. It was
expected that the first installment of this report would have gone forward at an earlier
date; but owing to the fact that as we were about to embark on the return voyage to
America early in July, arrangements were made by brethren in London for a tour to Egypt
and Palestine, which was most gratefully accepted, our return to America was postponed
nearly one month. Having on
three former occasions within the past eleven years visited Great Britain and met many of
the brethren in that country, when the invitation came early this year from several
representative brethren in London and its environs to visit their country again, there was
a ready response in our heart and we desired the privilege to thus serve the Master’s
cause. Yet there was a period of careful consideration and of prayerful waiting upon the
Lord to determine what His providence might definitely indicate. We believe we had the
Lord’s mind upon the subject in finally accepting the invitation from the brethren in
London to participate with them in a convention about Easter time, early in April, and to
subsequently make a general pilgrimage to various Classes in Great Britain and Ireland.
Now that the entire plan of service and the experiences are in the past, the obvious
manifestation of the Divine blessing all along the way seems to confirm the decision as
being according to His will. March 19th
had been set as the date for sailing on the Steamship Aquitania, of the Cunard Line. There
is still fresh in our mind the vision of a little group of about 20 sympathetic loved ones
accompanying us to the vessel late on the night of March 19th, and waving goodbye as the
hour of parting came. It was not till the following morning however that the great vessel
moved away from the pier and out of New York harbor. How powerful are the ties of common
interest and affection that are grounded deep in the love of God and in the things that
belong unto our peace! Thankful indeed are we in these days for the sweet fellowship of a
few of kindred spirit, whose hearts and hopes are one, and who have tasted of the sorrows
of life and of the joys Divine. Such is the heritage of the sons of God, as saith the
Apostle in his reference to the communion of joy and suffering in the members of the Body
of Christ. -- 1 Cor. 12:26, 27. How easy it
is for God to supply all our need as He has promised; yet He uses various agencies in
giving strength in the hour of our weakness. The fact that there were loved ones in our
own homeland and others across the sea whose tender words of loving sympathy had assured
us that their hearts, their love, and their prayers were united in the undertaking before
us, imparted a sense of sweet peace and gave renewed strength. We thanked God and took
courage as we moved away into the great deep. The Voyage.The voyage
across, while attended by a measure of illness, was comparatively peaceful and uneventful;
the season of the severest storms and rough seas being about ended. The Steamship
Aquitania, one of the greatest afloat, is equipped with every modern method, device,
luxury and protection, for the comfort of passengers. In fact it contains everything that
one could secure in any ordinary city at home today. In addition to all the regular home
conveniences including the radio and wireless there is issued a daily paper giving the
principal news of the world, a banking concern carrying on regular banking business,
moving pictures, swimming pool, gymnasium, and many forms of sport for the entertainment
of passengers; so that those whose lives are lived in the sphere represented by the above,
find that six days crossing the ocean is quite a short time. While there was occasional
opportunity for briefly referring to the Truth at times amongst the passengers, we met
with little favorable response. We reached
Southampton six days after leaving the American shores; it was about midnight of Thursday,
March 26th, and at the pier was our dear Brother S. A. Couling of Rugby, the brother who
in conjunction with the brethren in London had corresponded with regard to making the trip
to Great Britain. The hearty greeting from our brother assured us of a warm welcome. In
about three hours we were in London, and after four hours more of rest in the city, we
journeyed on to the home of Brother and Sister Couling at Rugby, reaching there about 10
o’clock the following morning. The warm spirit of hospitality and the loving
consideration shown was most refreshing, and it was quite acceptable that the two days,
Friday and Saturday, were open for rest, with the exception of Saturday evening, when
there was a little gathering in the home, attended by about twelve friends, which was to
our mutual profit and encouragement. The following week was devoted to visits and personal
conferences in the vicinity of London. With various Classes about LondonHere a word
of explanation is perhaps in order regarding the situation in London: The city covers a
very wide area, and there are several Classes and groups of Bible Students, and at the
present time there is no one general center where the friends congregate regularly that
may be said to be a representative London gathering. In the circumstances, we visited and
served several of the London groups independently, even in cases where the Classes were
not in sympathetic touch on account of difference of viewpoint along one line or another. On Sunday
beginning our first week, we spent with the Forest Gate section of London, addressing two
meetings. Here we realized the pleasure of renewing the acqaintance of brethren we had met
on three former visits to Great Britain, and of again communing together regarding the
things of mutual interest. The following Tuesday evening, March 31st, we had the privilege
of serving at the Passover Supper, in what is known as Brixton, another section of London.
Those present numbered about eighty, and the service was an impressive one. We must
acknowledge in this connection the great kindness of our dear Brother Cronk of the Brixton
Class, in showing us about the city. Such points as the House of Parliament, Westminster
Abbey, Guild Hall, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the old houses of London, the Tower of
London, etc., all of historic character, were visited much to our enjoyment and
instruction. The General Convention in LondonThe Easter
Convention had been set for the weekend, covering four days, April 3-6, Friday to Monday
inclusive. Being sponsored by a number of Classes in London and its environs, the
Convention proved to be of a general representative character and offered occasion for
brethren from various parts of England and Scotland to assemble. The fellowship during
these days was attended by much of the Lord’s blessing, and resulted, we believe, in
the refreshment and building up of the inner man in the things that appertain to the
heavenly inheritance. We have much
pleasure in this connection also in acknowledging the gracious hospitality of our dear
Brother and Sister Frederick Lardent, in whose home we were entertained for more than a
week in connection with the Convention; Brother Lardent’s sister constituting one of
the household. From all these dear ones we received many kindnesses and much loving
consideration, all of which was most warmly appreciated. The Lord reward their work and
labor of love. As a report
of the Easter Convention has already been published in the ‘Herald,’ we need not
elaborate further here, merely adding that we took occasion to convey messages of kindly
greeting and love from the brethren in America, assuring them that there were loved ones
at home who were deep- ly interested in the visit to Great Britain and were bearing the
matter earnestly before the Lord in prayer. The Pilgrimage through EnglandAs many of
the Classes in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, had expressed the desire to have a
visit, an itinerary was arranged covering about seven weeks. Immediately
following the Easter Convention the tour was begun. We shall not attempt to report the
details of each visit, as it would be largely repetition, the experiences being much the
same. Frequently the gathering to whom we ministered not only represented the regular
attendants of the Class in the place, but several from points of considerable distance. As
a list of appointments and an itinerary has already appeared in the ‘Herald,’ we
are not repeating it here. Many of the
friends in these Classes we had met on former visits, and now for the fourth time in some
instances, it was refreshing to find faithful souls still trusting and holding fast to the
great anchor of faith. The larger number of the Classes visited in England, however, were
such as We had not met with before. In some
instances our visit lasted the greater part of two and even three days, as in the case of
Glasgow and Belfast. The Sunday spent at Leicester was one amongst those that gave special
delight and pleasure. This town, being centrally located, is a center for the friends to
come from several distant points, and our meeting was therefore in the nature of what we
would call in America, a one-day convention. Newcastle
was amongst the points we had not visited before. Here we found a faithful little company
of brethren zealous for the Master, and the season of fellowship was such as cheer and
give new courage. Nearby was another Class at Ashington, which is a mining district. The
warm response to the message and the loving appreciation expressed was most encouraging. In addition
to the regular addresses given to the Classes there was considerable opportunity for
private conferences and interviews with brethren, in which occasion was offered to
exchange views and to hear various questions and offer advice or a word of sympathy on one
matter or another relating to the interests of an individual or to the brethren in
general. In many of
the Classes we found brethren who had only recently been awakened out of the former
conditions of bondage and sectarianism. It was evident that they were experiencing special
joy in now realizing their freedom in Christ and the privilege of assembling with brethren
where the spirit of the Master, the spirit of brotherhood, and the spirit of love,
existed. In ScotlandThe sojourn
in Scotland was again most interesting. Altogether three Classes were visited here and
nine meetings served, as follows Edinburgh, Dundee, and Glasgow. We had much
pleasure in Scotland in renewing the fellowship with the same dear ones we saw on the
former occasions, whose faith, loving zeal, and soberness of mind testified to the fact
that they have continued struggling on through the years to attain the mastery an(! to
develop that character of Christlikeness without which none shall attain unto the Kingdom
of God. Our visit to
Glasgow, covering three days, may be properly given special mention. Here the sacred
memories of previous visits were recalled. It is nearly ten years ago that a company of
about 300 in Glasglow came to realize their freedom froth sectarian bondage and other
baneful influences. Upon this occasion again we found a goodly number of brethren loyal in
the faith and nobly defending the principle of individual right and liberty to study,
think, believe, and teach as each sees best. Here again
we could only remind the brethren, as we had been reminding others, that we could not
offer them any new teaching, or any new doctrinal matter; that we had only the one message
familiar to them all; that there is so much to this great message that we can afford to
review and reconsider without exhausting it. Further, that in undertaking a ministry in
Great Britain at this time, we had not been impressed to deal with controversial matters,
nor to endeavor to go into the technicalities of one doctrine or another. Rather, it had
seemed to us that it was of far greater importance at this time that we review those
features of the Truth, and those lines of thought that have to do with the strengthening
of faith and trust, and with bringing the consecrated believer into closer touch with the
Master, thus enabling him to acquire a deeper fellowship and a closer acquaintance with
Christ. It was recalled that the history of the professing Church presents a sad record of
controversies and differences over points of faith, that are largely unimportant and
non-essential. Consequently, we were impressed to review before the brethren such themes
as would have to do with the work of the Spirit, the ministry of the Spirit , the oneness
of the Spirit, in this connection endeavoring to point out that there can be no real unity
or harmony among Bible students except it be through the power of the Holy Spirit
operating in the heart. Trials of FaithIn Glasgow
as in other places, the brethren have experienced severe tests and trials of their faith
in recent years. Attention was called to the fact, which becomes more and more manifest
through the years, namely that that branch of Christian people throughout the world known
as the ‘Truth People’ have made the same mistake as other Christian
denominations, in permitting other issues, other matters to enter into their counsels and
overshadow the real and important issue, which is that of sincere heart sanctification and
character development. We were
privileged to address five meetings with attendance aggregating about 1200. The Sunday
service in Glasgow was the largest, when the attendance was upwards of 400. The
sympathetic and excellent attention of the friends was most helpful and we believe the
Lord added His blessing. The concluding service in Glasgow was held the following
Wednesday evening. About 250 assembled at this service, in which the fellowship and
thoughts reviewed were uplifting. Following this was our final parting greetings, hearty
handshakes and ‘God be with you till we meet again.’ The next day
was a day of quiet and rest at the home of our dear Brother and Sister Morrison, where a
few friends assembled for informal fellowship. Amongst these were, Sister Edgar, wife of
the late Dr. John Edgar. We were very happy to realize from this sister’s testimony,
that she has remained loyal and steadfast through the years and preserves a clear vision
of those things that constitute the Christian’s true heritage. We had up to
this juncture spent about four weeks of pilgrimage, and at this time there was a
suspension of our activities in the British Isles, owing to the fact that we had accepted
an arrangement with brethren in Switzerland and Germany to fill engagements at a number of
cities in those countries, requiring about three weeks altogether, which was to commence
in the early part of the month of May. Report of the visit to the continent therefore will
follow next in order. A Christian’s Privilege of FellowshipThird and Last of This Series WE HAVE
considered to some extent our privileges of fellowship with the Father, and with the Son,
our Lord Jesus; we now come to the consideration of the third part of our subject, namely: Fellowship with the BrethrenIn this
connection let us ponder the words found in John 17:21. There we find the record of the
Master’s prayer: ‘Father That they all may be one; as Thou Father, art in Me,
and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou hast
sent Me.’ How tenderly
solicitous His prayer is for those whom He is not ashamed to call His brethren,-,
moreover, of what stupendous import to the world are His words, for their evident meaning
is that the enlightenment and blessing of the world are dependent upon the oneness of His
followers! If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His (Rom. 8:9), and
surely his inner life is dead, who does not feel the pathos, the yearning, tender emotion
of the Master’s supplication: ‘Father, That they all may be one -- that the
world may believe.’ What a
challenge, too, this prayer of Jesus is to the love and affection of His followers! Would
we hasten the day when the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters cover
the mighty deep? when the sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His beams? when
Jesus shall see the travail of His soul and be satisfied? Brethren, that day cannot
come until first there come the spirit of unity to His followers, until they find
themselves possessed of the spirit of harmony, of brotherly-kindness, of love. Today,
perhaps as never before, the world awaits, doubting, in the darkness of unbelief, not
having received the convincing proof for which Jesus prayed -- the oneness of
Christ’s followers not yet being apparent. For the proof of our faith does not lie in
learning, but in living; not in a well developed argument, but in a holy life. It will not
be found in logic, however masterly, but in love; in a love that is strong enough to
overcome indifference, to conquer antipathy; a love that knows how to be blind to
unkindnesses, that cannot only forgive but forget; that can melt prejudice and pride of
opinion; that knows not only how to live and let live, but knows also how to think and let
think, a love that brings with it an atmosphere of peace. Fellowship in the Early CenturiesWhen the
Gospel first began to be preached by our Lord and His Apostles, what a oneness was
manifest in the Church, as the little band of followers sought to walk in the footsteps of
the Master! They were only a humble folk, without wealth, or scholarly attainment, or
social standing, but they seemed to catch the spirit of the Master, and after Pentecost
such a spirit of joy and love and faith and hope possessed them, and such a fervor of
missionary zeal., such a oneness of heart and action, that it seemed almost as if the
prayer of Jesus would find speedy fulfillment, and that the whole world would soon believe
on Him. Ill the early centuries the Gospel Mess-age seemed to spread like fire. In the
language of the Revelator: ‘It went forth conquering and to conquer.’ (Rev.
6:1.)* just to read the story of those early days is enough to make the heart beat faster.
Well might the powers that were in those days be astonished, as they witnessed the power
of the Gospel in the lives of those who received it, giving to believers such a vision of
our glorious hope as enabled them to’ stand undaunted in the face of cruel deaths, to
meet the furious hate of their persecutors undismayed; nay more, to meet that hate with a
gentleness, a love, a compassion, which only close followers of Christ call display. ___________ * See
‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ,’ in two volumes, published by our Institute. ___________ Alas! the
rider on the white horse, which seems to symbolize that period of the Church’s
history was followed by other horsemen, as those of us who are familiar with our
Lord’s Revelation are aware, and ere long, as history shows, a great compromise was
effected between the world and the Church. Since then, the story of the Church has often
enough been a history of hatred, of narrow- ness and stupidity, of inconceivable bigotry
and brutality. What crime against God and man has the church not committed? How appalling
is the record! As we read the pages of history the outrages there revealed fill our minds
with horror, remembering, as we do that they were perpetrated in the holy name of Jesus.
Yet through all the centuries, amid wrangling bigots and proud tyrants, the true faith was
kept alive. Though the Church as a whole was not Christian, became indeed Anti-christian,
some few were found at all times who had not defiled their garments. These have been the
salt of the earth, the light of the world. As another has said: ‘If one seeks an
apostolic succession, here it is, unbroken, and uninterrupted, a shining tradition of
vision and service. It is in their gentle lives, silhouetted against dark backgrounds,
that we trace the history of the hidden Church, the ‘little flock.’’ Though
not inspired, as were the Apostles, they were entrusted by God and by Jesus with the
Gospel, and they guarded it, dear brethren, for us. They kept watch over it as of a sacred
treasure, as keepers of a holy fire, which must never be stamped out. They yielded their
lives to the sweet, mellowing influence of the Holy Spirit of love and truth, though it
meant for them certain privation, loss and hardship beyond our ex perience, enjoying
withal a fellowship of spirit which not even the curse of sectarianism could destroy. And
if these with their feeble light were enabled to preserve a fellowship of spirit even in
the midst of sectarian bondage and in the darkness of the Dark Ages, will not the Lord
expect at least .as much from us as we face the issues which confront us today? For, with
the advancing light, sectarianism is seen to be not only sinful but absurd. And yet all of
us must be aware that the spirit of sectarianism is as active in our midst today as it
-ever was in the centuries that are past. It is the height of folly, it is poor judgment,
it does not even indicate the wisdom of this world, much less that which is from above,
which is first pure, then peace-able, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good
fruits, without partiality (or wrangling), and without hypocrisy. Because
iniquity abounds, the love of many is waxing cold, and today many are beginning to feel
that if it is impossible for men to be united in the fellowship and service of Christ,
then Christianity is either an idle dream, beautiful but impossible, or an empty fairy
tale. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the scoffs and jeers of the world, and the bickering
and wrangling of worldly-minded Christians; in spite of the irritation outside the Church,
and the agitation within, all truly consecrated followers of Jesus long for a larger
fellowship. When that longing becomes a determination, when the wish becomes a will, where
there is a will there will be provided a way to overcome the lethargy that is upon Lis, to
overcome the sectarian vanity from which perhaps none of us is entirely free. The Personality of JesusBrethren,
let us thank Gold that our faith is not in a creed, not in a statement of belief, however
exact or explicit, not in a document, but in a Living Being, our blessed Lord Jesus
Himself, whose personality embraces every grace, in loyalty to whom we can all find
fellowship and unity; yea, and if it did but know it, a distracted world could find its
life. How true is the saying: ‘What we believe divides us; Whom we
believe unites us.’ That which enabled our brethren who have gone before to maintain
the unity of spirit was the realization that notwithstanding their differences Christ was
their All in All, and this realization must be our salvation today. ‘I,’ said
Jesus,. ‘if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto Me.’ Brethren, let us lift
Him up now, in these difficult days; let Him fill our lives. We know this saying of Jesus
will have a grand fulfillment in the next Age, when all shall have their eyes open to
behold our Lord; when He shall indeed be the desire of all nations. But we cannot wait
that time. Our souls are panting to see Him lifted up now, and if this cannot yet be in
the world, it must be in the Church. ‘We would see Jesus! for the
shadows lengthen ‘We would see Jesus -- the great
Rock Foundation Wheresoever the Carcass isSometimes we
hear the expression: ‘May we have fellowship with thus and so?’ Or ‘Do you
think we ought to have fellowship with so and so?’ To a Christian of experience such
questions indicate that those who ask them do not fully understand what the word
fellowship means. Let us suppose the reply were, ‘yes, you may have fellowship --
with thus and so,’ would that reply bring fellowship into existence where before
there was none? Or suppose the reply were, ‘No, you ought not to have fellowship with
so and so,’ would that reply hinder in any way a fellowship which really existed?
Fellowship is an effect, not a cause; a condition, not a theory; a condition which either
exists or does not exist, and which no amount of discussion can bring about or can hinder.
We see this everywhere exemplified in nature. Birds of a feather do not go into a
conference as to whether or not they shall flock together, but by nature they actually do
so. A man who is of a generous mind never, under any circumstances, seeks out the
fellowship of a miser. The humble man never by any chance longs after or seeks an intimate
acquaintance with one that is proud of heart. It is just one of those things that do not
happen. If a magnet is passed over a heap in which are both steel filings and saw dust,
the ‘fellowship’ shall we say, or the affinity which exists between the steel
filings and magnet manifests itself, and the absence of such fellowship or affinity
between the saw dust and the magnet is also manifest. Jesus said: ‘Wheresoever the
carcass is there will the eagles be gathered together,’ and as a natural corollary it
follows that wheresoever the carcass is not there the eagles will not gather. Toleration cannot take the Place of FellowshipAgain,
toleration is not enough. Sometimes we hear the value of toleration praised in high terms,
and we certainly agree that toleration is a great deal better than intolerance, but
toleration is not fellowship. We must have insight, understanding, appreciation of the
other party’s viewpoint. If our minds be truly spiritual, if we indeed have the hope
of glory (the Christ-mind) in us (Col. 1:27), we shall be able to penetrate to the core of
things, and often what to natural minds and to the minds of babes in Christ seem to be
hopeless confusion, will be seen to be nothing but a wonderful variety, not lacking in
unity. Some one has said that identity of sentiment with difference of opinion is
requisite to happy company. They are no less requisite to Christian fellowship as well as
to the health of the Church. The Skill and Patience of LoveWhat then
shall we do? What shall be our procedure? How shall we best cooperate to bring about this
oneness for which Jesus prayed? Oh! if these are the questions that are presenting
themselves to our minds, and if we are in earnest in our desire to see them answered, the
Lord will undertake for us. He will show us the way. If Jesus stood in our midst today so
that we could see Him with our eyes of flesh, and He wanted us to do soniething for Him,
what would we not be willing to tackle? For Him we would go to the ends of the earth,
would we not? He makes no such request of us -- He asks no great thing. He does ask
this one thing: His word to us is ‘Gather My saints together unto Me, those
who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice,’ and as we begin to carry out His
will, we shall find every problem solved. Just how each difficult tangle must be
unraveled, just how we must act in all the awkward situations that may come, just how to
handle all the details He will not now make plain to us. He would have us wait upon Him in
prayer and seek His counsel at each step of the way. He would test our faith; rather, lie
would strengthen our faith. It is enough for us that no circumstance can arise that He
will not be able fully to meet, and so surely as we will act upon His word, we shall find
Him going before us, indicating to us how to avoid the rough spots here -- to pick our
steps with caution there. He will clothe us with the spirit of humility and love, and when
we meet a brother, instead of coming into contact with him, we shall hereafter come into
communion with him, and the Lord’s smile of approval will be on us. We have
longed for an opportunity to show our Lord how much we love Him. Our opportunity has
arrived. That which He would have us do will prove us. It will call for all the tact, the
skill, the wisdom, the patience, which love can com-, mand. But God will be for us. He
will be on our side. He will see us through. Pride of Opinion a Hindrance to FellowshipLet us not
be misunderstood here. We do not say that there are never good grounds for separation. We
know that even in the time of Christ there was a division amongst the people because of
Him. We know that from time to time in the history of the Church there have been occasions
when it seems that only by a separation could the conscience be kept clear and clean. We
are quite sure, however, that many of these separations which seemed so right and proper
at the time, could have been avoided had the Lord’s Spirit been permitted to control
in the deliberations of the Church. We are
aware, too, that when children quarrel and wrangle, it is better for their own good, and
for the good of the community, that they be separated until they have learned to adopt a
meek and quiet spirit. And many of the separations of the past have seemed necessary on
account of the immature growth of those concerned. But it is time for us to be growing up.
Soon the Kingdom will appear. We have no time to waste on petty things. Furthermore,
there is no suggestion here of compromising principle for peace, but are we quite sure
that it is always principle rather than opinion which serves to separate consecrated
followers of Jesus. Somewhere we have read of the sin of making a Christ of one’s
opinions -- a rather remarkable expression, meaning that some people (let us be extremely
careful that we are not among them), think they are worshiping Christ, when all the time
they are worshiping their own opinions. As a matter of fact those who do so are in reality
following their own prejudices, being under the mistaken impression that what has become
habitual with them is essential for everybody, and they imagine that they are obeying the
precepts of our Lord. Surely there
is no one amongst us so selfconfident as to believe that he has the exact viewpoint of the
Master on each and every problem that is before the Church in these difficult days. Even
the great Apostle Paul was not ashamed to confess that he was in perplexities at times. (2
Cor. 4:8.) It will not be such a very great humiliation then for us to admit that we, too,
are, sometimes at a loss to know just what to do, just which way to turn. Even when we
have been very sure of our ground, and the positions we have taken things have not worked out always just precisely
as we had expected. Jesus in the Midst of the Seven CandlesticksIf Jesus
stood in our midst today, we venture the assertion that He would identify Himself with
none of us -- but with what gladness, in what a delirium of delight, would we seek to
identify ourselves with Him. Brethren, Jesus does stand in our midst today, and how
manifest it is that none of our cliques and parties and divisions can claim Him
exclusively for their own. No! as in the glorious vision Jesus is walking today in the midst
of the golden candlesticks (Rev. 1:13) and thrice happy are they who follow the Lamb whithersoever
He goeth. (Rev. 14:4.) It would be foolish indeed for us to deify our opinions and
interpretatations and demand that others accept our thought on this, that, or the other,
before we can fellowship, with them in the love and service of the Master. Every one has a
right to his opinions. He may even be allowed to have them whether he has a right to them
or not. Our differences need not, nay they must not, disturb our fellowship. Differences
are unhappy only when they sharpen tempers, and occasion ill-will. Otherwise they may be
profitable and result in a larger education for us in the school of Christ. Fellowship Desired -- Not UniformityWe are not
pleading for uniformity; we do not desire it. What we speak of is fellowship, and we urge
every consecrated follower of Jesus to look to himself that he realize to the full his
privilege in this respect. In our Church matters it may be necessary to pass some
resolutions; possibly to rescind others. But the fellowship of which we speak will not be
brought about by resolution. For, as we have already noted, fellowship is a condition not
a theory, a condition which must precede, not follow, resolutions. True a wise resolution
may be of assistance, and may make the way of fellowship more simple. But an unwise
resolution is powerless to hinder the operation of the fellowship of spirit. If in those
meetings of ours which we have been accustomed to call ‘business’ meetings, a
stupid, unbusiness-like resolution is passed, which either by design or accident is
calculated to hinder the operation of the true spirit of fellowship, ‘He that sitteth
in the heavens will laugh,’ for to the footstep followers of Jesus has been given
God’s own Holy Spirit, and those who yield themselves to its sweet influence find
themselves possessed of a strange wisdom, a wisdom that is wiser than any resolution, a
wisdom which knows how to climb over the walls of separation which others might build,
which knows: how to reach through the fences which others might construct, and clasp in
warm and loving greeting the hand of a brother spirit. In
Washington, D. C. there is a stately building known as the ‘Red Cross Memorial.’
It is devoted to the commemoration of the heroic women of the Civil War. Even the terrible
fact that they were on opposite sides; in a great strife could not change their spirit of
heroism, nor hinder them from recognizing that spirit in those on the other side. If this
be the case with the world, what shall we look for in the Church? Surely a difference of
opinion held by another cannot operate to hinder us from recognizing the Christ spirit if
that other possesses it. For the fellowship of God’s Holy Spirit indwelling the
footstep followers of Jesusis but another name for love. Many waters cannot quench love. The Conclusion of the MatterJust one
word more: Does this desire for unity signify a deepening or a shallowing of the inner
spiritual life, and further, what may we expect to see when the Church is truly one? These
questions are searching, and it will not do to postpone them. Certainly unity merely for
the sake of unity would be useless; might even be injurious. If the only success that
comes of our efforts: be a unity of earthly organization without a deepening of the inner
life, we shall have worse than failed. For without a deeper spirituality our unity may be
nothing more than uniformity, a regulation if not a suppression of thought, a condition of
bondage worthy to be compared with that of the Israelites in Egypt. But our desire is for
the unity of which the Apostle speaks when in earnest exhortation he tells us to endeavor
to keep, the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bonds of peace. Such a desire signifies
not a shallowing but a deepening of our spiritual life, a broadening of our fellowship, an
enlargement of our hearts. What may we
expect to see when the Church,. is truly one? However our thoughts may differ on some
minor points of chronology, we are at one surely in our belief that we are living very
close to the end of the Gospel Age. Most, if not all of us believe, that we are living in
the days of the second presence of the Son of Man. Evidences, are on every side which tell
us that the end of all things is at hand; that the time is fulfilled; that the Kingdom is
near. What may we expect to see? Nay, rather, what may we not with confidence hope for? If
our faith will but believe it, we may expect nothing less than that for which Jesus
prayed. Let us listen again: ‘Father-that they all may be one. . . . that the
world may believe.’ The Indwelling Christ“For we which live are alway
delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made,
manifest in our mortal flesh.” THE CHRIST
who lived in Palestine upward of eighteen -hundred years ago lives in the world today. He
has direct and constant access to the spirit of man, touching sinstricken souls with His
healing power; quickening dead souls by the inbreathing of His life-giving Spirit;
‘combating, defeating, expelling the slow death which has crept over the body of
humanity.’ In all His activities within the soul His seeking and saving love is
manifest. The eternal love outwardly, expressed in the cross, is inwardly expressed in His
tireless effort to make His great salvation
an actuality in human experience. The four Evangelists have given the record, of His
outward life; those alone, who know Him, not after the flesh but after the spirit, can
give therecord of His never-ending activity within the inner sphere of the spiritual
nature of man. “Of the
two hemispheres of truth which constitute the whole Gospel -- the work of Christ for us,
and the work of Christ in us, the latter often suffers a well-nigh total eclipse. Many
think almost exclusively of what Christ has done for them, and overlook what He is doing
in them; they look at redemption upon the Divine side as a finished work, and fail to look
at it upon the human side as a continuous work; they are so much taken up with the idea of
Christ dying upon the cross for their offenses as almost to forget that He is living in
their hearts to guide, to inspire, to bless, to save. “Before
Christian experience can be rounded out to completeness, the Godward and manward sides of
Christ’s work must be embraced in a comprehensive faith; the work of Christ in its
entireness must be brought within the inner sphere of personal consciousness; the outward
Christ of history must become the Christ of inward experience; the dead Christ of Calvary
must become the living Christ of the present; the Christ embalmed in a book must dwell and
reign within the heart. It is not [alone] Christ upon the cross, nor Christ within the
Bible, nor Christ in heaven that saves; but Christ deeply hidden in the inmost spirit;
Christ constantly present in the life; Christ the inspiration of every thought and word
and deed. Christ in the soul and not Christ buried in a tomb, enshrined in a temple, or
seated upon a throne is the life’s true Life. “The
doctrine of the indwelling of Christ in the heart is revolutionary. When accepted as an
article of faith, and realized as a matter of experience, an uprising of the prostrate
powers of the soul takes place; the outworks of the flesh surrender one by one to the
thorn-crowned King, who holds in His hand the sceptre of omnipotent love; all
insurrectionary forces are put down; the moral empire of God over man is fully and firmly
established; and within all the borders of the goodly land which Christ has conquered
there is order and peace. “Speaking
of the wonderful change which takes place when the indwelling ol Christ becomes a living
experience, Luther says, ‘I have sometimes beheld Christians walking lamely and with
great feebleness, but when came the hour of conflict, or of appearing before the bar of
the world, Christ suddenly stirred within them, and they became so strong and so resolute
that Satan fled away frightened from before their face.’ The sudden transformation
comes, as Luther so well expresses it, from the stirring within of the Christ who has
hitherto lain below the line of consciousness; and this stirring of the Christ within
comes from Christians stirring themselves up to lay hold upon the One who is always at
hand to impart His strength to those who seek it. “If
Christ be within, there He must be sought, there is He to be found. Alas, that His
presence, while not denied should so often be unrealized. Many Christians seem hardly to
be aware that a Royal Guest has taken up His abode within their hearts. Their
consciousness of His indwelling is at best fitful and dim. Their assurance of salvation is
overcast with clouds because it lacks the important element of full assurance of faith in
the Divine Indwelling Presence. They resemble a beleagured castle from which the regular
water supply has been cut off. The soldiers are suffering and dying of thirst, not aware
that deep in the recesses of the fortress, cut out of the solid rock, there is a hidden
well whose waters fail not. What a thrill of joy the discovery of that well would bring to
the remnant of that forlorn garrison! The knowledge of that secret spring would be to them
life from the dead; and its water would be in very truth the water of life. A like change
would come over many a drooping heart were the discovery to be made that spiritual
supplies are not to, be fetched from afar: that infinite resources have been placed within
easy reach; that deep within the living sanctuary of the soul there is an unfailing
fountain which renders every one who avails himself of it .perfectly independent of
outward circumstances and surroundings. No haunting fear of future thirstpangs can ever
come to him who knows that the water which Christ has given him has become in him a
well of water springing up unto eternal life.’ “More
important than questions touching the right directing of religious activities is the
question of the hold which Christ has got upon the interior life. More important than
questions of method is the question of spirit; more important than questions of form is
the question of life. If Christ be supreme within, if He has His own way within the domain
of the soul, all questions as to the particular shape that service ought to take are of
secondary concern. To one wholly given up to Him it is all the same whether service be
active or passive, whether it consists in doing or in enduring the Divine will; it is all
the same whether the position assigned be to lie in the Divine hand or to be led by the
Divine hand; to stand and wait or to run and work. One thing is sure, the life which
Christ possesses and directs can not miss the mark. “Into
the clear consciousness of the Indwelling Christ as the secret principle of spiritual life
we all require to come to experience the reality and fullness of His saving power. No
distant Christ can wipe away our tears, bear our heavy burdens, crush the heads of the
serpent’s brood that nestle in the breast, purify our hearts from sin, and impart
unto us sufficiency of strength for daily toil and sacrifice. Until the personal presence
of Christ becomes the profoundest fact of consciousness no real test has been made of His
power to comfort, to quicken, and to save. “Only
from a present Christ can present salvation, come. To those in whom He consciously
indwells the fullness of His redeeming energy is made immediately available. They do not
need to go up to heaven to bring their Savior down, they do not need to go down to the
abyss to bring Him up. Their redemption is wrought out from within; not superimposed from
without. From within their spiritual stores are constantly replenished; from within the
healing, cleansing fountain of Divine life forever flows; from -within a holy manhood is
built up, as the flower is built up from the seed, . . . from within the glory of the
heavenly life shines forth with ever-increasing brightness, struggling through the
grossest coverings of the earthly life as the sun struggles through the darkest
clouds.” -- Selected. Half Hour Meditations on Romans,No. 19 “God is no respecter of persons:
but in every nation he that feareth Him, IN OUR last
Meditation we appealed “for affirmation of St. Paul’s tremendous exposure of
human sin, to a solemn and deliberate self-scrutiny, asking the man who doubts the justice
of the picture to give up for the present any instinctive wish to vindicate other men,
while he thinks a little while solely of himself. But another and opposite class of
mistake has to be reckoned with, and precluded; the tendency of man to a facile
condemnation of others, in favor of himself: ‘God, I thank Thee, that I am not as
other men are.’ (Luke 18:11.) It is now -- as it was of old, only too possible to
read, or to hear, the most searching and also the most sweeping condemnation of human sin,
and to feel a sort of fallacious moral sympathy with the sentence, a phantom as it were of
righteous indignation against the wrong and the doers of it, and yet wholly to mistake the
matter by thinking that the hearer is righteous though the world is wicked. The man
listens as if he were allowed a seat beside the Judge’s chair, as if he were an
esteemed assessor of the Court, and could listen with a grave yet untroubled approbation
to the discourse preliminary to the sentence. Ah, he is an assessor of the accused; he is
an accomplice of his fallen fellows; he is a poor guilty man himself. Let him awake to
himself, and to his sin, in time. “With
such a reader or hearer in view St. Paul proceeds. We need not suppose that he writes as
if such states of mind were to be expected in the Roman mission; though it were quite
possible that this might be the attitude of some who bore the Christian name at Rome. More
probably he speaks as it were in the presence of the Christians to persons whom at any
moment any of them might meet, and particularly to that large element in religious life at
Rome, the unconverted Jews. True, they would not read the Epistle; but he could arm those
who would read it against their cavils and refusals, and show them how to teach the
conscience even of the Pharisee of the Dispersion. He could show them how to seek his
soul, by shaking him from his dream of sympathy with the judge who all the while was about
to sentence him.” The Apostle’s Delicate TaskIt is plain
that throughout the whole of chapter two the Apostle has the Jew in view. It is a delicate
task which he is now approaching, “that of proving to the elect people that Divine
wrath, now displayed against the Gentiles, is likewise suspended over them. He is about to
drag to God’s tribunal the nation which thinks itself at liberty to cite all others
to its bar. It is a bold enterprise. The Apostle proceeds cautiously. He first expresses
his thought abstractedly; ‘thou who judgest, whosoever thou art.’” The true
name of this collective personage, whose portrait St. Paul proceeds to draw, will be
pronounced later, in verse 17: “Now if thou Jew.” Meanwhile he says many things
which are as much for the Gentile sinner as for him. He dwells upon the universality of
conscience; a passage of . . . [great] import for every human soul, quite apart from its
place in the argument here. But all the while he keeps in view the case of the
self-constituted judge of other men, the man who affects to be essentially better than
they, to be, at least by comparison with them, good friends with the lawof God. And the
undertone of the whole passage is a warning to this man that his brighter light will prove
his greater ruin if he does not use it; nay, that he has not used it, and that so it is
his ruin already, the ruin of his claim to judge, to stand exempt, to have nothing to do
with the criminal crowd at the bar. “All
this points straight at the Jewish conscience, though the arrow is leveled from a covert.
If that conscience might but be reached! He longs to reach it, first for the
unbeliever’s own sake, that he might be led through the narrow pass of
selfcondemnation into the glorious freedom of faith and love. But also it was of first
importance that the spiritual pride of the Jews should be conquered, or at least exposed,
for the sake of the missionconverts already won. The first Christians, newly brought from
Paganism, must have regarded Jewish opinion with great attention and deference. Not only
were their apostolic teachers Jews, and the Scriptures of the Prophets, to which those
teachers always pointed, Jewish; but the weary Roman world of late years had been disposed
to own with more and more distinctness, that if there were such a thing as a true voice
from heaven to man, it was to be heard among that unattractive yet impressive race which
was seen everywhere, and yet refused to be ‘reckoned among the nations.’ . . .
It was no slight trial to converts in their spiritual infancy to meet everywhere the
question why the sages of Jerusalem had slain this Jewish Prophet, Jesus, and why
everywhere the synagogues denounced His name and His disciples. The true answer would be
better understood if the bigot himself could be brought to say, ‘God, be merciful to
me, the sinner.’’ Judge not that Ye be not judgedAs we
proceed with the study of this chapter, we shall see that in the first sixteen verses, the
Apostle lays down the principle of God’s true or impartial judgment, and in the
remainder of the chapter he applies this principle directly to the Jew. Moreover, as in
the ‘Gentile’ passage (1:18-32), we found the Apostle stating in condensed form
in verse 18, all of the ideas which he developed in the remaining verses of that chapter,
so now in this ‘Jewish’ chapter he condenses in the first two verses the theme
he will unfold in those which follow. “Therefore
thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest for wherein thou judgest
another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are
sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such
things.” -- 2:1, 2. The opening
word “therefore” would seem to be logically connected with the closing
verse of chapter one. There we saw that “with all the blindness which the Apostle
charges on the . ., . [Gentiles], and with all the dislike of retaining God in their
knowledge which lie ascribes to them, there was still one particular of this knowledge
which they did retain. They still knew as much of God’s judgment as to be conscious
that what they were doing, in the, sinfulness and reprobacy of their minds, was worthy of
death.” Moreover, it was there said of the people who committed things worthy of
death, that they not only did the same, but had pleasure in them that did them. This last
marks a higher and a more formed depravity than the direct commission of that which is
evil. To be hurried along by the violence of passion into some deed of licentiousness, may
consist with a state of mind that feels its own degradation, and mourns over the infirmity
of its purposes. But to look with connivance and delight on the sin of others to have
pleasure in their companionship -- and to spirit them on in the ways of disobedience,
after perhaps the urgency which prompted his own career of it had abated; this argues, not
the subjection of one faculty to another, but the subjection of the whole man to
sin.” If then, to sin while applauding, the sin of others is to aggravate the crime,
would not men be still more inexcusable if they joined in the sin which in others they
condemned? Most surely. “In the former case there is at least agreement between
thought and action -- the man does what he expressly approves -- while in
the second there is an internal contradiction and a flagrant hypocrisy.” “Therefore,”
argues the Apostle, “thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest . .
. for thou that judgest doest the same things.” Yes whosoever thou art,
“whatever name thou bearest, were it even the glorious name of Jew. Paul does not say
this, but it is his meaning.” Natural ReligionComing now
to verse two the question arises: To whom does the Apostle refer when he says “We are
sure.” Since the Epistle is written to the Christians in Rome some, say that they are
referred to. “We, Christians, are sure.” But a statement concerning knowledge
possessed by Christians would avail nothing against the Jewish point of view which St.
Paul is here combating. Others say that the reference is to the Jews themselves. “We,
Jews, are sure.” But it was precisely the Jewish conscience which the Apostle was
seeking to convince on this subject. To our understanding the Apostle is referring to
neither Christians nor Jews as a class, nor yet to the Gentiles, but is referring to every
child of Adam. The matter in question, namely that “the judgment of God is according
to truth against them which commit such things” is a truth, “inscribed on the
human conscience as such, and which plain common sense, free from prejudices, compels us
to own.” It is as though he had said: “Now every one knows, or every one is sure
that, etc.” And what is it that every one knows? It is what has commonly been called
“natural religion,” that is to say, practically, “it is the religion that
appeals straight off to the conscience of almost all honest and civilized men. It is
‘natural religion’ to believe that God will judge men with absolute power and
insight and impartiality according to their conduct and characters;
that there can be no ‘making believe,’ no substitute for a good character, no
escaping with a bad one. The Prophets are full of this principle. Our Lord reasserts
it.” It is emphasized by the Apostles. Now we know, we are sure, every one is,
that the sentence which God pronounces on every man is agreeable to truth. “Shall not
the judge of all the earth do right?” “There would be no more truth in the
universe if there were none in the judgment of God; and there would be none in the
judgment of God, if, to be absolved ourselves, it were enough to condemn others.” The
words “according to truth” have sometimes been explained “in the sense of really;
“that there is really a judgment of God against those who . . .” But What the
Jews disputed was not the fact of judgment; it was its impartiality -- that
is to say its truth. They could not get rid of the idea that in that day [the day
of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, verse 5] they would enjoy
certain immunities due to their purer creed, and the greatly higher position which they
held than that of other nations.” Greater Light brings increased ResponsibilitiesNow St..
Paul “recognizes that primacy which in the history of Redemption is really . . .
[theirs]. It is the primacy of the race chosen to be the organ of revelation and the
birth-place of . . . [Messiah]. It was given sovereignly, ‘not according to the
works,’ or to the numbers, of the nation, but according to the unknown conditions in.
the mind of God. It carried with it genuine and splendid advantages. It even gave the
individual righteous Jew (so surely the language of verse 10 implies) a certain special
welcome to his Master’s ‘Well done, good and faithful’; not to the
disadvantage, in the least degree, of the individual righteous ‘Greek,’ but just
such as may be illustrated in a circle of ardent and impartial friendship, where, in one
instance or another, kinship added to friendship makes attachment not more intimate but
more interesting. Yes, the Jew has indeed his priority, his primacy, limited and qualified
in many directions, but real and permanent in its place; this Epistle (see chapter 11) is
the great Charter of it in the Christian Scriptures. But whatever the place of it is, it
has no place whatever in the question of the sinfulness of sin, unless indeed to make
guilt deeper where light has been greater. The Jew has a great historical position in the
Plan of God. He has been accorded as it were an official nearness to God in the working
out of the world’s redemption: But he is not one whit the less for this a poor
sinner, fallen and guilty. He is not one moment for this to excuse, but all the more to
condemn, himself. He is the last person in the world to judge others. Where-ever God had
placed him in history he is to place himself, in repentance and faith, least and lowest
.at the foot of the cross. “What
was and is true of the chosen nation is now and for ever true, by a deep moral parity, of
all communities and of all persons who are in any sense privileged or advantaged by
circumstance. It is true, solemnly and formidably true, of the Christian Church, and of
the Christian family, and of the Christian man.” It is especially true of those who
have been privileged to enjoy the light of “Present Truth.” Let us not fail to
take home to our own hearts, and to make personal application to our own lives the lessons
the Apostle here would teach. Does there not lie in the moral failure of the Jew a much
needed warning to us of today against censoriousness? Let us ask ourselves: Does not
“judging” and unkind, not to say unfair criticism of others still find a place
in our ordinary conversation “It is of the utmost consequence that before we judge
others, we should have judged ourselves. And to have done so truthfully has a tendency to
make us charitable in our estimate of others, because we are deeply conscious of our own
need of merciful and lenient consideration.” Again, is
there a tendency with us to spiritual pride as with the Jew of old there was to religious
pride? Does the impression gain ground with us at times that because of the great
privileges we have received, the knowledge of God’s great Plan that we have enjoyed;
because of the Scriptural purity of our theory of salvation, the close association which
we have had with the “Truth” movement; because of the patient courage under
contempt and exclusion of the little group with which we may be associated, which some
call our denomination or sect, but which is to us indeed our Church; because we have
successfully stood the tests of recent years; because of our loyalty to order; because we
have stood for liberty, and continue to be loyal to its principle; because of these things
that therefore, no matter what happens, it will be well with us in “that day.”
If so, let us beware. Let us “Think not to say within ourselves, ‘We have
Abraham to our Father’; for, . . . God is able of these stones to raise up seed unto
Abraham.” For us there is only one altogether safe ‘glorying.’ “God
forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Letters of EncouragementDear
Brethren: I was
privileged to visit our dear Brother W___, at____, over Sunday, and it seemed quite
providential to drop in on him unannounced and find that he and a few of the friends had
planned a meeting for Sunday afternoon at ____ with Sister E___ of that place who also
takes the ‘Herald,’ and then to have a little part in their meetings. It is
surprising, dear friends, to find how much interest is often stirred up by some active
brother or sister, manifesting a little of the true spirit of their original consecration
vows and love for the hungry, scattered sheep, which soon spreads to others and to other
localities. We feel that the little convention at Racine was a real inspiration along this
line. I have had several letters from those who were there, and they express themselves as
having profited much by that privilege, and also as being in favor of more such meetings. There are so
many, dear brethren, who really love the Lord and would like to find some way of touching
others with substantial encouragement, but who have no money to spare -- not even enough
to supply their family needs under present conditions, on account of lack of work, etc.
Besides there are some who feel so very small, they feel the little they could do in any
way would be of little value. It seems a sweet privilege to meet some of these, and by the
Lord’s grace to help brace them up, From _____ I
went to _____ and met a brother I knew in years gone by, who wants to have the
‘Herald.’ I cannot go into further details of the blessed experiences on this
little trip among the friends. I was so sorry. I was not able to extend it, but on account
of bearing the expense out of my own little monthly pension which is only $____ 1 had to
cut it short. I went out on this trip with the disposition to visit some of the friends,
desiring to do a little in carrying out Hebrews 10:23-25. The expense of about 550 miles,
amounted to less than ten dollars. I am of the opinion that such work by some devoted
brother who loves the Lord and has a little ability in that kind of a service, could be a
great blessing not only to himself but to others as well. I did some colporteur work for
the American Bible Society once. That is where I had my first experience. But I presume
there are very few interested enough, who are financially able to continue such a work and
bear the necessary expense themselves. Now, dear
brethren, I am going to ask you to send the ‘Herald’ to Brother W___ for at
least six months. He has taken it before and likes it, and he is a very bright, devoted
brother.... then a Lutheran to whom I have been giving my extra copy said he would like to
take the ‘Herald.’ Please send him a copy for a year as follows: _____ The two
books on Revelation and one on Daniel by Brother Streeter, please send to Brother W_____.
This brother is well qualified to do lots of good service and he is manifesting
considerable activity at this time, and there are several more inclined to cooperate, with
him. Yours in Christ, H. D. W. -- Wis. Dear Sir: I have read
one of your leaflets, “When the Morning Cometh,” and must say that I like it. I
would like to have some more of, your work -- really would like to work for you and help
carry the great message. Wishing you God’s speed, Sincerely, Mrs. S. P. -- Ala. Dear
Brethren: We thought
you would be interested in knowing that the friends along the Lake Shore north of Chicago
and Southern Wisconsin gathered in another little one day convention on July 26, in
Racine. The fact that business brought Brother and Sister Read to this city for a period
of three weeks, gave us the inspiration to invite the friends together for a day of
fellowship and spiritual refreshment, and the Lord surely addled His rich blessing. About
thirty friends were present. Our program consisted of four short discourses and a praise,
prayer, and testimony meeting. The talks were all very timely and encouraging to the
friends, and surely inspired them with a zeal to press on in the rugged, narrow way that
readeth unto life. One thought especially emphasized was that of feeding upon and clinging
to the Lord’s precious promises during this time of perplexity and distress in both
temporal and spiritual things. A faith that will claim the promises, and cast all its care
upon the Lord when the future looks dark and gloomy, when disappointments have come to us
and human hopes are crumbling, is a faith that surely will be rewarded. The
testimonies of the various friends all gave evidence that they possessed a deep
consciousness of the fact that through consecration they were, joined to the Lord as a
bride is joined to her husband, and that they would rather stand alone than to permit any
person or society to interfere with the sacredness of that union. All were determined to
maintain the freedom and liberty to worship and serve the, Lord according to the dictates
of their own conscience, and displayed a fervor, not to do some wonderful work, but rather
to have the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, and to have the sweet spirit of the
Lord manifested in all their works and actions. The Classes
in this part of the country are growing steadily. We rejoice to see that more are
attracted by the spirit to our meetings, although we are not looking for big numbers, well
knowing that the way of truth will never be! popular even among Bible Students. This is
the first summer that any effort has been made here to bring the various Classes together
in little conventions. We are therefore just getting acquainted, and finding that the same
sweet spirit of the Truth that we knew in the long ago is still among the friends. We take this
opportunity to express our appreciation to the Institute for its cooperation in making
thesemeetings possible, and for the unselfish service of the brethren sent by the
Institute. Your brother in Christ, J. C. L. -- Wis. Dear Brethren: At our Class meeting today a survey of the past
year’s experiences was undertaken, including all the wonderful benefits we as a Class
have received at the hands of the Lord, and deep and heartfelt appreciation of His love
and goodness was expressed by the members. The feeling was generally expressed that not
the least of the blessings we have received have been the regular visits, of the
“Herald” and the opportunity of considering together as a Class the various
articles appearing in it; and I have been asked to write and tell you how very deeply
these are appreciated, and to express our gratitude to you for the labor of love which has
made it possible to have these. I can assure you, dear brethren, that they have been a
very great help in the spiritual development of each one of us. For myself, I cannot speak
too warmly of the blessing I have received. The deeply spiritual nature of the various
articles seems to be just the thing that we all need, and as far as we are concerned I am
sure that they are, by the Lord’s grace, helping greatly in bringing about the
desired result -- the deepening of our spiritual life, and the strengthening of our love
and devotion to the Lord. The series
of ‘Half Hour Meditations on Romans’ has made that wonderful Epistle clearer to
our minds than ever before, and is a wonderful stimulus to faith in, and love for, the
Author of the great Plan of Salvation unfolded in it. We have just been considering
tonight the article on “Ye are God’s Workmanship,” and it is truly
inspiring to realize that we are the subjects of God’s latest creative act, and that
He is using such crude material in the formation of His New Creation. How it makes one
long for His holiness to be developed in us, and this article points out very clearly and
beautifully how this may be done, and will, if we will open our minds continually to the
influences of the Holy Spirit of God, working through His Word. What hope it gives us to
realize that God is doing the, work of transforming our characters into the likeness of
that of Christ, if we are fully trusting in His power to do this, and using faithfully the
means He has provided for bringing this about, and submitting ourselves continually to the
transforming influences of His Holy Spirit without any cross-grained will of our own. We pray
always that the Lord will continue to direct you in the blessed work He has committed to
you, and that you may continue humble and appreciative of the fact that it is God who is
doing the transforming in each one, while at the same time giving you the privilege of
being coworkers with Him in bringing this about, and also that you yourselves may be
richly blessed in your own experience in striving to help His people in this way. With much
Christian love from each and all of us, I remain, Your brother in the Lord, C. F. M. -- S.
Aus. VOL. XIV. September 15, 1931 Nos. 18 Annual Report of the Pastoral Bible InstituteAS THE years
pass on one by one, we cannot but be deeply interested in observing wherein the Lord is
remembering His promise to His people and bestowing the blessings of His grace and His
smile of approval. That the Lord has graciously granted His blessing in connection with
all faithful endeavors to exalt His name and to bear testimony to the Truth, is attested
by all experienced disciples of Christ. As in the Lord’s providence and by His grace,
another occasion has come to us to review the results of our united efforts, it furnishes
cause, We believe, for thankfulness and praise. The Word of
the Lord teaches us that all of His servants are in some sense stewards, to whom He has
entrusted His goods, and the Apostle Paul speaks with regard to this when he says,
“Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the
mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found
faithful.” And the Lord’s people in general, those who have given over their
talents and all to Him, may be regarded as “stewards of the manifold grace of
God.” The solemn lessons admonishing to obedience and the proper discharge of
stewardship in faithfulness to God, are many throughout the Scriptures. The brethren
to whom have been entrusted the affairs and management of the Pastoral Bible Institute, in
rendering an account or report at this time, do so in the earnest confidence that in some
sense the Lord is pleased and His name glorified. Surely it is the Divine approval above
everything else that every, faithful child of God craves. Yet we must acknowledge that
whatever consolation or satisfaction we have at this time in reviewing our endeavors,
cannot be because of any great and wonderful works that have been performed; for such
there has not been. But rather we trust in the Lord’s smile of approval, in that the
endeavors have been with an eye single to His glory, and in the earnest desire to be
coworkers together with Him in that work and ministry that His Word counsels us to engage
in. There is,
therefore, no room for boasting in these annual statements, for all that we unitedly have
done or could do is so little, compared with what we would like to do -- so little
compared with what we have received of the Lord, the value of which is beyond computation
in silver and gold, that we feel regret for its smallness, and, realize that we are not
profitable servants who bring our Master gain, but are still His debtors to an infinite
amount, and can only hope to hear Him say to us, Well done good and faithful servant, you
have done what you could! Growth in Spirituality of Prime ImportanceIt is
therefore more from the standpoint of advancement in the Christian life, growth in faith
and spirituality amongst the Lord’s people, that we look for encouragement in
connection with the yearly reviews of our cooperation in the ministry, rather than that of
looking to find large numbers of professors in the Christian faith and sadly lacking in
those essentials and elements of the Christian life that make for godliness and the full
rounded-out Christian character. Surely
progress from the spiritual standpoint must be the watchword of all the faithful children
of God. Divine revelation and experience agree that the things worth while, the true and
imperishable riches, are secured by degrees, through the trials and struggles of the
years; that a process, a series of acts and proceedings in life are most surely involved.
St. Paul presents the thought of this progress when he makes mention of the Christian it
growing up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ. Again, referring to our
inheritance and how it is attained, he says that we are members of Christ’s house,
“if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the
end.” How
important is time as a factor in Christian development and in permanently securing the
eternal riches! As, therefore, the epochs or divisions of time known as years, come and go
in our experience, they truly mark milestones, as it were, in the journey of life. And
each of these milestones may well be an occasion for solemn question, for careful
inspection, and for honest examination, of the heart and life on the part of each child of
God. Ascertainment of gains and losses as new creatures, and how and when and where these
came to us in the constant battle with the world, the flesh and the Adversary, will surely
profit all who make such reckoning with an eye single to the good pleasure of the Lord. In
presenting another annual report we are reviewing matters in much the-same manner as has
been our custom in the past, inasmuch as the char- acter of the ministry of the Church
remains unchanged; the Gospel story is the same; spiritual truth remains the same; the
work of imparting spiritual truth and of encouraging character development continues as in
previous times. Doubt- less all will concede too that our principal encouragement will be
realized in the direction of a careful observation of the Lord’s leadings throughout
the past year, of His providential care, of His sustaining grace that has enabled His
children to press on and to hold fast to the faith and to the Truth. Sought to Carry out Purposes for which Institute was FormedThe brethren
who have been responsible for the conduct of the affairs of the Institute during the past
years, have found it to advantage to keep especially in mind the purpose for which this
association was formed some thirteen years ago, namely that many brethren finding
themselves scattered, isolated, and discouraged under the circumstances of that time, and
shorn of their former privileges of fellowship and service in the ministry, desired to
form an arrangement by which they might be kept in sympathetic touch and be in a position
to encourage one another in the spiritual life. In the formation of the Pastoral Bible
Institute several items of the ministry were therefore authorized to be undertaken, such
as the publishing of a semi-monthly journal, to be edited by a committee of five brethren,
which should contain expositions of Scripture and Bible lessons having for their object
the strengthening of the faith of the brethren and in a general way the encouraging of
spirituality in the Church. Additionally, that brethren of ability and sound in the faith
should be assisted to travel amongst the Classes of Bible Students and minister to them in
holy things. Further, that free literature in the way of leaflets, setting forth the
primary features of the Truth should be published, thus furnishing opportunity for the
brethren everywhere to assist in a general ministry and thus be in a position to freely
offer the Bread of Life to any and all who should give evidence that they were of the
thirsty and the hungry. And still further, that the resources of the Institute should be
used in the encouragement of general conventions in various parts of the country where
they might be desired, and to assist in every way to make these general conferences a
success and to the general upbuilding and edification of all who should attend. Realizing
from the correspondence coming from all parts of the, world that the brethren are
practically of one mind in desiring that the purposes named foregoing shall continue to be
executed in this ministry, the directors during the past year have earnestly sought to
promote and carry forward these various items and branches as. far as possible. Ministry of the Printed PageThe
semi-monthly journal published by the Institute, is probably our most, effective
instrument of blessing among the consecrated; and it is truly gratifying to be able to
state in this report that “The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom,” has continued
during the past year to perform a ministry that has been encouraging and uplifting to the
readers generally. We are reminded again of the advantages enjoyed by the Lord’s
people today over that of the primitive Church. In the days when the Church was. being
formed, the spoken word was the principal means of proclaiming the Truth. Now in addition
to that form of ministry, God’s people can make use of the printed page, which
affords a very wide field of activity and ministry of the Gospel. By this means, those who
are isolated and live in remote districts, can have the Truth brought to their door, and
the Divine message proclaimed to them, and thus have touch with others of like precious
faith and the advantage of Christian fellowship, even, though they can seldom meet others
face to face. Many encouraging and inspiring messages are received from brethren far and
near expressing warm appreciation of the various expositions of spiritual truths that are
presented in the journal. For the benefit and encouragement of others and at their
request, some of the letters received are published. The brethren
having supervision of the matter appearing in the columns of the “Herald,”
freely acknowledge the assisting grace and guidance of the Lord, and recognize truly that
only as the Spirit of the Lord is earnestly sought and His help received, could there be
anything brought forth that would be of spiritual comfort. Nor have any of our brethren
for one moment assumed the position of having a monopoly of the Truth, and that they alone
are authorized to publish the Divine Message; for the Scriptures leave no room for doubt
that all the anointed, all those who have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, are
authorized to teach and proclaim the Word of the Lord as each may have the ability and be
led of the Master. On the other hand, it is of particular importance that the children of
God shall be intensely vigilant and on guard against falling into various traps of error
that are set by the: Adversary, who frequently preset-its a. mixture of truth and error
for the purpose of deceiving and leading astray from the great essentials of the Christian
life. It is for this reason we believe that the devout followers of Christ are admonished
to prove all things by the infallible Word of God; to earnestly seek the guidance of the
Holy Spirit whereby they may be enabled to discern between truth and error. Virgins Trimming Their LampsFurther than
this, the Word of the Lord has counseled God’s people as individuals to claim and
exercise the right of individual study in the search for and acceptance of the truth. As
the Church of Christ is addressed as individuals, it is most obvious that it was never the
Divine intention to establish -over the Church a special hierarchy in the form of one man
or a company, of men to dominate and rule the Church. The liberty that was accorded the
early Church of individual study and freedom of thought and decision with regard to the
truth, is just as fully the heritage of disciples of Christ today as it was in the
beginning of the Age. Our hearts
have been much cheered at times through various messages received from friends giving
assurance that they have been helped of the Lord out of bondage into the liberty wherewith
Christ makes free. In fact the past year has been a time during which many of the
Lord’s people have become disentangled from certain gross errors and
misinterpretations. Again we take occasion here to make mention of how special issues of
the journal dealing with the most prominent questions of the hour are being, made use of
by the brethren in many places, and so still others are daily coming to see the way of the
Lord more clearly. Indeed, this seems to be a time when it is very much a matter of the
Lord’s, people being engaged as wise virgins in trimming their lamps, that they may
shine more brightly as these faithful ones are now journeying or going out to meet the
Bridegroom. The brethren everywhere are therefore not only encouraged but urged to avail
themselves of the opportunity of ordering freely one or more issues of the
“Herald” for free distribution; and to continue the practice of sending us lists
of addresses to whom we will mail sample copies. Reminding
the friends once more of what we have a number of times mentioned, provision is made
whereby all who desire the regular visits of the “Herald” may have them
regardless of inability to pay the subscription price. Through the loving generocity of
some of the brethren we are continuing to maintain the subscription price of one dollar
per year, although the actual cost of production of the journal very much exceeds that
amount. And repeating further, those who do not wish to ask for the journal free, may if
they prefer, ask for it on credit, and if never able to pay for it, may so inform us and
the debt will be cancelled. The “Herald” subscription list has been well
maintained with some increase during the year. Edifying the BrethrenThe ministry
rendered by traveling lecturers addressing brethren during another year has yielded much
benefit and contributed. much toward inspiring confidence and faith in the hearts of many.
Four brethren have devoted considerable time in this branch, and additionally several
other brethren, about fifteen in number, whose circumstances do not permit their devoting
all their time to this service, have been engaged more or less locally to good advantage
on Sundays, going to points within a radius of between two and three hundred miles. This
ministry has embraced the principal portions of the United States and Canada, including a
tour to the Pacific coast. In view of the fact that the past year has been a time when
many have awakened to realize their need of comfort, this form of Christian service by
brethren visiting various companies of the Lord’s people throughout the land, has
been most effective and timely. As some have truly noted, these times and conditions are
remarkably similar to those of the early Church. In those primitive days there were groups
of the Lord’s people assembling themselves for mutual helpfulness and comfort in the Christian way; and there were faithful brethren
under the Lord’s providence directed to visit these companies of disciples to
encourage them. Thus we read of the Apostle Paul and Barnabas journeying from place to
place confirming the souls of the disciples, etc. It is but
proper that we make mention in this connection also that one of our brethren having
accepted an invitation from friends in Great Britain and certain of the European countries
has up to the time of the conclusion of this report, May 15th, been spending several weeks
traveling and addressing Classes of Bible students in those countries, in addition to
participating in convention gatherings at one or more points. The report of these travels
also indicates that the Divine blessing is attending these endeavors along the line of
this Pilgrim ministry. We would
probably be safe in saying that there is no other branch of the ministry more fruitful in
spiritual blessings to the Lord’s people, and no other branch that deserves
encouragement and support of the friends generally as does this feature of these traveling
Evangelists. Miles traveled.............. 57,441
They that Feared the LordFrom what
many have written to the office of the Institute concerning the encouragement, and
spiritual uplift received through general conventions, which are in the nature of
conferences on spiritual things and profitable seasons of refreshing, there can be no
doubt that this form of the ministry has had the hearty sanction of the Lord. We are
reminded again that these general assemblings in convention on the part of disciples of
Christ are fully in keeping with the spirit and general admonition of the Bible -- even as
the Prophet said that they that reverenced the Lord spaek often one to another, and that
this was pleasing to the Lord. The statement is further made that He pronounced His
blessing upon those that engage in holy communion concerning their Divine Master and their
heavenly hopes and promises; and further, that a book of remembrance was written for them
that feared the Lord and spake often on His name. What child of God is there in this day
that does not desire to be the recipient of the rich blessing which the Lord vouchsafes to
those who gather in His presence to worship His name and to remind one another of their
privileges of being seated together in heavenly places. Surely there is no more effectual
means of building one another up in the most holy faith, and of edifying one another in
love, than that of the convention gatherings, ‘and so much the more as ye see the day
approaching.’ It has been our privilege to assist in six general conventions during
the past year, and at the time this report is concluded several other gatherings are in
prospect. Surely the convention spirit is to be encouraged. Distribution of Bible ExpositionsThe several
expositions of the Scriptures and helps to the study of the Bible which our Institute has
been distributing for some years, continues to be in good demand. These are chiefly the
“Divine Plan of the Ages,” the two volumes of the exposition of Revelation, and
the exposition of Daniel’s prophecy. From all that is reported to us, these various
helps to the understanding of the Scriptures, are rendering valuable service among the
brethren. The “Divine Plan of the Ages,” being a reprint of Brother
Russell’s First Volume of Scripture Studies, is recommended more particularly for new
inquirers and those who are seeking the Truth. The other expositions of prophecy are of
course for the more advanced. Then there is the volume designated “The Desolations of
the Sanctuary,” being a review of various facts and circumstances relating to
developments amongst the Truth brethren since Brother Russell’s death. Indeed, this
volume is peculiarly of interest and importance to all the brethren who in recent years
have been passing through crucial tests and trials along the lines of being denied their
liberties in Christ, and who have been face to face with the attempts made by some to
criticize or overthrow many. of the important features of the Truth. Such a dispassionate
and reasonable review of the entire situation as is offered in this volume,
“Desolations of the Sanctuary,” is very much needed at the present time, and
therefore the friends are urged to participate in the circulation of this work, in order
to assist and comfort others in need. The Free LiteratureThe free
literature department has continued during another year to furnish opportunity to the
friends to have a part in the proclamation of the Divine Word. The several tracts which we
supply regularly for judicious use, are presentations of the Truth from various
standpoints, and in a form to, appeal to the earnest inquirer. Reference to these free
leaflets is frequently made on the second page of the “Herald,” so that all
should be aware of their privileges along this line. While a good number of the friends
have taken part in the ministry in this department, we believe many more can join the
ranks of those who thus are doing all they call to let their light shine and impart a
blessing to others. Very frequently inquires come from the newly interested, who have been
aroused to ask for further assistance by reading one of the leaflets. In this
connection we would call attention to the special eight-page leaflet designated “A
Message to the Watchers,” being a word in season designed particularly for those who
are in an attitude to find their way out of confusion and distress in which they have been
struggling in their former communion or association. We specially urge a general free use
of this leaflet, as there are many who are in sore need of such a comforting word at this
time. Interchange Through CorrespondenceLogically
there has grown out of the various branches of our ministry named foregoing, a general
correspondence department, so that there is a constant exchange of thought through the
mail, and many of those who are readers of the “Herald” as well as students of
the various expositions, realize the advantage of this interchange of thought by letter.
The fellowship with Brethren in various parts of the world by correspondence therefore is
surely a source of encouragement and is an important means of acquaintance with the
general faith of the brethren spiritually. It is truly a privilege as well as a pleasure
to have these many messages from fellow-brethren who are struggling in life’s
pathway; it is counted as a sacred privilege, too, of assisting other weary and wayworn
travelers, who often specially encourage us with their messages of cheer. We desire to
encourage all the brethren, especially those who are isolated, to make use of this
privilege of fellowship. Numbers of letters received last year 5,150. Number of letters
sent out 6,448. To the Uttermost Part of the EarthMaking
mention again of what has been brought to the attention of our readers in other yearly
reports, the ministry in which we are engaged here extends to all parts of the civilized
world, and our “Herald” subscription list embraces earnest readers in the
following countries apart from the United States and Canada: Great Britain, Australia,
Ireland, France, New Zealand, British West Indies, South America, Scandinavia, Holland,
Denmark, Germany, Finland, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Switzerland, and South Africa. There
have been awakenings amongst the brethren in all these countries with regard to
developments and the Lord’s providential leading amongst the Truth people in recent
years, much as the friends have experienced in this country. In nearly all these countries
groups of brethren and Classes have been formed for mutual comfort and study of the
Lord’s Word, thus availing themselves of the privilege of edifying one another other
in our most holy faith. As we have heretofore mentioned, Brother Lauper, of Degersheim,
Switzerland, is publishing regularly a paper in the German language, and frequently
translating articles from “The Herald of Christ’s Kingdom” and publishing
them. Brother Waino Berghall of Finland, has been looking after the issuing of a regular
periodical in the Finnish language, from which we believe many of the friends in that
country are deriving spiritual blessing. In Denmark, during the past two years, two
brethren in particular, Brothers Larsen and Rasmussen, have been publishing a journal in
the Danish language, which is proving to be unto the edification of a goodly number in
that country. These brethren are encouraged and assisted by a considerable company of
friends in Copenhlgen, amongst these, Brother Luttichau, who formerly had charge of the
Danish branch of the Truth work under Brother Russell, but who, during the past two years
or so has recognized his privilege of standing apart and free from the bondage and
confusion that has found its way into that country also. Brother Luttichau has been doing
considerable by way of traveling amongst the Classes in the Pilgrim work. We doubt not
that as the brethren of different lands are conscious of fellow-members of The Christ
existing in all these various countries, many prayers ascend daily in behalf of God’s
people of every clime, that His keeping power and providential protection may be continued
in behalf of all the dear sojourners in the narrow way. Our Labors Especially in Behalf of the ChurchIt will be
observed in what has been presented foregoing that the trustees of this ministry have not
undertaken to emphasize amongst the friends any special effort in behalf of the public, or
in the nature of an outward demonstration or public work. It is not because they
necessarily believe that the time for such is past and that there are no opportunities for
making some public appeal; but rather, carefully studying the Lord’s providential
leadings amongst His people in these recent years, it has seemed to them that the lesson
to be drawn is one of first and special concern for the consecrated, even as that has
really been the important consideration in God’s providence throughout the entire
Age. It is remembered that the example of the Apostles specially recalls this lesson as
they were giving the more earnest attention and concern on behalf of those who had
responded to their message in Consecration, and were struggling on in the Christian life
to have the Christ character formed in them. Again in this connection, realizing our
limited funds and the means at our disposal, and finding so much appeal from the brethren
and need for a spiritual ministry amongst the consecrated, it has been without doubt the
will of the Lord to direct the energies and resources of our Association, so that the most
might be accomplished in behalf of The Christ itself, in other words, in assisting the
Bride to prepare herself for the great nuptial feast when she shall be presented faultless
in His glorious presence with exceeding joy; even as we read in the Apocalypse of that
time soon to come, we believe, when it shall be said, ‘Let us be glad and rejoice,
for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.’ ‘God Kindly Veils Our Eyes’Finally,
beloved in the Lord, faith in God sees the outlook glorious for both the true Church and
the world; but as the Apostle intimates, the glory of the Church excelleth. ‘All
things are onward moving,’ and there has not failed one of all the good promises of
our God. The words which the Savior addressed to His followers nearly nineteen centuries
ago, are no less appropriate for all His trusting ones today: “Blessed are your eyes
for they see, and your ears for they hear!” Indeed, is it not true that multitudes of
humanity have longed for just such information as to the future that is possessed by those
who today are enabled to take the standpoint of faith and believe the testimony of our
Lord and the Apostles and Prophets concerning the consummation of all things! Do we feel a
desire to draw aside the curtain and see in advance the details of the remainder of our
earthly sojourn, and of the Church’s final rapture, and of the ultimate inauguration
of the Kingdom for the world’s, blessing? Perhaps the Master would say to us as He
did to some of old, that there are some things that are not due to be understood, and with
gentle words would remind us that it were better for us not to know some things. Indeed,
He would have us remember that like all those who have gone before us in this way, we must
continue to walk by faith and not by sight. Therefore, it were of the highest wisdom that
“God kindly veils our eyes, and o’er each step of our onward way, He makes new
scenes to rise.” Is it not
true, dearly beloved, that in this way in Which the Lord has called us to walk, it is of
His providence, that we ofttimes are left to feel our great need? And is it not for the
purpose of having us draw near to Him and seek for the help we need through the way which
He has provided? It is therefore, no evidence of the Lord’s slackness or neglect,
that we find His people everywhere today needing encouragement, needing to be revived and
buoyed up in spirit for the journey before them. These very conditions of need provide
abundant opportunity for the members of Christ to help one another with their sympathy and
love, and to bear one another’s burdens, and so “fulfil” the law of
Christ.’ The Pilgrimage to Great BritainBy BROTHER I. F. HOSKINS With Brethren on the ContinentEARLY in the
pilgrimage in Great Britain, decision was reached to include a visit to a number of the
European countries. For several years past our brethren in America have been in
communication with friends in various portions of Europe, as there are those in nearly all
of the European countries who have had to meet the same tests as others in Great Britain
and America, and who have taken their stand in defense of the Truth and of their liberty
in Christ. Likewise these brethren also have been cast out and ostracized as not sound in
the faith, and unworthy of fellowship because of their fidelity to the Lord. Five years
ago on the tour to Great Britain we were privileged to answer the call of a number of
Classes in central Europe; and so while we were in the vicinity on the tour in Britain, it
was a real joy to have communications again from several of the brethren in these European
countries, such as we had visited ‘previously, and others. Amongst these were
Switzerland, Germany, Holland,. and Denmark. After prayerful consideration, it seemed
truly to be an opportune time and in accordance with the leading of the Lord’s
providence that we should have this further privilege of serving a number of the Classes
on the continent. As stated in
the previous section of this report, the brethren in these other countries had decided
that about the first of May would be the best time to undertake this tour, which, as we
have said, was when we had completed about one month’s travel in Great Britain.
Leaving England we were to pass through France and Switzerland, then upward through
Germany to Hamburg on the northern boundary, then southward through Holland. The first
week, of this European tour was spent visiting the following places in France and
Switzerland: Mulhausen, Basel, Olten, Bern, St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, and Zurich. Their Zeal and LoveAt
Mulhausen, our first appointment, which is on the eastern border of France, we met again
some of the friends with whom we had become acquainted five years ago. And again their
smiles and hearty, greetings made us feel that our presence was very welcome. Here again
also we were greeted by Brother Samuel Lauper of Degersheim, known to many of the friends
in Switzerland and Germany, as he has for several years been translating many of the
articles in the “Herald” into the German language and publishing them, and his
paper has been going regularly to many of the friends in Switzerland and Germany, as well
as to some in America. This brother has also translated and published in the German
language the two volumes of “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” which have given
comfort and spiritual assistance to a goodly number of the friends in those countries.
Brother Lauper had arranged that Brother Hodler of Olten, Switzerland, should interpret
for us at the meeting in Mulhausen. This brother who is regularly engaged in teaching in
one of the schools in Olten, served admirably as interpreter, and was able to accompany us
and interpret in five of the other places visited in Switzerland. At Basel we
met Brother Binkele who was formerly in charge of the work in Germany during Brother
Russell’s time. He is therefore well known throughout both Germany and Switzerland.
At the meeting attended by about sixty at Basel, Brother Binkele interpreted for us much
to our mutual satisfaction. During our
travels of about one week in Switzerland we addressed upwards of five hundred friends; the
largest meeting being Sunday afternoon at Zurich, where the attendance was about 250. At
this place also we met many that we were privileged to greet on the former visit, who gave
evidence that they have been making progress in the good way. The meetings usually lasted
between two and three hours. Expressing oneself through an interpreter is rather slow and
tedious; then following the regular discourse, another hour or more was generally devoted
to answering questions. Apparently the friends in both Switzerland and Germany are
accustomed and prepared to hold their services much longer than the English speaking
brethren. Surely they are to be commended for their spirituality and zeal for the Master.
The warm greetings and expressions of love and appreciation which were accorded us at the
close of the services gave assurance that our efforts had not been in vain, and that the
friends generally were deeply impressed by the ministry and the seasons of fellowship. No New Religious Scheme but the Fellowship of ChristFrom
Brothers Lauper, Binkele, and Hodler, who were quite conversant with developments and
circumstances amongst the Truth people in these countries, we learned much of the general
situation. They had much to tell us of their own experiences and observations, from which
it became evident at once that we were confronted with exactly the same problems in those
countries as those that have had to be dealt with both in Great Britain and America. While
the majority of the friends we addressed in the various places, had definitely taken their
stand apart from the former association, yet some in attendance at the meetings were
apparently more or less sympathetic with the old association; and owing to various
conflicting voices and opinions it seemed evident that there was considerable confusion
prevailing regarding the issues and questions that are prominently before the Truth people
at the present time. We took occasion to present to the brethren generally, that position
and attitude, as well as what we believe to be the Scriptural viewpoint, important for all
of the Lord’s people to clearly understand in this time of so much perplexity and
bewilderment. We assured
the brethren wherever we went that we had not come amongst them as representing any church
system or organization or sect, and that we were entirely free in Christ, as indeed were
all the brethren at home with whom we were particularly associated in the ministry. We
stated that we had no ulterior purpose in the way of a new religious scheme, organization,
or movement, to advance, in coming into their midst. In answer to queries, reference was
made to our service and ministry at home as being that of merely an association of
brethren who, finding themselves separated from former associations by unscriptural tests,
methods and teachings, had associated themselves together for mutual comfort, service, and
fellowship in the Lord. We assured the friends further that we were not forming any new
sector party of religionists, that our only creed is the Bible; that there are no tests of
fellowship in our midst other than those specified by Christ and the Apostles, which are
those of faith and obedience; that we were not permitting any kind of bondage to enter
into our counsels; that the friends were left free in, Christ to study and believe as each
thought best; that the great rule of action laid down by the Savior , that of love, we
were constantly endeavoring to keep prominently before the minds of all; and that during
these recent years in which we have been thus laboring together in America, the Lord has
given much assistance and encouragement by His blessing. Desired to Learn Way of the Lord More PerfectlyAdditionally,
we felt it upon our heart to assure the friends that we had, not come to them with a new
message, or any so-called new light, or any new doctrinal teaching; that while we were
open to see still more clearly of the Divine will and purpose, we believe that so far as
the general plan and system of Truth which many of us have been holding for years past, is
concerned, it cannot be improved upon, that there is no new Plan of the Ages to be found,
for the one we already have is of Divine origin and is entirely satisfactory, and that the
most important matter of concern for the Lord’s people everywhere at the present
time, as we understand it, is that of having worked out in the life and character the
power and effect of the truths that we already know; of becoming transformed and conformed
to the image of God’s dear Son Preparatory to the great change to be forever with the
Lord. We were glad
to recognize that there was a hearty response to this sentiment, and it was, encouraging
in all the places we visited to find that after all the disagreements, confusion, and
disorder, amongst the friends, there is still that clear discernment that the one and
all-important thing for all is the attainment of a character of Christlikeness. and of
reaching that overcoming stage where the individual can be approved as worthy of the crown
of life. The evident
earnest desire of the friends whom we generally addressed, to learn the way of the Lord
more perfectly, and the close attention given to what was said during the two or three
hours service of discourse and answering of questions through our interpreter, made us
feel that the labor was not in vain in the Lord, and that He was pleased to add His
blessing. Many of the friends gave assurance of their heartfelt appreciation. We learned
from the brethren of how there are many of the professing Truth friends of the present who
are much confused and perplexed and dissatisfied with the management, teaching, and
practices of those whom they have been recognizing as their leaders; and because their
fears have been appealed to by threats and intimidating methods, some did not have the
courage to enable them to attend services such as we were conducting. The Visit at ChemnitzOur sojourn
in Switzerland being concluded with the services on Sunday at Zurich, our itinerary took
us northward at once into Germany, where we found much the same situation and
circumstances that we had met in Switzerland. Here we have pleasure in explaining that as
neither Brothers Hodler nor Binkele were able to continue the tour with us into Germany as
interpreter, we were fortunate in being able to secure the services of Brother Niklaus
Mattmann. This brother is well known to several friends in New York City, having spent
some years in America, and only returned to Switzerland about four years ago. Brother
Mattmann served us admirably as interpreter, as we were assisted by certain of the friends
who understood both English and German. The
following places were visited in Germany: Esslingen, Munchen, Nurnberg, Meerane, Dresden,
Chemnitz, Berlin, Halle, Hamburg, Hannover, Barmen. As there was a similarity of
experience, we will not attempt to give a detailed account of each visit, except to say
that there was a very warm welcome awaiting us at each place and deeply appreciative
hearts. Altogether we addressed about 1100 friends in these places. The largest center in
Germany where the friends are awakened to realize the significance and import of events:
and happenings of these recent years, is at Chemnitz. Here on Saturday evening we found a
gathering of some 350 friends. The close attention given to the discourse of about two and
a half hours, was evidence sufficient that the brethren were endeavoring to be exercised
unto a clearer discernment of the Divine will. Then, too, the many expressions of interest
and appreciation at the close of the service gave assurance that this season of ministry
was one that was regarded as profitable to all and meant much of comfort and refreshment
to their hearts. As in. other gatherings among the foreign friends, so here, it was easy
to understand from the fervency of spirit with which they sang the hymns and from the
expression of face, that they were acquainted with the Lord and knew something of the
peace of God which passeth human understanding. Deep Interest in BerlinOn Sunday
afternoon following the visit at Chemnitz, we addressed 250 friends in the city of Berlin.
This Class also has come out of the old association and has been enjoying the liberty in
Christ since our visit to this city five years ago. At that time there were none with whom
we could have fellowship in a meeting. Now at this time it gave us much cheer to meet such
a large body of brethren who were clear in their discernment and appreciation of the
circumstances of these times and of God’s providential leadings in the same
connection. An enthusiastic testimony meeting followed our discourse in which there were
various expressions of heartiest appreciation of the review that had been presented of
those truths that have such an important bearing upon the life and sanctification of
God’s people and their preparation to meet the Heavenly Bridegroom. Hamburg, in
the north of Germany, was another place not visited five years ago; but at this time we
found a Class of some sixty brethren, enthusiastic and zealous with regard to the great
issues that make for purity and love and for life everlasting. Warm expressions of
appreciation told us again of how the feeble efforts put forth to stir up the pure minds
by way of remembrance had brought them new impulses and fresh courage with which to take
up the cross and press oil in the narrow wail. Our final
visit in Germany was in the town of Barmen where we met familiar faces and addressed a
gathering of about 80 of the brethren who listened with very pleasing interest and gave us
assurance in return that they had been much edified in the season of fellowship. Troubled about Many QuestionsThe readers
of this report will no doubt be interested in the nature of the questions that we were
frequently asked. Many of course were interested in having us explain to them the
circumstances that led to the general crisis of 1917 and to set forth the various
differences between the teachings, methods, and spirit of Brother Russell, and those of
the management that has had charge of the movement since his death. We were asked to
explain the truth from the Bible respecting when Christ came to His temple; about the
establishment of the Kingdom of God and the end of the present order of things. We were
questioned as to whom we should regard today as having authority and controllership of
God’s Church upon the earth, and whose voice should be obeyed in the counsels of His
people. In
consideration of the peculiar circumstances of our day we could not wonder at the
character of the questions that have been troubling many of the friends- When it is
remembered too that the brethren in these smaller countries have been so far removed from
the center of the scenes, circumstances, and activities of these recent years, and have
had placed before them the various garbled reports and misrepresentations of the facts,
one could not expect them to be otherwise than filled with queries and earnestly desiring
to know the truth and the facts concerning many happenings and developments of the past
fourteen years. We surely felt the responsibility in hearing and answering these
questions, and this feeling of responsibility was only deepened when some of the brethren
remarked to us that they had been wondering, prior to our coming, if we would express and
show forth the same sweet spirit of the Lord, the spirit of Christ, that had been observed
in the columns of the “Herald” thus far. The grace and wisdom of the Lord were
earnestly sought that we might be enabled to speak that which would be according to His
Spirit and for the edification of the hearers, and honoring to the Lord. We believe the
friends, however, had a right to hear the truth in regard to the various points of their
queries in order that they might be enabled thereby to see more clearly the path of duty
and service before them. An important
consideration that was impressed upon our mind in nearly all places visited in these
foreign countries, a consideration too that has been frequently noted amongst the brethren
in Great Britain and America is, that those who have come out of the former association of
the I. B. S. A. and who are standing for Christian liberty and on the principles of
Christ, the only Channel and Head of the Church, are for the most part brethren of long
experience and standing in the Truth. They are principally friends who composed the
gatherings and were active in Brother Russell’s time. It is most interesting to note
how well these friends remember Brother Russell’s teachings concerning the importance
of all the consecrated coming out of all Babylonian confusion and renouncing every system
that substitutes the authority of a man-made organization for the headship of Christ. With Brethren in HollandHaving been
in touch -with friends in Rotterdam, Holland, we had arranged to stop with them one
evening on the way returning to England. This visit also proved inspiring, as we spent the
evening in. the home of Brother and Sister van Halwyn. A little company of friends were
invited to their home; amongst these were two of the brethren from Amsterdam, Brothers
Donk and Brillesslijper whom we were very glad to meet, having had their correspondence
for some years. Meeting them now face to face we were interested in learning more of their
activities and of how through their instrumentality a company of friends in their city had
been assisted to see the better way and to discern the leading of the Lord’s
providence at the present time. These brethren had much to tell us of various and trying
experiences through these recent years as they have also met and contended with the
elements and influences of apostasy. Brother Donk served most satisfactorily as
interpreter at the meeting in Rotterdam. Then with warm handshakes and hearty wishes of
‘God be with you,’ we took our leave of these dear ones, being reminded again of
the great gathering to which it is the privilege of all the Lord’s people to look
forward. And now we
had but to cross the North Sea from Rotterdam to England. This was but a night’s
journey, and then towards the evening of the following day we reached Nottingham where we
were expected to be in attendance at a General Convention being held over Whitsuntide, May
23-25. This Convention together with further travels in Great Britain will be included in
the next installment of this report. Character Development of the Saints“Blessed are the pure in heart for
they shall see God.” -- Matt. 5:8. MANY ARE the
blessings promised to those who love and reverence God, and frequent are the Scriptural
assurances that only the pure in heart are embraced in the special favors of His grace.
Truly the righteous and grateful heart may well be “lost in wonder, love and
praise,” in contemplating these blessings one by one. Of all the favors enjoyed by
any of God’s creatures, no other privilege can be compared with the blessedness
suggested in our text --that of seeing Him face to face. If it be wonderful that angelic,
spiritual beings, should enjoy this bliss, then how great is the love that promises an
exaltation to the same glory to creatures so far removed from the perfections of the
spiritual world, as are we, to whom Jesus speaks in this precious promise. When it is
remembered that “no man can see God’s face and live,” even though such a
man be perfect; that it: is written of Him that no man hath seen, nor can see Him, because
He “dwells in the light which no man can approach unto,” it is recognized at
once that this promise to those possessing heart purity, is a most extraordinary one. If
we fully appreciate the fact that this represents an unusual condescension on the part of
our gracious God, the conviction will be settled beyond dispute, that more than ordinary
goodness and virtue will be required to gain it. Superficially
viewed, our text might be considered as meaning little more than another reiteration of
the oft-repeated admonitions to righteousness that are set before us in the Scriptures.
More carefully analyzed, it becomes a solemn ultimatum, Worthy of the most profound
consideration. If in other Scriptures we are taught that God does not expect perfection of
us, and that He has graciously provided for our limitations by hiding us in Christ, it
must be constantly remembered that we forfeit all of this grace if we are not definitely,
certainly, demonstrating that full purity of heart is in control of our daily life.
‘Without holiness no man shall see the Lord’ is the teaching of the text we are
considering. Therefore, the test of our relationship to the Lord is once again shown to be
inseparably associated with a character established in the principles of righteousness,
influencing all our thoughts, words, and actions. Only the Holy Enter Presence of God“Blessed
are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Hearing these words from the lips of
Jesus, we are convinced that they throb with spirit and life to all who are prepared to be
searched and examined by them. To such hearts, hungering and thirsting after
righteousness, there can be nothing more important than a conscience void of offense
toward God, and therefore they are always ready to entreat, with the Psalmist,
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there
be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” -- Psa. 139:23, 24. It must be
conceded that the text we are considering applies both to the present and also to the
future. There is a very direct reference to privileges how open only to the pure in heart,
shutting out all others whose hearts are surfeited with self or are lukewarm or corrupted.
Then there is undoubtedly a special intent to emphasize the fact that only such as are
perfected in holiness will be permitted to enter the presence of God beyond the veil.
Whichever thought is particularly emphasized, or applying it with equal force to both the
present and the future, the lesson taught is a most wholesome one, and well calculated to
produce that reverence of the Lord which is declared to be the beginning of wisdom. (Psa.
111:10.) Only the pure in heart see God now by the eye of faith; hence only such Can be
guided by His eye. Only the washed, and cleansed, and sanctified, the pure and holy, will
be permitted to “see, Him as He is.” Thus, be it noted, the exclusion of the
impure from the heavenly courts in the future is no more exacting than is the irrevocable
prohibition of the approach of such to God at the present time. Whether this rule of
Christ be occupied with the individual believer of the present Age, or with the universal
rule of the future dispensation, He must first be to all “King of
righteousness,” then “King of peace.” We must Love Holiness for Its Own SakeHidden in
this beatitude we may find the conditions of the call of the Church to glory, honor, and
immortality. These repeated “blesseds” and the conditions under which they can
be obtained were not spoken directly to the multitude. The record is that “When He
was set, His disciples came unto Him; and He taught them”; therefore, the lessons
taught and the promises given were intended for all His faithful followers throughout the
Age. To all such they are a part of those “exceeding great and precious
promises” so potent in leading appreciative hearts onward and upward until they are
made full partakers of the Divine nature. Powerful influences they are in safeguarding
against the corruption that is in the world through lust. -- 2 Pet. 1:4. To those who
love righteousness, no statement in the Bible relating to their, privileges in Christ can
produce a more appreciative reaction of mind than this promise of Jesus. To such, the
favor of the Lord is better than life even now, and no future glory more wonderful than
that of being made partakers of God’s own holiness. Such are not strangers to the
ennobling influence which the Apostle affirms emanates from these promises, for they are
conscious of an elevating power at work in their hearts as they lay hold of a hope so
sublime, so purifying. From this standpoint, the words of Matt. 5:8, will challenge every
evil tendency seeking to gain control of the mind, and it will likewise challenge the
motives underlying all the acts of worship and service. It will search the heart to
inquire whether we have been largely influenced by ulterior motives, or by a pure,
unadulterated love of righteousness for its own sake. The
importance of this is emphasized in the character of Jesus. Preeminently He loved
righteousness; hence we have it written of Him, “Thou hast loved righteousness, and
hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness
above Thy fellows.” (Heb. 1:9.) Thus God puts the love of righteousness displayed by
Jesus above all the other manifestations of His loyalty. Manifestly, then, this must be
the outstanding character of His followers. No Bible student with anointed eyes and open
heart can possibly overlook the constant reiterations of this fact as he reads and
meditates upon the sin-defining and sin-condemning Word of God. Standards True and FalseLong ago God
found frequent occasion to rebuke the lowered standards of His people. Again and again He
must declare that His ways were so much higher than theirs, even as high as the heavens
are above the earth. Succeeding generations, regardless of exceptional favors and
unparalleled enlightenment, have needed and still need this rebuke, for God’s
standards are even yet set at naught by the theories of men. In order therefore that we
may. have the true standard before our minds; we need to come direct to the, Word of God
for this instruction in righteousness. Therein we are clearly taught that love of
righteousness and hatred of iniquity go hand in hand. God is revealed to us throughout the
Bible, whether it be as represented in the Law or revealed in Grace, as maintaining an
uncompromising attitude toward sin in all its forms. To Him “all unrighteousness is
sin.” Let men classify it as they will, it remains the same in the eyes of Him who
cannot look upon sin in any of its myriad forms “with any degree of allowance.”
The same Bible teaches just as clearly that He sets this same standard before all of His
intelligent creatures, and any failing under trial to attain it must eventually suffer
destruction. This standard of perfect holiness is therefore God’s standard -- the one
true standard. It can
scarcely be questioned that comparatively few, even today, really appreciate the need of
this high standard. On the part of many there is a tendency to modify matters by recalling
the facts of human depravity, and to conclude that it is quite impossible to even think of
approximating the attainments set forth in the Word of God. Surely, they argue, since we
cannot be thus perfect in word and act, it must mean that these texts merely represent
ideals to be admired and kept in our hearts. Under, such false reasoning is it to be
wondered at that ere long a complacency of mind, and even contentment to remain where
“God does not expect perfection from me” becomes the settled habit of life. Thus
-- over against God’s standard -- perfection such raise their subterfuge, “I
just do the best I can, and I am sure that God does not expect more than that,”
which, as every enlightened Bible student knows, is paramount to either a confession of
ignorance of important truth, or an unintentional confession of a deplorable tolerance
with recognized evil in the heart, over which no complete victory is fervently desired. O
that such might stand before the cross, and let that cry “My God, My God, why hast
Thou forsaken Me” teach them, how God hates their sin, and that unless they are holy,
dead to sin, and raised to walk in newness of life through Christ, they are entirely shut
out of the circle of those demonstrated as pure in heart. Essentials of Apostolic MinistryBut even
more deplorable than this immature understanding, characterized as it often is by at least
a measure of commendable effort to walk consistently with a profession of faith in Christ,
is the apparent love of iniquity displayed by others. Let us repeat God’s definition
of iniquity: “All unrighteousness is sin. It surely indicates a serious departure
from the consuming light of God’s presence when one can assume an indifferent
attitude toward this important matter of development in piety and godliness, When it is
recognized that by far the greater part of the Apostolic ministry was in the nature of
instructions regarding the sinful propensities of the flesh “works of the flesh and
the Devil,” and the need of being cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and
spirit, how can any one conclude that the question is of secondary importance. How
despicable are the inherent conditions of the old man: “Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,
strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of
the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do
such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Surely the putting off of the
old man with his deeds is, a most important matter. How beautiful then in contrast is the
character development of the new man, renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that
created him: “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance: against, such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have
crucified the flesh with the affections, and lusts.” -- Gal. 5:19-24. In the light
of Scriptures such as these, how serious is one’s condition when lie can believe
that, after all, God is comparatively little concerned about such outstanding evils. What
a parody is made of His Word when it is claimed that these things are of little
consequence so long as the instrument, clean or unclean, proclaims His name. Under such
conditions the truth of God is turned into a lie, and the conscience becomes seared by the
hardening influences of sin. It then becomes the rankest hypocrisy for such to claim a
love of righteousness. The accusing fact that the attractions henceforth controlling the
life are the once forsaken “beggarly elements” of the world, testifies that God
has been supplanted in the heart. Yea, let it be said with all the force authorized in the
“quick and powerful” Word of God, no saint and lover of righteousness, living in
the environment of God’s holiness, ever doubted, or would ever question the need of a
holy, cleansed, and regenerated heart. That individual does not “see God” who
reasons otherwise, for “our God is a consuming fire” -- opposed to all iniquity,
without respect of persons. When the Transforming Vision of God is LostThis false
standard cannot be otherwise than destructive of spiritual life, and very quickly all
former strength of character must vanish. Such is the gravitating law of spiritual
decline, for “as a man thinketh in his heart so is he” -- so he must become.
When once the heart loses its freshness in the new life in Christ, when its lofty
aspirations after holiness become vitiated, when its first love for God and His
righteousness is permitted to decline, and when sin, for which Jesus gave Himself up to
death, loses its exceeding sinfulness, and becomes mere frailties to be condoned and
excused -- what then?, The clock of the ages is moved back to the days of ignorance and
darkness when God gave men over to follow their own evil ways, and no longer does a holy
God command, men everywhere to repent, in preparation for impending judgments against all
unrighteousness. No longer is it necessary to feel any special concern over the fact that
“we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of the
deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil.” Under such influences it
must inevitably follow that the accusing voice of Scripture be silenced, and true piety be
set at naught. Then of a certainty the eye will wander back to the world, the heart
speedily follow the eye, and the feet follow the heart. Thus the ennobling, transforming
vision of God is lost, the safeguards forgotten, and the enemy sweeping in with a flood
destructive of every element of the holy separated life of sanctification, leads captive
at his ‘will. And such become God’s witnesses to others of the utter rejection
of impure hearts and unclean hands, from His holy hill. The Power of God unto SalvationWhat is the
glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ if it be not the transformation of character? This was
the Gospel gloried in by St. Paul, because he recognized it as “the power of God unto
salvation to every one that believeth.” Yea, the message worthy of all acceptation to
him was that “Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”
Looking over those who under hi’s ministry had been brought to a knowledge of the
Truth, how he rejoiced to write, after recalling their former impurities, “And such
were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus.” The cry of the awakened sin-sick soul has been for all these
centuries directed to the sinner’s Friend, “If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me
clean.” And the only reply that could bring relief has been His life-giving
assurance, “I will, be thou clean.” Men verily
desire a kingdom of equity and justice, and they travail in pain waiting for the overthrow
of all oppression; but first of all is needed a Savior who shall save them from their sin,
a Deliverer who can emancipate them from all, bondage to the power of evil. And herein is
the greatest proof that Jesus died and rose again. Through faith in His name, the vilest
and most unregenerate have been lifted up out of the pit and transformed into mighty men
of God. Men and women enslaved by intemperance, broken by vice, and immeshed in the snares
of the kingdom of darkness, have been translated out of all that into the Kingdom of
God’s dear Son. By the cleansing power of His blood, those sunken in the
“uttermost” of sin may be saved therefrom to the “uttermost.”
Hallelujah! what a Savior! And all of this by the simple act of faith in His redemptive
work, and by assimilating His life-giving Word of Truth. The great
words of the New Testament are not associated with our doings, but with the power of God
-- regeneration with the washing of water by the Word; transformed by the renewing of our
minds; changed from glory to glory; put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ; cleansed from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit; raised to walk in newness of life by the power that
raised Christ from the dead; made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light;
according as His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and
godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue Strange it
is indeed that it should be necessary to defend that feature of our faith which has to do
with character development. Nevertheless in view of the many warnings God has given, we
need to remember how possible it is for us to lose our love of righteousness to such a
degree that we may be found constantly “kicking against the pricks” contained in
these warnings and admonitions of the Scriptures. Oh, how great the danger of letting go
these high standards and of allowing “the wish to become father to the thought”
that special emphasis need not be laid on character development. Significant indeed are
the words of Jesus to some in His own day who placed little emphasis on inward holiness:
“They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” May He grant
us an everincreasing realization of our need of the sanctifying power of the Great
Physician. The Lord Your God doth Prove YouOf
necessity, God must observe the constant reactions of our minds toward the great
possibilities He sets before us. Does He urge us to aspire to His own perfections, and
then be unheeding as to how we are influenced by such an urge to righteousness? No indeed!
As the great Searcher of hearts He can be satisfied only when our hearts leap with joy at
the prospect. Stupendous as the ideal is, those who are drawn to holiness grasp it with a
ready confidence, for since God in His grace has called them to it, the same God in His
power can and will bring such to the goal they undertake in His strength to reach.
Maintaining this attitude of mind, and growing in a knowledge of the great principles of
faith in a full cancellation of our guilt, and seeking a constant transformation through
the power that raised Christ from the dead, we shall indeed rejoice in the confidence that
we shall awake in His likeness, to behold Him as He is, for He who has begun the good work
of character transformation in us is able to complete it. Our Acceptance in the Beloved OneThe Apostle
Peter writes: “We have not fol- lowed cunningly devised fables, when we made known
unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:16.) It was no
mere form of doctrine, nor merely a form of godliness, but a living reality, capable of
transforming us into a royal priesthood, a holy nation, competent by virtue of these
qualities to show forth His praises, who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous
light. Again and again we are taught that it is only as we abide in Christ, and remain
amenable to the power of the Holy Spirit in its transforming operations, that we can bring
forth fruit to His praise. Aside from Him we may indeed possess “a zeal but not
according to knowledge.” Our building of “wood, hay, and stubble,” may look
very imposing and substantial, our works may be great, and even directed toward the
casting out of devils, but for all that, because not done in Him, are worthy only of
rejection. If we would live and labor with Christ in the life to come, certainly He must
dwell with us and work in and through us in the present life. And what is His great work
at the present time? As He always works in harmony with the Father’s will, so He
continues to work in us that which is in particular God’s will for us, even our
sanctification. If then, we are urged on by the inspiration to be holy, because God has
called us unto holiness, rejoicing in our security in Christ, how much better this is than
being under a sense of compulsion in the matter, or found questioning the indisputable
importance of character transformation. How blessed it is to realize that He abides in us
to will and then to do His good pleasure. Then in very deed and truth He becomes our Rock,
our Fortress. When we can say with Paul, “Christ liveth in me,” what a
fortification is ours. His in- dwelling will challenge every evil power, and “looking
unto Jesus” we are perpetually delivered from the Evil One; for our Lord is able to
keep us from falling and to present us faultless before His presence with exceeding joy. Thou wilt make Him of quick UnderstandingThis is the
promise of the Prophet respecting Jesus. (Isa. 11:3.) And it is worthy of note that the
marginal reading of this text gives the key to its real meaning -- make Him of quick
“scent or smell.” The thought seems to be, quick to detect things pure and good,
and equally alert to sense that which is evil. Surely His thrice repeated “it is
written” to the temptations presented to Him in the wilderness demonstrated that He
was quick to discern the disloyalty and disobedience hidden in those temptations. His
inherent purity, love of righteousness, God’s will written in His heart fortified Him
against these assaults. Even so it can be with us, if so be that Christ lives in us. He is
our strength. The
individual who lives with purity of heart in control, with Christ dwelling within, will
have comparatively little difficulty in discerning between teachers of error and teachers
of the truth. Such will recognize that both teachers, and their doctrines may be safely
tested by the Divine rule: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” True teachers
bring forth fruit unto righteousness. Nothing is more heart-hardening than religious error
and bigotry; nothing can so quickly embitter, separate, and anathematize, as religious
zeal founded upon false teaching, and nothing so clearly reveals the absence of Christ as
an indwelling power as the narrowness of religious intolerance and the oversight of the
great facts that only “righteousness exalteth” and that “sin is a reproach
to any people.” Therefore the one possessing purity of heart, and furnished thereby
with much of this intuitive “quick understanding” filling the mind because the
Christ spirit reigns within, must quickly discern the absence of Christlikeness and zeal
for holiness revealed in leaders, publications, objectives, and methods that bear the
fruitage of religious error or foster the neglect of the things of the Spirit. Men do not,
cannot, gather figs from thistles. Nearer My God to TheeOn the other
hand, that teaching Which honors God by revealing and exhibiting the beauties of His
character, that draws hearts to Him, primarily in adoration and worship, and -over and
beyond service for Him, has the consuming desire to know Him in the most intimate
fellowship, this may, be received as of God. The Christ who said, “This is eternal
life, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast
sent,” having taken up His abode in our hearts will be constantly constraining us to
draw nigh to God, that He may draw nigh to us. Do we say, “We would see Jesus”?
The eagerness of Jesus is to reveal the Father to us, and seeing Him, we see the Father.
“There is none good but God.” He is the fountain of all you may behold in Me.
That we might be pure in heart and see God is therefore His desire; hence the keynote of
His leadership, His instruction, and will be the token of His appointment and supervision. Let it not
be forgotten that He authorizes no teachers except those who share His desire to lead into
these green pastures of the knowledge of God, leaders who lead in the paths of
righteousness for His name’s sake. For the deepening of that knowledge of God, that
beauty of holiness in our lives, let us pray and willingly sacrifice everything. Let sin
grow more and more obnoxious to us, as we draw nearer and nearer to Him. Then we shall
know the blessed witness of the Spirit within, bearing testimony that our hearts are pure,
and our robes unspotted. If purity of
heart be in control, we will find ourselves seeking after God and His righteousness as
naturally as we breath the atmosphere that sustains our physical life. As the Psalmist has
illustrated it, “As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul
after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and
appear before God?” -- Psa. 42:1, 2. Henceforth,
then, let everything we accept as coming from the Lord, every work in which we engage,
every feature of private devotions or public service, be bent in the direction of making
us more like God, bringing us clearer visions, of His own glorious character. And through
all of these let the prayer be interwoven, “Nearer my God to. Thee, nearer to
Thee.” “Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us.” And like faithful
Moses, we shall be able to endure ‘as seeing Him who is invisible,’ while
present experiences test our fidelity. Ere long we shall enter in to see face to face Him
whom we love and adore, if so be that we have made righteousness our great objective.
Rejoicing now in being accepted as holy, in the Beloved One, we may look forward in faith
to the blessed hour when this same beloved Savior from all guilt will present us faultless
before our Father with exceeding joy both to Himself and us, “without spot or wrinkle
or any such thing.” FEAR NOT‘Thou, O most Compassionate! “Through the doubt and mystery, “Show Thy vacant tomb and let, Words of EncouragementDear
Friends: Greetings in
the name of our King. I have felt very much led recently, especially since Brother
Hoskins’ visit to us, to write you. I have noticed at times in the “Herald”
your concern for those who seem not quite clear on some points, those evidently who are
coming out of the Society, and I have been touched to know of your continued desire to
help such. Also as I listened to Brother Hoskins’ address to us, it seemed as though
there was a sadness in some of his message -- a great yearning to see again the unity and
love there used to be in the early days. I am only a
newcomer of about eight years standing, but I realize what heartbreaking periods all the
true brethren have passed through since your beloved Pastor was taken; yet I couldn’t
help thinking as Brother spoke on the power that came to the Apostles of old through
obeying Jesus’ command to tarry till they were endowed, how different it would have
been had all the dear brethren these past years followed Pastor’s advice to tarry
round the Word instead of listening to false teachers; for we can all get something of the
same power as those of the early Church received -- not necessarily some of the gifts that
came with the power then, but the fruits of the Spirit, and also the power to discern the
error from the, truth. Personally, so long as I am grounded in the fundamental truths,
details do not trouble me. What I strive most to know is the Holy Spirit’s leading,
to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and, to know my Father’s will for me. Brother said
there were times when the brethren, “instead of contending chiefly at business
meetings, and attempting to settle important problems by motions and resolutions, ought to
be calling a prayer meeting and be on their knees praying.” I think so too. One thing
I missed when I left the Salvation Army was the prayer meetings. It is true that much time
was spent in prayer to get the people converted, but not always. There were seasons of
prayer for guidance, and for one another; prayer when visiting one another, and for power
to live as the true disciple should. This experience of the power of prayer has. stood me
in good stead since coming into the knowledge of God’s Plan of restitution, since I
found my Father, God; for soon after I came in, we left the Society and there seemed a lot
of confusion till we properly settled down. I have had a
wonderful experience all the way of my Christian walk. Even when only in the justified
condition, I had wonderful seasons of blessing and communion, through prayer. Gordon, in
his book of “Quiet Talks on Prayer,” says a novice “cannot handle the
keyboard of prayer,” and I think it is true. We know we cannot rush into God’s
presence, but as we wait quietly for a few moments before we offer our petitions or enter
into communion, we know the wonderful peace and quietness that comes as we approach that
great and powerful Father-heart of love and our tender High Priest, Jesus. It has been
during these little periods of waiting lately that the Holy Spirit has led me very
pointedly to pray for the dear brethren at the Office in America. Not knowing quite what
petition to offer on your behalf, I asked that special wisdom should be given, and
guidance (in this dark Period that we are entering upon) to you as you give out the
message through the “Herald,” for you must be greatly exercised just now to help
all. There seems only a small way in which we can do a public work -- our numbers are not
large in the Classes, and we. seem to be almost in that time Jesus spoke of when He said,
“The night cometh when no man can work.” But, thank
God, there is another side -- as the night deepens, so our experience deepens also. There
has never been a time in my experience when the Holy Spirit was so real to me, never a
time when such perfect peace has possessed me, never a time when I, was so fully, given
up, and I can truthfully say with the poet now, “None of self and all of Thee:”
I know you will be glad to know how the “Herald” has helped me to reach this
position. When it comes to our house, it seems a link to unite us to you all over there,
and I do not forget that there has been loving toil and thought, put into it for our
benefit. I am so glad to tell you (giving God, the glory) that I don’t know of
anything or any one, that comes before my Father and Jesus in my heart’s affections.
Daily, my joy, increases. Dear Brother
Hoskins, seemed so anxious to help us. I have the notes of his address beside me, and when
I got home after his visit to us, I had a little self-examination. I am so glad I had
already tarried to receive the power he spoke of; glad that I desired the prize that so
many of the Truth people have let slip, and also that regardless of what it might incur, I
am determined to, hold fast till “He come.” We are being
greatly blessed in our little Class. Our Elders are very patient and loving, and anxious
to help. There are no heads to lord it over God’s heritage, but just kind brothers
who are trying their utmost to help Us in every way. I intended
my letter to be brief, but my heart is very full. My Father God is so loving, and Jesus so
willing to bear the burden. 1, feel it is hard to express in Words. I want to say Thank
you for your continued efforts on our behalf through the “Herald.” I am very
happy in remembering you individually and collectively at the Throne of Grace, many, many
times -- particularly to feel the leading of the Holy Spirit on. your behalf. Forgive my
lengthy letter. I am reminded of those words of the hymn tonight when writing -- it is the
prayer of all, I know: “Abide with me; fast falls the
eventide; “I fear no foe, with Thee at hand
to bless: God bless
you richly in these trying days. (John 15:7.) Believe me, Yours sincerely in His service, Secretary of
the Class, Miss N. G.. Mitchell, 360 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. |
