before
the hand of the Lord was seen.

There was an awakening over all the religious world in the latter part
of the nineteenth century. Holiness, the key-note of Holy Scripture,
was being taught. Out of that holiness awakening grew a reformation
whose standard was "Back to the Bible" in faith and practice. Robert
and Mary Davis were strangers as yet to these grand movings of the
blessed Holy Spirit, but that Spirit was leading them on unerringly.
God desired to plant in Bethany His own glorious church, to be a
beacon-light, an ark of salvation, to the people of that community.

A series of events accelerated the progress of the Davis' toward the
ultimate truth. Their attendance at the various churches, and their
spiritual life, caused every pastor to consider them good prospects
for membership. It so happened that during the few days that followed
the last debate at the schoolhouse, three different ministers visited
them with this idea in mind.

On one fine day, Pastor John B. Jones, of the M.E. Church, drove up.
He was invited in, most cordially. After some casual remarks, Pastor
Jones introduced the subject of joining church.

"Do you contemplate uniting with any church in the near future?" he
asked them.

"Yes, it has been our intention to join soon," said Robert. "May I ask
a few questions?"

"Certainly," replied Mr. Jones.

"Does the Methodist Church teach holiness?"

"John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church," said Mr. Jones,
"taught holiness, and sanctification subsequent to regeneration. But
we do not preach much on that subject now."

"What I am thinking about," said Robert, "is this: I am longing for a
real church home, where I can feel at one with, and in fellowship with
real Christians. Pastor Jones, there are so many professing Christians
who are Christians only in name. I cannot fellowship them. They engage
in questionable practices; they are dishonest and tricky; they use
bad language; and their bent is more toward pleasure than religion. My
soul really craves a church home. Can you offer me such where I shall
have the fellowship I crave?"

"We need just such members as you and Mrs. Davis would be, Mr. Davis,"
said Pastor Jones. "Many of our members are not spiritual. I have
tried to arouse them, but it seems in vain, but if we had more members
like you, we should have a spiritual church. Old Mother Piercy claims
sanctification, and there are three or four who are praying members."