Part 3 (1/2)
Continuing, Robert said: ”This is made plain by the first few verses of the chapter. Please notice them--'Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?' Then he shows in the verses following that Christians have 'become dead to the law' through Christ, and that they are married to Christ, and bring forth fruit unto G.o.d. 'But now we are delivered from the law,' says Paul.
”His whole argument, down to and including verse 6, is that we have died to the law through crucifixion with Christ, and are therefore free to marry another. We have become dead to the law, and since death dissolves the marriage vow, we are, therefore, free from connection with the law, and are joined unto Christ. Beginning with verse 14 to the end of the chapter, is given an explanation of how Paul's sinful nature brought him into subjection to its demands. It is a clear testimony of an honest man's experience under the old law. By that law he became aware of sin and felt its sinfulness, yet that law brought no grace nor power to preserve him from violating its prohibitions. He desired to do good, but could not. Sin came to life and slew him. Paul was condemned by the law, and yet he could not come from under the condemnation. He was, so to speak, tied or married to a dead body, a law or master which brought death, and he wondered where deliverance would come from. 'Thank G.o.d,' he says, 'it will come through Jesus Christ the Lord.'
”This cannot be the experience of Christians,” said Robert. ”If you will just look at the second verse of chapter 8, you will find these words: 'For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.' And verse 3 says, 'For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, G.o.d sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, [or by a sacrifice for sin] condemned sin in the flesh,' and verse 4 states: 'That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us,' etc.
”Hence, it is evident that Christians are to live holy lives. G.o.d demands holiness of us. 'Be ye holy; for I am holy,' says 1 Pet. 1:16.
Yea, we are to repent and turn away from all sin, for Christ 'gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works' (t.i.tus 2:14).
And 'the grace of G.o.d that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying unG.o.dliness and worldly l.u.s.ts, we should live soberly, righteously, and G.o.dly, in this present world'
(t.i.tus 2:11, 12).”
The arrow of conviction shot deep down into many hearts as Robert Davis spoke these words. The truth he spoke commended itself to their minds and consciences. Some rebelled, and rejected his sound arguments. Peter Newby especially was agitated. He felt himself sinking into despair, as far as argument was concerned. Old Mr.
Stephenson and Charley Moss trembled from head to foot. The Spirit of G.o.d was working powerfully in their and others' hearts.
”I am not going to accept the interpretations placed upon this seventh chapter of Romans by the speaker,” said Peter, as he arose to reply.
”Why? Because I never heard it explained that way. Why? Because I have heard Brother Peters preach from these texts, and he has always declared a man could not keep from sin. Living free from sin! Whoever heard of such a thing? It can't be done, that is all there is to it.
We cannot keep from sin. Paul said sin was ever present with him, and I know it is with me. I try to do right, but sin gets the better of me. I ask G.o.d to forgive me every time I pray. I tell you, a man simply cannot live without committing sin.”
When Peter Newby sat down, Robert Davis arose again, and said:
”There is a text of scripture that says certain persons cannot cease from sin. I do not say that anyone here fulfills the description in that text. Peter says, in his Second Epistle, chapter two, verse 14: 'Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin.' As I said, I charge no man with this kind of character, and only read it to give you a Scriptural description of one who cannot live without sin.”
It was painfully evident that this was an unwise thing to say at that particular time. Robert Davis was young, and full of zeal. Most probably he should not have uttered those words. Peter Newby was powerfully affected. He felt as if his character had been scandalized before the whole crowd. His face waxed red with an inner rage. His body quivered and shook with excitement. No one had ever seen him quite so exercised. He arose slowly, but with extreme determination.
Things had gone as far as they could without a physical clash.
”Hold your place, young man, I will not allow anyone to insult me in this manner. Be careful what you say. There will be another chapter added to this if you are not careful. I will defend my honor, no matter what it costs.” And he resumed his seat.
The air was filled with intense excitement. A few words from Robert Davis would have struck fire, and he knew it. So he quietly sat still without saying a word. The tenseness of the situation was painful.
Just then Mary Davis started that old familiar song:
”Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, Till the storm of life is past, Safe into the haven guide, Oh, receive my soul at last.”
A few joined in toward the last half of the verse, and, as she began on the second verse, the whole congregation sang with vigor:
”Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on thee; Leave, oh, leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed, All my help from thee I bring, Cover my defenseless head With the shadow of thy wing.”
Robert and Mary Davis started for home as soon as they could. Peter Newby got into an argument with old Mr. Stephenson, who by this time had become a sort of champion of Robert's and a crowd encircled them.
Peter Newby found a match in the old man, for Mr. Stephenson, at this time, while mentally convinced, was still unsaved, and could be as personal and ironical as Mr. Newby. They argued the point of a sinless life for an hour, mixed a good deal of personal invective into the argument, which drew from the crowd vociferous ”ha! ha's!” and they parted without feeling one whit better toward one another than they did before.
CHAPTER SIX
WHAT CHURCH SHOULD I JOIN?
The week following the events that took place at the schoolhouse was an important one in the life of Robert and Mary Davis. Having put their hands to the plow, they could not look back. Already, they were aware that the steps they had taken religiously were separating them from the people about them. Robert's bold stand for a holy Christian life made him the b.u.t.t of many a joke, and a laughing-stock. They began to hunger for companions.h.i.+p and spiritual fellows.h.i.+p with those of like mind and hope. The gradual separation taking place, which was throwing over their neighbors a coldness toward them, accentuated the question of which church they were going to join. Their hearts were hungry for soul-food, for spiritual nurture; there was a longing within which was acutely felt, but which was unsatisfied. The intensity of this desire for the fellows.h.i.+p of saints increased as Robert and Mary studied the Scriptures and beheld glimpses of the path which was being so clearly marked out from therein. They were willing to be martyrs for the truth, but how their souls did long for someone to whom they could unburden their hearts and in whom they could confide!