My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 5
A Glimpse Into Heaven
There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary are at rest. There the prisoners are at ease together; they hear not the 'voice of the task- master. The small and the great are there: and the servant is free from his master. Job 3: 17-19.
When Job's testing became unbearable he found comfort by looking heavenward. He knew the balm for troubled hearts. As he peered with longing eye, he described what he saw.
"The wicked cease from troubling''-the days of trouble are past. Where can you find such a place on this earth? Here wicked people and wickedness surround us on all sides, and troubles of one kind or another come as regularly as the day. Our entire pilgrimage is a warfare, with Satan inspiring wicked people to trouble the saints. But that day of troubling will soon be over. Jesus said in one of His last messages to His disciples: "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also'' (John 14: 1-3). This is medicine for a weary Christian. The day will soon dawn when the wicked shall cease from troubling.
"There the weary are at rest." That is exactly what Jesus promised when He said: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest'' (Matthew 11: 28). What a sight to see all those who were once weary and tired, now refreshed and happy, with struggles and trials forever past ! Now they have perfect rest, rest that will last through all the ages of eternity. When the apostle Paul peered heavenward he, too, had "the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better'' (Philippians 1. 23). For a saved soul "to die is gain," for there the weary are at rest.
"There the prisoners are at ease together.'' How good to see those who were once prisoners now released! Satan's prisons have been opened, and many haggard, starved, restless prisoners are free. They are more than free; they are at ease, perfectly relaxed. No longer in lonely cells, where Satan had them isolated, but now together in glorious fellowship. People who were once guilty of all types of crimes make up this heavenly population. They are now at ease, for there is no guilty conscience to hound them, and no regrets of failures and shortcomings. They are here because of Jesus. These are the ones to whom Jesus referred when He said, "He hath sent me to proclaim release to the captives'' (Luke 4: 18).
"They hear not the voice of the taskmaster.'' The taskmaster Satan, who had such a far-reaching voice on earth, is now forever silenced. He who drove his slaves from early morning until late at night and shouted his demands into every nook of human life is heard no more. He who was known as "the accuser of the brethren'' can no longer be heard even in a whisper He who once came "as an angel of light'' and imitated the Holy Spirit, can never deceive these saved souls again, for they hear not the voice of the taskmaster.
"The small and the great are there." There is no distinction now. We expected that the great would be there, but did you notice that the small are present, too? Does that not encourage you? The small, who were hardly recognized on earth are known in heaven. Job even mentions them first. The prophecy of Jesus, "the last shall be first," has been fulfilled. Jesus has always had His eyes on the small. He has always taken their side. Once He said, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom'' (Luke 12: 32).
"The servant is free from his master." There are no class distinctions in heaven, nor any labor disputes. Social inequality is gone forever; the caste system is a thing of the past. "God is no respecter of persons'' (Acts 10: 34).
Thus we have been listening to Job as he peered into heaven and saw the redeemed. We could well wish he had told us more. We would like to linger, but our journey calls for more marching. With these beautiful glimpses of that land to which we are going we move on with renewed hope, longing for the day when we will be there.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
4.The Cloudy and Dark Day
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 4
The Cloudy and Dark Day
I will seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12.
There have been many "cloudy and dark days'' on this earth. The first one came when Adam fell into sin. Since then they have come in rapid and quick succession. Whenever anyone turns away from God, it is a ''cloudy and dark day'' for him. The "cloudy day" is a time of threatening, one never knows how bad it may become. It may soon become a "dark day" when all visibility is gone. Then the night of hell with its eternal blackness follows quickly.
The sheep were ''scattered'' in "the cloudy and dark day." When visibility is poor it is easy to get lost. On cloudy days only those sheep who stay close to the shepherd remain with the flock. It is the sheep who follow "afar off" that get scattered. Being "afar off," they may in a moment of carelessness lose sight of the shepherd and go their own way.
For a while these wandering sheep find the going easy enough. Then comes the darkness and they realize they are "scattered." Once a sheep loses sight of the shepherd he is an easy victim for the wolf. Satan, the wolf that is always after God's sheep, has feasted on many a "scattered" one. Now he has nothing to fear for there is no shepherd to protect them. The sheep themselves have no strength to ward off such a beast.
The places where these sheep are scattered vary. Lost sheep run anywhere for they have lost their sense of direction and have no shepherd to guide them. Satan can drive such wanderers wherever he may desire. Many he has driven into despair, discouragement, selfishness, unhappiness, grief, and hopelessness. Some are even tempted to end their own lives because they see no reason for continuing to live. They remember the happy days while they were in the flock of God, but now everything is so different. Surely the cloudy day can become dark. Oftentimes it becomes dark at noontide when it should be brightest. Many lives become dark and purposeless when they should be bright and hopeful.
Our God does not forsake His sheep in the dark and cloudy day. We are still living in the day of grace. Therefore He offers to "deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered.'' We are sometimes tempted to believe our God loves only the sheep He has in the flock and not those who have wandered away. But the very word of God we are now considering makes it clear that He is after the scattered sheep. Notice, He does not say He will deliver them out of most places, but out of all places. No sheep has wandered so far away, that He does not stand ready to deliver it. He does not chide His sheep for being scattered, but rather comes to deliver them. "Deliver" is the opposite of "scatter." The one spells hope; the other spells doom. Our Lord comes to give hope to the hopeless.
Our God has promised to go for the sheep Himself. "I will seek out my sheep and will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." The angels are not entrusted with this mission, for our God will Himself do the task. He will be the Good Shepherd. His all-seeing eye can locate all lost souls. He will seek them out individually. Surely no wandering sheep can long resist such love. Listen to Christ, the Sheep Finder, as He cries out "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. . . .And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd'' (John 10:11,16).
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 4
The Cloudy and Dark Day
I will seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12.
There have been many "cloudy and dark days'' on this earth. The first one came when Adam fell into sin. Since then they have come in rapid and quick succession. Whenever anyone turns away from God, it is a ''cloudy and dark day'' for him. The "cloudy day" is a time of threatening, one never knows how bad it may become. It may soon become a "dark day" when all visibility is gone. Then the night of hell with its eternal blackness follows quickly.
The sheep were ''scattered'' in "the cloudy and dark day." When visibility is poor it is easy to get lost. On cloudy days only those sheep who stay close to the shepherd remain with the flock. It is the sheep who follow "afar off" that get scattered. Being "afar off," they may in a moment of carelessness lose sight of the shepherd and go their own way.
For a while these wandering sheep find the going easy enough. Then comes the darkness and they realize they are "scattered." Once a sheep loses sight of the shepherd he is an easy victim for the wolf. Satan, the wolf that is always after God's sheep, has feasted on many a "scattered" one. Now he has nothing to fear for there is no shepherd to protect them. The sheep themselves have no strength to ward off such a beast.
The places where these sheep are scattered vary. Lost sheep run anywhere for they have lost their sense of direction and have no shepherd to guide them. Satan can drive such wanderers wherever he may desire. Many he has driven into despair, discouragement, selfishness, unhappiness, grief, and hopelessness. Some are even tempted to end their own lives because they see no reason for continuing to live. They remember the happy days while they were in the flock of God, but now everything is so different. Surely the cloudy day can become dark. Oftentimes it becomes dark at noontide when it should be brightest. Many lives become dark and purposeless when they should be bright and hopeful.
Our God does not forsake His sheep in the dark and cloudy day. We are still living in the day of grace. Therefore He offers to "deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered.'' We are sometimes tempted to believe our God loves only the sheep He has in the flock and not those who have wandered away. But the very word of God we are now considering makes it clear that He is after the scattered sheep. Notice, He does not say He will deliver them out of most places, but out of all places. No sheep has wandered so far away, that He does not stand ready to deliver it. He does not chide His sheep for being scattered, but rather comes to deliver them. "Deliver" is the opposite of "scatter." The one spells hope; the other spells doom. Our Lord comes to give hope to the hopeless.
Our God has promised to go for the sheep Himself. "I will seek out my sheep and will deliver them out of all places whither they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." The angels are not entrusted with this mission, for our God will Himself do the task. He will be the Good Shepherd. His all-seeing eye can locate all lost souls. He will seek them out individually. Surely no wandering sheep can long resist such love. Listen to Christ, the Sheep Finder, as He cries out "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. . . .And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd'' (John 10:11,16).
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
3. The God of All Comfort
My Heart's Desire
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 3
The God of All Comfort
Blessed be the . . . God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4.
The name ''God of all comfort'' is a wonderful introduction to God. It is a personal introduction made especially for our benefit.
God wants it known that He is "the God of all comfort." How sweeping this statement is! It means He has comfort enough for any situation in which we might find ourselves. It is foolish, then, to seek comfort elsewhere. Oh, for grace never to forget that our God is the "God of all comfort''! This truth is one that is hard to retain. It seems that in a time of testing, the very atmosphere is charged with forgetfulness. Clouds form that dim the majestic presence of our God. But as clouds can never remove the mountains, although they may hide them for the time being, so neither can clouds of sorrow remove the "God of all comfort." They merely hide Him for a time.
He "comforteth us in all our affliction." The apostle Paul had experienced this comfort. He could testify, "I am filled with comfort; I overflow with joy in all our affliction'' (2 Corinthians 7: 4). Can this be possible? Of course it can, for "God is able to make, all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work'' (2 Corinthians 9.8). How sad that so few people believe in the promises of God! Not only does He make these great promises, but He adds, "I watch over my word to perform it'' (Jeremiah 1. 12). He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think'' (Ephesians 3. 20). Therefore, when He offers us comfort, we may know that He can bestow it.
Our God "comforteth us in all our affliction." Let us take special notice of the little word "us"-- "comforteth us." It is one of the smallest of words, and yet big enough to include all who read these lines. Then, too, note the word ''all''-"in all our affliction." That includes any testing that may come our way. It would be a waste of words for our God to enumerate all the various afflictions in which He can give comfort. He merely includes them all in that one inclusive statement, "comforteth us in all our affliction." Then if there is any affliction in which we have not yet received comfort, it is because we have not turned ourselves over to the "God of all comfort." At times of intense testing, it is hard to believe that God can comfort us. We imagine our sorrow greater than the comfort that He may have. These thoughts are from the evil one, for they are contrary to the Word of God.
God comforts us so that we in turn "may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction." This we can only do when the cure is complete. Who would ever recommend to another medicine that failed to bring the desired results to himself? But how joyful it is to pass on a cure that works! The comfort cure from God is so complete that those who have experienced it are in a position to help them that are in ''any affliction." "Any affliction" includes all needs which call for comfort. This then is God's "cure-all," and should be quickly passed on to those in need. His messengers are those who have first been cured themselves.
Dear friend, you who feel your need of comfort, look to God. You are invited to "taste and see that Jehovah is good: blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him'' (Psalm 34.8). One of the names given to the Holy Spirit is "Comforter.'' The ''God of all comfort'' stands ready to handle your case. He alone can give you help. He has given us this introduction of Himself, that through the ''comfort of the scriptures we might have hope'' (Romans 15. 4).
Maynard A. Force
Chapter 3
The God of All Comfort
Blessed be the . . . God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4.
The name ''God of all comfort'' is a wonderful introduction to God. It is a personal introduction made especially for our benefit.
God wants it known that He is "the God of all comfort." How sweeping this statement is! It means He has comfort enough for any situation in which we might find ourselves. It is foolish, then, to seek comfort elsewhere. Oh, for grace never to forget that our God is the "God of all comfort''! This truth is one that is hard to retain. It seems that in a time of testing, the very atmosphere is charged with forgetfulness. Clouds form that dim the majestic presence of our God. But as clouds can never remove the mountains, although they may hide them for the time being, so neither can clouds of sorrow remove the "God of all comfort." They merely hide Him for a time.
He "comforteth us in all our affliction." The apostle Paul had experienced this comfort. He could testify, "I am filled with comfort; I overflow with joy in all our affliction'' (2 Corinthians 7: 4). Can this be possible? Of course it can, for "God is able to make, all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work'' (2 Corinthians 9.8). How sad that so few people believe in the promises of God! Not only does He make these great promises, but He adds, "I watch over my word to perform it'' (Jeremiah 1. 12). He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think'' (Ephesians 3. 20). Therefore, when He offers us comfort, we may know that He can bestow it.
Our God "comforteth us in all our affliction." Let us take special notice of the little word "us"-- "comforteth us." It is one of the smallest of words, and yet big enough to include all who read these lines. Then, too, note the word ''all''-"in all our affliction." That includes any testing that may come our way. It would be a waste of words for our God to enumerate all the various afflictions in which He can give comfort. He merely includes them all in that one inclusive statement, "comforteth us in all our affliction." Then if there is any affliction in which we have not yet received comfort, it is because we have not turned ourselves over to the "God of all comfort." At times of intense testing, it is hard to believe that God can comfort us. We imagine our sorrow greater than the comfort that He may have. These thoughts are from the evil one, for they are contrary to the Word of God.
God comforts us so that we in turn "may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction." This we can only do when the cure is complete. Who would ever recommend to another medicine that failed to bring the desired results to himself? But how joyful it is to pass on a cure that works! The comfort cure from God is so complete that those who have experienced it are in a position to help them that are in ''any affliction." "Any affliction" includes all needs which call for comfort. This then is God's "cure-all," and should be quickly passed on to those in need. His messengers are those who have first been cured themselves.
Dear friend, you who feel your need of comfort, look to God. You are invited to "taste and see that Jehovah is good: blessed is the man that taketh refuge in him'' (Psalm 34.8). One of the names given to the Holy Spirit is "Comforter.'' The ''God of all comfort'' stands ready to handle your case. He alone can give you help. He has given us this introduction of Himself, that through the ''comfort of the scriptures we might have hope'' (Romans 15. 4).
Monday, July 20, 2009
2. Burdens
Burdens (From "My Hearts Desire" by Maynard Force)
Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee. Psalm 55: 22.
Burdens are common to all. If an average group of people were asked to jot down their burdens, we would have a long and varied list. The young as well as the old would be represented. Suppose you were asked, what would you put down?
One burden differs from another. It may be some sin you committed in the past which is now pressing heavily on your conscience. It may be some worry that has lodged in your mind for which you can find no relief. Perhaps it is a fear of something that may come in the future. It may be some disappointment in life that has caused you bitterness. It may be a sorrow that overwhelms you. It may be something unique that bothers you, something unknown to any one else. It may even be some small, insignificant thing that you are ashamed to mention. It does not take much of a weight, if it presses in a sensitive place, to become a burden. A burden, then, can be anything that you are carrying that depresses you.
There are many different ways in which people seek to get rid of burdens, for no one wants to carry a load that causes him grief. Many have found temporary relief in keeping themselves feverishly busy with all kinds of things. Some avoid being alone, for then their burden becomes unbearable. Others seek to lighten their load by indulging in worldly pleasures, hoping that relief will come that way. Still others turn to alcohol or drugs, for while they are under their influence, their burdens seem to lighten. Others, again, break down under their burdens and become sick and despondent in body, mind, and soul. Then there are those who can not stand the pressure of their burdens, and hope to find escape by committing suicide. None of these methods effects cure. The poor burdened individual is far worse off after trying them than he was before.
Our text tells us to cast thy burden upon the Lord. This is the only remedy for troubled hearts. It is simple and free to all. People of all walks of life who have tried it can vouch for its effectiveness. Millions upon millions of people are carrying burdens they never should carry. It was never the Lord's plan that any soul should carry even one burden, for even the smallest burden is too much. If you are carrying one burden, it is one too many.
The Lord has given us many invitations to come directly to Him with our burdens. One such invitation is 1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you." There can be no doubt that the Lord is inviting all burdened people to come directly to Him with their troubles.
Our burdens are to be "cast" upon Jehovah, even as a stone that is cast into the depths of the sea. If the stone falls into the sea, it is gone forever, as far as we are concerned. The Lord invites men and women to treat their burdens in the same way. He wants them, in simple confession, to unload them on Him, and He in turn has promised that He ''will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea'' (Micah 7: 19). This is God's way of dealing with the burdens which are causing us so much grief and unhappiness.
There is no better time to deal with burdens than right now. Now is the time to transfer them to the Lord. He has asked for them, so let us honor His request. This is one time we can give Him something He actually desires. Pause as long as you must, but make the transaction. Remember it is a one-way affair - from you to the Lord. Don't let Satan tempt you to believe your burdens are not safe there. If you do, you will soon be doing as so many have done in the past-you will pick them up again and be no better off. When you are thus tempted, remember what you have given to the Lord no longer belongs to you. Each time you are tempted to retrace your steps, pray for grace to trust the Lord. Then the temptation can be turned into a blessing. You will be able to say with the Psalmist,
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is our salvation'' (Psalm 68: 19).
To be continued.....
Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee. Psalm 55: 22.
Burdens are common to all. If an average group of people were asked to jot down their burdens, we would have a long and varied list. The young as well as the old would be represented. Suppose you were asked, what would you put down?
One burden differs from another. It may be some sin you committed in the past which is now pressing heavily on your conscience. It may be some worry that has lodged in your mind for which you can find no relief. Perhaps it is a fear of something that may come in the future. It may be some disappointment in life that has caused you bitterness. It may be a sorrow that overwhelms you. It may be something unique that bothers you, something unknown to any one else. It may even be some small, insignificant thing that you are ashamed to mention. It does not take much of a weight, if it presses in a sensitive place, to become a burden. A burden, then, can be anything that you are carrying that depresses you.
There are many different ways in which people seek to get rid of burdens, for no one wants to carry a load that causes him grief. Many have found temporary relief in keeping themselves feverishly busy with all kinds of things. Some avoid being alone, for then their burden becomes unbearable. Others seek to lighten their load by indulging in worldly pleasures, hoping that relief will come that way. Still others turn to alcohol or drugs, for while they are under their influence, their burdens seem to lighten. Others, again, break down under their burdens and become sick and despondent in body, mind, and soul. Then there are those who can not stand the pressure of their burdens, and hope to find escape by committing suicide. None of these methods effects cure. The poor burdened individual is far worse off after trying them than he was before.
Our text tells us to cast thy burden upon the Lord. This is the only remedy for troubled hearts. It is simple and free to all. People of all walks of life who have tried it can vouch for its effectiveness. Millions upon millions of people are carrying burdens they never should carry. It was never the Lord's plan that any soul should carry even one burden, for even the smallest burden is too much. If you are carrying one burden, it is one too many.
The Lord has given us many invitations to come directly to Him with our burdens. One such invitation is 1 Peter 5:7: "Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you." There can be no doubt that the Lord is inviting all burdened people to come directly to Him with their troubles.
Our burdens are to be "cast" upon Jehovah, even as a stone that is cast into the depths of the sea. If the stone falls into the sea, it is gone forever, as far as we are concerned. The Lord invites men and women to treat their burdens in the same way. He wants them, in simple confession, to unload them on Him, and He in turn has promised that He ''will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea'' (Micah 7: 19). This is God's way of dealing with the burdens which are causing us so much grief and unhappiness.
There is no better time to deal with burdens than right now. Now is the time to transfer them to the Lord. He has asked for them, so let us honor His request. This is one time we can give Him something He actually desires. Pause as long as you must, but make the transaction. Remember it is a one-way affair - from you to the Lord. Don't let Satan tempt you to believe your burdens are not safe there. If you do, you will soon be doing as so many have done in the past-you will pick them up again and be no better off. When you are thus tempted, remember what you have given to the Lord no longer belongs to you. Each time you are tempted to retrace your steps, pray for grace to trust the Lord. Then the temptation can be turned into a blessing. You will be able to say with the Psalmist,
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden, even the God who is our salvation'' (Psalm 68: 19).
To be continued.....
Saturday, July 18, 2009
1. My Hearts Desire
My Heart's Desire
Meditations
on
Scripture Truths
By
MAYNARD A. FORCE
AUGUSTANA BOOK CONCERN
Rock Island, Illinois
Copyright, 1949
by
Augustans Book Concern
(To the best of my knowledge this book is in the public domain. WMA)
Chapter One
My Heart's Desire
Brethren, my heart's desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. Romans 10: 1.
In these words Paul revealed his heart's desire. He yearned for the salvation of his people. He not only said this, but his entire life proved it. He was willing to pay any price to accomplish this end.
No desire is stronger than our "heart's desire." It takes first place in our lives, leads the way, and pulls with it our entire being. Like the prodigal son, we "will gather all together'' and set out in pursuit of our heart's desire. It becomes the ruling force of our lives, and we make ourselves its willing slaves. If it is the Lord we seek, we will be well rewarded, for His promise is, "Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart'' (Jeremiah 29: 13). However, if the desire of our hearts is to satisfy our own selfish nature we are doomed to eternal destruction. "For if ye live after the flesh, ye must die'' (Romans 8: 13).
The Lord always looks at the desires of our hearts. "For Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearances, but Jehovah looketh on the heart'' (1 Samuel 16: 7). The Lord is never deceived by a false appearance, for He knows us as we are. Jesus exposed a group of hypocrites in His day who were trying to hide their heart's desire. He said of them, "This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me'' (Mark 7: 6). If our lips and our heart do not correspond, our Lord always goes by the heart. That is why the prophet Joel cried, "Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God'' (Joel 2: 13). It is indeed timely that we check on the desires of our hearts.
The Lord can give us the right kind of a "heart's desire." He has promised, "I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return unto me with their whole heart'' (Jeremiah 24: 7). Here, then, is our starting place. If you realize that your heart's desire is not what it should be, confess it to the Lord, and claim this promise. "Delight thyself also in Jehovah; and he will give thee the desires of thy heart'' (Psalm 37: 4).
We should not be satisfied until our heart's desire is also for others, "that they may be saved.'' So few, so very few, have such a heart's desire in our day. This accounts for the feeble efforts being made to win the lost. Surely if we have the heart of Christ we, too, will long for the sheep "which are not of this fold'' (John 10: 16). We will want to do all within our power to win them before it is too late. Our heart's desire will be included in our "supplication to God.'' Then some day it can be said to God concerning us, "Thou hast given him his heart's desire'' (Psalm 21: 2).
34. The Morning Star & The Uncertainty of Life
THE MORNING STAR.
Shine, you morning star, bright!
Shine as beacon in dark night!
Or the boat may get lost;
The Lord has placed you there for that.
Shine for God’s dear friends too,
The Lord Jesus soon arrives,
Soon we should with Him be;
Soon the trumpet sounds clearly.
Those who don’t belong in this world,
Wander, guided by your light,
Even in the deep waters of sorrow,
Homeward to their Father’s house!
Towards the east we happily look;
There a star shines brightly,
Everything seems to herald:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
Brethren I pray leave the world!
You may easily get burned;
Sinful is its life and doings.
Think: imagine what a risk!
From the camp we turn and early
The Cross’ banner manifest
The Cross the Christians’ honor is.
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
But we call to one another:
“Brother, are you now prepared?”
Would that in love we journey,
Even yet hold out a while!
May we seek the salvation of many !
-The precious time so quickly passes-
Greet those with this message:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE.
The time vanishes as quickly as a dream,
Year after year speeds away.
The life flows away like a gushing stream,
Hurries and hastens so quick.
Days that went will never come back,
This dictates the interchange;
It won’t be forgotten what we have done,
No, that is put down with God.
To be born and live and finally die,
All is but fuss and struggle;
Oh, but how soon the life’s lamp is put out,
Short is our journey and time.
Children are snatched from parents and play,
The young man lies cold and dead;
The maiden lies on the bier so pale.
Just now she was flowering red.
The father dies and leaves children so small,
The mother follows so soon.
The death-angel calls, and then we must go
In through eternity’s door.
Oh, people, remember how time does fly,
Come unto Jesus just now!
Time of mercy is here, ev’ry hour counts, -
Think of God as the righteous judge.
Let not the world captivate your soul;
No, go to Jesus today!
This, oh soul, means your eternal welfare, --
And also the Father’s will.
Jesus, please bless us in life and in death.
Please be our way and our life,
Souls who sleep to the life regenerate,
The crown of glory us give!
The End
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Shine, you morning star, bright!
Shine as beacon in dark night!
Or the boat may get lost;
The Lord has placed you there for that.
Shine for God’s dear friends too,
The Lord Jesus soon arrives,
Soon we should with Him be;
Soon the trumpet sounds clearly.
Those who don’t belong in this world,
Wander, guided by your light,
Even in the deep waters of sorrow,
Homeward to their Father’s house!
Towards the east we happily look;
There a star shines brightly,
Everything seems to herald:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
Brethren I pray leave the world!
You may easily get burned;
Sinful is its life and doings.
Think: imagine what a risk!
From the camp we turn and early
The Cross’ banner manifest
The Cross the Christians’ honor is.
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
But we call to one another:
“Brother, are you now prepared?”
Would that in love we journey,
Even yet hold out a while!
May we seek the salvation of many !
-The precious time so quickly passes-
Greet those with this message:
The Lord Jesus soon arrives.
THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE.
The time vanishes as quickly as a dream,
Year after year speeds away.
The life flows away like a gushing stream,
Hurries and hastens so quick.
Days that went will never come back,
This dictates the interchange;
It won’t be forgotten what we have done,
No, that is put down with God.
To be born and live and finally die,
All is but fuss and struggle;
Oh, but how soon the life’s lamp is put out,
Short is our journey and time.
Children are snatched from parents and play,
The young man lies cold and dead;
The maiden lies on the bier so pale.
Just now she was flowering red.
The father dies and leaves children so small,
The mother follows so soon.
The death-angel calls, and then we must go
In through eternity’s door.
Oh, people, remember how time does fly,
Come unto Jesus just now!
Time of mercy is here, ev’ry hour counts, -
Think of God as the righteous judge.
Let not the world captivate your soul;
No, go to Jesus today!
This, oh soul, means your eternal welfare, --
And also the Father’s will.
Jesus, please bless us in life and in death.
Please be our way and our life,
Souls who sleep to the life regenerate,
The crown of glory us give!
The End
You can go to http://www.haugean.com/page24.php
To read or download book in PDF format
33. Hans Nielsen Hauge's Testament To His Friends
HANS NIELSEN HAUGE'S TESTAMENT TO HIS FRIENDS
As it may happen soon that my hour-glass runs empty, especially may this be expected because I am so very weakened from the great exertions and many sufferings, mainly physical:
Therefore I have decided, in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, with prayer for His enlightenment and leadership, to set forth here my last will, which you friends with friendship, confidence and love you have reciprocated, herewith earnestly are asked and admonished to execute after my death.
1) That spirit of grace and holiness, which has rested upon me, and which you have received, may that spirit still rest upon you and upon all those who hereafter receive Him and believe God's holy Word. {I apply here by memory Elisa works with Elias: For that one needed this one and would not leave him, therefore he received two parts of his spirit also.}
2) The holy God’s Word: Jesus’ teachings first, then the writings of the apostles and the prophets, inasmuch as they concern the soul’s entity, faith and morale, be for you the most holy treasure above all other things in this world.
3) All other writings which have knitted together the contents of the Holy Scripture, also your Catechism and the many you have tested and accepted as good, these you read with an open and believing heart; other untested writings you read with certain reserve, so you don’t set your heart’s confidence in them before you accurately have tested them. This test shouldn’t be done with rumination, nor by imagination, but by prayer to God for the enlightenment of the Holy Ghost, also by concord with all of the sacred Scripture, especially in these points: About those who teach the true belief in Jesus Christ, which redeems from sin, death and the kingdom of Satan, so that they who believe do not live in the kingdom of sin and Satan, but serve God righteously, innocently and blessed. They are not, then, their own, but are His people, and who from their love for Him are very assiduous to good deeds. Also that they in the instruction do not overlook, but teach about the Father and the Holy Ghost and also about the on, so that none of the triune entity is left out or one put higher than the other, for all three are one. Go in for the true doctrine and acknowledge deeply our sin; also about conversion or regeneration, about to love God and your neighbor as yourself (to salvation), so that one renounces oneself to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Finally, instruct them like Jesus about the narrow gate and the straight road, about temptations and patience to suffer always, as long as we are living here, stay awake, pray and have a degree of fear of falling, if we learned, we stand up, that we work for our salvation with fear and trembling. Never to imagine we have grasped it perfectly, but always hasten forward on the pilgrimage through life, that we shall use violence upon the Kingdom of God, and those who use violence, take it by force. Safety and half- heartedness are regarded as big sins. Also that it is the duty of every Christian to confess the name of God in words and deeds, according to each one’s talent and vigor, so that all endeavor to gather to God’s congregation.
These books which have the above-mentioned points united with the many God’s Word, and do not strive against the order of God in the realm of nature, but instruct correctly to use the spiritual and physical gift with thanksgiving, guard against the scruples of reason, which destroy the spiritual-and for conceited mystery, which will instruct about spiritual things, which they themselves do not understand, or let their teaching rise above the light they are given from God, therefore it gets dark for them and indistinct.
4) None among you yourselves write and have printed your own or anyone else’s writings, nor recommend any new or unknown books, before they are tested in the congregation by the elders. Should any of our fellow-confessionists act against this, then the elders join with the younger who have received the light of God; test the published books; if you find them beneficial, then talk to the one who has published it, and ask why he does not take council with you, and you do not recommend them and otherwise do not help him to profit thereby; however, use the good God’s Word to the enlightenment of others. On the other hand, if you find the published books bad, then not only talk to the publisher about it, but inform also those who might have obtained the books, about their bad teachings, also write to others that they do not have anything to do with it. {If anybody should deem this too hard a censorship, then I think that if a mean or bad person would deceive a spiritual friend in physical things that this one was duty bound to reveal the deception and if possible hinder it. Now, shouldn’t this too be a duty in the spiritual?}
5) You know, friends, that to this day we have absolutely held to the evangelical in accordance with the legitimate Augsburg Confession or the state’s religion; that some have called us a separate denomination, which they absolutely do not have any occasion for, but that we should be called sect, for we have loathed the vices with which many have dishonored the Christian church, and on the other hand applied ourselves to all good virtues in accordance with the Word of God. If we should be called a sect, then let us show in our lives that we ought to be called the virtuous sect or indeed the godly sect, and show in spiritual and temporal acts that these are like the virtues of Jesus. Therefore it is my last will that you hereafter as hitherto fully hold yourselves to our state religion, so that you receive from the official teachers all that pertain to their office. You will then attend church, receive the sacraments, be married by the minister, and at funerals let them officiate in conformity with good order. {The 5th paragraph could have been omitted, as we have never been given to sectarian thoughts or to turn away from the religion of the land, but some outside of our circle have feared that after my passing, you would leave the order of the state, which I do not believe. In any case, this now is a warning.}
6) I am specifically mindful of two things which I have feared, a fear which will rest heavy upon me to my last day, namely: if lukewarmness, confidence and discord should sneak in among the faithful. Therefore it is my fervent admonition that you above all things will guard against these dangerous enemies, so they do not gain access, as they have their roots in other sins. Feeling of confidence stems from pride and imagination of being perfect. Lukewarmness is nourished partly by the unstable mind which gets tired from the pure Word of God, which do not appeal to the senses, partly that oneself does not receive enough of esteem and honor, partly from their lazy nature, the world or the love of the flesh, which does not like to do the will of God. Discord is mainly nourished by pride, that one will not admit one’s sin, but rule over one’s fellow men;
--secondly, in jealousy against those who are better; thirdly, from a singular hate against men, and partly because one demands much from others and little or nothing from oneself, beholdest the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in one’s own eye.
You must therefore always keep watch over yourselves and keep an eye on others, so the enemies of your salvation shall not break in. Bear in mind that where two become divided, there the one pulls to his part, and very soon can destroy the glory with which the rays of God’s grace now adorn you. If you notice, any discord or estrangement against each other, which most often comes out in an unreasonable and groundless blame, aspersion and slander in a greater or lesser degree, then sacrifice everything in order to get hold of these yourself or with the help of others, whom you think better qualified than yourself to do so. Point out to those who dispute, the big evil they commit against God and their neighbor as well as themselves, investigate if they both are equally guilty, then punish both equally without distinction. If one has more guilt, then punish him harder and admonish to agreement, but enjoin on the less guilty or (which seldom happens) the innocent, that he forgives, and employ all means to harmony; for of the one who is the better of them one demands most also here, and yet the truth must not suffer by the liar. {For the unclean one could or would rather censure discord and come to harmony with the clean one, which this one must not be instructed to do, but rather stimulated to abstain from.} Will the one or both not listen to your admonition and appeal, then regard them both as infidels or like those whom you regard as not being of your own faith, and don’t want any association with, all in accordance with the word of Jesus in Matthew 18:7; also you make efforts to awaken the lukewarm and let those who feel safe confess their sins.
You know, fellow believers, that occasional discords no doubt have appeared during these 25 years. But, by the grace of God, they have been quelled, and most of them adjusted; at least they have never led to parties who have left the path and voice Jesus has let us hear. For either the guilty one has admitted and regretted his sin, or he has fallen to vices and then left us. But many have feared with me that when I with this tool of mine: my tongue, pen and deed, leave you, then indeed discords might appear, so the one will go hither, the other thither. Guard against this; for nothing is more important than unity.
7) We have never had any ordered church discipline among us, just as we have never kept any record, so neither I nor any of you know how many there really are who profess the faith, the disposition and mutual friendship, although we through communications and those who visit each other can know about both the places where there are few or many, and also know personally the names of many, especially of those who are outstanding in godly practice. You also know that we have absolutely no signs or ceremonies mutually; for only through conversations, actions, partly also through recommendations, do we become intimate with each other.
Those things we ought not to concern ourselves in especially hereafter either; but we have had one by many unnoticed church discipline; for all those who have practiced any vice and not soon repented and mended their ways, they are reduced in our esteem and confidence; if their vices have prevailed with them for a longer time, we have had nothing to do with them, but they themselves have felt they are separated from us and have partly avoided us. Such church discipline will we also keep up hereafter, though in such a way that when the fallen ones repent their sins and will hear the Word of God, then receive them according to their circumstances.
8) In the apostle Paul’s parting with the Ephesians we read in Acts 20:29-30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things.” Although I hope better at this time, I will anyway warn you with the 31st verse: Watch! For I have known some among us who have made several remarks which are not in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, and have had their own aspirations and ideas. Still worse, there might arise either false ones, who indeed might have great intellect, but use it with wiliness to lead astray the wretched ones, so they impel the control over the Lord’s inheritance, that is to say, they pursue their own honor and advantage and dominance; they want to be loved without loving God and in Him their fellow men; such people will lead you to obedience to them through technicalities of wisdom and instruction which do not give nourishment to your soul. Others step forward in conceit, will affect importance by their spirituality, talk about their feelings; these practice speaking of their inward condition mingled with imagination and qualms of reason, so they in the first affect experience, but soon one can perceive that their words are empty sounds; they have not life and presence of the spirit, they daze but do not shine, for they pursue higher things than are given them, or they have once walked on truth’s path, but have gone off it; still they can speak of what they at that time experienced and now falsely make their own. Some go broken-hearted by hypocrisy, speak with broken voice, others are cheerful. Both borrow from the Scripture words which they according to their knowledge and gift of nature teach others without paying attention to their own hearts, and without having made any conversion themselves. For they are recognized by the fruits and by their inexperience in spiritual things, also that they do not unite all the words of God in their teaching. Be, on your guard against all such people.
I have reason to hope that as long as you eldest or true children of God live, that you won’t let debauchers have free command, but that you convince them and punish them and also warn the simple-minded people against their debauchment. You know, the blind cannot lead the blind, for then they both fall in the ditch; therefore you must advise everyone, especially those who will instruct others, that they themselves must in their hearts first be converted. I will also utter my heartfelt admonition in the name of the Lord that you true fellow believers, especially the oldest and most gifted in each place, keep a sharp eye on those who will edify others; for it behooves those people to demonstrate in a superior way their faith in a godly life and good deeds, and that he has a firm knowledge of the Word of God, so that it may be understood that he is strengthened by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus to lead a life of a sound and clean doctrine. If you should be informed to the contrary, then admonish him in private; if that is of no avail, then let two more listen to it; if the deviating person will not correct himself, then tell him of his aberration in the presence of as many with whom he gathers. If you yourselves have not strength enough to do this in the place where he is, then ask for help from others who are more strengthened in Christ, or who have received more gifts than you. If he leaves you, then find out where he went, write thither or try to visit those others in order to stop the one who deceives the hearts of the simple minded, who are not wicked, but neither have received enough strength from God to stop the deceivers. {If it seems to someone that I have spoken with too much authority then don’t resent, and consider the truth. It is my intention that this testament should not be much known before I rest in the grave, and then my authority at this time can not harm anyone.} The person who shall teach or instruct others, especially one who travels on such errands, ought not to have become a believer just recently himself, yet this might be done under the watchfulness of the eldest; but none ought to instruct others unless it is proved that he himself is indeed converted, and has shown in his life the worthy fruits of the conversion, and still he is subjected to the eldest’s supervision and close test, that he daily descends into himself so he feels deeply not only his sins but also his own impotence, that he is also tried in temptations and considerable distress, has good foundation and explanation in the Word of God, so nothing contradictory comes up.
Where several are together of those who have received talents to edify others, then after agreement or according to the eldest’s decision only two or three of them, one after the other, speak, and that so no offense happens. If someone goes astray, or it is something to censure in some person’s speech or behavior, convince them as you have been told before about those who will edify others and not walk the straight and narrow path themselves. If he does not correct himself tell it to the congregation and call him an unbeliever, according to Jesus’ word, Matt. 18.
The eldest{By eldest is not meant how many years have gone by since they were awakened, but each such person who has walked in the faith, been active in good deeds; so it doesn’t matter about the years, but it depends on their faith, love, righteousness and experience in spiritual things, also great wisdom.} must not shut their eyes to the vices of their fellow eldest in any ‘kind of vice, but punish them properly as well as every one who has acquired the respect of the faithful and wants to be good Christians; you ought to watch closely such persons, don’t let them get used to flattery and softness, but endure even sharp admonition or solid food.
A person once converted from darkness to light, who later on has been attracted to darkness and done wrong to someone by injustice comes about other people’s property, if such person later has come to repentance and will return to the faithful, but doesn’t right his wrong-doings, then he ought not to be accepted among the faithful or given your heart’s confidence, much less allow him to confess the name of God, speak at edification for others before he has fully amended and indemnified the injured part.
10) Those with whom you have no acquaintance, or those who have conceived other ideas about religion than you, you should bear with and judge as lenient as the verity according to the manifest Word of God permits. For many may have been brought up in an austere, perfunctory concept, and also been charmed by an incorrect exhortation of the Word of. God, yet believe and seek for truth, as God can have many who you don’t know, who love Him. Bear in mind the Lord’s answer to Elijah and this one’s opinion. Therefore deal you kindly with every person; demonstrate willingness to serve and hospitality according to your ability, or just so God’s truth doesn’t suffer in so doing.
You fellow believers, take these points into consideration, and also those which the daily experience teaches you. Then you shall see by the gracious assistance of God, the wicked and insincere, like the self-deceived people, can do nothing against you, but you, through the power of God, our Savior, obtain through your word and example many souls to His Kingdom, to the multiplication of the fruits of your own faith and glorified gladness, and in common praise to the Triune God.
This is my wish, my prayer and only desire, that you will aspire to so infinitely glorious grace, which I feel assured that God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit will bestow upon us, who remain faithful to the end, the supreme good, finally, at the end of time to gather in the eternal happiness. Amen.
To be Continued....
As it may happen soon that my hour-glass runs empty, especially may this be expected because I am so very weakened from the great exertions and many sufferings, mainly physical:
Therefore I have decided, in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, with prayer for His enlightenment and leadership, to set forth here my last will, which you friends with friendship, confidence and love you have reciprocated, herewith earnestly are asked and admonished to execute after my death.
1) That spirit of grace and holiness, which has rested upon me, and which you have received, may that spirit still rest upon you and upon all those who hereafter receive Him and believe God's holy Word. {I apply here by memory Elisa works with Elias: For that one needed this one and would not leave him, therefore he received two parts of his spirit also.}
2) The holy God’s Word: Jesus’ teachings first, then the writings of the apostles and the prophets, inasmuch as they concern the soul’s entity, faith and morale, be for you the most holy treasure above all other things in this world.
3) All other writings which have knitted together the contents of the Holy Scripture, also your Catechism and the many you have tested and accepted as good, these you read with an open and believing heart; other untested writings you read with certain reserve, so you don’t set your heart’s confidence in them before you accurately have tested them. This test shouldn’t be done with rumination, nor by imagination, but by prayer to God for the enlightenment of the Holy Ghost, also by concord with all of the sacred Scripture, especially in these points: About those who teach the true belief in Jesus Christ, which redeems from sin, death and the kingdom of Satan, so that they who believe do not live in the kingdom of sin and Satan, but serve God righteously, innocently and blessed. They are not, then, their own, but are His people, and who from their love for Him are very assiduous to good deeds. Also that they in the instruction do not overlook, but teach about the Father and the Holy Ghost and also about the on, so that none of the triune entity is left out or one put higher than the other, for all three are one. Go in for the true doctrine and acknowledge deeply our sin; also about conversion or regeneration, about to love God and your neighbor as yourself (to salvation), so that one renounces oneself to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Finally, instruct them like Jesus about the narrow gate and the straight road, about temptations and patience to suffer always, as long as we are living here, stay awake, pray and have a degree of fear of falling, if we learned, we stand up, that we work for our salvation with fear and trembling. Never to imagine we have grasped it perfectly, but always hasten forward on the pilgrimage through life, that we shall use violence upon the Kingdom of God, and those who use violence, take it by force. Safety and half- heartedness are regarded as big sins. Also that it is the duty of every Christian to confess the name of God in words and deeds, according to each one’s talent and vigor, so that all endeavor to gather to God’s congregation.
These books which have the above-mentioned points united with the many God’s Word, and do not strive against the order of God in the realm of nature, but instruct correctly to use the spiritual and physical gift with thanksgiving, guard against the scruples of reason, which destroy the spiritual-and for conceited mystery, which will instruct about spiritual things, which they themselves do not understand, or let their teaching rise above the light they are given from God, therefore it gets dark for them and indistinct.
4) None among you yourselves write and have printed your own or anyone else’s writings, nor recommend any new or unknown books, before they are tested in the congregation by the elders. Should any of our fellow-confessionists act against this, then the elders join with the younger who have received the light of God; test the published books; if you find them beneficial, then talk to the one who has published it, and ask why he does not take council with you, and you do not recommend them and otherwise do not help him to profit thereby; however, use the good God’s Word to the enlightenment of others. On the other hand, if you find the published books bad, then not only talk to the publisher about it, but inform also those who might have obtained the books, about their bad teachings, also write to others that they do not have anything to do with it. {If anybody should deem this too hard a censorship, then I think that if a mean or bad person would deceive a spiritual friend in physical things that this one was duty bound to reveal the deception and if possible hinder it. Now, shouldn’t this too be a duty in the spiritual?}
5) You know, friends, that to this day we have absolutely held to the evangelical in accordance with the legitimate Augsburg Confession or the state’s religion; that some have called us a separate denomination, which they absolutely do not have any occasion for, but that we should be called sect, for we have loathed the vices with which many have dishonored the Christian church, and on the other hand applied ourselves to all good virtues in accordance with the Word of God. If we should be called a sect, then let us show in our lives that we ought to be called the virtuous sect or indeed the godly sect, and show in spiritual and temporal acts that these are like the virtues of Jesus. Therefore it is my last will that you hereafter as hitherto fully hold yourselves to our state religion, so that you receive from the official teachers all that pertain to their office. You will then attend church, receive the sacraments, be married by the minister, and at funerals let them officiate in conformity with good order. {The 5th paragraph could have been omitted, as we have never been given to sectarian thoughts or to turn away from the religion of the land, but some outside of our circle have feared that after my passing, you would leave the order of the state, which I do not believe. In any case, this now is a warning.}
6) I am specifically mindful of two things which I have feared, a fear which will rest heavy upon me to my last day, namely: if lukewarmness, confidence and discord should sneak in among the faithful. Therefore it is my fervent admonition that you above all things will guard against these dangerous enemies, so they do not gain access, as they have their roots in other sins. Feeling of confidence stems from pride and imagination of being perfect. Lukewarmness is nourished partly by the unstable mind which gets tired from the pure Word of God, which do not appeal to the senses, partly that oneself does not receive enough of esteem and honor, partly from their lazy nature, the world or the love of the flesh, which does not like to do the will of God. Discord is mainly nourished by pride, that one will not admit one’s sin, but rule over one’s fellow men;
--secondly, in jealousy against those who are better; thirdly, from a singular hate against men, and partly because one demands much from others and little or nothing from oneself, beholdest the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in one’s own eye.
You must therefore always keep watch over yourselves and keep an eye on others, so the enemies of your salvation shall not break in. Bear in mind that where two become divided, there the one pulls to his part, and very soon can destroy the glory with which the rays of God’s grace now adorn you. If you notice, any discord or estrangement against each other, which most often comes out in an unreasonable and groundless blame, aspersion and slander in a greater or lesser degree, then sacrifice everything in order to get hold of these yourself or with the help of others, whom you think better qualified than yourself to do so. Point out to those who dispute, the big evil they commit against God and their neighbor as well as themselves, investigate if they both are equally guilty, then punish both equally without distinction. If one has more guilt, then punish him harder and admonish to agreement, but enjoin on the less guilty or (which seldom happens) the innocent, that he forgives, and employ all means to harmony; for of the one who is the better of them one demands most also here, and yet the truth must not suffer by the liar. {For the unclean one could or would rather censure discord and come to harmony with the clean one, which this one must not be instructed to do, but rather stimulated to abstain from.} Will the one or both not listen to your admonition and appeal, then regard them both as infidels or like those whom you regard as not being of your own faith, and don’t want any association with, all in accordance with the word of Jesus in Matthew 18:7; also you make efforts to awaken the lukewarm and let those who feel safe confess their sins.
You know, fellow believers, that occasional discords no doubt have appeared during these 25 years. But, by the grace of God, they have been quelled, and most of them adjusted; at least they have never led to parties who have left the path and voice Jesus has let us hear. For either the guilty one has admitted and regretted his sin, or he has fallen to vices and then left us. But many have feared with me that when I with this tool of mine: my tongue, pen and deed, leave you, then indeed discords might appear, so the one will go hither, the other thither. Guard against this; for nothing is more important than unity.
7) We have never had any ordered church discipline among us, just as we have never kept any record, so neither I nor any of you know how many there really are who profess the faith, the disposition and mutual friendship, although we through communications and those who visit each other can know about both the places where there are few or many, and also know personally the names of many, especially of those who are outstanding in godly practice. You also know that we have absolutely no signs or ceremonies mutually; for only through conversations, actions, partly also through recommendations, do we become intimate with each other.
Those things we ought not to concern ourselves in especially hereafter either; but we have had one by many unnoticed church discipline; for all those who have practiced any vice and not soon repented and mended their ways, they are reduced in our esteem and confidence; if their vices have prevailed with them for a longer time, we have had nothing to do with them, but they themselves have felt they are separated from us and have partly avoided us. Such church discipline will we also keep up hereafter, though in such a way that when the fallen ones repent their sins and will hear the Word of God, then receive them according to their circumstances.
8) In the apostle Paul’s parting with the Ephesians we read in Acts 20:29-30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things.” Although I hope better at this time, I will anyway warn you with the 31st verse: Watch! For I have known some among us who have made several remarks which are not in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, and have had their own aspirations and ideas. Still worse, there might arise either false ones, who indeed might have great intellect, but use it with wiliness to lead astray the wretched ones, so they impel the control over the Lord’s inheritance, that is to say, they pursue their own honor and advantage and dominance; they want to be loved without loving God and in Him their fellow men; such people will lead you to obedience to them through technicalities of wisdom and instruction which do not give nourishment to your soul. Others step forward in conceit, will affect importance by their spirituality, talk about their feelings; these practice speaking of their inward condition mingled with imagination and qualms of reason, so they in the first affect experience, but soon one can perceive that their words are empty sounds; they have not life and presence of the spirit, they daze but do not shine, for they pursue higher things than are given them, or they have once walked on truth’s path, but have gone off it; still they can speak of what they at that time experienced and now falsely make their own. Some go broken-hearted by hypocrisy, speak with broken voice, others are cheerful. Both borrow from the Scripture words which they according to their knowledge and gift of nature teach others without paying attention to their own hearts, and without having made any conversion themselves. For they are recognized by the fruits and by their inexperience in spiritual things, also that they do not unite all the words of God in their teaching. Be, on your guard against all such people.
I have reason to hope that as long as you eldest or true children of God live, that you won’t let debauchers have free command, but that you convince them and punish them and also warn the simple-minded people against their debauchment. You know, the blind cannot lead the blind, for then they both fall in the ditch; therefore you must advise everyone, especially those who will instruct others, that they themselves must in their hearts first be converted. I will also utter my heartfelt admonition in the name of the Lord that you true fellow believers, especially the oldest and most gifted in each place, keep a sharp eye on those who will edify others; for it behooves those people to demonstrate in a superior way their faith in a godly life and good deeds, and that he has a firm knowledge of the Word of God, so that it may be understood that he is strengthened by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus to lead a life of a sound and clean doctrine. If you should be informed to the contrary, then admonish him in private; if that is of no avail, then let two more listen to it; if the deviating person will not correct himself, then tell him of his aberration in the presence of as many with whom he gathers. If you yourselves have not strength enough to do this in the place where he is, then ask for help from others who are more strengthened in Christ, or who have received more gifts than you. If he leaves you, then find out where he went, write thither or try to visit those others in order to stop the one who deceives the hearts of the simple minded, who are not wicked, but neither have received enough strength from God to stop the deceivers. {If it seems to someone that I have spoken with too much authority then don’t resent, and consider the truth. It is my intention that this testament should not be much known before I rest in the grave, and then my authority at this time can not harm anyone.} The person who shall teach or instruct others, especially one who travels on such errands, ought not to have become a believer just recently himself, yet this might be done under the watchfulness of the eldest; but none ought to instruct others unless it is proved that he himself is indeed converted, and has shown in his life the worthy fruits of the conversion, and still he is subjected to the eldest’s supervision and close test, that he daily descends into himself so he feels deeply not only his sins but also his own impotence, that he is also tried in temptations and considerable distress, has good foundation and explanation in the Word of God, so nothing contradictory comes up.
Where several are together of those who have received talents to edify others, then after agreement or according to the eldest’s decision only two or three of them, one after the other, speak, and that so no offense happens. If someone goes astray, or it is something to censure in some person’s speech or behavior, convince them as you have been told before about those who will edify others and not walk the straight and narrow path themselves. If he does not correct himself tell it to the congregation and call him an unbeliever, according to Jesus’ word, Matt. 18.
The eldest{By eldest is not meant how many years have gone by since they were awakened, but each such person who has walked in the faith, been active in good deeds; so it doesn’t matter about the years, but it depends on their faith, love, righteousness and experience in spiritual things, also great wisdom.} must not shut their eyes to the vices of their fellow eldest in any ‘kind of vice, but punish them properly as well as every one who has acquired the respect of the faithful and wants to be good Christians; you ought to watch closely such persons, don’t let them get used to flattery and softness, but endure even sharp admonition or solid food.
A person once converted from darkness to light, who later on has been attracted to darkness and done wrong to someone by injustice comes about other people’s property, if such person later has come to repentance and will return to the faithful, but doesn’t right his wrong-doings, then he ought not to be accepted among the faithful or given your heart’s confidence, much less allow him to confess the name of God, speak at edification for others before he has fully amended and indemnified the injured part.
10) Those with whom you have no acquaintance, or those who have conceived other ideas about religion than you, you should bear with and judge as lenient as the verity according to the manifest Word of God permits. For many may have been brought up in an austere, perfunctory concept, and also been charmed by an incorrect exhortation of the Word of. God, yet believe and seek for truth, as God can have many who you don’t know, who love Him. Bear in mind the Lord’s answer to Elijah and this one’s opinion. Therefore deal you kindly with every person; demonstrate willingness to serve and hospitality according to your ability, or just so God’s truth doesn’t suffer in so doing.
You fellow believers, take these points into consideration, and also those which the daily experience teaches you. Then you shall see by the gracious assistance of God, the wicked and insincere, like the self-deceived people, can do nothing against you, but you, through the power of God, our Savior, obtain through your word and example many souls to His Kingdom, to the multiplication of the fruits of your own faith and glorified gladness, and in common praise to the Triune God.
This is my wish, my prayer and only desire, that you will aspire to so infinitely glorious grace, which I feel assured that God our Father through His Son Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit will bestow upon us, who remain faithful to the end, the supreme good, finally, at the end of time to gather in the eternal happiness. Amen.
To be Continued....
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