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Vol. 2,
POETRY
As days go by 1 sit and meditate
Upon my sorrowful and forlorn stat?,
And wonder why the darkness so be
clouds
My life, and why Satanic mien en
shrouds
The joys that should make bright ny
face.
I meditate upon God’s wondrous grace,
And think how matchless and how
grand his love
Must be, that He to earth from heaven
above
Should come and hold within his lie
so sweet
Poor trembling sinners fallen down
complete
In sin and deep disgrace and fearful
woe!
When wild storms rage and fierce
winds strongly blow,
And make poor trembling sinners al
most fear
To look unto their Saviour, who is so
dear.
Then God his wondrous arm of love
reveals,
And shows to them that all their
wounds he heals,
And bids them rise, and do his holy
will.
Now, when they fail and are rebellious
still,
His chastening hand he does not with
hold;
But through afflictions cares and doubu
untold,
He makes them wade. Then darkness
sadly sits
Upon their care-worn brow and bene
fits
Os joy and gospel sweets seem then to
cease
To flow from his abounding store; and
peace,
Sits far away beyond their present
reach.
This state seems mine. God’s precious'
book doth teach
That those who walk within the wil
derness
Shall find riorest into their souls Sad-
Will follow them; and doubts will dim
their way
Until they both God’s will and law
obey.
This v reason I assign for my dark
state,
And yet like Paul my sins I loath and
hate
But what I would that Ido not; but
fail
Because within 1 myself I am too frail.
. Pis by God’s power saints reach that
land of rest
Where they by Egypt’s kings are not
oppressed.
For in oui weakness God is strenth,and
when
We’re faint and sinking down in pain
He then
Will sooth the pain,and heal the wound
and drive
All sorrows from our brow; and when
we strive
With Satan and his evil will
fight
Our battles, he oup snield and armor
bright.
I like to think that when we’re sad and
lone
And poor in heart, we feel Christ did
atone
For all our sin; these are they for
whom
He interposed.his precious blood; in
room
Os them He died. The whole need not
his aid,
Fdr they then feel that all by them is
paid.
Hence happy is the man who feels
.down-cast
And deep in debt,and not a farthing
hast
With which to pay; for such Christ
gave his life
Let saints when in the wilderneass of
strife \
And disobedience, take up their cross
And follow Christ; they’ll suffer then
no loss
And darknes, too, will flee away; and
doubt,
Despondency, and gloom he’ll put lo
rout.
. I‘want io live obedient to God’s word.
.O, keep me safe and meek. I pray the
Lord.
And not me only, dearest Lord but
keep
Thy children all as shepherds keep
their sheep.
W. W. Habben*
Dear brother Simms, since the above
was written I have taken up the cross,
gone home to the church and found
test and peace inexpressible.
W. W. H;
@!je Pilgrim's) fanner.
“THOU HAST GIVEN A BANNER TO THEM THAT FEAR THEE, THAT IT MAY BE DISPLAYED BECAUSE OF THE TRUTH.”—Psalms GO: 4.
Butler, Ga., Aug. 28, 1835
Dear Brother Simms: —Brother
W. S. Smith of Okapilco Ga., ami
other brethren, requested me to
give my viewp through the Banner
on the qualifications of a pastor;
and the relative duties of church
and pastor.
In the first place then, a pastor
or Elder, must be called of God
as was Aaron ; he must be “blame
less,”or his general deportment
without moral blemish, (Phil
ii,14.) “vigilant,” or watchful,
alive and active to the duties of
his calling—“sober,” not only ss
to liqour, but all things—not in
toxicated with prejudice, anger, or
some “hobby,” or to hilariousnees
in vain jesting, or telling anecdotes,
etc, but be moderate in all things
—“of good behavior,” or sincere,
courteous, honorable in all things
with all men. (Titus ii, 7-8.) “gitf
en to hospitilty,” or always ready
to entertain and accomodate oth
ers at his own house. Apt to
teach,in proof of being cabed to
preach; as to preacAi is to teajfc.
2 Tim. ii, 24. “Not given to wine”
—nqt in the habit of drinking
till wanting it. “No striker,” but
settled and grounded, and contin
uing in the faith and doctrine al
ready learned and assured of as
true —not turning aside to unlearn
ed questions of Jaw, or other spec
ulations that gender strife. ITim.
iii 4. “Not greedy of filthy
lucre,” as excessive cravings and
strivings for money. 1. Tim. vi. 9-
10. “Patient” in all things with al)
men. especially in the afflictions
and necessities awaiting a gospel
minister. a -brawler, oi
loudly quarelous and complaining,
fault-finding, and strivings in con
troversy ; instead be gentle, show
ing all meekness. Titus iii. 2-3,
‘Not covetous,” or craving and
aspiring, selfishly hoarding wealth,
—“ruling well his own house, hav
ing his children in subjection,
else how shall he take care of the
church? This means what it says.
‘Not a novice,” as doting about
questions and strifes of words
whereof cometh railings, evil-ser
misings, perverse disputings, and
oppositions of science falsly so
called that gender pride and in
subordination, but rather stand
fast in one mind, striving for the
me faith, 1 Tim. ii .20. “Os good
ceport of them without,” —speech
seasoned with grace, and a walk
according to the above will estab-
lish him in the confidence and re
spect of all good men.
And thus the pastor is made an
'xample to the church-member in
word, conversation, faith, charity,*
purity. 1, Tim. iv, 12.
A pastor must give himself whol
ly to his calling—“not neglect
the gift,” that is in him for the
church. He< must meditate —read,
ind use every lawful means that
his profiting may appear unto alb
men. And withal, he must “take
heed to himself and the doctrine
hat himself and hearers both be
saved from error and shame. 1 Tim
iv. 14-16. For this calling makes
him a soldier; and no man that
wareth must entangle himself
with the affairs of this life.ll Tim
ii. 2-4.
Accordingly a pastor, as thus
giving himself wholly to the work
of the ministry, will not only tru
ly need, but is worthy of alt the
Lord in his word requires for him
of the church.
The church is to hold such in
reputation. (Phil, ii, 28.) is to “es
teem them very highly in love for
their Work’s sake,” 11. Thes. v. 13
and such as “rule well are to be
counted worthy of double honor,”
DEVOTED TO THE CAUSE.OF CHRIST
VALDOSTA, GA.,SEPTEMBER 15, 1895.
that is, not only love them, but
also, as the double honor means—
amply reward for the time and
service spent for you; “for the
Scripture smith Thou shalt rot
muzz’e the ox that troadeth out
the corn; and the laborer is wor
thy of his reward.”l Tim. v, 17.
Paul to the church at Corinth
says, “This was written for our
(of the gospel day) sakes, that
he that ploweth should plow in
hope, and he that thresheth in
hope should be partaker of his
hope.” Then continues “Do ye not
know that they which minister
about holy things,live of the things
of the temple? And they which
wait at the alter are partakers
with the alter? Even so hath
the Lord ordained that they
which preach the gospel, should
live of the gospel.” As much as
to say By the righteous binding
and holy obligations of the things
under the law, is the gospel church
bound that her Pastor live of the
gospel.
But it has often been said that
thus to live was to partake of the
spirit of the gospel he preached.
Tiie apostle denies this in the next
verse when he says : “But I have
us3d none of these things.” He
says iu the same letter to this
church they were mutual partakers
of the spirit. But to twice estab
lish bis meaning he continues:
“Neither have I written these
things that it should bo so done
to me.” We know that to live
spiritually of the gospel, as unto
him, is something the church could
not do. It sebnis superfluous to <
contend on thia poiiit. - ™
But since Paul is the pattern
for those who contend against
helping the preacher, let us notice
him. particularly. I can say that
?he took what he calls ’‘wages”
from all the churches save that at
Corinth. And why not., from that
one? Ho himself answers :“to fcut|
oil occasion from them which de
sired occcasion.” 11. Cor. xi. 11.
The inference is too strong to’
doubt that some “false apostles”
had visited, and partially corrupt
ed this church in his absence: and*
had said that Paul was no true
apostle—that he walked after the
flesh, and preached for gain.
I'hat such was the case, see 11 Cor.
x. 4-8. x iii. 3-4. iv.lß.
And thus to gratify a personal
zeal for Christ and his cause,, and
to stultify a false accusation, he
never afterwards took any of their
“carnal things.”
It would seem that this charge
of laboring for gain, caused, him
to exclaim—perhaps in holy in
dignation or irony—“What, have
we not power to eat and to drinx?
—have we not power to forbear
working” altogether with our own
bauds—as we have done, and be
come entirely chargeable to you?
That he did not forbear, he says
m another place, was not because
he had not the power. Certainly
he had this “power” or divine au
thority to become altogether char
gable to them. And in confirm
ation he continues—“ Who goeth
a warfare at his own charges?
Who planteth a vmeyaxd and eat-’
eth not of the fruits? Who feed
eth a Hock and eateth not ot the
milk of the flock”? The negative
answer was just as unreasonably
absurd, as to demand the time
and service of a pastor without re
ward.
But that he took “wages’’ and
“hire” from other churches, hear
him: “I was glad of the coming
of and Fortunatus, for
that which wag lacking on your
part’ they have supplied.”' This
t shows that, notwithstanding he
. worked with his own hands tc
i supply his need in part, he still
> sufiyied lack from net taking
I froip them. But he continues:
i Have I committed an offence be
. cause I preach to you the gospel of
Godjfieely? I robbed other church
i es taking wages of them to do you
service.” Again, “That which was
lacking to me the brethren from
, Macedonia supplied.” Again, “I
mysGi was not burdensome to you
; fojgive me this wrong. 11 Cor
xii.tL Mind you, this was the
. church at Corinth, and that he
bad ijefused to take from; and
now afterwards he confesses it was
wrong’ and asked forgivne-s for it.
That he took wages from other
churches-—in writing to the Phil
lipianj he refers to some as “sup
plying your lack of service to me.”
Again; I rejoice greatly that now
at last your care for me hath
flourished again. Know also
that ip the beginning of the gos
pel nachurch communicated unto
me cjficerning giving and receiv
ing bR ye only; even.in Thessilo
nica-ys«ent once and' again to my
necessities.” Phil. iv. 10-15.
That all did not in the begiia
ing of-.he gospel” simply his needs,
in, or before the end
ing, thily did. And whether from
his refusal to accept, or their neg-
remisness in giving, he
sayjht was not he had “not the
power,” or gospel authority to de
maidit. 1 Thess. iii 9.
'ft qqe wanting the simple
truji, i<># truth's sake, and clear
of Imggdice, or preconceived
is the truth
that G|d makes it the duty of
churchM to amply reward their
without comment from
me. I
Hownuch must a church give her
pastor?l answer that since this ,
rewardhas been made
with “Fages” and “hire,” I con
clude that, that amount that would
be termed most liberal -wages for
your pastor’s most capable service
in any other line of business,
would be his duo from the church
es. Suppose a Pastor has four
shurchcs ; this gives each church
one fourth the amount to pay,
and one week of service—little
enough in which to preach the
word, visit the sick, feed the hun
gry, clothe the naked, and minis
ter to those in prison, spiritually.
Suppose one church is strong and
rich, another is weak and poor?
Then regulate the pay so as to
bring equality. Suppose—as I
have heard—the Pastor has a
house full of Children—three or
four grown up and become expen
sive as to dress education? It is
not the duty of the church to as
sume this burden. If the Pastor
had never been called to preach,
,and worked at home, he could
support this family by his person
al, or without the help of those'
able to work. That a Pastor’s
family calls for more or less to
sunport them, is not the question
with the church, but that she re
ward him for his personal time
and service, that sum equivalent,,
to a liberal hire. Hence if the
Pastor has no child —not even a
wife, and rich, it does not at all
lessen the amount to be given him
by the church .
And to do this is not alms
giving, but paying a debt—a debt
made sacred in obligation be
cause it is a gospel deot. I know
some will scan at this; but remem
ber I do not mean a debt as known
or collected in civil law, but a
debt of dutytoGcd and to the 1
e gospel. And when it is paid—as
o it should be more punctual if pos
-1 sible than others—a church should
? love him well enough to give him
’ and family whatever is still needed.
And each member should bear
f
his part according to what he has.
I have noticed that a few mem
-1 bers have always to bear all the
’ expense of the church ; and these
1 who give nothing are generally
the ones to find fault with their
1 Pastor. The member worth one
hundred dollars is just as much
', bound to give a dollar as the ole
worth a thousand, ten dollars; and
when be has done it, he has, in
God’s account, done as much as
this last.
It is the duty of the Deacon to
. see that each member bears his
part, according to his means. Cov
etousness is the charge against
any member who will not do his
part. Visit your Pastor and per
haps you will find you can help
in something to eat, or other ne
cessaries besides money.
And all the members shquld at
tend their church meetings. A
rich brother says he loses too
much to attend on Saturday; but
the poor brother loses in .propor
tion. Business of whatever kind,
is no excuse. It is due your Pas
tor to attend, and help him with
your presence there, and your
prayers at all times.
Would like to hear from brother
Smith and others.
R. Anna Phillips,
Remarks.
The subject upon Which sister I
Phillips treats in the foregoing let
ter is one upon which the minds
of our people are mu r ch exercised.
For many years this subject has
received but little attention, and
churches and preachers have trud
ged along in the even tenor of their
way with but little allusion to it.
either from the pulpit or press. Ii:
order to show our opposition and-
contempt for the unscriptual and .
God-dishonoring method of em-'
ploying men to preach and pay
ing a stipulated salary, we have
perhaps neglected to teach what
the scriptures says on the subject.
Our preachers in the past have
gone in their respective fields of
labor without hope of any ma
terial help from their churches in '
bearing their burdens hardly know-,
ing which lay heaviest on their
hearts, the burden and care of the,,
churches, or a support for their
wives and children. They have
seldom refered to it in preaching
or private conversation. There are
some exceptions of course, but|
this has been the rule. As a na- 1
tural result our people have given
the subject but little thought.
JuAiy of them have fallen into
the idea that God, in some unseen
way. would supply the temporal
needs of His servants.
But fo<- the past lew years the 4,
subject has been more freely dis
cussed, and in the discussion of
it a variety of opinions are enter
tained, and many good brethren
are divided. Sister Phillip’s ar
ticle will no doubt meet the appro
bation of many, while some per-*
haps will disagree with her. In
this, as upon all other questions
that may arise among we
should not allow 1 Anything else save,
j the scrintures themselves to aid in
•in forming our conclusions. We
have accepted and published to
1 the world the “Old ahd new 'Bpsta
ments are the Word of God and the
ONLY RULE OF FAITH AND PRACTICE.”
and how shall we condemn the
unscriptural pradbice of ethers, if
we are not controlled in our relig
ious views by the Scriptures our
selves?
But now that this subjec,t of tak
ing care of the preacher has. been
revived, is there not some danger
that we may carry it too far, and
that too to the exclusion of other
things equally important? Noth
ing should become a hobby in the
house of God, but all things taught
in the Bible should receive our
prayerful attention. We have
opened our columns to a free en
terchange of thought on this sub
ject, and for some time it has been
the burden of many letters receiv
ed for publication, and we feel glad
to know that this portion of the
word of God is receiving more at
tention than formerly. We hope
our readers have been benefitted
by this discussion, but we now
desire to call attention to the fact
that—as we are all imperfect- ~
we may go too far on any one line,
and leave other things, equally im
pqrtant untouched. For this rea
son we feel inclined to ask oar cor
respondents t© the brethren
M e .. - tO .L h
| We hope none of our pr%qtnjf£ L
will so far forget themselves and
the teaching of God’s word as to
demand pay for services rendered.
But they should faithfully preach
what the Scriptures teach on the
subject, and leave the result with
the Lord. But let them be careful
by what spirit they are governed.
Everything done in a fleshly, striv
ing spirit cannot receive th e
Lord s approval. Let us all know
and do the truth.
Pierson la. Aug 30 1895
Cider A. V. Simms, Beloved Bro
ther. I write you «, few lines this
morning and ask you to phase
send my Banner to Osmond Fla.
instead of Pierson, as that will be
my stopping place heareafte©.
I have to serve sixi churches as
pastor this year. And it keeps me
traveling nearly all the time. I
’have but very little help. Elderß.
Moody is old and feeble, and can
'travel around but little. Brother
J. J Harvey is a promising young
gift but he has moved off and left
us. Ido want help. I have nev
er felt qualified to fill the office of
'paster, and now I am old and
geting very feeble. I pray God
to send spme cf his called and
qualified servants to this couhtry
as I am almost alone in this re
spect. Is there not some preacher
some where that aau be spared
I and that feels impressed to come
God grant to remember the desti
tute cnildren of this country. If
there is a brother minister any
where that wants room,let me say
here is room, and would be glad to
have them to correspond with me
Our little churches axe all in
perfect peace w ith some additions
I baptized two at our last, meeting
,at Pilgrims Rest one at Union
Grova last meeting and Elder B«
Moody baptized two a% the same
church at their July meeting.
Also one at Etoniah cbnrch last
Sunday. Our meetings generally
have been good.
I hope to meet you again at the
Suwannee Association and hear
hear you preach once more. Many
of the brethren are hoping you
will attend our Association this
year. „
May God be with you ttnd blet's
you in your labor of lote.
Your brother irt bonds.
Z. H. Bennett.
No I©