9 July 1896, Volume 16, Number 27.
THE WANDERING EXILE.
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There’s a promise divine in the Bible for you,
Given by the great Father of love;
Whosoever will come and believe — it is true —
He will bless with a mansion above.
CHORUS
Weary soul in the darkness of mis’ry and woe,
There is mercy and pardon for thee;
At the cross, where the all-cleansing fountain doth flow,
Jesus calls you, oh, come and be free!
Is there not a desire in your heart to reform?
Oh, remember that kind (mother’s) prayer: —
Father, save my dear * boy from all danger and harm,
For to meet me in heaven so fair.
If you’re wrecked on the shoals of a life you’ve misspent,
Disappointed, discouraged and lost;
Oh, remember that Jesus says, Sinner, repent,
For your pardon my life blood has cost.
Though your life may be wretched in darkest despair,
In the deepest of horrible crime;
While you’re sinking still lower, the Savior is there,
He is pleading, “Oh come and be mine.”
If your weary heart’s pressed, in sad exile you roam,
And misfortune like waves rolling high,
Sweeping over your soul as the billows that foam,
Oh, remember that Jesus is nigh.
— Barney E. Warren.
* or girl.
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Patience.
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“LET patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” — Jas. 1:4.
If ever there was a time of need for patience, it is now, and will continue to be so till the end of time, because of the powers of darkness. And Satan, that old serpent, is marshalling all his hosts together to battle against the redeemed of the earth. “He that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved.” When any are overcome, it is because they lay down the shield of faith; for the Word says (Eph. 6:16), “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.” This must be included with the whole armor of God. Praise God for the word of his grace, that is able to make us stand!
What causes so many to be almost discouraged because some have made shipwreck of faith? Is it not impatience? They get to looking at the power of the devil, in place of the power of God; for our heavenly Father has all power and he will not suffer his obedient children to be overcome. But we must hold fast to the words of God, lest at any time we should let them slip; “for if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Now the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him”. — Heb. 10:36, 38. Right here is where we must watch that we do not draw back from any of the will of God, but walk in all the light God gives us, for he will dwell with the humble and contrite heart. “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Now dear ones, as the word of God gives us both sides of the question of standing or falling; let us take fast hold of instruction, for it is life to us. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity, * * * Wherefore the rather, brethren give diligence to make your calling and election sure, for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 2 Pet. 1:4-10.
Many are seeking a deeper experience. patience is what you want to work it out for you. Paul speaks in Rom. 5, of the second work of grace (sanctification) entered by faith in Jesus, “wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” May the dear Lord help every one to improve upon the beautiful grace of patience. Yours for the truth,
Mary Heldenbrand.
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Fortitude.
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THANKS be to God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14); and this is the victory * * * even our faith (1 Jno. 5:4). The words triumph and victory taken together are equivalent to the word overcome, so that we are overcomers by the power of God, through faith, for “they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” — Rom. 5:17. For his strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9), enabling us to reign over our own bodies (Rom. 8:10), and over all sin (Rom. 6:14); even reigning over Satan himself (1 Jno. 3:18), thus enduring temptation when tried; more than conquerors through him that loved us, “pulling down strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity ever thought to the obedience of Christ.” — 2 Cor. 10:4, 5. And this is the victory, even our faith, “Then have we confidence toward God; and whatsoever we ask, we receive of him because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” — 1 Jno. 3:21, 22.
To do the things that are pleasing to God, is victory; for then you have confidence to ask whatsoever you will and by faith receive it. Whenever you can walk entirely by faith independent of good feelings, this is victory. Whenever you can live entirely by faith in God regardless of yourself, circumstances, and surroundings, this is victory. 2 Cor. 5:7; Phil. 3:3. Whenever you can claim healing and move right out on the promise regardless of symptoms and without doubts, this is victory. Whenever you can stake your life on God’s word and firmly, calmly, stand in the midst of trouble and danger, this is victory. Whenever you can lose your character, reputation, friends, relatives, kindred, and all your possessions, and count it all joy, this is victory. If you can rejoice while you are persecuted and people saying all manner of evil against you falsely, this is victory. Luke 6:22, 23. If earthly cares do not excite and worry you, this is victory. If you parents can correct, admonish, and chastise your children in gentleness, kindness, and love, yet doing your duty, this is victory. If you are content with whatever food and raiment God has given you, without murmuring, this is victory. 1 Tim. 6:6.
These are victories principally along the line of faith, patience, peace, and joy; but we are able to have victory on every side. There are several battles to fight along the line of humility. If you can submit yourselves one to the other (Eph. 5:21. Gal. 5:13), this is victory. Forbearing one another in love, praying one for another and confessing one to another (Eph. 4:2; James 5:16), this is victory. Teaching one another (Col. 3:16), esteeming others better than yourself (Phil. 2:3). “Yea, all of you be subject one to another and be clothed with humility.” — 1 Pet. 5:5. These are all victories.
My brother and sister, have you the victory? In every command of God have you the victory? In every trial and tribulation, have you the victory? And does your Jesus reign within? We have been exalted to sit together in heavenly places to reign as kings and priests unto God, yet it is not us but Jesus that lives within. Gal. 2:20. Therefore fear not the tempter’s throng but take on the shield of faith in defiance and move out in the strength of God. Victory shall be the cry and Satan shall suffer loss. Yours in defense of the Gospel,
H. E. Rogers.
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Is God Calling You?
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“THE harvest truly is great but the laborers are few.” — Luke 10:2.
Since the work here at the office is increasing so rapidly and more truly consecrated workers are needed at once, I feel God would be glorified by me telling some of my experience. When God first called me to work for him I cheerfully accepted the call but thought it would be a long time before I would have to go to work for him; but as time passed on there came an emphatic command to get to work and that at once. But I said, “Lord, what can I do?” There seemed to be nothing for which I was qualified; but, as God continued the call, I got to praying and told the Lord I was willing to do anything just so I knew it was his will; but I wanted to know definitely what it was. The Lord then turned my attention to this place and the more I thought over it the greater became my desire to come, and I felt God’s approval on my soul whenever I thought of coming. But just as I was on the point of deciding to come Satan whispered, “What would you do if you were there?” Well, I thought, sure enough, what could I do? I had seen calls for workers, in the Trumpet, but knew nothing of the real needs of the work and supposed there were plenty who would answer the calls so that there would be an abundance of help. And so I passed several months at home still hearing the voice of God calling me to work, and finally I determined to come whether there was any work or not. But in the meantime the way had become so hedged up I could not see bow I could possibly leave home for several months; but I took the matter to God and in a week every hindrance was removed and I saw my way clear to come. So I came, not knowing anything that was in store, and when I got here I found a place just waiting and the brethren praying for some one to fill it, and I find no lack of opportunity to work.
Now, I would say a few words to those whom God is calling to the work here, There is need of several more workers at once, workers who are consecrated to stay and who have a settled experience of salvation. God does not want any one here who is fickle and unsettled, but earnestly consecrated to his service. The requirements of the work are workers who will settle down here, and if God so wills, devote their lives to his service, and not just learn the work and then leave for something else.
If God is calling you here and you are holding back as I did because I did not know there was work for me, rest assured that if he truly wants you here he will furnish plenty of work for you. If God is calling you here to work, do not resist the call or you place your soul in peril; but do not mistake a mere fancy that you would like to be here for the real call of God. Do not come expecting to get in a place where Satan will not trouble you or where there will be constant victory and no battles, but come expecting both battles and victory.
God is certainly laying his hand on workers for this place and truly the need is great, and when the new machinery which we expect to purchase is put in, still more workers will be needed. Any one feeling God calling them here should write to Bro. Byrum concerning the work and see for what they are most qualified. Also, let those who are not called to this work pray earnestly that God furnish workers of his own choice. Your brother, working for Jesus and souls,
C. W. Naylor,
Grand Junction, Mich.
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TESTIMONIES.
“Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.” – Psa. 119:129.
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New Kensington, Pa.
This leaves me sweetly saved, thank the dear Lord. We have enjoyment the world knows nothing of, the kind that fadeth not away Praise the Lord! As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth, even forever more. Oh what precious promises we find in the blessed Bible! I am here alone in this place of 9000 population. The evening light has never been here as I know of. I am distributing holy literature and praying God’s blessings upon the people who read it. I can’t find words to tell the gratitude I have for what God has been doing for me. It has been over eight years since the Lord saved my soul. “No tongue can tell the joy I felt; ’tis better felt than told.”
Belle Shelton.
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Saint Clair, Ohio.
I will write my testimony for the first time, and feel led to write what the Lord has done for me. He has healed me both soul and body. I have been a member of the M. E. sect for twenty-one years, and was truly converted; but I never saw the light as I do now. I always thought I could not live without sin, but, praise God, he keeps me now day by day from sin. I will ask for your prayers for my unsaved husband and six dear children. Pray for me that I may prove faithful to the end and meet you all in glory. Your sister in the one body,
Letha Crawford.
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EXPERIENCE WITH SECRET SOCIETIES.
Waynesfield, O.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I desire to sound an alarm through these columns, by telling the world my experience in secret societies. I joined the Masonic order in 1882, thinking it a charitable institution, that would be helpful when I should become in need. I advanced to the order of “Master Mason,” and in the fall of ’92 I went west to Denver, Colo. to obtain employment. I received a position as fireman on the Union Pacific R. R., continuing about one year, after which I received a position as fireman for the Grant Smelting Co. Here I labored one year and eight months, and, receiving a reasonable recompense, I invested the means principally in lodges, advancing in the Masonic order to the degree of “Knight Templar.” In the meantime I had united with the I. O. O. F., the Juniors, the R. R. Fireman’s Union, and the A. P. A. As several of the employes were Catholics, upon learning that I was connected with the last named society, they became stirred with envy and sought every opportunity to deprive me of my position. This matter became so serious, and abusive, that I resigned my position, July 15, 1895.
Soon afterward I took sick and my illness, with disappointments and discouragements, affected my mind to an extent that I had reached a helpless condition, with but very little help from the societies with which I was connected; and discouragement increased until I almost completely lost my mind. After about four weeks (at which time I was getting better) I was sent to Waynesfield, O., my old home and birthplace. I know not which society paid my carfare, neither did I know where they were going to take me until I reached Toledo, O. Here the guard told me I was going to Waynesfield, at which place I was left with my aunt who is an aged widow; yet they claim to be charitable institutions.
I have expended over three hundred dollars in these institutions of the devil. Included in this amount was fifty dollars payed into the Masonic order for a uniform, which I never received. I have made repeated efforts to get the money refunded, both by writing two letters and also making complaint known to the lodge where I was first initiated. I have made known unto them how I have been neglected, and uncared for by my lodge brothers, and requested them to correspond with the lodge at Denver, Colo. and, if possible, secure the fifty dollars. Here I received no encouragement whatever.
And now with these facts stated, having been a member of five different secret societies, I desire to warn all who chance to read this to keep out of all such dragnets of the devil where men are under oaths promising to help their lodge brother when in need; and after they get your money they will break these solemn obligations and let you go uncared for and leave you to be cared for by a poor widowed mother or aunt, etc., or let you go to the county house.
While at my aunt’s I had opportunity to meet with the saints, and, being under conviction (which I had been while at Denver), I am informed that a request was sent to the Trumpet Family in my behalf, that I might receive use of my mind so that I could get saved; and God did answer prayer, and I soon consecrated and received pardon. After this some persecution affected me not knowing just how to walk by faith — and probably Satan took some advantage of my mind which was somewhat weak yet — and thereby I have become deficient in my experience, but my mind is strong as ever now.
I am very grateful that I ever heard the pure Gospel and am convinced this is the Bible way, and that there is only one church recognized in the word of God. I ask all the saints to pray that I may be fully decided to serve God, and that I be restored again. A lover of the truth,
Franklin Pierce.
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THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1896.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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Warren Cushman, C. A. Sunderland, Rose Graham.
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The time for holding some of the camp and grove meetings has been changed.
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Request For Prayer.
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Wm. Bell. Madison. — Healing of epilepsy or fits, July 12.
Pray for my little boy that his hearing and mind may be restored, that he be a perfect child like others of his age. Your sister. Amy Carey.
Mrs. A. J. Bryan, Hennessey. — Healing of bodily infirmities, and for her son’s healing of epilepsy.
J. B. Mills. Free Trade. — Healing of bodily afflictions, and for salvation of wife and children.
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Calls For Meeting.
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We desire a true minister of God to come and hold a meeting near here. Victor D. Ziedzisch, Colorado, Mitchell Co., Texas.
We want a company of workers to come and hold a tabernacle meeting with us this summer. W. L. and M. E. Horn, Fentress, Choctaw Co., Miss.
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MEETINGS.
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Lapaz, Ind. Grove meeting. July 10-15. S. P. Strang and Co.
A camp meeting will be held at Costello, Montgomery Co., Kan., beginning July 11, to continue as long as the Lord wills. Chas. Bright, Caudell and Co.
Nemaha City, Neb. Tabernacle meeting. Beginning July 14.
Anderson, Ind. Tabernacle meeting. July 15-35. Address Jno. O. Palmer, 33 Nell St.
Littleton, Wetzel Co., W. Va. Tabernacle meeting. July 15; will probably last over two Sundays. G. T, Clayton, Benwood, W. Va.
Bliss, Mich. Camp meeting. July 22-Aug. 1. Address Jerome Kieser.
Granby, Mo. Camp meeting. Beginning July 16. C. A. Sunderland.
Hamlet, Ind. Grove meeting. Commencing July 17.
Melrose, O. Tabernacle meeting. July 20-29. Address David Smith. J. N. Howard.
Benton Harbor, Sodus, Mich. July 20-30. G. B. Collins and J. L. Pike.
Clinton, Wis. Camp meeting. Beginning July 24. About seven miles northwest of Barron. Address O. A. Warren, Jr.
New Zion, Leake Co., Miss. Camp meeting. July 24-Aug 2. R. H. Owens, Freeny, Miss.
Bremen, Ind. Grove meeting. July 25-31.
Independence, Kan. Tabernacle meeting. July 25, lasting as long as the Lord wills.
Moundsville, W. Va. Camp meeting July 31 to Aug. 9. Address Bro. Alfred Tomleson, Moundsville, W. Va.
Ripley Co., Mo. Aug. 1-9. Ten miles south of Doniphan. Address A. B. Stanberry, McCauley, Ark.
Brushy Prairie, Ind. Camp meeting. Aug. 1-12. Address Edward Ellis.
Teegarden, Ind. Commencing Aug. 1.
McKinley, Okla. Camp meeting. Aug. 1-10.
Tekonsha, Mich. Aug. 3-11. Address B. F. Heath.
Cayuga, Ind. Camp meeting. Aug. 6- 20. Address W. A. Davison, Eugene, Ind.
The camp meeting in Alabama will begin Aug. 6. to be held five miles east of Hartsells, Morgan Co. Noah Duncan, Huntsville, Ala.
Dwight, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 8-16. Address Vern. Tillittson.
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 Kv. Cent. R. R. Some true ministers of God are desired. Address J. P. Lemons, Kelat Ky.
Shultz, Mich Grove meeting. Aug. 11-18. Address W. H. Merritt, Cloverdale, Mich.
Beaver Dam, Ind. Camp meeting. Aug. 12-19
Vichey, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 12- 24. Address Jas. Thornton.
Fenwick, Ont. Camp meeting. Aug. 13-23. Address Jno. E. Smith.
Marshal, Okla. Camp meeting. Aug. 13-24.
Ft. Stephens, Miss. General assembly at Wright’s Chapel. Beginning Aug. 14. Address H. W. Frasure.
Houston, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 14-23. Address E. M. Allen.
Stanley W. Va. Camp meeting. Aug. 14-25.
Peoria, Ill. About Aug 15.
St. Louis. Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 19-29. Address Jno. Harn.
Emlenton, Pa. Camp meeting. Aug. 20-31. Address Samuel Martz, Pittsville, Pa.
Payne. O. Camp meeting. Aug. 20- 31. Address J. N. Howard.
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. Tadernacle meeting. Aug. 28-Sept. 14.
Izard Co., Ark. Camp meeting. Sept. 1-15. Address Ben Seaton, Violet Hill, Ark.
Milton, Mo. Cams meeting. Sept. 1- 12. Address A. A. Kinzie.
Cheshire, Mich. Grove meeting. Beginning Sept 3. Address Albert Pulsipher, Allegan, Mich.
Kenesaw, Neb. Camp meeting. Sept. 4-15. Those wishing tents notify Bro. W. F. Eberline by at least as early as Aug. 20.
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.
Rising Sun, O. Tabernacle meeting. Sept 15-25. Andress Jacob Roush.
Arapahoe, Okla. Camp meeting. Sept. 18-28.
North Enid, Okla. Camp meeting. Beginning Oct. 6. Address W. G. Rippey.
New Pittsburg, Ind. Assembly meeting. Beginning Oct. 15. Address H. C. Wickersham.
The Lord willing, we will hold the following tabernacle meetings:
Marion, Ind. June 24 to July 12.
North Star ( instead of Brock), O. Aug. 12-23. Address John H. Trick, Versailles, O.
Gaston, Ind. Aug. 26 to Sept. 6, Reddick, Ill. Sept, 9 and as the Lord wills.
S. L. Speck and Co.
Bro. Ostis B. Wilson and Co. are traveling by private conveyance to Mo. Anyone wishing meetings along the line, address him at Grand Junction, Mich.
Any one desiring meeting in New York address us at 621 Otisco St., Syracuse, N. Y.
B .F. Weikel.
There will be a general camp meeting at Apollo, Armstrong Co, Pa, July 23- Aug. 3. Apollo is on the West Penn. R. R. A number of God’s holy ministers are expected. For information address Bro. J. E. Shelhamer.
H. M. Riggle.
A tabernacle meeting will be held two miles northeast of Daisy, Wash., on John Maxwell’s place, July 10-20. Daisy is in Stevens Co., on the Columbia River. Everybody invited to attend this meeting. Those coming by R. R. get off at Myer’s Siding which is on the Spokane Falls and Northern R. R. and notify Bro. W. H. Brown, Daisy, Wash., a few days before starting, to be met at station. A glorious time is expected in the Lord. All seekers of salvation, experience of perfect holiness, or healing are cordially invited.
F. N. Jacobson and Co.
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
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How do you observe the command in Heb. 10:25?
Just as they did in the days of the apostles.
Are the gifts of tongues and interpretation of tongues among you?
Yes. The nine gifts that the Holy Ghost put into the church when he organized it at Pentecost, have never been taken out. As the people of God in these last days advance into the fullness of the gospel and reach the apostolic plane, all the gifts will be manifested in his own way.
Some people have held the foolish idea that the gift of tongues means an expression of some unintelligible gibberish, which can be interpreted only by some one inspired for that purpose, but Acts 2:4-12 gives the meaning of this gift. Verse 6 says they spoke languages. This sacred gift has been much reproached in some places by fanaticism, but God’s people are seeing clearly its proper place and use, as light increases upon the gifts of the Spirit.
Explain Luke 16:9.
Jesus exhorts us to make to ourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when we fail, they may receive us to everlasting habitations. The unjust steward wisely provided for his future welfare by making use of his lord’s goods to gain the good will of the debtors, so that when he was to fail, lose his stewardship, they, his lord’s debtors, would take him into their houses and give him a home. He did all this at the expense of his lord, over whose goods he was the steward. He had acted wisely in his own interests and was commended by his lord because of his discretion. He quickly used the means within his reach to secure unto himself a home, though the means were not his own. Jesus would have us make wise use of the means of this world, (the mammon of unrighteousness) even though it is not our own, it is all the Lord’s, but with it he would have us act wisely (1 Tim. 6:17-19), and use it in the order of his approval, so that when we fail (on earth) he may receive us into everlasting habitations (heaven).
What is the duty of a husband and father in ease of a sick child when the mother refuses to trust the Lord for healing and opposes having the elders come and anoint and pray for the child?
His first duty is to reason kindly with the mother and have her feel that he is doing the perfect will of God and meeting the scriptural conditions for healing, by sending for the elders. If she still refuses and persistently opposes divine healing it would then have to be decided by earnest prayer and supplication to God, what measures to take. A father some years ago had just such an experience. The child was dying, according to all appearances. The mother opposed him for not employing a physician. He reasoned with her but to no advantage. He looked to the Lord for guidance and then made this proposition to the mother; that she should let him have the child for just that one night and then, if there was no change for the better, he would consent to the wishes of the mother. She protested in tears but he felt it his duty to do as he had proposed. He took the child into a room, locked the door, laid it upon the bed, and fell upon his face before God. The mother was weeping outside and expected almost any moment that her child would die. The father spent all night in prayer and supplication before God. To the joy of his soul his little one looked up into his face with the expression of health, as the morning dawned. He took it into his arms and opened the door to find the mother anxiously waiting and presented her with her babe, sound and well. Praise God!
While this course might not be advisable in every case, yet any loving husband whose life has been consistant and who has the true affections of his wife, should be able, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to arrive at some satisfactory agreement with the mother who has equal affections for the child, but still may not be willing to trust the case into the hands of God. In some cases the one parent might be perfectly justifiable in consenting to the other and employing a doctor, but I would recommend the exercise of much faith that God would heal the child in spite of the medicine.
How about the election, in Rom. 11:7, 26, 28?
In this chapter the apostle speaks of the election of grace. In this grace there is no one excluded who will come through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s will is to have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4; Jno. 3:16, 17; Tit. 2:11; 2 Pet. 3:9.) These scriptures serve as a help to see the election of grace in the great redemption plan, through Jesus Christ who was foreordained before the foundation of the world, and to all who obey him he is the author of eternal life.
When a person is afflicted who afflicts him?
The devil. Matt. 12:22; Mark 9:25; Luke 13:16; Acts 19:38; Job 2:7.
Is it right for brethren to join in with the world and sign their names that they will vote and help to put liquor out of the county? Please give scripture to settle this question.
There may be instances in which a child of God is justifiable in such a course. All have not the same degree of light or knowledge. Some have not yet learned that they are foreigners in this world. A citizen of some other country is a foreigner to this one. In Phil. 3:20 the word CONVERSATION, according to the original should read CITIZENSHIP. Our citizenship is in heaven. We are registered there and are but pilgrims and strangers here. Simply passing through this land into our own blessed country, where all our affections and treasures are. As these blessed facts keep enlarging in our experience we lose much interest in trying to reform this corrupt old world which is doomed to destruction. There is but one remedy which is prescribed by God through Jesus Christ which alone can reach the need of this sin-cursed humanity. All outward reformations are but as a patch upon an old worn out garment. Salvation is the only reformatory work that can reach the heart, and when it has its way, will revolutionize humanity and blot out the iniquity of the cursed liquor traffic as well as every other hell-born power that is destroying the race and plunging souls into eternal perdition. Temperance and other reformations may have a temporary salutary effect, but the desired end cannot be reached, but through “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” A child of God can take but a small part, to say the least, in anything of a worldly or political character without sooner or later involving himself in matters that will be destructive to his spiritual interests, and eat as a canker, those principals of true godliness so necessary to the life in Christ. The writer in his early experience of sanctification learned a bitter lesson in this respect, through taking an active part in the prohibition movement. More than three years of the real glory of the fullness of this precious experience was in a measure lost through the subtlety of the enemy along this line, before it was practically discovered that “they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Many an honest soul, doubtless, has become lean through an intermingling into worldly matters beyond an actual necessity. If each one will humbly look to God for the unmistakable guidance of the Holy Spirit, there will be but little danger. Keep as far away as possible from all that does not directly promote the glorious gospel upon the plan of God’s own design. Such a position can be held in the meekness of Christ without the individual loosing the respect of his honest and considerate neighbors who will soon learn the cause of his peculiar position; and, if it does cost all, let us be loyal to the Holy Spirit and follow his direction in all things, which will indeed make us a peculiar people, purified unto himself, and separate from sinners.
Can a man take an active part in a political party and hold township or county office and be an elder in the church?
The answer to the preceding question will apply to this one.
Can an elder or anyone else in the church practice medicine?
He may until he gets greater light.
Please explain Mat. 20:1-16.
This parable teaches us that God (the householder) is debtor to no man and has a right to do what he sees proper with his own. He offers salvation to those who come to him. Those who went into the vineyard in the morning agreed to work for a penny a day, all who came in later were willing to work for whatsoever was “right,” at the settlement all received the same. None should have found fault for each received what he had bargained for. The householder did what was right. God is no respecter of persons. He will give that which is right (salvation) to all, even to those who come at the eleventh hour, whether this hour means a short period in life in salvation, or working in the vineyard for souls.
J. W. Byers.
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KEEP AWAY FROM SECTISM.
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The following letter is from a sister in Kansas who desires the prayers of the saints for her deliverance, having been taken in the snare of sectism. Let all remember her request.
Dear Saints of the Living God: How I long to see your dear faces and hold sweet communion with you as I have in days that are past and gone. The Word of God says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed.” Now dear ones, I feel that I have a confession to make and that is this: I have been led away into Babylon, and I am having a fearful struggle with the enemy of my soul. I have taken a firm stand for the one true church of God, but somehow doubts will arise in my mind which at times nearly overcome me. It seems almost impossible for me under my present circumstances to work any on that line, and yet if I do not work I feel I am losing ground. Do pray for me that God will give me complete deliverance and grace for every trial with perfect victory in my soul. Yours in the service of Jesus.
A. C.
The above is just the experience of a number who have suffered themselves to be captivated by sectism until they have in a measure been drawn into her dragnet of deception and have become blinded to the real truth that they had once known and understood. The word of God, in reference to Babylon (sectism) says, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” — Rev. 18:4. This call of God is not to be trifled with. “Come out of her my people” certainly means stay out. If those few honest souls who are yet in Babylon and who have not fully understood or heard this call, are in great danger of receiving of her plagues, how much more are they in danger who, having once escaped her deceptions, are again attracted to the same. It is dangerous. There have been instances within the last few years of persons who have fellowshipped sectism after their deliverance from the same, and by so doing became victims of evil spirits and lost their reason. This is a sad experience to prove that she is really “become the habitation of devils.”
In days past the devil was quite well satisfied in keeping pretty quiet so long as no one knew anything better than sectism and everything went smoothly. But now, as God’s judgments have come against her and the righteous ones have made their escape, the devil manifests great wrath and he actually binds his own with his deceptive spirits. This is also in fulfillment of the word of God. “Wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” — Mat. 24:28 This is the great sacrifice of God Almighty, when he is compelled to sacrifice to the beasts and fowls of the air all who reject the truth and will not walk therein. Read Eze. 39:17-22; Rev. 19:17, 18. These “beasts” and “fowls” are nothing else than evil spirits and deceptive spirits that are swallowing up the masses. This is a time when Satan is filled with great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. — Rev. 12:12. He has brought into the world almost every conceivable delusion and counterfeit, — everything but the real truth; and his captives to day number by the millions among professors of religion alone, excluding sinners who make no profession. All honest souls will do
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well to beware of everything but a whole Bible truth. Those who go back to Babylon and become tainted with her spirits generally have a hard time getting clear in their experience again. May God help all to stand aloof from her.
Some who read this may have some doubt that the Babylon of Revelations applies to sectism. Babylon was an ancient city; but there is also another (mystery) Babylon, of which the ancient city was but a figure and a type. In the Critical Commentary, by Jamieson- Faussett-Brown, from the comments on Rev. 18:4, we have these words: “The harlot is not Rome alone (though she is pre-eminently so), but every church that has not Christ’s mind and spirit. False Christendom, divided into very many sects, is truly Babylon; that is, confusion.”
Thus we see that the interpretation of the word Babylon is so plain that their own scholars are compelled to apply it to sectism. But it is no trouble for those whose hearts are open to the truth to understand these things.
A. L. Byers.
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Worldliness among Professors.
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“YE cannot drink the cup of of the Lord and the cup of devils.” — 1 Cor. 10:21. This text shows that it is impossible to serve God and the devil at the same time We will either hate the one and love the other or love the one and despise the other. It is impossible that a fountain send forth both sweet and bitter water. There is, it seems, enough in God’s word to convince those who are half-hearted Christians that they are on the wrong road — to show them that, although they cling to their profession like a drowning man to a straw, it will profit them nothing and in the end they will lose their souls. God demands whole-hearted service. Unless we are willing to forsake all and follow Jesus we cannot be his disciples.
Oh worldly professors, wake up! “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” “The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” God has given us a plain salvation. The way is so plain that we may not err therein. Why is it that you cling to some evil? Why is it there is some little thing that you will not give up that you may receive the blessing?
You must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus. You must be willing to give up all for him. If the Holy Spirit tells you to stop chewing or smoking, which I surely believe he will if you earnestly seek to know and to do the will of God, then, if you do not give this up you will sin. In this way you forfeit your claim to justification. For “if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.”
Then there are professors who had rather go to any. kind of worldly amusement, such as shows, ball games, card parties, socials, etc. Which do they love best; God or Satan? Who is their master? Jesus said, “If ye love me keep my commandments;” and these are the two great commandments: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind;” and, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” God’s Word also tells us to “love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Do these love the Father who prefer any amusement to the prayer and class meeting; any worldy affair to the worship of God? Oh, that all such would awake! that ever they would bear in mind the thought, Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils; you cannot go to meeting on Sunday and serve the Lord while you are there, and serve the devil every other day in the week, and be a child of God. “The foundation of God standeth sure; name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
L. Nettie Grennell.
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TESTIMONIES.
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Nowata; I. T.
Not long ago I sent in a request to the dear ones at the Trumpet Office to pray for the healing of twin babies, and I praise the Lord for his goodness m snowing his healing power. Before the request reached there the prayer was answered. I am still saved, sanctified, and kept by the mighty power of God. All glory to his name.
Laura A. Stoyeok.
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Grant’s Pass, Oregon.
Dear Saints of God: We are all of one Spirit, of one mind, and feel with one heart. I am praising God to-day for full salvation from all sin, and for his healing power. I am healed of the erysipelas and la- grippe. Praise his holy name! The doctors could not help me. I am seventy-two years of age, and I have been crippled for twelve years. In Dec. ’92 I attended the saints’ meeting on Jones Creek, conducted by Brothers Pugh and Adams. We had meetings at Brother and Sister Matchet’s when the glory of God filled all the house, and I was healed soul and body. Praise God! I am now on the highway of holiness. Please send the Trumpet.
J. W. Hockady.
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Meadow Brook, Oregon.
Dear Saints of God: I am now rejoicing in the God of my salvation, whose Son suffered and died to redeem me. Hallelujah! I was sixty- one years old in June. Fourteen years ago God pardoned all of my transgressions. Afterwards he sanctified my soul. Praise his holy name! Two weeks later he healed my body Three years ago I had a spell of sickness. Since that time I have been very weak in body. Pray for me that God for Christ’s sake will give me more strength, both spiritual and temporal. May God send some one into this locality to lead souls out of Babylon. Yours in the one body,
J. H. Comer.
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Fayetteville, Tenn.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I feel it would be to the glory of God for me to write my testimony as I have never written since I have been in the Father’s family. I know that I am enjoying a full and free salvation. Praise the Lord! God does deliver me from sectarian bondage. I was once a Missionary Baptist but now, a child of God. He has delivered me from all sin. I was once a servant of the devil. I served him in various ways — drank whisky, gambled, used profane language, and used tobacco, the filthy and poisonous weed, but God has delivered me from the whole business and to God be all the glory. Your brother under the blood,
R. W. McMillin.
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Okarchee, Okla.
Dear Saints of God: I feel it would be to the glory of God to write my testimony. The dear Lord has been keeping me. He has done many wonderful things for our family. He has healed my body many times and our children too. Our oldest boy, twelve years of age, was kicked very hard in the stomach by one of the horses, was knocked about ten feet. His case looked like a hopeless one. We are forty miles from any of God’s little ones, and I knew before we could go there and back he might be dead, and we were too poor to send a telegram to the Trumpet Office. So I just told God that he knew our cirumstances and to just increase our faith. Husband and I agreed and asked God to heal him and the work was done. O, the wonderful power of God. I feel as though I can not praise him enough for his loving kindness. Dear brethren and sisters, earnestly pray for us here in this dry and destitute land, that the time may soon come when God will raise up a church here. Your sister in the one body,
Mary Hawley.
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White Oak, W. Va.
Dear Ones of God, into whose family we are adopted: I am praising my Lord and king, who is worthy of all praise and honor, for bringing me out of darkness, into his true light, which shineth by day and by night. I was converted when fourteen years old and lived in sectism most all of the time until I was about forty-five years old. I became dissatisfied with living in sectism — their yoke was too heavy for me. I took it to the Lord and soon learned by reading his Word, and it was there he told me to “come out of her,” and I obeyed the call.
I was with an antiordinance people, as they preached holiness at first, but finally they began to preach that Christ would never come again at the end of time. I could not understand such preaching, and their rejection of many other scriptures. Some of them I did not understand, as I did not read the scriptures as carefully then as I do now. I see now how careless I was about reading.
About three years ago, Bro. Kilpatrick held a meeting in our county, I attended it. I talked with him, he convinced me of the scriptures that I did not understand. I repented and was justfiied, then consecrated myself and was sanctified. I am giving God all the glory for this. I was all alone for two years, not ceasing to pray for the Lord to send conviction on the people. Since that time three of my children have been saved, while my husband and three of my children are not saved. Will you remember us out here in West Virginia, in your morning worship? Oh how we feel the need of prayer, for there is so much wickedness here! I have three children at home that help me in having worship, it is such a help to me. I am rejoicing in the Lord that he is keeping them.
Oh I am so glad that Jesus is so merciful and kind unto us! He keeps me each day and hour, and his strong arm leadeth me and his Spirit directs my thoughts and words. How careful we must live! I love to live for Christ, and him only will I serve as he sheds the light on me. I take him for my physician. A Christ that is all and in all. When I read in the Trumpet the testimonies of the brothers and sisters, I rejoice in the Lord that he is bringing the people out of darkness into the true light of Christ Jesus.
I was healed of lung trouble, and we had a little child placed in our hands to care for, the Lord healed her. We are praising him for all of these blessings. We would love to have some of God’s holy ministers to come out and preach fur us. We are the only ones here that are out in the evening light. Our neighborhood is all broken up — all of different denominations. You may form some idea the condition of the people. My prayer is that God will awaken them our of a deep slumber. May God bless you all. Your sister, hid away with Christ in God,
Mary E. Davis.
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Kenesaw, Neb.
Dear Saints of God: I wish to write my testimony to the glory of God and for the benefit of others who may be placed in similar circumstances. Jesus sweetly saves and keeps my soul. Praise his holy name! About a month ago we went to visit at Bro. Eberline’s. As I went in with our little children Sister Eberline told me that Charley was broke out with scarletina. I did not use the caution that I should, but went in and stayed about half an hour. The Lord had healed him so he was up and around, but it was scarlet fever all the same. The Lord soon showed me such careless exposure was the same as to sin against the laws of nature in the exposure of the body, etc. I repented to the Lord and renounced the same to others. I write this to warn others who may think no harm in it, and to show how we must walk in wisdom before those who are without. In two weeks Millie came down with the fever. Companion immediately placed her in the hands of the doctor. I saw that I should suffer for exposing her, but my trust was in God. When the medicine was left for me to give, in all humility of mind with no disrespect to any one, I asked Jesus to give her the relief she needed, and she received it every time. Bless the Lord! But when husband could not be satisfied with that, I gave the medicine, except in her restless nights in place of the opiates I layed on hands in the name of Jesus and she would go to sleep. Again, her throat swelled on one side even with her cheek and the fever threatened to settle in her head. I did the same; in fifteen minutes the swelling was down. The real test came when it went to her kidneys and bowels. For three days they were almost inactive. Knowing the danger, and to tell husband was the same as sending for earthly help, I said, “Lord, to whom shall I go? for thou hast the words of eternal life; I will trust thee with her case. But impatience and anxiety would hinder me from offering the real prayer of faith. I saw the point and how God did protect and keep her from harm. Then my heart was strengthened to take hold of Jesus’ words in Mark 11:23, 24. and I could sing,
I am satisfied with Jesus,
His salvation is complete,
I am resting on his promise,
Calmly trusting, oh, how sweet,
till that Monday when God did fulfill his word and heal. All praise to his holy name! Although medicine was afterwards procured for her kidneys, she took but two doses of it and did not need that. One who does not believe said they were in good condition, not knowing what was done for her by the Lord. Now, dear ones, do not think that I try to frustrate the healing power of God with medicine, or cast a shadow upon the doctor or those who employ the same, for it is the blessing of God on those who do not have faith that he is able to fulfill his promises to us. But it is our glorious privilege in Christ Jesus to take him at his word for all our needs. And when we settle down, not upon our will in the case but upon his word, then we know we have the petition we desire of him.
I ask you to pray for companion, that he may gain a love and belief of the truth. Pray for me. Yours in Jesus,
Mary Heldenbrand.
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OBITUARIES.
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SMITH. — Near Barkeville. Pa. Bro. Thomas Smith was born Jan. 1, 1827; departed this life June 12, 1896; aged sixty-nine years, five months, and twelve days. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn their loss. Bro. Smith received the evening light a few years ago and it is believed by all who knew him that he lived a Christian life and has gone to be with the Lord. May God comfort the wife and children, and save the unsaved ones is our prayer. Services by S. P. Gilger.
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ERARD. — Bro. Charles B. Erard, was born May 26, 1839; died at his home at Battle Creek, Mich., June 6, 1896: aged fifty-seven years find ten days. Funeral preached at the home June 8. Buried at Kalamazoo June 9 The brother embraced the truth and was saved some time before his death, and has gone home to rest He leaves a companion and several children to mourn the loss of a beloved husband and father. Funeral services conducted by the writer assisted by C. H. Eldridge. Text Jas. 4:14.
W. J. Henry.
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BRYANT. Sister Lucinda Bryant of Rochester, Ind., passed away from time into eternity, June 18, 1896; aged sixty-six years, ten months and twelve days. May the Lord bless all who mourn the loss of a friend and mother. Text Psa. 23:4.
Samuel L. Speck.
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Eubanks, Ky.
ESTER. — Brother Elisha Ester departed from this earth to live with Jesus. He was saved about three months before his death. Aged thirty-two. He passed away with the praises of God on his lips and a sweet smile and a bright testimony that he is with Jesus. He leaves a dear companion, one little boy, and many friends to mourn their loss. May God bless them and keep them humble and prepared to meet the dear loved one gone before. They are young in the cause and heed our prayers.
Allen Edbanks.
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DIVINE HEALING.
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“According to Your Faith.”
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JUST how the sick may be healed is a question of great interest to many, especially those who have lost faith in doctors and medicines. Some turn from the drugs and drug makers to some mysterious power, at least to themselves, such as spiritualism, Christian science, mesmerism, etc., only to find them dangerous humbugs, no more to be relied upon than their former medicine or treatment, and far more dangerous to the soul. Again, there are others who seek a higher power, who find it written in the Word that Jesus came to save the lost and heal the sick, and that he bestows this blessing upon all “them that believe.”
We find that early education and our surroundings serve as chains in the hands of the enemy to bind us down to slavery until we have cut loose from every thing that had a tendency to thus bind us down. Many things learned in childhood have to be unlearned by a hard experience in after years. A theory once accepted and established may prove in later years a superstitious notion of our forefathers. This is true in regard to health and disease. Other means applied in healing the sick than doctor’s powders and pills were believed to be contrary to nature. The same rather prevails in much old theology of religion. Christians have been taught from childhood to lean upon creeds, dogmas, priests, and preachers, to find that in after years they need a new conversion, that the old crutches they have been using have tended to weaken rather than strengthen their faith. If people could see themselves as God sees them they might too often discover to their shame that the real motive of their Christian endeavor springs from an impure fountain of selfishness. When seeking for divine aid at the throne of grace there must be a complete surrender of self to the divine will and purpose.
Fear of death leads many into seeking relief through the agency of some drug or medical adviser, showing that their faith is stronger in men than it is in God. When this fails they are confronted by the grave and then when all, other nope is gone, will turn to the higher power with what little hope may be left. It would be better if such would learn the teachings of the word of God and find therein the precious promises for both soul and body, and then when the hour of death comes it will be met with rejoicing, or if the sickness is not unto death the healing help will be rendered, and the petition made for the same with perfect confidence in an all wise God.
Many could exercise faith better if they would remove the cause of their sickness. Suppose you were wearing a very tight shoe and suffering from the effects of a painful corn; wisdom and common sense would be to remove the cause and wear a larger shoe, and if prayer was needed to remove the pain, an exercise of faith could be more readily odtained. Just so it is with anything else. Many women who are suffering with internal diseases could remove the cause if they would stop lacing or wearing tight clothing and small high-heeled shoes, and dress in a common sense way; then they could get an answer to their prayers much more easily. These illustrations only serve as a hint among the many things that may be looked after which irritate and bring on disease, which things need to be removed before expecting the Lord to do healing and keep us healed.
Jesus used to tell the people, “According to your faith, so be it unto you.” When people are continually injuring their bodies unnecesarily, whether by dress or otherwise, it is no wonder that they can have but little faith for the healing of their bodies. A failure now and then of persons being healed does not change the word of God a particle on. that subject. If the work is not done there needs to be a thorough examination as to the cause of the work not being done, as where there is a failure there is always a cause for it. God’s word is true and when you meet the conditions of the same, “According to your faith, so it will be unto you.”
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Church of the Living God.
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BUT now arises a question which it took me a long time to get over. Is it not necessary to organize ourselves, receive authority from and membership in such organizations, to give us standing and influence? My thoughts ran out after the great work the churches (so-called) seemed to be doing, what wonderful meetings they would occasionally have, how hundreds would profess salvation and join them, and how they would say, “Is not God among us?” Then let some one without their backing and influence attempt to hold a meeting, and how meager would seem the results! How little influence they would have! What a small stir would be made!
Let a famous evangelist come along, open a previously arranged for and advertised meeting, how the town would be moved, interest and enthusiam arise to fever-heat, and converts be counted by the hundreds! These things were hard for me to get over, I stumbled here for months, and held on to the men- organized and governed churches, not knowing any better way. But, keeping a heart open for all of God’s truth, this difficulty was removed by him, with the help of no man, and I floated out into the clear light, knowing only Jesus Christ and him crucified.
I will now take Hopkinsville, Ky., as an example of above things, state a few facts, and draw some conclusions. This was my home for years, and I have a knowledge of how things were carried on, and this town is likely a fair representative of all others.
Within the last five years there have been many “church” revivals, union revivals, and protracted meetings held in said town. It is safe to state that one thousand professions of religion have been made and a like number have “joined the churches.” Also two elegant edifices have been completed, costing perhaps $25 000. H. C. Morrison, Sam Jones, Geo. Stewart, J. H. Young, Dixie Williams, Sam Small, and a number of others have conducted meetings from which sprang at least a thousand professions of religion. I was converted in Morrison’s meeting in 1891. Now the work of the church and ministry is to edify the saints, feed them, make them strong, perfect them. At Hopkinsville the so- called churches have within the last five years received at least 1000 new members, who ought by this time to be far out in spiritual things, towards perfection, much stronger than at first, and still increasing in the love and knowledge of God. But are they? No, a thousand times! Nearly all are backslidden. “But, Bro. Hicks, how do you know? Ought you to judge?” I know by their fruits. They almost unanimously oppose holiness, and are acting worldly. Do you want stronger proof?
We assert now in the fear of God, that out of these one thousand persons, you could not find twenty five who would confess, they being the judges, that they still have (if they ever had) an experience of real, know-so, conscious, unwavering salvation, and the fruits of whose lives would sustain such a profession. What is the matter?
False influences and the work of men. The men who caused them to profess were clothed with false authority, not of God; they were led into these “churches” under a false and unscriptural way, and after getting there were permitted to either backslide, or, never having been converted, to continue unsaved. First principles being wrong, authority from the wrong source, the churches wrong [not God’s church] and dead themselves, no wonder the fruits speedily withered and died. The great show, interest, and enthusiam being only of men, came to naught. True, some of these men thus engaged in work, above referred to, might have been called of God, but, going in the name and by authority of isms and sects or relying on their own powers and eloquence, their work has really amounted to but little. Of course, in spite of unfavorable conditions, false influences and failure of the churches (so-called) to feed, nurture, and build up the flock, some have been saved, some have kept saved, and a few have made progress; and God has received some glory.
Therefore we have concluded that if men must go to men or human agencies for their authority and influence, and are afraid to trust God only; must seek the honor or glory that comes from men instead of God only, their influence thus obtained and standing secured, is not of God, does not come from him, is false; their work will not stand; and however great the interest and stir may be accasionally, yet the work will not endure. The human is in it all. God help them. Look at the vast numbers of people reported from week to week as converted or sanctified, then go hunt for them one or two years later. Behold, they are not to be found! It is the exception and not the rule, when they keep saved.
God’s people are scattered and killed by false shepherds, false influences, and worldly churches.
Austin D. Hicks.
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The Church a Garden.
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THE Bible represents the church as a garden: the flowers, fruits, etc. conveying the idea of beauty, thrift, growth, usefulness, and enjoyment. Solomon’s Songs 4:16. — “Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits” 6:2, 3. — “My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine; he feedeth among the lilies.” In my beloved’s garden, salvation flows freely and produces in abundance, the delicious fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
But in his so-called gardens, does he not find much of the fruit bitter? for here are the very fruits that he hates, and positively forbids, for he says he hates a proud look. “Pride and arrogance I hate.” He forbids worldly conformity, the wearing of gold, costly apparel, love of the world and (sinful) things of the world. Yet on large sect trees we behold pride manifest in the wearing of gold, costly apparel, diamonds, and pearls, pride’s paraphernalia of the world; and smaller trees in close pursuit, with more limited means, limiting the fruit. But the Lord’s garden produces the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which in his sight is of great price. His holy garden does not produce entertainments, theatricals, fairs, comic lectures, etc. The Christ mind does not patronize the theatre, circus, opera, etc., — does not participate in sin — and if we have not the mind of Christ, we are none of his, hence are not in his garden. God says of his garden (Solomon’s Songs 4:16), “Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south, blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.”
But how scarce the spices in the sects to-day! I heard one of our merchants say; that on going to Chicago to purchase goods, he first attended “church” on prayer meeting night, also on the Lord’s day, to see the latest styles exhibited; then on Monday, purchased his stock. Think you this is an isolated care? and are merchants the only ones who derive their styles from this source? Yet, we are expected to call these sinful institutions, the Lord’s gardens. The Lord forbid. O this abominable image (fashion) before which its pitiable devotees prostrate themselves in adoration, professors and non-professors alike! It totally eclipses the image that king Nebuchadnezzar set up, for it extends over the civilized world. But God has a mighty army in his garden, that will not bow the knee to Baal.
How long, O Lord, how long, shall such discredit be reflected on my beloved and his holy garden, as to call worldly enclosures, where such sinful scenes are enacted, his garden! They are contradictory to the word of God, and the character of the meek and lowly Jesus. Hence the inconsistency of calling them the Lord’s garden.
Mrs. M. J. Groves.
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TESTIMONIES.
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Peoria, Ill.
Dear Saints of God: I am praising God for this evening light and I am praising him for taking my feet from the mire and clay and placing them where the gates of hell cannot prevail. I am praising God at this very moment that he has forgiven my sins, never to be remembered against me any more. I know that I am justified and I am praying for sanctification, and ask all the saints of God to pray for me. I have had affliction of the body and when I went to the Lord in prayer and faith believing, I was healed almost instantly. Your brother in Christ,
R. E. Slane.
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Nodaway, Mo.
Dear Saints Everywhere: I feel like writing my testimony for the first time. I praise the dear Lord for the salvation of my soul and for his keeping grace which enables us to live free from sin every day. I know that he has shed his love abroad in my heart, and given me such a sweet peace in my soul, and I can look to him and trust him for all things. I can truly say his service is my sweetest delight. I want to walk up to all the light he lets fall before me, and be sinking deeper down into his love and learning more of my Savior at all times. I praise him for his precious promises, and that we can rest and abide in them until they become a reality in us. I ask all to pray for me. Your saved sister,
Emma Dudeck.
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Ponchatoula, La.
Dear Ones in the Lord: I feel led to write my testimony of what the Lord has done for me. Oh praise his name! “Whom the Son makes free is free indeed.” When I was quite a young woman my health began to fail, and like all in Babylon I went to the doctors to build me up. Being in business, I had a great deal of work and worry, besides my household and children to look after. Well, all the doctors could give me was stimulants, and of course they helped me artificially, until at last I would not live without them. Yes, I was bound in chains of hell; God only knows how I tried to break the bonds, but all to no avail. There was no help for me; in my despair I often thought of suicide as the only help for me, but then the thought would come that it would be murder. When I first began to seek for light, the Lord showed me that he would give me a light. Praise his name, the light is bright indeed, and grows brighter each day. He forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. He has made me free indeed; to day, though well advanced in years, I can do more work than ever. I have no more need of stimulants, nor tea or coffee, nor doctors’ drugs. The Great Physician is my all in all. He has made me free indeed and leads me in green pastures. Praise his name!
M. M. Parker.
ADVANCEMENT
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Know your Calling and Abide in it.
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THERE is perhaps nothing that will hinder our spirtual progress more than to mistake our calling, and endeavor to do something we are not called to do. It is evident that every saint is adapted to some line of spiritual work, for Paul speaking of the various vocations says, “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” — 1 Cor. 12:7. So. dear brother and sister, the Lord wants you all to do something for him. He may not want you to preach or teach, but he might want you to labor with your hands to earn money with which to push the good work forward. In either way, you are helping in the work of saving souls.
But in the first place it is necessary to find out your calling. And it is well to tarry before the Lord until he reveals, with a certainty, his will concerning you. If you have any doubts concerning your calling, you had better give God the advantage of the doubt, for a mistake on this line would be disastrous. “God hath set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” — 1 Cor. 12:18. That is, he has placed every one of the members in his proper vocation. Let us therefore, find out for certain our true calling, and labor contentedly for the Master.
If we are dissatisfied with the work God has assigned us, it is due to a deficiency in our consecration. Another very important point to consider in connection with this subject is the fact that the Lord will not bless a man out of his calling. Oh! how our heart has been pained in the past to see some dear ones assuming work that the dear Lord had not assigned them. Like corn planted in soil adapted to any thing else before corn, they never bring forth fruit to perfection. No man can keep salvation in the ministry, who is not called of God into the ministry. “No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” — Heb. 5:4. Neither can any one prosper in his soul who is called into the ministry, if he refuses to labor in that vocation. “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.” 1 Cor. 7:20. I verily believe that many souls to-day are floundering around, and are unable to retain victory simply because they are trying to do something God has not called them to do, or they are leaving undone something God has called them to do. In either case God cannot pour out his abundant blessings upon them, lest they take it for his approval upon them, and be content to remain out of the order of the Lord.
But to know your calling merely is not sufficient to make us approved unto God. But it is necessary after we have obtained a knowledge of our calling, that we consider the nature of the work allotted to us, and whether or not we have the necessary qualification to make us efficient workers. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” — 2 Tim. 2:15.
Wm. G. Schell.
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Eastland, Tex.
Dear Brethren: We are praising God for free and full salvation that keeps us free from sin. The Lord is leading us out into new light day by day. We came here Feb. 28, from Elam Store, Ark. We found the people in darkness here, bound in sectism. The Lord is calling us out to declare his truths to the people; and is blessing us in all trials. He heals all our diseases; we take him as our physician. The Lord is a stronghold in time of trouble. Dear saints, pray for us that we may be used to the glory of his name. Your brother and sister,