An online mirror for Phebe Hall's THE TRUTH, originally published in 1955
An exhortation to the adherence of the primitive worship and moral education of Friends.
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“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” - Matthew 10:8 KJV
Contents:
- Introduction
- The Way to Find Truth
- Bearing The Cross
- Faith
- Humility
- Prophecy
- Is Plain Dress Required Today?
- Controversy
- What is Holiness?
- Public Worship
- True Prayer
- Conferences
- Little Children
- Forgiveness
- The Right Way to Preach
- What Is Good Entertainment?
- The Effects of Music
- The Radio
- First Day Schools
- On reading the newspaper
- The Reading and Writing of Novels
- The use of Ornaments
- Dancing
- The Day Called Christmas
- The Plain Language
- Funerals
- Faithfulness in Little Things
- Shall Friends Stand Against Associating in Other Organizations?
- Worship
- Marriage Among Friends
- Sanctification
- Perfection
- A Clear Evidence of Acceptance
- The Foundations of the Christian Faith
- Membership
- The Future of the Society of Friends
- The Cause That the Truth is Not Upheld
- The Gift of Eldership
- The Manner in Which Friends Should Carry Out The Discipline
- Heaven and Hell
- The Strength of Obedience
- The Right Way to Spend the First Day of the Week
- Divine Healing
- Trust in the Lord
- The Coming of the Son of God
- Peace
- Paid Ministry
- The Wiles of Satan
- The Value of an Individual Testimony
- To Those who Doubt
- The Conclusion
Some of the articles which follow were written with the intention of having them printed in the Friendsville Current, should way open for it. As this has been impossible on account of the discontinuance of the paper, they are now being printed with the hope that they may be an encouragement to some to go on in the right way.
If this should reach some who do not understand what is written. Then remember that what is to be known of God is manifest within. and that it is only as we come to this divine light in our hearts that we can understand what is right. As we open our hearts to God He will show us what is necessary for us to know but if we reason and argue we may become beclouded.
It is with a desire to be faithful to the measure of light given me and not from any desire for publicity that these papers have been written and with a desire that others may be drawn to know the sweetness of divine communion and the joy of a life dedicated to His service. — PHEBE J. HALL
“I am the way, the truth and the life,” was spoken by Christ. He spoke the truth and He still speaks the truth to those who believe in Him. To believe is very important. Unbelief hinders the revelation of Christ in the heart.
The cross is another hindrance in some to seeing the truth. If there is an unwillingness to take up the cross in whatever the Lord re quires we may not receive that degree of clearness which would otherwise be given. To find the truth is not hard to those who are willing to receive it as it comes in the heart, but if there is an unwilling ness to receive it then darkness may come in, which makes difficulty again to find the right way.
There is certainty in the statement made by our Savior when He said, “Except a man be born again he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” Can we suppose that a man could understand spiritual truths except he was born again? But how does one become born again? By following the light of Christ there comes to be a change from following the natural desires to following the grace of God. Thus the desires are changed and the whole life comes to be made new or changed from the condition it was in formerly to that of a Christian or follower of Christ.
Those who are followers of Christ know Him in spirit and when He shows them the truth, they know that from error. There is no uncertainty here, many times, and what He makes known in the heart is not in contradiction to that which He makes known in the hearts of others if rightly understood, neither is it in contradiction to the Scriptures.
As conditions in the world change and as things may appear to be different from that they really are, there is great need to keep down to this infallible guide lest we misjudge. The Lord is just as able to tell us the truth for us in this day as He was to tell the early Friends what was the truth for them in that day. While true doctrines and principles do not change, circumstances and conditions change so we are not safe out of His guidance.
There is a need in the world for the truth and those who have known the way to come to it will be responsible if they do not share it with others according to their gifts and measures. Such a responsibility rests on the members of Friends in a great degree and how can we fulfill that trust unless we are fully alive ourselves and wholly devoted to the cause of Christ?
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” There is cause for close searching of heart to find the truth. There is also cause of thankfulness that the way has been made plain and certain to the true follower of Christ so that a wayfaring man though a fool shall not err therein.
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Can we bear the cross? Can we say that we are willing to do what ever the Lord requires though it may be a cross to us? Have we searched our hearts to see if there is anything we have omitted doing because it was a cross or anything that we are unwilling to do because it would be a cross to us? It is this kind of searching of heart we all need to enter into at times to see whether our hearts are clean in the divine sight.
How many have turned away from Christ because they were not willing to bear His cross. “His yoke is easy and his burden is light. but this is true of the subdued will which has been made willing to do what is required. It is not always easy to give up the will and it many times takes suffering to bring about a willingness to yield. It is self which stands in the way many times and that must be crucified.
How many would gladly take up a cross if they could choose their own. Some do this and make great sacrifices which are unnecessary and uncalled for by the Lord. It is the Lord’s cross which we are to take up, not our own. He will show us what it is if we are willing to wait and obey Him.
All have not the same cross. Our inclinations are different and that which would be a cross to one might not be to another.
What might be called little things are often required to subdue the will and bring down that part in us which desires to have its own way. As the cross is yielded to in the way it is required, there comes strength and power to be faithful. Such know a growth and as they keep to that which enlightens will know a greater understanding of spiritual truth. Let none of us seek to evade the cross but be persistent in the path pointed out by the divine hand.
“O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”” Why do we have so little faith? Why do we doubt? How can we overcome unless we believe? “How can ye believe, which seek honor one of another and seek not the honor that cometh from God only?” “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove.” Does not this faith which removes mountains come from God and are we not patiently to wait until we receive it and then believe? I know that it is not easy at times and I know that it is hard to believe when that comes which seems to contradict all outward signs. All things are possible with God and even our faith can be increased if it is His will and we are submissive. If we could only be resigned, how much might be accomplished. I have been impressed with the opportunities given us and how often chances to demonstrate our faith are given which will never be repeated. Therefore it should be our earnest concern to be on our watch and not let any opportunity slip which might prove a stepping stone to increase our faith.
If we are faithful to all that is required there will be faith and strength given to overcome all our soul’s enemies. If we are not watchful the enemy will endeavor to overthrow our faith and will try to substitute a false faith which believes what he says. So he deceives people, making them to see and believe lies. If we are watchful enough and keep under the power of truth we shall be preserved and be given power to detect his snares. Thus we may be prepared to bear fruit to the praise of God and the peace of our minds and in the end receive the crown.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Humility is a gift of God but one which is required. There is only one way to obtain true humility and that is by submitting to the baptisms of the Lord. Some may obtain the form of it or a false humility by their own efforts but that will not be an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord.
There are many ways in which a Christian may be humbled. I have remembered an incident in the life of James Henderson. He felt it was required of him to stand to preach with nothing before him to say. No doubt it was a humbling experience to him. Sometimes it is by persecution or ridicule that people are humbled and these things may be permitted, and be for our good if rightly taken.
It is easy for us to wish to be released from difficulty and tribulation instead of allowing them to have their part in our refinement. Brokenness and contrition are not to be despised and are a part of the true resignation to God. Our hearts must be broken before the Lord if we would know them changed by Him or prepared for service. Even here the enemy has his counterfeit, but that should not hinder the true seeker.
If the heart is alive to its duty and under the cross to the natura! A desires and truly seeking to be kept, there will be humility given. true fear of the Lord brings about humility, a fear of offending Him and a fear of ourselves lest we mistake His guidance and follow sole or the enemy.
True humility also leads to charity for one another. If we have come to the place where we are willing and can see our own mistakes and shortcomings, we shall hardly be in a spirit to find fault with others. How much better for us to leave all in the Lord’s hand.
Has the spirit of prophecy ceased? Why is not more of it manifest today? Is it not because there is a lack of that deep indwelling in the Spirit which discerns what is and what will be in the future, that Spirit which knows all things and cannot be deceived?
Joseph Hoag writes of paying a family visit within the limits of a certain meeting where in many of the homes he had to warn the people of approaching death and in these homes there was a fulfillment of his prophecy. There have been many instances recorded in the writings of Friends of this kind of prophecy and many more which were never written.
How many of us are sufficiently acquainted with the Lord to be able to prophesy of future events? I am afraid not many of us are willing to be wholly divested of self and so not prepared for that work. We may not be required to prophesy to others but if we are following the Lord there may be and often are things shown to us which will happen and these are for our own strengthening and confirmation.
Prophecy is not alone confined to the foretelling of future events but I believe in Scripture a prophet was one who spoke the word of the Lord whatever that might be. It is a serious thing to speak either the word of the Lord or foretell future events but it is a part of our calling. It is written in Scripture, “And he shall shew you things to come,” and I believe that to be the truth.
What does plain dress mean? What do plainly dressed Friends believe is the reason for such a requirement?
I have been impressed many times with the reasons given by some in opposition to plain dress. There seems to be a general lack of understanding and even ridicule to be found within the Society of Friends. It is a serious thing to be misguided in any thing and if any of us are misguided or if the Society of Friends has been wrong through out its history in believing that plain dress is required of its people it is certainly time for us to know the truth.
It is not right for anyone to adopt the plain dress as a form or because others have done it, but under conviction of duty. I recently heard an individual make the statement that she wondered how a person would know what dress to adopt if it was right to be plain. Such a statement seemed to indicate a lack of understanding of the ground of our testimony. Is not the reason for plain dress pure obedience to divine requirement and is there any lack on His part of showing us how, when, and wherein we should dress plain? I write in the fear of the Lord and can testify that the way is plain to the obedient soul.
If it is right to dress plainly then why do not other people do so? Many do dress plainly from real conviction, I believe, and many who do not may not have attained to the growth necessary for that requirement or have not been given the light which we have.
There are many in our Society who have not given the matter serious consideration or have not waited for immediate divine revelation to know how they should dress. I do not believe all Christians are required to dress exactly the same but I have found that a dress that worldly people can recognize as a Christian dress has a place. We need to keep in our places and not be too critical because others do not dress as we do but we do need to be alive to our responsibility of encouraging people to be faithful in what is required of them. I believe as a Society we have been too careless on this point. This is not to be done in our own way but under the immediate pointing of the Spirit of truth.
It seems that some do not understand why we should dress different from others when the Scriptures do not positively state that we should dress as we do. They do state that we should dress modestly without ornaments and make various other statements about dress. Do we believe in Christ today? And that He is just as able to speak to us now as He was then and is there anything inconsistent between what is written in the Bible and plain dress?
If any feel that, because some dress plain and are living inconsistent lives in other ways, therefore plain dress is wrong, then they need to consider how groundless such argument is against plain dress. There are a great many people who profess to be Christians and are not, but who would dare to say that proved that Christianity is wrong?
There are many things which might be said along this line but I believe it is unnecessary. If we are concerned to know the truth the way will be made plain to us in due time if we are willing to take up the cross. The same thing may be said to parents in regard to dressing their children. It is a serious thing to dress them in the right way and many temptations to the children might be avoided if parents were more concerned in this matter.
While there may be changes in plain dress from time to time, yet this Scripture remains unchangeable, “Be not conformed to this world.”
When we differ in judgment about spiritual natters we have cause to consider whether it is the truth we are contending for or our own views. It should be our first consideration that nothing of self should be in our judgment, that no desire enter in that a matter terminate one way or another, other than that the will of the Lord be done, The next consideration should be that nothing of ill will enter our feelings toward anyone, no matter how much they may differ in their views from us.
That all should see “eye to eye” in the church is right but that does not mean that all are called in the same way or are required to do the same things, but that there should be no conflict. There may be times when things seem to conflict when if rightly understood there would be harmony seen.
We have great need to humble ourselves when there is a difference and be sure that we are not mistaken, for the enemy has great power to deceive, even if it were possible the very elect, and none are out of his reach except as they abide in Christ continually.
If there is an unwillingness to seek for the truth, these may be compared to those spoken of in Scripture who did evil and hated the light, neither came to the light lest their deeds should be reproved. There is light within us to reprove us for wrong if we are willing to come to it but if we are not willing we may not see the right. If we are not willing to come to the light how can we expect controversies to be settled?
If we are willing to allow Christ to be the judge and are not afraid to confess Him before men, where could there be controversy? How are we to decide when those who are deeply concerned are not in unity? We have an unerring Guide and, as we are willing to listen to Him, all that is necessary for us to know will be shown us. I believe that one cause of controversy in our Society comes because some who are not deeply experienced attempt to judge in matters which are beyond their spiritual depth. If they would only wait until things are opened by the light, then they would appear in a different manner. We need to wait and not be hasty to judge without a direct command from the Lord.
There are some who are required to bear a testimony for the truth and they cannot, without endangering their peace, turn from taking a stand. If there is opposition then there may be conflict, but the individual or people who may be wrong are the ones who should give in and who should change, not those who are standing for the truth.
It is those in a meeting or otherwise who oppose the truth who cause trouble and who are dividers, not those who are in the right. Christ said, “I came not to bring peace but a sword.” “For from hence. forth there shall be five in one house divided,” etc., but this does not mean that He caused division other than that there were those who would not accept Him. There are those in our day who will not accept Him. Let us then if any of us are under suffering because we cannot join with wrong, rejoice that we are accounted worthy to suffer for His cause and not be ashamed to testify for Him.
What is holiness? Are there not many people professing to have attained holiness who know little about it? Are there not many who do not believe it necessary to salvation? The Scripture is clear that it is necessary: “Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,’” It is important then that we know or experience holiness, both as a preparation for Christian living and as a preparation for eternity. If we could only see ourselves as we should be, we might a little more clearly understand holiness. It is an individual experience so that we cannot place more emphasis on doing certain things than on the attitude towards God. When we come to the place where we are willing and are doing, in some measure at least, all that God requires of us as individuals, we have come to holiness. There will be an indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and as we are concerned to be faithful to its teachings there will be a growth in holiness, an attaining of greater degrees of purity, greater purity than we can imagine in our natural state, where even our thoughts are changed by grace into subjection to the divine will.
There is great need of perseverance to attain a holy life and to retain it. Although some may seem to attain it as it were in a moment, yet most have to struggle for it and as there is a perseverance one thing after another is overcome until all come to be brought into obedience to the Lord. How necessary then that day by day we wrestle to over Come and seek for divine assistance to do it. Let us not give out by the way but continue on until we do attain to that measure and growth that is required. Self has no place in this work and will only hinder if allowed any place. It is only that which comes from God that will return to His praise and honor or our help.
Holiness is not pleasing to most people. They would like to have liberty in some way to do as they please. There is an unwillingness to give up, to allow every thought, word, and action to be brought to judgment and all things to be done in perfect harmony with the divine will.
Such as are cleansed by Christ show a bright example and are preachers of righteousness in their everyday lives. Is it not worth striving to attain? Will there not be a reward worth all it may cost?
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
Can we neglect the assembling of ourselves together and expect the divine blessing? How can we reach out to others and expect them to be brought in if we ourselves are unfaithful? How can we expect the young people to be impressed with the importance of divine worship if the leaders and those around them do not consider it worth while to go to meeting? I have been impressed with the utter inconsistency manifested by some who pretend to be concerned over the influence of our Society and over the influence we exert on our young people, but who were not even setting a good example themselves in the attendance of meetings. What are our minds occupied with, when we do not go to meeting? Is the love of the Lord of first importance to us? How can it be if we do not care to attend meeting? Did He not say, to forsake not the assembling of yourselves together. How can we love Him and not obey His commands?
What spirit are we in when we go to meeting on First-day and stay at home or go to work in the middle of the week? Can we believe that we are followers of Christ while we neglect Him?
But can we not worship Him at home and at our work? some will say. That may be, but what hinders us from going to meeting? Is it wrong to go to meeting? If it is not, then we must be staying away for some other cause. We must be putting our work or something else ahead of meeting. If we do this, will we not have to answer for our conduct in not putting first things first? We need to remember that we are to seek first the kingdom of heaven, and all things necessary shall be added to us. We are to be willing to live in such a manner that we can spare a little time for the Lord. How foolish to let a little work come between us and Him. It is a witness for Christ if we leave our work and attend midweek meeting, if done in the right spirit. Those outside of our Society often notice who are the ones who go to meeting and often do not approve of the neglect of some. If it is difficult to find work without missing meeting then we need to wait on the Lord to know what He would have us to do. If there is no other way than that we should miss some meetings let us be sure to wait on the Lord and not neglect every opportunity to meet together.
If we are situated where there is no meeting then we need to con sider holding a meeting. How many meetings might be started if all those who leave Friends communities would start their own meetings and be faithful in all other things. We need to consider that we do not live to ourselves and all we do or say must be weighed in the balances to see if it is wanting. How can we be clear if we do not attend meeting?
Some may feel that it is not worth while to attend meetings be cause there is unsound doctrine preached or because the people are not what they should be but those who feel this way need to consider whether their minds are turned to the people or to the Lord. He is able to bless the earnest efforts of the sincere seeker even when those around may be wanting. He has promised to be with the two or three gathered in His name so that even though there may be only two or three gathered in His name in a large group He will be with them.
If the name of the Lord is to be praised in the world it cannot al ways be done in private. There is a public testimony which must be given and should we not be glad that we are given the privilege and opportunity to worship undisturbed? We should be thankful for this blessing and not undervalue it.
Prayer is the living seeking to God and communion with Him. We are to pray without ceasing, that is, we are to be in a state accept able to Him at all times and know His leadings in the soul. There is too much prayer that is put up in the will and time of the person and not under the divine leadings and so is not acceptable to Him. There is great need for living prayer put up in the Spirit which will be availing. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” There is a need for prayers to be put up on behalf of those who have turned aside from the strait and narrow way and there is need for prayers for the faithful that they be preserved. Are we each one doing our full duty in this line?
If we are to pray, and yet not in our own will and time, we must wait for strength to be given, rightly to intercede. We may be sincere and yet not be in the right. How important then that we be sure to be in the Spirit. If we are out of it then our prayers may be answered by the wrong spirit and we be deceived. The Lord knows who are His. He hears the cries of the penitent sinner as well as the righteous and He will not turn away those who seek Him with a pure heart. Let us then be encouraged to pray and not faint, for He will hear our intercedings if we do not turn from Him.
“When ye make many prayers, I will not hear.” This shows that there may be times when prayer is not heard. Then we have need to consider whether it is because we have turned from God that He does not hear our prayers. Though we may think that we are serving Him in our prayers yet if they come not from the pure spring they are only idolatry and not of the truth.
There are various kinds of conferences and ways of holding them but in general they follow a pattern similar to this: There are periods devoted to worship, either whole meetings or preceding something else. There are times for discussion and perhaps times for certain speakers to give addresses.
This seems to be considered all right by many people and perhaps some good can come from such a conference but I believe that in most instances they are productive of more harm than good. I believe that God does visit people even when they may not be doing right, but I do not believe that we should do wrong that we might be visited. That is the reason why I say that some good might be done in a conference like I have mentioned. The harm that a conference of this kind does is largely caused by a lack of coming to the Lord for all the directions.
A conference of the right kind would be one which was called together under a right concern and when gathered would wait for divine guidance in all its movements, similar to our business meetings.
I once attended what was called a Friends’ Peace Conference. I was especially impressed with the periods of silence which seemed to me to be nothing short of solemn mockery. “When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand,” might be applicable to such proceedings. “Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth.” “I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.” When the heart is not prepared, and yet attempts to offer sacrifices to the Lord, it is sin.
There seems little fear in such gatherings of taking the name of the Lord in vain and yet the Scriptures tell us that we will not be held guiltless if we do this. This is done when we too freely use His name without a command.
It is the duty of those who are concerned, to warn others of the dangers in attending conferences of the kind I have mentioned and it will be held against those who are older and more experienced if they do not warn the young. Many of them are in measure innocent, not realizing what is the fruit of such proceedings.
May those who are willing to take a stand for the truth be encouraged to go on in the fear of the Lord.
“Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not.” I have often been impressed with the obstructions that are put in the way of the little children to hinder them from coming to Christ. There are many things which might come in this class. The parents are often the greatest hindrance by their lack of setting a good example to their children. The great indifference of many parents in being careful to take their children to meeting both on First-day and during the week is another hindrance.
The kind of entertainment which they have, will have a great effect on them. They should be taught when young to choose entertainment which is worth while and which will not be a waste of time. Entertainment which stresses the worth-while things of life should not be a detraction from the spiritual life unless given too much time.
In lightness and unprofitable con There is too much time versation and this should be guarded against both in older and younger people.
There can hardly be too much stress put upon the care that is given to guard the children from improper reading matter. The frivolous type of reading material seen in some homes makes one feel that it can hardly be expected that the children will want good reading. Care should be taken to guard against works of fiction whether it is in the home or school.
Music is another obstruction, not only taking valuable time but tending to be a substitute for religion, stifling conviction. The radio and television are other things to be avoided. Children will be influenced by the things which they see and hear and the little good which they might derive from them will hardly counterbalance the evil. Even little children can learn to know the Lord and listen to His voice and how much better for them to do that than to be turned away.
Even First-day schools may have a hindering effect by turning their minds outward so that they depend on study or intellectual religion. These things ought not to be allowed, in most instances, but we ought to earnestly seek for strength and wisdom to order our steps so that we will not be stumbling blocks to the little children.
“If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” If we do not love those who trespass against us, we will not be in a forgiving spirit. If we do not want their return to the right way we will not be loving them with a true love. There is a difference between bearing no ill will toward any and maintaining forgiving spirit in our hearts, and that presumptuous spirit which would attempt to forgive others’ sins without divine directions. This is a subtle snare some have fallen into and one which we all need to guard against.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ » Bearing all things the Master lays upon us for His service, whether it be the infirmities of the weak or the burden of the sins of others. These states we must enter into feeling with, but not at any time to attempt to forgive so as to make the individuals feel that their peace has been made with God when it has not been.
If we are willing to forgive others when they repent, then they may be more willing to forgive us. What hardness of heart must be the cause of the unwillingness of any to forgive wrongs or to hold feelings of dislike to any. If there is anything of this kind in our hearts, then we need to pray earnestly to have it removed and so abide under the power of Christ that it will not come back.
Forgiveness is granted to the penitent, not to those who willfully do wrong and then do not return, so that we need to be careful that we do not harden anyone or encourage anyone in a wrong course. God is the judge of all. Who are we to judge another when to his own Master he standeth or falleth? It is not for us to judge or condemn except as we are moved by the Spirit of Christ to do so, and then it is not we who judge but Christ within us.
Let us beware of that spirit which hastily condemns the faithful laborers in the church. There is a place for forgiveness and there is a place for labor and we each one need to stand in our places and not condemn that which we do not understand nor undervalue the righteous judgments of God.
If there is anything which is the cause of our not receiving the forgiveness of God, then that should be removed. And we should frequently examine ourselves in the light of the Lord to see if we have forgiven those who have trespassed against us. We should not hold feelings of ill will towards any, for that is dangerous.
John came preaching in the wilderness, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John’s preaching was to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Christ. If our preaching is right will it not tend to prepare the people to receive Christ in their hearts as their leader and to help them to follow Him after He has been received? This is a great work, not to be undertaken without immediate divine guidance, for none of us know the condition of the hearts of people entirely, unless we are shown.
If the preaching is right, it does not necessarily follow that it will be received. The Scriptures tell us in reference to some that the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Thus it was not because the Word was not rightly preached that the people did not hear, but because the people did not receive it. If that is accounted foolishness with God which is highly esteemed by man, we are not to judge of the ministry by the esteem that is shown by man in his natural state. Much applause may be given a false ministry.
Much depends on a right understanding of the necessity of dependence upon the Holy Spirit for the ministry. Regardless of how true the words might be, if they do not come from this source they are not Gospel ministry but a counterfeit or false ministry. Paul says the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. Here is a plain statement of that which is the Gospel. There has been too much emphasis placed on expressing one’s thoughts or feelings without waiting for the evidence of divine requiring or the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is wrong and is one cause of so much lifeless ministry. We need to be aroused and encouraged to be more watchful, to encourage the good but discourage a false ministry.
There is a serious lack of true ministry and right discernment of the ministry in the Society of Friends, but this can only be corrected by a willingness to yield to divine requisitions. There must be a humbling of self down to the place where we realize that we know nothing rightly, where we will wait for divine openings and not join with the temptations of Satan either to preach or judge. It is a temptation to believe that we may promote the cause of Christ by human efforts under our own direction, but this will be but as chaff which is of no value in the divine sight.
The ministry is to be received from God and given to the people as He directs. If He directs that the people be fed, then His call is to be obeyed or we are in danger of hearing that language, “I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink,” etc. Our responsibility is great to feed the people spiritually, not with outward words but with the Bread of life, and if we try to do it in our own way it will not be accepted.
What is good entertainment? Nothing but that which God proves. It is necessary for our bodies to have rest and our minds realization, but nothing of the nature of that which would lessen our love of God should enter into our entertainment. Thus in choosing our reading it will necessarily be something which will give us useful information and not any of that which is foolish or a work of fiction. O movies will be those which are of value and not the kind which generally given at the theater.
Our talents are all to be devoted to our Master’s service in what ever way He sees best to direct for each one of us, so that what may be allowable for one may not always be allowable for another.
We find in nature and science an almost unlimited amount of room for study and entertainment. If these things do not conflict with our other duties they are allowable in their place.
Silent meditation and waiting on the Lord should be given a place in our lives and should be encouraged even for the young.
Games are right for young people and children for exercise, but too much competition and unnecessary time and expense should be discouraged.
Social visiting has its place and is useful when kept within proper bounds.
When our minds are brought under the government of Christ, all things will appear in their proper places and we shall know how to conduct ourselves under all circumstances. Then if we see others who are allowed more liberty than we seem to have, we will have charity towards them, whether or not we may be shown by the Lord that they are wrong. For all are not called in exactly the same way, neither are we shown all things at once, but only a little at a time as we are able to bear it.
“And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty: just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: For all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”
Thus it is written that those who had gotten the victory over the beast sang with the harps of God. Thus should we not sing who have obtained the victory over the enemy of our soul’s peace and sing praises to God who is worthy of all? But it will not likely be with outward harps or man-made tunes but “with the Spirit and… with the under standing also.”
The angels sing praises for ever and ever but they do not need the kind of music which people on earth so often want. Theirs is God given and so should ours be, for all else only hinders divine worship. Worship to God is to be in the Spirit, not that which comes from the voice alone. Our emotions may be reached by pleasing music, but the most solemn and impressive music has no power to reach the heart unless it is accompanied with divine life.
Time here is short and ye do not have time given us to waste. The heart which is fully given up to the Lord is almost continually lifted up in prayer or praise to its God. There is no time for the study of music or the use commonly made of it and, if allowed any place in the heart, it detracts from that continual communion which is the duty and privilege of a Christian.
So I feel to warn all against the spirit of this world which approves of man-made music, even in its worship so called.
I also feel to warn us against allowing any love for it to gain a place in our hearts, for it will have a leavening effect if not guarded against. We might then condone the use of it on the radio or as an amusement or lawful entertainment.
One of the wrong effects of music is to quiet the conscience. It has a soothing and quieting influence, thus tending to turn the mind away from God. It diverts the mind from seeking the “one thing needful,” and soothes the heart which should be awakened to seek repentance and a change of heart.
I have listened to a great many radio programs and have watched their influence on others, and I can truthfully say that I do not know that any of them were of any value to me, neither do I feel they were helpful to others. If there are programs which are useful, is it not possible to obtain that information some other way? If not, is it absolutely necessary?
If we ourselves are clear of listening to anything objectionable on the radio, do we realize that in having one in our homes we may be influencing someone else to listen to that which might be his ruin?
If there is nothing objectionable about the radio, at least nothing wrong in having one, why have so many people felt required to testify against them? I remember hearing a minister speak in one of our business meetings several years ago, quoting the text, “Whether. .. ye eat. or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” adding that he did not believe we could listen to much from the radio to the glory of God.
Others have suffered much for keeping radios, even though they had been told it was wrong for them to have them.
One girl of my acquaintance gave up her radio through conviction, but while working in another home a strong temptation came over her to turn the radio on, when this language was spoken to her, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This she did and found peace.
If it is a temptation from the devil to listen to the radio unnecessarily, then we need to be careful how we uphold it.
It is not the radio as an instrument in itself which is wrong, but the manner in which it is used.
We know that many have been turned to Christ by listening to the radio, but that should not influence us to use one, for by such arguing we might persuade ourselves to do wrong that good might come. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” We can only rejoice that there are those reached by whatever means God may see fit to use, but Paul was not justified in persecuting the church, simply because he was reached by the light of Christ while on his way to Damascus for that purpose. Neither are we justified in up holding a hireling and a stated ministry because some are reached by their ministry. God condescends to the conditions of the people. He would have them gathered out of corruptions, but in mercy He visits them while still entangled in some of these things.
Our people should stand for the measure of light given to us and not give way in little things, lest we weaken our influence for good over others.
“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie . . . “
We need not that a man should teach us unless he is taught of the anointing within. First-day schools encourage man’s teaching instead of the Lord in the usual case. They are out of the will of the Lord in this way.
When I was going to grade school one of my teachers sometimes read to us from a Bible storybook. I found that this was not right, for when the Bible itself was read there were times when the spiritual meanings were opened to my understanding, but this did not happen when the storybook was read.
There are times when it is right to read to the children and explain to them what some of these things mean. But the Scriptures area sealed book to many who are attempting to teach First-day schools, and they often darken the understanding of the children.
Satan uses the First-day school as a means to turn the hearts of the people outward, to hold a form of religion instead of the truth. If the schools only had Bible reading and recitation they might not be so objectionable but we seldom see much evidence of concern in them. Friends have sometimes felt it right to teach the children who were neglected by their parents but this situation does not apply to most of the Firstday schools today among Friends.
We sometimes forget in our attempt to promote what we believe to be good that hypocrisy is equally offensive to God with open sin. If we gather people to a form it will not be much better than though they had not been gathered.
While reading the newspapers is entirely allowable in its place, vet I believe Friends are spending entirely to much time and thought on such things. Would we not be deeper spiritually if we were more earnestly seeking that which is of God instead of reading the news so much? Though there may be times when it is necessary, yet if our thoughts are too much taken up with these things there is no room for better things.
Thomas Shillitoe, a minister, recommended that Friends take up the cross in this thing and read only that which was necessary to their business. James Henderson, many years later, said that he felt it was not right for him to have a newspaper in his home. Others have felt the same way.
I have felt it was right for me to give up the newspaper, though I took one for many years against my convictions. Finally I was desirous to know what I should do and felt if someone spoke to me on the subject I would give it up. This was soon done by someone who knew nothing of my feelings, so that I was confirmed in my convictions.
“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Nothing but everlasting destruction shall be to those who do not take up the cross. Who can say whether this or that thing may not draw us from Christ and so cause us to perish?
I do not want people to feel that I am cynical, but I feel like put ting these things before us for our consideration, feeling that there may be some who need to be encouraged to come a little farther out from the world.
George Fox says, “In the low region, in the airy life, all news is uncertain; there is nothing stable; but in the higher region, in the kingdom of Christ, all things are stable and sure, and news always good and certain.” He says it was a time of much talk and people too much busied their minds and spent their time in hearing and telling news and he endeavored to draw their minds from it and show them the vanity of it.
“Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” Are not works of fiction more than these and so of evil? What excuse could we give for spending our time on such things? Will not the Lord reprove us for such things? Are we not to give up these things to please the Lord?
Some may plead that some part of the Bible, such as the parables, is comparable to fiction and so good fiction, as they call it, is all right, but the parables are true and there are no lies there, but how many novels are true in all parts? I do not believe they are many. Even those books which are supposed to be true to life are mostly unnecessary, and we should be careful what we read in that line. At the request of a special friend of mine I once read two books which were true-to-life stories of the early Friends. What purpose could there have been in writing such books? I could see none, when the writings of early Friends abound with true accounts of the lives and sufferings of those people. I do not know that it did me any harm to read those books, but I could not recommend them and I believe that our time would be better spent reading something which is true.
It seems to me to be worse to write fiction than to read it, if there is any difference. We know then that we are telling untruths. Such things are not pleasing to God and He will not hold guiltless those who knowingly tell lies. Children should be taught that it is sin to write what they know to be untrue and that it is wrong to read novels and especially those which lead away from reality.
In our schools we need to be constantly watchful to guard them from these things. Children will find plenty of temptations without their being intentionally put before them. Life is serious and young people need to learn where to go for help and strength to do right. Novels and other light reading matter will tend to weaken their minds and create a dislike for solid reading and prayer.
Teachers need to be careful not to require either the reading or writing of fiction, for how will they answer before God if they do? If they mar the innocence of youth, will not God require it at their hands, and consciences thus weakened may be more easily trampled upon another time and thus lead to lying at other times.
Does novel-reading tend to bring the mind out of darkness into light? Does it have educational value which could not be gotten some other way? Does it create in the minds of young people and others a willingness to take up the cross and come out from the world in other Wavs? What is the reason for young people and others not caring to read Friends writings? Is it not partly because of reading fiction and other objectionable books? Would not people’s minds be better occupied in meditation than reading a novel? If relaxation is needed are there not better ways to do so than in this way?
Put off thine ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee.’” This was spoken to the children of Israel after they had sinned greatly. We too have sinned and need to humble ourselves. If we have any sense of our condition will we put on ornaments to beautify ourselves? Does not the desire to put on ornaments come from the Wrong spirit in us and not from Christ’s spirit? Is it not likely to be said to us: “Put off thine ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee,” if we put on jewelry and take pride in these things? Yes, we are likely to be severely reproved, unless we have gone so far that we are insensible to reproof. We may seek the applause of people, but should not the approval of God be of greater importance to us?
An acquaintance among the Methodists gave fourteen reasons for not wearing a necktie. Some of them would not be reasons for Friends but some were worth considering. Do Friends set a good example in this respect? Some of his reasons included the time unnecessarily spent in putting it on as well as the expense. Another thing to consider would be the pride that is taken in such things.
In Isaiah the Lord reproves the daughters of Zion for their ornaments, their bracelets, their foot ornaments, their earrings and other jewelry for their heads, their changeable suits of apparel, and many other things. Then He tells them what shall be in place of these things, mentioning that in place of well-set hair should be baldness, which should be a warning to those in our time who spend time setting and curling their hair.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Let your light so shine that others may be drawn by your example to put away the vain ornaments and unnecessary articles which are unbecoming to a Ch tian. These will include lipstick and nail polish and many other things not mentioned here.
is a beauty in simplicity and this simplicity should also extend to the furnishings of our houses and our manner of living.
As our hearts become cleansed of every evil it will be manifest on the outside: “Cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.” As we are concerned that this might take place in us, the relish for these superfluities will be taken away and we will be free from their encumbrance. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
A girl, some of whose relatives I had been acquainted with, died during a fire in a night club. She was young and doubtless did not realize the dangers of being in such a place. Had she been taught as she should have been and been willing to receive the teaching, she might have been saved from death, and she might have saved her soul the dangers if it was lost. What are we doing to teach our young for their souls of attendance at such places? Are we enough concerned for to care whether they go or not? That girl was not the only one who has been among Friends who has attended night clubs, and how many of our young people are attending dances at other places? Will we not have to answer for these things? Does God approve of our attending dances? Is that the way He wants us to spend our time? If He does not, why do we? If it is a temptation then why allow it in any form? Let it be known that we are a God-fearing people and stand clear in this thing.
If I should say that Friends do not believe in celebrating the day called Christmas will people believe me? This query has come before me again and again as I have talked with people who are not members of our Society. And again it has come before me whether the statement that we do not believe in celebrating this day is really the truth. I realize that people can plainly see that we do not all do alike and it is a hard question to answer when people ask why it is, Would it not be well for us who are members of Friends seriously to consider what we are doing and find out what is the right thing to do?
Are we unwilling to do right? Is this the reason that Friends have become so lax in bearing their testimony against this superstition and idolatry. If it is right in the sight of God to celebrate Christmas why did the apostle say, “Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain”? The day that we are considering was not celebrated then, but if it was necessary, why was it not mentioned? It is an invention of man and there. fore not to be observed by the followers of Christ.
When we consider the lightness and unnecessary expense which the observance of this day causes, we should certainly consider what our part is in correcting it. I know that some consider that love and good will are promoted by the celebration of Christmas but how much more love and good will would there be if these people could all come to know Christ in their hearts and be believers in Him there? Far greater joy and good will than can come from the observance of a single day. Is it not the duty of Friends to point people away from these outward observances to the living truth? Let us consider what we are doing and not put a stum bling block in the way of any seeker. Let us be willing to take up the cross to our own wills and be obedient.
What is the use of perpetuating a custom from the 17th century which has obviously lost some of its use from that time? The word you is no longer used to distinguish between the upper and lower classes as it was then, so what is the need of using the plain language now? There are several reasons.
First: It was pride which started the use of you to one person and it is pride in some which perpetuates that custom.
Second: It is Scripture language. Not that the Scriptures were written in the English language, but if properly translated they would be in the plain language.
Third: Because it is divinely required of us today to use the plain language. There are those today who can testify that they know that the Lord requires this testimony of Friends.
Fourth: Because it is a pure language. The Scriptures speak of turning to the people a pure language and to avoid the very appearance of evil.
Fifth: Because it is a testimony to the world of our belief in living holy lives and that our religion stands not in word only but by practicing it in our whole lives even to very small things. I remember of reading of an individual who was convinced of Friends principles by first hearing the children of Friends using the plain language.
Sixth: Because it is the truth to use the singular form to one. whereas to use you to one when we know better is near untruth Though you may mean both singular and plural to most people and be considered acceptable English, yet truth does not change. Where a principle is involved, as there is in this case, we do not feel it would be right to change.
Seventh: Because it is a cross to some. Where the Cross is taken up under divine requiring it has the effect of bringing down and crucifying the natural part and so is of good use. Many people have found that using the plain language was of great service in this respect.
Eighth: Because it is useful as a hedge about the young people and others to help keep them from mingling too much in unsuitable company. This in itself would not be a sufficient reason to use the plain language, but it is rather a fruit of it. Even children are often respected for using the plain language. However, worldly people are usually not as anxious to seek the company of those who use it as they are of those who do not.
Though there may be other reasons for using the plain language I believe this will be sufficient to show that there are reasons for using it today and that it is not tradition or a desire to do things as they have been done which is the cause of using the plain language today, but a deep heartfelt belief that it is required and that our peace depends upon our using it, as well as all other things which the Lord requires.
When I was a girl I learned to value and appreciate the solid meetings which were generally held at funerals. It is therefore with sorrow of heart that I have noticed a lessening of the religious weight of those occasions. One thing which has conduced this condition is the tendency for individuals to eulogize the deceased without the necessary qualification and oftentimes when the life of the departed has been far from what it should have been. A call to preach the Gospel or to prayer is the only one which should be given any place on such occasions and if, in the course of it, it seems right to encourage the audience to emulate the deceased in his dedication to the Lord, that may have a place; but any uncalled-for speaking on such an occasion is a hurt to the individual and to the Society. It would be better to have a silent meeting than one with speaking without life.
Friends have always endeavored as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary display or expense at such times. They have believed that flowers were no part of that love and respect which we owe to the deceased but that they are better enjoyed while we are living. They believe a display of flowers may detract from the solemnity of the occasion and make it less likely that people will consider the awfulness of death and the need for preparation for death which is one of the purposes of funerals. I believe this is something on which we should be united, for if one member uses flowers then those who are not Friends are more likely to try to give flowers to others. Therefore we should be united and stand against this thing and fear not what man shall do, but at the same time show courtesy and respect to those who may give flowers unknowingly and from a real desire to show respect. They may either be put where they will not give offense or not be accepted as seems best on the occasion, but they should not be allowed around the coffin.
Some have felt best not to use gravestones; but, in order to keep the graves from being disturbed, others have felt better to place some marker. Probably a simple marker without a name would be most desirable one is needed. There is a tendency among some to idolize the graves of those they love or respect. However much good any may perform in his lifetime, all the honor and praise belong to God and not to the creature. We can show respect to the memory of the righteous by living according to their example and advice.
I do not wish to seem to be laying down exact rules and regulations, but Friends have deviated from the simplicity of the Gospel in some of these things and their conduct has not been what it should have been, so that is the cause of the need of bringing these things to our attention. The burial of our dead should be done in a decent, orderly manner, pleasing God, not man. If we live as we should, our names will be had in everlasting remembrance.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” He that is unfaithful in little things will not make the progress that he should. Faithfulness in little things strengthens the heart for greater things. While we are unfaithful in some things our condition may be compared to an unhealthy plant. We may be partly alive and partly dead. Those who are in this condition sometimes plead that because they are favored of the Lord they are all right, but they do not realize the need for being wholly His and being willing to do all that is required.
Friends have stressed the need for being faithful in all things to the extent that some have criticized them for being to0 particular are told to bring every thought into subjection to the obedience Christ. How could that be done without also bringing our words an actions into obedience? If they are brought into obedience to Christ then we have no choice of what we do or say, for we are under Hi government in all things. It is thus that several of our testimonies have been required, Dot as overstressing little things, but as part of the process of bringing all the tithes into the storehouse. Some may not see these things at first and some may turn from conviction in regard to them until they become so hardened that they cannot see them.
One that might be mentioned is in regard to hat honor. Most of those who are convinced of Friends principles feel it required of them to wear their hats in places of public worship as a testimony. They remove them in honor to Christ and at His command during prayer to Him and when required to speak in His name. Some seem to find this too great cross to bear, though they may take their hats off to people, who are inferior to Christ. This explains the reason for not taking them off to a building or to people who may even be rulers, because it is an honor reserved for God alone.
Another thing is our testimony to the use of numbers for the days of the week and the months instead of the manner of the world. We believe this is simpler and more practical and helps us to avoid the use of the names of other gods, which the Scriptures forbid.
We are concerned to avoid the use of Mr. and Mrs. as being positively forbidden by Christ himself, when He said to call no man master; these are a form of the same thing. Also might be mentioned the use of good-by and other salutations which the world uses and which we are required to refrain from. The world sees no harm in these things, but since they know not God they are in no capacity to judge.
Each individual has his own peculiar cross to take up in little things. Each individual is answerable to God and it is sin to disobey Him even in little things. We need to be careful that we do not lay more upon others than Christ requires and that we have charity for all, which is the will of God.
Shall we not join other groups and exert our influence for good among them? Will we not have more influence if we mingle among other people than we will if we separate ourselves from them? These questions and many more might be asked but what are Friends’ objections to associating in worldly organizations?
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” We are not to join in fellowship with unbelievers, neither are we to help those ho oppose the Lord in their professed work of doing good. There ay be some good done in many of the organizations but is their method of joining together that which a consistent member of our Society could enter? I do not know all the rules of other associations but I now that some of them are not such as we would want to uphold. If here is good in some of them perhaps we might join on that ground and excuse some of the faults. But the Lord wants us to be a pure and holy people without fault and unless we are obedient in all things we will be found guilty.
“Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people . .. strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not.” How true this is of some of the members of our Society who are totally unaware of the loss they have sustained by mixing too much with the world and at the same time believing that they are doing good.
Formal religious performances, secret pledges, and unnecessary entertainments are things which Friends should unitedly and consistently stand against. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” What shall it profit if we try to reform the world without the Spirit of Christ, without His leading and directing. It is the mission of this people to spread the Gospel, which leads to moral reform, temperance, and peace, where it is received in the hearts of the people.
If we are concerned to live as we should, we will exert an influence for good over those around us. We may be called to go among worldly people while employed in our business and for other reasons, but if we keep our places and keep to the truth we will be preserved and may be a help to others. But we need to be careful how we join in alliance with them, for if we are drawn into that which the Lord does not call us to, the preserving power may not go with us and we may hurt not only ourselves but others also.
It has seemed to me as I have sat in Friends meetings that there are those amongst us who know little or nothing about performing worship in spirit and in truth. There are those who think they worship by meditating, instead of waiting in the silence of every thought for the Lord to speak and show them His will, whether by prayer or praises or whatever may be required at the time, silently or vocally. It is not in spirit and in truth unless we are drawn by Him thus to worship, but all our attempts of ourselves to worship will not be accepted. attain to the silence of all flesh is not easy but can be made so, as we de. pend upon the Lord. There is wrestling needed by each member of the meeting, individually to overcome the enemies of his own heart and as each overcomes there will be more life in the meeting. We are intended to be a help one to another and we hinder one another many times when we are unwilling to strive to keep in our places, when we are unwilling to keep silence where there is nothing given us of the Lord so say, and when we will not pay attention to that which is said in the life. There needs to be a receiving as well as a giving forth at times. As we are thus concerned to have our minds gathered out of all wandering thoughts and imaginations, prepared to receive the pure openings of the Spirit of truth, our hearts are strengthened to receive that which is given and reproof is not irksome in this condition, neither are silent meetings, for we have the greatest of teachers, the living God, to instruct us, though we value and appreciate those whom He may send to us.
Thus our hearts many be drawn forth in prayer to Him for ourselves and the people and who can tell what the effect may be of those prayers which are of the Father and in His will. He will bless the struggles of His dependent children, even though at times they may not seem to make much progress.
I have experienced some wonderful outpourings of the Spirit even in silent meetings, so that I can testify to their value. However I believe that our meetings would be much more powerful and more evidence of the Spirit would be manifest, if each one were more concerned to be a true worshiper.
Satan will try to deceive us and tell us how to worship and show what to do and say, but we must go deeper than this until we know the word of the Lord and His transformations. There is only One who can do this, for it is out of the power of man to know the difference, and our dependence must be on the Lord alone. Our trust must be placed in Him and He will not forsake His own, but will be all-powerful to turn away the devices of Satan.
“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” “Let all the earth keep silence before him.”
Marriage is a solemn ordinance of God and not to be entered into lightly. Are the leaders and parents in our Society teaching the young and others how to know whether a marriage is a right one or not? Marriage is for life and it is something which we want to make no mistake about.
Solomon was a wise man and a great king but he made a mistake, for he loved many strange wives who led him away from God. Here we see that love is not the criterion for a right marriage. We may fall in love with those who are not the right companions for us. Love will crown every right marriage but that is not the first thing to consider. That which is first is the will of God. All things work together for good to them that love and serve Him.
Prayer should be a very important part of our consideration of a life companion. Let it sink deeply within the heart of every individual who reads this, who may have anything of this kind to consider, that prayer should be the first step in its consideration. Not only prayer but a deep waiting on the Lord to know His will and a seeking for preservation from any missteps. Those who are weak may need the help and guidance of the more spiritual.
As Friends have stressed the importance of divine guidance in choosing a companion, so also they believe that the ceremony should be in accordance with the divine will. Simplicity and moderation should not be forgotten on such occasions, but if the blessing of the Lord is desired the couple will want to enter into covenant in His fear, remembering that their love to Him should be first and their love to each other secondary.
As the home is thus founded in the presence of the Lord and with His blessing, there can be no doubt that it will be a happy home and that whatever trials may come there will be an anchor and place to go for help.
A home thus established will have God for its head and the con troller of its affairs. Homes with this kind of atmosphere must inevitably exert an influence over the children which come into them, and over others as well. It has been remarked that there is something peculiarly attractive about a Friend’s home; its simplicity and the well regulated lives of its occupants is seldom to be found among other people.
“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” “He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one.” This is an important point. They who are sanctified are changed by grace into the divine image. They are partakers of the Spirit of Christ. They are cleansed from the flesh and its works; they are the temples of the God and work His works. This is a deep work when it is brought to completion. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin: for seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God Upheld by this divine power and standing in it he cannot sin, for b is living in the life of God who cannot sin, whose power is above the power of the enemy.
The time came in the life of John Woolman when he was told by the Spirit that he was dead. He had no will of his own, but all Was brought into subjection to the divine will. How many of us have come to such a condition? “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” There are various degrees of sanctification. As the vessel is cleansed it is sanctified. This is the reason so many people who profess sanctification show by their lives that they have not attained to what they profess. They may have attained some small degree of it and do not realize that they need to go on to the completion of it. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Sanctification is not usually received instantly but is rather a gradual process until completed. Let none despair of attaining because the way is long and hard, but rather let each press forward in the way cast up. Let none think they have attained when all is not slain in them that stands in opposition to the divine will. We are human but the Lord is able to sanctify us wholly. “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
“If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink: thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”
If we knew the power of God and His ability to save, we would ask of Him and He would give us that grace that would enable us to over come to that extent that we would come to perfection. There is a great lack of faith in Him, which is the cause of many of our imperfections and a lack of yielding to divine visitations when they are given.
Perfection is not attained until obedience is maintained in all that the Lord requires. How far some of us come short of living up to all we know is required! Why is it thus? Is it not because we lack steady perseverance in seeking divine help? “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” The Lord has compassion on those who tail. but if we do not go on in that measure of light and grace given, there is danger that we may fall and be left to ourselves. Let us go on perfection, not laying again the foundation for repentance.
There is a perfection in Christ, in which the heart is so kept that it not fall or sin. But to attain to such a state there must be an abiding in Him continually. How many of us are willing to give up ourselves sufficiently to do this? How many of us are willing to go through the Are and the repeated baptisms that it takes to make us willing and ready to do the will of God all the time?
I cannot say that I have attained, but I believe that I have been given a sight of perfection and what it costs to reach it. I also believe that the reason so few attain it is an unwillingness to go the whole way and an unwillingness to take up the cross fully, also a lack of perseverance. How many of us are really trying to attain perfection, and yet it is required: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Whatever our imperfections may be let us strive more earnestly to overcome them and give God the glory by living in a way pleasing to Him.
Will God accept an imperfect sacrifice? Not when He has given us the means to give a perfect one. In our weakness and in the beginning of our spiritual life He may, but we must go on and not think we shall always be excused, for He is a jealous God and will not give His glory to another; and if we do not give up and allow Him His full right, His Spirit may be taken from us. Let us not be afraid of seeking to be made perfect.
A clear evidence of acceptance is given to those who are willing to be cleansed from every sin. This evidence is not always given at once, or just when the individual may desire it, but that does not mean that we are not to seek for it. To wait until after death to know whether we are accepted or not may be too late, and we need to know and be sure that we are saved on this side of the grave. To be sure does not mean that we should unnecessarily talk about it, but it does mean that we should go deep enough to have our hearts cleansed from every sin which we have ever committed and an abiding in His fear, knowing that if we sin again we must again return to the cleansing fountain to be forgiven. “Ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” If we know not when death will come, should we not be prepared? Should we not often turn our minds to the Lord to know whether we have done anything that we need to repent for, and whether we have left anything undone which we should have done. This brings us into close searching of heart and may bring reproof, but is this not the reason that some plead for not knowing acceptance, because they do not want reproof?
In order to be clear some have had to make acknowledgments and to ask forgiveness of those whom they have wronged even in little things. I remember reading an account of a man who was very near dying and who seemed to be at the very gates of heaven, but his was obstructed by some boards. He could not be satisfied until he bd sent someone to ask forgiveness of the widow of the man from who he had long before stolen the boards. When that had been done, the boards were taken out of his way and the gates of heaven were open to him.
Some of us do not want to go through that kind of an experience, but we want things to be cleared up before death comes and we fail to encourage others to seek to know whether there is anything that should be acknowledged or anything that stands between them and acceptance.
The Lord freely forgave the thief on the cross and He has done so to thousands more, but we do not know that His mercy will be ex tended to us to that late a period, especially when we have been given warning after warning to repent. “My spirit shall not always strive with man.” If we harden our hearts against His strivings with us, then His Spirit may be taken away and His strivings cease forever. We have been given examples of this also. A young man felt called to preach the Gospel, which he refused to do until he was shown that the call would never again be given. A settled gloom came over him and he never manifested any religious sensibility afterwards. Some, like the foolish virgins, find the door closed when they wish to enter. So it is well to attend to these things while time and opportunity are given, not feeling that because we may have been in a state of acceptance once that we always will be, for it is those who endure to the end who are saved. While we are in a state of acceptance we are in a saved condition, but we may lose this condition and so be lost. We must watch and pray that we enter not into temptation and if we step aside return again. There are given us almost daily opportunities of testing our faith and allegiance, and places where we may fall away, so it is absurd to assume that because we have once known acceptance we will always remain in that state.
I have found that one of the ways of losing divine favor is to allow ill feeling to come into my heart towards someone. It doesn’t make any difference how wrong the person might be, there must be love in our hearts for all.
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”
“Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” No man can lay any other foundation which will stand. The Society of Friends is not building upon a new foundation but a tried and proven one and we certainly know that all those who deny our Lord and Saviour in any of His appearances are following their own imaginations and we can have no unity with them. Our unity stands in the fellowship of our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus, and the nearer we come to be in fellowship with Him in all things the closer we wil1 be to one another in Him. Any fellowship outside of this is nothing in the sight of Him who searches the heart. Let us arise and put on the whole armor of God and go on without doubting but that He will Prevail in the end, casting off the works of darkness lest we be entangled with them. Let the Society of Friends shine forth in their ancient beauty, but let them not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for the Lord’s blessing will not be with such a mixture. If those who have gone forth from us will return with a full acknowledgment to the truth, let them return, but not otherwise.
God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows he shall reap. If we sow to the whirlwind we shall reap the same. If we try to mix that which God has divided, we shall reap confusion.
The Hicksites deny the divinity of Christ in His outward appearance on earth, and those who are the followers of Joseph John Gurney deny His outward appearance to a certain extent. Now there can be no doubt that there are those in both groups who do not hold these beliefs, but many of them are unsound in other points.
Let us be faithful to what we know to be right and we may be able to help some of these people; but if we give way a little here and a little there we will lose some of our strength. Then we will not be able to help them and we will be lost ourselves. We can only help them as we are faithful ourselves; if we mix with them in the same spirit that they are in, we lose. If we are called to labor among them, let it be done under divine guidance, not in the will and time of man. This is too much the effect of mingling in conferences. It is done without divine guidance in most cases.
“I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?” Let this not be said to us.
We as humans are very weak and as Christians are constantly in danger of falling or of missing our way, until we come to stability or a large degree of growth. If this were not true then perhaps it would not be necessary for us to belong to any society but we could stand alone. We are intended to be a help to each other and this is more easily given in a group with membership than it would be others. We are also able to give a more effective influence over the world large as a group than we would be singly. This does not mean that every person who belongs to the Society is a member of the church. by no means. This is left to the individual and he is expected to work our his soul’s salvation with fear and trembling between himself and his God. There may be some who do not do this who are yet retained as members but they are being given a chance by being placed in favor able surroundings and if they do not make use of the opportunities, great must be their remorse in the end. The children of Friends are given a chance, the responsibilities of being a Friend, as well as the privileges, are placed upon them, and if they will not accept them then the responsibility will be theirs. Birthright membership has a restraining influence which could not be given in any other way. Birthright membership has the effect of giving the children a chance to be Friends without giving consent to their being something else which would no doubt be wrong for them. We have a responsibility towards them as great as that they have to the Society.
I was a birthright member and felt it was right for me to know my reasons for being a Friend. I felt it would not be right to be a Friend simply because my parents were Friends, since they might have belonged to some other denomination. I thought that I should be convinced or know some reasons for leaving them. As I thus sought the truth, one thing after another was opened to my understanding. I reasoned much on some points, but as I argued against Friends’ principles I became convinced of them, though I consider it a dangerous thing to cavil against the truth. One thing which puzzled me was in regard to election and reprobation, but by keeping my eye to the Lord I was directed to read in a certain book where I found what answered my objections to Friends’ beliefs in that line. The reading of Barclay’s Apology was a great help to me to become settled.
Each individual may have a different religious experience and thus it is that we cannot set a certain time in life for people to become convinced. Often it is a gradual process. Parents can do much to make the way easier for their children and can set them a good example them selves, which is a great help.
Great care should be taken in regard to those coming into the Society, that they be not admitted until prepared and at the same time not hinder their progress by refusing them admittance when the time has come. I believe both individuals and meetings have been hurt by readily admitting some.
Whether we are birthright members or those who have come into the Society, we need to be concerned for the spread of the cause of Christ and not be seeking ways to break down the barriers which help to keep us faithful to the Lord.
The future of the Society of Friends is in the hands of the Lord. He knows the present, past, and future, the beginning and the end. He raised up this people to be a light in the world and it is not His will that that light should go out, but that there should be those raised up from generation to generation who will be faithful.
If this generation is unfaithful then there will be those called in from the outside to bear our testimonies. It is not that we are better than others, but we have been given more light than many and so must live accordingly. The principles and testimonies which we are called to live are those given by Christ Himself and will stand though they may be tramped upon by individuals or meetings. Even though a Yearly Meeting may decide that certain things are right, they cannot change the truth. They will be as the house that is built upon the sand unless they are founded upon the rock, Christ. Though multitudes may claim the name of Friend, it is not the name but the truth which is of value. Some of these will be found liars if they do not possess it.
There have been many prophecies showing that the Society of Friends would continue. Mary Smith, a minister, while on a religious visit was in our home and in her communication said that like as the children of Israel were brought back when they had backslidden until they seemed nearly gone, so the Society of Friends would be brought back. She also said that the center of the Society is a vortex warning against the danger of being entrapped.
At one time while considering the divisions in the Society and wondering which were right, my mind seemed to be divinely directed to read the vision of Joseph Hoag. The part which particularly struck me at that time was, that after telling that a monarchial power would be set up he said that with it Friends would be chastised until they returned to the faithfulness of their forefathers and I clearly saw that if some who are popular today were right, there would be no need of returning. I believe there are very few today if any who are not in need of deepening.
We need to petition for the gathering of the people to Christ that their minds should be turned inward away from whatever may hinder, to know their places, for the Lord’s judgments will come sooner later to those who depart from Him.
The Lord is sending His servants to warn the people as He sent the prophets to warn the children of Israel again and again, and it is left to us individually whether we will hear or whether we will forbear
“The leaders of the people cause them to err.” There is in . minds of young people and others often a question as to why, if the things are true, they are not more generally advocated. The answer is that it is often easier to do wrong than right and people are continually seeking an easier way than the way of the cross.
People’s minds may become so blinded by Satan as actually to believe that truth is error, and error is truth. It is only by an abiding in the light that we can judge righteously. People are dazzled and blind. ed by the apparent good that human activity may do, often not realizing that if done under divine guidance greater good might be done. An instance of this might be given in the National Committee on Legislation. Many have been led to believe that this is a good work and that we should support it. No one knows how much greater good would have been done if we had only kept to our testimony to divine guidance and faithfully followed it. While we are busy with this and that apparent good work in our own way and time, we are neglecting the work which our heavenly Father would have us to do. I was once on a committee to write to our congressman. While considering whether I had anything to write, this language was spoken to me, “How can ye being evil speak good things?” and I felt that we were not in a condition to be writing.
The work of the Lord calls for preparation and baptism and those who are not prepared should not enter into it. Because many have entered into it unprepared there has been division and disunity amongst us. Some have attempted to be leaders and directors of the people whom the Lord has not sent and confusion is the result, or a harmony without the truth.
Those who are leaders should consider whether there is anything they are doing which is deceiving the people, for surely the Lord will not hold them guiltless who deceive the people; but rather as Thomas Shillitoe says, If there is one vial of the Lord’s wrath more potent than another it will be poured out on those who deceive the people.”
Those who are called of the Lord to be elders in the church have a heavy responsibility resting on them which they should not shirk. This gift may be given to young as well as old and whoever is thus called of the Lord should exercise his gift in the way the Lord requires whether or not he is appointed by the meeting. Those who are appointed to that position have an added responsibility to act for the meeting but that will not excuse others, Ministers are often called to use their gift of eldership in connection with their ministry, where they are given this gift of discerning. We find many instances of this in the writings of Friends.
But what is the gift of an elder and who are called? Not those who are of the world and who are entangled in its spirit. These cannot discern good and evil, truth and error. But it is those who have come out from the world and the love of it to walk with God and who have been given a commission from Him to watch over the flock and over the ministry. They are given at times a sense of whether a minister is in his right place or not and it is their duty to caution and encourage as the need arises, not in their own will and time but under the divine anointing. To watch over and bring to judgment that which is wrong and may have a wrong influence over others, is their duty, and they have great need of being very watchful that they do not judge wrongly and so hinder the good and encourage the evil. This has been done many times to the great hurt of our Society. But as elders are concerned to keep to the anointing and let the Lord judge through them, they will not be mistaken but judge righteous judgment. These will need to keep very low before the Lord, not judging before the time, that is, before the life arises to teach them. There is also a need of a willingness to receive counsel thus given, even though it may be through a weak and contemptible instrument.
Elders need to keep to the anointing in their services just as much as ministers do in their ministry.
Joseph Hoag cautioned Friends of his time to be very careful whom they placed in the station of elder and a similar caution seems needed today. Those who hold their religion in a form without fresh anointing will not be of much service in that station. Those who are given a gift and are willing to be baptized for the service may be useful.
What shall we do if those who should be leaders in our society are not united on this point? Shall we conclude that we should be allowed the privilege of choosing for ourselves? If the Lord requires that be faithful will we be excused? Wherein should we feel ourselves called to the exercise of the discipline? Shall it be from the divine in our hearts or shall it be merely from the written discipline or appointment of the meeting? Let us consider these things in the light: How can we know what is required of us as individuals unless we have the Spirit? We are told that the Spirit leads into all truth. John 16:13 Shall we not be led into all truth in matters of discipline as well as in other things? What reason have we to believe we will not? I believe we have none. But why then should we have any need of a discipline if the Spirit is able and ready to show us the truth because many of those who have need of discipline have not yet come to the since and guiding of the Spirit in themselves, or else they have turned from it. If this be the case, then who should administer the discipline, we all at times err from the divine Spirit in our hearts and we all have for need of help? How are we to know who should be overseers and who should fill the other stations in the meeting? Is there no guide these things? I believe there is and that when they are appointed to I know that we make the various stations in the meeting there is great need for waiting for divine guidance rightly to fill up the positions. I know that we make mistakes, but as our eyes are kept to the unerring Guide greater clearness will be given and, as we are faithful in the little, more will be added. “It is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you,” should be our concern to be fulfilled.
“If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” That is great darkness in the minds of some who feel we cannot be divinely led in these things. I believe it is also great dark ness which leads people to believe that we cannot disown individuals and love them. It is indeed great love which leads those who are concerned for the right to labor with the erring and how much more to be willing to testify against their evil deeds if Christ calls for it at their hands. It is love which should be the motive in all our dealings with offenders, not human love merely, but divine love. If they turn from the constraining of this love in themselves or through the Lord’s messengers, they turn from God. How can they be clear if He is not followed?
If we do not labor as ability is given, we are not manifesting love becoming our Christian profession, I believe, and it will be required at our hands in giving an account of our talents. How can we stand before Him whom we have not obeyed, if we have not delivered His counsel to the people? If we are called there is a responsibility which we cannot cast away. If we are faithful and some turn away, the responsibility will not be on us.
Some say we must not disown, because the individuals may become hardened and never return, but we have need to beware that we do not encourage the wrong. Nor shall we hinder their return by our un willingness to be clear in pointing out that which is hindering their acceptance in the divine sight. I have read of many who did return after they were disowned and of some who became Gospel ministers. I do not believe it is the fault of the meeting if any fail to return, unless there has been a lack of exercising divine love towards them.
If there have been those who did not see the love in dealing with offenders or anyone else, does this excuse us now? Let us be willing to leave all in the divine hand and not be afraid of man, but perform that which is called for. And may we not faint by the way but be strong and wait for light. It is the light which reproves for sin and we need to allow it to shine in our hearts even unto the perfect day. How we do need in our society those who will not be deceived by the “lo here’s” and lo there’s,” but will stand for the truth whatever it may cost.
A young woman who was about to leave this world told one of her friends that she did not expect to see her again, but believed they should meet in heaven. Such was her confidence that she seemed to have no doubt but that she would be saved. But when the end came she found that she was deceived and told her minister to leave the room, that he was a deceiver. She found her mistake too late to change. She had been deceived by those who felt that self-denial and the daily cross were not particularly essential to true Christianity. No doubt many thousands have in like manner been deceived who had believed that they were dying in the arms of their Saviour when in truth they did not know Him. Some of them were not awakened to see their mistake.
Hell fire may sound terrible, but if we are not saved what else can we expect? Few are saved and it will be our own fault if we are not among that few. Some seem to feel that God would not send people to hell. He has made a way of escape by which all may be saved but few accept the terms. How can those who do not enjoy heavenly things here, and love God and His people here, expect to enjoy heaven? If they did come to that place their unpurified spirit would be unhappy in the midst of purity. We are not told that there will be any place in the next world to become pure and holy, so that must be done in this world. We must become fitted and prepared if we expect to enter heaven, and that is the reason so few enter, because they are unwilling to go through the process of refining.
Those in heaven who had come out of great tribulation, who had washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb were as angels with God. But I believe and know that those who willing to pass through this great tribulation here on earth do have reward here and do know something of heavenly joy here. So there is a double reward for those who live righteously: an hundredfold here and, in the world to come, life everlasting. There are those who will be persuaded by such things as these to live better, but there are others who will not be turned unless the woes of hell are brought vividly before them, so we must remember that sometimes these things are brought to view in the very love of God to save souls.
To save the soul it must be brought under the judgments of God for transgression. If this work is not done here, then His judgments will be poured out in the world to come, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. All have sinned and all need to repent, and unless condemnation is felt, people will not feel the need for repentance. People need to be stirred up so that they will feel the need of seeing their sins, or else they may go on unconcerned without knowing their standing. There is danger of turning from reproof until it is no longer felt, and there is danger of never becoming enough alive to feel it much.
“If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear.”
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” Saul found that through disobedience he lost the crown, though he thought to sacrifice to the Lord. If we through disobedience lose our crowns, then all our sacrifices to the Lord will be as nothing, since they are substituted for the divine will. There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Death to the soul comes as a result of disobedience, even though the way may seem right. “The strength of sin is the law” and “the wages of sin is death.” The transgression of the law is sin and disobedience of the law Written upon the heart is sin. While disobedience may not bring immediate death it hardens the heart and weakens the senses so that, even though the individual may be forgiven, some of his strength may be lost. Obedience has the opposite effect, for it softens the heart and makes it most sensitive to divine impressions and makes the way easier the next time to be obedient.
Those who are endeavoring to do right may find it very discouraging when they find that they have been disobedient and may feel that there is little hope. But this is often the work of the enemy to keep them from trying, and to leave them in doubt. James Naylor says to these. “Feed not on condemnation but feed on the life.” When one has disobeyed he needs to again return to the light and there wait, This may have to be done many times but it is the only path of safety. The crown is given to those who endure to the end, not to those who start well and do not continue. “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” but the disobedient and unfruitful shall not reap the reward of the righteous.
Should this be a problem? Should it not rather be a privilege to have one day of the week to be spent in seeking the Lord more than the rest? Not that we should not seek Him on other days of the week, far from it, but our work and other things must necessarily occupy more of our time on other days. We need to spend some of our time together in worship and this should be a time of spiritual refreshment to us, not a time that must be gone through with, merely as a duty. If God Were more in our thoughts, then First-days would not be so dull and uninteresting to us. Though we may be restrained from engaging in much work or ordinary recreation, yet we know that God is ready to bless those who devote their time to Him. We should find the First days are a time for physical rest, and for mental and spiritual uplift.
Some find that the reading of Friends’ writings and the Bible are a help and strength for First-day reading.
Friends have always felt that First-day is not the true Christian sabbath but that it is necessary and right to have one day of the week for rest and worship, and that First-day is a suitable time for that purpose. The true Christian sabbath is that rest which the people of God enter into when they leave off their own works as God did His. The sabbath which the Jews observed typified this Christian sabbath which was a high and holy day to them. We do not believe that our First-days are holy days but that they should be more particularly for religious purposes. As Christ was Lord of the sabbath in His day so He is also Lord in our day and can show us what is lawful and right to do on First-day as well as other days.
It has been observed that often the Lord’s blessing is withheld from those who do business or unnecessary work on First-days and that it is a hindrance to religious growth; so that I believe we should all dis courage such things where found in our own members or others. An other hindrance to the right use of First-day is the use of the radio on that day, listening to sermons and music and other things to the hindrance of worship and to the dishonor of God. Some will even listen ball games or even play them, when they should be doing something else.
“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
Divine healing may fall into two classes, that of the soul and physical healing. To be healed spiritually is of far greater importance than physical healing, for our bodies must die but the soul lives forever. Physical suffering may be a means used to bring about the health of the soul, as people are often brought to a consideration of religion when sick. However, even those who are spiritually alive when in health find that they are helped to come closer to God through sickness. or that it is a refining process. The Lord has many ways of bringing people to the right place and of preserving them there, so there should not be a desire to be released from suffering if it is the Lord’s will or for His glory.
That does not mean that He has no power to heal, for we are certainly given many instances of it in the Bible and His power is the same today. I once questioned whether this was so, though I did not want to disbelieve. I was having a very sore throat which I prayed might be healed if it was possible, which was almost instantly done. Having felt that divine power to heal, I believe I have never since doubted His power to heal any sickness if it was His will. I believe that physical healing is often given as a means to help people to believe in God, not that it is His will to heal all sickness. Paul was afflicted and prayed earnestly for healing, but was denied with these words, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” It is a wonderful experience to feel the supporting arm of divine love in suffering.
As in the days of the disciples they were sent forth to heal the sick, so now we are sent forth to heal the spiritually sick under divine leadings, to open the eyes of the blind, and to unstop the deaf ears. Divine healing has not ceased but as we as a people lose our spirituality and our close walk with God, so we also cease to have so many miracles performed amongst us.
Is our trust fully in the Lord? I was reminded of this recently when an agent was in our house wanting to sell a rather expensive piece of equipment to protect our home from fire. The device is a wonderful invention I wondered if the agent and the rest of us are sufficiently conscious of that power which and I do not doubt but that it has saved lives but is above every power and which to protect us even when such things as this could not do it. Even if our home and our lives should be taken from us in a fire, could we certainly say that it would not be best for us? If our dependence is on insurance and things comparable to it will we have the opportunity of trying our faith in God? It is necessary at times to take precautions, but not to the extent of leaving out God. I am often reminded of the unnecessary expense of carrying insurance, money which might be spent in some better way, though I do not say that all insurance is un- allowable. Fires may be permitted for good and sometimes, when insurance money is available to replace the loss, people do not sufficiently is round about us take it to heart and change.
Probably one of the greatest objections which I have to insurance is the fact that it is in many instances an attempt to get something for nothing. While we are entitled to a just reward for our labor and perhaps some interest on our money, yet if we take very much more than his and receive it from those who have no desire to give it to us, are we not robbers in one sense? It is right to help those in trouble where circumstances permit but we have become so dependent on insurance and the government that as a group we seldom help one another as we should.
I know that the government requires insurance in some instances and probably it is allowable to receive that which has been given to them, and at times it seems necessary to receive pensions, but I wonder if Friends are shirking their responsibility for caring for their own poor. While we are helping those in other countries are we neglecting our own people?
If we are content with what the Lord provides for us and are willing to work at suitable employment and live within our incomes, have we any cause to fear? “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
The “lo here’s” and “lo there’s” are many. There is no doubt that there are some who are deceived. Some are looking for Him to come outwardly and some are looking for the end of the world. Since it is Written plainly in Scripture that none know when the end shall come, not even the angels, why should we concern ourselves about it? We know that the end will come for each of us and we need to be ready at any time.
“Unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” It is this appearance which we look for. even as a king and high priest for our souls. He is beautiful to look upon, all glorious but not seen with outward eyes except in visions. Shall we not come to see Him who has so graciously invited us and often visited us when we did not know it? He is Lord of all but comes to each one who looks for Him in the right way.
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabited eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Is it not better for us to dwell in the low and humble condition with our Lord than to be spending our time in high speculation of the future?
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” “Follow peace with all men.” If we have the peace of God which passeth understanding and follow peace with all, we will know a much fuller life than those who only have a form of religion.
Peace, true peace, is a priceless possession, one not easily attained and one hard to keep. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” This is the secret of attaining peace, a mind stayed on God, trusting in Him and willing to be obedient to Him. Perhaps this may seem like a hard position to abide in, but we have the promise of His help.
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” As God brings the individual into peace, so He also brings peace in the church, a submitting one to another in His fear. There is no jarring or confusion, as each one is concerned to abide in his proper place, not in a more exalted place than God has placed him in, not allowing anything of self to rule, but letting all be in subjection to God. Man’s rule brings into disorder and confusion in the church, but that is to be done away in Christ. There may be an out ward peace without Christ, and false peace, but what are these in com parison to the unity and harmony which exist in the true church? Are not some among us too self-satisfied and not seeking enough for the unity and true beauty of the church, which would make her “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?”
Paul said that he would not make the Gospel chargeable, but worked with his hands in a lawful employment. Is not this the way Christians should do? Are we willing to bear our cross in this thing and are we willing to bear a faithful testimony against a hireling ministry? How do we know how many people might be turned if we were only Faithful ourselves and willing to help others?
Some of these people who are accustomed to a paid ministry may he living according to the light which they have received in their measure. but that does not excuse us. Will it not grieve Him, our Lord and Master, if we turn from that which He has shown us to be right and go among other people to worship as they do? Will it not grieve Him if we do not endeavor to keep our membership from doing this thing which we know is displeasing to Him? Will we be clear if we do not warn those who transgress? Let us consider these things in the light of the Lord and not form our own judgment about them.
The Lord has a controversy with the system which allows ministers to preach for money and at stated times, though He may favor and help some under that system whose hearts are turned to Him. Can we do any less?
“Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?” And there came a spirit and persuaded his prophet at lie to Ahab and he went and fell in the battle. We will also re member the prophesy of Hananiah which he prophesied concerning the children of Israel, which was a lie, and how the prophet Jeremiah rebuked him for teaching rebellion against the Lord.
Are there not those in our day who are lying in the name of the Lord, pretending that the Lord has sent them when He has not sent them at all? Is not this a serious condition? And is not this condition permitted because the people have turned from the Lord? Ahab was not doing right and he was deceived, though he had a chance to know better.
“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” We see then that God does permit people to be deceived when they turn from Him. Even those who may desire to do right are often deceived, so that it takes close watching to keep from erring.
We are told that Satan would deceive the very elect if that were possible. But he cannot do that, for that part in us which is of God cannot be deceived. If we live and abide in that we shall never fall. But that part in us which is not subdued is liable to error and we are told that Satan will set up his kingdom in the heart as God and show himself to be God, as it were, where he is given a chance, Thus he gives people concerns that they feel. He tells them what to do and what to leave undone, and unless the Lord reaches to their condition they maw really feel that it is of God. Though there is a power higher than Satan yet if it is not laid hold on, he will gain ground. Those who are under his power often do not realize it and sometimes do not even believe in his great power, but he often attacks most vigorously those who are trying to do right, so that at times it seems like a life-and-death struggle to withstand him.
I remember the account of a man who committed murder. He said that at the time it was done, the voice speaking within him to kill that man was so powerful that he felt he could not withstand it, He said that if he had not obeyed that voice in little things it would not have become so powerful. So that is the way he deceives people: by taking a little at a time until he has full control, if possible, and then in a powerful manner commanding people to do things. Thus it is that sometimes people are commanded to speak in meeting when it is not required of the Lord and many other things are done without the knowledge that it is Satan and not God.
“For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. There fore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
George Fox was only one person, but he was the means of gathering thousands to Christ in a short time, None of us need expect to reach the eminence which he attained, but we need not stop because no one else seems to see as we do, if we have truth on our side. Some are inclined to be too much discouraged because of the powerful influence of the evil. But remember that the corruptions which are now in the Society can only be removed if one here and another there are faithful. John Woolman was much opposed to slavery, as were many others, but it was a long time before it was entirely removed from the Society. Deep-rooted customs are often not changed in a moment. It takes persistence and prayer and faith to go on against opposition. It remains true that one shall chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight in the Lord’s power. This is not always done instantly, so we need not be too discouraged if the results are not immediately manifest. The Lord has many ways of working on people’s hearts, softening and subduing them until they are prepared to receive the truth.
Some one person has to start a reformation if one is begun in any age or time. Let us then be like Joseph Hoag, who said he wanted to be among the first to do right and set the others an example.
“Be not faithless, but believing.” Those who doubt shall have their portion with the unbelieving and with the hypocrites. How long will the Lord strive with some of us? He has again and again pleaded with us and striven with us to show what is the right way, and yet we doubt. I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.’” How true this is of some of us who have turned away from Him until e do not know Him. But He still loves us with an everlasting love and seeks to draw us closer to Himself. Will we not yield to Him?
A girl who had been a cripple was shown that she would be healed at a certain hour of the day, and was given the date that it would take place. She believed what she was shown, and healing took place at that very hour and the exact day that she was shown it would be. This is the kind of faith and belief which we all need, to go deep enough to know the word of the Lord and then to believe in it. Some of us don’t come to the right place and then we try to believe what we are shown, which may be the work of the enemy. It doesn’t come to pass and we begin to doubt whether we can know what is right. Then we are farther from the right way than ever. Or on the other hand we may really believe that which is the word of the Lord to be the work of Satan, and so pass it by, and then we have slighted Him and so bring a cloud over us. Unless we turn we may entirely stifle His voice. This is a sad condition to come into and sometimes a difficult one to come out of. But the Lord can reach to every condition if He sees fit. If we are in earnest He can show us His way and His voice so that there will be no doubt about it. It may be as clear to us as any outward object which we see with our eyes, even though it is discerned spiritually.
Some feel that they would believe if there were some great sign given, but to these Christ says, “An evil and adulterous generation seek eth after a sign; and there shall no sign be given.” The rich man when in torment wished someone to be sent to warn his brothers. He was told that they had Moses and the prophets to hear, but he said that if one rose from the dead they would believe. The answer was, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Are some of us in this condition? If we do not believe the little intimations, the calls and pleadings of the Lord through His servants, how could we believe if some great sign were given?
Thomas said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails. and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Christ said to him, “Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Is it not true that the Lord would have us believe the testimony of others who have seen, as well as that which we have seen for ourselves?
This is a time of confusion when some say one thing and some say another, but “the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.”
We will not be excused by what others have done, but by whether we have followed the light given to us and by whether we have used the opportunities given to us to spread the Gospel.
“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” What more can be added to this? I believe there are some who are attempting to make the way too difficult and, by attempting to promote the cause of Christ with their own efforts, they forget this precept that to fear God and keep His commandments is the whole duty of man. All that they or any of us can do more than this will be but as chaff before the wind and will amount to nothing.
Let us seek earnestly to know where we stand, to see if there is any. thing of self in any of our activities, and to see if any spirit of indifference has come over us. The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God, but we must overcome the world with a power higher than our own.
“Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.”