KESWICK CONVENTION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 296, 12 November 1934, Page 9

KESWICK CONVENTION

GATHERING AT PALMERSTON NORTH. A season of great blessing was experienced by a large number of Christians who assembled in the Empire Hall, Palmerston North, from October 20-22, in the first Keswick Convention to be held there (says The Reaper, the official organ of the Bible Training Institute). This series of meetings was the fruition of the desires of a few who had long desired that such a convention should be held. To this end Mr J. O. Sanders was approached during the Takapuna convention of last December as to whether he would be one of the speakers in the event of the convention being arranged. Associated with him was Rev. John Bissett, that grand old veteran evangelist, who willingly acceded to the invitation to speak. The ministry throughout ran on true Keswick lines, and was most soul-refresli-ing and instructive. Giving the opening address of the convention, Mr Bissett took as the basis of his message three Scriptures from the Songs of Solomon, 1:6, "I am black.” This, said the speaker, was the testimony of the believer concerning himself. 4: 7, “Tliou art all fair.” The testimony of Christ to the believer. 5:16, "He is altogether lovely.” The believer’s testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr Bissett went on to show that the first Scripture did not represent an unregenerate man, but a believer in a carnal state. In the second Scripture, it was clearly seen that a transformation had taken place, so that Christ could testify to there Being no spot in him. This represented the case of a believer who had appropriated by faith the Blood which cleanseth from all sin. The changed believer is now in a condition to behold Christ in His immaculate holiness. Thus he speaks of His Sanctifier as “The Altogether lovely.” Mr Sanders spoke in the evening on "God’s Desire and God’s Difficulty.” God’s desire to bless His people, said the speaker, was far greater than their desire to he blessed. Commenting on Rom. 14:9, he said that many Christians wanted Christ’s life, but they did not want His law. They welcomed Him as Saviour, but not as Sovereign. But He died and rose again that He might become Lord in the believer’s life. Other Scriptures were -referred to showing that God had provided not only Redemption, but Purification. A further act of faith was necessary to enter into the blessing God had for His people. In spite of His desire to bless, God was held up by tolerated sin in the lives of His people. If there was to he any lasting blessing as a result of the convention, these sins must he fully and honestly dealt with. Sin regarded in the heart, conformity to the world, a lack of sincerity, an unwillingness to pay the price, all constituted difficulties which could be overcome only by the believer cleansing himself from them by a definite act of the will. 2 Cor. 7:1. Purity and power were inseparably connected. On Sunday afternoon Mr Sanders again spoke to a fine gathering of young people, his subject being “The Victorious Life.” The hearts of all were deeply moved. The evangelistic service held after church was addressed by Rev. J. Bissett. There was an excellent gathering, and the appeal to the unsaved was not without response.

Monday was a day of great spiritual blessing, and a day that will long be remembered in the lives of many. In the morning service, Mr Bissett took the Epistle to the Philippians as the basis of an address showing that a life of joy and victory in the Holy Spirit was gloriously possible. Mr Sanders followed in the afternoon, speaking on “Power for Service.” As the speaker unfolded the Word of God on this subject and sought to lead those present into a life of fruitful service, ma*iy indicated their desire to claim this blessing. The concluding meeting of the series was oue which will long live in the hearts of very many, because of the evident sense of the presence of the Lord among His people. Mr Bissett’s subject was "The Double Portion.” 2 Kings 2:1. He drew a parallel between the incident recorded here, and that of the ascension of the Lord. Just as Elijah promised a double portion of His Spirit to Elisha if lie saw him at his departure, and as Elisha became mantled with that power, so our Lord had commanded the disciples to tarry after He was received U 23 from them, until they received their mantling with power. What a mighty stir followed their preaching. This was truly a great message, and proved that Brother Bissett’s soul was over-flowing as the living water streamed forth.