Preaching the Truth

[Resource Manager]

THE ONE BAPTISM

 

Question: What leads you to the conclusion that immersion in water is the proper form of baptism?

 

Answer: In the first place, this form is in harmony with the meaning of the original word, Baptize, to dip or plunge, to immerse. In the second place, immersion was the form used by the apostle (John 3:23. Acts 8:38, Mark 1:9,10). In the third place, it is spoken of as a burial. “We are buried with him by baptism into death” (Rom. 6:3,5; Col. 2:12), so that it is beyond dispute that a complete burial in water or in other words immersion, is the only true form of baptism.

 

Question: Suppose that instead of being sprinkled you had been immersed at the time you mention, would that have made baptism valid?

 

Answer: Certainly not; for the commandment says believe and be baptised, and, of course, being an infant, I was incapable of believing anything.

 

Question: Suppose you had been baptized a year ago, would that have made it unnecessary for you to be baptized now?

 

Answer: Oh, no; the things which I believed at that time were not the things which God requires us to believe prior to baptism.

 

Question: Then you think there are definite things to be believed to make baptism effective?

 

Answer: Undoubtedly there are. Christ tells us we cannot be saved unless we believe the gospel and be baptised. (Mark 16:15, 16).

 

Question: Oh, then it is the gospel that must be believed? What do you understand the gospel to be?

 

Answer: The word Gospel means glad tidings or good news and the gospel which we must believe before baptism is the gospel which Christ and the apostles preached which was “the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God.” (Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:14; Luke 9:2; Matt. 24:14).

 

Question: How many gospels are there?

[Resource Manager]

THE ONE TRUE GOSPEL

 

Answer: There are lots of gospels, but only one true gospel; the others are false. The Apostle Paul called to heaven for a curse upon either man or angel who should dare to preach any other than the one true gospel (Gal. 1:6-9).

 

Question: You say this one true gospel is the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God; so that the next question which naturally arises is, What is the Kingdom of God?

 

Answer: The Kingdom of God is just like any other kingdom, as far as its form is concerned. It is a real, literal, political kingdom to be set up on the earth at Christ’s return.

 

Question: Who is to be the king in this kingdom?

 

Answer: The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15).

 

Question: What territory is this kingdom to occupy?

 

Answer: Eventually the whole earth (Dan. 2:44 and 7:27).

 

Question: Who are to be the subjects of this kingdom?

 

Answer: All the inhabitants of the earth who are left after God’s destroying judgments have been poured out upon the nations (Zech. 14:16).

 

Question: Then you think the Kingdom of God will not be established without bloodshed and destruction?

 

Answer: Yes; it is abundantly testified that great and terrible judgments will be poured out upon the nations before they are finally brought into complete subjection to Christ (Dan. 2:44; Isa. 42:14; Zeph. 3:8; Joel 3:16, etc.).

 

Question: Is Christ to be alone in ruling the nations?

 

Answer: No; He is to be assisted by the saints.

 

Question: Who are the saints?

 

Answer: Those who have been called out by the gospel in every age. They are the faithful, and will be given places in the Kingdom of God as rulers. (Dan. 7:18, 22, 27; Matt. 25:34; Rev. 5:9; Rev. 2:26; Psa. 149:5-9). It is my great ambition to be among their number.

[Resource Manager]

Question: Will this Kingdom have a capital city, like the kingdoms of today?

 

Answer: Oh yes, Jerusalem is to be the capital city, from which the laws will be sent forth. It will be the headquarters of the Great King. (Jer. 3:17; Zech. 14:16; Matt. 5:35; Micah 4:2).

 

Question: What will be the effect of the laws to be enforced at that time?

 

Answer: Oh, it would be impossible for me to express it. Joy, peace, knowledge of God, righteousness, the disappearance of poverty, oppression and crime, and a return to the worship of the true God (Psa. 72; Isa. 32; Isa. 51:11 and 65:19-25).

 

Question: How long are the saints to reign with Christ?

 

Answer: One thousand years (Rev. 20:4-6).

 

Question: Has God ever had a Kingdom upon earth before?

 

Answer: Yes the Kingdom of Israel in the land of Palestine was the Kingdom of the Lord, for it is so referred to in the Scriptures, and it could not be otherwise considered, because God chose the land and the people and the original rulers, and gave them their laws and watched over their destinies, blessing them when they were obedient and punishing them when they were disobedient to him (Joshua 24:13; 1 Chron. 28:5; 29:23).

 

Question: What became of this Kingdom?

 

Answer: The Lord overturned it because of its wickedness and scattered its people, the Jews, among all nations as we see them today (Ezekiel 21:25-27).

 

Question: Is this Kingdom and people ever to be restored again?

 

Answer: Yes. In fact, the setting up of the Kingdom of God that we have just been talking about is simply the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel on a larger scale, with Christ as the King and the dominion extending over the whole earth instead of being confined to Palestine. The Apostles asked the Lord at his first advent: “Wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). This question showed that this was their hope, though the Lord replied that it will be fulfilled only in God’s appointed time (see Psalm 102:13, 16).

 

Question: Then you think that the restoration of the Jewish people to their land is in accordance with the purpose of God?

 

Answer: Yes, that is abundantly testified in the Scriptures, and I am very happy to say that the Jews are returning, and it is most likely that these prophecies may be fulfilled before our very eyes. (Ezek. 11:17; Jer. 31:10).

[Resource Manager]

GOD’S PROMISE TO ABRAHAM

 

Question: What great promise was made to Abraham?

 

Answer: Abraham was promised by God that he and his seed should possess the Land of Canaan forever, and that in him and his seed all families of the earth should be blessed. (Genesis 12:2-7; 13:14; 15:17; 22:17, 18).

 

Question: Was this promise fulfilled?

 

Answer: No; Abraham never possessed a foot of the land (Acts 7:5), and besides he is now dead and the land is in Gentile hands.

 

Question: Who was the seed mentioned in the promise of Genesis 22:17?

 

Answer: There are two kinds of seeds referred to: a multitudinous seed for God said, ‘In multiplying I will multiply thy seed,’ and a singular seed, for He also said ‘thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.’

 

Question: Who is the singular seed?

 

Answer: Christ: Paul plainly tell us so in Galatians 3:16.

 

Question: Who comprise the multitudinous seed?

 

Answer: Those who embrace Christ Paul tells us that “if we be Christ’s then are we Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:29).

 

Question: How do we become Christ’s?

 

Answer: The same Apostle in the same chapter tells us that it is by being baptised into Him (Gal. 3:27,28).

 

Mr. Stephanas: The conclusion is then, that Abraham and Christ and they that are Christ’s are to possess the land for an everlasting inheritance and are to bring a blessing to all the families of the earth.

 

Mr. Berea: Yes; that is the glorious theme of the Scriptures, the foundation of hope.

[Resource Manager]

THE RESURRECTION

 

Question: Where are Abraham and his seed at the present time?

 

Answer: Abraham and a great multitude of his seed are asleep in the dust, that is, the grave. Christ is in heaven at his Father’s right hand, while a few like yourself and those associated with you are alive and awaiting the return of Christ to fulfil the promise.

 

Question: What will have to take place in the case of Abraham and those who, like him, are now dead and silent in the dust, before the promise can be fulfilled to them?

 

Answer: A resurrection from the dead.

 

Question: When is this to take place?

 

Answer: At the return of Christ to the earth.

 

Question: Then you believe in the second coming of Christ?

 

Answer: The New Testament is full of the promise of His coming.

 

Question: After the resurrection, what is the next great event?

 

Answer: The Judgment.

 

Question: What takes place there?

 

Answer: The righteous are rewarded with immortality, eternal life, and a place of power in the Kingdom of God, while those who have been unfaithful are punished and eventually destroyed (Matt. 25:46; 2 Thess. 1:8,9).

 

Question: You say that after the resurrection and judgment those of the seed of Abraham who are found worthy shall receive places of power in the Kingdom of God. Now you said a while ago that it was the saints who were to receive this authority. How is this?

 

Answer: The saints and the seed of Abraham are one and the same people.

 

Question: When and how do they receive the fulfilment of the promises made to Abraham?

 

Answer: When the Kingdom of God is set up and given into their hand, because then they come into possession of the land and of the whole earth, and by means of this divine political kingdom Christ and the saints, who are the seed of Abraham, will dispense blessings before undreamed of, to all the families of the earth.

[Resource Manager]

THE PROMISE TO DAVID

 

Question: What great promise was made to David?

 

Answer: God promised that he would have a son in whose hands his Kingdom and throne would be established forever before him. (2 Sam. 7:12-16).

 

Question: Who was the son?

 

Answer: The Lord Jesus Christ, without any doubt. (Luke 1:31, 33; Acts 2:30-31).

 

Question: How and when will this be fulfilled?

 

Answer: At the same time and by the same great event by which all God’s promised blessings are fulfilled: the establishment in the earth of the Kingdom of God which as I have already stated is the Kingdom of David restored on a larger scale in the hands of Christ and the saints.

[Resource Manager]

CHRIST’S DEATH AND SACRIFICE

 

Question: What was the purpose of Christ’s appearing on earth 1900 years ago?

 

Answer: To put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (Hebrews 9:26).

 

Question: How did he sacrifice himself?

 

Answer: By a life of daily self-denial, in which he sacrificed his own comforts and pleasures and gave himself up unreservedly to the doing of his Father’s will, and by submitting to death on the cross according to the Scriptures.

 

Question: How did Christ “put away sin” by the sacrifice of himself?

 

Answer: Jesus Christ was of our nature to accomplish what God had determined the destruction of sin and death, and the evil works thereof. By the life he lived, Christ overcame the evil impulses of this nature as well as the temptations from without, and showed men “the way of life.” By the death he died, he “by the grace of God did taste death for every man,” that through death He may destroy sin, which has the power of death. This he did, obtaining through a resurrection from the dead “eternal redemption;” death hath no more dominion over him, and God hath set forth Christ Jesus as a mercy-seat, that we through faith in his shed blood, as the divinely appointed system of means for salvation, may obtain the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God (Rom. 3:23-26).

 

Question: Why was it necessary for Christ to undergo such a death?

 

Answer: In order to emphasize the great lesson that God has been trying to impress upon His children since the world began, namely the lesson of “obedience” as the way into his favour. He demonstrated what we are called upon to do figuratively; crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof that are contrary to the way of God (Gal. 5:24).

 

Question: How did Christ’s death on the cross emphasize this lesson?

 

Answer: Christ’s death on the cross was an act of obedience. Although absolutely innocent of wrong-doing, yet he silently submitted to the indignities that were heaped upon him: and because the Scriptures required that he be led as a lamb to the slaughter, therefore he opened not his mouth in his own defence. As Paul says, “he humbled himself and was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:8).

[Resource Manager]

Question: What was the result of this “obedience unto death” as far as Christ himself was concerned?

 

Answer: Paul says that by it he obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12) and that because he loved righteousness and hated iniquity God hath anointed him with the oil of gladness above his fellows (Hebrews 1:9), and for the same reason we are told that God hath highly exalted him and given him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow (Phil. 2:9).

 

Question: Then his offering of himself in obedience unto death was to some extent, for himself?

 

Answer: Yes, it was for himself that he might be redeemed from death, and for us, that we also through him might be redeemed from death (Hebrews 7:27; 5:7; 13:20).

 

Question: In what way do we benefit by the sacrifice of Christ?

 

Answer: Through Christ’s obedient sacrifice he has been raised to the right hand of God, where the apostle tells us, “he ever liveth to make intercession for us.” (Hebrews 7:25).

 

Question: In what particular way do we need help?

 

Answer: To have our sins forgiven.

 

Question: When is this done?

 

Answer: First of all, at baptism our past sins are forgiven and we start a new life; the sins of the past are blotted out. And then after baptism we often find ourselves overcome by sin, and at each of these occasions, if we confess and forsake our sins, we can obtain forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 1 John 2:1-2).

[Resource Manager]

FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT

 

Question: Do you believe the doctrine of the Trinity?

 

Answer: No; I believe “there is but one true God, the Father of whom are all things,” (1 Cor. 8:6; Deut. 6:4).

 

Question: Do you consider Christ to be God, very God, equal with the Father?

 

Answer: No; Christ expressly stated that His Father was greater than He. (John 14:28). Christ is the Son of God.

 

Question: Did Christ exist prior to His birth at Bethlehem?

 

Answer: No; except in the mind and purpose of the Father.

 

Question: In what way did he become the Son of God?

 

Answer: He was conceived by the Holy Spirit operating upon the virgin Mary so that God was his Father (Luke 1:34-35). After his resurrection he was declared to be the Son of God with power (Romans 1:4).

 

Question: Was he different from us in nature?

 

Answer: No; he was made in all points like we are, mortal, of the same death stricken nature (Hebrews 2:14; 4:15; 5:8).

 

Question: What do you understand about the Holy Spirit?

 

Answer: It is God’s spirit or power by which He fills all space and by which He performs His will.

 

Question: Is it not a person?

 

Answer: No, that could not be, for it is said that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power (Acts 10:38). The Father could not anoint the Son with another person.

[Resource Manager]

THE NATURE OF MAN

 

Question: What do you understand about the nature of man?

 

Answer: Man is mortal and sentenced to death and decay.

 

Question: Has man an immortal soul?

 

Answer: There is no mention of such a thing in the Scriptures and no evidence anywhere of its existence.

 

Question: What is man’s condition in death?

 

Answer: Complete unconsciousness (Eccles. 9:5, 6,10; Psalm 146:3, 4).

 

Question: What is the soul?

 

Answer: The word soul is used in the Scriptures to express a variety of aspects of life; sometimes it is applied to the lower animals, sometimes to man; it is used to express a person, a body, or simply life itself but never expresses immortality.

 

Question: What do you understand by the spirit of man?

 

Answer: The word spirit as applied to man in the Scriptures expresses first the primary meaning of the word “wind” or breath, but it is also used in the sense of mind, state of mind, disposition, understanding, natural strength, and in other ways. (1 Kings 10:5; Matthew 5:3; Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 2:11; 4:21).

 

Question: If the dead are unconscious are we to understand that death ends all?

 

Answer: No; there is to be a resurrection from the dead.

 

Question: Are all the dead that have ever lived to be raised again?

 

Answer: No; only the responsible dead.

 

Question: Who do you mean by the responsible dead?

 

Answer: All those who have known what God requires of them and have either obeyed or disobeyed the commandments.

 

Question: Suppose they refuse or neglect to be baptized after they have learned the Truth?

 

Answer: Well, it is hard to imagine any one doing that, but if they did it would be a clear act of rebellion, and I am sure no one can rebel against God with impunity; they would be raised and brought to judgment (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).

 

Question: What becomes of the irresponsible dead?

 

Answer: The irresponsible dead, or those who have never known God’s truth, “will remain in the congregation of the dead, they shall never see light” (Psalm 49:19-20; Proverbs 21:16; Isaiah 26:13-14).

[Resource Manager]

HELL AND THE DEVIL

 

Question: Do you believe in the eternal torment of the wicked?

 

Answer: No; that doctrine is a vile slander on the name of a just God.

 

Question: What do you understand by the word “Hell”?

 

Answer: In most cases where the word “Hell” occurs in the Scriptures, the word “grave” would much better express its meaning, but sometimes where the original word is Gehenna it means “the valley of the son of Hinnom.” This was a place on the outskirts of Jerusalem where garbage was destroyed, and criminals were sometimes cremated. The term was sometimes used by Christ to symbolise the complete destruction of the wicked, for the wicked will be destroyed and not preserved in torture (2 Thess. 1:9; Malachi 4:1).

 

Question: Do you believe in a personal devil or satan?

 

Answer: No; I am happy to say I have been delivered from that delusion. There are lots of devils that are persons (e.g. John 6:70-71; Matthew 16:23) but no such monster as an immortal personal Devil or Satan. The Devil is sin in the flesh; most of us see him in the form we have most to fear when we look in the mirror (see Mark 7:18-23; Romans 7:23-25).

[Resource Manager]

THE BIBLE’S AUTHORITY

 

Question: Do you believe the Bible to be wholly inspired? I refer, of course, to the original writings, not to translations.

 

Answer: I believe the Scriptures are wholly inspired and infallible.

 

Question: What do you understand the position of the believer to be as regards association with the world?

 

Answer: While in the world, he is not to be of it. He is required to keep himself unspotted from the world. He must not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14).

 

Question: Do you consider marriage with an unbeliever an unequal yoking?

 

Answer: I certainly do, and it is therefore forbidden.

 

Question: Although this does not apply to you, what if one accepts Christ after marriage, and his partner does not do so?

 

Answer: He is to remain in the same state of marriage as before (1 Corinthians 7:24), except that in loyalty to Christ and in love to his partner, he will become more understanding and co-operative than previously (cp. 1 Peter 3:1-4).

 

Question: What is the law by which a believer’s life should be governed?

 

Answer: The commandments of Christ.

[Resource Manager]

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

 

Baptized into Christ

 

“I would impress upon you, Mr. Berea,” said Paul, “the necessity of remembering this and I ask you to particularly remember one of these commandments, obedience to which will help you in the performance of all the rest. It is the command to break bread and drink wine at the Lord’s table each first day of the week in remembrance of him until he come.”

 

“I am sure that will be an honour and a pleasure,” said Timothy.

 

The blacksmith arose and reached his hand across the table and shook hands with Timothy, congratulating him on having witnessed a good confession.

 

“The question now is,” said Timothy, “when and where can I be baptized?”

 

“Before we consider that,” said Paul, “I have something to tell you. How long is it since you saw Doris Hamilton?”

 

A dark shadow flitted across the young man’s countenance at the mention of Doris’ name, and there was a pained expression on his face as he replied: “I have not seen her for three weeks, and I suppose, now that I have espoused the cause of the Truth, that Doris and I have reached the parting of the ways.”

 

“Don’t be unduly cast down,” said Paul. “I saw Doris last night, and am happy to tell you that she too, has witnessed a good confession, and is ready to be baptized as soon as arrangements can be made.”

 

It would be useless to attempt to picture in cold type the expression on Timothy Berea’s face at this announcement. He was speechless with astonishment. He tried to speak, but could not; strong emotion choked his utterance and for a moment he broke into half hysterical sobs.

 

When he had regained his self control, he apologised for having made a spectacle of himself, and asked if Doris had made any reference to him.

 

The blacksmith assured him that she had, and that she had explained that her father had forbidden her to see Timothy. She said she had determined, before taking any action either in obedience or disobedience to her father’s command that she would try to settle once and for all this question of religion. During the past three weeks she had read and re-read the book entitled. Christendom Astray, and when she came to the home the previous night she was fully persuaded that Christendom, so called, is astray from the truth of God, and that the things set forth by the Christadelphians are in harmony with God’s word. “I must confess” added Mr. Stephanas, “that I was astonished at her answers, and the best of it is she is determined to embrace the truth in the face of her father’s threat to disown her. As she expresses it, she loves her parents dearly, but then Christ has said ‘he that loveth father or mother better than me is not worthy of me.’ Now, Timothy, I would like you to arrange if possible to go with me to Jamestown Sunday morning, and Doris and you can both be baptized and received into fellowship by the believers there. I will write tonight and let the brethren know we are coming, and if it is satisfactory to you, we will meet at the railway station in time to catch the early morning train.”

 

“That will suit me very well” replied a delighted Timothy.

[Resource Manager]

We will not weary the reader with further details of these arrangements. That Sunday morning found all three on the train on their way to Jamestown, some twenty-five miles distant, where there was a meeting of Christadelphians (Brethren of Christ). Both young people had a story to tell of a stormy time at home before they left for the station.

 

On arrival at the city, they were met by a number of brethren who conducted them to the hall in which they met. This contained facilities for conducting a baptismal service, including a large bath in which complete immersion was possible. Quite a number of believers had gathered to witness the baptism and to take part in the service.

 

When the candidates were prepared for the immersion one of the brethren made a few appropriate remarks and offered a prayer; then one after the other they entered the water and the question was asked of each of them, “Do you believe the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ?” Each answered “I do,” and the brother thereupon immersed them, saying, “On this public confession of your faith you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, for the remission of your sins.”

 

When they had come up out of the water, and were again fully dressed, they returned to the main body of the hall. Here a meeting was conducted, and the “right hand of fellowship” was extended in turn to each of them. Timothy and Doris stood side by side to receive words of commendation and exhortation from the Presiding Brother, and listened with deep emotion to the words of the hymn that followed, for it included an exhortation and a prayer on their behalf:

 

The water and the blood, O Lord!

They cleanse us from our sin,

When, by the Spirit of Thy Word,

We are renewed within.

The water purifies, O Lord!

The heart that seeks Thy face,

In the obedience of Thy Word,

To know Thy saving grace.

The sprinkled blood redeems, O Lord!

When faith hath wrought by love,

To hearken to Thy word O Lord!

As spoken from above.

Accept the sacrifice, O Lord!

And let this burial be

A good confession of Thy Word

In its true mystery.

And manifest Thyself, O Lord!

Unto Thy servants here,

With all the power of Thy Word,

To aid, console and cheer.

And may Thy mercy still, O Lord!

Keep them on every hand,

To gain the promise of Thy Word,

The glory, and the land.

 

Afterwards they joined the brethren in a Memorial service, simple in its form, yet profound in its significance. In fact the whole service and worship of these brethren had a sweet simplicity about it that made one think of the meetings which the apostles and early believers of the first century must have had before pagan ritualism made its encroachments upon and corrupted the true Christian church.

 

When the meeting was over and they had been received into the fellowship they were reminded of the fact that there was but one train back to Drearyville, and that they would have to hurry to catch it. Doris said she wished there was none. Several of the brethren and sisters invited them to their homes, but they had to reluctantly refuse, and, after a hearty handshake with every one present, they hastened away to catch their train.

[Resource Manager]

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The Fruit of Righteousness is Peace

 

On the way back Paul left the young people by themselves, while he found a seat in another part of the coach. On arriving at the village they started on foot for the Stephanas home, where they were to have dinner.

 

On the way, after a somewhat embarrassing silence, Timothy turned to the blacksmith and said, “Brother Stephanas, I have something to tell you. Since it has developed that Doris and I are no longer welcome at our parents’ homes, we have concluded to solve the problem by making a home of our own, and not only so, but starting our new life in the truth, we have come to the conclusion that it would be good for us to be where there is a meeting. We talked the matter over on the train and have decided to live in Jamestown where we can attend the meeting. I feel sure I can find employment there that will enable us to live comfortably, and at any rate even if we have to economise we will be happy together in our new found faith and will try to grow strong in it. What do you say, Brother Stephanas?”

 

“Well, I don’t know that there is much to be said,” replied Paul, “the matter seems to be pretty well settled and all I can say is, that I wish you every happiness and shall pray that God’s blessing may rest upon you.”

 

On arriving at the Stephanas home they set down to a substantial meal prepared by Mrs. Stephanas, after which they spent the afternoon in pleasant conversation. The young couple seemed to throw off all their former reserve and reticence and to feel quite at home with the blacksmith and his family.

 

Just before they left, Paul took Timothy aside and said to him: “Well Timothy, I also am leaving Drearyville next week to return to the city.”

 

“You are!” exclaimed Timothy in surprise. “What is the trouble?”

 

“Oh, it is simply a question of providing for my family.” said Paul.

 

“I am surprised,” said Timothy, “for I always understood that there was a good business here.”

 

“And so there was,” said Paul, “until I began to preach the Truth; then I discovered that first one and then another stopped bringing their work to me. I did not mind it so long as I was able to make ends meet and provide for my family, but since the debate with Mr. Hamilton, almost every member of his church has ceased bringing his work to me, and I find they are taking their work ten miles away to the next town, where the owner of the shop has had to employ extra help to meet the unexpected increase in his business; there is nothing left for me but seek employment elsewhere, so I am going back to my old position in the city. I do not regret this in the least, for I feel that my work here for Christ and the truth is ended. I cannot have the schoolhouse any longer, and there is no other place for the public preaching of the gospel; and so the door of utterance being closed to me, like the apostles of old I will shake the dust of the place off my feet and leave it to its idols.”

 

“And you never said a word to me about it,” said Timothy.

 

“No, I knew you had troubles of your own, and I did not wish to add my own to what you already had,” said Paul.

[Resource Manager]

“Well, I am glad at least that you are going to the city, for then we shall be near you,” said Timothy, “for we never want to be far away from Mrs. Stephanas and yourself.”

 

About a week after this, Paul Stephanas, now back in the city, received a letter from Timothy, stating that after all Doris and he were not coming to the city to live. When he had told his mother of his determination to leave the village, she broke down and wept. She would not hear of their leaving, but said her home was their home and begged them to stay. She confessed, furthermore, that she had been reading the book, Christendom Astray, until she was fully convinced that the things it set forth were the truth, and now she wanted to be baptized into Christ in the true sense of the term, and wanted to know how soon this could be done. Timothy also referred to Dorcas, his sister, having acquired a knowledge of the truth, and in closing his letter said, God willing, they intended to visit the city every Sunday morning if possible.

 

_______

 

Thus ends this narrative of Preaching the Truth, and we feel sure that the experience of those engaged in this glorious, though arduous work, will attest the fact that it is no overdrawn picture, but truly represents the hardship encountered by those who sacrifice themselves from day to day in the work of Preaching the Truth.

_______

 

 

Book download also includes:

 

Epitome of Commandments of Christ

 

PreachingTheTruthBrown.pdf