Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Undated postcard

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Postmarked April 29, 1911

At the end of each year I hear and see nonsense about a “War on Christmas,” with sayings such as “Season’s Greetings” and “Happy Holidays” as alleged evidence.  I come from a long line of Christmas keepers who have had no hesitation using “Season’s Greetings” cards.  And I recall hearing the Andy Williams version of “Happy Holidays” at home when growing up.  None of this corrupted my soul with a secular, Godless agenda. Besides, with the grouping of holidays at the end of the year, “Season’s Greetings” does have the benefit of succinctness.

And I keep Advent for weeks before I observe all twelve days of Christmas.

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

MARCH 17, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF ARMAGH

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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EDITOR’S COMMENT:

My great-grandfather referred to the 1940 General Conference of The Methodist Church (1939-1968), for these sermon notes come from late 1938/early 1939 to 1942 set, and the Methodist General Conferences meet every four years.

MARCH 17, 2014 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF ARMAGH

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1 Tim. 2, 1

I.

The church faces the tragic needs of the world at home and abroad.  There are many and great needs.  The greatest is spiritual.  Only the church can be looked to to supply it.  “Ye who are spiritual restore such as one,” etc.  Others won’t and can’t if they would.

II.

Paul would have us all begin in prayer.  We, the church, need to draw near to God in prayer.  We need a fresh experience of his grace until our hearts are strangely warmed.  We can’t lead others into an experience we do not have.  “That I may know him,” etc.

III.

Pray “for all men.”  This is good and acceptable unto God.  The heart aglow with love for all men yearns for the salvation of the world.  Points for prayer suggested at the General Conference.

IV.  

It will take importune prayer to overcome the sinfulness of men’s hearts.  “Pray without ceasing.”  The effectual fervent prayer…availeth much.”  (Jas. 5, 16)  “He will avenge them speedily.”  (Lk. 18, 8)

God knows such strong cries for his grace, as the experience of many has shown.

It is time for the church to get about his work in all prayerful earnestness.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Postmarked April 25, 1911

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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1 Kgs. 8, 56

I.

God has great purposes concerning his people: “Will make thee a great and mighty nation.”  If we follow him he will accomplish his great purposes.

II.

But man is hesitant, fearful, slow to follow, fearing he may fail.

III.

To encourage and embolden him God has given many precious promises.  They cover every need of the soul.  Promises:

(1)  forgiveness

(2)  cleansing

(3)  guidance

(4)  wisdom

(5)  power

(6) his presence

(7)  comfort

(8)  victory

(9)  heaven at last.

IV.  

His character, his goodness, and love, his faithfulness assure us he will keep his promises.  He who died for us, loved us, will be true [to us].  Not one promise has failed–if there has been any failure it was ours, not God’s.

V.

Wherefore let us everyone cling to him in all confidence and fidelity.  Who would not be true to such a Friend and Lord!

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Postmarked April 9, 1911

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Ps. 127, 1a

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it….

—Authorized Version

I.

A strong Christian character is the grandest edifice ever built.  It is more powerful than Gibraltar, more enduring than marble, and a greater blessing than all material possessions.  We should be very much concerned to build such.

II.

There are hurtful and helpful forces.  We must grapple with them.

(1)  The fear of the Lord is the bedrock on which we build.  Reverence and Godly fear are indispensable.  Be well-grounded here.  Irreverence is deadly.

(2)  Truthfulness must be inculcated.  No liar is a truly great man.

(3)  Personal purity–of thought, speech, and act are priceless.

Vileness is destructive of all character.  Evil thoughts are fatal.

Intoxication is a deadly foe.

Evil companions to be shunned.

III.

In all things seek the guidance and blessing of the God.  Else all effort fails.  He is needed in the house.

Family religion so important that one may start right.  His blessing the one great up-building power in the world.

He can save and keep men unto eternity.

Never dream you can succeed without His blessing.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Postmarked February 15, 1911

Above:  The Original Document

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Ps. 122, 6-9

I.

Jerusalem, capital of the nation, and the place of the Temple–hence national and spiritual prosperity.

II.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem–that it be saved, the the nation and church, from all strife, that peace and love may abound.  “Peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces.”  Peace is necessary to prosperity–war and strife are always disruptive.

True nationality and religiosity.  Hence “live peaceably with all men.”  “Let the peace of God rule (arbitrate) in your hearts;” Do nothing contrary to peace.

III.

“For my brethren and companion’s sakes” I will say it.  I want to see them enjoy peace and prosperity–I want their souls to prosper.  The salvation of immortal [souls] is dear to me; I would not say or do anything to harm their souls’ highest interest.  “Their happiness is my happiness.

IV.

“Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.”  The public welfare is centered in the church and religion.  I want the church to prosper at Underwood and all around the world.  Its prosperity is my constant prayer and effort.  And the need is so great.

Let us, this Conference year, prayer as does the Psalmist for every public and private good, that souls may be built up in Him.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT

Image Source = Kenneth Randolph Taylor

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Postmarked December 31, 1910