CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAST DAYS "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away", (2 Tim. 3:1-5). This list of evils, characterizing the last days of the present age, was not put together carelessly - without thought and spiritual understanding. LOVE OF SELF is placed first because all the others are its offspring. Self-love leads to such a striving after material gain that, once acquired, becomes a basis for boasting and pride. Such a person gives no consideration to the rightful claims of God upon his life. In fact, he will neglect what he owes to his parents, his friends and everyone else except his well-beloved SELF! Self-love is pre-occupied with the satisfaction of one's own pleasure, ego and lusts. Though such a person may maintain a "form of godliness", he will deny any place to its transforming power in his life. Thus, Paul urges (Continued on Page 4)

    In warning young Timothy of the perilous times that were to characterize the last days, Paul mentioned a three-fold safeguard for the man of God: 1) The example of a godly leader, (2 Tim. 3:10-14); 2) The lessons learned in a godly home, (2 Tim. 3:14-15); and 3) The holy scriptures which, in all circumstances, would be able to make him "wise unto salvation", (2 Tim. 3: 15-17).
    The characteristic marks of Paul's life are a sharp contrast to those who were in love with themselves. His "doctrine" and "manner of life" are contrasted with their "form of godliness"; his "purpose" with their "incontinency"; his "faith" with their "boasting"; his "longsuffering" with their "fierceness"; his LOVE OF GOD and the brethren with their "love of self, money and pleasure"; and his "patience" with their 'pride". From the time Timothy had first known Paul these things had characterized his consistent life - even in the face of trials and persecutions. And Paul is able to encourage his "son, Timothy" by the assurance that "out of them

    From the day that he lay prostrate on the Damascus Road, Saul of Tarsus became the LOVE-SLAVE of a heavenly Master - a servant "for Jesus' sake"! "Bondservant of Jesus" was his favorite designation of himself! This alone accounts for his break with Judaism, and the courage with which he faced exhausting journeys, sang in a Philippian jail, braved the perils of land and sea, zealously proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and boldly confronted the enemies of Jesus Christ. Yet, no one ever experienced a more glorious LIBERTY than that which Paul enjoyed!
    FREE from all men, Paul volunteered his service to all "for Jesus' sake". He refused to exercise his freedom in such a way as to pamper the flesh, and urged his brethren to serve one another IN LOVE, (I Cor. 9:19; Gal. 5:13).
    True spiritual liberty is IMPOSSIBLE apart from a voluntary, loving and loyal commitment of one's self to the bond service of Jesus

Christ! (Jn. 8:32, 36). After all, He died for us that we should no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who laid down His life in our stead, (2 Cor. 5:15; Rom. 14:7-9). Bought with the price of His precious blood, we should glorify God in all that we do, (Rom. 12:1-2; I Cor. 6:19-20).
    Since Jesus is utterly WORTHY of the eternal consecration of our ALL to His service, let us forever render up the sword of our rebellion against His will - joyfully acknowledging His right to absolute lordship over us IN ALL THINGS. Life in His service is full, free and glorious!
I am the Lord's! It is the glad
   confession
Wherewith the Bride recalls the
   happy day,
When love's "I will" accepted
   him forever,
"The Lord's, to love, to honor,
   and obey".

I am the Lord's! Yet, teach me all
   it meaneth.
All it involves of love & loyalty. Of holy service, absolute surren-
   der,
And unreserved obedience unto Thee.

I am the Lord's! Yet: body, soul
   and spirit,
O seal them irrecoverably Thine;
As Thou, Beloved, in Thy grace
   and fullness
For ever and for evermore art mine.

---

    He who grasps for more than God has given him will let slip much real enjoyment only to find that he has grasped calamity instead!

    Nothing in t1te life of man will serve as an acceptable substitute for true devotion. One may have great knowledge, a fairly correct creed; he may possess a ready utterance and have courteous and engaging manners; but his life will count for little if he is not heartily and thoroughly devoted to God. Without this he will never really be happy; nor will he be able, as he ought, to promote the welfare of his fellow-men. He may be pleased with himself - his attention often diverted from his problems; but this is not happiness.
    True happiness comes as a sober and abiding guest. It is something that Jives with us - attending us night and day. It remains with us through every season of the year, and through all the changes of this mortal state. That for which the soul of man yearns is no momentary pleasure, or passing dream; it is a lasting and satisfying portion. And it may only be found in the favor of God, the testimony of a good conscience and in labors of love and devotion. Here the soul may truly rest, and here alone: these make a heaven on earth! In the whole universe one will not find an ungodly man who is truly happy; such a person is NEVER happy. Greatness, luxury, fame and power, with all their splendors and indulgences, are NOTHING to the soul. In their midst the soul is as a feeble bird - driven wildly to and fro as by a whirlwind.
    But to him who is truly devoted to God comes true joy. Such a per-

son may have little of this world's pleasures; nevertheless, his portion is the RICHEST in the world. He is at peace with himself. He is approved of God. He is an heir of heaven. He lies down to sleep without fear and awakens in the morning with a thankful heart. Breathing in an atmosphere of love, the storms of evil passion are all hushed around him. In his good wishes for others he finds a feast of pleasure for himself. In lessening his brother's sorrows he increases his own joy. His homely fare is far Sweeter to him than the most dainty morsels of the sinner; he eats it as his Father's gift, and regards it as a pledge of RICHER THINGS TO COME!


    For the past two years I have been reading THE PILLAR, published quarterly by the Hallmark Baptist Church, of Simpsonville, S.C. It is with real delight that I look forward to each issue of this well-edited, well-written and well-rounded magazine which encourages Baptist unity around the belief and pratice of "Scripture truth alone".     Frome what I have read, the principles set forth in THE PILLAR - relative to the origin, nature, authority, ordinances, discipline and independence of a New Testament Church - are the same that has always been espoused by this editor.
    With the U.S. you may receive this 16-page pulication (in magazine format) by sending $5.00 to:

    A letter from Pastor Willard Spilman informs us that the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, of Arvada, Colorado, is sponsoring a Family Camp July 13-17 at Camp Eden, near Wonderview, Colorado (about 25 miles West of Denver, on Highway 72). Though I have never attended one of these camps, others have reported real blessings.
    Costs are as follows:
    For information, or reservations contact:

Mere human powers shall fast decay,
   And youthful vigor cease;
But those who wait upon the Lord
   In strength shall still increase

They, with unwearied feet shall
      tread
   The path of life divine;
With growing ardor onward move,
   With growing brightness shine.

On eagles' wings they mount & soar,
   The wings of faith and love,
Till, past the cloudy regions here,
   They rise to heaven above.


    Response to our request for letters during the month of January have been very encouraging. Your kind words, and testimony of blessings received from this ministry, may best be summarized by a single sentence from a beloved fellow-pastor in Texas. He wrote: "I like the way you challenge my thinking with your use of the precious word".

    In addition to these letters, Editor Willard A. Ramsey wrote an editorial in THE PILLAR commending THE CLARION HERALD as containing "no wasted words" and being "consistent with the descriptive words in the masthead" - that is, our "sounding a call to salvation, sobriety, watchfulness, fidelity and brotherliness in view of our Lord's return". As a result of that editorial we have received additional requests for the paper.
    We desire your continued prayers in behalf of this ministry and will be delighted to hear from our readers at ANY time! E.G.