6 August 1896, Volume 16, Number 31.

THE CONSECRATED WILL.

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Laid on thine altar, О my Lord divine,
Accept my gift this day for Jesus’ sake:
I have no jewels to adorn thy shrine,
Nor any world-famed sacrifice to make;
But here I bring within my trembling hand
This will of mine — a thing that seemeth small
And only thou, sweet Lord, canst understand
How, when I yield thee this, I yield mine all.

Hidden therein, thy searching eye can see
Struggles of passion, visions of delight,
All that I love, or am, or hope to be —
Deep loves, fond hopes, and longings infinite.
It hath been wet with tears and dimmed with sighs,
Clenched in my grasp till beauty it hath none.
Now from thy footstool, where it vanquished lies
The prayer ascendeth, “May thy will be done.’’

Take it, О Father, ere my courage fail,
And merge it so in thine own will that e’en
If in some desperate hour my cries prevail,
And thou give back my gift, it may have been
So changed, so purified, so fair have grown.
So one with thee, so filled with peace divine,
I may not know or feel it as my own,
But gaining back my will, may find it thine.

Selected.

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Our Lives as Examples.

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THAT holiness is required, no one who has a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures can doubt. “Be ye holy for I am holy,” is an imperative command. Besides, Paul assures us that “without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” “Without the sanctification no man shall see the Lord” — R. V. We trust the reader has an understanding of what holiness is, and how it is attained and retained. Hence we conclude you are ready to answer these questions: Are you sanctified? Are you enjoying a perfect love? Are you fully conformed to the will and image of God? Can you answer in the affirmative? If so, we wish to say a few words to you.

Jesus as a man on earth, gave to the world a perfect religion. He advanced it, he lived it, and proved it by acting it out himself. He illustrated every principle of his religion and doctrine by doing the very thing himself he requires others to do; and declares, “His yoke is easy and his burden is light.” “If a man walk in the night he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.” — Jno. 11:10.

Dear ones, we see so many stumbling. Why is it? Because of the darkness in the stumbler. Yet it is the duty and privilege of every professor to keep out of the way of sinners. And a great responsibility is resting upon every child of God who professes to enjoy the grace of sanctification. The eyes of the whole world are upon us. Many who are disposed to lightly treat, and even ridicule the doctrine of holiness, and to persecute those who profess it, — such will watch as with an eagle’s eye, in order to discover some defect in our words, actions, or temper, and will even try to provoke us to anger, to find something whereof they may accuse us, and may the more successfully oppose the doctrine of holiness. How the cause of Christ must suffer, if our walk and conversation does not exactly illustrate the teaching! What kind of an impression would Christ have left upon the people if he had been found as some professors of holiness to-day? Dear ones, it matters greatly what the personal character of a teacher of a new scheme of morals is. He comes desiring our acceptance of a certain doctrine which, he says, is vital to our welfare; he declares that only as we accept his dogmas can we lead lives of highest happiness and usefulness: that everything, in short, that can be called good, is bound up in his teachings. Naturally, and rightly, we look to him for an illustration of what he teaches. If he wants us to be truthful, honest, and moral, He must be. The moment we fail to find in the teacher the exemplification of the thing taught, that moment the power of the teaching is broken. For this, if no other reason, God’s people should live in fear and trembling each moment of their lives. When God’s holy ministers declare to the world that a man born of God does not commit sin, that a sanctified man can turn the other cheek and without a riffle in his soul receive the smite; for Jesus sake let us all make ourselves exemplified characters of the Bible teaching, and substantiate the teaching of holiness. When all the wicked council of the pit is arrayed against us; when every earthly friend seems to forsake us; death even claiming its own; then live the life of a Christian: live the life you preach; for it would only be folly for a known deceiver to try to enforce truthfulness; for a known thief to teach honesty; or a libertine, virtue.

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RESPONSIBILITY.

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If we are sanctified, our first responsibility is to see that the cause is never evil spoken of because of any inconsistency of ours. There are some who are forced to doubt the doctrine by the inconsistent living of some sanctified (?) professors. Our second responsibility is, to be so consistent in our living or life as to counteract the influence of the inconsistencies of others. Again, multitudes of people are earnest inquirers after the truth, some assenting to the doctrine of holiness, while others are in some doubt but open to conviction. They are looking to those who profess sanctification for such examples and such rectitude of life as will show that there is such a thing as full salvation from sin, that perfect love is to be enjoyed in this life, if we profess it. Our third responsibility is, so to exemplify its beauties and excellencies as shall commend it to all around us. Again, Christ says to his disciples, “Ye are the light of the world,” and commands them to let their light shine. Also, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” As sanctified men and women, we are to be the salt of this corrupt earth, a light of this benighted world.

CHARLES FORD.

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To the Young Sisters in Christ.

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PRIDE and fashion are two of the greatest chains of Satan that a young woman has to break in order to receive the deeper experience of grace in her heart. When we begin to see the light of God’s word in all its purity, and move out in it by the grace of God, it is then we see our worldly friends begin to scatter, and they do not care for our company as much as before. And often we are told, when we will be a slave to pride and fashion no longer, that we are getting old too soon, and that God does not require so much of us. Then, as we advance in the light of the Word, we see our friends (so- called) become colder and colder toward us; and if we say anything to them about their spiritual welfare, they will make some excuse or else say emphatically that so much is not required of us.

But the Word tells us to be not conformed to this world,” etc.; also, “If we love him we will keep his commandments.” Again, “Whoso- ever is born of God doth not commit sin;” and every thought must be brought into subjection to the will of God For we will lose our salvation just as quick by allowing ourselves to take any part in idle talk, such as jesting, joking, etc. (which is so common among young people), as we will if we refuse to perform a greater duty. The Christian warfare is made up of little things that seem insignificant to the world, but which result in great battles sometimes, but glorious victories to those who trust in God to fight the battles for them. Let us remember that to “fear God and keep his commandments is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13, 14), and we cannot go to parties, socials, and the like and have the love of God dwelling in our hearts; for the Word plainly tells us we cannot serve God and mammon. Let us remember, when almost overcome by the taunts and persecutions of the world, that we have one to whom we can go who tells us his grace is sufficient for every day and trial.

I feel it my duty to write to the younger the sisters in Christ for this reason. It is more natural for young people to care more for worldly amusements; and as they are more subject to ridicule by the world, for professing holiness, it may help some dear one to stand firm for Christ.

I do praise God for the light he has given me. He keeps me saved day by day. Praise his dear name! And I can say with the Psalmist (139: 23, 24), “Search me, О God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Amen.

MAGGIE WOODY.

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Marriage

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This is a subject which is deep and sacred, yet how lightly it is treated. Marriage is of God, and of heavenly origin, therefore should be well considered before taking this holy vow. For thus saith the Lord, “From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” — Mark 10:6-9. So it is God that joins man and wife together. Listen to the apostle Paul; hear his advice on this subject: “Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.” — 1 Cor. 7:27. And in the 35th verse he adds, “And this I speak for your profit.” Since it is God that joins together, just leave the matter in his hands. Are you a child of God? Then God has taken you under his watch-care and has promised to supply your every need. Phil. 4:17. Do you love God? Then God has said, “All things shall work together for good to them that love God.”

Dear unmarried ones, if God sees it would be for your good to have a companion, he will bring it about. But if he sees it would be best for you to remain single, are you not willing thus to remain? Can you say, “Thy will be done”? If you would escape the tempter’s snare just turn the whole matter over to God and let him do the seeking, as well as the joining. God knows much better than, you whom you could live happy with and keep saved. The devil would like to help you seek a companion; and when he gets you to ignore Paul’s advice, “Seek not a wife,” and you begin to seek instead of letting God seek, he has a thousand snares set for your soul, and he will muster a host of adulterous, free-love spirits and put them on your track. Oh how my heart has been made to bleed as I have looked upon dear young people who have started and run well for a season, but alas, were captured by some ungodly free-love spirit and led captive at his will! The devil would like to have the contract of mis-matching and bringing disgrace and shame on the whole human family. Just look out upon this world and behold the sad homes, the broken hearts, the misery and even crime, caused by a mistake in marriage! I am sorry to have to say it, but evil concupiscence, urged on by the devil, is often the main object in marriage. May God heve mercy on such individuals. Yet, some of these will say, “The Lord showed me I must get married.”

See a young couple get married and set out for life, expecting all to be sunshine, since the highest object in life has been achieved. But alas’ The cares of life and the storms of time take hold upon them; they soon find out there has been a mistake made somewhere. The truth is this: God was not counseled in the matter. As I look out upon this dark world and see the blighted homes, hear the wrangling and jangling, and see the separations, I cannot help but say, “Oh my Lord, what is the cause of all of this? Is not marriage honorable? Is it not of God?” The answer comes back, “They have set at naught all my counsels, and would none of my reproofs; therefore they are filled with the fruits of their own doings.” Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, for Jesus’ sake let God do the joining. Don’t be meddlers in this affair.

GEO. W. BAILEY.

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A Consecrated Pocketbook,

AND HOW TO USE IT.

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HOW MUCH SHALL WE GIVE?

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The two former articles on this subject have dealt with the question, “To whom shall we give?” Just about the time that I was preparing to discuss this part of the subject an excellent article on “Tithes” appeared in the Trumpet of May 14, and I thought it best to defer further discussion of the “pocketbook” question for a time.

Now, I wish it plainly understood in the start that I do not in this article purpose to uphold the tithes system But I do believe that, if the saints will open their hearts and let the truth shine in and will see it, there is a comparison between this system of the law dispensation and the cheerful giving of the present Christian evening time that many of God’s children have not yet realized.

In connection with the tithe let us notice a few points. That the Jews were required by the law of God to give to the service of the Lord one- tenth of their annual increase is not questioned. But few, however, among careful Bible readers are aware of the fact that the Word clearly sets forth that the Mosaic law required them to give every year not one-tenth only but two tithes or tenths for two different purposes, and that every third year there was an extra or third tithe for still another purpose, but all indirectly as an “offering unto the Lord.”

As the scriptures explaining these different tithes are somewhat long you will allow me simply to give the references. And now, I urge that you carefully read and consider these scriptures and see if you may not gain a lesson for the present dispensation.

Chapter 27 of Leviticus shows clearly that all the tithes of the increase of the land and of the flocks and herds belonged to the Lord. Furthermore, if the owner desired to redeem any part of this tithe by the payment of money in its stead, he was required to pay one-fifth more than the estimated value of the thing to be redeemed. In Num. 18:20- 32 we learn that this tithe, which was the Lord’s, was for the support of the Levites, or priestly tribe. Now, without question here is one-tenth ordered to be set aside for the Lord.

Next let us notice Deut. 14:22-27. Here we see that they were commanded to tithe the increase of their fields and to bring also the firstlings of their herds and flocks and that all these were to be devoted to their religious feasts. Surely, this was not the tithe mentioned above for it would not be possible to consume it in their feasts and still give it to the support of the Levites. So, I believe that the Word shows clearly that these people were required every year to give to the service of the Lord two tithes (tenths), or one-fifth of all their increase.

But let us notice still further. Deut. 14:28,29 says, “At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: and the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the works of thine hand which thou doest.”

Here was a provision for charity which clearly could not be included in the purposes of either of the other tithes, nor could it in any year take the place of either of the others. Whatever doubts there might be as to this being the correct explanation of these tithes; that is, that two tithes were to be taken annually, and that every third year three tithes were required — I say, whatever doubts there might be are to my satisfaction taken away by the fact that Josephus, the Jews’ own historian, writing about A. D. 90, so explains this matter of tithes. He says, “Besides those two tithes, which I have already said you are to pay every year, the one for the Levites, the other for the festivals, you are to bring every third year a third tithe to be distributed to those that want; to women also that are widows, and to children that are orphans ”

Now, remember what I said at the outset of this article. This setting forth of this tithes question is not to bind that Old Testament law upon any New Testament Christian. Permit me, however, to ask some questions; and will you conscientiously answer the same to your own selves, and for the sake of God’s cause and of perishing souls.

  1. Have you any reason to believe that God would not approve of as extensive giving on the part of his children of to-day as was required by him of his people at any former time?

2. Do you not believe that as much as was required by this old Mosaic law could to-day be applied to the supporting of God’s ministry, the publication of pure gospel literature, and the help of “the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow”? and have you any doubts that God would not thereby be greatly glorified?

3. Have you any reason to believe that God does in the present dispensation require any LESS of his people than at any former time?

4. Do you know of many of God’s professed saints who give as large a portion of their income as we have here shown was required of the Jews?

(Continued on fourth page.)

Page 2

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THURSDAY, AUG. 6, 1896.

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LIST OF MONET LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED

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Sarah M. Cleveland. Mrs. Millie Grays, J. L. Edward, W. F. Williams. Annie Harring, M. J. Houghton, Guy Foote, A. F. Adams, Jno. W. High.

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The book entitled: “Salvation, Present, Perfect, Now or Never” — can be had single copies, or in quantities, by addressing Frankie E. Warner, Grand Junction, Mich. Paper 15 cts., doz. $1.44. Cloth 35 cts, doz. $3.00.

We have to make short notices of meetings that are to be held more than three weeks ahead of the date of the paper in which they are given. More extended notices will appear (provided they are furnished us) two weeks before the meetings are held, and will be inserted in two issues.

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Requests For Prayer.

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T. H. B. Singleton, Eubanks. — Healing of lip of what is supposed to be cancer.

W. F. Phillips. — Healing of body.

Please pray for the healing of my afflicted body; and for my dear husband and wicked boys. Mrs. L. J. Pope, Roland.

Pray that we may be saved, and that my husband may have complete victory- over tobacco. M. V. and D. N. Walden, Chanute.

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Calls For Meeting.

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We want a preacher filled with the Holy’ Ghost. There is a great opening here for the pure Word. Address J. A Pratt, Wamic, Wasco Co., Ore.

The way is open for a tabernacle in our neighborhood. Who can come? Levi Yoder, Bellefontaine, O.

Some of God’s true ministers are want-ed to hold meetings in these parts. J. V. Myers, Talihina, I. T.

The people here are anxious to hear the pure gospel. We do need some good brother or sister or a company’ of them to come here to preach the Word. Address Jennie Boner, Geneva. Kan.

Everything is in readiness for a meeting here (Sutton. Hill). It is six miles from Tidioute. Are there not some who can come and labor for the Lord? Address me at Tidioute, Warren Co., Pa. Your brother, H. T. Gibson.

There is a good opening here for some one to come and labor for the Lord. We live four miles south of Hope. Address E. M. Jones or S. E. Hunt, Hope, Ark.

It is our earnest desire that a company of workers sent of God, and who have the healing power, come to Chatham, Morris Co., N. J. This is a town on the D. L. & W. Ry. twenty-three miles from New York City. I think it would be best to bring a tabernacle. Address Mrs. D. V. Lanterman, Chatham, N. J.

We desire some of God’s true ministers to come and hold meeting two or three weeks or longer at Eubanks, Ky. Address Allen Eubanks or H. B. Singleton.

Some true minister of God is wanted at once to come to Hutchinson, McLeod Co., Minn. to hold a meeting. Address Mary Jensen.

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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 pro-vide 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.

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. All 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.

West Liberty, Ohio. Camp meeting. Aug. 12-23. Will be held five miles east of West Liberty, on Bro. L. C. Masts farm. Bro. G. P. Keeling and others are expected. Address S. A. Yoder.

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 northwest 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.

Coy, McDonald Co., Mo. Camp meeting. Beginning Aug. 13. Those coming by rail can get off the train at Anderson, which is seven miles from the camp ground. Address T. C. Kinslow, Coy, 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.

Chanute, Kan. Camp meeting. Be-ginning Aug. 14. Let there be a general turnout of the saints in Kan. It is at the junction of the Sante Fe, and the M. K. & T. Rys.

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. 15. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.

St. Louis, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 19-29. Boarding and provision can be had on the ground. All coming on trains notify Bro. John Harn or J. R. Walters; notify in time and state how much baggage. May the Lord send some one filled with the Holy Ghost and power, that there may be a mighty work done in both saving souls and healing the sick.

Mt. View, Mo. Camp meeting. Be-ginning Aug. 20. Will be held three miles northwest of Mt. View. Bro G. B. Collins and Co. are expected. S. H. Edwards.

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.

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

The church of the living God will hold its annual camp meeting two miles east of Emlenton. Venango Co., Pa., Aug. 20- 31. A general invitation is given to all. We are expecting the Lord to send his holy ministers to preach the blessed truth of full salvation Rates will be obtained, if possible, over the A. V. R. R. and the P. and W. R. R. Those coming by R. R. and wishing to be met should notify Samuel Martz at least one week before С. M. begins.

A series of meetings will be held at the court-house in Lebanon, Mo., on Aug. 24, 25, and 26. Bros. Wm. G. Schell, George E. Bolds, and others are expected.

All lovers of the truth are cordially invited to come and hear the gospel.

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 Go., Miss. Meeting. Beginning Aug. 29. R. H. Owens, Freeney, Miss.

South Boston, Ind. Camp meeting. Sept. 1-13.

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

Milton, Mo. Camp meeting. Sept. 1-12. This will be the general western meeting. Address A. A. Kinzie.

Cheshire, Mich, Grove meeting. Be-ginning 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.

Clifton, Mo. Camp meeting. Beginning Sept. 9. Address B. F. Chase, Box 116, Thayer, Mo.

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

Friend, Mo. Assembly meeting. Begins Sept. 15.

Anthony, Kan. Camp meeting. Be-ginning Sept. 15. Let some of God’s workers be here to help in this meeting. Address S. P. Fulton.

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

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

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.

Carthage, Mo. Assembly meeting. Beginning Sept. 20. Let every minister in Mo., Kan., Ind. Ter., and Ark. arrange to attend. Address R. L. Berry.

North Enid, Okla. Camp meeting. Be-ginning Oct. 6. Address W. G. Rippey.

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

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QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

Does 1 Cor. 12:7-11 apply to the church in these days? especially the gift and interpretation of tongues?

Yes, as the church advances in the evening light these gifts will be more and more manifest.

Please explain the duty of an elder.

Acts 20:28. 1 Pet. 5:1-3. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers; to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.” “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory which shall be revealed; feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for fil-thy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being. lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”

I desire the office of an elder. Please explain 1 Tim. 3:4,5.

An elder must have the qualifications of verses 2, 3 of the same chapter, which with verses 4,5, make the matter so plain that it needs no explanation.

Does the church of God have twelve apostles now as in the morning of the Christian age?

Yes. The church is upon the same foundation now as then. The same apostles that were ordained for the foundation material have never been changed. Paul said to the Ephesian brethren that they were “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” God has laid this foundation and it shall never be moved. To add, or attempt to add, twelve apostles now is preposterous. They, the twelve, have done their work and fulfilled their important place by divine appointment, which cannot be filled by any others. They are in the foundation and their names are honored there. There were others called apostles in the primitive days of the church (Acts 14:14), who had their important place as chosen ones sent forth with the gospel. In this respect there are apostles in the church to-day, as the term is applied to any one who has been used of God to plant the Christian faith in some new field or country. In this sense there will always be apostles in this dispensation; but scripturally there can be no special number selected by man, and called “the twelve;” this would certainly be man-made. God’s chosen and ordained messengers are going forth to-day and in many respects doing the work of an. apostle but the number is not limited.

J. W. B.

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OLD PEOPLE’S HOME

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SOUTH HAVEN, MICH.

DEAR TRUMPET READERS, Greeting: I am praising God for his blessed salvation, and for the many good things he is bestowing upon us while we are engaged in this glorious work. The new house is nearly done, and we have already eight old people in the Home, who are praising God for holy surroundings where they can spend their last days without the care and toil of this world, and can devote all their time to the blessed service of God. Many are writing concerning this Home, inquiring how it is supported and how it will be carried on. We expect to keep to the Word (John 15:7). “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” We know He is faithful who has promised, and we shall receive what we need for every emergency. Praise the dear Lord! He has promised to supply our needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus; but he has said we should ask, that we might receive; and again in his Word, “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” — Matt. 18:19.

I made the statement at the camp meeting that if twenty inmates would deposit one hundred dollars each, it would pay all the indebtedness of the Home, which is a large beautiful brick veneered house, fronting on Lake Michigan. Good large rooms and city water on each floor; with bathroom, and all conveniences for the aged.

Now, dearly beloved, if there are any aged ones in your neighborhood who are worthy of this home, that have no one to care for them and have no means to help themselves, can’t you help them and thereby glorify God? We would mention that any one coming to this Home having property more than they need for support can direct it as they choose, to spread the gospel. We will give them the privilege of following God as he may lead. We believe the Lord directed us to build this Home, and will lead hearts to furnish the means to pay all indebtedness; and you shall not lose your reward. God is wonderfully blessing my soul and sinking me into deeper depths of his love. From your brother under the blood, saved and sanctified,

S. MICHELS, Manager.

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MISINFORMED.

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Concerning a report of the camp meeting at Grand Junction, published by the CHICAGO TIMES HERALD, and copied by the CANTON REPOSITORY, we wish to make mention. In it, it was stated that “The National Camp Meeting of that peculiar sect, the members of which style themselves the children of God, and saints of the evening light, has closed at Grand Junction, Mich.”

Jesus Christ says, “I will build my church,” Matt. 16:18; and Paul says the church is the body of Christ, Eph. 1:22,23. Col. 1:24; and that Christ is the head, Eph. 1:22. He is likewise the door, John 10:9; and God sets the members in the body, 1 Cor. 12:18. And there is one body, 1 Cor. 12:13; one faith, Eph. 4:5-13, Therefore those that discern the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 11:29) are not a sect (or cut-off), but the church of God which Christ purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28), and are no more a sect than Christ and the apostles were a sect. Paul says, “After the way which they call heresy sect.” Acts 24:14. They are indeed a peculiar people, Titus 2:24. 1 Peter 2:9; therefore the world knoweth them not. 1 John 3:1. The report also states that “4he sect was founded in this region.” The Word says, “Other foundation can no man lay than is laid, which is Christ the Lord.” Therefore, the church was founded, or the basis laid, in Christ, and not in a given locality. And Paul says. “Ye are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” Eph. 2:20. Hence the people referred to were only a congregation of saints or God’s people in the faith of Jesus, met together to worship God in spirit and truth, also discerning the Lord’s body as separate and distinct from every sect; being not a cut off faction, but part of the inseparable body of Christ, 1 Cor. 1:13 and 12:25; and all sin is without (outside) the body. They also give the census of the sect (so-called) as being about 40,000 in the U. S., which could only be obtained by having access to the book in heaven which contains the names of all God’s people. The writer of that article next says, “The doctrine of healing by faith is the foundation of their belief.” The Word says they are built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, Eph. 2:20: and also that Jesus Christ is the only foundation. 1 Cor. 3:11. And as the doctrine of healing by faith is embraced in Christ their foundation, of course they teach the same. The false report says, “The converts were received into communion by being thrice dipped into the baptismal pool.” The writer was certainly not an eye witness of the same, or he could not have written such things; as the people referred to follow the living head, who does not teach in his Word that baptism means three immersions. Baptism is symbolic of a burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:4), and this is fully shown forth by one immersion. As Christ is the head over ALL THINGS to the church (Eph. 1:22), they gladly follow Him in all things.

D. C. STAUFFER.

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AN EXPERIENCE IN REJECTING THE WORD.

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ROUNDHEAD, O.

I feel it would be to the glory of God to write a few lines on my past life, hoping it will be a warning to others, and to expose the works of the devil.

I am now in my forty-eighth year, and from a small boy have had a desire to live a Christian life. I knew that there was a heaven to gain and a hell to shun; I was taught this by a pious mother. When but thirteen years of age God convicted me of my sins, but before I could receive an experience the devil captured me and I went on in sin. It seemed I could feel the two spirits striving with me, first one and then the other. God would say, “Serve me, give me thine heart. The devil said, “No; if you would get saved you would have to go all

Page 3

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through your life with your head down, and no enjoyment; you are too young yet; have your fun.” This is one of the devils ways to keep young people from enjoying the happiness of the Lord. Dear ones, do not be deceived by the devil, for he is a liar and all liars are of him. Thanks be to God, the Holy Ghost is uncovering his hiding places. It seems that if I could have had the teaching when a boy that we have now I could have lived a Christian.

But I went on in sin, making many promises and vows to my God; but the devil would cause me to break them all. I went on in this way until I was in my twenty-sixth year and had become the head of a family; and again, God’s awful convicting power came; again, it seemed that if I did not yield this time to the warning voice, God would forever leave me. This stirred my soul to earnest seeking God for pardon, and after a long and hard struggle by faith I felt the peace of God applied to my heart, and my sins were all gone. Amen. Thank God, I was a new creature in Christ.

Oh then if I could have had the teaching we have now and understood that I was in the church! But I thought I must join something, so I thought that of the many churches (as they are called) the U. B. was the best; and I joined it. But I soon found that the joy that I felt in con-version was gone, and so I was nothing but a U. В. I went on in this way, thinking it the best I could do, for about fifteen years. I would often ask the preachers why I felt so bad during the time of a protracted meeting, and they would tell me it was travail of soul for sinners. I want to say right here, since I have been saved and know what travail of soul is, that they were mistaken; it was condemnation that cast me down. I was taking them for my leaders, in the place of God, and they were blind and were leading me in blindness. But thanks be to God for the true light that now shines.

Oh dear ones, if any of you should be under this awful yoke, escape for your life and deliver your soul; cut loose from your opinions and your isms and take God’s word as it is. I went on until about six years ago, when God sent a company of his firebrands through here and we heard of them, and wife and I went to hear them preach. I knew they were preaching the Bible. Wife said, “This is Bible and I will accept it.” I said, “Don’t be too fast;” so we went again, and after meeting they set out the bench and invited any who felt a lack in their soul to come forward. Wife came to me and wanted me to go with her to the altar, and if I had broken loose from the devil and all his binding powers and gone with my wife, the devil would have been defeated and I with my wife would have gotten salvation. But I said, “You can go if you want to; I guess I am good enough.” There was something you see I could not give up. “He that is of God will hear God’s words. There was something in me that would not hear. Let me tell you that an old dried-up sectarian is the hardest sinner to reach that you can find.

But I was a good U. B. in office, class leader, steward, or delegate to conference; could smoke, chew, joke, jest, tell funny stories, go to exhibitions, act the dunce to make the devil laugh, and have a good time. Right here I want to expose the devil again. Before I was converted, he tried to make me believe that I could have no enjoyment in the Christian life. But when I got saved then he would come in another way and say, “You can belong to church and enjoy all these pleasures too. May God help us to see all the tricks of the devil. There is but one way to get rid of him and that is to accept the pure Word and live it every day, and steadfastly resist him in the faith. But the Word was too straight for my profession.

But we went back to meeting again. While we were sitting there in the grove, I wondered who would do the thrashing that day, for that was what I thought they were there or. After they had sung and prayed, there was a small, puny, pale looking woman got up and I thought, “Will she try to preach?” But she began to talk and soon the smoke began to rise and the fire began to burn in the camp and the power of God’s word began to roll forth and beat against the mountains of unbelief, and the props began to fall, and left me with nothing to hold me up. This another good time to have gotten salvation; but in the place of yielding to conviction I am sorry to say I rejected the Word and went into awful darkness, such darkness as can be felt.

On if I had given up them! But the power of the devil had become so strong in me that I began to abuse and fight the saints. I would abuse my wife and make threats, and would hide her books, and tell her that if she went to the saints, meeting I would hang myself, and that when she left the U. B. church she left me. While I was thus abusing her, she was proving that she had what she professed; for with all those threats she did not pay one bit of attention to them. She was moved to fast for me, and did fast for fifteen days, and she got the evidence that God would save me, and that was why my threats did no good.

So it went on until she called for her name from the class book. I went home full of rage and spewed out great things; but it seemed it sunk her deeper into God. I slept but very little that night. In the morning it seemed I settled down to an inward madness and when we sat down to breakfast I looked at my wife and thought, “If you can thank the Lord, you may; I can’t.” and after she returned thanks I got up and went out and did not even speak to my wife or eat a bite for three days, except tobacco. That was a fast for the devil: but God remembered my wife’s prayers, and after I came to myself, I went to my wife and acknowledged to her and asked her to forgive me and went to the saints and asked their forgiveness, and got down before God just according to his Word and he did forgive.

О dear ones, just see what an awful condition the devil will get us in! But thank God for a full salvation! I have learned many of the devil’s tricks. When God calls some one to work in his vineyard the devil will bring up everything he possibly can to keep that one from obeying God. But I will not hear the whispers of the devil any more. May God help any one who reads these lines to take warning and never reject the Word. 1 write this only to the glory of God. Your saved brother in the one body, earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints,

ISAAC C. TAYLOR.

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NEWS FROM THE FIELD

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Ft. Worth, Tex., July 23.

DEAR SAINTS: I am praising God for salvation. We have been holding a meeting twelve miles east of Ft. Worth with good results. The Lord has the victory, praise his name! There were Bro. Wixom, Bro. Sharum, Bro. Lauck, Bro. Reeves and myself. Bro. Reeves has just come out of sectism and is praising God for freedom. We are all praising God for victory.

J. W. PINE.

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CHARLESTON, S. C., July 24.

DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: We were led of the Lord to this place where he used Bros. Lundy and Pike for a time. Thank God for a glorious church in the city of Charleston, at which place the Lord is using Bro. Smith in giving the Word. The work is moving on nicely. Praise the name of the Lord! Dear sisters Bruce and Ewards are with me, from Augusta, and the Lord is using them in the meeting, in prayer and praise. Bro. Smith is holding meeting each day, I mean, preaching at night and Bible reading at four o’clock in the afternoon. The Lord is stretching forth his hand to heal. Pray for us, dear saints, that our faith fail us not. From your humble sister in the one body

JANE WILLIAMS.

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INDEPENDENCE, KAN., July 25.

DEAR TRUMPET READERS: The meeting at Cameron, Kan. was a grand victory for the Lord. Some had gotten away from God, and others did not know where they stood; but when God sent his word forth in mighty power they saw their condition and measured to the Word, paid the price and got a glorious experience. Twenty-two followed the Lord in baptism, and some are to follow yet. One sister came out of the sect and got saved and her two daughters got saved. About forty happy saints took part in the ordinance of feet-washing, where God approved by pouring out his Spirit on his little ones. Then we went to Attica* Kan., where the Lord sent his truths to the hearts of the people and especially settled down his children in his sweet will. One dear soul saved, and healed from the effects of a hurt received several years ago. Several other cases of healing; and fourteen baptized. Then we left there for this place; and traveled through rain and mud nearly all the way, about eight days. But God was with us all the way. Pray much for us. We are still saved and kept.

CHAS. BRIGHT AND CO.

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BREMEN, IND., July 27.

DEAR BRETHREN: We are well and saved both soul and body, for which we praise God. We closed the Hamlet meeting Thursday evening. There was good interest during the meeting considering the rainy weather which hindered some. There were eight or nine consecrations, some in public services and some at private houses. Closed with ordinance meeting in which about eighteen happy saints took part. There were several others that could not get there because of the rain. We began meeting here at this place Saturday evening, July 25. The brethren have a nice grove well seated and well lit up with new gasoline lamps. A large crowd gathered last night, but just as we began meeting a storm came up and drove the people out of the grove. We went to the house of Bro. Haw- kens and held a short service there. There was quite good interest, this meeting is four miles northeast of Bremen. Dear ones, pray much for us, and that souls may be saved, and healed of various sicknesses during the Hamlet meeting. To God be all the glory. Yours saved in Jesus.

S. P. STRANG, F. W. SIMMONS, AND CO.

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ROCHESTER, 1A., July 23.

DEAR SAINTS AND TRUMPET READERS: We came from Grand Junction С. M. to Buffalo, Ia. and stopped over Sunday with. Bros. Akers and Nelson who were holding tabernacle meeting three miles north of town. We then came on to Wilton, where we commenced tabernacle meeting June 26. Although prejudice ran high and the devil had overthrown several of the saints, yet God’s Word cut its way through. The saints were wonderfully settled down, prejudice was removed, several dear souls were saved, and many staunch friends were won to the truth. To God be all the glory. Meeting closed there last Monday night, and Tuesday we came to this place where we expect to continue as long as the Lord wills. We expect, however, to go to Ohio in time to hold a camp meeting in Athens Co., which will commence probably between Aug. 25 and Sept. 1. The date will soon be settled. Let all the dear saints pray for and make preparations for the success of this meeting. We are expecting a grand soul-harvest.

There is one thing I have been much impressed with, as well as other brethren. That is, we need a tabernacle for southern Ohio and we will especially need it for the coming С. M. A good one 40×60, will cost about $115.00 and I am satisfied that God has enough consecrated means in Ohio to make this purchase, and if all that are interested in this work will send me the amount you feel God wants you to give, we will come by the way of Chicago and purchase one and bring with us. Or, if some one will make this loan, we believe the saints will gladly make it up when we get to work with the tent. If the tent is not purchased, all money sent us for that purpose will be refunded. Now brethren, pray over this and act accordingly and quickly. Address us at Rochester, 1a. Yours for the truth,

E. G. MASTERS AND, W. A. HAYNES.

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SPRINGFIELD, ORE., July 20.

DEAR SAINTS OF THE LIVING GOD: May the dear Lord bless you all and keep you true to him for his name’s sake. Amen. As many will expect a report in the Trumpet of the С. M. held near Scio, Ore., I will say it was even beyond all of our expectations in the real advancement of the entire body, which advancement seemed to be most perceptible in the ministry. Meeting opened July 1, and closed July 14 by observing the sacred ordinances of baptism, washing of the saint’s feet, and the Lord’s supper. Perfect victory prevailed through the entire meeting and God did manifest his saving, sanctifying, and healing power. The ministers and workers present were Bro. and Sister Randolph. This dear brother had been very sick for perhaps ten weeks and was just able to be brought to the grounds. But God had mercy on us all and the elders were called for one night when he was almost in a dying condition, at the hour of midnight, and in accordance with Jas. 5:14-16 the Lord healed him, and used him through the remainder of the meeting in presenting the truth. Bro. and Sister Kriebel were also engaged in this meeting. Our hearts were made to rejoice to meet our dear Bro. and Sister Beebe, who are called and used of God in preaching the gospel. They are out in the clear gospel light and both were used of God in giving the Word of life in this meeting. Our company was also present. At the close of the meeting Bro. and Sister Randolph went to Woodburn; Bro. and Sister Kriebel, to Santiam; and our company came with Bro. and Sister Beebe to this place which has been their home. We expect to hold forth the word of life here for a few weeks and then go on to Roseburg and Myrtle Point, Lord willing. Dear saints, keep on praying for us and the work in the West. I am your brother saved, and sanctified and in the one body,

J. L. GREEN, Woodburn, Ore.

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OBITUARIES

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So. Haven, Mich.

COUNSELOR. — Bro. James H. Counselor departed this life July 20, 1896: aged sixty- nine years and three days. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn their loss. May the dear Lord bless the bereaved ones.

S. Michels.

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DARBIN. — Bro. Earnest Darbin died at his home near Independence, La. on the 17th of July, 1896; aged nineteen years, eight months and twenty days. He fell from a tree while coon-hunting; was unsaved at the time, but gave a good testimony before his death. Funeral services by Bro. O. D. Evans. Pray for the bereaved parents, and that the unsaved father may be saved. Your saved brother in Christ,

D. T. Evans.

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Riceville, Tenn.

SMITH. — Simeon Smith was born April 2, 1816; departed this life to be with Jesus. July 21, 1896; aged eighty years, three months, and nineteen days, He lived a devoted Christian life; died in the triumph of a living faith, and is gone to his reward. He left six children to mourn their loss. He leaves a beloved companion with whom he has fought life’s battles for many years. May the dear Lord bless and comfort the hearts of the bereaved, and prepare them for a happy meeting around the throne of God.

Mrs. W. S. Brown.

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Do You Read Books?

IF SO, you should read only those that will be a benefit to you. Whenever you read a trashy book you are poisoning your mind and laying up something in your soul that can not possibly help you in any way, but when you read a good one you are doing something that will have an influence for good throughout life. The new book

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“The Secret of Salvation,”

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IT IS JUST WHAT YOU NEED!

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A Book for Your Boy.

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“THE BOY’S COMPANION”

bound in a good substantial cloth binding, reading matter same as in the first edition. This is a book that every boy should read, and every parent should see that their boys are supplied with one and that they read its warnings against the sins of youth. This is a subject that is not taught as it should be, by the majority of parents, but this book teaches plain fasts every boy should know.

YOUR BOY NEEDS TO READ IT

12 Full Page ILLUSTRATIONS

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If You Are SKEPTICAL

regarding God’s power and willingness to heal all manner of physical diseases at this present time you should read

Divine Healing of Soul & Body,

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248 Pages.

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proves by the Scriptures that there will be no millennium after this present time, either before or after Christ’s second coming. 98 pages. Paper 10 cts.

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Grand Junction, Mich.

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DIVINE HEALING.

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A Wonderful Healing.

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FOR the glory of God and the benefit and encouragement of those who are suffering I desire to testify to the healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ. For over fifty years I had been troubled with asthma, from which I often suffered untold agony. For many years this only came upon me occasionally so as to cause me such great suffering, and I had other diseases from which there was great suffering for fifteen years. I was a sufferer from heart disease, or palpitation of the heart. Medicines and doctors did not appear to do me much good, and could not cure me.

About ten years ago, through the kindness of some one, I received a copy of the Gospel Trumpet. There I read about a sister who had been suffering from heart disease and had been healed by taking her case to the Lord in prayer. I had not been taught that God would heal people in these days, but on the contrary had been taught that the day of healing was past, yet I could not find by reading the Word where the Lord had withdrawn his healing power from his believing children and such as would take him at his word. 1 read that he was no respecter of persons; I also believed that he was able to do the work, as I read in his word that he was* ‘ the same yesterday, to-day, and forever;” also that “he is able to do exceeding, abundantly more than we are able to ask or think.” After considering the matter prayerfully before the Lord, I concluded that if the Lord would heal that sister and was no respecter of persons, he would heal me, and if she could be healed of heart disease so could I. I became willing to walk in all the light of the word of God as fast as he let it flash upon my pathway and made it plain to me. As the Word says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” — John 15:7.

Being at home all alone I took my case in prayer before the Lord and asked him to heal me. I believed he did, and was healed. By reading the Trumpet I learned that there were people throughout the land that believed in taking God at his word. In a short time I was permitted to attend a meeting on this line, as before my healing I had never heard any preaching up to the full Bible standard. I soon attended some of the meetings, but was afraid if I told the people of my healing they would not believe me, but soon the Lord made known to me that unless I did testify and tell of what wonderful things the Lord had done for me I would lose my healing; and God wonderfully blessed my soul in telling of his goodness. I was not healed of asthma at that time as it was only the heart disease that I asked the Lord to heal, which he did. Many times since then he has healed me of present trouble and relieved me when I was suffering from asthma. Four years ago I had an attack of the “grippe,” which left my lungs very much affected, increased the asthma, and left me with a terrible cough. This trouble in-creased until I found I had the dread disease of consumption. My cough, lung trouble, and asthma all together made a severe physical affliction, and aside from my spiritual help from the Lord, life was very unpleasant, and I longed for the Lord to take me home and relieve me of my sufferings.

The disease increased until it reached the last stages of consumption and my feet were swolen. My children all come home to see me die, but on the 9th of April, 1896, in answer to prayer and by the laying on of hands according to Mark 16:18, the Lord touched me with his healing power. I had been able to eat but very little for three weeks. The next morning after my healing I had a good appetite and was able to walk out into the dining room and eat freely. Though my cough and some of the symptoms of the disease lingered for a few days, yet I was able to go to the table and take my regular meals three times a day and was soon so I could be at my work, and also go to meeting. I now have better health than I have had for many years. To God be all the glory.

LUCINDA BYRUM,

Rickert, Ind.

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Marquand, Mo., July 23.

DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST: A few days ago we wrote for prayers for our babe, and the Lord healed her, for which we give him all the glory. We now write for our little Bessie, who has chills. We thank the Lord for what he is doing for us. Pray earnestly that the Lord may heal our child. She is only six years of age. Pray for us all. Yours in Christ,

CHARLES AND JANE SIMMONS.

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Church of the Living God.

(Continued from last issue.)

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THE Roman Catholics certainly hold one true scriptural doctrine — that there is but one true church of Christ on earth, and cannot be but one. But they destroyed the purity of this doctrine by ascribing this exclusiveness to themselves, and claiming to be that church, while the word of God condemns them and declares their sect the mother of harlots. It is manifest that, as the church of the living God is the pillar and ground of the truth, she must be conformed to the relation in God’s word of what she ought to be. She must correspond with truth. She must hold and enforce truth, and be so inseparably interlinked with it that they exactly fit each other. She must have no fear, no shrinking, no spirit of persecution, a mighty yearning for the salvation of the world and a godly jealously for the purity and preservation of all saints. She must not contain strife, division, nor be conformed to the world. She must not put on show, nor worldliness; do any man a wrong, nor lay up treasures on earth. She must not be a business institution, but a soul-saving one. She must be vitally connected with Jesus Christ, getting life and power from him, and showing his praise and glory. She must be clothed with humility; diligent in labors, sober, godly, walking by faith. She cannot be an ecclesiasticism, a machine, a human corporation. She can have no officers, rules, discipline, and methods, not found in the New Testament. To be God’s church she must BELONG TO GOD, and not be ruled or influenced by any man, any council, any conference, or any other head except Jesus Christ. She must be free from all worldly alliances and not in any sense dependent on man, money, or circumstances. These are a few scriptural marks she must possess. She cannot oppose holiness, because she is a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle, and every particular member of her is righteous. She cannot oppose Christ our healer because he was to bear our sicknesses as well as our sins. She cannot receive her own members, because Christ sets them in his body as it suits him. She cannot make her own laws and discipline, because Jesus Christ made and perfected all this for her. She cannot take any other name not found in the Bible, because she is married to Jesus Christ and must bear the name or names he has given. She cannot vote her members in, because Jesus adds them to her — such as are saved.

But where on earth will you find such an institution as this? To begin with, examine your own heart; see if you are in the faith; see if you are holding and loving all this truth; see if you are not under vows and entanglements to any man, instead of being subject to God only and wholly. Then look around your country and find another person or two having the same character, same love, same freedom, same spirit as yourself, and you all in harmony with God’s word, having his truth and spirit dwelling within, and then behold a church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth! Then see that you are living and working in harmony with God, spending and being spent for the cause of the gospel, exhorting and comforting and building each other up, investing the talents and using the means God has given you, to his glory, and then behold a church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth, in operation! Then let your mind’s eye run all over the world and take a sweeping glance at all such characters living, whether few or many in a neighborhood, and all the blood-washed saints gone before; and then behold the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth in its entirety as far as budded together! There is such a church in existence. It is visible, active, full of life, godly fear, and love. It is subject to Jesus Christ only in all things, ruled and governed by him. It holds and loves, and enforces and stands by the truth of God. It follows only Jesus.

This institution only is the Bible church. Nothing else is, nor ever can be. No ecclesiasticism is the church or any part of the church. The church must exist independent of all ecclesiastical polity. It is the bride of Jesus, espoused to him, and owes allegiance only to him. To place its affections on or make vows to anything else would be spiritual adultery. No man owns the church, and while they may scatter, kill, and persecute, they cannot control and direct it. This is one body on earth, joined to Jesus Christ and following him, true, and tried, and fearless. To such a body of men and women as the above, faithful to God and jealous of his glory, has he committed his truth and the gospel. It is safe; for he leads and orders everything aright.

A. D. HICKS.

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A CONSECRATED POCKETBOOK.

(Continued from first page.)

5. Has it been your experience that a liberal use of your pocketbook for the glory of God has been followed by ‘the Lord thy God blessing thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest’?

The writer candidly believes that most people who give God less than half as great a portion of their income, think they are doing great things for God’s cause.

We have already spoken of comparing these Old Testament requirements with those of the present time. Perhaps in the latter case I had better say opportunities. Let us see what we can find. If you will thoughtfully read Acts 2:41-47 and Acts 4:31-37, it seems to me that you cannot fail to see the vast superiority of the Christian plan of freely giving as compared with the compulsory tithes system of the Mosaic law.

But you say, “Those are only the peculiar cases of a few saints in a time of great religious enthusiasm and excitement.” Well, my Bible says that three thousand souls thus consecrated themselves in one day and that ALL of these, together with those who had already been saved in and about Jerusalem and those whom “the Lord added to the church daily” – yea, “ALL THAT BELIEVED WERE TOGETHER, AND HAD ALL THINGS COMMON; AND SOLD THEIR POSSESSIONS AND GOODS, AND PARTED THEM TO ALL MEN, AS EVERY MAN HAD NEED.” And again (Acts 4:32, 34, 35), “The MULTITUDE of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said ANY of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. Neither was there ANY among them that LACKED: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and DISTRIBUTION was made unto every man according as he had NEED.

Now, dear ones, if there is anyone anywhere among the saints that thinks this was only a foolish, fanatical freak of religious excitement I beg of such a brother or sister to prayerfully consider the following points:

1. In this divinely inspired account there is not one word to show God’s disapproval of this action on the part of the church at Jerusalem.

2. If God or his inspired writers had considered this an unwise or an unsafe example for the saints of this or any other time, would it have been right or just to put it forth in Holy Writ clothed in such language of approval.?

3. Do you believe that God’s holy apostles would have suffered such a thing to go on continuously in THAT day, much less taken such a conspicuous and responsible part in it, if they had considered it an unwise, unsafe, or fanatical thing to do.

4. Were these proceedings any more than the carrying out of all the New Testament teaching on the subject of giving — of the scriptures which were used in the former articles on the pocketbook, and of the following which bear more directly on the extent to which the pocketbook is to be consecrated? See Matt. io:6; Luke 6:38; 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2; 2 Cor. 8:11-15; Luke 21:2; Jas. 2: 15-17; 1 Jno. 3:16-18; Matt. 19:21.

Further, I would say that by no means are these all the scriptures that show the broad-minded, liberal principles of giving which characterized the teachings and practice of Christ, his apostles, and the early Christians. Indeed, I believe I am fully warranted in saying that the proceedings of the second and fourth chapters of Acts are only the natural, necessary outcroppings of that oneness set forth in John 17 and about which we hear so much of late. If you say, “That was all very well for those times, but God doesn’t require it now; I beg you to show by the word of God that it was any more necessary or appropriate then than it would be to-day, or that God REQUIRES IT ANY LESS TO-DAY THAN THEN. If you say that it isn’t as necessary now as it was then, my reply is that there is more necessity than ever before for the immediate and judicious use of thousands of dollars which God’s true children profess to have consecrated to him. Never before was there such a call for messengers to bring the “pure gospel;” never since the invention of the printing press have there been such opportunities to circulate pure gospel literature in every land and to people of every tongue; and in no age of the past has the coldness of a sectarian world, combined with hard times and the oppression of the poor, made possible greater opportunities to aid the poor and the needy, the widow and the orphan, the beggar and the outcast, the aged and the infirm, and the sick and the afflicted If selling possessions and giving to the poor was the one thing needful to perfect some saints in Christ’s time (See Matt. 19:21), I feel very certain that a like course would greatly advance the souls of some saints to-day.

Now, you can see clearly that I have not endeavored to bind the tithes system nor even this plan which we see the New Testament Christians actually did practice, upon the church or any child of God. But I have endeavored by comparison to “stir up your pure minds” to a realization of what MIGHT be done to the glory of God and with his certain approval, as we shall see in a later article, the Lord willing.

In conclusion, after all I have said to urge God’s people to more liberal giving, I wish to say that I fully realize the fanatical extent to which the devil would like to lead some of God’s little ones on this line. Nowhere does God’s word command us to do just what this Jerusalem church did. Neither did they sell all they had and give it all away and then become beggars themselves; but they “had all things common;” and I do not understand that to mean that the lazy and profligate got any part of this division, because I believe that every saved man will do with ‘his might what his hands find to do,’ in whatever line God calls him. Yea we are commanded ‘to labor, working with our hands the thing which is good, that we may have to give to him that needeth. I have no fellowship for that spirit which leads people whom God has not called to work for him, to forsake or neglect the work to which they are called, and thus perhaps the proper provision for their families. Neither do I believe that any child of God who has debts is required to do anything that would hinder their prompt payment.

May God bless every reader of these words, and help each one to examine his own consecration and not that of some other person.

W. M. G.

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ADVANCEMENT

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Forgetful Hearers.

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Do you desire to make rapid progress in your Christian experience? If so, be not forgetful hearers, as the Word teaches. It also says that such a person must be a doer of the work, and thereby shall be blessed in his deed. This has reference to the hearing of the word of God and his goodness and not to forget them, in order to carry out the instructions therein.

Too many people get into trouble by having their ears open to all the gossip of the neighborhood and being ready to speak of the same to some one else, and thus they are constantly getting into trouble. And too often it happens that people professing to be saved are found mingling in such affairs. The word of God does not teach that we are to listen to all the gossip and telltales, and be not a forgetful hearer of the same, and always a doer in carrying it to some one else, but it says that we should “be swift to hear, and slow to speak.” Furthermore, James says, “If any man among you seemeth to be religious and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, that man’s religion is vain.” Again he says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this; to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” — James 1:27. Many can carry out the first part of this scripture very easily, but when it comes to the last part, keeping unspotted from the world, it means something more that many have learned. But the one who is a power for God, and in constant communion with him has learned the great necessity of this one point. That means to keep unspotted from the world in conversation, actions, dress, and various other ways.

In John 17:15, Jesus in praying for his disciples said, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil; they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Now, you who are seeking a deeper experience and closer walk with God, do not forget that one of the great secrets is to keep yourself unspotted from the world; to keep your lips from speaking evil, your mind’ from wicked thoughts. Improper thoughts may present themselves before you, but you are under no obligations to entertain such.

The person who is always talking, from morning till night, unless the occasion demands it, is almost sure to soon become a spiritual dwarf, because the time is spent in unnecessary talk which should be spent in communion with the Lord, or in doing good in some other way.

Again, there are others who are always looking on the dark side of things, when they should be looking at the bright side and thanking God for the blessings bestowed upon them. Let us not only study the Word and listen to its teachings, but put it in practice day by day and our souls will launch out into the great deep of the blessings of God.

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