Gospel Trumpet – 15 May 1885

15 May 1885, Volume 7, Number 5.

I AM SAVED.

WORDS AND MUSIC BY J. C. FISHER.

—o—

I am free the Lord hath saved me,
I was burdened with my sin,
Then He whispered meek and lowly.
Come to Me I’ll take yon in.

Cho: – Hallelujah glory! glory!!
Let us sound the jubilee.
I will tell the wonderous story,
Of the Blood that cleanseth me.

In His pity He redeemed me,
When He saw me in my woe,
Yes He sanctified and cleansed me,
And I’m whiter than the snow.

O the gushing springs of glory,
That are flooding all my heart;
And the music sweet and heavenly,
Wakes the chords in every part.

O the joy no tongue can tell it,
‘Tis like many flowing streams.
Now I stand upon the summit,
Where the golden sunlight gleams.

Thus He purifies this vessel,
As the fire refines the gold.
And the presence of His angel,
keeps me as in days of old.

Upward soon, through trackless ether,
To the realms of glory bright,
There I’ll fly to dwell forever,
Clad in robes of snowy white.

No one has a right to publish this song without permission the author.

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AN EXPERIENCE.

BY JOHN I. OMER.

I feel led of the Lord to write a letter to you and the TRUMPET readers, giving my experience. I was brought up very strong in the love of the Methodist sect, not thinking it right to go to any other sect, when I could be at a Methodist meeting. But when a young man, I went occasionally to other sects, for there were five or six in the little town, close by where I was raised. This led me to wonder often, how it could be right to have so many different Churches, as they were called. I knew the Bible did not teach Christians to be divided up in that kind of a way. I wondered why it was so. But being schooled and trained up in the M. E. sect. I thought it must be right if any were. Notwithstanding my reading the Bible through the M. E. spectacles, I was much troubled to harmonize some of our creed with the Bible. Especially I could not find where it taught such a thing as taking members on six months probation, neither the sprinkling of children. Light kept increasing in my mind, until some over four years ago, I was brought into the blessed experience of entire sanctification. Blessed be my God, I have endeavored to walk in this highway ever since. But to my surprise, I have met no encouragement from sect members, or preacher. But by reading and obeying the Bible, and following the leadings of the Spirit of God, I am kept to-day by power Divine. Glory to Jesus! It has been about four years since I bid the M. E. sect adien. Seeing how the preachers and members were lighting holiness, I was very clearly and powerfully impressed by the Spirit and Word of God to come out of her. Instead of paying the sect preachers, when I knew they were not God’s children at all, much less sanctified, I gave as the Lord directed, to the support of the cause of holiness, all I could spare. This of course caused jealousy and opposition from the sect forces. So wife and I asked the Lord to have His way with us and He led us to have our names taken off their book, and praise God we are free from the sect yoke. We are deserted by about all that were our warmest friends. Yea about all of the holiness people that have stayed in their sects are against us. But Glory to God! I am glad I am free in Christ Jesus our Living Head, and in His body, the Church of the Firstborn. My name is written in heaven, where none but God can enter or blot out. Praise God He has promised to not blot out our name if we overcome through the blood of the Lamb.

I do not believe there can be true brotherly love in man made organizations.

I would like to attend some of the good unsectarian holiness meetings; but as there are none in reach, I can and will praise God for the privilege of doing what I can about me. Pray for us. I hereby send you $5.00 for to spread the Gospel truth. It is the Lord’s money. The Lord bless you all, and all the Trumpet readers.

Camp point Ill.

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MORE GRUMBLING STONE CONFUSION.

—:o:—

IN the Feb. No. of the Stumbling man’s paper, at Toledo, Ohio, he says the word baptize “was used by the Apostles, and those that spoke that language, to mean a certain condition, or state into which a person was brought.” “This is the principal use of the word, as baptism of joy, a joyful condition,; baptism of death, a dead condition; baptism of repentence, a penitent condition.” Such ignorance of the “doctrine of baptism,” might be expected from such bewildered men, who have not “gone on unto perfection.” — Heb. 6:1, 2. The principal use of the word baptism, a condition? L. H. Johnson must have found a new Bible, and a new Grammar. Conditions are expressed by adjectives: as, a joyful man: a penitent man, etc. The words joyful and penitent, describe the condition of the man. Now the word baptism, is never used us an adjective in the New Testament; how then can it “mean a condition?” Baptize, is a verb; verbs do not describe conditions but actions. Baptism is a noun, because it is the name of an act. To construe the word so as to define a condition, we must make it baptismal, as baptismal fire; baptismal water. Such expressions are often used to define Spirit fire, and water, into which we are immersed. But the word baptismal, is not in the Scriptures, therefore the Apostles never in a single istance used the word baptism to mean condition. The verb baptize, denotes the definite action, the act of dipping, immersing, or plunging. It always means an induction, whatever the element or condition may be into which the action is performed. The word baptism is a noun, simply naming that act of induction. But does not baptism of repentence denote the penitent condition? The words denote the act of literal baptism, that was administered by John, to those that exercised their hearts unto repentence. Though repentence was the condition upon which John administered this ordinance of the “kingdom of heaven, the word baptism does not mean condition at all; but simply an act, while the condition is expressed by other words. If baptism in the cases cited to by Johnson, denotes condition, then “baptized in Jordan” means a Jordan condition; “in water, a water.” means a water condition. Baptism of John, a John condition. But baptism never means a condition, but only an act of induction. When a verb, it expresses the act; when a noun, it is the name of the act. The baptism of repentence means the act of baptism performed in that state. Baptism of the Spirit, and of fire, denotes the act of induction into these elements. Baptism of suffering, is not a condition, but the act of induction into condition of suffering. While other words define the condition or element in, or into which the act of induction is performed, the word baptize simply contains the idea of induction.

Daniel.

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ANGELS VISIT.

—:o:—

LAST fall husband and I were blessed with the privilege of attending meeting a few times with the holy people at Williamston, Mich. We praised God for light of the true Gospel, and in the light of the the pure Word of God, we gave our selves wholly up to the Lord, and prayed to God to sanctify us wholly. God saved my husband from the use of tobacco. We renounced the sects, and I felt I wanted to be baptized. About the 13th of November I came up from Meridian, where I then lived, and Bro. Warner baptized myself and a brother, a few of the saints going with us to the stream. When under the water, I felt impressed to open my eyes which I did, and lo! I saw a glorious light, above the brightness of the Sun, surrounding Bro. Was head and body. And my soul was full of light and glory. O how happy I was.

On the night of the 16th of Nov., as husband and I lay down to sleep, I was meditating upon the Lord, and examining my consecration, I was anxious to know that all was clear in my soul. All at once it seemed as though a soft, delightful wind passed over my face. Next a beautiful life sized angel came before me. O how white and glorious. Beautiful wings, and long snowy robes. How gracefully and heavenly it moved about. It appeared that my eyes were fully open and the whole house was lit up with the glory of the angel. Indeed I could see every thing in the house like in the brightest day light. O my soul was so full of joy and peace. I sprang up in the bed and shouted Glory! Glory!! Glory to God in the highest! O how clear I felt in my soul. I had the witness that I was pure from all sin in the sight of God. There was a small window in the door, and the angel went out by that place. After praising the Lord some time, I lay down to sleep again, when a beautiful white dove came and lit upon my hands as they lay folded on my breast. O such a beautiful bird; it looked like a heavenly visitor. It was as white as the pures snow. After it sat upon my breast and gently moved its head, as if to speak to me, it also took its departure by the way the angel went out. My soul was very happy. O praise the Lord forever! Though we are very poor, and both crippled, almost helpless, the Lord thus bestows His mercies and blessings upon us. O how good the Lord is to us. Last week the dear saints at Williamston kindly moved us to that place, and cow we have the privilege of attending the holy meetings. O how blessed the privilege. How God blesses our souls. This day we had a joyful meeting together, and my testimony is the Lord saves me from all Sin.

Your Sister in the beloved Redeemer.

Mary Ann Williams.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT.

—:o:—

THIS is really the dispensation of the Holy Ghost. He has been acting from the creation down, but never did He take up His abode in this sense untill after the death, resurrection and glorification of Jesus, whereupon He descended on the day of Pentecost as an abiding Comforter (John 37:39, John 14:16, 17, 26, John 10:5—7). I do not speak of Him now in His various operations with individuals us the agent in new birth (John 3) as the “seal” (Eph. 1), as the in dweller (1 Cor. 6), as leader (Rom. 8), as strengthener (Eph. 5): but as He who dualls in us corporately (1 Cor. 3:19, 17; 2 Cor. 6:16), regulating and guiding (1 Cor. 12, and 13th chapters). Where now is the Holy Ghost recognized as a real divine person, not a more influence, but a person with authority and power? — very God, the only power for gathering, the only authority when gathered. Not one of the systems own Him, not a party or seat in Christendom but preclude and shut Him out. He really has no more place among Christians — many falsely so-called — than Christ had among the Jews. Alas, man daringly usurps authority where only He should be owned. Really Christendom is not on a ground where they can own Him. In Christendom the blessed Holy Ghost can take a corner while man gloatingly walks the stage. He has been hooted out as an intruder, for if allowed He would cause a jar — yea, shake and shiver these empty shells to pieces. (Acts 4:31., These morbid, barren, empty fleshly) Christless things can not endure Him. His presence is too penetrating and searching and would discover to them their nakedness. Christendom has lapsed into the state of the Ephesians (Acts 19,) before Paul’s ministry to them, and whatever their theology, they virtually say — “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost,” with all her boasted progress, practically, she is not past John’s baptism. Learning, oratory and eloquence have been substituted and are better suited to the spirit of the age.

He is rejected, and I verily believe had He been incarnate a gibbet would have been His portion long ago. May we have grace to clear ourselves of this mammoth wickedness and gather where His presence, authority, and power is owned.

— Selected.

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THE PASTOR OF HERMAS.

VISION THIRD.

CONCERNING THE BUILDING OF THE TRIUMPHANT CHURCH, AND THE VARIOUS CLASSES OF REPRORATE MEN

—:o:—

THE vision which I saw, my brethren, was of the following nature. Having fasted frequently, and having prayed to the Lord that He would show me the revelation which He promised to show me through that old woman, the same night that old woman appeared to me, and said to me, “Since yon are so anxious and eager to know all things, go into the part of the country where you tarry; and about the fifth hour I shall appear unto you, and show you all chat you ought to see.” I asked her saving, “Lady, into what part of the country am I to go?”

And she said. “Into any part you wish.”

Then I chose a spot which was writable, and retired. Before, however, I began to speak and to mention the place, she said to me, “I will come where you which.”

Accordingly, I went to the country, and counted the hours, and reached the place where I had promised to meet her.

And I saw an ivory seat ready placed, and on it a linen cushion, and above the linen cushion was spread a covering of fine linen. Seeing these laid out, and yet no one in the place, I began to feel awe, and as if were a trembling seized hold of me, and my hair stood on end, and as it were a horror came upon me when I saw that I was all alone. But on coming back to myself and calling to mind the glory of God, I took courage, bent my knees, and again confessed my sins to God as I had done before. Whereupon the old woman approached, accompanied by six young men whom I had also seen before; and she stood behind me, and listened to me as I praved and confessed my sins to the Lord.

And touching me she said, “Hermas, cease praying continually for your sins; pray for righteousness, that you may have a portion of it immediately in your house.”

On this, she took me up by the hand, and brought me to the seat, and said to the young men, “Go and build.” When the young men had gone and we were alone, she said to me, “sit here.” I said to her, “Lady, permit my elders to be seated first.” “Do what I bid you,” said she; “Sit down,” When I would have sat down on her right, she did not permit me, but with her hane beckoned me to sit down on the left. While I was thinking about this, said feeling vexed that she did not let me sic on the right, she said, “Are you vexed Hermas? The place to the right is for others who have already pleased God, and have suffered for His name’s sake; and you have yet much to accomplish before you can sit with them. But abide as you now do in your simplicity, and you will sit with them, and with all who do their deeds, and bear what they have borne,”

Chap. II.

“What have they borne?” said I. “Listen,” said she: “scourges, prisons, great tribulations, crosses, wild beasts, for God’s name’s sake. On this account is assigned to them the division of sanctification, on the right hand, and to every one who shall suffer for God’s name: to the rest is assigned the division on the left. But both for those who sit on the right, and those who sit on the left, there are the same gifts and promises; only those sit on the right, and have some glory. You then are eager to sit on the right hand with them, but your shortcomings are many.

But you will be cleansed from all your shortcomings; and all who are not given to doubts shall be cleansed from all their impurities up till this day.” Saying this she wished to go away. But falling down at her feet, I begged her by the Lord that she would show me the vision which she had promised to snow me. And then she again took hold of me by the hand, and raised me, and made me sit on the seat to the left; and lifting up a splendid rod, she said to me, “Do you see something great?” And I said, “Lady, I see nothing.”

She said to me, “Lo! do you not see opposite to you a great tower, built upon the waters, of splendid square stones?”

 For the tower was built square by those six young men who had come with her. But myriads of men were carrying stones to it, some dragging them from the depths, others removing them from the land, and they handed them to the six young men. They were taking them and building; and those of the stones that were dragged out of the depths, they placed in the building just as they were: for they were polished and fitted exactly into the other stones, and became so united. on with another that the lines of juncture could not be perceived. And in this way the building of the tower looked as if it were made of one stone. Those stones, however, which were taken from the earth suffered a different fate; for the young men rejected some of them, some they fitted into the building, and some they cut down, and cast far away from the tower. Many other stones, however, lay around the tower, and the young men did not use them in building, for some of them were rough, others had cracks in them, others had been made too short, and others were white and round, but did not fit into the building of the tower.

Moreover. I saw other stones thrown far away from the tower, and falling into the public road, yet they did not remain on the road, but were rolled into a pathless place. And I saw others falling into the fire and burning, others falling close to the water, and yet not capable of being rolled into the water, though they wished to be rolled down, and to enter the water,

Chap III

On showing me these visions, she wished to retire. I said to her, “what is the use of my having seen all this, while I do not know what it means?” She said to me “you are a cunning fellow, wishing to know everything that relates to the tower.” “Even so, O Lady,” said I, “that I may tell it to ray brethren, that hearing his, they may know the Lord in much glory.” And she said, “Many indeed shall hear, and hearing, some shall be glad, and some shall weep. But even these, if they hear and repent, shall also rejoice.

Hear then, the parables of the tower; for I will reveal all to you, and give me no more trouble in regard to revelation: for these revelations have an end, for they have been completed. But you will not cease praying for revelations, for you are shameless. The tower which you see building is myself, the Church, who have appeared to you now and on the former occasion. Ask, then, whatever you like in regard to the tower, and I will reveal it to you, that you may rejoice with the saints.” I said unto her. “Lady, reveal it.” the said to me, “whatsoever ought to be revealed, will be revealed; only let your heart be with God, and doubt not whatsoever you shall see.” I asked her, “why was the tower built upon the waters, O Lady?” She answered, “I told you before, and you still inquire carefully: therefore inquiring you shall find the truth.

Hear then, why the tower is built upon the waters. It is because your life has been, and will be, saved through water.

For the tower was founded on the word of the Almighty and glorious Name, and it is kept together by the invisible power of the Lord.”

Chap. IV.

In reply I said to her, “This is magnificent and marvellous. But who are the six young men who are engaged in building?” And she said, “These are the holy angels of God, who were first created, and to whom the Lord handed over His whole creation, that they might increase and build up, and rule over the whole creation.

By these will the building of the tower be finished.” “But who are the other persons who are engaged in carrying stones?” “These also are holy angels of the Lord, but the former six are more excellent than

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THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.

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A SEMI-MONTHLY HOLINESS JOURNAL

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

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D. S. WARNER, and J. C. FISHER, — Editors.
J. C FISHER.– Publisher.
Wm. N. SMITH, — Business Agt

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TERMS, $1.00. Per Year. In advance.

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All matter for publication must be sent to D. S. Warner.

All business communications, moneys etc, must be addressed to the GOSPEL TRUMPET.

Addrss, Williamston

Mich.

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Entered at the Post Office at Williamston. Ingham Co.
Mich., as second class matter.

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THE NEW TRACT,

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‘CHRIST IS THE BODY THE CHURCH.’

A tract containing scriptural proofs that Christ Himself is the Church, and the Church is Christ.

It is doing a glorious work. Many write favorably of the light it is shedding. Orders are increasing; send on your orders.

Price ………. 10 cents.
One dozen copies ………. $1.00
Fifty copies ………. $3.50

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CAMP, AND OTHER MEETINGS.

-:o:-

WE Publish the following list of Camp and Grove Meetings, and Assemblies, which is as well as we can lay out the work at present. If other meetings are desired, we will do the best we can to fill in between. Some of the following may, in the Lord’s providence require variations.

Beaver Dam, Kosciusko Co. Ind., Pentecost Meeting, May 22—24.

Bangor Mich., Camp Meeting June 19-28.

Let all bring tents.

Gratiot Co. Mich. Camp, or Grove Meeting July 24, to Aug. 2.

Payne O., Grove meeting, Aug. 7—16.

Sandy Lake Pa., Camp Meeting, Aug. 21—31.

Jerry City O., Assembly Sept. 16—20.

Williamston Mich., Assembly, Friday, Sept. 24—28.

Beaver Dam Ind., Assembly Oct. 1—5.

Hunnewell Mo. Camp Meeting Oct. 9—19.

Mt Pleasant Iowa, or vicinity, Assembly, beginning Oct. 23.

Joseph & Daniel.

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ANOTHER NEW TRACT.

THE SABBATH,
—:OR:—
WHICH DAY TO KEEP.

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BIBLE Proofs that the change from, the seventh, to the first day of the week, was made by the Lord Himself.

This tract contains 64 pages: the price is 25 cts.

God has enabled us to set forth the subject in the clear light of abundance of Scripture. So every reader 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.

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these. The building of the tower will be finished, and all will rejoice together around the tower, and they will glorify God because the lower is finished.” I asked her, saying, “Lady, I should like to know what became of the stones, and what was meant by the various kinds of stones?”

In reply she said to me, “Not because you are more deserving than all others that this revelation should be made to you — for there are others before you, and better than you, to whom these visions should have been revealed — but that the name of God may be glorified, has the revelation been made to you, and it will be made on account of the doubtful, who ponder in their hearts whether these things will be or not. Tell them that all these things are true, and that none of them are beyond the truth. All of them are firm and sure, and established on a strong foundation.

Chap. V

Hear now, with regard to the stone’s which are in the building. Those square white stones which fitted exactly into each other, are apostles, bishops, teachers and deacons, who have lived in Godly purity, and have acted as bishops and teachers and deacons chastely and reverently to the elect of God. Some of them have fallen asleep, and some still remain alive. And they have always agreed with each other, and been at peace among themselves, and listened to each other.

On account of this, they join exactly into the tower.” “But who are the stones that were dragged from the depths, and which were laid into the building and fitted in with the rest of the stones previously placed in the tower?” “They are those who suffered for the Lord’s sake.” “But I wish to know, O Lady, who are the other stones which were carried from the land.”

“Those,” she said, “which go into the building without being polished, are those whom God has approved of, for they walked in the straight way of the Lord, and practiced His commandments.” “But who are those who are in the act of being brought and placed in the building?”

“They are those who are young in faith and are faithful. But they are admonished by the angels to do good, for no iniquity has been found in them.”

“Who then are those whom they rejected and cast away?” “These are they who have sinned, and wish to repent. On this account they have not been thrown far from the tower, because they will yet be useful in the building, if they repent.

Those then who are to repent, if they do repent, will be strong in faith, if they now repent while the tower is building.

For if the building be finished, there will be no more room for any one, but he will be rejected. This privilege, however, will belong only to him who has now been placed near the tower.

Chap. VI.

“As to those who were cut down and thrown far away from the tower, do you wish to know who they are? They are the sons of iniquity, and they believe, in hypocrisy, “and wickedness did not depart from them. For this reason they are not saved, since they cannot be used in the building on account of their iniquities.

Wherefore they have been cut off and cast far away on account of the anger of the Lord, for they have roused Him to anger. But I shall explain to you, the other stones which you saw lying in great numbers, and not going into the building. Those which are rough are those who have known the truth and remained not in it, nor have they been joined to the saints. On this account they are unfit for use.” “Who are those that have rents?”

“These are they who are at discord in their hearts one with another, and are not at peace among themselves: they indeed keep peace before each other, but when they separate one from the other, their wicked thoughts remain in their hearts.

These, then, are the rents which are in the stones. But those which are shortened are those who have indeed believed, and have the larger share of righteousness, yet they have a considerable share of iniquity, and therefore they are shortened and not whole.” “But who are these, Lady, that are white and round, and yet do not fit into the building of the tower?”

She answered and said, “how long will you be foolish, and stupid, and continue to put every kind of question and understand nothing? These are those who have faith indeed, but they have also the riches of this world. When, therefore, tribulation comes, on account of their riches and business, they deny the Lord.” I answered and said to her, “when, then, will they be useful for the building, Lady?” “when the riches that now seduce them have been circumscribed, then will they be of use to God. For as a round stone cannot become square unless portions be cut off and cast away, so also those who are rich in this world, cannot be useful to the Lord unless their riches be cut down.

Learn this first from your own case, for when you were rich you were useless; but now you are useful and fit for life. Be ye useful to God; for you also will be used as one of these stones.

Chap. VII.

“Now the other stones which you saw cast far away from the tower, and falling upon the public road and rolling from it into pathless places, are those who have indeed believed, but through doubt have abandoned the true road. Thinking then that they could find a better way, they wander and become wretched, and enter upon pathless places. But those which fell into the fire and were burned, are those who have departed forever from the living God; nor does the thought of repentance ever come into their hearts, on account of their devotion to their lusts and to the crimes which they committed.

Do you wish to know who are the others which fell hear the waters, but could not be rolled into them? These are they who have heard the word, and wish to be baptized in the name of the Lord; but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back, and again walk after their own wicked desires.” She finished her exposition of the tower; but I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “is repentance possible for all those stones which have been cast away and did not fit into the building of the tower, and will they yet have a place in this tower?” “Repentance,” said she, “is yet possible, but in this tower they cannot find a suitable place. But in another and much inferior place they will be laid, and that too, only when they have been tortured and completed the days of their sins. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have partaken of the righteous Word. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the thought of repenting of the evil deeds which they have done, has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.”

Chap. VIII.

When, then I ceased asking in regard to all these matters, she said to me, “Do you wish to see anything else?” And as I was extremely eager to see something more, my countenance beamed with joy.

She looked towards me with a smile, and said, “do you see seven women around the tower?” “I do, Lady,” said I. “This tower,” said she, is supported by them according to the precept of the Lord.

Listen now to their functions. The first of them, who is clasping her hands, is called Faith. Through her the elect of God are saved. Another, who has her garments tucked up and acts with vigor, is called Self-restraint. She is the daughter of Faith. Whoever then follows her will become happy in his life, because he will restrain himself from all evil works, he will inherit eternal life.” “But the others” said I, “O Lady, who are they?”

And she said to me, “they are daughters of each other. One of them is called Simplicity, another Guilelessness, another Chastity, another Intelligence, another Love. When, then, you do all the works of their mother, you will be able to live.” “I should like to know,” said I, “O Lady, what power each one of them posesses.” “Hear, she said, what power they have. Their powers are regulated by each other, and follow each other in the order of their birth.

For from Faith arises Self-restraint; from Self-restraint, Simplicity; from Simplicity, Guilelessness; from Guilelessness, Chastity; from Chastity, Intelligence; and from Intelligence, Love. The deeds, then, of these are pure, and chaste, and divine. Whoever devotes himself to these, and is able to hold fast by their works, shall have his dwelling in the tower, with the saints of God.” Then I asked her, in regard to the ages, if now there is the conclusion. She cried out with a loud voice, “foolish man! do you not see the tower yet building? when the tower is finished and built, then comes the end; and I assure you it will soon be finished.” Ask me no more questions. Let you and all the saints be content with what I have called to your remembrance, and with my renewal of your spirits. But observe that it is not for your own sake only, that these revelations have been made to you, but they have been given you that you may show them to all. For after three days — this you will take care to remember — I command you to speak all the words which I am to say to you into the ears of the saints, that hearing them, and doing them, they may be cleansed from their iniquities, and you along with them.

Chap. IX.

Give ear unto me, O Sons: I have brought you up in much simplicity, and guilelessness, and chastity, on account of the mercy of the Lord, who has dropped His righteousness down upon you, that ye may be made righteous and holy from all your iniquity and depravity; but you do not wish to rest from your iniquity.

Now, therefore, listen to me, and be at peace one with another, and visit each other, and bear each other’s burdens, and do not partake of God’s creatures alone, but give abundantly of them to the needy.

For some through the abundance of their food produce weakness in their flesh and thus corrupt their flesh; while the flesh of others who have no food is corrupted, became they have not sufficient nourishment. And on this account, their bodies waste away. This intemperance in eating is thus, injurious to you who have abundance and do not distribute among those who are needy. Give heed to the judgement that is to come. Ye therefore, who are high in position, seek out the hungry as long as the tower is not yet finished; for after the tower is finished, you will wish to do good and will find no oportunity. Give heed, therefore, ye who glory in your wealth, lest those who are needy should groan, and their groans should ascend to the Lord and ye be shut out with all your goods beyond the gate of the tower. Wherefore I now say to you who preside over the Church, and love the first seats, “be not like to drug-mixers. For the drug-mixers carry their drugs in boxes, but ye carry your drug and poison in your heart. Ye are hardened, and do not wish to cleanse your hearts, and to add unity of aim to purity of heart, that you may have mercy from the great King. Take heed therefore, children, that these dissensions of yours do not deprive you of your life. How will you instruct the elect of the Lord, if you yourselves have not instructions? Instruct each other, therefore, and be at peace among yourselves, that I also standing joyful before your Father, may give an account of you all to the Lord.”

Chap. X.

On her ceasing to speak to me, those six young men who were engaged in building, came and conveyed her to the tower, and other four lifted up the seat, and carried it also to the tower. The faces of these last I did not see, for they were turned away from me. And as she was going, I asked her to reveal to me the meaning of the three forms in which she appeared to me. In reply she said to me, ”with regard to them, you must ask another to reveal their meaning to you.” For she had appeared — to me, brethren, in the first vision, the previous year under the form of an exceedingly old woman, sitting in a chair. In the second vision her face was youthful, but her skin and hair betokened age, and she stood while she spoke to me. She was also more joyful than on the first occasion. But in the third vision she was entirely youthful, and exquisitely beautiful, except only, that she had the hair of an old woman; but her face beamed with joy, and she sat on a seat. Now I was exceeding sad in regard to these appearances, for I longed much to know what the visions meant. Then I saw the old woman in a vision of the night saying unto me: “Every prayer should be accompanied with humility; fast, therefore, and you will obtain from the Lord what you beg.” I fasted, therefore for one day.

That very night there appeared to me a young man who said, “why do you frequently ask revelations in prayer? Take heed lest by asking many things you injure your flesh: be content with these revelations. Will you be able to see greater revelations than these which you have seen?” I answered and said to him “Sir, one thing only I ask, that in regard to these three forms the revelation may be rendered complete.” He answered me, “how long are you senseless? But your doubts make you senseless, because you have not your hearts turned toward the Lord.” But I answered and said to him, “From you, sir, we shall learn these things more accurately.”

Chap. XI.

“Hear then,” said he, “with regard to the three forms, concerning which you are inquireing. Why, in the first vision did she appear to you as an old woman seated on a chair? Because your spirit is now old and withered up, and has lost its power in consequence of your infirmities and doubts. For, like elderly men, who have no hope of renewing their strength, and except nothing but their last sleep so you, weakened by worldly occupations have given yourselves up to sloth, and have not cast your cares upon the Lord

Your spirit, therefore, is broken, and. you have, grown old in your sorrows.” “I should like then to know, sir, why she sat on a chair?” He answered, “because every weak person sits on a chair on account of his weakness, that his weakness may be sustained. Lo! you have the form of the first vision.

Chap. xii. “Now in the second vision you saw her standing, with a youthful countenances and more joyful than before; still she had the skin and hair of an aged woman.

Hear, said he, this parable also. When one becomes somewhat old, he despairs of himself on account of his weakness and poverty, and looks forward to nothing but the last day of his life. Then suddenly an inheritance is left him; and hearing of this, he rises up, and becomes exceeding joyful, he puts on strength. And now he no longer reclines, but stands up; and his spirit, already destroyed by his previous actions, is renewed, and he no longer sits, but acts with vigor. So happened it with you on hearing the revelation which God gave you. For the Lord had compassion on you, and renewed your spirit, and you laid aside your infirmities. Vigor arose within you, and you grew strong in faith; and the Lord seeing your strength rejoiced. On this account He showed you the building of the tower; and He will show you other things, if you continue at peace with each other with all your heart.

Chap. XIII.

“Now, in the third vision, you saw her still younger, and she was noble, and joyful, and her shape was beautiful. For, just as when some good news comes suddenly to one who is sad, immediately he forgets his former sorrows, and looks for nothing else than the good news which he has heard, and for the future is made strong for good, and his spirit is renewed on account of the joy which he has received; so ye also have received the renewal of your spirits by seeing these good things. As to your seeing her sitting on a seat, that means that her position is one of strength, for a seat has four feet, and stands firmly. For the World also, is kept together by means of four elements.

Those, therefore, who repent completely and with the whole heart, will become young and firmly established. You now have the revelation completely given you. Make no further demands for revelations. If anything ought to be revealed, it will be revealed to you.”

Apostolic Fathers.

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THE WORK AT HOME.

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THE Lord is gloriously moving the car of salvation along. We have glorious meetings. The power of God was wonderfully manifested in our Wednesday night prayer meeting last week. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us, and we were all filled and began to speak, shout, and pray, as the Spirit gave us utterance.

Some were overcome so they could not stand or sit up. Others were refreshed, and renewed, and sinners wept. Hallelujah to God! Another case of healing, which we must record, to the glory of God; took place last week. Sister Florence, who has been saved since our return, was taken with terrible convulsions, and was nigh unto death. They immediately sent for me. I hastened quickly to the scene and found her writhing in terrible agony. I prayed, laying on hands at the same time, some looking on expecting to see her expire, but she was immediately made whole, and glorified God for all He had done for her. Last Saturday evening we met with the saints at the Boardman school-house, quite a delegation of the saints from Williamston were present.

We held an ordinance meeting. Over thirty took part in the same. O what sweet communion, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. How it flowed from heart to heart. Hallelujah to God! our souls Were refreshed and knit together in love.

God was much glorified in the testimonies of the saints, and the saints, much strengthened. On Sunday fore-noon, we all met together, and the Lord blessed us in preaching the Word, and we all had perfect victory, and testified to the glory, and power of God, to heal both soul, and body. Praise His holy name forever Amen.

Joseph.

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Special Notice.

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Please, don’t send us any more 10ct, 5ct, or 4ct, postage stamps. (We cannot use them; they are a dead loss to us.) But we can us twos, and ones

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Latest Sews from the Field.

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THE GLORIOUS MEETING AT DIMONDALE.

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Bro. Cole and I came here on Thursday before the meeting, that night being their regular meeting, we met with the saints. The next night we met again. Three consecrated for sanctification. Saturday had meeting in the afternoon, and in the evening we occupied a hall in the town. Some hours before night our hearts were much refreshed by the coming of the dear saints from Williamston, Lansing, and Eaton Co. Many shouts of praise ascended to the Lord. The hall was well filled Saturday night, and the Lord was present in the mighty power of His Word and Spirit. After the preaching, there was a glorious testimony service, with songs and shouts of praise to Him that hath bought us with His blood, and purified us unto Himself. O glory to the King of all saints! How easy it is to praise Him, to pray, preach, and sing, with a heart overflowing with His love.

Sabbath morn, the Lord sent us bright beautiful sunshine, and a pure balmy air, A good congregation met in the hall to hear the Gospel of salvation. At 3 p. m. a large concourse of people convened at the water where we had the joyful privilege of immersing 16 blessed saints. Glory to God! the Holy Spirit came on the willing and obedient. Soon after, the little ones gathered at Bro. Morrison’s and the power of God filled the place. A sister and a brother consecrated, and were sanctified, and claimed healing by the laying on of hands: several others were healed. Then the solemn ordinances of Christ, the washing of the saint’s feet, and the Lord’s supper, were observed by over 40 holy saints of the Living God. Knowing these things we were happy in observing the same, according to Christ’s promise. At the close of this service we went to the hall and found it already filled. Bro. Joseph preached the awful Word to the people, who again gave good attention. After the meeting was out, sister Celia Kilpatrick of the Trumpet Office was violently thrown from a buggy near the hall. She was picked up as dead, and carried into a house. Some of the Elders were quickly brought, hands were laid on her in the name of the Lord, and she rapidly recovered. Great distress in her head was instantly removed. Her neck was so badly hurt that she could not raise her head from her pillow. The Lord instantly removed the trouble, and she could then raise her head. Praise God! the next morning the dear sister was able to start with the company homeward, in a buggy. Praise God! No real saint of God thought of such a thing as calling a physician, to examine, much less to treat her. Praise God forever! “He is a very present help in the time of need.” Yea “In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Praise the Lord! He is always present to deliver them that put their trust in Him. Had such an accident occurred in a world’s company, in sect ranks or even among babylonish holiness people, a doctor would have been brought in all haste. Praise the name of Jesus! though the beloved sister was picked up and carried into the house, apparently lifeless, without any pulse, all were calm and tranquil, no excitement. We are well convinced that had a doctor been called upon instead of Christ, the sister would not have been moved from this place for some weeks. “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”

Monday morning came the affectionate parting. About all the saints met at the house of Bro. Morrison, with many tears of holy love, and tender greetings the holy ones took the parting hand. O what love!

I remained still at Dimondale: and on Monday night we met with the saints at Bro, Carlton’s. We had a blessed good meeting. A Bro. Holmes and wife who came into this country a week or more ago, and who had been sailors upon the great Oceans, having sailed three times around the world, the man having been very wicked, both consecrated to God for entire sanctification. They having been converted in one of the recent prayer meetings both covenanted with Almighty God to live a holy and pure life to His glory; both seemed to die to sin, and the woman was graciously anointed by the Spirit. The Lord keep them to the end.

At this service Bro. C. A. Morrison was ordained by the laying on of hands as Elder in the Church at Dimondale. Bro. Duane Carlton was ordained Deacon. Bro. David Howard, who is but a convert of last winter, acknowledged his solemn call to the ministry. As he expects soon to move to Flint Mich. he was dedicated to the work whereunto God hath called him, by the layimg on of hands, and prayer to God that he will “make full proof of his ministry.”

I expect to go soon from here to Battle Creek Mich. Then may make a short call with Bro. Brodbeck near Aarchbold. Fulton Co. Ohio, then hold meetings at Glaypool Kosciusko Co. and Davis Co Southern Ind. Be at the Pentecost Meeting at Beaver Dam Ind. Then possibly hold a meeting at Onarga Ill., just before the Bangor C. M. Will publish the time these meetings more fully as soon as they shall have been arranged.

Daniel.

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THE WODERFUL LEADINGS OF THE SPIRIT.

St Louis Mich. March 6th 1885.

TO all the saints in Christ Jesus; Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the beloved Jesus Christ. I thank my God to-day for salvation that saves me from all sin. I am saved by the blood and kept by the power of Jesus Christ, and filled with His Spirit, and armed with His Word, which is the power of God unto salvation. Amen!

Wife and I were moved to pray God to open the way for us to go out and labor for the salvation of souls. Then came a letter from Benton Eaton Co. Mich., from Bro. and Sister Coggon, saying “Come over and help us. Come, for souls are calling for some man of God to come and labor for their salvation from sins.” We took it to the Lord in prayer, and the Spirit bade us go nothing doubting: He also directed us to Scripture to confirm the call. We took leave from our family for a season, not knowing how long, or what should befall us. But being assured of God that He is able to fulfill all His good pleasure in us, and all His gracious promises to us. We started Friday, Mar. 6th, asking God to guide us in the route we should take. In a vision He showed us the way, and in confirm us, He showed some wheat spilt out of a sack along the road, in a low swampy place. So as we traveled along on Maple River flats, we looked down and saw the wheat in the way just as we had seen it in the vision; so we knew we were on the right road. My soul says Glory to God and the Lamb forever! My soul is full and running over. Praise God! I must stop and praise His holy name. We arrived safely at Bro John Lyon’s and tarried over night. Oh how our souls were comforted, and made to rejoice in God. In the morning we went on our way, being led of the Spirit to go to North Eagle and tarry there over the Lord’s day, which we did, and held meeting twice that day. Here we met dear saints our hearts had long wished to see. The Lord poured out His Spirit upon His saints there.

On Monday morning we continued our journey to the home of Bro. and Sister Coggon. God’s Spirit kept burning in our hearts, and bringing words of comfort to us. Glory to His name! Bless the Lord for the outpouring of His Spirit, upon His sons and daughters in these last days. Oh my soul is so full just now. When we reached Bro. and Sister Goggon’s house, — a house of God — the Lord wonderfully poured out His Spirit upon us, Here we found the house and scenery that we saw in the vision before we left home.

In the vision of the night I was attacked by a mad animal. The next day I went to a man’s house where I was to make my home during the meeting, it being near the school-house. We were kindly received, but as we obeyed God in all things it was not long till the animal we had seen showed himself in the person of the man whose house was to be our house. By the grace of God, we will not try to please any man, but deliver God’s truth faithfully to every creature, if we have to live in caves and dens of the earth. Hallelujah! Just now the God of peace floods my soul with glory from His throne. Glory to God! I must stop and show forth His praises. Bless God forever!

Having obtained leave of the directors to use the school-house, we followed the Spirit in preaching the truth. The third night God gave me the third chapter of Titus, and by the light and power of the Spirit of God, He pictured the ungodly professor spoken of in verse 10, “A man that is an heretic after the first and second abmonition reject.” That night as we returned to our home, the Lord showed me that the man of the house was angry and that it was tobacco that made him turn against us and the Word of God. He would not “cleanse himself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,” so he chose darkness rather than light. He also harbored the Stumbling Stone paper in his house which no holy and Scriptural child of God can do, and enjoy salvation. We read to him the Scriptures God gave us for him and then gave him the sop, so he went out. We then shook off the dust of our feet and departed from his house. Praise God! He opened plenty of doors for us. The power of God was upon our meetings. Two dear souls, a man and his wife were converted, two blessed children of God. We continued “preaching the Gospel, with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven,” until the devil became more and more stirred up; he foamed and raged until he closed the school-house, using the man with whom we had stopped as his chief tool. Well it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorah in the day of judgement, than for them that rejected Christ in that place and desired Barrabas instead. Thank God the meetings are still going on in Bro. and sister Lewis’ house. A few faithful in Christ, meeting in His name, to whom be glory forever. Your Bro. saved and sanctified and kept by the power of God.

A. J. Shelley.

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BRO. C. CHINIQUY

The Author of the work we noticed in a late TRUMPET, “THE PRIEST THE WOMAN AND THE CONFESSIONAL”, is a converted Priest and is doing a good work in leading his benighted fellows out of Romanism to Christ. We are grateful to God for his deliverance from the dark pit, and others through him. God through him, has provided an assylum from the corrupt “Mother of Harlots” having built a house at St Ann Ill. and put out his sign, “THE CONVERTED PRIEST HOME” many have there found shelter from the persecutions of the vile Mother of all sects. Bro. C. writes us a touching account of a French Priest from Paris France, whome he had met two years a go at London, and who has renounced Romanism and imbraced Christ, as the result Bro. Chiniquy asks the prayers of all our readers that God may provide the means to keep this new refugee, now on his way to his home, until the Lord shall have prepared him for work in the ministry of the true Gospel. We quote this following concerning his conversion! from Bro C’s letters. “The documents he showed me, proved that he was one of the most respectable priests of France. He asked me why I had left the Church of Rome. Before answering his questions, I invited him to kneel with me. When we rose from prayer his face was bathed in tears, and his emotions were uncontrolable. He told me it was the first time in his life that he had heard a true prayer from the heart.

We spent two days in reading the scripture, and speaking of the great mystery of the love of God, who offers us His only begotten Son, Jesus as a gift, asking nothing in return but to Believe; Repent, and love. At the end of two days I was the witness of a spectacle that no human words can tell. He had for the first time understood the gift. The scales had fallen from his eyes. He had accepted the gift! Happy in its possesion he went back to France, gave up his high possition, and made the sacrifice of its revenues at the “good masters” feet. Now poor, persecuted by his relations and former friends, he seeks a place in this Converted priests home.

Bro. C. informs us that there are many others priests who want to break there fetters. He says, “By the mercy of God, I have already helped 26 Priests, monks, and ecclesiastics of Rome, to give up their errors and receive the truth as it is in Christ,” in the “converted Priests Home,” the Bests way to light and conquor Rome is by converting her priests, my experience is that as a general rule, the conversion of a priest is followed by that of not less than 1000 Romans Catholics, whom he, sooner or later, leads to Christ.

I could cite many facts to support this truth. It is not yet 12 months since Bro. M. Seguin; one of the Priests converted in this “Priests Home,” went to Chicago, and the Lord has so very much blessed our united efforts, that we already do not count less than 100 families converted from Romanism.”

Evidently Bro. Chiniquy is doing a good work in the hands of the Lord, and we would be glad to cooperate with him, in every assistance we could render.

The Bro. has two books which have cost him eleven years of labor; and the sale of those books are his chief dependence for the means of provision for the wants of such escaped out of the bondage of Romanism.

And he gratefully asks all who feel concerned in the salvation of benighted Catholics to purchase those books, so while they will obtain value received, they will help the brother in this great work of keeping; teaching, and leading to Christ, poor souls who are slaves to a wicked system of deep deception, we have read some of the “PRIEST, THE WOMAN, AND THE CONFESSIONAL,” and will say it is a faithful disclosure of the shocking, iniquity of Romanism. Price $1.00 “FIFTY YEARS, IN THE CHURCH OF ROME” 850 pages, $5.00 Address St. Ann Kankakee Co. Ill. C. Chiniquy

Daniel.

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GRATIOT CO. CAMP MEETING.

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THE Brethren in Lafayette, Gratiot Co Mich. writes, they will have the ground prepared for the meeting, at the appointed time, and wish all to come and bring their tents that can.

PA. MEETINGS.

The Brethren also desire us to publish a grove meeting near Custards Crawford Co. Pa. Sept. 1 to 7th, and one at Harthegig 6th to 12th. If possible, we will, the Lord willing, be there.

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Correspondence.

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Beaver Dam, Ind. Mar. 17th 1885.

Dear Brethren: — In Christ, I feel impressed to write and let you know what the Lord is doing for us since you left.

Praise God for what He is doing! We have had meetings almost every night, since you were here, and at almost every meeting there is souls converted. We are twenty in number here; in about a mile of Hans school-house; all lively stones in God’s building. Workers together, no cross fireing; praise the Lord! God’s children are all one, everywhere.

Bro. David Leininger had meeting at Beaver Dam last Sabbath, and it aroused the devil considerable. There is a prospect of great good being accomplished here; pray for us, that we may go through on the straight line. I long to see you return again. My prayer to God is, that He may keep you. Your brother, saved and sanctified. A member of Christ’s Body, the Church.

Wm. W. Ballenger.

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Macomb, Ill.

Dear Brethren: — The TRUMPET is a welcome visitor at our home. I would like to see you and hear the truth preached as it is in Christ Jesus. God’s children are all one in Christ, the one Body, the Church. Glory to God! let us all be subject unto Him. Your brother in Christ, and out of all sects.

T. J. Fuhr

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Palmyra, Mo. April 11th, ‘85.

Dear Brethren: — I reached home safe, after I bade you farewell. The Lord keeps me. I am growing stronger every day.

Jesus is leading me, and He fills me with His holy Spirit. Pray for me brethren, that I may stand; though surrounded by the powers of darkness, and be ready for my crown, in the Lord’s kingdom.

C. C, Myers.

To all the readers of the GOSPEL TRUMPET. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. I give all the glory to Him who died on Calvary, to save me.

Glory! Glory! to God. Pray for us, and our children, that God may give us more light and grace to stand faithful till we all meet on Mount Zion.

Barbara Myers.

Little Benjamin.

Dear Brethren: — I want to give in a little testimony for Jesus. I praise the Lord for what He has done for my soul.

Glory to God, He hath saved me, and keeps me saved. I thank God for sending Bro. and Sister Fisher, and Bro. Warner here to show us the holy way to Mount, Zion. Pray for me, and I will pray for you all. Glory to God forever, Amen.

Benjamin Myers.

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Geneva Center, Mich. Apr. 17th ’85.

Dear Brethren: — In the Lord, God bless you with all spiritual blessings in Christ

Jesus. I praise God for that peace which passeth all understanding; and for the saving and sanctifying power and grace, bestowed upon me. Dear brethren we wish to call attention to the camp- meeting commencing June 19th. Bring your tents, and let us dedicate ourselves and time, wholly to the Lord. Let us pray for God’s blessing to be poured out upon the people, in a special manner, for His glory, and the salvation of souls.

Now I exhort all of God’s little ones to stand firm. Let nothing by any means move you, or draw you from the love of God; keep your hearts pure. Neither be discouraged with the lies, and slanders of the wicked. Be kind and affectionate one to another, and the grace of our Lord Jesus, shall be with you, Amen. I am saved and sanctified just now.

Yours in love,      

S. Michels.

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Sandy Lake Pa. Apr. 24th ’85.

Dear Brethren: — Grace and peace be multiplied unto you abundantly. Amen!

O glory to God! my soul doth truly magnify the Lord this night, for what He is doing for this soul of mine, and for my body. O glory to God! I never can praise Him enough for the way He has blessed me, even to-day. O what shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me. O Jesus, dear Jesus, how precious thou art to my soul to-night. If the Lord will, some of us little ones are going to Fairfield Crawford Co. to-morrow.

Later.

Apr. 29. I do praise the Lord this morning for redemption through the precious blood.

Five of us were at Fairfield over the Sabbath. We had a glorious meeting with the saints at that place: the most of them are prospering grandly in the Spirit. They are very anxious that you would come there and hold a meeting when you come to our camp meeting. You are also wanted to hold a few days meeting, in sister Maskrey’s neighborhood. If it is posible you must hold meetings at those two places.

Your sister saved and kept.

Mary E. Farrah.

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Aurburn Ind. march 26th ’85.

Dear Brethren: — God bless you.

Inclosed you will find two dollars for the TRUMPET. I can not do without it. God bless you in the good work, of spreading the Gospel, and may many be brought to light who have never knew the truth and foundation of the Bible.

Yours in the Lord.         

Anna Pepple

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Terre Haute Ind.

Dear Brethren: — I can say to the glory of God, that the troth is gaining ground in this City. Some stand out of babylon.

Considerable emotion is manifested by her inmates, because of the narrow way with Jesus. bless His Holy name forever.

Joseph Peacock

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Nickel Mines Pa

Dear Brethren: — of the TRUMPET OFFICE, I received some of your good papers, and will subscribe soon.

I was a F. M. sect man two or three years ago, but have cut loose from all, and am free indeed. We would be glad to have some of the Lord’s Servants. come here’ We are starving for the living Bread.

Your Bro.   

Jas A Boyd.

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Irving Ky

Dear Brethren I write you some of my experience. I was converted when I was 16 years old, and joined the M E Sect, I testified to the all cleansing blood and the preacher opposed me, Instead of encouraging me. I went on in this way for twenty five years. In Nov. last, God sent Bro Marsh into these parts. I sought and obtained sanctification by simple faith in the Blood of the Lamb. I will have no more to do with sects of any name, or order. The holiness people are being gloriously anointed for the Lord’s work, your sister saved and sanctified.

Martha Minton.

Haysville Ia. Apr. 3d 1885.

Dear Brethren. I do praise God that He saved a poor wicked sinner like me. I know that Jesus saves me and keeps me just now, from all harm. I trust in Him for I know He is able to save and to keep, me. Your sister saved and sanctified.      Ina H. Smith.

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Send us a new Subscriber.

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Correspondence.

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State Line Ind., Apr 1 ’85.

Dear brethren: — I have been thinking of writing to you for some time. I will send you what is due on the TRUMPET My husband is a cripple; has been worse this winter: I have poor health, and can do but little more than take care of him. I will send a dollar more as soon as I can. I do love to get the TRUMPET. When it comes, I never eat nor sleep until I read it through. It does me so much good, it refreshes my Spirit so much. All that I have received, I have carefully preserved, I will not have one torn, they are too good. I have read them all over and over Many times. I lone them, and every one likes them, and desires to send for the paper. I do want all the brothers and sisters to pray for me, that the Lord may heal me, soul and body, and my husband. I have for some time thought, and believed that the Lord would heal now as well as when He was here. I am one that believes what the Bible teaches. I know there is nothing impossible with God. I can do more for others by laying my hands on them, than for myself. Why so, I cannot tell. I am living every day as if it were my last on earth. I want to he ready to meet God in peace. The Lord blesses me every day. I do praise His holy name! We have meetings much like you brethren. The Lord is with us. Our house rings with shouts of praise to God. Your sister saved.

R. E. Songer.

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Lodi Mich., Apr. 9th ’85.

Dear Brethren: — I want to tell you how thankful I am for the word of truth that finds its way so often to our home, through the GOSPEL TRUMPET, that you have been so kindly sending to us. I want to say to all in the light of the Holy Spirit, I endorse the truth it teaches. I believe that the true children of God will see eye to eye. I enjoy full and free salvation to-day, and the blood of Jesus cleanses me just now from all sin. How glad I would be if some of you would visit this place. I will do all I can to help on with the work. The papers you send me, after I read them, are handed to others who would like to know the truth. Some are very much against it here, but I praise God for the light. I pray that He will baptize you more and more for the work. Amen! Your Sister in the Lord.

Mrs. Laura L. Blodgett.

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Allegheney City Pa. Apr. 5.

Dear Brrethren: — I do praise God for salvation through the blood. I realize that it cleanseth me from all sin Just now. God has wonderfully led me. I stand in the name of Jesus all alone in our house; my parent do not see the light as I do: but glory to God who hath bought us with a great price, I am free from all sects. O what awful delusion the people are in, in those false churches. I was blind, but now I see. Glory be to God for the truth that sets us free. “I have come unto Mt Zion, and to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels; to the general assembly and Church of the First born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the Spirits of just men made perfect.” Praise God! “And I heard another voice from heaven saying, come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues.”

I do Praise God that He ever sent us the TRUMPET. I have taken it since last August, and I do love the sound of it. Dear Brethren continue to blow the Trumpet in the name of Jesus Christ, until all who honestly wish the light of truth shall receive the true Gospel of Christ.

Your Sister washed in the blood of Christ, and sanctified wholly to Him.

Maud Richey.

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Payne Ohio, March 2th ’85.

Dear Brethren: — I am goriously saved by the power of God from all sin. Glory to God! I am wholly sanctified to God. I put my whole trust in God. I do praise God for giving me the light. I do praise God’s Holy name for what He has done for me, glory to God! Dear brethren I am standing on the solid Rock Christ Jesus, glory! glory!! glory!!! Praise God for salvation that makes us free. Glory to God! I do love to testify to the goodness of God.

Harrison Shaner.

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Raymond Ill. Mar. 14th ’85.

Dear Brethren: — I want to give my testimony this morning, to the power that saves me from all sectdom, and its devilish principles of man made stuff. I was at the F. M. sect meeting last night and testified to the God that saved me from isms and idolatry. Before I got out of the house, the preacher of that sect pounced on me about such testifying. He claimed that such boasting was perverse. Oh I am so glad so glad that I have such a testimony. Glory to our King! for complete deliverance. I read, Many are called, but few are chosen. — Matt. 22:14. And why call ye me Lord, and do not the things which I say. — Luke 6:46; John 1:17; 3:14. I am glad that I have Jesus enthroned within, the hope of glory. It seems as if the sunbeams came direct from glory, and resting upon me this morning, while I am writing. Oh for the unity of God’s people, in the one body, where Christ could get all the glory without any mixture. The Bible teaches me thus — John 10:19; Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 10:17; Gal. 3:28, and the unity of the brethren, – Psa. 133; John 17:21, enforced Psa. 133; Rom. 12:16; 15:5; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11, amd many other Scriptures could he brought forth. I am glad I have been made a prisoner of the Lord, Eph. 4:1, that I am not tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine. But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ. Amen! Oh how I can see the fruits of Rom. 1:16-25. These sect workers were holding to the traditions of their fathers, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. — Mark 7:7-10. I am more fully- determined to go through on the line of obedience to the Christ who saves just now. I cant find but one name, and that Christ; one body of christians, and they are those that worship Him without mixture; one faith, one hope, one baptism, in the Bible that I read. May God in His infinite mercy, keep, strengthen, and bless you in this good work, and keep you humble and sweet in the Lord, ready to be revealed in the last day, is your Bro’s. prayer for all the saints. Pray for me. God bless you all.    

W. C. Woodward.

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Onarga Ill. Apr. 23d ’85.

Dear Brethren; — God bless you. I know He does bless you all the way along. I see by the TRUMPET that you have returned home. I feel sorry that you did not come this way and stop a little while. I have asked the Lord to send you here, and if it is His will, and I trust the time is yet coming when we shall see your faces, and hear the Word of the Lord through you. The Lord has led me by His Word and Spirit to be baptized when you come. I long to obey the Lord in all things. Some here feel that they are above the Lord’s supper, and feet-washing, but Christ says, ‘‘The disciple is not above his Lord.” Bless God! I am not above doing those things the dear Lord has told us to do, till He come again. Pray for me that the way may be opened for me to come to some of your camp meetings. Your sister saved.

Sarrah Wells.

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St James Mo. Apr. 14.

Dear Brethren: — I feel impressed to write to the GOSPEL TRUMPET, a few words in the name of the Lord. The Lord help you to blow the TRUMPET untill every nation shall know that Christ is the true door, and the only way of life. He came to do the will of the Father, and in Him, and by Him, we receive the fullness of God. I do praise God for His plan of salvation which He has in His infinite mercy and love, given to us: even our complete redemption from all sin. Glory be to God on high! I want all the readers of the TRUMPET to know, how sweetly my soul is resting in the perfect will of my God, since I have entered by Christ the true door into His highway of holiness.

Praise the Lord oh my soul! Christ is the Head of the Body which is His Church, and in Him we are complete. It is a glorious truth that every honest hearted child of God will find his way out of sect babylon, out from human creeds, and antichrist divisions, into the pure and only Church of the Living God, which is written in heaven. Praise our God, all are ye His servants. Hallelujah! Salvation, and honor, and glory, be to the Lord our God forever! The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to His name! I once worshiped the sect idol, and I thought I was all right: but God in His mercy drew me out of that dark and polluted place, into His marvelous light, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth me from all sin. All Glory to the Lamb! God bless you all. Your Sister saved and sanctified.

Julia A. Marcee.

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THE BODY OF CHRIST.

BY FRANK C. BLOUNT.

—:o:—

I speak now of the Church. I turn to 1 Cor. 10:32 and here I get God’s classification of mankind. “Give none offence, neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles, nor to the Church of God.”

The Church is His body composed of both Jews and Gentiles baptized by the Holy Ghost. It is the truth peculiar to this dispensation. There is not a line directly concerning it in the Old Testament. This is brought out very clearly in Eph. 3:1-11, and Col. 1:24, 26. Paul declares here that it is “The mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God.” Again he says: “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for His body’s sake which is the Church (5:25 is a parenthesis.) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to His saints.” “Hid in God,” “from ages and generations,” “now is made manifest.” The first mention we have of the Church is in Matt. 16:18, where Jesus in conversation with His disciples says: “Upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” He became the Head of the body which He forms by sending down the Holy Ghost (John 16:7; Acts 2:32-47; 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.) Here we have the Church set up, the body formed, — Christ the “Head” in heaven, we the body upon earth, (Col. 1:18; 2:19; Eph. 5:23, 32; 1 Cor. 22.) We are now said to be “members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones,” thus virtually linked up with Himself in the glory, so that we His body, the Church, are a part of Himself. This is beautifully brought out in Saul’s conversion (Acts 9.) where “the mystery” is fir it made known. He cries “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” In chapter 8:3, it reads, “He made havoc with the Church.” The Lord Jesus however looks upon it as a part of Himself and can say, “Why persecutest thou Me?” This is again brought out in 1 Cor. 12:12; “For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many are one body, so also is Christ.” Mark, it does not say, “So also is the Church,” but “So also is Christ.” Praise His name — Is not this blessed, a very part of Himself. Oh, how low the thoughts of most all are, concerning the Church. Buildings are spoken of as churches, whereas there is not a passage in the Word of God where the word “Church” is applied to a building. Do you know my brother that you are a member of the body of Christ, and that being a member you are involved in deep and solemn responsibility? “His body” is the only body spoken of in the New Testament. You will find nothing there of Methodist bodies, Baptist bodies, Presbyterian bodies, etc., etc., everywhere in the Word it is “His body.” Neither are there many bodies but “One.” You will find by reading God’s Word that we are not baptized by one Spirit into six hundred bodies, but. “By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” We are not said in the Scripture to be members of this church or that, but members of His body.

We are often met with “Were they not children of God who instituted these things — divers bodies? I reply, admit it, and it is simply conformatory of this word of your own selves,” etc. Here we have division predicted. Let us turn to Rom. 16:17, 18; Here we have it already existing. “Now I beseech you brethren mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them.” What doctrine had they learned? “We are one body.” (Rom. 12.) So at this early date the leaven was working, Satan was bent on destroying manifest ones. Let us turn again to 1 Cor. 1:10-13, where we find this party spirit active among the saints. Paul writes, “Now I 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 judgement.

For it hath been declared unto me of you my brethren by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say that every one of you saith, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ.” Here is the bud and shoot of sectarianism that is now so fully developed. There would have been four sects there at Corinth, they already existed in spirit, and even the name of Christ they had taken and made a party name of. Paul however quenches this evil. He asks, “Is Christ divided! Was Paul Crucified for you! or were ye baptized in the name of paul?” While it is not now Paul, Apollos and Cephas, it is Wesley, Luther, Calvin and multitudes of others, and may I ask, “Is Christ divided?” Was Wesley, Luther, or Calvin crucified for you? At this time, according to statistics, there are between six and seven hundred religious bodies, each gathered on a different ground and every one of them stands formally opposed to the body of Christ, as they recognize their right to receive to themselves members. The testimony of the Holy Ghost is: There is “one body.” (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12, 13; Eph. 4:4; Col. 3:15.) Christendom says there are between six and seven hundred, thus virtually giving the lie to the Spirit. These things, one and all are but satan’s caricature of the Church, and his masterpiece in the way of religious evil. I could but joy to hear the death knell of every sect in Christendom to night. For as these sects exist the manifest oneness is totally destroyed. Like a butcher with a beef, His body has been divided and subdivided, cut and severed, mutilated and torn, and meted out to the several carnal tastes and fancies of the human heart, do we look upon these things as God does? Alas! no! He pronounces them “carnal.” “Ye are yet carnal for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal and walk as men?” (1 Cor. 3:3.) Man looks upon them as “good for emulation,” this is the evasive reply I received from a Methodist “divine” a few days since, upon asking him for a scrptural warrant for the existence of these things. This is Jesuitism, doing evil that good may come, and upon this principle these huge sytems are run. “Emulation” is spoken of in Gal. 5, as a work of the flesh, and thus the sects, parties, and factions, but exhibit the unrestrained actings of the flesh, therefore God pronounces them “carnal.” He plainly says in 1 Cor. 12:25, “There should be no division in the body.” Such Scriptures are passed by, by the child of God with alarming carelessness and flippancy, he palliates and excuses himself with flimsy pretexts, and poultices his conscience with the thought that the masses are in that way.

The only division we have any warrant for in the Word of God are the territorial or local. For instance, we read of the “Churches of Galatia,” we have the plural here. This might present some difficulty to simple ones but the moment we know Galatia to be a country, not a town, the difficulty is done away. (Acts 18:23.) He speaks here of the different, local assemblies, together. This perhaps may be brought out more clearly by refering to Rev. 2, 3, where we have “the seven Churches which are in Asia.” (1:11) Asia was a territory of country, and scattered through it were different towns, as Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, and at each was a local expression of the Church. We do not read of churches at Ephesus, churches at Smyrna, etc., but it is “The Church at Ephesus,” “The Church in Smyrna,” etc. So in speaking of them together we would say the Churches of Asia, having no reference to sectarian divisions but simply the Church in different localities.

Let us look now, a little at our responsibility; we have it in Eph. 4:1-4. “I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye wak worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” Mark we are not exhorted to make the unity, but to “keep” it, the Spirit has made it. Now I put it to your concience, are we in any sense endeavoring to keep this unity while we are identified with that, that contradicts it? Do you ask, How do you keep this unity? I would answer, By fully meeting our responsibility as members of that “one” body; be joined to no other body, but in the spirit of holiness and truth gather on that ground that is common to every child of God. In Jesus name, as members of His body. The word “endeavoring” supposses opposition, and while we may never expect the total extirpation of sects till Jesus comes, it in no wise releases us from individual responsibility in “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit,” and the present divided state of things, but calls for more earnestness and endeavor on our part. Questions may arise, but God’s principle is, “Cease to do evil, Learn to do well,” we usually reverse this and desire to “learn” before we “cease,” you will find the same principle in Eph. 5:14. Surely the gold is become dim, and what more plainly declares it than the present divided state of things.

— Sel.

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FREEDOM IN CHRIST.

BY EMMA A. LYON.

—:o:—

O the freedom so sweet, and the glory so bright,
The night has all passed from my soul.
And my heart is aglow, for I’m whiter than snow.
I’m saved by the blood, and made whole.

“Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they that testifiy of me.” “If the Son therefore make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — 8:36. “Thus said Jesus to those Jews that believed on him. If ye continue in my words then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” “He that is of God heareth God’s Word.” “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Praise His holy name for the Word and Spirit which agree. He also says, If we are not led by the Spirit, we are none of His. But “when the Spirit of truth is come He will guide you into all truth.” — John 17:17. He says, “Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy Word is truth.” Praise God! “The Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God.” He that doeth the will of the Father shall know of the doctrine. Therefore, “see that ye refuse not Him that speaketh; whose voice then shook the earth, but now He hath promised saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also Heaven. And this word once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken, may remain. Wherefore we, receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” — Heb. 12. Paul said to the Galatians, “Who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been set forth. Crucified among you.” “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish, having begun in the Spirit are ye now made perfect by the flesh.” “The just shall live by faith, and the law is not of faith.” “But ye are dead to the law by the body (Church) of Christ.” In Gal. 4, Paul tells us plainly that Hagar, the bond woman and her son represented the Jews, and Sinai covenant, under which they were in bondage, “But we brethren, as Isaac was, are children of the free woman. Nevertheless, what saith the Scriptures, “Cast out the bondwoman and her son,” — i. e., cast out all that are under the law, and the ten commandment covenant itself, — “from such turn away.” “stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” The children of God are not bound, except by love, “And this bondage to love sets us perfectly tree.” Hallelujah to God for freedom indeed.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Hallelujah! “All Scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Hallelujah! I am free! I am free!!