# The Lutheran Pioneer_St. Louis_1919_S74 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 94 The Lutheran Pioneer. joy return. When our conscience condemns us, pointing out the glaring contrast between our lives and the demands of God’s Law, all seems lost. We feel ashamed, yet cannot change ourselves. Not only no faith seems to dwell within us, but our love, too, is far from being what it ought to be. 70d will come to our rescue in such times of self- humiliation and weakness which He permits for His salutary ends. As He is greater than our “heart, He beholds all things connected with our spiritual condition in their right proportion. Be- ing all-knowing, He sees our faith and love though they may be deeply, or at least partly, hidden from our sight. If the feeling that we are without faith is only a deception of our flesh or a malicious sug- gestion of Satan, our heavenly Father will blot out this wrong impression, and by His Spirit re- assure us. He will again fill our hearts with the certainty that we are His own. Blessed are the times when our conscience does not condemn us (v.21), when, on the contrary, it assures us that we have walked as in the presence of God, and hated and shunned sin. Then we have confidence toward God, a feeling of freedom and courage to appear before the Judge of all flesh, and are ready for Christ’s glorious coming on the Last Day. Hence Peter admonishes: “Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy con- versation and godliness, looking for, and hasting unto, the coming of the day of God.” The Apostle paints the happy life of the godly, who believe in Jesus and love the brethren, in a pleasing. manner. Christians who earnestly seek to conform their lives to Holy Writ will learn by experience that the ways of the Lord are pleasant paths; for the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. He will listen to their prayers, and their petitions shall not be ut- tered in vain (v.22). In the hour of trouble He will be with them. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it and is safe,’ Prov. 18,10. God is united with them even in this earthly life. They dwell in Him and He in them (v. 24). This union satisfies them in their present life, and death cannot destroy it. The Spirit who has His habitation in them, and prompts them to perform works of love and mercy, assures them that this union is real. Joy is their portion on earth; bliss awaits them in heaven. H. Osteruus, - Reunions in St. Louis and Springfield. Two of the most enjoyable and impressive ser- vices we have ever conducted in our two charges were held August 31 and September 7 in St. Louis and Springfield, respectively. They were announced as Reunion Services. During the hot summer months — let it not be said with pride —there is usually a waning of interest and a relaxation of effort, on the part of many, in the work ofthe Lord. Now, with the advent of cooler weather, the purpose of these reunions was to revive interest and to stimulate the negligent to new efforts. We believe in using printer’s ink profusely. Be- sides, where mail seldom enters a home, a letter will command the closest attention. Therefore, during the week prior to August 31, a letter, explaining in detail the character of the proposed service, was sent to each family of our congregation in St. Louis with the urgent request that each one do his part towards making the attendance perfect. Invitations were also sent to strangers. Most of the letters were then followed up with a personal call. .With the help of the good Lord our efforts were well rewarded. The chapel on August 31 was filled almost to its capacity, 100 people being in attendance. Of the 61 souls who make up the congregation only 5 were missing, two of whom are invalids. When Com- munion was administered, 24 out of a possible 26 stepped forward to partake of the Lorél’s body and blood. The sermon for the occasion was based upon St. Paul’s words 1 Cor. 16, 13. 14: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong; let all your things be done with charity.” Towards the close of the service the roll was called. Parents responded for the children who were unable te answer for themselves. We are satisfied that the angels in heaven shouted for joy over the almost perfect response to the roll-call. After the services a “get-acquainted meeting” was held, ia the course of which lemonade and cake were served.