Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Order of the Bell Ringers
G
by Charles Finney
randpa was an open man. He was one to fully
The following Sunday, the circuit preacher came and
express himself, even if his choice of words were
held a repenting service. All the unsettled men went forward
limited. His lack of education sometimes showed
and repented. Then the circuit preacher had an idea.
itself in his dialect and tone, but his words were direct and clear. On this Sunday morning, Grandpa directly shouted, “Let’s go! I have got to ring the bell.” We got to the church about an hour before the meeting started. Grandpa hurried to the bell loft and began to ring
The circuit preacher said, “I know who should ring the bell! I think it is a fair way to decide.” “I was curious and asked the preacher what he had in mind,” said Grandpa. The preacher said, “I know most of you men cannot read or write, but that is no excuse not to know the Bible.” 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shrew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Some of the men started murmuring. One asked, “How can I study when I cannot read?” The circuit preacher said, “That is no problem. From now on, each Saturday morning, I want you men to come to the church. I will give you a verse or two to remember. Whoever remembers their work and can recite all of the verses I give you can ring the bell.” Grandpa said, “That did it. Each Saturday morning, we would arrive early. The preacher gave us a verse or two, and then we would return to our farms and work. You see, the cornfield was my secret place to remember and find myself
the church bell. That was one loud bell, as it could be heard three miles away. Grandpa kept ringing the bell, sweat was now pouring from his brow.
hidden in God’s tabernacle in my heart.” (Psalms 27:5) “Last month’s bell ringer was our first, and he got to ring it for two months. This month is my time. I learned all of my
I asked Grandpa if I could help him ring the bell.
verses and said them back to the preacher. I will ring the bell
He replied, “No! Only a member of the Order of the Bell
until one of the other men learns their verses,” said Grandpa.
Ringers is allowed.”
Grandpa continued, “Have you noticed the sweet rings
I asked Grandpa, “What is that?”
of the bell? It is not a gong, and it does not clang or clatter. It
Grandpa said, “As you know, most of us farmers around
is like it is talking to us in love. It is saying, “Come unto me
here cannot read or write. After we built the Fully Rely on God (F.R.O.G.) Cornfield Church, we wanted a bell to be
and I will give you rest.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) After the church service, I told Grandpa how proud I
put in. I was to ring out when there was a church service.
was of his sweet ringing. Grandpa said it was even sweeter
It became a bit of an uproar. Nary a Christian word or act
to him, as he now had learned a complete book of the Bible.
came from most of the uneducated men. Each wanted to
(1 Thessalonians 4:11)
ring the bell.”
52 // November 2021
The Order of the Bell Ringers still rings true each church service!
