THE PILGRIM
VOL. 57 JANUARY. 2011 No. 1
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4:14)
DAY BY DAY
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowrnent,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Eveiy day the Lord Himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He wants to bear, to cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Power.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid:
"As your days, your strength shall be in measure,"
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith's sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E'er to take, as from a father's hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land. —Carolina Sandell Berg
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
(Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
NEW YEAR PROSPECTS
Another year lies before us as new snow with no tracks to
mar it. It's a little like the man who thanked the Lord that so far
this day he had made no mistakes and said no wrong words.
But he was soon to get out of bed and then he would need help.
I have finished filling a five year diary. It seems just a short
time ago that I started it. In that five years I have had some
surgeries and accidents. We have been privileged to attend
school and church meetings and enjoy trips. We've welcomed
seven more grandchildren. But these are small events when we
consider the problems of our nation and the world. Wars
continue, and a sinister threat of terrorism hangs over our
country. Some years before 9-11, Billy Graham, speaking at
the presidential breakfast, compared the world situation to the
sword of Damocles. Damocles lived in the fourth century
before Christ. He once insulted King Dionysius of Syracuse.
The king condemned him to attend a royal banquet and sit
beneath a naked sword that was suspended by a single hair. At
any moment it could drop.
We may not have a lot of involvement in world affairs, but
we are told to pray. Only God knows the future. We hear of
wars and earthquakes fulfilling Jesus' prophecies. (Matt. 24:6,7)
More dangerous to us and our youth is the increase in
technical devices: Facebook, cell phones and needless texting,
Internet, and all it's various intriguing parts and divisions.
(Regarding the newness of these, Facebook came up on my
spell check on our old 3.1 computer as an error with "no
suggestions.")
We wonder, but we probably know, how our forefathers
would have dealt with these marvels of our time. Anything that
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takes our time and attention must pass the test: Does it draw us
closer to God? or move us in the other direction? Does it
honor God} James Steiner, writing in Beside the Still Waters
about heeding spiritual warning gauges, said this: "If our
Bibles are collecting dust on the shelf while our cell phones
are becoming well-worn or if we spend more time on e-mail
than in Bible reading, we should be warned about our
spiritual temperature."
Time and attention. Time is important because it means
opportunity, but it is limited. Believers and ungodly both will
stand before God when their time is up. God gives no promise
of life for the coming year. Our call may come suddenly or with
warning like news of a terminal illness. We must realize we are
not going to win every battle and will not reach perfection here
in the flesh. But as believers we are ready now because our
salvation depends on a faithful Redeemer. It is His
righteousness we are given when we believe on Him, according
to Paul in Romans 4:24.
Our attention is important because we can fail simply by
ignoring our duty. When we concentrate on the technical toys,
we may neglect the needs around us. Milton Cook in the Bible
Monitor lists some hopes for the coming year that should have
our attention: "We would desire to see many accept Christ
as their Savior. We would desire to see the Church both
materially and spiritually prosper. We would like to see
Brothers and Sisters united into a solid Brotherhood of
like-hearted imitators of Christ. The way we represent
Christ to this dying world may influence what events
happen in this next year." Besides these noble goals there are
the poor in other countries, and even in our own, who could use
the funds we often lavish on ourselves. Our time and our
attention belong to God. So do all the things we call "ours."
May 2011 be a year of progress and victory for all our readers.
It could be a short year if Jesus comes soon. — L.C.
THE PILGRIM
SPIRITUAL SINGING: THE NORM FOR WORSHIP
Spiritual singing is the need of the hour! If our
congregations are to engage hi worship of this quality and
dimension, then we must truly be, above any other
consideration, a people of God. Our lives must support our
singing. Spiritual singing must stem from spiritual lives— from
hearts keenly aware of the presence of God. It is evident that
such spiritual lives stem from a new birth, being born from
above, born of the Spirit, filled with the Spirit of God, walking
in the Sphit, walking in love, in true holiness, and in true
Christian discipleship, Jn.3:3,5; Eph.5:18,2,8; Gal. 5: 16,25;
Heb.l2:14;IJn.2:6.
To achieve spiritual singing is to achieve spirituality in the
hearts of our people. And to obtain a new life in the Spirit there
must be a discharging of our tremendous moral responsibility in
repentance and faith to a moral Creator and God (Acts 20:21).
This demands a return to sanity {resipiscentia: a growing wise
again), a total change of mind, purpose, opinion, inclination,
attitude, and direction, a thorough brokenness and yieldedness
before God, and a casting of ourselves unreservedly in obedient
faith upon Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, Ezek,14:6:
Lu.l5:18;Ps.51:17;Roml0:9,10.
By John Overholt in The Christian Hymnary, page vi
HOME QUALITIES THAT CONTRIBUTE
TO A HEALTHY SCHOOL
Does the health of our school really depend on the quality
of the homes that benefit from them? Absolutely! Our schools
cannot compensate for the weaknesses in our homes. If we as
parents fail in our responsibilities to our children, it will only
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make things more difficult for our schoolteachers and other
school personnel.
What are some qualities that our homes must possess if we
want to have a healthy school?
Children should feel wanted and loved. Do we truly see
our children as gifts from God and "an heritage of the Lord"?
Or do we act as if they are in the way or a bother sometimes?
Children can sense whether their presence is appreciated or not.
This feeling of belonging will then carry over into the school
family.
Our homes should also provide a sense of security for our
children. Our children should feel safe at home with their
parents. Here is a shelter from the various threats that life
imposes upon them. At home is where children should leara to
cope with their fears and disappointments that life brings.
As our children learn to feel secure, they shoidd also begin
to develop a sense of stability in relating to life. As parents,
we help to develop stability in our children by exhibiting
stability ourselves. We seek for a church that is upholding the
truth and then we support it. We do not hop from one job to
another. We should be known as persons who know what they
want and then stand for it.
Our homes should be graced by a general respect for
authority. Parents respect and obey God's authority, church
authority, and civil authority. They also have a deep respect for
the authority of the school. Parents who side with their children
against school authority are doing then children a great
disfavor. Children, in turn, should be taught to respect their
parents' authority.
At an early age our children need to learn that there are
boundaries beyond which we may not go in how we speak and
act. As parents, we establish these boundaries by consistent
teaching and discipline. The sooner we can establish this in the
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minds of our little ones, the easier it will be for them and for the
school as they enter school life.
Order and schedule in our daily homelife is another
essential for healthy schools. Activities must happen at certain
times from day to day if we are to have order in our homes. A
regular time for rising, mealtimes, going to bed, family worship,
and doing chores will prepare children for school life.
Another home quality that will contribute to a healthy
school is being able to relate well with other people and with
their feelings and goals. Each home must decide for itself what
its goals will be and where the lines will be drawn. But then,
there is the grace of relating to other families and their goals in
a considerate way, even though the lines may be drawn at a
slightly different place. Some people seem to be born with the
talent of relating graciously to others, whereas others struggle
more to relate in a Christlike way. But God calls all of us to be
humble and meek in relating to each other, realizing that God
has a place for each one in the work of His kingdom. As we
learn to appreciate others and the good they can contribute to
our lives, this attitude will be caught by our children and will
help them relate to their peers at school.
Our homes should promote a healthy attitude toward
learning. Do you view study and learning as a necessary evil or
is it something you love to do, realizing the value it will have in
your life? If our children enter school life with a love for
learning new things, they are well on the road to developing a
lifelong appreciation for the value of learning. Also, the attitude
we as parents take when our children come home with a
difficult assignment will either help or hinder our child's
appreciation for learning. Do we show an interest in the
assignment, seeking to help where we can, or do we mutter
something under our breath about why they have to study that?
Developing in our children a healthy attitude toward work
is another essential to healthy schools. Our children should
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know something about perseverance and the satisfaction of a
job well done when they enter the classroom doors for the first
time. The attitude we as parents take toward work has a great
bearing on the attitude our children will develop.
We should also instill in our children some stewardship
principles at a young age. They should be learning to handle
books with care and to take care of their toys. They should be
learning that we do not let bicycles and other toys he around
outside overnight or in the rain. As they know something about
caring for their possessions, it will help them to be good
stewards of school property as it becomes their responsibility.
In all our homelife, we should promote and foster a
healthy, spiritual atmosphere. If we want a proper atmosphere
to prevail at school, we need to begin this at home. A general
respect for God and the seriousness of life should prevail in all
our homes and schools.
God needs spiritually strong, stable homes to help to keep
alive the vision for healthy Christian day schools. Will your
home be one of them?
By Melvin Detweiler
in The Christian School Builder, September, 2002
HISTORICAL
In past issues we have printed accounts of the Brethren in
Europe. This selection is about their beginning in Colonial
America— the first baptism and first communion in the New
World.
The Germantown Congregation
Germantown, mother congregation in America, what a
history is thine!
There's a stormy voyage in 1719, a landing at Philadelphia,
a procession to Germantown, a dispersion of the twenty families
of German Baptist Brethren, and in 1722 a revival spirit; public
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preaching collects tlie scattered souls; in 1723, a strange thrill
enraptured the membership at news of the coming of Elder
Libe; people from the Schuylkill country travel to the city of
Philadelphia to hear this man whose eloquence had made him
famous in two continents; a meeting is held at Peter Becker's
house; a missionary visit is undertaken; and six souls ask for
baptism—this is the beginning of the church in America. (Elder
Libe did not come, but they met anyway. L.C.)
Doubly memorable Christmas Day, 1723! Christ's
anniversary and the date of the birth of His church in America!
There is an activity at Peter Becker's house in Germantown.
The spindles are still; and the voice of praise is raised. Six
persons, Martin Urner, his wife Catherine, Henry Landis, his
wife, Frederick Lang, and John Mayle, all from what is now the
Coventry district, were in the midst of seventeen members, and
they were preparing to hold the first immersion in the church in
America. There was no ordained minister this side of the
Atlantic. The members hold a council. Peter Becker is chosen
to act as elder. The preliminary examination is held, prayer is
offered, and then these twenty-three souls walk out into the
winter afternoon, in single file, headed by Peter Becker. They
journey to the Wissahickon Creek. The group kneels.
Overhead the solemn sentinels of the forest fastness— the pines
and hemlock— are stilled. The ice-bound stream utters strangely
solemn music. Curious eyes from the Kelpianites rest reverently
upon the group. Peter Becker's voice breaks the stillness. The
prayer is ended. The six candidates for membership in God's
family are led one by one into the water and are baptized by
trine immersion. The procession returns to Germantown. They
assembled in the house of John Gomorry. It is evening now.
The old-time tallow- dips are lighted. They gather around a
long table, a hymn is sung, and in the silent evening hour, with
no witness but God and curious children, these people begin the
observation of the ordinances of God's house on Christmas
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evening, 1723. The sisters on one side, the brethren on the
other, arise and wash one another's feet. Then they eat the
Lord's Supper, pass the kiss of charity with the right hand of
fellowship, partake of the Holy Communion, sing a hymn, and
go out. It is night! But under God's guidance their acts have
been repeated in a thousand twilights, in all parts of this country
in all the years that have come and gone; and, please God, we
will repeat them again and again until He shall say, "It is
enough. Come up higher."
Let us look yet more closely at this company. Who are
they? Six are already named. They are babes in Christ. But the
other seventeen are warriors of two continents. They had a
remarkable career. At the head sat Peter Becker, pioneer
preacher in America. He could have told of blessed meetings in
Creyfelt and of sermons by Elders Mack, Libe, and Naas. He is
not a gifted preacher, but he leads the sacred music that fills the
dimly- lighted room with echoes of heaven's choir. His prayers
are eloquent and overmastering. He loved God and talked with
Him in the full faith of an expectant child of the King.
To his right sat John Jacob Price, who had prayed and
preached in the Rhine Valley with Elder Naas. He was not
large in body, but fervent in spirit. There was Stephen Koch,
John HQdebrand, Henry Traut and Henry Holsapple. They
were rich in experiences with God's people in Germany. There
was John Gomony, in whose house they sat; near him were
Jeremiah and Balser Traut, Daniel Ritter, John Kempfer, Jacob
Koch, and George Balser Gans, all sterling men of God.
To the left of Peter Becker sat Maria Hildebrand, whose
daughter was destined to wed a son of founder Mack. By her
side sat Magdalene Traut, Anna Gomorry, and Joanna Gans.
Seated in their midst were the six new members- twenty- three
in all. Who can lift the veil and record this hour's holy service?
What thoughts, what emotions, what religious experiences,
what covenanted pledges, what rejoicings moved lips and heart
10 THE PILGRIM
and head! To God only is known the ecstasy of that
communion. "Ye know not now; but ye shall know hereafter."
Blessed beginning of the church in America; may her latter days
be like her first!
Fromv4 History of The German Baptist Brethren in Europe
and America by Martin Grove Brumbaugh
LIVING AND A DEAD FAITH
The Lord receives His highest praise
From humble minds and hearts sincere;
While all the loud professor says
Offends the righteous Judge's ear.
To walk as children of the day,
To mark the precepts' holy light,
To wage the warfare, watch, and pray,
Show who are pleasing in His sight.
Not words alone it cost the Lord,
To purchase pardon for His own;
Nor will a soul by grace restored
Return the Saviour words alone.
With golden bells, the priestly vest,
And rich pomegranates bordered round,
The need of holiness expressed,
And called for fruit as well as sound.
Easy indeed it were to reach
A mansion in the courts above,
If swelling words and fluent speech
Might serve instead of faith and love.
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But none shall gain the blissful place,
Or God's unclouded glory see,
Who talks of free and sovereign grace,
Unless that grace has made him free!
William Cowper
Selected by Lloyd Wagner
FOR YOUTH
A Parable of the Tools
The Hammer was presiding at
A meeting of the tools.
The meeting started out just right-
Exactly like the rales.
But when the tools could not agree,
One voice was clearly heard,
"It's time that pounding Hammer goes-
He knocks with every word!"
"And Brother Plane must go," said one.
"He never does go deep.
He skims the surface; shavings fall-
True worth he'll never keep!"
Another spoke, "Sandpaper too
Must surely go today;
He's rough and tactless, makes such dust-
Hell rub the truth away! "
"But Brother Saw," Sandpaper flared,
"Just cuts the whole way through.
He makes divisions everywhere
And scatters sawdust too!"
12 THE PILGRIM
"And when Screwdriver does a job,
You're sure lie will get dizzy;
He just stays stiff and turns around,
And yet he thinks he's busy! "
"The Square keeps others well in line-
He knows he's straight and right."
"The Wrench insists on perfect fit."
"The Pliers pinches tight."
The Carpenter of Nazareth
Came walking slowly through;
He softly spoke, "There's work today,
And I need all of you."
Without delay in unison,
They chorused, "Here am I;
Just use me, Lord, as You see best;
For what You say, I'll try."
Then with cooperation prompt,
Those various humble tools,
Submitting to the Master's skill,
Built churches, homes, and schools.
Compiled by Regina Horst
From The Christian School Builder, May, 1990
BIRTH
MILLER - A son, Elijah Gary, born January 4 to Gary and
Hannah Miller of Marble Falls, Arkansas.
There is in the world far more hunger for love and
appreciation than there is for bread. —Selected
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LET US DRAW NEAR
Let us draw near the Mercy Seat,
The throne of God on high;
Comnmunication be complete
Between the earth and sky.
Let us draw near in humble prayer,
Confess our wandering ways;
Cast on the Lord our every care
And bow to Him in praise.
Let us draw near to Him who hears
The groanings of each heart;
Oh, take away our cares and fears
For just and kind Thou art.
Let us draw near, for round His throne
Others are bending low.
How sweet to be with those who know
From where their blessings flow.
Let us draw near that we be one,
United heart to heart;
Content to say, "Thy will be done,"
Thy blessings to impart.
Let us draw near while here below,
For soon the day will come;
God grant we then Thy grace may know
And all be gathered home.
Joseph I. Cover
December 4, 1963
14 THE PILGRIM u
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Honest Tom
Tom blew into his hands and stamped his feet to try to
warm them, for he had no mittens, and the soles of his shoes
were badly worn. "Latest news! Read all about it! " he shouted,
holding up his last newspaper. Nobody seemed to notice or
even hear the shabby little newsboy on the corner.
It was getting dark; Tom was hungry and cold. He had to
sell his last paper before he could go home.
People were hurrying past him on their way home from
work or with arms full of packages. Tom noticed these because
he was cold and hungry. He and his grandmother lived in two
wee, dark rooms up on the top floor of a shabby house in a
poor neighborhood. His grandmother sewed buttons on little
cards, hundreds of cards and thousands of buttons, but they
brought only a few cents a day for the tiresome work. Those
few cents and what Tom earned selling papers was not enough
to buy chicken and not even a little roast, for there was rent to
pay, coal and wood to buy to keep the fire burning, and
medicine to buy for Grandmother.
"I wish I could buy something 'specially good to eat.
Wouldn't Grandmother be surprised!" thought Tom. "But I
haven't even enough money to buy sausage."
Tom waved his paper in front of a gentleman passing by.
"Paper, Mister?" he shouted.
"I'll take a paper, Sonny." said the gentleman, reaching in
his pocket and dropping the money into Tom's hand.
"Thanks a lot," Tom said.
Now he could go home and get warm by the little stove and tell
Grandmother about the shoppers. He was about to put the
money into his pocket when a ray of light from the street light
flashed on one of the coins. "It certainly is a bright coin, like
somebody had polished it," mused Tom. He went beside a
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store window where he could see better and looked at the
bright coin, "It is different from the others," said Tom to
himself. "It must be a gold coin. Why, if it is, I'm rich! I can
buy all kinds of things with it. I can buy sausages for dinner."
But all the joy was wrung out of Tom's heart as quick as it
had come because he remembered his grandmother's words, "It
pays to be honest." He could not forget a verse from Proverbs
she had made him learn once, "In the house of the righteous is
much treasure; but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble." "It
would not be honest for me to keep this money. The man gave
it to me by mistake."
Tom was suddenly missing from the street comer. He
dashed down the sidewalk, dodging the last-minute shoppers, in
search of the gentleman who had bought his last paper. He
eyed eveiy man that he passed, wondered at every comer if he
might have turned there. His feet were warmer now from
running, but he was cold with fear that he would not find him.
Tom was about to give up his search and go home when he
saw a man at the curb getting into his car. "There—there he is!
The man who bought my last paper!" cried Tom aloud, too
loud, for a policeman put a hand on Tom's shoulder and said,
"Son, you seem terribly excited. What did this man do?"
"Oh, nothing," answered Tom. "Just bought a paper."
Then he pulled away from the policeman. "I'll miss him if I
don't hurry."
The policeman followed close after Tom, a puzzled
expression on his face.
Tom nearly did miss the man. He was just starting to drive
away from the curb as Tom jumped on the running board.
"Wait a minute, Mister!"
The car stopped and the driver rolled down the window as
Tom explained, "You bought my last paper and you paid me
with this bright com. I know it must be valuable and you made
a mistake when you gave it to me, so I've brought it back."
"My gold coin! That is worth a great d?*> .* me," said the
gentleman. "You are a fine boy to bring it back."
"I was afraid I wouldn't find you," said Tom as he dropped
the coin into its owner's hand, and with it he saw all Ms bright
hopes for the good hot dinner vanish. He was about to turi
sadly from the car when the man spoke again. "I appreciafg
your honesty, my boy. Here is something to repay you." g
The car drove away. Tom stood on the curb staling at thf
money in his hand, trying to realize that it was true. "It's mirig
all mine! I can buy sausages and potatoes for dinner. WoiTl
Grandmother be surprised! " jS
The policeman was still near by. He had seen and heanf
what had happened. The puzzled expression was gone now aiS
a smile was on his face instead as he moved across the sidewafig
toward Tom. "Here Son, is another reward. Get yourself =5
new p air of shoes and wann mittens. " ~
By Hilda I. Richardson Jjj
in Sunbeams, November 7, 1948 IS
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-—4
VOL. 58 FEBRUARY, 2011 No.2
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world" (I John 4: 14)
LORD, THOU HAST SEARCHED
Lord, Thou hast searched and seen me through:
Thine eye commands, with piercing view,
My rising and my resting hours,
My heart and flesh with all their powers.
My thoughts, before they are my own
Are to my God distinctly known;
He knows the words I mean to speak,
Ere from my opening lips they break.
Within Thy circling power I stand;
On every side I find Thy hand;
Awake, asleep, at home, abroad,
I am surrounded still with God.
O may these thoughts possess my breast,
Where'er I rove, where'er I rest;
Nor let my weaker passions dare
Consent to sin, for God is there. Amen.
Isaac Watts, 1719
From the Church Hymnal
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
BOLD, SHAMEFUL SHAME
"Shame is a bold fellow!" He elbows in when we don't
welcome him. But hear Jesus' warning: "For whosoever shall
be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man
be ashamed, when he eometh in his own glory, and in his
Father's, and of the holy angels."
We are ashamed in public if we neglect to dress properly, or
if we are unprepared when called on to testify, or not ready to
help someone in need. We make our wives ashamed if our
clothes are not pressed or cleaned properly. But these times are
of little consequence compared to our duty to represent the One
who has saved us. He suffered untold shame for us when He
was crucified with two criminals and the soldiers gamboled for
His clothes. His place of crucifixion apparently was near a
thoroughfare as the prophet had asked, "Is it nothing to you, all
ye who pass by?"
Joseph Grigg has written a soul-searching poem of five
verses, also set to music:
Jesus, and shall it ever be
A mortal man ashamed of Thee?
Ashamed of Thee whom angels praise
Whose glories shine through endless days?
Could a mortal (dying) man be ashamed of the Author of
life and One so glorious? Angels are pictured in God's Word as
powerful, able to travel quickly, clothed in white, shining
garments, with a countenance like lightning. Men in the
presence of angels "did fear and quake, and became as dead
men." If such creatures as these praise the Savior, could we
mortals ever be ashamed of Him?
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Ashamed ofJesas! sooner far
Let evening blush to own a star;
He sheds the beams of light divine
O'er this benighted soul of mine.
John wrote of Jesus (1:9): "That was the true Light, which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world." Can "our
benighted souls" blush in the presence of true Light? Even the
created sun dispels physical darkness; we welcome the morning.
How much more should we be glad when the Son rises in our
souls.
Ashamed of Jesus! just as soon
Let midnight be ashamed of noon;
Tis midnight in my soul till He,
Bright morning star, bid darkness flee.
This author says we are in the darkness of midnight until the
Morning Star arise in our hearts. Could we be ashamed of that
incomparable benefit? Malachi 4:2 describes the Sun of
righteousness with healing in his wings. Doctors are honored as
healers, but the Christian doctors acknowledge that all healing
is from God. Jesus healed all who came to Him in faith.
Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend
On whom my hopes of heaven depend!
No, when I blush, be this my shame:
That I no more revere His name.
We are not ashamed of dear friends— especially those who
have helped us financially or those who taught us in the Word.
We are glad to be identified with them. But this dear Friend
holds our hopes of heaven. According to the poem, there is a
time when we should blush with shame. That is if we do not
honor the dear name of Jesus.
Ashamed of Jesus! yes, I may
When I've no guilt to wash away;
No tear to wipe, no good to crave,
No fears to quell, no sold to save.
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In this last verse the poet lists some of our needs that only
Jesus can supply. In His grace He washes away our guilt.
When we grieve, He wipes away our tears. He tells us of a time
when there will be no more crying or tears. To John He said,
"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 "
Can He save our souls?
Is He worthy of our eternal praise?
May we never be ashamed of the One who suffered shame
that we might live. --L.C.
I'm not ashamed to own my Lord,
Or to defend His cause,
Maintain the honor of His word,
The glory of His cross.
RESULTS
"You do certain things, you get certain results." I well
remember these words of Brother Dan Wolf after he and I had
been to visit a member who was challenging the Church Order.
Having made some study of Church history, particularly relating
to the Brethren (Dunkard People), I believe that, with very few
exceptions, decisions made, considering the context of the time
and setting, were reasonable. Do we need Church authority and
(or) discipline? Some think not. Some believe the leading of
the Holy Spirit in the individual experience is all sufficient. The
Bible is all we need; no man-made laws or order wanted or
necessary.
It is challenging to observe the results and patterns that have
evolved in the "Plain Churches." One extreme is those who are
allowing people to commune who are living in moral sin and
disregarding God's order in attire. This is the result of decisions
THE PILGRIM
and practices based on premises other than Biblical instruction.
Are Church decisions made to encourage righteous thoughts
and practices or do they reflect compromise with the world and
emphasize political and social control? (I Cor. 11:2)
At the root of this dilemma is the conflict of the ages: the
result of the fall in Eden and the effects of sin. Satan would
have us believe that we can be our own boss and make our own
decisions. We are number one— no God or laws necessary. The
answer to this path to Hell is found in God's Word. Jesus came
as a servant, giving the plan of salvation, doing good and giving
instruction for dealing with others. The primary issue is to get
ones self out of the way. This can only be done by yielding to
the leading of the Spirit of God. Christians can also be subject
to the temptations of selfish desires, but we know that through
the power of God we can "resist the devil and he will flee from
us." (James 4:7)
It is presumptuous to discredit traditions and say we do not
need rules. When we have traditions and order which are
Biblical, they warrant our respect. "Therefore, brethren, stand
fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether
by word, or our epistle." (11 Thess, 2:15) Try to imagine what
life and society would be like if there were no traditions and
rules. Chaos! The same is true in the Spiritual experience.
Respecting God's Word and the sound faith of our ancestry
will reap righteous results.
Joseph E. Wagner Modesto, California
THE CHURCH WALKING WITH THE WORLD
The Church and the World walked far apart
On the changing shore of time;
The World was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.
THE PILGRIM
"Come give me your hand, " said the merry World,
"And then walk with me this way. "
But the Church hid her snowy hand
And solemnly answered, "Nay."
"I will not give my hand at all,
And I will not walk with you;
Your way is the way of eternal death,
And your words are all untrue."
"Nay, walk with me a little space, "
Said the World with a kindly air.
"The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.
"Your way is narrow and thorny and rough,
While mine isfloweiy and smooth;
Your lot is sad with reproach and toil,
But in rounds of joy I move.
My way you can see, is a broad, fair one,
And my gate is high and wide;
There is room enough for you and me,
And well travel side by side. "
Half shyly the Church approached the World,
And gave him her hand of snow;
And the false World grasped it, and walked along
And whispered in accents low,
"Your dress is too simple to please my taste;
I have gold and pearls to wear;
Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form,
And diamonds to deck your hair, "
The Church looked down at the plain white robes,
And then at the dazzling World,
THE PILGRIM
And blushed as she saw his handsome Up
With a smile contemptuous curled;
"I will change my dress for a costlier one."
Said the Church with a smile of grace.
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the World gave in their place
Beautiful satins and fashionable silks
And roses and gems and pearls;
And over her forehead her bright hair fell
And waved in a thousand curls.
"Your house is too plain, " said the proud old World.
"Let us build you one like mine,
With kitchen for feasting and parlor for play,
And furniture ever so fine. "
So be built her a costly and beautiful house,
Splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and daughters met frequently there,
Shining in purple and gold.
And fair and festival— frolics untold
Were held in the place of prayer,
And maidens bewitching as sirens of old,
With world-winning graces rare
Bedecked with fair jewels and hair all curled
Untrammeled by Gospel or Laws,
To beguile and amuse and win from the World,
Some help for the righteous cause.
The Angel of mercy rebuked the Church,
And whispered, "I know thy sin."
And the Church looked sad and anxiously longed
To gather the children in.
THE PILGRIM
But some were away at the midnight ball,
And others were at the play;
And some were drinking in gay saloons,
And the angel went away, j
And then said the World in soothing tones,
"Your much loved ones mean no harm,
Merely indulging in innocent sports. "
So she leaned still on his proffered arm.
And smiled and chatted, and gathered flowers,
And walked along with the World:
While countless millions of precious souls
Were hungering for truth untold.
n Y our preachers are all too old and plain, "
Said the gay World with a sneer.
"They frighten my children with dreadful tales
Which I do not like to hear.
"They talk of judgments and fire and pain,
And the gloom of darkest night
They warn of a place that should not be
Thus spoken to ears polite!
I will send you some— a better stamp-
More brilliant and gay and fast,
Who will show how men may live as they list
And go to heaven at last.
"The Father is merciful, great, and good,
Loving and tender and kind.
Do you think He'd take one child to heaven
And leave another behind?"
So she called for pleasing and gay divines,
Deemed gifted and great and learned;
THE PILGRIM
And the plain old men that had preached the cross
Were out of her pulpits turned.
The Mammon came in and supported the Church,
And rented a prominent pew;
And preaching and singing and floral display
Soon proclaimed a gospel new.
"You give too much to the poor, " said the World,
"Far more than you ought to do;
Though the poor need shelter, food, and clothes,
Why thus need it trouble you?
"Go take your money and buy rich robes
And horses and carriages fine;
And pearls and jewels and dainty food,
The rarest and costliest wine.
My children they dote on all such things,
And if you their love would win,
You must do as they do and walk in the way,
The flowery way they're in. "
Then the Church her purse-strings tightly held
And gracefully lowered her head,
And simpered, "I've given too much away;
I will do, sir, as you have said."
So the poor were turned from the door in scorn;
She heard not the orphans' cry;
And she drew her beautiful robes aside
As the widows went weeping by.
And they of the Church and they of the World
Journeyed closely, hand and heart,
And none but the Master, who knoweth all,
Could discern the two apart.
10 THE PILGRIM
Then the Church sat down at her ease and said,
"I'm rich and in goods increased;
I have need of nothing, and naught to do
But to laugh and dance and feast."
The sly World heard her and laughed within,
And mockingly said aside,
"The Church has fallen— the beautiful Church;
Her shame is her boast and pride, "
Thus her witnessing power, alas, was lost,
And perilous times came in;
The times of the end, so often foretold,
Of form and pleasure and sin.
Then the Angel drew near the mercy-seat
And whispered in sighs her name,
And the saints their anthems of rapture hushed
And covered their heads with shame.
A voice came down from the hush of heaven,
From Him who sat on the throne;
"I know thy works and what thou hast said,
But alas! thou hast not known
That thou art poor and naked and blind
With pride and ruin enthralled;
The expectant Bride of a heavenly Groom
Is the harlot of the World!
Thou hast ceased to watch for that blessed hope,
Hast fallen from zeal and grace;
So now, alas! I must cast thee out,
And blot thy name from its place."
Matilda C. Edwards
Grape Hill, Va,, January 3, 1874
THE PILGRIM U
IF
If you are not saved— you are lost.
If you do not pray—you have no power.
If you are not meek—you are haughty.
If you are not humble— you are proud.
If you have no peace— you have no rest.
If you have no rest— you have worries.
If you have no joy— you get despondent.
If you have no hope— you are discouraged.
If you are not honest— you are deceitful.
If you lose your temper— you commit sin.
If you are not merciful— you are hard-hearted.
If you have no forbearance— you lack patience.
If you are discourteous— you are inconsiderate.
If you use profanity— Satan uses you tongue.
If you have hate in your heart— you are a murderer.
If you don't love the brethren—you don't love God.
If you are not consecrated— you are not separated.
If you are not submissive to God— you are rebellious.
If you are not going to heaven— you are going to hell
If you are not pure in heart— you are impure in thought.
If you are not spiritually minded— you are worldly minded.
If you do not bear the cross— you become a stumbling block.
If you love the world— you don't love spiritual things.
If you are not born again— you are not in the kingdom of God.
If you can't control your mind— you can't control your tongue.
If you take the name of the Lord in vain— you are not guiltless.
If you are not in touch with God— you are in touch with Satan.
If you have an unforgiving spirit— your sins are not forgiven.
If you are not filled with the Spirit— you are filled with self.
If you are not walking in the light— you are walking in the dark.
If you haven't grace in your heart— you have hell in your heart.
12 THE PILGRIM
If yon are not witnessing for Jesus— yon are witnessing for
Satan,
If you are not led by the Spirit of God— you are led by the devil
If you are not wise unto salvation— you are unwise unto
condemnation.
If you haven't God's love in your heart— you are uncharitable
towards others.
If you are not carrying burdens for others— you are making
burdens for others.
If you are not sowing the seed of the kingdom— you are sowing
tares of the devil —Selected
SELF
Self is your enemy. Self will gnaw out the best in your soul.
"Myself' framed and hanging in your picture gallery will make
you miserable, cross, discontented. It will narrow your life. It
will rob you of friends. It will hinder achievement and ascent.
Self will obscure the glory of God's presence. Self is
pusillanimous (cowardly) and does not like company or a
crowd. Just concentrate your thoughts lovingly on somebody,
or two or three somebodies, and Self will run like mad. Our
Christ was bom in a manger. —Selected
BIRTH
Wells - A daughter, Marie Yvonne, born January 3 1 to Glenn
and Sharon Wells of Bradford, Ohio.
FOR YOUTH
LESSON FROM LINCOLN
While Abraham Lincoln was cutting wood he often had a
book with him, and his odd moments were spent in study.
One day while he was sitting on the ground intently reading
a law book, a pompous squire, on passing, called out, "Hello,
Abe! What, studying law? Expect to be President some day?"
THE PTLGRIM 13
"Don't know," said Lincoln, "but I am going to get ready for
anything God may have for me to do."
Boys, this is your get ready time for what God has for you
to do. It may be to farm, to work in wood, stone, brick, or
iron; to be a mechanic, merchant, minister, or missionary.
Leave that with God to guide. But make good use of your
boyhood days.
-Presbyterian Record
How Do You Act?
What do you do if you accidentally bump into someone in a
doorway? What do you do if someone drops an armload of
papers near you? Do you turn away and pretend not to notice?
Do you point your finger and giggle? What is the courteous
thing to do in cases like these?
Courtesy and good manners are rules for getting along with
others, rules to make life more pleasant for them and for you.
Courtesy is the working out of the Golden Rule: "Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you." It means being
considerate, considering how the other person must feel, and
trying to make him comfortable and at ease.
There is nothing insincere or worldly about good manners.
They are not artificial or unmanly; they are not just for girls. In
fact, the truly big people are those who are considerate of the
little people! Good manners simply mean that you are mature
enough to show interest and concern for those about you.
People who are all wrapped up in themselves-with no time for
others-are people who will have no time for courtesy and good
manners.
Basic to good manners is greeting people when you meet
them, or answering their greeting to you. If someone says hello
or good morning, be prompt to reply. For that matter, why not
14 THE PILGRIM
greet them first? Do not wait; say "Good morning, how are you
today?" That's just common courtesy!
People speak often of the magic words: please, thank you,
excuse me, and I'm sorry. Of course, they are not magic, but it
is surprising what wonderful things they can do! Use them; try
them on your fiiends, family, and schoolmates and see what a
difference they will make. Saying please, thank you, excuse me,
or I'm sorry is just a matter of showing concern for others; it is
just a matter of courtesy and good manners.
By Robert Darrow in
The Christian School Builder
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Don't! Don't! Don't!
Harry was making a sandwich when Mother came running
into the kitchen.
"Don't use the butcher knife," she exclaimed, taking the
knife away from him. "You will cut yourself. "
She gave him a dull knife that spread butter much easier.
Harry put a great big piece of cheese between two small pieces
ofbread.
"Don't eat so much cheese," Mother advised. "You may get
sick."
He sat on a high stool so he could watch Mother make
chocolate cookies, and ate the sandwich.
"Don't wiggle; you will fall," she told him.
Don't, don't, don't, he thought gloomily. Sometimes it
seemed as though that was the only word his mother knew. He
decided to go outdoors where she couldn't tell him don't
"Don't slam the door," she called. "You will wake up the
baby."
THE PILGRIM 15
Harry sighed. He would be glad when he was grown up.
Then people wouldn't always be saying don't
Princess and her four golden puppies were down by the
gate. When Harry opened the gate one of the puppies waddled
out onto the road. A car was coming. Harry ran to get the
puppy, but Princess was there first. She cuffed her child, then
picked him up gently with her teeth and carried him off the road
just as the car whizzed by.
"Wheee, that was close," Harry said watching Princess
nuzzle her puppy as though telling how much he had frightened
her.
He walked down the road to the meadow. There was a
gurgling river running along one side of the meadow. Harry
liked to wade in the river. But this afternoon some baby ducks
were swimming with their mother. Harry lay on his tummy in
the bushes and watched. All at once he had to sneeze. As soon
as he sneezed the mother duck gathered her brood together and
hurried them into the tall grass. One little duckling didn't want
to stop swimming. He kept ducking his head under the water
and having fun. The duck gave him a peck that sent him
scurrying into the tall grass.
"I wish she knew I wouldn't hurt her babies," Harry thought.
But the mother duck didn't know, so with soft quacks she
gathered her downy ducklings close to her.
Harry decided not to go wading. He knew a doe sometimes
fed in the meadow. Daddy said she had a fawn. Harry decided
to find the fawn. He crept through the grass as quietly as he
could. And sure enough, there in a thicket was the mother
deer. She was standing with her head high as though smelling
the air.
"Maybe she smells me," Harry thought. He hoped not,
because then she might run away. She wouldn't understand that
he only wanted to see her child and not hurt them. He sat in the
tall grass and watched. He didn't have to watch long. In just a
minute the little fawn came scampering from the bushes. He
kicked up his heels and pranced on his thin legs.
Mother deer gave him a nip and sent Mm back into the
bushes. She continued to sniff the air. Harry decided she was
worried about his being so close to her baby, so he started
home.
"Animals take good care of their babies," he decided. "So
do ducks. Guess all mothers take good care of their children.
He kicked a rock and watched it bounce down the road ahead
of him. "My mother takes good care of me, too," he decided.
"She doesn't want me to get hurt. Guess she doesn't say don't
any more than animal mothers do. Guess all mothers have to
say don't to keep their children from getting hurt.
And Harry started running. He wanted to tell mother how
much he loved her for taking such good care of Mm and baby
brother. He wanted to thank her for making chocolate cookies.
He liked chocolate cookies best of all. *
By Billie Avis Hoy in Sunbeams March 14,1954
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 58 MARCH. 20 11 N o, 3
" And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4:14)
THROUGH THE FURNACE
Through the furnace, through the heat,
There, beneath the hammer's beat;
Through temptations manifold,
Comes my soul like burnished gold.
Through the fires that purge the dross,
Through the anguish of the cross;
Buried with my Saviour slain,
So with Him I live again.
Lord, through furnace or through flood,
Still I come to Thee, my God;
f Mid affliction's burning flame,
Yet I glory in Thy name.
When my soul is purified,
Saviour, take me to Thy side;
There, from every trial free,
May I sweetly rest with Thee.
Author unknown
From Spiritual Songs and Hymns
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Ribhshing editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
HEAVY BURDENS
During the night of Thursday, February 17, we were
dismayed to hear the crack of breaking limbs and falling trees.
In the morning trees were broken off and uprooted every
where. Wet, dense snow had stuck to the leafy live oaks and
destroyed many. Thousands were without electricity from
branches and trees fallen across power lines.
I am reminded of the heavy weight that some people carry
and the damage that can be done. Many have a load of sin;
others are burdened by physical or emotional heaviness. There
is only one remedy. Jesus calls, "Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Our
Heavenly Father in His love provided relief in His only Son and
His atoning blood.
John Bunyan in Pilgrim's Progress described this burden
and the answer to it:
"Now I saw in my dream that the highway, up which
Christian was to go, was fenced on either side with a wall, and
that was called Salvation. Up this way therefore did burdened
Christian run, but not without great difficulty, because of the
load on his back.
"He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending and
upon that place stood a cross, and a little below in the bottom a
sepulchre. So I saw in my dream, that just as Christian came up
with the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell
from off his back, and began to tumble, and so continued to do
till it came to the mouth of the sepulchre, where it fell in, and I
saw it no more.
"Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said with a
merry heart, He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his
THE PILGRIM
death, Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was
very surprising to him, that the sight of the cross should thus
ease him of his burden. He looked, therefore, and looked again,
even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down
his cheeks. Now, as he stood looking and weeping, behold
three shining ones came to him and saluted him with "peace be
to thee;" so the first said to him, "Thy sins be forgiven;" the
second stripped him of his rags, and clothed him with change of
raiment; the third also set a mark upon his forehead, and gave
him a roll with a seal upon it, which he bid him look on as he
ran, and that he should give it in at the celestial gate; so they
went their way. Then Christian gave three leaps for joy, and
went on singing:
"Thus far did I come loaden with my sin,
Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in,
Till I came hither: what a place is this!
Must here be the beginning of my bliss?
Must here the burden fall from off my back?
Must here the strings that bound it to me crack?
Blest cross! blest sepidchre! blest rather be
The Man that there was put to shame for me!"
I have no idea how many have read this or how many
burdens have been lifted this way. Pilgrim's Progress used to
be one of the few books people owned. Now good books seem
to be nearly obscured by the flood the dragon casts out of his
mouth as described in Revelation 12:15,16. But as Christians,
let us take advantage of the edifying books that are being
written even now. Neither Pilgrim's Progress nor any other
book can replace God's Holy Word, but we can be encouraged
by men of God testifying to loads lifted and souls saved by the
all-sufficient grace of our Savior. --L.C.
THE PILGRIM
Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.
Psalm 55:22
Two travelers toiled up a steep ascent. One stood erect,
strong, seemingly tireless. The other staggered under a load
that seemed to grow larger and heavier with each step.
Suddenly the weary one stopped and transferred his entire load
to his friend's strong shoulders. The friend not only accepted it
gladly, but reached out a strong arm for the exhausted one to
lean on. Who were those two? My Lord and L--H. G. Mackay
"I know your burden, child; I shaped it,
And even as I laid it on you, I said,
"I shall be near, and while he leans on Me,
This burden shall be Mine, not his." —P. Pastnor
DO WE HEAR?
In Luke 16, the last verse catches my attention. "If they
hear not Moses, and the prophets, neither will they be
persuaded though one rose from the dead." Jesus was referring
to the rich man's five brothers. They evidently were a stiff-
necked, hard of hearing lot.
What does it take for us to "hear," or "be persuaded"? God
has a will for our lives. Would physical miracles help persuade
us of it? The accounts of Dorcas and Lazarus being raised from
the dead persuaded many, though we're not told how lasting it
was. Having our fleshly desires fed is usually not an eternal
benefit. God wants men to serve Him by faith. If the physical
demonstrations of His power were always overwhelming,
wouldn't men's response be automatic?
It is God's will that all be saved. No doubt He knows what
methods will best achieve those results. After all, He's the one
who made us people of free choice. It seems that being
persuaded depends much more on the one receiving the good
THE PILGRIM
news than on the one giving it. Ultimately it's God's message,
but He uses various methods and vessels to deliver it. It is
perfect news, a perfect plan, and the most effective methods.
Another sign is not what we need. We simply need to hear!
Have you ever met a Christian who said, "I will not hear
Christ"? I haven't! Jesus told the Jews in John 5:45, "There is
one that accuseth you, even Moses in whom ye trust." It was
because they wouldn't believe the things he wrote. The same
principle, no doubt, applies to Christians today. They claim
faith in Christ, yet they will not obey His Word. Jesus says His
Word is the very thing we will be judged by in the last day. We
have His Word to guide us, and if that gospel doesn't persuade
us, probably nothing else will either. True Christianity is
voluntary, and since the true message has been given, it's up to
men's hearts to respond.
How do we respond to God's clear messages or "Moses and
the prophets"? For example, "Children, obey your parents"
(Eph. 6:1, Col. 3:20), or "Hear the church" (Matt. 18:17). Are
we persuaded? How do we respond?
We could be like the lawyer in Luke 10 and try to justify
ourselves saying, "And who is the church?" or "in what areas,
or for how long must we honor our parents?" The Bible does
have answers for those questions. But remember, it says
"Children, obey your parents" and it gives condemnation to
those who will not hear the church. Those two requirements
seem to raise many people's ire; yet they are given by God and
offer great blessing.
Would we be more willing to hear if one of our ancestors
rose from the dead? Jesus says not. Let's honestly look at
God's Word and practically apply it to our lives. Eternal life
depends on it. If we don't reverence Jesus enough to obey, we
are not His.
Neil Martin, New Paris, Indiana
THE PILGRIM
HOW TO WORRY
Here are twelve ways to worry if you like to worry and are
entertained by worrying— or even if you don't like to worry, but
do it anyway. These twelve ways will help you worry if you
like to and also help you to get away from worrying if you so
desire, and turu things over to the Lord!
1. Never worry over rumors or what "they" say. First get
the facts.
2. Know definitely your worry problem. Write it down.
Face it.
3. Worry about only one problem at a time.
4. Set a definite day, afternoon, or night for worrying.
5. Never worry in bed, in the dining room, living room, or
at church.
6. Select an air-conditioned room. Lean back in an easy
chair.
7. Set a time limit. If you must go beyond it, give yourself
credit for time and a half.
8. Never worry with a frowning face. Smile, sing, or
whistle.
9. Never worry when you are tired, sick, angry, or
depressed.
10. Never worry while working, playing, visiting, or
shopping.
11. Two times never to worry: A. When you can help the
situation. B. When you cannot.
12. Never worry alone. Take it to the Lord. (Proverbs
25:19, Philippians 4:6,7)
After reading these, is it going to be easier to worry or
should you? It is said it's okay to have a righteous concern, but
to worry or stew over something shows a lack of trust and/or
faith. The Bible says to fret not; sit down and count the cost.
THE PILGRIM
We are a part of a better covenant with many better things to
come. Better resurrection, better country, better sacrifices of
self, better hope, better testament, better salvation, better
promises, etc. Also in heaven there is a bqtter and an enduring
substance. This leads me to believe I should look up more and
have a positive attitude— not look down with a negative outlook
on things or people. It is hard to be positive, growing in the
Lord, and helping others while looking back all the time. We
may need to look back to learn what not to do, and then keep
going.
So how do I finish up? So where does the power come
from to see the race to its end? Look within: God made us for
a purpose, and we will run for His pleasure. We shall be as a
city upon a hill. The eyes of all the people are upon us, so that
if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work of faith we
have undertaken and do cause Him to withdraw His present
help from us, we shall be made a story and a byword through all
the world.
There is nothing automatic about God's will. It seems to be
very plain that we are given a certain control of our destiny
because we have the chance to choose. We are given a set of
guidelines in the Bible by which to live. It is up to us to decide
if we will abide by them or not. We can become too big for
God to use, but you cannot be too smaU. The Bible can touch
our hearts, order our minds and refresh our souls, God has
given us a free will. That means a person can choose to trust in
God's wisdom, accept it and learn whatever lessons are being
presented at the moment by His Holy Spirit. Or you can worry,
find fault, hate, be bitter and you can even kick and scream, and
shake your fist at the heavens.
A believer's dream is that every man must be free to become
whatever God intends them to be. Some people grow up and
some just grow older. As we grow older let us be mature also.
THE PILGRIM
As we become men and women, let us put away childish
thoughts and become adults as the Bible admonishes.
So why worry? He is risen and is coming again! With your
attitude, praise the Lord, be thankful, joyful, pleasant; think on
good things and you will shine forth a good light.
For your thoughts and meditations.
Sincerely, Roger Kuntz, Covington, Ohio
SALIDA CHURCH UPDATE AND REQUEST
There has been no action of late on building or securing an
Old Brethren meeting house in the Valley. We stiH have the
church property. There is enough in the building fund to put up
a modest building. But to meet building codes and the costs of
preparing the lot, parking lot grading, paving, utility access, and
curbing more than doubles the amount in the building fund.
Putting sentiment aside, the location is not very suitable for a
church site. Selling the property at the present time with
depressed land prices is not encouraging. Maybe rather than
having another church building, the Lord would be pleased to
see more worshippers in the existing meeting houses.
I am putting together some history and facts on the Old
Brethren and the Salida Meeting House which burned May 18,
2006. I plan to include the writings from the July-August 2006
memorial issue of the Pilgrim. If anyone has additional material
(pictures included) regarding the Salida Meeting House that
they would be willing to share I would be pleased. Call 209-
522-0405. As of present I have 24 pages (not including
pictures) in rough draft. Suggestions are welcomed.
Joseph E. Wagner
3348 Shoemake Ave.
Modesto, California 95258-8573
THE PILGRIM
WHEN YOU'RE UNFAIRLY CRITICIZED
Like death and taxes, criticism is inevitable. Being judged
unfairly, second guessed, put down and ridiculed is a way of life
for the child of God. If you're going to make a difference,
you're going to get nailed sometimes. We can't afford the
luxury of being thin-skinned.
We can't avoid the barbs and nicks of the censor, but we can
choose our response to criticism. If you're doing the right thing
and the critic dissuades you from continuing, you have given
him control of your actions, and that's a privilege he doesn't
deserve.
In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech before the
Hamilton Club in Chicago. His remarks on that occasion help
me to unmask the sinister motives of the critic:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out
how the strong one stumbled or where the doer of deeds could
have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually
in the arena, whose face is marred by sweat and blood; who
strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again,
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming. . .
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs,
even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor
spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in
the gray twilight which knows neither victory nor defeat."
By Norman Bales in The Edifier —Selected
When you are close to God, you get farther away from the
things that mean so much to this world.
You cannot correct a problem with the same mentality that
created it.
10 THE PILGRIM
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL VIEWS
Good Work, or None
As a rule, a workman must follow his employer's orders; but
no employer has a right to demand work unworthy of the
workman. Judge Smith, an eminent lawyer living near
Cincinnati, once sent to a neighboring village for a carpenter.
In answer to the message, a sturdy young fellow, ready for
work, appeared at the lawyer's house.
"I want this fence mended, to keep out the cattle," said the
judge. "Here are some rough boards; use them. It is out of
sight from the house, and you need not make it a neat job. I
will pay you only a dollar and a half."
The judge then went to dinner. When he came out again, he
found the carpenter carefully planing the boards. Supposing
that this was done merely to make the work cost more, the
judge ordered the man to nail the boards on just as they were.
Coming back a second time, he saw the boards all planed
and numbered and ready for use. "I told you that this fence is
to be covered with vines," he said angrily to the busy workman.
"I do not care how it looks."
"I do," replied the carpenter, carefully measuring his work.
The judge, somewhat cooled down by the brief answer, walked
away without another word. There was something in the
workman's manner that puzzled the dignified lawyer.
When the work was done, there was no part of the fence so
thorough in finish as that made by the odd young man from the
village. "How much do you charge?" asked the judge,
regarding both the work and workman with a critical eye.
"A dollar and a half," said the man, shouldering his tools,
ready to depart.
THE PILGRIM 11
The judge stared. "Why did you spend all that time and
labor on the fence, if not for money?" he inquired. The look of
wonder in his eyes gave force to the question.
"For the work itself, sir," was the ready reply.
"But, as the fence is to be covered with vines, nobody
would have seen the poor work on it."
"But I should have known it was there," said the carpenter.
And to the judge's offer of more money, for the sake of the
good, honest work, he replied, "No, I will take only a dollar and
a half That was the bargain." And he took his money and
went away.
Ten years afterward, the judge had to give out the contract
for several large public buildings. There were many master
builders among the eager applicants for the work. The face of
one of them caught Judge Smith's eye. "That is my man of the
fence." said the judge to himself. "I know that we shall have
only good, honest work from him."
He said the same to the other judges, and told them the
story of the broken fence. That builder got the contract, and it
made a rich man of him. The young carpenter, who ten years
before had done good work simply for the work's sake, was still
the faithful, honest men, thorough in everything that he did.
That is the true measure of the workman, whatever his calling
may be.
-Reprinted from Butler's Series Fourth Reader, 1883
Selected from The Christian School Builder, August 1998
Teachers appreciate when parents
*show an interest in school.
*ask about their child's behavior and progress.
*bring and pick up children promptly.
*show a good example in conduct.
*give support in discipline.
* support the curriculum.
12 THE PILGRIM u
MODESTY
Modest apparel is an outward manifestation of "the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" within. True, there is such
a thing as a "sheep in wolves' clothing," just as much so as it is
possible to be hypocritical otherwise.
Some people tell us that we should "dress so as not to be
noticed"; but then* fatal weakness is that they get into the wrong
crowd before they apply this rule. We should exemplify the
Bible teaching on dress in our appearance, just as we exemplify
all other Bible teachings in our daily walk and conduct.
We expect worldlings to adorn their bodies after the
fashions of the world. Why should we not also expect the
people of God to wear clothing that exemplifies the teaching of
God's Word on this subject, patterning after the customs of
those "of like precious faith" rather than conforming to the
customs of a Satan-dominated world?
Light-shining is important (Matt. 5:16)— in the clothing that
we wear as well as in all other things connected with the
Christian's daily walk.
From The Sunday School Herald, 1946
MARRIAGES
TAYLOR- ADINA Colin Taylor and Krystal Adina were
married December 26,2010, near Salem, Oregon.
New address: 340 1 Mud Puppy Lane
Salem, Oregon 97317
Cell: Colin 503-990-1118 Krystal 503-990-3738
PIFER-COVER Jon Pifer and Heather Cover were married
February 19, 2011, near Tuolumne, California.
New address: 17872 D Ave.
Dawson, Iowa 50066
THE PILGRIM 13
FOR YOUTH
I Am Habit
It is mighty hard to shake me;
In my brawny arms I take thee;
I can either make or break thee;
I am Habit!
Through each day I slowly mold thee;
Soon my tightening chains enfold thee;
Then it is with ease I hold thee;
Thus is Habit!
I can be both good and vile;
I can e'er be worth your while,
Or the cause of your decrial;
I am Habit!
Oft I've proved myself a pleasure;
Proved myself a priceless treasure,
Or a menace past all measure;
Thus is Habit!
Harmless though I sometimes seem, yet
My strange force is like a magnet;
Like a great and greedy dragnet;
I am Habit!
Though you sometimes fear or doubt me,
No one yet has lived without me;
I am present all about thee;
Thus is Habit!
14 THE PILGRIM
Choose ine well when you are starting;
Seldom is an easy parting;
I'm a devil or a darling!
I am Habit!
By Robert E. Sly
in The Youth's Visitor
TWO CRIPPLES
Two cripples entered a church one day;
Crippled— but each in a different way:
One had a body strong and whole,
But it sheltered a warped and twisted soul.
The other walked with a halting gait,
But his soul was "tall and fair and straight."
They shared a pew. They shared a book
But on each face was a different look:
One was alight with hope and joy
And faith that nothing could destroy.
The other joined not in prayer or hymn,
No smile relaxed his features grim.
His neighbor had wronged him; his heart was sore,
He thought of himself and nothing more.
The words that were read from the Holy Book
Struck deafened ears and a forlorn look.
To one came comfort-his soul was fed;
The other gained nothing from what was said.
Two cripples left the church that day;
Crippled--but each in a different way;
A twisted foot did one body mar,
But the twisted soul was sadder far.
Mildred M. North --Selected
THE PILGRIM 15
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Your Tongue
You have a little prisoner;
He's nimble, sharp, and clever;
He's sure to get away from you,
Unless you watch h im ever.
And when he once gets out, he makes
More trouble in an hour
Than you can stop in many a day,
Working with all your power.
He gets your playmates by the ears;
He says what isn't so,
And uses many ugly words
Not good for you to know.
Quick, fasten tight the ivory gates,
And chain him while he's young!
For this same dangerous prisoner
Is just your little tongue!
Author unknown
WRONG SIDE OUT
Kate was cross; nothing pleased her. Her mother gave her
the choicest morsels for her breakfast, and the nicest toys. But
she did nothing but fret and complain. At last her mother said,
"Kate, I want you to go right up to your room and put on all
your clothes wrong side out."
Kate stared. She thought her mother must be out of her
wits.
"I mean it, Kate," she repeated. Kate had to raind. She had
to turn her stockings wrong side out and put on her coat and
dress and collar wrong side out. When her mother came up to
her, there she stood— a forlorn and funny looking ghl—all linin gs
and seams and ravelings— before the glass (inirror), wondering
what her mother meant. But she was not quite clear in her
conscience. Then her mother, turning her around, said:
"This is what you have been doing all day—making the
worst of things. You have been turning everything wrong side
out. Do you really like your things this way so much, Kate?"
"No, Mamma," answered Kate shamefacedly. "Can't I turn
them right?"
"Yes, you may, if you will try to speak what is pleasant and
do what is pleasant. You must do with your manners as you
prefer to do with your clothes— wear them right side out. Do
not be so foolish any more, dear, as to persist in turning things
wrong side out." Selected from Sunbeams, 1942
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 58 APRIL. 2011 No. 4
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4: 14)
HOW MUCH I OWE
When Jesus died on Calvary,
When Jesus died it was for me;
I oft-times wonder shall I know
How much I owe; how much I owe?
My Jesus hi Gethsemane
Passed through the direst agony;
Twas all for me He suffered so;
How can I tell how much I owe?
When on the cross those cruel nails
Gave me a Christ that never fails,
And from His wounds there came a flow
That saves from sin—how much I owe!
When I shall reach that golden shore,
To dwell with Him forevermore,
Ten million years may come and go,
I cannot tell how much I owe.
How much I owe for love divine!
How much I owe that Christ is mine!
But what He did for me, I know,
I cannot tell how much I owe.
T. P. Hamilton in Spiritual Songs and Hymns
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, C A 95379
BROKEN FOR ME
"Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this
do in remembrance of me." (I Cor. 11:24b)
A look in the concordance under broken is revealing. Many
things can be broken. We walk out on our property and view
the damage of recent heavy snow storms. We have never seen
countless trees and limbs he prostrate and scattered, broken by
too much wet snow on trees that keep then leaves yearlong.
Uprooted and shattered, crisscrossed and tangled describes the
scene.
As your concordance shows, brokemiess can be good or
bad. It is bad when laws or trees are broken. It is good when
bread is broken by Jesus to feed the multitude. It is bad when
bones are broken, but good when proud hearts are broken.
To say it was good when Jesus' body was broken must be
qualified. It was good for us that the way of redemption could
be opened. It is sad that Jesus, King of Kings, should be put to
shame and broken on the cross like a criminal.
Satan, look and weep. You must have thought you had
victory over your arch enemy when you persuaded the crowd to
demand the death of the Son of God. You must have rejoiced
for three days when Jesus lay in the tomb and His followers
cowered behind closed doors. You were glad with the scribes
and pharisees to be rid of One who so successfully put them to
silence when they harassed Him with hard questions. The
questions weren't hard for Jesus because He is the Author of
all wisdom and knowledge. Nothing is too hard for Him. But
you didn't seem to know this about the Son whom you hated
even before the earth was created. Yes, Satan, you celebrated
for the three days, but you could not prevent Jesus :' rising from
THE PILGRIM
the grave. Now, weep and tremble, for the everlasting word of
God says that y on have but a short time, and yon know it.
Jesus was broken for me and for all. It was decreed that the
serpent would bruise the heel of the seed of the woman, but
also this Seed would bruise the serpent's head. The prophecy
was fulfilled when Calvary love of Jesus paid the penalty for our
sins, and the seipent was given a mortal blow to the head.
The story can be told so simply, but the sacrifice of Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit for fallen man is indescribable in human
terms. Isaiah (through revelation) gives us a glimpse of His
sufferings: "Surely he hath bora our griefs, and earned our
soitows. . .But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was
upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. . . He shall see of
the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied. . ." Only with
better understanding, redeemed hearts, and perfected minds can
we fully appreciate what we read here.
Jesus' body was mangled, torn, and broken, but it was
decreed that "a bone of him shall not be broken." John writes
of this (John 19:36) in describing His crucifixion. It evidently
refers to the Passover lamb that was to be eaten but its bones
were not to be broken. The soldiers broke the legs of the two
criminals who were crucified with Jesus so that they would die
before the high sabbath day. But Jesus was already dead. One
of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, fulfilling more
prophecy that "They shall look on him whom they pierced."
Jesus, by His life, death, and resurrection, put into effect the
divine plan whereby we might be saved. Read Romans 5 and 6
to review how we were reconciled by Jesus' death and saved by
His life. How can we poor mortals be "sufficient for these
things." How can we understand what we need to know? Only
by faith and the revelation of His Spirit can we comprehend
these vital truths.
4 THE PILGRIM
We are like Thomas. Unless we are satisfied with proof of
our own deciding, we will not believe. When Jesus gave him
that proof, he worshipped saying, "My Lord and my God!" We
can't reach forth and feel His wounds, but we come under the
blessing of Jesus when He said, "Thomas, because thou hast
seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not
seen, and yet have believed."
May we with Thomas worship and confess, "My Lord and
my God!" -IX.
GOD'S ORDER OF LOVE
When reading the first half of I Corinthians 11, do you find
these verses puzzling? Is this passage addressing godly order?
Does covering or uncovering the head relate to this order? Is
this covering a type or symbol that is important to God? Is this
order in the best interest of people today or a relic of ancient
culture? Finally, what is a covering; what does it consist of?
Who needs order? Though our culture idealizes the
independent individual, everyone is dependent even before birth.
God created us interdependent beings (Gen. 2:18),
consequently, we need order in government, community, home,
school, and church. (I Cor. 14:40). The very bedrock for order
in any society is the way men and women relate to each other
and their Creator.
In God's order, God is the head of Christ, Christ is the
head of man, and man is the head of woman. (I Cor. 11).
Outside of God's order, this would create a pecking order, an
expression that comes from observing chickens. The dominant
rooster positions himself into control by pecking all others into
submission. Rooster number two cannot dominate the
strongest rooster, but he can and will exercise control over all
THE PILGRIM
the others. This cruel order is established, in turn, down to the
weakest chicken.
Pecking is not God's plan for order, God's order is love,
love defined as total commitment to the well-being of others.
(Matt. 17:5, John 3:16, Col. 3:19, Eph. 5:24-28). Jesus, though
our Lord and Master, was so committed to our well-being that
He lowered Himself to live on this earth. He suffered and died
that we can reign with Him forever. He did not "lord" it over
us but became a servant for us, as loving parents serve and rale
in the child's life for good.
We see this servant-love in all of God's order. God the
Father loves His Son, God the Son is in submission to the
Father though equal to Him. (Phil. 2:6), Christ, as our
authority, loves us and gives us all things that pertain to life and
godliness. In the same way the man, as the woman's head
(authority) should be totally committed to her well-being.
As Son and Father are equally God, so also woman is
equally an heir of salvation with man. (I Peter 3:7). She is not
inferior to man hi the value of her soul; her mind, will,
emotions, and intellect are equal to man's. God positioned her
as the recipient of all the servant love in His order of authority.
God's love for His Son is in turn poured out to man and the
godly man's love is poured out to the woman. In God's order,
all this love, care, security, protection, and provision channels
to and climaxes with the woman.
God, in His wisdom created this sanctuary of love order in
such a way that children are born into the ultimate shelter of His
love. Only the women can give birth to a child. In God's order,
children are born within the loving shelter of a mother that is in
obedience to the Father.
In the last part of Ephesians 5 we see this love for the
woman, flowing from her head (husband) as a mystery God
reveals to those who love Him and His order. The husband's
love is a type or symbol of the love that flows from God
THE PILGRIM
through Christ and consummates in His beloved bride, the
church. The woman is a type of Christ's beloved bride, the
church. God created women from a rib out of Adam's side after
He put him into a deep sleep. (Gen. 2;21-24). The bride of
Christ was bom out of the side of Christ that was pierced after
He was asleep (dead) on the cross.
Are types and symbols important to God? The second part
of I Corinthians 11 relates to the important symbol of the shed
blood and broken body of Christ. Dear to the heart of God was
the suffering of His Son. Our Creator, knowing that we soon
forget, gave us these emblems saying, "This do in remembrance
of me."
Baptism is also a symbol dear to the heart of God. Jesus,
the sinless Son of God, fulfilled all righteousness when He was
baptized. (Matt. 3:15). Types and symbols reinforce to us the
significance of that which is precious to the heart of God.
Just so, the head covering is a symbol of God's love order,
reminding us that loving service comes with His order. Men
were created with stronger vessels (bodies) than women. (I Pet.
3:7). Husbands are to show consideration for the weaker vessel
of then* wives. God created both man and woman in His own
image but uniquely different. Adam portrayed the image of
God's power, while Eve was the image of God's beauty. The
husband's body is like a clay jar, the wife's body like a lovely
china cup. Husbands need to be gentle and tender with the
china.
Yet, man's sinful tendency is to exploit those that are
vulnerable, just as the chickens in the farmyard peck others into
submission. God gave us the symbol of the women's covering
lest man forget how precious the china cup is. This is important
to God. The above Scripture tells the husband that his prayers
will be hindered if he does not honor her vessel.
The woman, with her weaker vessel, nevertheless, is also
tempted to seek control of her own life and the lives of others.
THE PILGRIM
The seipent enticed Eve to become god and make her own
choices in life. (Gen, 3:5,6). She then wielded her new
controlling nature to sway Adam. Satan also tempts us to
control our destiny: "I can and will rule the roost."
A mislead, "freetlfrnking" society offers no freedom from
the pecking order. It merely gives women equal opportunity to
rule the roost with the ruthless system still intact. This
precarious pinnacle of power begets constant threats from
henpecked, mutinous underlings. Only Christ can make us free
indeed! (John 8:32-36). Christ is the way, the truth, and life
itself (John 14:6). Christ presents an altogether new order of
loving service, not a cruel and corrupt pecking order. (Mark
10:42-45).
Patching up a loveless order will only emphasize the
problem. (Matt. 9:16-18). New wine in old bottles creates
tension. Our culture is under pressure as men and women move
out from under God's order. Women regard keepers at home
(Tit. 2:5), chastity and motherhood stifling to a women's self
expression. Men use and abuse one china cup after another,
thoughtless of accountability or responsibility to wife or
offspring, (MaL 2:13-16).
Tragically, children, no longer under God's sheltering love
order, are the real victims of the pecking order. Demanding
obedience from children has no basis from parents who
themselves refuse to be under the canopy of God's headship
love order. In God's love order, the only way to be a parent-
authority is to be under authority. (Luke 7:6-9). In Col. 3:18-
20 we see not only the admonition "Children, obey your
parents," but the whole love order.
The headship covering is also an important symbol to the
church, reminding the church that she is the Lord's submissive
bride and the ultimate recipient of God's order of love. Satan
and Ms "kingdom of this world" are keenly aware of this symbol
THE PILGRIM
of the Bride and her loving submission to the Bridegroom who
is lovingly preparing for an eternal wedding.
For God's people the headship covering is an important
symbol of God's order of love, signifying all mankind has equal
opportunity to serve. Men, take responsibility seriously, loving
and serving your wives and children even as the Lord loved and
gave Himself for the church. The submissive woman finds love,
security and protection in man, Christ, and the Father.
Since the covering is a symbol, the design should readily
identify it as such. A baseball cap, bandanna, or hood may well
shield from sun, dust, or arctic ah* but will not be recognized as
a headship covering. Conversely, a man wearing a plain hat for
weather protection is not wearing a symbol. [It would be a
dishonor to Christ for man to wear a symbolic covering such as
a scull cap. (I Cor. 11:4, II Sam. 15:30, Est. 7:8, Jer. 14:3,4)].
The headship covering will be more visible as a symbol of
the local church's submission to Christ if members wear a
consistent pattern. The Bible does not lay out a pattern or
material, but the principle needs to be applied with resources
the church has.
God f s love order may or may not be new to us. Perhaps
someone has persuaded us that this beautiful order and symbol
applied only to an ancient culture. The apostle Paul says that
even nature teaches this principle, and nature does not change
with culture. (I Cor. 1 1 : 14). Did Paul really mean what he said
to the Corinthians? Why is it so important to obey the last
eighteen verses of I Cor. 1 1 and so difficult to apply the first
sixteen verses? (II Tim. 3:16)
The headship covering, accepted by the church worldwide
for the first 1800 years, has been rejected only in these last
days. (The exception is weddings where some remnant of the
symbol is still seen.) Traditionally it is unacceptable for men to
be covered with any hat in a church seivice or in the presence of
a lady. Is it not strange that this same Scripture (I Cor. 11) has
THE PILGRIM 9
been applied to the nien but not to women? Today this last
shred of respect for God's love order is also increasingly
disregarded.
Look carefully at I Cor. 1 1. The woman who uncovers her
head is a shameful disgraced woman (verse 6). In Paul's day,
these uncovered women participated in ancient pagan religions.
Do you see these women in society today? Women who will
not experience the order of God's love?
What will we do with this beautiful symbol of God's loving
shadow—the protective shelter for all who will submit to His
order? Do we trust God? Do we believe our Creator has the
best in store for us? (Or are we afflicted with Eve's
temptation?) Are we ready to put our confidence in obedience
to His word, ready to let Him establish His order in our lives?
Galen Miller
Bourbon, Indiana
JESUS, THE NAZARENE
I saw the Jewish temple purged
While men of business, not of prayer,
Fled from the place, by terror urged—
Jesus the Nazarene was there.
I saw the solemn funeral train,
The widowed mother's silent tear;
When lo! she clasps her son again—
The Nazarene had touched his bier.
"Hadst Thou been here he had not died,"
The weeping, doubting sister said*
"Lazarus, come forth!" the Saviour cried;
The Nazarene restored their dead.
10 THE PILGRIM
I saw the crowds to fury given;
What could such mortal madness mean?
Why imprecate the wrath of Heaven?
Why crucify the Nazarene?
How devils smiled when Jesus bled!
Vain hope: they thought mankind was lost,
When bowing low His gentle head,
The Nazarene gave up the ghost.
But what amazement reigned in Hell
When Jesus, bursting from the grave,
Bade to the world this mystery tell:
The Nazarene has died to save."
I saw the world consumed in flame;
The just from sin and sorrow free;
The wicked sunk in endless shame-
Such was the Nazarene's decree.
I heard the trumpet long and loud;
Then straight a godlike form was seen;
He rode enthroned upon a cloud-
'Twas the despised Nazarene.
I heard the happy heavenly throng
Praise Him who bought them with His blood;
I heard the everlasting song:
"Jesus the Nazarene is God."
Selected by Andrew Albers
from The Primitive Baptist "Goble" Hymn Book
THE PILGRIM n
Selection from Great- Grandmother Sophia Baker's writing book
Avoid evil company.
Be just and fear not.
Civility costs nothing.
Delays are dangerous.
Exhibit your writing.
Form habits of order.
God defendeth right.
Hold fast to truth.
If you have done a good deed, boast not of it.
Justice should ever be tempered with mercy.
Keep good company and be one of the number.
Labor, well directed, will achieve all things.
Manners with learning make a gentleman.
Never speak to deceive nor listen to betray.
One grain of pluck is worth a pound of "luck."
Pure religion brings peace and true happiness.
Quick believers should have broad shoulders.
Riches cannot purchase mental endowments.
Set not too high a value on your own abilities.
To excel in art, you must excel in industry.
Unwelcome news is always soon enough heard.
Value a good conscience more than praise.
Without danger, danger cannot be surmounted.
Xenophon was a general and a statesman.
Youth is the proper time to improve in writing.
Zealously strive to improve in penmanship.
Selected by Rosanna Royer
We can't all be apostles, but we can all be epistles.
Selected
12 THE PILGRIM
OBITUARY
MURRAY A. MARTIN January 9, 1936 - March 9, 2011.
A resident of San Pablo, Murray was bom in New Glasgow,
Nova Scotia, Canada, to Archie and Sadie (Crawford) Martin
and moved to California when he was ten years old. "Red," as
he was known to his friends, and he had many, was a 1953
graduate of Richmond High. He was an Army veteran,
attended San Francisco State, and taught the automotive parts
class at Contra Costa College. He was in the automotive
industry for forty- four years, retiring as the training manager for
Gates Rubber Company. He is survived by his wife of fifty-
three and one half years, Jackie Charles-Martin; children:
Darrell (Mary), Don, Lisa (Brett) Ryland, and Larry;
grandchildren: Jessica and Raymond Martin.
Graveside services were held at 1 pm on Tuesday, March
15, 2011, at Rolling Hills Memorial Park, San Pablo, California.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY DEVOTIONS
Family devotions is always an important part of family life.
This time is valuable in forming a proper concept of God. If
our children see that Father is concerned for their spiritual
welfare, then when they are older, they will see God the same
way. Is Father knowledgeable, kind, forgiving, consistent, holy,
just, truthful, and considerate? If so, it will be much easier for
our children to trust God as they grow older.
"And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,
which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus." (II Tim. 3:15). One interesting way to
accomplish this is for Father to start at Genesis and read the
THE PILGRIM 13
whole Bible aloud to the end of Revelation. At a chapter a day,
that will take several years, but it is worth the effort.
When is the last time your family quoted a chapter of the
Bible from memoiy? "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11). Perhaps we could
keep alive some of the passages memorized in school by
reviewing them in family devotions.
Questions constitute a large part of a child's life. We, as
parents, need to answer those questions. In family devotions
the Scripture read should be restated in simple terms. This will
answer some questions in the child's mind but may raise others.
Asking the children questions encourages them to listen and
think.
Singing and family devotions go together. The family
setting is informal enough to try new songs. Traveling is an
especially enjoyable time for family devotions because then
there is plenty of time to sing and sing. Family singing
especially makes me think of heaven where we will sing around
the throne.
Prayer is an aspect of family devotions that makes this time
especially important. I remember my parents praying for me as
a very meaningful part of my childhood. As we pray for the lost
about us, for the ministers and deacons, and for our relatives
and friends, we are creating a frame of reference for our
children that will be extremely helpful to them later in life.
We have noticed some aspects of family devotions: Bible
reading, memorization, questions, singing, and prayer. Usually
these should be conducted in an organized way and time and
place. Traveling, having company, and suchlike interruptions
will bring some variety. But when the experiences of family
devotions are taken as a whole, they fomi a very important part
of the life of our children.
By Dennis Good
in The Christian School Builder ; July, 1990
14 THE PILGRIM
BAPTISMS
Violet Taylor Tuolumne, California March 6
Samuel Tate Mishawaka, Indiana March 20
Alex Royer Nappanee, Indiana March 20
Marian Royer Nappanee, Indiana March 20
God bless these dear young members as they serve Christ in
His kingdom.
MARRIAGE
ROYER-MUXER Adrian Royer and Melissa Miller were
married March 12 near Wakarusa. Indiana.
New address: 29210 C.R. 28
Elkhart, IN 46517
Adrian's cell: 574-206-5726 Melissa's cell: 574-253-1733
FOR YOUTH
The Task
"I want to do big things," said he,
"The chance is all I ask;
I wish the world would give to me
Some great and glorious task."
"And are you working now?"
"I am," the youth confessed.
A strange look came into his eyes,
"At work which I detest."
"Oh," said I, "you wish to do
The splendid tasks which fall
To older, wiser men, but you
Disdain the duties small.
Think you your chief to larger deeds
Would send you down the way
THE PILGRIM 15
If, with his smaller, lesser deeds,
You'd failed him yesterday?
"And do you fancy men who rise
To leadership and fame
Have done no work which they despise
Before their glory came?
You ask a chance to prove your worth:
Think you the menial tasks they shirked
And waited till they'd reached the top
Before they really worked?
"My boy, the brilliant man today
Was brilliant as a lad,
To every task which came his way
He gave the best he had.
Wait not at fate or circumstance,
They do not run the earth,
If you've a job you have the chance
To demonstrate your worth, "
Publisher unknown. Selected from
The Sunday School Herald, March, 1950
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Freedom?
Mustard the cat lives in town. There are many streets with
lots of cars. There are also dogs and people who do not like
cats.
Mustard likes to go outside. He does not understand how
dangerous it is out there. He wants to go out, and he will go
out when he gets the chance.
Mustard's friend Ketchup the dog also likes to go outside.
In fact, she needs to go outside. She likes to run loose, too, but
usually she is on a leash because of the same dangers. Plus she
scares people who do not know her.
For Ketchup and me to get out of the house, I have to open
the door wide enough that Mustard can get out, too. He has
learned to slip between our legs to freedom.
But is he really free? Outside he is exposed to heat, cold,
hunger, thirst, and danger. Soon he wants to come inside again,
but often the door is closed, and he must stay out longer than he
wants to stay.
Something bad happened to him out there yesterday.
Maybe it was a car. Now Mustard is veiy lame on one leg. He
cries because of the pain. Maybe he has learned his lesson.
You can learn a lesson, too. Older people often tell you not
to do things you would like to do. They know of dangers you
are not aware of Would you rather be free to do as you please,
or free from danger? Surely you do not want to wait until
something bad happens to decide it is better to obey.
Martha Wagner, Gettysburg, Ohio
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 58 MAY, 2011 N<l_5
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4:14)
A MOTHER'S REWARD
I do not ask for riches for my children,
Nor even recognition for then skill;
I only asked that Thou wilt give them
A heart completely yielded to Thy will.
I do not ask for wisdom for my children
Beyond discernment of Thy grace;
I only ask that Thou wilt use them
In Thine own appointed place.
I do not ask for favors for my children
To seat them on Thy left hand or Thy right;
But may they join the throng in heaven
That sings before Thy throne so bright.
I do not seek perfection in my children,
For then my own faults I would hide;
I only ask that we might walk together
And seive our Savior side by side.
By Phyllis Didriksen
Selected by Lloyd Wagner
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old-
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request-.
RibKshing editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
MOTHERS' TRUE LOVE
Do you deserve your good mother? When I remember the
devotion of my mother, I must ask myself, "Did I merit such
love?" Mother love is notorious for being strong and self-
sacrificing.
The loving service of a mother begins before the birth of her
child. And then at the birth, the decree of God to Eve takes
effect : "I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception;
in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be
to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee." But we hear veiy
little complaint from our faith&l mothers. They endure the pain
and possibly even forget it. John 16:21: "A woman when she is
in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as
she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the
anguish, for joy that a man is bom into the world." (Jesus
compared this birth to the joy the disciples would receive after
Jesus' resurrection.) I can't imagine forgetting such pain, but it
simply demonstrates the power of love and God's grace.
My mother was always concerned for the welfare of her
children. She gave an example of frugality and contentment
even through the Great Depression. She seemed more focused
than my father to "make ends meet."
So do we deseive such love? I think we can never really
earn the love of mothers, brothers, sisters, or anyone else.
Jesus simply commands us to love one another. He has given
mother love as one example, as close to Jesus' love as any I can
think of.
Paul describes love in Philippians 2:2: "... that ye be like-
minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one
mind." This love which is exemplified so well in our mothers
does not consider differences; it is above them. They don't
THE PILGRIM
count as much when we have divine, Calvary love, Differences
become objects of prayer and concern but cannot cancel love.
Shakespeare wrote: "Mercy is above this sceptered sway,"
that of men. Love is like that: much greater than the "force of
temporal power." Jesus said that by love men would know they
(we) were His disciples. Is the opposite true? If we lack love,
will men question that we are disciples of Him who showed
love even to the sacrifice of His life?
Mother love also sacrifices life— not unto death, but to
living and demonstrating the love of Jesus to her children and
others.
God has given us Jesus' example. He has also given us the
pattern of the love of godly Mothers. May we follow. — L.C.
READY
"Ready?" "Waiting!" This is an example of the
conversation between my wife and me before our trips to
church, shopping, or doctor appointments. Having recently
attended funerals of dear ones near my age has caused me to
seriously consider the words of Jesus, "Therefore be ye also
ready: for hi such an hour as ye think not the Son of man
cometh." (Matt. 24:44). My question is, when the Lord asks,
"ready?" can we say, "waiting"? Believers in every century
since the ascension have been waiting expectantly for Jesus'
return.
I am fascinated by studying prophesies of end times.
Somebody some where and some time came up with literary
term "eschatology" to label such a pursuit. After reading
books, listening to lectures, and doing some research on the
subject, I am inclined to believe that the Bible may mean just
what it says. I also believe that any in-depth study in any
version other than the King James version of the Bible may be
hazardous to ones eternal health. Please keep in mind that the
4 THE PILGRIM
study of end times is secondary to our present relationship with
Jesus. Some become so incensed with details concerning
prophecy that it can result in irrational thinking and behavior.
Remember that God is in control. The ultimate result will be
the defeat of Satan and the eternal reign of Christ. Death, evil,
and sin will be no more.
"And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and
into the patient waiting for Christ." (II Thess. 3:5). Jesus in
Luke's Gospel said, "Occupy till I come." This should include
our thinking. When traveling we sometimes watch TV at the
motels. Other than some repetitive news reels, it's almost
impossible to find anything fit to see. I think, "What a waste of
time." The World or Satan wants to have control of our minds.
How much better it is to think of heavenly things.
One book I have found very interesting is "Nead's
Theological Works" by Elder Peter Nead. Brother Nead wrote
in the 1840's. He presents some challenging thoughts regarding
Christ's second coming. When Jesus calls, whether it be by
death or trumpet call, may we be ready.
Joseph E. Wagner
Modesto, California
WHAT IS A MOTHER?
It takes a mother's love
To make a house a home,
A place to be remembered,
No matter where we roam.
It takes a mother's patience
To bring a child up right
And her courage and her cheerfulness
To make a dark day bright.
THE PILGRIM
It takes a mother's thoughtfiilness
To mend the heart's deep hurts
And her skill and her endurance
To mend little socks and shirts.
It takes a mother's kindness
To forgive us when we err,
To sympathize in trouble and
Bow our heads in prayer.
It takes a mother's wisdom
To recognize our needs
And give us reassurance by
Her loving words and deeds.
And that is why in all this world
There could not be another
Who could fulfill God's purpose
As completely as a mother.
Author unknown
WHAT IS A GRANDMOTHER?
A grandmother is a combination of work-worn, aged hands
after a lifetime of toil, a loving heart, and endless stories of the
days when her family was young.
Grandmothers wear old age with dignity and composure.
You don't notice what a grandmother wears; you only see the
love and tenderness in her face as she fondles her youngest
grandchild.
THE PTLGRTM
Grandmothers have spent a whole lifetime cooking meals
that statisticians would be unable to record, keeping house,
helping neighbors, drying the tears of the past generation as
well as the present, and praying that they may be allowed to go
on doing it for a few more years.
Grandmothers have run the whole gamut of human
emotions: joy, defeat, success, failure, heartache, sorrow, and
perhaps tragedy, and have come through with the wisdom and
tranquility endowed to those whose tears have been replaced by
the calm acceptance and quiet outlook given only to those that
have weathered life's battles.
The nicest possible place to hear a story is in grandmother's
lap. Giants and Ogres hold no tenors when one is held in the
warnith of a grandmother's love, with ones head pillowed on
her breast.
Grandmothers can always be counted on to produce sweets,
cookies, and candies that seem to taste nicer from her than from
anyone else.
Grandmothers just don't believe that then grandchildren
have any faults, and can be relied upon to champion the
underdog and lost causes; and when a chap is in trouble for not
washing behind his ears, a grandmother will console him by
telling him that his dad was almost NINE before he overcame
that problem!
Grandmothers can soothe unruly weeping small boys or
girls just by rocking them on their laps and crooning in soft
voices that manage to sound just right in spite of being old.
Grandmothers give the impression of being all the wisdom
and love in the world whether it is in giving help and advice to a
neighbor or making a hurt finger better with a kiss.
Surely God will have a special place for them in heaven,
along with the dear ones whom they one-time helped to be
God's "littlest angels."
From The Quiet Hoar Echoes, May, 1974
THE PILGRIM
THE EVENTIDE FALLS GENTLY NOW
The eventide falls gently now,
By Kedron's side, o'er Olive's brow,
And through the gloom me-thinks I see
A lonely form in prayer for me.
The gentle tone, through stately trees,
Is borne upon the murmuring breeze,
He bowed His head—God's only Son—
And meekly said, "Thy will be done.' 1
In fervent prayer for you and me
He wrestled there in agony;
With drops of sweat, of crimson hue,
His brow was wet as with the dew.
In tears He knelt, with troubled soul,
While there He felt death's sorrows roll;
Our sins He bore— the Holy One—
And said once more, "Thy will be done,"
And then before His vision came
The crown of thorns, the cruel shame,
The scorn of those He sought to save,
The reeking cross, the silent grave.
"This bitter cup. O Lord, I pray,
Before I sup, take Thou away."
Yet answered still, as there He knelt,
"Not as I will, but as Thou wilt."
Gethsemane! O sacred place!
Once more I see my Saviour's face;
It shines anew with glory now,
And angels smooth His pallid brow.
THE PILGRIM
Oh, let me e'er this scene behold!
Oh, let me hear the story told
Of Him who there the victory won,
Who said in prayer, "Thy will be done!" )
Clara M. Brooks, b. 1882
From the Christian Hymnal
GUIDE FOR MARRIAGE
As at the marriage alter now you stand,
Dear ones, united in love's holy bond,
The Saviour reaches forth His nail pierced hands
And bids thee walk with Him the path beyond.
He offers thy unfailing guide to be
Along life's devious and uncertain way.
To every worthwhile joy He holds the key,
Joys He would have thee know from day to day.
Within thy doors He ever would abide,
The blessing of His presence to impart,
To be thy counsellor what e'er betide
For thou art precious to His loving heart.
Grant at thy table unto Him a place,
Yea, yield to Him the headship of thy home /
Let all thy plans be guided by His grace, ]
And all thy wishes centered in His own.
Let His blest Word be thy unfailing light
His promises thy bulwark day by day,
His power thy ceaseless source of strength and might,
His love thy sunshine all along life's way.
THE PILGRIM
So shall the fixture hold, dear one, for thee
Joy which no stomi or stress can ever sway
Peace from above, abundant, full and free,
And glory that shall never pass away.
Blest is the home on Christ, the Saviour built
Sweet foretaste of that home beyond the sky,
Where through the precious blood on Calvary spilt
And the redeemed shall enter by and by.
From the papers of Hettie Skiles
SPIRITUAL MEMORIES
Some of my most powerful SPIRITUAL MEMORIES take
me back to When it was held as a virtue to live a simple life.
Everything has become so much more complicated as we have
closed out the old millennium and have begun a new one, and as
the world (and sometimes the church) pursues many of the
things this sad world has to offer. Those were the days long
before the moon walk, run-away divorce, and the information
explosion.
As a child growing up, we had little reading material other
than the Bible, Egermeir's Bible Stories, for children, and
Mama had an old version of Pilgrim's Progress which had been
given to her by her parents. We wore them all out. Our
exposure to art was largely limited to what few pictures we had
in these three books. Our exposure to music was our mother
singing at the break of day:
/ have found a friend in Jesus,
He's everything to me,
He's the fairest often thousand to my sold;
10 THE PILGRIM
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see,
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
Not for a moment did I ever doubt that Jesus was her best
friend. Her life was simple and not cluttered with all the things
that the world wants to load on us these days.
I have no idea how many copies of the Bible that my father
wore out. You see, it was his tradition (Not all traditions are
bad.) to read every morning out loud to my mother while the
household was waking up and Mama was getting breakfast.
This continued until I left home or actually until my father,
because of ill health, was no longer able to cany on this
tradition.
Do I feel deprived? By no means. Can we go back to the
good old days? Of course not. However, I am sure that there
are powerful lessons we all can learn from the past. It seems
that I remember that some one said that "we can become so
worldly minded that we are of little heavenly good." Some one
else countered that by saying, "We can become so heavenly
minded that we are of no worldly good." I doubt if there is
much danger in the latter, but I fear that there is much danger in
the former.
In the blessed hope,
David Skiles
ADDRESS CHANGES
Tyler Fay 1601 Ortega Dr.
Modesto, CA 95355
4
Eric Leensvaait P.O. Box 1001
Twain Harte, CA 95383-1001
Karin Wagner 6994 S.R. 24 1
MMersburg, OH 44654
THE PILGRTM 11
BIRTHS
STALTER - A son, Elijah Jesse, born April 9 to Stephen and
Lorinda Stalter of Wakarusa, Indiana.
LEENSVAART - A daughter, Shae Eden, born April 21 to Eric
and Lorie Leensvaart of MiWuk, California.
MEYERS - A daughter, Shyanne Hope, born April 29 to Justin
and Orpha Meyers of Goshen, Indiana.
ROYER - A son, Spencer Lee, born May 5 to Craig and
Heather Royer of Goshen, Indiana.
ROYER - A daughter, Larissa Anne, born May 7 to Marcus
and Diana Royer of Nappanee, Indiana.
MARRIAGES
MILLER - TATE Samuel Miller and Susanna Tate were
married April 2 at Nappanee, Indiana.
New address: 55514 C.R. 8
Middlebury, IN 46540
BOWSER - CRAWMER Andrew Bowser and Jena Crawmer
were married April 9 in Modesto, California
New address: 6435 Riddle Dr.
Harrison, AR 72601 pk: 870-741-6869
MARTIN - BATSON Japheth Martin and JilKan Batson were
married April 16 near Wakarusa, IN
New address: 68015 C.R. 17
New Paris, IN 46553
12 THE PILGRIM
DO YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN?
Do you love your children enough
* to take the trouble to discipline them?
* to give direction in right and wrong?
* to teach them self- discipline?
* to protect and nurture them physically, spiritually, and
mentally?
* to protect the purity of their minds?
* to give of your time and interests for then good?
* to show them how to spend their own time in
constructive and useful purposes?
* to take time to teach them a life of faith in God?
* to give them a life of love?
* to give them a hope of life after death?
* to make them happy?
* to give them pleasant memories?
"For I know him^ that he will command his children and his
household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to
do justice and judgment." (Genesis 18:19)
Selected from The Christian School Builder, July, 1997
A Mother's Prayer
I wash the dirt from little feet,
And as I wash I pray,
"Lord, keep them ever pure and true
To walk the narrow way."
I wash the dirt from little hands.
And earnestly I ask,
THE PILGRIM 13
"Lord, may they ever yielded be
To do the humblest task."
I wash the dirt from little knees,
And pray, "Lord, may they be
The place where victories are won
And orders sought from Thee."
I scrub the clothes that soil so soon,
And pray, "Lord, may her dress
Throughout eternal ages be
Thy robe of righteousness."
Ere many hours shall pass, I know
I'll wash these hands again;
And there'll be dirt upon her dress
Before the day shall end.
But as she journeys on through life
And learns of want and pain,
Lord, keep her precious little heart
Cleansed from all sin and stain.
For soap and water can not reach
Where Thou alone canst see.
Her hands and feet, these I can wash-
I trust her heart to Thee.
Publisher unknown.
From Scrapbook of Ideas by Vera Overholt
Capitalism without the moral underpinning of the Decalogue
and the inspiration of the Beatitudes soon degenerates into self-
destructive greed. —Selected
14 THE PILGRIM
FOR YOUTH
Living With Yourself
A few years ago a boy was working in a bank. He ran
errands, emptied wastebaskets, and did all the unskilled work.
But while he worked, his rniiid wrestled with a harsh problem.
His small wages supported his mother and little sister. The
mother had been ill, and was slow in recovering, The little
sister, too, was pale and thin. They needed to go to the country
for the summer, but where was the money to send them?
And then, as the boy emptied a basketful of trash, there was
the answer in his hand—a roll of bills that had fallen there in
some way. It was only two or three hundred dollars, but that
was a fortune to the boy. Nobody could possible guess that he
had the money. He glanced around, and then furtively thrust it
into his pocket.
But the nfext morning he begged to see the bank president.
In surprise the president admitted him, and the boy hastily flung
the roll of bills on the desk. "I found that in the wastebasket,
sir," he exclaimed, and started to hurry from the room. But the
president stopped him.
"Why did you bring it back?" he asked. "Of course, you
know that nobody could have suspected you."
"I wanted it badly," answered the boy. "But I've got to live
with myself all my life, and I don't want to live with a thief."
It is good to know that the bank sent the entire family to the
country for the summer. But the boy had not expected any
such recognition of his honesty. He could not live with a thief,
even if stealing seemed necessary for the renewed health of his
loved ones.
It is veiy unpleasant to have to live with a person whom you
can not respect, or whom you can not like, whether because of
bad temper, selfishness, or trickery. And if that person happens
THE PILGRIM 15
to be yourself, it is so much worse, for you can get away from
other people, but never from yourself.
By Anna L. Curtis, in Friends
From The Youth 1 s Visitor, November 9,1952
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Doing Errands for Mother
"Oh, dear!" said Anne, "I wish I could go along, but I have
to do an errand for Mother! It seems as though eveiy time I
want to do anything or go anywhere, there is an errand. This
time I must get groceries."
"It's just that way at our house," said Ruth. "Mother isn't at
home this afternoon or there would be some errand to do. I'll
tell you what I'll do, I'll go with you to Emma's. We'll get
through faster if there are two to carry the things."
But as th6y went past Ruth's home her mother was there
and called her in to give her a list of things to buy. But since it
was fun to go with her chum, Ruth did not grumble. At the
store Anne ordered a dozen rolls, six oranges and a pound of
sugar.
"Why, that is the very same list I have," laughed Ruth.
"You may give me the same, Mr. Brown," she told the grocer.
"They are my things for our picnic," said Anne. "We are to
have orangeade."
"Mine are for the picnic, too, Anne. Why, Anne! These
things are not for our mothers at all. They are for us. We are
really doing the errands for ourselves."
"That's true," said Anne. "And I didn't do my errand very
willingly. Wasn't that dreadful to be complaining when mother
was getting nice things ready for me? I'm going straight home
to tell her I'm sorry."
m.
THE PILGRIM
Tib going to do that too," said Ruth, "and then Tin going to
take those quilt patches right over to Mis. Doran. Mother
asked me to do it day before yesterday for her, and I've been-
putting it off." ~
"But that will be your errand too, for you told me that Mrs. 5
Doran is making a blue and white quilt for your bed."
"Well!" said Ruth, in surprise, "I think most of the errands"
must be for us and we've never thought of it in that way. I'm*"
going to ask Mother if she will let me go for those flower bulbs ~
that Aunt Molly promised her. I know that will be for her'"
because I don't like the smell of hyacinths." ~
"It's going to be very hard to find errands for our mothers
alone, because they think of us all the time." said Anne, "but I'm-
going to try it." -
By Hilda Richmond —Apples of Gold
in Sunbeams, May 9, 1948 Z
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 58 JUNE, 201 1 No. 6
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
^ Saviour of the world." (I John 4: 14)
SPIRIT SO HOLY
Spirit so holy, Spirit of love,
Spirit so gentle, sent from above;
Priceless possession, purchase of blood,
Good beyond measure, gift of our Lord.
Spirit of wisdom, Spirit of light,
Spirit of knowledge, showing the right;
Guide us and teach us, folly to know
All that in Jesus God would bestow.
Spirit so humble, Spirit so meek,
Spirit so kindly, helping the weak;
Work in and through us; make us to be
Lowly and loving, yielding to Thee.
Spirit of power, Spirit of God,
Spirit of burning, work through Thy word;
Search us and sift us, spare not the dross,
Show us that self life ends at the cross.
Daniel W. Whittle, 1840-1901
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publi shin g editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
FILLED AND RUNNING OVER
"And tliey were all filled with the Holy Ghost. . ."
When something is filled, there is no room for more. Full
cups, full gas tank, full grain bins— all mean the same: you can't
put in more. I remember in Haiti watching and helping put one
last cow on a truck that seemed fiill already One backed off
but was squeezed on again. When they were through it was
packed tight.
Are we filled? Are we full of the Holy Spirit like they were
at Pentecost? Probably none of us would claim that degree of
the Spirit. And yet this should be our goal, and God is ready to
fill us.
At Pentecost the disciples were possessed of the Spirit and
completely filled. They ran over in then zeal and enthusiasm.
Their heails were not mixed with worldly desires. What a
change took place. No longer were they afraid to meet openly.
The message of God's acceptance spilled out in other tongues
to "devout men, out of every nation under heaven."
Compare our experience to theirs. We may seem pretty dull
and uninspired beside them. But Jesus told Nicodemus that one
born of the Spirit is like the wind. You hear the sound. You
see the effects. There will be a change in us too when we are
filled.
To be filled with the Spirit is like filling a pail with drinkable
water. First we must start with a clean pail. If it is duty, the
water will not be fit to drink. Also the pail must be empty. If
there is another liquid in it, the result will be unusable. When
we fill it, there will be room for nothing else, especially nothing
to contaminate the water.
Are we ready and desiring to be filled this way? Truly our
lives are made up of various experiences. But what about our
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hearts? Will God be pleased with contaminated hearts or hearts
with mixed desires?
David prayed after he had sinned and repented, "Create in
me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
God pronounced him a man after His own heart. His heart was
foil of God's Spirit
Is this degree of purity attainable? Jesus tells us, "Be ye
therefore perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect." We
are reluctant to claim this perfection as we know ourselves too
well. Only by being filled with the Holy Spirit is any degree of
perfection attainable. The perfection is of Him. Our
righteousness is that of Jesus Christ.
A hymn says, "He's still working on me." Paul wrote to the
Philippians (2:13) "For it is God which worketh in you both to
will and to do of his good pleasure." It is obvious to me: we
can't do this ourselves. Someone has confessed about giving a
good, effective testimony: "I sometimes feel like a half filled
cup trying to run over." But when we are truly filled by the
Spirit we mil run over, and it will be an effective testimony.
One thing we can do is simply yield to God so He can work
in us and fill us. There is no mystery here. We decide to go to
church or to take a break from our work or to buy a needed
item at the store. God has given us this kind of choice. There
is a sense in which we can do nothing for we cannot even
breathe without God's allowing it. May we not make excuses
but let Him fill us to overflowing that we may be victorious and
serve in a needy world. --L.C.
FATHER
The word "father" is used 970 times in the Bible. The Bible
often refers to God as The Father. God created man from the
dust of the earth, then breathed into him the breath of life and
man became a living soul. Thus God is the father of man (Gen.
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2:7). Then God formed woman from man (Gen, 2:22). This
established God, man, woman as the order for humankind.
Genesis 2:24 gives instructions for a relationship between a
man and a woman when establishing a home. When this home
is blessed with children, the man becomes a father and the
woman becomes a mother, This can be a beautiful thing when
the Lord God is honored, worshipped, and obeyed. A home is
blessed when directed by a loving husband and father.
This love is more than a fuzzy emotional feeling, but is a
dedicated sense of commitment and sacrifice. A Godly father
will sacrifice his desires for the benefit of his wife and children.
"Husbands, love your wives. . ." (Eph. 5:25). This is a Biblical
command. This means placing your wife and family ahead of
your own personal interests. Yes, there are times you may have
to work late or be away from home, but to become a
workaholic or become involved in other activities with the
primary purpose of getting away from your fussy children and
tired wife is wrong.
Sometimes today's mothers are criticized for being too
aggressive. Often it is the husband's fault by not exercising his
responsibilities. The relationship of a faithful, believing father
to his family is beautifully expressed by the Apostle Paul in
Ephesians 5:31-33 where he compares a man and wife to Christ
and the Church. This closeness extends to the children where
Paul in Ephesians 6:4 admonished fathers to exercise Godly
wisdom.
It is commendable to honor our fathers. The father is the
head of the family. This is God's order. Society's strength is
dependant on the family unit. Consequently Satan, in his
attempt to destroy has focused on destroying the family unit.
He has had and is having success. A few facts are evident.
Divorce listings equal marriages in some papers. Some
segments of society list 70% of births to single girls and
women. There are up to 1500 abortions performed daily in the
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United States, and sodomy is being legalized in some states.
Regretfully, the fathers are responsible for this. The media,
both news and entertainment, tend to portray the man as a
wimpy person. The woman is generally the focus.
The Christian fathers are a blessing. As I noted, we are face
to face with a sin-oriented society. I encourage all believers,
especially the fathers, to not be discouraged but pray
continually, love your family, support Christian schools, study
the Bible, and worship together.
Joseph E. Wagner, Modesto, California
HONOR THY FATHER
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand. . .
Hold to God's unchanging hand.
The special relationship between a father and daughter
evolves and revolves as the clock of life ticks out the times and
seasons. The unfolding of the swift transition is as much an
adjustment for the father as it is for his daughter.
A baby's first cries, an infant's first attempts to smile, to
reach out, are exciting moments which a new father shares with
his wife. In the joy of the moment, he scarcely realizes the
responsibilities that are entwined in the tiny arms reaching out
to him. Time is beating, and soon the infant is an inquisitive
toddler.
"Daddy, will you push me on the swing?"
"Daddy, will you take me sledding?"
"Daddy, will you read me a Bible story?"
To these and the countless requests of childhood, Daddy
answers cheerfully, "Yes, my child, I will help you."
School days begin. A little girl's world has revolved around
Father and Mother, but now it is enlarged to include other
friends. There are now other adults to whom she will give the
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same respect and devotion that was taught (or neglected) at
home. She depends on her father for advice, answers, and
assistance.
"Dad, will you drive us on our field trip?"
"Dad, may our class visit our farm?"
"Dad, do you know how to do this math?"
Through adolescent years Dad patiently and kindly helps to
smooth the way. In busy times, father and daughter have
scarcely been aware of the change in their relationship. Watch
carefully, Father. Speak thoughtfully. Allow room for the
wings to unfold. As you watch the early steps to maturity,
same glad moment you will hear: "Mom and Dad, I'm sorry
that I haven't always wanted to listen to you. Can you forgive
me? Will you pray with me?"
Humbly Father takes the hand that has trusted in his own
and teaches his daughter to trust in the heavenly Father's
guiding hand.
"Dad, I'll soon be sixteen. Will you take me to get my
permit?"
"Dad, I want to invite some friends over."
"Dad, may I have the car, please?"
In the teenage years Dad fills the gas tank, gives words of
caution, and watches with an anxious care as his daughter's
circle of interest and work continues to grow.
"Dad, I think this is the one whom the Lord has for me, but
it's kind of scaiy. You and Mom like him, don't you?"
Father's heart is both happy and sad as he realizes the
importance of his approval. Graciously he encourages his
daughter to give her love and devotion to another.
"Dad and Mom, may we leave the children here for a few
hours?"
"Dad, we need your advice. This looks like a big step."
The parent- child relationship which was bonded through
love and caring is now between adults. But alas, Time is
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relentless. Gradually (or perhaps suddenly) the roles are being
reversed.
"Mom, isn't Dad well? Do you need help? We're praying
for you. "
"Dad, here is your medicine. Take a drink with it. Do you
want the children to sing? We love you, you know.
The hands of the clock have nearly completed the circle. As
twilight descends, the daughter and her family are giving Father
and Grandpa the care, love, patience, understanding, and
prayers which he so lovingly gave in the years now gone.
By Mary Ann Martin about her father, Amos Baker
From Letters from Home
FAMILY WORSHIP
"For most families across our nation, the "family altar" is
considered a relic of the past. While some hold firmly to the
individual practice of a daily, personal "quiet time," many
openly confess that such a practice is attended to only
sporadically, or not at all.
"The family altar, a time when the entire family gathers for
Bible study, prayer, and a mutual expression of love,
understanding and mission, has been virtually replaced by a
myriad of activities. . .
"The Word of God, prayer, and a sense of family
togetherness are indispensable elements for effectively facing
the challenges of life. It is at the family altar that children come
to appreciate the faith of their parents, and parents come to
understand and connect with the hearts of their children."
This is part of an article calling for a fresh development in
the spiritual life of our families. In the past many fathers
worked at home with their wives and children, either on the
farm or in a family business. Now so many of the fathers
8 THE PILGRIM
work away from home. They leave early and sometimes come
in late. Time spent with the family is shortened.
In view of this change, family worship becomes more vital
as a time of teaching and understanding the needs of our
children. With technology reaching the level of 6 or 8 year
olds, the world has access to them more than ever before. We
fathers and grandfathers must be aware and counteract this.
Let them see us about our Savior's business. Let our
children hear us pray for them. Let us teach them hymns that
honor God. Family worship time is where your children are
comfortable asking questions. Be open to enquiries that may
seem trite or unnecessary.
Also, make family worship an extension of the church
service. Uphold the messages God has laid on the heart of the
ministers. Explain teaching that might "go over their heads."
Jesus used a little child as an example of how we must be to
enter the Kingdom, and He warned us against offending them—
causing one to be lost. May we not neglect them in the very
areas close to us~our time with our families. "The family that
prays together, stays together. " --L.C.
BRING THEM UP
From your children's earliest infancy, inculcate the necessity
of instant obedience. Unite firmness with gentleness. Let your
children always understand that you mean what you say. Never
promise them something unless you are quite sure that you can
give them what you say. If you tell a little child to do
something, show him how to do it, and see that it is done.
Always punish your children for willful disobedience, but
never punish them in anger. Never let them perceive that they
vex you or make you lose your command. If they give way to
petulance or an ill temper, you need to subdue their anger and
show them the impropriety of then conduct. Remember, a little
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present punishment when the occasion arises is much more
effectual than the threatening of a greater punishment should
the fault be renewed.
Never give your children anything because they cry for it.
Teach them that the only way to appear good is to be good.
Accustom them to make then little recitals with perfect truth.
Never allow talebearing. Teach them that self-denial rather than
self-indulgence will prove in the end to be the most blessed road
to travel. Herald of Truth, August, 1866
Tract from Rod and Staff Publishers
TO ALL GARDENERS
O Lord, our job's an humble one—
(Perhaps that's what we need.)
Just mowing grass and raking leaves
And sowing seed.
But as upon the fragrant earth we kneel,
Often we're made to feel
We're helping make a happy place
Where laughing children romp and play,
And oldsters stroll at close of day.
So much has happened in a garden, Lord.
The fruit from the forbidden tree
Was eaten there,
And in the garden of Gethsemane
You prayed in agony;
Then died upon a cross
But from a garden tomb arose
To conquer death, the last of foes.
Then let us in a garden spend our days
And from a garden lift our hearts to Thee in praise.
—Guy Hootman
10 THE PILGRIM
WELL BELOVED SON
In Jordan's tide the Baptist stands,
Immersing the repenting Jews;
The Son of God the rite demands,
Nor dare the holy man refuse;
Jesus descends beneath the wave,
The emblem of His future grave.
Wonder, ye heavens! your Maker lies
In deeps concealed from human view;
Ye saints, behold Him sink and rise,
A fit example thus for you:
The sacred record, while you read,
Calls you to imitate the deed.
But lo! from yonder opening skies,
What beams of dazzling glory spread!
Dove-like, the eternal Spirit flies,
And lights on the Redeemer's head.
Amazed they see the power divine,
Around the Saviour's temples shine.
But hark, my soul, hark and adore!
What sounds are those which roll along?
Not like Sinai's awful roar,
But soft and sweet as Gabriel's song:
"This is my well-beloved Son;
I see well pleased what He hath done."
Thus as the eternal Father spoke,
Who shakes creation with a nod:
Through parting skies the accents broke,
And bids us hear the Son of God.
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O hear tlie awful word today;
Hear all ye nations and obey!
Selected by Andrew Albers
from The Primitive Baptist "Goble" Hymn Book
THANK YOU NOTES
To our dear brothers and sisters,
We would like to sincerely thank each of you for all the
prayers and support that you have given our family during the
surgeries and birth of our daughter. We feel so blessed by each
of you. God is faithful and we give Him the glory. I thank my
God upon eveiy remembrance of you. (Phillipians 1:3)
In Christian love, Eric, Lori, Jace, Meg, and Shae Leensvaart
We want to express our deep appreciation for the many
prayers on our behalf over the last several months. Also for the
financial help and all the food that has been given to us. May
God's blessings be upon you for your efforts.
In Christian love, Duane, Gayle, and family
I NEED THE PRAYERS
I need the prayers of those I love
To help me in each trying hour,
To bear my tempted soul to Him
That He may keep me by His power.
I want my friends to pray for me,
To bear my tempted soul above,
And intercede with God for me;
I need the prayers of those I love.
—James D. Vaughan
12 THE PTLGRIM
OBITUARY
Shaniah Dawn Meyers, 18 months, was bom November 8,
2009, to Justin and Orpha Meyers. God took her home
suddenly on May 12, 2011, in an accident at her grandparents'
home.
She is survived by her parents, one sister, Shyann Hope, 2
weeks old; maternal grandparents, Thomas and Rebecca Royer,
Goshen, IN; paternal grandparents, Alan and Brenda Meyers,
Adel, IA; maternal great-grandparents, Herman and Carol
Royer, Nappanee, IN, and Melvin and Marilyn Coning, Goshen,
IN; paternal great-grandparents, Martin and Mary Meyers,
Adel, IA, and Larry and Jolene Andrews, Raymore, MO;
paternal great-great-grandmother, Iva Teakell, Raymore, MO,
and many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. She was
preceded in death by one uncle, Ethan Moss.
Funeral services were held May 16, 2011, at the Old
German Baptist Brethren meeting house on County Road 40 by
the home ministry. Text used was "The Lord gave, and the
Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job
1:21). Hymns used at the church were 370, 499, and "Children
of the Heavenly Father." Her body now awaits the resurrection
at the Yellowcreek Old Brethren Cemetery.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to church
family, community, and friends for prayers, sympathies, food,
cards, phone calls, and many other tokens of support poured
out to us over Shaniah's passing. We feel blessed to be a part of
such a caring brotherhood and community.
The Family
Shaniah Dawn has left this world;
How can it be? Such thoughts are hurled
And tossed about within our head.
Now she is gone. Her body's dead.
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Inside her form she had a soul,
And God has taken it, we know.
How good it is to know that He
Does take all children— just for "free,"
And she must not account bring forth;
We now praise God for such a worth.
No sins she has committed here;
My God just says, "Her conscience clear."
Eternally she'll ever be
Yonder with Jesus—glad and free.
Eventually we'll join her there,
Rejoice with her FOREVERMORE.
So now we'll wait upon the Lord,
Trust and obey upon His Word.
Oh 'Niah dear, sweet 'Niah dear,
We'll miss your girlie ways down here.
But God has planned for you to be
Up there with all HIS JUBILEE,
And some sweet day when life is o'er
We'll want to meet on yonder shore.
Written by Edith Martin, a neighbor and friend,
for Justin and Orpha
BIRTH
CONING - A son, Caleb Ryan, bom May 14 to Thad and
Suzanne Coning of Goshen, Indiana.
14 THE PILGRIM
FOR YOUTH
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O ruy Savior divine,
All rny being refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
I'm sure any of us would sing this prayer- song, but my
concern is that we give Jesus' beauty room to shine through and
not smother it in the vain, gaudy adornments of our bodies.
There seems to be increasing concern among us about the
fashionable, worldly and immodest trends in dressing our
bodies. And the alarm is well-founded.
How can Jesus' beauty shine through when we are so taken
up with fashions and hair-dos, etc., that we spend hours
perusing magazines and catalogs, window shopping, and even
trying on the latest and wildest fashions "just for fun." It seems
that when we do these things we are only leading ourselves into
temptation, besides being a very poor witness of Jesus' beauty
to the world. We are telling those about us that we are
discontented with the inward adorning of a meek and quiet
spirit and of the simplicity that is in Christ Jesus.
I Peter 3:3,4: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward
adorning of plaiting the hah, and of wearing of gold, or of
putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart,
in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek
and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
How can the beauty of Jesus shine through aU the vain display
of our clothes and bodies?
Whose attention are we trying to get? Who are we trying to
glorify? Our own bodies, to our shame! Our bodies were made
in God's likeness to be a temple for His Spirit. And we pollute
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them by worshiping the god of fashion and pride. I wonder if
Jesus doesn't some times want to come and drive out from our
hearts these evil designs just like He drove the money changers
and merchandisers from the Temple at Jerusalem.
Another aspect would be to consider all the time and money
spent on glorifying our bodies. What will you answer the Great
Judge on Judgment Day when He questions you about spending
several dollars for those gaudy buttons on a dress when an 80
cent card of plain buttons would have served the purpose of
buttons just as well? There are hungry, needy people who
could well use those extra dollars.
And what about the hours we spend getting our hah "just
right" when there are so many people who could use our help if
we'd only use our time more wisely? Helping others with time
and money are good ways to give the beauty of Jesus a chance
to shine through.
Admittedly, there are those who dress veiy plainly and
modestly, but do not seem to have the meek and quiet spirit.
Both are needed to let Jesus' beauty be seen. So, while some of
us are tempted to— and yield to—outward adorning of the body,
others of us have just as vital a straggle to keep the hidden man
of the heart meek and quiet. May God give each of us
convictions, followed by real victories in these areas, so the
beauty of Jesus will be seen in each of us individually and
collectively as a church body.
II Corinthians 11:3: "But I fear, lest by any means, as the
serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should
be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path. . ."
(Psalm 27: 11).
Rayerfully,
Linda Frick, Gettysburg, Ohio
(Reprinted from The Pilgrim^ June, 1987)
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Two Little Boys
There's a little boy who's so awfully good,
Who always remembers the things that he should;
Who never treads on the baby's toys,
Or stamps up the stairs or makes any noise.
That little boy, I wish you could see,
'Cause sometimes, you know, that little boy's me!
But another boy stays at our house, too,
And he never remembers what's right to do;
He pulls the cat's tail and screams at the bird,
And makes more noise than you've ever heard.
I wish he lived millions of miles away,
'Cause I'm that boy, too, I'm ashamed to say.
Author unknown
From Sunbeams, October 24, 1948
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 58 JULY r AUGUST. 2011 No. 7 & 8
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4:14)
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Our heavenly Father, hear
The prayer we offer now;
"Thy name be hallowed far and near;
To Thee all nations bow!
"Thy kingdom come: Thy will
On earth be done in love,
As saints and seraphim fulfill
Thy perfect law above.
"Our daily bread supply,
While by Thy word we live
The guilt of our iniquity
Forgive, as we forgive.
"From dark temptation's power-
Frorn Satan's wiles defend:
Deliver in the evil hour,
And guide us to the end.
"Thine, then, for ever be
Glory and power divine:
The sceptre, throne, and majesty
Of heaven and earth are Thine."
Thus humbly taught to pray,
By Thy beloved Son,
Through Him we come to Thee, and say:
"All for His sake be done!"
Hymn 106 James Montgomery, 1825
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
Leadership Seminar, Haiti 2011
"Savior, Savior, hear rny humble cry . . " sang the Haitians
before Leslie took his place beside the interpreter at the 56th
Leadership Seminar at Beraca, the Mennonite Gospel Mission
to Haiti.
One hundred fifty native pastors and Christian School
teachers salaried by hardworking supporters of MGMH listened
attentively for five hours through the five day conference even
though it was hot and crowded on hard benches. At one side,
someone signed for 20-25 persons from their deaf school.
That number doubled in the evenings when the neighbors
flocked in for special singing and an evangelistic sermon in the
open an. A men's group sang reverently; a mixed group sang
"In tenderness He sought me" in their native Creole.
There were no cars; however, six motorcycles earned four
passengers each and Teacher Roudly rode his bicycle. The rest
walked the steep trails or rode on the back of the mission's
trucks, up to eighty five one night!
These attendees are healthy, respectable, responsible. Bible
students! We noticed advanced Algebra on three blackboards.
It felt like "an emerging nation!" They can make a difference in
then country, one student at a time.
From Oregon's Western Fellowship Teacher's Institute
we'd flown from Portland to Miami, then travelled on with
Mission Board member, Loyal and Lena Martin (IN) and fellow
speaker, Lester and Cheryl Weiler, (PA). At Port au Prince, the
shocking blast of hot air, push and shove co-passengers, and
swarms clamoring to assist with our luggage are the sights,
sounds and smells; welcome to Haiti! The terminal, damaged in
the earthquake, is abandoned. A sea of mud huts and
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deteriorating blue tents greet us. Although our fifth trip, we are
appalled by the obvious disorder, poverty, trash, chaotic
markets, honking horns and loitering men.
The tropical climate lends itself to luxuriant, green
vegetation, but alas, not all for food or beauty. Vines and
vigorous weeds could be replaced with more edible crops, as
yams, cabbages, corn and avocados thrive. "Where there is no
vision the people perish" we muse. If only they had a
reasonable plan for ALL the garbage - litter, wrappers,
containers, smelly, visible, everywhere.
Haiti is a paradox - luxuriance and disorder. Children are
taught to step carefully through the mud to keep their shoes
clean. Walking erect, gracefully, is a result of carrying baskets
of avocados, a five gallon bucket of water or heavy bags of
charcoal on their heads.
While helping to facilitate at a women's "workshop" I
learned that Haitian women may be "beaten up" by a non
Christian husband if they don't feed them. Yes, women are
expected to make the living, care for the children, feed the men.
"Haitian men do not like to work" the translator reported back
to me. If the thousands of men standing idle everywhere caught
the vision, Haiti could soon be a different country.
The medical clinic was closed during the Seminar; however
the traffic for stitches and bandaging kept nurses Sharon
Brubaker, (Ontario) and Cheryl Martin, (PA) busy. Ah the
dedicated staff deserve our respect and prayers.
Native Pastor Thomas was the third speaker, on "The work
of a Pastor." "Someone that serves should have a servant's
heart." "Did you ever see a difference between a servant or a
mini ster?" "I think you have a very good minister in your
church. Go to him with your problems." We agree — they have
good leaders in this setting. Actually, the finest in Haiti!
We continue to rejoice hi God's goodness to us.
Leslie and Martha Cover
THE PILGRIM
THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN:
FINDING HER PLACE IN GOD'S ORDER
Dear Christian Sister,
You are a Christian woman. You do not cut your hair.
You cover your head. But do you know why you do these
things? Is it because your mother did them or because your
church requires it of you? Could you give a Scriptural
explanation to someone who asked you about them?
Our God is an orderly God. He has placed order in
everything that He has created. Nature is orderly, the seasons
are orderly, and even the universe is so orderly that we can
forecast the positions of the stars centuries in advance.
Therefore it should not surprise us that the Lord has designed
the church and the family in an orderly way as well.
God's order is listed for us in I Corinthians 11:3. It says
here that "the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the
woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." God has
given the Christian woman a special place in His plan for
mankind. She is man's special assistant and serves a very useful
place in the church and home (see Ephesians 5:22; Titus 2:3,4; I
Timothy 3:11). But God has appointed man to lead in the home
and in the church, and has placed the woman under man's
authority. Man is to be the head of the woman even as Christ is
the head of the man, and God is the head of Christ. Many
women resist this truth because they feel that somehow it makes
them inferior to men, but no Christian woman will ever find true
peace and rest until she submits to God's plan for her life.
God's plan for order does not slight anyone. The Christian
woman is not inferior to the man any more than Christ is
inferior to God. She does not lose face by submitting to God's
plan. Instead, she enhances herself, because there is nothing
more beautiful than a sister who is cheerfully living in
submission to God. On the other hand, the woman who refuses
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to submit or take her proper place must be constantly asserting
herself and thus she makes herself obnoxious.
You have seen them, I am sure— the policewoman, the
woman customs officer, the woman health inspector, and the
woman bank: manager. They are often harder to deal with than
most men would be in the same position, because a woman
constantly struggles with a subconscious need to be sure that
her authority is not threatened. But the Christian woman who
has submitted to the position God has given her can relax and
enjoy life.
When a Christian woman puts a covering over uncut hair,
she is showing the world and the church that she is willing to
accept her place in God's plan for her life. She is testifying that
she wants God to be glorified in her life. Such a sister has
found the true source of beauty, and God will bless her for it.
Happy indeed is the man who has such a wife.
However, there are women who do not cut then hair and
who wear coverings and yet do not accept God's plan. These
are the girls who refuse to obey their fathers or who talk back
to them when they try to help them. These are also the bold
girls that are always talking with the boys and trying to attract
attention to themselves by their speech and actions. These are
the women who scold their* husbands and try to manipulate
them to get their own way. They side with their children and
protect them when their husband or the church or the school
tries to correct them. Such women are not worthy to wear the
covering. They are hypocrites if they do so.
There is another reason that the Christian woman wears her
hair uncut and covered. In I Corinthians 1 1: 15, we are told that
long hah* is a glory for the woman— it is part of her beauty. But
a godly, modest Christian woman will not vaunt her beauty
before the eyes of all men; rather, she reserves it for her
husband. Her hair should not be an exception to this.
THE PILGRIM
When a woman allows her covering to become too small, or
wears it in a way that is intended to draw attention, she is using
her beauty to draw attention to herself and is dishonoring her
husband and God. When she puffs up her hair so that it attracts
attention, she is telling the world that she wants the glory that
should be going to God.
Christian sister, when you dress modestly, comb your hair
modestly, wear a modest covering, and portray a meek and
quiet spirit, you attract the attention of man to God. You help
them to be what God wants them to be. But when you do the
opposite, you draw men to yourself, not to God, and you do so
by manipulating their lusts— the desires and passions of their
bodies. Thus you are tempting them to sin. God forbid that
you, a Christian sister, should be guilty of causing your brother
to sin, even in thought, because of your appearance or actions.
"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:30).
By Lester Bauman in Light of Life
Selected by Herman Royer.
WHEN GOD DOES NOT ANSWER
According to the mottoes on our walls, "Prayer changes
things." "Prayer moves the hand of God." The Bible promises
again and again that our prayers will be answered:
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much" (James 5:16).
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7).
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great
and mighty things which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3).
Are you asking for specific blessings?
"Ye have not, because ye ask not" (James 4:2).
THE PILGRIM 7
Make specific requests to receive specific answers. Many
requests are so general it is impossible to determine when and if
they are answered.
Are you asking selfishly?
"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may
consume it upon your lusts" (James 4:3).
God promises nothing to one who wants only to show off
possessions and indulge lusts. He knows we sometimes need
the answer no.
Are you asking perseveringly?
"Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18: 1).
Sometimes God says, "Wait" Perhaps He wants us to pray
longer to prepare our hearts for a better answer He has for us.
Are you asking in faith?
"[Jesus] did not many mighty works there because of their
unbelief (Matthew 13:58).
God has oceans of grace ready to flood the heart of the
trusting believer. He invites us, "Open thy mouth wide, and I
will fill it" (Psalm 81:10). But unbelief seals off the entrance
and stops the flow.
Are you obeying God's commands?
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we
keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing
in Ms sight" (I John 3:22).
God never promises to hear the prayers of those who
stubbornly refuse to obey Him. "If I regard iniquity in my heart,
the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66: 18).
Have you surrendered to the will of God?
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we
ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us" (I John 5: 14).
A spoiled child may demand that his parents supply his
every whim. He may ask repeatedly, loudly, insistently,
attempting to impose his will upon his parents. A proper child
THE PILGRIM
asks also, but trusts Ms parents to give what lie needs and
submits to their superior judgment.
God will be nobody's tool He never promises to give us
just exactly what we ask. That would mean handing the reins
over to us and watching us destroy ourselves and others. God
has something better for us, which we are too foolish and
immature to see. So He says,"Call unto me, and I will answer
thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest
not." He will give, not what we ask, not what we think we need
or want, but the better thing that we never even thought of, the
resource that really meets the need.
Trust God, obey Him, desire Him, delight in Him— and you
will find your prayers answered, your needs supplied, your heart
filled. By Melvin Burkholder
in Home Horizons, Eastern Mennonite Publications
Used by Permission. Selected by Martha Wagner
INSTRUMENT OF YOUR PEACE
Lord, make me an instrument of you peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console.
Not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
It is in dying, that we awake to eternal life.
A prayer by Francis of Assisi. Selected by Roger Kuntz
THE PILGRIM
TEN COMMANDMENTS
FOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PARENTS
1. Thou shalt not seek man's approval, but God's approval in
the education of the child.
I 2. Thou shalt cooperate with the school board, not neglecting
attendance at parent-teacher meetings.
3. Thou shalt not send thy child to a Christian school in vain by
negating its influence in continually criticizing the school,
provoking thy child to wrath at home or living hypocritically.
4. Remember the Lord's command for parents to teach God's
laws diligently; thou shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy
house, and when thou drivest down the highway, and when
thou risest up to work together.
5. Honor thy teacher with commendations, visits to school,
acts of thoughtfulness, supportive words, and a reluctance to
believe a child's negative report without investigating whether
his perception of events is accurate.
6. Thou shalt not kill respect for thy child's teacher, but thou
shalt speak positively and favorably of thy child's teacher in the
hearing of thy child, and reserve criticism for other times, as
necessary.
7. Thou shalt pray audibly for thy child's teacher, and
encourage thy child to pray also for his teacher.
8. Thou shalt not steal by refraining from paying thy rightful
and expected share of school costs.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy child's teacher,
i the administrator, school board, or classmates, by passing on
gossip about them.
I 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor child's abilities, nor put
thy child under pressure by making comparisons with other
students, nor desire honor for thy child nor thyself
-Howard Bean
Reprinted from CLE Parent Lines
10 THE PILGRIM
OBITUARIES
HERBERT TREADWELL BROWN was bom June 16, 1933,
in San Fernando, California. He had four sisters, Lillian, Joyce,
Janet, and Linda. Upon graduating from high school, he
worked for a dry cleaners. He married Ursula at age 19 and at
age 20 went to serve in the army as a medic and achieved the
rank of sergeant first class. He served for two years in the
Korean War.
When he returned, he went to college and earned a Doctor
of Pharmacy degree at U.S.C. He built his own house in
Sylmar for his family and lived there about 15 years. They then
moved to the country near Fillmore. He worked as a
pharmacist in Ventura for many years before opening his own
pharmacy in Saticoy, which he ran for ten years. He retired in
1998 and moved to Soulsbyville, where he worked at Twain
Harte Pharmacy part-time until 2008.
His lifelong hobby was breeding, training, and racing
pigeons. In middle age he dedicated his life to Christ and
became an avid Bible student. In Soulsbyville he was close to
his grandchildren and spent the last thirteen years enjoying them
and taking them on trips.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and
granddaughter Jennifer. He is survived by his wife of 58 years,
Ursula, two children and spouses, Mark and Betsy Brown, and
Michael and Lori Walker, his sister Linda Blangsted, eight
grandchildren and spouses (Randy and Laura Brown, Darcie
and Jacob Walker, Heidi and David Winger, Chelsea, Jeffrey,
Charity, Melody, and Kendall Brown) and one great grandson,
Justin Walker.
Funeral services were held June 18 by the home brethren in
the Mountain View Old Brethren Church. Burial was in Carters
Cemeteiy in Tuolumne.
THE PILGRIM LL
LEMUEL JAMES CABLE
Aug. 8, 2011 -Aug. 12, 2011
Lemuel James Cable passed away four days after Ms birth on
Aug. 12, 2011, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend, IN. His
parents, Aaron and Arlene (Wenger) Cable, survive along with
brothers Jonathon and Wesley; sisters Crystal, Samantha and
Tabitha; Grandparents Harold and Elva Wenger, Merideth and
Rhonda Cable; Great Grandparents Robert and Betty Meador,
Norman and Floretta Cable; and many uncles, aunts and
cousins. Lemuel was preceded in death by three infant brothers.
This precious little boy will be sorely missed by those who
eagerly awaited his arrival.
A graveside service was held on Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, at
11 a.m. at the Old Brethren Church Cemetery.
BAPTISMS
Marvin St alter Nappanee, Indiana August 28
Carmen Flora Tuolumne, California August 28
May God bless these who have decided to follow Jesus.
BIRTHS
JOHNSON - A daughter, Jane Ellen, bom June 25 to William
and Jewel Johnson of Nappanee Indiana.
SAVAGE - A son, Colton Dale, born June 26 to Ian and
Charlesta Savage of New Madison, Ohio.
ROYER - A daughter, Rihana Kate, born July 15 to Brenton
and Stella Royer of Wakarusa, Indiana.
TATE - A daughter, Janneken Joy, born August 5 to Forrest
and Joy Tate of Elkhart, Indiana.
FRICK - A daughter, Nikki Rose, bom August 26 to Marian
and Regina Frick of New Lebanon, Ohio.
12 THE PILGRIM
ELECTIONS
The Madison, Indiana, congregation of Old Brethren held
an election for minister and deacon on August 28, 2011.
Brother Sam Royer was chosen for minister. He will be serving
with the help of his wife Rosanna. Brother Simon Stalter was
chosen for deacon and will be serving with the help of his wife
Abigail.
We wish them God's grace as they serve in His Kingdom.
MARRIAGE
HARPER - TAYLOR Joshua Harper and Bethanna Taylor
were married July 23, 201 1, near Twain Harte, California.
New address: 2871 Tyler Rd.
Bremen, TN 46506
c-phones: Joshua: 574-612-8098 Bethanna: 209-352-7339
ADDRESS CHANGES
Chris Crawmer: 6201 Blue Gum Ave.
Modesto, CA 95358
phone: 209-523-0610
Stephen Stalter: 11399 Patterson Rd.
Wakarusa, IN 46573
Eddie Wagner: 5589 Lariat Lane
Everton, AR 72633
phones: Home: 870-429-1263
Eddie: 209-499-4768 Deanne: 209-402-7933
Karin Wagner's phone: 209-480-5256
Luke Wagner: 1472 St. Francis
Modesto, CA 95356
THE PILGRIM 13
FOR YOUTH
AH Because of Jealousy
Mother and Jolene gathered cleaning supplies together and
began to tackle the job of cleaning the school. "It sure does get
dirty in one week's time at this place," observed Jolene.
"Well," explained Mother, "when you think of all the
children going in and out these doors five days a week, it is no
wonder it gets so dirty. Let's see how quickly we can give the
rooms a better appearance."
Jolene hummed to herself as she dusted windowsills and
shelves, swept the floor, and checked for hidden cobwebs.
"This room looks better already," she commented to herself.
Next she moved on to the upper grade room. "Good!" she
exclaimed as she entered the room "Sister Susan changed our
seating arrangement last evening. Where is my desk?" Jolene
hunted up and down the aisles until she spotted the name tag on
her desk.
"Hm-m, second from the back. Who is behind me?" She
glanced at the tag in the right-hand comer. "Oh, no, not Helen.
I do not want her behind me. She will think she is so-o big,
sitting at the back of the row. I wish I could sit in the back
once."
As Jolene busied herself with the dusting and sweeping,
jealousy grew in her mind. She felt she just could not stand
having Helen behind her all the time. "If only I could do
something about it," she moaned to herself
"You could," the tempter suggested. "No one has seen this
seating arrangement yet or knows in what order Sister Susan
has placed the desks. It would not be hard for you to switch
your desk with Helen's. Then you would be in the back! "
Jolene knew that she should never do such a thing, but she
liked the idea.. "It sure would be great to be in the veiy back.
Besides, Helen would never know it," she tried to assure
14 THE PILGRIM
herself. The longer she rolled the idea through her mind, the
more appealing it became.
"I wonder where Mother is," thought lolene. "It would
never do to have her catch me in the middle of changing desks
around." A quick check in the basement revealed Mother busily
scrubbing the bathroom floors, humming as she worked.
Quickly retracing her steps, Jolene decided that now was
her chance. Crashing the voice of her conscience, she pulled
her desk out of the row, slid Helen's forward, and pushed her
own into the back space. "There now, that is settled." And
Jolene resumed the cleaning.
But it was not long till Jolene realized it was not settled.
Her conscience pricked her as she finished her tasks. No hum
flowed from her lips anymore. And when Monday morning
arrived, the glamour of sitting in the back of the row was gone.
Right before her eyes sat Helen—a constant reminder of her
jealous actions. As the days passed, Jolene continued to still
her conscience.
Years later, after Jolene was through school, the Spirit
spoke again. "You know that you did wrong and that you
ought to confess to Sister Susan." Jolene knew she could
expect no peace until she did just that. By this time Sister
Susan was not even teaching in the area anymore. So taking up
a pen and finding her stationery, she wrote to her former
teacher. Included in the letter was an explanation of what she
had done that Saturday morning a few years back. How foolish
it all seemed to her now. "All because of jealousy!" Jolene
concluded. Peace flooded her heart as she sealed the envelope
and affixed a stamp in the upper right-hand corner.
A few weeks rolled by till one day Jolene found a letter
addressed to her, resting in the mailbox. "Who could this be
from?" she wondered. Ripping the envelope open, she found a
response from Sister Susan.
THE PILGRIM 15
"I was puzzled that Monday morning when you took your
seat in the back of the row. But I thought I must have made a
mistake when I arranged the desks. May God bless you for
confessing it to me, and you are freely forgiven."
"Oh, the peace of knowing all is well!" rejoiced Jolene as
she ambled back to the house. "Lord, help me to keep that ugly
weed of jealousy out of my heart."
By Sister Maryann
From The Christian School Builder November, 1991
CHILDREN'S PAGE
A Little Errand for God
Helen stood on the doorstep with a very tiny basket in her
hand when her father drove up and said to her, "I am glad you
are ready to go out, dear. I came to take you to Mrs. Lee's
park to see the new deer."
"Oh, thank you, Papa, but I cannot go just this time. The
deer will keep, and we can go tomorrow. I have a very
particular errand to do now," said the little girl
"What is it, my dear?" asked the father.
"Oh, it is to carry this some where," and she held up the
small basket.
Her father smiled and said, "Whom is this errand for, dear?"
"For my own self, Papa; but ah, no, I guess it's an errand for
God, Papa."
"Well, I will not hinder you, my little girl," said the good
father tenderly. "Can I help you any?"
"No, thank you; I was just going to carry my orange that I
saved from my dessert to old Peter."
"Is old Peter sick?"
"No, I hope not; but he never has anything nice; and he is
good and thankful. Big folks give him only cold meat and
16_
THE PILGRIM
noken bread, and I thought an orange would look so beautiful
md make him so happy. Don't you think that poor well folks
ought to be comforted sometimes, as well as sick folks, Papa?"
"Yes, my dear; but I am afraid we too often forget that until *"•=:
sickness and starvation come, You are right: this is a little ^
errand for God. Get in here with me and I will drive over to old p£
Peter's and wait until you have done your errand. Then I will -i:
show you the deer. Have you a pin, Helen?" -J
"Well, here is a five-dollar bill for you to fix on the skin of *"=
your orange. This will help pay old Peter's rent, and perhaps *~S
tliis will do a little errand for God, too," said the gentleman.
Little Helen, who had taught a wise man a wise lesson, IS
looked very happy as her fingers fixed the fresh bill on the ~ =
orange. =£
Selected frorn Sunbeams, May 30, 1943 ^
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 58 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER. 2011 Nos. 9 & 10
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4:14)
ALL THAT THRILLS MY SOUL
Who can cheer the heart like Jesus,
By His presence all divine?
True and tender, pure and precious,
Oh, how blest to call Him mine!
Love of Christ so freely given,
Grace of God beyond degree,
Mercy higher than the heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea!
Every need His hand supplying,
Eveiy good in Him I see;
On His strength divine relying,
He is All in All to me.
By the crystal, flowing river
With the ransomed I will sing,
And forever and forever
Praise and glorify the King.
AH the thrills my soul is Jesus;
He is more than life to me;
And the fairest often thousand
In my blessed Lord I see.
Thoro Harris, 1874-1955
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Pubhshing editor: Leshe Cover
Address: THE PELGRJM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?
Is this a valid question? Cain said it in defence and
resentfully. God asked him, "Where is Abel thy brother?" Cain
answered, "I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?"
God didn't answer Cain's question immediately. But He
pronounced judgment on Cain for slaying Abel. And in the
Word and through the ages we are taught that we do have
grave responsibility to those around us.
We cannot be careless where God has told us to give a
faithful witness. Are we dependable on the job? Would we
steal from the government or from a corp oration thinking no
one would know or care? Li the airport are we sober, realizing
we are being watched? We remember Aunt Bertie saying,
"They take us for Christians, and what is wrong with that?"
Doing business or buying in a store, are we meticulous to
pay what is light? An Abraham Lincoln story has him walking
miles to give a customer correct change when he had make a
mistake.
Eating in a public place, do we bow our heads in
thanksgiving for the food? Or maybe we are like the boy
visiting his neighbors. When they began a meal without
praying, he told them, "You are like my dog; he just eats."
We are called to be an example to those younger. Jesus set
a child in the midst of His disciples, and gave him as an example
of greatness in the Kingdom. He said we should humble
ourselves as a little child. Jesus gave severe warning against
offending a child or causing him to be lost. On the other hand,
there is blessing in receiving a child. Jesus said it is like
receiving Him.
THE PTLGRIM
Our example is also vital to a "weak" brother or sister.
Study Romans 14 to know Paul's teaching regarding eating
meat and observing special days. Verse 15; "But if thy brother
be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably.
Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died." I
Corinthians 8:13: "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to
offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make
my brother to offend." Can we make this kind of resolve? It
may mean real self-denial.
Most important is our witness in our own family. Recently
Brother Lloyd charged fathers and all men to accept the
leadership in our homes. The world often pictures the man in a
foolish, weak image making many mistakes. When this is true,
it forces the women to assume leadership they are not given and
often are not qualified for either. No wonder John writes,
"Love not the world."
The Christian mother in the home has her own place no one
else can fill as well. She naturally loves and cares for her
children, teaching them manners in addition to godliness.
If not technically "my brother's keeper," we are certainly our
brother's helper. We can help with a smile and encouraging
words. Praise for a job well done is good if given sincerely.
May we be faithful in our example to our young people, in
our homes, in the Church, and, yes, to the world. --L.C.
PURPOSE
My primary purpose in writing small essays is to stimulate
the reader to engage in serious thinking on Biblical matters. I
maintain that the Bible means just what it says. Two
expressions which I have recently been exposed to are "Flat
Bible," and "Replacement Theology." In light of what I've been
taught, both are flawed concepts.
THE PILGRIM
Man has a tendency to complicate things. I buy an
automatic camera and find a 93 page instruction booklet in the
box. The same is true for a simple cell phone except in this case
there were 103 pages. We bought a generic model car with
automatic features, and I count nearly 90 controls accessible
from the driver's seat. The scholar studies the Bible and needs a
library of books to explain it.
The Brethren have rejected creeds and teach that the New
Testament is their guide for faith and practice. I base my
writings on this belief. I understand that the term "Flat Bible"
means that both Old and New Testaments share directives for
our lives. The Old Brethren have maintained that only The
New Testament directs our faith and practice. We believe Jesus
Christ came and fulfilled the Law. Jesus said, "Think not that I
am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to
destroy, but to fulfill." (Matt. 5: 17). We are not under the Old
Law, including the Ten Commandments. The New Covenant
contains and suip asses all that is contained in the
commandments which were written on tables of stone. The
law, according to the Apostle Paul, was our schoolmaster to
bring us to Christ.
Under the New Covenant, God's laws are to be written in
the hearts of the believers, not on tables of stone. A study
shows the old Scriptures and the Prophets look forward to the
coming work and sacrifice of our Lord. The Old Testament
reflects man's sinful nature and the judgments of God. To bind
the Old Law's ordinances and practices on the New Testament
Church inhibits the working of the Holy Spirit and negates the
teachings of Jesus. We are under the New Covenant, not the
Old. "This is the covenant I will make with them after those
days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in
then minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I
remember no more." (Hebrews 10: 16,17)
THE PILGRIM
"Replacement Theology." The way I understand this term is
that God, before the day of Pentecost, worked through Israel to
witness to mankind. After the day of Pentecost, the Church
replaced Israel as God's witness to man. hi a sense this may
have some validity. God would have all men to be saved, hi
Christ Jesus, God's people are all one, whether Jew or Gentile.
God has never had more than one people. I do not see any
replacement here but a continuing of God's plan of salvation.
The inconsistency of this teaching is the implication of God's
Kingdom being involved in secular politics.
God is in control. He has, and still uses secular powers to
bring about His purpose. The Church is subject to, but not
dependent on civil powers. The prophets foretold much
concerning worldly powers. Many prophesies concern National
Israel. It seems evident God is working with Israel as a nation,
but the unconverted citizen of that nation is no more a child of
God than any other non-believer. Only hi Jesus Christ is there
salvation. Jew or Gentile makes no difference to God. We
repeat, God would have all people to be saved and come unto
the knowledge of the truth. (I Tim. 2:4). Pardon me for wading
in a little deep on this sensitive issue. God is in control. Study
the Word. Be not deceived. To be one of God's saints and a
member of Jesus Christ's bride at His coming should be our
primary purpose.
Joseph E. Wagner
Modesto, California
CHRISTIAN WITNESS IN ATTIRE
The puipose of this article will be to discuss the general
Bibhcal principles regarding Christian attire and the traditional
order of the Brethren church in its application.
THE PILGRIM
To discuss this subject intelligently, it seems necessary to
notice two apparently extreme views concerning it. On the one
hand, there are those who assert that it is unimportant what we
wear—that Clothes do not make a Christian, and if the heart is
right, all is right. And, conversely, there are many who seem
to think that the clothes we wear and other outward appearance
constitute the total witness and proof of Christian discipleship.
We believe that both these attitudes are unscriptural.
It is true that clothes do not make a Christian. But we feel
certain, and hope to demonstrate in this article, that there are
but few persons (Christian or nonchristian) who actually think it
unimportant what kind of clothes they wear. For people in all
walks of life will tiy to dress in a manner consistent with their
occupation or position in society. They will either consciously
or unconsciously express their individuality or character in their
clothes. Therefore the clothes we wear become a sign of
what we are, or what we think we are, or of what we wish
others to think we are.
We are told that clothes is one of the most discussed
subjects in society, and people will admire others or be shocked
by the kind of clothes they wear.
James Quint er, in an article on Christian apparel in the
Gospel Visitor, 1865, says, "It is thought by many that the
subject of clothing is too trifling to occupy the attention of
intelligent people, as it belongs to the exterior of the Christian
and not the heart, and as the heart is the seat of the Christian
graces and emotions, the dress can have little to do with
Christian character. It has been said by some writer that
'Flowers are not trifles, as one might know from the care that
God has taken of them everywhere.' And further, can anything
be justly considered a trifle that has ever occupied the attention
of God, or upon which He has given laws and precepts?"
Clothing was the first thing of concern and urgency to
Adam and Eve after they had sinned in Eden. And God was
THE PILGRIM 7
equally concerned about how they were dressed and was totally
unsatisfied with then ideas and means of clothing themselves.
So important it was, and so great was their need, that it cost the
life of another of the living creatures which God had made to
properly clothe them. The inference is that this was the
beginning of the slaying and sacrificing of animal life on earth.
The manner in which God clothed them undoubtedly had both a
practical and significant purpose: first, to protect their naked
bodies, and also for a sign to remind them of the result of their
sin.
Perhaps many people are unaware of how often the manner
in which individuals are clothed is mentioned in the Bible— and
what it signifies. First, our attention is directed to Exodus and
Leviticus where a description is given of the beautiful garments
of Aaron and his sons which were to be worn "before the Lord"
in the tabernacle and altar seivices. There can be no doubt but
that the various orders of the priest's garments were for signs of
certain truths concerning their service and relationship to God,
both present and future.
Other Scriptures describe how certain Bible characters were
dressed and what it signified:
Tamar, David's daughter, had a garment of divers colors,
"For with such robes were the king's daughters who were
virgins clothed." (II Sam. 13:18)
Daniel was clothed with scarlet, (purple) (Dan. 5:29)
John the Baptist was clothed with "raiment of camel's hair,
and a leathern girdle about his loins." (Matt. 3:4)
The rich man was clothed with "purple and fine linen."
(Luke 16:19)
The "two witnesses" are clothed in sackcloth. (Rev. 11:3)
James 2:2,3 tells of the contrast of the raiment of the rich
and the poor, and how the manner in which one is dressed
might determine his social standing.
Garments of widowhood. (Gen. 38:14)
THE PILGRIM
"Royal apparel." (Esther 8:15)
Shepherd's garments. (Jer. 43:12)
"Rough garments to deceive." (Zech. 13:4)
"Prison garments." (II Kings 25:29)
"Sheep's clothing." (Matt. 7:15)
"Wedding garment." (Matt. 22:11)
"Shining garments." (Luke 24:4)
Jesus had a garment that was without seafta, "woven from
the top throughout." (John 19:23)
The angel that appeared to John on Patmos was "clothed
with a garment down to the foot." (Rev. 1:13)
All of these Scriptures and many others show that from the
most ancient times, the manner of clothing worn hy individuals
was an indication of then occupation, social position, pursuits,
or attitudes. This usage and principle does not change.
Everyone will try to dress consistent with what they think their
position in life and society demand.
No one expects to see a man in the field doing farm work
dressed like a banker. Nor a cook in the kitchen dressed like a
society matron. Nor a minister in the pulpit dressed like a
cowboy. A worshipper in the assembly of the saints would not
be expected to be dressed like a clown. Other examples could
be mentioned, but these are sufficient to demonstrate that our
clothes are a sign of our attitudes or position.
Thus we come to the main emphasis of our subject: What
are wel Wliat do we wish to express, ourselves or Christ?
Our own individuality or the fellowship and unity of the
body of Christ! The adornment and glorification of this
corruptible body of sin (with ah its appeal to the lusts of the
flesh), or the adornment of the new creature within— the hidden
man of the heart?
It should be remembered that clothing is still closely and
deeply related to the sin question, the same as it was in Eden.
THE PILGRIM
But people are trying to ignore this fact, and in our time many
are going almost entirely without clothes. But their sin remains,
and their shame is not covered.
We freely recognize and urge that the whole concept of the
Christian religion is based on the proposition of changing the
hearts of men and women. The law demanded obedience, but
men could obey the outward demands of the law and still not
have a heart for God. This is why Heb. 9:9 says of the offerings
made under the law, that it could not make him that did the
service "perfect as pertaining to the conscience." And it is the
reason for the statement in the beginning of this article that
clothing and other outward appearance should not be the first
consideration of an individual coming to Christ.
However, once the mind is transformed and the heart
changed and given to Christ, then it is consistent to signify it.
There can be great advantage for the Christian to show to
those about him by his manner of dress, that he has
changed his allegiance and service from that of an earthly
and worldly society to the fellowship of saints in Christ,
which is the Church.
If there were no visible body of Christ, then this argument
would be without meaning. But when we truly understand our
relationship to Christ and one another and the vast superiority
of its heavenly nature over that of the world and its interests,
then who would not want to signify then change of fellowship
and affections? Why should Christians want to appear in the
form and fashion of the social and political system that
crucified their Lord?
Romans 12:2 says, ". . .and be not conformed to this
world." Another translation of this says, "Do not conform to
the fashion of this world." The Apostles Paul and Peter (I Tim.
2:9 and I Peter 3:1) enjoin Christian women to dress modestly
and not adorn their bodies with expensive and lavish clothing
and fashionable hair styles, or by wealing of jewelry; all of
10 THE PILGRIM
which is inspired by pride and promotes bodily appeal and lust.
But they are told to let then adorning be the inward character,
which is of highest value to God—and even so to men who
know and appreciate tine values.
The traditional "order" of the Brethren church is intended to
meet these Scriptural requirements for Christian apparel, and, if
observed in its true spirit, will do so. This "order" is now more
commonly called "the uniform," but it is not fully a uniform as it
has, and always has had, considerable variation in the different
parts of the brotherhood and with various individuals.
Many persons of middle age and older, can remember when
the terms "the order" and "plain clothes" were used almost
entirely instead of the now comparatively new term "uniform."
This change of emphasis from "plain clothes" to "uniform"
may not be the most Scriptural as it is possible thereby to wear
the "uniform" but in various ways, by buying costly materials
and fashionable weaves and colors, and fitting them to display
and adorn the body, to violate the spirit of the apostolic
instructions regarding Christian apparel, and thereby bring
disrespect and reproach upon an order which had reasonable
and Biblical grounds for its adoption.
The people of the world are not opposed to the wearing of
uniforms, nor is its purpose strange to them. There may be
more wearing of uniforms now than at any other time in history.
The armed forces of the nation has identifying uniforms for its
various branches. There are police and railroad men's uniforms,
boy scout, choir, and band uniforms. There are other religious
uniforms such as Salvation Army and Roman Catholic orders.
The purpose of all this is clear: It is a sign that they belong
to a fellowship or partnership with others in what they believe
to be a worthy cause, and shows who holds priority over their
services.
So it is with our "order" or "uniform." It is intended as a
sign that we are not alone in our service, but belong to a
THE PILGRIM U
fellowship which we understand to be the Body or Church of
Christ—a most worthy cause indeed. At the same time it
signifies a separation from the sinful and corrupt world
system. It is also a sign that we are a part of a historical
church which embraced these high Christian principles and
sacrificed and suffered for them.
But, as stated before, this non- conformity can not have any
value for it own sake. In itself, it is wholly negative. And
without the positive attributes of transformation and
conformity to Christ, it would be without virtue. There is
danger in the thinking of anyone who may look upon outward
foiTus only, as a tine witness of Christian discipleship. Non-
conformity must be a result of being conformed to Christ.
Separation from the world must be a result of being joined to
the Body of Christ— even as in the marriage state.
In conclusion: We believe the Brethren's order of clothes in
its true meaning should never be considered a "sacrifice," but a
willing public sign that our relationship with the world and
seivice to its vanities has been severed, and that conformity to
Christ and service to His Church is our new goal. The clothes
we wear cannot be the proof, but are definitely a sign we are
Christians.
May we ever be mindful, therefore, of what we signify and
always be true disciples of Jesus.
Daniel F. Wolf
(This article is available in tract form by writing to
The Pilgjim.)
Man cannot be saved by perfect obedience
because he cannot render it.
He cannot be saved by imperfect obedience
because God cannot accept it.
The only solution is Calvary. —Selected
12 THE PILGRIM
OBITUARY
FOR GOD TOOK HIM
"For God took him," was said of Enoch,
Who walked with God in days of yore;
His life a living testimony;
Death did not ever test him sore.
"For God took him," We say of Enoch,
An unborn child, still safe within
His loving mother; his short life finished,
Never once exposed to sin.
"For God took him." Yes, there's sorrow,
Empty arms that long to hold
Your little baby, precious treasure
Forever safe within Christ's fold.
"For God took him." Words of comfort
To those who rest in God's strong arms.
"Give him to me," our Father whispers,
"I will keep him from all harm."
Oh Heavenly Father, keep our children,
Those who've gone, and those who stay.
Help us, guide us, and equip us,
Faith&l to Thee, keep us we pray. - Lloyd Wagner
Written in memoiy of Enoch Joel Cover, stillborn son of
Peter and Denita Cover (September 13, 2011). Graveside
seivice was held September 14 at Wood Colony Cemetery,
Salida, California.
THE PILGRTM 13
A brief life is not an insignificant life. We know that we are
created to glorify God with our lives. This too, was the
puipose for Enoch's life, and this he fulfilled, and continues to
do so in heaven.
We thank eveiyone who has been so kind and supportive
through this time. The prayers, mail, meals, and words of love
have meant a lot to us as you've shown God's love in action.
Thank you, and may God bless you.
—Peter, Denita, and Family
BAPTISMS
Deborah Beery Goshen, Indiana September 18
Isaac Beery Goshen, Indiana September 18
Holly Flora Nappanee, Indiana September 18
Frances Martin New Paris, Indiana September 18
Konrad Martin Nappanee, Indiana September 18
Charity Royer Mishawaka, Indiana September 18
Judah Royer Nappanee, Indiana September 18
Rob Sauder Tuolumne, California Sept ember 25
Correction:
Myron St alter, Nappanee, Indiana August 28
ADDRESS CHANGE
TimYoder 59115 C.K 33
Middlebury, Indiana 46540
PARABLE OF THE PENCIL
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting
it into the box. "There are five things you need to know," he
told the pencil, "before I send you out into the world, Always
14 THE PILGRIM
remember them and never forget, and you will become tlie best
pencil you can be."
"One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if
you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand."
"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time
to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."
"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might
make. "
"Four: The most important part of you will always be
what's inside."
"Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave
your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue
to write."
The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went
into the box with purpose in its heart.
Now replacing the place of the pencil with you, always
remember them and never forget, and you will become the best
person you can be.
One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if
you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And, allow other
human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time
to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to
become a stronger person.
Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might
make.
Four: The most important part of you will always be what's
on the inside.
Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave
your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to
do your duties.
By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our
life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.
—Selected (Author unknown)
THE PTLGRTM 15
FOR YOUTH
Today is a new opportunity with new horizons, new
adventures, new challenges.
Today I will make new mistakes, and through those I will
make new discoveries!
Today is a fresh chance to be pursued by the God of the
universe; a fresh day to see His beauty around me with
new eyes.
I have been given one more day— this day to cherish
memories, forgive hurts, trust in my God, and be
an example of a child of my King.
Today I can look to my God in moments of joy and turn to
Him for solace in moments of sorrow.
This day— today— is a new opportunity to step out with
confidence, and know that if I fail, God has a plan.
This all lies before me. It is my choice. What will I do with
this moment?
— Esther Taylor
Tuolumne, California
CHILDREN'S PAGE
JESSICA
"Ow-w-w," screamed two year old Jessica as her father
gently carried her in and the nurses unwrapped her swollen arm.
Jessica lives in Haiti and her mother cooks on three rocks
on the ground outside their small home. Jessica burned herself
badly by falling into a kettle of hot commeal.
Kind nurses at the mission's clinic carefully soaked her arm
in cool water to relieve the heat trapped in the swelling bubble,
"Bring her back twice a day so we can change the bandage,"
the nurses instructed. But when the parents failed to return,
Sheryl and Sharon headed out to try to find then home. They
discovered a hurting little girl, her aim all black, pussy and
bleeding since Jessica doesn't leave the bandage on very long."
Sadly, many children in Haiti are not taught to be obedient to"
then parents or anyone. :;
Back at Jessica's home a few days later, the nurses met her"
grandpa. His eyes were not Christian eyes. He refused to let!
the parents bring Jessica to the clinic for fresh bandages.]
Instead, he had smeared a homemade remedy of boiled goat-
manure mixed with oil and indigo to "dry up the bum" on her...
arm. a
We are blest to live without fears and superstitions. We
have clean, available, safe healthcare practises. Dear children,"
be thankful for parents who love Jesus and who love you.
-- Martha J. Cover
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 58
NOVEMBER, 2011
No. 11
"And we
have
seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4:14)
•
FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS OF THE YEAR
For all the blessings of the year,
For all the friends we hold so dear,
For peace on earth, both far and near.
We thank Thee, O Lord.
For life and health, those common things,
Which every day and hour brings,
For home, where our affection clings,
We thank Thee, O Lord.
For love of Thine, which never tires,
Which all our better thought inspires
And warms our lives with heavenly fires,
We thank Thee, O Lord.
Albert H. Hutchenson
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing editor; Leshe Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
THANKSGIVING
Did you thank God today? Did you thank Him for creating
you? Did you thank Jesus for dying in our place? Did you
thank God the Spirit for giving you direction and support?
These questions are for me and for all because naturally we are
not thankful people. We need to be reminded.
I think of a child coming to his mother holding up a toy or
piece of candy some loving person gave him "Did you say
thank you?" "No." "Go back and thank him."
We should go back in our memories to thank our loving
Heavenly Father for all He has done and is doing.
In 1891 the Swedish author, August L. Storm composed a
meaningful poem of thanks. For our benefit it was translated
into English by Carl E.. Backstrom.
Thanks to God for my Redeemer. Our Savior left His
Heavenly Home to come to redeem us. Redeem means to buy
back, and He did this with His blood. Some leave their homes
with reluctance and suffering, but this cannot compare with the
way Jesus left the splendor of heaven for the squalor of earth.
Thanks for all Thou dost provide. God is an abundant
Provider. We have so much from Him and none of it of our
own. "What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou
didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not
received it?" (I Cor. 4:7) From the context it is plain that Paul
was not thinking of just physical blessings. He was more
concerned for then peace and their relation to God.
Thanks for times now but a memory. Shakespeare has
Mark Antony saying, "The evil that men do lives after them; the
good is oft interred with their bones." Yes, we tend to
remember unpleasant things, but let us consciously recall good
and forget the evil—especially about people.
THE PILGRIM
Thanks for Jesus by my side. Hebrews 13:5: "... for he
hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," Matthew
28:20: ". . . lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world." With these specific promises, we should trust our
omnipotent, omnipresent Lord for the future.
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime. It's easier to be
thankful and happy during favorable times.
But, Thanks for dark and dreary fall I Thess. 5:18: "In
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God concerning
you." We pray often for God's will. But here is God's will
expressed— that we be thankful in all times, in all conditions.
Thanks for tears by now forgotten. Some causes for tears
are remembered long. Deep sorrow does not just go away.
Another song says: Thy way and all thy sorrows
Give thou into His hand.
He is the divine Comforter.
Thanks for peace within my soul. Jesus left us His peace.
He gave it to us. It is the peace "that passeth understanding,"
felt rather that understood. The world cannot give it or take it
away.
In I Timothy 2:1, Paul exhorts that supplications, prayers,
intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men. Can we
give thanks for all men— even for those who might irritate us?
What effect should giving thanks in all these areas have on
us? Our lives should show obedience and a consciousness of
great privilege. A life of gratitude will be devoted to serving
others— to kindness—to encouraging and comforting.
It was a Samaritan who returned to thank Jesus for healing
him of leprosy. Jesus remarked about the nine others who were
also healed. "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the
nine?" I would like to think this Samaritan became like the
other one who ministered to the man who fell among thieves.
May we also serve and be thankful. -L.C.
THE PILGRIM
FORGETFULNESS AT THANKSGIVING
Does prayerful thanks season all your food and brighten all
the atmosphere about you? It surely will if you are a Christian
in deed and in truth, and not in name only. There are some
people who are never content no matter what blessings
surround them; while others are happy even in adverse
circumstances. It is the condition of the heart, and not the
outward circumstance, that causes people to be happily thankful
or wretchedly ungrateful.
The thankful person is the exception rather than the rule.
Let us be that exception! We can be the lone Samaritan who
returned to Jesus and gave thanks. Jesus expeiienced this when
He traveled the border between Galilee and Samaria. He
encountered a group of men that were bound together by the
common misfortune of leprosy. One of the men was a
Samaritan, a man whose life had been scarred by racial
prejudice and the stigma of being bom into a mongrel race.
Jesus healed all ten men, but the Samaritan was the only one
who took the time to give thanks for another chance. The other
nine never came back to give thanks or identify themselves with
the One who was responsible for then healing. It appears the
nine hurried off, clutching their blessings, never to cast back
even a thought to the Giver. Jesus said, ". . .Were there not ten
cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17) What a
tragic example of ingratitude!
The spirit of imthankfulness, Paul told Timothy, would
characterize men ". . .in the last days (when) perilous times shall
come" (II Tim. 3:1). How noticeable is this mark today! If no
rain appears for a time, or too much seems to come, how
distressed and faultfinding some people are. But when rain is
given them from heaven and they are blessed with fruitful
seasons, how veiy seldom will they recoguize these favors as a
THE PILGRIM
witness of God's goodness. Paul speaks of God as ". . .filling
our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17). But ah too
often we are daily loaded with God's benefits, yet our hearts are
not filled with thankfulness.
In one of John Wesley's sermons, he tells of the king of
France who was lost while fox hunting in the dense forest.
Intent on following the fox, the king outrode his servants and
became separated from the royal hunting party. For many hours
he wandered through the forest, weary and hungry, until he
came to a little cottage. He asked for something to eat. He
was hospitably treated by the poor family, and given the best
they had to offer: a simple meal of bread and cheese.
Soon the other members of the hunting party, who had been
seeking the king in vain, rode up and found then sovereign at
this humble home. When the king saw them at the door, he
immediately cried out, "Where have I been all my lifetime? I
never before tasted such good food in my life." One of the men
in the hunting party replied, "She, you never had so good sauce
before; for you were never hungry."
John Wesley said after giving this illustration: "Now it is
true; hunger is a good sauce. But there is one better still; that is
thankfulness. Surely the most agreeable food is seasoned with
this. And why should not yours be such at every meal?"
Nothing is so rewarding to a loving heart as to pour itself
out in thanks to Jesus. Thankfulness knits us to Jesus in such a
way as to make us more like Him. So let us continue "Giving
thanks always for all things. . ." (Eph. 5:20)
By Lewis Brevard in Pulpit Helps
GRATITUDE
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have
into enough, and more. It turns problems into gifts, failures
into successes, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes
into important events. It can turn an existence into real life, and
THE PILGRIM
disconnected situations into important and beneficial lessons.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and
creates a vision for tomorrow.
By Melody Beattie, in The Language of Letting Go
Selected by Lena Martin
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY
In speaking of a person's faults,
Pray, don't forget your own.
Remember, those with homes of glass
Should never throw a stone.
If we have nothing else to do
Than talk of those who sin,
Yes, better we commence at home
And from that point begin.
We have no right to judge a man
Until he's fairly tried;
Should we not like his company,
We know the world is wide.
Some may have faults, and who has not?
The old as well as young;
Perhaps we may, for aught we know,
Have fifty to then one.
I'll tell you of a better plan,
And find it works full well,
To try my own defects to cure,
Ere other's faults to tell.
And though I sometimes hope to be
No worse than some I know,
My own shortcomings bid me let
The faults of others go.
THE PILGRIM
Tli en let us all when we begin,
To slander friend or foe,
Think of the harm one word may do
To those we little know.
Remember, sometimes curses, like
Our chickens, roost at home;
Don't speak of other's faults until
We have none of our own.
Selected
WHY TEACH THE LITTLE ONE?
Harold Chugani, a neurologist at the Children's Hospital of
Michigan, has done research that reveals the great capacity of
growing human brains to absorb information. He discovered
that, by age 2, the infant's cortex is operating at adult levels. At
age 4, that child's brain is twice as active as the adult brain and
continues at that rate until age 10, when it begins to slow down.
By age 16, it has slacked off to the pace at which it will
continue through adulthood.
God's wisdom is seen in His stressing the importance of
instilling in children the truths of His Word at an early age (Pro.
22:6; Deut. 6:4-7). By exposing them to a large quantity of
Bible teachings in then early years, we can be instrumental in
programming then* "mental computers" so that they know the
mind of God and think as He does.
As they reach adulthood, they can then choose to have
good, honest hearts that will make them faithful followers of the
Lord. (Luke 8:15) Mike Mays (Selected)
Don't ask God to guide your steps
unless you are willing to move your feet.
THE PILGRIM
OBITUARY
■
Ruth Irene Garber, daughter of Paul and Maiy (Benedict)
Baker, was born October 25, 1969, in Richmond Hill, Ontario,
Canada, and the Lord called her home on September 24, 2011,
at the age of 41 years, 10 months, and 30 days.
She spent her childhood days near Maple, Ontario, Canada.
She was baptized into the Old German Baptist Brethren Church
in June, 1985, to which she remained faithful until death. She
was united in marriage with Clair Garber on October 31, 1987,
and they spent the first 18 years of their married life in
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in the Falling Springs District. In
March, 1995, Clair was called to the mini stry Ruth faithfully
assisted him in these labors. In 2006, the family moved to
Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She was a charter member of
the Stonycreek District.
Ruth attended the Stonycreek Lovefeast September 24,
Saturday morning, anticipating communion in the evening, but
the Lord had other plans for her. Saturday afternoon she
became sick and was transported to the Johnstown Hospital
where she passed away very suddenly with an aneurysm.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Baker; paternal
grandparents, Amos and Edna Baker; and maternal
grandmother, Rhoda Benedict.
Left to mourn her passing are her loving and devoted
husband; two sons, Glen and Edwin; three daughters, Betty and
husband Byron Hess, Stella, and Nina. Also her parents, Paul
and Maiy Baker; father and mother-in-law, Fred and Martha
Garber; maternal grandfather, Joe Benedict; brothers: David
and wife Amanda, Jonathan and wife Rosalie; sisters: Ruby and
husband Ivan Benedict, Susan and husband Aaron Kinsley,
Rachel and husband Loren Brubaker, and Rebecca and husband
Myron Hess.
THE PILGRIM
Following a family service at the home, funeral services
were held by the Brethren at a temporary facility at the Berlin
Grove. Interment was in the Hays Church Cemetery close to
* then farm near Meyersdale, Pennsylvania.
She will be greatly missed by her companion, children,
! family, and the Stonycreek District, but we trust our loss is her
eternal gain. The Family
IN A MOMENT
(I Corinthians 15:52)
QUITE SUDDENLY -- it may be at the
turning of a lane,
Where I stand to watch a skylark soar from
out the swelling grain.
That the trump of God shall thrill me, with
its call so loud and clear.
And I'm called away to meet Him, Whom
of all I hold most dear.
QUITE SUDDENLY -- it may be in His House
I bend my knee,
When the kingly Voice, long hoped for, comes
at last to summon me.
And the fellowship of earth-life that has
seemed so passing sweet.
/ Proves nothing but the shadow of our
meeting round His feet.
(
QUITE SUDDENLY - it may be as I tread
the busy street,
Strong to endure life's stress and strain, its
every call to meet,
r
10_
THE PILGRTM
That through the roar of traffic, a trumpet,
silvery clear,
Shall stir rny startled sense and proclaim
His coming near.
QUITE SUDDENLY -- it may be as I he in
dreamless sleep,
God's gift to many a sorrowing heart, with
no more tears to weep
That a call shall break my slumber and a
Voice sound hi my ear:
Rise up, my love, and come away, behold
the Bridegroom's here.
Author unknown to us
Sin will take you farther than you ever wanted to go, keep
you longer than you ever wanted to stay, and cost you more
than you ever wanted to pay. —Selected
HEIRS OF THE PROMISE
This booklet by Daniel F. Wolf is available for $5.00
postpaid. It is a fifty-nine page commentary on God's promises
to Abraham and the relation of Israel and the Church to the
Kingdom of God. Order from
The Pilgrim
19201 Cherokee Rd. 5 Tuolumne, CA 95379
ADDRESS CORRECTION
Andrew and Jena Bowser House number is 6345
ADDRESS CHANGE
Micah Martin's 69488 C.R. 1 17
New Paris, IN
THE PILGRIM 11
WHAT MOVES DID FOR ME
By a Teen-Ager
This article speaks of a problem young people have to deal
with Today the internet takes the place of movies as easy
temptation. Some have already been drawn in by it. The
internet is private and accessible, and if parents are not
careful, children can be easily tempted. This was written over
50 years ago, reprinted by Brother Dan Wolf in The Pilgrim in
1958, but the problem is timeless. --L.C.
I was quite youug when I saw my first movie-only about
eight. A picture of the initial scaling of Mount Everest, the
highest mountain in the world, had come to town, and my
school teacher had written to my parents urging them to let me
attend a special after school showing of this educational picture
at the theater. Reluctantly they agreed, and I went.
It proved, however, that the Mount Everest picture was
only one item on the program. The main feature was the story
of a freckle- faced boy who broke his father's heart by running
away from home and then had his own heart nearly broken
when his father died. I remember how strongly I was moved by
that picture. It made a far greater impression on my mind than
the educational picture. I cried over it and decided that, as for
me, I never would do any thing to hurt my father or mother.
The thought came, "Movies can't be so bad, after all, when
they give me feelings of this kind." Many have used the same
argument. "There are some really good pictures," they say.
"Some films are very religious." And this leads me to mention
my first criticism of the movies, which is that they are
ANTI-CHRISTIAN IN THEIR EFFECT
What is that? Because the goodness they teach is human
goodness. They give the impression that any young person can
12 THE PILGRIM
be good if he tries hard enough, whereas the Bible teaches that
the only righteousness acceptable to God is that which is
produced in one's life through the redeeming work of Christ.
No one can be good enough to enter heaven; each one must be
"born again," the Bible says. But you will not find that Gospel
message in the movies.
Besides, there is always a mixture. I have attended the
theater hundreds of times and have seen some of the so-called
"good" films, and I cannot remember a single program which
did not have something on it that would violate a Christian's
standards of purity, piety, and modesty.
My second criticism of the movies is that they are
WORLDLY IN THEIR INFLUENCE
It was through movies that I learned the ways of the world.
I had been brought up in a Christian home and a good Sunday
school, but when I reached my teens and started going to the
movies regularly, I fell in with very worldly companions and
started to smoke, to dance, to keep late hours, and so on. My
sister had the same experience. She had been genuinely saved
and filled with the Spirit, and never had tasted the pleasures of
sin until she began going to the movies; but it wasn't long until
she was backslidden and deep in the things of the world—and
now she is married to an unbeliever.
We read: "Ah that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father,
but is of the world." When I read that verse after I was saved, I
thought at once of the movies. In them are combined all three
of these elements of that forbidden realm called "the world."
Don't movies cater to the lust of the flesh- that is, to the desires
of our carnal nature? Obviously they do. Do they cater to the
lust of the eyes? Yes, they portray before the eye nearly
eveiything an unsaved person desires to see. Do they foster the
pride of life (ostentation, vain boasting or glory)? Surely they
- THE PILGRIM 13
do; the gorgeous clothing, the luxurious homes, the deeds of
heroism that are shown in the movies create a love of display.
The third thing I would like to mention about movies is that
THEY BRING YOU UNDER BONDAGE
I was in bondage to the movies for several years, until I was
converted. I was in my teens when they got their grip on me. I
worked at a grocery store after school and on Saturdays. This
gave me my own spending money, and it seemed I could not go
to the show often enough. Sometimes I neglected my job in
order to go. Often I skipped school. When Mother asked
where all my money was going, I lied; then I stole money so
that I could go to the show without digging so deeply into my
earnings. I hated to he and steal, but I did it for the sake of the
movies. That shows how they fascinated me!
It is easy to slip into a movie, sit down in comfort, and quit
thinking. For two hours the movies will do your thinking for
you. It is a complete escape from reality. It appeals both to the
laziness of the human mind and the unwillingness of human
nature to face the grim realities of life here and hereafter.
I loved the movies. When I was saved they were the
hardest thing I had to give up, but I knew beyond a shadow of
doubt that I could not go on living for Christ and at the same
time feeding upon the carrion of the movies. So I quit the
movies; for the sake of my example, yes, but primarily for my
own soul's sake. As I went on to know the joy, the victoiy, the
thrill of a life surrendered to the Lord, I lost all desire for the
movies. The new life crowded out the old.
Though the Lord delivered me from the fascination of the
movies, the effect left upon my mind and heart was not undone
immediately. For the movies
CORRUPT THE MIND AND HEART
It is here I make my strongest criticism. The movies did
more to corrupt my thinking and provoke temptation than any
other influence upon my life. I do not believe any teen-age
14 THE PILGRIM L
young person can sit through hundreds of Hollywood's lust-
laden dramas, as I did, and fail to get a perverted outlook along
sexual lines.
My life was in the formative stage: and by going to the
movies I exposed it to the devil, who laid hold upon those
natural instincts which God has put in every young person and
did his worst to pervert them. It was only through the mercy of
God that I was saved before I got too deeply in sin or married
an unsaved girl. I know the effect the movies had on me. I
know how I had to battle against wrong thoughts, because of
them, I know how hard it was, after I was saved, to think only
on "whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely"—
things in which there is "any virtue," as the Bible says we must
do. I know how worldly wise they made me, how they
crowded Christ out, how they brought me under bondage, how
they led me to he, to steal, to harbor wrong thoughts in my
heart.
But the past cannot be undone. Only the future can be
changed, and I hope that by writing these lines I may help spare
other teen-agers from having to learn by bitter experience the
harmful effects of the movies.
Herald of Truth, June, 1958
FOR YOUTH
To all our members in general and to our new members in
particular.
You have made the choice to be God's child. This choice
did not put you on a comfortably padded rail car that will zip
you to your destination; it did put you on a path that will need
to be walked, day after day, for as long as you live. There are
many attractive little side paths, designed by your enemy, to
lure you into his territory, bit by bit. If you will lift your eyes
THE PILGRIM 15
above the earthly toys and pleasure, you will be able to follow
your Leader, who made it possible for you to attain Heaven.
There are others on this path as well, who can provide you with
encouragement and fellowship far more satisfying than anything
you could find on those attractive little side paths. To avoid
stumbling over the petty irritations that will invariably arise as
you walk with others, you will need to lift your eyes to your
Leader and focus on Him.
"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path,
because of mine enemies. (Psalm 27: 1 1)
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto
thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and
he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5,6)
—David and Elva Royer
Goshen, Indiana
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Every Day Marvels: Responding to a Look
Everything God has made is marvellous from rocks to trees,
from spiders to humans; all tilings are fearfully and wonderfully
made.
I had an interesting thought about eyes recently. You have
probably read about how eyes work and maybe you even
understand a lot of it, but even scientists do not know all about
how and why eyes work so well.
But have you ever thought about how we respond to eyes?
How do we even know what we see can see us? Yet, even
animals react when you look at them.
One example of what I mean is how a setting hen reacts
when you approach her. If you come near without looking at
her she may be alarmed, but she will not make a sound. I often
16,
THE PILGRIM
got quite close to my hens without their doing more than
expanding their feathers a bit. But as soon as I looked at them
they screamed and got much 5 much larger. *S
Another example is that many animals recognize a stare dli
being a sign of aggression. That is why my new kitten hissaE
when my dog looked at him, and why you should never stare a€
a dog who doesn't know you well.
It is apparently instinct for them and for us, that we knov|
when an eye's looking at us. An instinct is marvellous— a vei^E
good creation of a very wise God! Js
Maitha Wagner =
Gettysburg, Ohio
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THE PILGRIM
VOL, 58 DECEMBER, 2011 No. 12
"And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the
Saviour of the world." (I John 4:14)
A King Is Born
A King born in a manger!
Why such a lowly birth?
He could have chosen a palace,
For He owns all the earth.
A King not clothed in splendor;
A crown of thorns He wore.
Enthroned upon a cross,
The whole world's sins He bore.
A King, He rose triumphant,
Won victory o'er the grave;
A King, who lives forever,
Who longs all souls to save.
Oh, King, our hearts Thy manger;
We crown Thee with our love.
Rule us until the day
We reign with Thee above.
Miriam Sauder Brechbill
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the Old
Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $7.50 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Road, Tuolumne, CA 95379
GLORY TO GOD
A thrill of excitement vibrated through the huddle of high
school boys clutching pencils and paper. Before them stood
four dairy cows, very much alike. The cows made up a "class"
to be judged; the boys were the product of a "class" in
agriculture, instructing them in livestock judging. The job was
to place the four animals as first, second, third, and last. The
boys themselves were competing with teams from various
schools throughout Northern California. They would be judged
not only on the order in which they placed the "class" but also
the oral reasons they presented to the judges. How well they
understood the stated standards of the breed and how these
cows conformed to these standards, would be obvious as they
stood before the experts. The team that won received high
honors. (Our team did not win!)
Competition of this sort plays a large part in public schools
of today and in secular life as well. Business and politics,
science and art, and especially war, all have their winners and
losers— those in glory and those in disgrace.
How God must look down in pity on His creatures! He
might even be amused at our contests. Psalm 2:4 says, "He that
sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in
derision."
In the heavenly contest, God Himself has been challenged.
Who will win? Who can judge? It is beyond human ability to
sort out why Satan rebelled and why God allowed it. Some
suggest that the outcome of this contest will prove for all
eternity, to all beings, the matchless love of God and the grim
malice of Satan. It will show the skill, power, and infinite
knowledge of God!
THE PILGRIM
We rejoice in the birth of the Savior. The Bible presents
Jesus as the ultimate answer. We marvel at the mind of God to
devise a plan in which a Baby born in lowly circumstances could
be the deliverer. The contest became a struggle for life— not the
life of God, but of His people. In the garden of Eden, man's
yielding to the tempter brought the sentence of death. God's
answer gave Jesus to bear that sentence.
The angels proclaimed at Jesus' birth, "Glory to God in the
highest." Judgment is determined; God wins; Satan is defeated.
Rejoice because -- unto you is born a Savior.
— we can pass from death unto life.
— His Holy Spirit is here.
— Jesus suffered for you and me.
— God was satisfied with Jesus' sacrifice.
— our sins are covered.
— Jesus sits in the presence of God for you and me.
-- From Rosanna Royer
We might call it "out-maneuvering" or superior skill, but the
incarnation of Jesus is still the means of victory in this world-
shaking contest. As a man, Jesus identified with His creatures,
was tempted like us but without sin, and so was able to rescue
us.
Satan's wrath was expressed as his men put Jesus on the
cross. But it was in vain. God used it to His glory, Satan's
defeat, and man's salvation. "Glory to God in the highest! "
God made it possible for us to exchange
our fears for faith,
our weaknesses for strength,
our hatred for love,
our aimlessness for purpose,
and our physical deaths for eternal life. (Selected)
Brother Paul Clark said "Wickedness is abounding and the
love of many is waxing cold." Yesterday I noticed in a book
catalog, a study tracing 3 billion years of earth's history and a
THE PILGRIM
statement that this writing was proof of the evolution of man.
If man is an animal, then he has no responsibility for his actions-
-good or bad. How can men stand before the crafty inventions
of the desperate competitor? The answer still lies in believing
the record God gave of His Son.
Though Satan tries to obscure the remembrance of Jesus'
birth, God's people can still rejoice. He came to earth to visit
His people, and He is coming again. Christians, rejoice and
give glory to God.
Nothing succeeds like success! God's methods are love,
truth, and faithfulness. If you have not experienced the love
and grace of God, you can. The glory of God is not just for
now, but for eternity.
Judging contest—who will win?
God against the man of sin;
Who is greatest? Who has skill?
Christians know that Jesus will.
Men may doubt and wonder why
Satan lives and still will lie.
God's own truth will win at last
When the contest time is past.
Christian, rest in God's great power;
This is now your trying hour.
God's dear Son was born for you;
Lived and died and rose up too.
Hail the Savior, born a King;
Hear the heavenly angels sing:
Glory be to God most high.
Serve this Son who came to die.
God is victor, Satan's down;
Jesus wears the winner's crown.
Share the glory; win the race;
Come to Jesus; see His face. --L.C.
THE PTLGRTM
IT'S ALL PART OF A PLAN
Was it a matter of chance that a little Baby by the name of
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, or was it part of God's plan for
the salvation of man?
A medical student had a hard time accepting that the whole
world and even Christmas was part of a plan.
One day this lady medical student said, "I was working on
an arm and hand, studying the perfect mechanical arrangements
of the muscles and tendons-how the sheaths of certain muscles
are split to let tendons of certain muscles through, so that the
hand may be delicate and small and yet powerful. I was all
alone in the laboratory when the overwhelming belief came: A
thing like this is not just chance, but a part of a plan, a plan so
big that only God could have conceived it.
"Religion had been to me a matter of form, a thing without
conviction. Now everything was an evidence of God-the
tendons of the hand, the patterns of the little butterfly's wings-
all was part of a purpose."
The Psalmist wrote, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvelous are thy works" (Ps. 139:14). But, has there ever
been a better plan for the salvation of man than for Jesus
coming into the world to save sinners? It was not a matter of
chance; it was all planned and executed at the right time.
Selected
CHRISTIAN MUSIC
As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas season—
the singing of hymns of praise (at Thanksgiving) and the singing
of carols celebrating Christ's birth (at Christmas) -remind us of
the importance of music in a broader sense.
THE PILGRIM
One of the beautiful things which God created is music, but
like every other facet of creation, human beings have often
distorted what God intended to be good. Music is a moral
issue. We express our feelings and reveal our inner character-
by our words, our actions, our attire— and also by our choice of
music. Sacred music has always been precious to the people of
God. Music played a prominent role in the worship associated
with the Old Testament tabernacle. The Psalms of 3,000 years
ago are still beautiful. Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn on
the night of His betrayal (Mark 14:26). Paul and Silas sang
praises to God in a prison cell at midnight (Acts 16:25).
Missionaries have frequently found that people in heathen lands
are captivated by Gospel hymns.
Most Christians lament the sick music promoted by our
unsaved society. The ungodly music of the world centers
around the values of an unregenerate culture, where physical
beauty is primary for the good life, sensual feelings constitute
love, and material indulgence supposedly brings happiness. The
world's music, with its high volume and heavy beat, makes its
greatest appeal to the body and to base emotions.
But then there is music of a more debatable kind— music
sometimes composed of beautiful lyrics and even words from
the Scriptures— but jazzed up with catchy tunes, and presented
in meaningless phrases of repetition. Many of us are saddened
by the fact that in an increasing number of "worship services,"
the great hymns of the church are on the way out. In their place
have come some songs that merely repeat a word or phrase
over and over again. Such songs may give the churchgoers a
"religious" feeling, but Elizabeth Elliot Bren says such songs
"are mantras which belong more to a gathering of New Agers
than among the worshiping people of God." They lack the
freshness and depth of the old hymns. The hymns have actually
been tools for "teaching and admonishing" one another
(Colossians 3:16). All of us should develop the habit of singing
2011 PILGRIM INDEX
ARTICLES
All Because of Jealousy -sel. Jul -Aug
Am I My Brother's Keeper? -L.C. Sep-Oct
Bold, Shameful Shame -L.C. Feb
Bring Them Up -sel. Jun
Broken For Me -L. C. Apr
Cast Thy Burden -sel. Mar
Christian Music -Harold S. Martin Dec
Christian Witness in Attire -Daniel F. Wolf Sep-Oct
Do We Hear? -Neil Martin Mar
Father -Joseph E. Wagner Jun
Family Worship -L.C. Jun
Filled and Running Over -L.C. Jun
For Youth -David and Elva Royer Nov
ForgetMness At Thanksgiving -Lewis Brevard Nov
Glory To God -L.C. Dec
God's Order of Love -Galen Miller Apr
Good Work, or None -sel. Mar
Gratitude -sel. by Lena Martin Nov
Heavy Burdens -L. C. Mar
Home Qualities That Contribute -Melvin Detweiler Jan
Honor Thy Father -Mary Ann Martin Jun
How Do You Act? -sel. Feb
How to Worry -Roger Kuntz Mar
It's All Part of A Plan -sel. Dec
Knowledge With Concern -R. C. Sproul sel. Dec
Leadership Seminar, Haiti 201 1 -Martha Cover Jul- Aug
Lesson From Lincoln -sel. Feb
Let the Beauty of Jesus -Linda Frick Jun
Living With Yourself -Anna Curtis May
Modesty -sel. Mar
Mother's True Love -L.C. May
New Year Prospects -L.C. Jan
Parable on the Pencil -sel. Sep-Oct
Purpose -Joseph E. Wagner Sep-Oct
Ready -Joseph E. Wagner May
Results -Joseph E. Wagner Feb
Salida Church Update -Joseph E. Wagner Mar
Self -sel Feb
Spiritual Memories -David Skiles May
Spiritual Singing -John Overholt Jan
Ten Commandments for School Parents -Howard Bean Jul- Aug
Thanksgiving -L.C. Nov
The Christian Woman -sel. by Herman Royer Jul-Aug
The Germantown Congregation -Martin Brumbaugh Jan
The Importance of Family Devotions -Dennis Good Apr
Today Is A New Opportunity -Esther Taylor Sep-Oct
What Is A Grandmother? -sel. May
What Movies Did For Me -sel. Nov
When God Does Not Answer -sel Jul-Aug
When You're Unfairly Criticized -sel. Mar
Why Teach The Little Ones? -Mike Mays Nov
POEMS
ABC'S From Sophia Baker -sel. by Rosanna Royer Apr
A King Is Born - Miriam Sauder Breehbill Dec
All That Thrills My Soul -Thoro Harris Sep-Oct
A Mother's Reward -sel. by Lloyd Wagner May
A Mother's Prayer -sel. May
A Parable of the Tools -Regina Horst Jan
Be Careful -Charles Brown -sel Dec
Be Careful What You Say -sel. Nov
Day By Day -sel. Jan
Do You Love Your Children -sel. May
For All the Blessings -Albert Hutchenson Nov
For God Took Him -Lloyd Wagner Sep-Oct
Guide For Marriage -from Hettie Skiles May
How Much I Owe -sel. Apr
I Am Habit -sel. Mar
I Need the Prayers -James D. Vaughan Jun
If -sel. Feb
In A Moment -sel. Nov
Instruments of Your Peace -sel. by Roger Kuntz Jul-Aug
Jesus -Joseph I. Cover Dec
Jesus, the Nazarene -sel. by Andrew Albers Apr
Let Us Draw Near -J. I. Cover Jan
Living and A Dead Faith -sel. by Lloyd Wagner Jan
Lord, Thou Hast Searched -Isaac Watts Feb
Shaniah Dawn -Edith Martin Jun
Spirit So Holy -Daniel W. Whittle Jun
The Church Walking With the World -sel. Feb
The Eventide Falls Gently Now -sel
The Lord's Prayer -sel.
The Task -sel.
Through the Furnace -sel.
To All Gardeners -Guy Hootman
Two Cripples -sel.
Well Beloved Son -sel. by Andrew Albers
What Is A Mother? -sel
May
Jul-Aug
Apr
Mar
Jun
Mar
Jun
May
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Honest Tom -sel. Jan
Don't! Don't! Don't! -sel. Feb
Your Tongue -sel. Mar
Wrong Side Out -sel. Mar
Freedom? -Martha Wagner Apr
Doing Errands For Mother -sel. May
Two Little Boys -sel. Jun
A Little Errand For God -sel. Jul-Aug
Jessica -Martha J. Cover Sep-Oct
Every Day Marvels -Martha Wagner Nov
Every Day Marvels: Speech -Martha Wagner Dec
ELECTIONS
Madison Old Brethren, Indiana
SamRoyer First Degree of Ministry Aug 28 Jul-Aug Pilgrim
Simon Stalter Office of Deacon Aug 28 Jul-Aug Pilgrim
California Old Brethren
Chris Crawmer Office of Deacon Oct 8 Dec Pilgrim
Yellow Creek Old Brethren, Indiana
Justin Meyers Office of Deacon Oct 9 Dec Pilgrim
BAPTISMS
Violet Taylor
Mar 6
Isaac Beery
Sep 18
Samuel Tate
Mar 20
Holly Flora
Sep 18
Alex Royer
Mar 20
Frances Martin
Sep 18
Marian Royer
Mar 20
Konrad Martin
Sep 18
Myron Stalter
Aug 28
Charity Royer
Sep 18
Carmen Flora
Aug 28
Judah Royer
Sep 18
Deborah Beery
Sep 18
Rob Sauder
Sep 25
10
BIRTHS
Elijah Gary Miller Jan 4
Marie Yvonne Wells Jan 3 1
Elijah Jesse Stalter Apr 9
Shae Eden Leensvaart Apr 2 1
Shyanne Hope Meyers Apr 29
Spencer Lee Royer May 5
Larissa Anne Royer May 7
Caleb Ryan Coning May 14
Jane Ellen Johnson Jun 25
Colton Dale Savage Jun 26
Rihana Kate Royer Jul 15
Janneken Joy Tate Aug 5
Nikki Rose Frick Aug 26
Gabriel Carl Glen Yoder Dec 7
MARRIAGES
Colin Taylor and Krystal Adina Klassen Dec 26,2010
Jon Pifer and Heather Cover Feb 19, 201 1
Adrian Royer and Melissa Miller Mar 12, 201 1
Samuel Miller and Susanna Tate Apr 2, 201 1
Andrew Bowser and Jena Crawmer Apr 9, 20 1 1
Japheth Martin and Jillian Batson Apr 16, 2011
Joshua Harper and Bethanna Taylor Jul 23 , 20 1 1
David Stalter and Andrea Cover Nov 1 9, 20 1 1
OBITUARIES
Murray A. Martin Jan 9, 1 93 6 - Mar 9,2011 Apr Pilgrim
Shaniah Dawn Meyers Nov 8, 2009 - May 12, 201 1 Jun Pilgrim
Herbert Treadwell Brown Jun 16, 1933 - Jun 14, 201 1 Jul-Aug
Lemuel James Cable Aug 8, 201 1 - Aug 12, 201 1 Jul-Aug
Enoch Joel Cover Stillborn on Sep 13, 201 1 Sep-Oct
Ruth Irene Garber Oct 25, 1969 - Sep 24, 201 1 Nov Pilgrim
THE PILGRIM II
(or humming) the words (and tunes) of hymns. They are a
wonderful substitute for quarrels, angry words, or bitter
feelings.
Harold S. Martin
BRF Witness Vol. 33, No. 6, 1998
KNOWLEDGE WITH CONCERN
We all need good teachers. I know that I cannot do without
them. But how do we find them? What are the marks of a
good teacher of theology?
Finding good teachers is like finding a good doctor. We
want a doctor who knows what he is doing and who is a person
we can trust with our bodies. If the doctor is warm and kind
but does not know medicine, we are in deep trouble. It is ismall
consolation to me if he holds my hand while he injects the
wrong medicine into my bloodstream.
On the other hand, there are highly skilled professional
physicians who have little personal regard for their patients.
They know how to treat diseases but do not know how to treat
people.
If possible, I want a doctor who is a master of medical
knowledge and who will also value me as a person. Medically,
that is the best of all possible worlds.
In theology we need teachers who display a high degree of
skill and knowledge coupled with deep love for God. Loving
God is not a prejudicial barrier to a correct understanding of the
things of God. On the contrary. A heart that is disposed
toward God will only enhance the theologian's knowledge of
God.
R. C. Sproul (Selected)
12 THE PILGRIM
JESUS
Hear the wondrous story
Of the King of glory
And His earthly mission long ago.
Days of love and caring,
He our sorrows sharing
To relieve our misery and woe.
See Him in the manger,
Little lovely Stranger
Angels sing His coming in the sky.
Shepherds bending o'er Him,
Kneeling there before Him,
Glory be to God who reigns on high.
Wise men travel going
Hastily or slowing
See the shining star that beckons on.
Stops at last in favor,
Pointing to the Savior,
He that brings to us the glorious dawn.
Mary for Him caring;
He so young, and faring
Out upon this earth of pain and woe.
Sees disease and sighing;
Heals the sick and dying;
Sees the tears for sin and sorrow flow.
On the cross extended,
Where our life depended,
There our Lord and King was crucified.
THE PILGRIM 13
1
To the thief confessing,
Jesus' words caressing,
Father hears Him calling as He died.
Death could never hold Him
Or its chains infold Him,
Rising Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
While the ground is shaking,
Saints to life awaking,
Jesus to His loved ones comfort brings.
Jesus Lord forever
Now no power can sever
Love for Christians to their Lord above.
Praise and adoration
From the holy nation,
Going to the land of peace and love.
Joseph! Cover, 1961
BIRTH
YODER - A son, Gabriel Carl Glen, born December 7 to Tim
and Serena Yoder of Middlebury, Indiana
MARRIAGE
STALTER - COVER David Stalter and Andrea Cover were
married November 19 near Sonora, California
New Address: 22625 S.R. 119,
Goshen, In 46526
ADDRESS CHANGE
Jack and Helen Williams 69044 Marietta Dr.
New Paris, IN 46553
574_831-3158 cell: 574-202-1410
14 THE PILGRIM t
ELECTIONS
California Old Brethren
The California congregation held an election for deacon on
October 8, 2011. Brother Chris Crawmer was chosen for this
office. He will be serving with the help of his wife Jill.
Yellow Creek Old Brethren, Indiana
The Yellow Creek congregation held an election for deacon
on October 9, 2011. Justin Meyers was chosen for the office.
He will be serving with the help of his wife Orpha.
May God give these dear brethren and sisters grace to serve.
FOR YOUTH
Be Careful
Whatever you think in joy and in woe,
Think nothing you wouldn't want Jesus to know.
Whatever you say in whisper or clear,
Say nothing you would not want Jesus to hear.
Whatever you sing in the midst of your glee,
Sing nothing God's listening ear would displease.
Whatever you write with haste or heed,
Write nothing you would not want Jesus to read.
Whatever you read, though the page may allure,
Read nothing unless you are perfectly sure
Consternation would not be seen in your look
If Christ should say solemnly "Give me that book."
Wherever you go, ne'er go where you'd fear
God asked you the question, "What doest thou here?"
And now we would add as admonishment to thee,
"Be careful what you watch on a DVD."
Charles G. Brown, Selected
15 THE PILGRTM t
CHILDREN'S PAGE
Everyday Marvels: Speech
Do you remember learning to talk? I think surely you do
not! You were but a wee tot then. Yet you could learn
English! Grown-ups may know more than little children, but
little children learn much faster than adults. Does that mean
they are smarter?
Do you know that people are the only creatures (living
things God created on Earth) who are able to talk? It is true
some animals understand some speech. My dog knows what I
want when I say "Ketchup, wash your feet." She jumps in the
bath tub! And she gets excited if I say "take a ride" or "take a
walk." But she doesn't know what "sit," "stay," or "roll over"
means, though some dogs do.
Animals can learn to recognize certain sounds. And if they
are rewarded if they do certain things when they hear certain
sounds, they soon "understand" that sound. But do they really
understand the language? Could you teach an animal about
nouns and verbs and the letters of the alphabet? Of course not!
Animals do communicate. You can tell if they are happy or
angry, and so can other animals. They make movements and
sounds that mean certain things. But they do not think or
"speak" in words nor are they able to. They glorify God by
being what God created them to be, but they cannot understand
about God or the marvels He has created. Only you and other
people can do that! Do not forget to thank God for the gift of
speech.
Martha J. Wagner
PILGRIM POINTERS
Life has many choices.
Eternity has only two
What is your choice? From Paul Baker
Take thou my hand, O Father
And lead Thou me,
Until my journey endeth
Eternally
wrote Julie Hausman in 1862. And we echo her prayer as we
close 2011, Thank you for supporting The Pilgrim. Keep
writing and sending us your inspirational poems and prose.
Thank you, Bill Miller, for another year of address labels
and Sarah Martin for updates and the index. The Yellow Creek
Brethren and others have given financially. We still depend on
your subscriptions—the expiration date appears on the address
label
It's renewal time for most patrons. If you are receiving The
Pilgrim as a gift, please let us know if you wish us to continue.
In Christian love,
Leslie and Martha
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