The Heart-Cry of Jesus   By: Byron J. (Byron Johnson) Rees (1877-1920)

BY BYRON J. REES,

Author of "Christlikeness," "Hulda, the Pentecostal Prophetess," and "Hallelujahs from Portsmouth, Nos. 2 and 3."

DEDICATION.

TO MY MASTER, EVEN CHRIST.

INTRODUCTION.

THE NEED OF THE DAY.

The saying, "Necessity is the mother of Invention," finds nowhere a more vivid illustration of its truth than in the publishing enterprises of the modern Holiness movement. The onward movement of the Holy Ghost along Pentecostal lines, convicting of depravity, creating a clean reading public, and endueing with power both pulpit and pew, has resulted in a constant and growing demand for full salvation literature. Tens of thousands of pulpits do an active business on both the wholesale and retail plan, with science and philosophy as stock in trade. Famishing congregations are proffered the bugs of biology, the rocks of geology, and the stars of astronomy until their souls revolt, and they demand bread and meat.

THE NEED BEING SUPPLIED.

The great soul cry is being met and answered by the publication and distribution of soul feeding, spirit inspiring, health giving Holiness books and papers. God is raising up writers and editors from whose pens pour melted truths, to the edification and blessing of thousands.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOK.

In this little book we have a production in which the author has made little attempt at the elucidation of doctrine or the waging of controversy, but in great simplicity and directness he has presented the truth with a view to helpfulness, desiring to introduce really hungry souls into the Canaan life, and provide a well loaded table of rich provisions for those who are already "in the Land."

READERS WILL BE REFRESHED.

We believe that there is a warmth, fervor and glow about the pages of this volume which will be most refreshing to many, many readers. May the Holy Spirit put His seal upon it and give it an extensive circulation.

SETH C. REES.

PROVIDENCE, R. I., NOVEMBER 15, 1898.

PREFACE.

WHAT IS SANCTIFICATION?

No one who accustoms himself to the observation of spiritual tides, winds and currents can be ignorant of the fact that the devout men and women of the present are earnestly inquiring, "What is sanctification? What does holiness mean?" They are demanding of the pulpit and of the church editor something more than the time worn and moth eaten excuses for not teaching a deeper work of grace. The "seven thousand" who have not "bowed the knee" to the modern Baals are insisting that, if God's Word teaches entire sanctification for the disciple of Christ obtainable by faith now, they must possess themselves of this heavenly grace.

THE AUTHOR'S DESIRE.

It is with the purpose and hope that some seeking heart may be helped that these pages are penned. The author has purposely avoided all controversial matter. We would not assume the role of the doctrinaire even were we capable of it. "Not controversy, not theology, but to save souls," as Lyman Beecher said when dying.

THE NEED OF SPEED.

This book has been written in the midst of laborious and unceasing revival work. For this reason there has been no time to polish sentences nor improve style. The object has been to get the truth to the people in plain language, and to do it with despatch, for the time is short, and men are being saved or damned with electric speed.

THE BUZZARD AND VULTURE.

The buzzard and the vulture will find food if they look for it, but with them we are not concerned. We are, however, terribly in earnest to help hungry souls to a place of blessing and power.

May God take these leaves and make them "leaves of healing," if not for "nations," at least for individuals.

BYRON J. REES.

NOVEMBER 14, 1898.

CONTENTS.