3 January 1895, Volume 15, Number 1.

I AM HEALED.

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With afflictions groat and sore,
As if bound by Satan’s hand.
For thy healing mercy to implore,
Lord, I came at thy command.

Cho: – I am healed, I know I am,
Bass: lam healed, I’m healed, I know I am,
I am healed this very hour,
I am healed, I’m healed this very day,

For my Jesus says I am,
For my Jesus tells me that I am,
And I feel his mighty power.
And I feel his mighty power,

Tho’ my faith was very weak,
Jesus said so sweet and kind,
I will surely heal you ev’ry whit,
And will break the chains that bind.

Then his proffered hand I took,
And the vict’ry soon was won:
I received the perfect healing touch,
And the work was quickly done.

Praise his name forevermore!
I will tell to all around,
How the precious gift of healing pow’r,
Thro’ the Spirit we have found.

E. E. B.

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The New Jerusalem.

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(Continued from Dec. 20.)

IN the preceding articles we have proved that the new Jerusalem is embraced in the new heavens and new earth. That they refer to the new dispensation and new church that Christ ushered in, and have therefore already come down to this earth. But we shall now notice a passage which seems to conflict with other scriptures, and which points to the new heavens and new earth as yet to come. That is 2 Pet. 3:13. “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” The dissolution and utter destruction of this earth and the works thereof by fire had just been declared by the apostle. Hence the new heavens and new earth here spoken of are located beyond the end of this world. For years the other scriptures speaking of this new creation all impressed our mind that it is fulfilled in the present dispensation and reign of Christ. But this language in Peter was in the way of such an application. It was not until two years ago last spring that the blessed Holy Spirit enabled us to see and understand the Harmony of these scriptures.

This key the Lord used to unlock the mystery. Some fifteen years ago the blessed Holy Spirit revealed to our mind the meaning of scriptures involving a similar difficulty; namely this, in Acts 20:32; 26:18; Eph. 1:11; Col. 1:12; and in other scriptures it is clearly seen that our inheritance is holiness, the sanctified state, and that We already possess the same in this life: But in 1 Pet. 1:4 there is clear mention of the fact that an inheritance is reserved in heaven for us. From these scriptures the question would naturally rise, does Peter conflict with Paul? or are there two inheritances for the children of God? In the light of God neither seemed reasonable. And thus the matter was beautifully harmonized to our mind by the adorable Teacher, the Comforter. Two elements make up all the bliss of heaven; first, the heaven state; second, the heaven location. In other words; all that bliss will arise from our inward qualification, and the outward provisions for our happiness. The first part, therefore, of heaven, and that upon which all else depends, is the wholly sanctified state, the grace of holiness. And because holiness is the very element of heaven, and the essential condition of the enjoyment of all its glory among them that are sanctified, i. e., in that experience we are said to already the inheritance of the saints in lights while with Peter we look for an inheritance to come; namely, we expect a home in heaven, where we will enjoy forever this holy union with God. Though an inheritance is spoken of as here, and now possessed, another as reserved in heaven for us, there is but one eternal inheritance of the saints in light, and that is holiness, possessed and enjoyed, first, here on earth, and finally in heaven.

Just so also the kingdom of heaven came to earth when Jesus the King eternal made his first advent, as many scriptures clearly teach; and yet we are taught to wait for the appearing of Christ and his kingdom. The present kingdom is the same in substance as the future, but now the saints possess it on earth, then in heaven.

Just so we are come unto the new Jerusalem, new heavens and. new earth, and she is the mother of us all. And yet when this world shall have been burned up, we still look for the enjoyment of the same new dispensation and church in all; its glory in a new dwelling place.

So while Paul was all absorbed in the heaven-state inheritance, and the present new Jerusalem experience, Peter dwelt more upon the reward of that inheritance, and the glory of that Jerusalem in the future world.

But one text more relating to this new heavens and the new earth, there remains to notice. “For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.” Isa. 66:22. In these last chapters of Isaiah, and in fact, frequently throughout the book the prophet had his eye upon the then coming kingdom and redemption of Christ. From the standpoint of the law dispensation he, by inspiration of the Spirit, looked forward to the more glorious and final dispensation of the Holy Spirit. We are told in chapter 65:15 that at the change from that dispensation which centered in old Jerusalem to that of the new Jerusalem, the Jewish nation would be cut off and leave their name. That is, an entire new order would be set up both in elements and in name. But we are told that, “As the new heavens and new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain.” That is, as this new dispensation and church is final, and eternal, “shall stand forever,” Dan. 2:44, and is the climax of God’s plan of redemption, Heb. 2:2; 9:29, it will never be supplanted by another dispensation, another order of divine grace, under another name. While the law was in vogue the kingdom of divine grace was yet pending. But nothing awaits us now but the coming of Christ to resurrect our bodies, and crowning of the faithful of this last and triumphant dispensation of time. Time will end, but the church Jesus founded at the beginning of this dispensation never. He has “become the author of eternal redemption,” and “hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” The same holy family of God shall abide forever. The different steps and dispensations necessary to the restoration of man back to the image of God, and into harmony. with heaven have all been passed through; and in this holy Jerusalem we are all one “family in heaven and in earth, “hence “we have come to an innumerable company of angels.” Therefore, “as the new heavens and the new earth shall remain before me,” saith the Lord, that is, shall abide forever and not be supplanted by another order or dispensation, millennial or anything else, “so shall your seed and your name remain.” Ail that believe in Christ are the seed of Abraham, Gal. 3:29. and this holy seed is the final bride of Christ, who are no more to be supplanted by another name and order, than is the present dispensation to be succeeded by another dispensation of time. Praise God for the final and eternal Jerusalem which cometh down front God out of heaven, and wherein dwelleth the royal priesthood, and holy nation which are saved from sin in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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ANOTHER GOSPEL.

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THE gospel contains everything that is necessary to our salvation: and when Jesus sent forth his disciples he commissioned them to preach the gospel, and that man’s salvation was based upon conditions of believing and obeying the same.

We wish to show here the deceive-ableness of Latter Day Saintism, as their teaching, apart from the book of Mormons, is the cleverest counterfeit of the word of God we know of. The word of God admonishes us to “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” 1 Jno. 4:1. How shall we try the spirits? By the Word; for the Spirit and the Word agree. Again we read, “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20. So then, this is the only manner in which a child of God can discriminate between the true and false prophet; namely, by the Word —nothing more, and nothing less, and in this God has promised to guide us. Praise God! Again we speak of trying the spirits, which can only be done by those that have the Spirit of the living God; for, “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his.” Rom. 8:9. So then a sanctimonious look scores nothing in the sight of God. We were no little surprised in attending the opening meeting of the “Latter Day Saints” (?) here recently, to hear the amount of truth they advanced to the people, but cleverly concealed their Mormon doctrine, so as to get the good will of the people first, after which they bring forth their doctrine of devils; claiming the book of Mormons and the Bible to be equally inspired, and admit that they supplement to the word of God; which is equal to saying the Word has been defective, which defect has been supplied in the book of Mormons, which they claim “is enjoined upon every believer.”

Furthermore, they denominate themselves the reorganized church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What blasphemy! thus making the Lord Jesus Christ out as being a failure and a liar, bringing that holy name in disrepute by associating it with their unholy principles; and as they also pretend to be the successors of the apostles, and are in possession of all the gifts of the Spirit, we will therefore appeal to the apostles which word will speak for itself:

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:1. “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord.” Eph. 2:20, 21.

Where do we find anything about “Smith” having any part or lot in this matter? Or where is there any opportunity here to reframe and reorganize? But hear ye the message of the Lord, ye messengers of Satan: “But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Gal. 6:9. What is another gospel? “If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth.” 1 Tim. 6:3-5.

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:18, 19. Amen.

C. L. Kaumeyer, Chippewa, Ont.

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SALVATION OF GOD.

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The only thing that fully satisfies the Immortal Soul of Man.

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WHEN God created man he gave him an immortal soul, and made him in his own image, pure and holy and innocent. He was without sin, and his soul was satisfied. God planted a garden in Eden for Adam and his wife, and commanded them, saying, Of every tree thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he told them not to eat, for in the day that they ate thereof they would surely die. The serpent was just as subtile and sagacious as he is in the present day, although he has been in the same business for about six thousand years. He came around with his cunningly laid plans, and asked the woman if God had said they should not eat of every tree of the garden. She answered him, saying, We may eat of all the fruit of the garden, except of the tree in the midst. “Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it lest ye die.” See the cunningness of the serpent! what power he will exert to lure the soul away from God and the right way which God has marked out for us. He said to the woman, Ye shall not surely die, for God doth know in the day ye eat thereof your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good from evil. And when the woman saw the tree was good for food, and pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she ate of the fruit and gave some to her husband and he ate. The consequence was, they immediately lost the perfect satisfaction out of their souls, and were left desolate and longing.

There is nothing that can be obtained with love, money or any price save Jesus Christ, that does satisfy, even to the least desire, and exceeding abundantly above all that the immortal soul is able to think. One of the many ways the serpent has to day to deceive the soul, is to implant a desire in their heart to be somebody great, to have their fame spoken of throughout the world, excluding God entirely out of the matter. But God says. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have they that do thy commandments. — Psa. 100:10. The wise do not hearken to the voice of the serpent, but listen to and obey the sweet arid gentle voice of Jesus.

Every heart that has not Jesus for its satisfying portion is seeking pleasure in this world to satisfy the desolate heart; but alas! all in vain; for this world cannot give it. I care not how wealthy a man may be, or how he may be honored and flattered by this world; he may be deemed worthy to be crowned king, or he may be honored with the legislatorship, it matters not how well versed he may be in science, or how popular his name may be as an architect, a sculptor or an artist, or how he indulges in the social festivities, his soul will yet be unsatisfied, and he will still seek to satisfy it. And thinking that he will gratify the longing in his soul, he will go to the theatre, and there midst the noisy throng with their gorgeous costumes, with costly perfumes and flowers and glittering jewels the curtain is hoisted, and with much interest he takes up his opera glasses and begins to watch the proceedings of the characters, especially the leading one, the hero.

For a short time it may seem to him that his happiness is complete; but suddenly the curtain fails and shuts from his view the object of his attraction and enjoyment, leaving him with only a remembrance, and that, like a shadow, soon fades away, leaving his heart as empty as before.

If that man had taken his Bible and retired to some secluded nook where no eyes save the eyes of God could see him, and looked into the dear old sacred volume, there would have been revealed to him the beautiful character of Jesus Christ; such a precious character that time or eternity could not erase from his memory. There is no curtain to fall between Jesus and those who love him, nothing to hide from our view his beautiful smiling countenance. How beautiful! There is more beauty, grandeur and loveliness in one smile from God than all the beautiful things on earth. The soul is fully satisfied when it knows the approving smiles of God are resting upon it. God gave man his immortal soul, and nothing but God can fully satisfy the same. Mattie Helton.

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THE BLIND EYES OPENED.

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I HAD been an invalid for nearly three years. My eyes soon became so weak and sensitive to the light, that I was helpless and had to be led about wherever I went. I had not read a line in three years, lacking one month. In the month of June, 1883, I heard of the annual camp meeting held by the saints of God. A sister accompanied me there, and continued prayer was offered in my behalf with the “laying on of hands.” On the fourth morning of the meeting, in the presence of a large congregation, suddenly my eyes opened and I gazed upon the audience, praising the Lord, to whom be glory forever and ever! After we had praised God for an hour or more, I went out into the bright sunlight without any unpleasant sensation; the first time for nearly three years, I also wrote two postals. My eyes are bright and strong, and I enjoy the unlimited use of them.

From a sister, saved and kept by power divine, Emma Miller, Battle Creek, Mich.

268 Van Buren St.

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“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. 10:13.

2 page

THE GOSPEL TRUMPET,

A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.

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D. S. WARNER — Editor. E. E. BYRUM —

Office Editor. E. E. BYRUM & S. MICHELS – Publishers.

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Subscription $1.00 a year in advance.

FREE TO THE POOR.

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definite, RADICAL, and ANTI-SECTARIAN, sent forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the publication of full Salvation, and Divine Healing of the Body, the Unity of all true Christians in “the faith once delivered to the saints.”

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Entered at the Post Office at Grasd Juncrion, Van Buren Co., Michigan at as second class matter.

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NOTICE.

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

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

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

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

When you write, be sure to give your address: name, post-office, county, and state.

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

Address us at Grand Junction, Mich.

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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,

Grand Junction, Mich.

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TRACTS.

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All the following tracts except the tract — “What is the Soul?” can be had in German.

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Must We Sin? A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin. 48 pages. Per dozen, 15 cts.

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The Church of God. A tract containing 32 pages, proving what is the Church and what is not the Church of God. Price 5 cents.

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Questions and Answers on the Church. A tract containing four letters, with many questions concerning the church, and showing the difference between the true church and sectism. Price, 10 cents per dozen.

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The Great Tobacco Sin. This is a very thorough tract on the subject, by D. S. Warner treating it from a Bible standpoint. 33 pages. Price 10 cts. per dozen.

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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.

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No-Sectism.” A tract bearing the above title, written by A. Sims, has been reviewed by D. S. Warner, Showing the difference between sectism and the Church of the Living God. It exposes the false theories set forth by Sims. 52 pages. 15 cts. per dozen

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The Secret Vice. This is a sixteen page tract — Illustrated, taken from “The Boy s Companion,” and contains some plain talk to boys, giving them a timely warning against the evils of self abuse 5 cts. per doz.

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Visible Church Organization, Is it Right? This is the title of a tract reviewed by Thos. Carter, giving some points of sectarian discipline, compared by the word of God, also showing the difference between a sect and the true church. 48 pages. 15 cts. per doz.

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Babylon, and What it Includes. By W. A. Haynes. 79 pages. 20cts. per doz This tract very clearly sets forth the true meaning of Babylon, both literal and spiritual. Showing by the Word, of God just what classes of people it includes, throwing light on many important points of prophecy.

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Sanctification. By J. W. Byers. 40 pages. 10 c. per doz. This contains much information for those seeking after holiness and a closer communion with God. It gives God’s part, and man’s part concerning consecration, and how to get sanctified, — how we may know that we are sanctified, — how to keep sanctified. — and many objections answered.

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BOOKS.

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MASONIC SALVATION. By Fred Husted. This little volume treats the subject of Free Masonry from a Bible standpoint. The writer having been a Master Mason, boldly brings the hidden and mysterious things before the public in a clear light. Price, paper cover 15 cts. Cloth 35 cts.

DIVINE HEALING OF SOUL AND BODY. By E. E. Byrum. Part I teaches the way of salvation, and how to get saved. Part II gives Bible teaching on the healing of the body. Part III consists of testimonies from those who have been healed in these last days. This book can also he had in German. 248 pages. Paper cover, 23 cts.

PRIESTS OF ROMANISM; Or. Substitution for Marriage. By G. B. Collins. 15 cts. $1.44 per doz. A Compilation showing the evils of Priestcraft as it has come down to us from Pagan Rome, containing the full text of the oaths taken by Cardinals. Bishops, and priests: the awful oath of the Jesuits and Roman Catholic canons.

HOLINESS BIBLE SUBJECTS. By H. C. Wickersham. Second edition. This is a very valuable hook of 400 pages and arrangement of Scriptures on one hundred subjects, giving a number of Bible quotations on each subject, making it very convenient for the Bible student. It also contains over 50 pages of concordance, tables, Bible helps, etc. Cloth, marbled edges, $1.00.

BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH. By W. G. Schell. Tracing the church in prophecy from her birth to the end of time. Containing a brief history of more than 400 Protestant denominations. The author aims to show the difference between the true church and sectism, giving historical and scriptural proofs Paper cover, 35 cts. Cloth, 75 cts. Address the Author at Anlo, Ohio, or this office.

THE SABBATH; OR, Which Day to Keep. By D. S. Warner. Nearly 200 pages. Paper cover 10 cts. $1.00 per doz. Cloth. 30 cts. It is a very through investigation of the whole subject of the law, and its obligations, the Seventh day Sabbath its object and terminus at the cross. The first day proved by prophecy, shadows, history and the New Testament to he the Lord’s Day and Sabbath of the Christian Dispensation.

THE BOYS COMPANION.

By E. E. Byrum. This is a neat little volume with interesting chapters to the boys, concerning the Secret Vice and other bad habits and their effects. Every boy needs advice and warning in time, and too often parents fail to give the needed advice until too late. The book is illustrated with suitable pictures which are aimed to leave a vivid impression upon die young minds and turn them from the downward road to a pure life. It also contains testimonies and experiences from those who are inmates of the states prison. Boys of every age should have one of these books to read. Price, paper cover 15 cts. Cloth binding 35 cts.

ECHOES FROM GLORY.

By B. E. Warren and D. S. Warner. A second and thorough corrected edition of this new song book has just been issued. Containing 232 beautiful spiritual songs, of which the largest portion are new and fresh inspirations from heaven, both, words and music. Many beautiful and touching invitation and exhortation hymns for revival meetings. It sings nearly all the doctrine of the Bible; especially the glorious themes of present truth. With primary intraction in music. Simple and concise — A practical self-instructor for beginners in vocal music. Neatly bound in pasteboard, price reduced to 40 cts. Per dozen 34.00, all prepaid.

LIST OF MONTY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.

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Gyrus Moon, Wm. H. Miller. James M. Pinson, J. J. Hicks. Amon Allen, J. D. Short. Fred Owen, Jno. G. Brunson, J. H. Windbigler, M. Frey. Geo. Freed. Mrs. M. Southwood, W. D. Keefer. Burr E. Bragg. R. L. Berry, Lucinda A. Rogers, Nicholas Dittmore, Wm. Kowalk, W. D. Lorimer, S. Bontems, N. J. Wilson Frances Gregory. C. J. Light, M. E. Helden-brand, Wm. Carmichael, B. F. Chase, Minerva Burton.

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Echoes from Glory. — Pocket edition, words only, 232 songs. Price 10 cts. Per doz. $1.00.

Bro. G. B. Collins, who is now in Missouri desires to have the testimony of those who have been led of the Lord out of sectism, giving their experience of how they were led out. His permanent add. ess is Grand Junction, Mich.

We have just issued our catalogue for 1895 of the books and tracts published and sold here. This will be sent free on application.

We also have a catalogue of 72 pages of “International” Bibles, which will be sent to any address upon receipt of stamp to pay postage. In ordering Bibles always order by giving the number given in catalogue.

Twenty-one thousand books of “Divine Healing of Soul and Body” have been printed, and nearly all have been sent out on their mission, and are opening many places for the preaching of the pure gospel, and encouraging the hearts of many who are weak in faith. Let every one help to place this work in the hands of the unsaved and afflicted. Price, paper cover, 25 cts. Per. doz. $240.

WHO HATH GOD CHOSEN ?

For a long time we have been impressed that the Lord would have some competent vocal music teacher come to this little camp city and remain right here, at least a good part of the year and teach the children and all to sing by note. Since this school is to prepare instruments for God’s use in this great battle for truth, and since holy song, according to prophecy, and according to fact, occupies such a prominent part in this last reformation, the blessed power of music should be one of the most important things here developed. Who will come?

CHILDREN’S HOME AND SCHOOL.

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Grand Junction, Mich., Jan. 1, 1895.

Dearly Beloved Saints of God, Greeting in Jesus’ Name: I wish you all a happy New Year, and pray that every saint of God may start in the new year with an increase of God in their soul. Also I desire to testify that the blood cleanseth me from all sin, sanctifies my nature and gives me a calm and a peace, and the real joy which satisfies every longing of my heart. I also wish to thank the dear people for their kind and liberal assistance in caring for this large family. Truly God is moving this work. We have been graciously provided for. Our hearts go up to God in gratitude. We have a family of over fifty in all.

We have a large two and one-half story addition to our house all shingled and sided, ready for the inside work. If the Lord has a few consecrated carpenters, they could glorify God in coming to our assistance. We desire to heat this large house with one large steam boiler, which we have on the ground. There are six or seven men working faithfully, giving their time free to move on this great work. We earnestly solicit the prayers of all God’s people that we may keep in the order of God and do his precious will. From your brother, saved and under the blood,

S. Michels.

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Requests for Prayer.

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Pray Jan. 5, at ten o’clock, for my five-year-old girl. Yours in Christ,

E. S. Puett.

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Pray that I may be healed soul and body.

Eliza J. Tracy,

Arthur, N. Dak,

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Pray that I may be saved and healed of neuralgia and heart trouble.

Lucy Forsyth.

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Pray for the healing of V. E. Vowell, who is very much afflicted with lung trouble.

H. Bennette.

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I humbly ask you all to pray that I may be healed. I am trusting God as best I can. Rebecca Carr.

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On Jan, 6, at ten o’clock pray for me, that I may be delivered out of the hands of the enemy of my soul, and saved.

Wm. Whaley,

Iva, Ind.

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Pray for my wife that her mind may be restored, and that she may be enabled to trust God. Pray as soon as you read this.

H. W. White,

Lawndes, Mo.

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Dear Saints Everywhere: Please pray for me that I may be healed of catarrh of
the stomach, of which I am suffering. I firmly believe God will heal me in answer to prayer. E Krucker,

Louisville, Ky.

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I request your prayers that I may be saved and sanctified, and if the Lord’s will that husband and I be healed. We have both been invalids for a long time.

C. Bertram,

Wooster, O.

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I am afflicted with neuralgia and heart trouble. I ask you all to pray for me Jan. 6, at three o’clock, that I may be healed, and for an increase of faith.

Joseph Guyer,

Weston, O.

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Dear Saints of God and Trumpet Readers: I have been a sufferer from rheumatism for seven years. Will the saints please pray for my recovery that I may walk and feed myself once more, by the will of our heavenly Father through his servants. Have special prayer on the first Sabbath in January for healing of both soul and body. Yours in hope,

L. L. Thornburgh,

Kyles, Mo.

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Calls for Meeting.

Some true minister of God is very earnestly requested to come to Nirvana, Lake Co., Mich, and hold meetings.

Frances Gregory.

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I believe there could be some good done here if some good minister would come in the spring and hold meetings.

Geo. W. Cole,

Eldorado, Kan.

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A true man of God is desired to come to Augusta, Ga. and preach the word in all its purity, and help to get the church established in the faith and oneness of Christ. Address W. H. Morris,

33 Adams St.

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If it is possible for some of the ministers to come here soon I want them to do so, for I want to get saved.

Andrew Anderson, Elk Grove.

Sacramento Co., Cal.

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I send an earnest call for the pure gospel to be preached here. A door is open for the truth now. Who will inquire of the Lord about coming? Please do not come unless you are filled with the Holy Ghost, for there is much to be done here. Address Eliza Chezem,

Grand Island, Neb.

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New Year’s Greeting.

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TO all our dear friends and readers we devoutly wish a happy New Year. May you enter the year with a holy zeal to glorify God in your soul and body, which are the Lord’s. Nothing better can we wish you than the meekness of Christ in your heart and life, and the omnipotence of faith in your work for him.

How solemn and awful the place where we stand to day! We have been carried down the stream of time, until we approach its very outlet into the boundless expanse of eternity. Upon us have fallen the ends of the world. We are called in the providence of God to take a part in the last great struggle against the principalities and wicked powers of this sin-stricken earth. O how significant to us are the words of John, “Beloved, it is the last time.” Yea, “We know it is the last time.” The harmonious testimony of all truth, and of current facts on earth show us that we are rapidly approaching the last day of the last days. And yet, beloved, we deem it safe to say to you all what we have only mentioned to a few individuals, and that is our conviction by the word of God that perhaps as much as forty years more may elapse ere the Judge of all shall proclaim the end of time and the doom of all men. On mentioning this to a brother whom the Lord has taught much in the deep things of God, we were strengthened and edified to find the same conviction in his mind. But what is forty years in the sight of Him with whom a day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day? What is forty years but a small dot separating between eternity past and vast eternity future? But we know nothing with any degree of cerainty. God alone knows the awful day and hour, and we may err even in naming the approximate time. Yea, before another New Year’s bells may ring on earth, the trump of God may proclaim the death of time. One thing is sure, the Lord’s coming is not very far off, and all men of all creeds and faiths seem to agree in this. There is a universal impression that we are on the eve of some great crisis.
Our readers have observed that we have not heretofore given ourselves to speculation on the future. The wonders of present truth in prophecy have filled our soul and held our attention. But it may be proper here to look for a few moments beyond the present. Some time ago a very stirring communication was sent us portraying a dreadful time of famine, pestilence, and bloody war and persecution, just at hand. We did not feel free in the Lord to publish it. We know that perilous times are foretold for the last days of the last days; but the burden of these perils is deception, deceiving and being deceived. And yet we know very well that things will assume a more violent aspect before the end. But there is one precious and wonderful prediction that is now being fulfilled, and it is likely will, through the mercy and almighty arm of God hold sway yet some years in the future. It is found in Rev. 7:1-3: “And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the lour angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea. saying. Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” The four winds of the earth represent the turbulent elements of sin, strife and war. These are now being held by the hand of God in check, so that international peace, and commerce, and unobstructed international communications and travel favors the rapid flight of the angels of God. who fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell upon the earth, of every nation, kindred, people and tongue. This is the Lord’s doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes. For the last twenty years, heady teachers of prophecy, seeing in the Bible the mighty conflict between Gog and Magog on the one side, and “God Almighty” on the other, have imagined it a general civil war of nations, and their imaginations have been so wrought up that they could see all these years, the whole Eastern world just ready to be precipitated into a general conflict and carnage. But it never came. Perhaps never in the history of the world have international counsel, and arbitration more frequently taken the place of the canon and military horror, in the settlement of national difficulties and offences. While in their blindness these teachers were predicting and crying up war, God had placed the four great angels of his presence to held back the cruel war spirit, that it “should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree,” and thus he has brought to naught the wisdom of this world. A few years ago Baxter of England announced that the greatest European war that ever raged was about to break out, and he declared that it could not possibly begin later than A. D. 1892. Near the close of that year he revised the prediction, and said it was sure to come in ’93. But ‘93 has passed, and ’94 has mocked his false prophecy, and this blast of the trump of God sounds out over the nations of the earth, unobstructed by the curse of war in the opening of 1895. O let us praise God with all our hearts, and let us pray that the four winds still be held back until the messengers of God carry the glorious tidings of a perfect Christ, and a perfect salvation to the ends of the earth, and all the true servants of God receive the seal of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, the helmet of salvation in their foreheads. We admit that the blessing of international peace has not been the result of prevailing righteousness in the nations. Nay, sin and vice of every kind have spread over the earth enough to call down the scourge of war and devastation on every nation. But the hand of God has stay-
ed the nations from general war f0r the sake of his gospel, “saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Glory to our God forever!

I And beloved, since this gospel of the kingdom would be largely put in quarantine by the out-break of wars, and since it is barely starting out upon its last mission of enlightening the nations of the earth, for the two fold of object of gathering the true servants of God into the unity of the faith, and the preparation of all the world for judgment, therefore let us all forth in the strength of God t0 hasten this great work. It must g0 swiftly: God has said he would hasten it it in its season.

Dear Bro. Byrum has told you something of the rapid increase and spread of the truth in the past, and we here predict a mighty and swift spread of the light in the future. The scriptures speaking of the knowledge of the Lord covering the earth as the waters cover the sea, have recently been noticed. Brethren, it must come to pass speedily. Let us now couple on another text: “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” Isa. 28:17. You see tins gospel of the kingdom must first be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” And when the knowledge of the Lord is heralded abroad and covers the earth as the waters cover the sea. “The waters shall overflow the hiding place,” expose all the refuges of lies, land leave all the perverse, the deceived and the stubborn-hearted without excuse. Let us enter upon the work, therefore, dearly beloved, in the name of Jesus, and by all the mighty power of God turn men to God if possible, pulling them out of the very fires of hell which their sins have already kindled. And the God of peace be with you.

As for us, we ask all God’s saints to join with us in thanksgiving for his great goodness and love to us. For over two years the Spirit was impressing us with the duty of setting down to pen-preaching and physical labor. We were slew to consent to this, our heart was in the gospel field. But the Lord brought us to know very clearly his will. And in great weakness of body we began the erection of a house last September. Bless God! he has in everyway wonderfully blessed us in this work; and now we expect in a couple weeks more to move into our house on the camp, and take up the writing of prophetic truth, with a physical and consequent mental energy we never before possessed.

We were consecrated to go to the foreign lands, and indeed thought the Lord would soon send us forth. But the Lord showed us we were physically unfit. However, we may yet go. Our only wish is that God may get the greatest possible glory out of all our remnant of time, and feeble abilities, coupled on to his omnipotent power and infinite wisdom, Continue to pray much for us, beloved, and the Lord bless you all exceedingly. Amen.

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FAITH AND PRAYER.

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TRUTH and prayer; what will it do? It will remove mountains. Mark 11:23. It will save the sick. Jas. 5:14. It will cast out devils. Mark 16:17. It will deliver in time of temptation. Mark 14:38. It is a help in time of trouble. Psa, 91:15. Yea, fervent prayer and faith in the Lord opens the door of the great storehouse of heaven, and brings the promised blessings which enrich the soul with a satisfying portion of his love, and supplies our daily needs. He is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Eph. 3:20. Then who will fear to trust him, seeing his great ability. Can we not then with perfect trust

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and confidence believe his word and apply it to our own case now for whatever he wills that we should have.

Let us read the promise of present active faith and prayer: (1 Jn0. 5:14, 15.) “And this, is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

This covers considerable ground; it includes the removal of sorrow and trouble, pain and disease, the powers of Satan and difficulties which hinder the Spiritual progress; in fact, it says, “If we ask anything.” In connection with this it is also well to read 1 Jno. 3:22.

These and multitudes of other precious promises are for the children of God. But there are many who profess to be children of God and do not know that these promises are for his children who are now living here upon the earth. They rather seem to think that the Bible was mostly for people of olden times. Nay, we are instructed to “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.” That means that we are to have it, exercise it, and enjoy the benefits thereof.

Now here is something for us to day, if we are true children of God: “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Jas. 5:13-16.

This does not say that we shall send for a doctor, but for the elders; it does not say that the elders shall give a dose of medicine, but shall anoint with oil, and the Lord will do the raising up. Do not be afraid to trust in him who is so abundantly able to give. a E. E. Byrum.

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HEALED OF CATARRH.

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Grand Junction, Mich.

Dear Saints: I feel that it would be to the glory of God for me to tell of God’s wonderful power to me. When he found me, he found me in a wretched condition, both spiritually and physically. About six years ago I first gave my heart to God and he did freely justify my soul, but soon after this I joined the Winebrennarian sect and lived in it about two years, all the time with a profession, but not a possession. Then I heard the evening light preached, and I walked in the light which brought me out of sectism into the church of the living God.

Ever since a child I was afflicted with catarrh in the head which became chronic, and somewhat effected my speech and hearing. Also many other ailments followed, until I became a great sufferer. I tried all the remedies I could get hold of, but no help came; and then I was urged by a friend to go to a lady evangelist by the name of Mrs. M. B. Woodworth, who was holding a camp meeting about eight miles away. Many people came from afar to her to be healed of their diseases. I went to her to be healed, and seemed to be helped for a while, but afterwards was worse than before. Then I became nervous, which got worse and worse so that I could not sleep at night, and had no rest at day. After suffering this way for a long time I called for the elders of the church according to Jas. 5:14, 15, and God did wonderfully heal my body of all the afflictions and make me well. Where I was once nervous, I have quiet nerves; and where I was once hard of hearing, I can hear just as good as I ever did, and I have not felt any symptoms of catarrh since. To God I give, all the glory. I am
walking in the light of God each day and hour. Praise his holy name! Your brother, saved and kept,

William A. Bixler.

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HE IS JUST THE SAME TO DAY. Psa. 103:3.

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Dear Saints: My sympathy for the afflicted, and my desire to glorify God leads me to repeat briefly the testimony of years ago together with some of the gracious deliverances wrought through his healing power quite recently.

I was an invalid fifteen years, from internal diseases which the best medical skill could not overcome. Nearly ten years of that time I was without the natural use of my eyes as the result of a sympathetic nerve weakness, not able to read a page or sew a yard of cloth, or to keep my eyes open half a minute at a time during the most of those years. I was shut out from the world, as it were, enduring my lot through grace when the early rays of the “evening light” began to send forth messages of hope and comfort to those who were bound, and to set the captives free.

Being assured that our Lord is just the same to day when we meet the conditions of his Word, I accordingly sent for the elders of the church, was anointed, and with the laying on of hands in Jesus’ name, the prayer of faith ascended to the throne of God, and I was instantly healed. Praise his dear name!

For several years past I have suffered more or less from chronic constipation. My sister also, Emma Miller (whose name is familiar to many), has suffered severely from this form of infirmity. We had both obeyed the Word as above referred to, but for reasons which God has since made very plain to us, we were not healed. He had a purpose in delaying the work. We had not felt a direct leading of the Spirit, but had obeyed the Word because of our great need as it seemed to us, and in this respect we have learned an all-important lesson, in that the “Spirit and Word must agree” when God undertakes for us.

Last June my sister came to spend the summer with me. She was very frail in consequence of this affliction. I soon saw that her strength was failing and that her very life was being consumed day by day, and within a short time the crisis came when all the power of nature was exhausted, and she was utterly dead to organic action in this respect. It was a serious time with us. Finally I said, “Emma, you must die unless God delivers speedily.” She was well aware of the fact, and we comforted each other, in that whether living or dying, Christ was our all in all.

The next day while sitting upon the porch she saw Bro. Byrum coming toward our dwelling, he having been directed by the Lord to leave his home two hundred and fifty miles distant, and start northward to attend a meeting, being also impressed on the way that he must go on shortly to Bay View, not knowing that she was there or anything of our condition. As he drew near the house he was led to exclaim: “Oh Lord, stretch forth thy hand to heal,” and an inspiration of faith filled her soul, and she felt within herself that help was coming. I told him first and last of our experience, and of the extremity of our situation, and asked him to go in secret and inquire of God if it was his will to heal us.

The voice of the Spirit said to him, “These signs shall follow them that believe,” and suddenly the power and glory of God came down upon us and filled the room where we were sitting. The Spirit led him to anoint her according to the Word, and we laid on hands in Jesus name, and as he lifted his voice in petition to God the Spirit spoke forth in the authority of his office and said, “Jesus Christ maketh thee whole,” and the work was done. Then in like manner he called upon God in my behalf, and as with her faith took hold of the word of God and I was healed. He returned homeward the same day, and
like the prophet of old, “went on his way rejoicing.” Your sister,

J. E. Courtney,

Bay View, Mich.

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News from the Field.

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1021 15th St., San Diego, Cal.,

Dec. 17, 1894.

To the Household of Faith. Dear Saints: A few months have again passed since we last reported through the Trumpet. Though we have been silent to some of you, we are yet alive in Christ, and are not weary in the battle against the powers of darkness; but on the other hand, are more than ever contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints. The urgent need of this faith has never been realized by us so much as at the present, and we can truly say that God is leading us out farther and farther into the apostolic experience. We are looking for greater things in the demonstration of God’s power than we have yet realized. The work is moving on. A few souls are doming home to Zion. We are among the tried ones of these last of the latter days, but the grace of God is our sufficiency. The Lord is blessing our street meetings to the good of perishing souls. The country appointments are prospering. The holy remnant is established upon the rock, and great grace is resting, upon us. Please remember us at the throne. We remain as ever, your sanctified brother and sister set for the defense of the gospel,

J. W. and. J. Byers.

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Flag Springs, Mo., Dec. 23, 1894.

Unto all the Saints of God: May joy abound in its fullness through Jesus Christ. Amen. We are now at the above named place, and I can truly say that Jesus gives victory over all the powers of the enemy. Before we left western. Kansas, I went to Phillipsburg, where the pure gospel had never been preached, and the dear Lord opened the way for me to give the pure Word a few nights, the result being a great interest manifest among the many who came to hear the truth. I was an entire stranger in the city, but before I left there were several homes opened for the reception of any true minister of the gospel. Among whom were Mr. C. H. Fitzgerald and wife and Mr. J. M. Handy and wife, whom I sincerely thank for their kindness shown me while in their town. Some one should go there with a tabernacle as soon as possible. Cannot Bro. and Sister Cole go there some time in their work in the West next summer, the Lord willing? To those who were expecting me in Iowa and elsewhere this winter, I would say, I shall stay in these parts this winter, but wall answer the calls as soon as possible. Those desiring to write me, address me here. Your brother sweetly saved in Jesus,

W. A. Haynes.

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Horton, Pa., Dec. 25, 1894.

Dear Saints of God: This Christmas morning finds us with eternal peace and victory in our souls, praise God. After the eastern Pennsylvania camp meeting, we took a short stay at home. Then went and assisted Bro. Stowe and Co. In holding a two-weeks meeting at Cowanshannock, Pa. A few consecrated, and much prejudice was removed from the Hearts of the people. We began a meeting at Georgeville, Pa. Nov. 5. The church was much strengthened and established deeper in the grace and truth of God. A few who had been overtaken by the enemy were reclaimed, in all about ten consecrations. After holding a precious ordinance meeting we closed the meeting Nov. 25. Began meeting at North Point, Nov. 28. Closed with ordinance meeting, Dec. 7. A few consecrated for a deeper experience. From there Bro. Stowe and Co. went to Brookville, Pa. to begin a series of meetings. We came to this place and began meeting Dec. 8. Found the little church standing out straight and clear, with the exception of a few. We have much prejudice and opposition
to contend with here, but the work of God is moving on over it all. There has been about eight or nine conversions so far, and four consecrations for sanctification. Conviction is resting heavily on the people, and we are trusting God to save many more ere the meeting draws to a close. We will soon begin, the Lord willing, to open the work in new fields where the evening light has never been preached. Please remember us in your prayers. Yours separated for the gospel,

H. M. Riggle and Co.

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Trenton, Neb., Dec. 21, 1894.

Dear Saints of the Living God: I closed meeting here last night. This was a blessed victory for truth and salvation. The meeting was held in an M. E. sect house, and it was somewhat against the battle, but the work went right on. There are not many welcome homes in the city of Trenton for the workers. Sect members fought the truth, but the outside world received it well, thank God. The people began to shed the sect yoke. We also held meeting nine days at Cornell, with precious victory. The Spirit was poured out richly on the church at that place. Some were saved; some that stood out against the truth for two years came out for God. The saints here have built them a very nice meeting house that will seat two hundred. We praise the Lord for the same. Bro. Gilstrap of Lansing, Colo, attended this meeting. He has been preaching for a number of years, and the Lord is leading him out into the whole truth where God Can use him. He was ordained to the work. We pray God’s richest blessing to rest upon him. We start east this evening; will stop with the church at Bladen; next meeting is at Friend, Neb Bro. and Sister Krieble, and Sister Susie Krieble of Reddick, Ill. will stay in west Neb. for some time, and are ready for the battle wherever the Lord leads. We desire the prayers of the saints. The fields are opening very fast in Neb. Oh how sad it is to see the tens of thousands of good hearted sinners that have been made infidels by the awful deeds of sectism! Babylon has destroyed the confidence and faith of this generation. Some came out for God. Many more, we believe, will come out next meeting. Pray for us. Your_brother, saved to the uttermost,

James Willis.

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Renfroe, Miss., Dec. 26, 1894.

Dear Saints and Trumpet Readers: The dear Lord bless you all. Amen. As it has been some time since I wrote through the Trumpet, I feel it would be to the glory of God to let you hear from the work in this part of the field. We left Hammond, La. on the 16th of Nov. for Crystal Springs, Miss., where we began meeting in the name of Jesus and in God’s order on the 17th, the meeting lasting sixteen days. Many precious souls seeking the Lord in real earnest. Several professed sanctification; others professed to be converted. It was a glorious victory for God. We came on from there to Millville, where we held a few day’s meeting and left many anxious souls seeking the Lord. From there we went to Sion, in Kemper Co., Miss., where we met with many of the dear saints and ministering brethren. After a glorious refreshing from the presence of the Lord, we bid adieu to the dear ones, and left for Renfroe. We stopped a few days in the neighborhood of Bro. Sistrunks, where we held a few day’s meeting, resulting in much good. We arrived at this place with victory for the Lord, Friday, Dec. 21, and began meeting in the dear name of Jesus. We have had good congregations all the while and a real salvation meeting, quite a number seeking the Lord in real earnest. Dear Bro. Wiley Smith is with us again. Dear Bro. R. H. Owens came to us Monday. Christmas day was spent praising God, a day that God seemed to wonderfully pour out his Spirit in great power on us. Congregations large and order good. We will go to Carthage from here to begin meeting Fri-
day night before 1st Sunday in Jan., and will go from there to Bluff Springs and begin meeting the Friday before the second Sunday in Jan.; thence to Watkinsville, Friday before the third Sunday, and from thence to Wright’s Chapel, Friday before the fourth Sunday, and from thence to other places as the Lord wills. We will stop a few days at Crystal Springs on our return to La. Pray for us. Your saved brothers in Christ,

W. W. Bradley and Robertson.

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TESTIMONIES

WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Grand Junction, Mich.

Dear Brethren: With peace and joy abounding in my soul, I will endeavor to write my testimony in the name of the Lord. I am glad I have found Jesus an everlasting salvation to my soul, with a determination to live to his honor and glory all the days of my life. I realize that I am standing upon a sure foundation that cannot be moved, and enabled to reign in this life, and I give God all the glory. The joy and peace that fills my soul surpasses all that one may expect by indulging in the trivial things of this life, which soon will vanish away. Truly, I have been delivered from the power of darkness, and enabled to see the true light, and it now shines in my soul and gives a blessed assurance.

I love to read the precious Word, so wonderfully inspired by the Holy Spirit, and how true, that our souls will wonderfully advance as we apply it to our hearts in our every day life. Let us meditate much upon the truths of God’s word, and walk worthy of our calling, letting our light shine forth in all we say or do, being “rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as we have been taught,abounding herein with thanksgiving.” Col. 2:7. The weighty things of this life are laid aside, therefore I am in the race, and on the forward move, doing the will of the Master. Your brother, sanctified to the obedience of Christ,

Isaac D. Plank.

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Robinson, Ill.

Dear Brethren: I am very thankful to you for the tracts which you sent me some days ago, for oh how much gospel truth there is in them, every one. I can praise the Lord for salvation full and free, being saved from pride, fashion, tobacco, revelling and from sectism. About the middle of Nov. 1893, I was saved. I had thought of joining the F. M. sect because I thought it to be nearer the Bible line than I had ever heard any preaching. By reading the Bible I could find no such names as F. M., U. B., M. E., R. M., W. M., New Lights, etc., but could find nothings but the church of God. I then came to the conclusion that the church which Jesus himself took me into was the only one necessary to join. Praise the Lord! Many tell me I should, and must get into some “home.” Oh what an insult to God, to say that his kingdom (the church) isn’t home enough. Last summer Elder Smith of the United Brethren church tried to get me to join his (not God’s) church, but I told him that I did not believe in going into Babylon after having been united with the true church, and that I could not find where the Word says to join denominations. I find nothing but unity all the way through the Bible. I praise God that there is a faithful few that are walking in the light, and I intend to be among that few, God helping. Pray ye, that God may help me, though only a boy aged 17. I held meetings last winter, and God caused some good to be done through them. Hallelujah! I have been busy this summer learning Phonography and the German language, for I believe God wants me to work in foreign lands some time. God is teaching me new lessons every day. Pray that I may be healed of Catarrhal Consumption, and that I may go on to perfection. Your brother in the faith,

Francis M. Hulse.

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A WITHDRAWAL FROM BABYLON.

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THE following we take from the Brethren Evangelist, the organ of the progressive wing of Dunkardism. The article speaks for itself.

Sidney, Ind., Nov. 12th, 1894.

S. S. Hoffman, Akron. Ind.

Dear Brother in Christ: — Your letter came to day and as it is a letter of inquiry as to my withdrawal from the Brethren church, I will proceed at once to answer. I did not appear at conference or send certificate because I did not wish to be a member of the conference or the Brethren church. The Brethren church has not misused me,neither do I withdraw because of malice or contention, but because my knowledge of God’s holy word and the light of the Holy Spirit will not lead me to hold my membership with a church that will either endorse or tolerate secret societies, worldly conformity, or revelling and such like; and besides this, I am convinced that sectism itself is sin.

“A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; knowing he that is such is subverted and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:10, 11. The church of God is without spot or wrinkle. Eph. 5:27. It is built by Jesus. Matt. 16:18. Christ is the door. Jno. 10:9 Christ is the foundation. 1 Cor. 8:11. Christ is our law-giver. Isa. 33:22. The gospel is the only discipline. Matt. 28:19, 20. The class book is kept in heaven. Heb. 12:23. The church of God is pure. 2 Cor. 11:2. The nine gifts spoken of in 1 Cor. 12 are all in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in the church. Jno. 14:17. God sets the members in the body as it pleases him. 1 Cor. 12:18. We cannot abide in Christ and commit sin. 1 Jno. 3:6, 10. We dare not tolerate secret societies or fellowship them. Lev. 5:4, 5; Eph. 5:11, 12, 13; 2 Cor. 6:14, 15, 16, 17, 18; Rom. 12:1, 2. Yours in Jesus,

Esther L. Dickey.

This sister heard the “voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that you partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues,” and obeyed the same.

As may always be expected from Babylon, the above testimony was criticized by the sectish editor, who pleads for sin and disbelieves in Bible holiness. We will notice a few points of his reply to the sister’s declaration of independence.

“The next scriptures quoted in the letter are these, “The church of God is without spot or wrinkle.” Eph. 5:27. “The church of God is pure.” 2 Cor. 11:2. These scriptures do not apply at all to the church militant, but to the church triumphant. A very slight change would make the reading correct. Namely, “These scriptures do not apply at all to the babel of sects, but to the church triumphant.” The church triumphant is that one of which Jesus said, On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The one in which Paul offered “thanks unto God, which always causes US TO TRIUMPH IN CHRIST.” 2 Cor. 2:14. A church, so-called, that dees not triumph over sin, the world, the flesh and the devil, is not in Christ. God’s church is triumphant. Yea, we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Rom. 8:37. “Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory,” is the continual offering from the heart that lives in this holy and triumphant church on earth. Why need we be anything else but triumphant? Jesus, the captain of our salvation overcame the world and the devil. In her the God of peace bruises Satan under our feet, (Rom. 16:20.) and gives his disciples power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. Luke 9:1. They overcome, because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4.

Again,” ‘Not having spot or wrinkle,’ does this mean that the visible members of the visible church are to be without spot or wrinkle? Certainly not; The reference is to the church at Christ’s second coming.”

God pity the blindness of all such teachers, and may the mercy of God deliver all who are under their antichrist doctrines. Only imaginary invisible members of an imaginary invisible church are to be holy, without spot or wrinkle. But visible men and women, living in the visible city that is set upon a hill, the light of which cannot be hid, are not to be pure, but wrinkled and spotted with sin. He thinks the church must now be defiled with sin, but the church at Christ’s second coming must be spotless. Would not Christ say to such teachers, Oh fools, and slow of heart to believe my word! Is not the church prior to Christ’s coming the same that will continue up to his coming? If sinful before he comes suddenly as the lightning shining from the east unto the west, will not that awful hour overtake them in their sin and filth? The time is at hand. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his works shall be. Rev. 22:10—12.

ONLY THE PURE IN HEART SHALL SEE GOD.

So all those spotted professors who are, by the blindness of sect teachers, classified in the church will be found outside when Christ comes to receive his bride. And let it be remembered that he will draw the line between the family of God and the children of the devil just where his word now draws it, and just where all who preach his word draw it. Only in that awful day the poor deceived and blinded sectarians will be compelled to believe the word which they now presume to discredit. Thus the writer proceeds, “Does not the church contain the clean and unclean together? Yes.” But the church is the body of Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23. It is identical with Chist. 1 Cor. 12:12. “And in him is no sin.” 1 Jno. 3:5. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things [the old life of sin] are passed away: behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17. “And whosoever abideth in him, sinneth not,” 1 Jno. 3:6.

But the poor sinner continues to excuse sin as follows: “Nowhere in the entire word of God are the individual members of the church miliitant designated as pure, holy, and spotless. Who are we that set ourselves up as judges in this matter as to who is pure or impure.” Thus saying, the confused editor condemns himself. He passes one sweeping judgment upon all God’s people on earth, pronouncing them all sinful and spotted, and then condemns the idea of judging as to who is pure or impure. It is always the case that men who judge with a beam in their eye, are unwilling to be judged by men who see clearly. And all who take upon themselves what Christ applied to hypocrites, saying, Judge not, judge not, are sure to freely judge all who claim a Bible experience of freedom from sin. Indeed, they virtually reverse the order of Christ, and act as if no one is authorized to judge, if he be not a sinner. The reason is obvious: Judgment coming from a sinner, will not hurt a sinner, whereas the lines of judgment drawn by holy men are with the word of God, which classifies all who commit sin as of the devil.

MUST WE BE HOLY IN THIS LIFE?

But is it true that nowhere in the Bible are the individual members of the church designated as pure, holy and spotless? The article contains repeated assertions of this kind. One might reasonably infer that the holy Book were sealed up some where, and that editor had not had the privilege of reading it. He has overlooked the great and most important element of the Bible. “Be ye holy, for I am holy” is one of the most vital commands of the Bible; and it is a present demand. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This also imposes present obligation. Are these things within the bounds of present possibilities? Thus says the blind guide, “The very brightest saints, the holiest men and women have most abhorred their sin, and their confessions have been the most heart-breaking.” But having seen that God’s word requires us to be holy and perfect right now, let us see whether the Lord has made provision for the same. “The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” Luke 1:73-75. This then is the covenant, yea, the oath which God made unto the seed of Abraham; and such are all true believers in Christ. Gal. 3:29. If, therefore, we cannot live holy and righteous in this life, God has broken his covenant and solemn oath.

But thanks be to his holy name, he has made abundant provision for our perfect holiness in this life. This was the object of Christ’s death: “Jesus Christ, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” Heb. 13:12. And “he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” Heb. 10:14. “If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 Jno. 1:7. Is not this a pure state? “Having these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1. Here is both purity and holiness provided for, yea, perfected holiness.

But does the Scriptures teach that men were actually “pure, holy and spotless” in this life? “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Mat. 5:8. “Now the end [the climax or full demand of the law of Christ] of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” A pure heart, good conscience and true faith are all here grouped together. If one is attainable now, all are. And that such is the case is evident from the fact the apostle adds that from these things “some had swerved,” “turned aside.”

Paul counseled Timothy to “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on God out of a pure heart.” 2 Tim. 2:22.

A PURE RELIGION.

The article we are considering virtually advocates an impure religion. But James commends to us a “pure religion and undefiled,” and he that possesses the same “keeps himself unspotted from the world.” Jas. 1:27.

Peter also commands us to “love one another with a pure heart fervently.” 1 Pet. 1:22.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.” Titus 2:11, 12. Surely thus to live is equivalent to being, pure, holy and spotless. The individual members of the church are not holy now, says the pleader for sin. Of John it is said, “he was a just man, and an holy.” Mark 6:20. The church in her individual members or branches are thus described: “If the first fruit [Christ] be holy the lump is also holy. If the root be holy so are the branches.” Rom. 11:16. “The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Cor. 3:17. “That she [the unmarried woman] may be holy in body and in spirit.” 1 Cor. 7:34. As the elect of God, holy and beloved.” Col. 3:12. “I charge you by the Lord Jesus that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.” 2 Thes. 5:27.

“Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white.” Rev. 3:4.

Thus we might multiply scriptures proving that God’s children are pure, holy and spotless in this life. And yet this editor, with about all the devotees of sect religion, sees no hope for a pure church in this world. Circumstances, and not God, is their salvation. It is not inward and almighty, but outward and limited. “When Christ — the Bridegroom — shall come, then the bride, that is the church, being cut off from evil forever, shall be presented pure and without spot or wrinkle.” Here is the very deception that holds in the coils of Satan nine-tenths of the membership of the worldly sects. It denies the power of God, and thus fulfills the prediction. 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 Pet. 2:1. It makes salvation depend upon a change of location and surroundings, and not upon Christ. Now we affirm that salvation is an inward state, and is just as perfect when the soul is surrounded by all the sin of this world and all the legions of hell, as when a thousand miles removed from all evil. But these unfortunate would-be teachers have missed the mark; have failed to appropriate the all-cleansing blood, and the sanctifying and preserving power of the Holy Spirit. And so the deceiver has put them to sleep with the falsehood that their conscious unholiness is the result of, and will cease with their departure out of this polluted world. Instead of judging themselves by the standard of the Word, and classifying themselves with lost sinners where they belong, the pride of their hearts and the snare of the devil, leads them to think their inward sin is excused by the sin abroad in the world, and when Jesus comes they will be “cut off from evil forever.” But truth warns them that they shall be cut off from God and hope forever. How utterly contradictory to the Word and dishonoring to God this falsehood that we cannot be preserved pure, holy and spotless in this world. Jesus knew how much evil there is in this world. He also knew how much grace he had instore for us. But he did not pray the Father thus: “Father, it is impossible for them to live without sin in this world, but keep them from as much evil as possible, and finally save them from all sin when I come to receive them.” Nay. “I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from the evil.” Jno. 17:15 The “pure religion” he gave us “keeps us unspotted from the world.” They who are “sanctified by God the Father are also preserved in Christ Jesus.” Jude 1. Not waiting for Christ to come and take us away from all temptation of. evil in the last day, but we “are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Pet. 1:4. Not living in sin here with a hope of salvation when Jesus comes: “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Rom. 6:22. Not sinning daily in word, thought and deed, with the hope of stopping when Jesus comes; but, “whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” “He that committeth sin is of the devil.” “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” This is not a matter of opinion, but “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not: but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1 Jno. 1:6-9 5:18. “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.” 1 Jno. 4:17. There is not one text in the Bible which teaches that the instant of Christ’s second advent will be the time to get free from sin, pure, holy and spotless. The Lord knew very well that Satan would deceive men into such a false hope, hence he gave us plain illustrations of how that doctrine will work. For the benefit of all who expect to put on the white robe when the Bridegroom comes he tells about a man who went to a wedding feast not having on the wedding garment. And instead of then getting the necessary apparel, he was speechless, and was bound hand and foot and cast into outer darkness. Mat. 22:11, 12. He also predicts certain foolish professors who will attempt to buy oil at the time of the Bridegroom’s coming, who were locked out. Therefore be ye also ready, is the command of the Bridegroom, and think not within yourselves, “We will get ready when he comes.”

AN ATTEMPTED BOLD DECEPTION.

Alluding to Sister Dickey’s withdrawal from their sect, the editor says:

“If the church is not pure, is the world any better? If the church has a member here and there belonging to a secret society, has not the world millions of them? Are there purer associations in the world than in the church? The man, or woman who is too pure and holy to live in Christ’s church on earth is too pure and holy to live any where else on earth.”

Either willfully or ignorantly, in these words two positive falsehoods are implied; first, that their little schism’ of Dunkardism is “Christ’s church;” second, that in withdrawing from the same, the sister has gone out into the world. We freely admit that the two conclusions are consistent with each other. But both are disgustingly at war with the Bible. Consistent with each other because there is no way out of Christ’s church but into sin and the world. But that sectish edit or is surely not so extremely ignorant as to honestly believe his sect is the church of Christ. We doubt if he would venture to assert directly what he has indirectly implied. The church of Christ is his body, and there is no salvation outside of it. Dare Mr. Gnagy affirm there are no Christians outside of their organization? Again we are told that Christ is the door into his church, and by him if any man enter he shall be saved. And the Lord himself adds the members. Jno. 10:9; Acts 2:47. Is Christ the door of his sect? Does he take the members in, or does the preachers do that? Again we ask, does it produce salvation to be inducted into that schismatic body? Behold these and many like scripture-marks of the church that Jesus built show the young daughter of the Protestant family represented by Mr. Gnagy as far from Christ’s church as Babylon is from Jerusalem. Likewise did that editor know that, by inference, he was teaching a falsehood when he insinuated that a withdrawal from their creed to live in holy obedince to the word of God is going into the world.

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JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.

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Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. – Rom. 5:1, 2.

THERE are some brothers and sisters among us who have a zeal for the cause of Christ, but not according to knowledge, and whom Satan has deceived and blinded. They go about teaching that persons may be lost even in a justified state. They teach, and have taught for years that where persons are justified and have light on sanctification, and know the way to reach it, that they are forever lest even though they should die in a justified state. Now, dear ones, we understand that a justified soul is one of innocence and of peace with God, and pardoned of all outward transgressions, and who is actually saved and a fit subject for heaven. We tried to convince these erring ones that the blood of Christ atones for all persons that die in a justified state without any exceptions, whether they be children, idiots, or any persons standing in a justified s ate; and as justification is a saving state of grace, therefore it is impossible for them to be lost while remaining in a justified state. We tried to explain to these parties that even where they had the light on sanctification, they were actually saved up to the very last moment that they remained in this grace, and that before they could be lost they would have to tail from their justified state back into sin. But they refused to endorse the above truths, denounced us as being of the wrong spirit, and separated themselves from us.

Now, dear ones, we do not write on this subject in order to lower the standard of salvation; God forbid, but to correct false teaching and delusions of Satan, by which the saints and the people of this community have been misled and deceived, and which has greatly injured the cause here. We do not pretend to say that those justified persons who have light on sanctification, and who are fully convinced in their own mind that it is their duty to go on to perfection, and who willingly neglect or refuse to go on — we do not say they will be saved, or have the promise. But we do know by the word of God, that while a soul is in a justified state he is at peace with God, and is recognized as his child; his name is written in heaven; and should he die in this condition the blood of Christ atones for him, and he would go home to heaven. And he would have to lose his justification, or fall from pace, in order to be lost. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Rom. 5:9, 10, 11.

We admonished these parties of their errors,in the spirit of meekness, several times and tried to get them to confess the errors, but they refused, saying they had no confession to make, and are still going on teaching the same. May God in his mercy drive out all deceptions and delusions of the enemy, and let the true light shine into their souls. May they be brought to a knowledge of the truth and with honest hearts confess their errors, is my earnest prayer. Yours in much love and defense of the truth,

David C. Engle,

St. James, Mo.