16 November 1893, Volume 13, Number 45.

Joy and Peace in Believing.

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Sometimes a light surprises
The Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord, who rises
With healing in his wings.
When comforts are declining.
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation,
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
And find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow.
We cheerfully can say.
E’en let the unknown to-morrow
Bring with it what it may!

It can bring with it nothing
But He will bear ns through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
Will clothe His people too,
Beneath the spreading heavens,
No creature but is fed;
And he who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.

The vine nor tig-tree neither
Their wonted fruit should hear,
Though all the fields should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet God the same abiding
His praise shall tune my voice,
For, while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

—COWPER

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“GIVE ME ALSO THIS POWER.”

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ONE of the deacons by the name of Philip, once went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto the people, and evil spirits were cast out of some, others were healed of their infirmities, and there was great joy in the city. But there was a man there called Simon who was a sorcerer, who bewitched many, “giving out that himself was some great one,” and the people believed him to be a wonderful man of God, because he had manifested such wonderful power.

As Philip continued to preach, many people believed, and Simon believed also and was baptized, and stayed with Philip for some time, and was astonished at the miracles and signs wrought through Philip.

Peter and John heard about these things and they came down there and prayed for those who had believed, and laid hands on them and they received the Holy Ghost. Simon saw all this, and having lost his former power of sorcery, by believing on Jesus, he began to covet a great reputation again, and instead of doing the will of God and looking unto Jesus, he began to look forward to the time when he could work miracles and be a wonderful power in the hands of God. He soon had his heart set on his reputation and the power, instead of upon the Lord Jesus. “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thine heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.” — Acts 8:18-24.

Simon wanted this power for a selfish purpose, that he might be considered some one great, as he had been in the past. There are a great many people to day who would gladly serve the Lord, if he would only bestow some wonderful gifts upon them, that they might become some “great one,” and obtain a world-wide fame, by working miracles. God does not see fit to entrust such persons with the precious gifts of the Spirit to be used in that way. Oft times such covetous people get a power and authority from the devil, to do many wonderful “signs and wonders” in the sight of the people, and many are thereby deceived, but when they come under the real fire of Holy Ghost, and in the presence of those who are filled with the real power of God, who present the word in its purity, their cloak is taken off, and when the false powers are rebuked they are shorn of their strength, and their reputation is swept away.

An incident of this kind occurred while Paul was preaching to the people down in Asia. “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know: but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus: and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.” — Acts 19:11-17.

Good enough for them. Hypocrites sometimes get the worst of it after all, and are obliged to leave the scene in chagrin, and greatly humiliated. But the devil in these days gives his people great boldness, and it is no rare occurrence for one devil-possessed person to try to cast devils out of some one else, and in order to imitate the power of God, and deceive the people, the devil will let on as if he were cast out, and often the party in which the devil feigned to be cast out, will leap and shout, and perhaps fall under the power, and Satan is highly pleased, knowing that it is only another form of his deception and power, used to represent the power of God. Sometimes the devil overdoes the matter and exposes himself in a way that anyone can detect that it is not the power of God, by touching the nerves of some one and causing them to go off into a kind of disgusting, hysterical, jerking, dancing, rolling in the dirt, screeching fit of maneuvers. Again he will assume a humble, lamb-like disposition for some time, and seem very pious and full of religion.

Truly, these are perilous times. There are about as many religious devils as any other kind, some of which are hard to fully detect at first, and expose, as was the case, when Paul cast out the “spirit of divination.”

We serve the same God who ruled in apostolic times, and he gives his faithful children the same power he gave to them in those days. The same devil is still going about seeking whom he may devour, and has been loosed for a season, and many have been captured. One needs the real Spirit of God to discern between the two spirits, and to keep out of the clutches of the enemy. The time is not far distant when the devil will be arrayed in even greater power than he is now, but the grace of God is sufficient to keep a person from all the powers of the enemy.

The time is coming when it will be no little thing to take a stand for God, but it will be glorious to those who do prove loyal to God, for his glory shall be their defense, and the greater the persecutions the greater will the glory be.

Leaping, shouting, falling under the power, making a high profession, etc., does not by any means prove one to be a child of God, for devil- possessed persons can do such things almost to perfection.

When the children of God are filled with the power of God, there are various ways in which his Spirit is manifested. Sometimes by a sweet, gentle calmness, other times by shouts and high praises, leaping, and even being prostrated under the eternal weight of glory.

The devil is quite a mimic, and imitator, but notwithstanding his apparent boldness, he is one of the greatest cowards in existence, and the true follower of Jesus will find that these inspired words are true: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

The one who gets to looking at the power instead of to Jesus, and with a covetous heart begins to pray mightily for the power, opens an avenue for Satan to come in with a transformed light and power. It is all right to have power and have it in abundance, but it should be of such a nature as to be just as great and as much in command in the secret chamber, as when before an audience. In order to get this power, one must meet the conditions of the Word, and receive the Holy Ghost. In order to keep it the Word must be constantly obeyed.

E. E. Byrum.

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WHAT CONSTITUTES A CHRISTIAN.

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THINK of a soldier fronting an enemy, composing himself quietly amidst showers of flying bullets or other missiles of death without an effort to resist or overcome the enemy, or even to save his own life. Think of the swift carelessly and indifferently making use of their time or means of winning the race. Or, think of a servant disregardful of the wants of his master, spending his time in idleness and in the pursuit of pleasure, enjoyment and gratification of his own mind and will. In short, think of a soldier that never fights; a racer that never runs; a servant that never serves or obeys; a husbandman that never tills the soil; a physician that never practices his profession; a preacher that never obeys his calling or never preaches, OR A RELIGIONIST THAT NEVER PUTS FORTH RELIGIOUS EFFORTS. Are not all the above similar cases? and would you in any case regard the individual as worthy of the name ascribed to him? The Bible professor, non-professor and all that are governed by reason and justice with one accord emphatically say, no!

Then, I say, would you be called a Christian, be a practical, a Bible Christian; separate yourself from the world; not only from dishonesty, secretism, theft, murder, but from all excesses, vanity, extravagance, immodesty, assumption and blasphemy. Exercise yourself in religious works; prove to the world that you are not a dead but a live Christian; one that reads the Bible, and in humble submission is governed by its teachings, exercising faith and trust in the Redeemer of the world; attends and listens to the preaching of the Word and every order of worship, including class and prayer-meetings, and lets himself (or herself) be heard there and elsewhere, whenever his (or her) services are needed; one that holds social intercourse with God, at home and elsewhere; visits the sick and administers to their wants and to the wants of the needy, and to those of his own household; one that is willing to suffer the privations and hardships of the way; that endures persecutions, trials, temptations, afflictions, etc., for Christ’s sake; one that is never idle, but always finds something to do for God.

Rudolph Keagy.

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ASSURANCE OF SALVATION.

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IF a person wants to know whether his or her name is “written in the Lamb’s book of life,” it may be known by the following texts, which are scriptural and not liable to cause them to err, or to be deceived:

1st. THEY HAVE RENOUNCED SIN.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” — 1 Jno. 1:9.

2d. THEY TRUST IN JESUS FOR SALVATION.

He that believeth on him [Jesus] is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” — Jno. 3:18.

3d. THEY OBEY GOD.

Jesus said, If a man love me he will keep my words.” — Jno. 14:23.

4th. THEY HAVE RENOUNCED THE WORLD.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. — 1 Jno. 2:15.

5th. THEY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH THE SAINTS.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. — 1 Jno. 3:14. We may know that by this text: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. — 1 Jno. 5:2.

6th. THEY MANIFEST THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. — Rom. 8:9.

Now every person who is really enjoying salvation, every person who is really and truly saved meets all the above Scriptural texts. In addition to these:

7th. THEY HAVE THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. — Rom. 8:16.

Fellow-traveler to the bar of God how is it with you? are you able to meet the test? If so, I pray you God speed. If not, I beseech you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. Turn to him now with your whole heart.

John Bennetts Bailey.

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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Petoskey, Mich.

Dear Children of God: May God’s richest blessings be with you all and keep you true to him. I feel that God leads me this morning to testify for him, that I am saved and the blood of Jesus doth cleanse me from all sin. All glory to his name! Oh I do praise his holy and great name, for the peace and rest that he doth give me now within my soul. He is my all in all, and I am so thankful that I can be led each day by the blessed Savior and Redeemer. Pray for me, that I may always be true to my God. Your sister in Jesus,

Augusta Smith.

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Breckenridge, Mich.

Dear Saints and all the Trumpet Readers: I will write my testimony for the first time. I praise God for a free and full salvation. Glory be to the name of Jesus, he has saved me to sin no more. I was a member of a sect church fifteen years; but enjoyment was comparatively small. But glory be to the Most High, I am out of the place where they worship in such a cold and easy way, and am where I am free to shout hallelujah to the Lamb. Pray for my wife and children as soon as you read this, for they are in great danger, nearing the great whirl-pool of destruction. From one who has found a friend in Jesus.

Thaddeus Perry.

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Marion, Miss.

Dear Trumpet Readers and Saints of God: May the blessings of the Lord rest upon you all. I am praising the Lord that I am still walking on the narrow way and in the beautiful light of God. We are having some glorious meetings in this place. There are but few saints here, but they are true to God. I am thanking God for strength to still continue to preach the Word. Pray for me, all saints. Your humble brother in Christ,

F. D. Carlton.

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Bangor, Mich.

Dear Saints of God: I feel led to write my testimony to the glory of God. The word says, Whether we eat or drink or whatsoever we do, do all to the glory of God. I know this afternoon that I am saved with an everlasting salvation and that my life is hid with Christ in God, and that I have that peace that flows like a river in my soul. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all within says praise his holy name! The pleasures of this world have no charms for me. I have found a treasure that far exceeds all the riches of this world combined. Oh if poor sinners could only realize what blessings are in store for them, if they would turn from their evil ways and seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near, taste and see that the Lord is good and pleasant in mercy; they would find a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, who has promised that he would never leave nor forsake us. How consoling it is, when our earthly friends despise and leave us, we have a friend that will never leave us! Oh how much we have to praise the Lord for! Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. — 1 Jno. 3:1, 2. Dear children of God, the Lord has done so much for us, we ought to do something to roll on the car of salvation. Have you inquired of the Lord what he would have you to do? As you read the blessed GOSPEL TRUMPET, SHINNING LIGHT, and tracts that are feeding your souls, are you doing what you can in supplying their temporal needs? If each one that reads the TRUMPET and SHINNING LIGHT would send in twenty-five or fifty cents and as much more as the Lord may bless you with, it would help pay off the debts that are pressing upon them. By a little self-denial nearly every one can help. If you cannot send money, send such things as you have that you can spare. Provisions and bedding will be needed as the work increases, the children on the camp ground will need stockings and mittens. Who will supply them? The Lord bless you all and keep you saved is my prayer. Pray for me, that I keep low at my Master’s feet, for Jesus’ sake. Amen. Your saved and sanctified brother,

WILLIAM STOWELL.

Page 2

THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.

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A WEEKLY 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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PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.

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D. S. WARNER, – Editor.

E. E. BYBUM, – Office Editor.

E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.

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TERMS, $1.00 Per Year In Advance.

FREE TO THE POOR.

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Entered at the Post Office at Grand Junction, Van Buren Co., Mich.. as second class matter.

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NOTICE.

All business communications, moneys, &c. must be addressed to Gospel Trumpet, to insure credit; otherwise we will not be responsible.

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NOTICE.

A commission of 20 per cent will be given on each new cash subscriber, to all who will labor for the Gospel Trumpet. We make this offer so as to help the brethren that are in the field, as well as the circulation of the paper.

Parties desiring papers to canvass with, should notify us regularly of their address.

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How to Send Money. – Remit by Post Office Order or Postal Note. Where these cannot be procured, send by Express Order. Registered Letter or small amounts in stamps.

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Should there be a mistake at any time, write us at once, and we will gladly rectify the same.

Address all letters to Gospel Trumpet. Grand Junction, Mich.

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THE SHINNING LIGHT.

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An interesting paper for children. Illustrated. It should be in every family where there are children. Only 25 cents a year. Address,

THE SHINING LIGHT.,
Grand Junction, Mich.

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BOOKS AND TRACTS.

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Babylon is Fallen. 10 cts. a dozen
What Church should I Join?
Sects.
The Master’s Call.
A Wonderful Deliverance.
Little Things. hundred.
Questions for Sunday Keepers.
The Apostasy.
Repent and Believe the Gospel!
The Doctrine of Healing.
Why are you not a Christian?
Poison.
Lost and Found.

Marriage and Divorce.

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A tract of 32 pages, giving the inspired word of God on the subject. Price 5 cents.

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The Ordinances of the New Testament.

A TRACT, BY WM. G. SCHELL.

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Setting forth the ordinances of the scriptures in clear light, showing which are abolished, and which are still in vogue. Single copy 5 cts. Per dozen 45 cts.

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Must we Sin?

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A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin, containing 48 pages. Single copy 2 cts. Per dozen, 20 cts. Per hundred. $1.50

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The Church of God.

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A tract containing 32 pages, proving what is the Church and what is not the Church of God. Price single copy 10 cents. Per dozen 80 cents.

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The Great Tobacco Sin.

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It contains 30 pages, with a neat cover. We will send these tracts to any one sending us postage at the rate of one cent for three tracts. Always state just how many you wish sent.

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The Sabbath Tract.

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This tract contains 63 pages giving the word of God on the subject of the Sabbath. It overthrows Saturday keeping and proves that the first day of the week is the proper day to keep. Price 10 cts.

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Questions and Answers on the Church

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is a tract containing four letters with many questions concerning the church, and the difference between the true church and sectism. Following these letters are the answers to the same, giving much scriptural light on many difficult points of doctrine. Price one cent each.

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What is the Soul?

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Or 100 scriptures proving that man possesses a spiritual and immortal clement called the Soul, the Spirit, and the Inner Man, which goes to God at the death of the body. The same also proved by the early Church History.

By D. S. Warner.

PRICE Single copy . . . . . . . . . . $ .10
(Per dozen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
(Per hundred . . . . . . . . 5.00

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The Bible Readings.

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Bible readings or references on about 100 subjects. Price 75 cts. each.

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Holiness Bible Subjects.

BY H. C. WICKERSHAM.

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A book containing 100 subjects with scriptures, concordance, definitions to subjects. Setting forth the true church, its doctrine, its ordinances and its fruits. The fall of Babylon and the coming of the evening light. Illustrated, 376 pages, neatly bound in cloth. Single copy $1.00.

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Anthems from the Throne.

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This book contains 148 songs. 90 with music. About all new. When sung in the Spirit of God these songs will be found glorious. They hymn the precious present truth, and the gospel standard of salvation. Send in your orders for ANTHEMS FROM THE THRONE and start the songs of praise anew.

PRICE (Manilla . . . . . . . . . . $0.25
(Cloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.40
(Per dozen . . . . . . . . $2.40 & $3.60

Tracts for free distribution from ten to twenty cents a hundred.

DIVINE HEALING OF SOUL AND BODY.

—By E. E. Bynum.—

Part I. teaches the way of salvation, and how to get saved.

Part II. gives Bible teaching on the healing of the body.

Part III. consists of testimonies from those who have been healed in these last days.

By following the instructions given in this book the

SINNER

will be enabled to find deliverance from sin; the

BELIEVER

reach the highest attainments of a Christian life, and the

SICK AND AFFLICTED

be healed of their infirmities, and made well. It contains 248 pages. Cloth binding 75 cts. Paper cover 25 cts.

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BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH.

By W. G. Schell.

A new book just published; tracing the church in prophecy from her birth to the end of time. It shows that the prophets have foretold the greatest trials and triumphs of the church in the whole Christian Era, and describes the age in which we are now living. It also contains a brief history of more than 400 Protestant denominations. 248 pages. Paper cover 35 cents; per dozen $3.15. Cloth binding 75 cents; per dozen $6.75.

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Echoes from Glory.

A new Song Book, 220 pages, words and music, with instruction to those who desire to learn to sing by note. It contains many new and beautiful songs. Price 50cts. each; $5.00 a dozen.

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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.

A. A. Hart, Carrie Hitchcock. M. Welch. Minnie Caldwell, Sigel Hunter. H. W. Goddard. Eli Grice. Clara Carr. Mabel H. Cook. Albert Winters, Mrs. E. F. Thornbrough. J. N. Howard. Lydia Huffman. D. W. Zacharias, R. P. Smith.

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Requests for Prayer.

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Sheldon, Ill., Nov. 6, 1893.

Dear Trumpet Readers: I am now in Illinois two and one-half miles north of Sheldon, and my health is very poor. Will you all pray for me that I may be restored to health.

Rachel Baird.

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Pray for Josie Montanye, Rising Sun, Ohio, who has been much afflicted for ten or twelve years, and desires to be fully saved and healed.

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Ruth Daugherty, Sharpsville, Ind., desires prayer for her son who met with an accident and now has spasms. She also sends an earnest appeal for a meeting at that place.

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All the saints pray for me, for the healing of my bodily infirmities. I have been sick some time. Pray for me on the 17th of Nov. Your sister under the blood,

Lenora Smith.

Bath, Mich.

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I do want the prayers of all the saints, that my husband, who is still in sin, may be led to come into the glorious light and liberty of the love of God. Yours, saved,

Mrs. Laura Pickett.

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Springfield, O.

Dear Saints: I ask your prayers in my behalf, that I may be sanctified wholly and serve God in true holiness. I know God forgave my sins.

Charles Hentschel.

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Buchanan, Mich., Nov. 12, 1893.

I am saved and kept by power divine, and feel a holy joy every day. I have been afflicted for some time with rheumatism and ask the dear brethren to pray for my healing, as I believe God wants to heal me, and to his holy name be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Yours in the one body,

J. A. Steele.

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Calls for Meeting.

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A meeting is desired at Clam Lake, Mich. A call was made some time ago; there is great need of help here. Pray that God may restore my soul before too late.

Albert Winters.

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Cannot Bro. Willis, or some one who is well versed in scripture and able to deal with all kinds of spirits, come here at once and hold a meeting?

Richard Kachel,

Pawnee City, Neb.

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ASSEMBLY MEETING.

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There will be an assembly meeting on the Ripley Co., Missouri camp ground commencing Dec. 20th to last through holidays or as long as the Lord wills. The saints are building a new meeting house 36×54 feet and expect to have it complete by the middle of December. All saved and truth seeking people are cordially invited to attend. Also ministerial help will be needed. The Lord anoint and send whom he will.

A.B. Stanberry.

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A MEETING.

The Lord willing, there will be a three days’ meeting, beginning Sunday, Nov. 19, in the new school house on the Grand Junction camp ground, one mile north of this place. All lovers of the truth invited. Who can sacrifice three days unto the Lord, in prayer and praise unto him? We feel like asking those who cannot come, to spend the three days in united, fervent prayer for the spiritual advancement of the children of God everywhere, and that the pure gospel may be spread more abundantly. All who feel led of the Lord to fast and pray during this time, do so in the name of the Lord, and truly the windows of heaven will be opened and blessings be poured out in abundance. Some of the brethren living a distance away desired us to make announcement when the supply of wheat is exhausted here and at the children’s home. We have enough to last a few days yet. It requires about thirty bushels a month to supply the tables with breadstuff.

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EDITORIAL.

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In order to revise our subscription list by the first of the year, we will send out an extra paper this week, with a notice of subscription due, to those whose time has expired. And we desire to hear from each one immediately. If you desire the paper and have not the money at present, write and let us know and it will be continued.

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Bro. C. H. Eldridge, Tekonsha, Mich., writes that a meeting will begin in Girard, near Tekonsha, Wednesday evening Nov. 30, and continue as long as the Lord wills. All are invited.

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J. K. Peterman, Bushong, Kan., writes that he desires some young brother in Christ who has a team, to come and farm for him. We are not acquainted with the party, but anyone feeling led to do so can write him.

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Bro. Clayton writes from Pittsburg, Pa., that services are being held every night, and three times on Sunday, on the “Floating Bethel,” Sixth St. He says, “The work is moving on well; the congregations consist of the most spiritual people of the cities.”

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REMOVE THE CAUSE.

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A great oversight has been made by brethren who have labored with others, who have showed some evil fruits and crooked works, by thinking the work of restoration accomplished when the person finally makes a confession, and perhaps asks pardon for the wrong. Now this is all sufficient when the fault is manifestly only an error of the head. But when men show some real outcroppings of inward evil, selfishness, or dishonesty, and the person is compelled to own the fact — and often they show an ungodly dishonesty in denying, and covering, and coloring over the sin as long as they possibly can — it is not enough to confess and ask pardon, if a personal wrong, or confess before the congregation, if a sin against the general cause. That act, it is true, will begin to restore confidence, and even fellowship, but it is not sufficient to bring salvation. For it is evident that the soul that sinneth shall die, and when the works of the flesh and of the devil show out, even if a preacher, he should be regarded and treated as a backslider, and held to confess his lost condition, and seek the mercy of God and get a real cleansing and killing out. That thorough course would save the cause of Christ from many a wound, and avoid the downfall of many souls. One preacher that labored in this state, was no less than three times, within a short time, cornered and compelled to own up certain crooked doings. Each time he denied the charges and plead his case with all his might, which clearly showed the indwelling of the deceitful works of the devil, as well as did the crooked steps he had taken. But he was allowed to go with the confession of the wrong, and in this very neighborhood in which we write these thoughts, not a few souls have been overthrown as the fruits of that abomnible evil bigoted nature that should have been nailed to the cross when cornered up before. And we tremble for the cause of Christ, when we have reason to fear that it is only repressed to this day.

By the grace of God we have lately seen constrained to confess on our knees before God that we have been too soft and effeminate, and too soon overcome by a few tears to let men go without holding them to a genuine repentance, and then, after the fruits of justification, the real sacrifice and salting of fire. We have had a holy zeal for the purity of God’s remnant, but because God has put into our hands his flying roll, which he has empowered to cut off him that stealeth, and him that sweareth. See Zech. 5:1-3. Satan has tempted us to think that if we use the sword of the Lord, when we have seen where it should not be kept back from blood, he would make the judged party think our authority lay in the blast of the TRUMPET, and not in the power of God. But we know that God has given us power over all evil spirits, and authority by the Holy Spirit to execute the judgements that are written, and we shall have to obey God, regardless of what men and devils say. We dare not assume the responsibility of keeping our mouth shut, and our pen silent, when the precious cause of Christ is endangered.

Dear brethren, let us exhort one another daily, while it is called to day. And now to all who have gotten into trouble, and have made trouble in the past, we give you this solemn warning. See to it that you are truly killed out, for as sure as you show the works of the flesh again, unless a genuine repentance and killing out takes place, and is truly manifest, God forbid we become partakers of your sins by allowing the saints of God to think you have our fellowship, because of your past appearance in the columns of the TRUMPET. We have a heart full of love for the weakest child of God, if sincerity is manifest, but our God says, “They that sin rebuke before all.” And let it be remembered that God has placed in our hands a very effectual means of doing this. But this power we would only use in the presence of God, and in the love of God, and for the special good of the party who needs the chastening of the Lord, lest he “should be condemned with the world.” Had the party who, by different brethren, was corrected a few years ago in this state, been commanded in the name of Jesus to get down and have the inward cause of the outcropping crookedness removed in thorough salvation, he might have done a good work in this place, and now enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the people here: but as it is, a brother remarked to us that there is not a saint or sinner in the whole community who would desire to have him come here and preach.

Now we say in the name of Jesus though the crucifixion and mortification of the old man is painful, dear brethren you cannot suffer him to live at such a sacrifice, and at the peril of your soul. And to all you my brethren that labor at any time for the straightening up of the crooked, though it is natural to let sympathy withdraw the sword as soon as some humility is manifest, and confessions are made, our solemn duty to the brother himself, and to the cause of Christ, holds us to not let up until the very cause is removed from the heart. And now, my brethren, where we have come short of this ourself in the past we ask all to forgive us, and we are determined hereafter to carry out the counsel of this article, and hope all of you will be filled with might and power, by the Holy Spirit, to declare Jacob’s transgressions and Israel’s sins, and see well to it that the cause is thoroughly removed. Amen.

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News from the Field.

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Marengo, Ind., Nov. 6, 1893.

Gospel Trumpet: Meeting closed at this place last night. A number got the light on sectism and mean to walk in it. A few were saved; four claimed sanctification and two were baptized. Bro’s Keeling, Moore and Fleenor assisted in the preaching, and Sister Schreiber’s singing aided in drawing and attracting the congregation; also Sister Meyers rendered important service. Bro’s Keeling and Moore went to hold meeting at a new point. I expect to begin meeting soon in the country near this place, and ask the prayers of God’s people for victory for King Jesus. I have a number of calls in southern Indiana. My address is Marengo, Ind.. and may be for some time. Your brother saved in evening light,

J. Cole.

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Richardson, Texas, Nov. 6, 1893.

My testimony to day is, I am sweetly saved. I left my home in Carthage Sept. 28, in company with Bro. R. L. Berry and Bro. and Sister Brake and family, and landed here the 24th of October. Met with the Bro’s Slates and Anderson and had meeting on the night of the 25th. There were four at the altar; two consecrated and were sanctified wholly. Meeting continued eight nights. Surely it was a seed-sowing time. Meeting closed the night of the 4th of Nov. On Sunday and Sunday night the saints met at dear Bro. Brake’s and had meeting. One dear soul was sanctified. This is a new field. I am ready to fill any calls the dear saints may make. From your brother all sold out to Jesus,

E. Cox.

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Hammond, La., Nov. 1, 1893.

Dear Saints and Trumpet Readers: The Lord bless you all. Since I last wrote the Lord has been with us in great power, and I feel that it would be to the glory of God for me to write and tell you what he is doing in this country. After leaving the Union Church in the Bankston neighborhood, we began a meeting at Ebenezer, another place where dear Bro. J. Cole labored with us last spring. Oh if he could only been with us, to have seen the fruit of our labors! Between thirty and forty precious souls were delivered from sect Babylon, giving up their creeds, sects and other sins for the one body of Christ. The Lord has led us to show the dear people the difference between sect Babylon and the real true body or church of Christ. We came on from that place to this (Zion Grove). Here the Master has clothed his word in mighty power. Many precious souls have been delivered from confusion and sectism already, and meeting is still in progress. Congregations good and good interest. There are nearly a hundred and fifty souls that have been delivered from babylon confusion and sectism in this state since the assembly at Renfro, Miss. We have baptized thirty, and others yet to follow. There have been some remarkable cases of divine healing in this country of late. Some have been healed of different diseases, some of long standing. Of course these things are stirring Satan, but God has the victory. To his name be all the glory! Amen. Keep praying for us. Your brethren in Christ sanctified through the truth,

W. W. Bradley and co-workers.

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St. Clair, E. Tenn., Nov. 6, 1893.

Dearly Beloved Saints: The meeting at Westwood, Ky., was a glorious victory. Our God showed himself strong against the works of the enemy. Three were converted and three sanctified. Many others acknowledged the truth. Some said they never heard the gospel preached before, although the meeting was held in the M. E. meeting house. Some determined not to receive the truth, and ordered us to close the meeting. On Monday we went down to the water, where six were buried with Christ in baptism and also received the witness of the Holy Spirit, that God was well pleased. Praise his name forever!

From there we went about five miles to a school house, near Right Angle P. O. and commenced meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 24. After one meeting there, Bro. K. having returned from the mountains, joined us in the work again. We continued the meeting there till over the Lord’s day, with good result. The meeting was well attended and many acknowledged the truth. And we believe the fruits of the meeting will show forth in the near future. One was converted, and two sanctified. To God be all the glory forever. At the close of the meeting at the above named place we visited the saints again at Stony Point. Had a very precious time. Five others were sanctified, and eight were buried with Christ in baptism. Glory to his precious name! We closed our labor in Kentucky for the present, with a very precious ordinance meeting.

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Twenty-seven took part, in showing forth the meekness and humility of our blessed Savior, by washing one another’s feet, and commemorating his death and suffering, by breaking bread and drinking wine. The Lord most wonderfully blessed our souls while obeying his precious commands. May God continue to bless and keep all the dear ones in the unity of the Spirit, and the bond of peace. Amen.

We took our departure Nov. 2, for this place; arrived safe the day following. Found dear Sister Cope and others anxiously waiting, as Cornelius and others were waiting for Peter, to hear all things that are commanded us of God to say. We feel sure that the Lord has at least a few people in this part that are willing to take the whole gospel. We have already commenced the meeting in the name of Jesus. The people seem to be interested as far as we have seen. We expect to continue this meeting till just time to get to Augusta. Ga., Xov. 15. We earnestly request the prayers of all saints, that we may be kept and used to the glory of God in the salvation of precious souls. Yours and Christ’s, fully saved in him,

Thus. Carter and A. J. Kilpatrick.

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Hedrick, Iowa, Oct. 16, 1893.

Dearly Beloved Saints: May the grace of God ever abound in your souls and the unction of the Holy Spirit be upon you through Christ our blessed Redeemer. Amen! We are glad to report victory on the Lord’s side through King Jesus. We came Hedrick to make it our place of stopping. We expect before long to be ready to go out in the field and labor for the salvation of souls. Your brother and sister in the one body,

H. W. and L. Heckler.

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Larue, Ohio, Nov. 9, 1893.

Dear Brethren in Christ: To day we do truly magnify God for salvation that saves us just now from all sin. At the close of the meeting in Newton, Union Co., Ohio, we came to West Liberty, Ohio, and began meeting in the saints’ meeting house about three miles north-east of town. The meeting began Oct. 25, and continued until Nov. 6. In this meeting God worked most wonderfully. He enabled us to lay judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet, and thank God the hail swept away the refuge of lies, and the antichrist spirit, by which some were led, was rebuked and exposed by the truth. Two of the leading ones of those under the antichrist spirit did not attend the meeting at all, but became bitter in their hearts against us and some of the saints, and finally gave up all profession. Among those that attended the meeting, and did not drink in the antichrist spirit were few. But thank God he did open the eyes of the deceived and made them willing to submit themselves to the cleansing in the blood of Christ. The last Sunday was one of the best days of all the meeting. The glory of God filled the whole house where we were sitting. The saints shouted, sinners wept and poor souls bound by the devil fell at the altar and cried aloud unto God for salvation. Truly God did reconcile them to each other and unto himself by the blood of his Son. Oh what a feast to our souls!

Sunday night while the people were coming together to hear the Word, a brother rushed into the house and said we were wanted at once to come and pray for Bro. Samuel Yoder’s oldest daughter, who was awful sick at Bro. J. Detweiler’s (the distance was about nine miles). When we got there we found her in a critical condition. I learned she had been in that state for about three hours (in continued convulsions caused by heart trouble). They had both doors and windows open so she could get her breath, for at times she would stop breathing. We knelt down in the name of Jesus and asked God to heal her, and in less time than twenty seconds her convulsions ceased, and then she began to smile, and seized Sister Warwick around the neck and began to hug her and praise God. They set her up in a chair where she remained until bed time, praising God. Oh the glory that filled the whole house! We thank God for it all.

We thank the saints and friends in those parts for supplying all our needs. May God bless the little church at that place and keep all in the faith of Christ. We are now at Zion school house, in Bro. John Clement’s neighborhood, in Marion Co., Ohio. We shall remain here only a few days, and then go to De Kalb Co., Ind. At the close of the meetings in De Kalb Co., we will go to southern Indiana, Jackson Co., the Lord willing. We ask all the dear people of God to remember us in your earnest prayers. We remain your brother and sisters in the one body of Christ, under the blood, and filled with holy fire and zeal to preach his truth,

Samuel L. Speck and Co.

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Somerville, Ala., Nov. 10, 1893.

Dearly Beloved Brethren, Greeting: After a long time of silence, I again report victory in Jesus’ name. October 7, I left my home for the Sidney, Ohio, tabernacle meeting; arrived there in time and found Brothers Otto Bolds and Geo. Howard ready with tabernacle. The first part of the meeting was much hindered by the workings of Satan; but praise the Lord, He prevailed, and I have reason to believe much good was accomplished and quite a goodly number of backsliders were restored to their first love and went on to perfection. O may God help them to give diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace! October 19, I left the brothers above mentioned to continue as the Lord willed; also left my dear family at Sidney where they will remain until I return. I arrived at Hartsells, Ala., October 20, was met and conveyed to Mt. Zion, four miles east, where we began services and opened fire on the enemy the same night in the saints’ new house of worship, where we continued to the 30th. Brother and Sister Bolds joined us the 25th. Several souls were forward to the altar, some for pardon and some for sanctification, and thank God, a few received the desire of their hearts, but our souls were much grieved from the beginning to feel that the unity of the Spirit was broken and the fruitfulness of the meeting was greatly hindered thereby. Although there was much good done and the saints greatly strengthened and encouraged, I felt that some lacked the real joy and energy and power of full salvation. May God lead them on to the Canaan of perfect holiness. We were conveyed ten miles west of Hartsells, near Danville, Ala. and had a few services. Attendance was small, but feel that much seed was sown. We have been here a few days. Prospects are good for a harvest of souls. Bro. and Sister Bolds will remain and work in the South. Pray for us. Yours all on the altar.

J. N. Howard.

THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Todd’s Point, Ill.

Dear Saints: I am saved and sanctified, ready to follow my blessed Savior where he leads, and gives me light to do his holy will. Praise his dear name forever! Pray for me. Yours in the one body,

Lavina A. Mast.

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Curtisville, Ind.

Dear Brethren: This is my first time to write to the TRUMPET. I am saved and sanctified and kept by God’s mighty power. I love to read the TRUMPET; it is food to my soul. I want to ask the children of God to pray for me that my eyes may be healed. I have had very weak eyes for a long time. I know God will heal them; I believe in the healing power. I praise God that I am out of sect Babylon and that I am walking in the true light of God. From your sister saved and sanctified,

Lizzie Snook.

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Hammond, La.

Dear Saints: I feel led to write my] testimony in regard to what the Lord has done for me. I was afflicted nine years and under treatment of different doctors, and found no relief, until the Lord showed me I would have to give my case up to him. I called in Bro’s Bradley and Chandler and they prayed the Lord for the healing of my body, which was granted in the name of the Lord. I would like to say to the TRUMPET readers, Do not forget that the Lord is a great physician. Your brother saved and sanctified and healed in Christ,

H. A. Parker.

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Todd’s Point, Ill.

Dear Saints of God: This morning finds me battling against the snares of the enemy, trusting the good Lord to deliver me. My sin against light has been great I know, but I am living on the eternal Word, which says “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be like wool.” I ask your earnest prayers in my behalf, that I may be triumphant and always be more than conqueror through Him that loved us and gave himself a ransom for sinners. My ail is on the altar laid, and I know by His word that grace sufficient will be given me. Your sister, trusting in the Lord,

Bessie Mast.

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Roanoake, Ind.

Dear Saints of God: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Since last writing my testimony for the TRUMPET, Jesus has sweetly kept me preserved, and free as the birds that fly in the air, perfectly satisfied with Him. I know he is a true Friend to me; he does more than I could think or ask. Bless his holy name forever! My soul is filled with his glory. It is a wonderful salvation. I am saved through and through, by the precious blood of Jesus. Hallelujah! I have seen quire a number of souls saved while laboring in meetings this fall. To God be all the glory. Your sister, saved and sanctified,

Sarah N. Wells.

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Flemings, Colo.

Dear Saints: I have felt the need of your prayers for me, ever since I have read the GOSPEL TRUMPET. It does me so much good to read the testimonies of God’s divine healing of soul and body, which I do believe in with all my heart. Dear saints, I do want you to pray for me that I may become holy and filled with the Holy Ghost. I do want to have a pure heart, unspotted from the world. We read in God’s holy book, “the prayers of a righteous man availeth much.” Please don’t forget to pray for poor unworthy me. My home is in Nebraska. I am here on a visit to my mother in Colorado. There is a great need of work to be done here they open the stores here on God’s day for gambling saloons. My prayer is, God will make you prosperous in spreading the gospel to the unsaved. I have a husband and two children. I beg an interest in your prayers for them and also for my aged father. May God answer your prayer in our behalf. Respectfully yours,

Mrs. Frank Talmage,

Wilcox, Neb.

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Dear Saints: As I have never given in my testimony yet, I feel like doing so. I do praise God for salvation full and complete that saves us from all sin and keeps us pure and undefiled. O dear ones, tongue cannot express what I feel in my soul. I bless the Lord for what he has done for me. I am all on the altar to be used just as my blessed Master wants me. We are getting ready to go home to Canada the last of October, and we greatly desire to have meeting there, so we are praying to God that he will send some of his holy ministers there so we can help in bringing the truth to the people. We do not know how long we will stay, just as long as the Lord wants us to. O who will come? Address Joseph Hamm, Millverton, Perth Co., Ont. Your sister, saved and sanctified wholly,

Sophia Hamm.

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Winchester, Ind.

Dear Trumpet Family: I praise the dear name of Jesus this morning that he has spared my life and has answered our prayers. I received Bro. E. E. Byrum’s letter and it strengthened my faith in God. I do realize this morning that God has given me his Spirit and I want the world to hear it, and all my doubts have passed away. Oh, praise his dear name for ever and ever for his mercy to me! I have so often felt that God wanted me to write my testimony for the TRUMPET, but still neglected it, and dear children if we neglect to walk in the light we get into darkness. So when I had hemorrhage, I knew I could not live long unless I received special help and the hemorrhage was stopped, and so said to my daughter, I want a telegram sent to the Trumpet Office to tell them to pray that I may be saved; and the blessed Lord heard the prayer and I was saved. O praise God, he has a few believing children. Please continue to pray for me that I may be wholly sanctified, and obey God in all things and step out at his will. Since Deerfield camp-meeting I have felt that he had a work for me to do, but I was not willing to leave my family. I promised him I would do his whole will if he would spare my life and give me his Holy Spirit once more. Oh it is a fearful thing to backslide and grieve his Holy Spirit! This is a warning to me and I trust it will be to all that read this. I feel too weak to write more at present. May the peace of God abide on us all. Amen.

Etta Thornburg.

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Watson, Mich.

Dear Saints: My testimony to day is that I am saved and sanctified, and kept by the power of God. I do praise God for this wonderful salvation, and for his mighty sanctifying power that not only sanctifies the soul but the body also. It will be two years the coming January since I was saved. I was lying seemingly at the point of death, without God or hope in the world, and it seemed that every one had forsaken me, and the darkest cloud of my life settled over me. But oh my blessed Jesus had not forsaken me! He sent his blessed Spirit to talk tome; then I felt that God’s power and his alone could melt a heart of stone. The dear Lord showed me it was his will to heal me soul and body. Bless his dear name forever! I had dreadful spells of suffering that would last from six to eight hours. The doctor’s remedies lad no effect on me. I was down in a pit where the arm of flesh could not reach me. But O the blessed Savior came along; he did not reach down but he came down and took me in his loving arms and carried me to his Father. About the time one of these awful spells was to come on I told my dear Father if it was his will he could heal me. I heard a voice so plain, say, “As thy faith, thy strength shall be, and oh such a load of sin and disease rolled off and I was so light and free. I was healed soul and body. Glory be to God! all through my sickness there was no one said a word to me about my soul, while others had forgotten me, not seeming to care what became of my soul. O bless God, he had not forgotten my poor unworthy soul. O dear ones I have so much to praise God for, and by God’s grace I am going to live a pure and holy life, consecrated to God in all things.

About three months after my conversion I joined the M. E. sect. How I was grieved with the way they did there, and oh how I prayed to God that he would help me find the true church and people of God! And he heard my prayer and sent the saints here last winter, preaching the pure gospel. I was so glad to accept it. May God help his people to go through and lift up a standard for the people of the world, by living pure and holy lives before God and man. We dare not mock God by living a crooked life. What we sow we are going to reap. May God help us to sow the good seed that shall bring forth good fruit to everlasting life. Pray for your sister, saved to the uttermost,

Rose Wilcox.

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Chili, Ill.

Dear Saints: Grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath delivered us from the power of the adversary, the devil. I do not purpose to keep you in ignorance, concerning what the Lord has done for me. Bless his dear name! First, he pardoned my actual sins and I had great peace for a time, but I found I had an enemy to contend with, and he never gave me any peace or rest until he was — not only bound, but cast out entirely. I praise God for this also. So I can testify to two distinct and definite works of grace being accomplished for me. About a month ago I got a copy of Bro. D. S. Warner’s tract on “What is the Church?” I read it and re-read it, and compared it with the Bible. God let me see so clearly, that all sects were no part of Christ’s body, and that I could not live separate from the body of Christ. I came to the point where I either had to forfeit my salvation and backslide, or remain true by walking in the light; so I obeyed God and have stepped out of Babylon, and by His grace, I mean to stay out, and to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints. O glory to God for what he has done for me! For the past month I’ve been preaching in a district school house, but no one has come to God, although the truth has been preached in its purity and they acknowledged it, but I trust while I have sowed the seed that some hereafter may reap golden grain for the Master’s use. Amen. To the saints everywhere, I hereby announce, that I am God’s to be used in helping to rescue the perishing. Pray that God may have his own way with me in all things pertaining to his kingdom, that the knowledge of the truth may spread. I expect to leave for Michigan in a short time. Amen. Yours in the one body,

John Bennetts Bailey.

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Fenwick, Ont.

Dear Saints of God: We send much love in Jesus to you all. I do praise God for victory in my soul over all the world, the flesh, and the devil, and by the assisting grace of God I mean to walk in all the light God lets shine, and to live so close that I can hear the sweet low whisper of his voice. Glory be to God for ever! Oh I do know that he is a prayer- answering God, and will answer our prayers when we live close and abide in him, and the word abides in us. Oh how I do praise God for the one church and evening light ever shining in this place, and that so many are being saved! But dear ones, I believe that not all those that call themselves saints are saints. But only those that do the will of God, for it means close living, and a watching and a praying life, and doing the whole will of God, and not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Oh how my soul does magnify the Lord! I do praise God for saving my dear husband. May God still lead him quietly on and sink him deeper in his will, that he may increase and grow brighter and brighter. And oh thank God for saving our souls, for we were so proud and conformed to this wicked world; and God has showed me that we must strip for the race, so that we may not be a stumbling block in the way of others. Well we had a precious camp meeting here just near us, and much good seed was sown that I believe will spring up in the salvation of many souls. My dear husband and Brother Smith are preaching every Sunday, and there have been four saved, and one backslider reclaimed which is dear Sister Blanchard. I do ask you to pray for her, for she has had a sad trial. Her husband once claimed to be saved, and seemed to have a good experience, but got overpowered by the devil and left her, and so she has to provide for herself. But God’s grace is sufficient. We would much love to have some Holy Ghost ministers to come here this winter to labor for the salvation of precious souls. Pray for us, that we may all keep true to God and in his order in all things; and that my only darling son may be saved is the prayer of my heart. Your sister saved to the uttermost, and kept by the mighty power of God,

Ella Birdsall.

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OBITUARIES.

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Died, near Marshall, Oklahoma, Oct. 25, 1893, Esty Cotter; aged 17 yrs., 6 mo. And on Oct. 27, R. Cotter; aged about 45. Also Oct. 27, R. Michels; aged 57 yrs, 6 mo. Funeral services conducted by the writer, and holy people near Marshall. The last two named were buried at the same hour. A sad occasion witnessed by many people. May many take warning and prepare to meet their God in peace. May God’s blessings rest upon the remaining ones who are mourning their loss, “that they sorrow not as others who have no hope.” Amen.

E. F. Houghton.

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NO-SECTISM.

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THERE is a tract in circulation, bearing the above title, and written by a man who subscribes his name “ Rev. A. Sims,” a Free Methodist preacher, and he largely quotes from B. T. Roberts, the founder of that sect, and from J. T. Michael, and from G. W. Sanders, fellow F. M. preachers.

By prefixing Rev. to their names these men set themselves up to be feared and worshipped; for such is the meaning of this term. It only occurs once in the Bible, and is exclusively ascribed to God. “Holy and reverend is his name.” — Psa. 111:9. By following the silly and pompous habit of Babylon lords, these F. M. priests actually appear to set themselves in the temple of God, showing themselves that they are gods.

The above mentioned tract, being opposed to “no-sectism,” in this respect does not affect the saints of God, who stand in the one body of Christ, clear from all isms. It speaks against certain who ignore all the ordinances of Christ. This relates to Stumbling-stone ism, but not to the remnant of God’s elect, who, not only observe all the ordinances Mr. Sims accepts, but also follow the Lamb in the thirteenth chapter of John, which is more humility and obedience to God than Mr. S. and his Methodism are willing to walk in.

The no-sectism the writer opposes, he says, deny the ordination of elders and deacons. This does not apply to the church of the living God, in whose book of discipline the Lord has put on record the ordination of these officers, and the same continues to be practiced.

He says they “also disbelieve in all church government, and organization.” Whom he may allude to we know not, but the specification completely misses the church of God in the evening light, which is the most beautiful and glorious organization that ever appeared on earth.

Again, he says, “Some of them make the washing of the saints’ feet, as a religious ordinance, the basis of Christian fellowship.” If in this he refers to the holy remnant the Lord is gathering into the faith once delivered to the saints, he either knowingly or ignorantly misrepresents. For, though they take pleasure in obeying all the word of God, they make no outward act the basis or substance of fellowship; but teach that fellowship is in the Spirit, and that salvation is the only source of fellowship, and the actual exisistence of fellowship its only test and basis Mr. Sims also says, that the people against which he writes are not blessed with salvation of souls in their midst. “O where,” says he, “do we see any revivals of pure and undefiled religion among them, in which sinners get converted and believers entirely sanctified.” Here again he can only have reference to “empty wells,” who have nominally separated from the desolate city of sect confusion, but have not come into the “camp of the saints and the beloved city.” And, of course, such have no more part nor lot with God’s church than sinners remaining in Babylon. Neither is God’s holy remnant responsible for the character and works of men corrupted in, and sent forth out of the pale of the apostate factions of these last days. But the children of God, that he has called out of all isms, are a fruitful remnant, as predicted in Isa. 37:31. No such ingatherings of souls into Christ, and into the grace of entire sanctification, can be found in all the wilderness of schisms. The larger camp meetings in the evening light, yield about five times more real fruits of salvation than the best camp meetings we ever saw, or now hear of, in all the efforts of sect and associationism. We invite the devotees of every creed on earth to come and see for yourselves, and you will find an answer to the above question. Not only are multitudes of sinners converted to God, among whom are such as were the most hopeless cases, but multitudes are also being sanctified wholly; and what goes beyond the faith of all sectism, the sick and afflicted are healed of all manner of diseases, devils are cast out, and, thank God, the poor have the gospel preached. A rapidly in creasing, and self-sacrificing ministry are swiftly running to and fro, preaching the everlasting gospel, without salary or as much as taking up public collections. This flying ministry have been predicted in prophecy and revelations. And the results foretold also follow, “Knowledge is increased,” yea, “The knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters the sea.” And, “many shall be purified, made white and tried.”

Therefore be it known, that we have no fault to find with Mr. S. or any other person, for renouncing no-sectism, for this we also do. But we do feel it our duty to expose his silly attempts to uphold sectism. Also to point out some of his confused self-contradictions, and contradictions of the word of God.

WHAT is NO-SECTISM?

We will now consider both “sect,” and “no-sect,” as defined in the tract under review. “No-sectism,” he says, “may be defined as the theory of those who believe that all sects are of the devil, and, consequently, that it is a sin for one to belong to them.”

Now we affirm that parties holding the above sentiments may, or may not constitute an anti-sectism. For instance, parties who simply see that sects are contrary to the word of God, but do not discern the body of Christ, which is no sect, may- think it their duty to separate from the unscriptural institutions, and admonish others to do so. But they have nothing better than the non-sect idea as a specialty to rally upon. And consequently they are only an anti-sectism; but, upon the other hand, when men and women of God not only see the error of all sects, but also discern the body of Christ, which is the church, and no sect, and they abide in that body entire, acknowledging and holding Christ as the only head, foundation, center, life and all in all. Embracing all truth, but making an idol, or center of nothing. Abiding in the church that Jesus built, and acknowledging all saved men and women in heaven and earth as its membership. Such are, indeed, anti-sect, but not an anti-sectism. Since they neither make, nor adhere to any cut-off schism, to nothing that designates them apart from any Christian, but stand upon the platform which all Christians necessarily must occupy. Who hold to no fragment, and belong to no branch, but abide in the whole body of Christ.

We do not hesitate to say that all schisms and sects are of the devil. But this we affirm of the sect institutions, and not of all the unfortunate men and women who have been allured into them. We do not deny that there are sincere children of God in the modern fallen denominations, else the voice from heaven could not say, “Come out of her my people.” But we do hold that it is a sin to belong to these deviceful institutions, when the light of divine truth has revealed their true character. But in the darkness that has prevailed in the past centuries, men have been educated to regard them as the church, and therefore ignorantly supposed it their duty to be taken into one of them.

Mr. Sims should have defined “no- sectism,” as the creed and spirit of men who make the idea of separation from the modern sects the chief point of rally, and ground of agreement. That would be making a scriptural command to “come out of her,” the hub and center, instead of Christ. Just so many sects have been made. When men returned to the New Testament actions of baptism, in the course of time they made a hobby and idol of that divine ordinance, and so became a Baptist sect. The New Testament teaches that God set elders — presbyters — in his church. To recognize, and conform to that divine order is right, but in making a specialty of it, the Presbyterian sect was born. And just so L. H. Johnson, to whose work Sims seems to have almost exclusive reference, has been for years trying to rally on the no-sect hobby. And if, indeed, he has a following sufficient to speak of, the result is simply another empty bubble floating upon the agitated sea of sect confusion, a mere negative faction. It is no less a sect because the pivot upon which it turns, is a scriptural doctrine; just as some other sects we have seen are sects, notwithstanding their specialty is Bible truth. But they are such because they have supplanted Christ, and made a center on a mere doctrine, or rite of his word. Adventism, and many other sects, have hung their systems on a pivot clear outside the Christian doctrine.

But this we must confess, that, disgusting as an empty graceless war against sects may be, it is far less inconsistent and abnoxious in the sight of God than all clamor for the anti-christ schisms of mystery Babylon. Even a graceless opposition to sectism has the weapons of the Word on its side; whereas all sect apologists are without the support of a single text of scripture. Therefore the zeal for sectism is but “will-worship,” and idolatry.

WHAT IS SECTISM?

Having seen Mr. Sims’ definition of no- sectism, let us consider his definition of a sect, as follows: “The word sect is from the latin word secare, to cut off, to separate. Hence, a sect is a portion cut off, or separated from a body of which it forms a part.” This definition he quotes from B. T. Roberts, who proceeds further to say, “ A sect of Christians is a part of the entire Christian body, separated from the rest by some peculiar doctrines or tenets which they hold exclusively, or to which they give special prominences.”

We have now the ground defined on both sides, and we shall appeal to the Bible to find out which is right, which is of God. The sect idea, or the no-sect. Does the word of God teach that there shall be schisms in the body of Christ? That there shall be sects, cut-off factions? Does it teach that men should arise, teaching doctrines exclusively their own, and differing from the entire body of Christ, or should make a special hobby, or idolatrous use, of some point of doctrine or some ordinance of Christ and thereby draw away disciples after themselves? How readest thou? Does the New Testament recommend, or forbid sects, schisms, and divisions? Mr. Sims, and Mr. Roberts and Co. endorse these things, which the word of the Lord forbids. “But God hath tempered the body together,” etc., “that there should be no schisms in the body.” 1 Cor. 12:24, 25. Is it not an astonishment, a great “mystery of iniquity,” that men professing the Christian character, and assuming the ministry of the gospel, even after confessing that sects are cut-off factions, and the product of depravity, and knowing that God’s word positively forbids such things, will, in the very face of the Word, sanction and plead for them? All sect-apologists, as far as we have known, until these F. M. zealots, have fought for their party idol under the cloak of the church. But since Mr. Roberts has written a book in defense of his young daughter of the harlot family, in which he unguardedly called it a sect; and since men have become more enlightened by the present truth, they find it impossible to longer deceive the people. Therefore they are forced to confess that what they, and their creed falsely call a church, is nothing but a human fraud, a “cut off” from the body of Christ. And yet they have the audacity to wink at the sin of sectism, and do not blush at the wickedness of rending into fragments the sacred body of Christ. They are therefore the boldest heretics we know on earth. Recently in the town of Butler, Pa. their preacher, feeling embarassed because of the light of truth that was shining there, undertook to cover their sect abomination, by saying, that they were only a sect which, says her “we understand means, cut off from the world.” But this was an unscrupulous dodge, and made the thing worse than ever. For it would prove that they are no part at all of Christianity, but a part of the world. But Roberts, the father of that young daughter confessed it a cut-off part of the Christian body, separated by their peculiar creed. So there is no agreement between the head, and one of its false prophets which the Bible calls “the tail.”

Reader notice the admission, “sect,” means “cut off,” to “separate.” “A sect is a portion cut off, or separated from a body.” “A sect of Christians is a part of the entire Christian body separated from the rest.” That body is the body of Christ. See Eph. 1:22. 23; Col. 1:18, 24. Then all sects are cut off, and separated from the body of Christ. Then also are they all dead and perished. The body of Christ, the church, is compared to the human structure. How long will a member of our body live after cut off, or separated from the body? The Savior also represents his church by a vine and its branches. How long will a branch live after severed from the vine? “As a branch cannot bear fruit, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” Jno. 15:4. The sects, all being cut off this vine, are unable to bear the fruit of Christ. “If a man abide not in me. he is cast forth as a branch and is withered,” etc. So out of the mouth of these sect worshippers, we prove that sects are both barren and destitute of the life of Christ. The real animation or zeal of the various sects, is therefore, the party spirit, and not the Spirit of Christ. But we always make exceptions, in the case of honest men who have been deceived into the sect, and yet have a measure of God’s grace. Such show more zeal for God than for the sect, more love for souls than for their party name; because the sect spirit has not vet succeeded in excluding the Christ life. But the tendency of every compact is that its peculiar life pervades and animates even member of the whole system; hence we always find the most idolatrous sect animos in men of long adherence, and if we find truly justified children of God in her, they are usually young converts.

WAS THE APOSTLE PAUL A SECTIST?

After confessing that a sect is cut off, and necessarily a dead and fruitless thing. Mr. Sims seeks to cover the sin of unholy divisions by, implicating the apostle Paul in the same. Referring to the charges alleged against him by the wicked Jews, that he was a “ring leader of the sect of the Nazarenes,” etc. Acts 24:5. Mr. Sims asserts that “Paul never said in reply that he did not believe in sects, but admitted the charge that he belonged to one, and gave the reason for doing so.” “No where have we the slightest intimation that the apostle resented, but rather gloried in the imputation.” So says the man who has a sect idol on hands, and is compelled to apologize for it. Now we will let Paul answer him and the old murderous Jews altogether. He did not confess their charges, but boldly denied them, saying, “Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.” Ver. 13. This is equivalent to a denial of the same. However, in Ver. 14 he says, “but this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things that are written in the law and in the prophets.” From this language we presume it is that Mr. S. takes the liberty to say, that Paul gloried in being a member of a sect. But how utterly false and crooked the deduction. How truthfully hath this apostle said, “A heretic * * * reject, knowing that they that are such are subverted, and sinneth.” May God help Mr. Sims to take this rebuke home and repent of his heresy, and the sin of trying to make Paul an heretic with him. Paul simply declared that he worshipped God in the new covenant church, which had been foreshadowed in the law, and predicted by prophets, notwithstanding the ungodly Jews called it heresy: and now, behold! a heretic arises who seeks to make the holy apostle an accomplice in his sins, because his enemies accused him of being such. Is there any thing fair and honest in making him say that he gloried in heresy, — sectism — simply because he said he worshipped the God of his fathers after the way which they called heresy? Is that a confession on the part of Paul that the church of the new covenant was a heresy, a sect? Mr. Sims knows better. Paul neither called the church a sect or heresy, nor acknowledged that it was such, but simply mentioned what the persecuting Jews called it. Would the inspired apostle say he worshipped God as a heretic and write to Titus to reject such as sinners? Titus 3:10, 11; and to the Romans say that, “They that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ?” Rom. 16:17, 18. What ridiculous tangles men get into when they attempt to defend that which – God abominates! Though Mr. S. would fain construe Acts 24:14 as glorying in sects, it did not suit him to quote it to his readers; because there the word is in its original form, “heresy,” and not rendered in its English counterpart, sect. But all can see that the two words mean the same thing. In verse five the Jews said he was the “ring-leader of the sect,” etc. And, alluding to that charge in verse 14 he says, “After the way which they call heresy — hairesin — so worship I God.” So, be it remembered, that if Mr. S. could prove Paul a sectite, he would prove him a heretic. And when he himself glories in sectism he glories in his shame, glories in being a heretic, which the word of God denounces.

Paul “believed in,” and even “gloried in sects.” So says Mr. Sims. But thus rejoins the apostle, “Mark them that cause divisions, — sects — cut-off factions — and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them.” Rom. 16:17. Yea, and “they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ver. 18.

Did he express a belief in sects in his epistle to the Corinthians?

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. — 1 Cor. 1:10.

In this and the third chapter he rebuked their divisions and ascribed them to carnality. Also in chapter 11, verses 18, 19, “I hear that there are divisions among you, and I partly believe it; for there must also be heresies among you, that they which are approved, may be made manifest.” Why did he think there must be heresies among them? because, “ye are yet carnal.” 3:3. And heresies are the works of the flesh, — carnality — Gal. 5:20. Both Roberts and Sims admit that a sect is a cut-off, or separated part from a general body. But that is the same thing as a division, and in the above text, Paul called divisions heresies, and in the margins heresies is translated “sects.” Therefore, again we prove that to say that Paul gloried in sects, is to accuse him of boasting himself a heretic.

Now these deluded Free Methodists can no more prove their slanderous charges against the apostle than their Pharisaic brethren could. They openly endorse sects, and the word of God make sects and heresies one and the same thing. Therefore they unblushingly confess that they are heretics, and they cannot deny the fact. And the Bible warns all God’s people to turn away from such characters.

But the apostle is not yet through expressing his mind about sects. In 1 Cor. 12:24, 25, he says that “God tempered the body together,’’ organized the church, “that there should be no schisms in the body.” Since sect means a cut-off faction, all can see that schisms means the same thing. And such things, the apostle informs us. there shall not be. That is far from endorsing the evil.

Not only has the apostle repudiated all sects in the plainest terms, but he lifts the same standard by teaching the perfect oneness in the body of Christ.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. — Rom. 12:4, 5.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. — Eph. 4:4-6.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. — Col. 3:15.

How can the apostle believe in, and glory in cut-off divisions from the general body of Christ, when he teaches that all saints are one body in Christ? In demanding perfect unity in one body, he positively forbids all divisions, schisms and sects.

DID CHRIST FOUND A SECT?

These lovers of heresy not only slander the apostle Paul a being a fellow heretic, but actually reproach the Lord Jesus Christ himself, with the impious charge of having been the founder of a sect. “From the Acts of the apostles,” say they, “we learn that Christianity itself, in its origin, was called a sect.” Now were this statement followed with a denial of the imputation of the wicked Jews, it were not objectionable. But these modern Pharisees actually bring forward this statement of their ancient brothers in sectism, as evidence in the case. Yea, and they agree with them in pronouncing the church of the living God a sect, because those whited sepulchers called it such. Surely these Free Methodists, prove, that, in spirit, they are brothers with those self-righteous and ungodly Jews, when they join with them in the base assumption that the church that Jesus founded in a sect. Let us try the statement by the definition they have given us. “A sect,” says Roberts and Sims, “is a portion cut off, or separated from a body of which it forms a part.” Now we would love to ask these men, of what general body does Christianity form a cut-off factor? If Christianity is a sect, and a sect is cut-off part of a general body, what is that general body? Now these Rev.’s are not so ignorant that they cannot see that the church that Christ founded is no mere fragment, but a perfect and entire body and system by itself. But the Rev.( ?) J. T. Michael tries to fix it up as a sect in this way: “ In their relation to the Pharisees, Sadducees, and many other bodies, they — the primitive Christians — were a sect.” In the name of Jesus we pronounce this bold and ungodly slander upon Christ the founder of the church of the living God. It makes out that Christ only started another sect of the Jews; classified with the Pharisees and Sadducees who betrayed and crucified him. He would have us to think that those ancient children of the devil, and generation of vipers, and “many other bodies,” together with the primitive Christians constitute one body, of which the Christians were but schismatic, cut off. Shame on such false and ungodly teaching! Is it possible that sect idolaters become so bold, that they strip Christ of his glory to cover the abominations of their little god? The fact is that Christ “made of twain — Jew and Gentile — one new man.” His church is a whole, not a component part, and it never sustained the relation of a sect to those old corrupt factions of apostate Jewry. Again we say, the attempt to classify the church of the Firstborn into the sisterhood of those ancient sects, is an abomination in the sight of God. Unlike the daughters of present mystery Babylon, the bride of Christ never had any sisters. This we prove in Songs of Solomon 6:9. “ My dove, my undefiled is one; she is the only one of her mother.” A crafty F. M. preacher, several years ago, in the town of Kalamazoo, Mich., in an unscrupulous proselyting effort, told a sister that God himself was a sect. This he did by confounding the word sect with sex. He showed that to God was ascribed sex, by the masculine pronoun “he,” “him,” etc., and therefore God is sect. While in meditation after this, the woman thus inquired of the Lord, “God, are you a sect?” Instantly God stretched forth to her illuminated vision his hand, and upon it she read in letters of gold these words. “I am the whole.” Then God shook his hand, and she beheld a small black object fly away, and upon it she read the word “sect” This was a beautiful and very significant vision. Sectism had been ascribed to God, but he shakes his hand from all such sacrilegious charges. It also shows how he has cast off all sectism, and calls his people out of her. God is the whole, and “Christ is God manifest in the flesh.” and Christ is the body, the church. “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.” 1 Cor. 12:12. Therefore the church is the whole, and no sect.

DOES THE BIBLE ALLOW SCHISMATIC NAMES?

Thus says the tract, “There is not an atom of evidence in the New Testament to prove that the followers of Christ should never be allowed to call themselves by any name other than those applied to them in the Bible.”

But thus saith the Lord, “Holy Father, keep through [correctly rendered in] thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world. I kept them in thy name.” — John 17:11, 12.

Cannot any reasonable and sensible mind perceive that as Christ kept the church in the name of the Father, and prayed the Father to keep them in that name, in order that they should be one as he and the Father are one, he positively forbids them to be divided up under sect names?

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of [correctly from] whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Eph. 3:14, 15.

“We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.” Isa. 63:19. These Scriptures positively contradict the above assertion in the Babylon tract that affirms that we have a right to divide into factions under any names we sec fit: while the Word says, all God’s church in heaven and earth is under the one name, derived from the Father. And as for such as take other names, God does not bear rule over them.

WHO SETS THE MEMBERS IN THE BODY?

Thus saith the tract, “Here we see that God did not set the members in their particular place.” But thus saith the word of the Lord. ”Now hath God set the members, every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Cor. 12:18. “Let God be true and every man a liar,” that contradicts him.

(To be Continued.)

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Heidleburg, Miss.

The Gospel Trumpet: I would like to write a few lines to the GOSPEL TRUMPET. I was converted to God one year ago last August, at a holiness meeting, the first ever held in this neighborhood. I was an opposer of holiness, but when Brother Bradley came and preached it, glory to God! I saw it was just what I wanted, and free salvation is what I have. When I read the first chapter of St. Luke, I wonder what makes the people so blind on holiness and professing to be Bible readers too. I’ve been reading the Bible over two years, one year of the time I was blind, and when I heard of holiness I began to try to prove by 1 John 1st chapter; that no one could live here without sin, but when I heard the truth preached I could go to the very same chapter and find, “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Praise the Lord! We had his presence with us in a meeting on last Sabbath. We covenanted together with God “to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.” My motto is “To draw near with a full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” O God! “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.” I ask the prayers of all God’s children that I may be kept by the mighty arm of God. Yours, saved in Jesus,

Biddie E. Brownell.

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