ARISE, O GOD

By Elder Mark Green

"Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: let the poor and needy praise thy name." [Ps. 74:22[.

As men view the kingdom of God, it appears to rise and fall in its prosperity, enjoying pleasant seasons of blessing and cold seasons when He hides His face because of our sins. Sometimes we are hedged about from our enemies and enjoy peace, and sometimes we are bothered and persecuted by wicked men. Those who love the church would see it prosper, and their hearts and prayers are turned toward Zion.

Often the church is bothered by "divers and strange doctrines" which are brought in; or by the divisions of men who will not seek peace nor bear the burden with their brethren and who make them offenders for a word; or by the "improvements" of men of "good words and fair speeches" who would "spruce up" the church so that it will be more pleasing to men. Often she is persecuted and vilified by wicked or confused men from without. How these things grieve those who love Zion, and how helpless they often feel to be able to do anything about it!

We often forget that the church is the Lord's. He set her up, and He promised to preserve her and to give her seasons of prosperity when she seeks His face. No matter how perplexing the problem, He is not at a loss as to how to handle it. The church is Christ's cause. God shows mercy toward His people for Christ's sake. And when we realize our helplessness and despair for the welfare of the church, what better prayer to pray than our text?

Arise, O God, show thy mighty hand in power and love. It is Thy cause that is buffeted by men. Thy name, not ours, is upon the church so show forth Thy mighty hand in her defense. We are not able to defeat our enemies. We have not the power, and often we are in confusion and discouragement. But Thou, O Lord, possess all wisdom and strength. The Judge of all the earth will do what is right. Arise, O God, to prosper and defend thy people.

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$40.00 postpaid. 1300 pages of biographical information about our beloved ministers of the last 100 years, with hundreds of photographs. Hardbound.

Checks should be made out to Primitive Baptist Heritage Corporation and sent to:

Elder Hugh Montgomery

P.O. Box 1232

Lampasas, TX 76550

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VOICE OF THE PAST...

By Elder S. N. Redford

"O my Dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely. SOS 2:14.

The text is full of tender love that Christ has for His poor afflicted people. He calls her His dove. He has called her by other endearing names before, but here He calls her His dove. Although, a poor, weak and defenseless dove, yet she is in the clefts of the rock. The rock represents Christ. The dove's nature is to fly for safety. Perhaps no bird can fly so fast as the dove.

There were cities of refuge in the land of Canaan to which a fugitive of justice could fly, and as long as he remained in that city he was safe. This too, was a figure of Christ. Christ is not only "an hiding place from the wind," but He is the only hiding place for a poor condemned sinner. Then fly little dove, to the rock that is "Higher than I" for safety. Our blessed Lord possessed humanity as well as divinity.

The poor defenseless dove feeds upon the flesh and blood of Jesus but we often need to get higher up to escape our enemies: so fly up little dove, to the mount of His divinity. Here is a mountain whose top reaches to the highest heaven; so high it has never been explored.

Here is omnipotent power, immutability, omnipresence, omniscience and everlasting mercy. Here the little dove is safe, here only. How my poor heart overflows with joy at the sweet thought that God's humble poor, has such a stronghold to flee to in times of trouble. Here we are safe from a broken law; safe from the world, the flesh and the devil.

The dove is Christ is not only in the clefts of the rock, but she is in the secret places of the stairs. The stairs represent Christ also.

Jacob saw a ladder that reached from earth to heaven. A ladder or stairway has steps by which we ascend or descend. Now the steps are secret steps that none know of but God's people.

Prayer is one of these secret places. There is no power in the world that can prohibit His dove from this secret stair way. Here Christ meets with them and they sup with Him and He sups with them. Another secret place in the stairs is praise to God. The little dove often has to spread her wings of faith and fly for life from the blood thirsty hawk, but when safe in the cleft of the rocks then what a feast of rejoicing and praise to God for deliverance.

It is a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Another secret place in the stairs is meditation. There are hundreds of Gods humble poor that are old and feeble, they can no longer go to the House of God. There are others that are cast on beds of pain. Others are far away in strange lands. But Christ meets with them in secret meditation, and when they meet Jesus in the field of meditation, a third party would be an intruder. Just you and your lover; what a feast.

Another secret place is when He walks with us in the thorny way and opens to us the Scripture.

Look how they sparkle with jewels. Oh, when he unlocks these rich mines and let us behold our riches, we forget our poverty.

"Let me see thy countenance, let me hear they voice; for sweet is thy voice and thy countenance is comely." Jesus invites His dove to look to Him, so dear child of God turn your tear stained face to Jesus, look heavenward; you have nothing to fear. It is true little dove, you spent your life in mourning, but there is beauty in your tears to Christ.

He takes notice to every tear that falls from your eyes. He also invites you to let Him hear your voice; it is music to Him, your voice in prayer. Although, it may only consist of groans, yet it is sweet to Him.

Dear reader, I have scarcely touched the great truths in the text. Preach it out and enjoy it.

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by Don R. Richards

I am guilty of doing the same thing I have watched happen to others. It has happened slowly, but surely.

This month I am replacing the picture of me that is printed at the top of this column. I have used the previous one for a number of years, and it is time for a change. I used the old picture too long.

The old picture was accurate -- when it was made. This new picture is accurate of my present appearance. If you have not seen me lately in person, this change may appear to be a dramatic change in my appearance.

It reality, this change in me has not been as fast as the difference in the two pictures might otherwise appear. The change in my appearance has occurred slowly, but surely. It is time I faced up to it.

Whether I want to admit it, or to believe it or not, I am getting older. And as the above picture accurately portrays, my hair is no longer brown, but is gray.

The greying of my hair has occurred not overnight, but has happened slowly, but has surely occurred over several years. It started when I was in my early 30's with only a few sporadic grey hairs, that I hoped at the time would give me the "mature" look we all vainly desire when we are young. Now I long for the darker locks again.

The hair change for me has occurred so slowly I really have not noticed it on a day-to-day basis. It is only when I compare myself over a lengthy time frame that I recognize the dramatic difference.

Most people can identify with this type of change in appearance. We all admit it, however reluctantly, that this change occurs. It is a very basic change in our nature.

But, do we admit it as easily, or recognize it, when we go through a spiritual change? I am afraid we do not. Do we recognize it when Satan slowly, but surely, eats away at our spiritual being.

Like the greying of our hair, our spirit is attacked by Satan slowly, but very surely. Satan is patient, and continuously active. And like the greying of hair, it is not something that gets our attention on a day-to-day basis. But the deterioration in our spiritual lives can be recognized as very dramatic if we examine ourselves over a long period.

We can have some immediate excuse for missing church this Sunday. And we may get too busy to read/study our Bibles on a regular basis. It is "no big deal" because it is only a small change, one we do not even recognize day-to-day. We know we do not intend to "let it get out of control".

Whether we miss church or not a time or two, or fail to study our bibles for a short period, we each "know" we can control it. Slowly, but surely, we find ourselves losing a little bit of our spiritual identity. Over a period of time without our recognition of it, it grows to be a dramatic change. How many people have you witness this happening?

We all know that too many kids find themselves only "trying" drugs or abusing alcohol "one or two" times. But it is always something they can "control" and not let it get out of hand. But yet, there is not one alcoholic and not one single drug addict, who did not start out playing with something that they thought they could control.

When we start allowing ourselves to be pulled into the things of the world, it happens slowly. But over a period of time it becomes very dramatic. Think of the people to whom you know this applies. You see a slow departure from the Lord, thanks to the handiwork of Satan.

What can happen to us is what was noted as happening to Samson at Judges 16:20 as Delilah cut his hair while he slept: Samson was not immediately aware "that the Lord was departed from him." That same things happen to us when we start to fall spiritually asleep — the Lord becomes departed from us.

"Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err my beloved brethren." James 1:14-15.

Slowly, but surely, the smallest sin grows, and like my grey hair, it changes us a little at a time each day until it abounds to cover the entirety of our head. It occurs so slowly we may not notice day-to-day, but it becomes dramatic over a period. Satan’s slow-but-sure workings condemn us in this world. It’s a doctrine of fear and causes us much suffering in this world.

Thank goodness we have a Lord of grace and mercy. He forgives. As we know that sin abounds, the Lord’s grace much more abounds. Romans 5:20.

We should be ever so grateful and thankful for our Lord’s eternal plan of grace and mercy, regardless of our worldly works (II Tim. 1:9). We should be so thankful that in spite of our own actions in sin, the Lord has taken our eternal destiny out from under the law of sin and death, and allowed to reap the unearned benefits of his eternal grace. Rom. 8:2; 6:14; Eph. 2:1-10.

I could save myself from much embarrassment and ridicule if I watched and examined my grey, diminishing hair daily, and regularly updated my picture. If I would watch my spirituality daily, carefully examining each small change which, slowly but surely affects me, I could save much much pain in this world.

Examine daily your spiritual life. Ask the Lord daily to give you the strength necessary to keep your faith and spirit strong. It will save you a lot of pain in this world.

Our spiritual growth is something with which we should stay diligent.

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I have this friend who I love dearly. She is one of the best people I have ever met. If anyone in the neighborhood is sick or needs help, Ruth is always near wanting to know what she can do to help. She never speaks evil of anyone. She goes under the premise that there is good in everyone, if we look for it, instead of something bad, which by the way, we all have that also.

She sees that people who are sick have plenty of good warm food to eat. If she sees one of God's little children is over in "left field" going down the wrong road, she will do her best to help there also. She has a kind word for everyone.

That is my friend, Ruth... I have told myself for months that I should go over "tomorrow" and tell her how much I love and respect her...unfortunately, it is too late...you see....We buried Ruth today.

Opal Harrison

Charlotte, N. C.

By Elder Hulan Bass

John 17:5 - "And now O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."

Heb. 10:5 - "...but a body hast thou prepared me."

Gen. 22:8 - "And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering."

Notice the same principle herein. The body was prepared me. Jesus is saying that the essence of the Godhead was all the fullness of such. It does not say a "body was prepared for me." The body was Me. Also, Abraham told Isaac, that God will provide Himself a lamb. That is Christ in picture or figure form. It does not say a "God will provide for himself a lamb." Christ is Himself the Lamb - The Body. All sheep have bodies.

Further, the Glory was revealed and manifested in that still same body of flesh and bone - John 1:14- "And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, [and we beheld His Glory, the Glory as of the only begotten of the Father.] full of grace and truth." Please observe - it did not say that "The Word was put into flesh." But, that "the word itself was made flesh." That is flesh and bone body Christ Himself, the very essence of all the fullness of the Godhead - Col. 2:9. Further, the term "only begotten" does not just refer to the birth of the Virgin Mary, but the Glory has always been with and in Him. The glory of God was "of the Father," and was instantly displayed in that infant body even. Read Matt 2:2-speaks of the Star in the East. Matt. 2:10- speaks of when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. This glory manifested, Luke 3:9---14- refers to "The Glory of the Lord shone around about them." This heavenly host was praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest...." That is glory manifested. And these texts are contextually pointing directly to that Infant Body - Christ Jesus. The point is we did not have to wait for Him to grow up, preach, be crucified- die, be buried and then be Resurrected before He became a Glorious Body. He has always been such.

1. Glory Image of Son of God-

This is one hat Jesus wore, and at times such was only in the forefront, but the other was not absent. His persona or mask or face or image was displayed as any particular occasion warranted.

2. Glory Image of Son of Man

This is the other hat Jesus wore, and at times such was only in the forefront, but the other was not absent. Both were always present with Him, but both were not always shining forth in a manifested or displayed manner. It was His call, or choice, as to which was expedient at any given moment or occasion in various environments.

John 17:5 - Jesus was not asking the Father to glorify Him by returning the glory, but that the time has come when this still same flesh and bone body would only shine forth with the radiance of the still same flesh and bone body to manifestly display in the fore-front the Glory of the divinity of Christ. I have heard it said, that during that earthly sojourn in His body, that He had completed the image of "looking like His brethren," and now He was ready to be re-clothed with the Glory of Divinity from His Father. Please note- Heb. 2:17 states, "Wherein in all things it behooved him to be made like unto His brethren." It did not say that He "only looked like" His brethren, but was made like unto them and still in-

John 1:14 - "The word was Made flesh and we beheld His Glory." He was both simultaneously, but only one or the other Images was displayed at any given time, not both. However, He could have done so.

Matt. 17:1-8 - Transfiguration of Christ was demonstrated to The Law- Moses and The Prophets - Elijah, with both pointing us to the N. T. Redeemer and the Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets - Matt. 5:17. There Jesus was standing before them in His Son of Man Image, and He simply, unzipped His Humanity robe and revealed that within that same flesh and bond body as also simultaneously the Divine Son of God. When he unzipped His humanity, His divinity-and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light." This fact that shined as the sun was the same face of that still same flesh and hone body, but Divinity was presently reflected and manifestly displayed. Such even affected His clothing, which became as white as the light. This did not cause Peter, James and John, nor Moses and Elijah to die, but it did cause much and great humility to the three disciples.

Luke 9:29 - states that -"the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering." This was the same body face before and after the transfiguration. He did not change faces, but the same face's countenance was altered. The fashion- appearance of his outward image was modified, altered, changed, but still the same body face. There has only been one entity to ever be able to do such, and that is the Divine son of God/Man.

We will be changed likewise at the End-time, at the 2nd Coming and "fashioned, modified, altered changed," like unto His Glorious Body, and His body has always been glorious, even on Calvary's Cross, even though the "fashion of His countenance was certainly altered there," but still the same glorious body. Phil. 3:21; 1st John 3:2; 1st Cor. 15:51--54.

Further, we observe that Christ Jesus - The Manifested displayed same body of flesh and bones has always been from the foundation of the world - Covenantly, and will always be, even in eternity past and eternity future - was, is and always will be.

Rev. 13:8; 5:6 both confirm that Christ's body stood as a Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World. He has never been without this same body, when we consider the Covenant, the Cross, the present throne-room and His 2nd Coming. Remember, Lambs have bodies. So do all sheep.

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ORIGIN OF SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday School was instituted by Robert Raikes, in Gloucester, England, in the eighteenth century. It is therefore an institution of man, and is not in the Scriptures. It is too young to be found there.

It was first instituted for the object of teaching poor children to read and write. It was to teach literature, not religion.

It has been adopted by worldly religionists, and the expressed object changed by them. It does not belong to the Bible nor to the church of Christ.--Elder C. H. Cayce, 1929.

From the Advocate and Messenger, June 2001

By Brother Bud Lowrance

Graham, Texas

Isaiah 44:22. "I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud, thy sins; return unto me; for I have redeemed thee." The Lord's people, spiritual Israel; need to return unto him with their whole hearts; for he has redeemed them, and bought them back.

Rev. 5:9 - "for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;" In verse 21 of Isa. 44, he says, "I have formed thee; thou art my servant; O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me." And in verse 23, "Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it; shout, ye lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein; for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel."

Take notice, especially of the words in the above passage: There can be no doubt! For the heavens do sing His praises! And we in the lower parts of the earth do shout for joy, when we are made to know that the Lord is indeed KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Rev. 19:16. And when we see His creation, his mountains, and his forests, and every tree therein, that his hand has formed; and every tree a thing of absolute beauty-for only God can make a tree-then by the Spirit we can hear them everlastingly singing His praises!

Return unto Him with your whole heart; O his children! "Thus saith the Lord; Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16.

Return unto the Lord, as the dove did return unto the ark, unto Noah, when Noah had sent her out to see if the waters of the flood were abated from the face of the ground; and she found no rest for the sole of her foot. When we can find no rest for our souls in the whole of this material world, we must seek the Lord God. When we do, he is faithful to forgive. And when we have sought and found him out of a truly repentant heart, he will give us rest.

In Genesis 8:9, it says that the dove returned and Noah put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark. Oh, what a picture of God, the Father of his people Israel! When his little doves shall fly to him for refuge, he will put forth his hand, and take us, and draw us in unto him. Is. 60:8. "Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?"

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." If we truly delight ourselves in the Lord; what is going to be the desires of the heart? It will be to draw nearer to him-and to acknowledge him in all of our ways; and to trust in him completely, and to obey him. Obedience is better than sacrifice, according to his servant Samuel, in 1 Sam. 15:22.

In John 14:15 the Lord Jesus says: "If ye love me, keep my commandments. V. 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever. V. 17 Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. V. 18. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you." Nevertheless, when we forget him, and go astray into the world, we can expect him to punish for that forgetfulness, for he is faithful. Heb. 12:6-7 "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the Father chasteneth not?"

It is time to return; his Children; unto our Maker and Redeemer God, with our whole heart. Return unto the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Holy One of Israel, and to lift up his Christ, and put him first in our lives, for to him doth it appertain- Jeremiah 10:7. And Psalms 91:4 says that- "under his wings thou shalt safely trust."

And if we do not forget him; as we go to work each day, and go about our daily tasks, and do not forget him amidst all the world will put before us each day; but keep him always in our hearts and minds; then he will give us the fortitude to withstand all the temptations and to endure the trials that beset us by the way. and he will remind you where you left your armor. Ephesians 6:13-17. John 6:37 "All that the father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."

Return unto the Lord, O his Children; and unto thy God, O Israel. Is. 44:21-22 He says - "I have formed thee, thou art my servant; O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me."

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Brother Don, I was sorry you lost you wife. My husband died a year ago, after 52 years of marriage. It takes some adjustment.

I really enjoy the Banner of Love. May we all continue to receive it for many years. Am sending for two years subscription, and a little extra to use as you see fit.

Jane Long

Hedley, Texas

Note: We appreciate the extra.

I am sending a request for you to send a years' subscription to our son, Lewis Poss. He said today, he would like to get the Banner. I'd like you to know this is the third generation in my family, that is getting the Banner. My dad began getting the Banner long after your great-grandfather began publishing it. My mother, Lola Mullins still subscribes to it, and it comes to our house.

We want to encourage you to keep up the good work, we very much enjoy the Banner.

Your friends in Christ,

Elder Wayne and Sister Effie Lou Poss.

Note: Elder H. W. Richards was the publisher of The Glad Tidings. Elder H. G. Richards started The Banner of Love and Elder Afton Richards published it for 50 years, until his death in 1984.

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Dear Brother Richards:

I noticed that my subscription to the Banner is about to run out, so am forwarding my check for renewal for two years. Use any money left over as the Lord directs you.

I continue to glean from the good writings by the Lord's humble servants in the Word. I don't want to miss any of the papers.

May God bless you all in the continuance of this publication.

Sincerely,

Your Brother in Christ,

Ralph E. Knight

Fowler, Colorado

Dear Brother Richards: I hope that I've not forgotten to write you, and tell you how much I appreciate your efforts; [and Sister Richards efforts, also] to publish the Banner faithfully; and especially during your time of grief over the loss of your companion.

I know that I've been remiss in my support of your labors - therefore; I have sent a little to help- along with my article for your consideration, for printing in the Banner; if it should meet with your approval. I would not presume to pay to have it printed; nor would I presume to remove my support, should you not find room for it; for it is not my desire to be promoted by men. I hope my only desire is to praise the Lord God; and and to find a little Grace in His sight.

May He continue to bless you both, with the desire to continue in this work; and also thy will, and the strength that you need.

Bud and Dolores Lowrance

Graham, Texas

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Dear Sister Richards: We appreciate your hard work on the Banner.

Elder and Sister Barrington are doing okay at the present time.

Our eldest daughter, Sarah Cae, came forward requesting baptism and was baptized on April 29. We rejoice that God has led her to do this!

The Midland Church will host the West Providence Association this year on the first weekend, [Friday night through Saturday in August. We hope you can attend.

Love in Christ,

Martha Barrington

Midland, Texas

Note: Sarah Cae will be getting The Banner of Love for a year.

My dear Dad passed from this life, May 7th. Suffered much due to congestive heart failure, weak lungs; also diabetes among other things. He was 87.

Our Dear Lord blessed us to have him with us through the years. We know He has a purpose for each of being here, though, we don't see clearly now.

1 Cor. 13:12-13 also, 1 Cor. 15: 53-57 is real encouraging.

Thanks so much for praying for us; also for all the time you all have prayed for us in times past.

May our Dear Lord strengthen you all. He will see us through.

With Love,

Sister Loretta Lilly

Note: Sister Loretta, we pray for you in your loss. May God bless you. Opal Richards

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My father, the late Cecil McCoy, use to tape a lot of sermons and singing. I now have the reel to reel tapes of a lot of ministers that I'd like to give to the families of the ministers, if anyone would be interested in them.

Some I have recordings of are: Elders: Kenneth Martin, Jasper Chambers, Archie Robertson, Luther Porter, Thomas Collier, Luel Handley, Elvis Barrington, Cook, Carl Watson, Gayle McCoy, Cleveland Bass, Avery Land [from Tenn.] Bernard Gowens, Jesse Bass, Vernon Venable, J.P. Dale, Jimmie Bass, E.J. Norman, L. Bradley, Jr., Smith [of CA.] Joe Jackson, Dale Magers, Afton Richards, James Land, Harold Russell, Sylvester Gowens, Arthur Yarbrough, Johnny B. Rodgers, Boles, Archie Mobley, Harold Tipton, [Georgia], Raleigh Dale, and W. R. Dale.

Most all of these have two ministers on them. I also have several singing tapes of the Muleshoe singing from 1970 and 1972. Also several Sacred Harp Singing conventions in 1964.

I will be glad to send these to anyone who wishes to have them. As you can see, they are getting old and some of the tapes may break. Please call 806/757-2375, or write to me at HC 3 Box 72, Hale Center, TX 79041, or e-mail me at: garlic/cloves@sptc.net to request which ones you'd like to get. I hope these will bring as much joy as my father had in recording them and listening to them.

Sincerely,

Patsy McCoy Richardson

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The Borger Primitive Baptist Church had its annual meeting and communion the third Sunday weekend in May with good singing, preaching and fellowship.

On Friday night Elder Tim Janes preached on "The peace that comes only from above." He was followed by Brother James Baker, who preached about "Unconditional Election."

Saturday morning Elder T. J. Pittman went forward with "Blessed Assurance" of a home in heaven. He was followed by Elder Gail Faries, whose subject was "Comforting the Afflicted."

Saturday afternoon Elder Bernard Gowens preached about prayer of the Lord [or the prayer of the High Priest] fulfilling the will and glorifying His Father. Elder Janes followed him with the "Rivers and waters of the Spirit of God, and the pure waters of the River of Life.

We did not meet Saturday evening, but met back again Sunday with Elder Faries preaching on "How Jesus Treats Sinners."

We went into communion and the Lord was with us and we were wonderfully blessed.

The Lord be praised.

Love,

Leon Watson

By Elder Berwyn F. Hand

Tithes are taught in the old Testament scriptures as a legal practice and requirement with all the rest of the Practices of Law age. Jesus came and fulfilled those and set in order the blessed grace age for the Christian to live by. Luke 16:16, Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy but to fulfill.

Also Matt 5:17. Look, Matthew 23:23 talking to the scribes and pharisees, Hypocrites! Brother, I don't want to line up those fellows, do you? What an entertaining thought to a hireling: If I give ten percent of my money to the church and teach them that tithes is for the gospel church. "Which it is not", then I would have my pockets filled without working.

Say, I had 30 of these weak none Bible studying Church members are being taught to do. Look at the profit a fool as I would make. Yes, I know the scriptures teach that it is more blessed to give than receive Why not give 10% or even 30%? Think of the poor widow who gave all her living. Yes. it is good to give 10% or even 9%, but let us not make it the law requirement as I understand some are doing.

Let us hear from Hassell, "The volunteer system is best corresponds with the spirit of the gospel, as practiced by the church for the first three centuries, and is the most advantageous to the kingdom of God, legal enactments for the payment of tithes to the ministry, as to the priest among Jews are not met with the Christendom before the sixth century...Nor among Old School, Primitive or Bible Baptist.: Page 316.

All this being true of the preacher will hold true and good for the rest of our given money to the church and I have helped to build two fine places of worship, and have been blessed for it, while doing so, also been given a small check for gas money at times but some one missed a blessing in doing so, but the dear brothers and church's are going overboard for me now, for which I am thankful. By the same token, a good sister kept trying to give me a five dollar bill for a long time and I would not take it, because I knew she needed the money, but this time she said, "Would you take that blessing of giving from me in giving to the Lord?" Thank God, I learned a great lesson from her and do thank God for it and she did not believe in tithing either.

I have tried to keep this short and to the point, but there is a lot more on the subject. Please do study it. God bless is my prayer, and pray for me when at the Throne of Grace.

Berwyn F. Hand, Elder .

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