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From the Berean CHRISTADELPHIAN of July 1937

Ecclesial News

 HOUSTON (Texas). –IOOF hall. 420 Drennan Street. Sundays: Bible Class, 10.00 am; Breaking of Bread, 11.00 am; Lecture, 7.30 pm.
Greetings in the only Name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. Since our last communication our Recording brother, J O Banta, has fallen asleep to await the return of our Lord and Master from Heaven, at the age of 34. He died as he had lived; defending the faith once delivered to the saints, for which he had earnestly contended from his baptism till his death. At the time of his death he was seated at a table taking notes in a joint discussion between himself and an advocate of the so-called Church of Christ, who had merely introduced the subject, resolved that the Church of Christ is scriptural in origin, name, doctrine, and practice, when bro Banta fell from his chair with his Bible in his hands, stricken by an attack of heart failure, from which he died before reaching the hospital to which he was rushed. We feel sure that, had he been permitted to select the manner in which to die, he could have chosen none that would have suited him better, for his last moments were spent fighting fables taught by those having itching ears. He had been in ill-health for several months, and we are sure that he realised that his time of probation was nearing an end, as will be seen from the tenor of a letter which he wrote his wife, sis Edna Banta, more than a month prior to his death, and which she found in his pocket shortly after his death. We are attaching a copy of this letter herewith, and request that you publish it, for it betrays his loving zeal, devotion to the Truth, and to his loved ones, and his characteristics, better than we can describe them. We all miss him very much, as he always had an encouraging word for those with heavy hearts, and an earnest admonition to all to be steadfast until the end. He was a very ardent and vigorous worker in the Lord’s vineyard.

The attached letter—

“FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

Beloved: I believe I will go before you into the “land of forgetfulness,” therefore I wish to speak “though absent.”

Make your “calling and election sure,” and meet me in the “Kingdom of God and of Christ” (if so be I attain to such). Lay aside every weight that besets, and run with patience the race without grieving for me.

Beloved, you must read more. Read the writings of Dr Thomas and bro R Roberts daily, along with the Holy Oracles. Be patient in all things, and give your self wholly to the Truth.

Remember one thing, too, “pray without ceasing.” Never let a day pass without making known your troubles to God several times; for He careth for you.

Let the world speak foolish things, but you, “guard your tongue,” speaking only after you have weighed your words to see how they are going to sound. “Be slow to speak, instant in prayer.” Take all your troubles to Him in prayer, and trust not to the arm of flesh.

Be patient in tribulation, knowing that it is sent for your good later. When trouble comes, bear it alone. Cease from wrath. “The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Remain pure in doctrine, reading often the writers mentioned above. Be sure to pore over Elpis Israel, Ways of Providence, Visible Hand of God, Seasons of Comfort, etc.

Engage in no silly talks, and above all things refrain from speaking evil of any who bear the name of Christ, no matter how they behave. Speak to them alone, and give them good things to read. be kind. Pray for help. Before making any decisions on matters spiritual or temporal, pray fervently for guidance. Follow the Scriptures. Let no human ties influence you, no matter how much you suffer for it. Instil “fear” into your children, and all children you speak to, for “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Do not think you are being cruel, for “in all things consider the end thereof.”

Read the writings of Paul, Peter, James, and the Acts over and over, all your remaining time. Pray for purity, and when you have asked, seek in the Bible. You will obtain help if you help yourself. Troubles and calamities will increase more and more as the end nears.  Brethren will become weaker and cooler. This is foretold; but, beloved, examine yourself and live for Him who died for you. Pray always. “Sow in tears,” for you will, after many days, “reap in joy,” and will “obtain joy and gladness” for “sorrow and sighing shall flee away” when we are reunited in one family, through God’s mercy, in the Kingdom.

Remember the Big Four: Read, Pray, Meditate, Patience. Meet me Beloved.
J. OSCAR BANTA.
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