2 July 1896, Volume 16, Number 26.
THE GOSPEL.
_____
Oh Gospel, old, yet new,
Thy glorious wings of love
Hath brought once more thy light to view,
Revealed the things of God.
This world with all its ken.
Doth not thy wisdom know,
The riches thou hast brought to men
And freely dost bestow.
Hid long behind the mists
Of dark and cloudy day,
Disfigured by the ites and ists
That now must pass away.
Since thou with glory dress,
In all thy youthful prime,
Dost bid all dark and cloud disperse,
This is the “evening time.”
Oh tidings of great, joy!
Best gift of heaven’s grace;
Thy author is our God most high,
Through thee we see his face.
Oh angel, love of God.
To poor and fallen man,
Through thee I feel my burden move,
And saved from sin I am.
Oh blessed Father, Son,
And Holy Spirit too;
Thy mighty pow’r combined in one,
Shall keep me ever true.
— Wm. Goodwin, Warrington, Eng.
__________
Wrong Ideas of Sanctification.
_____
“TAKE heed that, no man deceive you.” — Mat. 24:7. Many and varied are the doctrines set forth as the teachings of the Word of God on the subject of entire sanctification. One of the most deceptive to souls is that people can oppose holiness and persistently fight the Bible doctrine, and then, without any preliminary works, consecrate and receive the experience of heart purity. We take the following from the report of a meeting, as published in THE WAY OF FAITH, which shows the way many are now getting a profession of holiness.
One of the most remarkable cases of entire sanctification that I ever saw occurred the last day. A sister had been fighting holiness and suddenly she became convinced that it was true, and rushed forward after it, and after an agonizing confession and prayer she found it.”
This is a sample of sectarian holiness as it is taught and practiced to-day. Those who have been persistent fighters of everything holy, and bitter opposers of sanctification become convinced that it is right, or see that if they persist in fighting the doctrine they will lose ground with the people; they go to the altar and go through a form of consecration and the preacher declares them sanctified.
When no higher standard is raised up no higher experience can be attained, and a profession gotten through such a formal act of consecration is founded on the sand and has not one Bible support. What does it mean to fight holiness? Since sanctification is a doctrine of the Bible and the Bible is the word of God, to say there is no such thing is to call God a liar, and to fight it is to fight God. Some teach that a justified man may ignorantly oppose the doctrine and then when he sees the truth, can consecrate and receive the experience. But such is not the case. Christ says, “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me,’ and when a justified man hears the doctrine of entire sanctification the Spirit at once witnesses in his heart to its truth and gives him a real hungering and thirsting for the experience in his own soul. But if he should reject it he rejects God and at once becomes a rebel against God and must, before getting sanctified, repent of what he has done and get an experience of justification.
No holiness fighter ever yet made a Bible consecration for sanctification, nor is it possible, as every holiness fighter is a sinner and the Word emphatically teaches that such cannot be sanctified (Jno. 14:17). Many professors who were possibly one time saved, who have become cold and lost the grace of God out of their souls, hear sanctification taught, and seeing a lack in their experience imagine that is just what they need and consecrate for it and get a profession of the experience but soon find in their hearts the elements of carnality; and many thus seeing their real lack of the experience and not having moral honesty enough to come right out and acknowledge that they do not possess what they profess to have, go on in a dead profession and are among the very worst class of hypocrites in existence.
Every holiness fighter is a sinner of the worst class, and yet many are expecting to get to heaven although fighting the only thing that can give them entrance to that holy place. The command to holiness fighters is not, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice,” but, “Repent * * * and be converted that your sins may be blotted out.”
A sinner cannot get any experience of salvation by consecration for sanctification since one must be saved in order to make such a consecration. A sinner may come to the altar and try to consecrate, and see himself a sinner, and repent and be justified; but no one can be saved until they realize their lost condition, and for a sinner to consecrate for sanctification is not acceptable to God, but “there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.”
To make a Bible consecration for sanctification it is necessary to have a perfectly clear experience of justification, and to have a real positive knowledge that we are saved and clear in everything before God. As long as there are doubts as to our acceptance with God we are in no condition to make a consecration for sanctification.
To all holiness fighters we would say, “Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish,” and to all those advocating the doctrine set forth in the above quotation, “The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits.” Before you try to preach the doctrine get the experience yourself and then you will be able to show others the Bible way.
C. W. Naylor.
__________
Scattering and Gathering.
_____
“THE scepter shall not depart from Judah; nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh [Christ] come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” Gen. 49:10.
“Caiphas the high priest prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation [the Jews]: and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” — Jno. 11:49-52.
In fulfillment of the above prophecies Christ came bringing “peace on earth and good will toward man.” Through his death on the cross the middle wall of partition between the Jews and Gentiles was broken down and they were all reconciled into one body. While on earth he taught his disciples to love one another. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.” Speaking of his church he said, there shall be one fold and one shepherd. Before his death he offered up the following prayer for his disciples and all believers to the end of time. “Sanctify them through thy truth that they all may be one.” Yea “one even as we [Father and Son] are one.” “One in us.” “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.” On the day of Pentecost when the church was fully set in order “they were all with one accord [mind] in one place.” But says the disputer of God’s word, “When believers multiplied they could not all believe alike, for many people have many minds, so there was need of human creeds and organizations.” What saith the Word? When believers had multiplied to thousands they were all of “one heart and of one soul,” and “great power was upon them.” This was the effect of being filled with the Holy Ghost. The characteristics of God’s church in the morning light may be briefly summed up as follows:
One organized body. — Mat. 16:18; Eph. 1:22, 23; Rom. 12:4, 5; Eph. 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:27. Christ its head. — Eph. 5:23. Organizer. — 1 Cor. 12:18-28. Foundation. — 1 Cor. 3:11. Lawgiver. — Isa. 33:22.
He calls, Col. 3:15; Mat. 11:28 Reconciles, Eph. 2:14-16. Baptizes, 1 Cor. 12:15, 13. Sets in, 1 Cor. 12:18, 28, Adds all its members. Acts 2:46, 47. They enter through Christ the door. — Jno. 10:7, 9. Its class book is kept in heaven. — Psa 87:56; Lu. 10:20; Phil. 4:3. Its discipline is the word of God. — 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. All in it were tempered, 1 Cor. 12:24, 25; framed, Eph. 2:21; joined, Eph. 4:16; quickened, Eph. 2:5; raised up, Eph. 2:6; and knit together in love, Col. 2:2; Rom. 8:35-39. They were all of “one accord,’ Acts 2:1; “one heart and soul,” Acts 4:32; “same mind,” Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 2:16; “spake the same thing,” 1 Cor. 1:10; had “one spirit,” 1 Cor. 6:17; “one faith,” Eph. 4:5, 6; and saw “eye to eye.” The effect of this glorious unity is seen in the fourth and fifth chapters of Acts. The apostles went everywhere lifting up Christ to the world, and unto him was the gathering of the people.
THE SCATTERING.
The church did not retain this power and unity long. The apostles foresaw an apostasy, a time of great scattering among the people of God. 2 Thes. 2:2-12; 1 Tim. 4:1. This began to be manifest even in their day. Some departed from the faith, separating themselves from the body of Christ, thus bringing in division. 1 Jno. 2:19, 19; 2 Thes. 2:7; 1 Cor. 11:18, 19. These increased until in the second century hundreds of these heresies existed. These soon ripened into an awful “beast” power called the papacy. The sixteenth century reformation brought forth a degree of light, and many of God’s people made their escape from the darkness of Catholicism; but not discerning the body of Christ which only is the church, they organized into human organizations, which are only rivals of God’s church This work has continued until at present there are hundreds of these separate “cut-offs.”
In these God’s people have been scattered. The prophet Ezekiel looking forward with prophetic eye to this time says, “And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd: (Christ the true Shepherd — Psa. 23:1-is dethroned, and the pope, protestant synods, conferences, etc., set up in his place). * * * My sheep wandered through all the mountains, (sects, Jer. 51:24, 25; Jer. 3:23.) and upon every high hill: Yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” — Eze. 34:5, 6. We will now notice how and by whom God’s people were scattered. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies * * * and many shall follow their pernicious ways, etc.” — 2 Pet. 2:1, 2. “Who shall privily bring in destructive heresies.” or “sects of perdition.” — REVISED VER. “Destructive factions ” — BIBLE UNION. “Parties of destruction.” — ROTHERHAM. “Destructive sects.” — YOUNG.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned: and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” — Rom. 16:17, 18. “Watch those who are making factions” — EMPHATIC D. “Who make separations.” — MACKNIGHT.
God tempered the church together that there should be no division in it. — 1 Cor. 12:24, 25. But false teachers have brought in human organizations which are nothing but “factions” cut off from the body of Christ, the church. The Word terms these, “damnable heresies,” “destructive sects of perdition,” “partition walls.” By leading God’s people into these “cages” of deceptions (Rev. 18:2) they make separations, which is contrary to the doctrine of the Bible. The following illustration will make this plain.
A revival is held in a place and a hundred people get saved. They enter through Christ the door into the church. They are born into the family of God, hence are at home. God is their Father; Jerusalem, their mother; and all the saved in heaven and earth, their brethren and sisters. Their names are enrolled on high. God has knit their hearts together in love. Love is their badge of discipleship. The Bible is their creed and discipline. They are all one in Christ. They belong to nothing but Christ. They are visible. They meet together and have glorious meetings in the Lord. When sick they pray for one another and God heals them. God raises an elder to feed them the Word. In fact they are a perfect organized body. Such is the New Testament church.
But suppose for want of proper light, and through false teaching twenty-five join the Catholic sect; twenty-five, the Dunkards; twenty- five, the Lutheran; twenty-five, the Free Methodist. Instead of meeting in one place they meet in four different places. Instead of “one faith” they have four different faiths, etc., and, contrary to the Bible, they are “unequally yoked together” with a lot of unbelievers. This is what sectarian preachers call organizing God’s people. But any reasonable mind can see at once that the very thing they call organization is what disorganizes, “sepaates,” and divides up the people of God. Woe unto you, sectarian preachers! “Blind guides!” “Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte.” Yea, you “promise them liberty, but yourselves are servants of corruption.” Well hath Esaias said concerning you, “His watchmen are blind,” “ignorant,” “dumb dogs,” “sleeping” (talking in their sleep. Margin), “greedy dogs which can never have enough,” “shepherds that cannot understand.” “They all look to their own [sect] way, every one for his gain from his quarter.” — Isa. 56:9-12. You tax the people, and hold festivals, ice creams, etc., to raise money. Your description is given in Ezek. 34:1-10. God commands us to “mark” you. If you resist the truth and plead for your sect you are a heretic and God commands us to “reject” you. “A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” — Tit. 3:10, 11. Reject a factious man.” — EMPHATIC DIAGLOTT. “A man that causes divisions * * * avoid.” — BIBLE UNION. “From a party man * * * excuse thyself.” — ROTHERHAM. “A sectarian man be rejecting.” — YOUNG. “A sectarian after two admonitions, reject, knowing that such a man is perverted.” — CONYBEARE AND HOWSON.
Any man with the “party” spirit who pleads for sectism, is a “heretic” and is subverted. The various sects extant to day are the fruits of carnal hearts. See 1 Cor. 3:1-3. They are the works of the flesh and are placed in the catalogue with adultery, murders, drunkenness, etc. Gal. 5:19-27. Heresies in V. 20 is rendered, “Sectarian parties” — CONYBEARE AND HOWSON. “Sects.” — YOUNG. “They that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” — V. 21. “My people hath been dost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill (one sect to another to find a satisfactory experience), they have forgotten their resting-place (Christ Jesus).” — Jer. 50:6. God pronounces woe upon such pastors. Take your Bible and read Jer. 23:2.
THE GATHERING.
Thank God, this condition of affairs was not always to exist. God has a few honest souls scattered in the various denominations of the land. These he has promised to gather “in one,” which work is now being accomplished. Hallelujah! Bible sanctification is being preached and souls are entering this glorious experience, which takes carnality, the cause of all division, out of the heart, and makes us one. Heb. 2:11. Jno. 17:17-23.
“As I live, saith the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out, will I rule over you: and I will bring you out from the people, and will gather you out of the countries wherein ye are scattered, with a mighty hand, * * * and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen (sinners). — Ezek. 20:33-41.
“For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them of out all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day (day of sectism where truth and error were mixed, hence not a “clear day”).” — Ezek. 34:11, 12.
“Upon the high mountains of Israel (Mount Zion — God’s pure church. See Isa. 2:2, 3; Heb. 12:22. 23. Rev. 14:1; Matt. 5:14.) shall their fold be”. — Ezek. 34:14.
A glorious description of this reformation is given from V. 10 to the end of the 34th chapter of Ezekiel. In verses 25 to 27 the prophet speaks of the people of God receiving the “blessing” of entire sanctification which destroys the sect “yoke”. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. — Isa. 10:27. Hallelujah!
Page 2
__________
THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1896.
==========
LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
__________
Annie Alteneder, J. F. Fitzwater, Jane Williams, Jno. D. Miller, W. S. Bennet, Geo. Vielguth, Mrs. A. M. Defield, Sarah M. Cleveland, Lorenzo Cook, F. N. Jacobson, A. J. Ellison.
==========
The subscribers of the HOLINESS HERALD will now receive the GOSPEL TRUMPET each week, as the HERALD is discontinued.
__________
PRINTING MACHINERY.
Last week we went to Chicago to see about purchasing a press and other needed machinery for the office, for book bindery, etc. The cheapest press suitable for our work was three thousand dollars, $150.00 off for cash. It will take at least thirty days after the machine is ordered before it is placed in our office. We did not order the machinery as only a few dollars have been sent in for that purpose. As we are now nearly out of some kinds of our books, we will have to hire several hundred dollars worth of books printed and bound, unless the machinery can be ordered at once. The price of the other machinery together with the press is $5780.00. Brethren join in earnest prayer to God with us that things may be supplied for the help of perishing souls.
__________
CONCERNING MEETING NOTICES.
As the list of camp, grove, tabernacle and other meetings to be held this summer is becoming quite extensive we find it necessary to publish the meeting notices as brief as possible. We have thought it best to publish a standing list of each meeting, stating the time and place where it will be held, and whom to address for particulars (provided the name and address of such party are sent in), and then publish a more extensive notice of each meeting just before the time of the meeting; this notice to be inserted twice, and to give all necessary information. Let all who wish to have these more extensive notices published be sure to send them in about three weeks before the time of meeting; otherwise they cannot be published.
We also omit the names of ministers who have been engaged to hold the meetings, since mistakes have occurred and changes have to be made in this respect. Let all who are engaged to hold these meetings have it so understood with the brethren or parties who live where the meeting is to be held, and then said parties, as before stated, will at the proper time, send in a notice in full of the meeting, stating what ministers and workers will be present, or whatever information they may deem necessary.
__________
PREPARING FOR CAMP MEETINGS.
There are a few things might be mentioned that will apply to camp and grove meetings in general. Those attending such meetings should go for the purpose of glorifying God, by doing good, getting good, and becoming better qualified to help others. If convenient’ take a tent along, and bedding, etc., enough to make you comfortable-some blankets and a straw tick will be sufficient to enable you to care for yourself should the place be over crowded. If possible, go prepared to provide for yourself and help others. Do not impose upon the liberality of the brethren, but if you are too poor to provide for yourself do not stay away on that account as they will gladly care for you. Go in faith, and help to bear one another’s burdens, and aid in rescuing perishing souls.
==========
Requests For Prayer.
__________
Pray for my healing of paralysis and nervousness and the restoration of speech. I have been nearly helpless for about a year. Lyda Irving, Waltham.
Pray for the healing of S. H. Thompson, Pierpont.
H. M. Brezeale, Hinze. — Healing of fever.
Pray for my little girl who is afflicted with chills and fever. H. W. White, Lowndes.
Millie Walls, Leasburg. — Healing of her eyes, and of other bodily afflictions.
Pray for me. I have been afflicted with rheumatism for many years; have had the grippe and am not clear of its effects; also have had three attacks of dropsy. A sister in Woodworth, Wis.
I ask your prayers for the healing of my body, of rheumatism. G. F. Amfried, Oskaloosa.
Pray for the healing of Sister Jane Strickler, of female complaint.
Charlotte R. Mins, Lamer. — Healing of partial blindness.
R. C. and L. L. Harby, Lamong. — That we may receive a full salvation, and for wife’s healing from the effects of a burn.
Pray that I may be sanctified and healed of the rheumatism, and that God may send one of his ministers here to preach the gospel. Nettie S. Howe, Bendy, Kan.
==========
Calls For Meeting.
__________
A camp meeting is desired near Clayton, Okla. Sept. 18-28 on the school ground, as the saints at that place are preparing a place for camp meeting and a children’s home. Brethren interested in this home and desiring particulars of the same or concerning camp meeting should write to Bro. M. A. Fly, Clayton, Okla.
We desire a meeting here this summer. We live in the Pawnee Reservation eight miles N. E. of Cushing, Okla. I pray God to send some one. We can get the schoolhouse to preach in. Your sister,
Mary E. Pursell.
Address J. B. Sproull, Pierpont, Ohio.
We desire some one to come here between now and fall with tabernacle and hold meetings. Bros. Howard and Schell are desired or whoever the Lord may send. Henry Netzley, Portland, Ind.
We desire to have a meeting here and that God will send a true minister who is filled with the Holy Spirit and has no compromising spirit with the devil, and who can get things in order here. Address C. Christ, Fallis, Lincoln Co., Okla.
Some ministers of God are wanted to hold a meeting two miles west of Bourbon, Mo. Address J. S. Fitzwater, Bourbon.
We would like to have a company come and hold a camp meeting at Pickford, Mich. If they come to Detour, Chippewa Co., we will bring them over with team. There is a large tract of country here where the evening light has never been preached. Your sister, Mary A. Smith.
We desire to have a meeting at Waynesfield, Auglaize Co., O., about August or September. Whomsoever the Lord sends in this direction, please consider our request and arrange to hold meeting about said time. Your brother, Lorenzo Cook,
We earnestly desire some minister to come here and preach the pure gospel. There is a grove seated, or we can get a house. There is no one here who is out in the clear light. Would like for some singers to come along. For information address C. O. Burns, Elenora, Jefferson Co., Pa., Box 175.
We desire a camp meeting, to commence July 16 and last as long as the Lord wills, to be held in Clinton, Barron Co., Wis., about seven miles northwest of the city of Barron.
Could some true minister of God and his wife come and hold meetings here? There are some who are anxious to hear the truth and to be baptized. Who will come? Address Ulysses Garwood, Steamburg, Crawford Co., Pa.
==========
MEETINGS.
__________
Hopkins and Dorr, Mich. July 1-18.
Milton, Mo. Assembly meeting. July 3, and lasting as long as the Lord wills. A A. Kinzie.
Wheeler, Mich. Grove meeting. Five miles north in Father White’s neighborhood. July 3, to continue over Sabbath.
Three Rivers, Mich. Grove meeting. Beginning July 4, and lasting two days. Baptizing afternoon of Lord’s day, and ordinances in the evening. Leroy Burden.
Venango, Pa. Grove meeting. July 3-13. Address J. A. Moltz.
Chicago Heights, Ill. Tabernacle, meeting. July 5-12. Address C. M. Noxon,
Ridgeville Corners, O. Tabernacle meeting. July 8-18. Address Wm. Harmon.
Bastonville, Ga. Assembly meeting. Commencing July 10. To be held in Rabun’s grove, near Bastonville. Address R. B. Wren, at above place.
Lapaz, Ind. Grove meeting. July 10-15. S. P. Strang and Co.
A camp meeting will be held at Costello, Montgomery Co., Kan., beginning July 11, to continue as long as the Lord wills.
Chas. Bright, Caudell and Co.
Anderson, Ind. Tabernacle meeting. July 15-25. Address Jno. O. Palmer, 33 Nell St.
Littleton, Wetzel Co., W. Va. Tabernacle meeting. July 15; will probably last over two Sundays. G. T, Clayton, Benwood, W. Va.
Bliss, Mich. Camp meeting. July 22- Aug. 1. Address Jerome Kieser.
Granby, Mo. Camp meeting. Beginning July 16. C. A, Sunderland.
Hamlet, Ind. Grove meeting. Commencing July 17.
Clifton, Mo. Camp meeting. July 17- 26. Address B. F. Chase, Thayer, Mo.
Melrose, O. Tabernacle meeting. July 20-29. Address David Smith. J. N. Howard.
Benton Harbor, Sodus, Mich. July 20- 30. G. B. Collins and J. L. Pike.
New Zion, Leake Co., Miss. Camp meeting. July 24-Aug 2. R. H. Owens.
Bremen, Ind. Grove meeting. July 25- 31.
Independence, Kan. Tabernacle meeting. July 25, lasting as long as the Lord wills.
Moundsville, W. Va. Camp meeting July 31 to Aug. 9. Address Bro. Alfred Tomleson, Moundsville, W. Va.
Brushy Prairie, Ind. Camp meeting. Aug. 1-12. Address Edward Ellis.
Teegarden, Ind. Commencing Aug. 1.
McKinley, Okla. Camp meeting. Aug. 1-10.
Tekonsha, Mich. Aug. 3-11. Address B. F. Heath.
The camp meeting in Alabama will begin Aug. 6. to be held five miles east of Hartsells, Morgan Co. Noah Duncan, Huntsville, Ala,
Dwight, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 8-16. Address Vern. Tillittson.
Kelat, Ky. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 8-23. Address J. P. Lemons.
Harrison Co., Ky. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 8-25. On the farm of A. J. Lemons, four miles northeast of Poindexter Station on the old Ky. Cent. R. R. Some true ministers of God are desired. Address J. P. Lemons, Kelat Ky.
Shultz, Mich. Grove meeting. Aug. 11-18. Address W. H. Merritt, Cloverdale, Mich.
Beaver Dam, Ind. Camp meeting. Aug. 12-19
Vichey, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 12- 24. Address Jas. Thornton.
Fenwick, Ont. Camp meeting. Aug. 13-23. Address Jno. E. Smith.
Marshal, Okla. Camp meeting. Aug. 13-24.
Stanley, W. Va. Camp meeting. Aug. 14-25.
Peoria, Ill. About Aug 15.
St. Louis, Mich. Camp meeting. Aug. 19-29. Address Jno. Harn.
Emlenton, Pa. Camp meeting. Aug. 20-31. Address Samuel Martz, Pittsville, Pa.
Payne, O. Camp meeting. Aug. 20- 31. Address J. N. Howard.
Tremont. O. Tabernacle meeting. Aug. 26-Sept. 6. Address Peter Hartman, Lawrenceville, O.
Ash Grove, Mo. Camp meeting. Aug. 27-Sept. 7.
Oklahoma City; Okla. Tadernacle meeting. Aug. 28-Sept. 14.
Cheshire, Mich. Grove meeting. Beginning Sept 3. Address Albert Pulsipher, Allegan, Mich.
A grove meeting will be held in the southeast part of Salem township, Allegan Co., Mich. Sept. 8-18. Address H. E. Hyde, Burnips Corners, Mich.
Rising Sun, O. Tabernacle meeting, Sept 15-25. Andress Jacob Roush.
Arapahoe, Okla. Camp meeting. Sept. 18-28.
New Pittsburg, Ind. Assembly meeting. Beginning Oct. 15. Address H. C. Wickersham.
The Lord willing, we will hold the following tabernacle meetings:
Marion, Ind. June 24 to July 12.
Brock, Ohio. July 29 to Aug 9.
Gaston, Ind. Aug. 19 to 31.
Reddick, Ill. Sept. 9 and as the Lord wills. S. L. Speck and Co.
Bro. Ostis B. Wilson and Co. are traveling by private conveyance to Mo. Anyone wishing meetings along the line, address him at Grand Junction, Mich.
Any one desiring meeting in New York address us at 621 Otisco St., Syracuse, N. Y.
B. F. Weikel.
There will be a general camp meeting at Apollo, Armstrong Co., Pa., July 23- Aug. 3. Apollo is on the West Penn. R. R. A number of God’s holy ministers are expected. For information address Bro. J. E. Shelhamer. H. M. Riggle.
A tabernacle meeting will be held two miles northeast of Daisy, Wash., on John Maxwell’s place, July 10-20. Daisy is in Stevens Co., on the Columbia River. Everybody invited to attend this meeting. Those coming by R. R. get off at Myer’s Siding which is on the Spokane Falls and Northern R. R. and notify Bro. W. H. Brown, Daisy, Wash.,. a few days before starting, to be met at station. A glorious time is expected in the Lord. All seekers of salvation, experience of perfect holiness, or healing are cordially invited.
F. N. Jacobson and Co.
==========
ONE
_____
Important Feature
of the new book “THE SECRET OF SALVATION’’ is that it is adapted to the every-day life of a Christian. It deals with the things one is constantly meeting in their experience, and there is scarcely a need in a Christian’s life but what is touched upon in some way. There is not a dull page in it, nor one put in just to fill up, but it is a thoroughly practical helper for every one whose object is to serve God aright. The perusal of its pages can but be a benefit to anyone who will heed its contents.
Morocco $1.50. Cloth 75 cts. Paper 35 cts.
Write for Special Terms to Agents.
_____
GOSPEL TRUMPET PUB. CO.,
Grand Junction, Mich.
==========
QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
_____
Can any person be sanctified before being buried with Christ in baptism?
Ans. Yes. We read in Acts 10:47, 48 where certain persons who were sanctified came to be baptized and Peter said, “can any man forbid water that these should not be baptised, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Here we see these persons had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and now were commanded to be baptized with water. Rom. 6:4 and other scriptures tell us that this baptism is a burial, that is by immersion.
Sprinkling or pouring is not Bible baptism, and there is not a passage of scripture in the Bible that teaches either sprinkling or pouring as an ordinance in Christian baptism.
Would it be right to be baptized by a sect minister?
No. One who has received the light on the true church of God, discerning the body of Christ, should not go back into sectism to have a minister perform the ordinance of God’s church when such ministers do not discern the true church. Such baptism received after one has the light would not be accepted by the Lord.
__________
SLEEP.
_____
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.” May the Lord help us to understand what the apostle meant here. He was speaking of spiritual sleep. Truly it is sad to behold the multitudes that are asleep, and how appalling the extent of the same. All those in Babylon, who are not saved and even some professed saints are in this state, just dreaming they are saved. This is the reason they are so easy and unconcerned. May the Lord stir in every heart that is awake to arouse those in reach of them that are asleep.
In some places where we have been, we have seen nearly a whole congregation asleep while the Word was being preached; singers, workers, and sometimes one or more of the preachers, while sinners and others were awake. Well, you will say, no wonder, the preaching was so dead and dry it was enough to put any one asleep. Shame on you for bringing such a pitiful excuse! If such was the case you ought by all means to have kept awake for it is a trick of the devil and God wants you to get a real vehemence in your soul against him and all dead, dry preaching, and humility and grace enough in your soul to do your duty.
It is true the body is sometimes weak and fatigued by hard labor, or being out in the cold and coming into a warm room, and liable to fall asleep, but we have seen those who have fallen asleep regularly while the Word was going forth. Oh sleeper, awake out of your sleep and call on God and he will help you to keep awake! ’Tis true, since the world has fallen asleep we are all exposed to the same. May the Lord put a real vehemence in our souls. And now, you who sleep in meeting have about the same experience when you go to read or pray; you will probably read a few lines and find yourself nodding; the same way in secret prayer. You may excuse yourself by saying you are so busy, and so seldom have time to read or have a season of prayer, and when you do you do not enjoy it. Well you can just put it right down that something is wrong, for when you work hard you are hungry and enjoy your food, and if you do not there is something wrong; so when you do not enjoy the Word and prayer your soul is sick and not in a healthy condition. One cause for this is not being watchful and prayerful. We read in God’s word that his yoke is easy and his burden light, so whatever your work may be you can have your heart in touch with God and resist the devil as commanded. May the Lord help us all to be awake and about our Masters business. Amen. Your sister in Jesus,
Lena Shoffner.
__________
A LETTER FROM HONOLULU
_____
The following letter received by Bro. Green Woodburn Ore., was forwarded to this office for publication.
_____
Honolulu, H. I., May 27.
Dear Bro. Green: arrived here safe in six days. This is a beautiful place of about 25000 inhabitants — natives, Japanese. Chinese, and some Americans. They have Methodist, Camphellite, Congregational, Chinese, Mormon, and Catholic churches (so-called).
We have been very busy since arriving here. We have been to see the lepers, first at the receiving hospital in this place where they are sent when they are suspicioned to be taking the leprosy. There are twelve or fourteen at the place, mostly boys. They also have in connection with the hospital a home for children whose parents are lepers and the children have not as yet taken it. Some of the boys have terribly swollen lips, ears, and nose; and large lumps like warts all over their faces, hands drawn shut or nearly so, eye brows all gone, feet and legs very much enlarged. Last Friday we were permitted to visit the lepers on Molokai Island, about fifty miles from here. There are about 1200 lepers there. We left here at 9. 30 P. M. Friday, arrived there Saturday 6 A. M., were met by several hundred lepers as we landed, men, women, boys, and girls. We were welcomed by a brass band played by lepers, and escorted to a building about two blocks away, a place prepared to receive visitors, a building nicely arranged, four or five nice rooms, one for kitchen or pantry, one bedroom, and a large sitting room, also dining room. The house had a wide veranda on three sides, covered with vines. Here we were met by thirty or more lepers with horses saddled ready to give us a ride to another settlement about three miles distant. We all mounted and were soon at our destination. Here the Catholics have charge of a home for boys, nicely fitted up and clean. But the awful sights as we rode along through the settlement! Saw men and women with nose and mouth all rotted off,
Page 3
and they tried to hide them with their hands. We alighted from the horses and went through the building. Here we saw distress; some whose heads were almost double the proper size and full of large protrusive sores; hands likewise, eye lashes gone, lower lid of eyes hanging down, almost blind. Some had feet about two or three times the proper size, others had lost parts of fingers and toes.
From here we returned to the settlement at the landing, where a nice cold dinner was served, brought from the ship, furnished by the Goverment. They had turkey, beef, ham, pies, cake, and some had beer and wine, seasoned with cigars, and were surprised that I did not drink or smoke.
After dinner Sister S. J. Hutchinson, myself and wife went to the Y. M. C. A. hall and held services. There were about 290 present. We had an interpreter. They listened with eagerness to catch every word. When Sister Hutchinson told (or said) we desired much to come and live among them and teach them more about God’s love for them, and how he wanted to heal them, soul and body, they cheered with stamping their feet, at a great rate. At this settlement there is a home for girls under care of the Catholic sisters. We did not visit it, as our time was limited. There are at this last place, 300 or more Protestants who are not properly cared for, especially their spiritual interests. How we long for the time to come when we can go to their relief!
We returned to Honolulu; arrived at 10 P. M. Saturday. This is Wednesday. We (Sister H., myself, and wife) made a joint petition to the Board of Health to permit us to go over there to preach a full gospel to them, so their bodies as well as souls may be liberated. The most of them have separate family houses to live in, and the government builds them, also furnishes provisions for their living, clothes included. They are well cared for temporally; I would it were so spiritually.
I. L. Day.
__________
SOME POINTS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
Since there are special efforts being put forth for the advancement of God’s people of late, I believe it will be judicious to speak of some matters which have, as yet, not been touched upon, or if they have been spoken of, they have escaped our notice. In a great many places where we have held meetings, our souls have been grieved by the non-attention of the professing saints to the preaching of the Word. They would all listen attentively when when there was nothing to attract them elsewhere, but let some one come in or go out, and immediately their attention is given to that person, and for a time the Word and preacher both would be ignored until their curiosity was satisfied, then then they would turn and by their actions say, “Now, Mr. Preacher, we will listen to you.” Or let a child get carnal on its mother’s hands, and it will receive the attention of the people to the utter exclusion of the Word. If we meet together for the purpose of seeing and being seen, of course this curiosity is not only pardonable but right; but if we meet to worship God and hear out of his Word, then there is no excuse whatever for such actions. Thank God that this is not the case everywhere we have been, but we are sorry to say that this state of indifference does exist in many places. It savors of Babylon, and like all other Babylonish traits, ought to be under the blood.
The next error we have noticed, and which at times places God’s ministers in very awkward positions, is the lack of financial preparations to carry on a meeting of any length, some people fail to consider the expense under which ministers are placed by traveling and have allowed them to leave in debt for their railroad fare. This coming summer has been looked forward to a special season of great blessing; efforts are being put forth as never before for be salvation of souls and the spiritual growth of believers. The cause of Christ on earth may be enhanced and strengthened by each one of the children of God doing his or her duty in all respects. Those who can not leave their homes and go out to preach the gospel may contribute to the support of those who do go, with their means.
Chas. B. Morton.
==========
News from the Field
__________
Pierce City, Mo.
Dear Brethren: We have just come back to this place again and commenced meeting in the name of Jesus, having just returned from Webb City, where we held meeting for a week with good results. There were some cases of divine healing and professions of salvation. From here we go south and to Indian Territory. Mail addressed to Winslow, Ark. will reach us.
Dan. Murphy and Wife.
__________
Cameron, Kan., June 19
Dear Saints of God: We arrived here this morning. The meetings at Kintz and Enid closed with victory on the Lord’s side. Three sanctified at Kintz and others settled down on the word of God and on the advance, and at Enid, two saved and four claimed sanctification. We expect to remain here until after the fourth of July, the Lord willing, then go east to Custelow, Kan. to commence a meeting about July 11, then to Independence about July 25. Pray very earnestly for us that we may not shun to declare the whole truth.
Charles Bright and Co.
_____
Rosindale, N. C.
Dear Brethren: We are now opening up in a new place. This gospel has never been preached here before, but sect holiness has been here about two years. Several have consecrated this week. The truth is getting hold of the people. We commenced in a mill, but the congregations increased so we had to arrange seats in the shade near by. It is a busy season of the year, yet our congregations are good The dear Lord is giving us liberty in presenting his truth to the people. Sectarians are beginning to see that they have not had the Bible. The way was opened up at this place through some Trumpets that found their way here. Bro E. B. Haynes is with us.
J. F. Lundy and Co-workers.
_____
Tekonsha, Mich.
Dear Saints: We can report victory for Jesus. God is still keeping us and advancing our souls; bless his dear name! We had the glorious privilege of attending the Grand Junction camp meeting, which was the most blessed meeting we ever attended. We are now on our way back, intending first to stop in Fulton Co., Ohio, to hold a grove meeting. Any one desiring us to hold meetings on our wav back to the East will let us know at once; also those in the East desiring tent meetings let us hear from you as soon as possible; address us at Grand Junction, Mich., and all mail will be forwarded to us.
To those who have contributed to the book on tobacco, we were glad to receive your testimonies. We received a great many and it was necessary to select those that we thought would most glorify God. Many came too late to be used; some were too long, and had to be shortened. We trust no one will feel disappointed if your testimony does not appear in the book, or if you find that it has been somewhat shortened. Yours in Jesus,
W. J. Henry.
_____
Georgeville, Pa., June 18.
Dear Trumpet Readers: We are glad to report victory on the Lord’s side. Since our last report we held meeting five nights at or near Gypsy, Pa., which was owned and blessed of God. During our stay, there were five consecrations; four for justification and one for sanctification; two were healed by the power of God and five were baptized in Cush Creek on the 12th before a large concourse of people. We were then compelled to come home. We left the church (so far as we could tell) in a good spiritual condition.
The Lord is working in those parts and a grove or camp meeting is very much desired there this summer; a grove can be secured free of charge about three miles north of Smithport (where we had camp meeting a few years ago). Could not this meeting be arranged in order for some of the ministers who expect to be at Emlenton C. M. to come here and go from here to Emlenton? Some one or more of the older brethren are desired. Any one desiring to write to me, address me at Georgeville, Pa. Yours in Christ,
Alex. T. Rowe.
_____
Grand Island, Neb., June 26.
Dear Saints of God: This morning finds us still sweetly saved and abounding in Jesus’ love, and on the advance for God. Praise his holy name! Closed tabernacle meeting here last night, which was a seed-sowing time. This place here is a dark place, and seemingly all people care for is worldly pleasure. But by God’s grace we scattered the seed of the gospel both in street and tabernacle meetings, and trust to God that it will bring forth fruit. A few souls claimed deliverance from sin. May the dear Lord grant them steadfastness for him. There were also saints from different places attending the meeting, and on Sunday June 14, six dear saints followed Jesus in the ordinance of baptism. We go from here to Bladen, Neb., and, Lord willing, commence meeting about July 1. Any of the saints or seekers of truth living near that place are invited to attend the meeting. We also ask an interest in all the prayers of the saints that God may keep us humble and use us to the salvation of dear souls. Yours set for the defense of the gospel,
Geo. Vielguth and Co.
_____
Huntsville, Ala.
Dear Saints: We are glad we can report victory in our souls. We have been holding meeting at Huntsville in the tabernacle for three weeks. Closed last Sunday night. The Lord blessed our labor and gave us souls for our hire. Praise the Lord! Thirteen followed the Lord in the ordinance of baptism. Some were delivered from sectism, which of course made the sectarian preachers get restless. The preachers were the worst we had to deal with. They did all they could against me. They started up a little meeting right close to ours, but God was not with them and they did not prosper. I guess they got ashamed of themselves and quit. So God defeated the devil all around. Some of the professors even had an ice cream supper within about fifty yards of where we were holding meeting. But they just killed themselves. The sinners could see that was wrong. We gave the people the truth; some fought against it; that is, some of the ungodly professors that the Lord had rejected years ago.
The Lord stretched forth his hand in healing the sick. While that meeting was going on, a brother came in from the country one morning and wanted us to come and pray for his father. We found him very bad. We had prayer with him and anointed him, and the Lord healed him and he got up and walked across the house praising the Lord. That night a man came to us and wanted us to come and see his mother-in-law who was very poorly. He said he did not think she would live until morning; so we went over to see her. When we got there they had all given her up to die, the doctor said he did not think she could live until morning. We tried to talk to her but she could hardly talk. So we got down, had prayer with her, and asked God to make her able to talk; so he did. We arose from prayer and she could talk to us. We began to talk and found that she was willing to give up sin. Then she took Jesus as her Saviour, and her soul was filled with glory and she began to shout praises to God for what he had done. She has been on the mend ever since. It made believers of those that were standing around. So we give God all the glory. Praise his name! Yours saved in the one body,
Noah Duncan, Wife and Co.
==========
TESTIMONIES.
“Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.” – Psa. 119:129.
__________
Greeley, Col.
Dear Reades: This leaves me saved ’ and kept by the power of God. Oh I do praise God for a salvation that keeps us from all sin and from every thing that is not of God! I am determined to serve him while I live. Pray for me that I may keep humble and in the order of the Lord. Pray for my unsaved husband that he may be saved. We do need some one sent of God to preach to the people here. Your sister in Christ,
Mrs. S. O. Bond.
_____
Palo, Iowa.
Dearly Beloved Saints: My testimony is, I am saved and kept by power divine, praising God for salvation full and free, that delivers me from all bands and straps of the enemy. But truly we are living in perilous times with many oppositions. We do need the prayers of the dear ones for the success of the gospel here. Your sister consecrated to God,
Martha Baker.
_____
Santa Barbara, Cal
Dear Saints: I will write my testimony. I am saved and kept by the power of God. When I first heard this blessed truth I was in the sect known as the Southern Methodist at Lompoc. Bro. Byers came there with a tent and preached the truth and wife and I accepted. Praise the Lord! Later on, the blessed Lord healed me of the appetite for tobacco, Since that he has been our family physician. Praise his dear name! Yours in the one body,
C. L. and J. Davis.
==========
OBITUARIES.
_____
OGLE. — Sister Mary Jane Ogle who lived two miles east of Orescent, died at 6 P. M., June 4, 1896; aged sixty-one years and seven days. Dear Sister Ogle suffered at times for fifteen years with cancer of the stomach, and eight months before she died was a constant sufferer. She lived a member of the Baptists for thirty years, but when she heard the Gospel preached in its purity she was willing to walk in the light. She was anxious to depart and be with Jesus. A few moments before her spirit took its flight she seemed to see our dear loving Savior, and raising her hand she exclaimed “Oh take me!” Bro. Henry preached a very impressive sermon, from the 8th chapter of Romans. Sister Ogle leaves a husband, four daughters and four sons to mourn their loss, but they weep not as those who have no hope, and I am confident if she could speak to these dear ones from the glory world she would still invite them to serve her God and meet her in heaven. May they be an unbroken family around God’s throne is my earnest prayer.
Lavinia Allnutt.
_____
ELAM — Bro. B. W. W. Elam was born in West Virginia in the year 1816 and died May 20, 1896, at the home of his son near Fresno, Cal.; aged seventy-nine years, eleven months and one day. He lived a devoted life for forty-eight years, died in the triumphs of a living faith, and is gone to his reward. He left a family of ten children to mourn their loss, one of whom since the death of his father has also gone to a world that knows no sorrow.
He leaves a beloved companion, with whom he has fought life’s battle, for forty years. May the dear Lord bless and comfort the hearts of the bereaved and prepare them for a happy meeting around the throne of God,
B. F. Arnett.
_____
St. Lotus, Mich.
BASORE. — Lucy May Basore, daughter of Jacob and Nancy Basore, died June 14. 1896; aged nineteen years, six months and eleven days. She was converted to God the 15th of last March. Near the close of her life she exhorted sinners to repent, and some yielded to the Lord and now are saved. Just before she passed away she bade us all good-by and said she was going to heaven. Funeral service by Bro. D Mitchell from Heb. 9:27 to a large congregation.
Lewis Basore.
Page 4
DIVINE HEALING.
__________
How People are Healed.
_____
WE do not think the work is done differently now from what it was in olden times. The work is done through faith in his word by believing. Let us see how it was with the leper in Matt. 8:2. He came to the Lord believing, and he believed not only that the Lord had power to heal, but that he would heal him. He did not say, “Lord, if it be thy will,” but he had full assurance that it was the will of God, therefore he said, “If thou wilt” not “If it be thy will.” And Jesus immediately touched him, saying, “I will; be thou clean,” and the work was immediately done.
When blind Bartimeus was by the wayside where Jesus was passing by, he did not sit down silently and trust that Jesus would have compassion on him, but he began to cry out very earnestly, “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” Many people tried to keep him still and told him to hold his peace, but he cried out the more, “Thou son of David, have mercy on me.” This was a prayer that came from the heart which Jesus could not turn away, so Jesus said, “What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?” and the blind man said unto him, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” Jesus said unto him, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole, and immediately he received his sight.” Here you see it was the faith of the blind man that made him whole. When blind men or lepers or anyone else who is sick comes with the earnestness and determination that blind Bartimeus and the leper came with, they will go away healed. This blind man took the advice given in the 2d chapter of James, showing forth both faith and works. He was not satisfied to sit down quietly and exercise his faith but he made up his mind to show forth his works by pressing his way to the Great Physician who was able to make him whole.
Every child of God who is afflicted or sick has the promise of being made whole by coming to the Lord and taking him at his word. If you have not faith call upon God for it, and he says in his Word that he will give it unto you. Press the matter earnestly; take the apostles and prophets with their varied experiences of faith and trust in God as an example, and above all things follow the loving Savior as the Great Example, he who is able to supply all your needs for both soul and body.
__________
God’s Healing Power Manifested.
_____
Pullman, Wash.
Dear Readers of the Trumpet: I feel led of God to testify to the wonderful love of God toward me, and also of his gracious dealings with me and my dear companion. I greatly desire to let the world know what great things the dear Lord has done for us both in soul and body. Wife and I have been afflicted for a number of years, I with sciatic rheumatism and catarrh, wife with catarrh, asthma and pain in her back.
We tried some of the world’s best physicians, but they all proved a failure. Hence life became a burden to us; so to pass away the time we went and spent two years with our children in British Columbia. While there I had a vision in which I saw my crutches on the ground under my feet, and I was praising God, my limbs all limbered up. Praise God! Soon after I saw the same thing again, and again. I related to my children my vision; they thought it strange but said I could not be healed. While musing on these things, I felt that while many things are impossible with men, all things are possible with God.
Next I wish to speak of a severe case of whooping cough which resulted in an accident to my wife. Blood poison followed. I saw very clearly that our efforts were but little if any benefit to my dear wife. So I called in an aged physician of many years experience. A council was held; they decided she could not live twelve hours and left her no medicine. Tongue would fail to describe my distress. I went to her and said, “How do you feel now, dear?” She shook her head but did not speak. I walked the floor a short time, then got on my knees. I said, “O my God, is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there? As such I claim thee to be. Oh Jesus, thou art the GREAT PHYSICIAN.” Just then I got the witness my prayer was answered. Praise the Lord! I thought I never could praise the Lord enough. I raised my wife up and kissed her and pressed her to my bosom. I said, “You are not going to die.” She roused up from her stupor and said, “How you talk! I cannot live.” Yes, God says he will not take you and leave me alone. Praise the Lord, he did heal her. Just then our only child, a dear two-year-old with whooping cough, took a spell of coughing. She started for me but fell to the floor; strangled with phlegm, she sank away I thought never to come to again. I took her to the Lord in prayer. Praise God she was healed! These two cases of healing happened several years ago.
This gave me fresh encouragement. I began to think that some time in the future God might heal me. I praise God that I came back to Wash., where I heard of the saints for the first time; but did not go much on them, not knowing anything about them, until Bro. E. C. Mays came and talked with me. He said, “I understand you both are afflicted with rheumatism.” I said, “Yes but mine is sciatic and can’t be cured.” “Yes,” said Bro. Mays, “I believe it can; I am cured of the same and also of heart trouble.” “Well,” said I, “I don’t see why I can’t be cured.” Bro. Mays said he wanted to hold some meetings in this neighborhood; so a meeting was held in the Duff schoolhouse. We had a precious meeting; wife and I went forward for prayers, and to be healed. Praise the Lord, when Bro. Peterman anointed us and hands were laid on us I felt the healing power burning all through my body. Praise the Lord! Wife and I were both healed, saved, and sanctified, and our son George also.
I was six years on crutches; I had lost the use of my left leg. It was two inches shorter than the other one. Praise the Lord, I now realize my vision I had in British Columbia was true. My crutches are all under my feet. Dear saints, with me this doctrine of divine healing is not a mere fiction of the brain. Since I have got acquainted with the saints, I find that I have always been one in principle. And for fifty-two years I have been cut off from the Methodist sect. When they divided their house, one-half North and one- half South and went off in a political excitement, shooting and killing each other (shame on them!), I turned away like Noah’s dove. I have been hunting for a place to light. Praise the Lord, I have found a people with whom my soul takes delight to dwell.
I do praise the Lord for this wonderful salvation that takes my sins away and makes me clean. It is so sweet to live all for Jesus. I know I am wholly sanctified by a second work of grace wrought in my soul; healed March, 1896.
J. B. and M. J. McClure.
__________
God is sending forth his “angels” (messengers. — Greek. Holy Ghost ministers.), who preach the whole word of God. The effect is that people get full salvation, see the evils of Babylon confusion, and step out upon the whole word of God. If you are seeking light you will look up the following references on the above.
His ministers. — Matt. 13:30, 41, 49. Jer. 16:16.
They preach. — Zech. 14:20. Rev. 14:6-11 Rev. 18:1-5. 2 Cor. 6:14-18. Jer. 51:6. 2 Tim. 3:1-5. 1 Cor. 1:10.
The result. — Jno. 10:4, 27-29. Jno. 8:47. Isa. 35:8-10.
Those gathered are called a holy “remnant” — Jer. 6:9. Isa. 10:16-21. Mic. 2:12. Rev. 12:17. Rev. 15:23.
This gathering was to take place in the end of time. — Eph. 1:10;
And prepare the church for Christ’s second coming. — Rev. 19:5-8.
It is the sign by which we may know that the end is near. Question. — “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” — Matt. 24:3. Answer — “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven. * * * He shall send his angels (messengers. Greek) with a great sound of a trumpet (pure Word being preached. Joel 2:1. Zech. 9:14. Isa. 8:13.), and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds (Babylon confusion. Zech. 2:6, 7), from one end of heaven to the other. * * * When ye shall see all these things, knew that it is near, even at the doors. —” Matt. 24:30-33.
“Even so come Lord Jesus.” Amen.
H. M. Riggle.
__________
Church of the Living God.
_____
GOD is an exceedingly jealous God, and will not give his glory to another. Men naturally are most prone to give glory to everything else except God. While they ought to acknowledge God in ALL their ways, many refuse to acknowledge him in any way. It is set forth in the Scripture that there is no other name except that of Jesus through which we have salvation, and no other agency is employed of God to bring people to salvation but the simple gospel, or a plain declaration of the gospel truth, which is to be believed and acted upon and which possesses all power requisite to accomplish its work.
Again, God is jealous of manmade inventions or names which would in the least remove the offense of the cross or share in his glory. For this reason Jesus Christ lays down the wholesome doctrine that men are to worship the Father only in spirit and truth, and hot at any particular place. Just simply worship and fear God, and work righteousness. Not to go up to Jerusalem, which may in this day appropriately be compared to Romanism, or yet in Samaria’s mountains representing Protestantism. And Paul, seeing men’s idolatry, gives us this safe explanation along the same line: ”God that made the world and all things therein * * * dwelleth not in temples made with hands; NEITHER IS WORSHIPPED WITH MEN’S HANDS, as though he needed any thing.
It is plain to see by this scriptural teaching that men cannot construct any place where God would be more acceptably worshipped; cannot please him with either plain or costly temples; cannot gain his approval with money or inventions; cannot organize themselves into an institution, or assume a name, to the better carrying on of God’s work or with a view of exercising authority in his name or directing his work. After any or all of these things had been done, still they could ONLY WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH, and the very existence of their methods and contrivances would stand in the way of a perfect trust and spiritual worship, and would get men’s minds on their own works or their trust in something else besides the one name Jesus Christ.
In plain English, it is not God’s way that people should bring in any ism, any organization, any material things, in their worship. These things ALWAYS come between the people and God and hide his face from them. And the richer their organizations become, the more educated, the higher in accredited standing, and more elaborate their services, the farther and farther do they drift away from God. All God requires is that people seek him and live, believe in Jesus Christ, obey the truth of the gospel, and abide in his love. They could not do more than this by heaping to themselves millions of dollars, unlimited power, and hundreds of millions of membership. But as the New Testament so persistently warns us against these last named things, we cannot accept them, in any sense, as entering into any part of salvation, or in any manner as being useful in prosecuting the work of God; but rather hindrances.
There is a very valuable lesson found in Amos 5:4, 5. Please read the two verses, as we employ them as a proof text. Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba were places made sacred in the minds of Israel because of past associations, and manifestations of God’s presence and power and grace at said places. Therefore they were attracted to these places, set up idols, and the very places where once God’s glory had been seen became a snare and a sin to them. God warns them against these places, and pleads with them to seek him, and him only. So it is to-day. Many present-day denominations sprang from some great revival, and in some manner a name was acquired, to which they still hold with great reverence, and with a loyalty worthy of a better cause. They have set up their own works, made altars and idols, and call themselves churches, though long since God has departed from them. Holding on to a mere name, a hull, a memory, but forsaking God.
How resplendent once came God’s glory down upon Bethel when Jacob first declared that place to be the house of God! But afterwards what a desolation it became, and what a snare! The people loved Bethel and its idolatry, but hated the God of Bethel, and would come there to transgress! So it is with Methodism now. Once a power and glory in God’s hand, but now forsaken almost entirely, and a great majority of her members loving the ism and her associations, and zealous for her institutions, but hating the God she professes to serve. Her costly edifices now being built are memorials to her fallen condition. Her very founder warned her against this very thing, but she neither obeys her founder nor God.
Austin D. Hicks.
==========
TESTIMONY.
__________
Decatur, Ind.
Dear Trumpet Readers: I am saved and trusting in the Lord. I have sweet peace in my soul. I cannot thank the Lord enough for his goodness and mercy to me. I praise him for the sweet peace in my soul, and I praise him for his healing power. He has healed my children at different times. O how precious it is to have one we can go to who healeth all our sickness! Praise the Lord forever! He is still sinking me deeper down in his will. Pray for my unsaved friends at home.
MINDA Mc CONNEHEY.
_____
Santee, Miss.
Dear Saints: It has been some time since I have written my testimony. I can truly say I am saved and sanctified, and my husband is also. For the last four years I have been living a pure Christian life. I shall ever praise the dear Lord for sending us the pure gospel, though but few received it here. We are almost alone here as to having the enjoyment of any of the saints’ company; but I feel happy in the Lord, and hope he will soon send some holiness preachers here to preach the pure Word. Do pray much for the work in the South for it surely is needed here. Pray that my children may receive salvation and pure peace to their souls. My children are all afflicted in various ways, and do pray dear saints that they may be healed both soul and body. Pray also for me that I may be healed of catarrh of the head and a lung disease and female weakness. Your sister, saved and sanctified,
Mary Broome.
ADVANCEMENT.
__________
Temperance.
_____
TEMPERANCE is one of the graces mentioned by the apostle Peter, in which we are to advance after we are sanctified wholly. See 2 Pet. 1:5-7.
The word temperance is sometimes used in the sense of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors and narcotics. Applying it thus, it were ridiculous to say that a sanctified man would ever need an advancement on that line. Because all these evils he is freed from even in justification. But such is not its scriptural meaning. It is synonymous with the word moderateness; and to say a man is temperate, is to say that he indulges in the moderate use of something.
The Bible teaches us to be “temperate in all things.” 1 Cor. 9:25. From this text we sometimes hear the sots argue, that we must indulge a little in order to obey this scripture. But they deceitfully handle the word of Truth. God intends that we interpret his word according to the dictates of common sense. The Bible tells us to “abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” 1 Peter 2:11. Yea, it commands us to abstain even “from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thess. 5:22. We must therefore conclude that when the Bible says be temperate in all things, it means that we must be moderate in such things as are allowable in saints.
Having now seen the Bible meaning of the word temperance, let us each look around us to see if we are intemperate in any way. Jesus teaches us to be moderate in eating and drinking. “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” — Luke 21:34. Surfeiting is eating more than is necessary. So the Savior is here teaching us against immoderate eating, and mark he says, it overcharges the heart. He meant that by deranging the functions of the human system, the brain would become clogged to some extent, hindering the free exercise of the mind, thus making it difficult to pray with faith, the spirit of devotion would to some extent be weakened, and the spirituality marred.
But do we as saints, need to become more temperate in eating? Yes, my dear brethren, many of us do. We have trimmed down our apparel, and our house furniture somewhat, but now let us take a look at our tables, and see if they do not need to be trimmed down a great deal. I am sorry that the brethren in some places have imbibed the idea that the Bible does not teach hygiene. They are laboring under a great mistake. But under our present heading we will not enter into the details of this subject.
The greatest cause of intemperate eating, is the preparing of a greater variety than is needed. The sight of many kinds of delicious foods, is liable to draw out our appetites, until we, unintentionally, eat more than is required for the maintenance of our bodies. Let us all ask God to make suggestions to our consciences, wherein he sees we need to make advancement on this line, and a benefit to both soul and body will be the result. Read carefully Prov. 23:1-3; Isa. 55:2; 1 Cor. 10:31.
God’s word also commands temperate sleeping. Prov. 6:6-11. 20:13. 24:30-34. The first hour of the day is the sweetest hour for prayer. David understood this, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” — Psa. 5:3. “In the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.” — Ps. 88:13. Want of space prevents us from following the subject any further, but let us pray God to make us models of Christian temperance.