“Ye Editor” is from Missouri, born of “Hoosier” parents, near Mountain Grove, Wright County, and Centennial Year. Was brought up however in Indiana, adopted later by Louisiana, is now resident of Kentucky. Parents and grandparents, both sides,, adherents to the plea that all Christians should be Christians only; proponents of freedom of research, freedom of speech, freedom of worship; practiced New Testament simplicity in public worship and in daily living, observing the Lord’s Day indeed His. Amen.
Why a minister of the Gospel- Unmistakable answer to long continued, and at last desperate, praying for one dearly, beloved. Finally-un thought of before-Lord, if you will help me to do something or say something, or help someone to do- something, or say something, to bring Pa to Christ, I’ll preach the Gospel.” Next morning in Lord’s Day service at “Old Shiloh” it came to pass!
The vow, the praying even, known only to Him whose office and delight it is to answer prayer. “Woe is me if I preach’ not the Gospel”-His, and not another. But to do so is both meat and drink. As for remuneration,-paid in advance! Thanks be to God. Praise be to His Holy Name!
First sermon, April 16, 1898, while in State Normal, Terre Haute, Ind., urged by Lon Wilson. Next attempt at home, “Old Deckard Schoolhouse,” congregation now ·known as Berea. Same fall, off to Nashville Bible School “to sit at the feet of Harding and Lipscomb,” recommended thereto by· Ben J. Elston, who also spoke the words which enabled Miss Tacy Jane Blakeman to go along as bride. Accompanying us’ to sit at said feet, Edward Neal, brother •dearly beloved, also of Berea. An acknowledged unpaid debt owing those godly men, together with others, Armstrong, Grant, Logue, Ward, Pittman, et al., and godly “mothers in Israel” Sisters Harding, Grant, Moorehead, et al.
The Lord repay each and every one of them. First “evangelistic meetings,” Neal and Chambers, spring of 1899, on the “Banks of the Wabash,” in which stream our first baptizings. Unabated joy in His service then and till now: Labors in the Gospel extended to some seventeen states, baptisms uncounted though record kept (included in the number three sons, three daughters and one grandson to. date). Excepting where remuneration was not in sight, have preached only where called. No advertising or writing for meetings, (Bear with a little foolishness. II Cor. 11:1) pulpit never sought, wedding never solicited, nor funeral. Salary never hinted at, support never complained; family bills and needs until now ever met. Due Him who keeps promises, this testimony). Hardships ever less than deserved, conscious weaknesses and failings enough to keep any one humble, loved beyond deserts, debt of love ever increasing while time for paying ever swiftly shortens.
Gratitude ever deepens with reflection on extended privilege of eating Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day–since spring of 1900, the privilege of proclaiming our Lord’s death in His own appointed, unique way for all time “until He come.” Fruitage, not as much nor as good as heart has wished. , Unfinished business much more than allotted time is equal to.
Farm rearing and. the plain, simple way of life, (a cause for great gratitude) developed a love of freedom. The sign, “Keep off the grass,” never encountered till a much later date. Freedom within said pastures ever considered a Christian’s birthright. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” one’s duty, privilege. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God,” ever imperative, a fixed aim. “All is yours,” whether the Sermon on the Mount or the prophecy on the mount; whether the Book of Acts or Revelation. The importance of working, watching, praying, preparing for the undated return of our Lord, an underscored responsibility. “Maranatha” in those day not taboo.
Stanford Chambers