First, God has blessed me with a religious tract that William C. Burns carried to Canada himself in 1844. The tract was written by him and has been part of a beloved gentleman's estate until he was promoted to Heaven. It has now become part of my collection of gifts from God!!! Praise God!!!

Here is a quote from the book, The Way to Pentecost, by Samual Chadwick. This quote is what I have been thinking about all these "new" ways to grow the church outside of prayer??? really??? I never believed it and thought the ministers were fools. Here is what I thought about it. This was written just before Samuel Chadwick died.

Stage Fire

Strange fire may be offered in sincerity and in good faith. Stage fire is a trick. In the absence of the supernatural, earnest souls may turn to the best substitutes they can find, and believe they are doing God's service. When the fires of spiritual devotion go out, ritualism finds its opportunity. Aids to voluptuous meditation take the place of reverent adoration. If there be no power to cast out devils, transform sinners and save souls, there are other ministries within reach. John did no miracle; may not a ministry of "water baptism" avail for our day and generation? [Not] If we have no fire from on high by which men's souls can be saved, there are minds to be instructed and bodies to be fed. Churches destitute of divine fire may devote themselves fervently to good works, but stage fire is a mockery and a pretense. Stage-lights have found their way into the Church. The red glare dazzles, but it does not burn. Fireworks are brilliant, but they end with the hour. No ideals are kindled, no ministry impelled, no sacrifice inspired. The pretense of spirituality is the worst profanity. Strange fire is less offensive than stage fire. A religion of mere emotion and sensationalism is the most terrible of all curses that can come upon any people. The absence of reality is sad enough. but the aggravation of pretense is a deadly sin.

I could not have said it better myself. I will bring the real fire from the Holy Spirit or await on Him until He sends me forth with it.

To God be ALL the glory.