21 April 1892, Volume 12, Number 17.
A Letter For You!
By C. D. Locus, San Diego, Cal.
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Incline your ear and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live. — Isaiah 55:3.
My friend, tire you still unconverted;
Still on the broad road to death?
Then listen to this solemn warning,
And repent while God still gives you breath.
You know that the road you are going
Ends only in sorrow and woe;
That each day leads you lower, and lower,
Then why will you still further go?
You know that your chance of salvation
Grows steadily less, day by day;
That Satan binds you tighter, and tighter.
Each hour in his service you stay.
You know if you die in your sins,
Where God is, you never can come;
But forever and ever, in darkness
Your soul with the lost finds its home.
You know that God offers to save you
From all sin, and sorrow, and shame,
If you will only repent, and believe,
And ask it in Jesus’ name.
You know that even in this world,
That you would much happier be
If from sins that now drag you downward.
Your soul could forever be free.
You know that life is uncertain,
That your soul may be called any day —
To stand before God in the judgement,
Then why will you longer delay?
You know that God’s Spirit will some day
Cease striving with your stubborn heart,
Then the angel of mercy shall sadly
Fold her wings and forever depart.
You know God will not, be mocked;
What you sow, you shall harvest the same;
If you sow to the flesh a d..its lusts,
The harvest is sorrow and shame.
You know if you sow to the Spirit
Life eternal at last you’ll receive;
Leave your sins, then, at once, and forever,
Come to God, and repent, and believe.
You know Christ is waiting to save you,
If only to him Him you will go:
Your sins He will blot out forever,
Your soul make us white as the snow
Now Jesus is tenderly pleading,
The Spirit still asks you to come;
And angels are waiting in glory
To welcome the wanderer home.
[The author of the above poem died in the triumphs of the faith a few week since.]
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Repentance.
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“IN those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matt. 3:1, 2.
In the first place we see repentance is a command, and not only by John, but by Jesus, by Peter, Paul and others. The sinner (after receiving light on his condition in sin, and the final result of continuing in them), begins to seek help; he is directed by the spirit of a merciful and loving God to go to Jesus. He comes with his load of guilt to the cross; there he beholds the Savior dying, sees the blood that was so freely spilt for him, and hears the Savior as he says it is finished, the plan of salvation. Whosoever will may come. Hope springs up in his troubled heart, in spite of all the whisperings of the wicked one. He says in his heart, “The promise is to me,’’ and now begins to get anxious about his condition, and from the depths of his soul, cries, O God, what shall I do to be saved? Then comes die command from God, Repent.
Now conies the most important step of all our life. The great cause of so many blunders in the Christian life, of so many sick and weakly professors, and of so many backsliders is quite often traced back and located in repentance. So you see it is very important that we understand what repentance is. In order to understand it we must look to the word of God and search the scriptures. God’s ministers are commanded to preach repentance, Thus it is written, “Thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” — Luke 24:46, 47.
Now it is a fact that Bible repentance is not preached by our popular preachers of to day, and as we go from place to place, preaching the pure word, a great majority of the professors fight against it, and even when we preach repentance, showing what it includes, they say we make the way too hard; we lift the banner too high. May the Lord God help the people to see that we are not sent out to get joiners, but to preach the word, and he says lift up the ensign, and surely we can not lift the glorious banner too high, or preach the word too straight. Jesus Christ himself will preach the last sermon, and he will say, Depart from me, I never knew you; you neglected to repent.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9. Here we see that it is the will of God that all should repent, and that none should be lost; for this purpose he suffered on the dross. Also it is not only our privilege, but we are commanded of God to repent. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” — Acts 17:30. God has commanded, and it has been recorded in his word, and he is now sending out his ministers to preach it. You must hear it; it comes in mighty thundering tones, Repent! Repent! Repent!
We are commanded to first repent and believe the gospel. Mark 1:15. Bible belief not only includes acknowledgment of his word, but also the observing and doing all his commands.
Second. Repent and be converted. Acts 3:19. This includes the new birth, or a change wrought in the heart by the blood of Christ which cancels all our actual transgressions, and changes us from a life of sin and rebellion to the worship and service of God.
Third. Repent and be baptized. Acts 2:28. In this we show to the world that we are dead to it forever and alive unto Christ, also that we are following him in all his steps. Without a willingness on our part to do this we cannot repent according to the word of God, and therefore cannot receive his pardon, but are in danger of getting a delusion of the devil. Oh I do pray God that you may repent according to his word, and that he may help us to preach and teach his word so that you may clearly understand the will of God concerning you.
“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” Rom. 2:4. Oh the goodness and mercy of God! While we were in sin and rebellion, slighting his mercy, still he followed after us with his gentle voice to win, until seeing his goodness, we were constrained to yield to him, and repent of our sins. For godly sorrow worketh repentance. 2 Cor. 7:10. How often we see people come to the altar, who act as though they do not care whether they are saved or not, who seem to come to please some one, or think that God ought to be thankful that they have come to him. Oh shame on such repentance! For Jesus’ sake and for the sake of your soul, cry aloud to God for mercy. I tell you God can get along better without us than we can without him. Jesus did not come down here to reconcile God to us, (as the Methodist discipline says) but to reconcile us to God. (Bible) We find some at the altar who never shed a tear, who do not pray, and those at the altar who are instructing them have to do all the praying, and all the believing. Oh, dear ones, this is not godly sorrow, you must be anxious about your soul. Cry to God to have mercy on you; your soul is at stake. For Jesus’ sake wake up to your condition.
Again we see some come to the altar who outwardly seem to be very penitent; they will cry to the top of their voice and throw themselves on the floor and exert themselves till they are completely exhausted when in their heart they did not want to pay the price, or refused to come in His way. To such we would say, Read Joel 2:12, 13. “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping and with mourning: and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Repentance includes first, FORSAKING OF SINS. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him: and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” — Isa. 55:7. Let him that stole, steal no more. — Eph. 4:28. No matter what our sins may be, we must forsake them, forsake the way we have been living, and begin to walk the narrow way. Old things must pass away and all things become new. Some people think they can be saved and still sin more or less every day; but this is a bad mistake. Bible repentance stops sin forever.
Second, RESTORATION. “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he hath robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” — Ezek. 33:15. Here we are taught to make all our wrongs right as far as possible; no matter how we have wronged a person, either by actions, dealings, promises, or by saying things we ought not to say, we must as far as possible make the wrong right. Let us read an example: “And Zacheus stood, and said unto the Lord, The half of my goods give I unto the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation. I restore him fourfold.” — Luke 19:8. Here we have an example of true repentance. This man was anxious about his soul; he wanted salvation at any cost, and therefore was willing to do all on his part to obtain it. Well what was the result of this kind of repentance. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house. (Verse 9.)
Third. Repentance includes FORGIVING OTHERS. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” — Matt. 6:14, 15. As we come to God for forgiveness we must forgive every one who has ever wronged us. Some may say, I can forgive, but I cannot forget. They still hold that old grudge in their heart. Ah, dear ones, this is not Bible forgiveness. When God forgives us, he blots our sins out of his remembrance forever; just so he wishes us to do, and without it, we can not be forgiven. I have heard others say they would forgive if those that had wronged them would only come and confess to them. It is your duty to forgive from the heart, whether they come to you or not. “Forgive and ye shall be forgiven.” Luke 6:37.
Fourth. CONFESSION. “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” — 1 John 1:9. Here the word demands a confession, and Paul says, Confess your faults one to another. If you have wronged or sued before any one, confess to them your wrong; if the world knows about it, confess to the world; but if God alone knows about it, confess to him. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” — Prov. 28:13.
Now a few words to those who have once been saved and have fallen. Oh what a bad condition you are in! Think how the Lord once blessed your soul, what happy times you once enjoyed; and oh! think of the awful hell you are sure to drop into unless you get back to God. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Rev. 2:5. What are the first works? Repent and be baptized. I have seen those that had gotten away from God and done things they should not have done, try to get back to God secretly, try to go through a formal confession and consecration without making their wrongs right or without any public confession when all the world knew their condition. Oh I am sick of such renpentance! I will not admonish you to take Christ by faith, but I will admonish you to repent of ungodly deceitfulness. When John saw certain ones come to him, he stopped them and said, Oh generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Matt. 3:7, 8. You must repent according to the word if you would be saved. You can not get in any other way; there is only one door to the sheepfold and that is Christ, and I am thankful he has no respect of persons. Oh dear ones, repent. God, all heaven, and the church are waiting to receive you. Oh heed the call and let there be a shout in heaven over another sinner that has repented.
W. J. Henry.
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What I Am Saved From.
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Dear Saints of the Most High God: May you all abound in grace and be completely filled with the knowledge of his will. Amen.
This subject has been on my mind for some time, and now feel led to write on it. There is no doubt but what we love to hear the real children of God testify to full and free salvation which enables them to be dead indeed unto sin and alive unto our God. But how often this fact is true, that when souls get fully saved and are free from the sect yokes, they allow the enemy — the devil — to lure them off on some line of fanaticism! The enemy is very cunning, for just as soon as he sees he can no longer hold them from enjoying full and free salvation, and they have broken the last chain and the besetting sin is destroyed, he then reverses his power of action upon the soul, and if possible, pushes them far beyond where the Lord can use them. Their zeal is great for the work and much greater than the power, knowledge and wisdom that they have yet received from above. The enemy finds ah opportunity to work upon the great willingness of such souls, and lead them into the most delusive lines of fanaticism. Perhaps every one that has reached the state of sanctification will tell you that they were tempted as much in this way as on any line in the battle of life. But we are not all tempted alike, and bless God! we are not ignorant of his (the devil’s) devices. The enemy will appear in many different ways, which are too numerous to mention. The only safe guide against fanaticism is the word of God. David says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” — Psa. 119:105. And “if we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ; his Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” I do praise God for salvation that saves me from all sin and gives me good common sense, and confines me within the limits of the New Testament scriptures, which is the covenant, and this is the only safe guide against all fanaticism. Oh! many good honest meaning people are led into fanaticism by some one, with an apparent degree of knowledge of the scriptures, saying or acting or suggesting some things that seem good for a few individuals, in regard to the health or way of living, jump at a conclusion and take it for granted that the word of God teaches it and adopts it as a rule, then a law, and condemn every one who does not observe it just as they do. The fact is that the word of God does not teach any such thing. They then go to testifying on this line by saying I am saved from this and that and with this appearance, that they who do not measure to their standard are sinners, while they are living up to the word in its requirements and to the very best of their ability and knowledge, with an eye single to the glory of God.
Some of the saints have such a degree of faith in God, that they will trust God for all things, yea, all manner of sickness, and this is all right, just as the Lord intended that it should be; but others do not have that degree of faith and because they do not have that faith, the others comdemn them and even go so far as to say they are of the devil. Truly this is fanaticism. You will notice in reading the word that in nearly every instance where the disciples failed to do something by the lack of faith, Jesus did not comdemn them and tell them that they were of the devil, but admonished them. Oh how much wisdom the children of God need on this line! There are so many lines on which the enemy would love to get us fanatical. Not many months ago some one asked me if I eat any pork, and I answered, Yes. That one then said, I am saved from the use of pork. In reply I said, I bless God I am saved from nothing but sin, and there is no scripture in the New Testament that forbids the use of it. This individual has a zeal for work, but when the saints have their ordinance meeting this person is not there. Oh how the enemy would love to have us to follow such things as are not found in the word, and omit the weightier matters! Oh for a salvation that gives us that desire to meet with God’s children at every opportunity, and enables us to stay within the limits of the Bible!
Your brother in Christ,
H. W. Hechler.
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Table Rock, Neb.
Dear Trumpet Readers: This afternoon finds me saved and sanctified and kept by the mighty power of God. Oh! I do praise God for leading me out into this blessed evening light, out on the promises of God. I can never praise God enough for my deliverance out of Babylon. I praise him also for his healing power. We have a glorious little church here, all standing firm for God. I wish to be a burning and a shining light for God, kept free from sin, and under the blood,
Your saved sister in Christ,
Louisa Edwards.
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DIVINE HEALING
—OF—
SOUL AND BODY.
A New Book,
—by—
E. E. BYRUM.
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This book is just fresh from the author’s pen, and a glance at the contents is enough to convince any one of its interest and value to those seeking a more thorough khowledge of the Divine Being, and his dealings with people at the present time, as well as in days past.
The first part of the book very plainly marks out the way from sin unto full salvation, according to the teaching of the sacred word.
It presents the gospel truth in such a way as to throw a gleam of light into the pathway of the sinner, and enable him to see that there is hope beyond, through the mercies of a blessed Redeemer.
The BELIEVER is led to see the beauties of full salvation, and the joys in a life of Christian perfection.
THE HEALING OF THE BODY
constitutes the second part of the book. This consists of twenty-six chapters on doctrinal subjects, exposing and overthrowing false ideas and theories concerning the healing power in these last days, showing when, how, and under what circumstances and conditions God heals the sick and afflicted at the present time.
It gives a history and testimonies of healing from the time of Abraham, through the different ages, up to the present time.
The third part of the book consists of the
WITNESSES OF TO DAY.
These are wonderful testimonies of persons who have been healed within the last few years by divine power; such as being instantly restored to sight after having been blind for years; the lame throw away their crutches; broken bones are instantly healed; invalids who have suffered for years immediately arise and walk, after the prayer of faith is offered, etc. The author is personally acquainted, with nearly all the parties who have herein given their testimonies, and gives their names and addresses in the book, so that persons doubting the truthfulness of the same can write to the parties themselves.
It will be a precious volume to those who are afflicted in either soul or body. The chapters on faith, and also other subjects, will strengthen the faith of the reader, and aid in a closer walk with Him who is the “giver of every good and perfect gift.”
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CONTENTS.
Part I. |
|
Divine Healing of The Soul. | Page. |
The Darkness of sin | 9 |
The Way Out | 10 |
The Sinner’s Call | 11 |
Conviction | 13 |
Consecration | 15 |
Faith | 17 |
Conversion | 23 |
Sanctification | 26 |
The Two Works of Grace | 34 |
Part II. |
|
Divine Healing of The Body. | |
The Doctrine of Healing | 49 |
Is The Day of Healing Past? | 53 |
The Use of Divine Healing | 59 |
Old Testament Witnesses | 67 |
New Testament Witnesses | 76 |
The Apostasy | 87 |
The Evening Light | 95 |
The Promise of His Power | 99 |
The Gifts of Healing | 100 |
Who are The Elders? | 105 |
What Kind of Oil to Use | 107 |
Anointing and Consecration | 107 |
Can I Be Healed? | 109 |
Sick For The Glory of God | 109 |
The Use of Medicine | 112 |
Means Which God Blesses | 113 |
The Prayer of Faith | 116 |
Walking out Upon His Promises | 118 |
Resisting Temptation | 121 |
Resisting The Truth | 122 |
Hindrances to Healing | 123 |
Casting Out Devils | 124 |
Sending Anointed Handkerchiefs | 126 |
Spiritualism | 128 |
Christian Science | 130 |
Witnesses Since The Apostles | 131 |
Part III. — Witnesses of To Day. |
|
A Wonderful Deliverance | 135 |
The Blind Eyes Opened | 142 |
Nine Years an Invalid | 145 |
Corroborating Testimony | 149 |
Physicians Baffled for Eleven Years | 151 |
Deliverance from Disobedience | 152 |
Healed, Soul, Body and Eyes | 155 |
Motherhood | 157 |
He Healeth Our Diseases | 163 |
Touched with Divine Power | 165 |
A Trial of Faith | 170 |
Marvelous Healing of The Soul | 175 |
The Family Physician | 182 |
Healed of Rheumatism and a Stiff Joint | 183 |
A Crushed Arm Healed | 187 |
Healed of Tumor | 189 |
At Death’s Door | 190 |
Heart Disease Cured | 191 |
Healed of Catarrh | 192 |
Healed of Cancer | 194 |
Restoration of Eyesight | 196 |
Nasal Catarrh Instantly Healed | 197 |
A Wonderful Cure of Consumption | 199 |
A Little Boy’s Prayer Answered | 202 |
How God Delivered Me | 206 |
A Warning Against Opium | 217 |
Devils Cast Out | 219 |
The Blind and Lame See and Walk | 221 |
Broken Bone Healed | 223 |
An Anointed Handkerchief Applied | 224 |
The Chastening Rod | 226 |
A Friend in Affliction | 230 |
Crutches Thrown Away | 233 |
Healing of Cancer and Consumption | 235 |
The Lord is My Physician | 238 |
A Wonderful Answer to Prayer | 239 |
A Change of Physicians | 241 |
Confirming Testimony | 242 |
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS RECEIVED SINCE LAST ISSUE, NOT OTHERWSE RECEIPTED.
Lucinda Martin, Sigel Hunter, D. Swanson, Jno. T. Brown, J. F. Howell. Wm. H. Miller. S. Rife Alfred Lockhart. Julia Fales, Thos. Carter, Sherman L. Catlin, R. F. Rapp, S. B. Heeter, Cyrus, Moon, C. J. Hunter.
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REQUESTS FOR PRAYER.
Pray for Mrs. Isaac Brown, of Pawnee City, Neb., who is bitterly persecuted by her husband. All reading matter, even to the Bible, has been almost entirely forbidden her. Pray earnestly for her deliverance.
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Big Bend, Pa.
Sister Ada Smith has been sick for over two years. She has an affection of the spine, and is in bed all the time. She claims to be justified, and wants all the saints everywhere to pray for her. She also requests the saints to come and have a meeting, and anoint her and lay on hands for her healing, and sets the time on the 26th of April, at eight o’clock in the evening. Bro’s Koonce, Gadsby, and B. Huffman are requested to come. Pray much and do not forget the time.
Your brother in Christ,
Henry Latshaw.
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Bro. G. P. Keeling, of Bowers Mills, Mo., mentions April 24 as a day for special prayer in his behalf. He writes as follows:
“This is a place of terrible darkness and ignorance. “The people are entirely wrapped up in sectism and prejudice. Brethren, pray mightily for me that I may go through the refiner’s fire and be fully anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power. For the Lord has called me to preach his word, and I know that I must have the anointing of the Holy Ghost before I can use the sword of the Spirit.”
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EDITORIAL NOTES.
Bro J. A. Dillon writes that they start for Kingston, Mo., April 20. Any one desiring meetings, address them at that place.
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Bro. W. M. Wilson, of Norwood, Mo., writes that he has been holding meetings near his home and is now ready to go any where the Lord directs.
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Bro’s A. J. Kilpatrick and J. N. Howard write that they will begin a meeting April 29, at Dodge, Clark Co., Ky., six miles east of Winchester, county seat of Clark Co., and on the Newport News and Miss. Valley, and the Ky. Union Ry’s. The station is the K. U. Junction. Would he glad to meet many of the saints and Trumpet Readers in the South at this meeting which will continue as long as the Lord wills.
QUESTIONS.
Are there any books or tracts published by the saints that set forth that the Catholic sect was the woman that sat upon the beast, in Rev., and that the beast was that little horn spoken of by Daniel? Please answer in the Trumpet.
J.T. Shipman.
Nothing, though Bro. Schell will have a work published ere long that will give the information wanted. Our work on prophecy will also explain these symbols.
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Is it right for saved people to go to school entertainments at flight where they act foolish dialogues, etc. and play the violin and organ, or to let their children go?
M. A. McLemore.
Answer. — No. Such is no proper place for a holy person, and so far as they have control over their children they should not suffer them to attend. Such things are of the world, and lead the mind from God.
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CAMP MEETING IN CANADA.
The Lord willing a camp meeting will be held at Candesville, Ont., June 3—13. Come over and help us. Where ten or more come together, railroads will usually give reduced rates. We will try and get that privilege.
Those wishing to see Niagara Falls, come the day before and stop off at Welland. Those coming on the Mich. Central stop at Perry Station. Over the Grand Trunk, stop at Marshville. (Air line division.)
We expect to have some cloth tents to rent, at low rates. Order at once.
There will be free conveyance from stations.
Parties coming address Bro. James Johnson, Candesville, Ont. Parties coming to Welland or wishing any information, address me at Welland, Out.
G. T. Clayton.
NOTE.
The above notice contained the announcement that I should be there, the Lord willing. Should the meeting not be otherwise supplied, we will doubtless be there. But having done much of the preaching on the same ground last year, we think the Lord will send some new sharp threshing instrument this season, Doubtless Bro. Grover or Bro. Palmer can go. Amen!
D. S. W.
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GRAVITY.
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“YOUNG men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” — Tit. 2:6-8.
“Give no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed; but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God.” — 2 Cor. 6:3, 4.
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” — Phil. 2:15.
O what wise and pure instruction in these scriptures! Bless God for a holy Bible, which points out all the steps of a godly life, and so faithfully warns us against every by path which leads into the pits of sin and death.
The first of the above texts is especially directed to young men, which of course would include all young preachers. The second relates specially to the ministry; and the third an admonition to all. “Young men,” yes even young men, as well as older, ‘likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works, in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” This cuts off all silly tricks, and smart capers; all tantalizing, teasing, lying for fun, etc. Whether true or false, we were informed recently about a preacher slyly drawing open the loop of a sister’s apron string, and as she started to walk the apron fell under her feet. A peddler being present and witnessing the trick, remarked, “Ah! if the preachers can untie the ladies’ apron strings, is it any wonder that sinners should seek to go farther?” O let all God’s saints, and especially all professing the sacred ministerial character, know that peddlers even, and sinners generally, notice all such inconsistencies, and it destroys their confidence, and gives them of the contrary part, “evil things to say of you,” and in most cases the evil thing said, grows to a dreadful black thing.
Another eye witness informed us how, in the crowd at the close of a meeting, a sister was perplexed in getting her shawl on, and finally it was found that a young preacher had caught a corner and was holding it. Is that all gravity, sincerity, and pattern of good works? Nay, it was weak, simple and of the devil, and well calculated to divest the preacher of the real character of sobriety and godliness, and destroy his influence. O in the love of Jesus Christ, I charge all God’s dear children, and more especially all his workers, Walk pure and holy before God and all men, “giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed. But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God.” Ministers of God! O what a solemn thought. Are we indeed commissioned of High Heaven to teach the nations his purity, holiness, and sincere love to men? and shall we be light and trifling and thereby disprove our calling, or else dishonor the character of Him who sent us? Can we indeed teach men the divine holiness of the Bible with our lips, if we do not also do so by our lives?
A good sister remarked to me a few weeks ago, “There are two preachers I never want to hear preach, unless I know they are different than they were when I saw them a couple of years ago.” She proceeded to say that they wrestled and done other things, much like worldlings, for exercise, while they suffered a one armed man, the man of the house, to chop the wood to keep them comfortable, without offering assistance. This she saw with her own eyes, and it had utterly destroyed her confidence in those two preachers. O how our heart was pained when we ascertained that one of those men was a minister we had known for some years, and cherished very sacredly in our heart. O let this be a warning to all God’s messengers! Strong young men, who sit about most of the day, sometimes need exercise, but please do not resort to such worldly cutting up to let out your surplus of physical animation. Rather try to make yourself useful. Ask for some work, or seek something for your hands to do. We have heard of men being won to the truth, by the preachers plying the ax and saw on their woodpiles and prejudice having been thus removed, the final result was their salvation. O beloved, seek to be so filled with God’s presence and holy life, that all men will see and feel that of a truth God is in you, and with this experience in your soul, you will have no inclination to anything foolish and unbecoming in the sight of God and holy angels. O “that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life!” Amen.
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GOD DELIVER THE HEATHEN.
Their native darkness is a sad picture, but just now our heart is stirred within us with prayer to God for their deliverance from the curse inflicted upon them by the ungodly babylon missionaries from our own country.
Last fall we recieved word quite direct from a young man in this country who had been in Africa as one of Bishop Taylor’s missionaries, and was returning because that Worlds Evangelizer had resorted to the sale of tobacco to the heathen as a source of revenue in the missionary cause. Had such been reported to us as the works of some of the dead old sects that never had any light on the doctrine of holiness, it would have been a shocking abomination, to our mind. But as these dark works of the devil were ascribed to Bishop Taylor, whose name has been associated with holi-
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ness, we confess that we did not credit the report. But now the VANGUARD is responsible for the following announcement: “Every mission we know of in Africa (except our own) does tobacco trading with the natives. Bishop Taylor furnishes it to his missionaries for trade. One of them says he has a considerable amount on hand, but will not use it. This seems to us, not the best recommend for a holiness work.” What will the devil next get up in sect religion! It seems to us that Satan himself must blush at such ungodly work. O ye hypocrites, ye missionaries of the devil, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Ye carry the the Bible to the heathen, which demands that men should cleanse themselves from all unholy lusts, and from all filthiness of the flesh, and then set at naught the divine word, and fire the lusts of hell and make money by the destruction of soul, body and mind of the poor heathen you claim to be sent to save. Ye are cursed of God, and without repentance doomed to hell, with all the greedy beasts that corrupt and defile mankind. Ye pretend to preach Christ who destroys the works of the devil, and yet bring to the heathen, the “little black devil” himself that has made our own boasted civilization a slum of vile filth, and a smoking pit of corruption. O may God in mercy send some holy vehement sons of thunder to rebuke those vile priests who are bringing the curse of God upon their own souls, and upon the heathen! O God make haste to deliver the heathen from the leaves of tobacco-trafficking missionaries, and from all the works of darkness! Amen.
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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
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Kenesaw, Neb., April 18, 1892.
At 1.40 A. M. April 15, Bro. Byrum and ourself took train for the West. Reached Chicago in the morning. And after spending most of the day in various items of business, took train at 5.45 P. M. to fly over the great prairie, with our hearts full of meditation and communion with God, and thanksgiving for his great goodness to the children of men. Crossed the Mo. River and reached Omaha nearly ten the next morning. And at 4.40 P. M. reached Kenesaw, Neb. We were met by Bro. Jas. Willis and some of Bro. Achor’s family. Bro. Willis had arrived some days before. And he and Bro Achor had held a few days’ meeting at Hastings. But we found Bro. Achor down sick, looking very bad indeed.But after prayer with him and anointing with the laying on of hands, he has been reviving and we trust he will soon be restored. Owing to the remains or rheumatism in my limbs, I could sleep but little on the train, hence I arrived very weak and worn, and supposed I should by all means be excused from meeting that night. But Bro. Willis and others insisted I should go. After about fifteen minutes’ rest and a few minutes’ sleep the Lord seemed to touch our poor frail body with refreshing power, and I felt ready and eager to meet with the dear saints. O praise God for his great love and wonderful goodness to us! Thank God for the precious little church we found in this place. God blessed us in our talk to the people, and made his precious word mighty through his Spirit in the hearts of some that heard. Yesterday, Sabbath, we had three very precious and fruitful services. Some dear saints from this place expect to attend the Grand Junction camp meeting in June.
We remain here a few days and then go to Denver. Thank God we are gaining in strength every day, and we expect by the blessing of God and your prayers, dearly beloved, that this tour will be much blessed to our good, and redound to his glory ..n the salvation of many souls. And ..o his name be all glory forever. Amen.
Kingston, Mo.
Dear Saints of the Most High God, that in every place call on the name of the Lord out of a pure heart: I am glad that I can report through the Trumpet that I am saved to the uttermost, sanctified by a second work of grace, and kept by the mighty power of God. From Robinson, Kan. I went to Table Rock, Neb. where I found the saints rejoicing in God their salvation, with the exception of a few, who had let the devil sow the seed of discord in their hearts. But praise God, he helped us to pour out the word of God without mixture, and the dear ones confessed their faults one to another and came to the altar, and God restored unto them the joy of his salvation. The church is now in a prosperous condition and standing fast in the faith. To God be all the glory. There were also two added to the family of God by faith. Rom. 5: 1. There were several cases of divine healing. From there I again joined Bro. and Sister Smith at Kingston, Mo.
I remain your saved brother in Christ,
Wm. A. Randolph.
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Fern, Pa., April 12, 1892.
Dear Brethren: The Lord abundantly bless you all. Praise God for glorious victory! When we got to West Monterey, we were surprised to find most of the dear brethren still members of and in sympathy with secret orders, Odd Fellows, etc., and in a dull and rather inactive spiritual state. But very few of them indeed were sanctified wholly. The people there seem to have looked upon the church of God as something like a sect to which they might join themselves, and become saints by getting down at the altar, shedding a few tears and getting up to profess salvation without giving up all the works of darkness, and forsaking all, and abandoning this vain and wicked world in order to become his disciples. But thank God, the Lord laid judgement to the line and righteousness to the plummet; God’s gospel fanning-mill removed the smut and chaff and all errors of darkness, and judgement went forth unto victory with the flaming fire of holiness. About six of the brethren were saved out free from secrecies, with shouts of glory and leaps of joy, and were made free indeed. There were about twenty-five consecrations, who received the desires of their hearts and perfect victory, most of whom were in the first grace; but they passed over into the second grace, and received the glorious Sanctifier. Also a few sinners and backsliders were saved and made clear in their souls. The church was very much strengthened and established in perfect holiness and in the present truth. May the Lord continue to sink them deeper and deeper into his sweet will. But a few did not attain to the perfect Bible standard of entire holiness and holy freedom. May the Lord soon bring them, and soon save the many we left under conviction. Four were baptized in the beautiful Alleghany river by our beloved Bro. Martz. As many or more will be baptized in the near future. The meeting closed with a glorious victory in a precious testimony and holy communion service, in which thirty saints participated. God bless and reward all the kind and free hearted saints and the friends who so kindly cared for us and our company. We shall return thither in the near future the Lord willing.
From there we went to St. Petersburg, Monday, the 4th, inst., and remained there till Friday the 8th. When we got there we also found the assembly in a very bad condition. The Lord truly wrought wonderful miracles of spiritual deliverance and also glorious divine healing of the bodies. Oh bless God for the mighty melting love and power! The dear ones who had been deceived and had lost the unity of the Spirit and the glory of God out of their souls and others who had become lean in their souls, saw their condition very clearly and got under the blood. The meetings were held in private houses. There were about six cases of healing. One sister was joyfully healed of an affliction of eight years standing. Hallelujah! That meeting of three days will never be forgotten. To God only be all the glory forever. Amen. The Lord truly bless and reward them all for their kindness and love to us of which we are so unworthy.
Came to this place (Fern) the 8th, and shall stay at least two weeks or more, the Lord willing. God is working here. From here we go to Fertigs about April 26. the Lord willing, and in the fore part of May, return to St. Petersburg and open gospel fire on the ranks of the enemy, as the people there are very anxious for a meeting. We expect to hold several grove meetings in Pa. Also expect to get a large tabernacle soon. Our love to the holy family of God everywhere. Let all please pray much for us and our success in the work. Amen. Address us at Grand Junction, Mich.
Your humble and blood-washed co-workers,
F. N. Jacobson & Co.
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TESTIMONIES.
Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.
Psa. 119:129.
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Greenwood, S. C.
Dear Saints: I will witness for Jesus by giving my testimony. I do thank God for saving me from so many evils, from sin, sects and tobacco. I have been greatly benefited by reading the Trumpet. I have been trying to preach God’s word for a number of years, but I see it plainer now than I ever did before in my life. Praise the Lord!
Your brother,
J. M. Campbell.
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Hotchkissville, Conn.
Dear Readers of the Gospel Trumpet: I may be a stranger to you all, but I come in among you to give in my testimony for Jesus, and tell you I am acquainted with him and believe in his power to save from all sin, and to heal all of our diseases. I have been healed of many diseases the doctors could not cure, therefore know what I am talking about. Praise his name! It is now eight weeks since I have met with the people of God, and not seeing the name of any one from Conn.. I thought to introduce myself as one among my Father’s family, and I praise God for the privilege. Although miles intervene, yet we are one in Christ. Glory, hallelujah! Here we are pilgrims and strangers, and have no continuing city. But we seek one to come, whose builder and maker is God. There being but one church, God’s people are one everywhere, and a true child of God can feel that oneness of spirit. O Glory to God, now and forever. Amen.
Your sister in Chirst,
Susan E. Teeple.
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Shannon, Ill.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I am so glad that I am one of God’s children, and that I can testify to purity of heart. I praise the Lord this hour for the spirit that makes us one in Christ Jesus.
I will glorify God by telling how wonderfully God has led me out of confusion. It was not preaching nor talking by some person, but the Spirit of God led me in the narrow way. I did not understand at the time what it meant but through the leadings of the Spirit I was led out of confusion. To-day I stand firm on the rock Christ Jesus. Cold professors forbid me to talk on sanctification in their homes. My prayer is, Lord have mercy on them; let thy light shine that they may see the error of their ways. I also pray the Lord to help me to live holiness in my daily life, to show them that where Christ reigns, there is no sin. I am out on the ocean sailing, homeward bound; all the storms will soon be over. Amen.
Your free sister in Christ,
Kittie Stoner.
Testimony of Healing.
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Cheshire, Mich.
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Living God? I feel led to write my testimony to the Honor and glory of God. I do thank and praise his holy name for a full and free salvation and the complete trust I have in him. I tell you dear ones it means something to say that we are trusting God for all things. It is about a year since I was fully saved and sanctified to God. Praise his dear name!
I have been afflicted with heart disease for several years and have paid out a great deal to be doctored, but they could never do me any good. When I was saved I promised the Lord that I would trust him in all things under all circumstances, but when those awful spells would come upon me, and friends and neighbors would think I could not live, and my family all being unsaved but one boy, of course they would always propose a doctor. But glory be to God! He would always whisper in my ear, Didn’t you promise to trust me in all things? And I do thank and praise God this day that I always listened to that still small voice; and through prayer and faith in God I always got relieved. Oh dear ones, I can’t express the many thanks I owe to God for the mighty healing power that he has manifested unto me. Truly it is wonderful. Well I prayed earnestly to God for two days and thought God wanted me to go to the Trumpet Office, and so l told my husband the day I would go. It had been a dread to me to tell him, because he was unsaved and I knew he was concerned about me and had already been talking to me about having a doctor. But when I told him that I was going to trust God for my healing, and that if he didn’t see fit to heal me, amen to it, and I was ready to go, he looked at me for some time and then said, I believe the Lord will heal you. Oh praise God! I can not begin to tell you how my faith did reach up to God. But two days before the time came to go the Trumpet Office I was taken worse and was so very bad that I could not go, and then the Lord showed me that he could work through any of his little ones to whom he had given the gift. We then sent for the brethren and by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil, and faith to God, he did instantly heal me, praise his dear name! I never from that time had the least symptoms of heart failure. Oh dear ones, let us pray to God for more faith. I do thank and praise God for the faith and trust and confidence that I have in him. Pray earnestly for me that my faith may be increased day by day and that I may ever be found low and humble at Jesus’ feet.
Your sister saved and kept by the mighty power of God,
Hannah Sprague.
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Mountain Grove, Mo.
Dear Saints: I am praising God this morning for a full and free salvation that saves me from the last and least remains of sin. O praise the Lord for his goodness, and for bringing me out in this beautiful way of holiness! He is our physician for soul and body in sickness and in health. Oh I praise his name for the wondrous works he has done for me. I want all the dear saints to pray for me that I may always be found doing the will of the Lord.
Your sister, saved and sanctified by a second work of grace,
Sarah J. Cale.
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Pawnee City, Neb.
Dear Saints: I now write you a few lines to let you know that I am saved to the uttermost and rejoicing in a full salvation. I had some of your Gospel Trumpets given me about six months ago and do enjoy reading them so much. The open confession that I have made concerning sanctification and holiness unto the Lord has made me many foes and enemies and I am sorely persecuted. I was a member of the United Brethren and other denominations for 30 years, but the blessed Lord has taken the scales off my eyes and permitted me to see in his own light. What a hypocrite I was, and how gladly I turned to Jesus and gave up all for the cause of Christ! I have let go of the world and taken hold of Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Isaac Brown.
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Willshire, Ohio.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel it to be God’s will that I should write my testimony. A few years ago, I was a sectarian. When God sent some of his dear ministers to this place, I saw more light; and Jesus said, “Walk while ye have the light lest darkness come upon you;” but on account of persecution I refused, and went into darkness and sin. But praise the Lord, he did follow after me, and I repented and the Lord forgave me all my sins, for which I give him all the glory. And I saw in his word that “this is the will of God even your sanctification,” and I presented my body a living sacrifice and he did sanctify me wholly. The Lord is wonderfully keeping me. I cannot praise him enough for what he has done for me. When I was sick I trusted him for the healing power and he did wonderfully heal me. The Lord is working on the hearts of the people at this place. Pray for me.
Your brother saved and sanctified,
Wm. C. Lizar.
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OBITUARIES.
Died in Covert, Mich, of hemorrhage of the bowels, Madie Morrison, March 20, 1892; aged 23 yrs., 1 mo. and 1 day. The funeral was held in the Congregational church house at Covert. May God bless the mourning mother, and save the remaining brothers and sisters.
A. B. Palmer.
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Nevada, Mo.
Died, April 10, 1892, Jewel Teele, little son of William and Sister Emeline Teele; aged two years and two months. Dear Sister Teele was wonderfully sustained by the comforting influence of the Holy Spirit, and her manner and soothing words to the brothers and sisters of the little one showed her resignation to the will of the Master and that she “sorrowed not as those who have no hope.”
R. F. Rapp.
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At Webb City, Mo., Feb. 28, 1892. the messenger of death removed to the better world, Bertie C., son of Bro. Fred, and Sister Hattie Greieber; aged 3 yrs., 6 mo. and 2 days. The parents feel that they have suffered a great loss, but have this consolation: their child is far above all the trouble, sorrows and evils of this world. May they meet him when life’s duties are ended. Amen.
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Carthage, Mo.
Carl Albert Bagenstos was born March 17, 1885, and died Sept. 8, 1891, after two days illness from membranous croup. May the dear Lord comfort Brother and Sister Bagenstos in their bereavement and enable them to say, “The Lord doeth all things well.” Funeral preached by Geo. W. Bolds.
J. F. Lundy.
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Nevada, Mo.
Sister Mary J. Steele, wife of Bro. Nicholas Steele departed this life Jan. 16, 1892 in the 56th year of her age. She left a bright evidence of her acceptance with God. Several times during her illness she testified to her acceptance and “fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” She left a husband and eight children to mourn the loss of wife and mother.
“O, may thy loved ones ne’er forget,
Thy dying last request:
Be saved in Heaven’s kingdom yet,
And share thy holy rest.”
R. F. Rapp.
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
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What our lungs require.
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GOOD health is a fortune. To have it, we must have good air to inhale. As we study the wonders of breathing, the perfection of the organs of respiration excites our wonder; for the hand that formed them is divine. So delicate are these organs, that the slightest pressure would cause exquisite pain. Yet tons of air surge back and forth through their intricate passages, and bathe their innermost cells. Every year we perform seven million acts of breathing, inhaling one hundred thousand cubic feet of air, and purifying over three thousand, five hundred tons of blood. This gigantic process goes on constantly, and never wearies or worries us, when our rooms are properly ventilated with pure fresh air. We only wonder at it when science reveals to us its magnitude. And the air we exhale, passing through the organs of voice is transformed into prayers of faith, songs of thanksgiving and praise, and words of love.
Fresh air is constantly needed. None of the wants of the human body are so constant and pressing as that of air. Other demands may be met by occasional supplies, but air must be furnished every moment or we become sick. It is only but a few years since we experienced the above as a miner toiling in the bowels of the earth. The air was conducted to us through air ways. The air was sent through the mine by a large fan eleven or twelve feet in diameter, moved by a large stationary engine, feeding hundreds of souls with pure, fresh air. The mining law demanded that one hundred cubic feet of air should pass each man every moment: and when this amount would pass he could work with vigor. But when the air ways were stopped the air became foul, and he became sick and had to resort to the outer atmosphere. Dear readers, we have had the same experience as a evangelist; for we often get into places where the air ways (windows) are stopped, and the air is foul, causing all that inhale the same to have a sickening feeling. Dear ones, use what God has given us; don’t shut it out.
What is pure air? The air we breathe is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, carbonic acid, and watery vapor. The first forms four-fifths, the second about one-fifth, the third four-ten thousandths, and the last a variable amount. The nitrogen and oxygen form so large a part, that they are considered in ordinary calculations to compose the whole atmosphere. In the animal world the oxygen is the life- giving element, and carbonic acid the destroyer, while in the vegetable world this order is exactly reversed. Thus deprived of plants we should soon exhaust the oxygen from the air, supply its place with carbonic acid, and die; while they, removed from us, would soon exhaust the carbonic acid and die as certainly. Fresh air purifies the blood. In the delicate cells of the lungs the air gives up its oxygen to the blood, and receives in turn carbonic acid gas and water, foul with waste matter which the blood has picked up in its circulation through the body. The blood thus purified and laden with the inspiring oxygen, goes bounding through the system, while the air we exhale carries off the impurities. In this process the blood changes from purple to red, while if we examine our breath we can readily see what it has removed from the blood. Mr. Louis Winters, a sculptor and mason in England describes an interesting natural curiosity in his home. Some years ago he observed on the banks of the Thames, a small wasps’ nest. This he carefully secured, after stupefying the insects by the fumes of wetted gunpowder. Removing the nest (then about the size of an ordinary apple) to his house, he placed it in a glass case, inside the outer wall of the building, through which he bored a small hole for ingress and egress, and carved the figure of a beehive on the outside. The wasps took kindly to their new abode, especially as several gardens and nurseries adjoined the house. They have subsequently increased wonderfully in numbers, and have enlarged the nest till it is nearly a foot in diameter. It is calculated that the present number of wasps must be at least several thousand. The glass case, which is usually covered and. darkened, permits the unflagging diligence of the little architects to be closely watched. But the most interesting feature of the community within is their persistent and systematic attention to ventilation. In this respect they are a model to human householders. During the recent hot weather from four to six wasps were continually stationed at the hole of egress, and, while leaving space for entrance or exit, created a steady current of fresh air by the exceedingly rapid motion of their wings. After a long course of this vigorous exercise the ventilaters were relieved by other wasps. During the cooler weather only two wasps at a time were usually thus engaged. The utmost harmony and industry appeared to pervade this strange and crowded establishment of interesting but much maligned little creatures.
Let those who wish to test this breathe into a jar, then lower into it a lighted candle. The flame will be extinguished immediately, thus showing the presence of carbonic acid gas. Or breathe upon a mirror, and a film of moisture will show the vapor. If the breath is confined in a bottle for a time, the animal matter will decompose and give off an offensive smell. So let all God’s people have as much wisdom as the little wasps, and breathe good air.
Your humble brother,
J. A. Dillon.
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O Trembling City!
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AND after three days and a half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. Rev. 11:11. The word here refers to the two witnesses (Word and Spirit) mentioned in verse 3 and Zech. 4:1-6, that prophesied 1260 years clothed in sackcloth, and lay dead 350 years in spiritual Sodom. Rev. 11:9, 10. The following is some of the effects of the fear that falls on them that are tormented by these two prophets:
Doniphan, Mo., Jan. 25, 1892.
Beloved Bro. Stan berry: Please allow me to ask you to explain yourself in that you call all churches “hills of corruption” and “valleys of infamy,” and say that no real child of God will remain in such corrupt institutions. What do you mean by calling all other preachers dumb dogs. I ask you to make a public acknowledgment of your insinuations on other preachers and other churches, or give me a chance to follow you in my own defense; and give an identity of your church, your origin and ordinance and your faith.
Yours truly in Christ,
J. W. Richmond.
Being young in years and in the cause it seemed to me a little strange that the Lord would permit a man that had been seventeen years in the ministry to thus question and criticize. We began to study over the past discourses and wonder if we had used more zeal than knowledge, and counseled with the rest of the saints and then went to the blessed word for a decision. We had preached nothing that the word condemned and so we did not care for man if God was pleased. Then turning to the above letter with our hearts lifted to the “Father of lights,” we read and examined closely. As the teachings of the blessed word began to present itself and we began to try the “spirit by the word,” 1 Jno. 4:1-6, we could clearly see the mixture of sectish tradition, inherited superstition, and ignorance of the grand Bible truths concerning the oneness of Christ and all believers (the true body of Christ); her purity; her name and her spiritual workings. As we could not renounce anything we were anointed to say without giving the lie to our “Guide into all truth,” the only public acknowledgment we could make was to own that we were indeed sorry to think that a man had been reading and explaining God’s word for seventeen years, and then finding that both his preaching and practicing were below the Bible standard, had neither grace to seek the “life that is hid away with Christ in God,” nor grit to keep still and endure the cutting of the “discerner of thoughts.” We could not give any identity of our church because we have none; but Christ’s church is of divine origin. All sects have an earthly organizer and human founder; and one could well suppose that such carryings on as are seen in these institutions are not built upon the principles of truth and holy love or Christ and the apostles either. We do not remember calling them “hills of corruption” but surely they must be that rather than the spotless bride of Christ. We have real God love for all who live in the sects and do not fault them if they have the Spirit of God to help them to obey the call, “Come out of my people;” but it is the “ism,” “ite,” “arian” and “ist” that must be destroyed out of the land by the fire of holiness in the glorious evening light. According to God’s word, his little ones will all be gathered into the one spirit of God before Christ comes the second time. Every one must agree that such worldly conformity as is practiced by the professed Christian world to day is not pleasing in the sight of God. Worldly conformity, riotous living, social luxuries, such as balls, theaters, socials, picnics, fairs, festivals, concerts, etc., and a hireling ministry surely bring fatal wounds and final death to all who subscribe to and remain in such indulgences. The infidel and non-professor viewing the present desolate condition of the Trembling City Babylon would be compelled to repeat word for word the following prophecy: His watchmen are all blind, they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleepy, lying down, loving to slumber; yes, they are shepherds that cannot understand; they all look their own way every one for his gain from his quarter. — Isa. 56:10, 11. As were the children of Israel taken by their own disobedience and slackness to hearken to the voice of God, and the Jews rejected Christ because they were filled with their own ways, so the inhabitants of the fallen city seek earthly treasures and present pleasure. The hand of the Lord is not shortened that he can not save, nor his ear heavy that he cannot hear, but your iniquities have separated be tween you and your God and your sins have hid his face from you. Alas, alas! that great city that was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls! — Rev. 18:16. And they cast dust on their heads and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas! that great city wherein was made- rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour she is made desolate. — Verse 19. Spiritual death, fear and torment, and a longing for spiritual freedom, a famine in the land, a running to and fro seeking the word of the Lord, but it shall not be found. — Amos 8:11-13. How plainly is this seen by stopping on some public street in any of our cities on Sabbath mornings; crowds of people rushing to and fro, to different meeting houses only to be fed on — or rather to be starved on — theology, formality, stolen sermons and hired singing. With the blessed evening light of the gospel blaizng bright and high all around us, and the banner of liberty and armor of freedom inviting us into the rest that remaineth for the people of God; with the promise of a strong city whose walls are salvation, and whose gates are praise, let every child of God leave that trembling, destroyed, desolate and doomed city of confusion, not taking a stone for a corner, nor a stone for a foundation; but leave her desolate forever, for the Lord is against her. Jer. 51:25, 26. Dear reader, do not stop and mourn over or grieve after “my church” but flee every man out of the midst of Babylon and deliver your soul. Be baptized by the spiritual into the church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven. While all human organizations have human organizers, the church of the Bible is a divine organization and has a divine organizer. Christ says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matt. 16:13-18. All that has been built since the day of pentecost has some other founder and builder. Christ is the foundation of his church, and hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, Eph. 1:22-23, which is the church. Col. 1:24. And there is only one body. 1 Cor. 12:4-5. God sets the members in the body as it pleases him and gives the body the name, which of course would be the name of the Father of the Son. Jno. 17:11, 12. This name is applied to all that are converted — either have been since Christ built his church, or will be between now and the second coming of Christ — or the whole family in heaven or in earth. Eph. 3:14, 15. Therefore the one name is the Church of God. 1 Tim. 3:5-15. The one church is sanctified. Eph. 5:25-27. And clothed in fine linen which is the righteousness of the saints; and the church book is kept in heaven, the book of life; and to keep our name there we must abide in the vine and bear fruit, and whosoever abideth in him sinneth not. We are built up (if we are lively stones) a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Christ builds the church of believers in his power, in wisdom, and the Holy Ghost is the housekeeper, and all holy and obedient children love to obey him. Bless the Lord! The ordinances of the divine church are baptism as taught in the commission, Christ’s example being the mode. Feetwashing as our blessed Lord taught both by precept and practice. Jno. 13:4-17. The Lord’s supper commemorating Christ’s suffering for us. 1 Cor. 11:19-30. Greeting with a holy kiss is also a command of the New Testament. Rom. 16:16 and eight or nine other places in the New Testament. Preaching, praying, singing, lifting up holy hands and doing our duty as a Christian in all the word of God. The divine church has no cut off discipline, or articles of faith to be reconsidered or reconstructed, amended or declared null and void. Paul tells all to earnestly contend for the faith of the gospel. The gospel has lived through the dark night of Romanism with all its sin-promoting and Christ-denying blackness. It has lived through Protestantism’s compromising, formal age, and as the Spirit of life from Christ enters her in the blessed evening light, having passed down the steeps of time it remains as ever the Holy Spirit. Glory to God! Not one single word has been added to our article of faith nor has man dared to take a single syllable away.
And after three days and a half the spirit of life from God entered into them and they stood upon their feet, and great fear fell upon all them that saw them. Truly God’s word is true and his judgments are just. Let us hail the burning visitation, accept free salvation, and the anointing will break every human yoke, and leave the trembling city a desolation.
Your brother in the glory of the New Jerusalem,
A. B. Stanberry.
Carthage, Mo.
TESTIMONIES.
Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.
Psa. 119:129.
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Antwerp, Ohio.
Dear Readers: I feel this morning like writing my testimony to honor God who has saved my soul and gives me a Bible experience every day. We testify that he is our physician, and a present help in every time of need.
From your brother,
G. Shimer.
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Hamilton, Mich.
Dear Brethren in Christ: I feel led of the Lord to add my testimony to the Trumpet. I can say that I am saved, washed and redeemed through the blood of Jesus. O praise the Lord for salvation! I do thank God that when down in Babylon, I heard the call, “Come out of her my people.” O how thankful I am that I obeyed!
Your saved brother in Christ,
J. L. Ringle.
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Roann, Ind.
Dear Saints of God: As we have never given our testimony through the Trumpet, we will say to the glory of God, that we are saved by the precious blood of Jesus, free from all sin and sect confusion. Hallelujah to God for the keeping power! The dear Lord sweetly keeps us by his mighty power. We are walking in the beautiful light of God, in his church, having fellowship with him and his dear children. Praise the Lord!
Yours in Christ,
Emory & Laura Ferree.
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La Paz, Ind.
I thank God for what he has done for me. I know he has saved my soul and it is my determination to serve him while I live. I have sweet peace in my soul. I feel more determined to fight for my blessed Master than ever before. I trust that God will send some Holy Ghost person to this place! to preach the true word of God to this sinful people. O I do love to serve my blessed Master! There is more joy in serving God one day than ill serving mammon a lifetime. I cannot do enough for my blessed God. He has done so much for his children. When I look around me and see the sin and strife of this world it makes me cling closer to Jesus.
Pray for me, dear saints.
Catharine Forsyth.
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Cedar Creek, Mich.
Dear Saints: I feel it is to the honor and glory of God for me to write my testimony. I do praise my Savior for a salvation that saves me and keeps me free from all sin, and gives me faith to grasp all of God’s promises. O praise God for the glory I feel in my soul! The Savior says, “For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.” And I do praise his that my treasure is all over there with him. When we see men and women all given up to God, our hearts go out to them with a pure and holy love that comes right down from heaven. May God ever keep his little ones.
Your brother under the blood,
J. B. Polley.
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Shandon, Cal.
Dear Saints of the living God: I once more feel led of the Lord to send in my testimony. I am saved and kept by power divine, from all sin. O praise God for saving a poor sinner like I was! I have not seen a saved person since my husband sold out in the East and came here. But praise the Lord! I see in the Trumpet they are coming nearer all the time, and I hope and pray the Lord will send some of his Holy Ghost baptized ones to preach the gospel here, in its purity.
I praise God for delivering me out of sects and from every thing that is contrary to his word. He is my physician for both soul and body. Dear brothers and sisters, pray for me. God bless you all and keep you true to him. From your sister, saved and trusting in the Lord,