Around Old Bethany Part 12

"I am sorry that I fought this work. G.o.d forgive me. I was wrong and I was stubborn. But I know now that if a man is a Christian he will not commit sin."

It was almost overwhelming to Robert and Mary Davis. Tears of joy flowed down their faces. They ran over to old Peter, grasped his arm, and said, "G.o.d bless you, Brother Newby, we knew you were honest at heart."

That day Jake Newby recovered the confidence he used to have in his father.

These were the beginnings of the church at Bethany, the church of G.o.d. A church-house was built and the church was organized by the Holy Spirit into a working body of saints. Robert Davis soon afterward felt the inspiration to teach and exhort and he was much used in this way.

By and by he preached occasionally until his gifts were recognized by the church through the laying on of the hands of the ministry.

There was a true catholicity of spirit in this congregation which caused them to make all Christians feel at home there. They maintained unity by keeping close to G.o.d. Their Sunday-school soon was the largest in the town. Three missionaries went from it to foreign, heathen lands, and colporteurs carried the literature of the church into every home in the town. The reputation of the church spread far and wide. It became noted for the honesty and humility of its members.

The business men of the town had the utmost confidence in the church.

It became the greatest power for righteousness in the town, and every one came to look upon it as the living exponent of the best and highest in civic life and in social uplift as well as in religion.

Zion became a praise in the earth, as the prophet had said.

The events narrated occurred many years ago. Last summer there was a reunion of the Davis family in the old home at Bethany. One son had become a minister in the church, the other was the editor of the local newspaper. One daughter was home on a furlough from China, while the other was married to a Christian brother of the town. Robert Davis, in the meantime, had preached the whole gospel. He had been instrumental in raising up several congregations.

"Dad, what is the most interesting experience you ever had in your life?" asked Marie one day.

"The most important experience of my life occurred right here, my girl, when Janet was a baby," he replied. "Here is where your mother and I first became seekers. Here I debated for the truth before I fully understood it, but I felt it was essential to stand up for what I knew was truth. Here your mother was healed when life seemed almost gone and the last ray of hope had died in the gathering darkness. Here I first learned of the church of G.o.d. Here that good religious paper first came to my notice, bringing rays of light to my mind and soul.

"Those were the beginnings, humble ones indeed, but they were the beginnings of my life of service. My days are about over. My work is about done. My eyes are dim, and my strength is failing. My race will soon be over. I have seen the church in Bethany grow into the place of influence it now has, from the very humblest beginnings. I have seen thousands flee to the cross of Jesus for mercy and pardon, and I have heard the shouts of hundreds that have been sanctified wholly. And I have seen many, many sick persons healed.

"My children, be true to G.o.d, be true to the cause of truth. Carry these precious truths to the next generation, unadulterated, as pure as they come from the Bible. Invest your all in G.o.d's cause; you will receive a hundredfold now and hereafter.

"May you ever champion the cause of truth which Jesus Christ came to establish. The church He built shall stand till the mighty Gabriel declares that time shall be no longer, till the judgment-day comes, yea, and afterward she shall live in the heaven of heavens eternally with her founder and Lord.

"Press on, children, all heaven watches the race you run. Do not become negligent, nor worldly, nor lovers of luxury, nor of ease. Live as good soldiers of Jesus Christ and be crowned victors and conquerors at last."

A holy awe filled the room as this aged saint gave them his benediction. And they said:

"By the grace of G.o.d, we will, Father."