Collected Memories of Captain and Mrs. Buchanan-Dunlop
Table of Contents
James Buchanan-Dunlop
Born Sept. 19th, 1840 Died July 1St, 1928
Memoir
In the midst of a day of decline, when men are seeking to pursue a life of ease, and when "giving up" the truth is almost generally characteristic, it will be felt by all who love the Lord, to be useful in no common degree, to briefly trace the steps of one who but lately left us and who, during his long life, had but one desire-to wholly follow in the footsteps of his Master.
Birth
James Buchanan-Dunlop was the second son of the late Robert Buchanan-Dunlop of Drumhead, near Cardross, Dumbartonshire. He was born in Westboume Place, London, England, on September 19th, 1840.
A Bright Sunrise-Early Life
He completed his education at Brighton College, England, and afterward joined the Highland Borderers (Stirlingshire Militia) as Ensign.
Zeal and High Character' Recognized
On July 14, 1858, his Colonel, Sir Alex. Maintland, recommended him for a Commission to Prince Albert, Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifle Brigade. In this application, he was very highly commended for his zeal, initiative, pleasing manners, pure character, amiability and high education. The Prince replied through his Secretary on September 3, 1858, expressing his pleasure in offering James Buchanan-Dunlop a Commission without purchase in the Rifle Brigade,: and further marked his appreciation by granting him precedence over other officers. He passed his examination by the Council of Military Education at King's College and was Gazetted on October 25, 1858, being very highly complimented by Major-General Sir Charles York, K. C. B.
Service in India
After joining the Rifle Brigade as Ensign in the year 1858, he spent a short period at the Depot in' Winchester. He was then sent to India on a sailing vessel via Cape Town. He loved music and on the voyage used to go up to the foretop to practice on his cornet. In India he served till early in 1864 and took part in the Umbeyla campaign against the' Border Tribes. Upon obtaining his promotion to Lieutenant he was ordered to the Depot and returned to England.
Conversion
Soon after landing in England he went to visit some relatives in Scotland, and while staying at Boturich Castle, Dumbartonshire, was much impressed by a sermon preached by the Minister of the, Presbyterian Church at Alexandria, near Loch La mond. Later, this impression caused him to attend meetings held by the late Lord Radstock and during one meeting when this servant of the Lord was speaking on the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19) the word was used by God's Spirit to his conversion.
The Bible Class
In the year 1867 his brother (H. D. B. Dunlop) and he were sent to the gymnasium at Aldershot. Here, they attended Bible Classes held by a dear Christian (Mrs. Daniels) at the Soldiers' Home. James Buchanan-Dunlop took up the work amongst; the soldiers with the same zeal that had marked him in his earliest days and soon became, as Mrs. Daniels said, her "right hand man."
Progress
He progressed spiritually and was not behind physically 'or in material things, for he became a very proficient gymnast performing feats which others could not do. He was always active and strong, of good character, fond of sport and a splendid cricketer.
Without doubt, the Lord had His eye upon him in these early days and was preparing him for a pathway of special service for Himself. Right up to the end of his life he was a Soldier in every sense of the word and never sought an easy path for himself as we shall see later.
Desire After the Lord
Speaking to the writer about this part of his life he mentioned the deep desire he had after the Lord., Yet he often wondered why he did not make the progress he so longed for. While meditating thus, a verse of scripture flashed across his mind:-
"The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." (Prow. 13, 4.)
Then a second scripture came prominently before him:-
"One thing have I desired, and that will I seek after." (Psa. 27.)
These scriptures made him more in earnest a he himself expressed it, "I saw that it was right t. have a "Desire" but that in itself was not sufficient as Prov. 13, 4 showed me, for the "sluggard" had that. Together with the "Desire" there must b-the "Diligence" and the seeking after these things."
What a splendid thing it is for a young man with life before him and a wonderful career to turn from it all and put first things first as we are exhorted "Seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and his righteousness." (Matthew 6, 33.)
In Canada
In the year 1868 he was ordered to join the 1St
Battalion of the Rifle Brigade and proceed to Canada. Here he and the late Lord Adelbert Cecil who was an Officer in the same regiment still continued in the work of the Lord among the soldiers and others.
They were baptized together in the year 1868 in a little Baptist Church at Clarance, about twenty-five miles from Ottawa. Their evangelical work extended all around these parts—Clarance, Thurso, Lochaber Bay, Windover, Buckingham, Rockland,
East and West Templeton and many other places. They lived in a tent, sometimes slept in doorways of schools, by the road sides or in barns. They marched for miles around the country proclaiming the glad tidings and God blessed the word for many souls were saved-some of them are still living. deed it was my happy privilege recently, to meet an aged couple over ninety years old who had been blest by those meetings and they are still happy in the Lord.
Resigning Their Commissions
So much did the love of God take hold of his soul that he, along with Lord Adelbert Cecil and Lieutenant Turner, resigned their Commissions in order to carry on evangelical work in a wider field.
The following is an interesting report from the Toronto Globe which was published in the Rye Sussex Paper in Nov. 1868:—
"Lord Cecil and his colleagues, Messrs. Dunlop and Turner, who like him have relinquished their commissions in the Rifle Brigade for the purpose of being free to evangelize, occupy the Quebec Theater on Sunday afternoons, and a large hall on two evenings in the week where crowds as large as can be packed assemble to hear them."
Not only did they have love for sinners but they also saw that the Lord desired them to break bread in remembrance of Him. This they did every first, day of the week.
The Church As the Body of Christ
While thus carrying out the Lord's work they were traveling in a train to Ottawa and James Buchanan Dunlop asked a fellow traveler if he knew of any real Christians in Ottawa and was informed of one called Captain Scott. They were not long in getting into touch with this Christian and had a talk over the word together. This was the means of him learning the wonderful truth of the Church being the body of Christ and of being gathered to His Name as the scripture says, "Where two or three are gathered unto My Name, there am I in the midst" and as thus gathered they maintained the truth of the One body. This was all new to these officers and they identified themselves with a company of Christians gathered in the Lord's name.
Like a New Conversion
This truly was like a new conversion to him, indeed it so took hold of him that he told me on one occasion he got a horse and sleigh and took a loaf and some wine to drive out to the place where he had been preaching to tell them of the One body of which every Christian was a member. So full of joy was he at this thought that on the way he did not notice where he was driving and was upset in the ditch. Upon arriving at his destination he spread the table and told those gathered of the truth that they were all members of the One body and invited them as members of that body, to come forward and break bread as the Lord had asked them to do. There were only a few responded.
Opposition
Immediately they commenced to preach and teach about the Church as the body of Christ, they experienced opposition from the so called churches around. Still they went on and their labors were blest of the Lord. The sphere of their labors extended around Perth, Smiths Falls, Rideau Ferry, Bathurst, Pike Falls, Napanee, Whitby and about the year 1882 he carried the gospel to the Indians in the North West, where God used his labors in blessing to souls. In or about 1883, he went to the British West Indies to tell of a Savior's love, and was greatly used of God.
Marriage
In July 1900 he was married to Miss Mary Joyce of Ottawa who proved a heal helpmeet to him in his journeys. We often hear of people "getting married and settling down," but there was no thought of "settling down" with this dear servant of the Lord. Only a week before he was called home we were speaking together of Psa. 84, where the' Psalmist speaks in the first four verses of a "Dwelling Place"—God's House—a "Testing Place"—the Valley of Baca—a Hiding Place—God Himself as a sun and shield. As we were thus talking, he said— "I like that Psalm, and my wife and I called it our "Wedding" Psalm because the minister read it at the wedding service. Thus we see that the one thing of Psa. 27 which gripped his soul thirty-three years previous to this occasion, still held him and like the poor worthless bird, the sparrow, and wandering bird—the swallow, he had no home, only Jehovah's Altars.
After his marriage he and his wife spent a very considerable time amongst the Indians in the North West, also other parts of Canada, as well as the British West Indies. In this work they both had to endure many hardships, sleeping in a tent or in the room where the preaching was held. They used to walk for miles around the country.
Mrs. Buchanan-Dunlop's Departure
In the year 1927 (August 22nd) his dear wife and companion in the Lord's service, was called home. She had been suffering for some considerable time, but never gave in until compelled to. She passed away very peacefully with her hand in his, and her body was laid to rest in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa.
This was a very heavy blow to our brother, but it was wonderful how his heart was still set on the Lord. While staying with him for a short while after his wife's death, he told the writer of receiving a letter from his brother who desired that he should come and stay with him in England, but said he. "If I go there—they are all so kind and I'm afraid I'd settle down and I don't want to do that." Often times he had expressed a wish to die in harness.
At the end of 1927, and in spite of his advanced age—87 years—he packed his grips and went to visit the British West Indies. Here he had a very encouraging time and his visit was a blessing to many there.
Return to Canada
In the early spring of 1928 he returned to Canada, and visited many in Halifax, St. John, New Brunswick, and after reaching Ottawa, continued to have meetings there, also in Smiths Falls, Perth and other places. He came to Hamilton on May 24th. Here many enjoyed his ministry on a portion of the Song of Songs—the love of the Bridegroom to the Bride—which seemed to charm his own heart as well as those who heard him. From Hamilton he came to Toronto where he held several meetings, but was called away to Smiths Falls and later returned to Toronto again.
A Bright Sunset
It is indeed grand to be bright for the Lord in youth's full brim, but grander still to be bright in old age. This was blessedly true through grace of James Buchanan-Dunlop, our beloved and esteemed brother who was called home on July 1St, 1928. He desired to die carrying on in the Lord's service, and this desire was granted.
His Last Words
On Lord's Day morning, June 24th, 1928, our brother was present at the meeting. He gave thanks for the Bread and Wine, very touchingly dwelling much on the precious love of Christ. Afterward he spoke of the offering which Noah offered and how it is recorded that "God smelled a sweet savor." This, he remarked, is how God can go on with us. It is because the precious fragrance of Christ, the, precious burnt offering is ever present before God as a sweet savor. All that we have and are is on; account of the Person and Work of Christ.
While thus speaking of the preciousness of Christ, he fell and was helped up, but continued speaking, finally finishing his exhortation sitting on a chair. Though thus stricken, it was most remarkable how the complete train of thought regarding the preciousness of Christ was maintained. After he had finished speaking, he asked that we sing that hymn—
"O Blessed Savior is Thy love,
So great! so full! so free!
Fain would we have our thoughts, our hearts,
Our lives engaged with Thee."
Our brother joined in the singing of the hymn with deep feeling. After the meeting, it was found that his left side was useless and he was taken to where he was staying and put to bed. He little realized that he was so sick, for he said to the writer, "I've had this before. Just let me lie awhile. I'll be all right and will be able to speak to the children this afternoon."
Later he said, "I feel God is saying to me—'Be still." You are thinking of the Psalmist who says "Be still and know that I am God." You are now to listen to God talking to you and let him love you." To this, he answered, Yes! Yes! Yes!
The doctor came and after examination, stated that our brother had had a stroke caused by the bursting of a blood vessel on the right side of his head, and he did not think he would recover.
His Last Message to the Children
Our brother was very fond of children and loved to tell them of Jesus, and when he realized that he could not do this, he said to the writer:—
"I wanted to speak to the children and tell them that they could not save themselves. I am thinking of that verse—'I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine Own sake and will not remember thy sins.' (Isa. 43:25.) Tell them there is no other way and if they neglect this, there is nothing but judgment for them."
His Last Gospel Message for Adults
Continuing, he said, "For the evening meeting, I had before me—'When I see the Blood, I will pass over you.' It is not sufficient to have the blood in the basin, it must be applied to themselves individually just as Israel had to put the Blood on the lintel and two side posts of the door. It is not sufficient to know all about the work of Christ in your head and give credence to the fact—that is like having the blood in the basin. Deliver this message for me."
Upon visiting him after the meeting, he was very happy in the Lord and asked if I had given the message to the children and adults. He mentioned that he had been praying for the word. Psa. 23 was read to him and he said, "That is lovely." He then asked for the Psalm which spoke of God being "A Sun and Shield." This was read to him—Psa. 84, verse 11, was on his mind—
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
He then asked that the hymn—"Something more than gold," be sung. After the singing of this hymn he said, "I like that hymn, it is about Zacchaeus, and God used the story of Zacchaeus for my con' version."
In-prayer together our brother prayed very touchingly for the word of the gospel and the saints who seemed to be much upon his heart. In his prayer too, he mentioned the boys in the Reformatory to whom the word had been spoken. In his prayer, he desired that God would bless the word to them and said, "May it please Thee to make some of them singers like the sons of Korah and perhaps porters to open the door and show saints the true center of gathering."
Blessed Be His Name
Monday, June 25th, he was very bright and spoke to the writer about the saints in Perth and Scotch Line and inquired whether there was to IN a general meeting on July 2nd at which he was hoping to be present. When asked if anything could be done for him, he said, "Ask the brethren to pray to the Lord, if it is His will, to give me the strength in my arm and leg again." Evidently it was hi, desire to still go on serving the Lord.
Tuesday, June 26th, our brother was informer as to his condition. He spoke of Christ and Hi love and asked for those lines which were quoted—
"I have a friend whose faithful love,
Is more than all the world to me,
'Tis higher than the heights above;
'Tis deeper than the sounding sea.
So old, so new, so strong, so true,
Before the earth received its frame,
He loved me, blessed be His name."
Very touchingly our brother repeated the last line of the verse. He then asked for the paraphrase— "The hour of my departure's come." As this was not known, a promise was given to get it for him.
"the Hour of My Departure's Come"
Wednesday, June 27th, upon visiting him he was very bright, and the paraphrase he had asked for on the previous day was read to him:—
"The hour of my departure's come,
I hear the voice that calls me home.
At last, O Lord! Let trouble cease
And let Thy servant die in peace.
The race appointed I have run,
The combat's o'er, the prize is won,
And now my witness is on high,
And now my record's in the sky.
Not in mine innocence I trust,
I bow before Thee in the dust;
And through the Savior's blood alone,
I look for mercy at Thy throne.
I leave the world without a tear
Except for those I hold so dear:
To heal their sorrows, Lord descend,
And to the friendless prove a friend.
I come, I come at Thy command,
I give my spirit to Thy hand;
Stretch forth Thine everlasting arms,
And shield me in the last alarms.
The hour of my departure's come,
I hear the voice that calls me home.
Now, O my God, let trouble cease
Now let Thy servant die in peace."
He was very touched as the fourth verse was read as it seemed to truly express his feelings for his many dear friends in Canada, England and elsewhere and this is why the words are in italics. After hearing this he said, "Thank you, thank you, that is beautiful—beautiful!"
Thursday, June 28th, our brother did not seem very well but enjoyed two verses of the hymn, "The sands of time are sinking." He asked for the hymn, "Oh, draw me Savior after Thee." After this was sung to him he asked for the lines "Blessed be His Name," which were read to him.
Friday, June 29th, after reading some letters to him, he requested that in replying I should give the saints his love and thank them for their prayers.
Last Message to Christians
"Tell them," he said, "Ever to give Christ the place of pre-eminence." He was then asked if he would like anything read from the word of God? He replied, "Revelation, the last chapter." After this was read he spoke of the Lord's coming to take all His Own home—"tilt then—the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us. That is what is needed, grace—grace." Later, he again asked for "The hour of my departure's come," but he quoted the second line, "I hear the voice that calls me home." In the early morning he called quite loudly, "Lord Jesus come, and take Thy dear people home! Take Thy dear people home!"
Precious Blood! Precious Blood
Saturday, June 30th, he was very quiet all day and in a kind of a semi-conscious condition.
Sunday, July 1St, about 2 a.m., after taking a little nourishment, he said, "Sing" and the words "The Lord's coming" were caught and after a hymn " 'Tis the hope of His coming" was sung. The words "When I see the blood I will pass over you were then quoted to him and he replied "Precious blood! Precious blood!" These were his last audible words. He then lapsed into unconsciousness and passed quietly home at 10.20 a.m.
Throughout his brief illness, it was beautiful to note the spirit of subjection and how he took everything from God's hand. Even in expressing appreciation for the kindness shown by many he said, "It is the kindness of God."
He is loved and mourned by all who knew him for he was indeed one of God's princes who walked as a servant upon the earth. (Eccl. 10:7.)
During his illness he had expressed a desire to be buried on the Scotch Line near Perth—the center of his early labors—next to Thomas Dodds.
Before the precious remains were sent from Toronto there was a short meeting where several brethren spoke of our brother's long and faithful service of love. One aged brother mentioned that he was converted through James Buchanan-Dunlop (JBD) in the Isle of Wight, England.
Interment
Tuesday, July 3rd, the precious remains of our brother were laid to rest in a little grave in the Cemetery on the Scotch Line next to Thomas Dodds. Fifty years or more beforehand brother Dunlop walked ten miles through a snow storm of almost knee-deep snow to preach the gospel. The week before, JBD had announced a Sunday afternoon gospel meeting to be held in the school-house adjoining the cemetery. But a huge snow storm Saturday evening blocked the roads. The road had not been broken, that is, not even by a horse and sleigh. Humanly speaking, one would think travelling to be an impossible situation. But JBD had announced the gospel meeting and felt he ought to be there just in case any one came, so JBD did walk the long distance through the deep snow.
Thomas Dodds rode less than a mile by horseback, because it was his duty to start the fire in the wood stove to warm up the schoolhouse for the gospel meeting. No one else came. So JBD preached the gospel to that one person. And that one person got saved that very afternoon. Thomas Dodds was a married man and soon his wife was also saved, and then eventually all their nine children were saved. Most were gathered to the Lord’s name.
“Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him ... . And the dead in Christ shall rise first (very, very many from that little cemetery!): then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
There were a large number present. Montreal, Ottawa, Smiths Falls, Rideau Ferry and Toronto were represented.
Funeral Service
Psa. 116:15, Phil. 1:21.26 and Rev. 14:1.3 were read by the first speaker from Ottawa in the house. He referred to our brother's life—he had lived like Paul for "Christ" and sought to bring others to Him. The hope of the coming of the Lord was ever before him throughout his long life of service. The death of God's saints are precious in His sight, so it is with our brother—he is absent from the body and present with the Lord and his body waits that glorious resurrection morning when death will be swallowed up in victory. He now rests, from his labors and his works do follow him and in that day he will receive his Master's "Well done."
The next speaker from Toronto read 2 Sam. 3:38,39 and Eccl. 10:7. "Today is a day of mourning—many amongst whom our brother has gone in and out and is known throughout Canada, England and other parts of the world will mourn this loss—it is indeed a day of mourning. There is a contrast between the death of our brother and the death of Abner. The king said, 'Died Abner as a fool dieth' (verse 33). Our brother did not die this way—to the very end he was a Soldier and so he died in full accoutrements. There is One who is touched, with this scene today—we read that David the king followed the bier and this can be said of our true David, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. What was He yester, day? He was a mourner—love made Him a mourner.: Almost the first words which came from His lips were 'Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.' Look at Him with those sorrowing sisters at the graveside, 'Jesus wept'—the shortest and shall we not say the sweetest verse in all the Bible. 'Today' He is in the glory. Has He changed? No! for we read He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities today—His heart is tender for indeed There is a prince and great man fallen this day.' All he had in this world—career, rank, comfort and all that goes to make up a man's life here he had renounced for that which was Eternal and in these Eternal things he lived. Just a little more than a week before he died a neighbor inquired, 'Where does that old gentleman live?' In heaven!' was the prompt reply and this is true. The loss is threefold, with many' of us it is a very personal loss. We have lost a true friend and a brother. It is a loss to those amongst whom he served and it is a loss to the church at large.
He was one of God's Princes rich toward God, a joint heir with Christ. A great man, yes, indeed, not as men count greatness, but great before God. The Preacher in Ecclesiastes says `I have seen servants upon horses and princes walking as servants upon the earth.' Yes, we see around us many servants upon horses—they are having a time of ease and comfort here in this world,—but how blessed to mark the goodly steps of the princes who walk as servants on the earth.' This is what characterized our brother to the very end and now his work is done, and his Master has called him home to rest on you eternal shore with the One he loved, and longed to see."
At the graveside a brother from Montreal spoke on 2 Tim. 4:7-8. He spoke on our brother's life of service and triumph, how that he with Paul could say "I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have' kept the faith." The Christian's life is one of victory with a sure and certain hope. A loving appeal was made to all those who knew not the Lord to start on the path of victory by accepting Christ as their own Savior. The reward—a Crown of Righteousness is a compensation to those who love His appearing. This is what our brother longed for to his last moments.
The brother from Toronto then spoke a few words on 2 Cor. 5:1. He remarked that in view of the dissolution of everything it was a grand thing to be able to say "We know." If the Lord doesn't come, all of us standing here may have to leave this tabernacle, but how blessed to, know we have another house-a building not made with hands—eternal in the heavens, and we will be clothed upon with our house which is from above. Before leaving the graveside, we sang, "Forever with the Lord, Amen, so let it be."
The passing away of our brother removes from our midst one of the last of those who was person' ally associated with the late J. N. Darby, Translator of the Bible and Author of a large number of books. Quite a number of the letters from J. N. Darby in his "Collected Writings" were in answer to letters from our beloved brother.
From the foregoing, we may gather that the secret of a bright life is:—(1) Conversion, (2) A Right Desire, (3) Diligence of soul to seek after the Lord, (4) A Dwelling Place—God's House,
A Right Object—to see the beauty of the Lord,
Prayer—to inquire in His Temple.
The following lines were written by our late brother in the year 1923:—
"Lord carry me up to Thy home in the glory,
Where Thou hast purchased a mansion for me,
Where free from distraction, and trials, and sorrows,
I'll rest in the joy of Thy presence with Thee.
Long has Thy Bride for Thy coming been waiting,
To take her, as promised, to rest in Thy home,
Come, then, Lord Jesus, we long for Thy presence,
Fully to know all Thy love for Thine Own.
O Lord, we grow sleepy and worldly and lukewarm,
Speak to our hearts of Thy coming again,
Touch our cold hearts with Thy love as our, Bridegroom,
Hasten Thy coming to take us all home.
Here nations are striving, false doctrines, deceiving,
Thy saints are divided and scattered from Thee,
Come! gather us Lord, to Thyself, in the glory,
And then come and reign, o'er creation set free."
With the calling home of this beloved and esteemed servant, the three Army Officers—Lord Adelbert Cecil, Lieutenant Christopher Turner, and. Lieutenant James Buchanan Dunlop, who together' resigned their commissions to do the work of evangelists, are now united in heaven.
An Old Word of Exhortation Repeated and Added to
To my dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ.
Dear Brethren in Christ:—
Yet another. year has rolled away, and we know not if we shall see another, or even a part of another; for " the coming of the Lord draweth nigh," one of the greatest proofs being, alas, (though with very much to praise and thank our gracious God for) the general low, lukewarm state of thing; among us, lukewarmness to Christ Himself, manifested in so many ways. And chiefly, I think I may say, in the fact that, (with exceptions that bring glory to God,) most "seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ," Le, He has not His proper place in our hearts. Our own things, being in His plate. So that though not wrong things in themselves, perhaps, yet the heart; unduly occupied. with them, even if right, and a duty to attend to them, the Lord Jesus, as the object to live for, and serve, is lost; His presence is slipt away from, and the soul is, unconsciously to itself, (may be,) at a distance from Him, And spiritual discernment is dimmed and spiritual power is almost gone. And there is no, or little, caring for the things of Jesus Christ as there once was, even if the outward walk be right, which ' it too often now is not through covetousness getting into the heart.
Suffer me, then, dear brethren, to urge upon you, and myself too, the truth, that we are "not our own;" but, "bought with a price." And what a price? He gave Himself for us Himself. That we are not left down here merely to live decent, moral, and respectable lives, and attend to our business and families and try and get on in the world, till the Lord comes. But to live unto Him, in our families and businesses, as witnesses for Him, and in some little way to serve each other, and souls around us, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice unto God; i.e., an all day, every day, user fee unto Him, which is our reasonable service; and " be not conformed unto this world, but transformed, by the renewing of our minds."
And what a happy thing this is? How we prove, "what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God," when heartily and really yielding ourselves up unto Him, as those that are alive from the dead, thus? How self, is practically gone too, when content with earning an honest living and giving up ourselves "to Coil," and "for others," we thus "walk in love"? (Eph. 5) What a sweet savor to God? And if you ask me for the secret spring, and I believe the only way to be able thus, to be devoted in heart to Him? How thus to have Christ as an object for our hearts as He ought to be? It is, in seeing that we are an object to His heart. That His heart is always thinking of, and caring for us. That we, are His treasure. That treasure hid in a field, which He sold all that He had, and bought the field, to get. That as one has said, "It is as true of Him, as it is of us, that where His treasure is, there His heart is also." Yes, dear children of God, so see that He is always thinking of, sympathizing with, watching over, and caring for us, loving us. Oh I to take it in more.
Let us dwell upon this, meditate upon it! Ask God to enable our poor, dull hearts, to take in Christ's great, and wonderful, and unceasing, unchanging love to us, as really His treasure, and really dear to Him, and we shall find Him becoming an object to our hearts., This is what draws out spiritual affection towards Him, to whom we owe so much. Yea, to whom we; owe everything, and to whom we belong. He will then become our treasure, and where our treasure is, there will our hearts be also. If there is one thing we fail in, more than another, the root failure, I think, it is in not really believing how much He loves us, or in forgetting it, and then comes all kinds of other failures, out of this one. Let us judge ourselves for this, dear brethren, praying that prayer in Eph. 3 which ends in asking that we may know love of Christ towards us, which passeth knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God.
A word or two more, beloved brethren. Do we pray for laborers, and for those who edit periodicals? And when you hear, or read, do you go to the Scriptures that are referred to, “to see if these things are so?" Oh I do not... let anything take you from the written word of God. If you have little time for reading, and’ you find yourself reading periodicals, and not your Bible, rather read ' your Bible. And always read the Word with the periodicals. Honor God's word, first. I am more and more persuaded of the importance of searching God's own pure word for oneself, though thankful for, and not despising any written ministry. For that would be very wrong and displeasing to God, who gives it. And let me urge on you too, to read prayerfully, and with the sincere desire to do God's will. And if in periodicals or reading the Word by itself, or other ministry, we get any light, or help, or stirring up, or have things brought to remembrance ,let us pray God to enable us to live out what we get from Him thus, that He may be glorified, and our own souls really and truly blest during the "little while." that we may still be left in this scene.
Believe me, yours affectionately in Christ,
J. B. DUNLOP.
Jan. 1908.
"Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His faces continually."—l Chronicles 16:5-11.
A Letter to a Conference. of Ministers Meeting at Laceyville, Pa., Nov., 1877
The following having received no answer, it is printed for the serious consideration of those who desire to test all things by the Word of God; and la order to this some explanations and proof texts are added which would have been out of place In the letter itself. They are numbered to correspond with it.
BRETHREN:—
We venture to appeal to you, as professed ministers of the 'Word and responsible spiritual guides of many Christian people, in a mutter when directly concerns yourselves and the people among whom you labor. We appeal to you with regard to the name you bear, with regard to the office you assume, with regard to the word you minister; and we trust to your Christian courtesy to give us a hearing, and to your sense of what is due to the Lord and to the souls of those with whom you are connected, to answer us as in the presence of Him with whom we have to do. There are more than ourselves that are looking for the answer, and expecting from the coming together of so many teachers of the Scriptures, that they will get help in difficulties they have begun to feel, and which affect their dearest and most important interests.
We appeal to you as unto brethren. We are not adversaries, nor even strangers, but of the one household of faith, washed in the blood of the one Savior, born of the one Spirit, looking for the same heavenly inheritance. We hold fast by the same word which you have in your hands. Owning it in its entirety as inspired of God and authoritative, we desire to submit ourselves unreservedly to its judgment in all things. We bring you, then, out of this blessed book certain things which it has taught us, and which we are endeavoring, therefore, to teach others. We have no shadow of doubt as to their truth, and we ask you to listen to them; not because we are uncertain, but the reverse. And as Christians, children of the same family, servants of the same blessed Lord, we would deem it a reproach indeed, if we could not come to you and frankly ask you to consider the doctrine we are putting forth, and give us an opportunity of meeting you with the Word in our hands, to confer together as to what is written there. This is what we do ask. Ourselves not shrinking from but inviting the testing by the Scriptures of all we say, we would give you credit for the same honest desire to come to the light.
And why should we despair of coming to unity of judgment, when our Lord says that " that he that willeth to do God's will shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." We submit to you, therefore, the following statement of some things which are prominent in our teachings, and as to which we would be thankful to be tested by the word of God.
1. And first, as to the gospel; we have learned:— That in order to a real walk with 'God and work for Him, the knowledge of forgiveness and enjoyment of peace with God are necessary conditions. We cannot walk with God until we have been consciously brought to God and His, "the Spirit bearing witness with our spirits that we are the children of God."
2. That in order to justification no work of man is required, but that, on the contrary, "to him that worketh not but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
3. That a sinner must repent; but repentance is not a work of man, but a conviction of a lost and helpless condition which shuts one up to salvation by the work of another.
4. That as Christ is our Savior, so is He our peace. That peace is found, not by self-examination, internal evidences or feelings of any kind, but by simple faith in the work of Christ for sinners; our title to trust it being our sins.
5. That our love to God springs from the knowledge of His love to us, and not conversely His love to us from ours to Him.
6. We teach Christians also, that their place of acceptance is in Christ before God, His death being the complete putting away of them as sinners, or men in the flesh, from before God forever.
7. That, as we are dead with Christ in His death, we are dead not only to sin, but to the law also, holy, just and good as the law is; that we are not under it, either for justification or as a rule of life. Our rule is as new creatures in Christ Jesus to “walk in Him."
8. That believers are quickened and raised up with Christ, and seated together in Him in heavenly places; that we are therefore heavenly as is the heavenly; citizens of heaven, not earth; not of the world as He is not, but only pilgrims and strangers in it, and to walk as He walked.
9. That He is coming for us to receive us to Himself before ever' He appears to judgment, and that we are not to be mixed up with the world therefore, either in a general resurrection or a general judgment. When He appears we shall (whether dead or living, raised or changed) appear with Him in glory, and with Him judge the world and reign over it. That the world will not be converted by the preaching of the Gospel as so many expect, but go on in evil till the Lord appears and breaks down opposition with a rod of iron; which rod of iron Christians are to share with Him.
10. That the millennium (so-called) will follow the Lord's appearing, and that the resurrection of the wicked dead will not take plane till the close of this period; that they (and not believers) will be "judged according to their works." No one can be judged according to his works without being lost forever.
11. We teach that the Church of God is the body of Christ, and therefore one body, not many bodies; the many bodies are what the Scriptures condemn as "divisions or-heresies;” as it also condemns denominationalism, or saying, "I am of Paul," etc.
12. That all membership is being members of Christ; that there is nothing in Scripture to authorize "joining a church;" the only true church being that to which the Lord joins. "By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body."
13. Water-baptism is not the door into the Church therefore.
14. There is no ordination to teach or preach in Scripture; and no such relationship as a pastor and his flock. Nor is it the part of a minister to lead the worship of the church, nor to administer the Lord's Supper. All this is innovation and against Scripture. In Scripture evangelists, pastors, teachers, are gifts in the body, the church at large; and haying the gift from God gives the only title and responsibility, to use it. All Christians are a “holy priesthood," and able to offer the spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ—one as much as another.
15. The Church has failed from the apostles' days, and increasing departure from God is prophesied of the last days being the perilous times, when men, having a. form of godliness, deny' the power of it. And from such we are expressly commanded to “turn away."
These, brethren, are only a few of the things which the Word of God has taught us, and upon which we are endeavoring to act. If these things are true, they are as binding upon you as upon Us.. Many here are exercised as to them. We are anxious to meet you over the Word, that it may teach us all what is true, and that we may be governed by it. Will you give us such a meeting?
Believe us to be, dear brethren,
Yours in the Lord Jesus,
F. W. GRANT.
J. DUNLOP.
W. GEO. HENRY.
An Appeal for Special Prayer
PERTH, ONTARIO, MAY 17TH, 1922
TO THE LORD'S GATHERED ONES
DEAR BRETHREN:
Some of us that go about from place to place—though there are things to be very thankful for—cannot but feel the sad spirit of declension—with exceptions—and the lack of spiritual power among us, in these last and Laodicean days! The little felt 'blessing from the reading of God's Word, (indeed in some meetings it is not read together at 'all! and meetings for prayer together almost given up!). And though thank God, some, 'how little manifest blessing, in Gospel preaching!
The state too of the dear children of God's own children exercises us, and calls for special prayer!
Then, while we hold fast the doctrine of the second coming of our Blessed Lord—and there are many signs, "Streaks in the sky," showing "The Day is approaching!"
Must we not confess, how little, like men and women, we are, that are really expecting our Lord may come any moment! And how much we are engrossed with our own things!
Those in Perth and other parts, have responded to the above appeal, and in Ottawa there is response also! So, if the Lord permit, those of us who are able here, purpose to come together each evening, except Saturday of next week, commencing Monday the 22nd, for special prayer and supplication, with humiliation, to plead with our gracious God, that in Mercy and Grace, and in answer to the Intercession of our Great High Priest—we may be revived, restored and refreshed together, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and 'blessing may come upon others elsewhere, and around us too! And the cry, "'Behold the Bridegroom Cometh," go out in fresh power, far and near! Dear Brethren! Would it not please God, if any, where you are—and are able to do so—would come together on the same evening, or some of the same evenings, as we do here, and join in turning to God with us? Who is always wining to answer prayer, and whose word says, "Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
When Israel were near the end of their wilderness journey, God refreshed them—and made them to sing, at "Beer!"
We are near the end of our journey down here now, also! May we not ask our gracious God, to refresh us, and others of His own dear people from the refreshment that flows from Christ! Who is, "The Fountain—the deep, sweet well of love!" and make us too, sing with joy—as we near the home and the rest above!
"Our calls may be weak—as a child's timid cry,
Our, hearts feeble plaint, scarce venture on high
Yet Christ For us pleading—we may persevere,
Through Him interceding—our Father will hear!"
Affectionately, yours in Christ,
J. B. DUNLOP.
Obituary
This Obituary was a newspaper article, and has some inaccuracies in it.
James Buchanan Dunlop
A man of God was James Buchan an Dunlop, who: died at Toronto' on July 1St, at the age of 88 years from a paralytic stroke. Mr. Dunlop was born in Scotland and a short time ago buried his wife, who was Mary Joyce. For many years this happy couple lived on the Scotch Line and went about the country doing good. Mr. Dunlop was a captain, having earned 'the rank, but he never used the title.' He was born in Scotland 88 years ago, and at an early age he was sent to India with hiss regiment. Returning to England he was sent 'to Canada; Where he was closely associated With the Lord. Adelbert Ceoil, whose life and piety made their deep impression upon him, states a gentleman who was closely connected with Mr. Dunlop, with the result that after deep exercise he was converted to God and began at once to preach the gospel. These two devoted servants of 'the Lord in order to have more' liberty for the final service of Christ resigned their commissions, and abandoning all earthly prospects and preferments went about the towns and villages of Canada living, among the Indians, and in the dwellings of the 'poor in order to "warn every man" and to; "teach every man" the wonderful' love of Christ in dying for sinners, and the virtue of His precious 'blood to put away sin. Only last autumn Mr. Dunlop, at his great age went, to the West Indies alone and lived' among the colored folk for some months. On his return it was quite evident that the hardship of the winter had told severely' on him, and while continuing until the very last to tell the story of the Savior's: love, it was felt that he would not long move about among those 'Who admired and respected him. About two weeks ago he suffered a severe stroke while preaching, but almost immediately 'Continued his address. This was the beginning of the end, and last Lord's Day, July 1St, he went to be With the One Whom he so dearly loved, and faithfully served. His body was brought to Perth, where he began preaching about fifty-seven years ago, and buried in the Scotch Line graveyard; not fat from the little cottage where he had spent many hippy, days, with his lovely Christian wife, who was taken from him About a' Year ago, returning often wearied for a little rest before starting again perhaps on an immigrant train to the North West or to some remote, and neglected place to proclaim "the unsearchable riches of Christ." Below is a copy of a hymn which he requested should be read to him, shortly before he went to 'be with the Lord:—
The hour of my departure’s come,
I hear the voice that calls me home;
At last, O Lord! Let trouble cease,
And let Thy servant, die In peace.
The race appointed. I' have run;.
The combat’s o’er the prize is won
And now my witness is on high.
And now my records in the sky.
Not in mine innocence I trust;
I bow before Thee In the dust;
And through 'My Savior's blood alone,
I look for mercy at Thy throne.
I leave the world without a tear
Save for the friends I hold so dear;
To heal their sorrows, Lord descend
And to the friendless prove a friend.
I 'come I. come at Thy Command,
I give my spirit to Thy hand;
Stretch forth Thine everlasting arms
And shield me in the last alarms.
The hour of my departure's come;
I hear the voice that calls me home,
Now, Oh my Lord! let trouble cease
Now let-Thy servant die in peace
The funeral took place on Tus. July 3 day, from the: residence of Mr. Ralph Dodds, of Scotch Line to the Scotch Line cemetery Among relatives from a distance were Mr. Reid; a nephew from; Toronto. Mr. J. S. McDowell preached the funeral sermon.
Pocket Diary of Mary Joyce Buchanan-Dunlop
126 Granville Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba January to March, 1901
162 Magnus Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, April to July, 1901
"The Lord holding the Reins"
Tregarva, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan August, 1901
162 Magnus Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba September to October, 1901
Tongue River, North Dakota November, 1901
162 Magnus Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba December, 1901
La Riviere, South Manitoba February, 1902
Ninga, South Manitoba February, 1902
162 Magnus Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba March, 1902
Tregarva, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan March to April, 1902
Tregarva, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan September, 1902
La Riviere, South Manitoba October 21 to November 8, 1902
Memorandum From 1900
God makes Himself known, shows forth His heart as a Father, who is deeply concerned about all that touches His own dear children. Oh, it is a real thing to lean heavily on those everlasting arms. It seems to be a time of special testing and stirring up to all His own. So many are going through such upheavals. "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him." Deut. 32:11, 12. I like that little word 'alone.' It is as if the Lord would have it known that none but He can teach or touch those so dear to Him.
An old man always said after any trouble of any kind great or small, "This also is for good for whatever God does is well done."
"What dying men need is a Divine Savior. It is not the doctrine which saves, but the Omnipotent and Beloved Being who laid down His life for us. It is an open secret that a minister's work is to fix every sinner's eye upon Christ only. The revival most needed is a revival of proclaiming Jesus with the tongue and of following Jesus in the life." J. L. Cuyler
Pardon is sweet, grace is sweet, heaven is sweet, but Christ is sweeter.
"My greatest pain is want of Him, not of His joys and comforts, but of a heart warm to communion."
Thursday, January 3, 1901
Trifles that Tell
The angry word suppressed, the taunting thought
Subduing and subdued, the petty strife
Which clouds the colors of domestic life;
The sober comfort, all the peace that springs
From the large aggregate of little things,
On these shall cares of daughter, wife or friend,
The almost sacred joys of home depend.
Hannah More
"He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning without clouds; as the tender grass springeth out of the earth by clear shining after rain."
2 Sam. 23:3, 4.
Friday, January 4, 1901
The Missionary's Meditational.
|
1
|
2
|
|
The century dies in tears,
|
In fears there we who trace
|
|
The century dies in fears,
|
Some far world's fateful race,
|
|
In tears! Our best beloved One at the port;
|
Down to a moment on our death-doomed shores;
|
|
On Natal's hills of storm
|
Watching that awful tryst,
|
|
Heroic blood is warm
|
Their thoughts turn athirst,
|
|
And white lips breathe at home, Beate mortui sont."
|
And hear no Father's steps adorn Time's corridors.
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
4
|
|
When a new age again
|
When first our earth did see
|
|
Dawns on the sons of men
|
Him on the bitter tree
|
|
Earth shall have ample crowns for Christ to wear;
|
The olden languages bore witness well;
|
|
In many another tongue
|
The Roman speech of force,
|
|
Anthems to Him be sung
|
The subtle Greek's discourse
|
|
A more exceeding weight of glory load heaven's stair.
|
The Hebrew rhythm of thought and mystic oracle.
|
|
5
|
6
|
|
But ere in His own time
|
Lord! Grant me grace to bend
|
|
He comes again sublime
|
Until my years I end
|
|
All in their proper tongue towards Him shall reach;
|
Over the poorest tongues beneath the sun;
|
|
Some that are infantine,
|
Such clay may yet supply
|
|
And others half divine
|
Gems for some liturgy,
|
|
With perfect cadences, the glory of all speech.
|
And God's thoughts clothe themselves from lowly Lexicons
|
|
7
|
8
|
|
Grant me no hasty apasm,
|
And when a full harp swept
|
|
But strong enthusiasm,
|
By a Master's hand hath kept
|
|
Great passion to win souls and make them free;
|
A stormy music rushing through the hall;
|
|
I ask not pomp at all
|
Suddenly He lays His palm
|
|
Or power rhetorical
|
On the strings, making calm,
|
|
But let my manifold being be lulled to rest on Thee.
|
A hush as if He held a harp marmoreal.
|
|
9
|
10
|
|
Lord! It were over bold
|
My long life task may lie
|
|
For me like one of old
|
In dust and drudgery,
|
|
To ask enlistment in the martyr-host;
|
But all is well if only it be Thine;
|
|
Although life's broken cry
|
Dust of Thy sacred feet,
|
|
Thereby wins perfectly
|
Drudgery not unmeet,
|
|
The one consummate voice that speaks life's purpose most.
|
So dust be dust of gold and drudgery divine.
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
12
|
|
Grant me Thy mighty grace
|
They tell me that there wait
|
|
Shall all my commonplace
|
For me at death's dark gate,
|
|
By Thy great leading be rendered high
|
The icy chill, the fierce touch of fire;
|
|
So through low leaves of thought
|
They who dare say no worse,
|
|
Blue sky may be inwrought
|
Say the missionary's curse,
|
|
My commonplace become Thine opportunity.
|
Is to die young and poor, nor go in this world higher.
|
Lord's Day, January 6, 1901
Up in good time. Cold, bright. JBD drove pony for Mrs. Doxey. Sadie and I walked to meeting and home. Quiet afternoon. JBD and I read. My subject was, "Christ, the Perfect Man," Psa. 16. Sadie went to her aunt's. JBD and I walked to Gospel. Mr. Heney preached from Gen. 15. JBD followed, impressing Rom. 4:20. "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God". Gertie Halcrow came to the meeting.
Monday, January 7, 1901
Florence came to go to school with Sadie. Cold and bright. Percy Holgate came in the afternoon and Florence returned to her sister's. Mr. Heney to tea. Percy Holgate all night. JBD had a letter from W. Taylor of Bisson. I had one from his wife, also from Miss Eva Porter of Tregarva, Assiniboine, "The beautiful grass, flowers and trees, the little animals that help us in so many ways, the little pet! that amuse us and please us, the bright sunshine and refreshing showers that make things grow, all these things ought to give us thankful hearts. God gives them all to make us happy and we ought not to forget to thank Him for them. "In everything give thanks." 1 Thess. 5:18. How often do we tell of the good things God has given us?"
Tuesday, January 8, 1901
Bright and cold. Percy Holgate went to the hospital. JBD and I drove to see Mrs. Gardiner, but she was out. I wrote to Tom, Fannie, Miss. Harman, Gordon of Beechwood Cemetery and Miss Sharpe.
Wednesday, January 9, 1901
Still, bright, and cold. In the afternoon JBD and I drove to see Mrs. Gardiner, Mrs. Arent and the Coleman's. Walked in evening to Reading. Subject was Acts 19, Baptism, Peace, Sealing. Florence came home with us. In the morning, JBD and Mr. Heney went to see Percy Holgate in the hospital. I was not Visitor's Day. "How blessed if our lives are such that the light shining in the darkness may be the means of pointing souls to Christ and cheering and brightening the paths of those that are His."
Thursday, January 10, 1901
Still, bright and cold. Busy all morning. JBD split wood, brought in ice, put the letter box on the door, drove Mr. Heney to the train for Bathgate for 2:10 p.m. In the afternoon, he went to see Percy Holgate in the hospital, and I went to see Mrs. Huckel who is sick. Florence wrote letters till 2 o'clock. A visit in a.m. from Mrs. Phais and daughter; in the evening near six, from Mrs. Mulock. I hope to quietly write and sew in the evening.
Friday, January 11, 1901
"This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5.4. "Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Tim. 6.6. If you are walking with the Lord and are content with what you have, knowing that He is doing the very best thing for you, and He has ordered all your circumstances in love, your gain will be more than you can compute. But if you murmur at your lot and complain against it, this will be to your sore loss. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee." Isa. 26.3
Saturday, January 12, 1961
Busy all morning. Very fine and mild. JBD took Mrs. Oswald to see Mrs. Brathwaite, and then took Mrs. Brathwaite and Francis Theodore Braithwaite for his first drive. Dinner a little late. Sadie did the washing in the morning. Florence, she and I walked as far as old Fort Gary. JBD remained home writing. Letter from Edith Gausby, "The Changed Cross" from Mary B., a photo of Kaslo from Mrs. Keown. I finished my letter to Mrs. Reader in the evening, also sewed. JBD went to see Mr. Gardiner. Late to bed. JBD had letters from Charlie Wanoika, Mr. Cross and Phil. Gibson in the morning.
Lord's Day, January 13, 1901
Morning wild, so JBD did not go for Mrs. Doxey. He, Sadie and I walked to meeting. Our first Sunday School in afternoon. Nineteen altogether. Our subject: the Wonderful Child. Isa. 9 and Luke 2 Drove to Gospel in evening. Edith Huckel with us. Mr. Gardiner preached Psa. 50:14, 22, 23 and Rom. 4 Drove home. Children at Sunday School were Edith Huckel and her neighbor, Sadie Scharf, Florence Scharf, Alice, Millie, Willie and Emma (family of Joe and Lydia Scales), Lettie and Isabel McDermot, Mrs. Greene, Katie, Jack and Buzz, Ethel Chase, Fred and Ruth Oliver. "We are not orphans, we are in the circle of the Father's love."
Monday, January 14, 1901
Did not light the furnace. Mr. Campbell came about 11:30 and put up a Woodland Queen. JBD took Mrs. Oswald for a drive and she spent a while with me. Busy cleaning up. First evening of week of prayer. JBD and I went. There were present Mr. and Mrs. Sadie Doupe, Mr. Brathwaite, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, Mrs. Robinson and little girl, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Chase and Mr. Greene. Oh, that we may all truly humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God. I must recount each day at least seven of our many mercies. John Gessler came to feed the pony and bring in wood. Florence Scharf came in the evening and to stay all night. Letter from Alice Atkinson.
Tuesday, January 15, 1901
The two stoves doing finely and much less trouble and expense. JBD busy sorting papers. Florence Scharf sewing. I, busy about the house. Snowing steadily all day. In afternoon, JBD resting his cold. We both hope to go to prayer meeting tonight.
Mercies:
1. At home, quiet and resting.
2. Weather mild, house comfortable.
3. The Lord putting in our hearts the desire for a week of prayer.
4. All our friends and family well.
5. Health, food, shelter, cat, and clothing.
6. Christ our Savior, Heaven our home.
7. Little pony to take us to meeting.
Too stormy. So JBD went in cab. Mr. Doupe, Mr. Oswald and Mrs. Gardiner and JBD out only.
Wednesday, January 16, 1901
Deep snow this morning. John cleared it away, fed the pony, etc. JBD's cold not much better, but he got up after breakfast. Mr. Oswald brought Mr. and Mrs. Perrin en route from Toronto to Vancouver for the latter's health. They were for several hours with us and told us of many in Toronto. JBD drove them to the station for 4:30. He and I drove to the Prayer Meeting. Mr. Oliver, Mr. Brathwaite, Mr. Gardiner and JBD prayed. Mr. Greene, Mr. Oliver and JBD drove home. I came in the cars. Very cold. Mr. and Mrs. Doupe were the only others there. Florence went to the Scales in the afternoon. Sadie kept house in the evening!!!
Thursday, January 17, 1901
JBD remained in bed till nearly dinner time. Then was writing, sorting letters. I went to post office, to buy books, and to grocers, etc. Home in time to give Sadie her dinner. John did furnace, pony, wood, etc. In afternoon, I mended socks, JBD read aloud the Will and other manuscripts. No letters. JBD not well enough to go to meeting. Mr. Greene came in and I walked to the hall with him. Only Mr. Oswald and Mr. Chase prayed. Mr. Greene was the only other brother. Miss Ledgerwood, Mrs. Robson, Miss S. Doupe and I only. Also Mrs. Oswald.
Mercies:
1. JBD's cold better.
2. Many comforts
3. The Word of God and prayer.
4. The quiet of one's own home.
5. Kind friends and their prayers.
6. Singing and making melody in the heart to the Lord
7. The hope of the Lord's coming.
Hymn in the evening, 76 (App): "Thine, Jesus, Thine", also 251: "Ah, yes, Lord Jesus".
Friday, January 18, 1901
Bright and blustery. JBD in bed for breakfast but much better. I busy. Sadie at school. JBD writing and took John and pony to the post office. Sadie home at noon. It is 2 o'clock. JBD will soon be home for dinner. I am writing in diary and mending. Verse for today: "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." Zeph. 3.17. JBD had letter from Mr. and Mrs.Scharf and J. Wilson in La Riviere. I had one from Mary Allison.
Saturday, January 19, 1901
Busy forenoon. To prayer meeting in evening. Mr. Innes came for the night. In the afternoon, John Stewart's sad, sad letter. I am still thinking of them all in Ottawa. It has stunned me. Prayer meeting; JBD, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, Mr. Chase. That was all I think. So many sick. Ratt did not come, though we expected him. Hymn: "Our great High Priest". Sadie spent the evening at Mrs. Huckel's.
Sunset and evening star,
and one clear call for me,
And may there be no moaning of the bar
when I put out to sea.
Lord's Day, January 20, 1901
A beautiful morning, bright, cold, clear. JBD went for Mrs. Doxey to drive her to meeting. Sadie, Mr. Innes and I walked. Raft arrived just before breaking of bread. Mr. Innes went home with Mrs. Robertson and Raft came with us, also May and Bertie Walters. There were 21 at Sunday School, counting all. In morning meeting, JBD spoke on Lev. 5.14,15,16. In the evening, I wrote to John Stewart. Mr. Gardiner preached on Hezekiah's sickness and JBD spoke afterward on, "Peace with God." I began a letter to Alice.
Monday, January 21, 1901
JBD wrote to John and Mrs. Stewart. They were beautiful letters. He read them to me. We drove in the afternoon to see Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Chase, who hopes to come to Sunday School. John is to drive her if JBD goes to Dakota (where the Dodds' live). In the afternoon, I wrote to Alice, Annie and Dick. A little cold. Raft came back about 4:30 and had tea and left in good time for his 6:30 train with his sack full of things.
Oh, that I knew where I might find Him? Answer: Father.
How could a man be just with God? Answer: Love.
If a man die, shall he live again? Answer: Forever.
Tuesday, January 22, 1901
A fine bright day, but turned windy. Queen Victoria died! In the afternoon, JBD took Mrs. Shepherd for a drive, which she enjoyed, to the hospital to see Percy Holgate and to visit Coleman's and Green's and to invite them to the reading at S's in the evening. There were nine of us; we had a very profitable reading. Isa. 34.7. Forgiving iniquity, transgressions and sin. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Oh, that the words of Col. 1:9 may be good to my soul. "That ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."
Wednesday, January 23, 1901
A little dull. JBD and I drove to see Mr. Walters and get our texts which were being framed, also to see Mr. and Mrs. Doupe, who were convalescent, yet looking very shaken. A few minutes to see Mrs. Oswald and then home to get dinner for Sadie. To the hall in the evening to the Reading meeting. Acts 19:1-18. Also 28th chapter was touched on. Paul went into the synagogue because he had a message from God to do so, but Aquila and Priscilla did not have such a message. In Exodus, Moses had a message from God to go. Joshua was not to go, but to remain in the camp.
Thursday, January 24, 1901
Bitterly cold, but bright. Lypie and Gertie Halcrow to dinner. JBD then drove them to the Inkster's and to see Connie MacKay. JBD in evening to Mr. Gardiner's.
Friday, January 25, 1901
A letter from John Stewart, more hopeful. The operation had been performed on Tuesday successfully and they hope a complete cure. Mr. Greene called in the evening but would not stay to tea. To prayer meeting. Reviewed the past week of prayer. We looked up and also out for a blessing as Elijah and Gehazi, his servant, did seven times.
Saturday, January 26, 1901
Fine, bright day. Busy all day till 1:30. Then sat with JBD, who read Salisbury's speech etc. to me. It was very scholarly. I mended mitts, cap and coat, stockings. Sadie is not well. I went to do a little buying in the evening, then JBD to the Oliver's. I had a letter from Miss Baines. Joy and sorrow intermingled.
Lord's Day, January 27, 1901
A little snow. JBD to Grayburn's for Mrs. Doxey. Sadie and Ito meeting. Muriel Oswald came home with us. At Sunday School were Ethel Chase, Edith Huckel, Ruth and Fred Oliver, Muriel Oswald and Sadie, also Jack Green. Just 10. The subject was very searching. Rev. 20:11, 12, also Isa. 43:25. "I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." In the morning, Mr. Gardiner gave a talk on John 10:.9. "I am the Door," etc. Salvation, Liberty and Food, also John 14:1-11. Anything that is not connected with Christ is not food for the soul. Every doctrine must bring in Christ. In the evening, Mr. Gardiner spoke on the woman in Luke 7, the Savior, and Simon, the sinner. It is so hard to realize grace. Blessings to Lypie and Gertie Halcrow. Mr. Boyd brought word of Mrs. Code's death. Halsie Arent at meeting.
Monday, January 28, 1901
Much colder. JBD and I went to see Mr. and Mrs. Boyd. The latter starts for Perth, a lonely journey. JBD had a letter from Mr. Reader. One came to Lypsie Halcrow from Grace Reader. We took it to her. JBD went to Bathgate train to meet Mr. Heney, but he did not come. He is spending the afternoon writing. I, downstairs, doing the same. I ran over to see Mrs. Huckel. She is still in bed coughing. A cold night. Sadie and I downstairs, studying and reading, etc.
Tuesday, January 29, 1901
JBD walked to tell Colman's, Arent's, Shepherd's, and Greene's about a little meeting. Drove to train again, but in vain. To little reading in evening at Mr. Greene's. Cold enough, but bracing. Subject: "The Righteousness of God."
He and I together entering those fair courts above, He and I in that bright glory, one deep joy shall share. Mine, to be forever with him; His, that I am there.
Wednesday, January 30, 1901
JBD not well, resting, reading, and writing. A letter from Mr. Stewart that Bobbie is passing through en route to Rossland. His mother really better, though the week before very low. Dr. Holden and Lollie gone. I went in afternoon to see Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Scales, and to grocer and druggist. We went to the reading in the hall in the evening. Subject: Guidance and Eutychus falling asleep and death coming in. JBD in afternoon to take Halcrow's baggage to the train.
Thursday, January 31, 1901
Up early. Fairly cold. JBD and I to station 9 a.m. to see Lypie and Grace Halcrow off to The Pas. Mr. Gordon did not put in an appearance. Home, breakfast and ready for Bobby Stewart at 10:30. JBD met him with pony. Dinner. I came to station for W.S. Heney, but no appearance. Bobby Stewart and JBD drove into town to see the Doupe's and to the station. I sent Mrs. Boulton a photo of Alice's house, etc. Rested and read in evening and wrote.
Friday, February 1, 1901
Not very cold, not very bright. Busy all morning. JBD resting and writing then went once more to meet Mr. Heney and got him. They talked, etc. after dinner. Then to prayer meeting in the evening. Must look up the thought from Mr. Heney that the ark rested on the Lord's Day on Mt. Ararat. Letter from Mrs. Neale. Mabel really ill in hospital. "Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God." Psa. 55:19. I never noticed that before. I began a letter to her but did not get it finished.
Saturday, February 2, 1901
Queen's funeral. Beautifully clear, bright and cold. Ceremonies painful and mourning going on in England. Bells here tolling all morning. Morning reading: Mark 6 The Lord patiently waited 30 years until his ministry began. "Is not this the carpenter?" A carpenter, a child of God, came in the afternoon and made three of our unruly doors to shut.
Self-vindication shun. If right, He'll prove thee so.
If wrong, He'll pardon thee, therefore to Him go.
Lord's Day, February 3, 1901
Bright, cold, stirring. In good time to meeting, Sadie and I. JBD drove Mrs. Doxey to meeting and then brought Mrs. Oliver home. Sunday School at 3 p.m. A. and Edith Chase, Fred and Ruth Oliver, Katie, Jack, and Boyce Green, Edith Huckel, Bertie Walters, Sadie and I and JBD = 12. I never before realized, "Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him." Samuel 3:7. Oh, that these dear children may soon and really "know the Lord". Bertie Walters is staying to tea. JBD will drive Bertie and me to the Oliver's and then Mrs. Oliver to meeting if the Lord permit. I got on splendidly; the children, good!
Monday, February 4, 1901
Very cold. 35° F. below zero early. In p.m., JBD drove Mr. Heney to see the Scales' and Mrs. Robinson. John G. Paton, New Hebrides, gave an account in Glasgow University that it had been 42 years since he had left the university and found the natives in a low state without a written language. He translated the Bible and collected funds from the natives towards the cost of printing it in their native language. The Word of God has been translated into 22 languages. Could any other power than the gospel make such a change!
Tuesday, February 5, 1901
JBD wrote in morning. I busy. Came with me in p.m. to the bank, Miss Bell's, the market. Bought a whole lamb. A little reading on the end of Rom. 4, also 5, 7, 8. Mr. Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd only. Sadie at Scales' as Florence is going off in the morning, home to La Riviere. Letter from Charlotte Atkinson with two of the first snowdrops.
Wednesday, February 6, 1901
JBD and I saw Florence off at 8:20 a.m. Busy in the house. Usual routine. Letter from Mrs. Wilson. Hipp, Hipp, Hurray! Also Maggie Lightbody. Reading in the evening at the hall, Paul to the Ephesian elders, Acts 19. Difference between deacons and elders. Visit in p.m. from Mrs. Chase. Her Sunday School class has come to her. Finished M.S.'s letter. "Doxey" means "glory." There were many out. All the Doupe's and all the Chase's. We sang that beautiful hymn:
And though there intervene
rough seas and stormy skies,
Though by no mortal vision seen,
Thy glory fills our eyes.
Thursday, February 7, 1901
Beautiful, bright day. Often a fresh fall of snow freshens things. JBD to see Dr. Clarke, Mrs. Huckel In p.m., took Mrs. Arent to see Mrs. Brathwaite and took Mrs. Brathwaite shopping. I finished my letters to Alice and Mrs. R. Simons (North Dakota?).
Joying in God and Waiting for Christ; 2 Thess. 3:5.
There are two things which constitute the joy of the Christian, to be his on the road, and the object constantly before his heart. The first is the hope of the coming of the Lord, and the second is present communion and fellowship with God, the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ. And these two cannot be separated without loss to our souls, for we cannot have all of the profit without both of them. If we are not looking for the coming of the Lord, there is nothing whatever that can separate us in the same way from this present evil world. Neither will Christ, Himself, be so much the object before the soul, nor yet shall we be able in the same measure to apprehend the mind and the counsels of God about the world.
Friday, February 8, 1901
Fine, as usual. Bright. Percy Holgate left for early train. To prayer meeting in evening.
Prayer, Worship, Praise
I shall leave you to bring to them the delicacy of fragrance, the savor of the four principal spices that were for God only. The composition we cannot make for ourselves. But it is "Holy for the Lord!" But, note, we make the composition for Him. The ever blessed Lord Jesus, He surely is God's Son, but the fragrance rises when the priest puts upon the fire drawn from the brazen altar, this four-fold perfume, beaten small and burned upon the golden altar next to the veil.
Saturday, February 9, 1901
Busy. Sadie in bed. Quiet afternoon. May the Lord order all our goings and doings and may His pleasure be more before our hearts, and He surely would order every step for us, if we had the meek and lowly spirit which He loves to see in us. There is much everywhere crying out for sympathy, and we must not turn a deaf ear to it, in our self-occupation. It is but for a little while, which we ought to esteem very precious.
Lord's Day, February 10, 1901
Chimney on fire. Bright, cold, south-west wind. Any kind of east wind is piercing. JBD for Mrs. Doxey. Sadie in bed. I went to meeting, walked home with Mrs. Arent. Long meeting. Children in afternoon. Jesus, the Subject. Who is He? Where is He? What has He done? There were 15 of us. JBD and I rested in evening. Sadie to meeting. Mr. Heney preached.
Monday, February 11, 1901
Clear, bright and cold. Mr. Heney to dinner. I sewed quietly all afternoon. Read in evening and helped Sadie with spelling and grammar. JBD read. I had a letter from Georgie. JBD drove Mr. Heney to Walter's, Hudson Bay store, etc. Cold worse. Ready for mustard. Prayer: a sense of need and we ask for what we want.
Tuesday, February 12, 1901
Bright and cold. JBD has a bronchial cold. In bed for breakfast. A quiet pen writing to A. Fisher. Mr. Greene in for a while. There is to be a meeting in evening at J. Shepherd's. JBD gone to take Mr. Heney to train for 4 p.m. Letters from La Riviere. Grandfather and Florence both sick. Reading in evening on our relationship as Brethren. John 20. Children of God by birth, not by adoption. John 1:12, 13. He is our Father. 2 Cor. 6:17, 18, and there are conditions. Come out from among them, etc. Hymn 3. "O God, we see Thee in the Lamb." Hymn 3 in App. "The wanderer no more will roam." Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. Greene, JBD and I.
Wednesday, February 13, 1901
Wonderfully bright and mild. JBD in bed. An early visit from Mr. Greene. Also, Archie Phair who got the pony to take Mrs. Phair for a drive. JBD took the pony to Mrs. Shepherd and Mrs. Arent at 1:30. I went out on a shopping expedition. Warm, bright. In evening to meeting. JBD's cold not much better. Reading in Acts 21. Mr. Gardiner spoke on the Apostle Paul being entrusted with the heavenly side of the truth. He received special revelation on the Body. The first resurrection, 1 Thess. The Lord's supper, 1 Cor. 11. Mr. Limes came home with us.
Thursday, February 14, 1901
JBD not better. However up to breakfast as Mr. Inns with us. Remained in all day, yet beautifully fine. He writing to A. M. G. in p.m. I writing to Miss Wolston, S. Stewart and Miss Featherstonehaugh. “Lord, Thou be with these letters." A visit from Miss Ledgerwood and Mr. Willie Groth of Guelph, Ontario.
Friday, February 15, 1901
Kind words are like sunbeams that sparkle as they fall, And loving smiles are sunbeams, a light of joy to all, In sorrow's eye they dry the tear, And bring the fainting heart good cheer.
JBD wrote in a.m., and went to the post office. In p.m., JBD went to see Mrs. Doupe, Mrs. Doxey, Mrs. Oswald. Home by 5 p.m. To prayer meeting in evening. Fine and frosty coming home. Mr. Gardiner had a letter from Mr. Hipp!!! I had a letter from Mrs. Taylor of Byson. JBD had one from Mr. Taylor.
Oh wonder! To the Eternal One, dear as His own beloved Son;
Dearer is Jesus than His blood, they're dear to God.
Saturday, February 16, 1901
Big day's cleaning. Bright, frosty. Percy Scharf came while we were at dinner. He is sick, so on his way home. JBD and Sadie went out with the pony to the post office. Busy till tea time. I went to grocer's. JBD to Gardiner's. No letters from Ottawa.
Ruth
Boaz was spoken of as the Great Redeemer (in type). Naomi had a kinsman of her husband's and a mighty man of wealth, his name was Boaz (a mighty man of strength). The amiability of Ruth's character was dwelt upon. It was not the amiability of her character that brought her name into the genealogy of the Lord in Matt. 1, but because she was redeemed. For a Moabite was not to enter into the congregation of the Lord for a number of generations.
Gleaning after the reapers was what the poorest and humblest of the people did, yet Ruth was willing to do it for her mother-in-law's sustenance.
And she does not say, "I will go." but, "Let me go." Scripture says her hap was to light upon a part of the field belonging unto Boaz. The godly way in which Boaz addresses the reapers was mentioned. "The Lord be with you." It was the time of the Judges. Then the gracious way in which he speaks to Ruth and the way she answered him. She fell on her face and bowed herself to the ground and said unto him, "Why have I found grace in Thine eyes, that Thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger." Is there anyone here who is asking, "Why have I found grace in God's sight?" It is because of the boundless love of the heart of God.
Then Boaz told her that it had been told him of all she had done for her mother-in-law. And it was said that there was One above that knew of every kind thought we had ever had for His sake. In verse 13, she says, "Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord, for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thy handmaidens." In verse 14, she was sufficed and left. It was said that this did not mean that she left those with whom she was, but she was sufficed and left some of the parched corn which Boaz had given her. In verse 18, we see that she put it away for one she loved. She brought forth and gave to her (Naomi), that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
In the last chapter, Boaz says, "Ruth, the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife." Naomi was spoken of as a soul out of communion. Famine would be a blessing in God's land, but they leave God's land because of the famine and seek for refreshment elsewhere. Alas, though there was corn in the land of the Moabites, Naomi found nothing but death there; first her husband, then her two sons died. Elimelech did not intend to stay. He went to sojourn, but the two sons settled down and had no thoughts of returning.
Then how sad it was when Naomi's two daughters-in-law wished to go to God's land. She does not encourage them. She is not a help, but a hindrance to them. Twice or three times she says, "Return to them." Ruth 1:16 and 17 is the language of a devoted heart.
In the last chapter, I think Naomi was spoken of as a picture of the remnant and the son that was born to Naomi brought up the other "Son who was born." In Isa. 9:6, 7, it was the remnant who was speaking.
No condemnation! Oh my soul,
'Tis God that speaks the word,
Perfect in comeliness art thou,
In Christ, the risen Lord.
Mr. Heney spoke about the talents one evening, and how it was a very serious thing for a person to have a gift and not be using it.
Lord's Day, February 17, 1901
A good deal of snow fell, but not cold. Snowing more or less all day. JBD took Mrs. Doxey to meeting. Sadie and I walked. I think the keynote of the meeting was chiefly the Lord's suffering.
Hymn 136, "The veil is rent: our souls draw near." Prayer JBD. Hymn 137., "O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head." Mr. Brathwaite read Isa. 53. Mr. Doupe broke the bread. JBD prayed. Hymn 105, "Glory, glory, everlasting." Prayer for the children and all who might hear the gospel. A very stormy, snowy day and evening. I did not go out in the evening, but read. Mr. Gardiner preached beautifully on the Good Samaritan. Only 14 present.
Monday, February 18, 1901
Bright, cold, plenty of snow. Busy all forenoon. Up to market. JBD went to see Phil. No Phil. Quiet afternoon. JBD to see Oliver's. Sadie and I read Gen. 2 and 3 and contrasted the first and second Adam. The first robbed or tried to rob God. The second thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation." Phil. 2:6. We also did some Arithmetic and Grammar.
Tuesday, February 19, 1901
Bright and cold. I went to market. In the afternoon, we drove to see Mrs. Johnston and found two nice Scotch mothers-in-law. Home. JBD to station and brought Phil. Tea and talk, etc. Then to Mr. Greene's to a little reading. Drifty, windy and cold. Only Mr. and Mrs. Coleman there. Believing that "God is," and bringing Him into everything, came with great power to my soul. Mrs. Bennett heard it all. Then hymn 9 in App. "We cannot always trace the way."
Wednesday, February 20, 1901
Cold and bright. JBD and Phil out and in and talking. I had a quiet afternoon to myself and set the Lord before me. In evening to the hall. Acts 22. Much about Paul falling short of the Lord in appealing to the world. Remarkable about no name for this new sect, called so often, "This way." Must look it up. Acts 22:4. Acts 9:2. AES's little roll calendars came at last.
Thursday, February 21, 1901
Up bright and early. Saw Phil off. Work done up. JBD to town. Writing to S. Baines. A letter from Jennie Simons and Lillie. So characteristic of both. "How good is the God we adore!" Extract from S.B.'s letter. "Yet I know we are all quite old enough to read the Word for ourselves, we often gather the most precious fruit in our weakness." Letters from Dick, Jessie Ogilvie and Mrs. Rogers. Willie George passed away on 11Th at 2 a.m., buried in vault, in spring then to Vermillion Grove. We went out in cars to Armstrong Point to Brathwaite's and had a reading again on "walking with God." Nothing great is expected of us, but just to walk with Him in all circumstances. Enoch did it for 300 years and had this testimony that he pleased God.
Friday, February 22, 1901
"Pray that this dealing of His hand may be richly blessed to each one of them." A. S. Bernagh. Cold. A windy night. Mr. Hunter to tea and all night. Wrote to Dick. JBD to Chase's and Oswald's. After dinner we drove to Greene's and Huckle's. In a.m., a letter from Alice. In p.m., letters from Miss Coffey, S. Stewart and Lidie Living. What a responsibility these letters involve! It may mean this rheumatism, etc. means to lay the pen down. I know it interferes with the things of God. I must ask Him, "Show me Thy way." He will not require too much of me or of anyone. JBD to prayer meeting alone.
Saturday. February 23, 1901
Clear and bright. All my work done by 10 am. Sadie got back about that time. JBD to Arch. Phair's and they got the pony for the morning. In p.m., JBD drove Mrs. Bennett to see Mrs. Brathwaite and Miss Trigg. Quiet afternoon. Wrote to A. Stewart and Alice. Worked Arithmetic with Sadie. Mr. Hunter and Mrs. Bennett to dinner and tea. A little reading after tea with us four. God's love in the ankle-deep river, to the knees, to the loins, and a river to swim in. Ezek. 47. Also the three days acquaintance in John 1. A very precious reading. A letter from Tom. All is satisfactory. Further news of poor Willie George. I pray that he is rich in the glorious inheritance.
Lord's Day, February 24, 1901
Up in good time. Clear, cold and bright. JBD to Greene's to drive Mrs. Greene also Mrs. Doxey and Mrs. Doupe. Also drove them home. A very happy meeting. Hymn 218, "Soon will the Master come, soon pass away our times of conflict, grief and suffering here." Hymn 131, "Praise we to the Father give." Hymn 80, "On earth the song begins." Breaking of bread, JBD. In giving thanks and praise, the Lord's coming was brought in. Mr. Gardiner spoke from 1 John 3, "Behold what manner of love," The beloved disciple dwelt more on relationship than on position. We have all now but the glory. The heir to the throne is more occupied with his relationship to his father than the surroundings, etc.
Eph. 2 shows to what depths of sin we had sunken, and out of which we had to be taken. "He that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure." 1 John 3:3. To Sunday School in afternoon, 5 Huckel's, 1 Greene, 3 Scharf 's, 4 Scales' and 2 Oliver's = 15. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Featherstonehaugh spoke on Prov. 27:8, “As a bird that wandereth from his nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place."
Monday, February 25, 1901
Clear, cold, bright. Evening at Arch Phair's. Enjoyed talking to Miss Lockhart and Miss Johnston about the hospital for Indians on St. Peter's Reserve, and work among Ojibway's at Rainy River. Letters from Oomkey's, Mr. and Mrs. Reader and Grace.
Tuesday, February 26, 1901
Reading at our house. JBD drove for Mrs. Oliver and Ruth. Mrs. Huckel and Edith came, also Mrs. Greene and her daughter. John 12. The Lord in the outside place at Bethany with Martha, Mary and Lazarus. He is a picture of life, liberty and communion, while Mary was a worshipper and Martha served. All in their proper places, and the three representing a Christian in the three states. Mary poured the precious ointment on His feet. It came back to His own head (His glory). Judas labeled it waste, the Lord covered that with another, "a good work." Make much of the Lord. Be watchful, prayerful, obedient, walking with Him through the week to have a full box on the Lord's Day.
Wednesday, February 27, 1901
Beautiful, bright morning. After breakfast we ran across the gully, "Mary Jane," to see Mrs. Shepherd. They are not sure about their going to the farm or when. Went in to see Mrs. Arent. JBD to Greene's and brought back the good news of Mrs. Greene to take her place next Lord's Day, In p.m., we drove to town. I went to the bank, JBD went to get his shoe heel mended. Then to buy a German Bible for a man in hospital. We went with the pony to see Mrs. Chase. They are going to Toronto the end of this month. To meeting.
Thursday, February 28, 1901
Herbert Reader appeared after dinner. He came to tea, also Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and the two children. The latter went home early. Mrs. Huckel and Miss Holiday called in p.m. Rained in the night.
Friday, March 1, 1901
Quiet afternoon. To prayer meeting in evening. Went in cars, walked home.
O heart of mine, we shouldn't worry so!
What we've missed of calm, we couldn't have you know!
Saturday, March 2, 1901
Bright and mild. Busy all morning. To town a little in afternoon. Mrs. Robinson and six children to tea. Very mild. Grew windy and cold in night. I remember Edith M. and her husband paid me a visit in the afternoon. I pray that I may not be restless because old and new friends encounter each other. I see it doing harm. Let me be free, my Lord, and open, and speak of Thy great love and care to all who meet each other with us.
Lord's Day, March 3, 1901
Bright and clear and cold. Sadie and I walked to meeting with Herbert Reader. He to dinner and tea to the Doupe's. Mr. Gardiner preached in the evening. JBD and I. had a quiet time from after Sunday School to meeting time. He said the sweetest part of the reward to a faithful servant would not be, "I will make thee ruler over many things," but "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matt. 25:21.
Monday, March 4, 1901
Cold. Breakfast earlier to get Sadie to school before 9 a.m. Herbert Reader to dinner at Brathwaite's, and to tea at Oliver's. Sadie and I had the story and reading in Gen. 3.
Let us fold away our fears
And put by our foolish tears
And through all the coming years
Just be glad (in the Lord).
"Every day she begins with prayer and every day she ends with prayer, and if anything comes to try her in the course of the day, then she prays too, if it be but a word or two, or a thought, just the lifting up of her heart to Him. A spirit of prayer and a worried spirit can hardly be together."
Tuesday, March 5, 1901
Herbert Reader busy and away all day. JBD, Sadie and I went to the Shepherd's to a reading. Subject was the relationship of Christ and the Church. Husband and wife. How very far short I come in my ways in either position!
Wednesday, March 6, 1901
Herbert Reader back to pack and a rush for the train. We saw him off. Reading in the evening in the hall. Acts 24.
Thursday, March 7, 1901
Ratt arrived. Had been sick. Is staying till Monday. In a.m., JBD and I walked part and in cars to see Mrs. Chase. They start on Tuesday for Toronto, so promise to come D.V. to us on Monday to rest. In p.m., JBD and I were to drive 6 miles to Industrial School to see some (St. Paul's Reserve) Indian children from Red Earth. But Ratt wished to see some, so he went. I had a quiet afternoon to rest. JBD and Rat to Oliver's to a reading. Sadie and I at History and Grammar.
Friday, March 8, 1901
Busy day, doing part cleaning. Ratt to Walter's for tea and we all to prayer meeting in evening. And what is it but a "tree" even the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ that makes sweet to us who believe in Him any trial that in itself alone, would be very bitter to our souls?
Saturday, March 9, 1901
Sadie and I cleaned upstairs part well. After dinner Sadie went with JBD to see landlord about Magnus Street cottage. He will let us know Monday. In a.m., JBD took Mrs. Doxey to see Mrs. Oswald. "Yet, how I long for more concentration of heart. There is the lack I feel of outward labor and could hardly do much more, but to carry it on within with God, to allow no distracting thoughts to fritter away the mind, where it is by grace, and takes the form of intercession, concentration in power. There it is I feel my shortcoming, yet feel it alas, so little, or it would be minded certainly." Vol. 1: 429: JND. This is so true of me in many points.
Lord's Day, March 10, 1901
Ratt and JBD drove to meeting and to take Mrs. Doxey and Mrs. Doupe. Walking was not very good. Children's meeting and then rest and then JBD took Gospel in the evening. Subject was taking God at His Word. Roy Greene and Mr. Campbell both were touched. "In all cases our path is simple, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain in the Lord. In due time, we shall reap if we faint not. Much internal life and intercourse with the Lord, and then devotedness, but the first gives all its power to the latter." Vol. 1: 455. JND.
Monday, March 11, 1901
Busy day, preparing for Chase's. Ratt to dinner to Taylor's, but came for his tea at 5 p.m. and went off by 6:30 train. Chase's and Miss Ledgerwood arrived. Pleasant tea and Mr. and Mrs. Greene after tea and a reading. “Waters to swim in." We have taken the wee house, 162 Magnus Street, St. John's, Winnipeg. "Yet even yet we have to be athirst for God; if we have seen Him in the sanctuary, not only we long for our Father's house, but love the ways there, though they pass through the vale of tears, but athirst for God, and in this we are satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and praise while we live because we have His favor, which is better than life. The Lord keep us both patiently and fervently near Himself, drawing from that source of blessing and truth." Vol. 1: 456. JND.
1.
A little talk with Jesus, how it smoothes the rugged road,
How it seems to help me onward when I sink beneath my load,
When my heart is crushed with sorrow, and my eyes with tears are dim,
There's naught can yield me comfort like a little talk with Him.
2
I tell Him I am weary and I fain would be at rest,
That I'm daily, hourly longing for a home upon His breast,
And He answers me so sweetly, in tones of tenderest love,
I'm coming soon to take thee to my happy home above.
3
Oh! this is what I'm wanting, His lovely face to see,
And, I'm not afraid to say it, I know He's wanting me,
He gave His life a ransom to make me all His own
And He can't forget His promise, to me His waiting one.(purchased one)
4
I know the way is dreary to yonder far off clime,
But a little talk with Jesus will while away the time,
And yet the more I know Him, and all His grace explore,
It only sets me longing to know Him more and more.
5
I cannot live without Him, nor would I if I could,
He is my daily portion, my medicine and my food,
He's altogether lovely, none can with Him compare,
The chief among ten thousand, the fairest of the fair.
6.
I often feel impatient, and mourn His long delay,
I never can be settled while He remains away,
But we shall not long be parted, for I know He'll quickly come,
And we shall dwell together in that happy, happy home.
7.
So I'll wait a little longer, till His appointed time,
And glory in the knowledge that such a God is mine.
Then in my Father's dwelling, where many mansions be,
I'll sweetly talk with Jesus, and He shall talk with me.
Tuesday, March 12, 1901
Busy morning. Had a farewell reading for Ethel and Harry Chase. "And now beloved Jude," also in Acts 20, "I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace which is able to build you up, etc."
What will I do? the will.
What ought I to do? legality.
What wouldst Thou have me to do? and what the Lord would have us to say.
Dinner and off to N.R. train at 1:35. Sadie and JBD and I in Mr. Greene's express and pony. Reading on Justification by Faith before God, which is the teaching of Paul. Justification by Works which is James' side before men. JBD very sick. Sleighing gone, muddy, slushy, sky dark. "But oh, what joy to know oneself united to Him! It adds a joy untold to every sweetness it is the source of too. Surely He is all." Vol. 1: 465. JND.
Wednesday, March 13, 1901
Dark flurries of snow. JBD weak, but better. Fairly busy morning. Went over to Mrs. Arent's after dinner to ask some questions about 162 Magnus Street and am going to write for the things. "It is not what we have, but what we are that makes us happy." C. J. Neale
"As for God, His way is perfect." 2 Sam. 22:31
Judge not the Lord by feeble strength, but trust Him for His grace,
Behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face.
Thursday, March 14, 1901
What has made the Lord Jesus more and more precious to me is the beautiful connection between the two chapters, John 8 and 9. "But Jesus hid Himself from them and so passed by." And as He passed by, He sees this poor blind man. Such was the grace and love of His heart, that he could not pass by this blind man even when pursued by his enemies with stones. When the man's sight is restored, he not only bears testimony, but is cast out of the synagogue and when cast out, Jesus finds him and reveals Himself to him, and he becomes a worshipper. If we have Jesus outside, we can afford to have all the religious leaders against us.
Friday, March 15, 1901
The Captive Maid and the Little Princess: A Contrast
God has told us in His Word of two little girls who lived many hundreds of years ago. Everything in the scriptures is written for our profit. 2 Tim. 3:16 and 2 Kings 5. Poor little maid. Everything against her, yet she was the means of bringing much honor to the name of her God. Brought up amongst God's people, godly parents, no doubt, stolen by cruel Syrians, taken to a foreign country. In this trying path amongst strange people, who worshipped idols, did she forget the God her mother had taught her to love? "Them that honor Me, I will honor." 1 Sam. 2:30. Her history is penned in the sacred page for us to read and to learn from, all those many years afterward. Many sweet lessons may we learn from this chapter. Some of us would have settled down in despair, or turned fretful and selfish and have spoken against the God who loves us. Not so, this little girl.
God's love was in her heart. She knew what His power could do for all who came to Him, and she told it out of a full heart to the lady upon whom she waited. Oh, may we dear children, use our opportunities of speaking about God's love to us. We have far more to tell than had that dear child. Jesus has been on earth since then, and died for us, not to heal our bodies, but our poor sin-sick souls. We know much more of God's love, because Jesus has been here to tell it out, and to show us what a wonderful love it is, yet how slow we are to speak a word for Him!
The other little girl had everything in her favor, yet she used her opportunity to help on one of the basest crimes that history records. Mark 6:17-30. Pretty, cute princess, graceful dancing. This was a wonderful promise and she might have done much good by it, if God's love had filled her heart. "More than a prophet," "among them that are born of women, etc." Matt. 11:9-11. A sad story of a wasted opportunity. Dear ones, are we wasting our opportunities? All of us have our little corners, however small, to fill. Let us ask God to make His love such a real thing in our hearts that we cannot help speaking of it to others.
Saturday, March 16, 1901
Not knowing what the way may be,
Not knowing what may be my lot
Onward I go my hand on Thine,
In desert ways I cannot trace,
Believing I am safe with Thee
I turn my face towards my Friend,
In treading paths I cannot see:
Who will help me to the end,
To trust is mine.
With grace on grace.
One thing I know; beyond this life
There waits a home of beauty bright,
A home which Christ with us shall share,
Where we with Him in garments fair,
Shall walk in white.
Mrs. Doxey came for afternoon and night. Mr. Inns arrived about 9 p.m.
Lord's Day, March 17, 1901
Mrs. Doxey and Mr. Inns to breakfast. They went easy to meeting with JBD. Sadie and I following. Meeting was very impressive. Mr. Inns broke the bread. JBD spoke on 2 Cor. 8:9. "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes, He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." Also. Psa. 40:17. "But I am poor." Psa. 41:1. "Blessed is he that considereth the poor." Afternoon address to the children on knowing they were saved. JBD and I to tea alone. He preached in the evening on the year of release and fifty years of jubilee. The room was well filled.
Monday, March 18, 1901
Mr. Inns to dinner. Mrs. Oswald to tea. Mr. Oswald came later, and JBD went to Mr. Gardiner's and got home very late.
Tuesday, March 19, 1901
Windy and March-like. Reading in evening. Mrs. Huckel and her good old friend, also Edith, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. and Miss Greene, Mrs. Arent, JBD, Sadie and I. Beautiful subject, David and Jonathan. But Jonathan was not in the cave of Adullam. So true that if you are in it, you have a rough time of it.
"It makes sins doubly hateful as to holiness, that one in the light as God is, should do them, and find even momentary pleasure in what made Christ's agony." Vol. 2: 481: JND.
Wednesday, March 20, 1901
Cold and windy. I walked from McIntyre's block. JBD brought Mr. Walters to tea. Sadie and I walked to meeting and home. Subject was Paul's shipwreck. In the morning, I got my book on "Patience," finished and JBD posted it. Also little books for Teddie, Herbert and Lillie S., also a letter to Jennie Simons. Miss Ledgerwood gave me a letter to read which she received from Mrs. Chase. In it I was glad to be reminded of the "Ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:4. How we forget these truths that are necessary to balance our lives that we may have consciences void of offense before God and man!
Thursday, March 21, 1901
Fairly cold. Up early. Breakfast early. JBD off to Rathwell by 9 o'clock train. I busy about the house in the forenoon. In afternoon, to freight office and to see dear old Mrs. Doxey and get her message for JBD. Home before four and wrote to JBD. Sewing, helping Sadie, and after tea, reading with Sadie, Gen. 4 to 9. "Though righteousness and happiness may be far apart for a time, in the end, they are not divided."
Friday, March 22, 1901
Letters from Mrs. Stewart and Fannie. Busy morning. Quiet afternoon, sewing. Sadie and Ito prayer meeting in the evening. Mr. Oliver and Mr. Oswald prayed. Mr. Doupe also there. All the rest, sisters. Went to see Mrs. Huckel.
Saturday, March 23, 1901
Busy morning. Quiet afternoon. JBD and Percy Holgate, the latter en route to Vancouver. JBD has a cold so must be passed. So glad to get him back. Sadie brought Alice Scales for the night. "Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." "In His eternal presence, how shall we feel that all our little sorrows and separations were but little drops by the way, to make us feel we were not with Him, and when with Him, what it is to be there." Vol. 1: 466: JND.
Lord's Day, March 24, 1901
We four to meeting. Good, dry walking, a little dusty. A happy, quiet meeting. The Lord's coming much before us. JBD and I alone to dinner. Sunday School: Mrs. Greene and two, three from Scales, three from Oliver's, Edith's and T. make three, four Robinson's, Muriel Oswald, one = 17. The gospel in the evening. It was on the Lord's coming. The two witnesses raised up to preach. "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psa. 31:24.
Monday, March 25, 1901
Dead to sin. Rom. 6.
Dead to law. Gal. 2:19. Rom. 7:6
Dead to the world. Col. 3:3 Gal. 6:14.
"Crucified with Christ, reckoned to be dead according to the Word of God, and reckoning ourselves to be dead. Our duty is to make good this truth so that nothing except the life of Christ should be manifest in our bodies, in our mortal flesh, that our whole life may be the manifestation of the life of Christ in us and of nothing else." Vol. 2: 191: JND.
Tuesday, March 26, 1901
"I receive spiritual life from Christ, as I receive natural life from Adam. In this sense, Christ is my life. I believe you honestly desire to follow the Lord wholly and to know His will, but to do so, we must walk very closely in separation unto Him. Unless with Him, we soon grow weary and harassed with conflict, and would seek to avoid it, a thing very easy to do, while we are careless about the glory of His Blessed Person, because we know so little of Him. With Him, only, can we feel what is directed against Him. His honor is the one, only thing we have to keep holy till He comes...
His members, quickened together in the same life from Whom every fruit of grace and display of love, by the Holy Ghost, is but the expression of something of what He is. Thus, God's Word absolutely states that every spiritual blessing is in Him, and Jesus lives. He has them all and they are ours to enjoy in Him, for that is where I am. We are in Christ, and Christ in us, and we have the Spirit for its display." JND.
Wednesday, March 27, 1901
Christ living, is now as ever, our life, and we ought always by the Spirit to display Him in every detail of our walk. To walk even as He did. 1 John 2:6. I am in Him and this is the one absorbing object, to learn what He is, the prize for which the Christian runs as if but one receives it.
Thursday, March 28, 1901
The One, who is in the presence of God, would, with the very joys in which He now rests, comfort and strengthen and encourage by His Spirit, the oft-times weary hearts of His much-loved people that they may learn the fellowship of His sufferings in the comfort of His present joy. But we can only know Him as we are made conformable to His death.
Friday, March 29, 1901
Busy, busy, busy. JBD got news that Percy Holgate got on to Vancouver. Brought Miss M. and A. Luby (Minnie and Annie Looby of Rideau Ferry en route to Rathwell?) to dinner. We got off at about six and Mrs. Arent kindly had us to tea. JBD to prayer meeting. Sadie and Ito the house, 162 Magnus Avenue. "All is accomplished in the person of His Beloved Son. Hence, all God's actions are now through and for Him. We await the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, who shall transform our body of humiliation in conformity to His body of glory according to the working of the power which He has even to subdue all things to Himself. Phil. 3:20, 21. God's righteousness is Christ. It is Jesus alone who could know the glory of God, or who could make it good, and Jesus alone, who, because of the glory of His own Person, could be a sacrifice for sin, and the efficacy of His shed blood alone that God has acknowledged." JND.
Saturday, March 30, 1901
Busy all day. Things fairly arranged. What we had. JBD put up sitting-room stove. "And it is Jesus, the Lord of glory alone, who is worthy of it all, and to whom God has committed it to be displayed. If you get tired of the simple glad tidings of God concerning His Son, you have lost His heart, and if you grow weary and vexed with the Lord's people, you have forgotten the love of Jesus." JND.
"What a different book God's Word becomes when reading about Him, with Him. It is this which brings life into every word. Find sweetness and power in the old Gospel story that He has given Himself for me. And the charm of it will be according to what you know of Him personally."
Lord's Day, March 31, 1901
I stayed in bed all day. Sadie and JBD managed. He to meeting in morning alone. No Sunday School. JBD to Johnston's with Mr. Greene. I slept most of the day. JBD and Sadie to meeting in evening. "What of your secret communion alone with the Lord as He knows it? Jesus has given Himself for you because God knew that nothing but He could ever fill, satisfy, or delight our souls with true joy, and He Himself is my eternal portion in the Glory! All that He is, is the treasure of my heart and all that He has done, the object of my adoring wonder, both now and when He comes!" "What but one loud, eternal burst of praise."
Monday, April 1, 1901
Busy, ordinary work. "Redemption takes us out of one place and puts us into another. Out of self, into Christ. Blessed exchange. All, all is grace. Blessed be God, we do indeed joy in Him. We know such a God. We return to the Gospels, not now to find relief for our own distress, nor even for our comfort and blessing, but in the spirit of worship, to learn what He is, while we have the gift of His company, as looking up into the face of Him, who, though in the glory, we know now even as of old, bears upon His heart every need of His people which is met by the grace that is in Him. What joy, too, is ours to see the expression of His love manifested in blessing, so that we can joy in the joy of our brother as ours because it comes straight down from Him." JND.
Tuesday, April 2, 1901
Our things came from Ottawa. Got a good many arranged. Would not the prayers of the assembly become very different if it were remembered we were but expressing the needs which He was waiting to supply, but of which God must have the expression of dependence, before blessing can be bestowed? Prayer then for one another becomes very real; not a mere expression of our sympathy for a friend, but the opening of a door of blessing for one another, by taking upon ourselves their burden before the Lord.
Wednesday, April 3, 1901
Still busy. JBD put up kitchen stove with my help. Sadie went to Greeley's. JBD and I went to meeting. Then JBD went to meet the 10:30 train, and brought home Mr. Reader and Mr. Northcote. It was such a surprise. They had supper and went to bed. "Might we know the deep mystery that there is one body as a living reality, not a mere accepted truth. Thus, all in all, Christ Himself is my eternal relationship with God. Yes, I may look up to Jesus in the glory and say all that He has done and all that He is, is mine, because God has put me in Him." From H. G. B.
Thursday, April 4, 1901
Things went on fairly well.
Friday, April 5, 1901
A holiday. JBD, Mr. Reader and Mr. Northcote and I went to prayer meeting. JBD and I came home in tram.
Saturday, April 6, 1901
"Happy is he who keeps by His side to learn how one ought to walk, and to understand the riches that are in Christ, the beauty of His ways, to enjoy communion with Him, pleasing Him every day, more and more!"
"May the Lord keep the dear saints in Canada near Himself, peaceful, sober, and full of love, both toward one another and toward all, that they may meet His face with joy." Vol. 2: 139: JND. "Our part is to be very near Him, that a lowly heart is judged in everything, be in the light as He is in it, for there we are placed. Walk in peace and serve directly from Himself to me, out from Him to others." Vol. 2: 267: JND.
Lord's Day, April 7, 1901
JBD had opportunity to drive Mrs. Doxey to meeting and drove Mrs. Arent home. Sunday School in afternoon. Jack, Boyce, Hattie, Ruth and Fred Oliver, Edith Huckel, Jennie and Grace Robinson. Mrs. Arent came in after. JBD and I walked in evening Mr. Reader preached. He and Northcote to tea to Gardiner's and to dinner at Doupe's. "In 1 John 2, in writing to the young children, the apostle speaks of doctrine, but to the young men of conduct based upon the doctrine. These must always of course go together. The maturity implied in the word "father," well expressed the quiet stability of soul resulting from a personal acquaintance with Christ and a walk in communion with Him: he knows God revealed in Christ, and lives by faith in His unchanging love. The faith of the young child is the characteristic faith of Christianity."
Those Thirty Years
"And Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age." Luke 3:23.
1.
Oh! restless, hasty heart, oft checked in bitter tears,
What lesson see'st thou here to learn from all those thirty years?
2.
Behold the perfect Man, God's purpose full in view,
Thus waiting, hidden and unknown, with such a work to do.
3.
Knowing well the perfect plan, hastens not to tread the road,
He waited patient for the sign, dependent upon God.
4.
Lesson of priceless worth, those thirty silent years,
Rebuke wants our nature's zeal, it's haste, it's restless fears.
5.
The peaceful, quiet mind, that needs no checking rod,
The patient dignity of faith, that agrees to wait on God.
6.
No rash, unchastened zeal, pressing to do His will,
The heart that knows His guiding hand, awaits it and is still.
7.
Oh! wondrous thirty years, they teach my restless heart,
If `tis so blest to work for Him, blest, too, the waiting part.
8.
How blest the quiet trust, those secret times with God,
Tho' friends around misunderstand, the' Satan stalk abroad.
9.
The heart in untouched calm, with Him waits patiently;
Oh! lesson of those thirty years, I thank my God for Thee.
162 Magnus Avenue
Monday, April 8, 1901
"What is the mark of the action of the Holy Ghost on the soul? The Lord Jesus gets a place which He had not before, and if you are full of the Holy Ghost, you will name no object but Christ, no thought but Christ, no end but Christ, no will but Christ." JND.
"Whatever enfeebles attachment to Christ, destroys power. It is not gross sin that does it, which of course will be met and judged; but it is the little things of everyday life, which are apt to be chosen before Christ. When the world creeps in, the salt has lost its savor, and we show that a rejected Christ has little power in our eyes. The Lord keep us in the path with Christ, where all is bright and blessed. If the film of this world has been drawn over our spiritual vision, hiding Christ from us, He alone can remove it." JND.
Tuesday, April 9, 1901
Living to God inwardly is the only possible means of living to Him outwardly. I dread great activity without great communion; but I believe where the heart is with Christ, it will live to Him. I believe our path is to bring to each soul the truth it needs and leave the result to God." JND.
Wednesday, April 10, 1901
Lovely day. JBD to train to post a letter and brought home a leg of mutton. Had it for dinner. JBD went by 2 p.m. train to Grafton, North Dakota. I walked both ways to evening meeting. Must look up the righteousness of God. Not very clear about it. "In Thee, do I put my trust." Psa. 7:1.
Thursday, April 11, 1901
Fine and threatening rain. The two young Englishmen, Tomkin and Puddicombe, to dinner. Mr. Reader and Mr. Northcote to Brathwaite's to tea.
"I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in Thy word." Psa. 119:147
"My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up." Psa. 5:3
"Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray, and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice." Psa. 55:17.
"My tongue also shall tell of Thy righteousness all the day long." Psa. 71:24.
"Let my prayer be set before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." Psa. 141:2.
"In the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." Psa. 42:8.
"At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous judgments." Psa. 119:62.
Friday, April 12, 1901
A beautiful morning. Cloudy. Ice floating down the Red River all day. Mr. Reader and Mr. Northcote to Taylor's to dinner. Mr. Reader went with Roy Greene to Industrial School, and he and Northcote to Mr. Huckel's to tea. Sadie and I did not go to Prayer Meeting. I wrote to Fannie and M. and B. A letter in the p.m. from JBD from Grafton. He may spend Lord's Day at Grafton or Edinburgh or Tongue River, and hopes to be home on Monday or Tuesday. Mrs. Doupe called in p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 1901
Rained in the night. Colder and windy. River clear of ice. Busy tidying up. Mr. Reader writing and to town. Northcote carpentering. Sadie washing. JBD in Grafton or Whoople. Mr. Reader and Northcote to Greene's to tea. Reading in the morning on the stones in 1 Peter. "Sincere" and Holy and Royal Priests.
"From the rising of the sun, unto the going down of the same, the Lord's Name be praised." Psa. 113:3.
"Seven times a day do I praise Thee because of Thy righteous judgments." Psa. 119:164.
Lord's Day, April 14, 1901
Bright and clear. Up in good time. JBD either at Grafton, Edinburgh or Tongue River. Mr. Reader, Northcote, Sadie and I went to meeting. Mr. Reader and Northcote to Doupe's. Sadie and I, home to dinner and Sunday School. We had Edith Huckel, Fred and Ruth Oliver, Katie, Jack and Boyce Greene, Harry Fisher, Millie Scales, and Sadie, also Lulu, Grace and Jennie Robinson. We had the seven scriptures in the Psalms about prayer and praise. I do hope I put enough Gospel in. I pray the Lord may use it for His glory. In the evening, Mr. Reader, Sadie and I went to the gospel. Mr. Reader took 1. Gilgal (turning), 2. Bethel (house of God), 3. Jericho (fragrance), 4. Jordan (death). The four walkings were pretty tiring.
Monday, April 15, 1901
Cold, windy, turning to snow. Mr. Reader downtown and may bring JBD home by 1:45 train. Dinner is almost ready. It is 1:45 now. Mr. Hayhoe's letter to Mr. Reader, "But our habitual weakness to depend upon and lean upon each other hinders growth. Phil. 2. There is the need of those gathered to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Phil. 2:13. Colossians gives us the saints in vigor. Epaphras was a faithful minister of Christ and the apostle could say he was joying and beholding their order and the steadfastness of their faith in Christ. So he could warn them of the ever watchful enemy and his tactics. Oh, that they might enjoy the blessed fact, "Christ in you the hope of glory; and to know and own the mystery of God." Col. 1:27.
Tuesday, April 16, 1901
JBD came home about 2:20 p.m. "All the resources are in the Head; blessed fact for the church; blessed fact in the ruin, for each of us to know and own. One's heart loves to dwell upon Him, all that is in Him and about Him. May our hearts be enlarged for there are always sin-sick souls in a world like this. Our Lord knew this, so said, "Come unto Me." I believe our faithful God does not bring to light our failures even, if we live in the, sense of His love. So, self-judgment. Our poor infirmities He hides from others. Love covers them. But blessed fact, Jesus is the Advocate, washes our feet and restores even when we sin." Reading in the evening on the work of God in the soul, and the Israelite in Egypt and Pharaoh's compromises. JBD looks thin.
Wednesday, April 17, 1901
Bright and clear. Mr. Reader went to town, also JBD and Northcote. The latter two home to dinner. Northcote off to tea to Walter's and to meet his father, there. JBD and Sadie and Ito tea alone. From Letters of Interest, "One of the most remarkable features in the work of grace is the total change that is manifested in even the natural character after believing the Gospel. The molding by the Word seems so evident. What is lacking in moral character is given through subjection to the Word." Sadie had a cold so I remained at home with her. Feet in hot water, pain killer, etc.
Thursday, April 18, 1901
Primrose day. JBD started for Selkirk with kit and basket. Difference between New Birth and Sealing. "Ye are all children of God by faith in Jesus Christ." Gal. 3:26. "Because ye are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba Father." Gal. 4:6. "Faith tested is faith strengthened; it is to have learned your weakness, but to have learned the faithfulness of God, His tender care even in sending the difficulties, that we may be there with Him." Vol. 2: 288: JND.
Friday, April 19, 1901
Mr. Reader and Northcote to tea to Mr. Huckel's. Sadie and I at home writing, etc.
"The first feeling may be merely bowing to His hand or will. The next, the sweet recognition of His hand of love. Let the thought of grace and His perfect love come in between you and all your thoughts, and you will find His hand sweet though it smite you, and Christ your eternal portion sweet in a way you never knew before. Then in a heart weaned from other things, a capacity to discover the excellency and enjoy the grace of Christ which will make you bless the day the Lord sent it to you. Be assured His love makes no mistakes with us." Vol. 2: 297: JND.
Saturday, April 20, 1901
Busy day cleaning up. Mr. Reader came to a late dinner. JBD arrived from Selkirk just as we finished tea. So glad to see him. He could not cross the Red River as the sewers were not running yet. "It is important to look constantly to Jesus, and to the love of the Father, because that encourages the soul. There is positive goodness in Him, strength also that He exercises on our behalf. By looking to Him, we are enlightened. If you are tempted, trust, look straight to Him. Little by little you will become accustomed to believe in His goodness, though it be necessary to return to it constantly. But the eye directed to Him, makes Him known to the heart. Looking to Him who delivers us from ourselves, is what excludes the thought of self, and sanctifies us much more in a practical way." Vol. 2: 373: JND.
Lord's Day, April 21, 1901
Mr. Greene took Mrs. Doxey to meeting. JBD, Mr. Reader, Mr. Northcote walked. Sadie and I following. Windy, bright, not too warm. Mr. Reader addressed the Sunday School children. Present were Halsie Arent, 3 Greene's, Edith Huckel, Lulu, Grace and Jennie Robinson, Ruth and Fred Oliver, Northcote, Sadie and I. "To desire the sincere milk of the Word that we might grow thereby if so be we have tasted that the Lord is gracious." 1 Peter 2;3. Oh that I may love His Word! In the evening, Jennie, Grace, Lulu Robinson and Sadie went to Gospel. JBD and I at home, much prayer together and consequent peace.
Monday, April 22, 1901
Busy day. Quiet evening. Mr. Reader and Northcote to Oliver's to tea. I did not show patience and long-suffering with joyfulness. Col. 1:11.
The world is wide, in time and tide,
The man is blest, who does his best,
And God is guide
And leaves the rest,
Then do not hurry.
Then do not worry.
Tuesday, April 23, 1901
Mr. Reader and Mr. Northcote home to dinner, and to Brathwaite's to tea. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, Ruth, Fred, and Marion to tea. Reading in evening on Ex. 14 and 15, which took in Rom. 4-8. Green's 5, Oliver's 5, Reilly, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, JBD, Sadie and I. Mr. Reader and Northcote came late. My letter from Miss. Boville. I can only pray and wait. The Lord has allowed it to show me myself. "The Lord must be known intimately in order to be able to walk in a way pleasing to Him; and it is thus that we grow in the knowledge of God's will." Vol. 2: 375: JND.
Wednesday, April 24, 1901
Mr. Reader and Mr. Northcote finished packing. Sandwiches 10 to 11:30. Dinner finished, etc. Mr. Tonkin, JBD and Mr. Reader walked. Mr. Green and Northcote drove in the Express. Mrs. Brathwaite in with baby, dear little fellow. JBD to meeting alone. I stayed in with Sadie's cold. Hot bath. Hot lemonade. I wrote to Miss Harmer. Mr. Lightbody and Mrs. Chase. "Lord, Thou wilt go with these letters and guide my pen in all things." Thunder storm, our first.
Thursday, April 25, 1901
Lidie L's wedding day. Air clearer and cooler. JBD and I had a long talk before and after Luke 24. "Lord, Thou wilt be with us, the path is lonely and dark as far as our brethren are concerned, but full of companionship and light if walking with Thee." A quiet sort of morning, work dragged, little done. So must leave it till tomorrow. "Be with us tonight in this trial. Let all be manifested to Thy glory and the good of Thy people. Send me more to my knees to show dependence, confidence, subjection, lowliness, separation, satisfaction and worship."
Blessings:
1. The Lord at our right hand and we cannot be moved.
2. A quiet house.
3. The desire for a single eye.
4. Temporal mercies.
5. Health.
6. Blessed hope.
7. Divine love.
Wish to write to Miss. Johnston, Mrs. Stewart. Another storm, then frost.
Friday, April 26, 1901
We had a long talk. House tidied. Sadie's room ready, yet much to be done. JBD had a letter from Mr. Reader who wrote from Regina. He got so far safely. I had a long cheery letter from Mrs. Stewart. She got the slippers safely. The second storm came on in the evening, so Sadie and I could not go to meeting. JBD went alone. Two others only there.
A Story of Trusting Jesus
Donald and Annie were late. In the fast deepening shadows, they dimly saw in the narrow lane before them, a big horse grazing, an awful and terrible obstacle right across their homeward path. He knelt on the road just where they were and with bent head and closed eyes, was praying earnestly, "Oh, God, make the horse go, for Jesus' sake! Amen." Little Annie had never seen anyone take a trouble straight to God, and she stood with clasped hands and eager bright eyes, watching what would happen. To her disappointment nothing happened beyond that the horse stopped eating and stood perfectly still. She shrank back with renewed terror, as Donald quietly took her hand saying, "Come, Annie, come on." "Oh, but Donald, the horse is not gone," she cried. "No." he answered cheerily, "It is not gone, but we have told God about it, and I expect He means to take us past it safely, while it stands still." And so it was, the horse never stirred while the two little children went by in God's tender keeping. Thus Annie learned her first lesson in the school of faith.
Have you learned yours? Do you know what it is to take trouble, fear or care to God, and to leave it with Him, believing that He has heard and will answer in His own blessed way? Perhaps as with little Donald, He will not see best to remove the trial, but He will most surely, in answer to your prayer, help you pass through it with His peace keeping your heart, He, Himself, leading you on safely, so that you fear not.
Saturday, April 27, 1901
Busy day. The air clear after the second storm. Sadie to Mrs. Scales for the day. JBD to Mr. Doupe's for afternoon and home near 5 p.m. Early tea. Sadie and I mending. JBD to Huckel's in evening. Many lessons learned. "Grant us, Lord, that there may be lasting blessing for Thy glory and Thy name's sake."
Lord's Day, April 28, 1901
Bright, windy, had frost. JBD, Sadie and I walked to meeting. Happy. Just ready for Sunday School now. "Lord, let Thy blessing be on it and ours."
Monday, April 29, 1901
A letter from Mrs. Morgan that Lidie arrived Friday, also her husband and father. Us to tea either Monday or Tuesday. So I hurried off in the afternoon and found them all at home. So nice to see them again. They drove me to Magnus we.
Tuesday, April 30, 1901
Evening reading. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, Mr. Coleman, and Miss Hamilton, 4 Green's, Mrs. Huckel. Very warm indeed all day. Sadie and A. Doupe called about 6 p.m. "But we must wait on Him. He only has power and He works in grace. Prayer and supplication to Him will surely be answered. Constant dependence in the sense of our own nothingness, and in us no good thing, and Christ all, and the utmost simplicity of truth fed by the Word, and in our ministry, and we shall be happy with Him and serve Him." Vol. 2: 477: JND.
"How very much we all need to be brought before the Lord, and laid in His hands that He may mold us, and fashion us according to his own mind." Mrs. Smith.
Wednesday, May 1, 1901
Busy morning. I went to the station to see Lidie Living, her husband and father off at 4:30. W. and Faith Morgan and their four children and Willie Living were there. Met JBD there and we walked to Mrs. Huckel's and home by the Red River. Then walked to meeting in the evening. Rom. 3.
The subject was that the work of Christ may be preached time and again, but no effect on the soul often, while who He is, being impressed, awakens the conscience. Very warm walking home. Mercies:
1. The best husband.
2. A cozy home.
3. The mercy seat
4. A knowledge of the source of strength.
5. Health.
6. Peace of mind and peace around.
7. Quietness and confidence.
Thursday, May 2, 1901
JBD and I to Mrs. Oswald's. I remained with Mrs. Oswald while JBD and Mr. Oswald went to see the Sanystir's, who were out. A quiet, restful visit. Wrote to Annie and enclosed Alice's. I pray no harm may come to this, but that all will be healed. "The Spirit gives the Word, the divine power which produces life as the incorruptible seed of the living God enduring forever, the Word of God becomes the revelation of His Son in us, and Christ thus received becomes our life." Vol. 2: 565.
Friday, May 3, 1901
JBD had a quiet morning writing. Very warm and bright. JBD, Sadie and Ito prayer meeting, also Mrs. Doupe, the two daughters, also Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, Mr. Oliver, Mrs. Greene and Miss Ledgerwood, Mr. Huckel, who prayed, also Mr. Oliver and JBD. Wrote to Miss Boville. Lord, bless my letter. "In all Thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Prov. 3:6. Waiting on Him, courage and patience are what are called for. Trusting the Lord and seeking the blessing of all is our path." Vol. 2: 565: JND.
Saturday, May 4, 1901
JBD writing. Morning busy. Still very warm. JBD carpentering. In p.m., T. went to river bush. JBD to Walter's, took tea, and was going to Gardiner's, but JBD ill and Oswald brought him home. Anemones. Wrote to Tom. "Lord, guide the letter and bring a speedy answer. Give me strength, Thy strength, to write wisely and boldly of the only Worthy One." "Being yoked is everything that brings us to community of thought and moral judgment. The tendency is to loosen the absoluteness and universality of Christ as a motive which tends to eat out the spiritual life." Vol. 2: JND.
Lord's Day, May 5, 1901
Bright, breezy, cool morning. After breakfast, a little rain. JBD took Mr. Greene's horse for Mrs. Doxey. Sadie and I walked and in good time. A happy meeting. JBD spoke on Psa. 40 and 41. The poor man. Ecc. 9: 13-15. Blessed is he that considereth the poor man. Afternoon: 3 Greene's, Muriel Oswald, Fred and Ruth Oliver, H. Fisher, H. Arent, E. H. Robinson, Ethel Johnston. Evening, JBD took Gospel. Matt. 16 and Acts 16. What it was that converted the jailer? The grace. "Do thyself no harm." Peter's confession. The Person of Christ must be presented. Luke 5. "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." Peter had peace when the Lord said, "Fear not."
Monday, May 6, 1901
Rather dull, foggy, cold. Quiet morning. JBD writing. I tidying up. JBD had letter from Rat and hopes to go to Selkirk Wednesday. JBD went up to general post office, Sadie had dinner at 12:30, JBD about 1:15. He and I having a quiet afternoon.
New mercies:
1. Weather cooler so that meat, butter, and milk keep cool.
2. Quiet and rest.
3. A warm house.
4. Food and clothing.
5. Thy Word and prayer daily.
"Lord, what wouldst Thou have? Is this pleasing to the Lord?
"The Christian is to bring in Christ as his one and only motive for everything." Vol. 2; 567: JND.
Tuesday, May 7, 1901
Still cool. After dinner, I ran over to see Mrs. Greene, then JBD and I walked to the Noter Dame greenhouse to see George Reilly and ask him to tea, also to see the crippled woman, so bright and patient. Meeting in evening: "Manna," eating His flesh and drinking His blood... our Lord by faith. Mrs. Huckel, Mr. and Mrs. Green, also Roy and Eva Greene, George Reilly, Miss Gregg, Sadie, JBD and I. "Courage and perseverance, the Lord is there, and neither wearies nor fails in faithfulness. We have only to follow and serve, forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forward to the things that are before. In a little while, we shall reap if we faint not." Vol. 2: 569: JND.
Wednesday, May 8, 1901
In afternoon we went to see Miss E. McCarthy, lonely and looking for work. A lesson in gratitude, patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Then a few minutes to see Mr. Walters. Then home and to meeting in evening. Rom. 4. "No doubt it is a testing Word, but a blessed one; "I will bless the Lord at all times." Psa. 34:1. And Christ has gone through every sorrow that we may know that He enters into it, and with such tender grace. How blessed it will be to see Him as He is! If this were our rest it would be sad; but it is not, and sometimes we may have need that He should make us feel it. But there remains a rest for the people of God. We belong to that, to the new creation; but He has come down into the old, that we may know that He does not leave us alone in it, and He is our portion in both." Vol. 2: 586: JND.
Thursday, May 9, 1901
Helped JBD to get off to Selkirk with basket and bedding, etc. Mr. Hunter and two men came at 3 p.m. to work in kitchen. Not finished. Cold night. "I see frequently in the New Testament, it is when He sees the power of evil and bows, that all the prospects of His glory open upon Him."
Friday, May 10, 1901
Men left kitchen at 11 a.m. Showery, sunshine and cloud. Woman from 1:30 to 3:30. Sadie and I busy. Hail and rain and tired, so did not go to prayer meeting. "Lord, keep dear JBD in Thy gracious love and care," has been my prayer all day.
"The Lord's coming and the presence of the Holy Ghost are the two truths brought out in these days. They have been consciously my theme these fifty years and more. They started me in my path of service; the assurance of salvation came with them and the Christian character as of the new creation, like unto men that wait for their Lord. When man entered into the glory of God consequent on accomplished redemption, the Holy Ghost came down, `til He comes to take us up. This connects the hope and the power of life and the heavenly calling with accomplished redemption. Christ Man at the right hand of God is the central point." Vol. 2: 587: JND.
Saturday, May 11, 1901
Busy morning. JBD came home about 11 a.m., cold and miserable. Soon warm and cared for. Rail in hospital and children and wife in tent this cold time. Quiet, busy day. Sadie went to Robinson's instead of Fort Rouge, St. Boniface, but must later.
Lord's Day, May 12, 1901
JBD in bed. Sadie and I to meeting. "Gazing on the Lord in glory", "Lamb of God, our souls adore Thee", "Lord, Thy love has sought and found us", "How blest a home! The Father's house." Mr. Gardiner gave a word on Psa. 47 and Heb. 4. JBD was well enough to take Sunday School, and took up the ever important subject of who Christ Jesus is. The children answered well. There were 2 Green's, 2 Oliver's, 2 Robinson's, G. Markell, Halsie Arent, 2 Scales, Sadie, JBD and I. Sadie went home with the Scales and I went to Gospel alone. Mr. Gardiner preached on 2 Kings 5, the four lepers in Samaria. JBD much better of the rest and quiet. The evenings have made a great stretch and are wonderfully light.
Monday, May 13, 1901
JBD went in evening to see Reynor, the engineer. Sadie and I wrote. JBD somewhat better. In p.m., he and I went to see Mrs. Oliver and Mrs. Scales. Could not buy wood, no money. Better not to go into debt. The Lord will make the wood last till we can buy it. Lovely afternoon, warm and bright. Mr. Doupe in for a few minutes in p.m. "We have to seek, amidst all that is passing around us, to minister positive truth and blessing, Christ and what is eternal: and for that we must live for Him, and with Him too, and not much mind what is passing around us, as God brings it before our eyes. It is Christ, His positive good, the world wants, and saints too." Vol. 2: 587: JND.
Tuesday, May 14, 1901
Busy morning tidying up. JBD writing. I, trying to be quiet. In afternoon, warm and windy. JBD and I went to Balmoral Street in cars to see Mrs. Templeton and Mrs. Boyd. Both out. Then walked to Tampide and saw Mrs. Walters and Mrs. Brathwaite. Home in cars as far as station and walked rest of way. Had tea and prepared for meeting. It was the answer to two questions. "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And the Philippian jailor, "What must I do to be saved?" Very stirring. The subject of law came up. Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Reilly, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, Mrs. Greene and son and daughter, JBD and Sadie and I.
Wednesday, May 15, 1901
JBD wrote in a.m., went to town at noon, then to bank in p.m. Then packed and rested and off to Selkirk by 6:30 train. I was very lazy to go to meeting, but went. Mr. Oliver was the only brother. Mrs. Walters, Mrs. Doupe and daughter, Sadie and I, Miss Ledgerwood, Mrs. Orde and daughter and poor little Miss McCarthy. I am sorry for her. The subject Rom. 4. A little showery through the day. "The present great truth, redemption being known, is the presence of the Holy Ghost. What made it expedient Christ should leave the disciples: the future truth in present hope, the coming of the Lord for the saints, and then in His own rights over the world. To sinners as plain and complete a gospel as possible, and the time is short. Meanwhile, we have to watch and walk in love and self judgment, in patience, to be enough with Christ to bring a love which is above the evil, into the midst of the evil, in holiness. That is what Christ was, and that we have to seek to be." Vol. 2: 589: JND.
Thursday, May 16, 1901
"No perfect sacrifice ever made without a fresh ground of revelation with God in grace." A very beautiful morning. New every morning is Thy love and care. Thy Word and prayer is the best antidote against impatience and irritability in me.
Mercies:
1. Fresh tokens of His love.
2. Home, shelter, food, Father.
3. Quiet resting place.
4. The best husband.
5. A throne of grace.
6. Privilege to bear others up.
7. His blessed Word.
Friday, May 17, 1901
JBD arrived home as we were at tea, very hot and tired. Yet, we went to meeting in cars after he had tea, a wash, etc. Walked home.
Saturday, May 18, 1901
Not much done to the house, but just tidied up. Sadie and I did a little shopping. The streets of Winnipeg make me so sad. "I trust God is keeping you very near Himself, and that he maintains the freshness of His grace and love in your soul. We need to be constantly renewed: without that, spiritual energy does not keep up. "They shall renew their strength like eagles." Isa. 40:31. What is of moment is the keeping of oneself near God. There love maintains itself and grows. His love in our souls. God gives you to enjoy Himself" Vol. 2: 361: JND.
Lord's Day, May 19, 1901
JBD not very well so walked quietly, first connecting. Sadie and I followed. Very warm. Home in good time. Sunday School very interesting. Psa. 19. Children answered well. Two Robinson's, 2 Scales, 2 Oliver's, 1 Huckel, 1 Arent, 1 Johnston, 3 Green's, Sadie, JBD and I = 15. Four little girls to tea. Walked to Gospel in evening. JBD preached. A good number out. "There is a better world they say." Rev. 21. First the beautiful home described. Then the description of hell. Then street preaching, corner of McDermont Avenue and Main. Subject similar to Sunday School and Gospel. A good many listening. Walked home in cool and tired.
Monday, May 20, 1901
Very warm, I am sure. JBD had much writing to do, so we did not do the carpets, He and I went in cars to say good-bye to Mrs. Orde. I saw her afflicted child. They have moved 22 Times in 21 years of married life. But passes and Pullmans make traveling easy. Then walked to see Boyd's, but out. Also Mrs. Templeton. She out, too. Then Oswald's. I walked with JBD to Mr. Oswald's office. He remained to see Mr. Taylor and Mr. Brathwaite and not home for dinner till late. Sadie and Ito River Park and Slent in cars, but it made me sad. "They are not of the world even as I am not of the world." John 17:14. "Let it be so in reality, oh, Lord." Headache from sun's heat. Mrs. Greene and Eva in after tea, a profitable time.
Tuesday, May 21, 1901
JBD and I put down rugs. Very hot and busy. All ready for evening meeting. Mrs. Scales and Roy to tea. Subject: Psa. 22, the Sufferings of Christ. Walked back and forth with Mrs. Greene, so got neuralgia and aches. Must learn to be wiser.
"England has tried me more than anyone will ever know but One; but it has been good for me, and I have felt that we are to rejoice in the Lord alway, and to be careful for nothing, but to count on Him whatever fails, and He has not failed. How could He? I have unclouded confidence in His faithfulness to the end. With all this, the Lord is working everywhere; and we have to think of what is of praise and is lovely and of good report and find the God of peace with us. Phil. 4:8,9." Vol.: 2: 588: JND.
Wednesday, May 22, 1901
Much cooler in the night. JBD writing most of morning. I was lazy and dull. Went up to town to cash the express order. Windy and rainy in evening, but we walked to and from meeting. Mrs. Doupe and daughter, Miss Living, Mr. and Mrs. Walters, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, Miss Holiday, Mr. Brathwaite, and Mr. Oliver, Miss McCarthy, JBD, Sadie and I. Rom. 5. Room very stuffy and hot. Walk home so fresh. Good night's rest. JBD drove Mrs. Doxey out a little for airing and then took her to Mrs. Doupe's for the evening. This refreshed her. If the Lord does not give me much grace, I may do or say something unwise which would grieve dear JBD, but he is so patient.
Thursday, May 23, 1901
Windy and cool. Up early and saw dear JBD off by 8:20 train to La Riviere. I pray he may have a safe, happy journey and visit and home, D.V., on Monday. Finished Mrs. Stewart's letter.
New mercies:
1. God's love and care.
2. Cool weather, and neuralgia gone.
3. Comfortable home.
4. JBD, a cool quiet journey
5. All with him for his comfort ( I think).
6. Quiet for reading, writing, sewing.
7. More desire to pray for courage to speak to souls
"There is so much illness and sorrow and death all around, even the unconverted having their share of the sorrow and not of the consolation." A. S.
Friday, May 24, 1901
Sadie away all day. I was laid up nearly all day, but it was quiet. Very cool. Went to meeting in evening and came home with Sadie. I pray the meeting in La Riviere may be blessed to all and a time of refreshing. The pity is we are so prone to stop short of the blessing He would freely give.
Saturday, May 25, 1901
Busy, felt better. Sewed and helped Sadie with her lessons. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd called. Then Mrs. Arent for a while. "You must be careful to keep in charity. The heart may revolt at what is dishonest, but the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God, but those who are God's children, we ought to think as such, and we shall yearn over them for their good. This does not give us indecision, but makes us see more clearly what we have to deal with, as from God. We have to keep near Him, and then His presence sustains us through all. Walk in patience, doing only what God gives you to do, walk in peace, but one must be before God to do it." JND.
Lord's Day, May 26, 1901
Not well enough to go out. Sadie and I spent the morning searching for Bible subjects, etc. Sunday School in the p.m. "The Good Shepherd." Two Green's, 2 Oliver's, 1 Huckel and 1 Scales, Halsey Arent and 3 Robinson's, Sadie and I. Sadie went home with Scales'. I did not go out. Mrs. Green, Eva and Roy in after meeting. "It is said that faith is but the hand that receives salvation, but what disposes us to offer the hand? It is the grace that works in us." Vol.: 2: 592: JND.
Monday, May 27, 1901
Better and busy. It is very warm. I went to the station to meet JBD at 3:45. He was hot and tired and fairly well. Had wash and food and then after tea, Oliver's called, then he had a wash and a good night.
"Christ was what He said, and what He said was what He was. The righteousness of God is simply God's righteousness, a quality or attribute of His. We are made the righteousness of God in Him, because Christ would not see of the fruit of the travail of his soul, if He had us not thus with Him. But the display of God's righteousness is in His going to the Father. Our responsibility now is to show out Christ, who is in us, through His presence in association with love in us, according to the love wherewith He, the blessed One was loved." Vol.: 2: last page. JND.
Tuesday, May 28, 1901
"If we are not faithful and very determined in following Him, we will lose the joy, which every Christian should have of serving Christ here below." Messages of Love.
"Duty delayed may not only become duty neglected, but it may involve an eternal loss." Messages of Love.
Wednesday, May 29, 1901
Busy all morning getting dear JBD ready. Had dinner of fish, peas, potatoes and fruit. Then got things packed and we had a little quiet together before starting before 4 p.m. Prayer too. " Lord, answer it, and take care of my dear husband!" Took cars to train in good time. Came home and had a big cry and read the letter again. The burden of it is that the wife is to be before the Lord and with the Lord and all will be right. "Lord, grant it!"
"But a wise wife who seeks first the Lord Himself, puts Him first for her husband, and does not love him the less: it is a bond; and her husband will honor and value her, and so will the Lord, too. She is to remember he is the Lord's servant, and keep peacefully in her own place, not meddling with relationship to his labor, or the flock amongst whom he may be, only helping as she may very much in it, and leaving it there." JND.
Thursday, May 30, 1901
A beautiful cool morning and day. Cloudy and signs of rain, but no rain. Busy all morning. Had dinner ready for Miss Greene. and Sadie in good time. Read and sewed indoors till Miss Greene came home from school and then sat on verandah till time for tea. Walked over to cliff to see "Dusty Two" pass by, and came back with Mr. and Mrs. Oliver and Marion. Sang a few hymns and they went home. We went to bed in better time: I pray this visit may be truly of the Lord and that I may not stumble her, but help her.
Friday, May 31, 1901
Another beautiful morning. The whole dome of heaven shaded around the horizon from a gray to a deep blue in the zenith. Up in good time. Breakfast, reading John 11 and 12, Miss Greene, Sadie and I. Walked a little over and backward with Miss Greene. All done by 9:30. At bank at 10:30. No postman. No letter from JBD. Must write to him this afternoon.
Saturday, June 1, 1901
"We are no better than other people. May the Lord order our paths and enable us to walk willingly in them. I can sympathize with you in shrinking from coming in contact with people in many ways. I suffer from it."
Lord's Day, June 2, 1901
He cares for Me
1.
The glory of the sunset, the sighing of the breeze,
The fragrance of the flowers, the beauty of the trees,
The tender grass beneath us, the soft blue sky above,
The whole wide world is telling of God's protecting love.
2.
The murmur of the river along its grassy way,
The birds so gaily singing from dawn to close of day,
The chirping of the cricket, the humming of the bee,
All creatures join in saying, "God loves and cares for me."
3.
And shall we ere be silent for whom the Savior died?
Let each one spread the tidings, "The Lord is crucified."
He died to set the erring from sin and sorrow free,
God's Son has died to save me, the Savior died for me."
Monday, June 3, 1901
Threatening rains. A few showers.
Tuesday, June 4, 1901
Fresh, cool, and lots of showers. Busy. Sent Mrs. Greene her lunch. Had a wee dinner for her at 4:30. Mrs. Oswald to tea. Twelve to reading. Mr. Gardiner spoke on Luke 15. No letter either this morning or evening. Miss Greene went home. I pray her visit may be a blessing to us both. "Lonely, but not lonely," came with such power to my heart, as from the Lord. I always feel so lonely returning here, so you will be pleased, I am sure, it was such a comfort to me. I was thinking of you before I was up this morning."
"I rest in Christ the Son of God, who took the servant's form,
By faith I flee to Jesus' cross, my covert from the storm."
Wednesday, June 5, 1901
Dull, cold, rainy. No letters. General Booth, when asked what he thought would be the leading points of the new century, answered: "I consider the chief dangers which confront the coming century are: Religion without the Holy Spirit, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, societies without God."
Writing in afternoon. Hope to get a letter. Wrote a poor scrawl this afternoon. Beginning a letter to Miss Tracy. Asked JBD about John MacKay's wife and about Duncan McIntyre. Miss Green came in after school for a while. "Asking the Lord to make us centers of blessing wherever we are." A. Stewart.
Thursday, June 6, 1901
Letter in a.m. from Jenny Simons. Letters in afternoon from JBD (2), Tom, Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Reader. All welcomed and looked for in their turn. A wet day.
Mr. Brand spoke from 2 Cor. 1:12-24. "All the promises of God in Him are yea." He said it was as if as each promise were brought up, He said, "Yea," to it for us. But he said, "At what cost did He say yea? It was at the cost of the cross." Mrs. Brand said, "They have yet to learn, "As for God, His way is perfect." Psa. 18:30."
Friday, June 7, 1901
Went to town in the afternoon to bank. A letter from Mary B. when I returned. Posted my letters to Mrs. Stewart and to JBD, and sent a telegram to Lumsden, Saskatchewan. "Lord, wilt Thou be with this telegram and these letters." Sadie and I walked both ways to meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Doupe and daughters, Mrs. Huckel, Mrs. Robinson (aunt of Jennie), Sadie and I = 10. Fine, beautiful day after the rain. Sometimes I feel I ought to do certain things and cannot, then I am depressed and say to myself, "It is the burden of unfulfilled responsibility." "O, Lord, undertake for us, we are weaker than bruised reeds."
Saturday, June 8, 1901
Busy. Sadie and I tidying up. In the afternoon, Miss Greene came in, then Mrs. Shepherd. Busy sewing, etc. until 10 p.m. Hope Brucie Scott will be all right in morning. Mr. Brand spoke on Friday eve that the cure for luke-warmness was in real heart-prayer. He said, "We cannot keep ourselves, but we are kept by the power of God through faith." 1 Peter 1:5. We have needs that no one but God can supply." Acts 9:1, 2, and 11. "Behold he prayeth." He said that Paul was never a lukewarm Christian even when he was in a wrong path.
Lord's Day, June 9, 1901
Rather dark, cloudy and rainy. Sadie and I started in good time for meeting. Mr. Oliver and son, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, Mr. Gardiner and Miss Ledgerwood, Mr. Huckel, Mr. Brathwaite, Mr. and Mrs. Greene. Fine, coming home, but cloudy. Weather hindered Sunday School. S. H., Halsie Arent, Millie Scales, Hattie Greene and 2 = 6. Sadie and I made eight. So I am left quietly. "Lord, what wouldst Thou have me to do? Wrote some notes on Genesis and went to bed.
Monday, June 10, 1901
Up fairly early. Got mail in the afternoon. A quiet day. Letter from Mrs. Bennett and Mary McCallum. Visit from Mrs. Doupe. The Lord give me wisdom. Visit from Miss Greene. She, Sadie and I walked through St. John Park. Lovely evening. Went to see her parents. Home and to bed.
"We need to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, in order to keep above the disorder and evil and to be not overcome with it, but to overcome evil with good." 2 Tim. 2:1.
Tuesday, June 11, 1901
Up early. Busy morning. No letter. Am looking for one now but fear it is past time, 4:10. "Lord, keep him near Thee, still conscious of Thy love and watchful care. Fill my heart with love, divine love to all Thine own. Thou knowest how cold I am." Meeting as usual. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, Miss Greene, Roy and mother. Subject was Heb. 9.
"Kneeling there, I prayed that God would spare our darling if it was His will, and if not, that He would comfort the hearts of his parents in their great sorrow, and make me more faithful to the little ones in my charge." M. of L.
Wednesday, June 12, 1901
"May you know what it is to be complete in Him, and in all the rich depths in Him, be kept from going out in the profitless mazes of Satan. His presence is the sanctuary for the soul and His love the fullness of its blessedness." JND.
"I believe in Jesus. I have found Jesus. I know that Jesus loved me and gave Himself for me. And now I know that I am saved, I am going to pray every day at for you and for you dear and for others besides that Jesus may bless you all."
Thursday, June 13, 1901
"Few, indeed, there are alas, who seem able to enter into the need of this (united prayer). One wonders continually how many there are who are really gathered out to the blessed living Person and on the ground of the Church of God. Many have come out to blessing, and not the Blesser, and so are always demanding something in the way of ministry that meets the soul's cravings, as may have never been soul-satisfied. I never saw it before as recently, that as a whole even amongst those that meet with us. The testimony to the truths of the Church and of the Head and the Body and of the Lord's return is really ours collectively. There is neither heart nor appetite for what led so many outside the camp to Him, to bear His reproach some 70 years ago. Happy are we if through grace He finds us occupied and ministering these divine realities when He returns. Anna "spake of Him to all" and He comes to earth as a proof that her tale was no idle one. May we therefore be found telling others He is soon coming back, and during it, keep our own garments tightly around us."
Friday, June 14, 1901
"The Lord alone knows where to prune the part to bring forth fruit." S. Baines.
Saturday, June 15, 1901
Sadie and I went up town. Saw through the Hudson Bay stores (in part), bought dear JBD an undervest, got home by 12. Sewing and studying in p.m. Wrote to dear JBD and posted his parcel. "Brief was his life, beautiful his death, yet, through God's blessing, they were the means of leading his parents to fix their hopes for both time and eternity on that dear Savior who blessed little children." M. of L.
"The more you know of and enjoy the truth of God, the less effect the temptations of the enemy of our souls will have upon you." M. of L.
Lord's Day, June 16, 1901
Wet, but cleared. Sadie and I did not go out, but I studied the Word. Still, not right. At Sunday School were a good number. Subject was "Peter." His self-confidence, the Lord praying for him, the advice, the warning, the fall, the look, the message, the interview, the public restoration. "Feed my lambs." Mr. Gardiner in evening: The woman at the well. Saw Mr. Sale from Japan with a message from Mr. Brand. "Go on as you are doing. Keep close to the Lord and He will direct your path. I am sure He would have you to go wherever your good husband would like you to go, for you would never be in the way, and I have no doubt you feel as I did, that it is a privilege to be with him, except that sometimes the poor body gives out, and one feels tired and longs for the quiet home, and even then, I never wished to be anywhere but where I was, near him."
Monday, June 17, 1901
Went up in morning to "Clarendon" and saw Mrs. Sale, the governess, Miss Redpath and the two boys. Walked and talked with them a little and home a little after 11. Wet evening and night. Letter from dear JBD. Miss Greene came in evening, also Mr. Oliver. Profitable talk. I pray it may increase. Redeeming the time. Ken, early morning to visit. Then came to tea. We enjoyed it all. He went off early. Expressed to dear JBD his books, rubbers, paper, etc.
Tuesday, June 18, 1901
Wet morning. Busy, tidying the house. Letter from dear JBD. Mrs. Toson did not come to tea. Mrs. Scott, Mr. and Mrs. and Roy Greene, Mr. Coleman and Miss Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd and George Reilly, Mr. Gardiner, Sadie and I. Subject was Heb. 10.
"Our prayer is that all our dear young friends may become so acquainted with the Word of God, that its sacred contents may become so endeared to each heart, and its precious teaching obeyed, that each one may become a living testimony for Him, and in eternity be amongst those who receive from His lips those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and from His pierced hand receive a reward for many an act done in His name. A life spent for Him brings rich reward both now and hereafter." M. of L.
Wednesday, June 19, 1901
"Be much among the poor. The Lord always blesses it, it was always His way, and it has its peculiar importance in more ways than men suppose." JND.
"When the Word of God takes effect upon us, it leaves us entirely free from sin, as having power over us. Sin is no longer our ruling master that we should obey it in fulfilling its lusts. The Bible tells us that he that is dead is freed from sin, Rom. 6:7, 8; and every Christian is dead in God's sight, for he is looked upon as having died with Christ. The Word of God gives us a new life and it is in the power of that new life, through the Spirit, that we are to walk and glorify God.
But while we are left in this world, we still have the old life and nature in us, but it forms no part of us in God's sight, and we are not for a moment to allow it to control us, as it used to before we were converted. It is just because we have sin dwelling in us, that we need God's Word to search our hearts and keep them pure before Him. When His Word keeps us and controls us, then we, "Mortify our members that are upon the earth," Col. 3:5, and we do not sin. We walk as those who are dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Christ Jesus." M. of L.
Thursday, June 20, 1901
Mrs. Greene and I went to the Park a little while and she photographed me under a wild rose tree. I hope it may be good. There are three sources of evil:
A legal mind The cure for a legal mind is grace.
A morbid conscience The cure for a morbid conscience is truth.
A self-occupied heart The cure for a self-occupied heart is Christ. C. H. M.
Friday, June 21, 1901
Warm and cloudy. I went to town in forenoon and cashed the draft at Bank of Ottawa, then to express office and got the tracts. Mrs. Coleman and Miss Hamilton called in p.m. I lent Miss Hamilton "The Lord's Coming and Revelation", and tried to show her about "Adventism." Sadie and I to meeting in evening.
Saturday, June 22, 1901
Warm and fine morning. Sadie and I busy at all kinds of things till dinner. Then I wrote to dear JBD and sent Annie and Dick, "Future of Europe." I pray it may be blessed to all themselves and all to whom they may show it. The Lord can use it. Letter from JBD written and posted on 20th of June at Regina. I mended towels and things. Sadie and I sewed on verandah till 9:30. "Unselfishness is one of the most beautiful lessons that God would have us learn. The Lord Jesus is given to us for a most glorious pattern. In the Bible we are told, "Even Christ pleased not Himself" Rom. 15:3.
"Spend the first hour of every morning in prayer and meditation on the Word of God."
Lord's Day, June 23, 1901
Rainy, but Sadie and I in time for meeting. Got some rain coming home. News of Reader's at Grand Rapids, North Manitoba. Sunday School in p.m. Three Greene's, 4 Robinson's, 1 Huckel, 2 Oliver's, 1 Arent, 4 Scales = 15. I pray the story of Jonah may be blessed to us all, that we may see God in everything. I at home until after meeting in evening as it was wet. Read and prayed. May I not forget the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Sadie came home with Miss Greene and her brother. "When I was well, I used to hear the Lord say to me day by day, "Betty go here, Betty go there, Betty do this, Betty do that," and I used to do it as well as I could, and now I hear Him say every day, "Betty, be still and cough."
Monday, June 24, 1901
"On her knees that night she sought to learn from the Lord, the value of a man's soul in His sight." Raining early, but fine by 10. Letters from Ratt and H. S. O. for JBD and two from dear JBD and one from Mrs. Orme for me. All well. Busy getting laundry ready, mending, etc. Mr. Newman cut the yard and made it tidy for dear JBD. I pray "The Man that died for me," may be blessed to his soul and for the glory of God. Ratt met Mrs. Courtenay on Lake Winnipeg and heard of the Reader's. "Through faith Moses could give up wealth and honor, taking in their stead suffering, poverty and reproach in order to act for God"
Tuesday, June 25, 1901
Another warm day. Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Reilly, Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd, Mrs. Huckel, Miss McLeod, Sadie and I at meeting. A violent storm from a little after eight until after ten, which permitted all to get home, then it continued through the night. "Why is Jesus called an unspeakable gift?" 2 Cor. 9:15. Because He is so precious, that no one can tell all His preciousness."
Wednesday, June 26, 1901
Very sultry. Sadie and Ito meeting in evening. Heat great. Letters to Alice, Mary McCallum, Mary Hill, Mary B. Reed. "He did not know hardly a worse sin that a child of God could be guilty of than to be discontented with the lot provided for them by their Father, for it was God who gave each their lot."
Life is a burden, bear it.
Though it break your heart in twain,
Life is a duty, do it.
Though the burden crash you down,
Life is a thorn-crown, wear it.
Close your lips and hide your pain,
First the cross, and then the crown.
Thursday, June 27, 1901
Cooler and pleasant. Sewing in forenoon. In p.m., to see S. Morgan. A letter from Mrs. Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver and three children and Miss Greene in for a while. Sadie and I at scripture lesson till well after ten.
Friday, June 28, 1901
Cool and refreshing. A dull rainy morning. Letter from dear JBD. All well. Hopes to be home on first week in July. "Lord, Thou alone wilt guide and keep him under the shadow of Thy wings." My dear, gentle, loving guide and husband. Wrote to Mr. Blackader, Nellie R., and Mrs. Calladine. The two latter are old debts. Sadie and I went to prayer meeting, walked home with Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, who were house-hunting on Selkirk Avenue.
Saturday, June 29, 1901
Bright. Busy forenoon thinking perhaps the Readers' would come. Sewing in afternoon. Sadie studying. Letter from dear JBD, a little more satisfactory as to length, but I am too exacting. He hopes to be home by middle of week. I ran over to see Mrs. Greene, who is a little better. I do not think I would go if I were Mrs. Greene.
Lord's Day, June 30, 1901
Bright, sun rising about 4 a.m. Breakfast. Reading about the conversion of the servant of the Queen of Ethiopia in Acts 8. Good time to meeting. Walked with Mrs. Innes. Home alone. Dinner with the Shepherd's. All these things weigh me in mine own sight and find me wanting. "My Father, show me myself in Thy sight. If Thy grace does not keep me up, I shall stumble. Let my walk not be in my own strength, my Father." Sunday School, not free from faults, yet I hope the dear children had a picture of the Holy City.
Monday, July 1, 1901
"Before Christ bids us "Learn of Me,"
He says, "Come unto Me."
Tuesday, July 2, 1901
Reading in evening. Miss Ledgerwood to tea. Mr. Gardiner, Geo. Riley, Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Mr. Coleman and Miss Hamilton.
Wednesday, July 3, 1901
Dear JBD arrived in the rain at 5 a.m. I was so glad to see him. Rather wet day. Telegram from Selkirk, ( just a few miles north of Winnipeg). Dear JBD and I rested and did not go to reading in the evening. He thin and pale.
Thursday, July 4, 1901
Up early and busy. Fairly square when Mrs. Reader, Herbert and Gracie came with dear JBD. Dinner over in good time, then they went to see the Doupe's. Home to tea. Early to bed. JBD and I managed well on the floor.
Friday, July 5, 1901
Sadie had a forenoon at school, but home for dinner. Mrs. Reader and Gracie went to tea to the Doupe's and to Prayer meeting. JBD to meeting, Sadie and I at home.
Saturday, July 6, 1901
Herbert came at 8:30 for Gracie to go to have her teeth attended to. Came back in good time and slept most of the day, Mrs. Reader looking after her. Sadie busy packing, then went shopping and to the Scales'. Dear JBD and I went down to the station to see Mrs. Doupe and her daughters off. E. Morgan was there. We were tired and late home. Sadie did not come home. "Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and His Maker, ask Me of things to come concerning My sons, and concerning the work of My hands command ye Me." Isa. 45:11.
Lord's Day, July 7, 1901
A beautiful day. Breakfast early. So a quiet morning. I remained with Gracie, JBD went for Mrs. Doxey and Mrs. Reader was met by him with the horse later. Sunday School passed off happily. Matt. 25 ever new and ever full of warning for us. JBD remained quietly at home in the evening and I went to the gospel with Herbert. Mrs. Reader and Gracie also at home. Sadie came home and finished her packing that night. Mrs. Greene and Roy drove me home.
Monday, July 8, 1901
Got up at 5 a.m. and got Sadie off (to her home in La Riviere) in good time. Had a little read for half an hour before she started. Mrs. Reader and Gracie up rather late. I was lazy. Dear JBD tidied up for me partly and helped me. A very warm day. "A well-known adage runs that those women are often best about whom one hears least."
Tuesday, July 9, 1901
Busy. Did not get the house in order much before meeting time. George Riley to tea. Subject full of interest and very searching: responsibility flowing from relationship. 1 Peter 1:13-25 also John 14: Verse 21: "I will love... will manifest myself to him."
Verse 23: "We will come... we will make our abode with him."
Mrs. Reader and Gracie to the Brathwaite's.
Wednesday, July 10, 1901
Warm and bright. Mrs. Reader and Gracie shopping and to the dentist. Mr. Cook and Alban to dinner. Halsie Arent in with his autoharp to show Herbert how to play. Mrs. Reader and Gracie rested in p.m. JBD, Herbert, Gracie and Ito meeting. The beautiful 8th of Romans. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." That we may live in the power of it. JBD went to see Mrs. Johnston and found a friend of hers, an anxious soul. Mrs. Reader gave me a lunch basket and Gracie gave a soap box for traveling. Dear JBD gave me a big coal-oil stove a few days later. A good motto for me: "Yet I go on my way, say little, serve others, pass on." Vol. 1: 465: JND.
Thursday, July 11, 1901
Not an early start. Very warm, in the 80's, but a nice breeze Mr. Dunlop writing. Gracie and Mrs. Reader shopping. All to dinner at 2:15. Mrs. Robinson of Lawrence spent most of the afternoon. Mrs. Reader and Gracie to tea at the Walter's. JBD to the hospital to see H. Raynor. Mrs. Greene, Jack and Hattie visit a while, the children to see the tent. I wrote to S. Morgan and writing to Miss Greene. Dear JBD came home, then Gracie and her mother. Mosquitos bad, we went to bed early. Night fairly cool.
Friday, July 12, 1901
Beautiful, cool, morning, breezes like Chebeagne, but soon got hot. I got a letter from Minnie Scharf (sister of Florence Scharf), and am sitting quietly between 10 and 11, writing. Mrs. Reader and Gracie going to the Huckel's and to meeting. I do pray the Lord to keep me quietly in His presence, then all will be right. I took Mrs. Reader and Gracie by riverbank to Lusted Street and we were too long in the heat. It was so stupid of me. Dear JBD and Ito the prayer meeting. Mosquitoes bad on the street.
Saturday, July 13, 1901
Very hot. Mrs. Reader got a telegram that they must catch the last boat at Selkirk in the evening. Dear JBD had much running about to find all about it and get a horse, etc., but could not catch the boat, so he got overcome with the heat. They went to the S. and H. Oswald's. George Riley came up after tea. Mrs. Reader and I strolled to Park. Mosquitoes very bad.
Lord's Day, July 14, 1901
Rather wet. Dear JBD went for the horse to take Mrs. Doxey and Mrs. Reader to the meeting, but Mr. Greene thought it too wet. So dear JBD went on. Mrs. Reader and Gracie followed. I stayed too late so turned back. It was wet and hot. Dear Jamie and I rested in p.m. and gave Gracie the Sunday School. She had Hattie and Jack and Halsie. Mrs. Reader and Gracie went to tea to the Gardiner's. JBD and I soon followed to the Gospel. Mr. Gardiner spoke of the Philippian jailer, and it was very hot. Dear JBD preached on the street and Herbert said a few words too. Many listened and then we walked home. Mrs. Reader and Gracie drove. Dear JBD made himself sick by drinking too much lime juice, because of the heat.
Monday, July 15, 1901
Dear JBD sick all day. Very warm. New mercies:
1. The Lord ever near.
2. Health and strength.
3. No bugs.
4. Not many flies or mosquitoes.
5. Earthly and heavenly rest in view.
6. Patience from God.
7. Things might be worse.
Tuesday, July 16, 1901
Gracie's and Herbert's breakfast at 6:30 in Park!!! It was really Bovril at 6:50 at 162 Magnus we. Dear JBD well enough to start eating again. Had dinner on new stove. Fish, chops, peas, and new potatoes. Dear JBD went by 2:10 train after helping the Reader's till he was ready. Mrs. Reader went from Mrs. Phair's to Walter's where she met Gracie and both to Greene's. Herbert turned up too late for his train and had packing to do. Roy Greene came over to see what was the matter. Herbert in meantime had gone downtown. I got up provisions, ready before dark.
Tea, Sugar, Butter, Cheese, Crackers 5
Marmalade, Bread 2
Ham Sandwiches, Figs 2
Lime Juice, S. Tea, Biscuits 2
Tongue, Veal Loaf, Black Currants 3
Brown Wafers, Bovril 2
Oranges, Lemons, Bananas 3
Wednesday, July 17, 1901
Up at six. Breakfast at seven. We ate heartily. Herbert came and went. I rushed with the provisions to catch the Imperial Limousine. Found Mr. Tongum and Herbert. Sent both to rescue. Train happily late. Walked home at 10 a.m. with Mrs. Greene, but train even then had not arrived. However we left them comfortable in a car. Cleaned the bedroom and regulated. Letter from dear JBD. Mrs. Brathwaite in.
Thursday, July 18, 1901
Up at seven. Cool morning. Finished letter to JBD. Got a stamp at Mrs. S's. Got the telegram from Vancouver. Told its contents to Mr. Brathwaite through telephone. Saw Mrs. Arent. At last, set to work, sweep, dust, scrub, till all is done. The Lord helped me through His kindness. I ought to be mindful of His love and care. Prayer and the Word of His grace.
Friday, July 19, 1901
Still busy getting the house in order. Did not go to the prayer meeting, though I ought to have.
Saturday, July 20, 1901
George Riley came in the evening, also Mrs. Greene, just when I was about to start for 9:30 train to meet Mr. and Mrs. Brand. At station, was told that the train was not till 6:30 a.m. Mr. Brathwaite called later to say that he would go at that hour on his wheel.
Lord's Day, July 21, 1901
Dressed and all ready when Mr. Brathwaite came to say that the train not in till 10:30. I went down and found them there, also Mrs. Oliver. We went on to meeting. Mr. and Mrs. Brand and Frank Bradbury came home to dinner. Mr. Brand went off on 2:10 train to Bathgate to the Dakota conference. Mrs. Brand kindly took the Sunday School. Halsie Arent stayed with Frank and Mrs. Brand and I went on to the Gospel in the evening.
The following verse was Dr. Valpy's confession of faith not long before his death.
In peace let me resign my breath,
and Thy salvation see.
My sins deserved eternal death,
but Jesus died for me!
Lord Roden had the verse copied and framed and mounted over the mantelpiece in his study. Not long after, one of the aged heroes of Waterloo, General Taylor, came to visit him at Tollymore. Lord Roden remarked that the eyes of the old soldier's invariably rested for a few moments upon the motto. Being asked about it, the General replied with emphasis and feeling, "I know it now by heart." From that time a change came over his spirit and life. His friend departed in peace and these words that he had learned to love in his life-time were his last.
In after years, Lord Roden told this story at the house of a near neighbor, when a young officer, who heard it, turned carelessly away. Some months later, Roden was sent for to this young man's death bed. The dying man stretched out both hands to welcome him, and while repeating those simple lines, said; "They have been God's message of peace and comfort to my heart. The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, brought them to my memory after days of darkness and distress."
Monday, July 22, 1901
A note from Mrs. Oliver with Ruth and Fred, for Mrs. Brand and Frank and I to tea, but we had promised to go to Mr. Brathwaite's about 4 p.m. We were delayed, but I forget just how. Vivid forked lightning was playing about as we were waiting for the St. John's car. But the storm was far away. We had a pleasant evening and home late. We left the key at Mrs. Arent's in case Mr. Brand and JBD should return. I do not remember any more of the day.
Tuesday, July 23, 1901
All I remember of Tuesday was that dear JBD and Mr. Brand returned from Dakota by the 2:10 train, hot and tired, and we had dinner for them, and that Mrs. Brand and I had a long read and pray and talk in the morning, while Frank played about. I do not remember more except that Mr. and Mrs. Brand and dear JBD walked to Oliver's and Frank and I remained at home. He went to bed at 8 o'clock, and I slipped off before they came back, and the Lord was so good to me in all my housekeeping details, and we both enjoyed so much the fellowship of these two brethren.
Wednesday, July 24, 1901
I do not remember much except that Mr. Brand did a great deal of writing in the morning, and they went to Oliver's to tea in the evening and to meeting. I did not go but kept Frank and slipped off to bed early.
Thursday, July 25, 1901
There was a reading on Thursday at Mr. Oswald's. I did not go for my neuralgia was bad. I think the unexpected photo was taken of Mrs. Doxey (whom dear JBD brought to see us), Mr. and Mrs. Brand, dear JBD and I and the horse and buggy. It was Mrs. Doxey's first visit to our cottage. A happy little visit. I think the Brand's went to Gardiner's to tea. Mr. Heney says in a letter to dear JBD at this date, "Nothing is overlooked by Him, whose we are and whom we serve. The Lord's claims should surely be considered first, and our conveniences made subservient. What costs us an effort, shows energy for the effort, and is surely acceptable to God. Hannah's resource in the low state of Israel was in prayer, and the answer to her prayer was Samuel, a man of prayer himself. Self-judgment is the only accompaniment of getting into His presence."
Friday, July 26, 1901
I remember Mr. Brand and dear JBD went to Brathwaite's to tea and Mrs. Brand and I followed later to meeting and Halsie took care of Frank Bradbury till we returned.
Saturday, July 27, 1901
I remember the reading in the evening, only Mr. Greene and Roy, Mr. and Mrs. Brand and I. I do not remember much else. Mrs. Brand gave me a lovely warm flannel nightgown for the tent and dear JBD received from Mr. Brand a teapot for the tent and camping and traveling. We ought to remember more the intercession of our Lord as High Priest and Advocate, also the prayers of our brethren. "I am so dull and full of regrets and foolishness and weakness, Thou knowest it, Lord, instead of gratitude and love. I pray that Thou wouldest shed abroad Thy love in my heart by Thy Spirit, that I may show it heartily to others, and all as a testimony to Thy glory and as the wife of Thy servant."
Lord's Day, July 28, 1901
We all went to meeting, a fresh day. Frank drove with the Greene's, who brought Mrs. Doxey. Mrs. Brand again took the Sunday School. I was busy. Mr. Brand and JBD rested. A young Christian, Mr. Cowan, came to tea. I remained at home with Mrs. Brand and Frank, though would have fain go to the street preaching. Mr. Brand, JBD, and Mr. Brathwaite preached and all agreed that it was refreshing and many listened.
Monday, July 29, 1901
Up in good time and breakfast and off to the train. Had a nice time. Mr. Brand and Frank drove with our good friend, Mr. Greene. Saw them to the last and returned home. I could not just settle down, but tidied the house and sorted things somewhat and rested and wrote letters.
Tuesday, July 30, 1901
Busy in earnest, packing. Roy came over in the evening for a little reading on Church truth. The tent came, a fine one, and dear JBD put it up. Roy saw it and took measure for the stove.
Wednesday, July 31, 1901
Letter from Miss Boville. "Lord, give me the measure of grace to answer it as Thou wouldst have me answer it."
Praise Ye the Lord
1.
The flowers that deck my pathway round
And skirt the shady wood,
Proclaim as with a thousand tongues
That God is very good.
2.
The glorious sun and peerless moon
And stars which round them wait,
Prove God was not only good,
But kind and very great.
3.
The ripened field of waving grain
For man and beast assigned,
Tell that the great Creator is
Not only good, but kind.
4.
But Oh! the cross where Jesus hung
Doth yet more strongly prove
That though so good and kind and great,
The mighty God is Love.
Copied
Thursday, August 1, 1901
Still busy packing. I think Mrs. Oliver and the children came to say good-bye; no, that was Tuesday evening. Roy got the tent over to sleep in and helped to crate the coal-oil stove and asked dear JBD to go with him in the canoe. Mr. and Mrs. Greene and Mr. and Mrs. Oswald came over to say goodbye.
Friday, August 2, 1901
Up early and breakfast, everything done by nine a.m. Mr. Greene came for the things. Went to the station, but train not to go till 6 p.m. I waited at station, while dear JBD looked after some things. At noon, we went to "Assiniboine" for dinner. Then took tram for Brathwaite's. Rested under the trees in hammock, then came back in time with Mrs. Brathwaite and started for Regina. Had a lunch tea on train. Slept fairly well.
Saturday, August 3, 1901
Up at four, and so in good time for Regina. Had early breakfast in restaurant. I waited in station while dear JBD went to buy a few things. Cecil Seed arrived about 10 o'clock. Dear JBD and I had some of our provisions for dinner. I remained about the station, taking care of the things and wandering about the pretty station, looking at the luxuriant beds of poppies, etc., until 3 p.m., when we started for Tregarva. A warm drive through the prairies, and some mosquitoes. Got to Mr. Seed's about 5 o'clock. Tired and to bed early.
"Do you know the joy of being free from fretfulness which is entailed by questioning God's will? Free from the failures which come through trusting one's own powers instead of relying solely upon the Lord's when waging war against the world, the flesh, or the devil?
"O Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, increase our faith, deepen and enlarge our trust, and thus make us free, for Thine own Name's sake."
Lord's Day, August 4, 1901
Very warm. Dear JBD walked over after breakfast to see Geo. Riley. Home after dinner. Dear JBD's meeting at 3 p.m. Then, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Seed, baby, also Mr. and Mrs. Colton and three children to tea, talking on walking.
When husband and wife are truly one, each will gladly make a sacrifice, give up any habit for the sake of the other. The ambition of each will be to make the greater surrender, so that both may be blessed. "Love suffereth long, and is kind." He or she who loves, will count no effort too great, if only the object of affection, can be made wiser, happier, better. Everyone who refuses to practice self-denial for the sake of husband or wife, has married for self, which is love's opposite.
Monday, August 5, 1901
Still warm and breezy. Cecil drove JBD and Ito see Jonathan Seed's family, saw Violet and Tiny; Lottie, Essie and Mary with Ernest at school. While Cecil went to office, we went to see the Denzin's. After dinner, we came home.
The best talk to your friends would be your own silent Christian example. The best tract would be, "A living epistle, known and read of all men." 2 Cor. 3:3. The greatest power for good is a life well lived. See that you are right with God. Yield to the pleading of the Holy Spirit. Let Him recreate you into a likeness to Christ.
Tuesday, August 6, 1901
A coldish, windy day. Dear JBD went with Willie Seed to Regina for the tent and other freight. After dinner, Mrs. Seed and I started to see Mrs. Moses Seed, also her daughter, Mrs. Coulter, at whose house we remained for tea. My neuralgia is bad, but Mrs. Davis gave me a wonderful remedy and it has not ached since. Extract of Yellow Jessamine, to paint the part affected by a feather. We walked home and dear JBD home from Regina. We had a few hymns and then bed.
The crown of thorns. Jesus bore the punishment instead. Matt. 27:29
A crown of pride. Isa. 28:1
A crown of old age. Prov. 16:31
A crown of life. Rev. 2:10
A crown of righteousness. 2 Tim. 4:8
An incorruptible crown. 1 Cor. 9:24,25
Wednesday, August 7, 1901
Beautiful, bright day. Forenoon employed in putting up the tent. It is a fine one with boarded floor, two beds, two stoves, two chairs. Still sleepy and tired and not good for much. I read some of Mr. Darby's letters to Mrs. Seed. Meeting in school house. Nice number, chiefly young men. The subject: Jonah. Who can tell? Acts 8, "Be it known unto you." "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them, and let thy widows trust in Me." Jer. 49:11. "Wait a while, dear, it is never wise to pass judgment on the Lord's dealings until we have seen the end of them."
Thursday, August 8, 1901
"They looked unto Him and were lightened." Psa. 34:5. Rather cold, but no frost. Our first tent night very warm. After breakfast at Mrs. Seed's, we fixed up the tent a bit. I finished my letter to Mrs. Baines. Then we got Ernest's little pony at the school-house and drove to Tregarva for the letters. JBD had one from Ninga (Hewitt's lived there) and I had none. We remained with Petrie's for dinner. It rained, so we came home to the tent and made a fire. After tea, JBD read to Mr. and Mrs. Seed and I on "Prayer." We came back to the tent and to bed early. Made a little fire and were snug. During the p.m., I read to Mrs. Seed on "The Wanderer Restored," or "Jesus in the Midst."
Friday, August 9, 1901
Keep me as the apple of Thine eye. Psa. 18:8.
Second night in tent. Much warmer. Good air. Dull morning, but became warm and bright about 10 a.m. Went in to Mrs. Seed's for breakfast at 7:30. Had reading from Rom. 14. Subject: not stumbling another. It is now nearly 12, dear JBD has gone to see Cross and Geo. Denzin to ask them to return to dinner with us, and then we go to W. Seed's, and then to Jonathan Seed's to meeting. We are both feeling so much better. It is long since I wrote to you. The last is July 18th, so if it is the Lord's mind, He will let me remember. 1:30 p.m. We have had dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Seed, Cecil, Andy, Willie, and his two men, Miss Porter, JBD and I = 10. The dishes are done. I am back in the tent and we shall soon start.
The two and a half miles walk over the lovely prairie trails was one of the most delightful in my life. Mrs. Denzin, there, and she drove us on the old back-board to J. Seed's after tea. The dear wee chickies, and meeting about David and Jonathan were lovely. Home with Cecil, Mrs. Moses and Grandmother.
Saturday, August 10, 1901
Wrote to Miss Baines and partly to Dick. After dinner, dear JBD and I walked to Moses Seed's, got the little pony, Tom. It went splendidly to Mrs. Crispin, a dear little visit with her and her three chickies. Dear JBD told her the story of David and Jonathan of the night before. We sang, "What will it be to dwell above?" and drove home, leaving the pony at Moses Seed's and getting our two pails of water at C. and Davy's. To bed early. "When we look around, we see all our different lessons we are to learn in the varied circumstances the Lord sees needful to pass us through. Slow learners most of us are, in the school of God."
Lord's Day, August 11, 1901
Warm and beautiful and quiet. After breakfast, quiet until dinner. Only Miss Porter, Mr. and Mrs. Seed, JBD and I. Then quiet until meeting. Lev. 16 and Heb. 9. All attentive and helped. The blind boy at tea, fretty. Some hymns. Andy, Cecil, Willie and the blind boy to the schoolhouse. Then to bed early. A warm night. Good rest. Wolves howling. A restful day compared with Winnipeg and the din and confusion. Wrote to Mrs. Hipp, too. "Lord, Thou wilt go with these letters."
Monday, August 12, 1901
A dull morning, but all for heat. Up at 5:30, but lazy. Having a quiet morning in tent writing. Looking forward for letters. "Let me have some from Ireland, if it be Thy will, my Father, and good too, if it please Thee. Be with all my dear ones everywhere. We hope for a children's meeting this afternoon at four, after school. Let our hearts rise to Thee for it. Do save souls for Thy glory and for our encouragement to cheer us on the pilgrim way. Do make the salvation of a soul, a great and precious sight. Let us value it as Thou valuest it."
Tuesday, August 13, 1901
In the country on every side, where far and wide,
Like a leopard's tawny and spotted hide,
Stretches the plain,
To the dry grass and the drier grain,
How welcome is the rain.
But it is not needed in Tregarva. It is ideal Tregarva weather for harvest. We started after breakfast and reading, at about 8:30, for Lumsden, a pretty village (temperance) in the Qu'Appelle valley, about eight miles, or ten, five on the prairie and a beautiful descent into the valley. Nearly another five miles over the pretty river, Qu'Appelle. Saw a band of horses, two cowboys, their dress spurs, lasso, etc. A nice visit with Mrs. McKui. Fine, lovely colt to there and home. Dear JBD rested in the tent and I picked currants, wrote Mrs. S. Quiet in the tent, the little prayer meeting of three. Our second, I believe. "Help Thou mine unbelief."
Wednesday, August 14, 1901
A warm morning, yet a cooling breeze in the tent. To breakfast at seven. Saw Mrs. Seed and Cecil off to Regina. Mr. Seed and I washed up, and he, dear JBD and I had our reading and prayer. Now, dear JBD and I quiet in tent. The country seems so still and quiet. Just eight at meeting. Subject: Prayer.
Oh, who shall us accompany to do our mighty task?
"My presence shall go forth with thee,
I'll give you rest." His gifts are free.
His blessed rest! His promise sure! It rings through centuries.
It gives the courage, trust and strength to loving, watchful eyes.
His guidance here is always best,
We learn to lean on Him for rest.
Not rest from work, but rest in work that's pleasing still to Him,
But how can rest be thus obtained? By faith that's never dim.
Thursday, August 15, 1901
You long, long river like an anthem pouring,
you thoughtful silence of the lonely mere,
You eagle to the sun divinely soaring,
all, all have meaning here.
A beautiful day, very warm. Morning quiet. Sewing in tent. A visit from Miss Young. Dear JBD walked to post office and back. We went off with the pony in the p.m. to Swartz: Sutton's, W. Crispin's and tea at Denzin's. Home before dark. The Lord bless our visits for the souls and His glory.
Friday, August 16, 1901
A beautiful breeze in tent. Dear JBD and I wrote and read. "Lord, Thou wilt bless this quiet resting place, we indeed thank Thee for it."
"He has taught her a lesson that older people so often are slow to learn. She realizes the truth of those beautiful promises so frequently seen in God's Word. How blessed I would be if other children and even older ones, would take the portions of the Bible committed to memory and make them a practical part of their lives. The Lord surely intends that we should do so, for he says to us,
"Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only." James 1:22.
Dear JBD and I drove to Jonathan Seed's. Mrs. Seed, Cecil, and Miss Young went with the fast horses. Mrs. Moses Seed went with us. Subject was the Lord's Coming.
Saturday, August 17, 1901
Love, sense, and patience. These are three important elements necessary to happiness in marriage.
Lord's Day, August 18, 1901
Quiet morning in tent. Mr. and Mrs. Seed, dear JBD and I had the blessed subject of "Prayer" again as neither of them had had it the previous Wednesday. It was all so precious. Then the gospel at 3:30 p.m. A visit from Mr. and Mrs. Petrie for a little while before Mr. Moses Seed and wife and Georgie to tea. Cecil took Miss Young home to Regina after the 3:30 meeting.
Monday, August 19, 1901
Dear JBD and I up early. Took our basket. Mrs. Seed gave us a loaf, jar of milk, some meat and we started with "Tommy" for Sam's. It took till 11:30. Then I went to his shack and had nice dinner for them both by the time the horses were fed, etc. Then while I tidied up, dear JBD went for the letters. We took them to the school and postponed the children's meeting as it was rainy. So we rested until tea-time.
Tuesday, August 20, 1901
Mrs. Crispin and Eva arrived after breakfast. We had a little fire in the tent, so she came out and we had a quiet chat. Mrs. Seed also spent the p.m. with us and we had the children at 4 p.m. A nice number. Two of the little fellows cried at the touching story of the little boy holding up his hand in the hospital, so that the Lord might see it. We all felt it. "Lord, bless it to us all, for Thy name's sake!"
Wednesday, August 21, 1901
Off to Sam's again. A good morning's work with Mr. Denzin's help. Rode home to the shack on the binder. Had a good dinner ready for Sam and JBD, also George Doeg. Then JBD visited Cross and White's shack, while I tidied up. Then we had a hard two hour's gathering up and binding what was spilled everywhere in the field. But it was so big, we never saw the owners. So, we went home tired, and to rest.
Thursday, August 22, 1901
A wild, cold afternoon. Mrs. Freethy and Thorton and Ruby for afternoon and tea. Do not remember about letters though it was mail day.
Friday, August 23, 1901
A delightful walk to see Mrs. Gore. Home in time for dinner. Six miles. Then in p.m., walked to Moses Seed's for "Tommy" and had an hour's visit with Mrs. Jonathan Seed. I had little Gladys for an hour with Tinie and Violet while dear JBD went into the subject, "What is the Camp?" with her. Then a word at Mrs. Crispin's about the Lord's Table and then home. Saturday up late talking to Miss Porter and talking to Mrs. Wickens.
Saturday, August 24, 1901
Up early. Morning began cool. Mr. Seed brought the horses early, so dear JBD and I started for Regina with W.W.'s light wagon. A fine drive there and back, through the great prairies. To livery, to post office, to bank, to grocer, and drug stores, to hotel for dinner. Met a pleasant gentleman and his wife at table. Sorry I did not hear more of their wandering life. Wish they had the peace of God. It was not mirrored in their faces. To Mrs. Young's, had a chat with her and her three daughters. Started home at three. Brought out shingles, etc. Gave them to Mrs. Gore and home before tea-time. Pretty tired.
Lord's Day, August 25, 1901
Very hot. We had a quiet, resting morning in the tent. I did not go in to dinner. Had a long read. Mr. and Mrs. Seed to dinner alone with dear JBD. Then to school-house for gospel at 3:30. Well filled with young men, many were strangers. Boards in the tabernacle was the topic, standing in redemption, money, covered with the gold of divine righteousness. I went home with Mr. and Mrs. Colton, a tearing drive, then after tea, to breaking of bread at W. Seed's. He and his wife, Mrs. Colton, Mrs. Crispin, Mrs. Moses Seed and dear JBD and I. Lord, let us ne'er forget Thy own most precious Word, "This do in remembrance of Me, until I come." I drove home with dear JBD, Mrs. Seed with the Colton's. Cecil picked us up when walking from Moses Seed's. So, had another fast ride.
Monday, August 26, 1901
Dear JBD stooked for Cecil. Very hot. I sewed in tent and then took a can of lemonade to him, also Cecil and Andy. JBD went to the post at 12. And then he and I delivered mail at the schoolhouse and Moses Seed's. Then to W. Seed's. Had a nice talk with Mrs. Seed, a very fine godly woman, who is anxious that the table may continue to be spread for the Lord's glory. But the men seem to fear the reproach. Drove home. Jogged home in the warm moonlight. Cheered and refreshed. Truly we are just living by the day. I had a letter from S. Scharf and Mrs. Hipp. Dear JBD had a post card from Mr. Brathwaite. The most interesting thing for me was a sweet tiny baby boy at the Arent's. I hope to hear soon. (Edward Henry Arent, born Saturday, August 17.)
Tuesday, August 27, 1901
Dear JBD went to Willie Seed's in the afternoon to stook and talk to Willie and George and was not home till late. Rather quiet morning. Packed a few things in the tent. It got rather stormy and rainy, but came to nothing. Very hot in the tent. I sewed and read to Mrs. Seed. She and I had a quiet afternoon.
On Wednesday eve, the meeting was very precious. We read 2 Peter 1 and 2, and Mr. Hayhoe said a good deal on what we have been brought into, all made ours in Christ, as dear A. P. Cecil once said in speaking on 2 Peter 1, "This is our Land now, live in it." I never forgot it.
Wednesday, August 28, 1901
Bright and beautiful about 9 am. Before that, it was damp and misty. Other people had the storms or rain. Dear JBD and I started early with Tommy, the pony, for Mrs. W. Crispin's, had a quiet time with her and little Eva. Clara and Wilfred were at school while Mr. Crispin was working at his hooker. JBD had a talk with Alice Denzin en route. She seems to have found her Savior in a quiet reserved sort of way. After dinner, went to see Mrs. Denzin who had just returned from Lumsden with Ida who went to get her tooth out. After a little talk, went on to Mrs. Jonathan Seed and saw her little flock: Ernest, Lottie, Essie, Violet, Timie, and Gladys. Then to Moses Seed's to return the pony and walked home. Beautiful moonlight. Dear JBD stirred by some pamphlet about "Holiness." It is a pity so much beautiful truth is mixed up with error. All in bed by eight. The evening is drawing to a close now.
Thursday, August 29, 1901
Another beautiful, breezy, hot harvest day. Up early and all packed ready to go to Sam's. JBD went for Tommy, the pony, and found that Sam had gone to Lumsden as his wheat was not very ripe. So we went to Alice Denzin's to help her father and Charlie. I have just come back from getting a pail of water at Colton's well, and brought dear JBD a drink. We shall likely go for the letters after dinner.
Friday, August 30, 1901
"We shall think of you often in the tent and know that the Lord's blessing will be with you, and it is this that "maketh rich," is it not?" M. S. B. Mrs. Arent has what Kathleen describes as "a sweet, tiny, baby boy."
Saturday, August 31, 1901
"Such trials seem hard to understand, but we know the love that permits them, withholds no good thing, since He spared not His own Son. The measure of His love is shown in the gift that He gave. How the trials of this wilderness will be forgotten, when we see His face, and hear His voice. How we long to see Him and be like Him, too."
What a day will that be, when the Savior appears,
How welcome to those who have shared in His cross.
Jennie Simons.
Lord's Day, September 1, 1901
Quiet morning in tent. Beautiful weather. I wrote to Dick and Alice. George came and we discussed ways and means. The gospel at 3:30. "Oh! the glory of the grace shining in the Savior's face." Breaking of bread in evening. JBD and I went in little cart.
Monday, September 2, 1901
All packed and ready to start, but dear JBD wished to stay to see W. Welwood and George. So left the tent taking down till Tuesday.
Tuesday, September 3, 1901
Mrs. Jonathan Seed and baby and Timmy spent the day. Helped dear JBD to take down the tent and pack it. Everything ready.
Wednesday, September 4, 1901
Wet, so Sam did not come for us. Quiet day. Read "Above Things," and "The Sea and its Perils," to Mrs. Seed. Talked to Miss Porter about her sister, etc.
Thursday, September 5, 1901
Up early, all ready, off in good time with William Seed. Left our tent, poles, springs, and utensil box behind us. Had Moses drive with W. Welwood's spring wagon. Roads very bad. Truly had a homestead on one wheel and a preemption on the other. When near Regina, saw the Imperial Limited run past, but we did not mean to take it. Business in Regina. I went to the hotel and was very cold. It rained heavily all day. Dear JBD wet and tired. "Lord, I confess to Thee, not being in communion with Thee, and though the lady in the hotel, Mrs. Barker, her father a clergyman in Exeter, Pearse, told me how ill she had been, I said nothing of Thee and Thy saving love and power. Lord, what wouldst Thou have me to do about her?"
Friday, September 6, 1901
Journeying mercies. Up at 3 a.m., at the station in good time, a clear, cold morning. When Breakfast time, had a cup of not very hot tea, but warm, then ate our chicken, bread and butter. Same at noon. Both of us tired and sleepy. I slept most of the time, but not refreshed. I fear I did not testify in any way about the Lord. Reached Winnipeg about 6:30. Got safely to the house. Mrs. Shepherd gave us the key and some milk. Very kind. Mr. Shepherd brought us a pail of water. Dear JBD opened, read, and wrote letters until 11:30. I had a restless night and dreamed mother gave me a harp and I said I could not play it and she said I could learn.
Saturday, September 7, 1901
Up early, got JBD a good breakfast and he caught his 7:40 train. A restless sort of day, not much accomplished. Saw the new baby at Mrs. Arent's getting washed and then in a while in afternoon, I saw the two babies asleep.
Lord's Day, September 8, 1901
I am not very happy over this day's doings. In time to meeting. Bright, beautiful morning. Did not go in a rejoicing, happy mood. Four Walter's, 4 Gardiner's, Mr. Oswald, Miss Holliday, Mr. Blennerhassett and I, also five Oliver's. To dinner at Oswald's. Nice to hug again dear little Gwen and Murray. To tea at Gardiner's. Glad to hear again of Tackaberry's. Learned a lesson of busy, kindly Mrs. Gardiner. Mr. Blennerhassett preached the Gospel. Walked home with Miss Greene, Roy, and Hattie, and saw their parents. Home and to bed.
Monday, September 9, 1901
"Happiness in married life is to be gained by the use of the old-fashioned virtues of unselfishness, consideration of others, politeness and kindness, all based on love and capped by common sense."
How these worldly maxims sadden one, when there are the beautiful Words of life waiting to arouse our cold, dead hearts to action. "Father, be with my dear, dear Jamie. Busy, bright, bracing morning. Postcard, "Chillon" from Mdme. Guignard. Went to Laundry, Grocer's, etc. Mrs. Huckel out so did not get Tommy Atkin, etc. In p.m., Annie's letter and Mrs. Arent came, also postcard from Phil. Gibson for JBD. I posted A. Gausby's, Mr. Hart's and mine to JBD, also to Alice and the chicks, Dick, Tom's to Mr. Snow and a bundle of them to Mr. Living. “Lord, Thou wilt take them safely and bless them."
Tuesday, September 10, 1901
"If he find cheer, peace, mirthfulness, order, sympathy and love at home, he is certain to set his sail for that port with the same anticipation with which the mariner seeks his own harbor after a stormy voyage. Say to yourself every day that he loves you, that he is good, kind, loyal, worthy and more and more. Be his friend and comrade as well as his sweetheart and home-keeper. Remember that the woman makes the atmosphere of the home."
A fine day. Busy with Mrs. Wells, got nearly all done. Letter from dear JBD, also Gracie Reader.
Wednesday, September 11, 1901
All this in a letter from Mrs. Urele to dear JBD. "As beloved JND says, "Only let us trust the Lord and we know not how much blessing there is in store for us," and as you used to remind us, "He is the God who raised the dead, and His grace upholdeth those that fall and raiseth up those that be bowed down. If you begin by saying, "Thy will be done," you will end by praising Him. It is a comfort to know His way is perfect, and He lets us get the benefit of its being so."
It is raining, but I must go out and make up for yesterday's neglect as far as I can. The other letter from JBD about tent and things. Did not go to meeting, I was tired.
Thursday, September 12, 1901
Tidied up a good deal. Wrote to dear JBD. Finished Dick's letter. Mrs. Tackaberry and Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Greene came in and sat a while. Visit from Mrs. McLean, and her daughter, Mrs. Templeman. Letter from JBD. He is off to La Riviere for rest of week.
Friday, September 13, 1901
A strange day. Woke at 6 a.m., but slept again till 7:30. New mercies:
1. Old Mr. Newman invited me in and I spoke of Him to his dear wife.
2. Mrs. Stewart's letter.
3. Mrs. Arent's kindness sending a dinner.
4. Clothes sent in good order.
5. Visit from Mrs. Oliver.
6. Flowers from Mrs. Arent.
7. Tom's long letter with money.
Wrote to Tom, finished Annie's letter and wrote to dear JBD and posted. So wet, I did not go to prayer meeting. Not happy about not going. Did not accomplish what I hoped to do.
Saturday, September 14, 1901
My father's birthday. 1901 1798 = 103 years. I pray that it may be all right about Tom's mistake in my name. The Lord did not forget me, for Mr. Owens was there from Ottawa and identified me. A wet night and a showery day. Went in p.m. to see old Mrs. McLean, but she was gone to Fort Rouge for her daughter, Mrs. Armstrong, but I saw Miss McLean and Mrs. Templeman. Of course, I went a round-about way.
Thou, by long experience tried,
Near whom no grief can long abide,
Where're I roam, my home I see,
Secure of finding all in Thee.
"I have no home, though countless mercies on earth. My home (for the home belongs to the heart) is the place of His will." Vol..: 1: 273: JND. Heaven is near enough everywhere to make earthly distances nothing.
Lord's Day, September 15, 1901
Rather wet. Went to meeting. Walked home with Mrs. Huckel, Mrs. Greene and Hattie. Miss Greene came over in the afternoon and found me in the kitchen reading. She stayed a while. I had a quiet evening and went to bed early.
Monday, September 16, 1901
I looked for dear JBD in the afternoon. Went to Mrs. Huckel's for clock and photo and wrote to Minnie S., Mrs. Keown, Mrs. W. H. Frazer. A rainy, dark day, so Miss Greene did not come.
Tuesday, September 17, 1901
Still dull and dark. Posted my letters. Saw Mrs. Arent a little while.
Wednesday, September 18, 1901
Miss Greene came and we bought JBD's waterproof. I did ask the Lord about it. Mrs. Oswald came, so we did not get away promptly. Hurried home. Had tea and to reading. Roy came and we came home together. Rather cool night. I gave Miss Greene the little hymn book for Roy's birthday. I pray he may come really outside the camp, inside the veil for worship.
Thursday, September 19, 1901
Dear JBD's birthday, but a short letter to say he is not sure when he comes. Mrs. Shepherd gave me mushrooms and a pumpkin pie. I gave her one of the prairies chickens Roy bought at noon. "My Father, let it be a rest of soul as well as body. Do let me be learning of Thee to walk in grace and fellowship with God. Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"
"Piety which flows from true communion, gives with humility, a firm judgment, and waits on the Lord, jealous for His glory, and seeking to do His will. May He keep them in devotedness, humility, and the joy of communion with Him." Vol. 1: 394: JND.
Friday, September 20, 1901
"I know something of the "dolce far," but of the "Dolce far niente (sweet idleness)," little comes to me" Vol. 1: 386: JND. "We must be Christians in good earnest, and accept that the foolishness of God as wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Cor. 1:25. A humble walk in entire dependence on God, looking unto Jesus, is regularly blessed in these present days and soon will come the rest." Vol. 1: 399: JND.
"We often forget that our hope and faith must be in God, and imagine our own arrangements would work so much better. What a quieting thought that He doeth all things well, now as in the days when he made the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak!" A. G. S.
Saturday, September 21,1901
Busy about the house, but not out. Watched somewhat for Miss McLean. Hoped to go to see Mrs. Doxey, but did not go out. "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" Let this be my cry, morn, noon, and night, or I fear I am settling down into selfishness. Neuralgia. "Lord, take it away, if it is Thy will." He either removes these things or gives us grace and strength to go through them.
Lord's Day, September 22, 1901
Cold and damp. In good time to meeting. Walked home to Oliver's with Mr. Oliver and Ruth and Fred. Rather cold and neuralgic. To meeting in rain with Mr. Oliver. Mr. Gardiner preached on Luke 5: A repentant man, a cleansed man, a forgiven man, a following man. "Lord, bless Thy Word to our souls, for Thy glory and Thy dear Son's name." Walked home to the wee lonesome house. With Roy Greene to the corner. Stove not out.
Monday, September 23, 1901
A satisfactory letter from Tom. "Lord, if it be Thy will, remove this neuralgia for Christ's sake." This morning is damp, and chilly after a wet night. The deed for the land has come and it made me a bit dull, added to neuralgia, and dear JBD's letter, this part, "It did me good thinking that, if the Lord does not come before, in ten short years, I shall be up to the allotted time for man here, 70, and likely to be with the Lord."
"Lord, I pray Thee, in the meantime, keep me near Thyself, devoted to Thee and thus I will please dear JBD in all things. Not otherwise. Lord, by Thy Spirit, let me be worthy of my dear husband and a help to him."
This comforted me a little, "The way is a very simple one, if the heart is simple; a very peaceful one, if the heart enjoys communion with God; happy there, we peacefully discern what will be most to His glory." Vol. 1: 448: JND.
Tuesday, September 24, 1901
Our earthen vessels break, the world itself grows old,
But Christ our precious dust will take and freshly mold.
He'll give these bodies vile a fashion like His own,
He'll bid the whole creation smile, and hush its groan.
"The Lord keep us simple, peaceful, and subject to scripture." Vol. 1; 426: JND. "I do not know what else we have to do down here, but to know God better and to serve." Vol. 1: 477.
Wednesday, September 25, 1901
A dark, cold, dull day.
Thursday, September 26, 1901
A bright beautiful morning. There was a stir in the city which reached this little "den." No letter from dear JBD, yet I hoped he might come even by an earlier train, probably bringing excursionists to see the Duke and Duchess. About 11:30, old Mr. Newman was hurrying to the river to see the royal train pass over Louise Bridge. I rushed after him, and Halsie Arent, and Fred, and Don. But the guns were firing, showing that they had already passed the station. At 4 p.m., I began to get impatient and restlessly paced the sidewalk to and from the tramcars. So I went in at last, so lonely and sad. Had some bread and milk and consoled myself with the "Letters." A tap and I ran and there was dear JBD thin and tired, but Oh! so welcome. We talked a long time.
Friday, September 27, 1901
A quiet resting day, but rainy and dark. We read and talked and to meeting in the evening. Gardiner's, Oliver's, JBD and I, also Mrs. Huckle and Edith, Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, also Miss Greene.
Saturday, September 28, 1901
After breakfast and getting things done a bit, we started to see Mrs. Doxey. A rather sad visit on account of her paralysis. A little shopping and hurried home to dinner. Then to see the McLean's, and Templeman's, and Mrs. Oswald, who was out, then cars to Greene's. It was such a helpful visit. "Have I an object, Lord, below?" and the New Jerusalem. Then a quiet evening at home. The day was bright and fine.
"I should like to keep an account accurately and daily of temperature and duration of sunshine and extent of rainfall, all of which factors contribute to the making or marring of a vintage."
"Show your pleasure in a way to give pleasure."
Lord's Day, September 29, 1901
A dark, rainy morning. To meeting. Psa. 16 and Heb. 12. Dear JBD, Mrs. McLean and her daughter, Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Oliver and Fred, Mrs. Walters, May and Bertie, Mr. Greene, his wife and Hattie, Mrs. Huckel and Edith, also Mr. Brathwaite. Dear JBD and I had a quiet afternoon reading and writing. When starting for meeting it was very wet. Very few out. Only Mr. Oliver, JBD and I, Miss Greene, Roy and Hattie, Mrs. Huckel and Edith and Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Walters. But the subject was worth all the distance and the wet. Philippians: Christ, the Object, Pattern, Hope, and Strength. We sang, "Satisfied with Thee Lord Jesus," and “We are by Christ redeemed." Sin is lawlessness. Obedience is the most humble thing.
Monday, September 30, 1901
Up early. Read Eph. 5 and had a long talk in connection. Then letters from George Riley and Mr. Willie Seed, also Mr. and Mrs. Reader, all of which needed to be discussed. So not much progress in household affairs. Dear JBD went to Scales to order wood and saw Oliver's etc. Not home until two o'clock. JBD gone to see Mrs. Arent, I think. "Lord, let me be before Thee, let us both get Thy mind and will about this service step, giving up the house, etc. Let it not be our will or pleasure, but Thine, for Thy glory and the good of Thy children and souls. Thou knowest my weak, selfish, foolish heart. "The thought of foolishness is sin." "What is not of faith, is sin." Rom. 14.
Tuesday, October 1, 1901
He satisfieth the longing soul. Psa. 107:9.
|
#######
|
4
|
|
Never lonely, never weary, Jesus gives me rest,
|
Never lonely, never weary, ( we who rest in Him), Loneliest hours bring choicest blessings, though our eyes be dim.
|
|
Gives the rest so freely promised, on His breast.
|
|
|
2
|
5
|
|
Never lonely, never weary, Jesus in my heart,
|
Never lonely, never weary, home in sight at last!
|
|
Guiding by His perfect wisdom, His loving life, my
|
Then begins the glorious anthem; sorrows,
|
|
chart.
|
dangers, past.
|
|
3
|
6
|
|
Never lonely, never weary, all through sunny hours,
|
Sing His praises, tell the story of the Savior's love,
|
|
In His presence all His brightness, showers our path with flowers.
|
Never lonely, never weary, in His home above.
|
Wednesday, October 2, 1901
"Heart devotedness to Christ and obedience will only be thought of value in the past, when we come to meet Him."
Tell Jesus
Tell Jesus, tell Him everything about yourself and all
The daily cares that trouble you, the great ones and the small.
None are too large for Him to take, He weighed them all before,
He gave them you to bring to Him that you should love him more.
None are too small to take to Him, He listens to a sigh,
He knows each wish, he sees each tear, for He is ever nigh.
Tell Jesus, tell Him everything, the past, the present, too,
He'll send new strength with every care, and soothe and comfort you.
La Riviere, Manitoba
Thursday, October 3, 1901
"How helpless one feels about souls unless God opens the ear. We are so deaf, grace is so foreign to our nature, it takes us a long, long time before we enjoy it. We are so apt to be either lawless or legal."
Friday, October 4, 1901
Brief Time
Tis but a speck of time at best,
A quickly measured space so small,
That in that long eternity of rest,
`Twill cease, 'Twill fade far past recall.
So now we look beyond brief time
And count its griefs as naught compared
To joys unknown, sublime,
Of gladness now for us prepared.
Saturday, October 5, 1901
Tidied up the house. In p.m., went with Miss Greene to buy dear JBD an umbrella and a pair of gloves and Mrs. Arent's flannel. After tea, had a read with Miss Greene on Rom. 7. She was rather unresponsive, but we were all like that and once wanted to be somebody.
At His Side
1.
Close to His side at morning!
The sun is shining bright,
The whole wide world adorning
With beauteous golden light.
The path is clothed with flowers,
How could my weakness see
The snares mid fragrant bowers,
Were He not leading me.
2.
Close to His side at mid-day,
When tired with toil and heat,
I tread my weary pathway
With sore and flagging feet.
Then should my soul grow weary,
My guide and strength is He,
The way grows bright and cheery
If He is leading me.
3.
Close to His side at evening,
When shadows dark and gray,
Are slowly, slowly deep'ning
About my lonely way.
Then, when the day is closing
On paths I cannot see,
Still on His love reposing,
He gently leadeth me.
La Riviera, Manitoba
Lord's Day, October 6, 1901
I do not remember much except rather wet going to meeting in morning. Robert Stone to dinner. Children to Sunday School. Dear JBD preached in the evening. The subject was Luke 14. "Taking the lowest place, and counting the cost of following the Lord."
Monday, October 7, 1901
Dear JBD went to Mrs. Brathwaite's to see about baptizing the baby. Miss Trigg came to see us to say goodbye. Going to California to the Slater's.
Tuesday, October 8, 1901
Dinner over promptly. One of our few beautiful days. Mrs. Arent, the baby, dear JBD and I left at 2 p.m. for Brathwaite's. Mrs. Oswald and Gwen, also Mrs. Walters and May were there. Francis Theodore and Trigg Brathwaite. Household baptism was very clear indeed. Then we walked to Wardlaw Street and found Mrs. Armstrong in. She was very scruple and nice. Then reached home a little before six. Mr. and Mrs. Greene and Roy also. John and Mrs. Shepherd and Robert were present at the evening meeting. The subject was, "Why death came into the world, and why judgment came."
Wednesday, October 9, 1901
Wet again. Robert Stone, dear JBD and Ito the meeting. Met Ratt there.
Thursday, October 10, 1901
"I feel nothing more important than singleness of eye and devotedness at this moment," Vol. 1: 480: JND. Rat to breakfast and dinner, also Robert Stone. Boucher arrived in the afternoon.
Friday, October 11, 1901
Dull, rainy weather. Dentist failed in his 9:30 appointment, so I went on to see dear Mrs. Doxey, and had a nice chat with her and home and had dinner in time. Boucher and Robert Stone at tea and to meeting.
Saturday, October 12, 1901
Rather gloomy and showery. Part of morning at dentist's. Busy the rest of the day. Miss Greene, Mrs. Huckel, Mr. Coleman, came at different times. Ratt and Robert Stone at tea. "I have felt much lately, and have been asking the Lord for myself and others, for more nearness of Spirit and more communion with Himself, and have had my mind continually drawn to John's Gospel, where I find we have an adorable Lord thus presented in the attraction of His Person, and in the love and grace of His heart, as to attract and engage our affections more and more. May the Lord more awaken us all, and grant that truths which have been long known, may have a deeper place in our souls, and therefore have more power in our walk and lives, while we wait for His coming again. I believe the desire in some, and perhaps a good many, is for a closer walk with the Lord. Much of the burden of the prayers last night was for more separation from the world, its spirit and ways, and closer communion and intimacy of heart with the Lord. This is very encouraging and gives one to feel the faithful grace of the Lord, Who thus works in the hearts and the consciences of the saints." JBD.
Lord's Day, October 13, 1901
Not bright. Robert Stone, dear JBD and Ito meeting, also Ratt, etc. The exhortation so helpful, "It is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me." Rom. 7:17, 20. "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Rom. 8:24. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Father, do not let me go away forgetting; "What manner of person I am."
Ratt addressed the children at 2:30. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord." Also "Who His own self bare our sins on the tree." 1 Peter 2:24. Evening to the gospel. Dear JBD took Galatians 1. "Who gave Himself to deliver us from this present evil world." Thus Satan's compromises in Exodus. Robert Stone came home with us, had supper, bed, etc.
Monday, October 14, 1901
Still rather dark and damp. Robert Stone had breakfast early and off. I got the house cleaned down.
Dear JBD home from the Gardiner's to dinner at 1 p.m. Robert did not turn up. Quiet reading and writing in p.m. In morning, letter from Mrs. Stewart. Ellie's husband died in Scotland. Dear JBD had letters from W. Scharf and young Groth in Vancouver. In p.m., he had a letter from Robert Simons. Poor Miss Armstrong dying. I wrote to Dick, Mrs. Robertson, Aberdeen, and am writing to Jeannie Robb, Tom and O Macdonald, if the Lord permit.
Tuesday, October 15, 1901
Mercies New and Old.
1. Dear JBD at home.
2. Letter from Mrs. Stewart.
3. Strength to keep things in order and then to go and visit with dear JBD.
4. My mind free to talk of the Lord and His coming to Mrs. Dalton.
5. Able to provide for dear JBD's comfort in going away.
6. A patient, gracious, holy, and powerful God and Father.
7. The Lord Jesus Christ as our High Priest for our infirmities, and our Advocate for our failures.
8. In p.m., visited Mrs. Dalton and Mrs. Templeman, then walked from Balmoral Street. Only Mr. and Mrs. Coleman to meeting. Another mercy is the weather getting fine for the connecting people. Lord, continue it if it be Thy will.
Wednesday, October 16, 1901
We were up at 6 a.m., and dear JBD got off in good time. We had breakfast before seven, and were three-quarters of an hour at the station before the train came in. As usual, I was restless and did not accomplish much. Subject of Prayer:
1. Poor Mrs. Willie Taylor's children.
2. Thanking the Lord for bringing to light the things we needed to know.
3. A great desire for His Word in its purity and prayers.
4. That Mr. Rule may come and be a blessing to the assembly and the Taylor's.
5. How to arrange my house to the glory of God, if we stay or go.
Thursday, October 17, 1901
Bright day and busy. Much done.
6. That God would trust dear JBD and I with health and the means we have, and that we should remember that all that we have and are, are His.
7. That He would give us a single eye to go in the path He has laid down for us.
8. Guide me aright in everything providing for the house.
9. Whether we eat or drink or whatsoever we do, do all to His glory.
10. That I may speak of Him to all who come and go, and wherever I go.
11. The Lord to take care of Jamie and let his visit be a blessing to himself and all.
12. Constant earnest prayer for poor Dick and Tom that they may both be truly converted and turn to God from idols.
Friday, October 18, 1901
Even brighter day. God remembers our sins no more. Heb. 10:17. But as we learn greatly by contrast, it is not well for us to forget them lightly. "Remember and forget not how thou provokedst the Lord, Thy God, to wrath." Deut. 9:7. If we know we are much forgiven, then we will love much. Luke 7:47.
Trust in the Lord: Psa. 37
Trust in the Lord, do good, truly thou shalt be fed;
Is He not worthy of thy trust, Who raised thee from the dead?
Delight thyself in Him, and thy desires He'll give;
Look forward to the joyful time when thou with Him shalt live.
Commit thy way to Him, and He shall bring to pass;
In His own time, the thing that is for thine own good at last.
Rest, weary one, in Him, rest and wait patiently,
"Lo, I come quickly," is His word, that shall suffice for thee.
Saturday, October 19, 1901
Another beautiful, bright day, a little colder than yesterday. Wrote to Annie, Dick, Alice, A. Foster, L. Allison, Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Simons, Mrs. Robertson (Aberdeen), and J. Robb today and yesterday, also M. Lightbody. "Lord, I ask that Thou wilt bless these letters to Thy glory and for the good of souls and that I may be in earnest and real. Let me not forget the subject of prayers, offering to Thee, and Thou wilt answer for Thy great Name's sake, if it be Thy will." After dinner, I hurried off to see Mrs. Doxey, then spent a little long buying three plants. Found a letter from A. Robertson and money for the Lord's work in the box. Mrs. S. gave me a telegram from dear JBD. I hurried off to answer it, and found Mr. Robinson at station, also Edith M. and her husband and Winona. Must try to see them Monday p.m., if it is Thy will.
Lord's Day, October 20, 1901
Mrs. Greene married 29 years today. Beautiful, bright, up early. Did hundreds of little things for the reception of Edward Arent. He was up three times, squirming and wriggling, but did not cry. He is a darling and now asleep. "Lord, be with us all to-day, Thy day. Let Thy people say, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day." Bless us all. Let us say from our hearts, "I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but the life which I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Gal: 2: 20.
"Lord, I pray Thee, give me a word from Thyself for the dear children this afternoon. Be with my darling husband and those he comes in contact with to-day, and bring many souls to Thyself"
"All like Thee, for Thy glory, like Thee, Lord."
Monday, October 21, 1901
Beautiful, bright morning. "The scripture is plain, that it is forbidden to a woman even to ask questions. In divine things, and in Christian women, modesty, and a retiring spirit, is of great price with God. In a private meeting, it is merely a question of the modesty that becomes them. We are called to peace." Vol. 3: 159: JND.
Mrs. Arent ran in in the evening for a little while. Mended dear JBD's socks, and my things, too.
Waiting
1.
We're patiently waiting until Jesus come
And earnestly longing for the rest of home;
For the glorious rapture, which is nearing each day,
When Jesus appearing, shall call us away.
2.
Oh catch the first accents of that beloved voice!
Beholding Thee, Jesus, our hearts will rejoice;
And the heavenly glory, in prospect so bright,
For which we are waiting, shall burst on our sight.
3.
It is not the glory we desire to see,
But our Jesus Himself, who our heaven shall be;
His presence in heaven, His love our delight,
Though now absent from Him, in this dark, dreary night.
4.
We are waiting and watching, for we know not the day,
When Jesus may come and call us away,
But we know that His promise, though deferred cannot fail,
And though wearily sighing, our faith shall prevail.
5.
But, Jesus, loved Savior, whilst Thou Dost delay,
No shadows can vanish, no breaking of day,
It must be Thy hand, Lord, that wipes from our eye,
The tear of the desert, and hushes the sigh.
6.
We're glad to be weary, that then we can rest,
In unbroken enjoyment, on Thy beloved breast,
We're glad to have sorrows, that Thou mayest remove,
Each trace of our crying, with Thine own hand of love.
7.
For no other can lighten the sin burdened heart,
No other can bid our sorrows depart.
Descend then, from heaven, performing Thy Word,
Receive us Thyself, our adorable Lord.
J. B. D.
Tuesday, October 22, 1901
Another fine day. Went down to 10 a.m. train, but dear JBD did not come. Brought home a fish for each of us, Mrs. Arent and dear JBD and I. In the afternoon, Mrs. Arent, little Mary and baby and I went for a walk towards St. John direction. Home and had fish all ready, and went to meet a train for 6:30, but it came in at 6. So ran home and very hot. Dear JBD hot. Fish beautiful. Mr. and Mrs. Greene and Roy to meeting. Subject: "Why was new birth necessary?" John 3. We sang, "Called from above, and heavenly men by birth." Dear JBD had a hot bath and got his cold worse.
Wednesday, October 23, 1901
Bright, beautiful. Heavy dew. Dear JBD rested in the house most of the day. Writing letters, etc. We went to meeting in evening. Subject: "The powers that be are ordained of God." Rom. 13.
Thursday, October 24, 1901
Bright, beautiful. A white frost. Dear JBD had the morning in bed. He went to town in p.m. Mr. Greene came to see about the building, etc. "Lord, what wouldst Thou have us to do?" Dear JBD went to the hardware store to send things to Raft. He was busy in the evening, reading.
Friday, October 25, 1901
Bright, beautiful. A white frost. Dear JBD had a better night. Busy writing all morning. Went up town, too. In p.m., he and I went to see Mrs. Scales, saw them all. I came back again by the river bank. Dear JBD went up town and saw Mr. Doupe. All right about Mrs. Doupe. She is now in Gananoque with her sister. Brilliant moonlight. We went to the prayer meeting and walked home with Roy.
Saturday, October 26, 1901
Another bright day. Dear JBD went to town about 12 and home about 1 p.m. and found he was not well enough to go to Dakota. A quiet afternoon. Moved in the kitchen stove. It looks nice.
"All like Thee, for Thy glory, like Thee Lord."
Lord's Day, October 27, 1901
A beautiful hoary frost. I started to meeting in good time. Dear JBD rested quietly at home. "Himself He could not save," impressed me much. We had Sunday School. The subject: "Difference between sin and wickedness." "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." God says that it atones for sins, past, present, and future. Now they are gone and Mr. Greene is in for a little while. Dear JBD got a telegram from Dakota. Dear Miss Armstrong is sinking fast. I am exercised if it is His will that I go, too. I fear I have not a single eye.
Monday, October 28, 1901
"I like the garden, because there is no ceiling between me and Jesus." Children, do you like to feel that God is looking at you? She liked to feel that she was always under His eye. She was only five years old, yet she knew that her sins were forgiven, that Jesus loved her and had died for her. When you know His love, you too will like to feel there is no ceiling between.
Dear JBD not so well. Tom went early for milk to boil for his breakfast. Then a telegram from Dakota that Miss Armstrong had passed away. So I telephoned to Mr. Brathwaite, and Mr. Gardiner went to the funeral. Kept JBD quiet and warm and he was better in the evening. Miss Greene came in and we had a little talk and read on "Deliverance." Oh, that we really knew it with power in our souls!
Tuesday, October 29, 1901
"You may be blessed to your husband if God graciously leaves you together in this poor world, as strengthening and comforting and encouraging him and praying for him in the weariness and trials which accompany the service." Vol. 2: 183: JND. A busy cleaning day. Got all done before the meeting. Roy, Mrs. Greene, Miss Greene and us.
Wednesday, October 30, 1901
"But a wise wife who seeks first the Lord herself, puts Him first for her husband, and then does not love him the less: it is a bond; and her husband will honor and value her and so will the Lord too. Many and rich blessings flow from Him in these channels if we look to Him in them. But the gracious Lord is come where sin and sorrow had come, no doubt to raise us up to far higher blessings, but not to forget us in the path of trial in which we walk down here." Vol. 2: 183: JND. To see Mrs. Doxey, a quiet profitable visit. She told us that Mrs. Doupe was home, so we saw her and heard of the dangers of the deep, Guignard's, Miss Baines. Then to Mrs. Campbell's, then to dinner. Dear JBD to Scales, and I home.
Thursday, October 31, 1901
Thomas Code all night and to breakfast. He is, I think, a godly soul. Dear JBD much better.
Friday, November 1, 1901
A cold wind, but sunny. "He could be moved to compassion when he saw the sorrow." Mr. Settee to dinner. Then at 3 o'clock I had Mary Arent till dark. Then her mother returned from Mrs. Doupe's.
Saturday, November 2, 1901
Busy getting everything ready for dear JBD to start to St. Peter's Reserve. Bread, steak, apples, tea, cocoa, butter, etc., but the train would not stop. Bedding, sweaters, things for roof, all had to wait till Monday. I went down the river bank (the coast) to see the Oliver's.
Lord's Day, November 3, 1901
So we had the day together, morning meeting, Sunday School and evening. Very cold. Subject: Jesus Transfigured. Luke 9:24-36. After Jesus had spoken of going to the cross to suffer and had encouraged his disciples to be ready to suffer for His sake in view of the results when He would come in glory, He said, "But I tell you," verse 27. In another place, "Until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom." This has not yet been set up and will not be until Jesus comes again. How then could some of the disciples see it, before they tasted death? Verses 28-36. This was a picture of Jesus coming in His kingdom of glory. We have:
Jesus in His glory.
Moses is representative of the saints who die.
Elias represents the saints who will be caught up to heaven without dying.
Peter, James, and John represent the earthly saints over which He will reign 1000 years.
The cloud of glory is a picture of the Father's house, where the Father's voice is heard and unto whom Moses and Elias enter. 2 Peter 1:16-18. All this is called "The power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. A picture of His glory and His Kingdom when He comes again to reign. This glorious kingdom will amply repay any little suffering you may endure for the name of Jesus here.
Monday, November 4, 1901
Up at six, very cold. Down to the train to see dear JBD off.
Tuesday, November 5, 1901
Busy all day and down to the train at 6 p.m. to meet dear JBD. In good time for supper, fish, stewed celery and potatoes. Reading in evening, Mrs. Greene, Eva and Roy, also Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd. The subject: "Lost" I pray that we may all remember that we were lost and now safe at such a cost. Satan tries to make us think it was nothing. But it was God manifest in the flesh. I had a rather sad letter from Alice. Dear JBD had one from Mr. Reader, Mrs. Holman, Mrs. Seed and several others. George Riley is at the Lord's table, which is good news. "Now, Lord, Thou wilt show me Thy will about going to Tregarva. Give me a single eye, I pray Thee, and let me not try my dear husband as I do."
Wednesday, November 6, 1901
We were at the Reading meeting, dear JBD, Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Brathwaite, Mr. Oliver, Mrs. Gardiner and I.
Thursday, November 7, 1901
In p.m., dear JBD and I went to see Lucy T. and Robert N. at hospital. Many lessons of contentment, etc., learned. Then to see Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Templeman, and Mrs. Brathwaite. Home about seven. Wrote to Annie to answer her sad letter about poor Dick.
Friday, November 8, 1901
Busy with stove pipes and stoves. Bright and cold. Mr. Bennett to dinner. I had Mary and Teddie Arent from 2:30 to 6 o'clock while the dear mother went to Mrs. Brathwaite's. Dear JBD out most of the afternoon. Mr. Bennett sitting quietly reading. He brought two partridge, two chickens, a jar of wild strawberry preserves and a jar of cream. All very acceptable. I gave Mrs. Arent a chicken and a little jar of cream. We went to meeting in the evening: Mr. and Mrs. Oswald, Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Oliver, Mr. Greene, Mrs. Walters, Miss Ledgerwood, Miss Holliday and we three. Very cold walking home.
Saturday, November 9, 1901
A bright day with a little snow on the ground. Up at six and Mr. Bennett and dear JBD off to Bird's Hill. Hope to be home for dinner about 2 p.m. No letters. Took cream and partridge into Mrs. Shepherd and saw her invalid. Dinner on the way: roast mutton and onions, tomatoes and potatoes. Stewed apple and cream, grapes and shortcake. Fit dinner for King Edward 7, as it is his birthday.
New Mercies:
1. Roof, tree, food, clothing, health
2. The Word of God and prayers
3. The opportunity for godliness(toward God).
4. Righteousness (toward others).
5. True holiness
6. Soberly in my walk.
Lord's Day, November 10, 1901
A beautiful word from dear JBD on Psa. 22 and John 20. My God and our God. My Father and our Father. Fine morning, just at freezing point. Breakfast in good time. Mr. Bennett with us. A good many at meeting. Mrs. Greene drove me home. Mr. Arthur Robinson came before three o'clock en route to Montreal from Vancouver. He had a little talk on the church and kingdom, also the Lord's Prayer. Then a short Sunday School as dear JBD walked to the station with Arthur Robinson. Our subject was Lev. 6 and 7, The atonement is linked with forgiveness.
Monday, November 11, 1901
The Lord had gained a succession of victories in the days of His flesh:
over Satan
over the world
over sin and its judgment
over death and the grace.
Bright and frosty. After breakfast reading in Philemon, then we started out to see Mrs. Doxey, then Mrs. Walters, then Mrs. Johnston, then Mrs. Smith, then to Mr. Campbell's shop and home, ready for dinner. Dear JBD wrote and went to town twice, and I sewed and printed the portions of scripture for Mrs. Doxey, that dear JBD wrote out for her. After tea, we wrote and read, a quiet evening. Letters in the morning from Ninga and Cavalier.
Tuesday, November 12, 1901
In p.m., to Mrs. Oliver's and Mrs. Oswald's. The latter visit, a cheer and comfort in these days of doubt and lack of confidence. Meeting in evening: Mr. Coleman, Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Eva and Roy, Mr. Bennett. Our position in Ephesians, Romans, and Colossians. "My Father, by Thy Spirit, Thou wilt burn these precious truths deeply in my heart."
Romans: Dead to sin, alive... therefore yield, etc.
Colossians: Dead to world, risen....therefore seek, etc.
Ephesians: Dead, risen, seated... therefore be ye imitators.
We are dead to what Christ died to. Dead with Him to sin, law, the world, and alive to God.
Forgiveness: The blood-stained lintel.
Full redemption: The Red Sea.
Heavenly places: Jordan
Wednesday, November 13, 1901
"But Christ being the perfect expression of this life in man, much is wanting in us, in respect of this perfection, and through the operation of the Holy Ghost, we become (we ought to become) while looking at Christ glorified, increasingly like Christ, more holy as regards practical holiness." Vol. 2: 191: JND.
We went to see the Anderson's off at 4 p.m., and then Mrs. Robinson and the little ones. I remember a letter from Miss Baines with the sad news of the Stewart's failure. No particulars yet. It has surely made me sober-minded. These sad things do draw us near the Lord. I pray that the cutting from the paper is not our dear Mrs. McLean. Many to the meeting: Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Greene, Roy, Mr. and Mrs. Huckel, Mr. and Mrs. Brathwaite, Mrs. Doupe and maid, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. W. So a great cheer. Gospel of God. Subject: Partly High Priest and Advocate. Rom. 15:15.
Thursday, November 14, 1901
Dear JBD quiet and resting, not being well. I got Mr. Bennett an early dinner and he went off by the 12 o'clock train. Dear JBD had a nice long letter from Mr. Willis. Told us the sad news of Jamie, Ralph Dodds' little two year old drowning (in the creek on the farm on the Scotch Line); also of work in Perth, Ottawa, Smiths Falls, etc. Then to tea at Mrs. Walters': Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Mrs. Johnston, Mrs. Oswald and Muriel. Priesthood and Advocacy.
Friday, November 15, 1901
Got dear JBD ready, saw him off to Dakota at 2 p.m. "Lord, Thou wilt take care of him." "Oh, for a deep, personal, longing after more profound, rich, abiding communion with the Person of Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost. Nothing is of any value that does not spring from personal love to and communion with Christ Himself. I have learned to be increasingly dissatisfied with everything, whether in myself or others, short of abiding, real, deep, divinely, in-wrought communion with and conformity to the blessed Master. I long to know more of His precious Person, His work, and His glory. And then, Oh! to live for Him, to labor, testify, preach, pray, and all for Christ, and by the working of His grace in our hearts." JND.
Saturday, November 16, 1901
A busy, uncertain sort of day. Mrs. Greene came over at dusk for a while.
Lord's Day, November 17, 1901
Bright, cold, dry day. Something learned from the brazen Serpent. "Looking to Christ is to confide in Him, to rest in Him, to believe that He has met your case, that He has satisfied the claims of God on your behalf, put away your sins, canceled your guilt and brought you nigh to God in all His perfect acceptance. There is eternal life, salvation, divine righteousness and eternal glory. "Let us cultivate a grateful, happy, contented spirit, a mind sweetly submissive, a heart blessedly subject. Let us seek to meet all that comes with an "Even so, Father." Thus will the serpent be completely foiled and God will be glorified." CHM.
To meeting alone. Walked home with Roy Greene. Sunday School: Halsie Arent, Gertie Halcrow, Fred and Ruth Oliver, 2 Robinson's, 3 Greene's. At home writing 8 letters till 12:30.
Monday, November 18, 1901
Beautiful day. Busy all morning. Wrote yesterday to Alice, Tom and Alex A., Mary H., Ethel H., Mary M., Mrs. Dodds. In p.m., had Teddy Arent, then Miss Greene came to tea and we had a quiet evening, and Roy came later to mend the table. Letter from Mrs. W. Taylor.
Four Little Things Prov. 30:24-28
1.
Not strong, O Lord, are we,
Yet hast Thou given us grace,
Before the winter storm shall come,
In heaven our everlasting home,
Our treasure safe to place.
2.
A feeble folk are we,
A weakly little flock,
Yet have we, Lord, no cause to fear,
For our defense and shelter near,
Art Thou, the eternal Rock.
3.
No earthly king have we,
To move beneath his sway,
Yet onward steadily we go,
Passing through scenes of night below,
To realms of cloudless day.
4.
Despised of men are we,
Yet with faith's hand we cling
To Thee, the Lord, our Righteousness,
Whose blood has given us such a place,
The palace of a King.
5.
We praise the sovereign grace,
Which did the plan devise,
Whereby the little ones and weak,
The poor in spirit and the meek,
Should be exceeding wise.
Tuesday, November 19, 1901
Another beautiful morning, but dark. Busy till 2 p.m., when dear JBD and Mr. Rule came. In the epistles of Peter, the word "precious" is used seven times. Letter from Dick. It makes me sad. Faith means truly believing in Jesus.
Jesus only, He can give
Peace and comfort while we live;
Jesus only can supply
Boldness if we're called to die.
If in Him you now believe,
You shall all His grace receive;
And you will His treasure be
Through His own eternity.
Wednesday, November 20, 1901
Dear Alice's birthday. I pray she may be drawn very near the Lord. Busy morning. Dear JBD and Mr. Rule to dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Simons to tea, and all of us to meeting. Reading on Rom. 16. Mr. Rule to Gardiner's.
Thursday, November 21, 1901
Breakfast in good time. Mr. and Mrs. Simons to town. Dinner at 1 o'clock. Then, they to Shepherd's and dear JBD to Scales'. He to Mr. Rule. I to Mrs. Templeman's. Address by Mr. Rule: John 13:34, 1 John 3:7, 1 Cor. 13.
Eph. 1: Holy, without blame.
Eph. 5: Holy without blemish
Eph. 3: Length, breadth, etc.
All very precious. Christian love. Atmosphere of love.
Friday, November 22, 1901
Getting dear JBD ready for Dakota and dinner ready for 12 o'clock for Simons' and Mr. Rule. The latter and dear JBD started at 2 p.m. for the train. Then Mrs. Simons and I to the Arent's, Greene's and Huckel's. Tea and off to meeting for prayer: Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. Simons and I, Mr. Greene and Mrs. Doupe. Nine of us.
Saturday, November 23, 1901
Old Mr. Shepherd to dinner. Busy forenoon. In afternoon, Mrs. Simons and Ito Oliver's, Brathwaite's, Oswald's and to tea to Robinson's.
Lord's Day, November 24, 1901
Up in good time. Reading John 20. Meeting. Hymns 14, 127, 27. Word from old Mr. Shepherd on Num. 24:6. "Trees of lign aloes which the Lord hath planted." Home alone. Sunday School, seven present. Quiet for evening. Going to write to Dick and Annie. "Our Father, Thou wilt bless these letters. Be with the preaching of the gospel at Cavalier. Bless and encourage dear JBD." "This is the true God and eternal life. Little children keep yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:20,21. "The knowledge in the soul of what God is as He has revealed Himself, is the spring of true piety, and that which determines the character of the practical walk." W J L.
Monday, November 25, 1901
Mrs. Simons and I went to see Mrs. Doxey and Mrs. Doupe. She and Mr. Simons to dinner to Scales'. I had busy and quiet time except visit from Mrs. Shepherd. We three to tea at Greene's.
Tuesday, November 26, 1901
Mrs. Simons and I did a little shopping and had dinner alone. To tea to Huckel's. Teddy and Mary Arent in p.m.
"Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue." Job 5:21.
"For there is no faithfulness in their mouth... they flatter with their tongue." Psa. 5:9.
"His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and found under his tongue is mischief and vanity." Psa. 10:7.
Wednesday, November 27, 1901
Busy forenoon getting ready, dinner and all over in good time. Ran in to see the new people, Newman's. In good time for train, it was late. Reached Niche, (North Dakota, just across the border from Gretna, Manitoba. It is a few miles from Altona, Manitoba. Cavalier is a little farther south) and dear JBD met us with team. Pleasant drive, not too cold. Saw children. A pleasant evening. Grandmother, Frank, Stella and Lillie have colds. Took dear JBD letters from his brother, also Mr. Reader (Gracie and Mrs. Reader enclosed), Tregarva, Ninga.
Thursday, November 28, 1901
Thanksgiving Day. I remember this time last year. Reading in evening. Dear JBD and children had fun with calf, training it to draw wood, etc.
Friday, November 29, 1901
Dear JBD and I drove to Cavalier. Home by Seity for dinner. Mrs. S. and I read "The Wanderer
Restored." Then drove to Alex Dodds' and home.
The Shepherd's Care
1.
How carefully the shepherds keep
Their flocks within their sight;
So Jesus watches o'er His sheep,
And guards them day and night.
2.
The Shepherd numbers twice a day
The flocks beneath His care;
He knows if any go astray,
Or sick or dying are.
3.
So Jesus reckons one by one
And numbers all His sheep;
He knows if but a lamb is gone,
For He doth never sleep.
4.
The flocks of men are bought with gold,
And grass is all their food;
The sheep and lambs of Jesus' fold
Are purchased with His blood.
Tregarva, 1902
Saturday, November 30, 1901
To dinner to Douglas Armstrong's, then to see Cook's at Bathgate, then home. A little cold, but pleasant. "Nothing is more discourteous than belated thanks."
"Interpretations of the Word have such a hold on us, and instead of going to the Word, to hear His will, and have our hearts and consciences touched, it is too often going to it with our minds already formed, and then of course, we find scripture to confirm what is already there." Hayhoe. 23: 1: 02.
Lord's Day, December 1, 1901
Morning meeting. Gospel meeting at Cavalier. Evening: The Woman and the Pharisees. "Two Things which God Hath Joined Together. John 5:24. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." Believing and Having. In another place, "He that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life." John 6:47.
I do believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am sure I trust in none other.
I feel I am a lost sinner.
I fully believe that the death of Jesus was the atonement for sin.
I have no doubt that God raised him from the dead.
I know that it is only through the shedding of His precious blood that I can be forgiven.
But I cannot get to know that I have everlasting life.
Monday, December 2, 1901
Drove to Bathgate in p.m. Night at Cook's. Reading: Relationships and Responsibilities. "Do you really trust alone in the finished work of the Lord Jesus? If you have real faith in Christ, then you have eternal life. "It is most certain, it is most certain, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me, hath everlasting life." John 5:24. In one breath, Jesus joined these two blessed things together; believeth and hath. The discovery of this to the soul gives perfect peace. Sin will appear more and more terrible, and the glory of the cross shine brighter and brighter. The world will be now with thee lighter than vanity, for thou, even thou, hast a home in the mansions of light, though tempted in a world of sin, exposed by a subtle enemy, and groaning over inbred corruption.
Yet still thy trust is alone in Jesus and thou hast everlasting life. Two things more joined together. "He that believeth not is condemned already." John 3:18. "Search the scriptures," and see if these things be so. John 5:39. Also Acts 17, to the end.
Tuesday, December 3, 1901
Train for home at 10:30. Home by 2 p.m. Got dinner ready. House cold, but soon warmed. Letters from Alice, Polly, Annie Looby, Mrs. Malcolinson, Mrs. Tackaberry and Mrs. Ralph Dodds = 6. Dear JBD had several, too. Also papers of H. Up's death.
Wednesday, December 4, 1901
Mr. Shepherd came in while we had morning reading. Arranged bedrooms. Had Teddy and Mary Arent in p.m. To meeting in evening. 1 Cor. 1. Mr. Greene and Roy, Mr. Oliver and the Oswald's. Mrs. Gardiner, Mr. Walters, dear JBD and I, and bro. Ratt who came home for the night.
Thursday, December 5, 1901
Ratt off to work by 7 a.m. Morning busy, getting rooms cleaned. I feel unaccountable sad. "Lord, help me. Thou hast shown me myself many times."
Friday, December 6, 1901
We went together to prayer meeting. Ratt not there.
Saturday, December 7, 1901
Dear JBD out most of the day. In evening, he and I went to the Morgan's. Dear JBD had a profitable talk with Mr. Morgan about the seven churches. I think dear JBD visited Mrs. Doxey and Mrs. Doupe in morning. Met Ratt coming for the night, so sent him to Greene's till 9:30 and then came, and we got again readiness for the night.
Lord's Day, December 8, 1901
Ratt off to 8:20 train. Up in fairly good time. To meeting with dear JBD. Lev. 16. Praise. Sunday School subject was "Prayer." Evening subject was "The Three Marys": acquaintance with Christ, very beautiful, instructive and searching. The man who preached in the shed was there.
Monday, December 9, 1901
Up early. Everything in good time. Saw dear JBD off by 8:30 train. Lonely walk home. Very busy all day, one way and another, getting things in order. Had Teddie and Mary Arent in p.m. from 3 till 6:30. To bed early.
Tuesday, December 10, 1901
Dear wee Mary Arent's birthday. She is two years old. "Please ask the Lord to give me lowliness and meekness, a subject will in all things, and increasing love and faith." "She came and went among the joys and sorrows of W., welcome and ministering, there was one life to which she would not minister fully." Controlled patience of great impatience. Sent Mary a wee present of Hand Case and sachet and letter. Miss Greene in for tea and Roy after. Fairly profitable.
Wednesday, December 11, 1901
Went to meeting, walked both ways. "We have to be them by doing them, and doing them by being them, sympathetic, wholehearted, and understanding."
Thursday, December 12, 1901
Morning fairly mild, but by noon, snow and 10 below zero. Increased in cold by 3 p.m. At station to see Mrs. Bray to Seattle. Mrs. Bray and hers, 11; Herbert and M., 2; Mrs. S., and hers, 8; Ken Scharf and I = 23. After tea, Ken, M. A. and Millie came up in the cold. Minnie remained.
Friday, December 13, 1901
Letter from dear JBD. Very cold morning, 34 below, with wind. Hard to keep the house warm. Minnie Scharf slept late. Breakfast late, then talking a little, reading and prayer and sewing. A. Scales came early in p.m. for Minnie Scharf. Then I went to telegraph office for dear JBD. Went in cars, walked home. Then to meeting: just 5: Oliver, Oswald, Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Ledgerwood and I. Cold walk home, very cold night. Wrote a long letter to JBD and posted it in the up-town post office at 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, 1901
Very cold, 30 below zero at 8 p.m., with northwest wind. Busy all the time with fires, water, ice, dust, dishes, clothes, etc. A satisfactory letter from Fannie. Mr. Greene in at 1 p.m. Ran over to Greene's at 2:30 and read, "The all is equal to the Whist," and pray it may be a blessing to Mrs. Greene and Eva. Letter from Dick in p.m. Quiet evening for sewing, reading, and writing, etc. "What we have received in grace is pure and holy in itself, and I am to manifest only this, the life of Jesus in my mortal body: for this I must always bear about the cross. Living in the good with Him, you carry it in with you into the service and circumstances of the Church. You must be for the Church, whatever the Church needs, and that you can be, by walking in the place which He would have you in, looking to him for strength." Vol. 2: 247: JND.
Lord's Day, December 15, 1901
Very cold. To meeting. Four at Sunday School. Not out in the evening.
Subjects for Prayer
Earnestly entreat the Lord that he will over-rule all with regard to Ratt for the winter.
Answered.
For this assembly, and all, that there may be reality and devotedness characterizing it, even with apparent feebleness Answered
For our relatives by name for spiritual and temporal blessings, Dick, Susie, etc.
Specially those in trial, i.e. Miss Ledgerwood, Mrs. Bray. For all the Lord's people in trial or affliction.
Monday, December 16, 1901
Still very cold. Busy tidying, washing, etc. Letter from Jamie. Ran in to see Mrs. Arent for a minute. Mrs. Shepherd in a while after tea, also Mrs. Greene, and Roy came for her. Sewed and read till nearly eleven, strengthening up a good many things in view of going away. "Lord, guide and direct, not with bit and bridle of circumstances, but in communion with Thyself."
Tuesday, December 17, 1901
Had a letter from JBD. Still cold. Wrote to Jamie, and Mrs. Simons. Halsie Arent in at noon for me to take the babies in the afternoon, Mrs. Arent going to Hobb's. Dear wee baby died. So had children from 2:15 to 6:30. Posted my letters at 2 p.m. Am to have the dear wee Mary and Teddy Arent tomorrow too, on account of the funeral. Got on well with the children. A quiet evening. Letter from Dick and Fannie.
Wednesday, December 18, 1901
Still cold. "Comeliness will restrain women where brethren are; the moment brethren assemble as such in the Lord's name, then they are silent. A question may be covert teaching. There are, if there be liberty, many things connected with comeliness, which must guide us. "both not even nature itself teach you." 1 Cor. 11:15. The women have a lovely place in the gospels, and even in the epistles. They are found clinging round Jesus when the disciples were not, but it is their place, devoted attachment to Him, not any public teaching. God's order brings more progress than any superiority of intelligence. Silence is really a matter of decorum, not of faith."
Got on well with the children. Card from dear JBD. Gone to Tinllo mountain. Letter from Annie. Did not go out except to grocer and Newman's, our new neighbor, and poor Bob. Wrote to Annie, M. Neale.
Thursday, December 19, 1901
"May God bless you and keep your heart in full confidence in Him. As for Him, He will surely be faithful. His ways are always perfect." JND.
"How much we feel the need of a God of resurrection to awaken dead souls." Mrs. B.
"Things of nature depress one so, I try not to think."
Quiet day. Very cold. Wrote in evening to Mrs. H B D and to Ruth Turner, and to Alice.
Friday, December 20. 1901
Very cold. Ought to have gone to meeting, but did not. Read instead. Spent about two hours with Mrs. Doxey, walked home, then Miss Greene came in, then Mr. Greene, so a little late. Photo from Alice. Photos and letter from Tom. Letter from K. Fisher.
Saturday, December 21, 1901
Letter from dear JBD, to go to bank about cables. Busy till near eleven, then to town, got dear JBD slippers at Hudson Bay Store, also for Mrs. Arent. Home by laundry and Mrs. Huckle's. Had two cups of tea, then finished my work. Quiet evening.
Lord's Day, December 22, 1901
Bright morning, ten above. To meeting. Sunday School: Robinson's, 3; Scales and Scharf, 2; Oliver's, 2; Greene's, 3; G. H. = 11. "The Altar, the Way into the Holiest." The children answered well. I pray it may be impressed on their minds to God's glory and for eternity. M. Scharf and M. Scales to dinner. Then J., G. and S. Robinson to tea, and then to meeting. Home with Roy and Miss Greene. Joe met us and walked back.
Monday, December 23, 1901
Bright morning. Busy, then to grocer and butcher, then at 2:30 had Teddie Arent till 7:30. Mrs. Robinson and her great-aunt, Mrs. Turnbull came and remained for tea. Then Miss Ledgerwood came. I was glad to see them. The Lord was not in all my thoughts, still I read of Him to them. The better is to speak of Him.
Letters in a.m., from Mrs. Caladew, Miss Coffey. Card from dear JBD. Letter from Alice. I took Mrs. Stewart's parcel to little post office. I pray that it may go safely.
Tuesday, December 24, 1901
Busy, then a telegram at 1:15 that they were coming. So, by 3:30 all fairly ready. Mr. W. Scharf, Mrs. Holmes and dear JBD. Mr. Scharf went off to Scales after dinner.
Wednesday, December 25, 1901
"We meet on the ground of the unity of the body of Christ and membership of that body. The coming down of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost formed believers into one body, members of Christ, the Head, in heaven. God's assembly in each place represented this unity undivided from the rest in that place. The vital truth is the personal presence of the Holy Ghost baptizing into one body united to the Head. We have the promise that wherever two or three are gathered together in Christ's name, He is in their midst, only it must be in the unity of the body."
A very quiet day. Mrs. Holmes to dinner, then the three of us to meeting.
Thursday, December 26, 1901
"But the grace, the deep, perfect love of Jesus, the love which is above our faults, and gave itself for all our sins, the love which took occasion of our very weaknesses to show us its own perfection, of it you do not think enough.
That love, divine, but also personal, of the Savior, will fill your heart; Jesus will fill it; and you will then not only be in peace, but joyful. I attach more importance to peace than joy. I should wish to see you habitually in a joy more deep than demonstrative; but if Jesus is in the bottom of your heart, that Jesus who has blotted out all trace of evil in us, in whom we live before God, then your joy will be deep. Oh, that your heart may be filled with Jesus Himself, and with His love and with a sense of His grace. He has saved you, He has washed you, he has become your life in order that you may enjoy God." What could you have more than Himself?" Vol. 2: 320: JND.
Friday, December 27, 1901
Mrs. Holmes not well enough to come to meeting for Prayer, so dear JBD and I went alone.
Saturday, December 28, 1901
Hurried with work and went to town with Mrs. Holmes. Back by 1 p.m. Then Jamie to train to meet Mrs. Armstrong from Dakota. Then dinner and tea, etc.
Lord's Day, December 29, 1901
1.
Oh, speak of Jesus! Of that love
Passing all bounds of human thought,
Which made Him leave His throne above
With God-like deep compassion fraught,
To save from death our ruined race,
Our guilt to purge, our path to trace.
2.
Yes, speak of Jesus! of His grace,
Receiving, pardoning, blessing all;
His holy, spotless, life retrace,
His words, His miracles recall;
The words He spoke, the truths He taught
With life, eternal life are fraught.
3.
Oh, speak of Jesus! of His death:
For sinners such as me He died.
"'Tis finished," with His latest breath,
The Lord, Jehovah, Jesus cried.
That death of shame and agony,
Opened the way of life to me.
A busy day. Mr. Greene drove Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Armstrong to meeting, Sunday School and the Gospel at night.
Monday, December 30, 1901
We got up at six. A most beautiful, bright morning. The air so soft. Breakfast for Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Holmes before seven. Jamie took Mrs. Armstrong to the far station, the Northern Pacific; and Mr. and Mrs. Greene came with their cutter for Mrs. Holmes and I. We were in good time. Jamie came to us and Mr. William Scharf was there en route for La Riviere. Dear JBD went afterward to Mrs. Oliver's to see what they could do. Then in afternoon to Oswald's and Brathwaite's. A quiet evening.
Tuesday, December 31, 1901
The last day of the year. Dear JBD in p.m., to Mrs. Brathwaite's. He is writing letters most of the time. Visit from Mrs. Doupe.
"And he brought him to Jesus." John 1:41. Oh! be earnest. Give your whole heart to it. Let nothing divert you from your purpose. Make every other thing bend to this point. Oh, be faithful, prayerful, and watchful.
"Cast behind His back." Isa. 38:17.
"Cast into the depths of the sea." Mic. 7:19.
"Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." Isa. 45:22.
You are asked to perform the simplest action, and in return you are promised the greatest possible blessing, by the only One who can confer it upon you, for, remember, He is God, and there is none else.
Excerpts From Another of Mary Joyce Dunlop's Notebooks
Found in a home near Perth, Ontario, long after the writer Mrs. JBD., had gone home to be with the Lord, these notes are shared with the hope and prayer that they may still bear fruit in lives now for His glory for Whom we wait.
The knowledge of the Lord's coming is the most purifying and the most separating truth, but it is the most difficult for us to keep before our minds.
He knows and loves and cares
Nothing this truth can dim
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.
"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." Rom. 8:28.
"Who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world." Gal. 1:4.
Deliverance we don't enter into. Deliverance by power and putting down all against us and leaving us in the old place, the flesh might welcome. But deliverance by death and the condemnation of sin in the flesh, our state as in Adam, is only understood and valued as He Himself, our Deliverer, is known and our hearts won by Him. "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us." 1 John 3:16.
"My strength and song is Jehovah and He is become my salvation." This song is found three times.
Jesus Christ the same:
Ex. 15 brought out yesterday
Isa. 12 brought in today
Psa. 118 brought through forever
"In all thy ways acknowledge Him." Prov. 3:6.
Just to leave in His dear hand little things,
All we cannot understand, all that stings;
Just to let Him take the care sorely pressing,
Finding all we let Him bear, changed to blessing;
This is all and yet the way, made by Him who loves Thee best,
Secret of a happy day, secret of His promised rest.
F. R. H.
Wait awhile, it is never wise to pass judgment on the Lord's dealings until we have seen the end of them.
Our Father's love and the relationship of children. John 17. 1 John 3:1-3.
Hindrance to the enjoyment of this relationship and His love. 1 John 2:15 -17
Exhortation to come out of world. 2 Cor. 6.
Sad to lose the enjoyment of this love through an unequal yoke. We cannot do without Thee. We do not want to do without Thee.
God our Father, lead us along for we are so weak and foolish in thought and word. We need to be guided by Thy wisdom through the circumstances before us. Do guide and strengthen with might by Thy spirit in the inner man that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith, that we being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God, that we may be able to overcome the world in the strength that cometh from Thee. We pray for our brothers and sisters, (named, a long list). We ask for them what we ask for ourselves. Bless all.
"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Ask and ye shall receive that your joy may be full." John 16:23, 24. Full joy through prayer.
O give us grace and strength to come out and be separate from the world, that we may enjoy and practically know what it is for the ever-existing almighty God to be acting a Father's part toward us. We ask Thee to direct us in all our ways today. Our lives are not made up of big things, but 1000's of little things. Deliver us from doing our own will.
What growth there would be in our souls, what power and what testimony in our lives, if, as the light of God shone in, we opened up more willingly these dark hidden things. He knows they are there, and we know many of them ourselves, but alas! We often close our hearts, desiring to keep within us, or around us, things which will not bear His judgment. "Happy is he that condemneth not himself in the thing which he alloweth." Rom. 14:22. Happy indeed, and one may add, that none other is truly blessed. "Kept by Thy faithfulness."
Nothing we could do, could satisfy Him, if our hearts were not dwelling in His love. When He is before the heart, all our service to Him is sweet. What encouragements there are to go on with the Lord. We need to have the will of God before us. 2 Tim. 2:19. "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (unrighteousness)." This will make us men of God.
The efficacy of prayer, if we call upon Him, He answers abundantly. Cast all your care into the unfathomable depths of God and we can go on in peace carried by His might. The sound of abundance of rain came after self judgment, not after the prayer for rain. Two evils. 1. Forsake Me. 2. Hewed them out cisterns. 1 Sam. 7:1-5. We want to go on with the Lord and something else. We feel weak and dull and little blessing. The pouring out of the water was the place of utter helplessness and weakness. 2 Sam. 14:14.
1 Sam. 7:9. On the ground of what Christ did on the cross we can ask for anything. As failing saints, we cannot claim anything, but we can ask because of what Christ is. As He was offering, then came the victory. Devoted life. I must count the cost and own that I can do nothing, but cast over on Him. The Lord makes His strength perfect in weakness. We can't build the tower or fight the king. We can't be a disciple unless we give up relatives, country. We have to do it in principle at the beginning. We must count the results as well as the resources. "I know whom I have believed." 2 Tim. 1:12. The Lord was with him. One of the marks of a true disciple. There must be no affectation of giving it up and not doing so. Ephesians gave up their first love. Hos. 11:4, 8. God's love and man's ingratitude shown. Does not that tell us the secret of getting back is to get back. Go back to His unchanging first love. How He loved and died for us. Judge ourselves for falling. There is no outward fall, till there is an inward one first.
Works: Work of faith.... We can preach without much faith.
Patience of hope.... Him to come.
Labor of love....... Loving to do.
Works that have love to the Lord as the motive, please Him. It is the motive that gives character to the act.
Christ is our object. Think of this, that you are an object to His heart. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34. It is just as true of the blessed Lord Jesus that where His treasure is. We are His treasure. Matt. 13. Sold all that He had and bought the field (His life for us.). In proportion that we realize that we are a treasure to Him, etc. He has not lost His first love. The overcomer in Ephesus is the one who gets back to his first love. Our Lord has not left His first love.
Repentance means self-judgment. God has a righteous government amongst His people. There must be exercise of soul and self-judgment before we get back. Earnest seeking of the Lord's face. Sol. 5:2-6. We do not half realize what He has gone through for us. Repent in God's presence. Get a divine estimate of the evil and judge ourselves in that light.
Feeding on the tree of life is for the overcomer. 2 Cor. 6:14-18. The clear-cut course for Christians. Not our relationship to God as children, but He will be a Father to you, act the part, provide. Note the three names, the Ever-existing, Almighty God. The testing time will come if there is a turning to the Lord. Christ is the true David, the Holy One and true.
Holy—what He is personally
True—what He is relatively
Holy—hast kept my Word
True—hast not denied my name
"Hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations." Rev. 2:25, 26. Weakness here. Strength there. John 14. The Holy Ghost is provision for us while He is away. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. We do not pay sufficient attention to the Divine Guest within. He is with us, leading us along. He is the power by which all the rest will be apprehended. I will come to you in a spiritual way. The Holy Ghost makes us know the blessedness of His presence.
Nothing will satisfy the heart of a dead and risen Christ, but us.
John 17. "Father, I will that they also."
Luke 13. "Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise."
Matt. 13. "Sold all that He had and bought it"
"If ye love me, keep My commandments, and I will pray the Father." v. 15. All the blessings are realized in obedience. Shall we find it hard? No, sweet, when we realize whom we obey. v. 18. "I will come to you." Himself The world saw Him no more after the sepulcher. v. 21. Test of discipleship, keeping His commandments, obedience, submission to the Lord. We are to enter into the mind of the Lord, what would please Him, glorify Him. His commandments are not grievous. Results: 1. My Father will love him. 2. We will come and make our abode with him.
Love could do no more than prepare a mansion up there. The Father and Son will come down and make their abode with us now. We are not left without provision for the journey. They will not come empty-handed. Prov. 8:17-21. "He chose the path for thee."
All is from His good hand, give back a part to Him. Continue to do this through life and God's blessing will be upon you. He will enrich you in soul, which is better than this world's riches. It will make you happy here and will be a rich gain in eternity. And neither will the Lord allow you to suffer here through what you have given. Rejoice that you have something to give. Praise Him that has opened your heart to make you wish to give to Him. You little know what a storehouse of treasure above you will be getting in this way. But the most blessed part of it is that He who has done all for you, will be getting glory out of it. The soul that is miserly shrivels up, but "the liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself" Prov. 11:25.
"The love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one died for all, then were all dead, and he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but to him who died for them and rose again. They live to Him and nothing else! It may be a motive for various duties, but it is the motive and end of life. We are not our own, but are bought with a price and are to glorify God in our bodies. The Christian judges of everything by Christ.
If it hinders His glory in oneself or in another, it is cast away. It is judged of not as a sacrifice, but a hindrance. All is dross and dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. To cast away dross is no great sacrifice. Love delights to serve. Living to God inwardly is the only possible means of living to Him outwardly. All outward activity not moved and governed by this is fleshly and even a danger to the soul. It tends to make us do without Christ, and bring in self It is not devotedness. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Be always confident in God. 1 Cor. 1:8. May we be so rejoicing and happy that out of the abundance of the heart our mouths may speak. Shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life. Phil. 2:15.
Learn to grapple with souls.
Aim at the conscience. Exalt Christ.
Use a sharp knife with yourself
Say little, serve all, press on.
This is true greatness, to serve unnoticed and work unseen.
O the joy of having nothing and being nothing, seeing nothing but a living Christ in glory. And being careful for nothing but His interests down here.
If our desires after spiritual blessings seem tardy in their fulfillment, we are not therefore to suppose that are disregarded. Invisible is the process by which we receive them. They are deep and hidden as the life is hid with Christ in God, and only when the tempest has swept over us, or the daily furnace has been entered, where none walk with us but the Son of God, have we realized that grace has really been granted to us according to our prayers. Its reception must be the work of faith. Nothing is more dishonoring to God as unbelief. Hinder not the holy life, growing in spirit. It is written, "If ye abide in me, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7. And what does the longing soul desire but conformity to Him without whom it can do nothing? "We shall be satisfied when we awake with His likeness." Psa. 17:15.
We can never speak against one for whom we have prayed. Fruit bearing is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Gal. 5:22, 23. O God, give me grace to need grace. O God, give me grace to ask for grace. O God, give me grace to receive grace when Thou giveth the grace I need. O God, give me grace to show grace when I received grace from Thee whether I get grace shown to me or not. "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one whom Jesus loved." John 13:23. "We do not know half how blessed it is to have the mind of Christ. But the mind of Christ was to go down to the cross." J.N.D.
What one fully consecrated, lowly, self-sacrificing life can do! Thousands of sad weary hearts are wanting a little ministry of love. Who then is willing to consecrate his service to the Lord? He leaves us here to learn lessons and to witness to Him. "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"
"Oh, I wish I were up in heaven!" You can go there any moment you like. Just sit down up there, look at your place up there. If we were to rise up there more often than we do, we should be above things. Not selfish, with all the saints.
You will never make Christ your object while you are an object to yourself. The One who has made us so thoroughly His object has liberated me so that I may make Him my Object, like Mary in John 12. She knew what it was to have Him meeting her in the moment when everything in this scene was gone from her. John 10, at a time when no other could have met her. He comes and He walks with her, sustains her, and fills her heart, and in chapter 12, she is in sympathy with Him. "I remember how Thou didst walked with me in my sorrow; I am made free to walk with Thee in Thy sorrow. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."
"I have created him for My glory." Isa. 43:7. "My servants shall sing for joy of heart." Isa. 15:14. "These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you and that your joy might be full." John 15:11. He would have us not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, but be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The Lord is above all, and will humble us in His faithful love. 2 Cor. 3:15 Eph. 3:17.
Teach me, O Lord, to fix mine eyes upon Thy spotless Lamb,
So shall I love Thy blessed will and glorify Thy name.
We shall never be able to utter His praise so long as our own interests engage us instead of Christ. "And it shall be in that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call Me Ishi ( my Husband); and shalt call me no more Baali ( my Lord)." Hos. 2:16. Israel will one day know and enjoy her place of restored nearness to God, near and dear relationship of the closest earthly tie. This is our privilege now. The Lord would have our deepest affections engaged with and knit to Himself, so that the heart being enlarged may run, His mind learned, our lips may praise as we lean on Him. This may increase not only when redemption is learned, or at the end of the journey (as with some), but singing all along the way, in the conscious enjoyment of a relationship nearer than that of Israel.
It is the wealth that is found in Christ that draws us and keeps us with Him. We have a great inheritance in Christ. Let us live in the good of it, let us possess our possessions. Obadiah 17. "When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee." Isa. 43:2. God's presence in the trial is much better than exemption from the trial. The sympathy of His heart with us is sweeter far than the power of His hand for us.
Let go, and let God have His way,
Surrender your life and your will today:
His fullness of life will satisfy
And grace unto you will multiply.
"Ye were as sheep going astray." 1 Peter 2:25. The nature of the sheep never changed. Left to itself, it would lose its way. We are helpless and dependent on Him. If we travel in the right path, it is not because we have unerring reasons, but because we have an unerring Shepherd. Ex. 15:23, 25. When suffering for Christ, we generally receive comforts from Christ. Though the cross appears rugged and forbidding, it bears sweet and delicious fruit. "Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:2. The more faithful the saint is, the more trouble he will have; the more blessings he has, the more trials, because there is much to be removed that would hinder the blessing when given.
Then Lord remove whate'er divides
our longing souls from Thee;
`Tis fit that where the Head resides,
the member's hearts should be.
"Thou wilt guide me with Thy council and afterward receive me to glory." Psa. 73:23, 24.
God has a plan according to His good pleasure for each soul which He brings into being and puts in Jesus Christ.
Father, I know that all my life is portioned out to me,
And the changes that are sure to come, I do not fear to see.
I ask Thee for a patient mind, intent on pleasing Thee.
"Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain." Prov. 25:14. "What hast thou that thou didst not receive?" “Dost thou glory as if thou didst not receive it?" 1 Cor. 4:7. A person usually fails most in that which he boasts of. Give ourselves credit for nothing. Let Christ be your boast. The sense of our own littleness and of His perfect grace is the way, and the only way to go on well. God's work in us is far more important than what we may be doing for God. God is calm, never perturbed as He works out His purposes. God's way is perfect. Faith always takes God's side. When we get the answer for our trials in the coming day, we will bless and praise the Lord for it. We ought to bless and praise Him now for them.
"Peace I leave with you."
John 14.
"As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you."
John 15:9.
"I will instruct thee and teach the in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
Psa. 32:8.
"Blessed... are the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance."
Psa. 33:12
"How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings."
Psa. 36;7.
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Psa. 37:4.
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand,"
We're nearing each moment the heavenly land;
Take courage, my brothers, my sisters, behold,
At not a great distance, the city of gold!
Can We Be Sure?
Is there any way of making sure that we shall spend eternity in heaven, welcomed into the fellowship of God, and not in "the second death" of eternal separation from Him? Many suppose that this question, the greatest that can confront one, must necessarily wait for its answer until the present life is over. But is it so? Must the question of eternal blessedness or misery, heaven or hell, remain a torturing uncertainty until it is too late to make any change?
A beautiful incident in the experience of Queen Victoria is worth remembering. It has been published and is unquestionably authentic. The Queen had attended a service in St. Paul's Cathedral and had listened to a sermon that interested her greatly; then she asked her Chaplain, "Can one be absolutely sure of eternal safety in this life?" His answer was that he knew of no way that one could be absolutely sure.
This was published in the Court News and fell under the eye of a humble minister of the Gospel, John Townsend. This John Townsend was the father of Sister Abigail, a Christian of extraordinary faith and service.
After reading of Queen Victoria's question and the answer she received, John Townsend thought and prayed much about the matter, then sent the following note to the Queen:
"To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria, from one of her most humble subjects:
With trembling hands, but heart filled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure now of our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of Scripture: John 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10?
These passages prove there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work.
I sign myself, your servant for Jesus' sake." John Townsend.
John Townsend was not alone in praying about his letter to the Queen. He took others into his confidence, and much prayer from many hearts went up to God. In about two weeks he received a modest-looking envelope containing the following letter:
To John Townsend:
"Your letter of recent date received and in reply would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to. I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God's grace to meet you in that Home of which He said, 'I go to prepare a place for you.' "
(signed) Victoria Guelph.
Whether one is an earthly monarch or an inconspicuous, unknown person, the way of salvation and of eternal life is the same. The Scripture passages John Townsend commended to the reading of the Gracious Queen were these two:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe In thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom. 10:9, 10.
These passages, and many others, in the Word of God, pledge us His word that one who, by simple faith, receives His Son as Savior has eternal life now and here. The apostle John tells us that his Gospel was written "that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." John 20:31.
Salvation by faith in Christ is repeatedly declared in the Scriptures to be the present possession not merely future, of those who believe. Thus the Lord said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." John 10:27. 28.
Another True Story of Queen Victoria
(Found in tract form many years ago.)
The following true incident has been given me, by a dear Christian now living with us, and with the hope that it may be used in the blessing of others.
Many years ago, there lived on the Osborne House Estate, an old lady, one of the late Queen's pensioners, who had a niece in a business house in Cowes.
One day this niece went to her aunt's cottage to tea, and during the afternoon Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, walked in, and remained some time, knitting and chatting with the old lady, and also had tea with them.
After tea her Majesty said: "Now I will read a few verses from the 14th of St. John," which she did. Then, looking kindly at the young girl, she said: "I wonder whether you are a Christian, my dear?"
"Oh yes, your Majesty," replied the girl.
"How do you know you are?" asked the Queen.
The reply was: "Because I've been christened and confirmed."
The Queen made no answer, but gently said: "Now we will have a few words of prayer."
Her Majesty then prayed, and in her prayer she said: "Lord, open the eyes of this dear young girl, and show her that, without change of heart, she can never become a true Christian; and show her that no outward observances can in any wise save her soul, and this I ask in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ."
When the young girl related the above to me, she remarked: "Well, I have many times sung `God save the Queen', but I never dreamed that I should hear the Queen pray to God to save me."
This prayer was abundantly answered about a year afterward, when this girl was truly converted, and was greatly used as a soul-winner. She is now with the Lord, and with Queen Victoria.
"The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin."
1 John 1:7.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us."
Titus 3:5.
Incidents in the Lives of the J.B. Dunlops
Compiled November 1997
Told by a Sister in the St. John-Lorneville Area.
Mrs. JBD invited a lady to a gospel meeting. The lady responded that she couldn't possible go because she had no hat to wear. Mrs. JBD gave the lady the hat that she was wearing, a new one! In the diary (Aug. 12), Mrs. JBD writes, "Do make the salvation of a soul, a great and precious sight. Let us value it as Thou valuest it."
Told by a Sister From Pleasantville, Nova Scotia.
She and her sister (girls of 8 and 10 years) were often sent into the parlor to visit with Mrs. JBD while their mother made supper. Mrs. JBD always read to them from the Bible or children's stories. They were both reluctant to go into the parlor because Mrs. Dunlop might ask them if they were saved. After supper, Captain Dunlop had a series of `cottage meetings' in their home to which the neighbors were invited. She still has fond memories of seeing the two Dunlops walking towards their home in the late afternoons.
Told by Sisters From New Brunswick
The Dunlops came to stay for a while in their community. Someone contributed a small empty building, which had previously been used as a store. Others contributed a table, some chairs, some dishes, and one contributed a double bed without a mattress. Another contributed a mattress for a single bed. Captain Dunlop said, "This is very good. My wife needs a mattress, but my Master had not where to lay His head and I do not want to have better than My Master."
Mrs. JBD was asked by a young girl, "Why do you wear a doily on your head?" She replied, "Because I often pray throughout the day."
Mrs. JBD often crocheted booties, and while doing so, prayed that the future wearers would come to know the Lord.
Told by Myrtle Scharf, La Riviere, Manitoba
I was born Feb. 1908, so any of my "Memories" I have of 1901 are things my father, Percy Scharf told me. La Riviere is 100 miles from Winnipeg. The R Road (C. P. R.) was the usual means of transportation in the early days. I was 19 years old the first time I was in Winnipeg. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. and Mrs. Oswald were still there in the meeting, also Frank Brathwaite who had taken over his Uncle's drug store.
Jan. 6: Sadie Scharf, the eldest of Robert Scharf's family, was about 15 years old, and stayed with the Dunlop's while she attended high school in Winnipeg. Sadie had two aunts living in Winnipeg, Robert Scharf's sisters: Mrs. Catherine Bray and Mrs. Joe (Lydia) Scales. Mr. Heney was a well-known laborer.
Jan. 7: Florence Scharf was a younger sister of Robert, near Sadie's age. She later married Bob (Robert) Scales, nephew of Joe Scales. Percy Holgate lived in La Riviere area for a few years, then went to the west coast of U. S.A.
Jan. 8: There were Gardiner's in the Winnipeg meeting when I first was there (the late 1920's).
Jan. 12: Oswald's later moved to south-west U. S. A. The Brathwaite family later moved to California, and his Winnipeg drug store was managed by his nephew, Frank Brathwaite until the late 1960's, when Frank went to be with the Lord. His wife was Jessie Wilson. Edith Gausby was in the Toronto meeting. The Reader family were from Saskatchewan. Mr. Reader was in charge of Indian Affairs in North West Territories. Phil Gibson had a farm at La Riviere.
Jan. 13: Alice, Millie, Willie, and Emma were family of Joe and Lydia Scales. Emma went to be with the Lord a couple of years ago at age 99 1/2. She lived many years in La Riviere. Ethel Chase became Ethel Scadding and was the mother of Ethel Light. Ethel Chase was about 11 years old when they lived in Winnipeg.
Jan. 14: All names mentioned were in the Winnipeg assembly.
Jan. 16: There was a Mrs. Perrin in Vancouver until her death some 20 years ago.
Jan. 18: Mr. and Mrs. William Scharf were Myrtle Scharf's grandparents. J. Wilson, (died 1938) was married to Percy Scharf's sister.
Jan. 28: Bathgate, North Dakota, a small village near Hamilton, North Dakota. I don't see the name "Pegg" in these notes. According to Jack Pegg, the meeting was in his Grandfather Pegg's home.
Feb. 3: Boyce Green, a brother of Mrs. Ralph Hayhoe, whose eldest son was named Boyce Hayhoe.
Feb. 7: There were Simons' in North Dakota.
Feb. 16: Percy Scharf, aged 21, had been in the Lumber Woods, S. E. Manitoba, but had taken sick and was on his way home to La Riviere. He stayed a few days at his sisters' (Bray and Scales).
Mar. 21: Rathwell. Mr. and Mrs. Moody lived there, also Robbie Oliver.
Mar. 29: Minnie and Annie Looby were probably en route to Rathwell.
May 21: Roy was a twin, about a year old.
July 13: Mosquitoes are still bad in 1997!
Sept. 9: Answers to Messages of Love used to be sent to E. B. Hart, Toronto.
Nov. 27: Stella lived in Walhalla, North Dakota, during her later years. Jack and Rachel Pegg have visited her. Niche, North Dakota, is just across the border from Gretna, Manitoba. It is a few miles from Altona, Manitoba, Ken Harman's home. Cavalier is a little farther south.
Dec. 12: Mrs. Bray, Percy Scharf's sister, had daughters who were just a few years younger than Percy Scharf. Herbert Scharf a cousin, went to Seattle with the Bray's. Ken Scharf was a brother of Percy Scharf. Mrs. Scales had a daughter Millie. Minnie (Scharf) remained.