11 June 1896, Volume 16, Number 24.
GO FORTH.
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“He that goeth forth with weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come with rejoicing, thinging his sheaves with him.” — Psa. 126:6.
Go forth, ye messengers of light,
Led by the Holy Ghost;
“Arrayed in garments clean and white,”
And faithful at thy post;
Oh, tell of Jesus’ love to thee,
That all who hear may know,
His precious blood can set them free,
And wash them white as snow.
Cho. — Go forth and break the living bread,
To every hungry soul;
And wake poor sinners from the dead,
Ere judgments on them roll.
Go forth, beloved, with present truth, —
Glad tidings to proclaim,
From East to West, from North to South,
That Jesus truly came
To heal the sick and make them whole;
Lost sinners to redeem,
And give them peace within their soul,
Oh, blessed, blessed theme!
Go forth, go forth, ye mighty host,
With hearts made pure and true;
Stand fast for God at any cost,
And He will be to you
A present help in fiery trials,
A glorious conquering power;
He’ll keep you from the tempter’s coils,
Each day, and every hour.
Go forth, go forth, unsheath thy sword,
And wield it for the right;
“Hew to the line” — cut every cord
That binds in sectish night.
If you should opposition meet,
“Turn not to right nor left,”
Stand on the Word with both thy feet;
The “Rock of ages cleft.” —
S. L. Speck.
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How to be Perfect.
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BY visiting the inhabitants of earth and viewing them from their varied conditions and different circumstances, it is readily seen that a multitude of the human race bear evidences of mental, physical, and spiritual incapacity, and inability to accomplish the purpose of the Almighty. Omnipotence has in all creation aimed at a high purpose. And, had man carried out his part of the culture and generating of the species as heaven has devised he should, the misery that is preying upon the vitals of humanity, and the flame of degeneracy that is devouring the grand and noble, would have been unknown; nor would there have been any necessity or occasion for God to repent because he made man.
Millions have come into existence, receiving for an inheritance only a blasted constitution, abnormal appetites and desires, and ungovernable passions that send the soul to the world of shame and disgrace. If man would rise to a sphere of nobility where he could reign with him in whose image he was created, self- government must be exercised over all actions. Much depends upon a knowledge of the certain laws that relate to the animal man as well as the spiritual. This will enable him to enjoy and leave for his procreation a lasting inheritance, a greater wealth than millions of gold, even a freedom from the evils of inherited vice and vicious propensities that are drowning the precious mortals in cesspools of misery and wretchedness that increase with every succeeding generation. Marriage is of God and honorable with all, therefore they who enter this sacred relation incur upon themselves the obligation of protecting prosperity with all of its interests instead of prostituting this holy law to their personal gratification. There should exist between the soul of man and the holiness of God such an affinity as will continually conjoin the power and operating influence of the omniscient Creator with the wonderful faculties and creative forces of man’s organism. This would place humanity in a sphere where a communication could be had with the Author of all that is great and noble. Man would be possessed with his normal characteristics, and placed in his proper element with the realization that no perfection is attainable without the co-operation him who is in all of his workmanship or execution of every design, perfect.
The universal reign of sin and derangement in the career of man has caused the human mind to conceive the opinion that every thing relative to man must necessarily fall below the plane of perfection in every capacity. But when the universality of eternal grace and the omnipotent power of a perfect Creator are clearly considered, in connection with the intelligence and immortality of his workmanship, man unless perfect in the eyes of God in reference to love and purity, is seen to be below the plane on which he is privileged to rest. Man has seemed to forget that he being a spiritual creation needs the co-operation of the “Father of spirits” if he would live instead of merely exist.
There is a line of demarcation that is drawn by the hand Divine, which clearly separates the law of truth from the spirit of error; and there need be no mistake if the word of God illuminated by the Holy Spirit is acknowledged and followed as the source of all safety. The devil has a power of making things appear farther away than they really are and vice versa. He deceives many souls who are seemingly honest, and causes them to imagine the line of consistency to be far ahead of what can be found in the standard of truth, God’s Word And to the sorrow of such individuals and the dishonor of God, rank fanaticism is attained before the line of harmony is thought to be found. This very cursed thing of fanaticism, causes more demonical joy in the regions of evil spirits than the whole army of infidels and the power of skepticism. When will the professing world learn wisdom and go just far enough and there rest, and enjoy the sweets of perfect truth instead of incurring upon themselves the wrath of God? The question is answered by saying, Not until the Word of God in all of its flaming glory is received and followed as the rule by which our life is to be gauged. To receive and enjoy the Word in the fullness of its teaching is to have the Son of God, Holy Spirit, and Father’s power enthroned within the purified soul; and as sure as God lives and reigns thus, all fanatical error will be forever unknown. Let all who have received Christ Jesus, walk in him in all truth. Amen.
W. A. Haynes.
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Errors of Dunkardism.
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CHAPTER IV.
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THE COMMUNION OR WHAT TO REMEMBER IN EATING IT.
THE CHURCH OF GOD AND THE DUNKARD SO-CALLED CHURCH CONTRASTED.
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
For we, being many, are ONE bread, and ONE BODY: for we are all partakers of that ONE bread.” — 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.
In the above text we have the following facts:
1st. That the cup (wine) of blessing is the COMMUNION of the BLOOD of Christ.
2d. That the bread is the COMMUNION of the BODY of Christ.
3d. That all saved people are one bread, or loaf, hence a unit.
4th. That all the redeemed constitute the one body of Christ.
5th. That we all partake of that one bread or loaf, which signifies we are one with one another.
In chapter 11:23-25, Paul declares he received this of the Lord, who said, “This do in rememberance of me.” Thus it is evident that the bread and the wine constitute the communion, or the Lord’s supper, and are to be partaken of in rememberance of Christ; yea, of his suffering, of his delivering us from the law of bondage, of our SALVATION through him, and of our being ONE BODY in him.
Right here I would ask my Dunkard friends, What do you remember when you take the communion? You cannot remember your deliverance from the law of bondage, because you observe and teach your people a semi-observance of the same. Neither can you remember your salvation through him, because you do not believe you can be saved from all your sins, and live righteous in this world. Neither can you remember your being one BODY in him, because you are divided into different bodies or factions. In fact, there is nothing that you can remember, only that you are Dunkards. Hence I cannot see where you have any right at all to participate in the sacred ordinance.
Since it is necessary to remember the one BODY, in taking the communion, it is also necessary to know just what that one body is. Paul says, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.” — Col. 1:24. Please read Eph. 1:22, 23. 1 Cor. 12:27, and verses 12, 20.
In the above scriptures, it is abundantly proved that the one body which we are to remember in communing, is the one church. Therefore, since our Dunkard friends claim to be that one body or church, I will now proceed to contrast the two. Hence, again, “to the law and to the testimony.”
1st. Who built the church?
“And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Mat. 16:18.
“For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” — Heb. 3:4.
1st. Who built the D. church?
“And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon my own interpretations, I. Alexander Mack, will build my church (?), A. D. 1708. But the Conservatives, Progressives, and Landisites shall prevail against it.”
For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is Mack.”
2d. Who is the head of the church?
“And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.” — Col. 1:18.
“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH; and he is the savior of the body.” — Eph. 5:23.
2d. Who is the head of the D. church (?)?
“And he, Alexander Mack, is the head of a body, a church (?) ; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.”
“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as MACK IS THE HEAD OF A CHURCH (?); and he is a savior of a body.”
3d. Who is the door of the church?
“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. * * * I am the door: by me, if any man enter in, he shall be SAVED, and shall go in and out and find pasture.” — Jno. 10:7, 9.
3d. Who is the door of the D. church (?)?
“Then said Mack unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I and all Dunkard preachers are the door of the sheep (?). We are the door: by us, if any man will be dipped three times face forward, he shall be a Dunkard, he shall go in and out and find pasture.”
4th. How get into the church?
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body [church], whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free: and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” — 1 Cor. 12:13.
4th. How get into the D. church (?)?
For by many preachers are we all baptized into four bodies, Old-orders, Conservatives, Progressives, and Landisites;
and have been all made to drink into four spirits; that is, all who will conform to our peculiar customs; namely, cut off the mustache, men wear long hair, and broad brimmed hats, women wear white caps, bonnets, capes, etc. etc. All must eat soup, and all others are excluded.
5th. The purity of the church.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water [Spirit] by the word; that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot [sin] or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy [perfectly pure] and without blemish.” — Eph. 5:25-27.
“Seeing ye have purified, your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” — 1 Pet. 1:22.
5th. The purity(?) of the D. church (?).
No one can be holy or pure in this life; we can chew and smoke our tobacco as we please, drink a little beer, once and a while a dram of whiskey, [not all do this] sin more less every day, in word, thought, and deed, but in the millennial age (?) we will all get holy and pure.
6th. The water baptism of the church.
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein ye are also risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” — Col. 2:12.
How many burials?
ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism,” [burial.]. Eph. 4:5. (German), “Ein Herr, EIN glaube, EIN taufe” [dip]. “ONE God, ONE belief, ONE dip, or burial.” (Emphatic), “One Lord, one faith, one immersion,” or ONE dipping, ONE plunging, ONE burying out of sight.
6th. The water baptism of the D. church (?).
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein ye are also risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” — Col. 2:12.
How many burials?
One Lord, a confused faith, THREE baptisms, or burials. (German), Ein Herr, ein unordung ob glaube, drei taufe.” (Emphatic), One Lord, a confused faith, three immersions, or THHREE dippings, THREE plungings, THREE buryings out of sight.
7th, Equal rights in the church.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither MALE nor FEMALE: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Gal. 3:28.
“But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon ALL flesh [mankind]: and your sons and your DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY [preach], and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my HANDMAIDENS I will pour out of my Spirit; and and they shall prophesy” [preach]. Acts 2:16-18.
7th, Equalrights (?) in the D. church (?).
“There is Jew and Greek, there is bond and free, there is MALE AND FEMALE, for we are all four * * * outside of Christ Jesus.
For this is not that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; But it has come to pass in these last days, saith the Dunkards, the Spirit is poured out on no flesh, only those we baptize three times and lay our hands on; arid our sons may prophesy, if voted into office by us, but our DAUGHTERS SHALL NOT PROPHESY, under any codsideration, No! No! they MUST KEEP SILENT.”
8th, Overseers in the church.
“Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the HOLY GHOST hath made you overseers [elders], to feed the CHURCH OF GOD, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” — Acts 20:28.
“And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, I HAVE MADE THEE A WATCHMAN [overseer or elder] unto the house of Israel [church of God]: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.” — Eze. 3:16, 17.
8th, Overseers in the D. church (?).
“Take heed, therefore, that you nominate a candidate for the office of overseer [elder], then turn the meeting-house into a polling room and vote him into office; when he is elected, make him preach, whether God has anything to do with it or not. We are running our own church (?) and do not need the help of the Lord.”
“And it came to pass, at the end of A. D. 1700, that the word of Alexander Mack came unto us, saying, Sons of men, I and all my devotees have made thee a watchman [overseer or elder] unto the German Baptist or Dunkard church (?); therefore, hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.”
9th, Doctrine of the church.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be SAVED; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” — Mark 16:15, 16.
“And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” — Luke 4:4.
9th, Doctrine of the D. church (?).
“Go ye wherever we send you, and preach our theories and peculiar customs to every creature. He that believeth, and will conform to the same shall be a Dunkard [not saved]; and he that believeth not, w-e-l-l, he may yet have a chance in the righteous reign of Christ, when he shall reign on earth a thousand years (?), as we think he will.
Thus I might continue the contrast until every superstition of this creed is exposed by the word of God.
Thus far, every unbiased mind can see, that when the Dunkard so-called church is placed in the gospel scales, it is weighed in the balances and found wanting. Nay; it does not fill the measure by any means, and again the prophecy of Isa. 28:20 is fulfilled, and this creed is exposed by the word of God. Yea, its builder, head, door, mode of induction, purity (impurity), water baptism, equal rights (?), overseers, and doctrine are all here proved by the word of God not to be that of the church of God. But to the contrary, they are hereby proved to be a human institution, with its human head, laws, legislations, and peculiar customs.
Yet in open defiance of all these, and many other scriptures, some are so deceived of the devil, as to still plead that this creed is the church Jesus founded, and built over eighteen hundred years ago, which claim is a falsehood onall the word of God and all enlightened understanding.
Having so clearly proved the claim of this people to be the church of God, a false one, it now remains necessary for our readers to be informed of just what it is. Knowing however that many poor souls who have been deceived by the same, will be deeply wounded, by this exposure of the facts in this case, which they have been kept ignorant of, my symphthies are drawn out to all such, and I pledge them my prayers and labors for their rescue.
I would here insert my consoling advice. Please accept the truth at any sacrifice, and flee to the fountain that never runs dry, and therein find rest for your soul; yea, cast yourself at Jesus, feet, implore his saving grace, and it shall be well with your soul.
G. W. H.
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Stafford, Kans.
Dear Saints Everywhere: I am saved to the uttermost. O praise God! He is so precious to my soul. I do earnestly ask you all to pray for me at the June camp meeting. I want to do something for Jesus every day. We get so anxious to go to good meetings and hear the gospel preached in its purity. There are many here who need the gospel preached to them, and need deliverance from sin and afflictions. Pray for my husband. Your sister in the one body,
Sarah R. Hoffman
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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 1896.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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Mrs. H. Muntz, H. L. Robertson, A. R. May, Winnie Cope, J. W. Byers. J. L. Green E. F. Soughton Jas. R..pp, Emma Coplin.
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No Trumpet.
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There will be no Trumpet printed next week, as the Trumpet family expect to attend the camp meeting. We believe our readers will gladly submit to this in order for them to have the privilege of enjoying the camp meeting after their long and faithful labors in sending forth the gospel.
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We are receiving requests for prayer for the sick, and those in need of spiritual help desiring special prayers at the camp meeting. Many perhaps will not be able to get their requests to the meeting in time, but we would say to our readers, or whosoever may chance to hear of the day of prayer, Sunday June 14th, that we will have special prayer, and will remember your case before the Lord, whether you send in your request or not, if at that time you will engage in earnest prayer before the Lord at your home or wherever you may be, as that will be a time for praying for the sick, not only at the meeting, but everywhere. We expect many to be loosed from their infirmities and healed of their sicknesses.
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The brethren are coming in from every direction already, and at this writing, two days before camp-meeting, the tents are being erected; and provisions made for caring for the people. Meeting is now being carried on every night, and God is working wonderfully in the camp. There are brethren from almost a dozen different states already here on the grounds and are still coming in. By the time the meeting fairly begins, no doubt, the number will increase to a multitude. We are expecting a glorious meeting indeed from the hand of the Lord. Rates have been granted over most roads in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. The Western Passenger Association have lately granted us rates; also the Sioux City and Pacific R. R. Co., and the Freemont., Eikhart, and Missouri Valley R. R. to Chicago, and direct lines have granted rates. A few of these companies did not grant the rates until too late to publish the particulars. On all roads where rates are granted full fare will be charged one way and a certificate to be taken where ticket is sold, and the return ticket will be sold for one- third fare. These tickets will be sold beginning three days before the meeting until three days after the meeting begins, good to return until three days after the meeting closes.
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A New Book. — Just Out.
By E. E. Byrum.
Over 400 pages — 109 chapters. — Illustrated.
It not only instructs the sinner how to get saved; the believer how to become established; and the sick how to get healed, but has some precious chapters on the subject of healing, salvation, faith, trust, trials, temptations and how to overcome them, etc. Also chapters on “How to make the Lord hear,” and “How to make the Lord answer.” Any one can get a benefit through reading it. The cloth books are beautiful, well bound, good plain print. Those desiring to work for the Lord and help souls, will preach many lasting sermons wherever one of these books is placed in a family. Agents find ready sale for them. Send for special terms. Price, paper cover, 35 cts., cloth, 75 cts., morocco, $1.50.
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Requests for Prayer.
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James Mansfield, Cayle, Tenn. — Spinal disease.
Wm. Cook, Oak Ridge, complicated diseases. — Daughter and her husband, healing and spiritual help.
Adam Barber, Reedsville, O. Rheumatism and deafness. — Desires a pure heart.
Pray for the healing of my wife of lung trouble. A. J. Poulson.
My wife is blind and hard of hearing. Pray for her healing June 19. T. J. Liston.
A. Wiles — Catarrh and bronchitis.
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Calls For Meeting.
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Julia E. Hutchins, West Brewster, Mass.
D. D. Damron, Avert, Mo.
Alvin Cook, Hurricane, Wis.
A. W. Luse, Atlantic, Crawford Co., Pa.
Aaron Stokes, 322 Hapland St., Dayton, O.
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MEETINGS.
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Grand Junction camp meeting, June 10-19.
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The coming camp meeting near Elberton, Wash June 12 till July 5,
F. N. Jacobson,
Colfax, Wash.
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Camp meeting in Canada, near Fenwick, Aug. 13-23. Address John E. Smith, Fenwick, Ont.
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Camp meeting at Stanley, W. Va., is to be Aug. 14-25. G. T. Clayton.
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The Clifton camp meeting will be held on the camp ground about two miles north-east of Thayer, Mo., the Lord willing, from July 17-26, or as long as the Lord wills. B. F. Chase, Thayer, Mo.
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There will be a camp meeting, the Lord willing, at New Zion post-office, Leake Co., Miss., from July 24 to Aug. 2. R. H. Owens.
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The camp meeting in Alabama will begin Aug. 6, to be held five miles east of Hartsells, Morgan Co. Noah Duncan, Huntsville, Ala.
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Camp meeting at Moundsville, W. Va., July 31 to Aug. 9 Address Bro. Alfred Tomleson, Moundsville, W. Va.
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There will be a grove meeting commencing the 19th of June, and lasting over Sunday, nine miles east of St. Louis, Mich., on the banks of Pine river, Midland Co., Jasper township. We will have a large tent, and all who can, come and bring small tents. We expect a large gathering together, and would like Bro’s Grover, Palmer or William Warren, or whoever the Lord may send. We want all the ministerial brethren from Gratiot Co., to come and help. David Mitchell, St. Louis, Mich.
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Ash Grove, Mo. camp meeting will be held four miles south-west of Ash Grove, Green Co., Mo., Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. Bro’s W. G. Schell and Geo. E. Bolds are expected to attend this meeting, and all whom the Lord may send. Those coming from the East by R. R. write R. H. Marton, Ash Grove, Mo., Box 87. Those coming from the West write Bro. Geo. A. Compton, Emmett, Dade Co., Mo. Pasture for all teams furnished. We are praying the Lord to send many of his saints to this meeting, and may the real searching power and presence of our God come with them.
A. T. Martin.
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The church of the living God will hold their annual camp-meeting two miles east of Emlenton, Venango Co., Pa, beginning Aug. 10, and continuing over two Sundays. A general invitation is given to all. Let all who can bring tents, We are expecting the Lord to send his holy ministers to preach the blessed truth of full salvation. Rates will be obtained, if possible, over the A. V. R. R. and the P. and W. R R Those coming by R. R. and wishing to be met should notify Samuel Martz at least one week before C. M. begins.
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The camp-meeting at McLallen Corners, Erie Co., Pa., will be held June 19-30. J A. Dillon and Co. will be present, and God’s ministers on their way East from the Grand Junction meeting are invited. Bro. J. H. Rupert and Co and Sister Croasdell of Liverpool, England, will be present during the first half of the meeting. All saints in the East who have no meeting near home should by all means attend this meeting. For particulars write to E. St. John, McLallen Corners, Pa.
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Any one desiring meeting in New York address us at 621 Otisco St., Syracuse, N. Y.
B. F. Weikel.
The Lord willing, we will hold the following tabernacle meetings;
Marion, Ind. June 24 to July 12.
Brock, Ohio. July 29 to Aug 9.
Gaston, Ind. Aug. 19 to 31.
Reddick, Ill. Sept. 9 and as the Lord wills.
Let all who have called for the above meetings be prepared when the time comes for a real profitable time and also to see the salvation of souls. Also let all who feel led of God to attend the above meetings come prepared to take care of yourself if possible and also help to bear the burdens of the meetings with your means, especially in Marion. S. L. Speck and Co.
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THE LOVE OF THE CHURCH,
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Well we have been trying to show the love of God to his chosen ones, We want to see if we can’t find the love that belongs to the church as a body. Paul in his writings to the church at Corinth, says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
Now Paul seems to think that though we should have all the wisdom of this world, and a voice that would almost shake the earth when we speak, yet if we did not have love with it, we might speak with all the authority of men and it would not be of any benefit; for he said, “I am nothing.” Then he said, “though I have all faith;” he infers that if we had all faith and not love, that our faith would be of no benefit to us. Let us hear him further: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor.” We see that it means that if we would give everything that we have to feed the poor and did not give with a cheerful and loving heart, because we loved to give, it would not profit our souls. “And though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” We believe that all can see by reading that Paul knew that we could have such zeal for the cause of God that we would or could give our bodies to be burned before we would give up, and would not have the needed love, and it would not be of any profit to our souls.
May the dear Lord help us to examine ourselves and see that our zeal does not exceed our love. “Charity suffereth long and is kind.” O do we suffer a long time when the enemy of our souls sends the persecutions and lets those that seem to be the best friends we have, make all sorts of fun of us and call us all kinds of names, and let an oath slip sometimes, do we suffer long and treat them with kindness? Or when we are stricken down with affliction do we get impatient if we are permitted to suffer for a few days, and begin to wonder why, or begin to grumble? “Charity suffers long.” How long? Through all the battles of this life till we come out more than conquerors through him that loved us. O praise the Lord forever!
“Charity (or love) envieth not.” O dear ones, do we have any envy in our hearts to any of our brothers ? Or do we love them as we do ourselves? Charity envieth — how much? Not any at all. So then there should be no envy in the body at all. Envy cannot stay where love dwells. “Charity vaunteth not itself.” All self killed out; no big I and little you. All is taken out root and branch. O may the Lord help us to search our hearts. “Charity is not puffed up.” So if we have any puff in our hearts the love is gone. Now dear ones, these are facts; and where these things exist, love does not exist. O God help us to get them all out of our hearts, is my prayer. “Doth not behave itself unseemly.” “Seeketh not her own;” but looketh after the welfare of others. “Is not easily provoked; thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth,” always loves to hear the truth, fills our souls with joy. Now we read in Eph. 1:4. “According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Not have any of these things mentioned above. “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love.” — Col. 2:2. Now if we are knit together, there is nothing to get between us to separate us. It is a complete body. We read, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.” Take the great oak in the forest. We find that it sends the great roots down and down in the ground till it gets so deep that when the storms come it can’t be pulled out. We should sink down in love so deep that all the storms and trials cannot shake or move us from the love of God and the love we have for one another “Being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth [the breadth reaches from the east to the west] and length, and depth, and heights.” O can we begin to measure the depths, or heights? Can we find anything to compare with the depths of his love? No; we can’t find words to express the great depth or height; but we know that there are heights and depths that we have not reached yet in his love. But we want to get where we will be able to comprehend the length, breadth, depth and height and to know the love of God that passeth knowledge; that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
We feel that we have failed to get all there is in this subject: for there are many rich scriptures yet that we have not touched at all. But may these help to strengthen each of our hearts, and help to forward the mighty work of God, is my prayer. Your brother in the love of God, and for the truth, in the one body.
G. W. Stover.
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
How did Paul forgive, in the person of Christ? (2 Cor. 2:10)
Ans. The margin reads, “in the sight of Christ.” This was according to the answer to a previous question. To him was committed the gospel of Christ, and with this he could judge sin with authority, with the assurance, that if the parties mentioned, or any one else, met the conditions of repentance, they would be forgiven of God, and therefore Paul could also pronounce them forgiven in the person of Christ.
Please explain 1 Cor. 14:34, 35, and 1 Tim 2:11, 12.
These texts seem to afford material for much difficulty on the part of many who fail to see the liberties and freedom of the Holy Ghost dispensation, where under His guidance and inspiration, there are certain offices in the Church where there is neither male nor female. That the apostle has made a distinction in the above texts there is no doubt, and the full meaning of the same is a field for much thought and careful study. There are certain relations of subjection in these matters which the woman occupies, which can only be understood in the mind of the Spirit, by each one, as the circumstance may demand. It is very evident that subjection is one of the graces of the Spirit in the woman The apostle teaches that she shall not usurp authority over man, but this subjection is not bondage, and in Ephesians 5:24, 25, we see, that as the wife is required to be subject to the husband, so is the husband required to love the wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. This certainly brings both upon a beautiful plane of equality, Eve, was taken from Adam’s side, not his heel, and the woman’s place, by divine appointment, is by the side of the man, in modern subjection. With reference to her liberties in Christ, the word of God gives abundance of light. The prophet Joel spake of the present dispensation when the Spirit should be poured out upon all flesh, when the sons and daughters should prophesy, which the apostle Peter declares, at Pentecost, was fulfilled. In this respect there can be no distinction. They shall prophesy. In Rev. 19:10, we have a simple scriptural definition of the term prophecy, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” All who are inspired by the Holy Spirit must testify of Jesus. This is the substance of all worship in this gospel grace, in which both male and female have equal rights. Gal. 3-28.
Explain 1 Cor. 5:5.
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. The apostle refers to a fornicator who had been tolerated among the brethren at Corinth, who should have been dealt with according to God’s word. “To deliver such an one to Satan” is equivalent to the expression (found in Mat. 18:17), “Let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican,” or (1 Cor. 5:2) “That he might be taken away from among you,” or (V. 13) “Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”
He should be publicly renounced and classified where he belonged (to Satan) that he might the sooner repent, be crucified in the flush, or humiliated (the destruction of the flesh), that he might be saved.
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News from the Field.
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Almira Wash., May 25.
Dear Brethren: From Hunters we returned to hold a few meetings at Creston, which were blessed of God and some good accomplished. One case of healing. From there we went to the Gospel Mission in Spokane, and held meetings about twelve days, which were truly blessed of God; also had some very spiritual street meetings. Several were saved during this meeting; two were sanctified, and some were healed, and one baptized by Brother Martin. We were kindly invited by Judge McQuire to occupy their hall on Sabbath afternoon and give them a discourse and history of this reformation, which favor was cheerfully accepted and appreciated by a large audience who listened to the present truth on the return and gathering together of God’s people unto Shiloh. The mission here is closed during the camp and grove season, and will probably be opened again next fall. Brother Chapman and Co. remained with us a few days, then went to hold a meeting at the Washington school-house, northwest of Creston, and we returned to Almira to make ready for the camp-meeting season, and met with the saints at this place. May 16, Bro. Salter and I went to the Washington school-house to assist Bro. Chapman and Co., and found them earnestly at work for the Lord. One renewed his covenant for justification. We remained a few days and are now on the new camp ground and the spirit of the Lord is filling our hearts with joy. From here we go to the Elberton camp meeting, June 12 to July 5. Yours in the love of Jesus,
F. N. Jacobson and Co.
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Athens, Ga., May 18.
Dear Saints of Goo: I am happy to report victory on the Lord’s side. I spent two weeks in the wicked city of Atlanta where the deceptions of the devil are very great. There is much zeal for the cause, but not the cause of Christ. There are a class of people here who preach on the streets day and night, many of them preaching that men must be sanctified, but do not have to leave their sect. One faction of them is better known as the “Flyers.” The party consists of about 400. Their leader had told them that they were to fly away on the 5th of March, but when the time came they failed to do so. When their leader was questioned
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concerning this point and others they disclaimed sanctification, but said they had everlasting life. We told them we had the same, but that we expected this body of ours to be put in the ground unless the Lord should come before that time. They at once told us that we had no part nor lot with them as they expected to live just as they were until he comes; however, we found a few honest souls who were willing to measure up to the truth. We also witnessed a wonderful case of healing of a little boy of seven years, who was saved at the assembly meeting at Augusta, and went to Atlanta, where he became very sic..; but in accordance to James 5:14, 15, the Lord wonderfully healed him, for which we give him all the praise.
Jane Williams.
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Wichita, Kan., May 28.
Dear Saints of God: As it has been a good while since we have made a report through the Trumpet, some have been wondering why they do not hear from us and some have written to know the cause. I believe it would be to the glory of God for us to make it known. About eighteen months ago we bought a little piece of property in this city for to make a home as we had been paying from fifty to seventy dollars a year for rent, with no settled place to live. We thought it best to stop paying rent as an opportunity presented itself to get a home on such terms as we could pay for it, not thinking or intending to stop laboring for the salvation of souls. Yet it entangled us so in the affairs of this life that we could not go out into the cause of the Lord as we intended. While different calls came it seemed we had to defer going, and all we have been able to do, a part of the time, is to hold meetings here two or three times a week. But God has continued to burden us with the souls of men and for the past few months we have been striving to sink deep into the will of God so as to fully prepare us for his service. I know by the grace of God we are entirely given up to his will and we are ready to go to work for God, Saved in Jesus. Amen.
A. and L. Markwell,
1911 S Hydraulic Ave., Wichita, Kan.
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Dear Trumpet Readers: May the Lord bless you all. Since we closed meeting at New Pittsburg, Ind., we went over to Dark Co., Ohio, and held meeting near North Star, which lasted one week. We got the M. E. house for meeting but they closed the house before we got in. But we opened meeting in Mother Schell’s cottage. Quite a number came to hear the truth, more than the house would hold. The Lord blessed his word, strengthened his people, and good interest prevailed, and we doubt not that many souls will be saved there during the tabernacle meeting which is to be hold. May the Lord save the dear people, is our prayer.
From this meeting we came to Kelat, Kentucky, and assisted in the camp meeting. There was a wonderful battle, but thank God, he gave the victory and judgment went forth from the first. We found many precious souls here who came to hear the word and seemed favorable to the truth; and quite a number professed to have a Bible salvation, but when the Word went forth they found they were lacking. Now these dear people were not altogether to blame for they had never heard the real Bible standard of truth. And now may the Lord help us not to get people out of Babylon only, but get them saved. The Lord help people to get an experience of full salvation before they try to preach it. Some saw they were deceived and got deliverance; others saw they were lacking, but did not humble themselves, and therefore are not straight. Only a few saints from other parts came in, but all realized a benefit. May God send some consecrated workers to these parts, who will hold the people right to the Word. The tabernacle was in a beautiful grove on top of a large hill; it was a nice place for meeting. The saints expect to have this in good order for C. M. next year.
We came to this place depending on God to send us some one to help, us in the battle, and the first day he sent Bro. Geo. Keeling to help whom he used in putting forth his word. Bro. F. Rosenbery and others were present at this meeting, which closed May 31. We then came some thirty miles over to Stony Point and will remain a few nights with the church, in reading the Word, after which we will go to Grand Junction C. M. Your sister, fully saved and kept,
L. L. Shoffner.
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Almira, Wash., May 25.
To all the Dear Ones in the Body of Christ Greeting: May the riches of his glory rest upon you. As it has been some time since I wrote to the GOSPEL TRUMPET, I will now give a report of what we have been doing in the gospel work. We held a ten days meeting in Tekoa, Washington, with good results. Some were won to the truth, but none took a decided stand for God. But the seed is sown and will bring forth fruit unto salvation. Here is a good place for a tabernacle meeting, for there are honest souls in Tekoa. After we closed this meeting we went to Bro. Franklin’s and cut and hauled wood into Tekoa to get some clothing for the company, also money to pay our traveling expenses for gospel work. Next we went to G. W. Lee’s, four and one half miles northwest from Fairfield and held meeting in the name of the Lord, which resulted in some of the church making an advance for God. Praise the Lord! Here the truth stirred sectarians, preachers and all. Next we went to Spokane (March 4) and worked in the mission and God blessed our labors there, in the salvation of souls and in healing the afflicted. We obeyed James 5:14, 15, and the Lord raised them up. Praise his name! About May 1 we came to the Big Bend and met with the church at Creston, and encouraged them in the name of the Lord. Here the devil brought the La Grippe upon wife and Sister Palmer, but the Lord rebuked the disease and healed them for his name’s sake. To him be all the praise. Next we went to the Washington school-home and held about one week’s meeting with good results. Some hearts were won to the truth. At this writing, we are here in the Almira camp meeting, which was commenced in Jesus name. Here the truth is winning hearts to itself. From here we will go to the camp meeting to be held in Mc Kroskey’s grove. From there, the Lord willing, we will go to a grove meeting to be held in Bro. J. Robertson’s grove, about six miles west and one mile north of Tekoa, beginning July 10, to continue about ten days. We are expecting the Lord to show his power in this meeting in the salvation of souls and healing sickness. Yours saved in him,
O. A. Chapman, Wife, and Co.
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TESTIMONIES.
“Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.” – Psa.119:129.
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Los Angeles, Cal.
Dear Saints in Christ: I praise the Lord that Jesus saves and sanctities me to-day and that through obedience to God he healed me of a very severe cough of five months standing. Praise his holy name! Please pray far my husband that he may be saved. I have one girl and she is saved and sanctified. Yours in the one body,
Mrs. H. Cords
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Colon, Mich.
Dearly Beloved in Christ: I can say that I am saved to the uttermost, free from all sin. Praise God! For one year previous to my coming to Grand Junction on Apr. 10, I was a sinner in the worst degree and thought it impossible for the dear Lord to ever forgive me again, as it seemed that the blood of Jesus could never make me pure again. But, praise God, I am saved, sanctified, and tried as by fire, and increasing and advancing with the advance of God. I will keep on trusting and doing his will day by day. Pray for me that I may be kept humble. Pray also for my unsaved wife. Yours, saved in Jesus’ blood,
D. W. Kryder.
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Andersontown, Md.
Dear Ones in Christ: I am saved and kept by the power of God. Am washed in his blood. He is keeping me with sweet peace in my soul. I have had a wonderful test this last month, but have been getting rich in my soul. I know the Lord has healed me, and also healed my child for which I give him all the glory. I know without a shadow of a doubt that he sanctifies me wholly, and he is all and in all to me. Pray for me that I may become more humble at Jesus feet. You have my prayers. It pays to do much praying, and that is what I do to keep myself enjoying the Lord and his truth. Praise the Lord! Your sister in Christ,
Martha J. Trice.
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Los Angeles, Cal.
Dear Saints of the Living God: I am praising God to-day for salvation full and complete. He saves me just now by two works of grace, and is keeping me from day to day leading me forth from victory to victory. I find at all times his grace is sufficient for me. We have had some hard battles to fight since coming to the coast, but have found it to be just as he said in Isa. 28:6, that he will be strength to him that turns the battle to the gate. Praise his dear name forever! My soul is on the advance for God, decided to press forward and do the work he has called me to do. Pray for me that I may be faithful unto the end. From your sister in Christ,
Emma O. Dansberger.
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Mayfield, Ky.
Dear Brothers and Sisters: I praise God for a complete salvation, one that keeps us amid all the opposing powers of Satan. Two years ago last September I sought the Lord for rest to my weary soul, and when I forsook my wicked ways and confessed my sins, he was faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. When I presented my body to him, a living sacrifice, he gave me the witness that it was accepted; and, glory to his name, I am sanctified wholly and kept from all sin each day by the mighty power of God. He also heals my body when it is afflicted. He is my all and in all. Praise his holy name! God is doing a great work here now. I have been preaching the Word in its purity and souls are coming to the light. Your brother in the one body,
Ira Russel.
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Villas, Ill.
Dear Saints of God: I am so glad I am saved and that I have victory in my soul over sin. Praise the Lord for ever! Oh it is grand to be a soldier and to have on the armor of salvation, and to know a crown we shall wear if we are true to him. If we think we can be humble before the Lord and be haughty or indifferent to our fellow man we are deceived indeed. Love not only worketh no ill to his neighbor, but is a principle of doing good to others. These are trying times; devils of all descriptions seem to be trying with all their power to have victory over the power of God. All true advancement is within the bounds of the Bible. My very soul goes out in sympathy tor poor lost souls as never before. I once stood where I see so many standing to-day. It was then that the world thought that I was doing just right, and I had no trouble on this line. Christ promised the church a fullness of joy. John 15:11. Dear brothers and sisters in the one body of Christ, we are the church. Now let us all raise our voices in praises to God for the fullness of his love, and the hope we have of going to heaven to enjoy that rest that is for the children of God. Oh praise the Lord! Jesus says he will heal our sicknesses, both of soul and body. I am trusting the Lord for everything. I want you all to pray for me, and for my unsaved children.
Laura Goff.
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Stafford, Kan.
Dear Trumpet Readers: As I read of God’s dealing with his people in these last days, I feel to glorify his blessed name by telling what he has done for my poor soul. He has saved me from a life of sin by bringing me down at the feet of sovereign mercy, where the atoning blood could be applied to my sin-hardened heart, which swept my sins far from me and created within me a new heart, and put new songs into my mouth, even praises unto our God. After learning of Father’s will I placed the living sacrifice upon the altar and received the inheritance which enables me to live a life that is hid away with Christ in God. Dear professed people of God, let our mission here below be one that Jesus may be honored and his name exalted in the earth, that his blessed cause may not suffer same and reproach. As we see them falling on the right and on the left, seemingly once bright witnesses for God, now a prey to the enemy of their souls, it causes me to cling tighter to the everlasting rock and plead with Father to sink me deeper into his kingdom of grace, and to undeceive those that are led away captive by the enemy of souls. Some call me fanatic because I have taken Jesus for my all and in all, and say I am a stumbling-block. Praise God, I am willing to be a stumbling-block for the sectarians if it will cause them to stumble over their sectarian walls and come out into the one and only church. Dear ones, I do ask your prayers for this burnt-over place (there are a few sparks). May the burning love of God keep their lights glimmering and may there be a real reformation in the hearts of the dear people. Also pray for me and my dear mother, who is saved, that we may stand on the whole truth and not shun one jot or tittle of Father’s word, which is the power of God unto salvation to every believing heart. As we are deprived of meeting with God’s little ones in praise to him, we can praise and serve him at our little consecrated home at the same time. Our souls are being burdened with heart-felt love and sympathy for poor suffering humanity. I long to be doing more for my dear savior who has done so much for me. All honor and glory and praise belong to him. Your sister, saved, sanctified, and kept by divine power,
Hattie Allen.
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OBITUARIES.
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HOLSAPPLE: Bro Samuel J. Holsapple was born Feb. 27, 1855; died May 25 1896; aged 41 yrs. 2 mo 28 das. Bro. Holsapple leaves a companion and four children. He found the Lord his salvation about seven years ago. His suffering lingered for several months. We visited him a few days before his death and he testified that he was saved and felt that all was right. All that knew him feel the loss of one whose kindness caused them to love him. May the prayers of the saints go up for Sister Holsapple and the children. We know that God protects the widow and the fatherless. Text, John 6: 39. Funeral conducted by
H. C. Wickersham.
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YOCUM. — Sister Delia Gordon Yocum, born in Hillsdale Co., Mich., June 16, 1855; died near Primrose, Williams Co., Ohio, May 31, 1896; aged 40 yrs. 11 mos. 15 das. She was married to Bro. A. D. Yocum at the age of twenty-seven, with whom she lived fourteen years. She leaves her husband and one little son, father and mother, and many other relatives and friends to mourn their loss. I understand that from the time Sister Delia was saved and in the evening light she has lived an earnest devoted life, often endangering her own health to do good to others, and has done all she possibly could for the cause of Christ. She was resigned to the will of God and has gone home to rest where there is no pain, no grief, nor disappointments, but all is happiness. May the Lord comfort and bless the bereaved ones and help them to stand steadfast unto the end. Then they will meet to part no more, over on the other shore. Services by
D. L. Fidler.
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DIVINE HEALING.
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FAITH-HEALING.
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I’m healed by faith in Jesus’ name
And by his virt’ous pow’r,
Just now his promise, sure, I claim.
I’m well this very hour.
Cho. — He heals me now by faith and prayer,
From sickness and from sins:
He came our load of grief to bear,
And thus new life begins.
I’m healed by faith, it must be so
For God is on his throne
And I’ve obeyed his word I know,
And now the work is done.
I’m healed by faith, without a doubt.
How can it be more sure?
By living trust my feelings shout.
’Tis done — the mighty cure.
I’m healed by faith, oh Lord, in thee
“Who giveth life and breath;”
And now from sickness, sin. — I’m free,
Saved from the throes of death.
I’m healed by faith and while I trust.
My pains are truly gone.
I will believe, — oh Lord. I must —
And sing the victor’s song.
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.”
On soul and body here,
My life and health he doth bestow:
Why should I doubt or fear?
— B. E. Warren.
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Why are there Failures?
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THE question is often asked, “If the Lord is our physician now as in olden times, why are not people always healed when prayer is offered?” Now there are various reasons of this. One thing sure, the Lord is not in fault. It is not because he is not willing to heal, nor because he has lost any of his power, for he is yet the same Jesus who is touched by our infirmities. Now in the first place, James says, that some do not receive answers to their prayers because they “ask amiss.” If people are sick and desire to be healed, just to spend their strength for something contrary to the will of God, or in other words, to consume it upon their lusts God is not apt to pay much attention to their prayers, because they ask amiss, not meeting the conditions of his word.
In order to receive anything from the hand of the Lord, in answer to prayer, we should have a willing heart to do whatsoever he requires and obey his Word. In James 5:16 we read, “Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another that ye may be healed.” Here you see a confession of your faults is required. And what is the effect of prayer when offered thereafter? It says, “The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much.” And what are the faults that are to be confessed? Is it every little mistake that has been made during the past? This has reference to what has brought about the sickness. Or perhaps spiritual trouble that has hindered the faith from accepting the promises. A person may overtax the body by work, or in some unwise way expose themselves and thereby bring on sickness. Whatever it is, if necessary, confess to the elders. It is not always necessary to confess every little thing to the elders, but if something stands in the way of healing, such is the fault to be confessed. And as the elders obey verses 14, 15, the sick will be healed and the fault, if a sin, will be forgiven. Again, people will not receive healing unless they believe that God is able to heal and that it is his will to heal them.
Some believe that God is able and that it is his will to heal, yet they always set the time of healing in the future. The future healing, as long as it is considered future, is of no more benefit to a person than future salvation. What we want is present work. Jesus used to tell the people, “According to your faith so be it unto you.” “As thou hast believed.” etc. Where a person has his right mind, the Lord requires faith on his part, and when that faith becomes unwavering the work will be done. Where a person is so sick that he has not the use of his mind then it depends upon the faith of the elders and those who send for them. We read in Mat. 17:14, of a certain man who came to Jesus in behalf of his son who was a lunatic and possessed with the devil. Jesus rebuked the devil and he departed
out of him and the child was cured from that very hour. He had brought him to the disciples but they failed to cast out the devil, and after the child was made well the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast him out, and he said, “Because! of your unbelief.” Now where a person has no use of his mind whatever, he cannot exercise faith and yet the work can be hindered through unbelief of the parties who do the praying. But in the very same verse where Jesus spoke of the unbelief he says, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain. Remove hence to yonder place: and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Then where there is a failure it is because the conditions have not been met or because of unbelief.
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How to Win Souls for Jesus.
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THIS question, “How can we be more useful for the Lord in winning souls for Jesus?” we can hear on every hand; and as, according to the Word of God, we know that we are standing on the very brink of eternity, it behooves us to be as useful instruments in the hands of God as possible to lead dear souls to the cleansing fountain. Much is also said about the qualifications necessary to be successful, but many times we can see, and it proves to be so, that many that claim to be out winning souls for Jesus are more interested in winning them to their organization than to Jesus. Others have not the Bible qualifications, and of course have no success. O, dearly beloved, it truly behooves us to be fully qualified in order to have success.
THE BIBLE QUALIFICATIONS.
Now let us notice some of the Bible qualifications. David says: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” — Psa. 51:12, 13 See also 2 Tim. 2:6. We must first have the joys of salvation in our own hearts, or, as Paul says, “be partakers of the fruits.” Dear reader, you that say, as we often hear, “I am trying to work for Jesus and souls,” are you in possession of salvation? If not, then you are not in a condition to teach others; for how can we teach sinners to come to Jesus who is able to take away the burden of sin, if we ourselves are still groaning under the same burden? Or, how can we teach others that Jesus can keep from sin, when we ourselves are continually overcome by sin? Would not we be told to first get that salvation ourselves? May the dear Lord help us to see that we must have a Bible salvation first before we can teach it to others.
UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF SOULS.
Now the next requisite for success is to understand the real value of a soul. Many times prayers are asked in order to be more useful in laboring with souls, and I myself have many times prayed for the same, and the Lord has shown me to pray for a more complete understanding of the value of a soul. The more we understand what a soul is worth, the more earnestly we will labor, and the more the Lord can use us. And as we come to better realize this value we will labor more carefully to rescue souls from eternal destruction. O may God help every one of his children to count a soul as valuable as God does! Let us see what God says about the worth of a soul. “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a than give in exchange for his soul?” — Mark 8:36, 37. If the worth of souls were better realized, it would bring more carefulness in teaching and laboring with dear people. When the dear Lord showed me this point, I could do nothing but cry out, “Lord, help me in every word I say.”
Truly, dear brethren, we that are called to the ministry are in a responsible position. God help us every moment to understand it. The way we teach a soul may seal its doom for eternity. I do praise the dear Lord that when he showed me this it brought me into a closer walk with God, and more carefulness in talking before sinners and giving instruction to dear ones. I have learned this, before getting up to preach or talking to a soul or giving instruction, to look and cry earnestly to God for wisdom. We hear on every hand something spoken about making advancement. Here we have a good chance. In 1 Cor. 2:1-5, Paul says that he was with them in fear and much trembling. Not because he was afraid of them or had a man-pleasing or a man-fearing spirit; but that their faith might be grounded on God’s word and not on man’s wisdom. Paul surely realized the value of souls that he was dealing with, and that his preaching would either be to their salvation if based on God’s word, or to their destruction if founded on man’s wisdom.
HOW LEAD THEM TO CHRIST?
Now let us see the way by which to lead souls to Jesus. In John 6:44, we read, “No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” Again, Jesus says, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” — John 12:32. From these scriptures we see plainly that God draws souls; and in Jeremiah God says he draws them with lovingkindness. “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” — Jer. 31:3. And, as Paul says we are laborers together with God (1 Cor. 3:9), we must work in the same way, and be filled with God’s holy love toward souls before we can labor together with God. And as Jesus says, “without me ye can do nothing” (Jno. 15:5), so all our work will be in vain unless our souls are filled with God’s holy love. It is our glorious privilege to have enough of this love in us that we do not need to tell death-bed stories in order to awaken people; but when we deliver the message of God it will be accompanied with the melting love of Jesus that will melt hearts down and make them to realize that we love them; and truly, God’s word accompanied by God’s love to souls, will not return void. Isa. 55:11.
Now dear ones, if we see that our preaching has not the effect it ought to have, let us sink down before God and get more of God’s holy melting love in us, because love is the underlying foundation of success in laboring with souls. Jesus at a certain time when he came near Jerusalem wept over their lost condition. Luke 19:41. I have felt sad that so many times dear souls have been driven farther away from God and the truth by speaking and using light language, and sometimes even making fun of people. May God help all his dear children to show nothing but love to the dear people that are in darkness and sectism. If they do not see their error right away, do not say that they will not see, but labor with them in love until they plainly show that they will not accept the Word.
THE DISCIPLES AS EXAMPLES.
Let us notice the disciples before Pentecost. On one occasion when the Samaritans would not receive Jesus into their village, James and John said, “Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them?” But Jesus rebuked them. Luke 9:49-56. Now we find the same to-day; if souls do not accept the light in a short time, in perhaps a three or four weeks meeting, a sermon on Babylon or Sects is preached in such a way that it drives souls only farther away from the truth. How can we expect souls to see the light on sectism in a few weeks when it took some of us perhaps years to see it? Then if some one comes again to that place, he finds people so prejudiced that they will not come out to meeting. Without a doubt, if Jesus were on earth to-day he would rebuke many, as he did his disciples. Now I don’t want it understood that I do not believe In preaching against sectism; but I am afraid that too many messages on sectism are given without the leadings of God. For if God leads to give a message on it, it will benefit some one.
Let us notice the disciples after they received the Holy Spirit, which shed the love of God abroad in their hearts. Souls were melted down through the preaching of the Word (Acts 2:37), and we never find another record of asking permission to call fire from heaven to destroy. Now see Phil. 3:18. Rom. 9:1-3.
THIS LOVE NEEDED IN THE PRESENT REFORMATION.
Now dear ones whom the Lord has sent to preach the gospel, are we like Paul in speaking of the condition of souls, and would we willingly lay even our lives down or be separated from Christ if souls could be saved by it? Dear ones, such a love for souls is needed in our present reformation, and this love will also enable us like Paul to declare the whole counsel of God. Acts 20:27. True love to a soul will not cover or daub things over, but will like God lay judgment to the line and show people their true condition. This man-fearing spirit, of not telling souls their lost condition is sinking many of them to hell. O may God awaken all his dear children, and grant an eternal trueness to souls!
We find that Jesus talked plain to people. Also, Paul told Timothy to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” — 2 Tim. 4:2. Again God says, “Cry aloud and spare not; lift up thy voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgessions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” — Isa. 58. Again God gives an earnest warning to the ministry: “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” —Jer. 48:10. Now can we say like Paul, that we are willing to spend and to be spent for dear souls, “though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved?” — 2 Cor. 12:15. Dear ones, we must have this love in order to be qualified for the apostolic ministry; and then if we deliver the message given by God it will be effectual.
Among the sect ministry of to-day in general (of course there are exceptions) they go where they get the most money and have the most comfortable life. Last summer I met with a preacher who said his congregation could not pay him any more and so he looked for a better location. But dear ones, this can and must not be among God’s ministers; and if there have been some looking for the most comfortable places, and where money could be expected, God help us to see that that is not right, but we must be just as willing to go to a place where the people are poor and nothing but hardships await us. May God grant each one of his children his real melting pure love, and much heavenly wisdom in winning souls; for “he that winneth souls is wise.” — Prov. 11:30. Yours in the love of Christ,
Geo. Vielguth.
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TESTIMONY.
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Celina, Ohio.
Dear Saints of God: I am praising God for the healing of my body. I was sick fifteen years and nigh unto death. One year ago I heard of the saints and of such wonderful faith in the healing power of God. I sent for the elders and they prayed for me, and in three hours the pains left me. To-day I am well able to do my own work. I am fifty-five years old. To God be all the praise for the healing of my body. I am saved, sanctified, and trusting God for all things.
E. Gallihugh.
ADVANCEMENT
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Rejoice Evermore.
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“REJOICE evermore; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thes. 5:16-18.
Dearly beloved, God desires that his people should be joyful and happy, filled with glory and praises. The Psalmist says, “Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud upon their beds; let the high praises of God be in their mouth,” etc. The Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of Mt. Zion and upon her assemblies a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For upon all the glory shall be a defence.” Again, I will be a wall of fire round about, and the glory in the midst.” “The Lord will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
God’s people have the real glory which is God himself living and reigning in their souls, which is a defence that the enemy cannot muster forces enough to overthrow. In these last days it is the devil’s business to tempt and try the people of God to the very extent of his power, and do all he possibly can to discourage and accuse them. Right at the present time he is mustering all his forces by way of accusations and discouragements. No doubt every saint of God realizes the awful extent of his trying power. But thank God, the promise is, “We shall not be tempted above that we are able, but with every temptation he will make a way of escape, that we may be able to bear it.” “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” “The trial of your faith is more precious than gold.” “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers us out of them all.” “These light afflictions which endure for a moment work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” Thank God for the precious promises so sure and steadfast.
It is the glorious privilege of all the children of God to have an experience which will enable them to “glory in tribulation, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks.” And in the midst of the most trying temptations to “count it all joy.” There are so many “spasmotic Christians,” or, as one has said, “barometer Christians;” so easily influenced by outward elements or surroundings. When everything is cheerful and pleasant they are full of faith, joy, and good cheer; but in time of temptation and trial, when everything looks dark and discouraging they are downcast, cheerless, discouraged, and despondent. Oh dear ones, there is a better experience for all; an experience wherein we can say like Paul, “None of these things move me.” Yea, wherein we can truly reckon that “all things work together for good.”
The “joy of the Lord” which is our strength is not a mere occasional blessing which comes and goes like a summer shower; but, as the Psalmist says, “the glory of the Lord endures forever.” “For your shame ye shall have double, and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land shall they possess the double. Everlasting joy shall be unto them.” — Isa. 61:7. “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” — Isa. 35:10.
When we remember how much Jesus has suffered for us, and what he is still doing for us, we ought never to allow the devil to discourage us. We should never murmur or complain of trials, troubles, or dark seasons. Yea, we ought to rejoice that we are counted worthy to puffer for Jesus. The promise to us is, “The waters shall not overflow thee, nor the flame kindle upon thee. May God help us to resist the devil steadfastly in the faith. The way to keep victory over the devil is to keep full of the glory and praises of God. For, if the devil can succeed in cutting off our supply of joy, we will be shorn of our strength and our souls be subjected to his buffeting. Let us rejoice in the Lord. And again I say, Rejoice. Amen.
W. J. Henry.