15 February 1889, Volume 10, Number 23.
Children of Light.
>:o:<
Walk in the light! so shalt thou know
That fellowship of love
His Spirit only can bestow,
Who reigns in light above.
Walk in the light! and sin, abhorr’d,
Shall ne’er defile again;
The blood of Jesus Christ the Lord
Shall cleanse from every stain.
Walk in the light! — and thou shalt find
Thy heart made truly His,
Who dwells in cloudless light enshrined,
In whom no darkness is.
Walk in the light! — and thou shalt own
Thy darkness pass’d away,
Because that light hath on thee shone
In which is perfect day.
Walk in the light! — and e’en the tomb
No fearful shade shall wear;
Glory shall chase away its gloom,
For Christ hath conquer’d there!
Walk in the light! — and thou shalt be
A path, though thorny, bright;
For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee,
And God himself is light.
Selected.
__________
SCRIPTURAL PROOFS OF REGENERATION AND ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION.
—:o:—
1st. WE will clearly prove by the immutable Word of God, that the disciples were converted and regenerated before the day of Pentecost.
“Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold we have left all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
“And Jesus said, unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” — Matt. 19:27, 28.
Thus you see His disciples were not only following Him literally, but also spiritually, — having forsaken all their evil ways, they obtained the forgiveness of sins, and were born of God. In Luke 10: we find He (Christ) sent 70 to preach, “two and two, before His face into every city.” Do you think the Son of God would ordain and send out sinners to preach the Gospel? Nay, verily. In Luke 10:20 we read that their “names were written in heaven,” hence they were converted, and not sinners. Conversion implies a turning from sin, a change of heart, and not a mere superficial reformation, as we find extant in the world to-day, but a Bible turning from sin and the works of the devil, to God and His service.
2d. We will in like manner, prove that the disciples were sanctified on the day of Pentecost,
The Savior prayed in the 17th of John, thus: “They are not of th world, even as I am not of the world; * * * Sanctify them (the disciples) through thy truth, thy Word is truth.” Why should any one disbelieve the Savior’s prayer? Do you not think the Father answered it? Yes, indeed, on the day of Pentecost, while they were tarrying at Jerusalem waiting for the promise of the Father to come (“Holy Spirit”).
“But when the Comforter has come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me.” — John 15:26.
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place, and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:1-4.
That company at Jerusalem which were “praising and blessing God,” were not sinners, but they had followed Christ in. the regeneration. “And suddenly” the Sanctifier came from heaven, “as of a rushing mighty wind, filling all the house,” and their hearts with the Spirit, enabling them all to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance, to the astonishment of their observers.
Hence, you see and discriminate the two successive works of grace, which we have proven beyond doubt, and we could find many more corroberating texts; but is unnecessary. God’s Word is true, and “by the mouth of two or three witnesses (on a subject) every word shall be established.”
If any one has some self-conceited opinion, or skeptic notion as to whether God’s plan of salvation is right, you had better do away with it; for all things that are not in harmony with His Divine volume are erroneous and not of God. Every antagonistic spirit to that of Christ, is of the devil, and without the Word, for the Spirit (of God) and the Word (of God) agree.
Some say “this good experience was only for the apostles, and not for us at the present time.” What saith the Word?
“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy Word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” — John 17 – 14—20.
Thank God! It is not only for those in that period of time, but for all those who believe “into” the Lord Jesus Christ through their word. I am a believer in God’s Word and plan of salvation; hence this entire sanctification is willed to me, and now possessed.
Why should any one find fault because God proposes to “save us by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” We have no right to object. We must be conformed to the Divine will (Word) in all things. My dear readers of the TRUMPET, Let us respect the “Holy Bible” and do away with the old “traditions of our fathers,” and take God at His Word, subscribing to it only.
One old hoary headed man remarked one night, after having listened attentively to the Gospel, and apprehended it, that he had been taught so many things contrary to the Word of Divine inspiration, and now feeling that he must drop these false theories, it seemed almost impossible for him to do so. But though we have things that seem as dear to us as our “right hand,” “foot,” or “eye,” we must have them amputated.
Some love their tobacco, others sectism etc. Their hearts are filled with avarice, selfishness, pride, sect wine, worldliness, love of applause, and fame, etc. etc., all of which are to perish with those who practice them.
After the depraved heart has been captured by the love of Christ, and forgiven, regenerated, or born again, (all of which are included in the first work of grace), the soul is then an heir of entire sanctification or perfect holiness, and will soon feel the need of this deeper work of grace. But no one ever has or ever can get entile sanctification before, or in the instant of pardon. A great many very precious souls are wonderfuly deceived on this point.
1st, We must have the old tree (life) of sins chopped down, before we are proper candidates for entire sanctification.
2d, We must consecrate “soul, body, and Spirit” to God, willing for life or death at His demand. These are the propitious grounds on which God will meet the soul in entire sanctification. To say: “I can get it some other way,” would be to ignore God’s plan. All refraction and party clanning are for the want of the Holy Ghost “Which leads into all truth as it is in Jesus Christ.” The Apostle to the Roman brethren writes thus: “For I long to see you that I may impart (through the Gospel) some spiritual gift (Holy Ghost) to the end ye may be established in perfect holiness;” and for this purpose was he writing unto them, i. e., “that their joy might be full,” and John says: “of His fulness have all we received, and grace for (Greek “upon”) grace.”
“That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the entiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.” — Rom. 15:16.
I have known those who were deceived to consecrate for sanctification, when they ought to have got down to the altar for justification, and they could not get sanctified until their regeneration was cleared up, as also the Corinthians were an illustration. If a house has two rooms, and there is no access to one except through the other, you must necessarily pass through the first to enter the second. Thus we enter the “House of God. First, into the holy place, and second, into the holiest of all, typified by the ancient tabernacle, where the high priest only officiated. So “we are made kings and priests unto God,” and we are enabled through His grace to “Reign in this life by one Christ Jesus.”
“And now being made free from sin, and become the servants of God, ye have your limits unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” — Rom. 6:22.
In 1 Thess. 3:9, 10, 11, we read that Paul wanted to go unto them to preach the fulness, in which they should be able to stand. He addresses them in the first chapter as brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ, yet he wishes to preach unto them a higher standard.
“Furthermore then we beseech you. brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God. so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor.” — 1 Thess. 4:1-4.
“Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” — 1 Thess. 5:22-24.
“For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost is a witnes to us; for after that he had said before, this is the covenant that I will make with them after these days, saith the Lord; I will put unlaws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and inquiries will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for through the vail, that is to say, His flesh; and having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” — Heb. 10:14-22.
“Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Sheherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Heb. 13:21, 22.
All these, and many other Scriptures, show the two works of grace.
What will sanctification do for us?
“For both He that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren.” — Heb. 2:11.
Then the Savior’s prayer is answered, and all who are sanctified are one in Jesus Christ, Holy and pure “without spot or blemish,” all evil propensities are gone. We have yet left in us the ability to sin, but all inclination to sin is gone. The mother has the ability to kill her child, but she does not want to do so from this fact; i. e., she loves the child; so we who love God, do not want to sin and displease Him: because we can live without sin by His grace.
“And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.” — Heb. 5:9.
“But the Lord is faithful, who will stablish you, and keep you from evil.” — 2 Thes. 3:3.
“Behold I give you power over all the power of the enemy.” The mutable things of this sphere will pass away, but God and His Word are unchangable; therefore let us stand upon the immutable Word, unswerving, being loyal to all His injunctions, with a true heart.
Some adherents to different denominations are deploring the sad state of things in their own sect, wanting them to reform; but instead of reforming, they are becoming more deformed every day. What those hungry souls need is salvation and the Holy Ghost renovater and separator. “He” will take them out of the abominations they so deplore; then all who cannot be shaken, will remain unshaken, holy and having no shaky elements in them after having passed through the refining process and come out pure as gold with alloy.
Oh glory to Jesus for salvation just now, crystallizing my soul and purifying my heart from all sin and its contaminations. God help us to raise the standard of His Word and salvation to the people. A sectarian sham holiness, a mere surface work, has been extant in the world for some time, and thereby holiness has fallen into disrepute, and the low sect religion has become a contageous disease. May God alarm all who have this chronic disease to apply the glorious remedy of full salvation to their hearts, leaving the dark wilderness of sectism and slavery of sin, by accepting the glorious emancipation of Divine grace, and immerging into the beautiful sunlight of God. “Leave the poor old stranded wreck and pull from (not for) the shore. Get out into the deep water, where you will have to lose your life for Jesus’ sake, and where all the hope of self merits is gone, and you see nothing but Jesus.
In the western states especially, the spurious holiness has been promulgated. Thus deception has been practiced upon the people, hedging up the way for the clear light to dawn into their souls. But thanks be to God! though this state of things does exist, many are receiving full salvation. taking “Christ for all and in all.” I would further say that no person can fall from sanctification, and light on the platform of justification. When you fall from the first grace, you lay the foundation for repentance, and you cannot get wholly sanctified until you are again justified.
No one can get sanctified in regeneration. It is not so ordained in the Bible. How is it then?
But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness winch we have done, but according to His mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior — Titus 3:4-6.
What will the Holy Ghost (Spirit) do for us? That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost — Rom. 15:16. The renewal of the Holy Spirit is entire sanctification, and renews the holy image of God in us, as we see in Col. 3:10. “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
When we are made perfect in holiness it will take out all selfish motives, and give us a heart loyal to God and free from every thing not in harmony with the divine will. When dead to sin, the lust of the flesh, and the works of the devil, we cease to live anymore in them. “For me to live is Christ:” “for he that hath the Son hath life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.” We are to be “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
Fully saved from sin’s domain,
His cleansing now I will proclaim;
Oh wondrous grace so full and free,
His great salvation reaches me.
Kept through power divine from sin,
The reign of peace we feel within,
Washed from guilt, more white than snow,
Our hearts with love shall ever glow.
Enraptured with the thought sublime,
Of heaven’s bright celestial clime,
In spotless raiment, free from care,
We’ll meet each other over there.
I am fully saved. Hallelujah! Amen “Be ye also ready.”
B. E. Warren.
__________
THE TRUMPET’S SOUND.
—:o:—
THROUGH the kindness of an unknown friend or brother the TRUMPET has made his semi-monthly visits at my residence for the last two or three months. His bold front attracted my attention. I read “Holiness” — “Definite” — “Radical” — Anti-sectarian” — “Name of Jesus” — “All His truth,” etc. etc.
The Literary TRUMPET mentioned, being an entire stranger to me, and there being so many false prophets in the land, I scrutinized him from head to foot. With the Ha..p of God I sounded the first note; they chord whether we call it first or second work. “Without Holiness no man shall see the Lord.” I touched another key — The true Gospel sound — “One Lord” — “One Faith” — “One Baptism” — “If ye love me keep my commandments.” I tried “infant baptism,” — No sound. Next, “Believers Baptism” and I hear the re- echo of Apostolic times, when Peter gave the Gospel Trumpet that powerful blast that caused “three thousand” to cry out “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” “Then they that received the Word gladly were baptized;” in the distance we hear Philip telling the Eunuch “If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest.” A full surrender required; witness his confession of faith: “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” “They both went down into the water,” “and he baptized him” — No sound of cup or basin — no infant cry that “a few drops are just as good.” The teaching of Philip was obedince. I search for the “six month probation; and in lieu, the sound burst forth, “Same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” As to “Washing feet,” I listen and hear the Great Head of the Church of God say: “If I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one anothor’s feet.” I find no accommodation note, that one foot, or none, would do as well, providing we extort the sound from some trumpet made by man; “That if we only felt humble, that would do.” But we turn to the infallible rule of faith and practice, and we hear the voice of the mother of Jesus: “Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” This includes all the ordinances and other Christian duties.
I tried the anti-sectarian key, and found that it readily responded to the Gospel sound — “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.” “Ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” For “whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother.” I noticed when the TRUMPET called upon me he either did not approve of great sounding titles, or else he was lacking of the courtesy of the children of this world who love to be called great. “Be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren.” The sound of the GOSPEL TRUMPET is clear.
Your Brother in Christ.
John Wilder.
Ottawa Lake, Mich.
==========
Geneva Center, Mich.
Beloved Saints: — I do praise our dear heavenly Father so much for keeping me over five years by His almighty power. I want to say to the glory of God that He saved me from tobacco, after I had smoked it nearly all my life. “When I was willing with all things to part, He gave me His bounty, His love in my heart.” Praise His name for ever and ever! Before the Lord sanctified my soul, I was so afflicted at times that I could not stir my hand or foot until some body would speak or shake me; but when the dear Father sanctified me He healed my body. I am united to Christ and have the kingdom of God set up in my heart I give God all the glory. Hallelujah! Yours in Jesus.
O. J. Beebe.
Page 2
THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
__________
A SEMI-MONTHLY HOLINESS JOURNAL
__________
DEFINITE, RADICAL, ANTI-SECTARIAN.
Sent Forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
For the Purity and Unity of His Church,
the Defence of ALL His Truth,
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.
__________
PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.
__________
D. S. WARNER, — Editor.
E. E. BYRUM, — Office Editor.
E. E. BYRUM and S. MICHELS, — Publishers.
__________
TERMS, $1.00 Per Year In Advance.
All business communications, moneys etc., must be addressed to the Gospel Trumpet, in order to insre credit; otherwise we will not be responsible.
Remittances should be sent by Registered Letter, or Express Order, through the American, or the United States Express Co. Small amounts may be sent in Two Cent Stamps.
We will not be responsible for money unless sent by Registered letter or Express Order, to Gospel Trumpet.
NOTICE.
A commission of 20 percent will be given on each new, cash subscriber, to all who will labor for the Gospel Trumpet. We make this offer so as to help the brethren that are in the field, as well as the circulation of the paper.
Parties desiring papers to canvass with should notify us regularly of their whereabouts.
__________
Changes of Address: — Subscribers wishing their address changed, must be sure to give their FORMER, as well as their new address.
Missing Papers: — It occasionally happens that numbers of our papers sent to our subscribers are lost, or stolen in the mails. In case you do not receive your paper when due, after waiting a sufficient length of time, write us a card and we will gladly send one in place of the missing number.
When you write, be sure and give your FULL ADDRESS, NAME, POST OFFICE, county, and STATE.
Should there be a mistake at any time, write to us at once, and we will gladly rectify the same.
Address all letters to Gospel Trumpet Grand Junction, Mich.
==========
Entered at the Post Office at Grand Junction,
Van Buren Co. Mich., as second class matter.
==========
NOTICE.
Send money by Post Office Money Order or Postal Note. Where these can not be procured, send by Express Order. Registered Letter or small amounts in one and two cent stamps.
__________
SONGS OF VICTORY.
FOURTH EDITION.
Songs of Victory is specially adapted to Camp, Grove, and all other meetings for the worship of God. Also for the Sabbath school.
All orders accompanied by cash, will be promptly filled from single copy upward.
Price. Single copy, Manilla cover. 30 cts Cloth limp cover, 50cts. Per dozen. Manilla cover, $3.00. Cloth, $4.80
Parties may order half doz. at the same rates as per dozen. Address all orders to the Gospel Trumpet Office. Grand JUNCTION, Mich
__________
THE SABBATH TRACT.
THE SABBATH,
—:OR:—
WHICH DAY TO KEEP.
_____
BIBLE Proofs that the change from the seventh, in the first day of the week, mas made by the Lord Himself.
This tract contains 64 pages: the price reduced to only 10 cts Per dozen $1.00.
God has enabled us to set forth the subject in the clear light of abundance of Scripture. So every render of the TRUMPET can glorify God in sending your orders for this Tract. This will also be a good financial help to spread other matter for the Lord.
__________
THE EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT.
—:o:—
This is an excellent translation of the New Testament. And the genuine Greek text with the alphabet and directions to read the Greek, thus giving access to the pure original Word of God. We have secured a stock of these valuable books at a good percent, and offer them at the following reduced rates.
In cloth bind . . . . $3.25.
Library . . . . $4.00.
We pay postage when ordered by mail. A small commission will be allowed to brethren who will sell the book.
Our Address.
__________
Our address until further notice is as follows.
D. S. WARNER,
GRAND JUNCTION, MICH
SEBASTIAN MICHELS,
BANGOR, MICH.
__________
ANTHEMS FROM THE THRONE.
SECOND EDITION.
—:o:—
It contains 148 songs. 90 with music About all new. The pages are some larger than Songs of Victory. When sang in the Spirit of God, these songs will be found glorious. They hymn the precious present truth, and the Gospel standard of salvation.
An important held of usefulness is open for those saints who can teach the Churches these songs, and the saints and their children to sing by note. It will be a great help to the cause of salvation, and give interest to Sabbath Schools. Send in your order for Anthems from the Throne, and start the songs of praise anew. Prices as follows.
Manilla . . . . . . . . 30 cts.
Cloth , . . . . . . . 50 cts
Per. dozen . . . . $3.00 & $4.80
__________
LIST OF MONET LETTERS RECEIVED SINCE LAST ISSUE, NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.
—:o:—
| Sarah E Shoup | M M Stover | Mary A Rapp |
| S C Stead | S A Frost | Angus Mc Donald |
| M C Stanberry | E Sutton | S E Fairchild |
| W L Kilpatrick | Annie Fisch | Susie Reeve |
| Josiah Reed | S L Speck | Wm Schell |
| J L Roberts | L Hoobler | J U Bryant |
| R M Haynes | Jos. Guyer | A J Brinkley |
| W H Defore | C Hancock | C H Luce |
| Jacob Roush | Nannie Leabo | Annie Rupert |
| J W Hults | T J Cox | M N Bennett |
==========
REQUEST FOR PRAYER.
Pray for sister Mary Kinglehoffer that she may be healed of bodily afflictions.
==========
A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREE.
—:o:—
SISTER Kennet writes us that they had a very precious Christmas tree in the saints meeting house in their neighborhood, Gratiot Co. Mich., on Christmas day. But it was the “tree of life;” of which it is written, “the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations,” “and many were healed.” They had a glorious and wonderful meeting with Jesus Christ, the tree of life, in the midst. Amen! Surely they that love and know Christ want no Christmas free but Him. From this tree, thank the Lord, we can reach up by faith, and take presents the whole year round. He bears not only twelve manner of fruit, yielded monthly, but manifold blessings daily. Amen!
VICTORY NOW AND HERE.
—:o:—
A point in our own experience might help some other dear saints to detect the devices of satan. At any rate we love to expose his lies, and praise God for victory over all his power. Some times when our lot was cast on rather stony ground satan tried to weaken our faith for the salvation of souls by calling our attention to some other apparently more promising field. Suggesting that if we were only at such or such a place, many souls would be saved; but here you are in a valley of dry bones and you cannot expect to do any thing here. Thus he would cheat us out of victory here, by promising a good time some where else. And when you get to that place, he will try the same thing again. Some, we fear, are thus kept running from one place to another, always having more faith for the work of God at some place beyond their present place of operations. The devil does not care how much faith you have for the salvation of souls through your labors at some other place, just so he can spoil your confidence in God for victory, and the salvation of souls where you are laboring. Brethren, be not ignorant of his devices. It is time enough to lay hold on God to save souls at some other point when you get there. In the name of Jesus Christ, and the Almighty, who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus, let us always claim the victory, storm the devil, and hold the fort right now and here, until God sends us elsewhere. Amen! Of course these remarks are not intended to call off our prayers and faith for the work of God through other workers every where. On the contrary, dear saints let us pray much for all God’s witnesses in the earth, and hold on to the Lord for their victory and success. But faith in God for our own success should be concentrated where we labor, and not be roving. It should surmount every obstacle now, and here, and triumph in the salvation of souls in spite of the devil and all the darkness and hardness he has piled up before us.
God help us to be strong in faith, giving glory to God for the salvation of souls where ever God has dropped us down. Look not at the darkness, but “see Jesus only.” “All power is given to me in heaven and earth, go ye therefore” — etc. Note the connection of “all power” and “go ye therefore.” It means that we should go in the omnipotence of this “all power,” “always, even to the end of the world.
AN IMPORTANT LINE OF WORK.
>:o:<
We must here publish the convictions on our mind, that the dear workers in the vineyard of the Lord are, generally, too reserved in the matter of preaching Jesus from house to house, and praying with the people in their own homes. It is true we have not done much of this ourselves in late years, and fearing that others have patterned after our example, and thus limited their usefulness, we are the more constrained to cry out to all the runners to and fro in the earth, “let not your hands be slack” in this matter. Before the Lord called us to the editorial work we practiced much calling on the people at their homes. And that line of work was blessed in the salvation of many souls, as well as the enriching of our own soul. For “he that watereth shall himself be watered.” There is no work for God more conducive to our own spiritual development, and more blessed in the capture of souls for Christ. Were it not for the fact that we know we are in the order of God, we should regret the loss, in a great measure, of the gift of private preaching. But the intense employment of our mind in the business of writing has necessitated the loss of the social gift to a great extent. No person can do two things at the same time, and a concentration of our energies in one direction, must forfeit our gifts in another. It was largely for this purpose that God gave us a company of co-workers. But I fear they have all “studied to be quiet,” and to be “chaste keepers at home” too much, because of our example. Recently our soul has been stirred with the thought of souls sliding down to hell, unawakened by some kind angel’s visit and blast of warning in their own homes, while we are all sitting about, reading, writing, or mending clothes. It is true the old adage is a good one, a “stitch in time saves nine.” But above all things let us apply it in the salvation of souls. A stitch taken up in time may save nine souls, knit together in the love of God, which, for the visit and earnest effort might have been lost in hell. The commission says: “Go ye into all the world and preach my Gospel to every creature.” Do we fulfill these orders when we only preach it to those who come out to the public meetings? Who knows how many souls are round about the place you spend the intervals between meetings, who on account of ill health, or prejudices caused by the abominations they have seen under the cloak of babylon religion, never come to the meetings; and whose hearts could be won to Jesus if a personal visit at their own house, in the melting love of Jesus, would evince to them the real Spirit of Christ, and a pure disinterested love for their souls.
The Apostle Paul was a model worker for the Lord. Hear what he says:
And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house. — Acts 20:20.
And he that “disputed in the markets and on the streets, with the representatives of false systems, doubtless, did not confine his household preaching to the homes of the saints; but “in every place” he doubtless preached Christ to “every creature.” How many of us after leaving a place can say as much as the Apostle did to the Ephesians? O if we love perishing souls, let us show that love by direct personal efforts to “turn them to righteousness.” It often occurs that some one thing the devil is using to keep a soul from God, is not cleared away in the public preaching, which, if learned from the person, can be privately cleared out of his or her way. Private preaching enables us to apply the Word of God just where it belongs; or in other words, enables us to issue the very dose needed, and the patient cannot pass it on to his neighbor. Besides there is great virtue in getting poor sinners on their knees, and then praying God to save their souls right there in their own house. Sometimes I have known persons to get convicted and then remain away from the meetings until convictions have worn away. Such should be treated as a hunter would a wounded deer, i. e., pursued to their homes, and there captured by the love of God manifest in us. I assure you a hunter will not let the game go because fleeing with a wound. “Behold I will send for many fishes, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For mine eyes are upon their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.” — Jer. 16:16, 17.
Many sinners have never had a minister of the Gospel, or any one else come under their roof on purpose to talk to them about their soul, hence they have the idea that “no one cares for their soul,” until they are surprised and won by the loving visit of some messenger of Jesus.
Some think that we are not under any obligation to go where we have not had any invitation. But had not Christ came and knocked at the door of our hearts, we never would have received Him in. He even “came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” He also sends His messengers where they are not wanted, and requires them to speak even to a “stiff necked and rebellous people, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear.” If we enter any house where the Son of peace is rejected, the Savior tells us, The peace we would confer on them will return upon ourselves. And so we have been wonderfully blest of God where our visits were spumed for Christ’s sake. While the Savior’s advice is wise and gracious, that we should have a temporary home where to abide, and not “go from house to house” in the sense of having no regular abiding place, we should nevertheless improve our time in going out from that temporary abode to labor for the salvation of precious souls as much as possible. If we stay away from peoples houses, and thereby act as though we either had no faith in God to bless our efforts, or no solicitude for lost men and woman, can it be truthfully said of us, he or “she hath done what she could?” I pray God for more of the Spirit of aggressiveness. “Go” “GO” “GO into all the world and preach my Gospel to every creature.” “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and they shall do exploits.” Amen! Amen!! Lay hold of sinners, every where, “pulling them out of the fire.” What a picture! Sinners compared to men fallen into the fire. Were it sensible to wait until we have a pressing invitation to help, when we know some one has fallen into the fire? If not, in the name of Jesus, do not sit around all day, when a few rods in every direction are sinners already “set on fire of hell,” to whom you have said nothing about the love of Jesus. If men were likely to perish in a burning building we would not stand around waiting for the sleepers within to invite our aid. Nay we would climb in at the window or break through the door. So Gods great fire-company. “They shall run like mighty men: they shall climb the wall like men of war.” “They shall run to and fro in the city: they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall quake before them” — Joel 2. Amen!
Much more might be said, and many Scriptures cited. But I pray God to bless these earnest thoughts that flow from a heart filled with love for all mankind, and to Jesus who died for all. We cannot help I but look upon that religion that waits for an invitation to come to a sinner’s house to talk salvation, as far to squeamish and inaggressive in the sight of God. Still more inexcusable the person who neglects to respond to invitations, so far as they can do so, consistent with other duties. O in the name of God let us do what we can to bring Jesus and poor sinners together. Our company have been blessed of God in this merciful calling; and we hope that they, and all the workers will yet abound more and more therein. Amen!
__________
NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
—:o:—
AFTER writing our last news from Growland, Ont., we remained yet some days, and several more souls were saved. So the members of the body of Christ, which is the Church of God, in that place are about 14. Some of whom had not yet gone on to perfection, but we hope they will do so, and that God will keep the little flock faithful until the end.
We had to leave them as lambs among wolves, but the “Chief Shepherd” is with them, is able to keep them from falling, and present them blameless before the throne of His glory. We left them in good cheer, had a meeting of much power the last night, and several raised their hands for prayer. May God add many to His own Church there who are being saved. Amen!
We returned to the saint’s Bethel near Fenwick, and have had a few meetings with success. A few unsaved made a start to serve God, and several were sanctified wholly. We find that the Gospel which was preached in the village of Fenwick has taken root, and is bringing forth fruit.
This morning we move to the village of St. Ann. A heavy snow is falling, and we have good sleighing. We are pressed beyond measure with the greatness of the work before us. Several doors are open here, and the longer we stay, the farther we seem from being through. We have received word from two places 50 and 70 miles west of here, at each of which about 20 souls have come out of babylon, and are worshiping the Lord in the beauty of holiness. We are told they endorse the Gospel Trumpet, and we would love much to visit them.
Dear Bro. Richardson from Pauldiug Co., O., has just been to New Hampshire Auglaize Co., O. and found a mighty uprising among the people, who are coming back to Zion, being awakened from the long slumbers of babylon. Over 30 renounced sectism in one night, and there is a general moving of the dry bones in the whole country. They are praying and calling for us to come there immediately.
O, that we had wings to fly more swiftly through all the earth, that the whole world might be lightened with the glory of God, which we, with all of God’s ministers, have in Christ Jesus.
We will go in the name of the Lord, in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Any one the Lord sends to help, address: Isaac Carpenter, New Hampshire, Auglaize Go., O.
O let all the saints of God be at work, for perishing souls are at stake.
Pray for us, Beloved, that God may mightily use us. We are all well and filled with power.
—:o:—
Jerry City, Ohio, Fed. 7, 1889.
Dear Brethren: — I am saved and sanctified, and satisfied with the dealings of Jesus. But I am sorry to say that last winter I went to a sect meeting and became deluded by a compromising spirit, and continued in that way until August, at the Camp-meeting at Jerry City. I then saw my condition, and got down before God as a sinner, and repented. God saved me and placed me back in the Church again. Praise His holy name! Since that time I have been filled with all the fulness of God. Oh I do bless God for all that He is doing for me and my family. Wife and I went to Bloomville Dec. 27, and on the 29 I went to New Washington; found the saints all alive and full of fire. We held a few meetings in the name of King Jesus, and God worked in the hearts of the people, but we had to close the meeting on account of small-pox. Wife and I then went to Bucyrus, from there to Bro. J. N. Slagle’s. Found Bro. and Sister Slagle saved, but sister Slagle was sick; she had not been able to do anything for eight weeks. Jan. 9th she made the call according to the Word, and we anointed her and laid on hands, and she was instantly healed. Praise the Lord for His wonderful love to His children. It rained so we did not hold but one meeting there. We came home Jan 12; Bro. T. J. Cox came here the same day. Commenced meeting next day near Six Points, and the Lord used him to the saving of 15 souls. Sabbath evening we had an ordinance meeting in which 26 participated, and the Spirit of God came upon us in such power that there was leaping and shouting for several hours, after which the altar was set out; nine came forward, seven of which received salvation. O such a meeting as that was! I never witnessed the like. The work is still going on. O hallelujah to God and the Lamb forever and ever. My soul says Hallelujah just now. Pray for us. Bro. Cox went from here the 4th to Sugar Ridge, where he will hold a meeting if the Lord wills.
From your Bro., saved and under the blood.
A. H. Lea.
Page 3
St James Mo. Feb. 5, 1889.
Dear Brethren: — May God bless you all, and keep you very humble. Meeting closed at Rolla, Mo., the 3d with a glorious victory for holiness. A few were saved. Glory to Jesus! Many were convicted, but it seemed it was too hard for them to yield. No doubt if those there professing holiness had moved out as they ought, there would have been many more saved. May God bless them and lead them out into the deeper things of God. Much prejudice was removed, and opposition broken down. The seed was sown for a rich harvest in the near future. We had large congregations, good order and interest. Praise the Lord! We are on our way to Ind., start this morning, the Lord willing, for Vandalia, Ill. Pray for us that we may have a safe and prosperous journey, and do much good on our way. We are on our way to Odon, Davies Co., Ind.
Your saved Bro and Co. of four, all on fire, full of the Holy Ghost and faith.
J. P. Haner.
_____
Grover Town Ind.
WE came to Bro. Alan’s, of this place, Jan 19; found them full of the Holy Ghost, ready for every good work. On Sunday we went to Walkerton to meet the saints of that place, and found them assembled at Bro. Moorehead’s. Bro. and Sister Smith were present also. O how our hearts did rejoice to meet with the dear ones at that place. We were enabled by the help of the Lord to preach the Word, and apply the straight edge in such a manner that the little ones, felt the need of a deeper consecration, which was made. We held a few meetings at the Miller School-house, east of Walkerton. There was good interest; two heard the voice of God, and came out of the Wesleyan cage. There were 4 consecrations, two were wholly sanctified; deep conviction was upon others. Yesterday two were buried with Christ in baptism and arose to walk in newness of life. We left the little ones here in a good condition. May God bless them. We came here the 19th and opened fire on the enemy. There is a great deal of prejudice against the truth here and but few came out, but the Lord caused thunder and lightning to sound forth from Zion, and they were compelled to hear. There were two reclaimed and made to rejoice in the Savior’s love. May the Lord bless and increase the little flock. We expect to go from this place, farther south, where the people have not had the light of the Gospel. Pray for us and the work in these parts.
We remain your brethren, saved to the uttermost, sanctified, and doing the will of God in all things.
R. N. Gast, & David Leininger.
_____
Urbana, Kan.
TO all the Trumpet Readers, Greeting: May the dear Lord bless and keep you spotless. Amen. My soul is rejoicing in God, my Savior. My spiritual sky is clear, with the real transparent Glory filling my soul. Jesus is a real satisfying portion unto me.
After I left Meriden I went to Otter Spring School-house, six miles from Humboldt Kan. Had a glorious little meeting; a few saved, and some that had lost their experience came to God and were made whole again. Bless the Lord, oh my soul! When we first went to that place, we found the dear saints commencing to compromise with babylon by giving up. their prayer meeting, and holding prayer-meeting with the U. B. sect. But soon they saw the cunning of satan, and turned to God, and repented of the wrong. It is dangerous to compromise with babylon, for she is fallen, and become the habitation of devils. Next we visited the saints near Chanute, also at Ward Kan., and saw a few who had lost their experience, made free again. From there, we came to assist Bro. Achor in the meeting at Austin School-house. Yesterday a number of us went and visited a sister seven miles from here. We had a good meeting; one soul sanctified. Hallelujah! Your sister at the feet of Jesus, sanctified through and through.
Mary Cole.
—:o:—
Urbana Kan.
Dear Saints: — In the love of Jesus we greet you. May God bless you with abundance of grace, and the gift of righteousness, that each and all may reign in life by one Christ Jesus. I want to testify that I am drinking deeper at the fountain than ever before in my life. Praise God for sending Bro’s Speck and Kilpatrick to Kan., to spread and establish the wonderful truth. It is glorious! After the meeting closed near Cedar Vale, God opened the way and we came to this place and commenced meeting at Austin School-house, a place where prejudice has been very strong, but, Glory to God, He preached the Word through us as never before. Glory to His name forever! Conviction rested upon many, but a few would accept salvation. The saints all got down wonderfully. A few were saved, praise God! We had the victory for God, and the prejudice is considerably removed. One dear Bro. who had been called to preach, and had resisted the call, renewed and consecrated to the work of God. We know God has done a wonderful work. There are several calls around near here. The country seems awakened for the truth. God seems to be opening the hearts of the people to hear the truth. Praise God! Meeting closed last night at Austin with victory on the Lord’s side. Glory! Glory!! We expect, the Lord willing, to begin meeting at Urbana. Pray for us that we may be kept low at the feet of Jesus, and souls be saved. Sister Mary Cole is with us, and adds wonderfully to the interest and depth of the work. Praise God!
G. R. Achor.
_____
Bowling Green, Ohio.
Dear Saints: — May the God of peace continually save and keep you all for Jesus’ sake. We left our home in Mich., Dec. 15, for Ohio.. After an absence of 19 years, we arrived at Haskins, Wood Co., (our former home) and spent considerable time visiting friends in different places, after which we went to Jerry City, Jan. 12, to see the dear saints at that place: of whom I had read testimonies in the TRUMPET, but had never met them. We stopped over night with Bro C. Aumaugher. Sabbath, we spoke the Word to the people; the brethren desired us to stay and hold meetings; we took it to the Lord and felt it our duty to stay. We held meeting three weeks. There were 17. or 18 conversions, some consecrated for full salvation, and many whom the enemy had switched off were brought back into the fold of Christ. The Church was greatly strengthened and united. Sabbath eve we had an ordinance meeting, and the dear Lord poured out His Spirit abundantly. The glory of God filled our souls as we obeyed the Lord’s commands. One dear Bro. saw the light on the Church, the body of Christ, and declared his freedom. We are now holding meeting in the Court house in Bowling Green. Bro. Miller is with us now. We go from hero to Sugar Ridge; will hold meeting in the Middleton Prairie School-house; after that, at a place 4 miles south of Perry’s Burg if the Lord wills. Truly the harvest is great, and the laborers are few.
I am your Bro. saved and kept, under the cleansing blood. Amen.
T. J. Cox.
—:o:—
Akron Ind., Feb. 12, 1889.
Dear Trumpet Readers: — May the blessed Lord ever keep you all in the faith.
We closed meeting at the Yellow Lake Bethel Feb. 1st. We were much blessed in our work, and the Lord gave us a number of souls for our hire: five or six were sanctified, and a number converted, and the Church encouraged. Saturday the 2d, went to Roann, about 16 miles from here and stayed until the 11th. We sowed the seed as God gave us grace; no souls were saved in that place, but we think there was much prejudice removed, and the way left open for future good to be done. We pray the Lord to bless the people of that place, and send some one there to water, that He may give the increase. To night we expect to commence meeting in Akron Ind. From Akron, we expect to go on our way back to Mich. Since leaving home we have visited the Churches at Covert Mich., La Paz, Beaver Dam, and Yellow Lake Ind., and found them in a good spiritual condition. We praise God for the kindness shown to us by the dear brethren and sisters, also others in administering to our wants, and helping us on our way. May the Lord bless all the saints with spiritual blessings and the sinners with conviction and conversion. Amen!
From your Bro. kept by the power of God.
A. B. Palmer.
—o—
Ridgeville, Ohio.
Praise God! The Captain of our salvation is leading His army along, enlisting those who are able to stand. Meeting commenced Saturday, 19th. God wonderfully baptized Bro. Hill to preach the Word. A sister consecrated for, and received sanctification. Deep conviction is resting upon the people, and souls are being saved. O praise God for salvation that saves to the uttermost. Sabbath, the Lord wonderfully helped in preaching the Word. In the evening we observed the ordinances of God’s house. Oh it was wonderful how the Son of God was manifested to our souls, and the Holy Spirit filled the house and all our hearts. O Hallelujah! It is sweet to be counted as nothing, that we may win Christ. We feel the need of more help, but our faith is in God; our souls are all on fire, and souls are coming into the ark. On Sabbath three dear souls were hurried with Christ by immersion. Mother Spray, who is 76 years of age, was of the number. God wonderfully baptized her with a song of praise as she came up out of the water. Meeting closed Sabbath eve with perfect victory in the Lord. Monday we came to Archbold to my home commenced meeting in the evening. Held three meetings and two souls were saved.
I am your sister hid with Christ in God, saved, sanctified and kept in the love of Jesus.
Clara A. Kinney.
—:o:—
Deefield Ind., Feb. 8, 1889.
Dear Brethren: — God bless and keep you all. From New Pittsburg Ind., the Lord sent us to North Hampton Ohio, where we commenced meetings in the name of the Lord, in the neighborhood of Bro J. McFarland. The meetings were glorious, and a few were blessedly sanctified. We were soon made joyful by the coming of Bro. and Sister Schell and Bro’s Spackey and Miller from Jerry City to assist in the work of the Lord. We comenced meeting the last of December in the Rock Way Chapel but three miles from Springfield, where there was no small stir made among the people by the preaching of the truth in the Holy Ghost. We met with much opposition, but the Lord gave us the victory, and kept the way open for meetings, many endorsed and became friends to the truth, and treated us kindly, while others rejected it. There were a number of consecrations for pardon and sanctification. Some were saved out of the sects, but others who did not die to their idols soon drew back. Some were baptized by Bro. Schell. We met at the house of dear Bro. Hardacre and observed the ordinances. We sowed the blessed seed and expect the Lord to bring forth a rich harvest in the future. Bro. Schell went to Sidney. Jan. 18. and we went to Enon. Much prejudice was removed, and the truth was acknowledged by many; two were sanctified. We are holding meeting at present in the Pleasant Grove Chapel. The Lord is with us in mighty power. We go from here to Buchanan Mich. Pray for me. Your sanctified Bro.
F. N. Jacobson.
—:o:—
Epsom, Ind.
Feb. 6th 1889.
Dear Trumpet Readers: —
We are in the holy war for Jesus, filled with the fire, and have victory in our souls. The Lord is using us to His glory.
We left home Jar. 27th for Martin Co.. and commenced the same eve. to preach salvation from all sin, with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven.
God caused a mighty drawing to take place among the reformed Methodists.
They never heard any of the saints until we arrived. We were there 9 days, and there were about 30 conversions; 21 claimed the blessing of sanctification. Many others were deeply convicted.
We are now at home, but expect to be in the battle again’ as the Lord leads. A lew doors are open for the Truth. Pray much for us, that we may stand firm in Christ, our Saviour.
Your free Bro. in Christ, wholly sanctified and satisfied.
Wm. L. Montgomery.
—:o:—
Florida, O. Feb. 7th 1889.
Dear Brethren: — I feel led of the Lord to report the meeting held in this place by Bro. E. J. Hill, of Deshler, 0., commencing Feb. 1st. Had a small congregation the first night, but increased each night; Sabbath eve. the house was so crowded it was quite uncomfortable; not being able to get any other house, we were obliged to have it in our dwelling house. The people were attentive, and there was no disturbance. Praise God for salvation full and free! We believe that the seed sown will not be lost. Bro. Hill preached on the oneness of the body of Christ Sunday eve. with power and much love.
There is no small stir about this way, and false reports are abroad. I pray God to send another of His messengers of Truth to this place soon.
Your sister in the body of Christ, saved and sanctified.
M. E. Hurd.
—:o:—
Irontown, Mich.
Dear Trumpet Readers: — We are saved and kept, and the Lord is with us.
We closed meeting here (3 miles S. E. of Irontown) after continuing two weeks.
Much good was done in the name of Jesus. Many who were not walking in all the light, renewed their covenant with God; may they henceforth walk as children of God. Quite a number were happily converted, and thanked God for their deliverance. In all, there were 19 consecrations during the meeting. Sat. eve. we followed the example, and obeyed the command of our Lord by washing the saints feet, and the breaking of bread. Twenty-three partook of the ordinances.
The Holy Ghost having made choice of our dear Bro. Sheldon for the office of elder of the Church of God at this place, he was solemnly ordained to that office by the laying on of hands and prayer. God bless and keep him faithful unto the end, also all who have taken the name of God upon them. O may we all he found worthy to enter in and obtain the crown.
Your saved Bro. in the Lord.
W. B. Grover.
__________
OBITUARIES.
—:o:—
Near Atlanta Kan. on the morning of Dec. 25, 1888. was taken home to Jesus, Daniel, son of Bro. S. W. and Malinda Martin. Aged one year. He was horn on Christmas 1887, and died on Christmas ’88. Bro. Martin had been called to Wisconsin to the bedside of his dying father. While there his child sickened and died. He was telegraphed fur, but did not receive the dispatch, and knew nothing of the child’s death until he got to Atlanta on his return. But the grace of God wonderfully sustained them in their great bereavment. They are still able to say. “Thy will be done.”
Our Father in heaven
We how to Thy will,
As did our dear Savior,
And love Thee still.
This cup. though ’tis bitter,
We’ll drink it in love;
God saw it was better
To take him above.
The bitter, thank heaven,
Is sweetened by grace,
Such comfort hath given
The smile of Thy face.
These buds of fair promise
Thus torn ‘from our vine,
Will bloom ever precious
In glory divine.
We pray Thee, O Jesus!
For loved ones yet here,
That heaven may find us
All saved over there.
The above lines were suggested to the writer on seeing how those dear parents had the comfort of God. and complete victory in their trial.
V. Roof.
__________
Died at his residence near Antwerp O., on Jan. 25th ’89. Z. N. Munger, aged 37 years and 28 days. Bro. Munger had been a resident of this country for 36 years; was a well respected citizen. And for a number of years has been an earnest and zealous child of God. He leaves a wife and four children, and many relatives and friends to mourn their loss. Especially will Bro. Munger’s departure be felt in the Church; he having been a pillar in the Church of the living God at that place for several years. May the Lord bless and comfort the hearts of the bereaved, especially sister Munger and the children.
The funeral was preached by the writer, to a large and attentive congregation, in the school-house near by. Thanks to the neighbors and friends who kindly ministered aid in the hour of affliction and bereavment; especiailly honor is due the undertaker — a lady from Antwerp O., who herself took charge of the corpse, and rode through an intense and driving snow storm a distance of five miles to the cemetery. May the Lord bless the kind people and incline their hearts for salvation for Jesus’ sake.
Also since we last reported we have preached funerals as follows.
Lodema C., wife of John George died at their home in Blue Creek Tp. Paulding Co. O., Oct. 30 ’88. Aged 24 years, 9 months and 11 days. She leaves a husband and one little girl. The deceased was a sister of dear Bro. J. N. Howard who is a minister of the Gospel. May the Lord
bless and keep the little girl, and draw the father to Jesus who is able to save.
Cora May, daughter of sister Rachel Neigh, at Smiley, O., died Nov. 2nd 1888. aged 1yr. 3 mo., and 28 days
Wm. Harrison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steepleton, of Latty, O.. died Nov. 13th 1888.
Ada, daughter of Bro. and sister Shaner, died Dec. 27th 1888.
Truly as the Psalmist says: “We are carried away as with a flood. We spend our years as a tale that is told, to teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom — Psa. 90:13.
“A few short years of sorrow past,
We reach the shining shore
Where death-divided friends at lust
Shall meet to part no more.”
W. L. Kilpatrick.
__________
Correspondence.
—:o:—
Covert Mich.
Deal Readers: — I feel like giving my testimony on the Lord’s side. I am saved and wholly sanctified and kept by the power of God unto salvation, ready to be revealed at any time. I have perfect victory in my soul over the beast and over the number of his name. This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. I have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. Glory be to God for a salvation that saves no the uttermost. Jesus saves me just now and keeps me humble, low down at His feet, where I can do His will in all things. Praise the name of the Lord forever! I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of the Lord, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. The Lord is light to my pathway, and a lamp to my feet. I have put all on the altar, and He keeps me all the time.
From your Brother in Christ.
Norris Phillips.
__________
Cheshire, Mich.
Dearly beloved saints of God every where greeting: — May joy and peace be unto you all for Jesus sake. Amen!
I feel that the Spirit of God leads me to write my testimony again for Jesus. Bless the dear Lord who hath washed and redeemed my soul from all sin, and made me white and pure in the blood of the Lamb. Praise God for the victory I have in my soul over all the powers of darkness; and the light of the blessed Son of God is beaming its rays into my soul, leaving no part dark. Hallelujah to Jesus for salvation that fills the soul and makes all of this life happy and joyful. Truly we can say, the ways of the Lord are past- finding out. We are out on the uncompromising line for God, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. We have forsaken fathers and mothers and houses and lands, yea our own lives for Jesus’ sake. We ask the prayers of all the saints that we shun not to declare the whole counsel of God. Amen! Your saved Bro. and sister.
Wm. & Anna Warren.
__________
Cornettsville Ind.
Dear Saints: — The love of Jesus Christ constrains me to write my testimony to the glory of God. The blessed Lord has suffered me to pass through many severe trials and temptations in the last two years. I became distressed financially, and in debt to several parties in small amounts and it seemed impossible to get enough over a living for my family to pay my debts. The apostle says owe no man, but to love one another. These parties would bring that up, and start evil reports about me because I could not meet my promises promptly. Sometimes I became greatly discouraged; but glory be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; by trusting fully in His promises, He opened up the way, and so wonderfully blessed and prospered us that we will soon be out of debt, and working for the salvation of perishing souls. Now I will say to the glory of God I am consecrated to do the whole will of God. I expect, the Lord willing, to start for Indianapolis soon, stopping at points on the road wherever the Lord opens a door. After which we expect, the Lord willing, to go to Kentucky, for I feel the Lord leading me to open new fields of labor. Pray for me that I may have free access to the honest hearts by the Spirit and power of God.
Your Bro. hid away in Christ Jesus, to suffer His righteous will.
R. Cloe.
==========
MARRIED
In Fulton Co., Ind. Dec. 18, 1888 Bro. P. M. White and sister Mary Wease.
Jan. 17, 1889 Bro. Allan Ballenger and sister Emma Shriver were joined in marriage by
David Leininger.
Poplar Bluff, Mo. Jon 3, 1889, John F. Knox and A. A. Foss. J. D. Ashbaugh, officiating.
Page 4
EVILS OF DIVISION.
—:o:—
GOD forbids it, and that should be enough. But, says one, in order to have unity we must organize those that are of one mind. And thus several hundred organizations represent the christian(?) church. But who has given us authority to organize a sect? By organizing, we not only foster a sect spirit, but we cultivate sectish sentiments; for when a party is once formed upon certain principles, men do their best to establish the same, whether right or wrong; self is at stake as well as supposed truth. Again, when those thus united, bound together, they cut off, to some extent, opportunities of better instructions; and we know too, how it touches man’s pride to give up that for which they have once contended. Their pride not only forbids yielding to better light, it is enkindled to greater zeal and contention to verify the assumed position, and mostly with utter disregard to God’s truth. What is it that keeps up the various peculiarities of each sect? Is it truth? That cannot be, because truth is not against itself. It is early education; children receive the knowledge and spirit that surrounds them; they are warned against other teachings.
In some places applicants are made to swear to abide by the teachings they have received. In this way they fortify themselves against better light. Is such work of God? But what is to be done since matters are as they are? We answer, dig up the root of division. Paul says it is carnality. But how did carnality come in to such a fearful extent? It was through wrong doctrines and false teaching, and carnality at the head of that; and externals were gradually substituted in the place of real salvation. Of course the Gospel had made no provision to uphold such a state of things; no “thus saith the Lord” for this or that. The ground work of the Gospel, the Holy Ghost which was to sanctify the Church, and teach us all things pertaining to life and godliness, was lost to those who turned aside from the true way. there was indeed a meager supply of dogmas and rituals with which to build up a Christian structure; they must of necessity he far-fetched and vaguely assumed. No wonder that scarcely two can see alike; and they could not had they not been drilled and molded in one certain form. And so it was when a few happened to agree on a certain point. To build a party was the next thing in order. We scarcely need to remark that a spirit for notoriety is generally, if not always at the bottom of it. This is also a fruit of carnality. Now the only way to get disorganized is to come back to primitive purity. One general baptism of the Holy Ghost would at once frustrate all the devil’s work. What a mighty God we have. If the people would let Him. He would in one hour destroy all of satan’s works (divisions) which was the work of many hundred years. I never yet have seen a real spiritual person to be very tenacious for his sect or outward rites: they do so from a force of habit, more than inward promptings. The prophet says: “It shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light: and living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, and the Lord shall be king over all the earth, and His name be one.” This evening light has come, the Holy Ghost is once more enthroned: and they that receive Him are coming out of babel. Sectdom is necessarily anti-christ: for only those who have joined have a right with them. Of course Christ did not join them, the apostles did not, so they must be excluded. Any real saint is a full member of Christ, but cannot be recognized as such by any of the sects. Christ says this one is my brother, my sister and my mother; the sect says we have no part nor lot with this man. Thus we see Christ, and the sects are no relation. Again it is said that “God places the members as it pleaseth Him;” the sects as pleaseth them. The system of sectdom could flourish, if not one christian should join them: therefore it has no need of the Christian element. So it must be a mere human institution, and just enough refined to blind, the eyes of the people, as the institution is mere human, and largely formal. All their doings may be done without the Holy Ghost Indeed genuine Holy Ghost work will not be tolerated for this reason: the Holy Ghost would at once reprove the sin of sectdom, and over-throw all these works of the devil. What would be the salary of such a preacher? It would he to “go, without the camp bearing his reproach;” just where the true Christian has always landed. There are real Christians in the sects, else he would not say, “Come out of her my people.” Some, indeed come out who are not His people. God does not call them out. The Christian feels himself united to every soul that is born of God: is it not so? This is the inspiration of God; it always comes with the first anointing, and is from God. What right have we to cut this tie with which God unites us? You intrude upon God’s work, you meddle with God’s family: they are His and you have no right to meddle; be careful how you steal away the souls that are married unto Christ, to lodge them in your sect pens. They were bom into God’s family, not yours, and you must not touch them; if your sect is the family of God, then they are born into your family without any further actions, as much as a natural child is yours that is born into your family; or would you call in your friends and take a vote whether it shall be recognized as such? We know very well a spiritual child is not born into your sect, it is born into the “Church of the firstborn,” and that is all the Church there is.
To be united in the letter is no union at all; politicians are thus united; but christians can only be united in Christ, and “see eye to eye.” When, through false teaching, some become deluded and disagree on some doctrinal points, before they have time to receive the proper teaching the sect shark comes and snatches them asunder; thus they become divided, and that sweet bond of love is dissolved, and the sect spirit has swallowed them up. As of old, “ye make him two fold more the child of hell than yourselves.” — Matt. 23:15. “Touch not mine anointed;” tell them how to get saved and keep saved, but never shut one up in your sect pen. Jesus will manage His own family. Libererate the prisoners you have captured in your ignorance; there are no sects in heaven; your discipline will not be noticed there. These human props will fail in time of need. Oh! deceive the people no longer. But you say My sect is the best, therefore I capture all I can, lest they fall into other hands. O yes, no doubt all think so. But if you are really the nearest right, you are the one to set the example and come out. When England claimed the light and liberty of the Gospel, she set the example of liberating all her slaves, and so others followed after. What if I should enter your flock of sheep and call out my favorites and organize them in my yard; what would you do in such a case? Christ says He will open the door of His Church; but you open the door of your sect and call them out of Christ’s fold, and feed them on husks. But were our fathers and forefather’s all wrong? Because a custom is old, that does not make it right. Your good fathers drank whiskey freely, and used the filthy weed; for they had not the light as you have. Could you do that and be justified? You know God is not the author of division, but the devil, through the carnal mind did it, and Jesus says that a divided house must fall. Now its fall has come, and every christian should help tumble it down. Some are garnishing and purifying their sect; all this looks like painting a burning house; fall it must: Christ says so. Let all the redeemed say. Amen! Amen!!
APPENDIX.
BUT some come-outers are not what they ought to be. — What has that to do with the truth? From this standpoint we could reject Christianity itself, especially sectdom. This is the same foolish excuse the world continually harps upon. There is no reason why christians should not be “one fold” as well as “one shepherd.” But, says one. “we are one in Spirit;” then why this “appearance of evil, (division)? If we have the essential oneness, then why not one in smaller matters, that the “world may believe that the Father has sent me?” This makes the shame the more sinful. “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Would such a pretense hold good in the separation of man and wife? What if the authority that tied the nuptial band, would grant a divorce because the two disagreed in some of their opinions? A loving couple would not submit to such folly. There is only one just cause for a divorce, and it is the same in the spiritual realm. If Christians loved one another they would not be separated. As death only, separates the marriage relation; so spiritual death only, separates from the Church of Christ. Busy bodies and tattlers sometimes cause trouble and division between husband and wife; so we have religions busy bodies, their religion is mostly in form; their preaching helps no christian on his pilgrimage, but often confuses the real babe in Christ. They take pleasure in building up their own house, by tearing down others who are better than themselves. We confess that it is the business of Christ’s Church to tear down all of babylon, because it is a plant “that my Father hath not planted,” and must be rooted up. It is well known that spiritual life is well nigh gone from all the sects; there yet remains the terrible struggle for its final burial. They seem united to resist the coming inevitable; as Herod and Pilate made friends over the death of Christ, so these contending parties effect a wonderful sympathy for each other’s life and existence; they are a unit in fighting the truth of God. Their affected charity for one another ceases to be a virtue as touching the saints of God. Upon what principle do you expect your prayers and Christ’s prayer to be answered? Do you say, — by uniting all the sects in one; and call it United Sects? Such a conglomeration of truth and error, life and death, could not be in the Church of Christ. Again, we know that such a thing cannot be done. The Gospel says: “Come out of her my people.” This does not mean out of the world, for they have done that. It only remains for them to come out of spiritual babylon. How can we refuse to obey and remain justified before God: since the true light now shineth, even as at the beginning?
John O. Smith.
Noble, Branch Co., Mich.
__________
OUR NOTHINGNESS.
_____
WHEN we are weak, then we are strong. Who cannot help but see the sectarian powers, one against the other saying: We are stronger than you. Measuring themselves by themselves. There was one of old, who thought the power of the Jews to be very little, and the power of his people very great; but when two men went up into the temple to pray together, and put the matter in God’s hands, God Himself smote the Assyrian army as one man in one night. God wants us not to think highly of ourselves. What happened to the Church at the time Stephen was put to death? Moses was made to realize his nothingness when God called him to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Egyptians: for he said, “Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh?” Think how God delivered Israel through Gideon, the least in Israel; least in his father’s family, and poor. Praise God for nothingness! The first disciples thought themselves strong when Jesus sent them forth; but there was a time when they found a devil they could not cast out. About that time they had been contending who should be greatest.
Why were three thousand souls added to the Lord in one day? Because they were little enough to give God a chance to do the work. God wants us to be nothing in and of ourselves, and trust in His strength alone. Talking boastingly of ourselves over our experiences, even that must come down. Jesus says: “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me. He doeth the works.” Jesus wants us to be conscious of our weakness, that He might manifest Himself in us. O that all Israel this day would go up into the temple to pray as those two men.
I have learned to be careful for nothing. I have all, and abound in the love of God. pressing forward.
O ye saints, rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven. When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory.
My prayer daily is that the Word of God may rule all our hearts richly in all wisdom, and stablish us in every good work. In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, that their souls may be delivered. Pray for me that I may ever be kept low at Jesus’ feet; meet for my Masters use. Your sister dwelling with you in the holy land, looking for the glorious appearing of our Savior.
Clara A. Kinney.
__________
CHRISTIAN JOY.
_____
Christianity came into our world on the wings of joy. The whirr of angels wings that anounced the birth of Christ, beat the air with a melodious gladness. “Behold, we bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” And when
Christ had completed His mission He left His Gospel to mankind as a gift of joy. “These words have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Christianity is the only joyous religion ever known to man. It came from the Father of infinite holiness, which is the condition of infinite blessedness, or infinite joy. It brings to man holiness, and thus blessedness or joy. Joy unfolds from holiness as a rose unfolds from a bud. Joy exhales from holiness as fragrance from flowers. The saints in heaven are joyous because they are holy. Sin is sorrow; holiness is bliss. The more the Spirit of Christ reigns in us, the more Christ’s joy swells and sings in our heart. This is a present, living, divinely given joy. It may be a joy that sings, or a joy that is silent; a joy that exults, or a joy that dissolves the tears of gladness, but it shines in the soul as sunlight in a dewdrop. The measure of Christ in us is the measure of joy in us.
Sel.
__________
Correspondence.
—:o:—
Derry, Kan.
Dear Saints and all the readers of the Trumpet: — May the Lord bless and fill you with all the fulness of God.
I praise God that I am saved and kept by the divine power of God. I praise the Lord for this glorious evening light, and for the sweetness and completeness of this blessed salvation of our Lord from sin and sins.
For twelve years I lived in the prison house of the U. B sect. Here I heard frequent talking and preaching against holiness and sanctification as a second and instantaneous work. For a long time I was so filled with prejudice that I would not give the subject much thought; but through the goodness of God I was led to see that there was a better life than to be sinning and repenting. The Lord made me to understand that being justified by faith, it was not only my privilege to have peace with God as a result of being justified, but that I could also have access into this grace wherein I could stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. I had obeyed the first admonition of James 4:8, “Cleanse your hands ye sinners:” and now to be perfectly free, I needed to obey the second: “Purify your hearts ye double minded.” I placed all upon the altar and asked the Lord to accept me, and work in me to will and to do His own good pleasure. Praise the Lord! the promises of God are sure. It cut off all my idols, but I said, Lord let them go, I must have full salvation. The Lord made His promises good, and glory to God, I realize that I was sanctified through and through. I had always been an anti-ordinance man, and gave my influence against the ordinances, in the pulpit as well as out of it. But when the Lord sanctified me, then I had to accept all the commands of Jesus or lose my salvation; and this I could not afford to do. I therefore renounced sprinkling and pouring as marks of the beast from the devil, and was baptized in the water after the Gospel plan, and received a wonderful blessing by so doing. Praise the name of the Lord for ever! and now I am preaching the Gospel. Hallelujah!
The Lord also lead me to see the abomination of desolation of sect babylon; how she had fallen and “become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Then followed the command. “Come out of her that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” It cost me a little struggle, and a little howling on the part of babylon: but the Lord gave me the victory, and now I am praising God that I stand upon the sea of glass, and have the victory over the beast, and over the name of the beast, and over the number of his name. I have all straps and bands off, and am free. Praise God forever! saved and sanctified.
G. W. Carey.
—o—
Baever Dam, Ind.
Dear Saints: — The Lord leads me to write my testimony for the glory of God. Grace be unto you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for ever more! I praise the Lord for the everlasting salvation that I have in my soul just now, and it saves me to the uttermost. I feel perfectly clear before God. I am reigning in this life far above the wickedness of this world, and free from sin just now. I am walking in the light as Christ is in the light, and have fellowship with His children, and the blood of Christ cleanseth me from all sin. I am saved and wholly sanctified, and kept continually by the mighty power of God, ready to be revealed in the last time.
Pray for me. Your brother under the blood, hid away with Christ in God.
Edward Ballenger.
—:o:—
Dushville Mich.
Dear Saints: — I am saved with an everlasting salvation. Glory be to God! I am washed and redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, and have victory over the devil and every thing that is not of God. The power of God fills my soul just now. Hallelujah to God and the Lamb forever and ever! There is a little band of saints here who stand free from all sects. Just closed a glorious meeting here. Bro. Shelly and Bro. Reeves held the meeting; seven of the dear saints from Gratiot were here. A number were sanctified, and the Church strengthened and built up. Praise the Lord for what He is doing for us. My soul is fast overflowing with the power of God. Glory to Jesus forever and ever!
I am out on the promise and under the blood. Hallelujah! It has pleased the Lord to give me the gift of healing. The Lord has wonderfully healed my body. Praise His name! I am walking in the light as He is in the light and the blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin. I have the well of water springing up in my soul continually.
Your sister wholly sanctified.
Mary A. Smith.
—:o:—
Stromsburg Neb.
Dear Saints: — I feel led to write a testimony for Christ, of His saving and keeping power. I realize in my soul that I am saved from all sin and walking in the light as He is in the light. Praise God forever and ever! I have been saved almost a year, and I have found Christ faithful in keeping me from all sin. I have victory in my soul over death, hell and the grave. “O death, where is thy sting! O grave, where is thy victory!” The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Cor. 15:55, 57. It is so glorious to have a salvation that keeps us free from all the delusions of the devil, My soul is free in Christ. Bless His holy name forever! He has saved me, not by works of righteousness which I have done, but according to His mercy He has saved me by the washing of regeneration, and the Holy Ghost. — Titus 3:5. It is not by works lest any man should boast. — Eph. 2:9. For by grace we are saved through faith; and that not of ourselves: it is the gift of God. — 8th vr. I do give God all the Glory for saving my soul and keeping me by His mighty power. Amen!
I ask all God’s children to pray for me that I may stand true.
Ever your Bro. under the blood.
H. F. Berrie.
_____
New Pittsburg Ind.
I praise God for a present salvation in my soul. How blessed to know we are accepted of Him. My name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. I am glad to say that there are saints here who stand straight for God. Praise God for the unity of the Spirit that binds our hearts together. May God bless the saints every where. Amen.
H. C. Wickersham.
—:o:—
South Haven, Mich.
Dear Brethren: — It has boon a long time since I have testified through the TRUMPET. I am so glad that the blood of Jesus has cleansed me from all sin, and my body has become the temple of the Holy Ghost. I am not my own, therefore I expect to glorify God in my body and Spirit which is His. I am so glad that the true light shines in my soul: the misty fog of babylon has cleared away, and I am free. Praise God forever! God is sealing His children for heaven and immortal glory, and the devil is sealing his children for hell and damnation. May God open their understanding and enlighten their minds before it is too late. My heart goes out after those who are blinded and deceived by the carnal priests who are in the land today. May God send out more Holy Ghost preachers to spread the light of the Gospel over the land. I am your sister saved and sanctified by a second work of grace.