The Pilgrim (1978) (Vol. 25)

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THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 JANUARY, 1978 NC. 1

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: -1 1

PROFIT OR LOSS

What will it profit, when life here is o'er
Though great worldly wisdom I gain,

If, seeking knowledge — I utterly fail
The wisdom of God to obtain?

What will it profit, when life here is o'er

Though gathering riches and fame,
If, gaining the world — -I lose my own soul

And in Heaven unknown is my name?

What will it profit, when life here is o'er
Though earth's farthest corners I see,

If, going my way, and doing my will
I miss what His love planned for me?

What will it profit, when life here is o'er
Though earth's fleeting love has been mine

If, seeking its gifts — I fail to secure
The riches of God's love divine?

What will it profit? My soul, stop and think
What balance that day will declare I

Life's record laid bare — will gain turn to loss,
And leave me at last to despair?

—By Grace E. Troy
Selected from The Pearl of Great Price

THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM. 19201 CHEROKEE RD., TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1978

Before this article reaches cur readers, we probab-
ly will have already entered into the New Year of
1978, which forcefully reminds us that we are now in
the last quarter of the twentieth century and are rap-
idly hastening on to its end. If the Lord tarries to
the end of this century it will mean that there have
been two thousand years since His first coming into
the world as a Bethlehem babe, and many of the younger
brethren and sisters of our fellowship and their chil-
dren may see the end of this present century which is
only 22 years away.

At the present rate of acceleration of the moral
depravity in our nation, and even in our own cities
and communities, conditions could rapidly mature into
times like it was in the days of Noah before the flood
and as in Sodom in the days of Lot. And many faithful
brethren and sisters could be earnestly praying for
the lord to .shorten the days and come soon to save the
souls of their precious children and those that are
left and waiting for His return.

It has long been a prominent belief in the Church
that the glorious return of our Lord to earth will
occur before, or soon after, the end of the twentieth
century, which according to our Bible chronology will
be about six thousand years from the creation as told
in Genesis. Such a belief is not without some Biblical
foundation (although not specifically so stated). The
basis for this belief is that since there were six
"work" days of Creation and then a Sabbath (rest) day,
so there might be six thousand years "preparation"
time, and then a Millenial Sabbath for the people of
God on this earth (Revelation 20). There were/ about
two thousand years from Creation to Abraham and the
Covenant which God made with him "in Christ"

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(Galatians 3:17) and about two thousand years from
Abraham to the birth of Jesus. And now the closing
of this twentieth century represents another two
thousand years of the Christian or Church age, and
may well be the end of this dispensation of the Gospel
and the return of the Lord to begin the one thousand
years (MiUenial) reign of peace on earth while Satan
is bound in the bottomless pit.

"But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the
coming of the Son of man be . . . " (Matthew 24:37-38)
"Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot . . . n
(Luke 17:28-30) We do not have to be very imaginative
to see that the same conditions exist now as in Noah T s
time and as it was in Sodom in the days of Lot. What
we do not know is how much it can increase and mature
to be like it was then. But what we do know is that
it reached a point of maturity then that God deemed
it necessary to bring in the flood in Noah's time and
rained fire and brimstone upon Sodom in Lot's time to
save a few righteous that were left, and to save a
seed upon the earth tnat not all would be lost.

In Matthew 24 and 2$ Jesus gave his chosen disci-
ples a preview of events that were to occur in the
Gospel or Church age from their present time until
and including His return to earth in Glory, to raise
the dead and gather the living saints together to Him
to begin His reign of peace on earth.

He had left the temple for the last time after
pronouncing woeful judgments upon the people who re-
jected Him and their city and Temple (Matthew 23:38,
39)* And as He went out His disciples called His
attention to the magnificent stones and buildings of
the Temple. "And Jesus said unto them, See ye not
all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall
not be left here one stone upon another, that shall
not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of
Olives, (probably in plain view of the Temple) the
disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us,
when shall these things be? and what shall be the
sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
(Matthew 24:2,3)

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Elder Aaron Frantz, in an article on this subject
in The Vindicator more than seventy years ago, cites
another author of his own time, in which he says, n It
is important to observe that this is the language of
the disciples and not of Jesus; and it must therefore
be interpreted in accord with what we have reason to
believe was the then present state of their knowledge.
The disciples viewed the coming of Christ and the end
of the world as events which would indisputedly take
place together* The occasion upon which they proposed
their question was our Lord's assuring them of the
ruin of the magnificent building which they were ad-
miring. They imagined that the Temple would stand to
the end of time. Ind this notion was so deeply fixed
in their minds that they regarded it as impossible for
the Temple to be overthrown while the structure of the
universe remained. As soon therefore as Christ told
them that the Temple would be destroyed, their thoughts
instantly ran to the consummation of all .things."

Thus it appears that their understanding was great-
ly influenced by their preconceived notions of His
mission in the world and the part they were to fulfill
in the building of His Church. Jesus had told, them at
least five times on their last journey to Jerusalem
from Galilee that He was going to Jerusalem to be
crucified. They refused to believe it but held fondly
to the belief that they were going with Him into
Jerusalem to be king, and they would occupy high of-
fices with Him in the "kingdom". This is evident by
the fact that they attempted to defend Him against the
mob that came to take Him in Gethsemane. They could
not believe that in only a few days they would see Him
crucified and buried, nor could they believe that He
\tfOuld rise again the third day as He had told them.
We are told in the ninth chapter of Mark that as they
came down from the mount of transfiguration that He
instructed them that they should tell the "vision" to
no man untilthe Son of Man were risen from the dead.
"And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning
one with another what the rising from the dead should
mean." (Verse 10)

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It is evident from these records that they did not
comprehend what He was telling them in answer to. their
questions. But Jesus knew what their immediate need
was j and therefore He began instructing them concern-
ing their work in establishing the Church $ and of
the afflictions and persecutions which would befall
them, and the calamitous wars and famines and pesti-
lences that would occur before the final overthrow of
their city and temple. History and tradition together
inform us that all of the apostles except John were
martyred before the destruction of Jerusalem and of .-.
the dispersal of those who were not killecl in the wars.

There were seven years of Jewish wars before the
destruction of the city by the Romans, wherein there
was great carnage and suffering. It is said that
Josephus, who was contempory with these events, "reck-
oned that 1,100,000 Jews perished in Jerusalem, and
above 250,000 in other parts of Judea, besides 97,000
captives and innumerable others who perished by star-
vation and other means."

Waddington's Church History says, "Shortly after
the death of St. James, an insurrection of the Jews
broke out, which was followed by the invasion of the
Roman armies and was not finally suppressed until the
year 70 when the city was overwhelmed by Titus and
utterly destroyed. During the continuance of this
war, as well as through the events which concluded it,
the Holy Land was subjected to a variety and intensity
of suffering, to which no parallel can be found in the
records of any people." A remarkable fulfillment of
Jesus 1 prediction when He said, "For then shall be
great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning
of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
(Matthew 24:21 )

It seems reasonable to understand "The Abomination
of Desolation" which Jesus cited from the prophecy of
Daniel had at least its primary fulfillment in the
desolation of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. , for in Luke 21,
which records the same event, He says, "And when ye
shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know

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that the desolation thereof is nigh. " And since the
whole Olivet Discourse is contained in both the 24th
and 25th chapters of Matthew, it clearly includes the
history of this whole Christian Church era from the
time of the Crucifixion until the coming of Christ in
Glory.

After Pentecost the disciples understood the meaning
of what Jesus had told them; that their work was to
begin immediately. "And he said unto them . . . But
ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and
unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1 :7,8)

He spake, and light shown round His head;

On a bright cloud to heaven He rode;
They to the farthest nations spread

The grace of their ascended Lord.

—Daniel F, Wolf
Modesto, California

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Thankfulness is not born in an unconverted heart.
One who is not converted may learn the habit of saying
"thank you" when someone dees a favor and may occa-
sionally admit that all our blessings are from God.
But to be truly thankful and to have a heart to praise
God is a feature of the divine, not earthly, nature.

As the days of another year are swiftly counted
out and a new year begins, it is a good time to be
thankful and praise God for His many blessings. James
writes (1:17), "Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father
of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shad-
ow of turning." To acknowledge this is both a priv-
ilege and a duty. How many times have I heard my
father and others speak this way! We all know this
so well that it sounds too ordinary to be very impor-
tant. But it is important and it cannot come from

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memorization of a phrase on the lips. God wants, our
praise to flow from a converted and thankful heart.

Occasionally we see a bumper sticker that reads
something like this: "When you complain about the
farmers, don T t talk with your mouth full." Without
entering into the political controversy this refers to,
we would notice that this exposes a tendency of man-
kind to complain even in the face of abundance of
blessings — to "bite the hand that feeds them." Our
country has the most and best food ever known, and per-
haps we are less and less thankful.

To complain is popular. The columnists and enter-
tainers have made common the cynical complaint. For
example: "Gheer up, things could always get worse.
And, sure enough, they got worse." This may seem hu-
morous and harmless and perhaps it is. But this kind
of thinking is prevalent and it is not thanksgiving or
"praise to God. How many of the popular writers and
entertainers are counting personal and national bless-
ings and giving the credit to a loving God and Saviour?

The song of praise is the "new song" and it comes
from a brand new heart. Psalms 4-0:3 says, "And he hath
put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:
many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the
Lord." The "garment of praise" is given to those whom
God comforts. "To appoint unto them that mourn in
Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of
joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit
of heaviness; that they might be called trees of right-
eousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be
glorified." (Isaiah 61:3)

Psalms 33:1 says, "Rejoice in the Lord, ye right-
eous: for praise is comely for the upright." Praise
fits well and looks good on those who profess to be
God's people. When we think of what He did to save us
in sending Jesus to accomplish salvation, it should
bring forth praise from our hearts even though we would
be deprived of all other blessings in this life. This
has actually been the case with many Christians in the
past. Praise has come from the hearts and lips of mar-
tyrs in their "extremest hour" when there was not one

8 THE PILGRIM

thing to be thankful for except the greatest of all
gifts — Jesus Christ, the Saviour of all who trust in
Him. When we have Him we have all. Without Him in
our hearts we are destitute though we may have all the
wealth of the world.

None of us are really needy. True, many have
troubles and problems financial and social. But 1978
finds us with more blessings than we can count. It is
a good time to try to count them. And let us remember
to not complain — at least not with our mouths so full.
But let God's praise overflow from a heart of grati-
tude — converted to see the good things around us and
appreciate the boundless love of- our Saviour. ". . .
Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the

Lord." — L.C.

I have been wondering... You say that a woman

needs no other covering to pray or prophesy, for her

hair is her covering... long hair for the woman to

be covered... short hair for the man to be uncovered.

that a woman can cut her hair without uncovering her

head... that a woman can pray or prophesy with or

without a veil, for a veil is nothing... My mind is

perplexed and I am still wondering... wondering what

you would say if I were seen praying or prophesying

with a hat on my head?

— Fred Miller

Oh I my friend, be a shepherd on a hill

Watching for our Saviour still.

Be a wise man from afar

Guided by His shining star,

Bringing gifts and jewels rare

As we travel onward there.

Oh I be watching, waiting, longing

For our Saviour to be coming,

Saying with our songs, our praises,

"Even so, come Lord Jesus."

-June Fountain

THE PILGRIM 9

OBITUARY

ALMA BETHEL GARBER was born November 23, 1884, at
Astoria, Illinois and passed away on December 16, 1977
not far from her home in RIpon, California. When one
year old she moved with her parents to Covington, Ohio
When she was 13, the family moved to Bangor, Michigan
and spent ten years.

While living in Michigan, at age 15 she began to
work away from home, and at age 18, accepted Christ as
her Lord and Savior and was baptized and became a mem-
ber of the Old German Baptist Church of South Haven,
Michigan. She later united with the Old Brethren
Church where she was a devout member till her passing.
In September of 1907, at age 23, Alma moved to
California along with other members of the family.

Alma Garber was the daughter of Oliver and Catherine
Cover and the sister of Mary Flora, Emma Boyd, Sadie
Cover and Jesse Cover, all who are now with the Lord.

On September 19, 1909, she was married to George G.
Garber at Modesto, California, and to this union was
born seven children, five daughters and two sons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George
Garber, on September 7, 1949, and by a daughter, Mary
Butz, missionary in Peru, South America, on July 9,
1977. She Is survived by six children; Anna Simons,
Elsie Oler, Emory Garber, Bertha Nelson, Martin Garber
and Clara Garber. She is also survived by 16 grand-
children and 11 great grandchildren.

In her autobiography she wrote these words:

"My first knowledge of Jesus was through the songs
my father sang to us children as we sat on his knees.
How wonderful and interesting were the Bible stories
our father recounted to us. We learned how great God
was. Then when he told us about the Crucifixion, and
we asked why God, Who could do anything, didn't come
down from the cross, we were told that it had to be
that way so He could become our Saviour. We could not
understand it all, but if that f s the way it had to be,
we would just believe it.

10 THE PILGRIM

"Before I could read, I would take the gospel hymns
and sing the songs I knew. As soon as I learned to
read , I would sit on the stairway and read the
Pilgrim* s Progress. We were taught to obey and do
what the 'Good Man f in heaven wanted us- to do*"

Alma Garber will be long remembered by her children^
and by those wno knew her, as a loving, kind, self-
sacrificing mother and a joyful, cheerful, Godly woman.

In her collections of poems was found this verse:

The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has. the power
To tell just when the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own.
- Give, love,, toil with a will.
Place no faith in tomorrow
For the clock may then be still.

For our dear sister, aunt, and mother, the hands
of the clock ran to a good 93 years and 22 days.

To God be the praise J

Funeral services were held December 19 in the
Ripon Grace Brethren Church by J. Paul Miller,
Daniel F. Wolf, Joseph L. Cover and Leslie Cover.
Burial followed in the Wood Colony Cemetery.

— The Family

Rest, for the day was long,

Time now for sleeping
With all the silent throng;

Angel watch keeping.

Rest till the morning beesks

With quaking thunder,
When every saint awakes

To rapture wonder.

J. I. Cov er

BIRTH
STALTER - A son, Simcn D. bom December 30 to Larry
and Dana Stalter of Wakarusa, Indiana.

THE PILGRIM . .11

HISTORICAL
SECOND CENTURY MARTYRS

The second century contained three main persecu-
tions after the first two under Nero and Domitian.
These were the third under Emperor Trajan, beginning
in the first decade; the fourth under Marcus Aurelius,
beginning about 166 A.D. ; the fifth, beginning with
Severus about 192 A.D.

Many individual martyrdoms are recorded, but we
will outline three of the most famous ones:

IGNATIUS

This martyr was surnamed Theophorus ("The Bearer of
God" or "God-clad" )• He was a disciple of the Apostle
John and a successor of Peter as bishop of Antioch.
He spoke out against the heathen sacrifices of Emperor
Trajan at Antioch, and because of it was sentenced to
die at Rome by being torn by wild beasts. On his way
to Rome he wrote several epistles to friends and to
churches at Rome, Smyrna, Ephesus, Philadelphia and
others. Cne was written to Folycarp, bishop of the
church at Smyrna where he also stopped on his way to
his death at Rome.

In his letter to the Roman Christians he says: "I
bid all men know that of my own free will I die for
God, unless ye should hinder me . . . Let me be given
to the wild beasts, for through them I can attain unto
God. I am God's wheat, and I am ground by the wild
beasts that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.
Entice the wild beasts that they may become my sepul-
chre . . .; come fire and cross and grapplings with
wild beasts, wrenching of bones, hacking of limbs,
crushings of my whole body; only be it mine to attain
unto Jesus Christ."'

Besides his martyrdom, Ignatius was famous for his
battle against heresy, especially the Docetists "who
denied the reality of the humanity of Christ and as-
cribed to Him a phantom body."' He stressed the

12 TM PILGRIM

reality of Jesus 1 acts: "He was truly born and ate
and drank, was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate
. . . was truly raised from the dead."* He upheld the
structure of the Church stressing the importance of
unity and harmony with the ordained leaders. He also
held out strongly against turning back to Judaism.
Ignatius died for the testimony of Jesus Ghrist
about 111 A.D. He wrote much of his impending death.
He said he would call the beasts if they seemed un-
willing to slay him: "But if they will not fall upon
and tear me, I shall kindly allure them, so that they
will not spare me, as they have already spared several
Christians, but will quickly tear me in pieces, and
devour me. Forgive me for speaking thus; I know what
I need. Now only I begin to be a disciple of Christ.
I regard neither things visible nor invisible, at
which the world is amazed. It is sufficient for me if
I but become a partaker of Ghrist . . . Only pray for
me, that Inward and outward strength be given me, not
only to speak or write this, but also perform and en-
dure it, so that I may not only be called a Christian,
but also be found one in truth. "^

JUSTIN M&RTTR

Born about 100 A.D. Justin Martyr grew up and be-
came a philosopher, but found by the study of philoso-
phy that here was not where true knowledge was to be
found. "But it happened one day, as he was going to-
ward the sea, in order to meditate in solitude upon
what he had learned, that (as he himself has confessed)
there followed him a grave and gentle old man, who,
having entered in a discourse with him respecting the
Platonic philosophy, taught him, in what true philoso-
phy and happiness consisted, namely in the saving know-
ledge of the only, eternal, and alone immortal, God.

"Now when Justinus inquired for the teachers from
whom he might learn this divine philosophy, the old
man referred him to the writings of the prophets, who
did not wri-te according to the argumentation of human
reason, but, as certain and Infallible witnesses, left
behind what, they had seen and heard of the words of

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truth, and the wonderful signs and works of God among
His people; and that all their prophesies concerning
the promised Messiah and Son of God, were fulfilled
in the advent of Jesus Christ, who was born in the
reign of Emperor Augustus. He therefore admonished
him, to pray to God, that He would enlighten his heart
to this saving doctrine, through Jesus Christ, without
whom it would not be possible for him to attain to
this saving knowledge.

"'This and many more such discourses (writes
Justinus) this old man had with me, showing me also,
how I should further increase, and how I might obtain
the things necessary to salvation. Then he went away,
and I saw him no more. Immediately a burning desire
was kindled in my heart, and a love for the Scriptures
of the prophets and those men who had been dear
friends of Christ, namely the apostles. Then only I
became a true philosopher. ' "^

"To form an opinion of Justin as a Christian and
theologian, we must turn to his Apology and to the
Dialogue with the Jew Trypho . . . The Apology was
written in Rome about 150. In the first part Justin
defends his fellow-believers against the charge of
atheism and hostility to the state. He then demon-
strates the truth of his religion from the effects of
the new faith, and from the excellence of its moral
teaching, and concludes with a comparison of Christian
and Pagan doctrines, in which the latter are set down
as the work of demons. As the main support of his
proof of the truth of Christianity appears his demon-
stration that the prophesies of the old dispensation
have found their fulfilment in Christianity. . . " 1

Justin f s testimony is so important as it describes
Christian life in the second century. He gives vivid
descriptions of the public worship service and the way
the cnurch practiced the ordinances. He refers to the
"Memoirs of the Apostles," likely the Gospels, which
were read at the services with the writings of the
prophets.

By his controversies with the philosophers, Justin
made an enemy of a notable cynic, Crescens. He

1A THE PILGRIM

accused Justin as a Christian and succeeded in having
him condemned, Justin Martyr was scourged and be-
headed about 168 A.D. in the fourth persecution.

POLYCARP, BISHOP OF SMYRNA

This early Christian bishop and martyr was born
about 69 A.D. He was a disciple of the Apostle John
and knew many who had seen the Lord. Irenaeus, a
later bishop (of Lyons) and a martyr writes of seeing
and hearing Polycarp: "I can even now point out the
place where the blessed Polycarp used to sit when he
discoursed, and describe his goings out and his com-
ings in, his manner of life and his personal appear-
ance and the discourses which he delivered to the
people, how he used to speak of his intercourse with
John and with the rest of those who had seen the Lord,
and how he would relate their words. And everything
that he had heard from them about the Lord, about His
miracles and about His teachings, Polycarp used to
tell us as one who had received it from those who had
seen the Word of Life with their own eyes, and all
this in perfect harmony with the Scriptures. . . "1

Polycarp, too, was known for his attacks on the
heresies which were hindering the Church. In his
epistle to the Philippians he writes, "For every one
who shall not confess that Jesus Christ is come in
the flesh is antichrist; and whosoever shall not con-
fess the testimony of the Gross is of the devil; and
whosoever shall pervert the oracles of the Lord to
his own lusts and say that there is neither resurrec-
tion or judgment, that man is the first-born of Satan.
Wherefore let us forsake their vain doing and their
false teaching and turn unto the word which was de-
livered unto us from the beginning.""'

Polycarp was martyred in his old age during a great
festival at Smyrna, also about 168 A.D. Eleven
Christians had been brought there, mostly from
Philadelphia, to be put to death. The spectators be-
came so aroused as these Christians were martyred that
they began to cry, "Away with the atheists. Let
search be made for Polycarp. " Polycarp fled to the

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country but he was found and brought back. They tried
in vain to make him recant and revile Christ and be
set free. He told them, "Eighty and six years have I
served Him and He hath done me no wrong. How can I
speak evil of , my King who saved me?" The mob demanded
that a lion be let loose to slay him* The ruler, how-
ever, refused but allowed them to burn him. With dig-
nity and courage Polycarp met his Lord as the flames
consumed his body.

What shining lights these men were as they, through
the power of the Spirit, concluded useful, vital lives
by glorifying God in the martyr's death. Jesus prom-
ises (Revelation 2:10) ". . . be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life." — I.e.

1 . Encyclopaedia Britannica
2» Martyr T s Mirror

MOTE OF THANKS

We wish to take this opportunity to send a note of
thanks to all our dear members, friends and relatives
for their kindness and support through prayers, cards
and money and help in various other ways. We thank God
always for this and pray that each one will be blessed in
in a special way for it. We still feel the need for
continuing prayers and ask to be remembered in your

prayers. —Clyde and Ruth Flora and family

Dear Readers,

We are now beginning the 25th year since Brother Dan
began publication of The Pilgrim . We are thankful for
all the support you have given, both financial and by
sending articles and helpful comments. With this issue
Stanley Brubaker begins writing the Children r s Page.
Dorothy Moore is still helping much with the typing.
We still welcome articles and poems-, especially original
compositions. May God bless you all richly as we seek
to do His will through Jesus Christ our Lord.

— Leslie and Martha Cover

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

ADAM

What wculd it be like to live in a world without
any people? Can you imagine?

When God was done making Adam, Adam looked around.
He was in a beautiful garden with beautiful trees and
flowers. He saw wonderful animals walking all around
him, completely unafraid. He saw colorful birds fly-
ing , and listened to their musical songs. But there
was no other person like himself in all the world,

God looked at the man He had created and said, ,r It
is not good that the man should be alone, " Sc God
made a special friend for Adam, a woman, and Adam call
called her Eve , Now Adam had someone like himself to
be with, and they worked together.

Adam was made in the image of God — that is, he was
like God. He was a wise man? God brought all of the
animals that He had made before Adam, one at a time,
and let Adam give names to them all, Wculd you be
able to think of good names for hundreds or thousands
of different animals and birds?

God gave Adam a job to do. He was supposed to take
care of the Garden of Eden, to keep it neat and orderly.
But the most important thing Adam was to remember was
to obey God. God had told him he could eat the fruit
from any of the trees in the garden — but he must NOT
eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
When Satan and Eve caused Adam to disobey God,- God had
to punish him and drive them out of the beautiful
Garden, Adam lived to be 930 years old, and had many
sons and daughters. But they all lived in a world of
sadness because Adam and Eve had not obeyed God.

— Stanley K. Bru baker

NON-PROFIT ORG.-HJLK RATE4J.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT # 10
THE PILGRIM S0N0RA, CALTF.

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne , Calif.
95379

THE PILGRIM

VOL- 25 FEBRJARY, 1978 NO, 2

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers arid pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

OPEN NOW THY GATES OF BEAUTY

Open new Thy gates of beauty,
Zion, let me enter there ,
Where my soul in joyful duty
Waits for Him who answers prayer;
how blessed is this place,
Filled with solace , light and grace.

Yes, my God, I come before Thee,
Come Thou also down to me:
Where we find Thee and adore Thee,
There a heaven on earth must be.
To my heart, enter Thou,
Let it be Thy temple now.

Here Thy praise is gladly chanted,
Here Thy seed is duly sown;
Let my soul, where it is planted,
Bring forth precious sheaves alone.
So that all I hear may be
Fruitful unto life in me.

Speak, God, and I will hear Thee,
Let Thy will be done indeed: -
May I undisturbed draw near Thee
Whilst Thou dost Thy people feed.
Here of life the fountain flows,
Here is balm for all our woes,

—Benjamin Schinolck, 1732 (1672-1737)
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1836

THE

PILGRIM

is o religious magazine

published i

n the interests of the

members of the Old B

ethren Church.

Subscription rote: $2.00 per year

Sample copies

sent free

on request.

Publishing

Editor: Leslie C

over; Consulting Editor:

Daniel F.

Wolf.

ADDRESS

the;

PILGRIM.

19201 CHEROKEE

RD., TUOLUMNE, CA.

95379 |

THE MEANING OF THE PRAYER COVERING

The above is a borrowed title but changed in word-
ing from Prayer "VEILING 11 to Prayer COVERING as trans-
lated in the King James New Testament, which I am con-
vinced is the correct translation. The German Testa-
ment also translates it "COVERING", and I am told by
those who can read the Greek original that the word
used in I Corinthians 11:4-5 means "COVERING", just
as we have it in our King James Bibles, and this way
it is easier to understand its meaning and signifi-
cance. ■

This simple ordinance, enjoined by the Apostle
Paul in I Corinthians 11:1-10 can be more easily un-
derstood if two principal points regarding it are
clearly kept in mind: 1) The Instruction is to both
MEN and WOMEN how each shall present himself in proper
order before God for praying or prophesying. And 2)
It is a SIGN of recognition of, and submission to
God r s order of headship and authority in the home and
the Church: " . . . the head of every man is Ghrist;
and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of
Christ is God- Every MAN praying or prophesying, hav-
ing his head covered , dishonoureth his head. But ev-
ery WOMAN that prayeth or prophesieth with her head
uncovered dishonoureth her head ..." Therefore
when praying or prophesying, the MAN presents himself
without any covering on his head (bareheaded) in hon-
our of Christ, for Christ "is the head of MAN 11 * But
the WOMAN puts a covering on her head in honour of
the MAN who is the God-ordained head of the WOMAN.

It is obvious then that the covering referred to
here cannot be the hair, for it could not be consis-
tently applicable to both MEN and WOMEN as required
in this text. To interpret it so would mean that a
MAN would need to shave his head to be in proper order
to pray or prophesy.

THE PILGRIM

In commenting on this text in I Corinthians, a cer-
tain author has said, "Then because it is not good for
man to be alone, God made woman for him, ' . . . The
woman is the glory of the man . • . the woman of the
man . . . the woman for the man. 1 (I Corinthians 11 ;
7-9) She was not given the place of headship over MAN
or even headship with MAN. Her place is in subjection
to MAN.

n This does not mean that WOMAN is in any way inferi-
or to MAN — not physically, intellectually, or spirit-
ually. But MAN still is the head . To help us under-
stand this Paul says, '. . . The head of every MAN is
GHBIbTs and the head of the WOMAN is the MAN; and the
head of CHRIST is GOD.' As GOD is CHRIST'S head, so
MAN is WOMAN'S head — or GOD is to CHRIST as man is to
woman. We would not say that CxJlIST is in any way in-
ferior to GOD. We know He worked with GOD in the crea-
tion of the world and in the acts pertaining to it ever
since. Yet we do know that GOD is CHRIST'S head. In
the same way M&N is WOMAN'S head. Just as we would
not expect GOD in any way to impose anything unjust on
CHRIST from His vantage point of authority, we would
not expect MM to take advantage of WOMAN. Just as we
always know Jesus to be completely submitted to the
will of God, we would expect WOMAN to be submitted to
MAN. As GOD is to CHRIST so MAN is to WOMAN. One of
the meanings of the prayer covering on the head of a
Christian WOMAN is to show that she understands and
accepts the principle and her place in it. The uncov-
ered head of a MAN shows that he also understands and
accepts It.

"The covering is not only an outward sign of WOMAN'S
acceptance of the headship of MAIM but also of her sub-
mission to CHRIST. It shows that she is obedient to
His will and yielded to His sovereign power in her
life. In this position she shares the plan of salva-
tion on eq uality with MAN. '. . . there Is neither
male nor female: for ye are all one in CHRIST JiiSUS. '
(Galatians 3:28) It is only in this sense that a cov-
ering signifies that a WOMAN is a Christian. She thus
has access to GOD through prayer and fellowship with

L , THE PILGRIM

Him* The Holy Spirit lives within her and directs her
life. He speaks through her yielded will and body to
others and uses that testimony to, work in the hearts
of non -Christians."

It may be that the meaning and implications of this
order is better understood than many are willing to
admit. It is still an almost universal custom in our
part of the world for men to remove their hats when In
worship or in any attitude or respect for authority.
But because It is more conspicuous for a woman to put
on her SIGN or recognition of the headship and author-
ity which she is under by the law of her Creator, and
because of a false sense of "equality" with man, many
women, with the consent of their husbands, disobey
this simple but significant ordinance of God.

It is admitted by some of the more learned students
of the Bible and history that it was the custom in
Paul's time for Christian women to cover their heads
in worship. But they hasten to explain that it was
because women, at that time, were "Ignorant" (unedu-
cated) and were dependent upon their husbands for in-
formation and guidance. But now, since the "emancipa-
tion" of women, it is no longer necessary, etc.

It is true that woman's position In modern society
has changed greatly, and in most ways wom£n claim e-
quality with men. But it is not proven that this"
change is for the better, for with it has come a marked
degeneracy of morals in the home and society, and the
fearful divorce evil, broken homes, and an accelerated
increase in juvenile crimes.

In praying or prophesying we are either speaking to
God or of Him. How important then, if we wish for God
to answer our prayers, to honour Him by obeying the.
SIGNS of honour and authority which He has ordained.

--.Daniel F. Wolf
Kjodesto, California

We have been so anxious to give our children what
we didn't have that perhaps we have neglected tc give
them what we did have.. Selected by Susie Sell

THE PILGRIM

WHOLEHEARTED FOR THE LORD

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
might. . •" (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Yesterday I talked with a man that left a vivid im-
pression on me — though not altogether a pleasant one.
This man had sense and his approach to his activities
in this life showed it. He was skilful and successful
in his trade. He seemed to know some of the values of
home and family living. Seeking these values and per-
haps having mostly this present life in view, he has
decided to plant and develop a 20 acre apple orchard.
He has tested and bought the land, considered the ir-
rigation possibilities, studied into every phase of
apple growing and marketing. He knows the kind of
apples he wants to plant, how close, their culture and
requirements to produce and approximately what to ex-
pect regarding the harvest. He told me, "Many people
plant trees when they don f t know what else to do with
the space. They don f t approach it as they would a
business. I don't see any orchards in this area
(Sierra Nevada foothills) to compare with those in the
San Joaquin Valley." This man will still be dependent
upon God for the increase; perhaps all his efforts will
fail. But at least I had to admire his attitude and
wholehearted approach.

It started my thoughts moving on our attitudes re-
garding our Christian lives. How many of us have come
to Christ so wholeheartedly? Jesus said (Luke 14:27-
30) "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come
after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, in-
tending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and
counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish
it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and
is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to
mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not
able to finish." The comparison the Lord makes here is
of the Christian life or taking up the cross to the
building of a tower. It is not wise to begin without
planning and counting the cost.

THE PILGRIM

In the professions, much study and preparation is
required. A doctor might spend 12 or 14- years in
study beyond elementary school before he begins his
practice. But in our Christian experience we some-
times think we need only spare time to prepare and
study — like putting an orchard in when there is noth-
ing else to do with the space.

The message of the Scriptures is plain; God wants
our whole hearts; He wants our best time — in fact, all
our time. We should know that we are full time
Christians or we are not Christians at all. There are
no "coffee breaks" or vacations from bearing the
cross — and this is not bad or hard to take. When we
make no pretenses but are open and wholehearted in
God's service— then we are most free and full of joy.
The yoke of Jesus is easy and His burden is light.
But it is not easy to try to add the cares of this
world, the deceitf ulness of riches and the rest of
Satan 1 s devices to the bearing of the cross.

Let us make the Christian life our special occupa-
tion. Let it take precedence over our wage-earning
and earthly goals. Let Jesus have first place and let
Him direct our business affairs. He is an able
Manager of affairs. Through failure or success, dis-
appointment or profit, He knows what is best for us.
And we will benefit eternally.

n So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh
not all that he hath, he- cannot be my disciple." (Luke
U:33) — L.C.

COMMUNION NOTICE

The Salida Congregation of the Old Brethren Church
have agreed, th$ Lord willing, to hold our spring
Lovefeast on April 1 & 2. A hearty invitation and
welcome is extended to all of our members and friends
to attend,

—Daniel F. Wolf

THE PILGRIM

LETTER FROM BRAZIL

We would like to share with you our first Communion
in Brazil. Wade, Cheryl and I met Herman Royers and
Kenneth Martins at the airport in Brazilia Thursday
morning, December 8, and what a joyous time that was
to see them get off the airplane! We thanked the Lord
for their safe flight to Brazil. We arrived back to
our home Thursday evening and were glad to be back with
the boys and Mother Flora again.

In the 12 days they were here we did some visiting,
looking around the fazenda (farm), went to town, did
our work and enjoyed the sweet fellowship with one
another.

We decided to hold our Communion the seventeenth
and eighteenth of December so we spent Friday the six-
teenth preparing for it. We baked the Communion bread,
fixed food and the other things that needed to be done.

We had preaching services Saturday afternoon at 2:00

and had John from town to interpret to the native

people here in Portuguese as he knows English and
Portuguese. We served supper after afternoon services
and there were 36 here. Some went home before Commun-
ion services at 6:30 and some stayed to observe. John
had to leave so we had Erla Jeana (a native) read the
chapters to the others concerning the Communion so
they would understand why we observe what we do at
Communion. There were 9 around the table that eve;
Russell and Etta Mae Garber, Mother Flora, Kenneth and
Lois Martin, Herman and Carol Royer and Wade and I.
Oh what a wonderful time to surround the table of the
Lord again and it reminded us of the time in the future^
if we're faithful, we will surround the table and Jesus
will serve us. The meat for the meeting was cooked on
a Brazilian stove that burns wood*

The members and children were here again Sunday
morning for morning worship and breakfast. We had
preaching services which were supposed to begin at
10:00 but our interpreter wasn't here* So there were
many prayers being offered silently as we knew God

"8 THE PILGRIM

could work everything out. It made us realize more
how dependent we are upon God. John and his family
and a friend arrived at 10:30 and he apologized but
was held up as they had company. We had 45 for church
and dinner. Kenneth used the eleventh chapter of
Hebrews for our lesson and brought to our attention
the faith of Abraham, Moses, and Noah and how we
should have the same faith that they had.

The natives expressed how much they enjoyed the
preaching and we could feel the presence of the Spirit
and the joy of hearing the gospel preached to them.
They speak of it at different times how much they en-
joyed the meeting.

Monday evening we had another preaching service
which was the farewell address, and our hearts were
made tender as the farewells are different now from
what they used to be . The closing hymn was 361 , and
each word meant so much and deeply touched our hearts.

It was mentioned after services how we can under-
stand better the writings of Paul and how the people
fell on his neck and kissed him and could hardly let
him go, not knowing if they would ever see him again.

We took our company to Rio Verde Tuesday morning
to go on the 11 : 30 a.m. bus to Goiania and Brazilia
to catch the airplane flight home again Tuesday night
or early Wednesday morning. Our hearts were tender
as we told them good-by not knowing if we would ever
see them again on this earth. We had enjoyed the
sweet fellowship with one another over the last week
and a half. We wished we could have stopped the
clocks but time moves on so our time of being together
had come to an end. But we pray that though we are
divided by miles between, we are still one in heart
and will remain faithful to our Lord and Saviour. It
was a time of spiritual uplifting and renewed our
strength to press on for the Lord.

— Wade and Violet Flora
Rio Verde, Brazil

THE PILGRIM

A REVERIE WRITTEN IN THE PERSON OF
JOHN THE BELOVED

At evening £ime it shall be light,

I'm growing very old. This weary head

That hath so often leaned on Jesus' breast

In days long past that seem almost a dream,

These limbs that followed Him — my Master — oft

From Galilee to Judah, that stood

Beneath the cross, and trembled with His groans,

Refuse to bear me even through the streets

To preach unto my children. E'en my lips

Refuse to form the words my heart sends forth,

Of my dear children gathered round my couchj

God lays His hand upon me — yea, His hand

And net His rod — the gentle hand that I

Felt, those three years, so often pressed in mine,

In friendship such as passeth woman's love,

I ! m old; so old I cannot recollect

The faces of my friends; and I forget

The words and deeds that make up daily life,

But that dear face, and every word He spoke,

Grow more distinct as others fade away,

So that I live with Him and holy dead

More than with living.

Some seventy years ago
I was a fisher by the sacred sea.
It was at sunset. How the tranquil tide
Bathed dreamily the pebble si How the light
Crept up the distant hills, and in its wake,
Soft purple shadows wrapped the dewy fields!
And then He came and called me. Then I gazed
For the first time on that sweet face.

•

Those eyes,
From out of which, as from a window, shone
Divinity, locked on my inmost soul,
And lighted it forever. Then His words
Broke on the silence of my heart and made

THE PILGRIM 10

The whole world musical. Incarnate Love

Took hold of me and claimed me for its own*

I followed in the twilight, holding fast His mantle,

0, what holy walks we had,
Through harvest fields, and desolate dreary wastes!
Wearied and wayworn. I was young and strong,
And so upbore Him. Lord, now I am weak,
And old, and feeble! Let me rest on Thee!
So, put Thine arm around me. Closer still i
How strong Thou art I The twilight draws apace*
Come, let us leave these noisy streets and take
The path to Bethany; for Mary 1 s smile
Awaits us at the gate, and Martha's hands
Have long prepared the evening meal.
Come, James, the Master waits; and Peter, see
Has gone some steps before.

What say you, friends?
That this is Ephesus, and Christ has gone
Back to His kingdom? Ay, 'tis so, 'tis so.
I know it all; and yet, just now, I seemed
To stand once more upon my native hills,
And touch my Master* Oh, how oft I've seen
The touching of His garments bring back strength
To palsied limbs I I feel it has to mine.
Up! bear me once more to my church! Once more
There let me tell them of 'a Saviour's love;
For, by the sweetness of my Master's voice
Just now I think He must be very near —
Coming, I trust, to break the veil, which time
Has worn so thin that I can see beyond,
And watch His footsteps*

So, raise my head*
How dark it is! I cannot seem to see
The faces of my flock* Is that the sea
That murmurs so, or is it weeping? Hush,
My little children! God so loved the world
He gave His Son*- So love ye one another*
Love God and man. Amen* Now 'bear me back*
My legacy unto an angry world is this.

THE PILGRIM 11

I feel my work is finished. Are the streets so full?
What, call the folk my name? The Holy John. Nay :

write me rather, Jesus Christ's beloved.
And lover of my children.

Lay me down
Once more upon my couch, and open wide
The eastern window. See, there comes a light
Like that which broke upon my soul at eve,
When, in the dreary Isle of Patmos, Gabriel came
And touched me on the shoulder. See it grows
As when we mounted toward the pearly gates.
I know the wayi I trod it once before.
And hark I It is the song the ransomed sang
Of glory to the Lamb I How loud it sounds I
And that unwritten one — methinks my soul
Can join it now. But who are these who crowd
The shining way? Say I — joy! 'tis the eleven,
With Peter first! How eagerly he looks!
How bright the smiles are beaming on James 1 face!
I am the last. Once more we are complete
To gather round the Pascal feast. My place
Is next my Master. 0, my Lord, my Lord!
How bright Thou art! and yet the very same
I loved in Galilee! r TAs worth the hundred years
To feel this bliss! So lift me up, dear Lord,
Unto Thy besom. There shall I abide.

By H.J.S.B. in The Sword and Trumpet .

MARRIAGE

BOWSER-— CONING Arnold Bowser and Rachel Coning were
united in marriage on October 16, 1977 near Goshen, Ind,

New address: 24919 C.R. 40

Goshen, Indiana 46526
(219) 862-4865

ADOPTION

ERNST — Simon Anthony, born June 3, 196? was adopted
by Albert and Carol Ernst of Nappanee, Indiana on
December 8, 1977-

12 THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL

. CHRISTIAN MARTYRS— THIRD CENTURY

"There never was a time in the Church of Jesus
Christy in which so many and great tyrants arose to
destroy and extirpate the people of God, as in this
century; for scarcely had one ceased, when another
began; excepting a short cessation under Emperors
Caracalla and Geta."

Thus M artyr T s Mirror introduces the account of the
sufferings of the Christians in the third century.
This century contained six persecutions under seven
different emperors. We cannot possibly represent the
extent of this period of suffering but offer here some
brief accounts from this time. Ireneus was a famous
teacher and bishop of Lyons, France. As a boy he had
heard the preaching of Polycarp. He was known for his
purity of doctrine and his ability to make peace in
the church. Origen was a more controversial figure.
He was known for his extensive teaching and numerous
writings that reveal much about the practices of the
church in the third century.

IRENEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS,
MARTYRED ABOUT 210 A.D.

"Ireneus, by descent an Asiatic, was born at Smyrna.
In his youth he attended school,- and was a disciple of
Polycarp, who was appointed- by the apostle John bishop
of the church at Smyrna, and afterwards became a martyr,
as we have already shown in the proper place. On ac-
count of his (Ireneus 1 ) special fitness, he subsequent-
ly became bishop cf the church at Lyons in France, in
the place of Photinus . His erudition was so great,
that Eusebius extols him more than any of the learned
who lived before and in his time. Tertullian called
him r the most remarkable investigator of all manner of
learning. 1 * Jerome said that he was ! an apostolic man,
who lived next to the time of the apostles. t

THE PILGRIM 13

Epiphanius gave him the title of a 'holy and ancient
divine,' yea, a 'successor of the apostles.' In his
ministry he was so faithful a servant in the house of
the Lord, that he had the oversight not only of the
church at Lyons, where he was bishop, and other
churches in France, but even of some churches in Asia
and Fhrygia.

"Concerning his death, the ancient historians have
left us but little information of the time as well as
of the manner of his martyrdom- We find, however, in
regard to it the following words: 'That, when. the
persecution of the Christians, under SeveruS, had been
instituted in all the countries of the Romans, the \
city of Lyons, too, pursuant to the command of the
Emperor, was surrounded with soldiers, and all the
Christians . in it put to death with the sword, or be-
headed; but that Ireneus, the shepherd of them all, : -
was sought with special diligence, and, when found,
was put to death with manifold tortures, and was
buried by Zacharia, his elder."

SEVERAL THOUSAND PERSONS BURNED IN THEIR
MEETING PLACES FOR THE EVMGELICAL
TRUTH, IN DIFFERENT. OCCASIONS,
BY THE CCMMAND OF-MAXIMIN,
ABOUT THE YEAR 237

"In the new Keysers Chronijk there is related a
cruel and iniquitous deed perpetrated by Emperor
Maximin on the Christians. The author says: The
Christians were assembled in their churches or meet-
ing places, praising their Saviour, when the Emperor
sent forth his soldiers, and had all the churches or
meeting places locked up, and then wood placed around
them and set on fire, in' order to burn all the
Christians within. But before the wood was ignited,
he caused it to be proclaimed, that whoever would
come out and sacrifice to the god Jupiter, should be
secure of his life, and, moreover, be rewarded by the
Emperor. They replied that they knew nothing of
Jupiter; that Ghrist was their Lord and God, by the
honor of His name, and calling upon the same they

14 THE PILGRIM

would live and die. It is to be regarded as a special
miracle, that among so many thousand Christians there
was not found one who desired to go out, in order to
save his life by denying Christ; for all remained to-
gether with one accord, singing, and praising Christ,
as long as the smoke and vapor permitted them to use
their tongues."

OKI GEN, FAMOUS CHRISTIAN
TEACHER AND WRITER

"In our account of baptism in the third century,
with special reference to the year 231, we have spoken
of the views of Origan and shown that he has left us
very excellent and salutary teachings concerning bap-
tism upon faith; and also, that in his teaching he
opposed the swearing of oaths, war, compulsory celi-
bacy, the literal view of the Lord's Supper, those who
taught something, and did not practice it themselves,
the antichrist, etc.

"We have likewise shown tnere, that some very pe-
culiar things were laid to his charge as his views,
from which, however, the principal ancient writers, as
well as later authors, have vindicated him; all of
which may be examined at the place indicated, and con-
sidered with Christian discretion. This we leave to
the judgment of the judicious. We shall therefore
proceed to treat of his martyrdom, and how much he had
to suffer for the name of the Lord Jesus.

"From the very beginning of his knowledge he placed
himself in great danger of being apprehended or put to
•death for the testimony of the Son of God. For when
he was but seventeen years old, and his father, whom
he affectionately loved, had been apprehended for the
.Christian religion, and had nothing to expect but
death (as we h^ve noted for the year 202), he did not
only comfort him by letter, but, as other writers
state, desired to follow him into prison, yea even
unto death; which he would have done, had not his
mother prevented it by withholding or taking away his
clothes.

THE PILGRIM 1£

"Besides this he often exposed himself to danger for
the Christian martyrs, because of his extraordinary
love for them. He would station himself near the tri-
bunal, where the apprehended Christians were making
their last defense, or were to receive their sentence
of death, and when they were becoming weak he would
strengthen and encourage them; he went with them to
death, even to the place of execution; he gave them
the last kiss of peace, as a friendly and fraternal
farewell; so that frequently he would have lost his
life, had not God remarkably and miraculously pre-
served him. Soldiers who were hired for the purpose
by the enemies of the truth, lay in ambush for his
person and for the house in which he lived, in order
to apprehend or kill him; so that on account of the
fierce persecution he could remain no longer in
Alexandria, the place where he had been brought up;
and this the more, because the believers there, on
account of his conspicuousness, could no longer con-
ceal him/

"His beloved disciples, whom he had faithfully
taught the ways of God, had nearly all been put to
death for the name of Jesus Christ, among whom were,
Plutarch, Heraclides, Hero, the two pious men called
Serenus, Rhais, Marcella, and others; whom we have
mentioned in the years A.D. 203 and 20^.

!t It may therefore be considered a miracle that
Origenes lived so long in the midst of deadly perse-
cutions, namely, from his seventh to his seventieth
year, which is more than fifty years.

"But finally, sufferings beyond measure came upon
him; he was cast into the deepest prison, his neck
loaded with iron chains, his feet placed in the stocks,
and stretched so that four holes were between them.
There he was tortured with fire and divers other means
of torment; but he bore it all with utmost patience.
Nevertheless, it appears from ancient writers, that he
was not put to death judicially, but, as Epiphanius
writes, was banished to Cesarea Statonis; and that fi-
nally, having moved to Tyre, he died and was buried
there, under Gallus and Valusianus." — L.C.
Accounts taken from Martyr's Mirror.

16 CHILDREN ».S PAGE

NOAH

Sc huge and high, so long and wide

Was No ah 1 s mighty beat
That those who looked and laughed at it

Said, "Can it even float?"
But God knew all about it;

He had a perfect plan
To save the many animals

And spare the life of Man*

Can you imagine a large wooden boat almost a tenth
of a mile long and as wide and as high as a large barn?
Noah certainly had a lot of faith in God to work so hard
on such a huge building. He built a door in the side of
the ark big enough to let the largest animals in. He
put a window in the ark, and different floors in it so
it could hold animals, 3 stories high. Perhaps he built
cages inside for thousands of birds, and mangers and
pens for thousands of animals. How hard he must have
worked — -trying to build it just like God wanted it.
And all the time he was working, there were probably
people watching him and laughing, calling him names and
making fun of what he was doing. But Noah believed God:
he KNEW it would rain — so he kept right on working.

He brought birds, cattle, and all the creeping animals
into the ark, and probably had tc gather food into the
ark for all of them — enough tc last for many months.

Then it rained. And RAINED! And it POURED DOW RAINI
As the floodwaters rose higher, all the people who had
laughed at Noah drowned. But Noah, his 3 sons, and
their wives were saved becaused they believed God. — SKB

RON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U . S . POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT # 10

THE PILGRIM SONORA, CALIF.

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne , Calif.
95379

THE PILGRIM

VOL, 25 MARCH, 1978 NO. 3

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

THE HIDDEN CROSS

I saw the Cross — not on a lofty tower

Where chimes are pealed and anthems sweetly sung,

But planted in Golgotha's lonely bower,

And darkening clouds of sorrow 'round it hung,

I saw the Cross — its form hung o'er my heart,
But not on golden chain or rosary;
And though in life's pursuits I found a part,
The Cross was unobserved by all but me.

I saw the Cross again — 'twas pictured not
On garb of pilgrim seeking empty tomb,
Bat. stamped upon my word, my deed, my thought,
I found I, too, a pilgrim had become.

The Cross now glows with heavenly light divine;
It helps me over life's most rugged road;
Methinks, dear Lord, it is a staff of Thine
By which I'll reach the Paradise of God.

By Helen Arnold

From the collection of John Kimmel

THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM, 19201 CHEROKEE RD., TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

JESUS, THE LIVING ONE

"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.
And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me,
Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that
liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for
evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of
death." (Revelation 1:17,18)

These two verses tell of the encounter on the Isle
of Patmos of John with the ever-living Christ. Per-
haps the last time John had seen Jesus was when He as-
cended from Mount Olivet. John had also watched as He
slowly died on the cross. He had been quick to believe
in Jesus' resurrection when he saw the empty linen
clothes and the napkin in the vacant tomb. John had
been there *wnen Jesus met the disciples after His res-
urrection — when He entered the room through a closed
door and told them, "Peace be unto you." He had seen
the torn hands and pierced feet and had heard the
Saviour say to tell what they had seen in all the world.

Now, over sixty years later, Jesus appears again to
His beloved apostle. This time His appearance is so
glorious that John falls at His feet as dead. His
words spoken at this time concern us most at this res-
urrection season. "I am he that liveth, and was dead;
and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have
the keys of hell and of death."

To believe this statement of Jesus is basic in our
Christian faith. We have never seen Him or heard Him
speak, but still we are asked to believe. Jesus told
the doubter Thomas, "Thomas, because thou hast seen me,
thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen,
and yet have believed." (John 20:29) John and Thomas
and the rest saw the Lord Jesus and they believed Him.
Some saw Him but still doubted. But because of the

THE PILGRIM 2

faithful believers and their written testimonies, we
can believe today.

To lower the bodies of loved ones into graves and
fill in the ground over them seems so final. The
scene offers no hope. In fact there is no hope in
death. Our hope must come from some other source. I
have heard unbelievers say, "No one ever comes back to
tell us what it is like to die." But One did come
back. He told John that He was the one that had been
dead but now He was alive for evermore. Now He has
the keys of hell and of death.

There is no way we can make people believe this and
so have hope beyond the grave through Jesus. But we
can do like the first witnesses did. We can believe
it ourselves and tnen tell it as one who believes it.
And God can use that kind of testimony as He has
through the centuries.

As many have said before, it is the empty tomb that
is important to Christians. The counterfeit religions
of the world have dead heroes and their shrines con-
tain the dead bodies of those who seemed so important
in life. But there is no hope in a dead body. Our
hope is in the Cue who was dead but is now alive for
evermore. Death holds no terror or despair for the
believers since Jesus rose that first day of the week
— and the first day of hope for all who trust in Him.

— L.C.

Death shall not destroy my comfort,
Christ shall guide me through the gloom;
Down He'll send some angel convoy
To convey my spirit home.

Jordan's streams ehall not o'er-flow me
While my Saviour's by my side;
Canaan, Canaan lies before me,
Rise, and cross the swelling tide.

Smiling angels now surround me,
Troops resplendent fill the skies;
Glory shining all around me
While my happy spirit flies*

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Jesus clad in dazzling splendor,
Now, me thinks, appears in view!
Brethren, could you see my Jesus,
You would love and serve Him, too.

Soon with angels I'll be marching
With bright glory on my brow;
Who will share my blissful portion,
Who will love my Saviour now?

— Author unknown

THOUGHTS ON GRACE AND WORKS

"For by graee are ye saved through faithj and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of
works, lest any man should boast. 11 (Ephesians 2:8,9)
The above Scripture, we feel, is misunderstood by
many today. Many would tell us it isn't necessary to
be baptized or keep other New Testament teachings, for
they say we are saved by grace and not by works. Now
this is true if rightly understood* I believe when
the above Scripture is used, the following verse (10)
should also be used in connection: "For we are his
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in
them. n

Now here is a little story to somewhat show how we
are saved by grace and how we never merit the great
reward:

In a certain country there ruled a very kind
and rich king. In this country a man had trans-
gressed and was worthy of death. Before he was
to die, the king's own son came to the prison
and told the transgressor he was going to take
his place and die in his stead. The son then
told the transgressor that he must believe him
and his father and repent and be sorry for his
transgression and be washed in a river flowing
through that country, and he would be completely

THE PILGRIM

forgiven and washed clean of his transgression.
The son further explained that he had been washed
in the river and been obedient to his father in
all things, only doing the things that pleased
his father. The son then handed him a book and
told him the book contained his life story, a
story of obedience to the father, and If he would
follow the examples and teachings in the book very
carefully, he would receive a great reward — a
wonderful inheritance. He further added that,
although his father was one that expected obedi-
ence, he was very kind, loving and merciful, and
if the transgressor ever did that which displeased
the father, it would be needful to fall before
him and plead for forgiveness and he would freely
forgive .

Now this story doesn't show the completeness of the
great plan of salvation, but enough that we can see
how helpless the transgressor was, how merciful, lov-
ing and kind the father and son were, and that if he
chose to comply with the. terms laid before him, he
would receive — but never merit — the great reward or
inheritance.

Yes, the great plan of salvation Is laid out before
us. We can either choose or reject. If we reject,
the wages of sin is death. But if we choose, the gift
will be ours — eternal life through Jesus Ghrist our
Lord. (Romans 6:23) Yes, Jesus did for us what we
could not do for ourselves by dying on the cross and
shedding His blood. ". . . without shedding of blood
is no remission." (Hebrews 9:22) Sin cannot enter
that beautiful city. (Revelation 21:27) The law was
weak through the flesh. (Romans 8:3) Man is incapable
of saving himself.

Now is it fair for us to accept the atoning work of
His shed blood and not accept His life, teachings and
examples? I believe if we understand the Word proper-
ly, we cannot separate them. Jesus said, r, I am the
way, the truth, and the life. . , » (John 14:6) Again
He said, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not
the things which I say?" (Luke 6:4.6) Jesus also said,

THE PILGRIM

"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after
me, cannot be my disciple." (luke 14:27} The Word
says,' "... work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to
will and to do of his good pleasure J' (Philippians 2:
12,13) "Know ye not that they which run in a race run
all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may
obtain." (I Corinthians 9:24-) "Enter ye in at the
strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be
which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13, 14) "• • • Re-
ceive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able
to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and
not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James
1:21,22) "Blessed are they that do his commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life, and may
enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation
22:14) John the Baptist said, "Bring forth therefore
fruits meet for repentance:" (Matthew 3:8) "This is a
faithful saying, and these things I will that thou
affirm constantly, that they which have believed in
God might be careful to maintain good works ..."
(Titus 3:8) "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is
dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast
faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without
thy' works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works
. . . For as the body without the spirit is dead, so
faith without works is dead also." (James 2:17,18,26)
"My little children, let us not love in word, neither
in tongue; but in deed and in truth." (I John 3:18)
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
(John 17:17) "And ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) "He that
saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments,
is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2:4)
"They profess that they know God; but in works they
deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto
every good work reprobate." (Titus 1 :16) "And he that
overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him

THE PILGRIM

will I give power over the nations:" (Revelation 2;
26)

Now I think this should be sufficient from God's
Holy Word to show us without a shadow of doubt that
while we are saved by grace and not by works, neither
will we be saved without obedience to God, "So like-
wise ye, when ye shall have done all those things
which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable ser-
vants; we have done that which was our duty to do."
(Luke 17:10) There are parts of the Word that may be
hard for us to understand, yet, as an overall picture,
it is very simple. ". , . but it shall be for those:
the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err there-
in. " (Isaiah 35:8)

In Ghristian love,
Kenneth Garber,
Hughson, California

BLESSED REDEEMER

Up Calvary's mountain one dreadful morn,
Walked Christ my Saviour weary and worn,
Facing for sinners death on the cross,
That He might save them from endless loss,

"Father, forgive them I" Thus did He pray,
E'en while His life-blood flowed fast away;
Praying for sinners while in such woe —
Nc one but Jesus ever loved so*

how I love Him, Saviour and Friend,
How can my praises ever find endi
Through years unnumbered on Heaven's shore
My tongue shall praise Him fcrevermore.

Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding — dying for me!

— Avis Burgeson Christiansen

THE PILGRIM

TRIP TO BRAZIL

To anyone interested, we would like to share our
trip to Haiti and Brazil with you* First we would
like to thank all for your concern and prayers for us
as we travelled. We were constantly reminded of God's
mercy and feel indebted to God and you all for a safe
return.

We felt the need for someone to go to Brazil and
were sure God would provide a way if it was His will.
As summer ended and fall took its place, things looked
favorable for us to go. We asked our brethren about
it and told our feelings about someone going. They
felt if we could go, we should. Brother Herman and
Sister Carol Royer decided to accompany us, for which
we were very thankful.

It takes quite a bit of preparation for a trip of
this kind — passports, vaccinations, plane reservations,
etc. We dreaded to leave our families but felt if it
was not God's will, He would reveal it to us.

Departing day was December 3* Our families took us
to the South Bend Airport, and a number of our breth-
ren and sisters were there to see us off and wish us
God's blessings. After our good-byes and a few tears
we left South Bend at 7:55 a.m., arriving in Chicago
thirty minutes later. We got to Miami at 12:30 p.m.
While there, we exchanged some of our money to
Brazilian money. The exchange rate was 1 Tg- cruzeros
for one American dollar.

As my vrife's nephew, Lamar Meyers, lives in Haiti,
we made plans to spend a few days with them. We left
Miami at 3:30 and arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, at
5:15. We were glad Lamar was there to meet us, since
we could not understand the Creole language that is
spoken there. Lamar's live 120 miles from Port-au-
Prince. The first 50 miles the road was black-
topped and the last 70 was dirt.

One of the first things we noticed was the great
number of people. The streets were full of themj the

THE PILGRIM

vehicles use their horns constantly to clear the road
so as to get through.

The trip to their home was quite an experience. It
was dark and hot. We crossed a mountain range. It
had rained in the afternoon, which made the dirt road
very slippery. We crossed streams and waterholesj
some came up to the running board of our jeep. We
arrived at Lamar's home at midnight. When we got out,
Lamar checked the tires. One was nearly flat, and
he'd had two flats on the way to the airport. After
seeing the condition of the roads, we weren't sur-
prised.

Sunday morning at 7:30 we went with Lamar's to
church. This service was for the missionaries and was
in English. At 8:30 we were dismissed, then went to a
Haitian church that Lamar is in charge of. As we
neared the church- we heard singing. It was inspiring
to hear familiar tunes, but in Creole language. Hard-
ly any of them can read or write, so most of them sing
from memory. The church was full, but they made room
for us on the front bench. Lamar sat between us and
interpreted for us. ooon the Haitian minister said
Pastor Lamar has brought some friends and would they
come up and give words of greeting. Herman and I did
this, with Lamar interpreting. A visiting minister
from Port-au-Prince gave a very good message. V/e were
thankful to God for what we felt and observed at this
service.

It so happened they were having a three day dis-
trict meeting for the Haitian ministers at this time,
so every evening the public was invited. It was held
in a large church on the mission compound. Every eve-
ning when we would approach the church we would hear
beautiful singing of familiar tunes, but strange words.
From 1200 to 1500 attended each evening service. We
were again asked to give greetings which we did the
first evening but declined thereafter. We enjoyed the
services with Lamar interpreting.

One evening a missionary taught the people a new
hymn (they did not have song books since so few can
read). How eager they were to learn and soon were
singing it very well.

1 THE PILGRIM

With the size crowd of people, there were only three
or four cars and jeeps there, plus a few bicycles, but
in ten or fifteen minutes everyone was gone — on foot,
visiting on the way home. They just seemed to melt
into the darkness, and it was dark, as native homes
do not have electricity.

Haiti has from 500 to 700 people per square mile,
so you see people everywhere. It is one of the poor-
est countries in the world. We hear of poverty, but
not until we see it does it really get close to us.
The people live off the land and one another. Sugar
cane and rice are their main crops. Their farming is
done by hand, and they say it is harvested like it was
in Bible times.

We saw many interesting places and met many people.
They were all so friendly and hospitable. The beggars
were very touching. Lamar and his wife made us feel
at home with them and made our short stay enjoyable.

On Wednesday, December 7, Lamar's took us to Port-
au-Prince again to get our plane for Brazil. With a
few delays and another flat tire, we had only 8 minutes
to spare when we boarded our plane. Again we were
thankful to God for His care and the good time we had
in Haiti.

We left Port-au-Prince at 2:30 p.m. Our plane
stopped at Jamaica for 30 minutes. Everyone had to
leave the plane. Our next stop was Curacao, a small
Dutch Island where we changed planes and waited two
hours. Then we flew to Garacus, Venezuela. We didn't
enjoy our time there, as they took our passports and
kept them awhile, and of course we could hardly talk
to them and they didn't seem at all helpful in getting
us to our next plane which was about two miles from
where we arrived. This was in the middle of the night.
We had a three hour wait here, which we were glad for
since the customs, etc., took so long. At 1;00 a.m.
we left for Brasilia, which was a 6^ hour flight. As
soon as we got out of the plane we could see Brother
Wade, Sister Violet and Cheryl waving to us. How good
it looked. After going through customs and greeting
Wade's, we lpaded our luggage in their station w&gori

THE PILGRIM _11

and started for their home, almost 300 miles away.
It was very good road and quite a contrast to Haiti.
In Brazil there is much wide open space, whereas Haiti
was so crowded. Both countries are tropical and very
pretty.

We arrived at Wade's at 6:00 p.m., where we were
greeted by Wade's mother, Sister Pauline Flora and
their sons, Brent and Ted- Pauline and a Mennonite
girl had a good supper ready. It had been 3 A hours
since we left Lamar's, so we retired early with weary
bodies but rejoicing In God's mercy.

The next 12 days were full of pleasure. Wade's
opened their home to us and made us feel like one of
their family. Cur fellowship was sweet and we had
much to visit about. Sister Carol was sick several
days, which we were all sorry for, but she didn't al-
low this to hinder our plans. We enjoyed getting bet-
ter acquainted with Brent and Ted and going fishing
with them in their pond. Little Cheryl was every-
body's sunshine. The weather was ideal; the sun was
hot, but it was always comfortable in the shade.
Wade's took us to see Brother Russell and Sister Etta
Mae and girls the next day. During our stay we also
visited in a number of Mennonite and native homes.
There is a settlement of about 30 families of Holdeman
Mennonites nearby and they are a big help to Wade's,
and Wade's return the help. We attended their church
services the first Sunday evening we were there and
enjoyed it.

Most of the native people that we met were poor and
illiterate but very friendly and hospitable. Wade has
a native working for him, and he is a very conscien-
tious man. Russell also has hired several natives and
seems to appreciate them. We were told that 80$ of
the Brazilians are Catholic but only 2% go to church.

It was easy to see the same Creator created Brazil
that created the rest of the world. The earth was
created for man to live on and honor and glorify the
Creator with all we have and are. We are thankful
that in Brazil we found men and women doing this.

12 THE PILGRIM

The part of Brazil we visited was tropical. There
has only been one frost since our brethren have been
down there. The land in this community was never cul-
tivated till eight years ago when the hennonites moved
there. Not knowing the condition of the soil or which
farming methods were best, they've suffered some, but
they are making progress in this and we trust it will
be more profitable for them. It was spring time when
we were there and the crops looked very good, but we
know from experience in our country this doesn't tell
the whole story. They raise mostly soy beans and rice**
Many of the farmers are starting to plant coffee trees.
This is something new in this area and they have hopes
it will be a good thing for them, host farmers have
cattle. There is plenty of grazing land and they are
sowing improved pasture, which does much better than
the native grass.

We could see advantages in a tropical climate, also
some disadvantages. God gives the choice of which we
prefer.

The land has long slopes, and at the bottom of each
slope is a stream of water. These streams are spring
fed and they run the year round. This is where most
of the people get their water for all their needs.
They divert some of the water from up stream and bring
it to their houses. Some use water rams to push it up
to their homes and a few haye dug wells.

We enjoyed the wildlife there. They have many
birds, large and small. We woke up to their chorus
each morning.

The first Sunday we were ther°- we had meeting in
Wade's home. A few natives were there. Wade and
Violet interpreted a little for them and we sang a
little hymn in Portuguese. Everyone stayed for dinner
and we had a good day.

Wade's felt like we would have more visitors the
next weekend, so he asked a young man in Rio Verde to
interpret. John was his name. He is an agronomist and
helps farmers in the county to build up their soil. He
came on Friday to meet us and see wh&t was required.
He is a Catholic and acquainted with; the Bible. At the

THE PILGRIM 13

services, Saturday p.m. and Sunday morning, he read
the text in Portuguese and translated our hymns and
the preaching. We felt God had again supplied our
needs and we are grateful for it.

We had a service Saturday p.m. and Communion in the
evening. We felt God's presence in a special way that
evening and know that wherever man might be on this
earth, His nearness is available if desired.

On Sunday, i& of us worshiped together and everyone
stayed for dinner.

Monday evening Russell's came over for a farewell
meeting. Time was running out and soon we would need
to leave our loved ones in Brazil. It was rather
touching, but our consolation was that even if we part
we would still be one in heart.

Tuesday morning, December 20, Wade's took us to the
bus station in Rio Verde. Etta Mae and four girls
were also going home. Russell helped us change buses
in Goiona, also to get from the bus station to the
airport in Brasilia, which we appreciated. (The bus
station in Brasilia was huge with escalators, stores,
etc.) He then went back to Rio Verde by bus. Our
plane left Brasilia at 1 :20 a.m. and arrived in Miami
at 6:50 a.m., or 8:50 Brazilian time. We had quite a
wait in Miami (our departure time was delayed because
of weather conditions in Chicago, but we got to South
Bend in the evening). Our families and many of our
brethren and sisters were there to welcome us. How
thankful we were to be home again! May we give God
the praise for all things.

— Kenneth and Lois Martin
Nappanee , Indiana

BAPTISM

We were made to rejoice once more when another
precious soul, Joann Garber, requested Christian
baptism which was administered on Sunday P.M.,
February 20, 1978.

— Elmer Brovont

14 THE PILGRIM

CARING 1 AND. SHARING

Sometimes thoughts come to us that we feel inspired
to share with others. As I was going about my work one
day last fall, my mind traveled through many avenues,
especially thinking of some who we knew at the time had
heavy burdens. Some were close , and others we didn't
know so well. Our hearts went out to them and all man-
kind In general; and just how burdensome life can become
when we lose sight of our God, the One who loved us and
gave us His all. As I hummed a tune, some of these
words came to my mind and I tried to pen them in a verse.
So often we need each other's care, if only a smile
along the way. People can become so lonely and really
feel no one cares. If at any time we feel inspired to
share a thought, give a word of encouragement, or whis-
per a prayer for those we meet along the way, let's take
advantage and do so.. It will make our day brighter,
also. Just recently I spent a week in the hospital,
and I was amazed how wonderful the doctors and nurses
care for the ones who suffer. I especially noticed the
kind manner in which they talked and their concern for
each patient as they went about their work. They were
helping those who suffer physically to ease their pain.
We too can help those who suffer spiritually to ease
their troubled hearts by just letting them know we
care. One made the statement one time: "Those who de-
serve love the least, need it the most." How true!
May we continue to look up and realize where all our
strength comes from and continually give Him due praise
for our many wonderful blessings!

There is One who has come from Heaven above;

He has come in rich glory and full of God's love;
He is ready to help us, and will intercede,

If only we ask Hk when we are in need.
We know we can't travel this way all alone.

Jesus hung on the cross for our sins to atone;
Our problems are His if we desire to do right;

He'll protect us each day and be with us each night.

THE PILGRIM 15

So my loving brother, my sister so dear,

Take courage , look up, and be filled with cheer.

We all have our failures, discouragements too;

With our many blessings, there are times we feel blue.
We mast not despair, just keep striving each. day

To keep our hearts pure, and continue to pray.
There is nothing too great, there is nothing so small,

But what He will hear us, and answer our call."
If only we ask Him, our Guide and our Friend,

He will help when we're weary; He will help to the end.
So my loving brother, my sister so true,

Look up and remember He will always help youi

Now our faith sometimes falters, our hearts fail us too.

And the problems of life seem too great to pursue;
Our doubts overwhelm us, we can f t seem to smile,

But let's keep going forward, if just for one mile.
Then when we have traveled a mile of the road,-

Our steps become swifter, and lighter our' load;
And yet still another, till the light of the dawn,

We see hope, we see promise, and we travel on.
So my loving brother, my sister so kind,

Just keep looking up; in His presence we'll find
A love that's so gracious, so good and so true,

A love overflowing for me and for youi

— Carol Boone

New Lebanon, Ohio

MEETING NOTICES

The Salida Congregation of the Old Brethren Church
have agreed, the Lord willing, to hold our spring Love-
feast on April 1 & 2. A hearty invitation and welcome
is extended to all of our members and friends to attend.

—Daniel F. Wolf

We of the Eastern district of the Old Brethren have
agreed to hold Annual Meeting at the Wakarusa meeting
house, Lord willing, May 12, 13 & 14. We extend a
hearty invitation to members and friends to be with us
at that time. —Elmer Brovont

16 THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL

CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION
OF THE FOURTH CENTURY

The fourth century began with the tenth persecution
which was one of the most severe and lasted for ten
years. Two emperors, Diocletian and Maximian, ruled
jointly and agreed together to exterminate the fol-
lowers of Jesus Christ. They were encouraged by
Diocletianfe adopted son, Galerius, and his mother,
both of whom had bitter hatred for the Christians.

Many of the pagans 1 troubles, including the decline
of the empire itself, were blamed on the fact that
great numbers had departed from the ancient idol wor-
ship. The emperors determined to force everyone to
return and signify it by an actual sacrifice to their
gods. Of course, the Christians refused to do this.

The Christians were becoming more numerous, and
also more errors were being introduced. In some
places they took up arms to defend themselves. Some
apostate Christians turned against the Church and en-
couraged the persecutors. The Christians were blamed
for a fire in Nicomedia which destroyed the palace of
the emperor. All tnis coupled with the inhuman rage
and thirst for blood of the Eiaperor Diocletian made
this tenth persecution a period of most intense suf-
fering for the true followers of Christ.

We reprint here from Ma r t yr 1 s Mirror several ac-
counts indicating the severity of the trials and also
the steadfastness of the faith of those who were
called to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ, — L.C.

AM EXTRACT FROM THE LETTERS
WHICH THE MARTYR PHILEAS WROTE
TO THE CHURCH AT THUMUS

'The holy martyrs who fought with us, have left us
good examples. Being taught out of the divine
Scriptures, they fixed the eyes of their hearts on
God, and voluntarily, without the least fear,

THE PILGRIM 12

apprehended death for the sake of the truth. For they
constantly bore in mind that our Lord Jesus Christ be-
came man for our sakes; and that He has taught us, to
fight against sin even unto death. For, being equal
with God, He thought it not robbery, but made Himself
of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a ser-
vant. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled
Himself unto death, even the death of the cross. The
holy martyrs followed His example, enduring all pain
and torment, that they might not stain the conscience
of their faith j for the perfect love which was in them
cast out all fear. It is impossible for me to de-
scribe the power, patience, and steadfastness of the
martyrs, yea, it is scarcely credible except for those
who have seen it with their own eyes; for they were
exposed, and every one was at liberty to inflict upon
them whatever contumely or torment he pleased, and if
any invented a ne-w mode of torture, he was permitted
to torment them with it himself.

"As every heathen had been given full power over
the Christians, to inflict upon them all manner of
vexation, mockery, and ignominy, yea, to put them to
death in every way; they beat some with sticks, others
with rods, scourges, whips, thongs, ropes, or whatever
they could the most readily lay hold of; which specta-
cle was changed now and then by new kinds of torture
and beating which the Christians had to undergo. Some
of them had their hands tied behind their backs, and
were suspended from a gibbet, and then all their mem-
bers were stretched apart by executioner's instruments*
They were then, through the command of the magistrate,
scourged with iron rods on the whole body, not only on
their sides, as was customary to do with murderers,
but even on the belly, the shins, buttocks, and some
on all the most sensitive parts of the body. Others
were suspended by one hand to the ceiling of a gallery,
and thus stretched limb from limb, which exceeds every
other torture. Others were tied back to back to pil-
lars or columns, but so that their feet did not touch
the ground; and the more the executioners or their
assistants tightened the ropes, the more were the

1 8 THE PILG RIM

martyrs tormented by the weight of their own bodies.
And this cruel torment lasted not only while the
President was engaged in examining them, but he often
let them hang a whole day in this torment. While the
President or criminal Judge would go from one to the
other to examine them on the rack, he had his servants
closely observe the first ones, to see whether any of
them, overcome by the intensity of the torments, were
ready to yield. He also commanded his executioners
that they should tighten the ropes on them the longer
the more. But if they should see that the martyrs were
almost ready to die, then they should take them -down,
and drag them over the ground, over stones, shells,
potsherds, and caltrops. For they had no other con-
sideration for the Christians, than how they might sub-
ject them, if it were possible, to a thousand deaths —
just as though they were not human beings, . . "

PANCRATIUS, A YOUTH OF FOURTEEN YEARS,
BEHEADED FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST,
WITHOUT THE CITY OF ROME, A.D. 303

"There was at that time a Christian youth of four-
teen years, called Pancratius, who, when he was brought
before the Emperor Diocletian found such special favor
in the eyos of the latter, that he promised to adopt
him as his son, if he would abandon Christ, and show
honor to the gods of the Romans, But this youth, who
was old in the knowledge and love of his Saviour,
showed such steadfastness in defending his faith and
despising the gods, that the Emperor, filled with rage,
commanded that he should be decapitated, on the
Aurelian way, just out of the city of Rome. Thus this
youth loved the honor of his Saviour more than his own
life, and hence he is justly reckoned among the number
of the pious martyrs.

PRIMUS AND FELICIAN, AFTER MANX TORMENTS,
BEHEADED AT NUMENTA IN ITALY, A,D, 303

"In the year 303 two brothers, Primus and Felician,
were brought prisoners before the criminal Judge of the
city of Numenta, in Italy. He first examined Felician,

THE PILGRIM 19

and asked him, whether he would rather sacrifice to
the gods, and live in honors, and see good days, or
be tortured unto death with all manner of torments?
"Felician answered; f How canst thou speak to me
of pleasant days? I am now eighty years old, and have
been enlightened with the saving knowledge of Christ
for about thirty years,* yea, I am still finding the
greatest joy of my heart in His service. And thou
wouldst persuade me to forsake my Saviour, and accept
instead of Him the vain lusts of this world! Far be
it from me j for I have resolved to cleave to Christ,
my Lord and my God, to the very last breath of my
life.'

"Thereupon this good old man was put in prison, and
his brother Primus brought forth, ; whom the Judge en-
deavored to persuade that Felician, his. dear old
brother, had apostatized. But Primus was confident
that the contrary was truej therefore he said that it
was a lie. Upon this he was beaten with sticks, arid
burned on his loins with lamps. But he sang with ; the
prophet David; *0 Lord, Thou hast proved us with fire,
as silver is tried. 1

"Then both were tormented, in different waysf. Mol-
ten lead was poured down Primus 1 throat, while
Felician was beaten with leaded scourges, nailed with
his hands and feet to a stake, and inhumanly tortured.
Both were cast before the lions and bears; but as
these would not harm them the Judge caused the martyrs
to be beheaded and their dead bodies laid on the
ground for the dogs, and the birds of the air.^ However,
they were buried by the Christians."

Accounts taken from Martyr's Mirror .

MOTE OF THANKS r: :: '•"

We would like to thank all the brethren and sisters

and friends and loved ones who helped and shared with

us after the fire. We thank you for your encouragement

also, and trust we can all work together. May the Lord

richly bless each one.

In Christian love,

Arnold and Rachel Bowser

20 CHILDREN'S PAGE

ABRAHAM

How would you feel if God would ask you to leave
your father and mother and most of your family and
friends far behind , and to go into a far country which
you had never seen before?

God told Abraham to do that very thing* Abraham
loved the Lord God, but Abraham's father served false
gods. The Lcrd told Abraham to go to the land cf
Canaan, far away, where he could raise children that
would be faithful to the God that Abraham loved,

Abraham took his wife Sarah, his nephew Lot, and
some servants and made the long trip. Through plains
and mountains they traveled until they reached the
land of Canaan — the land which God had promised to
Abraham and to his children.

The Lord blessed Abraham and Lot, and they became
very rich. There was net enough pasture for the large
flecks of sheep and herds of cattle that they owned,
so Abraham told Lot that they needed to separate. God
had promised the land to Abraham, so Abraham could have
told Lot to go somewhere else. But Abraham was too
kind to do something like that. "You take the best
land if you want to," he told Lot, "And I'll take
whatever is left. 11

One night God asked Abraham if he could count the
thousands of stars twinkling in the black sky. "So
shall your seed be," He told Abraham. And when Abraham
was 100 years old, the son God had promised to him was
born; and they called him Isaac. Isaac also grew up
to serve the Lord, and taught his children, too, about
God. Abraham, that man of faith, lived to be 175
years old. — S.K.B.

NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATS-U .S. POSTAGE PAID-P3RMIT# 10
THE PILGRIM SONORA, CALIF.

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif.
95379

Elma L. Moss

1096 North Ohio St.

Greenville, Ohio

45331

THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 APRIL, 1978 NO, 4

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

THE STRENGTH WAS GOD'S

No strength of mine could face the test,

No cheerful courage brave the blast.

My heart, a cringing coward, fled

And found a sheltered nook at last.

I can't go on I It's just too hard I
Each blow I thought would be the end.
But lying still before my Lord
I felt what only He could send.

At first His peace, and then His love,
Then courage lent her silken wings,
And gently, sweetly from above,
A hint of future, better things.

And once again sweet healing came
As Heaven's fountains bubbled up
With waters cool and crystal clear
To fill my empty, waiting cup.

The fear was mine, the weakness, too.

The strength was God's that saw me through I

-Vera Miller
Tuolumne , California

THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM, 19201 CHEROKEE RD., TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

DO I LOVE THE BRETHREN?

How do I feel toward my brethren? Do I really love
them? All of them?

What about the one who seems hardest to love — or
the one who doesn't fit in so well — or the one who
doesn't agree with me in some of my thinking? Does
he have plenty of proof that I love him dearly — that
I esteem him highly and am glad for his fellowship?

As we prayerfully consider the following ten ques-
tions may the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts.

DO I LOVE MY BROTHER? The Word of God teaches me to
love him with a high and holy, deep and generous, pure
and self-sacrificing, undying love. And with such a
love has Christ my Lord loved me. Does my brother
feel such a heavenly love freely flowing from my heart
to his?

DO I SERVE HIM? Do I love him so much that I am will-
ing to sacrifice my time, my material goods, my per-
sonal pleasures and ideas to help him? Am I his
faithful servant , or would I rather be "boss"?

HAVE I FORGIVEN HIM? "Until seventy times seven,"
Jesus said. And if we have truly forgiven someone
that many times, we will surely love him more than we
ever did before.

HAVE I BEEN PATIENT WITH HIM? Christ has put up with
all my blunders, my backslidings, my errors, my incon-
sistencies, my bad habits, my human ways — and loves me
still! Do I try to be that patient with my brother?
Or do I expect him to always be perfect (which I am
not) and to walk quickly on the path where my own feet
have faltered?

DO I REMEMBER HIM IN MY PRAYER LIFE? "If any man see
his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he

THE PILGRIM

shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin
not unto death." Do I practice this whenever a broth-
er's fault becomes evident? In prayer, too, I am my
brother's keeper.

DO I ESTEEM HIM MORE HIGHLY THAN MYSELF? Or do I think
that I am a little holier, perhaps wiser — a better
Christian and person in general? Do I look down at
him, or up to him? Can I see his good points clearly?

DO I GO THE SECOND MILE WITH HIM? When working with
him in natural things, for example, do I just do "my
share", or do I do what God wants me to do — all that
I reasonably can — to help him?

DO I ALWAYS SJEAK AS KINDLY AS I CAN ABOUT HIM? If he
would someday bring me a paper on which was written
everything I ever said about him, would I have reason
to be ashamed?

AM I WILLING TO GIVE AND RECEIVE COUNSEL WITH- HIM, in
the scriptural way? Advice should be given when it
will probably be helpful, but always in the "attitude
of feetwashing". Have I received his counsel to- me?
I should prize it dearly! By such brotherly admonition
I can see myself more clearly, and the church is pur-
ified.

WOULD I' DIE FOR HIM? "Greater love hath no man than
this, that. a man lay down his life for his friends."
Would my love to my brother pass this greatest test,
if it should someday come?

Can any of us say we are perfect in our love to our
brethren? We must strive to do better! For the good
of our own souls, for the sake of our children, and for
our witness to those in darkness around us, we must
learn to love — as Christ loved us.

"By this shall an men know that ye are my disciple^
if ye have love one to another. "

— Stanley K. Brubaker
Goshen, Indiana

i THE PILGRIM

IN THE TIME OF STORM

Recently, we experienced an electrical storm with
constant lightning flashes and thunder crashes that
lasted for approximately thirty minutes before fading
into the distance* These few thoughts raced into my
mind . . .

1 . Thunder made a horribly loud noise, but how will it
be when Christ returns? Have we wondered how great
the noise will be then, when the powers of heaven
will be shaken? (II Peter 3:1 0)

2. We felt the Power and Protection from Above. We
know Satan has much power as he works deceit into
the hearts of individuals, but he is very weak com-
pared to the Power of God.

3. Much fear within the hearts of some people was ob-
served, as they did not know which way to go but
just wanted so desperately to get away and hide
from the storm's effects. (Please read St. John
14:1,18,27.)

As suddenly as the storm crept upon us, I watched
and was in wonderment. . . If this were the ending of
the world, would we be ready to meet our Lord face to
face? Or would we try to hide?

Our concern should be (and must be) for those who
are drifting along in life and living in sin. Do they
not realize where they are headed in such a sad,
worldly condition? Are they really enjoying life? Or
just pretending? And are we doing our part to show
them the way that is better? Or do we fall guilty of
shunning them and saying, "It would not do any good
for ME to try to help them — they would not listen,
anyway"? Would we be making excuse for ourselves? How
can we be sure it would be to no avail unless we put
forth an effort and keep trying to win them for the
Lord?

Oh, dear Reader, that one living in a world of sin
may be just waiting and hoping IOU will give a kind

THE PILGRIM

word of encouragement and an offer to help. Perhaps
the dear troubled, bewildered one is watching and look-
ing to YOU for an example. Think about it for just a
moment. Are we letting our light shine brightly?

We oftentimes become too busy with the cares of this
life, and although we think of and pray for our dear
ones often, do we consider doing something -just a lit-
tle special to uplift a lonely or discouraged one? It
may be a simple written note or letter, a phone call
qr a visit that would take only a moment of our time,
but- oh, how rewarding and uplifting each or any of
these could be in an hour of loneliness. We Jaust be
careful, however, we not go out of our way only when
we want help or ask a favor from a dear one.

Like the sudden, fierce storm that hit our area,
some day our life will draw to its closing and we
should be conscious to live each day as though it were
our last because it may very well be our last. Tomor-
row may never be ours. We have no guarantee.

Let us do our work NOW while we have the golden op-
portunity to help the sinning ones, the weak or fallen
ones, the lonely, the. aged* Tomorrow may to too late!
I am sure we all want to hear our dear Saviour say
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant ««

May we be found ready, waiting and watching for our
dear Lord to return for His own is my prayer.

— Leona Millar
MiWuk, Calzfornia

ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE

We of the Eastern district of the Old Brethren have
agreed to hold Annual Meeting at the Wakarusa meeting
house, Lord willing, May 12, 13 & 14. We extend a
hearty invitation to members and friends to be with us
at that time.

— Elmer Brovont

THE PILGRIM

TO THE CHILDREN

Dear Readers:

Thirty some years ago, when I was just a beginner
in "the pathway of life", I wrote a few lines for the
Vindicator, and now again I come with a few thoughts
that have filled my heart so long, I feel pressed to
give them expression.

My tender love and solicitude goes out to the chil-
dren of our fraternity and it is to them that I ad-
dress these lines.

Dear children, you who have parents in the faith
experience a wonderful opportunity and enjoy a great
blessing. Like the Hebrew children, you are taught
when the "doors are closed", and 0, I wonder if you
realize the great blessing and treasure as you should.

Let me give you a brief sketch of my life and you
will, I think, readily see why I consider children
born of believing parents and reared in the faith pos-
sessed of such wonderful privileges.

My paternal grandparents were members of the German
Baptist church, but my parents started their home, as
many others are started, on a foundation of love and
honesty; but pride ruled their wills and they made no
profession of faith until late in life after their
children had reached young man and womanhood*

There came a time in my life, when I was about six-
teen years old, when I commenced to read and strive to
understand the duty I owed to God, and here is where
the teaching of my grandparents helped me. My father,
though he did not do the work, had not forgotten the
faith, and my questions were answered and my faltering
footsteps guided — so I received my precepts. I re-
ceived my example from a dear old brother, a minister
and his companion, now gone to their reward. From my
earliest recollection they were visitors in our home
and their plain attire and humble manner impressed me
as a child, and as I grew older I received many lessons
from the brother's lips that helped me find "the way".

THE PILGRIM

My father, mother and I were baptized the same day •
and the dear brother who had visited us so many years
administered the baptism, and when we started home he
said, "Now like the eunuch of old, you may go on your
way rejoicing." 0, dear old brother, how truly you
expressed our emotion! We did indeed and in truth go
on our way rejoicing; and down through the years with
all the vicissitudes that time brings, the cares, the
joys, the gains, the losses, I never cease to be
thankful. Like Timothy of old I received enough of
the truth from parents and grandparents to enable me
to find "The King f s highway of holiness."

Is it any wonder, dear children, that your bless-
ings and privileges seem so great to me?

As we hear and understand so we must give account.
"He that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him
it is sin, ,f

Youth though fair, is fleeting; time bears us along
so swiftly that before we are hardly conscious of the
fact we have reached old age. And in retrospect would
it not be more comforting to know that we have tried,
though often failing, to do the Master T s will, tried
to add to our talents, than to drift with the tide
without an effort to avail ourselves of the opportuni-
ty to secure the promised reward of the just?

The follies of youth are often looked at lightly
with the remark, "lou can't put old heads on young
shoulders," and the saying is true. But C, serene,
truth loving, God-fearing heads may adorn young shoul-
ders; faces turned Zion-ward with the glory of the
cross of Christ lighting the countenance may be borne
on young shoulders.

Dear children, do not procrastinate; acquaint your-
selves with the word of God that when the draft of the
Spirit comes you may be able to understand and receive
it. Do not wait till father and mother are gone; come
now, while you can mingle your voice with theirs in
songs of praise and join your hand and lips with
theirs in the beautiful and solemn communion service;
rejoicing together all— "children of the Heavenly
King. p r ove to your parents that you have heeded

8 THE PILGRIM

their teachings and the lessons of truth in the Divine
Word and with your young strength are willing to bear
the cross and humble your heart to the easy yoke of
Christ. Comfort them with the assurance that you are
willing to add to your faith earnest work.

The joyful times I attended communion services with
my parents are events In my treasure house of memory
that I would not in any wise exchange for the so-
called pleasures of time.

Just a few words to parents in the faith and I will
close my already too long letter.

Let us watch and pray God that our faith fail not,
for we all realize full well the time of apathy toward
all spiritual things in which we live. We should walk
carefully before our children, always mindful to bring
before the minds of those old enough to understand the
spiritual side of things as far as we are able to dis-
cern them, teaching faith where we have no vision , for
we know that all the wisdom of this world will never
reveal the mysteries that God has wisely concealed for
us. As the heavens are higher than the earth so are
God's thoughts than our thoughts. But we have faith
and believe, for "faith is the substance of things
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." And be-
lieving, let us teach our children the same and so in-
spire a faith in God's infinite wisdom and love: "0
the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and know-
ledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and
his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)

Lovingly, trustfully may we all, as parents and
children pray the prayer in the dear old hymn, "Jesus,
lover of my soul, let me to thy bosom fly," for dark
storms of perplexities and doubts are raging and the
foundations of many faiths and empires are crumbling.
But the foundation of the faith of Christ will last
for He is the cornerstone.

May God's rich blessings abide with us and may His
great love guide us all safe home at last.

By Mary H. Skiles, From The Vindicator
As I copy my mother's letter, "To The Children",

THE PILGRIM

I
I

every word refreshes my memory of her and the wonder-
ful example she set for us — her family. Her guiding
influence will live on and on in our hearts through
the years to cornel

— Susan R. Coning
Wakarusa, Indiana

ADDICTIONS

Today we hear much about addictions. This usually
refers to a repeated use of a strong drug until the
body adjusts in such a way as to need it regularly.
These drugs at first are foreign to our human bodies,
but after the body is really addicted, there is such
a craving that the person will do almost anything to
satisfy this need. In the worst addictions, the vic-
tim tries increasingly powerful drugs, and it becomes
a vicious circle of craving and temporary satisfaction.
This circle often ends in the complete ruin or death
of the body.

The word "addicted" is used once in the King James
version of the Bible. This is in I Corinthians 16:15,
16: "I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of
Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and
that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of
the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and
to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth."
The Greek word translated "addicted" here is defined;
"to arrange in an orderly manner, to assign or dispose
(to a certain position or lot.)" It is also trans-
lated "devote, appoint, determine, ordain, set."

Here was a household that had become so completely
converted to the faith that they had assigned to them-
selves and devoted themselves to the ministry of the
saints. It doesn't say whether this meant supporting
them with food, clothing and physical care or whether
it was a ministry of spiritual needs. But likely it
included both these services — whatever was needed.

When Christians so devote themselves it can very
well be called addiction. It is not the sort of

10 THE PILGRIM

devotion the natural man would make. But as the per-
son is dedicated in this way it becomes more and more
important in his life and soon he cannot live any oth-
er way. If we wonder at this, perhaps it is because
we don't often see such devotions or addictions in our
time- But it is still possible even in a time of such
materialism and self-determination.

Gonsider the tremendous hold the Gospel had on
those who went all the way to a violent death rather
than give up their faith in Jesus Christ. Consider
the devotion of the Apostle Paul himself. There was
nothing they craved more than to have Jesus in their
hearts approving of their words and thoughts and con-
duct. It is like the writer of Psa3ai 42 expressed;
"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth
my soul after thee, God: when shall I come and ap-
pear before God?" Jesus said, "Blessed are they which
do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled." He also said, "I am the bread of
life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he
that telieveth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

So we can conclude that the best answer to the
curse of drug addiction is to develop a stronger ad-
diction to Jesus Christ and His service. This may
very well result in the deterioration and death of the
old carnal man. But isn't that what we want? Death
to sin and new life in Jesus Christ! — L.C.

MARRIAGE
BAYER— GARBER John E. Bayer, Jr. and Loraine Garber
were united in marriage on March 18 near Bradford,
Ohio.

NEW ADDRESSES

John E.j Jr. & Loraine Bayer 9555 W. Third St

Dayton, Ohio 45427
(513) 835-3665

Marilyn Miller 19292 Cherokee Rd.

Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
(209) 928-3442

THE PILGRIM 11

SELF PITY

How devastating to the mind
Is this most dread disease.
Self Pity takes our happiness
And robs our rest and ease.

We see ourselves and wish we were
Like others, bright and fair;
Their troubles must be less than ours;
They know not our despair.

Their lot in life important is,
They have a place to fill,
They have such great advantages,
What joy their hearts must fill I

Ah I Stop at once; consider well
That God in Heaven above
Created us and placed us here,
And cares for us in love.

Think we that our weak human minds,
Our schemes could work so well?
God's wisdom deep, unfathomed is;
His love no tongue can tell.

God placed us where He knew for us
Would be the very best.
When this we see and realize,
We are serene and blest.

If others T lot looks glorious,
Would you endure their pain?
Remember gain but follows loss,
As sunshine follows rain.

Then look and see how many are

Less fortunate than we —

Diseased, distressed, friendless, alone,

Some crippled, deaf, can't see.

So count your. blessings; you will find
Soon after you've begun

12 THE PILGRIM

That God has been so good to you,
Your counting won't get done.

And then we ! ll see that one complaint
Is one too many, and
Self pity will be put to flight;
Praise will our hearts expand.

— Miriam Sauder Lancaster, Pennsylvania

IN HIS STEPS

"The road is too rough," I said.

"Dear Lord, there are stones that hurt me so."

And He said, "Dear child, I understand,

I walked it long ago."

"But there's a cool, green path," I said,
"Let me walk there for a time."
"No, child," He gently answered me,
"The green road does not climb."

"My burden," I said, "Is far too great;
How can I bear it so?"

"My child," said He, "I remember its weight,
I carried My cross, you know."

Bat I said, "I wish there were friends with me
Who would make my way their own."
"Oh yes," He said, "Gethsemane
Was hard to face alone."

And so I climbed the stony path,
Ccntent at last to know
That where my Master had not gone,
I would not need to go.

And strangely then I found new friends;
The burden grew less sore
As I remembered... long ago
He went that way before.

Author unknown
Selected by Carol Neff

TUP PTLGHTM 12

HISTORICAL

FURTHER PERSECUTIONS
OF THE FOURTH CENTURY

After the events of the tenth persecution (described
in the last issue ) in the first decade of the fourth
century, the Christians had a period of relief under
the government of Constantine, the Great. Constantine
was the son of Emperor Constantius I. He was born
February 7, A.D. 288. He rose to power through the
various stages of the government at that time and
through battles with several rivals. During a decisive
battle to take the city of Rome from Maxentius,
Gonstantine reportedly had a vision of a flaming cross
in the sky at noonday with the words "By this conquer. 11
He adopted as his symbol a cross, and proceeded to con-
quer Rome with an army inferior in numbers to that of
Maxentius. This vision Is also said to have resulted
in his conversion to Christianity.

Constantine became the undisputed ruler of Rome and
the West In 312 A.D. Shortly after that in 313 he and
Licinius, Augustus of the East, agreed upon the Edict
of Milan. The following is from Waddington ! s History
of the Church:

Edict of Mian

"This Edict was a proclamation of universal toler-
ation; but its advantages were of course chiefly or
entirely reaped by the Christians, as theirs had been
the only religion not already tolerated. It gave back
to them the civil and religious rights of which they
had been deprived; it restored without dispute, delay
or expense, the places of worship which had been de-
molished, and the lands which had been confiscated —
and free and absolute power was granted to the
Christians, and to all others, of following the reli-
gion which every individual might think proper to fol-
low.

"Immediately afterwards, .Licinius, who was no friend
to Christianity, overthrew the eastern Emperor Maximln,

14 THE PILGRIM

who had been its savage adversary, and became master
of the empire of the east. A war followed between the
conqueror and Gonstantine, which terminated, in 31 5 ,
to the advantage of the latter, who on that occasion
extended his empire to the eastern limits of Europe;
eight years of peace succeeded, which were employed by
the Christian Emperor in securing the real interests
and legislating for the happiness of his subjects.
This period of rare tranquility was succeeded by a
second war with Licinius, which terminated in 324 by
his submission and death, and by the consequent union
cf the whole empire under the sceptre of Gonstantine . "

ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH PERSECUTIONS
( Martyr's Mirror )

"... Besides the ten general persecutions, which
we have described, (there were) two others called the
eleventh and the twelfth persecutions; of which the
former is said to have begun, A.D. 316, under Lucinius,
who, together with Gonstantine the Great, reigned in
the east; and the second, A.D. 362, under Julian the
Apostate. But since other eminent writers do not pro-
nounce these persecutions as general ones, we shall
give no special account of them; however, if any true
martyrs were put to death at that time, we hope to
mention each in his proper place. . . .....

"... Lucinius, who occupied the imperial throne
in the east . . . caused to be put to death without
mercy, various pious Christians, namely: Basileus,
bishop of the church of Christ at Amasen, in Pontus;
Ammon, a deacon; and about forty women, whom he had
killed, some by fire, and some by water; as well as
various other pious martyrs ♦ . .

■". . ♦ The persecution which took place under
Julian, the Apostate, did not destroy the bodies as
much as the souls. For since he was a very crafty
man, and had an eloquent, yet deceitful, tongue, he
did more harm to the church of God by his flattery,
than by tyranny. Nevertheless, several of the true
Christians were martyred under his reign; who would

THE PILGRIM 1£

rather through the way of death enter life eternal,
than through the way of temporal life, by flattery,
fall into eternal death and damnation. . ."

It was m this century, too, that the Arian contro-
versy raged. The Arians were those who minimized the
diety of Jesus Christ. The Council of Nice (in Bithyn-
ia) in 325 A.D. was called and presided over by
Constant ine to settle this great question. The result
of this general council was the decision to teach that
Jesus and the Father were co-eternal and substantially
the same. Though the decision was against the Arians,
they still remained strong and became persecutors of
those who opposed them. The following paragraphs are
from Fox T s Book of Martyr s t

"The author of the Arian heresy was Arms, a native
of Lybia, and a priest of Alexandria, who, in A.D. 318
began to publish his errors. He was condemned by a
council of Lybian and Egyptian bishops, and that sen-
tence was confirmed by the Council of Nice, A.D* 32? ♦
After the death of Constantine the Great, the Arians
found means to ingratiate themselves into the favor of
the emperor Constantinus, his son and successor in the
east; and hence a persecution was raised against the
orthodox bishops and clergy. The celebrated Athanasius,
and other bishops, were banished, and their sees filled
with Arians.

"In Egypt and Lybia, thirty bishops were martyred,
and many other Christians cruelly tormented; and, A»D.
386, George,- the Arian bishop of Alexandria, under the
authority of the emperor, began a persecution in that
city and its environs, and carried it on with the most
infernal severity. He was assisted in his diabolical
malice by Catophonius, governor of Egypt; Sebastian,
general of the Egyptian forces; Faustinus, the treasur-
er; and Heraclius, a Roman officer,

"The persecutions now raged in such a manner that
the clergy were driven from Alexandria, their churches
were shut, and the severities practiced by the Arian
, heretics were as great as those that had been practiced
by the pagan idolaters,.." — L.C.

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

JOSEPH

When Joseph's brothers threw him down

Into the pit to die,
They left him till some travellers came,

From Gilead passing by.
His brothers then sold Joseph

A slave to those strange men,
And Joseph sadly went along —

What would become of him?

Joseph was 17 years old when his brothers did that
cruel deed. And soon Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob,
became a slave in the far away land of Egypt.

The Egyptians did not love the Lord God, They wor-
shipped the sun and even some animals. But Joseph kept
right on praying to the real God of Heaven. Perhaps he
had decided when he was still a boy that he would always
be faithful to the Lord — the God that his father Jacob,
his grandfather Isaac, and his great grandfather Abraham
had loved and obeyed.

"Joseph was a goodly person and well-favored. M As
he grew older in Egypt, people trusted him because he
was so honest. But one time his master *s wicked wife
told a lie about Joseph, and he was thrown into prison
for two years. After explaining the meaning of the
king's dreams, he was finally taken out, and because of
his wisdom became next to the king, a powerful ruler.

There was a famine in Egypt for 7 years, but Joseph
had stored corn, so the people didn't starve. Joseph's
brothers came to Egypt for food, and Joseph showed them
that he still loved them. Soon his whole family was
together and happy again. — S.K.B.

NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U .S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT # 10
THE PILGRIM SONORA, CALIF.

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif.
95379

THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 MAY & JUNE, 1978 NOS. 5 & 6

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

HOLY QUIETNESS

Joys are flowing like a river,
Since the Comforter has come;

He abides with us forever,

Makes the trusting heart His home*

Bringing life and health and gladness,
All around this heavenly Guest,

Banished unbelief and sadness,
Changed our weariness to rest.

Like the rain that falls from heaven,
Like the sunlight from the sky,

So the Holy Ghost is given,
Coming on us from on high.

What a wonderful salvation,
Where we always see His face I

What a perfect habitation,
What a quiet resting place I

Blessed quietness, holy quietness,

What assurance in my soul;
On the stormy sea, speaking peace to me,

How the billows cease to rolll

— M« P. Ferguson

THE PILGRIM is a reliflious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM, 102O1 CHEROKEE RD„ TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

THE COMFORTER

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ev-
er; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot
receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:
but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall
be in you." (John 14; 16,1 7)

In John, chapters H, 15, 16 and 17, we have the
last words of Jesus before He was arrested. In these
chapters we can see that the Lord was preparing His
disciples for His departure. He gave them instruc-
tions and words of comfort to fit them for the work
before them. He told them over and over to love one
another. And He told them repeatedly of the Comforter
to come. He told them that it was expedient for them
that He would go away so He could send the Comforter
to them. They must have wondered, "Who is this great
One who is coming to abide x^ith us?"

At this Pentecost season let us meditate on the of-
fice of this Comforter and see what the Word has to
say about Him.

First, He is identified as the Spirit of truth or
the Holy Spirit. So we can be sure He will not tell
a lie or lead us to tell lies. But He will point out
the truth. The Holy Spirit has opposite characteris-
tics to Satan whom Jesus calls "a liar, and the father
of it."

Second, He is to "abide with you for ever. " He
will not be leaving but will stay with the people of
God to the very end. Jesus told His disciples that
they knew this Gomforter; "... but ye know him; for
he dwelleth with you and shall be in you." God told
Israel through Jeremiah (31*33) regarding His new
covenant, ". . .1 will put my law in their inward
parts, and write it in their hearts. . ."

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Third, He was to teach them all things "and bring
all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said
unto you. If It is no accident then that we have in the
gospel accounts details told as though the writers
were making the records as the events were happening,
when in reality the accounts were written much later
but the details were brought to their minds by the
Holy Ghost. No wonder the accounts by the various
writers harmonize so well. No wonder, too, that these
men were able to preach the Gospel accurately and
quote Jesus 1 words even before the records were writ-
ten. Today we have commentaries, concordances, var-
ious translations and helps that we might understand"
the shades of meaning written in the Word. By the
power of the Spirit the first Christians were able to
preach the Word accurately before they had any of
these records and writings. The martyrs on trial gave
accurate testimonies which their accusers could not
match. This Comforter was to testify of Jesus and we
find Him doing this very thing through God's servants
even down to our present time.

Fourth, the Holy Ghost was to come as a reprover of
the world. "And when he is come, he will reprove the
world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment."
(John 16:8) The word translated "reprove" here also
means "convince" or "convict". It was used in the
courts to describe the convicting or reproving of the
offenders. The account continues (John 16:9): "Of
sin, because they believe not on me." It is a sin to
not believe on Jesus. Jesus said (John 3:18), "He
that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that
believe th not is condemned already, because he hath
not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of
God." Jesus prayed in John 17:21, "That they all may
be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee,
that they also may be one in us: that the world may
believe that thou hast sent me. 11 So one concern of
the Holy Spirit in the world is that men might believe,
and He will convict and reprove those who do not.
Many in the world today are obviously convinced that
sin is wrong. But the failure lies in the unwilling-

A THE PILGRIM

ness of the heart to repent and ask God's forgiveness
and change the course.

He also was to reprove the world "Of righteousness,
because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more."
While Jesus was in the world He was the standard of
righteousness. We see Him proclaiming this standard
in the Sermon on the Mount and throughout His ministry
as He taught the obedience and belief in the heart,
the virtue of the prayer in the closet, the secret
alms, and the concealed fasting. We see Him upholding
righteousness when He drove the mercenary money chang-
ers from the temple and denounced the Pharisees as the
hypocrites they were. But now Jesus was to leave and
they would see Him no more. The Holy Ghost was to
take His place as reprover of the world in the field
of righteousness. One of our hymns says:

And His that gentle voice we hear,

Soft as the breath of even,
That checks each fault, that calms each fear,

And whispers us of Heaven.

Isaiah (30:21) told Israel of the time to come when
God would have mercy on them, and it seems prophetic
of this Holy Spirit influence. "And thine ears shall
hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk
ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye
turn to the left. 11

The Hol^ Spirit was also to reprove the world "Of
judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."
Peter, by the Spirit, executed swift judgment upon the
deceivers Annanias and Sapphira. (See Acts 5:1-11 ) We
see the Spirit working through Paul also (Acts 2^:25):
"And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and
judgment to come , Felix trembled ..." The prince of
this world, Satan, is judged already and so will all
those be judged who allow themselves to be deceived
by Satan T s devices.

It is well for us to search the Scriptures and the.
subsequent history of the church and see how the Holy
Spirit has filled the office as Jesus described it.
When He came upon the waiting disciples as they were

THE PILGRIM

assembled in one accord on the day of Pentecost, He.
came to stay and wofk in the church. He came t'o- re-
prove and convict .the world. Where do we stand today?
Do we hear and heed the voice of this Gomforter? Is "
He in our hearts to, guide us into all truth? Or. do we
Just read about His influence on others? A tree is
known by its fruits. And "the fruit of the Spirit is.
love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, temperance: against such there "is no
law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with the . affections and lusts. If we live in
the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit," (Galatians
5:22-25) --L.C. :

And every virtue we possess,
And every virtue won,

And every thought of holiness
Are His and His alone.

MORE THOUGHTS ON GRACE

There is a deceptive doctrine in this present evil-
world sometimes called "once in grace, always in
grace." Satan was once an angel in Heaven, but when
he exalted himself against God, he was separated from
God. Then Satan told Eve in the garden (after God had
told them not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of
good and evil, lest ye die) that they would not die,
but their eyes would be open to know good and evil*
Now, how much different is this deceptive doctrine
than that which Satan told Eve?

Paul's letter to the Hebrews in chapter 6, verse 4,
5, and 6 says: "For it is impossible for those who r
were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly
gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And ."
have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of
the world to come, If they shall fall away * to renew
them again unto repentance j seeing they crucify to
themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an
open shame." Notice in verse 6, "... If they shall

THE PILGRIM

fall away ," and again in verse 1+ ». • . and were made
partakers of the Holy Ghost, etc." The Bible tells
us, "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die;
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of
the body, ye shall live." (Romans 8:13) "Know ye not,
that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto
death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans
6:16) "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth
take heed lest he fall." (I Corinthians 10:12) "For
if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest
he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness
and severity of God: on them which fell, severity;
but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his
goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
(Romans 11:21,22) "For the grace of God that bringeth
salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world." (Titus 2:11,12) "Looking diligently lest any
man fail of the grace of God; lest there be any root
of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby
many be defiled." (Hebrews 12:15)

If we abide in the vine and bear fruit, then are we
His disciples. If not, we wither and are cast into
the fire. (See John 15) "For if we sin wilfully after
that we have received the knowledge of the truth,
there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." (Hebrews
10:26) "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being
left us of entering into his rest, any of you should
seem to come short of it." (Hebrews 4:1)

"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling
and to present you faultless before the presence of
his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our
Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power,
both now and ever. Amen." (jude 24,25)

In Christian love,
Kenneth Garber
Hughson, California

THE PILGRIM

ARE WE CONTINUALLY THANKING GOD
FOR OUR BLESSINGS?

I am made to think a lot about the scriptures on
thankfulness: Ephesians 5:20; "Giving thanks always
for all things unto God and the Father in the name of
our Lord Jesus Ghrist." Hebrews 13:15: "By him
therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God
continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving
thanks to his name," Golossians 2:7: "Rooted and
built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as we
have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."
Golossians 4:2: "Gontinue in prayer, and watch in the
same with thanksgiving." I Thessalonians 5:18: "In
everything give thanks: for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you."

We have the above scriptures and no doubt many more
about being thankful and in everything giving thanks.
It doesn't say just in the good things but in every-
thing.

Do we complain when things don't go as we think
they ought to? There is no place in the Bible that
tells us we can complain. And many times if things
don't go as we think they ought to, in the end they
are blessings in disguise. God knows what is best for
us and can see the future better than we can see the
past, so may we put our lives in His hands and give
Him thanks for all things.

I find we can compare our lives with the children
of Israel many times. Do we provoke God to anger with
our continual complaining as they did? They prayed to
God for deliverance from the hard bondage they were
enduring in Egypt so God delivered them and brought
them out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and they soon
forgot about the hard bondage but just remembered the
eating bread to the full. Do we thank God for deliv-
ering us from the bondage of sin? They complained
about not having enough water or enough food, and God

fave them water; He gave them manna, but they soon got
ired of just eating manna and asked for meat. Would

8 THE PILGRIM

ve complain if we just had one kind of food to eat or
would we give God thanks for the one kind of food?
He gave them meat when they asked for it, but soon
they were complaining about something else* Let us
read the life of the children of Israel and learn by
their mistakes, and let us give God praise and thank
Him for all things.

How would we feel as parents if our children never
acted like they appreciated anything we did for them
or gave them, but only complained continually? It
would grieve us and we probably wouldn*t be so anxious
to keep blessing them. We can see how God would feel
as our Father (and He knows what we need and is best
for us ) if we continually complain about everything
He gives us or for the many blessings He showers upon
us.

A few months ago we heard a sermon in which the
preacher mentioned how much God loved David. And it
wasn't because he didn't make mistakes as he made some
pretty big ones and had to be punished for them, but
he thought it was because David was always thanking
the Lord and praising His holy name.

It can make a difference in our lives if we always
look on the bright side of things and count our bless-
ings. May our hearts and minds be continually prais-
ing and thanking God for His goodness and love to us
and for our many blessings which He continually show-
ers down upon us.

— Violet Flora
Goias , Brazil

WHAT IS LOVE?

It's silence when your words would hurt;
It's patience when your neighbor's curt;
It's deafness when the scandal flows;
It's thought fulness of another's woes;
It's promptness when stern duty calls;
It's courage when misfortune "falls.

— Selected

THE PILGRIM

OBITUARIES

ANNA CATHERINE RENICKER, daughter of Samuel and Matilda
(Smith) Wagoner, was born near Saratoga, Wyoming, on
March 10, 1897. The family moved to Camden, Indiana in
1900; then in 1918, they moved to Ripon, California.

On November 1, 1925, she was baptized into the Old
German Baptist Church, to which she remained faithful.

On February 21, 1933* she was united in marriage with
Leandrew Remcker. To this union were born one son and
one daughter.

Mother 1 s life was centered around children. She
cared for many infants until they could be placed for
adoption, giving each one her love and a start in life.
She often times gave up an infant with tears in her eyes,
but always accepted another with a smile — caring for
each as though it was her own. She did this work until
1970, at which time she moved to MiWuk in the mountains
where she resided until her passing.

On September 20, 1976, she was admitted to the hos-
pital for surgery. She asked for the anointing at this
time, which gave her much comfort; She was recovering
from the surgery at home with her family when she suf-
fered a stroke on October 18 which left her unable to
talk; but she communicated her love and interest in
those about her in many ways.

During her illness, nurses and friends came to her ■
bedside for even a moment just to see if Mother was
awake, and asked for her smile which she so readily gave.
Her patient and sweet disposition were an inspiration "to
all and will be long remembered by all who knew and
cared for her.

Mother peacefully departed from this life on May 4>
1978 in Tuolumne General Hospital, Sonora, California
at the age of 81 years, 1 month, and 24 days.

Preceding her in death were her companion on July 12,
1957> one step-son, Eldo Remcker, one brother, .Monroe,
and two sisters, Elma Wagoner and Orpha Overlin. . *

She is survived by her son, Virgil, and her daughter,
Leona Miller, 5 grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren, 2
step-daughters; Martha Garwood and Blanche Dunlap, 5

10 THE PILGRIM

sisters: Hannah Moon, Luna Hankins, Iva Bauman, Dora
Vrieling,and Eva Forsyth, and numerous other relatives
and friends.

Our loved one is gone from us, but we feel certain our
our loss is her eternal gain. We have many fond memo-
ries, and these are a precious gift from God that death
cannot destroy.

Funeral services were held May 7 in the West Modesto

church, with Howard Oyler officiating, assisted by Norman

Boyd, Curtis Selby and Leslie Cover. Interment was made

in Wood Colony Cemetery.

—The Family

ORPHA ELIZA WAGNER, daughter of Solomon Elias and Mary
Susanna (Maffit) Price, was born September 18, 1902 near
Carson City, Michigan, She, with her family, moved to
Salida, California in October, 1909.

She followed her Lord in baptism on August 19, 1917,
and was a faithful member of the Old Brethren Church
until her death.

On November 16, 1925, she was united in marriage to
Clay Elvaton Wagner. To this union were born four sons:
Daniel Solomon Wagner and Eugene Bradford Wagner, both
of Bradford, Ohio, Joseph Ernest Wagner and Alvin Clay
Wagner, both of Modesto, California.

Clay and Orpha were called to the office of deacon
in 1934 and served faithfully until death. She was pre-
ceded in death by her husband on June 12, 1970. Also
preceding her in death were two brothers, Arvine and
Joseph Price, two sisters, Mary Price and an infant
sister, and one grandson.

Mother had been in weakening health for several years,
and suffered a severe stroke on June 6, and lapsed into
a coma which continued until she departed this life on
June 10, 1978 at Memorial Hospital, Modesto, at the age
of 75 years, 8 months and 22 days.

She leaves to mourn her departure her four sons, two
sisters, Celesta 0. Price and Esther Gish, both of Mo-
desto, and 12 grandchildren.

Orpha lived a full and busy life, always concerned
for others and dedicated to serving her Lord and her

THE PILGRIM 11

family. Our loss is her eternal gain] absent from the
body, but present with the Lord.

Funeral services were held June 14, 1978 at the
Salida Old Brethren Church by Joseph and Leslie Cover.
Burial followed in Wood Colony Cemetery.

— The Family

BAPTISMS

Once more we were made to rejoice with Heaven when
Ronnie Cable requested Christian baptism which was
administered April l6„

We were made to rejoice once more when another
precious soul, Allen Bowser, requested Christian
baptism which was administered on Friday, May 12.

— Elmer Brovont

ADOPTION

ERNST - Judith Amanda, born June 11, 1972 was adopted
by Albert and Carol Ernst of Nappanee, Indiana on
June 2, 1978.

ADDRESS CHANGE
Weltha Cover (Mrs. Joseph I.) C/0 Leslie Cover

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
(209) 928-4664

CARD OF THANKS

Dear Brethren and Sisters in the Lord,

We want to express our sincere thanks for the kind-
ness and love you have shown during the time Janice was
in the hospital, and the help that was given for the
expense. We appreciate it all so much. May the Lord
bless each one of you.

— Rex and Janice Royer

12 • • THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL
CHRIS HAN PERSECUTION OF THE DARK AGES .

After the fourth century and the time of Constantine,
physical persecution of Christians was not so general
for several centuries. However, each century saw it
in some form and some places j in some areas it was
extreme and compared to the former Roman severities.

Errors and heresies crept into the church and the
Christians became divided . The various factions com-
peted, and some were guilty of persecuting those of
the true faith.

The period called the Dark Ages or Middle Ages
began when the Roman Empire fell, and the great Roman
church gradually assumed power, suppressing truth and
gaining absolute sway over the people of Western
Europe. World Bfook E ncyclopedia reports: "The line
between ancient history and the Middle Ages is general-
ly drawn somewhere in the 400' s, and is marked by the
fall of the Roman Empire. Some scholars set the begin-
ning of the Middle Ages at 476, the year a barbarian
chieftain deposed the last Roman emperor in the west,
a youth named Romulus Augustulus. . ." "...Civilization
almost completely disappeared in much of western Europe
during this period. Only a few places, such as monas-
teries, preserved Latin learning. Greek learning al-
most disappeared. Few persons received any schooling...
People completely forgot many of the arts and crafts
of the ancient world." Truly, darkness descended on
much of the world as ignorance prevailed and only a
few could even read the Word of God. Those who dared
to stand for the truth against the increasingly power-
ful Roman church suffered for it.

In writing the history of the persecutions of these
times, Thielman van Braght, writer of Martyr's Mirror ,
makes great effort to distinguish and identify the
martyrs of the true faith from those who were in error.
Some historians list those who defended themselves and
fought their persecutors. Van Braght calls the martyrs

THE PILGRIM 13

of hxs record the "defenseless Christians ." He also ; ■
insists that one of the tests of the true faith is the
practice of baptizing only those capable of choosing
and confessing faith and not that of baptizing infants.
This was an important issue even before the time of the
Anabaptists of the 16th century. As early as 413 A.D.
an edict was made by Snperors Theodosius and Honorius
against those who would baptize one who had been bap-
tized before. It reads:

"If any minister of the Christian church is
found guilty of having re baptized any one, he,
together with the person thus rebaptized, pro-
vided the latter is proved to be of such an
age as to understand the crime, shall be put
to death."

This edict was later used against the Anabaptists in
their persecution which began about 1524*

Throughout these centuries from the fifth to the
fifteenth the persecutions against the Church were more
than just physical* Perhaps one of the worst was the
way the Word of God was kept from the common people.
The Apostle Paul writes (II Timothy 3:12), "Yea, and
all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution." We are in persecution today. There is
no easy road that conveys the Christian through a hos-
tile world of sorrow, sin and lust. Satan has great
wrath against anyone who declares for the L rd. It- is
a war — a desparate war to the death. If we understand
correctly the histories and the conditions of today,
we see more actual casualties, more lost personal bat-
tles, more giving in under the spiritual persecutions
in a life of ease than ever were under intense physical
suffering of a devoted Church. May we see the issues
and look to the Lord for strength.

The following account is from Martyr's Mirror con-
cerning some persecutions of the eighth century:

"It is stated that A.D. 739, in the 23rd year of Lee

Isaurus, the Mohammedan Prince Elvelid caused all the

imprisoned Christians in every city to be put to ; death,

on account of the Christian religion. Among them is

14 THE PILGRIM

mentioned one Eutichius, who was carried away to Karras,
in Mesopotamia, and, at the time when said slaughter
and martyrization of all imprisoned Christian believers
occured, offered up, because of the same faith and tes-
timony, for his Saviour Jesus.

"Note. — Of said Eutichius we find no further account,
touching the confession of his faith, save that, when
the other martyrs were put to death, he, too, was of-
f erred up for Christ; which must also be understood of
various others. . . •

"We will say nothing of Peter, Bishop of the church
of Damascus, Peter Mavi menus, and others, who, at this
time, were also put to death in the East, particularly
at Damascus, for the. testimony of the Lord Jesus, about
the year 742; since the ancient writers have left us no
definite information respecting their particular con-
fession of faith, only a general statement, namely,
that they suffered for Christ, and for the Christian
or evangelical truth.

"Hence it has come, that some who boast of Christ
and His holy Gospel with their mouths, yet, by their
singular expositions, yea, by their deeds and works,
are very far therefrom, have nevertheless not hesitated,
to claim as of their number, and produce as witnesses
for their strange, and, in many respects, unchristian
and unevangelical confessions persons of whom we main-
tain, because of certain circumstances mentioned by
ancient writers, that they believed and lived in per-
fect accordance with the true tenor of the holy Gospel,
and, as a seal of this, testified to this with their
blood and steadfast death.

"Oh, how greatly it is to be lamented that the an-
cients have not left us more definite and clear infor-
mation with regard to this I We feel confident, that
it would still refresh many a well-meaning heart, and
serve to confirm their faith, if they should see that
in those early, and not less turbulent times, many of
their fellow brethren and sisters had such love for
Christ, their beloved 'blood-bridegroom 1 , and for His
heavenly doctrine (which they confess with them), that
they did not hesitate, the one in the fire, another in

THE PILGRIM 15 .

the water, some under the teeth and claws of wild
beasts , others under the sword, the deadly halter , or
otherwise, to bear testimony to it...

"We will here leave this, and proceed from the East,
of which we have hitherto spoken, to the West, where
now we think we can find clearer information concerning
several special points of the faith, namely, of such
persons as did not suffer under the heathen, Mohammedans,
Saracens, or the like, bat under the pope of Rome, or
the Roman church, where it was customary to condemn
people on some particular articles of worship. But
before we proceed to the martyrs who were punished as
criminals and with death, we deem it well, by way of
introduction to, and preparation for, this matter, to
show first, how this, as by steps, took its rise; name-
ly, how first a few persons, whom we shall. name, about
this time, opposed a certain papal Legate, with words
and censures, for introducing certain superstitions;
and what occurred to ther. , on account, from the pope.

"A certain Boniface, Archbishop of Mayence, having
been sent out, as an apostle, ambassador and legate,
by Pope Zacharias I, to convert the heathen to the
Roman see (as it was called), and to inoculate to those
who already belonged to it, the Roman ceremonies and
superstitions, and cause them to observe the same, many
bishops, overseers, or teachers, in Germany, Bavaria,
and France, opposed it with spiritual weapons, namely,
with reproofs from the Word of God, refusing to obey
in this respect, either the pope or his legate.

M Among those who thus refused, there are mentioned
by name, Derthuin, Bertherius, Anobert, and Hunored.
These men were accused to the pope, and charged not
only with said matter, but, from envy, also with being
avaricious, proud and desirous of filthy lucre. There-
upon they were all deposed from their ministry, by
authority of the pope and his legate; but how it ended
with them, is not stated, though it is to be presumed -
that some kind of ecclesiastical exclusion, anathemati-
zation or excommunication followed; however, since this
is passed by in silence, we can conclude nothing cer-
tain concerning it.. J* — L.C.

16 CHIIDREN'S PAGE

MOSES

Far from Egypt's pagan people,
Far from Pharaoh's cruel hand —

Away from all their selfish -masters—
On toward the Promised Landl

Onward, forward, Moses led them,

Moses, humble, Moses strong;
Trusting God, he served Him truly,

Though the way was hard and- long .

Even when his people murmured,
When they scorned a,nd hated him,

Moses turned to God in prayer,
Begging Him to pardon them.

Although Moses lived about 1500 years before Christ,
he was in many ways like Jesus. Jesus left the glory
of Heaven to live among sinful men, and Moses left the
palace of the king of Egypt to be with his own people
who were common slaves. Moses was also like Jesus in
that he was full of faith in God. By God's power Moses
worked more miracles than any other man except Jesus.
In Egypt he caused ten terrible plagues to torment the
people so they would let God's people leave. And later
he did more wonderful miracles out in the wilderness.

Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land of
Canaan because he had disobeyed God once when fie was
angry at the people. ~ But 'someday we hope to see Moses
and Jesus and all of God's holy people in the Promised
Land above. ( Next ggnth: a quiz .) — S.K.B.

FiPPROFlT ORG. -BULK RATE-U . S . POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT #10
THE PILGRIM S0N0RA, CALIF.

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif.
95379

I

THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 JULY, 1978 NO. 7

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

THIS I KNOW

"The Lord knoweth them that are his."
II Timothy 2:19

I do not know what next may come

Across my pilgrim way,
I do not know tomorrow 1 s road

Nor see beyond today.
BUT THIS I KNOW— my Saviour knows

The path I cannot see,
And I can trust His wounded hand

To guide and care for me,

I do not know what may befall

Of sunshine or of rain.
I do not know what may be mine

Of pleasure or of pain.
BUT THIS I KNOW — my Saviour knows,

And whatsoe'er it be,
Still I can trust His love to give

What will be best for me.

I do not know what still awaits

Or what the morrow brings,
But with the glad salute of faith

I hail its opening wings 1
FOR THIS I KNOW— that in my Lord

Shall all my needs be met,
And I can trust the heart of Him

Who has not failed me yet.

Author unknown
Selected by Susan R. Coning

THE FMI— GRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sampfe copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM, 19201 CHEROKEE RD„ TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

TROUBLE OR PEACE

It is truly amazing the amount of trouble the ad-
versary can cause in a group of people professing to
serve the Lord and bear the name of Christian. Some-
times it seems that he concentrates his efforts there.
Few groups are exempt — perhaps none. His purpose is
to destroy the peace in whatever way is at hand. He
is most unscrupulous; no methods are left untried.

It is even more amazing that this adversary can
destroy peace successfully when our Saviour tells us
the simple solution which is love — His love shed abroad
in our hearts and passed from one to another.

In the last two weeks I have heard of three such
groups that were torn by strife causing heartache, dis-
couragement, and loss. One man gave this as the reason
he and his wife stopped attending the services of their
church. Another mentioned this as the reason for
seeking another place of worship. These strifes come
almost entirely among responsible adults because these
are the ones determining policies and courses. But
everyone suffers — expecially young people and children.

Is there no hope that strife will end? In this
world likely there will always be trouble. Jesus said:
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribula-
tion: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33) This is a message of cheer and victory.
If it had been spoken by an ordinary man we could won-
der. But coming from the mouth of the Saviour to Whom
all power is given we can have firm hope that it will
be this way If we commit our way to Him.

We can be thankful for the peace we have and we know
it is only possible in the Lord. Jesus said also:
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. . . "
He had perfect peace in the midst of trials and

THE PILGRIM

mockings, unbelief and disappointment. And we can
have it, too. This is the deep peace in the heart
that "the world can neither give nor take."

There can also be lasting peace among a group of
Christians if we are willing to let the Lord have His
way in each of us. But it does mean giving up our own
will. One person can make his own decisions if he
lives alone. If he lives in a family, he must decide
for the overall good of the family and this means he
won't always have his own way. If he is in a group
of Jesus 1 followers then the decisions must be made
with the interests of the Ghurch first. It is no
place for selfishness.

One of the men telling me of strife said "I know we
are supposed to forgive and forget, but ..." Anoth-
er said, "We just decided we had had enough." If we
want peace, there just must not be such attitudes.
I Peter 5:5 says "Likewise, ye younger, submit your-
selves unto the elder. lea, all of you be subject
one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God
resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
James writes (5:16): "Gonfess your faults one to
another, and pray for one another, that ye may be
healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous
man availeth much."

How good it is to have peace! How much we benefit!
When Christian adults can work together as a body of
believers in harmony and love it is a positive proof
that God is there. The world doesn't have this peace.
But we can have it and may we always prize it and be
willing to labour for it.

There can be no concord between Christ and Belial;
no fellowship of righteousness with unrighteousness
or light with darkness. But between believers there
can and should be harmony and peace, "...As God hath
said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I
will be their God, and they shall be my people." -L.C.
The world can neither give nor take,

Nor can they comprehend,
The peace of God, 'which Christ has bought
The peace which knows no end.

L THK PILGRIM

SO TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAIS
THAT WE MY APPLY OUR HEARTS UNTO WISDOM

What a deep meaning is conveyed to us in so few
words. Webster's dictionary tells us that WISDOM "is
knowledge and a capacity to make right use of it."
Solomon says, "Wisdom is the principal thing. . ."
(Proverbs 4*7) In Job 28:28 we read "Behold, the fear
of the Lord, that is wisdom. . ." Do we not all have
a sincere desire for a greater measure of wisdom?

We are all eternity-bound creatures. We have no
abiding city here, but we seek one to come, host of
us have seen some of our loved ones laid to rest. Each
one reminds us that we too, sooner or later, will go
the same way. Thus far the Lord has seen fit to ex-
tend our health and strength still longer. We know not
the day nor the hour when our turn will come, but of
more significance it is to be ready when our call does
come. Our daily prayers are that His prolonging of
our lives may not be in vain, but that it may be to His
honour and glory.

It should not concern us so much what we get out of
this life as what we put into it. We are given stew-
ardship of our time and earthly possessions, but will
also be held accountable for our stewardship. Someone
has said that a productive life is a life of sacrifice
and discipline. Our ambitions should be to lay up
treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal. (Matthew 6:20)

Our life is indeed an uneven journey and is like a
vapour that appeareth for a little while, then vanish-
eth away. Can we comprehend it? Recently I had occa-
sion to do extensive work in the records of a local
cemetery where many of my friends and relatives were
laid to rest, and it reminded me very impressively
that our stay in this troubled world is but short.
Many of us had good, exemplary Christian parents who
have now gone to their reward, reminding us again and

again how needful that we number our days that we may
apply our hearts unto wisdom.

THE PILGRIM

Our wasting lives grow shorter still

As months and days increase;
And ev f ry beating pulse we tell,

Leaves but the number less.

The year rolls .round, and steals away
The breath that first it gave;-

Whate'er we do, whate'er we be,
Me 1 re travelling to the grave.

— Amos Baker
Maple, Ontario

WHAT IS MATURITY?

PLEASE TELL!

The young man asked the questions earnestly as he
leaned forward in the rocking chair* His wide shoul-
ders slumped in discouragement, and when he spoke there
was a note of impatience in his voice*

"What is maturity anyway?" he asked. Before there
was time for an answer, he asked again, "What is matu-
rity? I wish someone would tell me that."

The young man was eighteen. As the conversation
continued, I gathered that he felt himself as mature
or more mature than other persons much older than he
-was and therefore he should be allowed the same .priv-
ileges and opportunities those people had- "He was con-
fident that, if given a chance, he could, maybe prove
himself a man.

He did have a point. Maturity is not always measur-
able by age, for many adults are childish and immature.
But I think he was also partly wrong. Maturity does
not come to the child. True, at eighteen he was no
longer a child, but neither was he an emotionally ma-
ture adult. The fact that he needed to prove to him-
self and to others that he was a man indicated that he
was less mature than he thought.

The question that he asked is a good question. What
is maturity anyway? We hear a lot of talk about it

THE PILGRIM

nowadays, like "he's certainly mature for his age," or
"I have confidence in John. He's a mature Christian."
Or, "When will Joe ever grow up? He's 26 but he is so
immature . "

A writer once claimed, "The trouble with our church-
es is that we have too many babies between five and six
feet tall."

That was a rather pointed way of saying there are
many immature people — people who mature physically but
never grow up in their emotions or in their spiritual
life.

In simple words, not to be mature is to behave like
a child. Yet this definition is not really fair to
children I Children have many traits that adults should
copy. Remember? "Except ye become as little children,
ye cannot enter the kingdom of God." We must make a
difference between being childlike and being childish .
One wears well with maturity. The other is immaturity.

1 . Maturity is thinking; of others . Maturity is
the opposite of selfishness. It is living the Golden
Rule. A wise man has said "Maturity begins to grow
when you can sense your concern for others outweighing
your concern for yourself. "

Selfish people are immature. Immature people are
often selfish. The mature person feels the joys and
sorrows of his companions. If his friend suffers, he
too suffers. His heart feels compassion.

2. Maturi t y is humility . The really mature person
knows himself and realizes his shortcomings. He knows
that he has nothing to boast of —he is what he is only
by the grace of God. He is big enough to accept ad-
vice, even from those who supposedly know less than he
does. He does not resent coming under authority.

Strangely, some people think the way to show their
manhood and womanhood is to prove their independence —
that they can stand on their own feet and no one need
help them. This unwillingness to accept advice from
others is a sure mark of immaturity.

The braggart and the boaster are not mature, for
the mature person is humble. He is able to say, "I
was wrong." He is also willing to say, "I am sorry."

THE PILGRIM

3. Maturity is stability * The mature person can
be depended upon; he is steady day after day and does
not leave projects half finished. He does not act on
impulse , but takes time to sleep over a serious mattei}
and to pray about it.

School boys will get all excited about making a
leaf house. But several days later the fun has worn
off, and their interests suddenly turn to flying kites.
The leaf house stands neglected, only half done. That
is the process of growing up and it is all right for
school boys. It is a trait that should be cast off
with childhood.

Immature grownups change their minds too frequent-
ly and always have a reason. The immature have an ex-
cuse for everything.

4. Maturity is not blaming others . One of the
common indications of immaturity is to blame others
for our troubles. The church, the ministers, the
parents, the teachers — they are the ones to blame.
They didn't treat me fairly or they didn't bring me
up right. It's not my fault.

Other immature persons try to pick-pick everyone '
else down to their own size. If someone has rebuked
them, they at once see a fault in him (and who doesn't
have faults?), and this makes them feel better.

The mature person knows that blowing out someone
else's light doesn't make his own light shine brighter .

5- Maturity is to not be gullible . The immature
believe everything they hear, whether it's a nasty
rumor, a sewing salesman talking, or someone preaching
false doctrine. They bend to and fro with every wind
that comes along — easily talked into something and just
as easily talked out.

Mature people want time to ponder and pray about
things. They ask the advice of brethren, they read
the Bible, they think—and then they are in a position
to decide. They do not have closed minds, but the en-
trances are guarded.

6. Maturity is to be frank and open . Mature people
try to be honest with themselves and with others.

8 THE PILGRIM

This is not always easy, but it's the simplest in the
long run.

It is immaturity that tries to evade an issue; that
refuses to answer a sincere question, that becomes
angry when "cornered"; that tries to hide the truth.

The mature person is approachable on any subject.
If he prefers not to discuss something because of per-
sonal reasons, or because he fears it may harm some-
one else, he says so and explains why. If he does not
know the answer to a question, he is not too proud to
say, "Really I don't know."

Mature people who know each other well speak frank-
ly to each other about their failures. Likewise ? if
they see a brother at fault, they speak frankly to
him, too, but with kindness and love.

7* Maturity is to face life as it is . Some things
in life cannot be changed. It's a mark of maturity
to accept the things that cannot be altered and to
make the best of circumstances. A girl is not born
a boy, and no amount of pouting will change her into
one, no matter how badly she may want to be a boy.

But there are things in life that can be changed.
A young man inherited a strong temper from his grand-
father. One day when he was almost beside himself
his father called him aside and said gently, "Son,
this is something you can overcome with the help of
God. You will have to work for it. Do you want to
be like your grandfather?" The man is now himself a
grandfather, and he is glad that by the grace of God
he has been able to set a better example for his
grandchildren than his grandfather set for him.

8. Maturity gives no place to self-pity . The ma-
ture Christian knows that self-pity is the venom of
Satan; to be prayed about and striven against with all
might.

When I was a boy I got a good bit of satisfaction
from being hurt, because of the attention that was ac-
corded my bandages. This, of course, wasn't self-pity,
but it was a blood brother to it. During the summer

THE PILGRIM

time there was rarely a week that I didn't walk with
a limp from having stepped on a nail or that I didn't
have a finger wrapped up with adhesive tape.

At fifteen I got more than I bargained for. A
serious accident put me in the hospital for a week and
left scars that will stay with me my lifetime. The
summer following the accident was a period of crisis
in my life, for when people forgot my injury and I no
longer received the attention I craved, I began to
pity myself.

I particularly remember one summer when I hid in
the hayloft, brooding and rebellious. Mom called for
dinner but I didn't answer. Surely the family would
soon come looking for me and worry about my disappear-
ance. Let them worry, it would do no good.

At last Dad came walking toward the barn. I
watched as he strode briskly up the barn hill. He
didn't seem too worried yet. He opened the door and
though he could not see me, he called my name. I
didn't answer but somehow he knew I was there. ,r Gome
on in now," he said, not unkindly, "Dinner is ready,
lou have to quit pitying yourself. That's no good for
you. «

I was amazed. How had Dad known I was swimming in
self-pity? Right there I think I grew up a little,
though it was bitter to eat my self-pity.

Since then I have seen grown men break down and cry
because they thought everyone was against them and
they were being misused. I felt sorry for them, for
I went through the same thing that day in the hayloft.
I felt sorry for them not because they were being
misused but because they were unable to recognize
self-pity for the monster it really is.

9. Maturity is being patient . Children are impa-
tient. Next week seems like next year to them. They
want their pleasure now. As they grow older, they
learn that some things can't be had in a day.

Maturity is the capacity to wait. It's saving
money for a farm or a home instead of spending it for
fine clothes and nicknacks and teen-age playthings —

10 THE PILGRIM

objects that bring only passing pleasure and in the
long run are a questionable use of money.

Maturity is living a day at a time as it should be
lived, yet realizing that God has long-range plans for
His children, some of which require preparation and a
waiting period.

10. The mature person seeks to know himself . He
does not live in a dream world of fancy and perfection.
He realizes he is not perfect. He realizes that in
him still lives the root of Adam's nature, always
ready to sprout into sin. He realizes this fleshly
nature can be overcome and ruled only by the Spirit of
God.

Indeed the mature person does not picture himself
as a glittering saint, untouchable by sin — yet at the
same time he must nourish a healthy respect of himself
as trying to do what is right. This image of himself
is preserved only if he consistently lives his convic-
tions and does what he knows is right.

The mature person does not look down upon the im-
mature, whether they are fifteen or fifty. He knows
his own struggles; he can sympathize with them. He
realizes the immature need help to understand them-
selves and to truly grow up in every way — in their at-
titudes, their behavior, and in all the Christian
graces.'

We have now discussed the ten areas in which mature
people react differently from immature persons. What
is maturity? It's a hard question with no easy answer.
For in real life things aren't always simple. No per-
son is completely mature and immature traits he may
have in one area are often offset by a strong maturity
in other ways. All of us at times do things that ap-
pear immature to others (and later often appear that
way to us). " "

No, none of us has any right to boast. As long as
we are growing we haven't reached full maturity. If
we start priding ourselves as being mature, might
there not be cause to wonder?

Selected by Carol E. Neff (Jan, 1978 Young Companion )

THE PILGRIM 11

COMMUNION NOTICE

The Salida Congregation of the Old Brethren Church
have agreed, the Lord willing , to hold our fall Love-
feast on October 14 & 15 • A hearty invitation and
welcome is extended to all of our members and friends

to attend.
v — Daniel F. Wolf

MARRIAGE

BOONE — CARDIN - Stephen Boone and Neva Cardin were
united in marriage on June 9 ih Modesto, California.

BIRTH

MILLER - A daughter, Amy Elizabeth, born July 6 to
Fred and Erma Miller of Sonora, California.

v

ADDRESS CHANGE

Fred Miller's Star Route, Box 1030 B

23038 Twain Harte Dr.
Sonora, Calif. 95370
(209) 586-5950

SWEET GALILEE

I see the Saviour in a boat
Upon the gentle waves afloat ,
And many people standing near
The message of the Lord to hear.

0, Galilee, where Jesus walked,
And multitudes around Him flocked,
A hallowed country — and it seems
A land of peace, a land of dreams.

0, Galilee, a favored land,
Upon the Mount the Lord shall stand
With all the saints and angels bright
And flood thy plains with dazzling light,

— J . I . Cover

12 THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL

So far, this historical series has been a brief
outline of some of the persecutions and martyrdoms of
the first millennium of the. church of Christ. For
this issue we have selected three short accounts from
the long list in M artyr ' s Mirr or of what Christians
suffered in the 11th and 12th centuries. The first
concerns fourteen martyrs in 1022 A.D. The second is
about a deacon named Berengarius. We use this ac-
count, not because of his steadfastness before his ex-
aminers (he yielded three times and each time was sor-
ry and repented) but because he was apparently an in-
fluential teacher of the faith whose followers were
called by his name and suffered for the cause of
Christ. The third selection concerns the Waldenses
and Albigenses and the wrath of the Roman church a-
gainst them, which we hope to use next issue. — L.C.

FOURTEEN PERSONS BURNED AS HERETICS
AT ORLEANS-, FRANCE, A-Dl 1022

A.D. 1022, near the close of the year, it seems, or,
at the latest, A.D. 1023, there were apprehended and
publicly burned, in France, in the presence of King
Robert, on account of heresy (so-called by the papists),
certain fourteen persons, some of whom were common
people, while the others were of noble descent, and of
whom the chief est was called Stephen. They were ac-
cused of having spoken evil of God, and the holy sac-
raments, that is, of holy baptism (namely, infant bap-
tism, for this was what the papists generally prac-
ticed, and concerning which disputes were of frequent
occurrence), and of the body and blood of the lord
(that is, the sacrament of the altar, which the
Romanists were wont to call the body and blood of the
Lord); also of marriage, etc.

"This appears," says the writer, "to have been the
first execution (that is, by burning), of persons ac-
cused of heresy in the Roman church." Continuing he

THE PILGRIM 1J3

says: "In an old book we find an account, that this
heresy was brought into this country from across the
sea, namely, from Bulgaria, and that thence it was
spread into other provinces, where it subsequently was
much in vogue, principally in Languedoc, around
Toulouse, and in Gascony."

He also states there, that the people who maintained
this doctrine, were called Albigeois, and also Bul-
garians, because they came from Bulgaria.

Touching the accusations which were brought against
the afore-mentioned fourteen persons, they were, as is
related: That they had spoken against the article con-
cerning God; against the holy sacraments, both baptism
and the sacrament of the altar; against marriage, etc.;
on account of which there was inflicted upon them the
very cruel, dreadful, and miserable, death by fire.

BRUNO, BISHOP OF ANGIERS,
AND BERENGARIUS, HIS DEACON,
CONDEMNED IN SEVERAL COUNCILS

In our account of holy baptism for the year 1 060,
we made mention of Bruno, Bishop of Anglers, and
Berengarius, his deacon, and showed, according to the
accounts of different writers, that they in opposition
to the common belief of popery, denied infant baptism
and transubstantiation, with all that pertains to it,
as has been shown in said place.

Of Bruno we find no further account, only that when
he was examined he answered as has been related; and
that his doctrine, together with that of Berengarius,
was condemned by Pope Leo IX, in two different synods,
the one of which was held at Rome, and the other at
Versailles.

But of Berengarius it is stated, that besides the
afore -mentioned two condemnations by Pope Leo the
Ninth, which he suffered together with Bruno, he was
subjected to three examinations and as many condemna-
tions, in three successive synods, once at Tours, and
twice at Rome. But to our sincere regret we cannot
omit mentioning that in the last three examinations,
either from fear of death or for some other reason, he

U THE PILGRIM

did not acquit himself altogether manfully or in a
Ghristianlike manner; inasmuch as in each examination,
if what the ancients have written concerning it is.
correct, he denied his belief before men; though after
each denial, upon regaining his freedom, constrained
in his conscience, he reavowed the same.

His denial from whatever cause it may have pro-
ceeded, was a fault of such magnitude that it could
not be tolerated even in an ordinary Christian, much
less in a martyr, unless it be that the name of a good
Christian or martyr be whthheld from him. However,
when, against this, there is taken into consideration,
the heartfelt sorrow and grief which he manifested
every time, and that he again taught the people as be-
fore, and this, as is stated by many, to the end of
his life; the name of a Christian, yea, even of a mar-
tyr (though in weakness), on account of the manifold
troubles he met with because of his belief, may still
be accorded him.

Berengarius lived to the age of about ninety years,
according to the papist Baronius, who says that he re-
mained separated from the Roman church, as a schis-
matic, to the end of his life . . •

In the meantime, mn had very different views re-
specting the decease of Berengarius; for some, namely
those who were rigid Romanists, and papists, had, it
seems, an evil opinion of him; hence they knew nothing
good to say of him, as appears from the account of
Papirius Massonius, who, in his history of France, for
the year 1088, says: "In this year, on the day of
Epiphany . . . that corrupt arch-heretic, Berengarius,
who so often deceived the (Roman) church by feigning
to repent of his views, departed this life."

But others, who were his good friends, had a better
opiniori of him. Among these, the above-mentioned
Hildebert was not the least; he, as some have observed,
composed a very beautiful epitaph upon his death, the
last words of which were as follows: "He (Berengarius)
was truly a wise man, and, in every respect, perfectly
blessed; who enriched heaven with his soul, and the
earth with his body. God grant, that after W death I

THE PILGRIM Ijji

may live and rest with him, and that my lot or Inher-
itance may be no better than his."

We will close here, and commit his cause to God*
Meanwhile, the church of God, or, at least, the little
flock of believers, sustained a great loss in his
death. Hence, we may say, as was lamentingly said by
one of old: M The day when Berengarius died was an
evil day. rr

It Is stated that after the death of Berengarius,
his doctrine (spoken of above) in reference to baptism
and the Supper, against the belief of the Roman church,
gained much favor among his followers, who were called
Berengarians ; so that England, France, Italy, Spain,
Germany, and even part of the Netherlands, became
filled with it. A certain writer says; "They did not
adhere to Berengarius as to a reed which is swayed by
the wind | and their faith did not rest on men, however *
pious or godly these might have been, but upon the
pure Word of God, which abides forever."

Hence, Pope Urban II, A*B. 1095, by constraint as
it were, convened a great council against them, in the
city of Piacenza, in Italy; to which there came many
bishops from Italy, Burgundy, France, Germany, Bavaria,
and other countries, so that there was no church large
enough to hold all the people, but they had to meet
without the city, in an open field.

Bertoleus Gonstantiensis says, that in this council
a canon or rule was established, by which the views of
Berengarius, which were called a heresy, were again,
as had repeatedly been done previously, anathematized
or cursed, but the views of the Roman church, confirmed
as a precious matter.

Hence It came, that a great persecution and dire
distress arose, particularly about A.D. 1100, over
said Berengarians, so that, at first, some were exiled
here and there, from the Roman dominion, some expelled,
and some were punished with death, yea, with death by

fire.

Both accounts taken from Martyrs Mirror ,

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

A QUIZ ABOUT ADAM , NOAH , ABRAHAM , JOSEPH AND MOSES

Write the answers to these questions on another piece
of paper, or take turns answering them with your
brothers and sisters:

WHICH MAN, . .

...was thrown into a pit when he was 17 years old?

• . .was asked if he could count all the stars?

...named all the creatures that the Lord made?

...led God f s people out of the land of Egypt?

...built a very huge "building" at God's commandment?

...caused sin and misery to come upon all men?

. . .was not allowed to enter the promised land?

...stored corn in Egypt?

. . .was thrown into prison when he refused to do wrong?

...had great flocks of cattle and sheep, and a great

faith in God?

SUPPLY THE MISSING WORDS:

Adam and lived in the garden of *

Noah built a huge . He took many thousands of

and into it even though his ungodly

neighbors at him. Noah was saved from drown-
ing because he G od.

Abraham believed everything that told him, and

taught his son and grandson \ about God.

Joseph was sold a into the land of .

Moses caused ten to fall upon the ,

(See Jan., 1978 to May, 1978 issues for answers.) — SKB

NON-PROHT ORG. -BULK RATE-U . S . POSTAGE PAID- PERMIT #10

THE PILGRIM S0N0RA, CALIF.

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif.
Q«79

THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 AUGUST, 1978 NO. 8

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

I AM NOT SKILLED TO UNDERSTAND

"The Father sent the Son to be the Sayiour
of the world. " (I John 4:14) .

I am not skilled to understand

What God hath willed, what God hath planned;

I only know at His right hand •

Stands One who is my Saviour.

I take Him at His word indeed:
"Christ died for sinners," this I read;
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Saviour.

And was there then no other way
For God to take? I cannot say;
I only bless Him, day by day,
Who saved me through my Saviour.

Yes, living, dying, let me bring

My strength, my solace from this spring,

That He who lives to be my King

Once died to be my Saviour...

—Dora Greenwell (1821-1882)

THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM. 19201 CHEROKEE RD., TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD
MD THE FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN WILL

These words express an idea that is of human origin
and not from the Bible.

One commentator says, "How to reconcile the Sover-
eignty of God and the freedom of the human will, we
do not know. "

This statement appears to pre-suppose two independ-
ent powers of equal strength in opposition to each
other. But no place in the Bible is there a compar-
ison made of the Sovereignty of God and the freedom of
the human will. The fact is that God in His Sovereign
Wisdom and Eternal purpose has granted to the creature
Man absolute freedom to choose whom he will serve in
this life, and the Bible clearly shows that only in
this one area does man have this absolute freedom. It
is a most gracious exercise of the Sovereign Will of
God for a purpose so wonderful and great and for so
high a purpose that it seems beyond our comprehension.
It may be that down deep in our finite minds we may
actually wonder if it is true; and possibly we may
shrink from accepting its absolute responsibility, for
we should realise that in this greatest of all priv-
ileges which God has granted unto us for the greatest
of all blessings, there is included in it absolute
responsibility for the consequences of the choice made.

This "freedom of the human will" is limited to
man's freedom of choice as to whom he will serve in
this life. Nothing in the Bible indicates that man
has unlimited freedom to do as he pleases in all areas
of this life. God has never surrendered any of His
Sovereignty to anyone at any time. Adam and Eve had
absolute freedom in the Garden of Eden to choose whom
they would believe and obey, but the devil beguiled
them and they made a wrong choice, and in so doing

THE PILGRIM

they forfeited any further freedom of choice and were
driven out of their Paradise (no doubt against their
will) and could no longer do as they pleased. Appar-
ently before they sinned they had the freedom to eat
of the Tree of Life and live forever.

The same was true of Cain: God gave him the free-
dom to choose whether he would obey or oppose Him, and
He mercifully warned him of the consequences if he
chose to rebel against God. Cain chose to rebel a-
gainst God's counsel and killed his brother. After
that he was in bondage to the devil and was driven out
from God (against his will). His was a pitiful lament
to the Sovereign God Whom he had offended.

Romans 1 ;18-24 clearly demonstrates how men are re-
sponsible for the choices they make, and it is clearly
indicated that all men have this freedom of choice.
But if they choose not to serve the Living God they
lose that freedom and become servants of the devil;
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold
the truth in unrighteousness; BECAUSE that which may
be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath
showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him
from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made, EVEN HIS ETER-
NAL POWER MD GODHEAD; so that they are without ex-
cuse; Because that when they knew God, they glorified
him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain
in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was
darkened . . . Wherefore God also gave them up to un-
cleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to
dishonour their own bodies between themselves . . ."

Jesus told those Jews in John 8:31-34, "If y e con-
tinue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And
ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free." They answered, "We be Abraham's seed, and were
never in bondage to any man." Jesus answered them,
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth
sin is the servant of sin." "Know ye not, that to
whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his ser-
vants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto

L THE PILGRIM

death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans
6:1 6) "There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit
of life in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE from the law
of sin and death," (Romans 8:1,2)

The Sovereignty of God includes the love of God,
and the wisdom of God, and the power of God. All the
means. of Grace are included in the Sovereignty of God.
And in this Sovereign Will and Love and Wisdom and
Power and Grace God has graciously granted to man the
greatest of all privileges to freely choose to love ■
and serve Him willingly, and become like God to fellow-
ship with Him eternally. But also this freedom .of
choice includes the liberty to refuse to serve Him,
but if that course should be chosen then man loses his
freedom and becomes a servant of sin and the devil.

"And I heard as it were the voice of a great multi-
tude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the
voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the
Lord God omnipotent reigneth. " (Revelation 19:6)

—Daniel F. Wolf
Modesto, California

PLANTED TO PRODUCE

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test)
the spirits whether they are of God: because many
false prophets are gone out into the world." (I John
4j1 ) A spirit is invisible, silent and powerful. It
is also referred to as a "Ghost". There are two major
spirits — evil and good, or Satan and God. In this
world today Satan seems to be the most powerful. The
majority of people are motivated by him. We could
describe' him as that "hideous strength". But there is
One Who in reality is far more powerful than Satan. -
The Holy Spirit is the power of God and nothing has,
can, or will overcome Him. But we must enter the
kingdom of- God in order to be guided by Him. We must

THE PILGRIM

be guided by Him in order to witness His glorious
power!

Many false teachers are among us today. We are
warned not to believe every teacher but to test the-
teaching, whether it is of God. What the teacher
teaches will determine what spirit it is. Then the
fruit of the spirit will tell on the teacher and what
he has planted.

Those who have entered the Church of Jesus are as
plants. A plant will bear fruit if it is properly
cared for. But only by Its fruits will we know if It
has been cared for in the proper manner. Jesus said,
"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart
bringeth forth good things : and an evil man out of the
evil treasure of the heart bringeth forth evil things."
(Matthew 12:35) "For he that soweth to his flesh
shall of the flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth
to the Spirit shall of the Sp irit reap life everlast-
ing." (Galatians 6:8) There is a very true saying
that goes like this, "What you are speaks so loud I
cannot hear what you say." Satan is of this world,
of the flesh , but God Is of the Spirit and our spirit
is our TRUE BEING* a mind of the flesh will be con-
cerned with things of the flesh, but a mind of the
Spirit will be concerned with spiritual things. The
only way to be a Christian is to have a Spiritual mind.

When a plant grows it starts in the ground. The
eye cannot see it growing, but it is. A Christian
grows the same way. The seed starts growing within
us, and then it will reach a certain point where it
starts showing, and this visible plant is the fruit
of the Spirit. Then this fruit should grow; it should
multiply many times, growing on the good root system
of the Holy Word.

In Galatians 5 we find what fruits we should pro-
duce: LOVE, the first and most important fruit; JOY,
joyful that we are free of our past sins, that we have
eternal life; PEACE, with God; LONGSUFFERING, we suf-
fer with those who suffer as long as they suffer;
GENTLENESS; GOODNESS; FAITH, complete trust in Him;
MEEKNESS, a mild person; TEMPERANCE, or self-restraint;

THE PILGRIM

we must be able to control ourselves, our temper, what
we buy, have, do, say, see, or hear. This all stems
on LOVE. "By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another.' 1 (John 13:
35) This is where many of us fail, and we would do
well to ask ourselves, "Do I have the love of Christ?"

"But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will,
and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed
up, but the power (ability)." (I Corinthians 4:19)
And note these next words, "For the kingdom of God is
NOT in WORD, but in POWER." (4:20) We must have the
power (ability) to produce for Him and the only way
we will be able is by relying on the Spirit.

Jesus said, "For I say unto you, That except your
righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the
scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in NO case enter into
the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20) These scribes
and Pharisees had outward righteousness, but they
lacked inner righteousness. Their fruit" looked good
on the outside, but on the inside it was \^orth nothing
— rotten. "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye
BEAR MUCH FRUIT; SO SHAIL YE BE MY ; DISCIPLES. " (John
15:8)

Let us be more concerned with the inner soul and
not the corruptible, outi^ard appearance. Let us be
sure our roots are in the soil of God and that none
of them grow out into poor soil. VJe are planted in.
God to produce fruit for Him which comes from the very
depths of the heart. We are being put to the test,
especially in these last days with cults and false
teachers and doctrines all around us, pressing in on
us, using the word deceitfully. The words of the
apostle Paul should humble ourselves and make us
search ourselves for deceitf ulness, "But as we were
allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel,
even so we sp$ak; not as pleasing mexx n but God, which
trieth our hearts." (I Thessalonians 2:4) The Lord
Jesus Christ be with you all.

.-!- -R. 1. Cable

Bringhurst, Indiana

THE PILGRIM

GOVERNMENTS

In this time of extremes and errors there is a
right way— a middle road to walk regarding the govern-
ment of our land of freedom. At many times in the
past and in some countries today the government has
been hostile to the true believers in Jesus Christ.
In such times it is not hard to find a position in
regards to the state. The attitude was of necessity
one of "fear and trembling" — of prayer and trust in
God for deliverance and peace or strength to stand the
trials. There was never a thought for the church to
identify with such a power.

Today we are surrounded by various attitudes of
Christian people to the state. On the one hand is the
idea that ours is a Christian nation — that Christian-
ity and democracy are synonymous. The other extreme
is the attitude of continual complaining about taxes,
injustices and the shady, subversive habits of those
in positions of authority.

There is strong teaching in our country that democ-
racy is a form of Christianity, and that our love for
God and loyalty to God's people should be shared with
our country in the form of all-out participation and
support. We do have many national blessings and priv-
ileges to be thankful for. We have freedoms that have
seldom been known in man's history. Men who believed
intensely in human rights have worked and fought for
these freedoms. But God is still the Provider, and
without His sovereign will and intervention, the ef-
forts of imn would have been useless. He it is that
sets up and dethrones kings and rulers, as King
Nebuchadnezzar found out "the hard way n . In no man-
ner should our loyalty to our government supercede or
replace any of that given to God. He wants us to be
obedient to the powers that He has ordained but never
at the expense of obedience to Him.

And then there is that attitude of distrust and
dissatisfaction about our government. It is true that
the government is inefficient and wasteful. It is

8 ■■••■■- THE PILGRIM

true that many times justice is not served on the
criminal. These are products of the affluent times
in which we live* The government is wasteful because
there is a tremendous resource to be wasted, and the
tendency in unconverted, affluent men is to be waste-
ful and inefficient — especially with money and time
belonging to someone else or the vague "public". Our
permissive society has brought on leniency in regards
to crime as well. Perhaps we should speak out at
times, but we cannot complain too much unless we are
prepared to do something to change these conditions.
The Christian knows that unless the human heart is
converted and given to the control of the Holy Spirit
there will be no lasting improvement. The Christians
campaign is not for national or even personal reform
but for complete regeneration of the man in yielding
to God and His laws.

If we belong to the kingdom of God, we have a hope,
a work, a high calling, a freedom, and a great obliga-
tion and duty. These all supercede any such that we
might have from the state. But God has given us di-
rections concerning our governments We are to pray
for those in authority as in I Timothy 2:2* We are to
be "subject to the higher powers" as in Romans 1 3 si
and to "Submit (ourselves) to every ordinance of man
for the Lord's sake" as in I Peter 2:13. We are to
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom
tribute is due; custom to x^hom custom; fear to whom
fear; honour to whom honour." (Romans 13:17) Also we
are to keep separate our service to God and our ser-
vice to the state. Jesus said to "Render to Caesar
the things that are Caesar 1 s, , and to God the things
that are God f s." (Mark 12:17) And wr are to be thank-
ful.

Democracy . is no more a friend to grace than is a
monarchy or <$ven a communistic government for that
matter. Under all governments of man the church has
either flourished or faded according to the measure
of. devotion the people were willing to give to the
government of God. Sometimes we may think the state
is the only government over us. We recognize the

THE PILGRIM

right of the state to regulate our public lives by way
of civil laws, but we may reserve the right to do as
we please in our personal lives, "A man's home is his
castle." We think, perhaps, that no one; governs us
there — that no one has the right to tell us what to do.
God has that right. There is no place where we are not
under His government. The more we realize the extent
and importance and magnitude of God's rule, the better
we can relate to the earthly governments. The closer
we walk with God in Christ Jesus, the more able we are
to find that Mddle of the road walk — that path of
thankfulness and obedience to laws — regarding our na-
tion. When we yield our lives to God's laws, trusting
His grace, we will be neither radical nor unthankful
regarding the state. We will be only grateful to our
Heavenly Father for the time in which we live— for the
privilege of life itself — life in this world and eter-
nal life in the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord.*— L.C.

REFLECTING

Does it make you tender when
You are mourning o'er your sin?
Let your tears flow unrestrained;
Precious fruits are thus obtained.

Does it seem your heart will melt,

When His wondrous love is felt?

"Let your heart ne'er hardened be,"

Hear the Master say to thee I

Do the tears flow down your cheeks,
When you hear His servants speak?
Oh cease not to softened be;
Lest it thwart your destiny.

Does it warm you through and through,
Feeling brethren's arms 'round you?
Think how dear will be the time —
Resting on His breast sublime.

-Cindy Neff
Goshen, Indiana

10- THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL

ORIGIN OF THE INQUISITION

AGAINST THE WALDENSES AND ALBIGENSES,

BY POPE INNOCENT III, A J). 1198

Pope Innocent III was the first who instituted the
office of the inquisition, with ordained inquisitors;
to which end he also wrote a letter, in the first year
of his popedom, on the first day of April, to the
archbishop of Auxitana; in which he greatly complains
of the enemies of St. Peter's Shiplet, as he calls it,
and then speaks as follows;

"We desire that you and your fellow bishops, by
your prudence, shall guard the more vigorously against
this malady (meaning the doctrine of the Waldenses and
Albigenses), and oppose it the more strenuously, as
you see the more reason to fear that the sound part of
the body may become infected by the disease; lest by
such contagions, which spread gradually like a cancer,
the minds of the faithful become infected by a general
corruption.

"Therefore we send you brotherly love, and charge
you most earnestly by this apostolic letter, that you
do your utmost, to exterminate (all) heresy, and to
banish from your province all those that are contam-
inated therewith, or have any fellowship with them, or
who are openly suspected of having familiar inter-
course with them, you do not only exercise all the
rigor of church discipline, without intervention of
appeal, but also, if necessary, subdue or punish them
by the power of the material sword, by princes or by
the people. "

On these words the papistic commentator remarks, In
the margin: "Up to this time, no inquisitors had yet
been sent or appointed by the pope."

In the same month, namely on the 21st of April,
1198, twenty days after the writing of the first let-
ter, Pope Innocent III wrote another letter, not only
to the above-mentioned Bishop of Auxitana, but also to

THE PILGRIM 11

the archbishops of Aix, Narbonne, Vienhe, Aries,
Ebredun, Tarragon, Lyons, etc- , and at the same time
appointed one Reinerius and one Guido as his commis-
saries or inquisitors, to apprehend those who sought
to escape the dominion of the Roman church. The con-
tents of the letter were directed against the
Waldenses, and commanded that they should be -caught,
as little foxes that spoil the vineyards. Finally he
commands them to be driven out of the country.

In the following month, namely on the 13th of May,
Innocent wrote still another letter for" the same pur-
pose; in which he again commanded that the little
foxes should be caught, and promises to send the in-
quisitors, add i ng :

,! We pray, admonish, and entreat you all together,
in the name of the Lord, and charge you, unto remis-
sion of sins, that you receive them (the inquisitors,
Reinerius and Guido), kindly, aid them manfully and
vigorously, and lend them a helping hand by good
counsel and with the deed.

"But, as. brother Reinerius, for urgent and impor-
tant matter of the church, has first, by order of the
apostolical see, gone to Spain, we will and command
nevertheless, that you archbishops and bishops, draw
the spiritual sword, when requested so to do by said
brother Guido, against the heretics whom he shall name
to you; but let the lay power confiscate their goods,
and banish them from the country, and thus separate
the chaff from the wheat.

"Furthermore, to all who in this great difficulty
which now threatens the church, shall faithfully and
devotedly assist her in maintaining the Christian
faith, we grant the same indulgence, pardon, or re-
mission of sins, which we have granted to all those
who go on a pilgrimage to St. Peter's or St. Jacob's
church. Given at Rome, on the above day, A.D. 1 1 98 . "

About two years after Pope Innocent III had issued
those three bloody letters, for the persecution and
suppression of the true, defenseless Christians, who
were commonly called Waldenses, but by their enemies
or persecutors, publicans and sinners, it came to

12 T HE PILGRIM

pass, in the last year of the twelfth century, namely
A.D. 1200, that in the city of Troyes, in Champagne,
there were apprehended, by order of the pope and the
reigning authorities, eight persons, five men and
three women, who made the same confession as was stated
above with regard to the Waldenses, contradicting the
authority of the pope, infant baptism, the swearing of
oaths, the office of criminal authority, and whom the
papistic author of the large Chronicle of the Nether-
lands calls Po pelitatnos .

However, these persons were not accused by the
papists of any evil works, but simply on account of
their faith; in which faith they desired to remain
steadfast unto death, without, in any wise departing
from it. Hence they were all sentenced to the fire,
in said year, and offered up their bodies unto God as
a burnt sacrifice, having commended their souls into
His hands.

SIXTY PERSONS CAILED ALBIGENSES,
BURNT FOR THE FAITH, AT CASSER

In the year 1211 , or a little before, when the
count of kontfort, by order of the pope, was exercis-
ing great tyranny for the purpose of exterminating the
Albigenses, he learned, through an informer, or in
some other way, that in a place called Casser, there
resided many of these people, under the protection of
the lord of said place. He therefore went to lay
siege to it; but those within (namely, the garrison),
seeing that they would not be able to hold out long,
notwithstanding the place was tolerably strong other-
wise, capitulated, with this agreement, that they
would deliver into the hands of the enemy, those
called heretics (or Albigenses); these tv bishops
sought to persuade to renounce their fa:-, oh, but they
could not prevail upon them in the least; in conse-
quence of which sixty persons were burnt for the sake
of that religion.

THE PILGRIM 11

ABOUT ONE HUNDRED PERSONS
GALLED ALBIGENSES, OR HERETICS,
BURNT FOR THE FAITH IN A TOWER AT GASSAS

About the close of the year 1211, it is recorded,
the legate of the pope, having gone forth utterly to
extirpate all those that professed the confession of
the above-mentioned Albigenses, was apprised, that
over eighty, but according to others, about a hundred
of that sect or heresy, as it was called, were con-
cealed on^ or in, a tower at' Gassas. They had been
sent thither by those of Rogueville (who, it seems,
were not willing that any of these defenseless people
should remain among them), that they might save their
lives, until this bloodthirsty man should have passed
by. Having learned this, the legate very easily sur-
prised, captured and demolished this tower, and caused
all those that were in it — like sheep for the slaugh-
ter in the fold, who would not abandon their faith,
to be burned alive as heretics. * -

FIFTY PERSONS GALI£D ALBIGENSES,
BURNT FOR THE FAITH,' AT CHASTELNAU D'ARI,
AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 1211

This fire of the papal legate continued, like a
thunderbolt, to burn and scorch among the defenseless
flock of Christ, called Albigenses, or heretics, who
had concealed themselves here and there, wherever
they thought they might be secure.

In the meantime, there were fifty of these people
at Chaste lnau d'Ari, shut up and closely besieged,
together with all that were in that place, by the
count of Montfort, the commander-in-chief of the papal
legate. Finally, the place having been taken, all
these persons, as they would not depart from their
faith, were burnt alive, and thus, having commended
their souls unto God, they gave their bodies for a
burnt sacrifice.

Chassanion writes, that when the Count of Montfort

had taken the city of Chastelnau d'Ari, fifty persons

1£ THE PILGRIM

were found in it, who would rather be burnt alive than
returned to the papistic religion.

From Martyr 1 3 Mirror , pages 299 > 300 and 308

These accounts are just samples of dozens recorded
i* 3 Martyrs Mirror of the persecutions of the Waldenses
and Albigenses as followers of Christ. Thousands met
violent death. Decrees were made against them. One
decree ordering the destruction of the homes and con-
fiscation of their property reads: "We ordain, that
the house in which a heretic is discovered, shall be
razed to the grounds and the land or farm upon which
a heretic is found, shall be confiscated." "Also the
houses in which any heretic shall be found, living or
dead, accused or condemned, being there with the know-
ledge or consent of the proprietors of said houses,
provided said proprietors have attained their legal
age, you shall cause to be demolished, and shall con-
fiscate all. the goods of those who live in them, unless
they can legally prove or show their innocence or
ignorance."

May the record of the persecuted Christians of past
ages inspire us to holier lives as we realize that our
Lord is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever,"
and that we will all someday stand before Him. — L.C.

COMMUNION NOTICE

The Salida Congregation of the Old Brethren Church
have agreed, the Lord willing, to hold our Fall Love-
feast on October 14 & 15. A hearty invitation and
welcome is extended to all of our members and friends
to attend. —Daniel F. Wolf

BIRTH

BAKER - A son, Jonathan Paul, born August 2 to Paul
and Mary Baker of Maple, Ontario.

ADDRESS CHANGE

Elmer Brovont's Rt. k, Box 195-A

Delphi, Indiana, 46923

THE PILGRIM 15

<*

CLING TO THE PROMISES

"..♦There hath not failed one word of all
his good promise..." (I Kings 8:56)

"Oh! Lord , the hainmer blows are fierce,
And flesh and heart cry out in paini
The burden crushes , crushes down —
My Lord I I cannot rise again 1
But Lord, Thy promises are true;
I hold, I cling when eyes can ! t see
Any light but Thee!"

"Dear child, I know that you are weak.

You see, I made you out of dust.

But if you 1 11 lean on me and rest

I never will betray your trust.

Just know My promises are true;

Just hold and cling when eyes can't see

Any light but Mel"

"But why, Lord, do the hammers pound

Blow after blow, without a rest?

You surely know I cannot stand —

I simply can't survive this test!

But Lord, I'll hold, I'll cling because

There never was nor can there be

Any light but Thee!"

"Dear child, My plan for you is this
That you will someday be like Me.
Each lesson comes to make you grow;
There is no other way you see.
But if you'll trust Me even here
Someday with Heavenly eyes you'll see
And be like Me!"

— Vera Miller

Tuolumne, California

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

DAVID

What do you think about when you think of David?
Do you think about a shepherd boy out en the hillside
taking care of his father's sheep? Do you think of
the time he killed a bear and a lion which were trying
to steal one of the little lambs?

Or do you think about a young man carrying a staff
and a sling and five smooth stones, running bravely
across an open field to meet the wicked giant Goliath,
while two large armies stood watching?

Perhaps you think of a person who loved poetry and
music — a man who wrote more than a hundred beautiful
psalms telling us how the Lord God made all the wonder-
ful things of nature, how He loves us and cares for us,
and gives blessings to us in abundance every day.

Or do you think of David after he was anointed by
the prophet Samuel to be the new king of God r s people
Israel, and of how the rejected king Saul tried to
kill David again and again?

David was truly a wonderful man, and a good example
for us In many ways. Bat the best words that can be
said about David is what God said about him: "I have
found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own
heart, which shall fulfill all my will." In other
words, the Lord respected David because David did what
God wanted him to do! And that's why God helped David
to do all those other wonderful things.

David made several mistakes in life, but he was very
sorry after each one. He prayed, "Wash me thoroughly
from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." And
God can use a person who feels like that. — S.K.B.

NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U .S. POST AGE PAID-PERMIT #l5

THE PILGRIM . SONORA, CALIF.

19201 Cherokee fid.
Tuolumne, Calif.
95379

THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 SEPTEMBER, 1978 NO. 9

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.* 1 Peter 2: 1 1

HERE AT THY TABLE, LORD

Here at Thy table, Lord,

This sacred hour,
let us feel Thee near,

In loving power; .
Calling our thoughts away

From self and sin,
As to Thy banquet hall

We enter in*

So shall our life of faith

Be full, be sweet;
And we shall find our strength

For each day meet;
Fed by Thy living bread,

All hunger past,
We shall be satisfied,

And saved at last-. .

Come then, holy Christ,

Feed us, we pray;
Touch with Thy pierced hand

Each common day;
Making this earthly life

Full of Thy grace,
Till in the home of Heaven

We find our place.

By May P. Hoyt

THE

PILGRIM

is a relig

ious magazine

published

n the interests o

f the

me

mbers of the Old B

ethren Church.

Subscript

on rate; $2.00 per year

Sample copies

sent

free

on

request.

Publishing

Editor: Leslie C

over; Consulting Editor:

Daniel F.

Wolf.

ADDRESS

the:

PILGRIM,

19201

CHEROKEE

RD., TUOLUMNE, CA.

95379

JESUS RECEIVES
AND BLESSES LITTLE CHILDREN

"And He took them up in his arms, put his hands on
them, and blessed them."

This he art- touching account told in three Gospels
was meant to teach adult minds, Jesus, in His busy
ministry, took time to hold children, put His hands
upon thern, and bless them. Matthew mentions the "lit-
tle children"; iviark, "young children" and Luke, "in-
fants". Babes in arms, creepers and toddlers, Jesus
loved them all.

The scene has been a favorite one in song and story;
mothers eagerly bringing their small treasures to
Jesus, if only for His touch. The simple heart faith
of the mothers with the sweet innocence of babes is
ever a living object lesson of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Officious disciples who ordered them away were iii-
stantly and openly rebuked. The mothers were reassured
and welcomed. The children, still in their innocence,
could well claim first right to Jesus, the sinless One.
He welcomed them in His arms, and putting His hands
upon them, let the radiating virtue of His Being flood
their happy bodies and souls; blessing them with lov-
ing words to be later told and retold countless times
through the succeeding centuries. "Suffer little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of
such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you,
Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a
little child shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke
18:16,17)

Children in pious Christian homes accept the par-
ents' faith in Jesus without question. They soon join
in the prayer and praise life of the home. Many aged
Christians have said, "I never knew the time when I
first believed in Jesus*" But later when tossed and

THE PILGRIM

driven by the Adam nature within and the souJJs enemy
without, a personal decision for Christ and life com-
mitment to Him becomes necessary. Then the blood of
Jesus is seen "as the atonement for sin: the heart and
mind receives the word of truth and yields in true
obedience to His call.

Our feeble efforts to explain fall far short of
this masterful Kingdom of Heaven teaching. Its power
is vested in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He
says in Matthew 28:18, "All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth." He Is the King of the Kingdom
of Heaven.

We turn to search the account for a word from the
mothers or a response from the children. It is not
there. But we see human weakness reaching out for
Divine strength. We see innocence reaching out for
an everlasting portion.

Farther on, we rejoice with the children who cried
"Hosanna to the Son of David" In the temple. Again
there was the adult protest and again the rebuke of
Jesus, "Yea, have ye never read, Out of the mouths of
babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"

Quite evidently these same children lay heavy on
the heart of Jesus. On crucifixion day, while carry-
ing His cross, He turned to the women who bewailed and
lamented Him, and said, "... weep not for me, but
weep for yourselves, and for your children," and spoke
of judgment woes ahead. It is quite possible also
that those same praising children ended their lives
on Roman crosses, were fed to hungered wild beasts in
ungodly arenas, or died under torture in vile prisons;
"not accepting deliverance", in their love for Jesus.
He died for them. They died for Him..

Again we read in hatthev 18:1-6, where "Jesus
called a child unto him and set him in the midst of
them." The child came without question and obedient-
ly sat where he was placed. He pointed to the humil-
ity of the child and also of its faith: "One of these
little ones who believe in me." Then came a warning
with a most enlightening statement (verse 10): "Take
heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for

it THE PILGRIM

I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always
behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 1 '
The Christian family is foreseen here, for how can
little ones believe in Jesus unless taught to do so?

Like Jesus, the Apostle John had a deep love for
the little Christian children- I John 2:12, "I write
unto you, little children, because your sins are for-
given you for his name's sake." Truly this is a verse
to bring hope to bereaved parents.

Again, let us notice the mothers bringing their
little ones to Jesus* What an example for Christian
parents! Thank God for believing parents who brought
their "little band" to the Saviour in early morning
to sing His praises, read His Word and to pray to God
in Jesus 1 name; and further taught them to come to
Him, kneeling at their bedside at night with simple
prayers before going to sleep.

The Christian assembly is composed for the most
part of Christian homes. Father and mother, you must
work in close harmony to start your infant in the
faith of Jesus. You must not, you dare not fail, or
stumble, your little ones. (Matthew 18:6)

Again, thank God for believing parents who carried
us to God in prayer as long as they lived.

As God blesses the home and the assembly, may we
carry the blessing out to those still wandering in
the darkness of unbelief and sin. We are surrounded
with lost souls for whom Christ died. Christ and the
New Testament writers used the word "whosoever" many
times. The last one is in Revelation 22:17.

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Gome. And let
him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is a-
thirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the
water of life freely."

Have we heard? Are we saying "Come"?

One of His little ones,
James D. Cover
Modesto, California

THE PILGRIM

TESTIMONIES AND TESTS

I'm not a scholar or even a particularly bright in-
dividual, but I know what a testimony is and I know
what a test is. And I think I can honestly say that
in our Christian walk, a testimony is almost bound to
be followed by a test.

When we are led of the Spirit to give a positive
and public testimony for our Lord and His working in
our lives we can fully expect to be put to the test
sooner or later, usually sooner, to see if we are able
to stand firm and back up our words with our actions .
This happens so consistently it just can't be an acci-
dent or a coincidence. Is it because our Lord wants
to prove us or is it because Satan is listening and
wants to hurt us and ruin our testimony? Or is it
both? Does God allow Satan to try us to prove us. as
he did Job? Is it because He knows it's the only way
we can grow? We know God is stronger than Satan and
every event in our lives has to pass His permissive
will, and surely Satan knows this too. It seems
strange to me that he would keep trying, but the fact
is that he does. Perhaps he likes to make us suffer
for our faith. There is a lot we don't understand,
and we don't need to understand it all. 'What we do
need to understand is that we have to be constantly on
our guard, because the enemy will never give up this
side of Heaven. If we're not careful we may become so
weary of the constant battle we are tempted to pull
back and not speak up for our Lord and His power in
our lives. But if we do refuse to give a lively testi-
mony because of fear of the consequences we miss a
wonderful blessing, because this is the way we grow.
We can grasp God's promises and claim them for our
own, then act on them as truth In our lives, not al-
ways because it's easy to trust in the face of adver-
sity, but because the Lord, in His word, says it is
time I

I read recently that faith is an act of the will,
and I have found this to be true. We will to believe

6 THE PILGRIM

that what God says is true > in spite of feelings or
circumstances. The Spirit within us gives us the
"guarantee" of confidence , and experience in a trust-
ing walk with God strengthens it.

The Christian life is indeed a paradox. The more
we speak up for the Lord the more Satan attacks us and
sometimes we really suffer for it. But the growth and
the blessings are so great and rewarding if we stand
fast and continue to give glory and praise that we
couldn't stop if we wanted to. We may hurt terribly
and at the same time have such a joy and gratitude in
our hearts it's past our ability to understand how
such a thing could be. Naturally speaking, it T s im-
possible, but spiritually speaking it's an experienced
fact. The fiible calls it the "peace that passes under-
standing." We hurt, but at the same time we are lit -
erally compelled by some unseen force (the Holy
Spirit?) to go forward. Deep in our heart we know
beyond the shadow of a doubt that the only way to go
is forward ! After tasting the unspeakable joy of a
life that's hid with Christ in God it's unthinkable we
could even consider settling for less—or even settling
for a listless, mediocre discipleship, if such a thing
is possible. If we're listless in our Christian walk
are we even disciples? See Luke 14:26, 27.

Even as I write this I seem to hear a voice saying,
"Expect a test, Satan is listening!" And another
voice answers, "If we suffer with Him, we shall also

reign with Him! "
Praise the Lord I

— Vera Miller

Tuolumne, California

BIRTH
GARBER - A son, Michael Lynn born September 13 to
Kenneth and Marqueta Garber of Hughson, California.

ADDRESS CHANGE

Hollis Flora 8728 State Rt. 121, North
Greenville, Ohio 45331

THE PILGRIM

WISDOM

The other night, after I spoke at a meeting, a col-
lege professor told me of the ignorance of college
students today with respect to history and religion.
This ignorance is common to all, Protestant, Catholic,
and atheist. For example, in a test on historical
knowledge, a Catholic student identified Mohammed as
the first pope; a Protestant declared that Peter was
the god of the Jews. The students were not concerned
about their ignorance; good and evil were really un-
important to them; their one principle was this:
"Don't do anything that will hurt people" They felt
little need to learn more than this.

Their faith, whatever they called themselves, was
obviously humanism. Man must never be hurt or of-
fended; God was not in their thinking. They obviously
lacked wisdom and understanding.

The heart of wisdom, according to Scripture, is in-
struction (Proverbs 1 :2-3). The companion word to in-
struction in the Bible is reproof, correction, or dis-
cipline (Proverbs 1:23). Moreover, "The fear of the
LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding
(or, success) have all they that do his commandments."
(Psalm 111:10)

The humanism of the students, by making man the
standard, has eroded both knowledge and morality. If
man Is our god, then outside knowledge is unnecessary
for man. His own existence is all he needs to know,
and his wishes are his only law and morality.

Moreover, the new law, "Don't do anything that will
hurt people," is a charter for violence, not love.
Because no law of God is recognized to restrain man,
pure egoism then prevails. In practice, "Don't do
anything that will hurt people," becomes simply,
"Don't do anything that will hurt or offend me, or
else I'll stomp you."

Humanism leads to ruthless egoism and immoralism.
It produces the kind of ignorance the professor re-
ported, and the growing moral anarchy our newspapers

8 THE PILGRIM

daily describe. It professes the love of man, but
practices hatred of men other than one's self.

It is high time to toss out the humanism in church,
state, and school, and in our hearts, and to turn a-
gain to the lord. Our hearts are in need of instruc-
tion, reproof, and regeneration. We are ignorant, and
our ignorance begins with the ignorance of God and His
word. The Lord summons us to learn and live.

-By R. J. Rushdoony
Selected from Ca lifornia
Farmer by Daniel F. Wolf

COMMUNION

Brethren people have always looked forward to their
"Love Feasts." These are times for solemn meditation
on the good things of God, On the evening of the
Communion service, as the members gather around the
clean white tables, the thoughts turn to the Word of
God and the commemoration of the event and the One
who brought salvation to our souls.

Communion is defined as "act of sharing; participa-
tion; mutual intercourse." I like to think of it as
an act of sharing. In I Corinthians 10il6 we read,
"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the
communion (act of sharing) of the blood of Christ?
The bread which we break, is it not the communion (act
of sharing) of the body of Christ?

Our whole series of meetings which we call our
Communion can be described as an act of sharing.
Failure to share was one of Paul's criticisms of the
Corinthian Church, He accused them of' divisions and
heresies and told them, "When ye come together there-
fore into one place, this is not to ee.t the Lord T s
supper. (The alternate reading is '...ye cannot eat
the Lord's supper:') For in eating every one taketh
before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and
another is drunken." Paul could not praise tham for
this selfish, unsharing feasting. He told them they
were doing good things in the wrong way. He wrote,

THE PILGRIM

\

"Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat,
tarry one for another . " Then they could have a true
feast of charity.

Paul emphasizes that Jesus instituted the emblems
j of His body and blood the same night He was betrayed.

This shows the importance 'and urgency of this Communion*
The giving of the emblems was followed closely by the
very act of redemption. Jesus told them, "Take, eat:
this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in
remembrance of me,.. This cup is the new testament in
my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remem-
brance of me." And He proceeded within the next 24
hours to lay down His life, to shed His precious blood,
and to allow men to break His undefiled body that the
world might have redemption.

How do we share here? How can we possibly share in
that unprecedented and for-all-time act of the ages?
We can share collectively the way He told us: "This do
in remembrance of me." So sacred is this act of sharing
together the emblems of His body and blood that Paul
cautions us to examine ourselves and judge ourselves
before we eat. This commemoration shows the Lord's
death and is not to be done by those who take it lightly
or do not discern (recognize or perceive) the Lord's
body. We prepare our homes for company and our clothes
for our best appearance at this time; how much more
important that we prepare and examine our hearts for
this communion of the body and blood of Jesus.

We can also share individually by being buried with
Him by baptism into death; by knowing that our old man
is crucified with Him that the body of sin might be
destroyed; by reckoning ourselves also to be dead in-
deed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ
our Lord. We share when we come to know Him and the
power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His
sufferings, being made conformable to His death.

Do our Communion Meetings mean this kind of sharing
to us? Are we willing and prepared to share with Christ
and identify with Him before a careless world? May
these times mean forgetting ourselves and experiencing
with others the blessings of salvation in Christ. -L.C.

10 THE PILGRIM

COMMUNION NOTICES

The Salida Congregation of the Old Brethren Church
have agreed , the Lord willing $ to hold our Fall Love-
feast on October 14 & 15 # A hearty invitation and
welcome is extended to all of our members and friends

to attend . .__.._ _

— Daniel F. Wolf

We > the Old Brethren of the Eastern District have
agreed > the Lord willing, to hold our Fall Love feast
on the 4th and 5th of November at the Wakarusa Meeting
House. A hearty invitation and welcome is extended
to all of our members and friends to attend,

— Elmer Brovont

Communion was held on September 10 at Maple, Ontario
among the members of Canada with brethren and sisters
attending from Indiana and Ohio.

REMEMBER CALVARY .

When Christians meet and talk of Him

And tears oft' fill their eyes,
Their hearts well up and overflow

At His great sacrifice.
Some looking on may wonder why,

But praised be God, I see,
Before He left He told us to

Remember Calvary.

Before He left, He blessed the loaf;

He blessed the chalice too.
"This is My flesh," they heard Him say,

"The blood I shed for you.
Off as you will, do eat and drink,

And so remember Me;
Yes, in this way from loving hearts

Remember Calvary."

THE PILGRIM 11

Then soldiers nailed Him to a cross;

A tomb became His bed,
But death could not its prisoner hold;

He rose up from the dead!
When leaving for His Home above,

He gave us this decree:
"Tell all men that I died for them;

Remember Calvary."

Oft 1 times life's trials are so great;

Its joys are so few,
My heart is filled with this world ! s cares,

So much of work to do;
But then there comes within my heart

A voice, 'tis His own plea,
"My parting words, they were for you,

•Remember Calvary. ' "

And so I go to Jesus 1 cross

And see Him die again;
I see Him suffer there for me;

For me He bears such pain.
My heart is drawn once more to Him;

This world means nought to me;
Oh, I'm so glad for His last words,

"Remember Calvary."

Someday He's coming back again;

I long for His return.
With eager eyes I upward gaze;

For Him my heart doth yearn.
But 'til He comes I'll do His will

And serve Him faithfully,
And tell the world my Saviour said,

"Remember Calvary."

— Russell Stellwagon

Selected by Leona Miller

12.

THE FILl-.JM

HISTORICAL

THE INQUISITION

Innocent III (1198-1216). Most Powerful of all the
Popes. Claimed to be "Vicar of Christ," "Vicar of
God," "Supreme Sovereign over the Church and the World."
Claimed the right to Depose Kings and Princes; and
that "All things on earth and in heaven and in hell
are subject to the Vicar of Christ."

He brought the Church into Supreme Control of the
State. The Kings of Germany, France, England , and
practically all the Monarchs of Europe obeyed his will.
He even brought the Byzantine Empire under his control.
Never in history has any one man exerted more power.

He ordered Two Crusades. Decreed Transubstantia-
tion. Confirmed Auricular Confession. Declared that
Peter's successor "can never in any way depart from
the Catholic faith," Papal Infallibility. Condemned
the Magna Charta. Forbade the Reading of the Bible in
vernacular. Ordered the Extermination of Heretics.
Instituted the Inquisition. Ordered the Massacre of
the Albigenses. More Blood was shed under his direc-
tion, and that of his immediate successors, than in
any other period of Church History, except in the
Papacy's effort to Crush the Reformation in the 16th
and 17th centuries. One would think Nero, the Beast,
had come to life in Name of the Lamb.

The Inquisition, called the "Holy Office," was in-
stituted by Pope Innocent III, and perfected under the
second following Pope, Gregory IX. It was the Church
Court for Detection and Punishment of Heretics. Under
it everyone was required to inform against Heretics,
anyone suspected was liable to Torture, without know-
ing the name of his accuser. The proceedings were se-
cret. The Inquisitor pronounced sentence, and the
victim was turned over to Civil Authorities to be
Imprisoned for Life, or to be Burned. The victim's
property was confiscated, and divided between the

Church and the State.

In the period immediately following Pope Innocent
III the Inquisition did its most deadly work against

THE PILGRIM ^L

the Albigenses but also claimed vast multitudes of
victims in Spain, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands,

Later on the Inquisition was the main agency in the
Papacy 1 s effort to Crush the Reformation. It is
stated that in the 30 years between 1540 and 1570 no
fewer than 900,000 Protestants were put to death in
the Pope's war for the extermination of the Waldenses.

Think of honks and Priests, in holy garments, di-
recting, with Heartless Cruelty and Inhuman Brutality,
the work of Torturing and Burning alive Innocent Men
and Women, and doing it in the Name of Christ, by the
direct order of the "Vicar of Christ."

The Inquisition was the host Infamous and Devilish
Thing in Human History. It was devised by Popes, and
used by them for 500 years, to Maintain their Power.
For Its record none of the subsequent line of "Holy"
and "Infallible" Popes have ever apologized.

From Hailey f s Bible H andbook

OF THE MODE OF INQUISITION

OVER THE BELIEVERS,

ACCORDING TO THE ACCOUNT

OF JEiiN PAUL PERRIN LI0NN0YS

"As regards the deceitful course," says the trans-
lator, "which the afore-mentioned inquisitors were wont
to take In the execution of their office, we would have
no knowledge, save what some believers who escaped the
Spanish Inquisition, could have told us concerning it.
But it was not the will of God that these, their wiles,
should remain hid, and that we should obtain no copies
thereof, written by themselves. Behold, then, the
cunning artifices of the inquisitors, which served them
for rules and instructions, in conducting the processes
against the Waldenses.

R8LSS OF THE INQUISITORS

1 . It is not permitted or advisable to dispute con-
cerning the faith in the presence of the laity.

2. No one is to be regarded as converted, if he
will not accuse all those whom he knows to be such as
he is.

1Z, THE PILGRIM

3i &*te>does not accuse those who are such as he is,
must be severed from the church as a diseased member;
that the sound members may not become corrupted by it.

U* After any one is delivered to the secular
judge, great care must be exercised, that he be not
allowed to prove his innocence, or show his harmless-
ness before the people; for if he Is put to death,
the people will take offense; and if he is discharged,
the (Catholic) faith will be endangered.

5. Care must be taken not to promise his life,
before the people, to him who is condemned to death
(namely, if he indicates his willingness to become
converted); seeing that no heretic would allow himself
to be burned, if he could escape by such a promise;
and if he should promise conversion before the people,
and his life would not be granted him thereupon, the
people would take offense at it, and think that he
were put to death unjustly.

6. Observe: The inquisitor must always take the
deed for granted, without any consideration, .and ask
questions only in regard to the circumstances of the
matter, not saying: Have you made' confession to the
heretics? but, How often have you made your confes-
sion to the heretics? Again, do not ask: Have they
slept In your house? but, In what room of your house
did they sleep? and the like.

7. The inquisitor may look into a book, as though
he had noted down in It, the life and conduct of the
accused, together with everything in regard to which
he is interrogating him.

8. The accused must be threatened with death, if
he will not confess, and be told that his doom is
sealed; that he must regard his soul, and, first of
all, forsake his. heresy; "For," it shall be said,
"you must die; accept with patience whatever shall
befall you." If he then answer: "Since I must die,

I would rather die in this my faith, than in the faith
of the Roman church," rest assured, that previously
he only pretended to be desirous of becoming converted;
and therefore he must then be brought to justice.

9. The thought is not to be entertained of over-
coming the heretics by skill of learning, or

THE PILGRIM 15

knowledge of the Scriptures, since the learned men are
much sooner confounded by them; the result of which
is, that the heretics are then still more confirmed
and encouraged, seeing they thus outwit even those who
are educated.

10. It is to be well observed, that the heretics
never speak right out, and that, when compelled by
much questioning, they generally allege that they are
simple and unlearned men, and, hence, know not how to
answer; and that, seeing that the bystanders are moved
to compassion for them, as though they were wronged,
regarding them as simple and harmless people, they
take courage from this and pretend to weep, as poor,
miserable men, and, imploring their judges, make stren-
uous efforts to free themselves from the inquisition,
saying; "My Lords, if I have erred in any matter, I
will gladly accept the penance for it; but assist me

to free myself from this reproach, in which I have
fallen through hatred and envy, without having trans-
gressed. "

But the courageous inquisitor must then in no wise
be moved by such entreaties, nor give credit to such
dissixaulations.

11. horeover, the inquisitor shall announce to
them beforehand, that they will gain nothing by swear-
ing falsely (from necessity); since they (the lords)
have matter enough to convict them by witnesses; and
that therefore they need not think that by means of
swearing they will escape sentence of death; but it
must be promised them, that as far as they voluntarily
confess their error, they shall obtain mercy; for in
such perplexity many are found, who confess their er-
rors, in order to escape.

"Behold, n says the writer of this inquisition,
"these are the cunning artifices formerly employed by
the inquisitors throughout Europe, against the
Waldenses."

From Martyrs Mirror

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

DANIEL

When you think of Daniel , do you think of a young
man being thrown into a lions 1 den? You may be sur-
prised to learn that Daniel was a very old man, probably
over 90 years old, when they tossed him to the lions I
And the amazing way that the Lord saved Daniel from the
lions was really no more amazing than many other things
that happened to faithful Daniel.

Daniel was a special witness for^God among people
who worshipped idols. As a child he was brought with
other captured Hebrews to the grand city of Babylon.
There Daniel grew up, a man who refused to do evil.

One night King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed a dream that
troubled him very much. But when he awoke he could not
remember his dream. He called for his wise men to help
him' but they could not. Angrily he commanded that all
the wise men should be killed. When Daniel heard that
he and his friends would be killed he told the king
that he would interpret the dream if he was given time.
Then Daniel went to his three friends and together they
prayed that God would help them. After the Lord ex-
plained the secret to Daniel, Daniel went to the king
and told him what his dream had been and what it meant.
The king then made Daniel a great man and a ruler in
his kingdom*

But really Daniel was a great man long before the
king knew about him. He was great because he "purposed
in his heart that he would not defile himself," and be-
cause he "set (his) heart to understand," and prayed
for wisdom. And the wonderful thing is that God will
still give wisdom today to those who ask for it. — SKB

NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. "POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT # 10

THE PILGRIM S0N0RA, CALIF.

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Tuolumne, Calif.
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THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 OCTOBER, 1978 NO. 10

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

LONGING FOR HOME

As pants the hart for water brooks,

So pants my soul for Thee,
Oh when shall I behold Thy. face?

When wilt Thou call for me? .

How oft at night I turn mine eyes

Toward my heavenly home,
And long for that blest time when Thou,

My Lord, shall bid me "Come."

And yet I know that only those

Thy blessed face shall see,
Whose hearts are true and faithful,

Whose lives are hid in Thee.

And oh, my Master and my Lord,

I know I'm far from meet
With all Thy blessed saints in light

To hold communion sweet.

I know that those who share Thy throne

Must in Thy likeness be,
And all the Spirit's precious fruits

In them the Father see.

Lord grant me grace more patiently
To strive with my poor heart,

And wait Thy time to be with Thee
And see Thee as Thou art.

Author unknown
Selected by Elsie Wolf

THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM, 19201 CHEROKEE RD., TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

TOWARD BETTER SPEECH

Jesus probably spoke with the accent of a Galilean.
And we are sure that Peter did. Galilee , when Jesus
was on earth, was not the best place to be from. It
was poor country and the home of wretched people, ac-
cording to the orthodox Judaeans. ("Can any good thing
come out of Nazareth?") The speech of a Galilean iden*-
tified Peter and was not an asset in Jerusalem.

Part of our Christian testimony is our speech.
While we know that words are of little value if our
lives are not true, still speech from a true heart can
be a vital tool for the cause of Christ. It can also
be an instrument of evil. Our language can be eloquent,
in perfect English^ and using the best choice of words
but still useless as a Christian testimony. Or it can
be simple and plain — perhaps even poorly pronounced —
but from a heart of devotion and love, and of great
value .

Our speech can betray us and our inner thoughts just
as surely as Peter 1 s speech identified him as a
Galilean. Jesus told the Pharisees, ,r generation of
vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for
out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart
bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the
evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say
unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak,
They shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy
words thou shalt be condemned." (Matthew 12:34-37)

James describes the tongue this way: "And the
tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue
among our members, that it defile th the whole body, and
setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on
fire of hell." (James 3:6) Perhaps the most common and

THE PILGRIM

easiest way we can transgress against God and our
fellowmen is with our tongues. James says in the same
chapter (verse 2) ". . . If any man offend not in
word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to
bridle the whole body*"

We would like to notice and discuss some ways in
which we can easily "offend in word 5 ' and also some
ways in which we can use our speech to the glory of
God..

Gossip is the bad habit that Is common to men and
women and perhaps nearly as prevalent among professing
Christians as among the people of the world. We can
even be led to believe that we are giving needed in-
formation at times when the story really would be
better untold. This little poem by an unknown author
tells it so well:

THREE GATES

If I am tempted to reveal

A tale someone to me has told
About another , let it pass,

Before I speak, three gates of gold.

Three narrow gates: First, Is it true?

Then, is it needful? In my mind
Give truthful answer, and the next

Is last and narrowest, Is it kind?

And if, to reach my lips at last,

It passes through these gateways, three,

Then I may tell the tale, nor fear
What the result of speech may be.

May God help us to train our tongues in this important
area.

In Christian crowds we hear little of outright
cursing, but most of us are guilty of using poor and
unnecessary words. "Slang" seems to creep into the
Christian's speech as a poor way to make a point or
emphasize a thought. Many of the slang words are
really substitutes for the harder swear words that

£_ THE PILGRIM

would be wrong and irreverent. Jesus said, "But, let
your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatso-
ever is more than these cometh of evil." (Matthew 5:37)

Many times we are willing to speak for the Lord and
we fail because of lack of knowledge of the right
words. We know God will help us if our hearts are
right. Jesus told His disciples, when He sent them
out, that they would be brought before governors and
kings for His sake and that they should ". . . take
no thought how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be
given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For
it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father
which speaketh in you." (Matthew 10:19-20) This is a
comfort to know that we are not alone in our testimony,
but God's Spirit will speak in us. But let us not use
this as an excuse for not knowing God's Word. Paul
writes in II Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself ap-
proved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Just as harmful as the poor testimonies and poor
words is the failure to speak when it is necessary.
We tend to take Gain's lame excuse: "Am I my broth-
er's keeper?" We are to warn and call and invite, and
to be ready with an answer for those who enquire. The
road maintenance men post signs, flashing signals, and
even have flag men to warn of dangers in the road.
How much more should we warn of the destruction ahead
for those who will walk the broad way.

I notice a tendency in myself to tell with enthu-
siasm about a trip or a fire or some thrilling episode
or experience. But when it comes to relating our joys
in the lord, it is easy to keep still. We discuss at
length peoples' sicknesses and troubles but how much
their soul sicknesses and spiritual problems? Satan
would have us keep still when we should speak.

We can protest of our inability to speak, but God's
answer to noses is His answer to us:. ". . . Who hath
made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf,
or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?"
(Exodus 4:11)

THE PILGRIM

James says that man can tame the beasts and ser-
pents and birds, "But the tongue can no man tame- . ♦ "
But we believe that God can tame our wild tongues and
bring them in subjection to His will if we commit our
way to Him. All these inabilities and mistakes and
wrong words can be brought into subjection to the One
Who made us.

Psalm 35:28: "And my tongue shall speak of thy
righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."

Psalm 45:1: "• * .my tongue is the pen of a ready
writer. "

Psalm 1^5:10-12: "All thy works shall praise thee,
Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall
speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy
power} To make known to the sons of men his mighty
acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom." — L.C.

"L0, CHILDREN ARE. AN IffiRITAGh, OF TBE LORD"
Psalm 127:3

Isn't it a marvel, a child born into this world,
so beautiful, so perfect? It amazes me how anyone
could believe there isn't a Higher Power, a Greator.
Now comes the thought of our responsibility in bring-
ing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,
(Ephesians 6:4) The meaning of "nurture" as found in
Strong's Concordance : "Education or training; disci-
plinary correction." The meaning of admonition:
"Galling attention to, mild rebuke or warning."

First, I will acknowledge that I could do better
many times in the rearing of our children. Let us all
fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.
(Proverbs 9:10) Let us pray for each other and en-
courage each other in the way of holiness. The most
important thing In child raising is love. (God Is
love.) A child must feel that we love him. If we
love our children, we will bring them up in the nur-
ture and admonition of the Lord. In the world — and
sad to say in religious circles — we see many sad con-
ditions. Children aren't loved, aren't disciplined j

THE PILGRIM

parents have the idea the way to love is to give the
child everything he wants. But really just the oppo-
site is true. I believe obedience is very important
for a child to learn, a child learns at a very early
age what he can get by with. If, when we instruct,
we follow it through and see that the child listens,
he wiU grow up to be obedient. This Is very impor-
tant in his later life and will help him to be obedi-
ent to his school teacher, the law, and to his Lord.

It is also a popular idea that to spank a child is
wrong, and I believe it can be if done in anger and in
the wrong spirit. But if done with firmness arid love
it is of the Lord. "For whom the Lord loveth he
chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
(Hebrews 12:6) "Withhold not correction from the
child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall
not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt
deliver his soul from hell." (Proverbs 23:13,14-)
Another thought in the rearing of children is to en-
courage them to seek good companions. For we all are
influenced more or less by the people we associate
with. "Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of
strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and
their right hand is a right hand of falsehood: That
our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished
after the similitude of a palace." (Psalm 144:11,12)
As we try to nurture our children in the natural life
with food, clothing, and shelter, let us also strive
to nurture them spiritually by first showing a good
example ourselves, and then by giving them the best
that we can to help them spiritually.

Here is a writing I have enjoyed and want to pass
on.

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

If a child lives with criticism

He learns to condemn;
If he lives with hostility

He learns to fight;

THE PILGRIM

If a child lives with ridicule

He learns to be shy;
If a child lives with shame

He learns to feel guilty;
If a child lives with tolerance

He learns to be patient;
If a child lives with encouragement

He learns confidence;
If a child lives with praise

He learns to appreciate;
If a child lives with fairness

He learns justice;
If a child lives with security

He learns to have faith;
If a child lives with approval

He learns to like himself;
If a child lives with acceptance and
friendship

He learns to find love in the world.

— Author unknown

In Christian love,
Kenneth Garber
Hughson , California

HAVING A BRAZILIAN GIRL IN OUR HOME

We have a Brazilian girl, 19 years of age, living
with us since April to help us learn the Portuguese
language. Her name Is Rachel in English and Raquel
in Portuguese. She works Monday through Friday; then
ye take her home on Friday night or Saturday morning.

While mentioning her name I might add that each
child in a family has a different first name; their
middle names are all the same and that is their
mother's maiden name. Then, of course, their last
name is their father 1 s last name. You call people by
their first names here, like Senhor Wade, Senhora
Violet or Dona Violet. They use a lot of Bible names,
too, including "Jesus".

8 THE PILGRIM

When she started working, we thoroughly cleaned the
house. When we'd clean the closets or drawers she'd
look and wonder in amazement of how many things we had
until I was a little embarrassed. While she was wash-
ing dishes one day 1 thought I'd clean some in the
living room but every time I would take something else
out she'd come over to look to see what it was or look
through the door. I really became aware of how much
we're used to having, so I started cleaning the drawers
and closets on Saturdays while she wasn't working.

She told me one day, "the weeks go so fast here that
before I know it, it's Friday already." When I asked
her why, she said, "At home we have the morning snack
of coffee and something sweet; then clean the house,
wash the clothes and have it done by around 9:30; then
we begin to fix our 11 :00 meal of rice and beans, etc."
They wash the dishes and have the rest of the day to
themselves until supper. I asked her why both of us
keep busy and still some days we don't get our work
done. She said, "Why, because you have all of these
things. You have ceilings and they have to be kept
clean and shined, you have colored cement floors or
floor coverings and you have to sweep, mop and wax
them and our dirt floor you just sweep* You have
windows to wash and a stick house doesn't have windows.
You have walls to keep clean, all your furniture to
keep clean and shined, cupboards to clean, light fix-
tures to clean and so on and on and on."

The Brazilians never mix salts and sweets at a meaL
They eat some sweets between meals but never at a meal
with salt foods . We think we have to have a complete
diet and variety at every meal and they eat mostly rice
and beans and maybe another dish.

We enjoy Rachel and she fits into our family very
well.. She is a good gardner, worker and teacher of
Portuguese because she's had five years of schooling.
We see often times how much differently we're used to
doing things but we don't let that become a problem as
each of us give and take.

I was made to wonder how God is the most pleased
with us. Should we have just the bare necessities and

THE PILGRIM

have more time for our fellow men and other things ,
or have things more comfortable and pleasing to the
eye which requires more work to keep things done as
they ought to be?

— Violet Flora
Rio Verde
Goias, Brazil

DAYS AND YEARS

Sometimes my days have seemed like years

And crept along on leaden feet

In slow procession one by one

Like muffled drums with steady beat.

To look ahead the marching years
Seemed long, beyond the strength to run;
My weary heart grew faint to think
The journey only just begun.

For 3/ounger years and smaller faith
Made patience hard to grasp and hold,
And fevered strivings marred my peace;
My trust in God seemed faint and cold.

But day by day I held His hand

And looked to Him with trusting eyes.

I could not see my steps ahead

But simply said, M My God is wise —

He sees my life from start to end;
He knows the way my feet must go.
Sometimes in sunny fields of joy,
But often through the vales of woe."

Sometimes on some steep trail I'd pause
To rest — and looking back I'd see,
With eyes made clean by washing tears,
The reason why things had to be.

10 THE PILGRIM

So through the years my feet walked on
And climbed the rugged hills each day.
New strength came softly — slow but true
As God in mercy led the way.

Now from the heights of later years
My eyes look backward through the mists;
Far down the mountain, ridge on ridge ,
Life like a ribbon turns and twists.

Though even yet some pain remains;
Some shadows never seem to fade;
Yet through it all my God was good I
And oh, the change His love has made I

My soul has felt such floods of joy,
Such swelling, all consuming bliss,
Till words grow faint and tongue is still j
No song could tell the depth of this I

Oh Lord! My God I What have You yet,
In some fair land in store for me —
To make e ! en this seem pale and dim
Compared to that which is to be?

— Vera Miller

BAPTISM

We were made to rejoice again once more when another
precious soul, Lois Coning, requested Christian baptism
which was administered October 1.

— Elmer Brovont

ADDRESS CHANGE

Daniel Wagner's 710? Gettysburg-Webster Road

Bradford, Ohio 45308
(513) 447-4944 (Gettysburg phone)

THE PILGRIM 11

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any
sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and
he healed them. — Luke 4? 40

(L.M.)
At even when the sun was set
The sick, Lord around Thee lay
in what divers pains they met!
with what joy they went away.

Once more 'tis eventide, and we,
Oppressed with various ills, draw near;
What if Thy form we cannot see?
We know and feel that Thou art here.

Saviour Christ, our woes dispel,
For some are sick, and some are sad,
And some have never loved Thee well,
And some have lost the love they had.

And some are pressed with worldly cares,
And some are tried with sinful doubt,
And some such grievous passions tear
That only Thou canst cast them out.

And some have found the world is vain,
Yet from the world they break not free,
And some have friends that give them pain,
Yet have not sought a friend in Thee.

And none, Lord, have perfect rest
For none are wholly free from sin,
And they who fain would serve Thee best
Are conscious most of wrong within.

Saviour Christ, Thou too wert man;
Thou hast been troubled, tempted, tried.
Thy kind but searching glance can scan
The very wounds that shame would hide.

Thy touch has still its ancient power;
No word from Thee can fruitless fall.
Here in this solemn evening hour
And in Thy mercy heal us all.

By Henry Twells (1823-1900)
Selected by Esther Wagner from the Au stralian Hymn Book

12 THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL
JOHN HUSS (1370-1415)

"During the latter days of John Wycliffe, a youth
was growing up in an obscure village of Bohemia, who
was destined to bear, in his turn, the torch of truth,
and to transmit it with a martyr ! s hand to a long suc-
cession of disciples — and he was worthy of the heaven-
ly office, John of Huss, or Hussinetz, was very early
distinguished by the force and acuteness of his under-
standing, the modesty and gravity of his demeanor, the
rude and irreproachable austerity of his life* A
thoughtful and attenuated countenance, a tall and some-
what emaciated form, an uncommon mildness and affabil-
ity of manner added to the authority of his virtues
and the persuasiveness of his eloquence. The Univer-
sity of Prague, at that time extremely flourishing,
presented a field for the expansion of his great
Qualities; in the year 1401 he was appointed president,
or dean, of the philosophical faculty, and was ele-
vated, eight years afterwards, to the rectorship of
the University.," (Waddington r s "History of the Church")

About this time the University was torn by a bitter
dispute between the German majority of the students
and faculty and the native Bohemians. John Huss up-
held his countrymen's cause , taking the side of the
"realists" against the "nominalists". In this dispute
he made some lifelong enemies, A great number of
German students and teachers withdrew from the Univer-
sity and held the deep hatred they had for the leader
of their opposition, John Huss.

The teachings of John Viycliffe had been brought to
Bohemia from England some time before, and Huss now be-
gan to uphold them more openly. He did not agree with
Wycliffe on many important points as he upheld more of
the traditions of the Church. But he did hold high
the truth of the scriptures, and taught and wrote much
in the language of the common people. And he taught
against the corruption and abuses among the clergy as

THE PILGRIM 13

Wycliffe had done. In Bohemia, also, the Church was
rich, and Wycliffe *s teachings found favor among some
of the rulers as well as the peasants.

In 1410, as a result of his outspoken support of
Wycliffe T s doctrines, John Huss was accused and excom-
municated by John XXIII. This had little effect upon
Huss as he had so much support from his people, and
the papacy was weakened by two rival popes both claim-
ing the position. Huss preached regularly in Bethlehem
Chapel in Prague in the language of the common people.
The case against him was dropped for a time until this
pope issued a sale of indulgences to finance his claim
to the throne against Gregory XII. Huss publicly de-
nounced this sale of indulgences and refused to re-
tract his statements even after three men had been ex-
ecuted for the same offence* He continued to teach
Wycliffe 1 s doctrines — especially the opinion that the'
faithful need not obey papal commands that conflict
with the laws of Christ.

Finally, by recruest of the king, Huss left Prague
and spent two years in the country where he found more
time to write and preach. Here he composed his most
famous writing, "The Treatise on the Church. " Ha
thought that the papacy would be so occupied with
their own struggle that his case would be Ignored, and
he could live In peace.

But in 1414? a council was called at Constance to
discuss church unity, reform, and questions of hereby.
John Huss was summoned to appear. Although he had no
faith in the justice of the pcpe, he hoped for a fair
trial at this council before the prelates of the
Church. He was promised by the emperor Segismchd '
"safe conduct" to Constance, during his stay there,
and for his trip back to his country. However, as
soon as he arrived in Constance he was arrested and
held as a prisoner. His supporters managed to obtain
three public hearings for him where he was allowed to
defend himself. But the council was composed of many
of his enemies who were prejudiced against him. He
was asked both publicly and privately to recant and
save his life, but he refused to even though weakened

14 THE PILGRIM

by sickness ♦ Some time passed before Huss was sen-
tenced, and he commented; "God, in His wisdom, has
reasons for prolonging my life. He wishes to give me
time to weep for my sins, and to console myself in this
protracted trial by the hope of their remission. He
has granted me this interval, that, through meditation
on the sufferings of Christ Jesus, I may become better
Qualified to support my own."

The Czeck word "hus" means "goose", and one of Huss*
friends wrote home from Constance that "the Goose was
not yet cooked." We still use this phrase in our time.

On the morning of July 6, 1415 Huss was again
brought before the Council in its fifteenth session.
His accusation and sentence were read: "That for sev-
eral years John Huss has seduced and scandalized the
people by the dissemination of many doctrines manifest-
ly heretical, and condemned by the Church, especially
those of John Wiclif . That he has obstinately trampled
upon the keys of the Church and the ecclesiastical cen-
sures. That he has appealed to Jesus Christ as sov-
ereign judge, to the contempt of the ordinary judges of
the Church; and that such appeal was injurious, scan-
dalous, and made in derision of ecclesiastical author-
ity. That he has persisted to the last in his errors,
, and even maintained them in full Council. It is there-
fore ordained that he be publicly deposed and degraded
from holy orders, as an obstinate and incorrigible
heretic. . ." Huss was then stripped of his priestly
clothes, his hair was cut, a cup was symbolically taken
from his hands, and a paper cap marked with demons was
placed on his head. His soul was then assigned to the
demons, and he was turned over to the state for execu-
tion. On the same day he was burned at the stake say-
ing: "Lord Jesus, I endure with humility this cruel
death for thy sake; and I pray thee to pardon all my
enemies."

It appears that the way John Huss spoke out was not
so uncommon. In fact, denunciations of the pope and
abuses by the Church were spoken in the very council in
which Huss was condemned. But he had bitter enemies
from the dispute at the University besides from the

THE PILGRIM 15

hierarchy of the Church. The fact that he continued
to uphold Wycliffe ! s doctrines was against him as
these were considered heretical. He also taught that
tithes should be strictly voluntary and not levied as
a tax as was commonly done. He taught that the cup
of the communion should be offered to the laity in-
stead of only the priests. These and other doctrines
gave his enemies occasion to demand his death.

The Bohemian countrymen of John Huss were indignant
at his unfair trial and execution. Followers of his
known as Hussites persistantly carried on his work and
teachings in spite of persecution and repeated mili-
tary crusades against them.

Huss wrote his conclusions about death: t! It is
better to die well than to live ill. One should not
flinch before the sentence of death. To finish life
in grace is to go away from pain and misery. He who
fears death loses the joy of life. Above all else
truth triumphs. He conquers who dies, because nc
adversity can hurt the one over whom iniauity holds
not sway.' 1 — L.C.

(information from Waddington r s "History of the
Church" , Mosheim T s "Ecclesiastical History" and
"Encyclopaedia Brittanica" . )

COMMJNION NOTICES

The Salida Congregation of the Old Brethren Church
have agreed, the Lord willing, to hold our Fall Love-
feast on October 14 & 15 • A hearty invitation and
welcome is extended to all of our members and friends

to attend. ^ . „ _ , t , „

—Daniel F. Wolf

We, the Old Brethren of the Eastern District have
agreed, the Lord willing, to hold our Fall Love feast
on the 4th and 5th of November at the -Wakarusa Meeting
House, A hearty invitation and welcome is extended
to all of our members and friends to attend.

— Elmer Brovont

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

THE ART OF SMILIKG

! Tis easy enough to be pleasant,

When life flows by like a song,

But the one worthwhile

Is the one who smiles

When everything goes dead wrong.

For the test of the heart is trouble,
And that always comes with years,
But the smile that is worth
All the praise of the earth
Is the smile that smiles through tears.

Author unknown
Sent by Brent Flora, Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil

STOP AND THINK!

Harsh words like chickens love to stray;
Take them home to roost each day; :
If you have angry words to say,
Stop and think L

The world will judge you by your deeds;
They may be flowers fair or weeds;
Before you plant these tiny seeds,
Stop and think I

God gave us each a heart of song,
A brain to reason right from wrong,
So when temptation gets too strong,
Stop and think 1

Author unknown

Sent by Ted Flora, Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil

NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U .S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT # 10

THE PILGRIM SONORA, CALIF.

19201 Cherokee Ed.
Tuolumne, Calif,
95379

THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 NOVEMBER, 1978 NO. 11

n Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the. soul." 1 Peter 2: 1 1

LORD, WE THANK THEE

Lord, we thank Thee for the seal

That prompted those of old,
To children Jesus to reveal,

His love for them unfold.

We thank Thee for the faith they showed,

Their patience, courage, art,
For talent, time and love bestowed,

To teach the dear child's heart.

We praise Thee for the precious seed

That thus was freely sown;
For souls thus snatched from Satan* s greed,

And made for e'er Thine own.

We praise Thee for the Bible taught

So many precious years;
For all the good the learners wrought

In busy life's careers.

We pray Thee for the faith and love
That moved these servants rare;

That when we come to Thee above,
We may Thy glory share.

Refrain: We praise Thee for Thy precious Wcrd
That guides us on our way,
The sweetest message ever heard,
That cheers us day by day.

— E. F. Weist

"THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in bhe interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request, Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM. 192Q1 CHEROKEE RD„ TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

REMEMBERING WITH THANKSGIVING

"0 give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name:
make known his deeds among the people...

"Remember his marvellous works that he hath done..* 11

—Psalm 105:1,5

Remembering Is an essential part of thanksgiving.
Like other failures of our human nature , we forget
things we should remember and remember things we should
forget. The Psalmist calls on Israel to remember the
marvellous works of God and be thankful. In the remain-
der of Psalm 105 he remembers and recounts some of the
acts of God to that privileged nation.

It might be well if we could do the same. We could
think back over our personal lives and remember some of
the good things that have happened to us. And, of course,
we don ! t believe that they just "happened 11 . We believe
that " Every good gift and every perfect gift is from
above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
(James 1:17)

We could do this remembering also about our families,
about our church fellowship, and about our nation. Many
times when we talk and think about the past, it is re-
garding the calamities, the losses, the failures and
disappointments. Some of these things would be better
forgotten. But may we at this thanksgiving season remem-
ber a few of the blessings, the successes, the happy
times, the victories. And when we remember, let us
give God thanks.

Personally, I am thankful for one particular day of
decision In my life. It was one Lord ! s day, and the
sermon seemed to apply exactly to me. When we sang the
song, "There is a Fountain Filled With Blood," I decided
I wanted the cleansing of the fountain where one could
lose all his guilty stains and wash all his sins away.

THE PILGRIM

Today I an thankful for our Saviour whose blood
flowed to supply that fountain. I thank God for His
great love that brought it about and made it available
to me, and for the family and Church where God reveals
His will through His Word and nurtures His children.
I thank God that there was a time and a place provided x
where this happened and that there were brethren willing
to speak for God, give the Gospel invitation, and carry
out the Gospel baptism. I am glad there was a saint
who wrote that hymn. I am thankful for God's continual
grace that enables us tc live acceptable lives each ddy.

Yes, there are things for us to remember but also
things to forget, the failures, the conflicts, the
disappointments, the evil influences of the adversary.
Paul writes, "Forgetting those things which are behind..."
We cannot change them. We can only commit them in humil-
ity and submission to a faithful and merciful Heavehly
Father who is able to forgive and forget because cf
the wonderful Son that He sent into the world to make
the atonement for our sins.

Let us remember the marvellous works that He has
done for all of us. Satan cannot imitate them or pro-
vide any satisfactory substitute though he may try.
The false values many times are but cheap imitations
cf the true. Satan would offer to us physical thrills
and selfish satisfactions in place of the deep joys of
peace with God and faith in Him. The people of Jeremi-
ah's time had tried Satan's substitutes. Jeremiah gave
them God's Wordr !, Hath a nation changed their gods
which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their
glory for that which doth not profit... For my people
have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the
fcuntain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns,
broken cisterns, that can hold no water." (Jer. 2:11,13)
So it will be if we forsake the true Source of all good.
We have no place to go but to the false and to that
which doth not profit.

So let us remember God's works and blessings and
respond in thanksgiving, not only this season, but
every day God gives us to live here. — L.C.

L THE PILGRIM

parental responsibility

One of the most direct responsibilities of any par-
ent is the proper instruction of their children. God's
confidence in Abraham in Genesis 18 was based on the
knowledge that he would properly command his children
and household. Gould He safely have such confidence
in us?

There is no way those of us with children can shift
or escape this responsibility. We may say that we are
too busy to take more time with them, or that we just
don't have much ability along that line. These or any
other attempts to escape our duty are only excuses and
will not be acceptable in the judgment day. The Lord
would not have given children to you or me without also
providing the proper amount of time and ability for
their care and instruction.

The apostle Paul tells us the mother's place is in
the home, and he says in one place that she is to
"guide the house". Can you as a mother fill this place
while working away from home? How about fathers?
Should we not diligently seek occupations where we can
work with and instruct our children? The Word tells
us: f, And these words, which I command thee this day,
shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them
diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them
when thou sittest In thine house, and when thou walkest
by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou
risest up. n (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) How can a father do
this effectively when he works away from home most of
the time? I know the pay is often higher and the head-
aches fewer with a factory job, but where are our val-
ues? How would you compare the value of a child's
soul to temporal things? Is an easy job or high pay
worth more? The Bible tells us one soul Is worth more
than the whole world.

I would like to consider three main areas of our
instruction of our children: example, teaching, and
environment*

THE PILGRIM

EXAMPLE

The most effective way to teach something is by
example. When Jesus wanted to impress His followers
of an important principle He taught by example, as
foot washing, baptism, etc. We know what He meant for
us to do because He not only told us, but He also
showed us.

To effectively teach by example we must be the kind
of person we want our child to become. Do you suppose
anyone can effectively instruct his children to avoid
the evils of tobacco while he is addicted to this de-
grading habit? Gan we teach our children to keep
Christ first in their lives if our actions show that
material possessions, popularity, or some other thing
is first in ours? I know that far too often when my
children show anger, impatience, or other evidence .of
the carnal nature, it is but a reflection of what they
have observed in me. Far too often our actions speak
so loudly that they make our words ineffective. Sure-
ly we all need to have our lives more filled with the
fruits of the Spirit so our children will have safer,
examples to follow. Above all we need to continually
direct them to the perfect example.

TEACHING

Notice when the Bible speaks on training and in-
structing children it speaks primarily to parents.
As parents we are responsible for what we teach or
allow to be taugh t to our children I Many seem to
think that children can receive their religious teach-
ing at church, secular teaching at the public school,
and anything those two miss they can learn from the
children they associate with. Do you not realize that
you and I will have to answer in judgment for any
error we allow others to teach them!

In order to properly carry out the Bible's teach-
ings each of us needs to be a part of the community of
believers where children will receive good teaching at
church. This does not relieve us of the need for
teaching in the home, but the two must work together.

THE PILGRIM

The State would like us to believe it is their
right to give our children secular education. This
is false. The Bible teaches that it Is parents' duty
to provide or oversee all of their child's training,
religious or secular. Can you control what is taught
to your children in the public schools? Can you see
to it that their teachers will not be atheists, evolu-
tionists, immoral or unqualified in some other way?
Very unlikely. In a private school we can control
what is taught and by whom.

The State not only tolerates us to exercise this
privilege but also grudgingly admits that it is our
right. I know it costs more, but what better use
could we put our money to? I also know there is risk
of a private school getting out of control, but the
public school is already far out of control. It
teaches our children gross untruth about our origin
and the creation. It also exposes them to all kinds
of vice and sin. With proper direction and control
we can safely operate private schools.

I believe there has been much loss of valuable
souls because many Christians have allowed the State
to take over this phase of their children's training.
If you send your child to the public school surely it
is time to seriously and prayerfully reconsider this
area of your responsibility as a parent!

ENVIRONMENT

In this area I am thinking of the material things
we surround ourselves with, and our social contacts,
and the community in which we live.

It has been said that one generation's luxuries be-
come the next generation's necessities. If we build
fine houses and fill them with all the comforts and
conveniences available, how can we in a meaningful way
teach our children about self denial?

What about the reading material we have in our
homes? The papers and books we have available will
influence our children's thinking. Does what you have
available influence for good or evil? Can you with a

THE PILGRIM

clear conscience have a daily paper with all its sen-
sationalism, movie ads, and comics available for them
to read? Will this encourage good thoughts and seri-
ous-mindedness?

The Bible tells us that Lot was a righteous mar-
He no doubt tried to properly instruct his children.
Why then was the end result so discouraging? No doubt
their social contacts and the low moral condition of
the community had a large part to do with it. A pronw
inent Mennonite writer once put it something like
this: "If you would have godly children, keep them
from ungodly children." We surely need to do our best
to provide good companions and surroundings for our
children. Remember we have only one chance to proper-
ly train our children.

I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day,
And as my fingers pressed it still,
It moved and yielded at my will*
I came again when days were past;
The bit of clay was hard at last;
The form 1 gave it still it bore,
But I could change that form no more.

I took a piece of living clay

And gently fashioned it day by day,

And molded with my power and ar^,

A young child's soft and yielding heart.

I came again when years were gone;

It was a man I looked upon;

The form I gave him still he bore,

But I could change that form no more.

—Author unknown

May we as parents fulfill our responsibility so we
will be prepared to give account for the preci:us
souls of our children is my prayer.

— James Beerv

Nappanee, Indiana

THE PILGRIM

LET'S GOUNT OUR BLESSINGS

We are made to realize more since living in Brazil
how many blessings each of us has. We really can't
count all of them because God has given us so many.
We are made to realize that a lot of the things we
take for granted are actually blessings, and how rich-
ly God has blessed us and how thankful we ought to be
for God's mercy to us.

First in our life, how did God see fit to place us
in a Christian home where our parents loved us, cared
for us and taught us about God and His Holy Word from
little up? Our parents offered up many prayers for us
that we might turn to God arm repent of our sins and
hold out faithful to our Heavenly Father unto the end.
Where would we be today if we'd not had this wonderful
blessing, and why did God choose us to have It so good
in life?

Can we realize how terrible it would be to not know
God's Word or having never heard it or not being able
to talk to God each day and ask Him for strength and
guidance through another day? No Heavenly Father to
lay all our cares and troubles on, knowing He cares for
us?

I took an education for granted but I realize it's
a wonderful blessing to be able to have gone to school
to learn to read and write, etc. Can we imagine not
being able to read God's Word for ourselves, not being
able to write our names and just use an X or a thumb-
print for our signature? We appreciate the sacrifices
our parents made to send us to school.

Do we truly thank God from our hearts for each meal
and that we have plenty to feed our children? We don't
have to hear them cry from hunger and beg for food and
not have anything to give them. We see children beg-
ging for food here and some look so hungry and thin and
of course others just beg for candy and pop. I've won-
dered how I would feel if I was cooking the last bite
of food in the house and knew I couldn't go to the
cupboard to get more. How truly thankful we should

THE PILGRIM

be, because God has always supplied us with an abun-
dance of food. The natives have no way of preserving
food, so when they see our canned food shelves they
think it looks like a grocery store.

I've also been made to realize what a privilege it
is to be able to work and appreciate our parents f
teaching us. We had a wealthy girl around 25 years
of age who was in our home a couple of days to see how
it would be for her to live with us and help us to,
learn the Portuguese language. We've found out the
women from wealthy families don't do any housework but
hire maids to do all the work in the house and wait on
them. The only thing she knew how to do was office
work. She'd had ten years of schooling, and for down
here that is a lot. She said she didn't know how to
cook, sew, clean or wash clothes. It was quite a
shock to me at first, but later I pitied her. I
thought how boring to go through life always having
someone to do all of our work and someone to wait on
us. That might sound nice for a couple of days but'
would we enjoy it every day?

Are we thankful for our homes or do we complain
about this or that, never satisfied with what we have?
We see lots of stick houses here with thatch or tile
roofs. They put mud and manure between the sticks or
plastic fertilizer sacks tacked on the outside to make
it more air tight. Some homes have dirt floors and
some cement. One home we visited was a stick house,
thatch roof, and dirt floor. To one side of the house
was a place for chickens. There was also a little
bedroom with a bed of sticks and straw or grass on top
of them. They had a bench in the main little room and
a hammock for the baby and a stove of mud and stones
and a few dishes and pans. When they moved to this
home they had everything they owned in two small suit-
cases. They were happy and made everyone feel welcome
and wanted to share what they had.

Are we thankful that we have plenty to wear? I've
had to take notice to how many clothes we were used to
having compared to the people here. Comparing the
price of clothing here to the poor man's wage, we see

10 THE P ILGRIM

it Is hard for them to buy many clothes because some
have all they can do just to buy encugh to eat. We
see them wear clothes that most of us would have used
for rags a long time ago. Sometimes it*s patch upon
patch and sometimes it's just one big patch. Usually
they have one good set of clothes and maybe two
dresses that are good.

I'd like to bring in an incident here that happened
the other day. We were cleaning out the shop and
threw away a couple of empty gallon paint cans. Our
hired man's wife was here at the time. I stepped on
one to mash it before putting it in the trash and she
looked at me like that was terrible. She picked the
other one up and I asked her if she wanted it. She
said, "Yes," and seemed so pleased with it. She
cleaned it up to use it for a bucket. I wondered just
how many more things we T ve been used to throwing away
when someone else would be glad for them.

Are we thankful for our religious freedom, realiz-
ing that freedom is a blessing and not something that
everyone has enjoyed down through the years?

Can we begin to realize just how. richly blessed we
are? We could go on and on. We as Americans don't
realize how the rest of the world lives, and I can say
it's been good experience for me to see the different
ways of life, and it has made me more aware of my
blessings. Things that I might have fretted about in
the past seem so insignificant now.

May we go forth with a song of praise on our lips
for God's many blessings and for the great love He has
for each of us.

— Violet Flora

Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil

ADDRESS CHANGE

Wade Flora's C.P. 130

76200 Rio Verde

BIRTH
ROYER - A daughter, Abigail Ann, born October 18 tc
Rex and Janice Royer of ' Nappanee, Indiana.

THE PILGRIM 2±

OBITUARY

CLYDE MARION FLORA, son of Lloyd and Bertha (Lowe)
Flora, was born January 2, 1922 near toonti cello,
Indiana. He departed this life in hope of a better
one on September 30, 1978 at his home near Rockfield,
Indiana at the age of 56 years, 8 months and 28 days.

In February, 1947, feeling the need of his Saviour,
putting his faith and trust in Him, he received
Christian baptism, to which faith he declared till
death. He was a loving member of the Old Brethren
Church.

He was united in holy matrimony to Ruth Lavy on
April 6, 194-7. To this union were born one son and
one daughter. Surviving are his loving companion; his
son, Calvin Marion; his daughter, Irene Marie Pyle; an
adopted son, Terry Lee; his mother, Bertha (Lowe)
Flora; 2 brothers, Fred F. and Lloyd Ivan; 2 sisters,
Vanna Flory and Audrey Lavy; and $ grandchildren be-
sides a host of friends and relatives. Preceding him
in death were his father, Lloyd C. and one brother,
Calvin .

He grew up and spent most of his life in Carroll
County, Indiana as a farmer. He enjoyed his vocation
of farming and worked hard, feeling his life and con-
duct were the testimony of his faith. He was a man of
few words, always manifesting a spirit of loving pa-
tience even in his lingering illness. He was very de-
voted to his family and always interested in their
lives, desiring them to be close by.

In September of 1977, desiring to find the cause of
his failing health, he went to Mayo Clinic where they
found he was suffering from a malignant brain tumor.
From this time his health gradually declined and, re-
alizing his condition, he called for the anointing
which gave him much comfort.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but
our loss is his eternal gain.

Following a short service at the home, the funeral
was conducted Monday, October 2 at the Camden German

1 2 __ THE PILGRIM

Baptist meeting-house at 1 0; 00 a.m. by Brethren Mollis
Flora, Kenneth Martin, Melvin Coning, and Claude Boone.
Words of comfort and encouragement were given from the
Scriptures. Thoughts from Psalm 90 were given at the
home. Scriptures from John 11:25,26 and I Thessalonians
4:13,14- were used with theme: "For if we believe that
Jesus died and rose again. n If we grasp the depth of
this belief it will transform our lives and we can
look forward to life after death with glorious antici-
pation.

Hymns used were 403 at the home; 384, 393, and 385
at the meeting house; and 456, 46O and 483 at the
cemetery. Burial was made in the Wise Cemetery near
Camden.

OUR DEAR BROTHER CLYDE

Our dear Brother Clyde, we hear you have died

And left this world of sorrow;
While we are still here to cry the sad tear,

And follow you tomorrow.

Our dear Brother Clyde, we know you have tried

To serve the lord, and be true;
And we hope and pray that we may some day

Praise Him forever with you.

Our dear Brother Clyde, as from far and wide,

We gather to remember you;
We think of your smile, knowing all the while,

For you no more we can do.

Our dear Brother Clyde, your life you did hide

In the life of God's dear Son;
Who died on the cross to save us from loss,

To redeem us, every one.

Our dear Brother Clyde, in the cold hillside,

Your body we now bury;
From the earth it came to return the same

In the old cemetery.

Our dear Brother Clyde, you have left our side,
Here we shall see you no morej

THE PI L GRIM H

But Jesus shall save and call from the grave ,
And give life forevermore.

Our dear Brother Clyde , for you we have cried ,

Because love's ties are broken;
It has pained our heart to know we must part,

Our grief cannot be spoken.

Our dear Brother Clyde , may you still abide

Secure in God's rest and love;
And may we all rise to receive the prize

To reign with the blest above.

Written in loving memory of our dear Brother in
the faith, Glyde Flora, who passed away after a lin-

g erin S il Iliess ' -Hollis ELora

LOVING KINDNESS

Awake, my soul, to joyful lays,
And sing thy great Redeemer's praise;
He justly claims a song from me,
His loving-kindness, oh, how freei

He saw me ruined in the fall,
Yet loved me not withstanding all;
He saved me from my lost estate,
His loving-kindness, oh, how great I

Though numerous hosts of mighty foes,
Though earth and hell my way oppose,
He safely leads my soul along,
His loving-kindness, oh, how strong I

— Samuel Medley

BAPTISM

Once more we were made to rejoice with Heaven when
two mere precious souls requested and received Chris-
tian Baptism — Lois Coning on October 1 and Rose Etta

Flora on October 22. „

— Elmer Brovont

\L THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL

LEONHARD SCHOENER, A.D. 1528;
AND AFTER HIM ABOUT SEVENTY OTHERS

In the year 1528, Leonhard Schoener of Becklasburg
was apprehended. He was a minister of God, and was
well versed in the holy Scriptures, and also in the
Latin language. He faithfully taught the true baptism
of Christ and His apostles, the true Lord's Supper, and
the articles of the Christian faith; yea, the Word of
God. He also testified against Infant baptism, the
abominable sacrament, and other abominations of anti-
christ. He had originally been a barefoot friar for
about six years, but beholding the impurity, wantonness,
hypocrisy (Matthew 7:1 5), and viciousness of the monks
and priests, and judging their lives by the Word of
God, he left the monastery at Judenburg, in Austria,
and went to Nurenberg, learned the tailor's trade, and
then traveling about as journeyman tailor, he came to
Nulasberg, in Austria. There he heard of Balthasar
Heubmer and his baptism, and learned that a number of
the same faith formed a little society at Veyen. He
sought them out, came to them, heard them, and, led
thither by Oswald, was baptised. After this he went to
Steyen to work at his trade; where he taught and bap-
tized, having been elected teacher by them; and thus
teaching and baptizing, he proceeded through Bavaria,
as far as Rothenburg, in the valley of the Inn; where
he was apprehended for his faith, disputed much with
his oppose rs, and was examined. Previous to this he
proposed: that, if they regarded his faith and doc-
trine as wrong and heretical, they should produce
learned persons, doctors, monks and priests, to dispute
with him concerning the matter. Should he, in disput-
ing on true scriptural grounds, be found to be in the
wrong, they should punish him as unrighteous; and for
still further confirmation of the truth, he offered, in
order to confirm his assertion and his writings, that,
if any of the learned could convince him with the truth
of the Word of God, that his doctrine was not conform-

THE PILGRIM 15

able to the holy Scriptures, he should, as having been
vanquished be severed limb from limb by: the execution-
er, and, when deprived of all his limbs, have the ribs
torn out of his body, until he should be dead. But if
he should not be able to obtain a hearing and disputa-
tion, and they should judge and put him to death un-
heard, he asked all the witnesses of his death, and all
those standing by, that they would be his witnesses be-
fore God, in His judgment at the last day. But by vir-
tue of the mandate of the Emperor, and the edict of the
King of Hungary and Bohemia, he was condemned, deliv-
ered to the executioner, beheaded, and burnt to ashes,
on the fourteenth day of January of said year, at
Rothenburg, for the testimony of Christ, from which he
would not depart. After the death of this Leonhard,
about seventy persons bore witness with their blood in
the same place, Leonhard Schoener, among others, left
the following admonition for the consolation of all
those who suffer for the name of Christ:

"We beseech Thee, eternal God, incline Thy gra-
cious ear to us, Lord Sabaoth, Thou Prince of hosts,
hear our complaint; for great distress and affliction
prevails, and pride has entered into Thy heritage. And
with It many supposed Christians have joined, and thus
set up the abomination of desolation. (Matthew 24:15)
They rage, and destroy the sanctuary of the Christians.
They have trampled it under foot, and the abomination
of desolation is worshiped as God. (II Thessalonians
2:4) They have destroyed Thy holy city, overthrown Thy
holy altar, and killed the servants in it, wherever
they could apprehend them. And now that we remain as
a little flock (Luke 12:32), they have driven us with
reproach and disgrace into every country. . .

Eternal glory, triumph, honor and praise be unto
Thee now and in all eternity, and Thy rignteousness
abide forever. All" -nations bless Thy holy name,
through Christ, the coming righteous Judge of the whols
world, Asaen. {Acts 7:31)

Selected from Martyr s yiiyrpr

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

ELIJAH

How long would you live if you stopped eating? A
day? Several days? A week? A month? The prophet
Elijah once walked for forty days — almost 7 weeks —
without any food. Like Moses and Jesus (whc also
fasted 40 days) j Elijah suffered many hardships. And
like Moses and Jesus, Elijah was a great man of God.
Elijah, Moses j and Jesus all spoke to God face to face,
and the same three men were together when Jesus was
transfigured on the mount.

Elijah was a hairy man who wore a leather band
around his waist. He spent much of his life outside
walking from place to place. Sometimes he worked
miracles to show wicked people the power of God, as
when, by his word, Israel had no rain for 3^ years.
Other times God worked miracles through him to help
people, as when he raised the widow 1 s son to life, and
made her barrel of meal and jar of oil to never become
empty. Other times God punished people with his mir-
acles, as when he called fire down from heaven to burn up
up 100 soldiers and their captains. ■

One of the most interesting miracles of the Old
Testament is the story of Elijah and the wicked prophets
of Baal. To show the people that their idols were worth-
less and that the Lord was God, Elijah told the 450
false prophets of Baal to pray to their false gods —
then he would pray to the true God, The God who would
answer with fire from heaven would prove His power, and
the people would all worship that God. To fully appre-
ciate this miracle, read I Kings 18:20-40. Truly "our
God is a consuming fire." — S.K.B.

NuN-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U .S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT # 10

THE PILGRIM S0N0RA > CALIF '

19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif.
95379

THE PILGRIM

VOL. 25 DECEMBE R, 1978 NO. 12

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the souk" 1 Peter 2: 1 1

THE LORD OF HEAVEN TO EARTH
CAME DOWN

The Lord of Heaven to earth came down.

Received by shepherds lowly;
No cradle-bed, no soft-spun gown,
No princely diadem to crown

The manger Child so holy.

The Lord of Heaven to earth came down

And stretched forth hands of kindness;
Where peace and joy were all unknown,
He sought the sorrowing and lone,
And healed them of their blindness.

The Lord of Heaven to earth came down,

The law of Love expounding;
The common people gladly heard,
And sent the echoes of His Word

Throughout the world resounding.

The Lord cf Heaven to earth came down,
And brought salvation near it;

A wreath of thorns His only crown;

He rules today with great renown
The Kingdom of the Spirit.

— Kathryn Blackburn Peck
Selected by Susie Wagner

THE F*l LGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the
members of the Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $2.00 per year. Sample copies sent free
on request. Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover; Consulting Editor: Daniel F. Wolf.
ADDRESS: THE PILGRIM, 19201 CHEROKEE RD„ TUOLUMNE, CA. 95379

THE INCARNATION

The miraculous birth of Jesus is recorded by only
two of the Gospel authors. But all four bear witness
to the Incarnation — the truth that Jesus , the Son of
God, became the Son of Man with flesh and blood and
walked upon earth, ". . . God was manifest in the
flesh . . ."

Matthew writes and quotes from the prophet Isaiah:
11 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call
his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from
their sins . . . Behold, a virgin shall be with child,
and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his
name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with
us." (1 :21,"23)

Mark's Gospel begins: "The beginning of the gospel
of Jesus Christ, the Son of God ..."

Luke records the angel T s message: ". . . For unto
you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord." (2:11 )

John proclaims: "In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . .
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt amon^ us, (and
we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten
of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (1:1, H)

Planned and ordered before the foundation of the
world, the Incarnation of Jesus was prophesied and
sung about through the centuries until at last He
came. Now we can wonder and adore and sing His
praises as we realize His love for mankind was so
great as to bring Him into the world that "whosoever
believeth on Him should not perish, but have ever-
lasting life. "

Satan is doing all he can to obscure the fact of
Jesus 1 coming into the world. There is more and more
celebration of "Xmas" and less and less of Jesus'
birth and His mission of reconciliation.

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John warned the Christians in his day (and ours)
about those who would deny that Jesus Christ is come
in the flesh. This is a central issue in the Chris-
tian faith. It is so essential that John wrote,
"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that
confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is
of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and
this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have.
heard that it should come; and even now already is it
in the world." (I John 4:2,3)

Paul writes in Hebrews 2:14,17: "Forasmuch then
as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he
also himself likewise took part of the same; that
through death he might destroy him that had the power
of ueath, that is, the devil . . . Wherefore in all
things it behoved him to be made like unto his breth-
ren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high
priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconcil-
iation for the sins of the people."

In the Word are many references to the time and
fact that God prepared a body for His Son Jesus Christ
that He might do the will of His Father in making this
body the perfect and final offering for sin.

As we go about our daily duties in this twentieth
century since Jesus came, what does the Incarnation
mean to us? Surely we do believe that Jesus' coming
into the world to die to save us is the greatest event
in our comprehension. His life, death and resurrec-
tion are without comparison to any event or idea or
accomplishment. And yet, how do our lives reflect or
reject this great event? Did Jesus make such an im-
pression on history and leave no mark on the lives of
His people?

For instance, we spend money, time and many hours
of planning to build and design and then to maintain
a home for our families. Is there any comparable
amount of study of detail, actual hours of labor and
expense in connection with knowing and making known
this great event that God planned for our salvation?

We also work many hours to provide food for our-
selves and our families. Women spend time planning,

k THE PILGRIM

studying recipes and working over a hot stove to pre-
pare good meals. They know nutrition and what a bal-
anced meal is and just how and when to serve food at
its best. Does the time and devotion which we put
into the Word and meditation on the life and work of
Jesus— does it show that we believe Him to be more
valuable and necessary than our daily food?

Or our friendships which we enjoy so much and our
loving association with our companions, parents and
children — do we in our hearts feel and know the truth
of Jesus 1 words, "He that loveth father or mother more
than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or
daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew
10:37)

In our day people think they must have a certain
amount of entertainment.. The world seeks it in the
theatres, ball parks, recreation areas, TV programs,
novels, newspapers, hobbies and even in shopping for
the latest styles and gadgets. These activities can
easily, if we allow them, take time that could more
profitably be spent in study and appreciation of God ! s
Word and grace.

How are our memories? Is it easier to remember and
repeat the latest jokes than it is to quote precious
gems from the V/ord? Can we recount more events from
the newspaper than from the Bible? iire the hymns of
the Church on our lips more than the latest melodies
of the World?

The Word of God does not require us to forsake our
families and friends, to neglect the preparation of
good meals or the maintenance of comfortable homes.
God does not ask us to go about always with long faces
and never allow a bit of humor or laughter. But where
are our priorities j what is "big" to us? What really
counts in our world today? Or does the Gospel have no
application to our lives except for a few hours on the
Lord ! s day? We know this is not. true . I trust we
have the same desire as Fanny Crosby when she wrote:

Saviour, more than life to me,

I am clinging, clinging close to Thee;

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Let Thy precious blood applied.
Keep me ever, ever, near Thy side.

If Jesus is this important to us, He will change
our lives to experiences of devotion, praise and joy
such as cannot be had in any activities or entertain-
ments the world can offer. His mission in the world
was for the very purpose of bringing us to God. He
offers now to live in us- And as His coming into the
world changed the course of human history, so His com-
ing into our hearts will change us. As He lived and
taught and worked miracles in Galilee and ' Judea and
Samaria, so He will work with us. Jesus tells us in
John 14:23 "• * * ^ a man love me, he will keep my
words: and my Father will love him, and we will come
unto him, and make our abode with him."

A hymn we like to sing at home is a prayer for this
to happen:

Live in me, Lord Jesus, live in me;

There 1 s a work that must be done,

There's a victory to be won,

Every hour, by Thy power,

Live in me!

Work through me, Lord Jesus, work through me
There's a work that must be done,
Tnere's a victory to be won,
Every hour, by Thy power,
Work through me!

Come for me, Lord Jesus, come for mej
When the work shall all be done,
When the victory is won,
In that hour of Thy power
Come for me!

"Even so, come, Lord Jesus." — L.C.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man
hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to
him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

— Revelation 3:20

THE PILGRIM

BEAUTIFUL FEET

Romans 10:15: "And how shall they preach, except
they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the
feet of them that preach the gospel of peace , and bring
glad tidings of good things!"

The visit to see the new baby is hardly complete
until we have viewed its tiny feet. Today the imprint
of the baby ! s foot is treasured with its first photo-
graph. Baby's feet are both beautiful and thought-
provoking. One of their most appealing features is in
their pure innocence. Our minds are directed to the
pure innocence of our Saviour and Lord Jesus; also to
God, the Creator of all. His thought and planning are
there in baby's tiny feet.

The human foot is structured for both strength and
quick action. Though farthest from the brain, they
respond as quickly and eagerly as any part of the body*
God's wisdom in creating the feet surpasses anything
we can say or think. He purposed something here that
He could call "good" and might even call "beautiful".

Baby's feet cause us to consider our own ways; of
our own "footprints on the sands of time," and if, in
any way, God could ever consider our own feet as
"beautiful".

In this Scripture verse, Paul is declaring that the
prophecy in Isaiah 52:7 was being fulfilled in his day.
The emissaries of the Gospel were carrying the glad
tidings of great joy to all people. The prophet in
picturesque language calls attention to their beautiful
feet.

Humanly speaking, their tired, travel-worn and
bruised feet were certainly not ready for a modern
beauty contest.

The Gospel- traveled mostly on "foot" in those early
days of the Church. No account was taken of the many
thousands of miles traveled on foot to spread the
Gospel. Worn shoes and tired, aching feet could not
rob the heart of its great joy or dim the eye of its

THE PILGRIM

gleam of Christ's love. On and on they went. Burning
deserts had to be crossed; mountain passes climbed;
streams crossed; jungles penetrated. Nor did snow and
ice hold them back. Jesus had said, "Go". So they
gladly "went" for him to spread the news of His sal-
vation. Sometimes those "beautiful feet" were fas-
tened in heavy stocks in loathsome prisons. Many were
fastened with nails to Roman crosses; many too finally
came to rest in unmarked and soon-forgotten graves.
The half has never yet been told of the "beautiful
feet" foretold.

Our own minds are challenged again with the thought
of "beautiful feet" in the washing of the saints 1
feet. One of the many lessons to be learned here is
that of "dedicated feet". They are to be included in
Romans 6:13: "Neither yield ye your members as in-
struments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield your-
selves unto God, as those that are alive from the
dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness
unto God." Thank God for sanctified, dedicated, liv-
ing feet, yielded to God to walk the paths of right-
eousness before Him.

And what of Jesus 1 feet? Were they beautiful?

Mary, the mother of Jesus, no doubt often fondled
and kissed the tiny feet of her infant son and then
for thirty years noted His strong and busy feet, al-
ways yielded and eager in the stern business of live-
lihood.

One day those holy, sinless feet of Jesus stood
among the sinful feet of repentant sinners on Jordan's
bank, to follow them into the water where John was
baptizing. Here the great mystery of Father, Son and
Holy Spirit was made known to man. As Jesus came out
of the water, praying, the Holy Spirit visibly in the
form of a dove descended upon Him and the Father spoke
audibly from heaven, "Thou art my beloved Son; in thee
I am well pleased." (Luke 3:22)

Then Jesus spent forty days in the pathless desert,
unsustained by food. Here body and soul were chas-
tened by hunger and tested by all the inducements of
Satan to worship him. He put Satan to flight with the
written Word of God.

8 THE PILGRIM

Surely Isaiah would have put Him at the head of the
list of those with "beautiful feet 1 '. Ah! dear onesl
we who ride everywhere on upholstered cushions en
smooth highways and often high in the air above the
clouds, the Saviour Whom we represent "walked" the un-
even, dusty roads of Judea and Galilee for 3^ years.
His "beautiful feet" brought the Gospel cf peace and
glad tidings of God's love to multitudes of distressed
hearts, hungry for the truth.

Jesus 1 feet were finally noticed in the house of
Simon. Then it was by a sinner woman whose heart was
touched by the presence and words of the sinless One.
And here, I think, is a marvel and lesson to us.
Jesus 1 sinless feet were bathed with sinner's tears,
wiped with sinner's hair, and anointed with sinner's
ointment. And 0! the wonder of it! loved with a
repentant sinner's love. The lesson Is plain: the
Son of Man had pow e r on earth to for gi ve sins . He
bore her sins on His Cross. No wonder He was called
the "Friend cf sinners". He was aria still is to re-
pentant sinners .

Mary of Bethany loved to sit at Jesus 1 feet and to
drink in His gracious words. Hers was the simple
faith of a child. Her neart love ana faith was sorely
tried when her brother Lazarus sickened, died, and was
buried without a word from the Master. She reached
her extremity when Jesus came without explanation.
(John 11:32) "The a when hary was come where Jesus was,
and saw him, she fell at his feet saying unto him,
Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not
died."

How different 'the scene, soon after, when Lazarus,
now restored to life, sat with Jesus in the home of
Martha and Mary. Mary evidently knew of Jesus 1 soon
death and burial at Jerusalem. With the raising to
life of her brother, she evidently believed/far more
than she understood. But her heart held a /secret, a
rich perfumed one. (John 12:3) "Then took Mary a
pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and a-
nointed the feet of Jesus 9 and wiped his feet with her
hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the

THE PILGRIM

ointment." Here the Scripture of Isaiah 52:7 is
beautifully set forward and fulfilled. Unbelief pro-
tested. "Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against
the day of my burying hath she kept this." Jesus
| knew her secret heart-love which now was a holy odor
of praise, reminding us of the sweet odors of the
golden altar in the tabernacle in the wilderness.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem the next day, hailed as
the Son of David, with feet already perfumed for His
burial. And when great nails were driven into those
sacred feet, no doubt Mary was afterward to feel those
heavy blows in her loving heart.

It was given to John the beloved to give the last
words of the feet of Jesus. He who had witnessed to
the nail prints in the hands and feet of Jesus, with
the wound in His side , now beheld His Beloved with
glorified body and being. Our meditation of "beauti-
ful feet" ends in Revelation 1:15. "And his feet
like fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and
his voice as the sound of many waters."

His "feet like fine brass" may well remind us of

the brazen altar in the temple with the sacrifice

upon It to be consumed with fire. This prefigured

the Gross of Christ with its willing Sacrifice for

sin, even our Saviour and Lord Jesus. Some devoted

poet wrote: „ . . . « ,

* Footprints of Jesus,

That make the pathway glow!

We will follow the steps of Jesus

Where e'er they go.

— James D. Cover

Modesto California

I ! ve found a little remedy

To ease the life we live;

And make each day a happier one —

It is the word "Forgive**' .

So often little things/ come up

That leave a pain and .sting,

That covered up at onCe would not

Amount to anything.

Selected by Leona Miller

10 THE PILGRIM

SO LET IT BE

n Be it to me according to Thy word,"
Thus answered Mary to the call she heard .
With deep humility she heard that voice;
The promise made her trembling heart rejoice.

What fears perhaps did her at times assail;

And what if I should in my duty fail?

But God, who understood her human mind,

To trust Him for her needs, her heart inclined.

Perhaps she did not understand just why
She had to travel when her time was nigh
To be with Joseph taxed; they travelled then
And tired and weary they reached Bethlehem.

When lodging there they sought and could not find,
What anxious care possessed their troubled minds.
But they rejoiced and with contentment they
Took shelter in a stable midst the hay.

And there her Son, our Saviour, Christ was born..
What joy possessed her happy heart that morn!
Her great responsibility she felt;
With awe she by His manger knelt.

Be it to me according to Thy word —
To serve Thy cause, I too, Thy call have heard.
No, not to fill some great and noble place,
But to prepare to meet Thee face to face.

And so, dear Lord, since I am poor and weak,
Teach me Thy will, since it to do I seek.
Choose all my paths, I trust Thy guidance still;
Be it to me according to Thy will,

— Miriam J. Sauder

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

THE PILGRIM 11

GENTLE PRESENCE

Standing near me in the shadows,

Gentle Presence, loving Presence,

Waiting Presence in the midnight r s lonely portal.

Standing near me in the stillness,

Gentle Presence, brooding Presence,

Watchful Presence in the dimness of the morning.

Pity for the child of Heaven,

Full of sorrow, hurting, sighing —

Pity for the flesh that suffers, weak and mortal.

Eyes of love in faithful watching,

Careful watching, ever watching,

Measuring the pain, the weeping, giving warning —

"Child of Mine, look upi Look upx^ardl

Upward to the Face of loving 1

Loving, caring, sweetly caring, love adorning I "

As the daybreak softly stealing
Fades the shadows into dawning,
Hear a voice, a word, a whisper, ,T Do not sorrow —

"I'll be with you through the morning;

I'll be with you at the noontime;

I have peace to give the world can never borrow.

"I 1 11 be with you in the evening

And most precious, golden promise —

I T 11 be with you still in Heaven* s bright tomorrow! 11

— Vera Miller

"...Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world."

Words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20

12 THE PILGRIM

HISTORICAL

Century after century since Jesus ascended back to
the Father, Christians have followed the steps of the
Master and suffered for Him. With the great Reforma-
tion gaining momentum in the early sixteenth century,
more were called to give their lives for the faith.
Rome answered the reformers with vengeance, torture,
death and war. As Jesus said in John 3:20, "For every
one that doeth evil hateth the light ..." so the
coming of the light of truth brought hatred.

About the same time some were seized with convic-
tion to go farther than the Luther-Zwingll reforma-
tion. The testimony of the Waldenses and others was
not in vain but bore fruit in this effort to follow
the Word of God, especially regarding infant baptism,
non-resistance, and the purity of the Church of Christ*
They were sure that Jesus l Church should be composed
of believers and not just those whose parents had had
them baptised as infants. This baptism of infants
they declared invalid and insisted on an adult, be-
liever's baptism. Because of this they were called
Anabaptists or "re-baptizers".

Later, when the Brethren Church began with
Alexander hack and his seven co-workers, they too were
called Anabaptists by their critics although their
movement was a separate one. To these people it was
not a n re-baptism H but the only baptism as they dis-
regarded the infant rite In which the person had no
choice and could not believe, in the sense of repent-
ing and taking up the cross for Jesus.

The Anabaptists became the objects of the hatred
of both Catholic and Protestant. When the Papists
tried to put down the rebellions of the Protestants,
they retaliated with bitter war. But when both turned
on the Anabaptists whose profession was one of peace
and harmlesbness, the result was persecution and pa-
tient suffering. No account can tell fully the an-
guish of separated families, of deprivation in prisons
and of actual physical pain and torture. But through

THE PILGRIM 1J3

it all they were sustained by God and given a patient
testimony that their persecutors could not conquer.

In the following accounts in this section we hope
to present examples of this patient suffering and also
some of the testimonies preserved in form of letters
of parents to children and pastoral letters to
churches as those defenseless followers of Christ were
taken from their families and their people.

May we follow in their steps and suffer for the
Master. May we resist steadfastly the temptation to
retaliate in any form but give a consistent testimony
of peace and trust in the One who tells us through the
Apostle Paul in Romans 12:18,19, "If it be possible,
as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give
place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is
mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." — L.C,

The following selection is from Martyrs Mirror :

HANS 3CHLAEFFER AND LEONHARD FRICK,
IN THE IEAR 1528

In the year 1528, Brother Hans Schlaeffer, formerly
a Reman priest, but afterwards a teacher of the Word
and Gospel of Christ, a highly gifted man, was appre-
hended at Schwartz, in the valley of the Inn, and with
him Brother Leonhard Frick. They tried him greatly
with many severe tortures, and disputed with him
through the priests about infant baptism; but he,
orally as well as in writing, showed them his defense,
as it is commanded, and as it will be found, throughout
the entire Mew Testament, namely: that the Word of
God must first be taught, and that only those who. hear,
understand, believe, and receive it are to be baptizedd
This is the true Christian baptism, and no anabaptism.
The Lord has nowhere commanded to baptize infants;
they are already the Lord's, and as long as they are
in their innocence and simplicity, they are not to be
condemned at all. They also asked him in what the
foundation of these anabaptistic sects did properly
consist. To this he replied: IT Our faith, practice,

14 THE PILGRIM

and baptizing is founded on nothing else than the com-
mand of Christ: ! Go ye into all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved... ! (Mark 16:15,16; Matt.
28:19); and many other Scriptures."

They also asked what design lay concealed under this
anabaptism, since they had thus exhorted them to raise
a new uproar and sedition. But he replied that it had
never entered his heart , to make an uproar; neither had
he ever approved of it in others; yea, he had fled from
a house in which they lived in contention; which he
could prove by all with whom he had ever lived. And
there is no other design concealed under it than to
amend life and to forsake the vicious ways of the world;
so that in the doctrine which he teaches, this is not
the least commandment, that we are in duty bound to be
subject to the authorities in all good things; how,
then, should he raise and purpose uproar and sedition?

They also desired to know of him, who were the true
authors and principals of these heretical and chief
aects as they falsely call them. He told them that he
knew of no other principal of his faith than the Son of
God, Jesus Christy who is the true Captain of the faith,
'Heb. 12:2) But as regards that they are called here-
tics and seditious sects , he referred them to the com-
plaints of the Jews against Christ before Pilate, and
the complaints against the apostle Paul, before Felix
the Governor. (Matthew 27:1; Acts 24:2)

He was likewise asked what had caused and induced
him to forsake his office as priest. Concerning this
he told them that he had done it for conscience sake,
because he knew that he was in the place of a prophet,
end believed that God had sent him.

They would also know of him, who had told him to go
into Germany to plant the evil seed of Anabaptism. He
told them that no one had ordered him thither; but that,
.<ince he had no abiding place as yet, and had to go
about in misery, he came thereto one of his friends,
with whom he stayed, and thence came to Schwartz where
he was apprehended, according to and for the will of
God. As to the evil seed of which they spake, he knew

THE PILGRIM 15

nothing at all; he intended nothing evil, but much
rather the pure divine truth.

After this and other things, when he had been in
prison for some time, and could not be moved, he and
his fellow prisoner and brother were condemned to
death, and executed with the sword at Schwartz, thus
testifying with their blood to the divine truth,..

- Martyrs Mirror , page 425

BAPTISM

We were all made to rejoice when Jodi Royer saw
his need of a Saviour and requested Christian Baptism
which was administered December 3* 1978. May the Lord
guide him to a faithful walk with Him.

— Melvin Coning

BIRTHS

COVER - A daughter, Laura Elizabeth, born November 19
to Joseph W. and Sherry Cover of Tuolumne, California.

ROYER - A daughter, Kerry Beth, born December 13 to
Timothy and Linda Royer of Goshen, Indiana.

ADDRESS CHANGES

Buford Flora's 7.1249 C.R. 9 Rt. 1

Nappanee, Indiana 46550
(219) 773-7524

William Crawmer's Phone: (209) 5S6-7376

In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we
need to feel the stress of the storm.

Selected by Susie Sell

16 CHILDREN'S PAGE

ISAIAH

Can you imagine yourself telling someone exactly
what will happen 10 years from now? Of course not I
Only by the power of God could we do such a thing,
because we do not even know what tomorrow will bring,
or even the next minute or hour of our life. De&th,
accidents, and other circumstances make our lives as
changing as the weather — and only the Lord knows what
tomorrow will bring to us.

But Isaiah — a prophet of Jesus — wrote many things
about the Son of God 700 years before Jesus was even
born! By the Spirit of God, Isaiah said that Jesus
would come to the world as a baby. (See Isaiah 9:6)
He said that Jesus would live a life of sorrow and
be "acquainted with grief." The last three verses of
Isaiah 52 and the entire 53rd chapter tell the story
of the crucifixion so clearly that a man once declared,
"Surely this must have been written at the foot of the
cross." But, no, Isaiah had died 700 years before
that. Yet he wrote that Jesus would be wounded,
bruised, beaten, hated and rejected because of our
sins. His face and form would be marred (ruined) more
that any man's. And all that Isaiah wrote about Jesus
happened that way when Jesus died.

Although Jesus suffered more than any man because
of His great love to us, He suffered and died quietly.
.And it is believed that Isaiah also died a terrible
death — was sawn In pieces between two boards. But
surely he also was willing and glad to die for the
Lord that he loved. (Next month; a quiz) — S.K.B.

NON-PROFIT ORG.-HJLK RATE-U .S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT # 10

THE PILGRIM S0N0M > CALIF '

19201 Cherokee Hd.
Tuolumne, Calif,
95379

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