19 May 1892, Volume 12, Number 21.
An Experience.
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One year in the kingdom of heaven, praise God!
A year of pence and of joy divine;
A year of rest to the ladened soul,
All glory is thine, blessed Jesus, all thine,
One year ago and a little more,
We stood outside of heaven’s door;
We knocked, ’twas opened, we entered in;
He supped with us and we with him.
We entered together, my wife and I,
Together our names were written on high;
Together we sup with Christ our Lord,
We enjoy together His precious word.
How marvelous the change from the world of sin
To’ this which we now are dwelling in;
The glory has never, can never be told;
We can only sit at his feet and behold
The change in our home, oh bless the Lord!
The meekness of Jesus never speaks a harsh word;
But its peacefulness flows on like the water so free,
O’er its smooth tranquil surface it beareth me.
When we entered this haven of perfect rest
The folks around said “six months at best,
And they’ll give up this nonsensical way;”
But by Heaven’s grace we are here to day.
Since the day we entered this perfect rest,
It appears the folks are trying their best
To cause us to step from this holy way;
But glory to Jesus we are here to stay!
Now a young scholar from Satan’s school
Writes us a letter and calls us “a fool;
And now you’ve come here to create the same,
Sum you all up and Mormon’s your name.”
Our Savior says “If ’tis for my sake,
Blessed are ye, your reward is great.”
It’s for his sake; the blessing is ours.
Our soul is refreshed by Heaven’s showers.
A year is ended and still we’re saved,
While Heaven’s glory o’er our soul is waved;
We venture a second in the name of our Lord,
We venture a life on the promise of God.
Chas. Orr.
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WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY?
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UNDER this head we have just read quite a tract by Emerson E. Hasty of Richards, Ohio. This gentleman is quite an extensive tract writer, and has been frequently ..ending his literature to the saints, some of whom have written us, asking whether we regarded the same as possessing a sufficient proportion of truth to justify their circulation; but not having heretofore felt a clear conviction of duty in the matter, we have said nothing. But to pass in silence the false doctrines found in the above mentioned tract, involves a responsibility we dare not assume in the ..ight of God. Mr. Hasty seems to ..e a semi-materialist; a rationalist, ..aving only the “natural mind, which ..eceiveth not the things of the Spirit ..f God, neither indeed can he know ..hem; because they are spiritually ..iscerned.” He seems to talk as ..ough he has a soul, but does not ..now that the soul is a spiritual and ..ndestructable element, — Matt. 10:28, ..nd in that respect distinct from our ..mortal bodies,” or “mortal flesh,” and ..an, and does exist separate from the ..ame. The tract writer discants up..n the idea of Christians “Agoing to ..eaven, going to heaven, going, to ..eaven.” Well, we do not contend ..or the idea of disembodied souls go..g immediately to heaven in the ..llest, or final sense of that term. ..nd yet, in a secondary and general, ..ut also scriptual sense, it is correct … speak thus. “For thy [God’s] pres..ce makes our paradise, and where ..ou art is heaven.” And the change of ..eath is thus described in Ecclesiastes ..:7: “Then shall the dust return … the earth as it was: and the spirit ..all return unto God who gave it.” When Stephen was being stoned to ..eath, he said, “Behold I see the heav..s open, and the Son of man standing … the right hand of God.” And he ..id, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” — ..cts 7:57, 59. Did he not know ..at he was talking about when he ..pected his soul, or spirit (these ..rms usually mean the same, yet in ..me instances the word spirit is used ..th different shade of meaning) to ..ntinue in separate existence from ..s body, and to go more fully into ..e presence of Christ? If we turn back to Ver. 55, we find “he being full of the Holy Spirit,” saw and uttered the above. So he was not speaking out his imaginations a heathen doctrine, as Mr. Hasty so hastily affirms, but spake as the Spirit of truth moved him. Not only does Mr. H. deny the idea of going to heaven, but he squarely contradicts the word of God by denying that we go to Christ on quitting this house of clay. “It was,” he says, “partly the influence of paganism that caused the hope of Christ’s coming FOR us to be given up, and the doctrine of going to him to be substituted.” The connection shows that he is speaking of our departure at the close of life. There is a good deal of subtile falsehood couched in the above words. First, the language presumes that men who expect to go to God, and be present with the Lord after death, do not retain the hope of Christ’s second coming. That is falsehood number one. Second, he affirms that the idea of leaving the body and going into the presence of Jesus, is an error of pagan origin. That is falsehood number two. We will call one inspired witness to the stand, and prove Mr. Hasty guilty of both falsehoods.
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. — 2 Cor. 5:1, 6-9.
Here speaks the apostle Paul; he was not a pagan, nor under pagan influence. He affirms that our body is “our earthly house of this tabernacle.” The house we now tabernacle or dwell in, and that “whilst we are at home in the body, we are comparatively absent from the Lord. And to be absent from the body is to be more fully present with the Lord. Hear his testimony again: “But if I live in the flesh this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” — Phil. 1:22-24. Is this pagan superstition, or New Testament truth? The man that brands as of pagan source, the idea of the real inner man departing out of the flesh, out of this material, earthly house, and going more fully into the presence of Christ at the dissolution of the same, has either never read his Bible attentively, or else is guilty of knowingly speaking against the very word of God, and is a willful heretic. We also call attention to the fact that while Paul taught a departure from the body to Christ, he also preached the second coming of Christ. So the former is not a substitute for the latter, as Hasty says.
But a false doctrine seldom goes single. One falsehood compels its bolder to hatch up others to help it through. So when blind materialists denied they had a soul, it was also necessary for them to deny the conscious existence of the soul after death, and likewise eternal punishment; and hell itself must be, in some way explained away, and sneered out of the Bible. Hasty follows along in the rut of this adventist system of anti-christ doctrines. He sees no hope of bliss for the soul this side of the literal resurrection. Indirectly at least, he denies the conscio..s existence of the soul like the modern legal priests of Baal do. The scriptures quoted from Cor. and Phil. above positively prove what these materialists deny, and so do very many other scriptures. One little text alone forever demolishes their dark creed, “Who died for us, that, whether we wake [live in the body] or sleep, we should live together with him.” — 1 Thess. 5:10. We live right on without intermission with Christ, whether in the body or out the body. The gift of eternal life now possessed postively implies no interruption of that life.
The endless punishment of the wicked in an everlasting hell seems to be a thing Mr. Hasty, with all infidels, sinners, universalists and mere formalists, does not like to believe. He asks if it is “any where taught in the Bible in that mathematical, plain, full, done-a-purpose kind of way that the grammar teaches grammar, and the arithmetic teaches arithmetic.” And then affirms, “obviously there is no such place.” So Mr. Hasty, must have an endless hell set forth just so and so. Just as the grammar and arithmetic teach their lessons, or he will not receive it. If Christ and the apostles teach it ever so clearly in the style the Holy Spirit chooses to use, that’s all no good for Hasty. Unless the wisdom of Heaven, in spiritual things, conforms to the wisdom of man in earthly things, he stands pledged to reject his teaching. So it is, the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. Our Hasty writer then follows in the wake of all the ungodly, infidels, atheists, growlers, grumblers, and murmurers, and falsify and slander God for sending all the wicked to hell; when the facts are they voluntarily and determinedly go there themselves, in spite of all that Heaven’s grace, infinite love, and boundless mercy can do to turn them from their self destruction.
“It is true,” says Hasty, “that agitations against the doctrine of endless torment has, in the past, arisen mostly from a wrong motive, and flourished mostly among an ungodly lot of people.” This is a confession that should open the eyes of any candid mind. Are the ungodly more fitted to know God’s truth than the godly? If not, then the above admission is fatal to the various therories resorted to in order to do away with the Bible doctrine of hell. But Hasty undertakes to explain away a few texts that seem to lay in his way. On Rev. 14:11 he observes that, “It is not the punishment but the smoke that is unto ages of ages” — “forever and ever.” Shame on such visible unscrupulous attempts to dodge the word of God. The record is, “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” What smoke is it? The smoke of their torment. Would the smoke of their torment continue “ages of ages,” after the torment had ended? Does not common sense teach any man that the smoke of any thing cannot continue rising longer than the thing existed from which it arose?
Mr. Hasty has been entirely too careless in reading his. Bible. On page 10 he says, “Jesus once refused to answer a seemingly important question; namely, whether the saved are many or few as compared with the lost. Christ did answer that question. It is asked in Luke 13:23, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” The immediate reply is, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in and shall not be able.” The inference is, if the many fail, only the few enter. But in Matt. 7:13, 14 he tells us plainly that many go in the broad way to destruction, and but few enter the strait gate and narrow way which leads to life.
But our friend readily perceived that in opposing endless punishment, something must be done with Matt. 25:46: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal.” He confesses the indisputable fact that, “The punishment of the wicked and the life of the righteous are spoken of in the same words. The Greek words are the same.” But how does he try to dodge the inevitable conclusion that, if the same word in the Greek describes the life of the righteous, and also measures the punishment of the wicked, that punishment must be endless as well as that life? Why says he, “The exact meaning is that the wicked will enter upon a period of punishment, and the righteous upon a period of life. What will befall either righteous or wicked when the next period arrives is not told in either case. The word here is “age lasting and therefore it implies a long period.”
This, we do not hesitate to say in the presence and fear of God, is a cunningly devised doctrine of devils. He takes away the promise of eternal life in order to cool his fears of hell. Only a period of life is promised, and beyond that God has left us in suspense, as to whether we will then be annihilated or whether he will extend the lease of our existence. But says Mr. Hasty, “We learn (not here but elsewhere) that after the long period is over, the saints will continue to share the future inheritance of Christ.” But he dare not attempt to cite scriptures that carry the life and bliss of the saints beyond the word AIONION — eternal. And for the simple reason he nor any other man cannot find it in the Bible.
Here are facts drawn from Young’s Complete Concordance, which gives us every word in the Bible, and its original Hebrew if in the Old Testament, and its original Greek if in the New.
The words “eternal life,” as the great gift of God to men, occurs in the New Testament just 29 times, and in every instance the word eternal, is derived from the Greek word, AIONIOS. The same word which tells how long the punishment of the wicked shall last in Matt. 25:46 and elsewhere.
The words “everlasting life,’’ and “life everlasting,” the same gift of God to men through Christ Jesus, occur 14 times in the New Testament, and are found in the following places: Matt. 19:29; Luke 18:30: Jno. 3:16, 36; Jno. 4:14: Jno. 5:24; Jno. 6:27, 40, 47; Jno. 12:50; Acts 13:46; Rom. 6:22; Gal. 6:8; 1 Tim. 1:16. And by reference to the Greek Testament you will find these fourteen instances of everlasting life, the word “everlasting,” is, without a single exception, translated from the same Greek word — AIONIOS. Here then we learn that the wisdom of Heaven finds and uses no stronger term in all the forty- three promises and statements of eternal and everlasting life to the righteous in the New Testament, than the word AIONION, the very same word which he uses to declare the eternal, and everlasting punishment of the wicked. We challenge any man to deny these facts.
We learn elsewhere, says Hasty, and not from the use of the word AIONIAN, that, after the long period expressed by that term shall have ended, “the saints shall continue to share the future inheritance of Christ.” Now, in the name of Jesus, and by the word of God we shall prove that Christ has no salvation, redemption, kingdom or inheritance that shall survive the duration expressed by the word AIONION. Yea, we shall also prove that God himself, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, have described the duration of their own existence, atributes, and glory, by the use of the same word which we have seen fixes the eternal punishment of the wicked. In Heb. 5:9 we read that Christ “became the author of eternal — AIONIAN — salvation to all them that obey him.” If therefore this word does not mean eternal, our salvation will finally fail, and drop us back into the devils hands. In Heb. 9:2 we read that Christ has obtained “eternal — AIONIAN — redemption.” If then the word only means a long period of time, our eternal redemption is not yet secured. In Heb. 9:15, we are told that by means of Christ’s death for our redemption, we have “received the promise of eternal — AIONIAN — inheritance.” Will the inheritance that Christ has purchased by his death come to an end? Where is the promise of inheritance with Christ, as Mr. Hasty says, that extends beyond the AIONIAN inheritance? In 2 Peter 1:11 we read of. the “Everlasting — AIONIAN — kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” If his kingdom will finally come to an end, where is there any hope for the righteous beyond the “period of time” that Mr. Hasty ascribes to the word AIONIAN? Paul speaks in Rom. 16:26 of the “commandment of the everlasting — AIONIAN — God.” If therefore Hasty’s exposition of that word were correct God himself will have an end after a long time. Paul, the Apostle of the Lord, pronounces this beautiful benediction upon his divine Master, “Now unto the King eternal, — AIONION — immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever — AIONAS TON AIONION.” — 1 Tim. 1:17. Now we appeal to all common sense, and to reason, if the apostle Paul, who was a good Greek scholar, had known of a word in all that language, which more fully expresses the idea of eternal, would he not have used it in this high and and most sublime description of those atributes of Christ? And when all the fullness and fervency of his redeemed soul, wished to ascribe all honor and glory to his divine Redeemer throughout all time and eternity, he could do no better than, ascribe to the eternal, and invisible kind and allwise God, honor and glory, — AIONAS TON AIONON, — “forever and forever;” repeating the word for the sake of emphasis.
In Heb. 9:14, we are told that Christ, “through the eternal — AIONIAN — Spirit offered himself without spot to God.” This same word, we have now seen, is used to announce the eternity, of the life of the righteous, their salvation, redemption, the kingdom of Christ and the eternity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. And no other word is in the New Testament, used to assert the eternal and everlasting life of the saints of God. It therefore follows that if AIONION does not mean eternal, and the wicked shall not be punished forever, then God, and Christ, his kingdom, redemption, and inheritance, and every thing else to which the Bible ascribes unending existence, will come to an
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DIVINE HEALING
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THE HEALING OF THE BODY
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REQUESTS FOR PRAYER.
Prayer is requested for E. A. Sisson, Orchard Grove, Ind. that he may be saved and healed of bodily afflictions.
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I ask for the prayers of all the saints for my wife who is in bondage to sin and Satan. Pray that she may be led out of sin into the full glory of the evening light.
Your saved brother,
Edward Townsend.
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EDITORIAL NOTES.
A CALL FOR WORKERS.
As the pavilion, boarding house, sleeping apartments and tents have not yet been built on the Grand Junction camp ground the brethren desire us to make a special call for workers. The most of the lumber and building material is now on the ground, and at least twenty persons are wanted to help in erecting the buildings and preparing the grounds so as to be ready for the coming camp meeting. Brethren, this is work for the Master, and the “King’s business demands haste,” for the time is short. Some one must sacrifice a little time and aid in the work. Take it to the Lord and see if it means you. Many of the brethren are so situated as to be unable to come themselves, such ones perhaps can furnish some provisions or means to feed the workers until the camp meeting. Arrangements will be made for the workers to stay on the grounds. What is done is to be a free will offering. Who is ready to consecrate your service unto the Lord in this way? Tuesday, May 24th is the time set to begin the work with a full force of workers. Let the saints everywhere pray for the work and workers.
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A sister writes, “I am free from all sects, justified and sanctified. An M.E preacher came in here, and came to us for help to pay on a debt. We paid the debt, and gave them provision to live on whenever they came for it, while the Methodists would not help the family to anything. And the first thing we knew this preacher was talking against holiness, and scattering seeds for the devil. He can smoke as much as a saloon keeper. Can any one tell us how to escape such spongers? for the word says, ‘Give to them that ask,’ etc.”
We answer, Let the Bible qualify and limit its own words, and take its teaching as a whole. “Give to him that asketh” must not be practiced where it would conflict with other scriptures; for instance, the word says, “If any man will not work, neither shall he eat.” And when God says such shall not eat, it implies that you must not give them to eat. Here is then an exception to the rule, “Give to him that asketh.” Again, Paul says, “Mark them that cause divison and offences contrary to the doctrine you have? learned, and avoid them.” — Rom. 16:17. Avoid them, means this, have nothing at all to do with them.
“A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject” — Titus 3:10.
“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, [the doctrine of Christ] receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” — 2 Jon. 10, 11. Now we all know that every sect preacher on earth will bring the doctrines of his sect. But the doctrine of Christ is, “there shall be no schisms” — sects. And at this time God says,” Babylon is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils.” To expect her preachers to be good, holy men, is therefore discrediting God’s word. To “avoid” “reject,” “receive not into your house,” nor bid God speed, surely means you must not feed, support, nor abet them. Hence all Babylon preachers form another exception to the rule, “Give to him,” etc. And, indeed, they about all come under the former exception, being lazy.
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Camp Meetings.
CAMP MEETING IN CANADA.
The Lord willing, a camp meeting will be held at Candesville, Ont. June 3—13. Come over and help us. Where ten or more come together, railroads will usually give reduced rates. We will try and get that privilege.
Those wishing to see Niagara Falls, come the day before and stop off at Welland. Those coming on the Mich. Central, stop at Perry Station. Over the Grand Trunk, stop at Marchville. (Air line division.)
We have twelve cloth tents that will range between $2.25 and $3.00 each rental for the season. Order at once.
There will be free conveyance from stations.
Parties coming address Bro. James Johnson, Candesville, Ont. Parties coming to Welland or wishing any information, address me at Welland, Ont.
G. T. Clayton.
The Johnstown saints desire a grove meeting commencing June 1st and lasting over Sunday. Bro. Eldridge and every one else whom the Lord may send. Every one desiring to come notify Bro. D. Swanson at Bedford. Mich., and he will meet them at Battle Creek.
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GRAND JUNCTION CAMP MEETING.
This glorious convocation of the saints of the Most High, will be held June 14th to the 23d, 1892. The dear Lord is sending more workers on the ground, and we trust by his blessing, nothing shall be wanting to thoroughly set the ground in order, and furnish all necessary buildings. A good pavilion 40×70 will be erected, filled with comfortable seats. Also boarding and sleeping buildings.
Any one wishing a board tent put up on the ground will please notify Bro. A. B. Palmer at Bangor, Mich, and it will be built as cheap as possible. If any wish to rent tents also let him know. A very large attendance is expected, and it seems to us that the fire of the living God in our soul assures us that it will be the most glorious place, and season of divine power, grace and glory ever witnessed in these last days. Come in the name of Jesus, in the love of God, and in the Spirit of earnest prayer, and so come expecting glorious things from the presence of the Lord. Amen.
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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
Atlanta, Kan.
Dear Brethren: We greet you all in Jesus’ name. We have not reported field news for over three months. Have been constantly in the battle field for God save three weeks visiting relatives in Mo. Have held meetings at six different points in the vicinity of Galesburg. Chanute and Humboldt. Baptized five, and held two ordinance meetings, witnessed the healing power of God upon many afflicted bodies, and the salvation of many precious souls, for which we give God all the glory. God’s work is moving on and our souls are joyful in glory. We are now ready to commence meeting at Atlanta, Kan. Pray much for the work here.
Yours, sanctified wholly.
Geo. L. & Mary Cole & Dema Kaser.
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Denver, Colo., May 9.
Dearly Beloved Saints: Please all join with me and help to praise God with all our soul, body, might, mind and strength. O bless his holy name forever! Glory to our God for victory over all devils, and diseases in the name of Jesus, and for ten thousand mercies and favors. He is blessing your unworthy servant with good health again and great liberty and power in the Spirit. Dear Bro. Willis and myself are holding meeting in his tabernacle in the north part of the city, the dear Lord and the blessed little church all are working with us gloriously. Yesterday was a high and glorious day in Israel. Several souls were saved. Some dear ones are escaping out of sectism, and God is adding to the church daily such as are being saved. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!!
The weather is cold and rainy, frequently mixed with snow, but the people come and listen to the word of God. We have put up one stove in the tabernacle, and may add others. God is working gloriously. O bless his name! We expect to go next to Colorado Springs. Pray for us and the glorious work here. Amen. Your humble saved brother in the grace, and kingdom and power of the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory and honor world without end. Amen! Amen!!
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Fertigs, Pa., May 12, 1892.
Dearly Beloved Saints: The meeting at Fern closed the 10th inst. with victory for the cause of God. This was a new field of labor, and God went before us and prepared the way, and raised up a glorious church. There were sixteen baptized by our beloved Bro Gilger and all received a bright witness of the Spirit. Most of them came out shouting and praising God. Others were healed of their afflictions. The ordinance meeting Sabbath evening was a glorious one, in which 36 beloved saints participated and were indeed blessed of the Lord in the deed. Some of the saints from other points were present. We expect to get the tabernacle in a short time and are still trusting God for the means. Brother and Sister Rupert are now at home for a short time, and will with others join us in the work soon. From here we go to St Petersburg. The Lord knows how many were saved and sanctified, for their names are all in the book of life. There were a goodly number. Pray for us.
Address us at St. Petersburg, Pa, in care of Brother Jno. Morgan.
F. N. Jacobson & Co.
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Kingston, Mo.. May 11. 1892.
Dear Saints of the Most High: May the peace and grace of our God abide with you forever. On the 19th ult. we left Garden Plains. Illinois for Kingston, Mo. Arrived safe the next day, our bodies very tired. But our souls were full of love and gratitude and praise to our God as we greeted our much beloved Bro. Wm. N. Smith and Co., and others who were engaged in battle against the enemy of the truth of God. Opposition and prejudice was on every side. But by looking to the God of victory with a faith immovable, and as the thundering of God’s eternal truth went forth night after night, prejudice rolled away and conviction settled upon the people. A few souls found then- way to Jesus (the fold). Four were baptized by Bro. Smith. May 1st. We comemorated the death of our Redeemer by the breaking of bread and washing of the saints’ feet. This act of commemoration was witnessed by about 200 who gave the best attention. This meeting was one of power, conviction and convincing of the truths of God. May 2d Bro. Smith and Co. started for Table Rock, Neb. We moved out in the country about three miles to Canter Prairie school-house. The third night two souls came to the altar for pardon. Since that time we could not get out on account of much rain, and our body is somewhat weak yet for the work of the Lord. We ask the prayers of God’s people that the same maybe built up. The Lord willing we will start for Michigan 23d inst.
Yours in Him.
J. A. & A. J. Dillon.
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Teegarden, Ind.. May 9, 1892.
Dear Brethren: Since we last reported from this place, God has been with us in turning some from darkness to light, and from the powers of Satan unto God; to him be all the glory. He also witnessed to our hearts by his Spirit that he was pleased with us in going forward and attending to the ordinances of God’s house. On April 17th ten precious souls were buried with Christ by baptism, and as they arose from the watery grave, were enabled to shout the high praises of God. God witnessing that he was well pleased with them. In the evening we had a glorious ordinance meeting, in which twenty-two dear saints took part. Oh! how our hearts were melted with the mighty love of God as we were permitted to follow our dear Savior, as he set us the example, in washing the saints’ feet, and partaking of the emblems of his broken body and shed blood. Our hearts were filled to overflowing. And no wonder, for he has said: “If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Then again he has said: “If ye love me keep my commandments.” Oh glory to God! “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Praise God for the beautiful evening light! I believe it will be in the order of God, if we could hold a grovemeeting here just before the Beaver Dam C. M. Would be glad to have Bro. Warner, and as many of the
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other brethren come as the dear Lord leads, if we can make the arrangements.
Your brother kept by the power of God,
S. P. Strang.
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Springfield, O., Apr. 29, 1892.
Dear Readers: Not having been in the gospel field of late, we have no news of soul saying in general to report; but we are glad to report the good news of salvation and preservation of our souls from sin, with which favor we are constantly blest through the mercy of God. We are preaching about every Sabbath here, or responding to calls close by us in new places: as we have opportunity, doing good unto all. Hope, however, to soon “Rush to the battle wherever he leads.”
Your saved brother and sister,
B. E. & N. M. Warren.
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On Board the Steam Ship.
Santa Rosa, Apr. 28, 1892.
Dear Brethren: While on the ocean this morning enjoying the wonderful blessings of God in our hearts, and his protecting power over us, we feel led to address you a few lines, giving a brief sketch of the gospel work in this distant field. The regular meetings at San Diego and National City, have been kept in progress with good interest. At National City there has a few dear souls accepted the light recently. Brother J. V. McCann attended a few of the meetings there and immediatly was convinced that this is the way, and obeyed the command, “walk ye in it.” Was baptized April 19 in the Sweetwater river. April 24, seven more sank beneath the waves of San Diego bay and arose to walk in newness of life with Jesus. On the afternoon previous to this we met at Bro. J. B. Graham’s at Yuna station and commemorated the sufferings and death of our dear Master, also observed the ordinance of washing the saints’ ..eet. The meeting begun at three o’clock and continued until after seven. Oh what flowing streams of perfect love flooded our souls until every ..ne present was overwhelmed with ..he heavenly glory! Twenty-nine participated in these holy ordinances. ..ome of the dear ones could not be ..resent. A few professing saints willfully absented themselves, and thus ..eprived themselves of the sweet approval realized only by those who walk blameless in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. Thank God! we will not only call ..im, Lord, Lord, but will also do ..e things that he says. — Luke 6:..6-49. Bro. and Sister Chisholm ..f National City were ordained elders ..f the church of God. May they ev.. be true to their calling unto which ..e Holy Spirit hath chosen them, and continue to be faithful servants of Christ and his church. After many ..d farewells and heart felt good ..ishes, we left our home at San Diego yesterday afternoon, and at five ..clock launched out upon the waters … the Pacific. The dear Master is ..ith us. Some of us find him a ..essed healer, and the rest a blessed ..eper from sea sickness. We feel ..a glorious privilege to be the messenger of the evening light, even up-.. the great waters of the earth, ..ere it possible for us to do so we ..ould cross these wild waves to the op..e shore and girt the globe with a ..lden path of the everlasting gospel. ..ur destination for this trip is Lom..c. We expect to land at Santa Barbara and there meet brethren who ..ll take us sixty-three miles across ..e country to Lompoc valley.
..h, how sweet in this haven of rest to hide,
No billows of doubt or fear!
..he ocean may roll, but there’s rest for the soul
While the voice of my Savior I hear.
Later.
Lompoc, May 3.
We reached Santa Barbara, and ..nd Bro’s Ollinger and Davis wait..g for us at the wharf. Next morning ..ly we started with two teams, one ..h tent and goods, the other for ..rselves. The road from Santa Barbara to Port Gaviota extends along the beach most of the way. After passing through the beautiful little city our starting point, we find our selves in a very fertile valley abounding in a luxuriant growth of all manner of Cal. fruit trees and flowers. Our road leads us westward past sights of indescribable beauty and grandeur. Much might be said which would doubtless be interesting to some of you, but will simply say that the mighty deep with its surging foaming billows upon the one hand, and all the variety of beauty of mountains, canyons, flowers, clear sparkling streams rushing with quickened impatience unto the sea; great forests of evergreen oak, such as we suppose the warning messengers to Sodom rested under while Abraham entertained them, and under which ambitious Absalom met his sad fate. With these and many other objects of interest upon the other hand we frequently found ourselves filled with awe and reverence. We reached Gaviota in the evening. If you look upon the map and find Point Conception you will see the course of our journey from Santa Barbara the first, day. The next morning we started I north, and again we found many interesting beauties of nature which led us to rejoice more and more in the thought that our God whom we serve, and for whose glory we are laboring has made all these wonders. We reached our destination safe and happy at three o’clock P. M. All stood the trip well. The. children were well contented and whenever the teams stopped long enough they would improve the opportunity by gathering wild flowers which grew in such profusion almost all along the way. We thank God who has so tenderly and lovingly cared for us over sea and land.
The little church has stood firm since we were here a year ago, and we are indeed happy to greet them once more in the fellowship of the Spirit. Held two meetings on Sunday with good interest. Expect to erect the tent to morrow and if the Lord will shall remain here for sometime, and in a combined effort do what we can for the salvation of this people. Dear saints, pray for the work here and for us that we may do our part faithfully. Correspondents address us here. All within our reach who desire meetings let us know and we will do what we can to answer the call.
We remain your brother and sister separated unto the gospel,
J. W. & J. Byers.
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TESTIMONIES.
Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.
Psa. 119:129.
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Collins, Mich.
Dear Saints: I feel the love of God shed abroad in my heart, I want every body to know that I love the Lord and do his will. I thank him for ever showing me the way. Since wife and I got saved the Lord is still with us and we love the way; it grows brighter every day. Pray for me that I may endure unto the end and be kept true to him. Your saved brother,
Verner A. Fish.
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Napier, Mo.
Dear Readers: The Lord saves me from all sin and the very God of peace sanctifies me wholly by a second definite work of grace. I am glad the Lord ever showed me the right way whereby I can serve him in spirit and truth and in the beauty of holiness. I enjoy a full and free salvation that the world can neither give nor take away. My name is written in heaven.
Your sister washed in the blood of the Lamb,
Ida Hood.
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Chanute, Kansas.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel led this morning to write my testimony of how wonderful God has been to me, and how he took me out of the depths of sin and made me white as snow. Glory to his holy name! He sanctified me through his word, for his word is truth. I want to forever walk in the narrow way and am willing to do anything he calls me to do. May God bless you all.
Your sanctified sister in Christ,
May Gahman.
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Rover, Tenn.
Dear Readers: It has been impressed on my mind for some time to write my testimony. I am praising God for a full and complete salvation that saves from all sin. I realize that Jesus saves me just now from all sin and sanctifies me wholly. Praise the Lord! Oh how good the Lord has been to me in leading me out of Babylon. I am free from the yoke of sectism. Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I have found it so; it so sweet to trust the blessed Jesus for all things. Glory to his name! “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil.” Pray that I may be faithful.
Your sister in Christ,
Mrs. L. J. Pope.
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Ilion, Ind., Feb. 18, 1892.
Dear Beloved Saints of God: I praise God to night for victory in my soul over the devil and over all of his works. He has redeemed me from sin. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” I see so many going on in the way of sin and the same time making a profession to be Christ like: God forgive them; they know not what they do. Now, dearly beloved saints of the Most High, I admonish you in the name of the Lord to be on guard for there are false teachers in the land teaching against the saints of God, and preaching in the pulpit and warning the people to beware of the saints. I praise his holy name that when the blood of Jesus was applied to my soul it cleansed me from everything that is common or unclean. Oh bless the Lord, I can shout, Hosanna!
Your brother saved and sactified,
Daniel W. Kryder.
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Dear Readers: I feel like it would be to the glory of God for me to publish my testimony to the world! God wonderfully saved and sanctified me some three years ago and has been my teacher and guide and counselor ever since. Glory to his holy name! There is great opposition to the pure gospel in this country, such as will take the »power of God to overcome; but praise God’s holy name he has reserved a few names even here to himself. May God send Bro. W. W. Bradley, Creel, Walldon, or Bozeman this summer to help us. Brethren, please write me at Wildwood, Miss, and let me know if you will come in Aug. 1892.
Your saved brother all on the alter for God,
H. R. Stephens.
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Freeman; mo.
Dear Saints: May grace and peace ever abide with you all for Jesus’ sake. Amen. Now there is at Webb City, Mo. a little handful of saints that are straight for God. Praise the Lord! and they are quite poor in this world’s goods. But they have a good house 30×42 to hold their meetings in. It was given to them, but they had to move it from where it was quite a distance, and it cost a little over one hundred dollars to do the moving. Also the lot where it now stands was given to them. And now there is about $80. for moving and it must soon be paid. And we humbly ask that you who are God’s stewarts remember these brethren as being in bonds with them, and send a little of the Lord’s money that you have on hand to help them in clearing God’s house of its indebtness. Please send your free will offerings to Bro. G. W. Brake who is the elder there.
Your brother in Christ, saved from all sin,
J. L. June.
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Ferryville, Wis.
Dear Saints: The Lord wills that I should write a little of my experience in regard to tea drinking. After reading and re-reading the piece in the paper of Apr. 14th on effects of tea drinking on the human system, concluded I would give the benefits of my experience to others. I will just say what is written in that article is true in my case. Just by the effects that tea had on me, I have been convicted over it many times, and gave it up for awhile; but being a weakly person and not always having proper food for my stomach, and feeling bad, would think I must take a cup of tea to keep my spirits up; yet could never drink it very strong. But now I give it up entirely by the help of the Lord; for the last three days have not tasted a drop. It has been quite a struggle as it was my favorite drink, and had become somewhat of an idol. Husband still uses it, but I think he will give it up as conviction is shining on him. By so doing we can be more help to the cause and give the money for a better purpose. I do praise the Lord for faithful dealing in the Trumpet, and hope and pray that many very many more may go and do likewise; for I realize it is no time to parley with sin, when there is so much gluttony and intemperance in the land, and so much money spent for that which is not bread. Dear saints, pray for husband and myself that we may be healed of all bodily afflictions. Your saved sister,
Clara A. Barnam.
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Payne, O., Feb. 26, 1892.
Dear Trumpet Family: I feel it my duty to write you a few lines and let you know what the Lord has done for me and my family. The first of January I wrote you to help me pray for my family, and especially for my son Herman who caused me so much trouble. O praise the Lord! he has answered our prayers in saving five of my children. Two were backsliders and were reclaimed, and of the other three converted one of them is my son Harman who caused me so much trouble. My son Henry was converted four years ago, and he says he was called to preach the gospel, and he did not obey the Lord and so fell back and was worse than ever, and now the Lord has found away to his heart. For eight months he was away from home, and while three- hundred miles away from us the Lord found him and told him if he would not obey him now he would be lost forever. O glory to God! Pray God that he may sanctify them all.
Yours in the Lord,
C. Sheefel.
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Guy’s Mills, Feb. 10, 1892.
Dear Saints: I am led to write my testimony this morning for the glory of God. I moved to Guy’s Mills in November. I saw at once that the Lord brought me into a dark place, not one soul that was out in the full light of the gospel. I was impressed to go into the Methodist sect to give them the gospel. They received me kindly, and said they were dead and I should come and talk this salvation up to them as they needed it, and I could not scare them. So they began meeting the last week in Dec. When the meeting began I went, and the preacher asked me to take charge of the meeting, and the Lord helped me to give them the gospel. I taught them that they must be sanctified, and gave them the invitation. The preacher and his wife with a number of others came to the altar and we had a I good meeting. I went back the next night and talked to them again; had the same ones at the altar as before. At the close of the meeting some of the head ones in their organization went to the preacher and told him that they had hired him to do their preaching, and they wanted him to do it; it would not do to let Mrs. Billig do any more of the preaching; that she would tear the church to pieces. Then I gave them the gospel, and told them what they were and left. Now I am at Hickory Corners. Preached in the school-house last night to quite a number. Expect to begin meeting here in this place to morrow evening the Lord willing. I ask the prayers of all the saints that the Lord will do a work at Hickory Corners. There is no one out in the light. I would be glad if some Holy Ghost workers could be in this meeting as we need help. I am gloriously saved, sanctified and all on the altar. Praise his holy name! I thank God that I was ever led to see the sin of sectism. O how many souls are going down to death and hell right out of all the denominations! The prayer of my heart daily is for God to raise up workers that will carry the Holy Ghost fire with them wherever they go. May God speed the evening light. Amen.
Your sister, kept by the power of God,
E. J. Billig.
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Archbold, O., Feb. 15, 1892.
Dear Saints: May God ever keep us all in the unity of the Holy Spirit, filled with wisdom. My heart is filled with gratitude and praises to God for the Trumpet and the good news it contains. The testimonies truly are wonderful; they edify and strengthen my faith and trust in God. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace. Amen. How God owns and blesses his little ones who live close to him. Jesus says, I will love them and manifest myself unto them This is no mystery. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for those that love him.” Only those who have entered into the holiest by the blood of Christ, who have the veil taken from their heart, can truly know and see the grandeur and glory of God’s love and power. I bless him for establishing grace and keeping power. Jesus and I are still going forth doing good. You know Jesus endureth all things, for he is the head, we are of his body, of his flesh, of his bone. Jesus says, “The words I speak unto you they are spirit and they are life; whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Does this not prove that we must live in the unity of the faith in the Son of God? “Behold, I am the Lord the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for me?” Jesus says if thou canst believe, all things are possible for them that believe. Amen. Now faith is simply the eye of the soul seeing God, the doer of all that needs to be done. Prayer of faith takes ho notice of time or sense. Prayer which believes that it receives while asking is faith. O bless the Lord! You dear ones who are afflicted, remember it is not thy hold of Christ that healeth thee, it is Christ. He is the author and finisher of our faith. O what a precious promise: “He that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” O glory be to Jesus forever! I do love Jesus with all my heart. Fear not, O ye saints. See what miracles God is doing: he opens blind eyes; he makes the deaf to hear; he heals the sick, praise his name! O dear sinners, come to Jesus before it is too late. I am hid away with Christ in God, and shut in by the walls of salvation, sanctified wholly and kept and wonderfully healed.
Clara A. Kinney.
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
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THE habit of taking nuts, candy, figs, cake, anything between the regular meals is a pernicious one, wholly unnecessary under ordinary circumstances. This tends directly to derange digestion, reduce the relish for food at the regular meals, impair the appetite, producing stomach and bowel diseases, leading almost inevitably to dyspepsia.
To “eat and drink to the glory of God,” is not to select our food, however improper and unwholesome, simply because it gratifies a depraved appetite, a corrupt taste, with an utter disregard to the consequences, destroying the health, but such as an enlightened conscience will approve, really wholesome, and nourishing and digestible, that calculated to improve and manufacture health, giving comfort and an ability to become useful in the world, honoring the Creator and blessing the world of mankind.
While water is the natural drink for man and beast, it may be a question whether the enlightened and conscientious can feel perfectly at liberty to ask God’s blessing on any other drink. Certainly not on the use of intoxicants.
Pure air is as necessary to a healthy state of the system as pure food, the two gases of which it is composed entering largely into the structure of the body. The abundant supply of this necessary of life indicates its importance. The custom of shutting out the pure air of heaven from our dwellings, at night or any other time, regarding it as a dreaded poison, indicates but a little intemperance. The air of our close sleeping rooms becomes poisonous, more or less putrid in a very short time, unfit for breathing, on the average, in one- tenth of the time spent in such rooms.
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end, and the Bible is a lying book from end to end. But every pious heart shrinks with horror from such an implication, and cries, Nay, “let God be true and every man a liar” who disputes his word.
Now let us see if this word which is used to express the eternal existence, of everything that is really eternal also asserts the eternal punishment of the wicked. A few texts will be sufficient:
“He that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal — ANIONIAN — damnation.” — Mark 3:29.
Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of etenal fire. — Jude 7.
Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Matt. 18:8, 9.
Everlasting fire is AIONIOS fire, eternal unending fire. Hasty doubts if there is one clear text in the Bible teaching an endless hell. Does not the above teach it just as clear as the grammar teaches grammar, and the arithmetic teaches arithmetic? Here we have “everlasting fire,” which is defined as “hell fire.”
“Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting, — AIONIOS — fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” — Matt. 25:41.
“And these shall go away into everlasting — AIONIOS, — eternal — punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” — AIONIOS. Where in all the arithmetics on earth is there a more clearly stated rule or fact? To deny that the punishment of the wicked will continue as long as the life of the righteous, and both coextend with the existence of God is a direct contradiction of his word.
“The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting — AIONIOS — destruction from the presence of the Lord and the glory of his power.” — 2 Thess. 2:7-9.
There are many very strong and positive scriptures, which assert an endless hell, in other language, than that of AINONION, the regular word expressing the idea of endlessness. We cite one text from the lips of the great Teacher himself.
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. — Mark 9:43-48.
What grammar or arithmetic ever taught more plain and positive than the above? Five times over the divine Teacher, who came from God, declares that men who are unwilling to give up their cherished idols and sins, will “go into hell, which is five times over defind as a “fire which is not,” and “never shall be quenched.” If then, it never shall be quenched, “hell fire,” whether you like to hear it or not, shall burn forever just as the other scriptures positively affirm. And to further let you know that its punishment shall have no end, three times over the Lord Jesus says, that, in that place, “their worm — guilty conscience — dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Finally, we observe we have found but one thing in the New Testament that is stronger than the simple word AIONION. And that is the same word repeated for emphasis.
“Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever. — Heb. 1:8.
“To him who liveth forever and ever.” — Rev. 4:9.
“And he shall reign forever and ever.”
“To whom be glory and dominion forever and ever.” — Rev. 1:6.
In all these and many similar expressions, the original is “AIONAS TON AIONON.” Now when we read the above are we not led to the positive conclusion, that the throne, the life, the reign, and the glory and honor of God shall indeed be eternal and unending? Now let us take a few more instances of double emphatic endlessness. “The smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.” — Rev. 14:11.
And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. — Rev. 20:10.
In these instances we have the same “AIONOS TON AIONON.” Then we positively affirm that the Bible no where employs any stronger words to assert the endless existence of God himself and all that pertains to his eternal kingdom, life, and glory, than it employs to declare both the never ending life of the righteous, and the never ending punishment of the wicked who reject the infinite love and mercy of God and close this probationary state in rebellion against his throne. And with the positive knowledge of God’s holy truth, and the witness of his Spirit, we declare in the presence of God, that all teachers of an ending hell, and brief punishment of the wicked, are the devils, agents to soothe the conscience of the ungodly, and encourage them to continue in their ungodly lusts, and reject the great salvation of God, until they open their eyes in hell, with all their false teachers, to find their doom is just what God’s word now says it will be; namely, “eternal damnation.”
Therefore we say to all who love God and his truth, and feel a concern for the salvation of immortal souls, do not help men into the fatal delusions of the devil by circulating his servants’ literature. And to all sinners we say in sincere warning, get salvation, and live a holy life in the presence of God, or an endless hell will be your doom just as certain as the Bible is God’s book, and every holy man knows that it is the word of the Lord and shall stand fast forever and forever. O in the name of Jesus, flee from all the modern doctrines of devils, and soothing lies, and receive the truth as it is in Christ Jesus! Amen.
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Things to be Seriously Considered.
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“THERE is a time for all things,” is an old proverb and is a true one, and can be applied to things both temporal and spiritual. With the husbandman there is a time to till the soil, to sow the seed, after which follows the harvest. Everything is done in its order. In the order of creation there has been a time for everything. The prophets tell us of things that were to come, the Revelator writes of things that should be, and God declares that it will be. There is a time for all things, and when God’s time is it must come to pass, whatever it may be, God’s will must be done. If the prophets and Revelation were not for our understanding, why were they not omitted from the word? It is a solemn truth that the greater portion has already been fulfilled, and can we not comprehend by the light of the word and the Spirit that which is now come to pass?
There have been some apparently good men opposing the present truth of God, though unknowingly, and his dealings with them is quite perceptible and convincing enough that he requires more than merely blind zeal.
“The times of this ignorance God winked at,” but since there has been so much light shed abroad, and we are privileged to ask of him counsel to walk in wisdom’s way, men are commanded to “repent.”
How conspicuous the Lord’s dealings with Free Methodism stands out before us. Brethren, hath not God pulled on your reins, as it were, of late? Is there not light enough to see that the “cloudy and dark days of denominationalism are past, — Eze. 24:12, and the evening light has already shone upon us? Zech. 14:6, 7. Is the death of Bro. J. Dake on his tour to the heathen country and consuming of the college walls etc., a mystery to you?
God never planted denominationalism and does not want it among the heathen, that which so greatly interferes with their salvation. And Jesus said “Every plant that my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up.” Do any one of the denominations, or the whole combined constitute the “church of God?” To say so with the present light would be to blaspheme. St. Paul inquires, “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? — 1 Cor. 1:13. This same truth must be applied just as much to day, and more so in this age of light, and dares not to be trifled with. The word informs us, “The body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, * * * * and have all been made to drink into one Spirit, that there be no schism in the body.” — 1 Cor. 12:12, 13, 25. And this unity must go to the same extent as Christ was with the Father, who prayed “that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: [to what purpose?] that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” — John 17:21.
Has God commissioned men to restrain his “witnesses,” whom the Spirit bade “go preach the gospel,” by the dictates of man-made discipline? Is not this lording over God’s heritage? 1 Pet. 5:3. Is not this the power of the second beast? Read prayerfully Rev. 13:11-18.
It is admitted when light on sanctification comes to the justified soul he must obey and walk in the light or lose his experience. Does not the same hold good in this instance? Must not the same truth, He that climbeth up some other way is a thief and a robber, be applied now? Amen.
C. L. Kaumeyer.
Chippawa, Ont.
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TESTIMONIES.
Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.
Psa. 119:129.
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Willshire, O.
Dear Saints: I am glad to tell you that I am saved from all sin and kept by the mighty power of God. He keeps me unspotted from the world, ready to do his will at all times. I find that God’s grace is sufficient for all those that trust him. He keeps me saved and sanctified to do his will. Pray for me.
Your humble brother in Christ,
Wm. Counterman.
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Vichy, Mo.
Dear Saints: I feel led by the Holy Spirit this morning to write my testimony that I am still saved and trusting in Jesus’ holy name. I do praise God’s holy name for freedom and for a salvation that saves me from all sin. Our family has been afflicted all winter but the good Lord has brought us through all right.
I have a deeper trust in God than ever before.
Your sister, saved and sanctified wholly and washed in the blood of the Lamb,
E Crutz.
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Meriden, Kan., Feb. 12. 1892.
To the Children of God: To day finds me saved in Jesus Christ, looking to Him for full salvation each moment, knowing that the enemy of my soul seeks to have us live the future or in the past, thus drawing our mind away from Christ. Bless the Lord for his wisdom granted unto us to discern the wiles of Satan! The Lord bless the church of God and grant that she may fully accomplish the will of God in rescuing the perishing through the power of God and convicting Spirit. Just now the love of Jesus fills my soul and the praises of God are upon my lips an acceptable sacrifice. Praise the Lord!
Yours in Jesus,
Jennie C. Rutty.
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West Liberty, O.
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. — Psa. 150:6. I feel led of the Spirit to praise the Lord by giving my testimony through the Trumpet in this year that has started out so glorious for the work of God. God teaches us many precious truths out of his word. The meetings seem to be better, and the GOSPEL TRUMPET has more food for my soul. When we first thought of entering on this highway of holiness we did not know whether God was gathering his elect together in one or not, but we know now that he is as everything goes on so glorious. I used to think as there were only a few that would accept the truth, and some of them would backslide, there must be something wrong; but we learn that God will have a tried people. And he is saving his people out of all sin, sectism, and he lets them be tried to see if they will trust him to keep them. O praise the Lord!
Your brother saved from all sin and cleansed from all unrighteousness.
L. C. Mast.
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Huntington, Ind., Feb. 5, 1892.
Dear Saints of God: May his richest blessings rest upon you all. Well, I can say to the glory of God that I am saved and sanctified to day. The Lord is our family physician. We had a glorious meeting last Sabbath at Bro. Michley’s home. The saints were joyful in glory. After meeting was over we were led to go and pray with Mother McGaha, and to lay hands on her for the healing of her body. She had been sick for several months. The Lord healed her and raised her up, and she stood up and walked about the room and glorified God; and sinners were melted to tears. Glory to God for his matchless power! Bro. and Sister Shaw had a little girl who was very sick for several days. On the morning of Jan. 24 they sent for us to come and pray with them for her. We were directed of the Lord to anoint her with oil in the name of the Lord about four o’clock, and the Lord healed her instantly, and she ate breakfast with us that morning. Glory to God for the healing power!
Your saved brother,
M. Gardner.
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Leroy. Feb. 20. 1892.
Dear Brothers of the Gospel Trumpet: It is with much love and respect to you and the ones of Jesus Christ that I write these few lines. Would say to the glory of God that my last request to you was to pray for my unsaved husband’s health to bo restored of which he had been suffering for eight weeks. And according to my wishes and the will of our Father in heaven your prayers were answered. O praise his dear name forever! Alter this new year commenced he has been able to work and earn his daily bread. He does not yet seem to realize how good God has been to him; for he still refuses to accept his love and be saved by his grace. But God is true to his promise; for he says. “No good thing will I withhold from them that walk uprightly. So, dear brethren and sisters, I desire an interest in your prayers that God may give me a clean heart that my prayers may he answered according to his own will. We need some one here to preach the gospel to those who are in darkness. I hope God will open up the way soon.
Your sister,
Frances Gregory.
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Elbing, Kan.
Dear Readers of the Trumpet: I was converted in January. 1892, and gloriously saved; there was a U. B. preacher holding meeting at Elbing at the time, and he, through skillful and plausible argument from a theoretical standpoint, got me to join his church, not knowing that I had joined the only church that God wanted me to join; but thank God. I was honest and just as soon as I got hold of one of those “Questions and Answers on the Church” I saw the crookedness of sectism and denounced it, and shortly after that I recieved the Holy Ghost which I know to be a second work of grace. But in the meantime a voice seemed to whisper to me, ”Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that need not be a shamed.” So I meant to work with school books (not being educated) to show myself approved; but when the Holy Ghost Came which leads us in the way of all truth, he said very much plainer and added,” Rightly dividing the word of truth:” so I knew I did not necessarily have to get a literal education to divide the word of truth; although a good education can well be used to the glory of God. So I said, Lord, thy will be done. Praise God for such peace and comfort in living in Jesus! Oh may God’s ministers preach and exhort the people earnestly to get holiness; for without it no man shall see the Lord. Pray for me and my two brothers who are also saved, for we are almost like Daniel in the lions’ den out here. There are no Christians in the neighborhood out side of our family, and we even have opposition in our own family; my father and mother are sectarians and cannot stand the truth. Pray for us. Amen.