10 March 1892, Volume 12, Number 11.
CHRISTIAN’S HOPE OF HEAVEN.
There is a hope, which ever shines,
Through all these clouds of sorrow;
Tis from beyond this earth’s confines.
It points us to to-morrow.
’Tis like the sunshine in a storm
Which brings before our minds,
That just behind this dark’ning form.
The sun forever shines.
O if there were no hope that when
This mortal life is o’er,
There is a life which has no end,
Where sorrow comes no more,
Who would the trials of this life,
With patience then endure
And calmly bear its toil and strife?
But hope is bright and sure.
And through this hope beyond we see,
A world that’s fair and bright;
A land where there is no more sea,
A world where is no night.
This hope affords to mortals rest,
From each and every care;
And gives sweet peace within the breast,
It plants a heaven there.
Clint Atkins
Norwood, Mo.
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Infidelity vs Christianity.
“GROVE all things, hold fast that which is good.” — 1 Thess. 5:11.
Let us prove or test infidelity and Christianity a little.
1st. What is infidelity? — It is frequently unbelief in the existence of God; and always a rejection of the divine origin of the Bible. Denying the divine origin of Christianity, it may, like Paine, admit the immortality of the soul, but it denies future accountability. It is thus unbelief in all the leading doctrine of the Bible. I wonder if Tom Paine, Voltaire, Bob Ingersol, and many others, had they been near to Sinai, in the days of Moses and of Joshua, and stood at the foot of that thunder-rocked mountain, and heard the voice of God speaking to that nation, – if they would have doubted the power of Jehovah; if they had marched through the bosom of that retiring sea, and had been fed with manna, year after year. They never should have questioned the deity of that great leader for a single moment.
2d. What can infidelity do? Can it reform depraved men? lift drunkards out of the ditch, and save them, and make them happy? Can it make bad governments good? Can it make men honest, sober, benevolent and self- denying? Can it comfort us in death and give us hope respecting the future? As proof that it cannot we can refer to facts of history, where hundreds at the dying moment have cried out, “I am lost;” “Where is God?” “Why don’t he come to me now?”
3d. What has infidelity done? It has made men miserable in life, and tormented them in death. It has given license to lust and iniquity, and enkindled vice. The influence of infidel lives has been of a most demoralizing character. After their death their writings have exercised a pernicious influence upon the minds of young and unstable persons. They have made the end of many lives dark, wretched, hopeless, yes awful. Gambetta, a president of the French republic, was an atheist. He is reported to have said just before he died: “I am lost. It is useless to attempt to conceal it. But I have suffered so much, it will be a deliverance.” An infidel said: “There is one thing that mars all the pleasure of my life. I am afraid the Bible is true; if I could know for a certainty that death is an eternal sleep, I should be happy: But here is what pierces my soul; if the Bible is true I am lost forever.” The terrible fate of a blaspheming infidel is described in a brief dispatch from Toronto. It states that on December 24, 1884, a Frenchman named Paquet, a professional infidel, while denying the doctrine of eternal punishment in a discussion with his fellow boarders was stricken with paralysis the whole of one side from head to foot, including the tongue. He was taken to the hospital, where he died on December 27. Thus infidelity will not stand examination.
What then about the salvation of the Bible. Is it true? Is it divine? We emphatically say, Yes, and that for the following reasons:
1st. Salvation is the only Christianity that is confirmed by prophecies that have undeniably been fulfilled.
2d. Salvation is the only Christianity whose writings prove to every unprejudiced mind the mighty hand of God, as clearly as the work of nature declares his wisdom and power.
3d. Salvation is the only Christianity that has survived the attacks of open foes and pretended friends for eighteen hundred and ninety years, and is to day more powerful than ever. Voltaire’s house is now used by the Geneva Bible Society as a repository louse in Earl St. Blackfriar’s stands, where in 1378; the council forbade Wycliffe circulating portions of holy scriptures, and where he uttered the words, “The truth shall prevail.” Voltaire said that it took twelve Gallilean fishermen to build up Christ’s kingdom, but he would show them that one French infidel could tear it down. Yet the very press on which his book was printed is now used to print the Bible. The Bible society now prints five hundred Bibles for every working hour of the day.
4th. Salvation is the only Christianity that affords the believer the witness of its truth; so that persecutions and the approach of the most horrifying death cannot shake his faith in it. We can look back on the lives of apostles, for most of them sealed their testimony with their blood, and each nobly endured the trial. The Allowing traditions are taken chiefly from ecclesiastical history. They are not all however equally authenticated: Matthew suffered martyrdom by the sword in Ethiopia. Mark died at Alexandria, after being dragged through the streets of that city. Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece. John was put into a cauldron of boiling oil, but escaped death, and was vanished to Patmos. Peter was crucified at Rome with his head downward. James was beheaded at Jerusalem. Phillip was hanged against a pillar in Phrygia. Bartholomew was flayed alive. Andrew was bound to a cross, whence he preached to his persecutors till he died. Thomas was run through the body at Caromandel in India. Jude was shot to death with arrows. Matthias was first stoned and then beheaded. Barnabas was stoned to death by Jews at Salamica. Paul, in death oft was beheaded at Rome by Nero. No one has ever been known to renounce Christianity upon his death bed.
5th. Salvation is the only Christianity that fully satisfies the cravings of the human heart, and truly reforms man, makes him honest, unselfish, truthful, loving and pure; and gives solid peace in the hour of death, and victory over the grave. It also is an infallible cure for all moral complaints of man, irrespective of color, class or age, and is suited to every climate in the world, and will stand the fires of the judgement day.
Conclusion. “But godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” – 1 Tim. 4:8.
J. A. Dillon.
Homeless Christians
or
Religious Tramps.
THIS is the title of an article written by the editor of the CALL, a religious paper published in San Diego. Since its appearance in that paper the same title has been applied to the saints here. I do not make mention of this subject because any of us are wounded, for the shot has missed us altogether, and we feel that we are neither “tramps” nor “homeless.’’ However in reading this article refered to, there have a few thoughts been presented to my mind which I desire to offer to the readers of the Trumpet. The writer speaks of and applies the term to “a growing class of really sincere Christians all over the land, who wander about without a spiritual home.” Of course we fully understand the position of our poor erring brother who looks upon this glorious reformation from a denominational and worldly standpoint; but if he were to get a Bible experience in holiness he would be able to view the work of God from a scriptural standpoint, and apostolic position. He could then be no more able to apply such a term to these “really sincere Christians” than to the apostles and all the primitive church; for we have no record that they ever belonged to anything else than the church of God, which was built and established hundreds of years before any of the human sects, which he calls “spiritual homes,” were in existence. He would become frightened at his own statement and ashamed of his ignorance, if he were to see that by this he calls the apostles religious tramps, which he certainly does, if all Christians outside of human organizations are such. All who are truly born of God are not homeless, praise the Lord! for all such have a holy mother who has given us birth and into whose home we are born. No human organization has ever been, and never will be able to give spiritual birth to one single soul, for this is the sacred and exclusive office of our heavenly mother, namely, Jerusalem which is above, which is free, and which is the mother of us all. Gal. 4:26. “For as soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her children.” — Is. 66:8. This heavenly mother has a divine family which is composed of every human being, regardless of rank, race, or color, who is spiritually born again, and thus a partaker of her divine nature. 2 Peter 1:4. “Ye must be born again” [from above]. — Jno. 3:7. But ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his. Rom. 8:9. All these spiritually born human beings have therefore but one spiritual mother who has actually given us birth by but one spiritual Father, hence we all who have been born from this hallowed parentage belong to this one spiritual family and have but one sacred name which is the name of our Father. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named — Eph. 3:15. This family, congregation, or church of God constitutes the perfect spiritual family, the father, mother and children, and wherever these meet together in the family name there we are perfectly at home. Whether we are alone with Father and Mother and a thousand miles from any of our dear brothers and sisters, or whether we are in the congregation of saints, we are in our “spiritual home.”
And this spiritual family is not destitute of a house. Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 2:5. “But Christ as a son over his own house, whose house are we,” etc. — Heb. 3:6. Read also 1 Cor. 3:16, and 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:46; Eph. 2:21, 22; 1 Tim. 3:15. Therefore no human organization can scripturally be called a spiritual house. This is doubly true of all the apostatized human organizations of our modern times. A reformation of which is an utter impossibility, which will be plainly seen farther on. The writer speaks of this “strange development of a strange Christian sentiment” as “a sentimental disregard of any organization whatever in Christian work and worship,” and further states that “God’s plan to gather his children into an organization, the visible church should be constantly emphasized.” No person can scriptually disregard the divine organization which is the body of Christ, the church of God, and none of God’s spiritually born children have any disposition whatever to disregard it; to do so would be to backslide and be lost. But all human organizations can be utterly disregarded, and this is just what the family of God are doing; for human organizations divide his children into sects and parties by building human walls and partitions around and between them, which probably today do more to retard the progress of salvation than any other evil in the land. Human legislation and interference with the works which belong to God alone divide and scatter his children. Thank God for the divine whole-stoned organization which was founded at Pentecost upon which no human tool has ever been lifted, Ex. 20:25, and into which God sets every member as it pleaseth him, 1 Cor. 12:18, which has for her creed the Word, the whole Word, and nothing but the Word of God. No one can become a member of this holy institution without the divine birth which is the only means of entrance, and once within her sacred precincts we behold her impenetrable walls towering to the highest heavens. Is. 60:18. This is the blessed fold of which Jesus is the exclusive door-keeper and through whom every one must gain admittance. It is impossible for man to open or close this door. Rev. 3:7. And the Lord alone makes the addition to the holy community. Acts 2:47. We nowhere in God’s word read of more than this one church. Wherever the term church is used in the plural it is applied to the congregations of different localities, and not to different societies, doctrines, or creeds. And whenever the apostles preached the gospel it produced spiritual life in the hearts of those who accepted it, and thank God, the same effects will be produced to day through his holy messengers who declare all the counsel of God. The spiritual gifts are distributed among all the spiritually born, dividing to every man severally as he will. 1 Cor. 12:11. And from this number God always selects the necessary overseers who receive all their authority directly from him. Acts 20:28. This is the glorious structure into which God gathers his children and which, to every spiritual eye, is as visible as the noon-day sun. Every thing of human origin fades into utter obscurity in the light of her dazzling splendor. The world and the kings of the earth acknowledge her brightness, and all but they who have eyes to see and see not, admit that God of a truth, is in her. “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” — Is. 60:3. This is the visible church of God, and all his children dwell within her sacred walls, and while some of these have unfortunately been divided from each other the mighty sanctifying power of Bible holiness has broken down every wall of sectarian partition, and we all see our liberty and flow together. Tempered, knit, framed, compacted, and perfectly joined into one inseparable unit. Col. 2:9, 10. Praise the Lord! Christ himself the vine and we individually the branches. Jno. 15:5. Our brother in his unscriptural position also states that “a quiet yet effective antichurch movement has actually arisen among a class of over-zealous professors who teach, at least, by implication, (if not always openly) that you can not be real pious and belong to a church. Errors of errors! Device of Satan! Come-out-ism from the church of God is the meanest of isms and without a redeeming feature.” While there is much truth in these statements there is much error and blindness in their application. He applies the term church of God to the sectarian world and human organization. To apply such a sacred term to these spiritually fallen religious institutions of the last days is, to say the least,a fearful error, and desecrates the worthy name by which God’s people alone are called. Jas. 2:7. Truly to come out from God’s holy church, would be to fall into a device of Satan, a serious ism. The only safety from isms, is to obtain and retain salvation, and thus be kept by divine power in the divine organization, the church of God. It is a fact that there are carnal factions claiming to be outside of sects, and some of the worst features of fanaticism and babylon confusion are advocated by many who claim liberty from human bondage: but all such, as well as those who are in sectish bondage do not discern the body of Christ. To come out of these societies simply because some one else does, will not in itself be any liberation from bondage; but to get an experience of Bible salvation breaks every sectarian yoke and removes every man-imposed burden, and the emancipated soul hears the voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her my people.” — Rev. 18:4. Man may raise his puny arm and voice against this mighty work of God; but the voice from heaven continues to peal forth in tones loud and clear, and happy are they who have ears to hear and escape for their lives to the high mountains of Israel’s fold. This is not the work of man. While some come out who are prompted by other motives than purity and separation from sin, thus making their spiritual condition better, yet God’s purified ones are being gathered out from all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ezek. 34:12. Thank God, this glorious reformation is sweeping across the continents and soon the islands of the sea shall echo back the praises and songs of perfect liberty therewith Christ hath made us free.
Another statement of this writer is as follows: “If these people were really so pious as they think they are they would certainly find a splendid field of activity right in their church, over whose degenerate condition they constantly mourn.” Here again there is some truth expressed; for who can but see the degenerated condition and spiritual desolation all over the land. True there are a few honest souls yet within the pales of these man-made institutions who are doing what they are allowed to do to stay the downward course which is sweeping multitudes into the dreadful maelstrom of death: but if these few who yet re-
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THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
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A WEEKLY 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. BYBUM, – Office Editor.
E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.
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ANTHEMS FROM THE THRONE.
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This book contains 148 songs. 90 with music. About all new When sung in the Spirit of God these songs will be found glorious. They hymn the precious present truth, and the gospel standard of salvation.
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J. E. Jones, C. Woodruff, Daniel Jines, O. E. Weiringer, Sherman Carlin, Julia Fales, B. E. Warren, S. P. Strang, S. B Heeter, F. R. Keefer, H. C. Sartin, E. Reusberger, A. J. Kilpatrick, A. A. Kinzie, G. R Achor, Sadie E. Marquiss, J. R. Walters, F. J. Kiefer, Jerry F. Stowe, F. N. Jacobson.
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REQUESTS FOR PRAYER.
Pray for the healing of Mrs. Mary Shrive, from afflictions in her head.
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Pray March 13th for the healing of Sister Libbie French
Dowling, Mich.
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CALLS FOR MEETINGS.
Bro. Warren Cushman, 1008 Kilbourn Ave., Rockford, Ill., desires some experienced minister to come there and publish the pure gospel.
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I have a dear brother who is down with the consumption, and is not saved. He wants your prayers, that he may be saved, and if the will of God, healed. We also desire one of God’s holy ministers to come here, and preach the pure gospel. I am saved and made complete in Christ.
G. V. Burton.
Irad, Ky.
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EDITORIAL NOTES.
The people at HartselIe, Ala. would like very much to have Bro. J. N. Howard visit them again.
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Bro’s William Stowell and Benjamin Roe are here, consecrating their daily service unto the Lord, cutting logs, and wood, and clearing off the ground, preparing it for the Lord to come down and hallow it, and make the place of his feet glorious. Amen.
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We are happy to inform the dear saints, that the call to help Brother Howard out of debt, is being responded to; already over $60 have been given as a sacrifice unto the Lord, for that purpose. We join with our dear brother in thanks to God and to the beloved brethren and sisters. Let others give as the Lord leads until all is met. Amen.
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Our dear Bro. Michels is now at home building an addition to his little farm-house. Some brother who is a carpenter, or could assist at such work, would doubtless please the Lord much to come to his aid, and enable him to go forth in the harvest field the sooner. His family is quite large, and house small. Hence the addition is needed.
Address S. Michels, South Haven, Mich.
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Bro. R. E. Andrews, of Bremen, Ind., writes us: “I am sweetly trusting God and realize his divine power. I have been preaching some, as the Lord has given opportunity, and have done some labor in private houses. Sinners have been converted, believers blest. The tobacco devil has been wonderfully disturbed, and some have been delivered. The probabilities are that there will be a call for a grove meeting this summer.
Yours in love and in unity with all the dear saints, and for the pure word of God. Amen.”
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Bro. Daniel W. Kryder, writes from Bourbon, Ind: “I am at work in the vineyard of the Lord. Praise God forever and ever! I am trusting in the Lord, and he keeps me sweetly saved by his almighty power. Have been attending meeting at the Union meeting house near Ilion, Ind. Bro. Grover and wife, and Sister Fisher were presenting the truth so plain that ‘a wayfaring man though a fool shall not err therein.’ I am going to my home, Osceola, St. Joseph Co., Ind. If the Lord will, shall hold-some meetings there.
Your humble brother, sanctified in Christ Jesus.”
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ONE WAY AT A TIME.
Not long ago we received a letter wishing us to come up north, and money accompanying the same to pay traveling expenses. A little later here came a similar prepaid call to Denver, Col. And now before we could get away, comes another urgent call, with greenbacks, to Pa. While we feel thankful, dear brethren, for your kindness thus shown us, we advise dear saints every where not to send money to bring ministers to your place until you first write them and ascertain whether they can come, and whether it be the Lord’s will or not. Of course we had to return the first, and shall have to do the same with the last remittance.
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Thanks.
Bro. B. J. Fleck writes from near Antwerp, Ohio. The Lord has prospered us here beyond all expectation. We have built a very comfortable little house of worship, all out of debt. We wish to thank the different congregations of the church of the living God, for their aid in building. God bless and reward you all. I am consecrated to the service of God, wholly sanctified.
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GRAND JUNCTION CAMP GROUND.
The general camp meeting in June will be held this year on the new camp ground near this place instead of at Bangor as heretofore. This will be a permanent place for camp meetings in the future. The grove will be to prepare, logs to cut and get to mill. A pavilion, boarding house, sleeping rooms, tents, etc, to build, all of which will require much labor, which needs to be attended to at once.
On Tuesday and Wednesday of each week will be the time set for work, and should those days be unfavorable, come on Thursdays and Fridays or come and spend the whole time in the service of the Lord. Perhaps some who would love to do something and cannot come, can help furnish provision for the laborers.
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Building Preachers Houses.
There is no need that we write any precautions against brethren helping God’s true ministers too much, for we see no dangers in that direction. But in the name of Jesus we warn all God’s people against house buying or building enterprises for preachers that prove to be tricks and snares of the devil to hinder rather than to aid them in their great and solemn calling. It sometimes happens that a preacher comes to a place, and is used of the Lord, the church thinks well of him, and begins to wish him located in their midst, and with an understanding that he will locate, and be with them a good part of the time, they help him purchase, or build a house, or procure one for him. He moves in, and before everything is set in order, a call comes from some distant place, the field is ripe, and the Spirit of God stirs their hearts to go. But the dear saints here would be disappointed if we go. So they reply they cannot come. The Spirit is grieved; they get out of God’s order, grow lean in their souls, and, perhaps get severely chastened of the Lord, find themselves without faith to lay hold on God for healing; suffer long and severely, and at last wake to the conclusion that they have been switched off by the devil, and gotten their eyes off God on a home, and have dark struggles in their souls before recovering freedom and the sweet flow of the Spirit of God in the heart. Now it is pleasant, and doubtless, in most cases all acceptable to God for his messengers to have a home, but let them be sure they do not step out of God and get hobbled of the devil in getting one, which you are sure to do if you accept the offer with the understanding you will stay there a good part of the time, and preach for the church, and in the regions round about. You take yourself out of God’s hands and off his altar by making any arrangements of your own.
And we warn God’s church in every place on earth: beware how you, through any selfish motives of having frequent preaching, lay a snare to entangle God’s flying messengers. If you furnish them a home with a view they shall be with you frequently, you may set it down that they are bound to disappoint your expectations, or remain and impose on your dead and fruitless services. This is the time of the end, and God’s messengers must “run to and fro” to the ends of the earth. Keep your lands off God’s business, and let the Spirit of God catch them away whithersoever he will, even if you, like the eunuch, Acts 8:39., see them no more.
Again, certain brethren have tied their hands for six months or a year, by undertaking to build themselves a house, heaping many troubles and cares upon their hearts, entangling themselves with the affairs of this world, and when done, find themselves about backslidden, and much very precious time wasted, and souls gone to hell that might have been reached by their preaching. Doubtless many of God’s heralds can and should have homes, but you can generally buy a house and lot in most any town or city, for about one-half what it costs to build it, and get the ground besides. What need have you to bother yourself, entangle your soul, make empty your heart and consume precious time to build, when you can buy good houses, with some land, for half it cost to build them. We write this article in a good large house with a stone walled cellar, three lots, at the edge of a county seat. House was not built for less than $800.00, and the whole, in good Condition, was bought for $400.00.
The Trumpet family occupy a large well finished house, that it is claimed cost $2800. In the kind providence of God, it was bought with two acres of land, for $600. We have in our life, several times, looked up property in town and cities, and always found pleasant homes that could be bought for one-half, and as low as one-third the cost of the house, including the ground. Now while some have had the sore experience of building, and we hear of others contemplating the same, we beseech you in the name of Jesus wait on the Lord, and see if you cannot save money, save the precious time which is also the Lord’s, and upon the use of which immortal souls depend to make their escape from sin and hell to grace and glory, and save the loss of the grace of God out of your own heart, incurred by the care of building. Let others build and you preach the kingdom of heaven. The time is short, and souls are going to hell, and you have no time to turn aside and build houses, especially since you can get them cheaper already built. Of course there are circumstances that form exceptions.
In the name of Jesus, we wish moreover, to say, Let not Satan use these words to relieve your conscience from the duty of providing homes for God’s poor preachers, especially such as have families they cannot take with them in the field. Whenever a dear brother can be helped to go forth by furnishing his family a home, do so, if you possibly can. But whenever Satan tempts you to furnish a preacher a house under circumstances that would tend to keep him from the field, resist the devil, and let the preacher go forth. Amen.
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All Workers.
Dear Saints of the Living God, Greeting: I praise God for a present salvation that keeps us free from all sin, praise his holy name! I feel that there are many dear honest souls that have a desire to work for the Master, that are not called to preach the word, and do not know what their call is. The word says that we must bear fruit, and if we do not bear fruit we shall be cut off as dead branches. And if such ones would take their case to God in prayer in faith believing he would show them that they could glorify him as much by supplying the temporal wants of those that are working for the salvation of perishing souls, as they could if they were called to preach. There are some that could devote their whole time to the work of the Lord in the spread of the gospel, and yet labor with our hands. Here on the new camp-ground is a grand chance for us to help supply the temporal wants of the dear consecrated workers, as the farm is to be cultivated for that purpose. Since the Trumpet is made a weekly it makes double the work and requires double the force it did before, and we are the ones that get the benefit of it without any additional charge; we have, or should have, an interest in supplying the table wants of their large family that are all working without wages to spread the pure gospel of Christ all over the world. Who will help by sending money or something that they raise to help on the cause of God; some can work out and send in all they earn over and above their needs. That would be the same as if they were working at the office themselves. Others that have land to till can consecrate some crop to the Lord, tend it well and send in the proceeds and you will find it more blessed to give than to receive; others have some articles of farm produce which would be thankfully received.
The family are greatly in need of a larger cook stove. The one they think of getting is called the “Home Comfort” (and it is rightly named).
It will cost with all the furniture $63.00 cash down. I propose that all the dear children that read the GOSPEL TRUMPET and SHINING LIGHT send in their money offerings to pay for it. And let it be the children’s money that pays for the stove. Let every one state particularly how much they send that goes toward paying for the stove, and it will be all kept separate in a box, and when there is enough to pay for it, it will be bought and called the children’s stove. God bless all the dear little children for Jesus’ sake. If you are not saved, give your hearts to God while young, and you will never regret it; love, honor and obey your parents; be kind to every body and every thing. Jesus loves little children; live holy lives in this world, and when you die you will have no fear of death, but will go home to glory, and be with Jesus and your father, or mother, brothers and sisters that have gone on before you, and were saved.
Your wholly saved brother all on the altar,
William Stowell.
Grand Junction, Mich.
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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
Otsego, Mich., Feb. 29, 1892.
Dear Saints, Greeting: We are glad to report victory on the Lord’s side. Our last report was from Three Rivers. There has been a glorious work done there this winter. The saints have a hall rented there, and any of God’s holy ministers passing through there are requested to stop with them. Call on or address Leroy Burden. From there we came to Kalamazoo, where we stopped with the saints over Lord’s day. Found them in a glorious condition. They have also rented a hall, and some one ought to go there. Bro. Palmer is desired. From there we came to Grand Junction, where we stayed two days, then went to Ganges, where we held a very profitable meeting. Much good was done in the name of Jesus. The power of God was manifested during the meeting. From there went to Hoppertown, where we held a meeting over Lord’s day. There is a chance for a great work at that place; the saints expect to build a meeting house there next summer. From there we were conveyed overland to Allegan, where Bro. Palmer and others have been engaged in a meeting. We stayed there one night; had a glorious feast. Oh! how we love the dear children of God! Next day we came to this place; commenced meetings last Tuesday night. There have been eleven consecrations, and others ask our prayers. Bro. Palmer was with us yesterday. The Lord used him in pouring out the truth. God is stirring up the people and much good is anticipated. Any one wishing us to hold meetings, address us at this place. Will be here all this week, the Lord willing. Yours in Him,
W. J. Henry & J. W. Daugherty.
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Sidney, Ia., Feb. 21, 1892.
Dear Brethren: Grace, mercy, and peace be with you. Since our last report God has been doing wonderful things for us. This morning finds us at home again, and still saved and sanctified, meet for the Master’s use. For three weeks past I have been visiting the churches in Holt and Atchison counties, Missouri. Glory to God! the evening light is still shining; and God is still moving on in power. The roads were in a very bad shape, hence the attendance was small. On my way home I stopped at Langdon, Mo., where dear Bro. Kinzie and Sister Sillers were holding meetings. Here we found a good interest in the meeting. On Tuesday some of the saints gathered at dear Bro. Conner’s, and had prayer meeting. He had been sick for two weeks. We prayed for his healing, and while we obeyed the word in James 5:14-15, God did fulfill his promises, and the work was done. Glory be to God! Though the earth be removed, yet in this will I be confident, that the things which God has promised, he is able to fulfill. Yours, saved and sanctified,
C. W. McDaniel.
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Beaver Dam, Ind.
Dear Saints and Readers of the Trumpet, Greeting: We are saved to the uttermost and kept by the power. Praise God! O this wonderful and blessed salvation! It is growing sweeter and more blessed every day. O the depths of his love and glory we experience in this holy way; such sweet peace, joy, and comfort to the sanctified! Hallelujah! Let us praise His most holy name together for his wonderful works among the children of men. Our soul is on the increase and we rejoice in God the rock of our salvation at all times.
We left Michigan the latter part of January last, and came to Beaver Dam, Ind. When we arrived here meeting was in progress, having begun a week before our arrival, but no good had resulted yet on account of much error that existed in the preaching, which God’s elect could not endorse; but praise God! the Lord soon cleared up all error, and brought the hidden to light, and on the first Lord’s day we rejoiced with great victory in the camp of Israel, and backsliders and sinners became troubled and quite a number came home to Father’s house and rejoiced because they were at home again. The Lord wonderfully used our dear Bro. Leininger in laying “judgment to the line” during this meeting, and thereby the Lord got much glory, and the church was strengthened and settled down into Christ.
On last Lord’s day we again met with the church, and enjoyed a rich feast with the elect. O bless the Lord! how the dear Lord filled up our earthen vessel until it seemed it was pressed down and shaken together, and it just ran over. The saints were joyful in glory. A number of souls got down at the altar before the Lord for the Sanctifier, and his rest. O bless the Lord! It rejoiced our hearts to see the saints with the eternal victory. In the evening we again assembled for the purpose of following the Lord’s command and example in washing the saints’ feet, and breaking of bread. O bless the Lord! we shall never forget this precious, blessed season with his children. Waves of glory came down upon us until we could do nothing but shout his praises; it also filled our souls with joy to see our dear Bro. D. Secore rejoicing in the love of Jesus. This dear soul has been absent from home a good while, about two years I think, but praise God he is safe at home once more and shares in the glory of God with the saints. O I pray God to bless all of the saints, and may they stand firm and prove true to God. Ye chosen seed of God, do not let Satan deceive you by saying to you that it will be well with you if ye do go and serve sin for a little season. Only those who have been deceived by such things can testify to the miserable state of the backslider. And O the struggle to be free again! I wish all the world could have heard the confession of some of those who regained their freedom during this meeting. O may the God of all grace forever keep our feet from slipping, and falling into sin. May God’s richest blessings rest upon the saints everywhere and keep them through faith, ready to be revealed in the last day. Amen.
Your humble brother in Jesus our Lord,
W. B. Grover.
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Akron, Ind., Feb. 26, 1892.
Dear Trumpet Readers: We praise God this morning for salvation through the blood that saves us from all sin. In our last report we were five miles east of Greentown in the Burns neighborhood in company with Bro. A. J. Kilpatrick and Sister Stetler; had ordinance meeting on the night of 31st, twelve saints participated. Sister Stetler returned home Feb. 4. Bro A. J. Kilpatrick remained with us and the Lord wonderfully used him in preaching the word, and the church was established in the deeper things of God. May the blessings of God rest continually upon them. Meeting closed on the 7th. The next morning Bro. Coston conveyed us to Windfall, Tipton Co., where we held meeting four days. We did not find many there who were willing to hear the pure gospel, but according to 2 Tim. 4:3, 4, have turned away from the truth and have turned unto fables. However we believe there are a few who with the proper teaching and instruction will walk in all the light of God, among whom is dear Father and Mother Allen, who also were so kind to us and gave us a welcome home. God bless them. Closed meeting on the 13th; went two miles southwest to Bro. Kelley’s place, where the Lord gave us the victory over all evil spirits and liberty to preach the word of God with power sent down from heaven. The work of God has been much crippled in those parts by some running before they were sent of God. The people were anxious to get tracts and Trumpets. We sold and gave away over one-hundred tracts and some Trumpets. Praise God! we believe they will preach loud in that place in our absence. There were eight consecrations. May the Lord lead them out in the fullness of his word. We returned home on the 18th. The work of the Lord is moving on at Beaver Dam; will have ordinance meeting Sunday night, the Lord willing, expecting a glorious time in the Lord. We remain your saved brother and sister,
R. N. & M. L. Gast.
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Robinson, Kan., March 2, 1892.
Dear Saints of God,Greeting: All glory to Jesus for salvation full and free. Can testify that we are saved and kept by the power of God free from all sin, not striving against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers and wickedness in high places; while God is our salvation we have nothing to fear. Praise his holy name! We closed meeting at Robinson Friday night. Had a precious seed-sowing time; many confessed the truth, but were slow to walk in it. Some gave us a very cordial invitation to return in the summer with a tabernacle. Sister Lizzie Haynes, wife of R. M. Haynes was ordained as a helper in the ministry, by the laying on of hands of the elders. I look for a precious harvest of souls at the coming C. M. or general assembly of the West at this place. We came back to Green Door, for a few meetings for the good of the church; had altar services; a few were sanctified, and one sinner presented herself for justification. The Lord wonderfully blessed us in our work here. May the dear Lord bless all the dear workers in the field, and make them very successful in bringing souls to Christ. Dear saints, pray much for us.
Yours saved in Jesus,
Wm. N. & S. J. Smith, & Wm. A. Randolph.
Deacon, Cass Co., Ind.
I arrived at Bro. Tolen’s the 9th of Feb. Commenced meeting on the evening of the 10th at the Swamp S. House. The devil thought he was going to run the meetings as usual in that neighborhood, as we learned it had been very difficult to hold a meeting in that place, but the Lord held in check the powers of darkness during this meeting and it was a success in reference to order. One soul reclaimed, and the faith of the church strengthened. Bro. Roe came to our assistance during the last week of the meeting for which I praise God. Closed hereon the evening of the 21 st. Would have gone to my next appointment at Todd’s Point, Ill., but not having means enough to take us both there, and not feeling led to go by myself I returned to my home Feb. 23, awaiting the Lord’s bidding.
Your brother, saved and sanctified,
H. C. Wickersham.
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South Haven, Mich., March 5, ’92.
To all the Dear Saints of God, Greeting: Grace and peace be multiplied to you through Jesus our Lord. Since our last report we can say the Lord has dealt graciously with us. My trip to the Northern Peninsula proved a success in the salvation of many precious souls. The Lord raised up a dear people for his name. O may they be obedient to all the will of God! Dear Brothers Michael and Forsyth the Lord is raising up for his ministers. May they have wisdom to present the word of God to the people, and may those dear ones who have given their hearts to the Lord prove true in every trial, look to Jesus who is our faithful high priest, who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
I am now at home with my family; expect to hold some meetings about home as the Lord may lead. Expect to return north some time through the summer and hold some grove meetings. There is a great chance for doing good in all that new country for any consecrated workers that are not afraid to take their grip in their hand, and go from house to house and pray with the people and tell them of the glorious plan of salvation. Sect preachers have tried it, but they are stationed by their God (conference), and as soon as they go into a place they look for their quarter, and if they see no prospect their courage fails. Dear brethren, let us work for the salvation of precious souls, and look to the Lord our God who supplieth all our needs according to his riches in glory. When the Lord gets access to the hearts of the people through the preaching of the word, his Spirit will make known to all their duty. Thank the dear ones who so cheerfully administered to our traveling expenses. May the dear Lord bless them and keep them ever true. I left Hessel, Mackinaw Go., Mich. Feb. 26; crossed the straits and took train for Grand Rapids. From there I expected to go to Bangor, but the Spirit bade me go to Allegan, and I obeyed. When I reached there dear Bro’s Warner, Palmer, Wm. Warren and Bixler and others of God’s workers were engaged in holding forth the word of the Lord as the Spirit moved upon them. O how our hearts were refreshed to meet those dear brethren in the gospel! The Lord bless and keep them useful for Jesus’ sake.
From your brother, saved, sanctified, made white and tried,
S. Michels.
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Visalia, Cal., Feb. 28, 1892.
Dear Saints: I am under the blood and it cleanseth me from all sin. The very God of peace sanctifies me wholly just now. Hallelujah! Our little band of three workers in the vineyard of the Lord, made our first appointment good at Farmersville to day. We had a fair turn-out for the first time, and we were kindly received. The Lord did wonderfully bless Bro. Hudson in speaking and reading the word. Holiness was something new to the people there: as there were some cold, frozen out professors there it awakened new energy and life, and some were ready to receive the truth. The work is opening up and now there is a call for a series of meetings at the Stringtown school-house, two and a half miles from Visalia, to commence March 6, the Lord willing. By the time that Bro. Willis will get here the harvest will be ripe for the sharp sickle to be thrust in.
Jno. J. Bently & wife,& J. M. Hudson.
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Welland, Ont., Feb. 24, 1892.
Dear Saints: We arrived at home to day. The meeting at the Townline Bethel was a victory, notwithstanding some difficulty to encounter. There were ten or twelve consecrations and some received a good experience. I trust the Lord will bring the rest out clear soon. Bro. Sherk of Sherkston, whom the Lord has called in the work, was with us in the fellowship of the Spirit and joy of the Holy Ghost. Also Father Morley expects to arrange matters so he can devote more of his time to the work. He preaches both in German and English. We also held four meetings in Fenwick. Two consecrated and were baptized. We expect to commence meeting in Crowland soon. The blessed Lord is leading and teaching us, and is also mustering the hosts. Praise his name!
G. T. Clayton & co-workers.
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Decatur, Ind., Feb. 25, 1892.
Dear Brethren: God bless you. Amen. Through the providence of God we are at Decatur, Ind., holding meeting in the old M. E. meetinghouse, that the brethren and friends to the cause have rented for six months. There is good attendance, good order and good interest taken in the meeting. There are some that have manifested a desire for salvation, and one has been saved. Sister Stetler is helping in the meeting. The congregation is increasing in numbers and interest. Praise God! Let all join in prayer for the inhabitants of Decatur.
Yours and Christ’s, saved through the blood,
A. J. Kilpatrick.
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Lee, Mich., Feb. 29, 1891.
Dear Brethren: I left home Feb. 3d, went to Blendon, Mich., and found the church in good condition, and held meetings a few days, after which I went to Jamestown and held a few meetings, and found the dear ones at that place rejoicing in the love of Jesus. From there went to Muskegon, and found some there in a rather bad condition, but all seemed willing and glad to walk in the light of the word of God, and this meeting was a very precious one to our souls. Brother Woodruff and wife were here and helped in the meeting.
Your brother in Christ,
Byron Wooden.
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TESTIMONIES.
Thy Testimonies are Wonderful
Psa. 119:129.
Deacon, Ind.
Dear Saints of God: My prayer for you all is that you may be kept from the evils of this world. And may the unsaved readers of the Trumpet find the pearl of great price, and purchase it. To God be all the glory for setting me free from the bondage of sin. I was a slave to the devil, and the world. My prison house of sin was dark indeed, and I often thought it was far worse than the penitentiary. The devil’s temptations were like sugar-coated pills, sweet on the outside, but very bitter on the inside. While I was serving the devil he made me drink cup after cup of remorse, grief, anguish, sorrow and sin as bitter as wormwood and gall. Since the Lord has taken me out of the devil’s family and adopted me as one of his own sons, I am drinking the sweet and pure waters of salvation. Truly I now hate the things I once loved, and love the things I once hated. In place of fears and torment, I now have contentment and calm assurance. In the place of eternal death, I have life everlasting.
And in place of remorse and sorrow, I have peace and everlasting joy.
Your sanctified brother,
B. F. Roe.
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Dear Saints: My testimony this morning is that the very God of peace sanctifies me wholly, and the precious blood cleanses me from all sin. Glory to God! And for this and all blessings I am giving God all the praise.
Your sister, saved in Christ,
Mary J. Parks.
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Elk Dale, Mo.
Dear Saints of God: To the glory of God I thought I would write my testimony, to let you all know what the Lord has done for me. I praise his dear name for his goodness. He saves me from all sin and sanctifies me wholly. Praise his name! My soul is happy in Jesus. Pray for me.
Your saved sister,
Pollie H. Neff.
OBITUARIES.
Lenard Elwood, little son of J. E. & Sophrona Howe, departed this life near Bentley, Kan., Sep. 23, 1891.
He has gone to that brighter shore,
Where parting will come no more.
My soul is filled with peace and love,
To know that we can meet above.
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Watkinsville, Miss.
Callie Lee Aithers died Feb. 6, 1892; aged four years, three months and twenty-seven days. She was a sweet little child. Pray for the father and mother in their trouble. What a consolation to know that world to which we go!
Services by
A. L. Creel.
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Died, at Monterey, O., Feb. 4, 1892, Robert B. Pittman; aged nine years, six months and eighteen days. Little Robert was a good boy and loved the Lord, and the Lord has taken him home to dwell with him.
Services by
S. P. Gilger.
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JOHNSONVILLE, O.
Sister Mary Draa, wife of John Draa, of Vernon, Ohio, departed this life to be with Christ, Feb. 4, 1892; aged sixty-one years. She attended the assembly meeting at Henderson, Pa., last Oct., where she was healed of what was supposed to be a cancer. She also experienced the blessing of sanctification at the same time. She passed away with a peaceful smile while the friends were singing. She leaves a husband eighty-one years old, and ten children to mourn her death. She is missed not only by her own family but throughout the whole community, especially in the prayer meetings and sick rooms. But we trust that our loss will be her gain; therefore we say the will of the Lord be done. Services by Elder Chas. Carter, from the words, “I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith.” — 2 Tim. 4:6-8.
L. W. Bascom.
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Died, March 2, 1892, near Decatur, Mich., Mother Catharine Fransisco; aged 78 years, 5 months and 23 days. In the present generation the name has become abridged to Sisco, by which our readers are familiar with it. Some eight years ago when we first visited the church near Melrose, O., among the many there who had come out of all sin and confusion through the ministry of Bro. Kilpatrick, was the subject of this notice and Mother Lucas, two happy old saints, leaping and shouting for joy over their deliverance from the long bondage to creeds, tobacco, etc. The latter we believe has gone home to glory, and now Mother Fransisco has joined her in the blissful presence of the Lord. The dear old pilgrim continued able to assemble with the church up to a few days from her departure, and she was always much blessed of God, and praised him with joyful lips. Her last testimony was that she did not expect to meet with them here much longer, but was all ready to depart in peace and dwell with Jesus. O how beautiful in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints!
The Lord comfort the two sons and grand-daughter with whom she lived, and bless all the friends with grace to walk in her footsteps, as she followed Christ, that they may all dwell with her in glory. Funeral services in the school-house near her last home.
D. S. Warner.
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Pure Air.
We are oft astonished to find so many people ignorant of the properties of air, and the necessity of ventilating their houses. Nearly every meeting house we enter we find the windows all closed up tight. And in most cases, we are compelled to enter and inhale the same air that had been exhaled by the last congregation, or become stagnant by being shut up in tight confinement. And when we speak of the necessity of ventilation, the sexton is sure to think it is too warm in the house, and he promptly closes up the draft of the stove, and looks as though he thinks that sufficient, and not unfrequently we have to insist upon pure air. Every body knows, when a room becomes too hot or too cold, they are conscious of the temperature of the air, but take no notice of its contents, and in fact ignorance exists to such an alarming extent that many are not aware of any different conditions of the atmosphere they breathe. Many never have studied into the matter, and great multitudes of wretched humanity, have their sense of smell so blunted by the stench and filth of tobacco in their mouths and upon their clothes, that only carrion makes any impression on their minds.
Diet Cure, Page 3.
“We live on air; it is our first necessity of life. We eat from time to time, and we can live for many days without our usual food — for weeks, in some cases — but we must breathe night and day. The blood demands its constant supply of oxygen. Without this supply, it grows dark, and becomes foul. If the air contains foul gases, we must inhale, and more or less, absorb them. They may poison the blood, and thereby the whole body. Pure air, such as ye get on the mountains, on great plains, and by or on the sea, we feel to be invigorating and full of life. The air of narrow streets, darkened courts, filthy places, crowded rooms, unventilated bedrooms, dwellings, theatres, churches, schools, hospitals or prisons, we find to be depressing, weakening, diseasing, and full of death. We live on good air; we die of bad air: in a certain and important sense, animals and vegetables live on air.”
We will next quote from O. S. Fowler’s Physiology. — “The elements furnished to the blood by breathing are even more and more perpetually, indispensable to life than those derived from digestion, because we can live longer without the latter than the former.
“The vital process requires large and perpetually renewed quantities of oxygen. Without it, all the materials of life furnished by digestion would be of no avail.
“As fire goes down with the scarcity of oxygen, and goes out with and in consequence of its disappearance, so the fire of life wanes in proportion as the supply of oxygen is diminished, and death supervenes almost immediately upon, and in consequence of its disappearance.
“That oxygen is thus transferred from the air in the lungs into the blood, is rendered certain by the fact that when air is inspired, it contains 21 per cent of oxygen, while expired air contains only 12 per cent; it having lost nine per cent of its oxygen. but none of its nitrogen. Not till thus supplied with oxygen, is the blood completely freighted with the materials of life.
“Our children do not get half air enough. This occasions their being puny, sickly, and mortal. No wonder that half of them die in childhood. The wonder is that more do not.
“THE DUE VENTILATION OF SLEEPING apartments is still more important because we consume quite as great a proportion of air, yet are far more liable to neglect its re-supply. Most of us spend one-third of our lives in little, eight by ten bed-rooms, scarcely seven feet high, and capable of holding only from five to eight hundred feet of air — not an hour’s breathing timber!
“A draft directly upon you may be objectionable, yet even this is far less so than confined air, and can be rendered harmless by a good supply of bed-clothes — though the less of these, and keep comfortable, the better. Large, airy, sleeping apartments would add one-fourth to the aggregate duration of human life. They should be the largest rooms in our houses.
“Yet the general idea obtains that night air is unwholesome, and often pestilential, than which nothing is more unfounded. The Deity render night air unwholesome, and yet compel us to breathe it! This supposition conflicts with the whole economy of nature. If night air had been really injurious, she would have allowed us to sleep without breathing, for she never compels the least thing injurious. Night air is equally as wholesome as day air. It may be damper but that does not hurt it for breathing purposes. It is usually cooler, and, therefore, contains more oxygen, and is, therefore, even better than day air — at least for sleeping purposes. Why are we so. restless in hot summer nights, and why sleep so sweetly, and wake up so invigorated in cold fall nights, but because the needed supply of oxygen is so much greater in the latter instance? So far from being injurious. I give it as my deliberate opinion, that sleeping with open windows would greatly promote health. I prefer to do so, however stormy or boisterous the weather, and know of several who sleep thus summer and winter, every one of whom is remarkably robust and healthy. Yet if you adopt this practice, adopt it by degrees, so as not to take cold.”
Dr. A. Combe tells us, that mice put into a tight glass case, ere long begin to show signs of distress. They pant and in a few hours die with convulsions, for the want of oxygen to sustain life. Walpole of England, records how some drunken constables took it in their heads to take up every body they met on the street till they had collected about 25, all of whom they thrust into a small “roundhouse” where they kept them all night with doors and windows closed. Being packed together, the oxygen in the air was exhausted, and despite their screams for mercy, they were left until morning, when “four were found stifled to death; two died soon after, and a dozen more are in a shocking way.”
We once went to where a friend of ours, a strong man, was taking care of his father who way on his deathbed. We were surprised to see the man looking so ill. On remarking to him about it, he said he could not understand why he felt so extremely bad, and was failing every day. Me said his lather slept good every night and allowed no one to sit up with him so that he had lost no sleep.
Ere long we stepped into a small bed room off the sick man’s room. This is where our friend had slept, and the cause of his dreadful physical condition was no longer a mystery. The room was small and very low ceiling; it had but one window and that was nailed down with large nails, and had not been open perhaps for years. The air was dreadful. Our nostrils being somewhat educated to notice and report such poisoness conditions of the atmosphere, warned us to flee out at once. We explained this to our friend. By hard work the nails were removed, the window sash raised, and the next morning our friend felt like a new man.
It is claimed that one exhalation spoils about 3 solid feet of air, so that it should not be breathed over again. For your life let us admonish you never to sleep in a close room. Open a window in the Led room, and another in an adjoining room, and leave the door ajar. And in your sitting rooms always have some interchange of air. The more time is spent in open air, other conditions being equal, the belter the health.
main keep an ear to the voice of God they will soon be led out from all contaminating influences and fellowship at least, and will only remain among them long enough to deliver the messages of the gospel truth if perchance there may be some who, as in the days of Sodom’s destruction, may give heed to the voice of warning, and escape the pending doom. But the masses will receive these messages with no less contempt than did the sons-in-law of Lot. To preach the whole gospel in any of these popular institutions of today is an impossibility. Even the simple truth of entire sanctification, with the exception of but few, would be ignored in these sects, from the ecclesiastical dignitaries down to the laity, and instead of such a place being a “splendid field of activity” they would with one consent cry out, Away with him. To elevate the spiritual condition of these institutions is also an impossibility and contrary to true reformatory principles. No true reformation has ever, and never can, change a corrupted party whether it be political, social or religious. All history proves this from the days of Noah down to the present. Individuals reform, but institutions never. This is especially true in these days of unparalleled spiritual wickedness in high places. The germs of decay have developed into such proportions that in every case the only means of safety for those whose garments are unspotted is to “come out from among them and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing.” 2 Cor. 6:17. All true reformations have succeded only in proportion with a strict adherence to this principle. Separation from evil is the grand reformative principle upon which the great Reformer, the Lion of the tribe of Judah has established his soul-saving work. Thank God, he is leading his anointed ones forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach and magnifying none else but Him whose name is Jehovah.
J. W. Byers.
1021 15TH St., San Diego, Cal.
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How the Lord led me.
Letter No. 3.
AS to the teaching of the Bible my mind did not change. I found in Wesley’s writings and in our hymns as definite anti-sect statements as can be found in the Bible, also in the Protestant creeds. At one time I came near taking up with the “STUMBLING STONE” work, but soon saw my mistake. It seems to me that I sometimes acted inconsistently, not knowing just what course to pursue. About eleven years ago I took a location, and continued to work as an evangelist. I held my membership on the circuit on which I preached last. I called for my letter, and the district-chairman forbade the pastor to grant it, though there was nothing whatever against me. A year ago last June at a camp meeting on the same circuit, by unanimous vote it was declared that I had not lost my membership. In the fall the East Michigan Conference without my seeking it. unanimously voted me a member of the annual conference on my certificate of location which I had burned up, with all my other credentials and ordination parchments except one old paper, my certificate of location from the Detroit M. E. Conference. The conference appointed me evangelist, as they did last fall, also. I have never owned a discipline since I burned mine eleven or twelve years ago.
I united with the Free Methodists because I believed that they were God’s people. I have never had any other reason for being associated with them. They have a discipline I have not. I recognize and fellowship only the saints among them, and only because they are saints. There are many lifeless ones among them. That may be because people are not apt to have faith above their record; the discipline states that a Free Methodist society is no other than a company of men having the form, and seeking the power of godliness. Then of course, if one of their societies should obtain the power of godliness, it would cease to be a F. M. society. Would the same logic apply to an individual member? There is a good deal of genuine piety among them, which may be accounted for on the ground that very few of them know anything about the discipline. When they joined they said that they subscribed to the discipline. That was done inconsiderately, and does not mean anything, as I know by diligent inquiry. Whatever may be thought about the propriety of having a discipline, I am prepared to demonstrate the fact that no man living can be either pious or candid and subscribe to the Free Methodist discipline if he understands it. I think that with most F. M’s, the mistake is in accepting the discipline, for in many respects it is a dead letter.
Once, when I was in great perplexity about what I ought to belong to, while at family prayer in my house, I saw distinctly a mountain near me, and reaching way up out of sight. I saw a company of people all moving up the mountain in clean, white robes. They moved in perfect harmony, and it was a sight so real, so beautiful, that I gazed at it in wonder. I knew it was a vision, and said, Lord, what is this? He answered, That is what you belong to. At that, my heart jumped for joy, for I did not know what to say I belonged to; and I asked, What is it? He replied, The blood- washed army. I understood it, then, and O how unspeakable glad I was to have that question settled!
A. H. Springstein.
LETTER NO. 4.
SOON after I was entirely sanctified, I attended a General Quarterly meeting on the Hadley circuit. It was a time of spiritual power. Bro. C. said that he would preach Monday evening. When the time came, he had nothing to say. He thought the Lord wanted something else done, and asked who enjoyed perfect love. A strange feeling came over me, and I did not raise my hand, which greatly surprised them. I said that the test did not disturb me, but I had feelings that I did not understand, and I thought there was something wrong about me. We knelt down to pray, and I broke out in loud weeping. After a while I became quiet, and the Lord said to me, you are ashamed of the gospel. I was startled and protested that I was not. He asked me, Why did Paul say that he was not ashamed of the gospel? I answered that it was because it never failed. He said. But you considder the gospel a failure. I said, No, never. He asked, Why then do you call yourself a lecturer? I said, Because I am a lecturer. Just then a ray of heavenly light darted into my mind, and again I sobbed aloud. When I became quiet, he asked, Why do you belong to a reform association? I said, To do good. What good? I answered that the ultimate object was to save men; and again a ray of of light flashed into my mind, and I again broke out into convulsive weeping. Becoming quiet, he asked me if I knew that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, and I said. Yes. Then he talked with me, and showed me that instead of relying alone on the gospel, the means that God had chosen to save men and do good, we were trying to make the gospel more efficient, by adding to it the contrivances of man’s wisdom; and in doing so, we were unawares testifying that the gospel was a failure. I think I was more than an hour learning that lesson; then he asked me what I would do. I told him that I would sever my connection with the N. C. A. and give up the offices I held therein, and remove my name from all reform lists and belong to nothing but his church. He told me that I would meet with much opposition from good men, they would think that I was retreating from the post of duty. He told me to record my vow, to make it sure. With my eyes closed, I put my finger down and my hand moved without my direction, and I saw in letters more beautiful than gold, the words recorded. The determined opposition came, but my vow I kept. I know no man after the flesh. I am determined to know nothing among men, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I desire nothing out of Christ. For many years I have taken no salary and no collections, and I have not asked a man, woman or child for so much as a cent; nor have I told a poor story. This is all the work of grace. I have given a mere outline, but enough to define my position. What I now write I have said times without number in F. M. meetings and elsewhere, and very much more. The saints are all one to me. I know what it is to be led by the Holy Spirit. I offer these few lines to the Trumpet because I think you will have the fairness to publish them. Praise the Lord! Amen.
A. H. Springstein.
Pontiac, Mich.
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Binghamton, N. Y.
To all the Saints, Greeting: And praises unto our God, for the fulfilling of his word. St. John 6:44. I praise God this morning for what I see and know, of his mighty power to save and raise up. God is surely doing all that he can get a chance to do for the remnant of his people, who open up their hearts, and let him in. This means to forever shut our hearts to man-made ways, and to all that the devil says is good, and to breathe out our inmost souls to God continually, and we will be raised up, through Christ. God has raised me up through great tribulation and I do praise him for the experience. O praise God for the melting influences of the blessed Holy Spirit, that fills my heart with love for my enemies, yea, that would gladly do all that God shows us, to see them brought out of bondage and confusion. I have known what it is to be in sectarian bondage and in sickness and deep affliction and seemingly for a time with none to help. But it was for the greatest glory of God in the end. When I was seemingly forsaken by all, then God took me up through the instrument whom he had raised up, almost from the dead, and had prepared and fitted up to lead many out of bondage. O praise God! Years before this, I had light upon this special work of God, and saw the great need of more definite personal work. Since my great personal experience I have seen grand results from such a work and in some of the most hopeless cases, where everything else had failed. I am not fitted for the pulpit by education, but feel and see the great need of warning and pleading with the people and of going from house to house besides laboring with those who are willing to receive, and walk in the light. O how great and terrible is the meaning of these pressures upon the hearts of all God’s children in these days. I am doing all that I can do and be self-sustaining. Wife and I have given our fourteen-year-old boy to God; he is our oldest child, and is one of the consecrated workers in the Trumpet family. We ask your united prayers for him, that God’s whole will may be done in him, and that his plans concerning the child may not be thwarted in any way, and that he may be made a power in God’s hands. Finally let us pray much for the greatest consideration of each other’s welfare in every sense of the word. I praise God that I have been raised up i.. these last times, and am counted wo.. thy to be one of the holy remnant. … blessed glorious privilege! I ha.. many fiery trials, and temptations, b.. God delivers me again and aga… Bless his name! I want to be fo.. ready and waiting to be revealed the glorious coming of our ble.. Jesus. May grace be multiplied am.. all of the dear saints is the praye.. your humble dependent brother,