30 November 1893, Volume 13, Number 47.
HIMSELF.
“Himself hath done it.”
Once it was the blessing,
Now it is the Lord,
Once it was the feeling,
Now it is his Word.
Once his gifts I wanted,
Now himself alone,
Once I sought for healing,
Now the Healer own.
Once ’twas painful trying,
Now ’tis perfect trust.
Once a half salvation,
Now the uttermost.
Once ’twas ceaseless holding,
Now he holds me fast.
Once ’twas constant drifting,
Now my anchor’s cast.
Once ’twas busy planning,
Now ’tis trustful prayer.
Once ’twas anxious caring,
Now he has the care.
Once ’twas what I wanted,
Now what Jesus says.
Once ’twas constant asking,
Now ’tis ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working,
His it hence shall be.
Once I tried to use him,
Now he uses me.
Once the power I wanted,
Now the Mighty One.
Once I worked for glory,
Now his will alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus,
Now I know he’s mine.
Once my lamps were dying,
Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited,
Now his coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored
Safe within the vail.
—The Manna.
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WORKING FOR GOD.
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THERE are many ways to work for God, and also many people who would like to work for him, but having more zeal than knowledge, they often make mistakes.
Some feeling God’s hand upon them for something, without pausing to find out what he wants of them, or how he wants it done, start off preaching, thinking because the Lord called them, that must surely be what he wants: when if they had left the matter before God, perhaps they would have found it was some duty at home that they were neglecting, or that their soul should make more advancement. People need not be in too much of a hurry, for when God calls persons to work for him they can rest assured that he will let the world stand long enough to give them a chance. There is a difference between being called and being sent. After God calls people it will not hurt them to fast and pray over the matter. They may find things to do, of which they had not thought.
There is a pure Christ life to be lived before the sinner, the weak ones in the faith to be comforted and prayed with, and it may be that they need other bread than the bread of life, and the gospel to be supported. Now which one of these has God given them to do? Let none of those that are called to do little things despise their calling. Remember he that is faithful in that which is least is faithful in much. And the disciples were commanded to tarry after they were called.
While there are some that must guard against too much speed, others with a positive knowledge of what is required of them will keep working and fixing around home, as if they thought the Lord might forget he had called them, sometimes running out for a few days and then hastening home again as if afraid something would get them. No wonder their souls are not overflowing with joy; disobedient children are not very happy.
“He that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” He that putteth his hand to the plow and looketh back is not fit for the kingdom of God.
There are yet others who when God calls them, obey in a certain way, and get along nicely so long as the work given them is what they like, but when something comes up that does not suit them, they have a feeling like this: “Now Lord you let somebody else do this.” And if they have to do it, they feel dreadfully humiliated. Such had better search their hearts and see if there are not some roots of bitterness beginning to sprout, whereby many may be defiled. Truly it is a great privilege to work for the Lord, no matter how he sees fit to use us. It is an honor to serve the Lord Jesus, for “He that serveth me, him will my Father honor.” It means something in these last days to serve God aright. But “he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” Let there be more praying and asking.
G. E. Cook.
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THE VALUE OF WISDOM.
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It cannot be gotton for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it, and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mentions hall be made of coral or of pearls, for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it value with pure gold. — Job 28:15-19. Wisdom is better than weapons of war. — Eccl. 9:18. For wisdom is better than rubies and all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. — Prov. 8:11.
HOW TO OBTAIN IT.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. — Jas. 1:5-7. With this precious promise we are instructed how to become possessors of this great blessing. God wills that we have it. Oh how encouraging this is to his saints. Dear ones let us ask for it. Making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revalation in the knowledge of him. — Eph. 1:16, 17. For this cause we also since the day we heard of it do not cease to pray for you, and desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. — Col. 1:9. The apostle knew the great necessity of this, hence his fervent desire that all the saved should obtain it. Being enriched by its possession we shall also know
HOW TO USE IT.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. — Jas. 3:13. Not an idle word will be spoken but in meekness of wisdom we shall be able constantly to minister grace to the hearers. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. — Prov. 8:8. Hpw often the influence of many professors is detrimental to the cause of Christ by light and foolish talking. Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time. — Col. 4:5. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. — Psa. 101:2. May we all be able to say with Paul, Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe. — 1 Thess. 2:10. Oh dear saints let us seek wisdom in our conversation and life continually. Jesus says, Be ye therefore wise as serpents and harmless as doves. — Matt. 10:16. Serpents it is said are very wise, and catch their pray by charm. This doubtless is what he had reference to in the nature of the serpent. What a lesson here for the people of God! How many of us are wise and charm souls for God? We are too liable to do the reverse. Let us hold up Jesus in all his beauty to perishing ones who are in the thralldom of error. He must break the fetters, we cannot do it. He must open their eyes to the truth, we cannot do it. We must boldly, wisely and fearlessly speak the truth in love, he must do the rest. He must call them out of Babylon, we cannot do it. Had we the power to extricate them before they heard the call of God (the voice from heaven. — Rev. 18:4.) and come out over the highway, they would be in no better condition then before. There is much crying by men, “Come out, come out” but when the question is asked, and the matter determined, they are calling people out unto themselves. The blind leading the blind and the result is a worse state of confusion than before. Promising liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption. This is truly, “Come out ism,” and the very worst ism of the devil’s latest invention. Entire sanctification is the only way God has made for the sure deliverance of those who are in Babylon. All who come out by this highway, come boldly unto Jesus without the camp. All his people are obeying his voice and must come forth unto him. Let us therefore, my dear brethren, hold up Jesus the only standard. He is the charm; his sheep know his voice even though they are still in Babylon, and they will hear his voice and follow him, if we only as wise teachers continue to hold up the charm. He wants us to cry aloud and spare not, showing the people the better way, and also showing them their sins. This better way, is the highway. The truth must be spoken in all love, by those, and only those who are on the way themselves. We may preach holiness in such a manner as to do much harm to the cause, simply by not speeking the truth in love, and meekness of wisdom. We cannot show the people the beauty of holiness by using harshness and unwise expressions. Many poor souls have been driven away in this manner. Abusive language will never win souls, and will result in a reproach to the cause of holiness. If we cannot teach in the spirit of holiness, we had better get holiness. My brethren let us ask God for wisdom; the word of God is plain enough and sharper than a two edged sword. If we attempt to make it any plainer or sharper we intrude upon forbidden ground. Let us preach the word in its own language, by the Holy Spirit, seeking continually to apply it in its proper time and place. Let us be workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly deviding the word of truth. Wisdom will enable us to do this. The walls must fall but we cannot batter them down. We must be patient; the battle is the Lord’s. Let him have his way. We can well aford to be patient with souls, when we see their great value. Have God and his people been patient with us when we were in error? An unwise expression of impatience or harshness may drive a soul away from us forever. How long must the fisherman or hunter often wait for his object to; be accomplished! Be wise oh ye fishers and hunters of men. Let us obey God in all things, gently, yet firmly holding up the truth. God will do the rest.
J. W. Byers.
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A LITTLE SIN.
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HE that committeth sin is of the devil, for the devil sinneth from the beginning. — 1 Jno. 3:8. The word of God does not say that we have to commit some great sin, or a lot of sins. By this we are to infer that the smallest of sins is of the devil, and therefore hath no affinity with God. There are so many professed Christians that think little sins do not hurt anything; for there are sins ,they say, that are so much worse, that small common sins do not amount to anything. But the holy word of God says, He that committeth sin is of the devil. And whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. — 1 Jno. 3:9. We have sat in the church house many a time, and seen the preacher chewing tobacco before services commenced. He would sit in the pulpit and chew and spit till it looked like a saloon, and it surely was not a fit place for a holy and pure God. And if you would say anything to them, they would say, Oh it is so small a sin compared with lots of other sins, it doesn’t amount to anything. May God help all to see that that is no excuse for them; for when they refuse to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh, 2 Cor. 7:1, as God commanded them to do, they refuse to walk in the light, and therefore are of the devil. For they have refused the light God has offered them, and no difference how big a preacher he is, it is simply the blind leading the blind. And so also is the prejudiced sectarian. He refuses to walk in the light, and come out from among them and be separate as commanded 2 Cor. 6:17, but is still satisfied to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, which is forbidden by the word of God. 2 Cor. 6:14. But people say, Are not all church members believers? No indeed. In the first place nearly all do not believe in heart purity or holiness; nearly all the sect churches deny divine healing, and a great many do not believe in the precious ordinances, all of which are backed by the word. — Heb. 11:14; Jas. 5:14, 15; Matt. 28:19.
Oh may the dear Lord help us all to see the difference between one of his little ones, and the professed Christian of to day. We surely think this is what Bro. Paul meant by unbelievers. The blessed word says we are not to take away nor add to it. And when the sects take away all that is holy, and divine healing, and the ordinances that were laid down by the blessed Savior himself, they have the Bible revised just to suit the devil. May God help us to see there are no half-way grounds. We must either be for, or against God. And may God help all to see that a sin ever so small, is of the devil, whether it be in refusing to walk in the light God has revealed, or whatever else it may be. For he that committeth sin is of the devil; and nothing that is of the devil can enter heaven. May the dear Lord help people to be willing to hear and accept the truth as it is preached in its purity by God’s chosen ones, for we know the evening light days are come, and eternity is not far distant. Your sister, free in Christ from all sin.
Laura Pickett.
2 COR. 4:3.
“But if our gospel be hid, it la hid to them that are lost; In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.”
IT is the god of this world that keeps people from seeing the gospel in all its glory and fullness, or perfection. The gospel holds up to our view a perfection. The parable of the sower, helps us to account for the many who backslide, and the reasons why, make it appear also that we cannot retain any degree of grace very long without a break, except we go on to perfection. That there is a state of perfection to be attained to, we have abundant scriptural evidence. For God said Noah was perfect, though man has steadfastly contradicted him. Whose testimony shall we receive? And again, God commanded Abraham, saying, Walk before me and be thou perfect. And the Psalmist says, Mark the perfect man. 37:37. And why, may I ask, should God tell us to mark the perfect man if there were not such an one? And Jesus said, Be ye perfect, as my Father in heaven is perfect. And Paul spake wisdom among them that were perfect; Howbeit, glory to God, not the wisdom of this world, for it is foolishness with God (not, however, with many D. Ds. of our day). Now God reveals to us, through John, what is meant by perfection. Perfect love, he says, casteth out fear. Now love disarms suspicion and gives perfect confidence, hence, patience has her perfect work.
But says one, How do we get there? I would refer the honest inquirer to Rom. 12:1, 2. Go, my friend, and see what this meaneth. Is there provision made? asks another. I would point you to Christ, the hope of glory. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col. 1:28; or to 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good work. And to Eph. 4:10-13, and 1 Jno. 1:7. Now if the blood of Christ reaches this height of efficacy, and Christ is preached, and the scriptures given, and the ministry appointed, and the gifts of the Spirit for the work of the ministry, all are designed to make men perfect, what is the reason more will not be made perfect? The text explains it all; it is because the God of this world has blinded their minds. And it seems that they will not see; and none are so blind as they who will not see. Oh God, open the blinded eyes! Amen.
T. A. Melvin.
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Bolivar, Mo.
Dear Saints: My testimony is that I am saved, justified and sanctified, and praising God for the blessed evening light, and for the TRUMPET to read. It makes my soul to rejoice to hear of so many dear ones who are willing to receive a complete gospel that saves to the uttermost, and keeps us saved as long as we will obey. Praise the dear Lord for the willingness to obey! May the dear Lord bless all the laborers in the field, and all the dear saints everywhere. Amen.
John E. McIntosh.
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Ellsworth, Mich.
Dear Saints: This evening finds me saved and sanctified. I am trusting in Jesus as my Savior of both soul and body. He is my all. I was once deceived in Babylon, but now I am in Zion and I praise the Lord that he ever showed me this glorious evening light. I am standing all alone for Jesus, surrounded by sinners and dead professors, but he gives me the victory every day. Your brother, saved and sanctified wholly,
Laverne Tillitson.
Page 2
THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
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A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.
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DEFINITE, RADICAL, ANTI-SECTARIAN.
Sent Forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For the Purity and Unity of His Church;
the Defence of ALL His Truth;
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.
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PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.
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D. S. WARNER, – Editor.
E. E. BYBUM, – Office Editor.
E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.
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TERMS, $1.00 Per Year In Advance.
FREE TO THE POOR.
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Entered at the Post Office at Grand Junction, Van Buren Co., Mich.. as second class matter.
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NOTICE.
All business communications, moneys, &c. must be addressed to Gospel Trumpet, to insure credit; otherwise we will not be responsible.
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NOTICE.
A commission of 20 per cent will be given on each new cash subscriber, to all who will labor for the Gospel Trumpet. We make this offer so as to help the brethren that are in the field, as well as the circulation of the paper.
Parties desiring papers to canvass with, should notify us regularly of their address.
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NOTICE.
How to Send Money. – Remit by Post Office Order or Postal Note. Where these cannot be procured, send by Express Order. Registered Letter or small amounts in stamps.
Change of Address. – Subscribers wishing their address changed, must be sure to give their former, as well as their new address.
Missing Papers. – It occasionally happens that numbers of our papers sent to our subscribers are lost or stolen in the mails. In case you do not receive yours when due, after waiting a sufficient length of time, write us a card, and we will gladly send one in place of the missing number.
When you write, be sure to give your full address, name, post-office, county and state.
Should there be a mistake at any time, write us at once, and we will gladly rectify the same.
Address all letters to Gospel Trumpet. Grand Junction, Mich.
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THE SHINNING LIGHT.
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An interesting paper for children. Illustrated. It should be in every family where there are children. Only 25 cents a year. Address,
THE SHINING LIGHT.,
Grand Junction, Mich.
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BOOKS AND TRACTS.
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| Babylon is Fallen. | 10 cts. a dozen | |
| What Church should I Join? | “ | “ |
| Sects. | “ | “ |
| The Master’s Call. | “ | “ |
| A Wonderful Deliverance. | “ | “ |
| Little Things. | “ | hundred. |
| Questions for Sunday Keepers. | “ | “ |
| The Apostasy. | “ | “ |
| Repent and Believe the Gospel! | “ | “ |
| The Doctrine of Healing. | “ | “ |
| Why are you not a Christian? | “ | “ |
| Poison. | “ | “ |
| Lost and Found. | “ | “ |
Marriage and Divorce.
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A tract of 32 pages, giving the inspired word of God on the subject. Price 5 cents.
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The Ordinances of the New Testament.
A TRACT, BY WM. G. SCHELL.
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Setting forth the ordinances of the scriptures in clear light, showing which are abolished, and which are still in vogue. Single copy 5 cts. Per dozen 45 cts.
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Must we Sin?
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A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin, containing 48 pages. Single copy 2 cts. Per dozen, 20 cts. Per hundred. $1.50
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The Church of God.
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A tract containing 32 pages, proving what is the Church and what is not the Church of God. Price single copy 10 cents. Per dozen 80 cents.
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The Great Tobacco Sin.
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It contains 30 pages, with a neat cover. We will send these tracts to any one sending us postage at the rate of one cent for three tracts. Always state just how many you wish sent.
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The Sabbath Tract.
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This tract contains 63 pages giving the word of God on the subject of the Sabbath. It overthrows Saturday keeping and proves that the first day of the week is the proper day to keep. Price 10 cts.
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Questions and Answers on the Church
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is a tract containing four letters with many questions concerning the church, and the difference between the true church and sectism. Following these letters are the answers to the same, giving much scriptural light on many difficult points of doctrine. Price one cent each.
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What is the Soul?
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Or 100 scriptures proving that man possesses a spiritual and immortal clement called the Soul, the Spirit, and the Inner Man, which goes to God at the death of the body. The same also proved by the early Church History.
By D. S. Warner.
| PRICE | Single copy . . . . . . . . . . $ .10 |
| (Per dozen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 | |
| (Per hundred . . . . . . . . 5.00 |
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The Bible Readings.
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Bible readings or references on about 100 subjects. Price 75 cts. each.
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Holiness Bible Subjects.
BY H. C. WICKERSHAM.
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A book containing 100 subjects with scriptures, concordance, definitions to subjects. Setting forth the true church, its doctrine, its ordinances and its fruits. The fall of Babylon and the coming of the evening light. Illustrated, 376 pages, neatly bound in cloth. Single copy $1.00.
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Anthems from the Throne.
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This book contains 148 songs. 90 with music. About all new. When sung in the Spirit of God these songs will be found glorious. They hymn the precious present truth, and the gospel standard of salvation. Send in your orders for ANTHEMS FROM THE THRONE and start the songs of praise anew.
| PRICE | (Manilla . . . . . . . . . . $0.25 |
| (Cloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.40 | |
| (Per dozen . . . . . . . . $2.40 & $3.60 |
Tracts for free distribution from ten to twenty cents a hundred.
DIVINE HEALING OF SOUL AND BODY.
—By E. E. Bynum.—
Part I. teaches the way of salvation, and how to get saved.
Part II. gives Bible teaching on the healing of the body.
Part III. consists of testimonies from those who have been healed in these last days.
By following the instructions given in this book the
SINNER
will be enabled to find deliverance from sin; the
BELIEVER
reach the highest attainments of a Christian life, and the
SICK AND AFFLICTED
be healed of their infirmities, and made well. It contains 248 pages. Cloth binding 75 cts. Paper cover 25 cts.
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BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH.
By W. G. Schell.
A new book just published; tracing the church in prophecy from her birth to the end of time. It shows that the prophets have foretold the greatest trials and triumphs of the church in the whole Christian Era, and describes the age in which we are now living. It also contains a brief history of more than 400 Protestant denominations. 248 pages. Paper cover 35 cents; per dozen $3.15. Cloth binding 75 cents; per dozen $6.75.
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Echoes from Glory.
A new Song Book, 220 pages, words and music, with instruction to those who desire to learn to sing by note. It contains many new and beautiful songs. Price 50cts. each; $5.00 a dozen.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.
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A. H. Lent, Louie Hardy, Mrs. L. J. Sedwick. O. A. Marquiss, C. H. Guinther, J. B. Pitts, Samuel Dumbald, S. S. Stinson, Catharine O. Bryant. A. L. Boies, Clara A. Taylor, Harriet M. Morse, D. B. Moore, W. H. Trowbridge, S. E. Burkholder, Dora Cattell. Stockton, Kan., no name, M. E. Cheadle, J. W. Cale, A. J. Johnson, J. A. Welborn, W. R. Lindsay, A. M. Dick, D. P. Kimmel, Amos Shark, M. Herrinton, Jasper Haines. Nellie A. Small, Jno. S. Miller, Urias Kizer, Elizabeth Smith, Martin Stuart, E. W. Sharp.
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Requests for Prayer.
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Pray for Sister Emma Stockton of Kansas.
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Please pray that my eye sight may be fully restored.
Mrs. Leah Sell.
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Some one writes for prayer in behalf of an invalid sister that she may receive the blessing of full salvation.
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I have lost the joy out of my soul, and ask the prayers of God’s people in my behalf.
A. A. Link.
Flint, Mich.
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Pray for me Dec. 1st at ten o’clock A. M. for the healing of my body. I am afflicted with lung trouble. Pray earnestly. Don’t forget the time.
Sherman Smith.
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Kendallville, Ind., Nov. 21, 1893.
Dear Trumpet Readers; I am at Kendallville, and I am feeling very poorly and want you all to pray for me that I may be healed, saved and sanctified.
Ed. Bonman.
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White Cloud, Mich., Nov. 21, 1893.
Trumpet Family and Dear Saints Everywhere: I am afflicted with heart trouble and a very bad cough. Pray for me that the Lord will heal me of these and all other bodily ailments, for I believe it is the Lord’s will. From your saved sister in Christ,
Mrs. Edwin Stockwell.
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Richardson, Texas.
Dear Saints: We left our home in Missouri and came to this place. Pray for us that we may be kept humble. There is a little blind girl who says she believes the Lord will heal her eyes and desires prayer in her behalf. Her father is dead. Also pray for my brother that he may be saved.
Sarah N. Brake.
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Calls for Meeting.
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Atlantic, Crawford Co., Pa.
The people here are mostly in darkness regarding sectism. I believe God will cause some Holy Ghost minister to come here and preach the whole truth. Meeting of the God-pleasing kind is needed here. Yours, saved and sanctified,
A. W. Luse.
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Bro. J. K. Whitecotton, Mole Hill, Richie Co., W. V a. writes, “Dear Brethren, we want some of the true workers of God to come in our midst, if the Lord will. There are about twenty of God’s free children here, and at Stanley, four miles from here. We have a prospect to get a large meeting house. May the Lord send some one, for Christ’s sake.
EDITORIAL.
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Those wishing to purchase books written by the following brethren can do so by writing to them at their permanent addresses as follows: W. G. Schell, Anlo, O., B. E. Warren, Springfield, O., H. C. Wickersham, New Pittsburgh, Ind.
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We have just read a letter from a brother in England who has spent hundreds of dollars to send the gospel to foreign lands, and yet God required him to lay aside the plow and go forth to the foreign field to rescue perishing souls. At the time of writing he had just landed in Liverpool, and was without a penny, but was praising God for his possession of the abundant riches of the glory of God. May the dear Lord richly reward him and give many souls for his faithfulness.
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SOMETHING ABOUT BOOKS AND TRACTS.
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Solomon said, “Of making many books there is no end.” Yet it is astonishing to enter so many homes where families of children are being raised and scarcely a good book or paper to be found in the house. Oft- times everything else seems to be plenty, but no library, except a few novels, tales of adventure, story papers, etc. Trashy literature is injurious to the mind, morals and spiritual welfare of anyone. Good reading and wholesome literature builds up the mind and morals, and has much to do with our future happiness.
Many wonder why some books cost so much more than others. Sometimes a small book costs much more than another one several times its size, as the contents may be obtained at a much greater expense. The sale and number printed also have much to do with it. For instance a book that would cost one dollar each for publication where only 500 are printed, could be furnished for almost one third that amount if 5000 were printed.
We buy and sell a Testament which costs us about one dollar and twenty cents each, and also handle Cruden’s Concordance, a book, perhaps ten times as large, which we sell for $1.50 and make about the same profit on each book. And no doubt the publishers make more money from the larger book than the smaller one, because there is not the same demand for the small one.
THE BOY’S COMPANION, a small volume lately published, cost us about 200 dollars cash for the first edition besides our labor of writing, setting the type and printing. The contents cost more than many other books several times its size. If it has a rapid sale it will not take a great while to pay expenses, and if only a moderate or poor sale, expenses will barely be met. The cheap edition we sell for twenty-five cents each, or about seventeen cents each by the dozen; cloth cover, forty cents each, or a little over twenty-seven cents each by the dozen, allowing one third to agents for profit, and they can do as they please about selling them cheaper. We always pay the postage on all books and tracts sent out. In less than a year we have paid out over 800 dollars cash for postage.
Tract work is the same as book work concerning expenses in publishing. The greater part of our tract work is for free distribution, and range from one to fifty pages. During the year the Lord enabled us to send out hundreds of thousands of tracts, which are as seed sown beside all waters in all parts of the world, and thereby take deep root in many hearts, leading them into the light of the gospel.
We speak of these things to answer the many inquiries sent in from time to time.
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The Boy’s Companion.
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Or a warning against the Secret Vice and other bad habits, is a new book just published. It is a direct talk to the boys, giving advice and words of comfort to the unfortunate ones. Also showing the downward road, and where it leads a boy; and shows how they may be rescued and reach the point where they can live a pure life. It also contains letters from the penitentiary which will be of interest to the boys. There are twelve pages of illustrations which are aimed to be of interest and leave a vivid impression upon the minds of the reader. It is not a book that needs to be kept secret from other members of the family, every boy ought to have one, and we trust it will be of benefit to some who have reached the age of manhood. Price paper cover 25 cts. each. $2,00 per doz. Cloth cover, 40 cts. each. $3,20 per doz. The paper cover books are now ready, and the cloth will be ready about the 10th of Dec.
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Masonic Salvation.
BY FRED HUSTED.
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A small work lately published containing the articles published some time ago in the GOSPEL TRUMPET in addition to a chapter on “Masonic Tradition.” It shows up Masonry from a Bible standpoint. Paper cover 15 cts., cloth 35 cts.
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LAW FOR THE LAWLESS.
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BUT we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for man-slayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men- stealers, for liars, for perjured persons; and it there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. — 1 Tim. 1:8-11.
The law was given to give (knowledge of sin. Rom. 3:20; 7:7. “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions.” The penalities of the law, such as death, prison, servitude, restitution, etc., restrained crime, serving as a schoolmaster to bring them to Christ, the penalty being severe. “He that despised Moses’ law, died without mercy under two or three witnesses.” Law is divided into three departments, Legislative, Judicial and Executive. The legislative power enacts laws and attaches penalties. The judicial hears the witnesses and renders decision, and the executive, carries into execution the penalties of the law.
The Jewish church and nation, had a complete system of law given by the Lord on Sinai and by the mouth of his holy prophets, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. And the Lord was for a spirit of judgment to them that sat in judgment, and the people executed the penalties. This system was adapted only to the Jews, when dwelling in their own country, and could not be carried out in Christianity which was to go unto all nations and among all kinds of civil powers. Therefore the New Testament church, as a body has never been vested with temporal power, to inflict temporal punishment for any crime whatever. But does the New Testament approve of civil governmnt, for the punishment of evil doers, etc? Certainly it does. Thus it counsels us, Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (I will give the Emphatic as near as I can by memory.) — Let every person be subordinate unto the author ities over them, for there is no authorities but of God; the authorities that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power [authorities] resisteth the ordinances of God, and they that resist shall recieve to themselves damnation [or judgement] for rulers [magistrates] are not a terror to good works but to the evil. For he is the minister [servant] of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. For this cause pay ye tribute also. — Rom. 13.
This is too plain to be missunderstood. We are to pay tax to keep up civil authorities which are ordained of God to execute wrath [penalties] upon him that doeth evil.
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto govenors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well.” — 1 Pet. 2:13, 14.
This plainly shows that through the ordinance of God, that civil authorities are vested with power to punish evil doers. And the Lord by his gospel of love and mercy, did not repeal his law of temporal punishment and transfer all punishment beyond the grave. But vested his church with love and mercy, peace and truth, and the state with authority to execute wrath upon evil doers. Therefore the law is for the lawless, and is good when used [executed] lawfully, upon the lawless, to check crime, and punish for wickedness, and God’s people, not as a body, but as individuals, as citizens under the government in which they live, are to obey the laws of God and man in preserving law and order. If a man should steal my horse and dispose of it so I could not get it back, I should take joyfully the spoiling of my goods, I should love and pray for his soul and not return evil for evil. But shall I keep his offence secret from the authorities? Is that good? Is that love for his soul? Not at all. I would only be partaker of his evil deed. It is my duty to report the deed to the authorities, and let the law punish him. It may check his stealing forever, and prevent others from following the same course. Laxity in home government, and laxity of civil law in the first crimes have no doubt, to a great extent, filled jails, penitentiaries and gallows.
The preaching of the gospel in any country will aid in the standard of civil laws. Owing to the low standard of sect preaching in our country, the sins of adultery and divorce, licensing of houses of ill fame and other crimes, have become enormous. Let the ministers of Jesus Christ cry out against such sins, and give the people the gospel standard, and Poligamy will stop, divorce cases will cease, adulterers and whoremongers will be punished, laws will be changed and sin will cease to be licensed by civil law. Oh shame, shame, on the so-called Christian nations legalizing vice!
Some say we have many good laws, but they are not enforced. Well who is to blame? When preachers and professors rise up and say we are Christians; we cannot use the law, what is that but encouraging the sinner to go on and do what he pleases, break the laws of God and man, disturb the worship of God, and drive honest citizens, who love law and order, from the place of worship, and disgust them against the children of God? Shall we not look into the perfect law of liberty and find out our duties as members of the body of Christ, also as citizens of our country, and fill our place in both?
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” — 1 Tim. 2:1, 2. This I fear has been sadly neglected by most Christians. May God help us to improve. Others have supposed a Christian could not comply with court, and give evidence against offending parties. Can you not see this would protect the criminal and do injustice to innocent parties, and so increase crime? But in regard to those who disturb the worship of God, is it not best to go to God and get so much of his glory and power among the saints that the powers of hell are so subdued that disturbing elements cannot operate? Certainly that is best, and truly God’s ministers and people need more Holy Ghost authority and power to demand and keep order in time of worship. But if dis-
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turbance occurs it need not be repeated many times, nor the offender be threatened, but take your witnesses and report to the authorities, knowing the law is good if a man use it lawfully, and in such cases let nothing be clone through strife or vain glory; but to provoke unto love and good works. Do it as a deed of love for the benefit of the disobedient one, and that others also may take warning. You need not fear of making them your enemies, you can live confidence on them and win them to Jesus, by heaping coals of fire upon their heads, showing kindness and courtesy, helping them in time of need, and they will see you did it for their good, and will love you more afterwards, than if you had suffered them to continue in their missconduct. Your saved brother in love and truth.
Geo. L. Cole.
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News from the Field.
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Payne, Ohio.
Dear Saints: We are glad to know we have the victory and are trusting the Lord who causeth us to triumph. Our last report was from Indiana. From Mt. Pisgah we went to the neighborhood of Bro. Snows, and held meeting there a few nights, then returned to Mt. Pisgah school house and held a few nights meeting, making about three weeks meeting in all at that place. Not many saved, but the seed was sown. May the Lord send some of his messengers to that place soon that there may be a harvest of souls at that place. We came from there to this place and held a few meetings. There were about eight consecrations and some others have consecrated since then. May the Lord keep them firm. We have been working with our hands, and will go again as soon as the Lord wills. Any one desiring meeting inform us here at this place. Yours, saved.
K. E. Ellis, J. N. Worden and Co.
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North Point, Pa., Nov., 21, 1893.
Dearly Beloved Brethren and Sisters: May heaven’s richest blessings rest upon you all. We are happy to report perfect victory over all the powers of the enemy. Oh praise God for his wonderful love to the children of men! On the 13th of this month we left the company on the Floating Bethel, and felt God moving us this way. This is a new held, where the evening light has never been preached. People seem anxious for the truth. The U. B’s opened their meeting house, and on the 16th we began the battle for God. Almost all the people are favorable to the truth. Some few opposed two works of grace, but the clean word of God has cleared up all confusion. Praise his name. Sabbath afternoon the word of God was given on the true church, and it caused quite an uproar. Three of the trustees went against us, but God over-ruled.
Last night two souls came to the altar and were wonderfully saved. U. B. ism melted away before the fire of God’s word. Hard hearted sinners trembled and wept like children. God is raising up a clean, pure people in this place. Praise his name! The way is opening up for meetings in different directions. Pray much for us and the work here, that we may be kept humble. We request the saints to pray for the healing of our child. A very bad cold has settled on its lungs. Yours in Jesus,
H. M. and. M. M. Riggle.
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Merrill, Mich., Nov. 21, 1893.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May God ever bless you and may all grace abound through Jesus Christ. Since last spring we were led of the Lord to take a farm as we were in debt, and the Lord has wonderfully helped us to pay up so that we are more free to do the Lord’s will in preaching the gospel. Also while we were laboring with our hands we found opportunity to preach on Lord’s day to the people in two places, and the dear Lord saved some souls and they are now rejoicing in the love of Jesus. We are now ready for the field and expect to commence a meeting near Midland City, in Midland Co., Mich. on Thursday. Nov. 23d, to continue as long as the Lord wills. May the dear Lord save souls is our prayer.
We have found the grace of God sufficient and his keeping power adequate for every need of both soul and body. Praise his name! Oh glory to God for a salvation in Jesus from all sin and its effects! Well we expect to let the Lord lead and use us as he wills, and we beg the prayers of all God’s children that we may always know his will and be used to his glory in the salvation of souls. Your brother and sisters in Christ.
T. J. Cox. Wipe and Daughter.
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Adrian, Mich.
To The General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn: I can report victory over all this wicked world. Since our last report we have held several meetings, have been constantly in the work of the Lord. We held a three weeks meeting at Willow chapel. The attendance and attention were very good. There was much prejudice when we went there, but it was cleared away, and a number acknowledged the truth, but were not willing to pay the price and get an experience.
Brother Wickersham was with us a part of the time in that meeting. We went from there to Praise Chapel and found the church at that place, joyful in glory. From there we went to Brock, Ohio, and met dear Pro. Geo. Howard, who had been engaged in a meeting there for a few days. He took train next morning for home. We remained and continued the meeting one week, which resulted in the salvation of six dear souls. This meeting was truly a feast to our souls, the Lord manifested his mighty power from beginning to end. Brother Wickersham was with us in the last part of the meeting. From there Bro. Roe and Bro. Wickersham and daughter went to Ind., to hold some meetings and I came to this place. I ask all the dear saints to pray for me that the dear Lord may use me in preaching his everlasting gospel. Your sanctified Bro.
W. A. Randolph.
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Grand Junction, Mich.
To the Saints of the Most High God: In my last letter to you I wrote concerning the many deliverances that God wrought for me, and I can truly say, “whom the Son makes free is free indeed.” You will remember that I also said that I intended to start for Michigan (being then at Chili, Ill.). Having proclaimed the gospel to the people; laying judgment to the line and righteousness to the plummet — having done my duty faithfully, feeling that it was God’s will for me to go elsewhere, on enquiring his will concerning me, he said to me, Arise and go to Grand Junction, Mich. and there I will make known my will more fully. Knowing that the people rejected the truth I obeyed the will of God, shook the dust off my feet against them and took my departure. Passing through by way of Chicago, Ill., I came on to Grand Junction, Mich., arriving here about two weeks ago. For a long time I’ve felt impressed to go to India and preach the gospel unto people of that land. The call has been of God. The burden for India, 280 millions who are in ignorance, superstition and idolatry has been laid upon me in such a way and manner that I have laid myself on the altar — have consecrated myself for service in India. Many times I seem to see their hands stretched out to me for help, many times I seem to see a deep, longing and anxious expression on their faces, many times I seem to hear them say, yea loudly calling to me: ‘‘Come over and help us,” until my heart is nigh broke within me with sorrow, and filled with love for them, and a desire to take the wings of the morning and fly away to them with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now it’s an undeniable fact that India needs the pure gospel. God has called me to go to them, and I expect to do so as soon as the Lord opens the way and provides the means.
I am ready also to preach the gospel to the inhabitants of America until ready to leave for India, as long as it is in accordance with God’s will. Address me at Grand Junction, Mich., in care of GOSPEL TRUMPET. Now while men and women are glorying in many things that tend only to this life, God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world. Amen Yours in the one body,
John Bennetts Bailey.
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Dodge, Ky.
To all the Children of God, Greeting: May the blessings of God rest upon you and the Holy Spirit guide and teach you into all truth and keep you from evil. We are made to rejoice and praise God for salvation from sin through our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory and honor forever.
We thank God for so many dear brothers and sisters in Christ and we love to hear from you and from the good work that is going on in the vineyard of the Lord. October 12, we went in company with Brother A. J. Kilpatrick to Salem, Morgan Co., Ky. where there was a large house of worship built by the reform Presbyterians and Baptists, but a good many had separated from the denominations, and formed a union, calling it the Church of God, under the preaching of a Brother J. A. Howard. He had seen the evil of divisions and was trying to escape, and having heard of the saints here called us there. We began meeting in the name of Jesus, and quite a number acknowledged the truth, and those who were justified declared their freedom from sectism. Brother Howard rejoiced to hear the whole counsel of God, and with a few others began to seek the sanctifying grace, letting loose of every thing pertaining to sectism.
Truly the good seed has been sown there and the result is in the hand of God. We started home the 23d, and were two days on the journey, the distance being about sixty’ miles over hills and rough roads, but the Lord gave us good weather. Pray for us and the work in Kentucky. Yours in Christ,
Jessie and Minne Wade.
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Tullahoma, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1893.
Dear Saints of God: We have just closed a very precious meeting at the Cross Roads school house. Nine professed pardon and quite a number purity. Several who had become entangled with the world were again restored to the fold. The enemy had well nigh destroyed the flock; yet we are happy to report victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Peace and harmony now prevail, for which we give God all the glory. We believe that all will profit by the experience, through which they have passed during the last summer.
All through the meeting, which lasted nearly three weeks, the blessed Savior was with us in much power and glory, and carried the truth to the hearts of the people. We do not know that we ever attended a meeting before, so precious to our souls. God flooded our souls with glory all the way through.
We expect to continue meetings for some time yet within reach of Tullahoma, for mail. Calls are coming in from far and near, which by the help of the Lord we shall fill as fast as possible. We ask all the faithful ones to remember us in your prayers, that God will give us wisdom and humility, measuring to the standard, “Jesus Christ.” We earnestly admonish the Saints everywhere to keep their hearts pure and lives holy before God. Let not the enemy divert your mind from your own case. Remember Paul’s admonition, “Keep thyself pure.” Our soul is joyful in glory today. Yours in the love and fellowship of Jesus,
J. F. Lundy and J. L. Pike.
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N. Denver, Colo., Nov. 23, 1893.
Dear Saints of the Living God, Greeting: We feel it would be to the glory of God to testify through the columns of the TRUMPET again, to the saving and keeping power of God in our souls. I am so glad I have found the narrow way, which is narrow enough to shut out all sin, but it is wide enough for the Christian.
Since our last report we held a meeting in North Denver, which lasted about five weeks. We had a real face to face combat with the devil. They tore our tabernacle down twice and damaged it considerable and tried every means the devil could to break up the meeting, but God gave us the victory and a few souls were saved. Others are yet under conviction. One poor man was convicted of his sins and said he had tried so often to get salvation, and had not got what he was looking for; he has become discouraged, and he now believes his day of repentance is past. We ask all the saints to join with us in praying for him. God has been using, us of late as “hunters and fishers,” and has been blessing cur souls in the same. We expect to open up a meeting in the main part of town before long. God is working in that way. We expect to see a good time of gathering in of precious souls this winter.
I feel the Lord wants me to give some of my past experience; it may be of some use to others. For some time in the past I have been in a stupid condition, something had come over me, which took the real joys of salvation from me. I did not have that real anxious desire to see souls saved, and work had become more of a burden than a pleasure. This summer when I was with Brother and Sister Cole, I thought they were better qualified and the people would rather hear them than me, because they had so much more light than I had. So the devil stepped in and then stupor came over me, and even testimony became a task. I was living, as it were, on resolutions. I would resolve that I would be diligent, then in a short time the devil would step in and my mind would wander. I had some trials to go through and my mind would wander off on them because I did not fully give all things into the hands of Jesus. And during this time I was, not to say under condemnation, but I realized a lack somewhere and when the Lord brought me to see my condition he showed me the difference between the sin not unto death, and a sin unto death. — Jno. 5:16. But God has taught me a big lesson on this line. It makes no difference who I am with, God has a work for me to do, although I never shrank when God put a duty upon me, yet if 1 had been more diligent, I would have had more to do and I would have had a better experience. I thought Bro. Warner’s article on progressiveness, was just what was needed. May God help us all to increase with the increase of God. I do praise God, I have got to the place where testimony is a joy, when I love to testify to what God is doing for me. I am so glad God showed me this before too late. Now dear saints we find many in this same condition, and it is a lack of real earnestness of full submission into the hands of God. Thess. 5:17. Pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks. We are commanded to watch and pray, and praying always with all prayer. Now if this falls into any ones hands who is in the condition above mentioned, may God help you to break the spell that is hanging over you, for “whom the Son makes free, is free indeed.” So renew your covenant with God and force yourself through. The kingdom of heaven is taken by force.
“If all the heavens as brass should appear,
Only keep trusting and Jesus is near.”
From one who is delivered. Hallelujah! Your brother,
T. A. Phillips.
1125 Murdock St.
THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Mole Hill, W. Va. Dear Saints in God: May God bless and be with you. Praise God for a full and free salvation that does save sanctify and keep me from all sin, in this blessed evening light. The saints at Mole Hill and Stanley want some of the brethren to come here and give us more of the pure gospel. We want a good able company, filled with the Holy Ghost. May God send whom he will. Yours, saved and sanctified,
J. K. Whitecotton.
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Evansville, Ind.
Dear Readers of the Trumpet: May God bless all of you everywhere. I feel that it is to the glory of God to send in my testimony, as God has wonderfully blessed me with his love and his Holy Spirit. I am still rejoicing in a Savior’s love. God has healed my children of chills and fever and I give him all the glory for it: he shall have all the praise. Bless God forever! They are well, and I know God did the work. Pray earnestly for the saints here, and that God may save more at this place. Your sister, saved and sanctified,
Nannie Downs.
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Gaylord, Smith Co., Kan.
Dear Saints of God: The dear Lord sweetly saves me to night. Oh glory to his name for all his goodness to me! I have poor health, am troubled with female weakness, and can hardly go around. I do sincerely ask the prayers of all of God’s children that I may be healed. I read so many testimonies where they have been healed. I ask myself, Lord why can’t I be healed? Oh for more faith! He says in his blessed word, Ask what you will in faith believing and ye shall receive. Pray that I may have that faith. Oh dear saints, I feel like going on. I know it is better on before. I am so glad I have been led out into the pure evening light. I praise God for victory over the devil. Oh I am so glad there is one that has promised to stick closer than a brother, and he says we shall not be tempted above that we are able to bear. Your sister, washed in the blood of Jesus,
Mrs. R. McKinley.
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Gresham, Neb.
Dear Saints and Trumpet Readers: I feel led of the Lord to write my testimony to the TRUMPET. I am praising God for a complete salvation. The devil has tried hard to overthrow me in the past year. Our hearts go out in earnest prayer to God for those who claim to be called into the work of God and are not right in the sight of God, thus causing dear ones to be deluded by the wicked one. Oh that they would see the awful danger they are in before too late! I do thank God that he has kept me true to him and precious souls, and I feel more like standing firm for God.
The people want a tabernacle meeting next summer. If two or three Holy Ghost workers would come and let the Lord lead the meeting, I believe there could be great good done. If the Lord leads we expect to have several meetings in Nebraska and Kansas this winter. We have scattered TRUMPETS and books of Divine Healing, around here and I know it will bring forth fruit to His name’s honor and glory. The Word says, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Pray for us, dear ones, that we may be kept by the power of God, ready to be revealed in the last day. Your sister, saved and sanctified,
May Willis.
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Millgrove, Ind.
Dear Saints and Gospel Readers Greeting: It is to the glory of God that I can say, Jesus saves me at this hour and keeps me pure by His precious blood. And I can say to the glory of God, that yesterday, Nov. 17, 1893 at two o’clock the appointed hour for prayer, I claimed the promise, and my cough and the soreness of my lungs began to leave me, so that I could sing as loud as I pleased, without causing me to cough. Praise His dear name forever! Yours in the one body,
John Evritt.
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OBITUARY.
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Bro. Alexander Elder left this world of sorrow and affliction, Oct. 30, 1893, for a mansion in bright glory, where sorrow and afflictions are not known. Father Elder gave evidence to the last, that he was ready. When he could no longer speak, witnessed by the motion of his head. His mind was clear to the last. He was in his eighty-second year. He leaves a family of six to mourn their loss. May the Lord bless and save them. Funeral service by
J. L. Perrine.
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“NO-SECTISM.”
CAN WE ESCAPE THE SIN OF SECTISM?
Thus says these modern Sanballats and Tobiahs, “It is utterly impossible for them — such as come out of sects — to prove that they are not a sect.”
We answer in the name of Jesus, it is very easy to prove we are not a sect, if the word of God is admitted as evidence in the case. Returning to the definition given in the tract, which is one of the few truths it contains, we learn, that “a sect is a portion cut off, or separated from a body, of which it form a part.” Sect doors are opened by preachers, who take men into the cut-off portion by requiring them to subscribe to their creed, a law which they hold exclusively. But turning to the New Testament, we find a different means of induction into the church, which is the body of Christ entire, and no cut-off faction. Christ himself is the door, and salvation the mode of induction. John 10:9. And “by one Spirit are we all baptized into this one body. 1 Cor. 12:12. And thus through the operation of the Spirit, the Lord adds the members to the church. Acts 2:47. Now since we open no door ourselves, and take nobody into anything, but teach all men that only Christ takes into the church, and since all the ministry in the evening light abide in no sect, no cut-off, but in the whole body of Christ, and all who receive the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, renounce and come out of every diviceful organism, and abide only in Christ, in whom are all Christians in heaven and earth, and out of whom no man can be a Christian; and, moreover, since we hold no doctrine or tenets “exclusively” our own, but accept and walk in all, and only the laws and doctrine that Christ the head of the body, and only authorized law-giver has given to the whole body, for its government, etc. And furthermore, since we recognize every child of God in heaven and earth as being a member with us of the one and only body into which we have been saved by the grace of God, and in which alone we abide: therefore we affirm on the authority of God’s word that no man can prove us a sect. Christ is not the door into any sect, nor does salvation induct a soul into any sect, or cut-off from the body of Christ. And only abiding into that called-out fraternity and family of God, into which God has placed us by his great salvation, we stand clear of the sin of sectism, in the entire body of Christ, and “church of the Firstborn which are written in heaven,” and have fellowship with every real child of God whether in or out of the man-made sects.
The tract asks the following question, “Are there any Christians in the world besides yourself, and those with whom you are associated? Then you are a sect.” We answer unhesitatingly, and the word of God sustains us, that in the body of Christ, which is the church, we stand united, and associated with every Christian in heaven and earth. And to no other body do we belong. In no class book or roll of membership is our name recorded, but in the Lamb’s book of life, and in it also are all the names of the redeemed. Hence, we are not a sect, even when tested by the rule laid down by our enemies.
The drift of Mr. Sims’ argument is that there is no escape from the sin of sectism. This is another false doctrine. The grace of God and the blood of Christ are able to save us from all sins, and all sin.
Another argument in palliation of sects is the following: “It is utterly impossible for any one to bring the whole Christian body to his way of thinking, * * * on all subjects pertaining to the work of God.” Granted. But the Lord Jesus Christ “is able to subdue all things unto himself.” Phil. 3:21. It was not a man, but the Christ, who “made both — Jews and Gentiles — one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” Eph. 2:14. And the same salvation will break down and utterly remove every wall of modern sectism. “The multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and one soul.” Acts 4:32. This beautiful effect had been produced by hearing and receiving the pure gospel of God, and the same cause is able to work the same great miracle to day. And he, who, by his all transforming grace, gave the people one mind, “the mind of Christ,” at the beginning, is now giving the bride of Christ, his holy remnant, gathered out of every ism, and diviceful creed under heaven, “one heart and one way,” according to his sure word of prophecy. Jer. 32:39. God says he will do this. Let those F. M. zealots leave their pet idol and come to God, and they will find he is able to verify his promise, just as thousands who have been gathered by the spirit of God into a perfect unit, out of the most widely conflicting creeds, have already proved it. But like the old Jews, who were joined to their idols, they will not come unto God, and to his Word, that he may give them one way. They deny God’s power, plead man’s inability, and thus seek to justify their sin, just as all their older sister sects pled for their sins and cry, none perfect, none perfect. The work of unifying God’s children is no more the work of man than our salvation is. But the same God who can sanctify us wholly and preserve us blameless, can by the power of his Spirit, guide us into all truth, and enable us to be one, even as Christ and the Father are one, as the Lord prayed for us in John 17. And, in fact, this very unity is the inevitable result of entire sanctification, “for both he — Christ — that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Heb. 2:11. Some sects deny both sanctification and its fruits, but the F. M. sect admits sanctification, but denies some of its Bible fruits; which is shameful inconsistency. And we must infer from the converse of the above text, that if men and women are not united, they not only lack the fruits of scriptural holiness, but Christ is even ashamed to call them brethren. May God pity all the pleaders for babel divisions, and give them repentance, that Christ may no longer be ashamed to call them brethren.
CAN WE HAVE MEETING HOUSES AND NOT BE A SECT?
“We think it consistent to have houses to worship in; but we can’t hold that property without being organized as an organized body.” And elsewhere the writer asserts that if organized it must needs be a sect.
Here is another F. M. created stumbling block, cast in the way of Christ fulfilling his prayer in the hearts of his disciples. The assertion is utterly false. The saints of God, with no other organization than the “spiritual house,” built of God, have no trouble in holding houses of worship in all the various states. As “God sets the members, every one of them, in the body as it pleases him,” he makes some eiders and others deacons. That body is recognized by the laws of our land as capable of holding church property; which they do, without the creation of a sect, or even the addition of an unscriptural officer. The ciders and deacons, and their successors in office, being duly acknowledged trustees.
Again Mr. Sanders, endeavoring to screen the sect creed from the hammer of truth, tells about a case where two preachers contented for the pulpit at the same hour, resulting in a disgraceful rivalry, and each, as he says, claimed to be led of God. But he does not say where it occurred, in or out of sectism. And since the like has never been seen or heard of among God’s ministers, who are sanctified wholly, and out of all sects, he must be describing a scene of strife, such as are common in the various branches of Babylon. In late years, at different places, even the police have been called in to quell rows between contending factions and preachers, in some of the branches of Methodism. And at this very time there is war between two of Bishop Joice’s stationed preachers in Pittsburg, Pa. over the same pulpit. We can expect nothing better from Babylon, where “there are lords many, and gods many.” But in the body of Christ, which is the church, “It is the same God which worketh all in all.” 1 Cor. 12:6. And “God is not the author of confusion.” And for Mr. Sims, Sanders and Co. to throw out their insinuations that such disgraceful rivalry must occur if the church is all operated by God working in each member as it pleaseth him, is simply to accuse the God of all holy order and wisdom, with being the source of confusion. We will next notice
AN ATTEMPT TO ANSWER SOME SCRIPTURES
that are cited in opposition to sects. First, he quotes 1 Cor. 12:18. “But now hath God set the members in the body as it hath pleased him.” Such scriptures are seldom used by sect builders, not being in harmony with their creed or work. And their not being familiar with the same, may account for the omission of the words, “every one of them.” For the record is that “God sets the members, every one of them in the body,” etc. Now hear his answer to the inspired saying: “No-sect teachers say this scripture teaches that, as God organizes the trees, and plants, in their perfection, in the same manner he hath organized his church without the help of man. But the meaning is, that as God hath set the members in the physical body in such perfection, that there is no division, and no strife among the members, even so hath be set the members of his church.”
We say amen. Where is the difference between what God’s ministers teach and what Mr. Sims here admits? The human body is, indeed, used as well as the tree and vine to illustrate God’s church. And Mr. S. admits that God himself does set the members of the church all in the body in such perfection that there is no division and no strife among them. This is conceding all that the whole tract labors to deny. It contends that there must be sects, cut-off divisions, for various reasons, and that men must organize these sects in order to the visibility of the church. And now he virtually admits that God organizes the church himself; and that in His organization there is such perfection, that division and strife are excluded. So we prove from Mr. S. that the strife between preachers that Mr. Sanders pictures was not in the church that God organizes, and must, therefore, have been in men’s organization. Be it also remembered that Mr. Sims admits that, “as God hath set the members in the physical body in such perfection, that there is no division and no strife among the members, even so hath he (God) set the members of his church.” Then we ask these F. M. preachers, why do you attempt to take the work of God out of his hands, and take in members yourselves? If God sets the members in the church all complete, he does not leave that work for them to do. If God so builds and forms his church, why did Mr. Roberts, the author of the above words, take it upon himself to build another? The reason is evidently this, God only sets members into his church, but this does nothing for this sect. So if they will have a Free Methodist ism, they are compelled to found it and take in the members themselves, for God will have nothing to do with such crafts.
But let us hear some more scripture explained. “That they all may be one.” John 17:21. “There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither bond nor free; there is neither male nor female: for ye are ail one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:28. These and similar passages are used by no-sectites to show the unity that should exist between God’s people. In this they are correct. * * * Most divisions originate in a corrupt heart, and some from error of judgment.”
I think our readers will agree with us that Mr. Roberts and Sims make very poor business at explaining the word of God so as to favor their side of the question. But what can men do with the whole word of God against them? Then after all their clamor for divisions, these men confess that perfect unity should exist among the children of God, and that divisions originate from corrupt hearts and erring heads. Mr. R. had better considered this matter before he formed his division, and had he left all stand complete in Christ, he would never have been forced to the labor of writing an apology for his cut-off, in the form of a book entitled, “Why another Sect?” What a wilderness of confusion and self contradictions this tract spreads before us. –
Sects are necessary to organization.
Sects are necessary to visibility.
The apostle Paul gloried in being a member of a sect.
The entire body of Christians was a sect.
And yet all Christians should be one, hence there should be no sects, cut-off or separate portions. And indeed “most sects come from corruption in men’s hearts, and errors of judgement,” etc. etc. So had men received the purging of their hearts by the blood of Christ, and avoided error of judgment by having been guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit, there never would have been any sects, and all Christians would be of one heart, one mind, one faith in the church that God so perfectly organizes. O ye ministers of confusion! Cannot you see that your cause is a bad one, and your defence is crooked and self- contradictory? You plead for sects, and justify divisions, and yet admit there should be none. You acknowledge that “divisions come by different understandings of the scriptures. These misunderstandings are caused, no doubt, largely by carnality, and thus divisions have sprung up, and multiplied, and organized into sects.” So says the tract. Likewise the Word says they are the works of the flesh, and so the devil is the author of the whole business. And since the sects proceed from corruption and carnality in men’s hearts, we justly conclude that their defence proceeds from the same source.
And we are forced to the conclusion that Mr. S. was not really scrupulous before God, when he calls the sects churches and yet shows that he knew better. One sentence proves it. “We are bold to say however, that however much the gates of hell may have prevailed against some of the sects, they have fallen far short of prevailing against the church founded upon the rock.”
Amen. Here we stand in the church on the rock, and outside all the sects that are sinking in the sand and mire of their own corruption. The two are vastly different, and this distinction is here admitted. The church came down from God of heaven; the sects are earthly, originating from carnality and error. God organizes the church and perfect harmony is the result: men organize sects, and envy, strife, and every evil work follows. The gates of hell prevail over the sects, but not over the church. Surely this crooked tract demolishes itself, and Mr. Sims and Go’s effort to prop up the sect institutions, and cast reproach upon such as abide in the body of Christ only, is sufficient of itself to lead honest and sensible men to renounce the sect, and abide in the church. Amen.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Granby, Mo.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May the Lord bless you all. We are saved in Jesus and trusting in his word. We are rejoicing in the sweet peace in our souls. We have been out in this blessed light for ten years, and do know that it is better on before. Glory to God! Your brother and sister under the blood, sanctified through the truth,
W. A. and M. Anett.
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Rising Sun, Ohio.
Dear. Saints of God: This morning finds me saved and sanctified. Praise the Lord! I am ready to do the Lord’s will in all things. Jesus is my perfect Savior and physician. He has wonderfully healed this body of mine, for which I give him all the glory. He sweetly keeps me saved each moment. Praise the Lord! From your sister,
Ada Roush.
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Houston, Mo.
Dear Trumpet Readers: Wife and I are still saved and preserved in Jesus, with an everlasting salvation, and complete victory over the powers of darkness and devils. Praise the Lord forever! We are walking with God in the light as he is in the light. Oh how blessed it is to sit low down at the feet of Jesus. Praise his dear name! We trust some of God’s little ones will come here this winter and hold a few weeks’ meeting. Pray for us. Yours, saved and sanctified,
Loyd May.
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Edinburgh, Miss.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel a sweet peace in my soul. Oh I am so glad that I had a willing heart to accept salvation when I did. While I see so many others going on in their sin and folly, I want to say that I am dead to this world and all of its pleasure. I would not give all the sweet pleasures that I now enjoy for all of my past life. I want all the saints to pray for me. By the grace of God I am determined to live true to the Lord. Your sister saved and washed in the blood.
Lina Smith.
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Cedar Creek, Ind.
I do praise the Lord for a full and free salvation. I know that I am saved now, and I always find his grace sufficient. There are but few saints in this neighborhood. Plenty of sect people but they fight holiness. I do praise the Lord that I am free from all sect yokes. When Christ makes us free we are free indeed. I want all the dear ones to remember me at the throne of grace, for I stand alone in my family. From your sister, saved and sanctified,
Susan Holman.
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Rochester, Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel led to write my testimony once more to the glory of God. I can testify, how good God has been to us. Our little boy took very sick with high fever and went into convulsions; he had about a dozen from Saturday night till Sunday night. It was a trial of our faith: sinners wanted us to have a doctor. We told them that God was able to heal the child, and if he saw fit to take the child, we were willing to to give him up. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord! We obeyed the word of God in James and called for Bro. David Leininger and Bro. Gast, and they anointed him in the name of the Lord, and the child was healed and is well to day, for which we give God all the glory. Your brother and sister, saved,
S. B. and M. Barr.
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Salem, Mo.
Dear Saints of God: We send much love in Jesus to you all. I do praise God for victory in my soul over all the world, the flesh and the devil; and by the assisting grace of God I mean to walk in all the light. Glory be to God for ever! Praise the Lord for the faith he gives me! Last Sunday our seven year old boy fell from a persimmon tree while gathering persimmons and broke his arm. He and his little sister of five years walked some 150 yards to the house where I was reading my Bible, not missing them. The little fellow said, “Mamma I broke my arm.” I got down upon my knees before God and earnestly asked the dear Lord what to do, and oh how he did fill me with his power! I arose from my knees and we set his arm and bound it up, and knelt and prayed to God to heal the arm, and he healed it, and heard and answered our prayer. Glory be to his holy name!
C. H. and M. A. Guinther.
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Manchester, Ia.
Dear Saints: I am praising God every day from the very depths of my heart. The Lord saves and keeps me. Praise His holy name! He says, Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life. Our blessed Jesus says, “He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” Dear ones, let us not try to be robbers or we will be eternally lost. The Lord is very precious to my soul to night. Praise his holy name! God is not mocked. It is so glorious to stand alone for God. This I could not understand until Bro. J. W. Byers and Bro. W. A. Haynes came here last July. They found me in a backslidden state, but the dear Lord lifted me out of the mire and clay again and placed me on the rock Christ Jesus. He has put a new song in my mouth. Praise his glorious name! The dear Lord has shown me what his keeping power is, and I know he is keeping me day by day. I can say I am so glad I can trust Jesus again. Pray for me that I may do the will of the Lord. Your brother abiding in the Lord,
C. B. Haynes.
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Austerlitz, Ky.
Dear Saints of God: It was Oct. 4th or 5th that I was convicted of my sins. Bros Killpatrick and Carter were holding meeting at Stony Point. They preached several nights on the church, and the last night that Bro. Kilpatrick was there, they had altar services and invited sinners out to get saved, and I was one of them. I confessed my sins to God, and he was faithful and just to forgive me. 1 Jno. 1:9. Glory to God! Well after Bro. Kilpatrick left, Bro. Carter still held the meeting on for several days, and during those days I saw that there was something else lacking; and I consecrated myself to God as a living sacrifice and he cleansed me from all sin. Glory to God! I was a great slave to tobacco, chewed and smoked; and I liked my dram very well. But glory to God, he has taken all desires and taste from me. I am determined to follow Jesus while I live, by his grace assisting me. Yours saved and sanctified,
Wm. J. Crews.
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Prescott, Arizona.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel it my duty and consider it a blessed privilege to add my testimony. I feel so thankful to tell the people that I am still able to praise God for all things. I have so much to thank him for. Bless his holy name! He has so wonderfully healed me in both soul and body. When I was first saved I was a physical wreck, having asmetic consumption. Five physicians had examined my lungs and pronounced me incurable. Four years ago, one of the physicians, now of Chicago, said I could not last three weeks longer. So I left my home in Mattawan, Mich., and went to visit my parents in Branch Co. Under the preaching of Bro. Eldridge I began to receive light on divine healing, but did not trust my case entirely in Jesus’ hands, not realizing he who can snap that brittle cord of life, could easily restore me to health. I know his promises were true and were for me, but I was too afraid to give up my strong medicine, and rely entirely on his promises. “Oh ye of little faith!” I suffered, but apparently grew no worse. Two years ago this Thanksgiving I gave my body a living sacrifice into the Lord’s hands. I had a dream that I reached the gates of heaven and it was filled with clean empty bottles. How hard I tried to climb over them, but it was impossible; as often as I got to the top I would fall down again. At this time I was taking Scott’s Emulsion Cod Liver Oil, and a very strong asthma medicine. But I told Jesus I would lay them all aside and take him as my physician. Oh how easy he made it after I relied wholly upon him! I complied with his word. Brother and Sister Eldridge and others followed that blessed privilege we have in Jas. 5:14, 15, and especially prayed for a good appetite, and from that time it has never failed me. That was in May 30, 1891. From that time I began to amend. I do not know what I weighed then, but in August of the same year I weighed ninety-six pounds. At this writing I weigh 128 pounds, and am perfectly well. I do not think there is an organ of my body that is diseased. Oh how sweet it is to be able to give God all the glory! I have lived in Arizona six months. God has given me strength and a love in my heart to do what I can for others. Oh if Christians could trust him more for everything! What would I do in this wicked place without this true salvation! I am all alone here, but perfectly happy, only when I look around and see so much sin. Pray for the people in Prescott.