30 April 1896, Volume 16, Number 18.

GIVE ME GRACE.

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Give me grace, O loving Savior,
Sink me deeper every day;
Oh increase me in thy favor,
Help me humbly watch and pray.

Cho. – Give me grace, …. give me grace; ….
Make me more and more like Thee;
In Thy precious “Holy Place,”
I would ever, ever be.

Give me grace and make me lowly,
Oh submerge me in Thy will;
Keep me, Savior, pure and holy,
All thy law in me fulfill.

Give me grace for ev’ry trial,
Help me patiently endure,
Gladly bear each self-denial;
Oh refine and keep me pure.

Give me grace and true devotion,
Make my hope and courage bright;
Strong in faith and pure emotion,
Living low in Jesus’ sight.

— B. E. Warren.

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Real Advancement.

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MUCH has been said on spiritual advancement. A great many are making head advancement, having a great deal of head knowledge; but we want the real Spirit of God in our souls; we want the kingdom of God set up in our hearts; we want that deep humility of mind, the mind of Christ; we want to fully consecrate our lives to Christ, do all his will, willing to suffer all things for Christ’s sake, willing to part even with our lives. It means much to be wholly consecrated to God, to suffer all things, to endure all things. “They that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecutions.” There must be a willingness to forsake all for Christ. It means so much to be a true saint of God.

Oh that all who profess to be saints would die out to the world and show to the world that they are true saints! So many professors have so much of the spirit of the world. Praise the Lord, I do feel and realize that I am dead indeed to the world, that it has no more charms for me. I am free, bless the Lord! I am so glad that this salvation in Christ does make us free indeed from all sin, and makes us to walk in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. “Ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. Dear ones, if we are dead indeed to the world we will have no more pleasure in the world, and are not of the world even as Christ is not of the world.

John Evritt.

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Pointing Out The Danger.

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BY the help of the Spirit of Jesus and in the love of God we wish to point out the danger and sin of such wily and deceptive language as quoted by the “PENTECOST of March 20,’96, published in Los Angeles, Cal.

“Those who constantly denounce comeouters and comeoutism and those who are constantly denouncing sects and organizations are possessed with the same spirit — a spirit of fight. There is such a thing as being where we love every body and can point out every danger with the Spirit of Jesus, striking at the sin (not the person) with the sharp two- edged sword of divine truth.”

The writer in the above makes a distinction between the sin and the sinner, and teaches us to love the sinner but strike at his sins (fight against sins). Had this been the object of the sketch we would have said amen. But he mentions “the come- outer and comeoutism and sects and organizations.” Here he makes no distinction between sin and the sinner, but presumes that those who oppose these sins have the spirit of fight and are striking at the sinner for lack of love, etc. And in this wily and deceptive language he would deceive unsuspecting souls, and defend comeouters (sinners) and comeoutism (the sin), also sects, sectarians, heretics (sinners) and their organizations, machinery, etc. (their sins), and censure and condemn the true children of God that cry out against such sins, by his false charge. The saints who discern the body of Christ the church of God, equally denounce comeoutism and sect organizations; because each alike are sins that divide the body of Christ. According to the carnal mind it is natural for the sectish comeouter and the sectarian who clings to his organization, to feel like they are being hit by a fighting spirit, when it is only the Spirit of Jesus pointing out their sins. All other sinners feel about the same way when their sins are exposed and sometimes want to whip the Christian that tells them the truth in love. To love everybody is right if we love them as individuals, as human beings for whom Christ died. But to love them as sinners, sectarians, comeouters, etc. would be bidding them God speed, and make us partakers of their evil deeds, and God does not require it, but forbids such. 2 Jno. 10, 11. Rom. 1:32. 1 Jno. 2:15, 16. Jas. 4:4. And commends the church at Ephesus because they followed out this principle. Rev. 2:2. “I know thy works and thy labor and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them that are evil.” Also condemns the church at Pergamos for tolerating false teachers, Rev. 2:14, 15, and therefore demanded repentance of them. Ver. 16. People are supposed to know what is meant by comeouter, sect, etc. But a proper definition of these terms might aid many in arriving at an understanding of facts,

The term comeouter is generally applied to any one that leaves a religious denomination, not having been turned out for wickedness, etc. But specifically applies to a person that does not discern the body of Christ, who withdraws from a sect, with the sect spirit in him, advocating that every one must abandon their sects, making “comeout” the object of their work, the central idea of their teaching.

A sect is a faction, schism, division or split off from the body of Christ, (entire Christian body), with laws, rules and regulations of their own to govern themselves by, under some denominational name exclusive, having a zeal for the development of their organization; hence a spirit of division. Therefore a member of such a body is a sectarian, also a person that rejects any part of the plan of salvation and divine truth, while professing to follow Christ, but their labor contributes toward the division of God’s people and not to their unity in the one body, which is the church.

So those who defend sects, organizations, etc. are partakers with these and are guilty of the sin of heresy. Tit 3:10, 11, and this is the sin we wish to point out. May God deliver those that have been so used, and give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. I love them as individuals; their sins I hate. Heb. 1:9. But will rejoice to receive and love them as brethren when they repent and God forgives. Yours in the truth,

G. L. Cole.

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Fruit Bearing.

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ARE you bearing fruit? is a question to be answered by every saint of God. In these last days so many thousands of people professing to be Christians, yet they are barren and unfruitful. The devil would like to get that old scheme of his to work among the saints, too. I know of cases of this kind where some professed to be saints just as loud as they ever did, yet, they became so barren that they did not bear any more fruit than many other formal professors. Jesus said to his disciples, the flesh in weak; watch and pray. Carelessness and confidence in human flesh leads to barrenness, and one will unintentionally become unfruitful if he does not watch and examine himself continually.

The Christian must bear fruit all the time, everywhere, and under all circumstances bear good fruit. Some trees bring forth bad fruit; but Jesus says, (good authority) a good tree (Christian) cannot bring forth evil fruit. Therefore the Christian’s duty is to bring forth good fruit either at home or abroad.

The manner of fruit we are to bear is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, righteousness, godliness and charity. Gal. 5:22, 23. 1 Tim. 6:11. 1 Cor. 13:1.

Suppose I do examine myself and find I do not have just the real love for all the brethren that the word of God demands I should have (Rom. 12:10; 15:1. 1 John 3:16), and that I do not love and forgive my neighbors as I should (Rom. 13:19, 20; 14:10), and if I discover a lack of real joy, peace, patience and forbearance that I ought to have under afflictions and trials, then will I wait three or four months until a preacher comes around, or that I may be able to attend some good camp meeting? No; that would be wrong. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. God giveth the increase. Therefore ask him who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth none, and ye shall receive. James 1:5.

God will not only supply the want, but if we are determined to advance God will send the increase. Jesus says, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” — Jno. 15:8. “I have chosen you that ye should go forth and bring forth fruit.” — Jno. 15:16. “Some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” — Mat. 13:23. Beloved, God wants us to bear much fruit. He wants us to be living witnesses for him, epistles read and known of all men, that others may be convinced and glorify God; beacon lights on Mt. Zion to lighten others on the narrow way.

What if some do not bear fruit that profess to be saints of the Most High? Christ says, they are cast forth as branches to be burned, and are cut off from the vine from whence comes all nourishment. They might as well quit professing, for they only stand in the way of sinners as an offence and a stumbling-block. Listen! Jesus heralds forth this truth very forcibly: Either make the tree good and the fruit good, or make the tree corrupt and the fruit corrupt; for a tree [Christian] is known by its fruit [manner of life].

The more trying the circumstances are for the Christian to bear fruit, the more persecution to suffer, the more afflictions to bear, the more trials to pass through, the more precious will be the fruit to God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.

H. E. Rogers.

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Character.

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A SPOTLESS character is something that every individual from youth to old age should seek, obtain, retain and honor, in every place and under all circumstances. The bloom of God-inspired truthfulness, instead of being brushed from the cheek of our youth, should be cultivated to expand with the attributes of God until blooming in its normal beauty, with the fragrance of Edenic purity.

Character is a heavenly capital, and all who invest in wisdom’s way will realize a profit of everlasting riches. Reputation is only what you are in the sight of men; while character is what you really are in the sight of God. He alone sees to the bottom of all things; so let all see that the foundation of character is laid broad and deep upon the “rock of ages.” Then your conscience clean, mind pure, with rectitude within and without you can face man or devils without fear of pollution, and face God without fear of eternal judgment. Be honest with God, man, and your own soul. “Be sure your sin will find you out.” — Num. 32:23. Your conscience will cast up before you the filth of your soul; like the troubled sea you cannot rest. Isa. 57:20. The very winds will sigh forth your iniquity, and a beam out of the great wall (conscience) will convict and smite you. And if these inward warnings of truth are not heeded, the time will come that the things you once viewed with horror you can practice with shameless impunity.

Beware of a seared conscience! If all men from their youth would live as they feel, the purpose of God would be accomplished. Why is it that people will not be honest? For honesty is the keystone of the arch of moral and Christian qualities. It has been truthfully said that “character is a building and every act a stone.” And we will add, If every stone is a principle of integrity, added one by one, joined by the seal of holy love, a grand temple will stand in honor to God, and fairer than the costliest marble will stand a monument of power and praise to the spotless soul. Our mind and all of the faculties of the soul are tools with which we are to frame this great structure; and let all be careful to see that the workman who operates them is the hand Divine, and not the infernal. Remember that secret thoughts never expressed, mould the character in indulgences of imaginary wrong. The lie never told for fear of being detected is the devil’s brush that paints the windows of honor, and affects the character as much as if the whole world knew it.

Would you labor for rubies or gold? Character is worth more. Would you strive for a kingdom? A pure character will make you a king in any nation under the sun, and give you a throne in glory. Act not for the vanity of a few days, but act for eternity. This aimless hap-hazard way of acting, manifest in thousands gathers around the soul a mass of confusion that should only fill the sewers of the world. The conglomerated mass of filth and scum that floats on the surface of society is to be driven back by the flood of purest thought. Jesus made himself of no reputation. Phil. 2:7. Yet he possessed a perfect character. 1 Pet. 2:21, 22. And he is our example. Let all who profess to be the representatives of Christ consider well their real character as God knows it. Do not pretend to throw a lie in the face of Jesus, as if you were manifesting his life, while inwardly you know his character you do not possess. May we all live for God and not man. Eternity is coming. Are you prepared to face the truth then? There will be no escape. Be honest now.

W. A. Haynes.

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TESTIMONIES.

“Thy Testimonies are Wonderful,” – Psa. 119:129.

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Upper Sandusky, O.

Dear Saints: I praise the Lord for present salvation according to the word of God. By two works of grace I am justified and sanctified, also satisfied, with the will of the Lord as he makes it known unto me. I have victory over all of this world and all of the fiery darts of the devil by having on the shield of faith. I can testify that the Lord has healed me. I know he is able to heal all manner of sicknesses and all manner of diseases. Amen. Praise the Lord for real advancement in my soul! Yours all on the altar,

Thomas Kerr.

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Oconee, Ark.

Dear Saints: I do thank God for salvation that saves from all sin. That is what Jesus came to this world for. Mat. 1:21. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world. Gal. 1:4. Not by taking us out of the world, but by keeping us from the evil of the world. John 17:15. Praise our God for such a salvation! Stand true to God until the end. My relatives all have a cold shoulder turned to me and try to make it appear that I’m on the wrong road. O join with me in fervent prayer, that they may see their error and come to mount Zion! My father has been confined to his bed the greater part of three years, with chronic disease. Pray that he may quit trusting in doctors and put his trust in God who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth thy diseases. Yours under the blood,

Frank Jackson.

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Muskegon, Mich.

I feel like writing my testimony for the glory of God and the good of souls. Truly we are living in perilous times; but God is the same yesterday, to day and forever. I believe it and can clearly see that what I have been permitted to pass through, was for my spiritual good. Truly I am stronger in God, and am better able to battle with the enemy than ever before. Oh praise his dear name forever! I have always had more or less a fear of being tested, but at this moment I do feel a holy boldness for God, that bids all fear depart; and I shall never forget when I dared to ask God to increase my faith, with a real understanding of what it meant. How I trembled! for I had been in the habit of asking God to handle me gently and not allow me to be tested beyond my strength. But at the time first mentioned I wanted to make a real advancement in God’s order, and was willing to be tested in any way that God saw was for the best. Since then I have had some very severe tests, but God has proved able to keep all that I have trusted to his tender care and keeping. I know not what is ahead, so far as trials are concerned, but I know that Jesus is able to carry me through and I am willing to trust him. Your sister saved in Jesus,

Emma I. Coston.

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THURSDAY. APRIL 23, 1896.

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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED

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H E.Bogers, R. M. Haynes, Clara Sunderland, Sarah M. Cleveland, B. F Roe, Mrs. N. J. Montgomery, Ezra Smith, Wm. G. Schell. B. E. Warren, Otto Bolds, Guy E. Foote, E. B. Haynes.

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Bro. J. C. Peterman and Bro. Baldwin expect to start for the Grand Junction camp meeting from North Dakota. Will be in Fargo, May 1st, where they expect to stop a week or more. Any one wishing them to hold meetings on the way, address them at Fargo, N. Dak.

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Bro. L. V. Strickland, Ellisville, Miss., writes that the people in the South are in great need of a tabernacle in which to hold meetings, as the gospel work there has been much neglected, and there must be some way provided to. get the truth before the people. He and Bro. J. J. Jones of that place propose to make a tabernacle if the means are provided to purchase material. Those interested should write them.

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CAMP MEETING!

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The Grand Junction, Mich., camp meeting will be held June 10-19. Application has been made for reduced rates for those attending the meeting. We believe the Lord will manifest his power in this meeting in the salvation of many souls, healing the sick, and sending deliverance to those who are oppressed of the devil, and a spiritual advancement to believers. Everybody invited. We trust the children of God will come together in this general assembly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, and giving much praise and glory to God. Especially should the ministers and gospel workers be present if possible, and the dear ones everywhere should encourage and aid the workers to come, as they will thereby be better qualified for rescuing souls. Let each one spend some time in fasting and prayer in behalf of the meeting.

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Requests For Prayer.

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Bertha Sipes. — Healing of female weakness and swollen ankles.

Mary Kirby, Palouse. — Healing of piles and female weakness. Pray May 6.

L. M. Newman, — Healing of eczema; also for entire sanctification. Pray Wed. evening, May 6.

Pray that I may be healed of eczema, also of catarrh and other bodily afflictions. P. A. Barnes, Savannah.

Leo L. Cokefair, Chicago. — Healing of bodily afflictions; also for the salvation of parents and brother in Laramie, Wyo.

Pray earnestly for the healing of my afflictions. My case is a bad one. Your sister in the one body, R. T. Reed, Indianapolis.

Pray for my mother, who has had the sick headache about all her life; also her companion has a sore leg, and has the conjestion of the stomach and bowels. Pray that they may be healed. Pray for the healing of my afflictions, and for my sister who is insane. Hannah Fassnacht, Dunnington.

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Calls For Meeting.

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Some one is wanted to preach the truth at Satsop, Chehalis Co., Wash. Address Sheridan Root.

Cannot some one open a divine healing mission in this city? Pray for us, we are afflicted. Josephine Cochran, 125 Branner St. Topeka, Kan.

Carter, Ala.

Any of God’s ministers coming south, that can stop off at Athens, Ala., please write to me. One that can speak German and English is desirable. F. M Long.

We want a camp meeting at Bliss, Emmet Co., Mich, to begin not later than about July 15, and want some of the ministerial brethren to inquire of the Lord about coming. J. Keiser.

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MEETINGS.

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An assembly meeting is to be held at Port Byron, N. Y. June 24 to July 3, 1896, instead of in May, as given in last issue. It is desired that as many of the saints and missionary workers as possible be present.

Chauncey C. Smith.

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TRUTH AND ERROR — NO. 4.

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When truth and error are mixed it breeds confusion, and unless the error is swept away the result will be disaster. For centuries the religious or ecclesiastical circle has been cursed with the most gross errors, which have been set forth as Bible teaching, and yet were in direct opposition to the Word. People have believed the same and in ignorance been entrapped in false beliefs and delusions, others have boldly walked into these forbidden paths after having been warned of the danger, by the Word and Spirit of God. Just to what extent one may go into error, or act under the influence of such without losing his soul, or becoming a sinner in the sight of God can only be determined by the Word, and wisdom of heaven. Some may act under the influence of those who are in error, and yet not imbibe the error, but when the light comes such ones will see the error and forsake it, or go into darkness. To go on as before would be darkness to the soul, and partaking of evil.

Sectism is an evil; the result of a multiplicity of erroneous doctrines foreign to the inspired Word, yet taught as Bible truths, thereby deceiving many honest souls. A person not knowing that sectism is wrong may join one of its creeds and act under the influence of the same to some extent and yet not lose salvation, if the evils of the creed are not imbibed and practiced. But when the light of the word of God shines forth and exposes the evils of sectism, and the judgments of God against such, and it comes as truth and light to the soul, such a one can no longer remain there and be justified. The one who has been a partaker in the church festivals, frolics, revelry, worldly conformity, and bigotry of sectism, even though the evils of sectism are seen and the creed forsaken, there will have to be a repentance of sins before such a person can be in favor with God. So it is with all error; there is a difference between harmlessly and ignorantly acting under the influence of such, and that of being a willing partaker, or going to extremes.

To merely make a mistake or unintentionally do some little act, is also quite different from being led away by a spirit of error. A mistake by word or deed, when said or done in ignorance is not imputed as sin, but to continue doing such and teach it as Bible doctrine, would be sin. An honest soul will not go far along the line of error until reproved and shown by the Spirit of God, and if the warning voice is heeded and the false way forsaken the enemy will be defeated. We are commanded to walk in the light, and when that is done at all times there will be no trouble on these lines. If one should be overtaken, as soon as the trouble is discovered it should be renounced and forsaken, and then and there make all right with God.

The word of God points out the way, and the Spirit of truth will not lead contrary to it. Almost all deceptions have much truth in connection with what is false, else it would be hard to deceive the people. But the Word and Spirit of God will uncover and expose every false object and way.

When people are deceived they cannot see the true way, They believe they are right when they are not right. There is a difference between a deceived person and a hypocrite. A hypocrite is one who knows he is not right. There is an awful curse pronounced upon deceivers who continue in their deceptions, but God has promised mercy to such as will turn from their evil ways. If we as children of God see a brother or sister in error it is our place to go to them in the spirit of meekness and in all love for their soul try to help them out, or take their case alone with God and ask him to show them. If they have wronged us or some one else and thereby brought disgrace upon the cause of Christ, for us to look upon them with revenge, desiring to see them punished, after they have repented, would not be right, even though they may really deserve it, and doing so would bring us under condemnation and lead us into just as gross an error.

Peter once asked the Master how often he should forgive a brother who would sin against him. Seven times? The Master replied: Yea, “seventy times seven.” If we follow the Spirit of truth it will lead us into the ways of truth, and will never lead contrary to the written Word.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

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I would like to have you explain the eleventh chapter of Revelations.

M. E.

The first thirteen verses are a prophecy foretelling the reign of the apostasy, in its two forms, and the ushering in of the evening light.

The forty-two months that the holy city was trodden under foot, is equal to 1260 days, which signifies so many years (Num. 14:34. Eze. 4:6), and applies to the reign of the first form of the apostasy from A. D. 270-1530. The holy city that was trodden down is the church.

The two witnesses that prophesied in sackcloth are the Word and Spirit of God. Compare with Zech. 4:1-6.

The 1260 days of their prophecy signify the same Papal reign mentioned above. The sackcloth signifies the melancholy state of the church in the dark ages.

The three and one-half days that the two witnesses lay dead signifies three and one-half centuries, and designates the length of the reign of the second form of the apostasy, (Protestantism) A. D. 1230-1880.

Some may wonder why the Lord here departs from the general rule of using a day to represent a year. It was because God foreknew that the events of each century of the Protestant age, even as it came to pass, would naturally divide them into separate periods. The words of D’Aubigne beautifully illustrates this fact. “It has been said that the three last centuries, the sixteenth, the seventeenth, and the eighteenth, may be conceived as an immense battle of three days duration. We willingly adopt this beautiful comparison. * * * The first day was the battle of God, the second, the battle of the priest, the third, the battle of reason. What will be the fourth? In our opinion the confused strife, the deadly contest of all these powers together, to end in the victory of him to whom triumph belongs.” History of the Reformation. B. xi. C. 9.

The resurrection of the two witnesses, and the great earthquake, foretell the evening light.

The sounding of the seventh trumphet, (verses 15-19) will be fulfilled at the end of time. The seventh trumpet is the last, hence it is the one that shall raise the dead. 1 Cor. 15:52. Observe, also that the judgment of the dead comes under the seventh trumpet, verse 18, also the restitution of the kingdom into the hands of the Father, verse 17, which Paul shows shall take place after Christ shall have conquered death, the last enemy, by resurrecting the bodies of all men. See 1 Cor. 15:23-28.

Wm. G. Schell.

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A LETTER.

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Mariasville, Pa., April 23.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: This beautiful summer morning I greet you all in the name of Jesus with perfect victory in my soul. Glory to our God! Although dear wife and I have passed through one of our hardest trials this last week, that is, of bidding farewell to our loved ones here at our home, as we are leaving here and not expecting to return before going to England. It has been a trial harder than we anticipated. Yet God gives us grace to do so knowing that it is his will that we go forth to preach the gospel to lost souls. Now we ask the prayers of all God’s saints that we may ever be found faithful to the call of our Master. Oh dear brethren be sure you can put into practice as well as sing, pray and preach for Jesus. This great and last reformation is going forward at the cost of anything. Praise God, I am going with it. In order to advance we must keep saved. Well I am saved, therefore I am advancing with and in the good.

Now I wish to say that we have been praying God to send a good holy company or two with us to England. God wants all he can get of such that will be willing to go to the front of the battle and stay there. He also wants such as have lived salvation at home, then they will be likely to live it abroad. Now dear ones, I wish to state here that we are receiving many letters, as many as twenty-two per week, and we will not be able to answer all. So dear brothers and sisters, will you accept this letter in the Trumpet as an answer to yours? God knows we love you all, and love to receive your letters, and would say, just continue to write to us. We have received some letters in which they said the Lord was showing them to send us money for the work in England or rather to pay our expenses there. Of course we will need money, and to such I will say, should the Lord be directing you in that way you can send by registered letter in my name to Grand Junction, Mich. We are well and saved in Jesus.

J. H. Rupert.

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TRY THE SPIRITS.

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“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets [or spirits] are gone out in the world. 1 Jno. 4:1. “Transforming themselves into the apostles [prophets or spirits] of Christ.” 2 Cor. 11:13. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” “And doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on earth in the sight of men.” Rev. 13:13. And “there have arisen false Christs and false prophets [and false spirits] and are shewing great signs and wonders, insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Mat. 24:24.

Therefore, “perilous times” have come (2 Tim. 3:1), and in order that the children of God may be able to detect and stand against these deceptive wicked spirits, they must have on the whole armor of God. Eph. 6:10-18.

Many dear souls have been deceived and allured into a trap of Satan, and lost their salvation because they failed to “try the spirits.” The devil comes along with some impression, and impresses them that they should do so and so, and they get up and start right off accordingly just like a young duck that follows anything it can see move, and presently it gets under a horse’s feet and is trampled to death. So with a great many that take impressions at sight, they soon find themselves on the devil’s territory and he shuts down on them and crushes out their spiritual life.

Again others will say. “I did try the spirits.” But how? Some will feel impressed to do something, go somewhere, or say something, and will then pray: “Now Lord, if you want me to go, or do this, you send some body here,” or do some other little trifling thing that is liable to happen anyhow, or that the devil can do as well as God, and will surely improve the oportunity to deceive whenever he can. So they take it for granted that it is of God. I remember how I used to test things thus: for instance, I would throw at some object for luck, and if I hit, good; and if I missed, bad hick I surmised would follow. But it never made any difference, whether I hit or missed the object, it never changed my luck.

Now I do not mean to say that we cannot test or try leadings thus and get correct answers, but it is dangerous, especially if we do not know the leadings to be in harmony with the Word. But beloved, we need not risk the leading in such a “hap-hazzard” way as this, for God has given us a way to know. We may FEEL led to do so and so and BELIEVE that it is all right, but if it does not agree with the Word, it is not the Spirit of God that is leading. The Word is the main witness, and the only one that is unimpeachable. Our feelings may vary, our belief may deceive us but the Word is forever settled in heaven. So before we obey any spirit we must not only test it by feeling or belief, but also by the Word.

We might notice some of the spirits which we know are not of God, and see how cunningly the devil works it to get us under the influence of his deceptive and destructive spirits. About the first spirit he generally sends around to entrap a child of God is the spirit of “carelessness,” and the victim begins to get careless about secret prayer, and it may be will not go once in a whole day, and also neglect to read the Word. They may pick up the newspapers and keep posted in all the news, or around talking politics to neighbors. After one is well under the influence of this spirit, they are in good condition for the devil to introduce the spirit of “error.” They then get out of order by getting tangled up in some erroneous doctrine, possibly make some fatal mistakes in judgment, word or action. This then gives rise to a spirit of “fault-finding,” and they imagine some one else is out of order, which causes a spirit of strife and contention to come in.

Now beloved, the way for us to keep out of the power of these evil spirits, is to try every spirit by the Word and rebuke and resist every one that is not of God, and especially avoid carelessness, uneasiness, discontent, insobriety, stupidity, etc. And if we stand on the Word and keep victory over these, we will have no trouble about the greater ones.

Let us also remember that in the past before we had the light on these things we might have remained justified and been under the influence of some of these; which must be put away as the light comes. Let us then as one grand army move forward against the ranks of the enemy, proving all things by the word of God, and hold fast that which is good. Your brother on the advance for God,

E. G. Masters.

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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.

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Robinson, Kan.

Dear Saints: We can report victory on the faith line. Have been home about a week, having received a telegram calling me home on account of the illness of my mother who was not expected to live. God has been very gracious in sparing her life and she will likely recover. Any one desiring to write me will address me at Robinson. Kansas for the present. Will meet with the saints near here for a few nights, the Lord willing. The meetings held near Vandalia resulted in

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the salvation of dear souls in new fields. Praise God! Your brother in Christ,

F. Husted.

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Winslow, Ark.

Dear Saints: We van report victory on the Lord’s side. We are having meetings at Oak Grove. Souls are getting saved at almost every meeting, The saints are talking of building a meeting house here. There have been a number of professions here this winter. They all seem to be real earnest. We go from here to Pierce City, Mo., the Lord willing.

Dan Murphey and Wife.

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Berne, Ind., Apr, 23.

Dear Brethren: We greet you once more in Jesus’ name. We are glad to report a full and free salvation. Just recently we held meeting at West Liberty. Ind., in company with Bro. and Sister Longerbone. This was a new place. One soul was saved in a meeting at a private house. We have an invitation to hold a grove meeting near there this summer. We held a few meetings this week east of Berne. Two consecrations for the second grace and one for the first. We are on our way to the June C. M.. expecting to hold meeting along the way. Your redeemed co-workers.

B. B. and M. E. Roe.

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Burkett, Ind., Apr. 23.

Dear Saints: The meeting at Curtisville, Ind., was a most precious feast to all our souls. About twenty pardoned and a few sanctified. Also six baptized, and about forty partook of the ordinances. The little church was also much refreshed. We left the town much in favor of the gospel of the Son of God. We also met with the churches at Elwood and Smith’s Chapel and find them doing finely. We are at home now and Lord willing we will soon open up battle in our new tabernacle which is all ready to be shipped. We are your brethren all for Jesus and the truth,

S. L. Speck and C. B. Morton.

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Marquand Mo., April 19.

Dear Trumpet Readers: It has been some time since we have told how wonderfully the Lord has been dealing with us. He has been with us in mighty power, both to keep the soul and to heal the body. He has healed many times in our family; some few times which we believe will be to the glory of God to speak of. Last fall the children had the chills. The Lord took us through quite a test, but we just held on to God by faith till the work was done. He did wonderfully heal them after the devil imposed upon them for about three months. About one month ago the baby had the erysipelas; and the people said if it would go around it, that it would die, but it went nearly all over it, and praise God the child is not dead yet; for the Lord did wonderfully heal her. O praise the Lord forever! Two or three weeks ago the same child was taking the cholera morbus which often kills in twenty-four hours; but we went according to God’s word, and the Lord did the work and spared our baby. Praise his name! The Lord has been dealing with us this way for some time. We have been trusting him for our physician for both soul and body, and we intend to trust him for all things. Pray for us. Your brother and sister in the one body,

S. E. and G. W. Stover.

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Petersburg, Ind., Apr. 25.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: The dear Lord is still moving forward his work in these parts. We have been holding meetings in this county an joining counties, since last Autumn. This has been mostly a seed-sowing time. Bro. Whaly and Bro. Chrag were with us part of the time. The dear Lord used them in sending forth his truth. The people in Calmuck, about four miles north of Petersburg, in Knob Co., Ind., want a tabernacle meeting in Autumn. Any one that has a tabernacle and feels led of the Lord to go to that place, will find a welcome. Address Bro. F. Cockrum, Petersburg, Ind.

We are now with the little church at Sandy Hook, near Petersburg, Ind. The dear Lord is settling the little ones down in his truth at this place. On last Sunday evening ten happy souls followed the Lord in the ordinances of baptism, God witnessing to the solemn act. The night following the dear Lord gave us a glorious ordinance meeting for which we give God all the praise. We are ready to go any where the Lord leads. Pray for us. Your brother and sister down under the blood,

J. A. and S. D. Cannon.

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LosAngeles, Cal., Apr. 22.

To the Faithful Brethren in Christ Jesus: Love and peace be multiplied to you all. We can report victory in Jesus’ name. Have learned many precious lessons, and every effort has been crowned with success, either in behalf of others or among ourselves. Our peace has never returned to our bosom without a blessing in it to our souls, and thanks to the dear Lord. In this part of California the work has been in a somewhat peculiar condition, different from anything we have seen before. It would be very difficult to obtain any idea of the true state of things without being here and actively engaged in the battle for a while. But we would not advise any one to come unless God sends them. It is not hard to determine the cause that brought about the present state of affairs when the fact is known that this coast was flooded with the holiness work when in a crude state, mixed with all kinds of Babylon spirits and traditional whims of sectism generally, and as yet have not been redeemed from the captivity. If the saints could only realize that the hearts of the people here are far more prepared for greater deceptions than they are for the truth, they would know how to pray for the work and the workers here. There have been a few saved and sanctified; some healing of the sick, etc. Five dear souls obeyed the Lord in the ordinance of baptism Sabbath morning, Apr. 19. And all realized God’s sweet approval in the work. Amen. Meeting closed on the evening of the 19th. We remain a few days before going elsewhere. With love to all we remain in the faith. Your brother and co-laborers,

Geo. L. and Mary Cole.

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Who Will Help?

Nishnabotna, Mo., Apr. 21.

Dear Saints: I am praising the dear Lord for salvation full and complete. Came home last night, after being absent from home about three months, during which time the Lord gave us glorious meetings in different places. Have been in some new places to sow the precious seed of the gospel. Lord willing will start out again about the first of June with a tabernacle into western Neb., and I am in need of helpers in the gospel work, and would ask God’s messengers to bring this before the Lord and if you feel the Lord wants any to labor in western Neb., and Kansas, write to me at once. I would say that no one but those who are willing to go through hardships and feel God’s holy burning love for souls moving them, need to answer, as times are hard here in the West, but many, many precious souls are dying for the want of the bread of life, and no one to tell the glad tidings of salvation. I was in one place preaching twice, and souls were just begging us to come back and hold meeting. My prayer to God is to send helpers with his burning love for dear precious souls in them; for any one expecting an easy time will be sadly disappointed. But dear souls are needing the Word here as well as any where else, and who will come and help?

Now I feel like saying to the saints here in the West, if any have a horse and perhaps some one a light wagon which they do not use, it would be a great benefit to a company of workers, in getting from place to place. Any one who feels like helping in the salvation of souls let me know at once. In this way we could save money. Now dearly beloved brethren, bring it earnestly before the Lord, and write to me at once. Your saved brother all on the gospel altar. Address me at Nishnabotna, Mo.

Geo. Vielguth.

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Oakland, Cal., Apr. 22.

To the Dear Saints: We are still in the field and learning more and more how to fight, and gain the victory in every conflict. The dear Lord is doing as much through us as we let him. I was at Adelaide last week with the church at that place. That is a mountainous region and the people generally poor, but this is the class that received the word of life in the days of the ministry of Jesus, and it is just so now. The people came for miles over dangerous mountain roads at nights to hear the gospel. Some accepted it with a relish; others became convicted and were captured for God. A goodly number were saved out during my short visit there, and previous to this there had been a profitable ingathering through the labors of Bro. E. B. Elam, who is still in that vicinity.

Oh how my heart was stirred within me as I looked over that field and then thought of the many similar localities scattered all over this great coast in the out-of-the- way places (the by-ways) where there ought to be the servants of God out compelling them to come in. Many of these dear souls are sick of sin, and others of the formal cold ceremonies of their old religious associations, and are hungry for the food that alone can satisfy. Had I ten thousand tongues they should all be employed in sounding out the gospel of God’s grace to this perishing world. While we are fully occupied at present in these cities doing service for the Master, yet there is an inward longing to carry the tidings of life to the neglected by-ways in the country places. Cannot those who are more free to run than we go forth to these places and work for God? Brethren, the time is short. Move out while it is day, for soon the night shall come when none can work.

Our tent is now ready for service here, and we shall put it up soon. Are looking to God for some faithful co-laborers in this immense field. Many would be ready but for various hindering circumstances; but we believe God has the proper ones who can be free to enlist in the tent work for the season.

The home is full. God is with us. Are glad to have Bro. J. L. Green, of Woodburn, Ore., with us on a short visit. Pray for us that our usefulness for God be increased and we be continually lost in love. Your brother and sister set for the defense of the gospel,

J. W. and J. Byers.

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OPEN DOOR MISSION.

Chicago, Ill., April 20.

We are praising God for his wonderful goodness, his saving, and keeping grace. The work still goes on. Last night twenty-seven raised for prayer; five at the altar. We are kept very busy night and day. This is truly a great work. God has enabled us to be of some help to dear Bro. Tufts. Last Sunday morning April 12, six followed the Savior in the ordinance of baptism. There have been on an average 175 men fed daily; 100 lodged nightly, this winter, and about 2000 consecrations for salvation. Since this mission opened one year ago Jan. 1st, up to date, 19,422 have been fed and 11,120 lodged. Fifteen funeral sermons preached in the presence of a class of people who have learned to look to the Open Door Mission as their friend when sick or in trouble. You who have homes and home comforts should always remember those poor outcasts. Gal. 2:10. Heb. 6:10. The workers here are a unit. Sweet harmony prevails. Praise his dear name! Think of the thousands of men who go out from this place to all parts of the world. Shall this work cease? Can God’s children withhold their means? Or will you brethren do your duty? Open Door workers consecrate time and endanger their lives (Rev. 12:11) in this bowery of Chicago without a thought of self. One whom God has set over this work has spent but four dollars for clothing for himself since beginning here over a year ago, depending exclusively on garments sent into the Mission for his raiment in order that others who were homeless might have shelter. For the work to be continued here the rent must be paid. We have asked the Lord for it and are standing on his promises. To those who think this a large rental will say that we have a very cheap building, when compared with the prices paid by others all around us; and for the next year the Lord has put it into the heart of our landlord to reduce the rent. We are praising God for this. There should be a department of literature connected here. Many thousands of people who are constantly coming and going could be reached in this way. This could be a means to scatter much truth.

The Mission now has a wood yard where these men are required as a rule to earn their food and lodging before receiving it. The material from which the wood is cut has been obtained from buildings that are being torn down all over the city, fire wrecks, etc., which is generally given to the Mission. This is made into kindling wood and sold. About one-third of the necessary expenses are earned in this way. All connected with the mission give their labor, only food and raiment being allowed to them. The Lord has provided horses and wagons. A good substantial buggy would save much car fare. We are rejoicing in our place in the body. Although in perils oft, perfect love casts out fear. Remember us in your prayers.

G. B. Collins,

396 Dearborn St.

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TESTIMONIES.

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Blystone, Pa.

Dear Brothers and Sisters: I wish to add my testimony to those in the Trumpet. I know that the Lord has saved and is keeping me from sin by trusting all to him. I have the victory over the devil and his work. It is all by faith that I have peace all the day. How sweet to know we are members of his body, and to know we are where God will answer prayer. I have taken the Lord for my physician and found his promises true. I have four little boys, and my husband unsaved. I would ask the prayers of all of God’s saints for them. Pray for me that I may be sanctified wholly. Your sister saved and kept by faith,

Nancy E. Alvard.

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Ithaca, Mich.

Dear Saints of God: It has been some time since I have sent in my testimony. But I am praising God for salvation and for that which keeps both soul and body. It is fifteen years since the Lord saved me out of the Catholic sect. I thank the dear Lord he did not let me into the hands of sectism when he saved my soul out of the mother of all sects. May God bless all the dear Trumpet readers. Your saved sister under the blood,

Adelia Kennett.

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Lowville, N. Y.

Dear Saints: I feel it a duty to write a few lines for the Trumpet this morning. I am fully saved in Jesus, knowing for many years that the blood of Jesus does cleanse from all sin. It does me so much good to read the Trumpet. I am placed where I cannot go to the saints’ meeting, for there are none here, so I don’t go to any. But thank the Lord I find plenty of chances to talk salvation to the people. When I talk of holiness some will listen and seem to like to hear it, but they don’t understand it. How dark the minds of the people! I see plainly it is fashionable to belong to these denominations. Your sister all the Lord’s. Pray for me.

Charlotte Howe.

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DIVINE HEALING.

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Is divine healing a New Testament doctrine? Was the gift of healing only given to the apostles? Or is it still in the church?

We will begin with Mark 16:14. “Afterwards he [Jesus] appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and he upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.” Now if Jesus were here to day in person, would we not hear him upbraiding many professors of religion for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they believe not his word?

In verse 15 we read, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

What did he say preach? Our opinion? No; he said preach the gospel. Now how much of the gospel? It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Mat. 4:4. Now we will go to Mark 16 again. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe [those that believed the gospel as the apostles preached it. What signs?] In my name shall they cast out devils: they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover?” V. 16-18.

Why don’t we see these signs following the professed world to day? Answer: Because there are so many unbelievers, and the signs were to follow them that believe. Some might say, “You claim the signs follow you, then I would think you would pray for all the sick among you and no one would die.” Now we read in Mat. 28th chap. where Jesus said he had all power in heaven and earth, and yet while he was here on earth the people died, for God hath appointed that man must die. Heb. 9:27.

Now we are to find out the will of God when we are sick, then ask accordingly. See 1 John 5:14, 15. Turn also to the 5th chapter of James, verses 13, 14, 15. “Is any among you [who? believers.] afflicted? what does it say they shall do? Let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” “Is any sick among you [believers]?” What does the Word say he shall do? Send for the doctor? No; “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.” Now there is no healing virtue in the oil, but it must be done in obedience to the word of God. What effects the cure? It says the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. So we see who does the work. In the 3d chap. of Acts, in the case of the lame man that was healed, Peter said, “And his name [Jesus] through faith in his name, hath made this man strong, and given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”

Now is the gift of healing still in the church? Turn to 1 Cor. 12:9. We read, “To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit.” Some may ask, what church? We will answer it briefly, the church of God; which includes all true believers, or God’s people. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins.” — Mat. 1:21. In the 5th chapter of Acts we read that by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people, and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. They brought multitudes of sick people to be healed, and they were healed. Praise the Lord!. In Acts 4:19, 20, after a notable miracle had been wrought, and Peter and John had been threatened, they answered and said, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” It brought persecutions upon them. But they prayed and said, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thy word; by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.” Hallelujah! “And as they prayed the place was shaken.” Is the power of Christ diminished? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and forever.” — Heb. 13:8.

Ida E. Worden.

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The Power of God’s Word, What it does, etc.

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IT converts the soul. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. * * * rejoicing the heart, * * * enlightening the eyes * * * moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping them there is great reward.” — Psa. 19:7-11.

It makes clean. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” — Psa. 119:9. “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” — Jno. 15:3. “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word.” — Eph. 5:26.

It quickens. “This is my comfort in my affliction; for thy word hath quickened me. I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.” — Psa. 119:50, 93.

Enlightens and convinces of sin. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.” — Psa. 119:130. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world; and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. * * * But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be known, that they are wrought in God.” — Jno. 3:19, 21.

It is a very common practice among the different religious denominations to quote from Wesley, Spurgeon, Knox, Luther and many of the founders and leaders of the different denominations. It is “thus saith Wesley,” etc., many times, and very seldom, “thus saith the Lord.” Why is it so? Because, if they should give a “thus saith the Lord” for every thing, their own erroneous ways would be manifest; hence Jno. 3:19. See also Eph. 5:11-14.

The Word gives life. “Wherefore do you spend money [pay sectarian preachers for their ecclesiastical college rot] for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.” — Isa. 55:2.

Satisfieth not. Did any one ever know a soul to be satisfied by listening to some of the fine essays and orations delivered from the sectarian pulpits of to day? I must confess frankly that I never did. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” Then Simon Peter said, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:63, 68.

The Word accomplishes God’s purposes. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” — Isa. 55:11.

Please notice God says MY WORD, not your word or some other one’s word. Preach the word of God, in season and out of season, for thou knowest not which may prosper, this or that. It is stronger than the words of one raised from the dead. “Abraham said unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them, and he said, Nay, Father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one raise from the dead.” — Luke 16:29-31.

Saves the soul. “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.” — Acts 11:14, “Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you that feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.” — Acts 13:26. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine: continue in them: for in doing this thou shall save both thyself, and those that hear thee.” — 1 Tim. 3:15. “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” — James 1:21.

Produces conviction of sin. “Therefore by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” — Rom. 3:20.

Produces faith. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Rom. 10:17.

It is the power of God. See 1 Cor. 1:17-25.

It appeals to the conscience of all. “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” — 2 Cor. 4:2.

It pulls down the strongholds of wickedness. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal; but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” — 2 Cor. 10:4.

Our school master. See Gal. 3:19-24.

It stops the mouths of gainsayers. “Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers.” — Titus 1:9. See 10:11.

Gives also the new birth. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever.” — 1 Pet. 1:23.

It also gives us the knowledge that we possess eternal life. See 1 John 5:9-13.

It sanctifies the believer. “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” — John 17:17.

And keeps us from sinning. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psa. 119:11.

It heals. “He sent his word and healed them.” — Psa. 107:20. “But say in a word and my servant shall be healed.” — Luke 7:7.

So summing the whole matter up we find that the word of God is the power we want; and we receive the power after the Holy Ghost is come upon us. Acts 1:8.

Briefly stated the word of God 1st, Convicts of sin. Rom. 3:20. 2d, Converts the soul. Psa. 19:7, Jer. 23:22. 3d, Gives us the new birth. James 1:18. 4th, Sanctifies the believer. John 17:17. Eph. 5:26. 5th, Gives us spiritual growth. 1 Pet. 2:2. 6th, Makes perfect. 2 Tim. 3:15-17. 7th, Makes us wise. Psa. 19:7. 2 Tim. 3:15. 8th, Gives us faith. Rom. 10:17. 9th, Gives us the knowledge that we possess eternal life. 1 John 5:9-13. 10th, And heals the sick and afflicted. Psa. 107:20.

“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Now if we are willing to take God’s word for it, we can all have all the power we want, and become mighty men and women for God, and for the salvation of souls. Why is it that men of ordinary intelligence and only a very limited education are so much more successful in winning souls than those finely educated D. D’s? My answer to this question is just this: They first become converted, and they have no wisdom of their own; so they take the word of God and read and study it and preach it, and God honors it, and souls are converted. While the learned preach their fine sermons that they learned at college and no one understands them and the hearts of the people became so hardened under such preaching that it seems almost impossible to get them to receive the truth. May the Lord help us to stay with the blessed old Bible and teach its truths with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.

J. R. Daniels.

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TESTIMONIES.

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Ormanville, Iowa.

I am saved from all sin and sectism. Glory to God for his blessed. Spirit which showed me that I must come out of Babylon and get under the blood. Your humble brother,

Geo. Klingler.

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Smith Center, Kan.

Dear Saints of God: I am praising God for salvation that saves me from sin. I am so glad that God gave me a willing heart to accept the truth, as it is in his word. He has healed me of catarrh of the head that I had for years. Your sister saved and sanctified,

Cynthia Brunner.

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Peoria, Ill.

Dear Readers: I am led of the Lord to write my testimony for the first time. Praise God for a free and full salvation! I am saved and kept by his power each day from sin. Glory to God for giving me the evening light, and sending his messengers as living witnesses. I am wholly sanctified, and complying with Jas. 5:14, 15, I was healed of catarrh. Glory to Jesus! I still have the victory. The saints were called to a sister’s house who had been in bed for 169 days; had a cancer in her side and was given up by the best physicians here. Meeting the conditions as in James 5:14, 15, she was healed; got right up out of bed, walked across the room praising God. Saturday night she was out to meeting. Glory to Jesus for victory! The Lord has provided for us a new hall also. Praise the Lord! Pray for us. I remain your saved sister in Christ,

Miss Sadie Greenbaum.

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Edgewood, Ia.

Dear Saints of God: We feel led to write our testimony once more, hoping that will encourage those that are placed where the pure gospel has never been preached. But praise the Lord, we are not alone, for our Savior is with us in saving and keeping power, and he is our family physician. Whenever any of our children or myself or companion are afflicted in any way we just take it to the Lord and claim the promise and the Lord just honors our faith and heals us. And although it has been over two years since we have heard a sermon from one of God’s ministers that are out in the present truth, we are standing true to our promises to God who is able to make us stand. We don’t speak of this to murmur or complain, but just to prove God’s ability to keep those that put their trust in him, and to prove there is a grace where we can stand if we have to stand alone. So dear ones you that are away from any of God’s little ones, don’t be discouraged; for he will never leave you nor forsake you, but will be a present help in every time of need. It does seem to us that there is great need of some of God’s holy messengers to come here to work for the Lord. And now dear ones we want you all to pray for us that we may have humility. We remain true to God and his cause. Your brother and sister in the one body,

C. E. and F. L. Hosier.

ADVANCEMENT.

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A Blessing in Obedience.

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“BUT whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” — Jas. 1:25.

Here we have set forth the conditions upon which we may receive that which so many are seeking; namely, blessings. “The doer of the work shall be blessed in his deed.” If, therefore, we expect to enjoy the blessings of the Lord upon our souls we must diligently keep all the commandments of the Lord.

But there is such a thing, as practicing under a low standard of spirituality, in a formal way, the letter of the Word, without entering into the real blessedness of obedience. This is called formality.

Many of our experiences have been burdened with so great a degree of formality that we have failed to find the real inside track of Christianity. Oh beloved! let us seek a closer walk with God. Jesus says, speaking of the ordinances, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” — Jno. 15:17. But he proceeds to say. “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen.” Ah! there was Judas one of the twelve, whose heart was not right. Jesus did not mean that he would be blessed if he practiced the ordinances. Neither will we, if our experience is not what it ought to be, but they will seem more like humiliation and mortification than delightful observances. Does it really bring joy to your soul to practice the ordinances of God’s house? Is your experience like John’s who testified saying. “His commandments are not grievous.” 1 Jno. 5:3.

We read in the Psalms. “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion.” — Psa. 134:2, 3. The promise here is, that the Lord will bless us, when we lift up our hands and bless him. Is this according to your experience, brethren? Do you realize the blessings of the Lord, falling like the “dew of Herman” upon your soul, when you lift up your hands in his name? If not, don’t charge the Lord with unfaithfulness. The fault is in yourself. Your experience is not what it should be. This promise is predicated upon the condition, that there be no defect in our spirituality. Jeremiah says, “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” Lam. 3:41. Perhaps we have not always done this. Perhaps we have sometimes lifted up our hands without blessing the Lord in our hearts. Hence the failure to receive the blessing. Oh! let us guard against formality.

It is also taught in the Bible that there is a blessing in almsgiving. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts. 20:35. But the blessings do not rest upon the mere act of giving, because Jesus taught that giving with improper motives would not be rewarded. Mat. 6:1. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” — 2 Cor. 9:7. These texts clearly prove that our giving must be with a pure motive to bring down the approval of God upon us. But the pure motive alone in our giving will not cause our liberality to be blessed to the good of our own souls. Spirituality in the giver is also required. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity [love], it profiteth me nothing.” 2 Cor. 13:3.

Oh beloved! let us seek above all things a greater depth of spirituality, and to live where there will be nothing in our experience that will hinder the showers of blessings from falling upon our souls in their season. Let us be sure that our obedience is not void of the blessings of God.

Wm. G. Schell.

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