John Urquhart, part 21: Final Letter to a Friend
Why does God leave us so long in a world of sin? Why were his ancient people forty years in travelling through the wilderness? Why are we exposed to so many temptations?
John Urquhart, part 22: Ushered Into Glory
The most heart-rending scene I ever witnessed, was on the Tuesday night before his death. Mr. Urquhart came into the room, and at the bed-side gave up in prayer his son to the Lord.
William Nevins, part 1: A Life Half-Lived in 19 Years
Effort is much easier than self-denial. I can more easily and cheerfully make many wearisome efforts, than practice one act of abstinence. Therefore the latter is the better test of character.
William Nevins, part 2: Ministry Begins in Baltimore (1820-1822)
In the summer of 1820, William Nevins left Richmond for Baltimore to become pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.
William Nevins, part 3: A Time to Rejoice (1822-1832)
Once the reality of marriage loomed on the horizon, Nevins joked to a friend that he was so busy with his pastoral work that he wasn’t sure he had time to be married. Somehow he found the time.
The Hymn Story of Just As I Am: How Disability and Despair Produced a Christian Treasure
Putting her gifts to use, she preached the gospel to herself in a poem. Regardless of how she felt, she would trust in the things she knew.
William Nevins, part 4: A Time to Weep (1832-1835)
It has been said of the cholera that it begins where other diseases end—with death. (William Nevins, 1834).
William Nevins, part 5: Mrs. Mary Lloyd Nevins (1801-1834)
I had always expected that the prospect of death would almost frighten me out of existence; but now it has no terrors. I rely on Jesus, and feel I shall be happy when I die.
Just As I Am, part 2: Come to the Gentle Lamb
When we consider him in his role as a Lamb, it makes it easier for us to understand that he will receive sinners. A Lamb has asked us to come to him.
William Nevins, part 9: Down the Mississippi, Never to Return.
Oh, if I were but assured that Jesus was with you then, and that you are now with him, I should still weep, but they would be tears of gratitude! Oh, if you are with him, stay where you are! I would not call you back—you would not come! No, if you sleep in Jesus, sleep on.
Just As I Am, part 3: Health and Hope For Those In Despair
The Christian life should have an upward trajectory, but it is not without its days when Jesus is not sweeter than the day before.
Just As I Am, part 4: Everlasting Love
A deficient understanding of God’s love is a critical weakness; a proper understanding of it would inevitably change our whole outlook on life.
William Nevins, part 19: The Conversion of the Church
There is walking in love, and following peace, which, as well as contending for the faith, are unrepealed laws of Christ's house. I believe they can all be done, and that each is best done when the others are not neglected. I am sure truth never lost any thing by being spoken in love.
William Nevins, part 20: Let Me Die Thy People’s Death
September 14, 8 AM. He asked for another hymn of John Newton’s to be read to him. His friend began to read each verse of “Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare, Jesus Loves to Answer Prayer.” After each verse Nevins made a few comments. After some time, his friend read the final verse—Show me what I have to do, Every hour my strength renew, Let me live a life of faith, Let me die thy people’s death.
William Nevins, part 21: He Acted Instead of Talking
When William Nevins died, his congregation asked George Musgrave, another Baltimore pastor, to conduct his funeral. Some time later Musgrave composed a list of Nevins’ character qualities that were worthy of emulation.
William Nevins, part 22: In Memoriam
. . .he “considered Dr. Nevins as among the very best preachers in the United States.”
The Church’s One Foundation, hymn story part 1: High Spirits, High Calling – the life of Samuel J. Stone
As a boy he was always doing something or other with gunpowder or firearms or climbing dangerous trees, or tumbling into the river. He was full of pluck, and full to the brim of the love of adventure.
The Church's One Foundation, part 2: Unity of the Faith Through Union with Christ
Walls and buildings, awe-inspiring architecture or stunning pipe organs, theater seats or space age sound systems—these do not turn a group of people into a church. The church consists of people who may gather in a building called a church, but the building itself is does not certify those who gather inside.
The Church's One Foundation, part 3: Torn and Worn; Troubled by Haters and Traitors
Most of the New Testament churches have frictions or divisions, but Corinth runs away with the prize. Paul writes to the Galatians of false teachers and to the Philippians of envious evangelists. Divisions on the inside, attacks from the outside—this becomes the playlist for the next 2,000 years.
The Soliloquy of a Rationalistic Chicken
Now I reflect, it is, I do maintain,
Less than my reason, and beneath my pride
To think that I could dwell
In such a paltry miserable cell
As that old shell.