22 November October 1894, Volume 14, Number 45.
Primitive Christianity.
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Happy the souls who first believed,
To Jesus and each other cleaved,
Joined by the unction from above,
In mystic fellowship and love.
Meek, simple followers of the Lamb,
They lived and spake and thought the same;
Broke the commemorative bread,
And drank the Spirit of their Head.
On God they cast their every care —
Wresting with God in mighty prayer;
They claimed the grace through Jesus giver,
By prayer they shut and opened heaven.
To Jesus they performed their vows —
A little church in every house,
They joyfully conspired to raise
Their ceaseless sacrifice of praise.
Propriety was there unknown,
None called what he possessed his own;
Where all the common blessings share,
No selfish happiness was there.
With grace abundantly endued,
A pure believing multitude!
They all were of one heart and soul,
And only love inspired the whole.
Oh what an age of golden days!
Oh what a choice, peculiar race!
Wash’d in the Lamb’s all cleansing blood,
Anointed kings and priests to God.
Selected.
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WHICH?
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One Church or Many?
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REVIEW OF A TRACT BEARING THE ABOVE TITLE.
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Written by W. K. Marshall, D. D. of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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The first topic of the tract bears this heading: “AN INSPIRED PRAYER UNANSWERED.” Then follows this scriptural quotation:
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word: that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. * * * That they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” Jno. 17.
Mr. Marshall seems to have very great convictions as he reads this earnest petition of the Son of God, for a unity of all Christian believers; and asks the question, “Does the church of to day realize and enjoy that for which its great head prayed?” By the asking of this question Mr. M. betrays his ignorance of the body of Jesus Christ, the church. He evidently means by “the church of to day,” the various sects now extant, and we see him placing Jesus as “its” great head. Herein is ignorance. True, Jesus Christ is the great head of the body, the church, Col. 1:18, but not of the present human systems and schisms. The so-called “church of to day” will have to look elsewhere for its “great head.” She may find and know her head by a scar from a wound that was healed. Rev. 13:3.
Mr. M. asks another question: ‘‘Has it (this prayer) ever been answered?” “Has the world ever witnessed the unity of Christians as prayed for by the Savior?” The word of God answers plainly that this Christian unity did exist; also Mr. M’s quotation from Dr. Adam Clarke answers it thus:
“This prayer was literally answered to the first believers who were all of one heart and one soul, Acts 4:32, and why is it that believers are not in the same spirit now? Because they neither attend to the example nor to the truth of Christ.” Here Dr. Clarke confesses that the believers in the various sects are not real Bible believers as were the “first believers,” because “they do not attend to the example nor to the truth of Christ.” Mr. M. also makes an honest acknowledgement when he says, “If this statement of Dr. Clarke be true, Christian unity must be one of the lost arts, for we search in vain for such an expression of oneness of heart and soul in modern times.” He sees nothing beyond the present existing human ecclesiasticisms. The primitive church enjoyed and manifested to this world the oneness for which Jesus prayed. “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul.” Acts 4:32. “And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.” Acts 5:12. The world witnessed this unity of Christian believers as is proven by a quotation Mr. M. makes from Irenaeus.
“The church having received this (the apostles’) faith and doctrine, although dispersed through the whole world, dilligently preserved it, as though she inhabited but one house, and accordingly she believes these things as though she had but one soul and one heart, and constantly preaches and teaches these things as though she had but one mouth; for although there are various languages in the world, yet the doctrine is one and the same, so that the churches in Germany, France, Asia, Egypt or Libya have not a different faith; but as the sun is one and the same to all the creatures of God in the whole world, so the preaching of the Word is a light that enlightens everywhere, and illuminates all men that would come to a knowledge of the truth.”
Quoting from Lord King’s “Primitive Church” he says: “A particular church was not the whole church of Christ, but only a part or member of the universal one, and as one member of the natural body hath a regard to all the other members thereof, so a particular church had respect to the other members thereof. Hence, though the labors and the inspections 01 the bishops were more peculiarly confined to their own parishes, yet as ministers of the church universal, they employed a general kind of inspection over other churches also, observing their condition and circumstances, as Cyprian inspected that of Arles, giving this as his reason for it; that although there were many pastors, yet they were but one flock, and they ought to congregate and cherish all the sheep which Christ redeemed by his blood and passion. * * * We ought all of us to take care of the body of the whole church whose members are distended through various provinces.”
This unity of the church in doctrine, according to Hegesippus, continued till the days of Simeon Cleopas bishop of Jerusalem, who was martyred under Trajan; but after that, says Lord King, false teachers prevailed, who by their corrupt doctrines against God and his Christ divided the unity of the church.
We said that the prayer of Christ was literally answered in the primitive church which is sufficiently proven by the scriptures and by the testimonies of those who witnessed the unity. But does this oneness cease with the first few centuries? To appearances we would answer, Yes, because “false teachers prevailed who by their corrupt doctrines against God and his Christ divided the unity of the church.” Schisms and divisions arose and the people began to look upon these as the church and lost sight of the body of Christ, the true church, and the oneness of its members. It is said by some, that “Paul’s instructions on the subject of church unity were addressed to individual and local churches, and are not applicable to the general church.” In anwer we will quote from Mr. Marshall: “I answer that the same then is true of nearly all his writings, and therefore if you confine his argument on church unity to the local church addressed, you must confine everything else he says to the local church and so rob the general church of the authority and benefit of his teaching.”
THEIR VIEWS OF VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE.
In defense of the present sects and dissensions, many excuse the “lost unity” by saying it is an internal and invisible oneness. The sect priests of the present time are so blind, they are unable to see any church without some human organized body. Mr. Knapp in his theology speaks of the church being visible and invisible. “The invisible church consists of true Christians who not only know the precepts of Christ, but from the heart they obey them. “Such scriptures as Eph. 5:27 predicates only that better and nobler part which is called the invisible church. It is known only to God. The visible church consists of all who by profession, belong externally to the church, who attend public, worship, partake of the sacriments, etc. They are often wicked men and hypocrites”
Here is the teaching of one of the best learned men and theologians of his time. The wisdom of this world rises no higher, knows no more than to call visible human organized bodies the visible church of Christ. It is slanderous to the pure name of Jesus, and to the pure word of God to say that Christ and the Bible acknowledge an ecclesiastical polity containing “wicked men and hypocrites” as the church. Such is not owned of God, but is cherished by Satan from whence they have their origin.
To speak of the church that Jesus built as the invisible, and the existing diversity of sects as the visible church is of grossest darkness. Is there only included in the prayer of the Son of God an invisible internal oneness? Is there nothing more of the church external or visible but sects, factions, divisions, and schisms “containing wicked men and hypocrites?” If so, how incompatible the prayer of Jesus. How shall this world know that the Father hath sent the Son unless they see the unity of believers; and how can they see unless there be an outward expression or manifestation of oneness?
If divisions dissensions mingled with true believers, wicked men and hypocrites, wheat and tares, the precious and vile is all that can be seen, and the wicked largly in majority, how can they believe that Jesus is the sent of God?
A purpose held forth in this prayer for oneness is that the world may know that God sent his Son, and that the world may believe that he was sent, and that they may also “know” that God loves them as he does his Son.
How could Christ expect the world to know and believe that he was the sent of God if he should hide so far away “all that is noble and good; the true oneness, as to render it invisible, and make visible only differences and divisions. And how can the world know that God loves them as he does his Son if all they can see among his followers is disunion, contention and strife?
INWARD CAUSE AND OUTWARD EFFECT.
The uniting of heart and soul of believers in Christ in an internal oneness is necessarily followed by an outward expression. There can be nothing diverse between an inward cause and an outward effect. If an outward expression of divers sects and schisms is the visible church of Christ, the inward is the same, and the prayer Jesus prayed inconsistent and unanswered. The oneness that existed in the primitive church when they were of one heart and of one soul was not alone internal, but also found an outward expresion, and daily there was added to the church such as were being saved. The world could see and know and believe that Jesus was the sent of God, and that God loves his children. On this subject of outward expression of oneness we quote from Mr. Marshall’s tract:
“We see the anxiety of Paul and the early Christian Fathers to maintain the unity of the church by having all believers not only “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” but also to speak the same thing, and to be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. Here is unity of mind, speech and action. Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” “That the world may know that thou hast sent me.” Here is the outward expression of an internal oneness — so SHINE that the world may SEE, and seeing may KNOW that Christ has been sent of God, and thus GLORIFY GOD. This is visible, concrete, tangible, knowable oneness. This is the flower that beautifies the plant. This is the fruit that can be tasted and tested. This is the stream that flows from an invisible, inexhaustible fountain, and along the banks of which all green things grow and flourish.”
It is argued by many who are drunk on the wine of Babylon and blinded by her dark teachings, that this visible oneness was necessary in the days of the setting up of the kingdom of God, but since it has become expedient to form systems and to commit to men the charge and government of its external public concerns that good order might be preserved. Mr. Knapp in his theology page 490, Vol 2, commenting on Eph. 4:15, 16 says,
That “Christ as the ruler of the church is now actively employed in heaven for its good and that he will continue until the end of the world; this however, is not to be so understood as to imply that the particular forms of doctrine which prevail at any particular time and the particular church communions originating from them will be of perpetual duration. Changes must necessarily here take place. The history of the church teaches that one mode of church polity succeeds another, and that yet, however great these changes may be, Christianity still survives. External constitutions and economies resemble the scaffolding, which aid in the construction of the building, but are not the building itself. They may be taken down and broken to pieces, when they have answered their purposes, and the building will then proceed in a different way. That this is so, is proved by the history of the church.”
Truly the wisdom of man is foolishness with God. Here the theologian says that the history of the church proves that “changes must necessarily take place.” He admits that Christ is the ruler of the church, which is the true building, and that external constitutions (here he evidently means, forms, doctrines and systems of men) are the scaffolding, which aid in the construction of the building, but are not the building itself. Why then do men call these “external constitutions” the church or churches when they are only scaffolding “which may be taken down and broken to pieces.” The history of the church here spoken of is only the history of the scaffolding on which men have founded their false theories. Christ built his church upon a rock.
THE CHURCH OF GOD — THE BUILDING.
This is the true building of which he is the head. Col. 1:18. The ruler or governor. Isa. 9:6, 7. Matt. 2:6. The foundation. Isa. 28:16. 1 Cor. 3:11. The door. John 10:7, 9. Rev. 3:8. He sets it in order. Isa. 44:7. Set the members in as pleaseth him. 1 Cor. 12:18. The building is all fitly framed together in Christ. Eph. 2:21. It is builded together for an habitation of God. Eph. 2:22. We are raised up together and sit together in heavenly places in Christ, the building. Eph. 2:6. We are joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth. Eph. 4:6. We are knit together in love. Col. 2:2, and we strive together for the faith of the gospel. Phil. 1:27. There is no division among us, but we are perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Cor. 1:10.
This is the building Jesus built, this is the oneness for which he prayed. By the Spirit of the Lord we are “framed together,” “builded together,” “raised up together,” “sit together,” “joined together,” and “strive together.” Such was the oneness of apostolic days.
Mr.Knapp says, “The doctrine of that time is not of perpetual duration but changes must necessarily come.” That they have come to all exterior appearance, we admit. False teachers have prevailed, who by their corrupt doctrines against God and his Christ have divided the unity of the church.” Human craftsmen have reared their scaffolding by the. side of “the building itself,” and have in all their craftinesss endeavored to hammer on their “external constitutions,” creeds and systems. They have so scaffolded and builded, it is true, and brought in their theories and schisms, until their abominable rubbish has, since the primitive oneness and purity, hidden from view the structure reared by Christ.
But at this present day the hammer of God’s truth is breaking to pieces their frail scaffolding, Babylon is fallen, and the true church shines forth. People have learned to look upon these external constitutions, additions of systems, and new forms of doctrine” as the church. And while these have been and are various and dissenting, contrary one to another they concluded that the primitive unity is a “lost art,” and the prayer of Christ unanswered. Odd, indeed, would be a structure reared by these human artificers. Let us take a view of it as it would, and does appear to day.
THE PARTS OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL BUILDING.
In one portion hangs a Presbyterian scaffold, with its workmen attaching under bright colors their addition. Sometimes a plank drops out of their scaffolding taking with it a few workmen who labor under the same title, but a little different coloring. New planks are added with their additional faiths and doctrines and colorings until their compartment has a motley appearance.
In another portion of this structure of human ecclesiasticism we find the Methodist addition. On the north scaffold is the Church North, on the south scaffold is the Church South. The main frame working on either side is about the same, but there is much difference in the shades of painting. There are many minor scaffolds; such as the Wesleyan, the Reform, the Protestant, the Free, and many others with their different shades of painting.
In another part of the building is the U. B. addition with its two main scaffolding, each trying to paint the other black.
Then here is the Baptist, the Evangelical, the Congregationalist, the Quaker, the Dunkard, the Mennonite, the Campbellites, the New Lights, the Winebrenarians, and many others too numerous to mention, numbering over six hundred, each with their own factions, differences and variegated colorings, with the Romish scaffold with its red painting in the midst, until the whole is spotted and dappled and answers well to the description given in Rev. 13:1, 2 and Rev. 17:1-5.
It is true since the hammer of God’s truth is detaching their external additions from the true building and it is shining forth in its single color of pure white, Satan is pouring the sect paintings together, and with bold strokes of the brush is endeavoring to paint them all alike in what he calls a Christian union color.
The prayer of Jesus is being answered to day as it was in the primitive church. We hear the prophet speaking of a coming morning. “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said. The morning cometh, and also the night.” Isa. 21:11, 12.
The morning here spoken of was reached when the “multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul,” when there were no salaried ministers, but were willing to spend and be spent for the people; there were no D. D’s nor L L. D’s, but all were of an humble equality. It was when they spake the same thing, had the same mind, when they had faith in God for the healing of diseases and casting out of devils.
THE NIGHT AND DARK AND CLOUDY DAY.
The dark night spoken of and the cloudy and dark day, Ezek. 34:12. A day of scattering of God’s people was fulfilled in the darkness of Romish night and sectarian gloom, when false teachers privily brought in damnable heresies, 2 Pet. 2:1, “corrupting the doctrine of God and his Christ, dividing the unity of the church” and “scattering his people” throughout a multitude of sects.
THE EVENING LIGHT.
The voice of God speaks again to earth by the mouth of another prophet and says, “It shall come to pass that at evening time it shall be light. Zech. 14:7. This is when the human scaffolding is tottering; when Babylon is fallen; when the two witnesses stand upon their feet; when the angel cries, “Come out of her, my people;” when the angel reapers are “gathering out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them that do iniquity;” when the tares are gathered to be burned; when he shall “gather together in one all things in Christ.”
This day are these scriptures fulfilled in the sight of men. To day God is calling his people out of all sect confusion into the one divine organization where Christ is our all and in all.
Mr. Marshall ask the question:
“WHAT DOES THIS ONENESS INVOLVE?”
We will here, for the benefit of the reader give some scriptural references which show forth the oneness of God’s people, and that condemning all divisions and schisms.
First read Psa. 133:1.
Next read Christ’s prayer. Jno. 17 chapter.
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The Shining Light.
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An interesting paper for children. Illustrated. It should be in every family where there are children. Only twenty- five cents a year. Address.
THE SHINING LIGHT,
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TRACTS.
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Babylon is Fallen. What Church should I Join? Sects. The Master’s Call. A Wonderful Deliverance. Spiritualism, or Bible Salvation vs Spiritualism. Price 10 cents per dozen.
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Question, and Answers on the Church. A tract containing four letters with many questions concerning the church, and the difference between the true church and sectism. Price, 10 cents per dozen.
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The Great Tobacco Sin. 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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What is the Soul? By D. S. Warner. Or 100 scriptures proving that man possesses a spiritual and immortal element 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. Price single copy 10 cents Per dozen 80 cents.
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It would be to the glory of God and a service of love well pleasing in his sight, for the churches in Pennsylvania to send a little help to Sister S. B. Heeter of Turkey City, Pa. to help her out of debt, as her husband after a year and eight months of the most extreme suffering has recently been called home to the Savior. Please remember the poor, and the Lord will remember you with many favors. Amen.
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We commence this week to set the type for the German paper. Six dollars has been sent in towards publishing this paper, and ten yearly subscriptions received. The Lord willing, the first issue will be ready by Jan. 1st.
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TO THE GERMAN FRIENDS OF THE TRUMPET.
Dear German brethren, and sisters, also: The time is pressing for the getting ready of all articles and communications for the “Posaune.” Will you ask the Lord to direct you as to your contributions towards making the first number, of which a great many will have to be sent out as specimen copy, a number being full of interest and shining with the light of the glory of God? You understand the object is to sound the rallying cry to the German family of God in Babylon, as well as to build up in the most holy faith once delivered unto the saints. Therefore contribute as the Lord shall direct you. Send your articles, testimonies, and accounts of the work of God in your localities to the editor, and he will be able to arrange to better advantage, if he gets them soon. And brethren, pray most earnestly for him, that God shall impress him more and more with the awful responsibility resting upon him, so that he may keep very humble and teachable before God. Then do not forget to do for the work of your means, as God has prospered and laid the burden upon you.
Everything intended for publication must be ready for the press early in December, or we shall not be able to get it done this year on account of the rush during the closing weeks of the year. Once more therefore, bestir yourselves, my brethren! May the Lord have his own way with all of us. Amen!
Editor ‘‘Evangeliums Posaune,”
Fred L. Hahn,
466-16th St., Milwaukee, Wis.
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Requests for Prayer.
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Pray for a little girl, Mary Armstrong, who is sick with typhoid fever.
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Pray for Lafe Waisner that he may be healed of a cough and other afflictions.
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Pray for two men here in London. Eng., that they may be saved.
H. Millner.
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I am in a bad condition, both spiritually and physically. Pray for me.
John Kinser.
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Pray for my son that he may be converted and his eyes healed; also that my left eye may be healed and my hearing restored, and I be made every whit whole, soul and body.
Mary E. Hartyog.
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Emlenton, Pa.
Please pray for my sister, she is near death’s door. Pray for her salvation and for the healing of her body.
A. H. Weston.
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I have been sickly for twelve years, and believe it is the will of God to heal me. Please pray that I may be healed soul and body. Also pray for my husband and my four unsaved boys. Pray the fourth Sunday in November.
Mrs. A. L. Lawran.
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Porterville.
Dear Saints of God: Pray for me that I may be healed of dyspepsia and neuralgia, and also for the sanctification of my soul. Your sister in Christ,
L. A. Ducommun.
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Pray next Sunday at 8 A. M. for Edgar Tirey, Brownstown, Ill., that he may be healed of a severe attack of spinal and brain fever, also pray for the salvation of his soul. I would also like to know the address of Geo. E. Bolds.
Retta Bolds,
Brownstown, Ill.
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London, England.
Dear Saints: I want you all to pray for me that I may be able to see the light more clearly and do the whole will of God. I feel that I am justified and desire to be wholly sanctified. Also pray for my husband that he may have the boldness to step out into the full light of the Word. The Lord has healed us a number of times, for which we give him the praise. From one who is trying to love the Lord,
Mrs. H. Millner.
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Starfield, Mo.
Dear Ones in Christ: I was converted Sept. 10, a few days afterwards I was forcibly impressed that I would receive, my eye sight through the power of God, as I have been almost blind for sixteen years, and for the last two or three years can only distinguish light. My trouble originated from ulcerated and granulated sore eyes. I ask an interest in all your prayers that believe God has power on earth to heal the body, restore the blind, etc., to day the same as he ever had, pray God’s will be done. Yours truly,
Henry Wilson.
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Calls for Meeting.
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We have never had any of the true holiness workers in this town that I know of, and would love to have some one come.
Martin Higgins.
Shelbyville, Ind.
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We desire some of God’s ministers to come here and hold meetings as soon as the Lord wills. We are twelve miles north of Huntsville. Your sister in Christ,
Mrs. C. M. Eddy.
Redfield, Madison Co., Ala.
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Bro. J. J. Bently of Visalia, Cal. writes that they are greatly in need of some one to visit them with the gospel. Prospects are good for a harvest, and other things make it important that Bro. Byers or some one else come as soon as practical.
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Dear Brethren: We sent in several earnest calls over a year ago for a meeting here in this place, and no one has responded. We again send in an earnest appeal. Cannot some of the saints come to this place and hold meetings. None but God-sent ministers filled with the Holy Ghost need to come. Yours ready for the truth,
Mrs. Mary M. Giddens.
Tindal, Sumter Co., S. C.
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ASSEMBLY MEETINGS.
Doniphan, Ripley Co., Mo.
There will be an assembly meeting of the saints at the Doniphan, Ripley Co. camp ground, nine miles southwest of Doniphan, Mo. Commencing Sunday, Dec. 23, and last through holidays, the Lord willing. We expect Bro’s Stanberry, Collins, and Haynes to attend the meeting. All who wish to come to Doniphan notify C. C. Scates at Pitman, Ark. when they will be at Doniphan, and he will meet them.
C. C. Scates.
There will be an assembly meeting of the saints of God from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1 or 3, at the Moys School house, thirteen miles west of Pullman and two and one- half miles from Almota, Wash. Pullman is on the N. P. & U. P. R. R. In the name of Jesus we earnestly exhort all the saints and friends seeking after light, truth and a deeper experience, or for the healing of the body to attend this feast of the Lord. Let all the saints of Idaho, Wash. and Ore. make every possible arrangement, effort or sacrifice to be at this meeting. After that meeting we start for western and north-western Wash., directly to the Pacific coast and Puget Sound, and Alaska, Lord willing. All coming to the assembly, and those wishing any information or particulars, address Bro. A. B. Peterman, Pullman, or Bro. B. B. Naff. Almota, Wash. Let all the saints pray for a glorious success.
F. N. Jacobson.
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THE LOVE OF GOD. THE ONLY PERFECT LOVE.
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“GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jno. 3:16. How frail, how weak is the human love compared with the wonderful love of God! All true love comes direct from heaven, and cannot thrive on this earth unless freshened by heavenly showers. The summer of love, for the production of every fruit of righteousness is just as essential as the sunshine for the great variety of fruits that grow in this earth. Every love that does not come from God hath poison in each smile; it wooes us with a dazzling power, but unhappily it does not last.
The joys of earthly love soon fade beneath the firm step of time and leaves a silent pain, a void feeling in the heart, which nothing but the love of Jesus can fill and make the heart more happy and abounding in love. Oh how many there are that fail to go to the divine author of our being, who is able to bring us right down from the frigid zones and arctic breezes, and make us to live in the sunshine of God’s pure love, and put us right under the great sun of God’s will. “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 Jno. 3:1.
If every one who has discovered the defection and crookedness in earthly pleasure, would have the courage to bid good-by to self and the world and yield up themselves to God under the influence of his divine love they would find themselves in a place where Satan’s foul breath would never cause their heart to ache, nor nothing could mar their love and trust in God.
Mattie Helton.
News from the Field.
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Anderson, S. C., Nov. 16, 1894.
Dear Trumpet Readers: God bless you all. We are having continual victory through Christ, and some souls have been saved since we came to this part, and the work of God is moving forward. To him be all the glory forever! We earnestly request prayers for us and the work in this part. Many new places are being opened for the pure gospel, and there is much to be done in the South. Any one feeling moved this way need not hesitate. You will find a hearty welcome, and plenty to do, as workers are very few in this part. God’s blessings be upon you all. Amen.
Thos. and Amanda Carter.
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Uniontown, Pa.
Dear Brethren: I am so glad that I have accepted the evening light. The devil led me while in sectism, and since I came out I am rejoicing in God, fully sanctified. Glory to his name! I have renounced everything pertaining to sectism, even the Sabbath-school lesson leaves, and depend on the unction from on high. I have been at Dawson, Pa., where there was quite an interest in the meeting which was going on for two weeks. Twelve converts and several sanctified. The people in Virginia are most Methodists, and to my surprise they call sanctification a new doctrine. See how the John Wesley sect has wandered away from holiness. Dear saints, give me a place in your prayers, so I can become more efficient in preaching the everlasting gospel. We expect to begin meetings at Moyer, about five miles from Dawson, Pa., and then at Uniontown, Pa., when the Lord leads.
Your saved brother,
Alex. Dittmore.
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La Rue, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1894.
Dear Readers of the Gospel Trumpet: May the eternal favor of God rest upon you all.
Our last report from the field was of the meeting held near Grand Valley, Pa. From there we came to Henderson, Pa., and began meeting in the saints’ meeting house, Oct. 16, and continued the meeting until Nov 11; during which time there were between thirty-five and forty came to the altar for pardon, and some for sanctification. This meeting was truly blessed of God with much spritual power. The saints leaped and shouted for joy. The day in which dear Bro. Wm. Elder was made free from sin, a special enduement of power was sent from heaven upon us all. Oh, hallelujah! Our God is a God of mercy. The last night of the meeting dear Bro. Chas. Perrine came to the altar and confessed his sins and died out to all, and God received and blessed him. Sunday the 11th, twelve dear souls were baptized in the name of Jesus and came out shouting. I never attended a baptismal service when there was so much of God’s power manifested as at this time. Even poor sinners felt the warm influence from heaven strike down upon us.
May God bless the dear church and friends to the truth in Henderson who so kindly cared for us. We left Pa. Monday 12th for the Springfield, O. assembly. I am stopping two days at La Rue, O., while Bro. Warren went on home to his family. At the close of the assembly I will go home and remain one week, and then we will go to Wilton Junction, Iowa and hold a meeting.
S. L. Speck and B. E. Warren.
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Grand Junction, Mich., Nov. 19, ’94
Dear Trumpet Readers: We have much we could report of God’s dealings with us and his work through us, but we deem brevity a necessity. Since our report of Sept, 1, we have labored together with Jesus in New Albany, Ind., and in Jennings and Jackson Co’s. Visited Wife’s relatives a few days. Her aged mother gave up her pipe, believed on Jesus, was saved and baptized. She was formerly a Campbellite. She receives much opposition at home and needs the prayers of all the saints. We returned to New Albany, and on a beautiful Sunday morning baptized in the Ohio river fourteen dear souls that had been saved in the meetings held there by Sisters Fink and Fry. The number to witness this scene was estimated at over two thousand. The shore was crowded with people, while a line of small boats filled with people extended from the shore out into the water, and back to the shore again, forming a circle with God and the baptizing in the midst. From here we went to Louisville, Ky. Here we found many souls hungering and ready to feast upon the words of eternal life. At first an old store room was used for meeting, but this soon became overcrowded; then a room on third floor of the Market Hall was rented, and this proved too small, and next was rented the Portland Opera House, and here the meetings continued until many precious souls were saved.
There has been a certain devilish power there that has deceived some, but all but a few have renounced the same and got clear. Thirteen were baptized, and about sixty took part in the sacred ordinances, and a happier company of people I never saw. They have secured a mission for meeting purposes after Jan. 1, and are ready and anxious for any one sent of the Lord to come unto them to preach Jesus. Some of their number are called to the ministry, and will go forth at the bidding of the Lord. We are thankful to all for their kindness to us, and pray God to reward them. Wife and I came to our home, leaving Bro. G. Tufts there for a few days longer to instruct the little ones. He is expected here in a few days, and then we are ready to go whithersoever the Lord leadeth. Your fully saved and happy brothers and sister,
Chas. and Minnie Our and G. Tufts.
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Brown Hill, Pa., Nov. 12, 1894.
Dear Children of God: The meeting closed here last Lord’s day evening with good success. There were thirteen consecrations. The pure gospel had never been preached here before. We first held meeting in the Advent meeting house. Then the U. B’s desired us to come to Maple Grove and hold a meeting in their house. This they did without consulting their preacher. We had meeting from Thursday night until Monday night, and when we came to the meeting Monday night, their preacher was there with their presiding elder, and another preacher by the name of Waldo, who came into the meeting we held at Blystone, and rose up in the testimony meeting and spoke very bitter against me and the word of God. He was feeling very badly as there were eleven of his best members left their class and came out on the straight line. So he was here at this place, ready for battle. And he did get up and roared like a lion, and told the people that I was tearing the churches all to pieces, and that I called them harlot daughters, and yet I would go in and preach in their houses, and many more things; and also said that the church was founded upon a rock, and the gates of hell could not prevail against it. And when we were through I left an appointment for the next evening, and closed the meeting. Then their circuit preacher got up and called the house to order and said, “This is my pulpit, this is my house and I’m going to close it.” And said if they wanted this woman to preach there they would just let him out, and spoke very unkindly. Then the presiding elder got up and said they did not want to shut the house against this woman; that she preached justification and sanctification the same as he did, with the exception of a few points, and I could preach it as high as I pleased, and he would have no objections if I would get all the sinners converted. But they did not want me to say anything against their church, and if I would sign a paper that I would not say anything against the churches, I could preach
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there. Just then there was a sister who was converted the day before, came to me and said, “You can have meeting in our house.” So when they wanted me to sign the paper I just rose to my feet and stated we would have meeting at Sister McCartney’s to morrow night. And told them that was all I had to say. Neither my husband nor myself made any reply to all that was said.
The outcome of this was that they lost a number of their members, and all the sinners turned against them. The little ones here will hold their meetings in private houses. I believe that there will be a house built in this place in the future, where the pure gospel will be preached. — Before the close of the meeting, I was taken with a very severe cold and am unfit for work at present. I want all the saints to pray for God to heal me of this affliction that the work of God be not hindered. O praise his name forevermore! There are other places here where they desire meetings. In the meeting just closed there were nine subscribed for the Trumpet.
E. J. and W. G. Billig.
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Pendleton, Ore., Nov. 3, 1894.
Dear Brethren and Trumpet Readers: The meeting at Colfax, Wash. lasted four weeks, and closed Oct. 21, with grand results. This meeting was a hard fight of faith and test, but God was with us in saving and keeping power, and gave us the victory. There was a strong opposition at times, and certain evil influences were brought to bear on us and against the work there. Nevertheless. God was with us and stood by us. Though the Spirit of God was more or less grieved at times, — but the word of God was not bound — because of some crooked spirits, and a deceived, puffed up teacher, professing to be a saint. Truly saith the Word, “One sinner destroyeth much good.” The light and truth were planted. The precious seed was sown there, and the foundation thoroughly laid for a glorious work. A few were saved and sanctified and gloriously healed. One was baptized. After dear Bro. and Sister Tubbs returned to the East, my wife took a severe cold, which resulted in a violent attack of phneumonia fever in its severest form. It seemed as though death would certainly take her quickly. The solemnity of that hour rested upon my soul, and I cried mightily unto God and received the witness of her healing. To him be all the praise! We also ask you all to remember her in your prayers of faith, that she may be fully and speedily restored to her former strength of body.
After this meeting, I went four miles out into the country, visiting and talking with dear souls for a few days, when four precious souls were gloriously saved from the Radical U. B. sect; two of whom were sweetly sanctified wholly. Hallelujah! On the 28, we met with the church at the Moys school house, where we had a glorious refreshing to our souls. One was saved and sanctified. It was fourteen months since we came to Wash. During twelve months of that time, we held twenty different series of gospel meetings. Over one hundred saints have been baptized in His name. To God only be all the glory and praise! Nov. 4, I met with the church at the Hubert school house, and just as we were going to meeting, I got word that our dear little Freddie, Jr. had died that morning. It seemed like more than death to us to part with the loved one. Though the parting was painful, yet, through it all, we could say, Thy will be done. The Lord gave my wife a vision fully ten days before his death that he was going to take our darling boy from us unto himself.
The work is still prospering gloriously in Wash. The church is increasing with the increase of God. Souls are being saved into the light. Hallelujah! Bro. Geo. Marbin and I arrived at Pendleton the 9th, and were met at the station by our beloved Brother J. L. Green of Woodburn. He will remain with us in the work for a season. We are now holding meeting in the Kedell school house, twelve miles north of Pendleton. several hands have, already been raised for our prayers, and God is working. We remain in Ore. till Dec. 17, when we return for the assembly meeting, the Lord willing. The Lord has provided us with a new company from the East, whom we expect to join us in the work in the above meeting. The Lord richly bless, keep, qualify and use dear Bro. and Sister Tubbs for his glory, and ever make them a blessing to the world. Pray much for us.
F. N. Jacobson & Co.
Pullman, Wash.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Tidioute, Pa.
Dear Saints of God: This morning, I am thankful for a willingness to serve the Lord and do his will at all times, walking fn the narrow way. I was converted five years ago, but never knew much about the ways of the Lord until a short time ago, when I heard the gospel preached in all its purity at the camp meeting. We have learned the evils of sectism and secret societies, and are free from them. Pray that my husband may be sanctified. Your saved sister,
Mary Wallace.
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Starburg, Pa.
Dear Saints of God, Greeting: God bless you all. Amen. I feel led to write a few lines to the Trumpet to let you know how we are getting along. We had a two week’s meeting. Some were justified, and some sanctified, and some healed. One sister was healed by which God tried to open the eyes of the Methodists by working such a miracle, but their spiritual eyes are blinded. The F. W. Baptist preacher warned his members and also the Methodists to stay -away from us, and remain in their sects. You see he wanted them to remain divided, when Jesus prayed for his people to be one. John 17:21.
Well, dear reader, I was a member of the F. B. sect about three years and a half, and I did not jump out of it, but when I heard the pure word of God preached on the oneness of the church, and I got sanctified by the Holy Ghost, the fire burnt all the sectism out of me. Praise God! And now I am free in Christ, with sweet peace in my soul. Glory to God for salvation that makes us all one! I love to read the Trumpet, it is food to my soul. Dear saints, we all ought to take it and hand it around to our neighbors. God has ft little church here, but it is not fully set in order yet, as there is no elder or deacon. But God is blessing our meetings, and we are happy in him. Praise his holy name!
Last night the Lord healed our girl of a severe sore throat in answer to prayer. Pray for me, that I may be kept humble, and do God’s will. Your brother, saved and sanctified,
Wm. Yates.
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Elmore, Ohio.
To the Saints of God: I am made complete in Him, soul, body and spirit, having the victory in my soul over the enemy and all the powers of darkness. Thank God, we do triumph in Christ Jesus. I am so glad Jesus does help me to walk in the light and the Spirit enables me to see the body of Christ, those who are born of God, and are baptized with the Holy Ghost. I am so thankful I was permitted to meet with the saints at St. Louis in the camp meeting. It was at that place I renounced sectism. It was there that I was undeceived. The true church has the gift of discernment, and it does detect every spirit that is not of Christ. Before I went to meeting I thought I was in fellowship with the saints. I found a company of precious little ones, that Isaiah speaks of in the 33d chapter, 19, 20 verses: “Thou shalt not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than thou canst perceive; of a stammering tongue, that thou canst not understand. Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken.” O praise the name of Jesus! While men and devils fight against the truth, the work of God is going on. Jer. 15:19, 20. has come to pass in my case since I have declared myself free. They do fight against me, but “they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the Lord.”
Well I find it a glorious way if it is a despised way. After we came back from St. Louis we begun meetings in the name of Jesus. God led me to read the word in the meetings. How it did stir up some of the sectarians. After one of the meetings, Father gave me this word, Jer. 5:14: “Wherefore, thus saith the Lord God of hosts. Because ye speak this word, behold I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.” Surely the word is consuming some of them that reject the truth. Jesus will search out his sheep. He says, “My sheep hear my voice,” and “If ye love me keep my commandments.” He commands his children to come out of her. Rev. 18:4. I am so glad I have obeyed the call. Jesus says if ye continue in my word, then shall ye be my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. There are some precious ones in this community, and if they have the light on the true church, will obey. And I am looking forth for the time to soon come when Jesus shall send to this place a company of Holy Ghost fire baptized ministers to preach the whole word of God here.
There are eight different sects in the town of Elmore, and precious souls are destitute of the truth. There are plenty of gods set up in this world and men and women are falling down and worshiping them. Thank God, for consecrated men and women who are going forth crying out against these gods. The “Radicals” of this place do cry out against the lodge god, the tobacco god, and the god of pride, but when the saints cry out against their sect god they get wonderfully stirred. And some of them professing to be sanctified warned their people to stay away from the meetings. God will work in spite of devils. Now I ask you to pray for us at this place, that we may stand for the truth, and have much wisdom, and have the gentle Spirit, and a heart filled with love and sympathy for those that do reject us and the truth. From your sister saved, healed and kept.
Ellen Gerding.
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Found Deliverance.
Hamlinton Creek, Ore.
Dear Saints: I will endeavor to add one to the many testimonies in the Trumpet for the first time. In August of this year Bro. J. L. Green held a series of meetings in our school house, and during my absence from home my wife was brought to the light, and on my return I was very much grieved at her, and very unkind toward her that night. The next day I, like the apostle Paul, began to persecute the church of God, believing I was justifiable in doing so, and these persecutions were the cause of my condemnation, which caused me to go to the Lord in prayer, where I found it was me and not the church that was in fault. So I went on in my condemned state, feeling worse and worse, until I could stand it no longer. I began to seek salvation, but still holding my prejudice against the church, trying to console myself with the idea that “my church” — the Campbelite sect — was as good as any. But I got in such earnestness that I took my Bible and put it in my pocket and read every spare moment. Even while traveling along the road with my team, I would read and study and search prayerfully. This with the help of God led me to give up my sect.
Then I went to work in more earnestness and could realize there was a light in the window for me, if I could only get right. I could realize there was a place where there was peace for me if I could only attain to that height to which I desired. I wanted to lean on my wife, but instead of getting strength from her or being strengthened by her I got weakness, and such was my condition until I was so weak I could hardly hold fast. It seemed as if the last hope was almost gone, still clinging to my prejudice, not reading the Trumpet nor allowing my wife to read it in my presence, or even tell me what she had read in it.
I went on in this condition, still seeking earnestly, praying often, still clinging to the last hope, and was just almost ready to let go of the last hope and call myself a wretch, undone and without hope in the world, when I was seized with a strong desire to try again.
I resolved in my mind to give the next day mostly to the Lord in fasting and prayer, for the first time in my life, and see if I could find out what was the matter. I prayed earnestly and then worked a while, and was more sorrowful than ever. Then I went again in secret prayer, placed myself in as humble position as I could and took out my Bible to read a chapter. My Bible fell open at the fifth chapter of Matthew, and my eyes fell first on the twenty-sixth verse. Turn and read Mat. 5:26, and you will know the rest. And I did so, and immediately he spoke peace to my soul. Praise his dear name! Thank God for peace. Wife and I then read the Trumpet together until bed time, and now I am saved by the blood of Jesus. Praise God! Your brother in Christ,
S. T. King.
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Eureka, Springs, Ark.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel a little sad because I cannot go to meeting, having been proven to be a “Black character,” and expelled from my own once beloved “church,” and forbid any other. I take comfort in reading the Trumpet and a few other religous papers kindly sent to me by those who I know to be Christians or they could not under such disadvantages and humiliation condescend to notice me, rejected by all. God bless you in your endeavors to evangelize the world.
I was born of Jewish parents, who once kept the law. But I find the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the transgressor to bring him to God, for we are all dead to the law. It being nailed to the cross it can no more condemn than it can condemn a dead man, for it condemns only sin. Christ has taken all our sins like when the Jews put their hands on the head of the lamb, confessing their sins, they were taken away; I lay all on Christ, he being the altar he takes all my sins away. He makes me holy, and I can say, “Abba Father,” in Spirit Christ has fully satisfied the demands of the law, and if we accept the sacrifice we are free from all guilt and condemnation. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin, and consequently from an evil conscience. This the law could not do. It could not cleanse the soul. The soul that sinneth it shall die, but praise the Lord, the Blood of Jesus Christ it cleanseth; yes, it reaches the soul. My relatives have forsaken me and left me alone here to live on this mountain. Bui the mountain and forest is beautiful. Praise God! I am a Jewess woman, forsaken by friends and relatives.
Mrs. Mary E. Jackson.
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OBITUARIES.
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Chaplin. — Died Aug. 8, 1894, Mary Edna, daughter of Elijah and Emma Chaplin; aged four months and four days. Dear little Mary’s stay with us was very short, but we believe that God fulfilled his design with the little one. May the sweet and tender cord of love that bound together here continue to draw upon the hosts of the loved ones and win their hearts to God.
James C. Hull.
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Hyde. — Died in St. Louis, Mich., Oct. 9, 1894, Maud E. Hyde, daughter of Lewis and Amy Hyde; aged six months. Jesus, who said, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not,” has taken little Maud unto himself. May the Lord bless the bereaved parents who have since given their hearts to him.
A. J. Shelly.
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Jones. — Died near Melissa, Collin Co., Texas, Nov. 4, 1894, William Franklin, son of Eugene and Ada Jones; aged thirteen days. Grieve not, dear ones, Jesus says, Suffer little children to come unto me. The Lord has plucked this little bud from our bosom and transplanted it in his kingdom in heaven to bloom forever. May this be the means in God’s hands of bringing others of the dear family to the Lord.
W. F. Pickett.
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Smith. — Mabel, daughter of John S. and Sarah Smith of Breedsville, Mich., was burned by her clothes taking fire on Saturday at ten o’clock, causing her death Sunday afternoon, Nov. 4. 1894. Her age was six years, three months, twenty-nine days. Little Mabel believed in the Lord. She told her mother not to weep, she was saved. God bless the bereaved parents, and may they fully yield to the Lord, and live for him so they can meet little Mabel in heaven. Funeral service by
S. Michels.
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South Bend, Ind.
Cross. — Died Nov. 10, 1894, Sister Eliza Cross, after a sickness of nearly five weeks, during which time she gave her heart to God; called for us to come and pray for and with her, and the last time we called she gave a bright evidence that God had accepted her; She was born Dec. 2, 1860 near Harris, Ind. Sister Cross leaves a mother, three sisters and two brothers to mourn their loss. May those who are unprepared, prepare to meet her. Funeral services by
C. Schleehauf.
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Conkey. — Elizabeth, wife of J. B. Conkey, near Marshal, Okla., fell asleep in the Lord Oct. 28, 1894; aged sixty-five years, five months and twenty days. Her maiden name was Weaver. On the 19th of June 1852 she was married to Wm. M. Smith, who died in the Andersonville prison, leaving her with threesmall children. She was again married in 1867 to J. B. Conkey. They moved from Ind. to Neb., and then to Okla., where they took a claim in 1889. Both embraced the evening light when we were here in the spring of 1894. She was ready for the summons, and leaves a husband, children, and many kind friends to mourn the loss. Funeral services well attended. Text Rev. 14: 13.
Mary Cole.
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Jacobson. — Died at the home of Bro. Mathenia’s, fourteen miles west of Pullman, Wash., Frederic N. Jacobson Jr., infant son of F. N. and Susie Jacobson. Born April 17, 1894, died Nov. 4, 1894; aged six months and seventeen days. Little Freddie was a lovely child and had partaken largely of his mother’s disposition. The Lord had revealed to his mother that he was going to take little Freddie, and he was to be the first to be placed in the saints’ new burying ground. To this she simply said, Amen, the will of the Lord be done. Bro. Jacobson had brought his family in amongst the brethren to rest awhile. But he was fifteen or twenty miles away, seeking for perishing souls. The shock was great, but he who said, I will never forsake nor leave thee, put his great loving arm around him and whispered, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Bro. and Sister Jacobson have been faithful workers in the Master’s vineyard, and many saints have been gathered home to Zion, who deeply sympathize with them.
Tender Shepherd, thou hast stilled
The cooing of this little dove;
The cradle is empty, Freddie is gone
To live with Jesus far above.
Thou wast but borrowed, darling child,
This earth was not thy home;
So fly away, and be at rest
Where sin can never come.
’Twas only for the gospel’s sake,
And love for dying souls,
That you, my darling, had no home,
Therefore carried through heat and cold;
But, oh, our blessed loving Lord,
With a heart full of tender love.
Called you, our cherished little bud,
To your new bright home above.
Funeral service by
Geo. W. Bailey.
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He broke down the dividing wall. Eph. 2:14-16.
Making one fold. John 10:16.
Makes one of all nations. Gal. 3:28.
There is one Spirit. Eph. 4:3, 4. 1 Cor. 6:17.
This is the Spirit of Christ. Rom. 8:9.
There is but one mind. 2 Cor. 13:11. Phil. 2:2. 1 Pet. 3:8.
This the mind of Christ. Phil. 2:5. 1 Cor. 2:16.
One hope. Eph. 4:4.
This is Christ in us. Col. 1:27.
One faith. Eph. 4:5. Eph. 4:12, 13.
Same Spirit of faith. 2 Cor. 4:13.
All speak the same thing. Rom. 15:5. 1 Cor. 1:10. Paul here and in the 4th and 5th verses of 3d chapter strongly rebukes the sectarian spirit.
Mr. M. in comment on these scriptures says, “But for this timely rebuke of the divisive spirit at Corinth, doubtless, in a little while there would have been Paulites, Cephasites, Apollonians and Christians, as we now have Wesleyans, Calvinists and Lutherans, each with their own organization and pastor in the same city.”
This one faith is the faith of the gospel for which saints are to strive, and all strive together. Phil. 1:27.
There is but one Lord. Eph. 4:5. Mat. 23:10.
There is but one baptism. Eph. 4:5. When all have the Spirit of the Lord and are led exclusively by the Spirit and the Word there will be but one mode of baptism.
There is but one name. Zech. 14:9. Jno. 17:12.
This is the name. Eph. 3:14, 15.
There is but one heart and one soul. Acts 4:32.
There is but one body. Eph. 4:4. Rom. 12:4, 5.
This is the church. Col. 1:24. Eph. 1:22.
This body is represented by a vine. Jno. 15:1-5.
Saved people are branches. Jno. 15:5.
They are members of the body. 1 Cor. 12:27.
Sectarian zealots teach that the vine is the invisible church of Christ, and that the branches are visible sects. This is untrue, which by the help of the Lord we will plainly prove by illustration. The branch necessarily receives its life from the vine; it is of a like nature, and the fruit it bears the same. Therefore all saved people as branches get their life from Jesus and see eye to eye; speak the same thing, have but one mind, and that the mind of the vine; have but one faith, and that the faith of the gospel; and all bear fruit according to the nature of the vine, which is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.” Now if the various contending sects were branches, unlike and dissimilar as they are, it would be necessary for there to be a Methodist channel or artery in the vine bearing nourishment giving life to its particular tenets. And there must be a Campbellite artery from which the Campbellite sect receives its life and makes it in its forms, ceremonies and doctrines very unlike the Methodist; and so on must there be a separate life-giving channel for each one of the existing sects, bearing a life-giving principle peculiar to their order.
We recently read a little tract in which it was said that in Babylon the Romish sect was the central vine or main tract, and all those “ists” and “ites,” and “isms” were side tracts from this. We believe this to be scriptural. The Romish sect is mystery Babylon the great, the main tract or vine, and sects extant her harlot daughters or branches. True, they are not branches of the true vine, Christ, for Christ is not divided, and the fruits borne by them bear evidence they are not of God, neither get their life from him. In speaking of converting the heathen Mr. Marshall shows forth some of the fruits of sectism and its injurious effects. He says:
‘‘It is becoming more and more evident that the projection of our denominational differences and peculiarites into the heathen mind, and the establishment and perpetuation of the same * * * is confusing and obtrusive, not to say plainly indefensible. It is said that the poor heathen in his bewilderment sometimes asks, ‘which Christ shall I accept? The Methodist christ or the Baptist christ or the Presbyterian christ?’ Is not life too short, are not souls too precious, and is not the settling up of the Lord’s kingdom too urgent to trifle in this way?”
Mr. M. makes a strong plea for Christian union and shows the “immenseness of religious force” by schisms in the following language:
‘‘It is becoming more and more patent that there is an immense waste of religious force by the methods hitherto in use for the petuation of these bodies (sects). Why should half a dozen of these sects see c each to establish itself in a village or small town, and put a pastor in charge, when the place is not able to give a respectable support to more than one or two men, and when that number could do all the work that is required? How many churches have made themselves obnoxious to sensible men of the world by their persistent solicitations for aid, when these men knew there was no good reason for the advent of all of them in their midst? And yet this is the price that many are paying to maintain and perpetuate denominational ascendency under the guise of zeal for the spread of the gospel. Charity and candor require us to admit that we are sincere in these efforts and methods, but are we wise? are we economical? Do we use the talent given us to the best advantage? Are we lot employing the Lord’s money recklessly and without good judgment?”
It is so arranged in the providence of God that man is made conscious just prior to its coming, of every reformation that has come upon earth. While it is the work of God to make man feel in his conscious being to some extent, the force of the coming event, it is the work of Satan to blind eyes and have them expecting for the event to come in a way contrary to which it pleases God to send it.
As in the days immediately preceding the birth of Jesus, the world looked forward to it in great expectation. The heathen philosopher saw his star in the east and God gave him an understanding of its appearance. While many anxiously awaited the coming of the kingdom of God, it came upon them unobserved. They looked for a literal, exterior kingdom, a kingdom of this world, and because it did not come in a way of pomp and splendor to please their proud hearts they set themselves, in their blindness, in battle array against it.
To day the world is made conscious of an approaching wonder. Some are asking what it is Many are expecting and laboring for an answer to the prayer of Jesus in preparation for his final coming. The gathering together of the children of God into a perfect oneness has frequently been prophesied recently; D’Aubigne in his history of the reformation says, “The nineteenth century is called to resume the work which the sixteenth century was unable to accomplish.” Again he says, “The sixteenth century was the epoch of a great separation: the nineteenth must be that of a great union.” Not long since a lady said to us that her husband, who was a preacher, but died some years ago, frequently told her that the time was coming when all Christians must flee out of Babylon.
Mr.Marshall feeling the need and the approach of a Christian unity speaks thus:
“It must come, it is the order of God the Father; it is the prayer of God the Son; it is the work of God the Holy Ghost; it is the fondest expectation of the good of earth; it will be the occasion of the loudest rejoicing among the blood-washed in heaven. Then when the disciples of the Lord are “perfect in one” will the world “know” that God has sent his Son to redeem it from the thralldom of Satan.
“He has sounded out a trumpet which shall never call retreat,
He is sifting out the hearts of men. before his judgment seat;
Be swift, my soul, to answer, be jubilant my feet,
Our God is marching on.”
Mr.Goodwin in an article entitled, “Whither are we Drifting,” which appeared in “The Western Christian Advocate,” quotes the following from Professor Swing, which expresses his feelings upon this subject:
“A change in religion has been made in the last fifty years. I hold with Rabbi Hirsch that the time is near when creeds will be known no more, and when the cardinal doctrines of the Bible will be omitted from all so-called “confessions of faith.” That there is too much ground for such a feeling must be confessed. The doctrine of a hell, as taught by our fathers, or as taught by us a few years ago, is not made as prominent as it used to be, and the “mourners bench” is relegated to the country charges. A “show of hands,” or a rising in the congregation, or the signing of cards in many places is the “outward sign of an inward grace,” and when we speak of penitential tears we do it very figuratively.”
Is it any wonder when sectism has arrived to such dead formalism they are yearning and planning for something to revive it?
While the aristocratic, so-called churches of to day, in their revelry, their feasting, their pride, with its priests of high salaries and honorary titles, luxurious living, and worldly wisdom, proclaim the nearing of a Christian union, yet they are far from understanding the true nature of this present reformation. The frank confessions of Mr. Marshall of the ill results of sects, how he looks upon many of their ungodly practices, his zeal for Christian union is to be greatly admired. It is painful, however, to learn that he expects this Bible unity to be effected by a confederation of the existing differential creeds, as is clearly manifested in this, his language: “No union can ever be secured that involves the absorption of all Protestant bodies into any one church organization, though it is probable that a few existing churches will have to modify to some extent their present systems.” Here those who are saved from all sect confusion and error into the scriptural oneness of heart and soul, spirit, mind, judgment and body, clearly behold great darkness. Remember Jesus prays that they may be “one even as we are one.” As the Father and Son are one, so is the oneness of God’s children in this evening time gathering. “The Father and Son are one in essence, will, purpose, power, expression and execution,” says Mr. M. The children of God that have been made “partakers of his divine nature” and “are complete in him,” are also one in essence, will, purpose, expression and execution. How can this be possible without a total destruction of all party lines and a complete absorption of the members by “being born again” into one and divine organization, the body of Christ.
The children of God are one in will to do the will of their Father. They are united in love to love God with all their heart. They are one in purpose, “striving together for the faith of the gospel.” They are one in expression, “ all speaking the same thing;” and so living before God and this world as “to manifest the love of esus,” that the world may believe on him. They are one in execution, all seeing eye to eye execute God’s word upon pharisees, sectarians and sin in every way.
A MIXED UNION.
Here is the standard of union conceived by Mr. M.
“A union might be brought about by a federation of all Protestant bodies, such as exist among the different states of our republic, each single body preserving its denominational integrity and independence as to ecclesiastical polity, its peculiarities as to methods and all doctrinal non-essentials, but all uniting in the essentials of faith, and in all practical methods of a general evangelical character.”
Would such a union cover the scope or meet the requirements of the prayer of the Son of God. Would this be one even as the Father and Son are one. He has many “single bodies each with their own denominational integrity, and independence,” “with their doctrinal non-essentials.” The Bible oneness is “but one body,” and so completely one in essence and substance as to admit of no dissenting ‘‘peculiar methods.”
The idea of there existing between the Father and the Son “non-essential doctrinal” differences, each “preserving their own denominational integrity,” “peculiar methods,” and “independent ecclesiastical polity.” It was prayed that we should be “one even as we (the Father and Son) are one.” The plan of work and method conceived in the mind of Mr. M. for the effecting of this unity is contrary to the way it is being accomplished. He says:
“Surely if the statesmanship of a hundred years ago was equal to the work of forming a federated union out of the thirteen colonies with their diversified and conflicting interests, which is to day the admiration of the world, the sanctified wisdom of the best men of the various churches ought to be equal to the performance of a similar work for the several evangelical bodies of America.”
The Jew looked for a literal earthly kingdom in the days of the setting up of the kingdom of God. To day the sectarian is looking for this “perfect oneness” to be attained by a “work similar to that of uniting the thirteen colonies,” which was effected by human intellect. But this present gathering together of the children of God is a “work of God, the Holy Ghost,” and stands not in the wisdom of the best men of the various churches, but in the order and wisdom of God.
The unity set forth in the scriptures consists not in a consolidation or federation of the sects and creeds of man, but a total destruction of all these party walls and human wisdom; a complete destruction of the carnal mind and self; a perfect conformity to the will of God; to the obtaining of full salvation or entire sanctification; “for both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them, brethren.” Heb. 2:11.
Mr. M. manifests selfish interests for his sect in an explanatory note where he says: “I am not dissatisfied with my own denomination; in it I expect to live and die.” No doubt, he would glory in a union of all into Methodism. If this should be accomplished it would not meet the requirements of Jesus’ prayer. Scriptural oneness is not found in a human organized body, neither is it, nor can it be effected by man, but melted by the Spirit and moulded into one body, the body of Jesus.
As Eve the wife of Adam was created from his side and became “bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh,” so we, the church, the wife of Christ is purchased by his blood and are “members of his body, of his flesh and of his bones.” Eph. 5:30.
While the sect priests in their pride, luxury and licentiousness are endeavoring for yet greater gains to form a closer union among themselves, independent of all this the Spirit of the Lord is calling out of their dark institutions all his people, separating the “precious from the vile,” the “wheat from the. tares, putting upon them, as the bride of Christ, the fine clean white linen, thereby leaving the sect union a scene of carnal lusts and pleasures, “a habitation of devils and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Rev. 18:2.
This sect union of frightful carnage is effected by three unclean spirits like frogs, the spirits of devils working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Rev. 16:13, 14.
The union of the sects is only the work of Satan through proud men to maintain their exalted positions and oppose God’s simple truth, which brings all on an humble equality, and denominates all “hireling ministers” as “grievous wolves.” The work of God is being accomplished. His children are fleeing out of sectism, obtaining full salvation, living pure and holy, having all things common, speaking the same things, seeing eye to eye, walking in love, adorned with the robes of righteousness, joyfully awaiting the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Chas. E. Orr.
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QUESTIONS.
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THE following questions seem to it trouble people very much; some are asked by sinners, others by the weaker of God’s children, and as the dear Lord leads, let us give a few thoughts in regard to these seemingly, perplexing questions.
- Can we at the present time, attain to, and enjoy an experience of salvation exceeding that possessed by David, a man after God’s own heart?
Answer. David lived under the Mosaic law, and the highest standard of piety attained in that dispensation was justification or forgiveness of actual transgressions. David loved the Lord and his ways, but with all the grace or favor received by him, he did not get rid of that carnal nature, that innates depravity transmitted to all the posterity of our first parents, produced by disobedience to God, and transgression of his holy will. As proof of this we hear him pray, “I acknowledge my sin [Adamic nature] unto thee, and mine iniquity [actual transgressions] have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity [sin committed] of my sin carnal mind or inbred nature]. Psa. 32:5.
Notice here, the Lord causes David to make a marked distinction between sins committed and sin inherited. After David had done the great evil he did, read 2 Sam. 11, he repented and tells us that the Lord forgave the sins he committed, through lust, caused by the inherited sin, yea “the iniquity of my sin.” Psa. 51:5. So he tells us the Lord only removed the effect, but the cause remained. Knowing this, he prays again, “O that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion.” Psa. 53:6. What was it that he so longed for? Simeon, a man of God, longed to see the same salvation. And when Jesus came he said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” Luke 2:25-30.
Christ then was the salvation that David looked for and Simeon saw. And what did he do? He says, “Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up.” Mat. 15:13. That carnal plant or sin that troubled David was not of God, but a plant of Satan, hence. Jesus says it “shall be rooted up.” It was the work of the devil implanted in man’s nature. “And Christ was manifest that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 Jno. 3:8. It is the “sin of the world;” that is, every individual of every nation is born with this sin in their nature.
An effect cannot be produced without a cause. Every transgression is produced by this cause, hence, all sins are produced by this, “the sin” of the world. John said of Christ, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” Jno. 1:29. Praise the Lord! the time has come that the plowman has overtaken the reaper. The reaper only gathers the fruit or seed of the field, but leaves the roots remaining.
We have seen the forgiveness of sins was all any one could receive under the old law, the reaper of truth would take away the fruits of the carnal mind, but leave the “root of bitterness” remaining in the heart. The plowman turns out the roots or stubble after the fruit is taken off.
Now in the dispensation of grace we not only receive the reaper in the forgiveness of sins, but the plowman in the form of the Holy Ghost overtakes the reaper and roots up the carnal root of bitterness or cause of all sins. That is, the time has come when we can be both justified and sanctified, which could be in David’s day. When Jesus our salvation has come, and the kingdom of rightousness established, we read: “He that is feeble among them [God’s people] at that day [after Jesus has come] shall be as David.” Zech. 12:8. In the margin it is rendered fallen, showing that the weakest of all honest souls, or those who have vacillating experiences in the gospel dispensation, shall be as David was under the old law. Now we live under a covenant established on better promises. Praise the Lord!
2. Can we place aught but ourselves on the altar? No: but many times we hear workers, when instructing sinners in regard to consecration say. “Now just put yourselves on the altar, then your family, houses and lands, yea, every thing that you have been connected with and then you are sanctified.” Jesus is the altar, and the altar sanctities the gift, and we are only told in the word, to “present our bodies.” Rom. 12:1. Jesus says, leave or forsake all those others. Mark. 10:29 Matt. 19:29. A man having an ungodly companion, and children is told to put them on the altar; if he can and does do so, they are sanctified with all their ungodliness. But the Bible plan is to give up all, then present your own bodies; so let us remember the great difference in giving up, or casting away anything, and placing it on the altar. This is the cause of so many never coming to the knowledge of a perfect consecration, believing they can take some things on the altar with them, which is not possible. Let seekers be instructed to castaway all for Christ, then they are ready to place themselves on the altar, and not before.
W. A. Haynes.
Stockton, Kans.
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BURDEN BEARING.
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Dear ones, the word tells us to bear one another’s burdens. So I have come with mine. God has seen fit to entrust me with the care, to some extent, of the children of the Home. Truly I find his grace is sufficient at all times. Praise his name!
My burden is this, I find among the little ones here, many active enquiring minds which are constantly craving amusements, and the time is drawing near when it will be too cold or out door amusement, and the rooms of the home are small, and you mothers know how hard it is for you to keep three or four amused; what would you do with thirty or forty or more?
Now the Home has no library. I suppose half a dozen different kinds of books would be the whole amount. And there are many among the Trumpet readers who have large libraries and could easily spare a few, while those who could not send books might send a few cents to be used in buying books. As to what books to send, books on travels, such as Greeley’s and Stanley’s, books of natural history, and books about the Bible and the holy land etc., all will be very much enjoyed by the little ones. And I know God will bless you and more than repay you.
Do not send any books you would not want your own children to read. I nor send any thing without earnestly asking God about it. May God bless you all.