NOI 1911-12

Notes of Interest Dec. 1911 (#2)

Entries from the same location will be grouped together, not necessarily in the same order as in the newsletter.

Intro

This little sheet is not a party organ. Neither it is an official publication. It simply represents the effort of one brother (with the co-operation of certain others, to whom, he Is indebted), to collect fragments of helpful intelligence which might otherwise be lost, and to present them in suitable form before the saints. It Is hoped, too, that in this time of scattering and weakness this humble medium may serve the purpose of bringing us in closer touch with one another, and, perhaps, in the mercy of God, of encouraging and establishing some. May the Lord deign to accept this little effort to strengthen the things which remain (Rev. Ill, 2), and may it be used of $n for His own glory! Such Is the earnest desire of the editor. The thought is to issue it from time to time, as the Lord may permit.

Miscellaneous Jottings

Titles are added by DKE.

The Lord's Coming

The coming of the Lord draws near. Are you ready?

Thanks

It is with unfeigned thanksgiving to God that another edition of this little paper is sent forth. May He, Who knows the motives of the heart, and Who has made this publication possible, graciously add His blessing to it, and may it be to His glory!

Spokane, WA

In our last issue we alluded to the beloved saints in Spokane, and expressed the hope that we might soon learn of them breaking bread again. Hence a recent letter from them, asking the fellowship of Seattle in doing this very thing, has given us much joy. It is very happy when saints wait for the fellowship of their brethren before setting up a table, and thus avoid any appearance of rashness or independence. (I Cor. XII, 13-27; Phil. II, 3.)

Oakland, CA

We learn that a series of special meetings for prayer were held in Oakland recently, extending over a period of several weeks. There is nothing like getting in earnest with the Lord, is there, brethren?

Heart vs. Head

Yes, dear young brother, by all means learn as much as you can about the Scriptures, but take time to digest what you take in. Don’t keep it all in your head, or you may become top heavy. The Lord wants your heart; not your head. (Prov. XXIII, 26.)

Walla Walla, WA

The meeting room at Walla Walla, Wash., — the city of shade trees — is one of the nicest and most conveniently arranged that we have seen in the West. It was built expressly for its present use by a beloved brother resident there, and is In a convenient locality, just id minutes’ walk from the business center.

A series of special meetings were held there, Oct. 15th to 22nd. inclusive. Addresses, mostly of a gospel character, were delivered nightly in the hall, and were, we believe, enjoyed by the saints, while some interest was manifested by one or two strangers. Outside attendance was poor, owing in large part to certain revival meetings being carried on by the federated churches of the city at that time. The subjects of the various addresses were as follows: * Noah and the ark, viewed from a gospel standpoint

• Lot, a type of a worldly Christian; the career of his choice viewed in the light of eternity;
• The coming of the Lord, from various scriptures;
• The rich man who was God’s fool (Luke XII)
• The three cups, as set forth in Luke XXII, 42; I Cor. X, 16; Rev. XIV, 10, and XVI, 19;
• The parable of the unjust steward (Luke XVI).

And on the last night a solemn word, when the weight of eternal realities was pressed, in two of its phases: viz., the believer must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to have his works appraised (II Cor. V, 10) and the unbeliever shall be cast into hell (Psalm IX, 17).

Treasure

We bring nothing into the world, and we can rake nothing out of it. But we can send treasure on before (Matt. VI, 20). It is the truest wisdom to do this. The only life worth living is a life lived for Christ.

Thomaston, NB

Printed notes entitled “Gleanings from the Conference at Thomaston, New Brunswick, Canada, Sept. 21-25, 1911,” were received with interest. From them we learn that about 40 responded to the invitation of those at Thomaston and came together for prayer, reading of the Word, and preaching the gospel. The fellowship of the saints as they met together was sweet, a foretaste of the coming glory, when there shall be fullness of joy for- ever, in the presence of Him whom our souls love. These meetings began with prayer, and each gospel address was preceded by prayer. In the reading meetings John XIV was the principal subject under consideration. We rejoice to learn that the Lord blessed the Word to the saving of souls. Several young people confessed Him as Savior.

Behold

Everything points to the speedy coming of the Lord. Consider the general apostasy of christendom,— the accumulating energy of the Zionist movement, and the return of Jews by the thousands to Palestine — the redoubled energy of Satan during the past few years in connection with the phenomena of spiritism, Christian science, theosophy and the like —the fact that already 75 years have elapsed since the cry went forth, “Behold the bridegroom cometh!” Yes, consider our own state, too, and then say, in the light of the Word of God, can the coming of the Lord be much longer delayed?

Renton, WA

The general meeting held in the Renton meeting room on Thanksgiving Day was of a very happy character. Several from the Seattle gathering were present, also one visiting sister from Canada, and several outsiders. Quite a number of the Sunday School children were also present. After a brief meeting for the young folks, the chairs were rearranged in circular form, and the saints, after prayer for guidance, waited on the Lord as to the character the meeting should assume. This developed most happily. The subject of the Lord’s coming (blessed subject!) was pressed upon us, and several brethren took part in an edifying discussion on it. There was marked liberty and joy in this meeting, and several times we were constrained to break forth into song, by reason of the fullness of our hearts. The following hymns were sung:

• In Heavenly Love Abiding
• And Is It So
• Oh, Jesus, Lamb of God
• Soon Thou Wilt Come Again
• Rock of Ages

At 6 o’clock the meeting was reluctantly adjourned, and the sisters quickly arranged a light repast, which was served informally. After an interval of perhaps an hour, the chairs were rearranged for the children, who had been promised an entertainment at that time; and after another profitable and enjoyable season together we dispersed. Several expressed the hope that arrangements might be made for further occasions of this kind. How happy it is when the saints can meet together in peace and joy to meditate on eternal themes. Surely such occasions are, in the words of our brethren at Thomaston, “a foretaste of the coming glory.”

Early on Lord’s Day, Nov. 19th, a sudden alarm notified the inhabitants of Renton that a reservoir dam had given way, under the pressure of high water, and that the town would be flooded in a few hours, as soon as the descending torrent could reach them from the mountains. This warning was not unexpected, as the river was at a threatening stage the day before. Our brother and sister Annas, the only ones of our company who live right in Renton, abandoned their home immediately after breakfast. Their house was then surrounded by water, rising rapidly. Hundreds of people were leaving their homes by this time, amid no little excitement.

Those of the saints who came from a distance to break bread, found themselves unable to get through at all, as the meeting room was in the center of the flooded area. One could not help thinking what a picture it all was of the world under judgment,— the alarm already sounded, but, alas’ only a few having heeded it. People will be frantic over the possibility of earthly loss, but supinely indifferent to eternal loss.

How true that “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” Happily the worst fears were not realized in this case, as the dam had only given way in part, but many streets were running with water, and scores of homes were flooded. The Lord preserved the meeting room from injury. The water did not enter it, although it came within half an inch of doing so.

The Lord has vouchsafed us a little blessing at Renton, in all our weakness; for which we render thanks unfeigned. The husband of a beloved sister In fellowship has confessed that Name which is above every name. This was in answer to many prayers. A dear little girl in the Sunday School, 9 years old, the child of ungodly parents, has also learned to know the Lord Jesus as her Savior.

Living

Brother, sister, what are you living for? It might be just as well to pause, in the crowding activities of life, and look this question squarely in the face. What comes first in your life? — self or Christ? It must be one or the other. Take notice that God intends Christ to be first. You had better give Him that place now.

Prayer Meeting

Don’t forget the prayer meeting. If others seem dull when you get there, and you feel empty, just tell the Lord about it. Ask Him to draw out your heart, and to give you something to pray for. The Lord is very gracious. He will meet you just where you are, if you are real with Him.

Victoria, B.C.

Our dear Brother Kingsley, known to many on the Pacific Coast, has gone to be with the Lord, which is far better. He had been in a precarious condition, physically, for several years, gradually getting weaker. He passed away on November 20th in British Columbia#Victoria Victoria, B.C., at the home of his daughter-in-law. This beloved brother was known among us for faithful attendance at meetings, for his gentle, inoffensive manner, and for the quiet godliness of his life.

Holding Peace

Surely we can paraphrase the words of the four lepers of II. Kings, VII., and say, in respect of some of the happy, encouraging news that reaches us: “We do not well to hold our peace, for this is a day of good tidings!"

Columbus, KY

We are indebted to a sister in Columbus, Ky., for the following account of the grace of God with a man old in sin:

We had a few years ago a most touching testimony to the long-suffering of our God, in the salvation of an old man, believed to be at least 100 years old. When we first went to see him, his case looked hopeless, as he was blind and almost deaf. Still he could hear what was said, if spoken distinctly and close to his ear. He could also hear the singing of hymns.

In answer to questions, on our first visit, he said, "I am no Christian. I have been a sinner all my life. But I must do the best I can." We sang for him the well-known hymn: "Nothing, either great or small; Nothing, sinner, no; Jesus did it, did it all, long, long ago." As we sang, the tears began to trickle down his face from his sightless eyes.

From that time the Scriptures were read to him and explained, quite regularly, each Lord’s Day afternoon. The poem “Nothing to Do or to Pay” was read to him during the week by his daughter. He was much affected by the chorus of the old hymn, "He died for you, He died for me, He died io set poor sinners free, O who’s like Jesus who died on the tree?" At last one day, when the brother who had been ministering to him came and took his hand, he raised his head and said, “I love Jesus. He's my Savior.”

He had made a similar confession to his devoted daughter, who had longed for his salvation. His desire then was for his neighbors and friends. He begged to have them invited to his house, and to have the gospel preached to them. He lived for some time, rejoicing in his home. Each Lord’s Day he gathered in both men and women for a Bible reading, and children for a little meeting of their own.

Then, his race run, he fell asleep. At his funeral once more the neighbors gathered in and heard of the grace of God that bringeth salvation, that had brought salvation in this case to one who had spent 100 years in sin and rebellion against God.

Extracts From Recent Letters

Smiths Falls, ON

• June 12, 1911

My Dear Brother in Christ:

I think of the little while that we will be here in this scene. It is our privilege to speak a word of cheer. We are told to provoke one another to love and good works. To my mind I think it would be well to hear from the brethren, where they are, and what they are doing.

We had Brother E.B. Hartt (1861-1929) here early in the spring, preaching the gospel. One soul got blessing. Another brother who was a Methodist saw the truth of separation from man’s system.

We had our dear old Brother Dunlop every Friday for four or five times. Another of our brothers, Brother Barnum, has gone to be with the Lord. Brother Willis, of Pleasantville, Nova Scotia, is talking of coming here this summer to preach the gospel, if the Lord wills. We have no special gift here, but there is one blessing — we have our dear Lord with us, but the Lord in His love sends us along a brother now and again, and we get blessing in this way. I have been over two years in fellowship here in Smith’s Falls. You will please excuse any mistakes, but I love the blessed Lord for what He has done for me. I would like to write more, but cannot this time. We as brethren in the Lord send our love to you, and to thank you for your kind word.

Yours in Christ, Thomas Bamford