18 May 1893, Volume 13, Number 20.
The Shield of Faith.
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Oh take the shield of faith divine.
And hold it in the light;
The glory of its holy sheen
Will put all foes to flight.
Cho. —
O wield the sword of truth, my brother,
And lift the shield of faith;
All hell must flee, and heaven’s glory
Will crown thy light of faith.
Hold up the shield of faith in God,
When tempting spirits throng,
Hold up the shield, exult the blood,
And shout the victor’s song.
Almighty faith, in Jesus’ name,
Will shield from every dart;
While trusting in the holy One,
No sin can reach thy heart.
O God, thou art our sun and shield,
Our soul’s eternal trust;
Upon the hottest battle field,
In Thee we safely rest.
O precious shield of faith and love,
With Thee we shall not fall;
For thy eternal truth will prove
Triumphant over all.
D. S. W.
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THIS GENERATION.
“Verily I say unto you, This generation ah all not pas till all these things he fulfilled.” Matt. 24:34.
THIS is a prominent text in connection with the signs of the coming of Christ and the end of the world. And many have used it with but little or no understanding of its meaning, generally supposing it to mean an average lifetime of perhaps thirty-three or more years, varying greatly as to the time when this generation had its existence, etc. Christ, in this chapter, was answering those questions: “When shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?” v. 3. And after giving many signs, he gives the one in v. 31; viz., the gathering together of God’s elect from the four winds; which he shows by the parable of the fig tree, in verses 32, 33 to be very near his coming, and the end of the world, when “all these things be fulfilled.” Professors generally admit that there will be no divisions or sects in heaven, but to gather God’s children together in this world, — will they admit of it? No. It would spoil their idolatry, brake up their shrine factories, “tear down my church,” uproot every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted, and dissolve the pride and wealth of Babylon, which results in great weeping and lamentation. See Rev. 18.
But it must come to pass. Jesus hath said it. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Before we all get to heaven and before Christ’s coming and the end of the world, his elect are gathered together, from the four winds. There was a gathering together unto Christ in the beginning of this dispensation. It was prophesied of in Gen. 49:10. “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” Again in Jno. 11:52 it is said that he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Now we will notice that this prophecy was fulfilled: “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:6. Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Sythian, bond nor free; but Christ is all, and in all. Col. 3:11. “For he is our peace who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himself of twain, one new man, so making peace. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” Eph. 2:14-16.
Here we see the gathering together of the elect or children of God scattered abroad, was into one body, which is the church, which Paul refers to in 2 Thess. 2:1-3, by our gathering together unto Him. This gathering is not followed by the immediate coming of Christ; but there would be a falling away first, which is known in history as the great apostasy, and was brought about by the abomination of desolation, giving both the sanctuary (the church) and the host (Christ) to be trodden under foot. It was first the usurpation of human authority by the bishops of Rome, next by councils; which ended in the formation of an external organization, set up in opposition to the church of God, whose names are written in heaven. Millions of souls were martyred. Submission to this human lordly craft, “man of sin,” “the son of perdition,” was demanded, or their lives were to pay the forfeit. Being regarded as heretics and worthy of death if they did not acknowledge the supposed holy order, which had a complete system of religion by works, penance, indulgences by the pope, and decrees by their councils, etc. But in later years reformations have arisen, bibles sowed broadcast, faith in Jesus preached, and millions have been born of God. But sad, sad, they have been scattered over all the face of the earth, far exceeding all scatterings of past ages. Protestantism furnished us a period of many pastors, ten to fifteen in the small towns, each having separate congregations. Now hear the word of the Lord. “Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion [the saved ones in the sects] under foot; they have made my pleasant portion a howling wilderness.” Jer. 12:10. “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people: Ye have scattered my flock.”
It is a fact admitted by all, that there are good and bad in all sects. The good are God’s sheep scattered among all the sects, not discerning the Lord’s body, which is the church. “My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place [fold].” — Jer. 50:6. “My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill; yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth and none did seek after them.” — Ezek. 34:6. Sects now exist among all nations, over all the face of the earth. And wherever sects exist there God’s people are scattered, for a sect is a cut off part, a section, or division, and to divide God’s people is to scatter them. We have showed that the gathering of God’s people is the assimilation of them into one body, and to get them into sects, many bodies, is to divide or scatter them.
The gathering of the elect is the last reformation on earth, and a sign of the immediate coming of Christ and the end of the world. This is not the bringing of all sects into one universal sect. But the saved ones discern the true church, the body of Christ, of which Jesus is the head, and then there is no room in the heart for sects. Jesus becomes all and in all. Paul in speaking of this last reformation of Bible holiness, says “that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him.” Eph. 1:10. Notice this gathering together in one all things in Christ is not at or after Christ’s coming, but in (or during) the dispensation of the fullness of times. This being the last dispensation and this gathering is in this dispensation, but in the fullness or last part of the dispensation of times, or epoch of time; which shows plain this is identical with Matt. 24:31. The gathering together in the apostolic times, was brought about by the preaching of the pure gospel; so it is again, when Christ is lifted up, not creeds of men; and the body of Christ lifted up, not sects; and salvation constituting a person a member, not joining, etc.
Throughout the Bible God’s children are called a generation. A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Psa. 22:30. This is the generation of them that seek him. Psa. 24:6. But ye are a chosen generation. 1 Pet. 2:9. See Psa. 73:15; Isa. 53:8. But “this generation” has reference to God’s people who are gathered together from the four winds. And as sects (their pastors) have scattered them to the four winds or over all the face of the earth, so God sends his angels or messengers to gather them together, which is called the day of his preparation in Nahum 2:3-6, which is said to be accomplished in Rev. 19:7, 8, after God’s people have been called out of Babylon, and Babylon destroyed; God having judged her, and his people under the omnipotent reign of Jesus Christ. The bride (the church) is said to be ready for the marriage of the Lamb, etc. This generation shall not pass (that is, not die out and give way to some succeeding reformation), but will continue to the consummation of all things. God holds the times and seasons in his own power, and through his foreknowledge and immutable word, he gives us to understand this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled, which includes Christ’s coming and end of the world; then this generation passes away into resurrection and translation glory “and so shall they ever be with the Lord.”
“This generation” or the elect gathered from the four winds in the evening light, has promises that no other reformation on earth has ever had; viz., “Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall the moon withdraw itself. Isa. 60:20. “Thy sun shall no more go down.” This could have been said of any reformation in Judaism. They had their reforms, always followed in turn by darkness, which is described by the prophet as a perpetual backsliding. Jer. 8:5. And just before Christ’s coming they were so far in darkness that it was said: Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to the fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Mal. 4:5, 6. This reformation was carried forward by the Lord Jesus himself and his holy apostles and prophets, until New Testament light and glory shone in all its strength. Yea, “the sun of righteousness arose with healing in his wings,” and again, “my light shall be seen upon thee.” But this state did not continue long. The sun went down at noon and the earth was darkened in the clear day; followed by the great famine, not of bread nor of water, but of the hearing of the words of the Lord. Amos 8. The people of thy holiness possessed it but a little while; our adversaries have trodden down thy sanctuary. Isa. 63:18 “And the woman [church] fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days [or 1260 years].” And there was war in heaven [reformation] Rev. 12:6, 7. The light of justification appears in the sixteenth century and that of sanctification in the eighteenth century. But look among those sects and it is now hard to trace any seeds of reform likewise their sun has gone down. But to the true church, in the evening light or last reformation, it is said, Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself, but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light and thy God thy glory. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I the Lord will hasten it in his time. Isa. 60:22. Oh, may God stir the hearts of his messengers and people to activity as they see all these things fulfilled. Amen.
Geo. L. Cole.
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FROM ROMANS TO THESSALONIANS.
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Dear Brethren: May the Lord bless you all with all spiritual blessings in the anointed Jesus.
Did God through his Spirit inspire the arrangement of the Pauline epistles? Let us examine them and see. We find in the book of Romans, that Paul, while writing to the church and calling them saints, gives a plain statement of their original condition and convicts all, both Jew and Greek, of having been sinners in the sight of God; tells them the goodness and love of God, that leads them to repentance, that they are saved through faith in his promises; proves that works cannot save them by the example of Abraham, shows that there must be a ceasing from sin and living to righteousness, and urges them forward to higher attainments. What for? That the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Rom. 15:16,
In 1 Cor. we are shown that divisons have crept in and the cause of them, and that some are puffed up, and that the worst of abominations are practiced by those called brethren, and commands them not to keep company with such and urges them to the attainment of higher spiritual gifts.
In 2 Cor. we find that they have cleansed themselves to a certain extent, and the apostle proves by his life and works that he is entitled to be heard.
Galatians gives the next and last stage in the downward course, and they have left the good news of freedom in Christ, and attempt to save themselves by law. The apostle shows them their mistake; that law is of the flesh and leads to bondage; and by contrasting the works of the flesh and Spirit shows them their error. Man has now proven that he cannot save himself, for despite all his endeavors he becomes worse all the time.
Man now becomes tired of having his own way and begins again to seek the way of the Lord, and the Lord graciously reveals himself to man as the chiefest among ten thousand and the one altogether lovely. The firstborn among many brethren, and in Ephesians the head over all to the church, which is his body. That he was the chief corner stone on which all the building being fitly compacted, increases unto a holy temple. Oh the glory of it!
In Philippians we are taught to look for the returning of our Lord and to expect him shortly. The common version here is not so plain, yet the wise can understand as in Phil. 3:20, and elsewhere, but the Emphatic Diaglot speaks very plainly in chapter 1:23, where Paul says, “I have an earnest desire for the returning and being with Christ, since it is very much to be preferred.” Rotherham also agrees with that reading. See foot note. Thus far the history of the church will show the prophetic character of each letter as it relates to the different ages, or phases of the church in the nineteen centuries since Christ. We see also that while part of the times are quite distinct and separate, others are contemporary and still others lap over several, so that there is no distinction between them except as to the time of their beginning. But coming to the present and future, what have we to look forward to, and what hope is held out to the earnest believer? Can we look into the word and see plainly stated the present position of the church, and that its hope for the future is well grounded?
Let us see what the Spirit says in the next three letters. Take Colossians 1:26-28. Paul says he was sent to fully preach (margin) the word of God, the mystery that was hid from the ages, but is now made manifest to the saints, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Preaching, teaching, warning so that he. might present every man perfect in Christ. And in Col. 2:10 he says, Ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality, and power; circumcised, dead and buried with him, and if so, also risen with him, and if we are dead with Christ why are we subject to ordinances after the commandments and doctrines of men? But read the whole letter and pray God to let the light shine upon the sacred page, for it was thus upon my knees that the light shone into my heart after days and weeks and months of earnest supplication.
But if you want to see the perfect church, free and with her glorious garments on, turn to Thessalonians. While Paul says in his first letter that there is something lacking in their faith which he wants to come to them and supply, yet both letters are full of thanksgiving and praise for their high attainments. The lack spoken of in the first letter was that they (as a church) were not wholly sanctified, but that was soon corrected, as in 2 Thess. 1:3, 4. He says, We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, because your faith groweth exceedingly; and for your faith and patience in your persecutions and tribulations.
We have now traced the church through all her vicissitudes till she has washed her lobes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb in the closing days of time, and find, that regardless of what man may say, that persecutions and trials follow her all the way, and that the Spirit made no mistake when it said that all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. We are now living in a time when God is gathering together the remnant of his people, who enjoy the whole gospel preached in all its purity, and they worship him in the beauty of holiness.
F. J. Kiefer.
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Calvert, Miss.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led of the Lord to write my testimony. I know that he saves me and sanctifies me to do his will just now. Praise his dear holy name! I thank God that he spared me to hear holiness preached, and that I accepted it. Pray for me and family.
Your sister in Christ,
Mica E. Joyner.
Page 2
THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
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A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.
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DEFINITE, RADICAL, ANTI-SECTARIAN.
Sent Forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For the Purity and Unity of His Church;
the Defence of ALL His Truth;
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.
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PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.
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E. E. BYBUM, – Office Editor.
E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.
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THE SHINNING LIGHT.
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The excellent work on this subject, written by Brother Bradley, has been reduced in price to 20 cents. It is a review of a tract written against this ordinance. A lively exposure of the false teaching of the opposer, and a very thorough vindication of the sacred ordinance of Christ. It contains 84 large pages, and gives much light. Price 20 cts. U$1.90 a dozen. Order of the author, Bro. W. W. Bradley, Watkinsville, Miss, or from this office.
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BY H. C. WICKERSHAM.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.
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Sallie Morphy, F. M. Bray, J. R. Alexander, N. B. Moore, C. E. Hunter, John Shick, Jessie Irland, Viannah Crites, G. W. Sorrels, J. B. Graham, Belle Shelton, D. C. Stauffer, D. F. Burns.
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Requests For Prayer.
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Martha Morris, Poynor, Mo. wants the prayers of the saints for heart trouble and bodily afflictions, that God may heal her.
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Mrs. Isaac Billings, Eau Gallie, Fla. who has suffered for years from neuralgia of the head, desires prayer for her relief and healing.
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Prayer is requested for the healing of a young lady in Yazoo Co., Miss., who has been afflicted for two years, and confined to her bed for six months.
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Bro. D. Fletcher, of Ohio, desires the saints to pray for him, Sunday May 28, at 10 A. M. that he may receive the Holy Ghost and be healed of his afflictions.
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Dear Saints of God: I will kindly ask you all to pray for me that I may be cleansed from sin, and wholly sanctified to do the whole will of God. It appears that I cannot get saved, and am unable to take hold by faith.
Mrs. Elda Tope.
Urichsville, Ohio.
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Calls For Meeting.
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We desire a grove meeting at our place. Would like to have Bro’s Warren and Schell, if the Lord wills.
Yours saved in Jesus.
S. J. Holsapple.
Brock, Ohio.
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To the Trumpet family and the saints of God, greeting: We are not saved, but believe the word, and we would like to have some of God’s little ones to come here, that can stir up the people’s minds and bring us nearer to God. We can get the fair ground to have meeting, and would love to see a good number of saints here if God wills. We would like to know if some one can come, and if so, when? We are poor in this world’s goods, but we will do all we can.
S. Rife & J. W. McCartney.
Muncie, Ind.
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EDITORIAL NOTES.
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He that committeth sin is of the devil. — 1 Jno. 3:8. Do you commit sin?
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Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin. — 1 Jno. 3:9. Are you born of God?
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Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. — Heb. 12:14. Do you believe in holiness?
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The devil never likes for people to testify to sanctification if they really are in possession of it, but if they do not have it then he urges them to testify to it.
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Carnality is not one of the fruits of holiness, but is of a different element, which takes the purging process of salvation to remove it from the soul.
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A good consecrated sister is wanted at once to help Sister Michels, with the kitchen and house work on the camp ground.
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If any of our readers have any copies of the SHINNING LIGHT of March 15. 1893, and can spare them we would be pleased to have 12 copies of that number.
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The soldier in battle who surrenders at sight of the enemy is sure to be taken captive; so is the soldier for Jesus who will not stand his ground when the enemy of his soul makes an attack.
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It is a hard thing to trust the Lord through a great trial if a person is not wholly given up to do His whole will and follow whithersoever He may lead.
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The Lord knows his own where- ever they are, through storms, trials, temptations, afflictions, persecutions, and in every time of need he is a present help, and will not leave nor forsake those who put their whole trust in him.
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A brother from Nebraska writes: “I feel impressed to write to you about the general western camp meeting, having talked with some of the saints at Kenesaw. We think Hastings would be a good location, as it is easily accessible by railroads from any direction and is also a central location, and provision can be made for all who may come. I would like to have you give notice of it in the Trumpet. So that the brethren in the west may consider the matter and pray over it.
Yours, saved to the uttermost,
S. S. Van Buskirk.
Hastings, Neb.
Let the brethren in the west consider this matter as soon as possible
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THE GRAND JUNCTION CAMP MEETING.
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The Lord willing, this camp meeting will be held June 9-18, beginning on Friday and lasting over two Sundays, and as much longer as the Lord wills. We are receiving letters from Canada and almost all parts of the United States, from persons who are making arrangements to come. There will doubtless be a very large attendance this year and a wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Some have asked for information as to how these meetings are carried on. To such we would say that they are anti-sectarian, governed and run by no conferences, “big preachers,” or organized sect-machinery, but all things are common and the Lord of heaven has charge of the whole affair, and his humble servants do his bidding according to the word of God. The meetings are a time of real soul-saving and salvation work; and many souls get deliverance from sin; others healed of various diseases by the power of God; while yet others have devils cast out of them. Everyone who is interested in salvation work is invited to come and attend the whole meeting, and there will be no admittance fees nor public collections. Special attention and care will be given to invalids and infirm persons who desire to attend. Interesting lessons on full salvation, prophecy, divine healing, etc., will be given as the Lord may lead.
The grounds are situated one mile north of Grand Junction. A building has been erected for sleeping apartments. Provisions will be made to board all who come. All who can do so, should bring enough blankets, quilts, etc., for a bed; as in times past, when there were such great crowds, sometimes the bed supplies were rather scanty. Some suppose Grand Junction to be a large place, but it is only a small village of about two hundred and fifty inhabitants. However all who come will be cared for, rich or poor. Come in the name of Jesus, ready to work for the Lord. There are many coming, who desire to get an experience of salvation, so there will be plenty for gospel workers to do. Who cannot afford to sacrifices few dollars and a few days to help along this great work of salvation and aid some poor souls to escape the eternal burning?
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GROVE MEETING.
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The saints of Johnstown desire to have a grove meeting, beginning the 31st of May and lasting over Lord’s day or as long as the Lord wills. Bro. Palmer is requested to be there, or any one else whom the Lord may send. Those wishing to come by R. R. notify Bro. D. Swanson or Bro. Crandall, Bedford, Mich., Calhoun Co., and they will meet them at Battle Creek.
E. Swanson.
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR THE CHILDREN.
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- Was Adam created pure and holy? Adam was created pure and holy. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. — Gen. 1:27.
- What caused him to fall? He ate of the forbidden fruit, and the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden, thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. — Gen. 2:15, 16, 17. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. — Gen. 3:6.
- What was his condition after ward? His eyes were opened and he knew good from evil. He became a sinner for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good from evil. — Gen. 3:5.
- Were his children pure and holy when they were born? His children were not pure and holy. And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in HIS OWN LIKENESS, after his image; and called his name Seth. — Gen. 5:3.
- How many people became sinners because of the sin of Adam? All men became sinners because of the sin of Adam. Wherefore, as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. — Rom. 5:12.
- Who came to save the people from their sins? Jesus came to save the people from their sins. And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. — Matt. 1:21.
- Where was he born? He was born in Bethlehem. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another. Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. — Luke 2:15.
- Did he ever preach to the people? He did preach to the people. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. — Matt. 4:17.
- What became of him? He was received up into heaven. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God. — Luke 16:19.
- Where is he now? He is in heaven. The Lord’s throne is in heaven. — Psa. 11:4.
- Who does he promise to save? He promises to save all that will come unto him. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28.
- Does he promise to save people from part of their sins, or from all sin? He promises to save people from all their sins? If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 Jno. 1:9.
- Can he keep his children from committing sin? He is able to keep us. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. — Jude 24.
- What is said about those that commit sin? They transgress the law. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure. Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law. 1 Jno. 3:4. Whosoever committeth sin is of the devil. 1 Jno. 3:8.
Yours saved,
Frankie McNichelson.
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THE MASTER’S CALL.
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Not long ago an article was written on this subject to stir up the pure minds of some whom the Lord has called to the ministry, although personal application was made to no certain ones. Yet we have found that the Holy Spirit did its office work and made it personal to some whom we knew nothing about. One brother who had been in debt and asked the saints to pray that he might be set free financially that he might be free for the work, when the Lord began to answer, he began to make more purchases and get deeper entangled than ever, and wrote us that the truth of the article mentioned hit him a “center shot.”
It is not our intention by these few words to talk to the sinners about how earnestly the Lord is calling for them; nor to the dear ministers of God to show them their duty; but wish to call attention of the dear ones who have heard the call of the Lord, and have been delivered from the darkness of sin, and made to rejoice in a Savior’s love. Please allow me to stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.
You whom the Lord has not called forth as ministers to preach the gospel, what are you doing in the harvest field of the Lord? The great field of the Lord is ripe unto harvest, and every one upon whom he has bestowed his pardoning grace, is a laborer in his vineyard to aid in gathering precious souls into the garner of the Lord. Has the Lord hired you to remain at home on the stool of do- nothing, or roam about at leisure looking at the “birds and beasts,” with the plea of “no talent” to work with? We hardly dare say, Shame on you, and stop there, for the word is not strong enough where so much is at stake. Do you not remember the parable the Lord gave? It was the one who only had ONE talent, who had it taken from him just because he would not put it into use. It is the same way to day, every idler in the great harvest field, and those who are shirking and evading duty’s call, are the ones who find instead of being fat and flourishing on account of an increase of talents they can only cry out “Oh my leanness! my leanness!”
Suppose a man had a great harvest which was ripe and must be quickly gathered into the barns before the time of harvest is past. The laborers seem to be few in number. He makes a call for help, and says, “Whosoever will may come, and I will pay good wages; your bread and water shall be sure, and when the harvest is over you shall receive your reward. Those who are skilful in handling the sickle and reaping machines may go forth and cut the grain, others gather into bundles, some may bind into sheaves, others may gather the sheaves. I will want some one to carry water to the reapers, and others to prepare food for them.” And thus all are assigned their place according to their ability. But suppose now the water carriers say, “Now, my work is not handling any of the grain of the harvest, so I will quit, and sit down or go about my own business.” Those who were to prepare the meals make the same excuse and what is the effect? The reapers in the heat of the day be come thirsty, and soon become faint because of hunger, and unless the owner of the harvest can find others to take the place of those unworthy servants, the reapers must perish, or leave the field to prepare their own bread and get water to quench their thirst.
Is not this a suitable application to the workers in the great harvest of the Lord? He makes a call and “who- soever will, may come.” He sets the members in the body as it pleaseth him. Those who are skillful with the Word, he sends forth as teachers and preachers to separate the “precious from the vile,” with the two- edged sword, which is the word of God, the sickle of truth; others there who are to look after the weak and needy, the sick and afflicted. Others seem to have but little talent on the line of giving spiritual instruction, but have a talent for working with their hands and earning money which as a God-given talent they can use to his glory in the capacity of water carriers and bread-winners for the Lord; by way of supplying the reapers, or those who are gathering in the sheaves.
God has called men and women to
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leave all and go forth and give their whole time to the work of rescuing perishing souls. They do not have time to stop and earn enough money to supply their needs and the needs of their families, and furnish the means to carry on the business which the Lord has called them to do. Many servants of the Lord have this to do through necessity, but who is responsible for the souls that are lost, who might have been saved had there been no delay in the work?
During the time of the ministry of Paul, there was a class of people to whom Paul wrote and told them to bear one another’s burdens, and also told them that each one had a burden that they must bear themselves, by way of doing their duty towards God and those whom he had called to his work. He said: “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” Gal. 6:6. In 1 Tim. 6:18, he told them to be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” By this he meant that those who heard the word taught were to furnish the means to supply those who were giving the instruction that they be not hindered in the salvation work. All were to give according to their ability. Some make a special offering of one-tenth of all their income to the work of the Lord, and are very particular to give no less nor no more, and seem to forget that the other nine-tenths belong to the Lord also, and must be subject to his order.
If people are saved from the use of tobacco, tea, coffee, and other narcotics, fashions, etc. which were had at the sacrifice of almost anything else, what had they ought to do to help along the cause of Christ, when the Lord has done so much for them? Is the cause of Christ as dear to your heart now as were those idols and luxuries? Does the Lord receive his due portion? How does the former expenditure for such things balance with what you now expend in the spread of the gospel? God has many faithful farmers, mechanics, and day-laborers who are true to him and are very zealous for his cause, and seem to enjoy to even make great sacrifices, sometimes even denying themselves of many things of usefulness which they could otherwise have.
On the other hand there are many whose spiritual showers and blessings are so rare, that instead of being as an everlasting spring or an oasis in the desert, they become as a desert themselves, half the time not knowing whether they are saved or not. and yet their desire is to do nothing wrong. There are various causes for their spiritual decline, but how often the principal trouble is that they have failed to do their duty in helping to spread the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth, and look after the needy around them. As leanness comes upon the calves in the stall that refuse to eat the grain and food given them, so it is with the souls of those who refuse or neglect to do their duty as a member of the body of Christ. There are some who are in debt for Christ’s sake, others burdened with debts because of their covetousness to add to their abundance.
If the men or women who toil away early and late year after year, laying up treasures on earth for their unsaved children, not having time to assemble themselves together to worship the Lord, nor sacrifice but little if anything for his service, were to suddenly come face to face with the Lord, what would be their feelings about that time? I fear some would be inclined to excuse themselves on this wise: “Lord, thou gavest me but one talent, so I took and put it in the ground and have tried to lay up something so as to have it ready for you at your coming; so here it is, if you can get any glory out of it after I am dead and gone, amen.” Such ones would probably hear in reply “Thou slothful servant! the talent was given you to use to my glory in rescuing perishing souls, and not in laying up treasures here on earth, I will reward you accordingly.”
There are men who can own and cultivate large farms to the glory of God and do more in spreading the gospel than many who are talented in preaching. There are others who could dispose of the greater part of their goods and property and put the money to work for God, and such persons still be in good circumstances financially and make a wonderful advancement spiritually by so doing. There are day laborers who have but little if any property, who can make a great advancement on this line, who have been considering themselves about free from any responsibility in the matter, seeming to forget the requirements of the Lord; but it is their privilege to be up and doing and receive the approval of the Master and the reward he offers.
Dear ones, according to the word of God we find that the time of the end is near at hand, when the Lord will come and all nations will be gathered together to hear their sentence according to the deeds done in the body. Will your skirts be clear of the blood of souls? This is a solemn question: it will be a very solemn one for many in that great day. It were better for a man to sell out and not have a place to lay his head, than to have souls to cry out against him at the judgement, because covetousness and self-comforts held back the truth from reaching them.
The messengers of the Lord must go forth to the uttermost parts of the earth speedily with the everlasting gospel to preach. The true word of God must be heralded forth to the four winds and made to shine forth in the beauty of holiness. Good holiness books, tracts and papers must be sent forth in the name of Jesus, and are the means of saving multitudes of souls and encouraging the hearts of believers; every home ought to be supplied with them, that no one will be without excuse at his coming.
Now, dear reader, how is it with your case? Have you done your duty? Have you anything around you that you can sacrifice for the sake of souls, and put to the service of the Master? Take these things to him in prayer and find out how you stand with the Lord financially and spiritually. It is one thing to meet the conditions of the Word and be saved from sin; it is another to do your duty and keep saved. These questions are very plain and pointed, but may the Holy Spirit send the truth home where it is needed, that none of you may be deceived in the day of judgment. These questions are to YOU, and not to your neighbor. You can bear to hear such now, better than when too late. Take a look at the great harvest, then at yourself and surroundings, listen to the pleadings of the Master — but here we leave the matter with you and the Lord.
E. E. Byrum.
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The Doctrine of Healing.
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Among the religious class of people of to day there are multitudes of skeptics, regarding faith healing or healing of the body by the means set forth in the word of God. Volume after volume has been written on the subject; an abundance of testimonies have been published and sent broadcast over the land; yea, people have been eye-witnesses to the healing of the sick, yet in the face of all this, many will not believe.
We do not base the doctrine of divine healing upon the testimonies of those who have been healed in these last days; nor upon what has been written in many of the volumes published, for there is a more solid foundation upon which to build. The word of God is the true basis upon which its principles are founded, and it is presented in the strongest terms from Genesis to Revelation. Then what if some do not believe? “Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: Yea, let God be true, and every man a liar.” — Rom. 3:3.
The ways of the Lord are beyond the wisdom of men, and the heights and depths of his glory and mercies can not be fathomed by human reasoning. Yet they cannot be questioned when viewed from a standpoint of reason and logic, when we take into consideration the infinite power and majesty of God, and that he is “all and in all.” “The same yesterday, to day and forever.”
God who worked miracles in times past, still retains the same power, and will work through his true children, and none can hinder.
Those who try to study out a way to heaven, or the principles of divine healing, through some scientific method will make a failure, unless they broaden their science enough to accept the miraculous performances of His power, and fall in line with the teachings of His word. They may harmonize the parting of the waters of the Red Sea by the blowing of an east wind, but when the river Jordan is reached, with its overflowing banks, and as the priests who bear the ark step into the water, which immediately parts and banks up on one side of them, and on the other side the river bed is left dry, a performance is witnessed which scientists fail to show any natural principles by which it was done: but are forced to admit that He who created the world, was able to separate the waters in any way he saw fit to do, whether it harmonized with science or natural laws or not.
Abraham understood upon what grounds this doctrine was founded, when he prayed for Abimelech whom the Lord healed. So did Moses when he prayed for the healing of Miriam, who had been stricken with leprosy, but through his prayer was restored. The other patriarchs of old, the holy prophets, and devout men of God, witnessed the healing of the sick by the power of God and were instruments in his hands to perform wonderful things before the people.
The promise of the Lord to Moses and the children of Israel, if they would obey the voice of the Lord was: “I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” — Ex. 23:25. “I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” — Ex. 15:26. “Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee forever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God.” — Deut. 12:28. The promise, “Unto their children forever,” reaches down to the present day. When God’s children obeyed his voice these promises were fulfilled; when they disobeyed him the promises were not fulfilled.
Centuries after the above promises were given we hear the Psalmist David breaking forth in these words: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” — Psa. 103:2, 3.
When Hezekiah was “sick unto death” he prayed unto the Lord, a fervent prayer, and the same was answered by the healing of his body, and fifteen years were added unto his life. 2 Kings 20:1-6. But in 2 Chron. 16:12 we read of Asa, one of the Kings of Israel, who sought not the Lord during his sickness, but put his case into the hands of earthly physicians, and the consequence was he died. In those days it was safe for the children of God to trust in Him for the healing of their bodies; and coming down to the time of Christ we find Him healing all manner of diseases, “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. — Matt. 8:17. Likewise his apostles went forth healing the sick, and doing wonderful things in the name of Jesus, and their work was wrought by the power of God. So we find the doctrine of divine healing is no new doctrine, as it is a part of the word of God, and it has been the privilege of his faithful children in all ages of the past to claim his promises, and be healed of their diseases.
From Divine Healing of Soul and Body.
News from the Field.
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Payne, O. Apr. 8, 1893.
Dearly Beloved Brethren: To all, greeting in Jesus’ name. Amen. We are glad to have this opportunity to testify that we are still saved to the utmost, praise the Lord, and have perfect victory in our souls. The meeting here which lasted three weeks resulted in much good: A few were reclaimed and the congregation much strengthened, and much more might have been done, had all yielded to their convictions. We have received several very urgent calls for meetings of late, but are not able at present to go. I expect, the Lord willing, to go to Grover Hill. Ohio, and hold a meeting in a week or two, and I hope it will please the Lord to favor me with the privilege of attending the Grand Junction camp meeting. We haven’t been making tents this spring, for I am not of that craft, but I have been ditching and clearing; but hope the Lord will be pleased to enable us to answer some of the Macedonian cries soon. Pray for us, all ye redeemed ones.
Your free brother and sister, sanctified, made white and tried,
J. N. & M. J. Howard.
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Wade, Mo., April 28, 1893.
To the Saints: May grace and peace abide with you. I want to report victory in my soul. I have just returned from Ark. where I found a few hungry souls that were willing to accept the truth. Praise God! I had to leave them and returned here where there are a few blessedly saved and walking in the light. We began meeting in the name of Jesus last night. Feel like the work is moving. I expect to return to Siloam Springs the last of May, the Lord willing. Would like some good singer and workers to go with me. Pray the Lord to send some to go with me there. If any led of the Lord to go, address me at Indian Springs, Mo.
Hugh Caudle.
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Visalia, Cal., May 8, 1893.
To all the Saints, Greeting: I am so glad to inform you that the dear Lord has opened the way for a series of gospel meetings here in Visalia. Dear Bro. A. B. Davis, of Los Angeles, is now with us; and our God is with us in mighty saving power. Yesterday was the beginning of our first tabernacle services and with glorious victory all the day long. Five persons were most gloriously saved and sanctified. The Lord willing we expect the Drum’s Valley brethren to join in with us here as also the Portersville, and if our God be for us who can be against us? Praise the Lord! We know that he is for us and that it is his good pleasure to feed our souls with the bread of life. Amen. We had our first meeting Saturday night, with a good manifestation of the people; and on Sunday, A. M. 11 o’clock until 10, o’clock at night; also street meeting. We will report further on.
Yours, now separated unto the gospel, saved to the uttermost,
J. J. Bentley & wife, & A. B. Davis.
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Carthage, Mo., May, 10, 1893.
Dearly Beloved Saints: God bless you and give you abundance of grace. We have just closed a very successful meeting in Webb City, and have come to this place. The meeting was one of victory on the Lord’s side. God saved quite a number of precious souls. We do not know how many. We do praise God for the firmness we found in the dear ones all the time after they were saved. Some of God’s little ones who had been overcome by the enemy were brought back to the fold. Oh praise the dear Lord! The last day of the meeting twenty dear ones followed the Lord in baptism. Although the rain was falling, we never saw a prettier sight of this kind. God did so wonderfully bless every one of them. Others will soon obey the Lord in this ordinance. In the evening of the same day we had a precious ordinance meeting in which thirty-eight dear saints took a part. Oh how the Lord made true his words: “If you know these things happy are ye if ye do them.” We left the church in a very happy state, rejoicing in the Lord. We begun meeting in this place in the tabernacle last night. We are expecting good things from the hand of the Lord. We are rejoicing in the love of God. Pray for us.
Yours, with much love to all the saints,
Geo. E. Bolds & family.
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Floyd’s Knobs, Ind., May 8, 1893.
Dearly Beloved Readers of the Trumpet: We feel led to tell you of the way our God hath led me since I was saved by grace through faith. He has so wonderfully kept me by his mighty power through all temptations, and now feel his sweet presence within, giving victory to my soul. I was saved in Feb., 1892, and soon after received the sanctification of my nature. Many were the trials I have endured through his divine power and aid. And oh how sweet to suffer for Jesus’ sake! Some time after I was saved and sanctified I felt the hand of God laid upon me to preach his word. We obeyed even though the devil did try so hard to overthrow my soul. We preached at home and in other neighboring communities just as we felt God willed. We began our first protracted meeting at Beech Grove school house, near Blue Lick, Clark Co., Ind. This was a new place for the truth and great were the powers of darkness. Oh, how Satan did try to make us believe we were too young and weak to begin a meeting then! But our God sent Sister Myers, of Jeffersonville, Ind. to help in the work, and God wonderfully blessed us in delivering the truth. The house was crowded each night and some nights it would not hold the people. Many seemed deeply convicted and desired our prayers. Since then we have held two meetings in Jeffersonville. An opening for a meeting is there now. Since we returned home from Clark Co., there have been five precious souls saved here. Oh, praise God! And ten have been buried by baptism unto death and are walking in newness of life. God has a glorious little plant at that place which is continually growing. Praise his name! Now brethren, remember I am young both in years and experience, and pray for me that I may ever do God’s will. Also pray for my wife that she may receive the Holy Ghost.
Your humble brother, saved in Jesus and kept by power divine,
D. B. Moore.
P. S. We will also say we held a meeting five miles west of Crothersville, in the Rides neighborhood. God has a small band there which need some one to help in their meetings, and if any one feels called to go, address Bro. Sherman Rides, Crothersville, Ind. I pray God to bless them and settle them deeper in his love. Amen.
D. B. M.
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OBITUARIES.
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Smith’s Mills, Ky., Apr. 21, 1893.
Our dear Sister Elizabeth Ipock departed this life, April 11, aged 56 yrs. She was brought out into the glorious liberty of the evening light and died in the faith. She leaves a husband and three children. May God bless and save them.
I am praising the blessed Lord this morning, for I know that he keeps me every moment of my life. God has been a father to me. The blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin. Pray for me.
Your sister in Christ,
Mary Ipock.
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Gone to rest, dear Mother Louisa Turner, of Clark’s Mills, Pa. She departed this life, April 19, 1893, to be with Jesus; aged 60 years, 8 months and 17 days. She bore her affliction with much patience, and when we talked with her she always had a desire to leave this world and be with Jesus. She leaves a husband and four children. Funeral services conducted by Bro. J. S. Perrine, of Henderson.
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FROM EUROPE.
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7 Chatham St., Liverpool, England, April 28, 1893.
Dear Beloved Saints of the Most High God, Greeting: It is with much joy in our souls, we address you again to inform you of our Father’s goodness to us, your separated brethren for Christ’s sake alone. We can report victory for Jesus. All hail the lovely name of Jesus! We closed meeting at Jubilee Mission hall some two weeks ago or more. One reason was, after we had held forth there a long time and many had consecrated, the work was increasing and we were doing all we could, I remarked the work seemed just be gun. The man running the hall advertised and held his 6th anniversary meeting; which was a regular Belshazzar, Babylon feast indeed. Instead of having a gospel meeting and letting the Holy Ghost lead the meeting, he put a man in the chair, and we understand it is a man who supplies the whiskey venders with ice to cool their beer, etc., and says, It is no sin to use tobacco, etc., because he pays much to support the mission. That man sat and ruled and led instead of God. The whole thing was a revelry on the wine of Babylon. The lords and captains, (honorable visitors) would brag on the mission man how plucky, etc., he was, and in return he would brag on them how they had done to help the thing along. It was, you brag on me and I will brag on you. Seeking honor one of another. But we who had labored for two months without salary or anything and boarded ourselves could not even have a chance to testify of our dear Savior who has saved us from sin, and sent us to preach the everlasting, glorious gospel; although he acknowledged us as sent of God and many had acknowledged Christ through our labors, and he himself confessed he had received great light through our labors, but now in the Babylonish feast of honors, we were completely ignored, (like they ignored God in the feast of Babylon). The result was very perceptible at once, for as the work was moving as never before, it collapsed at once and we could do nothing much any more. I am very sorry, for certainly if he had walked out in the light, God would have used him much in this great reformation that is now and lately sweeping over the world. But alas, he chose rather honor of men than of God. Jesus says, “If they receive you they receive me, and if they despise you they despise me, and if they despise me they despise him that sent me.” — Luke 10:16. We were very sorry for the poor man, but we did our duty toward him and were true to show him all we could. We pray God to yet lead him into the truth if possible.
Since that we have been holding in different places, but not regular. It seemed that God wanted to use us to go to different places to glean the field by telling of this glorious truth. God has wonderfully led and taught us many precious lessons. We found a hall. The man asked $2.40 per week, but we could not readily decide it was the will of God to take.
I told God if it was his will, to put it in the man’s heart to lessen the first week or so. We went and saw him, and before we decided they told us we could have it two weeks for nothing. More than we thought or asked. Just like Him. Praise his name! His promises are sure. We took the hall, to begin May the 5th, the Lord willing. The same night, last night, we went to an undenominational holiness meeting. At the first we felt something was not just right and concluded we would not be too free, but they gave opportunity, of course we could not let such pass without availing ourselves of the opportunity, and talked upon the promises of God and his faithfulness to provide and protect those who put their trust in him, referring to Elisha when the Syrians came to take him. — 2 Kings 6. And made the remark that God would make his word good in providing and protecting us if he had to muster the whole host of heaven and earth to perform it. I felt an awfuI spirit of opposition, but did not know any thing was in the wind. At the close of the meeting, our meeting was announced. They had heard we were Christian Scientists and not having the gift of spiritual discernment they turned loose upon us; saying we were such and anathamatizing us. They rebuked us, prayed at us and shouted at us with a terrible vehemence, being honestly deceived by one who had reported us such. God was present to vindicate his cause. We praised the Lord, feeling all was right with us, but God brought some that night for the first who knew us. One dear brother who loves the truth and who stands in with them asked to state that we wished to inform them they were mistaken, that we were not such as accused, and others stood in our defence, among whom was our dear worthy Wesleyan brother with whom we reside. He said as a Wesleyan Methodist, he had examined our papers and books and doctrine, find them all orthodox and that we were living with him and he was happy to state he felt it great honor to have us as children of God in his house. Praise God! It changed the view, and we had more friends than ever. Even those who made the mistake were very sorry, and most said they were coming to the meeting. Satan just saw there was going to be something done and he wanted to stop it, but glory to God, it added fuel to the fire and doubtless a glorious work is just in view, and a host will be raised up for God at that place. It is in one of the cleanest and most respectable places in Liverpool, among a class that if they get saved they can be depended upon.
One man already said he would help to pay the hall rent. Praise God! We have been having meetings Sunday 2.30 P. M. at our residence. Bro. Eslick cleaned out his cabinet shop and put in seats. “God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform.” We are kept in good health as could be expected for the change of climate. I have sent out GOSPEL TRUMPETS to over one hundred different persons in England, Scotland, Germany and Ireland. I have received word from one in Southern England who said he liked it and they probably would want meeting there about October. Praise God! I hope many others who may read it will cherish the gospel messenger and it may lead them to a deeper experience in Christ. The dear brother who wrote in from Cornwall, Southern England, is a relative of dear Bro. Hicks in Mich. Pray much for us, that God may keep us where he can use us at any time. A letter from dear Bro. Jas. Kriebel, notifying us he will join us soon for the work in Germany. We can feel the prayers sometimes burning in our hearts. We know thousands of dear saints are praying for us, and how encouraging to us while separated from our loved ones. Pray on beloved. God is in it and it will go to the uttermost ends of the earth. I would love to see my dear family, but the work is so great I cannot bear the thought of turning back.
Yours in love, saved and kept by power divine. Amen.
G. R. Achor.
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MY EXPERIENCE.
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Glory to God! The leadings of God have been wonderful toward me. When I look at my sinful life in the past, I can only say with Paul, that I was the chief of sinners. For twenty- three years I believed a doctrine which I thought was in accordance with the teaching of the Bible, and for ten years of the twenty-three years I preached the same in the pulpit. The doctrine that I believed and preached is what is styled Restitution Advent — Soul Sleeping. I believed and preached a final restitution of all things. And the literal reign of Christ on David’s throne for one thousand years and his saints to be seated with him on the same throne for one thousand years, the sleep of the dead, commonly styled soul sleeping, the resurrection at the last day at the commencment of the one thousand years, wherein only the reigning ones would be raised, and the wicked and the rest of the dead would not be raised until at the end of the one thousand years. I also believed in the restoration of the Jews to their own native land Palestine, and that they would be the subjects of Christ’s kingdom.
These were some of the teachings that I taught the people. I did not know anything about justification or sanctification. I looked for full salvation when Christ would make his second personal advent. I did not look for deliverance from sin until at the resurrection of the just. But God did not want me to preach this erroneous doctrine. So He led me with his own strong hand. Two years ago last fall God shewed me that I was not where he wanted me to be, but I went on in my rebellion toward God. I had made my boast that no devil or man was able to change me from my Restitution Advent Soul Sleeping (doctrine of men). But God shewed me that he could turn me after I made this boast. It was in the order of God that I should engage myself in a revival work. The one I was to engage with in this work was a stranger to me. I had seen him once or twice, but knew nothing that he taught. So we got a house in the western part of the city of Ellsworth, and for five weeks, every night and on Sabbaths three times, we stood with one another laboring for souls. I to get them saved at Christ’s personal coming, and my friend, as I called him, was laboring for a present salvation. No one seemed to get any benefit of the meeting. It was simply a curiosity revival, although God knew what the result would be. I labored hard to down my friend, and I would bring all the finery of a theoretical sermon, science, physiology and every other part of devil speech to keep up a laugh. Thus our work continued side by side for five full weeks, and the three last days of our labors together I was the first man that died the death unto sin. So for three days I never saw the world darker. On the third day in the morning, at half past six o’clock, the Lord told me to shut my eves to the world, Glory to God! and to never open my eyes until I opened them in Christ. So I arose from my knees in prayer and threw myself on my bed face downward, closing my eyes. I obeyed the heavenly voice speaking to me. My eyes did not open from half-past six o’clock in the morning until half-past seven o’clock in the evening on the 7th day of February, 1891.
I never believed in a burning hell of fire, but that day I was shaken over hell fire, and I saw it and the devil and the wicked in it as it were. It was awful! I cried for deliverance to be saved. Jesus came and saved me. I was made clean through the blood of Christ from all sin. Glory to God! The man that I was laboring with for five weeks was what some called a “Come Out Holiness” evangelist, but did not believe in the ordinances of the Lord’s house. So after the Lord justified me freely by faith, and also sanctified me by two separate works wrought in my soul, I felt innocent and childlike and willing to do anything. Glory to God! But right here the devil stepped in and led me captive again by his own will. He said, “Oh, you must not tell about your sanctification, for people will not receive it but laugh at you.” So I joined the Methodist sect, and I was under condemnation all the time I remained with them. I fell under sin, but the Father showed me that I must come to Christ, and so I moved away from Ellsworth to Hope, and here last August I joined the River Brethren sect. I was led to see that the keeping of the ordinances of the Lord’s house were to be kept and I thought this sect was the Simon’s pure church.
But God soon showed me that this was not my place. So about four months ago he shewed me a people that were free from sectism. A common people, a people that had their abiding in the true vine and were fruitbearing branches, and were willing to be purged from all dross, sin. I had never seen any of those people of God — saints of the Most High. By some means a paper fell in my hands called the GOSPEL TRUMPET. Here I was shown the address of a few of these people, and the Spirit said correspond with them. So I obeyed, and in doing so the Lord showed me that I should acknowledge my sin in departing from him, and come as a sinner asking forgiveness through Jesus, and I should be cleansed. Glory to God! Hallelujah to the Lamb for this glorious evening light that now commences to open up to me in a glorious, illuminating and heavenly light! Praise the Lord!
The Lord showed me that I must walk on the sea of glass from henceforth, and be holy and godly, and that I must be salted with the fire of God; that I must be preserved with the honey out of the rock. I also wrote a letter to Bro. James Willis of York, Nebraska and on the 26th of April he and companion came to this place. God showed me at once that these are some of the people of God, and that all their talk was with the mouth of God. Praise the Lord! This brother sowed the good seed of the kingdom and I believe that it was sown on good ground. The place was at a country school house, with a fair interest for three or four pointed talks of God to the people. On Wednesday the 3d, he baptized me and my companion, and prayed over me, anointing me with oil in the name of the Lord, and I claimed the promise of healing, and I know the Lord has healed me. Praise the Lord! I am sanctified by a second definite work of grace and am kept by the Holy Ghost, satisfied, and glory is ever in my soul. We are now ready to go and hold meetings wherever the way opens and preach the word in its purity. Christ is all in all.
Your brother and sister, saved, sanctified and kept,
Daniel Fike & Annie E. Fike.
Hope, Kan.
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INSTANTLY HEALED.
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Anthony, Kan., May 4, 1893.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led this afternoon to tell some of God’s dealings with me. Oh I praise his name, I know I am saved just now. Oh how glad I am that I take God for the saving of my soul and for the healing of my body! I want to tell it for the glory of God that it may. do some one good. About three months ago I had the La Grippe and it settled on my lungs, and I had a severe cough. After some time I had to take my bed, and I had a high fever. Our children were sent for, and my son got the doctor to examine my lungs: he said I had lung fever and that my lungs were very bad. They then wanted me to take medicine but I refused. He came three times to see me, but my trust was in God for the healing of my body. I was impressed to send for Brother Joe Prouse, and a sister from another place was impressed to come. Oh praise God! As they all had prayed, they were then impressed to lay on hands saying, these signs shall follow them that believe: they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. — Mark 16:18. By faith I grasped the word and immediately arose to my feet, realizing the healing power. To God be all the praise and glory. Oh God has done so much for me. It is just wonderful how he answers his children. Bless the dear Lord! I am justified and sanctified, ready to do what the Lord wants me to do.
Your sister,
Leah Miller.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Evansville, Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I am fully trusting my Lord. I feel thankful for this blessed opportunity of writing my testimony. I am feasting on the love of God. I have been in the warfare of Christianity twelve years. I felt perfectly safe in trusting my soul in the care of Jesus, though I did not know how to trust the Lord for bodily strength until I saw your papers and examined the Bible closer. I had fever three years ago this April, and have had paralysis ever since. I would ask the Lord to help me and I would revive, though doubts would rise in my heart; then I would grow worse. I bore it the best I could. I thought it was for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. I ask the prayers of God’s people to hold me up in this same straight and narrow path through life, and I desire your prayers for my unconverted husband.
Mrs. E. L. Brown.
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Continental. O.
Dearly Beloved Saints, Greeting: We are praising the dear Savior for salvation full and free, and are glad that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus’ sake. We are still holding up the evening light here and a few have received it, but some have chosen to stay in Babylon, rather than cause division and have enemies and be persecuted. One said the Lord showed her that she must not testify any more that she was sanctified; that it would cause division and that there were other ways that she could let her light shine and do some good in her sect. But glory to God for perfect freedom from the old harlot for the last twelve years! We had twelve years experience in bondage, with a heavy yoke, one that often chafed because we could not do what we knew was the Lord’s will we should do. But we were yoked up with unbelievers, and what could we do until the call came, Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord. We obeyed the call and got the experience, Jno. 8:36, if the Son therefore shall make you free ye shall be free indeed. Praise the Lord! The truth has made us free, clear from all isms, and everything of the world and that is not of God. Glory to God for a salvation that saves from all sin! and we are ready to go wheresoever the Lord leads. We want to see poor perishing souls saved; there are so many in spiritual blindnes. But we find many wilfully blind who do not want to come to the knowledge of the truth, but rather fight it because their deeds are evil. They only have a name to live, but are dead, yea, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Our prayer is that the Lord will lead others out in full salvation. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
A. M. & E. J. Dick.
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Wrens, Ga.
Dear Saints of the Most High, Greeting: Thirty-two years ago God for Christ’s sake pardoned me, according to Acts 13:39. And more than three years ago he sanctified me, according to 1 Thess. 5:23. I got this sanctifying grace by living according to 1 Jno. 7. I had a hard time while wandering in the wilderness twenty- eight years. I heard the doctrine of holiness preached first in 1885, and there saw that my experience failed to measure up to what the fire-baptized saints preached and others testified to, yet old carnality refused to yield and die. Then again I attended a week’s meeting where nothing but holiness was held out to believers by consecration and faith. I was urged to seek the experience, but my friends would oppose me and I would yield to their ideas, then Satan would take advantage and keep me deceived. But finally in 1888 I got so hungry for a better experience that I yielded to the Spirit and got the blessing of full salvation. I have had a sweet experience ever since. All glory to Him who is both able to save, and keep us from sin! I am so glad I have lived till the evening light, and that full salvation has the right of way in so many places in this sin-smitten world. All the dear blood-washed saints pray that I may ever keep dead to this world and all its affections; that I may be ever kept alive to Jesus who has done so much for me.
Yours, saved, sanctified, and kept,