Around Old Bethany: A Story of the Adventures of Robert and Mary DavisBerry, R. L. (Robert Lee)
Religion
Around Old Bethany: A Story of the Adventures of Robert and Mary Davis
Berry, R. L. (Robert Lee)
Christian fiction; Church of God (Anderson, Ind.) -- Fiction
"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 God 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."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account