30 July 1896, Volume 16, Number 30.

FEAR NOT TEMPTATION.

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Fear not, О brother and sister,
Though great temptations come,
Put on the armor of Jesus,
Stand for the Lord alone.
Be not dismayed, though the tempter Rages on every side,
For He has promised to keep thee
Safe in the Crucified.

Though it may seem that no other
Ever was tempted thus,
‘Tis but the common temptations
That have o’ertaken us.
Each one is needful to strengthen;
Not one is sent in vain;
Low at the feet of the Savior,
We shall the victory gain.

His offered grace is sufficient
Ways of escape to make;
Murmur not, then, at the trials,
Jesus will not forsake.
Flee to his strong arm when tempted,
Lean on his loving breast;
There, when the conflict is over,
Thou shalt find sweetest rest.

— C. W. Naylor

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Unsound Doctrine.

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HERE are places where unsound doctrine has been set forth to the people, concerning which we have received letters. We quote the following from two letters before us.

Bro. Byrum: Wears seeking light on the word of God and desire to know if it is possible for either sinner or backslider to get saved alone. A young minister here is teaching that it is impossible for them to do so, and should a person fall down before God alone and repent he would only get a delusion.

— M. L.

It is taught here that 1 Jno. 5:16 means that if a man is a saint and a regular attendant of meetings of his assembly, if he backslides and gets back into sin. he cannot pray himself but of that condition, nor get saved unless he has the assembly, or some one of the assembly, or some saved person pray for and instruct him and ask God to give back the spiritual life. It is also taught that a person cannot get saved by going into some secret place alone and himself pray and confess to God alone, but must go into an open assembly and confess to the church and have them pray for him.

A. M. L.

With this line of teaching there is one error after another worked in, but it is summed up in three principal things. One is that there must be a mediator between Christ and the one desiring to be saved; another is that the church must first forgive, before the Lord can forgive. The third is restitution; that is, that no one can be saved until restitution of all things is made, and that God will not accept the will for the deed.

Now we will briefly notice some of these points. Concerning 1 John 5:16 where it speaks of the sin unto death, it is very plain that this scripture does not teach any such doctrine as set forth in the above letters. One brother may be a help to another, and may be the means of his rescue, but that does not prove by any means that it is impossible for the erring one to come to the Lord without human help. In 1 John 2:1 we read that “if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Some take this to mean that, if some one else sins we who are saved have Jesus Christ as our advocate for that person. But let us notice now who has access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. Now, if he or no one could be saved without the church, °r some saved person praying for, or forgiving him, then there would be Wore than one mediator between Rian and God. We read in 1 Tim 2:5,6 that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave him- Self a ransom for all.” And in Jno. 14:6 Jesus said, “1 am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Is that not plain language? And in Jno. 6:44 he says, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” In Hebrews 7:25 we read that those who came to God through Jesus Christ can be saved to the uttermost. And in Matt 11:28 Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and earn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

But some may ask, How are they to come, or how will the Father draw them? He will draw them by his Spirit, and it is generally through the hearing of the Word that people become convicted of their sins, yet God has many ways of speaking to the people. We read in Heb. 1:1 that “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.” There is no one that the Lord does not in some way draw by his Spirit and give a chance to accept or reject. Some repeatedly turn away from the gentle wooings of the Spirit and go headlong into the depths of sin. Some who have a knowledge of the blessings of God have turned into the ways of sin, and yet, as with the prodigal son, the Lord is willing to receive them back when they become willing to return. Jesus came to seek and save the lost and it is the privilege of every person who is lost in sin to come directly to the Lord, regardless of any person on the face of the earth and get an experience of salvation if they have a willingness and will meet the conditions of the word of God. Now, if a person blasphemes the Holy Ghost (Heb. 10:29) and sins the sin unto death, there is no forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

THEIR SINS MUST BE REMITTED

This scripture is sometimes brought forth where it says, “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.” Now this does not, by any means, say that the disciples or any one else had the power to forgive sins. But when Christ gave them the keys and told them that whatsoever they should bind on earth should be bound in heaven, and whatsoever they loosed on earth should be loosed in heaven, he gave them the keys or power to preach the gospel, and whatever the Word bound on earth should be bound in heaven; that is, if people refused to measure to the Word they were bound for destruction until they repented. And whatsoever was loosed on earth, being set free by the Word, was loosed in heaven; as a person who is loosed from all sin here on earth is ready to enter heaven free from all the bands of Satan.

When the Word is preached and the conditions of salvation set forth to the people, they learn how their sins may be remitted, or taken away; and if the Word is accepted and believed and obeyed, their sins will be remitted and the binding chains broken; if not, then they remain bound until they are willing to meet the conditions of the Word. Peter, nor the apostles themselves did not have the authority to do this except by the Word and the Spirit. It is not the preacher alone that does the binding or remitting of sins, but it is the sending forth the Word by the Holy Spirit, and it is the privilege of the people to be bound, or to be unbound; to remain in bondage, or to be set free. How was it on the day of Pentecost when Peter had preached the Word to the people .by the power and authority of the Holy Ghost? The people became convicted and cried out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter did not say, Confess your sins to me, and let me remit them by my own power; but as they saw they were bound by the word of God and desired freedom, when they asked what they should do Peter said, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. — Acts 2:38.

When some one asked Paul, “What must I do to be saved?” he replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” —Acts 16:31. In the last chapter of St. Mark we find where Jesus tells his disciples to go forth and preach the gospel, and the result would be as follows: “He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; he that believeth not shall be damned,” etc.

Now we know there are many who get into such a condition that it is very hard for them to get out without help and instruction. But there is quite a difference between giving help and instruction and presenting the word of God, and withholding salvation from any one. As to being required to come and confess to a public assembly, or some preacher, or some one else, in all cases, it is truly a mistake, and just such a mistake as the Roman Catholics made when they required their subjects to confess to the priests. We are not under the papal authority and power, and any one who will come humbly to the throne of grace, willing to meet the conditions of the word of God in all things, can get a real experience of salvation whether they are alone with God in some secluded spot, or in a public assembly. In order to be saved, a sinner must have a willingness to forsake his sins and give them up and turn from them; not only have a willingness to do it, but he must do it. But how about

RESTITUTION?

Restitution is restoring anything to its rightful owner; or, in other words, settling up for our misdoings. But now the question comes, does the Lord require all of this before he will forgive? If such is the case the class of people whom Jesus came to save will have quite a time coming to the Lord. Do you suppose that the three thousand who were saved on the day of Pentecost took time to go and make their wrongs right? Now there are. cases, no doubt, where this is required. If a person desires salvation and is so situated as to make his wrongs right without deferring his salvation for any great length of time, it may be required of him. But suppose a man has wronged his neighbors, one here and one there? Some perhaps have been defrauded of great sums of money, more than the poor penitent is worth at the present time, and yet he comes desiring salvation. He calls upon the Lord for mercy. Will the Lord say, Here, you go and earn enough money to pay the man whom you defrauded? No, salvation is offered now. “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” The poor sinner comes with a sorrowful heart, sorry that he has ever sinned against the Lord and against his fellow men. He promises the Lord that he will make all his wrongs right as far as lieth in his power. He promises that wherein he has wronged his neighbor he will go to him and make it right as soon as convenient, and if he is unable to pay what he owes, he promises that he will go to his neighbor and settle in some satisfactory way, and pay the debt as fast as he becomes able. Will God accept such an offering? Certainly he will. There is nothing in the word of God to the contrary.

We turn to Matt. 18:123-35, where we have the parable of the king who forgave his servant, in the 26th verse of which we read that the servant told him to have patience with him and he would pay all. So the king upon these conditions forgave him the debt. And in this lesson Jesus meant to teach that he would do likewise if we had a willing heart and came to him as was done in this case, But after this servant was set free he found one of his fellow servants who owed him, and. he demanded his fellow servant to pay him all that he owed, and showed him no mercy but cast him into prison. For so doing he was likewise cast into prison until he should pay all that he owed his master, and Jesus says, So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Now this does not mean that we are to forgive the sins of our brethren by way of remitting them, but if he has wronged us we are to have a forgiving heart toward him, as we read in another place, “If we forgive not men their trespasses, neither will our heavenly Father forgive us our trespasses.” There are people who try to use this parable to prove that there is no eternal punishment, but it is a very flimsy argument as it only has reference to this life and not to the life to come. No one can get salvation and keep it without making wrongs right as far as lieth in his power. If the wrongs cannot be made right when a person feels the Spirit of the Lord convicting to give up his sins, God will accept the willing heart, but such an one will be required at the first opportunities to fulfill his promises, or he cannot retain the blessings of God. God never requires impossibilities of any one, but he does require us to fulfill his Word as far as lieth in our power, and he will save all who come unto him through Jesus Christ. “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among whereby we must be saved.”

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Domestic Happiness.

(Continued from July 16.)

CHAPTER III. DUTY OF HUSBAND TO WIFE.

Modern social circles have considered this great question from many important views, but like other modern topics, God’s truth is only slightly noticed (or entirely overlooked), and thus the power and authority of good ideas only recommended have no executive power of enforcement. The result is, people agree that such are grand thoughts, but the thoughts introduced by the would-be agitators of grand questions, lose their assumed beauty and glory, because of the “power to perform” being wanting. Acknowledging that grace and-truth came by Jesus Christ, we can with confidence follow the order of his plan, knowing of a surety that his recommendations are right, his precepts are practicable, and his decisions final.

HEAD OF THE WIFE.

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. — Eph. 5:23-24. As the church trusts in and looks to Christ, so the wife looks to and trusts her husband; and as Christ’s love for the church asks nothing too hard of its members, so the love of the true husband asks nothing of his wife, but what is fur her own and his good, and God’s glory; Man is not the head of the woman as a “boss” or “slave holder,” but as a protector, and benefactor. Much unhappiness is brought to the domestic circle, through lack of comprehension on this line. Be it understood that God’s word requires each member to be in perfect agreement, for “How can two walk together except they be agreed?” and the only right and impartial platform of agreement upon which both husband and wife can stand, is God’s word, which says, “Husbands, love your wives;” and, “Wives, obey your husbands.”

DUE BENEVOLENCE.

“Let the husband render unto wife due benevolence.” – 1 Cor.7:3ю Benevolence (a disposition to do good) is a means of grace that moves in the soul of every true Christian, manifesting the life of Christ at home and abroad. Before its shrine all mortal passions and earthly desires must humbly bow. Thus the true Bible husband possesses a power to bring this “body under subjection,” and obey the holy commandment, “Ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife as to the weaker vessel.” 1 Pet. 3:7. “Abundance of grace” Rom. 5:17, makes a man a master of every circumstance of life, and a slave to no appetite or passion, and enables him to dwell with his wife according to knowledge, not as a brute, or savage, but rational. Obedience to the Word in this will intensify the love for “the wife of thy youth” (Prov. 5:18) instead of growing cross and cold.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Under the law a man was sometimes required to spend the first year of his married life to cheer his wife. Deut. 24:5. To-day, to secure happiness at home, it must be obtained and retained, as the result of efforts, and one of the sources of blessed sunshine is encouragement. Christ, to show his love to the church and prove it true, gave himself for it, then gave us “exceeding great and precious promises” whereby we are made “partakers of the divine nature,” and speaks often to exortation, edification, and comfort, teaching us our duty and his will, promising his “speedy return” to receive those that love and obey him, ending with this consolation, “Comfort ye one another with these words.” If the husband is thus interested in, and careful for, the happiness and prosperity of his wife and family he should always endeavor to bring sunshine to his domestic circle, by a cheerful face and cheerful words, by a countenance aglow with the love of God and duty to his home, and always ready to brave the tide of life, taking a decided stand for God and for the right in all things that would involve the interest of him or his; possessing the grace of God that puts authority, mixed with love and devotion, in the voice of command that captains the domicile boat as she rides the billows of time, bound for eternity.

TEACHING

If the husband is the head of the wife, and the wife must obey the husband, there should be much thought given to the manner in which the husband should address the wife. The command should never carry with it a condemning nature, but should always bein the form of an entreaty. Throw no insinuations, cast no reflections, but “Let your speech be seasoned with grace” and always show interest, love, and duty, and never bigotry and self-esteem, for their difference is easily detected, and it does not take the modern scholar to use the detector. The example, also, must accompany the precept, that the teaching may not lose its power.

JEALOUSY

“Husbands love your wives and be not bitter against them.”-Col. 3:19. No agent is more effectually used by the enemy of happy wedlock ‘than the spirit of jealousy. Evil imaginations, suspicion, uneasiness, and many other dark and gloomy parts of the devil’s territory, are inhabited by these miserable imitations of human beings. Yielding to this agent of the enemy called jealousy, principle is sacrificed to the ravages of cowardice and suspicion.

A.B. STANBERRY.

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THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1896.

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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED

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Elizabeth Carmichael, F. Husted, J. N. Young, Thos. Stanton, Geo. M. Jordan, Annie Harrington L. C. Mast, J. M. Campell, Noah Duncan, E. H. Burbeck.

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Sadie Buchanan, of Vintondale, Cambria Co., Pa. desires to know if any of the saints live near her place. If so, write to her.

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A short time ago a testimony appeared in the Trumpet over the signature of Lina Teague of Otwell, Ind. A few days later we received notice that the testimony was a forged one, written by some enemy to bring a reproach upon the cause of Christ at that place. Since that time United States detectives have written concerning the matter. We do not know what steps have been taken, but the penalty of such an act of forgery would be state’s prison. But we trust the one who did the act will at least repent of his sins and turn to God and be a worker for his cause instead of against it. We make mention of this that the sister may not be wrongfully looked upon in her community, and also as a warning to such offenders.

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Calls For Meeting.

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We wish to say to parties traveling through this part of Mo. by private conveyance that we have a place open for meeting at any time at West Union. This is a new place for the gospel and there are a few dozen more towns near by where, no doubt, great good could be done if some good true ministers would come. My brother made a call through the Trumpet about a year ago, but no one answered. We live thirty-five miles south of Kansas City, in Cass Co., Mo., and seven miles south of Belton and seven miles north of Freeman, Mo. A tabernacle or houses can be had in which to preach the pure gospel. Yours for the truth, George M. Jordan, West Union, Mo.

Address Almon Dean, Pierpont, Ashtabula Co., O.

We want a tabernacle meeting here. H. A. Austin, Norwood, Mo.

We would be glad to have ministers passing through here stop and preach for us. L. J. Benn, Deacon, Ind.

We would very much like to_have some of God’s workers come here and hold meetings. Address Mary Jensen, Hutchinson, Minn.

Some of God’s ministers are desired to come and preach the gospel. Address, C. Ryker, Three States, Mo.

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MEETINGS.

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PREPARING FOR CAMP MEETINGS

There are a few things might be mentioned that will apply to camp and grove meetings in general. Those attending such meetings should go for the purpose of glorifying God, by doing good, getting good, and becoming better qualified to help others. If convenient, take a tent along, and bedding, etc., enough to make you comfortable. Some blankets and a straw tick will be sufficient to enable you to care for yourself should the place be crowded. If possible, go prepared to provide for yourself and help others. Do not impose upon the liberality of the brethren, but if you are too poor to provide for yourself do not stay away on that account as they will gladly care for you. Go in faith, and help to bear one another’s burdens, and aid in rescuing perishing souls.

The Dwight, Mich, camp meeting, Aug. 1-9, will be held on the east shore of South Arm, opposite the Holy Island. All who can, bring small tents. We would like to have Bros. Palmer and Grover. Address Laverne Tillitson, Dwight, Mich.

Tekonsha, Mich. Aug.3-11. Address B. F. Heath.

There will be a camp meeting held by the church of the living God, five miles east of Hartsells, Morgan Co., Ala. Beginning Aug. 6 and continuing over the 16th. Everybody is invited to attend and hear the pure gospel. The Bible standard of holiness, the unity and harmony of God’s people will be set forth according to the word of God. Also Jesus Christ will be held up in his power and faithfulness to save, and heal the sick and suffering. A special invitation is extended to the sick and suffering. Come to the meeting and accept Christ as a perfect physician for both soul and body.

Any one coming by rail, stop at Hartsells on the L.&N. R. R. which is the nearest station, and notify R. G. Sharp, Hartsells, Ala. in due time and arrangements will be made to meet you. There will be plenty of shelter, wood, and water on the grounds. All who possibly can should bring bedding and provisions. Arrangements for cooking on the ground will be made. Let all the saints from Ky., Tenn., and Miss., who possibly can, attend this meeting. Any from any other part who can attend are invited. Bro. Otto Bolds will be present, also Sister Thomas; and others are expected.

Cayuga, Ind. Camp meeting. Aug. 6- 20. will be held on Bro. A. Watson’s farm, three miles north-west of Cayuga. Bro. R. M. Haynes and other traveling evangelists will be present. Address W. A. Davison, Eugene, Ind.

Zion, Miss. Camp meeting. Aug. 8-16. At the new camp ground near Zion. Leake Co., Miss. Address W. O. Williams.

Kelat, Ky. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 8-23. Address J. P. Lemons.

Harrison Co., Ky. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 8-25. On the farm of A. J. Lemons, four miles northeast of Poindexter Station on the old Ky. Cent. R. R. Some true ministers of God are desired. Address J. P. Lemons, Kelat, Ky.

Shultz grove meeting, Aug. 11—18. Ail are invited to come. There is a chance to camp on the ground if any one desires. Any one coming by railroad address Bro. H. L. Shrontz, Cloverdale; or Bro. Elmer Bishop, Shultz, Mich. Bro. A. B. Palmer is expected, and whoever the Lord may send.

North Star (instead of Brock), O. Aug. 12-23. Address John H.Trick, Versailles, O.

The Vichy, Mo. camp meeting will be held on the old camp ground, on Bro. James A. Thornton’s farm Aug. 12-24. It is northeast of Rolla ten miles, and north-west of St. James ten miles. There will be good pasture free, with creek running through; boarding house and other conveniences. Notify James A. Thornton, or C. J. Light, Light, Mo.

Marshall, Okla. Camp meeting Aug. 13-24. This will’ be a general coming together of the saints and workers of Okla., Kan., and the Southwest. A number of God’s holy ministers are expected to be in attendance at this meeting. The camp ground is located eleven miles west of Mulhall, on the A. T. & St. F. R. R, and twenty-one miles east of Hennessey, on the C., R. I. & P. R. R. Parties coming by rail notify Bro. S. P. Post, Standard, Okla., or Bro. M. Williams, Marshall, Okla.

Ft. Stephens, Miss. General assembly at Wright’s Chapel. Beginning Aug. 14. Address H. W. Frasure.

Houston, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 14-23. Address E. M. Allen.

Stanley. W. Va. Camp meeting. Aug. 14-24. All coming by B. & O. Ry. notify Bro. L P. Garner, Stanley, W. Va. The R. R. station is Toll Gate. Those coming by Ohio River or River R. R. be at Sistersville the 13th by 10 o’clock A. M., also notify Bro. J. К. P. Whitecotton, Mole Hill, W. Va.

Peoria, Ill. About Aug 15.

Bluff Springs, Leake Co., Miss. Meeting. Beginning Aug. 19. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.

St. Louis, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 19-29. Address Jno. Harn.

The Canada camp meeting will be held at Fenwick, Ont. Aug. 20-30 in Bro. M. Swayze’s bush. Brethren coming by way of Detroit, take Grand Trunk to Hamilton, then Toronto, Hamilton, and Buffalo R. R. to Fenwick Station; and those coming by way of Buffalo or Niagara Falls, come to Welland, then take T. H. & B. R. R. to Fenwick Station. Communications should be sent to Dr. Birdsall or J. E. Smith, Fenwick, Ont. Dear saints of God, sacrifice this year to attend the Canada С. M. Accommodations for all led to attend.

Emlenton, Pa. Camp meeting. Aug. 20-31. Address Samuel Martz, Pittsville, Pa.

Payne, O. Camp meeting. Aug. 20- 31. Address J. N. Howard.

Gaston, Ind. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 26 to Sept. 6.

Tremont, O. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 26 – Sept. 6. Address Peter Hartman, Lawrenceville, O.

Ash Grove, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 27 – Sept. 7.

Prince, Miss. Camp meeting. Beginning Aug. 28. Address F. M. Williamson, Centralia, Miss.

Oklahoma City, Okla. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 28 – Sept. 14.

Tuscola, Leake Co., Miss. Meeting. Beginning Aug. 29. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.

Izard Co., Ark. Camp meeting. Sept. 1-15. Address Ben Seaton, Violet Hill, Ark.

Milton, Mo. Camp meeting. Sept. 1- 12. Address A. A. Kinzie.

Cheshire, Mich. Grove meeting. Beginning Sept 3. Address Albert Pulsipher, Allegan, Mich.

Vowell, Winston Co., Miss. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-13. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.

Kenesaw, Neb. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-15. Those wishing tents notify Bro. W. F. Eberline by at least as early as Aug. 20.

Bern, Ind. Tabernacle meeting. Six miles east in Bro. Young’s neighborhood. Begins Sept 5.

Rowan Co., Ky. Assembly meeting. Sept. 5-13. On Slab camp, in the saints’ meeting house, eight miles southwest of Morehead Station on the C. & O. road. Address W. T. Hall, or F. Porter, Morehead, Ky.

A grove meeting will be held in the southeast part of Salem township, Allegan Co., Mich. Sept. 8-18. Address H. E. Hyde, Burnips Corners, Mich.

Reddick, III. Tabernacle meeting, Sept. 9 and as long as the Lord wills.

Friend, Mo. Assembly meeting. Begins Sept 15

Rising Sun, O. Tabernacle meeting. Sept 15-25. Address Jacob Roush.

Arapahoe, Okla. Camp meeting. Sept. 18-28.

North Enid, Okla. Camp meeting. Beginning Oct. 6. Address W. G. Rippey.

A general assembly meeting will be held by the saints of Kentucky, near Jeffersonville, Montgomery Co.; beginning Sept 18, to continue over two Sundays, the Lord willing. A general invitation is given to all lovers of the truth Bro. Keeling is expected. Thos. Carter.

North Enid, Okla. Camp meeting. Beginning Oct 6. Address W. G. Rippey.

New Pittsburg, Ind. Assembly meeting. Beginning Oct. 15. Address H. C. Wickersham.

Bro. Ostis B. Wilson and Co. are traveling by private conveyance to Mo. Anyone wishing meetings along the line, address him at Grand Junction, Mich.

Any one desiring meeting in New York address us at 621 Otisco St., Syracuse, N. Y.
B. F. Weikel.

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CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD.

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(Continued from last issue.)

Men are not to lean to their own understanding in serving God, but must acknowledge him and his ways in all they do. Doubtless, if men had their way, there would be many changes they would think to make, and would improve (?) in many instances on Bible methods. And the sectarian world is absolutely doing these very things. If they all should turn in and with one voice and one heart push God’s work in his way, there could no longer be any sectish spirit. Without ignoring the Bible, sectism could not exist. Why? Because Bible sanctification draws everybody to Jesus and to each other, PERFECTING THEM IN ONE. What then shall we say? The present popular type of sanctification which is being preached, and which winks at, recommends, and encourages divisions among God’s people, is not sanctification at all.

But it is equally true that where the one and only Bible church is ignored or rejected, almost every other New Testament doctrine pertaining to life and godliness is supplanted and something else substituted.

Not to supplant gospel measures and not to substitute something else therefor, would mean eternal destruction to all sectism. The world is already torn up, divided, devouring each other, full of strife and confusion, and the very and one purpose of the gospel is to call them out of and save them from these things, joining them to Christ and to each other, as a perpetual memorial to said wicked world of the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ to perfect all he claimed to do. The bond of union existing among and cementing God’s people is the supernatural love of God poured out into their hearts. This love conforms people to the image of Jesus Christ.

To attempt to hold up sectism requires much sophistry and the handling of God’s word deceitfully. Here is an example. A man who always, under all circumstances, says, “Stick to your church,” gave this as a reason: “Peter got a whipping nearly every morning, went on his way rejoicing, and did not ask for his church letter either.” Here is the most ignoble dodge we have ever seen resorted to. We are at a loss to know how an honest man could use it. It is true Peter got many whippings, scourgings and imprisonments, but from whom? from the followers of our Lord Jesus? He was whipped by the same power that killed Jesus Christ, and that had commanded him to ‘preach Jesus no more. He was whipped by the set of people who with one mighty sweep would have destroyed Christianity from the earth. He was whipped by the opposers of truth, and by the people who always resisted the Holy Ghost. The same spirit that whipped Peter is likewise attempting to whip all who now are acting as did Peter. And he did not ask for a church letter either. We should think not. As we understand things, a man should not ask the devil for a church letter. But did the man who wrote the above brilliant idea mean to confound the people who whipped Peter with the modern church of today? We certainly infer as much. Certainly there is a resemblance between them.

Now the thought we wish to emphasize is this: The true people of God never oppose and persecute the people of God. Persecution comes from the other direction. The reason Jesus wanted his followers to be brought together and bound by his love was, he knew they would have enough to meet and contend with from without; but it cannot be proved by scripture that one good man ever whipped another good man, and persecuted him. Men of God love each other, yea, and would die for each other instead of killing one another. The thought that persecution of any sort can come from the church of God upon God’s saints is terrible, and not to be entertained for a moment. “By this shall all men know ye are my disciples, IF YE HAVE LOVE ONE TO ANOTHER.” Then the idea that a man should get a whipping from the real church is simply foreign in the extreme, to the children of God. No wonder Peter did not ask for a church letter, for the church stood by, defended, and made unceasing prayer for him while the devil whipped and cast him into prison. And if every child of God to day could discern such a church as Peter was connected with they would not ask for their letters either.

Thank God, there is such a church on earth to-day, but it is not found in any or all of the denominations. The church that stood by and prayed for Peter is neither dead nor gone out of business, and the devil’s agents that whipped him are still on earth and engaged in their master’s business. The gates of hell have not prevailed against Christ’s church or assembly. Does it not seem strange that honest-hearted people cannot find the Bible church? It is the devil’s business to keep them from finding it. They are looking in the wrong direction. They are seeking the true Bible church outside of the Bible and outside of themselves. The devil having long since found out that he could not destroy the church with fagot and sword, transformed himself into an angel of light, and his ministers into ministers of righteousness, established many churches of his own, and now seeks to cover up, hide away, and effectually conceal God’s church, deceiving the very elect if possible. He has .built several hundred different kinds of churches (?) so as to meet all demands and please1 all manner of people. They pay their money and take their choice. But now Jesus Christ is destroying the devil’s churches by the brightness of his appearing, and the true church, Zion, is beginning to rise and shine”.

O, come all ye people, and let us walk in the beautiful light of the Lord.

(To be continued.)

A. D. Hicks.

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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.

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PAYNE, O., July 17,

DEAR TRUMPET READERS: We are glad to report that we are still abiding in Him and his word is abiding m us. We mentioned in our last report in the Trumpet that we felt it the will of the Lord for us to have a tabernacle. The Lord has helped us and we have purchased the same and we kindly thank those who have contributed toward it. Now we are still in debt $50.00 on it. There were some who wrote they could help us after harvest. We have about sixty days to pay it in’ and, if any one feels like helping, it will be thankfully received. We have held a four-weeks meeting in Paulding. This was the first meeting ever held there, except one about fifteen years ago. Then the truth was shut out until the Lord opened up a way for a tent meeting. The Lord wonderfully worked in the meeting and a few souls were saved. We expect to begin meeting in Antwerp to-day, to continue as long as the Lord wills, then be at the Payne С. M., after which we expect, the Lord willing, to go to Dewitt, Ark., and labor during the winter. We expect to start the middle of September from Decatur, Ind., on the Clover Leaf road. Any one along the road desiring a tabernacle meeting can write to us. Yours in the one body,

J. N. WORDEN AND WIFE, AND
W. J. GORDON.

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COCHRAN’S MILLS, PA, July 17.

DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN AND SISTERS: From Grand Junction I came to the McLallen Corners, Pa. С. M. which was truly a feast and time of general advancement to our souls. Bro. Rupert and Co., and Bros. Daugherty and Martz assisted in the meeting. Also„ Bro. and Sister Billig were present. There were certain things to contend with in the meeting; yet in the main the meeting was a real success. A few souls were saved, others received real benefits on the line of spiritual advancement, and there were several cases of real definite healing. From there we went to Venango, Pa., where we held a grove meeting over two Sundays, July 3-13. God wrought gloriously in the meeting. Bros. Rupert and Daugherty left for England July 8.

From there I went and visited the church at Lincolnville, Pa., and held four meetings. Here I truly found a precious little church in a good spiritual condition; also an honest people who eagerly drank down the truth. One brother who was on his bed for seven months with muscular rheumatism was healed instantly, insomuch that he arose and walked about forty rods, and came three miles to meeting that night. Oh the many calls that came in from different parts of the country which we were unable to fill! God send forth laborers clothed with the authority and power of heaven.

My wife met me here. We expect to be in the Apollo camp meeting, after which we will return to our home in Maryland to go where God leads. Brethren, pray for us that God may keep us “little in our own sight.” Yours saved by the precious blood,

H. M. AND M. M. RIGGLE.

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NEMAHA, NEB.

DEARLY BELOVED SAINTS: We can report victory this morning in the name of Jesus over all sin and the enemy of our souls. The assembly meeting of the saints of God at Milton has come and gone. This meeting was truly a very precious one; it began in the spirit and truly the blessings of God came down in showers, and the saints rejoiced as the blessings came down. There

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were three consecrations during the meeting and much heavenly seed planted deep in the hearts of others, that we trust will bring forth fruit soon. On the evening of July 4, we observed the holy ordinances of God’s house, in which thirty-nine happy saints took part; and truly it was a heavenly place, as the glory of God came down our souls to greet. Oh that the great mass of professors would get down before God and get a real experience of salvation so that they could obey the precious word of God, then they would be happy; for Jesus says, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them.” Again, – “The willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land.” We are now in Nemaha, Neb. holding a tabernacle meeting; just began last night. Had a large congregation with good interest for first night. This meeting will continue until about the 8th of August. All the saints that can are invited to attend this meeting. We are your humble brother and sister in the one body, set for the defense of the gospel,

A. A. AND JANET KINZIE.

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JEFFERSONVILLE, KY., July 22.

DEAR SAINTS OF THE LIVING GOD: May the blessings of heaven be upon you all. Amen.

Immediately after the Grand Junction С. M., we came to this place, where we met with several of the dear saints, and enjoyed a few precious meetings together; one or two were reclaimed, and others much strengthened. We then visited the saints near Clay City, and had a very precious time of rejoicing together. A few dear souls came to the mercy seat, and were sanctified. Praise the Lord! After the above meeting, we took a trip to Morgan County, where we held meetings for nearly a week, in the name of Jesus with good results. A few souls were saved, and seven or eight were buried with Christ in baptism. May the Lord bless them.

We then returned home, and went to Clark County, where we held meeting about ten days; a few souls came to the mercy seat, and some of them were blessed of God. Praise his name! The work in this part seems to be moving along very nicely; and we are looking forward, and expecting a glorious time in the Lord, at the assembly meeting, in September. Please remember us in your prayers. Yours in Jesus, saved now,

THOS. CARTER AND CO.

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FRIEND, MO.

DEAR BRETHREN: June 14th began a meeting at New Excelsior schoolhouse, Can report victory through Jesus Christ. I want to expose some of the so-called Christian Church ism. When this meeting began, the Word began to run down and judgment was uncovering corruption-. One evening as God, was helping us to show up the qualifications of a Bible elder, a couple of Campbellite elders saw that they had not the Bible qualifications for elders, so they came forward after meeting with a vituperative reply. These elders, so-called, told the people that I had not preached the gospel; one of them said he would stop that meeting if it cost him a thousand dollars. They could not legally stop it, so they went to the county seat and had another brother and myself arrested, charging us with damaging the schoolhouse. Nothing was said when their sect held meeting. However, they withdrew that charge, arrested us on a charge of damaging the schoolhouse by removing the door lock, (This is not so. The lock never was removed or touched to my knowledge.) and bound us over to September court under two-hundred dollar bonds, with the hope of me going to jail. But God overruled all to his glory. We were back to meeting that night. A sinner went our bonds, if we were in a strange place. Thank God! Dear Bro. Kinzie came over and helped me two or three days. Eight souls were saved, some were sanctified, and some followed Christ in the ordinance of baptism. The congregation at this place was wonderfully encouraged and made quite an advancement. Your humble brother, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called,

G. S. BACKUS.

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BASTONVILLE, GA., July 22.

DEAR TRUMPET READERS: God bless you all for Jesus’ sake. Amen. The assembly meeting which convened at Rabun’s Grove July 10th and lasted till the 19th, was not a failure but a grand success. Praise the Lord forever! Such a sinking out of self into the fullness of Christ was perhaps never witnessed in Georgia before. There was some rubbish in the way when the meeting commenced, but, praise the Lord, the word of God went forth in mighty power to the tearing down of the strongholds of Satan and the establishing of believers. The majority of those who claimed to be saints just humbled themselves at the mercy seat and received a deeper sinking into God than ever before. Yet there were some who went away from the meeting seemingly without any special benefit, because they failed to meet the requirements of the Word. My Lord, let the fire continue to burn for Jesus’ sake until all the dross is consumed. Dear Bro. Mitchell of South Corolina and Sister Lizzie Oldacre of Alabama were with us, whom the dear Lord used much in sending forth the truth of the gospel. May the dear Lord ever help those two young heralds of the cross to keep very humble and to be in the hands of God as clay in the potter’s hands, to be fashioned as the Lord sees fit. Truly, Cod was with us in mighty power. Quite a number were healed of various diseases; to God be all the glory for ever. Amen.

After resting one day we came to Thomson, Ga., by request, to open the battle against sin in all its various forms. We held service last night at the hotel with a very good, attentive audience. We shall remain here as long as the Lord wills. Dear brethren, for Jesus’ sake come to the South and help rescue the perishing, for truly the gross darkness of the different isms and schisms has so blinded the eyes of the people that they really need help; and we now in Jesus name send forth the Macedonian cry, Come over and help us or we die. Dear brethren, we are poor people but we want to get to heaven. So come and help us for Jesus’ sake. Many calls are being made for the pure gospel, which cannot be answered by the few workers who are here. The work is opening up in new places and needs help. Sister Lizzie Oldacre, whom the Lord used so much in Georgia and South Carolina in preaching the gospel, will have to return to her home in Alabama, it seems, unless the Lord sends some man and wife here with whom she can travel. Oh Lord, help some of your little ones to answer this call at once for Jesus’ sake. My permanent address is Bastonville, Ga. Your brother, set apart for the defense of the gospel,

R. B. WREN.

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DEAR BRETHREN: We expect to start south to Tullahoma, Tenn. passing through Ohio, and Kentucky as follows: through the Ohio counties of Fulton, Putnam, Shelby, Montgomery, and on south, and across the Ohio River at Cincinnati; from there to Louisville, Ky.; from Louisville Ky. to Coal City, thence to Butler CO., Ky.; from Butler Co. through Franklin, Ky.; thence to Gallatin, Tenn.; then through Woodbury and on south to Tullahoma.

We expect to stop ov.er Sunday with the saints in Shelby Co., Ohio, and also hold meeting in Butler Co., Others wishing meetings along our route please write us at once and we will fill calls as the Lord leads. We could distribute many tracts along the route in new places, if we had them. So, any one feeling led of the Lord to furnish can do so by sending the money to the Trumpet Office stating what it is for and they will send them to me or Bro. Pike and the Lord will bless you for the giving.

D. L. FIDLER,
J. L. PIKE AND CO.

Address us at Zone, Fulton Co., Ohio.

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July 15.

DEAR BRETHREN: The Almira camp or tabernacle meeting began May 22, and closed June 7, with victory for the Lord. There were five tents on the ground besides the tabernacle. The interest of the meeting would have been more uniform and compact, if all the dear saints in and about Almira, could have camped and remained on the ground throughout the meeting, and no doubt more results would have been realized for the Lord. God was in our midst with victory, glory, and power. His people were much edified and advanced in truth and holiness; a few were saved and sanctified and a number were healed, through faith in his name. Hallelujah! Much good was accomplished among outsiders; also much prejudice removed and a number fully won to the truth. The precious gospel seed was sown, which will yet bring forth fruit unto God. The ministers and workers present; who were also used of the Lord, were Bro. Chapman and Co., Bro. Martin was with us one week, and others. The Lord reward Uncle Bennie Williams for his kindness shown to the saints in the free use of his grove, and other favors. The Lord gave us a joyful and precious ordinance service, in which quite a number of saints participated. The Lord reward all who so kindly administered to the needs and support of this meeting. To God be all the glory, for his goodness, love, and mercy to the children of men. Yours in the fellow-ship of the gospel and in the bond of perfect love and humility of Jesus,

F. N. JACOBSON AND CO-WORKERS.

Colfax, Wash.

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TESTIMONIES.

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FLATWOOD, W. Va.

DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I feel led to write my testimony for the first time. I can truly praise the Lord for his kindness to me. I can say that he healed me, both soul and body. Praise his dear name! He has helped me through many other trials and temptations. I want all to pray for me that I may be kept humble. Your brother, saved and kept by the power of God,

ISAAC S. DOUGLASS.

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ABITA SPRINGS, LA.

DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: May the dear Lord bless you all. I am still praising the Lord for his goodness to me. He keeps me saved and living for Jesus and the advancement of his kingdom. I do ask an interest in your prayers that I may be of some good in the Lord’s hands, in this place; for there are few living as they ought. I remain your brother in Christ,

H. W. DAVIS.

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ATLANTA, KAN.

DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I feel led to write my testimony for the first time. I do praise the dear Lord for full salvation that saves and keeps the soul. Oh I cannot praise him enough for his saving and healing power. Nine months ago he healed me of female trouble, and about five weeks ago he healed me of scrofula on my limbs. It was so bad at times that I could hardly walk; and I went to the Great Physician who can heal all of our diseases if we only ask him in faith believing. Oh praise his holy name! How my soul overflows with joy as I testify of his love to me! I ask you all to pray for me that I may keep low down at the feet of Jesus, ready to do his will in all things. Pray too for my dear husband that he may be saved. I am your sister, saved and sanctified in Jesus,

MAY DAGGETT.

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LAWTON, MICH.

DEAR SAINTS: I praise God that his work is perfect. He has made me clean, changed my nature, subdued evil passions, cured a hasty temper, made me patient, has made the profane to constantly speak forth his praise, and has fitted the infirm for labor and to bear testimony for Jesus.

Over forty years ago I became a spirit medium—unwittingly gave myself to the service of the devil. I at a certain time believed myself delivered by almighty power; but this was only partially true, for at times I felt the old influence, and was like a “wave of the sea, driven of the wind and tossed.” After severe mental anguish and spiritual conflicts, at the last camp meeting at Grand Junction I was led to consult one who, I believe, had the gift of discernment. He, with two others whom he called in consultation, gave me needed advice. I presented myself at the next altar service where I expected the same brethren to meet me. But God willed otherwise. When a brother questioned me, I briefly stated my case and told him he need not pray for me until the evil spirit was rebuked. Hands were laid upon me, and the devil commanded in Jesus’ name to depart and trouble me no more. God “spake, and it was done.” I soon found peace. Tuesday, June 16, I was buried with Christ in baptism. This morning finds me rejoicing in full and complete salvation.

For years I have been troubled with weakness of spine, and nervous troubles that almost unfitted me for physical or mental labor. After returning home from the meeting I began labor on the farm, and one day, feeling pain from my old complaint, 1 asked God to remove the affliction. He graciously answered the prayer of faith, and I continue to labor aud to bear testimony to his truth, his loving kindness, and his power.

H. S. DILLE.

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OBITUARIES.

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KENNEDY—St. Louis, Miсh. Bro. George Kennedy was born April 18. 1872; died June 26,1896, with consumption. He was a great sufferer for many months. Was unsaved until a few weeks before his death, when God saved his soul. He always had a testimony for Jesus, and would talk to his wicked companions about their souls when they would come to see him. A few hours before he died he called his unsaved brothers and friends to his bedside telling them to prepare to meet him in heaven. He shouted a ‘’Praise God” for saving his soul. He passed away with the glory in his soul May God bless the unsaved ones and save them. He leaves a father and mother, one sister, and two brothers to mourn their loss. Funeral by the writer.

О. E. Reeves.

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Poplar Bluff, Mo.

BROWN. — Dear Bro. Charles D. Brown and also his little son Titus Cornelius Brown met their death by drowning. Bro. Brown was aged thirty-one years, one month and thirteen days. Little Cornelius, five years, eleven months and twenty days. They were both saved in this blessed evening light. They leave a dear wife and mother to mourn their loss, who is also saved. Bro. Brown had been in the gospel work five years calling sinners to the Lord. They were drowned in the St. Francis River twenty-six miles below Poplar Bluff, Mo., near his home, on Friday, June 19, at 5 o’clock in the evening. Your saved brother,

Henry Sweet.

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TINKHAM. — Darius W. Tinkham was born in the town of Barre, Orleans Co., N. Y., Oct. 23, 1827 and married to Mary J. Gregory Oct. 19,1819; died May 10, 1896. leaving a wife, six daughters, and one son. He was converted, at the age of sixteen, and joined the M. E. denomination. After receiving the blessing of a clean heart he was persecuted and tried, and deemed it his duty to have meetings in his dwelling house, and for seven years they were kept up, the house being filled at times to overflowing, and the result was blessed, as many precious souls sought, and found both justification and sanctification by faith.

At the end of seven years he with his family removed to Coldwater, Mich., where he educated his family. There he united with the F. M. denomination. He was a man of strong faith and gospel love, and very many have been greatly aided through the simplicity of his teaching Christ and Him crucified. From Coldwater they removed to Kansas. Even after standing aloof from sects and parties he had a love for all, and the world was his parish. He suffered much during the last year of his sickness, but peace and tranquility was stamped upon his features and he looked like an old patriarch as he lay stretched out in his bed; and we can but say, “Mark the perfect man and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.” He held meeting in different parts of the U. S. and God blessed his labors. Truly, he was a Father in Israel, but he has gone to his reward, and his works do follow him.

Yours in Jesus,

Mariette Neal.

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DIVINE HEALING.

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Healed of Diphtheria.

Pittsburg, Kan.

Dear Saints of God: I will tell to the glory of God how he healed our oldest son, eight years of age. He had the diphtheria, and one of our neighbors said he could not live twelve hours. We had prayer and rebuked the disease in the name of the Lord, and the child arose and wanted something to eat. Praise God! Our neighbor woman who said he could not live twelve hours is beginning to want to know more of the truth. We gave her the book, “Divine Healing of Soul and Body,” to read, and she said it was the best book she ever read. Pray for us in this wicked city, that we may let the light of truth shine.

George S. and Lizzie Graham.

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Wonderful Healing.

BANGOR, ME.

I was taken sick the 24th of January 1894, with congestion of the liver and other diseases. I could not eat because I could not digest my food, but took malted milk in a teaspoon once in four hours. My food distressed me so I had to have the food injected into my bowels. My disease became chronic, and the doctors said I had cancer of the bile duct, and said I must die. My flesh was so far gone that my bones stuck out. When I found I was going to die my wife who had prayed for me for eighteen years urged me to accept the Lord, and her prayer was answered. I cried unto the Lord, and he accepted me as his child We heard of a brother who was teaching that Christ healed the sick to-day the same as in olden times, and he was sent for and taught us the way more perfectly. He read and explained to us Matt. 8:16,17, also read to us Luke 13:11-16; Acts 10:38, and many other scriptures. Then I obeyed James 5:14.15, and as I was anointed and hands laid on for my healing, I gave all my infirmities to the Lord, and he heard our prayer and from that hour I began to mend, and now I am well and can do anything. When I was healed I weighed about 65 pounds, and now, 155 pounds. What a wonderful Saviour we have! Dear suffering ones, take your sicknesses to the Lord and let him heal you. A brother who was given up to die with Bright’s disease, had been living on skimmed milk for eleven weeks. The doctors said he must die. His father was not a Christian, neither was he nor his wife. They all three gave themselves to the Lord, and now he is well and has gained 35 pounds. He has set up a family altar and their home is a happy one. A dear sister that had a complication of diseases had not turned her head in bed for three years, nor stepped her foot on the floor, was given up to die, by the doctors. Last Sunday she got out of bed and walked and leaped; praising God in the strength of Jesus, after prayer had been offered in her behalf. Yours in Jesus,

G. M. GAYLOR.

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Saved from Death.

DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I must tell how wonderfully and mercifully God saved my little two-year-old boy from a terrible death yesterday evening. My husband was advised to procure some carbolic acid and glycerine to use on some of his stock. After use, the cup containing the mixture was placed on the table where I intended to leave it until I started a fire for supper, then I meant to put it away. My little ten-year-old girl, while preparing to set the table, and without knowing it, put the cup on a bench, and before we knew it the little boy had hold of it and drank some of its contents. It took the skin off his mouth and lips and tongue, and he turned pale as death; his eyes turned in his head, and he was trembling all over, and I thought he was dying. I ran into the bedroom, put him on the bed, and cried to God for help. My little girl prayed also. I claimed the promises of God, especially where he says, “These signs shall follow them that believe;” and, “If they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them.” I just claimed that myself for my baby and held God to his promises. Bless his holy name forever! He did answer immediately. The color came back to baby’s cheeks, and his eyes looked all right and he fell asleep. He awoke a few times during the night and would begin to cry, but every time I began to pray again, and God heard my prayer and made him go to sleep at once. I cannot thank God enough for what he has done. In the morning the baby was all right only his mouth was sore, just as if God wanted people to see what he had done. I went out this evening and told the people about it, and as they looked at him they could not help but realize that it was God’s hand that was in it, although some would try to reason it out, some one way and some another. Some would say he did not swallow the poison, but I know he did. And some would say it was not strong enough to kill because of the glycerine being in it, but it was about half carbolic acid, and it was nothing but God’s great mercy and his almighty hand that saved him. Praise his name forever and ever! Dear brothers and sisters, pray for me, that I may always be able to serve God aright and do his whole will. Pray also that my husband may be saved. Your sister in Christ,

DAGMAS RASSMUSSEN.

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Errors of Dunkardism.

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CHAPTER VI.

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OBJECTIONS TO WOMEN PREACHING CON-SIDERED. GOD’S WORD PREVAILS.

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”-I Cor. 14: 34, 35.

In the above scripture, it would appear to the unenlightened, that Paul is teaching that women must be silent in the worship of God, on all occasions, and under all circumstances, and if they wish to know anything about salvation, they must keep still while in the assembly, and inquire of their husbands at home; which would be a straight-jacket religion indeed.

This cannot be the Spirit’s interpretation of this text, for the following reasons; viz.,

1st. That would make God, by the Holy Spirit, inspire Paul to recommend women as having a right to, and being in the work of the ministry, to the Romans (See Rom. 16:1, 2, 6, 13), and the same Holy Spirit inspire him, in writing to the Corinthians, to positively forbid women even the privilege to “speak” or testify in the Church at Corinth, thus making the Holy Ghost contradict itself through Paul, Dy inspiring him to teach one thing at Rome, and another thing directly to the opposite of the same at Corinth; which I cannot admit for one moment.

2d. That every woman would have to have a saved husband who is able to teach the word of God, or else go through the world ignorant of the plan of salvation. For if her husband is a profane, unholy man, he is unfit to teach her, from the fact that the Word says; “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing, go ye out of the midst of her;’ be ye clean (holy), that bear the vessels of the Lord.”—Isa. 52:11. Hence if a man is sinful; a tobacco user, beer guzzler, whiskey toper, or any kind of sinful character, he is unqualified to teach her the way of life. For Paul says, “The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits [saved from all sin].”— 2 Tim. 2:6.

Again, “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”—I Cor. 6:10. Thus you see a woman having such a husband would be compelled to live and die ignorant of salvation, and this would be simply to be lost forever.

I thank God that such is not the case. But “whosoever will, may take the water of life freely.” Bless the Lord, if the woman will, and the man will not, she may get saved, and have all the privileges in the Church which are allotted to any child of God.

3d. That would exclude, shut out, and debar all unmarried women from being saved at all, and if they should die, which many do, before they are married so as to have a husband to ask the way, they would all be lost forever. But this is not true, for Philip’s four daughters were virgins or unmarried women, and they were saved, and prophesied or preached the gospel.

4th. If Paul really does present the idea that women shall not speak in the Church, under any circumstances whatever, the same could be produced of men, which would stop all public preaching of both men and women. See Zech. 2:13.— “Be silent, О all flesh, before the Lord.” “But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silent before him.”— Hab. 2:20. Not one of those who cry, Let the women keep silent, will accept of these texts that include both men and women, from the fact that their better judgment teaches them different, as well as the Bible. Yet one is just as reasonable as the other, and just as much Bible as the other. But the facts are, that neither of them are commanded to do so, under all circumstances.

Having given you our objections to such an interpretation of the scripture under consideration, we will now see if we can ascertain the Spirit’s interpretation of the same.

Let us first notice what Peter says with reference to the writings of the apostle Paul. See 2 Pet 3:15, 16.

“And account that the long suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you; as also in all of his epistles, speaking in them of those things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable, wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” True, it is hard to understand the writing of this apostle, when we are unlearned, or rather have no experience of the salvation he teaches; namely, regeneration by grace through faith, and sanctification by the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which cleanses us from all sin, thus giving us the same spirit Paul had, which enables us to understand that which it inspired the apostle to write, for the Holy Spirit in us, will understand his own language in the apostle Paul.

Now let us examine the text under consideration more closely. We find the “silence” here mentioned, qualified by this sentence in ver. 34: “As also saith the law.” Here is the key to the whole matter. Women are commanded to be silent as saith the law, and nowhere can it be found in the law that they are forbidden to speak or testify in the assembly. Nay, but to the contrary, as I have shown in the foregoing chapter, that women did engage in the public worship under the law, both in speaking and praying. See Luke 2:36-38.

Neither can we find in the gospel, where either Jesus or the apostles forbade women the right to prophesy, preach, testify or pray in the public worship, but to the opposite, as shown in a number of examples, in chapter five.

But we do find both in the law and in the gospel also, that women are commanded to be silent, in all domestic arrangements, but in the worship of the Lord, there is no distinction. See Gal. 3:28. We will now examine what God hath said for women to be silent in.

1st. Under the law. “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.”—Gen. 3:16. Thus we see that under the law, and before the deluge, the man was to rule over the woman in domestic affairs.

2d. In the gospel dispensation. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” — Eph. 5:22-24.

In the above the following facts are visible:

1st. The wife is to be subject to her own husband.

2d. Her subjection is to be as unto the Lord and not unto the husband only.

3d. The husband is the head of the wife or domestic family.

4th. Christ is the head of the church, or spiritual family, which includes all the saved both male and female.

5th. Christ is the Savior of the body, or church.

6th. The church is subject to Christ, and the whole family of God, both male and female, obey him.

7th. Just as the church, or wife of Christ, is subject to Him, so must the woman that has a husband, be subject to him in all things.

Nothing could be more clearly vindicated or supported by proof than that, in the scripture cited, two families or households are set forth.

1st. The one being a temporal household or family, of which the husband is the head, to whom the wife is commanded to be subject, in all things pertaining to that temporal household or family. Yea; wives are “to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”—Titus 2:5.

Indeed she is not allowed to be over the man in any domestic arrangements. See 2 Tim. 2:12. “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp [to seize and hold possession without right] authority over the man. but to be in silence.” But you ask, Would not this put her in bondage and abject slavery to her husband? I answer emphatically, No. Paul tells us to what extent she must be silent and obey her husband, as follows: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.’’-Col.3:i8. Here is the extent of her silence and subjection. Just silent and subject as it is fit in the Lord. So, if he wants her to be silent in the worship of the Lord, she is not obliged to obey him in any such things, for God hath said, “She shall prophesy.” But he is out of his place, as being only the head of a temporal family, and now trying to engineer the affairs of the head of another, or the spiritual family, which he has no right to do, and should be ashamed of his inconsistency.

Likewise her obedience is only in the temporal family affairs, in which she is to obey her husband.

But how often do we find it to the reverse! the husband has to obey, and the wife is the head, but not so with the Christian women. But in the church, or spiritual family, she is commanded to obey Christ, the head, in all things; for this is fit in the Lord.

2d. The other being a spiritual family, or household, of which Christ is the head or husband, to whom the church or wife, is commanded to be subject and obey, in all things pertaining to the spiritual household, church, or family of God. Hence, both men and women who are saved, belong to the family of God, and are commanded to be subject to Christ, their head or husband, Unless you take the stand that women are not in the church, or family of God; but that would be preposterous, contrary to nature or reason, irrational; which could only be propagated by an impostor, who is imposing on others deception, cheat; and fraud; and such would be guilty of cheating and defrauding poor woman out of her right to heaven, for no one gets there, only those who are of the family of God. We read in ‘Acts 8:12 that both men and women believed Philip’s preaching, hence were born of God (See 1 Jno. 5:1), and both men and women were baptized. This clearly shows that women do get saved, and belong to the church, or family of God, and they are obliged to obey him in all things pertaining to the spiritual family, and he hath said, “Your daughters shall prophesy.”—Acts 2:17.

Thus we see God has commanded women to prophesy, and no one has any right to forbid them. Nay; no one under the grace of God, and enlightened on his Word will attempt to hinder them.

Having duly considered my text, the question arises, What shall we conclude: I answer in the name of my Master, I can draw no reasonable conclusion according to the word of God, save; That women are only commanded to be “silent” in domestic affairs, and that they are commanded to prophesy, preach, teach, testify and pray just the same as the men, and that all who hold to the contrary, art heretical concerning the. same, having at least that much popedom about them showing that they are one of the daughters of the old “mother of harlots,” and have inherited that much of the tyrannical character of their mother, and art impostors who are imposing on the women deception, cheat, and fraud, by forbidding them to do that which Got has positively commanded them to do.

G. W. H.

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Matters of Conscience.

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TENDER this heading belong some thoughts that are very essential to the spiritual progress of God’s people. There are a great many points, concerning which God’s people are often bothered, that are not treated in the Bible. These we term matters of conscience.

Many dear souls not understanding the free spirit of Christianity, adopt some of these little matters of conscience, and by considering them as binding as the injunctions of the Bible, bring themselves into ’unnecessary bondage, which tends to hinder their spiritual advancement.

Those who allow themselves to be thus bound generally have a wrong understanding of the one-mindedness of God’s people; and when they meet with some brother or sister who views some matter of conscience differently from themselves, they, believing that all true saints must see all these things the same, at once suspect that something is wrong with their brother’s experience, or their own. Such an error will always terminate in serious trouble.

There is a great deal of wisdom to be learned on this point. God does not demand us to see alike on points not treated in the Bible. We are all to understand, preach, and practice alike, everything that is taught in the Bible; but outside of its bounds we are not required to see alike. We have sometimes heard the remark, “Those brethren are not both led by the Spirit or they would see alike,” when perhaps the point of difference was not a Bible subject. Let it be remembered that the Holy Spirit only leads us into all truth (Jno. 16:3), which is the word of God (Jno. 17:17). Further than this we must not claim a leading of the Spirit on doctrinal points.

The Bible mentions some points which are left to be decided by the consciences of men. For instance, in Rom. 14:2,3 we read, “One believeth that he may eat all things: another who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.” Here we see clearly set forth that the eating of meats is a matter of conscience. God does not say we shall or shall not eat any kind of meat. Hence men may believe differently on this point without breaking the unity of the Spirit of God, because we are not required to see eye to eye upon a matter that is not set forth either affirmatively or negatively in God’s word.

But the apostle’s chief object in setting forth these conscience scruples, is to teach us not to condemn our brethren who differ with us in such things, as, you see from his words in Rom. 14,1.—“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” That is, him that through weakness of conscience, science, holds some peculiar ideas about something that does not pertain to Bible doctrine, receive ye. We must not condemn one another in matters that do not pertain to Bible doctrine. This has been too often done among us in the past. God help us to make great advancement on this line. It would be well to state in conclusion of this article, that different opinions respecting matters of concience, may or may not result in the breaking of the unity of the Spirit. If we understand that different opinions in such things are allowable, and do not attempt to bring others to our concience, no harm can possibly result from them. But if we teach the dictates of our own conscience and try to compel our brethren to adopt our conscience scruples, great evil will be the result.

W. G. S.

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And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:16.

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