13 April 1893, Volume 13, Number 15.
Close To Jesus.
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Blessed Jesus, I am listening
To thy softly whispered voice.
Hearing thee in gentle accents
Bid me always to rejoice.
Bidding me to trust thee fully
As a little trusting child,
Tho’ I cannot see a footstep,
Thro’ the night so dark and wild.
Tho’ afflictions come, and sorrow,
Persecutions thick and fast,
Thou art able to defend me.
Keep me conqueror to the last.
I am leaning, blessed Jesus,
On thy sympathizing arm;
Strong Deliverer, thou wilt shield me,
And deliver me from harm.
Oh what sweetness and completeness
In this closer walk with God,
Where we hear his faintest whisper,
As the path of life is trod!
If we’d hear what Jesus tells us,
And would profit by his word,
We must daily walk so near him
That each whisper shall be heard.
It is only when we wander
Just a little from his side,
That the darts of Satan harm us. —
It is when we don’t abide.
And I praise the Lord that, if we
Shelter close beneath his wing,
Earthly storms and earthly trials
Only causes us to sing.
Praise the Lord for full salvation!
Strength according to our day;
Boundless love and grace sufficient.
While we walk this holy way.
God be praised that he has saved me,
Blessed me with his perfect love;
And has given me the promise
Of eternal rest above.
Mary B. Densford.
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CAN WE FALL?
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TO be a sinner is to be dead. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in tresspasses ami sins. — Eph. 2:1. Even when we were dead in sins, hath he quickened us together with Christ. Verse 5. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all tresspasses. — Col. 2:13. Those who say they commit sin, are dead, and have not Christ who is our life, and have not the eternal life, although they may have had once.
Peter teaches the possibility of falling after we once become a child of God. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those who were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. — 2 Pet. 2:18-21.
This needs no comment, for Peter speaks plainly of persons that had once been saved and returned back to sin again. Christ likens the kingdom of heaven unto a master coming, But and if that servant say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming: and shall begin to beat the men servants and maidens, and to eat, and to drink, and to he drunken; the Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him asunder, and will appoint him his portion with unbelievers. — Luke 12:45, 46. This man was a servant, because he served him and believed him, but because he transgressed and did wickedly he was cut off and received his portion with (or among) the unbelievers. Although we may be servants of Christ and turn and do evil, we will be cut off and be placed among the unbelievers. We will be as though we had not believed. Again, when the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, but finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he goeth, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. — Luke 11:24-26. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and saith unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee. — Jno. 5:14. Paul realized the need of careful watching, when he said, But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway. — 1 Cor. 9:27. He knew very well if he did not keep down and do no evil he would be cast off. Ezekiel now comes forward and tells us, The soul that sinneth it shall die, the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him. But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his tresspasses that he hath tresspassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. — Eze. 18:4, 20, 24, 26. Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness, neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live: if he trust in his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die. — Eze. 33:12, 13. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. Verse 18. Paul says, If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. — Col. 1:23. He gives them to understand, they were all right if they stood fast and not be moved away from it, but if they were moved, which was possible, they would not be all right. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increased with the increase of God. — Col. 2:18, 19.
Paul gives us to understand that even after we are in the body and knit together in the body of Christ, we may be beguiled and puffed up and not holding the Head, Christ. If we do not hold him he must be separated from us. Also speaking of Hymeneus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. — 2 Tim. 2:18. In his instructions to Timothy concerning elders, he says. Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. — 1 Tim. 3:6. Can you say because he is a novice he is not a child of God? No sir. If he is not a child of God he is a child of the devil, and is no novice, for he has been in the service perhaps a long time. A novice is a new beginner and of course he is a child of God, and Paul says, Lest he should fall and go under condemnation. If a person is in Christ and falls, he is out of Christ. If he is in Christ he is alive, by the life of Christ in him and when he falls he is dead, because he has fallen out of Christ and lost the life. Paul declares there is danger of his falling. Well then, the theory they are teaching that we cannot fall is not according to the word of God, is false, and of the devil. I pray God to open the eyes of the people and deliver them from all such horrible doctrines of the devil that he is mustering up now in the last times to deceive and destroy poor precious souls. Surely this is the battle of the great day. Satan against the saints of God, and he is working stratagem to accomplish his object in seducing souls into his meshes, and binding them in chains of everlasting darkness and dragging them down to hell. May God help us to uncover his dark vileness and deliver the honest souls from his chains.
What is the result of losing the faith? Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. — 1 Tim. 5:12. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, givheed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. — 1 Tim. 4:1. According to the previous text they have damnation because they have lost their faith.
We now notice some examples in the Bible. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent, and do thy first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. — Rev. 2:4, 5. What was the former state of the Ephesians? Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise — Eph. 1:1, 13. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. — Eph. 4: 30. The Ephesian brethren were “saints” (that is holy ones) and were “sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.” Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. — Eph. 2:19-22. They were not strangers any more, but a holy temple for a habitation of God. They had a good experience of sanctification by a second work of divine grace. Then Jesus tells them they had fallen from it and unless they repented there was no mercy for them. So it will be with those who have salvation and fall or commit sin; there is no mercy only by repenting and doing their first works again. Another example is Judas who betrayed his Lord. Some say he was not a child of God or was not converted. We will notice that point first. He says, For I have given unto them thy words, and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thor didst send me. — Jno. 17:8. What is the effect of believing on him? But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to as many as believe on his name; which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. — Jno. 1:12, 13. And by him all that believe are justified from all things. — Acts 13:39. Now Jesus tells the Father that they had believed on him and consequently they were born of God and justified from all things.
Again, And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me in the regeneration (The Greek is, “the new birthday.”) Showing that they had the two births; first the natural birth, and afterwards another birth; which would be a new birth or the spiritual birth. The German is, “Wahrlich, ich sage euch dasz ihr, die ihr mir nachgefolgt, in der Wiedergeburt,” that is after followed in the again birth. Those scriptures prove conclusively that the disciples were actually born of God, which is synonymous. If any one doubts whether Judas was among them, I will say he included all from the fact he says, “They shall sit upon twelve thrones.” Also 23 verse says, Then said Jesus unto the disciples, Again, These twelve Jesus sent forth, etc., to heal the sick, cast out devils, to raise the dead and preach the gospel etc., and Judas was one of them. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. — Matt. 10:2-8, 20. Here Jesus tells them the Spirit of the Father would speak in them. How could he speak in them if they did not have him. This establishes the fact in any unbiased mind that the disciples, including Judas, had the Spirit of God the Father. What could be more definite proof that they were the children of God. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. — Mar. 3:13-15; Luke 9:1; Jno. 15:16: Luke 10:20. God had given Judas to him as well as the others, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition. — Jno. 17:12. That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his place. — Acts 1:25. Here it says, Judas fell. What could he fall from if he was not somewhere to fall from? He fell and was lost forever.
Some say we may backslide but not eternally lost. God will bring us back before we die. Well we just gave one example of Judas who was without a possible shadow of a doubt converted and fell and doubtless went to hell. Let us see some other scriptures now to that point. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made pertakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted of the word of God, and of the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. — Heb. 6:4-6. Paul here describes a class of people who if they fall away cannot renew even to repentance. So if they fall away and can’t be renewed to repentance certainly they could never be saved, for there is no salvation without repentance. So the Bible does teach a possibility of falling away and be lost forever.
And if we sin willfully after that we have received a knowledge of the truth, there remaineth therefore no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. — Heb. 10:26, 27. But if any man draw back my soul hath no pleasure in him. — 10:38. We will now notice some of their strong holds and then we are through, the Lord willing. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. — Jno. 10:26-28. His sheep hear his voice and follow and they shall never perish. His sheep shall never perish, but when we rebel and get out of his order we are not his sheep, but as long as we are his sheep we will hear his voice and follow him, and be kept by the power of God unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. See I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them, I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life and the length of thy days, etc. — Deut. 30:15-20.
Again, He says, And no man shall pluck them out of my hands. Those who hold this theory take this as an evidence of our immutability, because he says no man shall pluck them out of my hands. He says no man is able to pluck them out, but he does not say the devil cannot pluck them out, or seduce us out, and also we might ourselves, by choice step out. So that is no argument in favor of that theory at all. He says, My sheep hear his voice and follow him and they shall not perish. Now who are his sheep? Let the word answer: For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture. — Ps. 95:7. My people hath been lost sheep etc., they have turned them away on the mountains, they have forgotten their resting place. — Jer. 50:6. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and 1 am your God. — Eze. 34:31. God’s sheep are those men who know his voice and follow him, but when we cease to follow him we are his sheep no longer. Now as our Savior has said, Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” “Beloved brethren, do not err.” “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” “Love the Lord with all thy soul, and with all thy heart, and with all thy spirit, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself. The grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that denying all ungodliness and worldliness, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. — Titus 2:11. For if ye do these things ye shall never fall. And if you do them not ye cannot stand but fall. God has exalted his word above all of his name. — Ps. 138:2. And he requires us to obey his word as real as God himself, and to violate his word is to reject and disobey him. May God bless this, to forever settle this awful question with every one who may read it. I am the servant of Jesus Christ our Lord.
G. R. Achor.
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THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
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A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.
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the Defence of ALL His Truth;
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.
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E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.
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Anthems from the Throne.
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Requests for Prayer.
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Pray for Sister Slipren, of Tacoma, Wash., who has been sick much of the time for nine years.
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March 17th, 1893.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I am a little girl. I was eleven years old last Monday. As I have great faith in the prayers of the saints, I desire the prayers in the healing of my body, as I am greatly afflicted. I have been sick all winter with a congestion of the spine.
Your sister,
Clara Alice Clark.
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St. James, Mo., Mar. 24, 1893.
I request the prayers of all the saints, that I may be healed of catarrh, heart-disease and other afflictions, of which I have been afflicted for many years, and have not been able to do but very little labor for the last nineteen months. The prayers of a righteous man availeth much.
D. D. Engle.
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Columbus, Kan., April 3, 1893.
Dear Saints: I have just been to see our Brother John Wilson, the one who was severely burned this spring. He has been perfectly helpless for over eight weeks, and cannot turn over yet, but has real victory through the Lord and his faith is strong, praising the Lord with perfect patience. The Lord has been providing for them and we still believe he will, because we are trusting, but you know the Lord works through his instruments. The Lord has laid it on me to write to the Trumpet readers that they may each one lay the case more fully before the Lord, and sympathize a little more with him. He is in a pitiable condition, cannot even feed himself and is in need of help. Now I hope we may take it to our Father just as if it was our own case. One of his hands is about well but it is very crooked.
I remain your saved sister,
Nora Alyea.
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Call for Meeting.
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Some one writes that the way is opening now for the pure gospel to be preached in Bradford, Ohio, and some minister of God is very much desired there. Address Israel Reddinger, who has been an invalid several years, and desires spiritual and physical aid.
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EDITORIAL NOTES.
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Bro. Stover, of Table Rock, Neb. writes, April 3d, “My house burned down yesterday with nearly all its contents while we were away to meeting. We lost nearly all our clothing, beds, books, and furniture. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord! We are praising God that we have a house that cannot burn down. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Amen.
M. M. Stover & son.
[These dear brethren have been engaged in gospel work for some time, giving their time and services free in order to win souls to Christ.]
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ECHOES FROM GLORY.
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The work on this new song book is moving on, and we hope to have the book out in May. The Lord has truly given us heavenly songs in in great abundance, and among the most glorious that ever sounded his praise on earth. If the Lord is moving on the dear ones to write music or words for the work, send them soon. We have the songs classified as follows.
1.Full Salvation.
2. Praise.
3. Exhortations.
4. Invitations.
5. Consecrations.
6. Present Truth.
7. Ordinances.
8. Funeral Hymns.
9. The Second Advent, Resurrection and Judgment.
10. Heaven.
Hymns for the first class must be here inside of a few days. Thanks to all who have sent your orders. Send in orders as the Lord leads, either to the Trumpet Office, Grand Junction, Mich, or to us here at Springfield, Ohio.
Your humble servants,
Warner & Warren.
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ASSEMBLY MEETING.
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There will be an assembly meeting at the Shilvah school house, four miles east of Walkerton, Ind., one and a half miles west of Teegarden; commenceing Friday evening, April 14, to continue over the Lord’s day. In the afternoon will commemorate the death of our Redeemer by washing the saints, feet and partaking of the supper.
J. A. Dillon & Co.
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HOMES WANTED.
Covert, Mich.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel led of the Lord to write a few words. I do praise God for a salvation that saves me from all sin. As I am a widow woman and have a family and no way to care for them only as I take in washing, I thought I would write to the Trumpet readers, to see if there are any of them that would like to take a child. I have three girls that I would like to get homes for, and would like to have them among the saints. Their ages are twelve, nine and six. The oldest is a very good singer; may be would be a help to some one that is out in the gospel work. I trust that some of the dear ones will feel led to release me, the Lord willing, as my health is not the best. I hope to hear from some of the dear ones soon.
From your humble sister, saved and sanctified.
Cora Heck,
Covert, Van Buren Co., Mich.
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THE PERFECT PEACE.
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“And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Phil. 4:7. It is a certainty it is not the peace of earth, that may be broken up so quickly, but it is the peace of God that passeth all understanding. “The God of peace shall be with you.” — Verse 9. We have spoken of the peace of God, but here is the God of peace which is still better. To have a check on a bank is good, but to own a bank is better, Do you know any thing of this continual presence of God? If you do you are sustained amid all the difficulty, disease and danger, by the presence of the living God with you. That is what we all need and want.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Verse 19. We have the peace of God and the God of peace, and now he shall supply all our need. Will you doubt such a one? Are you afraid to venture with him when he stands by you and helps you? Behold in your path lies the fullness and mercy and helpfulness of God, and he is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. O, he is a sweet master! One smile from Jesus sustains my soul amid all the storms and frowns of this world. Pray to know Jesus better. Have no other righteousness, no other strength but only Jesus. O for a fullness in Jesus! Why do we not take all of Jesus! Keep looking then to Jesus, dear souls, and you will have the peace of mind that passeth all understanding. Cleave to Jesus; be joined to him and you shall be one Spirit, and you will be vigorous and full of activity in God’s service; and he will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him, because you trust in him. Did you ever think of that, dear Christian people? While we are beaten and buffeted by life’s stormy waves, the world has not power in all its hurricanes of wrath, to touch the sweet calm of God’s reserved ground. Why? Because we trust in the Lord, that is the source of all.
We can only attain this great gift of perfect peace by the accepting of God’s will in place of our own will. We cannot attain it by occasional seeking; it is to those who stay themselves on God, to those who abide in him, to those who give their souls entirely to him. This perfect peace is the result of a steadfast trust in God. What is that peace that keeps you? It is the inward sense of his favor and love; the evidence of your acceptance that keeps you from worry and fear and spiritual weakness. The peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever.
Emanuel Shultz.
Faith, O.
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News from the Field.
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Tullahoma, Tenn., April 5, 1893.
Dear Saints of the Living God: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you all. Amen. We are happy to report perfect victory in the name of Jesus. We came to this state March 10. Have been preaching the gospel of peace to this dear people, and they receive it gladly with but few exceptions. Some souls being saved. Praise our God! As far as we know this is the first preaching of the whole gospel in the evening light in this state, but thank the Lord it has come to stay, and is scattering last. We will stay near this town awhile yet, the Lord willing, Pray for us and the work at this place. Wholly the Lord’s,
Thos. Carter & J. F. Lundy.
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Caro, Mich., April. 3. 1893.
Dear Saints of God: We came to this place and began meetings March 5th at what is called the Brown’s school house. We have had large congregations from the beginning, and generally on Sunday evenings there is not even standing room for the people. We have had good order and good attention most of the time. The evening light has never been preached here before. The people seem to be very anxious for the truth. Some have accepted the truth and are willing to walk in the light, while others have refused and would not give their hearts to God. Two came to the altar for pardon, and one backslider has been reclaimed. Two others have expressed their desire to be the children of God, When we came to this place we came in contact with a terrible element; but we do praise God for the victory he has given us over all the powers of darkness. We closed meetings here the 26th, with good interest among the people and conviction on many. There are many places where the people desire us to go and hold meetings. We expect to go from here to what is called the Mooreland school house and begin meetings there the Lord willing. Pray for us, dear brethren and sisters, that we may not shun to declare the whole counsel of God.
Your humble brother and sister,
A. L. & F. M. Sheldon.
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Dushville, Mich., Mar. 22. 1895.
Dear Saints: Our last report was from Holt, Mich. From there we came home and met with the dear saints at St. Louis. Had a few meetings, then came to Dushville. Held one week’s meeting in the name of Jesus, then duty called us home, but returned again the 18th. Bro. C. E. Reeves was expected to come with us at the commencement of this meeting but was holding meeting in Hamilton at that time; but was with us over last Lord’s day. Had a precious ordinance meeting last night. This meeting truly has been a grand feast to all in this community who love the truth. Much prejudice was removed from the minds of the people. The little church was greatly strengthened and encouraged to continue to hold up the blood-stained banner of king Emanuel in this wicked place. A few dear souls who j had become somewhat discouraged in the past, renewed their covenant with the Lord and got the victory. When we were about to close the meeting. Brother and Sister Drowly come and continued the meeting a few days longer. We have an urgent call from a comunity in Saginaw Co. where the evening light has never been preached. We shall go there soon, the Lord willing. Our testimony is that we are saved and continually kept by the mighty power of God, sanctified to all his will. It is almost four months that we have been continually in the work; exposed ourselves to all the changes of weather without taking an extra cold. We give God all the glory. Amen.
Elizabeth and J. R. Walter.
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Western Park. Kan., Mar. 31. 1893.
Dear Sainted Ones and Readers of the Trumpet: We are glad to tell you again that the Lord is saving and keeping us by his power given to those who obey his word, for which we give praise unto him who alone can save from the hands of the enemy. Since our last report in Dec. we have been saved each moment, and have also been engaged, nearly all of the time, in the field of labor for the Master, which has been blessed of the Lord, and feel we are steadily advancing in our experience. Praise the Lord! We have visited a goodly number of places in Southeastern Kan. and preached the gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, which has resulted in the deliverance of souls from sin and sinking of God’s people deeper into his sweet will. We closed meeting a few days ago, in vicinity of Rose, Kan., with real victory on the side of the Lord. Had a very precious seed sowing time, and much prejudice removed from the minds of all candid people. God is working much with this people and we hope to hear of many yet being saved. The Lord is supplying all our needs both spiritual and temporal. How true the words of Christ to those who seek first the kingdom, and all things shall be added. Praise the Lord! We are here in his name to do his will, and will commence meeting soon. Let all the saints pray for the work here. All wanting meetings near here will please address us at Western Park, Kan.
Yours in Christian love,
E. F. Houghton & Co.
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523 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, Cal… March 27. 1893.
To the Dear Saints of the Kingdom: It is with pleasure and much joy in the Holy Spirit that we address you once more. We are happy in the triumphs of a full salvation. The battle is the Lord’s, so also is the victory. Hallelujah! The work is moving on in this city. Precious souls continue to hear the voice from heaven and shout their freedom from sect rule. The church has opened a new field in East Los Angeles. A number are taking the narrow way, in that locality. There are many places in this city where the evening light will be published this coming summer if the Lord will, and we are sure that many more of God’s people will be gathered out of Babylon where they have been scattered. Sect holiness is crumbling and melting in the blazing light and fire of Omnipotent truth. The city abounds with multiplied doctrines of men and devils, but the church of God rises high upon the wings of faith, above the din and confusion. The pillar of cloud and fire is her defense. The Holy Spirit speaks to us as he did to Paul at Corinth: Be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peace; for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee and hurt thee, for I have much people in this city. The work is increasing. God is raising up a glorious army of sanctified workers, who are done forever with the things of the world, and ready for the battle wherever he leads. Two dear brethren. Bro’s Means and Frazier were ordained to the ministry yesterday and are out in the work for souls. We held six meetings yesterday.
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Victory all along the line. Hallelujah! Had a profitable visit with the precious church at San Diego a few weeks ago. All well and happy soul and body.
Your humble brother and sister, separated unto the gospel,
J. W. & J. Byers.
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Merrill. Mich., Mar. 25, 1893.
Dear Gospel Trumpet Readers: This afternoon I am saved and looking to God continually for heavenly wisdom. We are having glorious meetings now, such as God’s people can always have when unity exists. Praise our God for the real unity of God’s true saints! In the forepart of the winter Bro. and Sister Walter, from St. Louis. Mich., came down here and held meeting a while. A few souls escaped the ranks of Satan and fled to the mount of God. After they left us and went home, God’s little ones pushed the meetings on by the help of our Master, and a few more souls have been gleaned out. Praise our God! There are new places opening up continually for meetings. We have a call for meeting in Midland county. We expect to go and sing and pray with the people and tell them what the blessed Jesus has done for us, and can do for them if they will admit him in their hearts. Oh praise our God for a salvation that keeps us above all the waves of sin and confusion! Hallelujah! My soul rejoices within me, that God has permitted me to live in an age of the world when this blessed evening light is being preached, and when God’s children have grace and favor with Him, that they will contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Oh how many years God’s people were in darkness and could not contend for the faith once delivered to the saints! Pray that God may use the little church here to the salvation of souls. Let us keep the Holy Ghost fire burning upon the altar of our hearts.
Your brother in the body of Christ,
M. H. Basore.
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Six Points, Ohio, April 6, 1893.
Dear Saints of the Living God: God bless you all and keep you saved from every evil thing for Jesus’ sake. Amen. We are truly thankful to our dear heavenly Father for the privilege of reporting constant victory through Jesus our dear Savior. We are all enjoying reasonable health in body and perfect victory in our souls. Praise the dear Lord! The meeting near Weston O., was owned of the Lord. We met a very strong spirit of opposition in sectarians who were greatly stirred when the truth was presented, but we believe some were convinced, and prejudice in a measure removed: yet there is much opposition to the real truth of the gospel in the hearts of a few. The saints have a house to hold their meetings in now and we believe the work will move on. Some who had not before reached the plane of perfect triumph, saw that they were not in the real standing grace, and consecrated all to God and were sanctified wholly. Also a few sinners saw their condition and need of salvation, and forsook their sins, confessing the same and were saved by the grace of God. Praise the Lord! May God keep them faithful unto the end, for they that endure unto the end shall be saved. We feel truly that a good work has been accomplished. A few souls saved from sin and some sanctified, in these perilous times, we feel is a great work. And even conviction and sorrow for sin is a great favor of God to those who receive it, in this casting off time of the Gentiles; and people ought to appreciate it and improve such opportunity by accepting Christ as their Savior. It is more dangerous now than ever before to resist the Spirit of God in any way; for God is rapidly moving on in his great preparation for Christ’s coming, to receive his own with rejoicing. We expect to begin meeting here at Six Points to night. Pray for us and the success of the gospel here. We feel encouraged to press on and gather in the precious few. Our address at present is Jerry City, O.
Your humble brothers and sisters,
Otto Bolds, J. N. Worden & Co.
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Pleasant Unity, Pa., Apr. 1, 1893.
Dearly Beloved Brethren: May much grace be with you all. Amen. The meeting at and near Dawson was a success for the Lord. We first held a few meetings in a house fitted up for that purpose, on Jackson Hill. The Lord met with us in wonderful, melting power. The Lord continued on the good work. We then moved and held the evening services in the Baptist meeting house in town, in which we continued some thirteen evenings. About twelve or thirteen professed pardon of sins, a few of whom were sanctified, while others are determined to walk in the light. Many were deeply convicted, whom we believe will be saved in the near future. The truth was planted in many hearts; it was a precious seed-sowing time and no doubt a harvest of souls will be reaped into his garner in those parts. May God bless the trustees for kindly permitting us to preach the truth of God in their house, and may He bring them and others out into this glorious evening light. Three were buried with Christ in baptism by dear Bro. Daugherty, and they came up out of the water praising God for joy in the Spirit. Others will yet be baptized when they have opportunity. Our hearts were much comforted in the Lord, by the coming of our dear Bro. Daugherty, whom the Lord is also using to his glory in the precious gospel of Jesus. He will remain with us until he joins dear Bro. and Sister Rupert. They go about the 10th or 12th to hold a meeting in Washington, D. C. We are now holding a meeting in a hall in this place. We believe that the Lord is going to do a work here. We have many calls for the gospel. We expect to go to W. Va. about May 15. We are also getting very favorable reports from the state of Wash., and we expect to be able to visit that state about July, and labor there with the help of the Lord for perishing souls. Please pray earnestly for us, that we may be kept very humble and in his order at all times and fully qualified. Amen. Love to all. Address us at St. Petersburg, Pa., or Grand Junction, Mich. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.
Your brethren and sisters, washed in the blood,
F. N. Jacobson & Co.
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La Paz, Ind. April, 10, 1893.
Dearly Beloved Saints of God Greeting: God bless you and ever keep you abounding in his love unto the end of time, faithful, true and loyal to him that redeemed us from the power of sin and Satan. We are praising God for complete victory in our souls, which enables us to send the word forth in power, and Father is wonderfully blessing our labors since we last wrote. The Walkerton meeting was a complete victory for God. Mountains of prejudice was removed from the town, the church built up, souls saved, and Adventism laid low by the eternal truth. After the close of said meeting, we went eight miles east to the Claybaugh school house, where we preached a few discourses to interested congregations. On Sunday morning three at the altar. Closed that evening, came to LaPaz the next morning, opened up the truth in a large hall on Wednesday evening, continuing till Sunday evening. Good interest, and much prejudice removed and good accomplished. We also look for a harvest of souls yet in these burnt regions (so called). On last Sunday evening, 2nd inst., the good Lord wonderfully blessed our souls in sending forth the truth to over five-hundred people in the Opera house, in South Bend. There was a death stillness over the entire congregation. Many voices uttered, It is the truth. And we feel it would be to the glory of God for some one to enter said place with a tabernacle after the June camp meeting. The ground is in readiness. The saints of God are preparing to build a meeting house this fall three and a half miles east of Walkerton. Dear saints of God, pray for the liberation of our much beloved Bro. S. P. Strang, who has a large family, and is poor, and one that God has his hand upon, and could be used much to his glory in the rescuing of poor perishing souls. Who has a farm to rent him? He has boys who can work on a farm and let him loose. You can address the dear brother at Teegarden, Ind. The Lord willing, we will start for Grand Junction, Mich., 19th, inst. Pray for us. Sister Louie Bolds started for her home in Mo. this morning. God bless the child and keep her true to God. Amen.
Your humble brother and sister, out for God,
J. A. & A. J. Dillon.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Dothan, Mo.
To all the Dear Saints of God: I thought I would add a few lines to the Trumpet, as I have not written for quite a while. This beautiful Sabbath evening finds me saved and sanctified to do God’s will in all things. Dear saints, I want you all to pray for my afflicted body. Pray for me just as soon as you read this. I was healed at the Robinson, Kan. camp meeting by the laying on of hands. By taking a severe cold I am again afflicted. I have not been to but one meeting since I was at the Robinson, Kan. camp meeting. I pray God to send some minister here to preach the gospel in its purity.
Cornelia Booker.
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De Soto, Mo.
Dear Saints: Praise God from whom all blessings flow! O how can I ever love him enough for what he has done for me. He has delivered me out of such a dark valley of sin. I was in sin all over, and lived a life of rebellion, and praise his holy name, he did not turn me away when I went to him in earnest, though all tattered and torn and spotted with sin; but he heard my earnest cry. Praise his dear name forever! But the time I have wasted, the golden moments I have neglected, that I might have been working for God! But it is gone, wasted precious time lost. Oh sinful men and women, do wake up out of a sleep of death, and try to help a little in the salvation of precious souls.
Lucy Alderson.
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Watson, Mich.
Dear Saints of God: This morning finds me saved with glory in my soul. Praise God forever! It is so beautiful to live low down at the feet of Jesus, where he can just work through us at his pleasure. I am so happy to be one of the least of God’s little ones. Truly I realize God has done a wonderful work in my heart. O dear ones, it means so much to be a saint of God. Let us all be saints in deed and not in words. I am willing to follow Jesus wheresoever he leadeth me. I have had it so deeply impressed on my mind that God is going to send me out into the work. I feel so weak and unworthy. I ask you all to pray for me, that God will make it very plain to me, and give me grace and strength to do his perfect will. Blessed be God forever!
Your sister saved and sanctified, and under the blood,
Rose Wilcox.
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Lebanon, Ore.
Dear Saints of God: I feel like writing a few lines to the Trumpet. I am a reader of the Trumpet and it is a welcome visitor in my house. It has helped me lots in the scriptures. I have understood the scriptures better since I have been reading the Trumpet than I did before. We are a little band of true followers of Christ. We are not very many but believe there would be more if we had a true minister of the gospel here. We are looking for Brother John Annis here before long and we would like for another minister to come with him. There are many sectarians here. We are free from all sectism and we thank God for it. We look to God for all things. Have not used any medicine for fifteen years. My husband and I are living in the true faith.
Yours in the one body,
Mrs. Lucinda Osborn.
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New Albany, Ind.
Dear Saints: Greeting to you in the name of our Lord. I would like to glorify God by telling what he has done for me. He has saved my soul and delivered me from the vain things of this world. About a year ago the Lord convicted me that I was not living a life for him, but Satan kept telling me to put off coming to Christ. Pride had a strong hold upon me and for some time I felt as though I just could not give up dress; but praise the Lord, he led me to see that I could, and five weeks ago to day I gave up everything and found peace to my soul. For some time after I was saved, Satan would say, “How do you know you are saved?” My answer was, “Because I have given up all to Jesus and have asked for forgiveness of my sins and I know the Bible says, If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Therefore I know that I am accepted and that my name is written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Hallelujah! If salvation were taken away how dark this world would be! I want all the dear ones to pray for me, that I may ever be a shining light for Jesus.
Yours in Him,
Birdie Schreiber.
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Zeeland, Mich.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I praise the Lord for keeping me soul and body. We have a large family and the Lord always provides for our needs, when we put all our trust in him. I have been a professor from my youth, but always had doubts and fears. I always thought a Christian could not be happy. I had no pleasure in the world, and serving God I did not understand right, by false teachings. I often felt that the Lord had something better for me to do. Our minister said, attending to my family was all the Lord expected of me. So it went on until we got acquainted with some of the saints, who spoke the truth and explained the word of God to us in all its purity. We felt, as the saints left us, we would not be so happy; but praise the Lord, he has been with us ever since. We are the only family here, among sectarians. Our son is going to their meetings yet; he sees enough of its wrongs so he will never join, but he is not saved. Pray for him that the Lord may open his eyes to this glorious evening light. It does us so much good to read the testimonies of God’s people, and the one thousand years reign. It explains to us so much we never could understand. Dear ones, let us keep on praying, trusting the Lord. May the Lord lead my husband out into the work. He is all given up. Time is short; let us work, watch and pray till Jesus comes; till we all meet around the throne of our great Redeemer and King, and sing his praises through eternity.
Your sister, saved through the blood of Jesus,
Mrs. Pruim.
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Fenwick, Ont.
I feel that God wants me to write my testimony in the Trumpet. May the love of God rest on all the saints of God everywhere. I do praise God for his love to me, and O how I do love him in return for saving my unworthy soul, that was filled with pride and walking hand and hand with the world! My people were Disciples and I claimed to be one as well. I was baptized by them when I was about eighteen, and thought I was all right. I did not know any better, and was going on in sin more or less every day; and finally we got back so we attended balls and euchre parties. When Bro. Warner was here four years ago this winter, and came here to our little village to hold meetings, we had heard that they were faith-cure people and Mormons, and so on. So my husband and I thought we would go and hear them preach. And praise God, we listened to them night after night, and we would say, Why that is the word of God; and praise God, I did not go many nights until I began to think if any one needed salvation it was I. And I do praise God I yielded and got saved. I have never regreted it, but after a few months I wandered back into pride, and backslid. And two years ago when Bro. Warner had camp meeting near hear I came back and got pardoned, and also presented my body a living sacrifice holy, acceptable, which was my reasonable service. Bless God, he sanctified my nature, and since that time I have had a constant joy and peace in my soul. O its a heaven below, my Redeemer to know! I do praise him that he is a prayer-answering God, that he has saved my dear husband and daughter, and the young sister that lives with us. I do praise him for his wonderful love to us. And since I have been saved, he has put it into the heart of my dear husband to build a hall for us to hold meetings, and I do praise God it is dedicated to the service of God. Praise his name! My dear husband belonged to a secret society and had his life insured in it, and now he is saved and out of the secret order, and has his name on the Lamb’s book of life, and that is insurance enough. Praise God! Well I do ask your prayers in our behalf, and especially for our only son who is not saved and uses tobacco.
From your sister sanctified and kept by the mighty power of God,
Ella Birdsall.
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OBITUARIES.
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Danville, Ill.
Died, March 23, 1893 at her home, Sister S. J. Brant; aged 30 years. She leaves a husband and three children to mourn their loss. The sister saw the light of evening time and accepted it for a full salvation, was firm in the faith as long as she was conscious. Sendees at her home by the writer.
Fred Husted.
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Little Minnie Priscilla, daughter of M. L. and M. M. Ulmer, died near Tullahoma, Tenn., April 3, 1893; aged two years and eleven days. She leaves parents, two sisters, and one brother, who will miss her presence very much. May God bless the bereaved ones and show them the importance of being ready to meet the little one in heaven. Funeral services by J. F. Lundy. Text Heb. 9:27. The following is for the parents, in memory of the child:
Darling Minnie, how we loved thee!
But the Savior loved thee best;
He has taken thee to heaven,
Where the weary are at rest.
Little child, oh, how we miss you!
God alone can fill the place;
For he says if we will trust him,
He will give sufficient grace.
Blessed be his name forever!
True, he doeth all things well;
While from loved ones we must sever,
Yet his blessings none can tell.
Parents dear and all the loved ones,
Though on earth awhile you stay,
God will bring you safe to heaven
If you trust him every day.
By Thomas Carter.
St. Louis, Mo.
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Died, in LaFayette, Mich., March 7, 1893, Alice Udora, wife of Perry Flegel and daughter of Mr. Samuel and Sister Barton; aged 30 years, 3 months, 21 days. She leaves a husband, three small children, brothers and sisters and many friends to mourn her loss. Her illness was very brief. She was a friend to the truth, but did not embrace it until her last. She said she was saved and was not afraid to die. May the dear Lord save her husband and father and all her unsaved brothers and sisters. I pray God to help them to come unto Him now; it is very dangerous to put off this salvation until the last hour. Funeral services by
C. E. Reeves.
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“And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” 1 Chron, 19:5.
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COME TO CHRIST.
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Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel to thank God this evening for salvation full and free, and for all his precious blessings both temporal and spiritual, and for keeping my feet upon the solid rock. Christ Jesus. I am consecrated for time and eternity. Oh how I feel for those who are yet in their sins, and living in open rebellion against God! When I think of what a narrow risk they run in putting off repentance, and of the uncertainty of life, I want to say to you, dear readers who are yet without salvation, Do not put it off another moment. Just think how merciful is the Lord in sparing your life and in providing for your temporal wants, and of the prayers of the saints going up in your behalf. Just consider the shortness of life and the length of eternity. Just think of all Christ has done for us. He came to call sinners to repentance. If you lose heaven you lose all. For what are all earthly pleasures here, to be compared with eternal life? Whosoever will may partake of the water of life freely. Sinners, that fountain is open free for you. Oh! what a blessed thought, that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. O sinner, how thankful you should be that Jesus did so much for you. He died that you might live. He has spared your life through all these years, even when you were living in sin. How thankful you should be, that mercy is still reserved for you. Jesus still invites you and stands ready to receive you. Will you still refuse to heed his loving calls? Or will you continue on, going heedless on to perdition, in spite of every effort made to save you, and while the prayers of all the saints are offered in your behalf? Shall Christ shed his blood in vain for you? How can you go on in this reckless way when Christ has done so much for you? Christ says, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as wool. Remember you have no promise of the future. To day if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. You are indebted to God for every blessing you have ever received since you came into the world, and are dependent on him for every breath you draw. Oh sinner, you know not but that the messenger Death may call you away before you may have an opportunity to gratify your sinful desires. Many are so deeply concerned about the things of the world, laying up treasures on earth, and have plunged in with the struggling mass and maddening whirl of the wicked world, and are rapidly going down to perdition in their struggles for the corruptible things of earth.
Yours in Christ,
D. C. Engle.
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A FEW PROPER CRITICISMS.
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THERE appears an article in the Vanguard (a paper printed in St. Louis) in the issue of Feb. 28, titled “No Sectism,” written by A. Sims, severely criticising all who testify against sectism. We believe his article is somewhat defective, and take the liberty which we have in Christ, to criticise his criticisms. First he defines “no sectism” as the theory of those who believe that all sects are of the devil. Now while we admit that all things that cause division in the Christian church are of the devil, we have yet to learn of any class who accuse all belonging to sects, as being sinners. The truth of their position is this: That it is erroneous to make tests of Christian fellowship among the truly regenerated not sanctioned by divine revelation; and thereby divide Christ’s body into factions. The members of Christ’s body are of one Spirit under one head; and bear a uniform testimony of the power of God to save. So while gifts, and operations differ; every member is under the direct supervision of the head, which is Christ; and must obey.
Brother Sims says: “It is utterly impossible for any one to bring the whole Christian body to his own way of thinking and working.” We readily admit that man cannot do this, but God can, and will bring them to God’s way, if we will let him have his way with us. Now we accuse sectism of forming superfluous rules and creeds, binding the membership; so it becomes impossible for some, at least, to obey their Lord and at the same time conform to their church rules. For God rule and man rule do not always concide. He futher says: “Reasons informs us that there are some things necessary in the goverment of the church as well as other things, that are not laid down in the Bible.” This is a strange assertion. We always thought God had given in divine writ all that mankind need to guide them in all their legitimate duties of this life, without leaving it for man to reason out something more perfect. The hoe which Christ has given to every member of his body is perfect love; and if used faithfully will clear and keep clear, all the weeds out of the assembly of God’s saints. If men organize bodies that need so much weeding that specific laws must be enacted, and perfect love will not reach their case, they must in part, at least, be composed of a very carnal membership who need restraint to keep them back from presumtuous sins. Such a body may exist; but they are under law and not under grace; and futhermore have no right to call themselves the church of Christ; not having his Spirit. A true Christian cannot long remain in fellowship with a society of this kind without incurring the divine displeasure.
Now the reader can readily see the attitude of the earnest Christian toward the membership of such organization. All in them unprejudiced, living up to the light they have, seeking more light, belong to the body of Christ, and we are bound by the law of love to give them the benefit of our own experience. But we must disapprove and protest against manmade organizations under the name of Christ, that binds us to any rules of discipline that hinder the weakest in faith from obeying the promptings of the Spirit. All creeds cannot be right: and the Holy Spirit leads out of error, not into it. Brother Sims also says: “Some make the observance of ordinances the basis of Christian fellowship. This may be so with some; if it is, we own the inconsistency of such, in protesting against sectism. They may err in this or some other things and ‘yet not be rejected of God. Love is the basis of Christian union, and perfect love will cause us to overlook what ourselves may believe to be grave errors in honest brethren, until such times as the Holy Spirit sets us right. What Christian is there who cannot testify that he has already been saved out of some errors? And God can bring us out of all of them and does, for his Spirit guides into all truth.
Paul utterly condemns all divisions among Christians in 1 Cor. 1:10, and elsewhere in his epistles. And it does not prove a wrong to be right, by accusing each other of being involved in the same error. There is no evil so deplorable among professing Christians in their assemblies of to day, as the cold shoulder toward those that differ from them in some point. And strict adherence to denominational doctrines and practices, only makes the matter worse. These middle lines of partition are not of God, and will be a curse as long as they continue. These middle lines of division are what have our protest. Many have overcome them and cast them off forever; learning to work just where their Lord appoints, not taking their commission second handed. In this primitive way we avoid becoming many masters, and avoid all bigotry, jealousy and man worship being amenable to no authority but the heavenly, and give all praise and glory to God. “By their fruits ye shall know them.”
G. Mevis.
Waukesha, Wis.
MY EXPERIENCE.
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Crothersville, Ind.
Dear Ones in Christ: I was raised a Methodist. Was converted at about eleven years of age. Wandered away from my Savior as I grew older, but being haunted by my conversion, made my return to his fold and again tried to serve my Master. This time I was very conscious of my inbred sin, and not knowing what I was seeking, began to press forward to sanctification. The war between the Spirit and the flesh went on and finally hearing a sermon preached on sanctification, I saw that was just what I needed, and finally by faith crossed over into the promised land. All was peace and joy for some two years or more, when I lost the witness. I then drifted into, I might say, a half-hearted service, as sometimes I served the Lord and sometimes I did not. Eleven years ago next June I married a Baptist. Again I tried to serve the Lord and have our house a house of prayer, but I gave it up. Several years ago I came to the conclusion, if I would join the same denomination as my husband, he would take more interest in spiritual things, and did so, but remained a Methodist at heart.
In the fall of 1891 I first heard Bro. J. N. Howard, one of God’s ministers, preach at Tampico. Previous to that, however, Bro. Charles Orr had preached at our school house and I had become interested, not especially in the “saints,” but in “sanctification.” I knew it was true by experience and felt my need of it. I went again to hear Bro. Howard. He asked me if I knew I was justified. I thought I did, but found I was mistaken, for I would get mad or angry, and when I did this of course I committed sin. Still I was resolved in my own heart to clear up my case with the Lord and stay where I was. Although with a name among the Baptists. I was almost married to the Methodists. I had enjoyed the experience as a Methodist and I did not see why I could not do so again, without leaving the denomination. The last of June a young nag was hitched to the buggy for me to drive to town, as I often did. My little boy went with me. As I came into town the horse frightened, overturned the buggy, and the Lord enabled me to hold the lines steady till help arrived, stepped from the buggy to the ground, both of us unharmed, and the buggy repairs 20cts. I was convinced of the Lord’s will. On Sunday, previous, Bro. Orr had said that we had better not put off coming to the Lord, it might be the last opportunity. I took the warning and turned to the Lord and sought and obtained forgiveness of sins as I went home. Hallelujah! the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! The saints from Tampico visited a young man, who was sick unto death, Friday night, July 1st, 1892, and I went to the altar. My consecration was made and as I came home I received the witness.
I now made a resolve, not to be mistaken as to my experience, and at an all-day meeting at Tampico, the 4th of July, I again went to the altar and claimed the blessing. I had a good experience in my soul, quiet, restful. Well I wanted fire. I let first one thing and then another bother me until I lost the experience again. Now came the battle; I could not rest until I obtained justification, nor could I rest when I did. I gained it and lost it, and lost and gained and finally went to the altar for justification; Mar. 3d., at prayer-meeting. I now had some peace, but I felt my loss and my great need of sanctification, and could not rest satisfied until I obtained it. Oh I was so anxious to step out of the 7th chapter of Romans into the 8th.
Mar. 12, at a prayer-meeting at home, I again went to the altar and by faith claimed the blessing. Praise the Lord! For two weeks I had victory. I knew the foe was outside, instead of within, but I had no feeling. I had covenanted with the Lord to be satisfied, just so I had the experience, and I was glad to have any experience at all, so much so, in fact, that when the witness came last Sunday afternoon. Mar. 26th., while speaking in our prayer-meeting. I was taken by surprise. I was not expecting it then, nor in that way, but the Lord’s will be done. It came as a baptism of laughter. I was never more pleased in my life, and I am pleased still. Praise the Lord! I want to say when I first entered the experience, July 15, 1892, that sectism was completely taken out of me and I was dead to sectism, and have been ever since. Oh I find the way very delightful, this highway of holiness! Oh I am so glad that I have entered in. and that I possess the land. It is worth ten thousand such worlds as this. It is a pearl of great price.
Oh dear ones, just sink down into the will of the Lord, down into nothing, in the dust at his feet and he will surely bless you. I cannot tell you what Jesus is to me, but you know by experience. I must tell you that I was troubled with some heart trouble for some ten years, before I was saved, and I am healed. I have had symptoms since, and He has delivered me; and one attack, but he rebuked the disease and I have not taken a dose of medicine since I was saved. All glory to Jesus! And I must tell you that I have had catarrh for over thirty years, and for over thirteen years have been deprived of the sense of smell. While Bro. Cole was here I consecrated for healing of catarrh, and although not entirely healed, I am much better and I have had a partial return of the sense of smell and, can generally breathe through the nose. Last Friday I had a very clear test that I could smell. Praise the Lord! I take this as an evidence that the Lord will heal me. Amen. I am also saved from coffee, tea and other things inconsistent with this grace, and want to do my Lord’s will in all things. Pray for me that I may live humbly at the feet of Jesus. Our little girl, Katy, has also been healed of her afflictions. When Bro. Cole was here last year, she was taken sick on Monday, and her stomach was in such a condition that she could not retain food, not even milk. Her bowels were in a very bad condition. She had not been well for some time. On Sat., Sept. 17. Bro. Cole asked me if she was wholly given up to the will of the Lord. I found that I had not consecrated her completely. but God enabled me to say. “Thy will be done, she is the Lord’s baby.” Then we prayed for her. In less than an hour’s time she called for something to eat and ate heartily, and her stomach and bowels were regulated, and the little body in its accustomed health. She has been healthier since than before. Praise the Lord!
On reading Sister Viannah Crites, article against corsets, I wish to say Amen! The Lord has enabled us to forsake corsets. Years ago I used to think I could not get along without one, but dear ones, it is all a mistake. When afflicted with heart trouble, I had to lay mine aside. Then wore it occasionally, but now I know it is God’s will. Amen.
Mary B. Densford.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Hilliards, Mich.
Dear Saints: I can say to day that I am kept from all sin and God has led me into all truth since he saved me. Praise his dear name! He saves and sanctifies me wholly. I am glad that I sought after this light and found it. Praise the Lord for ever!
Your brother,
Wm. H. Calaway.
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Hartville, Mo.
Dear Saints: I am praising God this evening for full salvation that saves me and keeps me from all sin. I can trust my Savior in all things. Oh it is glorious to have such a Savior, for if you put your trust in him he will keep you. I expect to keep sanctified the rest of my days on earth, which are not many. I pray for all the saints and … them to pray for me, that I may hold out faithful to the end.
Your sister saved and sanctified,
M. A. Bivine.
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Hartville, Mo.
Dear Saints: I feel led to write my testimony to the Trumpet. I am out on the promises and under the blood. Praise God for ever letting the light shine in on my soul. He has lifted me above the pleasures of this world and set my feet upon the rock. There is no thirsting for earth’s pleasures, nor adornings rich and gay.
Your brother saved and sanctified,
John Kinser.
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Stafford, Kan.
Dear Friends in Christ: I will add my testimony, as I feel led of the Lord to write a few lines. I started to serve the Lord about 4 years ago when I was in Mo. I know that I am justified, and sanctified wholly, and I do praise the Lord for what he has done for me from my childhood up unto this day. I am so glad I ever heard this salvation. I ask all the brothers and sisters to pray for my companion that he. may be saved. I realize time is swiftly passing by, and as followers of the Lord Jesus we should do all we can for the good Lord. I have received four copies of the GOSPEL TRUMPET. I do love to read such good papers.
Your blood washed sister,
Sarah R. Hoffman.
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Sidney, O.
Dear Brethren and Sisters in the Lord: We testify through the columns of the Trumpet to the saving and keeping power of Jesus. Two years in July next God mercifully and gloriously saved me, having been a backslider for eighteen months. I can say to those who have never been in that land. Stay at home, for there was a famine in that land all the time I was there. Surely the condition of a backslider is deporable. God pity them, and bring them back again. We can say for the encouragement of every backslider, Jesus loves you and invites you to come, and he will receive you. Jesus saves me to the uttermost, sanctified wholly, and am preserved in Jesus Christ. Amen.
A. J. Fosnight.
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Easterville, Miss.
Dear Readers of the Trumpet: May love, joy and peace abide with you forever. I am praising God for salvation in Jesus. I know the blood of Christ cleanses me from sin and sanctifies me wholly. Oh praise the dear name of Jesus for his keeping power! I am in this holy war for life and Jesus is my captain, and he never lost a battle; so I will go forth in his name bearing his reproach, counting all things but loss that I may win Christ. Oh that the Lord would call and qualify more workers in these Southern states! For the harvest truly is great and the laborers are few. Let us all work while it is day, for the night cometh, when no man can work. Pray for me that I may be true.
Your sister in Christ,
Damaris Smith.
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Bloomville, O.
Dear Friends of the Trumpet: I feel it my duty to write my testimony, and let you all know I am standing fast and holding to the promise and the victory of Christ, which has made me free from the world and all its pleasures, and even the use of tobacco. God has taken all the appetite away in every form, for which I give him all praise. He has brought me through some severe trials since a year ago last Febuary, when Sister Walter was holding meeting in our neighborhood, in Wood Co. where we were living. I went to her meeting; Christ accepted me as one wandering from his fold, and saved me and my wife from sin. Praise his holy name! I hope all the brethren and sisters will pray for us. We remain your brother and sister in the one body of Christ,