29 October 1896, Volume 16, Number 43.
THE CHURCH IN HER PURITY.
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[The following poem is taken from an old Christian hymn book. It was written many years ago by a writer whose name is not known. It is a true prophecy of the present dispensation of the evening light.]
The time soon is coming by the prophets foretold,
When Zion in purity the world will behold,
For Jesus’ pure testimony will gain the day,
Denomination selfishness will vanish away.
‘Twill then be discover’d who for Jesus will be,
And who are in Babylon the saints then will see;
The line of division then will fully be known,
Between the pure Kingdom and defiled Babylon.
What beauty the church will then put on in the light,
All govern’d by Jesus Christ, who always leads right;
No spot on her countenance in that glorious day,
Unnecessary ceremonies vanish away.
Led on by the Comforter, what sweets will be found,
What peace, and what harmony, and love will abound;
Losing time, things for Jesus, will be counted all joy,
And helping each other a delightful employ.
The watchmen lift up their voices then, all as one;
East, west, north and southward, to and fro they will run;
In the Spirit’s pure testimony preach up the cross,
And Mystery Babylon must* suffer the loss.
For truth cuts its way, and love will melt down its foes,
The pure word of God will conquer all who oppose;
The church stands in purity, in peace, and in love,
In sight of her enemies she rises above.
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Domestic Happiness.
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CHAPTER VI.
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DUTY OF CHILDREN TO THEIR PARENTS.
DEAR children, we have now come to the place where we shall talk a little while to you. The Bible was not to the apostles only, neither is it to the preachers only of to-day, nor to older people alone; but God loves the children, and speaks to them through the mouth of his holy apostles, giving them commands and promises the same as to older people. True, as we have already shown, God’s first teaching comes to the children through the parents; but when the child gets old enough to begin to read, and to understand what it reads, then the Bible is one means of grace in reach of the children, that points their souls above the pitfalls of sin to the better land.
FIRST COMMAND.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” — Eph. 6:1-3. While it is each parent’s duty to teach his children to be obedient, the fruit of his labor in his own child is his own reward, to say nothing of the reward in heaven. Then, dear boys, you can contribute to the happiness of your home more than you may be aware of, by cultivating a spirit of obedience to your own parents. And remember that God requires this of you. It is a commandment from the Lord, and you must obey it; but there is a grand promise, if you will obey your parents. The Lord will reward thee,” in addition to the happiness you give your parents.
Now, dear boys and girls, don’t you all want papa and mamma to love you? Of course, all good children do. Then you could do nothing to make them love you more than to always obey them. When you disobey it makes them feel bad, and you feel bad, for you feel guilty; and above this, it grieves the dear Lord, for he tells you to obey your parents, and in not doing so you have disobeyed him too. Did you ever think, dear reader, that every time you don’t obey your parents, you disobey God too; and every time your parents let you disobey them, they let you disobey God? By so doing they help to cultivate the wrong disposition in you and thus he p to send your soul to hell.
O children, it is a solemn thing to fail to keep the first commandment that God gives you, for by so doing you begin to cultivate a disposition of disobedience, and stubbornness, and rebellion, that grieves God and your parents, and steals the precious oil of joy from your own heart, and happiness from your own life and your own father’s home. Then, “Children, obey your parents.”
RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE.
“The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pluck it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”-Prov. 30:17. How often have we seen this scripture fulfilled, and young people wonder why they feel so wretched and miserable, and even wonder what they have done to make them feel so undone! Kind reader, if this is your condition, look back up the lane of your life, and see where you last disobeyed the voice of the best friend you have on earth, your mother, or where the command of a father was disregarded by you. Then remember in so doing you disobeyed and disregarded the voice of God and grieved his Holy Spirit, and his just judgment is being sent on you as a chastisement of the rod of God’s mercy, calling you to re-pent of your disobedience, amend your life, and conform it to the beautiful law of God, the only true promoter of all your real interests, be they either earthly or heavenly. Then the reward of stubbornness and disobedience, is unhappiness here, and, if not repented of and forsaken, eternal punishment hereafter.
A STUBBORN SON.
Under the old law, if any man had a stubborn and rebellious son, who would not obey the voice of his father nor the voice of his mother, and who when they had chastened him, would not harken to them, his parents had to bring him to the authorities, who had him stoned to death, that his example might cause fear. Deut. 21:18. The wise man hath said the foolish son is a grief to, and the calamity of his father. “Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” — Prov. 20:20. The corner-stone of success and a principle of Christianity, is to “hear the instructions of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother.”
ESAU AND JACOB.
These were twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca, and by reading their history we see how very different their dispositions were. Jacob was always very careful to take no wrong step, while Esau did not hesitate to consent to evil suggestions; and by following their lives we will learn the noble lesson that true greatness lies alone in being good; and being good is conceived, brought forth, and reared in the cradle of obedience, rocked by the paternal foot of love that causes each parent to lead his children to the Lord.
RESPECT.
“Hearken to thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.” — Prov. 23:22. Respect for God and due reverence for his word, will command respect to our parents. The closer the parent binds the life of the child to God by compelling it to obey and live up to the word of God, the more he shows to his child his confidence in God, and the greater the child will respect his parent for bringing him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Dear child, the Bible holds you guilty if you do not respect and remember the law of your father and mother. We would make yet a stronger application of this text. You must not only remember your parental discipline, and respect its God sent blessings, but thou shalt.
HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER.
Could we see the need of the necessary amount of cementing love, and pure confidence, in the homes of our land to-day, surely many seats in modern theaters would be vacant and many ballrooms would be wanting guests, because Bible parents would be too much honored by Bible trained children, and the whole domestic circle would honor and respect God too much to even desire to darken the door of such places. No, they would not go to such places for pleasure, because home would be the best place on earth, the highest stone that mortal could step his foot upon, and only a short step would take its happy occupants to be “forever with the Lord.” Then, children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord, and contributing one wreath to deck your home and happify all within your borders.
A. B. STANBERRY.
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Save the Girls.
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To all girls who may chance to read these few words, greeting in the name of Jesus whom we adore and ever honor. Amen. Realizing the great danger to which the youths of our land are exposed, and comprehending the great value of noble men and virtuous women to fill the sphere of God’s design, I pen these lines and with prayer to yonder throne invoke the peace of heaven to abound unto all who desire to flee the wrath to come.
My lips cannot remain closed and my pen silent when I know the fact that thousands of our fairest and best girls are being overcome and driven into eternal wretchedness, by an unseen but not an unknown enemy to the soul and moral character. “Secret vice” is undermining the constitution of our girls as much as of the opposite sex, and as they emerge into womanhood, behold a weak and sickly mass of feminine humanity.
This is a fast age indeed, and if there was ever a time that souls should be awake and obey the laws of nature, to maintain the grand and noble rights intended by the Creator, it is now. And such must be, or an early death is inevitable. Sin is manifest everywhere: among the high and low, rich and poor. The whole world has bowed at the command of this tyrant, and been bound in the thralldom of slavish dependence. Sin has removed the eye of wisdom from humanity, and age after age they grind at the same old mill of destruction, invented for the devil’s pleasure. This great world of ours and the constitutional organism of man are made up of facts that illustrate the laws of nature, relative to man’s normal condition, also to hereditary depravity and disease.
Our girl may be accomplished in the fragile arts, may sing as an angel, and appear in the ballroom as a fairy; on the stage of action she may flit as a butterfly in the height of fashion; but when downright vicissitudes appear, and she is thrust through the machine of adversity, the wind of trial, labor, and poverty casts off nothing but a bit of chaff. And alas! the golden grain that should have come from a sheaf bound by true virtue, and that should have filled the garner of power and honor, is lost in the cesspools of pride and vain glory, and carried by the sewers of iniquity into the great and awful deep of sorrow and bitter lamentation. Wrapped in the mysterious fogs of a blasted soul and a useless life, the girl who should have been a loving wife and devoted mother, is but an apparition that sows misery wherever its track is found, and causes us to cry out in pain, “O God, give us well developed constitutions and strong minds to lead our family circle, or our hope is lost!”
The love for fashion and dress is a passion early implanted by worldly example, and is very dangerous to body and mind, as statistics of prostitution show. The desire that should actuate a girl is to dress with neatness and propriety, with a mind in readiness to grasp that round in life’s ladder which, if gained, will raise her above the extravagances and dissipations of our day, into the presence of God who created her for a noble purpose instead of her destroying her half-matured body by longings and desires as premature as they are disastrous and wicked.
The newspapers aid in swelling this stream of wretchedness. The paints, powders, and misses’ superb toilets are displayed in their columns to catch the eye of those who are ignorant of divine laws and have a desire to be known in the fashionable world. Destruction follows in the wake of every novel-reader, and untold mischief is produced by theaters, dancing, etc., and is calculated to destroy the moral principles and pure sentiments of the heart.
The debased conversation and actions of many girls lead many more younger ones into the mysteries of iniquity, and the demon of despair sinks his fangs deep into the life-giving element, leaving the terrible venom — secret vice — in a once lovable creature. Misery sways a scepter, lust kindles a spark, and passion feeds the flame; honor bows her head as licentiousness spreads her wings and bears away the chastity of the loving being who was created for eternal praise and glory, and leaves in her stead a vile “something,” not woman; for such it cannot be in so wretched an existence.
Thousands are dying annually of a wasting disease’ called consumption, “female complaints,” nervous and spinal affections, general debility, etc., the direct effects of this debasing practice. If every girl who is ignorant of these snares of Satan could visit our hospitals, asylums, and infirmaries and behold there the dying mortals, writhing in misery, fits, nervous prostration, tumors, cancers, and many other such diseases, as we have often said, if. you could behold the walking deaths, you certainly would shrink with horror from your awful sin.
Thousands of homes are made miserable for lack of the graces and virtues of a noble woman, as wife and mother. To make home the sweetest place on earth, is to introduce into it a wife or sister who surrounds the household with a power of love and cheerfulness, characteristic of the ideal woman. Girls, your mind must be kept pure, as it is one of the prime factors in the government of your being.
Also I will give every pure girl warning against the modern courtship, where she with one of the opposite sex are secluded from the eyes of all, with doors locked and curtains drawn. The precious moments that should be spent in the development of the mind, causing it to aspire to the grand attainments in love and nobility that only belong to a virtuous woman, are spent in learning the details of passion, and often in searching its deepest mysteries, which is not only detrimental to the moral health, but as much so to the physical constitution.
Having been cast into almost every kind of society, we have a knowledge of the influence of such actions upon the better part of humanity. We know the young mind is but a plaything for Satan, when not under the direct control of heaven’s protection; and by being turned into the wrong channel in the bloom of youth, the way is paved by unrighteous thoughts, to lay the track of destruction, and will eventually land the element of God’s creation in the horrible pit that was never intended for a noble woman.
Every girl must have her better judgment so intensified by the law of truth and purity, that she may stand before the world as a monument of modesty and propriety. She must be determined. True is the old maxim that says, “If a woman hesitates, she is lost.” Let her treasure as a precious jewel, her guards of honor, and never permit the slightest improper familiarity. If the passion called love once becomes developed, it is uncontrollable unless moral strength and courage holds it in check until the proper time to exercise it. Do not surrender yourself to any one until, guided by discretion, you weigh the ponderous question of giving yourself up to some one else.
The indulgences of carnal pleasures are the fatal arrows that penetrate the soul, bringing the blackness of darkness over the moral sky. When purity of heart has fled and sensuality’s flame begins to devour the purest thought, it is but a step to physical ruin. Let no man nor anything place you in a helpless mood where you cannot stand for the rights that a gracious God has given you. Danger is ahead, time will speed you farther from virtue divine, and finally all will gather dark, and happy it would be had you never been born. You are on a pilgrimage to a distant land, but you were placed here for a purpose. Out of the fullness of nature’s storehouse comes wisdom to apply the given faculties aright; if you will heed wisdom’s voice you will find those things requisite to elevate you from the powers of lust, to unalloyed happiness.
This world is governed by woman’s influence and power. What virtues there are in the families of earth are held together by the graces of the pure woman. Woman, as the omniscient Creator intended her to be, is to the oppressed soul what the refreshing dewdrop is to the drooping pansy. As those evergreens adorn yonder hill in magnificent display, just so is the normal woman an evergreen of joy that characterizes our home by the influence of never fading truth and loveliness. Clouds may gather dark, and Satan’s power as forked lightning threaten us with a blast of destruction, but where the womanly woman is found she is a light that dispels the gloom — the mountain that parts the storm, giving place to the Sun of righteousness that clears our spiritual sky.
But when the soul of woman becomes blackened by sin and vice, there is no greater terror to civilization. Her influence is as the deadly nightshade, the exhalation from which is certain death to all who breathe the poisoned atmosphere. Like the ungrateful reptile, she cannot be trusted, but at a moment unexpected those venomous fangs are buried in the circulation of moral principles.
It is said that, “Out of every hundred courtesans that pollute our country, at least ninety were seduced and ruined before their eighteenth birthday.” So, girls, beware. If you have inherited a passionate nature, in the exuberances of dawning womanhood your amative propensities will call for a gratification of those feelings. Then be sure and let discretion throw up for your soul many safeguards.
Clouds of temptation and darkness may hang low, but as long as you can behold the bow of promise, fear naught that may approach. But if folly and indiscretion is privileged to domineer over the faculties of the soul, your bow of hope is surely obliterated, and all is swept away in the flood of carnal lust.
What grander picture can the human mind paint than the innocent girl, who is a representation of purity? Oh I would that they all could ever remain and bloom in the field of innocent glory. But the demon of evil is abroad, and these beautiful flowers of human form are plucked by the icy element of corroding sin. These young hearts must feel the poisoned darts and evil sting from the enemy of souls. Shall they succumb to this infernal power without a friendly warning, or word of truth to point out the great danger?
Alas! the most contemptible vices are preying upon our loveliest beings. They are all falling victims to this detestable vice and dying by the thousands, suffering from a hundred ills, and mothers so blinded by ignorance and fastidious delicacy that they cannot check the demon’s ravages.
You may know the guilty by such symptoms as, “emaciation, pale complexion, whiteness of teeth, discoloration around the eyes, which are sunken and dull, inflated, flabby, discolored physiognomy, general feeling of languor and oppression, and panting on the least exertion.” More yet, those who indulge this cowardly practice are known by the vulgar, gross, and passionate expressions used in their speech and writing. When the young are seen to have desire for solitude, then you may suspect that the enemy is carrying on his clandestine work. We are organized on a social basis, but self-abuse leads to solitary seclusion. This practice is often indulged soon after retiring or just before rising.
W. A. HAYNES.
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THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 1896.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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Emil Kreutz, A. B. Peterman, Jas. A. Mont-gomery, Ida Kretzer, David Krieg, Allie Shimp, Emma Leach, Stephen Cook, Luetta Knock.
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The Lord willing, in company with Bro. Schell we will start on a southern trip to spend a few weeks in visiting the Churches in the South, and hope to meet as many of the brethren as possible. We are expecting to reach Louisville, Ky., about November 17, and hold a few days’ meeting, and trust the saints in that part of the country will come together in a general assembly. From there we will go on South.
E. E BYRUM.
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PUBLISHING OBITUARIES.
For several months we have not published the obituaries of infants and very small children. Not because the parents were not saved, nor b cause of those who sent them in for publication. But for a time such obituaries came in in great numbers, and generally a number of verses of poetry, which, if all were published would take up a large amount of space in the TRUMPET, and yet but very few saints acquainted with the parties. Now it was our desire to publish the same, and we were at a loss to know what to do. To shorten them to only a few lines would be about as unsatisfactory as to leave them out altogether. About a year ago notice was made through the TRUMPET that we had concluded not to publish such, and gave reasons for not doing so, and decided to only publish obituaries of older children and grown persons, unless it was in some exceptional cases. As the departed little ones are precious jewels in the sight of the bereaved ones, it is no little matter for us to refuse to publish notice of their death, bat considering the size of the TRUMPET we believe that those who have sent in such will not censure us for the course we have taken, as we would gladly publish the same if space would permit.
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Requests for Prayer.
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Please pray Nov. 1 for my little boy, that he be healed of chills.
Allie Strickland, Sierra.
A young man of our town desires prayer that he may be saved and delivered from the appetite of drink. U. D. Tood. Sigourney.
We ask the prayers of the church in behalf of our son who is afflicted with a disordered mind. Your saved brother, G. M. Zeigler, Roxbury.
Pray Nov 1 for our little boy. He has rheumatism, and his blood does not circulate right. Pray also for my husband that he may be healed of a rupture. Mary E. Robinson, Kansas City.
Pray for our baby Dillon, that he may be healed of chills and fever.
J. and Henrietta Powell, Pratt.
Pray for my husband, who has the grippe and cold that has settled on his lungs; also pray for a sister’s daughter.
Mary Hockaday, St. Joe.
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Meetings
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Assembly Meeting.
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The Lord willing, we will hold an assembly meeting at Louisville, Ky., Nov. 17-22. Let this be a general gathering together of the saints, and especially of the Lord’s ministers in those parts. As we will proceed on a southern tour from said meeting, let the saints in the South who desire meetings write us at once.
Wm. G. Schell and E. E. Byrum.
There will be a meeting beginning November 7, at Plattsburg, Winston Co., Miss. This is to be a tabernacle meeting. Come one and all who are seeking salvation and healing of body. All gospel workers and ministers are invited to assist in the salvation of souls. Let all the dear ones join us in fasting and prayer the 8th of November for the success of the meeting. Yours saved,
R. H. OWENS.
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Calls for Meetings.
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Some of God’s ministers are wanted to preach the true gospel at Reamsville, Kans. Address Sarah Middaugh.
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QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
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Did not the apostles receive the Holy Ghost when Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost?’’ — Jno, 20:22.
No, because the scriptures teach that the apostles did not receive the Holy Ghost until the day of Pentecost. The words of the above text were spoken in the prayer-meeting held on the evening of the day of Christ’s resurrection; and upon ascension day, which was forty days later, the words of the Savior unto the apostles show that they had not at that time received the Holy Spirit. “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” — Acts 1:4, 5. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” — Verse 8.
Surely these words prove very clearly that the Holy Spirit had not been received by the apostles up to the ascension of Christ, which is positive proof that they did not receive him six weeks before, when Jesus breathed on them.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Ghost could not be received before Christ was glorified. “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” — Jno. 7:39. According to Jesus’ own words in Jno. 17:5, his glorification meant his restoration to the glory he enjoyed with the Father before the world was. This he did not regain until he ascended to his Father’s right hand. If therefore, the Holy Spirit could not be received before Jesus was glorified, it could not have been received by any one before the ascension of Christ.
This fact we find clearly stated in Jno. 16:7. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
With these scriptures before us we rightly conclude that the apostles did not receive the Holy Spirit until “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” on the day of Pentecost.
What then did Jesus mean when he said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” He simply commanded the apostles to receive the Holy Ghost when it should come on the day of Pentecost.
WM. G. SCHELL.
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ARCOLA, ALLEN CO., IND.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I have just read the article in the TRUMPET concerning saints’ voting. I feel that the TRUMPET gave the straight Word, and I also feel that it would be to the glory of God to make a confession and show how I was entangled with the affairs of this life; namely, politics. About eight years ago I was deeply interested in temperance, and prohibition of the liquor traffic. I thought I had a call in that direction. I wrote a lengthy article on prohibition for the TRUMPET, setting forth the evils of intoxicating drinks, showing that many human lives were wrecked through strong drink, and stated that it was the duty of every child of God to give their support to the temperance cause and vote for prohibition. I was very sincere and thought I was right. I afterwards wrote a second article on prohibition, more forcible than the first, appealing to the conscience of every saint to do their duty, if not, God would hold them responsible. The article was rejected and never published. I wrote a letter to Bro. Warner asking him why he did not publish the same. He gave me an answer by letter, saying that he felt that the GOSPEL TRUMPET should be kept clear from politics. I felt greatly hurt and thought that the saints were not doing their duty. For eight years I remained at home and declared my freedom from politics until this last political campaign, I had felt that the money question was affecting everybody. In talking the matter over with some of the brethren, some declared their freedom from politics, while I took sides with free silver and argued politics with some of my neighbors who had taken a stand for the gold standard, but when I began to pray for my healing and could not receive an answer to my prayer, in asking the Lord what was in the way and examining my consecration, I found that I had been meddling with politics and the old party spirit had revived until I was entangled again, and after praying nearly all night for the Lord to show me my duty and to fully heal my diseased body, I felt led to declare my freedom from all politics. May the Lord bless us all and use us to his glory.
A. K. MENGES.
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Matt. 19:10-12 Explained.
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This scripture reads as follows: “His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, “All men cannot receive this saying, save they to- whom it is given.” For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men; and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it let him receive it.”
The subject under discussion was adultery; and Jesus was laying down the standard for Christians to live by. The disciples thought the requirements so great that it was not good (profitable, see Emphatic) to marry. But he said unto them, “All men cannot receive [or admit, see Emph.] this saying.” What saying? — It is not profitable to marry. They to whom it is given could receive or admit this saying; and who are they? Answer. First, the eunuchs so born. Second, those made eunuchs of (by) men. Third, those who made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. To these was given ability to admit or receive the saying or word, “It is not good or profitable to marry.” He that is able to receive or admit it, let him receive it; viz., let him remain unmarried, which is identical with saying it is not good to marry.
Therefore, these words, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it,” cannot apply to the third species of eunuchism, because they would equally apply to the first and second species, for they stand in the same grammatical relation as the third.
To illustrate, we read, the third species. “And there be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.” “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
The second species. “There are some eunuchs which were made eunuchs of [by] men.” “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.” First species. “There are some eunuchs which were so born from their mother’s womb.” “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
We see the ridiculous position of applying the words, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it,” to either of the three species of eunuchism. It can apply only to the saying of the disciples, “It is not good to marry;” and the eunuchs are the ones to receive that saying, “It is not good to marry.” We will consider the three species of eunuchism. The first is easily comprehended, as it is an impotent and unnatural condition from birth. The second being of or by men, would signify amputation. No particular cause is specified, but it differs widely from the first. The third, there would have been no mention of a third species, had it been identical with either of the two previously mentioned ones. It is said that Origen and others have identified the third with the second, and misapplied the words that follow and thereby erred from the truth.
Paul explains the power of control, amputation of sexual desire, to be a gift from God that all men did not possess; and for those who possessed this gift, male or female, it was good to remain as he was; viz., unmarried. See 1 Cor. 7:7, 8, 9, 17, 34, 35, 40. This, to my mind, clearly unlocks the mystery of the third species of eunuchism, and perfectly harmonizes with Christ’s words to the eunuchs, “He that is able to receive it, let him receive it;” viz., remain unmarried. “It is good for them to abide even as I.”
Brethren, I offer this explanation of Matt. 19:10-12 as an apology for all past justifications of those who were in error concerning this scripture. Yours for truth,
GEO. L. COLE.
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What Edifies.
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“All things are lawful for me. but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” — 1 Cor. 10:23.
This scripture is frequently used to prove that some part of the word of God is not to be enjoined on us of to-day, as quite recently a sectarian tried to prove that feet-washing was not for us, as it did not edify, etc. We might say the same of water baptism, that it does not edify, because it does not wash away our sins but it takes the blood of Jesus alone to accomplish this. We might say the same of the Lord’s supper; the bread is not the real body of Christ, and the wine is not his blood. But he says, “As oft as ye do this, do it in remembrance of me.” The same can be said of that precious ordinance, feet-washing, “If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them.” Praise God!
Whatever was commanded or given the early disciples to observe, the same is enjoined on us of to-day. Paul had no reference in this text to any ordinances or commands whatever, and he explains himself in ver. 21 — “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table and of the table of devils.” In plain words Paul means that we cannot serve God and the devil; as Jesus says, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
What says the scripture? “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him”. — Matt. 17:5. In what are we to hear him? “Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.”-Acts 3:22. This does not allow us to take such portions as would suit us and preach the balance away back to the apostles, or in the great eternity beyond; but, praise God, it is all for us now, and all those that know him fully, follow him. Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” — Matt. 16:24. And again, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.”-John 10:27. We cannot follow him fully if we leave some things undone, as, if we observe water baptism and reject the Lord’s supper, we do not follow him; for he instituted the same the night in which he was betrayed. “Yes,” says some one, “We must observe both baptism and the Lord’s supper, but feet-washing was only given as a lesson of humility.” But remember, the same night in which he brake bread and gave to his disciples, he also instituted washing each other’s feet. Yours, contending for the whole gospel,
B. F. WEIKEL.
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Self-denial.
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AND he said unto them all, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23. Praise the Lord! When our whole being is filled with God’s love, self-denial is joy and pleasure to us. So “let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, that ye should obey the lusts thereof.” — Rom.6:12. “For they that are Christ’s have crucified the affections and lusts” — Gal. 5:24. God’s children ought to waken up on this line of self-denial.
There are great victories to gain on this line. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another.” — Rom. 12:10. How often in the home we see those that seemingly prefer themselves above others, especially where there are several together, preferring the first seat at the table, and if there is a scarcity of some desirable food, help themselves first. Or if some must stay at home, or if called upon to give up some anticipated pleasure for some one else, how grudgingly they make the sacrifice! “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned.” — Jas. 5:9.
“He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none, and he that hath meat let him do likewise.” — Luke 3:11. “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.” — Acts 4:32. Brethren, you that are not denying yourselves and giving to those that need your help, need to square up on this line.
How often ministers travel hundreds of miles to attend camp, grove, or assembly meetings and travel from one camp meeting to another, thereby spending a great deal of money fur car-fare and for other necessities, and passing through many places where the Word has never been preached in its fullness, and where precious souls are starving for food! To be sure it is a blessed place to be at those meetings, where God seems to come down from heaven in power and glory. Brethren, let us sink down deep in love and humility, so we will not be hunting out the greenest pastures and the choicest food: but let us take some of our means and go to the lost souls that are calling for help, and who have no means to pay the workers’ expenses. Go out into the highways and hedges, as well as in the cities and villages. “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” — James 2:1. “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” — James 2:9.
Another thing. We have seen God’s ministers in the early summer, plan out the whole year’s work; stating just where they will hold meetings, just when they will, just how many days they will continue, just the date the next meeting will be, and continue just so many days, whether in the order of the Lord or not; and in that way lay their own plans and set their own dates, choosing their own fields and their own time, regardless of how God wants them to do. Let Him choose your paths and direct your meetings. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” — Isa. 55:8.
May God sink us down so deep in humility and love for others, that we will lose all sight of self and its carnal
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desires. Yours in the love of Christ,
SETH E. SMITH.
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News from the Field.
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WINONA, IND., Oct. 22.
DEAR BRETHREN IN CHRIST: God bless you all and keep you sinking down in the sweet will of God. We commenced meeting near Bourbon, Ind., Oct. 2; had a very precious meeting. Eleven were baptized. Meeting closed the 16th with a precious ordinance service, sixteen par-took. Truly the promise was verified, Happy are ye if ye know these things and do them. Pray for us that we keep in God’s order.
F. W. SIMMONS AND WIFE.
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FRIEND, Mo., Oct. 24.
DEAR BRETHREN IN CHRIST: The assembly meeting at Friend is closed, and we can report perfect victory all through the meeting. The workers were Bro. and Sister Dansberger, Bro. Ed. Houghton, and Bro. and Sister Haskel. The meeting was truly a benefit for the dear ones who have started in the cause of Christ lately. I am now at Forest City with a tabernacle, holding forth the pure gospel. This will be the last tent meeting, the Lord willing. We expect to go from here to Fillmore. Pray for me and future work that lies before me. I remain yours for the faith. Amen.
GEO. BACKUS.
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HAMMOND, LA.
DEAR TRUMPET: The result of our camp meeting was a victory for God and truth. The weather being fine for the occasion, we held our meeting nine days with large congregations, numbering from 800 to 1000, and much interest and unusual behavior. The ministers being under the power of the Holy Spirit preached the truth plain, and in mighty power, God bearing witness, by convicting and converting sinners, and sanctifying believers. Seven testified to the healing of their bodies; five, to justification; thirteen, to sanctification. Eighty-three partook of ordinances of the Lord’s supper and feet-washing. Fifteen went into a watery grave and were baptized as their Savior was. Great power attended each service, and every saint seemed to be on the move for God and glory. A glorious victory over Satan and all opposition. Praise his holy name! Yours in Christ,
W. W. BANKSTON.
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WEST PLAINS, MO., Oct. 18.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: We are glad to report victory through Jesus. Truly God is good to us in keeping us above sin, where righteousness reigns supreme. Hallelujah! Bro. Boyles and myself have just closed a meeting ten miles from here, where God wrought a wonderful work in saving souls and breaking down prejudice and strengthening believers to him be all the glory! One dear soul who had been fighting the truth was humbled under the mighty love which God was manifesting through his children, and came to the altar bringing his dear wife, three daughters, and two sons. All were saved and set free and were made to rejoice because of Gods goodness. – Brethren, our hearts were touched when we beheld seven members of one family kneeling at the altar, asking for mercy from one whom they had sinned against so cruelly. The meeting lasted about two weeks. There were fourteen who were saved and followed the steps of Jesus down into the liquid grave, and God witnessed to the burial. Praise God forever! Dear ones, pray that God may keep us humble, so we can work to his glory. We are your brethren in Christ,
H. D. CHASE AND B. S. BOYLES.
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FINDLAY, O., Oct. 20.
DEAR BRETHREN: Again I greet you in Jesus’ name. After the Rising Sun, Ohio meeting we removed our tabernacle to Six Points. Ohio, where we began meeting Saturday night, Sept. 26. On account of the abundance of rain and cold weather we could hold but a few services in the tabernacle but held meeting in Bro. G. W. Cup’s house. The attendance was small but the word went forth and a few were saved. Some got an experience of salvation and declared they had not been sanctified before. We were blessed with the presence and, assistance of Mother Smith, Bro. A. J. Kilpatrick, and Bro. and Sister Roe. Bro. Geo. W. Howard returned home at the first of the meeting. The meeting closed with a glorious ordinance service, in which there were about twenty-five or thirty who took part and victory was on the Lord’s side.
We began meeting here Oct. 9. Had one service in assembly hall in the court-house, then we removed the meeting to the Salvation Army hall and continued till last night. This was a seed-sowing time, and we trust it will be like bread cast upon the water. Three consecrations and the Salvation Army forever spoiled in Findlay. Bro. and Sister Roe were with us and we were comforted by the coming of our dear Bro. C. W. Naylor, who expects to labor with us in the work. Pray for us. Your humble saved brother,
J. N. HOWARD.
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GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.
DEARLY BELOVED SAINTS: The assembly meeting near this place continued over two Sundays, and at this writing is still in progress. We have had one of the most precious meetings held at this place. There were quite a number of God’s ministers present to deliver the Word in its purity, and the work was deep and thorough, and the truth was sent forth in the power of the Holy Spirit to the edifying of the children of God. Many souls received the truth gladly. Quite a number were saved, and a number of sick healed, some of chronic diseases of many years, standing. A sweet spirit of unity prevailed throughout the meeting and a marked advancement of the setting forth of the Word was observed, and we trust that the truths set forth will sink into many hearts and result in great good in the salvation of souls. The ministerial brethren go from this place in various directions to proclaim the glad tidings of full salvation.
Some from a distance who visited the publishing house for the first time were very much stirred in their hearts at seeing the amount of work done and the great need of pushing the work more rapidly, and determined to make every effort to that end. Many of them became greatly interested in urging the matter of securing a bookbindery, as within the last few days our bills for hiring books bound at other places have been $630. 00. We are making purchases little by little as the means are provided for that purpose, and expect to go this week to examine a bookbinding outfit which can probably be obtained at a great bargain. As the publications from this place have proved a great help in the evangelistic work in opening up places and supplying people with the pure gospel, we are glad to learn that many of the ministers and saints are taking such an interest in the work, for which we praise God; and the assembly meeting just closed we feel will not only result in the advancement of many souls who attended the meeting, but the advancement of the publishing work, that other souls may be reached, as many earnest prayers have gone up which the Lord will not leave unanswered. Foreign fields have begun to call for the pure gospel, being disgusted at sectism as never before, and we pray God to speedily send forth the truth in all its purity, by way of pure literature and holy messengers, that the same may reach every nation speedily.
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Testimonies.
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TIDIOUTE, PA.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I have been cleansed from the appetite for tobacco. I was a slave to it for thirty years. I give God all the praise and the glory. My wife has always been sickly and for two years under a doctor’s care. Bros. Dillon and McCoy anointed her according to Jas. 5:14, 15, and, praise God, she is well and strong. Praise the Lord forever! Your brother in Christ,
ALBERT WINCH.
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MALONEY, TENN.
DEAR SAINTS OF THE LIVING GOD: I want to say the first time I ever saw the Gospel Trumpet was last spring. I was very much interested in reading it. I read some testimonies and believed if others could be healed, that I could have faith to be healed. So I took the Lord for my physician, and quit taking medicine, and the Lord heals me. Bless the name of the Lord! Husband and daughter once belonged to the Methodist sect. I feel thankful that we don’t belong to any sect; for I believe there is but one true church, and that is God’s church. My mother is with me, and she is taking the Lord for her physician, Your sister in Christ,
MRS. W. S. BROWN.
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VICTORIA, MO.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: I believe it the will of my heavenly Father that I write my testimony, also to ask prayer for my healing of the chills. I have had them now a week, have taken nothing. I am all given up to Father’s will. Husband and I have both left sects, have been buried with Christ In baptism, and are all on the altar. We have had some wonderful cases of healing in our family since we have learned to trust Father with our bodies as well as our souls. Oh I do praise his holy name for his wonderful goodness to the children of men, and to my family! I earnestly ask the dear brethren and sisters to pray for my healing, and that husband and I may be wholly sanctified. There Is a great work to be done here in and around this place. If some of God’s holy ministers feel led to come over and help us, we would be rejoiced in our souls; for we are hungering and thirsting to learn the way more perfectly. There are only a few of God’s little ones here and at De Soto, but we are praying that God will send some one to preach to us in the near future. Your sister, saved and kept through the blood of Jesus,
LYDIA MCKEE.
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BONFIELD, ILL.
DEAR TRUMPET READERS: My soul doth magnify the Lord for his wonderful works to the children of men. I am sweetly saved, trusting in him who alone is worthy. He has done so much for me in the last few months. He has taught me some precious lessons on humility, resisting the enemy, obedience, and other points that are sweet to my soul. Praise our God! Truly the Lord is working among his people. My soul is encouraged in the way of peace and righteousness. I read in Psalm 34, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” Dear ones, let us believe that God is true, because the Word says he is true and in him is no lie; and that we receive the things that we desire of him. Let us praise the Lord for his precious promises and claim them as ours. How good God is to us when we put our whole trust in him! He will not withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. My faith has wonderfully increased on account of God’s dealing with my soul. When God began to search me and I began to search myself, I found so many things that I did not have that are the privileges of all God’s children to have. I then cried to God to fill the vacant place, and truly I can rejoice to say he is answering prayer as fast as I get where I can take it. Praise God the rock of our salvation! Let us press forward. I am praising God that I can report victory through our Lord Jesus. He is teaching me many new lessons by the Word and Spirit. Praise his name, the work is going forth in this place. I praise God that I am saved, sanctified, and healed. I give God all the glory. Your brother, redeemed through Jesus’ blood,
GEORGE W. WILLIAMS.
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PEACH RIDGE, OHIO.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I am praising God this morning for salvation that keeps me every day, and for leading me out of confusion. I stand free in Christ. Oh the precious trust that I am learning each day! I feel that it is to the glory of God to write my testimony for the benefit of others, and tell what the Lord will do for us if we will let him have his way and are willing to obey him and keep all his commandments. I never heard the pure gospel preached till about a year ago. Bro. E. G. Masters came to our house the day the meeting commenced. He began to inquire about my soul and I thought, How strange! For the preachers in the sect when they came, did not say much if anything about the soul. I told him I did not enjoy what he claimed, and he said I was in a dangerous place. When he went away, I began to think, “Have I been deceived all these years?” But I said, Lord, if there is more for me, I want it. I went to meeting that night, and as God’s word went forth I saw where I was before God I knew I was converted years ago while attending a Free Methodist meeting and* knew God owned me as his child; and that I had tried in my weak way to serve him; but, as many others, I had made many crooked paths. I thought, ‘What will the people think if I go to that altar for salvation? I did not go to the altar that night but went home and thought I would get saved at home and would not have to go to the altar, but oh what darkness was over me! I will never forget that night.’ I had been a member of three different sects, and a great worker in the so-called churches, and had so much pride in my heart; but I did not know it till God let his light shine to show me. The Lord showed me I would have to humble myself. I went back to meeting next night and said, Lord, you have showed me the way and I will obey. Oh I do praise God for the willing mind I had to obey him when he called me to come out of Babylon. When they gave the invitation to come to the altar, I went, and when I met the conditions laid down in God’s word, he spake peace to my soul. Praise his dear name! But oh, how hard it was for me to die out to everything not of God! Praise God I am now dead to the world and my life is hid away in Christ. I feel impressed that God wants me testify to his saving power. I was a slave to tea all my life, and if I had to do without my tea I was sick; but when God convicted me of the wrong, I said, ‘Lord, I will not take anything that is poison, and I know tea is and that it is injurious. I would try in my own strength to quit the awful habit, but as long as I was trying in my own strength I would fail. As soon as I quit trusting in myself and left it. all in God’s hands, I had perfect victory. When God saves a soul, he saves it from all sin. Praise his name! I am all consecrated to his will. Your saved sister,
MARTHA LOVE.
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Obituary.
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OSTRANDER. — Sister Edith S. Ostrander was born Nov. 27, 1841; died Sept. 14, 1896; aged fifty-five years nine months and eighteen days. She was saved about six years ago in a meeting held by sister Mary Cole near Humbolt, Kans., and lived for God some time; and surely the word of Matt 5:10, 11and 10:32-37 was fulfilled in her case, which was a sad separation from her husband till a few days before her death, when he was reconciled to her. Through all her severest trials she lived true to God. Later, being separated from the saints, in the world, she lost the grace of God. Two months before she died, she waked up to realize the fact and heartily repented and God received her into his favor and wonderfully healed her of terrible throat disease. But her time had come, and God took her home. The last two months she had perfect trust in God and went calmly to sleep resting in Jesus. The funeral was preached to a large assembly of relations and friends, and her body was laid to rest till the resurrection morn.
G. R. Achor.
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THE SECRET TOLD.
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The Secret of Salvation, or
How to Get it, and How to Keep it,
By E. E. BYRUM, tells the secret of a holy life. A book full of good things that will both interest and help you. A new book just published during this year, and having a very rapid sale. It teaches the Bible doctrines of
Repentance, Faith, Justification, Sanctification, Divine Healing, etc.
It makes plain the principal doctrines of Christianity by simple occurrences that have come under the observation of the author. In style it is plain and easily understood, simple yet comprehensive, without affectation or dullness. A common-sense book for the masses.
OVER 400 PAGES. ILLUSTRATED.
Paper, 35 cts.Cloth, 75 cts.
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You have good company
when you have a good religious book; company that if properly treated will well repay you for all time bestowed upon it. The book entitled
DIVINE HEALING of Soul and Body
is a cheerful and interesting companion. The doctrines of full salvation and physical healing are set forth in the light of divine. truth. Contains many interesting testimonies of those who have been healed through the prayer of faith. English or German.
— — 248 pages. — —
Paper, 25 cts. Cloth, 75 cts.
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BIBLICAL TRACE 0F THE CHURCH.
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Giving a history of the Church from its foundation to the end of time, by the prophesies of the Bible.
It shows that the Christian era is divided into four periods of time and that we are now in the last period and near the second coming of Christ. Many interesting prophesies explained.
Cloth, 75 cts.Paper, 35 cts.
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SPECIAL TERMS TO AGENTS.
— — AGENTS WANTED. — —
GOSPEL TRUMPET PUB. CO.
Grand Junction, Mich.
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Divine Healing.
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What is Divine Healing?
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So many things have been passed off for divine healing that have nothing divine about them that we believe God would be pleased in having divine healing defined.
To HEAL means to restore from a diseased, crippled, or wounded state to a state of health. God frequently grants life to persons through prayer, leaving nature to perform the cure. So we see God may grant a person life and yet they not be healed at that time, and if they do not appropriate through faith the healing power and are simply restored by the action of nature such cannot be called divine healing. Divine healing is something more than nature can do. It goes beyond the natural and enters the supernatural. Divine healing is either an instantaneous work or the person recovers in less time than nature could do the work, or from something nature could not restore.
We many times hear and read testimonies like the following: “I was sick and the Lord healed me, and in a few weeks I was all right,” and many such where the testimony itself shows that the person simply recovered through the efforts of nature and God did not heal the case at all. I knew two sisters recently who had typhoid fever. One was instantly raised up and made whole, the other gradually recovered and in about four weeks was well. Both professed to trust God and neither took any medicine; one was healed by God, and the other was restored by nature; one testified that God had healed her, the other praised God for sparing her life and permitting her to recover.
God does not heal people and they continue sick until such a time as nature unaided would restore them. When persons are healed by God it is no imaginary work but a real manifestation of the power of God, as real as the salvation of the soul. Much prejudice is caused against divine healing by persons professing to be healed by God who are simply restored by nature without any manifestation of God’s power. Of course, God created the laws of nature by which many are restored, and in this sense, they are indirectly healed of God.
Some people see others who have been healed and hear them testify, and get jealous and want to have something to tell too, and when they get to feeling bad sometimes ask the Lord to heal them. He seeing their object and desire in the matter, does not answer, but the bad feeling gradually passes away and then they testify that God healed them and every time they testify, they tell the matter greater through the vanity of their hearts. It is all right and in God’s order to testify to healing when it is a fact, but let us be careful that we do not call anything divine healing but the real thing. Oh how many times the cause of God is reproached by people claiming to be healed when others can see no evidence then or afterward of such a thing!
Another point we wish to notice is “taking it by faith.” Of course, we are healed by faith whenever we are healed, but when we get it by faith we have it in reality, though as a test of faith the same symptoms may be permitted to linger for a short time. Some people get sick and are prayed for and they “claim it by faith” and go on day after day no better, yet still claiming to have it “by faith.” Some one seeing they appear no better asks them, “How do you feel to-day?” “Oh,” they say, “I don’t feel any better but I am healed by faith.” Such people fail to comprehend what faith is. Just as soon as our faith reaches out and grasps the promises of God they cease to be a matter of faith and become a reality, and the work of God begins at once, though it need not be instantaneously completed.
A man once said to me, after being anointed for his healing, “I’ll take it by faith whether it is done or not.” “No,” said I, “that is impossible: if you take it by faith, the work must be done.” There is no such a thing as taking our healing by faith and yet continuing with the same feelings of sickness very long without any apparent change. If we get anything from God by faith we have it in reality.
Divine healing is no imaginary thing; it is not mind healing, neither is it performed through unholy instruments. Let us call nothing divine healing but healing in which the miraculous power of God is manifested. If we are restored by nature let us thank God for it, but do not call it divine healing.
C. W. NAYLOR.
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Be Gentle.
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“AND the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if the Lord peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.” — 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.
Of all the fruits of a Christian life, meekness and gentleness are the most beautiful and the ones most to be coveted. We may be talented, educated, and qualified in many other ways as a minister of the grace of God, and yet if we lack the beautiful grace of gentleness our ministry will be unsuccessful. How disastrous has been the work of many who have lacked on this line! How many have been driven from the truth by harshness and rashness, who might have been won for Jesus! How many doors of utterance have been closed, perhaps forever, because of a lack of meekness or gentleness on the part of one brother! What bitter prejudice and opposition exists in many places, not because of the truth, but because it was not spoken in love and gentleness, but in a harsh, raspy, driving spirit, instead of going forth with weeping, bearing precious seed.
A zeal greatly lacking knowledge has inspired many to resort to a threshing, scolding, driving way of preaching, which, instead of winning souls to the truth, drives them in disgust and bitter hatred from the Word, doubtless never to be reached.
O beloved, if ever there was a time when God’s holy ministers need to be clothed with meekness, it is now. Oh for a heart so filled with burning, holy love, and so flooded with the meekness, gentle-ness, and kindness of Jesus, and so dead to self and so swallowed up in the will of God that wherever we go we may leave a stream of holy fire behind us, that when we preach, souls may be made to melt under the convicting spirit of God, and as in the days of yore, cry out, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Oh for an old time power with God, when prayer shook the earth and the preaching of the Word was accompanied with the mighty power of God and signs and wonders followed!
Beloved, the time has come when we must advance on this line. Oh think of the hungry, thirsting souls in darkness and despair, deceiving and being deceived, groping in darkness for one ray of the true gospel light. Think of the cruelty of Mohammedanism and Paganism, the popish rule of Romanism, and the divisions of Protestantism forcing, driving, and bewildering the masses to utter infidelity and dark despair.
How many destitute, homeless, graceless hearts we see around us every day! How graceless the heart that fails to be moved with compassion for poor fallen mankind! How much it behooves us as God’s holy servants to go forth as never before with hearts overflowing with kindness, meekness, and love, and with our words, means, and example, win precious souls to Jesus. Dear ones, God has wonderfully stirred up my soul on this line. There has been a time when I was greatly influenced by a harsh spirit, but in Jesus’ name I have put in for special advancement. And I know God is advancing my soul and already God is letting me see the precious fruits, and still my heart is grasping and reaching out for more of the meekness and gentleness of Jesus.
W. J. HENRY.
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Testimonies.
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ELEANOR, PA,
DEARLY BELOVED SAINTS: I am praising God for a full and free salvation that keeps me each day I live. Also, for his healing power. Last night I felt I was near death’s door, and Bro. I. S. McCoy and several of the brothers and sisters were called in and God raised me up, and I walked to meeting. Praise his name! I belonged to a sect about twenty- four years but, praise God, I see the true light now. Your saved brother,
THOMAS PEACE.
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CUSHING, OKLA.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I am saved and sanctified. Praise God! Brother and sister Murphy and Co. have just closed a meeting here. There were twenty-two consecrations. Nine were baptized, and others will follow. The meeting lasted eight nights. God is working on the hearts of the people. There were some marvelous cases of healing. We give God all the praise. Pray for me that I may hold out faithful to the end. Your sister in Christ,
DALICE PURSELL.
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EUBANKS, KY.
I can testify to the mighty healing power of God in these last days, for which I give God all the glory. About a year ago I was taken down very low with fever which my friends and neighbors called typhoid fever. I got very low; some wanted me to get a doctor and take medicine, but I told them no, I would trust the Lord. The brothers and sisters prayed for me and request was sent to the Trumpet family for me. When I was well tried the Lord let his healing power rest upon my body and I gained nearly one pound of flesh a day for over thirty days, for which I give God all. the glory. I was talked about very hard because I would not take medicine, but God has promised to heal all of our diseases, and he does not need any medicine. But when we comply with his word the work is done.
When I was healed, our little boy was taken down very low and was sick several days and got past paying any attention to any of us, and we prayed for him and the Lord raised him up. Praise the Lord! There are lots of witnesses to these things. Pray for us that we may trust the Lord for all things.
H. B. SINGLETON.
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BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND.
DEAR BRETHREN AND READERS OF THE GOSPEL TRUMPET: I feel it my duty to write to this paper for the first time. I have seen but one testimony from this side of the field. I do praise God for saving my soul. I have been saved now for ten years. I was a member of the sect in this town for many years, until last summer as I was coming from the meeting with my uniform on, I heard a man preaching out of a van on the post-office ground in Birkenhead; I turned and listened to what he was saying. Before this I used to sing, “Salvation just suits me,” but this man’s preaching suited me better than all the salvation I had; for he preached the pure word of God. I was six weeks reading and searching scriptures. I could see that this was of God. So I came out of sectism into the one body which is Christ. Since then I had my body anointed, it being diseased. I do now ask all God’s children to pray that I may have faith in God to be kept healed. Also pray for my wife that she may come into the one body. Pray for a dear Christian man who is in a hospital, butchered up by doctors, that he may be healed and brought into the fold. Your brother in Christ,
G. E. COBURN.
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PEACH RIDGE, OHIO.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: I feel like writing my testimony this morning, and telling of the wonderful goodness of God to me. Oh how I do praise his blessed name this morning that he did -call me from sin, and showed me my lost condition! I was low in sin, without a hope of heaven, or a thought of where I should spend eternity if I should be called from earth. I praise God for sending one of his ministers to this place to preach the truth. I attended the meetings several days and nights. I was soon convicted of my condition; but it was several weeks before I could get down humbly before God. His gentle Spirit kept striving with me. Several nights they gave invitations to come and bow down at the altar and be saved from all sin. I let several opportunities pass. I was most miserable, after I had received the light on God’s blessed word, telling us that we must die out to all the world and its pleasures. I praise God to-day that I gave up my way and let him have his way in my heart. And I can say to the glory of God that when he saved me, he saved me both soul and body. Praise his dear name! I take him as my all and in all.
I have made a complete consecration to all the will of God. I have many persecutions but I am willing to suffer for Christ’s sake. And by God’s grace assisting me I expect to be true though my father and mother and all my earthly friends forsake me. I know I’ve a friend in Jesus that will never leave us nor forsake us. I praise God for the companion that he has given me, and for the true love which binds our hearts together. He is a friend to the truth, but he is not saved. My earnest prayer is that he may be saved before it is too late. Your saved sister in Jesus,
BERTHA FIBBIE.
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PHOENIX, ARIZ.
DEAR SAINTS OF GOD: It has been some time since I have written to the Trumpet. I feel it would be to the glory of God to write and tell what he is doing for me. The Lord has been teaching me some very precious lessons, for which I give him all the glory. Praise his name! While in California I was going from Los Angeles to Catalina Island; I was very seasick; after getting off the boat I was still sick; I was anointed and felt some better, still the dizzy feeling never left my head. The devil came in with all his power and tried to discourage my soul. I would go to the Lord and ask what was wrong. It seemed there was nothing to be done but to use importunity. I could not think for some time that the Lord was teaching me a lesson. So I came to the Lord with my whole heart, saying, “Lord, thy will be done, not mine.” I was willing to suffer and pray as long as it was his will; then the Lord healed me. Praise his name! Then I was taken sick with a bad cold and sore throat. It lasted about two weeks. All this time I was praying for the Lord to heal me, but I got no better. One evening when I had been lying on the bed I got down on my knees and prayed earnestly. I prayed to the Lord with all my heart, and the Lord heard and answered. Praise his holy name!
God will answer the earnest prayer. I am praising the good Lord for those precious lessons. God has always answered my prayer without much effort on my part. But now he is leading me out in the deep waters, and I am willing to learn of the Lord and get out where the Lord can use me to his glory. I am praising him for full salvation which keeps me from all sin. Pray for me that I may be kept humble before the Lord. Your sister in the one body,
HATTIE RYDER.
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Advancement.
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Constraining Love.
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“For the love of Christ constraineth us.” — 2 Cor. 5:14.
“Love is the fulfilling of the law.” — Rom. 13:10.
“If a man love me he will keep my words.” — Jno. 13:23.
Love is the great power that moves the heart of the Christian. It prompts a faithful performance of every duty, and admits no spirit of neglectfulness. When we find ourselves neglecting our prayers, our fastings, or our duties to our brethren and sisters, it is owing to a lack of love in our hearts; and the spirit of neglectfulness disappears as we advance on the line of love.
Can it be possible that a man who loves his wife as he should, will ever neglect to give her proper attention, or that a man who loves his children will neglect them? I trow not. Neither will we carry with us a spirit of neglectfulness if we love God as we should. But let none of our readers confound neglectfulness with forgetfulness. Anybody is liable to be forgetful sometimes, but I speak of neglectfulness.
God has shown me much room for improvement in my own case on this line. I confess that there has too often been a performance of the commandments of our dear Lord more out of duty than from love to God. I desire the prayers of all the dear saints who may read this, that the principle of duty, so to speak, may be abolished in my case, and I may advance to an experience in which all duties will be done from a principle of love.
We are commanded to serve one another by love. Gal. 5:13. We have long since understood our duty to each other as brethren, but have we comprehended the depth of the commandment, “by love serve one another?” We are not only to do our duty, but we are to love to do our duty. If we at any time find ourselves doing any duty simply because it is our duty, we are deficient in love.
Let us all examine ourselves carefully upon this point. If we have been neglecting our prayers, we need to advance on the line of love to God. If we allow our brethren and sisters to suffer for want of financial aid, when it is in our power to help them, it is because we are deficient in brotherly love. But some will say, “Although my brother lived near me, I did not know his family was in destitute circumstances. Well, you should have had love enough to have taken some notice of his surroundings. “The love of Christ constraineth us.”
“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.”
Another point which has been very vividly stamped in my mind and heart recently by the Holy Spirit, Is the fact that faith operates upon the principles of love.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor un-circumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” — Gal. 5:6.
When the Spirit a short time since impressed the words of this text upon my mind in an especial manner, I was at a loss to know how faith could work by love. But while in meditation my mind was carried back to a time when my darling boy in his infancy, was suffering with cholera infantum. I remembered also how the tender cords of my heart were affected, and how I importuned the throne for his recovery, perhaps with stronger faith than it would have been possible for me to have exercised for the healing of another man’s child. I saw at once that the secret lay in the strong ties of affection that bound my heart to the heart of my child, and concluded I understood something about how faith worketh by love. Oh brethren, let us advance in love one toward another, and I am certain we can pray with greater faith for one another.