8 November October 1894, Volume 14, Number 43.
Operations of Faith.
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True — faith no time, nor distance keeps,
From nature’s laws no ’sistance seeks;
Which laws though firm and true, yield bend,
Their operations all suspend.
It matters not though it engage
A little moment or an ago;
It gains its purpose on the ground,
Or may traverse the world around.
Its through infinite space,
At once proceeds and wins the race;
Impossibilities of to day
Are no obstructions in the way.
Though little as the mustard seed,
Its right asserts in time of need;
How true, great mountains high and steep
Are moved and cast into the deep.
All nature grand, with awe sublime,
It homage pays, bows at its shrine;
Fire and flood, and beasts of prey
Are loyal subjects of its sway.
Though immaterial it be.
Small, faint, invisible to thee,
In its peculiar subtile way,
All its antagonists doth slay.
Its latent pow’rs when once aroused,
Potentates, kings, all earth espoused
Cannot defeat its purpose true,
But let it pass unhinder’d through.
The mighty hosts and giants strong,
Vast multitudes, a wicked throng,
In consternation, wild dismay,
At its approach melt, fall, give way.
Confronts, subdues, restricts, defeats,
Triumphant victory completes,
O’er ev’ry foe without, within,
And gives no quarters for one sin.
The will of God, a law complete,
Alone can stay or turn its feet;
Ignores all other laws and knows
But to alleviate life’s woes.
Great God, Omnipotent so high,
Is not beyond its searching eye;
Nor is the time too long to wait
Until the promise it may take.
Wealth, wisdom, honor, power, fame,
When simple faith foothold doth gain,
Of all their boasted skill are shorn,
And reap alone disaster, scorn.
The lame, the halt, the deaf, the blind,
In it a panacea find;
Fills ev’ry wish and want each hour,
With joy complete, love, a rich dow’r.
Disease nor sin a refuge find,
Its presence own, its mandates mind;
Thus in behalf of all our ills,
It in due time its mission fills.
From sin and error frees us here,
And robs the grave of all its fear;
Gives access to the tree of life,
Thus ending all our toil and strife.
R. Keagy.
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OBEY THE SPIRIT.
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WHEN we look around us and see how the works of Satan are prospering, how souls are daily and hourly deceived and led down to endless woe, our hearts are grieved; but when we see the devastation that the enemy is making in the ranks of them that once loved God, we are indeed grieved in our souls, and made to wonder, “Who will be able to stand?” Oh, Beloved, are we indeed obeying the leadings of the Spirit? are we listening for the faintest whisperings of the Spirit, and then are we obeying it in all things?
These are questions we should all ask ourselves. If this indeed is the evening light dispensation, when the apostolic church should shine forth in all its primitive splendor and beauty when the Holy Spirit led men and sent them whithersoever the Lord wanted them to go, we, too, must go when the Lord leads, or else go back to darkness.
Many that once tasted the goodness of God, that “ran well for a season,” we see no more in the way. If such ones were to confess the truth, they would say, “The cause of my downfall was disobedience.” Others that have been partakers of the heavenly calling have lost the joy out of their soul, though they still keep up the utward profession; yet if they would make an open confession would be compelled to say they had lost the joy of salvation through disobeying Spirit. O, beloved, in the name of Jesus, and as you value your soul’s eternal welfare, “Quench not “Grieve not the Spirit” away from you by disobeying it. Remember “Obedience is etter than sacrifice.”
Through this great sin king Saul grieved away the Spirit, and an evil spirit took posession of him, and though he still tried to lead the children of Israel in battle he was successful no more, and because the Spirit of God would no more lead him he resorted to unclean spirits for guidance. 1 Sam. 28.
May the Lord Jesus help all those that have disobeyed God’s voice speaking through the Holy Spirit, and thereby have lost their power with God and man, pray the prayer of David. Psa. 51:12. Then like David in verse 13, you will be able to teach transgressors the way, and sinners shall be converted unto God. “The willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land.” Isa. 1:19. Therefore, if you have not been eating at Father’s table you have not been obedient.
Dear ones, let us watch and pray. Satan would as soon starve us out as to cause our downfall any other way. God is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should live. Therefore take courage, you that are downcast, you that do not enjoy the fulness of love. Praise the Lord! There are many promises in the Bible for you: only obedient, be diligent, “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; listen for the voice of Jesus speaking in your heart, seek always to do those things that are pleasing to him; and as you grow older in days you will grow stronger in grace, and be more able to overcome the enemy of God and your soul.
We are told not to be ignorant of the devices of the devil. So if you are obedient you will at times feel the Spirit urging you to more secret prayer; yea, to strong crying and wrestling with God, in assurance it is not in vain the Spirit is leading you to this. But he knows that Satan is laying some extra trial or temptation in your way; and if it were not for the special strength that you received by mighty prayer you might be overthrown. At other times you will have passages of scripture come to your mind that you had not thought of for weeks. This may be to give an answer to some one of the hope you have within you; or some cold professor may attack you on the second work of grace, or living without sin or some other point, and the Spirit has only been sharpening the “Two edged sword” in your memory for the onslaught that he (the Spirit) knows awaits you; and thus if we are willing the Spirit will lead us and acquaint us with the devil’s devices, and will prepare us for every assault of the world, the flesh and the devil.
J. G. Neff.
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STRANGE LEADINGS.
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The devil has always been very subtile in his devices to destroy souls, and prevent the prosperity of the work of the Lord, and now in these last days, knowing that his time is short, he is doing his utmost on that line. He uses his own children when convenient, and at times sends them forth as angels of light to deceive the people. But it pleases him better to get some child of God to follow his devices and listen to his voice and follow his leadings, or through fear of his wrath fail to do what they know to be their duty. The child of God who has a willingness to walk in the ways of the Lord can easily detect the voice of the Lord from other voices. But let a person get to tampering with strange and false doctrines, when he knows the right way, and go to praying and praying to see if the Lord will not show him otherwise, he is almost sure to get an answer in his favor. The air is full of voices; but the trouble is, people who are not satisfied to obey the voice of the Lord will call until they hear a voice, and then try to find scripture to correspond with what the voice tells them, and Satan is always ready to help them along to blind their eyes from seeing the truth. One of Satan’s devices is to try to get people mixed up in some delusion and lead them to do some act that is irrepairable, and a disgrace to themselves and others, and then have them claim that God led them to do it.
He sometimes gets a husband or wife to follow after his ways, and poisons their thoughts, and tries to make them believe that the Lord wants them to separate from their companion. Some are led to think that because they were married while they were yet sinners that God does not approve of their marriage nor look upon them as man and wife. Others get into the delusion that they are united in marriage in the Lord to the most spiritual person, if the devil can get them to fall in love with some one more spiritual than their own companion. These are doctrines of devils. Such thoughts and leadings emanate from the father of lies. God does not lead in any such ways, but his ways are according to his word.
E. E. Byrum.
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DISHONORING GOD.
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THOU that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God? for the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. — Rom. 2:23. 24.
Breaking law is a great fault with humanity: by it our first parents fell, and now we see continually, people breaking laws; such as the law of the home, of the school, of the state, nor does it end here, for God’s laws are continually broken, notwithstanding its penalty. Many times in breaking these earthly laws, they expect to escape its penalty by concealing their evil deeds. But no one needs to expect to escape on these grounds in breaking God’s commandments, for all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do — Heb. 4:13.
Then how inconsistent it is with good reason to continue such a life, seeing we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, especially those that name the name of Christ; first, because they know, or have the privilege of knowing the will of God; second, because they are looked to for examples. Now the world or sectism, as a whole, have dishonored God by breaking his commandments as the Jews did of old, Rom. 2, and thus caused the name of God to be blasphemed among the world, as the breaking of the Mosaic law by the Jew on the Gentiles.
Seeing then we have the examples both of the Jew and of sectism, let us take heed, we who are in the light, lest we follow their example; then how greatly would God’s name be blasphemed. For we know that the more is intrusted to us, the more shall be asked. Just so the world expects more of us than it does of the people of sectism; for they hear us say that the people of God live free from sin. Not only does the sinner expect more of us, but also the “church members” watch us, and some of them try to find an occasion to condemn us, even as they are condemned by the truth. But is it not very often to ease their own conscience?
Then let us follow closely the footsteps of our Lord. 1 Pet. 2:21. It perhaps is useless to quote much scripture to prove that God wants us to adorn our profession by righteous living, so let a few suffice. Paul says, they pray that God would count the Thessalonians worthy of their calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the works of faith with power; that the name of Christ might be glorified. 2 Thess. 1:11, 12. 1 Pet. 1:7. How much setter it is that God should be glorified in the above way, than to be blasphemed. Rom. 2:24.
Then let us labor as Paul did, continually teaching the children of God to be faithful, giving no place to the devil, but to do all things to the glory of God, and to edification. 1 Cor. 14:26. Redeeming the time because the days are evil. Eph. 5:16. So I pray God that we may adorn our profession, and not walk as the worldly professor walks, not pleasing ourselves, but God, that we may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation: among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Phil. 2:15.
O. E. Wieringa.
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PROMISE OF A SAVIOR AND HIS MISSION.
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AFTER God had made our first parents and placed them in the garden of Eden, and given them instruction as to their future, he told them they might eat of all the trees in the garden save one; and if they did eat of this one they should surely die. We see by this command and promise that God wanted to deal fairly with them; and gave them to understand just what would become of them if they would disobey; and the result was they disobeyed and did die a spiritual death. Now at this time we see man was left totally lost except a way of escape was made. A merciful Father looks down in pity, sends his only Son to redeem a ruined and sin-cursed world. Oh, think of the goodness of God in making a way for our escape!
He tells us in 2 Sam. 7:13 14. “He shall build a house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be my Son.” Now here he promised to stablish the throne of his kingdom forever. And in a kingdom there always is a king. So it is here, Jesus is king sitting upon the throne in his kingdom, which is set up in our hearts. In these last days he speaks to us by his Son, who was the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power. Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Heb. 1:2, 8.
Here he brings us back to his kingdom again. We see in Acts 13:23 that God of this man’s [David’s] seed according to his promise raised unto Israel a Savior, and said by the mouth of the angel that they should call his name Jesus [which signifies a Savior], for he shall save his people from their sins. Many people of to day think they can go on in this world and carry a part of their sins and still be a Christian. Now Jesus came to save us from our sins. That means all of them, and nothing short of all of them.
Paul tells us in the 4th chapter of the Acts of the apostles and 11th and 12th verses, “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.” So we see there is no other way to get to heaven but by and through the name of Jesus. In these days we find many people trying to get up some other way; but in a day that is surely coming that will try every man’s work, will be a day of surprise to many. O how many will say, “Have we not prophesied in thy name, and done many mighty works in thy name? And the great Judge will say, Depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Oh what an alarming condition this will be to the deceived! Dear reader, are you deceived in your experience, or have you Jesus the King sitting on his throne in your heart? Let us examine our consecration, and that very closely, and be sure we will not be found wanting when weighed in the balance of God’s word.
Paul tells the Colossian brethren in Col. 2:6, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” In this we see we cannot after receiving him or having our sins forgiven sit down and do nothing, but are just ready to begin to work; we have just put on the uniform and received the implements to do the work. After we are thus started, then he comes to us in the 8th verse and says: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” He tells us why he warns us thus, for (he says) “in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. 9 and 10 verses.
So we see we can be complete in him. “Oh yes,” says one, But “complete means holy, and I do not know how I can be holy.” Well, as Paul told us we can be complete, we will let him tell you. Turn to Romans 12:1, 2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
In 1 Pet. 2:5 we are told that “Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ.” So we see here that our sacrifice must be spiritual. Even 397 years B. C. Malachi said his offering to the Lord should be a pure offering. We find all the way through the old scripture wherever an offering was made the sacrifice was pure and without blemish. So it is with us in these last days: if we want to make a sacrifice or an offering to God that will be acceptable to him it must be a spiritual one; and we cannot offer a spiritual offering from an impure heart.
“Oh yes,” says one, “But if I am not so spiritual as I was once I am deeper in the word; that is, I understand the word better than I used to.” Oh, my dear brother or sister, I want to tell you that when your spirituality dies out, your heavenly wisdom is gone. You know Jesus says, Without me ye can do nothing, also, He that hath not the Spirit of Christ is none of his.
M. H. Basore.
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THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.
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D. S. WARNER — Editor. E. E. BYRUM — Office Editor. E. E. BYRUM & S. MICHELS — Publishers.
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Subscription $1.00 a year in advance.
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DEFINITE, RADICAL, and ANTI-SECTARIAN, sent forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the publication of full Salvation, and Divine Healing of the Body, the Unity of all true Christians in “the faith once delivered to the saints.”
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The Shining Light.
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An interesting paper for children. Illustrated. It should be in every family where there are children. Only twenty- five cents a year. Address.
THE SHINING LIGHT,
Grand Junction, Mich.
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TRACTS.
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Babylon is Fallen. What Church should I Join? Sects. The Master’s Call. A Wonderful Deliverance. Spiritualism, or Bible Salvation vs Spiritualism. Price 10 cents per dozen.
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Small tracts of various kinds for free distribution, at 10 cents per hundred.
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Must We Sin? A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin, containing 48 panes. Single copy 2 cts. Per dozen, 20 cts. Per hundred. $1.60.
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The Church of God. A tract containing 32 pages, proving what is the Church and what is not the Church of God. Price, single copy 6 cents. Per dozen 40 cents.
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Question, and Answers on the Church. A tract containing four letters with many questions concerning the church, and the difference between the true church and sectism. Price, 10 cents per dozen.
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The Great Tobacco Sin. It contains 30 pages, with a neat cover. We will send these tracts to any one sending us postage at the rate of one cent for three tracts. Always state just how many you wish sent.
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What is the Soul? By D. S. Warner. Or 100 scriptures proving that man possesses a spiritual and immortal element called the Soul, the Spirit, and the Inner Man, which goes to God at the death of the body. The same also proved by the early Church History. Price single copy 10 cents Per dozen 80 cents.
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“No-Sectism.” A tract hearing the above title, written by A. Sims, has been reviewed by D. S. Warner, showing the difference between sectism and the Church of the Living God. It exposes the false theories set forth by Sir. s. This tract contains 32 pages. For free distribution, 15 cts. per dozen; $1.00 per hundred.
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The Secret Vice. A small illustrated tract of 16 pages with neat cover. It gives a timely warning to the boys against the evils of Self Abuse, a habit which is prevalent throughout the land. The tract is attractive, interesting, and points out certain evils against which hoys of every age need to have warning in time. Price, doz. 10 cts. 100, 40 cts. 1000, $3.00.
BOOKS.
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BIBLE READINGS. Bible readings or references on about one hundred subjects. Price 30 cts.
MASONIC SALVATION. By Fred Husted. This little volume treats the subject of Free Masonry from a Bible standpoint. The writer having been a Master Mason, boldly brings the hidden and mysterious things before the public in a clear light. Price, paper cover 15 cts. Cloth 35 cts.
DIVINE HEALING OF SOUL AND BODY. By E. E. Byrum. Part I teaches the way of salvation, and how to get saved. Part II gives Bible teaching on the healing of the body. Part III consists of testimonies from those who have been healed in these last days. This book can also be had in German. 248 pages. Paper cover, 25 cts.
HOLINESS BIBLE SUBJECTS. By H. C. Wickersham. Second edition. This is a very valuable book of 400 pages and arrangement of Scriptures on one hundred subjects, giving a number of Bible quotations on each subject, making it very convenient for the Bible student. It also contains over 50 pages of concordance, tables, Bible helps, etc. Cloth, marbled edges, $1.00.
BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH. By W. G. Schell. Tracing the church in prophecy from her birth to the end of time. Containing a brief history of more than 400 Protestant denominations. The author aims to show the difference between the true church and sectism, giving historical and scriptural proofs. Paper cover, 35 cts. Cloth, 75 cts. Address the Author at Anlo. Ohio, or this office.
ECHOES FROM GLORY. By B. E. Warren and D. S. Warner. A second and thorough corrected editon of this new song book has just been issued. Containing 232 beautiful spiritual songs, of which the largest portion are new and fresh inspirations from heaven, both words and music. Many beautiful and touching invitation and exhortation hymns tor revival meetings. It sings nearly all the doctrine of the Bible: especially the glorious themes of present truth. With primary instruction in music. Simple and concise — A practical self-instructor for beginners in vocal music. Neatly bound in pasteboard, price reduced to 40 cts. Per dozen 84.00. all prepaid
THE BOY’S COMPANION. By E. E. Byrum. This is a neat little volume with interesting chapters to the boys, concerning the Secret Vico and other bad habits and their effects. Every boy needs advice and warning in time, and too often parents fail to give the needed advice until too late. The book is illustrated with suitable pictures which are aimed to leave a vivid impression upon the young minds and turn them from the downward road to a pure life. It also contains testimonies and experiences from those who are inmates of the states prison. Boys of every age should have one of these books to read. Price, paper cover 25 cts. Cloth binding 40 cts.
Anthems from the Throne. This book contains 148 songs. 90 with music. About all new. When sung In the spirit of God these songs will be found glorious. Manilla cover 26 cts. Cloth 40 cts. Per dozen $2.40 & $3.60.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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Lizzie Smith, M. H. Basore, Hattie Douglass, A. N. Fordyce, Jane Williams, Jno. Stage, Hugh Caudell, Mrs. Josie Adams, R. Croasdel, Jno. H. Frick, J. D. Hatch.
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Requests for Prayer.
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Pray that my soul may be delivered out of the hands of the enemy.
Kittie C. Allen.
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A brother in Augusta, Ga. desires prayers for the healing of his body; also for spiritual help.
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Nancy Tolen had her collar bone and ankle broken, caused by a runaway horse, and desires the prayers of the saints.
T. Tolen.
Prayer is requested Sunday, Nov. 18, at 11 A. M. for Sarah Oldaker, who has been afflicted from her infancy, and her mind is deranged. She fell in the fire when young.
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Will the saints please pray for me and my husband that we may be healed of all our bodily afflictions, and also that our faith may be strengthened?
Catharine Bertram.
Wooster, Ohio.
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Dear Saints: Please pray for me the last Friday in November at nine A. M. I have been trying to serve the Lord for years, but do not feel confident of my acceptance. I hope some one will come and preach the evening light here.
Mary R. Doran.
Berry, Clark Co., Va.
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Cassville, Howard Co., Ind.
Dear Saints of God: I request you all to pray, Sunday at eight A. M. for my much afflicted husband, that he may be healed of his sad afflictions. He has been sick for many years, and has tried many remedies to no avail. He has faith in the prayers of the righteous.
Mrs. Carrie Waismer.
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THE GERMAN TRUMPET.
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We were recently favored with a few days visit from dear Bro. Fred L. Hahn from Milwaukee, Wis., whom the Lord sent over in behalf of the German work of publication. Ever since his coming into the light of the present truth last summer, prayers have been offered up to God, that his hand may be good upon that brother to edit a German paper. So the Spirit of the Lord stirred his heart for the work, and while here he fully decided it was the will of God he should move forward in the good cause. And so it is expected by the blessing of the Lord to begin sounding the trump of God to the German people the first of January, 1895. It is expected to publish the paper semimonthly. Bro. Hahn will remain, for the present, at Milwaukee, and carry on gospel work in that city in connection with his editorial labors. We believe this brother is well chosen of God for this position, having a good command of both the German and the English language, and is an ardent lover of the whole truth.
And now, dear brethren, everywhere, who are interested in sending the pure gospel to the German speaking people, it becomes necessary to ask you to lend a helping hand in this good work. Additional German type and other material must be purchased, and a stock of paper to begin with. May the Lord therefore stir your hearts to do your duty, that the light of God may shine forth unto the German people, for Jesus’ sake. Several hundred dollars must be raised before Jan. 1, to pay office expenses. The workers here, both English and German, are called of God to the work, and freely give their service, free of charge, trusting God for the necessaries of life, and the needed means to carry on the work.
Our German friends have long waited for the issue of a German paper, and have been anxious to help in the publication of the same. They have helped much in sending forth the English Trumpet, and we trust the English brethren will not forget their obligations toward the German work. Take this matter to God in earnest prayer, and ask him what he would have you to do. Let there be a general move in the matter at once. God is leading this great reformation, and hungry souls from all parts of earth are calling for the pure gospel. The Trumpet Family consists of about forty persons, who are constantly busy with the office work, cooking, and housework. If anyone desires to help the work along, and have not the money, any provisions for the keeping of the family will answer as well: such as, butter, eggs, potatoes, or vegetables, fruit, etc. of any kind; coal or wood for fuel, or whatever the Lord may direct you to send. We speak of these things as some have written and asked what would be acceptable.
Bro. Hahn is also in need of help financially and any one feeling led to help him, likewise, can send to his address at 466 16th St., Milwaukee, Wis. While at present he will remain at his home and prepare the printing matter. The paper will be printed and mailed at this office. The subscription price will be $1.00 a year. All German letters for publication should be sent to Bro. Fred L. Hahn, 466, 16th St., Milwaukee, Wis. Be sure and give street address. All business letters should be sent to us at this office. Brethren, do much praying for us all in this time of pressing need and responsibilities, and for the spread of the pure gospel everywhere.
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Dear Brethren: It was thought proper by the trustees of the camp around and home to ask the brethren definitely to help meet present obligations made by the purchase of the grounds. Two hundred and twenty- five dollars were to be paid this fall, one hundred of which comes to Bro. Warner. He has receipts to show that he has paid about $400 of his own means upon the land. One hundred of that amount he donates, and reserves a few acres of land for another hundred; leaving $200 to be refunded to him, half of which it was agreed to give him this fall, and which he greatly needs to erect his house. Twenty-seven of the amount has been paid. And now, beloved, who is willing to help out with this good work by giving your means directly to this end? You both help to pay for the children’s home and to build a home for Bro. Warner and his little family. A good foundation is laid, and the frame is already up. The Lord has chosen his carpenters and plasterers, and Bro. Michels and his sawmill furnish all the lumber. But lath, shingles doors, windows, etc., demand means. Winter is upon us, and Bro. Warner’s time is precious, having much writing to do as soon as he can get into his new quarters. If any dear brother or sister can loan him $100 he will give his obligations, and a comfortable retreat from the cold will soon be ready, some one will get a reward, and God will be glorified. Amen.
A. B. Palmer.
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QUESTIONS.
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- When you get people converted and sanctified do you build a church house?
- Do you see that they have a pastor, elders and deacons?
- Do you teach strict immersion to baptize, after you are already in Christ. Making a man plunge in water when it is with water, and answers to a good conscience?
- Is the church and the kingdom the same?
- Do you believe in the mission work?
ANS. to 1st. When God gets men and women converted and sanctified. if they possess the necessary means, and the Lord leads, they build or procure a comfortable place to assemble for the worship of God.
ANS. to 2d. The Lord sees to that. 1 Cor. 12:28. Eph. 4:11. Jer. 3:15. God does not give his church in any one place a pastor after the manner of sects. But he gives them pastors, many pastors. They are not hirelings. The whole business of an agreement between a congregation and a minister for a given length of time and a stipitulated price is Babylon confusion, and has no place in God’s church. Scripturally, a pastor is simply a man that is more gifted to instruct the church than labor for the conversion of the unsaved. But his business is to go where and when God sends him To keep himself subject to God’s orders the same as the other ministerial gift which does the work of an evangelist. The hireling principle is a curse to both preacher and people.
ANS. to 3d. We teach what we know, and the Word positively teaches that baptism is an immersion, or burial with Christ. As to the term, “with water,” the same word in the Greek (EN) which is translated with, is the one that is elsewhere translated in. Several translations render it correctly, “IN WATER,” among which is George Campbell, a Scotch Presbyterian. He says plainly in his notes on Mat. third, that the preposition EN should be translated in, not only because that is its proper meaning, but further says, “The word BAPTIZED — INE — baptize — both in sacred authors and in classical signifies ‘to dip’ ‘to plunge,’ ‘to immerse.’ * * * it is always construed suitable to this meaning.” He further confesses that the words “baptize with water” were the result of sectarian dishonesty, and should be “in water.” He also translates the word immersion several times.
As to whether baptism is the door into the church, or Christ and salvation, the word of God positively teaches, and all that are saved know that it is through him, and not through water, that we have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Jno. 10:9; Eph. 2:18; and that no person is fit to be baptized until born into the kingdom of God, and pardoned of sins. Baptism, being the “ answer of a good conscience,” proves that a good conscience, a justified state must precede it. The thing must take place before there can be an answer or response to the same.
ANS. to 4th. The church and the kingdom of God refer to the same divine institution, though they cover somewhat different grounds of the same. The membership of the church embraces men, both soul and body. It is the body of Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23. “And know ye not that your bodies [physical bodies] are the members of Christ?” Therefore God’s church is visible, the light of the world: a city that is set upon a hill cannot be hid. The kingdom “cometh not with observation.” It is “righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit,” “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom.” It is the invisible power of God in the “hidden man of God heart.”
ANS. to 5th. Yes, we believe i.. mission work. John and Christ wer.. the first missionaries of the Spiri.. dispensation. All the apostles wer.. missionaries. All the ministers … Christ, and indeed every child of God is a missionary to preach Jesus Christ either at home or abroad, and withi.. their special gifts and calling.
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WOMAN’S FAITH HOME.
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Danville, Im, . Oct. 31, 1894.
Dear Saints: Having received many calls from dear ones who are interested in this work, desiring me to write them about this work. I will take the opportunity of writing them through the Trumpet, as it will save time and postage, hoping you will be satisfied with the same. Well, I know this is a great work of faith. If any wish an increase of faith, let God try your faith. We have precious tests. Praise God! We have complete victory. The Home at present shelters three girls, all claiming pardon of sin. During the month ending Sept. 12. we received $22 05, and several small articles of foot! donated. The house rent and expense for various at tides for the Home was $23, 36.
Daring this month there were four girls at the Home. One left Aug. and went to her home, and we believe is living a virtuous life. One would not give up her life of sin, left Aug 23; returned later with an afflicted child, which was tenderly cared for by the Home, but died. The mother left next day. Another was not willing to comply with the rules and get saved. She left the Home Aug. 30, while one is still with us, and we believe will be used of the Lord in the near future. There was one birth in the Home this month. Dear Sister Faylor took charge of the duties of matron, whom we bуlieve this the call.
Last month there were three other girls in the Home. Two have left one still remains, and we believe has received the pardon of her sins. One girl, who has been in the Home for some time, is gloriously saved, and busily engaged in housework in the country. We believe God is in this work, for we truly know, of ourselves we can do nothing but through Christ who strengtheneth us we can do this work. His grace is sufficient. We desire all true followers of Christ to aid us in your prayers for those precious souls, for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. To all who are interested in this work, we would extend a hearty welcome at any time you would wish to visit the I Home. We are now situated on Fairchild street, Cor. Harmon Ave. May God’s blessings be upon those who so liberally gave to the Home. May they realize that they did it unto the Lord. Please read Luke 14:11-14;also Mat. 25:31-40. There will be meeting at the Home every Sunday at 3 P. M., also Thursday at 7.30 P. M. All are invited to attend. From your humble servant,
Mary E. Metter.
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News from the Field.
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Bro. S. H. Bozeman writes from Pleasant Hill, La., that he is in the work again and souls are being saved and others seeking the Lord.
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A meeting will begin Nov. 12, at Friend, Neb., by Bro. Willis and J. Smith. They also state that there will be a gathering together of the saints at Trenton, Neb., beginning Dec. 7.
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Blue Lick, Ind.
We have been continually in the work, and souls have been saved. Closed meeting at Zoar school house with victory for God. Five precious souls were saved and much other good was done. There are many calls for meeting, and we ask your prayers that God may ever have his way with us.
D. B. Moore and Co.
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Bro. J. M. Campbell writes that they have been holding meetings at
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Stump House Mountain, S. C., and about a dozen have been baptized, and a precious ordinance meeting held at the close. He expects to soon join Bro. Carter in a meeting.
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Bro. Chas. Oglesby writes from Augusta, Ga. that he has been holding meetings at Clinton, S. C., where he found a few saints out for the Lord; and much sect holiness, cut of which God delivered six souls. This stirred the enemy to much opposition, but the Lord wonderfully helped in sending forth the truth. They are desiring Bro. Carter to visit the church there.
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Two reports have been sent in of the Zion Grove, La. assembly meeting by Bros Bankston and Bradley. Both report a precious meeting, and a good work done in the name of the Lord. There were a number professions of salvation, and a few buried in baptism. Also there were several ministerial brethren present. Several hundred people attended with much interest. Bro. Bradley desires prayer in his behalf, as his body is very frail; also for his motherless children.
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Hedrick, Ia., Oct. 29, 1894.
To all the Saints: We are glad to report that we are saved and sanctified wholly. We do not often report through the Trumpet, but nevertheless we have been engaged in the gospel work nearly every Lord’s day, and can see a gradual increase in the work for God. We look forward for grand and glorious work in the salvation of many souls in this part of Iowa. In about four or five weeks we will be ready so as to go anywhere that places are open for the gospel, wherever there is a call. We are more assured by the leading of the Spirit of God than ever before that God would be pleased to have us go out in the work continually. Your brother and sister, saved and called for the salvation of souls.
H. W. and L. Hechler.
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Floating Bethel.
Georgetown, Pa.
Dear Saints of the living God: Since we came to this place we have been holding meeting twice each day: most of the time good congregations; several have consecrated. We also have started a meeting at Hooks Town in an M. E. meeting house; the outlook is good. The meetings closed at Shippingport with a precious ordinance meeting. We were loath to leave the saints at that place who had done so much helping on with the work; also many were won to the truth. They want to fix up a house to hold meetings in, and to have some one come to continue the work there, as many are under conviction. Address, Harry Rodgers, Industry. Pa. Bro J S. Krieble, Sister Minnie Vanhorn and Sister Effie Daubenspeck have joined us in the work; others expect to come soon. Some brethren have spoken to us about sending us wheat flour and provisions. Anything of this kind would be acceptable, as we are in need and freight is very low. We have received $25 00 on seating the boat, and $400 on the anchor and capstan.
All freight should be shipped to East Liverpool, Ohio within the next six weeks. Dear saints, remember us in your prayers, as the work is great, but we have perfect victory and all the workers are up to their place.
G. T. Clayton & Co-workers.
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West Monterey. Pa., Nov. 3, 1894.
Dearly Beloved of God: We can report victory all along our line of march for God. We arrived at McLallen’s Corners at the time appointed, and found the wolf had been in among the flock for some time trying to destroy, teaching false doctrine picking, fault finding etc., and ones being but young in the fold, were much wounded and discouraged. We soon were brought to knowledge by the Spirit of God that judgment had to be laid to the line. The lambs received it with meekness, but the wolf (Abott) had to be cut off and exposed, after we did all in our power in the love and patience of Jesus to get him all on the altar, but could not. But thank God the church went down for a melting together by the Spirit of God. They showed forth a spirit of forgiveness and God blessed them with his Spirit. A few days after a number came forward for sanctification and found the abiding comforter. The fog was cleared away, and the last Lord’s day we held three services in the saints’ new meeting house. The afternoon service was one long to be remembered; as God and his Spirit moved forth in setting his church in order, ordaining Bro. S. E. St. John elder, and Bro’s Jno. H. Sanders and A. A. Howard deacons. This was a very solemn scene. In the evening services the house was filled to the utmost and the best of order and interest. One came forward for pardon, and was received of God. Our next move for four days was Blystone. There we found a number hungering for the bread of life and ready for a foward move for God. The church also was set in order, ordaining Bro. Albert Terrell elder, Bro’s Andrew Blystone and Jacob A. Moltz deacons. We left the dear ones in the hands of God, expecting E. J. and W. G. Billig ere long to carry on the battle. We desire to return there on our way to Canada, where we feel will be cur field of labor, for the harvest is ripe and the laborers few in Canada.
We arrived in West Monterey last evening and enjoyed a glorious feast from the word expounded by Bro. McCoy. We will remain with the church here until Monday evening the 5th. As Bro’s Speck and Warren are coming to hold the fort, we will take train Nov. 6 for a new field, where the gospel has never been preached, at Reimer, Pa. After that meeting, the Lord willing, we will return to our home in Indiana. Yours in much holy love. Address at present
J. A. and A. J. Dillon.
Reimer, Pa.
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Marshall, Ok. Oct. 31, 1893.
It is with a very greatful heart to God that we look back over the line of camp meetings since we were at the Grand Junction camp meeting in June. Truly God has done great things for us and the many hungry souls that gladly received the word of God. There was quite a number of saints at the camp here. The weather was quite pleasant and agreeable most of the time, and much good was done by the power of the Spirit, and many hard hearts were softened, and careless ones awakened up for God. Altar services were well attended, resulting in glorious victories. Eternity alone will reveal the fruits of this meeting. More than sixty happy saints were present to richly enjoy the happy ordinance service on Saturday evening. Monday forenoon nine happy ones followed the Lord in the humble ordinance of baptism three of which were more than sixty years old, and they found obedience to be sweet in their old days. Meeting closed at the tabernacle Monday night. Bro Jeremiah left yesterday for Carthage, Mo., and the Lord willing we will continue the meeting in the Hayman school house a few days. But as far as we know now will remain in the territory this winter. Your saved brother and company,
G. L. Cole.
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Stuttgart, Kan., Nov. 1, 1894.
Dear Saints: My soul does praise the Lord for his saving and keeping grace, and for perfect victory in my soul over all the powers of darkness. Hallelujah! It has been a good while since I last reported through the Trumpet, but I have been about the Master’s business, and he has taught me many precious lessons, and I can say that the dear Lord is settling me deeper down in him.
After the Auburn C. M. the Lord led me to Fairbury, Neb. to help dear Bro. Stover in tent meeting until Sept 19; from there went to Kensington C. M., and after it closed the Lord directed to hold a meeting at Kirwin, Kan. So Bio. M. Stover
Jr.and wife, and Sister Waters and Carpenter and myself pitched tabernacle and began meeting Oct. 4 in Jesus’ name, and the Lord indeed fought the battle for us. When we first commenced only a few came out, but as our faith took hold the congregation increased and we had large congregations every night; and as the word went forth the people began to see the truth, and some dear souls were wonderfully delivered by the mighty power of God. Three dear souls were buried with Christ in baptism. This has been a real seed sowing time, and I believe other souls will yet come out for God. We came here to this place Oct. 30, the Lord willing, will go tomorrow to Slate, Kan., and from there where the Lord leads. Bro. M. Stover expects to stay around Kirwin for some time, and perhaps all winter. May the dear Lord bless his labor. Address me at Slate. Ruks Co., Kan., or South Auburn, Neb. I ask the prayers of all God’s children. I realize it takes a close walk with God to win souls. Your brother,
Geo. Vielguth.
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Granby, Mo., Nov. 1, 1894.
To the Saints of the Most High: We feel it would be to the glory of God to give a report of at least a portion of our summer’s work. We held two camp meetings, the first at Diamond, Mo., which was well attended by the saints from different places, who were much strengthened and refreshed. Indeed, it was a most precious season, and the beautiful camp ground will long be a sacred spot to many of God’s little ones, and although the power of God was so great in our midst there was not the visible results we would like to have seen. Nevertheless we feel assured much good was accomplished, and the last night of meeting showed deep impressions had been made on many hearts. They were kind to us during our stay, ministering to our needs. God bless them. A number of workers were present, who did good service. The next camp meeting was held at Lanagon, Mo., which was also well attended by the saints. Congregations were good; some of whom found the Lord precious; others were under conviction. At the last service an ordinance meeting was held, in which many participated. During our stay here we learned of the death of Bro. Haley, an aged man who was saved and sanctified at a camp meeting we held near here two years ago. He died away from home while visiting friends, but in the triumph of faith, the evidence given was blessed. May sustaining grace uphold his wife, who did not reach the place of his death until after his body had been buried.
Our next call was near Sarcoxie, Mo., and we again erected the gospel tent in the name of the Lord, and most wonderfully did he set his seal to the work: souls were saved and sanctified; some were in Babylon and made their escape therefrom, giving up the creeds and opinions of men, coming out in the clear evening light. Happy pilgrims indeed. One good honest brother who had been led off into anti-ordinance, saw the delusion, confessed the same, and was so blest; and when he took part in the feet washing and Lord’s supper his soul was filled with glory. Last Sabbath Bro. Harmon administered the ordinance of baptism to him and two others. No wonder Babylon rages when she sees her followers deserting, coming to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, where they find their many privileges in the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
How few know about the ordinances as they are properly set forth in the word of God; and thousands would remain in darkness were it not for the flying messengers whom God has sent forth with grace and glory in their souls. Brothers and sisters in this holy ministy, I appeal to you, Be loyal, be faithful, preach the eternal truth with heavenly wisdom, and a heart filled with love divine, ever manifesting the spirit of him who sent you. In these sects are many honest souls: they are famishing for food, they need your help, and when the truth is faithfully presented, will accept it. Then there are others, as we found in this last meeting, who are destitute of the Spirit’s witness, although members of the so-called churches, drifting along, little thinking of their great danger; and nothing but the real God power can ever awaken them. Thus keep the fire burning in your own soul, and “your labor in the Lord will not be in vain.” Pray for us.
S. S. and C. A. Sunderland.
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Tubbsville, Henry Co., Ohio.
Oct. 30. 1894.
Beloved Brethren and Trumpet Readers: God bless you all through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Being assured it was the will of God, my companion and myself started East from Oaksdale, Wash., on Oct. 9th. May the church of God in the West, be blessed with the spirit of judgment and discerning, and may they all keep their eyes on Jesus, being clothed with humility and filled with the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
The Lord wonderfully cared for us on the way and gave us favor with those with whom we had to do business. Praise the Lord! We stopped with the church in Cadott, Wis. arriving there Oct. 12, and were greatly refreshed and made to rejoice when we saw those there who were being true to God, and were filled with faith and the Holy Ghost.
But satan had gotten the advantage of some and they had fallen into sin. Some of these saw and realized their condition, and, we believe, repented. Two came to the altar.
From Cadott we went to Ludington, Wis. and held a few meetings with the church at that place. There are some children of God there, but there is great need of teaching to bring them out more fully into this glorious light of the evening time.
It requires great humility and humbleness of mind to receive and retain any of the gifts of the Spirit. Santification does cleanse from all unnatural appetites, such as tea, coffee and tobacco. May God help all there who claim to be sanctified to be clear on these points and measure up to the will of God concerning them. We would have been glad to stay longer there had the Lord permitted. We returned to Cadott and held an ordinance meeting with the church the night of the 25th. This was a very precious time. We realized the fulfillment of John 13:17. Praise the Lord!
The next evening we started on our way to my father’s home at this place. On the Sabbath we met with the church at Ridgeville Cor’s. Bro. H. Stutzman and others were there from near Wausea. Our meeting with them was a time of great joy and refreshing to our souls; but soon we entered upon a very unpleasant duty. They had come to Ridgeville to admonish and entreat one who has been an elder in the church of God, but now he has fallen into sin.
We all went to his home and told him of his grevious sin, but he did not seem to repent.
Brethren, pray for this fallen one that, if possible, repentance may be given him. One of his household who had been ensnared by satan repented and gave herself to God.
The fall of this aged brother is a warning to us all that we watch and pray lest we enter into temptation.
The devil has also placed wicked spirits here at Ridgeville, to try to destroy the church and overthrow honest souls, preaching things contrary to present truth. May God expose all the works of satan here and keep his children from being ensnared, and deliver those who are led captive for Jesus’ sake.
Address us at Grand Junction, Mich, at any time. Yours and Christ’s, sanctified wholly,
C. H. & Mary Tubbs.
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OBITUARIES.
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Roop. — Died near Wiltshire, Ohio, Oct. 23. 1894, Samuel, son of John and Ella Roop; aged three years, one month and twenty-three days. May this breavement be the means in God’s hands of bringing others of the dear family to the Lord. Funeral services by
Elmore Cook.
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Lamoroux. — Near Cedarville, Mich., Lulu, eldest daughter of Bro. George and Sister Ann Lamoroux, died Sept. 26, 1894; aged fourteen years, eleven months and one day. Sister Lulu had given her heart to God and testified to salvation in Christ Jesus. At that time she was in good health; but in two days she was stricken down with some lung trouble, from which the Lord healed her. Afterward she was taken with the dropsy, and it pleased the Lord to soon take her home to be with him. She passed sweetly away without a struggle. May the Lord comfort her parents and brothers and sisters, and may they all meet Lulu in heaven.
Wm. Stowell.
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McLaughlin. — Near Bloomingdale, Mich., Bro. Charles Albert Mc Laughlin departed from the body to be with Jesus, Oct. 25, 1894. He was born in Monroe Co., N. Y. Aged thirty-nine years, one month, and twenty-one days. He was saved about five years ago, and walked in the law of his God, and died in perfect peace and victory, and with praises to God upon his lips to the last moment. His dying testimony was that “all is clear.” The glow of his face witnessed to the glorious home his dying vision beheld. He leaves a saved companion and three children. May the Lord bless and comfort them. Funeral services before a large congregation in the town of Gobles.
D. S. W.
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Franklin. — Samuel Franklin was born Nov. 21, 1818, at Dayton, Ohio. Died Oct. 15, 1894. at San Diego, Cal. Aged seventy-five years, ten months, and twenty-four days. He was well and active till the moment of his death. Left home in the morning to go to his work, within a short distance of which he felt something unusual, and told an expressman to take him home. He stepped inside of a store and made an effort to hold himself up, but was soon sinking. Was caught and helped to a chair. He said, “I am going,” and breathed his last. Bro. Franklin was married in early life to Mary Halsey. To these parents were born ten children, five of whom are still living; two in California and three in Minnesota. His wife died some years ago, after which he came to California. In November 1890 he was again married to Margaret Hass, with whom he has lived in happy union until his death. He has been a citizen of San Diego about five years, where he has been constantly engaged in active business at merchant tailoring. He has been a much respected and highly esteemed citizen. He possessed superior physical and mental ability for one of his advanced age. About fifteen years ago he thought he was going to die. Made some arrangements for his funeral and selected his text, Jno. 11:26. At this time he received light upon sanctification and died indeed unto sin, after a life of about forty years in the wilderness. Like Hezekiah he had fifteen years added to his life. This Canaan life was indeed glorious to the dear brother, and leaves an immortal testimony to the world of the sanctified experience. He was a life of heavenly sunshine to all with whom he was associated. He left sectism about two years ago. Since then he has been an almost daily attendant of the mission, where he is indeed sadly missed. His seat is vacant, but we do not sorrow as those who have no hope. Funeral services were held at the mission Oct. 17, where a large congregation assembled in loving respect to the deceased, and sympathy with the bereaved. Text: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
J. W. Byers.
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NOT A BONE BROKEN.
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MANY are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones; not one of them is broken. — Ps. 34:19, 20. Some misguided brethren are teaching that this passage of scripture, “A bone of him shall not be broken” refers to every righteous person, and also state that in case they should get a bone broken they would take it as conclusive evidence that they were not righteous, etc. The word must decide the matter, and as those who hold this error have rejected the word preached on the subject, we feel it necessary to submit a few scriptures to the saints in order that they may not be deceived on this line.
The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was a high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true; and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. — Jno. 19:31-36.
Notice the 36th verse carefully, and it declares that Christ’s bones were not broken in order that the scripture (prophecy) might be fulfilled. This prophecy we find in Ps. 34:20: “A bone of him shall not be broken,” and in no other place do we find any prophecy of like import. John declares, Jno. 19:36, that this scripture was fulfilled in Christ. That it applied to Christ then there can be no doubt. Turning to typical writings you will find that the passover lamb, a type of Christ, was to have no bones broken. Also see Ex. 12:46. Num 9:12. These scriptures show forth the same idea of Christ.
Now let us notice the repenting thief on the cross. (Luke 23:39-43.) We see here that during a time when all others doubted, God had a witness in this malefactor, and Christ promises him this, “To day thou shalt be with me in paradise.” Rev. 2:7. Those who are overcomers are admitted to paradise and eat of the tree of life in the midst of it. This man then was an overcomer through the atonement of Christ, as a time was set for him to enter paradise. He had faith when all others forsook Christ. What was imputed to Abraham when he believed God? Righteousness. God is no respecter of persons. This man’s legs were broken, and that before he was dead, see 19:32, 33. He had a definite promise that he should be with Christ in paradise. We have this promise also on the conditions that we abide faithful unto the end. If this dying man whose faith is excelled by none was not righteous or did not receive the gift of righteousness by his faith, who among us can be accounted righteous? But according to the teaching of some people he could not have been righteous or his bones would not have been broken. He would, according to their theory, be received of God, yet be an unrighteous man. The word says the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom, etc. Was he cleansed after death? The word says. If we walk in the light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. This thief walked in the light although it was not until the last moments of his life. He was righteous, and yet had his legs broken to hasten his death.
But as if this needed any further confirmation we turn to Micah 3:3: Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron. This prophecy clearly refers to the persecutions of the morning light as we see in the 6th verse that the prophet declares that “Night shall be unto you, that ye thall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.” This clearly points our mind to the long dark night of Romanism that followed the morning light. See Amos 8:9, 10.
That the early church went down in persecution like that described here, Mic. 3:3, history plainly teaches. In Nero’s time they were fed to lions. This was in the days of Paul. If you wish to learn how lions treat their food turn to Isa. 38:13, and you will find that they break all their bones. Is it possible that among all those noble martyrs who suffered in the reign of Nero and held their faith in dens of lions, and witnessed for Jesus while being torn limb from limb then was among all of them who had their bones broken by lions no righteous person? Heb. 11:37. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, etc., etc. This saw used here was a large instrument of torture that would have about the same effect as a harrow would have if it were drawn across a man’s body until he was torn in pieces or his life passed away. Sawn asunder, literally lorn in two. What effect would this have upon the bones? Yet these people cry, “No bone of the righteous shall be broken.” We trust that those who are holding to such false doctrines will repent and renounce the works of the devil and cease to apply to themselves the prophetic words that apply to the Son of God, who gives not his glory to another. After these facts were placed before them they declared that as they “were bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh,” not a bone of theirs would be broken. The scriptures plainly teach that flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom, so “we” in the spiritual body of Christ are spiritually flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone as we take our places in the body the church, and as Christ keeps his own we are not broken or destroyed, or cast out while we remain his own.
Fred Husted.
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A LETTER AND WORD OF WARNING.
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Oct. 30. 1894.
In the summer of ’91, July 24, I left my home near La Place, Ill. for Charleston Ill., where the Pentecost bands were holding their annual Harvest Home camp meeting. While at this camp meeting God sanctified my soul, and called me to work or preach. The workers and preachers were very spiritual at this time. Bro. E. E. Shelhamer and myself were sent to Penn. to open up the work in the East, and while at Bro S’s home in Pa. he told me of some of his relatives in the neighborhood who, he said, were deluded by a false doctrine. So he warned me to be very careful in regard to this doctrine. So we visited the family and they tried to show us by the word that we were doing wrong by staying in a sect and building up Babylon or walls of division. Well, at this time I did not set the light, as I had been taught that they were deceived, I did not listen to their words.
After this Bro. S. and myself opened up meeting in Greensburg, Pa., and while here we received from Bro Jacob and Sister Mary Shelhamer (the family mentioned above) some tracts, and also a few copies of the GOSPEL TRUMPET; and while reading one of those tracts the light came on my soul that I MUST, in order to obey God and his Word, leave the Free Methodist sect, also the Pentecost bands. I told Bro S. my condition. He told me that I was deceived and would lose my soul unless I renounced it as of the devil. As I was a young worker and had but very little experience in the things of God, I thought he ought to know, so I confessed that I was deceived, and for eight or nine hours gross darkness settled over me, and I thought I was lost for ever. Now by this time I had come to the point I really thought this evening light was of the devil. So I renounced it until it should appear to be true.
I was on the brink of despair and was bordering toward insanity, when God saw my condition and helped me. If God had withheld the relief from my poor soul, I believe within a few hours suicide would have been the result. God help men and women to walk in the light for Jesus’ sake! Right at this time, ignorantly, I took my stand against this light and warned the people wherever I went against the saints of God. I was also persuaded to write a piece against this way, but all the time something kept saying, “Do not write it,” but the voice of others prevailed, and with help of others I wrote a short letter to a paper published in St. Louis, Mo. called the VANGUARD. The title of this letter was “Warning.” Some of the saints, no doubt, remember this letter, for I received several letters in reply to it.
Time went on, and every now and then this light would come again, and I felt I would receive it some day or be lost forever; but during all this time I was in meetings, summer and winter, and souls were saved.
About eight or nine months ago I left Pa. and went to Virginia, and while in Va. at the Reaper’s Home, God let this precious light down on my soul once more, and for eight days I resisted. It seemed as if the blessed Spirit was calling me for the last time, and finally I received it, glory to God! O thank God for his mercy and long suffering.
After this the Lord opened up my way to go back to Pa. The Pentecost bands were holding their annual Harvest Home camp meeting at Uniontown, Pa.
The Lord wanted me to declare my freedom from all sectism and take my stand against Babylon, and, in fact, God wanted to make me definite and bold in this matter; but again was I overpowered by the devil and his forces and went into darkness again. Here repented and promised God I would take the track.
HOW THE DEVIL TREATED ME.
Soon after this camp meeting the blessed Lord opened my way to go to my home in Illinois. The devil made some awful attacks on me; he accused me continually. I took every impression as from the Holy Ghost. I denied myself of food and raiment and almost every thing in order to get freedom or victory in my soul again, but all to no avail. I gave up most all refreshments but bread and water, yea, I afflicted my body. I would only take two light meals a day, and would fast from every Saturday noon until Monday morning. I made this a rule; many more yokes did the devil bind on me. When I would read this scripture, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light,” I would go off and pray God to kill me: I was tired of living. O the yoke was so galling! But for months past I felt so strange at times, and there would come a faint whispering, “You are possessed with devils,” but I would resist it, and argue that the devil had nothing to do with me. Yes, I was living so straight that no one suspected any thing wrong.
I heard of an assembly meeting held by the saints at Grand Junction, Mich. The blessed Lord opened up my way for this meeting. Thank God! I supposed, of course, that I was saved and sanctified, but before I was on the ground very long I felt bound some way, so I gave up by inches, as it were, first, my sanctification; next, I felt I was not justified, Here I was, a sinner. Well, I tried to get saved and get free, but still I was bound. The light came in on my soul that I was without a doubt possessed of devils, the blessed Holy Spirit showed me this. I never knew of any one personally in these last days who had been possessed by devils, and had been delivered, but on Thursday evening Oct. 18 I shall never forget. I declared publicly that I was posessed of devils, and I went down to the altar and asked the brethren to help deliver me, and four of the brethren laid hands on me, and in the name of Jesus Christ rebuked every devil. The awful scene can better be told by the large congregation of saints and sinners who were present. But for myself I shall never forget the struggles, neither the fact of realizing how fast and quick, one after another of those delusive spirits left me. All that I can say is, Praise the Lord for his power among the saints of God.
Like Saul of Tarsus, my eyes opened to this awful truth that I had been fighting the Lord and his blessed word, also his church. God forgave me, bless his dear name forever!
The dear Lord sent me home to tell my folks what he had done for me. They saw the change and spoke to each other concerning me; so after I had been home a few days, before saying any thing in regard to my case, I asked them if they saw any change in me, and they said they did, and they had spoken to each other about the change in my looks, my eyes and voice. I know that I feel better, bless God! This afternoon finds me delivered from all devils, saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ and walking in the beautiful light of God, and abiding in the church of the living God. I will close by humbly asking forgiveness of all the church of the first born, and will you please pray for the Lord to lead and keep me true. Amen.
A word of warning to those who are fighting this way. O stop fighting God, “take heed that the light which is in thee be not darkness.”
God bless all the saints in every land. Any one wishing to write to me please address me at Dalton City, Ill. Yours for a pure gospel,
W. H. Cheatham.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Lawrenceville, O.
Dear Saints: To the honor and glory of God I write my testimony. I am sweetly saved and kept by the power of God, and tried. Oh I do praise his holy name that he ever kept me to see this evening light. It is still getting brighter. To read the Trumpet is a feast to my soul. Your sister washed, made white and tried,
Alma Dresher.
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Spencer, Ind.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led to write my testimony for the first time. Praise the Lord! I am saved and kept by the power of God. I have been living in a sect for several years, but did not live a Christian life by any means; but now I do not belong to any sect, but I do belong to the church of God. In the last few months I have been healed both soul and body, and now I belong entirely to the Lord. We need no earthly physician. We do not hear any holiness preaching in Spencer, but there are a few saints here. We read the Trumpet regular, and it is spiritual food to us. Pray for me that I may be kept humble.
Mrs. J. W. Medaris.
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Flintville, Tenn.
Dear Saints: I am praising the dear Lord for salvation, and feel the Spirit burning in my soul. I am standing on the solid rock which is Christ Jesus. Praise the dear Lord for his worderful saving grace. O how humble we ought to be! it is not God’s will for us to be lost; his will is that we should live in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life, and that just suits me. Jesus says, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Jno. 8:1. He says again, If any man serve me, let him follow me. Jno. 12:26. I love to follow my blessed redeemer. 1 Pet. 2:21 says, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” I have strong faith in the healing power of God. Glory be to Jesus! Pray for our clear brother Laten that he may be healed. The saints at this place met at a widow’s house on Sunday to sing and pray for her. She has been an invalid ten or more years She said she wanted to be sanctified, and asks the prayers of the saints everywhere. Your saved brother,
Parkey Seaton.
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Summerville, Mo.
Dear Brothers in Christ: Jesus saves my soul and keeps me by his power. Praise his name! A short time ago he healed one of my girls of a nervous disease. She laid twelve days helpless. She opened her Testament and read where the lame man was healed at the gate of the temple, and in the name of Jesus was commanded to rise up and walk She obeyed the command also and got out of bed and fell on her knees, and we all claimed the promise, and she was healed at that moment. We do praise God for his many blessings upon us. I left all sectism and came out from among them. I pray the Lord to send some of the holy brethren to this place soon. Pray for me. Your sister in Christ,
Josephine Dunivin.
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Pittsville, Pa.
Dear Saints of God: I feel that my sins are all taken away, and find joy and peace in the service of my Master. I am so glad I have started to serve God while young, and want to live for him all the clays of my life. I have given up all the foolishness and pleasures of the world to follow the Lord, and I know as long as I trust him he will keep me from all sin. Bless his dear name! “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song.” What a kind friend we have found in Jesus, who is able to heal soul and body. I am so thankful I have taken him for my physician. He has healed me when afflicted, and he is able to heal all our afflictions. Your sister saved just now,
Emma J. Thomas.
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Phoenix, Ariz.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led of the Lord to write my testimony for the first time. I do praise his holy name for leading me out of darkness into light. I am so glad my name is written in heaven. I often think if others knew of this wonderful love and peace we have in Jesus’ precious love they would seek more earnestly to obtain it. I have no one to look to but Jesus. He helps me in all my trials and gives me victory over the evil one. What a dear friend I have found, and I love him with all my heart and soul. Oh, how I do wish every dear soul could find the dear Savior as I have found him. I know they would be happy, for I am happy. I have had a great deal of sickness in the last two years, but praise his holy name, I am getting well. I have been getting better ever since I was converted, about eight months ago, and have lately been sanctified, and feel very happy in my new experience, and ask the prayers of the dear saints that I may work more for the dear Savior in the future. Pray for my dear husband that he may be led out of sectism into the precious light. Your sister in the love and fellowship of the Spirit,
Hattie Ryrer.
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Lamar, S. C.
Dear Saints of God: The Lord has so sweetly saved my soul. I do thank and praise his holy name for what he has done for me. I was a member of the. so-called M. E. church for nearly thirty years. The Lord converted my soul when I was about eighteen years old, and I have been living an up and down life ever since, until about two months ago. The Lord sent dear Bro. Shaw here to my house with the pure gospel, and I accepted the truth, and praise the Lord, to day I am living for Jesus. “The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.’ Psa. 23:1. Pray for my husband and children that they may be saved, and pray for me that God may keep me in the one body. Your saved sister,