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The Gospel Trumpet
Volume 21 - Issue 06 - February 7, 1901
(Articles of interest only)
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When Jesus Found me.
By Isabel C. Byrum.
A lonely, sad and aching heart,
I carried in my breast,
When Jesus came inviting me
To comfort, peace, and rest.
I knew I oft before had tried
To be a Christian true,
And walk the strait and narrow way,
As Christians all must do.
But failures were on every hand,
My strength would always fail,
Because it was my own, you see
God’s only, can avail.
And now, dear Jesus, reign supreme,
In this poor heart of clay;
Make it thy humble dwelling-place
Till time shall pass away.
My heart is full of love for thee,
Thou art my strength, my all;
And if I true to thee remain
I nevermore shall fall.
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SANCTIFICATION.
By J. W. Byers.
XIV. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Question. Can a person lose the experience of sanctification?
Answer. Yes, it is possible to lose it.
This experience does not place us beyond temptation. It only fortifies us more strongly against the world, the flesh, and the devil, and greatly diminishes the probability of falling.
Question. Does not the word of God teach that “Whosever abideth in him sinneth not;” and “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin?”
Answer. Yes; this certainly is true. There is no possibility of sinning in Christ. It is only when a person gets out of Christ that it is possible to commit sin. The term “born of God” includes both the justified and sanctified. No justified person can commit sin and retain the justified experience; therefore, no one who is born of God and retains this divine relationship in him will sin. Every one who commits sin must do so outside of this life in God. The apostle John says, “Whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him,” which signifies that in the act of committing sin a person gets entirely outside of Christ. In such an act he has not seen, nor known him. The apostle also says concerning those who are born of God that they “can not sin,” because they are “born of God.” This statement agrees with the one just quoted, and proves that it is not possible to commit sin in Christ; but it does not infer that it is not possible to get out of Christ and commit sin. The expression “can not sin” simply signifies that there is no disposition in the heart to commit sin. We are constrained by love to him who gave his life for us, to do nothing to displease him. We have the privilege and power to displease him if we will, but we have no will to do so. We “can not” do it and abide loyal to him. A mother may be requested to take a weapon and slay her child, but she at once answers, I can not! Yea, she can if she will; but the answer would in every case be repeated “I can not!” It is not difficult to see why she can not do such a deed. She has no disposition to do so, even though she has the power to do it. Her love for her child renders it impossible so long as that love continues.
Question. Can a person be restored to this experience of sanctification if it should be lost?
Answer. Yes; by complying with the conditions; but the same act of sin which would cause us to lose our experience of sanctification would also forfeit our justification, and bring us into condemnation. Therefore the conditions necessary to get back into Christ would be: first, repentance and faith; then by a definite consecration or a renewal of our consecration which has been broken, and a definite faith in the all-cleansing blood of Christ we will be restored to sanctification.
Question. In case a person shall unfortunately sustain such a loss, how long would it take to become restored?
Answer. Just as long as it would take to meet the conditions. No one in such a case should wait an hour, but knowing just what conditions are required, they should be complied with at once.
Question. How can we understand the seventh chapter of Romans to harmonize with the doctrine of holiness?
Answer. From the seventh verse of this chapter the apostle describes his experience when under the law, before he had been brought into the grace of God. From the seventh to the fourteenth verse he speaks of his experience, making use of the past tense. From the fourteenth verse through the rest of the chapter he makes use of the present tense, but still continues the description of his past experience.
It is held by holiness-opposers that this chapter is a description of the apostle’s experience under grace, and that this is the highest possible experience attainable in this gospel dispensation. But such an experience is not consistent with grace at all. If this were all that grace can do, there would be no encouragement in it for any one to accept. No sinner could do worse than the experience described here, except that he might deliberately choose to sin and do everything wrong. This chapter describes the sinner as having a desire in his mind to do right but no power within him to carry out his desires, in any respect. He is awakened to the requirements of the law of God, but finds that he is held fast by another law which holds him with such power as to render him helpless, utterly helpless, to do anything good. This does not apply to the justified experience under grace. It applies perfectly to that under the law, because the Mosaic law had no other power, nor design, than to awaken the conscience; and this is just what he apostle here describes concerning himself: “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” Romans 7:9. He died in trespasses and sin. This was the condition of all men under the law, and this is where grace found the world. “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” Romans 3:19.
Question. Is every child at birth sinful by nature?
Answer. The race of mankind has descended from Adam through Seth, who was born not in the image of God as Adam and Eve were created, but in the image and after the likeness of Adam as he was after the fall. It is evident that our first parents lost the image of God through their disobedience, and it is also evident that this image of God has never been regained through the first Adam. The word of God plainly teaches us that Christ the second Adam is the image of God, and by the power of his redemption grace he will restore this image to every son and daughter of Adam’s race who will meet the conditions for the same. The first Adam is depraved and a sad failure. He has no power within himself to change his moral condition. The second Adam (Christ) is a glorious success. He possesses all the moral characteristics of purity and holiness that the first Adam did before the fall, and also has the power to impart this image of God to all who come to him.
The image of Adam is entailed upon the race through the fall, and evidently, though mysteriously, affects mankind through the natural law of generation. The image of God is provided for the race through redemption in Christ, and is imparted to each individual through the divine law of regeneration and its accompanying grace. It is compatible with the word of God, with reason, and with observation that every child born into this world through the natural law of generation, very early in life in a greater or less degree manifests some of the characteristics of this image of Adam. Just how, when, and where the child partakes of this nature would be a subject of conjecture and speculation. The psalmist says he was conceived in sin and shapen in iniquity (See Psalms 51:5) and according to the condition of the unregenerate world this is as true to-day as it was in the days of David. The innocent child, of course, is not accountable for this inward condition of its nature, but as it grows to the age of accountability it becomes and easy prey to the powers of sin because of his condition. While innocent it is unquestionably acceptable in the sight of God and comes under the provisions of the redemption of Christ unconditionally; for “sin is not imputed where there is no law.” Romans 5:13. The apostle says “I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” Romans 7:9. He no doubt had reference to the innocent period of his life. The principle of sin was in his nature, but “without the law sin was dead;” it had no power to bring him into condemnation. As soon, however, as he became able to know what the law required of him, sin revived and made him a transgressor by causing him to disobey the commands of God. There is no room to question the fact that sin was in his nature; for he plainly states it so, and the expression “sin revived” indicates that it had been in him during the period of his innocent state.
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“Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.” “A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.”
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A Sinless Life.
By Thomas Nelson.
There is no doctrine in the word of God which is of so much importance as the one that teaches that man must live a holy and sinless life, or that Jesus saves and keeps his people from sin in this present evil world; yet there are many precious souls who think that such can not be, and there are others claiming to live a holy or sinless life who are far from doing so. This is reproach on the cause of Christ, and a great hindrance to the workings of his Holy Spirit. As all true Christians desire the salvation of souls and the advancement of the kingdom of God, we should do all we can to better the conditions of things; and surely if the Word teaches we can and must live without sin if we expect to enter heaven, none of us will want to be among those who fight the word of God, which is only to fight our own interests and at the same time the means of keeping others away from God.
We will now see that the Bible teaches that man by the grace of God can live without committing sin, and that people have been, and can be made free from sin in this present world. In John 8:36 Jesus says, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” This freedom was freedom from sin; for in the 24th verse we read: “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant [slave or bondman] of sin.” Then in the 36th verse Jesus tells us that he came to make man free from the bondage or slavery of sin. This is just what the prophet Isaiah foretold concerning him. “He [God] hath sent me [Jesus] to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isaiah 61:1. The New Testament also plainly teaches that the mission of Jesus in this world was to save and make men free from sin. “And she [Mary] shall bring forth a son, and thou [Joseph] shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21. “But now once in the end of the world hath he [Jesus] appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Hebrews 9:26. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” 1st John 3:5. “For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1st John 3:8.
This makes it very plain that Jesus came to save from, take away, and destroy sin. When he removes the condemnation and guilt of sin by pardoning the penitent sinner he also says, “Go, and sin no more.” John 8:11. And he will give grace to obey his commandments. “Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14. How different this sounds from the doctrine that sin shall and must domineer over us as long as we live and that there is no way of escaping from its tyrannical rule while in this world. Also in the 18th and 22nd verses of the same chapter Paul plainly teaches freedom from sin: “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” “But now being made free from sin, and become the servants of God.” Now if Paul taught and testified to freedom from sin, why should there be objections to us doing so? Surely in the light of reason and truth there can be none.
We will next notice that we can not be Christians and commit sin at the same time. We have seen that he who commits sin is the servant of sin (John 8:34), and Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:24 that no man can serve two masters; therefore if we can not serve two masters at the same time, and he who commits sin is the servant of sin, it is impossible to serve God when we are committing sin. God wants no sin to be committed, but his works are all works of righteousness. Sin is the devil’s work (1st John 3:8); therefore when we commit sin we are not serving God but the adversary of our souls. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servant to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death [The wages of sin is death.] or of obedience [to God] unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16.
We can not commit sin and be in Christ at the same time. “He that saith he abideth in him [Christ] ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.” 1st John 2:6. Let us notice how Jesus walked. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1st Peter 2:21, 22. So to abide in Christ we must walk as he walked, and to do this we must commit no sin. To this agree the words of the apostle John: “Whosoever abideth in him [Christ] sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” 1st John 3:6. We can not be children of God and sin at the same time. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning . . . Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; . . . In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil.” 1st John 3:8-10. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” 1st John 5:18.
We have now seen that Christian people can and do live a sinless life. We will next notice why people oppose this vital Bible doctrine. One reason is that people interpret the Bible according to their own experience. Jesus tells us that many who profess to be his followers in this world will be found wanting in the day of judgment (Matthew 7:21-23), and Peter tells us that false teachers would arise and many would follow their pernicious ways; by whom the way of truth would be evil spoken of. 2nd Peter 2:1, 2. This shows us that a great number of those professing Christianity are out of Christ and without the real experience of salvation; and it is certain that this class of people can not live without sinning more or less every day, in thought, word, and deed, and as they are unwilling to think themselves beneath the standard of Christianity, they try to lower the Bible standard from a sinless life to one low down in sin, by saying none can live free from committing sin in this world. Many of them may be honest, but having been deceived by false teaching and made to believe they are Christians while living in sin and without the grace of God, even the plain teaching of the New Testament becomes obscure to them because of the veil of deception which covers their spiritual understanding, and they are even made to believe the Bible standard of Christianity is a life of sin instead of a life of righteousness.
I remember of once hearing a man testify that no one could be perfect or sinless in this life. Afterwards I learned how he became a Christian(?). He heard a preacher who had been a missionary to India telling some pitiful things that had happened in that country; he then arose and said, “The brother has touched my heart to-night,” after which he gave the preacher five dollars, and became a member of the “church.” Was it any wonder this man could not live without sin, and while judging from his own experience did not believe any one could do so, when he was without Christ in his heart? It is not man in his own strength who can live a sinless life, but it is Christ who is our life (Colossians 3:3, 4) and lives in and through his people, who are abundantly able to live a holy life. Let us hear the testimony of the apostle Paul on this subject: “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.” Galatians 2:17. Do you not see, dear reader, that if you claim to have Christ dwell in your heart, while you are committing sin, you virtually say Christ is a sinner.
Others oppose the doctrine because they do not understand what sin is. They are really saved, but having been taught that it is impossible to live without committing sin, when asked if they commit sin, they answer, “Yes;” but if asked what they do they answer, “I do not know.” Now it is impossible to commit sin and not know it; for to sin is to knowingly transgress the law of God, either by commission or omission. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17. Some of these dear ones hold we can not be tempted without sinning. This is not the case; for in Matthew 4 we read of Jesus being tempted of the devil and we also read that he did no sin. It is not until we stop resisting the devil and accept his evil suggestions into our hearts that we are guilty of sin in the sight of God, but all who knowingly do wrong or leave undone their duties toward God and their fellow man are sinners and, as we have seen, can not be children of God until they lay aside their profession and their sins and find pardon and grace to live a holy life.
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Christ Our Sabbath of the Gospel Dispensation.
By P. T. Everton.
There is no subject more shamefully abused by the sectarian world to-day than that of the Sabbath. Some are clamoring for the seventh day as the present Sabbath of the Lord, and are thus trying to bring us under the jurisdiction of the old law. Others are trying to prove Sunday, or the first day of the week, to be the antitype of the old, hence the gospel Sabbath. But a little reasoning from the sacred volume will prove these theories to be based upon rather sandy foundations that will not stand the storm of truth. Law-teachers in trying to prove these doctrines from a New Testament standpoint generally quote Matthew 5:18 and 1st John 5:3. These seem to form the fundamental part of their argument outside the old covenant. But let us investigate these scriptures with the sole purpose of ascertaining the truth that lies hid within them.
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17, 18. Notice carefully the language in verse 17 “I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” From this we learn that a part of Christ’s mission to earth was to fulfill the law, of which he said not one jot or tittle would pass until he had accomplished his purpose. So we find that Adventists in declaring the law to be of force in the gospel era accuse our Savior of not completing his mission to earth. But we find him saying in his prayer to the Father: “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” John 17:4. And again, while suffering the untold agonies of the cross, we find him saying, “It is finished.” Surely this is enough to convince an hones heart of the false construction they put upon this passage of scripture. Thus their first prop being destroyed by the application of the hammer of truth, let us see if their next will not suffer the same fate.
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1st John 5:3. Upon this they place great confidence, but it is either a lack of discernment or willful ignorance that they do not understand what commandments the apostle John was alluding to; for a little searching of the Scriptures make that very plain. “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet, from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall harken.” Deuteronomy 18:15. “And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him, And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not harken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.” Verses 17-19. Here we find a prophecy foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ, and saying, “Unto him ye shall harken,” and furthermore, that he would speak forth the commandments of God, and whosoever would not hear him, God would require it of them. Again we find a command in the New Testament to the same effect: “While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud over-shadowed them: and, behold, a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matthew 17:5.
So then, dear reader, let us hear Christ in this matter; for I am certain he will clear up the mystery concerning the commandments that are not grievous. “He that rejected me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I [not Moses] have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” John 12:48-50. In the prophecy God said he would put his words into the mouth of the prophet that he would raise up, and that he should speak forth all that he commanded him. Now we find Jesus declaring that he spoke as the Father gave him commandment; so we see that prophecy has been fulfilled to the letter, and Jesus Christ is the Prophet.
Again, Paul says, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.” Hebrews 1:1, 2. Furthermore we find that he has given him “all power in heaven and in earth,” and that “he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” This being the fact, it is easy to see why Jesus took upon him all the authority to say unto his disciples when he commanded them to go forth: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I [not Moses] have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19, 20. Now we ask any one to point us to one commandment of Jesus Christ or his apostles that says, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” Man can search and research the Scriptures from Matthew to Revelation but will never be able to satisfy this desire.
So the New Testament Christians are free from the obligation of observing the seventh day as “a Sabbath unto the Lord,” and Christ is responsible for us not so doing. From the evidence that has already been produced it is easy to understand what commandments are not grievous; namely, those that were given through the “mediator of the new covenant.” “For ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Romans 6:14. “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17. Having now seen the abolition of the old Sabbath and the losing of its sacredness at the coming into force of the “better testament,” the question may arise: Is there still a Sabbath for us under the gospel? There certainly is; for Paul says, “there remained therefore a rest [Sabbath, for Sabbath means rest] to the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9. Notice closely the language … “to the people of God.” This can not mean that the observance of the first day of the week, and a rest from secular labor forms the Sabbath of the new dispensation; for if it did, we find a great part of the civilized world enjoying the Sabbath of God, and some observing it with more strictness than his true saints. So then the Sabbath that remains must be one that only those who believe to the saving of the soul can enjoy.
An antitype is one of which the type is its pre-figuration. By reverting to the old law we find that the old Sabbath was only for the Jews, the chosen people of God. The outside world was unacquainted with and strangers to it; “having no hope, and without God in the world.” Now in order to find its antitype we will have to look for one that the outside world does not enjoy, and is unacquainted with. Can such be found? Yes. Listen: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28, 29. This surely explains the rest our beloved brother Paul had reference to when he said, “There remained therefore a rest to the people of God” not a rest to the body, but a rest to the soul, obtainable only through Christ the true Sabbath of the last dispensation. And now instead of enjoying a Sabbath only one day out of the week we can enjoy it seven days in the week and 365 days in the year. What a glorious rest! Who would not exchange the former for the latter?
Another point worth considering is that the term “Sabbath,” say historians, was never used by the primitive Christians in speaking of the first day of the week, neither by sacred or ecclesiastical writers. For a confirmation of this we will quote: “As the seventh day was observed by the Jewish church, in memory of the rest of God after the works of creation, and their own deliverance from Pharoah’s tyranny; so the first day of the week has always been observed by the Christian church in memory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, by which he completed the work of man’s redemption on earth; and rescued him from the dominion of him who has the power of death. This day was denominated by the primitive Christian the Lord’s day. It was also sometimes called Sunday; which was the name given to it by the heathen, who dedicated it to the sun. And, indeed, although it was originally called Sunday by the heathen, yet it may very properly retain that name among Christians, because it is dedicated to the honor of “The true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,’ of him who is styled by the prophet ‘The Sun of righteousness,’ and who on this day arose from the dead. But although it was, in the primitive times, indifferently called Lord’s day or Sunday, yet it was never denominated the Sabbath; a name constantly appropriated to Saturday, or the seventh day, both by sacred and ecclesiastical writers.” Good, Gregory, and Bosworth’s Pantology, Vol. 10.
From this we should have to conclude that the expression so constantly used in speaking of the first day of the week in our day is of modern invention, and I believe a relic from Babylon which ought not to be used in the church of God. We find the apostle John using the term Lord’s day in Revelation 1:10. This or Sunday (the common name) I believe the most proper to be used when alluding to the day on which our Savior rose. Law-keepers try to prove that John had referred to the old Jewish Sabbath: but we have all the reasons one could desire to believe their argument to be mere fiction; because John certainly understood the passing away of the old law at the coming into force of the new testament. Hence it would be unreasonable to think he would use that expression in honor of a day that had lost its sacredness, and became as any other ordinary day of the week to the Christian sixty-three years prior to that time.
So from all the evidence that can be obtained from the Scriptures or historiographers John had reference to the day on which our Savior rose from the dead, “and became the first fruits of them that slept;” namely, “the first day of the week.”
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The Condition of the Moral Man.
By J. T. Gibbins.
It is the great love I have for my fellow man and for humanity’s sake, that I pen these few lines in the name of Jesus, and I pray God’s blessing to rest upon the same. I was a moral man myself, going to heaven, as I supposed, through my own efforts. My good name or my reputation was my idol. While these are all right in their proper place, we as men should have something better. It is in store for us. Praise God! Now, dear reader, while you may be living in all good conscience and fidelity to the world, yet you are not satisfied; you are longing for something you do not have. Christ says, “You have your reward.” You have no promise of the future, which is worth more to you than all this world’s goods. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36.
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. You no doubt think you are good enough; you say you work for what you get, and pay your bills; you like to see your name in the town paper possibly; belong to the Odd Fellows or Masons, or possibly both; trying to satisfy the feeling of unrest. Did you ever stop to ask yourself the question, Will God accept my opinion of what is right without my searching to see what he has to say to me? I say, Nay, verily. You are looking at some poor, lean professing Christian who is not living up to the light he has, and you condemn the whole gospel of Jesus Christ over possibly that one man or woman, as the case may be, and you console yourself with saying that you are just as good as he or she. That may be true, but you will “both fall in the ditch.” Your condition before God is what should interest you most of all things in this world. Where will you spend eternity? How do you stand? Are you prepared to meet your God? If Christ were to come to-night would he bring joy, or sorrow, to your heart? You are either saved or lost, there is no middle ground to occupy. It is in your power to answer these questions in the affirmative. God wants your life, not your death. Your “righteousness are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6.
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” Romans 10:3. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Verse 4. You say, How can I believe? Our Savior said the same thing, “How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and receiveth not the honor that cometh from God only.” John 5:44. “If any man will do his [God’s] will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 7:17. “Jesus said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15.
Now, my dear reader, if you are not saved you are a sinner in the sight of God. What you believe will not save you unless you obey the commands of the Holy One of Israel. And by the help of God I will prove to you where you stand before God. For, ‘Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? Proverbs 20:9. “The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of me, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Psalms 14:2, 3. “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Ecclesiastes 7:20. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23. “For we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous; no, not one: there is none that understand, there is none that seeketh after God.” Romans 3:9-11. “But the scriptures hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Galatians 3:22. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: . . . Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation.” Romans 5:12-18. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1st John 1:8-10. “For in thy sight shall no man living be justified.” Psalms 143:2. “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” Romans 11:32.
Praise God for the truth! I could go on farther, but I deem this to be sufficient. Now we will show “that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:22), which will redeem you from all the preceding scriptures, so that they will not mean you, and will restore you into the image of God (See Ephesians 4:24) and make you the seed of “Abraham by promise.” Galatians 3:18. “And he [Abraham] received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of faith which he had being yet uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: . . . For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or his see, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” Romans 4:11-13. “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all.” Verse 16. This faith came through Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:22. “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7. “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Verse 29. “We be Abraham’s seed,” “we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16), “and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17.
What a blessed promise! “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; see judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” Isaiah 1:16, 20. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:5. “Repent, and be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38, 39. “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart. . . That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. . . For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For. . . Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. . . For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8, 9. Not by your honest dealings with your fellow man, not by your kindness, not by giving to the poor, or being charitable; not by any of your good works, but by Jesus Christ. “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you I am the door of the sheep. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7, 9. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.
My dear reader, let me exhort you as one that loves your soul: Flee to Jesus, from the error of your way; for you will “be found wanting” in the day of judgment. You must give an account of yourself before God. Romans 14:12. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7, 8. “Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only.” 1st Samuel 7:3. “I have overthrown some of you, . . Yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. . . Prepare to meet thy God.” Amos 4:11, 12. God will not accept your idea of right and wrong. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:21. Oh, turn you! You are lost! God’s word says so. Make a way of escape while it is yet day, and flee from the wrath of a living God, who will take vengeance on all them that obey not the gospel of God. “To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart.” Hebrews 4:7. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2nd Corinthians 6:2. We have no promise of to-morrow. May God bless these few words that are sent forth in the name of Jesus to the salvation of some soul and to the up building of his cause, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
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Work the Works of God.
By W. W. Titley.
We find many who, though they do not cry out in audible voices, are longing to know, like one of old, what they must do to work the works of God, and in their natural state they are quick to grasp any opportunity the fleshly mind may present, that they may ease this voice of conscience by human efforts. In this condition deceptions are presented by crooked teachers and false apostles; and dear souls for whom Christ died are blinded and deceived, so that their case is less hopeful than at first. We are glad we can give you the glorious truth from God that will enable you by his Spirit to work the works of God. “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him [Jesus] whom he hath sent.” John 6:29.
“Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Some one will say, “Yes, but how can I receive faith? How can I believe? I am so submerged in this way of doubts and fears, evil surmising and apprehensions, that I seem out at sea without a compass to direct or a chart to guide.” The mariner at sea in such a condition would be utterly helpless and at any moment might expect an awful wreck upon the rocks, when all his hopes would be cut off and all would perish in the waves, to there await that awful day when the sea shall give up its dead, and they shall be judged by the Bible, about which we talk so much. Truly people are in awful peril when going on in this life, full of desires of the flesh; desires for a great name, worldly gain, ease, earth’s joys and treasures, all of which tend to make our souls more barren and empty and destitute of the one thing needful … God. What a wonderful privilege we have here of knowing God! “Faith cometh by hearing.” Can you not hear him, sinner? “Hearing” cometh by the word of God.
In Jesus’ name, break loose from your worldly pleasures and associates and give God’s word at least a moment’s careful thought each day, and open your heart without reserve to God, and you will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. “Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down). . . The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart, . . . for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:6-10. Fellow traveler to the unseen world beyond, let us determine by the grace of God to be more diligent in the study of the precious Word that has ever been the light of glory to illuminate darkened hearts. God is pleading yet, and the gospel day in all its beauty is shining, revealing mercy’s door ajar and Jesus the Lamb of God saying, “My sheep hear my voice, and . . . follow me.” What an awful time awaits the souls that spurn the offered mercy! When the great day of his wrath shall come, who shall be able to stand? Nothing can tide us over that day but the work of God wrought in our soul by the engrafted word through the eternal Spirit. I pray God to inspire every reader with new courage and zeal to make sure of your soul’s safety. “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Jesus says, “How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another?” John 5:44. This desire for worldly honor is a work of the flesh, and if we give place to it we will hinder the operation of faith. Worldlings and false prophets desire to justify themselves before men, but God knoweth their hearts. “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15. Let us see that we are clean and free from all these hindrances and have on the wedding garment … the spotless robe, which is the righteousness of saints (See Revelation 19:8), giving glory to God who hath created us to this end. “Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1st Corinthians 6:20. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1st Corinthians 10:31.
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Striking At The Vital Point.
Since God has been moving in the great reformation of Bible holiness and the unity and oneness of his people, leading them out of the bondage of sectism, in these last days, the enemy of souls has tried many ways to defeat the plan of the Lord. At first almost all sectism fought holiness, divine healing, unity of believers, etc. As the word of God began to go forth with power and authority people were convinced of the truth, and the devil saw that people could not always be deceived on that line. Sectism began to take it up and organize holiness associations, some of them even inserting it in their disciplines … any way to deceive souls without getting the real experience or walking in the light to keep it.
Divine healing was also bitterly opposed by them until the truth had been preached on that line by holiness teachers, and practiced to such an extent that almost all sectism began to more or less believe in divine healing. However, a greater part of them yet believe that it was only for the days of the apostles. All sects yet oppose the real Bible unity of believers. Many of them have light enough to know that the Word teaches it. They have for years been trying to unite all sectism, but their walls of division are so high that it will never be done. The only way that the prayer of Jesus Christ in John 17 will ever be fulfilled is by getting a full experience of salvation and living it, and walking in the light of the word of God. This will not only take all the Catholicism out of Catholics, Presbyterianism out of Presbyterians, Methodism out of Methodists as they get the experience and walk in the light, but will take them out of all those places and make them one in Christ. Paul says, “Ye are complete in him.” That was the way the church was in the days of the apostles. They were not divided into various sects and creeds. When some one had a bad spirit and was even prominent enough to go about doing wonders, they were dealt with as Simon the sorcerer was by one of the apostles when he was told that his heart was not right with God and he was in the gall of bitterness: and Peter had to come down in very plain terms with Ananias and Saphira, insomuch that it caused the whole church to fear. We read where Paul had to publicly expose those who were causing division and going contrary to the word of God. In 1st Corinthians 5:4, 5 he instructs the brethren how to deal with a certain party. In another place one man became so offensive to the cause of Christ that Paul pronounced a judgment upon him, and the man was smitten with blindness. Some were publicly exposed and the brethren and church in other places warned against them. At one time Paul in writing to Timothy urged him to be true to the faith, and made mention of Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he said he had delivered to Satan that they might learn not to blaspheme.
There is now an element backed up by a pernicious spirit trying to work into this reformation which would call all such work as the apostles did, if done now, human authority, bigotry, human ecclesiasticism, popery, etc. This element is striking right at the vital point; viz., Bible unity of the church. Beware of such. It is working just the same as it did some time ago … the Zinzendorf heresy opposing the true teaching and doctrine of sanctification as a second work of grace. As there were some good brethren who took up with that doctrine, so there are with this. It is clothed with enough truth to make the deception strong. You will find the tenor of it the regular old sectarian views of Bible unity … to be of one mind means, one in intention, one in purpose; or, in other words, it will finally develop to this belief: All professing Christians are aiming for the same place, heaven; you can go this road or you can go that road; you can find the narrow way anywhere and believe about what you please, so you acknowledge Christ.
But we do not find the word of God so teaching. John the Baptist did not even baptize the Pharisees until they showed forth fruits of repentance. Jesus Christ said, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven.” Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews, a great religious teacher, etc., but Jesus gave him to understand that his profession would not take him through. He says, “Ye must be born again.” His knowledge of the law and belief in the Jewish church, etc., was not sufficient. Jesus also prayed in John 17 that the believers might be one even as he and the Father were one; and he said, “That they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” People must come to Bible unity, faith, and doctrine in order to convince the world. Anything short of that is a compromise. Beware of such for your soul’s sake.
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Questions Answered.
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Will the natural man or any part of it be raised at the great day? What sort of body will come forth?
W. H. A.
1st Corinthians 15:35-54 will make this clear. Read it.
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Please explain the words of Jesus: “I am the resurrection.” John 11:25.
W. H. A.
The resurrection depended on Christ. There could have been no resurrection without him. He had power over death, and was resurrect himself, thus making the resurrection possible. Read 1st Corinthians 15:12-23.
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Romans 3:30 “Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.” Please explain the words, “by” and “through.”
We can see no particular significance in there being two different prepositions used, unless it be that the apostle wished to vary his language. The real emphasis is on the words “circumcision” and “uncircumcision;” that is, Jews and Gentiles, as the preceding verses shows. It is on account of faith in both cases that salvation is effected, and it is proper to say either by faith or through faith.
A. L. B.
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A Testimony.
Bangor, Michigan.
As I have been informed that some false reports have gone out about my stand in regard to some point of doctrine, I deem it necessary, in order to stop the mouths of gainsayers, to relate a little of my experience.
First. When I was a wretched sinner, God by his blessed Holy Spirit showed me my condition and gave me a Bible godly sorrow, which led me to a Bible repentance, the forsaking of all sin, and meeting the Bible conditions, which gave me the new birth … the kingdom of God, which is “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,” cleansing me from all my actual transgressions.
Second. At a subsequent period I received light from one of those messengers whom God gave as a teacher for the perfecting of the saints, etc. (Ephesians 4:11, 12), and, after comparing the teaching with the Bible, I found them to agree. This brought me to fully realize that there was something for me not yet attained. I became convicted for that something, and very anxious to receive it; and after carefully studying the word of God on the subject (as I had heard it taught) of entire sanctification, and finding by the Word that God had made provision for it, I began in earnest to seek for it. After meeting the conditions and realizing that I was fully cleansed from sins, and being a member of God’s church, and knowing that Christ gave himself for the church that he might sanctify and cleanse it, etc. (Ephesians 5:25-27), God for Christ’s sake sanctified my nature and cleansed me from inbred sin and that too by a second, definite work of grace, subsequent to and separate from justification, or pardon of actual transgressions. Notice I use “cleanse” in a two-fold sense: first, in justification as pardon or forgiveness of sins; second, in sanctification as purging out or destruction of the carnal nature, or that element called sinful nature … hence the expression “second cleansing.” Now if I have ever dropped any remark that would cause anyone to think that I had gone back on my former teaching it is from one of two causes; either that whoever understood it so lacked comprehension, or that I failed to sufficiently explain, and either of these is possible.
Now, dear brethren and sister, I am aware of the fact that if the devil can not succeed in getting us to accept and teach the anti-cleansing doctrine, he will stir up his imps to circulate falsehoods about us, that he may turn some of you from the truth. But if you have the experience set forth in Ephesians 4:11-14 you will not be tossed to and fro either by falsehoods or even if we should go back on our former teaching. Oh, I do praise God for giving us a Christ “who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” and settled , rooted, and grounded in salvation. Halleluiah to God and the Lamb! I feel glorious in my soul while writing this my testimony. Hoping it may be satisfactory to all concerned, I remain yours and God’s in holy love,
A. B. Palmer.
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A Double Sin.
By J. Grant Anderson.
When the first rays of truth and sunshine began to penetrate the darkness and gloom in this present evening time, men began to see and boldly declare that divisions among Christ’s followers were contrary to the word of God. For a number of years holy ministers ceased not to warn men and women day and night with tears, to “Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul.” Jeremiah 51:6. As people began to discern that their crafts were in danger, they began to cry like the rabble of old, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” Acts 19:34. Persecutions waxed bitter against the kingdom of Christ, the church of the living God. Wonderful signs began to follow those who endured the persecutions, insomuch that the blind received their sight, the deaf began to hear, the tongue of the dumb spake, and the poor man could hear the gospel preached without a season ticket or a reserved seat. But after a while the devil suggested that possibly we were a little too severe or radical upon the sin of sectism, and that if a little more love (so-called) were used, people would not get offended, and better success would be sure to follow. This advice was followed in part and a number of dear ones and some of God’s ministers have drained the dregs of that Babylonish cup, and to-day they wander upon an unknown, uncertain road.
A man can sin against his body and against his soul, but he who teaches men that schisms exist in the body of Christ commits a double sin, which alone, if not repented of, will sink his soul into the flames of an endless hell. There is no greater sin than sectarianism. No greater punishment will or can be meted out to any than those who are guilty of the infernal sectism sin. Selfishness is the latent working principle of all sects. A man, or society of any kind, can not organize into a body without rejecting a part of the word of God, which is a double sin … the sin of addition and subtraction. “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches [namely]; . . . If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues [all 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.” Revelation 22:16-19. “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35. Whoso addeth to or subtracteth from God’s and teacheth men so, will receive all the punishment that is awaiting those who disobey God.
If by reason of some peculiar tenets to which I might give more special prominence than others, I should separate myself from the body of believers and should attempt to organize a sect after the example of the majority of nominal churches of to-day, let us notice the trouble into which I would soon arrive. First I would preach my new schism and probably would soon have a few followers. In order to ascertain how many, I would have their names written upon a book, which would indicate the number in my class. Then we would proceed to arrange our epitome of faith by which we might show and conveniently teach this new doctrine. Believing ourselves to be the true church, the true Zion of God, we would not admit any one unsaved. Next we open our Bible and begin. We open to Psalms 87:5 “And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her.” “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God.” 1st Peter 1:23. “Of his [Jesus’] own will begat he us with the word of truth.” James 1:18. “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” 1st John 5:1. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” 1st Corinthians 12:13. “Who now rejoice in my sufferings . . . For his body’s sake, which is the church.” Colossians 1:24. Now men would be held to meet this requirement, which consists in being born of God, before they could be voted into “our” (newly organized) church. Notice, please, what I propose to do. These are born of the Spirit, which Spirit baptized them into the one body, which Jesus declares to be the church, the Zion of God. I tell them that that is not sufficient; they need a band to hold them together; so I take the members of Christ and make them the members of a harlot by having them voted into my particular society. These scriptures seem to be against me, but I believe them to be non-essential. I then open to 2nd Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” How can I keep salvation and not believe this, or believe and not practice it? This scripture positively declares that the Bible is all-sufficient to guide and make us perfect. But with my selfish spirit to goad me on in trying to establish my own opinion, I overlook this scripture or call it an exception.
Next we turn to Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honorable.” We accept this. James 5:14, 15 “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” This we believe has been abrogated; so we mark it out in spite of Mark 16:17 “And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” If I were truly an honest, unselfish man, I would see that I was subtracting from God’s word, and adding my own opinions. Some one comes along and says, “Show me where the Bible gives you permission to make out a class-book or book of discipline.” Thinking I am answering him cunningly, I reply, “Show me where the Bible forbids it.” Blinded by my selfishness, I can not see that if the Bible is silent upon the subject that surely is an addition to God’s word. The plan of salvation is a success. God’s word is complete and is silent upon no question appertaining to the perfecting of God’s children upon the earth. See 2nd Timothy 3:16.
We next come to the ordinances. In Mark 16:16-18 we read: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; . . . They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” We accept the first clause, but reject the second by popular vote. In the name of Jesus, am I not a subverted of God’s holy word? Next we turn to 1st Corinthians 11:18-25, and John 13:4-17. “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions [margin … schisms] among you, and I partly believe it. For [from what I have heard] there must be also heresies [margin … sects] among you, . . . For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup.” “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet. . . Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to [must] wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. . . If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” How much of this to accept is the question. I find my own little schism condemned in the first part, and the last part we believe has reference to an old Jewish custom, so vote that out; but the Lord’s Supper we will insert into our discipline.
And so I might go on with an imaginary creed-building, if space would permit. As I proceeded, however, the Scriptures would confront me, plainly showing that staked-out circuits, hireling ministers, etc., are all additions to God’s word, and such teachers will receive the plagues written within the same. Oh, may God help men and women to realize the condition into which false teachers have led them, and may they speedily rouse themselves from that deceptive mirage which shuts out the light of heaven and leaves them doubting in this world, and which will leave them naked when called to meet their God. Thousands of God’s true children are to-day yoked up with unbelievers, but God’s fishers are fishing them out and one by one they are coming into this beautiful light which now shines so bright. Then we hear them singing songs of eternal victory, songs of everlasting joy as they return to Zion the church of the living God. If the love of God is in people’s hearts it will hold them together; if not, all the associations, unions, or other societies of earth can not unite them to God or make them one with their fellow man.
The whole Bible, from beginning to end, is against sectism, and he who reads it to get God’s way, instead of proof to a pre-adopted creed, will soon stand in line with the truth, which will cut off both extremes; will give him peace in this life and eternal rest with God.
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News from the Field.
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East Point, Kentucky, January. 21
I am praising God for full salvation in Jesus. We are holding a meeting at the Elkins schoolhouse in Johnson county, Kentucky, and having large attendance. We desire the prayers of the saints that we may do more this year for the dear Lord’s cause than we have in the past. We will go from here to Jeffersonville to the assembly-meeting February. 1-10.
H. F. Dunagan and Wife.
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Mt. Olivet, Kentucky, January. 26.
Again we can report victory in Jesus’ name. Brother Vance and I have just closed a ten-days’ meeting near Mt. Olivet, in the McKinze schoolhouse, with very good results. One old brother sixty-eight years of age came to the altar and was converted. Two more were sanctified. To God be all the praise. Our next meeting will be in Nicholas county, the Lord willing. Any one desiring to correspond with us may address Brother Vance at Jeffersonville and write to me here at Mt. Olivet.
M. N. Roark.
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Hurley, Oklahoma, January. 19.
The meeting closed at Johnson, Indian Territory. The night of January. 15 with victory for Jesus. The Lord manifested his power in straightening up the professors and in sanctifying believers. Also in the healing of the sick. The Lord sent his word forth with power, clearing away prejudice and settling the believers on the doctrine, for which we ascribe all praises to him who has saved us and washed us in his own precious blood. This leaves us in company with Brother A. B. Stanberry, in the Hurley assembly-meeting, with prospects encouraging. Pray for us and the meeting.
William A. Gray.
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McCormick, Missouri, January. 28.
Having had a meeting in Evansville and a few services at different places further north, I came to eastern Missouri and was in a meeting at Victoria, in which several consecrations were made, some for justification and some for sanctification. Also I was in a meeting at De Sotao in which several consecrated. The Lord seems to be working among the people. I am now holding a meeting at McCormic, Missouri. A considerable interest is being manifested among the people. Several are attending that have not attended meeting for years. No doubt they have been disgusted with sectism and discouraged. Those that desire our help please address us at once.
T. E. Ellis.
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Testimonies
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Amenia, North Dakota.
I am still saved and sanctified and the Lord has healed my body, for which I give him all the praise. Our children have all been sick with very sore throats and the dear Lord took care of them. I am so glad I have learned to trust him. We must do his will, be satisfied with his word, and rest upon his promises. We know that he does not tell us anything in his Word only what he means for us to do, and he wants us to be satisfied and not grumble about it. I ask you all to pray for me.
Allie Hall.
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Oakohay, Mississippi.
We feel it to be to the glory of God that we can testify to a free salvation in our souls. It has been almost a year since we first heard the pure gospel preached. Brother L. V. Strickland came here and we got under deep conviction. We kept trusting the Lord until we got peace in our souls. Praise his holy name! We would read the Bible to see if we had to join any church, and we found that there was but one true church. So we waited and trusted the Lord to send some Holy Ghost ministers here, and praise his name! in July Brother Strickland came back and held a ten days’ meeting and we were baptized. We are now living for Jesus. Pray for the Lord to send more laborers here, also for our unsaved parent.
Rosa and Rebecca McCarty.
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North Webster, Indiana.
I am still praising God for a present salvation and complete victory. The dear Lord is strong to deliver and mighty to save. Oh, praise his precious name! I have found it so. I thank God for showing me the true church, the bride, the Lamb’s wife. I am truly glad that I have been privileged to live to see this light, and have found the true saints who worship God in Spirit and in truth. I must say that I am falling in love with this way more and more. God is our refuge and strength. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. Dear ones, let us be encouraged to trust our Father for all things. He is my justifier and sanctifier and I am learning to trust him for my healer. Pray for me and my family, as I am alone in this light in my home and in the community in which I live. I also have afflictions to contend with. May God’s richest blessings rest on us all. Amen.
Mrs. L. Gervard.
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Dracon, Ontario.
For some time past I have felt as though I ought to give my testimony through the Trumpet for the glory of God and the sake of his cause. I am glad to say I am rejoicing in the salvation that Jesus Christ brought into this world for poor sinful man. It is nearly three years since the dear Lord delivered me from all my sins and gave me victory over them through faith in his precious blood. Praise his name forever! Then some time after while seeking the Lord very earnestly for the Holy Ghost, so that I might glorify him and that the root of sin might be destroyed which sometimes casts a shadow over our title, he came into me so that now I can say I am blessed with full salvation. I am glad Christ came to destroy the works of the devil; not to destroy the works of the devil in the world but in those who believe. Amen. I want the prayers of God’s people that I may be kept humble and in his order. Any of God’s people passing through this way and wishing to meet with us, will find a warm welcome. Oh, I praise God for the little band he has called out for his name.
George Fuller.
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Woodburn, Oregon.
We are saved and sanctified and kept by divine power free from all sin and sectism and putting our whole trust in God for both soul and body. We know he is able to supply our every need. Christ said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” I do praise God that he has added divine healing. About six weeks ago our little girl ten years old woke up in the morning crying with pain in her body, arms, and limbs. Her head ached and she had a hot fever. Her throat swelled almost shut, and a number of dark brown spots come upon it. Her tongue also turned a dark brown color. There being no elders present, husband and I obeyed the Word in Mark 16:18 “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Glory be to God! He just touched her with his healing power and healed her immediately. Praise his name forever! Three other children were taken with the same disease, but God in his tender mercy healed them by his mighty power. I do praise the Lord for his goodness and kindness to us in sparing our lives and giving us willing hearts to accept the true light of the pure gospel. Pray that God may keep us low and humble, right down at the blessed feet of Jesus, where we can say, Thy will be done.
J. and C. Vredenburg.
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Laverne, Oklahoma.
My soul doth magnify the Lord this morning for his goodness to the children of men. How glad I am he said through the mouth of the prophet that the evening shall be as the morning, and that I am permitted to live in this evening time. I have been serving the Lord nearly four years and truly it is sweeter than when I began. How wonderful to be able to trust him for our life and for all things! Truly the signs follow them that believe. He has healed me a number of times. About four weeks ago he healed my little girl, thirteen months old, of what we thought was pneumonia. She became so sick I thought the Lord was going to take her home. I examined my consecration to see if I was willing, and from my heart I could say, Yes, Lord, thy will, not mine, be done. I kept on praying and in a little while he said, She shall live. I was awake all that night, and could not sleep the next for praising the Lord. I promised the Lord then I would spend more of my time in serving him. I have done so thus far and he has filled my soul with glory. I am here in the western part of Woodward county, Okla., where the pure gospel has never been preached. We have been here only about one month. If any of God’s ministers feel led to come here they will receive a hearty welcome. Pray that I do his will continually.
Mrs. Hattie Shewmake.
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Chanute, Kansas.
Believing it will be to the glory of God, I send my testimony to The Gospel Trumpet. I truly praise the Lord for his saving power that can save us from all sin and sanctify our natures. Praise the Lord! I was in the darkness of sectism for about ten years. I used to long for something better and at times I would weep and pray to the dear Lord to draw me closer to him, yet I would feel condemned; but “there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus; who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1, 2. I would talk to them that were older Christians and they would always say that we would have to suffer with this Adamic nature; but praise the Lord for full salvation that can keep us from sin and keep our natures sweet, and for the blood that can cleanse our hearts and make them pure and free from the Adamic nature. Praise the Lord for an escape out of Babylon! By reading some tracts and Trumpets, I found that there was a people who seemed to love the Lord and the narrow way. Reading of the camp-meeting at Neosho Falls, last August, the Lord gave us a desire to attend; so sister and myself went to the meeting, and as soon as we got with the saints we found they had something we were looking for but could not find in sectism. The Lord says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7. So by coming to the Lord and seeking with all our hearts we found him. Praise his name! Now we have found the true church and the children of God, for whom the Lord had led me to pray for more than two years, and yet not knowing where they were until now. Bless the Lord! But now we have to do as the Lord bids us in 2nd Corinthians 6:14-18, to come out from among them, which was quite a battle, as we belonged to the Swedish Baptist sect. The dear Lord took out five of us in a short time and still the Lord is working with more of our Swedish brethren. Pray that the Lord may bring them out in the light of the full gospel.
I also praise the Lord for his healing power. We have taken him for our physician. He has healed me at different times, also my husband has been healed of fever and rheumatism, and the children have been healed. Just a short time ago two of the little ones were sick with a very high fever and cough, but we had the baby anointed and the Lord gave us victory over the fever. Praise his name! We can trust him at all times. Pray that I may keep humble and obedient at all times.
Emma M. Johnson.
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Berne, Indiana.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5. Prompted by the Holy Spirit I will write my testimony this morning, as I never have done so heretofore. Truly I praise the Lord for his salvation, which is so wonderful and powerful in filling our souls with joy and peace by simple faith and trust. While feeling called of the Lord to write my testimony this morning the scripture quoted came so forcibly to my mind, which I shall use to accompany my testimony, because it is mightily fulfilled in my case just now. I am grieved over the fact that we have no one here in our town who preaches the word of truth in all its purity. There are those who are most earnest, yet have only a profession, preaching perversely some things in the Word, causing nearly the whole congregation to accept it as the truth, and to accept it as being a good sermon, because the preacher and the congregation have no better understanding. I retired to rest last night committing myself and all cares into the hands of the good Lord and earnestly asking him to fill me with a real spiritual life, and I soon was sleeping. Then the Lord permitted me to have a blessed dream. (I make no hobby of dreams, but the Lord can and will visit us sometimes by dreams in order to bless us or advance his cause.)
I dreamed that I was in a house belonging to a class of people living in our vicinity who deny that we can know when we are saved; yet they search the Scriptures diligently, and evidently show a great zeal to live according to its teachings. In my dream they held their meeting, and while there I heard a young lady tell how the Lord was dealing with her. She manifested a great desire for genuine salvation. I then perceived that the Spirit of the Lord was striving with her, powerfully drawing her to true repentance and faith in Christ Jesus. She seemed to look forward with great anticipation for that blessed and genuine peace which will come only to those who have truly repented of their sins, and believed in Jesus as their personal Savior. This prompted me to rise to my feet at once, and preach to them that real and genuine, and yet so simple, salvation of which the Lord God gives a clear knowledge to all who have truly repented and believed in a personal Savior. I asked that lady whether she wanted that salvation, and with a penitent heart she said, “Yes.” Oh, it was sublime! Then I ceased dreaming.
By this dream I realized forcibly, that it is indeed blessed to be in the service of the Lord, if we stand in the right attitude and in obedience to him. Halleluiah! Right here I want to encourage especially all the ministers in the field, and all who are in the service of the Master, and also those engaged in the publishing work. Be always in the right attitude and obedience to God, and then behold his blessings … partake of all the good things of our King’s table, which is the word of God, and is revealed or manifested in our hearts through his Spirit. Praise the Lord! After I awoke I felt well rested; then I arose, and it was three o’clock. While I was building the fire I asked the Lord what he wanted me to do. Then I read several good testimonies in the Trumpet, telling how the good Lord delivered them from sectism and was feeding them with the heavenly manna of a whole gospel with its brilliant light of truth. This quickened me again and revived my spirit, which was depressed the night before, filling my soul with joy, fulfilling to the letter the text spoken by David. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Thus while reading these testimonies the Spirit of the Lord moved me to write my testimony, in answer to my previous prayer, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
To those in distress and cumbered by the cares of life and hearing the whole gospel of Jesus but little preached, and thinking that their night is so long, and the bright morning far distant, I wish to say: look up to Jesus, trust also in him, and ere you think, your night will be past, and you will sing with the Psalmist, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Halleluiah!
Peter Scheidegger.
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Divine Healing
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The Unchanging Christ.
By R. Rothman.
All Bible doctrines rest on very plain principles that are easily understood by the most simple-minded. God says concerning his way of salvation, “The wayfaring man, though a fool, shall not err therein.” The reason there are many different ideas of Bible doctrine is partly due to the fact that men do not desire to do God’s will, but simply to please themselves. If any man will do God’s will he shall know of the doctrine, says our Lord.
The doctrine of divine healing is not a complicated thing. It rests on the simplest principles. God tells us in his Word what to do in case of sickness (James 5:13-15), which ought to settle the matter with all who fear God; and not only James but the entire New Testament encourages us to trust in God rather than in men.
Truth will stand the test of reasoning. We learn in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever. When on earth he healed all manner of diseases; healed all who came to him for healing in faith believing. He says, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” If he has not changed, he is able to do what he did on earth; and since his compassion is the same, and since he tells us to ask for what we need, is it strange that his people should take him at his word, and boldly trust him in spite of the devil and popular prejudice?
The fact is, that those who know the truth on divine healing must accept Christ as a healer of body as well as soul, or limit his power and willingness to heal … make him not the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.
The curing of our bodily diseases is not the most important thing in connection with divine healing. The trying of our faith brings results more precious than gold. Those who take Christ for their healer get something more than a form of godliness. Christ becomes real to them … and they are better fitted to trust him for the saving and keeping of their souls. Praise the Lord! Let us trust him living or dying; if he sees fit to take us to glory, it shall be well with us; and God is not unfaithful, but will be a help to the helpless, if such be left behind.
We feel safe in saying that there is less sickness among the children of God who really trust him, than among those who have the best earthly physicians. For my own part, I know that before God saved me the doctors got a good portion of my earnings, and they seemed only to make me the worse with their drugging. Now for nearly four years I have trusted the Lord for health and have not been delayed one day with sickness, while before I lost many weeks through disability. To God be the glory. Let us boldly contend for the faith of the Bible, resisting the devil steadfastly, and grow strong in the grace of God and the power of his might, until mighty signs and wonders may continually be done in the name of his holy child Jesus.
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Healed By Believing the Promises.
I feel it is my duty to write my testimony and let all God’s people know what he has done for me. Last fall I was taken very sick and suffered very much with pains in my back. The pain was so severe that I could not even lie down, and was obliged to walk the floor all night. I knew that something must be done at once. So my husband went to have one of the sisters come and pray with me. After her arrival and while she was praying the word of God came to me, Have faith, and go and do your work. At that moment I seemed to grasp his promises and felt that my body was healed. I give God all the glory and praise for what he has done.
Mary J. Hile. Muskegon, Michigan.
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Healed By the Power of God.
For the glory of God and the benefit of others I want to tell how the dear Lord healed my little girl of something like the pneumonia. She was taken very sick with a pain in her side so that she could not rest … only sometimes when she was sitting up in a chair. She also had a very bad cough, and as there were no elders living near I wrote to Brother Orr to come, and the night after he came after he had gone to bed she grew worse. Her fever seemed to increase, and her pain grew worse. Next morning he anointed and prayed for her and about night she began to get better. The fever all left her, and has never returned. Praise the Lord! She is now well. Dear ones, it pays to trust the Lord. We find him a present help in every time of need. He also heals my body and keeps me saved. Praise the Lord! Pray that I may ever keep saved.
“Cast thy cares upon the Savior,
He will gladly bear them all,
Even though they seem like mountains,
Even though they may be small.”
Janey Hutson.
Sharptown, Maryland.
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The Promise fulfilled.
I feel it to be my duty and to the glory of God to testify to God’s healing power. I know that a great many people say that the day of healing is past, but I am glad to say that it is not. James 5:13 says: “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray.” Many times I have been afflicted and prayed earnestly, and the Lord answered prayer and healed me. Praise his dear name! Again, he says in Mark 16:18 “And these signs shall follow them that believe: . . .they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” James 5:14, 15. I do praise God for his healing power and for healing my family (that is, all who are willing to trust him), and for raising them up.
About two weeks ago our little boy seven years old lost the use of his lower limbs from his knees down and could not walk, had to be helped to and from the table and waited upon as a small child. Wife and I prayed for him, but felt that God did not want things done in a corner, and he impressed me to send for the elder. So I went for Brother L. B. Wilson and he came and prayed and anointed with oil, and the prayer of faith has saved (or healed) the child. About that time I was writing to the brethren at the Trumpet Office, and they prayed for him, and he began to amend and is now well and going to school. Praise God forever! Pray that we may be humble and true to God.
John S. Rodarmel.
Pondcreek, Ind.
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A Wonderful Healing.
About the first of December, 1900, I being a member of the Salvation Army, was at a holiness meeting. After the meeting closed one of the soldiers and myself entered into a conversation and while in this conversation I was thrown into a spell of nervous prostration. Immediately a severe pain struck me in the back of the head. This grew worse and worse, and by night my neck began to get stiff. This continued until my neck was perfectly stiff. On Wednesday my husband went for the doctor, who checked the pain, after which there came a very strange feeling in my head … something I can hardly describe. Nothing that went on was real. Things that happened seemed like they had happened several month before. My eyesight was almost gone, and I was so weak in body I could do nothing. These feelings continued for four weeks, and grew worse each day.
On Tuesday, December 18, I was much worse than usual, but did not let my family know just how badly I did feel; but in the evening the captain of the Army came out to see me, and when we were alone in the room I said, “Captain, I feel very badly, and I do not think I will ever get well unless the Lord heals me.” I said, “I am looking for all I can find on healing in the Bible.” I thought perhaps he could help me, for indeed I felt I needed all the spiritual help I could get. He said he knew many people who said they were healed, and yet they were always sick. He said he believed Jesus could heal a person and so on and so on. Still he did not encourage me in leaning wholly on Jesus for my healing. So he left.
After I went to bed I had an awful spell, had a nervous chill, and did not expect to see morning. All the time God in his goodness was showing me that he would heal me, but some way I did not know how to come to him for healing. During my sickness one of God’s chosen ones came several times to see me. He spoke to me about the saints of God in Fresno, and said if I did not get better he would send them down and I could be anointed in the name of Jesus. In the meantime he met one of the saints and told her of my sickness and she came to see me and told me they were having a series of meetings in Fresno all that week, and insisted on my going. So I went and called on Brother Hudson. He began to read and explain God’s word, and as I was very hungry for spiritual food, I took it all in as fast as he gave it out. I told him that for a great many years I had been suffering frequently with a dreadful headache. I had tried all the doctors and earthly remedies that I ever heard of, but all had failed. So I came to the Lord for that and the strange feeling in my head, also for nervousness and everything that was wrong with my entire being. He read a portion of the fifth chapter of James, and we knelt in prayer. He said for me to pray. Just then the Spirit of God took hold of me and I poured out the real longing desire of my heart to God. I felt the power of God as I had never felt it before. When I stopped praying, Brother Hudson anointed me with oil in the name of Jesus, and, praise God forever! I was healed from head to foot right then. We arose to our feet praising God, and his praises have been my delight ever since. To God be all the glory. I do praise God that he ever allowed me to meet the dear saints. They have been a source of blessing to my soul. The first one I ever met was a brother on the train last April as I came from Los Angeles to Selma, where I bade him good-by not expecting to meet him again on earth. He talked of God and his goodness, and I saw he had more of God’s fullness than I had, if I was a Salvation Army soldier … but no more than I was hungering for; and God has said in his blessed Word that he that hungers and thirsts after righteousness shall be filled. But, dear reader, did you ever stop to think that we so often ask God to fill us when really we ought to ask him to empty us … empty us of self … and then we are ready to be filled with God. Before God healed me I could not sleep unless I took an opiate. I had no appetite at all. I would eat a little to keep my family in good spirits. I was healed about noon. We went from the house where I was healed to a restaurant and I ate a big dinner with a relish. That evening I prepared and ate a hearty supper, went to bed, slept sound all night, and got up and started out to tell all my friends what the Lord had done for me. I spent that day in that way. The next day I got up early and prepared breakfast, did a good-sized washing, papered my kitchen, and did other work. I have been working, sleeping, eating, and praising God ever since, and I have never been the least bit nervous. To God be all the glory. My mother saw by my face I was healed before I got to her to tell her. Oh, it is wonderful what God can do for us when we are fully given up to him, and, dear readers, if ever I was entirely given up it was that morning. Then I was, as it were, groping along in a dense fog, not half seeing my way and hardly knowing it if I did; but, glory to God in the highest! When he healed me I just stepped out of darkness into his marvelous light. I took my glasses off and have never had them on since. I do not need them; I see well without them.
God has cut me loose from all sects, and to-day I am free. Bless God forever! He has said that whom the Lord makes free is free indeed; and now instead of belonging to this or that denomination I belong to Jesus, who gave himself for me, and where he leads me I will follow.
Mrs. Etta Pritchard.
Selma, California.
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Faith
By Mary A. Phillips.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. It is one thing to believe there is a God and another to have faith in him. We are told in the Word that the devils believe and tremble. But living faith in God believes and accepts his promises and believes all things are possible with God and that he is a rewarder of all who diligently seek him. It is faith which connects us to God and which brings pardon and peace to our souls. True repentance and faith bring us near to God. It is then we are brought nigh by the blood of Jesus, and are made new creatures in Christ. Faith not only unites us to God but also to all who have obtained like precious faith through the exceeding great and precious promises. See 1st Peter 1:1. When this new creation has taken place we stop sinning, for sin has no more dominion over us. We, having been adopted into the family of God, have become heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. We live by faith in the Son of God, drink his blood and eat his flesh; thereby growing in grace continually and in the knowledge of the truth and grace, which enables us to endure persecution and be willing to be counted as filth and off-scourings of the earth, “esteeming the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt” (Hebrews 11:26), and “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.” Verse 25.
Let us “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” and then we will not doubt God’s willingness to forgive and save us from our sins and heal all our diseases; for “the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” James 5:14, 15. God grant that the time may soon come when we shall all come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man and unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. “Time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, of Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.” Hebrews 11:32, 33.
“Stay not in feeble unbelief,
When God commands be strong;
Be strong in him, the Word believe,
And shout the over comer’s song.”
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