Gospel Trumpet – 9 May 1895

9 May 1895, Volume 15, Number 19.

WONDROUS BENEFITS.

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Precious name: I love to sin it,
Precious Word! I love to read:
Wondrous comfort that it gives me,
As I do its counsel heed.

Wondrous peace that he has given!
Peace the world takes not away:
Gracious rest, wherein I’ve entered.
And rejoice from day to day.

Wondrous way, whereon I journey.
Where the ransomed ones return:
Whence all dark forebodings vanish,
And I songs of gladness learn.

Wondrous hope that’s set before me!
Hope of life, and wealth untold;
While his goodness and his greatness.
Daily to my eyes unfold.

Wondrous thought that Jesus saves me!
Makes me whiter than the snow,
Gives me grace all things to conquer,
Keeps me reigning here below.

Georgia Cook.

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WHAT LANGUAGE DO YOU SPEAK?

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But I say unto you, that every idle wont that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matt. 12:38.

ALTHOUGH the subject matter of this article may have been touched upon in previous numbers of the Trumpet, and that too, by more worthy writers, yet I feel impressed to take up my pen and cry out against the evils of careless speaking. Oh, how many professed Christians do we see about us whose conversation is so much like that of worldings, that we would fain class them as such. These make use of slang expressions, frivolous speeches, so-called by-words (which is generally nothing less than a form of swearing) and even vulgar language.

Now, dear brethren, these things ought not so to be. For Christ says, Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matt. 12:34. Moreover, a good man, out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Here we have mankind classified; and there are but two classes. Either you are good, or bad. Either you are a good man, and bringing forth good pure language from the heart, or you are an evil man and speaking according to the corrupt state of your heart. Now, if you are really saved, and a child of God, then you will not do these things. As Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, “Let it not be once named among you as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks.” Eph. 5:4. And indeed, if we are found in prayer and “giving of thanks” often as we should be, then we will not have much time to spend in such foolishness. We are to be “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Eph. 6:18.

It may be we have all been guilty of some such thing in time past, but now we have received the light, and therefore let us walk as children of light, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Eph. 5:10, 11.

You see, dear ones, if we talk just as the world talks, that will not be reproving them for their darkness and sins, but it will rather be a reproach upon the holy church of God. Therefore let us “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise [men], redeeming the time, because the day’s are evil.” Let no one think that by walking hand-in-hand with sinners and doing and talking just as they do, that he may thus obtain a greater influence over them and eventually lead them to a better life. Nay, my brother, you may be led away by evil companions, if you yield yourself thus much, but you cannot bring them to God, unless you speak purer than they speak, and in every way give evidence that you are born of God. We are in the world but not of the world. Our avocation in life, may be such that we may every day be thrown in company with wicked and ungodly men and women; yet we may still be a child of God, and need not be partakers of their ways. But I tell you that it requires earnest prayer and watchfulness, and instead of talking as they do, be “filled with the Spirit: speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.” Eph. 5:19.

So now, dear ones, if we see our brother overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Gal. 6:1. We as Christians cannot come too quickly to a knowledge of our duty on this subject of talking, for, you remember “by our words we shall be justified, and by our words we shall be condemned. What do we talk about when we come together to visit each other in our homes? Do we talk about nothing but the financial depression, the shortage of crops, and worse still, the latest murder case or suicide? Or do we speak to each other of the welfare of our souls and what God is doing every day in fulfilling prophecy and saving souls, etc?

Once, within the last year a certain [sect] minister and wife took dinner with us after preaching services. And as we had not had opportunity to be with any of God’s people for a long time, we looked forward to this event as a time when we should be much strengthened and benefited in our souls. But not so. This minister seemed to care to talk about nothing but his crops, as he was farming as well as preaching. And so we listened to his account of how his potato patch was drying up for want of rain, all the afternoon, when he might have refreshed our souls by giving us a spiritual talk. I just refer to this as an instance in which ONE man lost opportunity to do good, by holding a different conversation. Not that I object to talking of potatoes sometimes, when it is proper to do so, but I do believe we talk of our worldly interests often to the detriment of our eternal interests. So let us have a care that we use this little member of our body aright — our tongue.

For the young folks, particularly, I should like to add just a word, in regard to my own experience in using slang, and then I am through. When a school-girl, I grieve to say, I contracted the habit of using many slang words and phrases. Nearly all my girl companions did, and, so did I. We were frequently admonished by our parents and teachers, yet the habit grew so strong by constant cultivation that we soon found that we were almost unable to express ourselves without the use of slang. And although I knew it was inelegant and unrefined, as well as positively wicked, yet it was a long time before I could break the iron chain of habit and use pure English. Finally, however, the slang was all eliminated from my speech; but, my dear young friends, the trouble did not stop here; for the effects of the former habit are such as to leave a poverty of speech and a diminished vocabulary. So I find one cannot express himself so clearly and definitely as if the habit had never been formed. But I believe God is able to entirely eradicate all these marks of Satan, as I trulybelieve Satan is the author of this slang curse that has swept our country. And I wish more preachers would take up the sword of the Spirit against it, instead of using it occasionally themselves, as I have heard a few do.

Oh, let us pray that the words of our mouth, and the meditation of our heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psa. 19:14.

Pruda Bowers Utley.

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LOVE.

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MUCH has been said on many good and grand subjects found in the Bible; many good sermons have been preached on faith; much has been written about faith. But there is a subject whose theme runs from the Alpha to the Omega of the Bible, that we hear so very little of, and that is love. Love toward God and our fellow-being, the two great commandments. Love the first, one great cause for the existence of the Bible. It brought the “fairest among ten thousand, and the one altogether lovely” from heaven to earth, and yet we hear so little of it taught to the people.

We have teachings on faith and the different gifts of the Spirit; we have heard grand lessons on faith, and divine healing, on prayer and many other good subjects; but very few on love. “But” says one, “it is natural for a person to love God and our fellow-being, after they become converted.” Well, be that as it may, yet we find that Christ admonished his disciples to love one another. John 15:12. “This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.”

Here then, we have a command to love one another, and yet I am sorry to say there are some that take but little heed to this. When a brother or a sister is in a fault or an error, do you go to them with that silken cord of love we have portrayed to us by our Lord Jesus in the parable of the lost sheep? Do we leave the ninety and nine go out into the desert, seek that one till we find him or her, fold our arms of love about them, bring them back to the fold rejoicing, or do we wait till the poor wanderer, with his robe all tattered and soiled by sin, comes straggling in amongst the others, and then give him such a whipping right before the others that he will never dare lift up his head again? Oh beloved! I fear that some will be found wanting on this line in the great judgment. The great Shepherd will say, “Did I not leave so many sheep in your care, and you have brought only these few, where are the others? did you do as I did; go and seek in the dark, stormy night for the erring one? Did you exercise that love one for another as I commanded, or did you waste the sheep of my pasture by your harsh treatment?”

O dear ones, let us be filled with that holy love of God that Paul speaks of in 1 Cor. 13. In chapter 12 he speaks of the different gifts of the Spirit, and for us to covet the best gifts. “And yet,” after we have all these, “I show unto you a more excellent way,” — love. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, * * * and though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, * * * and though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity

[love], it profiteth me nothing.” So we see that love is the best of all. And though we may possess all the gifts of the Spirit, unless we have love as the prompting motive in all we do, all would be vain.

Again we hear Paul saying, “Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind.” When a friend or a brother are in an error or a fault, the heart filled with love will not use harsh words towards that one, and because they do not yield at once, count them as an heathen; but is longsuffering, and with kindness endeavors to draw that one over to Christ. “Charity [love] envieth not.” Is not envious at the advancement of others, which is nothing less than covetousness. “Charity [love] vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” Do you, beloved, when you sing well, pray well, or testify well, do you feel elated? If so, remember it does not come from a heart full of love. Or if you preach a good sermon, do you feel puffed over it? If so, there is something lacking. I have on several occasions in the past heard good sermons, the congregation seemed to be interested, and yet not one soul would make a move for God. I could not account for this at the time being, but now I can see it plain; for after meeting I heard such remarks as these: “Didn’t I give it to them?” “Were they not taken in by what I said?” “That old fellow felt bad; I knocked all the props out from under him,” etc., etc. Now, beloved, God is not going to honor any such work. If we are humble servants of God, “I” will be dead. Oh may we see where this leads to, taking the glory that belongs to God to ourselves, the very sin that kept Moses from entering the promised land. “Charity is not puffed up.”

And thus we might go on with this 13th chapter of 1 Cor., but I think I have said enough. Dear reader, you read the chapter through, ponder it well in your heart, ask yourself the question: “Am I in possession of this love?” If not, then for the sake of your soul, seek it. And now let us add the testimony of one more witness. “If a man say, I love God, and hate his brother, he is a liar.” 1 John 4:20. Here, then, we have the testimony of the beloved disciple near the close of his life. In reading this first epistle we find the word “love” a great many times, showing God’s love for us, and our duty to love God and our fellow creature. Amen.

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Even so, Lord Jesus. Amen.

J. G. Neff.

Elk Dale, Mo.

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JUST STOP AND THINK.

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I FEEL led this morning for the benefit of those who have been snared into the secret order of Free Masonry, and those who contemplate joining, to warn you to look well before you leap, and see if you can see the Master’s tracks leading into it. It is just and right to follow Jesus wherever he leads, for he says, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. Now if you can find that he led you into F. M., then follow; if not, then stay on the safe side, which of course is the outside. For on the outside, though you have not a penny’s worth of this world’s goods, you can be with the Master. But if I am not misinformed, though you be a millionaire and could take all of the thirty-three degrees of the order, you could not take Jesus with you or follow him there, for he did not lead that way; and we find that even the name of Jesus is not there, for it is not allowed to be there. Now, brother, if you reject Jesus you will be rejected of him, and if you deny him he will deny you before his Father in heaven. If our blessed Master were here in person and did not have the $20.00 or whatever the price of admittance is, the door surely would be closed against him. Just stop and think! How would you feel to know that your Master who loved you so much as to die for you, just because he was poor must have the door of this great and godly institution as you call it, forever closed against him? Is the servant greater than his lord? Is it right for the servant to have more honor and more liberty than his master? Now, brother, you go there seeking light of that body of men, or that institution which is composed of all kinds of people from the highest to the lowest, perhaps, with your highest officer with a heart as black as sin can make it, seeking light, I say, when Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” “But men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.”

Now I heard a M. E. preacher say on yesterday, that he joined the Masons for the glory of God. Now this is strange doctrine to me, to think that man can violate God’s commands to God’s glory. For he says in 2 Cor. 6:14, “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” Now is not this God’s command? And how can you violate it to his glory? Read Isaiah 55:2, and see if the holy Word will bear you up in spending your money in this way. Is it not true that you have spent more money on this godless cause than you have for the cause of Lord Jesus? I say godless because Jesus in Mat. 24:26 says that he is not in the secret chambers. Then where Jesus is not there is no salvation. You may substitute another name in the place of the name of Jesus, but when you do it you are denying Jesus.

Now brother, will you go on heedless of the warning voice of God, or will you obey the command and come out from among them? Oh, “But,” says one, “If I should be called to go into a far country to work for Jesus, then perhaps my Masonry would do me good.” Yes, you are trusting an arm of flesh rather than God. For when Abraham was called to go into a far country he did not wait to join anything, but just trusted Him that called him. Oh, brother, wake up and see where you are drifting! Jesus’ way must be our way; for any other way leads down to hell. Your sweetly saved, sanctified, and satisfied brother in Jesus,

R. B. Wren.

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New Paris, O.

Dear Readers of the Trumpet: I feel I must write my testimony for the Trumpet, which I love to read. It does me so much good. I am seeking for that perfect life that will make free, soul and body. I am a sufferer; have been for nine years. Am looking to be healed. I feel there is nothing else that will heal me but the power of God. Will the Trumpet readers please pray for me, that I may be healed. I hope some of the saints of God will come this way and preach the truth for us. There are none here that will preach that God can heal the body. Now I would be pleased to have some sister who reads the Trumpet, and who has been healed, to write to me. Your sister in Christ,

Mollie Benson.

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THE GOSPEL TRUMPET.

A WEEKLY HOLINESS JOURNAL.

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THE SHINING LIGHT.

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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.

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All the following tracts except the tract — “What is the Soul?” can be had in German.

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Must We Sin? A conversation, giving Bible proofs that we must live free from sin. 48 pages. Per dozen, 15 cts.

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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 5 cents.

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Question and Answers on the Church. A tract containing four letters with many questions concerning the church, and showing the difference between the true church and sectism. Price, 10 cents per dozen.

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The Great Tobacco Sin. This is a very thorough tract on the subject, by D. S. Warner treating it from a Bible Standpoint. 32 pages. Price 10 cts. per dozen.

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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

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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. 52 pages. 15 cts. per dozen

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The Secret Vice. This is a sixteen page tract — Illustrated, taken from ‘‘THE BOY’S COMPANION,” and contains some plain talk to boys, giving them a timely warning against the evils of self abuse 5 cts. per doz.

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Visible Church Organization, Is It Right? This is the title of a tract reviewed by Thos. Carter, giving some points of sectarian discipline, compared by the word of God, also showing the difference between a sect and the true church. 48 pages. 15 cts. per doz.

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Babylon, and What it Includes. By W. A. Haynes. 79 pages. 20cts. per doz. This tract very clearly sets forth the true meaning of Babylon, both literal and spiritual. Showing by the Word of God just what classes of people it includes, throwing light on many important points of prophecy.

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Sanctification. By J. W. Byers. 40 pages. 10 o. per doz. This contains much information for those seeking after holiness and a closer communion with God. It gives God’s part, and man’s part concerning consecration, and how to get sanctified, — how we may know that we are sanctified, — how to keep sanctified, — and many objections answered.

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BOOKS.

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MASONIC SALVATION. By Fred Husted. This 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.

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. This book can also be had in German, 248 pages. Paper coyer, 25 cts.

PRIESTS OF ROMANISM; OR, Substitution for Marriage. By G. B. Collins. 15 cts. $1.44 per doz. A Compilation showing the evils of Priestcraft as it has come down to us from Pagan Rome, containing the full text of the oaths taken by Cardinals, Bishops, and priests: the awful oath of the Jesuits and Roman Catholic canons.

HOLINESS BIBLE SUBJECTS. By H. C. Wichersham. Second edition. This is a very valuable book of 400 pages and arrangement of Scriptures on one hundred subjects, giving a number of Bible quotations on each subject, making it very convenient for the Bible student. It also contains over 50 pages of concordance, tables, Bible helps, etc. Cloth, marbled edges, $1.80.

BIBLICAL TRACE OF THE CHURCH. By W. G. Shell. 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.

THE SABBATH; Or. Which Day to Keep. By D. S. Warner. Nearly 200 pages. Paper cover 10 cts. $1.00 per doz. Cloth. 30 cts. It is a very through investigation of the whole subject of the law, and its obligations, the Seventh day Sabbath, its object and terminus at the cross. The first day proved by prophecy, shadows, history and the New Testament to be the Lord’s Day and Sabbath of the Christian Dispensation.

THE BOY’S COMPANION. By E. E. Byrum. This is a nest 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 grave 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 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 hooks to read. Price, paper cover 15 cts. Cloth binding 25 cts.

ECHOES FROM GLORY. By B. E. Warren and D. S. Warner. A second and thorough corrected edition of this new song book has just been issued. Containing 282 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

LIST OF MONEY LETTERS NOT OTHERWISE RECEIPTED

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S. P. Strang, J. N. Howard, E. M. Ulsh, E. R. Baber, J. D. Batch, C. Schleehauf, C. F. Tillitson, Seth Whitmore, Effie Leavell, Clarinda Foster, G. H. Simons, Rebecca Dunmire, Bertha Elwood, J. W. Cale, E. W. Knight, Mrs. Mary Roman, Lizzie Clark.

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Requests For Prayer.

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Dear Brethren: Pray earnestly for my husband, who was recently taken very sick. Ask God to heal him.

Lucy Stephenson,

Evansville, Ind.

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I AM sorely afflicted with tumor in my side, have given up medicine. Pray for my healing.

Catherine Grimes,

N. Manchester, Ind.

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Dear Saints Scattered Abroad: Please pray on Sunday, May 12, for the healing of Emma Winslow, both mind and body. She is afflicted so that she has scarcely any use of herself, as a result of spinal fever. She is 21 years of age, and has never walked. Her mind also is weak, but she believes God will heal her. This is a very sad case, and God would get much glory from her healing.

C. W. Naylor,

Cochranton, O.

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Dear Saints: I received great benefit in answer to your prayers April 4. Please pray for Mrs. H. E. Clark. She is afflicted with chronic chills, enlargement of the spleen, eczema and a bad cough. Her daughter, Della, is afflicted with chronic chills and pain in her left side and head. They are faithful sisters, and wish all the prayers of the saints May 12.

Emma Kyker,

Hickman, Ky.

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IN ANSWER TO PRAYER.

I have been healed of LaGrippe, dropsy, ovarian tumor, liver enlargement, piles, heart trouble and rheumatism in hand, fingers and shoulder. I give God all the glory. Your sister in Christ,

Mrs. E. Williams.

Eagleville, Tenn.

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Praise the Lord! he has heard the prayers of his saints, and is restoring the sight of my husband, who has been blind for more than two years. He will also give him hearing.

Clarisa D. Wilson,

Springfield, Mo.

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Calls For Meeting.

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Pray that God may send some of his saints this way to hold meetings.

J. T. Holland,

Kerens, Tex.

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We have not heard a sermon for over a year Will you pray the Lord to send some of his true workers here?

F. M. Long,

New Decatur, Ala.

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We would be glad if a true holiness minister would come here and preach. I have been afflicted for ten years. Pray for me and my husband.

Barbara Stubblefield,

Wideman, Izard Co., Ark.

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MEETINGS.

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Grand Junction, Mich, camp meeting June 11-20.

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Camp meeting near Pullman, Wash., June 14 to July 7.

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Camp meeting at St. Louis, Gratiot Co., Mich., to begin Aug. 15, and last ten days.

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There will be a meeting in Canton, O. May 17-27, the Lord willing.

G. T. Clayton.

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Camp meeting at Zion, Anderson Co., S. C., Aug. 1-15.

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Camp meeting, Frisco, Ark., beginning Sept. 12.

Bro. G. T. Clayton and Co. expect to be at Canton, O. May 18, to hold meeting about ten days.

D. C. Stauffer,

135 West South St.

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To the saints of Southern Indiana, we desire to say that Bro’s J. N. Howard and A. J. Kilpatrick will begin a meeting May 11 at 423 Crystal Ave., New Albany, Ind., and all are invited to attend. Your saved brother,

W. B. Schreiber,

Floyds Knobs, Ind.

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GROVE MEETING DESIRED.

Bro. A. Harmon, of Roann, Ind., writes that Sister Dickey taught the word of God to the people at New Enterprise school house, five miles north-west of Roan, Apr. 13-15, and God used her wonderfully in setting forth the one body of Christ, so that the adversaries could not gainsay the truth. She expects to return over May 11 and 12.

There is a grove meeting desired over May 18 and 19 on Darius Harmon’s grove, one mile south, and 1 1/2 miles west of Disco. Cannot Bro. B. F. Bear, or Bro’s Leininger and Gast come and preach the word of God to the people? Please let us know.

A. Harmon.

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CAMP MEETING DESIRED.

The saints at Reynolds, Thompson, Fairbury, and Mahaska desire a camp meeting beginning either the last week in August or the first of September. Will leave it for the brethren to set the time sooner or later if that time is not convenient. It will be held on Sister Lemon’s farm, four miles from Thompson, Rock Island R. R., three and one-half miles from Reynolds, on B. & M. R. R., five miles from Mahaska, R. I. R. R. Bro. and Sister Cole are desired, and whoever else the Lord may send. People will be met at the trains.

Richard and Lucinda Owens,

Fairbury, Neb.

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EDITORIAL.

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A GOOD EXAMPLE.

The birds always hold their morning worship before breakfast. They begin the praises of God before they can see to hunt their morning meal.

Some brethren have written to know what is most needed at the Children’s Home to provide for the family. Anything the Lord may direct you to send will be thankfully received. At present the supply of wheat and potatoes is exhausted, and it will probably take over fifty bushels of each to last until camp meeting is over. As we live in a community where such cannot be easily obtained just at present unless shipped from other points we desire to know of any brethren who have any good clean wheat that we can purchase.

WHO WILL HELP?

Beloved, there is much work to be done upon the ground here before camp meeting, much of the large timber has been lumbered and the tops remain. It is desired to remove many trees yet before meeting for the safety of the people. There is needed a thorough cleaning out, and extensive hitching railing prepared. If the Lord is leading any one to come and help soon, or a week or two before meeting, Amen. Come therefore. We would be thankful also for the help of a carpenter or two. Also we have considerable plastering to do yet on our house, which we expect to begin about May 20. We should be thankful if God would send us help in this work. Amen.

D. S. W.

We are asked to explain the duty of every child of God that comes out of Babylon, as regards baptism. Is it the duty of every one to be baptized in the light of the gospel?

We wrote this matter quite thoroughly last fall, giving scriptures and reasons for the affirmative of the above question. Hence, we can only take time and space to say, 1. Sects, or heresies are condemned of God in the very strongest terms. 2. All sectarian ministers get their authority to baptize from the sect; hence, they administer the mark, or sign- power of the beast, instead of the divinely authorized ordinance of Christ. 3. When men find out that sectism is wrong, God holds them to be re-baptized, to practically ignore the sectarian authority, and as a testimony against Babylon. 4. Though we had been educated to regard a sect as the church, God holds us to act in relation to the sects just as the Bible directs after we discern the body of Christ, and the true character of sects. 5. Though many of the sect founders were blest of God, because they came out of certain elements of error and darkness, and contended for some points of truth previously neglected, or unknown. Whereas had they went out of the real church, the body of Christ, and founded their sect just as they did, the curse of God would have rested upon them, and the Bible rejected them. And now, since we know and discern the true church, their sects are to us and to God just as abominable as the Bible pictures them. Hence, God requires us to ignore sectarians as heretical baptism.

Sometime ago a call was made by Eliza J. Tracy, of Arthur, N. Dakota, for some true minister of God to come there to pleach the gospel. This is a new place where the evening light has never been preached, and the people are hungering for the pure word of God, She received a letter from one John B. Bailey, of Calumet, Mich., offering to come and preach if the means were provided to pay his fare. She took the matter to the Lord, but said she could get no answer concerning his coming, and has written to know if we are are acquainted with him or not. We have been acquainted with him for about two years, but cannot recommend him as a minister sent of God to preach the everlasting gospel until he shows by his life the fruits of the Spirit and the qualifications of a minister. He has repeatedly tried to advertise himself in the past as a preacher, and as he cannot pass himself off as such where the church is established, with the gifts of the Spirit without being detected, he now, like a number of others, tries to strike out into new fields where he is not known. We trust the man will square his life by the word of God and settle down to a real experience in his soul, and tarry until he is endued with power from on high.

GRAND JUNCTION CAMP MEETING.

Get ready to come and enjoy a glorious feast from the table of the Lord. Praise his name! Every one is invited who loves the Lord, or is interested in the welfare of souls. A special invitation is given to all who desire to make their peace with God, or be delivered from the binding powers of Satan, sickness and disease; and all who desire a deeper experience of salvation, and a closer walk with God. Come in the name of the Lord, with faith in God that his word may be fulfilled in your case. We expect God to be there in power to fulfill all the promises of his Word to all “them that believe.”

Come praying the prayer of faith for yourself and others, with the intention of not only getting a benefit from the Lord yourself, but also to become more fully equipped to be of benefit to others.

Provisions are being made to aid in accommodating the people as much as possible. We cannot promise you first class hotel fare, but “all things common.” Provisions and eatables can be obtained on the grounds. As there will be doubtless a large attendance, it would be well tor all who can to come prepared to take care of themselves as much as possible. Places for sleeping will be provided, but it would be well for all who can, to bring straw ticks and sufficient covering. There will, no doubt, be a larger attendance this year than ever before. Bring tents, those of you who have them; come and remain during the entire meeting. Rates have been procured from a number of R. R. associations throughout the Central states, east to New England, and in Southern states. Those in doubt as to whether you live in the territory, or on a railroad granting rates, would do well to write at once to the “Central Traffic Association,” Chicago, Ill. stating where you live, and ask them if you can get rates from your place for the camp meeting at Grand Junction, Mich., and be sure to enclose a stamp for reply. Every minister and gospel worker who can possibly come, ought to be there for a general forward move, and advancement of the church everywhere. Sunday, June 16, will be set apart as a day of fasting and prayer. On that day, the time usually given to public service, will probably to some extent be given to special prayer and more direct personal salvation work, as the Lord may lead. Meals furnished that day only to children. No lunches sold or furnished on Sunday. Let all the dear brethren, everywhere, from this time forth offer special prayers daily for this meeting.

THE FRISCO (ARK.) CHILDREN’S HOME.

The Home is in course of construction, and will not be ready to receive children for some time. Bro. and Sister Moody are on the ground, and request all interested parties to write them at Frisco, Ark., instead of Mt. Grove, Mo. The Lord has provided a teacher, who is now at work on the house.

The purpose of the Home is to provide for the children of those who are wholly in the gospel work, and for the destitute and homeless. It is not a home for the large families of widows, etc. There is no government, or state land that can be homesteaded or donated within eight or ten miles of the Home, and the small tracts to be given by the saints are for ministers and workers and their families.

Bro. Collins and Co. have promised, the Lord willing, to attend the September C. M. with their tabernacle. Souls are being saved and sanctified at nearly every meeting on the mountain, and God is being glorified indeed. Yours, conquering through Christ,

Geo. W. Richmond.

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PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

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“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5:17. Now, dear ones, I feel that this will help some to live closer to the dear Lord, if there are any that are not doing their duty in prayer. For we are commanded to watch and pray. “Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke. 21:36. Some dear souls have prayers in the morning and again at night, and through the day their minds are wandering away from the dear Lord.

Now, dear ones, we must pray to the dear Lord in secret much. Some pray to God once or twice a day. It soon becomes a form with them. Formality is an abomination in the sight of God. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints.” Eph. 6:18. O dear ones, pray without ceasing; in every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thess. 5:17, 18. Yours in the one body,

Chas. Boundy.

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News from the Field.

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GOSPEL ARK.

Parkersburg, W. Va., Apr. 30, 1895.

We send Greeting to all the Holy. Bro. L. C. Mast has a commision from God to take charge of this “Ark.” Feeling called of God he purchased what was formerly a show boat 120 x 20 feet. We are now busy fixing it up for services. The price of the boat has been paid, but we are in need of about $15 worth of ropes, some paint, lumber, etc. Also an anchor will be indispensable to successful traveling. We will soon be ready? to hold meetings. The boat’s name is “Gospel Ark.” May God use it to save all that are in the reach of mercy along the banks of the Ohio river. If God opens the way I would love much to be at the camp meeting. There are many hardships and privations in a work of this kind, but God turns pain into pleasure. The “Ark” will probably be at this place for a month yet. Your brethren separated for the gospel work,

B. F. Roe, L. C. and J. I. Mast.

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London, Eng., Apr., 22, 1895.

To the Dear Saints in London, Liverpool, and America: Praise the Lord for his goodness! I am rejoicing in the liberty of full salvation, free from the bands of sectism. I rejoice that the dear ones came over from America to London, and preached full deliverance from sin and its power. You will be glad to know we are holding meetings at the above address, and are determined not to compromise with the devil, but to preach a full, free and perfect salvation. I have been in the sects for over twenty years, and I am satisfied, that in the majority of the so- called churches, it is the man and the fashions that are the object of worship. And as one minister expressed himself, to be “boss of the pulpit,” it is high time that we assemble where God alone is the recognized head of his church. We are only a few, but are expecting the Lord to carry forward his own work in his own way and we ask an interest in the prayers of the saints everywhere

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that even south London may arise, ere it is to late, and shake herself free from the bands that bind her so firmly to their old traditions, and stand only upon, the word of God. Your brother in the one body, saved and kept by the power of God,

W. A. Wille,

85 Henslow Road East Dulwich.

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Teegarden, Ind., Apr. 29, 1895.

Dear Saints: God bless you all. I am glad that we can report victory over all the powers of the enemy. The meeting here at Shiloh Chapel, was a real victory for God. There were six consecrations, and others desired the prayers of God’s children. The church was much strengthened and settled on the rock Christ Jesus, for which we do praise God with all our hearts. There were two buried with Christ in baptism yesterday, after which in the evening about thirty-two happy saints took part in the washing of each other’s feet, and partaking of the emblem of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. God fulfilling his word wherein he says, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them, Jno. 13:17. Praise God! We expect, Lord willing, to begin meeting about the eleventh of May, near Wakarusa, Ind. at the Brennaman school house, to last as long as the Lord wills. Pray much for us, and that souls may be saved. Your brother and sister saved and kept by the power of God,

S. P. and M. J. Strang.

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Denver, Colo , Apr., 30, 1895.

Dear Saints Everywhere: I would report the work in Denver much oftener, but every moment seems occupied. We have meetings every evening in the week and these are opened by singing the sweet songs of Zion on the street and then inviting the dear people in. We have also street meeting on Sabbath after noon; children’s meeting Sabbath morning before morning services. The precious seed is being sown in many hearts. Some pay the price and are blessedly saved. Four were baptized last Sabbath. Some come forward but when they find that they must give up all their idols, tobacco, whiskey, etc., they get up and go away preferring to continue the downward march to their eternal doom, to giving up of their filthiness. We feed all who come (for many are out of work), refusing none; for Jesus refused none, and He is still able to feed the multitudes in the wilderness of sin. He is no respecter of persons. The bank of heaven is unexhaustible. Simply “Ask, and ye shall recieve.” Babylon begs to pay expenses; God supplies all the needs of his people. They need not beg, for their Father owns all the gold and silver, and the cattle on a thousand hills; and all the glory belongeth unto Him. Amen.

John. E. Roberts.

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Mammoth Springs, Ark., Apr. 30. 1895.

Dear Saints: Our work in the Lord continues with much joy. Meetings closed here Sunday afternoon and evening with an ordinance meeting, three o’clock. Baptized twenty-four, after which we repaired to our tent and continued our meeting. Thirty- one participated in the ordinance of feet-washing. Several Methodist priests came to visit us privately. One told us we were a co-worker with Robert Ingersoll; another said that you come-outers have done more harm in ten years than we will ever be able to overcome. (He spoke the truth.) Another told us we were of the devil. Hallelujah! While Baby on raged, God worked through us, praise his name, in enabling us to give them the Word in much love. Eight came out of the M. E. sect, four out of Baptist confusion; twenty-two from the world were born into the kingdom.

We will leave Springfield, Mo., about May 25 to June 1, on our way to Grand Junction to attend camp meeting, by the way of Rolla, St. Louis, and Chicago. Those desiring us to stop and hold a few meetings along the line, especially at Rolla and St. James, as we have felt a leading for some time to those points, will please address us at Willow Springs, Mo.

G. B. Collins,
R. L. Farquar.

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Springfield, O., Apr, 27, 1895.

Dear Saints of God: I arrived home safe from Va., the 19th of March, at which time the meeting at the Saints’ Holiness Chapel, near Springfield, Ohio was in progress. Praise the dear Lord for the privilege of meeting with the dear saints of God at that place, and others that I had never met with from other parts of the country! Had a glorious time praising the Lord together for this great salvation that saves from all sin. The elders were used to the glory of God in teaching of the Word, and there was quite a settling down in the deep things of God. The little ones being more and more established in the present truth. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God! On the 30th of March was called to West Liberty, Ohio. Held a two weeks meeting in the name of Jesus. Six dear souls reclaimed and one healed. To God be all the glory. The meeting closed the 14th of April with an ordinance meeting and a glorious victory for God. The house crowded with attentive listeners, and many could not get in. The Lord did help Bro. B. E. Warren to preach the Word.

I am still praising my God in all things, and am happy to report that I enjoy the grand privilege of so sweetly resting in Jesus justified freely and sanctified wholly by the Holy Ghost; life hid away with Christ in God, sold out entirely to God, ready to labor for God and souls wherever the Spirit of God may lead. As you think of me, pray to God in mv behalf that I be kept humble. Yours in Him,

F. Rosenberry.

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Pellston, Mich., May 3, 1895.

Dear Trumpet Readers: Shortly after we last reported through the Trumpet we received a letter to come to Bliss. We went and after having a few precious meetings with the brethren and sisters at Bliss, we went on to a place about three miles in the country south of Cross Village, at the Geilly school house; and there we had one of the most precious meetings that we have had since we began last fall. We held there about two and one-half weeks. During the time we were there, there were several consecrations and I do not think there was a soul that attended the meeting that was not convicted, and some hard sinners sat and wept, and some that were skeptics gave their hearts to God and rejoiced in the Savior’s love. One old sister who was greatly afflicted with dropsy and rheumatism, and had not been able to get to meeting for six months, asked the Lord to give her strength to come to meeting, and came, though she had to be lifted in and out of the buggy. And the first night the Lord blessed her so that after she got home she walked the floor and praised the Lord. She did not expect to come to meeting right along, but she came; and we let her take a book of Divine Healing, and as she read it her faith increased and finally she called for the anointing according to James 5:15, and the Lord gloriously healed her. Every one who knew her thought it was wonderful, and surely it was the Lord’s doings. We had very little opposition at this place, for the preacher in charge had instructed his people to stay away, and all the opposing elements stayed away. Nevertheless, the house was well filled and the Lord was present. Blessed be his name! We closed the meeting there on Thursday night and came to Bliss. Had a precious meeting on Sunday morning with the church there. Had the pleasure of listening to Bro. Wooden, who came very unexpectedly the night before. We had expected to stay there a few days, but on account of the sad accident at Levering, the death of little Stella Fox, we were sent for to come to Levering immediatly to do what we could to comfort those that were mourning and in great distress; but the Lord soothed and quieted and gave them rest, and may he continue to comfort their hearts, is our prayer. From there returned to Pellston and expect to remain a few days, the Lord willing, and then proceed as he leads. Yours saved in Jesus and kept by his power,

Allie R. Fisher
and Della Gardner.

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Grand Junction, Mich., May 3, 1895.

Dear Saints of God: May sweet peace and joy from heaven rest upon you all continually. Amen. This beautiful May morning finds us saved with victory in our souls. Praise our God! We have been engaged in the work of the Lord for the last five weeks in Milwaukee, Wis., where God has a glorious little German church established and the work is moving forward in the name of the Lord. The nature of the work there is largely that of house to house visiting (personal work), and oh how God did shower his blessings down upon us while engaged in this labor! Hear the word of the Lord: “Behold, I will send for many FISHERS, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them, and after will I send for many HUNTERS and they shall hunt them from every mountain and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.” See Jer. 16:16. Hab. 1:12—17. I verily believe that God will, in the future hold his true workers to do more of this fishing and hunting than has been done in the past. Many of the dear souls whom we visited in their homes were melted to tears as we told them the sweet story of Jesus and his love, and of his ability to save the soul and heal the body. How eagerly did they listen, and how earnestly did they drink in the truth as we read to them the precious promises of his Word! Then they would frequently with tears rehearse to us the story of their life, with its sufferings and disappointments.

I must mention one case, that of Sister Mary Hartman, a dear child of God, whom we found in the hospital in a helpless condition with creeping paralysis, with which she has been affected for six years. She with her husband came from Europe a few years ago and established a home in the city. She then sent back for her sister to come over and live with them. The sister finally came, but instead of becoming a source of comfort and joy to the wife, she supplanted her place in the husband’s affections, which caused her so much sorrow and grief as to bring on the disease mentioned. Her husband is now living with this sister as man and wife, while the lawful wife is deserted and helpless. She requests the dear saints to pray earnestly for her that God will give her grace to bear her suffering or make her well.

We found even some ministers, in the sects, but who are really God’s children, that have seen glimmering rays of the evening light for some time and were looking for it to come, but had never heard of a people who were teaching it as a present fact and reality. How gladly they received the tracts and bought the various books in order to know more about it. Oh, dear ones, pray for the work in that dark, wicked city, where Satan’s seat is. It is one of the greatest beer towns in the world. One brewery alone covering thirty-seven acres of ground. We found also one of the fashionable churches there with a billiard parlor in the basement for the young men. Thus we see the devil is arranging things quite convenient for all classes. The enemy is contending for every inch of ground, but the time has come when the saints take the kingdom and possess it. Praise God forever and ever! Some of the sisters there have been beaten by their husbands because they come to the meetings, and one woman locked up her husband for some time to keep him from coming. Means is needed to carry on the work here, and anyone who may feel the hand of the Lord upon them to supply in this line, address Bro. Fred L. Hahn, 466 16th St. Milwaukee, Wis. Your saved brother,

A. Radebaugh.

TESTIMONY.

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Grand Junction, Mich.

With a heart full of gratitude toward God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and love to all mankind, I will tel once more of the goodness and kindness of my dear Redeemer. Some over two years ago the dear Lore allowed me to testify through the Trumpet of his great saving power, to save a poor sinner like me; and to day I can tell of God’s keeping power from all sin day by day. My soul truly magnifies God when I think what great things the dear Lord has done for me. Bless the Lord, O my soul! God has dealt bountifully with me. God has my heart enlarged and the blessed life of our Lord Jesus is more and more manifest in me daily. My soul is on the increase and on the onward move with Jesus. Bless his dear name! Truly God is love and his mercy endureth forever to them that fear him. The dear Lord moves me out more and more and teaches me to lay hold on his promises by faith, for me as well as for others in humble prayer. And still my soul is longing for a greater forward move and a closer walk with Jesus. And I know others are also stirred to sink deeper into the will of God more than ever before. The Word says, “Seek, and ye shall find; ask, and ye shall receive.” This means not only for salvation, but for all things we need to glorify God. And then we are to come with all our heart, asking, believing, and receiving. God surely will not hear us if we come in a careless way, not desiring with our whole heart those things we need. Paul also says that we are not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit.

If those whom the dear Lord chooses to proclaim his blessed word are slothful in business, which God gave them, they will not have much success in the Lord’s work. The farmer will not have much of a crop when he is careless and will not plow or use the hoe any time or do whatever is to be done. If you, my dear brother or sister in the gospel work, think it is enough for you to preach every night and twice on Sunday, and you spend the other time in a kind of carelessness, not seeking for more knowledge and power from God, not seeking out the needy, not visiting the sick, you do not do your whole duty. It is surely not enough to go on the pulpit with your reference book which you have preached over and over again, depending more on the little book than on God. Do you remember when you gave your first sermon to the people, how prayerful and how humble you were before God, and how God lifted you up, when in fear and trembling you fulfilled your duty? But now you may have boldness through experience, and you may think that you can give the Word anyhow if you do not pray so very much. But is God satisfied with that, my brother and sister? Are you followed with signs and wonders? Are the sick healed? Are devils trembling when you come near them? Or do they say, “Where is your God?” when hands are laid on them? Or are you afraid that they would say, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?” Acts 19:15. Can you say with Paul, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs and wonders, and mighty deeds?” 2 Cor. 12:12. O dear ones, wake up to your duty and privilege in Christ Jesus. And again I ask you, have you made advance in your soul since last camp meeting? Are you more humble? Have you grown in grace and knowledge of the truth of the blessed Word? Or do you let slip what we have heard? Have you put on the meekness of Jesus? Are you seeking more meekness, ye meek? Zeph. 2:3. To the humble he giveth grace. Is your life and conversation more like the gospel of Jesus? Can you say, “Follow me as I follow Christ?” Or must you say, Do as I tell you, but not as I do? Dwells the name of Jesus richly among you in all wisdom?

It is one thing to preach it, and another to live it; but God’s grace is sufficient that we might live what we teach, and be Bible Christians in the full Bible sense. When our lives are fully given up to God and all we have, and we are willing and obedient, oh what joy and peace it brings in our souls! And the Master’s service is sweet! Truly, I can testify to the glory of God, that the more I humble myself before God, in earnest prayer (and if need be in fasting) the more the dear Lord enables me to set a godly example before others, and the more the blessings of the dear Lord rest upon me. Bless his dear name forever and ever! Oh it is blessed to talk with Jesus in secret, and then we can see how God rewards us openly in answering our feeble prayers. The good Lord gave last year through a dear brother at camp meeting a wonderful lesson on meekness, and read us the blessed promises to the meek. A few of them we give here. Psa. 147:6 — The Lord lifteth up the meek; he casteth the wicked down to the ground. 149:4. — For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Psa. 138:6. — Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect to the lowly, but the proud he knoweth afar off. (Read Psa. 37:9, 11, 18, 22, 29.) Mat. 5:5. — Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth. Mat. 18:4. — Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

The dear brother also told us that God told him, “Be humble, my child.” God tells you and me the same, and commandeth us to seek meekness, that we might find grace in the day of his anger. Oh, let us be Christians in the full sense of the Bible, and measure unto the stature of the fulness of Christ as a perfect man. Let us not be shaken, neither let us give place to the devil, but let us press toward the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Let us abstain from all appearance of evil, and let us put on love, and add to our faith as 2 Pet. 1:5-8 tells us, and we shall never fall. One thing more: Have you the necessary wisdom and discernment when you deal with precious souls at the altar? Can you have faith to ask God right there to show you the condition of the soul you are laboring with? Or do you take him through a form of consecration, when he needs to be delivered from the enemy of his soul? Remember, dear ones, we have to give God an account for all we do or say.

May God bless these lines to our good and his glory, and may he enable us to walk closer with him and live more humble before him all the days of our life, that we may not be found wanting. “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully [aright].” 2 Tim. 2:5. Pray for your unworthy brother, that God at all times will have his way with me. Amen. Yours in the one body of Christ saved, sanctified and kept by God’s keeping power.

W. Ebel.

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OBITUARIES.

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FOX. — Little Stella Fox was born Sept. 7, 1884, died April 27, 1895: aged ten years, seven months and twenty days. Dear little Stella was saved a little over a month ago in a meeting we held near her home and gave a bright evidence of her salvation, both by her life and testimony. Though she was naturally a food child, yet she felt her need of Jesus. She was living with her grand-mother, her mother having died when she was an infant. She was very fond of the Shinihg Light and Gospel Trumpet and would always read her paper as soon as it came. She came with her grand-mother to Levering the 27th to visit her aunt, Mrs. McComb, and while sitting on a saw log with other little girls near the railroad track watching the train, the jar of the train started the logs to roll, and she was rolled between them and instantly killed. She leaves a father and brother, and grand-mother and many relatives and friends to mourn their loss, and especially her grand-mother, to whom she was a great comfort in her old age; may the Lord comfort her heart and help her so to live that she will meet her in heaven.

Little Stella, child of patience,
Loving Christ with all her heart,
Though we know that thou art happy,
Yet ’tis sad with thee to part

Gone to dwell with Christ in glory,
Gone to dwell forevermore,
Singing with the happy angels
Over on that blissful shore.

Nevermore we’ll hear thee singing
Happy songs of Jesus’ love,
Till our voices blend together,
In the realms of Christ above.

Funeral services by Allie R. Fisher.

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Can We Fall?

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[continued.]

ELECTION, OR PREDESTINATION.

This is another doctrine of devils from the pit, the way some people teach it. The same class of people that teach the abominable delusion, that a person cannot fall after being saved from sin, also teach this falsehood of their father of lies; that a certain portion of the human family is chosen, or elected to life eternal, and the remainder to everlasting punishment. Even before the foundation of the world, the arrangements were made, and every man appointed to his place, and must go to the same. It does not matter how people live, how much they pray and seek the Lord; if they have not been elected from the beginning, they cannot be saved. And it matters not how wicked a man may be, what bloody crimes he may commit; if he has been elected he will be saved, and cannot help himself. “What is to be, will be,” no difference what happens.

Any one with common sense and reasonable judgment, can see at once that this is a doctrine from the pit of hell, unless utterly blinded by the deceptious spirit of anti-christ. Such a delusion is only instituted by Satan and his followers, and intended to ease the conscience of men and women in this world, and ensnare their souls in this net, and drag them down to a never-ending lake of fire.

Now, let us notice a few texts of scripture, proving that every man is a free moral agent, and has power given him to make his own choice.

Josh. 24:15. “Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.” Deut. 30:15. “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil.” David said, (Psa. 119:30.) “I have chosen the way of truth.” Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life.” Jno. 14:6. “The Lord is not willing that any should perish.” 2 Pet. 3:9. “Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mat. 11:28. And the Spirit and the bride [church] say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely. [God will not hinder any one.] Rev. 22:17. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10. “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.” Deut. 30:19.

All these, and many other places show plainly that every man has a chance, if he would only comply with the terms, and accept the offered mercies of God.

It is true, we find other scriptures that are not so plain, and many people trying to pry into things that do not concern them, wrest (twist) such scriptures to their own destruction. 2 Pet. 3:16. I am willing to admit that there are a few texts that seem to teach that certain ones were hardened, and could not be saved, etc. But we find by searching carefully, that there was always a reason on their part that caused it to be so. All who know the Lord, know him to be a God of truth. Jer. 10:10. Jno. 17:17. “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.” Rom. 3:4. “His judgments are according to truth.” Rom. 2:2. Therefore, let us not barter our time away trying to learn something that does not concern our soul’s salvation, but suffice it to know that there is no lie of [in] the truth [God’s word]. 1 Jno. 2:21. And it is impossible for God to lie. Tit. 1:2. Heb. 6:18. Then let us be sure that we do not explain something “hard to be understood” (2 Pet. 3:16.) in such a way as to make it contradict some plain declarations in other places, thereby making a lie in the word of God.

There is no doubt that God fully intended to have a holy people, (Deut. 7:6.) even before he made man. “Hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without blame, before him in love.” Eph. 1:4. He created man holy — “in his own likeness” — in the beginning. Gen. 1:27. And since the fall, he has arranged a plan, whereby we can be redeemed, bought back and made holy again. Isa. 35. Luke 1:73-75. All this proves that God fully intended to have a holy people, even from the beginning. 2 Thess. 2:13. But I never saw a predestinarian — so-called — yet, that had salvation, and it seems that there must be something wrong and deceptive in their doctrine; because the doctrine (gospel) of Christ saves people when they believe and obey it. Rom. 1:16. 6:17, 18. Therefore, any thing that will not save people from sin, is not the doctrine of Christ, but of men and the devil. Tit. 1:14. 1 Tim. 4:1, 2.

WHOM HE WILL, HE HARDENETH.

Rom. 9:18. “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will, he hardeneth.” This, and a few other similar texts, they (predestinarians) use as part of a foundation to base their delusion upon. Now read Heb. 3:7-13. “Wherefore, (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your [own] hearts,” etc. How do people harden their hearts? Ans. — “Lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Ver. 13.

“And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Heb. 3:18, 19. How does God harden people’s hearts? Ans. — 2 Thess. 2:11, 12. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie [some false doctrine], that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” So we can see that they could not enter in (be saved) because of unbelief.

Here we have two texts by the same writer (Paul), stating that sin and unbelief, or love for sin and unrighteousness, and none for the truth, will harden people’s hearts. One text says that God did it, and the other one says, “Harden not your [own] hearts.” But we see the real cause is sin, and unbelief, which is the result of people rejecting and disobeying the truth, and striving against the Spirit of God, which is, indeed, very dangerous. All who reject the gospel, will have to meet the same in the judgment, (Jno. 12:48.) and of course they will be condemned by it. Jas. 2:10. Hence we find that it depends upon the choice that the people make, and what kind of a life they live in this world, where they will spend ETERNITY.

I was talking with a man (predestinarian) since I have been preaching the gospel, and I asked him to come to meeting. He said he would if it was the right kind. I told him I was preaching nothing but gospel. Says he, “I know you; you are one of those fellows that teach people that they can live without sin.” (Not the right kind for him.) I told him the Bible taught the same; and he remarked that his Bible said that “man is born to sin, as the sparks fly upward.” And he looked about half an hour, with a complete Concordance to assist him, and then got angry because he could not find it. He was one of those hardened fellows. Some may ask, Why? It is because he would not believe the truth, but took pleasure in sin; and wanted to find something to justify himself in the same. Therefore, God just let him and the devil (his father) fix up that delusion for a refuge. And he declared to the last that it was in the Bible somewhere. Nearly all who make a hobby of “election,” are generally ready to picture some (unknown) route to heaven by the way of SIN.

“They have made a covenant with death [for the wages of sin is death], and with hell are they at agreement: when the overflowing scourge shall pass through [they think] it shall not come unto us; tor we [are the elect] have made lies [Satan’s scripture] our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.” Isa. 28:15.

But, praise God! when judgment is laid to the line, and righteousness [not sin’ to the plummet, the hail [God’s word] shall sweep away the refuge of lies [homemade scripture], and the water shall overflow the hiding places. Ver. 17.

Men love darkness rather than light [truth and righteousness], because their deeds are evil. For every one that doeth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Jno. 3:19, 20. Hence, we can see that by the preaching of the gospel, people reject it, and thereby become hardened.

The preaching of the gospel is ordained of God. Mark 16:15, 16. 1 Cor. 9:14, 16. In that sense God hardens people’s hearts, because every time a person hears the gospel preached, and refuses to obey it, he gets harder-harted. But each one has power to receive and believe the truth. I Jno. 3:23. Heb. 11:6. Jas. 1:22. Therefore, through love for sin, and not willing to comply with the terms of the gospel, and be saved, they are “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hence, they are responsible for themselves.

Of all the hardened people in the world, the “HARDSHELLED PREDESTINARIANS” are the hardest that I have ever met. Some call them hard-heads, but I think hard- hearts would be more appropriate, as they will not believe the truth. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine, the commandments of men.” Mat. 15:7-9.

Some say they were saved more than eighteen hundred years ago, and still sinning every day; and declare that they cannot do any better. They are surely looking for help from the wrong source. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13. Praise his name! He saves us from our sins. Mat. 1:21. “Saves to the uttermost all that come unto God by him.” Heb. 7:25. His blood cleanseth us from all sin. 1 Jno. 1:7. “We are more than conquerers through him that loved us.” Rom. 8:37.

Thos. Carter.

(To be continued.)

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FIFTY SCRIPTURAL OBJECTIONS TO SECTS.

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1. No sect whose foundation is Christ.

Christ is the foundation of the church. Matt. 16:18. 1 Cor. 3:11. Eph. 2:19, 20.

2. No sect whose head is Christ.

Christ is the head of the church. Col. 1:18. Eph. 5:23.

3. No sect was built by Christ.

Christ built the church. Matt. 16:18.

4. No sect is owned by Christ,

Christ owns the church. Matt. 16:18.

5. No sect builds up the work of Christ.

But builds confussion. Jas. 3:14, 15. 4:1.

6. No sect whose door is Christ.

Christ is the door to the church only. Jno. 10:9.

7. No sect is the body of Christ.

The church alone is the body of Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23.

8. No sect discerns the body of Christ.

If so it would cease to exist. 1 Cor. 12:18, 25.

9. No sect is subject to Christ

The church only is subject to him. Eph. 5:24.

10. No sect is any benefit to the church.

Division is unscriptural. 1 Cor. 1:10. Jno. 17:21, 23.

11. No sect can take members into the church.

That belongs to God only. Acts 2:47. Jno. 10:9.

12. No sect can put members out of the church.

That belongs to God only. Jno. 15:2.

13. No sect inside the church.

Christ and his body are not divided. 1 Cor. 1:13. Eph. 4:4-6.

14. No sect inside of heaven.

Nothing impure can enter. Rev. 21:27. 22:15.

15. No sect whose gates are praise.
16. No sect whose walls are salvation. This only is true of the church. Isa. 26:1. 60:18.
17. No sect ever saved a soul.
18. No sect can save a soul.

God does this through Christ only. Acts 4:12.

18. No sect but was built by man.

The church is the exclusive structure of Christ.

1 Pet. 2:5. Heb. 3:6.

19. No sect but has man for its head. Christ only is the head of the church. Eph. 1:22.
20. No sect but was named by man.

The church has hut one name. Eph. 3:14, 15.

21. No sect measures up to the Bible standard.
22. No sect believes all the Bible.
23. No sect keeps all the commandments.

This can be done by the church only. 1 Tim. 3:15. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

24. No sect but is guilty of division.

The church is not divided. 1 Cor. 1:13. Eph. 4:16.

25. No sect contains all Christians.

The church does. Jno. 10:9. Eph. 2:16-18.

26. No sect is free from sinners.

The church is. Acts 2:47. Eph. 5:27.

27. No sect would accept the discipline of another.

The church knows no other to accept. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

28. No sect can stand in the judgment.

The church only can stand. 1 Jno. 2:16, 17. 1 Cor. 3:13.

29. No sect but loves the world.

This is forbidden. 1 Jno. 2:15.

30. No sect but strives for members.

The church strives for souls and a higher object than members. Phil. 1:27.

31. No sect but has other conditions, of membership than salvation.

Otherwise it could not exist.

32. No sect but has made its own doors.

Otherwise it could not be joined.

33. No sect but opens and closes its own doors.

Otherwise everybody could join it.

34. No sect but has two doors; one to take in, one to expel members.

Otherwise none could be expelled.

35. No sect but must take in its members.

Otherwise it would have none.

36. No sect could exist if it did not.

Its existence depends upon its members.

In the church man cannot take in nor expel members. Cannot open nor shut the door. Acts 2:47. Jno. 10:9 Rev. 3:7, 8 Jno. 15:2.

38. No sect but takes in sinners.

There are none in the church.

39. No sect on earth is pure.

The church is.

1 Pet. 2:5, 9, Heb. 3:1 Tit. 2:14.

40. No sect preaches Christ only.
41. No sect could exist if it did.

If so, there be no knowledge of sects. Mark. 16:15. Gal. 1:8, 9. 2 Tim. 4:2.

42. No sect lives up to its own discipline.

Having a form of godliness. 2 Tim. 3:5. Tit. 1:16. Rom. 2:20-24.

43. No sect glorifies God.

Divisions are unsoriptural. 1 Cor. 1:10.

44. No sect could exist if all were sanctified.

For then all would be a unit and free. Heb. 2:11. Isa. 10:27.

45. No sect but imposes burdens.

Which is unsoriptural. Jno. 8: 32, 36.

46. No sect but teaches error.

Christ only should be taught. Matt. 15:9.

47. No sect but loves pre-eminence.

This belongs only to Christ. Col. 1:18.

48. No sect but keeps changing its own laws.

The law of Christ is unchangeable. Matt. 24:35. 1 Pet. 1:25.

49. No sect but has dissatisfied members.

In Christ all are satisfied. Col. 2:9, 10.

50. No sect but is doomed to destruction.

The church only can stand. 1 Jno. 2:16, 17. Rev. 18:4.

J. W. Byers.

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TESTIMONIES.

“Thy Testimonies are Wonderful.” – Psa. 119:129.

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Jeffersonville, Ky.

Dear Saints: I am praising the Lord for victory over all sin. The Lord saved me about one year ago when Bro. Thos. Carter was at this place. The Lord healed me from the use of tobacco, also delivered me out of sectism and took sectism out of me. I desire the prayers of all God’s people.

J. H. Long.

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Corinth, Mich.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: During the meetings that were held here I was fully saved and sanctified, through the blood of Christ. Praise his holy name forever! No mortal knows the joy and peace it brings, to the soul, and I pray day and night that others may see the light and come to Christ before it is too late. May God bless all the saints throughout the land and keep them in the straight and narrow way, that they may live true to the cause of Christ and undefiled before the world. Your sister in Christ,

Mrs. Stella Horton.

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Grove City, Pa.

Dear Saints of the Most High God: Grace be with you, and the peace which surpasseth all understanding grant you to be like-minded. I am glad to tell you, dear readers of the GOSPEL TRUMPET, that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven my sins and has brought me out into the marvelous light of the gospel of Christ, he has put a new song in my mouth, newthoughts in my mind, instilled new motives within me, and enables me to walk in his foot-steps, and do the whole will of God perfectly. I do thank God that he ever gave his Son for us, that he was willing to leave the throne of his majesty and come down into this wretched and sin- cursed world, to suffer and die on the cross that we might not perish, but believe on him and be saved from the awful death that awaits the wicked. When we think of the infinite love of God to us, can it be possible that we can praise him enough for what he does for us? Your brother in the one body of Christ, saved and sanctified.

W. J. Perrine.

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Tekoa, Wash.

Dear Saints of God: This morning finds me saved, sanctified, and healed, praising God for salvation and victory. I have been serving the Lord only nine months and that short time has been more precious to me than all my life before. Praise his holy name! After I was saved the dear saints of God were holding camp meeting in a grove about twenty-miles from home, and father, mother, brother and two sisters went to the meeting and they accepted the truth. And I went to the meeting and I saw that there was more for me. I was convicted for sanctification; I went to the altar, gave up everything and placed it on the altar, Christ Jesus, and he sanctified me wholly. Praise his dear name! The dear Lord has called husband and I out into the work. Pray for us, that we may always do his will. From your sister, saved and sanctified,

Maudy L. Moys.

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Zanesville, Ind.

I feel to greatly rejoice in the name of king Jesus for the salvation of my soul from all sin, and that I am in possession of the Holy Spirit, and it has taken possession of me, to lead, guide, and direct in the way of all truth. What a grand and high invitation to be called unto the marriage supper of this great King! Was there ever a king beside the King of the saints who made such a wide-spread invitation to a marriage feast? “Anc the Spirit and the Bride say’ Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” I wonder if all who read these lines esteem this invitation as they should. Oh I am so thankful that he called to me to come, and that I ever heeded his voice, and am no longer hungering after the husks that the swine fed upon, but am seated at Father’s table which is loaded with every good thing for his children to enjoy. I have not the least desire to return to Egypt again (which is bondage and sin) to eat the garlics and onions, and leeks. Oh, no, thank God! I have something better. I have taken possession of my inheritance, in the land of Canaan. And the clusters of grapes from Eshcol are large, and the land flows with milk and honey. We have a satisfying portion. No longer hungrying and thirsting after righteousness, for I am filled, yea, with good measure; for the cup runs over. Glory to his holy name! And now my highest ambition is while I live to work for Jesus who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. My earnest prayer to God is that he will help us train our children for heaven. Oh the joy, the satisfaction it gives, to see these little ones on the way to glory with us. It is such a help and comfort, in time of sickness and trial to have these little ones lift their voices to God, in earnest prayer for his help. Pray for me. Your sister,

Viannah Crites.

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New Buffalo, Mich.

Dear Saints of God: I feel that it will be to the glory of God to tell you what he has done for me and mine. The Lord first saved my soul some five years ago through the influence of a dear cousin, the only one of us that really did serve the Lord. I did not belong to any denomination, but felt that I did want to belong to something, but did not believe she was on the right way. But she loved me dearly and kept praying the Lord that he would save my soul, and the Lord answered prayer, praise his holy name, and saved my soul; and oh how happy I was! At night I would sit up in bed and wish for the Lord to come and make an end of this world, as I did not care for it any more. But I lived in a place, where there were no children of God, and had never met any, and my cousin I did not see very often as she did not live in the same place that I did. And that made it very hard for me; so I lost little by little, and I feared I was not saved any more. But I was determined to be all the Lord’s, for I knew that that was the only way to heaven. And last June for the first time I attended the camp meeting of the saints, and there I gave myself all to the Lord, and I intend to remain all the Lord’s, come what may.

There are no children of God here. The evening light has not been preached here yet. I hope the Lord will send some one. Some few weeks ago my baby took very sick with abscess in the head. She has been troubled with it all winter, I kept on spraying it out, for it would break and then run out of her ear. She suffered awfully with it, and that was all the doctor could do for it, telling me always to spray it out, and then put a little sweet oil in it. But it keep on breaking so much that I feared she would lose her hearing. So I thought I would take the Lord for her, and I wrote to the Trumpet Office, requesting prayer for her. I recieved a letter from Bro. Byrum stating that they would have special prayer for her. By that time her cheek was quite big already, so I thought that I would not write any more as they would pray that the Lord would heal her from all her sicknesses. And I kneeled down and prayed with them for her at the same time. I believed that the Lord would heal her and, praise his name, he has healed her. The swelling went down little by little, and in a few days it was all gone. Oh, I must say praise the Lord for all the good that he does do to those that love him! He also healed my other two children of scarlet fever so quick that people could not believe they had it. Still they were forced to believe it because we had a doctor and he told them that they had it.

Dear saints, do pray for me that the Lord will sink me deeper and deeper into his holy will, that I may stand firm unto the end. From your saved sister,

Mrs. Mary Snyder.