31 May 1894, Volume 14, Number 22.
Complete in Him.
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And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principalities and powers. Col. 2:10.
Complete in Him, O blessed thought!
From all this world’s delusive ways,
A risen Savior in my heart,
That walks with me my pilgrim days.
Complete in Him forevermore,
The head of all, and source of light;
’Tis joy complete to know His love,
To walk with Him in raiment white.
Complete in Him, the corner stone,’
On Him our hopes of heaven rest;
In Him we live, in Him alone,
We find the church of all the blest
Complete In Him, oh precious thought!
With all thy gifts so freely given;
If we improve them as we ought,
We shall attain the bliss of heaven.
Complete in Him, O blessed Lord!
Thy gifts, we prize them every one;
But best and grandest of them all,
Is this, the gift of thy dear Son.
Mrs. H. E. Annis.
New Kirk, Okla.
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SALVATION.
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THERE is a vast difference between religion [as the term is generally used], and salvation. We often hear of people having religion, which could be truthfully said of nearly every person, whether they are heathen or civilized, or whatever they may be. Webster says, “Religion is a system of faith and worship.” Any person or nation then that has a system of faith, be it in Christ, Mohammed, or any other person or thing, and worship the the same, has a religion.
Many a person has religion and doesn’t claim to at all. Some have wonderful faith in money and think their “money god” can do most anything, and consequently “worship the almighty dollar.” I knew of an instance where a business block burnt down and several thousand dollars worth of property was destroyed.
And as soon as the debris could be cleared away and the safes which were buried beneath could be gotten out and opened, the owner of one of them sprang forward, frantic with excitement, and seized his pocket book, exclaiming “Give me my Bible.” Money was his God; his pocket book his bible. He had great faith in it; he worshipped it. That was his religion. A man can have religion and be entirely destitute of salvation. “Salvation is preservation from eternal misery; deliverance.” — WEBSTER.
There are three things that must be taken into consideration in the plan of salvation. First, there must be something to be saved. Second, there roust be a savior. Third, there must be something to be saved from Now let us consider the first. Before any thing can be saved, it must first be in, or in danger of a perishing condition; must be lost before it can be found; must fall before it can be raised. Now we read in Gen. 1:26. — “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” 27. — “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” 2:16. — “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; 17, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Now we see in the sixteenth verse that God gave his first commandment or law, made them free moral agents by setting good and evil before them, but not without warning them of the result of transgression. “For sin is the transgression of the law.” — 1 Jno. 3:4. “The soul that sinneth it shall die.” — Eze. 18:4. For the wages of sin is death.—Rom. 6:23. We see in Gen. 3:6 that they transgressed. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasing to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband with her and he did eat,” and the result was true to what God had said; for unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow, and thy conception: in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast harkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. 16, 17. “And the Lord God said, Behold the man has become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life and eat and live forever: therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden [or spiritual Paradise] to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden, a cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” — 22-24. It would have been folly to have let Adam partake of the tree of everlasting life in his sinful state. That delicious fruit is only given to those who are willing and obedient. Isa. 1:19. To those who repent and believe. Jno. 3:16. After this Adam begat sons in his own image, not in the image of God in which he was created, which was righteousness and true holiness. — Eph. 4:24. And so are all of us born in the image of Adam or in sin. “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” — Psa. 51:5. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” — Rom. 3:23. Thus we see the fall of man, and the lost and perishing condition from which he is to be redeemed or saved, hence the need of a redeemer or Savior. Man, then, is what must be saved. His soul, Jas. 1:21, spirit and body are to be preserved and saved. 1 Thess. 5:23.
We will now consider the second point, and see what the Word says about a Savior. “Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch, and a king shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely, and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” — Jer. 23:5, 6.“ For they shall cry unto the Lord because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a Savior, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.” — Isa. 19:20. Thus we have the prophecy of a Savior. Also in Matt. 1:21, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus;” which we find was fulfilled in Luke 2:10, 11. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
Third, From what are we saved? “Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.” — Matt. 1:21. Not part of them, for he “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,” — Titus 2:14, and save us to the uttermost. — Heb. 7:25. Sin is the transgression of the law. — 1 Jno. 3:4. And we find the law written in his Word,
as follows: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.” — Eph. 4:29. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” — 31. “But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you as becometh saints. — 5:3.“Neither filthiness [including all evil habits such as tobacco, masturbation, drunkenness, etc.] nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks.” — 4. One that does these things then, transgresses the law and commits sin. But some will say, Oh, those little things do not amount to any thing. Remember it is the little foxes that spoil the vines. Cant. 2:15. And because of these things cometh the wrath of God on the children of disobedience. — Eph. 5:6. If you have the salvation that Jesus procured for you, you are saved from all these things; for he saves his people from all their sins. What would you think dear reader, of a man that was drowning a hundred yards from the shore, unable to swim, owing to the fact that he was entirely exhausted, and should he call for a rope, and it being thrown to him, he grasps it and is pulled within ten feet of the shore, when he drops it, saying, Oh that little distance does not amount to any thing; I’m saved! But he is not saved until he is out of the water. So Jesus saves us from our sins, not in them, and from all, not a part. He also saves us from the wrath of God which will be revealed against all sin. Rom. 5:9. Some will say, “Yes I believe we shall be saved just that way, not now, but when we die.” But the Word tells us, “Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Cor. 6:2. We should get saved and then “live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.” — Titus 2:12. Well, says one, How do you get this salvation? “For by grace are ye saved, through faith.” Eph. 2:8; Acts 16:31, “And the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11. “We are saved by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” 3:5. “Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thes. 2:13. We find that Paul was saved with this salvation, in the present tense, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling.” 2 Tim. 1:9. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.” 1 Cor. 1:18.
This is a wonderful salvation, dear reader, and one that ought to interest you. Be careful and do not neglect your soul’s salvation, for how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Heb. 2:3. Let the Word answer: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mar. 16:16. Some base their hope of heaven on their morality, or some other way or name. But “there is salvation in no other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts. 4:12. Adam transgressed and was driven from the garden of Eden, and deprived of everlasting life. But now Christ the Redeemer has come to redeem us. He has paid the price; he has suffered and died that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come; and let him that heareth say, Come; and let him that is athirst come; and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17. Be wise, dear souls, and don’t be contented to have nothing but a profession of religion, but get possession of the real saving power of God, and get the witness of both the Word and the Spirit that you are a child of God and have been born again, and are saved from all your sins, and are being kept. Or some day you will be heard to exclaim, “Alas! alas! the harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved.”
Your brother, saved and sanctified, and praising God for the real knowledge of a present salvation,
E. G. Masters.
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TEMPERANCE.
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Temperance, in the law of God, signifies the bringing into subjection our whole being to the perfect will of God taught in his word, and to the laws of nature incorporated in our being by the hand of divine order. In other words, the supremacy of reason and conscience over the senses of the body, and the faculties of the soul. It is the reign of the Holy Spirit through these, that causes the consequent regulation of life by them.
Temperance is not to be taken in the narrow sense usually given to it at the present time, but in the broad and comprehensive sense of the New Testament, embracing the whole man. Many who are indulging in things pertaining to the lusts of the flesh are heard to say, Just so we run not to excess, it is temperance; to cease entirely is total abstinence. This clearly shows the effect of the ignorance of sectish teachers. Temperance corresponding to the word and Spirit of God, is total abstinence from all things injurious or superfluous, and a moderate use of things necessary.
First we will notice the control of the thoughts. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” — 2 Cor. 10:5. Again charity, “doth not behave itself unseemly [unbecomingly], seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” — 1 Cor. 13:5. “I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.” — Psa. 119:113. “The thought of foolishness is sin.” — Prov. 24:9. Professors of salvation many times say they are troubled with evil thoughts. This being true, they are commanded to put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. Col. 3:14. And it thinks no evil. Thoughts of evil and evil thoughts are very different. One thinks of the evil done, the other thinks of doing the evil. To surrender every thought to the obedience of Christ, will subdue every wrong intention and debar every evil thought.
Control of the tongue. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” — Matt. 12:36, 7. “In the multitude of words .there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” — Prov. 10:19. Many times true conscientious persons are guilty of talking a great deal just to keep a conversation going. In such there wanteth not sin. Remember we are either justified or condemned by our own words. Many are accustomed to repeating every thing they hear, whether erroneous or true; and we read “he that repeateth a matter separateth friends.” — Prov. 17:9. Contentions and improper feelings often arise from this source, and friends become enemies. Be cautious what you say or think: “For a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.” — Eccl. 10:20. Temperance in speech is indispensable. There is a time to speak and a time to refrain from speaking. “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue; I will keep my mouth with a birdie, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue.”Psa. 39:1-3. To all of God’s elect, here is a warning; first be careful that you sin not with your tongue, but have your mouth bridled while in the presence of sinners. Some parents that have unsaved children will notice faults in other parties who are doing the best they know, and speak of them before their children, and sometimes to other sinners. To such we say in Jesus’ name, Cry aloud with the Psalmist, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” — Psa. 141:3. At times it is expedient for us to hold our peace, even when we could give good advice and admonition, as the word says “even from good.” Even if our sorrow is stirred and our hearts burn as it were, let us begin to muse or contemplate on the goodness of God, and then if, while musing the fire (of inspiration) burns then we will speak with our tongue. Beware of jesting or joking. Eph. 5:4. Remember the tongue unless tamed by God is an unruly member, and is set on fire of hell. Jas. 3:3-8.
In eating and drinking, temperance also excludes all things that are not required to sustain our physical being, and that would be injurious to the same. Sometimes we hear from those who profess to be temperate and be led according to the divine word, such remarks as these: Why, my coffee, tea, etc. do not condemn me; when it condemns me I will cease to use it. So can the sectarian with as much propriety, say, My sect does not condemn me, and he does say it. The tobacco user, and whiskey drinker, have the same plea. To such we say, God’s word condemns the use of those things, whether they condemn you or not. And if your conscience is not susceptible enough to be pliable before the truth of the Almighty, it is time you were getting down before God and letting him clean away the obstructing elements, and break the case of hardness, that has held out the sweetness of perfect liberty, so the simplicity of the blessed gospel can penetrate your soul and lead you into all truth. Temperance must accompany our dressing also. 1 Tim. 2:8-10; 1 Pet. 3:1-5. What advantage is there in fleeing from a lion into the jaws of a bear? You answer, None. What then is the advantage of taking of flowers and feathers, and putting on a large amount of ribbon? We answer, None. In all things let us comply with the word of God, not fashioning ourselves according to the former lusts, but as a peculiar people, let us be temperate, plain and modest, that our whole life may be as becometh the gospel of Christ.
“Temperance is corporeal piety; it is the preservation of divine order in the body.” — T. Parker.
“Temperance is reason’s girdle,and passion’s bridle, the strength of the soul and the foundation of virtue.” — Jeremy Taylor.
“Temperance is the preservation of the dominion of the soul over sense, of reason over passion; the want of it destroys health, fortune and conscience.” — W. Dodd.
God bless all those in every place who call upon him out of a pure heart, and cause them to be temperate in all things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
W. A. Haynes.
Page 2
THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.
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A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.
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DEFINITE, RADICAL, ANTI-SECTARIAN.
Sent Forth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For the Purity and Unity of His Church;
the Defence of ALL His Truth;
And the Destruction of Sect Babylon.
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PUBLISHED AT GRAND JUNCTION, MICH.
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D. S. WARNER, – Editor.
E. E. BYBUM, – Office Editor.
E. E. BYBUM and S. MICHELS, – Publishers.
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TERMS, $1.00 Per Year In Advance.
Free to the poor.
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Entered at the Post Office at Grand Junction, Van Buren Co., Mich.. as second class matter.
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NOTICE.
All business communications, moneys, &c. must be addressed to Gospel Trumpet, to insure credit; otherwise we will not be responsible.
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NOTICE.
A commission of 20 per cent will be given on each new cash subscriber, to all who will labor for the Gospel Trumpet. We make this offer so as to help the brethren that are in the field, as well as the circulation of the paper.
Parties desiring papers to canvass with, should notify us regularly of their address.
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NOTICE.
How to Send Money. – Remit by Post Office Order or Postal Note. Where these cannot be procured, send by Express Order. Registered Letter or small amounts in stamps.
Change of Address. – Subscribers wishing their address changed, must be sure to give their former, as well as their new address.
Missing Papers. – It occasionally happens that numbers of our papers sent to our subscribers are lost or stolen in the mails. In case you do not receive yours when due, after waiting a sufficient length of time, write us a card, and we will gladly send one in place of the missing number.
When you write, be sure to give your full address, name, post-office, county and state.
Should there be a mistake at any time, write us at once, and we will gladly rectify the same.
Address all letters to Gospel Trumpet, Grand Junction, Mich.
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* THE * SHINNING * LIGHT. *
–:::–
An interesting paper for children. Illustrated. It should be in every family where there are children. Only twenty-five cents a year. Address,
THE SHINING LIGHT,
Grand Junction, Mich.
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TRACTS AND BOOKS.
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Babylon is Fallen. What Church Should I Join? Sects. The Master’s Call. A Wonderful Deliverance. Second Work of Grace. Price 10 cents per dozen.
Small tracts of various kinds for free distribution, at 10 cents per hundred.
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Marriage and Divorce. A tract of 32 pages, giving the Inspired word of God on the subject. Price 5 cents.
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The Great Tobacco Sin. It contains 30 pages, with a neat cover. We will send these tracts to any one sending us postage at the rate of one cent for three tracts. Always state just how many you wish sent.
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Must We Sin? A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin, containing 48 pages. Single copy 2 cts. Per dozen. 20 cts. Per hundred. $1.50.
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Question and Answers on the Church. A tract containing four letters with many questions concerning the church, and the difference between the true church and sectism. Price, 10 cents per dozen.
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The Sabbath Tract. This tract contains 65 pages giving the word of God on the subject of the Sabbath. It overthrows Saturday keeping and proves that the first day of the week is the proper day to keep. Price 10 cts.
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“No-Sectism.” A tract bearing the above title, written by A. Sims, has been reviewed by D. S. Warner, showing the difference between sectism and the Church of the Living God. It exposes the false theories set forth by Sims. This tract contains 52 pages. For free distribution, 15 cts. per dozen: $1.00 per hundred.
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The Church of God. A tract containing 32 pages, proving what is the Church and what is not the Church of God. Price, single copy 10 cents. Per dozen 80 cents.
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What is the Soul? By D. S Warner. Or 100 scriptures proving that man possesses a spiritual and immortal element called the Soul, the Spirit, and the Inner Man, which goes to God at the death of the body. The same also proved by the early Church History. Price single copy 10 cents. Per dozen 80 cents.
MASONIC SALVATION. By Fred Hasted. Thin little volume treats the subject of Free Masonry from a Bible standpoint. The writer having been a Master Mason, boldly brings the hidden and mysterious things before the public in a clear light. Price, paper cover 15 cts. Cloth. 35 cts.
BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH. By W. G. Schell. Tracing the church in prophecy from her birth to the end of time. Containing a brief history of more than 400 Protestant denominations. The author aims to show the difference between the true church and sectism, giving historical and scriptural proofs. Paper cover, 35 cts. Cloth. 75 cts. Address the Author at Anlo, Ohio. or this office.
ECHOES FROM GLORY By B. E. Warren and D. S. Warner. A second and thorough corrected editon of this new song book has just been issued. Containing 232 beautiful spiritual songs, of which the largest portion are new and fresh inspirations from heaven, both words and music. Many beautiful and touching invitation and exhortation hymns for revival meetings. It sings nearly all the doctrine of the Bible; especially the glorious themes of present truth. With primary instruction in music. Simple and concise — A practical self instructor for beginners in vocal music. Neatly bound in pasteboard, price reduced to 40 cts. Per dozen $4.00. all prepaid Address. B. E. Warren, Springfield. Ohio D. S. Warner. Sixth st., (Floating Bethel). Pittsburg, Pa. or this office.
DIVINE HEALING OF SOUL AND BODY. By E. E. Byrum. Part I teaches the way of salvation, and how to get saved. Part II gives Bible teaching on the healing of the body. Part III consists of testimonies from those who have been healed in these last days. 248 pages. Paper cover. 25 cts. Cloth, 75 cts.
THE BOY’S COMPANION. By E. E. Byrum. This is a neat little volume with interesting chapters to the boys, concerning the Secret Vice and other bad habits and their effects. Every boy needs advice and warning in time, and too often parents fail to give the needed advice until too late. The book is illustrated with suitable pictures which are aimed to leave a vivid impression upon the young minds and turn thorn from the downward road to a pure life. It als0 contains testimonies and experiences from those who are inmates of the states prison. Boys of every age should have one of these books to read. Price, paper cover 25 cts. Cloth binding 40 cts.
The Secret Vice.
A small illustrated tract of 16 pages with neat cover. It gives a timely warning to the boys against the evils of Self Abuse, a habit which is prevalent throughout the land. The tract is attractive, interesting, and points out certain evils against which boys of every age need to have warning in time. Price, doz. 10 cts. 100, 40 cts. 1000, $3.00.
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The Bible Readings. Bible readings or references on about 100subjects. Price 75 cts. each.
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Anthems from the Throne. This hook contains 148 songs. 90 with music. About all new. When sung in the spirit of God these songs will be found glorious. Manilla cover 25 cts. Cloth 40 cts. Per dozen $2.40 & $3.60.
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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.
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Mrs. M. Carveth, W. G. Wollam, Amos Morland, Sylvester Moore, A J. Crouch, W. L. Wilson, D. E. Weidner, J. W. Youngblood, Mrs. Jennie Moore. Joseph Hewitt, F. W. Simmons, Jno. E. Roberts, Birdie E. Fink, A. J. Bennet, Daniel Kryder, F. E. Jeanrenaud, G. Greeley, D. C. Stauffer, Lucy Willeman, Andrew Wingert.
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Requests for Prayer.
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Sister Seeley requests prayer June 1st for her daughter, that her mind may be restored.
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I am seeking holiness and have been unable, to obtain it, and am afflicted with cancer. Pray June 3, that I may be sanctified and healed.
Mrs. R. G. Johnson.
Fairbury, Neb.
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Sister C. J. Allgood, requests prayer as as soon as you read these lines. She has been a great sufferer from asthma for 30 years.
Angie Taylor.
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Calls for Meeting.
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We would be glad to have some of God’s ministers to come and visit us here.
Mrs. L. Gould.
De Soto, Miss.
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The Venango Co., Pa. camp meeting is desired about the first of September. Arrangements will be made later.
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Tiosa, Fulton Co., Ind.
A company of workers is wanted here at once to hold a meeting. A house is ready. Who can come?
Della Hunter.
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Cannot some consecrated holiness minister who is able to handle the Word, come here with a tent and hold a meeting? as there is no building to be had. There is much opposition, but may the Lord lead the right one to come.
Mattie Hobart.
Humboldt, Neb.
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Aurora Springs, Mo., May 21, 1894.
Will some of God’s holy ministers come here and hold a meeting? We have a beautiful park to hold a grove or tabernacle meeting, and could get the use of a large church house if the weather is wet. If the Lord leads any one to come, write me and I will have the meeting anounced.
Your brother,
R. H. Stewart.
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To the GOSPEL TRUMPET and all whom it may concern: There will be a camp or grove meeting held at Mole Hill, Ritchie Co., W. Va., about Aug. 15 to the 1st of Sept., the Lord twilling, subject to those whom the Lord may send. Bro: Warner would be very desirable, as we want some good man on doctrine. May God send whomsoever he will. Your brother saved and sanctified and kept by the power of God.
J. K. P. Whitecotton.
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MEETINGS.
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CAMP MEETING.
The Lord willing, there will be a camp meeting at Cinton, Barron Co., Wis., beginning July I, and lasting over the next Sabbath. Bro Halbeslaben is desired to be here, and any others the Lord may be pleased to send.
Jesse Lewis,
Barron, Wis.
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Grand Junction Camp Meeting.
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This is a general camp meeting and gathering together of the saints of God to worship him in the beauty of holiness. We are receiving many letters from every direction from persons who expect to be there, and we believe it will be one of the most wonderful meetings ever held in these last days, on account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the power of God wrought through his children.
Able ministers will be there to present the word of God in its purity on prophecy, divine healing, and various other themes of present truth.
Those desiring to seek salvation should be there; those desiring to know more about God and his dealings with his people; who are seeking light on his word, and desire to make spiritual advancement should not fail to come.
There will be a boarding house and lunch room on the grounds to supply the people, at very reasonable rates, who do not come prepared to take care of themselves. Sleeping apartments will be provided, but it will be necessary for as many as possible to bring an empty straw tick, and sufficient covers, etc. Let as many as possible come and tent on the ground, and remain during the meeting.
Grand Junction is on the C. and W. M. and Michigan Central Railways, twenty- nine miles west of Kalamazoo, and eleven miles east of Lake Michigan. The camp ground is situated one mile north of Grand Junction, Mich., on the C. and W. M. R. R. Local trains stop at the grounds, arriving there from the north at 1:22 A. M. and 9:22 A. M. From the south at 12:15 P. M. and 4:18 A. M.
EDITORIAL.
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All lovers of truth are invited to attend the Grand Junction camp meeting, June 14-25.
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A STENOGRAPHER WASTED.
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Blessed be the name of the Lord! He has furnished us, in the person of our consecrated wife, a great helpmate, much every way. And not least in the blessed gift of shorthand and typewriting, which she has just mastered by the help of the Lord. And now we wish also to thank the dear saints who have kindly helped us purchase a typewriting machine. Oh bless the Lord for his goodness! And now, another stenographer is very much needed to aid dear Bro. Byrum with his throng of daily mail. In response to the notice in the TRUMPET some time ago, female help was offered, but there is needed a brother to fill this call. Has the Lord a consecrated brother in this very useful calling? if so, the Master has need of you here. The wages are a hundred fold in this life, and in that to come eternal life. Amen.
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In these last days it is necessary for the children of God to have on the whole armor of God at all times and be filled with the Holy Spirit so as to detect false teachers, and those who go about trying to preach, whom God has not sent. We have lately received letters of inquiry concerning certain persons. One K. H. Whiteside, who was in this community a few months and left some time ago. has stopped at different places stating that he was on his way to work on the Floating Bethel. He claims to have wonderful gifts and power with God, and brethren having no fellowship with him have written to find out if we know anything about him. We are acquainted with him, and believe the man to be sincere in what he does. He states that his former life was a wretched and very wicked one, and the Lord delivered him from his former evil ways. When he first came here he was possessed of devils. After being delivered from such a condition he “run well for a season,” but soon set himself up as a teacher, as many do, without being commissioned of God, and he soon went from one delusion to another, claiming wonderful discernment and authority to rebuke almost every brother or sister he met. He having a delusion instead of a Bible experience, and being devoid of the gifts of discernment and wisdom, his spirit is soon made manifest. In the present condition of the man he is unfit for gospel work, and needs your earnest prayers.
There are some others going about, assuming to be preachers, that the body of Christ does not recognize as called and fit for the work.
We know nothing especially against the character of Bro. Edward Townsend now in the east, and we assure him our love and well wishes, and prayers that he might live a holy life and win heaven. But wherever he has assumed the functions of the ministry, the spiritual have felt he was out of his calling. And as a result, the cause of Christ has suffered harm instead of deriving any benefit. We believe his calling is to labor with his hands what he may find to do, and do all the good he can as an humble nonassuming child of God. At least until the Lord shows more satisfactory evidence and fruits of a call and qualifications for higher usefulness.
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A MORTAL DELUSION
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Which Satan is introducing in these perilous times, along with many others, is the pride begotten conceit that we can obtain a certain third work of grace, in which the natural affections and God-created sexual passions are wholly destroyed, and the body glorified into immortality. We have known some under that delusion, and the fruits have been pernicious. In Pittsburg and Allegheny quite a number talk their belief in a glorified body which shall never die, and some of their confused teachers use this text to base it upon. — “We shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” But this is to take place at the sounding of the last trump, and general resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:51, 52. Some are propagating the confused doctrine who do not even profess entire sanctification. And we heard of none in those cities who venture to profess having the experience. Perhaps they are restrained from such a claim lest their neighbors should see the vain assumption proved false, some day, while looking upon them in their coffins.
Death has exposed the same delusion in not a few cases. And now there is before us a letter announcing the recent death in Fort Wayne, Ind., of a woman who claimed, or advocated present immortalization of the body. She told us she did not believe in dying at all. But a faith not founded on the Word is sure to deceive.
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HOW TO GET REDUCED RATES.
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Persons attending the Grand Junction camp meeting are entitled to reduced rates over all the railroads in Michigan, also over those of the Central Traffic Association in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and from Buffalo, N. Y., Pittsburg, Pa., St. Louis, Mo., and intervening points.
GET A CERTIFICATE.
Wherever you purchase a ticket within the above mentioned territory, BE SURE AND GET A CERTIFICATE ALSO, from the ticket agent, stating that you are an attendant of the campmeeting.
Do not buy round-trip tickets, if you want rates.
FULL FARE will be charged for tickets to Grand Junction. The certificates are to be brought to the meeting where they will be stamped by the R. R. agent, which will entitle the holder of the same to return on ONE THIR D FARE.
TICKETS FOR SALE only from June 11th to 17th, good to return on or before June 26.
REMEMBER if you fail to get a certificate you will fail to get reduced rates when you return.
Certificates cannot be transferred to anyone else.
These certificates must be obtained from an agent within the limits of the territory above mentioned. Persons living beyond this territory must not forget this.
BOAT LINE.
The H. W. Williams Transportation Line has a line of boats running from Chicago to South Haven, Mich., leaving O’Connor’s dock at the foot of Michigan St., Chicago, every night. Fare one dollar; berths twenty-five and fifty cents.
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Chicago, Ill.
May God’s blessings rest upon all of God’s saints at all times. I would say to all who wish to stop in the city going to or from camp meeting, will be welcomed at the addresses below. Also we would be pleased to meet with God’s little ones at any time. Any one residing in Chicago who wisheto know where the meetings are, may know by the following addresses.
C. B. Tracy, 3443, Cottage Grove. Aaron Simons, 236, 66th St., near Wentworth Ave. Bernard Pitts, 5010, Atlantic St., near Wentworth Ave. Alwilda Leiby, 8845, Sup. Ave., South Chicago.
C. B. Tracy.
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EXPLANATION.
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Please explain 1 Cor. 12:18, 24, 25. 28, which seems to teach that God organizes his church and men have nothing to do with it. Also Acts 6:3. which seems to teach that it is the duty of men to organize the church of God. Your brother in Christ seeking the whole truth.
Henry Jeans.
Ans. 1 Cor. 12 sets forth the church as fully formed and organized, and equipped with all its instrumentalities. And “it is the same God which worketh all in all.” Verse 6. Through the Spirit. Verses 8-10.
In Acts 6, the selection of deacons recorded, when they were to look out among them seven men, whom we may appoint, etc., is to be understood that the Spirit of God through them should make the selection. For to every one is “given by the Spirit” whatever his calling is. They laid their hands on them, in dedication to the work whereunto God had called them. See Acts 13:1-4.
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News from the Field.
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Trowbridge, Mich.
Dear Trumpet Readers: The meeting at Tekonsha was a grand success, for which we give God all the glory, and report great victory on the Lord’s side from beginning to end. We met with a goodly number of the dear saints, and the most of them we have not seen for a long time. We were glad to meet them and to once more mingle our voices together in praise and prayer to God. A goodly number of saints came for miles around, and all got well paid, for the Lord poured out of his blessings upon them. Dear Bro’s Ellis and Worden were at the meeting, whom the Lord used in delivering his precious word, and also Sisters Worden and Metter, who lifted their voices in prayer and song to God. Some of the dear saints came from Johnstown and some from Battle Creek, and all seemed well satisfied with what the Lord done for them, for which we give the Lord all the glory. There were eight consecrations in the two days meeting, some for pardon and some for the cleansing, and all got the desire of their hearts. Six followed in the glorious ordinance of baptism and arose to walk in the newness of life. Oh may they all prove faithful to God. After the ordinance of baptism we all gathered at the home of dear Bro. Eldridge, and attended to the blessed ordinances of feet washing and the Lord’s supper, which was a glorious time to all the saints. May God keep them all firm to the end.
J. L. Pike.
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San Diego, Cal., May 16, 1894.
Dear Saints of the Most High God: It has been some time since we lave reported through the TRUMPET. Have been in this city since March 25. Began the tent work three weeks ago in one of the suburbs. Have just moved to another part. Meetings at the former place were not very largely attended by the immediate citizens, but a good work was done. A few souls found their way to the cross; some for pardon, others for purity. The battle is raging, and we are victorious. Many are under deep conviction. Held an all day fast and prayer meeting recently for the conviction of the people. God wonderfully answered. So many are asleep, and when asked about their souls, they say, Let me alone, I do not wish to be troubled. How true the words of the scripture, “Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep.” A person very sleepy seems to become very much annoyed when disturbed; so it is with this people; they do not want to be awakened. They have taken the devil’s opiates and many are past awakening. How sad, yet true! We are vigorously at work sounding the final alarm. When we think of the pending doom of these precious souls, we cannot hold our peace day or night. Our company visited about one hundred families in one day recently. Are trying to make a clean sweep of the city before leaving it. The Lord is hurrying us up. After a thorough canvassing of this place and a few towns near by we shall begin to work northward, but are trying to keep from obligating ourselves to any future appointments, so we may stay as long in a place as we think souls can be gathered out. Dear saints, we have found by experience that the first siege in a place is generally the most effectual one, and believe that all the workers would do well to keep free from future appointments as much as possible, and remain longer in a place where the people have been awakened. Satan often succeeds in planting prejudice, discord and fanaticism in a place where the people have not been sufficiently established, which frequently carries with it many,
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who, if they had been a little more thoroughly taught at the right time would have become settled in the truth. Our company at present consists of Bro’s Cannan and Shaw. Others of the saints assist in the meetings. All well and happy. Address 1021-15th St., San Diego. Pray for us. Your brother and sister separated unto the gospel,
J. W. and J. Byers.
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Box 56, Pullman, Wash., May 11, 1894.
Dear Brethren and Readers of the Trumpet, Greeting: May the rich blessings of heaven, with eternal peace and victory rest and abide with you all. The 21st ult. myself and our Company except our family, took train for Post Falls, Idaho, and the next morning commenced and held a week’s meeting in the M. E. house of worship in the town. Could we have gone thither about two months before that, there would have been a rich harvest for the Lord, as then the people were in the height of anxiety for our coming and a meeting to be held. This great feeling among them was brought about by the Trumpets and tracts some of our brethren had sent in among them. At this time, they were very busy in their spring work, however, there was a good turnout of people. Light and truth went forth and had a good effect on the people. The seed of the kingdom was sown in some hearts. We believe that a more glorious work will be accomplished there for the Lord in the near future. A few hands were raised for prayers, whom we pray will be saved and brought out into this glorious light. Three were Saved, two from M. E. ism. We pray God to keep them to the end, and enable them to reach the grace of perfect holiness. We received an earnest invitation to return and hold a siege there next fall. From there we went to Rathdrum and held a week’s meeting in the Baptist meeting house, which closed with a glorious victory and good impression for the cause. Hallelujah! The truth took a deep effect and strong hold there on the people. Several were saved in the Lord from sin and sectism. Two were sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and a number raised their hands for our prayers, whom we trust will be fully brought out into the light. Here we found a humble and hungry people for pure salvation and the truth. We would love to have tarried much longer with them, but circumstances were such that we could not possibly do so. However, we hope to do so in the near future, or that the Lord may send some of his messengers there. At Rathdrum and vicinity is a good field of labor, ready for the gospel and the harvest of the Lord. In Idaho we took eleven subscribers for the TRUMPET. Praise the Lord! And may the Lord truly reward them for all their kindness to us. With reluctance we bade them farewell, with deep feelings in the Lord. From Rathdrum we took train for Spokane, Wash., and the next day, the 7th, inst. were taken about sixteen miles north of that city, and in the evening met with the church on Green Bluff. Found them doing quite well in the Lord. That evening the Lord gave us a pentecostal time in the power of the Spirit. Five at the altar, three for justification and two were sanctified and got the victory. One of whom was our dear Bro. Geo. H. Forker, nephew to Bro. C. W. Forker of Peone. This dear brother was deeply convicted and won to the Lord, yielded and was blessedly saved, by the holy life and influence of his uncle. We believe if he will prove true and keep the victory, God will use him to his glory in his precious cause. The minds of the people there have wonderfully changed and turned favorably to the truth. A glorious interest is now kindled there. They desire a grove meeting by June last, or July first. The next morning a sister was sanctified and healed. We bade them all farewell, then took the train for home. We are now in the ordinance meeting. The 16th, the Lord willing, we begin a meeting at Milton, Ore. In the above meeting, there were seventeen consecrations to God; two healed. Pray for us and the work on the coast. Yours in the meekness and love of the truth, fully saved and redeemed in Him from all sin, and kept in his name. Amen.
C. H. Tubbs, F. N. Jacobson and Co.
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Hartsells, Ala., May 16, 1894.
Dearly Beloved Saints of God: Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We are still praising God for sweet peace in our souls. Since our last report from Somerville, Ala., God has been with us in much power and glory. We had meetings on Six- Mile one week, resulting in eleven consecrations. Twelve obeyed the command of Jesus in the ordinance of baptism. From here we went to Zion and held meetings with the saints from Saturday till Sunday night. At this place it became our painful duty to publicly renounce one S. S. Stinson, who has been associated with the saints in Morgan Co., Ala., ever since Bro. Warner and company visited this place some years ago, or shortly afterward. While professing to be a saint and continuing to preach as such, he always held to and ceased not to teach certain false doctrines, which have almost destroyed the work at Zion. Even against the admonition of the saints he continued to teach that no one was fully born of God until sanctified wholly, after which he never could fall and be lost. He also holds to the doctrine of election and reprobation as taught by the dark creeds of Babylon; viz., that God wills in one class — the elects — to be saved and they will come, and in the other class — the reprobate — not to come, and they will not come, putting salvation thus within reach of a part of the human family only.
Against all this the word of God says, Jno. 3:2, 3, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” Here the purifying or cleansing takes place in the sons of God. In Jno. 15:2, the purging takes place in the real branches. But we learn from Rom. 15:16 that the Holy Spirit is the sanctifier, and in Acts 15:8, 9, that this purifies the heart. Hence it is evident that none but those who are born of God — sons of God — can receive the cleansing or purging which makes them vessels of honor. 2 Tim. 2:21. And as to the extent of salvation we read in 1 Tim. 4:10, “Who is the Savior of all men, especially of those that believe.’’ Matt. 11:28, “Come unto me, ALL YE that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Isa. 55:1, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” Deut. 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Prov. 1:24- 26, “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all my counsels and would none of my reproof; I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.”
These are sufficient to show that salvation is within the reach of all and not restricted to a limited tew. And as to the possibility of falling after purification takes place the word plainly shows. For Peter says in 3 Pet. 3:17, “Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.” In the first verse of this same chapter the apostle says, “I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” These then whom he cautions to beware lest they fall were sanctified souls. Also in the first chapter of this letter, after we are made partakers of the divine nature we are earnestly admonished to give all diligence to add (grow in grace), and in 10th verse says if ye do these things; vis., keep up this addition — ye shall never fall. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”
When Bro. Achor and I came to Hartsells, in July of 1892, we talked to him about this matter and tried to get him to see his error; but he insisted that he was right, and that all the saints would be finally forced to accept the same. Bro. Achor soon returned north and I continued the work in Alabama, during the fall and winter; during which time I did all that I could, by the help of the Lord, to get him to see his error and renounce it. I also earnestly admonished the saints to heed the admonitions of the “word” as found in 2 Pet. 3:17; 1:1—15; 1 Thes. 5:6; 1 Pet. 5:8; Mark 13:37; Matt. 24:13; 2 Pet. 2:20- 22; and Matt. 26:41. When Bro’s J. N. Howard and Otto Bolds came here in Oct. ’93, he (Stinson) denied ever teaching such doctrine. When I came here again in Feb. ’94 and learned that he had made this statement to Bro’s Howard and Bolds, and that no public explanation had been made by him (Stinson) to straighten the matter in the minds of the people, I went to see him to know the truth of the matter. In this conversation he stated to me that he had simply given Bro. Howard the scripture on the subject. I also found him filled with a fault-finding, picking spirit, finding fault with almost all the saints who have been to this place teaching. Bro. Bolds and I visited him again after this and did all that we could to get him to see his error and renounce it. In this conversation he stated that he did not remember what he told Bro. Howard; said that he had forgotten — although only a few months had passed. He also misrepresents the teaching of the saints. We now informed him that unless he would at once renounce his false teachings and make the matter right before the public, that we would be forced to publicly renounce him and his heresy, and warn the saints against him until he should repent and make the matter right before the people. Therefore we warn all the saints of God against the teachings of this man, and earnestly admonish them not to receive his teaching nor recognize him as a saint until he shall repent and obtain salvation and show the real fruits of a saved life. We shall not cease to pray God to have mercy upon his soul, and if possible save him out of his delusion.
From here we went to Wolfsbeat, and held meetings one week resulting in five or six consecrations. Then I started for Tennessee, and Bro. Bolds continued the meeting. I stopped over Sabbath May 13, at Houstons. Six were baptized, the result of our former meeting. Through all this season from Feb. 18, to May 15, in visiting the church at different places God has wonderfully filled our soul with his presence and glory, and the saints are on the onward move for God. But as the saints move- and the fire burns, croaking spirits also move upon the war path. May God keep the saints humble. Your saved brother,
J. F. Lundy.
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HEALED IS ANSWER TO PRAYER.
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Mole Hill, W. Va.
Dear Saints and all the Trumpet Readers Everywhere, Greeting: It would be to the glory of God, and the good of souls to testify to the wonderful healing power of God in the case of Sister Garner, at Stanley on last Sunday the thirteenth.
Sister Garner had the measles which had settled on her lungs; had been bedfast for over one week and was suffering great pain, and could not determine whether God would raise her up or not. But there were a few of God’s children gathered togather and she wanted prayer and to be anointed. After reading several passages of scripture we complied with James 5. She was anointed in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith ascended the hill of the Lord and was answered, and she was raised up and sat up and walked across the room without help, which she had not done for over a week. For all of which we give God the glory. Praise his dear name forever! Your brother,
J. K. P. Whitecotton.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Manning, Mo.
Dear Saints of the Living God: I feel led this evening to write my testimony for the first time. I am praising God for a free and full salvation. My trust is in Jesus. I am praising him every day for sweet peace in my soul. All the comfort of this life is nothing to be compared with the joy and peace we have in our souls when we do the Lord’s will.
Your sister saved, and sanctified.
C. D. Thompson.
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Williamston, S. C.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led to write my testimony for the first time. I am praising God for the sweet peace I am enjoying, and for the wonderful salvation that keeps me from sin each day. I praise God for sending the true gospel to us. There are a good many that have accepted the true gospel here and have come out of sectism. I enjoy my freedom in Christ, for whom the Son maketh free is free indeed. I do praise the Lord for his keeping power. Pray for me that I may be faithful. And pray that all my family may accept the truth and be saved. Your sister,
M. A. Wallace.
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Center Point, Iowa.
Dear Saints of God: With a joy this world knows not of, I write a few words of testimony this day. Praise the Lord forever! He saves and sanctifies me wholly. It is but a short time since I started in this way, but I know it is a glorious way. I praise Go for full salvatdion. God says he sent his only begotten Son into the world to destroy the works of the devil. I am so glad that I ever learned that Jesus is able to give us a pure heart, and to keep us from all ungodliness in this present world. I cannot praise him enough for what he has done for me. We must watch and pray and keep our eyes on God’s word, for it is a light to our path. For many false prophets have come into the world saying, This is the way. Believe it not. Pray for me that I may always be humble, and trusting in God.
Your brother in the one body,
David M. Baker.
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Box 55, East Hampton, Mass.
Dear Saints of the Living God: May our God bless you all. I feel led once more to send in my testimony, trusting that it may find a little space in the TRUMPET. I praise the Lord tonight for a perfect salvation. Glory be to his holy name! he has saved and sanctified me. He set me free from all sectism and keeps me rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord for the perfect peace in my soul! Jesus is a wonderful physician for both soul and body; he has healed me several times. To God be all the glory. It is so sweet to trust in Jesus for every little thing. I left Chicago a few weeks ago, where the dear Lord has a precious little church, and here are none of the saints of God. I remember of reading a testimony in the TRUMPET from Mass. Will some of the dear saints please send me their address through the TRUMPET or otherwise? Perhaps it might be near enough so I could meet with them once in a while to worship God; for to me the fellowship of the saints is sweet. If Bro. Orr or wife sees this, I would say I am praising God for having sent them that way. Jesus sweetly saves me now. I lost your address and could not write to you. I pray that God may send some of his holy ministers here; the evening light is not known here. Yours in the one body.
Augusta Clark.
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Mill, S. C.
Dear Brothers and Sisters: I can report victory in the great work of salvation going on in Anderson. Have just returned from there. I heard of that people (the saints of God) through the TRUMPET; I was not satisfied till I saw them. Thank God, when I saw them and their soundness in faith, it did make my heart rejoice. I have been a Baptist preacher for about eight years, till one year ago. Then the Lord led me to see the evening light; and can say, Glory to God, I am free from all sects and tobacco, and all sin, and am fully sanctified. Glory to his name for all his kindness to us! I expect to spend the balance of my time in his service. If any of the saints pass through Pickens Co. please call on me. I am forty miles above Williamston, thirteen miles above Pickens C. H. Oh may this work ever go on till it breaks all of the kingdoms asunder, and fills the whole earth. Thank you for the TRUMPET, which told me of a people I have long- led to see for many years. Your brother, sanctified and kept by His power.
John Elenburg.
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OBITUARIES.
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Reynolds, Neb.
Little Vernie Venorace, daughter of Bro. and Sister James Newkirk, was born Jan. 17, 1890; died May 3, 1894. Aged four years, three months and sixteen days. God bless the parents and help them to him so as to meet little Vernie in heaven. Services by,
Wm. A. Randolh,
and E. G. Masters.
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Hollenberg, Kan.
Bro. Benjamin S. Elliston, was born Feb. 4, 1811; died May 10, 1894. Aged eighty-three years, three months and six days. Bro. Elliston never made any profession of salvation until last summer he heard the gospel in the evening light and accepted it, and died in the faith. May God help his children to prepare to meet their father in heaven. Funeral services by the writer,
Wm. A. Randolph.
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Near Grand Junction, Mich., William Thorp, departed this life May 24, 1894, at the ripe age of seventy- five years, eleven months and seventeen days. This man, unfortunately, lived without salvation, and died as he lived, and as he had told a neighbor he expected to die. He leaves a saved companion, and many friends to mourn his death. But death is the lot of all, prepared or unprepared. Funeral service at the Johnson meeting house.
D. S. W.
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Floyd’s Knobs, Ind.
Sister Esther Pearl, little daughter of David and Sister Merriwether, died May 9 1894; aged twelve years, two months and eight days. Little Esther took sick on Monday. A few days previous to her illness, she told her parents she would not live long. She suffered greatly until about one hour before she died, when the pain ceased and she sweetly fell asleep. She left a bright evidence that she went home to dwell with Jesus. May God keep the saved ones and help the unsaved to prepare to meet their darling in heaven.
W. B. Schreiber.
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Venango Co., Pa.
Died, May 6, 1894, Sister Huldah Melissa Smith. Age sixty-nine years, eleven months, nine days. Has made a profession from about nine or ten years old, and when the saints came to Red Lion and preached the whole gospel, she walked out in the evening light, and had been with the saints in meeting until in a few years, she could not go out to meeting; but the saints had meeting at her home. She died in the faith of the Bible truth. Her husband was called away before the evening light had been spread here. She leaves a good many children and grand-children. God help the children to walk in the light of the Bible, so they can meet their mother in the glory world. Funeral services by the writer.
Samuel Martz.
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J. C. Sipps, died in his home in Erie Co., Pa., May 16, 1894; aged forty-nine years. He had been called to Oil City on business, and was taken sick while there. Was brought home May the 14th. He became very much convicted of his sins in a meeting held in the Gleeton school house some two months before his death; but did not yield. His wife was saved in a prayer meeting the next Sabbath after Bro. Warner left here. From that time he began to pray for God to save him, and when taken sick away from home his prayer was for God to spare his life to get home, which was answered. After he got home he said he believed God did forgive him, and said he was going home to Jesus. He leaves a wife and three children, and many friends to mourn his loss. Funeral services by the writer,
E. J. Billig.
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“VISIBLE CHURCH ORGANIZATION, — IS IT RIGHT?”
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There has been enough proof that the church of God is visible to all who are not blinded by the false gods of sectism, and some bigot, (like Diotrephes) who loves to have pre-eminence, — if they should feel so disposed — could refuse a man, or cast him out of a local assembly, or congregation of the church of God, just the same as a man could be cast out of a congregation of sectarians; but thank God, men cannot take our names off the class book, or book of life: and furthermore, such men are not of God. John says, “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating [tattling] against us with malicious words:” and the 11th verse says, “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God; but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” This is positive proof that Diotrephes was an evil doer; hence he was not a member of the church; for “whosoever abideth in him [Christ the church] sinneth not.” — 1 Jno. 3:6. Butsince Mr. A. has acknowledged himself a sectarian or heretic, we will proceed to investigate the matter.
WHAT IS A SECT?
Webster says, — “Sect, (Latin Secta, from Secare: to cut off;) a religious denomination.” What is a heresy? Ans. “Heresy, an heretical doctrine; error in doctrine.” “Heretic, one who believes some doctrine contrary to the Christian religion. Syn. — A schismatic is a promoter of schisms in the church.”
The words sectarian, heretic and schismatic, are interchangeable terms, and mean about the same thing. Hence, sect, heresy and schism are the same, consequently a sect of professors is a body of professors, separated from the church by some peculiar doctrines to which they hold, that is contrary to God’s word. Hence to form a body of people together, that reject any part of God’s word, such as baptism, Lord’s supper, washing one another’s feet, greeting with an holy kiss, etc., or add anything to the word of God, as a rule of faith and conduct, or discipline; is simply making a sect. Therefore a number of people, professing to be Christians, and taking a name contrary to that which God has given in his word, to distinguish themselves from other professors, declare by that act that they are a sect.
WHAT DOES GOD’S WORD SAY OF SECTS, OR HERESIES?
“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, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” — 2 Pet. 2:1-3. “Damnable heresies,” from the Latin Vulgate version, says, “Sects of perdition.” Their damnation is sure, unless they repent. “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” — 1 Cor. 11:19. The margin says in plain English “sects.” When those fellows come around it is very soon made known who is of God, and who is not. “Now I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions [schisms] among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. — 1 Cor. 1:10. Is Christ divided? Ans. “That there should be no schism [division] in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” — 1 Cor. 12:25. “A man that is a heretic, [sectarian] 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. Paul classed “heresies” translated “sects” in the Emphatic Diaglott, with the works of the flesh; “adultery, fornication, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like;” and says that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal. 5:19-21.
Paul was accused of being ringleader of a sect. “For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews and throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. Acts 24:5. Just as God’s people are accused of being a sect now. But such accusations come from persons who are guilty themselves; and in order to justify themselves in their own perverse notions, they try to prove every body else, in as bad or worse condition. Paul did not acknowledge the charge brought against him, but said; “This I confess unto thee, that after the way which they [the accusers] call heresy [sect] so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.” — Acts 24:14. He had been in a sect. “After the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.” — Acts 26:5. When he was saved from his sins he was saved out of the straitest sect; therefore I do not believe he would join another one. He was saved from the sin of sectism, with all other sins. He says, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions [sects] and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Why? Ans. “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Rom. 16:17, 18.
All divisions come from persons that are yet carnal. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” Cor. 1 3:3. Sanctification makes us all one in Christ. “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he [Christ] is not ashamed to call them brethren.” — Heb. 2:11. Read Gal. 3:28 and Jno. 17:17-23. Since all divisions, or schisms, come from carnality, and sanctification makes one, it is evident that all who are upholding any particular sect (schism) are not sanctified.
Now we have shown clearly by the word of God, that “visible church organization,” is all right, and proper in the order that God’s word teaches; and it is equally true, and plain, to all honest hearts, that sect organizations are nothing more than Babylon confusion; of men, and the devil. But God has a few people in there yet: therefore he says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing [yoke]; and I will receive you.” — 2 Cor. 6:14, 17. “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” — Rev. 18:4, 5. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce- breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” — 2 Tim. 3:1-5. They have mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and mis-used his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there is no remedy.” — 2 Chron. 36:16. “Be astonished at this, oh heavens, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, [sects] broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” — Jer. 2:12, 13. “A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.” Jer. 17:12, 13. Now read Ezek. 43:7-12, and Jer. 51:24-26.
“Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance; he will render unto her a recompense. Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies. The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness: come and let us declare in Zion [the church] the work of the Lord our God.” — Jer. 51:6, 8-10. Amen.
We felt moved upon, by the Spirit of the Lord to pen these few lines, which we have done, in the fear of God, with much love and sympathy for the truth, and for the souls of our fellow men; and we pray God to bless it to the good of some dear soul, for whom Christ died. Hoping this will reflect some light upon the pathway of all who read it, and thereby cause some to see their danger, and make their escape out of Babylon, we send it forth in the name of Jesus.
Yours in him,
Thos. Carter.
St. Louis, Mo.
(This subject can be had in tract form.)
THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Manning, Mo.
Dear Saints of God: I am praising God for saving my soul, and placing my feet on a sure foundation. I started out to serve the Lord about three months ago. I do want to live true to God. It makes my heart ache to see so many souls perishing, and going to destruction, unprepared to meet God. My whole desire is to love and serve the Lord while I live.
Thomas E. Thompson.
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St. Clair, Tenn.
Dear Saints of the Living God. I feel led by the Spirit of God, to write my testimony for the first time. Praise the Lord for his saving power! He has saved me from my sins, and I am sanctified through the blood of a crucified Savior. I have belonged to the Methodist sect for years, until last winter, the Lord sent Bro’s Kilpatrick and Carter here to preach the gosple. I know I never heard the gosple preached in its purity before. I praise God for sending them here to preach the true gospel, for this is a wicked place. The devil is stirred here. He is as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. I do praise the Lord for his saving power. Pray for my husband, that he may be saved. Also pray for our little church here that just started up. And pray that a great work may be done here, and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. I now feel I am in the hands of the Lord, ready to do his will.
Sarah Johnson.
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Levant, Kansas.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I feel led to write my testimony for the glory of God. I praise the dear Lord that I know I am saved now, and oh how thankful I am to know this of a surety. Oh how I do praise God for leading me out of sectism. I belonged to the Campbellites about a year; had no salvation at all, because I did not repent of my sins. They don’t believe in repenting; but God’s word says, Repent and believe. But they don’t do either. Well I give God all the glory for what he has done for my poor sin-sick soul. I praise God for giving me the privilege of hearing the pure unadulterated word taught, and I praise him for giving me a willing heart to receive the same. And now I am living every day, by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God, with perfect sweeping victory in my soul over sin, Satan and sectism, and all the works of darkness. I never had any desire to go to Babylon since I was saved out. Praise the Lord, I can see so plain where they stand in the sight of God. I am praying that others may get light on the true church, and come out before it is everlastingly too late. From your sister, saved, and sanctified by a second work of grace wrought in my soul. I ask you all to pray for me, that I may stand firm on the rock, Christ Jesus,
Mrs. Josephine Kepford.
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Egerton, Malpas, Cheshire Eng.
Dear Saints of God and Trumpet Readers: I feel led by God to write my testimony for the first time. It is about twelve years since God saved me, and I have been in sectism ever since. I have always desired to live a holy life, but we seldom ever heard it preached. Most of the sect preachers tell us we cannot live free from sin, but must sin and repent all our lives. Oh this just seems awful to me now, since God has opened my eyes. Well praise God, brighter and better days have dawned upon us here. I am praising God for sending dear brother J. W. Daugherty over here from Liverpool — one of God’s flying messengers, who preached to us the pure Word as we never heard it preached before. God knew there were a few honest souls here that were willing to walk in the light. God says, “My sheep hear my voice and follow me.” Thank God, I for one heard his blessed voice, and made my escape, for I was nearly starved in sectism. I have made a full consecration of all to God, and He has sanctified me wholly. God. has showed me the oneness of His people, the true Zion of God, so I have left all the sect confusion. Praise God, we are having glorious meetings here. We are no longer led by men, but by the spirit of God, and we all see eye to eye; and I realize it is just glorious to have the liberty and freedom which God wishes his people to enjoy in this world. People tell us we are a selfish lot, and surely the devil is raging here, but God knows we have nothing in our hearts but pure love for every body, and I pray that God may yet bring many more precious souls out of sectism into this glorious evening light. We are expecting to have the ordinance meeting soon. While in sectism I have only obeyed God’s Word in part, but He has shewed me I must obey the whole, and I mean to.
Your sister saved, sanctified and kept by the power of God,
Ellen Brereton.
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Columbus, Kan.
Dear Saints of God: I praise God this evening for salvation full and free. I am saved and sanctified, washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb.
I feel it my duty to write a little of my experience. When I was about twelve years old, I attended the M. E. sect. meeting, and was made to believe that I had salvation. I lived what I thought was a Christain life for several years. About five years ago I heard holiness preached, and the Lord showed me this was the right way. I sought it, but through the works of the devil was deceived again. Although I greatly desired to to be saved, I did not feel that joy in my soul, that I heard others tell of and until about four months ago, I lived under conviction. Often times I would hear his gentle voice whispering to me, “Come, why don’t you get saved; you are not saved.” But I would turn away, “Some time I will.”
About four months ago I was taken on a bed of sickness. The next day after I took my bed, while lying alone in my room, I received a very heavy shock. Oh dear ones, what an awful moment! I thought, What! am I going to die? Then it came to me, that it was a warning to me to get saved, before it was too late. My sins stood up before me like mountains, and I lay there studying all day, till in the evening, my little boy came to my bed. and I sent him to the kitchen to tell his aunt to hurry supper over, for I had something to tell her and my husband. They came in, in a little while: my husband sat down beside me, and I confessed all my sins to them, and told them I must get saved, or die and go to torment. No more was said, till the next evening when my sister came in the room; I told her I must get saved now. I asked her to hand me my Bible which she did, and I opened it, and my eyes fell on the words “now is the time; now is the day of salvation.” I said, Yes, Lord, now is the time and my hands were raised, and our hearts lifted to God in prayer, and in a few moments I was shouting and praising God. I said to her, Now I am ready to be sanctified; but it being late Saturday evening, she had quite a lot of work that must be done: we thought some other time would do just as well.
Then the tempter came: what would my husband do if I got sanctified: He came in, shortly after, and I started to tell him all about it, but he spoke a little cross, and my heart seemed to almost fail me, and from that time, until Tuesday morning I lay struggling, when my relatives and friends were called in, as they thought, to see me die. But, praise the Lord! for in that I died once, I died unto sin; but now I live, I live unto God. For I was sanctified wholly, and made to praise the Lord aloud before them all. Although it was almost five weeks before I could walk around,
I truly believe the Lord healed me the moment he saved my soul. Praise the Lord forever! I desire the prayers of all the saints that my husband may be saved. Also that I may always live true to God. Yours in Christ,
Emma Stockton.
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Kenesaw, Neb.
Dear Saints of God: I feel led by the Spirit of the Lord, to write some of God’s dealings with me. And perhaps it may help some weak ones to rely more fully upon the Lord to take care of them. First, God forgave me of all my sins, and I did love him, and served him to all-the light I had, being yet under the blindness of sectism. How we would remember at times, Father would say, Do thus and so for me; and man’s creeds and divisions would say, No, it is against our discipline or doctrine. We cannot help but praise the Lord for severing all bands and yokes, and saying to the captive daughters of Zion, Be free; for whom the Son maketh free is free indeed, to do his bidding. How my heart rejoiced to at last know that I was a free child. I hastened to consecrate my all that I might know how to possess my vessel in sanctification and honor. When I fulfilled my part of the contract with the Father, I took no thought or worry when He would fulfill his part, believing that he is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him. It was my part to consecrate; it was his part to fulfill his word. I can say the Lord does his work complete. O dear ones, cease trying to do the Lord’s part of your salvation. Too many fail to make a real Bible consecration, and because they have a lack in their souls, they try to think the Lord has failed to do his part, but that is impossible. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Look over your consecration; make it complete, where it is wanting, and rest assured the Lord will do his part. When thy all is on the altar laid, God will send the burning fire, that will consume all the dross. Praise his holy name!
I am so glad we do not have to spend precious time to study out the devil’s tricks, but just resist him steadfast in the faith, and go on digging, and searching for the hid treasures in the kingdom of God. We are always well rewarded. Not long ago I was awakened to the need of a strong hold upon faith, which lies in the real simplicity of Christ. I began searching for it, and the Lord placed me in such circumstances where I must trust God and walk out by faith. There I learned the simple trust, that his strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I glory in mine infirmities, or being nothing of myself, that Christ may be all, in all I also found that I was becoming too willing to be idle, I thought waiting for the Lord to give me something to do. We must be up and doing, for Satan will find something for idle hands, and we are not only idle ourselves, but standing in the way of those who are to work, thus hindering the cause of Christ. Dear Father, help us to work while the day lasts or the night cometh when no man can work. The plea most always is. somebody else is much more able and better qualified than I am. Well go to asking God, and searching for the qualifications. Covet earnestly the best gifts, for this dark world has need that all the lights be trimmed and burning. It was the one who received the one talent that went and hid it in the earth. No doubt he thought it not worth improving, and told the Lord he was afraid of him, and hid it. But the Lord said, Thou wicked and slothful servant! There is one thing we all can do for the Lord, that is to prove faithful. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 20, 21. Pray for me. Your sister, saved and sanctified to do the will of God.