12 March 1896, Volume 16, Number 11.
THE POTTER’S HAND.
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To the potter’s house I went one day.
And watched him while moulding a vessel of clay,
And many a wonderful lesson I drew.
As I noticed the process the clay went through.
Trampled and broken, trodden and rolled,
To render it plastic and fit for the mould;
How like to clay, is human, I thought,
When in heavenly hands to perfection ’tis brought.
For self must be cast as the dust at his feet,
Before it ready for service, made meet;
And pride must be broken, self-will must be lost.
And laid on the altar, whatever the cost.
But lo! by and by a delicate vase,
Of wonderful beauty and exquisite grace:
Was it once the vile clay? oh yes, yet how strange,
The potter has wrought so marv’lous a change!
Not a trace of earth nor mark of the clay,
The fire of the furnace has burned them away,
Wondrous skill of the potter, the praise is his due,
In whose hands to perfection and beauty it grew.
Thus souls lying still, content in God’s hand,
That do not his power of working withstand.
They are moulded and fitted, a treasure to hold,
Vile clay now transformed into purest of gold.
— Selected by Jennie Walker.
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Saint.
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THROUGH the ignorance of sectish reign, people have degenerated so far from the standard of perfect truth that few comprehend their privileges in reference to a life as taught by the word of God. Thousands there are who have such a horror for purity that the name “saint” coming before their polluted vision, causes them to shrink from such a reality, that causes so great a contrast between their wretched existence and the pure love of Christ. Professors of religion become very suspicious upon hearing that “the saints are coming.”
We have for so long a time been taught that there are no saints outside the realm of disembodied spirits; most all have believed it a fact, as we have been taught, all who dwell on earth are sinners. But we shall by examining the Word determine whether or not all saints are in heaven; and pray that the mouth of every God-dishonoring and saint-despising sectarian may be stopped by the Word that Jesus threw at the devil many years ago. Matt 4:4.
A saint is a holy or a godly person; there are but two classes in existence, saints and sinners. All who are not saints are sinners, and to be sure are of the devil. 1 Jno. 3:8. All who are not sinners are saints, 1 Jno. 3:9; 5:18, and belong to Christ. Col. 1:26. That there are saints in heaven is generally conceded; but that there are such on earth is generally denied.
The Lord says, “But to the saints that are in the earth.” — Ps. 16:3. Could he have been mistaken? “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.” — Phil. 4:21. Did those Philippians have to go to the unseen to obey that command? They were to salute those in Christ, and such are free from sin. 1 Jno. 3:6. Hence not being sinners, they were surely saints. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” — Ps. 116:15. Do saints die after they get to heaven? if not, then there are saints on earth. “Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.” — Ps. 149:5. Do saints go to bed in heaven? if not, there must be some here below. It is said that Romanism wore out the saints of the Most High. Dan. 7:25. Was Roman Catholicism ever admitted into the celestial city above? if not, there are some saints outside of the spirit world. Was Paul in heaven before he was converted? Acts 9:13. In what latitude in heaven was Lydda located? 9:32. Did Peter call the saints and widows from heaven to witness the scene when Tabitha raised from the dead? 9:41. Did Saul lay hold of disembodied spirits and cast them into prison? 26:10. Are we commanded to look after the necessity of departed spirits, who have entered an eternal rest? Rom. 12:13. When Paul said, “I go to Jerusalem to minister unto the saints,” Rom. 15:25, did he mean he was then going to heaven? And thus it would be if no saints dwell on earth. Are there any poor saints in heaven? Rom. 15:26. There were saints with Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas. Rom. 16:15. Where were they? in heaven or on earth? ’Tis true sectarian preachers are great for taking up collections; but will we take collections for saints in heaven? 1 Cor. 16:1. Sectish spirits hate the idea of feet washing in the church of God here; but if as they say there are no saints on earth, then they will be troubled with such an ordinance in heaven. 1 Tim. 5:10. All saint haters have no part in the kingdom of God, for the saints take the kingdom and possess it. Dan. 7:18, 22. This kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, Rom. 14:17, and is ours forever and ever. Praise the Lord!
Thou king of saints, unto thee we bow, until thou comest to be glorified in thy saints, 2 Thess. 1:10, and reward them with immortal glory. Let all the saints shout aloud for joy. Ps. 132:16. Amen.
W. A. Haynes.
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Put on the Whole Armor.
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“PUT on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” — Eph. 6:11. Yea, cast off the works of darkness. Rom. 13:12. Truly the time has come that the deceptions are so great that nothing but the whole armor will suffice to escape the craftiness of the devil. Certainly there is almost everything that could be imagined to draw and entice the dear ones from the Lord. If the devil can only succeed in getting our minds drawn from the Lord and set upon something of this world though it may be a very little thing, he will continue to work his deception from one thing to another till he gets the soul perfectly stupified. But oh, my brethren, let us be sure that we are divested of every worldly element, yea, every worldly thought and exalted feeling, yea, every desire to seek our own comfort, yea, all carefulness or anxiety in anything that would hinder our progress or our moving at every impulse of his will. That we have nothing but the glory of God in view; having the loins of our mind girt about (1 Pet. 1:13. Eph. 6:14) and be stayed only in God.
Let us have the real love of God. It is a safeguard in all persecutions or trials we may have to endure, it makes us gentle, kind and loving; yea pitiful. tenderhearted. It makes us to rejoice at the prosperity or honor of others; yea, it envieth not, is not rash or hasty, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own (but the welfare of others), is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 1 Cor. 13. Truly it is an enduring substance.
We must have a fixed determination of soul, with an eternal trueness to God, irrespective of circumstances, yea, settle down on the Word with a settled state of mind to take God at his word, not only to believe but to practice it. In the depths of humility there is great confidence. Let us all get where we can take God at his word, where we can exercise perfect confidence in him, and the power of God will be greatly manifested with signs following.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” If we make him our confidence, he will fight our battles for us, and in the midst of severest trials he will be as a light in darkness. (Isa. 58:10). He will guide us through the storms of life and satisfy our souls with good. Cast thy buren on him; make him thy strength; have no confidence in the flesh, (Phil. 3:3), but lean upon thy God; trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass. Psa. 37-5. Certainly he has the same power he had when he opened the eyes of the blind, and fed the multitudes.
Oh have faith in God! Put on the helmet of salvation; be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 1:13. Yea, let us live every moment in full expectation of eternal glory. Put on the whole armor, which is powerful in God to the pulling down of the strongholds of Satan, casting down imaginations, and everything that exalteth itself against the Lord, and bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5.
Though the Word has shook Satan’s strongholds, and is casting them down, there is a very great work to do yet, and a great battle to be fought, and a much greater depth in God needs to be reached, yea, much humility, faith, and power. Your saved brother,
B N. Longerbone.
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Faith.
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“BELOVED, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” — Jude 3.
ONE FAITH.
There are many “faiths” (so called) in the world to day, for which the people are contending; but God’s word teaches but “one faith” (Eph. 4-5.), the one which Christ delivered unto the saints, which is the faith of the gospel. Phil. 1:27. Knowing this is the only true faith, God wants us to utterly ignore all others and earnestly contend for it. Be willing to sacrifice and lay down our lives for it. In the beginning of this dispensation, the saints suffered the worst tortures that could be inflicted upon humanity, yea, met death at the rack, amphitheater, chopping-block and stake because of this faith. They were in earnest. They sacrificed all for it. So must we, brethren.
In order to reach the apostolic plane of faith and power, we must be in earnest. A decided, eternal stand must be taken upon the whole truth. The devil must be resisted, and the works of darkness more furiously assaulted. O God, awaken thy people everywhere! Perfect confidence must exist, so that the work of faith be not hindered. Yea, all must come right in the unity of the faith (Eph. 4:11-14.), “striving together.” Through this faith in the name of Jesus, the blind see, the lame walk, the dumb speak; devils tremble and come out of people. Through it the martyrs triumphed in the flames. It gives power over the “beast,” the world, sin, hell and the grave. O hallelujah!
Dear reader, have you this faith? If not, seek it. Give up all for it. Deny yourself, humble yourself, fast and pray for it. Square your life to the word of God on every line. “Dig deep.” Don’t stop until you are sure you have struck the rock. It pays. Take a stand on the whole truth; believe it; obey it; act upon it. It is sure, and forever settled in heaven. Psa. 1 19, 89. It will never pass away. Luke 21:33.
FAITH DEFINED.
“Now faith is substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen;” — Heb. 11:1. But some people think that faith is like a phantom. Also, that it takes a great deal of struggling and agonizing to believe God; but dear ones, it is not so. Faith is a reality, a substance. When we get the “word of faith” in us, it is easy to believe God. True, we must do much praying and importuning so that our faith will be effectual; but the effectual fervent prayer availeth much. When we ask God for anything that is according to his will and for his glory, we take the promises, stand on them, and believe them until they become a reality in us. Then we have the very substance and evidence of the things we asked for. We may not receive them for some time afterwards, but if we resist the devil, keep up the shield of faith, God will fulfill his word in his own time. Praise God! The centurian told Jesus to “speak the word only.”
Faith is believing the Word and acting an it. One time Peter and some others went a fishing. They toiled hard all night long and could not catch anything. In the morning Jesus entered the ship and told them to cast down the net on the other side. Everything looked discouraging. No doubt it really looked to Peter as if there wasn’t a fish for miles around. He told the Lord how discouraging it looked, but still obeyed him, saying, “Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” And as a result, they caught such a draught of fishes that the net brake. Luke 5:2-5. Jno. 21:3-6.
Brethren, here is the secret of faith: “At thy word I will.” “Speak the word only.” Many of us have been fishing around and never caught much. I confess it has been so with me. But God is settling me into the truth, and teaching me his sweet will. I have had more theory in time past on these points than experience. O brethren, God has awakened my soul! We must have the experience. It pays to “dig” till we get it. Some probably have been fishing on the wrong side, looking at symptoms, feelings, etc., instead of the Word. Remember the Word is everything. Regardless of feelings, circumstances, etc., obey it, stand on it, believe it; it is sure. Abraham “staggered not at the promises of God through unbelief,” “but against hope believed in hope.”
It does not all depend on the large amount of faith we have, but on the quality. If we have but a little of the genuine, “precious,” “most holy faith” (Read Heb. 12:3. 2 Pet. 1:1. Jude 20.), Jesus says, nothing shall be impossible unto us. Matt. 17:20. Of course our faith can be increased (Luke 17:5), yea, and “grow exceedingly.” 2 Thess. 1:3. A great many are continually praying God to increase their faith; but they do not exercise and use what faith they have. Now God will never increase our faith until we use what we have. Your vegetables will not amount to anything unless you cultivate them. Just so with faith. We must cultivate what
faith God has given us by putting it in practice. By constant use and exercise our faith grows and is increased. When you are upon your knees praying God to increase your faith and believing he does it, God witnesses to your soul that he answers your prayer. Then probably he will permit a heavy trial to come upon you, and give you room to exercise your faith, and thus you receive the increase you desired. Read 1 Pet. 1:7. Do not wait for big things. Exercise faith on the little things, and then you will keep advancing and finally, as Father Abraham, “be strong in faith.”
H. M. Riggle.
(To be continued.)
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TESTIMONIES.
“Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.” – Psa. 119:129.
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North Middletown, Ky.
Dear Saints: I wish to tell to the dear ones what the blessed Lord has done for me and my dear family. He has saved us and also healed our bodies. Praise his dear name! It was in May, 1895, when we first heard the true Word preached, and the devil tried to make me believe it was for every one but me. But I just went down on my knees in earnest prayer to God, and he did hear my cry and delivered me out of all my troubles. I cannot tell how happy I was when God spoke peace to my soul. In a few weeks after, God saved my dear husband and the devil tempted us by afflicting our little boy. There were eight or ten boils came on him at once; besides he had something like scarlet fever. We just obeyed the Word according to James 5 and claimed the promise, and God healed him immediately. To him be all the glory. I cannot praise God enough for his rich blessings. I want the prayers of all God’s little ones that we will stand true to the end and be more useful in the hands of the Lord. Your brother and sister in the one body,
R. O. and Mollie Wells.
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Anthony, Kan.
Dear Children of God: I can testify to day that I am on the Lord’s side, with victory in my soul over all sin. I do realize a deeper decision against Satan and for the truth regardless of the cost, than I have had. I have quit looking back to what happened, and to the future as to what might happen, and am just trusting God moment by moment; and as long as I do the trusting he will do the keeping.
At the Winfield C. M. 1894, the Lord did bestow upon me the precious gift of faith, but only for a short time was it used to the glory of God. For the enemy came in unawares over it with a lifted up spirit and caused me to do many things not in harmony with the Word. Finally division sprang up, but I did not think it was in me. But I got so I could not hold victory sometimes two hours. I got so far that when I would read the testimony of God’s people how long they had been saved and kept, I didn’t believe it, for I couldn’t stand two hours. I thought they would profess over things I would fall over, and I did falsly accuse you all; and in Jesus’ name I do humbly ask you all to forgive me. I know God has, and all the past is under the blood. Bless the Lord! I have found out that by continual looking to God in prayer we can keep clear. Your sister in the one body,
Laura Shroyer.
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THURSDAY. MAR. 12, 1896.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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W. G. Schell. Geo. E. Bolds. Mrs. E Sparks, Sarah M. Cleveland, C. E. Craig. Mary B. Shriver. J. L. Green, Wm. Yates, Sarah L. Freed, Geo. Vielguth. Mary D. Eyler, August Kloss, J. R. Walters, O. A. Chapman.
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Some brethren have sent us notice for publication concerning tabernacles, but failed to give any address, and as there are many places where tabernacles are needed, perhaps a better way for those who desire to help spread the gospel and put a large number of tabernacles at work for God would be to send money to us, stating where they prefer to have it used, as there are tabernacles wanted in different parts of the country. We will send receipt for same and see that money is properly applied as the Lord may direct.
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WHO WILL HELP TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL?
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The pure gospel must speedily be spread in all parts of the world. While every one cannot go forth and preach, yet by your prayers and means you can help push the battle and send the truth in every direction. For sometime we have felt led to send papers to every part of the United States by sending a roll of papers to each postoffice, especially among the smaller offices, to be distributed by the postmaster, or some one else, and thereby reach almost every nook and corner in the United States. In order to send one roll to each place it would require over one million papers, requiring over thirty tons of paper. The paper alone costing about two thousand dollars, postage over six hundred dollars, besides the expenses of printing, which would amount to quite an additional expense.
There is a bill in congress at present time, which if carried will be disastrous to publishers throughout the land, and will prevent any publisher sending out sample copies, or any matter of the kind for free distribution as second class matter. If this bill carries it will take effect on July 1, 1896. While on the one hand it would stop the sending out of the pure gospel so abundantly as cheap as usual, yet it would also stop thousands of publications that are being sent forth which contain only spurious reading matter, which are detrimental to all who read them. However, let us all pray that God may have his way, and in the mean time even should the bill carry, if God’s children at once do their duty and send in means to go at it at once, before it takes effect we can have copies of the paper in every part of the United States. But the King’s business demands haste, as it will take a month, running night and day to print out the proper amount of papers. We will push this work of free literature just as fast as the Lord provides the means for that purpose. If any one feels led of the Lord to help on this line you can set your means to preaching the gospel immediately.
We do not insert this notice to beg money, but to give a privilege to help to preach the gospel.
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Requests For Prayer.
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Nancy Hall, Willow Springs. — Entire sanctification.
Mrs. E. R. Rhodes, Pierce City. — Healing of left lung.
Edward Hepburn, Starburg. — Healing of bodily afflictions. March 15.
Pray for my bodily healing, March 15. Mrs. Mary E. Long, Ohio Falls.
Mrs. A. A. Messinger, Live Oak. — Sanctification and healing of rheumatism.
I have been almost an invalid for six years. Pray for my healing. Mary J. Turner.
Pray March 15 that I may be healed of ulcers of the worst kind. Mrs. D. D. Terry, Rolla.
Sister Nellie Graham, Pittsburg. — Healing of catarrh in head; also salvation of her son. Pray March 15.
Mrs. Anna McHune, Hutchinson. — Healing of a pain in the head, from which I suffer most of the time.
J. M. Bradford, Carterville. — Pray that the appetite of tobacco be removed, and that I be saved from all sin.
Please pray for our little son Paul, who became ruptured some two years age by falling on a picket fence. Your saved brother and sister, Robert and Caroline Monteith, Burrows.
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Calls For Meeting.
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Maggie Cole, Hartshorn. I. T.
B. M. Luce, Fife, Goochland Co., Va.
Hartsells. Ala. Address John Shaneyfelt.
Address Mrs. Mary Cady, Oxford, N. Y.
J. W. Wilson, Blackford, Webster Co., Ky. — A preacher wanted who has gifts of healing.
We need some one chosen of God to help us here in the work. C. Clark. Almeria, Loup Co., Neb.
We want some one to come here and hold meetings. Melissa Nation, New City, Sangamon Co., Ill.
We desire some of God’s ministers to hold a meeting here; it is a new place. We live four miles east of Arab, Marshall Co., Ala. W. J. and Mollie Eubanks.
There are some at this place who want to be baptized; if any true minister of God can come to this place, please do so. W. E. Willams, Glascow, Rhea Co., Tenn.
A hall has been offered for the purpose of holding meeting here by the saints Who feels led of the Lord to correspond with me in regard to the matter? Tillord Boding. Canton, Washington Co., Ind.
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A CARD OF THANKS.
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Burkett, Ind., March 3.
Dear and Beloved Saints of the Most High God: I wish to say with gladness of soul, that God has provided enough means to get the tabernacle called for, through the kindness of his dear little ones. We will order to day, and hold our first meeting May 27.
Dear brethren, please accept many thanks for your remembrance of us and willingness to spread the truth. We remain your brethren all the Lord’s,
S. L. Speck and
C. B. Morton.
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BAPTISM.
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No subject has given rise to more controversy than that of baptism. Men have debated it with much warmth of feeling, all of which results from a misapprehension of the word “baptism” and its design. When the D. D.’s come to the word “baptism” in the Word, they not having a scriptural knowledge, apply to the popular dictionaries for the meaning of the word “baptism,” and they find that it means a sacrament; when if they would go to God in humble prayer and get a real experience of salvation in their hearts, and ask God for knowledge to understand his word, they would find that baptism is not a sacrament as some explain; but an ordinance of the church of Christ, to be administered only to believers.
Methodists attach very little importance to baptism, and call it a non-essential, as though God would command his followers to do a thing and then tell them they need not do it unless it meets with their approbation. Then they say again that Christ could not have been baptized by John but to initiate him into his priestly office. This is a great mistake, and shows their blindness. Christ was baptized for an example for us to follow, and not to be initiated into his priestly, office at all. For he did not come of the Levitical priesthood, but was made a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec, without beginning of days or ending of life, and hath an unchangeable priesthood. Heb. 7:24.
Again it is said that “immersion is not baptism, neither is baptism immersion, but the word baptism means a sacrament,” and according to their definition, John was sent to administer a sacrament, and not to baptize at all. Baptism means an act performed. Just how John performed that act, is what seems to be the trouble with sectarians. Now the best way to settle a Bible question is to let the Bible settle it. The Word says there is but one baptism (Eph. 4:5), and in Col. 2:12, it says, “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” This scripture very clearly represents a burial and resurrection, and should satisfy the minds of every one as to the manner in which the act of baptism was performed by John the Baptist. The Lord help people everywhere to search his word and see the true and only way to heaven.
J. L. Whitlock.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
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Please explain Luke 14:26. Who are the father, mother, wife, children, and so on, that we must hate?
The word “hate” in this chapter is figurative language, and is used to render the truth meant to be conveyed in it more striking and impressive. Matt. 10:37 expresses the literal meaning of this passage, when he says, “Loves his father and mother more than me.” There are other places in the Bible where we find the word used in a similar way. In Prov. 13:24 we read. “He that spareth his rod hateth his son.” So when we read that we should hate father, mother, wife, children, etc. the meaning is, we should love them less than Jesus.
H. C. W.
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Please explain why the eleven apostles ordained another apostle to fill the office of Judas? Was that man’s work, or was it the will of the Lord? Did not the Lord choose the apostle Paul to fill the place of Judas?
The apostles did this in obedience to the word of God, hence it was the Lord’s will. See Acts 1:15-21. Psa. 109:8. Their manner of selecting Matthias is really foreign to the Spirit of the New Testament, but the Holy Ghost dispensation had not been ushered in at that time. They never cast lots after the day of Pentecost, but the Holy Spirit appointed the officers. Acts 13:2. 20:28.
Paul was not intended as one of the twelve apostles to the Jews; he was the apostle to the Gentiles. Rom. 11:13. 15:16. Gal. 1:16. 2:2, 7-9. Eph. 3:8. 1 Tim. 2:7. 2 Tim. 1:11.
Please explain Eph. 4:26; “Be ye angry and sin not.” Can we be angry and sin not?
If the reader will turn to the chapter cited above, he will observe in verse 22, that the apostle commands the Ephesians to put off the old man; in verse 28, he tells them to put away anger, etc. These expressions are abundant proof that the Ephesian brethren had not yet attained unto sanctification.
So you see the words of the above text were addressed to those who had not advanced any further in the grace of God than justification. As carnality was still in the Ephesians, they would, of course, as all other unsanctified people do, sometimes feel a stir of anger in their hearts.
Some have placed upon this text the construction that the effect of the word “not” covers both the “sin” and “be ye angry;” that is, “Be ye angry and sin, NOT,” or, Do not sin nor be angry. But such is a wrong construction. The rest of the verse, “let not the sun go down upon your wrath,” helps us to understand what the apostle meant; that while they were angry they should not sin, neither should they let the sun go down upon their wrath. This latter part of the verse is inconsistent with the idea that they were not to have any anger nor wrath at all.
The apostle tells them to be angry and sin not; that is, when angry hold perfect victory through prayer and faith, and not suffer themselves to think, speak or do anything contrary to God’s word. In this way they would be angry and sin not. The Emphatic Diaglott renders it, “When angry, do not sin.”
But let it be remembered, that such is only true of the justified. In the sanctified there is not a stir of anger.
W. G. S.
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When is the blood of the atonement applied to the heart? Is it in the washing of regeneration, or the renewing of the Holy Ghost? In justification or in sanctification?
There is but one sacrifice for sin, which has been offered but once, and has atoned for sin; through which by faith we are —
JUSTIFIED. Rom. 3:24. Eph. 1:7. Col. 1:14.
And SANCTIFIED. Heb. 9:11-14. 10:10, 19. 1 Jno. 1:7, — But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Is swine’s flesh forbidden under the grace dispensation?
No. 1 Tim. 4:4, 5. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
God’s people have no right in this dispensation to eat that which they know to be injurious to the body, and should use sanctified judgment as to the use of certain articles of food. If the various kinds of meat forbidden under the law were thus forbidden and considered unclean for sanitary reasons, then there is no reason why such meats should not be considered unclean to day from the same standpoint, and many of God’s people to day look upon this subject in this way. But we are instructed that all the obligations of the law of Moses in this matter are removed and we are free to eat that which is sanctified by the word of God and prayer, to them which believe and know the truth. But we could net under ordinary circumstances ask God’s blessings upon such meats as we know to be unfit for food. Pork fed from the slaughter houses of our cities cannot be considered healthful, while that which is fed upon grain and grass can be used in proper quantities, as any other meat. Yet because of its fatty properties it is not so healthful in warm climates and for certain individuals as some other kinds of meat. Every one should be capable of judging for himself what is his proper food, being governed largely by the climate and his individual temperament, etc. In every case the most wholesome, nutritious and economical foods should be selected where such can be done without the inconvenience of others. Quite a scope of liberty should be granted along these lines, which most certainly will be realized by those who “believe and know the truth.” 1 Cor. 10:31.
Is it right to keep tea or coffee in the house for hired hands or for an aged father or mother, who are unsaved?
A proper decision upon the question depends largely upon the nature of the circumstances. By many, tea and coffee are considered as indispensable articles of nourishment. In some instances it might be unwise to take too rigid a position against these things. Nothing can be gained by compulsory methods, with those who are capable of exercising their own judgment. The same suggestions are applicable to the use of medicines. Some have not faith and will take medicine. It would not be wisdom for us to ignore them for this, neither would it be a proper thing for us to do to try to compel them to do without medicine. While we know that most medicines are poisonous and tea and coffee are poisonous, and we would not permit them to be taken by anyone if we had the control of these matters, but would preach Christ the Savior and healer, and use all reasonable arguments to persuade men to trust God for healing, and stop the use of all injurious foods; yet these are questions that must be settled by every responsible person for himself; and in considering the question asked, from this standpoint, there might be instances in which a person would be justifiable in keeping these things for purposes mentioned. In every case the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit must be sought, who is promised to teach us all things. Therefore no one need make any very serious mistake under any circumstances. The children of God should have no use for such things for themselves.
Explain 1 Jno 5:16-18. To become a brother do we not have to be born into the family? And if so, it says one born of God sinneth not, and one born of God cannot sin.
There are none of God’s children on earth beyond the liability of falling into error. ’There is a blessed place of security in this life with Christ, and no need of us ever losing it. But this scripture and many others show us that we may fall from the grace of God, and there is a difference between a sin unto death and one not unto death. As to the exact nature in every case of the sin unto death, there is room for much study and writing: but let this he the object of every child of God: Keep as far away from sin as possible, and if one should unfortunately fall into error, let us use God’s way of restoring such an one; namely, in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted. Gal. 6:1, and according to the text under consideration. “Ask life for them that sin not unto death.” Read Jas. 5:19, 20.
One born of God cannot sin. He cannot in the sense that the mother cannot slay her child. She cannot if she loves it and retains her mother nature; it is impossible. She could easily lay down her own life for her child, but the cry would at once be heard it she ware asked to slay her darling. “I cannot, I cannot!” It is not beyond her power to do so, but it is far beyond her disposition. So it is with him that is born of God
After a man has been sanctified and then falls into sin, does his nature remain pure?
To fall into sin means to drop into the same condition morally, where the soul was before it was saved; and the same atonement for pardon and cleansing is needed as when first seeking God. The desire to sin must first be implanted before the sin is committed. “When lust hath conceived it bringeth forth sin.” Jas. 1:15. The conception of this lust pollutes the moral nature. Therefore we see there is the twofold work in grace needed for the restoration of the soul into the sanctified state.
Explain Acts 21:24-26.
1. Who were the four men that had the vow upon them?
2. Why did Paul have to yield to the customs of the Jews and be a keeper of the law?
3. Is it binding upon the Gentiles to day to observe the Jewish customs kept by the apostles in their day?
4. If not, why not?
1. The word of God is silent as to whom these four men were.
2. He doubtless yielded to the customs of the Jews in this case because he was thus advised by the brethren. The object of this is given in verse 24. It would seem from a human standpoint of reasoning that the apostle made a sad mistake, and the results would be in keeping with such a conclusion, but in verses 10, 11 we see that the Holy Ghost had said that Paul should be bound hand and foot by the Jews at Jerusalem, and should be delivered to the Gentiles. This whole transaction was the means by which Paul was to be thus bound and sent a prisoner to Rome, which all was in the design of God. Acts 23:11, and 27:23, 24.
3. No.
4. Acts 21:25. “As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.
J. W. B.
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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
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Cambridge. Neb., Mar. 6.
Dear Saints of God: After we got through to Cambridge, Neb., from Idaho, we held a few meetings in Cambridge, then we moved eight miles north of town where we held meetings at different school houses. Deep conviction upon many people; a great many arose for prayers, and some I think will come out of the sects, but we need help soon. Who will come?
S. J. Brown.
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Tionesta, Pa., March 5.
Dear Ones in the Lord: We are able to report victory on rhe Lord’s side. We closed meeting in Tionesta, the county seat of Forest Co., the third inst. Will begin meeting here, five miles from town to night, the Lord willing. Some prejudice has been removed and much of the truth sown. One dear man was saved from his sins and his companion sanctified wholly, and another came back to the Lord. The little church has suffered much in this place, but the Lord still has a people here who will live salvation before the world. We expect to remain in these parts for some time yet, and then the Lord willing we expect to have a tabernacle ready to begin the campaign in som.. parts of Pennsylvania where it seems the truth is almost shut out on account of there not being any place to hold meetings. We humbly ask all our brethren and sisters to pray for us that we may be more in the work of the Lord. Your brethren saved in the Lord,
J. S. McCoy, A. T. Rowe and Co.
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Slate, Kan., Feb. 27.
Dear Saints: Since our last report the Lord has wonderfully blessed us in delivering his word. We held meeting ten days in the Stewart school house. Some were convinced of the truth. After this went eight miles north west to the Buchanan school house and held over three Sabbaths. The Lord confirming his word by signs following. Several cases of divine healing. Many souls won to the truth. Six consecrations; some received the desires of their hearts; others concluded the way was too straight. Feb. 14 went to Orange, Sheridan Co., and commenced meeting. People were much prejudiced against the truth, the devil having sent his messengers to warn the people against us. The Lord sent us from house to house to talk to the people. In this way much prejudice was removed and people began to come out to hear the truth. The hail swept away their refuge of lies, and the water overflowed their hiding places. Many acknowledged the truth and some took the Bible way. More we believe will follow soon. We held over two Sabbaths. On the last day of the meeting we went to the riverside where seven dear children of God were baptized. We closed meeting Sunday night with many invitations to come back again. Expect the Lord willing to go back in the near future. Expect to open meeting next Sunday at the Locust Grove school house, six miles south-east of Slate, to continue as long as the Lord wills. Yours saved to the uttermost,
S. S. Van Buskirk.
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Chicago, Ill., Mar. 4.
Dear Brethren in Christ: We are thanking God for a complete deliverance in our souls, a decided stand upon the word of God. We came to this city last night. Left Peoria, Ill., yesterday, after three Week’s battle for the Lord. While there the Lord wonderfully manifested his power to save and heal. Thirty consecrations, ten healed, five released from the bondage of sectism. There is a brother Kratz at Peoria who had been confined to his room and bed for four years, unable to walk. He received a copy of the German “Divine Healing,” through the kindness of one of the dear brethren. He obeyed Jas. 5:13-15, when he was instantly made whole, arose and walked praising God. Sister Waterhouse was gloriously saved and raised from her bed of affliction, being instantly healed. Many believed on account of the signs and wonders which the Lord did. Acts. 4:29, 30. Unto our God be all the glory. We found many crooked, sleek spirits, among them is one C. A. Sheed, who belongs to that class mentioned by Paul. 2 Cor. 11:13-15. We desire to warn the brethren everywhere to beware of him, while we pray earnestly that God will show him his error. There is much need of a company of consecrated workers to go to that place and remain. The city is almost destitute of missionary workers of any kind. A divine healing home, would we believe, be in order in that place. Our meeting closed with a very precious ordinance meeting. We feel a leading for Chicago Heights, where we expect the Lord willing to go to morrow. Pray for us.
G. B. Collins and Co.
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Vichy, Mo., March 3.
Dear Brethren: We are rejoicing in God who has saved and is keeping us from all sin. Meeting closed March 1st on Sabbath night with real victory for the Lord. This meeting was held at the Lacy school house one-half mile from the camp ground. The Lord sent dear Bro. Bolds here on Friday after Christmas and commenced meeting in the name of the Lord. God poured out his Spirit, and backsliders began to come to the altar; and as all began to dear their souls, sinners began to melt and come to the altar and get pardon. It was no new thing to hear of some one getting saved, either in meeting or on the road to or from meeting, or at home; until fifty were saved during the first meeting which lasted four weeks. During that meeting there were four baptized. Bro. Bolds went to Mill Creek and held one week in Bro Westlake’s neighborhood, thence to Rolla, held two weeks and back here again. The revival went right on and God added ten more to the church. Bro. and Sister Bolds returned on Monday. Five saved that night at a prayer meeting. Meeting commenced again and lasted two weeks more; nineteen more saved, making in all eighty-four saved, and reclaimed, most of the number saved in this neighborhood. On Friday before meeting closed Bro. Bolds baptized twenty and next day five more, making in all twenty-nine baptized. There are more to be baptized soon. The revival is going on. Praise the Lord! Bro. and Sister Bolds went to Rolla. We never witnessed such a meeting before. Praise the Lord! Prayer meetings all over the neighborhood; some nights two or three prayer meetings in the neighborhood the same night, and souls being saved. Will all that know how, be agreed with us that the revival go on until the C. M. and that we all keep very humble and be ready for a glorious C. M. May the Lord send Bro. Schell or some other fire baptized minister to the C. M. Your brother,
Jno. P. Bailey.
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Bellefontaine, O., Mar. 5.
Dear Brethten: I thought it good to write and let you know where we are and how we do. Bless the dear Lord for full salvation through the blood of Christ just now! We are now engaged in a protracted meeting about six miles north-west of Bellefontaine and God is already answering prayer in behalf of some who had lost their experience of salvation.
Since our last report we have held a meeting in Marion and Auglaize Co’s The meeting in Marion Co. in which we received a benefit as well as the dear brethren who attended the meeting. We are sorry that all who professed in the neighborhood did not attend the meeting. The Lord gave us a precious ordinance meeting in which about twenty dear saints participated. Between the sermon and administering of the ordinances, a sister was healed of a severe cramp in the stomach which had extended to other parts of the body.
At this meeting Bro. Matthew Kerr was ordained elder in the church of God, and Bro. John Flewelling deacon. Before this meeting closed I received a letter desiring us to come to Waynesfield, O., and we thought it good to leave Bro. Ellison to continue the meeting, and in company with Bro. T. Kerr, went to Waynesfield. When we arrived there we learned that Bro. J. N. Howard was holding a meeting in Shelby Co. We thought it good to go over and see Bro. Howard before commencing the meeting at Waynesfield, which we did, and helped in the meeting a few days, during which time Bro. Ellison arrived at Waynesfield and commenced the meeting there. So in due time we arrived at Waynesfield and the meeting was continued for some time with success. The word of God was preached until it proved to be a fire, a hammer and a sword. We have reason to believe that some have attained a better experience than they ever had before, because things were uncovered, confessed and made right. Let us remember the words of the wise man, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whose confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.
Now may God grant to us all, grace whereby we may deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world. See Tit. 2:11, 12. Dear brethren, remember us in your prayers. Yours and Christ’s in the one body,
A. J. Kilpatrick
and A. J. Ellison.
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TESTIMONIES.
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Bickley, England.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led to write my testimony for the first time. Praise the dear Lord for full salvation that keeps me from sin each day! I do feel thankful to the dear Lord for sending his dear ministers to England to preach the pure word of God. We have a little church here the gates of hell have not prevailed against. I do thank the Lord for bringing me into this glorious evening light, out of all sectism. I do pray for the people about here who are fighting against the truth and say we cannot be holy; when the Lord says without holiness no man shall see the Lord. I pray the dear Lord to open their blind eyes. Glory be to Jesus for opening my eyes! Your humble sister saved and sanctified,
Martha Hurleston.
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Gatesville, Texas.
Dear Brothers in Christ: I bless the Lord for victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. It is so blessed to know that we are saved. O how sweet to follow Jesus in the beauty of holiness! Oh, how much power there is in faith! Faith is mighty and will conquer if we will get so humble before God that we can believe his word and he can use us at his will. If we will live so close to him that we can claim every promise of his word, then faith becomes a mighty power with us. God is sinking me down in humility. O bless the Lord for his love to us!
If God leads any one to come to this place, write to me, for it is needed very bad, that some one come and preach in this part, for people are in darkness. My testimony is I am sweetly saved in Jesus just now. From your brother in Christ,
Parkey Seaton.
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Raddlesville, Ill.
Dear Saints: We desire to again testify through the dear Trumpet of God’s goodness to us in healing our bodies. He healed me instantly of a severe case of fever and malarial troubles, so complete that I could go about my work next day. He also healed wife and the children, although so many said little Johnny would die unless we used medicine. We praise our God this morning that he did not let him die. God permitted these afflictions to remain for some time. Truly many and precious are the lessons we have learned during these afflictions. One of the girls has had chills all along since our coming here. But the Lord has had a purpose in this, and we murmur not against his all-wise will. Let all God’s holy ones earnestly pray that she be fully saved and healed. And that he will take full possession of all our children’s hearts that are old enough to know his will. Pray for us that God will help us to move forward, and downward in the real humility of Christ, and in his meekness and patience, that we may have all longsuffering with joyfulness. Yours saved and sanctified,
R. B. and S. A. Hicks.
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South Boston, Ind.
Dear Saints of God: I am praising God for victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has filled my soul with peace and joy. Some time ago I began to feel the need of getting down more humble in God. In a short time our baby eight months old was stricken with erysipelas. I saw at once that the Lord had permitted this affliction to come upon us for our good. But I wondered why the Lord did not allow me to be afflicted instead of the little child. But something would say to me God’s ways are not man’s ways. I went to God with an honest heart and did cry mightily unto him that he would teach me the lesson he would have me learn. Glory be to God! He did teach me some precious lessons. We then felt led to have the baby anointed, and we complied with James 5:14 and immediately after anointing and the laying on of hands the fever left her. While our faith was not strong enough to grasp instant healing we knew that the baby was healed, and to day can say that she is well. The Lord is wonderfully increasing our faith. He has become a sun and shield to us. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” We ask God’s people to pray for us. Your brother and sister in Christ,
L. A. and Lillie Elliott.
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OBITUARIES.
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BRUCE. — Bro. Joseph Bruce was born in Beach Island, S. C. Died at Langley, S. C. Oct. 18, 1895; aged eighty-five years. He lived a devoted life for fifty years to all the light he bad, and six years before his death he embraced the light of entire sanctification and died in the faith. Called his wife and children and told them he was going to live with Jesus. Funeral service by
Bro. Henry Corbit.
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BRYANT. — Sister Mary A. Bryant, wife of Bro. Alvin Bryant, was born April 9, 1854; fell asleep in Jesus Feb. 22, 1896. Her last words were, “All is well; I am ready to go.”
Sister Bryant leaves a husband, five small children, many relatives and friends to mourn their loss. May the Lord bless Bro. Bryant and enable him to stand fast and meet his dear companion in heaven.
S. L. Speck.
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MADDUX. — Sister Mary Maddux died near Rockville, Mo., Feb. 18, 1896; aged forty- six years, one month and fifteen days. She had been in the experience of holiness for about two years, and during that time walked very close with Jesus and left a glowing testimony to the power of Jesus to satisfy even through the vale and shadow. She leaves a husband, three daughters, and one son. The husband desires salvation. May God bless him and his children with the same. Amen. Their works do follow them. Funeral services by the writer,
R. F. Rapp.
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LOTT — Susan Lott was born Jan. 10, 1857, in Edgefield Co., S. C. and died Feb. 18, 1896; aged thirty-nine years, one mouth and eight days. She leaves a husband and four children to mourn her loss; two sons and two daughters, and are all saved. She embraced the evening light about three years ago and was a faithful worker for the Lord. She labored and waited very patiently for the salvation of her family and lived to see her prayers answered, and did wonderfully rejoice in the salvation of their souls. Her presence is much missed in the little assembly here. She died in the triumphs of the faith. Services by
J. L. Pike.
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DIVINE HEALING
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Questions and Answers on Divine Healing.
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1st. If healing is in the atonement, how is it that diseases were healed before the atonement was made?
Just the same as sins were forgiven before the atonement was made. Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world to be the redeemer. 1 Pet. 1:20. Rev. 13:8. Faith in him secured the benefits of his redemption, to the extent indicated in his life and ministry. He had the power to forgive sins and heal diseases and also had authority over all the works of the enemy, but in all this he was only fulfilling his redemption office, and did not complete it, was not made a perfect redeemer, until he “was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
2d. Do you understand that when we are sanctified, the cause for sickness is removed?
In the beginning, if there had been no sin there would have been no sickness. Sin (transgression) opened the door to every work of the devil. “Sin entered into the world and death by sin.” Death, “dying thou shalt die,” came with sin. Dying (by degrees), (sickness). Die (death).
Individually, we, by a definite act of faith in the atonement of the Redeemer, receive deliverance from all the works of the devil; but not all in one single application. A sinner repents and believes and becomes justified. The believer consecrates and believes and becomes sanctified.
We may be sanctified and not have known that healing is for us, and therefore be sanctified and be sick and bound by the chains of disease, just as a person may be a child of God and not have known that he could be sanctified. As soon as he receives the light he meets the conditions and appropriates the gifts either for sanctification or healing or both. Individually we may be sick without having committed sin. Sickness entered into the world because of sin (the transgression of Adam), and because it is in the world it may fasten upon our bodies, even upon those “that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression;” but thank God, as with sickness, we can be made free through faith in the Redeemer. There are many instances of sickness caused directly by sin, and in such cases repentance precedes healing. There is no reason why those out in the light of sanctification and divine healing should not be able to be kept from sickness caused by sin; and may God grant the faith to claim perfect health under all circumstances, so that the “inhabitant shall no more say, I am sick.” We may sin ignorantly, which is not an imputed sin against us, and yet through that, there may be an attack of sickness; but in any case we have the precious promise of the healing through the prayer of faith; “And if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him.”
It is the work of Satan to lead into sin, and to bind with disease. If he cannot do both he will be ready to do either; all he wants is the opportunity. It is the work of Jesus to undo the works of the devil. “He went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;” and in the Holy Spirit he is doing the same to day. Hallelujah! All he wants is the opportunity. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:2.
3d. Why is there provision made for sickness (Jas. 5:14, 15.) for God’s children, after they are saved from sin?
For the same reason that there is a provision made for sin; viz., we are liable to an attack of sickness for reasons already mentioned, and God has mercifully provided for us in such cases. We are liable to fall into error and therefore God has mercifully provided an advocate. 1 Jno. 2:1. So he has provided for both sickness and sin.
4th. How could Epaphroditus be sick after he had received the full benefit of the atonement?
For reasons already mentioned. He like many of God’s people to day, may have also unwisely overtaxed his physical strength in his zeal for the cause of Christ, but whatever was the reason directly, he was nigh unto death; but the record tells us that he did receive the benefit of the atonement and was raised up.
5th. Do you not consider that if we were to observe the laws of nature perfectly, there would be no sickness in the world?
We have nothing to warrant this in God’s word. Sickness came into the world through the fall, and cannot be taken out through nature or natural means. While God has created nature and made it possibe that we to a certain extent can observe her laws, yet she cannot remove the results of sin. God has provided a sure remedy for his people. He told Israel that if they kept his statutes and obeyed his laws, and hearkened diligently to his voice, he would be unto them their healer. This was his provision for the time being, until Christ came and took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses.
Man has sought out many inventions, and for thousands of years tried to discover natural means by which to heal diseases, yet in the face of all his boasted remedies there never was so much sorrow and suffering under the hand of disease as there is to day. If there is any earthly help by which suffering and pain can be alleviated and the poor groaning world benefited in the least, every heart in which there is any sympathy would rejoice and thank God. If such be the case and man has really discovered any such natural means, it has been but the discovery of God’s laws, which he in his providence has permitted for the good of fallen man. But from a logical position the inventions of man along these lines are questionable. It is a lamentable fact that where there is one person helped by human skill, there are two sent to their graves by human ignorance. Thousands of intelligent people to day have ignored the use of medicines and drugs from a scientific standpoint; and if there is any virtue in any of them, and sinners and poor doubting professors will take their chances of being hurried to their graves by swallowing the deadly poisons called medicines, let them have them. But God has provided a remedy for sickness, and his people have the right to accept it, and dishonor him if they reject it. All other ground is sinking sand. Christ the Redeemer is the God-given remedy, and from the scriptural standpoint it is not within the power of man to heal diseases.
Oh that precious loving Jesus!
His compassion still the same,
T’ward poor sinful suffering mortals
Who seek refuge in His name.
Hear the blessed invitation,
Whosoever will come, may,
And receive His healing favor,
For He’s just the same to day.
J. W. Byers.
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NOVEL READING.
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THERE is not at present a more active agent employed by the devil in civilized communities, to ruin the morals of the human family, and bring it to a level with hell itself, than evil literature. There has never been a time in the history of man in which the world was flooded with this demoralizing, soul-destroying spawn of the enemy of souls, like the present time.
There is a constant stream of ungodly, immoral and obscene literature schemed in hell, penned by licentious men, and printed by thousands of printing presses to day, pressing its way through the mails, if possible into every house and home of our land. It comes to corrupt the heart and mind of our youth, to awaken and arouse that nature of sin implanted by the fall of man, which is ever ready to yield to the first temptation.
The ungodly literature of to day, falls into the hands of the youth, awakening and vibrating upon this nature, quickening it into impure thoughts, thus corrupting the soul, and fitting it for sin. Inherited sinful appetites and passions are fed by this medium of the devil, until the weeds of sin are forced to rapid growth, choking virtue and truth, stunning all the higher instincts, fitting the youth for a life of idleness, debauchery and shame; leading to saloons, concert dives, theaters, and gambling dens, and finally to the work house, jails, states prison and an awful hell.
“The world is the devil’s hunting ground, and the youth are his choicest game.” He stands ready to brand the soul as his own as soon as it is born, and follows it with relentless zeal through life. All along the way he sets traps and snares, baited with carnal pleasures, to catch and overthrow the soul, and thus swell the kingdom of darkness and add fuel to the awful flames of hell.
Youth is the state in which the character of the human soul is formed. “Youth is the seed time; maturity gathers in the crop.” And, be sure that “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Whatever is sown in youth will bring forth fruit in years to come. Youth is the beginning of the stream of life; and it at the beginning of life the devil can succeed in defiling the mind and soul, he knows full well that he will thereby have an agent to drag others down.
The devil is making a special effort to ruin the brightest and purest youth, the hope of future generations, knowing that “the boys and girls of to day must become the men and women of to morrow;” and that the destiny of our future generations depends upon the training of dur youth.
Vile books, papers, pictures and trashy novels, in the literature of to day, are the devil’s branding irons, heated in the fires of hell, to sear the conscience and noblest instincts of the soul. By corrupting the soul of a boy or girl, the devil knows he lessens the chance for a pure man or woman. Allow ungodly literature to fall into the hands of children, and you place in their minds an all-prevailing power for evil. If anything can make the dwellers in perdition rejoice and call forth shouts of applause from all the imps of darkness, it must be the knowledge that so many of our youth are being allured from the path of virtue by the licentious and criminal press of to day. Everywhere the deadly poison may be found; in public libraries, depots, trams, and in many Sunday schools and Christian (?) homes.
Now, any book or paper that does not elevate the mind or soul, either morally or spiritually, is a curse to any home. Many of the books in circulation to day are written by the most ungodly men and lewd characters. And the boy or girl who reads them will find their mind going astray from the path of virtue. Right here I would say that the great cause of so many of our youth being enslaved to passion and lust, is, their minds and passions are inflamed by the ungodly love stories, and obscene reading and pictures which fall into their hands.
You may rest assured that habitual novel readers invariably practice secret vices, and if not redeemed in time, will come to a fearful end. In the name of God we appeal to every intelligent parent, for the sake of the welfare or the children who are intrusted to your care, shield them from this prevailing evil. May God help you to stop and reflect on the duty and responsibility resting upon you of raising your children for God and heaven. I you do not train your children, the devil will. Whether or not you deem it necessary to watch them and protect them from evil, there is an enemy who keeps a constant watch of them. He is ever upon the alert to take the advantage of any point open to evil influence. The thoughts, imaginations and affections he is most anxious to corrupt, pervert and destroy.
The blood and thunder, murder and detective stones filled with hair-splitting adventures are used of the devil to excite and allure our boys into lives of sin. Many a man has ended his miserable life on the gallows, or is reeking out a life of bitterness and woe behind prison walls, from the awful effects of the poisonous literature instilled into his mind and soul in his youth.
Mother, is your boy a novel reader? If so, act NOW; admonish NOW; pray NOW; do your weeping NOW. For the time will come when your admonitions and tears will be of no avail, and with broken heart you will witness an awful end which you might have averted.
Again, do you expect your daughter to remain a pure, virtuous girl if you allow her to read ungodly love stories and novels? Are you not aware that they fill her young and tender mind with impure thoughts which corrupt the morals of the soul, and expose it to awful temptations? Let me say that as sure as the devil can succeed in filling the mind with impure thoughts, he will invariably lead the soul into sin. The girl who is neglected by an indulgent mother and allowed to grow up in idleness, reading trashy dime novels and love stories, will never be a model wife, but doubtless come to a bad end. And the mother of that girl will to a certain extent be held accountable in the day of final reckoning.
Some parents allow their children to read novels just to amuse themselves, and often say that they may as well do that as to be in bad society. But why allow them to do either? The boy or girl with the novel or story paper in hand is in the worst kind of company. Now, which is of the most importance, the moral purity, spiritual welfare and cultivated intellect of your boy or girl, or their temporary amusement, secured at the sacrifice of their higher attributes and the destruction of their souls? May God awaken you, as parents, to a sense of your duty. Provide for your children books that will elevate them; and destroy every book or paper in your homes that would tend to evil. Let every Christian in our land exclude from your home and library every novel, paper or book of any kind that is of a harm 1 nature, and forever shut your door against them.
The writer has had some experience as a novel reader, and for that reason is an avowed enemy to them. In our home we have this established rule: to burn every novel or trashy paper that enters our door. There is not room in one house for a novel whose author is the devil, and the Bible, the holy word of God. To put them both on the same table or bookshelf is a disgrace to God and practical Christianity.
What use have we for ungodly literature? Condense it all together, and it has never saved a soul. “What use have we for sickening details of crimes? All combined they have not made an honest or pure man.” And all the trashy story papers for boys and girls have never made a noble character of any child whom they have captivated. May God help all parents to clear their homes of these evils, as you would a poisonous serpent. Exterminate them; or the probabilities are they will destroy the bright innocent child which God has given you.
W. J. Henry.
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TESTIMONIES.
“Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.” – Psa. 119:129.
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Harper, Kan.
Dear Saints: I am praising God for salvation in my soul. The Lord has of late done a great work for me, for which I give him all the glory. He has brought me out of Satan’s delusions and set my feet on the rock Christ Jesus. I am justified and sanctified Pray for me that I may be kept humble so God may have his way with me. Your sister in Christ,
Mary McCully.
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Reynolds, Neb.
Dear Saints: I desire to write my testimony of what great things the dear Lord has done for me, in showing me the great evils there are in secret orders; and I do praise his holy name that I am freed from them all. A few months ago I was a member of five secret orders and carried $3000 life insurance. But praise God to day I am trusting God for all I need. A short time ago I sent to the Trumpet office and got the book entitled Masonic Salvation. True I had many times witnessed the ceremonies and had taken those awful obligations, but never did realize the terrible sin and mockery that there is in Masonry till since I read the book here mentioned. And no one has shown me these things but God alone, to whom I give all the honor and glory. I ask every one who reads this to pray for me that God may still continue to lead me. Your brother saved and kept by the power of God,
A. B. Wright.
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Woodburn, Ore.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led to send in my testimony, all for the glory of God, who has done so much for me and mine. Praise his holyname! I cannot praise the dear Lord enough for calling after my poor lost soul and bringing it into the fold of Christ. My soul goes out in love to my blessed Redeemer who saved me from the M. E. sect, and secret society, and from all the pride and fashion of this world, and from everything that is not of God. At the Woodburn camp meeting last August the dear Lord saved my poor soul and also my husband and three daughters. And then he sanctified my nature and healed me of heart disease and sick headache, with which I have suffered for twenty years. No one but the dear Lord and myself knows how I did suffer My husband spent a great deal of money for medicine, but all to no good. Oh praise God for his healing power! He has healed our children a number of times this winter from sore throat, chills, fever and colds. Praise God for a family physician that is always with us! We have eight children and they are all in the hands of the Lord, consecrated to his will, all but one, a son nineteen years of age unsaved I ask all the dear saints to pray earnestly for the salvation of his soul. I do praise God for victory in my soul over the devil and all his works, and for salvation that keeps me from all sin. I give God all the glory. Nour sister saved, sanctified and kept,
Catharine Vredenburg.
ADVANCEMENT
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How to Feed the Soul.
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“My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” — Jno. 4:34.
It is necessary to spiritual advancement, that we pay especial care to the daily feeding of the soul. The soul grows lean and weakly as quickly as the body without its regular daily food.
But by what means can we feed the soul? On this point many of us have been laboring under a mistake in the past. We have supposed as we sat under the flashing light of Holy Ghost sermons, that our souls were feasting upon the precious truth of God, when in many instances cur souls were starving. I will illustrate this thought as follows: Supposing some one should make me a present of a line basket of fruit. As soon as my eyes should behold the delicious fruits, and especially as I learned it was mine, it would produce some effects within my body. My salivary glands would begin to secrete a more than ordinary amount of saliva, and as we commonly express it, my mouth would water.
But I must not flatter myself with the thought that I am feasting upon those fruits, for I am not deriving any nutriment from it. My feast is all imaginary.
So my brethren, many times we have heard precious and instructive sermons, and felt happy over our feast, when our souls perhaps got no true and lasting food.
Let us remember that Jesus did not say. “My meat is to hear, or to learn the will of my Father,” but he said, “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me.”
So to speak, God used the minister to prepare the feast for us, but we did not eat it. We must receive those precious truths into our hearts, and take them home with us, and practice them, or our souls will not be benefited by them.
“But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” — Jas. 1:22-25.
“For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Rom. — 2:13.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” — Mat. 7:21.
“Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation upon a rock; and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.” — Luke 6:47, 48.
You see, beloved brethren, that the promises are to the obedient: “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” — Heb. 2:1.
But why is it that some dear saints do let some things slip so many times? I have known some, precious lines of truth to be preached in some churches over and over, and still it was not put in practice. I used to wonder why this is so, but the dear Lord has recently shown me in his word why this is.
“But the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” — Heb. 2:2.
This solves the problem. When any of the dear ones who are really trying to walk in the light, fail to do so, it is because of a lack of faith on their part.
We must have faith enough to take the Word right into our hearts, and to put it in practice, and make it a part of our Christian experience; otherwise our souls are not truly being fed.
Wm. G. Schell.