1 November October 1894, Volume 14, Number 42.

Psalm 101.

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  1. Of mercy and of judgment,
    O Lord, I’ll sing to thee;
    In wisdom and uprightness,
    Shall my behavior be.
  2. Oh, when wilt thou, Jehovah,
    To me ‘n kindness come?
    With heart sincere and perfect,
    I’ll walk within my home.
  3. No man of sin I’ll suffer
    Before mine eyes to be;
    I hate the work of sinners,
    It shall not cleave to me.
  4. The man whoso heart is froward
    Shall from my presence go;
    None who in sin take pleasure,
    Will I consent to know.
  5. The tongue of secret slander
    Shall from my sight depart;
    High looks I will not suffer,
    Nor yet the haughty heart.
  6. Mine eyes shall seek the faithful,
    That they may dwell with me;
    The man that walks uprightly,
    He shall my servant be.
  7. No man of works deceitful
    Within my house shall dwell;
    Nor in my sight shall tarry
    The man who lies doth tell.
  8. I’ll everywhere on sinners
    Inflict a swift reward,
    To free from evil doers
    The city of the Lord.
Selected.

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TWO WORKS OF DIVINE GRACE.

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Emphatically taught in Cornelius’ case in Acts 10.

“THERE was a certain man in Cresarea called Cornelius, a centurian of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always.”

1st. He was “A devout man.” Verse 2. What does this imply? Webster says, Devout. — Yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercise, particularly in prayer; pious, religious, etc. Then Cornelius was yielding a solemn and reverential attention to God in religious exercise, and especially so in prayer. “And prayed to God always.” Verse 2. He was pious, was religious. Here is one positive proof to start with that Cornelius was not a sinner. He was a child of God.

2d. He feared God with all his house. Webster says, Fear. — In scripture, fear is used to express a filial or a slavish passion. In good men, the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God and his laws, which springs from a just view and real love of the divine character, leading the subjects of it to hate and shun every thing that can offend such a holy being, and inclining them to aim at perfect obedience. The worship of God, reverence, respect, due regard, etc. Here is the second positive proof that he was not a sinner. He was a God fearing man. David says, “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.” Psa. 36:1. And Paul says, For we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. There is no fear of God before their eyes. Rom 3:9, 18. But according to the use of the English language, the fact that he “feared God” is proof that he was a “good man” and had a “holy awe and reverence of or for God and his laws.” Had “a just view” and a real love of the divine character which led him [Cornelius] to hate and shun every thing that would offend such a holy being, and was inclined to perfect obedience; was “a worshiper of God;” had reverence, respect and due regard for him. But, “To the law and the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Moses said to the Israelites, “Fear not; for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” Cornelius feared God, hence he sinned not. Solomon says, The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Prov. 14:27. Then he had departed from the snares of death. Again, The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Prov. 8:13. Cornelius had this fear, consequently he hated evil. Again Solomon says, “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.” Prov. 16:6. “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Prov. 3:7. Then we must admit that Cornelius had departed from evil, for he and all his house (his children, servants and soldiers, see verse 7) feared God. We readily admit he was not a sinner.

3d. He was a praying man, yea, “Prayed to God (not priests or saints nor the virgin Mary) always.” Ver. 2. And God heard his prayers. Verses 4 and 31. Another positive proof that he was not a sinner is that we read in Jno. 9:31. “Now we know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshiper of God (and we have already proven Cornelius was), and doeth his will, him he heareth.” We are not to understand by the above scripture that if sinners are desirous of salvation and call on God, he will not hear them. But if they hold it in their hearts to go on in sin, “sin more or Jess every day,” such God will not hear in the sense that he will answer or give them their desire. David says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.” Psa. 66:18, 19. And Isaiah says, “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isa. 59:1, 2. But God both heard his prayers, and had his alms in remembrance in his sight for a memorial before him (God). Hallelujah to God! Not one sinner in this world ever had such an experience, “prayed to God always.” “But if any man be a worshiper of God and doeth his will, him he heareth.” Jno. 9:31. We said above. God heard Cornelius’ prayers and proved the assertion by the inspired Word; then according to the last clause of the above text, he was a worshiper of God, and doing his will. Do sinners worship God and do his will? No. Cornelius had an experience far superior to that of nine-tenths of the professors of religion in these last days of great peril. O God! awaken the formal professors and help them to see that just as long as they hold in their hearts the doctrine of the devil that they can’t help but sin, and must sin more or less every day, just so long they are regarding iniquity in their hearts, and their prayers and crying, “Lord, Lord,” are all in vain, for the Lord will not hear them.

4th. He was “a just man.” “Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius and said, Behold I am he whom ye seek; what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurian, a just man (Vulgate and Emphatic Diaglott, righteous man), and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nations of the Jews.” Verses 21,22. “A just man.” “A righteous man.” Just. — In an evangelical sense, righteous, religious, influenced by a regard to the laws of God, or living in exact conformity to the divine will. Righteous — The righteous in scripture, denotes the servants of God, the saints. — Webster. So Cornelius being “a just man,” was a righteous man, a religious man, was influenced by a regard to the divine will, was “a servant of God,” was a saint. Again we turn to the holy scriptures, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “Of a truth, I preceive that God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation (Jews or Gentiles) he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” V. 35. Cornelius did, hence was accepted of God. Some say, “Cornelius was not converted until Peter went to see him.” But we have positively proven by the Word that he was. Some say, When, or how did he hear the gospel? Ans. “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea,and began from Galilee. [When?] After the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Verses 26, 27, 28. Here is the fact clearly stated that Cornelius had heard the preaching of the word, had heard Christ preached, and did know the word. “That word, I say, ye know.” Now let us turn to the 8th chapter, and here we see very clearly how it came that the gospel “was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee.” “And Saul was consenting unto his (Stephen’s) death; and at that time (when Stephen was stoned to death) there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem: and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaia and Samaria except the apostles. * * * Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:1,4. Praise the Lord! “How did Cornelius get to hear the gospel, and become a Christian follower of Christ?” Ans. The ones whom Christ had chosen and ordained to preach his word (which, no doubt, included the seventy. See Luke 10:1. Seven deacons and as many others as were believers on Christ at Jerusalem.) “went every where preaching the word.” This of course included the locality in which Cornelius lived. Hence Peter could truthfully address him in language as in V. 37, “That word, I say, ye know.” In V. 35, Peter virtually declares that Cornelius not only “feared God, but worked righteousness, and was accepted of him” (God). He was “a just man,” i. e., a righteous man. Now let us see what the inspired Word farther says about the just or righteous. First, I would call the readers attention to the fact that Webster in addition to what is given above, in defining the term “just” says, “Innocent; blameless; without guilt.” Hence Cornelius was innocent, blameless, in righteousness or a justified state; was without guilt. Oh wonderful experience this! and yet every justified man and woman has just the same glorious experience which is so clearly given or taught in the above scriptures and proper definitions of terms. 1st. A just man. Who is just? “He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase; that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord God.” Eze. 18:8, 9. What is their condition? “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:7. Cornelius was “a just man,” hence according to Jesus’ own declaration, “needed no repentance” when his servants came to Joppa and called for Simon Peter. 2d. “Righteousness.” If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 1 Jno. 2:29. “Whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” 1 Jno. 3:10. Again John says, “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous (how?) even as he (Christ) is righteous. 1 Jno. 3:7. Now we have a clear statement in verse 35: “But in every nation he that feareth him (God) and worketh righteousness is accepted with him.” In this statement is evidently this fact set forth, i. e., Peter had found at least one person outside of the Jewish nation who was “fearing God and working righteousness;” (Yea, more than one, see verse 2.) and that person was Cornelius. Hence, according to the above scripture Cornelius was born of God; for he worked righteousness. Was righteous even as Christ is righteous. Hallelujah! Now who dare in the face of the clear statements in the case, say Cornelius was unconverted, was a sinner, until Peter got there and he heard him preach? In the name of my Master and on the authority of his word I declare that he was “a just man,” was a God-fearing man, had heard the word of God, the gospel of Christ, and knew the Word before Peter was sent for. But if so, Some will say, Why the language in the eleventh chapter and fourteenth verse, “And he (Cornelius) shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved?” Acts 11:13, 14. “Shall be saved,” — fully saved, your salvation completed, perfected, sanctified. He was saved from his sins, was justified, pardoned, born of God, was freed from guilt, but was not yet saved from the old fallen, Adamic nature, the body of sin (Rom. 6:6), or the sin of the world (John 1:29), and the sin that dwelleth in the unsanctified believer (Rom. 7:17, 20); was not sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Rom. 15:16. He was a believer but had not yet received the Holy Ghost. See Acts 19:1, 5. Oh, I pray God to pity all who claim to be led by the Holy Spirit and then say Cornelius was not converted till Peter went to him.

Now with this Bible description of his spiritual condition before Peter was sent for, let us see what took place when Peter entered Caesarea. Beginning at verse 24, we find their meeting and salvation, and then when Peter went in he found a congregation already come together, and when he had told how God had shown him certain things, see verse 28, then asked why he had been sent for; and Cornelius after a brief rehersal of his vision said, “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. V. 33. Then Peter saw and acknowledged Cornelius’ spiritual condition as above; he began to preach: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” * * * And Peter answered, Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? V. 47. “And as I began to speak the Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning.”

Now, dear reader, search the scriptures and see who it is that Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost, and if you do so prayerfully and carefully you will find it is only those who have been born of God are regenerated believers in Christ, and sinning not. Your humble brother in Christ, sanctified in him by a second work of grace, subsequent to regeneration. Amen.

J. N. Howard.

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HERESY AND HERETICS.

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WE have been requested to prove that the sin of heresy, and that of sectism are one and the same thing. Let us appeal to the word. The Greek word HAIRESIS occurs in the New Testament just nine times; HAIRETEKOS once. The former is translated sect in the following five instances: Acts 5:17. 15:5. 24:5. 26:5. 28:22. The same word is rendered heresy in the following four places: Acts 24:14. 1 Cor. 11:19. Gal. 5:20. 2 Pet. 2:1. By examining the above texts it will be seen that when the word HAIRESIS occurred in allusion to the factions of the Jews, the translators did not hesitate to render it in plain English, SECT, and thereby clearly evinced the fact that they understood sect in English and HAIRESIS in Greek to mean the same thing. But when they came to translate the word where it expresses God’s holy law against sects in the Christian religion, the translators, being sectish themselves, did not feel so free to render the word in its propper English counterpart; therefore did not translate it at all, but slightly changed its form to heresies. Let it be remembered that neither the word sect or heresy is found in the New Testament, except from the same word HAIRESIS. In Acts 24:14 it reads, “after the manner which they call a sect,” in the following translations: Rotherham, Young, Bible Union, Emphatic Diaglott, and the Classic Interlinear. It is generally rendered sect in other versions. That it means nothing else is seen by comparison of the same word in verses 5 and 14. In the former it is rendered sect in the Common Version, and heresy in the latter; yet both instances refer to the same thing. The Jews accused Paul of being “the ring leader of the sect (HAIRESIS) of the Nazarenes.” To which he replied, “After the way which they call heresy (HAIRESIS) so worship I the God of my fathers.” He did not confess himself a sectarian, but simply said he worshiped the true God, in a manner which they called a sect. But he denied their charge, affirming that they could not prove the things whereof they accused him -could not prove him a sectarian.

If, then, a sect is the same thing as a heresy, it follows that a sectarian is a heretic. The word sectarian is defined in the dictonary as, “one of a sect, one of a party in religion which has separated itself from an established church.” The church proper is the body of Christ. It is the divinely established church; containing all Christians in heaven and earth. And every religious party on earth, not identical with the body of Christ, not containing all saved men, and without one unsaved soul, is a sect; and he who is a member of such a faction is a sectarian, and a sectarian is a heretic, and a heretic is an abomination unto God. Men are heretics, or sectarians in heart in proportion to the degree of the sectish spirit, or

(Continued on fourth page.)

Page 2

THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.

A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.

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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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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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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.

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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED

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Wm. H. Nations, R. A. Songer, F. Rosenberry, Daniel Kryder, Grant Skinner, R. B. Hicks, Mrs. A. M. Webb, Joseph Kobler, Conrad Sauer, B. F. Baker, Geo E. Bolds, Amos Sigler, C. H. Tubbs, D. D. Adams.

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Any one desiring a tent to use in gospel work this winter, as soon as this reaches you, write for terms to J. D. Baugh, Carmi, Ill., box 574, as he has one which he expects to dispose of within a few days.

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SOMETHING TO ASK THE LORD ABOUT.

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A short time ago there was a statement made in the TRUMPET that the trustees of the camp ground and Children’s Home and School had purchased the land for the use of the Lord, and that $225 was to be paid this fall. But a small portion of this amount has been paid, and some buildings need to be erected on the grounds before winter sets in. Where can the Lord find the necessary means? Also carpenters and workmen to do the work at once. Send money to Brother G. W. Baughman, Grand Junction, Mich., or to this office stating what it is for, that the children may not lack for a home.

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On account of having more news from the field than we could possibly get in this issue of the paper, rather chan leave some reports out altogether, we have been obliged to insert short notices, or only a few extracts from some. This may happen often in the future as the number of workers are rapidly increasing and we would love to have them in some way to inform the people of how the work of the Lord is prospering in the various parts of the country.

We would here offer as a suggestion: When writing news make it as brief and as much to the point as possible, that all may have a chance to speak a few words.

Also in writing articles, they would be read by more people, and better understood and enjoyed by the majority of them if the articles were short; or if lengthy, should be divided into sub-heads, so as to be inserted in different issues of the paper without the necessity of marking “to be continued.”

From four to five pages of manuscript makes a lengthy article. If more is added, sub-heads should be used for the benefit of the readers. There are exceptions to be sure. Many readers do not read the lengthy articles. We are always glad to receive articles, testimonies, news, etc., as the Lord may direct.

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Requests for Prayer.

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Henry Millson of Starfield, Mo., who is blind requests prayer that his eyes may be restored.

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Pray earnestly for the Lord to heal my wife. She was once a good Christain, but through neglect, the devil has captured her mind.

H. W. White.

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I feel impressed to ask you to pray for the healing of my little boy who has chills. The Lord healed me and my other children. Pray earnestly.

Lizzie Dean.

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Mrs. Sarah Arnold requests the prayers of the saints that she may be healed. Her left side is paralyzed and she believes she can be healed.

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Dear Saints: Pray for me that I may be healed of consumption. I have a large family of little children and am not able to hire help. Also pray that my sins may be forgiven.

Mrs. M. B. Dobs.

Thornton, Texas.

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I desire you to pray that I may be sanctified and kept faithful in the service of God. Also pray Nov. 6, that my husband may be converted. He is bitterly opposed to the gospel, and tries to keep me from attending services. Pray Nov 8, for my eight year old girl who is afflicted with catarrh of the head, and is nearsighted. Yours in Jesus,

Mary Bennett.

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Oct. 29, 1894.

Dear ones in Christ: I am very much afflicted and ask you to ask God to heal my body. I know he can, and will, for he has lost none of his power, for he has promised in his blessed Word to heal all of our diseases if we only trust him, and I claim the promise. Your sister in Christ,

Mrs. Carrie Hand.

Kalamazoo, Mich.

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I have been troubled with my spine for two of three years. I have tried a number of physicians, but received no help. I feel that the Lord can and will heal me if I have faith enough. I ask you to unite in prayer Sunday at four o’clock Nov. 4. Yours, as one trying to serve the Master,

Judge M. Joseph.

Humboldt, Neb.

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Calls for Meeting.

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We desire some one to come here and preach the gospel in its purity.

Mrs. A. M. Webb,

Cleo, Okla.

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Will some one who is filled with the Holy Spirit come here and preach the gospel in the evening light?

S. L. Catlin,

Bliss, Wyoming Co., N. Y.

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We would be glad if some one would come to this town who is able to preach the gospel in all its purity, and hold some meetings. Your saved brother,

M. Higgins,

Shelbyville, Md.

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We would be glad to have some brother to come here and hold some meetings. A school house can be had. I also desire some good brother to labor with me in the gospel work.

Alex. Dittimore,

Uniontown, Pa,

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If any of God’s true ministers are passing through this part of the country, I would like to have them stop and preach the word of God. The evening light has never been preached here yet.

O. A. Widener.

Monitor, Ind.

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ASSEMBLY MEETINGS.

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An assembly meeting will be held at this place three miles west of Portland, Ind., the Lord willing, beginning Nov. 15, to continue as long as the Lord wills. Bro. Husted is expected; and all who can come are invited. Come praying. Those who cannot come, pray for the meeting that the saints may be strengthened and settled down on the eternal truth, and sinners be saved, and backsliders reclaimed. Yours in Christ,

M. A. Tomlinson,

Corkwell, Jay Co., Ind.

There will be an assembly meeting held at Weston, Ohio, commencing Thursday evening, Nov. 8, 1894, to continue one week. All are invited to. attend that can. Weston is on the C. H. & D. R. R. All coming by rail address Bro. Wm. Long, or Philip Spackey of Weston. Those coming by wagon bring bedding. Let all attend that can. Come praying.

W. J. Henry and Co.,

Walkerton, Ind.

There will be a general assembly meeting four miles west of Springfield, Ohio in the saints’ new meeting house (Holiness Chapel), commencing Nov. 16-25, and longer if the Lord wills. All are invited to attend. We anticipate a glorious time in the Lord. Bro. A. J. Kilpatrick and others are expected. All who come to this meeting via. the Erie Lines stop at Springfield Station; all that come via. the Big Four R. R. stop at Springfield (city). Write Bro. A. J. Byers, Box 37, Spring- field, Ohio, at which station you will be, and what time, and he will convey you to the place of meeting.

B. E. Warren,
S. L. Speck.

There will be an assembly meeting of the saints of God from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1 or 3, at the Moys School house, thirteen miles west of Pullman and two and one-half nines from Almota, Wash. Pullman 1s on the N. P. & U. P. R. R. In the name of Jesus we earnestly exhort all the saints and friends seeking after light, truth and a deeper experience, or for the healing of the body to attend this feast of the Lord. Let all the saints of Idaho, Wash, and Ore. make every possible arrangement, effort or sacrifice to be at this meeting. After that meeting we start for western and north-western Wash. directly to the Pacific coast and Puget Sound, and Alaska, Lord willing. All coming to the assembly and those wishing any information or particulars, address Bro. A. B. Peterman, Pullman, or Bro. B. B. Naff, Almota, Wash. Let all the saints pray for a glorious success.

F. N. Jacobson.

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THE RESCUE WORK.

GLORY to God for victory over all the powers of darkness, and a real determination to battle for God as never before. Do pray for me. If it were not for the prayers of God’s people which are constantly being offered for me, I should not be able to undertake this work. As I realize my own inability and my own weakness, I am reminded that God hath said, “Let him that is weak say, I am strong,” and again, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

While I was at the assembly meeting the Lord made it very plain to me that he was ready for me to prepare to open a home in Chicago for fallen women. So I am ready to follow wherever he leads. No doubt, before this article is published I will be ready to rent a house in Chicago for the rescue work. Who is ready to ask Father if. there is not something you can do to help? Money and lives are needed here. Who then is willing to follow Jesus into the slums of this vile city? I cannot work alone. The three dear ones the Lord has already sent to help me will continue to work in Danville until Father orders otherwise. Let all desiring to help in this great battle for God address me, and let all money be sent to me, and I will send it to the other home as they need it. Be assured of this fact, dear ones, we all use the money sent us in the fear of the Lord. What you send to us is spent as God directs. At present the Danville home is $3.50 in debt. The Danville citizens do not care to help in the work because it is a faith home and I would not allow them to organize a board to run the work, and also because I came out of sectism lately. But glory to God, “He can work and none can hinder.” The whole burden of the work is on his shoulders.

I am but twenty-five years of age and need your prayers. It is truly wonderful that God could save me from this sin and so purify a naturally wicked heart; but bless his dear name, he has, and I am bound to serve him as long as he spares my life. God willing, my life shall be spent in telling other women that God saved me, and he can save them too. Will you help me, dear ones, with your prayers, lives or means, as Father shall direct you?

I believe the only right way to conduct rescue work in the cities is to have a suburban home, and also a mission with living department on the worst street, where the two missionaries could live and meeting should be held every night. The home in suburbs should be taken charge of by a consecrated man and wife who could preach every night at the mission. I am willing to live in Clark St. or any other vile place to shine for Jesus, if the Lord will only send a minister to work for the men and to preach at night. Until further notice let all communications be sent to the following address, and let all money be sent by express order instead of P. O. order, as it will be less trouble to have it cashed. Your humble sister, saved in Jesus,

Mary Housekeeper.

236, 66th St., Englewood, Ill.

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MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE.

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AS we look around us, no doubt, many of us are made to realize the need of living more devoted lives to God, in all humility and meekness. Truly we need to have on the whole armor to be able to stand in the “evil day,” because the devil is inventing new devices every day to ensnare the souls of both old and young. May God bless his children with much discernment to enable them to detect the enemy at his first onset.

How often we find people who seem to have a hard time in becoming established and founded upon the rock, and are almost continually on the back grounds. Surely the devil will overtake them. How much better it is to dig deep in the beginning and pay the whole price, and thereby receive “grace to help in time of need,” and an everlasting shield that will ward off all the fiery darts of the enemy! Very often some little thing is held between them and God; but his word teaches that we cannot escape until the utmost farthing has been paid.

Ofttimes a little of this world’s goods, worldly company, foolish conversation, jesting, pride, fashion, self, reputation, and perhaps numerous other little things that are great enough to keep us from being admitted into the kingdom, and also great enough to plunge the soul into an endless hell. Let every one ask themselves the question: Am I willing to deny myself of the things of this world, and enjoy the blessings of God in this life, and the bliss of heaven in the future? If this be the decision, we have the promise of an abundance of grace, the gift of righteousness, to reign in this life by one Jesus Christ. Rom. 5:17. Not a single soul can afford to miss heaven at any cost. Let us take into consideration the duration of the hereafter. Years, yea, thousands of years will pass away, and yet no nearer the end of time. No end! no end!! And as we think of it our mind seems to soar far away, and scarcely can we realize our existence. Truly in this life we can scarcely comprehend the endlessness of eternity; but the thought of the blissful, unending eternity with the Lord, thrills the soul of every child of God with everlasting joy.

Let us ask again, Who could afford to miss the joys of an eternal heaven of happiness; and on the other hand who can embrace the thought of being banished to a place of equal duration, with everlasting torment? Oh, the awful thought! I venture to say that not one unsaved soul can stare at this awful eternity and desire to try its realities.

Dear sinner friend, remember you choose one or the other. All those out of Christ and knowing his call without accepting him, are only exposing themselves to a deception and snare of the devil. God offers joy in this life, and a happy eternity reserved in heaven for them that fear him, without money and without price; yet it costs all of self, which is counted as vanity, if earnestly desiring God’s gift, which is eternal life. When are you going to accept it? Now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor. 6:2. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation? Heb. 2:3. “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” Give dilligence to make your calling and election sure. Yours in love, in the service of the Master.

Isaac D. Plank.

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News from the Field.

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Bro. Leroy Sheldon reports a glorious victory at the assembly recently held at Tekonsha, Mich. The altar being filled nearly every meeting after the first night. To God be all the praise.

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At High Hill, Miss. in a recent meeting Bro. R. L. Berry reports three persons converted, two sanctified and three healed in answer to prayer. He also desires the saints to pray for him that he may be kept where he can be used of God.

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Bro’s Rosenbery and Miller write that they arrived in Virginia Sept. 25. and held some precious meetings at private houses, with good attendance and interest. Four persons were saved and baptized. They have now crossed the Shenandoah river and begun the work at Howlville in the name of Jesus.

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Bro’s Randolph and Masters write from North Platte, Neb. that they are there in the order of God at work for souls, having much for which to trust the Lord, and desire prayer in their behalf. They have been in met tings at Smith Centre and Hollensberg, Kan.

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A. J. Robinson. Montgomery City, Mo., writes: “I would like to have a single man that is a soprano singer to come and assist me in the gospel work. I have a cart and horse to travel with. If such a one feels led of God to come please come immediately. I live five miles west of Montgomery City.”

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In a report from Hemphill, La., Bro. R. H. Owens writes: “Since our last report from Lena, La. several have been converted and some sanctified, and twenty-one baptized. Most of them have been French Catholics, but were made to shout praises to God on account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. I expect to, be in Louisiana until about Dec. 1, then go to my home at Freeny, Miss. Those wanting meeting can write to me at that place.”

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Darlington, S. C.

Dear Saints of God: Our last report published in the Trumpet was when we were here in July. When we closed that meeting we went to Lynchburg, S. C., and in that neighborhood held two meetings. I baptized two, making thirteen in all that were baptized there. Before leaving we held an ordinance meeting. It having been made known to all the saints there, that Brother J. L. Goodman was called to the ministry and to be overseer of the flock, he was ordained an elder in the church of God. From there we went to Lamar, S. C. and held two meetings near there; it was a seed sowing time, and we feel assured that much good seed was sown in hearts that will bring forth much fruit to the glory of God. It was a new field. The people had never heard holiness preached. Two conversions and one sanctified. Two were baptized.

From there we came to this place

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two weeks ago to day, and have been holding meetings ever since. A few have come out of sectism, and others to make their escape. Two were baptized. On last Sunday afternoon the saints observed the ordinances, and Brother H. B. Blackwell was ordained elder. He has been laboring with us in nearly all the meetings we have held since living in this state. This is the ninth meeting we have held since we came to this state in May, besides preaching once or twice at several other places. And we do praise God that he has been working with us with signs following. Matt. 16:20. All glory and honor be unto the Lord. Your in Jesus,

E. and Rivie Shaw.

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Ashville, N. C., Oct. 24. 1894.

Saints of the Living God: We had some very precious meetings while in Tenn., beginning at Tharp’s Chapel, near St. Clair, Sept. 21; continued two weeks with good interest. We found the work of God moving very slow, but in a short time the church was in advance of what it had ever been at that place before; about eight added to the number. Some were also sanctified, and established in the present truth. To God be all the glory.

We began meeting for the colored people Oct. 4, which only continued a few days, but the interest was good. Found them that were saved last spring in very good condition, with one or two exceptions. Two were converted and one sanctified, for which we praise God. We then went to the Walker school house, held meeting three nights and one day. The enemy was greatly stirred; insomuch that one of his ministers came in the last night to defend his cause, but in vain: he only exposed himself, and made the people more anxious for the truth. Praise the Lord!

We then went to Pilot Knobs, Green Co. to preach a few times. Dear Bro. Smith took myself and three others in a spring wagon. When we reached the place we found the school house door locked against us. However, it was opened the first night while we were singing outside in the yard, and we went in and preached; but afterward it was kept shut while we stayed; but we continued the meeting two days and one night in the yard, and had a glorious time in the Lord. Praise his name! We then had meeting one night in Sister Thompson’s house near by, and found many warm friends in that community, who are well wishers of the truth, but not many are saved. God bless them for their kindness to us during our short stay. We expect to return in the near future, the Lord willing. Returning to Tharp’s Chapel, we stayed a few days during which time I was made to rejoice greatly at the coming of my dear sister from St. Louis. Mo, She expects to stay with me in the South during the winter. The meeting closed at Tharp’s Chapel with an ordinance service, and a lesson against false teachers, during which time the Lord did wonderfully bless our souls. Many shouts and praises ascended from the pure hearts that were filled to overflowing with the glory of God. Praise his holy name forevermore!

On Monday the 22, had meeting again for the colored people. One more was converted and three were sanctified, for which we all lifted our voices to God in praise and thanksgiving. Monday night we visited the Walker school house again, and two were sanctified, and another glorious time of rejoicing among the happy saints of God. Truly the good Lord was with us in much power during our stay in Tenn., for which we will ever praise him.

We came to this place yesterday, found Sister Wallace from Williamston S. C. living here. We will only stay till tomorrow, have meeting tonight, then go on south to Anderson, S. C. where we will labor for a few weeks and likely a good portion of the winter. We earnestly request your prayers for us and the work in the South. Our address will be Anderson, S. C. till farther notice is given in TRUMPET. Yours in the one body contending for the faith,

Thos. and Amanda Carter.

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Grand Junction, Mich., Oct. 29, ’94.

Dear Brethren: Immediately after the close of the meeting here, in company with some other brethren, we went to Chicago, to spend a few days in the service of the Lord, according to his direction, and then go on to Milwaukee. Perhaps it would be of interest to relate some of our experience in these two cities. Our time was well occupied in visiting religious institutions, missions and the sick and distressed at their homes.

On Sunday we went to a meeting held at the “Divine Healing Association” by Dr. Dowie. Many had asked us concerning this man and his work, but we had never met him before, but had read some of his literature. As he had advertised largely concerning his home of healing, we were anxious to be present at the meeting, and see what kind of work was being done.

A few hundred people were assembled to hear the preaching, and some to be healed. He reported that about 1400 persons had been saved during the week. After a lengthy sermon he asked all to stand up who had a knowledge of sin in their hearts. About 500 persons arose; then he had them repeat a short consecration prayer after him and claim to be saved from their sins. On Tuesday afternoon we attended services again and witnessed the same performance of wholesale religion. We do not wish to say anything against any of the work that was done according to the Word, but we do not hesitate to cry out against such shoddy work, and deception. Very few of the great numbers who stood up and followed him in formal prayer had godly sorrow or real repentance; and instead of getting a change of heart according to the word of God, they only settled down on “good resolutions,” and were deceived in the belief that they were saved, or else were left in doubt as to their spiritual condition. Such persons go on with a profession, soon to come to the conclusion that salvation work is only a farce.

There are, doubtless, some among the number who get a real change of heart; but they are left only to be gobbled up by the various sects of religious confusion, or ensnared into the “Divine Healing Association,” which we learned that Dowie had organized and become president of a few years ago.

The money baskets were quite prominent features at each service, and no one escaped a visit by them. Mr. Dowie stated that he never made any charges for his personal services, but we learned that in the homes which were under his charge, the crowds of people who stopped there were charged from $8.00 to $15.00 a week for boarding and room.

In the healing room we witnessed the laying on of hands, upon about fifty persons, some of whom seemed to receive a benefit; but there were no praises to God to be heard from any of them for the work being done.

SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES.

Some one asked what was meant by these words, and as we were in the city, we felt we could better answer the question if we could witness such; and in order to do so we concluded to visit a “fashionable church” of Chicago. Here we found everything in first class order for the performance.

As the great pipe organ — which cost several thousand dollars — sent forth its music in mellow tones in came the preacher with twenty-four boys and twelve young men, dressed in white robes, and marched upon the stage, ready for action. The marching, singing, facing the cross, and other performances were all done like clock-work. Then came the following prayer and general confession said by the preacher and repeated by the congregation:

Almighty, and most merciful Father: we have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; according to thy promises declared unto mankind, in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy name. Amen.

This is word for word as repeated, and is a regular Babylon prayer, which was followed by another prayer, in which the preacher prayed that “the rest of their life might be pure and holy,” etc. But every evening service during the year finds them offering the same prayer of confession, acknowledging themselves to be sinners, preacher and all. The sermon was well learned and delivered in regular Delsarte style. Oh what darkness! Instead of the bread of life, the people had college bread dealt out to them; something pleasing to the ear instead of food to the soul. The Lord held us to go privately and kindly admonish the preacher for his dark formalistic performances, and vain repetitions of prayer which were an abomination in the sight of God.

At another place where there was to be a religious service, beer and other drinks were served. And this is not all, the poor, debased or fallen humanity found no welcome, nor open pews into these stylish places, where the god of this world is worshiped instead of the God of heaven.

IN THE SLUMS OF THE CITY.

While Chicago is one of the most beautiful and wealthy cities of the U. S., it is also one of the most wicked. People who have never visited the slums of the city know but little about the extent of the wickedness and degradation of humanity. This part of the city consists of saloons, brothels, and all kinds of places of sin. On one side of the street, in walking one block we counted twenty- seven saloons, and further down the street almost every house is a house of ill-fame, and a saloon, and neither man nor woman can scarcely pass along that street without being molested, or attacked by some of these degraded women or “confidence” men and “crooks.” They are there to rob the passers by of their cash, their valuables, and their virtue if possible.

The saloons and brothels of Chicago are numbered by the thousand. One becomes almost heart-sick at the sight. We had been told that there are 45,000 fallen women in Chicago. And now we have no reason to call in question the correctness of the number.

Could the curtain only be drawn for a moment and expose to view the awful sin in these dens of sin and vice, the scene would be appalling indeed. It would, doubtless, equal Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet these poor specimens of humanity have souls that need saving, and the great loving heart of Christ would willingly forgive them all, if they would only turn to him. Many would make their escape if they had some help and encouragement, and some one to point them to Jesus.

Chicago also has her streets of high life, where excessive wickedness is carried on in a more high toned style. Volumes could be written exposing the wickedness, and yet the story left more than half untold.

MILWAUKEE.

After remaining in Chicago a few days, I bid farewell to the brethren, and went to Milwaukee, where I met Bro. Hahn, who has for the past few weeks been very busy almost night and day, working for the salvation of souls, visiting from house to house, searching out those who are in need of spiritual help, and placing books, tracts and papers into their hands. That city is ready for the preaching of the pure gospel; both English and German preachers are needed.

The citizens of Milwaukee, in general, have considered their city quite a moral place, notwithstanding its wide reputation of lager beer distilling. But recently they have been astonished to learn that their city is cursed with some of the worst disreputable dives and saloons in the United States; where the female sex dances in rooms before the open doors and unblinded windows, without a particle of clothing upon their person, and the passers by on the street turn their heads away in disgust from such sights. Besides these nude sights, there is quarrelling, fighting and the lowest acts of degradation. The outlook at present is that there will soon be steps taken to remove such to some degree.

Now, I am aware that there are some (who have not the cause of God at heart as they should, perhaps) who will take exceptions to having such things reported; but it ought to stir such ones as well as others to a sense of their duty to help to rescue the lost and fallen. What has been said here gives but very little insight to what is really being carried on in the cities. In these dens of drunkenness and iniquity are found not only people who are generally considered the lowest class of humanity, but they abound with those who walk in the higher circles of society.

Dear ones, can you not now offer a more fervent prayer in behalf of those whom God has called to go forth in these vile dens of wickedness to rescue the lost, who count not their own lives dear, that souls may be saved? Can you not as never before put forth a helping hand to help save the perishing?

Surely, the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah is in the land! Yet there are many honest souls in these cities as well as elsewhere who are doing what they can to hold up the standard of truth. Yours in Him,

E. E. Byrum.

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A WARNING.

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Stanley, W. Va., Oct. 19, 1894.

Dear Brethren: God bless you all. Amen. We left the Floating Bethel in company with Bro. Clayton for the W. Va. camp meeting and arrived there in due time. Bro’s Whitecotton and Garner met us at Sistersville and conveyed us to the place of meeting. We soon learned that one, Samuel Lindsey and wife with a younger woman named Mary Travis had been holding revivals throughout the surrounding neighborhood of Molehill with wonderful success of but a few days, for we learned that their revivals were like mushrooms, sprang up suddenly and vanished quickly, not leaving a symptom of a revival. At the first Lindsey was minded not to come to the camp meeting; but the brethren he had deceived were minded to have him there, so they sent for him and brought him over. As Bro. Clayton and I began to issue out the Lord’s prescription to him and that there was no compromise with the spirit that he and his company were under, he began to show signs of leaving the meeting. But before leaving he imitated the old serpent. Rev. 12:15. For he cast out some very dirty water, thinking to injure the church. He sent to Indiana and got a roll of GOSPEL SWORDS, which some of the enemies of the church scattered over the neighborhood; but thank God, all the dear brethren and sisters that had seen clear for God and that had been drawn a little in the wrong direction, got clear from the false spirit that he was under. Yet he has been writing to some of the brethren trying to draw them back into his net of deception.

In his first letter to L. P. Garner he says, “I trust God will forgive you for denouncing us as false teachers and deceivers. God knows we never deceived you in any thing, or taught you any doctrine contrary to the word of God.” I suppose the poor fellow forgot the way he practiced deception on the brethren by taking advantage of their call in the Trumpet and drew out of them thirty-six dollars, knowing at the same time that he was not what he caused them to think he was, and which they found out after he came among them, that he was not the clean thing.

In his second letter he says, “We trust you are saved now, since you went to the altar at the camp meeting and confessed to the Trumpet leaders that you had committed sin and done wrong all summer in coming to our meetings, and taking up a collection for us, and for greeting the sisters with a holy kiss.” I suppose the sisters Lindsey has reference to, is the woman he calls his wife and Mary Travis. I think that the sisters generally among the saints at Molehill did not fall in with the idea of promiscuous kissing. The only fault, or what he claimed was a fault, among the saints was that they make division in the church because they do not wash feet and kiss promiscuously. Well I am glad our fault tends to decency, and does not make division among the saints as he is trying to get them to believe.

Since Lindsey has been rejected he has been blowing around that the people who acknowledge the GOSPEL TRUMPET are a sect. I think the reasons why he does not like the GOSPEL TRUMPET are: first, it is an anti-sectarian and anti-secrecy paper, and blows a blast against those evils. Second, he remembers the terrible blast it blew against his ungodly practices few years since, which made the ungodly spirit that was in him foam to such a degree that he swore. He claims he is right now, but by his actions it is proved that the same thing is in him yet. We warn all the saints to have nothing to do with him unless he gets salvation, which will make him honest enough to confess and renounce his faults publicly as some have done who were under the same spirit. Lindsey claims he can see devils and spirits of the dead and describe their bodily appearance when here on earth. Well, I suppose he can do as well as any other spiritualist medium, for it is the same, or about the same kind of a spirit they are under.

A few days after the camp meeting closed we went with some of the saints to the neighborhood of White Oak, and here we saw a man who claimed to be Jesus Christ. He came to our meeting a few times, and when he found we did not accept of him as the Savior, he stopped coming. He was sociable, invited us to his house, and treated us well, for he is rich in this world’s goods. The last time he invited us to go home with him, he said, “Will you go over and take dinner with the Savior?” We refused to go with him, and we believe that was the last time he was at the meeting. Well, he was not intelligent enough to make a good humbug. He claimed the Dunkard church was his church. He did not say which one. It might be he did not know that there was more than one Dunkard church. The people here generally treat us kindly, and many of them privily acknowleged the truth, but would not move forward and obtain the experience of salvation. We expect to go to Ohio soon. Our address will be Payne, O. Pray for us that God may have his way with us. Yours in the one body of Christ, saved and sanctified,

A. J. Kilpatrick.

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Hemlock City, Mich.

Dear Trumpet Readers: I am so thankful for the blessed teaching of the Trumpet. It is a light to me. It is only one year since I saw the blessed evening light. Have often wished to correspond and say a few words for the Master, but Satan discouraged me. Pray for me, for a deeper work of grace.

Mrs. C. A. Goodspeed.

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Cleo, Okla.

Dear Saints: I am trusting the Lord for every thing; and am glad to say that I can. It is a good thing to have some one to look to for help. We are here where the gospel in its purity never has been preached; but God has some of his children here, and they would like to have some of his ministers to come here and hold a meeting if the Lord wills. From your brother in Christ,

J. N. Grandy.

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(Continued from first page.)

party bigotry they possess. But however free from the party spirit many good meaning people endeavored to keep themselves, they were nevertheless heretics, because “one of a sect;” a sectarian in actual membership, though, as far us possible not in heart.

As to whether a person can maintain membership in a sect very long without imbibing the sect wine, at least to some small degree, is a very doubtful question. Wm. Starr, a Presbyterian minister, has confessed that continued sect membership would spoil an angel from heaven. But whether much or little tainted by the heretical spirit, membership itself in a heresy makes a man a heretic. And thus saith the Lord:

A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:10, 11.

Here the word in the original is HAIRETEKOS, one of a heresy, one of a sect, or religious party. “A factious man after a first and second admonition do thou reject.” — Emphatic Diaglott.

‘A man that causes divisions, after a first and second admonition, avoid.” — BIBLE UNION.

“From a party man, after a first and second admonition, excuse thyself.” — ROTHERHAM.

“A sectarian man after one and a second admonition reject.” — INTERLINEAR N. T.

“An heretical man.” — MACKNIGHT.

“A fomenter of division.” — WAKEFIELD.

“A man that is a sectary.” — ANDERSON.

“A factious man.” — THOMSON.

“A sectarian.” — CONYBEARE AND HOWSON.

“A sectarian man, after a first and second admonition, be rejecting.” — YOUNG.

Thus we see that a heretic, is “a man that causes divisions,” “a factious man,” a “sectarian man,” “a party man.” And a sectarian is one of a sect.

In the light of God’s word, it cannot be denied that no sin is mentioned in the Bible that is more repugnant to God, than that of sectism According to Matt. 18, all ordinary trespasses require three distinct efforts for restoration. But a sectarian must be thus speedily rejected, after two admonitions. The same shocking sin is thus strongly renounced in Rom. 16:17, 18. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. The apostle earnestly beseeches the church of God at Rome to mark them which cause divisions, and avoid them; for such do not serve the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an awful fact that if a man joins himself to any thing besides Christ, that thing becomes a rival to Christ, and gradually excludes him out of the heart; and the poor deceived man mistakes his zeal and love for his sect, for the love of God; and thousands are thus deceived by the subtile idol. A man that causes division is here denounced, and the HAIRETEKOS, we have seen has been translated as just such a man; also he is properly rendered “a sectarian man.” All such characters are solemnly condemned by the words of 1 Cor. 1:10-13. 3:1-4. In 1 Cor. 12:24 we are told, “There should be no schisms in the body.” Again, “I hear,” says the apostle, “that there are divisions among you.” And those divisions he called heresies in verse 19. The first word is from SCHISMATA, rendered schisms in the margin. The second from HAIRESIS, correctly translated “sects” in the margin. If we were to collect all the texts in the New Testament that demand unity, and add to them all the scriptures forbidding divisions, we would have the full expression of the divine mind against the great and shocking sin of divisions — heresies, or the sin of being a heretic, or sectarian. We doubt very much if there is any other sin so repeatedly and so strongly denounced by the word of God. Is it not strange that men abhor a murderer, because condemned by the word, and yet treat with perfect indifference the earnest outcry of the same Bible against sectism? and think themselves Christians while living in open defiance of the law of God against divisions; and, indeed, many judge a person unworthy the name of a Christian unless he belongs to some sect; unless he tramples under foot the prayer of Christ, and casts his commands aside.

But in the name of Jesus we maintain that the time has come in which God demands of us to lift the standard of his word in all things, and pronounce the violation of his word or oneness a sin, as well as the infraction of any other part of his law. We must call light light, and darkness darkness. Abhor that which God abhors, and love that which he loves. God’s sentiments must be our sentiments, and the old fables and traditions of the Babylon age out of which we have but recently emerged must be cast behind us, as becometh intelligent Bible Christians.

In the light of the scriptures we have consulted we are brought to the conclusion that God abhors heresy, or sectism. Hence, when men who have been ordained by the hands of a sectarian ministry, renounce all heresy, and confess the body of Christ as the church, they should, in all consistency ignore their sectarian ordination.

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WORLDLINESS IN RELIGIOUS PROFESSION.

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The “Metropolis” says: “Nobody can study the New Testament without becoming painfully convinced that should Christ visit New York City he could not be induced to enter most of our churches upon which millions and millions of dollars have been expended; while the poor are yet crying for bread.

Christ would find most of the churches locked against him except a few hours on Sunday. The sextons would refuse him admittance to many of the churches unless he could prove himself a pew holder. If he were admitted he would never suppose himself in a Christian church as he looked upon the paintings, the gildings, the colored windows, the gorgeous organs, and remembered that within a few paces of this magnificent edifice he heard the cries of the sick and the starving, when only one of the many thousands of dollars lavished upon this so-called church would relieve them from miserable suffering.

What would Jesus, who sent out his apostles without money, food or extra clothing, say to a modern clergyman who drives to a $150000 church in a $3000 carriage drawn by a $2500 pair of horses, take off a $100 overcoat, time himself by a $150 watch, adjust a $50 pair of spectacles, and preach the word of God from a $1500 pulpit, at a salary of $10000 per year, to a congregation of wealthy people who pay $800 and upward for a cushioned pew from which they listen luxuriously?”

We have the above from responsible parties. How shockingly true this picture of the present-day ministry of popular religion! How sad to think of the awful change! What an insult it is upon the pure ministry of the Lord! How it must grieve the Savior as he beholds this state of affairs! But amid all this God has a pure self-sacrificing ministry, messengers who hear the word at the mouth of the Lord, and speak as God has them to speak; who have an unction from the Holy One. But just think of one of those “priests of Baal” filled with bigotry, proud in spirit, puffed up with carnality, sent of the devil under this popular style of preaching what is supposed to be the gospel in the church.

What does it take to be a preacher in Babylon? Let us notice. They must first be almost invariably, very amiable, aristocratic, must be sharp, and slick tongued. These are taken to a school or theological seminary and drilled and polished, etc., while multitudes of souls are rushing through life unsaved and down to punishment. How different from the ministry of the Lord, who calls, qualifies and sends! Oh, beloved, let us remember that God has power to prepare us for the ministry, and if he does not, all schools will not; but the person will be void of the power of God and a reproach to the work. Such would be apt to be found fighting holiness and pleading for sin, and crying peace when there is no peace. The effect of such a ministry is destructive. Just think of a slick tongued preacher before a large audience delivering a nice polished sermon in which he soothes the guilty conscience of many, portrays great imaginations of future happiness, takes his hearers in mind on a tour to the sun, moon and stars; then tells a few graveyard stories, sheds a tear of deceit, and sits down! People say, What a nice sermon! how eloquent, how nice! he appeared so neatly dresssed. Oh he made me feel so rejoiced, etc. All this, and yet he did not preach God’s truth that saves, but was very pleasing to the people. Shame on such a ministry! Many of them are preaching for large salaries, ranging from $1400 to $14000 and even $20000 a year; others from $50 to $100 per sermon, and $300 per night. One preacher condemned Ingersol for being an infidel at $300 per night, and he himself getting $100, robbing the poor, coining money through the gospel, making merchandise of the people. How well are we told through inspiration that they shall with feigned words make merchandise of you. Take away the money and Ingersol will quit his lectures; take away the money and many preachers would find other occupations and stop preaching. Sad to think a preacher under the gospel cloak would preach at such high figures, and meet day by day those who are destitute, having to beg daily bread, or wash, and work hard for a living, and to pay the ungodly preachers high salary. How often have poor washer-women been turned out and excommunicated because they could not pay up! How many are working their lives out to keep up under fear of being dropped out!

We met a sect preacher at one of our meetings who was getting a good liberal salary of $800 a year, most of his members poor, but they would have to toil hard to get something to cook for a festival to raise the worthless preacher $10 or more at a time above his salary, to spend in sumptuous living. Oh how long will poor souls be duped by such trifling preachers, who at the same time are doing nothing to save the people! Would Christ own such time-truckling hireling ministry if he were to come to day? He surely would not; but he would say, Ye fed yourselves and not the flock; ye fleeced the sheep and left it in the mud, and did not heal the sick or relieve the distressed. “They teach for hire and divine for money.” They hold out the begging hand and make the hand of mercy stand away backward. The writer speaks of the New York City ministry, which is not the least ahead of many other cities, but all of them are, doubtless, infested with the same. It has been well said that as the five largest cities of America go, so will the rest of America follow. We see this to be true. We are convinced at a glance that all of our circles of society except God’s true ones are imitating and putting forth every effort to keep up with New York, Chicago, etc., Oh do people not see where it is leading to? If the blind lead the blind they will all fall in the ditch. Just think of a New York clergyman with $50.00 spectales, laying aside a $100.00 overcoat to speak his little essay, timing himself by a $150.00 watch to thirty minutes to speak to an eager congregation, who too often take it all as good; and call it good if it is not good, and say it is so if it is not so, just because the preacher said so; and at the same time the poor roaming the streets in search of food to keep off hunger, and when met by the preacher are looked down upon and shunned and driven away from Christ to a heathen indifference to Christianity. Oh our Christian America! Where art thou? Our boasted enlightment and liberty! Arise, and come forth and show thy virtue; show thy snowy white hand of charity! Oh where have you been sleeping and letting this misery creep into the circle of Christian profession?

Thank God, the church is coming forth in power and purity, is leaving all the dark sins of Babylon far in the rear. Yea, she is even penetrating the dark jungles and haunts of sin with the gospel of Christain equality; bringing down the high-headed, exalting the down-trodden, and brotherly love continues, esteeming others better than themselves; seeks the lost and perishing, binds up the broken hearted, heals the lame, gives victory over dark creeds, leads to liberty’s bright sunshine and the real freedom of heaven to the soul. Praise God!

But what does it mean to have a part in God’s ministry? It means more than many have an idea of. They must be called of God, and sent by the Holy Ghost, and neither is he sent without a preparation; but instead of being sent to college, he is sent to the crucible of God’s love, and the death of all carnality; is left in the crucible until all the dross of sin is consumed, all the bigotry and self-conceit is taken out, and the big “I” is taken out and dethroned, and Christ in the person of the Holy Ghost is enthroned to reign without a rival. A preacher, while unholy, full of carnality, is not fit to publish Christly religion. “Except a man deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me, he cannot be my disciple.” “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world.” Preachers who have reached this experience, will be able to set examples worthy of imitation. It has been well said, “Whom God calls he qualifies.” which surely is an evidence of their call. God is able to use an unlearned man as well as in days of old, to confound the sects of to day and preach a pure gospel.

Sanctification is the work that qualifies. 1 Tim. 2:21. “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, SANCTIFIED and MEET for the MASTER’S USE, and prepared unto every good work.” Without holiness he is not fit for God’s service, but with it he is a fit instrument of service for any use God lays upon him. for God’s glory and man’s good.

The oversight of God’s flock. “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourslves; for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief.” Oh, for that real soul care and watchfulness to help them on to God, to build them up in the most holy faith of the gospel. But how sad when the sect preacher will not preach unless he gets a good salary! It looks as if they were looking for the dollars instead of the souls of men.

We wish to draw a contrast between God’s sent preachers and carnal conference-sent preachers.

GOD’S PREACHERS.

CARNAL PREACHERS.

Acts 20:28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.

To feed the flock, is to preach to them the word of truth.

They teach the truth.

Ezek. 34:2, 3. Woe be unto the pastors that feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flock? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool. They steal away the key of knowledge.

To take away the word of God is to steal from the flock.

They teach lies.

Jer. 23:28. He that hath my word, let him declare it faithfully. Isa. 9:15. The prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream (or essay).
They preach the contents of a sanctified heart; filled with God’s word and holiness. They preach the contents of an unsanctified heart.
They point to Christ the open door, and hold up Jesus the only way of truth, life and happiness eternal. They catch men. Hab. 1:15. They take up all of them with the angle; they catch them in their net and gather them in their drag.
By him if any man enter in, he shall be saved. No other way but his way.

A free gospel. Mat. 11:5. The poor have the gospel preached unto them.

People are deceived into sectism, and not won to Christ

They teach for hire. Mic. 3:11. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire; and the prophets divine for money.

A command to God’s ministers. Mat. 5:10, 11. Provide neither gold, silver nor mass for your purses. So it is without money and without price. A full and free salvation, and not by a hireling ministry. How true, Big pay gets the big preacher.

Thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greediily gained of thy neighbors by extortion, and hath forgotten me, saith the Lord.

Orthodox in doctrine. Heterodox in doctrine.
1 Jno. 2:20. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. The Holy Spirit leads into all truth, and not into error. Through sect teaching, the wine of corrupt doctrine, the people have become filled with error and confusion. Isa. 28:7. But they have erred through wine and through strong drink are out of the way. The priests and the prophets have erred; through strong drink they are swallowed up of wine; they are out of the way, they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.
They teach holiness. Ezek. 44:23. They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the clean and the unclean. “And there shall be holiness unto the Lord.” Do not teach holiness. Ezek. 22:26. Her priests have violated my law and profaned my holy things. They have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed the difference between the unclean and the clean.
They speak the truth. Eph.4:12. “For the work of the ministry.” 15. But speaking the truth in love. They speak the truth without fear, form or partiality. They prophesy deceit. Jer. 23:26. How long shall this be in the hearts of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own hearts.

Read Jer. 14:14.

They are clean. Isa. 52:11. Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord! An unclean vessel never can preserve anything clean. God cleanses from all filth and uncleanness. Are unclean. Psa. 53:3. Every one of them is gone back; they are altogether become filthy; there is none good, no not one. Read Rom. 3:10-12.
God is with them. Mark 16:12. And they went forth and preached the word: the Lord working with them and confirming the word with signs following. Mat. 28:20. “I am with you always.” They have no communion with God. Mic. 3:7. Then shall the seers be ashamed and the diviners confounded. Yea, they shall cover their lips, for there is no answer of God. Read Zeph. 3:4.

E. F. Houghton.

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West Plains, Mo.

Dear Ones Scattered Abroad: I just want to testify to the glory of God this morning that I am saved, sanctified, and satisfied. I have at last given up home, friends, and relatives and count them but loss for Jesus’ sake, that I may follow where he leads. Praise our God! I am with Bro. Collins now. Pray for me that I may be kept low and humble. Yours saved, sanctified and healed.

R. L. Farguar.

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Kenesaw, Neb.

Dear Ones in Christ: I do praise God this evening for what he has done for me, that he ever followed me by his tender mercies while I was straying away from him, and called after me with his kind and gentle Spirit. The devil tried very hard to keep me away from God by telling me that there was no more salvation for me, that I had perhaps sinned against the Holy Ghost in some way. And being so ignorant of God’s ways, mostly believed it. Then the awful feeling of being lost forever came over me. I was in this condition for some days, when in answer to my own prayer He showed me in a dream so plain that I was a little lamb that had just got out of the fold and was walking straight from it; but if I would turn one short step he would take me into the fold again, where there was safety. Well, bless the Lord! I awoke from my dream and a wave of glory filled my being, for I knew at once that this was from the Lord. So I grasped at this ray of hope, and gave up my all to Him who is able to save us from all sin. I just praise the Lord to day that I am in the fold again, that I am saved from all sin and sanctified wholly. Pray for me, and for my children that they may give up their sinful ways and worldly pleasures, and seek God while he may be found. Your saved sister,

Laura Berlocker.

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