Gospel Trumpet – 10 May 1894

10 May 1894, Volume 14, Number 19.

I Must Be Holy Now.

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“The temple of God la holy, which temple ye are.”
1 Cor. 3:17.

Did Jesus take my load of sin,
Endure the pangs of death and hell?
Then should I not resign to Him,
My soul and body and my will?

Can I behold the Savior’s death,
And yet withhold the smallest part?
Forbid that I should draw one breath
For self, and not give all my heart.

All reason, justice, debt of love,
Demand that I must render all
To Him who left the courts above,
And drank for us the bitter gall.

We must be perfect, holy, pure,
For this the Savior meekly died.
If we His glorious throne endure,
We must be wholly sanctified.

D. S. W.

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OBEDIENCE.

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“BEHOLD to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” — 1 Sam. 15:22. God always honors perfect obedience, and his displeasure is incurred against a very small act of disobedience. Notice the result of Saul’s disobedience. V. 23. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”

One act of disobedience took Saul off of his kingly throne. Now let us as God’s kings and priests take warning, lest we get dispossessed of the kingdom. Rev. 5:10. When God demands any duty of us, either temporal or spiritual, giving of our means or any thing else, let us be like little Samuel when God spoke to him, with a ready answer, “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.” — 1 Sam. 3:10. A heart that is fully consecrated to the will of God will always respond yes to the demands of his Holy Spirit.

Now you can weigh yourself in the gospel scales and see if you measure up to what God requires of you; and if not, then you are weighed in the balance and found wanting. Oh remember, God demands a perfect consecration. Some people complain of their leanness. Now instead of looking to their feelings if they would only look to their consecration they would soon find out what the trouble is, and get at the cause and get it removed much easier.

Now let us look at some other examples. There was Moses, of whom God said he was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. Num. 12:3. And one act of disobedience kept him out of the land of Canaan. God told him to speak to the rock and the water would come forth. Num. 20:8. Now God wanted to show his power by sending forth the water out of the rock in their sight. Notice the language: “and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes.” But Moses smote the rock, “and Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels, must we fetch you water out of this rock? and Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice.” V. 10, 11. Although the waters came forth, yet God was not honored nor his power magnified in the presence of the children of Israel. Moses was lifted up instead of God. “Must WE fetch you water?” Leaving God out of the question, and it looked to the people like Moses brought the water forth himself. Listen now to what God says about it. “And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” Why? Because Moses failed to exalt God before the people. Now notice it was unbelief that caused Moses to smite the rock. V. 10. “Because ye believed me not.” No doubt his faith failed him right there, and that was why he thought he had to put forth his own strength to make the water come forth.

Now let us learn a lesson. How careful we should be both to believe and to obey God! Most every time if you notice you will see unbelief is the cause of disobedience; doubting God the cause, and disobedience the effect. And these things happened unto them for ensamples or types, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor. 10:11. How beautiful these things happened to them for types, and they are written for our admonition. Then let us accept the instruction contained therein and be profited thereby. I believe this is the only fault God ever found with Moses, but it was enough to keep him out of the land of promise.

Now you dear souls that are born of God and have a right to your inheritance, even the Canaan of perfect love, but through unbelief have not entered in, oh beware lest you forfeit your right to the kingdom entirely. Step right up and by faith possess the land. Do not for Jesus’ sake, let the devil cheat you out of that precious boon that is purchased for you by the blood of Jesus. Heb. 13:12. The New Testament standard is, If we offend in one point we are guilty of all. Jas. 2:10. So if we do not walk up to all the light God gives us, we will lose what we have already received. Yea it will be taken away, even that which we seem to have. Now there are different ways we can doubt and disobey God. We will now look at some of them. We that God calls out into his work, have the privilege and also it is our duty to trust in him for our support, and also for the healing of our bodies; and oh the precious promised we have in God’s word to back us up! How dare we doubt him? And can we consistently preach a whole gospel if we do not practice it perfectly before the people? Remember the husbandman must be first partaker of the fruit. 2 Tim. 2:6. And if we show our distrust in God by hinting around to others for what we think we need, instead of telling it all to Jesus and trusting him fully, are we lifting up Christ as our all sufficiency, and exalting him as a perfect Savior? or to the contrary, are we smiting the rock and in so doing making the people believe we are doing something, just as though God had failed, and heaven’s bank was broke, and we had to look out for ourselves?

Let us be careful we do not act out unbelief instead of faith. Why we can not trust God as we should it is often the case there is something wrong in the consecration. My advice would be to get at the cause and have it removed, and then the result of a perfect consecration will be perfect trust; and if we preach Christ as a perfect physician for soul and body, then let us practice the same and not go to trusting in doctors and medicine; that would not be consistent. “Cursed be man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the living God.” Jer. 17:5. Now remember in proportion as we doubt God and trust in man, we are departing from the living God. Look, dear souls, to the rock, Christ, and be not faithless, but believing. Have faith in God and just speak to the rock, and the waters will gush out. Amen!

I have met some out in the work who were most always making a poor mouth. They had such a hard time, so little to come and go on; had to do without so many things, and so much to endure and go through. Now was that lifting up Christ before the people in the right light, and proving his Word true to a lost world? No. But to the contrary, it was very God-dishonoring, just acting out unbelief and distrust. Oh let us magnify God’s precious Word by believing it and acting out our faith. Acting out unbelief never does ourselves or any one else any good. The dear Savior says to his children, Ye are the light of the world, then let us arise and shine, realizing that our light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon us. Let us trust him and treat him as a God, and. he will do what he says he will, and then God will be glorified, and the unbelieving will fall down before us and report that God is in us of a truth.

The dear Lord is teaching me some very precious lessons on this line, how I must trust him with every ache and pain and weakness, even tiredness of my body; and he shows me if I do not, I am not lifting him up before the world as a perfect Savior. Oh praise his dear name! Truly they that trust in the Lord shall not be confounded. Let us for a moment look at God’s willingness and ability to help and sustain under all circumstances, and his promises, which are as firm as his throne. Paul says, My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Then let us throw ourselves upon his infinite mercy and love, and take hold of his Word with an eternal grip of faith, and prove him, and see if he is not all he promised he would be to poor fallen humanity. Oh let us be so careful to believe God and trust him at all times. Just look how insignificant we are, compared with his almighty power. Then like Job, exclaim when the Almighty speaks, I will lay my hand upon my mouth. Also we hear Isaiah speaking in thundering tones, “Behold the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance.” — Isa. 40:15.

Then let us never doubt God any more, and not only take him for ourselves as our all sufficiency both for soul and body, but let our faith take hold of God for poor perishing souls, and do not listen to Satan’s whisperings that if we were some where else then God would work through us wonderfully. But remember God is just the same where you are, and souls are just as precious there as any where else. If thou believest thou shalt see the salvation of God. Let us trust God for souls right where we are, and with a mighty grasp of faith take hold of the arm that moves the universe, and our prayers will be answered and souls will be saved, and God honored and lifted up before the people as a God of truth, and one that fulfills his word. Then we will have no bad report to bring, but it will be good news. Amen! God has promised to be strength to him that turneth the battle to the gates. — Isa. 28:6. And they that know their God, shall be strong and do exploits. Oh come and let us exalt the Lord and magnify his name together by perfect obedience, and believing God with all our heart.

Now a word to the dear ones that are not called out into the work. Remember you have duties and responsibilities as well as we, and it is just as wrong for you to doubt God and act out unbelief as it is for us. Are you acting out faith by tilling your ground for God, or are you acting out unbelief by tilling it for yourself? I knew a brother once that when he sowed his wheat he sowed a certain amount just to be used exclusively for God’s cause, and God prospered the crop so he had a nice little sum for the Lord’s cause in the fall. Now that was acting out faith. If more would do that way, the work of God would not be languishing for want of means to carry it on, and those that God has sent forth to reap the harvest, and have large families depending on them, would be better supported, and God glorified. Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. Amen. From your sister fully trusting in Jesus.

Mary Cole.

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MORMONISM.

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WITH a heart full of love to God and all mankind, we write upon the subject which heads this article. Although we have felt led by the Spirit of God for sometime to write, we have not felt that it was just the Lord’s time until the present; as the question has been asked several times, — “the difference between the ‘saints’ and the Latter Day Saints” (Mormons). Certainly this question has been asked by those wholly unacquainted with the word of God, or else those that know nothing about these “Latter Day Saints” and the doctrine presented by that sect.

We believe that every one who reads this article will know of the old Mormon Church and its head, Brigham Young; but perhaps they do not know that this daughter (Latter Day Saintry) sprang from the same parent; but such is the case. But we would not have it understood that we wish to connect polygamy with this “Latter Day Saintry” as it now exists, for such is not the case, as far as our knowledge goes. But we wish it understood that Joseph Smith of Palmyra, N. Y. established this sect, and gave to it the BOOK OF MORMON also the DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, by which the church is how governed.

We well know that this will fall into the hands of many who claim the “dead prophet” as their head, and so we will quote largely from their DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, also from A VOICE OF WARNING, to seal the truth of our words which we shall write.

Joseph Smith, the founder of this sect (Latter Day Saint or Mormon), was born in Sharon, Vt., December, 1805, and while he was yet in his infancy his parents removed to Palmyra, in the state of New York; and it was in this place that he began his public career. It was in September, 1823, when only seventeen years old, that he pretended he had a heavenly vision in which he saw a light brighter than the noon-day sun, and an angel from heaven stood before him in person, and informed him that he had been chosen by Christ to present a new religion to the world; and that in a certain place under the earth on a hill which was then called Cumorah, in Ontario County, town of Manchester, N. Y., he would find several golden plates which had been placed there over fourteen hundred years before, by one Moroni, the son of Mormon (V. OF W. ch. 5, par 69). And upon these plates one Nephi had written and engraved, and when translated would be found to contain all those parts of Christ’s gospel which the holy prophets and also the disciples desired in their prayers. (DOC. AND COV., sec. 19, par. 10).

Smith accordingly pretended to obtain these plates, and proceeded to translate the writings and engravings by the help of the spirit of Moroni (DOC. AND COV., sec. 26, par. 2), the old prophet who had hid the plates in the earth fourteen hundred years previous. After the translation was completed the BOOK OF MORMON was given to the world. Smith soon found himself at the head of a large body of followers, numbering hundreds, so upon the sixth day of April, A. D. 1830, he organized the Mormon Church (Latter Day Saints). This took place in the town of Manchester, N. Y.

Not satisfied with this, he soon conceived the idea to found a theocracy and build the New Jerusalem preparatory for the second coming of Christ. These commandments he claimed to get from the Almighty by “direct revelations.” And in the month of June, 1830, in Fayette, N. Y., the Mormon Church held their first general conference, where Smith related his mission to his deluded followers, and to the world.

But the absurdity of the whole concern soon brought these fanatics under censure, and persecution followed this self styled seer and prophet until he claimed another revelation from God, commanding him to remove to Kirtland, O., which accordingly was obeyed; but here their stay was short, and in a few weeks they proceeded farther west and came to a halt in Jackson county, Missouri. Here in this place Smith resolved to found the “New Jerusalem,” as the Almighty had revealed to him by a “direct revelation” that this should be the future home of the Latter Day Saints, and was predestined for that purpose.

But here again fortune did not smile upon their self styled seer and prophet who was to herald the latter day glory; and on account of new and “direct revelations” which this seer and prophet was constantly receiving from his Lord, new persecutions arose and serious and grave charges were made against their morals, and persecution existed to such an extent that many of these religious fanatics were killed and wounded by armed mobs, until at last they were again compelled to remove. This time these poor deluded creatures who were blindly following their seer and prophet, selected Nauvoo, Ill. (as it was afterward called), for their future home. Here again this people with Joseph their “seer and prophet of the Lord” proceeded to lay out a city and build their temple, and to establish their Zion which should be called “the city of beauty.” And in April, 1840, the foundation of the temple was laid, Joseph officiating on the occasion. Fortune now seemed to smile upon this seer and prophet who was the Lord’s mouthpiece to and for this people, and in a very short time the city of Nauvoo was built, and prosperity smiled upon these Latter Day Saints, until Smith openly declared that the time was soon at hand when these Latter Day Saints should go in and possess the land (United States).

But space will not permit us to dwell longer upon the proceedings of this poor deluded people; but it was here in Nauvoo, “this city of beauty,’’ on the twelfth day of July, 1843, that Sidney Rigdon one of the twelve, claimed to receive a “direct revelation” concerning the plurality of wives, which he claimed was part of the true Mormon creed. In addition to this, about this time a printing office in the city which had fallen under the seer and prophet’s (Joseph) displeasure, was sacked by a mob. Writs were issued for the arrests of the

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THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.

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A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.

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DEFINITE, RADICAL, ANTI-SECTARIAN.
Sent Forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For the Purity and Unity of His Church;
the Defence of ALL His Truth;
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.

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PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.

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D. S. WARNER, – Editor.

E. E. BYBUM, – Office Editor.

E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.

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TERMS, $1.00 Per Year In Advance.

Free to the poor.

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* THE * SHINNING * LIGHT. *

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An interesting paper for children. Illustrated. It should be in every family where there are children. Only twenty-five cents a year. Address,

THE SHINING LIGHT,
Grand Junction, Mich.

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TRACTS AND BOOKS.

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Babylon is Fallen. What Church Should I Join? Sects. The Master’s Call. A Wonderful Deliverance. Second Work of Grace. Price 10 cents per dozen.

Small tracts of various kinds for free distribution, at 10 cents per hundred.

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Marriage and Divorce. A tract of 32 pages, giving the Inspired word of God on the subject. Price 5 cents.

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The Great Tobacco Sin. It contains 30 pages, with a neat cover. We will send these tracts to any one sending us postage at the rate of one cent for three tracts. Always state just how many you wish sent.

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Must We Sin? A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin, containing 48 pages. Single copy 2 cts. Per dozen. 20 cts. Per hundred. $1.50.

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Question and Answers on the Church. A tract containing four letters with many questions concerning the church, and the difference between the true church and sectism. Price, 10 cents per dozen.

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The Sabbath Tract. This tract contains 65 pages giving the word of God on the subject of the Sabbath. It overthrows Saturday keeping and proves that the first day of the week is the proper day to keep. Price 10 cts.

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“No-Sectism.” A tract bearing the above title, written by A. Sims, has been reviewed by D. S. Warner, showing the difference between sectism and the Church of the Living God. It exposes the false theories set forth by Sims. This tract contains 52 pages. For free distribution, 15 cts. per dozen: $1.00 per hundred.

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The Church of God. A tract containing 32 pages, proving what is the Church and what is not the Church of God. Price, single copy 10 cents. Per dozen 80 cents.

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What is the Soul? By D. S Warner. Or 100 scriptures proving that man possesses a spiritual and immortal element called the Soul, the Spirit, and the Inner Man, which goes to God at the death of the body. The same also proved by the early Church History. Price single copy 10 cents. Per dozen 80 cents.

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The Bible Readings. Bible readings or references on about 100subjects. Price 75 cts. each.

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Anthems from the Throne. This hook contains 148 songs. 90 with music. About all new. When sung in the spirit of God these songs will be found glorious. Manilla cover 25 cts. Cloth 40 cts. Per dozen $2.40 & $3.60.

MASONIC SALVATION. By Fred Hasted. Thin little volume treats the subject of Free Masonry from a Bible standpoint. The writer having been a Master Mason, boldly brings the hidden and mysterious things before the public in a clear light. Price, paper cover 15 cts. Cloth. 35 cts.

BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH. By W. G. Schell. Tracing the church in prophecy from her birth to the end of time. Containing a brief history of more than 400 Protestant denominations. The author aims to show the difference between the true church and sectism, giving historical and scriptural proofs. Paper cover, 35 cts. Cloth. 75 cts. Address the Author at Anlo, Ohio. or this office.

ECHOES FROM GLORY By B. E. Warren and D. S. Warner. A second and thorough corrected editon of this new song book has just been issued. Containing 232 beautiful spiritual songs, of which the largest portion are new and fresh inspirations from heaven, both words and music. Many beautiful and touching invitation and exhortation hymns for revival meetings. It sings nearly all the doctrine of the Bible; especially the glorious themes of present truth. With primary instruction in music. Simple and concise — A practical self instructor for beginners in vocal music. Neatly bound in pasteboard, price reduced to 40 cts. Per dozen $4.00. all prepaid Address. B. E. Warren, Springfield. Ohio D. S. Warner. Sixth st., (Floating Bethel). Pittsburg, Pa. or this office.

DIVINE HEALING OF SOUL AND BODY. By E. E. Byrum. Part I teaches the way of salvation, and how to get saved. Part II gives Bible teaching on the healing of the body. Part III consists of testimonies from those who have been healed in these last days. 248 pages. Paper cover. 25 cts. Cloth, 75 cts.

THE BOY’S COMPANION. By E. E. Byrum. This is a neat little volume with interesting chapters to the boys, concerning the Secret Vice and other bad habits and their effects. Every boy needs advice and warning in time, and too often parents fail to give the needed advice until too late. The book is illustrated with suitable pictures which are aimed to leave a vivid impression upon the young minds and turn thorn from the downward road to a pure life. It als0 contains testimonies and experiences from those who are inmates of the states prison. Boys of every age should have one of these books to read. Price, paper cover 25 cts. Cloth binding 40 cts.

The Secret Vice.

A small illustrated tract of 16 pages with neat cover. It gives a timely warning to the boys against the evils of Self Abuse, a habit which is prevalent throughout the land. The tract is attractive, interesting, and points out certain evils against which boys of every age need to have warning in time. Price, doz. 10 cts. 100, 40 cts. 1000, $3.00.

The German edition of the book entitled Divine Healing of Soul and Body, is now ready. Cloth 50 cts. Paper 25 cts.

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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.

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J. M. Hudson, A. D. Yocum, H. W. Hechler. Allie M. Mast, M. H. Basore, D. L. Fidler, M. Clark, G. T. Clayton L Hawkins, C. P. Wright, Lieutecia Light, D. B. Moore.

Requests for Prayer.

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Pray for me May 15, that the desire for the use of tobacco may be taken away, and my soul sanctified.

R. M. Gear.

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Pray for my boy that his speech and mind may be restored. He had a stroke of paralysis in the throat,

Mrs. E. L. Kelley.

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Franklin, Pa.

Dear Saints: Pray for my companion, that he may return to the blessed Lord again who so sweetly saved him at one time. Your sister,

Mrs. Luella Farren.

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Pray for me that my body may be strengthened and healed; also for my aged mother who for fifteen months has been an invalid, from dropsy and a tumor in her side. Medical skill has failed. Pray Sunday, May 13.

Mrs. J. E. Sullivan.

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Reddick, Ill.

Dear Trumpet Readers: God has been merciful to me in snatching me as it were from the prison bars, and the death dealing bowl. Surely his goodness and mercy endureth forever. But there is such a thing as being bound by the awful hand of Satan, which is my condition to day, which God only can release. Through my past life I have led a wicked, and low degraded life, filled with the lust of the flesh, and Satan is yet determined to drag my soul to the pit of hell. My heart burns within me. It is destroying my happiness and fitting my soul to dwell forever in the regions of the damned. Let me ask all of God’s people to extend your prayers unto the great Deliverer that I may be released from the power of Satan. My faith reaches unto heaven and I know that he will hear and answer prayer. Also pray that I may be wholly sanctified. Yours in the love of Christ,

F. W. Arms.

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Enfield, N. C., April 19, 1894.

Dear Editor, and Christian Friends: Can I have a space in the GOSPEL TRUMPET to ask the prayers of the Christian people? I am an invalid disabled to walk lo these many, many, years. I expect to soon be an inmate of a hospital in the hands of entire strangers, not knowing whether they are Christians or not, and by treatment of chronic diseases may take my life. I feel the need of Christian prayer and faith. Just such as the woman had when she touched the hem of his garment and was healed. I know, I am a poor weak creature, not knowing the way or will of God. It is my whole desire to feel the pressure of his right hand and spiritual understanding that I may know more fully his works and will. I do not claim that such affliction is the works or will of God, as he says he has no respect of persons. I always feel a heaviness in my heart, and the dark and gloomy clouds of sorrow hang low over my head. I am entirely denied church and society, only as some one sees fit to take me out or come to my home.

Dear Christian friends, you have but a faint idea how hard it goes to be deprived of the privilege of life’s liberty. Only those with experience, can feel the sting that presses so hard on my feeble mind. I had the liberty a few Sundays ago to get out in my little wagon to Sunday- school; could not go in, but sat outside and heard them sing: “Oh what a friend we have in Jesus,” and “Down life’s dark vail we wander,” which seems to ring in my ears. Then I thought, when two or three are gathered together in His name He is in the very midst of them.

I am not a member of any church, but a well wisher to all that is good, and holiness in his name. I ask the prayers of all each Sabbath day in church and Sunday school that I may receive the true light (Matt. 5:14, 16.) Also that my infirmities of body may be healed. Will each and every one unite in prayer for me. while I am far away in some hospital, suffering pain in the hands of strangers? I hardly feel worthy to be called a son of the King, but blessed be the name of Jesus who is pleading for me. Will the dear saints of God write to me? Can I be admitted into the faith cure home,and where can it be found?

Ben C. Knight.

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Call for Meeting.

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Coral, Mich., April 29, 1894.

To the Dear Saints Whom it may Concern: We praise God continually for salvation, for the life that now is, and the promise of that which is to come. We are saved and kept, by the grace of God, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation; but dear brothers and sisters in Christ, for about three years we have stood alone with God, with no evening light saints to help us fight the battle, or meet with us to worship the Lord, except a few meetings held by dear brethren, when much prejudice was broken down, and one brother (John Keech) saw the the light and came out, but has gone from this place. Now we firmly believe, that it is in God’s order, and would redound to his glory, if some of God’s ministers, filled with the holy fire and able to rightly divide the word of truth, would come to this place about four weeks previous to the June camp meeting, and hold tent meetings. Bro. Grover’s tent is here now and some honest souls that were under conviction when he left last fall, are anxiously awaiting his return to this place. God willing the money will be laid by in store for the above named meeting to defray expenses of coming, and provide for them while here. Whoever responds to this call be sure that they are led of God, this may sound very plain, but we have a deep interest in the work at heart. Yours saved and willing to do the whole will of God,

E. A. and L. M. Soules.

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MEETINGS.

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Tekonsha, Mich., April 30, 1894.

There will be a two days meeting or longer if the Lord wills; held by the church south west of Tekonsha, Mich. Commencing Friday evening, May 18, at which time the ordinances of the Lord’s house will be observed, to which all that can come are cordially invited.

C. Eldridge.

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GRAND JUNCTION, CAMP MEETING JUNE 14-25.

Rates will be procured on the C. & W. M., & M. C. R’ys. the same as last year. This will be a general camp meeting, and gathering together of the children of God from all parts of the United States and elsewhere, to worship God in the beauty of holiness, and we trust it will be one of the most wonderful meetings held in these last days, on account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We are already receiving letters from ministers, workers, and others from various states, who are expecting to attend. Let every lover of the truth that can come, begin to make preparations to be there. Pray much for the meeting and the salvation of souls.

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A DANGEROUS IMPOSTER.

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A man who gives his name as Hoopengarner, is going from place to place and gives himself out as a saint of God, but is every where discerned to be an abominable imposter, and soon proves himself such by his works. He told some he came from Wood Co., Ohio; others understood him to say from Paulding Co. He has evidently been to Payne and Melrose, Ohio, and he mentioned saints in several other places, that brethren know. So it is evident he has been going from church to church. We say he is a dangerous character. He comes to a house and cries out “Praise the Lord, Bro. — — .” Is very forward; but when his character is told him, he goes off making threats to others, to whip, and even dropped intimations of burning buildings. Every thing goes to show that his business is to spunge his living, and steal where valuables lie exposed to his fingers. He carried a heavy brown valise, which he never leaves any place, and which he will not open to inspection, even though suspicion clearly rested upon him for stealing a watch chain.

He is a heavy set man, weighs nearly two hundred pounds; sandy complexion, wears mustache and burnsides. Perhaps he uses the TRUMPET to find the saints. So we will give him this free advertisement. Beware of him. Receive him not, nor tell him where other saints live. If any work not, neither shall they eat. He has recently been at Beaver Dam, Ind., and went east to Huntington Co.

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JESUS.

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Dear Saints of God, Greeting: I now take my pen in hand to talk a little through the TRUMPET, which I hope will find place in its columns. This morning finds me saved and consecrated to the whole will of God. I am on the highway that leads to glory. I am made by the Spirit to shout aloud with Paul, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Rom. 8:35. And in v. 37 he declares, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Praise the name of Jesus for the wonderful exceeding love! We love him because he first loved us. 1 Jno. 4:19. He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love. 1 Jno. 4:8.

My subject is Jesus. This dear name which implies, or signifies SAVIOR, is precious to my soul, and also to every true child of God, that has felt the holy quickening power of the blood applied. And as the dear soul feels his sins forgiven and the blood applied, surely we cry out from the witness within, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” — 1 Jno 3:1. This is what makes the name of Jesus so sweet. He saved us from our sins, and ofttimes as I preach this man Jesus to my people in different localities, how many we find are built upon sandy foundation, clinging to the slippery slimy sides of this world, destitute of the real power and life which can be found in Jesus. Oh praise the name of Jesus! but I can truly say with David, in the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” Psa. 94:19. Oh I am pained within to know how to describe by the Holy Ghost, to those that fight the power of God, that they may see what Jesus wants to save them from. I say I feel the burden of the perishing, down deep in my soul. If they only could be led to realize the agony for one moment of Gethsemene, and hear those tones from Jesus, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death.” Mark 14:34. You unsaved man or woman, bless your dear soul, that means you; and professor, that means you. ’Tis Jesus that calls you to a newness of life. Have old things passed away and all things become new? Dear professor, are you dead indeed unto sin? If not, follow Jesus through the crucifixion. The night is far spent; the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Rom. 13:12.

I want to say, since I stept out into the evening light and commenced to preach the whole gospel of Jesus Christ, that many point the finger of scorn. But such cannot see the glory, because they are not saved. And many professors throw the missile of envy and disgust, but still the glory comes. Oh praise the name of Jesus! How we love their souls! And dear ones, from the love in one’s heart it naturally comes forth in sighs, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” In coming out from sect Babylon, it is not all to just step out, but we must let Jesus take the sect out of us, which we will do if we are submissive to his will. Praise the name of Jesus for a free and clean deliverance! How plain and bright the light appears to me now! Before it was obliterated with fogs and mists! it has cleared all away and now the clear glory comes streaming down. I have longed for the oneness for a long time past. I have it now in my heart, the prayer of Jesus in St. John’s gospel, 17:21, “That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe thou hast sent me.” This scripture is truly verified in my case. Dear ones, all cling to Jesus. The glory that we now have is nothing to be compared with the glory that shall be. Your brother saved through the blood of Jesus, and kept by power divine.

C. F. Wright.

Alma, Mich.

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News from the Field.

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Cadott, Wis., May 5, 1894.

Dear Saints of God: Since my last report I have been in the southern part of the state to Oconomowoc and Reedsburg, my former home. Saw a few souls consecrate to God down there. But there was much opposition in that place from the sects. But God helped me to preach holiness and unity. I came north after laboring down there to Rice Lake, and then to Cadott where Bro. Jacobson labored. Some of the saints are doing real well here in Cadott. Four cases of healing here since we are here. Had a meeting south of Cadott nine miles, in a place called Luddington. Ten souls came to the altar. God visited us by his power. Glory to God! A number of others are ready to come out in the evening light. The Lord is raising up some workers for him. We are going to labor next week a few miles west of Luddington. I desire the prayers of the saints for me and the work, and that God may bring my wife out in the evening light. Yours saved and sanctified through the blood of Christ,

W. P. Halbesleben.

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McLallen’s Corners, Pa., May 1, 1894.

Dear Trumpet Readers: The dear Lord bless and keep you all for his name’s sake is my prayer. We started the Sabbath school at this place yesterday, Lord’s day. The school numbers ninety, and all are not in the school that intend coming. The Lord wonderfully approved of the work by manifesting his Spirit. Bro. Warner had been with us a short time in holding meeting and a great work was accomplished during his stay in this place. He was with us over two Sabbaths. We closed the meeting Wednesday eve with an ordinance meeting in which thirty-eight took part. Twenty-three were buried in baptism and there are others yet to follow. Bro. Warner held the first meeting in the new meeting house in this place. God is doing a great work in Erie county, for which we give him all the glory. From here I go to Atlantic, Crawford Co. to morrow morning, if the Lord wills, and from there to West Springfield. Brethren and sisters, pray much for me and the work wherever I go, that souls may be saved. One dear soul was saved and one sanctified since Bro. Warner left us, and the work is going on; praise God forever! Your sister all on the altar,

E. J. Billig.

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LaPaz, Ind., May 4, 1894.

Dearly Beloved Saints of God, Greeting: We are happy to report with the fire of the Holy Ghost and the meek perfection of the Son of God in our souls, that the meetings of almost five weeks in the city of South Bend have been a complete victory from beginning to end. About thirty came to Christ the altar for pardon, and they most all went on to perfection of heart purity. Bro. Chas. Schleehauf was ordained elder of the flock. God bless him and keep him true and loyal to the God of his salvation. The good work has only begun in that city; but on account of our health and our body being weak, we feel Father would be pleased in us taking a short rest. (The spirit is willing but the body is weak). Dear ones, pray for us. The Lord willing, we expect to return to the city in a few weeks, and also open up the battle in Mishawaka. Our prayer to God is that more holy men and women may be sent forth to rescue the lost. The Lord willing, there will be a grove meeting at LaPaz, May 29 — June 6. Bro. A. B. Palmer is desired, and whom the Lord may send. All desiring to come will be cared for, and can reach LaPaz via B. and O. R. R., also Vandalia Line. Our address is LaPaz, Ind., Box 47. Yours in much holy love,

J. A. and A. J. Dillon and Co.

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Bay View, Mich., Apr. 29, 1894.

Dear Trumpet Readers: In my last news I stated we were about to commence a meeting near Harbor Springs. We closed the meeting with victory on the Lord’s side. The meeting continued three weeks and one day. When we went to that place there was much prejudice against the saints. There was no one in that place that had ever heard the true gospel preached free of sectism, except one old gentleman and lady who heard Bro, Warner preach in Ohio, and they had been distributing the GOSPEL TRUMPET some here, and one sister had received the evening light through the

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TRUMPET. Although the people were much prejudiced against the truth, a good many came out and all acknowledged that they had heard the true gospel, and were forced to acknowledge that God was in us of a truth. Blessed be His name! He did wonderfully enabled us to present the truth by the power sent down from above. There were several consecrations, and now a little church is established there, which we pray may increase with the increase of God, until many more are added and a great harvest is gathered into the garner of the Lord. There was good interest to the very last meeting, which was on Monday evening; and we closed with a full house. They want a meeting there again after the hurry of the spring work is over. We expect to begin meeting this week on Wednesday evening in the Lutheran meeting house at Petosky. All remember us in your prayers, that the Lord may be glorified and his word go forth with power. Your sisters under the blood,

Allie R. Fisher and Della Gardner.

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St. Clair, Tenn., Apr. 30, 1894.

Dear Brethren, Saints of the Living God: May His choicest blessings rest upon you through Jesus Christ our Lord. We came to E. Tennessee about the 15th of March, and have been holding meetings in the country, near St. Clair, and many acknowledged the truth, and of that number, several got saved; but here as elsewhere we found some who were bitterly opposed to righteousness of life and holiness of heart. The most of those who opposed the the truth, did not come to where the light was shining. I reckon it was because their deeds were evil. Jno. 3:19-21. We put in considerable time with the white people at Tharps Chapel, and during the services there out of the number that professed salvation, there were eleven baptized. We believe the way is now open for the word of God to have free course without much opposition. We closed the meeting yesterday with ordinance services in which about sixteen dear saints took part. We also had meetings for the colored people at St.Clair and Heck Town. There were some who professed at the last named place and seven were baptized. May God bless the dear saints in E. Tennessee and give them grace to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” — Titus 2:11, 12. We expect soon to be at Dodge, Ky., the Lord willing, which will be our post office for some time. Your saved brethren.

A. J. Kilpatrick, and Thos. Carter.

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Crothersville, Ind., May 4, 1894.

Dear Saints of the Living God: I am truly glad that I can report victory in my soul over all the powers of darkness. We are again in the battle-field fighting against sin, and victory is our watchword and song. All glory to our God! I left home Friday, April 6th, and went to Temple, Crawford Co., stayed till over Lord’s day; had very precious meetings with the dear ones. The cause in that part is moving; many are anxious for the truth. I felt the Lord leading me to these parts, so on April nth, I came to this place. Held one meeting in Vernon Township, and then went to Brother George’s neighborhood, where a meeting was in progress by Bro’s D. B. Moore, S. D. Gariot and others. The meeting indeed was precious. The mighty power and truth of God was poured out upon the people till sinners and professors came eagerly seeking salvation, and between thirty-five and forty were made free in Christ. Truly it was joyful to see the dear ones come home to Zion, shouting praises to God. Hallelujah! Sunday, April 22, twenty dear souls were buried with Christ in baptism. The same evening the meeting closed with the observance of the ordinances of God’s house, thirty-six taking part. Brother and Sister George have prayed six years for the salvation of souls at this place and their prayers are answered. On Monday 23d, we went to Cortland and began meeting the same evening. The powers of darkness were great, but when judgment was layed to the line and righteousness to the plummet, many saw their condition, and some acknowledged they had no salvation. Four dear souls claimed pardon by faith in Jesus, and one sister stepped out of sectism. Much prejudice was removed when the people saw that the pruning hook of God’s word cut off all spiritual bumps. We left many anxious for another meeting in the future. May 3d, we came to this place again; had the blessed privilege of meeting Sisters Fink and Fry. We expect, God willing, to begin meeting to morrow night at a school house in Sister Densford’s neighborhood. May God bless and reward all the dear ones for their kindness to us. Your brother sanctified in Jesus,

W. B. Schreiber.

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Grand Junction. Mich., May 4, 1894.

Dearly Beloved Saints, Greeting: Through the kind providence of God, I have again arrived at home.

The work at Canton, O., was carried on under some adverse circumstances. A very few souls sought God. The children’s meeting, chiefly conducted by Sisters Smith and Siens, was attended with much interest. A few children became converted, and much good was wrought in many little hearts. April 13, I left the rest of the company there and made a trip over into Erie Co., Pa. After our departure the brethren continued some days, had a precious ordinance meeting, and baptized two, and closed with glorious victory, as they write us. They are now in Ashland. O.

Our trip to Erie Co., Pa. was blessed to the good of many souls. Bro. Z. Turner and Sister Billig had held some meetings in that country a year or two ago. Last fall Bro. and Sister Dillon were there and gave the people much truth. In the winter Bro. and Sister Stowe, Bro. and Sister Billig, and Sister Jennie Stowe held a very successful revival meeting in McLallen’s Corners. Quite a number were saved out of Babylon and some out of the world. Since then Sister Billig has labored in the country at different places, with additional fruits. There are about forty saints of God there. A house of worship was erected, in which we convened most of the time while we were there. It was all done but plastering and permanent seats. We dedicated it to the Lord, and the blessed Spirit was manifest there in power. Praise the name of the Lord! During our stay of twelve days there were several more souls converted to God, and a number consecrated for entire sanctification. Souls were being saved about every day. It seems that the spirit of God is at work upon the hearts of the people. Some dear souls came from the city of Erie; some eighteen miles from there, and were joyfully saved and baptized, and an inviting door is open for the gospel in that city. Also in the villages of Waterford, Mill Village and Mosiertown, the pure gospel is wanted. In fact the whole country seems ripe for the gospel harvest. At least with fair prospects of gleaning. There were twenty-two buried with Christ by baptism, and received his blessing upon their souls. We also had a very precious ordinance service in the Lord’s new bethel the last night we were with them. May the Lord continue to bless his good work in all that country. God bless and reward the kindness of the saints to us. It is strongly talked of having a camp meeting there in a grove, a few rods from the meeting house, next September. We believe it would be a success, and hope it may come to pass.

We took our leave of the saints there April 26, and traveling all night, arrived early in the morning of the 27th, at Akron, Ind. That night preached to the saints in the new house called Olive Bethel, three miles west of Beaver Dam. The 28th and 29th, met a large host of the holy people at Beaver Dam. Near one hundred saints attended on Lord’s day. Again we followed the blessed footsteps of Jesus in his sacred ordinances, with deep solemnity and holy joy. God bless his beloved people in that good old Jerusalem of the evening light. The Lord reward all who so kindly ministered unto our wants.

Arrived at home April 2, find the work, and the workers, and the glory, all greatly increasing. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

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Falcon, Colo., Apr. 27, 1894.

Dear Saints of the Living God: Grace be unto you all. I am glad to report victory on the Lord’s side. Glory be to name! And I can say as the prophet Isaiah, the work of righteousness is peace, and effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. Praise God for the knowledge of salvation! John says, 1 Jno. 5:20. — “We know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding.” It is grand to have the knowledge of those things dwelling in our own hearts. Well it has been some time since we have reported the work of the Lord in Colorado. We closed meeting at Eaton on the 11th of March. On that day we baptized dear Brother Fowler. May he be faithful to the confession he has made before many witnesses. Others to follow in the future. On the 15th, of March wife and I came to Denver; met with the saints that evening. Found them all praising the Lord, and still standing on the Rock. It was a grand meeting for us, after being away from the children of God. Dear ones, we hardly know how to appreciate the oneness and unity that exists between the people of God, until we have to be separated from them. May we all prove faithful unto the end, then we will part no more. Oh brothers and sisters let us send up praise and thanksgiving to the God of our salvation for all his benefits.

On the 17th of March Bro. R. W. Swinburn, and myself came to Monument, Colo., then we went nine miles across to the divide at Table Rock, and held a meeting for about two weeks, but the weather was so cold the people did not attend very well, and then there was a great deal of prejudice caused by a Campbellite preacher who had heard the truth and rejected it. May God yet give him repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. It is a terrible thing to fight against God. I think such people would do well to take Gamaliel’s advice. — “And now I say unto you, refrain from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men it will come to nought, but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it; lest happily ye be found even to fight against God.” — Acts 5:36. I praise God it is his own work, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The day before we closed meeting, Brother S. returned to Denver and on Sunday we preached on the Free Methodist appointment. Had a good congregation, and also at night. God helped us in delivering his Word and all prejudice was removed, and the people wanted us to return. So in two weeks from that time, we went back and held meeting. I believe God has a few people in that place who will yet be gathered out. The Lord willing we will hold a tabernacle meeting there this summer. About April 1st, I came to Falcon, have been holding meeting just where we could find the way open. The S. H. being occupied a part of the time each week, giving us a poor chance. Brother Swinburn came to Falcon and was with us about two weeks. He returned home last Thursday. There has been no one saved here, but a few seem anxious about the truth. We will begin meeting to night at the Flinn school house some south of Falcon. We expect to start the tabernacle in the work soon. I am praying for the Lord to send us a company to work with this summer. Any one desiring tabernacle meetings in Colorado address me at 2515 Lafayette St., Denver, Colo. Dear saints, we desire your prayers that we may be kept humble. Yours in him,

T. A. Phillips.

THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Dushville, Mich.

Dear Saints: My testimony is, I am saved and washed in the precious blood and all on the altar, Christ Jesus, walking in the light of God. I am willing to do all the Lord has for me to do, and to suffer for his sake in this present wicked world. Pray for me. Your sister in the Lord,

Mrs. N. A. Hunt.

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Tidioute, Pa.

Dear Saints of God: I feel led to write my testimony to the TRUMPET. I can say that I am enjoying full salvation and living on the precious promises of God. Oh praise God for his plan of salvation that saves us from sin and keeps us saved every day! I am your brother in Jesus,

William Ditto.

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North Enid, Okla.

Dear Saints of God: I feel led this afternoon to write my testimony. I am standing out for God, my husband and I can testify to day that we are on the Lord’s side and are all alone here in the evening light, but praise the Lord he is with us. We ever expect to trust him; We ask all of God’s little ones to pray for us; and we also desire the prayers of God’s people in the behalf of my mother-in-law that she may be healed from the rheumatism. Your saved sister in Christ,

Mrs F. E. Brees.

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Cedar Vale, Kan.

Dear Saints: I feel it would be to the glory of God to write my testimony. He has saved and sanctified me wholly. I am living every day and hour for Jesus. He has cleansed me from all filthiness of the flesh, and everything of a worldly nature. Praise his holy name! I had been a slave to tobacco for over twenty years, but he has taken the appetite all away. Pray that I may ever be found low at the feet of Jesus. Yours all on the altar,

W. E. Holmes.

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Phoenix, Ariz.

Dear Saints of God: I want to add my testimony with the rest of the saints. I am saved and sanctified. Oh the Lord is so good to me; I love to talk of his goodness. He is all in all to me. I am glad that I am at the fountain of God’s love, where I can ever abide. Oh how it melts my heart when I think how much the dear Savior bore for us! Oh how true to him we should live, for we know according to his word he shall soon appear. I ask an interest in the prayers of God’s children. Your sister, separated from all sectism, and all for the truth,

Arzilla Massie.

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Monticello, Ill.

Dear Saints: May our dear Father in heaven bless and keep you all sweetly saved. It has been some time since you heard from us through the TRUMPET; yet we are happy to report victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil, in and through our blessed Redeemer. Oh we do thank and praise our God for his keeping power, and the sanctifying portion. Oh it is wonderful what our dear Father will do for us if we will let him. Praise his name! The church at this place is still alive. Dear saints, pray for us as a church, that we may be ever found true and faithful unto the end. Amen. Your saved sister and brother in Christ Jesus,

O. A. and S. E. Marquiss.

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West Mecca, O.

Dear Saints of God: This is my first testimony for the TRUMPET. I praise God for what he is doing for me. I am saved and rejoicing in Christ. I praise him for the glorious hope I have, which keeps me above the simple things of this world. Keeps my feet on that solid rock which the storms and tempest of this world, and Satan can not move. The TRUMPET is a great comfort to me. I find so few stand true to God and the Bible. I have many sorrows and afflictions. The Lord is my comfort. My companion was taken from me; I am alone in my home, but my trust is in the widow’s God. I am very deaf; have been for a great many years. I believe it is the Lord’s will that I should be healed. I know he is able to heal. Pray for me. Your sister in Christ, saved and kept by the power of God,

Mrs. Fanny Hillyer.

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Morral, O.

Dear Readers of the Trumpet: May the peace of God rest upon you at all times. Amen. I feel it would be to the glory of God to tell you what God has done for my soul in my old age. I lived in sin about fifty years, but Jesus had mercy on my soul last fall while Bro. Speck was holding meeting at Zion school house, and March 7, God also sanctified me wholly at an ordinance meeting at D. Hickman’s. Since that time he has kept me free from all sin, and filled with the power of God. I am so thankful he has made me free. He also healed my body through faith. I am all sold out to him. All I have is his and I intend to let him do with me as he sees best. My wife is with me in this evening light. I am your free brother in Christ,

Samuel Lilley.

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Tiosa, Ind.

Dear Saints of God: May the blessings of God abide with us forever. My prayer to day is, may God continue to spread the blessed evening light. My heart goes out for poor lost souls. I have been working some in this town; have given out all the tracts and trumpets I have. I would love to do more for God, but we are very poor. This is a wicked place of about one-hundred inhabitants; A small place, but plenty of sin. I am determined in my heart to live for God, and work for precious lost souls. When God showed me I must work for him, I supposed he wanted me to go out in the field. I want you to pray earnestly for me, for I am alone here with the Lord, but he keeps me while I put my trust in him. I would be glad if some saved sister would come here and visit from house to house with me. I do not want to move away, until some body is saved, to keep the work of the Lord going. I am saved just now, by the precious blood of Jesus. Bless his name forever!

Della Hunter.

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Rolfe, Iowa.

Dear Saints of God: The thought has just come to me, that as I am not permitted to meet with God’s people I ought to write my testimony. I am all on the altar, and saved just now. Praise his holy name forever! I heard the evening light preached last summer in S. W. Neb. and partly believe it; but it was so hard to think I must give up my church home, as I thought no one could live a thorough Christian life outside of the church. Well in this I believed right, only I confounded the church with sectism. I strove hard with the Spirit until I nearly lost my experience. Yet I knew that God required me to live without sin. And when I heard a sect preacher stand in the pulpit and declare that God did not require sinless perfection, I said, oh Lord, open his eyes to the truth. Then I sent for the “GOSPEL TRUMPET” and “The Biblical Trace of the Church,” which I have been reading carefully under the direction of the Spirit, and he has indeed opened my eyes, and to day I stand free from all sin and isms of this world. I am all alone in this place. Pray that my wife may be brought in soon, that we may be one indeed. Oh I pray God to send some holy firebrands this way. Yours in Christ,

W. C. Harrison.

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OBITUARY.

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Liverpool, Eng.

James C. son of Bro. and Sister W. P. Moore, was born April 14, 1888; Died April 12, 1894; aged six years, eleven months, twenty-seven days. Little James was quite ill with croup bronchitis. In answer to prayer God relieved him from much suffering. He said he was going to Jesus. God bless the dear family and help them to live so as to meet him in heaven. Funeral services by the writer,

Lena L. Shoffner.

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“VISIBLE CHURCH ORGANIZATION, — IS IT RIGHT?”

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IN a small tract with the above title, written by a man in Anderson, S. C., who signs his name “H. S. Abbot,” reads as follows:

“There is a difference between a church of Christ, and the church of Christ. The church of Christ includes all the regenerate in every age, in earth and in heaven. A church of Christ is a single congregation of Christians, The term church in the scriptures is sometimes used to denote all Christians — the whole of the redeemed, * * * but the term church in the New Testament is more commonly used to denote a single congregation of persons who meet together regularly in one place for worship, and the promotion of Christianity. The New Testament writers uniformly speak of the churches, and not of the church, thereby clearly teaching that in those early times, a church was a single congregation. If there had been but one church, the Invisible universal church, to which all belonged who were followers of Christ, when speaking or writing of it, they would have said, the church, not the churches, for there would have been but one church Acts 8:31 — ‘Then had the churches rest througout all Judea, Galllee, and Samaria.’ This proves that there were churches, organizations in those days in the different places spoken of, for had there been hut one they would have said, ‘Then had the church rest throughout all Judea, and Galllee, and Samaria,’ but they said churches — more than one. Acts 14:83. — ‘And when they had ordained them elders in every church. This proves that every church was a separate organization, and elected their own officers, at least ordained the elders.”

Now we can see clearly that Mr. Abbott in speaking of “a church of Christ” alludes to some particular sect: perhaps to the one known as “The Wesleyan Methodist connection,” as he is a member of that one. It is very true, there is a vast difference between that sect, and the church of God. In a little book called, “Discipline of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection or Church of America,” we read the difference, as stated by themselves.

Page 25, Section 4. “1. Any number of believers in Jesus Christ united as a religious society on gospel principles for the maintenance of Christian fellowship, and worship, constitute a Christian church.

2. Any such society conforming to OUR BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, [not to God’s word] and means of grace, on application to the president of an annual conference, or to the nearest quarterly conference or to any elder having charge, shall be recognized as a WES LEY AN METHODIST CHURCH.”

It is true the church of God is established in the truth of the gospel, “and is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together [not apart] for a habitation of God through the Spirit.” Eph. 2:20-22. The church that Jesus built is “fitly framed together, united on gospel principles, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” But the W. M. sect, — as all others — must be conformed to their own book of discipline, composed by a set of men, and as they acknowledge, it has been revised a number of times since it was made in order to make

“Such modifications in what la merely prudential, as are demanded by the circumstances of the times in which we live.” See preface.

It is no marvel that people in such men- built institutions, cry out — when God’s ministers come around preaching the gospel — and say, “These men are tearing down the churches.” It is because Jesus did not build them, and God’s word is against them; may God help the people to see it for Christ’s sake,

In one place in Alabama where we went in company with Bro. J. F. Lundy, the people were divided into three schisms; Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist. Had been quarreling, till they had to build two houses in which to worship: when they heard we were coming, some began to say, “Somebody ought to meet those fellows in the road with clubs, and drive them back; and not allow them to come and preach; they will ruin the whole neighborhood; here are three churches now in perfect harmony(?) and if those men come in here and preach they will get us all divided up.”

After we came and preached the word straight to the people, one man said: “These fellows preach the gospel, if they only had a foundation for it” Thank God; his word needs no man fix-ups for a founddation, but it is a “sure foundation” within itself, and needs no man-made discipline for a prop.

Again we read in the discipline, page 9, Section 1,

“Christ is the only head or the church: and the word of God the only rule of faith and conduct.”

But let us now read their form of receiving members. Page 27, Section 4.

“Ques. 1. Have yon each and severally carefully examined our articles of Faith and Church Polity as given in our book of discipline?

Ques. 2. Do you cordially accept them as the exponent of your faith and rule of conduct?

Ques. 3. Are you in Christian fellowship and sympathy with all these who present themselves for membership in this contemplated church organization?”

The majority of them never saw a discipline, but the answer must be “yes.” Now let us see what kind of persons the members must be. Page 19, Section 3.

“Such churches are no other than companies of persons having a form, and seeking the power of godliness.” Page 20. “It is furthermore expected of those who are admitted to our churches that they should continue to evidence their desire for salvation.” Again it says, Page 22. “It Is expected of all who continue in these churches that they should continue to evidence their desire for salvation.”

Surely there is a wonderful difference between such an institution, and the church of the living God, which is composed of all saved people; and Jesus says, “I am the door, by me if any man enter in he shall be saved,” Jno. 10:9. It is true that the church of God includes all the regenerate, all who are born of God, both in heaven, and on earth. But this is not true of a single denomination on earth; hence no man-made ism is the church of God. Suppose we admit that each sect organization is “a church of Christ;’’ then we would have seven or eight churches in one small town in many places. But we do not read of more than one church in one town. The church that was at Antioch. Acts 13:1. The church which is at Cencrea. Rom. 16:1. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, etc. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1. One church at each place. If we would admit all sect organizations to be churches, and should we write a letter to all the professors in Anderson, S. C. we would have to begin thus, “To the churches which are at Anderson,” for there are several there; and it is not a a very large town either. But it would be impossible to write one letter to please them all; for what would suit one kind, would displease others. May God help people to see that such is not his church.

Paul had the “care of all the churches.” 2 Cor. 11:28. John wrote to the seven “churches of Asia.”Rev. 1:11. But did not write to any two at one place. Rev. 2d and 3d chapters. Now we are well aware of the fact that Mr. A. cannot preach in all the meeting houses in his own town; he is not allowed that privilege. Surely there is something wrong; either those “human organizations” are not churches of God, or Mr. A. is not a man of God; if that were so, they would invite him in to preach the gospel to them.

“Acts 14:23. And when they bad ordained them elders in every church.” “This proves that every church was a separate organization, and elected their own officers, etc.”

There is quite a difference between ordaining elders, and organizing churches, or sects cither. In the church of God there are no elections, no voting, neither lectioneering for office; for God’s ministers do not work for salaries, like the sect ministers, but do with their might what their hands find to do, without money, and without price, with an eye single to the glory of God, to whom we ascribe all majesty, dominion, and power forever. Amen. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him, that there should be no schism [division] in the body, but that the members should have the same care one for another. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” — 1 Cor. 12:18, 25, 28. God sets every member in the body [church], hence there are none to vote in, none for the preacher to take in; God places each member just where it pleases himself; hence none to be elected to any particular office by the people. But no doubt Mr. A. will say that this is the “invisible universal church;” but we find no such church mentioned in God’s word: we admit that the Holy Spirit which organizes the church is invisible, but let us notice the organization; the word organize means, To furnish with organs; to arrange in parts, etc. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit, etc. — 1 Cor. 12:4, 8-11, 28.

We can see clearly that God by his Spirit organizes the church, and arranges it to please himself, and it just suits all who have full salvation, and any one that cannot “discern” or see the organization, and body of Christ which is the church, is not worthy to partake of the Lord’s supper, 1 Cor. 11:28, 29, and such need to have their eyes anointed with eyesalve that they may see. Rev. 3:18. Jesus speaking of his disciples which constitute or make up the church, said, “Ye are the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” Matt. 5:14. Hence we can see that the church organization is visible, but the Organizer is invisible. Furthermore Mr. A. says,

”A person becomes a member of the general invisible church by virtue of his faith in Christ, and becomes a member when converted; but a person becomes member of a local visible church by being recognized, and consenting to be recognized as a member of such church.”

It is very true that conversion, or the spiritual birth sets every member into the church, or family of God; and that makes them a member of the church at the place where they reside; and of course God’s children recognize each other, and have fellowship; but it is being saved (which makes them a member) that causes them to recognize each other, and not the recognizing that makes them a member. If that were it, we might make a mistake, and recognize some one that had no salvation and acknowledge them all right; but when we let God run his own business he never makes a mistake; he only adds such as are saved. The mode of induction is salvation; hence, none get into the church except saved people. But we see a vast difference in the W. M. sect; they must continue to evidence a desire for salvation as long as they stay in that sect. That certainly implies that when they get saved (if they should) they are no longer a suitable member for such a place. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you.” — 2 Cor. 6:17.

People can be recognized, and voted into a sect, and be a member in good standing, without salvation; but we find no such maneuvering taught in God’s word, to get people into his church. Mr. A. also says,

”A person can not cease to be a member of the general invisible church, only by ceasing to be a Christian; but a person may, and often does of necessity, cease to be a member of a local visible organized church by removal,and In passing from one church to another, as persons sometimes do by letter — for which we have apostolic authority, as Paul speaks of epistles of commendations to, and letters of commendation from. — 2 Cor. 3:1.”

This no doubt was true in those days with some, but the people did not give letters then, for the same purpose that sectarians do now days, — to get their name on a class book, so they could tax them, — but simply to let the saints know that their life had been all right, etc. So there would be no doubt about their salvation, that they might take their place in the assembly, and fill that place in the body (church) where God had placed them. And even if they had no letter it would work around all right; their life would soon prove that they were saved. As Paul further declares, “Ye are our epistles written in our hearts [not on paper], known and read of all men.” — 2 Cor. 3:2. Now Paul had not come there to join, but to preach the gospel, and further says, “But our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter (law) but of the Spirit, for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life. Verse 6.

We cannot find a single place in God’s word, where anybody moved their membership from one church to another; nor left one place and joined somewhere else. It is a fact, the only way to cease from being a member of the church is to sin, or conceive sin in the heart, then God blots the name out of his book. Exod. 32:33.

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” — Jas. 4:17. “Ever branch in me that beareth not fruit he [God] taketh away.” — Jno. 15. 2. God himself sets the members in his church, and takes away all that commit sin, and such as will not bear fruit, but he does not ask the members to take a vote to know what to do about it, neither does he need any help to get them out. But after they are out he says, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone [do not tell every body else first]. If ye shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother; But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church [local assembly], but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be [not turn out nor exclude, but let him be] unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” — Matt. 18:15—17. All this is not to get him out, but to gain him or get him to repent, and confess and get saved. “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth [or trespass], and one convert him — get him to return — let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” — Jas. 5:19, 20. This needs no commenting.

Now we call attention to the main object of the tract. As we have not time and space to bring up each point mentioned, we must omit some; but to prove that sectism is what he is pleading for, we quote the following:

“If any plan is followed out by which people are recognized as members of any visible church, that fact constitutes said church a sect just the same as any other church is a sect. A sect is persons united in tenets, so when a number of persons are united as to doctrine, and government, they ear by virtue of that fact a sect; deny it who may.”

Here is the whole secret. Mr. A. finally acknowledges that sectism is his theme; and plainly declares by his own statement that he does not deny it. Now since he has boldly acknowledged this fact, that he is a sectarian or heretic, let us appeal to the word of God, and to facts, concerning the matter. Let us notice first.

Thos. Carter.

(To be continued.)

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(Contitmed from first page.)

MORMONISM.

perpetrators; the prophet, however, prevented their execution, when the civil powers called out the state militia to enforce the writs. The seer and prophet responded by summoning his militia. At last the governor went to the city and succeeded in arresting the seer and prophet, and placed him in jail at Carthage, and caused him to be indicted for treason.

But this self styled seer and prophet of the Lord had raised a popular storm which even the state authorities could not control; and an armed mob of disguised persons, numbering nearly two hundred proceeded to the jail where the “prophet” was confined, and in broad daylight shot him dead, with his brother Hiram who was with him. But immediately after this took place, which was upon the 27th day of June, 1844, Brigham Young was chosen to fill the dead seer and prophet’s place, and to carry out the revelations which were given to the dead prophet, March 7, 1831, to go west and establish Zion and build the New Jerusalem (D. AND C., sec. 45, par. 12, 13, 14, and 15), which Brigham did accordingly in Utah.

But ere the seer and prophet’s death, he prophesied “that if Brigham got the lead of the church he would lead it to hell.” (V. OF W. page 147). This the Latter Day Saints claim he did; but Joseph, the son of Joseph, has resurrected the same, and to day it is “existing under the virtuous ruling of Joseph, the son of Joseph the martyred prophet.” (Tract No. 20, “One Body,” last page). This second seer and prophet has his seat at Lamoni, Decatur Co., Iowa, where they publish a paper called THE SAINT’S HERALD. And unlike his father, this prophet abhors the name Mormon, and calls his sect The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, yet dates their origin back to 1830, and claims that Joseph Smith laid the foundation of the same. D. AND C., sec. 17, par. 1, and sec. 19, par. 1. They also claim that this same seer and prophet (the dead Joseph), has done more for the salvation of men in this world than any other man that ever lived in it (save Jesus only). D. AND C., sec. 113, par. 1.

Do you not see, dear reader, that this dead seer and prophet is lauded by these Latter Day Saints above all of the holy disciples of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by whom the words of Jesus and the gospel have been handed down to us? But this people can well do without the New Testament, since their dead seer and prophet has left it upon record that the Book of Mormon which he translated from the golden plates and gave to the church, contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, (D. AND C., sec. 26, par. 2), and also that it contained the word of God, (D. AND C., sec. 18, par. 3); moreover by it shall the world be judged, (D. AND C., sec. 17, par. 2 and 3). Is it not a wonder that in this land of Bibles such a mess of untruth should be taught, and more of a wonder that it should be received by those who have access to holy writ? Jesus says, He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; the words that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12:48.

W. B. Grover.

(To be continued.)

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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Clinton, Wis.

Dear Saints of the Living God: I wish to write my testimony, all to the glory of God. I lived in sectism fifty-two years. Truly I thought I was as near right as any body. I kept ploding along about the same pace every day, till about eighteen months ago I heard of the people called the saints. I thought there must be something wrong in their claims to be holy in this life. It seemed too much for me. I said but little about them, but kept thinking that if I got the opportunity to hear some of them I would see if they could make good their statements. So about eight months ago I met with some of the saints at Cadott, Wis. I went to hear them preach, and my eyes were opened to see the true line of march to glory. I quickly made up my mind that the saints were right’ so I obeyed the voice that spoke to me, came down to the altar, and recieved the blessing; was baptized into Christ and so put on Christ: and where as I was stumbling along then, I am now walking in the light of God. Glory to his holy name! I am working for the Lord, and he is blessing my labor. Praise the Lord! Souls are being brought into the fold of Christ, and made happy in his love. Your brother saved and sanctified,

H. Grant.

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Meridian, Miss.

Dear Saints: My heart’s desire and earnest prayer to God is for you all, that you may all stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free, and be not entangled in the yoke of bondage, but be firm, steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the love of God. Dear saints, pray earnestly and often for me. Though I live in a hard town, in a hard country, pressed by hard times, my face is set heavenward with full determination by the grace of God to reach that blissful abode that our dear Lord has gone to prepare for all his saints. When I read the sweet testimonies of my dear brethren and sisters, in Chsist, it does my poor heart good; my eyes fills with tears as I offer up a feeble prayer to God for each one while I read their testimonies, for I feel that you are near and dear to me. Though I never saw your sweet faces here, we shall meet face to face in glory around the great white throne. May the blessed Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ enable us to withstand all the fiery darts of the devil, and having done all, to stand. Pray that your humble brother may be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, and as my declining years approach their final close, my pathway may grow brighter and brighter to the end. I am now fifty- seven years old; have been in the straight and narrow way about six years, and during that time have had victory over sin and the devil, not in my own strength, but through Jesus. Praise his holy name forever! Your brother, saved and sanctified through Jesus’ blood,

T. J. Crump.

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Porterville, Cal.

Eight years ago Jan. 5, I was sanctified wholly, and living a life devoted to the cause of Christ and doing all 1 could apparently to help build up Zion’s walk in her original purity — holiness. In my afflictions, I have been using medicines or physics and not trusting the Lord Jesus Christ to heal my disease (catarrh) and to unstop the deaf ear. And God saw fit to lay the affliction so deep; and beyond the aid of medicines of man, upon this body, allowing me to suffer severe and excruciating pains, almost unendurable. Yet in these distressed afflictions I was not hindered from my regular attendance to meetings that were going on here for the last four months. I had been anointed for healing of deafness, but God did not see proper to do the work until all conditions were fully met; and making known unto me the facts by laying the hand of affliction so deeply upon this body after my witnessing the restoring of my dear wife. I was convicted that I was to quit my former aids, to suffer and die if need be with the afflictions of the body rather than give up my faith in God. The test of faith came and I suffered night and day — continually; but I said, Lord, I will obey thee. And I was anointed by the elders of the church in the name of the Lord, according to Jas. 5:14, Saturday morning, April 8, and was most gloriously healed of catarrh and fully restored to vigor, and free from all symptoms. Am now happy in the Lord, rejoicing in the ways of righteousness and true holiness. My wife who is sixty-five years of age, has in the past been troubled with severe spells of cramping of the stomach. We had doctored and used medicines, but they would return again. On April i, she was lying in a death-like condition from the effects of the pain, and we sent for the elders who anointed her and offered the prayer of faith and she was instantly healed, and arose shouting the glad tidings of deliverance. Your brother in Christ,

John J. Bentley.