1 October 1896, Volume 16, Number 39.
THE WILLING AND OBEDIENT
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Where’er a human hand doth move
In love God to obey,
God in all things doth show his love
Unchanged from day to day.
Ah! true indeed it is with me,
That God is only love;
Pure love — naught else can God e’er be,
When men obedient prove.
E’en in stern justice — it is true —
God yet doth deal in love;
We for our deeds receive our due,
In all is God approved.
O sweet obedience! mine it is
To claim God’s promise sure;
God all things needful to us gives,
Who do by faith endure.
Praise God! I eat the good of the land,
For, willingly I obey;
So can I trust — live from God’s hand
In plenty every day.
If faithful, we no want can fear,
Nor doubt God’s future pow’r;
The just — it’s true — ho! do you hear? —
Of ill ne’er see the hour.
God’s stores no limit ever knew,
Nor shall they ever know;
Be true to him — he must be true,
When faith our works do show.
If faithful all the while we live,
God surely will supply;
As ye receive, then freely give,
Thus reign with Christ on high.
Reign far above all fear of lack,
Of wisdom, grace, or store;
Obey! submit! e’en to the stake,
THEN see God’s blessings pour.
W. B. Preston.
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Cleanliness
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Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” — Jas. 1:21. It grieves me to see some who are saved, not measuring up to the word of God in the matter of cleanliness in all things. We will be charitable and suppose they do not realize their condition, nor understand the will of God on that line. We all know that what our parents taught us by precept and example in such matters, when we were young, has much to do with what we are in after life; but our disadvantages in the past will not do for an excuse for to-day; so, brethren, let us “lay aside filthiness,” that the church of God may not suffer reproach.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” — 1 Cor. 3:16.
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, and ye are not your own? for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” — 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. God wants his temple to be clean inside and out.
Are our homes clean and attractive? do we glorify God in that way? Let me ask the sisters who have the care of the house, Do you keep your pantry and kitchen as clean as you do your parlor? Dear ones, for Jesus’ sake let us be consistent. If we profess to be pure and holy in heart and life, let us see to it that our homes harmonize with our profession. God help us to realize that he demands it of us.
Here is one who professes holiness, and you visit his home; you find the children dirty, the floor unswept, cobwebs in the corner, a general appearance of untidiness, an offensive odor. Does that harmonize with purity and holiness? Think of the effect it would have on a soul seeking light! Perfect Christian fellowship cannot be enjoyed when such things exist in any degree. Salvation uplifts and ennobles mankind; -it is refining; under its influence all that is low, coarse, or degrading is destroyed and man is regenerated to enjoy the purity and glory of the God of heaven. So, let us appropriate it that we may be lifted above these things. “The way of the slothful man is as a hedge of thorns: tithe way of the righteous is made plain.” Prov. 15:16. May God keep us all walking in the light, as he is in the light.
C. M. NOXON.
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QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
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The: Sabbath.
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It is not our intention to enter very extensively into this subject, in this little work, but as seventh-day-keepers clamor chiefly for the perpetuation of the decalogue in the new dispensation, we will call the reader’s attention to an unanswerable proof in a scripture which deals exclusively with the decalogue as an abolished code. In 2 Cor. 3d chapter the decalogue and the new testament are contrasted as follows:
| Decalogue. | New Testament. |
| Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament ; | |
| not of the letter. | but of the spirit: |
| for the letter killeth, | but the spirit giveth life. |
| But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away; | how shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glo rious? |
| For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, | much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. |
| For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, | by reason of the glory that excelleth. |
| For if that which is done away was glorious, | much more that which remaineth is glorious. |
| Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech. | |
| And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; | which vail is done away in Christ. |
| But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. | Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. |
Among the other expressions in the left-hand column, is the following: “The ministration of death, written and engraven in stones.” This shows conclusively that he is speaking of the decalogue, for nothing else upon record in the inspired volume, was ever written and engraven in stones. We read of the writing of some other things upon stones, on some occasions, but there is no engraving in stones to be found in the Bible but that of the ten commandments in two tables of stone, by the finger of God. Ex. 32:16.
It is a point therefore, established beyond the possibility of a doubt, that the decalogue is the very code the apostle places in comparison with the new testament; and as he denominates it “that which is abolished,” and “that which is done away,” could language be framed into a clearer proof that the ten commandments are not in force in the new testament dispensation?
But Mr. “Tibri” will doubtless ask: “Why do Jesus and his apostles often quote from the decalogue in the new testament, if that code is abolished?” This question we will answer with the word of God.
“Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying; namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” — Rom. 13:8, 9.
In the above Paul quotes the sixth seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth commandments of the decalogue; and his language implies that they are binding in the new testament. But observe how, after quoting these several commandments, he concludes by saying, “and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying; namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” That is to say, if there be any other commandment of the decalogue, which he had not quoted, in force under the new testament dispensation, it is comprehended in the saying, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
This same fact is also taught in Gal. 5: 14. “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself;” that is, all of the law that is binding in the new testament, is included in, “Love thy neighbor as thyself,”
James also teaches this same truth. “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well.” — Jas. 2:8. Here again we see it clearly taught that we are only to keep that part of the decalogue which is included in “love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Are all the ten commandments included in this saying? No; for Jesus tells us all the law hangs on TWO commandments.
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with al’ thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” — Matt. 22:37-40.
So the whole law hangs on love to God, and love to man; that is, a part of the law hangs on love to God, and a part on love to man; and as we have seen above, only that part which hangs on love to man is in force in the new testament.
How many of the ten commandments hang on love to God, and how many on love to man? This we must ascertain to know how many of them we are to keep. At a glance the reader will observe that the first four commandments in the decalogue hang on love to God, and the last six on love to man. For the convenience of the reader we will insert them.
LOVE TO GOD.
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy.
LOVE TO MAN.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet.
Surety no truth is more clearly set forth in the Bible than this division of the decalogue, which places the first four commandments under love to God; and the last six under love to man. And as only such as are comprehended in love to man are repeated in the new testament, we are to keep but the last six commandments as given in the decalogue.
This fact will be strikingly verified in the mind of the reader, when he has searched in vain for a repetition of either of the first four of the ten commandments in the New Testament. Neither Christ nor any of his apostles ever quoted the first, second, third, or fourth commandment, any place in the New Testament.
An Advent once tried to refute this point by saying that Christ quoted the first commandment to the devil, in Matt. 4:10. I told him he ought to be ashamed to profess, as he did, to have been a preacher of the decalogue for over thirty years, and not be better acquainted with the first commandment than that. What Jesus quoted is written in Deut. 6:13; 10:20; and reads quite different from the first commandment.
The last six of the ten commandments are quoted in the New Testament as follows:
5th. commandment Matt. 19:19. Mark 10:19. Luke 18:20. Eph. 6:2.
6th. Matt. 19:18. Mark 10:19. Luke 18:20. Rom. 13:9 Jas. 2:11.
7th. Matt. 19:18. Mark 10:19. Luke 18:20. Rom. 13:9.
8th. Matt. 19:18. Mark 10:19. Luke 18:20. Rom. 13:9.
9th. Matt. 19:18. Mark 10:19. Luke 18:20.
10th. Rom. 13:9.
How sad Adventists must feel when these sublime New Testament truths show their idol of all the ten commandments, (the fourth) to have no place in the new covenant. It seems to me that, if I were a seventh-day-keeper, the truths already considered would induce me to renounce the error and become a new-testament-keeper.
Since the fourth commandment has not been carried over into the new testament, there has been no sanctification resting upon the seventh day since the death of Christ which abolished the law of Moses. Hence Christians are not under obligations to keep the seventh day, in fact it is unscriptural to do so.
The apostle Paul, after showing the blotting out of the Mosaic system, in Col. 2:14, 15, says in conclusion, in verses 16, 17, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of a holy-day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”
Amen, Bro. Paul. We will allow none of such men as you had to contend with during your lifetime, who desire to be teachers of the law, to bind upon us a thing that accomplished its end eighteen hundred years ago.
But Seventh-day Adventists say the word “sabbaths” in Col. 2:16, refers to the annual sabbaths of the law. If so, we would ask them to explain the “holydays” mentioned in the same verse. It cannot be that both these terms apply to the annual legal sabbaths, for that would be monotony. Hence, as the term “holydays” includes all the annual sabbaths, the word “sabbaths” cannot possibly apply to anything but the regular weekly round of seventh-day-keeping. So according to this we are virtually forbidden in the above text to keep the seventh day.
THE NEW TESTAMENT SABBATH.
Now Mr. “Tibri,” I believe we have given a clear answer to the first two of your queries, and will proceed to answer the third. You ask, “Is it not sinning, or violating God’s commandment fifty-two times a year to keep a rival day?”
It truly may be, but the question before us is: “Which is the rival day?” We have seen that the seventh day loses its sacredness, and becomes an ordinary day, with the ushering in of the new-testament dispensation. If, therefore, there be any other sabbath set forth in the new testament, the seventh day is the rival day, and seventh-day-keepers, the rival worshipers.
But does the New Testament teach any sabbath? Yes, says Paul, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” — Heb. 4:9. Rest in this text is from sabbatismos in the Greek, which word literally rendered means “a keeping of a sabbath.” “There remaineth therefore a keeping of a sabbath unto the people of God.” Surety nothing could have prompted such language as this but the thought of the abolition of a sabbath. Just before this expression, the apostle had been dealing with the Jewish sabbath, as a type of the spiritual rest enjoyed by the sanctified under the new testament; which of course proves it to be passed away, for a type always ends with the antitype. Therefore, when he said a sabbath remains unto the people of God, he did not mean the seventh day remains, but he referred to the day which has all the proofs of a sabbath afforded by the new testament; namely, the first day of the week.
The first day of the week is never spoken of in the Greek New Testament except it be denominated sabbath. The standard version renders it simply “first day of the week,” which is an improper translation. True, it is the first day of the week, because it is the next day after the Jewish Sabbath, but to translate it so, robs it of the sacredness which the Greek testament attaches to it.
W. G. SCHELL
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Rules for Reading the Bible.
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THE following rules for reading the Bible are worthy of consideration, and will doubtless prove of great benefit to many readers of the Trumpet. They are taken from Smith’s Bible Dictionary, for sale at this office.
I. RULES OF INTERPRETATION.
1. Put yourself, as it were, in the times, places, and circumstances of the sacred writers.
2. Form as correct a view as you can of the geography of Scripture, of the simplicity of ancient manners, of the arts and habits that existed in those times. The Psalms abound with allusions to hunting wild beasts. Many passages in Job are clear to him who has a correct view of judicial matters.
3. Ascertain, as far as it is possible, the plain, literal, and primary meaning of Scripture. Exercise sound common sense. A right use of reason will supersede much criticism, and prove a valuable substitute for it.
4. Beware of mystical and ingenious refinement; do not aim to spiritualize every passage. Real spirituality and fanciful spirituality are different things. The former is real, deep, sublime, and satisfactory; the latter is ideal, shallow, specious, and delusive.
5. Seek the literal before the spiritual meaning.
6. The true spiritual sense of a passage is that which is to be most highly esteemed.
7. Avoid ingenious conceits and farfetched interpretations.
8. Make all allowance for idiomatical and figurative diction, especially when an absurdity would follow from adhering to the literal sense.
9. Always distinguish between plain and figurative language.
10. Never press a metaphor too far.
11. Carefully consider the context before you draw a conclusion from a separate passage.
12. Consider the circumstances of a passage as far as you can, that is, the occasion of it, to whom it was written; by whom it was written, and with what design.
13. Compare spiritual things with spiritual. Never be weary of referring to what are called parallel passages, that is, to illustrate passages: for Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture.
14. Explain what is difficult by what is plain and easy.
15. * * * * *
16. When words and phrases are of doubtful meaning consider them well.
17. Do not always fix the same meaning to the same word, for the same word is frequently used in Scripture in various senses.
18. Endeavor to form clear and distinct ideas of the great and peculiar words of Scripture; such are faith, repentance, redemption, justification, sanctification, grace, righteousness, etc. * * *
19. Consider (see 12) the character of a writer, the state and character of those to whom he wrote, the errors which he opposed, the truths which he inculcated and established.
20. The New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old. Carefully compare them with each other.
21. The historical and prophetical books of the Old Testament mutually illustrate each other.
22. The Epistles of the New Testament are the comment of the Holy Spirit on the four gospels.
23. The Epistle to the Hebrews is the key to the Jewish ritual, as contained in the last four books of Moses.
24. In order to form a just view of any book of scriptures, read the whole of it, consider its parts, their relation to each other, and their formation of a whole.
25. Never form opinions from detailed parts and passages.
26. Be content to remain in ignorance, rather than plunge into error, where difficulties are before you.
27. Admit no doctrine as part of the gospel which is not agreeable to the general tenor of the whole.
Page 2
THURSDAY, OCT.1 1896.
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LIST OF MONET LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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S. McCracken, W. F. Howard, J. I. Grose, J. A. Chandler, A. G. Craig. Emma Dansberger, G. T. Clayton, Kezia Harman, Thos. Robinson, John Free, Susan Sturgeon, Wm. Deachman.
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Some brethren who have been desirous of helping to purchase and furnish a home for Bro. Wm. E. Warren and family, whose permanent address is St. Louis, Mich desire to know where to send the money. To all such ones we would say that arrangement has been made for Bro. Henry Yeastings, Summerton, Mich., to look after this matter, and the money should be sent to him, if not sent to Bro. Warren himself. Summerton is not a Money Order office, and the money should be drawn on the St. Louis office.
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Requests for Prayer.
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Sister Elnora Johnson of Lottville, Miss, requests the earnest prayers of the saint for the healing of her afflictions. Do not forget this request.
I do want you to pray that the Lord will heal my afflicted body. Pray also for my husband; he is very sick, and is seventy-six years old. He is not saved.
Jane Salmon,
Doniphan.
I have gone through a hard spell of sickness. We think it was typhoid fever, we sent a request to the Trumpet family and the very same day the fever left me and all the pain, and I got better from that day on. But last Tuesday my left limb became helpless and it pains me so I can hardly endure it. Now I believe the Lord will even heal this limb. I request all of you to pray immediately for my healing. Your sister in Christ,
Emma Raker.
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Meetings.
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Clayton, Okla. Camp meeting. Oct. 23 Nov. 2. on the home and school ground. M. N. Fly, Clayton, Okla.
The church of the living God will hold an all-day meeting in Whitton Hall, East Hickory, Pa. commencing at 10 A. M., October 18, and an ordinance-meeting in the evening, Lord willing. Let the saints and truth-seekers come and have a glorious feast with the Lord.
Chas. J. Stewart.
We will hold a meeting in the courthouse assembly hall of Findlay, O., to begin at the close of the Six Points, O. tabernacle meeting, which will be Oct. 8, and continue to the 20th or as long as the Lord wills. We expect to have Bro. A. J. Kilpatrick with us in this meeting.
J. N. Howard.
The camp meeting of the saints of God in Louisiana will be held at the same place as last year, thirteen miles east of the town of ‘Hammond, near the Morris retreat, in Tangipahoa Parish, commencing Oct. 10, and continuing as long as the Lord wills. Holiness preachers are invited from adjoining states, and all the unsaved as well as the saved are wanted. And as many as can, come prepared to camp and remain on the camp-ground at Zion Grove meeting-house.
W. W. Bankston.
The camp meeting at North End, Okla, will be in Bro. J. J. Brees’s grove, five miles west and one mile north of North Enid, on C. R. I. & P. railroad. Commencing Oct. 6; will continue as long as the Lord may lead. Bros. C. Bright and H. Caudell are expected with tabernacles, and all workers and teachers are cordially invited. We are praying that the saints in southern Kansas and Oklahoma may attend this meeting. Let all who can, do so. Hay and pasture will be furnished for teams. All come in the name of Jesus for the salvation of souls.
W. G. Rippey.
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
Is it the duty of God’s children to have their houses and barns insured?
No. We do not find anything in the word of God requiring them to do any such things.
Will some of the brethren explain the unknown tongue? Who spoke it? How do we know when it is spoken? Where is it used, and how is it spoken, and who is the interpreter? I can’t understand the fourteenth chapter of I Corinthians. J. J. C.
There is no such a thing taught in the Bible as some deceived souls call the unknown tongue, which is a mere nonsensical smattering or “gibberish,” that no living soul can get any sense out of.
The gift of tongues mentioned in the chapter named above, is the power given by the Spirit of God, to speak some established language that we have never learned. For instance, a man who knows only the English language, is enabled by means of the gift of tongues, to speak in the German, French, Spanish, Danish, or some other of the languages in actual use upon the earth. Read Acts 2:8.
There are two reasons why this gift was established in the church.
1. I t is to be used as a sign to convince unbelievers. 1 Cor. 14:22.
2. It is to assist the Lord’s ministers in preaching the gospel to all nations according to the Savior’s command. Matt. 28:19, 20.
In apostolic times those who had the gift of tongues would sometimes speak in some language which the congregation in general did not understand. In such cases another who possessed the gift of interpreting tongues, 1 Cor. 12:10, would interpret what was being said unto the congregation.
If there chanced to be present one or more unbelievers who understood the language that was being spoken through the Spirit, they could testify to the genuineness of the miracle, and thus the faith of Christ was confirmed in the minds of the unbelievers.
Some of the brethren at Corinth sometimes used the gift of tongues to speak in languages that the church could not understand, when there was no one present who had the gift to interpret what they were saying. This was the abuse of the gifts Paul wrote against in 1 Cor. 14. He commanded, “If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by courses and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” — Verses 27, 28.
W. G. S.
Does full salvation take all fear out of a person?
Full salvation takes away all fear of death by removing the “sting of death,” which is sin. Full salvation cleanses a person from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. Purges the heart, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2. Puts a person into the standing grace. Rom. 5:2. But while it removes the carnal nature with all the elements of sin, yet it does not remove the human nature, and while a person may have no fear of death, because all is well between him and God, yet he may be easily frightened by something unexpected taking place. A person who is of a nervous temperament is liable to be easily excited or frightened, where another person of a different temperament would be calm and have perfect self-control.
A short time ago at a camp meeting there was a heavy rain and windstorm and among the trees which were falling, one good-sized tree fell across some of the tents in which were some of the children of God, thereby causing a very- narrow escape of their lives. However, no one was hurt, although the tents and the things in the tents were terribly crushed to pieces, yet the Lord protected his children, who, after the danger was over, came forth shouting and praising God. This scene was witnessed by a number of other persons, who, knowing that their friends were in the tent, were much frightened, and after the storm was past some who witnessed the scene were frightened and were somewhat tried concerning their experience of salvation; as the enemy suggested that they were not saved or they would not have been scared, but in such cases it is – not a fright because of sin but is caused by our human nature instead of the carnal nature. If a person was a sinner and was in such a place, he would probably have fears of death, which would arise from his sinful condition, or carnal state, and where the Word teaches that perfect love casteth out fear, it has reference to the fear of death which sin may bring.
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THE OPEN DOOR MISSION.
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CHAUNCEY, O.
UNTO THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, GREETING: I wish to call the attention of all the saved to the responsibility resting upon us in this last great and final conflict against the darkness of Satan’s kingdom, to the discouragement of every infernal element and the encouragement of every pure cause and vindication of eternal justice. While I was in Chicago, inspecting the work of Bro. Tufts, I was stirred on the line of duty. Some have seemed to think that the work at the Open-Door Mission has been on a compromise line with antichrist, and consequently a failure, but this I know is a mistake. The light that has been cast into Chicago by the distribution of tracts alone, will bring forth fruit in the uttermost parts of the earth. There is one institution in that great city, claiming to be run on the faith line, and the leader himself is very favorable to the truth and puts the TRUMPET literature before his pupils and speaks well of it. This man I met. And he has been watching the Open-Door Mission for a long time, and seeing the power of God in saving, healing, and supplying needs. He came inquiring for more light, and also better facilities for such work.
Despise not the day of small things, brethren. This work surely must not stop, or a great blow will be given the. cause of Christ that will be felt not only by a few, but by thousands. Bro. Tufts is $500.00 behind on old rent, and needs about 150 comforts or quilts four feet wide, and pillows and sheets accordingly. There are so many filthy specimens of humanity coming to him to be cleaned up, and wisdom calls for a bath-room. A heater has been donated, and the room will cost about $35.00. There are more than 5000 readers of the Trumpet, but if 5000 persons will but send ten cents apiece, that will pay the rent, and a few cents extra will supply the other actual needs. Now brethren, do not cast this thing aside and think it does not amount to much, or God will bring us to the judgment condemned. Hear the wail of the lost and fly to their rescue with prayers and means. Send your donations to Bro. Gorham Tufts, Open Door Mission, 396 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. Your saved brother,
W. A. HAYNES.
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Children’s Home and School.
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DEAR READERS OF THE GOSPEL TRUMPET, and whomsoever it may concern: We greet you all in the name of the Lord Jesus. We wish to report through the columns of the TRUMPET to the wonderful goodness and mercy of God upon the Home and School. We can report perfect victory in our souls over all the power of the enemy. Hallelujah! School has been in session over three weeks. There are in the Home and on the grounds thirty-one children. We thank God with all our hearts for his loving care for us, and for the way he is providing for so large a family. We are laboring to make the farm produce all it can in the way of grain and vegetables; and then God is putting it into the hearts of dear souls to send in to our support. We have received a few boxes of provision and clothing since camp meeting. We realize, dear brothers and sisters, that God careth for his children. He says he will withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly; and, “Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” Again, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Phil. 4:19. Now it reads he will supply all our needs, not what we might fancy or desire, but what we really need. He says if we have food and raiment we should therewith be content; and Paul says (Phil. 4:11.) “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
We praise God and give him all the glory for a contented mind, that helps us to trust in him all the time, and makes us satisfied with all his dealings with us. We are in the body of Christ and in the order of God and we just pray he will keep us where he can have his own will and way with us continually; then we will be advanced in him, and he will be glorified in us.
Some have written us desiring to come here and work in the Home. Now we want to say to such that God wants workers here who are fully consecrated and firmly establish ed in the truth. That word CONSECRATED means more than the majority of professors understand or perceive, and more perhaps than we can bring to your minds. It means to be no tattler or gossiper; it means no strife or division: it means to love others as ourselves. It means that we shall so Walk, talk, act and think, that people cannot truthfully say a harmful word against us. We must be a Christian example for every child and every one to follow: so that we can constantly say with Paul, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Again, if anyone is impressed to come, others who are in God’s order will realize it as well as yourself. We pray that God will give to his children at the Home such heavenly discernment that the devil will not be able any more to impose upon us. One man pressed quite hard upon us that he should have charge of the school, saying that God had thus impressed him. We could not understand it that way; and it has been proved that his impression was not of God, as he has since been exposed through the TRUMPET, as going about prating about God’s people and causing division where-ever he goes. Now we would not hinder anyone who is called of God from coming; but examine yourself and be sure that it is God calling you (not your own carnal desires), and that you are perfectly willing to suffer with Jesus without a murmur or complaint.
A number have asked me to state the needs of the Home; so I will just make the statement here so that it may reach all. Most anything in the housekeeping line could be used to a great advantage, provisions for the table, apples, fruit, etc., also farming implements (as we have to borrow plows and harrows and some other things), school-books, paper, pencils, etc. We need blackboard for schoolhouse. The old one has been paint-ed on the plastering and is now coming off and will have to be repaired some way, or replaced by a new one. We have logs enough here on the ground ready cut to build a barn. We also have a sawmill, so that it will not cost us anything for sawing if we do it before the mill is moved. Now if we had the shingles and material tor wall we could build very cheap. The stone could be gotten about seven or eight miles from here for perhaps a very small amount. But we would need consecrated men and teams to help haul them. There needs to be wisdom used in sending things, as freight is high where there are changes on different roads, and sometimes we are without money to pay the freight. Your brother and sister in the one body, saved, sanctified and kept by the power of God,
JNO. H. MERICA AND WIFE.
Grand Junction, Mich.
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Rest.
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DEAR ones, we are taught in God’s word that if we come unto him we shall find rest unto our souls. (Matt. 11:28) Now if we have met the conditions of God’s word and he has given rest to our souls, and then something comes along that tries to disturb our rest in God, we surely know it is of the devil. The devil in these last days is doing all he can to discourage God’s people. He attacks the children of God in divers’ ways. He tells some that are in debt, that they cannot please God until all these literal debts are paid, and he will say, “OWE NO MAN.”
Now dear ones, God only requires our reasonable service: and it you are doing what you can to glorify God, do not let the devil drag you down with accusations. May God help us to realize that when we have offered our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, and are living for him, that we cannot do anything more. And it is not pleasing to God for us to worry or fret about something we cannot help. Now if you have committed your ways unto God and he does not open up the way for you to pay your debts, say, “God’s will be done,” then resist the devil if he tries to crush you down. Let no one infer from these few words, that the writer thinks that God does not hold everyone to do all in his power to pay his honest debts. Your brother in Christ,
W. H. OLDHAM.
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News from the Field.
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COOSA VALLEY, ALA.
DEAR SAINTS 0f God: I am glad to report victory in my soul over the enemy. I am glad to say that the blessed Lord keeps and saves me from all sin. Praise his name for all his goodness! I have just closed a glorious meeting at this place. Six happy souls were baptized on the Lord’s day, and we had a glorious ordinance meeting. About fifteen dear ones took part in feet-washing. While the enemies stood around, the dear Lord wonderfully blessed us. The meeting was carried on three weeks in the name of Jesus. The pure Word has been given to many. The Lord moved upon our hearts to have healing meeting once a week. The dear Lord wonderfully healed the dear ones of their afflictions. I ask all the saints to pray for us at this place. I will leave here for Bessemer, Ala. in a short time. Yours in the one body,
H. ROBERSON.
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We praise God for victory over the devil and his works. After spending ten days at St. Paul, S. C. I held meeting for one week with good success. Praise God for it! Found some misunderstanding among the saints, but all who were willing to obey the Word just humbled themselves and got freedom and are now rejoicing in the Lord. From Augusta, I left for Anderson, S. C. where we found some division and crookedness. It was finally straightened up and we left the little church there alive for God and the truth. Pray for them.
On our way to Charleston we were led to go to Hawthorne, S. C., which is about twenty-five or thirty miles below Augusta, but across the river. At this place, we can truthfully say the Lord got the victory, although the devil had well used his agents. Yours in the one body,
R. J. SMITH AND CO-WORKERS.
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COCHRANTON, O., Sept. 23.
We are glad to report victory in our soul to-day over all opposing elements. After a
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after leaving the Trumpet Office we went to the West Liberty C. M. and found that the brethren who were expected to hold the meeting had not arrived, but the workers who live in that vicinity went forward with the meeting in the name of Jesus, and though the attendance was small there was victory from the beginning and the church was much edified. Bro. Wickersham arrived in the latter part of the meeting, and from there we went with him to Waynesfield where, after quite a battle with the power of Satan, the cause of God came out victorious, and there were several consecrations. From there we went to Lawrenceville to help Bro. Yoder and Sister King, where God gave us a very precious meeting. Some dear souls received a benefit and we believe much lasting good was done. Yours, saved in Jesus,
C. W. NAYLOR.
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BELGIQUE, MO, Sept. 23.
DEAR CHILDREN OF GOD: I desire to speak once more through the dear TRUMPET for the glory of God. This morning finds me contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints, with real victory over the devil. Praise God! We have been hindered much during the past year from vineyard labors, but have done what we could, and eternity will reveal the results of our labor. We’ll say; however, we have found a few honest souls who will live for God; and he has stretched forth his hand to heal in a few cases. He has removed some indebtedness out of our way. But we are not free on this line altogether. But he has closed things down in such a way as to show us we must get in his vineyard and trust the rest with him. We are trusting him to find his own way of making us much more useful in the future. He has found his own way of refining us, and preparing us better for his work; and we can praise him for all things this morning, knowing that all trials and tests are for our good, and can praise him for real advancement in spirituality. We are earnestly seeking for more on this line. Brethren, let us have your earnest prayers to this end. Yours, sanctified and set in defense of the truth,
R. B. HICKS AND WIFE.
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RISING SUN, O., Sept. 25.
DEAR BRETHREN: I am glad to be able to report victory in my soul and in the work of the Lord in these parts. The tabernacle meeting here was a glorious success. We found the congregation in a bad condition, partly because wrong judgment had gone forth and partly because some had given over to Satan and were taking up false reports against their brethren. But God, through the preaching of his word, enabled us to get at the truth of the matter, although some poor souls would not be persuaded to give up the course they had taken and had to be left behind. They were making a profession when meeting began and when we labored with them for their restoration according to the word of God, they refused to hear us and confessed that they had been out of the grace of God for about three months. Oh, may God help those who are claiming to be his workmen, to not judge by the sight of the eye nor the hearing of the ear, neither according to outward appearance, but to judge righteous judgment! Our beloved Bro. Geo. W. Howard came the second night of the meeting and was effectually used of God through the meeting in preaching the Word, etc. We were also blessed and favored with the help of Mother Smith through the meeting. Meeting closed last night with ordinance service, in which quite a number of happy saints participated and were happy in doing these things. During the meeting here quite a number consecrated, some for pardon and some for sanctification, and most all obtained the desire of their hearts. Your brother, saved in Jesus,
J. N. HOWARD.
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ROXBURY, PA., Sept. 21.
DEAR SAINTS AND TRUMPET READERS: God bless and keep you all, and may you all continue to do the blessed will of God, and advance in all the light of this glorious reformation. We are glad to tell you that we are still saved and on the advance for God. Although we have not written for the Trumpet for some time, we have nevertheless been in constant battle for God. After the June C. M., we started on our way back to the east. We held a grove meeting at Ottokee, Ohio. Also held a few days meeting at Rising Sun, Ohio. Then spent a few days with the church at Pittsburgh, helped in the Apollo, C. M. Also, the Moundsville and the Emlenton C. M. After the last-named meeting, we came on to Franklin Co., Pa., and are now holding a meeting at Roxbury. God is giving us a precious meeting. Some have indorsed the truth, quite a number have raised their hands for prayer, and a few have been saved. We will continue the meeting for a week or so yet and then we hold a meeting at Spring Run, after which we go to Maryland. Those in the East desiring meetings this winter should address Bro. H. M. Riggle, Federalsburg, Md. or Bro. B. F. Weikel, West Point, Pa. or address one at Federalsburg, Md. Also C. E. Hunter is with us and will doubtless remain in the East all winter, and we earnestly pray God to do a great work in the East this fall and winter. Pray for us, dear ones, that God may have his way with us and use us all to his glory. Yours in Christ,
W. J. HENRY AND CO.
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GOSPEL ARK. NEW HAVEN, W. VA., Sept. 20.
DEAR SAINTS AND TRUMPET READERS: We greet you again in Jesus’ name. As we have not reported through the Trumpet this summer, we feel impressed to give you a short sketch of our labors. We have been busily engaged in the work all the time; and while we have not seen the result of our labors as we would love to, yet we know much precious seed was sown. Many have been won to the truth and some honest hearts expressed their desires and promised to move out for God. We find the majority of the people are poor and many out of employment, as the public works have been dosed most all summer, yet we feel that this is a good field of labor, as we can reach people thus that could not be reached in any other way. We find many come out who have not been to meeting for years.
Now as cold weather is again approaching and the Ark unfit for winter service, we make one more appeal to you in the name of Jesus. Except the Lord moves on the little ones to assist us in pushing the work forward it will certainly close. We cannot see how God can be glorified in us doing nothing all winter, seeing the nights are much longer and really a better time to labor than in summer. Furthermore, we cannot live in the Ark during the winter without suffering from cold. Dear consecrated ones, will you take this to the Lord and see if he would have you lend a helping, hand? We ask this not for our own comfort or benefit, but alone for the glory of God. If we were seeking ease or pleasure, we would not seek it in this way.
Bro. and Sister Myers and daughter have been with us since July 2, and we all feel that it would be to the glory of God for the work to go on. I would gladly appropriate the means myself if God opened the way or made it possible. As he has not, I know of no other way but to appeal to the church. Amen. Your saved and sanctified brother,
L. C. MAST.
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MCLALLEN CORNERS, PA., Sept. 22.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: As it has been some time since we have reported through the TRUMPET, will write a few lines to let you know of our whereabouts. First of all, will testify to the saving and keeping power of God. Am well, soul and body, for which I give God all the glory. About August 1 we left dear Brother and Sister Simmons at the Bremen grove meeting to carry it on over the Lord’s day. Myself and daughter Pearl went to Shiloh Chapel to hold meeting over Sunday. There were six baptized, and in the evening had a very precious ordinance-meeting in which quite a number of happy saints took part. From there we went to the Beaver Dam, C. M. where we enjoyed a very precious feast to our souls. Perfect unity and harmony prevailed through the entire meeting.
From there went home to Decatur, Mich, for a few days, then I started east about August 20. Stopped at the Payne C. M. about four days, where we enjoyed another very precious meeting with the children of God. Then, in company with dear Bro. E. E. Byrum came to the Emlenton, Pa. camp meeting. This was a powerful meeting. Many souls were saved; many that were sick were healed, and truly the love of God was manifest in uniting the brethren more and more. From there we came with Brother and Sister Dillon to their home at McLallen Corners, Brother Byrum remaining with us a day or two, and then he returned home. I remained with Brother Dillon to help them in a few meetings, first at McLallen Corners, where we held over two Lord’s days. There had been quite a division among the little ones here, but the dear Lord sent forth his word in such a way that the difficulty was soon removed and they confessed their faults one to another and forgave one another, and harmony and unity and confidence were restored.
Now dear ones, let us all follow the Word (Matt. 18:15-17), and all faultfinding and backbiting will be done away, and when C. M. time comes there will be no crookedness to straighten up among the little ones. There were quite a number of consecrations, and at the close of the meeting we held ordinance services, in which the dear saints were made happy in washing each other’s feet and partaking of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus. The little ones claim they are in better condition now than they have been for some time. We are now at Venango; two souls saved since here. Will continue here for a few days, then, the Lord willing, hold a few meetings at Rootville. Then home to Grand Junction, to the assembly meeting, the Lord willing. Pray for me. Your brother, saved,
S. P. STRARG.
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FREENY, MISS., Sept. 15.
To ALL THE DEAR SAINTS: We are thankful to report that God has been with us and given us victory in our souls and in the work of the Lord ever since we left Grand Junction for the South; for which we give God all the glory. Our first meeting was at Louisville, Ky., where we stayed a little over one week. Here we found things not in very good condition. The trouble was principally caused by one rising up in opposition to the teaching that had been given on the line of restitution, teaching that restitution was not required in the word of God, that we were not required to obey Ezek. 33:15, applying it to the law, etc. And some were inclined to endorse his heresy, and some were contending for the truth. Some were somewhat wanting in their experience; so, the work was not prospering very well. The Lord blessed us in sending forth the truth and some took a firm stand for the same and all who were for the truth seemed advanced in their experience; but some contended for their errors. May God keep the true ones and help the erring ones to repent.
We then came to Hartsells, Ala., where preparations were made for a camp meeting. The Lord gave us a glorious meeting. Wave after wave of God’s glory filled the camp. Sinners were melted in penitence before God and many were soon made happy in the love of Jesus, and saints were made to shout the high praises of God. Surely much joy was in the camp and in heaven. There were between twenty and thirty consecrations during the meeting. Quite a number applied for healing. I believe all testified that they had received the desire of their hearts, except one sister who was blind. I saw her a short time later and she said her eyes were much better, and she could see some. We ask all the dear ones to agree with us in prayer that her sight be fully restored. Five were baptized. Some lived at a distance and returned to their homes before being baptized. About fifty-five happy saints participated in the ordinance service held near the close of the meeting.
After the close of the C. M. we held a few services at two different places with good results. Then went about forty-five miles south and held a few services. One professed pardon; nine were baptized, and a few were healed. We have been in Mississippi for a few weeks. Quite a number have been saved, and the church edified. We find the work in Mississippi needing help very much. We pray God to send it. We expect to return to Alabama in a few days.
Now dear brethren in the work, in the South we very much need an outfit for traveling. There are few railroads, so that we are compelled to travel by private conveyance a great deal of the time. We need a team, wagon, and harness. The Lord has given us one good horse. I think about one hundred dollars will complete the outfit. The people of the South are poor and they have helped us a good deal. Now we ask all the dear brethren to consider this matter, and if you feel led to help us in the Gospel work in this way, address us at Hartsells, Ala. Your saved brother and sister,
OTTO BOLDS AND WIFE.
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Testimonies.
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BARNSLEY, KY.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I am praising God for full salvation and I praise him for ever keeping me in the straight and narrow path that leads to life everlasting. I am praising God for a willing heart to walk in the true light. I belong to the true church of God, and I am ready to do anything for my Master. Your sister under the blood,
J. B. MCFADAN.
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AYRES, MISS.
DEAR BELOVED SAINTS OF GOD: I feel it would be to the glory of God to write my testimony. I am praising God for a full and free salvation that keeps me each day I live. Glory to God! I feel his saving power. I know that Jesus saves me. I am trusting the dear Lord to lead me through all trials and tribulations. I am happy in my soul, and have perfect peace in all things. I hope this may be a benefit to those that read it. Dear ones, it you fall into troubles, just cast them all on the dear Lord; he is able to bear them all, if you will only trust him. Pray for me and mine. Your saved sister,
M. B. MANGRUM.
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LENA, LA.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I feel led to write my testimony. I am praising the Lord for his blessings in my family. Some of my children have been very sick, and after we fasted and prayed, we did not receive the desired blessing. Then we called for the elders and had them anointed and prayed for them, and they were healed. Praise the Lord! There is a remnant of God’s people left in this place. I wish some of the dear Lord’s workers would come this way, and that some of the sisters would come that can preach. We have not had any of the sisters to preach for us yet. May God bless all of his true ministry. Pray for me and my family. Your sister, saved in Him,
W. M. TINSLAY.
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Obituary.
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Harper, Kan.
BOLLMAN.-Bro. G. W. Bollman was born in Ohio, Sept. 30, 1835; died at Parsons, Kan., Aug. 25, 1896. Was buried at Harper, Kan. Bro. Bollman was fully saved about two years ago, and died in the triumphs of a living faith. Just before he died, he sang, “Have we any hope within us of a life beyond the grave?” When he had finished the chorus, he said, Praise the Lord! Then passed gently away. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. May the Lord bless and comfort Sister Bollman, and save her children. Services by the saints at Harper.
J. F. Prouse.
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MORRIS — Nora, daughter of Nathan and Eliza Karns, was born Feb. 17, 1876 at Bedford, Pa. and came with her parents to Ohio when but quite small. She was married to Riley Morris about one year ago. About the same time, she accepted the evening light and was baptized by the writer. She bore her sickness with patience and her last words were declarations of her preparation to go. She departed this life Sept 21, 1896, aged twenty years, seven months, and four days, leaving a husband, mother, brother, four sisters, and a little babe, besides a host of friends to mourn their loss. May God help them all to prepare to meet her. Funeral services by the writer and W. A. Haynes. Text, Jno. 5:25, 28.
E. G. Masters.
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Just Issued a New Book.
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Tobacco and its Effects.
While much wholesome instruction on this subject may have been written by others, yet in this little volume we have it in a nutshell. The subject is considered from both a
PHYSICAL AND A SPIRITUAL STANDPOINT.
Much convincing evidence is collected from scientific sources and eminent medical authorities, showing its injurious effects on the system. Positive evidence is then produced from the word of God showing that it is contrary to its teaching to use tobacco in any form. But best of all it tells
HOW TO GET RID OF THE EVIL HABIT
and its effects. It offers a certain and positive cure for the depraved appetite, and no money is required for treatment. ONLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. R. member, we mean what we say, a positive cure is offered to everyone. Hundreds have made use of it and the appetite has never returned. They are as free from it as though they had never used the filthy weed. A number of
BONA-FIDE TESTIMONIES ARE GIVEN
from those who have been completely delivered, and are to-day free from the appetite and its effects. The author himself was a slave to the use of tobacco and has been wholly delivered from. the appetite, and now feels it his duty to make known to the world the means used in effecting his cure. Tobacco-users everywhere should read this book. Parents should place it in the hands of their children.
THE BOOK CONTAINS OVER 100 PAGES.
Bound in Paper Cover. Price 10 cts.
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“ECHOES FROM GLORY”
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A choice collection of songs, mostly new, for Meetings, Sunday School, etc Contains 232 pieces, nearly all of which have choice music.
Music edition, 40 cts. Words only, 10 cts.
AGENTS WANTED.
GOSPEL TRUMPET PUB. CO.
Grand Junction, Mich.
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Divine Healing.
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When we speak of DIVINE HEALING we should understand that by this is meant, being healed without human intervention, as the word means something proceeding from God extraordinary or something that is above that which is human. In short, divine healing is God healing.
As we begin to unfold the divine record we find in Matt. 8:6, that the healing of the sick was in fulfillment of what was written, and as we appeal to the more sure word of prophecy we continue to hear from Isa. 53:45, and here we see the healing of our sicknesses and salvation placed side by side. As also doth the scriptures of the prophets declare. And thus as we continue to “search” we find God’s servant David speaking in Psa. 103:3 and here the holy man of old places salvation and healing at the head of the whole catalogue of good things the Lord promised to them who walk uprightly and for which his soul did magnify the Lord. How much more ours! Read the whole Psalm, and here again forgiving iniquities and healing of our diseases are placed side by side.
And how gloriously were these sayings fulfilled by him who came to do the will of him who sent him! See Luke 8:43, and the same case more clearly given by Mark in chap. 5:15, 26 She who suffered many things and she who was counted unclean under the law and who must live in separation is instantly made whole. And so he that was greater than Moses went about doing good, preaching the gospel to the poor, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; because God was with him. Acts 10:38. Luke 13:16. After he had committed his word to faithful men who were able to teach others also, we continue to read how he led them out as far as Bethany and there, as he lifted up his dear hands to bless them, he was parted from them and carried up into heaven, there to remain, Jesus Christ yesterday (then), to-day (present time), and forever (all future time).
Hence his power to save and heal remains the same; for he sent his word and healed them, and we have his word.
But some will be heard to say: “Why have we never heard it on this wise before?” To which we might truthfully answer that the preaching of the whole Bible had become a thing of the past. All down through the dark day of the popish superstition this, as well as nearly every other reality taught in the Bible, was supplanted by some incantation and popish ceremony. The masses were made to believe that the anointing of the sick was to be performed for their burial, as they do to this day, instead of for their healing. And thus, do we continue to trace the church on down, through prophetic as well as profane history, to the time of the reformation; and here again another ray of light shines for a little while, during which time God is glorified in healing a few sick folks, in answer to the prayers of his faithful children. But now the people, as before, getting out of one error into many others, the light not being clear nor dark, soon the carnal- made creeds of men with their unscriptural think-sos and traditions, hid the more sure word of God, and soon the people were in possession of this proverb, The day of healing is past. In their case it was; but behold they had ceased to preach it, and how shall they hear without a preacher?
But now, as time rolls on and the time of their (spiritual) slaughter is at an end, God begins to reveal to those few who have for a long time been desiring to know of a more perfect way, the evils of the manmade divisions; and as God begins to raise up ministers and send forth judgment as at first, the long undisturbed crop of wheat and tares begins to be separated and as the pure word goes forth, many return to Zion with everlasting joy. Here, as in many times past, do we find the fulfillment of the divine plan, that the preaching of the whole Word and healing of the sick are inseparable.
At this time is heard a great voice like the voice of many waters, solemnly declaring that Babylon is fallen, fallen; and again, the solemn command from him who spake as never man spake, Come out of her, my people; and right in the midst of all the crash and fall is heard the welcome voice of one who spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost, and as we are more careful to listen, the glad news comes sounding down the annals of time — “Then shall thy light break forth as that of the morning and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” — Isa. 58:8. Hallelujah! The time did come and, having put off the yoke because of the anointing, we are free indeed. And the people of God again come forth with the joys of full salvation, and abundance of peace, yea, great peace. And health and cure are inseparable and righteousness shall continue to go before us and the glory of the Lord be our rearward. Your brother, saved and healed by divine power,
I. S. MCCOY.
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Distinction Between Impulses and A Sanctified Judgment.
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It is sometimes the case, that persons act from certain interior impressions, which may properly be termed IMPULSES. It would certainly be very injurious to the cause of holiness, if the doctrine should prevail that mere interior impressions or impulses may of themselves become the rule of conduct to a holy person. That persons in sanctification are under a divine guidance, and that they cannot retain the grace of sanctification without such guidance, is entirely true. But it has sometimes been the case, that men have mistaken natural impulses for the secret inspirations of the Spirit, and, in the flattering belief of being guided by a higher power, have experienced no other guidance than that of their own rebellious passions. On the danger of such a state, of which the church has seen too many melancholy instances, it is unnecessary to remark. We proceed therefore, to lay down some principles, which, if we do not err in our statement of them, will be of some assistance in guiding us in relation to this practical and important subject.
FIRST. The Holy Spirit is very various in his operations upon men’; but it will be conceded, I suppose, as a correct principle, that he generally conforms himself in his operations, whatever they may be, to the structure and laws of the human mind. Accordingly, in those operations — the object of which is to guide or direct men — it will be found that he always acts in connection with the powers which are appropriate to such a result; and particularly in connection with the perceptive and judging powers. We desire it to be kept in mind, that we are speaking here of his directing or guiding operations; in other words, those which have a special connection with human conduct. These are the operations which most intimately concern us, and in regard to which it is most important to establish correct principles. We proceed to say, therefore, it is very obvious from man’s mental structure, although he is sometimes the subject of a purely instinctive movement, that God designed that the perceptive and judging powers which he has given us should ordinarily furnish the fundamental condition or basis of human action. And if in his spiritual providences it should be found to be his practice to guide men in any way not in accordance with this design, he would be inconsistent with himself. The first principle, therefore, which we lay down, is this — that the Holy Spirit guides men by operating in connection with the perceptive and judging powers.
And we may properly remark here, that this view, which is so important as to be deserving of the reflection of the most judicious persons, seems to be in accordance with the sentiments of the pious and learned John Howe. “We cannot,” says this esteemed writer, “so much as apprehend clearly and with distinction the things which are needful for us to apprehend, WITHOUT THE LIGHT OF THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM. It is necessary (viz., the light which the spirit of wisdom gives) in order to the act of distinguishing or discerning between things, what is to be done and what is not to be done. There is a continual need, through the whole course of our spiritual life, for the using of such a decretive judgment between things and things. And in reference hereto, there needs a continual emanation of the Holy Ghost, for otherwise we put good for evil and evil for good; light for darkness and darkness for light. We need the Spirit’s help, to shine with vigorous and powerful light into our minds, so as to bring our judgments to a right determination.”
SECOND. We may lay it down as another principle, that the Holy Spirit does not, either by his gentle influences, or by those which are more sudden and powerful, so operate upon a person as to guide him into any course which is truly irrational and absurd. Now we know, in many cases, if we should yield to the direction of mere impressions and impulses, especially those which are of a powerful kind, we should be led to do those things which, to whatever test or measurement they might be subjected, could not escape the denomination of irrationality or absurdity. Of such impulses the Holy Spirit can never be the author, because nothing which is really absurd and irrational (we speak not of the mere APPEARANCE, but of the reality of absurdity) can come from that source. I recollect once to have read the account of a person, published by himself, in which he gives the reader to understand, that on* a certain occasion he was suddenly and violently seized by the power of God, as he expressed it — an expression undoubtedly synonymous, in the view of the writer, with the power of the Holy Ghost; that he was raised up by this divine impulse from the chest on which he was sitting, and was “whirled swiftly round, like a top, for the space of two hours, without the least pain or inconvenience.” We do not see on what grounds such an extraordinary result as this, so unmeaning, so unprofitable and absurd, can properly be ascribed to the power of God or the power of the Holy Ghost; especially if it be susceptible of explanation, as we think it can be, in a considerable degree at least, on any natural principles. We know that the Savior was full of the Holy Ghost; but we do not read of his being subjected to any operation of this kind. We know, also, that the apostles, although they were plentifully endowed with the Divine Spirit, and under his teachings wrought various wonderful works, yet were never at any time made the subjects of such irrationalities. We have here, therefore, a mark of distinction; viz., that various irrational and absurd results may flow from natural impressions and impulses, but can never flow from the true operations of the Holy Spirit.
THIRD. Actions which proceed from pure impulse, or of a mere internal impression, without attendant perception or reflection, cannot possibly be holy actions. What we mean to say is, that there is a natural impossibility of their being such. A mere impulse, unattended by perception and reflection, is of the nature of an instinct; and any action, done from mere blind impulse, no matter ’how strong or extraordinary that impulse may be, is both physically and morally of the nature of an instinctive action. Now, as it is universally conceded that purely instinctive actions have no moral character, it is entirely evident that impulsive actions, which are of the same nature with instinctive actions, have no title to the denomination or character of holiness. Some persons seem to think, the more they act from impulse, especially powerful impulse, the more holy they are. But this, if we are correct in what has been said, is a great and dangerous mistake. *
From “Inward Divine Guidance” by Thomas C. Upham.
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RULES FOR READING THE BIBLE.
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28. Interpret all that is said concerning God, after the manner of men, in a way that is agreeable to the infinite perfection.
29. Make no types and allegories which scripture does not directly warrant.
30. Do not compel the whole of a parable to bear spiritual meaning.
31. The whole is sometimes put for a part, and a part for the whole.
32. General terms are to be sometimes limited; particular terms are sometimes put for general, definite numbers are often put for indefinite.
33. Sometimes things by the figure hyperbole are magnified or diminished beyond or below their limits.
34. Negatives are often put for a strong affirmation of the contrary; as “not guiltless,” i. e. exceedingly guilty; “shall not be moved,” i. e. shall be firmly established.
35. Questions are frequently put for strong affirmations or negations. (Jer. 4:9; Mark 8:36.)
36. In reading the poetical books remember the nature of Hebrew verse.
37. Interpret prophecy by history; not by speculation, conjecture, and fancy.
38. The sacred writers, and especially the prophets, often change persons and tenses.
39. Many truths, delivered in the form of absolute and universal propositions, are to be interpreted under certain limitations and conditions.
40. One principle, or one duty, is frequently spoken of as implying the presence of all religion, for where it is, there all other essential things co-exist with it.
41. Promises made to particular persons in scripture may be applied to all true believers.
42. Never separate promises from duties. The mind, heart, and conduct of man; the truth, power and commands of scripture — study them in their inseparable relations.
43. Though scripture was primarily addressed to particular people, yet its truths, laws, and spirit are of universal extent and perpetual duration. Hence, whatever we read in the Bible, we read that which God addresses to us as individuals.
II. PRACTICAL RULES.
Read and search the scriptures —
1. With the deepest reverence, as the word of God.
2. With humility and teachableness, not to cavil, but to learn.
3. With a devout mind, with heartfelt dependence on the various influences of the Holy Spirit.
4. With reflection, as a creature endowed with intelligence and reason. Reading without reflection will communicate no solid knowledge; it can, at the most, only fill the mind with crude, superficial, partial, and unconnected notions.
5. With patience, not expecting to know in a day all that they reveal, or to be in a day all that they require.
6. With a direct reference to personal improvement in the universality of Christian godliness; in holiness of mind, or its effectual illumination in Christian doctrine; in holiness of heart, or purity of principles and affections; and in holiness of conduct, or walking with God, and before God, in obedience to his laws.
7. With a proper recollection of what we read; as whether it be a doctrine, command, promise, warning, character, event, etc.
8. With so much attention as at least to remember something. Let something, whenever the Bible is opened, be impressed on the mind for subsequent meditation.
9. With a freedom from all bias to systems of human device. Let the one and only desire of your soul be — to be taught of God, to be cast into the pure mold of the Gospel of Christ.
10. With a due recollection that you have always much to learn, much to correct, etc.
11. With constant interrogation and self-application; what do I know of this truth — feel of this principle or affection — enjoy of this promise — fear of this threat — perform of this duty — avoid of this evil?
12. With meek and fervent prayer to the Father of Light. Make what you read the groundwork of your supplication.
13. With a grateful heart. Always bless God for giving you the rich treasure of his Word.
14. With a just sense of responsibility. God demands of us a due improvement of his gifts.
15. With constancy; not by fits and starts, not at wide intervals of time, but habitually, daily, through the whole of life.
Advancement
Let Your Light Shine.
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“LET your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matt. 5:16. To let our light shine is to so live before the world as to manifest the real sweet life of Christ within us. Sinners becoming convinced by the purity of our lives, and the sweetness and gracefulness of our deportment, become fascinated thereby, and thus a desire is eventually begotten in them to give their hearts unto the Lord. We should therefore seek to become so filled with the life of Christ, that our every word and deed will tend only to turn the minds and hearts of sinners heavenward, and stamp indelibly upon the fleshy tables of their hearts, the fact that God can transform the heart of a poor sinner, and can make it whiter than the driven snow.
It is not every good act of our lives that throws light upon the path of thinking sinners. When we do a good deed which sinners may think it possible for a man, with good moral traits of character, to perform without divine help, we are not causing any light to shine before the world. But when sinners see us do what they know could not be performed without divine assistance, they are convinced that God is in us of a truth, and it is then that we are letting our light shine. So, it is only when we do deeds that sinners under the same circumstances could not do, that we truly manifest the real life of Jesus Christ before the world.
Among the elements of holiness, which when manifest in the people of God, serve to convince the world, Jesus places love. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — Jno. 13:35. Love is so rarely seen in human beings, that men are ready to acknowledge men servants of Christ when they show the fruits of true brotherly love. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” — 1Jno. 4:7.
But there is something still more convincing to the world in love than loving our brethren: for our brethren all love us, and “sinners also love those that love them.” — Luke 6:32. But when we manifest our love toward sinners, and those who hate us, we are doing what sinners must admit they cannot do, and in this we convince the world that our hearts have been changed by the grace of heaven.
Oh! let us show our light unto the world in the future more than in the past, by loving our enemies, and doing good to them that hate us, and praying for those who despitefully use us. Sinners’ good deeds only reach those who do good unto them, but we as Christians must do good unto all men, both to those who do good unto us, and to those who do not good unto us. In this also we let true Christian light shine that will convince sinners that we possess something in our souls that they do not possess.
Longsuffering is another fruit of the Spirit, which shows the light of Christ before the world.
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind.” — 1 Cor. 13:4.
“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” — Col. 1:11.
In these texts it is taught that kindness and joyfulness are to accompany longsuffering. It is in these that we truly let our light shine. Anybody can suffer when he is compelled 10 suffer, but without the grace of God-in his soul, a man will be constantly grumbling and complaining of his suffering. We who are saved can be joyful and happy through all our suffering, and show perfect kindness through it all, even unto those who may be the very cause of all our suffering. This, unsaved people cannot do. Hence, when they see us show perfect patience, joyfulness, and kindness in the hour of suffering, they are convinced of the genuineness of the religion of Christ.