1 October 1889, Volume 9, Number 19.
Come Unto Me.
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“COME unto me,” the Saviour cries,
All ye by sin oppressed,
Confess my name before the world,
And I will give you rest.
Assume my mild and easy yoke,
And by obedience prove
Your hearts devotion to my cause,
Your gratitude and love.
In meekness strive to do my will;
All other teachers flee;
Lay every earthly trust aside,
And learn alone of me.
The stores of wisdom all are mine,
And to each trustful heart
Treasures of knowledge, deep and pure,
I gladly will impart.
I am of meek and lowly heart,
And those who follow me
Must cast all lofty pride away,
And learn humility.
Through life, then, humbly follow on,
In death lean on my breast;
Fear not the dark and gloomy grave,
Beyond it lies your rest.
Selected.
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THE ALTAR AND MERCY SEAT.
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SOME people are troubled for Scripture to warrant the practice of inviting men and women to come and prostrate themselves in the midst of the Church, to seek salvation. Let us appeal to the Word.
In Heb. 9:1-8, we have a partial description of the tabernacle and contents.
It had a brazen altar in the court, a golden one in the holy place, and a mercy seat in the holiest of all.
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while the first tabernacle was yet standing. — Ver. 8.
Doubtless this means that the way into the spiritual place, typified by the holiest of all was not made known until Christ was crucified, and the Holy Spirit was poured out in His fulness.
Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience. — Ver. 9.
Here we learn, as also in Col. 2:17. That the tabernacle, its altars, sacrifices etc., were ordained of God as shadows and figures of spiritual things to come is the Kingdom of Christ. The tabernacle itself was a type of the Church of God, which is called “a greater or more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands” — Heb. 9:11. And is declared to be the “house of God” — Heb. 10:21. And the house of God is “the Church of the living God” — Tim. 3:15. Since the tabernacle and the temple were figures of the Church, it follows that the altars and mercy seat, must have their spiritual antitype, is the Church or spiritual house of God. If you ask what these represented, we answer, and shall proceed to show by the Scriptures, that they were all types of Christ. At the first altar we receive justification, at the second entire sanctification. This appears from the altar’s great sanctity.
Seven days Thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy. — Exod. 29:37.
And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt-offering, and all his vessels, and – sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. — Exod. 40:10.
An “altar most holy.” In the margin it reads: “holiness of holiness.”
“The altar that sanctifieth the gift.” — Matt. 23:19.
“Whatsoever toucheth the altar is holy,” or made sanctified. This is true in a twofold sense. The first altars, which were a figure of the true, made holy in a legal or ceremonial sense, or “sanctified to the purification of the flesh” — Heb. 9:13. But the blood of the new testament altar, purifies morally, and really, ’’purges your very conscience from dead works, to serve the living God.” — Heb. 9: 14. Christ gave directions for us in bringing our gifts to the altar, Matt. 5, 23, 24, by which it can be seen that the New Testament dispensation has its altar, as well as the old. But instead of lambs etc., we are required to present our bodies a living sacrafice.” — Rom. 12:1. Also our means, given to the poor, and for the support of the Gospel are “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” — Phill. 4:18. Therefore, “to do good, and communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” — Heb. 13:16. Spirited praise is also an acceptable sacrifice. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name — Heb. 13:15.
Sacrifice is offered to God by means of an altar to make it holy, and it is “by Christ,” our altar that we offer to God the sacrifice of praise. Under the first covenant, literal objects were offered on literal altars, which were a figure of the true altar, Christ. Now we, in God’s “spiritual house” “offer up, spiritual sacrifices, acceptable unto God by Jesus Christ.” i. e. Made acceptable to God through Christ the altar. We have seen in Matt. 23:19, that the altar sanctifies the gift.” And in Heb. 13:12, we see the sanctifying altar defined. “Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate.” — Heb. 13:12. Christ is the sanctifying altar. Praise God! “We have an altar whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernable. — Heb. 13:10.
The Lord, our altar was prophesied of as such.
And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the Lord because of oppressors, He shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and He shall deliver them. — Isa. 19:20.
The altar is our Great Saviour.
Thus saith the Lord, keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people. — Isa. 56:1, 6, 7.
This is New Testament salvation, which the Prophet announced as near to come in his day, is now being fully realized by all who place themselves fully on God’s altar in His house of prayer, which is the Church of the living God. Again in Isa. 60:1-7, we see the forces of the Gentiles, coming to the light of Christ, and becoming accepted of God on His altar. So it is clearly seen that we have an altar upon which to offer ourselves a sacrifice to God, in the present dispensation.
We will notice a few beautiful points of analogy between the ancient and the present altar. Of the typical offerings it was thus commanded.
And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt. — Lev. 2:13.
What did that foreshadow? Thus saith the Lord? For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost its saltness, wherewith shall ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. — Mark, 9:49, 50. Here we learn that every child of God, after conversion, must make him or herself a sacrificial offering to God and be salted by fire — i.e. the Holy Spirit. “Have salt in yourselves.” And do not suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to he lacking.” As the law required salt with every sacrifie, so now a sacrifice that does not get the real salt of the kingdom, is deficient in the sight of God.
Fire came down from Heaven upon the ancient altar, and consumed the sacrifice. See Levit. 9:22-24. 1 Chron. 21:26, 2
Chron. 7:1. This is a striking figure of the Holy Spirit descending upon us, when wholly consecrated to God, on the altar, Christ Jesus. “He shall baptize you with the Holy-Spirit and with fire,” — Matt. 3:11.
We will notice another beautiful figure. And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt-offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace-offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out. — Levit. 6:12, 13.
Glory to Jesus! this represents the fire of the Spirit of God constantly glowing on our altar of praise in the “greater and more perfect tabernacle,” — the Church Not only must every individual member of the body of Christ be always “filled with the Spirit.” But the holy fire must be allowed to dwell constantly in the body general, in His quickening, enlightening, convicting, regenerating, sanctifying, and keeping power. It is in this capacity that the Spirit operates in the Church to the salvation of souls. And if grieved away, salvation work wanes, and a decrease of God — presence and power ensues. O beloved, “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace,” that His holy fire may always burn in the Church.
We will now notice one more very striking and beautiful figure, i.e., the “mercy seat.”
“And thou shalt make a mercy-seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy-seat. And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy-seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another: toward the mercy-seat shall the laces of the cherubims be. And thou shalt put the mercy-seat above the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testamony that I shall give thee. And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy-seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Isreal.” — Exod. 25:17-22.
“Thou shalt make a mercy-seat of pure gold.” “And the cherubims shall stretch their wings on high, covering the mercy-seat.” Praise God! here is shadowed forth the the golden mercies of God, that hover over His Church, and that sinners find when penitently bowing in the midst of the Church, the holy place of God’s tabernacle. Why was this called the mercy-seat? There was nothing in the use of it in the tabernacle that warranted that name. The facts are, the whole mercy-seat, the cherubims, and the name, “mercy-seat,” were expressly designed of God to symbolize the spiritual mercy-seat in the Church of God. The literal thing in the tabernacle, was an indifferent matter, but its great spiritual antitype is a glorious reality. “And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy-seat. Heb. 9:5.
“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of out infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — Heb. 4:15, 16. .
Here is a spiritual application of the mercy-seat. It is called the throne (reign) of grace,” the point at which the soul finds mercy.
But where is the proper place to approach the spiritual mercy-seat? What says the figure? The mercy-seat was in the .holiest place of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a figure of the Church. So it is in the midst of the Church, in the presence of the holy people, that sinners should bow and seek the saving mercy of God. That is all clearly shadowed forth by the altar and mercy-seat There God says: “I will meet with you, and commune with you, from above the mercy-seat.” That Christ is our altar and mercy-seat, is very true. But where, according to the Word of God should lost men go to seek Him? God is every-where. But what is His special abiding place on earth? Is it not even in the midst of His Church?
“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most high. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” — Psa. 46:4, 5.
“Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the holy one of Israel in the midst of thee.” — Isa. 12:5, 6.
“Yet Thou, O, Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.”—Jer. 14: 9.
“My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.” — Eze. 37:27, 28. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall not be ashamed.” — Joel, 2:27.
Many New Testament scriptures locate Christ in the midst of His Church, and in a special manner when assembled together. But this one is sufficient.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” — Matt. 18:20.
We have now shown that Christ is the altar and mercy-seat of the present dispensation. Through Him, and on the merit of His shed blood and death, the sinner finds pardon and acceptance, and the believer entire sanctification. All laid on Christ we are an acceptable offering unto God.
We have also seen that Christ, our altar is right in His Church, in the midst of His people. Therefore it follows that that is the proper place to seek Him. Not in literal Jerusalem exclusively, nor yet in the mountains in Samaria is God to be found. But in Judah is God known, and in mount Zion, His Church is His dwelling place, and there should He be sought, by the penitent, enquiring soul.
God honors His Church, and will not bless and save the soul that ignores her, and attempts to seek His power independent of the prayers, and instuctions of His true saints. When we say that God thus honors His Church, we mean His Church and and not human organisms called churches. We confess that men can get to God, and be saved independent of all sects, and will be more apt to find God if they utterly disregard them. But since getting salvation constitutes a person a member of the Church of God, therefore to seek salvation the soul naturally comes right into the midst of the Church, and there surrenders to God. Here Christ is in the midst, and “Here will make the place of His feet glorious.” Therefore thus sayeth God, “thy enemies shall come bending unto thee And all that dispised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feel” — Isa. 60:14. Hundreds have done that very thing. There is just where guilty sinners ought to come bowing down; not to worship saints, but to seek the Holy One of Israel in the midst of them. When Saul was brought down to the earth, and asked what to do to be saved, Christ could have informed him there, but He ordered him to go to Damascus, and present Himself for prayers and instruction; at the feet of the very saints he proposed to bind and have put to death. And he did not stand pharisee cally by, and receive the instructions but he prostrated himself. Accordingly, it is said, that after receiving his sight, “he arose,” — Acts. 9:18. Would to God that many more who think themselves too important to “come bowing down at the soles of holy feet, would follow the example of Saul, and like him become “Paul.” (that is “little.”)
David has prophetically described this matter as follows, “I will pay my vows before them that fear Him.” — Isa. 22:25.
“I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay vows unto the Lord in the presence of all His people.” — Psa. 116:13, 14.
That is the place for every sinner to come, and call upon the Lord, take the cup of salvation, and pay his many vows unto God, even in the midst of all His people.
Some have objected to this way of seeking salvation, and tired the case of Cornelius, and household, saying that if we had the proper faith, we would not need to invite persons forward for prayers, but they would be saved, and receive the Spirit while we are preaching as they did while Peter preached. But such objectors, forget that Cornelius and his friends had been down fasting and praying for days. So when they heard the promises of God they were ready to believe and be saved. But to say we are lacking in faith if sinners do not get saved in the congregation while we are preaching, arise from an unreasonable and picking spirit. The sufficient to produce faith, but something else is needed; repentance, confession, and calling on ..od for mercy are all needful.
But says the quibbler. “There is no scripture for the manners brach. “Christ is the altar and not a bench.” “To thus bow down to wood or stone is idolatry.” “Invite the people to come to Christ, and not to a bench,” etc. Such objections may look wise out of in evil eye. But they are only the product of a penurious spirit. So far as the bench is concerned, no one ascribes any virtue to it. If we invite sinners to Christ. why not have them come and kneel in the midst of His saints just where He has promised to be? If it be idolatry for a sin burdened soul to kneel down by a bench, is it not equally such for men and women to kneel down by their chairs in family worship? A bench simply used to designate a place for penitents Ho come and bow in the midst of the Church, and as men usually lean upon a chair or seat of some kind, in the act of prayer, it is simply kindness to the heavy hearted sinner that he or she have the same bodily support. Though the sanctifying altar of the New Testament‘s Christ, the simple bench to which penitents are invited, may also in one sense be called an altar. According to the use of our language, an altar, is “a place for offering to some deity.” Which would apply to any place where men bow down and give their heart to God, or where prayer, praise, and thanksgiving are offered to Him. So there is no violation of either the Word of God, or the standard or the English language to call sinners forward to how at the altar. The first makes Christ, the altar and locates Him in the midst of His people; the second makes any designated place of prayer an altar.
Now let us see just how men should approach God, for mercy and favors. A dear soul, who was under delusions, and who has since bowed down at the mercy-seat, and obtained salvation, wrote about these words. “It is always the devil who says to men fall down.” etc. Now to the Word. First let us see the example Christ set us in approaching God.
And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. — Matt. 26:30.
“And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.” — Mark, 14:35.
“And He was withdrawn from them bout a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed.” — Luke, 22:41.
Christ, while bearing our sins, approached the Father, falling on His knees, and even with His face on the ground. And shall the guilty sinner presume to come to God in a stiff, erect, independent manner?
When the shadow of the Divine presence overshadowed the disciples at the tranfiguration, “they fell on their faces.” – Matt 17:5, 6.
It was not the devil, but the presence
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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 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
Parties may order half doz. at the same rates as per dozen. Address all orders to the Gospel Trumpet Office. Grand JUNCTION, Mich
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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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NEW CHURCH TRACT.
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WE have just printed a new tract by D. S. Warner, of nearly 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.
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There has been a long demand for such books. Now let all who love the truth send your orders by the hundred. We send all books, postage prepaid.
Address Gospel Trumpet.
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THE AGE TO COME, AND MILLENNIUM TRADITION,
Refuted by the inspired Word of God.
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MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE.
A small tract of 32 pages, setting this subject before the people, in the clear light of the New Testament.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS RECEIVED SINCE LAST ISSUE, NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.
| Georgia Cook | C Hillegass | G S Cole |
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Camp and Grove Meeting List.
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A camp or grove-meeting will be held at Charleston, S. C., beginuing Oct. 2nd, and continue as long as the Lord wills. Let as many saints attend this meeting as can possibly do so. A general invitation is given to all who love the truth. Pray earnestly for the work here in this place. Address
W. H. Morris.
Charleston Cotton mills,
Charleston, S. C.
GROVE-MEETING.
There will be a grove-meeting Oct. 4-11 1889, in the township of Hope, Barry Co., Mich. in the Schronce district 2 1/4 miles east of Gloverdale, on the Chicago Kalamazoo & Saginaw R. R. Those coming by the way of Kalamazoo, stop at Gloverdale. Bro’s. S. Michels & C. Eldredge are expected to be in attendance, and as many more of the brethren as the Lord may send.
Your saved brother.
Leroy Schronce.
CAMP-MEETING AT CARTHAGE MO.
THE Lord willing, we will hold a camp-meeting with the Church of God at Carthage Mo. October 18th to about the 24th, Let there be a general coming together of preachers and people from every direction. Come prepared to tent if possible; or bring bedding. Address James Pine, Carthage, Mo.
D. S. W. and Co,
CAMP-MEETING AT GALESBURG, KAN. THERE will be a camp-meeting, the Lord willing, at Galesburg Neosho Co. Kan. October 8th to about the 17th. Every body is invited. Let as many bring tents, as can. Others bring their bedding and all will be done that can to make you comfortable.
Those coming to Galesburg C. M. on train from the north come on the M. K. & T. R. R. from Chanute south to Galesburg. Those from the west, via Cherryvale & Parsons north to Galesburg.
D. S. Warner and Co.
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HOLINESS unto the Lord brings the soul into an everlasting covenant and partnership bond with God. This agreement is entered into by consecration and faith. By the first, we give ourself over to God, and by the second, we take God unto us. This done, the Holy Spirit seals the covenant, and it becomes an “everlasting covenant;” for thus saith the Lord: “I will make an everlasting covenant with you;” and “I will be your God, and ye shall be my people.” When you know you have filled your side of the covenant, it were an insult on the character of God to doubt that He fills His side. The partnership firm being now formed, take it for granted that God proceeds to the business of the firm, i. e., the entire salvation and sanctification of your soul, body and spirit. Every firm is based upon, and perpetuated by faith or confidence. If at any time an enemy of the firm would succeed in raising suspicions in any partner that the rest were not carrying out the agreement, that member would immediately stop. So if the devil, who is both God’s enemy, and your enemy, can make you believe that God is not sanctifying your soul, you will stop your part of the business; you will stop believing and testifying that God sanctifies you wholly. Whenever you do that, you break your side of the covenant, so God cannot carry out His side. Never mind the income of the business. Satan will suggest to you, “do not believe that God has entered the agreement with you, until you see and feel some income to the business.” Nay. The firm must be formed and sealed first, and then presently the business will begin to make a good show of income. But even after it has yielded a hundred fold, the firm must be kept up, and the business carried on by faith. Should some enemy succeed in putting distrust into your heart, that would lead to the dissolution of the firm.
“But Christ is a Son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” — Heb. 3:6.
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” — Heb. 3:14.
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my s0ul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them that draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” — Heb. 10:38, 39.
God is true, in whom we have believed, and the devil, who is the father of lies, and the enemy both of God and us, shall never be permitted to make mischief between us by his vile suggestions. I believe God, and all is right. Amen!
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A BROTHER spoke some time ago in the meeting, about a poor formalist, who, after years of bondage service, wakened up to the realization that God was actually near, within speaking distance, and that prayer was really talking to God. And behold “he had always been praying God far away.” Yes, that describes it very well. Many people’s prayers put God a very great distance from their soul. And many are indeed so repulsive to God that they drive Him to a great distance from them. All these truly pray God afar off.
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A BROTHER testified that he had tried hard to make himself an infidel, and persuade himself that every thing came by chance, or just happened to be. One time he sat down upon a mountain, and enjoyed the delightful scene of a beautiful valley spread out before him. The question naturally came to his mind, Was all this charming display of nature the product of blind chance? His theory, of course, led him to so decide. But presently a voice seemed to speak to him with awful force: “There may also chance to be a hell, and you chance to go there.” From this time conviction seized upon his guilty soul, which resulted in his salvation.
A BROTHER writes us: “These are evil times, and it takes an awful deep consecration to represent the infinite holiness of God.” God help us to weigh these words. Nothing but the infinite holiness of God will enable us to stand before the awful bar of God, and nothing but an absolute consecration to God, and utter death of self, and to self, will put us on this plain of glory.
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NOTICE.
At the close of the Bangor camp-meeting a few things were left on the ground, which the owners can have by writing to A. B. Palmer, and describing the articles lost
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CALL TO OTTAWA CO., MICH.
CAN some brother come and hold a meeting here? He will find a home in our family, and I think some others here will help to pay traveling expenses.
Yours truly.
John P Pruim.
Zeeland, Ottawa Co., Mich.
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REFERENCE AND PRONOUNCING TESTAMENTS.
—@—
As persons have frequently written to us for Bibles and Testaments, we have purchased a few New Testaments with the references in figures, directly under the verse refered to, which is very convenient It also contains a key to the principles of pronunciation, and has a dictionary and Gazetteer of 47 pages.
| Price, postage paid, | (Sheepskin cover, | . . . $1.00 |
| (Embrossed | . . “ . . . . 1.25 | |
| (Embrossed gift, | . . . . 1.50 |
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NEWS FROM THE FIELD
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Wayland, Neb., Sept. 14, ’89.
OUR last report was of the Deerfield meeting. From there we came west, stopped in Chicago part of a day, and by the help of the Lord purchased the book binding machine, which we had been asking the Lord for. Trusting God to furnish us $100, in 30 days time, the amount unpaid. We are praying the Lord to move some to receive the reward for helping it paid.
The Lord also favored us with half fare rates for the whole company, for the year over four large western R. R. systems. So that we can travel nearly all over the west, from Chicago, to California, and from the Gulf of Mexico, to about the north extremity of the U. S. We are grateful to God that He is disposing the R. R. Companies to help us in this great work. The general Ticket Agents seem courteously willing to give this favor to all who are truly and constantly devoted to religious work. Some of the companies have a provision in their form for “Sisters of charity,” — i. e., Romish creed propagandists, who make no pretention of preaching, and they are equally willing to grant the favor to brothers and sisters of true charity who do not regularly preach, but are exclusively devoted to gospel work. As soon as practical, we think we can have them insert a similar clause for “helps,” which is a scriptural name for such as accompany preachers in the field, and labor day and night, with singing, praying, testimony and exhortation.
We then went on our way to the grove- meeting a few miles from Albany Ill. Here are very precious saints, but some of them had been over-thrown, and others partially cast down by the subtle powers of the adversary. Most of whom got back to the Lord, and got cleared up, and the Church was knit together in love. Some poor sinners were converted and sanctified wholly to God, and a glorious work was wrought, and. an influence was exerted by the meeting, which we are well assured will bring forth much fruit in the future. There were several baptized in the Mississippi River. Some healing was also wrought by the power of Christ. A glorious communion service in the ordinance of Christ, was blessed to all our hearts. It seemed a pity that we had to leave so soon. Many hearts were touched, some of whom, would no doubt have been won to the side of the Lord, if the meeting had continued. God bless the people, for all their kindness to us. O it will be a wonderful and joyful time when we meet in heaven with all the saints with whom we have worshiped, in the Spirit, and parted in love.
Our next point was Hedrick camp-meeting Iowa. Where we arrived in good time. The camp was in a pleasant grove right in the town. The saints had purchased a good tabernacle, which they had seated, and also a large auditorium besides. This tent was a great blessing te us, as the meeting went right on in rainy or good weather. The doctrine of holiness so far as we learned, had never been preached there before. Bro. Lindley and sister McCormick had labored in that country, and there were saints scattered abroad in the country who pitched their tents on the ground. Most of them received a clearer experience during the meeting. Wyrick had been there recently, under an assumed name, and though the saints all felt that he was not right, they hoped he would get all right, and so were foolish enough to go and hear him, and thereby became crippled in their souls. May God help His people to stand aloof from every spirit that is opposite to the spirit of God. Some sinners were converted, and quite a number of souls fully sanctified. An immense throng of people came out to hear the Word of God. The order was good, and many hearers seemed to endorse the Word of truth. Compared with camp-meetings east, there was not a very good show of immediate fruits. But the doctrine of holiness being new, such extensive results could not be expected, Dear Bro. Lindley of this state and Bra, J. W. Byers from Ill. labored with us in the Gospel by the Spirit. This has been one of the most dark and difficult states we have yet found to labor in. It has been cursed with deluded and deceived instruments of satan, until almost perfect darkness has filled the moral sky. But the Lord has some very precious saints here, some of whom we trust are fixed and established in Christ Jesus. All treated us very kindly, and their love shall never be forgotten. God bless His little ones in Iowa. The propects of salvation extention are growing brighter. Many places are calling for the true Gospel. Bro’s Lindley and Byers continued the meeting after we left, and we hope to hear of additional souls saved. Alter closing there they expected to move the tabernacle to Sigourney, and other points. We had a glorious farewell meeting the morning of Sept. 11. The blessed Lord was therein power, and eight souls were sanctified to God in that little meeting.
Took train at Ottumwa that night at 10. on the Burlington Route, and came without change over three hundred miles via. of Omaha and Lincoln Neb. Here we waited a few hours mid the repulsive press and throng of the worldly spirits that had flocked to the state fair. Reached Waco, about 3 P. M. and found brethren waiting our arrival with conveyances, who took us 14 miles over the beautiful prairie — a beautiful world of corn, — to the Wayland camp-meeting. Here we joyfully met dear Bro. and sister Wm. N. Smith, and all the dear saints. O praise the Lord forever. What a great blessing to find them standing fast in the Lord. God bless the meeting here. Amen!
After the meeting at Carthage, Mo. We expect, the Lord willing, to go to Windsor Mo. Oct. 25, and hold meeting about ten days. From there, if the Lord will, respond to a call from Meriden, Kan. After that, we may return, stopping at Palmyra, Mo. and possibly at Fulton, Ill or if the Lord will, we might make a tour to Stafford, Kan. and to Denver, which we would love lo do, if possible. Having half fare rates on the Santa Fee, and Burlington routes, and expect the same on the Union Pacific, we could reach those places quite cheap. We would love to go to Denver and stay a few weeks, and get the Church gathered up and set in order, and have some other Bro. either accompany or follow us, and remain there and carry on the work. Bro. Cary of Kansas feels thus moved. We expect to see him in Kan. and make arrangements. While we are all on fire to go every where, we also feel that we are needed at home, to write, and assist in the publication of books. O that God may raise up many whole hearted laborers in the great field of gleaning, and we do pray God that He will move men to furnish the means to purchase a complete outfit to print and bind books. There are very valuable manuscripts laying in the office now, that should be published. A thorough classification of the Word of God on all subjects and doctrines pertaining to the Word of God, by Bro. Kilpatrick. Also a larger one of Bible readings by him and others, is about ready. To publish these, a new lot of type must be puschased, as the matter is principly numerals. While in Chicago we were told that there has recently been
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a great fall in the price of type. Now is our time to purchase. Who will help. O may God move many to say: “Here Lord is thy means, take and use it” Amen!
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Bangor, Mich., Sept. 23, ’89.
At the meeting at Melrose, Ohio, we found the little ones in a good spiritual condition; the attendance was small until Sabbath. The meeting closed Sabbath after-noon because of rain. There was one pardoned and one sanctified, and one that went through the form of consecration but received nothing. On our way to take the train for home Monday morning, we met dear Bro Gardner on his way to the meeting; he decided to remain and carry on the meeting evenings, for a while. We pray the Lord to use him to the honor and glory of God’s cause, and that much good may be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen!
A. B. Palmer.
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Jerome, Ia. Sept. 21, ’89.
Dear Brethren: — May the Lord bless you. I praise the Lord, for the wonderful love to-day, and rejoice that He is leading me in this wonderful way of full salvation.
We are out here in Iowa, and intend the Lord willing to make this our home for a while at least. We came here a month ago from our home in Kan. I am here to preach the truth. Have preached a few times, and find a few souls who seem to want the light. Praise the Lord! There are none here who hold the way of full salvation from all sin, and sectism, save myself and wife. Pray for us that the Lord may wonderfully bless us and enable us to hold up the light, and that souls may be saved to the uttermost.
Your Bro. in Christ.
H. M. Haynes.
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Leroy, Mich., Sept. 13, ’89.
Dearly Beloved Saints: — May God abundantly bless and keep you sweetly saved in Jesus, and give you perfect victory in your souls over all the powers of satan.
After the close of the Hesperia C. M. I took the train for the Wexford meeting, which begun in the evening of Aug. 30th, we regreted that our dearly beloved Bro. Palmer was not present in the meetings, but we went ahead in the name of the Lord. Bro. and sister Brown from Leroy Mich. came, also a number of the children of God from Kingsley, and Bro. Nichols from Hobart. The first meeting in the grove was a precious one, the Lord met with us in power, one sister was sanctified. At this place several consecrated up to the Bible standard, taking Jesus for their all and in all, and received the victory, and the glory of God in their souls. There were also several cases of healing, in which God manifested His power, and 4 were buried with Christ in baptism — who were blessed in the act. There are quite a number of people out of all sects throughout Wexford Co., and some of them have had a work of grace wrought in their hearts, while a few of them have had a glorious experience in holiness, up to the light, and teaching they have had. May God bless all such honest souls, and lead them out in the glorious, and transparent fulness of God in the evening light. The meeting closed Sept. 2nd. God send some able minister to Wexford Co. in the near future.
The Tustin grove-meeting begun in the afternoon of Sept. 6. The truth was preached in its purity, with love and wisdom, in the power of the Spirit. We had victory in all the meetings, and the glory and power of God was with us. The wicked had laid a plot in the evening, if we had met in the grove, but the Lord led us to meet in the school-house, which checked their design. Praise the Lord who giveth us the victory. Hallelujah! The next evening, we observed the ordinance of God’s house. The meeting went on in the name of the Lord, which ended with leaping, and shouts, and praises to God. Hallelujah! Our dearly beloved Bro. and sister Brown, expected to leave for Green valley Ill. we bid them God speed, and pray Heaven’s blessings, and guiding hand to be ever with them, and we hope that the truth of God may be preached. Bro. Nichols from Hobart was at the meeting, the Lord bless, qualify, and use him to preach the truth. The Lord bless, and keep the saints ever more, and lead them out into the clear light, and truth of God, in love and humility. I expect to remain here 10 days or more, if the Lord wills. Pray earnestly for me, dear ones, that I may know and do the will of God in all things, at all times, and that God may use me with mighty power in the salvation of precious souls. Love to all. Your humble, and wholly sanctified Bro. in Jesus.
F. N. Jacobson.
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Grand Junction, Mich.
The General Assembly of Saints, at Geneva Center, this year was a glorious feast to our souls, and a time of rejoicing to the saints at that place. Although the enemy of souls had tried hard to depress! and overthrow the dear ones; the opposing element was brought to light and exposed, and the work moved along in glorious harmony.
Quite a number of saints from a distance were in attendance on Sabbath. Throughout the meeting our souls feasted upon the riches from Father’s table, as the Word was preached in its purity by God’s holy ministers. Bro’s. Palmer, Michels, and dear Bro. Achor, from Kan., were there to preach Christ to the people. A few souls were saved and made happy in a Saviour’s love.
On Monday 23rd four dear souls were baptized, and came forth out of the water shouting the praises of God. O it is glorious to obey the commands of the Lord; and Jesus says: “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” and “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Praise God! The Church at this place was greatly strengthened and edified, and we felt the sweet fellowship, and melting love of Jesus in the midst of His people. A few were healed by the power of God, through faith in Him, and the laying on of hands according to the Word.
The meeting lasted five days, and closed with real vtctory in our souls, and the saints were all filled with the love and glory of God, and felt truly that it was good to be there. To God be all the glory and praise.
E. E. Byrum.
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St. Petersburg, Pa.
THE Red Lion camp-meeting, which lasted nine days, closed with wonderful success and interest. During the entire meeting we had the best of order, and large attendance. Many poor souls that came to the meeting in sin, were made free by the blood of Jesus, and returned to their homes shouting the high praises of God. O hallelujah to Jesus! This was a real feast to our souls, to see poor lost souls saved by the power of God.
There were also several cases of faith healing during the meeting. Of a truth God is with His people; not only to save from sin, but to save from diseases.
The little Church from St. Petersburg, Pa. were present to enjoy the feast, and seek the lost in sin. We did not keep count how many were saved, but judge about fifty. The last day of the feast, we went down to Red Valley, and buried with Christ 15 dear souls, who showed by that act of obedience, that they were dead to the world and sin, to follow Jesus in all His ways.
We are here in the name of Jesus to hold the fort as long as He wills. We are your brethren in the faith.
S. L. Speck & A. J. Kilpatrick.
LATER.
Turkey City, Pa.
AT the close of the Red Lion camp- meeting we accompanied the saints from St. Petersburg, Pa., to hold meeting in that little town. The same night we had meeting in the Odd Fellows hall; the dear Lord was with us in much power to tell the people what Jesus had done for our souls. We moved the meeting which we were to continue, to the Opera House. We preached one week, the awful truth of God, which took effect in the hearts of those who heard it. Just at the time the people were feeling the hand of God upon them, we were pressed, both by letter, and the Spirit of God to leave the meeting in the care of Bro. J. Dillon and wife, and sister A. L. Bear, and go into east Pa., and help the brethren hold the fort in those parts against sin and sectarianism. When we reached there the meeting had already commenced, and was in progress one week. The meeting was announced to close on Lord’s day, but when we came the brethren were anxious to have it continue longer, which we agreed to in the name of Jesus. We held over Lord’s day and Monday night in the grove prepared at Auburn, Pa. The weather became unfavorable to hold in the woods; therefore we moved the meeting into the meeting-house owned by the German eldership of the so-called Church of God. We continued the battle one week in the name of the Lord. We had greet liberty in preaching the truth to those dear saints, and all who came in to hear the Gospel. Of course, as in other places, we had opposition to the truth, especially the two works of grace. At this place we found a few who had the salvation of Jesus in their hearts, and were warm toward us and the truth, also others who were honest, and willing to die the death to all sin and the world, and were gloriously made free indeed. We would have been of more benefit to them in the Gospel if we could speak the German language, or had some Bro. with us that could. O ye dear brethren who have this gift of God, and are called into the work of the Lord, be ready to attend the next meeting held in these parts.
At the close of the Auburn meeting we went three miles to a little town, called Landingville, and held two nights in the U. B. meeting-house. We found a few real warm hearts, and the class leader, with a few others, seeking sanctification, and are seeking light on what is the Church and what it is not. From there we came into the neighborhood of our much beloved Bro. Burkheiser, whom we found in the Lord and walking in the truth. We held meeting in a meetinghouse owned by this Bro. and located on his farm. What a heavenly feast we had in the Holy Spirit. The next morning we took train at Dow Pa. for St. Petersburg Pa., where we found our little Co. in the bonds of perfect love and peace.
We are now three miles from St. Petersburg, holding meetings in a Union meeting-house. There is not a sanctified soul in the whole neighborhood, but hope there will be more than one after this meeting. Pray for us dear people of God that we may speak the truth to the people in the name of Jesus, and in much love.
We are your Bro’s.
S. L. Speck & A. J. Kilpatrick.
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Coldwater, Mich., Sept. 18, ’89.
Beloved Brethren: — Grace and peace be multiplied unto you. I praise God this morning for the fulness of God’s love in my soul. Well dear ones since our last report the Lord has been with us in mighty power. From La Paz Ind., we went about 8 miles to a place called Olive Branch, and held 5 meetings in an advent meeting-house. O how we did realize at that place that darkness covers the land, and gross darkness the people. God was with us in mighty power and enabled us to pour out the everlasting Word upon the people; which caused quite a shaking among the dry bones. We found a few souls there that were willing to endorse the truth. May God bless them and bring them into the fold of Christ. From there we returned to La Paz and held a few meetings with the little ones at Buffalo. Oh how God did bless our souls in again meeting the dear saved ones. Two souls were saved during our stay. May the work of salvation go on at that place. Sister Phoebe Kimble received from God the divine charge of overseeing the flock at Buffalo. May God keep her faithful in the midst of opposition and persecution. And may she feed the flock over which the Holy Ghost has made her overseer.
On Sabbath the 15th we again went to the water and baptized 4 more of God’s little ones. In our last meeting at La Paz the Lord did wonderfully pour out His Spirit upon us, which caused the little ones to leap and shout the loud praises of God. One came to the altar and God saved her soul. On Monday we took train for this place. We have secured a Wesleyan Methodist meeting-house here, and expect to begin meeting this evening in the name of King Jesus.
Brethren, pray for us that God will work in and through us to His own glory.
Your Bro. saved, sanctified, and working for Jesus.
Henry C. Sharpnack.
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Watervaliet, Mich.
Dear Saints: — I thank God that He called me from darkness into His marvelous light. I do praise God for the sweet peace, and unspeakable joy that I feel in my heart just now. Glory be to His holy name forever and ever!
One year ago the 20th of last May, He healed my afflicted body; and He has been my Physician ever since. He is my help in every time of need. O how thankful I am for a salvation that helps us through every trial, and where-ever we are Jesus is my all and in all.
Christena Lederer.
OBITUARY.
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Shelby, Neb.
LITTLE Alfred W. Fox, son of Bro. Lewis and sister Fox, departed this life Aug. the 21, 1889, aged 2 years, 3 months, and 13 days. Alfred was a very healthy and bright little boy; and quite a good singer for one of his age. He frequuently would bring the song book to his mother to sing, knowing where to find the piece he loved most. One of his fav.. ..tengs was “His yoke is easy;” another was “Sweet Home of Love.” Anthems page 66. The dear friends not thinking how soon he would go to that sweet home of love. He was very quiet about his play, and usually would be with the other children while at their work. So the parents supposed he was with the children. Therefore they were not concerned about him; but when all came in for supper, soon after he was missed, and search was made, and he was found drowned in the water tank.
Funeral services were held at Victor School-house, by the writer.
Wm. N. Smith.
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Correspondence.
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Grand Junction, Mich.
Dear Saints: — I feel led by the love of God to send my testimony to all who love and serve Him with a pure heart. Praise God! I have given Him my undivided heart, and know He accepts it, and the blood of Christ His Son cleanseth me from all sin. Hallelujah to the Lamb forever! I first came to Christ for pardon; then received the full atonement of Christ, by giving God my whole soul and body, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable. Praise God for His love, so pure and so free! O how amazing that such weak worms of the dust as we, should be permitted to love and serve God, yet He is so pure, so holy. O it melts my heart with gratitude at the thought of such love.
Let all remember that God has said to you: “Son, give me thine heart.” O praise the Lord! My soul says;
Take my poor heart, and let it be,
Forever cleansed to all but Thee;
Seal thou my breast and let me wear,
That pledge of love forever there.
O glory to God! He has promised to perfect our love. His promises have all proved to be true. He has taken away my stony heart, and given me a heart of flesh. He has given me this perfect love, or entire sanctification, which He has promised in His Word. O He has made so many blessed promises; and His faithfulness is as great as His promises. Heaven and earth may pass away, but His Word will never fail. O I do praise God for saving my soul from all sin. I am free from babylon, and all the confusion of this world. Pray for me that I may live a holy life every day so that God can use me to His Glory.
I remain your Bro. in Christ, washed in the blood, sanctified wholly.
Thomas E. Coon.
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Union Grove, Ill.
Dear Saints: — I am living for God, thank God for the truth. I cannot say that I am wholly sanctified, but I do earnestly request all the saints to pray that I may receive the knowledge of sanctification. Praise God for His wonderful goodness to the children of men.
Your Bro. in Christ.
Millard Ross.
>:o:<
New Hope, Pa.
Dear Saints: — Myself and family are still serving the Lord. We have no saints to meet with here, no place to go to worship, but with these dead sect churches, my prayer is that God may send some of the saints in our midst to preach the true evening light of the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour. There is nothing going on here but picnics, festivals, and such worldly amusement. May God help some of His saints to come this far east to make known this wonderful salvation.
May God bless you all. Amen!
John Shick.
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Grovertown, Ind.
Dear Brethren: — I can say this morning that I am saved and sanctified, and satisfied. I do praise God this morning for what He has done for me. He has healed me of an affliction that had bothered me for over a year, and has restored me perfectly whole; and I do praise God for it.
Oh I have perfect victory in my soul this morning. We have glorious meetings here although there are but few of the saints around here, but God meets with ns in power, and blesses us. We have much opposition here, but praise God! it does not hurt us, for we are in God’s hands. We had a precious little meeting Thursday evening; the Lord was with us in power, and there were three of the little ones healed of their afflictions. Praise God and the Lamb forever and ever! Dear saints, pray for us that we may ever be found on the Sold Rock, Christ Jesus, doing the whole will of God.
Your sister saved in Christ.
Florence Blue.
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Grand Junction, Mich.
Dear Brethren: — I feel led to write a little of my experience. Four years ago the blessed Lord wonderfully saved my soul, and gave me wonderful blessings and complete victory over all opposing elements, and for two years I enjoyed myself more than I had in all my past life. But I am sorry to say that by looking at them that claimed to be saved and their works showed that they were not, and letting go of Christ, I began to grow cold, and lost the blessing, and by so doing I lost my salvation. But I never had any rest or enjoyment while in a backslidden state, for the blessed Savior’s Spirit was striving to bring me back to Him, for it is not His will that any should be lost. But to my sorrow I rejected His call until last February when He took another way to bring me to Him. He took my only little darling girl to Himself, and God only knows how dealy I loved her; in so doing He showed me that it was a punishment for not obeying him. O dear ones take warning and do not resist the Spirit of God. The blessed Lord says go thy way and sin no more lest a worse thing come upon you. O I praise the Lord that He has saved me. He showed me that I must come to Him soon or be lost forever. O I rejoice just now that I am saved, and am looking to Christ for my example, and I would say to all of God’s little ones; stand firm, and never look to the crookedness of others, but look to Christ who is the only one that can save, and the only one that can keep yon from falling; and if He is able to save us from all of our past sins, He is able to keep us until the end. O I praise the Lord so much for full salvation just now; free from all sin, and sanctified by a second work of grace, ready to bear all, for His grace is sufficient at all times.
Caroline Coon.
—:o:—
Grand Junction, Mich.
May God bless all the dear saints.
Receiving call to attend the general assembly at Geneva, Mich., I left Jonesboro Ind., Sept. 19 for that place. At Chicago I took steamboat for St. Joseph. The weather was so stormy and the lake so rough, I had to stay on the boat two nights; which gave me one day to view the proud and wicked city. The second night they ventured out of harbor, but it was so so stormy they only went about two thirds of the way and returned to Chicago where I took the train for Grand Junction. I do want to praise God for delivering us from the storm and sea, although I felt perfectly secure in God all the time, praise God! We enjoyed a blessed season of grace with the dear ones at the tabernacle, worshiping and doing the Master’s will. As there are several calls for meetings, we expect to remain about here until time for Galesburg, Kas. C. M., and arrive there the first of the meeting D. V. Praise God for what He is doing for us. More than we could think or ask. Now dear saints in Kas. get ready and attend the camp-meeting as it is the only one Bro. Warner can hold in Kas. We hope to see a general turn out of the saints and and a glorious victory on the side of the Lord.
Your Bro. saved through sanctification to the whole will of God.
G. R. Achor.
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Cedarvale, Kas.
Dear Saints: — May God bless you. We are all well, and this evening finds me sweetly saved in Jesus and praising God for His goodness unto me. I have not been to meeting for about three weeks, and it seems so lonesome not to get to meetings My eyes have been sore for about three, weeks; my right eye very painful at times. I asked God to heal them if it was His will, but I was willing to suffer for Jesus’ sake. I just believed and He healed them. I praise God and give Him the glory. I was going to start home Monday from Thayer, but the train went off and left me. I said praise the Lord I knew it would work out for my good and so it did. If I had gone I would have had to stay all night in town. Tuesday Noah was in town waiting for me.
Mattie C. Achor.
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of God that cast them down. When Peter discovered that it was really Christ that had appeared to them while at fishing, “he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saving: depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” — Luke 5:8. Thus will any man fall down when beholding Christ, and his own sinfulness.
But let us see how sinners did approach Christ, seeking favors or salvation, or in worship.
“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” — Matt. 2:11. God help sinners to fall down before Christ and pay their vows in the midst of all the people:
“Simon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall he spoken against.” — Luke 2:34/
What a striking discription of the movements both in body and spirit, attending the salvation of souls. As their spirit droops under conviction, down falls the body at the feet of Christ, the load of sin rolling off the heart; and receiving the joy of pardon, the body leaps up in praises to God.
“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall he broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will-grind him to powder.” — Matt. 21:44.
Ah! poor lost men who see their condition are always willing to cast themselves down on Christ, the Rock of our salvation, who is in the midst of His people.
“And behold there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell down at His feet.” — Mark 5:22.
“For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet: the woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.” — Mark 7:25, 26.
“And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried out saying: Thou art the Son of God.” — Mark 3:11.
“And it came to pass, when He was in a. certain city, behold a man full of leprosy; who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought Him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt thou canst make me clean.” — Luke 5:12.
“But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth.” — Mark 5:33.
“And, behold, there came a man Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue; and he fell down at Jesus’ feet and besought Him that He would come into his house.” — Luke 8:11.
“And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before Him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched Him, and how she was healed immediately.” — Luke 8:47.
Here we see that whenever men approached Christ either for salvation or any favor, they invariably fell down upon the ground, and prayed Him in this humble attitude.
“When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” — Acts 26:14.
Here we see that after Christ’s ascension to heaven, sinners convicted still fell down to the earth when feeling lost, and seeking mercy.
“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said: Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” — Acts 16:29, 30.
“And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so Jailing down, on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.” – 1 Cor. 14:25.
Here we see that in the New Testament, convicted sinners did just as the Old Testament prophesied that they should; i. e., come bending down at the feet of the saints of God. That is the way for sinners to come to Christ. Now let us see how the apostles proceeded when men sought the second grace, the Sanctifier.
“Who, when they were come down; prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet He had fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 8:15-17.
They surely want down for the apostles prayers, and even received the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Spirit, the glorious Sanctifier. This is God’s way. Let the wicked come and fall down at the soles of the righteous’ feet, and let them cry for mercy, receiving the aid and prayers of the children of God. And let the justified kneel down and receive the prayers and instruction from God’s faithful teachers.
We have proved that Christ is the saving Altar, in the house of God, which is the Church of the Living God.
That He is in the midst of His Church.
There, in the courts of His house is where sinners should, and anciently did come bowing down for pardon, and for sanctification.
Now we conclude by observing that coming and kneeling down among God’s children for salvation, is in perfect harmony with every condition of salvation.
- The sinner is required of Christ to deny himself and take up his cross. Is it not a mortifying cross to step out of the congregation and bow down before God?
- He is required to humble himself down in the dust. And here he practically does it.
- He is required to surrender to the sceptre of Christ. And kneeling at the throne of Divine mercy, is the attitude of of a surrendering sinner.
- He must repent And what position better shows repentance.
- He must confess Christ And thus stepping out of the congregation, in response to the Gospel, is a public confession of Christ.
- He must call upon the Lord for mercy. And here he takes the lowly attitude of a suppliant.
- He must come out of the world and take his place with the saints. And so he does.
- Finally he must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, in order to he saved. And here he can have the aid of the saints, both to pray for him, and instruct him, holding to his mind the promises that brings faith at the very moment they are needed.
We will simply add, that whenever a sinner is in that longing state of heart and mind and will, he must be in order to find Christ, he will just as naturally come and fall down before God’s people and desire their prayers and help, as penitents did anciently. That is just where such want to come. Moreover, in 23 years of continual Gospel work, in which we have witnessed the salvation of thousands of souls, we have never known a single instance where persons were unwilling to come and kneel down before the people and seek God, that found Him in private. Another thing that cannot be denied, is that where any other course is pursued, nothing but deception and dead formality is the result.
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“TRUST IN THE LORD AND DO GOOD.”
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Dear Trumpet Readers: — The above title was brought to my mind by the reading of the earnest, good, and timely letter, of Bro. C. C. Kennedy, in the Trumpet of Aug. 15, in which he strives to stir up your pure minds on christian giving, or bringing in your tithes; or in plain words, helping support, by your means, the work of the Lord. Some of God’s professed followers to-day, who love His cause above all other things, do not believe in Sabbath collections etc. but think by some wrought miracle, God will supply the temporal needs of His chosen ministers, teachers, evangelists etc. (If we may judge “know a tree by its fruit,”) they seem to forget that faith without works is void and dead; and that God works more through agency human, than angelic or mystic in this way. How sadly frequent is that little “do” forgotten by Father’s children. Paul said: If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap of your carnal things — or temporal — He also in the same context shows us, how the failng on our part, of the bestowing of our carnal benefits, muzzles the mouth or hinders the work of the Lord, through the unsupplied needs of His earnest, loving, faithful, workers
Dear readers, read from the 6th to the 14th of 1 Cor. 9, and you will see it plainly stated,that God not only purposed that His workers, shall follow the one work of the Gospel, to which He has called, and for which He hath qualified them, but also that their needs shall all be supplied, in, and through that work. Bro. Kennedy echoed Paul’s instruction to us given to the Galatians 6:6; “Let him that is taught in the word (of life) communicate to him that teacheth fa all good things.” Now read the tenth verse: “As we have opportunity therefore let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” And what is said of “seeing our brother have need,” and telling him to “be warmed and fed,” and not giving him those things he hath need of. O beloved “be not deceived, God is not mocked!” “He that soweth sparingly; shall also reap sparingly.”
Husband and I are muzzled, destitute of means, unclad, and comparitively fruitless, in souls for the Master, because of this “shutting up the bowels of compassion” practiced of this selfish, grasping, proud, disobedient age; and our crying want is a tent, or cloth tabernacle; in which to hold meetings for the salvation and instruction of souls. For we all know who have come unto this blessed evening light, that the sects will not help us, in any wise; much less with their buildings and money, to spread the truth that shall demolish their “Goddess Diana” — organization. —
I know a wealthy family who were loud in their “God bless you,” who attended our earnest preaching on the beach this season, and knew our humble means, and heard our expressed want of means to get a tent, to assist a dear Bro. in Oregon to spread a holy and full Gospel on this coast, yet they went away without even giving a nickle to help us in any way; and at the same time they professed to be in full sympathy with us; in all we teach, and all profess holiness, and to be out of babylon.
O beloved let us so speak, and so do as they who shall be judged by the perfect law of liberty. — James 2:12. God intends to set us free from all such hindering errors: and so we shall be judged by that law of freedom. I only give you one instance out of thousands of our own observation.
One of the crying sins of God’s professed children of this last age is “robbing God.” Now I am going to give you each and all who read this paper, a chance to invest your means, as God has prospered you, in purchasing a tent; to he used on this coast from Wash. and Oregon, to Cal. as the Lord may direct, to spread this Gospel of the Kingdom. Any amount from fifty cents, to the price of the tent (one hundred and twenty-five dollars) will be thankfully received, and acknowledged. Our Father will reward you in measure “pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”
We know of a band, of three at least, who are only waiting the tent, to go with it: and also to stay in the tented field with it; and others will, if God so marks out their path before them. Now call to mind that text: As we have opportunity etc. Here is a great opportunity added; for you to daily preach the truth, in many places by “Aaron’s mouth;” through 8 or 9 months of the year, without leaving your comfortable homes or being called to the cares and privations and persecutions of the field work. And we are among the teachers of holy things, and so expect to continue, especially with the pen, and in prayer and faith. Praise God! Tour prayers prevailed for me on the 7th of Aug. I asked the Lord to give me relief from my terrible cough that night, so I could get some sleep; had been kept awake by it many nights. I soon dropped into a refreshing sleep, and my cough never returned since. Glory to God in the highest! I wish soon to glorify my Heavenly Father, by giving to the Trumpet readers some of my glorious past experience in faith healing, by my dear Physician and Redeemer.
Now who will be first on this list. Yon need not have your names published but only the amounts you give, so as to know when the full amount needed is received by us; with which to purchase the tent.
Your sister in the love and faith of the Gospel; made strong in the Lord.
J. C. B. Clayton.
Arroyo Grande, Cal.
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THE SAINTS’ CONSECRATION.
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The saints’ consecration was questioned by a sectarian, who was talking with Bro. Krause, while the Beaver Dam saints were waiting for the train at Deerfield Ind. as they sung some of the songs of Zion which attracted the attention of those present; just then this man began to ask the saints one by one, in the presence of that astonished crowd of sectarians and infidels, etc., as to their consecration. “Are you ready now to burn at the stake as a martyr? If you were taken to the chopping- block to have your head cut off for Jesus sake, can you say you are ready now, like the martyrs of old and not deny Christ?” Each saint testified to a martyr’s consecration with such power and firmness, that it silenced all opposition, and a sinner turned to the man, who had been questioning the saints, and said: “Can you come up to that?” He colored in his face and said: “I think I could if it was necessary, but I do not think it is necessary in this age.” This is truly the language of all sectism, they do not think it necessary to come to the Bible standard of consecration in this age, as if God had changed His plan of salvation. Heb. 13:8.
J. Cole.
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CHARITY NEVER FAILETH.
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THE Apostle says, in 2, Pet. 1st, chapter: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And besides this, giving all diligence, — that is, be very careful to — add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” Awake to righteousness and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God; for to know God, is to cease from committing sin. When we hear any one saying that we cannot live free from sin, we know that person has not obtained the knowledge of God.
Add to “knowledge, temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness, brotherly kindness: and to brotherly kindness charity.” We must be temperate in working, and eating, and in all things and not grieve the Spirit of God away by any intemperate acts. We have need of patience, for in patience shall we possess our souls. I have even seen holiness professors stand in need of patience. May God help us to continually have great patience in all the trying of our faith, for by the lack of it we may lose our souls, for the Word says: “He that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” Then let us live a life of godliness, after God’s own heart, perfect even as our Father in Heaven is perfect; and do good to all men, especially to the household of faith. Charity is perfect love to God and to our fellow men, even to all things which God has left to our care. We should love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves.
I once asked a man if he loved God with all his soul, mind and strength, and he said: yes. Do you love your neighbor as yourself? He replied: no one does that. In the last sentence he revealed the darkness of his heart. Here is a great field for the devil to get in his work and delude poor souls; for if he can keep one soul from perfect charity; he can by one person lead multitudes of souls to destruction.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal; and though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” We may have a great gift of oratory, and be eloquent in speech, and yet be utterly powerless in working for the salvation of souls. We may receive the praise and honor of men, but we are studyiug to show ourselves approved of God; a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. If we are filled with charity, our dumb animals will soon fine it out. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” — 1 Cor. 13:4—7. “Charity never faileth.” God help us to be filled with charity, so we can, with tears warn every man night and day, having the worth of souls upon our hearts so we can truly weep with those who have no hope. Some say this weeping is not of God, but let us see if it is. Did not Jesus weep at the grave Lazarus? and over Jerusalem saying: Jerusalem! Jerusalem!! how often would I have gathered thee together, as a hen gathereth her brood, and ye would not. Paul says, he ceased not to warn them day and night with tears.
Dearly beloved are we not to be like Jesus? I can not help weeping and shedding tears when I consider the condition of poor souls.
Your brother in Christ.
R. Cloe.
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Sromsburg, Neb.
Dear Saints: — I feel led of the Lord to speak about the glorious Sunday-School, the saints are having at the Victor school-house. It is led of the Lord, the Scriptures is read and explained with the Holy Ghost. Our hearts are made to praise the Lord often during the school, and often is heard the shout of praises in the room. The children are taught the scriptures as the Spirit gives it to His children. They are taught to repeat a verse of scripture with some familiar word, which is very encouraging to them. Now this is very necessary in every church, and I hope you will sacrifice some time every Sunday, and teach the children. Here they have about 30 copies of the Guide for the children, which is a very nice paper, and their faces are made to shine as they receive a copy, and the gospel is taught to the children in these parts through the Sunday-School.
Your sister in Christ.
Jennie Smith.
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Beaver Dam, Ind.
Dear Saints: — I feel that it would be to the glory of God that I should testify through the Trumpet once more, of His goodness to me. I do know that I am saved just now, and the joy and peace that I have in my soul is unspeakable and full of glory. I do praise God that He took my feet from a sandy foundation, and placed them on Christ the solid Rock, the sure foundation. Christ is enthroned in my heart and reigns supreme over all sin. Blessed he His name forever and ever! The Word of God says: these bodies of ours are the temples of the Holy Ghost, and we know when Christ dwells in them there is no sin there. Blessed be our God who has redeemed me from all iniquity, and enables me to sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Glory to God forever and ever! I keep this salvation by obeying God; and never compromising with the world, the flesh, nor the devil. The Lord gives me victory over all the works of the devil. The Lord has given me much light, and by His grace I am able to walk in it; and by so doing I fully realize that this promise is mine: “Great peace have they that love thy law and nothing shall offend them.”
I know I am fully saved in Jesus just now; I feel His glory going through my soul just now as I write this. I feel that I am given up to do His will in all things whatever He commands. My will is His will. I love my Saviour and I willingly deny myself for Him. He has saved me from the tempter’s fatal power. The Lord is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able, but will with the temptation, also make a way to escape that ye may be able to bear it “They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even forever.” — Psalms 125:1, 2.
Your sister saved in Jesus, and kept by His power, sanctified to do His will in all things.
Sarah N. Wells.
>:o:<
Merrill, Mich.
Dear Saints: — I feel led to write my testimony this after noon to the honor and glory of God. I am saved and determined to press on and get all that the Lord has for me. I am determined to go on and at last receive the crown that Christ has laid up for me. Last Aug. on Monday evening, after my sister and I had gone to bed, my dear father was reading in the little paper called “The Guide.” He was reading the piece about the miner; and the Lord pressed it on my mind that it must be settled to-night, and I told my sister that I must be saved to-night, and we got up and went out to where they were, and knelt to the first chair, and there I found my Lord; and I did just tell Him that I would serve Him let come what would; and I will by his grace.
Pray for me. Your sister saved by the grace of God.