8 March 1894, Volume 14, Number 10.
1 Corinthians 10:11.
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“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
The children of Israel in Egypt sojourning,
A type of poor sinners in gloom and despair;
They cried unto God with great weeping and mourning,
The sinner cries, too, and God answers his prayer.
As Pharaoh denied them the right of departing,
So Satan refuses his victims to day;
As God then sent Moses to do the escorting,
So now he sends Jesus to help the same way.
As Pharaoh pursued them with chariots and horses,
We find that old Satan is still at his post;
When souls are escaping he marshalls his forces
To bring again captive the souls that he lost.
They crossed the Red sea on dry land at Baalzephon,
Which Pharaoh assayed, and was drown’d in the sea, —
A type of a person in justification,
Defeating the devil when from sins he’s set free.
Though oft they had witnessed the heavenly Shechinah
In pillars of fire, yet sad to relate,
They worshipp’d a calf which they made at Mount Sinai,
(A type of poor souls in a backslidden state).
They journey’d along toward the Mediterranean;
The most of them murmur’d as many still do;
But they never entered the fair land of Canaan.
Young converts, don’t murmur, be patient, go through.
They refused to cross over at Kadesh-barnea,
They rebelled against God in the desert of Zin,
They died far away from the land of Judea; —
’Twas caused by the old carnal nature within.
How many refuse to “go on to perfection,”
Preferring to tread the old “up and down” way!
Few crucify self and all worldly affection,
But choose in the desert forever to stay.
For forty long years the Israelites wandered,
Till all who refused to go over, were dead.
How sad, when we know that the years thus squandered,
They might have enjoyed in fair Canaan instead!
Then all who were willing passed over the Jordan;
God parted the waves and they walked on the sand.
Sweet promise fulfilled by the city of Zartban, —
“The obedient shall eat of the good of the land.”
They entered the land and subdued every nation;
The “ites” were all conquered and driven away, —
A type of the Canaan of sanctification,
The “ites” representing the sects of to day.
There are two works of grace in the plan of salvation;
First justified freely — our sins all forgiven,
Then our hearts are made pure in sanctification,
When self’s crucified, and the nails are all driven.
The sanctified state makes all one in Christ Jesus,
One Lord and one faith, one mind and one way;
From creeds and divisions forever it frees us,
For this our dear Savior did earnestly pray.
Dear sinner, repent and from Israel take warning;
Backslider, return, and no longer delay;
Be robed in white raiment as fair as the morning;
Prepare to meet God in the great judgment day.
Jno. E. Roberts.
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THE HOLY SPIRIT.
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FOR the sake of some who do not understand the personal distinction and offices of the Spirit, we are requested to write somethingtouching the same, which we may put under the head of these questions.
1st. Does the Spirit have any office work in us before entire sanctification?
2d. What is meant by, “he dwelleth with you and shall be in you?” Jno. 14.
3d. What is the difference between the Spirit of adoption, and the Comforter, the Holy Spirit?
4th. What is the difference between being “baptized by one Spirit into one body,” and the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
ANS. TO 1ST. The Spirit of God is the direct, and effectual power that produces every thing in us pertaining to our salvation. While the love of God is the moving cause of our salvation, John 3:16, the blood and death of Christ the procuring cause, faith the chief conditional cause, the word of God the foundation of our faith, the Spirit of God is the all operating power of God producing salvation in us in all its stages. He reproves the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, producing conviction, and giving repentance. John 16:8-11; Acts 5:31. He produces the new birth. John 3:1-6. He witnesses our sonship. Rom. 8:16. He leads us and guides us into all truth.
ANS. TO 2D. Read John 14:16, 17. “He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.” As Christ was the embodyment of his fullness, he dwelt with them in the incarnate Son of God. And as Christ is also with the justified now, in a spiritual sense, and as the spirit of Christ, which is actually in the heart of all who are born of God, is one in essence with the Comforter, the third person, in these senses, he, the Holy Spirit, now dwells with the justified, but takes full possession of us after wholly sanctified.
ANS. TO 3D. As there is a personal distinction between the Father and the Son, and yet they are one in essence, so there is a distinction in person between the spirit of the Son, the second person of the trinity, and the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who is the third person in the trinity. In this third personal form the holy Spirit had fallen upon none of them yet, before Christ was glorified. Jno. 7:39. Although the spirit of the Father and the Son, the first hand second person, had adopted and regenerated them. What is called the spirit of Christ, the spirit of adoption, is never personified by the pronoun “he,” but the third person is frequently thus personated. Every spiritual emanation from God is necessarily a holy spirit. But when, the word PNEUMA — Spirit, is used with reference to the Comforter, the third person, it is generally qualified by HAGIOS — holy. And when thus qualified it is. by some foolish whim in King James’s translators, rendered, “Holy Ghost.” But there is no more sense or reason for rendering HAGIOS PNEUMA Holy Ghost, than in rendering PNEUMA ghost in all other places. Then we would have ghost instead of spirit all through the New Testament, which would be ridiculous indeed. But why translate PNEUMA by ghost when qualified by holy, and render it spirit when not thus qualified? The Common version and the Revised are the only translations that have used the word ghost for spirit, and we are glad to see that the American wing of the revising committee have put on record the fact that they desired to render it Holy Spirit, but the English ruled in favor of ghost.
ANS. TO 4TH. What is the difference between being “baptized by one Spirit into one body,” and the baptism of the Holy Spirit? The former spirit baptism is found in Rom. 6:3; “baptized into Christ,” “into his death.” And in 1 Cor. 12:13, “By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” But the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the latter sense is found in Matt. 3:11. “He shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” Also in Acts 1:5. Observe this distinction. In the first case the administrator is the Spirit. He immerges, or simply inducts the soul into Christ, or into the one body of Christ, which is the church. In the second case, the Lord Jesus is the Administrator and the Holy Spirit is the element into which the soul is baptized, submerged or overwhelmed. The first case is an immersion of the soul into Christ by the Spirit, the second is an immersion into the fullness of the Spirit by Christ. In still plainer words, in the first instance the Spirit inducts into Christ, in the second, Christ submerges us into the Spirit. The first is regeneration, the first work of grace; the second is entire sanctification, the second work of grace. So we should never confound, “baptized by one Spirit into one body,” with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The first puts us into the family of God, the second sanctifies us wholly in the family of God. Finally to all the children of God, see to it that you obey this command, “Be filled with the Spirit.” Amen.
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TWO WORKS OF GRACE.
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IN the 5th chapter of Romans, verses 1 and 2 Paul very emphatically states two works and the conditions of the same, then the 12th chapter of Romans, verses 1 and 2, corroborates and confirms the same.
In the first place, a sinner comes to God by repentance toward God and faith in his Son Jesus Christ the righteous. This action brings the sinner into justified relationship with God, which relationship comes to us through the intervention of the sacrifice God made of his Son, for without the shedding of blood there could be no remission. To that end “in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” “Wherefore being justified by faith we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Now we are a new creature, born of the Spirit of God, and the seed planted in the soul by this process is unto holiness, not to stop, not to retrograde, but go on to perfection.
Now any person who has this experience will realize that there is yet something lacking. So we turn to verses 1 and 2 of Rom. 12 for a solution. Here we present our body a “living sacrifice, holy [yes, being justified by faith makes it possible to present a holy body], acceptable [being first accepted with God in justification, which reconciled us to God and gave us the peace which was required for our acceptance with God] unto God, which, Paul tells us, is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind [we have taken on the mind of Christ in justification, and now we are told to renew said mind], that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” Now this completes the text, “By whom also we have access by faith [another act of faith] into this grace wherein we stand.” Rom. 5:2. Now this grace has all the attributes of justification, and the additional that “we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God; and not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Now in the first, being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace of “the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
The first work is repentance, then faith, then peace with God; the second •is consecration, faith, sanctification of the spirit, holiness of the body, in which Paul is made to exclaim: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23. And “Finally, brethren, [not sinners] farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 2 Cor. 13:11.
Now the above is the gospel by Paul, and because the Galatian brethren were turned from the truth, like some who apostatize in these days he tells them, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel, which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Gal. 1:6-8. And Peter makes the statement: “Even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things: in which [in Paul’s epistles] are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet. 3:15-18.
Those people who apostatize, and after preaching two works of grace and practice the commands of our blessed Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, then preach and publish a contrary doctrine to that form of doctrine given us in the Bible, are really speaking anti-christ. For the plan of salvation was made full and complete by Christ himself, and is expounded to us in unmistakable language by the apostles who traveled with and received instructions from Christ in the flesh. That plan embraces repentance, faith and justification in the sight of God; then consecration to God gives us entire sanctification and that other Comforter that Jesus promised in St. John 14:16 and 26. This salvation also has baptism in water, washing the saints’ feet, and the Lord’s supper, as ordinances of the new covenant, and a great many other commandments that all true Christians observe and teach.
Glory be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! When we received that other Comforter and it began to teach all things as Christ had promised, the Bible became at once, a new book to us. We have taken it as the man of our counsel. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and there is not a single non-essential between its precious lids. We have the salvation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and neither men nor devils can rob us of the precious love of God. Glory, glory to his name forever! We feel his sanction as we write. We know that the very God of peace does sanctify us just now.
This grace of our blessed Lord passeth all our understanding, and yet men cripple their usefulness for God by trying to change the plan of salvation as made by the supreme God of heaven and earth. “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy. God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Rev. 22:18-19.
J. F. Starcher.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Hammond, La.
Dear Saints: I can truly say that I am on the Lord’s side. I belong to the church of God. That is the only true one. I want the world to know that I am not ashamed to own Christ as my Savior. I want the dear saints to pray for my aunt that she might be restored to her mind. Pray for me.
Anna Frey.
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Scott, O.
Dear Saints: I feel it my duty to write my testimony for the first time. I do thank the dear Lord for what he has done for me. He has saved me from my sins. I first forsook my way, then confessed my sins to God, and he was faithful and just to forgive me. Praise his holy name! I am not sanctified yet. Pray for me. Your sister,
J. M. Tanner.
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Columbia City, Ind.
Dear Saints of God: I can say this morning that I am saved and sanctified and kept by the power of God each day. Praise his name forever! God is wonderfully working here in these little meetings, and I can just praise the Lord that he has established me in the present truth. I give him all the glory for it, and I have perfect victory in my soul. Your brother saved,
John Walters.
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2 Benwell Rd., Holloway, London, Eng., Feb. 15, 1894.
Dear Saints of God: I feel. led by the dear Lord to give my first testimony for the honor and glory of God. I have been a child of God for ten years. I am happy to say that I have now given myself wholly to the dear Lord. And I can say that I am filled with his Spirit. And I believe that what I have committed to him he is able to keep. Glory to his dear name for the sweet peace and rest he gives to my soul! I am saved, cleansed and sanctified wholly through the precious blood of Jesus,
Elizabeth Sims.
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Condray, Mo.
Dear Saints: I am praising the Lord this morning for what he has done for me. I am justified but am not sanctified. I want you to pray earnestly that I may be sanctified and healed of my afflictions, and that I may have more faith and know how to trust the Lord more fully. Also pray for my husband that he may know the whole will of God concerning him, and that the Lord will give him an understanding in all things. He is a Freewill Baptist preacher and doesn’t seem to see the evil there is in these sect divisions. But the Lord knows all honest hearts; so we will trust him with the Lord. He is eighty- four years old. I am sixty-two. Please remember me always in your prayers, for I do not get to meeting often. We have no holiness preacher to preach to us, but I hope the Lord will send one soon, for this is a very wicked place. We just need a real firebrand for God, full of the Holy Ghost and fire to break away the spell of darkness. From your sister in Christ,
Elizabeth Bowers.
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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All business communications, moneys, &c. must be addressed to Gospel Trumpet, to insure credit; otherwise we will not be responsible.
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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.
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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.
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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LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED
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Emma Huffrey, W. D. Keefer, K. Keefer, Ira Kepford, Wm. H. Griffin, J. B. Ducksworth, James A. Thornton, John Evritt, Henry Netzluy, F. F. Craig, John Shick, Henry Thornton, Mrs. J. Plumb, A. F. Adams.
Requests for Prayer.
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The saints are requested to pray for Daniel Guice that his mind may be restored.
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My wife desires the prayers of the saints for the healing of an affliction of the head.
George Marshall.
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Mrs. F. K. Martin of Oy, Miss, who has been afflicted for about three years desires your prayers that she may be healed soul and body.
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I have lost the love of God out of my soul and want the saints to pray for me Sunday March 11, that I may be delivered from the bondage of sin, and be made a free man.
Wm. Fox.
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Arkansas City, Kan.
Dear Trumpet Readers: Pray for Sister Emma Parker that she may be healed of her bodily afflictions. She is resigned to the will of God. Your sister saved in Jesus.
Mrs. G. Plumb.
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In the year 1872 I was run over by a wagon and injured, and since that time my back has been afflicted so much at times that I am unable to be up. Have also been troubled with deafness since I was a boy. Please pray for my healing March 14. Your brother in Christ,
Beni. F. Millard.
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Calls for Meeting.
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We would like tor some one to come here this summer, and hold a meeting in the park.
Emma Huffrey.
Tiffin, O.
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Bro. C Simmons, Marquand, Mo., writes: “There are about thirty in the little church at this place and we desire a camp meeting here about the middle of September, and would like to have Sister Mary Cole if the Lord will send her, and as many other preachers as the Lord may send.”
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I would be glad if some of the brethren would come here and hold meeting. My son-in-law who has been sick for over a year, desires the saints to pray that he may be healed both soul and body. Also please pray for me that I may be healed of rheumatism and sore mouth.
P. C. Rednour.
Freedom, Ind.
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We are in great need of some of God’s holy ministers to come here and preach the word in the power of the Holy Spirit, that the Lord may have a church here, and the truth established in the hearts of the people. Who is led of the Lord to come? Yours in the Lord,
James Worbois,
Boise City, Idaho.
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Oh how I do wish that the dear Lord would lead some true minister and wife here to preach the pure gospel in this place, for it is needed very much, as there are many good souls here, but we all need light. I do want to meet with some of the true children of God who are willing to take God for their physician. There are a number of places open for true worship. Any one coming, let us know.
Mrs. David Radle,
Harbor Springs, Emmet Co., Mich.
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Bro’s Warner, Smith, Sybert and Co. are holding meeting at Henderson, Pa. where they will be for a few weeks.
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“Echoes from Glory” can yet be ordered from the Floating Bethel, 6th St., Pittsburg, Pa., by addressing Frankie E. Warner at that place.
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Bro. and Sister Warren closed a meeting of good interest at Tidioute, Pa. and returned to Ohio, being called home by the illness of their child that was staying with a family there.
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The “Stumbling Stone” is still sent out broad cast wherever they can find an address to send one on its mission of defaming the children of God, and to try to stop the progress of the work of the Lord. We have letters from Europe, and other places that they have received the S. S. but detected the spirit of it to be a very slimy one, and have no use for such. The devil often defeats his own purpose by telling such great falsehoods that almost anyone can detect him.
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Since sending in what was written concerning the salvation, healing and sudden death of Bro. Daniel McCurdie, of Butler, Pa., we have received the following from Sister Ferris:
“Father McCurdie visited me this morning and gave me the particulars of Daniel’s death. Said he arose on the morning of his death about eight o’clock. Told me he had pain in his left leg. When partly dressed sank down on his chair. He picked him up and laid him on the bed; he stretched himself, and was gone. I suppose the pain went to his heart and killed him. So we see he did not die with consumption, and his sudden departure is no proof that he was not really healed in his lungs as he so firmly testified, and facts showed.”
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There are many calls for meetings from various parts of the country by those who are anxious to hear the truth. There are also religious tramps and would-be preachers ready to respond to such calls in order to get to see the country or “sponge” a living. Some such try to get a hearing by stating that they have been stopping with the saints at such and such a place, and act very humble and devoted in order to get a chance to hold a few meetings, which results in devastation and division, and often hedges up the way to have the pure gospel preached. The dear children of God should live in the spirit so as to detect such ones.
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Grand Junction Camp Meeting.
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The time set for the camp meeting this year at Grand Junction, Van Buren Co., Mich., is June 14-25. This will be a general meeting and all lovers of the truth are invited. We are praying for, and believing that it will be the most wonderful meeting ever held on the grounds, on account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the manifestation of His power in saving souls, healing the sick, casting out devils, etc. Let all God’s children begin now to pray for the success of this meeting, that much good may be done in the name of the Lord and many souls rescued. Now is the time to begin to make preparations to attend. The meeting will begin June 14th unless we see fit to put it a few days earlier; if so, notice will soon be given.
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TO FATHERS AND MOTHERS.
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I have been much interested in the new book just published, “The Boy’s Companion.” The meaning of this book is, save the boys. Do you not know that this is a fast age, and we must be sufficiently enlightened to meet and be ready to counteract these evil influences that are so obvious to a careful observer? Everywhere do we see the youth who have not been warned of the danger of such secret vices. Fathers and mothers, what is your duty? Get your eyes open by-buying “The Boy’s Companion.” Read it yourself first, and lend it until it is all read and re-read. It should be sold by the ten thousand. One mother wrote: My boy was so cross we did not know what to do with him, and we did not find out what was the matter with him until it was nearly too late.” And added, “Mothers, watch your children.” I have been a teacher and have noticed it among my pupils. One boy who was addicted to this habit said his prayers every night, little knowing how great a sin it was. Now you can buy tracts and the book can be put in with the package, and do not delay, but be up and doing. I trust this book may meet with unparalleled success everywhere.
From a mother.
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News from the Field.
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Burket, Ind., March 1, 1894.
Dear Saints of God, Greeting: As I expect to return home in a few days, I take this opportunity of saying that I cannot respond to the many calls I have from the dear saints from this state and Ohio. Also that, the Lord willing, I expect to be at the Grand Junction! camp ground on Lord’s day, the nth. Yours in the Lord,
A. B. Palmer.
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Porterville, Cal., Feb. 26, 1894.
Dear Readers of the Trumpet: May the God of peace bless and be with you. Our meeting here will close to-morrow for the present. We thank God that our labor has not been in vain. The number saved and sanctified only the Lord knows. The church of God was set in order last Friday with about thirty of God’s little ones to hold up the blood-stained banner of the cross. Baptizing, last Lord’s day, attended by about 500 people. Twenty-three baptized since we came to this place. The work is going on with a good interest. I shall go to Los Angeles until the tent season opens, then I expect to pitch my tent in this place. Pray much for us. Your brother saved and sanctified,
A. B. Davis.
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Springfield, O., March 2, 1894.
Dear Brethren: Since we arrived home we enjoyed the privilege of holding a few meetings which have truly been a heavenly sitting together. In one meeting a dear soul was pardoned and left Methodism, and several others raised their hands for our prayers; hope to soon see them free and happy. The country is on fire for God. The devil is raging and slanderously reporting us through his agents and thus our joy is being increased, praise the Lord! We expect to start soon for Pennsylvania, to finish work already begun while we were there. We are glad to tell you the Lord answered prayer and healed our little boy who is now well. We give God the glory. Your brother and co-laborer in the gospel of Christ,
B. E. Warren.
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Eaton, Colo., March 1, 1894.
Dear Trumpet Readers: God is giving us victory in delivering his precious word and souls are being saved, and others are under conviction. We closed meeting at the Wyatt school house. There were none saved, only the seed was sown, and God has said his word shall not return unto him void. So we have done our duty and will leave the result with God. Since closing that meeting, I am engaged with Bro. E. G. Masters in a meeting. Souls are being saved, and God is working on the hearts of the sinners. Salvation is almost a thing of the past in this country, but there are a few souls who are willing to obey God and be saved. Address us at Eaton, Colo. Pray much for us and the work in the west. Your brother and sister saved in Jesus,
T. A. and Ella Phillips.
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New Pittsburg, Ind., Feb. 26, 1894.
Dearly Beloved: The assembly meeting which began in the saints’ house of worship here Feb. 14, closed last night with perfect victory in my soul and victory on the Lord’s side. Thank God! Several poor backsliders made their way back to Father’s house and a few were sanctified, and the meeting, to my soul, was glorious throughout, and the dear Lord did so wonderfully bless and help me to deliver his precious word. We found the church in working condition “and the people [holy people] had a mind to work.” There are yet some precious souls here that need to settle down deeper in God. May the Lord help them to press on to the second grace. May God bless all of the dear ones for their kindness to us. Good order generally prevailed and the congregations were composed of attentive listeners. Pray for us, all ye saints, that God may keep me humble and give me wisdom to minister according to the ability which he giveth. I am your humble and free servant, saved in Jesus,
J. N. Howard.
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West Liberty, O., March 3, 1894.
To all the Household of God: May his peace rest upon you at all times. I am still saved in Jesus with a perfect salvation from all sin, and in the work of the Master. Our meeting at Castine, O., was one of victory for Jesus. We held one week only, when the U. B’s. closed the house against us. This seemed to move the people towards the truth as I never saw before. We intend to return about the 20th of May with Bro’s Schell and Warren and hold a tabernacle meeting. The house was closed Sunday night and Monday night we had meeting at Bro. J. Mc Farland’s and the result was, six souls at the altar. Some have been delivered out of sectism and will hold meetings from house to house. Tuesday, I baptized one soul whom God saved out of sectism. Wednesday my wife left for home in Indiana and I came to this place to help Bro. J. N. Howard in a meeting now in progress at Five Points. Tuesday, the 6th, Bro. B. E. Warren and I will go to La Rue and hold one or two meetings and do baptizing, then leave for Pennsylvania to hold a meeting at Tidioute. I do not expect to return home until the first of April. Brethren, keep praying for us. Address me at Burkett, Ind. We remain your brothers in the one fold,
Samuel L. Speck and B. E. Warren.
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Smithport, Pa., March 1, 1894.
Dear Saints of God: We are still saved and praising God for full salvation. Oh how sweet to sit meek and humble at Jesus’ feet! The last meeting at Georgeville resulted in the church being well established, believers sanctified, and many sinners professed conversion. In all, between thirty and forty consecrations. On Feb. 16, twelve saints followed Jesus in the ordinance of baptism. On the 17th, we held a precious ordinance meeting, in which thirty-two took part. Bro. Clayton (whom the Lord used much in preaching the Word) returned to the Floating Bethel on the 19th. We closed the meeting at Georgeville on the 21st. Began meeting here on the 24th. The congregations are very large, and a good interest is taken by the people. Tracts are being purchased freely and we believe a good work will be done in this place. This is a new field where the evening light has never been preached. There are many calls for meetings, and a strong company of workers is needed here. We will probably labor here until the June camp meeting, after which, the Lord willing, we will go on board the Floating Bethel. We ask the prayers of all the saints. We are young in the work and need your prayers. Yours in the work for Him,
H. M. Riggle and Co.
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Teegarden, Ind., Feb. 26, 1894.
Dear Saints: I want to testify this morning that I am saved to the uttermost. Praise his dear name! We closed meeting at the Coffin school house on the evening of the 7th. Closed with an ordinance meeting, in which about twelve dear saints took part. It was a real joyful time, as some of the dear ones were permitted to wash one another’s feet for the first time. “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” On the 8th, went to Eagle Creek where four dear saints were buried with Christ by baptism. In that meeting there were seven consecrations; four of them went on to perfection. On the evening of the 8th we went four miles farther south to another school house and began meeting. Held until Sunday evening. There seemed to be a very good interest, but we received word from our home that some of our family were sick, and we had to close the meeting and come home. There are many calls for meetings in those parts, but as we are in debt some and have some money to raise, we are compelled to work some with our hands at present. But as soon as the Lord opens the way, we are ready to go forth again to battle against sin. Your saved brother,
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Samuel P. Strang.
Hilliards, Mich., March 1, 1894.
Dear Trumpet Readers: May the Lord bless you all. I am praising the Lord for a glorious victory in my soul this morning over all the works of the devil. Since we left home in January and came to Dorr to help in a meeting already begun at that place, we have had glorious liberty in presenting the wonderful gospel of Christ, and souls have been made free from the chains of sin and sectism, and some dear souls that are yet in sectism I believe have received light enough that they will yet be made free, and some even that belong to the old Mother herself. May the Lord help them. I can never thank the Lord enough that he sent us to Dorr when he did, and that we were in time to get the truth to one poor soul who now is in heaven, praising the Lord with the angels. She gave her heart to God the first time we visited her. She was then sick, and died in about two weeks. She lived those two weeks faithful to the Lord and calmly fell asleep in Jesus. Praise the Lord! “Precious in the sight of
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the Lord is the death of his saints.” After we closed at Dorr we went over to help Sisters Clark and Todd in a meeting they were holding east and north of Wayland, four and one- half miles, and the Lord was with us there and precious souls were saved. I hope that some time in the near future there will be a glorious harvest from the seed sown. But there is a little church established there which we believe will go through for God. We expect to go back to Dorr and have a few more meetings, the Lord willing, soon; and we are in hopes more of the precious souls that were convicted while we were there, will come to the Lord. There is a church there of about thirteen souls. Pray for us, that the Lord may make us very useful and keep us humble, and that many precious souls may be saved. Yours in Jesus, saved by his blood and kept by his power,
Allie R. Fisher and Della Gardner.
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Colfax, Wash., Feb. 17, 1894.
Beloved Brethren: May the peace of God rest upon you all. We closed the meeting in the Small or Pendole school house on Feb. 8, with glorious victory on the Lord’s side. We had much with which to contend in the meeting there. We met with a great deal of opposition and prejudice, caused by false and flying reports from unruly talkers. Never were we more conscious of the battle going on between God and the devil. We were led by the Lord to do much fasting and praying while in that meeting, and God gave us perfect unity of the Spirit in the love of God, and perfect victory over the works of darkness. Much prejudice was removed. Seven came to the Lord and claimed pardon, four of whom went on and were sanctified. A few others besides these were sanctified there. It was also a a time of much seed sowing. Hundreds came from towns and the surrounding country during the meetings and heard the present truth. Three were baptized. The Lord also was glorified in healing several according to Jas. 5:14, 15. On Feb. 5, we went to Colfax and held one meeting with glorious results. One returned to the Lord; a brother was sanctified and another brother was healed. The Lord is opening doors in many places out here for the gospel. He is also sending out more laborers into his great harvest, for which we praise him and give him all the glory. From that meeting we came to this place which is about six miles north of Colfax, where Bro. Bailey had begun meeting. Pray for us, that we may “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Yours in the present truth,
F. N. Jacobson, C. H. Tubbs and Co.
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So. Auburn, Neb., Feb. 26, 1894.
To all God’s Children, Greeting: May the dear Lord bless you all. I am still praising God this morning for salvation and for his keeping power. All glory to his name! It has been some time since I have last reported through the Trumpet, but have been out working for Jesus most of the time, and have seen souls saved. On Jan. 27 I left home for Kensington, Kan., and commenced meeting in a school house about four miles south east of town. The next day God had some true saints there, and together we commenced the battle in Jesus’ name, and truly Jesus fought the battle for us and was with us in mighty power. We had meeting three weeks, but on account of the stormy weather had not very large congregations the last week. But God was working from the beginning to the end of the meeting in the saving of souls and sanctifying of believers. There were about twenty-two consecrations in all. May the Lord keep them true to him. On Feb. 23 seven dear souls were buried with Jesus in baptism. After baptizing was over we went to a brother’s house to obey the ordinances of God’s house. O glory to Jesus for his blessings upon his little ones that obey him! There were other calls for meetings, but circumstances were so that I had to leave for home on Friday evening. I indeed do realize that the harvest is great and the laborers are few. May God send forth more workers to proclaim the pure gospel. I also had the privilege of speaking the Word two nights in town where the so-called Christian Church had meeting and opened their sect doors to a good many, but when they heard God’s truth they did not know to say, as they did not hear it before. May God help them to see before too late. The Lord willing, will go back there, but as circumstances are now I am not able. I ask the prayers of God’s children that the Lord may open the way, to his glory. I remain your humble servant in the one body. Ad- dress me at So. Auburn, Neb.
Geo. Vielguth.
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Holt, Mich., Feb. 24, 1894.
Dear Brethren and Saints, Greeting: We are saved and filled with the glorious power and presence of the Lord, and the Lord is blessing and saving souls in most every meeting, for which we are praising his name.
The meeting at Elsie was one of continued victory, and the Lord saved a few precious souls in spite of all the works of the devil. The M. E. and Baptist priests did all they could against the work, even going from house to house and advising their own deluded ones and sinners also to stay away from the meeting. But God sent out quite good congregations to listen to the word, and the truth was so established in that place that all the powers of the enemy can never overthrow it. Truly saith the Lord, “My word shall not return unto me void.” The Baptist priest stopped an old couple upon the street which were on their way to our meeting and said to them, “I would rather you would go to a saloon than to that meeting.” But a few evenings later at the closing meeting of which the Y. M. C. A. had been holding, one of these priests of Baal arose and advised the young men of the Y. M. C. A. society to entice the young people from the street into their reading room if possible, said he would “get dice and checkers or dominoes and entertain them there,” and this man who had rather people would go to a saloon than to come and hear the word said “Amen” to the dice and dominoes and checkers. O may the Lord open the blind eyes before eternally too late, is our prayer.
We closed the meeting in the hall and went out of the village a few miles in Bro. Cook’s neighborhood and continued the meeting in the school house, and God blessed the work and quite a number forsook Babylon and established their camp in Mt Zion. Also quite a number of sinners claimed the witness of the Spirit to the forgiveness of their sins. We left the meeting still going on, and came to this place, Bro’s Collins and Burden remaining to hold the fort and finish the work at the above named point. The power of God is with us here and the church has been strengthened and established, and sinners converted in Holt, and still the work goes on. The Lord is truly sanctifying souls at this place, and the glory falls upon the church. Oh hallelujah! what precious seasons these are to our souls! Truly we have reached the land of corn and wine, where there are brooks of butter and honey. Praise the Lord, we have found it and we know he saves us through and through.
Still God is saving souls. Since writing the above more have plunged into the pool and have been made whole. Hallelujah! Dear Bro. and and Sister Geo. Cole with whom we were acquainted at Williamston, several years ago, came down to the meeting and were renewed and filled with joy and glory of this great salvation. Sister Cole was also gloriously healed of all her afflictions, and shouted aloud the praises of God while her face was lit up with the glory of heaven. Oh praise God for these precious seasons! How dear they are to our hearts! Surely they will be fresh in our memory until death shall call us hence. Praise God for the victory and his salvation! Brethren, pray for us. Your humble servant in Jesus,
W. B. Grover.
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Henderson, Pa., Feb. 25, 1894.
Dear Saints of the Living God: We are joyfully praising, God for all his goodness and mercy. The work of the Lord has been moving steadily on in the Bethel at Pittsburg. Two souls were saved on Tuesday night, our last meeting with the dear saints there. Over Sabbath, Feb. 18, we were at Greensburg, West Moreland Co. We found some who were working very hard to have lively meetings, but cared very little to know how to become truly holy in heart and life. So the way was not open for the perfect Christ to be preached unto them at this time. However some among them are doubtless sincere and wish to be fully right with God. So the precious truth we were enabled to give, and the literature we scattered we believe will bring forth fruit to God.
On Tuesday, 20, dear Bro. Clayton returned from Indiana Co., Pa., where he had spent two weeks with Bro. Riggle. He reports a glorious work done in that county. The Lord is greatly using Bro. R. and “much people have been added unto the Lord.” Bless His name!
We can leave the Floating Bethel with much thanksgiving to God for what has been accomplished there. To all who have given means to erect that consecrated boat, we can say for your satisfaction, it has already paid itself a thousand times over.
The first soul saved after we arrived there was a young man from near Philadelphia. The poor soul had been seeking from mountain to hill to find the saving light of God and found it not in all Babylon. One young minister told him to do his duty, to confess Christ in meetings, and try to get others saved, and he would be all right. But he answered, “How can I testify to others when I know I have nothing?” To which the preacher replied, “There are plenty people that tell a lie, and after they succeed in getting others to believe it they begin to believe it themselves.” That is the same as advising him to testify to a falsehood respecting his condition until finally able to believe the lie himself. This was probably the preacher’s kind of faith, and he knew nothing better. Truly gross darkness is upon the people of fallen Babylon.
The last effort of the young man had been in Spiritualism, and God delivered him out of that dark region of devils. And he has now returned east, strong in faith, and feeling the hand of God upon him to work for him.
Thank God, we leave quite a good force behind us, who are praising God for the present truth, and consecrated to work with all their might for the deliverance of perishing souls. The church of the Firstborn are scattered throughout Pittsburg, Allegheny, and in some of the Suburban towns. So the leaven is pretty generally distributed. Doubtless when the boat moves on, a central place will be secured where the entire force can assemble once or twice each week, and all hold I meetings in many other places. May God bless and keep all the dear ones there and mightily use them. The hand of God is no doubt upon some of them to devote themselves to the high and holy calling of hunting and fishing souls for the glorious remnant of the Lord in these last days of gleaning.
Leaving our companion there who is taking a course in shorthand and type-writing, preparatory to aiding us in our manifold labors, we left Pittsburg Feb. 21, in company with Bro. and Sister Smith, Bro. Sybert and Sister Seins, and came, first, to Turkey City, where we stopped over one day and visited dear Bro. Heeter, who was much refreshed by our coming. We were happy to find him much better in body, but he has yet been suffering much. We believe the Lord is bringing him forth with strength and health to work for him.
From there we came on to Oil City where we expected to begin meetings, but the way not opening as we had expected, the Lord sent us over to this place, where we began meeting yesterday in the name of Jesus. Find the church in good spirits, and we had very joyful feasts in both meetings yesterday. There is a good prospect for the salvation of some souls. Praise the Lord!
In our last news from the held we should have observed, and justice requires us yet to say, that the meeting conducted in Allegheny of which we spake, where the Lord wrought much good, and the light shone in the midst of darkness, was carried on by Bro. and Sister Smith and Sister Seins, and since our departure the work is carried on by Bro. Ekie.
On Sabbath, Feb. 11, there were six believers buried with Christ in baptism near the boat.
As companion remains on the boat and there is a good stock of “Echoes from Glory” there, all orders will be promptly filled. Address Frankie E. Warner, Floating Bethel, 6th Street, Pittsburg, Pa. Pray for the work of the Lord here. Amen.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Elkhart, Ind.
Dear Saints: I can say that I am saved from my sins now. Hallelujah! It is well with my soul. I am standing where they can shoot their fiery darts at me, and I do praise God that they can not touch me because I have the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
I have that hope within me that maketh not ashamed, for the Lord Jesus Christ keeps me every day from sin. He keeps me low down at his feet, ready at all times to do his will and obey his word as he reveals it to us. The Lord is wonderfully leading me to know his will concerning me. I am only in a justified state yet, but I very earnestly ask you all to pray that I may be sanctified wholly. I have a very definite call to preach the everlasting gospel, but the dear Lord is bringing me to a point of close communion with him in learning his precious Word, and giving me a trial that brings me close to him. Praise his name! I can say that I am standing on that high mountain where the billows roll and waves toss and foam but can not reach me, but the wave of that everlasting rock flows over me and overflows the hiding places and makes me clean. Hallelujah! Yours in him,
Daniel Kryder.
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Pawnee City, Neb
Dear Saints of God: It has been about two years since I became acquainted with the saints. About three years ago I was converted and joined the Free Methodist sect. But the Lord showed me that it was not his will for me to be taken into that sect in full membership. I lived as near right as I knew and enjoyed myself reasonably well. But God showed me that he had a pure church, without spot or wrinkle, and that Jesus was the door, that he opened and no man could shut. I realized that it was my privilege to enter in, and oh what joy and peace filled my soul when I laid aside the sect and was baptized in the name of Jesus, and made a new creature, and received into the church of the Firstborn, whose names are written in heaven! Praise God, I soon found that this way of holiness was the only entrance to heaven, and it was no trouble at all to walk on this highway if we were only willing. Well, for about a year or over I lived for God alone and indeed it was comfort and peace and pure joy. Bless his holy name! Put alas, the time came when the devil began his destructive work in my soul by getting me to go to places where I ought not to have gone on account of the appearance of evil; and although the dear saints admonished me, I still let the devil deceive me until I lost all the salvation I had, and then I was miserable. I didn’t care whether I did right or not, and I thought all the saints were wrong. I lived in this state for about six months, and when Bro. Cole’s Co. were at Pawnee this fall holding meeting, I sought the Lord and made a new start; and I intend by the grace of God to do his will and never let the devil deceive me again. Praise the Lord! I know he has forgiven all my sin, and I am willing to trust him for all things. I know that this is the right way and it is not any too straight or narrow. I ask an interest in the prayers of all the saints. Your brother in Christ, saved from all sin,
J. M. Fuller.
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OBITUARIES.
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Elza A. Taylor, of Clarion Co., Pa., departed this life, Jan. 30, 1894. Aged eight years, eight months, three weeks, three days. He was afflicted for over five months. He bore his afflictions with patience and he told us not to fret about him, for he was going to heaven and wanted us all to meet him there. I ask all the dear saints to pray for us, that we may hold out faithful to the end.
P. P. Taylor.
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Rolla, Mo., Feb 25, 1894.
Sister Jennie Reed was burned to death on Feb. 21, 1894. Her clothing caught fire and was completely burned off of her body. She was alone with her little children, as they were moving and her husband was gone with a load at the time. She was burned at nine o’clock in the morning, and lived till ten o’clock that night. She was not saved at the time she was burned. The saints of Rolla prayed with and for her till she found Jesus in the forgiveness of her sins, and she talked sweetly of Jesus until she passed from earth to glory. She told the saints that Jesus had come for her, and she was going home. She leaves a loving husband and nine children to mourn their loss.
J.W. Howard.
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William Myers, father and father- in-law to Brother and Sister Benjamin and Josephine Myers, was born Oct. 8, 1819; died Feb. 12, 1894. Age seventy-four years, four months and four days. He made no preparations to meet the just God. A little over two months ago we were also called to preach the funeral of his son Charles, who also departed from this earth without any hope. Between the deaths of the two spoken of David W. Tingley, brother of Sister Josephine Myers, was also carried from the same spot without hope. This surely must be a warning to the rest of the family who are not saved, that they may be prepared to meet their God. God bless Brother and Sister Myers and keep them true unto the end. Text Psa. 89:48.
J. A. Dillon.
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Jerry City, O.
Sister Catharine, wife of Bro. William Carris, was born Nov. 28, 1828; died Feb. 18, 1894; aged sixty-five years, two months, and twenty-three days. She leaves a husband and five children to mourn their loss. They do not mourn as those that have no hope. Their loss is her eternal gain. She had for years a desire to be a Christian, but for some cause she could not claim God’s promises as hers, until five weeks before she died, she claimed the victory, by believing the promises. God did wonderfully bless her and she was made to shout the praises of God with a loud voice and her room was filled with the glory of God. May all her unsaved children take warning, and prepare to meet her. Farewell mother, rest in peace, till we all meet again in that great day.
Mother Smith.
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Templeton, Cal., Feb. 27, 1894.
On the morning of Feb. 21, 1894 there passed to heaven the spirit of Mrs. Sophia L. Culver, of this place, aged thirty-two years, ten months and three days. She was a devoted Christian woman and during the past three years had been a faithful reader of the GOSPEL TRUMPET, and applied its teachings and those of her Bible her daily life. She laid to aside, as against her Master’s wishes, all outward adornings, save those which shone from her face as reflections of a consecrated life. During her long months of illness she tried to cheer and comfort all her friends, and prayer and praise to Him who doeth all things well were her chief delight. She was seldom without her Bible in her hand while able to read its pages, and was a wonderful example of faith and trust in Christ, being perfectly resigned to go. Almost her last words were, “I’m only waiting now, only waiting.” She leaves a husband, little daughter of two years, and a young lady stepdaughter to mourn her loss. Blessed are they who die in the Lord.
Mrs. Anna L. Morrison.
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COURTSHIP.
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“Floe also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out or a pure heart.” 2 Tim. 2:22.
“Flee also youthful lusts.’’ We have not space to speak of all the lusts that the youths of our land are subject to, but we have one before us for consideration that is exceedingly common, viz., that of modern courtship, which is conducive of numerous evils and generally passed over lightly by Christian people as an unavoidable evil; hence little noticed. Would to God there were more like Paul in our day that would dare lift a warning voice against the evils that slay the youths with debauchery and vice. God save the youths and enlighten their parents, who think it smart to have their children “setting out,” “sparking,” “courting.” etc., as they call it. How often parents are heard to say, “Let them go, it will not hurt them; cannot put old heads upon young shoulders.” But sad! they soon see the children running about, seldom at home only to change their clothes or sleep a little in the daytime and off again, to the party, ball room, card table, theatre; care no longer for books, education, religion or morals; seldom at worship and when there, giddy, disturbing, etc.
DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS.
Disobedience to parents generally follows the young courters. Quarrels, and family fusses set in, parents realize but little satisfaction of labor or comfort after this practice begins. They are more dressy and expensive than before. Mother grows uneasy, and spends whole nights worrying, praying and weeping for fear her girls will be misled by vile characters, or that her boy will ere long be led to the gallows through bad company.
LATE HOURS.
Late hours soon robs the youths of their manhood and womanhood rapidly, although imperceptible at first; soon a life of suffering begins, and a subject for doctors to rob them of what money they have inherited. The young courter starting out, says to himself, I will not go often nor sit up late. But soon he forgets his resolution and before long he is found to come in at two or three in the morning and sometimes daylight, and even three to five times in the week. This evil is exposed by divine truth. See Psa. 127:2. For it is vain. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. — Eccles. 11:9. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
LYING.
This awful sin almost invariably follows courtship. This process of lying is commonly called flirting. Saying and doing things to show love simply to win the other’s affections, while at the same time no love exists upon the part of the flirt.
The innocent party generally finds how the wires are worked, and soon tries their hand to deceive somebody else to make their raise in the social circle; and a “little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” of your society. And the one who refuses to take part in this lying business is called a “numskull,” “foolish,” etc., and are kicked down to the foot and looked upon by the rest as being nobody in society. But God hath said, “All liars shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” — Rev. 21:8.
CHRISTIANS COURTING SINNERS.
This practice is denounced by all the saints that are clear in the evening light. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. — Titus 2:11, 12. And certainly it is worldly lusts that would tempt one to court a worldly person. And Jesus says, “ye are not of this world, even as I am not of this world.” And, “he that hath the love of the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” And Paul says, “be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” Think of this, young professer, before longer continuing your courtship with sinners. But you expect to win them to Jesus. This is always a sad mistake; you may win them to yourself, and yourself away from Jesus. And your gain may prove your eternal loss and theirs also. Others will go a step farther and marry a sinner to get him saved, but it always has the opposite effect. Your salvation is lost and the poor sinner thinks there is no reality in Christianity. Obey God’s word and your life demands the confidence of everybody.
SAINTS COURTING SAINTS.
Now where is the harm? says the reader. But I ask, where is the good? wherein is God glorified? courting just to be courting, or so as to keep in practice, to be able to perform in the circle of society, and when desirable, be able to select a suitable companion, etc. God is not pleased with such performance, but says, “flee also youthful lusts.” “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” How? by fleeing from it. And the best way to flee that I have found is expressed in our text, but “follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” And I am satisfied if you will follow these directions diligently, you will soon leave these youthful lusts far in the rear.
YOUR PRIVILEGES.
Many dear young people starting in the Christian life get into many snares on this line, and the Lord has to chastize them back into his line again; and sometimes they never find out their privilege of victory that God has for them. Oh dear ones, you can have the flesh crucified with the affections and lusts. Gal. 5:24. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, 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. 10:3-5. Our thoughts must be subjugated to the divine will and stayed upon him, and perfect peace is ours, according to his promise. Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things. See Phil. 4:8. Keep your mind where God has told you, and by so doing “keep thyself pure.” Many difficulties will arise if we get out of divine order. “Whatever we do in word or deed, do all to the glory of God.”
BUT IT IS NATURAL
And when we denounce it we fight nature, very well, but with what experience we have had with nature and courtship, we have found it to be of the old carnal nature. That is crucified and destroyed out of our hearts before we get the divine nature, and the divine nature helps us to flee youthful lusts and follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Salvation certainly makes a wonderful change in nature, and what the Word teaches, it has done for me and I give God all the glory.
GROSS SINS.
The reader has no doubt noticed that we have passed lightly over the more gross sins and evils that frequently accompany courtship. Those sins are denounced by all truly moral people. But why denounce the fruit and let the tree stand, why reject the effect and cherish the cause. Make the tree good and its fruit good, or the tree corrupt and the fruit corrupt. Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. 1 Pet. 4:3, 4. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. 1 Pet. 2:11.
MATRIMONY.
But how is a person going to get married without a little modern courtship? ’Tis not the object of this lesson to tell you how to secure a companion. When that is in God’s order he will let you know how to proceed without losing your peace with God or endangering your soul. God keep you in his order.
Geo. L. Cole.
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TRUTH HEALS SOUL AND BODY, BUT HERESY KILLS.
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Butler, Pa., Feb. 14, 1894.
To all the Dear Saints of God, and Readers of the Gospel Trumpet: It is out of a heart full of gratitude to God that I testify to the salvation of my soul and the power of God to keep. How wonderful are the ways of the Lord, yea, past finding out!
On the 17th of Jan., I was called out to nurse a young man by the name of Daniel McCurdie, in the last stages of quick consumption. I found him very happy in the Lord. He had been converted during his illness, and was completely reconciled to the will of God to live or die; was a bright, intelligent young man, quick of comprehension. I asked him if he had gone on to perfection. At first he could not understand what I meant; but after reading and expounding the word of God to him, he fully comprehended the meaning and expressed his need of sanctification.
On Sunday evening, the 21st, he presented his body a living sacrifice and was wholly sanctified, and touched by the healing power of God; insomuch that he sprung to his feet and said, “Father, I am healed.” He walked the floor and praised the Lord; asked his father to go call in the neighbors that he might preach to them. He told his father to take away his medicine and said, “The Lord has healed me, I do not need it.” He began to amend from that very hour. That same evening he undressed himself and went to bed without assistance. On Monday he testified to all who came in, of the power of God to sanctify the soul and heal the body. He improved so rapidly that on Tuesday he went down stairs to the table for dinner and supper; something he had not done since Christmas. He wrote a letter to the I. O. O. F. lodge severing his relation therefrom. He also saw very clearly the wrong of division and the formality of the Episcopal sect, of which he was a member; testifying boldly to the many who visited him that he must come out of her. He continued to improve so rapidly that by the next Friday he dismissed me, saying that he and his father (seventy-two years old) could get along very nicely now.
The next Monday, Bro. Warner being in this place, he called for the elder. Bro. Warner and some of God’s little ones anointed him and laid on hands according to Jas. 5:14, 15, and so obeyed all the word of God and firmly believed the healing was complete. I visited him every few days and always found him abounding in the love of God. While I was with him, he would often pray aloud after this manner: “Oh Christ, if it be thy will to restore my health, raise me up speedily that I may preach the Gospel to the people. But if it is not to the glory of God for me to live, or if thou canst see that I should be overthrown by the enemy, take me home to thyself.”
When I consecrated him for sanctification, I asked him if he was willing to die for the cause of Christ. He said, “I will stand at the cannon’s mouth.” I visited him on Saturday eve, Feb. 3, found him very happy. He held out his hands to me and said, “See how natural the color has got and oh, I feel so well, my lungs are not one bit sore.” Bro. Bortmas and Sister DeRousse visited him on Sunday. They found him very clear in his testimony. He smote with his hands on his lungs to show there was no soreness there. Sister DeRousse visited him on Monday afternoon and found him all clear in his soul, and happy in the Lord. As she was departing, some sectarians came in. Some of them had known the present truth, and had confessed the same and denounced their sect; but having departed from the word of God, have been overtaken in the delusions of Satan worse than ever.
On Wednesday evening, Bro. Bortmas called to see him; he found him in a bewildered state. He sent Sister Bortmas to me at once saying, “I am afraid the sectarians are poisoning (spiritually) Daniel,” requesting me to go to him at once. The next morning I went to see him, and approaching the house, behold the crape was upon the door. I opened the door and entered the front room. There were a few ladies standing in the room. I said, Is Daniel dead? Yes, was the response. The power of God came upon me and I was made to cry aloud with uplifted hand, Wonderful, wonderful, how wonderful are the ways of the Lord! The ladies gave me to understand I was not wanted, that his pastor had charge of the remains. I left the house but attended the funeral. It was conducted in a cold, formal way, by the reading of a chapter of God’s word, and some formal reading from a book — not one word of preaching. The young man’s name was not so much as mentioned, nor the aged father comforted by a single word. No opportunity was given to see the corpse. Well we can wait and shall see him in the resurrection morn. Praise the Lord! The Lord answered prayer and took that soul home before the dark spirits of sect confusion could utterly destroy it. May this be a warning to all who read these lines to not meddle with God’s work, for he will vindicate his own cause. Amen. This is written only for the glory of God and the welfare of precious souls for whom Christ shed his blood. Your sister in Christ,
Sarah A. Ferris,
NOTE.
Bro. Bortmas writes corroborating the above, says,
“I was to see Bro. Daniel Feb. 4, in company with Fro. DeRousse. Found him enjoying salvation, and happy in the Lord. He praised the Lord for his healing power. Said that every organ of his body was normal, his lungs were healed, at the same time smiting upon his chest to show there was no soreness there.
He said, “Oh I tell everybody of my sanctification and of my healing, and that sectism is wrong. He said, This must be preached on the streets. I must preach to the people and tell them. Oh! they must hear it.”
Again I was to see him the evening before he died, and found his mind in a state of confusion. He doubted his healing, and said he could not preach the oneness. He was in a state of uneasiness about something.”
Thus it is clearly seen that so long as he kept his eyes on the Lord, and abode in the truth he prospered soul and body, but as soon as the pernicious influence of sect confusion was cast over him he failed.
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THY TESTIMONIES ARE WONDERFUL.
Psa. 119:129.
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Mishawaka, Ind.
Dear Saints: I feel led to write my testimony. I praise God to day for a living faith and a free salvation that saves and keeps from sin. I have much to praise the dear Lord for; while I was in sectism and sin, he called and I came out. Persecution and trials have followed, but praise the Lord I am strong in the Lord and the power of his might. I attended meeting at South Bend, and presented my body a living sacrifice to God and was wholly sanctified. Your saved brother in Christ,
J. Q. Swanger.
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Cornell, Neb.
Dear Saints and Trumpet Readers: I am praising God for salvation that keeps and saves from all sin, and for a firm trust in the Savior. The saints were much encouraged at Cornell by the coming of Bro. Jacob Gilstrap, of Colorado. Dear ones, pray earnestly for the work here. We have now a house to worship in, a sod house of course, 20×40 feet inside. The reason I mention this is, at any time, if any of God’s messengers are passing through, they can call and help us. We all would like to have dear Bro. Henry or Bro. and Sister Cole come and be with us awhile. Lord send some one. His will be done. Your brother saved,
E. P. Hay.
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Monett, Mo.
Dear Saints: I ask the prayers of all of God’s people for the healing of a sore on my forehead, which has been a great trouble to me for eleven years. I have tried many cures but found none. I do praise the Lord that the true light has come to some dear souls in Monett. I was converted two years ago last October. I joined the M. E. church soon after, thinking that I must be in some sect or I could not live right; but I praise God to day that I don’t need any sect to live in. I praise the Lord for a wall of salvation, where we can have a constant talk with Jesus. Pray for me. I am saved and sanctified to do the will of God.
M. J. Tuley.
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Midland, Colo.
Dear Saints and Readers: The prayer of the righteous never faileth. I feel led of God to write a few lines that the world might see on which side I stand. What God does for a person he wants it told to the world that it might bring forth good. I have been trying to keep away from God’s people for years past, and as I would not yield, the prayers of my dear parents went up to heaven and were written there, and God intended answering them in his own way and time. They were for me. God permitted all my land and money and everything I had to be taken, and I was caused to suffer for nearly three years, to bring me in his narrow path that leads to heaven, where my mother and sister are now resting sweetly in the arms of Jesus. My mother is looking for all of her children to meet her in heaven, as each one of us told her we would meet her in heaven, which she asked each one of us to do as we kissed her good-bye for the last time on this earth, ten years ago. And her prayers are just being answered for my soul. It is wonderful how the prayers of God’s children will never be forgotten. There have been many, many prayers sent up to heaven all over the land from God’s people, for my freedom and that I might die the death to sin and be saved. They were all written in heaven, and have all been answered, for I was brought out and made free from sin and the world’s goods. I laid all on the altar and gave myself and all into His hands. He can use me as he sees fit. I am his and he is mine. Praise be to his holy name! He has washed my sins all away and made me a new creature, and one of his children.
Dear readers, if I only had gone the right way when I started, how much better it would have been; but no, I let a worldly man persuade me to go the wrong way and I had to suffer for it. I am so thankful that God has spared my life, and given me the privilege of coming to the foot of the cross, and being saved. I thank and praise his holy name for his mercy and kindness. He reaches down with his loving hand and lifts those up that have fallen into the pit of ruination and destruction, if they are only willing to serve him and do his will.
I love to read the GOSPEL TRUMPET. The testimonies are wonderful. As I read them over, I feel like praising the Lord, for these are the last days, and he is going to appear here on this earth. Who will be one of the few who are ready to meet him? Who will it be? I can only speak for myself as one, and pray for others. I ask the prayers of the dear saints that I may keep faithful to God. Your saved brother,