Gospel Trumpet – 15 April 1888

15 April 1888, Volume 10, Number 3.

My Experience.

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I was once enveloped in the darkness
That surrounded poor sinners below;
The friends of this world were false hearted,
And I wandered in misery and woe.

But a voice far beyond the thick blackness,
Called to me in the darkness of night;
This world is all sunshine and gladness
To them that will walk in the light.

I had heard of the dear loving Savior
Who had died for the sins of this world;
I felt that His voice was calling,
And my heart grew hungry and cold.

Then I thought of my wretched condition,
Of my trials, temptations and pain;
And I longed with my dear blessed Savior,
Far above all these trials to reign.

Then His voice whispered low by the Spirit,
I will show you the only true way,
‘Tis to worship the Father in Spirit,
And accept his salvation to-day.

Then I bowed down before the dear father,
And asked for His pardoning grace;
And the burden was rolled from my Spirit
As I felt the sweet light of His face.

When nest I gazed around for the darkness
That had so lately enveloped my life;
The sunlight of God’s blessed countenance
Had banished all misery and strife.

When I read the last will of my Savior,
Except you are pure in heart
You can in no wise enter Heaven,
I felt that I lacked the last part.

But the voice that now was so near me,
Whispered give up all idols and self,
And present thy body before me,
And my Spirit within you shall rest.

Then I came to the altar, Christ Jesus,
And the fire came into my soul;
And I now know the blood of my Savior,
Hath made me every whit whole.

E. J. Reed.

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THE LEADING OF THE SPIRIT.

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THE following extracts from a letter t0 us, doubtless describe the perplexities of many others, hence we answer them in this public manner.

Versailles, O.

My Dear Bro. — Have you the leadings of the Spirit as had the early Apostles and Disciples of Jesus? I am quite sure I have not. I am in a dilemma. I am at home from my work, waiting for the voice of my Lord. Do not feel that I am fit for any thing until I know God better than I do. Have been harassed much in Christian life to know His will concerning me. The Bible is safe and sure, but are there not many things pertaining to Christian duty that cannot be found in the Scriptures. A man cannot prove by the Bible that he is called to preach, or that he should labor in this or that place. Is it not the Spirit’s office to lead a man? Or are we left to reason, creature circumstances &c. If so it appears to me we are left to mere conjecture, to guess our way among such fearful responsibilities; and thus handle eternal things with an uncertain hand. Did not both Old and New Testament saints have the unmistakable voice of Cod? For some time my mind has been called to the following Scriptures. Acts 8:29; 10:3, 19; 11:12-17; 12:7-9; 13:2-4; 16:6-9; 18:9, 10; 20:23, 24; 23:11.

What do these passages mean? Was this to be the common privileges of the Church of God in all ages? Or was it to be for the first century only. Does the Spirit’s speaking mean a little good feeling, or emotion, &c? Or does it mean an unmistakable voice? Beloved brother, these are the words of a poor ignorant soul, honestly trying to get better acquainted with the Lord. Will you in mercy give me any light you have from the Lord Amen!

Jos. S. Robinson.

ANSWER.

This is a very important subject, and one upon which we have oft been impressed to write. In the first place, our dear conscientious brother, and many with him in the same dilemma, has not reached the perfect repose of faith in God that utterly excludes the “accuser of the brethren.” A more perfect confidence in God is what is wanted. Some instruction will help this state of tranquil assurance. For “the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” — Isa. 32:17.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. — Col. 1:9, 10.

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. — Eph. 5:9, 10.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Eph. 5:17. The Comforter, we are told, “will guide us into all truth.” And “they that are led by the Spirit of God, are the sons of God.”

The angel that God sent to lead the children of Israel into the land of Canaan is a beautiful representative of the Holy Spirit our Leader. See Joshua 5:13, 14. And read the description of him when promised and foretold by Moses.

Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off. Thou shalt not bow clown to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite brake down their images. And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee. — Exod. 23:20-25.

This is now beautifully fulfilled to us, in the gift of the Divine Comforter. Walking with this angel, we must have all the “ites,” and isms destroyed, and all images utterly overthrown, and “He will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” But we must be very careful not to “provoke Him,” i. e., “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of promise.” “But thou shalt indeed obey His voice, and do all that I speak.”

In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. — Isa. 63:9, 10.

In Isa. 30: we have much present truth. “For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; in returning [from babylon] and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” — ver. 15. A small remnant that do return while of the masses it is said, “Ye would not.” But of the remnant that, do return we read,

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversaty, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.— Isa. 30:19—21.

Jerusalem and Zion mean the Church of the Firstborn, from which the masses went to babylon, in the Apostasy, and to which, thank God! a remnant are now returning in the “evening light.” Some are afraid to come out of babylon, for fear they will have no preachers. But “thine eyes shall behold thy teachers.” And “thy teachers shall not be removed into a corner any more.” Two applications may be made of this Scripture; namely, first, God’s ministers are not circumscribed by the limits of a little circuit, or single congregation, fenced off and appointed by babel priest rule; but they “fly in the midst of Heaven,” and “run to and fro,” “having the Everlasting Gospel to preach to all them that dwell on the earth, of every kindred and nation.” They travel on God’s circuit, and, “His going forth is from the end of the Heaven, and his circuit Unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” — Psa.19:6. Thank God for freedom to go and preach whither the Spirit listeth.

But another interpretation or application of the above words, is this: Holy Spirit baptized ministers cannot be put into a corner, in regard to what they preach. They know the truth, and speak with authority, and no tongue can gainsay it. Praise the Lord!

But besides spiritual teachers, those who return and dwell at Jerusalem, have the sweet voice of the Spirit behind them saying, “This is the way walk ye in it.” Praise God for His heavenly counsel, and safe guidance! “If we live in the Spirit let us walk after the Spirit.” There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk hot after the flesh, but after the Spirit. — Rom. 8:1.

So we are to walk after the Spirit, be led by the Spirit etc. But the great question is how does the Spirit lead us? May the Lord help us for Christ’s sake to assist God’s dear children out of perplexity in this matter. The time was in the first several years of our sanctified experience that we suffered somewhat the same distractions we see in Bro. R’s mind. But we are happy to say that we are perfectly relieved from all trouble and worry in the matter. O praise God for perfect rest in the Lord, and a life of full assurance of understanding in Christ Jesus.

We lay down a principle in the dealing of God with men, namely that He does not set aside or ignore any faculty or power which He has created in man. He does destroy the works of the devil out of him, but purities, sets right and uses every gift wrought in him. Hence God having given men the power of volition, will not save men against their will. And he that respects the will He gave man, also gave us reason and judgment, and he will no more set aside the latter, than He does the former. So whatever is meant by the leading of the Spirit in the duties of life, be assured that He will not so lead us as to ignore our powers of judgment. There are two extremes with regard to actions for God; the one is to go ahead and undertake in our own strength; the other is to sit still and wait for the Spirit to move us to do what our “hands have already found to do,” and our judgment dictates should he done for the glory of God, and the rescue of perishing souls.

How, then, does the Spirit of God lead holy men? In more than one way.

1st “The meek will he guide in judgment;” namely, lead us through the dictates of our enlightened judgment.

2nd. Very often He leads us by putting a prevailing desire, or drawing in our heart in a certain direction; that is leading by inclination. As it is written, “The desire of the righteous shall be granted,’ and “whatsoever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive, and ye shall have it.” Now if those desires did not arise from the Spirit’s moving in us they would not be granted. “For it is God that worketh all things in all.” No evil desires can arise from a pure heart, therefore “the desire of the righteous is only good.” — Prov. 11:23. The desires at a pure heart are the movings and leadings of the Spirit of God in that heart. There is a close connection between heart and mind in the matter of desire. But the mind of a holy man is no less under the control of God than his heart is; for it is written, “We have the mind of Christ.” “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Phil. 4:7. This is a very precious promise, and it is realized by all who are wholly sanctified, and are fully trusting God to thus keep you. The heart and mind being thus kept by the peace of God, no evil desires do arise from either heart or mind. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ — 2 Cor. 10:5. Every thought being captured, and brought into obedience to Christ, and the peace of God keeping both heart and mind, it necessarily follows that the desires of such a heart and mind, are the leadings of the Spirit of God.

3rd. The Spirit of God leads us by impressions. This is what is meant by those texts quoted by our brother above which say, “The Spirit said unto me,” “The Spirit spake unto me and said,” go or do thus and so. The Spirit did not speak in audible voice: but these impressions often come to our minds so vividly, that we speak of them just as though we had heard an actual voice speaking to us.

4th. As seen in the Scriptures cited by the Bro. God also instructs and leads His children by dreams and visions, as had been predicted in Joel 2 chapter.

God’s will concerning us is often to be inferred by His providence. When a soul is not yet fully decided as to what to persue, the providential opening, or closing of a door may aid in arriving at a conclusion as to what His will is concerning us. All these and other means, such as directing the mind to a certain Scripture, and sometimes the use of signs, God uses to lead and instruct His children in the path of His will. He uses all these different ways more or less with the same person; but to one person He speaks more generally by one means, and to another by another; evidently because one person’s natural temperament, and spiritual and mental development is best suited to that process of revelation, and another to another process. And now to the question alluding to the above quotations from the Acts where the Spirit is said to have spoken to the Apostles, the brother asks: “Was this to be the privilege of God’s Church in all ages?” We answer decidedly yes. All there means of divine communication we are indeed blessed with at this very day. Praise the name of the Lord! This we assert, not only as a deduction from Scriptural teaching, but thanks be unto our God! also as a fact in experience, and a matter of humble testimony for Jesus. On this very tour we had two wonderful visions at one place. The first resulted in the more perfect unmasking of the depth of satan in a man, whom we knew was not right, and with whom we had privately labored for his salvation, and when we obeyed the voice of God received in connection with the vision he foamed out the very venom of the old serpent called the devil, and satan. The last Saturday night of the meeting we had another awful vision, which, cm awakening, the Spirit interpreted to us as an infernal black scheme of treachery against us. The next day we declared the fact before the congregation, the guilty beast being pre eat. After we left there, we read a letter showing that wicked man had at that very time laid a plot for our murder. The man whom he had incensed, by telling him a satanic falsehood, to execute the murder in his own heart, having found him out, exposed his rottenness, and the beast sold out in haste and left the country. His name is J. H. Orr. He said he was going over to Ill. — we believe about Toledo — and “join the Free Methodist and preach for money.”

When it is necessary for our safety, and God’s cause He gives us visions. When an impression is sufficient, the Lord gives us His orders in that way: when inclination will meet the demand He leads by inward desire. But in all cases whore God sees that our common sense, and good judgment is all that is needed to direct our course, there is no need of any of the higher means of communication. And it is a principle in the economy of God never to bestow superfluous blessings. The difficulty, doubtless with our enquiring brother, and with many others, and at one time ourself, is this; we see that the voice of the Spirit spake very clearly to the consciousness of the New Testament saints, and at certain times to us also, and because we cannot have the same clear speaking to our soul on all things, many give place to the devil who accuses you that you are not right or you would hear the voice of God just as the Apostles did, and as you did in a certain instance in the past. We should remember that while the Apostles heard these precious speakings of the Spirit when necessary, God did not cast away their own judgment, reason and sense, and restrict all their actions to simply such things as they heard the inward voice directing. That were the pernicious heresy of Quakerism: a doctrine that ignores men’s sense, reason and judgment, and makes them a set of Spiritual mummies not capable of doing anything in the name of Jesus Christ and for His glory, that our “hands find to do,” all of which the Bible commands you to do with your might. — Eccl. 9:10. For instance, God sometimes powerfully impresses a child of His to go to a certain person in the congregation and invite him to Christ. This is because He sees some special reason why that person’s effort at that time was very pertinent to his salvation. But should we therefore conclude that we should never admonish any one else without we hear the same special command from the Spirit? By no means. All that try it lose power and liberty, and soon become of no use to God; we speak more particularly of such as are gifted in that line of work, and nearly all who have the unction of power are fruitful in “persuading men” to come to God.

The devil used to tempt us because for some time we would not get a direct speaking of the Spirit of God to our heart. But we have found out that it was only because God saw that our judgment and reason was, by His blessing and illumination leading us right along in His will concerning us; hence more direct impressional leadings were unnecessary.

If circumstances require us to decide as to whether we should go, or stay longer, or where to go, we ask God to direct us in His own way, whither He will. We look for Divine impressions, and observe the drawings of inclination. But if we perceive neither distinctly we proceed according to our judgment to do what seems best, acting upon what we know of the prospects in one place, and the obstructions in another, and all other circumstances known. Then we go in the name of the Lord with just as fixed assurance that He is guiding us in judgment, as if God had spoken to us in a vision or by the clear voice of the Spirit. We reason thus. We know that God can communicate to us by direct revelation, for He frequently does so, and we are just as fully consecrated to God now as ever. Therefore we are sure that if His eye did not behold us moving toward the most needed, or most fruitful field, His voice would command a halt, and a change of front. Just as Paul was “forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia,” — Acts 16:6. Should we go to a place where our labors are less fruitful than elsewhere we never allow the devil to harass ns with one thought that we have gotten out of God’s order. It is God’s business to lead His children, and it is their business to be dead to all self choice in all things, and then believe God is working in us both to will and to do of His own good pleasure,” and therefore allow the devil to have nothing to say about the Lord’s business whatever. Last fall, or early in winter we preached a few sermons at Wayland, Polk Co. Neb. There was a very deep and extensive interest manifest, and many hungry souls wished us to remain. We also had a call to Ulysses 15 miles from there, and other points seemed promising. But the time had come when we were expected in Denver Col. We had no special leading, but our judgments directed us to go on. We soon found that the holiday excitement began about two weeks before Christmas; and that halls were not available, and that we could not do much in the city for about one month. Had not the devil known us too well he would doubtless have suggested to us that a great work might have been done, had we remained that month in Nebraska. But we had no disturbance on our minds about the matter, and on returning we learned that about one week after we left, drifted roads and bad weather made meetings impractical in the country up till just before our return. Thus we see He doeth all things well. We could labor some all the time in the city, and were not exposed to oppressive storms and cold. Most usually the Lord lets us know when it is time to close a meeting by lifting responsibility and inclination from our hearts for further labors there,

Continued on fourth page.

Page 2

THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.

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A SEMI-MONTHLY HOLINESS JOURNAL

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DEFINITE, RADICAL, ANTI-SECTARIAN.
Sent Forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
For the Purity and Unity of His Church,
the Defence of ALL His Truth,
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.

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PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.

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D. S WARNER, — Editor.

E. E BYRUM and S. MICHELS, — Publishers.

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SONGS OF VICTORY.

FOURTH EDITION.

We have now completed the Fourth Edition of Songs of Victory, which contains 94 pages with notes, and 14 pages of familiar hymns, 112 pages in all.

Songs of Victory is specially adapted to Camp, Grove, and all other meetings for the worship of God. Also for the Sabbath school.

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THE SABBATH TRACT.

THE SABBATH,
 —:OR:—
WHICH DAY TO KEEP.

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BIBLE Proofs that the change from the seventh, to the first day of the week, was made by the Lord Himself.

This tract contains 64 pages: the price reduced to only 10 cts. Per dozen $1.00.

God has enabled us to set forth the subject in the clear light of abundance of Scripture. So every reader of the TRUMPET can glorify God in sending your orders for this Tract. This will also be a good financial help to spread other matter for the Lord.

Our Address.

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Our address until further notice is as follows.

D. S. WARNER,
GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.

SEBASTIAN MICHELS,
SOUTH HAVEN, MICH.

S. L. SPECK.
GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.

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All persons writing their testimony of healing must sign their name and Post Office address plainly if they wish it published.

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REQUESTS FOR PRAYERS.

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Let all the saints pray earnestly for the Lord to restore the mind of Freemont Milk.

Fowler, Mich.

I ask all the saints to pray for the healing of my bodily afflictions, and that I may have the true knowledge, and blessed light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am trusting Him and have faith that He can heal the sick and raise the dead. Your sister under the blood.

Hannah L. Drake.

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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS RECEIVED SINCE LAST ISSUE, NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.

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NEWS FROM THE FIELD.

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Since the report of the meeting at Wayland, Neb., Bro. Warner and band visited a few other places in Neb., preaching the blessed Word; then pushed onward to Meriden Kansas, where they held a few days meeting in the name of the Lord, and now they are storming the ranks of the enemy at, or near Fulton Ill., and report a glorious victory on the Lord’s side. They expect to be in Ind. in a few days and remain a very short time; and from here home, which will complete their long journey. Truly the Lord has been greatly glorified through them, and through their labors, and many souls have been brought from darkness into the glorious Gospel light, and delivered from the snares of the enemy.

Preparations are being made for the general camp meeting which will he held some time in June. More definite instructions in regard to it will be given through the TRUMPET soon. We are looking forward, and praying for a glorious time. Let the saints from far and near make preparations to come, and come in the name of the Lord, prepared to work for the salvation of perishing souls. Come praying that the Lord will give us a holy feast, and let every one desiring salvation, be sure and be present. Let there be more earnest praying done for the saving of perishing souls, and for the advancement, of the work everywhere.

Publisher.

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A GLORIOUS VICTORY FOR KING JESUS.

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Ironton, Mich. To the dear Saints in Christ Jesus, greeting: — We are saved to the uttermost and God is with us in mighty power. Bless His name!

“O what golden glory streaming,
Purer light is coming fast;
Now in Christ we’ve found a freedom
Which eternally shall last.”

We closed meeting at Dwight on Lord’s day evening, March 25, after a three weeks fight for the Lord with a glorious victory on the Lord’s side. During the meeting there were ninety consecrations in all. About forty were converted, and many sought and obtained the blessing of sanctification. Oh it was glorious to see the glory shining out of their faces as their hearts were filled and overflowing with the love of God. Backsliders were reclaimed, and some were delivered from the “first beast,” also some from the “second beast,” and their hearts were filled with the glory of God. O how can babylon fail to see that her people have not the glory of the Father and of the Son. O ye holy watchmen upon the watch tower, cry aloud and spare not; lift up your voices like a mighty Trumpet; and show the people where they are who are in the foggy mists of babylon; for the voice of the Bride (Church) and of the Bridegroom (Christ) is heard no more at all in thee (babylon;) but all is dark and they go stumbling on, not seeing or knowing the glory that there is in Christ Jesus our Lord. God save the people from the dragon power! Our hearts were made glad at the wonderful deliverance of our dear Bro. L. Sheldon. While we were here last Spring his companion gave her hear to God and was gloriously saved, we then entreated him to come and give his heart to God, but he would not then. Since that time God has called dear sister Sheldon home to glory: she dying in the triumph of a living faith, leaving an evidence behind that she was going to that eternal shore to see Jesus as He is. And now the dear Bro. came down at the feet of Jesus and was made entirely whole. Oh how the mighty God did baptize him with the Spirit’s power. And now he is willing to go at the Master’s bidding and work for the salvation of souls. God bless and preserve him faithful until the end for Jesus sake. The whole meeting was one of rejoicing and salvation work. God bless the dear ones at Dwight who so kindly and readily administered to our every want while with them. May the blessings of God rest upon them for ever more; and may their reward be many glistening stars in their crown to shine for ever more in the bright realms of glory. Amen!

On Tuesday evening, March 27, the dear saints of the living God gathered at Bro. Sweets, about one mile from Dwight, and followed the Savior’s example in washing feet and of breaking bread and partaking of the cup in which thirty-three took part. Many were unable to meet with us, but all were willing and wanted to follow Christ in these foot-steps, during which time the power of God was wonderfully felt. Some were weeping, others shouting. O it was a holy time sitting together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. O I pray God to keep those dearly beloved ones faithful unto the end for Jesus sake. Amen! This was one of the most glorious meetings of all our past experience. On Sunday, April 1, we came to this little village; dear Bro. Sheldon having procured a good sized hall for us to preach in which will hold about three hundred and fifty people. It was filled and overflowing with anxious inquirers after the truth, who listened with great interest to the awful Word of God. The sect are terribly afraid of the poor foundation of their craft and they say: He will tear our church all to pieces. Hallelujah! let them fall! This is the place where last spring the Methodist and Congregationalist said that if we come they would egg us. And now the leading man of the Congregationalist church has went as far as to say that we would not or must not be allowed to preach in the village. Hallelujah! Jesus leads and we follow in spite of all opposition of the adversary; for the prophet Ezekiel says, “Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day. For they are impudent children and stiff-hearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house), yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou “dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.” — Eze. 2:3-6. So we care not for them, nor their words or looks; but continue to pour the vials of God’s wrath upon them.

We shall continue here as long as the Lord wills; do not know whether that trill be longer than this week or not; just as he leads us. O this blessed holy trust in Jesus. Being led by the Holy Spirit daily, and even momentarily, whithersoever he leadeth we will follow by His grace. We are looking forward to the glorious Camp meeting, when we shall see and greet face to face many of the dearly beloved ones once more. Father keep us all faithful until the end for Jesus’ sake. Amen!

Your humble Bro. washed in the blood, tried and made white.

W. B. Grover.

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Carthage, Mo.

Dearly Beloved Brethren: — May you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and lay aside all the weights and every thing that would hinder you from running the race that is set before you, and run up the shinning way having on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand all the wiles of the devil for we are in perilous times. I am here to do what the Lord has for me to do. Came here in the name of Jesus Christ full of the Holy Ghost. We had a few meetings in Wilson county near Ward P. O. we had ordinance meeting the night of March 24. God was with us in mighty power; some of the little ones were reclaimed who had fallen away; having let the devil overcome them. O the power and glory of God that came down in our souls was wonderful. We had meeting the 25th which was the most powerful meeting I ever witnessed. The glory and power of God came down wave after wave, and the little ones did enjoy themselves as they leaped and shouted and cried for joy; some lay under the mighty power of God. They are a perfect unit, not ajar of discord. God keep them pure and free. We also bad a wonderful meeting Easter Sunday. Let all saints who want a tabernacle or camp-meeting, write me at Urbana Kan. Pray for me. Yours in Jesus.

J. P. Haner.

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Stanton, Mich.

Dearly Beloved Brethren: — After preaching to the little Church at Jerry City for a few days, we felt impressed in the Spirit that the condition of God’s heritage in Gratiot Co. Mich., was in a languishing condition, so we endeavored in the strength of God to obey the Word: Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks; for riches are not for ever, and doth the crown endure to every generation?

About the 20th of Feb. we came to the township of Hamilton. Internal divisions had depressed the spiritual saints, and driven away the weak, and made the Church a gazing stock to the world. We held meeting eight days. The Shepherd of the sheep wonderfully revived His own and our soul was also much comforted and refreshed in the mutual faith of those dear ones who were abiding in Him. About seven consecrated. Among those who found the Lord and were saved sweetly in Jesus, were sister Shuman and Effie Martin, who had been in a wilderness and backslidden condition for over a year.

From here we went to LaFayette. The Lord made this meeting a blessing to those who were in condition to receive the blessing from the Lord. From here to Merrill. This little Church has come through much tribulation, and has nobly stood its ground against great trials. God bless them and keep them ever to the end. From there to the Ehl neighborhood. May the Lord preserve and keen the dear ones at this place. While we love the work, the Lord has more especially called us to that of planting churches; yet we believe our trip has resulted in good in strengthening those things that remain. We are indeed living in perilous times; it behooves every one, naming the name of Christ to keep their lamps trimmed and burning and ready for the coming of the Lord. Amen!

Your saved and blood-washed brother.

W. J. Evans.

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Cedar Vale, Kan.

Dear Brethren: — I am happy to tell you the work is progressing nicely. In the meeting at Spencer school-house, a mighty work was done in the name of the Lord. From there we spent two nights at Centennial: preached twice at Otto, and held a two weeks meeting at Eagle school-house with good interest, but great opposition by a class of people calling themselves the followers of Christ. They hold to the ordinances, but claim baptism washes the sins away. Then they immediately lay their hands upon them that they may receive the Holy Ghost; which they call conversion. They do not believe the can live without sin at all, or exempt from the carnal mind. They believe in healing by faith and, it is a sin to take any medicine; but I failed to find a single case of healing. May God have mercy and open their eyes. They opposed the meetings bitterly, but we poured the truth so plain, in the name and power of God, they stopped. But glory to God, a number endorsed the truth and one went to the altar and was saved, sanctified, and renounced the whole of it and sectism. Three were buried with Christ in baptism; one of them was an old Quaker sister. While witnessing the solemn ordinance she was convinced, and was baptized. Glory to God! The community is in better shape than ever before. The attendance was good; the last Sunday night many could not get in, but stood at the window, eager to hear the truth. God enabled me to pour out His wrath on the beast as never before. Any one desiring me to hold meeting, and will send the money to pay my fare to travel. I will gladly attend to such calls before camp meeting time. We expect to have a camp meeting here, commencing July 10th ’88, the Lord willing. All that can, bring tents. Bro. Haner is expected with tabernacle.

Your Bro. sanctified and free in Christ.

G. R. Achor.

—:o:—

Henderson, Pa.

Dear readers of the TRUMPET: — Since my last letter the Lord has been blessing my soul, and feeding me in a fat pasture, and leading me up through great tribulation; and I have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of my testimony. There were about 18 consecrated at Blanco, Armstrong Co.: part of them were gloriously converted and sanctified. Eight were baptized, fifteen engaged in the ordinance meeting. One methodist, whose wife was saved at the meeting, burnt her songs of victory, and Scriptural references which she had taken down in the meeting. His father-in-law had been bitterly opposed to us until the Lord so convicted him and he was glad to yield and was saved. This so enraged the son-in-law who was so drunk on the sect wine that he forbids any saints coming there. The Lord have mercy on the poor deluded man. The Lord is wonderfully keeping His little ones there and they are having their meetings regular. Your humble Bro. saved and sanctified just now.

G. T. Clayton.

—:o:—

Walker, Mo.

I want to say to the glory of God that I am saved from all sin, and have victory in my soul over all the works of the devil. I have been on a tour against sin, by the directions of the Holy Ghost, endeavoring to scatter the power of the holy people through Kansas, Indian Territory, a small portion of Arkansas and southwest Mo.. Coming from Seneca on the Territory line where we held a two weeks meeting and were forced to close on account of not having sufficient house room to accomodate the people. The Lord anointed us to give the Word straight; quite a number saved and sanctified wholly. I went from Seneca to Carthage Mo. and held meetings one week, and the Lord was with us in power to the conversion and sanctification of souls. I found the saints at Carthage all on fire for God, walking in the blessed evening light. Our last Saturday night meeting was at the house of Bro. James Pine where we observed the ordinances, resulting in a witness to the saints by the Spirit that they were all baptized into the body of Christ. We are at our brother-in-law’s to-day for a few days rest; having been gone nearly two years.

J. W. Sickles.

—:o:—

Columbia, S. C.

Praise the Lord and bless His holy name. Dear brethren and fellow servants in the vineyard of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to all the readers of the TRUMPET: may the Lord bless you with the abundant riches of His grace, and guide you by His Holy Spirit at all times. Whenever I get a paper and hear of the glorious work of our brethren and sisters, who have come out of babylon and left her burdensome laws and earthen gods, it thrills my heart with great joy; and makes me rejoice as I read each paper, and feel like shouting, for my joy is inexpressible. Glory to God and the Lamb that died to redeem my soul. I was for eighteen or twenty years said to be a follower of that Jesus, in an M. E. Sect, and subject and obedient to all the ruling powers of man, and their discipline. I thought I was right, and in the right place, having been, from my infancy brought up in that sect, as my parents were members of the same. It pleased my good Master to choose me as one to carry His Gospel which I did according to their laws for about eight or

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ten years; but I was promoted, ant was licensed by the Holy Ghost to preach the everlasting Gospel. And reading my bible continually, and the Holy Spirit constantly leading me I could not believe that their way of ruling was right; but being a member under their discipline, I did not dare to utter, or make known my impressions and convictions in regard to the matter. I was the only one among them of that belief, who was willing to follow the Master in all things, as he gave light through the leadings of the Holy Spirit. But in Jan. 1887, the good Lord sent light and comfort to my troubled soul, while in the city of Savannah, Georgia, through Bro. W. M. Warner, and others preaching the word of God, and opening the gate of deliverance to the captives. I made a vow to God, and a loud farewell to babylon and all my babylonian brethren and shouted through the gate for the city of the new Jerusalem. During the time I was with them I often felt the power of the Holy Ghost and was called one of their smart men and thought so myself; but I left them, and have taken Jesus, and him only for my leader. During the 14 mounths I have learned more of Jesus, and experienced more of his power, than I have known during the whole 34 years of my life. I traveled with these brethren, through some of the southern cities until we came to Columbia S. C. and it pleased the good Lord to stop me at this place; the worst place, I think in the United States. But since I have been here, thank the Lord, Jesus has been with me and attended all the meetings. As I opened my mouth, Jesus, through me, hurled out His true Gospel with such power that it stirred the whole city and set it in a burning flame of excitement, so five or six of the devil’s lawyers of the Baptist and Methodist sects, who claim to be preachers, wont to the mayor of the city with their names all signed to a petition against me, to run me out of the city, as they claimed I was disturbing the peace, and disgracing the whole city. But Jesus had gone before them I preached three times a week and as the largest congregations were on Sunday nights He sent the mayor with two preachers of the whites, and other leading officers of the state, to hear me preach. The hall was a very large one, but could not hold all the people. It was rented by some men who claimed to be in darkness, but wanted to hear the word preached in its purity. I had preached from Rev. 18:2, and had promised them that on this Sunday night I would preach from Rev. 5:6. But that evening, just about two hours before time for preaching, as I was lying across a bed talking with Jesus. I saw a vision, and it seemed as I was communing directly with him and he called me and said: “You intend to preach to night from Rev. 5:6 but do not do it; but preach to-night from this;” — The bible was opened before me, the verse from which I was to take my text was pointed out to me; one that I did not remember having ever read before. It is found in Prov. 22:22, and reads as follows: “Rob not the poor because be is poor.” I was not aware of the presence of the mayor and all his inspectors, and when I got up I told the people I was sorry to disappoint them by not preaching what I had promised, but that it pleased the good Lord a short time before to change my sermon; for what purpose I could not tell, but would soon see and all would be able to know the reason; and as I began, the Lord did wonderfully endue me with power from on high, and the Holy Ghost came down with such power, that the mayor and many others ran out of the house and said: “Truly this man is sent of God”. The next day he sent for those preachers and told them that he had been to hear that man preach, and if God ever called anyone to preach the Gospel that man is one whom he has chosen and he shall be protected while in the city.

I am still here preaching the blessed words of my Redeemer; and through Him capturing, all I can from among the babylonians I have spent about twelve months in this city, and glory to his most holy name, he has wonderfully led me through, although I have had a great many battles to fight with the sect preachers, and hypocrite members but glory to God, there are sixty or more, who have come out from all sectism; some of whom are wholly sanctified to God, and walking in the true light of Jesus. We are having glorious meetings and the dear ones are drinking from the fountain of God contnually, and many are coming to the Lord. We ask the prayers of all the saints. Your brother in Christ.

J B Walker

Correspondence.

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Grand Junction, Mich.

Dear Brethren: — May the Lord wonderfully bless your souls for Jesus’s sake. Amen!

I feel led by the Spirit of God to write my testimony once more for Jesus. I am thankful to God that He has saved and redeemed my soul from all the powers of satan, and has translated me into the kingdom of His dear Son. Hallelujah to God and the Lamb! O my soul is filled with the glory of God continually. Glory to Jesus! It does seem for the past few months that I have felt more of the power of God in my soul than ever before. When I first started to serve the Lord, I started for life, and my determination is to serve Him as long as I live, no matter what men may say about me, I am determined to prove faithful to the end and land my soul in Heaven. It is not the past experience that will save us. We must have a present experience, and further more, we must lead a life that corresponds with His Word, or we shall be found wanting in the day of judgment. I am so thankful that God has called me into His vineyard, and He enables me to work in spite of men and devils. Hallelujah to Jesus! But if I would obey the voice of men, my soul would sink in despair. Read the words of the inspired Apostle Paul. Gal. 1:1, 10-12. So we must get in the right way and then go ahead, no matter what poor finite man may say or do; but let God have the preeminence over all things.

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak: not as pleasing men, but God who trieth our hearts. O hallelujah! Let us continually try our hearts by the Word of God, that we may appear before His throne in peace. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen!

W. M. Warren.

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Colony, Kan.

Dear Brethren: — I feel that God is calling me to give my experience and testimony. Thirteen years ago I was converted I lived a justified life for awhile, then began sinning and repenting, oft times my sorrow over came my joy! Eight years ago I came to Kan., joined the church, as we were taught to call it. I lived a cold professor until Jan. 1887. I became so tired of my way of living, I began to call on God for help. My soul was continually crying for liberty. I wanted to be delivered from all sin; my heart was so full of pride, and fashion, and love for my church, there was not much room for the love of Jesus. I find since I have been sanctified that Jesus does not occupy only one corner of our hearts, but wants the whole heart. Glory to His holy name! I consecrated all to Him, and thought the blessed Lord was going to take my life when dying out to sin; I thought, is this death? I could not answer this question for a while; the answer came from Heaven, “Dying out to sin.” I could hear the distant music of Heaven, then came the sweet still voice: “Ye are clean.” O the joy that filled my soul! all praise to God. My feet were placed on the solid Rock, Christ Jesus. Praise God for full salvation, and for the cleansing blood of Jesus that is able to wash out all inbred sin, and make us white in the blood of the Lamb. I praise God that I was ever led to the cleansing fountain. I have had many battles to fight for the Lord. Bless His name! Our weapons are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of the strong holds. It was not long after I received this grand blessing, I found I could not uphold things carried on in the M. E. sect, so I had to withdraw. There were five left that sect. God here opened up the way for us, we went to the school house to worship God and we have blessed meetings. I am growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth as it is in Christ. I belong to the Church of the Firstborn whose names are written in Heaven. Glory to His precious name for ever! We are commanded in the 12th chapter of Hebrews to lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race that is set before us. I thank God the weights are all taken off. Glory to His name! We have such a blessed teacher. My prayer is that God will send forth laborers into the vineyard, such as shall bring forth fruit to His name’s honor and glory. Your sister saved and sanctified.

Matilda Clark.

Augusta, Ga.

Dear Saints of God: — I am happy to testify that I am saved in the blessed evening light, and am in the glorious war, fighting for King Jesus. We have a glorious little assembly of saints in this place that stands true to God; and we are having glorious meetings now, although for about eight or nine months the cause of Christ has been greatly hindered by the devil working through some ungodly professors of holiness to battle against the saints. O may God help them to get salvation and return to Zion, the Church of the Firstborn. Heb. 12:23. I praise God for this new way, the way in which sinners cannot walk; a way that Jesus has consecrated for us who are kept by the power of God. Jesus has given us a new commandment to keep in this new way: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34. Be ye therefore followers of God as dear children, and walk in love as Christ also hath loved us. Eph. 5:1, 2. Praise God for liberty! my soul is basking in the sunlight of God. I am happy and full of bliss and joy. Pray for us, dear TRUMPET readers that God may ever keep this little band in Christ, the Church. Your Bro. humble at the feet of Jesus and under the cleansing blood.

H. A. Sanford.

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Payne, O.

Dear Brother Warner: — God bless you and all of the company. We are saved to the uttermost and abounding in the love of God with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Praise our God for ever and ever.

We are well and trusting in God for all things. The measles have been an awful scourge here this winter, such as never was known, both in town and all over the country. A great many have been very bad and several have died. Some of the saints have had them, but the power of the Lord has been present to heal them. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth them out of them all. Praise our God! “In Mount Zion (the Church) there is deliverance.” We greatly desire to see you all, not ceasing to make mention of you in our prayers. Give our love to all the saints. Pray for us.

L. & T. Kilpatrick.

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Merrill, Mich.

Dear Brethren: — My testimony just now is, I am saved with ah everlasting salvation, one that eaves to the uttermost, even to the satisfying of the soul. Praise God! I am founded upon the solid Rock Christ Jesus, doing His will in all things and at all times. Glory to our God! The little Church at this place that God established nearly two years ago is all alive for God and His cause. It seems that the Lord does not want any preaching here, for He does not send any one here. Well we say amen to it, God’s will be done. Oh how I do love to just let God have His way. Oh praise God! my soul is so full of the glory of God that I can hardly write. Oh hallelujah to our God for ever!

M. H. Basore.

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Cady, Mich.

Dear Brethren: — We are saved and kept by the power of God, ready to be revealed in the last time. The devil would like to destroy us but the Lord says his grace is sufficient for us in every time of need. Your Bro. and sister in Christ.

S. C. & C. J. Stead.

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Merrill, Mich.

Dear Brethren: — I feel led of God this morning to write my testimony for Jesus. Three years ago God had mercy on my soul and saved me from my sins; and it was a time I shall never forget. I could do nothing but praise my Savior for what He had done for me. O glory to Jesus for ever more! I lived as near the Bible standard as I could until the next spring when I was baptized and taken into the W. M. sect; then thinking I was in God’s order, I lived as near to the vow I had made to this man-made institution as I could; I was honest; it was not long until the Lord showed me that some of my brothers and sisters had a deeper experience than I had: and I saw it was God’s will even my sanctification. Then I consecrated myself and all to God and He sanctified my soul. Then one year ago last July the saints of God held a two days meeting in the log meeting house near Merrill. I went and heard a sermon on the straight Church. I saw at once that there was only one Church; but I did not think I could leave my dear friends and brothers and sisters to whom I had so long been attached, but God said, “Come out from among them.” I did not obey then; I could not see that it was my own fault that I did not have the same happy meetings as I did before. Well I had the light on the one Church. Then God showed me it was a command to wash the saints feet, and I was not free to do God’s will while tied up under a discipline or creed of man, and I promised God to obey Him let come what would. So I declared my freedom and separated myself from unbelievers and stand alone for Jesus, and with the true saints of God: and now my whole trust is in Christ Jesus our Lord, and I am free now. I know His grace is sufficient. He tells us in His Word that nothing shall separate us from the love of God. O glory to Jesus for these promises. Pray for me dear saints that I continue faithful unto death. Your sister saved by grace.

Phebe Frost.

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Morley, Mich.

Dear Trumpet Readers: — I have a dear son in the northern asylum, who is insane. He was the most dear to me of all my dear children because he was ever desiring to be a good christian. Two weeks ago I received a letter that he had lost his mind entirely. Praise the blessed Lord, this morning He gave me Mark 9:29 to read, and He has given me strong faith to believe that all things can be done in answer to prayer. Now dearly beloved of the Most High calling, I beseech you all to help me to pray for him. May God bless yon one and all in your prayers. Your sister in Christ.

Barthena Milk.

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Fertigs, Pa.

Dear Brethren: — I do praise God this morning for salvation. My testimony is, am still saved by the all cleansing blood of Jesus, and am living up to all the light God gives me. O praise God for this blessed evening light, and for His truth that is able to save all who are willing to come and give all to Him. Well I can say that I have given up all to follow Him, and He saves me just now, and I find Him a help in all times of need. O praise His name for saving my poor soul. I am poor in this world, but rich in Christ Jesus. The Lord has redeemed me from this wicked world and I suffer many persecutions, but I can bear them all for Jesus who has done so much for me. They that live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. Tongue cannot tell the joy that salvation gives. Well bless the Lord! I have no other determination than to go through, for I know Jesus is able to keep that which have committed unto Him. I am sweetly saved and sanctified to God, and my heart goes out for poor lost souls. O may God save many precious souls before it is too late. I remain your sister, saved.

Sarah L. Stover.

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Archbold, O.

Dear Saints: — May God bless you with increased wisdom. This morning while in the inner court talking with Father, the Spirit witnesseth that we must testify again to His wonderful love and saving power. Praise the Lord! We are out in mid ocean: how safe and calm we sink down into Father’s will, rocking on the billows. God is moving His great army along; adding more to His number daily. My daily prayer is that those who are strong will patiently help the weak ones. O God, plant wisdom in all our hearts; make us wise in winning poor souls from an endless hell. Praise God! it makes no difference what Jesus does with me, for self is dead. O I do praise God for my clean white robe. May God keep you all blameless. Pray for us and this place. Your sister in the body of Christ.

Clara A. Kinney.

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South Haven, Mich.

Dear Brethren: — I am happy to write my testimony that I am saved by the blood of my Savior. Glory to God in the highest! In spite of the devil I will testify that I am saved just now. I love the Lord above every thing of this world: He cleansed me and gave me His peace in my soul. I went to Geneva Center last Sun day to meeting, and the Lord wonderfully poured out His Spirit upon the dear saints and they were made to rejoice in His love. Praise the Lord! I tell you it strengthens our souls to bear of the dear brothers and sisters, that the Lord has done so much for them. Let us live holy to God that our lives may tell to others that we have been with Christ and learned of Him. Glory to God for the way He has been leading me. Dear ones pray for me that I may stand firm for Christ. Your Bro. saved and sanctified by the blood of Christ.

Marion Welch,

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Carthage, Mo.

I know this morning I am saved to the uttermost. I know that my Redeemer liveth. I want you to pray for me that I prove faithful to the end. I am ten years old. Your little sister.

Bertha Shoffner.

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OBITUARIES.

—:o:—

Died in Arlington Township, Van Buren Co. Mich., March 20th, of consumption, Bro. Wm. Henry in the 59th year of his age. Bro. Henry never made any profession of religion until a few days before his death. Sister Henry has been very earnest in her prayers for him for many years; we have heard her testify a number of times that she had the evidence that he would be saved before he died. Praise the Lord, her prayers were answered. His children, though not professors, rejoiced greatly that their father found the Lord precious to his soul. He died in the full triumphs of faith. Bro. Henry was a member of the A. Lincoln Post of the G. A. R. and at one time during his sickness, we have been told, desired to be buried under the auspices of that order; but after his conversion, felt differently, and told his wife to have her way in the matter, which way was not by the G. A. R..

The funeral was held at the Hicks school house in Arlington.

A. B. Palmer.

Our brother has gone home to rest,
And we bow ’neath the chastening rod;
For He’s sheltered in Jesus’ breast,
Safe at home in the city of God.

He came to the foot of the cross;
Heavy burdened with sorrow and sin,
Saying, “Jesus have mercy on me;
Thou canst, if Thou wilt, make me clean.”

Then yielding his all to his God;
Regardless of satan or pain,
He rested alone on the Word;
And the Spirit soon witnessed within.

Then his face with pure joy was aglow,
And he praised God again and again,
Saying, “Loved ones, I’m ready to go;
Lord Jesus come quickly, Amen!”

Lottie Blackwood.

Dear wife, I now must leave you;
I do not wish to stay
Since my dear loving Jesus
Has shown me the way.

I desire no more to live
In this vile world of sin;
The door has just been opened
To let me enter in.

My children, O my children,
Christ died your souls to save;
Would you meet me in Heaven,
Salvation you must have.

My wife faithful to me has been;
I am now satisfied;
How oft she prayed the Lord
To save me ere I died.

O glory hallelujah,
I now am going o’er,
To rest in that bright Canaan;
Let me go, shut the door.

Composed from declarations made by brother Henry just before he died.

A. B. P. & A. C. P.

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Cedar Vale, Kan.

Minnie E, infant daughter of Marshal and Mary J. Frazee, died March 8 1888, Aged 2 weeks and three days. Bro. and sister Frazee are zealous workers in the Church of the living God. Notwithstanding the great sorrow of parting with the only child, they are resigned to the holy will of Him who doeth all things well. May God bless them richly.

G. R. Achor.

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Kendall, Mich.

Dear Bro. Charles Green died March 20, ’88. Bro. Charles was about 17 years of age. Last winter he gave himself to the Lord, but being surrounded by such terrible influence, soon went back into the world again. His last illness was brought on by his backslidings (of which he confessed). Dear Bro. Wm Schoolcraft and myself visited and prayed with and for him. The Lord accepted and blessed him, and just before passing away he pointed towards Heaven as if to say, All is well, I shall soon be at home. God so sweetly saved his soul, that he had no fellowship with the world, but a complete blending with the free Spirit of Christ.

W. N. Smith.

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and at the same time puts in us a prevailing draw to some other place. And when we come to express our minds, behold we all have the same leading of the Spirit, and we say surely it is the voice of the Lord, and act accordingly.

Last fall we were sent for to pray for a sick brother whose affliction had been caused by getting hurt by a fractious colt. We remained there a few days and held some meetings and a few souls were joyfully saved. But the brother did riot seem to get healed. One morning arrangements had been made for us all to visit with a family in the neighborhood. We knelt down by the bedside of the sick brother in family worship where the voice of the Spirit spoke to us and said: “Bro. — is not wholly sanctified, he became impatient when he had the difficulty with the colt.” As we went on our way we told this to our company. Returning the same day we said to the sick brother: “we are impressed that one reason the healing power of God has not been manifest, is because you are not yet wholly sanctified,” and then asked, “have you not felt impatience or anger at some time?” The immediate reply was “yes, when I had the trouble with the colt.” This brother had been to a Camp meeting a month or two before and there consecrated for holiness, and was healed of chronic diseases of years standing. He came home feeling well, and went to work, but by some device of the enemy lost full salvation, and from the very first instance of getting angry became worse afflicted than before, from which he never fully recovered. Though God doubtless freely restored him, and he died in perfect peace, we cannot refrain from speaking of this case as a solemn warning to all who have been healed of the Lord, to remember the words of Jesus, “Behold thou art made whole, sin no more lest a worse thing come unto thee.”

But to return Lo our subject. We thus conclude that as God spoke to our soul so clearly, telling us the facts of this brother’s case, He could reveal to us every other mystery if He would; knowing that we are all the Lord’s now as much as ever before. Yet the Lord does not do so. Shall we therefore allow satan to trouble our mind with various vague accusations? and rob our soul of peace by half believing that we are not right? God forbid. Nay, we simply conclude that God sees it is not necessary, or not best for us, and all parties concerned and we give no place to the devil, no not for a moment. Praise God! he is utterly bruised under our feet, and we allow him not the smallest say, or do, in the affairs of our soul and the kingdom of Heaven.

Then to all saints we say, know that you are wholly dead to sin, self and the world, and fully given into His hands, then “acknowledge Him in all thy ways, and He will guide thy paths.” That is, as you know you are passive in His hands, and obeying Him lo the full extent of your judgment, and all of God’s revelations to your mind, cast all your worrying away, and believe that God is having His way with you. And so seeing God by faith in all your ways, He will guide thy paths. But if the devil is allowed to suggest that God did not lead you at all to go to a certain place, because no great fruits appeared and that it was the devil that led you, then you acknowledge the devil in some of your ways, and he will therefore guide some of your paths. If your faith utterly rules the devil out of your life, he is out, for God says: “as your faith is so be it unto you.”

Concerning the call to the ministry, we feel assured that the soul that God has chosen for this holy work will have it made plain by the Spirit. The call rests often upon the mind as a conviction by the Spirit of God. Usually it is accompanied with a desire to work for God in this calling, and always with a fervent love for the salvation of souls. In these days God is also calling many saints, (who are not called to preach) to give their time to the great work of rescuing souls. In obedience to this call, by way of singing, testifying, praying and inviting souls to the Altar, afterwards some are “counted of the Lord faithful, putting them into the ministry.” So let not all conclude that they should assume the preacher, because called to work for the Lord. This precaution we mean more particularly for young saints.

When it is settled in your mind that God wants you to work for Him, do not sit down at home and let the devil buffet and accuse you because you do not get a revelation from God, telling just where and when to go. “The harvest is great,” the world is large and filled with darkness. “If you want a field of labor, you can find it any where.” “Blessed is he that soweth beside all waters,” “In the morning sow thy seed, in the evening withhold not thy hand.” It were just as foolish for a person to sit down at home, and let the devil harass him that he is not fit to work for God because he does not get a direct revelation from God for every step he makes, as it would be for a farmer to sit in his house, and tease God to tell him by a voice from Heaven which field he should labor in. His eyes see crops perishing, his hands find plenty to do every where, but he must not touch the work till God tells him where to begin. Stay not at home, “observing the wind,” or waiting for signs. Ask God to direct you by His counsel, in whatever way he pleases. If you hear the voice of the Spirit, obey. If not, follow the drawing of sanctified desires, and the dictates of consecrated judgment, and never let the devil accuse you. The great commission says, “GO YE THEREFORE INTO ALL THE WORLD.” Why sit at home worrying where to go when God has already told you to go into all the world. You cannot go any where on earth but what it is included in your commission. God often calls men to go where their minds had not been furnished with any thing upon which to exercise judgment and decision. That is giving orders where judgment could not act, for want of information. But for all that, God does not suspend judgment where it has information to act on. Even after Paul had received an impression that he should not preach in Asia, and saw a vision calling him to Macedonia, he still used his judgment in the matter. “Assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the Gospel unto them.” — Acts 16:10. “Assuredly gathering,” means that they summed up the inferences, and drew their conclusion, which implies the exercise of their own reason, and common sense. Brethren, do nothing in your own strength or wisdom, or for your own glory. Do all things with a single eye to the glory of God, and “do with your might what your hands find to do.” Use your judgment in all things not directed by direct revelation, and believe that God is “leading you in judgment.”

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. — Phil. 4:8.

You perceive that God leaves it to your pure mind and enlightened judgment, as to what things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. The Lord bless all His children with humility and holy zeal. “And let not your hands be slack.” For “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and shall do exploits ” Dan. 11. Amen!

__________

TRUMPET BLAST.

—:o:—

WHO are softs of God? Those born of God, those who have been quickened by the Spirit, regenerated, those who have been converted and become as little children, passed from death unto life, those who have received the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Many soul destroying heresies are in the world to-day, propagated by false prophets in reference to the new birth when and where it takes place; and who are the sons of God. New all who have received the new birth know when and where it takes place, and there is no guess work about it. They tell what they do know, and any one caviling about the new birth shows he has not yet received it, and any one who puts it off until after the resurrection, he, as all other poor sinners, has not been regenerated, and has no knowledge of regeneration. He may have a theory respecting it, but no knowledge of, and when, and who are sons of God. O I am so glad to say I know I am a son of God, being born of God. Jesus says, Ye must be born again (regenerated.) Except a man be born again he can pot see the kingdom of God. — Jno. 3:1-7 We are begotten by the Spirit of God; begotten, beget, to generate, and generate to give life, reproduce, to bring forth, hence born again, given a new life. Regeneration makes us a son of God; being of God we are sons of God, have passed from death unto life. Hallelujah! Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. — 1 Jno. 5:1, 10. Then in 1 Jno. 4:4 he says, “Ye are of God little children;” then “he that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life.” “These things have I written into you that believe on the name of the of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” — 6:12, 13. Now John states present, positive facts and that is, those who believe HAVE eternal life, not that they will in some future time get it; but have eternal life now; because ‘‘he that believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God,” Hallelujah! Mark you, “IS BORN OF GOD:” hence partakers of his life and nature. 2 Pet. 1:4. Generated of God, yes regenerated. And if we are born of God, we are the sons of God. When are we sons of God? when we are born of God. When are we born of God? when we believe that Jesus is the Christ. Why cavil a bout such plain facts taught in the Word of God. Jesus saith, That which is born of the Spirit, is Spirit; hence it is the spiritual man that is born again, regenerated. We take Jesus for authority on this subject rather than any blind babylon soul-sleepers, who say, We are not born of the Spirit, or become the sons of God, until the resurrection of the body. We become the sons of God, when we are quickened by the Spirit. See Eph. 2:1, 5. “And you hath He quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins.” They had been dead in the past, but are quickened and made alive in the present: Hallelujah! They had believed on Jesus Christ, and received eternal life. Hark to the words of Jesus: John 3:16; 18:36. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life.” Amen! and Amen!! Hath everlasting life, never ending life; the life eternal, for Jesus is in us. Jesus says now is the time when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live. Glory to God! a few are hearing the voice of the Son of God, and have been made alive by the Spirit.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. O hallelujah! this fits in my soul; because I am born of God, and have eternal life: This is the teaching of all the Word of God, and nowhere does it defer eternal life until the resurrection of the body.

When we are born again, we receive the Spirit of Jesus Christ, hence Paul saith, If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His; for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of’ God. Rom. 8:9, 14. “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father, wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son: and if a son then an heir of God through Christ” — Gal. 4:6, 7. Paul states positively, Ye are no more a servant, but a son. Yes sons of God here in this life or never. Then Paul in writing to the disciples at Corinth says, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual; but as unto carnal, as babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk.” Now Paul declares he had fed these babes, hence they had been born or he could not have fed them. The German is: Little children in Christ. Now if they were little children in Christ, they must have been horn of God. Jesus taught His disciples when they prayed to address God as their Father. Now if God was their Father, then they were His sons, and had been born again. Matt. 19:28. Then Jesus declared their names were written in Heaven. Then they were the children of a heavenly birth; born of God. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” Yes now, in the present time. But men who are spiritually blind tell us we are not born of the Spirit, neither are we the sons of God until the resurrection of the body. Read Gal. 3:26, Ye are all the children of God by faith. All such Scriptures overthrow the false teaching that we are not born of the Spirit until after the resurrection of the body.

Then in Pet. 2:2, he says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word that ye may grow thereby.” We do not feed milk unto dead children, nor unto those who are not born. Peter declares they were born again. These are undeniable facts.

The devil’s Watch Tower, falsely called Zion’s Watch tower, twists the Scripture to suit his own creed from the pit of lies. In an article found in Tower No. 6 of Feb., entitled, “Who are sons of God?” He says: “Angels are called sons in parable in Job 1:6, and 2:1. They are again represented as morning stars rejoicing together at the creation of this earth, when they as the sous of God shouted for joy. Job 38:7, 1:6. Now there was a time or day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto satan: Whence comest thou? Then satan answered the Lord and said: From going to and fro in the earth. . . . And the Lord said: Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect . . . man. . . . — Now this blind babylonian Editor says, Those who were called sons of God here were angels: says, those angels were called sons of God until they fell into sin, and refers to Gen. 6:2, 4; that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair and they took them wives of all which they chose. Then read the 3rd verse and see these sons of God were men, not angels.

Now why does he assert these were angels? His reason is this, he asserts one base falsehood to prove another. He tries to prove we are not sons of God, not born again until the resurrection of the body. Then he quotes John 1:12, and says, mark well, “Christ gave liberty to become sons, did not make us sons.” He says, “God has no imperfect sons as we are,” these are his words, hence in the full sense of the word, we are not sons until the end of this ago, then he says we must overcome our former master, sin: we must over come the world then. He says the robe of righteousness covers our deformity and weakness, so then (he says) all who are consecrated to God, and only they have the robe which assures to them access to God, and to son-ship. Now if this blind sinner, deformed and dead, as he confess himself to be, would come to God and repent of his sins, he would know something about it. He is not a child of God; never has been regenerated, as he confesses, and he imagines it he ever gets it, it will be in the next age; hence he smears a lot slime of the bottomless pit on his paper called, “restitution of all things,” and his paper would not hold all his abominable lies, so he goes to work and prints a book called, “Millenial Dawn” that all will have a chance in the age to come to repent and get saved. O such abominable lies of the devil! Now if the devil can get poor sinners to believe such stuff, that they will have a second chance, then they will risk their salvation until after death, then they will serve the devil here and wake up in hell; probation ended, with all who believe and teach such abominable lies. This abominable Watch Tower (of the devil) is filling this country with his lies, and many poor souls are being led away from God. I warn all the saints against this man, the paper, and Millenial Dawn, Food for Christians.(?) I have read the paper and books mentioned. This man is of the devil and full of devils. No man can receive his teaching without becoming possessed with devils. I have his paper, and he makes false statements; he wrests and twists the Scripture; he is a false prophet and I warn all the saints against it. For Jesus’ sake do not touch any such abominable slime. There are some here in Kan. who were once bright in the experience of holiness, and to-day are full of devils. One said to me, “O you are prejudiced against Bro. Russell.” I declared he was not my Bro.. I have no more fellowship with him, than with His father the devil. Dear ones, such men as this are not our brothers. Bless the Lord! I have no fellowship with sin nor sinners. This poor man is of no soul-ism, no eternal punishment and that men do not have any immortal soul, and the curse of God on man was only physical death; man has no immortality in him, and salvation is only physical salvation. He says Jesus came to save us from death only, and Jesus says He come to save us from our sins. This man will assert bare faced lies, then wrest the Word of God to prove them. May God save His people from all such doctrines of devils. “Many false prophets have gone out into the world,” mark them, try them by the word of God; keep to the Word, keep full of the Holy Ghost, all on fire. Amen!

O dear saints of God beware of false prophets, who go about in sheep clothing. Many cages of devils are professing holiness, who teach some truth in reference to the coming out of sect babylon, then slime in a lot of their lies and make it took very nice. Beware, and take heed what ye hear, and how, and what ye read.

The best thing you can do with that beastly paper, Zion’s Watch Tower, falsely called, and all its Editor’s works, is to put them quickly in the fire.

I remain your humble saved servant, sanctified wholly, built in the Church of Jesus Christ, have the victory over the beast, his image, mark, number of his name and all doctrines of devils. Amen! Hallelujah to Jesus!

J. P. Haner.

Healed of Consumption.

Portland, Mich.

On the 5th of Feb., we went to North Eagle and held an ordinance meeting at the house of dear Bro. and sister Howe, where there were thirteen of God’s children to participate in the observance of the holy ordinances. The good Lord helped us to preach the straight Word, and the Spirit fell upon us in a wonderful manner and the saints shouted and praised God. In the evening we had a prayer meeting during which the Lord impressed us to lay hands on Bro. Boyins who was very badly afflicted with consumption, and as we obeyed the Spirit, he was healed and was able to sing and pray, and at this writing he is able to work all the time.

Your saved brother and sister under the blood.

Joel & Polly Colby.

—o—

West hope, O.

Dear Saints: — I want to say to the glory of God and his son Jesus Christ, out Lord. I have been sick ever since a small child; and for the past three years have been confined to my bed most of the time. I sent to Deshler Ohio and had Elder E. J. Hill and Wife brought and I knelt and was anointed by the Elder and his Wife and my sister and my husband laid hands on me and I was healed instantaneously I had consumption and the kidneys disease and dropsy to which I give God all the glory. Your saved sister in Christ.

Hattie Hobard.

—:o:—

March 18, ’88.

Dear children of God: — After the healing of my aunt Hattie Hobard, Elder E. J. Hill read to me the 3rd chapter of St John from 1st verse to 17, and I was lying of my bed exposed to death by spinal fever. On Sabbath while they all gathered around my bed, I gave my heart to Christ and was converted; and I was anointed and healed and got out of my bed. Two weeks afterward I gave my heart to God for cleansing, and He cleansed me though and through, and away went my tobacco, pipe and all. Now I can say, Praise the Lord. O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Your Bro. in Christ.

William McDonnald.

 —:o:—

Geneva Center, Mich.

Dear Brethren: — I feel led to write n.. testimony for the TRUMPET. I praise the Lord this evening for salvation! I am so glad the Lord ever called after me and … accepted this wonderful salvation the saves me from all sin. The Lord convicted me for about two years, and at last I has to come and be saved or go down to hell. The awful convicting power was so great that I could scarcely breathe; then I got down before God and he set me free. O praise the Lord for ever and ever! Whosoever the Son makes free is free indeed. O glory be to Jesus for saving a poor sinner like me. I was an awful sinner, but the Lord has saved and sanctified me, and is keeping me day by day from all sin. O praise the Lord for the mighty cleansing power! The Lord sanctified me on Christmas night, but I did not get the blessing then, but I trusted Him for two weeks walking by faith, trusting in His promises. And one day the mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost came. O praise the Lord! I cannot possibly tell you my feelings at that time. But I realize the half has never been told. I never thought the Lord could do such wonderful things for us.

From your sister under the blood forever.

Susie Reeve.

—:o:—

St James, Mo.

Our testimony this morning is, we are saved by the blood of Jesus, cleansed from all sin, tried as by fire. O what joy is in victory. Glory to God! We feel a peace in our souls this morning that the work cannot give nor take away. Blessed be His holy name! O may the Gospel be spread quickly through all the world. May the Lord bless the saints every where and help them to be faithful to the end; for they only shall be saved.

Your Bro. and sister saved, sanctified and kept by the power of God.

E. & G. Bricker.

Nashville, Kan.

Dear Brethren: — I feel led of the Spirit of the Lord to write my testimony to you I feel that the glory of the Lord is in my soul now. I do praise God for salvation full and free, that can save to the uttermost. Pray for me that my faith fail not.

Your Brother.      

W. Kiefer.