16 July 1896, Volume 16, Number 28.
BEAUTY IS NOT PURITY.
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As rich perfumes rise on the air,
From flowers pale, from flowers fair,
A thought comes springing to my mind
That I may here a lesson find.
The flower that God has made so bright,
And what we’d call a pretty sight,
Perhaps, has not so fragrant smell
As one that does not look so well.
Just so with people of to-day;
You cannot judge by faces gay.
A heart that’s shaded black as night,
May have a face that’s pretty, bright;
But wait a moment, look within,
You’ll see the ugly monster, sin;
And if he can your praises get,
He’s gained a point he’ll not forget.
But there’s a face, though faded, pale,
Whose rich perfume doth never fail;
It is the one whom Christ hath bought,
Who many a battle fierce hath fought;
The one who’s willing to suffer here
For souls their Lord hath bought so dear.
So let us not let beauty move,
But let the fragrance purity prove.
— Isabel C. Byrum.
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Contend for the Faith.
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“BELOVED, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” — Jude 3.
I feel it to the glory of God to write a few lines on this text. I have been made to appreciate this salvation more in the last three months than ever before; and have learned more fully than ever before what it means to earnestly contend for the faith. It does not mean to get into a contention or argument with everyone we meet, nor to cavil on questions of no importance; but it means that after we have received the faith by hearing and obeying God’s word, Rom. 10:17, we are by our godly life in word, in conversation, in sobriety and in all godliness to lift up the standard of full salvation.
It means much to earnestly contend for the faith (of the gospel). Phil. 1:27. It means to take a bold resolute stand on the word of God against all of the traditions of men; against all the popular religious ideas of the day; against learned theologians, yea against our own ideas and feelings, and even, in cases of healing, against nature itself.
While all surrounding circumstances seem against us, and while men are crying all around us: “The time of healing is past;” “Sanctification was only for the apostles;” “My church;” etc., we are by implicit faith and confidence in God, to push the battle right against all the storms of persecution and all hindrances, and not fear to declare to the people with all the authority of heaven, the power of God.
How many ways there are of contending for the faith! We may contend for it by our means, our prayers, our labors, and in many other ways. Dear ones, let us contend more earnestly than ever before. While the world is contending against it let us push the battle to the gates, and conquer in the name of Jesus. Every inch of territory gained must be hotly contested with the enemy, and let us fight manfully and hold every inch we gain and plant the blood-stained banner on the broken ramparts of the enemy.
WHY CONTEND FOR THIS FAITH?
- We are saved by faith. Eph. 2:8.
- We are kept by faith. 1 Pet. 1:3-5.
- We are healed by faith. Acts 3:16. Jas. 5:14, 15.
When the church apostatized from the faith (1 Tim. 4:12) they departed from these things; viz., saving, keeping, and healing power; then those who had apostatized began to preach that these things were past (doctrines of devils). Now since the evening light is shining (Zech. 14:7) these things are being brought to light and Satan uncovered. Let us do all in our power to raise the standard to where it formerly was. Let us walk out on the promises of God and let nothing, however difficult it may seem, discourage us. Trusting these lines may be the means of encouraging some one, I remain, yours contending earnestly for the faith,
Alex T. Rowe.
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Separation.
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“THEREFORE thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me; and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth.” — Jer. 15:19.
This being a prophetic year, and a year of real advancement for God, judgment must go forth and separation must be made between the sheep and the goats, between the righteous and the unrighteous, between those who serve God and those who do not.
“And I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, etc.” — Ezek. 20:34.. This has been done. We see many of God’s people have left Babylon. “And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face. Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord God. And I will cause you to pass under the rod [for correction], and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: and I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me.” — Verses 35- 38.
We see by this, that before God will establish the Church and bring it to the apostolic life and power, judgment must go forth, separation take place with those who will not pay a Bible consecration, and we read in Daniel that “many shall cleave to them with flatteries.” — Dan. 11:34. See Ez. 9:1; 10:8; Neh. 13:3. That truly has been the case in many places. Spirits that have not measured up to the Word have been recognized and permitted to worship with the true saints and have brought in strife and contention and division, especially on the line of fanaticism, going beyond the Word, finding fault, picking and condemning without a “Thus saith the Lord.”
But, thanks be to Jesus, the time is at hand when his angels or ministers are gathering out of his kingdom all things that offend and them that do iniquity. Mat. 13:41. For God hath said, “It shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets [that are false 2 Pet. 2:1] and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.” In that day when the fountain should be opened to the house of David for sin and uncleanness. Zech. 13:1-2. And,“ Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” — Mal. 3:18. “Zion shall be redeemed with judgment and her converts with righteousness.” — Is. 1:27. “For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an an oven, and all the proud [those who exalt themselves also]; yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble and the day that cometh shall burn them up.”
The Advents would have us believe that this refers to the final judgment when the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Pet. 3:10. But that is perverting the scriptures, for in that same day, to those who fear the name of the Lord shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings. We find in Is. 33:14 the question asked, “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” Answer: “He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.” verse 15. See also 30:27,
While a good number have left Babylon, under the preaching of the evening light and accepted the doctrine of holiness, yet we find a consumption determined upon the remnant. Is. 10:23; 28:22. And two parts shall be cut off and die. Zech. 13:8. Some apply this to Catholicism and Protestantism; but that is misapplying the scripture, for the seventh verse reads, “smite the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered.” While this was fulfilled in Christ (Mark 14:27) before the crucifixion, you will find at the time when Jesus was crucified many of the disciples had gone back, and even before, for when he began to teach them that they had to eat his flesh and drink his blood and that he was to ascend up where he was before; many “went back, and walked no more with him.” John 6:53-66. And at the day of Pentecost only one hundred and twenty were waiting for the promise of the Father (that is, that was all we have any account of). There must have been a great falling away from the labors of Jesus, the Apostles, and John the Baptist, and we find that the evening shall be as the morning. Is. 58:8; Songs of Sol. 6:10. In Hos. 6:1-3 we read, “Come and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days [Catholicism and Protestantism] will he receive us: in the third day [Evening light] will he raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.” See Zeph. 3:17. “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”
We are exhorted to pray that God will save the remnant. Jer. 31:7. In Ezek. 21:3., in speaking of the separation; the Lord says he will draw out his sword out of his sheath and will cut off from thee both the righteous and the wicked. To interpret this, read Daniel 11:33-35 We see here the righteous are to be cut off for a while, or fall. God would withdraw his power or help, even from the righteous, to try them, and to purge them and to make them white. (Read Job’s case. Job 23.) See Ezek. 22:18-22. The war is at hand spoken of in Rev. 12:7-12. The dragon is to be cast out, that old serpent, though he shall come with all his subtility, even as an “angel of light,” he shall be detected and all his angels or ministers with him.
Though many of God’s little ones have been accused by him, yet praise God for the precious promise and provision he has made for us that we may overcome him. Reader, if you have let him accuse you, remember God says he is cast out of heaven (the church or heavenly experience. Eph. 2:6) and you may overcome him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. Praise, glory, and honor, be to God and to the Lamb forever! But notice; they that overcame him loved not their lives unto death. It means apostolic consecration. Read the promise in V. 10 connected with the battle and separation. Not only salvation, but strength and the kingdom of God and the power of his Christ. And it tells us in 30:26, “That the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be seven-fold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people and healeth the stroke of their wound.” So unclean spirits can enter no more.
Now when God sends forth judgment, to separate the goats from the the sheep, and even those who are fearful which he cannot use in battle, many will cry (especially crooked professors) “Charity! You must have charity: feed us on milk; and preach more love,” etc. But cursed is he that withholdeth his sword from blood. Jer. 48:10. The judgment is God’s. 2 Chron. 19:6, 7. Let judgment be executed speedily. Ezra 7:25, 26. How to get true judgment. Psa. 36:5, 6. “Judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.” Psa. 94:15 Execute the judgments written. Psa. 149:6. When God’s judgments are in the earth the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Isa. 26:9. It was for lack of judgment upon ungodliness that the church went into darkness. Isa. 1:21-23; Mic. 3:5, 6; Amos 8:4-9. It was for lack of judgment that sectism is fallen. Ezek. 13:1-16; Isa. 59:1-15. But God shall purge Zion. Isa. 4:3-6. This is what we are to do. Zech. 7:9; 8:16, 17; Amos 5:15. God loves and delights in judgment. Isa. 61:8; Jer. 9:24. God will fill Zion with judgment. Isa. 33:5. Those who have wrought judgment shall be hid in the day of God’s anger. Zeph. 2:3.
All who now receive his word,
And salvation in the Lord,
Shall be gathered, for the mixing time is past;
Separation from the vile,
Must take place or all will spoil,
’Tis effected by the evening trumpet’s blast.
“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.” Your brother saved and sanctified and in the one body,
Emil Kreutz.
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Worldly Conformities.
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BE not conformed to this world. Rom. 12:2 The time has come when it is absolutely necessary for the people of God to make an advancement on the line of dress. I do not mean that we must look for more light on the subject but that we all with one accord move up to the light we now have. Not long since it was clearly seen that there was a lack of faith and power in many professed people of God. Many who applied for healing in a certain meeting received but little if any benefit. So marked was the lack of real faith that it called forth a special meeting to acertain the cause. From observation, and by prayer to God, I, for one, was convinced that one cause of such a lack of faith was the spirit of worldliness and pride manifested in the lives and on the persons of many professed children of God.
I do not mean to say that God’s church as a body is retrograding on this line, for such is not the case. God has a faithful few who are walking to every ray of light of the present truth. But there are individuals who profess to be children of God who are far from the Bible standard in dress. The time has come when we must sound forth a warning. God demands his ministers to preach the whole Word and all the saints to measure to it. Judgment is not going forth from the pulpit on this line as it should; and the worldly, fashionable dress of many, proves that they are not walking in the light they have received.
Those who are just coming out of sectism, and new converts, not having sufficient light and time to effect a transformation, may to a certain extent be excused if some worldly adornment may be seen upon their person and in their lives. But those who have known the word of God and have the light on these things have no excuse for the appearance of the fashionable big sleeves and worldly attire seen upon some. They try to justify themselves with the plea that some one else made them. Then let some one else wear them. No wonder some are so oppressed by the devil and see so much darkness when at camp meeting, and are afraid to testify in the presence of those who are clear for God. No wonder you can not exercise faith to be healed when you refuse to measure to God’s word, and cry out “fanaticism” when it is preached to you. You can not expect God to heal you unless you are willing to walk in all the light of present truth. Before the church may expect apostolic power and faith she must measure to the apostolic standard of dress and be perfectly conformed to the New Testament teachings.
May God help the ministry to cry out against worldly conformity as never before, and see that all those who profess to be saints measure to it. God is calling for a peculiar people and such are the only ones he can use in this great reformation. We are well aware that it will not do to be continually preaching at dress, but it is our duty to possess and teach a salvation that will cleanse the heart from all these things. Then it will be but a short time until dress and all the outward deportment will be conformed to the Word. When things appear upon the outside that are of the world, it is quite evident that there is a corresponding element in the heart. “But,” says one, “I know that my dress is not just what it should be, but my heart is right.” To such we would say, in the name of Jesus, take down the sign-boards and advertisements, and abstain from all appearance of evil.
W. J. Henry.
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La Fayette, Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I am still praising God for full salvation and I am kept by the power of God from sin. I can truly say he is my physician and always relied upon to heal if the conditions are met. He permitted me to go through a spell of typhoid fever, lasting nearly two months. And finally when I had learned to be patient and entirely resigned to his will be healed me instantly. Praise his name forever! Pray that I may remain faithful, and pray for my companion that she may be saved from sectism. Your brother in the one body,
D. E. Weidner.
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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1896.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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Mrs. T. B. Borders, Jane Brown, J. H. Rupert A. J. Miller, J. L. Edwards.
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The time of the Beaver Dam meeting is changed to Aug. 4-12, as given in this issue. Also the time for the Dwight, Mich, meeting is changed to Aug. 1-9.
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Brethren who desire to purchase the new book by D. S. W. entitled “Salvation, Present, Perfect, Now or Never,” can purchase the same of Sister Frankie Warner, Grand Junction, Mich. by sending for single copies or in quantities, and thereby aid her financially. Orders sent to her will be promptly filled. Price paper 15cts., doz. $1.44; cloth 35cts., doz. $3.00.
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First Steps for Little Feet In Gospel Paths.
This is a beautiful book for Children, and its interesting Bible stories, written in such simple language, are a delight to the little ones. It contains 148 illustrations (pictures), and coarse large print which is easily read. 328 pages in attractive cloth binding. Price 75 cts. postpaid.
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We are sending out thousands of Sunday School cards and are able to offer a larger and more complete selection of Scriptural texts than in the past. We will send sixteen samples for 7 cts. and samples of the full line (thirty-four in all) including all the large ones will be sent for 15 cts. These sums will be deducted when your order amounts to 50 cts. and $1.00.
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Requests For Prayer.
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Pray that my daughter may be healed of fever, Ann Myers, Knob Lick.
Mrs. Lydia Irving, Waltham. — Healing of paralysis.
Mrs. S. J. Wofford. — Healing of Cancer. Also is a cripple.
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Calls For Meeting.
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There is a call for some of God’s workers to go to Hurricane, Wis. to hold meetings. Address Mrs. G. W. Phillips, Arthur, Wis.
A grove meeting is desired one and a half miles from Edinburg, Pa., about the first of Sept. or as soon after the Emlenton meeting as possible. The grove is seated, and lighted with gas. Address Joseph Barnett, Box 33, Knox, Pa.
Address G. A. Brown, Addington, I. T.
Address A. A. McMurray, Madison Kan.
There is an urgent call for meetings, near Atlantic, Crawford Co., Pa. Three schoolhouses are ready, and one grove is seated, ready for meeting. This is a good opening. Thomas P. Abbott, Atlantic, Pa.
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MEETINGS.
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PREPARING FOR CAMP MEETINGS.
There are a few things might be mentioned that will apply to camp and grove meetings in general. Those attending such meetings should go for the purpose of glorifying God, by doing good, getting good, and becoming better qualified to help others. If convenient, take a tent along, and bedding, etc., enough to make you comfortable. Some blankets and a straw tick will be sufficient to enable you to care for yourself should the place be crowded. If possible, go prepared to provide for yourself and help others. Do not impose upon the liberality of the brethren, but if you are too poor to provide for yourself do not stay away on that account as they will gladly care for you.
Go in faith, and help to bear one another’s burdens, and aid in rescuing perishing souls.
Melrose, O. Tabernacle meeting. July 20-29. Address David Smith.
Benton Harbor, Sodus, Mich. July 20-30.
Bliss, Mich. Camp meeting. July 22- Aug. 1. Address Jerome Kieser.
There will be a general camp meeting at Apollo, Armstrong Co., Pa., July 23- Aug. 3. Apollo is on the West Penn. R. R. A number of God’s holy ministers are expected. For information address Bro. J. E. Shellhammer.
Clinton, Wis. Camp meeting. Beginning July 24. About seven miles northwest of Barron. Address O. A. Warren, Jr.
Bremen, Ind. Grove meeting. July 25-31.
Independence, Kan. Tabernacle meeting. July 25, lasting as long as the Lord wills.
There will be a camp meeting near Springfield, Ohio, July 29-Aug. 9. Let saints and sinners in reach of this meeting come for the good of souls. We look for a precious meeting, and we ask all saints to pray for its success. Those coming to New Carlisle, write Bro Isaac Pense, New Carlisle, O. All that come to Springfield, notify Bros. A. J. Byers, (Box 37) or W. O. Downs, Springfield. All that come to Donnellsville Station, notify Bros. J. A. Hardacre or Wm. J. McFarland, Donnellsville. Bros. Keeling, Speck, Schell and others are expected.
There will be a camp meeting held at Brushy Prairie, Ind. on the farm of S. Y. Greenawalt, eight miles east of LaGrange, from July 30 to Aug. 9. Those coming by R. R. get off at LaGrange. Those coming on Wabash R R, get off at Wolcottville and come on the G. R. and I. R. R to LaGrange. Inform S. Y. Greenawalt or M. S. Yoder of your coming and what day to meet you and what time, and you will be conveyed to the camp ground on any of the first three days of the meeting. As many as can, bring tents. Provisions can be purchased on the ground. Bros. J. N. Howard. B. F. Roe, C. Orr, T. J. Cox, and others are expected.
The camp meeting at Moundsville, Marshall Co., W. Va. will be held July 31-Aug. 9. Those coming on the B. and O. R. R., local trains will run into camp ground on the Ohio River Road; get off at camp ground Junction Those coming on the steamboats will be landed on Floating Bethel, opposite Camp Ground Junction. The steamers “Lexington”, “Jewel,” and “Enos Taylor” have granted us reduced rates. The passengers on the “Taylor” will transfer at Wheeling. The street car line is nearly completed which will connect twenty-eight miles of street car line which runs by the grounds. Let all the saints come who can and bring tents to help take care of the hundreds of hungry souls who are anxious for the truth. Invalids and sick people are coming to be healed. Let there be a general rally and unusual faith exercised for this meeting. Bros. A. J. Kilpatrick and Ellison are to be there. G. T. Clayton.
Teegarden, Ind. Commencing Aug. 1.
There will be a meeting at Lottville, Miss., beginning Aug. 1. lasting as long as the Lord wills. Let all the ministers and Gospel workers attend this meeting that can. We ask all the saints to pray for the success of this meeting. Yours in Jesus,
Elnora Johnson, Lottville, Miss.
Ripley Co., Mo. Aug. 1-9. Ten miles south of Doniphan, and two miles east of Poynor. Address A. B. Stanberry, McCauley, Ark., or J. M. Hester, Poynor, Mo.
Dwight, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 1-9. Address Vern. Tillittson.
The McKinley, Okla, camp meeting will be held Aug. 1-10. The camp ground is one mile east and one mile south of McKinley; and about fifteen miles east and about four miles south of Guthrie. Parties coming by rail, come to Guthrie by way of the A. T. and S. F. Ry., then by stage to McKinley. For particulars address Joseph Ropp, McKinley, Okla.
Tekonsha, Mich. Aug. 3-11. Address B. F. Heath.
The Beaver Dam camp meeting will be held on Bro. David Leininger’s farm, Aug. 4-12. Every body is invited to attend this meeting that loves the truth, both saint and sinner. Come expecting to do work for the Master, and receive a benefit for your own souls. We are looking forward to this meeting to see the power of God manifest in healing the sick and the saving of many souls. Do not forget to bring your own bedding; there will be a place to put it free. Boarding and provisions can be had on the grounds. All coming on the Chicago and Erie; and Lake Erie and Western Rys., stop at Rochester, Ind. Notify Bro. Leininger at Akron, Ind. Those coming on Nickel Plate R. R. stop at Mentone, notify Bro. R. N. Gast, Akron, Ind. Notify early.
The camp meeting in Alabama will begin Aug. 6. to be held five miles east of Hartsells, Morgan Co. Noah Duncan, Huntsville, Ala.
Cayuga, Ind. Camp meeting. Aug. 6- 20. Address W. A. Davison, Eugene, Ind.
Kelat Ky. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 8-23. Address J. P. Lemons.
Harrison Co., Ky. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 8-25. On the farm of A. J. Lemons, four miles northeast of Poindexter Station on the old Ky. Cent. R. R. Some true ministers of God are desired. Address J. P. Lemons, Kelat. Ky.
Shultz, Mich. Grove meeting Aug. 11-18. Address W. H. Merritt, Cloverdale, Mich.
North Star (instead of Brock), O. Aug. 12-23. Address John H. Trick, Versailles, O.
Vichey, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 12- 24. Address Jas. Thornton.
Fenwick. Ont. Camp meeting. Aug. 13-23. Address Jno. E. Smith.
Marshal, Okla. Camp meeting. Aug. 13-24.
Ft. Stephens, Miss. General assembly at Wright’s Chapel. Beginning Aug. 14. Address H. W. Frasure.
Houston, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 14-23. Address E. M. Allen.
Stanley, W. Va. Camp meeting. Aug. 14-25.
Peoria, Ill. About Aug 15.
Bluff Springs, Leake Co., Miss. Meeting. Beginning Aug. 19. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.
St. Louis, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 19-29. Address Jno. Harn.
Emlenton. Pa. Camp meeting. Aug. 20-31. Address Samuel Martz, Pittsville, Pa.
Payne. O. Camp meeting. Aug. 20-31. Address J. N. Howard.
Gaston, Ind. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 26 to Sept. 6.
Tremont, O. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 26-Sept. 6. Address Peter Hartman. Lawrenceville, O.
Ash Grove, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 27-Sept. 7.
Prince, Miss. Camp meeting. Beginning Aug. 28. Address F. M. Williamson, Centralia, Miss.
Oklahoma City, Okla. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 28-Sept. 14.
Friend, Mo. Assembly meeting. Beginning Aug. 29. Address G. S. Backus.
Tuscola, Leake Co., Miss. Meeting. Beginning Aug. 29. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.
Izard Co., Ark. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-15. Address Ben Seaton, Violet Hill. Ark.
Milton, Mo. Camp meeting. Sept. 1- 12. Address A. A. Kinzie.
Cheshire, Mich. Grove meeting. Beginning Sept 3. Address Albert Pulsipher, Allegan, Mich.
Vowell, Winston Co., Miss. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-13. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.
Kenesaw, Neb. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-15. Those wishing tents notify Bro. W. F. Eberline by at least as early as Aug. 20.
Reddick, Ill. Tabernacle meeting, Sept. 9 and as long as the Lord wills.
A grove meeting will be held in the southeast part of Salem township, Allegan Co., Mich. Sept. 8-18. Address H. E. Hyde, Burnips Corners, Mich.
Rising Sun, O. Tabernacle meeting. Sept 15-25. Address Jacob Roush.
Arapahoe, Okla. Camp meeting. Sept. 18-28.
North Enid, Okla. Camp meeting. Beginning Oct. 6. Address W. G. Rippey.
New Pittsburg, Ind. Assembly meeting. Beginning Oct. 15. Address H. C. Wickersham.
Bro. Ostis B. Wilson and Co. are traveling by private conveyance to Mo. Anyone wishing meetings along the line, address him at Grand Junction, Mich.
Any one desiring meeting in New York address us at 621 Otisco St., Syracuse, N. Y.
B. F. Weikel.
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
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Please explain the 4th chapter of Malachi. How are the wicked to be destroyed, or burned up root and branch? If they are to be ashes under the soles of the feet of the righteous, how will they be cast into hell forever?
L. H.
The day to burn as an oven predicted in Mal. 4, is the Christian Era, as we will proceed to prove. In V. 5 of said chapter we read, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord;” that is, before the coming of that day “that shall burn as an oven.”
Literalists who look for this burning day in the future look for the translated Elijah to return to the earth just before it bursts forth.
But we have the words of Jesus explaining who Elias is, and locating his coming in the past. “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.” — Matt. 11:13, 14. Nowhere in the prophets do we read of Elijah’s coming, but in Malachi. So it is evident, from the Saviour’s words, that John the Baptist is the Elias that was to precede the coming of the day to burn as an oven. And as John was the forerunner of the Saviour’s first coming, it is evident that the present burning Holy Ghost dispensation is the burning day predicted by Malachi.
The burning of the proud and of them that do wickedly, is fulfilled in the destruction of wicked elements out of the hearts of those who obtain salvation.
Truly we who are redeemed, tread triumphantly upon the ashes of the sins of our past wicked lives.
W. G. S.
I would like to ask a question in regard to Rev. 11 In the questions and answers in Gospel Trumpet of Apr. 30, I read that the reign of the first form of the apostasy is dated from 270 — 1530. I had supposed that this apostasy which had begun to work in Paul’s day, (2 Thes. 2) came to its full power over the church of God in the year A. D. 578. and reigned until A. D. 1789. Please explain what gave it the power in 270.
H. J. N.
There is nothing mentioned in connection with the 1260 days in the eleventh chapter of Rev. that would indicate that they should be measured from the time popery came to full power. Like all other prophecies which contain the 1260 days, it is dealing with the decayed state of the church, which the renowned historian, Milner, tells us should be dated from about the year 270. See his history Cent. IV. Ch. 1. Measuring from this date, the end of the 1260 days falls at A. D. 1530. when according to all historians the decayed state of the church ended.
But if we were to measure from the time Rome reached the summit of her power we could not count from 538, because that is net the true date. But popery reached the height of its glory, when the Roman Pontiff was, in 606, declared “Universal had of state and church.”
Again, 1798 is not the date when the decayed state of the church ended. No evidence to that effect can be produced from any ecclesiastical history. Seventh Day Adventists measure the 1260 days from 538 to 1798, but in this as in many other of their positions they are without warrant in scripture or history.
W. G. Schell.
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CHRISTIAN PERFECTION.
I was seeking that higher state in spiritual life that is called sanctification, and the adversary of our souls came to me and told me I could not reach it; but I would not believe it. That scripture came to me that says, “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” I set a resolution that I would serve God and would wait patiently till I received it. I wrestled like Jacob and when I got in the right condition he wonderfully blessed me. I praise and thank God for that good spirit which the world cannot give nor take away.
Some of my neighbors say there is no sanctification of the body. Brethren, I believe if we have sin in our bodies in any sense we have it in our souls. We must get far enough so that we will not have the desire to sin. We may never get rid of temptations in this life, but we can count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations. It is only the trying of our faith. Every temptation we overcome strengthens our faith. Christ lived on this earth as an example for us after we are converted. He was tempted, but he did not yield. Bless the name of the Lord! After we have been converted Christ dwells with us and in us; he never leaves nor forsakes us till we forsake him. So we have, or at least the power will be given us to resist temptations just like him, if we will ask for it. He prayed for us (John 17:26), and there is a joint union between us and the Son and the Father. We must reach perfection this side of death if we want to share the glories Christ has prepared for us in his Father’s house. Perfection in all things is not found in man. Christian perfection does not make us perfect in some one of the many things of this life; but makes us perfect in the love of God. We must consecrate our all to God then God will be all in all to us. Perfect love casteth out fear. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. What a blessed state we are in when we have perfect love! Love is the fulfilling of the law. Rom. 13:10.
Brethren, let us live in the beauty of holiness; then we have direct communication with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. His spirit continually bearing witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God.
J. C. KAZEE.
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DOMESTIC HAPPINESS.
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Domestic—belonging or relating to home. Home religion, or practical christianity, is the only thing that can introduce and support a means of grace that will bring “happiness” in the homes of our land. In the beginning God created man in his own image, male and female created he them, and said. Multiply and replenish the earth, and have dominion over it. The object of the creation is dearly set forth, and the holy bonds of matrimony declared to be an institution of God. Heb. 13:4. Makes two one flesh. Eph. 5:36. Children are an heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psa. 127:3.
CHAPTER I. MARRIAGE.
One secret of success in the service of God, in the home circle, is beginning in the order of his plan. Lack of teaching and wrong teaching has hid this beautiful and important thought from the minds of the multitudes that arc just stepping upon the stage of matrimony. From the beginning God’s revealed will to man has forbidden his children to marry strange wives. When the Lord brought the children of Israel into the land of Canaan, they were commanded not to intermarry with the nations, and the Word gives for the reason, “they will turn away thy sons from me.” And thus, the byroad to idolatry is shunned, and the holiness of the people is retained. Deut. 7:1-4. In the last exhortation Joshua gave the people he told them if they did marry strange wives, God would no more give them victory over their enemies, but in their disobedience they should be bound down, till they perish from off this good land. Josh. 23:11-13. “Shall we then hearken unto you to do this great evil, to transgress against our God, in marrying strange wives?” Neh. 13:27.
Thus the will of God concerning marriage in olden times is clearly set forth. It is very plain that God commanded his children not to marry strange wives, or those among other nations, that were not Israelites. And just as God bade literal Israel to beware of this evil (Josh. 23:13.), so he commands spiritual Israel, which are Abraham’s seed by faith in God (Gal. 3:26-20) as a holy nation (1 Pet. 2:9.) to guard against the same evil. One New Testament writer says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” 2 Cor. 6:14. 1 Cor. 7:39. — “Marry whom she will only in the Lord.” From the foregoing texts the following ideas on this subject are clearly set forth:
- God forbids His people marrying other nations.
- Other nation to us would signify sinners, as the spiritual few may be of any race or nation that will accept the Lord in the salvation of the soul.
- Holy people marrying unholy people would be marrying “out of the Lord,” and “yoking up with an unbeliever,” the same as “Jews marrying the women of Ashdod of Ammon.” Neh. 13:23.
The desire to marry “out of the Lord” is unholy and out of harmony with the word of God.
Those who have this command before their eyes and violate it, shall be bound down by their disobedience
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and finally entirely “perish out of their good land” — lose their experience, and often become even skeptical. Josh. 23:11-23.
- It is an evil to marry the unbeliever or sinner, as there is no fellowship between a holy and an unholy person. 13:27.
- Worldy or fleshy lusts prompt to actions on this line, that God forbids. 34:9.
CHAPTER II. DIVORCE.
As surely as God is against a marriage out of harmony with his Word, he is against the separation of those he joins together in holy wedlock. There is but one cause that justifies separation, and then no divorce is granted, according to his Word, which plainly says he that marrieth her that is put away committeth adultery. Mat. 19:6-9. No supposed legalized plan, civil or religious, can justify divorce. For he that created them in the beginning said, “What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.” “Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.” “And I say unto you, Whosever shall put away his wife except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, and whoso marrieth her that is put away committeth adultery.”
Even though there be a separation, this would give no chance for a divorce, neither remarriage, for the wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth, but if her husband be dead she is at liberty to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord. 1 Cor. 7:39. Some are converted after marriage, and of course are unequally yoked, yet by reading the seventh chapter of first Corinthians we find if the unbelieving be pleased to remain, no separation is required; for by the believing the unbelieving is sanctified and offspring legalized.
Some that profess to be saved marry unsaved companions; others those that have been divorced from, and still have living companions, and they entered these conditions ignorantly. To such we would say, Your not having the light would be your only plea for justification, but those who have the light must avoid the enemies snares on this line, the same as his temptations on any other line.
A. B. Stanberry.
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EVIL COMPANY.
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The Word of God expressly forbids associating with evil companions. “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it and pass away.”
“If sinners entice thee, consent thou not. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path.”
“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”
As the Most High thus forbids intimate friendship between his children and the followers of the world, so his Word abounds with weighty reasons for obedience to these commands. It describes those as blessed who avoid irreligious associates. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Separation from the evil is also described as necessary if we wish to walk in the path of piety. The Psalmist said, “Depart from me, ye wicked men; for I will keep the commandments of God,” as if he had said, “I can’t keep those commandments and associate with you, but I will keep them, therefore we must part.” On the other hand, to cherish intimate acquaintance with those who are strangers to salvation, is represented as the way to destruction. “A companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
But you may inquire, What company is evil? Not that only of the profligate and profane, of the dissolute and abandoned; but that of all those who are strangers to vital piety — the vain, giddy, thoughtless multitude, who disregard the interest of eternity, and live without God in the world, however moral in their conduct, or amiable in their manners, are associates that would be ruinous to your best interest. There is no snare by which young professors of religion are more likely to be undone than by this. Therefore shun this snare, consider its evils, consider that evil company is the source of much evil. Should you make any that are strangers to salvation your bosom-friends, you will most probably soon become like them. If they are lewd and debauched, they will dead you to the same guilty excess. Though at first your soul would tremble at their abominations, you will soon join in their revelery, and partake of their crimes. Then when the morning of eternity dawns, those thoughtless creatures that were your beloved companions upon earth will be your companions in hell. But their hours of sinful pleasure will then be past; their delight will have reached an eternal close; their laughter at religion and their cheerful songs will be terminated, and all that rendered their intercourse delightful will have come to an eternal end. Then will be fulfilled the dreadful declaration, “The companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
W. D. Farnan.
Pierce City, Mo.
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News from the Field.
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McMechen, W. Va.
The work is progressing along the Ohio river; the churches are generally on the advance. Bro. James McCreary says they have opened a Mission at 5169 Dauphin St., Pittsburgh (E. E.), Pa. Bro. Harry Roggers reports a good work done at E. Liverpool, O. recently, two saved at W. Wheeling. Last night a good interest at this place. Truly the hand of the Lord is upon us for good; there has been $195.54 paid out on the Bethel in the last six months, and we have not had to go in debt; and the Lord is wonderfully supplying for the camp meeting thus far. The Lord is making the Bethel a good school for workers. Address us at Moundsville, W. Va. Yours in the one body,
G. T. Clayton and Co.
EXPLANATION.
Regarding the W. Va. tabernacle. Some got the impression that it was only to be used in that state. That was not the intention; but that it was not for the Floating Bethel exclusively.
G. T. C.
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Bangor, Mich.
Dear Brethren: On May 9th. last, in answer to a call, I went to Mears, Oceana Co., Mich, to assist Bro. Geo. Filhour in a few meetings in that region of country. I am very glad to report that a good work for God has been done in that country. On Sunday evening, May 10th. we had a glorious ordinance meeting at the house of Bro. and Sister Clark, five miles east of Shelby, at which meeting also Bro. Geo. Filhour was regularly ordained as a minister of the gospel by the laying on of hands and prayer.
Surely there is a great field open for work in that place. Bro. Filhour and wife are the only resident ministers in that part of Michigan. We believe that Bro. F. is adapted to opening up the work, in new places; and much desires that some one or more should come into this part of the country to look after the work, thereby letting him loose to do pioneer work. This, dear brethren, is very reasonable; what is worth setting, is worth keeping. More pastorial work is needed.
Last evening, July 8th, I arrived at Shelby, Mich., where I found Bro. Filhour and others battling for the Lord in a tabernacle meeting; am glad to say that prejudice is breaking away and the people are beginning to receive the truth.
Yours for the truth,
A. B. Palmer.
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Emerado, N. Dak., July 8.
Dear Brethren and Trumpet Readers: I feel it the will of God to write you a few lines. I am glad we can report victory in Jesus name. The Rush River camp meeting (N. Dakota) has come and gone, with good results. Praise God! Satan mustered his hosts and tried to take the camp, but was defeated by the Captain of our salvation. Several souls were saved and sanctified. God was with us also in healing power and healed such as had need of healing. Devils crying with a loud voice came out of those that were possessed. Praise God for their deliverance! On the morning of the 4th, twenty-two were buried with Christ in baptism. In the evening forty partook of the holy ordinance of feet-washing. After this a new tabernacle was talked of and the money secured to purchase the same, which will soon be in the field for God in N. Dak., Lord willing. The church made a general forward move. To God be all the glory.
Gustave Oslen, of Thief River Falls, Minn., came to the camp meeting, claiming that God had sent him to set me right on several points; but failed to bring “thus saith the Lord.” He claimed that the Spirit had given him authority and power to bind me if I did not submit to him. He advised a sinner not to repent, for he was going to overthrow the camp of the saints. We took him and dealt faithfully with him (privately) and soon found out that God had not sent him, but that he was under an awful delusion of the devil. Pleading for sin, claiming that a child of God could live in sin and still be a child of God, and that if a person be converted right (like he was) he would be justified and sanctified all at once; and that women must cover their heads when they pray; and in fact had a full stock of erroneous doctrines, and would not be taught by the word of God, saying the spirit in him told him these things which he holds to. We dealt with him faithfully then publicly renounced and took a stand against him. And in the name of Jesus we warn all saints in these parts to have no fellowship with him until he repents. This man claims to have power to rebuke and bind any of God’s little ones, and that when he binds individuals they will lose the grace of God out of their souls, and pine away physically. This I positively deny; for he tried his power on me and I am still fat and flourishing in the courts of God’s holiness, both soul and body. Dear ones, fear no evil, but take a stand against all such delusions. Bro. and Sister Tubbs are with us and are greatly used of the Lord. They will continue with us in the new tabernacle, Lord willing. Our P. O. address will be Emerado, N. Dak.
Geo. W. and M. E. Bailey.
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TESTIMONIES.
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Waynesfield, Ohio.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I will for the first time write my testimony. I am praising God for full salvation and victory in my soul over all the works of the devil. Oh what a precious Savior we have! When we are sick he heals us. God almost instantly healed me of quinsy. I could not talk, only in a whisper, when the Church came to pray with me. I was anointed and they all united in prayer and, praise God, the pain ceased and I was almost instantly praising God with a loud voice. Pray for me that I may keep humble.
Jennie Harden.
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Feaster, Tex.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I have just withdrawn from the M. E. Church South. I first heard of the evening light one week ago last Wednesday. I had tried to live a strict Methodist for ten years and had been trying to preach for four pears, but now I intend to declare the whole counsel of God from this good time on. I obeyed Paul’s instructions to the Roman brethren and offered myself a living sacrifice, and, thanks be to his name, God sanctified me wholly to his will. And now since I have come out from among the sects a great burden has been rolled off of my heart. Let all the dear saints pray that the Lord will send into this country some good man full of the Holy Ghost to preach the pure word of God, and that many souls be brought out of the bondage of sectism to the marvelous liberties of the glorious gospel of Christ. Your brother, saved and sanctified,
M. M. Reeves.
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Phoenix, Ariz.
Dear Saints of God: I will write my testimony as it has been some time since I have testified through the Trumpet. I am still saved and kept by the mighty power of God. I have had to pass through some fiery trials of late, but, glory to his name, he gives grace to bear it all for his sake. I have had to part with my husband by the hand of Death, and then, five months later, the good Lord took my baby. But I mourn not for them as those that have no hope. Pray for me.
Sarah Jones.
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Fiketon, Tenn.
Dear Saints of God: I am praising God for leading me out into the evening light and showing me the evil of sectism. I was glad to obey the call, “Come out of her my people.” We had not so much as heard of the evening light until last October the Lord sent some of his children to this place to preach the gospel in its purity. Some gladly received it, while others reject the truth. Since we have laid the world aside and got where the Lord can use us we find there is something for his children to do. Please pray for the little church at this place that it may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ. I believe that it is the Lord’s will that some one come and preach the gospel here. There are many souls starving for spiritual food. Who will come to their rescue? We live seven miles west of Athens. If any of God’s ministers will come, let me know and we will meet you at Athens and convey you to this place. The Gospel Trumpet finds a hearty welcome to our home every week. It does me so much good to read the testimonies of the saints and to hear of the wonderful healing power. I am so glad we have such a loving Savior that can heal all our sickness The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Pray for me. Your sister, saved and sanctified,
Alice Guffey.
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OBITUARIES.
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Petersburg, Ind.
FICKLIN. — Bro. Frank H. Ficklin died at his home near Need Moore schoolhouse July 5, 1896; aged twenty-eight years, six months, and three days. His death calls to our mind the many who suffered martyrdom for Christ. He was a well-wisher of the truth and attended our meeting at the schoolhouse on the evening of the 3d. There was a great disturbance on the outside that night, it being our first night in these parts; it seemed the devil desired to run us out, and this man disiring to see good behavior got up and went out in order to secure the same, whereupon he was stabbed in the side. After suffering much for about fifty-two hours he died on the night of the 5th.
Before his death he sent for the man who stabbed him and desired to ask his forgiveness for all he had ever done or said to him in any way. The man came but he came about fifteen minutes too late to see him alive. Oh, the tempest that raged in that man’s bosom as he looked upon the dead body of him whose life he had taken! May God save his soul from sin is my prayer. The deceased before his death forgave from the heart his murderer, like Jesus on the cross, and from his testimony he died satisfied and we have hopes ’tis true. Let the reader of this meditate and see if you can get any warning from it. Funeral services by the undersigned,
G. P. Keeling and D B. Moore.
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DIVINE HEALING.
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Luke, the Physician.
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SOME who favor doctors and oppose divine healing, or at least plead for medicine say that Luke was a physician. Yes, that is true: he was before the Lord called him to preach, but you never hear tell of him practicing medicine after he started out to preach the gospel. When Jesus sent him out to preach he did not even tell him to take his medicine case. When Eutychus went to sleep and fell out of a window and was killed, Luke was there, but we do not read anything about him doctoring the case. Paul went down and took charge of his case in the name of the Lord, and the man was healed instantly, and they went back into the house and continued the sermon.
There are a number of cases mentioned in the Bible which were individual cases, and instructions given to them were not meant for God’s children in general. But we should remember that when the Lord speaks and tells us to do a thing then it is safe to do it, and as we obey, the work will be done. God has given us an abundance of promises for healing by prayer and faith and tells us just how to proceed in order to be healed. He furthermore says, “Whatsoever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” — Mark 11:24.
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Afflicted for Twenty Years.
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Dear Friends: I feel like testifying a few words and telling what the Lord has done for me. I was afflicted twenty years of spinal rheumatism. I had spasms and could scarcely keep my family, so severe were my afflictions. On the 13th of March a time was set to pray the Lord to relieve me. After I had read that the prayer of faith would heal the sick, and that God’s grace is sufficient for all, I saw that there was some chance for me. I turned myself in bed upon my face and began to pray. My children also prayed. In a short time I was seemingly struck dead. The children continued to pray. I lay there eight hours, and they said I was dead. When I became conscious I realized that an evil spirit had been cast out of me, and the Lord had also cast away my afflictions, and I have been cleansed ever since. The Lord has taught me a good many lessons since that time, for which I give him all the praise. If there are any afflicted, call on the Lord in prayer. I beg an interest in the prayers of you all.
D. W. Beard.
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Church of the Living God.
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THERE is a large number of Scriptures used, descriptive of what the church is, wherein language is taxed to its utmost to convey a thought of its oneness, unity, compactness, and that there are absolutely no divisions, and those who would attempt to divide up God’s people are severely rebuked and the people warned against them. Let us look at a few scriptures, and not at my opinions, for I have none, having no dogmas to defend nor institution to prop up.
“There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
“For we being many are one bread and one body.”
“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.”
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.”
“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.”
“But now are ye many members, yet but one body.” “That there should be no division in the body.”
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth,” etc.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
“That the members should have the same care one for another.” “Be of the same mind one toward another.”
“Be likeminded one toward another.”
“That ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
“That ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
All of this is but in harmony with the prayer of Jesus that all of his people should be one, which was to be effected by the work of sanctification. Hence, it follows that Bible sanctification does make ALL of God’s people one, actually, really, and genuinely one, which is the normal condition of the church of God on earth, in the very face of all sectarian teaching, all enthusiasm and division-builders of to day who call themselves holiness evangelists but exhort the people to stick to their favorite division, or sect of their choice. The existence of God’s church on earth in her normal condition means the breaking down and destroying of sectarian idolatry, so that the people may indeed be one. This is done by sanctification, but those in sectism most prominent now in preaching a sentimental sanctification destroy their own work and divide God’s people by urging them to divide or separate themselves. O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you? Are ye indeed blind? Under the enthusiasm of some great religious upheaval they often say that denominational fences were broken down, and rails burned up by the Holy Ghost, thus forever condemning themselves in what they allow, for before the meeting is over they go ahead and make new rails and build up the fences alleged to have been broken down. Such talk is only idle talk for let a man indeed jump over their little fences, escape, and find refuge in Jesus only, they break forth on him with venom.
Again, referring to the condition of the church, the apostle says, “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” That is, God is in ALL of his people or church and through all of them, making them one, because they all have his Spirit.
Now in all honest search for truth, we ask, do the above scriptures describe the general religious world we see around us? Do the Methodists have the same care for other denominations as for themselves? Do they provide for other preachers, other orphans, other poor, as for their own? And do other denominations act the same way toward the Methodists? Do they all use one another’s buildings, draw upon each other’s funds exercise a godly care over one another? These things they certainly must do if they are all of God. But to ask such questions is to answer them, and forever brand all these divisions as being anti-Christ.
Yet, we say, in spite of men’s abominations and their merchandisemaking machines and Satanic divisions, God still has a church exactly in harmony with his word and its requirements and regulations. He has a church corresponding with the above scriptures, and this is not an invisible, abstract, hidden away organization, but is composed of blood-washed saints, operating now on earth, and unyieldingly opposed to sin, and uncompromisingly firm in the one truth of God.
A. D. Hicks
TESTIMONIES.
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Petersburg, Ind.
Dear Ones in Christ: I praise the dear Lord for salvation and for the sweet peace that flows in my soul like a river. Pray for me. I am young in the cause and only fifteen years of age and surrounded by temptations on every side. But the Lord knows the way I take (Job 23:10.) and is able to deliver me out of them all. Your sister, saved and sanctified,
Nora V. Anderson.
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White Oak Flat, Pa.
Dear Saints of God: I wish to write my testimony for the TRUMPET for the first time. The Lord has saved me from sin and is keeping me day by day, and he has healed my body of disease, for which I give him all the praise. My desire is to serve God with my whole heart as long as life lasts. I ask an interest in the prayers of all God’s children. Your saved brother in Christ,
W. A. Wilson.
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Beech Springs, Miss.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led to write my testimony of what the Lord has done for me. He saved me from all sins and keeps me saved every day. He healed me both soul and body and is wonderfully leading me into all truth, and gives me more joy every day. I cannot praise the Lord enough for what he is doing for me. Pray for me that I may walk in all the light and keep humble at his feet. Your sanctified brother,
J. P. Tines.
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Hunters, Wash.
Dear Saints of God: My testimony today is, that God still saves and sanctifies me wholly. Praise the Lord! I am so glad I ever heard the gospel preached in its purity, and I do thank God that I had a willing heart to accept salvation. God has saved me from the tobacco habit. Praise his name! I was afflicted with kidney and liver complaint and the Lord healed me. We give him all the glory. The Lord has healed my wife of neuralgia. He is our physician and our all in all. Pray for us. I have catarrh of the head and I ask your prayers that God may heal me. Your brother in Christ,
J. B. Cameron.
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Augusta, Ind.
Dear Ones in Christ: I am eighteen years of age; was converted, baptized, and joined the Baptist denomination which I believed to be right, when only thirteen. I always tried to live up to what I was taught and what I thought to be right, but I sinned more or less every day. As I thought that people could not keep from sinning, I just sinned and went ahead, but when I heard the word of God preached it shook the very foundation on which I stood. I saw plainly it would never stand in judgment. Many of my friends have turned against me now because I believe the truth. I am justified but neither sanctified nor satisfied. Pray that I may be sanctified wholly, and be one with you. One that loves God’s people,
Lola Black.
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Woodburn, Ore.
Dear Saints: I feel led of the Lord to write my testimony. I do praise the dear Lord that he sent his holy ministers away out here to show us the true church. I do praise God for a full and free salvation that keeps me free from sin and sanctifies my nature. I am so thankful that I can take him for my physician for both soul and body. Praise his holy name! My parents and four sisters and three brothers still belong to the sect called Society of Friends. Pray that they may see the fallen state of Babylon and flee out of her, and that they may see the true church and come to Christ and be fully saved in him. Your sister in the one body,
Virtue A. Mendenhall.
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Algiers, Ind.
Dear Saints of God: I was converted when I was sixteen years old, and, being led by the blind, I joined the G. B. sect and was led off in sin again and lived in sin about three years, thinking I was a Christian and that no one could live on earth without committing sin. But when I heard God’s ministers preaching the true word of God I found out that I was nothing but a sinner before God and; praise the Lord, I got down and got saved from all my sins and I am now praising God for free salvation, for the true light of God, and for saving grace that keeps me day by day. Pray for me that I may be wholly sanctified. Your sister in the one body,
Mary B. Evans.
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Ionia, S. C.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: Since you last heard from me my heavenly father has called our dear little Lewis home to glory. It seemed hard to give up the only child we had, but while I wept over its little body I could look up to the heavenly Father and say, “Thy will be done.” Dear ones, I do realize that I am sinking deeper into the precious will of God, have taken a decided stand for God and his truth, and am inquiring of the Lord what he will have me to do. The harvest truly is great, but God’s laborers are few. Who is willing to come to the South to help rescue perishing souls? Dear ones, pray for my wife. She says she is willing to follow the Lord. And pray for me that I may have the humility of Jesus and know my place in the body. Your brother, contending for the faith,
J. C. Joyner.
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Eagle Creek, Idaho.
Dear Saints: I do praise God for what he has done for me. Although I am afflicted in body, yet I know the Lord is able to strengthen and heal me. Glory to his name! I ask you all to pray for the healing of my left side, which has been afflicted for a good many years; and that my weak eyes may be restored to strength. The Lord is my great and only physician, He has manifested his healing power in healing my little girl’s face, which was broken, out with a large sore this spring. I ask you to pray for my dear husband and boy that they may be saved. I pray God to send some one of his true preachers here into Idaho to preach the Word in all its fullness. It would be a good opening where the seed could be sown for the good of lost souls. My sister in California is very much afflicted and has spent lots of money for medicines and doctor bills, but received not much benefit. She wants the saints to pray for her. Your sister in the one body,
S. E. Steward.
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Oxford, Neb.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I praise the dear Lord for full salvation that keeps me from sin each day. When he convicted me for sanctification there were many things I had to give up, but when I just brought all and laid everything on the altar the good Lord wonderfully filled my soul to overflowing. Bless his holy name forever! We have a little church here, and the Lord meets with us in power. I praise the dear Lord for calling me out of sectism. We used to be United Brethren. Since we have been out here in the West we have had a great many invitations to join the sects. The Lord told me to stay out. I praise his name for it. We want to say that the Trumpet is a welcome visitor in our home. It contains such food for our souls and the testimonies are so good. I can say I am fully trusting Jesus for everything. He is my justifier, sanctifier, and healer. Last winter the Lord healed me of neuralgia, and he is healing me of catarrh of the lungs, for which I give him all the glory. We are praying that there may be some one sent here to Oxford to preach the pure gospel and who will have the prayer of faith that the afflicted may be healed. Pray for my dear husband that his eyes may be entirely healed. Your sister in the one body,
Mary Wilcox.
ADVANCEMENT.
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Hold that Thou Hast.
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“BUT that which ye have already, hold fast till I come.” — Rev. 2:25.
“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” — Rev. 3:3.
“Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” — Rev. 3:11.
The words “hold fast” in the above being addressed to those against whom the Lord held some things, proves that it is not our heavenly Father’s will, as some suppose, for us to cast away our experience and begin at the bottom, because somewhat of a deficiency has been discovered in our experience.
Some have supposed when their faith becomes somewhat weakened, and they are to some extent in spiritual confusion, the safest plan is to throw away their experience, and begin at the bottom. But this in many cases proves a sad mistake. True, when a soul finds himself void of the grace of God, the only proper step is to repent, and seek salvation again; but to throw away our profession, and begin to seek at the bottom, when no reason can be searched out why God should hold us as a sinner, is a step that will prove disastrous to our soul.
But many dear souls have made such foolish blunders, because they have taken sanctification to be that which it is not. They have understood it to be perfection in such a broad sense, that when they discerned in themselves, imperfections, which arise out of their own humanity, they pronounce themselves unsanctified. And having previously had such a clear witness of their sanctification, they cannot doubt that they had been sanctified, hence they rank themselves with those who have fallen from the experience. Next they reason to themselves, that they cannot fall from sanctification and lodge in justification, and by this time they are ready to throw away their experience and pronounce themselves backsliders. Then after consecrating until they have obtained a satisfactory evidence of their justification and sanctification, they run well again for a season, until some other void is found in their experience, when the same reconsecrations take place as before. Thus they continue until they become so bewildered that they can scarcely have confidence to trust the precious promises of God’s word.
Oh beloved! God wants us to learn more wisdom on these points. We must understand better the progressiveness of holiness. And especially must God’s holy ministers understand these things, that they may instruct others.
Sanctification is perfection in no sense but that of heart purity. In meekness, gentleness, love, faith, patience, temperance, virtue, knowledge, godliness, brotherly-kindness, etc., we are to make continual advancement. May the Lord help us to distinguish between carnality and human imperfections.
To those who find their hearts yearning for more of God, I would say, in the words of holy writ, “that which ye have already, hold fast.” Never throw away your profession, until God convicts you of sin. Have your hearts open to admonitions and corrections from all the saints of God; but never throw away your profession until God shows you, you have lost your experience. If you see a need in yourself of advancement on any line, apply yourself to the seeking of it in fasting and prayer, until it is obtained. And thus ever move forward.
Wm. G. Schell.
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“And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge: and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience.” 2 Peter 1:5, 6.