13 August 1896, Volume 16, Number 32.
OUT FOR GOD.
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Ho! friend watchman, is it for gold
You’re on Zion’s walls to-day?
Then beware lest, ere you are old,
Moth and rust doth it decay.
Learned “Doctor,” is it for fame —
Loud applause of people high —
That with “Rev.” and “D. D.” your name
You desire the world to tie?
Wisdom, wit, and el’quence to show
May in pulpit drive you wild;
Though from God’s Book you ought to know
He wants you a little child.
Are you out to build up your sect —
With a license from some men?
Such are not of God’s saints elect;
Preacher, what can you do, then?
God’s own harvest’s waiting just now,
But the lab’rers, very few;
Come then, why not quickly allow
Him to fit and send e’en you?
Will you worldly friends, dear, forsake?
Will you man’s praise never seek?
Will you suffer hardships, or stake?
Will you die for Christ the meek?
‘Then let God alone send you out —
Out to rescue dying souls.
Let him mark your every route.
You need fear no hidden shoals.
W. Milo. Gleelen.
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To the Professors.
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In these last days, when Satan is loosed upon earth and going about as “a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour” and blinding the eyes of the multitudes to the truth, it behooves us to carefully examine ourselves by the light of God’s word to see whether or not we are up to the Bible standard. It will make no difference what we may think about our condition or how we feel about it; neither our feelings nor our thoughts will make us right before God. We must have an experience which is firmly fixed and tried by the Word. I am led to write this because for several years I was deceived in my experience. Not having the Word preached straight to me, I was deceived into a belief that I was saved, and it is only lately that I heard the truth go forth in its purity and when I heard it I found that all my feelings and thoughts about being saved counted as naught and that I had to get down to the word of God.
Let us see what the Word says about examining ourselves, and notice that it is very clear on this point, and commands us to do so. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” — 2 Cor. 13:5. The Revised Version reads, “try your ownselves.” Also, quoting again from the Revised Version: “But let a man exercise himself.” — 1 Cor. 11:28. R. V. — “But let a man prove himself.” “Prove all things.” — 1 Thess. 5:24. “Look therefore whether the light that is in thee be not darkness.” — Luke 11:35.
These scriptures clearly show that God expects us to carefully weigh ourselves in the balances and see if we are found wanting, and the balance is the word of God. Isa. 8:20. Rom. 2:12. Rev. 22:18,19. John 12:48. It is by the Word that we shall be judged (Jno. 12:48), and we must be sure that we measure up to the Word now, or how can we expect to stand before the Judge of all, knowing that we have not measured to the truth here.
Let us apply the measuring line (Zech. 2:1) to our experience. “If a man love me he will keep my words. — Jno. 14:23. “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” — Jno. 14:21. “This is his commandment, that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another.” — 1 Jno. 3:23. “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings.” — Jno. 14:24. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — Jno. 15:8. “Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” — Jno. 15:8.
Let us see what the Word says is the kind of fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” — Gal. 5:22,23. Do you bear the fruits? “If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love.” — Jno. 15:10. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Jno. 15:12. “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you — 1 Jno. 15:14. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” — 1 Jno, 2:15,17. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” — Jno. 17:6. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23. “So therefore whosoever he be of you that renounceth not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” — Luke 14:33. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft [R. V. sorcery], hatred, variance, emulations [jealousies], wrath, strife [factions], seditions [divisions], heresies, [margin R. V. parties], envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” — Gal. 5:19-21. “For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of God.” — Eph. 5:5. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world.” — Titus 2:12. “If any man among you seemeth to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” — James 1: 26,27. “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom dessendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” — James 3:15. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:15,16. R. V — “But like as he which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. “And hereby do we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” — 1 Jno. 2:3. “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word; in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him.” — 1 Jno. 2:4,5. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” — 1 Jno. 2:6.
But one will say, I don’t profess to abide in Christ; for that is a higher state of Christain living than I have attained to; but still I am a Christian and I know I am saved, because when I was but a child I gave my heart to God and I have been trying to serve him ever since. But Jesus says unto you, “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” — Jno. 15:6. “He that saith that he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.” — 1 Jno. 2:9. “Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure.” — 1 Jno. 3:2,3. “He that committeth sin is of the devil.” — 1 Jno. 3:8. “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” — 1 Jno. 3:9. “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil; whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” — 1 Jno. 3:10. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” — 1 Jno. 3:14. “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him.” — 1 Jno. 3:17. “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.” — 1 Jno. 4:13. “For this is the love of God that we keep his com¬mandments.”-1 Jno. 5:3. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” — Rev. 22:14,15.
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book If any man shall add unto these, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” — Rev. 22:18, 19. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — Jno. 10:27. Your saved brother in the one body,
Wm. Rowley.
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What Shall I Do to Be Saved?
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It is universally conceded that man was created in the image of God. That image (Gen. 1:27) was righteousness and true holiness (Eph. 4:24), placing man in the garden of delight where was found all that was necessary to establish his eternal enjoyment; and he was privileged to correspond with all the environments of divine glory. Man was not created a mere machine without the power to assent or revolt, but was possessed of a power of volition, to act according to choice.
Christ is the life and light of men (Jno. 1:4), and this glory he had with the Father before the world was. Jno. 17:5. Therefore while man possessed Christ and his purity he had life; but when sin was introduced, Christ took his departure; he being the life, man was plunged into death; for outside of God there is no life. Death was the loss of God and his holiness; therefore, to live we must forsake sin and accept the holiness of God. Life was the image of God and the presence of the Father and his Christ, the influence of the inspiring truth, and the conscious greatness of being surrounded by a wall of omnipotent power and impregnable glory.
Death could be but the opposite, or a separation from God, a ceasing to correspond with heavenly environments, a loss of purity and a consciousness of a polluted soul and a wretched existence, surrounded by an element of darkness.
The glorious formation that was once a praise and honor to Him who alone is the author of purity, was wrecked upon the great wave of disobedience, tossed by the archfiend as a mere plaything, and all creation seemed to be rolling onward to the precipice of endless night. Idolatry, as some night monster, had gathered the earth in its talons, and licentious wings had borne it to the very brink of destruction, where the demon of despair had access to the vitals of a once holy image. As those fangs of sin were buried in the soul of man, the tenderest chords of affection were severed, until there was no more the heavenly circulation of divine life-giving force, penetrating the functions once pure, but now made sinful through violation of divine command.
Death covered the land; mercy was needed and not justice. Justice would have hurled all creation into everlasting contempt; but mercy extended would grant a reformation to all who were willing to have the corroding chain of wretched existence broken.
While all nations are involved in a greater agitation, held by an unseen power, in a state of expectancy, great omens betoken a sudden change: many signs bring a sensation of a wonderful revelation about to be brought to view. Two great forces are about to be brought in contact one with the other; one from heaven and one from hell. From heaven mercy is bestowed and favor given; from hell rises a spirit of rebellion in opposition to all freedom and perfect joy. All is wrapped in the slumber of carnal security. Not one star of glory to send its gladdening rays of recreation into the dark cells of human hearts; not one drop of living water and cleansing blood to wash the soul from raging sin. Freedom is but a remembrance.
But a prayer is wafted on high; a Savior is sent to deliver the oppressed. Isa. 19:20. Hark! over the hills of Judea floats a strain of holy music, an angel voice sounds the glad proclamation, that, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11. His mission is to redeem. Luke 1:68. Therefore the loving call, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matt. 11:28. He must be heard (Acts 3:22) and obeyed, if eternal salvation is obtained. Heb. 5:9.
Dear sinner, many ways you have sought to alleviate the pains of a weary soul. Divers means have been followed with the hope of bringing a ray of light to a blackened character. As a great mountain, your sins tower before your spiritual eyes. As conviction grows stronger they rise higher, coming into remembrance before God. Rest is sought, but to no avail; as a phantom, it seems to vanish when it is thought to be obtained. There is no charm in the things that once brought fascination to the carnal desire. As you stand in fear, eternity dawns upon you. From the gulf of endless remorse roll the clouds of night, surmounted by the king of the infernal world, lauding himself with the prospect of another soul. With horror the convicted slave turns his eyes from the awful scene to try once more for a final means of escape. With bleeding heart and burdened soul he cries, “O God, have mercy upon me, a sinner!”
That prayer is heard; and from the heaven that had been blackened by tempest of sin, beams a star of surprising beauty: and above all the din of raging demons, is heard a sweet voice, “I am the bright and morning star” (Rev. 22:16); “set for a light to lighten every man that cometh into the world” (Jno. 1:9); “Come unto me and I will give you rest.” He thinks, What stranger is this that offers mercy? The answer comes, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for-evermore.” — Rev. 1:18.
With renewed energy he presses his way to the feet of this lovely being, crying, “What must I do to be saved?” The command is, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; tor I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” — Matt. 11:29. Confess and forsake your sins (Jno. 1:9. Prov. 28:13) and you shall have mercy. “My sins, О Lord, I forsake them all! Every evil habit I forsake; every vice I abhor; all frivolity I forever renounce; every element of dissipating effect I resist; every evil passion I rebuke; an eternal covenant I make to keep myself free from every unholy influence. What lack I yet?” Another flash of light from the Morning Star to the anxious heart.
W. A. HAYNES.
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Errors of Dunkardism.
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CHAPTER VII.
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WOMAN’S HEAD COVERING CONSIDERED.
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Another objection used by those who oppose women preaching, is that Paul commanded them to cover their heads and those who allow them to preach, do not demand them to do so.
I will now examine the only scripture that can possibly be interpreted to indicate any such doctrine, and with the word of God it stands or falls. Hence, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.” — Isa. 8:20.
“For every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered, dishonoreth her head: for that is all one as if she were shaven.” — 1 Cor. 11:5.
“For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.” — Ver. 6.
“For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.” — Ver. 7.
“For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head, because of the angels.” — Ver. 10.
“Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? — Ver. 13.
“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?” — Ver. 14.
“But if a woman have long hair it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.” — Ver. 15.
In the above texts the following facts are set forth.
1st. That a woman who prays or prophesies, must have her head covered, in order that she may honor her head (or husband, ver. 3). Ver. 5.
2d. That if her head is not covered, she might just as well be shaven. Ver. 5.
3d. That if she is not covered, she may be shorn (shingled). Ver. 6.
4th. That if it is a shame (disgrace), for her to be shorn (shingled), or shaven, let her be covered, or let her put on the artificial covering (the veil).
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Page 2
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THURSDAY, Aug. 13, 1896.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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Nettie Henderson, C. A. Sunderland, B. Baker, С. P. Zimmerman, F. J. Kiefer.
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Requests For Prayer.
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Myself and wife have been afflicted with chronic nervous dyspepsia. Please pray that we may be restored to health. Geo. Huffman, Dayton.
Pray for Lavina Coblentz, Montpelier, that her mind may be restored and healed.
Lelar McElyea, St. Francis, Ark. desires the prayers of the saints for her healing; also that some one go there to hold meetings.
Please pray for my unsaved mother who lives at Middlefield, Ohio. There are no saints there but my sister; she wants some one to come there to have meeting.
Anna Tyler.
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Calls For Meeting.
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Some of God’s workers with a tent are greatly desired to hold meetings at Coin. Macoupin Co., Ill. Address Susan Jenkins.
Meetings are desired at Reese. Tuscola Co., Mich. Address Freeman Sylvester.
Meetings are wanted at Findlay, Ohio. Address G. W. Stumpner.
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MEETINGS.
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PREPARING FOR CAMP MEETINGS.
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There are a few things might be mentioned that will apply to camp and grove meetings in general. Those attending such meetings should go for the purpose of glorifying God, by doing good, getting good, and becoming better qualified to help others. If convenient, take a tent along, and bedding, etc., enough to make you comfortable. Some blankets and a straw-tick will be sufficient to enable you to care for yourself should the place be crowded. If possible, go prepared to provide for yourself and help others. Do not impose upon the liberality of the brethren, but if you are too poor to provide for yourself do not stay away on that account as they will gladly care for you. Go in faith, and help to bear one another’s burdens, and aid in rescuing perishing souls.
St. Louis, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 19-29. Boarding and provision can be had on the ground. All coming on trains notify Bro. John Harn or J. R. Walters; notify in time and state how much baggage. May the Lord send some one filled with the Holy Ghost and power, that there may be a mighty work done In both saving souls and healing the sick.
Mt. View, Mo. Camp meeting. Beginning Aug. 20. Will be held three miles northwest of Mt. View. Bro. G. B. Collins and Co. are expected. S. H. Edwards.
The Payne camp meeting will be held Aug. 20-31, on the saints’ camp ground in Bro. О. E. Kilpatrick’s grove, two miles southwest of Payne, O., on the old Flatrock road. Payne is the nearest R. R. station. Let everybody coming from a distance arrange to get off there. Those coming from the west, north, or south, to Ft. Wayne, take the Nickel Plate road to Payne. Those coming from either way over the Mackinaw, run to Latty, Ohio, then take the Nickel Plate to Payne. Those coming over the Wabash, run to New Haven., then take the Nickel Plate to Payne. Those desiring to be met and conveyed to the camp ground will notify Bro. J. N. Howard or W. L. Kilpatrick what day they will be there. Everybody is invited. Bro. A. B. Palmer will be present, the Lord willing, and many others. For any special information write the above brethren.
The Canada camp meeting will be held at Fenwick, Ont. Aug. 20-30 in Bro. M. Swayze’s bush. Brethren coming by way of Detroit, take Grand Trunk to Hamilton; then, Toronto, Hamilton, and Buffalo R. R. to Fenwick Station; and those coming by way of Buffalo or Niagara Falls, come to Welland, then take T. H. & B. R. R. to Fenwick Station. Communications should be sent to Dr. Birdsall or J. E, Smith, Fenwick, Ont. Dear saints of God, sacrifice this year to attend the Canada С. M. Accommodations for all led to attend.
The church of the living God will hold its annual camp meeting two miles east of Emlenton, Venango Co., Pa., Aug. 20-31. A general invitation is given to all. 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 С. M. begins. Bros. H. M. Riggle, S. P. Strang, and others are expected.
The church of the living God, will hold ordinance services in the Economite or Merkle meeting-house, near Tidioute, Pa., commencing Saturday evening, Aug. 22, and continuing throughout the next day Aug. 23. Let the saints and truth-seekers come and have a glorious feast with the Lord.
L. A. Wallace.
A series of meetings will be held at the court-house in Lebanon, Mo., on Aug. 24,25, and 26. Bros. Wm. G. Schell, George E. Bolds, and others are expected.
All lovers of the truth are cordially invited to come and hear the gospel.
Gaston, Ind. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 26 to Sept. 6.
Tremont, O. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 26 — Sept. 6. Address Peter Hartman, Lawrenceville, O.
Ash Grove, Mo. camp meeting will be held four miles southwest of Ash Grove, Green Co., Mo., Aug. 27 to Sept. 7. Bros. 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 furnished for all teams. We are praying the Lord to send many of his saints to this meeting, and may the real searching power and presence of God come with them.
A. T. Martin.
There will be a general assembly meeting at Davisville, Covington Co., Miss, beginning Aug., 28. Davisville is seven miles southeast of Williamsburg. Bro. S. H. Bozeman is expected. All are invited to come and be benefited. A. A. Ainsworth.
There will be a camp meeting held at the Shepherd schoolhouse, near Prince, Kemper Co., Miss. commencing Aug. 28 lasting as long as the Lord wills. A band of good singers is desired to be there We trust that God will send some of his true ministers from the North, whomsoever he wills. Let sinners come and be saved, and the sick and the lame come and be healed. Let every one in reach of this place put forth hands and help pre-pare the ground and make ready for this meeting; and God will bless your labor.
F. M. Williamson.
Oklahoma City, Okla. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 28-Sept. 14.
Tuscola, Leake Co., Miss. Meeting. Beginning Aug. 29. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.
There will be one week of tabernacle meeting beginning Sept. 1, near the Five Mounds meeting-house, in Chetopa Tp., Wilson Co., Kan. Eight miles southwest of Thary and eight miles northeast of Neodosha. For information address Aaron F. Kessel, Neodosha, Kan.
South Boston, Ind. Camp meeting. Sept. 1-13.
Izard Co., Ark. Camp meeting. Sept. 1-15. Address Ben Seaton, Violet Hill, Ark.
The general western С. M. to be held at Milton, Mo. Sept. 1-12, is changed to Fairfax, Sept. 2-14; four and one-half miles north of Milton, at the celebration ground; one-half mile northwest of town. Good shade and water on the grounds. Fairfax is on the T. V. R. R. fifty-five miles north of St. Joseph, Mo. in Atchison Co. Those coming from the north and south on the К. C. R. R. change cars at Corning. Those coming from the north on the С. B. & Q. R. R. change at Valiska. Let every child of God in reach of this meeting and all that are interested in the salvation of their souls, come. Come prepared to care for yourselves as far as possible. The workers will be cared for. The ministers expected to be present are Bros. W. A. Haynes, Kinzie, Backus, Willis, and whomsoever the Lord may send. Tents can be had at reason-able rates. All desiring tents send in your orders by Aug. 25. Address W. W. Scarlett, Milton, Mo.
Cheshire, Mich. Grove meeting. Beginning Sept 3. Address Albert Pulsipher, Allegan, Mich.
Vowell, Winston Co., Miss. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-13. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.
Kenesaw, Neb. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-15. Those wishing tents notify Bro. W. F. Eberline by at least as early as Aug, 20.
Bern, Ind. Tabernacle meeting. Six miles east in Bro. Young’s neighborhood. Begins Sept. 5.
Rowan Co., Ky. Assembly meeting. Sept. 5-13. On Slab camp, in the saints’ meeting-house, eight miles southwest of Morehead Station on the C. & O. road. Address W. T. Hall, or F. Porter, Morehead, Ky.
A grove meeting will be held in the southeast part of Salem township, Allegan Co., Mich. Sept. 8-18. Address H, E. Hyde, Burnips Corners, Mich.
Clifton, Mo. Camp meeting. Beginning Sept. 9. Address B. F. Chase, Box 116, Thayer, Mo.
Reddick, Ill. Tabernacle meeting, Sept, 9 and as long as the Lord wills.
Friend, Mo. Assembly meeting. Begins Sept. 15.
Anthony, Kan. Camp meeting. Beginning Sept. 15. Let some of God’s workers be here to help in this meeting. Address S. P. Fulton.
Rising Sun, O. Tabernacle meeting. Sept 15-25. Address Jacob Roush.
Arapahoe, Okla. Camp meeting. Sept. 18-28.
A general assembly meeting will be held by the saints of Kentucky, near Jeffersonville, Montgomery Co.; beginning Sept. 18, to continue over two Sundays, the Lord willing. A general invitation is given to all lovers of the truth. Bro. Keeling is expected.
Thos. Carter.
Carthage, Mo. Assembly meeting. Beginning Sept. 20. Let every minister in Mo., Kan., Ind. Ter., and Ark. arrange to attend. Address R. L. Berry.
North Enid, Okla. Camp meeting. Beginning Oct. 6. Address W. G. Rippey.
New Pittsburg, Ind. Assembly meeting. Beginning Oct. 15. Address H. C. Wickersham.
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
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What is meant by John 5:39? E. J. F.
The scripture reads as follows: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.” These are the words of Jesus. He spoke them to the Jews who did not believe that he was the Christ the Savior of the world. The scripture spoken of here, to which he referred them, was the Old Testament, They believed what was written in the law of the Old Testament, so Jesus told them to search the scriptures which they believed and they would find that those scriptures testified of Jesus himself as the one from whom they could obtain the blessings of salvation. He says. “In them ye think ye have eternal life,” but gives them to understand that they obtain that eternal life now through him by accepting him as their Savior. In verses 46 and 47 of the same chapter he said, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me, for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”
Please explain Phil. 3:12-17.
Read carefully the verses referred to. Verses 12 and 13 have reference to absolute perfection, which can only be realized in the resurrection from the dead. This is the desire of the apostle and all of the saints. Until this attainment is reached there will be no absolute perfection. “I shall be satisfied when I awake in his likeness.” Ps. 17:15. “Even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” — Rom. 8:23.
Until then there will be a reaching out, and yearning with a sense of being burdened, not with sin, but with mortality, and having a desire that it might be “swallowed up of life.” The state of being absent from the Lord will be exchanged for a glorious experience of being present with him. This will be realized in its fullness when the resurrection from the dead is attained. Ver. 11. This is what the apostle was desirous to apprehend. He had been apprehended (seized, arrested) for preaching the resurrection. (Acts 23:6; 24: 15, 21; and 28:20.) And now he ex-presses his desire to -apprehend that for which he also is apprehended of Christ Jesus. This is the “mark for the prize of the high calling of God” which he was pressing toward, but had not yet reached (attained), “either were already perfect.”
In verse 15 he speaks of the perfection necessary to be able to press toward this mark — a present PERFECTION, attainable here and now, which prepares us to be “thus minded,” apprehensive of the glorious fullness to come. The language of this verse clearly, teaches us that there were some at that time who were perfect, and this is the will of God concerning each of his children. “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” — 2 Cor. 13:11.
How does Phil. 3:12 harmonize with the doctrine of instantaneous sanctification?
It has no reference to instantaneous sanctification.
How do you harmonize John 12:31 with 12:47?
“Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” — Ver. 31.
“And if any man hear my words and believe not, I judge him not, for I came not to judge the world but to save the world.” — Ver. 47.
The meaning of these words is understood perhaps more clearly by the language of the apostle: “Some men’s sins are open before hand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.” — 1 Tim. 5:24.
In this gospel dispensation there is judgment upon every sinner who repents and believes the gospel. His sins go before him to judgment. In such an experience the prince of this world is cast out. But to those who believe not the gospel of Christ there is the judgment to follow. This is explained in verse 48 — “The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
How can we be partakers of the grace of any one besides God, as seems to he expressed in Phil. 1:7.?
The apostle speaks of the brethren being “partakers of my grace.” The more proper rendering, as in the margin, reads, “partakers with me of grace.”
What is the difference between bishops, deacons, and elders; and what are their official duties in the church?
In some respects the terms bishop and elder mean the same in the church of God. Practically, their official duties are the same. They are overseers or superintendents. In some respects any person who by experience and age has proved himself worthy of confidence and dignity is an elder, and yet such might not possess the necessary qualifications of an overseer. Scripturally there is no material difference between the two terms.
We have an example of the official duties of a deacon in Acts 6:1-3. The scriptural meaning of the term would imply a minister in the temporal matters of the church.
In Eccl. 1:4 we read, “The earth abideth forever.’’ If so, when is the end of the world, and when will the dead be raised out of their graves?
The term ‘forever’ signifies ‘all the days,’ or, to the end of time. ‘Forever and ever’ signifies ‘perpetuity,’ or, from age to age. This will perhaps explain the difficulty in the verse referred to.
Please explain Matt. 6:34.
This verse is explained by the pre-ceding verses in the chapter, beginning with ver. 24. Jesus would have all men to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all the necessary things of life will be added. This is the secret of happiness in this life. No one can possibly enjoy life as God has intended, until first God has been sought and his smile of approval rests upon the soul. When this experience is reached and the blessed secret of faith is revealed by the Holy Spirit, the question of food and raiment fades into apparent insignificance. God by no means designs that we should live in idleness, but, on the other hand, the normal state of life is diligence and activity, whether in secular matters or spiritual. But the blessed provision of God is that all the friction and anxiety shall be taken out of our life, and peace and contentment shall reign. He has promised food and raiment and we are instructed by the apostle to be content therewith.
Ver. — 25 “Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?” This is intended for every child of God. He has never promised us great wealth, but he has promised us food and raiment. Who has given us our life? Are we responsible for it? Have we received it by any act of our own? Can we impart life to anything? The same may be asked concerning the body. Both the body and life have come from God and in our normal state they are both his. We have no right to them. They are his by creation and redemption. God would have us understand that as he has given us both the body and the life, which are his and directly from him, so he is the author of every necessary thing to sustain the body and life. As it is impossible for us to make one hair white or black or add one cubit to our stature, it is equally as impossible for us to sustain our bodies in our own strength. It is not the design of God that we should bear the responsibility of our food and raiment. This belongs to him. Our responsibility lies in our obedience to him, and his part is to provide for the body and life which he has put here.
Some may not comprehend this thought, but if each will seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness he will find a glorious reality in Matt. 6:24-34. It must be revealed by the Holy Spirit. The test of faith may be laid upon us, but if we but prove loyal to God his promises shall not fail us.
A few years ago the writer was passing through a testing time. There was no present lack of food or raiment but the supply was so small. His little ones were playing at his feet with their happy prattle, A beautiful little home and farm in . one of the richest spots in western Illinois had been given up for the gospel. Peace and plenty were abounding on every hand. It was the birthplace of the three dear little ones who were now in a faraway state among strangers. Gospel pilgrims was about the only name that seemed appropriate to the whole family. The responsibilities of life seemed magnified. The care and anxiety of the family never seemed quite so great. The cold and merciless world, with all the grasping, greedy love of money on every hand, offered no consolation nor prospect for the necessaries of life for this pilgrim family. Perhaps one or two dollars in the house was the limit of all available means at the time; and just at that particular moment of trial the deep sense of parental responsibility was keenly inexpressible. God knew that there was a perfect willingness to spend every moment of time in labor and toil for the necessaries of life, but the call into the gospel field had been too plainly manifested in former years when in the midst of plenty. To say the least, that heart was burdened just then with an unspeakable trial. What can be done? was the question. While in this sad musing, the Holy Spirit flashed a brilliant light upon Matt. 6:25. Especially was the question illuminated, “Is not the life more than meat, and the body’ than raiment?” Language fails to express the glorious answer that accompanied the question. There was such a blessed buoyancy that filled that heart as the burden vanished out of sight. From that hour, the question of food and raiment has been satisfactorily settled. The activities of life with their ever increasing demands have pressed hard at times, until it became necessary to seek refuge in God for relief, but the responsibilities for the sustenance of life and body have been swallowed up in those beautiful words of that illuminated text.
Dear brother and sister, the Lord would have us all so sweetly merged into himself and his blessed will, as to forget every anxious responsibility even though engaged in the constant toils of life from day to day. There is a sweet and beautiful channel in which we can glide along, without the friction and irritation which destroy so many precious lives and hinder their usefulness for God. Let us all keep hid away with Christ in God, and move along in this blessed channel until we are at last carried out of this world into the bosom of his heavenly and eternal presence.
J. W. Byers.
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Page 3
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LETTER FROM HONOLULU,
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HONOLULU, H. I., July 19, 1896.
I felt led to write to your paper this afternoon. Almost a year ago we were led, as we believed, of God to go to Molokai, the Leper Island. We prayed over it and asked the Lord to show us when to start. We left Scottsville, Allen Co., Ky. the 19th of March via. New Orleans to San Francisco. As our ticket ran out nine days before a vessel would sail, we went to the Gospel Healing Home where we spent a most blessed ten days; part of the time in an upper room. Here we met our dear Bro. Green of Oregon.
We were here ten days before we were permitted to visit the leper hospital here in Honolulu, and over two weeks before we were permitted to visit Molokai. We do not know when we shall be permitted to go over to stay. We are leaving it all with the Lord. There is a great deal to do right here in Honolulu. There are 28,000 inhabitants, of almost all nationalities, German, French, Chinese, Portugese, Japanese, etc. There was a converted Chinaman got sick last week; was taken to the hospital. He prayed to God and Jesus healed him. He told a converted Japanese, who was sick in the same ward, how Jesus had healed him. I had been visiting there; the Japanese told me it strengthened his faith in what I had been telling him, when he saw the Chinaman brought there so sick and then to see him healed and go home sound and well. This afternoon as my husband and I came along from visiting the prison, (where there are 800 inmates, one woman in for life,) this Christian Chinaman saw us and ran across the street to speak to us. He seemed, oh so glad to see us, for he is really afraid to tell that the Lord healed him. He said he was feeling splendid, and wanted to know where we lived. He said he wanted to come and see us; is to call in the morning.
There have been two or three healed since we came. Surely God is no respecter of persons, and is just the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. Heb. 13:8. I am teaching my Sabbath-school children, the natives or Hawaiians, that Jesus can and does heal people to-day. Several little girls can tell what Jesus said to do when we get sick, and they can tell where to find it in the Bible. Some two or three weeks ago we were out at the Museum, where we saw the heathen or idol gods, some of wood, stone, and other material, that the people here worship. I had often heard of people worshiping gods of stone and wood, etc., but I never expected to see them. Somehow my faith has been increased wonderfully in the past two or three weeks. The first of the month we visited one of the large sugar plantations here, expressly to do mission work. They have 3500 acres under cultivation: work 800 men; make from eighty to 100 tons per day of sugar.
MRS. S. P. DAY.
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News from the Field.
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WARM SPRINGS, Ark, July 31.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: We are praising God for the victory the Lord gives his people. We went to Job, Mo. on the 18th and commenced meeting in the name of the Lord in company with Bro. S. M. Rich and Co.; held meeting thirteen days in the grove. The devil had his combined powers arrayed against this place. There were twelve sect Preachers present. But as the Word went forth in purity Babylon fell and God’s kingdom was built up. On Sunday the 26th, six dear ones followed the dear Lord in the precious ordinance of baptism, and on the next Thursday four more were also buried in the flowing river.
We expect, the Lord willing, to go from here to the Ripley Co. camp meeting for a few days, then return and go from here to Elm Store, Ark. to begin meeting, to be held as long as the Lord wills. We expect to go from there to Myrtle, and then back to Job. Dear saints, pray for us. We are young in the work and God is teaching us some precious lessons. Yours for the defense of the gospel,
J. E. CHASE, S. M. RICH AND CO,
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SPRINGFIELD, O.
Since writing our last report of our labors in God’s vineyard, he certainly has been with us and manifested his power by the salvation of many precious souls. On the 24th of June we commenced our second tabernacle meeting of the season, at Marion, Ind., and in spite of the strongest opposition we had complete victory, and a number of souls got deliverance from sin. This town has been looking for the truth for several years, a great many have been disgusted with sectism for a long time; and when we began to hold up the standard, they gladly accepted it. At the close of this meeting large numbers expressed their sorrow at our departure and some wept, and all hoped that we would return at an early date.
From Marion we went to Anderson, Ind., and there we met with the usual opposition; but the Word prevailed again, and after the people got acquainted with us and our object of coming, they turned out to hear the truth and some in hearing received freedom to their souls. We have made many friends in Marion and Anderson by holding up the Bible standard of salvation, and also many enemies; but by the help of God, if we make nothing but enemies, the standard shall never be lowered.
From Anderson, Bro. Speck went home to attend the camp meeting at Beaver Dam, and the rest of the company came here to Clark Co., Ohio to attend the annual camp meeting which is now in progress.
LEROY SHELDON AND CO.
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Testimonies.
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POLK CITY, IOWA.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I am praising God for a perfect salvation that keeps me free from sin amidst all the powers of darkness. The evening light has never been preached here, and the people are starving for the bread of life. I pray God that he will send his holy messengers hereto preach the Word in all its purity. My soul does magnify the name of Jesus for all his blessings bestowed upon me since he saved me from my sins. Pray for me. Your saved brother,
HENRY WELDER.
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STOCKTON, KAN.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I am praising God for this great salvation so full and free. I am out in the vineyard working for the Lord. Oh how glorious to work for Jesus! I have been working in western Kansas. There are many places here where the gospel has not been preached. I am sweetly kept by mighty power. Amen. The people are running to and for seeking for knowledge. Praise the name of Jesus for saving me! Pray for me. Yours in Jesus’ name,
MARY E. RAY.
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RENFROE, MISS.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I feel led to write my testimony. Three years ago the dear Lord saved me from sin, and shortly after sanctified my nature and made me whole. Praise the Lord! Something over one year ago the Lord called me to go out and work for him. I am so glad I obeyed the call, for Jesus said, “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.” To-day finds me saved and standing on the whole truth of God. Dear ones, pray for me that I may be kept humble, right where the Lord can use me best. Your brother in Christ,
W. D. HARRIS.
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ST. FRANCIS, KAN.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I feel as though it would be to the glory of God for me to write my testimony in the Trumpet for the first time. I can praise the Lord for real victory in my soul over all the powers of darkness. The Lord does most wonderfully save my soul from sin, sanctifies my nature, and heals my body from all diseases. I know I can trust him for all things for he is indeed a friend in need. I feel that I am advancing. The saints at this place had a grand meeting during the 4th of July and the Lord did most wonderfully bless and humble us. The Lord has a little church here, which is on the advance for God. May God’s children pray for us that we all may continue, and pray for me that I may have a closer walk with God, for I know my desire is to do all I can for my Savior and so live that all that I do may be done to the glory of God. If God leads any of his little ones this way, we would be glad to meet with them. Your sister in Christ,
HELEN SMITH.
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MANNING, MO.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I am praising God for salvation and victory over the enemy. I was an orphan child and raised up as a Lutheran. I lived up to all the rules of that sect for forty-five years and served the Lord the best I knew how. Then I heard the evening light preached and I embraced that glorious present truth. I knew that if I did not forsake my sins I was lost forever. I have lived a saved life for two years and have never found anything so precious in all my life. When we are sick we have the Physician right in the house with us. Last week my little boy was very sick and we prayed for him, and, praise God, he was healed and is gaining strength right along. The rest of my family are all saved but one child and I ask you all to pray for him that he may forsake his sins and live for God. The Lord has wonderfully healed me of an inward trouble that I have been bothered with for twenty-six years. He has healed me and given me strength to do all my work. I cannot thank him enough for his goodness to me. Pray for me. Your saved sister,
AUGUSTIA KLEMME.
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WHEATFIELD, IND.
To THE CHURCH GF GOD, Greeting: Beloved of God, called to be saints, this is a glorious calling, for a saint is a holy person, and he is holy that has the spirit of Christ. 1 Cor. 3:16,17. “Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his.” — Rom. 8:9. So I conclude that all of Christ’s church are saints and that they are without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Eph. 5:27, Now, by the way of introduction I will say, I was converted from a sinner to a Christian about fifteen years ago, and soon afterward received the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. This was not through the agency of the organized churches or sects, but through the agency of a faithful, praying band of Christians who about that time, through the power of the Holy Ghost, shook northern Indiana and there were hundreds born into the kingdom of God at the several places where they preached the Word. There was no sect formed but they continued to praise God and to grow and prosper. I soon went to preaching the Word and the Lord graciously blessed me and his Word was glorified.
After about three years we were taken captive (read Psa. 137). Thinking I could better serve my Master, whose I am and whom I love, I joined the Episcopal Methodists, while some joined the Free Methodists and some the Congregationalists, but all were captives. I thought I could gather together a holy people, and lead them out into the precious light which I had received, and which I longed to impart to others. I might have succeeded, only for the authorities over me. I found that a large per cent, of these people were (unconsciously perhaps) the enemies of God (James 4:4); that instead of building up the spiritual kingdom of God and his Christ, they were only hewers of wood and drawers of water (Joshua 9:20, 21) to a human organization. Many times I would long for the spiritual visitation, and pray and labor for their return, only to see the meetings turned into money-getting places. True, there were gleaning grapes in the topmost boughs and on the outmost fruitful branches (Isa. 17:6), who like me would hope for a turn in affairs, but it never came and never can come, as I now see, because of the extreme worldliness of the people who are the leaders. For the most part this people are paying more money into the lodges than for the kingdom of Christ, reading and studying more rituals than Bible. From all these things God saves his people, if they will let him.
Something over three years ago I surrendered my license and formally withdrew from the Methodists; and like David declares in the 126th Psalm, I once more breathed the freedom vouchsafed to God’s people and in doing so nestled closer under the shadow of the Almighty. Now Jesus is my all, he is the fairest among ten thousand and the one altogether lovely. My life for the past twelve years has been a glorious fulfillment of God’s promises to his children and one wave of glory has succeeded another all these beautiful years. But it has been amidst the most bitter persecution, which sometimes has amounted to an outrage. Yet amidst it all I have victory through him that loved us, and I often wonder why God loves me so when I seem so unworthy to suffer shame for his dear sake.
I have no taste for the things of this world among which are sectarianism lodges, parties, and creeds. I want the Christ. All other things will adjust themselves; for the child of God will be on all moral questions on the side of these questions that God is on. I often think that, if there is no greater joy in the world to come than there is in this it will be eternal bliss especially when the things we suffer and the things that are bitter are taken away and the water of life remains, where we drink and never thirst again. Praise the name of Christ our Lord forever!
If my experience will help anybody I will freely give it. I have no claims on the columns of the Trumpet, but if thought worthy a little space occasionally I may come again. And now, grace and peace from God be unto all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
JOHN M. HELMICK.
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OBITUARIES.
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SKINNER — James E. Skinner departed this life July 1, 1896. Was born Jan. 31. 1827. He died in hope of a better world; came out in the evening light about ten years ago and lived a Christian life until his death. He leaves a wife, six sons, and one daughter to mourn their loss. He sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. He was sick about one year before his death, but bore his sickness with patience. Written by his wife.
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SHOUP. — Mother Shoup, wife of Bro. Frederick Shoup, died at her home near Bushong, Kan. July 28, 1896; aged sixty-five years five months and twenty-three days I was with her almost constantly during her sickness. At times her sufferings were intense, but she committed her case into the hands of God, and he wonderfully answered prayer in her behalf. Many times when she would be suffering we called upon the Lord to relieve her, and he always answered prayer and removed the pain; but she said from the first it was God’s will to take her home and she would not be with us long; said she wan ted to go and be with Jesus; and at times of severe suffering she praised God for his goodness and mercy. Her sufferings are over, and we know it is far better for her to be with Jesus. The dear Lord wonderfully sustains Father Shoup and enables him to say God’s will be done. May God bless the dear children and bring them into the one fold of Christ, and help us ail to take warning and be ready; for we know not the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.
Belle Vandivort.
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Many People do not Know
that God has, in his word given us a complete history of every important event occurring in the church, and tells how the people of God were, after a time of persecution, gradually led into Catholicism and after spending 1260 years in darkness were led out into greater light in the Lutheran Reformation which was followed by a period of 350 years partly light and partly dark, and at the end of this the glorious Evening Light flashed forth to continue until the end of time.
“THE BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH”
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SATURDAY of SUNDAY?
WHICH day shall we keep for the Sabbath? If the old Jewish sabbath is in force, why do not Christians keep it? If it is no longer enjoined, why do men teach it? In the book
“THE SABBATH,
or Which Day to Keep”
it is proved beyond a doubt that the old Sabbath is not and never was the Christian Sabbath, but that it is abolished and the first- day Sabbath is enjoined in the word of God as the day for Christians to observe. It honestly meets and refutes the arguments of all seventh-day teachers.
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Marriage… and Divorce.
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“MARRIAGE and DIVORCE”
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Salvation,
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By D. S. Warner. A treatise on the nature and effect of Salvation, proving that we must live holy in this present world, and an exposition of the two works of grace. It shows just the standard of life God requires of us and overthrows the idea of some future time to prepare for eternity, and shows that we must have a perfect salvation now or never.
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Page 4
DIVINE HEALING.
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RICKERT, IND.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I feel led of God to write my testimony for his glory. I do praise him for salvation and for his wonderful keeping power. I also praise God that we can look to him in times of affliction. Praise his name! I have been healed at different times through faith and prayer. A short time ago our child was very sick and we took his case to the Lord according to Jas. 5:13, 15. and the child was healed in answer to prayer. I know God is just the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, and is just as willing to do for us now as he ever was, if we only trust in him. Praise his name! My trust is in God and I am saved and kept by his mighty power. Trusting this will be a benefit to some soul and glorify the name of the Lord, I am your sister in Christ,
MRS. MINNIE BYRUM.
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Healed by Faith.
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MERRIMAC, WIS.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I also feel led to write how wonderfully the dear Lord has dealt with me. I received a rupture last December and it kept growing worse ail the time till it was very hard for me to get around and do my housework; but in spite of it all I trusted the Lord would heal me. And, as I humbled myself before him and asked him to give me faith for my healing, the Lord wonderfully strengthened my faith and led me to write to the dear brethren at the Grand Junction camp meeting to pray for my healing. Dear Bro. Byrum wrote back and said I should not wait for feeling but believe it done because God’s word says so. And on Sunday, June 14, when the day was appointed to pray for the sick (oh what a blessed day it was for me!.), I could take God right by his word; and as I did so I was healed instantly Oh, hallelujah to Jesus’ I got up, walked around praising God, and will never cease praising him. What a wonderful Savior we have! Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases. Dear suffering ones, take your diseases to Jesus, because it is not his will that his children should suffer. Your sister in Christ,
FLORA ROTZOLL.
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Prayer Answered.
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FRISCO, ARK.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I want to say that I am saved, and sanctified wholly, through the truth. Praise the Lord! I also want to testify to the wonderful saving, keeping, and healing power of God. Our dear little boy, Charley, was very sick with typhoid malarial fever, lying at the point of death. I had obeyed the Word in Jas. 5:14, 15, and tried to take God at his word, and held on to his promises; but seemingly the little fellow grew worse. During this time I was impressed to write to the Trumpet family in regard to his case; but knowing how busy they were and that they are called on so often, I put it off from one day to another until the morning of the 5th of July, when he got so bad he could not talk to us; and at this time all the saints were gone several miles away. I felt that the Lord wanted me to at once send a telegram to the Trumpet family, knowing that the prayers of the righteous are his delight and ‘where two or three agree upon earth as touching anything, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven.’ So I went and did as the Lord directed, and the very moment the message began to click over the wire my heart leaped for joy; my soul was filled unutterably full of glory. Praise his name forever and ever! I don’t know what time the message arrived at the office but the little fellow took a change in the afternoon and is now almost well.
Oh how wonderful are thy ways, О God! I learned afterwards that the saints here who were away from home were also praying for him while we were praying and agonizing with God. Sinners and backsliders and professors would come and look at the child, go off and talk about us, and threaten the law; but God says he will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. Blessed be his name! The Lord says he will deliver us out of them all, meaning temptations.
Now, the Lord suffered us to be wonderfully tried on this case because we had resorted to medicine, when God says for us to fear him; and God saw fit to bring us down and prove us. Now, dear souls, let me admonish you in the name of Jesus, those who have been blessed with hearing this pure gospel preached in this evening time, never resort to medicine, when the word of God is so plain. It is just, as needful for us to go to him with all our ailments as it is to go to him with all our sins: because, speaking of Christ, David says, “Who forgiveth all our iniquities; who healeth all our diseases.” I for one am determined by the grace of God to trust him in the future. Since our little boy has been getting better those who were foremost in denouncing and threatening us with the law, says there was nothing much the matter with him. Some of the sinners who saw him when he was so bad confessed that they were convinced that the Lord had healed him. God’s children here were wonderfully strengthened by the Lord raising him up. The Lord will surely get glory here out of this case and he shall have all the praise, for he alone is worthy. Blessed be his name! Pray for us. Your brother in Christ, W. E. MOORE.
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ERRORS OF DUNKARDISM.
5th. That a man is forbidden to cover his head. Ver. 7.
6th. That a woman ought to have power (authority) on her head. Ver. 10.
7th. That we may use our own judgment to teach us, if it is or is not comely, or becoming, for a woman to pray to God uncovered. Ver. 13.
8th. That nature or natural laws, good reason or rationality, teaches that it is a shame (or disgrace) for a man to have long hair. Ver. 14.
9th. That if a woman has long hair, it is reputable, honorable, and a glory to her. Ver. 15.
10th. That a woman’s hair is given her for a covering. Ver. 15.
Here Paul acknowledges two coverings that the women of that age wore. And under the peculiar circumstances in which they lived, he advised them to wear them both.
The first one is spoken of in verse 6. — “ For if the woman be not covered, let her be shorn [shingled]; but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.” This covering is undoubtedly an artificial one, and Paul says that if she has not this covering, then let her be shorn or shingled. This shows that he did not speak of the hair. For if this covering was the hair, and she did not have it on, she would already be shorn of her hair, not having it on.
The true meaning of the apostle is this: If she does not have this artificial covering (veil) on, then let her also be shorn of her hair. But as it was considered a shame for them to be shorn of their hair, he says, “Let her be covered [veiled].” For it was also considered, under the prevailing circumstances, that if she did not wear the covering (veil), she dishonored her head or husband. See verses 3 and 3. Thus he shows that he considers one just as necessary as the other, under the peculiar circumstances. To be shorn of her hair was considered a shame; because long hair was and is yet a glory to her.
Likewise, to refuse to wear the artificial covering (the veil), dishonored her husband, because of the peculiar dress worn to distinguish the male and female in that age and nation.
The second covering is spoken of in verse 15 — “ But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her; for her hair is given her for a covering.”
Here, Paul says the woman’s hair is given her for a covering. And that God gave woman her long hair, all admit. Thus we see, the true origin of the woman’s long hair is in the creation of God. Therefore, in order that we be able to arrive at the truth upon this point, it is also necessary that we find the true origin of the artificial covering, which was a veil.
At the time Paul gave this instruction at Corinth, there was a disturbance among them about the veil worn by the women of the Jewish nation. Some were for it, and some were against it. And under the existing circumstances, Paul advised them to wear the veil. This veil was not a part of the Mosaic code; neither was it a part of the law of God; but a Jewish custom, which was first adopted by the honorable women, who were beautiful both in form and dress, and was worn in order to prevent men of a lower rank from becoming captivated by their beauty, which might result in the woman becoming reduced in rank, in her nation and among her relatives.
Robison, in his Bible Dictionary, says, “If an Egyptian lady is surprised unveiled, she quickly draws her veil over her face, with some exclamation like, ‘О my misfortune!’ To lift or remove one’s veil was to insult and degrade her, etc.”
The wearing of this veil by the women, soon became a custom throughout the entire Jewish nation, and was used by some as a token of sorrow and mourning. But at the time Paul wrote to the Corinthians, it had become a mark of distinction in dress, between the sexes. The dress worn by both men and women at that time, was so near alike that they had adopted the custom of wearing a veil, for the women, in order to distinguish between them and the men. This veil was large enough to cover the entire head and face of the woman. Thus it constituted a cover for her. from which the covering in the scripture now under consideration had its origin.
It is but reasonable that Paul, under such circumstances, would advise them to still wear the veil. Let me illustrate. It is now a custom for the women of our nation to wear dresses, and the men, pants, coat, and vest; and this also affords easy distinction between the two. Now, suppose your wife goes to the city, purchases a suit of men’s clothing, nuts them on. and comes home dressed in a full outfit of men’s wear. Would not that be dishonoring to you? Would it not bring shame, reproach, and unnecessary ridicule and persecution upon you, your family, and neighborhood? In such a case, would not the advice of Pau! to the Corinthians be admissable? This is the very thing that was causing the contention at Corinth. And, were it yet the custom for women to wear a veil, and that was the only article of dress whereby we could distinguish whether we were meeting a man or a woman, I would give the same advice that Paul did: “Let her be covered;” that is, let her wear the veil. But the customs have changed and there is no reason for wearing the veil, since there are a number of other articles of dress that enable us to distinguish between a man and a woman.
It was also a custom for women to wear long hair, and the men, short hair. Yet in Paul’s conclusion, he does not make either of these a custom or law of the church of God. See verse 16 — “But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches [congregations] of God.” It was not a custom among the apostles, nor the churches of God, but a custom of the Jewish nation. Just like the dress worn by the women of to-day, and the pants, coat, and vest worn by the men, is not a custom of the church, but a custom of the American people, or a custom of this nation. Yet no Christian, and not even our Dunkard friends, would sanction the violation of this custom.
The apostle, speaking of the Jewish veil or covering, says it is not a custom in the church. He does not say, “We have no such custom as contention.” Contention was not the custom under consideration. Neither was it a custom at all, and Paul did not speak of it as a custom. But they had no such custom as the one they were contending for, which was the wearing of a veil. Hence it was not a test of Christianity; and, if a sister did not wear it, they had no right to reject her.
It is strange that those people who are so bitterly opposed to following the customs of this present evil world, yet will go back under the law age and take up a semi-observance of a custom which is neither law nor gospel, but simply a Dunkard tradition, or custom, which has no support in the word of God. I insist, if they still hold it to be a part of the gospel, that they adopt the use of a veil that will cover the entire head and face, and not a little cap covering only a small spot on the back of the head, for the face was the particular part to be covered among the Jews.
Tertullian, the historian often quoted by Dunkards, in vol. I in his “Apology,’’ chap. 30. pages 70, 71, says: “Thither we Christians, looking with hands spread open, because without guilt, with head uncovered, because we are not ashamed, finally without a prompter, because we pray from the heart,” etc. I quote this to show that as early as A. D. 196-201, during which time Tertullian wrote the above, Christians had ceased to follow the custom of covering the head, and that the covering of the head had become a mark of shame. Thus we see that when the custom changed, Christians understood it was not the law of God for the women to cover their heads. Paul gave them to understand that they had no right to bind any such obligations on the women. But any woman called of God to preach, had a perfect right to do so. regardless of the custom of covering: though it doubtless would be better to wear it, for the present.
Hence, as this custom has ceased, a woman may appear in public, and preach, pray, and testify, to the honor and glory of God, with heaven’s approval upon her soul, without any artificial covering upon her head. And yet nature still testifies that her long hair is a glory to her; and, as God gave it to her, she may still wear it and no one dare, according to the Scriptures, demand her to wear any other special covering; for it is not and never was a custom of the church (or congregation) of God.
How inconsistent it is in those who require women to wear an artificial covering, so they can prophesy and pray, that after they submit to their deception, then they forbid them to either preach, pray, or testify. No, no; she dare not even say amen in their assemblies. Sisters, such is a pernicious doctrine — a cheat and a fraud, by which you are cheated out of your liberty in the Lord, who hath ordained that you be free. See Jno. 8:38. Thank God, you can be free from al! such human laws of bondage.
The conclusion is this: if any man was going to contend for such an obligation to be bound upon the women, neither we, nor Paul and the rest of the apostles, nor any of the churches of God in the world, have any such custom. The apostles taught unity by the inspiration of God. So whatsoever they did not teach, nor require of the people of God. should not be taught, nor required of them by us. Paul says, “Now 1 beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you: but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Cor. 1:10.
Paul taught those brethren to all speak the same thing. And he says that none of the apostles, nor any of the churches of God, had any such custom as requiring the women to wear the artificial covering, and if they did, it was proof that they were not one of the churches of God. Hence, it is just the same to-day. Any congregation of people, calling themselves a church, and yet teaching that women are commanded to wear an artificial covering or cap, is not the congregation, or church, of God. We have no more right to demand the sisters to adopt the covering than they have to demand us to be circumcised. For the same God who hath said, “Circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter” (Rom. 2: 29), hath also said, “We have no such custom, neither the churches of God.”
Hallelujah! The bands are all gone, and we are free, both men and women, for Jesus, the lowly Lamb of God, who came to redeem us from the law of sin and bondage, hath said, “If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — Jno. 8:36. Amen and amen.
G. W. H.
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TESTIMONY.
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BOWMAN, OKLA.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I am saved and trusting in the dear Lord for all things. I can praise God this morning for his goodness toward me and I thank him for his healing power. He healed me this spring of the chills and other afflictions. I do praise his name forever. I am very young in the cause, but thank God, he saves the young as well as the old. I am seventeen years of age, and I am so glad the Lord ever brought me out in my young years. I am not tired of this way of living. Dear saints, pray for me that I may ever prove faithful unto the end. Pray for my father and brothers that they may be saved. Your sister, saved and trusting in the Lord for all things,
SUSIE KAFFER.
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ADVANCEMENT.
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Matters of Conscience,
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BESIDE the eating of meat, mentioned in our former article, there are other matters of conscience mentioned in the Bible. In Rom. 14:5, Paul says “One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” This text has sometimes been applied to the keeping of the Lord’s day. but that is not left to the conscience of the reader, but is positively set forth as a duty in the word of God. The apostle was speaking of the keeping of holidays, such as national holidays, etc. Sometimes disputes arise amongst the brethren in some localities concerning the regarding of such days.
To all the dear brethren we would say. Whatever be your faith in this matter, do not condemn others for not seeing as you see, because the inspired Word, speaking particularly of this matter, says, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
But it is doubtless necessary to state here that cure should be used to regard such days properly. For while the Word makes the regarding of the day optional with you, it does not allow you to regard it in a worldly way. Concerning this point the Word says, “He that (among Christians) regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it.” By this we see that God requires us, when we regard days, to regard them unto him; that is, spend them in fasting and prayer, and set them apart as days of worship, and not spend them in revelry as worldlings do.
Another matter of conscience is mentioned in 1 Cor. 10:27 — “If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; what so ever is set before you, eat, asking no questions for conscience’ sake.” Here, going to a feast is very clearly set forth as a matter of conscience, though it be prepared by a sinner.
We have known, in some localities, disturbances to arise about this very point, even when the feast in question was but a dinner on the last day of school. These things ought not so to be, because there cannot possibly be any more harm in a school eating their dinner together, than for the children of each family to eat separately. And if all the parents in the district gather together to eat their dinners with their children, no possible evil can result from it so long as everything is conducted orderly.
Jesus did not condemn feasts, because he taught his apostles how to behave themselves when they attended them. Luke 14:7-10. He also himself attended feasts, and instructed us whom to call when we make a feast. Luke 14:12-14. But mark, he does not command you to make a feast; so this is left to your own option.
Besides the foregoing, there are a great many matters of conscience not mentioned in the Bible. Such are: shingling the hair in any particular style, shaving the face, wearing any particular cut of clothing, wearing a mustache, wearing a collar, and many others.
But where shall we draw the lines between Christian doctrine and matters of conscience? Answer. The Bible sets forth the doctrine of Christianity in full. Whatever, therefore, is directly or indirectly taught in the word of God, is to be treated as the doctrine of heaven, and must be believed, preached, and practiced by all. But any conscience scruple not clearly set forth in the Word is not to be enjoined upon others.
A word of caution is necessary here. We have sometimes met dear ones who had become so fixed in some foolish notion, that, although not treated affirmatively or negatively in the Bible, they seemed to see it clearly and unequivocally set forth in many texts. Oh! beware, beloved brethren. To try to prove something by a text that inspiration has not intended to teach in it, is twisting the word of God. And they that twist the word of God do it unto their own destruction. 2 Pet. 3:16.