12 January 1893, Volume 13, Number 2.
Fully the Lord’s.
Jesus is made to me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. — 1 Cor. 1:30.
My all is on the altar laid,
Jesus all things to me is made —
Redemption and my righteousness,
Sanctification and my peace;
My wisdom and my shining light,
To make the path of duty bright;
My constant and abiding friend.
My way, my life, my hope, my end.
He is to me my all in all.
In trouble on his name I call;
In peace I rest upon his word,
And through him for my sovereign Lord.
He answers and delivers me,
And through his mercy makes the free,
How precious to my blood-washed soul
The healing stream that makes me whole!
Silver and gold are only dross
When placed beside my Savior’s cross.
His voice is sweeter titan the breeze
That moves among the blossomed trees;
Softer his love than the rippling rills
Which elide between the floral hills.
His love is strong, and will prevail
O’er all the powers of death and hell.
All glory to the bleeding Lamb!
There’s conquering power in his name.
He wills that I should holy be,
For that he died upon the tree,
I yield, and sink into his will,
Empty myself, and let him fill
My soul with pence, and love, and power,
And keep me every day and hour;
And moment, as the moments roll,
His precious blood cleanseth my soul.
Thus kept by power divine I stand,
And only wait my Lord’s command.
My soul, thus cleansed with holy fire,
I have no wish or fond desire
Against the revealed will of God.
My soul would bow and kiss the rod
Of him who, in my stead, has died.
Fur my base crimes was crucified.
And shed his blood to cleanse my soul,
His previous blood to keep me whole.
Selected.
__________
TWO WORKS OF GRACE PROVEN.
_____
CHAPTER IV.
_____
_____
It is evident that the Bible teaches two distinct works of grace, both by types and plain instruction. We desire in this chapter to prove two works of grace by some of the types and shadows given in the Bible. The delivery of Israel from Egyptian slavery into the land of Canaan typifies the two works of grace wrought in the heart. Egyptian slavery typifies the bondage of the sinner in sin. Through the Red Sea into the wilderness typifies the cleansing of the blood into the state of justification. The crossing over Jordan into Canaan typifies the cleansing of the blood by the Holy Ghost in sanctification. Dear Reader, are yon under sin and the law, or are you under grace? Are you a slave in Egypt, under the law in the wilderness, of are you free, having possessions in the land of Canaan? The poor slaves in Egypt, when they began to feel their burdens unbearable, began to cry unto God for help: but Pharaoh, who typifies the devil, thought to intimidate them by increasing their labor, but God heard their cries. Exodus 3:7. “And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters.” The sinner, when he begins to feel and see his miserable condition, cries unto God; but Satan endeavors to discourage the poor sinner by multiplying his burdens.
When Pharaoh found he could not prevail by cruelty, he called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land;” that is, in the land of Egypt. Satan would have the sinner, it he cannot burden him down, and keep him crushed under sin, to make a profession, but sin a little every day. Sacrifice to your God, but remain in your sins. Moses said, “It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abominations of the Egyptians to the Lord our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abominations of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?” Many are trying to worship God in the devil’s kingdom; which is an impossibility. You are offering God the abominations of the devil’s kingdom. Moses says, “We will go three day’s journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the Lord our God, as he shall command us.” That is, get out of the devil’s kingdom, and your sacrifice will be holy, and acceptable in the sight of God. Pharaoh consented to let the children of Israel go into the wilderness, but requested that they go not very far away — Exod. 8:25-28. The devil would have the sinner believe, though he will not stay in his kingdom, that he can live in God’s kingdom, and still be near neighbor to him and his old friends in Egypt. Israel did not leave Egypt for the wilderness, but for Canaan. So the sinner must not leave his sins to stop in the borders, nor in the wilderness of justification, but press forward to the Canaan of sanctification, which is flowing with milk and honey. As Israel covenanted with God to go directly and possess the land, even so, the sinner when he gives up all his sins and enters into the grace of justification, his covenant with the Lord is, “I will go on to perfection.” If every one that starts for heaven would go right on and get away from the devil’s kingdom as quick as possible there would not be so many inducements to draw him back. When the children of Israel came out of Egypt the law was given at Sinai. While they went straight for Canaan they had no trouble with the law. “The law was our school-master to lead us to Christ.” — Gal. 3:24. God created man holy, and gave him of his own mind. Satan destroyed the divine mind in man, and man became carnal. This carnal mind is the “old man.” For this old man of sin the law was given at Sinai. The old man reigns in sin, is made subject in justification, and is crucified in sanctification. When we are in Christ we are not under the law. The new man created in the heart in regeneration does not need the law, for he “was not made after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.” — Heb. 7:16. But if the justified person faints when he conies to the Kadesh or the place of crossing over Jordan into the holy land, he will be again under the judgment of the law. The children of Israel were all right until they reached Kadesh, which is a Hebrew word for holiness. This Kadesh was on the border of Canaan. They suffered themselves to be intimidated by the ten cowardly spies which misrepresented the land, by saying its inhabitants were all giants and its cities walled up to heaven. In spite of all that Joshua and Caleb could do, an awful howl everywhere goes up.” BACK INTO EGYPT, BACK INTO EGYPT.” Here they become miserable backsliders, forsaken of God, defeated in battle, visited by destroying angels, pestilence and death. Wandering around for thirty-eight years, God only knows where, for their history was not written: only this we know that all the adults fell in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb. All because they failed to cross over Jordon at Kadesh. So it will be with every one that fails at holiness to pass over and possess the holy land. After a long time of many years of untold sorrow we find them the second time at Kadesh. This time they profited by the sad experience of their fathers. And so they propose to cross over without delay, and possess the land. As they marched forward, the waters of Jordan separate and they pass over dry shod. How easy it was to pass over when they had faith! O praise God! Now they are in Canaan, they actually shout down the walls of Jericho, the great metropolis of the giant kings. So they go right forward conquering the whole land, dethroning thirty-one giant kings, losing but one battle, and that was caused by having a man among them that was covetous. As soon as they burnt him up, victory was theirs again. O praise God for the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! They made but little progress in the wilderness, but after they came into the land of Canaan they progressed very rapidly. Israel subdued all her enemies and conquered all nations. So we see the time to grow in grace is after sanctification, O praise the Lord for the glorious type of the two-fold work of grace!
We also have a type in the Jewish Tabernacle of the true church of God. It was divided into two apartments; the first one was called the holy place, the second was called the most holy place. The most holy place was divided from the holy place by a curtain or veil of very rich cloth. The two-fold service of the tabernacle is a type of Christ’s salvation. Hence we give what may serve as an outline of the tabernacle, that you may see the divine way of salvation. It presents the two successive doors formed by words of the apostle Paul which describe the anti-type. Rom. 5:1, 2. 1st, “Therefore being justifies by faith we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2d, “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Here we have the spiritual or true church of God. It has a beauty far above that which is visible. “The kingdom of God is within you.” There flows the true river of life: there the tabernacle of God is erected. It hath need neither of the sun nor of the moon, for the “Lamb is the light thereof.” “And in it there shall in no wise enter anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie.
Let us now cosider the condition of the sinner.
1st. He is guilty before God. Rom. 3:19. — “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 23. — For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
2d. He is of the devil’s family. 1 Jno. 3:8. — “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destory the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” We see by this scripture that no sinner is of the family God; and as there are but two families, the family of God and the family of Satan, he is therefore of the wicked family.
3d. He has an evil heart. The tree of sin is growing in his heart, bringing forth the fruits of unrighteousness. God says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” “Yea, in heart ye work wickedness.” The Psalmist says of the wicked, The inward thought of every one of them, and the heart is deep.” “The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” — Ps. 58:3. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his HEART was only evil continually. — Gen. 6:5. Oh, awful condition into which man has fallen! What can be done? Who can reach him? The arm of man is too short. He cannot save himself from the fall. He has forever plunged into eternal night, except God himself interferes. And the Lord shall send them a Savior, a great one, and he shall deliver them. — Isa. 19:20. That great one is Jesus. He is the fountain that was opened up in the house of king David for sin and uncleanness. When the angel proclaimed his birth, he said that he should be called Jesus; that is, a Savior; for he shall save his people from their sins. Matt. 1:21. And in Jno. 4:42 he is called the Savior of the world. Now in order for this salvation of Jesus to reach the sinner he must comply with the word of God. Jesus says, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. — Matt. 11:28—30. And he says again, “No man can come to me, except the Father draw him.” The Father draws us by his word and Spirit; he stands at the door and knocks, and if we will hear his word he will draw us unto Jesus. “If any man thirst let him come to me and drink.” The sinner comes to God by repentance and faith.
1st. Repentance consists first in self- denial. It any man will come after me, let him deny himself. — Matt. 16:24.
2d. Forsaking sins. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. — Isa. 55: 7. Let him that stole, steal no more. — Eph. 4:2.
3d. Confessing sins. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. — Prov. 28:13. Also, If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 Jno. 1:9.
4th. Forgiving those that trespass against us. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespassess. — Matt. 6:14, 15. “ Forgive and ye shall be forgiven.”
5th. The sinner in his repentance is required as far as he is able to make restitution wherein he has wronged others. If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity, he shall surely live, he shall not die. — Ezek. 33:15. Oh praise the Lord! the penitent sinner shall live. Faith take? hold of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the name of Christ “whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Christ is the end of the law to them that believe. Now the poor sinner is just ready to cross over the Red Sea; he is just on the brink; Jesus has smitten the waters. Egypt is all behind; Jesus is before. Believe with the heart and confess with the mouth.
3d. He has complied. He is now over. His enemies assaying to cross are drowned in the Red Sea. He is new justified by faith and has peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. — Rom. 5:1.
The tree of sin is now cut down. His actual sins have all been taken away. He presses forward to the holy land. O praise the Lord! By Jesus Christ all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. — Acts 13:39. It is through his favor. Rom. 3:24. — “Being justified freely by his grace.” He is the justifier of them that believe. He that believeth in me, though he were dead yet shall he live. He now begins to bear some fruit; though he be young yet he does all he is able. He grows in experience, and to his surprise he finds that there are two natures in his heart; the one against the other, causing great difficulty in bringing forth fruit unto the Lord. Paul says, But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now, if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me, — Rom. 7. He has now discovered the cause of sin in his heart. The root of bitterness, the carnal nature, the old man. The tree has been destroyed, but the stump with all the roots remain in the heart. Sprouts are continually inclined to spring up and trouble the poor pilgrim. Sprouts of impatience, of pride, of envyings, of strife, of malice and of division. These, of course, must be kept down and not come forth in fruits, but the tendency is there. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? — 1 Cor 3:3. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? The time has now come when he must take possession of the land or retreat. To retreat is to apostatize and fall in the wilderness; to go forward is to cross over Jordan and possess holiness. Which will he do? The devil and the carnal nature in the man try to intimidate him, and make him believe he is not able to take the land, and if he does take it, he cannot hold it. But God is able to make him stand. He must be sanctified by faith. He concludes to go over at all hazards. He now presents his body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God; confesses his depravity, his inbred sin. John says, If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. That is, if we say we are sanctified in or at the same time we are justified, we deceive ourselves. If we confess our sins he is faithful and, just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 Jno. 1:8, 9. Mortification has now taken place. The old man must now die. By faith he steps into the Jordan; Jesus leads him through; the old man is left behind with all his deeds. He is now delivered from this body of sin.
4th. He can now say with Paul, I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. — Gal. 2:20. He is now able to say the great word, I am SANCTIFIED.
The stump with all its roots has been extracted; he now enters the fields of heavenly bliss. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. — Eph. 2:6. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. — Rom. 5:2-5.
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bear them witness, giving, them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. — Acts 15:8, 9. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. — Matt. 5:8.
Let us notice the fruits of a pure heart. A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, bringeth forth good things. — Matt. 12:35. We are able to bear much fruit now. The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, has come in the name of Jesus Christ; he is teaching all things, and leading into all truth. “The fruit of the Spirit is all goodness.” The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. — Gal. 5:22. Herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. O praise the Lord for the great plan of salvation! He first justifies, then he sanctifies. Amen.
H. C. Wickersham.
==========
Watonga, Okla., Jan. 1, 1893.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May the blessing of God rest upon you all and keep you preserved in God for Jesus’ sake. Amen. I will say for the consolation of those who have been seending us help, that we have received $61 90, for which we are truly thankful, and pray God’s blessings to be multplied unto them exceedingly. We give God all the praise for his goodness to us both spiritual and temporal; yes, and physical; for he has healed our little babe, for which we do praise his holy name. She was healed on the 14th of December. Well, dear saints, we are praying God to send some holy minister here to preach for the people at this place. If any of God’s anointed ones feel ed to come here please write to us Your brother and sister in Christ, ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus. Pray for us, that we stand inn unto the end.
S. A. & Nannie Sharum.
Page 2
THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
__________
A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.
__________
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.
__________
PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.
__________
D. S. WARNER, – Editor.
E. E. BYBUM, – Office Editor.
E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.
__________
TERMS, $1.00 Per Year In Advance.
FREE TO THE POOR.
==========
Entered at the Post Office at Grand Junction, Van Buren Co., Mich.. as second class matter.
__________
NOTICE.
All business communications, moneys, etc., must be addressed to the GOSPEL TRUMPET, in order to insure credit; otherwise we will not be responsible.
__________
NOTICE.
A commission of 20 per cent will be given on each new cash subscriber, to all who will labor for the GOSPEL TRUMPET. We make this offer so as to help the brethren that are in the field, as well as the circulation of the paper.
Parties desiring papers to canvass with should notify us regularly of their whereabouts.
__________
NOTICE.
How to Send Money. — Remit by Post Office Money Order or Postal Note Where these can not be procured, send by Express Order, Registered Letter, or small amounts in stamps.
Change of Address. — Subscribers wishing their address changed, must be sure to give their FORMER, as well as their new address.
Missing Papers. — It occasionally happens that numbers of our papers sent to our subscribers are lost, or stolen in the mails. In case you do not receive your paper when duo, after waiting a sufficient length of time, writs us a card and we will gladly send one in place of the missing number.
When you write, be sure to give your full address, name, post-office, county and state.
Should there be a mistake at any time, write to us at once, and we will gladly rectify the same.
Address all letters to GOSPEL TRUMPET. Grand Junction, Mich.
==========
The Ordinance of Feet Washing.
The excellent work on this subject, written by Brother Bradley, has been reduced in price to 20 cents. It is a review of a tract written against this ordinance. A lively exposure of the false teaching of the opposer, and a very thorough vindication of the sacred ordinance of Christ. It contains 84 large pages, and gives much light. Price 20 cts. $1.90 a dozen. Order of the author, Bro. W. W. Bradley, Watkinsville, Miss or from this office.
__________
Must We Sin?
A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin. 48 pages. Single copy 2cts Per dozen, 20 cts. Per hundred, $1.50
__________
A tract on the True Church. 50 pages. 10 cts
__________
A tract on the Sabbath, or Which Day to Keep 65 pages. 10 cst.
__________
Marriage and Divorce, a tract of 32 pages. 5 cts
__________
The Age To Come, and Millennium Tradition Refuted by the inspired Word of God. 56 pages. Single copy 10 cts.
__________
Questions and Answers on the Church. 32 pages. 1 cent each. Per hundred $1 00
__________
Why are you not a Christian? 30 for 10 cts.
__________
The Ordinances of the New Testament
A new Tract, by Wm. G. Schell.
Setting forth the ordinances of the scripture in a clear light, showing which are abolished, and proving that the three ordinances instituted by Christ are not of the Old Testament, but of the New, and are still in vogue. Single copy 5 cts. Per dozen 45 cts.
__________
THE SHINING LIGHT.
An interesting paper for the children. Illustrated. It should be in every family where there are children. Only 25 cents a year.
Address — The Shining Light,
Grand Junction, Mich.
__________
The Great Tobacco Sin.
It contains 30 pages, with a neat cover. We will send these tracts to any one sending us postage at the rate of one cent for three tracts. We make no charge for our work of making the tracts. Always state just how many you wish sent
__________.
THE BIBLE READINGS.
Bible readings or references on about 100 subjects. Price 15 cents each.
HOLINESS BIBLE SUBJECTS.
By H. C. W.
100 subjects with scripture, a concordance and definitions to subjects. Setting forth the true church, it doctrine, its ordinances and its fruits. The fall of Babylon and the coining in of the evening light. Illustrated. 316 pages, neatly bound in cloth. Single copy $1 00 six or more 80 cents each. For this book.
Address H. C. Wickersham, New Pittsburg, Ind. or Gospel Trumpet, Grand Junction, Mich.
__________
ANTHEMS FROM THE THRONE.
FORTH EDITION.
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.
Send in your orders for Anthems from the Throne a and start the songs of praise anew.
| PRICE | (Manilla . . . . . . . . . . 30 cts. |
| (Cloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 “ | |
| (Per dozen . . . . . . . . $3 00 & $4.80 |
LIST OF MONEY LETTERS RECEIVED SINCE LAST ISSUE NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.
__________
Julia A. Lusk, W. B. Grover, Mary E. Denton, F. Hosted, A. McDonald, W. N. Snavely, Wm. Mc Connel, A. J. Kilpatrick, C. J. Light, Sigel Hunter, J. D. Ditto, Leah Miller, Sarah Darr.
==========
Request For Prayer.
_____
Sigourney, Ia.
Sister Pauline Goening of this city asks for the prayers of all the saints, January the 20th at 2 o’clock for her boy to be healed of fits.
U. D. Todd.
==========
CALLS FOR MEETING.
_____
Mary E. Harrison, Marengo, Ind. writes, that they desire some one to come there and preach the gospel.
__________
Lydia A. Nelson, Luther, Lake Co., Mich., writes that they are in great need of some good gospel meetings at that place.
__________
The brethren from Scottsville, Craid Head Co., Ark. are still making earnest appeals for some holy nan of God to come and preach full salvation to the people. They desire someone to come just as soon as possible. Address
J. K. Osburn.
__________
Bro. E. D. Mast, Todd’s Point, Ill. writes: “We would be ever so glad to have some one, that is truly God’s minister, to come and preach for us. The truth has not been preached here. We are willing to abide our time, but if you could be instrumental in leading some one here, we would be very glad.”
__________
Sweetser, Ind.
We earnestly desire some of God’s ministers to come to this place. The saints have a house at the above lamed place and also at Jalapa, about five miles from this place. There needs to be a work done in other parts. We pray God to put it into the hearts of some of his ministers to come over and help us. If any one feels led to come write to us and let us know.
W. H. Bragg.
==========
EDITORIAL NOTES.
__________
Bro. J. W. Daugherty begins meeting Jan. 12, in the vicinity of Pioneer, O., and will be glad to have some one to aid in the work there.
__________
The meeting at Wesley, Pa. was to begin Jan. 10, and will probably be continued several days by Bro. Jacobson & Co.
__________
Any one desiring to join Bro. and Sister J. H. Rupert in the work, will find them at present at East Dennis, Mass.
==========
QUESTIONS.
_____
Please give me some information on the following questions for the church of God?
1st.What is the duty of an elder?
2d.What is the duty of a bishop?
3d.What is the duty of a deacon?
4th.Wherever a body of saints can be collected, and they have ho pastor, how shall they do?
Your brother in Jesus, saved,
J. C. Pendergrass.
ANSWER TO 1ST. The duties and qualifications of an elder are pointed out in 1 Pet. 5:1-7, also in 1 Tim. 3:1-7. It will be observed that in Peter they are called elders and in Tim. bishops. But both these are one and the same office. For we never find both bishops and elders in the same place. A very important question was to be settled by the voice of God’s spiritual teachers at Jerusalem; but no bishops are mentioned in the counsel, only “apostles and elders.” — Acts. 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23. “Apostles, elders, and brethren composed the church. The first was a term applied to the twelve first chosen of Christ. There were no bishops, only elders at Jerusalem. Acts 21:18. When the office was designated by the term bishop, then no elder is spoken of. Hence Paul writes “to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” Phil. 1:1. So the same office is called by both terms. This is made plain in Titus 1:5-11. — For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. The apostle left Titus to “ordain elders in every city,” “If any be blameless, etc., “for a bishop must be blameless,” etc. Thus we see clearly that the apostles used the names, elder and bishop, as convertable terms, as designating the same class of officers.
Paul “sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church.” Acts 20:17. And when they came he charged them to feed the church of God over which the Holy Spirit had made them “overseers.” Ver. 28. This word overseer is from EPISKOPONS, the same word that is translated elder at other places. So an elder is a bishop, and a bishop is an elder: both have one and the same office.
But we find two phases of the elder or bishop’s calling. We have seen how Paul left Timothy to “ordain elders in every city.” These were to take the oversight over the flock of God in their locality. Refering to these local elders, Peter says, “The elders which are among you I exhort.” Then he immediately adds, “Who am also an elder.” So the apostles and ministers of Christ were also elders; a slightly different kind of elders. Hence again we read: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. — Tim. 5:17. All elders rule; some “labor in word and doctrine,” others do not. That is, all have Holy Spirit authority to admonish and teach, correct, and govern in love, and by the truth; but not as lords over God’s heritage. But some have been called of God to preach the everlasting gospel; these come under the commission, “go ye therefore,” etc. Their labors are not confined to the oversight of the flock of God in one community, but they go forth whithersoever the Lord sends them and preach his gospel to every creature. Local elders should be “apt to teach,” but traveling elders are anointed to preach. And all must rule in love, “not as lords.” This describes the difference between Babylon bishops and elders, and God’s elders. The former have their authority exofficio, that is by virtue of their office: The latter have their office because of their authority, and their authority arises from the light, and power, and presence of God and his truth in them through the Spirit.
“A bishop, — elder — then must be blameless, not having more than one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient; not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity.” ‘‘Not a novice — a recent convert; — moreover he must have a good report of them which are without,” etc. Tim. 3.
The duty of a local elder is to “feed the church of God” by reading and teaching the word, when no regular minister is present: to admonish the unruly, and comfort the feeble; and rule the church by a holy ensample, and in love, taking the oversight thereof. If any show symptoms of defection, or spiritual disease, look after them, and restore them in the spirit of meekness. They should also have the gift of healing, and thereby be ready for the call in Jas. 5:14.
ANS. TO 3D. The term deacon means a servant. That class of officers was first constituted in Acts 6:1-6. Though not there named deacons, the same were afterward so denominated. Their duties are seen to be the care and charge of the temporal affairs of the church. To see that the poor are fed, the ministry supported, a place of worship provided, and the house of God kept in order. Also they and their wives should attend to providing all that is necessary to the observance of the ordinances of divine worship.
Their qualifications are, read in 1 Tim. 3:8-13.
Paul writing to Rome “commends unto them Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea.” Rom. 16:1. The word “servant,” is from DIAKONON, the same word elsewhere rendered deacon. From this we learn that the apostolic church also had female deaconesess.
ANS. TO 4TH. Where there is a body of saints called out and have no one to serve them as pastor what shall they do? We answer, Let them “reign as kings without us.” 1 Cor. 4:8.
“How shall they be served?” You do not need to be served; just help yourselves. The modern idea of a pastor is not found in the word of God. Namely, a preacher enters into an agreement with a congregation to settle down and serve them for a term of one or more years. And it is actually supposed in the sects that no church can subsist without such an hireling. But Jesus said to all his preachers, “go.” Not to the place where you can get the best wages and there stop going, and hire out, and try to serve and please the people that have employed you. Nay, but “Go into all the world and preach my gospel to every Creature.” Please God, who has employed us, if in so doing we displease all men. If I enter an arrangement to serve a certain church, it is no more than right that I labor to please them. “But if yet please men I am not the servant of God.”
But does not the scriptures speak of pastors? Yes, Eph. 4:11; but it says nothing about them locating at one place. A pastor is simply a preacher who is gifted as an instructor of God’s children, rather than having the gift to do the work of an evangelist, who labors specially to raise up congregations. The latter plants, whereas the former waters. The evangelist is gifted to bring men into the faith, the pastor feeds and builds them up. But there is no good reason why the latter should remain longer at one place than the former. All God’s heralds must keep themselves under marching orders to fly at any moment, in any direction the Lord shall indicate to them by the Spirit. And all should live in such clear understanding of the divine will that they know they are moving in his order, and then claim victory wherever they light down in the name of Jesus. About all preachers in sectism are pastors, and that, after the idea of Soul Cripple City pastors; namely. “Stay ye, therefore, where ye can get your bread and butter,’’ or rather “where ye can fare most sumptously.” But thus saith the Lord concerning such: “Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard.” — Jer. 12:10. “Woe unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my flock, saith the Lord.” — Jer. 23:1. The Babylon pastor system is well calculated to make tools and dwarfs of the preachers and babes and mummies of the membership. First, by entering an agreement with a certain class, who are bound to pay him his salary, he does not need to trust God, and his heart is easily lifted up by the devil in pride and vanity, so as to be of no use to God or the people, and yet they must feed him. Second, being hired by them he must please them whether he does God or not. And the people having procured his services naturally lean on him and remain poor babes and mummies; knowing nothing about the rich stores of God’s grace in Christ Jesus, and never developing that independence of creature help that appropiates the Creator’s power. Of course we do not think for a moment that the brother who has asked the above questions believes in the ordinary sect pastor system. But of our own accord we have said what we have about that hireling practice. Nevertheless, we also assure all God’s people that he has a salvation wherein they can reign as kings without any preacher.
The duty of overseeing and feeding the flock chiefly falls upon the elders that reside among them. Whereas God wants his ministers to fly swiftly to the ends of the earth. Some carrying the light to the regions beyond; others visiting the churches as the Lord leads, to strengthen and establish them, and both classes doing more or less of both kinds of ministerial labor; although some are more gifted in the one line of work, and others in the other. Yet all are profitable unto all things whereunto they are called, being filled with the Holy Spirit. And thus it is after God gathers his remnant back to Zion, he gives them pastors according to his heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. So while we cannot promise the people a pastor to settle down and baby them, we preach a salvation that keeps them, and a Christ who satisfies them, in whom they reign in life. Amen.
==========
NEWS FROM THE FIELD.
__________
Payne, O., Jan. 4, 1893.
Dear Brethren and Trumpet Readers: God bless you all. Amen. After we arrived at home from the Dodge tabernacle meeting, we found it to be the will of the Lord to go and assist the brethren in the assembly meeting at Praise Chapel in Ind. Praise the dear Lord for his goodness to the saints in that place. The Lord gave us a good meeting, and some who had backsliden were reclaimed, whom we left rejoicing in the Lord. And we have reason to believe that the Lord delivered the saints of that place from difficulties which had been troubling them for some time, and I pray God to give them wisdom to keep clear, and with much rejoicing run up the shining way. God bless them for their kindness to us.
Yours, saved and sanctified,
A. J. Kilpatrick.
_____
Brushy Prairie, Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: This morning finds us saved and trusting in the living God. Bless his name forever! We closed our meeting in Otsego over three weeks ago, and started to Lima, Ind., and commenced meeting. God was with us in power. Held meeting there for two weeks. God gave us three souls. We were called to lay hands on the sick several times. Believers were sanctified, the dear saints were encouraged and strengthened, and homes were provided for us. May the dear Lord bless the saints there, in that community, and reward them for their kindness and help they gave in carrying on the work while there. We closed there last Sunday night and came to this place, and have just opened on the enemy here. There is much darkness and unbelief, but we are holding on to God, claiming the promise, that nothing is impossible to him that believeth. Pray for us, that the Lord may keep us unspotted from the world. The Lord willing, we go from here to Lima, Ohio.
O. Dyer & Co.
_____
New York, Jan. 5, 1893.
Dear Beloved Saints: God bless all your dear precious souls for his name’s sake. Amen. Up to the present moment, God has kept us saved with an everlasting salvation. Bless God forever! Since our last report the dear Lord has seen fit to lead in
Page 3
a way that we little expected. When we last reported we expected to go to Mass, and N. H. Not because we had any definite inspiration of God to go, but because there was a call to those places, and the way was opened for us to go; and it seemed that every thing else was closed: but the Lord has now shown me that he would have me go to the foreign fields, so I humbly submit to his divine will. Last spring the Lord wakened me one morning and requested me to make a deeper and more settled consecration. I had some things to forsake which I willingly submited to be taken away: then the dear Lord took me through a death-bed consecration; asking me if I would give up certain things, and do certain things. And in the long line of questions that the Lord asked me was this one: Are you willing to go to the foreign fields if the Lord would call you, and you would get a letter to go, and the means would be furnished; without going home to bid your friends good by? I knew it was the voice of God talking to me, and in the depth of my soul, I said, Lord, I am willing; send me where you will, that thy name be glorified and souls be saved. From that day to this I have lived to that consecration by the grace of God. I told some of the brethren about it, but they laughed, and said there was enough work to be done at home. Then when I felt the Lord leading me to this Eastern coast, I thought that it might be that he would not send me any farther; as the work is wonderfully opening up in this country. I felt a burden on me for the work here, so I did not expect the Lord to send me across the waters at present; but as the Lord has ordered it to be so, I can say. Amen. It is strange that the Lord has brought it about, just as I consecrated. I received a letter and the means to start with, and the Lord now holds me to the consecration, to go without going home to bill my friends good by. I do dearly love my friends, and would be glad to see them before I go, but it is impossible. So I pray God to bless my dear father and loving mother and keep them saved. And I do pray God to have mercy on my brothers and sisters, and may they be saved, and if we meet no more on earth let us meet in heaven. Also the dear holy children of God, how I love you; how God has knit our hearts together in love! I shall not say good by to you, for I shall feel you ever near to me. I will remember you at all times, and feel assured that you will constantly pray for me. “Though sundered far by God’s command, I feel you still so near.”
The meeting at Lambertville, N. J. was a refreshing time to all. There were several consecrations and the church strengthened and built up in the Lord. A few of the saints from West Point, Pa. were over on the last Sabbath and we had a very precious ordinance meeting. Bro. Achor was with us during the last week, whom the Lord used much in presenting the truth. Dear Bro. and Sister Rupert were ordained to the sacred work of the ministry, and we pray God to bless them and use them much as they go hand in hand to the work of the Master. We feel sorry to part with them, as we have worked together so well, and they have been such a help to us in this Eastern work. The Lord is using Bro. Rupert much in preaching, but it would be to the glory of God if some good strong man of God could accompany them. Why could not some of you home-guards go out a few miles from home once in a while. Come, for Jesus’ sake, and do get out of your old dry burnt- over circuit field for a few days and get where souls are anxious for the truth. The tabernacle that we spoke about some time ago has been secured and all paid for, and ready for the work. Bro. Rupert will take charge of it; and we pray God to send a good strong company of workers with him. Bro. Warner is needed in this country. And now may the grace of our … … Christ rest upon you all; and may all of the dear saints of God pray for us and the work in the foreign fields. All the dear ones wishing to correspond with me will please address me at Grand Junction, Mich, in care of E. E. Byrum, and it would well to send a five cent stamp for forwarding.
God bless you all. Good by.
LATER.
Jan. 7, 1893.
We are out on the sea, all well and saved.
Yours in Him,
W. J. Henry.
==========
TESTIMONIES.
Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.
Psa. 119:129.
Sugar Ridge, O.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May the Lord bless and keep you all to the end, is our prayer. We are saved this morning and willing to serve the Lord. We are alone here at this place, but the Lord is with us, and keeps me sanctified to do his will, Praise his name forever and ever!
J. P. & Mary Jane Reed.
_____
West Monterey, Pa.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May the grace of God be with you all. My testimony is that I am saved and sanctified, and walking in the beautiful light of God. I have been in this beautiful evening light one year. It has been the happiest year of my life, doing my Master’s will in all things. Praise his holy name! I feel the love of God growing stronger in my heart every day.
Your brother,
Wm. D. Keeffer.
_____
Tampico, Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May the grace of God be with you all. I feel led of the Lord to write my testimony. I am saved and sanctified and kept by the mighty power of God. Praise God forever and ever! God wonderfully healed me of the rheumatism and headache, with which I was much troubled before I was saved. I have been saved about two years, and during that time God has kept me healed and cleansed from all sin.
Your saved brother,
J. H. Marhanka.
_____
La Rue, O.
Dear Saints: We want to testify through the Trumpet again, that we are saved from all sin, sanctified by a second work of grace, kept by the power of God, walking in the light of God’s word, free from sectism and the evil of this world. We believe the whole word of God, and for this reason the world thinks we are fanatic, or have a strange belief. Great darkness rests on the people of this country on account of sectism and false teaching; but the light has shown upon some and they are getting their eyes open to the truth, and we hope to see all that are honest made tree in Christ.
From your brother and sister in Christ,
Matthew & Tillie Kerr.
_____
Bracken, Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I am led of the Lord to write my testimony to the glory of God. I praise God to. day that I am saved from all sin and kept by his power, through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Oh, it is blessed to know that we are all the Lord’s. I praise the dear Redeemer, that I am out of Babylon. Oh! bless the Lord that he did open my eyes and my understanding, that I can understand the scriptures and see the narrow way before me. It leads to the pearly gates. He has made the way so plain. I am so glad I am one of the Lord’s sheep and that I know my Master’s voice. Pray for me that I may be kept in the order of the Lord.
Your brother,
Isaac Beaver.
_____
St.Louis, Mich.
Dear Saints: It does fill my heart with gladness and triumphant joy to read through the columns of the Trumpet of the many dear souls who have been saved and are being saved through the preaching of the glorious evening light. I can say of a truth this morning, I am saved and living in all the light God lets shine upon my pathway, though I must confess that my dear companion and myself have been erring children for some time past, until God in his infinite mercy saw fit to touch the tender cords of our hearts by taking from us our darling babe. Since that time we have become reconciled to Father’s will. We have not had the privilege of assembling as much as we should with the dear saints, but the Lord has led Bro. and Sister Pierce to our district school house every two weeks to preach the word, and we have had very precious meetings there. Pray that I may be healed of a very painful affliction.
Your sister in Christ,
Rachel M. Strong.
_____
Shelby, Neb.
Dear Saints: I praise God that he still is with me, and I am continually trusting him, although the way seems dark and lonely, with no one around us who has the love and peace of God in their hearts to cheer and help us on our way; and it seems as though there is nothing good to influence the people here, but so much sin to draw them from God.
But O, I do praise God that he has given me a heart to believe his precious word, and that I find in his word he has promised to be with us even to the end, if we trust him. Pray that God in time, may change the minds and hearts of this people, and that good may be done in the name of Jesus.
I was afflicted for many years with saltrheum and tried many cures, but nothing did me any good until four years ago, when I gave the case to God and he almost entirely removed the trouble. For nearly two years there was no appearance of it, and I was not hindered from my work in the east, until this fall and winter, it comes and goes. But my trust is ever in the Lord and ever shall be. Now, in conclusion, I sincerely beg an interest in the prayers of all the true children of God.
Your sister in Christ,
N. A. Williams.
_____
Robinson, Kan.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May God’s blessings rest upon you all. I wish to give God glory for the little church which he is establishing at this place and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Praise his name! We worship only in the name of Jesus, and he is with us in might and in power. We were much strengthened and edified, by the Lord sending Bro. Geo. Cole here, about the first of Nov. He remained with us two weeks. Since that time there have been two souls saved, and also we were led of the Lord to have a meeting Christmas eve. And one more precious soul found a satisfying portion in Christ Jesus, by entering into the rest of sanctification. Oh, how the glory of God did fill the house, when the victory came, and the saints were made to shout his praise. We are still asking for more souls for God and expect to receive, that our joy may be full. We don’t need to wait until a protracted meeting to see souls saved, but if we all live very humble before God where he can work through us as he wills, he will save them in our prayer meetings. There are a few saints here who have not gone on to perfection, and consequently are very weak; yet we are trusting God to soon bring them to this grace wherein we stand, “For to him that knoweth to do good: and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” — Jas. 4:17. Pray for us that we may abound more and more and that we may be perserved blameless unto the coming of Christ.
Your sister, saved by two works of grace,
Mrs. Emma Dansberger.
_____
West Point, Pa.
Dear Saints: I praise the name of God for the blessed salvation which I possess, so pure, so free, so peaceful. I am free from all creeds, and all this world’s pleasure, except that wonderful peace in my soul which far exceeds all worldly enjoyment. Glory to God! I thank my Father in heaven for inspiring those dear saints, Bro: Henry and Bro. and Sister Rupert to come to this place and preach the unadulterated word of God, fearless and regardless of men as they have done. Praise the Lord! The following four days which I mention will always stand out as the most memorable and pleasant days in the history of my life. Glory be to God! Praise his name! First, Wednesday Nov. 9, 1892, when the three dear souls above mentioned came here and gave out the word of God as it is written. Second, Friday Dec. 2, 1892, when I had my sins pardoned, and found peace with God through the blood of our precious Redeemer Jesus Christ, and learned to know the love of the Lord. Third. Thursday Dec. 8, when “All on the altar I abide, and Jesus says I’m sanctified.” Praise the Lord! And fourth, Monday Dec. 19, when I was buried with Christ in baptism. Oh how sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear. What love, what peace, what a pleasure to live with all the cares of this world thrown aside, and my all centered on my blessed Savior, my heaven, my home. I also praise God’s holy name for allowing my companion in this life to walk out in that blessed evening light with me. What a blessing that we can see eye to eye in this world; and I know with the assurance, as it is written, we will see eye to eye beyond the grave. My heart is overflowing with joy as I write this, to think that we can walk hand in hand, with that “Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above,” flowing through our hearts. As it is but a short time since my companion and I have been enjoying this blessed peace, we ask for the prayers of all the saints that we may prove faithful to the end of time and meet you all in heaven.
Your saved and sanctified brother and sister in Christ.
B. F. & Amanda Weikel.
_____
Table Rock, Neb.
Dear Brethren: As I see so many precious testimonies in the GOSPEL TRUMPET, of which I have been a reader for about a year, I thought I would add mine. I am now in my eightieth year, and have been a professor of religion for sixty-four years. Was a member of the M. E. sect. I came to Table Rock to live with my son who was then out in the evening light. I had lived up to all the light that I had, and I could see that the so-called churches of to day did not stand where they once did. Fairs, festivals and shows have taken the place of prayer meetings. When Bro. Randolph came here and held a meeting, a little over a year ago, it was the first time that I had ever heard the teaching of full salvation. I felt that these were the people of God, and really had the Spirit of God with them. I liked the preaching very much, until they began to show me that salvation cleansed’from all idols. I thought it was pretty hard for an old a man as I was, to have to part with my tobacco, of which I had been a user for about forty-five years. I was advised by the doctors, when about thirty-five years of age, to use it as a remedy for a complaint which I had, and when the saints told me it was wrong, I thought it would kill me to quit it. But the Lord let the light on my soul and I quit it, and threw away my medicine, and the Lord did bless me for it. A few days after, I went to my daughter’s in Pawnee City and was taken sick. My folks advised me to have a doctor. I did so, and the doctor told me I would die, if I did not use tobacco; and some of my children told me I was so old, I would go crazy if I listened to those people down there, and that I had better keep away from them. So I went back to my idols, took some things off the altar. Of course I went into darkness, and did not have the real joy in my soul, until about three months ago, when I came to visit my son in Table Rock, and while at the family altar, with my daughter-in-law and another sister, I reconsecrated myself and all to God, and he accepted the sacrifice. Oh, the wonderful love of God and peace, joy and glory that now fills my soul and body! The dear Lord does cleanse me through and through. I can truly say that I do not even desire tobacco now. My only desire is to please the Lord in all things.
Your brother saved to the uttermost,
B. R. Fuller.
==========
OBITUARIES.
_____
Norwood, Mo.,
Little Claudie Burke, infant son of Henry and Addie Burke, died Nov. 4, 1892; aged 1 year, 1 month and five days. Little Claudie only suffered five days till the Lord called him home. This little one is greatly missed by his parents and friends. The parents are both saved and sanctified and can say, “The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away.” Blessed be his name! May the Lord comfort the parents and keep them true that they may meet little Claudie in heaven. Funeral services by
W. M. Wilson.
_____
Died, near Burkett, Ind., at the home of Charles Kuhn, Dec. 29, 1892, Mother Catharine Kuhn; aged 86 years, 9 months, and 26 days. Mother Kuhn was saved and anxious to depart and be with the Lord, having her work done, and well done. She leaves a large circle of sorrowing relatives to mourn the loss. Amongst the number is our beloved Brother John Kuhn of Beaver Dam, Ind. Funeral services was held at Nichol’s Chapel, where the remains were brought on the last day of the old year, and Mother Kuhn was laid away in the yard near the chapel, to rest until the great trump shall wake all to meet our God face to face. We pray God to bless all sorrowing friends for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
W. B. Grover.
_____
Died, at Lakeside, Cal., Dec. 7, 1892, Bro. Taylor Strickler; aged 44 years. Was born in Fayette Co., Pa. Lived a number of years in Colo., came to California about two years ago for his health, being a sufferer from consumption. About two months ago he and his wife came to God and received forgiveness of sins. A few days before his death they both received the experience of entire sanctification. His death was peaceful and happy. His last words were praises to God for this blessed salvation. Has left a faithful wife and one child. Who though sad to part with their dearest of earth, cannot sorrow as those who have no hope. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” The remains were laid to rest in beautiful Mount Hope cemetry at San Diego.
Funeral sevices by
J. W. Byers.
_____
Died, Dec. 29, 1892, at Forest Glenn, Ill., in the suburbs of Chicago, Louisa Johnson; aged 71 years, 10 months, 27 days. Was born Feb. 2, 1821. Married to John Johnson in 1853, who yet survives her, being in his ninetieth year, and with whom she has lived since 1855 in the place where she died; hence she was well known, and was much loved by those who knew her. She was a kind wife and mother, sacrificing her own comfort for that of others. Having spent a long life, adorned with deeds of kindness and works of love, and having chosen “that good part” with the Mary of old, which was not taken away from her, she received some rays of the blessed evening light, and with her daughter, Sarah L. Johnson, was led out of sect confusion. She left the joyful assurance to her family and those around her that she departed to be with Christ.
The funeral was held on New Years day, and was attended by many, after which her remains were taken to Union Ridge cemetery for interment.
A. L. Byers.
Page 4
HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
__________
TEMPERANCE.
_____
CHAPTER IV.
_____
While there are several other articles which might be mentioned, but being of minor importance, and space forbiding, we shall not notice any other. But as the last, and not the least, I wish to notice one practice which is doing great injury to humanity. That is seasoning and sweetening the food to make it more pleasant to the palate; which is one cause of so much untold suffering with various forms of disease and unlimited evils. How the poor sisters toil and weary themselves almost to death over the hot stove, thinking they are doing great favor to their welcome, respectable guests, while it is only an injury to them! Many would eat moderately of the bountiful provision, plainly prepared, as nature demands, but so artificially and daintily served they eat greedily till they are in misery, only to reap the penalty in the future. We often hear people say, “I don’t see why I have to suffer so much.” Sometimes they even complain of God for letting them suffer so, when they bring it on themselves, distending their stomach to double its natural capacity, making them stupid and unfit for any kind of business for themselves, their fellowmen, or to glorify God.
Prof. Curtis one of the greatest scholars and philanthropists of the age said, while treating on this subject, that man’s stomach was capacitated to contain about one pint, but could be capacitated to contain one quart, but it would be an abnormal state, a diseased condition. How many are exempt from this condition? Mothers, sisters, cook for the health and longevity of your darling you love so well. Little does the mother imagine that when she is preparing so daintily for her much loved treasure, she is serving an enemy, pouring a fiend into his dish; which is steadily and stealthily preying upon his vitals, hastening him to a premature end. Mothers, do you love your children? If you knew you were introducing a venomous reptile into the vitals that would prey upon its life, how quickly you would remove it and refrain. Can we convince you that you are feeding your children on that which will sap the vitality from his being? How we see the tables loaded enormously with such luxurious dainties, that it is so enticing to look at, that we feel like we could eat most all day, and then be hungry. Those dainties are not necessaries, consequently temperance forbids the use of them. Temperance, then, a part of the fruit of the Spirit is to abstain from the use of such things. Against such there is no law. There is no law to condemn or pronounce a penalty on those who are living to the fruit of the Spirit, hence no penalty imposed. That would bring us to health again. But oh how long it would require man in his degenerated condition to rise again to perfect health, unless by the Divine Omnipotence.
G. R. A.
==========
A VISION OF BABYLON.
_____
AFTER taking my letter from the M. E. sect I picked out three places, one of which was the Salvation Army; and I asked the Lord to show me which of those to join, or if none, where I should go. And the Lord gave me a vision. I seemed to be sitting in an open place reading a book. Suddenly rose up before my eyes a corps of Salvation Army folks on a platform. Their flag was lifted up in the center, a girl on the left, and two, men on the right, beating the bass and snare-drum. The large bass-drum was above the man’s head so he had to reach up to beat it. Still farther on the right was a very large barrel also elevated above the platform. Some one spoke near by saying, “That girl is just going up in that balloon to show her bravery.” The platform now seemed changed to a balloon. I thought the girl looked very brave, and that seemed to be her whole aim, to look brave. One man was beating the bass-drum very hard.
SECOND SCENE. They now began to move from south to east about one- hundred feet above the ground. Their balloon-platform had a lever to lower or elevate it at their will, having a pole with notches on it to hold the cross bar or lever. Some one said in a cool command, “Raise it a notch.” I said in my mind, I will see how high they can go up on one notch. And after examining and making some calculation, I concluded that they had not notches enough to take them up to heaven.
THIRD SCENE. They now moved over where I sat. I tried to look up and see the men, but could not. There seemed to be about them and myself a circle of sect steeple houses. They sailed off over them toward the west. I also was in a similar balloon or platform and a friend with me. I said to him, Can’t we raise up higher so we can see them sail off? He remarked that, this balloon belongs to a man and he would not allow us to rise above the circle of houses, for we would sail out and he would lose his craft. So we sailed around in the circle till I got tired. So I got out and walked away satisfied; I had all I wanted of the sect-craft-ride. I awoke astonished at the vision, and began to ask God what this all meant. “This certainly means something. Lord, reveal to me the meaning of this, as you did Daniel’s vision.” The voice came, You shall have the interpretation by breakfast time. So when I sat down to eat that morning, the interpretation came. The first sentence however did not come welcome to my mind, as I thought a good deal of the Army. And this is the interpretation thereof: The Army is a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. Some better than the sects, but they came down from their professed aim to save souls, to make a big show and loud noise. They think more of their organization, their flag, creed and rules than they do of God. The barrel is the the wine of the wrath of her fornication. So to a great extent they are deceived like the creed- bound sects of confusion. And by their traditions they make the wore of God of none effect, as Jesus accused the pharisees.
Praise God! it was a lesson for me. And now I am free: belong to no man’s institutions forever. Shortly after that I was led to the meeting of the church of the living God, and by clear tests God showed me that this is his own church and people, and I am established in the true church of our God. I belong to the Lord, to him only. I do praise God for this blessed freedom.
Your saved brother.
J. F. Hewett.
Los Angeles, Cal.
==========
TESTIMONIES.
Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.
Psa. 119:129.
_____
Wilton, Iowa.
Dear Brethren in Christ: We feel very thankful to the Lord that we have had the privilege of hearing Bro. Otto Bolds preach the word of God. It was the first time we ever heard one of the saints, and it was something new to us to have the Bible explained in such a clear way. We do thank the Lord for his coming, and pray that the time is not far away when other of the saints will be sent here to preach God’s word. Glory to God! I do think that several would make a full surrender if the truth could be preached to them. I was coverted last Jan. 8th. Some spoke to me about joining the sects; but glory to God, I did not, or do not intend to. May God still bless all his children.
Yours for Christ,
Henry Townsend.
_____
Vevay, Ind., Dec. 30, 1892.
Dearly Beloved in the Lord: May his grace be sufficient, and his peace flow through your hearts as deep and lasting as eternity. To day I am saved and preserved. And God’s word says, “He forsaketh not his saints, they are preserved forever.” What wonderful consolation and hope his children have! His promises are, They shall not want any good thing; they shall not hunger, nor thirst; they shall not be confounded; they shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the day of famine they shall be satisfied. I find in God’s word every thing is promised to the Christian, but nothing to the wicked. The Lord is teaching me many sweet lessons of truth. Dear ones, think how God honors us in the different way he calls us in his word. First, we are the called of Jesus Christ; called to be saints; called unto the fellowship of his Son; called unto holiness; called unto righteousness, unto godliness; called unto knowledge, unto power, unto glory; and the best of all, called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. What a privilege! I realize one moment of his presence here is more than all the fellowship of this world. And one spark of his love sweeter than ever bestowed by human agency.
Dear ones, we have witnessed the closing scenes of another year, and a new year is ushered in. While the old one has brought blessings and mercies untold, the coming one brings new and greater responsibilities. May we have our eyes open to duty. We read when the wise men came to Jerusalem to visit the Bethlehem Babe, the first thing they did was to fall down and worship him. Then they presented unto him gifts, their very best gifts; and that is what the Lord asks of his children to day. I ask myself the question: What is the best gift I am bringing to the Lord? The Bible teaches us that man is the highest of all God’s creation, and so the Spirit reveals to me the best gift I can bring to the Lord is this heart and life of mine. He says in Rom. 12:1, Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. What deep leesons of humility we have taught us in the humble birth of Christ. The scripture says there was no room for him in the inn. In thinking over this, the Spirit brings to our minds, There is no room for Christ in the fashionable, worldly homes; no room for Christ in the sinner’s heart. But blessed be God, through the atoning blood of Christ the heart can be cleansed and made a fit temple for his indwelling Spirit.
I feel led to write an experience had over this scripture, Isa 56:5. — I will give unto them in my house a name and a place better than of sons and of daughters.” I had often found comfort in thinking on this promise. And one Sabbath morning while in prayer, this promise came rushing through my mind; and while I was thanking the Lord for it, the Spirit said. What relation is that then? (A point I had never considered.) Instantly this scripture came before me, John 17:21, Christ’s last prayer: “That they all may be one as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. That moment I saw the relation. One with Christ and one with the Father. Blessed, blessed relation! There is no power to convey like the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is truly good to Israel, to such as have a clean heart. May the dear Lord perfect our trust from day to day, strengthen the might of our faith, and as David of old said, “Give thy strength, O Lord, unto thy servants.” May this be our prayer, and may the Lord help us to pray the prayer of faith that we may receive.
Your sister saved by a second work of grace,
Mary R. Malcomson.
_____
Lee, Mich.
Dear Saints of the Living God. I am praising God for the sweet peace I feel in my soul, and the victory I have over the enemy of rightousness, who would drag my soul down to hell if I would listen to him. The word says, Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Oh this blessed salvation is just grand and glorious! It not only saves us from all sin, but it keeps us saved. If we do our part of the contract, God has promised to do his, and we know God cannot lie. He has promised to do for us abundantly above what we are able to ask or think, both in temporal and spiritual things.
A short time ago, I received a pension, for which I give God all the glory. I promised God if it was his will that I should have a pension, I would use it as he would direct. I felt impressed to give a certain amount to the GOSPEL TRUMPET, and did so, and found it was more blessed to give than to receive. But Satan tried to have me cut it down one half, saying, I was not able to give so much. But bless God, I know that thought came from the devil, and if I had obeyed it, I would have become lean in my soul, and perhaps lost my salvation. I feel that there are many that are drawing a good pension, and are claiming to be saved and sanctified, and that all they have is on the altar, and are doing little or nothing for the cause of God, with means that God has blessed them with. The word says, Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. It means much to be led by the Spirit of God. We hear people say they wish they had a hundred dollars, or a larger amount, they would like to send it to the GOSPEL TRUMPET to help spread the gospel, when if they would save the pennies that they can spare, and send a few additional stamps, when they write their testimonies, or send for books or tracts, it would amount to a large sum in the course of a year. Despise not the day of small things. Of the poor widow that cast two mites into the treasury, which is only two-fifths of a cent in our money, the Lord said she cast in more than they all.
Your brother, all on the altar,
William Stowell.
_____
Phoenix, Ariz.
Dear Saints and Trumpet Readers: I believe the Lord would be glorified by my writing my testimony again. I am praising the Lord for his wonderful goodness to keep me saved all the time, and I delight to do his will. Christ is all in all to me. He is my great physician for both soul and body. I have no more use for medicine. When I get sick I can call on Jesus, and he always hears me. Praise his name! If we abide in him and he in us, we can ask what we will, and it shall be done unto us. O, it is so sweet to abide in Jesus! And how willing he is to do for us, if we only trust him. Yes, it is sweet to trust in Jesus. And now I want to ask the prayers of the saints for the little church here in Phoenix, that they may always be true to God, and may the Lord send some one here to preach the gospel to this people. We would be glad to see anyone, filled with the mighty power of God, come to this wicked place. I would be glad to hear from Bro. and Sister Sunderland; would be glad to have their address so I could write to them. Dear Brethren, cannot some of you come to our assistance? We need help. Pray for me that I may be a light to those around me.
Your sister, saved and sanctified to do the whole will of God,
M. E. Smith.
_____
Coldwater, Mich.
Dear Saints: Christ has made free, and it pleases him to keep me with victory in my soul. Praise the Lord or what he has done for me from day to day! I am praising my blessed Master at all times and walking in the evening light.
Your saved sister,
M. E. Olmsted.
Dime, Pa.
Dear Saints: I praise the dear Lord for glorious freedom from all sin. Saved and sanctified through the blood of Jesus. Pray for me and my family that they may be saved. Praise the Lord for this evening light.
Your brother, sitting at Jesus’ feet,
Samuel Spang.
_____
Monterey, Pulaska Co., Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: This evening finds me saved and doing the will of God. and walking in all the right that shines on my pathway. Glory be to Jesus for salvation that keeps us day by day, if we put our trust in him. Dear saints, join in prayer with me that God may send some Holy Ghost minister here to preach the truth. The people here have never heard of this glorious light, only what I have tried to teach them. Some seem to be very anxious to hear full salvation preached.
Pray for me that I may be ever faithful.
Catharine E. Forsythe.
_____
Visalia, Cal.
I am praising God for full and free salvation; being kept free in my soul, by the sanctifying power, and the love of God flowing as a river of water that never runs dry. We have one river here in this valley, the St John’s, that is dry one-half or three-fourths of the year; but I do praise the Lord, the river I speak of spiritually, never runs dry. It is as a well of water, ever springing up in my soul; a flowing fountain; yes, an artesian well. Pray for me, that I may ever walk in the pathway of Jesus Christ. On Dec. 11th we had a glorious feast to our souls at Farmersville; some of the Porterville Brethren came up to help us, and the Lord did come down to own and bless our awaiting souls.
Your free brother, saved and sanctified wholly,
J. J. Bently.
_____
Atlanta, Kan.
Dear Saints of God, Greeting: I can testify to day, that I find the grace of God sufficient to save and keep; find him a present help in every time of need, a comfort in trouble, and a deliverer from trials; a sure foundation on which to build my hopes for time and eternity. I can truly say,
He sent his Spirit from above
My soul to perfect in his love,
Then sealed me with his gentle dove.
O glory be to Jesus!
His love in me is made complete,
My rest in him so wondrous sweet,
I love to sit low at his feet
And praise my blessed Jesus.
Your saved brother,
V. Roof.
_____
Edgewood, Iowa.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I have never written my testimony for the Trumpet. May the grace of God be with you all. I am saved by faith in God, and sanctified by a second and distinct work of grace, and kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed at the last time. I am standing free in the church of the living God. Hallelujah! I ask the prayers of all God’s people, that I may stand firm in the faith. Will some gospel preacher come here? I think there is a work to be done, for the field is white ready to harvest.
Yours in Christ,
J. C. Hosier.
_____
Marshall, Okla.
Dear Trumpet Readers: As I believe it to be in the order of the Lord I will write my testimony. I thank the Lord that he saves and sanctifies me by his mighty power. I expect by the grace of God to live for him while I live. Pray for me that I may keep humble at the feet of Jesus.