Christian he will not
commit sin."

It was almost overwhelming to Robert and Mary Davis. Tears of joy
flowed down their faces. They ran over to old Peter, grasped his arm,
and said, "God bless you, Brother Newby, we knew you were honest at
heart."

That day Jake Newby recovered the confidence he used to have in his
father.

These were the beginnings of the church at Bethany, the church of
God. A church-house was built and the church was organized by the Holy
Spirit into a working body of saints. Robert Davis soon afterward felt
the inspiration to teach and exhort and he was much used in this way.
By and by he preached occasionally until his gifts were recognized by
the church through the laying on of the hands of the ministry.

There was a true catholicity of spirit in this congregation which
caused them to make all Christians feel at home there. They maintained
unity by keeping close to God. Their Sunday-school soon was the
largest in the town. Three missionaries went from it to foreign,
heathen lands, and colporteurs carried the literature of the church
into every home in the town. The reputation of the church spread far
and wide. It became noted for the honesty and humility of its members.
The business men of the town had the utmost confidence in the church.
It became the greatest power for righteousness in the town, and
every one came to look upon it as the living exponent of the best and
highest in civic life and in social uplift as well as in religion.
Zion became a praise in the earth, as the prophet had said.

The events narrated occurred many years ago. Last summer there was a
reunion of the Davis family in the old home at Bethany. One son had
become a minister in the church, the other was the editor of the local
newspaper. One daughter was home on a furlough from China, while the
other was married to a Christian brother of the town. Robert Davis, in
the meantime, had preached the whole gospel. He had been instrumental
in raising up several congregations.

"Dad, what is the most interesting experience you ever had in your
life?" asked Marie one day.

"The most important experience of my life occurred right here, my
girl, when Janet was a baby," he replied. "Here is where your mother
and I first became seekers. Here I debated for the truth before I
fully understood it, but I felt it was essential to stand up for what
I knew was truth. Here your mother was healed when life seemed almost
gone and the las