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The Gospel Trumpet
Volume 21, Issue 15, April 11, 1901
(Articles of interest only)
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The Refiner's Fire.
He sat by a furnace of seven-fold heat,
As he watched by the precious ore,
And closer he bent with a searching gaze
As he heated it more and more.
He knew he had ore that could stand the test,
And he wanted the finest gold
To mold as a crown for the King to wear,
Set with gems of a price untold.
So he laid our gold in the burning fire.
Though we fain would have said him "Nay,"
And he watched the dross that we had not seen,
As it melted and passed away.
And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright;
But our eyes were so dim with tears
we saw but the fire - not the Master's hand,
And questioned with anxious fears.
Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,
As it mirrored a Form above,
That bent o'er the fire, though unseen by us,
With looks of ineffable love.
Can we think that it pleases his loving heart
To cause us a moment's pain?
Ah no; but he saw through the present cross
The bliss of eternal gain.
So he waited there with a watchful eye,
With a love that is strong and sure,
And his gold did not suffer a whit more heat
Than was needed to make it pure.
-Selected.
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The New Testament Church.
By Alvin J. Ellison.
Article 3.
"THE HOUSE OF GOD."
"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." - 1st Timothy 3:15. This is a grand text, and it clearly sets forth the truth, that the "house of God" is a perfect signification of the "church."
DUTY OF WATCHMEN.
"Thou son of man, show the house to the house of Israel." - Ezekiel 43:10. Here is a duty which God has laid upon his ministry; "show the house [church] to the house of Israel [the people of God]" In obedience to this command, we will proceed to show this house of God by the Word.
WHAT CONSTITUTES IT?
In Hebrews 3:6 we read: "But Christ as a son over his own house [church]; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." Here it is plain to us that this house is composed of the people of God, the church. This is clearly set forth in Hebrews 3:1, where the writer addresses those whom he declares to be the house of God; he calls them "holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling," etc. Here we learn that the constituency of the house is holy brethren. Praise the Lord!
CONSTRUCTION OF THIS HOUSE.
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, and holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." - 1st Peter 2:5. This shows this house or church to be of spiritual construction. Since this house of God is only a signification of the church that Jesus built, this opens to our view why so many people are not able to discern what the church is. They think it consists of the great mass of babylonish sects, which are only humanly-constructed creeds; while the New Testament church is of divine construction, being composed of spiritual men only.
FURTHER DUTY OF THE MINISTRY.
In Ezekiel 43:11 God sets forth a further duty to his ministry: "Show them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: that they [the people of God] may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them."
FORM AND FASHION OF THIS HOUSE.
These features of the house of God are clearly set forth in Ephesians 2:19-22. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone: in whom all the building [house] fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." By closely noticing the preceding scripture we learn that this house, or church, has a form and fashion of perfect unity: "Fitly framed together," "builded together." Therefore it is wrong for men to do as they have done, and are doing: dividing God's house into hundreds of different sects; thus severing this "fitly joined together" house which the Lord "builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." This accounts for the spiritual deadness and formality in the human creeds of to-day; it is because they have torn asunder the "house of God" which his Son Jesus Christ built for the habitation of the Spirit. This has so displeased him, that he will not condescend to dwell in wrangling creeds, made by man.
THE DOOR IN AND THE DOOR OUT.
In John 10:9 Jesus gives us to understand that he is the only door of entrance. "By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." Therefore salvation in Jesus Christ is the only manner of induction into this house, or church. As to the door out, we read in Exodus 32:33: "Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book."
Therefore any individual committing the least sin, can not belong to the house of God. The moment sin is committed, the transgressor is turned out of the house; it matters not how well he may have been saved, or what position he previously occupied in the church.
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Deliverance.
By I. S. M'Coy.
The work of man's deliverance, both literally and spiritually, has always been brought about by the Lord, through the instrumentality of man's fellow creatures. The deliverance of the Jews from Egyptian bondage was effected through the mediation of Moses. Not because Moses had the power of deliverance within himself, but because the Lord had said, "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt." - Exodus 3:10. But, in later years when prosperity had become the cause of their downfall, their deliverance from seventy years of Babylonish captivity was once more effected through King Cyrus of Persia. No less than six distinct deliverances are on record, from the time of their first deliverance by Moses, until the great Deliverer made his appearance. A glorious deliverance was then offered to the people. News of this greater deliverance began to be made known to the people by holy men of old who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, many years before it was brought into effect. It was to be spiritual in its nature, and was to be obtained and enjoyed by those who would hope in his mercy. See Psalms 33:18. The prophet also declares that it would be located in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem. See Joel 2:32. Zion and Jerusalem were types of the New Testament church. See Hebrews 12:22, 23. And not only was deliverance to be found in it, but it was said that "there shall be holiness." - Obadiah 17. Halleluiah! Of the things we have spoken, this is the sum: God in times past brought deliverance from literal bondage through the instrumentality of men, and the more glorious spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin is effected through the instrumentality of spiritual men. Hence we see the great necessity of being spiritual, yea, "filled with the Spirit." Help was to be sent to a helpless world from the sanctuary (See Psalms 22:2), which signifies his dwelling-place. His dwelling-place has been the church since the day of Pentecost. See Ephesians 2:19, 22. So we see that the work of salvation was to be carried forth through the medium of his people.
We will now turn to the New Testament. Here we find that our spiritual union with Jesus is to enable us to bring forth fruit - spiritual children - unto God. Praise the Lord "As soon as Zion [the church, or bride of Christ] travailed, she brought forth her children." - Isaiah 66:8. We are also told by the revelator that the woman - church - was pained to be delivered. Revelation 12:2. In this beautiful type we again get a glimpse of the church clothed in all her heavenly garments; filled with holy love and pity at the sight of a lost world; and going forth to accomplish her redemption mission, in the face of the most cruel persecution, ever "conquering and to conquer." Most clearly is the mission of God's ministry declared to be the deliverance of fallen humanity from spiritual bondage. This is most emphatically stated by Paul in Romans 11:13, 14. So as to be successful he accommodated himself to the conditions of all men. 1st Corinthians 9:22.
Jesus our example and great deliverer sets forth the same thought in these words: "Ye are the light of the world," and, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Here, the whole church of God in a great measure becomes accountable for the salvation of others. Brethren, let us then be "blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." - Philippians 2:15. There are hundreds who can only be won by the holy example and conduct of a saved wife. 1st Peter 2:1, 2. Our example and conduct before our dear boys and girls will either be helpful or detrimental to their salvation. See the beautiful prophecy in Jeremiah 32:38, 39. Did you ever think that there might be souls in a lost world because money was withheld that could have been used in getting the truth to them, and thus have been the means of saving them? Just think of the many towns in which this glorious gospel has never been preached, and of the many precious souls for whom Jesus died, and who have just as great capabilities for serving the Lord as you and I. Oh, the many places in which a good work could be done, if the Lord's money was not in the hands of selfish, unconsecrated men; some of them even claiming to be sanctified and given up to do the will of the Lord. Halls and places suitable for meeting could be rented, ministers and workers could be got and cared for, and, brethren, the shout of victory would soon be heard in many places where spiritual death now reigns supreme. Think of the many precious men and women who have found a glorious experience in salvation by having holy literature placed in their hands, and the many more that could be reached if money that now is lying around would be put to God's service. O brethren, let us be "laborers together with God;" let us see to it that we do the "greatest good to the greatest number."
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Companionship.
By C. O. Dodge.
The influences which are brought to bear upon us have much to do in determining our course of life. The commonest of these is found in the company we keep. A man is generally known by his associates. "Birds of a feather flock together." If a man will be the companion of thieves, doubtless he will sooner or later become a thief. If a companion of those who indulge in strong drink, likewise he will be a drunkard. True, we must not as Christians avoid sinners in such a way that we would not try to win them to Christ; but when they will not be won, then is the time to avoid them. Cast not your pearls before swine. Matthew 7:6. Jesus ate with publicans and sinners, but it was for the purpose of winning them. Matthew 9:10.
God well knew the effect of evil companionship. In olden times he forbade his people to make covenants and marriages with the evil nations with which they were surrounded. He said, "Lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee." - Exodus 34:12. For a young lady to marry an inebriate to reform him would be poor policy indeed. It does not result that way as a rule. A barrel of good apples mixed with a barrel of decayed ones will not make them all good, but contrariwise it will soon make them all bad. Likewise to mix sinners and Christians together in any form would only be detrimental to the Christian. This has been demonstrated with certain denominations, of which the majority of the members became so corrupt as to engage in many things contrary to God's Word: such as feastings, banqueting, reveling, parties, fairs, fish-ponds, and box suppers. Some even engaged in the worldly dance. Of course there are some who will oppose these things, and will not take part; but they still cling to the old denomination, hoping that perhaps some time they will be able to reform it. Reformation is impossible. The preacher goes through a form of words and prayers in connection with the singing by an operatic and perhaps skeptical choir, under which circumstances spirituality is frozen to death. Instead of getting better, it can not keep from getting worse. Had God commanded his children to stay there and help reform them, we would put forth our best effort; but he tells us concerning those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof: "From such turn away." - 2nd Timothy 3:5. "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers. . . Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." - 2nd Corinthians 6:14-17. "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." - Revelation 18:4. "Flee out of the midst of Babylon and deliver every man his soul." - Jeremiah 51:6. God does not want his people to assemble in a half dozen different places in one community, with a congregation of cold, dead, formal professors. (He wants them to assemble together. Hebrews 10:25.) This would be like scattering a heap of burning coals; they would soon go out. But gather them together and they will produce an intense heat. "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies [together], a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a burning fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense." - Isaiah 4:5. "And when they prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost: . . . and the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul." - Acts 4:31, 32.
One individual, not living right, and with the consent of the church permitted to partake in her worship, will cause a decrease in her glory. See 1st Corinthians 5. It is a spot upon her. Ephesians 5:27. But we are persuaded better things of her. The pure bride in this evening time, making ready for the reception of her husband, will not allow any spots upon her beautiful garments. "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly." - 2nd Thessalonians 3:6. "Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." - Verse 15. There is inspiration in the thought that we can have Christ for our company whether individually (Revelation 3:20) or collectively - Matthew 18:20. We can commune with him alone or with each other, and have him in the midst. Praise God for good companionship.
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Walk Humbly With Thy God.
By Nora Hunter.
"He hath showed thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" - Micah 6:8. The gospel was never popular with the world; neither is it popular with worldly professors. If we would keep peace with them we must compromise the precious truth, or they will frown upon us. The devil is cunning, and whispers to God's children that if they stand against the wickedness indulged in by professors of Christianity, they will lose their influence, and can not reach the lost; but they must be more up-to-date in their way of expressing themselves, so they will take better with the people. The devil would like nothing better than for God's saints to compromise with a spirit of popularity and become blinded to the line of demarcation between the clean and the unclean. Let us stand true to the light God gave us in the beginning, and hold the standard of purity and humility where God puts it in his Word. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." - Isaiah 8:20.
We, as God's saints, must stand against such spirits; for while they may "indeed have a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility" (Colossians 2:23), secretly they will lead us into pride and the love of the world. "If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1st John 2:15. Furthermore, James says: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be the friend of the world is the enemy of God." - James 4:4. Throughout the New Testament we are taught that the way of the cross is a humble way. "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.
Our first step toward Christ means a denial of selfish pride; and if it is necessary to humble ourselves in order to obtain salvation, it is equally necessary to continue in an attitude of humility to retain it; for "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." If we get exalted after we are saved God will forsake us as he did Saul.
"And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?" - 1st Samuel 15:17. After talking to Saul about his disobedience, Samuel said, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the Word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king." - Verse 23. Saul obeyed part of the commandment; but because he feared to displease the people he saved the best of the sheep and oxen to sacrifice to the Lord. "Obedience is better than sacrifice." If we get the idea that we can keep part of the commandments and leave off that which will make us unpopular in the sectarian world and still retain the grace of God, we are mistaken; for God does not respect persons, and will not tolerate a spirit of pride. The gospel affords us many privileges, but we should remember that "pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18.
The Lord exhorted the children of Israel: "Remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." - Deuteronomy 8:2, 3. He often leads us through the vale of humiliation to humble us, prove us, and see what is in our hearts, whether or not we will keep his commandments. We should be able under such circumstances to obey James 1:9, 10 - "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted; but the rich in that he is made low." We should throw ourselves unreservedly into his hands, and if he sees fit to humble us we can kiss the rod that smites us. In verses 11 to 14 of the 8th chapter of Deuteronomy the children of Israel are warned lest their hearts be lifted up, and they forget the Lord who brought them out of Egyptian bondage, and gave them herds and flocks, gold and silver, and goodly houses to dwell in. This is written for our admonition; let us give heed to it. "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." - 1st Timothy 6:17. God tells us in Isaiah 57:15 - "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
If we desire a constant revival, humility will bring it. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." Here we are commanded to humble ourselves. How can we do this? Follow the example of Jesus who "made himself of no reputation . . . And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." - Philippians 2:7, 8. As he, having no carnality to humble, humbled his humanity; so can we. In Luke 14:7-11 we are taught to take the "lowest seat." Some are very willing to do this, thinking to exalt the lowest seat by the great and notable "I" that occupies it. If our hearts are made pure by the blood we will not feel chagrined or embarrassed to occupy the most obscure position, and can feel thankful that God can trust us to fill a position which is so mean that no one else cares to fill it. "Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." - Romans 12:16. Some would gladly hold meeting where there is a nice new meeting-house and well-to-do people to support the meeting; but when those of low estate cry for the bread of life, they have a call elsewhere. Let us remember the song of Mary: "And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree." - Luke 1:50-52.
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Oneness In Christ.
By J. W. Smith.
"As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." - Romans 8:14. This thought has been on my mind for some time. I feel led to give some scriptures on this great and important subject. It is very strange that men in this enlightened day, when the blazing light is pouring from the throne of God, are making so many failures and causing so much division. So many are writing that men may differ in head, yet they should be one in heart. Those who are one in heart when made so by the Spirit of God, will be one in mind. It is and ever has been difference of opinion which caused division. Paul says in 1st Corinthians 3:3: "For ye are yet carnal: and walk as men." The mind that is carnal and thus brings division between God and man, is the same mind that causes men to be divided; therefore destruction of the carnal mind makes us one with God and his people, for he then gives us the mind of Christ. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 2:5. "But we have the mind of Christ." - 1st Corinthians 2:16. How many minds did Christ have? Did not he and the Father have the same mind? Did not Christ pray the Father that his people should be one? "That they may be one, even as we are." - John 17:11. Did Christ ask the Father for something impossible? No. He was led by the Spirit, and the Spirit knew the mind and the will of the Father. Thank God! "That they all may be one, even as we are one." - Verse 22. "That they may be made perfect in one." - Verse 23.
Divisions have been brought about, and are still fostered, by those who call themselves watchmen but are not. God says his watchmen "shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion." - Isaiah 52:8. Every one that is in Zion was born into her by the Spirit. "And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her; and the Highest himself shall establish her." - Psalms 87:5. Zion is the church of the living God, "The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion." - Isaiah 51:11. "And say unto Zion, Thou art my people." - Verse 16. "Let the children of Zion be joyful in their king." - Psalms 149:2. "Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness." - Isaiah 1:27.
"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee." - Isaiah 12:6. "And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." - Isaiah 35:10. "Is not the Lord in Zion? is not her king in her?" - Jeremiah 8:19. "Lift up your hands, . . . and the King of glory shall come in." - Psalms 24:7. "Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." - Verse 8. "And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one." - Zechariah 14:9. Thank God, we are now living in that day. "Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee." - Matthew 21:5. "That he himself is Christ a King." - Luke 23:2. "The King of kings and Lord of lords." - 1st Timothy 6:15.
In 1st Corinthians 12:12 Paul likens the body of Christ (the church) to our fleshly bodies, as being just as closely connected; yet some say they can not be of one mind. "With one mind and one mouth glorifying God," etc. - Romans 15:6. Thank God, he has a people that are of one body, mind, and mouth. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." - 1st Corinthians 12:13. "For the body is not one member, but many." - Verse 14. "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him." - Verse 18. Men do not join the church of Christ or Zion, but are born into her. "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." - John 1:13. Now God has done this "that there be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another." - 1st Corinthians 12:25. Is it so among the "holiness people" of to-day? It is among the "holy people." "For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel." - Romans 9:6. All who profess to be holy are not holy, but they that do the will of the Father. When one member suffers do all suffer? 1st Corinthians 12:26. They do if they are of the body. When one is honored, do all rejoice? or do they say, I will not, because it was not I? "Now ye are the body of Christ [was Christ divided?], and members in particular." - Verse 27. "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." - Ephesians 5:30. "But Christ as a Son over his own house [church], which house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end." - Hebrews 3:6.
Praise God! they that have him and keep his commandments, are one in deed and in truth.
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Prayer.
By Emil Kreutz.
Over eighteen hundred years ago, while Jesus was praying, certain disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. We learn from this and other scriptures that the Lord himself was a man of prayer. Luke 11:1. We learn in Luke 6:12 that he continued all night in prayer. We also learn that he arose a great while before dawn and went into a solitary place to pray. Mark 1:35. The apostle Paul speaks of him in the following language: "In the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." - Hebrews 5:7.
We see by this that Jesus did not just "say prayers," but he prayed with "strong crying and tears." If the beloved Son of the Father had to pray so earnestly with importunity in order to learn obedience and be perfected, would it be too much to ask the same of us? Surely not. The Lord our example tells us: "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." - Luke 18:1 "Ought" means duty-bound, and "faint" means to fail, or quit - give up when confronted with difficulties. When we begin to pray for a certain thing we ought not to cease until we get our answer from the Lord - have our request granted, or, if not, know the reason. If we do not receive an answer the first time we ask, the Scriptures teach importunity, or asking again and again; even until the Lord answers. See Luke 18:2-8; 11:5-8.
We have in the apostle Paul an example of importunity. See 2nd Corinthians 12:7, 8. He prayed that God would remove that "thorn in the flesh" - the messenger of Satan, which was the spirit of persecution and opposition he met with everywhere. It followed him everywhere he went; in every city bonds and afflictions awaited him. He prayed God to remove it, and not getting his request granted, he prayed three times. The third time he received an answer: "My grace is sufficient for thee." - Verse 9. God promised him sufficient grace to be joyful and happy, that he might bear all his difficulties. We see the same in Jesus just before his crucifixion, when he prayed the Father, if it were possible, to let the cup which he was about to drink pass from him - the bitter cup of suffering for our sins. Thus he prayed three times when his prayers were answered, and angels were sent to strengthen him, that he might endure. Matthew 26:36-45; Luke 22:39-46. No doubt this is what the apostle Paul refers to in Hebrews 5:7-9; 12:2-5.
WE ARE COMMANDED TO PRAY.
"Pray that ye enter not into temptation." - Luke 22:40. "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." - Mark 14:38. "Pray without ceasing." - 1st Thessalonians 5:17. "Continuing instant in prayer." - Romans 12:12. "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." - Colossians 4:2. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." - Ephesians 6:18. "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost." - Jude 20. We know not how to pray only by the Spirit. "The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: and maketh intercession for us with groanings." - Romans 8:26, 27. Consequently we ought to "pray in the Spirit." (1st Corinthians 14:15), i.e., when the Spirit impresses our minds to pray, and pray the thoughts and sentences the Spirit gives us. Thus our prayers will ascend as sweet incense before the throne of God, and God will be pleased to answer.
WHAT TO PRAY FOR.
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6. We are here told to make all our requests known unto God. His ears are open unto the prayers of the righteous. We can confide in him as our dearest and most intimate friend. A promise for guidance. See Proverbs 3:5, 6. We are to pray for all saints. Ephesians 6:18. For the ministry. Verse 19; 2nd Thessalonians 3:1, 2. For one another. James 5:16. For all men. 1st Timothy 2:1. For kings and all that are in authority (instead of speaking evil of them and railing upon them), "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty; for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Savior." See Verses 2-4.
WHEN AND WHERE TO PRAY.
The apostle Paul, speaking by commandment of our Lord, says: "I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity [Verity means truth; a true assertion or tenet; agreement of the words with the thoughts]. I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." - 1st Timothy 2:7, 8. "Is any among you afflicted? let him pray." - James 5:13. Jesus says: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: . . . but thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward the openly." - Matthew 6:5, 6.
Some gather the idea from this that people ought not to pray in public. It is quite certain that all such do not know the Scriptures or the power of God, because they constantly affirm, both by precept and example, that we are to pray everywhere and not be ashamed to lift up our voices to God in public, as well as in private and secret prayer. David tells us that "the dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence." - Psalms 115:17. God has always been pleased to have his people meet together to worship him in spirit and in truth, and approves of the same by letting his presence be manifested in answer to their prayers and faith. See Acts 1:13, 14; 2:3; 4:23-31. They lifted up their voices as well as their hearts. Verse 24. But our heart is to accompany our hands and voices, or our prayer will not ascend to the throne of God. See Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31; Matthew 15:7, 8. See Lamentation of Jeremiah 3:40, 41, also Acts 16:13, 20, 36 for instances and places of prayer.
ANSWERS TO PRAYER.
The Bible is full of instances of answers to prayer. I will cite you to only a few of the many. First, I will call your attention to the book of Jonah. Here we have an account of how God answered prayer, even changing his purpose and decree concerning a whole city, and a large one. God told Jonah to preach, "Forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed." The people believed God, and the king also, for he proclaimed a fast for all his people, and told them to cry mightily unto God; and God heard them and saw that they turned from their evil works, and he repented. See Jonah 3.
We have another example in King Hezekiah. See Isaiah 38:1-20. The Lord told him to set his house in order; for he should no longer live but die. And Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed unto the Lord, and his prayer was answered, for God added fifteen years unto his life.
In the New Testament we have an account of one Cornelius who prayed to God always; his prayers were answered, insomuch that God sent an angel to show him his will concerning him and his house. See Acts 10. We also have an account of how Peter was put in prison and was about to be martyred. The church prayed for Peter and God answered by sending an angel to deliver him. Acts 12. God also sent an earthquake to deliver Paul and Silas while they were singing and praying in jail. Acts 16. Time would fail to tell of the wonderful victories that have been gained in direct answer to prayer. All heaven is moved to answer the earnest, sincere prayers of God's faithful children. "Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" We see in all the Bible examples of prayer a fixed determination to prevail and conquer, and to meet all the requirements of God, even as Jacob said; "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." See Genesis 32:24-29.
Elijah prayed seven times, so earnestly that he cast himself on the ground, and put his face between his knees. 1st Kings 18:41-46. We also have an example in Daniel. He prayed, fasted, and confessed the sins of his people, and God wrought wonderful things for him because of his earnestness and trueness in prayer. See Daniel 2:14-25; 3:8-25; 6:10-25; 9:1-23; also Judges 13:8-23.
SOME PROMISES TO THE CHURCH.
Sometimes I desire to give myself to prayer and I have no special interest in prayer. But I have found it a benefit to go and quietly wait upon the Lord in meditation and claim one of these promises in Jeremiah 31:8, 9; Zechariah 2:10; especially the later one, where it reads: "And I will pour upon the house of David [God's church or family], and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication." I would ask the Lord to fulfill this, and, blessed be his name, he has done so time and again. He even led me with weeping, as he said he would, and I have found it a benefit to have my heart broken up; "for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better [when the Spirit of God effects it]." Ecclesiastes 7:3. Do not forget to pray. "Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." - Isaiah 62:6, 7.
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Sectarianism.
By G. T. Clayton.
Sectarianism is an element of carnality and is classed by the apostle Paul among the works of the flesh, being styled heresy. Galatians 5:20. Sectarianism flourishes well upon a low plane of religion, when fertilized by darkness, superstition, and prejudice. It is a tender plant that will neither bear pure light nor pruning. It is the blind which the devil uses to deceive his victims.
The principle of sectarianism is usually void of sincerity. It wrests the scriptures, speculating in the future by praying the Lord to save when we come to die. Sectarianism deals but little in certainties of faith or definite experience; but it indulges in socialism, short sermons, elegant equipments, and a big display. Sectarianism deadens the conscience, destroys spirituality, and presumes to go to heaven on a father's or mother's religion. It endorses evil, but it opposes holiness, and is always antagonistic to the whole truth.
It is gross selfishness, and an abomination to God and holy people; even sectarians themselves seem to hate the term, and shun assemblies where it is denounced. If sectarianism is right, the more we have of it, the better; but, since it is wrong, let us dispose of it the shortest way we know. There is not a verse in the New Testament to support it. Its advocates are its victims; unity is its destruction. Jesus prayed for this unity. Amen.
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The More Sure Word of Prophecy.
By John C. Blaney.
The purposes of God can never be defeated: his kingdom ruleth over all. Not one of his words will ever fall to the ground. This is a source of endless peace, and strong consolation to those who put their trust in him, and stake their eternal welfare upon confidence in the utterances of the Bible. The God who created the world and all that is therein, is the author of the Bible, and also the Savior of mankind. The only way in which we can become acquainted with God is through the scriptures, in which are contained eternal life. Peter calls the scriptures, "a more sure word of prophecy." - 2nd Peter 1:19.
It was not through the will or purpose of man that the scriptures were given, "but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." - Verse 21. Men in general have never loved the scriptures, and it is a miracle that they were preserved unto the present time. But we repeat, the purposes of God can never be defeated; neither can his Word fail, whether it be burned into the hearts of his prophets or be spoken by them in the ears of their fellow creatures. His decrees are immutable, and unchangeable; and he can not lie. Men's purposes can not be accomplished when God wills otherwise. "Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?" - Lamentations 3:37. Ages may expire before his promises are fulfilled; but he is not slack concerning them, and the lapse of thousands of years does not lessen the certainty of their fulfillment. "One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." -2nd Peter 3:8. He confirms the words of his servants whom he hath chosen; therefore, lest some might be unwittingly heedless, we are instructed to "despise not prophesyings." - 1st Thessalonians 5:20. Peter also instructs us to take heed to the more sure word of prophecy as a light that shines in a dark place.
There is a striking minuteness, or exactness, about the way God fulfills his Word, which must be apparent to every student of the Bible. This is intended to incite people to obey his precepts diligently, lest they become subjects of his just displeasure, and be condemned with the world. Praise God for his Mercy!
When the city of Jericho was destroyed, Joshua forbade its rebuilding, saying, "Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho; he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it." - Joshua 6:26. Hundreds of years afterward when everybody, perhaps, had forgotten the words that were then spoken, a certain man built this city. "In his [Ahab's] days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho: he laid the foundations thereof in Abiram his first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the Word of the Lord, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun." - 1st Kings 16:34.
So it is to-day: God has spoken many things concerning us in these last days to which we will do well to take heed. The ushering in of this dispensation by the birth of Jesus Christ; the wonderful power of God manifested in the salvation of souls in the days of the apostles; the miracles of healing; the apostasy; and the return of God's people to the New Testament worship of Christ; and the opposition of sect Babylon, have been plainly foreshadowed in prophecy and revelation. We stand face to face with the marvelous fulfillment of these wonderful utterances of God; and while this blind world, mad and drunken with wine of Babylon, can not understand; yet everything in God's great universe points to the near approach of Jesus Christ, to judgment, and to the dissolution of all things, including the eternal settling of every man's destiny, whether in heaven or hell. Oh, if men would only pay heed to the warnings given in God's inspired Word and obey the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, what endless misery would be averted, and what unspeakable joy would be realized.
As this glorious light continues to spread throughout the length and breadth of the earth, revealing the purity and power of Christ's gospel to every nation, prophecy and revelation will more rapidly be fulfilled. One important step towards the fulfillment of prophecy is the movement now on foot among the adherents of the Roman Catholic belief to have the clause which declares the Romish doctrine of the corporal presence of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus, in the bread and wine, and in the ordinance of the Lord's supper, removed from the coronation oath which every English sovereign has been required to take since the Reformation. This has always been a sore wound in the heart of every Roman Catholic, and was the point of offense which caused the death of so many martyrs who suffered for Christ and his Word in the early days of Protestantism. The Canadian government will petition King Edward VII to have the offensive clause removed, as a resolution to that effect has been lately passed by a large majority. When we consider the fact that England with its vast domain has always been a staunch supporter of Protestant principles, one of which declares that the Romish doctrine mentioned was superstitious and idolatrous, we behold the marvelous fulfillment of what John the revelator saw concerning the first beast which represent Romanism. "I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." - Revelation 13:3. This wound was given by a sword. - Verse 14. This sword was the Word of God: the sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:17. It was given to Popery by the gospel truths preached in the sixteenth century reformation. Many prophesied that Popery would never gain ascendancy again; but we behold to-day the deadly wound almost healed, and some of the great dignitaries of the mother of abominations, backed up by twelve million Catholic British subjects, requesting one more application of such balm as will heal the wound completely. Whether this will immediately be complied with or not does not affect the fulfillment of prophecy; but it will come sooner or later as the scriptures declare. The more perfectly these things are brought about, the more clearly will honest Protestants see that their institutions are not the church of God, but daughters of that great whore which sitteth upon many waters. Revelation 17. Protestantism is represented by the second beast in Revelation 13. "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." - Revelation 14:9-12.
Oh, that people would only understand the import of this awful message and solemn warning given to all men at this present time! May God awaken the slumbering nations to the awful doom awaiting them in the near future. Daniel declares: "None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." - Daniel 12:10. Amen.
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Editorial
There is an old proverb which reads, "Respect a man, and he will do more." Much wisdom is contained in this little saying, and it is in perfect harmony with the Word of God. While we are not to have respect of persons, and must not honor the rich because of their riches, or despise the poor because of their poverty, yet it is well to cultivate a respectful attitude toward all men. Peter says, "Honor all men." - 1st Peter 2:17. No matter how sharply we may need to reprove a person, if we do it with proper respect for his feelings he is not likely to be greatly offended; but if we show want of respect for him we are likely to estrange him permanently. "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city." Among the younger generation there is a very apparent lack of the respect which the parents showed to their elders. Some people think it nice to see young people free and easy in their demeanor toward their betters, but in truth it is a very bad sign. Children who show little respect for their parents are likely to grow up irreverent and unthankful toward God. Many are the benefits derived from the beautiful habit of respecting or honoring all men. We are to respect our brethren in the Lord as such, as well as to "love the brotherhood."
R.
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Questions Answered.
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Please explain Hebrews 12:1; also Matthew 26:28.
The first scripture reads as follows: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." In the preceding chapter the apostle mentions those personages in the Old Testament who obtained a good report through faith. "Good report" implies that their life (race) had been observed and noted by others (who were witnesses). Now we also - in this dispensation - are compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses, and we should prepare to run the race patiently, with every weight laid aside, so that we also may obtain a good report. The Christian race is likened to a theatre in which men run in a race, dispensing with everything unwieldy and taking pains to see that they are in condition to win. "The sin which doth so easily beset us" does not necessarily mean a sin which overcomes us but sin in general that so easily sticks so close around us and would press us if given the least advantage. There is no one certain sin referred to, but it may very naturally be taken to refer to the carnal elements resulting from the fall, which are removed - laid aside - in sanctification. As long as we possess the carnal nature, sin seems to beset us on every hand; what then can this "laying aside" mean but the work of sanctification?
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Matthew 26:28 reads: "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Christ is here introducing the communion of his blood (1st Corinthians 10:16), a part of the ordinance of the Lord's supper. The fruit of the vine contained in the cup was not the real blood of Christ, but it was an emblem of his blood; therefore it was his. Is it right to pray for the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, faith, etc.? Do we receive the fruits of the Spirit at justification or sanctification? Please give scriptures.
A. H. H.
Yes; it is right to pray for anything that the soul longs for. We may bear fruits of the Spirit in justification, since it is the Spirit that operates upon our hearts to bring forth good fruits. When we are sanctified and receive the Spirit as a personal guest to abide within us, the fruits are increased. Matthew 11:24; Romans 7:4; John 15:2.
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Have we any scriptural authority for calling a doctor to diagnose a case for any purpose whatever?
J. J. R.
We have scriptural authority for everything that is right. Since the New Testament law of liberty does not forbid anything that may be to the glory of God, and there may be instances where God would be glorified by having the physician's diagnosis of a case, we conclude that such may be done with scriptural authority. Philippians 4:8; 1st Corinthians 10:31.
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Discernment.
By C. O. Dodge.
"Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." - Malachi 3:18. The context in the third and fourth chapters of Malachi, with additional evidence, leads us to the conclusion that this has its fulfillment in this gospel dispensation. The possibility of discerning as to whether a man's heart was what it should be, was a blessing not bestowed upon the people of God before the introduction of the gospel. Was it not a fact that some of those old Jews, who fasted twice in a week, made broad their phylacteries, and prayed on the street corners, were found by our Lord to be "white sepulchers, . . . full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness?" Outwardly they appeared righteous unto men; but within they were full of hypocrisy and iniquity. While it was true that in those days a man could deceive others in regard to his true condition (and it is no less possible to deceive some to-day), it is not possible to deceive all of God's children continually with a mere profession void of life and salvation. One may bestow all his goods to feed the poor, suffer persecution, and come to meeting with a lamblike countenance; but if he is not right in his heart, it is impossible for him to blend with the children of God. "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" - 2nd Corinthians 6:14.
A great responsibility on this line falls upon those whom God has called to the ministry. All of these should be so spiritual that when they meet an individual they can tell in a short time, if not immediately, whether he has a right or wrong spirit. "He that is spiritual judgeth [or discerneth] all things." - 1st Corinthians 2:15. All may not be able to tell just what kind of a spirit it is, as this no doubt would come under the head of the gift of discernment (see 1st Corinthians 12:10); but all may be able to tell if it is good or bad. "If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth." - Jeremiah 15:19. An evil tree can not bring forth good fruit. So when one has discerned the tree, it will put them on their guard to watch the fruit, which will sooner or later give a knowledge of their condition; for, "by their fruits ye shall know them." - Matthew 7:20.
If there is no fellowship between two individuals, it is evident that one or both are not walking in the light. There is an experience of oneness in Christ, John 10:16; but there is a deeper experience of being made perfect in one, which is the result of entire sanctification. John 17:19-23; Hebrews 2:11. Since entire sanctification is a result of complete consecration, therefore perfect oneness springs from an absolute surrender to God of all we are and have. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." - Acts 4:32. The deeper our consecration, the sweeter our fellowship. Let us all walk in the light. Emulation, selfishness, and debating, are destructive of pure fellowship.
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A Letter From India.
3 Bow Bazar Street,
Calcutta, India,
February 13.
My dearly beloved ones in the Lord: I praise the Lord that he has granted me the privilege to walk in the evening light, and to enjoy his many blessings. I believe I have full fellowship with all the dear children of God who are walking in this evening light; and though I have not seen them in the flesh, yet I am one of them in the Spirit. Dear Brother Khan was the man through whom I received this light. He is a faithful child of God and has nourished me and brought me up regarding spiritual things as well as temporal. As few in number as we are in India, we love each other dearly and also experience the true unity of the Spirit. Dear ones, before I tell you of my work and call to Tibet I would like to give you a geographical description of that land. I hope this will be of interest to many of God's children.
"THE GREAT CLOSED LAND."
A glance at the map is sufficient to show, from a geographical point of view, that Tibet is a "closed land." On every side it is bounded by long ranges of snowy mountains; on the south by the Himalayas and the transverse ranges of Upper Yunnan; on the east by the Yunland mountains of China and the western mountains borderland of the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Szchnan, and Kansu; on the north by the Kuenlun mountains; and on the west, where it narrows to a breadth of only 150 miles, by the junction of the Karakorum mountains with the Himalayas. The space thus enclosed is the largest mass of rock in the world; three time the size of France, having an area of nearly 700,000 square miles, almost as cold as Siberia, though Lh'asa is in the same latitude as Cairo, and the greater part of it higher than Mount Blanc. The altitude of its table-lands ranges from 10,000 to 17,600 feet, and that of the mountains from 20,000 to 28,250 feet above the level of the sea. The length from east to west is over 1,600 miles; the breadth from north to south, ranging from a maximum of 700 miles in the east to a minimum of 150 in the west. On this plateau and its connections the great rivers of Hindustan, including the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and even those of further India, take their rise, as well as the Yellow River and the Yangtse-Kiang of China.
The name Tibet is unknown in the country itself, having been given to it by the Turks and Persians. Its true name is Bod or Bodyul - i.e., Bodland, the original name of the inhabitants being Bodpa. Tibet is rich in minerals. Gold is found in the river-beds, and the rocks indicate its presence in great abundance below the surface. There are also great quantities of turquoise. Mining, however, is not allowed, owing to a superstition, carefully fostered by the Lamas, that, if nuggets of gold were removed from the earth, no more gold-dust would be found in the gravel of the river beds, the nuggets being the roots or plants, and the gold dust the fruit, or flowers.
The greater part of the area of Tibet is taken up by bleak stretches of table lands - bare, stony, and unsheltered, in winter destitute of verdure, but in some districts covered in the summer month with grass or barley, the only growths of which the land is capable. In the southern and central parts there is hardly a tree or even a shrub to be seen, except occasionally in the neighborhood of villages; but in some of the southern districts there are extensive forests, especially of apricot trees, the small, dried fruit of which forms the staple winter food of the inhabitants, and is also a profitable article of commerce. Strangers are allowed to help themselves freely, on condition that they return the stones to the proprietor. The most valuable product of the tree is its oil, which is clear, white, fragrant, and highly illuminative. It is used for cooking as well as lighting, and children are rubbed with it daily as a substitute for washing. When weaned, they are fed for a time with barley meal made into a paste with the oil. In the mountain regions both hills and valley are frequently formed of bare gravel, in which case the only land capable of cultivation is an occasional fertile patch in the recesses of the mountains. The most fertile valleys produce wheat, barley, and peas; the peas are only used for cattle. The main product of the country is "nas," or black barley, of which "tsamba" is made. In the north much of the soil is of clay mixed with gravel and devoid of vegetation except in the neighborhood of lakes, rivers, or springs. In the elevated regions, with the approach of winter the grass becomes as hard as wire, and so parched with the bleak winds that it crackles like straw and falls to powder. The villages are usually built on rocky ledges, high above streams, where they will not encroach upon any of the ground which is valuable for cultivation. In Ladak the villages sometimes extend continuously for several miles. The summer crops in that district are very luxuriant.
The country is divided into Great Tibet, Tibet Proper, and Little Tibet. Great Tibet is the eastern part, bordering on China, comprising the provinces of Aindo, which is within the Kansu border but inhabited by Tibetans, and Kham. Tibet Proper occupies the center, and consists of the two provinces, U, or Anterior Tibet, and Trang, or Ulterior Tibet, Lh'asa being the capital of U, and Shigatze of Trang. "The Kingdom of Lh'asa" consists of the city and the surrounding district. Little Tibet, west of Tibet Proper, consists of Lahoul and Spiti, which belong to England, Zanskar, Ladak, and Rupehn, which are under the dominion of Kashmir.
Tibet has also been divided into three longitudinal zones - a South Zone, containing the centers of the settled and agricultural population; a Middle Zone, comprising the pasture-lands of the nomads; a North Zone, for the most part abandoned to wild animals, but also partly occupied by nomads. The eastern part of Tibet is subdivided into eighteen states, of which the most important are Derge, the Horba States, Litang, Batang, Chala, and Min Nya. Derge is the richest agricultural district in Eastern Tibet. The climate necessarily differs greatly in different parts and seasons; generally speaking, it may be said to be more or less arctic, owing to the great height of the table-lands. Frost may be said to be permanent almost everywhere from October to April. In the mountains there are wonderful variations in the course of a few hours; the temperature being sometimes between 120 and 130 in the day time and at night falling below freezing point. In the province of Koko-Nor, northeast of Tibet, snow falls almost throughout the year, and its lake of salt water 230 miles in circumference, 10,500 feet alt, freezes in winter. At 15,500 alt. the thermometer falls below freezing point every night; at 20,000 alt. there is perpetual frost in the shade. The height of Leh, the capital of Ladak, and a station of the Moravian Mission, is 11,540 feet above sea level. In the northern zone the winter in bitterly cold; in spring and summer there are heavy hail-storms. Only in the autumn, when it is clear and still and comparatively warm, is the desolation relieved by any sign of human life and activity; then caravans of pilgrims cross the country on their way from Koko-Nor to Lh'asa, the sacred city of Buddhism. Some idea of the intense cold may be gathered from the experiences of the French missionaries, "Huc and Gabet," who tell us that every morning, before starting on their journey, they made two or three balls of tsamba with hot tea, and, after wrapping them in pieces of heated linen, deposited them in their breast, under a lamb-skin jacket, a thick robe, a fox-skin cloak, and a great woolen over all; yet, every evening when they stopped and proceeded to get their food, they found that the balls were frozen into ice, and could with difficulty be eaten. More than forty men in their caravan perished with cold. The uninhabited wastes, however, abound with animal-life - antelope, wild asses, bears, foxes, and hares roam in the desolate deserts, besides herds of the most renowned animal of Tibet, the yak, which only really flourishes at a height of over 12,000 feet, and is never thoroughly tamed, its temper being so uncertain that even after being domesticated for generations it can only be controlled by means of a hook passed through its nose. In spite, however, of this disadvantage, the yak is an invaluable possession to the Tibetans; its milk is as rich as cream, and makes good butter; its long hair which yields fine wool, and it huge white, bushy tail, are profitable articles of commerce. It is a very sure-footed beast of burden, carrying loads of two hundred pounds up the most dangerous paths, and over lofty, precipitous mountains, and climbing ledges of rock where a goat or a wild sheep could hardly keep its footing. Its height is about that of an English shorthorn.
The population of Tibet has been variously estimated, and any attempt to determine it can be at best but guesswork. A great portion of the country is destitute of settle inhabitants, being occupied only by wild animals and wandering tribes. Sarat Chandra Das during his journeyings in Tibet passed over 240 miles of a plateau without seeing so much as one solitary tent, but only an occasional shrine. He passed five men whom he supposed to be robbers, and one caravan passing form Mongolia to Lh'asa; but that was all - the country was left in undisputed possession of wild animals. Recent writers have given the population as from four to six millions, but Rockhill, who is considered to be one of the best authorities, considers that this figure is probably greatly in excess of the reality. The latest census, taken 1737, gives it at 1,168,362, and there was a large nomadic population of 50,000 or so, not reckoning them. This would bring up the population of Tibet Proper to something like a million and a half, at which figure Rockhill would still place it, as, owing to the prevalence of polyandry, and the increase in the number of celibate lamas, there can have been little, if any, growth; while in many districts there is known to have been a great decrease, notably owning to the great mortality from small-pox, and emigration to China. On this computation, the total population of Tibet, including Koko-Nor, which is inhabited by Mongolians and Tibetans in about equal proportions, beside a few Chinese, would be about three and a half millions, of whom about two millions are to be found in the kingdom of Lh'asa. In Eastern Tibet, the most populous district is Derge, where the population is estimated at 42,000 including 10,000 lamas, and after Derge, the Horba States. Apart from the nomadic tribes, a large portion of the inhabitants of Tibet live in tents. Their organization is not tribal, but partakes of the character of that part of the country which they inhabit. These Dreepa are strictly pastoral, having herds of yak and horses, and flocks of sheep and goats. The Tibetans of the Hansu border are divided into two classes, the agricultural and the nomadic, the first being called Teefau, the second Fantzie. The Teefau are of mixed origin; the Fantzau are pure Tibetan and call themselves Bodpa; the Mongols call the Black Tibetans.
To this land I am called by my Savior to preach his pure gospel to Tibetans who are indeed sitting in the valley of darkness. In 1899, after finishing a three years' course in the college, I was called to come to Tibet and preach the gospel, and tell what the Lord Jesus has done for me. Accordingly I went to Darjeeling with two Tibetan missionaries. The Lord granted me the language in a few months and I lived there over a year and preached the gospel. In 1900 I came down to Calcutta to visit the brethren, hoping to stay at least a month, but the Lord led otherwise. He showed me that I could not possibly work with those who were not in the same light, and the brethren also felt the same as I did. The Lord showed me that I am to wait till laborers either from India or America come to accompany me to Tibet, and ever since that time I am waiting, yet I know God has a purpose in it.
Now, beloved ones, here is the country and here are the people imploring you for help, and here is the Lord standing over against you; but where is the Joshua to lift up his eyes and see his Lord standing with his sword drawn in his hand? Who will come over and ask - and let him have the reply: I am captain of the hosts of the Lord? "See, I have given into thy hand Jericho [Tibet], and the kings thereof, and the mighty men of valor." Please read Joshua 5:13-15; 6:1-6. Where are the priest to compass the city, blow the trumpets, and bear the ark? Oh, hear the cry and come over and compass the city. If you will be quiet before the Lord and hear him tell the need of Tibet, then I am sure you will also feel her need. For Tibetans the Lord Jesus also died. May God speak to your hearts the need of Tibet. Here I am waiting for you to go with me. Do you want me to wait any longer, whilst the people are perishing without the Eternal Life? Hark to what the Lord says: "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. . . and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." See Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:20.
Dear reader, are you the one to whom the Lord is speaking the need of Tibet? Then why do you wait? If you can not come, you can help send those who are ready to come, and also help to build a mission house for them by your means. If you can not do these things, you can surely pray for them and for their needs. May God bless you. I do always give thanks upon every remembrance of you, my dearest ones. Amen. If any one wishes to correspond personally, I will be most glad to do so. With much love, I remain your brother in Christ,
M. Moses.
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News from the Field
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Kingston, Missouri, March 27.
Once more we are happy to make mention of the goodness of God toward us. During the past three months we have been mostly in company with Brother A. J. Ellison. During that time we held meetings at Kingston and Hamilton, Missouri. The meetings were blessed of God in the justification and sanctification of a few souls. From Kingston we went to Pittsburg, Iowa, and at that place God made manifest his saving, sanctifying, and healing power. After being there about ten days we left the little congregation of four saints rejoicing in the Lord, and went to Downing, Missouri, but could not hold meetings there because of the bad roads and weather. The Lord willing, we will return to Downing some time, and administer to the spiritual needs of the few who are desirous that some of God's ministry will come and preach to them the pure gospel. We expect to remain at Kingston for a time. We are encouraged to do the whole will of the Lord.
E. J. and M. D. Axup.
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1405 Main Street,
Peoria, Illinois,
April 2.
I am still saved, soul and body, and kept by the power and grace of God. I am grateful to God that no evil can come nigh us if we are obedient in all things. Since last November, when I left Illinois for western Kansas and Colorado, till my return this morning, the Lord has kept me, midst perils of travel, pestilence, false prophets, and doctrines of devils. Never have I come in contact with such an array of error marshaled against the truth.
From the first meeting at Beaver City, Nebraska, till I came to this Sodom of distilleries and licentiousness, have I met false prophets and false doctrines, both preached and printed. But God's Word measures and weighs all things, and what can not be shaken or burned, alone can abide. We are warned not to "go;" but the errors come to many in the printed page as messages of truth; raising misgivings, doubts, and questions in the reader's soul and mind about the meaning of plain and accepted scriptures; thus undermining the foundation of simplicity of faith and steadfastness in the Word. Like one said, who now is in error, "Scriptures that once taught a doctrine now prove the opposite." The same devil that wrested the scriptures from the first saints and so deceived them that they killed the righteous to please God, is still at work; and I know a number of souls in this state who, by going here and there, reading this and that, are forever lost, unless they awake from the stupor and delusion "of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." Little foxes spoil the vines. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Brightest light slowly but surely yields to eventide and darkest night. Beware what you hear or read. It engenders doubts, and then when you hear the real, pure milk of the Word, you would rather want a watered gospel; or, like the beer, or whiskey toper, you would contend for your favorite gospel compound. May God's Spirit apply these warnings to all souls.
I found many precious brethren and sisters in the different places where I labored in the west. God reward them for their kindness. From here I expect, the Lord willing, to attend to some business matters at Springfield, then go forth again in the gospel work.
A. S. Kriebel, Reddick, Illinois.
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Springfield, Missouri,
March 27.
Since our last report God has wonderfully blessed the work in Springfield. Many have been saved, several sanctified, and the Spirit and power of God manifested in the services. We now have two missions; one at 411 West Walnut Street, in the south side, and one at 1554 Boonville Street, in the north side. We have also rented a house at 1301 Robertson Avenue for a workers' home. For the past few weeks we have had Brother and Sister Moore, and Brother and Sister Brown, of St. Louis, with us, who have been used of God in presenting the truth of salvation and sanctification, also Brother Spears, a lieutenant of the Salvation Army who came out into the work and is a useful man in the service of the Lord, but has been obliged to return to his home in Lexington, Missouri, on account of poor health.
We expect to carry the mission work on for some time yet, and as our rent alone is $45.00 per month, beside all other expenses, we shall be very grateful for any help that children of God may feel led to send us. Any workers who feel led of God to come and assist in the work will find a welcome. May the Lord have his way. Please remember me in your prayers. As there are many rumors abroad of late, some may think I am still holding to the doctrine of there being no second cleansing. I wish to assure all the Trumpet readers that such is not the case. God has delivered me from that error once for all, and by his grace I shall keep clear of any such delusions in the future.
W. J. Henry.
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Carthage, Missouri,
March 25.
We are praising God for victory over the powers of darkness. Our faith is in him, and he has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." We have recently closed a precious meeting at Webb City, Missouri, which lasted five weeks, and which we believe could have been prolonged with good success, as the interest seemed greater the last night than at any other time. Crowds of people thronged the house from night to night, and great interest was manifested. Those who had never been saved found peace and pardon; others who had long been backslidden, had the joys of salvation restored, while those who had been in sectism were given an understanding of the true way, and were happily saved. Praise the Lord! About thirty professed salvation, a number of them being both justified and sanctified. Some were also healed of bodily afflictions. We think we are safe in saying there has not been such an awakening among the people for many years. Oh, how the power of the enemy gave way, and souls were liberated from the kingdom of sin. The church has passed through many trials, but the Lord is now showing his wondrous power in their midst. They are happy and reigning in the present truth. The fire is also burning, and souls are being saved. During the meeting an awful mine accident occurred, in which five miners were killed, all but one living within a few yards of the meeting-house. Some had been attending the meeting, one having been there the night before he was killed. What a time of sorrow was there! Mothers, wives, and friends weeping over their dead. That morning they left home seemingly with a long lease of life; but ere the sun sank they were cold in death. Well might there be (as there was) a gloom cast over the community. There was a double funeral at the saints' meeting-house, two of them being brought there. Oh, what a solemn scene it was as the two processions met at the door, then slowly bore the lifeless forms into the house, followed by weeping friends who sank beneath the crushing weight of sorrow. With the help of the Lord we endeavored to show the people the great need of being always ready to meet God, as they too might be ushered into eternity when not prepared, as even these poor, unfortunate men. From what we learned one of them had been somewhat interested during the meeting. To what extent will never be known till we meet at the judgment. How many times during gospel services do precious souls receive their last call. To all of the lost we would say, "Take warning."
We are now at Carthage, Missouri. God is working upon the hearts of the people; a number have been saved, and we are expecting others to yield to their convictions and find the Lord. Brethren, pray for us.
C. A. Sunderland and Company.
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Testimonies
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Gorgetown, Illinois.
I wish to testify to God's healing power. I was sick with lung fever and took my case to the Lord in prayer, and I was healed. I give God all the glory. It is wonderful what the Lord can do. He says, "Ask, and ye shall receive."
Luella Gray.
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Mohawk, Tennessee.
I have had a head theory of the right way for three or four years, but had no heart experience until three weeks ago when I found Jesus precious to my soul. Praise his holy name! I believe some good, honest-hearted Christians here who are in sectism would come out if they could hear the gospel preached in its purity. Who will come and help to spread the pure gospel? We need some minister who is not afraid to persecution, who will stand up boldly and preach the doctrine of Christ without compromise. I am willing to do what I can for the spread of the pure gospel. Pray that I may go on to perfection, and be able to do my whole duty toward God.
Charles Everhart.
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Kankakee, Illinois.
Last spring I was very sick with lung trouble. I sent for an anointed handkerchief. When it was applied the work was done. I do praise the Lord for what he has done for me and my family. He has healed my children of many different afflictions. I was a Lutheran twenty-five years. Then I got saved and joined the Free Methodist and remained with them one year. Afterwards I united with the Baptists and remained with them five years. Then the Lord permitted me to hear his true children preach the whole Word. Husband and I accepted it. God has always been a true friend in time of need. I am saved and sanctified. I give God all the glory. Pray that the Lord may keep me humble.
Sophie Forman.
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Nettleton House,
Kansas City, Missouri.
A dear friend sent me a copy of The Gospel Trumpet. I can truly say it is a paper after my own heart. It sets forth clearly the great blessing of sanctification, or holiness of heart, without which no man shall see the Lord. I sought this blessing for years, and as I believed, obtained it. I know God hears and answers prayer; all glory to his holy name! I have passed through much sorrow and trouble, both of mind and body; yet he has been my strong deliverer, and has led me through it all victoriously. Halleluiah! I have been a great suffer from neuralgia, losing much sleep. I asked the Lord to give me ease, if only for one night, and, glory to his name! he did it. I shall be eighty years old in July, if I should live to see that time, and have been a Christian fifty-five years. The way grows brighter and brighter. I am ready and willing to go when the Master calls. I am an inmate or guest of the "Nettleton House" for aged women, corner of Seventh and Penn Streets. I earnestly beg an interest in the prayers of the saints.
Sarah E. Arnold.
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Zimmerman, Louisiana.
I can say of a truth that God is just the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. Praise his name! He has healed me many times during the past year, and I have given him the praise and expect to as long as I live. Dear reader, if you intend to live for Jesus, who died for you, let him heal you when you get sick. God does not need medicine to raise you up; for when Jesus heals us we are healed indeed. Then when we are with our friends we can praise God instead of recommending drugs to them, and giving them the praise. He is the Lord of lords, and must have all the praise in sickness and in health. On September 16, 1900 Jesus wonderfully opened the way for me to go to Simpson, Louisiana to the camp-meeting. I was baptized September 17. I enjoyed being with God's children, and I love them dearly. It is so grand to know that God has a people, and that we have the same mind and are serving him in the true way. I am so glad that God has brought me into the glorious light. On December 8 I went to the assembly at Camel Creek, where I enjoyed another gathering together with God's children. Since that time I have been on the solid rock. I am saved, sanctified, and satisfied. Praise God for it all! I mean to ever follow where Jesus leads me. Pray that I ever be humble as Jesus would have me. Also pray that my parents may be willing to give up all and trust in Jesus, who is able to keep them.
Mary E. Forrest.
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Homeland, Florida.
I praise God that my name is written in the Lamb's book of life, not with ink by man but by the Spirit of God. This divine power saves me from sin and reigns within. "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world." - Galatians 6:14. "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raise up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:2-6. Praise the dear Lord for the great and complete plan of salvation that makes us heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ! It fills his followers with a spirit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Our God is a rock of defense, and a deliverer in every time of trouble. He never slumbers or sleeps, but his ears are ever open to the cries of his people, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. The prophets of old wrote and spoke of him over one thousand years before he made his appearance in this world. Brethren and sisters in Christ, let us walk uprightly and adorn the doctrine of our Savior in all things; if we fail in the least of God's holy commandments, we lose the heirship, and have no part with Christ. "His servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness." - Romans 6:16. "When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die." - Ezekiel 18:26, 27. The soul that sinneth it shall die. "But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die." - Ezekiel 18:21. We notice in the last quotation that all our sins must be forsaken to obtain God's favor, and his statutes must be observed and we must do that which is lawful and right to retain life, or keep in his favor. Therefore we need not be afraid of being too exact in the service of the Master, though we may be called fanatics, etc. "For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lust, excess of wine, revelings, banquetings, and abominable idolatry, wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead." - 1st Peter 4:3-5. Praise the Lord for a freedom in Christ!
J. E. Wilson.
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Obituary.
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HAWKINS. Father John Hawkins departed this life March 18. He gave his heart to the Lord several years ago and was faithful to the end. He was sick three weeks and bore it patiently. During the last few hours his lungs pained him intensely. He requested prayers, after which he was better, and slept for an hour, when he awoke and calmly passed away. He was born in Ohio and came to Indiana in 1853 and lived in St. Joseph county ever since. Aged 73 years, 10 months, 21 days.
L. Hawkins.
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CHRIST. Sister Elizabeth Miller Christ was born January 28, 1842 at Oberzell Persia Germany, and died March 19, 1901, at Fallis, Oklahoma. She came to the United States in 1864 and was married to Conrad Christ the same year. Ten children blessed the union, of which six survive, two sons and four daughters. She gave her heart to God in 1869 and found peace and joy in Jesus. She accepted the present truth in 1891 and walked in all the light the Lord revealed to her. May the Lord comfort the husband and children. I pray the unsaved of the family to make their peace with God and meet the mother in eternal glory.
Abel Markwell.
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Divine Healing.
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Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord.
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Saved and Healed.
The Lord saves me from all sin and heals all my diseases. Last year I had quick consumption and was sent to Colorado for my health. I grew worse until all hopes of my recovery were given up by my friends. I believed the Lord had something for me to do yet, and believed he would heal me, although I had never heard divine healing taught. I was led into this way through studying the Word, but I had never met the dear saints until last October. I at once asked to be anointed for healing and the work was instantly done. The same week I went into rescue work with Sister N. A. Armstrong, and the Lord gave me health and strength for the work. On January 1, I was very ill with diphtheria of the worst form. On the 6th I was so low that messages were sent to my loved ones at home, and it seemed I was about to breathe my last. Sister Armstrong was continually holding me up before the Lord. She sent to the Trumpet Family asking them to pray at once for my healing. At six o'clock in the evening, when we knew the telegram had reached them, she and I agreed with them in prayer, and before seven o'clock I was well and ate a hearty supper. Praise God!
He has also healed me of blood poisoning and heart trouble. How I do thank God that I ever learned to trust him for all things. My desire is to do his will, and be led of him in all things, also to lead others to the same loving friend. Pray for me.
Faith Stewart.
Denver, Colorado,
March 14.
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Healed of Various Diseases.
In 1897 I was on a bed of affliction and had a doctor attending me every day. I was suffering with kidney trouble. The doctor could do nothing with my disease. I read my Bible, and thirsted for something that I could not get at any of the so-called churches. I would go to all of them to try and get filled. Not a crumb could I get. I asked a lady to lend me something to read. She said she had some religious papers that had been sent to her which I could read as she did not like them herself. I began to read and found it was what I had been longing for. It was pure holiness, The Gospel Trumpet, telling me how to live free from sin, and also that God would heal all our diseases. The doctor continued to visit me. Finally he told me he would have to make an operation. I had read in The Gospel Trumpet how God had healed so many. So I began to pray God to heal me so I would not need to submit to an operation. When the doctor came I was so much better that I met him at the door. He was surprised and asked me what caused the change. I told him the Lord had done it. I began to talk to him about his soul. That was in September, and on Christmas he died. I do not know whether he made his peace with God or not. I continued to take medicine. I did not know how to stop when I had taken it every day for thirty-three years. One day I met a lady who had decided to take the Lord for her healer for soul and body. I decided right then I would take no more medicine. I have been trusting God for all things. He healeth all diseases. I know I am not alone, for God takes care of me.
In February I was taken with the grip. I had an abscess on my head. Sometimes thought I could not live. My eyes and face were badly swollen, also I had a high fever Monday night. It lasted until Wednesday night, when I had a lady write to Brother and Sister Smith to pray for my healing. When she went out to mail the letter, I knelt down by my bed-side and asked the Lord to rebuke the fever. The fever left me immediately, and the Lord told me to go and tell the people in the house that I was healed. I was afraid to leave my room for fear the pain and fever might return. The pain returned, although the fever did not. I had a lady write to the Trumpet Office for prayer, and sent for some of the saints here to come and obey James 5:14, 15. I had the witness that I would be healed, but I suffered two weeks then Jesus healed me. A doctor's wife wanted me to take medicine, but I told her I would not. She threatened to force me to take it. I told her that the Lord would not let it have any effect. Others were greatly surprised because I got well without taking medicine. One man in this city had an abscess on his head. He went to the hospital, had an operation performed, and died the next day.
"Praise the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name." I would not give my hope of heaven for all this world. I praise the Lord for affliction, and that I am counted worthy to suffer for his sake. I used snuff for several years, and tried many times to get rid of the filthy habit. Finally I gave up all, had the saints unite with me in prayer, and I was freed from it.
Mrs. R. J. Raley.
Macon, Georgia,
March 19.
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A Sure Physician.
I am praising the Lord for a full and a free salvation which saves and keeps me day by day. I find him a present help in every time of need. When the Lord saved me I took him for my physician, and I have not taken any medicine since that time. Three weeks ago I was taken with a severe attack of the grip. I was in bed three days, but I kept trusting the Lord for the healing of my body. Two sisters came to see me and agreed with me in prayer, and the Lord healed me. I give him all the glory. The Word says, "That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 18:19. It is five years since I was saved. I praise God that he brought me out of darkness into this evening light. I can truly say that the way is growing brighter each day of my life.
The Lord healed my boy of a terrible cough this winter. He could not rest day nor night; but I can truly say that in answer to prayer the Lord healed him. One evening it seemed like the devil was bound to have the victory. He would tell me I had better give him something. Oh, what a glorious thought it is to know that the dear Lord is with us! The scripture came to me: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." - John 15:7. I knelt down and asked the Lord to heal him. How it strengthened my faith to know that God healed him, and not medicine. Praise his name! he will never leave us nor forsake us. Two weeks after the Lord healed him my oldest girl was afflicted with something like the grip. The Lord wonderfully healed her. Praise God for what he has done for me and my family! Oh, that I may sink deeper into the love of God and live to glorify his name in all things. I desire the prayers of God's children that I may be kept humble so that I may learn of him at all times. Please pray for my family also.
Sarah F. Jones.
Winchester, Kentucky,
February 27.
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A Never-Failing Physician.
I thank God for a salvation that keeps me from sin, and for sweet peace that flows like a river. It is nine years since the Lord saved my soul and up to the present time I have always found him a present help in time of need. It is truly wonderful what the Lord will do for us if we trust him. We have four children, and in the past nine years we truly have been brought through the fiery furnace of afflictions and trials. But the Lord who is our physician and who forgiveth all our iniquities and healeth all our diseases, healed and delivered us out of them all. At one time our little girl had grip and spasms. She had four spasms and each time she turned very blue and remained that way for some time. Some of the neighbors thought she would die, and urged us to get a doctor; but our trust was in the Lord, and when he saw we were determined to trust him, he speedily healed the child. Also our baby when quite young had pneumonia; we kept praying for it, but instead of getting better it grew worse, until it was at death's door. We then just left it in the hands of the Lord, willing to have him take it if it was his will, but when we were all given up to his will he instantly healed the child. A few weeks ago our little boy was taken very sick with the grip and in answer to prayer the dear Lord healed him, but through exposure he again had a severe attack of it. Husband agreed with me, and according to the Word we laid hands on him and asked God to heal him. The Lord sent the witness that the work was done. After this symptoms of spasms made their appearance, but we just rebuked the devil and asked God to take it away, and immediately every symptom left and he was healed. Yesterday the same child was taken very ill. We kept calling on the Lord to heal him, but he grew worse until after midnight, when the Lord came to our help and instantly healed him, and so he brought us through one affliction after another, such as measles, mumps, whooping-cough, croup, chicken-pox, neuralgia, etc. Dear ones, it pays to trust the Lord, and if the Lord sees fit to try our faith and the healing is not instantly done, let us not get discouraged, but pray, trust, and believe, until we win the victory. Above all, let us be sure we are saved and right in the order of the Lord; otherwise the Lord would not hear us. Dear ones, pray for us.
Kate Hale.
Alum Rock, Pennsylvania.
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