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The Gospel Trumpet
Volume 21 - Issue 28 - July 18, 1901
(Articles of interest only)
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He Touched Her Hands.
My hands were filled with many things,
Which I did precious hold,
As any treasure of a king’s,
Silver, or gems, or gold.
The Master came, and touched my hands;
The scars were in his own.
And at his feet my treasures sweet,
Fell shattered one by one;
“I must have empty hands,” said he,
“Wherewith to work my work through thee.”
My hands were stained with marks of toil,
Defiled with dust of earth,
And I my work did ofttimes soil,
And render little worth ...
The Master came, and touched my hands,
And crimson were his own.
And when amazed, on mine I gazed,
Lo, every stain was gone.
“I must have cleansed hands,” said he.
“Wherewith to work my works through thee.”
My hands were growing feverish,
And cumbered with much care,
Trembling with haste and eagerness,
Nor folded oft in prayer.
The Master came and touched my hands,
With healing in his own;
And calm and still to do his will,
They grew, the fever gone.
“I must have quiet hands,” said he,
“Wherewith to work my works through thee.”
My hands were strong in fancied strength,
But not in power divine,
And bold to take up tasks at length,
That were not his, but mine.
The Master came, and touched my hands,
And might was in his own.
But mine, since then, have powerless been,
Save his were laid thereon.
“And it is only thus,” said he,
“That I can work my works through thee.”
...Selected
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The New Testament Church.
By Alvin J. Ellison.
Chapter 13.
FAITH
Faith is the key which unlocks the storehouse of God, and the hand that takes the blessings freely offered. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Therefore Jesus says, “Have faith in God.” ... Mark 11:22. We will now notice
THE BLESSINGS OF FAITH.
In Ephesians 2:8 we read that we are saved by faith. By the following scriptures we behold this more clearly. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ... Romans 5:1. Justification is the act of God’s grace that forgives our sins, removes our condemnation, puts us in a state of innocence, and makes us new creatures in Christ; I. E., it removes from us the old sinful life and gives us instead the life of Christ. This grace, the apostle says, we receive by faith. We are also sanctified by faith “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, . . . That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ... Acts 26:18. Sanctification is that act of God’s grace that makes us pure within by cleansing away the inbred depravity (carnal nature), gives us power with God, and prepares us for the Master’s use. This also can be received only by faith.
Having become children of God by faith (see Ephesians 3:26) and through faith sanctified wholly, we now need a mighty keeping power to preserve us from the sins of this deceptive world. This mighty power works through faith. In Peter’s first general epistle he tells us there is an incorruptible, undefiled, never-fading inheritance, reserved in heaven for those “who are kept by the power of God through faith.” So wonderful is this precious faith that through it we can be kept from all sin, despite all the power of the enemy. Praise God! In addition to these blessings received by faith we will in conclusion add the blessing of being healed by faith. It truly is a great blessing to be privileged to call the great God of heaven to our assistance when our bodies are sorely distressed by disease. How wonderful is faith!
“And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come into the house, the blind man came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. And their eyes were opened.” ... Matthew 9:27-30. We will next turn our attention to the
POWER OF FAITH.
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, . . . If ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” ... Matthew 21:21. “And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” ... Mark 11:22-24. These scriptures are sufficient to show the wonderful power of faith, and they are so clear upon this point, that they need no further comment. We will now notice the
NECESSITY OF FAITH.
1. We live by faith. Romans 1:17. 2. We stand by faith. 2nd Corinthians 1:24. 3. We walk by faith. 2nd Corinthians 5:7. 4. We fight by faith. 1st Timothy 6:12. No marvel that the apostle said, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Surely we need not take up further space to prove that this theme forms a part of the New Testament church doctrine.
Faith, thou art the key
Which opens wide the door,
To blessings great and rich and wide
In Father’s boundless store.
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Come Out From Among Them.
By Emma Tufford.
Chapter 2
Babylon (sectism) is fallen. “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins.” ... Revelation 18:2, 4. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” ... 2nd Timothy 3:1-5. I believe I am safe in saying that at least one of the sins in the above stated catalogue is to be found in almost every sectarian professor. They have a form of godliness but deny the power of God to save and keep from sin. What does God tell us to do concerning them? Does he advise us to be yoked up with them in order to win them? Does he advise running back there and mingling with them? No! He says, “From such turn away.” Well, says one, “Dare we not go back and testify to the truth?” Yes, if God tells you to go back there and deliver a message, go ahead; but be sure you testify to the whole truth and say just what God tells you to. If you do that I venture to say you will not go very often; for they will not allow you to testify to the plain truth very long. Why? Because the time has come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts they have heaped to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and they have and are turning away their ears from the truth and have turned unto fables. 2nd Timothy 4:3, 4. They say to their teachers, “Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.” ... Isaiah 30:10.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies [destructive sects ... German translation], even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” ... 2nd Peter 2:1-3.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause division and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” ... Romans 16:17, 18. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing.”
I have had people refer me to a certain class of people, saying: “These people seem to be very spiritual; they seem to be real children of God, and I enjoy going to their meeting. I can not see that they do anything wrong or practice any of the sins you speak about in condemning sectism.” Very well; perhaps some of them are honest and have been walking up to all the light they have previously had. If they are honest God will call them to come out, and they will obey his voice. But we will measure their society by the Word of God. Jesus said, “The Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” We will see if they observe all the commands of Jesus. Do they practice and teach divine healing? Do they practice the New Testament ordinances, which Jesus plainly commanded; namely, water baptism, the Lord’s supper, and feet-washing? Do they live pure and free from sin? Are they in unity with God’s people? And are they kept in Jesus’ name as he prayed that his people should be? Read John 17. Or have they taken upon themselves another name and are distinct and separate from the body of Christ, the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth? Paul says we shall also be judged by his gospel. Romans 2:16. What does his gospel command? ... We must live free from sin, be holy, be a unit with all God’s people, and be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment, and all speak the same thing. Where is there a sect or society that measures to this? Where is there a society that has all the members of Christ in it? The church of God is Christ’s body (Ephesians 2:22), and it is composed of all his members... all those who have been born of God. Hence I declare upon the authority of God’s Word, any society that claims to be the church and is not in unity with all God’s people, has not all saved people in it, is called by some name other than God’s, and all its members are not pure and holy ... it is not the church, but is a sect (no matter how spiritual it may seem), and is condemned by the Bible. If people do not make their escape from it they will fall with it and be buried in the ruins.
The society nearest the Bible line is the greatest counterfeit, therefore the most dangerous. Its members appear spiritual and preach a great deal of Bible, thus deceiving the people. But if they were in unity and fellowship with God’s people and the whole Word they would not hold to their craft or society. If they were spiritual and in possession of holiness they would flow right along with the true people of God. “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” ... Hebrews 2:11. Carnality causes division. Sanctification destroys carnality, hence sanctification destroys all division and makes all God’s people one. God’s true church is pure and holy, without a spot of imperfection. Ephesians 5:26, 27. The counterfeit churches have good and bad in them, and they do not flow together in unity and fellowship with God’s holy people. Hence the admonition, “Come out from among them.” Dear ones, you who have been running to sectism, thinking you could get some good there, I warn you as one that loves your soul, Beware! The more you go there the more you may want to. By and by, perhaps already, you may think: “Well, they seem spiritual; they do not seem so bad, and preach a lot of truth,” etc. Again I say, Beware! God’s Word plainly declares that Babylon is fallen. Divisions are not of God, and when people do not preach and practice the whole truth they are not right. There is not a denomination, or sect, whose members preach and practice the whole truth. If they did they would have to give up their sect and they would be in unity with all God’s people. The truth, the sword of the Spirit, cuts sectism to pieces. May God help the people who claim to be out of Babylon to see the wrong of having fellowship with her and running back there claiming to receive food. Why do you wish to go there? If you are saved and have been shown the true and pure church of God and the fallen state of sect Babylon, you will have no desire to mingle with her; you will not enjoy yourself there.
God is now in the evening time of world calling his people out of all confusion and error into one fold, and we have no need of running back to the dried up God-deserted pasture-fields of sectism. Praise the Lord! God is separating the precious from the vile; he is going to have, and already has, a separate people, who will not fellowship or mingle with something that is not straight. He is threshing and fanning Babylon to get the pure wheat out. Surely we do not wish to be put through the threshing-machine and fanning-mill several times before God can get us clean. God wants his people to forsake Babylon and not return to her again. “Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain [big sect], and from every hill [little sect], and out of the holes of the rocks. For mine eyes are upon all their ways.” ... Jeremiah 16:16, 17. “Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return [from sect Babylon], 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: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.” ... Jeremiah 15:19. I thank God that I have been delivered from the straps and bands of sectarian bondage and am among the ransomed of the Lord that have returned and come to Zion, the church, where they have clean, pure, nutritious pasture. The scorched and withered pasture-fields just across the way do not tempt me. The corruption I see over there would cause my spiritual digestive organs to become so diseased that I would not be able to digest their food. So I stay away. But I am lifting up my voice like a trumpet and calling to God’s people over there: “Come out from among them, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and come home to your own land, where you can be free; and do not be running back there, lest ye become infected with her plagues.”
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Numbering Our Days.
By R. Rothman.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” ... Psalms 90:12.
We need God’s assistance in order to put the right estimate on things of time and things of eternity. The majority of people are spending nearly all their fleeting days planning for the things of time. Sooner or later each of them must die; then what will all the vain things of life amount to when they appear before the Judge to render an account for the things done in the body? Each of them will look back upon his misspent life, and be surprised at the awful mistake he has made. When the solemn fact of a never-ending eternity to be spent among the lost stares them in the face, how trivial will the houses and lands, the gold and silver, the fame and honors of life appear!
Men are more inclined to measure time by the average length of life. They measure by years; but God measures by days. Men are planning years ahead; God says, “Now is the accepted time.” Man spends perhaps a third of his life preparing for the uncertain other two-thirds; God says, Live from day to day as though it were your last; have no care for the morrow; for the morrow will take care of itself; seek first the kingdom of heaven.
When we look around in the world we see man so busily engaged in living for self and sin that they have hardly an hour a week in which to think of eternal things, and to make their peace with a just and offended God. If we are not really spiritual we may envy the worldly prosperity of the wicked, for men who devote their whole time to things of earth will succeed better than the more wise but less worldly Christian. There is danger here of envying until the devil gets us to follow their evil ways. But if we would take the matter to the Lord he would soon show us the utter folly of the wicked man’s course, and we would see that there is nothing in his life for us to envy. Jesus will get us then to look at the beauties of holiness and the priceless jewels of salvation and we will go on our way rejoicing in a Savior’s love.
David had an experience similar to that of many to-day. But he looked to the Lord, which caused him to break forth in these words of joy: “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” ... Psalms73:1. Then he goes on to explain a trial he had. “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death; but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly against oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouths against the heavens; and their tongue walketh through the earth. . . When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me. Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream, when one awakened; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.” ... Psalms 73:1-20.
Without secret communion with God and frequent consideration of the brevity of time and the awful length of eternity, we may become foolish in the sight of God, and undervalue eternal things. Surely we need to pray, O Lord, “teach us to so number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” For “happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and the things thou canst desire are not to be compared with her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”
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Living Words.
“Be ye therefore ready.” ... Luke 12:40.
“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.” ... Psalms 104:33, 34.
“The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacle of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.” ... Psalms 118:14, 15.
“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” ... Psalms 100:2, 3.
“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.” ... Psalms 107:1-3.
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The Epistle Of Mathetes To Diognetus.
Interesting letter from an early Christian to one of his pagan friends.
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This letter was written about A. D. 130 by Mathetes, which name signifies a disciple of the apostles, and is recorded in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers as a genuine letter written in the early part of the Christian era.
Chapter 1 ... OCCASION OF THE EPISTLE.
Since I see thee, most excellent Diognetus, exceedingly desirous to learn the mode of worshiping God prevalent among the Christians, and inquiring very carefully and earnestly concerning them, what God they trust in, and what form of religion they observe, so as all to look down upon the world itself, and despise death, while they neither esteem those to be gods that are reckoned such by the Greeks, nor hold to the superstition of the Jews; and what is the affection which they cherish among themselves: and why, in fine, this new kind or practice [of piety] has only now entered into the world, and not long ago; I cordially welcome this thy desire, and I implore God, who enables us both to speak and to hear, to grant to me so to speak, that, above all, I may hear you have been edified, and to you so to hear, that I who speak may have no cause of regret for having done so.
Chapter 2 ... THE VANITY OF IDOLS.
Come, then, after you have freed yourself from all prejudices possessing your mind, and laid aside what you have been accustomed to, as something apt to deceive you, and being made, as if from the beginning, a new man, inasmuch as, according to your own confession, you are to be the hearer of a new system of doctrine; come and contemplate, not with your eyes only, but with your understanding, the substance and the form of those whom ye declare and deem to be gods. Is not one of them a stone similar to that on which we tread? Is not a second brass, in no way superior to those vessels which are constructed for our ordinary use? Is not a third wood, and that already rotten? Is not a fourth silver, which needs a man to watch it, lest it be stolen? Is not a fifth iron, consumed by rust? Is not a sixth earthenware, in no degree more valuable than that which is formed for the humblest purposes? Are not all these of corruptible matter? Are they not fabricated by means of iron and fire? Did not the sculptor fashion one of them, the brazier a second, the silversmith a third, and the potter a fourth? Was not every one of them, before they were formed by the arts of these [workmen] into the shape of these [gods], each in its own way subject to change? Would not those things which are now vessels, formed of the same materials, become like to such, if they met with the same artificers? Might not these, which are now worshiped by you, again be made by men vessels similar to others? Are they not all deaf? Are they not blind? Are they not without life? Are they not destitute of feeling? Are they not incapable of motion? Are they not all liable to rot? Are they not all corruptible? These things ye call gods; these ye serve; these ye worship; and ye become altogether like to them. For this reason ye hate the Christians, because they do not deem these to be gods. But do not ye yourselves, who now think and suppose [such to be gods], much more cast contempt upon them than they [the Christians do]? Do ye not much more mock and insult them, when ye worship those that are made of stone and earthenware, without appointing any persons to guard them; but those made of silver and gold ye shut up by night, and appoint watchers to look after them by day, lest they be stolen? And by those gifts which ye mean to present to them, do ye not, if they are possessed of sense, rather punish [than honor] them? But if, on the other hand, they are destitute of sense, ye convict them of this fact, while ye worship them with blood and the smoke of sacrifices. Let any one of you suffer such indignities! Let any one of you endure to have such things done to himself! But not a single human being will, unless compelled to it, endure such treatment, since he is endowed with sense and reason. A tone, however, readily bears it, seeing it is insensible. Certainly you do not show [by your conduct] that he [your God] is possessed of sense. And as to the fact that Christians are not accustomed to serve such gods I might easily find many other things to say; but if even what has been said does not seem to any one sufficient, I deem it idle to say anything further.
Chapter 3 ... SUPERSTITIONS OF THE JEWS.
And next, I imagine that you are most desirous of hearing something on this point, that the Christians do not observe the same forms of divine worship as do the Jews. The Jews, then, if they abstain from the kind of service above described, and deem it proper to worship one God as being Lord of all, [are right]: but if they offer him worship in the way which we have described, they greatly err. For while the Gentiles, by offering such things to those that are destitute of sense and hearing, furnish an example of madness; they, on the other hand, by thinking to offer these things to God as if he needed them, might justly reckon it rather an act of folly than of divine worship. For he that made heaven and earth, and all that is therein, and gives to us all the things of which we stand in need, certainly requires none of those things which he himself bestows on such as think of furnishing them to him. But those who imagine that, by means of blood, and the smoke of sacrifices and burnt-offerings, they offer sacrifices [acceptable] to him, and that by such honors they show him respect, ... these, by supposing that they can give anything to him who stands in need of nothing, appear to me in no respect to differ from those who studiously confer the same honor on things destitute of sense, and which therefore are unable to enjoy such honors.
Chapter 4 ... THE OTHER OBSERVANCES OF THE JEWS.
But as to their scrupulosity concerning meats, and their superstition as respects the Sabbaths, and their boasting about circumcision, and their fancies about fasting and the new moons, which are utterly ridiculous and unworthy of notice, ... I do not think that you require to learn anything from me. For, to accept some of those things which have been formed by God for the use of men as properly formed, and to reject others as useless and redundant, ... how can this be lawful? And to speak falsely of God, as if he forbade us to do what is good on the Sabbath days, ... how is this not impious? And to glory in the circumcision of the flesh as a proof of election, and as if, on account of it, they were specially beloved by God, ... how is it not a subject of ridicule? And as to their observing months and days, as if waiting upon the stars and the moon, and their distributing, according to their own tendencies, the appointments of God, and the vicissitudes of the seasons, some for festivities, and others for mourning, ... who would deem this a part of divine worship, and not much rather a manifestation of folly? I suppose, then, you are sufficiently convinced that the Christians properly abstain from the vanity and error common [to both Jews and Gentiles], and from the busy-body spirit and vain boasting of the Jews; but you must not hope to learn the mystery of their peculiar mode of worshiping God from any mortal.
Chapter 5 ... THE MANNERS OF THE CHRISTIANS.
For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as Barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined, and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children, but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonored, and yet in their very dishonor are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honor; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greek; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.
Chapter 6. ... THE RELATION OF CHRISTIANS TO THE WORLD.
To sum up all in one word ... what the soul is in the body, that are Christians in the world. The soul is dispersed through all the members of the body, and cities are scattered through all the cities of the world. The soul dwells in the body, yet is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, yet are not of the world. The invisible soul is guarded by the visible body, and Christians are known indeed to be in the world, but their godliness remains invisible. The flesh hates the soul, and wars against it, though itself suffering no injury, because it is prevented from enjoying pleasures; the world also hates the Christians, though in nowise injured, because they abjure pleasures. The soul loves the flesh that hates it, and [loves also] the members; Christians likewise love those that hate them. The soul is imprisoned in the body, yet preserves that very body; and Christians are confined in the world as in a prison, and yet they are the preservers of the world. The immortal soul dwells in a mortal tabernacle; and Christians dwell as sojourners in corruptible [bodies], looking for an incorruptible dwelling in the heavens. The soul, when but ill provided with food and drink, becomes better; in like manner, the Christian, though subjected day by day to punishment, increase the more in number. God has assigned them this illustrious position, which it were unlawful for them to forsake.
Chapter 7. ... THE MANIFESTATIONS OF CHRIST.
For, as I said, this was no mere earthly invention which was delivered to them, nor is it a mere human system of opinion, which they judge it right to preserve so carefully, nor has a dispensation of mere human mysteries been committed to them, but truly God himself, who is almighty, the Creator of all things, and invisible, has sent from heaven, and placed among men [Him who is] the truth, and the holy and incomprehensible Word, and has firmly established him in their hearts. He did not, as one might have imagined, send to men any servant, or angel, or ruler, or any one of those who bear sway over earthly things, or one of those to whom the government of things in the heavens has been entrusted, but the very Creator and Fashioner of all things ... by whom He made the heavens ... by whom He enclosed the sea within its proper bounds ... whose ordinances all the stars faithfully observe ... from whom the sun has received the measure of his daily course to be observed ... whom the moon obeys, being commanded to shine in the night, and whom the stars also obey, following the moon in her course; by whom all things have been arranged, and placed within their proper limits, and to whom all are subject ... the heavens and the things that are therein, the earth and the things that are therein, the sea and the things that are therein ... fire, air, and the abyss ... the things which are in the heights, the things which are in the depths, the things which lie between. This [messenger] he sent to them. Was it then, as one might conceive, for the purpose of exercising tyranny, or of inspiring fear and terror? By no means, but under the influence of clemency and meekness. As a king sends his son, who is also a king, so sent He Him; as God He sent Him; as to men He sent Him; as a Savior He sent Him, and as seeking to persuade, not to compel us; for violence has no place in the character of God. As calling us He sent Him, not as vengefully pursuing us; as loving us He sent Him, not as judging us. For He will yet send Him to judge us, and who shall endure his appearing? . . . Do you not see them exposed to wild beasts, that they may be persuaded to deny the Lord, and yet not overcome? Do you not see that the more of them are punished, the greater becomes the number of the rest? This does not seem to be the work of man: this is the power of God; these are the evidences of his manifestation.
Chapter 8. ... THE MISERABLE STATE OF MAN BEFORE THE COMING OF THE WORD.
For, who of men at all understood before His coming what God is? Do you accept of the vain and silly doctrines of those who are deemed trustworthy philosophers? Of whom some said that fire was God, calling that God to which they themselves were by and by to come; and some water; and others some other of the element formed by God. But if any one of these theories be worthy of approbation, every one of the rest of created things might also be declared to be God. But such declarations are simply the startling and erroneous utterances of deceivers; and no man has either seen Him, or made Him known, but he has revealed himself. And He has manifested himself through faith, to which alone it is given to behold God. For God, the Lord and Fashioner of all things, who made all things, and assigned them their several positions, proved himself not merely a friend of man-kind, but also long-suffering [in his dealings with them]. Yea, he was always of such a character, and still is, and will ever be, kind and good, and free from wrath, and true, and the only one who is [absolutely] good; and He formed in his mind a great and unspeakable conception, which He communicated to his Son alone. As long, then, as he held and preserved his own wise counsel in concealment, he appeared to neglect us, and to have no care over us. But after He revealed and laid open, through his beloved Son, the things which had been prepared from the beginning, he conferred every blessing all at once upon us, so that we should both share in his benefits, and see and be active [in his service]. Who of us would ever have expected these things? He was aware, then, of all things in his own mind, along with his Son, according to the relation subsisting between them.
Chapter 9. ... WHY THE SON WAS SENT SO LATE.
As long then as the former time endured, he permitted us to be borne along by unruly impulses, being drawn away by the desire of pleasure and various lusts. This was not that he at all delighted in our sins, but that He simply endured them; nor that he approved the time of working iniquity which then was, but that He sought to form a mind conscious of righteousness, so that being convinced in that time of our unworthiness of attaining life through our own works, it should now, through the kindness of God, be vouchsafed to us; and having made it manifest that in ourselves we were unable to enter into the kingdom of God, we might through the power of God be made able. But when our wickedness had reached its height, and it had been clearly shown that its reward, punishment and death, was impending over us, and when the time had come which God had before appointed for manifesting his own kindness and power, how the one love of God, through exceeding regard for men, did not regard us with hatred, nor thrust us a way, nor remember our iniquity against us, but showed great long-suffering and bore with us, He himself took on him the burden of our iniquities. He gave his own Son as a ransom for us, the holy One for transgressors, the blameless One for the wicked, the righteous One for the unrighteous, the incorruptible One for the corruptible, the immortal One for them that are mortal. For what other thing was capable of covering our sins than his righteousness? By what other one was it possible that we, the wicked and ungodly, could be justified, than by the only Son of God? O sweet exchange! O unsearchable operation! O benefits surpassing all expectation! That the wickedness of many should be hid in a single righteous One, and that the righteousness of One should justify many transgressors! Having therefore convinced us in the former time that our nature was unable to attain to life, and having now revealed the Savior who is able to save even those things which it was [formerly] impossible to save, by both these facts He desired to lead us to trust in his kindness, to esteem him our Nourisher, Father, Teacher, Counselor, Healer, our Wisdom, Light, Honor, Glory, Power, and Life, so that we should not be anxious concerning clothing and food.
Chapter 10. ... THE BLESSINGS THAT WILL FLOW FROM FAITH.
If you also desire [to possess] this faith, you likewise shall receive first of all the knowledge of the Father. For God has loved mankind, on whose account he made the world, to whom He rendered subject all the things that are in it, to whom He gave reason and understanding, to whom alone He imparted the privilege of looking upwards to himself, whom He formed after his own image, to whom He sent his only begotten Son, to whom He has promised a kingdom in heaven, and will give it to those who have loved him. And when you have attained this knowledge, with what joy do you think you will be filled? Or, how will you love him who has first so loved you? And if you love him, you will be an imitator of his kindness. And do not wonder that a man may become an imitator of God. He can, if he is willing. For it is not by ruling over his neighbors, or by seeking to hold the supremacy over those that are weaker, or by being rich, and showing violence towards those that are inferior, that happiness is found; nor can any one by these things become an imitator of God. But these things do not at all constitute His majesty. On the contrary he who takes upon himself the burden of his neighbor; he who in whatsoever respect may be superior, is ready to benefit another who is deficient; he who, whatsoever things he has received from God, by distributing these to the needy, become a god to those who receive [his benefits]: he is an imitator of God. Then thou shalt see, while still on earth, that God rules over [the universe]; then thou shalt begin to speak the mysteries of God; then shalt thou both love and admire those that suffer punishment because they will not deny God; then shalt thou condemn the deceit and error of the world when thou shalt know what it is to live truly in heaven, when thou shalt despise that which is here esteemed to be death, when thou shalt fear what is truly death, which is reserved for those who shall be condemned to the eternal fire, which shall afflict those even to the end that are committed to it. Then shalt thou admire those who for righteousness’ sake endure the fire that is but for a moment, and shalt count them happy when thou shalt know [the nature of] that fire.
Chapter 11. ... THESE THINGS ARE WORTHY TO BE KNOWN AND BELIEVED.
I so not speak of things strange to me, nor do I aim at anything inconsistent with right reason; but having been a disciple of the Apostles, I am become a teacher of the Gentiles. I minister the things delivered to me to those that are disciples worthy of the truth. For who that is rightly taught and begotten by the loving Word, would not seek to learn accurately the things which have been clearly shown by the Word to his disciples, to whom the Word being manifested has revealed them, speaking plainly [to them], not understood indeed by the unbelieving, but conversing with the disciples, who, being esteemed faithful by him, acquired a knowledge of the mysteries of the Father? For which reason he sent the Word, that he might be manifested to the world; and he, being despised by the people [of the Jews], was, when preached by the apostles, believed on by the Gentiles. This is He who was from the beginning, who appeared as if new, and was found of old, and yet who is ever born afresh in the hearts of the saints. This is He who, being from everlasting, it to-day called the Son; through whom the church is enriched, and grace, widely spread, increases in the saints, furnishing understanding, revealing mysteries, announcing times, rejoicing over the faithful, giving to those that seek, by whom the limits of faith are not broken through, nor the boundaries set by the fathers passed over. Then the fear of the law is chanted, and the grace of the prophets is known, and the faith of the gospels is established, and the tradition of the apostles is preserved, and the grace of the church exults; which grace if you grieve not, you shall know those things which the Word teaches, by whom He wills, and when He pleases. For whatever things we are moved to utter by the will of the Word commanding us, we communicate to you with pains, and from a love of the things that have been revealed to us.
Chapter 12. ... THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWLEDGE TO TRUE SPIRITUAL LIFE.
When you have read and carefully listened to these things, you shall know what God bestows on such as rightly love him, being made [as ye are] a paradise of delight, presenting in yourself a tree bearing all kind of produce and flourishing well, being adorned with various fruits. For in this place the tree of knowledge and the tree of life have been planted; but it is not the tree of knowledge that destroys ... it is disobedience that proves destructive. Nor truly are those words without significance which are written, how God from the beginning planted the tree of life in the midst of paradise, revealing through knowledge the way to life, and when those who were first formed did not use this [knowledge] properly, they were, through the fraud of the serpent, stripped naked. For neither can life exist without knowledge, nor is knowledge secure without life. Wherefore both were planted close together. The apostle, perceiving the force [of this conjunction], and blaming that knowledge which, without true doctrine, is admitted to influence life, declares, “Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.” For he who thinks he knows anything without true knowledge, and such as is witnessed to by life, knows nothing, but is deceived by the serpent, as not loving life. But he who combines knowledge with fear, and seeks after life, plants in hope, looking for fruit. Let your heart be your wisdom; and let your life be true knowledge inwardly received. Bearing this tree and displaying its fruit, thou shalt always gather in those things which are desired by God, which the serpent can not reach, and to which deception does not approach; nor is Eve then corrupted, but is trusted as a virgin; and salvation is manifested, and the apostles are filled with understanding, and the Passover of the Lord advances, and the choirs are gathered together, and are arranged in proper order, and the Word rejoices in teaching the saints, ... by whom the Father is glorified: to whom be glory forever. Amen.
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The Strait, or Narrow, Way.
By W. H. Hurt.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” ... Matthew 7:13. Now, dear reader, let us consider the first clause of this verse. This is a command from the blessed Son of God himself. You are commanded to enter (go in) at the strait, or narrow, gate. So, this gate is narrow, so much so that an individual who would go in thereat has no time for his mind to be entangled with any other thought than entering through it. Should our minds not be centered upon entering in at this narrow gate, we are very likely to miss it. By the least deviation to the right or left we are certain to miss that blessed entrance into heaven. Then we have missed all. Hence we conclude that in order for one to enter in at this narrow gate, he must come by the way of Christ; for he is the way.
Now, there is another gate and a broad way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Then may God ever guide us in this narrow way which leadeth unto life (for few there be who find it), and direct our minds and spiritual eyesight to that strait, or narrow, gate. When we are assailed by the fiery darts of the evil one, let us shun this broad way and not enter in at the wide gate, which will lead us to destruction, misery, and eternal death and ruin.
I praise God that he has placed my feet in this narrow way which leads unto life. I am having a sweet and pleasant journey as I travel along heavenward on this narrow way. Bless God for this way! It spans the river of death, passes through the corridors of time, and terminates at the celestial throne of God. To keep in the narrow way and enter in at the strait gate means to be pure and holy and without sin. Praise God!
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Walking By Faith.
The Christian life is a life of faith. When we are walking along its pathway there are many times when we are obliged to walk by faith, not by sight. As the apostle says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” There are times when we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. While the Christian life is precious, yet it is not always on a flowery bed of ease. There will be trials and temptations; there will be times when it seems the way is hedged up, and difficulties will arise before us like mountains. It will seem as if we were shut in between great walls, as it were; but when we look unto the Lord, with a perfect trust in him, seeking only that his will may be done, and calling upon him for the needed help and wisdom as we move out in accordance with his Word to the best of our knowledge and judgment, the mountain of difficulties will flee away, and the opening will be made for us which before was unseen. The Christian life is continually a life of walking by faith, yet it is more fully realized on that line when thus hedged in, and the way barred before us. There is, however, a way out for every one. The real cause of the difficulties may not always be removed at once; but a way may be made, insomuch that we can glide safely along and bear the burden required of us.
When Paul was in chains or imprisoned he had many wonderful victories, and could even say he was content, knowing that the name of the Lord would receive the glory; yet his victories did not remove the outward oppression of the enemy at all times, although he had liberty in his soul. Neither were his chains removed, but God enabled him to walk in line with his Word. At one time Paul said, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. . . We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak. . . For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.” ... 2nd Corinthians 4:8-18.
The Christian may often be tempted, but it is one thing to have a temptation and quite another thing to yield to the temptation. God has promised to give us grace. His Word says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” ... 1st Corinthians 10:13.
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Not Satisfied.
The one who is continually dissatisfied is in a sad condition. There are people who never seem to be satisfied. While lying on their bed at night, the bed itself is unsatisfactory. Upon waking in the morning they feel they have not had the satisfying portion of rest and sleep. Their breakfast is not what it should be. There are dissatisfactions with other members of the family. The weather is either too hot or too cold; too wet or too dry. Their work is not in proper order. Those with whom they meet appear to slight them too much, or misuse them; even the dogs and cats must keep their distance, and, in fact, there is a continual trouble on every hand. The life of such a one is miserable and very uncomfortable for those around them. What such people need is salvation; it will make a radical change.
The one who is filled with the love of God and lives in close communion with him has but little trouble to learn to praise the Lord for a place to lie down to rest for the night; and upon awaking, to lift his heart in adoration to God with praise and thanksgiving. He will meet those around him with a smile, thank God for his food, and even have words of praise and thanksgiving whether the weather is hot or cold, wet or dry. It is a blessed thing to have a real satisfying portion to the soul.
We read in the Word of God: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” God has such an abundant store that he can supply all who will come unto him. He can quench their thirst from his everlasting fountain, and fill them with all the fullness of God. Though we come to him weak, worn, and weary, he can strengthen us by the might of his power and lift us up in the ways of his truth. Yet even the weak can say, “I am strong.” He said, “All things are possible to him that believeth.”
There was a time when the children of Israel journeyed by the direction of the Lord with Moses, “and did all eat the same spiritual meat, and did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.” Why were they overthrown and fell by the wayside? It was because they were not satisfied with what the Lord had supplied them. They had plenty to eat and wear; yet there were those of them who murmured and complained ... complained against Moses and against God. It was those murmurers with whom God was not well pleased. They fell by the wayside, and were not permitted to enter into the land of Canaan.
The apostle says, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. . . Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” ... 1st Corinthians 10:6-12. Here we find that these things were written for our admonition. It is for us to learn a lesson from what befell them, that we may not meet with the same judgments upon us; that we may not murmur and thereby fall by the wayside.
The man or woman who is always murmuring or complaining against the servants of God, against God, his Word, and dealings with them, finding fault continually with others and the situation of affairs in general ... such a person who is holding a profession should take heed, not lest he fall, but to understand he has already fallen; and should then get in line with God. Others who are inclined to find fault and complain should take heed lest they fall. The apostle in Philippians 2:14 says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputing.” “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” ... James 5:9. We read that godliness with contentment is great gain. Paul said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” ... Philippians 4:11-13.
Those who have the real desire to live for God can do so; but they must not only be willing to let God have his own way with them, but must meet the conditions by yielding themselves fully unto him in all things and believing his Word. God wants the sinner to forsake his sins, confess them, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of the same; also be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. He wants the believer to press forward, be wholly sanctified and ever follow in the ways of his truth, according to his Word, with much prayer and supplication unto him with thanksgiving. “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” ... 1st Thessalonians 4:3. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ... 1st Thessalonians 5:23.
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“The Harvest Is Great.”
By J. M. Harrington.
“Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” ... John 4:35. We see by the foregoing truth what was in the mind of the Son of God in his day, namely, the lost condition of the world. We are taught by many Bible truths that the world is to get worse all the time. In fact we see this in our own observations every day. Paul says, “Men . . . Shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” “As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” If the harvest was ripe in Christ’s time, it certainly is ripe in our day. In fact we know this is true. There are calls from every direction, saying, “Come and hold meeting!” Brethren, are we filling our position? If God has called you to preach, how can you be satisfied in any other business? Remember it is in this world only we will have the privilege of preaching the truth, as here is the only place it need be preached. There will be no sinners in heaven; so we will not need to preach it there. Therefore, now is when God wants us to do all we can to win souls to him. We as ministers should feel very happy in seeing men saved, for the angels in heaven rejoice.
Many have become disgusted with the fables, witticisms, death-bed stories, etc., which they find in Babylon, and are wanting the Word of God, something they can live on, and from which they can get a real benefit. We need not say there are four months yet, for he says that the fields are already ripe to harvest. While there are thousands preaching only for a livelihood, not having the cause at heart, yet we as ministers of Christ who have the truth and know the joy obtained by abiding in it should not keep still, but ever be faithful in declaring the same. Remember we have a precious promise ... “My Word . . . Shall not return . . . Void.” Therefore let us be encouraged in sending forth the truth to a lost and dying world.
Not only are ministers engaged in this great conflict of rescuing souls, but every saint is responsible for the way he encourages the ministers with his means. Doubtless there are now ministers at home laboring with their hands, who should be in the gospel-field. There are those who have this world’s goods and could help them, and thus be the means of encouraging them and by so doing help the truth to reach others. Dear ministers and saints, what are you doing? If you are both doing your duty, you are a blessing to the unsaved world, and a blessing to your own souls; for the only way to prosper in your soul is to do your duty. “He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruits unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” ... John 4:36. Here we see that we receive wages by doing our duty. The wages spoken of have reference to the crown laid up for those who do their duty. God has promised to supply their needs, and I have found him true. God is as good as his Word.
Let us all be true to God and the mission he has sent us on, and let us do all we can to rescue the dying. We need not say there are no places to preach; for there are towns, schoolhouses, and hungry souls everywhere we go. So, go in the name and strength of God, and he will bless you. Good will be accomplished and much ripened grain will be gathered in. Who will be true and sow the seed?
“Why stand ye all day idle?
The harvest time is here.
Behold with flaming sickle
The reapers gather near,
Oh, hear the earnest pleadings
Which come from every land,
‘Lord send us gospel workers,
To lend a helping hand.’
“No, I shall not be idle
Lord, here am I, send me,
I care not how you use me,
I care not where it be;
Content with this assurance,
That I’m in thy employ,
Then gathering souls for Jesus
Shall be my greatest joy.”
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ALL ONE.
By William Larner.
Christ after praying for the apostles prayed also for all that should believe on him through their word. John 17:20. What did he pray? “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.” ... Verse 21. We see by the Word that if we are one as the Father and Son are one, we will be a perfect unit; for Christ said, “I and my Father are one.” ... John 10:30. Again, in answer to Philip, who wanted Christ to show him the Father, he said, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” ... John 14:9. Are we as saints all one as the Father and Son? (I do not ask concerning crooked professors in Babylon, for I know that they are at enmity one with another.) But we, claiming to be members of the body of Christ, if one member suffers, do we all suffer with it? Or if one member be honored, do we all glory with it? Are we “perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment?” (1st Corinthians 1:10) do we all speak the same thing? Let us all speak the truth in love, that we may “grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” ... Ephesians 4:15. “For even here unto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” ... 1st Peter 2:21, 22. Praise God for the way! If it were too strait for me to walk in I would never fight it nor say no one can live it, when it is taught all through the blessed Word that we are Christians, like Christ ... saved from sin by grace through faith; or else we are sinners ... children of the devil, rejected of God: for “without holiness no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14) and “he that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.” ... 1st John 3:8. Dear reader, where are you? Are you of the holy, sanctified few, or are you of the professing, sinning multitude?
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To the Sinner.
By Emil Kreutz.
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” ... 1st Timothy 1:15. The Lord Jesus himself said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. . . For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” There are many sayings and proverbs in use in the world. Some are true and some are not. Some may be classed with what Paul calls “old wives’ fables;” but the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into the world as man’s Savior is not a “cunningly devised fable,” not a tale that is told without any foundation; but it is a true and blessed reality. Yea, a faithful saying. His coming and crucifixion were not done in a corner. You remember he was tried before one of the high tribunals of earth, Pontius Pilate, in the city of Jerusalem, also before the High Priest, the highest Jewish authority. When he was crucified outside the gate of Jerusalem on Calvary, a superscription was nailed over his cross in three languages, “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” This took place at the time when all nations of the earth came to Jerusalem ... at the time of the Jewish Passover. It was then and there that Jesus Christ died on the cross as the Lamb of God ... a sacrifice well pleasing unto God, to save sinners. Halleluiah to his name! We have a record of it in the Holy Scriptures, God’s testimony concerning his Son whom he sent into the world that “whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.” “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.”
We hardly know whether or not to believe many of the reports and sayings we hear. But, dear sinner friend, the report and record we have of the Lord Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, coming to earth to save sinners, is to be believed, and not only believed, but also to have confidence placed in it. You should receive and act upon it, for it is a faithful saying and worthy of acceptance, and you can not afford to neglect its acceptance. But what does it mean? Does it convey the idea that if we believe that Jesus Christ came into the world and died on the cross of Calvary, he will finally, somehow, take us to heaven to enjoy a better existence after this life? Is this all that it means? Nay, verily! To believe on him is to receive him not only as the Savior of the world, but as our individual Savior, to be born again and live free from sin. See 1st John 5:1; 3:9; 5:18. He first came to his own and his own received him not. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” ... John 1:12.
“To save sinners.” Does that mean that we may be saved and yet continue in sin? “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” The more sin we commit, will that bring more grace? Listen! “GOD FORBID!” How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” God forbids living in sin. Do you hear it? Some have ears but they hear not.
The angel said to Joseph on the first announcement of the Savior: “Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” ... Matthew 1:21. Not to let them continue in sin, but save them from their sins. Could there be anything plainer? Read it for yourself. Romans 6:1, 2; Matthew 1:21. Read it carefully again and again; receive it in your heart. “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Dear reader, are you a sinner? And do you realize it? If so, accept this saying: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” You have heard it often; your parents told you of it when you were small; ministers have preached to you about it; God has spoken to you through the Scriptures and to your own conscience, telling you that you need a Savior. Christ came into the world ... just such a Savior as you need. Do you believe it? Whosoever believeth on him shall not perish, die in their sins and be banished from the presence of God through eternity; but he shall have everlasting life. I would to God that I could impress upon the mind of every one who reads this the reality of Christ’s coming into the world for the express purpose of saving those who are lost ... all that accept him and become obedient to his voice; for “he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” It is no disgrace to believe on Jesus. He that believeth on him shall not be ashamed, nor confounded, world without end. Christ was the most noble personage that ever walked the earth. His entire life was one of benediction and philanthropy. He went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed by the devil. Do you want life, everlasting life? Then believe on him; let him save you. He will give you peace, joy, rest, and happiness in this life, and in that to come eternal happiness and “his rest is glorious.”
There is no life beside him. He is the Savior of all men, of them that believe. There is no other name given in heaven or in earth whereby we may be saved, but the name of Jesus. You need not fear that you are so great a sinner that he can not save you; for his power is unlimited. All power has been given to him, both in heaven and in earth. Paul said of himself that he was the chief of sinners, and the Lord saved him. See what he says concerning his former life. 1st Timothy 1:13; Titus 3:3; Ephesians 2:2, 3. After the Lord’s kindness and love appeared in the person of Christ showing mercy to mankind, Paul believed on him and was saved. Titus 3:4, 5; Ephesians 2:4-6; 2nd Timothy 1:9, 10. He tells us that God is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto him. His ability to save will never be exhausted. Christ ever liveth to make intercession at the throne of grace for all who come unto him. He himself says that whosoever cometh to him he will in no wise cast out. John 6:37. Paul was the chief of sinners ... not that he continued to be the chief of sinners after he was saved. This is what he was before he was saved. Though he was the very chief of sinners, yet he obtained mercy. He gives two reasons why he obtained mercy ... first, because he did it ignorantly in unbelief his great bulk of sinning; second, the Lord wanted to show forth in him all long-suffering for a pattern to them who should believe after him to everlasting life. You know he was a ringleader of those who persecuted the Christians, a captain for them. In that sense he was chief. You know in the cities we have police forces, and one is called the Chief of Police. Paul was their director. He was with that company who stoned the first Christian martyr, Stephen, and held their clothes while they did this. Think what a sinner he was! A murderer of the very foulest, killing the pure, holy, and innocent! He did not continue to do this. I have heard some pervert his acknowledgment of being the chief of sinners to mean that he confessed himself to be such after the Lord saved him; but that is simply awful. You know the Bible tells us at the time of his conversion he was on his way to Damascus with authority from the High Priest to destroy and put in prison all that he found calling upon the name of Jesus. There were others with him and he was their leader.
Now, do you not think there is hope for you if the Lord could save this blasphemer and persecutor and make him such a faithful apostle?
See another promise (Isaiah 1:16-19) that will surely cover all your sin. The invitation is so broad that it says, “Whosoever will may come,” and “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Blessed promise! As an ambassador for him, I invite you to come; for “this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
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News from the Field.
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June 21 we began a tabernacle-meeting in the name of Jesus at this place. Brother Arthur Harman of Hayesville, Iowa was present at the opening, also Sister Clara Tuttle, of Fulda, Minnesota. Brother E. J. Axup, whom we expected, did not come. So we took the matter to the Lord and felt led to send to Chicago for helpers. Sister Mary Cole came and remained until the close. Brother Thomas Nelson stopped off on his way home from Grand Forks, North Dakota and preached one evening. The Word of God went forth with power, God’s Spirit being present to heal and save. The evening light was new to many, but God owned his Word. Some few saw the light and sought the experience. Others are investigating, while the Babylon builders are in a rage. The meeting closed on July fourth with a precious ordinance-service. Praise God for the light and truth that came to us in this meeting, and for the fellowship of the dear saints who labored with us in the Lord! Pray that those seeking may find victory.
F. A. and E. A. Newville.
Hanlontown, Iowa, July 8.
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We are very grateful unto God to still be able to report victory in the work of the Lord. From the Grand Junction camp-meeting, in company with Mother Smith and Brother F. G. Smith, of Grand Junction, we hastened to the assistance of the St. Louis brethren in the Pine River grove-meeting. Our hearts were much pained to learn that some had lost the Spirit of God, some were speaking perverse things, and the usual results were beginning to be manifested. But soon the Word and power of our God exposed the false spirits, and caused those who were thus deceived to acknowledge and renounce the works of darkness and seek for mercy. The devil was soon routed, all division removed, and the sweet love and unity of Christ prevailed. As the waves of victory and glory swept over the camp, many were made to renew their covenants with God. The last few days resulted in many consecrations. Perfect victory, unity, and love prevailed and increased unto the last, which made it very hard for us to separate from them. God bless them. We are expecting grander victories in the future for them.
Mrs. Della Fry.
Finnville, Michigan, July11.
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I am still praising God for salvation, full and free. Jesus is the light and joy of my life. Praise his dear name! Although I have not written for some time, I have not been idle, but have been in the work of the Master in any way he led. Last spring God opened the way for me to go to Herrick, Illinois, and tell the people of this wonderful salvation. I spent five weeks visiting from house to house, distributing literature and talking to the people, whom I found eager for the truth. It was a time of seed-sowing among the people. One dear soul was sanctified and received light on divine healing. To God be all the glory. If a company of workers could go to that place great good could be done. This past summer we have been engaged in rescue work among fallen girls. God blessed our efforts and four dear ones were rescued. One died afterward, but was willing to go. Two were sent home to their parents and one is happily married. Praise God for his goodness! Oh, the work that needs to be done among these poor girls!
Last week God opened the way for myself and dear Sister Mallicoat of Desoto to spend a few days at Sikeston, Missouri helping in a meeting. It was a real feast to our souls to meet with the brethren. Pray that the Word preached in that place may bring forth fruit to the salvation of souls.
We are still engaged in the prison work. God is wonderfully blessing and souls are being saved. I would like for any one having Trumpets or tracts to spare to send them to me, if convenient, as the demand for them in this work is great. Pray that I may be where God can use me at all times.
Laura Pickett.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri, June 11.
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I am saved through and through for God. Halleluiah! I just came home after being in the gospel field a month and a half. God surely blessed at each place. I sowed some seed at West Monroe, Louisiana and from there went to Douglas, at which place the Methodists showed their cloven foot by casting us out of their house and the schoolhouse also. So we built an arbor and God sent forth his Word with power. The preachers trembled. One preacher attended the meeting. The Word went forth and he began to see his sect would not stand, so he fled. God pity such dishonesty. We next went to Floyd, where the Lord gave us a precious meeting. Several were saved and many clean hearts won to the truth. Two were baptized. At Dykesville the Lord was also present and many hearts were won to the truth. Brothers Bailey and Teekel were present, whom God used to his glory. At Darcheat we had another precious meeting, also at Hughes Springs, where four were baptized. The meeting at Loves Lake was good. A grand meeting for the church was held at Montgomery. There are many anxious souls there. Brethren, let us push the battle forward, and not stop in vain jangling, as I fear some have done, but keep pure.
R. H. Owens.
Sherwood, Louisiana, July 13.
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To all the dear Saints and Trumpet Readers, greeting in the precious name of Jesus. My soul doth magnify the Lord for salvation and victory in the all-prevailing name of Jesus. I am very busy doing with all my soul what I can for the advancement of the cause of the Lord. I praise him for what he is doing by his Spirit.
The outlook for the work here, taking everything into consideration, is very encouraging, and the indications are that a small church of pure saints will be established here, that will, in the face of all the devil’s opposition, stand upon the Word of God. A few souls have of late left Babylon and are seeking earnestly for the old paths, which has, as it always does, raised opposition to the truth. The hirelings are raising a voice of warning, calling the doctrine of full salvation dangerous. One expressed himself to me that this movement would soon come to naught. Thank God! This will be a vain hope for them, for it just proves the opposite. In the name of Jesus we are moving on, shouting victory in Zion over all the works of the devil, and are being encouraged by the happiness of those coming to Zion.
The work here is in many respects more difficult than in the Stages, especially on account of the spiritual darkness. It takes time, patience, and wisdom to lead the dear ones to a clear understanding of the truth. Thank God! The Holy Spirit is giving light and understanding, and the honest in heart receive it joyfully. More earnest, established workers are needed to push the work here. Is not the Lord talking to some one who will say: “Lord, here am I, send me?” Only those are needed who can and will preach the Word in its fullness without the least compromise, and are able to discern the different doctrines of devils which are to be met; for I must say, I have met doctrines here I never heard of before, and some crooked spirits have tried to get in among the dear ones. Thank God! The pure Word is drawing the line and crookedness is being uncovered.
Now, about the way I have been working, I will say that, by the help of the Lord, I have been enabled to send out about 900 packages of literature to different parts of Germany, Switzerland, Russia, and to other places, besides having done much writing, which, I am glad to say, has not been in vain; for I have received letters inquiring to know more about the truth, also calls to come and hold meetings. Different ones state they are free from sectism, but desire to hear the Word more perfectly taught. All I can do at present is to write and encourage them. Truly, dear ones, the harvest is great, the fields are white; souls are longing for the pure Word, but there are few to break the bread of eternal life to the spiritually starving. Truly we need to pray the prayer of faith for the Lord to send more laborers to preach the whole truth in spite of the opposition that will come against them. Let us add to the prayer for laborers the question: “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” accompanied by the determination of the poet:
“We will work for Jesus and adore the plan
That exalteth so a fallen race;
Joining with the Savior, doing what we can,
To extend the wonders of his grace.”
I believe if this be our determination, God will send forth more messengers with the pure gospel; for the prayer without the willingness will not amount to anything. Help is needed here. Is not the Lord calling upon some one?
Now, about the work here in Hamburg, will say that I have rented a place for public worship where we have had meetings every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday since April 15. But the Lord has also opened private houses in other parts of the city. So we have meeting every night in the week, except Saturday. This, besides the other work of visiting, writing, etc., makes it very heavy on me, though I am thankful to God for strength in my body. As the work opens up more, we need help in order to push it as it should be. I have been much refreshed and encouraged by the coming of Sister Brandt from Chicago, who is on a visit to this country, but is helping at present all she can.
Now, dear ones, continue to send up the prayers of faith for the work here, and be encouraged; for they are not in vain. Praise God! Truly many a time has it encouraged and strengthened me to know that many earnest prayers were ascending the throne of grace for me. I also would like to say to those who have so kindly given of their means, that it is not in vain; for I have received many precious letters from souls that rejoice over the literature sent them. Eternity only will show how many have been helped. Therefore, dear ones, “Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” ... Galatians 6:9.
With praise and gratitude to God I can say that he has supplied my needs here up to the present time, though the expenses are quite large, so that many have said that we would not be able to carry on the work. But it is the Lord’s and it will go on in spite of all opposition and difficulties. Praise our God! By the grace of God I shall do all I can for him. Though I would love to enjoy some of the precious camp-meetings, yet I can say I am satisfied here until the Lord shall say “Enough.” May the Lord make some one respond to the Macedonian cry ... “Come over and help us.” Yours in Jesus,
George Vielguth.
Hamburg, Hammerbrook,
3 Victoria Street.
Hamburg, Germany, July 1.
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Testimonies.
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Dear ones in Christ: I am glad to report victory in my soul over the world, the flesh, and the devil. I know that the Lord fully saves me. Bless his name! He first showed me that I was an awful sinner and that if I perished in my wicked ways I would be forever lost. He then showed me that I must quit my evil ways and turn to the Lord who would abundantly pardon. Then I called upon God and he blotted out all my actual transgressions, to remember them against me no more forever. Praise the Lord! I then found something in my members warring against the Spirit of Christ and trying to bring me into captivity. So I offered myself a living sacrifice unto God, placed my all on the altar, Christ Jesus, and he sanctified me. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” ... Romans 5:1, 2. I am glad that it is so much easier to stand when we get into the standing grace. Then we are also better qualified to work for God.
Mary A. Mulloy.
Charleston, South Carolina.
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Saved After Meeting Conditions.
One bright autumn morning in the year 1889 while my father was going to town (a distance of about thirty miles) I entered upon the most horrible event of my life. I was then eleven years old. My father told me that morning to go to the pasture, which was about one and one-half miles from home, and care for some stock. In order to do some mischief on my way I set fire to the woods. On my return home the fire was briskly burning. I reported it to my folks. When we reached the fire an uncle began to accuse me of the act; but I denied it. I thought, in order to justify myself, I will fire the woods again. So each time I fired the woods it called for another time (like drinking liquor). So I continued doing this way for some time. Sometimes it would burn some of my father’s fence. I would fight as earnestly as anybody to put out the fire in order to justify myself. This continued until one of my uncles made the statement to my father that the burning was going to cease and other mischief would begin to be done. So I decided to quit and do something else. I began taking small things that belonged to my father and mother and destroyed them. I would tear up the padlocks with which he locked different departments, etc. Lastly, and worst of all, I took my father’s watch while he was absent from the house and tore it to pieces, thus rendering it useless. I continued to do this way, more or less, till the next spring. I would also steal eggs and sell them to the country merchants, my parents not knowing anything about it.
I then began to see my deplorable condition and promised God never to be guilty of such acts again. So I lived a moral life, but was not satisfied. I felt there was something better for me. I had never, up to this time, been to Sunday-school and did not go to church but once a month, sometimes not that often. My mother belonged to the Missionary Baptist sect and my father made no profession at all; hence my influences toward living a Christian were few.
In 1893 I first heard the gospel preached in its purity. I was convicted of my sins, but on seeing that it was necessary to make restitution to those I had wronged, I refused to get saved. I continued under conviction until last summer, when I again heard the pure gospel. The Word cut, and I saw what a deplorable condition I was in. I could no longer refuse. I said that I would go to hell before I would confess to this act; but when God showed me what an awful place hell was I was willing to do anything to be saved. After I had done this ungodly act, in order to put an end to my life I took some poisonous chemicals which my father used to run an electric battery. But God, not seeing fit for me to die, did not let them hurt me. I can now praise him for continuing my life until the present time. If I had died in the condition I was then in I would to-day be numbered with the many million souls which are eternally lost.
I am now praising God for deliverance from all sin. This may bring surprise to some, but to my soul it brings victory. Praise God for such a wonderful salvation! I am now serving a Savior who is mighty to save and mighty to keep. With weeping eyes and a heart broken with the sorrows of an awful hell before me, I meekly went to my father and made my confession to him. This is what sin got me into.
Dear reader, if you are in the depths of sin you should take courage, for God is able to deliver you, the sooner the better. If you have taken anything that did not belong to you or wronged any one in any way, do not be afraid some one will laugh at you if you go to make restitution. Trust God! He is able to carry you through. He is the One we must fear. The devil is the one that gets you into trouble, and he and his agents will keep you there if they can. Man will not judge you in the judgment-day. Pray that I so live that people can follow in my footsteps and be led to the Lamb of God.
Felix Wolff.
Wolff, Alabama.
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Obituary.
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MORSE ... Ethel Leola Morse, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. B. Morse, died of consumption at her home in Crawford, Michigan, June 29; aged 17 years and 23 days. She had been serving God for some time, but a week before her death made a deep consecration and God poured out a wonderful blessing upon her. She bore her sufferings patiently. She spoke of the Savior’s sufferings and thought her own were nothing compared to his. There is sweet satisfaction in knowing she fell asleep and rest in Jesus.
Alma Morse.
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Kankakee, Illinois.
MORIN ... Brother Frank Morin was born in Kankakee, Illinois, March 17, 1885; died July 1, 1901. Several weeks previous to his death he called for Brother Ellison (who was there at that time) to instruct him how to get saved. He claimed Jesus as his Savior, and during his illness gave abundant evidence of the experience, in testimony, prayer, and song, also by patience and resignation. He leaves a father, mother, four brothers, and one sister to mourn his departure.
W. A. Kirchner.
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Meeting Notices.
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General Statement.
We have adopted a plan for the publication of meeting notices which will require no more space than necessary and at the same time be satisfactory. Each notice will be continued, in brief, giving place, date, and name of party to be addressed for special information. And then, two or three weeks before each respective meeting, a notice in full will be published (if such has been furnished us) giving further information. As a general statement that will apply to all meetings will say that the saints at the different places are accustomed to meet at the trains those coming from a distance (if notified to do so), and so far as practicable, to provide for the comfort of all. Provide yourselves with bedding if possible. Provisions can always be procured at reasonable rates. In no case are there gate fees or charges for admission. Invitation is extended to all.
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Ÿ Paxton, Ford County, Illinois. Tabernacle. July 5-25. A. S. Kriebel.
Ÿ Brushy Prairie, Lagrange County, Indiana. Camp-meeting. July 27-August 5. Those coming by rail stop at South Milford or Lagrange. S. Y. Greenawalt.
Ÿ LaRue, Oregon. Tabernacle. July 24-August 4.
Ÿ Kirksville, Moultrie County, Illinois. Tabernacle. July 24-August 4.
Ÿ Federalsburg, Caroline County, Maryland. Camp-meeting. July 25-August 4. Those coming from North Carolina, Virginia, and western Pennsylvania, come by way of Baltimore. There take steamer on Choptank River steamboat line for Choptank Warf. Those coming from eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, come by way of Del. Div. of Pennsylvania Rail Road from Philadelphia, changing cars at Seaford for Federalsburg. We kindly ask all those who expect to come to write to us several days before your coming. Charles E. Orr, E. G. Deloe.
Ÿ Sherwood, Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. July 26-August 4. Camp-meeting. W. F. Holton.
Ÿ Obadiah, Lauderdale County, Mississippi. Assembly. July 28-August 4. Help badly needed. S. J. Ellison.
Ÿ Buffalo, Putnam County, West Virginia. Grove-meeting, on Luke’s Hill. August 1. Buffalo is on Kanawha River about 38 miles below Charleston and 23 above Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia. C. C. Withrow.
Ÿ Chicago, Illinois. Tabernacle. August 1-15. G. L. Cole.
Ÿ Neosho Falls, Woodson County, Kansas. Camp-meeting. August 1-11. The outlook for the general western camp-meeting is good. Owing to the continued drought, corn and hay are high and pasture is scarce; so we advise all who can to come by rail-road, as we have obtained one and one-third fare on the certificate plan. But let none be detained from coming, as water is plentiful and feed can be obtained. All desiring tents for use on camp-ground may address L. Master at once. S. G. Bryant.
Ÿ Eubank, Pulaski County, Kentucky. Assembly. August 1-10. S. M. Singleton.
Ÿ Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio. Tent-meeting. August 1-10. C. Cramer.
Ÿ Social Point, Texas. Camp-meeting. August 2. Nearest railroad station is Keatchie, Louisiana. W. B. Janson, Panola, Texas.
Ÿ Hartsells, Morgan County, Alabama. Camp-meeting. August 2. J. L. Mitchell.
Ÿ Clanton, Chilton County, Alabama. Camp-meeting. August 2-12. A. J. Williams.
Ÿ Tekonsha, Calhoun County, Michigan. Camp-meeting. August 2-12. B. F. Heath.
Ÿ Buffalo, Alabama. Camp-meeting. August 3-11. T. N. Asberry.
Ÿ Milford, Iroquois County, Illinois. Tabernacle. August 8-18.
Ÿ Centralia, Lewis County, Washington. Camp-meeting. August 8-18. W. R. Hines, Vesta, Washington.
Ÿ Grassy, Missouri. Camp-meeting. Beginning August 9. Ministers needed. Nearest railroad station is Lutesville, twelve miles distant. John E. Cooper, Riley Gentry.
Ÿ Simpson, Vernon Parish, Louisiana. On camp-ground at Welcome. August 10-20. F. O. Parker.
Ÿ Williamston, Anderson County, South Carolina, August 10-18. M. S. Mack.
Ÿ Allegan, Allegan County, Michigan. Camp-meeting. August 1. J. L. Pike.
Ÿ Springfield, Clarke County, Ohio. Grove-meeting. August 15. J. A. Hardacre, Donnelsville, Ohio.
Ÿ Driftwood, Woods County, Oklahoma. Camp-meeting. August 15-25. 12 miles south and 8 miles east of Kiowa, Kansas. H. A. Carmean, Cherokee, Oklahoma.
Ÿ Nicodemus, Graham County, Kansas. Camp-meeting. August 15-25. Meril Myers.
Ÿ Burket, Indiana. Camp-meeting. August 15-25. S. L. Speck.
Ÿ Bessemer, Alabama. Camp-meeting 15-25. A. B. Harney, Box 282.
Ÿ Molehill, Ritchie County, West Virginia. August 16. J. K. P. Whitecotton.
Ÿ Cochranton, Marion County, Ohio. Tabernacle. August 16-25. A. A. Dick.
Ÿ North Yakima, Washington. Camp-meeting. August 21-31. R. L. Austin.
Ÿ Jordan Harbor, Ontario. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. Twenty miles from Niagara Falls. David H. Moyer.
Ÿ Webb City, Jasper County, Missouri. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. Hugh Caudel or Willie Porter.
Ÿ Ulysses, Butler County, Nebraska. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. W. S. Page.
Ÿ Emlenton, Venango County, Pennsylvania. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. Samuel Martz, Pittsville, Pennsylvania.
Ÿ Payne, Paulding County, Ohio. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. J. N. Howard.
Ÿ St Louis, Michigan. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. J. R. Walter.
Ÿ Jeffersonville, Montgomery County, Kentucky. August 22-September 1. Thomas Carter.
Ÿ Ableman, Sauk County, Wisconsin. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. W. B. Hawkins.
Ÿ Hamil, Randolph County, Arkansas. Camp-meeting. August 22-September 1. Milton Vandergriff.
Ÿ Plattsburg, Winston County, Mississippi. Camp-meeting. August 23-September 3. George W. Breazeale.
Ÿ Duewest, Abbeville County, South Carolina. Camp-meeting. August 24-31. John Bobo.
Ÿ Tremont City, Ohio. Tabernacle. August 28-September 8.
Ÿ Eugene, Vermilion County, Indiana. Camp-meeting. August 29-September 8. S. A. Sprouls.
Ÿ Oxford, Calhoun County, Alabama. Camp-meeting. August 30. Sallie Morgan.
Ÿ Greensboro, Hale County, Alabama. Assembly. August 30-September 8. Charles Hill.
Ÿ Cushing, Payne County, Oklahoma. Camp-meeting. September 5-15. A general gathering of the saints throughout Oklahoma will be held five miles south of Cushing, 17 miles northwest of Stroud, and 15 miles southeast of Ripley. Those coming from the east get off at Stroud; those from the west, at Ripley. Plenty of water and pasture. W. H. Oldham.
Ÿ Camp, Fulton County, Arkansas. Camp-meeting. September 5-15. S. R. McElmurry.
Ÿ Vichy, Maries County, Missouri. Camp-meeting. September 5-17. C.C. Kennedy.
Ÿ Jeffersonville, Fayette County, Ohio. Tabernacle. September 12-22.
Ÿ Potash, Randolph County, Alabama. Camp-meeting. September 13-23. B. B. Adamson.
Ÿ Barney, Madison County, Iowa. Camp-meeting. September 20-30. R. W. Adock, Gear, Iowa.
Ÿ Dripping Spring, Boone County, Missouri. Assembly. September 21-28. Nannie Coursey, West Plains, Missouri.
Ÿ Whitehead, Woodward County, Oklahoma. Camp-meeting. September 26-October 6. W. M. Wilson.
Ÿ Hurst, Polk County, Florida. Camp-meeting. October 18-29. W. O. Williams.
Ÿ Atlanta, Georgia. Assembly. October 18-28. Brothers E. E. Byrum, H. M. Riggle, and others are expected to be here. O. H. Reever, 18 ½ E. Hunter St.
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Divine Healing.
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“If ye can believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
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Healed of Rheumatism.
God has saved me and is keeping me free from all sin. Praise the Lord for his goodness to me! He heals all my sicknesses. Some time ago I was suffering from rheumatism. I sent for an anointed handkerchief. After receiving it I examined myself according to the Word of the Lord and applied the handkerchief. The Lord wonderfully healed me of the rheumatism and also of a sore throat. I am praising God for victory over sin and all disease, and for his goodness and kindness to me. Truly it is good to trust the Lord. Praise his holy name forever! Pray that I may be ever kept praising the Lord for salvation.
Barbara Kluman.
Fremont, Ohio, July 8.
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Healed of a Bad Cough.
I am happy to say that I am saved and kept by the power of God. He is my help in time of need and my only Physician. He has healed me several times; once of a very bad cough with which I had been suffering some time. The Lord seemed to say that he would heal me if I would only believe. I said: “Lord, I do believe,” and, praise his dear name! I was healed of my cough then. I have not had any cough since. Dear ones, how sweet it is to know that Jesus is our friend. Praise his dear name! Pray that I may ever live at his feet.
M. A. Tobias.
Greelyville, South Carolina.
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Healed of Typhoid Fever.
Dear People of God: I write to thank you for prayers in behalf of my little girl who was very sick. She had not been well for a week and had gradually grown worse. She had symptoms of typhoid fever. Suddenly the fever left and all the symptoms disappeared. Next day she was up and around. We asked others here to join with us in prayer. My little girl has much faith and would not have a doctor, she said. She was also healed of measles; was able to get up on the fourth day. Praise and honor and glory be unto his name for ever and ever amen! I would ask prayers in behalf of my hearing. I have been deaf for about twenty years. I wrote for prayer for my husband who had used tobacco for twenty-five or thirty years. He has not used it now for about four months. Praise the Lord!
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Donald.
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.
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Healed of Tumor.
God has recently healed me of a tumor and other afflictions, for which I give him all the praise. The doctor said an operation would have to be performed; but I fully put my case in the hands of the Lord and by obeying his Word and taking him for my only Physician he wonderfully healed me. He also healed me of heart trouble eight years ago, of which I have had no symptoms since. We have also had other cases of healing in our family since then. I realize God’s grace is sufficient at all times if we will just keep low and humble before him and take him for our all.
I have had some severe trials of late on account of my healing, but the enemy has been defeated and the Lord gave victory. I praise God that we have such a friend in Jesus, also for salvation and that he took away all desires for worldly pleasures. I intend to ever live for my blessed Savior. Pray that I may be sanctified, also for my unsaved family.
Mrs. S. Grice.
Weston, Ohio, July 4.
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Lame Back Healed.
I was afflicted for some years with pain in my back. Being far away from any of the saints, the Lord, my only Physician, had ever been present, to heal me in every case, excepting my back. He would give me relief for just a short time. I could not understand why it was not healed. So I went to the Lord to know the cause, and where the trouble really was. This passage of scripture came to me: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” ... Matthew 17:21. So I wrote the dear saints to have special prayer for me. I fasted and prayed myself, and the Lord healed me. I have had no trouble with my back since. I give God all the praise.
Eli Stout.
Oregon Soldier’s Home.
Roseburg, Oregon, June 27.
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Healed of Pneumonia.
My little boy had pneumonia so badly that when he coughed he would scream with pain. I kept asking the Lord to heal him but he seemed to grow worse. Then I commenced to inquire of the Lord to know what was the reason he was not healed. God showed me that I was not fully consecrated, as I was not willing for the Lord to take him. When I could say, “Lord, take him if you wish; you have a perfect right to him,” the boy commenced to gain, and I saw that he was healed. Halleluiah to his name!
I had been praying for faith, but did not know how I would get it; but I soon found out after my child was sick. God is now calling me to visit the sick and tell them of his power to heal. This was a great test to my husband, as he had been saved but a few months. It has increased his strength and faith in God. We have Sunday-school and praise-meetings, and would be very glad if a minister could come and preach to us, as many hungry souls here have never heard the truth preached.
Alpha Goodrich.
Artesia, California.
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Attend Camp-meeting.
By C. E. Hunter.
As we are in the season for camp and other out-door meetings, I feel led to give a suggestion on this subject. God has made the summer season a convenient time for his people to assemble and worship him in camp-meetings, and I do not believe these opportunities are appreciated as they should be. It is the duty of God’s people to assemble. “And let us consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” ... Hebrews 10:24, 25.
There are various reasons why we should assemble ourselves together. The Psalmist says, “God is greatly to be praised in the assembly of the saints.” ... Psalms 89:7. We see that on one occasion when the church was assembled, “The place was shaken. . . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.” ... Acts 4:31. God dwells in the midst of his people; therefore in the assembly of his saints is where we may expect the glorious truth to be revealed and salvation work accomplished.
One feature of God’s church is definiteness, both in doctrine and experience. We have seen instances in this reformation where the devil has tried to bring in confusion, false doctrines, and theory without experience. The importance of God’s people assembling together is that they may be able to detect and discard all such things that try to creep in. God wants a uniformity of teaching among his ministers. Some have come out of sectism, and having been preachers while in there, they seem to have a call, though they have not fully learned the language of Canaan, and are not able to speak the truth clearly. Such people should come to camp-meeting to learn rather than to teach, and should be looked after by the ministry. The condition of sectism to-day is such that it is hardly probable that one could come out and take his stand for the truth without being tainted more or less with the traditions of Babylon. The Ministers of God should have care enough to properly inform such persons of their duty; that is, they should not go out as teachers representing this work until they are called and sent of God and have the sanction of the ministry. Again, persons can not come out of sectism because they love the truth we preach, and make themselves harmonize with this reformation. They must get in harmony with God and the Bible by getting a real experience of salvation, something that very few people who live in sectism to-day have.
Another reason why those professing among us should attend camp-meeting is: some seem given to fanaticism on various points. It seems there is something in them that breeds fanaticism, and if such people could get under the hammer of God’s Word and in the flame that burns in the midst of the camp of the saints, they would detect their fanatical spirit and would either have to renounce it or go out from among us.
I believe especially that when a preacher who is recognized among us makes it his business to stay away from one general camp-meeting after another, he should be looked after by some responsible person; for it certainly is not the disposition of a sanctified man to desire to separate himself from the company of the saints. Some claim they have so many urgent calls that they are compelled to spend all their time in their own meetings in order to fill the calls. To such I would say: You will be much better qualified to fill your calls if you attend one or more of the general camp-meetings every year. There is a spirit of independence in some, which disqualifies them for working in harmony with anybody else; consequently they have to work on what they call an “independent line.” Peter says, “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility.” We have seen the devastation of some recently who contended for an “independent line.”
Again, there are some who come to camp-meeting but can stay only a few days; they say their business is such that they must return to their homes. Many such persons not only let business get between them and camp-meeting, but between them and God. Whenever a man’s business is such that it requires all his time and deprives him of the privilege of meeting with God’s people, he is generally in the wrong kind of business. Such people have their influence. Whenever they begin to pull up and leave the camp, it puts inspiration in those who are crooked and have been sorely bruised by the Word of God to go away also. “And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defense.” ... Isaiah 4:5.
May the Lord move upon the hearts of his people to come to camp-meeting.
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