The extremely spiritual man

Front matter

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1 hi mM

Rev. E. M. Isaac.

Contents

Page.

Daleville 5

Dr. Strong 17

Chapter I. Daleville

Daleville is a western city of about three thousand inhabitants. For a number of years it was an insignificant, inland town with a post office, general store, blacksmith shop, a small school house and a few scattered dwellings.

One thing, however, was greatly in favor of this little country village, and that was its beautiful location, which indeed had given it the name of Daleville.

Wm. Constant was one of the first settlers, and had chosen a homestead which gently sloped toward the rugged bank of the Big Coon River. A half mile back from this stream the surface of the land rose several hundred feet. In some places this rise was quite sudden, and from a distance had the appearance of sharp blufifs. But at this place the rise was more on the gradual order ^ath deep dales, dividing the somewhat broken surface:. In many of these larger dales

O THE EXTREMELY SPIRITUAL MAX.

there were small streams of clear water, in some places dashing rapidly over their steep stony beds.

Along the banks of these little brooks stood large elm trees intermingled with box elder, w^hite poplar, and a few scattered ash saplings. Besides the trees there were clusters of heavy brush that gave excellent protection for the many rabbits which sought refuge there. Along the river and for some distance back, the trees were so numerous, that they resembled a small forest. All this added to the beauty of the location.

Wm. Constant's land was in time purchased for a town site by a banking firm w^hich later settled there. Soon after this a railroad was built, stretching its long skeleton frame on toward the setting sun.

Daleville now began to take on new life. ]\Ierchants built large stores ; many of them brick and stone. A handsome graded school building was erected, costing twenty thousand dollars. An electric light plant, city water works, a sewerage system and other modern improvements soon followed in rapid succession. It is needless to state that among the first of the denominations to build a church was the ]\Iethodist. This had received the special attention of Wm. Constant, who was a consistent member of that church. This church building was in keeping with the other advancements and improvements of that day. It had cost fifteen thousand dollars. For some years this society was very spiritual and did much for the moral advancement of the community but of recent years it had become quite formal and cold.

It is not our purpose, however, to enter into details concerning that period, as we have more especially to deal with its later history. We simply desire to state that there had been no accessions for several years ; indeed there was but little evidence of vital godliness among the greater number of the members.

At the Fourth Quarterly conference of the year of which we now have special reference, a committee waited upon Dr. Strong, the Presiding Elder, asking that if it were possible they greatly desired that some one might be sent them who was as they put it, of a ''spiritual disposition.'' Something must be done and that very soon. Their young people were fast drifting into an indififerent state, while the majority of them had become exceedingly worldly.

The former pastors who had served the charge were men of good moral standing. Some of them were able speakers. Dr. Swift, who had been a pastor at Daleville three years previous to this, was much in demand for Fourth of July orations, memorial day addresses and often the various lodges and fraternities called on him for like purposes. But all this, however charming it might be to many, did not ''rescue the perishing," nor ''care for the dying,'' who were in throngs about them.

During the present pastor's administration things were still getting worse. The prayer meeting was nothing more than a formal gathering of a half dozen women with old Brother Constant, who sat and listened to a discourse of twenty minutes — and often longer — from their pastor. Indeed, much of this time was spent in scolding those who were absent.

All this was depressing and extremely discouraging to the more serious part of the members.

Brother Constant was perhaps more concerned over the situation than any other one, he, being class leader, would naturally with that added responsibility be greatly interested.

Dr. Strong promised to do his best in securing a good man for the charge. He told them that he knew of an "extremely spiritual" man whom it might be possible to send them. It would be well for them, however, to expect a radical change in the administration should he come.

Old Brother Constant breathed a silent prayer that somehow good providence would remove any barriers which might prevent the so-called "extremely spiritual" brother from coming.

Not only was the church in a very low spiritual condition, but the benevolences had come far short of the apportionment ; the salary while not small was exceedingly hard to raise; the conference minutes showing a frequent deficiency. Then it was a well known fact that several of the more prominent members were very worldly. Some were said to be dishonest in their business transactions.

The social side of the church life had been emphasized to the extent of making it appear quite theatrical. The greater part of the money was raised by means of socials and entertainments.

During the few weeks awaiting the convening of conference, great was the anxiety as to who the next pastor might really be, and what the Presiding* Elder had in mind, as well as what could have been his interpretation of an ''extremely spiritual" man.

The younger people of the congregation, who were members of the church, knew very little if anything about experimental salvation. They seldom if ever attended class meeting. The Epwojth League devotional meetings were nothing more than a formal gathering of respectable young people, who .read clippings from the varilO THE EXTREMELY SPIRITUAL MAN.

ous church papers, besides a few references. Not one of them would think of even venturing to offer a prayer in pubUc; hence it was their custom to repeat the Lord's prayer in unison at each service. Some of the leading members of the league had been heard discussing the coming of the new pastor.

Miss Leed in conversation with Ruth Norden had said that she sincerely hoped he would be real nice and not old-fashioned. She had so much enjoyed the pastors they had had. Not one of them had ever preached against dancing. Their present pastor was strongly in favor of having Article 248 taken from the Discipline : for he had made a public statement to that effeet. ''Then/' said she, "our social card parties are such a source of enjoyment to the members of the league.'' It was known that the social membership had been greatly increased for that very reason.

She even hoped that the coming pastor was a good ''flinch player." It would strengthen the league very much to have a man who would just "get in" with the young people. She thought that the great need in the church to-day was ministers who could adjust themselves to the social life of the young, and thus win their friendship.

To her mind the day had come when people demanded a change from the old ways, and old ideas of conducting the work of the church.

''Why," said she, ''not long ago I was visiting at my aunt's in Iowa. She had been telling me so much about their good pastor, that I fairly craved seeing him, and hearing him preach. So when Sunday came I could hardly wait the time for service. But do you know, Ruth, before he was nearly through with his sermon I thought I would die. The things he said were simply shocking. Why his text was — let me see, now — well, I can't just remember the exact place, because I never have time to spend reading the Bible anyway, it is such a dry book; but it was about perfection. He said that we must be perfect like God is perfect. I was so disgusted that I was nearly sick over it. He said for instance, that no Christian worthy the name would ever think of attending a dance ; not even a nice social parlor dance. ' Why just think of it, Ruth, what would we young folks do anyway? Then to make it still worse and simply unbearable, he said that they wouldn't even attend circus when it came to town. Well, talk about suffering agonies ! Why, said he, ''Our Discipline forbids our members attending the circus." I actually don't believe him. Of course I never read the Discipline, but the idea of putting such trash in the Discipline any way; they

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must have been a pious old set who made it — and that a hundred years ago, I suppose. Well, he went on to say that the old preachers of [Methodism always preached this perfection. And that the Bishops used to preach it, and urged the ministers to continue preaching it. Then, said he, it means the same thing in the Bible as sanctification, and we must be sanctified w^hoUy. Why, Ruth, I never heard such talk. It was just enough to kill me, as though we could be sanctified while alive in this world. I have heard many preachers in my life, but never heard one preach such doctrine as that. Then you know^, to simply crush me entirely, he invited the people to the altar to "seek the blessing" as he put it. I never was at an altar in my life; why when Dr. Swift was our pastor a few years ago, he came to our house and talked to mamma about my joining the church, and then he came and talked to me about it ; and he was so nice, did not even ask me to get on my knees to pray about it.

Well, the following Sunday several of us young people joined the church ; we girls had on nice white dresses. But I must go on with my story. Do you know they began to sing at that altar, ''Here I Give ^ly all to Thee," or something like that, and the preacher said Amen! and Hallelujah! One old lady just shouted at the top of her voice and said, "I have the blessing! I have the blessing!" and a whole lot of other ridiculous things which I did not want to remember. And do you know, my aunt was up there with them, and said to me that it was a great meeting; that some were sanctified.

Why if we should get such a pastor as that I would never enter the church. But indeed, Ruth, I must be going. I didn't intend talking so long. Don't forget the card party Thursday eve.

During all this time Ruth Xorden had listened attentively to this torrent of reckless talk. She had not even attempted to speak. The strange story of this aunt's pastor had made a lasting impression upon her mind. She had heard through a near relative of this aunt, and her piety was widely known.

Then the fact that the Discipline said so much about these social evils and amusements was somewhat of a revelation to Ruth. So she had determined on procuring one, and seeing for herself. Ruth was of a serious turn of mind. To her there was much more in life than mere play and show.

That night found her in her room alone at a late hour. With her open Bible before her, she carefully searched its sacred pages ! finally she turned to the sermon on the mount, and carefully read the beatitudes. When she came to the eighth verse : ''Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God," she said almost aloud, 'That sounds very much like some things she mentioned were in the sermon of her aunt's pastor/' Reading on she came to the verse which reads, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." How forceful they seemed to her that night after listening to the wild, reckless talk of Miss Leed.

Many were the serious thoughts which flashed across Ruth's receptive brain in that lonely place. Some strong resolutions were being formed down deep in her heart. As she read the words, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you," the effect was as though a sharp arrow had pierced her very soul. "Impossible," she said so loud it could be heard in the adjoining room. "And yet those words are from his own sacred lips." Finally the last verse was read, "Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." "Surely this must have been the text used by her aunt's pastor on that never-to-be-forgotten Sunday morning related to me by Miss Leed." She read it over and over

THE EXTREMELY SPIRITUAL MAN.

"With her open Bible before her she carefully searched its sacred pages." Page 13.

again, the more she read it the greater it seemed to grow.

That night Ruth quietly and humbly knelt before her Master and this was a part of the prayer she offered : ''O Lord Jesus, these words are from thy sacred lips. I do believe them. Forgive the past. It has been such a failure on my part. Teach me how to be perfect in the sense this scripture implies. Help me to be pure in heart, that my light may shine and possibly I can lead out of the darkness some poor wandering soul. I ask it for Jesus' sake.'' What this prayer really meant to Ruth Norden will be seen in what took place a few days later.

CHAPTER 11.

DR. STRONG.

Dr. Strong looked very serious as he sat in the passenger coach that Monday afternoon on leaving Daleville. He was a true man, and loved not only his preachers, but the laity of his district as well. He had served in the traveling ministry many years and as a pastor had met with much success. He was noted for being an evangelistic preacher. He had never failed in securing accessions to his church, as well as conserving the work in general. Dr. Strong was in reality what is generally known as a symmetrical man.

He was well acquainted with the Riverside District, having served it as Presiding Elder for four years. He was also sorely conscious of the spiritual condition of the church at Daleville. His meeting with the special committee who so urgently requested that a spiritual man be sent them had deeply moved him. He possessed an intense nature. The cry of the laity for spiritual food had touched him as a mother's heart is touched when her children cry for the bread she cannot supply.

l8 THE EXTREMELY SPIRITUAL MAN.

Not only at Daleville had there been such a request, but several of the more prominent places on his district had signified a desire for ''Gospel preachers." The secular affairs of life had found a very large place in the pulpits, such as the discussions of the various questions of the hour. There was, to be sure, a certain class to whom such themes greatly appealed, and who were delighted with men of that stamp. But those who bore the brunt and burden of the church work and who held places of responsibility were hungering for the old time message and power.

The class-meeting had almost entirely disappeared from the district. There w^ere still left a very few churches that were blessed in having a class leader and a good attendance at class-meeting. It was a significant fact, however, that this was usually the result of having in those churches some old godly father in Israel who clung tenaciously to this old time institution.

All these facts were hastening through his busy brain as the train sped on its way. The mental picture was indeed a sad one, even the resolutions and the appointment of great men and committees by the General Conference did not seem to affect the real difficulty in the least. Very few of the laity knew such committees existed. The more intelligent could scarcely give the names of any of them.

Then the adoption of new resoKitions at the annual conference, together with the consecrations made at the so-called consecration meetings under the leadership of some noted Eastern man, seemed to last no longer than that session of conference.

Even many of the evangelists had the appearance of professionalists. A great throng and much money was often the desired end in view. Only a few of the pastors seemed inclined to conduct their own meetings. There were a few, however, who failed not in having a revival every year. They were often sought by the brethren as helpers in evangelistic meetings. They were styled as those possessing ''peculiar gifts" for this work. Then there was an increasing number of those who were termed ''holiness evangelists" coming into the field ; but they were looked upon as "extremists," "unsafe specialists," "second blessing cranks," etc.

Dr. Strong had never before come face to face with so serious a problem as the one which now confronted him. It was only a month till conference would convene, and here were several churches to be supplied with spiritual men, and they were not to be found. But as to Daleville, he had purposed that if it were possible he would send to that charge Rev. Chas. H. True.

Bro. True was the ''extreme spiritual" man he had suggested to them. He was known as the "old fashioned preacher,'' ''Scriptural preacher/' and some said that he preached holiness in some way in every sermon. One had been so unkind as to dub him a hobbyist. But Bro. True was known to be a very godly man. It was said of him that he spent at least two hours each day in private prayer. His pastoral work was also of that prayerful type. He seldom visited a home without asking God's blessing on it.

Bro. True was a young man in the ministry, but not so young in years. He was not converted until late in life. Being raised in a poor family he did not receive the school training he should have received. Hence it was against great odds that he had made the advancement to his present position. The term, "discouragement," however, was not a part of his vocabulary. He was often poring over his books when others were asleep. He was sorely conscious of his deficiency; but knew full well that others had risen in spite of such difficulties, and by persistent labor and tireless effort he might also win.

He was not in the least in sympathy with those, who, because of their own ignorance, deride the schools and scholarly men. He had served but two charges, but the character of his work was SO commendable that several churches were now asking for him.

As a preacher he was rapidly advancing. His sermon at a district meeting had stirred so staid a man as Dr. Strong. His subject was, 'The Baptism with the Holy Ghost.'' From a theological standpoint he had treated it in a masterly way. Besides his earnest exhortation to the ministry to seek this blessing as a necessary condition of heart to obtain the constant favor of God, as well as to equip them for the great work of soul saving had brought deep conviction. Then again Brother True had emphasized in unmistaken tones the fact that each minister had promised as a condition of his entering conference that he would strive to obtain (by ''groaning after") this very blessing of which he now spoke.

All this was having its effect on Dr. Strong. Many of the things said in that sermon were often ringing in his ears. In a special way had his reference to the preacher's vows when entering conference, affected him. Brother True had also quoted some of Charles Wesley's hymns in substantiating the great doctrine and truth he was preaching. Especially had one old hymn which has been sung so fervently these many years affected him. Somehow it had a new and deeper meaning at this time. Brother

True gave it in that remarkably earnest way characteristic of him.

''Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit

Into every troubled breast !

Let us all in Thee inherit,

Let us find that second rest.

Take away our bent to sinning ;

Alpha and Omega be ; End of faith as its beginning,

Set our hearts at libertv/'

Many times since Brother True had quoted that remarkable verse. Dr. Strong had asked himself — probably at the suggestion of the Spirit — ''Have I received that second rest?" Then at times as one searching deeper into his own soul, he would say, "Have I really been groaning after it?" "If I have why have I not received it?" "Why do I not preach it?" "Did not Asbury urge his preachers to continually preach it whether or not the people would forbear? May this not after all be the real secret of our present failure as a revival church?" Surely there is some mysterious truth lingering about this teaching. Some remarkable change has come over that man True since he attended that camp-meeting. His words burn as fire. Surely he is "extremely spiritual."

The four weeks soon slipped away. Dr. Strong had never entered conference so baffled concerning his appointments as at this time. And those who knew him best could discern the burden of his heart. In the opening prayer that he offered there was deep pathos, and a real heart cry for help from the Great Spirit who alone is able to lead triumphantly in the perplexing problems before us. It was a prayer not soon to be forgotten by those present. It was really the unburdening of a soul having gone to its extremity in doing a work which demands divine counsel. Few eyes were dry when near concluding his prayer he said: ''O Thou, who didst move the world with the great Apostle of the Gentiles who said, 'This one thing I do,' move us at this time out of this coldness and lethargy into which some of us have fallen, and others are fast sinking. Make us men of one mind, men of one mighty purpose! O thou God of our fathers, give us back the old time power, and fire; which burned the coldness and dross out of England during the days of thy servant Wesley; who set a world a-going heavenward. Lift us a few leagues at this time for thy Great Son's sake.'' Many sobs and a chorus of Amens were heard from the vast audience. It was also noticeable that a profound conviction settled upon the ministers. Many were searching their hearts as they had not done for many a day.

The work of the conference passed on as usual from day to day without anything of special interest except the usual ''wire pulling" and secret consultations with the ''leaders" and men of "influence.'' The reports were listened to with closest attention by those interested in Zion. There had been but few accessions. Many excuses were offered for this ; some of which were as follows : "A most pecuHar field." "The church was dead." "The people worldly," etc. One brother ventured the assertion that "The devil was very busy on his charge."

Sunday came and of course the great feature of the day was the Bishop's sermon. The large auditorium was packed. The singing was in the Spirit. The old hymns seemed to possess the old time power. The Bishop arose to announce his text. He was a handsome man of sixty; tall and well proportioned; with a massive forehead. From under those heavy eyebrows there shone a pair of piercing gray eyes. His movements were easy and calm. With a commanding voice he read slowly and carefully his text, "And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness ; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." ]\Iany pronounced the sermon a masterpiece. All agreed that it was a great discourse.

The interesting time was to come at the close of the evening service when the appointments were to be read. There was perfect silence when the Bishop arose and slowly and deliberately read the names and stations. The expression on some faces indicated that their appointment had been double, being a rf/j-appointment as well. Others were jubilant; while some were mystified; as they knew little about their new fields of labor.

The prayer of old Brother Constant, however, was answered, for when the name of Chas. H. True was read it was for Daleville.

But the unexpected, if not almost shocking information, was made known when the name of Dr. Charm was read as Presiding Elder of Riverside District ; and Dr. Strong's appointment as pastor of First Church, Riverside.

Chapter III. Miss Leed

These were days of much talk and speculation among the Daleville church people. Indeed, the ''outsiders" were manifesting no small interest. Many realized the deplorable condition of the church. It was known that the people of the w^orld and those of the church indulged in the same pleasures. Most of the young people of the church attended many of the public dances. Nearly every one attended the theater. Card parties seemed to be a mania even among the leading members of the league. To be sure, there was still a small ''remnant" who had not bowed the knee to Baal. These were found faithful to the prayer and class meetings.

Miss Leed was becoming if anything more worldly than ever. Being the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and possessing a social disposition, she had by common consent taken the lead in social circles. She was president of the social and literary department of the Epworth League. Besides this, she was also the church organist. Her influence over the young people of Daleville church w^as almost unbounded. The choir was absolutely under her control. The pastors had been careful in not saying or doing anything that might offend her. While they did not approve of many things she did, they failed to reprove her, and thus she had become the controlling spirit among the young people.

Her father, while not a member of the church, had given liberally to its support. He was also pleased in no small degree to have his daughter preside at the organ. He had spent much in giving her the best possible traming in music; so that now it was w^th great delight that he sat every Sunday morning admiring his only daughter as her masterly fingers made the organ fairly speak.

There was also a sad side to the Leed home life. The only son was fast becoming dissipated. He was a slave to drink ; besides he was known to be a noted gambler. This alone accounted for the sad face of the once handsome mother. There had been a time in Mrs. Leed's life when she was known as an active spiritual Christian. But for a number of years she had ceased taking any active part whatever in the spiritual department of the church work. Indeed, it was known that she had told their present pastor that the ministry and church had so cl/anged, she found but little help in the sermons, and the prayer meetings were cold and formal. The only part she really enjoyed was old Brother Constant's prayers and Grandma Sweet's testimony.

She had also told some near friends that she believed, were they to preach to-day as they did when she was young, that her son would not be where he then w^as. But she was a woman of a reticent disposition, and most of her troubles were buried deep in her soul; their presence being known only by the sad lines which were slowly but surely fixing themselves in her handsome features.

j\Iiss Leed had more than once manifested deep sorrow over her brother's condition, and did much in her way toward reforming him. But he was slipping farther and farther from her grasp and influence. Still it was known that ''Brother Rob,'' as he was called, thought very much of Sister Maud, and was really proud of her musical attainments, as well hs her personal beauty. One remark he had made to his mother when Maud was taken into the church some years before had never left her mmd. Often had she brooded over those words when seeing her daughter's lightness and fondness for the empty things of life. It was after their return from the morning service at the time referred to.

''Mother," said he, ''there is no religion in that kind of performance. When I get religion I want the real thing or none at all. Maud ain't converted." The mother was shrewd enough and possessed spiritual discernment enough to know that her son was stating the truth. So in her quiet way she told him that she was in hopes Maud would see her need of a genuine conversion before long, and that he must encourage her as much as possible, so as not to become in any way a hindrance to her.

Miss Leed had not seen Ruth Norden since the evening they met and she had told her of the visit to her aunt's. So their first meeting was at church the Sunday morning following. Miss Leed, ever ready in conversation, was the first to speak.