4 January 1894, Volume 14, Number 1.

Rest Found in Thee.

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Savior, I do feel thy merit,
Sprinkled with redeeming blood,
And my weary troubled Spirit
Now finds rest with Thee my God.
I am safe and I am happy
While in Thy dear arms I lie;
Sin and Satan cannot hurt me
While my Savior is so nigh.

Now I’ll sing a Savior’s merit,
Tell the world of his dear name,
That if any want his Spirit,
He is still the very same.
He that asketh soon receiveth.
He that seeks is sure to find;
Whomsoever on him believeth,
He will never leave behind.

Give your heart, your all to Jesus,
He will willingly accept:
And his loving kindness pleased us
As into our souls he stept.
He is lovely, he is gracious,
All in all to human kind;
Own him, love him, he is precious.
Ask of him his perfect mind.

John F. Starcher.

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NEW YEARS GREETING.

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Dearly Beloved Saints of the Most High God: We devoutly wish you all a happy New Year, and we can well do so, knowing that all who pass the bounds of 1893, and enter upon the New Year with Christ enthroned in a pure heart, have everlasting happiness abiding within you. We should have greeted you last week, but as this is the first paper in the new year it is yet seasonable to say a few things in the name of our common Savior, and ask you to help us praise his holy name for all his rich blessings bestowed upon us during the past year. Oh bless his name forever and forever! How his love and mercy, and great goodness crowns the years as they swiftly fly around! How wonderfully God is moving forth the chariot of his salvation. And yet how little the most of us are doing to speed it forward. Oh brethren let us more fully devote our time to the Lord! Let us grasp the opportunities to do good as they pass before our eyes. Oh time, how precious every moment! Soon it will be no more. Upon us has fallen the end of the ages. Yea the last end of the last dispensation of time. Oh how solemn our responsibilities! How awful the place where our feet stand! In the name of Jesus we ask all, Are you awake to the situation? Do you indeed believe that Christ is already at the door, and the flash of lightning that shall suddenly reveal his coming will set on fire the heavens and the earth in and upon which we move, and the earth and the works therein shall be burned up? Say in the presence of God are you ready? Would you suffer loss in that great conflagration? Is your heart set on things on the earth? Do you hold any property as your own? Then you will be sadly burned out in that great day. And no insurance company on earth will pay losses. That great fire will break them all up. But there is one company that will insure you against all losses in that awful day. The old reliable firm, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If you hold a clear policy in that glorious Trinity and have indeed turned over into their hands all you have on earth, and will be found actually spending and using these perishable treasures for his glory, and in his good cause, in that last great day, then shall you be rewarded with a bright and beautiful home not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Oh beloved, our heart is full. Many awful thoughts rush upon our mind. But other work lies upon our table, which we have only dropped for a moment, to say a few words of New Years greeting. Only this we will yet add, that as the Lord God is true and shall execute his holy word of prophecy, “this gospel of the kingdom must first be preached in all the world, for a witness to every nation, then shall the end come.” Every nation must hear the pure gospel, and as Christ is already at the door it must go forth with a mighty speed, and be assured, that God either wants to use you in person, and by your means, all of which he claims as his own.

For some years we have often felt our heart drawn to nations abroad on the footstool of God, but expected he would choose more young and able-bodied men for such duties. But for the last three months, we have been constantly impressed with a commission to blow the “great trumpet,” around the whole world. First this plan was given to our dear Bro. Henry, and on relating it to us the Spirit seemed to sanction the same in our heart immediately, and the conviction has rested there ever since. We expect to go forth in company, in perhaps less than one year from this time. First to California, then over the wide sea westward to Australia, from thence to one country after another, until we return from the east. Our plan is to spend some months in one or two principle cities in each country, or long enough to establish the truth of God in some hearts, from which line of heaven’s truth the fire of God may burn out in every direction. Several years will be required to accomplish this great work, and a few thousand dollars will be needed, but the earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, and we are trusting him for all grace, and strength, and needed means. Let all the saints of God pray for us, for his hand is upon us, and we are ready and willing for every toil and privation necessary to “fill the earth with the knowledge of the glory of God, as the waters cover the sea.’’ Amen.

My years of time all flee away,
And, swifter than an arrow,
I glide along my pilgrim way,
And hasten to the morrow.
Away, away, see the moments fly.
We cannot hold them waiting;
Then on their pinions let us try
To drop a future blessing.

My years of time, how fast they flee!
And yet the scribe of heaven
Records what e’er my actions be,
The thoughts my life has given.
Thanks be to God for his boundless grace
That keeps the record holy;
Just ready, Lord, to see thy face,
And enter into glory.

My years of time are meted out:
A moment of probation.
Upon which hangs the awful weight
Of endless destination.
Press on, press on, oh my soul, and seek
Eternal life’s fruition.
Since everlasting ages reap
The fruits of short duration.

My years of time run on in peace:
All seem a golden summer;
And each one, blessed with Heaven’s grace.
Shines brighter than the former.
O God, thou crownest the happy years.
With thy unbounded goodness,
Thy wondrous love has changed my tears.
To songs of joy and gladness.

My years of time will close ere long
Where blooms an endless spring,
Where all the ransomed swell the song.
The angels cannot sing.
Roll on sweet years, for I know my last
Will end high up in glory,
The toil I love will sweeten rest,
And gem my crown with beauty.

D. S. W.

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THE HOLY SEAL.

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“AFTER that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” Eph. 1:13. Seal signifies to stamp; to fix a seal to; to fasten with a seal; to make secure; to ratify; to make valid. The importance attached to seals in some countries is so great that no document is regarded as authentic without it. The method of sealing in some way is of remote antiquity. In many cases the sealing consisted of a lump of clay or a cake of wax. impressed with the seal, which consisted of the name of the king, governor, ruler or some officer that had the authority to do the sealing. In our country many instruments of writing are not valid without the notarial seal. The ancient Hebrews wore their seals or signets in rings on their fingers, or in bracelets on the arms.

Now what we wish to show in this article, is that God seals his children, and by his sealing we are kept and the wicked one dare not molest the seal. Let us read Rev. 9:1-4: “And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth; and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace: and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth; and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not THE SEAL OF GOD in their foreheads.”

Now as we see that the locusts were to hurt only those men which have not the seal of God, we will notice the signification of these locusts. We see in the 1st verse, at the sounding of the fifth angel a star fell from heaven unto the earth. A star in Revelations signifies one of God’s saints, or more properly one that is an elder or overseer in the church. The above star was a fallen star; one that had once been in the realms of light, but by disobedience had gone into darkness, and the devil gave him authority and power to open the bottomless pit and bring up out of the pit great darkness upon the earth. It arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace: so that the light of heaven or the light which Jesus brought into the world was obscured. This was spiritual darkness, and was brought about by a fallen star or one of God’s watchmen that had apostatized. We do not mean by this that this star had reference to any individual person: but included all that went into darkness at the time of the sounding of the fifth angel: in the same sense that the angel of light in the 18th of Rev. had reference to all true preachers of holiness in the evening light. A key is an instrument to open a lock. The key that was given to this fallen star was the gift and ability to bring out of the pit of hell darkness upon the earth, and this power was given to one that had fallen from light. This is the devil’s plan yet. He uses those who have once been enlightened.

We will now notice the result or fruit of this darkness. 3d verse, And there came out of the smoke spiritual darkness locusts upon the earth. The locusts were religious hobbies, creeds and divisions, including false prophets and teachers, as we will see by the description. V. 7, And the shape of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle [had the appearance of holiness]; and on their heads were, as it were, crowns like gold [appearance of purity]. But notwithstanding all this outward show of holiness and manly and womanly appearance there was concealed beneath all this the teeth of lions, the iron jacket, the sound of division and strife, like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle, and the sting of their tails. We are praising God that the Lord has cut off from Israel the head and tail of this fearful insect or beast power. Isa. 9:14. So we see that the locusts that came out of the darkness of the pit is spiritual Babylon. “The ancient and honorable [pope], he is the head: and the prophet that teacheth lies [hireling preachers], he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isa. 9:15, 16. Those that have not the seal of God are destroyed by the locusts. The seal is placed in our foreheads. Rev. 7:3. It makes our forehead adamant and our heart love.

By whom are we sealed? And who is sealed? John 6:27. “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” God sealed the Son and he also seals us. Read 2 Cor. 1:21, 22. “Now he which established us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God. Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” God is the great governor, and when he puts his seal upon us we are made valid unto the judgment day. Eph. 4:30. “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” There is a glorious thought in the above scripture where it says, “And given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts,” which signifies a pledge from God that he will do all that he has promised. When a man makes a contract to buy a certain piece of land from another, he gives him some money as a pledge to seal the contract, or to show his seriousness that he will soon close the contract by paying the full amount. So God has given unto his children of his Spirit as a pledge that he will in the fulness of time give us full possession of the inheritance in his kingdom above. As we will see in Eph. 1:13, 14, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” What is this holy seal? The apostle says that it is the Spirit of promise. Now we learn what the Spirit of promise was by reading what Jesus said. John 14:15-17, “If ye love me, keep my commandments: and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever: even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive.” 15:26, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: and ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.”

There is one more important point we wish to notice in this subject, and that is this; that we be sure that we have been sealed by the proper authority. There are two spirits in the world, the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. We do not want the devil’s seal upon us. We must try the spirits by the word of God. The seal of God bears the name of the Father, his new name. Rev. 3:2, — Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name.”

Our testimony is that we have been sealed by that holy seal of promise, preserved and kept, ready to be revealed in the last day.

H. C. WICKERSHAM.

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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Bremen, Ind.

I feel impressed to write my testimony for the first time. I praise the Lord for what he is doing for me. He has saved and sanctified me wholly. I was saved through the preaching of Bro. Achor and Sister Frey, through the power of Jesus Christ. By faith he cleansed me from all bad habits, such as the use of tobacco and strong drinks. Praise the Lord! By faith I intend to go on to the end. I feel as a new man. The Bible teaches us that ye must be born again. The Lord is with his true children always. Pray for me. Your brother.

L. Hawkins.

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Marengo, Ind.

Dear Saints: I feel led by the Holy Spirit to write my testimony. Glory to God! I am saved and sanctified wholly to the Lord. Oh the peace and joy that flows in my soul! I do feel to thank my dear heavenly Father that I am free from all sects. I was buried with Christ in baptism about two months ago. I am ready and willing to do his will in ail things. I thank the dear Lord that I ever found the true and evening light. Hallelujah to Jesus! I ask all the saints to pray for my husband, that he may be saved. Your saved sister, all on the altar for Jesus,

Meda I. Rawlings.

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Butterfield, Mo.

Dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ: I thought I would write a few lines for the TRUMPET, as I never have written before. I praise God for salvation that saves from all sin and keeps us so free in Christ. Praise his dear name! I have been reading the TRUMPET for some time and it is wonderful food to my soul. I used to be wonderfully swallowed up in the Good Way ism: but I do praise God that I am delivered from that element, and I am standing on the promises of God. Wife and I are saved, and we ask the prayers of all the saints that we may remain so.

W. B. Flaherty and Wife.

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Los Angeles, Cal.

Dear Saints of God: I feel it my duty, and consider it a blessed privilege to add my testimony. I do praise the dear Lord for his loving kindness in leading me out into this blessed evening light. For eighteen years I was a member of the Christian church, and tried hard to live a true Christian, but I had always been taught we could not live in this world without sinning. Oh, what a struggle it was! I could not feel sure if I should die that I was prepared to meet my God. There was always a doubt- until June, 1892, it pleased the dear Lord to show me where I stood, a poor sinner. I was sick at the time and had time to read my blessed bible with a prayerful heart, until God revealed only a poor sinner with only a mere form of religion. Oh! may God help others to see before it is too late. I have the blessed assurance I am now a child of God and do walk in his blessed ways. Praise the Lord forever! I ask your prayers that I may always hold out faithful. Your sister in Christ,

Fannie Berton.

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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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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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 * LIGHTS.

–:::–

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.

Babylon is Fallen. What Church Should 1 Join? Sects. The Matter’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 3 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, 30 cts. Per hundred, $1.50.

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Questions 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 66 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 32 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, und 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.

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The Bible Readings. Bible readings or references on about 100 subjects. Price75 cts. each.

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Anthems from the Throne. This book contains 148 songs. 90 with music. About all new. When sung in the spirit of God these songs will be found glorious. Manilla cover 26 cts. Cloth 40 cts. Per dozen $2.40 & $3.60.

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Masonie Salvation.

By Fred Husted.

This little volume treats the subject of

FREE MASONRY FROM A BIBLE STANDPOINT.

It shows the religious teachings and performances of Masonry, and compares them with the teachings of the Holy Bible. The writer having been

A MASTER MASON

had occasion to become well informed on the subject, and boldly states the facts of things as they are, bringing many

HIDDEN AND MYSTERIOUS

thing, before the public in a clear light.

Price, alligator paper cover, single copy 15 cents; per dozen $1.35. Cloth binding, single copy 35 cents; per dozen $3.15.

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Biblical Trace
 of the Church.

By W. G. Schell.

A new book lately issued; tracing the church in prophecy from her birth to the end of time. It shows that the prophets have foretold the great trials and triumphs of the church IN THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN ERA, and describes the age in which we are now living. It also contains a brief history to more than 400 Protestant denominations. Those searching for historical and prophetical truth concerning the church, will find this A VERY INTERESTING AND VALUABLE WORK. The author aims to show the difference between the true church, and sectism, giving historical and spiritual proofs. Illustrated. 248 pages. Paper cover 35 cts. Cloth 75 cts. Per dozen $3.15 & $6.75.

Send stamp for our New Catalogue of Books, Tracts, cts.

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.

By following the instruction given in this book the

SINNER

will be enabled to find deliverance from sin; the

BELIEVER

reach the highest attainments of a Christian life, and the

SICK and AFFLICTED

be healed of their infirmities, and made well. It contains 248 pages. Cloth binding 75 cents. Paper cover 25 cents.

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ECHOES * FROM * GLORY.

By B. E. Warren and D. S. Warner.

The new song book “Echoes from Glory,” contains 232 beautiful and triumphant songs,

WITH PRIMARY INSTRUCTION IN MUSIC.

Simple and concise — A practical self instructor, intended especially for beginners in vocal music.

A GREAT NUMBER OF NEW SONGS,

both words and music gem its pages, with a choice selection from “Anthems from the Throne,” and other books and authors. It is especially adapted to

CAMP AND REVIVAL MEETINGS, SUNDAY SCHOOLS,

and for the home circle. The hymns are spiritual and soul cheering. Special attention has been given to

REVIVAL SONGS AND HYMNS.

Containing many beautiful and touching invitation hymns, and hymns that sing nearly every doctrine of the gospel, and especially the glorious themes of “present truth,” drawing people to CHRIST and the BIBLE. Neatly bound in pasteboard cover, 40 cts. Per doz. $4.00. D. S. Warner, Sixth st., Pittsburg, Pa. (%Floating Bethel). B. E. Warren, Springfield, Ohio. Or this office.

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THE BOY’S COMPANION.

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This is a neat little volume with interesting chapters to the boys, concerning the Secret Vice and other bad habits and t heir effects.

EVERY BOY NEED ADVICE and warning in time, and too often parents fail to give the needed instruction until too late. THE BOOK IS ILLUSTRATED with suitable pictures which are aimed to leave a vivid impression upon the young minds and turn them from the downward road to a pure life. It also 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. Make some boy a present of one to place in his library. Price, paper cover 25 cents, per dozen $2.00. Cloth binding 40 cents, per dozen $3.20.

CONTENTS.

P. P.
An Ode to the Boys 9 An Awful Life 49
The Boy at Home 11 Some of the Effects 61
Away from Home 13 On The Downward Road 66
His Honor Tested 14 Wicked Companions 67
He Becomes a Ruler 16 Bound in Slavery 68
PART II. An Attempt to Escape 71
THE BOYS OF TO-DAY The Failure 72
The innocent Boy 19 Another Attempt 73
The Temptation 23 The Chains Broken 77
A Misspent Life 30 A New Life Begins 78
A Boy in Prison 38 Old Associates Deserted 86
A Young Man’s Downfall 40 Becomes a Ruler 89
Caught by Detectives 45 Farewell, Old Friends 92

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100,000 TRACTS.

Do you want to preach the Gospel?

If so, here is a chance for you to preach many sermons, and abundantly spread the truth, sowing beside all waters. We have on hands over one hundred thousand tracts from one to fifty pages each, about thirty different kinds, on various subjects, which are put up in packages of

One Thousand Tracts for One Dollar.

Souls are starving for want of spiritual food. Good tracts wisely distributed in the name of Jesus are worth their weight in gold. If you never had a chance to help rescue souls, you can have a chance now. We make this offer to any one sending us one dollar before Feb. 1st. Send in your orders and spread the truth.

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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED.

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W. H. Kigar, F. E. Jeanrenaud, C. E. Reeves, J. K. Galloway, D. P. Kimmel, Mrs. L. Fischer. M. H. Basore, F. J. VanVelden, Mrs. M. P. Ray, N. Hiller, S. L. Culver, E. C. Smith, Mattie Bolds, Clarence Gifford, C. H. Eldridge.

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Requests for Prayer.

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Pray for Mary Gant, Oak Forest, Ind., who is an invalid, and has been sick for fifteen years.

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Pray for Carrie Scott, Freedom, Ind., who has been afflicted for over a year.

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Samuel Peters, Granby, Mo., desires prayers for his wife that she may be healed.

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Minnie Johnson of Topeka, Kan., has lost her mind and is now in the insane asylum. Her husband desires the saints to pray for her recovery, Sunday, Jan. 7, at ten o’clock. She has four small children. Pray earnestly for her deliverance, soul and body.

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Please pray for me that I may be healed of female weakness, and also pray for one Mrs. Jones that God may give her the true light and heal her of all her diseases.

Ellen Boon,

Conroe, Tex.

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Waterloo, Iowa.

I am sadly afflicted with locomotor ataxia for twelve years; I cannot stand alone. I sent a request to the saints for prayers some time ago and I believe God has relieved me from suffering wonderfully. Praise his holy name! But I am yet very helpless, and I would like the dear saints to pray for me on Wednesday evening, Jan. 10. My all is on the altar, I am seeking light to know what to do next. I submit to his will entirely. Pray that the desire for tobacco may be taken away, and that I may be sanctified wholly to the will of God.

J. P. Mendenhall.

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Call for Meeting.

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We are in need of a gospel preacher here, one sent of God, who has the gift of divine healing. This is a new place. Cannot some one come? Address,

Ellen Boon.

Conroe, Montgomery Co.. Tex.

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Sister P. R. Wellman, Harbor Springs, Emmet, Co., Mich., writes: “We do need the true word preached here. There are none here that have ever heard it but husband and myself: If we were able we would be glad to pay expenses for some true minister to come here.

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R. A. Pearson, Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau Co., Mo., writes: “We have made two calls for some one to come here and preach the true word of God. The people are anxious to hear the truth. There is a large territory here where the gospel has not been preached in its purity. We are willing to send aid to the one whom God may send.’’ Who can fill this call?

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As there have been several calls for a Bible dictionary, we have procured a stock of “Smith’s Bible Dictionary,” which we can send to any address, post paid, for 60 cts. It contains over 400 double column pages, bound in cloth.

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Brother John Knipe, of Reddick, Ill., writes that he and wife feel the Lord calling them into his vineyard, and they have sold their possessions, and desire to take their three children and go into a place and stay a few months at a time, and work for the rescue of souls. They desire some experienced worker with them.

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EXAMPLE.

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PAUL wrote to Timothy, 1 Tim. 4:12, “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Now this scripture has special reference to the workers. The success of the work depends very much upon the example of those who teach the people. All saints are known and read of all men. — 2 Cor. 3:2. But the field workers are to be examples of the believers. Now an example is something to pattern after. Now if we preach the word of God as it is, and by example teach below it, the saints will in a measure pattern after us; at least, those, who are not very well established, will justify themselves in failing to step out upon God’s promises.

But in what respect are we to set an example? In “word,” in “conversation.” Now if we engage in lightness or foolish talking, then we cannot exhort the saints to measure to Eph. 5:3, 4; Matt. 12:36, and 2 Cor. 10:5. Not only would our words have no weight here, but all our teaching would be received in the same way. On the point of charity, we read in 1 Cor. 13:4-8. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” Many lose power with God right here. “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth.” “ Beareth all things;” then there will be no complaining, no difference what they have to endure. If it never fails, then no dissatisfaction will arise. But if discontentment or impatience arises then charity surely has fled.

But the point more especially impressed on our mind is faith. We have known some who are very free to recommend Jesus as an all sufficient Savior for soul and body. And when any one is sick, call their attention to the directions given by James, viz.; Call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. When called upon to visit the sick, they proceed to follow these directions. This is all right as far as it goes. But by and by the devil attacks them, then instead of applying the same remedy they resort to pills or quinine, teas and liniments. Some even go so far as to call the doctor to prescribe remedies, or if they do not call the doctor, they send to him for the medicine and then testify that they trusted the Lord and did not have the doctor. Now what kind of an example is this for the saints to follow? If I were to take remedies Besides that in the word, I would not testify that I was trusting the Lord, but say I was trusting the simple remedies used, which would be true. Teaching not backed up by a corresponding life is worse than Babylon. To say that we believe the Bible and live to its teaching and do not prove it when the test comes, only gives license to the weaker ones to set aside God’s way and substitute man’s. If the elders do not set an example of faith they cannot expect the saints to lean upon the Lord for help.

But how far are we to trust the Lord? Phil. 4:6 says “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto the Lord.” I have seen some, who would not take medicine themselves, but when their children were sick would pour it into them. Now the word says the promise is unto you and your children. If we are to be an example in faith, then let us see that we have faith in God, and if we have it not, then let us get to God and get it. We read in Col. 3:3, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Now if we ARE dead, and our life is hid WITH CHRIST IN GOD, and we can say with 1 Cor. 6:19, we are not our own, and Rom. 14:8, Whether we live, we live unto the Lord: and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s; — now if we are the Lord’s without any reserve, and testify to it, then let us prove to the people that it is so. “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” — Gal. 5:25. Be an EXAMPLE in FAITH. But if our faith fails under any circumstance, then how about the saints who follow our examples? If WE cannot trust God under the deepest trials, how far can the weaker ones depart from the promises of the Lord and justify themselves? When I testify that I am trusting the Lord for my body, and that whether I live or die, I am the Lord’s, then the doctors can find some one else to drink their medicine. “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” — Psa. 103:3. Now if God can forgive ALL our iniquities, he can heal ALL our diseases. Why not then use the remedy offered in his word?

But we must also be an example in PURITY. Oh then we need to live a life so pure that God will find no objection. Teachers and workers whose lives do not prove the Bible standard of purity, are a clog to the spread of the gospel. “Every one that is perfect shall be as his master.” — Luke 6:40. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Cor. 10:31. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. — 1 Cor. 11:1.

J. F. Lundy.

News from the Field.

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Willow Hill, Pa., Dec, 28, 1893.

Brethren: Praise the Lord for what he is doing for us in Amberson Valley! We arrived in this valley the 7th inst. and commenced meeting the evening of the 10th, and up to the last night thirteen have claimed sanctification and twenty converted. And there is deep conviction on the people. Praise the Lamb of God forever! The saints are rejoicing in the Lord.

Yours, saved to the uttermost,

Geo. A. and Hannah Wolfe.

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Rolla, Mo., Dec. 27, 1893.

Dear Brethren and Sisters in Christ: To day finds me saved in Jesus. In my last writing to the TRUMPET I expected our field of labor would be north, but it seems God’s will was otherwise. So to those wishing to correspond with us, you can address us at the above place. I am in company with Brother and Sister Bixler. We expect to remain in these parts as long as the Lord wills. Many doors are open for the truth, and we would ask the prayers of all saints that we may have the wisdom needed to execute the judgments written. Your humble brother,

Wm. E. Warren.

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Gospel Trumpet and Readers: May the sweet presence of the Lord rest upon you for Jesus’ sake. I am still kept from evil and doing God’s will. Meeting closed in Oklahoma on Wednesday with real victory. We had all day meeting, which was a real feast to our souls. Our labors there have been blest in the salvation of a few souls, for which we give praise to God. We held forth the pure gospel at five different points, and had many precious seasons of grace, also we taught a few lessons in vocal music, which we pray may be a benefit to those who attended. The work of the Lord in Oklahoma Territory is prospering. The church at Marshall is desirous for a camp meeting to be held next season as they are able to support one, and have a good camp grove. They invite able ministers to come and take charge of it. We think the saints of Oklahoma Territory worthy of their help in the work. We are on our road home. Our address will be Ward, Kan. Yours in Christ,

E. F. Houghton.

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San Diego, Cal., Dec. 22, 1893.

Dear Trumpet Readers: Grace and peace be with you. Amen. We can report encouraging news of souls being saved and added to the church, in San Diego. Praise the Lord forever! God our Father meets with his children and a manifestation of love flows from heart to heart. To God be all the glory. We are pulling right through for God, without any compromising, standing upon the blessed truths of God’s eternal word. 1 am encouraged to hear of such glorious reports in the TRUMPET all over the United States and from others countries, of God’s faithful ones spreading the glorious evening light, without money or price. May God bless you alt and supply all your needs for Jesus’ sake. The TRUMPET is growing more and more in interest. Yours for the gospel,

S. C. Shaw.

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Caverna. Mo.,

Dear Saints: God bless you and keep you true to him. We can say to the glory of God that we are still saved and sanctified to the whole will of God. We are saved and sanctified through the truth, and we live through the truth, and by the grace of God I preach the truth, and the truth is what makes people free. Praise God forever! Now we can say to the glory of God that we have given up all for Jesus; home, time, and talent is given to God. O praise his dear name! We have had some blessed meetings. We just closed meeting at the Gill school house. We are having meeting at Bro. Barker’s house; commenced last night. From here the Lord willing, we will go to Rockey Comfort, Ark., to hold meeting. We expect the Lord willing to

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go on through the Boston mountains and on to the state of Louisana. We do not know when we will come back through the north again. We are being led by the dear Lord, and where he leads us we will follow. Now dear saints pray for me, that I may keep low down at Jesus’ feet where he can use me to his glory. Your brother and sister in the war,

Dan Murphy and Wife.

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Norwood, Mo., Dec. 30, 1893.

Dear Brothers and Sisters whom I love in the Truth: As it has been a good while since we have reported to you through the TRUMPET, we feel it the will of God for us to do so this morning. We are praising God from the very depths of our hearts for the manifestations of his glorious truth, and the mighty power that is carrying it forth in this blessed evening light. We just arrived at this place last night from the Ripley Co. assembly meeting, which we left progressing gloriously. Truly the New Testament church is beautifully seen in God’s dealing with his children at that place. As the gospel was being preached and the body being tempered together by the mighty Spirit, and the Spirit placed the members in the body as it pleased him, all the church could feel it was God that worketh all in all. The meeting house was completed in due time, and truly God’s Zion is putting on her beautiful garments. The Lord has chosen some elders and deacons, and we pray God to help them use the office well and thereby purchase to themselves a good degree. We are now on our way home. “Carthage, Mo. is our address till Feb. 1st. Yours in Christ,

A. B. Stanberry.

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Ridgeville Corners, O., Jan. 1, 1894.

Dear Trumpet Readers: We are glad to report this morning that we are all saved and trusting in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. We are again in the great harvest of the Lord. On Dec. 7 we went to Continental, where Bro. Sinift had been holding meeting, and remained over Sabbath. Held four meetings and expected to go from there to Henry Co. But while there we received a call to come ten miles south of Payne to the Fisher school house to hold a meeting. Began meeting there Dec. 11, and held two weeks meeting. The Lord wonderfully owned and blessed his word at that place, and many were won to the truth. There were five proffessed pardon during the meeting. May the Lord keep them faithful and soon lead them to go on unto perfection, is our prayer. We came to this place Dec. 25, began meeting the 27th. This is a dark place and full of sectism, and we ask all the saints of God to pray for us, that God will enable us to send forth the truth in the power of the Holy Ghost. Our permanent address will be Payne, Ohio. Yours in the one body,

J. N. Worden and Co.

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Tampico, Ind., Dec. 29, 1893.

Dear Trumpet Family, and all the Saints, Greeting: I am glad to report victory through the blood of our great Redeemer. May the richest of God’s blessings rest and abide with you all. I am glad to know that Jesus saves me just now, and it means so much when we say that we have given up all for his sake. I have seen some that professed to be saved, and claiming to do the whole will of God, and yet doing things contrary to the Word. Oh! dear ones, this is a purifying time and God wants pure children, sold out to him for time and eternity. I am thankful to God for the many precious lessons that the dear Lord has taught me since I began to serve him in truth and Spirit. God gave us the blessed privilege of having nearly three weeks meeting with the Little York brethren, and much good was done; five or six consecrations and the brethren much strengthened and forwarded on in faith and a deeper understanding of God’s will. May each and every child of God cut loose from this world and stand out on his word. I am glad to know that his word is forever settled in heaven. Though men may oppose it here, they will find it in the day of judgment. Oh! let us all live near to God. Let all that we do be done to the glory of God. Yours in the one body, sold out to do the will of God. Amen.

Edgar Fleenor.

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Benton Harbor, Mich.

Beloved Family in the Lord: We are called of God to go forth and speak the words of life to this world of sin. Our mission now is the gospel work. We met with the church for a few days at Decatur, Mich. Here the Lord saved a few souls. One young man whose father’s funeral we preached, having died of typhoid pneumonia, was lying low with the same dreaded disease. He sent for some of the saints, yielded his heart to God and was saved. He then gave up the use of medicine, believed in God as a healer, and the Lord amid great glory restored him to health. In a short time he was at work upon the farm. Others were healed and saved from unnatural appetites. From this place we went to Buchanan, Mich. and held meeting for eleven days in a large Advent meeting house. This reformation work had never been preached at this place with the exception of a few meetings held by Brother Jacobson several years ago. There were nine consecrations which we trust will ever be kept and lived. Those who expressed their willingness to stand aloof from Adventism we trust will never become entangled with her binding yoke again. We were blessed with many persecutions from the hireling. There were many, however, who treated us with great kindness whom we pray God to reward. The Lord used Bro. Frank Simmons to his glory in this meeting. We are now “crying aloud” at this place, while God is giving victory and glory. Your brother and sister, saved and trusting,

Chas. and Minnie Orr.

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Augusta, Ga., Dec. 27, 1893.

Dear Brethren of the Trumpet Family and Saints of God that are scattered abroad, Greeting: My brethren, may God bless you all and cause your souls to prosper and be fat in the grace of our God. After leaving East Tennessee we came as straight as we could, by rail, to. Augusta, Ga., arriving there Nov. 15, 1S93, and commenced a meeting for the white people that were professing holiness, out straight for God as some expressed themselves, but we did not find any perfectly clear for the Lord as they ought to be, and as they must be in order to be used by the Master in the evening light for the glory of God. We commenced meeting at a place known as “Hawk’s Gully,” but we believe it would be better denominated “Satan’s Gully.” because it has been a place where the devil has been trying to propagate all kinds of heresy under a kind of gauze like holiness, only thick enough to deceive the most simple. By the help of the good Lord we commenced using the Lord’s fan, and to our surprise it only rook a few days over a week to fan the whole thing overboard, there being only a few exceptions. There were four or five brethren since the meeting closed have got clear for God, and we hope God will use them to his own glory. After the meeting closed at Hawk’s Gully Bro’s Campbell and Shaw from South Carolina were baptized, and Bro. Campbell was ordained an elder in the church of the living God. After closing the meeting for the professed holiness brethren at Hawk’s Gully, we commenced a meeting for the colored brethren in the old Bronner meeting house, which we closed Christmas night, having had the last week of the meeting in a private house. We found them divided into two schisms and using language that betrayed the old man in the heart. A man by the name of May was at the head of one party, who had been ordained a deacon by Bronner and his co-laborers. The other party was headed by a man named Pendergrass who had been a minister in the A. M. E. church or sect. We got the two leaders together with a few others, and it was soon discovered that they were not sanctified men, and the last week of the meeting they kept away and did not attend one night. The last Lord’s day night in a public assembly Bro. Charles Oglesby was ordained an elder in the church of the living God? Bro. Henry Summers and Sister Jane Williams, were ordained deacon and deaconess of the church of God at Augusta, Ga. The meeting closed Christmas night with ordinance services in which about twenty-three were present who took part. It is very sickly in the city, yet we hope to have another meeting there before starting northward, and after having a short protracted meeting or two out in the country. The weather is fine. It has been cold enough to freeze very thin ice once or twice since we have been at Augusta. To day it is as warm as a May day in northern Ohio, and is very clear. Remember us in your prayers. Yours and Christ’s, saved and sanctified,

A. J. Kilpatrick and Thos. Carter.

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Box 56, Pullman, Wash., Dec. 26, 1893.

Dear Brethren: May the richest blessings of heaven, be upon you all. The meetings have now lasted two months, with a glorious victory for the cause. Since our last report, the Lord has truly wrought wonders in this country. This has been the most glorious and fruitful gospel siege the Lord has given us since we have been in the work. There have been at least thirty-five consecrations to the Lord. The Lord brought them to Zion out of the Disciple, M. E., U. B.. Mennonite and F. M. sects, and a few sinners were also saved. About all have grand experiences and victory. The U. B. minister and his wife were gloriously sanctified, filled with the Holy Ghost and fire, all consecrated and ready for the work of the gospel. Babylon here is left utterly desolate and dark. We believe that many more will yet be brought into the fold of Christ. We are earnestly looking to God, to so bless and prosper the work in this country that the Lord may give us a camp meeting in Washington next summer, when we hope the Lord will send dear Brother and Sister Warner, or Bro. Palmer out here.

On the 19th ult., we met on the banks of Snake river, when sixteen happy saints were immersed by us in His name. Also three were baptized the 23 inst., by our dear Bro. Tubbs. Others yet to be immersed. Christmas eve we met and held an ordinance meeting. It was a glorious time in Him. Twenty-nine saints took part, but some were prevented from attending it. Bro. A. B. Peterman was truly chosen of the Lord and ordained elder of the church, and Bro. B. B. Naff was ordained deacon. May God ever richly bless, qualify and use these dear faithful brethren to his glory and for the welfare of his church. January 5th the Lord willing we begin a siege in His name to continue as long as he wills, in the Small school, about six miles west of Pullman. Pray much for us. In Feb. the Lord willing we expect to go to Umatilla Co., Ore., as we feel the Lord has a work for us to do there in his name.

NOTICE.

Dear Brethren: If any of you have written or sent any free-will offerings to any of us since we have been in Washington, and if you have not as yet received any answer nor acknowledgement from us, please let us hear from you at once and address us as above. We have learned since coming here that two parties in the east have sent us means enclosed in a letter, which was never received by us. One letter contained four dollars. Dearly beloved, whenever the Lord leads any of you to send, please do so either by express order, or by registered letter, but always rather by Post Office Money Order. In case of registry, take a receipt for the same. Yours in much love to all

C. H. Tubbs, F. N. Jacobson and Co.

Ithaca, Mich., Dec. 28, 1893.

Dear Saints of God: My testimony is that I am walking in the light as he is in the light. Oh I do praise God for his mighty saving and keeping power. He saves me from all sin just now. We met with the saints north-east of Merrill. Saturday the 23d. Had meeting in the evening, two meetings on Sunday, and two meetings also on Monday. The dear Lord was with us in mighty power in convicting and converting the sinners and sanctifying believers. Oh I do praise God for creating a fire upon that assembly. If the Lord’s will we expect to go twelve miles west of St. Louis to assist Bro. and Sister Walter in a meeting. Pray for us and the work in that place.

C. E. Reeves.

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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Edgewood, Iowa,

Dear Trumpet Family: I feel led at this time to write my testimony. I am saved and sanctified and am all the Lord’s. I have been joined to the M. E. sect for about forty-five years, but I have left them and I have my name written in the Lamb’s book of life. Praise the Lord! The Lord is mine and I am his to do his will. Your saved brother,

J. C. Hosier.

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Cochran’s Mills, Pa.

To all the Family of God: I feel led of God to write my testimony of the wonderful salvation of God in my soul. The Lord wonderfully saves my soul and keeps me each day of my life. And I do praise the Lord for saving so wretched a sinner as I. I am saved and sanctified to do the will of God. This is my first testimony to the TRUMPET. Pray for me and for my husband that he may be saved.

Mattie Shellhamer.

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Decatur, Mich.

Dear Trumpet Readers: It is with the glory of God that I write our, testimonies this morning. My wife and I have belonged to different sects for over twenty-five years. But praise the Lord, in the last few years the scales have fallen off from our eyes and we can now see the evening light, for which we give God all the praise. My wife has been afflicted with severe pain in her shoulders for over two years, and could not get any relief from doctors. So she took her case to the Lord and called the elders of the church and they prayed with her and anointed her with oil in the name of Jesus, and the Lord has healed her. She was so bad at times that she could not do anything. Was in bed part of the time. We give God all the glory. In the last two weeks my wife and I have been having the La Grippe, but praise God, we have both been healed by the power of God through laying on hands and anointing with oil by Bro. Orr and Co., during there stay with us. Praise the Lord! We are saved by the power of God. Your brother and sister in the Lord,

Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Kimble.

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Drum Valley, Cal.

Dear Saints of the Most High God: We are praising God that the fire of the Holy Ghost is still burning upon the altar of our hearts. Jesus sweetly abides within, giving us complete victory in our souls, for which we give God all the glory. How my soul is going out after dear perishing souls that are yet without God and without hope in the world. O dear saints, are not these the perilous times spoken of in the holy word of God, when men shall be lovers of the pleasures and sins of this world more than lovers of God? Then dear ones, how it behooves us tp work for the Master. O brother and sister, is your soul filled with the light and love of God? If so, persevere, stand firm for God, and victory is ours through Christ. Still the Lord gives us the victory in Drum Valley. We have prayer-meeting Thursday nights, and Sunday-school at eleven o’clock Sunday, and worship Sunday night. Pray for us. Your brother and sister, saved, and sanctified,

B. F. Arnet and Wife.

Vestaisurg, Mich.

Dear Trumpet Readers: I can truly say that I am on the Lord’s side. I belong to the church of God. Bless God, that is the only church, the only true one. I want the world to know that I am not ashamed to own Christ as my Savior. lean praise God to day because he has saved me. Pray for me.

James Ferguson.

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Edinburg, Mich.

Dear Saints: I feel led of the Lord to write my testimony to let you know that the Lord still saves me; he keeps me through faith. I have made a full surrender to the Lord and he has wonderfully filled my soul with glory. I feel the Lord is calling me to work for him. Dear saints, I earnestly ask you all to pray for me that the Lord may use me to his glory. I praise God for saying and sanctifying me.

W. H. Kelly.

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Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Dear Saints in the Lord: I feel led this morning to write my testimony to the TRUMPET. I have been trying to get saved for a long time, and bless the Lord, he saved and sanctified me. Praise the Lord forever! I used tobacco thirty years, and used coffee thirty-five years. Praise God, he has taken the taste all away from me, and I am going to live for my blessed Savior the rest of my life. Praise the Lord forever! Your brother, saved and sanctified,

Cad Pickett.

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Spencer, Ind.

Dear Saints: May the Lord bless and keep you all saved, is my prayer. I have not heard a pure sermon for three years, and I feel that I have strayed away from Father’s house; and oh I do most earnestly ask you all to pray for me, that my heavenly Father will receive me back; that I may make a new covenant with him and be obedient to my Master; for I have no other desire than to live in the service of my Master. I live three miles from Spencer. There is none of God’s little ones here.

S. A. Meyers.

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Stix, Miss.

Dear Saints of God: May the rich blessings of heaven rest upon you. I feel led of the Lord this morning to tell you how he is blessing me. I do feel to praise his most excellent name for a full and free salvation. I feel that I am a child of a King. His love is in my soul. I am from sin set free. Oh praise the Lord! He sanctifies me wholly. I am living for the Lord alone; he is a present help in every time of need. Praise the Lord! I want the prayers of all of God’s saints that I may bring up my children in the right way, that it may be well pleasing to the Lord. Your sister in Christ,

Mattie Covey.

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OBITUARIES.

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Died, at his home in St. Louis, Mich., Dec. 18, 1893, Brother Hugo H. Tidball, after a long illness of paralysis. Aged 72 years, 7 mo. and 12 clays. He was born at Winchester Va. May 6, 1821. He leaves a wife, three children, and five grand children. Bro. Tidball accepted and walked in this evening light just a few months before his last illness, which he bore with patience. God bless the bereaved family and save those that are unsaved.

A. J. Shelly.

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Died, in Lafayette, Mich., Sister Hannah Drowley, wife of Bro. Jessie Drowley. Was born in Mercer Co. Ohio, Nov. 4, 1849, and departed this life Dec. 20, 1893. She embraced the evening light about thirteen years ago; felt called to the ministry shortly after. Souls were converted under her labors. Her sickness was rather brief. She was wholly resigned to the will of God. She wanted no doctor. She said she was ready to go. She leaves a husband, three children, and many friends to mourn her loss. May the dear Lord bless and keep Brother Drowley faithful unto the end. May God bless and save the children and unsaved friends, is my prayer. Amen. Funeral services by

C. E. Reeves.

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THE MINISTERS OF GOD SEE EYE TO EYE.

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ANOTHER point it is necessary to speak of, is the use of the law. We have before us two letters that dissent from the position recently taken in an article, “Law for the lawless.” These brethren advocate the policy of trusting in God, instead of the use of the law in any case whatever. One compares the use of the law to that of taking medicine, saying, in either case it would not be trusting God. But we humbly ask you to consider this difference. While the New Testament counsels temperance and a healthful use of diet, even the special adaptation of food and drink to our peculiar physical condition, even to the use of “a little wine,” — pure unfermented grape juice — in case of physical infirmities, it does not counsel us to resort to medicine instead of the Lord for healing. It never tells us that medicine is good. But it does tell us that “the law is good, if used lawfully.” Now with these brethren we fully agree that it is not a lawful use of the law to use it for retaliation. Nor to prosecute any one for slander or persecution. Nor is it right for brethren to go to law among themselves. Nor do we believe in prosecuting sinners for petty financial considerations, but rather suffer wrong and loss for Christ’s sake.

If there be any cases where unsaved men should be forced by law to pay debts, by the children of God, we know not. The Word does not absolutely say, the Spirit must lead. This we know, that we should agree (settle) with our adversaries and not go into law, if it be possible to do so; and that we should be willing to suffer wrong, and even take joyfully the spoiling of our goods, rather than go to law. “If any man sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, give him thy cloak also.” Upon such duties we are all perfectly agreed. And there was no occasion to cite such texts in opposition to what has been written, for nothing was said to the contrary. But what we wish to convey to all minds is this: There is a scriptural boundary to our trust in God, and to presume to trust him out side of that is fanaticism. In no case will God indulge us if we trust him to do that which his word makes it our duty to do in his name. No man can successfully trust God for bread if he will not do what he can to earn or produce the same. And since the New Testament plainly teaches us that “the law is good, if used lawfully,” and that the legal power is actually “ordained of God,” and the officers of the law are the actual “ministers of God,” what is it but a fanatical disrespect for, and ignoring of the very means ordained of God to hold the evil in the hearts of men in restraint, to oppose all use of the law. Let us shut our mouths before God, and bow to his wisdom. Whatever God has made or ordained is good for its designed object. And that the law is only good if used lawfully, the same is true of everything else on earth that God has created. Even bread is only good when used within the laws of our constitution.

But who is foolish enough to say, let sinners eat food, and live thereby, but we will trust God. One brother cites Matt. 5:40, and 44, against the use of the law under any circumstances. To all such scripture we say, amen, and act accordingly. But one way to “do good to them that hate you,” is to civilize them and make them good citizens, and thereby do much toward saving their souls. Where a church finds it difficult to keep order, from the fact they have not been living right with God themselves, nor in harmony with each other, we would never advise the use of the law in such case. First let the church get clear in their souls, and melted together in love, and then if interruptions continue, make your confession to the sinners of your past inconsistencies, and be even humble enough to ask their pardon, and then humbly ask them to observe good order, and in at least nine cases out of ten, the trouble will all disappear. Though we agree with the claims that in many cases disorder arises from some defect in minister or congregation, we know that there are exceptions. “The unjust knoweth no shame,” hence you cannot shame them from their bad conduct by any amount of love and forbearance. “A brutish man will not consider.” As well attempt to reform a swine into a sheep, as to try to improve some men by love alone: but a good dose of love and law well mixed have worked wonders in saving men’s souls from hell, as we have on several occasions seen. “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back,’’ Prov. 26:3, all work admirably when wisely and lovingly applied. A brother closes thus: “I would say in conclusion, if you have never used the law you can’t preach it from experience.” Just so. But we have on one occasion used the law, being clearly led of God to do so, and using the law lawfully, namely, in love for the persons we prosecuted, and for the cause of Christ: for the law we are governed by is all concluded in one word “love,” and we can truthfully say God was glorified. Whereas the night meetings had been of no possible good, good order prevailed, and souls were saved in the first meeting after arrests were made. We have also known and seen the same fruitful effects when other saints have in love applied the law to the lawless and speedily made them good men, when no amount of kindness and forbearance could win them to virtue’s path. One man turned right about after paying his fine, became a friend to the saints, and told the brother who returned him that he had served him just right. But we humbly believe that the use of the law for the protection of order in the house of worship is about the only case in which God honors its use, and even for that use it is but rarely needed. But to let the notion go out that we do not believe in its use at all is to ignore God’s approved means to order and good society, and encourage the works of the devil in the hearts of the lawless. To let men know that we will do right to all men, and if need be even prosecute them, for their own good, we remove nine-tenths of the necessity for such prosecutions.

SWEARING AND AFFIRMING.

A letter before us says, “I have always believed, and still see no other way, that to take a solemn oath and simply change the word from “swear” to “affirm,” and retain the solemn obligation does not change the oath. But to affirm according to the word to the truth is all right.”

Now as to the taking of an oath, the word of the Lord plainly says, “Swear not at all.” We must not swear by “heaven, the earth, by Jerusalem, nor by thy head.” Matt. 5:34-36. Nor by any other oath. The saints of God know this prohibition, and do not take the oath. And if any have not properly regarded these words of the Lord, we hope you will have grace of God enough to decline the oath, and show your veneration for the word of God wherever called upon.

But is it equally forbidden to affirm before a court or magistrate? It seems to us very clear that if we lift not our hand as in the form of an oath, nor affirm by nothing, but simply say, “I will affirm that I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” there can be no possible wrong in so doing. We do not swear nor even affirm by heaven, earth, Jerusalem or anything else. If an officer would require anything beyond the simply affirmation, we can decline, and all legal authorities are bound to respect our veneration for the word of God, for this very provision is made in the laws to avoid offending the conscience of such as are not free to do contrary to the directions of Christ. Let us thank God for this precious item of civil and religious liberty extended to us in our government. And with this special provision we can clearly avoid all violation of the words of Christ, and yet meet all the demands of the government, and enjoy all the benefits thereof, wherein an oath is regularly prescribed by law. In our pension voucher the notary or justice is always willing to cross out the swear, and insert affirm, and surely there is no harm in affirming that we are the party mentioned in the pension certificate. And so of all other legal forms. Courts of justice could not well consist without qualifying witnesses, etc., and Christians need not violate their conscience nor the word of God. So let us thank God for the special provisions made for us, without overthrowing the foundation of all laws and justice. Amen.

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WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

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AND the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:26. Why were they named Christians? Because they were true followers of our blessed Lord and Master, Jesus Christ the righteous. They did all that he had bidden them do. They preached the gospel of Christ, they baptized the converted and taught them to observe whatsoever they were commanded to observe which includes, Washing the saints’ feet, — 1 Tim. 5:10, and diligently following every good work. In all their deportment they were Christ-like. The name Christian is derived from Christ, and means an imitating follower of Christ, in all the entirety of his life while in the flesh. The last will and testament of Jesus Christ our Savior is written in the New Testament, and its provisions are technically plain and easy of comprehension by the sincere, earnest, truthful reader. But sectism exclusively denies some portion or other, as a non-essential or a void or done-away passage.

The renowned Dr. T. Dewitt Talmage of the so called Christian Herald, published in New York City, says in a recent number of his paper that “the man does not live who does not commit sin.” He could have said with the same reason and same propriety, “There is not a Christian in all the world.” The person that sins is a sinner and does not know the first principles of Christianity. ‘Tis wonderful to see and hear intelligent people in the present enlightened age who claim to be Christians, and deny the mercy and power of Almighty God. Some such professors say to us, “You people do not live up to what you profess,” and then cannot point out a single mis-step that we have made in their knowledge. So many poor deluded souls are now professing Christianity and possess nothing but prejudice. They are all right in the denomination to which they belong, but everybody else is in error to them, and their creed does accept the entire last Will and Testament of Christ. Some part is left out. Oh, that people would be true to God and true to their own souls’ welfare, and accept the Christ of the bible in all his entirety; not split hairs on the word of God and lose heaven thereby. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. St. John 8:36. Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he (Christ) is pure. Whosoever committeth sin, transgresseth also the law; for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him, and he cannot sin because he is born of God. — 1 John 3:3-9. Now this concludes the whole matter, and is unmistakably plain language, easy to be understood, and shows clearly that a Christian is one who does not commit sin, and that they that sin are of the devil and have no claims to Christianity. Christ is not the author of sin, neither is he the author of confusion; but he is the author of freedom from sin and the unification of all his true worshipers. Glory, honor, power and might are his attributes. He gives his people peace, joy and comfort in the Holy Ghost. Bless his dear name forever!

Another preacher whose sermons get into Talmage’s paper said: “No man can truthfully affirm, that such faith as had Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was sinless. No man with the history of Moses, Job and Daniel can truthfully affirm that they were without sin; and no man dare affirm that Peter, Paul and John were perfect, even when they had attained their highest Christian perfection.” This speaker and teacher is a Baptist by name, R. S. McArthur. How can we expect to Christianize the world when learned worldly-minded preachers so falsifythe word of God? Moses did commit sin, and therefore he was not allowed to enter into the promised land; and those preachers who deny the power of God would do well to profit by Moses’ experience.

What we most desire is a clear conception of the truth as it is in Christ Jesus our Lord, and we can get that, by simply obeying the commandments as we find them recorded in God’s precious word. That word says: If ye love me, keep my commandments: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. — St. John 14:15-17. And the 26th verse says: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Verse 27 — Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you; Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. “O this river of peace makes me perfect and whole; yet its blessings increase, flowing deep in my soul:” I thank God through Jesus Christ his Son and our Redeemer, that I through loving the Savior and keeping his commandments, have received that other Comforter, and now my life is hid away with Christ in God, where I can drink out of the never-failing well of salvation, and can realize that “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” And I abide in Christ and his words abide in me. Then ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. — St. John 15:3-8. Thus it is plain how we become the disciples of Christ. “And in Him is no sin,” and if we are to be his disciples, “Let not sin remain in your mortal bodies.” For “the soul that sinneth it shall die.” Now this is Bible, and the voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, hear ye him.” Brethren and sisters in the Lord, let us walk worthy of the vocation wherein we have been called, and be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. — Eph. 6:10-13. And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. — 2 Cor. 13:14.

John F. Starcher.

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I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye arecalled. — Eph. 4:1.

THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.

Psa. 119:129.

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Wingate, Ind.

Dear Trumpet Readers: I feel led of the dear Lord to write my testimony. I do thank the dear Lord for his saving power. But I do not feel that I am sanctified, and I ask the dear saints to pray for me that I may be wholly sanctified. Your sister.

Sarah Wainscott.

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Black Lake, Mich.

Dear Saints of God: For the first time I will write my testimony. I can say I am saved just now, and ready to do the whole will of God. I am so glad that the God that I serve is not the God of confusion. Pray for me. Your saved sister,

Catharine Sternburgh.

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Lawrenceville, O.

To the Saints of God: I love to praise God from whom all blessings flow, that I am saved through the precious blood of Jesus. It has been about one year since I have been healed both soul and body. Oh praise the dear Lord, all ye his people! I was living in the Reformed, sect for over twenty-four years, and lived in all the light I had. But for over two years I felt that the leaders were not teaching right. I spoke to the preacher about divine healing over five years ago, but he made light of it and said he could not get that faith. Oh I felt there was something wrong, for God is the same to day yesterday and forever. Now it has been about one year since I heard the first gospel sermon of the saints of God. Oh it was a feast to my soul which I never can forget! I only was permitted to hear six sermons. And when they had camp meeting in the summer I was hindered from going; but I do praise the dear Lord for persecutions which I endured; for all that will live godly shall suffer persecutions, and without the cross we cannot wear a crown! Oh I ask you all to pray for me that I may be ever kept humble under the blood of Jesus, learning more and more about Him. Yours all for the glory of God,

Alma Dresher.

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Los Angeles, Cal.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases: who redeemeth thy life from destruction: who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies: who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Praise is as important as prayer. The first act recorded was of praise, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. The service of simple praise begins when prayer ceases. God loves a cheerful giver, it is true, but he loves also a thankful receiver. Praise helps prayer, and in return, prayer helps praise. Praise is the language of love. “Who forgiveth.” How can we sing praise with a heart burdened with a sense of guilt? “All thine iniquities.” How iniquities will canopy the skies, shutting out beauty from our eyes! How like beasts of prey do they crowd around us; like serpents hiss at us: like demons from the pit, threaten us. They are too heavy a burden for us to carry. “All,” even all our sins are forgiven. While God waits upon us for repentance, we never have to wait on God for forgiveness. His promises to forgive are sure. He has promised to blot them out and remember them no more forever. “Who healeth all thy diseases.” Why should a living man complain? “Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” I can lift up my heart in praise to Jesus to day for healing all my diseases, and in forgiving all my iniquities; and in giving me light on the body of Christ, the only true church. Pray for me, that I may be kept steadfast till His coming. Yours saved in Jesus, all given up to do his will.

Sarah A. Simonds.

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