1 June 1889, Volume 11, Number 6.
Solemn Thoughts.
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On how little we truly know
Of friends and neighbors; they come and go,
Daily and hourly we meet and part,
But there is a veil on every heart;
We cannot see, and we do not know
The joys or sorrows which lie below.
Many a struggle these hearts have known —
Struggles witnessed by God alone;
Many a sorrow has lived and died,
Carefully screened from the world outside —
Screened from even a brother’s eyes,
Lest, while he pitied, he might despise;
Sorrows which died in a blessed calm,
When the Healer poured in oil and balm.
Thus do we hide both joy and grief,
Hiding too often the sweet belief,
Which maketh our lot less hard to bear,
And keepeth our souls from dark despair;
Fearing to speak of our own sweet trust,
Lest our brother’s heart be dim with dust.
There is a man with whitened hair
Whom oft we see in the house of prayer;
It needeth no seer to tell that he
Is wearing a sorrow silently,
With one brave boy on the field of strife,
And another wasting his bright young life.
Turning aside from the way of truth, —
But which of us speaks to the erring youth,
Patiently striving day by day,
To win back one who has gone astray?
Which of us breathes in the old man’s ear
A word of sympathy, hope and cheer?
Oh, there are souls in our midst to-day,
For which we have failed to watch and pray:
Souls, whom we well may dread to meet,
When we stand before God’s judgment-seat;
Souls, who might say, “You saw us go
In the downward path to death and woe, —
Saw us wasting God’s holy day
As gravely you walked on your churchward way;
But none of you said, as a Christian should,
‘Come with us, brother! we’ll do you good.”
Ah, ’tis a fearfully solemn thought,
(When will we ponder it as we ought?)
That not to ourselves we live or die,
That every day, as it glideth by,
Leaveth our impress for good or ill.
On hearts which we either cheer or chill.
Could we but know what depths are stirr’d
By a careless look, or a thoughtless word,
How would we watch these little things,
Which enter the heart like venomed stings!
How would we pray for grace and light,
To think, to feel, and to act aright!
— Selected.
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A SOLEMN DUTY.
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THE following conversation will introduce the solemn duty we refer to. On coming to the saints at many places, we miss certain ones from the congregations. Accordingly we ask, “How is Bro. -or sister- getting along.” Ans. “I do not know, I fear not very well, he seldom ever comes to meeting any more, has not been out for a long time.” “Have you been to visit him?” “No.” “Have any of the brethren or sisters been to see him.” “Not that I know of.” Now here is a shocking and a terrible lack of duty. Tea a sad defect in true practical love. What is pure religon? Answer.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. — Janies 1:27:
The same love that constrains a person to visit, and administers to the wants of the fatherless and widows in their affliction, will move the heart to practical sympathy toward all others in any distress whatever, and especially when the soul is endangered or being distroyed by the devil our common adversary. Who is more Fatherless than he who has lost out of his heart the grace, peace, and love of the father of mercies? Or who is more sadly widowed than that person who can no longer call Christ his head, Husband. and redeemer? And who of all the sufferers on earth is more wretched and afflicted in soul mind and body than that poor un fortunate that has lost salvation, and fallen into the hands of the father of all lies, and all wretchedness. If it is a duty to visit the sick in body, how much more imperitive the duty to visit the wounded in soul, and depressed in spirit.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. — 1 Thess. 5:14;
O how lovely and how blessed in the sight of God, is this word, “comfort the feeble-minded.” Such there always are. Their inward desires are as pure and sincere as any one else but they are weak in faith, lack courage to claim their rights in the gospel, and are therefore often much cast down with fears and doubts, and sore temptations. O how cheering to such is a visit, and good talk from the more established and triumphant in the faith of God. Thus we “support the weak.” How often the weak are neglected, and left to follow along in the rear without a kind effort to strengthen and rally them until they are finally overtaken in an outward fault, and then receive an abrupt rebuke. Had they been visited and built up when weak, they would never have given occasion for the reproof. May God give His people that wisdon by which they can discriminate between such who get out of the way through inward weakness, and partly through the churches neglect, and those who more wilfully sin. The latter should be reproved, even sharply, but the former class need a warm manifestation of love and sympathy mingled with exhortation. We often pray God to comfort His children who are in sickness, and spiritual trials. Well let us show you how God wants to answer your prayers.
Neverless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; and not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. — 2 Cor. 7:6, 7;
God comforted the Apostle by the coming of Titus, and by communicating to him a knowledge of the “earnest desire” and “fervent mind” of the Christians toward him. Therefore, when you ask God to comfort and bless His children in their sore trials and afflictions, be sure to let Him answer your prayers through a kind visit and encouraging talk from you.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. — 1 Thess. 5:11;
Thus should God’s children seek to know and relieve every fang of grief that presseth each others hearts, and thus hear one anothers burdens and edify one another. Yea “exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day; lest any of you be burdened through the deceitfulness of sin.” — Heb. 8:13; O dearly beloved in the Lord, we admonish you in love, not to neglect this holy commandment. And if any fail to assemble with the church, it is evident they either need strengthening in body, mind or spirit, or else they need admonishing. But in their absence from the public worship, you can only do this by visiting them.
A twofold obligation rests upon the elders to feed the flock, bring back the straying, strengthen the week and faltering, and render all possible aid to all who are in any trial and temptation. O ye dear brethren who are called to this exalted office, we charge you before God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ, that you suffer no soul to drift away from God, and go to the world, and you, beholding their declination, never visit them at their homes and labor earnestly for their recovery. It is not enough that you feed the flock of God that meet together. Your heart should be moved with solicitude for such as do not come up to the feast. A hireling who cares not for the sheep, but only feeds them for the pay, such a one we may expect more of, than to throw the feed down and go his way, caring not whether all the flock are able to come and eat or not. Perhaps a wounded sheep may lay and starve to death but a short distance from the food, and he cares not. But it is not. so with a shepherd who loves the sheep. If any come not up for the meal, he at once feels anxious about that one, and cannot rest until he finds out what the trouble is. But just as well sheep will come running for their feed when they hear the shepherds voice, so will all the whole in zion come up to the Lord’s house, unless unavoidaly hindered. And when any habitually remain at home, you know very well there is something wrong. And how can we have the love of God in the heart if we look not after such. God forbid that the tempted and discouraged should be driven to the conclusion that, “no man cares for my soul.” “Ye that are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.” O how many souls could be saved from utterly losing salvation, if they were just looked after, visited in sickness, comforted in trouble, strengthened in weakness and under temptations, and kindly set right when fallen into error. This is not only the duty, yea the double duty of the elders, but of all the saints of God. O be sure that you are so discharging your duty before God, that you can, without remorse, face all men at any moment at the bar of God. Finally never go with a cold accusation or reproof in your mouth when you should come with kind counsel, and patient help.
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SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK.
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THIS great work of the Lord has been sadly neglected, and not only the children, but older ones failed to receive the proper instruction in the Word of God, which cannot well be given in any other way with as good results, as to have schools formed where they can read and talk of Jesus, and all have teaching suited to their capacity. Especially should an effort be made for the children that they may be instructed in the ways of the Lord that they may learn to love the truth which is able to save their souls, and thus be brought up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Jesus saw the great necessity of calling them together, and He said: “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for such is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is still calling the little ones unto Him, but as they cannot now see Him with their natural eyes, they must in some way be taught how to come to Him, in order to receive the blessing. Their minds are not capable of understanding the deep things of God without a teacher to explain to them in a plain and simple way. We are sorry to know that there are some-professing christians who oppose this way of teaching the children, and instead, let them go without the proper instruction; without a knowledge of the way of the Lord; breaking the Sabbath, and taking delight in sin, and, being exposed to the wicked forces of this world, they may only add to the list of paupers and criminals. God help the people to realize the great responsibility resting upon them in this matter; not only for their own children, but also for those around them. Some hesitate and neglect this great work for fear of conforming to some of the customs of babylon, and thus let souls go on to destruction without an effort to save them. Because babylon has meetings, Sabbath-schools, and children’s meetings that are devoid of spirituality, is no reason why the true children of God should not use the best methods in working for the salvation of souls.
But the question now comes: How can it best be carried on to the glory of God? Let some one whom the Lord has chosen for that place act as superintendant, and see that every thing is carried on in the order of the Lord, and see to it that each class is supplied with a holy teacher who is capable of giving the proper instruction. The classes should not be too large, and should be arranged according to the age and natural ability. The sole aim should be the salvation of souls, and showing forth the spiritual import of the Scriptures, as well as making plain Itieral things. In no case should arguing be allowed.
As to selecting lessons, no doubt the best way would be to select some subject and continue the lessons in connection with it until completed; or, commence in some part of the Bible and study each chapter as they come, with the connecting Scriptures. In selecting a chapter here and there, without any particular connection, the thought is broken and as much connot be accomplished. Word verses may be committed to memory and recited. After the teachers have thoroughly instructed their classes, it would be well to have a few general questions by the superintendant and school, to explain the more difficult points. Good singing is one of the necessary things to give spiritual life to the work. The Study for the Bible classes should be kept up during the week, as well as on Sabbath, and it is wonderful how a person will thus improve in the knowledge of the Scriptures, and make advancement in the work of the salvation of souls.
It is not good to offer general prizes, as it gives place for strife and division. Keep free from Christmas trees, picnics, festivals etc., and let every thing be done in order, and to the glory of God. May the Lord stir up the hearts of the people to a sense of duty in regard to this work.
E. E. Byrum.
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THE BRIDE OF CHRIST.
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HER PURITY IN THE BEGINNING, HER MIXED AND DIVIDED CONDITION DURING THE DARK NIGHT OF APOSTASY, AND RESTORATION IN THE EVENING TIME OF THIS DISPENSATION.
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IN THE name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with thankfulness to the Father, we undertake to write on the above named subject.
What a heavenly pilgrim she is as she walks triumphantly through a sinful world in garments white as snow. Even now she has become an overcomer, the Church triumphant in this wicked world, as she walks with the Son of God, clothed in white.
In the first place we will ask, who is she? Is she a phantom, too mystical for a world like this? God Himself asks the same question in the inspired song of the typical bridegroom.
“Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness leaning upon her beloved.” — Cant. 8:5.
He who inspired the question can certainly answer it.
“Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great City, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a Jasper stone, clear as crystal.” — Rev. 21:9-11.
In the past when God’s Church was in the mists and fogs of her wilderness walk the opinion was prevalent that this City would not come down from heaven until the end of the world. But thanks be to God! the evening light has cleared away the mists of the “dark and cloudy day,” and we see her now as she sits with Jesus in the heavenlies, “clear as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners” — Cant. 6:10.
He calls the bride of Christ a Spiritual City, completely organized into wonderful unity. Thus the “Jerusalem which is from above,” which is the mother of all of God’s spiritual children shone forth in its early history, in unity and dearness, the wonder of a sinful world, And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of twelve tribes of Israel. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” — Rev. 21:12; 14:23. It is God’s intention that His Church, whether we take the members of Christ’s body separately or colletively, should be as a “city set on a hill whose light cannot be hid.”
In the early morning of her history, thus she appeared when at the day of Pentecost the Glory of God filled the temple of one hundred twenty hearts, then the Church appeared beautifully complete in holiness and unity, as she has not since the mystic apostasy spoken of by Paul in Thess. became firmly seated.
What power and unity we witness in the morning of her history.
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers; and fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, and all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possession and goods, and parted them to all as every man had need. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people, and the Lord added to (he Church daily such as should be saved.” (Greek, “such as were being saved.”) — Acts 2:41-47.
None were added to this Church but those the Lord added. No man undertook to take people in, or to open the doors of the Church.
“And of the rest (unbelievers) durst no man join himself to them; but the people magnified them, and believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes, both men and women.” — Acts 5:13, 14.
Here we see that being added to the Lord, and to the Church are the same. This is so, first, because the Church is the body of Christ. In 1 Cor. 12:12, we read “For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body; so also is Christ.” And secondly, there is nothing of man about it, but altogether divine, an “habitation of God through the Spirit.” “Thou shall call thy walls salvation, and thy gates praise;” — Isa. 60:18, and Christ Himself the door. Thus Christ’s Church appeared clear as crystal.
“As the light of the morning, when the sun ariseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing up out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” — 2 Sam. 23:4. But alas, the morning was only a little time spent in her history before clouds appeared, and from the year 270 she passed into not only a mixed and cloudy condition, but her sun went down in the dark ages of the Roman beast power. “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and will darken the earth in the clear day.” — Amos 8:9. But God knew the way she took, and by His prophets foretold of the Romish night she would pass into before again emerging into her apostolic clearness. “And it shall come to pass that the light shall not be clear nor dark; but shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day nor night; but it shall come to pass that at evening time it shall be light.” — Zee. 14:6, 7. This cloudy and mixed day was the wilderness walk of God’s Church during the reign of protestantism. Occasional gleams of light and truth as of a sun appearing in a cloudy day; thus the sun shone forth in reformations led by Huso and Luther, Wesley and others. But the truth taught by all was incomplete, and more or less inconsistent, relating to God’s Church in its oneness; clouds made up of creeds and divergent views, schools and orders, brought forth by the mother of harlots. “No seism in the body” was the order of the Church in the beginning; but now rent and torn, crucifying the Holy Christ afresh. But this was not without the Divine cognizance: For the mystery of iniquity doth already work; only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” 2 Thess. 2:7. This mystery of iniquity is the same spoken of by John in Rev. 17:5. “And upon her forehead was a name written MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. This was the leaven of sect apostasy, already beginning to work in the apostle’s time, and coming to a head in Catholicism who brought forth her harlot daughters, i. e., hundreds of other sects. “Little children, it is the last time, and as ye have heard that anti-christ shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
“They went out from us; but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would, no doubt, have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest they were not all of us.” Thus we see when the line of division is drawn between the pure kingdom and defiled babylon, between the body of Christ and the harlot or counterfeit churches, it serves the purpose of more thoroughly approving the established Church, the body of Christ, and making manifest the false.
“For there must be also heresies (Margin, sects) among you, that they which are approved, may be made manifest among you.” Every tiling not in complete unity with, and descending from the established church of the Bible, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth, is a heresy or sect, a division from the body of Christ, and I can say with Bishop Peck of the M. E. sect, “I would as soon be guilty of blasphemy, as to be guity of bringing in scism into the body of Christ.” In second Peter 2:1; the apostle speaks on this subject. But I here were false teachers among the people, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bough I them, and bringing upon themselves swift destruction. The revised version reads in the margin, destructive, sects or perdition; so also does the German. Thus we see heresies and sects are one and the same, even though they have taken out a patent right on some truth, that seems to give them respectability in the religious world, and the title of orthodox.
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THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
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A SEMI-MONTHLY HOLINESS JOURNAL
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DEFINITE, RADICAL, ANTI-SECTARIAN.
Sent Forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
For the Purity and Unity of His Church,
the Defence of ALL His Truth,
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.
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PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.
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D. S. WARNER, — Editor.
E. E. BYRUM, — Office Editor.
E. E. BYRUM and S. MICHELS, — Publishers.
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Our Address.
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Our address until further notice is as follows.
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SONGS OF VICTORY.
FOURTH EDITION.
Songs of Victory is specially adapted to Camp, Grove, and all other meetings for the worship of God. Also for the Sabbath school.
All orders accompanied by cash, will be promptly filled from single copy upward.
Price. Single copy, Manilla cover. 30 cts Cloth limp cover, 50cts. Per dozen. Manilla cover, $3.00. Cloth, $4.80
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THE SABBATH TRACT.
THE SABBATH,
—:OR:—
WHICH DAY TO KEEP.
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BIBLE Proofs that the change from the seventh, in the first day of the week, mas made by the Lord Himself.
This tract contains 64 pages: the price reduced to only 10 cts Per dozen $1.00.
God has enabled us to set forth the subject in the clear light of abundance of Scripture. So every render of the TRUMPET can glorify God in sending your orders for this Tract. This will also be a good financial help to spread other matter for the Lord.
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ANTHEMS FROM THE THRONE.
SECOND EDITION.
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It contains 148 songs. 90 with music About all new. The pages are some larger than Songs of Victory. When sang in the Spirit of God, these songs will be found glorious. They hymn the precious present truth, and the Gospel standard of salvation.
An important held of usefulness is open for those saints who can teach the Churches these songs, and the saints and their children to sing by note. It will be a great help to the cause of salvation, and give interest to Sabbath Schools. Send in your order for Anthems from the Throne, and start the songs of praise anew. Prices as follows.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS RECEIVED SINCE LAST ISSUE, NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.
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| Matilda Songer |
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Camp and Grove Meeting List.
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THERE will be a grove meeting held in Northern Michigan, in the township of Helena Antrim Co. on the shore of Torch Lake and Clam River. Commencing May 30, and continuing over Lord’s day, June 2nd, or longer if the Lord wills; let there be a general coming together of all God’s saints in the northern country. We are praying and looking forward for a glorious season, waiting upon the Lord. O come all ye ransomed of the Lord and join with us in giving of thanks to Him who hath redeemed us by His blood. All will be freely provided for that come from a distance.
W. B. Grover.
THE Lord willing, there will be a grove meeting held in Noble, Branch Co. Mich. Six miles south of Bronson, beginning June 1st. to continue a few days. We are trusting the Lord to send whom He will to preach the word. We cannot offer financial assistance nor general sympathy, but our house will be open to all that come; and will meet you at Bronson, Saturday noon, June 1 st. Let all the beloved ones who feel directed of the Lord, come strong in faith that God will do a wonderful work. Bro. J. P. Haner expects to be there. Yours in Jesus.
Jno. O. Smith.
THERE will be a meeting at or near Edenville, Mich., beginning May 30 in the evening, to continue over Sabbath, June 2, it the Lord wills. Bro. and Sister Walters and myself will be present, and if the Lord leads any of the brethren, let them come.
T. J. Cox.
There will be a Grove-meeting 5 miles south west of Lima Ind., and 7 miles north west of Lagrange Center, commencing June 5, to continue a week, or longer if the Lord wills. Any of the brethren in the ministry feeling led of the Lord to come, please write and let us know.
Address, Wm R. Gooding,
Lagrange, Ind.
BANGOR CAMP-MEETING
JUNE 12-21. The time is drawing nigh for this meeting. A glorious time is expected. The saints round about here are pretty generally aglow with the Spirit. Meetings are being held all around, with success at every point. The Lord seems to be at work about here. I hope the devil will not persuade so many of God’s children that they are not able to attend the meeting, and tent on the ground, as he so disgustingly fooled many last year. There should be three times the number of tents oh the ground this year. Resist the devil, come up to the feast, and help to rescue perishing souls, pitch your tent in the name of Jesus, and get the great benefit.
A boarding tent will doubtless be on the ground. The building Bro. Palmer spake of must be erected by all means. Some, wo learn have responded, let others do so at once.
We are doing all we can to get passes at reduced rates. But if several come on any road they can get rates by applying there, at least if a company of ten goes from one place. We hope to see a host of saints from every direction. We have no great men to announce, to draw the people; but greater than all Jesus will he present on that ground throughout the meeting. “Come and see.” Saints coming from the east or west on the Mich. Central can stop here at Grand Junction, and there will be teams to take you out. From the north on the Chicago & West Mich., stop at Breedsville, which is but two miles from camp. From the south, stop at Bangor, also two miles from camp. Teams will be at trains the first day of the meeting — June 12th. Persons coming before or after then, had better write and inform Bro John Harris, Bangor, Mich. Persons coming from the west can come to South Haven, Mich.; from Chicago by the steamboat “H. W Williams,” of South Haven, for $1.00. Boat leaves Chicago at 9 o’clock at night, on Sabbath, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. Any one coming that way notify Bro. S. Michels at South Haven, Mich., and you will be met in South Haven.
The Lord bring out a great convocation of saints and hungry sinners. Come in strong faith that God will do a mighty work. Persons from afar who have not the means to pay board will be freely fed. Come, in the name of Jesus, all who love God, and all who would seek to know Him and His great salvation. We expect the best camp-meeting there has ever yet been. All glory to the King Eternal. Amen!
A GROVE MEETING
NEAR Johnstown, Barry Co., Mich., is called for by Bro. W. H. Merritt of Bedford, Calhoun Co., Mich. He says there are saints living at that place who desire the meeting. The time of this meeting will he June 25-30. Persons coming by R. R will be met at Battle Creek, Mich., if they give due notice to Bro. Merrit. A general invitation is sent to saints.
About the same time there should be a camp-meeting in Gratiot Co. Mich. Wish we could announce it now, but have received no word that we know of. After the Beaver Dam Camp-meeting, you will see from the following notices, that the field forces principally march to the east and south-east. The next great feast will he,
BEAVER DAM, IND.
THIS meeting will be held the Lord willing, Aug. 1-8, ’89.
This beautiful camp is in the east edge of Fulton Co., Ind. Mentone on the Nickle Plate R R., is the nearest station north. Akron on the Chicago and Atlantic is a few miles to the south. Rochester on the Lake Erie and Western R. R., is about 8 miles west. All coming to the former places, notify Bro. Geo. S. Bryant, Akron, Ind. Those coming to Rochester, inform Bro. David Leininger. Akron, Ind. State the time. The saints have a beautiful grove, good pavillion with comfortable seats. The person who is in fellowship with the God of the Bible, will find an extensive degree of heaven on this camp-ground. We rejoice in the prospect of enjoying that glorious feast before our company starts to the Atlantic coast. A boarding tent will he on the ground, and all who are poor, and worthy, will be provided for freely. We hope to see a large assembly of the “holy people” met there, and showers of blessings come down on all our souls. Amen!
JERRY CITY, OHIO. CAMP-MEETING.
At the close of the Beaver Dam meeting, the Lord wants one force, which will probably consist of Bro’s Palmer, Kilpatrick, and Speck, to go to Jerry City Wood Co., Ohio Camp-meeting, which will he Aug. 9-18, ’89. Address Bro. Wm. H. Miller, Jerry City, Ohio. More particulars in the future. From here the same messengers of the Kingdom to
RED LYON, PA. CAMP-MEETING,
WHICH will begin, the Lord willing, Aug. 20, and last nine days. Address Bro. Samuel Martz, Pittsville, Venango Co., Pa. More particulars in the future.
Then from the Beaver Dam camp another company of workers is called of the Lord to a campaign leading to the south- east, first to a
GROVE MEETING AT ROANOKE.
THE time will be August 9-15. The brethren there have secured a beautiful grove close to the town, supplied with good water. Roanoke is in Huntington Co., Ind., and on the Toledo, Wabash, & Western R. R., not very far west of Ft. Wayne, Ind. Just who the Lord will set on this line of march we do not yet know. Address Bro. J. W. Zent, Roanoke Ind. The same force will next go on to Praise Chapel, and perhaps hold somewhere in that vicinity or near
DEARFIELD IND. A GROVE-MEETING.
AUGUST 16-21, ’89. Address Bro. H. C. Wickersham, New Pittsburg, Randolph Co., Ind. More particulars in the future. From this place, the next battlefield will ie a
GROVE-MEETING NEAR SIDNEY, OHIO.
AUGUST 23-30, ’89. Concerning which Bro. A. J. Fosnight of Sidney Ohio, writes: “We have a beautiful grove. We expect to build one large tent on the ground to accommodate as many as possible. We expect a number of the saints from all parts. We believe it is the will of God to send us some workers that have not been here before, but we welcome whoever He may send. The saints here are all very free, and we say, come all that can.”
AT RIDGEVILLE, HENRY CO., OHIO,
THERE is a call for a grove-meeting. A brother that can speak the German language is much desired there. We do not know when this meeting can be held. The Lord move some one to send the appointment. If any brother will say when he can go there, we feel assured that Bro. Spackey of Jerry City Ohio will go and deliver the Lord’s message in German. Some one please to respond this call, and in form us, and
Bro. John Brodbeck,
Archbold, Fulton Co., Ohio.
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A CHILDREN’S PAPER.
To all the saints, and to all children everywhere that are interested: — We are happy to announce that a paper for the children is about to be started. Many have been writing to us encouraging us to publish such a paper. We were thinking of doing so, when we doubt not that the Lord directed our minds to Bro. O. L. Kaumeyer, of Chippawa, Ont., as one we thought well qualified for this calling, and being provided with a competent printing office. We wrote him about the matter, and he is willing to publish the same, and expects to start it soon. We wish to say to the saints that we personally met Bro. Kaumeyer when in Canada, and believe him to be a good true child of God. And since we have as much work as we can well do, we are glad that the Lord has raised this brother up for this work. He asked us to suggest a name for the paper. This has been suggested to our mind, and we have sent it to him; namely: “Evening Light for the Children.” This would do well unless the Lord gives the brother something else. If so amen! The brother will publish the paper every two weeks, and desires to make the price as low as possible. That will be modified, however, by the number of papers taken. The paper will be good sized for a children’s paper, and he will strart the price it 30 cents a year, which is as low as it could be p..dis ..e.., at least until it reaches several thousand circulation. Bro. Byrum and myself have both promised to contribute to this paper. We will all do what we can to help in its publication. Now dear readers, will you proceed at once to send in your list of names with the money; or the better way is just to send the money, and distribute the papers to the individuals in your sabbath-school, or otherwise. We hope the dear saints will not neglect this. There has been such a paper needed for a long time, and now is the time to strike. May God bless the undertaking. Read Bro. Kaumeyer’s testimony in this paper, for a better acquaintance with him. And any one feeling led of the Lord to write articles for the paper, your help will be thankfully received.
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Whittlesy, Ohio.
I feel led to write my testimony. The Lord saves me, and I know that He is mine and I am His. I am walking in all the light He gives me I praise God for what He has done for me. Pray for me.
Your Bro. in Christ, saved by the power of God.
W. M. Bensinger.
NEW CHURCH TRACT.
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WE are now printing a new tract by D. S. Warner, of about 40 pages the size of the Sabbath tract. It is carefully written, and very forcibly shows, the Divine origin, foundation, head, door, membership, organization, holiness, and unity of the Church, and the basis of unity. It also distinguishes between the True Church, and all sects. Shows the evil of Schisms, and proves the perfection and practicability of the Church, as founded by Christ, and set forth in the New Testament, without any man-made machinery, creeds, systems and manipulations. It refutes the falsehood that we have to be a sect, and nails every thing down to the Word.
Would to God that we could send it free every where. But it costs paper, ink, mailing expense etc. But we put it down just as cheap as we can, to cover expenses, and what we may give to the poor who cannot pay.
Price, per one book , . . . . . . . 10 cts.
“ per dozen. . . . . . . . . . 80 “
“ per hundred, . . . . . . $ 5,00.
There has been a long demand for such books. Now let all who love the truth send your orders by the hundred. It will be ready in a few days. We send all books, postage prepaid.
Address Gosper Trumpet.
Grand Jucntion, Mich.
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SHAM HOLINESS.
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THIS world is so overrun with professors of holiness, and the deception is so great in some cases, that if it were possible they would deceive the very elect. How inconsistent it is for any one to make a profession of holiness, and not recognize the Lord’s prayer concerning us; “Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” — Jno. 17:20, 21. Here we can see the inconsistency of establishing any other way but Christ, who says, “I am the way;” and yet professors of Holiness will bolster up such work as this, which furnishes the infidel with powerful arms to attack the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and which also perplexes the minds of the poor heathen, and turns away many from the simplicity of the Gospel. We realize that we are living in perilous times. Satan has invented several hundred different “sect” ways which will lead men into hell if continued therein. The sound goes through all the earth — Lo, here is Christ, or, lo, He is there; believe it not: for false christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things. — Mark 13:21-23. O the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet! — professing Christians carousing about all night in a masquerade ball, and from thence hasting away to the Lord’s communion table. We have also observed how these satanic agents have enticed some of God’s people in the past, which resulted in downright backsliding, and the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. It had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them Reader, does this concern you? Be not discouraged; God still stands with outstretched arm, welcoming all that obey Him. He hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that they all repent and believe the Gospel. Resist the devil and he will flee from you; draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you.
The saints will please take notice that the publication of the “Church Guide” has ceased, and we now would exhort them to keep this good work moving on. We recommend the “Gospel Trumpet” to our readers in its stead.
Let us labor while the day lasts, for the night cometh, when no man can work.
C. L. Kaumeyer.
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Aurora, Ill.
Dear Saints of the Most High: — I am saved by a second work of grace; both justified and sanctified, and kept by the mighty power of God unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Pray for me.
Joseph Taylor.
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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
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Our last report was written from St. Petersburg Pa. Where we met a few times with the Church. Found all the dear ones faithful and growing rapidly in the grace of God, and in the knowledge of the truth. Praise God! it was a divine joy to our hearts to find all, the dear converts standing so firm in Jesus. We went one night out to the White Church near Mariesville, and one soul came to the altar, and we trust found Jesus. Two more with much feeling raised their hands for prayers, and promised to give their hearts to the Lord.
From here, accompanied by Bro. Clayton, we went down the crooked Alleghany River, and stopped off the train at Kittanning, Armstrong Co. After taking refreshments with Father and Mother Myrtle, who are very happy old pilgrims, having in their old age made good their escape from babylon, we were conveyed by brethren into the country. On the next day, (sabbath) we began a meeting in a meeting house not far from the village of Blanco. We found some very precious saints here, and had some glorious meetings. Several souls were saved and made to rejoice in the Lord. Only, in one thing were our expectations not realized. We did not meet as many saints from abroad as we had hoped. But the Lord most gloriously met with us, and blessed our souls, and all were much refreshed. God bless His precious children at that place.
We were next conveyed about 15 miles south through beautiful and majestic hills to Cochrans Mills, a few miles from which, in the Shellhamer neighborhood, where the saints also have the use of a house of worship. Some of the little ones from the former place accompanied us, and the Lord helped us to preach the awful Word to the people in that place. There were a few consecrated, but the meetings were not as fruitful as at the former place. We found a very malignant Spirit of hatred to Christ and His truth distilled into the hearts of the people by the sectarian influences. O what awful darkness is upon the people. Some endeavoring to adhere to the saints were not clear in their souls, in fact, but very few were wholly sanctified, but here also we found some very precious souls, whose sweet Spirits and fervent love shall never be forgotten. All at both places were kind to us, and were not forgetful of our traveling necessities. The Lord reward them all. Bro’s. Clayton Evans and Koonce have opened up the work in this Co. in several places, where little groups stand complete in Christ. After assembling a few days with the Church there, we had to take our departure again. Bro. Clayton accompanied us as far as Pittsburg. From here we took the Pittsburg Ft Wayne and Chicago, R. R. for Warsaw Ind; thence by hack to Beaver Dam. where we had the exceeding joy of meeting Dearly beloved Bro’s. Kilpatrick, Speck, Bro. and Sister Cole, Bro. and Sister Dillon, and the dear saints at that place. And my own dear child Sidney. O what a blessed privilege! That night we met with many at the Hahn School-house. Over the following Sabbath there was a holy convocation at Beaver Dam. Truly the house was filled with the glory of God. In one meeting between 90 and 100 saints testified for Jesus. In the evening the holy ordinances of Christ were observed with deep solemnity, and with a glorious consciousness of the Master in the midst. Blessed be His name forever!
The next day Bro. Kilpatrick, and Sisters Frankie Miller, and Nannie Kigar went to Payne Ohio to rest a while. That being the home of Bro. K. and sister N. During the week the rest of us all came here to our home, and have been holding meetings with the Churches about here, and at every place the Lord is saving souls. Amen!
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Chippawa, Ont.
Dear Brethren: — Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always, in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the Gospel, ye are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve all things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, whichare by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God Phil. 1:2-11;
These different passages of scripture, so beautifully set forth by the Apostle Paul, in Philipians, are the language of my heart. For the great love I have for all of God’s ministers, and saints, whose fellowship I so much enjoy. I thank God for justifying and sanctifying my soul, and healing my body from time to time.
Next to the Bible, I praise the GOSPEL TRUMPET, for its plain Bible doctrine, and faithful dealing; Publishing, and preaching a pure Gospel as it is in Christ Jesus. I would not forget to thank God, through Jesus Christ, for sending Bro. WARNER to our country, and making them such a great blessing, and help to us. Glory to Jesus! Through their labors, the church of Christ has been established and built up in the most holy faith. Praise the Lord! Besides this, churches in Christ have been raised up in Welland and Crowland. Praise God! Bro. Warner was wonderfully helped of the Lord, in preaching and expounding the Scripures to us; at an ordinance meeting in Crowland he lost his voice, but it was completely restored to him before all.
This meeting was wonderful! wonderful!! This ordinance meeting with the dear saints, was one of the most powerful meetings I was ever at; it was a real spiritual feast to our souls, I must not forget to mention the meeting for healing at father and mother Buchners house, when eight of us came together for healing. The elders layed hands upon us, and anointed us with oil in the name of Lord, according to His Word, healed us of our troubles, and led us to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Praise His holy name forever more! While the Co. were at Welland, I felt the Lord would have me visit other Churches and places beyond. I held a few meetings at Perry Station, 15 miles west of Welland. Left the Church, some six in number, greatly encouraged in the Lord. I found them all much cast down in soul. I left dear Bro. James Putman, to care for them, as elder. From here I went to Dunville, some 8 miles west, among the McIntire brethren, where we held a few meetings, and had much liberty in Christ. The devil was greatly stirred among them. Who I found to be a very crooked lot of people. We had victory through all these meetings, after which we went 5 miles north, to Attercliff Station, and held a few meetings for Jesus.
Bro. John Smith of Fenwick Ont. has sold out and is going to labor for Jesus. He is wholly consecrated, and feels that the Lord wants him to give up farming, and preach His everlasting Gospel to the perishing. The Lord gave me great victory at dear sister Birdsells house, of Fenwick, where a few of us met in Jesus name. Satan came also to disturb, and break up the meeting; but God came to our help, and he was completely routed and put to flight. Glory to Jesus!
J.Iroine and companion, Evanglists of the Methodists sect, for 25 years, are now holding holiness and healing meeting at Niagara Falls, every Sunday, are seeing the crookedness of the sects, and are under conviction to come out on the Lord’s side. Let all the dear saints pray for the work in Canada, that we may have the unity of the Spirit, and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, that many may be added to the Lord.
Your brother in Christ.
Tho’s. McClive,
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St. Louis, Mich. May, 14, ’89.
Dearly Beloved Saints: — We are all well and saved in Jesus, doing the will of the Lord. The meeting in St. Louis was a glorious success in the name of king Jesus, we had great victory during every meeting. There were four consecrated to God, and the Church was greatly strengthened, all crookedness and prejudice disappeared; and joy and peace now reigns. All praise and glory be to our God forever.
Our next meeting we held near Sethton. New Haven where we met with the Church of God and the Lord wonderfully poured out His Holy Spirit on the people, and greatly renewed their spirits. On Sunday evening we enjoyed a most glorious ordinance meeting, 13 obeyed the command of Jesus in washing the saints feet, while the house was nearly filled with people looking on with the best of attention. O how wonderful was the power of God in holding the audience in perfect silence, while the waves of glory filled the place. May God keep them wallring in the light of the gospel.
We are saved, kept by the power of God.
A. J. Shelly. & C. E. Reeves.
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Augusta, Ga.
Dear Brethren: — I am sanctified through the truth of God. About four months ago we were led of the Spirit to hold meetings in different parts of this city, with great results. Praise God, souls have been added to the Church. There were three converted, four sanctified, and one reclaimed from a backslidden life. Many more anxious souls are inquiring as the people did on the day of Pentecost, saying: “Men and brethren what shall we do.” — Acts, 2:32; We beg the prayers of all the saints that the effectual doors may remain open, that many hearts may be softened by the preaching of the Word, and receive salvation. Brother H. A. Sanford has been out in the field and three souls were baptized on May 5 th at Clinton, S. C. and a good prospect for a great work to be done. We are being opposed by those who are of the synagogue of satan, but glory be to God! it only makes us press the harder toward the mark of the high calling in God through Christ Jesus.
Yours in Christ.
H. L. Simmons.
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Sweetser, Ind.
Dearly beloved: — May God wonderfully bless you with all the fulness of God. And keep you filled with His glory. O praise our God for salvation and victory through Jesus name. This the victory that over-cometh the world, even our faith. Praise God for faith once delivered to the saints. We had wonderful victory at willow Chapel, 3 miles West of Portland, Jay Co. God was with us in mighty saving power. The meeting closed the 9 th of May, with a glorious victory. During the meeting there were over 20 consecrations for pardon and purity; and several cases of healing. After meeting closed 3 were anointed, and hands laid on them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Lord wonderfully healed them. When we came there and began meeting, we found things in a very bad condition. The saints had been compromising with babylon, sympathizing with the works of the devil, even letting an old Campbellite sinner, come in and read the Word and try to instruct and edify them, this had been rebuked before we came, but they were not free from the compromising spirit. But they soon saw that the hail of the Word, did not hurt the wheat, but just riddled the walls of babylon, setting her on fire, and overflowing her hiding places. The hail swept away the refuge of lies, (sect doctrine.) They saw the difference between the pure bride — the Church of Jesus Christ, and sect babylon. The second night, the devil thought he would scare us, by throwing 6 rotten eggs at us while preaching, but Father did not let one touch us. Hallelujah! The last night was a wonderful time, leaping shouting and praising God. Brethren do not compromise with babylon; read and obey, Titus, 3:9-11; Remember us in Your prayers.
We are here in the name of Jesus, sanctified wholly, and filled with the eternal glory. Amen!
J. P. Haner.
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Thayer, Kan.
Dear Brother in Christ: — May God’s richest blessing rest upon you. I can say to the glory of God, we are sweetly saved in Jesus, reigning in this life by one Christ Jesus. Amen! We commenced Tabernacle meeting at this place a short time ago. We have good interest, souls are seeking the evening light. Babylon begins to fear for her merchandise. We have real victoy in our souls for the rescueing of others. This is a new field of labor. Let all the saints pray much for the work in Kan. We remain Yours in Christ, under the blood of Jesus.
F. Houghton. & G, R. Achor.
OBITUARIES.
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Laura May, daughter of C. F. and Samantha Perkins, was born at Albany, White- side Co. Ill., May 16, 1888, where she died May 8, 1889, aged 11 mo. and 22 days. The parents though grieved at heart, at the thought that they shall never again, see their little one in this life, to cheer their home with its bright smiles, yet they are comforted with the assurance that she has escaped a world of care, sorrow and sin, and has gone to dwell forever with Him who said — “of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Go to thy rest, fair child!
Go to thy dreamless bed;
While yet so gentle, undefiled,
With blessings on thy head.
Before thy heart had learned,
In waywardness to stray,
Before thy feet had ever turned,
The dark and downward way.
Ere sin had seared the breast,
Or sorrow woke the tear,
Rise to thy throne of changeless rest,
In your celestial sphere.
Because thy smile was fair,
Thy lip and eye so bright,
Because thy loving cradle care,
Was such a great delight,
Shall love with weak embrace,
Thy upward wing detain?
No I gentle angel seek thy place,
Amid the cherub train.
Funeral services by
A. Byers.
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Correspondence.
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Meriden, Kan.
Gospel Trumpet: — “They overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.”
I am thankful to God that there is a way to overcome the enemy of cur souls. And I intend by the grace of God, to take advantage of it. “For what will it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his soul.” It shall be the whole business of my life to prepare for eternity. And may God give us all wisdom to discern the wiles of the enemy. For he comes as an angel of light, aud if possible, would deceive the very elect. But there is a way of escape. Praise our God! My soul is victor over the world, flesh, and the devil. I am dead to the world, and alive unto God for His great mercy to me. Your sister in Christ
Jennie C. Rutty.
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Meriden, Kan.
Dear Saints: — I feel led of the Lord to write my testimony for God. It is a feast to my soul to read the testimonies of the children of God. Oh what fellowship I can feel as I read them. I am constantly praising God for a full and free salvation, that keeps me from all sin. I am all on the altar, that sanctifies the gift; and by the grace of God I intend to stay there. I was walking in complete darkness, but now I am walking in the light as He is in the light. I do praise God for ever saving my soul, and has brought me low at the feet of Jesus, where I can sing His praises. Praise His holy name! I am saved and kept by the mighty power of God, amen. Pray for me that I may be true to God. Praise the name of Jesus, I am saved and doing the will of God in all things.
Your sister saved and sanctified.
Frankie Eshom.
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Kingsley, Mich.
Dear Saints: — As I read the TRUMPET, it is food to my soul, to see so many testmonies for God and Heaven. I with you can say, I have a present salvation that saves me completely from the world, flesh and the devil, with all its entanglements. Kept by the power of God, and walking in all light God gives me.
Your sister in Christ.
Emma Stanton.
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Augsta, Ga.
Dear Brethren: — Feeling led of the Spirit to write some of my experience, in the fear of God, I obey. Four years ago this fall: God for Christ sake, pardoned my sins, and about six weeks after, I thought I received the Holy Ghost the sanctifier, and went on this way about six months, when I found myself fighting mad. I at once saw I had not put off the old man with his deeds; I then began to pray for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and a short time after, the Lord healed me of a disease, which baffled the skill of six Dr’s. I give Him all the glory for it. I went on thinking I was all right, until at last I became aware that I had not complied with the terms of the Gospel. While in this condition, a copy of the TRUMPET was given to me, and finding that it said some hard things against the sect, of which I was member, — the M. E. sect. I began to search the scriptures, and the Spirit of God led me to see the blessed evening light, which I accepted, and was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Soon after there was a split in our little band, and I strayed off into the Salvation Army, and stayed there a while. But hearing the call of God to go and preach the gospel to every creature, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I obeyed the call, and gave myself to God anew, and now I am doing His whole will, sanctified through the truth, added to the Church of God.
Yours in the bonds of love.
J. D. Kendrick.
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Latausal Falls, Oregon.
Dear Saints: — I am praising God for a complete salvation. I am saved from all sin, and delivered from all sectism.
My family is here in Oregon, and we are the only saints I know of in these parts. There are a few sects here, but they are twice dead and plucked up by the roots.
I am your Bro. in the Body of Christ.
Edward Cole.
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Kingsley, Mich.
Dear Saints of God: — I feel impressed of the Lord to write my testimony of what the dear Lord is doing for me. It does me so much good to read the many most precious testimonies in the “GOSPEL TRUMPET” of what the Lord is doing for His dear people in these last days.
I praise Him for salvation, keeping and healing power just now. The dear Lord has sanctified my soul from all sin and healed my body from physical disabilities. Praise His most holy name!
If all who profess the salvation of Jesus would let go all that is not of God, they would soon know of these things for themselves. I do praise God that He ever led me out of sect babylon; viz., the M. E. sect. Oh how blind I was while in there. After I was freed from the cage of deception, I went there a few times to worship, and soon found myself getting on the back-ground again; and when I took it to the Lord He gave me this Scripture to read: “Let them return unto thee, but return not thou unto them.” Since that time I have stayed away, and He has blessedly kept me ever since in perfect peace.
I am your sister under the blood of the Lamb.
Mary A. Sheldon.
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Emlenton, Pa.
Dear Trumpet Readers: — I am saved and sanctified just now from all sin and sectism, and filled with the precious love of God. I was a member of a sect for 25 years, but since I heard the truth I am no more a sect-ite, bless God!
I enjoy more of the real peace of God in my soul since God’s ministers have been here, than I did in all my past life in babylon. I cannot tell half what the dear Lord has done for me and my family. We are having most precious meetings in the name of Jesus. I indorse all the teachings of the GOSPEL TRUMPET. I was led to see the truth it teaches before I ever saw the paper.
I am your sister washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Jane Heeler.
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LaFayette, Mich.
Dear Saints Greeting: — May the dear Lord bless and keep you faithful unto the end, is my prayer. I am saved and sanctified wholly by the blood of Jesus. I do praise God for the Comforter — the Holy Ghost, that leads us into all truth, glory be to God! When the Father and Son come and take up their abode in us, we are not running into heresy every little while, for they lead us into all truth. But before the Holy Ghost enters in, we must be crucified with Christ, that the old man might be destroyed; for “ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Praise God! when we become dead, and the old man, the body of sin is destroyed, we live with an eye single to God’s glory. Your brother in Christ.
C. E. Reeves.
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SETTLE IT BY THE WORD.
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A SHORT time ago, some one in writing to her sect paper, said she wanted it distinctly understood that she was a member of the M. B. C. Church, and expected to remain such. She further says: “I can’t find a better church than the one to which I belong, but I must say there are things in our church I think ought not to be; but where on earth can we find a perfect church?” This very clearly shows how a person may be deceived and led astray, and yet satisfied to remain in that state of deception; and thus it is with millions of professors of religion. They do not understand what the true Church is, and do not discern the body of Christ. If the “Mennonite Brethren in Christ” is the one, and only true Church — the one spoken of in the Bible — then let us all join it and we will be in a sale place, where the enemy cannot touch us as long as we stay in it, and against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. But first let us measure it by the Word of God, and see if it answers the description, and will stand the test. See if it is “a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, * * * holy and without blemish” as the one spoken of in Eph. 5:27. Here we read of a perfect Church, the existence of which the sister seems to know nothing about. She does not claim that her church is without spot or blemish but says there are things in it which she thinks ought not to be.
This perfect Church was established on earth upon the day of Pentecost, when about three thousand souls “were added unto them.” We do not read that they were taken in by the right hand of fellowship, or by answering the questions in a discipline, or going through some sectish performance. But “they that gladly received the Word” were the ones that were added. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,” which was the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. We read nothing in the Word of God about this Church being called the M. B. C., nor of having any branches by that name; for it was called the Church of the Firstborn. Christ tells us that wo arc branches of Him, Jno. 15:6, and members of Him, 1 Cor. 6:15, and He sets the members in the body as it pleaseth Him. So we must conclude that this sect of which the sister spoke is not the Church of the Firstborn; was not in existence during the time of the apostles: is not a pure Church without spot or blemish; is not a branch of the perfect Church, but is a descendant of old mother Rome; a daughter of the MOTHER OF HARLOTS — the Roman Catholic sect. Then instead of being the Church of the Firstborn, it is only one of the harlot daughters of babylon.
Let us now appeal to the Word of God, and see if it is His will for His children to join this sect or not. “Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.,” — 1 Cor. 6:15. Then in order to join church, it is contrary to His will for us to join anything else besides Christ; for “He is the head of the body, the Church;” “and ye are complete in Him.” In His Church are no hypocrites, seisms, — sects, — livisions, etc., but all is in glorious harmony. God not only denounces one sect, but all of them, and to those of His children who have joined themselves to some creed, He has issued the proclamation: “Come out of her my people.” “Come out from among them and be ye separate, thus saith the Lord.” The many hundred religious denominations of to-day form a regular mass of babylon confusion. God has declared their destruction, and says: “Thus shall babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her.” “Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed.” The time is now here when this prophecy is being fulfilled. Their power with God is destroyed, yet they go on with a profession, deceiving and being deceived, ensnaring many honest souls who are starving for want of spiritual food. Yet some seem satisfied to remain in the clutches of these deceptive institutions of babylon, with destruction staring them in the face; and in spite of all the commands of the Lord for them to “come out from among them,” the poor duped souls remain in her, and lose all the joy and peace of God out of their souls, and go on with a mere profession and “Hope to prove faithful unto the end, and finally gain a home in heaven.” But “God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man so we that shall he also reap;” and they will find out their sad mistake when it is too late. Many think they belong to the best denomination on earth, and perhaps they do belong to as good as any; but it is far from being the genuine, true Church of God, and is only a counterfeit. The counterfeit nearest like the genuine is the one that is hardest to detect, and deceives the most people; but when brought under the eye of an expert detective and tested, it is found to be as worthless as any of the other counterfeits. So the sect that nearest represents the true Church, is the one that deceives the most people. Even let the heathen become truly converted to God, and their spiritual eyes will be opened that they can clearly see the awful desolate condition of the so-called churches. This is very clearly illustrated by the following of the learned and eloquent Hindoo woman. Pundita Ramibai, who after being converted saw the divisions among the professed children of God, and upon being asked to what denomination she belonged, she replied: “I belong to the universal Church of Christ. I meet good Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians and Presbyterians, and each tells me something difierent about the Bible. So it seems to me better to go there myself and find the best I can: And there I find Christ the Savior of the world, and Him I give my heart. I do not profess to be of any particular denomination, for I would go back to India simply as a Christian.
To my mind it appears that the New Testament, and especially the words of the Savior, are a sufficiently elaborate creed.”
What a blessing it would be if a few more heathens would get converted and visit this sin-cursed nation to enlighten the darkened hearts of the professed Christians who are groping along in spiritual darkness, and point them to Jesus, and warn them to flee the wrath to come and turn from their evil ways, and find a completeness in Christ alone. It is true there are some good honest souls in some of the different denominations, but to such ones God says; “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” And when the true light shines forth and you resist this call, and will not obey Him by coming out from among them, you rebel against the Lord, and are no longer a child of God; not one of His people. Christ tells us that He is “the good shepherd,” “the door of the sheep. His Church is the fold in which we are secure from the hand of the enemy. He also says: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” — Jno. 10:16. Here the Lord represents His children as sheep and says they shall all be in one fold, namely His one Church. Hence they must come out of all other folds — or sects — which are separated by the high walls of sectarianism, and the members bound down and burdened by their disciplines, laws, customs, etc. Their shepherds — or ministers — feed themselves instead of the flock; and thus we read in the 34th chapter of Ezek. God’s reproof and denouncement of the false shepherds. Isaiah calls them “blind, ignorant” watchmen and fully describes them in Isa. 56:10-12. Truly the ministers of babylon are spiritually blind, as well as their members, and are ignorant of the ways of the Lord, and the glorious experience and freedom of a true child of God. Yet they cling to their creeds, names of blasphemy, customs, etc. Some claim to be free from creeds, and yet hang on to some custom or outward form — which the Bible does not substantiate — by which they are known. But in Jer. 50 and 51 chapters we read God’s judgment against them all, and he says babylon shall sink to rise no more.
Praise the Lord! the evening light is now shining forth in the glorious splendor of God’s true Church, and the Gospel is being preached in its purity. And whereever the light shines forth, babylon becomes as a burnt over mountain. And all who receive the light “come out” and walk in it or they will soon he in utter darkness. For Jesus says: “while ye lave the light, believe in the light.” and “walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” Then in order to be a member of the true Church, we must live free from all sin, and keep ourselves unspotted from the world; and recognize nothing as the Church but’ the Body of Christ, which the Word of God calls the Church, Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18, 24.
No sect is the Body of Christ, therefore no sect is the Church.
E. E. Byrum.
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I AM REDEEMED.
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Grand Junction Mich.
Hallelujah to God and the Lamb forever and ever! amen.
To all the saints greeting: — I am happy to report through the TRUMPET once more that I am saved and wholly sanctified. Yes I am redeemed, “not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” — 1 Pet. 1:18, 19;
While in Rochester Ind. the day before the Beaver Dam C. M. I received a sun stroke, which disqualified me for duty. I applied for healing, but was only partially relieved. Why I did not have faith for complete healing was unknown to me. The saints all seemed to think there was something wrong in my case spiritually, but the real cause seemed hid from us all. I then came to God in faith, to know the worst of my case. He soon showed me how I had embraced error from the teaching of one I had great confidence in. I heard those who claimed to be saints, speaking of him and others, healing the sick. I told him that did not sound right to me, but he replied, “that is all right, for the Apostles healed.” Had I turned at once to the third of acts. I surely would have rejected that error, Again having heard a dear soul state that I had been teaching them to take every thing to God in prayer, he said: “it is all right to take the salvation of our souls, and the healing of our bodies to God, but to take all our little things to Him is fanaticism. I was quite sure that was error, but failed to instantly reject it, and before I was aware of it, I was practicing the same error. Read Phil. 4:6; which shows that all our requests are to be made known to God. The nature of these errors is to rob God and give honor to men, and are self-exalting in their tendency. Some of the brethren advised me to come as a sinner, which I did and soon knew the past was all for given. After which I consecrated for sanctification, and received the Holy Ghost, but was not healed. I passed through various attacks of diseases, and of satan, for about six months, and while suffering with fever, I thought if I only had the faith I once had, I would not be sick so long, for I had the gift of faith in the past, and now was much pressed with my need of having those gifts restored. Although I had the Holy Ghost, yet the gifts seemed almost a blank to me. Then I enquired of the Lord, what about the gifts? He gave me to understand that He was God and did not change, and the spiritual gifts He had once given me to have and use to His glory, He still wanted me to possess. So I began at once to seek for the gift of faith in obedience to the Word. “Covet earnestly the best gifts.” — 1 Cor. 12:31; “desirp Spiritual gifts.” — 1 Cor. 14:1; The 12th, vr. tells why we should “seek,” and how we should use Spiritual gifts, “seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” Not to cel each other, but to excel what you could not do without Spiritual gifts in helping others, I began to amend as my faith increased, but I had a fight of faith both as to healing and the gifts, which continued until I was healed, and the gifts I once had, fully restored. Hallelujah to God and the Lamb for victory over the world, the flesh and the devil, and for the faith once delivered to the saints. Amen. I ask pardon of all the saints, for all my errors while in error, and thank you all for your kindness to me, and prayers for me. Amen.
J. Cole.
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Bently, Kansas.
Dear Brethren: — I am led this morning by the Holy Spirit to write my testimony. I am wonderfully saved just now by the precious blood of Christ. Blessed be God who giveth me the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ; for I am dead to this world, and my life is hid with Christ in God. The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work; and will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom; to whom he glory forever and ever, amen.
Blessed Jesus, I am thine,
Keep me by thy power divine;
And, while on this earth I stay,
Keep me in the the narrow way.
Your sister in Christ.
Elizabeth Newson.
Correspondence.
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Pierce, Pa.
Dear Brethren: — May the Lord bless and keep you low at the feet of Jesus. I praise God to-day for full salvation.
There was a precious little band of holy consecrated souls, at the New Salem School-house, who are filled with the Spirit, and are shining lights of the glory of God. There are many poor souls here, who say they have given up all for Jesus, and still they confess that they cannot live without sin. The trouble is: they do not know what it means to be consecrated fully to God, and have the Father Son and Holy Ghost dwelling in them. May the Lord bless, keep, and preserve all blood-washed, blameless. There are many professed followers of Christ, who are friends to the saints. Also a greater number, who oppose anything God-like; some people say they do not believe the mind of Christ was intended for them. O bless the name of Jesus! “And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power. Col. 2:10; I praise God for saving me from the wickedness of this world, and lifted me up to the plain of His peace. Some people do not believe the Lord has power on earth to heal the sick. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth John, 9:31; If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. — John 15:7; Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. — John 16:24; It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us: If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself. — 2 Tim 2:11-13; Paul says: the last days shall be perilous, for men will love themselves, more than God. “Unthankful, unholy; they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts, heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, they have turned away their ears from the truth. God is just with-holding His indignation until He calls His own out of confusion and they are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. For it pleased the father that in Him should all the fullness dwell. — Col. 1:19; For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him. * * * Col. 2:9, 10; Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature. — 1:15; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, Heb. 1:3; And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. John 1:16: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory. — 2 Cor. 3:18; But have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created Him. — Col. 3:10; According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto 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. — 2 Peter, 1:3, 4: Glory to God, if we shall be like Him, let us not grieve the Holy Spirit of promise, by which we are sealed until He shall be revealed in the last day. And to those who reject the word of our Lord, should reject it no longer. But submit yourselves unto the holy man- date.
Your Bro. under the blood.
Jacob Troutman.
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Langdon, Kan.
Dear Saints: — I feel led this morning to write my testimony for God. Praise His holy name for what He has done for me and mine. I lived about 29 years in the baptist denomination, in a stupified state, and had long felt there was a higher life for the Christian than the most of us were walking in, and I longed to be there. Glory be to His holy name, He has drawn me to the fountain, and cleansed me in His blood. We heard the call, and a few of us came out of babylon. We have meeting every sabbath. Dear brothers and sisters pray for us, that we may stand firm for God only, who has washed and cleansed us from sin. Your sister in Christ.
M. Karnes.
Portland, Ind.
Dear Saints: — I praise God today for a salvation that keeps me from all sin, and for the healing power. He has healed me in the last few weeks of Erysipelas. Oh how I praise God that we are His children, and can take Him at His word. When I was sick, I sent for two of the brethren, to come and lay hands on me and pray for my healing, for my lace was swelled so I could not see. My eyes were swelled shut, but praise God while they were praying, my eyes were opened. Oh glory to Jesus, I am saved, sanctified and kept by the power of God.
Hannah Mong.
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Anthony, Kan.
Dearly beloved Saints: —There are a few saints of God at this place, who have taken the Word of God for the man of their counsel. I praise God this afternoon for what he has done for me, though I do not feel satisfied. A little over a year ago at a meeting held by Bro’s Fred Rapp and A. Markwell, I realized the awful truth that is contained in the Word of God, that we must live holy in this life. I saw the oneness of the church, then I consecrated myself to God, first for justification, then for sanctification, after which I received a bright evidence of my acceptance with God, and wonderful light on his blessed Word. I felt strong in the Lord for some time; but after a while I got confused over going to hear sectarian preachers, and by listening to my companion who at that time was terribly confused, I then began to think that it might be I had deceived my own soul. So I began to feel darkness about me, and could not understand the scripture as I could before. I soon lost power, especially over my impatient nature toward my children. I never intend, God being my helper, to sin against God knowingly. For I know that without holness no man shall see the Lord. I do not feel that joy and peace that I want to feel, and which God’s children must feel, but I do know that I have no pleasure in sin, and that the greatest desire of my heart, is to know and do the whole will of God. I know that I love the children of God. I would be glad if God would send some of His holy ministers in our midst who are filled with the Holy Ghost, sent down from heaven. I do earnestly desire an interest in the prayers of God’s people, in behalf of companion and I, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. Your sister desiring to be filled with the love of God.
N. M. Sorrels.
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Petoskey, Mich.
Dear Brethren: — I feel to give my testimony to the glory and honor of the name of Jesus. Six months ago, the Lord led me to visit one of the saints; from her, to my great joy, I heard of this evening light, and of the holy people of God. Praise the Lord for all that He has done for me. I very seldom attended church during the last few years; a few months before I met our sister, I thought perhaps I did wrong by not attending some church, although I enjoyed myself better at home alone with Jesus. I went to Jesus in prayer and asked him if I was doing wrong; if I were, I was willing to go. He made known to me then that He would direct me — I left it all with Him and was content. If the Lord is willing, I hope to attend the Camp-meeting this summer at East Jordan. The Lord has led me step by step in His light, and truth. Now I am justified and sanctified. Your Sister in Christ,
Augusta Smith
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Dushville, Mich.
Dear Trumpet Readers: — I praise God for what I feel in my soul this morning, and give God all the glory. Praise his name forever! I feel like keeping low down at the feet of Jesus, and trusting in Him who is able to save. Glory to God, I stand free and complete on the promise of God. May God bless and keep you all saved. Your sister in Christ.
Sarah L. Pierce.
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East Jordan, Mich.
Dear Brethren: — May the grace of God be with you all. Amen. The Lord still keeps me. I praise Him this morning for full salvation. Praise the name of Jesus forever and ever, amen. I can say to the glory of God, that I am on the old ship of Zion where Christ is captain; and by the grace of God I will remain on board until we anchor in the haven of rest, and be with Jesus evermore.