The Order of the Bell Ringers

by Charles Finney

Grandpa was an open man. He was one to fully express himself, even if his choice of words were limited. His lack of education sometimes showed 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 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.

I asked Grandpa if I could help him ring the bell. He replied, “No! Only a member of the Order of the Bell Ringers is allowed.”

I asked Grandpa, “What is that?”

Grandpa said, “As you know, most of us farmers around 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 put in. I was to ring out when there was a church service. It became a bit of an uproar. Nary a Christian word or act came from most of the uneducated men. Each wanted to ring the bell.”

The following Sunday, the circuit preacher came and held a repenting service. All the unsettled men went forward and repented. Then the circuit preacher had an idea.

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 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 verses and said them back to the preacher. I will ring the bell until one of the other men learns their verses,” said Grandpa.

Grandpa continued, “Have you noticed the sweet rings of the bell? It is not a gong, and it does not clang or clatter. It is like it is talking to us in love. It is saying, “Come unto me and I will give you rest.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

After the church service, I told Grandpa how proud I was of his sweet ringing. Grandpa said it was even sweeter to him, as he now had learned a complete book of the Bible. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

The Order of the Bell Ringers still rings true each church service!

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