The Gospel Trumpet, June 20, 1901

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The Gospel Trumpet

Volume 21 - Issue 24 - June 20, 1901

(Articles of interest only)

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Hope an Anchor.

By Lucy M. Lewis.

A vision steals over my mind,

Of a home in that country so fair;

Its prospects enrapture my soul,

Till I scarce can refrain to be there.

And my ear seems to catch the glad strains,

As sung by the angels above;

Salvation and honor and power

Belong to the great God of love.

Sometimes when I'm weary and sad,

By sin, care, and sorrow oppressed,

I can not help sighing for home,

And long for that haven of rest;

But sweet is the promise of God

To cheer my faint heart in the gloom,

And hope sweetly sings to my soul,

"Press on, there'll be resting at home."

A sweet holy calm fills my soul,

For faith sees in gloomiest night;

I'll follow wherever he leads,

And the heavenly ports keep in sight.

When a stranger no longer I roam,

When no longer I sail life's rough sea,

I know there'll be waiting a crown,

A robe and a mansion for me.

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Holy Fire.

By B. E. Warren.

          "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." - Matthew 3:11. Fire is a very striking term frequently used throughout the Bible, and is significant in many things, as will be seen in the following texts: (1.) The Savior is compared to fire. Malachi 3:2. (2.) God is compared to fire in Hebrews 12:29. (3.) God's Word is compared to fire in Jeremiah 23:29. (4.) God's ministry is said to be a "flame of fire." - Hebrews 1:7. (5.) The torments of hell are symbolized by fire. - Deuteronomy 32:22. (6.) The Holy Ghost is said to be like fire. Acts 2:3. Fire is a consuming element. It is absolutely destructive of all combustible material. Temporally this is a fact, and spiritually it is equally true. God through his Word, Spirit, ministry, and people is consuming everything antagonistic to himself and his cause.

          A general lack of this fire is the cause of almost every imposition of Satan and delusive doctrine extant. A loss of spirituality is a lack of this holy fire. A taking up, and imbibing, false doctrines and theories of men contrary to the truth, is the ultimate outcome of a lack of this holy fire. An indolent, lifeless state in any one of us is caused by a lack of holy fire. A loss of holy zeal for Christian duties, as reading the Bible, praying in secret, having family worship, going to meeting (see Hebrews 10:25), etc., is a lack of holy fire. A lack of the ministry in putting down the real gospel truth in the meekness and gentleness of Christ, is a lack of holy fire. A lack on the part of ministers in causing people to see and come to the truth is the loss or lack of this holy fire. The blood and the fire will accompany every God-sent minister and make him a successful soul-winner for Jesus. If he does not bear the marks of success and Bible qualifications, he is of that class that run themselves without being sent of God.

          A lack of real unity on the part of the brotherhood is the loss of this holy fire. The fire of God, if let loose on every soul-destroying element, will burn it up and sweep it away. Unless we are full of the life and power of God - spiritually - we are in danger of any Satanic imposition. Our only security is in being full of fire - feeling it in our bones as did the prophet Jeremiah. This will burn up things intended for people to quibble over. The one who is most used of God is the one who is full of this fire. The one who is the most humble is the one filled with this fire. He who loves the most is full of this fire. The one who is living nearest to the Lord, or in touch with him, is full of holy fire. Our safety from a loss of spirituality is to keep full of this fire. Literal fire is an element used to purge metals from dross. So spiritual or holy fire will purge the heart from all sinful dross.

          God oftentimes came to the Israelites encompassed with fire. He has promised to be a wall of fire round about us. He showed himself to Moses in the burning bush. He descended on Mt. Sinai in the midst of flames, thunders, and lightnings. Exodus 3:2; 19:18. God showed himself to the prophets in the midst of fire. Isaiah 6:4; Ezekiel 1:4; Revelation 1:14. Fire from heaven frequently fell upon the ancient sacrifices offered to the Lord and consumed them. Fire like that of a furnace went through the divided pieces of the sacrifice which Abraham offered to God in token of the covenant made with him, and consumed them. Genesis 15:17. Fire fell upon the sacrifice Moses offered at the dedication of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:24) and upon Solomon's at the dedication of the temple. 2nd Chronicles 7:1. We certainly believe the fire of God will fall upon our sacrifices spiritually, as it fell upon those of ancient dates literally and consumed them. Fire is powerful, not only to consume the dross, burn up the chaff, wood, and stubble, but to warm, melt, heal, etc. "The house of Jacob shall be a fire." - Obadiah 18. This figuratively says the church of God is a fire. Let the church be thus full of this holy fire and the devil will keep his distance in the rear. The church will finally subdue her enemies. The constant burning of the real fire from heaven in our hearts and lives will be like living coals on their heads. Romans 12:20.

          Abraham took fire in his hand when he offered sacrifice to the Lord. Genesis 22:6, 7. Let us have our hearts full of it, and scatter it all along life's journey. The fire broke out anciently and caught in the thorns and burnt them. God grant that we may be so full of fire that it will burn up the thorns that we come in contact with as we pass along the way.

          The fire of God consumed the bullock, the wood, the stones, the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trenches. Beloved, Elijah's God is our God to-day. As it was necessary for Elijah to be so in touch with God that he could show his power in confounding the prophets of Baal, so it is necessary that we live so he can through us confound the prophets of Baal to-day and vindicate his own cause and truth and establish it in the ruins of Babylon's traditions. When the Lord baptizes us in the Holy Ghost and fire he intends this to be our qualification for the work. Let us see that we have the fire and keep it.

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Lift Up the Standard.

By Emma Tufford.

Chapter 3.

          We wish to call your attention again to the text of our former chapter - "Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people: cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people." - Isaiah 62:10. "Cast up the highway." What kind of a highway is it to be? "And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it, . . . but the redeemed shall walk there." - Isaiah 35:8-10. Redeem means to bring back to the original state. What was the original state of man before the fall; Answer - holiness. Isaiah says, "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city [the church]: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised [unconverted - Romans 2:29] and the unclean." - Isaiah 52:1. "So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers [sinners] pass through her any more." - Joel 3:17. What makes her holy? "In that day [gospel day] there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness." - Zechariah 13:1. Jesus opened this fountain when he was crucified for the sins of the world, thereby bringing salvation to Adam's fallen race, which salvation teaches us that we are to live pure and holy in this life. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." - Titus 2:11, 12.

          So we have proved conclusively that the standard is full salvation and the highway is holiness. "Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14. Some people say to us, "Preach full salvation and holiness all you like, but do not say so much about crooked professors and hypocrites; they mean all right, and there is good and bad in all churches, and you can not separate them." Well, I will admit that there are good and bad in all sects, but there are no bad ones in the church of God, because the church, the body of Christ, is holy, not having spot nor wrinkle or any such thing. Ephesians 5:21. Now let us see just where the Word of God places those who do not measure to the standard, but are false professors. One text says, "Gather out the stones." What are they? - Rocks of offense. Jesus said that in the last days "the Son of man shall send forth his angels [messengers], and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity." - Matthew 13:41. Does Jesus mean that those who do iniquity are really in his kingdom? No; because he "gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity." - Titus 2:14. No, they are not in his kingdom but they profess to be. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” - 2^nd Timothy 3:5. Where are they, if not in the church? What did Isaiah say of the church? “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” Hence all those that do not live by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God are outside the gates of righteousness. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point; he is guilty of all.” - James 2:10.

          Oh, how many there are then of those who profess to be Christians who do not measure to the standard; hence they are not on this highway, but are stones (rocks of offense), and must be gathered out. How are we going to tell who they are? We will simply have to measure them by the standard. We will here measure some of them. They say it is an absolute impossibility for any one to live free from sin in this life. The standard says, “He that committeth sin is of the devil. . . Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin.” - 1^st John 3:8, 9. They say the day of healing is past, and instead of practicing it, they say it is perfectly preposterous for us to teach it, and call us fanatics. The standard says: “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” - James 5:14, 15. “And he healed all that were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” - Matthew 8:16, 17. Has he changed? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” - Hebrews 13:8. They say feet-washing is not obligatory. Standard - “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” - John 13:14. They tell us that the word “ought” is not binding. Ought - “To be necessary, to be obliged” - Webster. “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done” - John 13:15. “Should - implying, shall, denoting obligation or duty.” - Webster. They tell us that water baptism is not necessary, that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is sufficient; but the standard definitely commands water baptism, distinct from the baptism of the Holy Ghost. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” - Acts 2:38. Jesus told his disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” - Matthew 28:19. What sense would it make - “Baptizing them with the Holy Ghost in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?” And moreover man can not baptize with the Holy Ghost, and those whom Jesus commanded to go and baptize were men. Others do not believe in holiness. Standard - “Follow peace with all men, and holiness; without which no man shall see the Lord.” - Hebrews 12:14. And many other straight Bible truths they fail to teach or practice.

          Now we will just briefly mention some of the stones which the Standard will gather out. “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.” “What!” says one, “you don’t mean to say that they profess to be on the highway?” Yes - “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” - 2^nd Timothy 3:1-5. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” - 2^nd Timothy 4:3, 4.

          We have gathered out some of the stones; now we must examine some of the teachers mentioned by Paul, who also will have to be gotten out: for they are certainly rocks of offense. How can we distinguish them? Paul says they are “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” - 2^nd Timothy 3:7. “If any man think himself to be a prophet [teacher], or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.” - 1^st Corinthians 14:37. Do they? No! they do not acknowledge it, much less teach or practice it. Paul commanded: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” - 1^st Corinthians 1:10. “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” - Philippians 1:27. Do they measure to Paul’s commands? No! but instead they make divisions and all preach a different doctrine. Dear ones, are we to compromise with them? No! As Paul says, “Their folly shall be manifest unto all men.” - 2^nd Timothy 3:9. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions 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. “Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine.” - 2^nd Timothy 4:1. Let the hail of God’s eternal truths sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters (the Word) overflow the hiding places. Isaiah 28:17. “For thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.” - Jeremiah 1:7.

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Meekness Unto All Men.

Titus 3:2.

By W. W. Titley.

          God’s Word teaches meekness. Jesus says: “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” - Matthew 11:29. “The meek will he guide in judgment.” - Psalms 25:9. “He will beautify the meek with salvation.” - Psalms 149:4. “He hath sent me [Jesus] to preach good tidings unto the meek.” A meek and quiet spirit is of great price. 1^st Peter 3:4. It is said of Moses that he was very meek, above all men which were upon the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3.

          So the Lord would have us show meekness, remembering that we ourselves were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. We indeed were no better by nature than they, but by grace we are saved from all these things, and we have obtained the meekness and gentleness of Christ, which accompanies real soul rest. No more struggling is necessary; we live in Canaan now. Here the good fruit grows without struggling.

          To be meek does not mean that we must submit to every crooked, croaking spirit; indeed, we must resist the devil and not give place to any of his works or workers - no, not for an hour. We are prepared unto every good work. It was doubtless a good work which Jesus accomplished in driving those money changers out of the temple. When he told them they were of their father the devil, he did not lose any of his meekness. When Paul withstood Peter to the face because he was to blame, it was no sign that Paul was not, as at other times, doing the will of God in the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Judgment must go forth, and the meek will be guided in judgment. This honor have all his saints.

          The judgments are not of man, but of God. We are not fighting our own battle, but God is the commander-in-chief of the army. Vengeance belongs unto him. If we were defending the old man, or executing our own judgment in defending some false doctrine or creed of men, we would need to tremble and fear. Thank the Lord for salvation from self and all the deceptions that are multiplying in these last days to deceive unstable souls.

          Meekness will accomplish for us more than all the carnal weapons of earth and hell. Praise God for a privilege to submit to him fully, wholly and completely, and thus be in league with the armies of heaven, that we may outride the storms and tempest that may come against our soul! The Lord will fight our battles. He will not suffer the ark to fall until his own good time, when he shall say it is enough. But woe unto those who place unholy hands on the ark of God.

          God is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. “He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” - Psalms 105:14, 15. Thank God for the good strong walls of salvation! Nothing shall by any means hurt those who abide under the shadow of the Almighty. “Ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not a hair of your head perish.” - Luke 21:16-19. God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted (only for his glory, and he will make a way of escape, even if it be death, which is the only route to mansions above. For it is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment. For sanctified people are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh, “even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

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A Faithful Ministry.

By J. E. Forrest.

          Ah, I see about me the awfulness of an apostate ministry, the results of their work, and the blindness and corruption of the fruit of their doings, my very soul is moved within me, and my heart beats for the trueness that should and must exist to-day among us as ministers of God’s last reformation. After taking a glance at the commission given the apostles after Christ had risen from the dead, I am made to wonder how a man could claim to be called and sent of God to preach the gospel and yet obey not the command, “Heal the sick.” How a ministry could receive the heavenly commission to preach without accepting the whole of the commission, is more than a miracle.

          “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” is the command given, accompanied with, “Heal the sick that are therein.” The Savior said he that believed this gospel would be saved. He also said that certain signs shall follow those that believe. Among them is this: “They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” See Mark 16:16-18. Christ told his disciples that the works he did they should do also and “greater works,” because (says he), “I go to my Father.” - John 14:12. By reading the Acts of the Apostles we find the truth of the statement - yea, we find them preaching the gospel and healing the sick. Acts 5:12-16.

          The working of these miracles was not only confined to the twelve, but in every case where mention is made of any man’s work as a minister, he had power to heal the sick and to do signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. Saul of Tarsus was called and chosen as one born out of due time, “less than the least of all saints,” and the “least of all the apostles” (says he), yet Christ said of him: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.” - Acts 9:15. “And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul.” Read Acts 19:1-12, and 28:7-9. Paul knew what the commission contained - yea, the vision that appeared unto him was of heavenly origin, and the commission he received was not pictured and flowered with a big salary or great pleasure trips and “good things.” Nay, verily, the cross was put up in a very few words. “I will shew thee what great things thou must suffer for my name’s sake.” Paul was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Acts 26:19. “The servant is not above his Lord. It is enough that he be as his Master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you.”

          Show me a minister that has seen the vision and calling. “I will shew thee what great things thou must suffer,” and no doubt such a one is called of God. O thou man of God, fulfill thy commission. God’s chosen ministry must suffer evil entreatment. Let us as the disciples of our Lord lay claim to such power and authority by faith and perfect abandonment, that the Lord will work through us, confirming the Word with signs following. It is not only a privilege to heal the sick in the name of the Lord, but a duty enjoined upon the ministry. May the Lord help us to see our duty in this matter - a command given, “Heal the sick,” together with the assurance, “And lo I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Have we received the commission (individually) to “preach the gospel?” are we among those who “believe?” then, with as much authority as God is able to give (who has “all power in heaven and in earth”) let us “preach the gospel,” and let us with this same authority “heal the sick,” laying hands on them for their recovery. I pray God to move this work to action and give such faith to those who are called that many signs may follow and wonders be done in the name of Jesus. May God keep those at home (tarrying at Jerusalem) who have not the proper commission and authority until they get it.

          It is sad to see souls rushing onward in their sins and unbelief, plunging into hell, and crying back at us, “Let me see some of your signs.” Do you know that it will take much preaching, praying, living, and miracle-working to open the blind eyes of this sin-benighted nation to a consciousness of their condition? Let us then sink into God, earnestly contending for the faith needed, until we get it.

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Experimental Religion.

By J. G. Neff.

          In this day of deception and formality in the religious world I believe the most blighting, death-dealing, anti-life-giving deception is a profession of salvation without the possession of it.

          A dead, formal religion is not the religion of the Bible. It is the old Pharisaical, the hypocrite’s religion. Hence we have the admonition to turn away from those that have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. 2^nd Timothy 3:5. This is one of the deceptions that was to be in the last days, in the perilous times.

          Experimental knowledge of sins forgiven and our Adamic nature purged out, is the doctrine of the Bible. Science teaches that “experience is the only proof of a fact.” While this is true in science, it is no less true in religion. The primitive church was swallowed up in the oozy pit of formality. D’Aubigne tells us (Book 1, Chapter 1) that “the living Church, having gradually retired into the hidden sanctuary of a few solitary souls, the external church was put in its place,” etc. Again, the historian says: “In primitive times, the great tie which united the members of the church was the living faith of the heart, by which all held to Christ.”

          How sad to know that the deathly fumes of formality brought worse than Egyptian darkness over this fair world. While a few individuals kept the “Living Faith” of Christ, that enabled them not to count their lives dear unto themselves, yet the great mass of religious professors have gone through life without the knowledge that Christ has power on earth to forgive sins. The question John Wesley asked Hester Ann Rodgers was, “Do you now know (not hope so, think so, or guess so) that you are dead indeed unto sin, and alive unto God?” But where is the living testimony of the primitive Methodist found with the Methodist of to-day?

          Dear ones, I shall come nearer home. How is it with the saints? How is it with you? Have you that sweet knowledge within you, telling you that you belong to God? Or is there an uncertainty where once joy and gladness dwelt? Is there an aching void where once was the burning love of God?

          Do you remember the time when you could say like two of old: “Did not our hearts burn within us?” etc., while you read the Word, or sat under its preaching, or heard the burning testimony of others? How is it with you to-day? I remember hearing one brother say that at the beginning of this reformation penitents at the altar need very little instruction, and that they would pray and cry so loudly you could not get them to hear a word. They would then get up shouting and praising God and would testify and exhort sinners in a way that would put older ones to shame. Now let me ask, Why was it thus? The answer is, because they received the experience of sins forgiven, God’s Spirit bearing witness with their spirit that they were his - the real living testimony within, written on their hearts by God, through the Holy Spirit, that they “have passed from death unto life.” Hence they can say (and not until then), by the Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Lord. What is the reason some are on the compromise line, some the anti-cleansing heresy, some this, and some that? It has been said: “Because of the want of spirituality.” I agree with this. But let us not forget that if we have an experience of salvation, we have spirituality. And when we become spiritually  cold, or dead, we have lost the experience out of our soul. We lose the experience by sins of omission or commission, the Holy Spirit taking his departure out of our hearts. “What! Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?” - 1^st Corinthians 6:17. Can we have such a One dwelling within us and we not know it?

          Dear ones in the work of this reformation, what kind of work are you doing? Are you building wood, hay, and stubble? Or is it gold, silver, and precious stones? Remember, our work shall be tried by fire, and we will suffer loss unless we first get the experience ourselves, and then urge others to the obtaining of like precious faith. The prophet says that people are like pastor. This is true. I have followed in the wake of one of those pastors that has the theory but not the substance of salvation - that can turn people’s heads to the theory, but can lead them no further. Such are no better than sectarians. Having no testimony, unable to pray or sing in the Spirit, they have a name to live but are dead, having never been made alive. If we fail to do what God requires of us, and what this reformation was called for, God will merely reject us, and raise up those that will do the work faithfully. Once, while urging a young man to get the real evidence of his acceptance with God, an elder rebuked me, saying I “made too much about converts getting the experience. The Bible did not teach feeling but faith.” This young man was taken through on the “just believe, believe,” line, but did not stay with it a month. Dear ones, if the Word of God does not teach experimental salvation, then I do not understand it. If being born again, passing from death unto life, having God’s laws written in our hearts, having the Comforter abide with us forever, and scores of other like texts, do not teach experience, but are simply done for us, and we are in possession of them but know nothing of it - If this be so, then I will admit I know not what the Word teaches, and that the Word does not agree with my experience, or the joy and peace I have in my heart are only a delusion. But, praise God! We do “know we have passed from death unto life.”

          We read of Stephen, Barnabas, and the apostles as being “full of the Holy Ghost.” We occasionally see a call in the Gospel Trumpet for a Holy Ghost minister. Is it then a fact that there are ministers among the saints that have not the Holy Spirit? I receive letters from brethren in different localities stating, “The church here is cold and indifferent.” What is wrong? Nothing less than the loss of their “first love”; I. E., they have lost the experience by grieving away the Holy Spirit. While the laity in some localities are in this sad condition, so also are some of the ministry. Where these go to hold meetings you need not expect much genuine work to be done. I would advise all such to quit the work until they regain the real evidence that they have the Holy Spirit, who will give power and wisdom to do effectual work for the Lord. In Psalms 19:7, 8 we read: “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” This is experimental religion. “My peace I give unto you.” - John 14:27. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. . . But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit.” - 1^st Corinthians 2:9, 10. Praise God for a real experimental knowledge!

“Is the Spirit glowing in thy heart?

O my brother, can you say

That you feel the burning love of God

In thy bosom day by day?

Do you feel the mighty, living power

Filling all thy mortal frame?

And does all thy heart forever pour

Streams of glory to his name?

Yes, ‘tis love, ‘tis burning love divine,

Filling all my soul’s desire;

Oh, how sweet its glories ever shine,

Now I feel the glowing fire.”

D. S. W.

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The New Testament Church.

By Alvin J. Ellison.

Article 9.

CHURCH GOVERNMENT. - CONTINUED.

THE DEACONS.

          The deacons are chosen by the Church, as in the church at Jerusalem, as many as are needed to look after the temporal affairs of the church (for this is included in their office work). “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we [the elders] may appoint over this business.” - Acts 6:3. “Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre [money]; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.” - 1^st Timothy 3:8-10. Therefore when such characters are chosen by an assembly, they having proved themselves, are ordained to the office of a deacon by the imposition of hands of the ministry. “Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” - Acts 6:6. These are the only two offices in the New Testament church. The ministers look after the spiritual affairs of the church while the deacons look after the temporal affairs; hence the official interest is complete.

MEMBERSHIP OBTAINED.

          “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” - Acts 2:46, 47. “Those being saved.” - Emphatic Diaglott. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body [church], . . . And have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” - 1^st Corinthians 12:13. “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.” - John 10:9. The foregoing scriptures teach us that spiritual birth is the only mode of induction into the New Testament church; therefore it is impossible for men to take you into the New Testament church, this being left to the Lord alone. “The Lord added to the church.” When one obtains salvation from his sins, he is then and there made a member of the church that Jesus built, the one all the apostles and all the early Christians belonged to, and the only church that existed under the head of Christianity in the apostolic age. All else was ignored as heresy, and should be so ignored by Christians to-day.

MANNER OF ORGANIZATION.

          We will now show that the manner of organization of the church is spiritual. It is for this reason that man can have naught to do with the organization. It is a divine institution governed by the great Jehovah, and it is he who organizes his church together in one Spirit by the great saving plan of salvation. “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” - Ephesians 2:5, 6. “In whom all the building [church] fitly framed together [spiritually] groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” - Verse 21, 22. “From whom the whole body [church] fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, making increase of the body [church] unto the edifying of itself in love.” - Ephesians 4:16. “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of the understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.” - Colossians 2:2. “For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body [church] together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked: that there should be no schism [division] in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.” - 1^st Corinthians 12:24-26. These beautiful scriptures most definitely set forth the manner of organization of the New Testament church, clearly showing it is to be a spiritual organization - thus securing a perfect unity among the redeemed.

          Quickened together. Ephesians 2:5, 6.

          Builded together. Ephesians 2:22.

          Framed together. Ephesians 2:21.

          Joined together. Ephesians 4:16.

          Knit together. Colossians 2:2.

          Tempered together. 1^st Corinthians 12:24-26.

CHURCH BOND.

          “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” - Colossians 3:14. This is the only perfect bond that ever has or ever will exist, because our heavenly Father in all his holy wisdom hath chosen and made this bond of charity the bond of the New Testament church. It is for this reason that its members are firmly united in one body.

          One body (church). Ephesians 4:4.

          One Spirit. Philippians 1:27; 1^st Corinthians 6:17.

          One mind and mouth. Romans 15:5, 6.

          One heart and soul. Acts 4:32.

          Its strength is that of Jehovah; hence it forever remains devil-proof. Halleluiah!

NAME.

          “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” - Acts 20:28. “For ye have heard of my conversation [conduct] in time past in the Jew’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it.” - Galatians 1:13. Many more scriptures might be added to the foregoing, but we deem these sufficient to prove that the name of the New Testament church is the “Church of God.” “Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” This text clearly proves that the church for which our Savior spilled his precious blood was the church of God. Paul, by testifying that he persecuted the church of God and wasted it, assures us beyond doubt that the name of the New Testament church is Church of God; for it was this church which he persecuted. See Acts 7:58; 8:3; 26:9-15.

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Be Ye Holy.

By John C. Blaney.

          God’s purpose and will is that we should be holy. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” - Ephesians 1:4. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” - Hebrews 12:14.

          Holiness means freedom from sin. It means freedom from all unholy tempers, appetites, and desire - such as adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, anger, wrath, pride, foolishness, envy, hatred, variance, and an evil eye. It means the entire destruction of the root of all these things from the heart of men. “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” - Romans 6:6. Anything short of this is beneath the standard of salvation from sin. Less than this falls short of accomplishing in us the purpose for which Christ died. “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.” - Hebrews 13:12. A wholly sanctified person is as perfect as he who sanctifies him. No amount of education or cultivation can increase his purity from sin. He will grow in grace, and in the knowledge of the truth; but that increases his capacity for usefulness, and does not change the qualities of the grace received - his moral and spiritual purity.

          Christ lifted up the standard of human life in this world, and then died the death of the cross that he might impart power to his creatures to live it. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” - Matthew 5:48. This is the standard lifted up for Adam’s lost and fallen posterity; this is what a holy God demands of the creatures he created in his own image. Man, fallen and corrupt by nature and practice, must submit to the righteousness of God, or spend eternity in hell. No other alternative lies before him. The sinner must repent and believe the gospel, and the justified believer must go on unto perfection. “He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” - Hebrews 10:14. “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.

          “He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.” What a clear testimony in favor of the power of redeeming grace! Glory be to God in the highest! No need of any so-called process of gradual, or progressive, sanctification after we are perfected forever by a definite act of grace, through a perfect consecration and faith on our part, and a renewal of our entire moral and spiritual nature on God’s part. Halleluiah! What glorious results follow such a free salvation! - perfect confidence in God and sweet repose in the blood of Christ; a naturally perfect submission to the will of God at all times; perfect peace which keeps our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ; perfect love which cast out fear; complete cessation or death of every passion, appetite, and desire not in harmony with the nature and mind of Christ, a perfect growth in grace and in knowledge, where the food is “clean provender, winnowed with the shovel and with the fan” - a complete new creature in Christ, with all old things passed away and all things new. “But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” - 2^nd Corinthians 3:18. “Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” - Chapter 5:17. All these new things are of God. What a complete transformation! “Wherefore, henceforth know we no man after the flesh”; hence we are exhorted to be holy: “As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” - 1^st Peter 1:15. Amen.

Be ye therefore pure and holy,

Free from sin and filled with love;

Full of goodness, meek and lowly,

Like our Savior from above.

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The Defense of the Gospel.

          The apostle said, “I am set for the defense of the gospel”; and the gospel needs as much defending now as ever it did, for it is subject to fierce attacks from various sources. But it is well for men who undertake to defend the gospel to stick closely to their business. The men who assail the gospel frequently know little of it and care little for it. A man coming from England to America to show the fallacy of the doctrines of Moses regarding the creation of the world, commenced his remarks by quoting from Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” and proceeded to demolish that! So there are men who profess to be quarreling with the gospel, who are really finding fault with the theories of some man who perhaps had a very imperfect understanding of the Bible. Now if men are set for the defense of Calvin, or Luther, or Wesley, or Milton, or for the defense of creeds, or confessions, or catechisms, or sects, or isms, or schisms, let them work at it the best way they can. It is certain they have no light task on their hands. But if men are set for the defense of the gospel, let them stick to their work, and not be diverted from it by any device or stratagem of men or devils. Let them utterly refuse to be turned from their true course by these false issues which skeptics are continually raising. What have we to do with the errors, the blunders, the follies, and the sins of the men who lived in the dark ages, and who in some respects have failed to understand the teachings or conform to the spirit of the gospel of Christ? Why are we to be following the skeptics of the day in an everlasting goose-chase among the councils, creeds, confessions, catechisms, and controversies of ancient and modern times? Our business is solely and exclusively with the Word of God itself! If we are set for the defense of the gospel, let us defend the gospel, and let all these other matters take care of themselves, while we preach righteousness and stand for the truth. Plenty of things which pass for Christianity are only human errors, inventions, and accretions, mere barnacles on the ship’s bottom. Let infidels scrape them off if they please, and let the devil capture them and keep them; but let men who are set for the defense of the gospel preach the Word, fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold of eternal life. - Selected.

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The Gospel Is Not Popular.

By J. M. Harrington.

          “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the Word [not death-bed stories]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” - 2^nd Timothy 4:1-4. We learn by this truth that the gospel is not popular, and that the time would come when men would not endorse the truth; but would be turned unto fables. Sad is the condition of this world, and yet it is claimed to be a Christianized world. But few, we find, comparatively speaking, are ready to endorse the whole truth. When the whole truth is preached, sin is uncovered, and their true condition shown, they cry out, “Fanaticism.”

          Why is the gospel not popular? The prophet gives a true description of the many popular preachers of to-day. “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priest thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? None evil can come upon us.” - Micah 3:11. How beautifully this text harmonizes with that of the apostle Paul, showing the awful condition of the sectarian world. They do not accept the truth, for is uncovers sin and severs their friendship with the world, putting them where they are no longer popular, from a worldly standpoint. So they just simply reject it, and yet profess to love the Bible. They cry “Harshness,” “too much judgment,” and that “we want more love,” etc. But what says the Word of God? “Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field.” - Verse 12. Thank God! The plowing is going on, and God has chosen and qualified ministers who are not preaching for the loaves and fishes, neither for the applause of man; but to please God, and for the benefit of souls. Nearly all sects have some truth, but where is one that will endorse all the truth? If you preach against the fashions, etc., they will say, “Away with such preaching; but if you would tell some foolish, nonsensical story to tickle their ears, oh, how that delights them! Why? - Because they have that kind of a spirit. The majority of the sects delight in frivolous stories from the pulpit. Nearly all the members have the same spirit as their preacher. Jeremiah understood this fact; hence he says: “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priest bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” - Jeremiah 5:31. Men may hold great revivals and report a large number of converts: but the converts get nothing but a mere profession, and after joining some so-called church they fight holy living and say no one can live without sin. If man ever was required to meet the conditions of God’s Word to obtain salvation, he is still under the same obligation, since Christ has not changed. Hebrews 13:8.

          Remember, the gospel is not popular, never was, and never will be. We might preach some truth and compromise on other lines and be called a fine fellow. The Word says: “Fear not, little flock;” so we need not fear or become discouraged. Remember, only a few will find the narrow way. Brethren, be of good cheer, and do not shun to declare the whole truth, in love and meekness.

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News from the Field.

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          It has been some time since I have written for the Trumpet, but is has not been because I have not been saved, nor because I have not had complete victory in my soul. I was called home last fall on account of sickness in my family and have remained there since with occasionally a meeting held near home. Wife has had the diabetes for over one year, and is still in poor health; but, thank the Lord! She is much better. I am just returning from the Tekonsha meeting, which was a grand success for God. It ended with 16 consecrations, of whom the most, we believe, received the desire of their hearts. To God be all the glory. Many were healed. One sister was saved and healed after having to be wheeled in a chair for a number of years, and went away walking. To God be all the praise. Brothers Ellis and Eldridge were present to deliver the Word.

J. L. Pike.

Sherwood, Michigan, May 27.

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          I am justified freely and sanctified wholly by a first and second work of grace. I have the witness that the work is done. Praise God! I am still laboring for precious souls, for whom Christ died. My work consists in traveling from place to place among the few saints and preaching God’s Word in school-houses and homes. Last Sunday the people were stirred up and did not want me to preach in their school-house any longer. They did not like the doctrine, and so rejected God’s Word. John 12:48. May the Lord have mercy upon them. One unsaved man invited me to come to his home and hold meetings. Pray that God may save him and his family. The devil can not stop the work of God. I desire the prayers of the saints that God may keep me in health, so that I may be strong to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. May the blessings of God rest upon all the saints.

John B. Vervalin.

Gordon, Nebraska, June 6.

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          We are praising God for victory over all the powers of darkness and confusion, and for the grace and glory God gives us to stand against all the false doctrines of the devil. It seems that this world is just flooded with doctrines of men and devils which deceive precious souls for whom Jesus died. How our hearts are grieved to see dear honest souls ready to perish for want of the bread of life and some one to tell them how to make their escape out of fallen Babylon. Of course false teachers get stirred when the pure Word is preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven and God’s scattered sheep make their escape and come home to Zion, their native land, with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads. They then for the first time realize the liberty there is in Christ Jesus, since they before had the galling yoke of Babylon on their necks. Praise God for freedom!

          On the 20^th of April wife and I went to London, Ontario, where we found some precious souls that were hungry for the truth. We had some glorious meetings with them. One dear young man was delivered from the power of the enemy, and the saints were greatly benefited. To God be all the glory. On the 27^th we opened meeting at Chippewa in the name of the Lord. The Lord was with us from the beginning and helped us to preach the Word, making it effectual by the Holy Spirit in convincing, converting, and sanctifying power. Halleluiah! Interest and congregations increased as the meetings went on, and the best of order prevailed.

          Brother and Sister C. L. Kanmeyer have stood alone for a great many years. The Lord has at last given them the desire of their heart, and has raise up a little church there that shall be a crown of glory in the hands of our God. May the God of all grace keep them bound together in the bonds of Christian love, so that not one shall fall away and be a prey to the foul spirits that are capturing souls. As we expect to commence tabernacle work soon in Canada, we feel that we need a small tent.

          The church of God of Canada will hold its annual camp-meeting at Jordan Harbor, as usual. The date will be given later. All lovers of the truth are invited to attend.

David H. and Mary W. Moyer.

Vineland, Ontario, May 22.

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Testimonies.

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          I am praising the Lord for free and full salvation that keeps me free from sin, not only on Sunday, but on Monday just the same, and all through the week. We have no preacher here, but we have prayer-meeting three times a week. How I praise God that some attending the meetings are studying about their soul’s salvation! Praise the Lord!

J. B. Payne.

Rolla, Missouri.

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          I am praising the Lord for his power to save and keep. It is blessed to be saved, and more blessed to be kept by him who is our Great Physician. I know by blessed experience that he is able to heal these bodies of ours. The Gospel Trumpet is a welcome visitor to our home. Pray that I may be kept where I can know God’s will concerning me. I purpose to do the same.

W. F. Jones.

Paulding, Ohio.

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          I am saved and kept by the mighty power of God. He wonderfully spoke peace to my soul a month ago. I praise his holy name for the blessed assurance I feel in my soul. I feel and know that I am a child of God and standing on the solid rock. Praise his name forever! I can also testify to his healing power. He healed me of a very sore throat once, and I have taken him for my Physician ever since. Praise his name!

Charles E. Hardy.

Chillicothe, Ohio.

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          God has saved me and is keeping me free from all sin. Praise the Lord for all his goodness! When I am sick I take my case to the Lord, the great healer. Our little boy, four years old, had a bad rupture from the time he was about six months old. We had him prayed for and anointed according to God’s Word, and the Lord healed him. To God be all the praise. I desire the prayers of all God’s people.

Henry Beaver.

Huntington, Indiana.

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          I am still saved and sanctified by the precious blood of Christ. He has brought me through many trials. He says the trial of our faith is more precious than gold. He healed me of all my afflictions. Since I have been saved I have not resorted to any other means. I have always found his grace sufficient in every time of need. Praise his dear name forever! How sweet to realize that of a truth “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Dear ones, pray that the Lord keep me humble and doing his will at all times.

Lennie E. Cecil.

Kent, Kentucky.

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          Truly I have much to thank God for. I thank him for his longsuffering and tender mercies to unworthy me, and for victory in my soul over the power of the enemy and freedom from sin; also for the knowledge that the precious blood of Jesus has reached my soul.

          God is keeping me free and happy, and my whole desire is to do his will and live so that he can use me to his glory. We surely have to be dead to self before God can work in and through us to his own good pleasure. Dear ones, pray that I be faithful and do what God wills. Also pray for the church at this place.

Josephine Lindemuth.

Antwerp, Ohio.

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          I feel the time has come that I must keep my promise to my Lord and Master who saved me and sanctified my nature. Bless his holy name! I promised him if he would keep me through this winter I would testify to it and give him all the glory. Out of six winters that I have been in this place, this was the first winter, as far as I remember, that I have not been confined to my bed or had to stay at home for some days or more. When I would feel some light affliction coming upon me, I took it to him who can heal all manner of diseases, and in the morning I would feel refreshed and better. I have not taken any medicine for a year now. I take God as my physician for both soul and body. Dear brethren and sisters, pray that I may keep humble and my faith grow stronger. “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.”

Charles F. Ziemann.

Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

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          We feel like adding our testimony once more to the list of the redeemed ones who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. We are praising God for this glorious salvation which has delivered us from this present evil world and created in us a desire to follow in the footsteps of our blessed Savior, who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. Perhaps some would be interested to know where we stand concerning the doctrine and how our souls are prospering. We can say that our souls are fat and flourishing and we are eating the good of the land. While we have been suffering in the flesh through persecutions, yet our souls are reposing on a risen Savior. Praise God! Right now, at this present moment, we fully endorse the doctrine set forth by the Gospel Trumpet and have the experience of justification by faith, and sanctification as a second, definite work of grace wrought in the soul by the Holy Ghost, the sanctifier. Romans 15:16. We find our experience now in 2^nd Corinthians 4^th chapter.

          Dear ones, let us be faithful in these last days of perilous times, when every deception and doctrine of devils is being taught. Let us stand on the Word of God without compromise.

Charles and Jane Melton.

Springfield, Illinois.

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          I feel that it would be to the glory of God for me to give my experience, which I trust will help some one to steer clear of the spirit of compromise, which was my downfall. I sought and found justification through faith in Christ in the year 1873 and united with the United Brethren sect. I lived an up and down life for a number of years, hungering and thirsting after righteousness. In 1887 I heard the doctrine of sanctification preached. I sought the cleansing and found it by faith in the blood of Jesus. Praise his holy name! Shortly afterward the Spirit impressed me that I must preach holiness to the people, which I began to do. But alas! I had not yet discerned the body of Christ, and when worldly professors scoffed at and refused the doctrine of holiness, I became discouraged and fell under the spirit of compromise, and lost the joy of my salvation. The Lord took the message out of my mouth, and for about five years I suffered untold agonies. I was so beset by the devil that I went into actual sin. Last September I began to seek the Lord and prayed earnestly that the Lord would again free me from the bondage of Satan. The devil tried to make me believe that the Lord had utterly forsaken me. In December two of God’s ministers held a meeting at Olive Hill, Kentucky. I heard the way of the Lord more fully and he poured out his Spirit upon me and cleansed me through and through. Halleluiah! He has ever since given me the victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil, and by his Spirit has helped me to deliver messages of truth to the people. I ask the prayers of all the saints.

H. M. Van Hoose.

Anglin, Kentucky.

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          I was afflicted for one year with what the doctor called sciatic rheumatism. It settled in my left leg and for a time seemed almost unbearable. I at that time did not understand that it was God’s will to heal our diseases, and was let to try other means, using liniment. But was nothing better, but rather grew worse, till I was unable to lace my own shoes or sit up fifteen minutes at a time. My only comfort was to lie on my back. I at that time commenced taking the Gospel Trumpet, through which God showed me the true light on the one body and the sin of Babylon. I was once in the Salvation Army sect for four years, but thank God! It is not so now, for I have found One to trust in whose arm is not shortened, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords. “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases.” I thank God for this beautiful promise given to the children of God. It was last September when I claimed the promises of God and took all the drugs out of my room, never to be used again; from that time I began to mend. I never shall cease to praise God for healing me of all my diseases and letting me see the awful condition of this world and the many that are led down to darkness by false prophets. I feel like sounding a note of warning to all who are in sect confusion. Read your Bible and see if God is divided in any form. I thank God for the privilege we have in searching the Bible to find out the body of Christ and see that it is not divided into different sects, all claiming one faith. It is impossible to serve two masters. All that obey not the Word will be cast into hell with all the nations that neglect to obey God’s commandments.

Robert W. Oliver.

Corbetton, Ontario.

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          I am happy to say that the Lord is still blessing my soul beyond all doubt. Glory to his name! God will indeed guide and bless us as long as we look to him and make him the very object of living. There is life and light in earnestly looking to the Lord. The loss of the divine presence is like putting out a light. How sad to see so many turning from the light of the soul and actually preferring the very blackness of darkness. What vexation will be theirs when their mistakes are revealed and the opportunity of making a choice is past! The need indeed is great for an awakening of souls. I believe that every soul will wake up, and those who do not awake in this world, I pity them on their having to be awakened in the next world. So let us stand true to Jesus.

          On July 3^rd I heard the call of God to go to Galveston. I obeyed and went in the name of the Lord, feeling as the least of God’s children. I had meetings in every house I could get in. There was no one to help in the gospel work but a brother of mine who lost his life in the flood, and the Lord. Some gave their hearts to God. I had an uncle who was an infidel. He said I could have a meeting in his house, but as for himself he did not believe in it. How the Lord did burden my heart for his soul! I cried to the Lord day and night, but he did not get saved. Four days before I left the city I had another meeting and I told him I would leave him with the Lord. I believe God has heard my prayer. Three days before the flood I heard the still, small voice calling me away from Galveston. Not knowing why, I obeyed the voice and the leadings of the Spirit. I left Galveston for California. As soon as I arrived I saw why the Lord has sent me away. Upon learning that some of my loved ones had been lost in the flood and others were injured, I heard that still, small voice calling me to go back once more to the sadly stricken city. Not having any more money, I right then and there began calling on the Lord to open the way if it was his will for me to go back. A sweet peace came into my soul and I arose and went to town. The first person I met was a Jewish lady. She asked me if I was going back to Galveston. I told her that I was if the Lord was willing, and that I believed he was. She gave me a ticket and the next day I went back and found that the beautiful city I had left just a few days before was then a perfect ruin. I arrived on Sunday morning, and on Monday morning I learned that my infidel uncle was still living. So I went in search of him and found him - a saved man. The first thing he said, with outstretched hand and tears running down his cheeks, was “I am a saved man.” He had such praises in his mouth that with all the sadness I was passing through in giving up the rest that were near and dear to me, I felt that I had something to look to and much to be thankful for.

          Dear ones, let us praise the Lord for his goodness toward the children of men. I feel that I have something to be thankful for.

          When I was in Galveston I lived in a house without protection from rain or cold winds; but, praise the Lord! He took me through it all. I found his grace sufficient. I stayed there five months, then I felt the Lord would have me leave again. I went to Dublin, Texas, and there did what I could for the Lord for two months. I came back to California and when I arrived here again, there was a telegram awaiting me stating that my sister whom the Lord had restored to health after the flood was taken very ill and was not expected to live. I feel it will be to the glory of God to ask all of his dear children that believe in divine healing to be agreed for her according to Matthew 18:19 as soon as you read this. “Ah Lord God! Behold, thou has made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” - Jeremiah 32:17. “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” - Verse 27. I believe that God is the healer of his people. He will not go back on his Word though every star should fall from heaven. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Praise the Lord, there are no doubts in my heart! I have proved the Lord and found him true to every promise. He has kept me by his mighty power through sickness and trials. I am saved and sanctified and all on the altar to do the Lord’s will in all things. Pray that I may be kept humble and learn more of the meek and lowly Jesus.

Sarah A. Simonds.

Los Angeles, California.

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Obituary.

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          LONG.  Sister Sarah Long, wife of Francis M. Long, was born April 12, 1863; died May 20, 1901, being 38 years, 1 month and 8 days old. She leaves a husband and seven children to mourn their loss. She gave clear evidence of being ready, and said: “O Jesus, take me as I am.” Funeral services by,

C. E. Hunter.

Beaver Dam, Indiana.

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          NAWMAN.  Samuel Nawman was born February 3, 1819; departed this life June 8, 1901; aged 82 years, 4 months, 5 days. He leaves a wife and several children.

          Father Nawman was probably kept in sin all his life through the crookedness of false professors. Last winter he was gloriously saved and about four or five weeks ago immersed in Mad River, near his home. May God bless and keep Sister Nawman in his service and save the remaining children.

B. E. Warren.

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          BOWMAN.  Ada (Leech) Bowman was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana, October 16, 1860; died April 1, 1901; aged 40 years, 5 months, 15 days. She was married to Benjamin Bowman July 18, 1880. Sister Bowman died trusting in God. She leaves a husband and three children to mourn their loss. We earnestly pray God to save the dear husband and children, that they may be one unbroken family in eternity.

S. L. Speck.

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Divine Healing.

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God’s Power to Heal.

          My whole soul goes out to God in praise for his wonderful saving power. He has saved me from all sin and sanctified my nature. He has also healed me many times. I find it best to trust God through all trials, temptations, discouragements, and afflictions. Praise his holy name! He is a present help in every time of need. He never will leave nor forsake us if we are true to him.

          Last winter I was working for one of my neighbors who had two little children. The clothes of one of them caught fire, and my hands were badly burned in tearing them off. I carried her into the house, knelt down, and prayed God to take away the pain from her and my hands. The work was done. I give him the praise. He truly is worthy, dear ones. Let us be true to him. Pray that I keep low down at his feet.

Mrs. Catherine Huffman.

Pond Creek, Oklahoma.

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Heart Trouble Healed.

          Some time ago I sent for an anointed handkerchief. After receiving it I examined myself according to the Word of God and applied the handkerchief. The Lord wonderfully healed me. My heart was greatly afflicted and gave me much pain. Thanks be to God, I have not felt that way since. I am still trusting God as my Physician, and hope to while I live. At present I feel somewhat afflicted in my body; believing it to be a trial of my faith, I ask the brethren to pray that I may overcome all trials and temptations. The Word says: “Pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Pray that I always bridle my tongue and keep humble. I pray the Lord to send some brother here to preach the Word in its purity.

Jacob H. Ritter.

Spring Run, Pennsylvania.

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Broken Bones Healed.

          Nearly three years ago I had my right leg broken near the ankle. Both bones were broken, and the tibia protruded through the flesh. I was trusting the Lord for my healer in all things. I sent for the brethren and sisters. Upon examination they found it to be a bad case and thought best to get some experienced person to set the bone. So we sent to town for a doctor, and they saw three but could not get any of them, as they said if it was broken so badly it would have to be amputated. A sister and my husband and daughter then set it and anointed me. The Lord heard prayer and stopped the pain. So I felt it was to the glory of God that the doctors did not come. The Lord healed my leg and I can now do my work. Last Sunday I walked to my sister’s five or six miles distant. The Lord alone has done the work. Praise his name forever!

Hester Mullins.

Tullahoma, Tennessee.

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Healed of Bowel Trouble.

          We are rejoicing in the salvation that Jesus Christ brought to this world. Glory be to God! He has healed us of many diseases. We have taken him for our Physician for nearly six years and we find him as good as his Word. He has healed our dear mother of bowel trouble of eight years’ standing. We wrote to the Lodi, California camp-meeting for prayer for her and she was healed instantly. Glory be to his holy name!

          I and three of our children had the measles, and God heard and answered prayer. It pays to trust the Lord for all things. We had a severe trial of our faith, but God will not let us be tried more than we are able to stand. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. We have the same God that the children of Israel had when they crossed the Red Sea. Oh, what a wonderful God we have! He has not changed at all, but is with his children the same as of old. What sweet peace there is in the soul when we feel the presence of God! Tongue can not tell the joy it contains. Even when we are not in the field at work we can feel God’s presence. Glory be to his holy name forever! Pray that the Lord use us to his glory.

J. F. Ropp and Wife.

Glendora, California.

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God’s Mighty Healing Power.

          We learn in the Word of God that when he heals us he wants to be glorified for so doing. In 2^nd Chronicles 32:24, 25 we read: “In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the Lord: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.” Doubtless there are a great many people professing to live for God who do not give to the cause of Christ what they formerly paid out to doctors and for medicine. Dear ones, will a man rob God, and expect to continue in his favor? There are others who hardly tell what God has done for them; perhaps hardly even thank him. This is not pleasing to  the Lord. He wants us to honor him for all his tender mercies and manifestations of healing power, so that others may get the like precious faith and receive its benefits. “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” - Philemon 6.

          For some time I have had a test in regards to my eyesight, failing to gain complete victory. After earnest prayers to the Lord he gave the first text quoted above. I now see that when God healed me of this disease about three years ago I hardly ever acknowledge it to any one, and God got very little glory from it. This has taught me a lesson which I trust others may profit by. On the other hand, after trusting God to keep me in continued health, I have not been slow in giving him the glory and testifying to this, and precious good health has been the result. At two different times I have been privileged to testify through the Trumpet that during the years since God saved me I have not had one sick day. I can still testify to the goodness of God on this line. Last winter there was an epidemic of grip here, and great numbers were taken down with it. It seemed for a time that I also might get on the sick list; but God rewarded my witnessing for him in the past, and right there gave me the assurance that I would again be able to testify to uninterrupted good health. The thought that I had given God the glory due his name for healing in the past strengthened my faith for the present, and it was easy to lay hold of the promise and get complete victory. Bless the Lord! I believe it.

          During the past winter and spring there has been an unusually large amount of sickness in this part of the country. Many families that trusted in earthly doctors and remedies have spent hundreds of dollars, and some have said there seemed to be never a day passed during which some were not sick. There are about one hundred persons in what is known as the Trumpet Family, and I do not know of one cent being spent for medicine for them, neither do I know of the visit of a doctor among them for the purpose of giving medicine. There has been some grip and a few cases of measles among us, but the Lord has graciously answered prayer, and raised up one after another - some instantly, while others have had test of their faith for a while.

          One sister living in the city was so badly afflicted with a female trouble that she seemed a physical and mental wreck, until her husband almost gave up hopes of her recovery. The Lord stirred compassion in the hearts of his children until they could take her case to him in earnest, and he stretched forth his hand and healed her. Yesterday she was visiting with friends and seemed the picture of health. Another sister had a somewhat similar affliction which made her life miserable, but is now rejoicing in the healing power of Christ.

          At an infirmary near town an elderly lady who heard glad tidings of salvation and accepted Christ as her Savior and Healer while in the last stages of consumption had a bright testimony through her dying hours that the Lord was very good to her. Whenever visited, her face was lit up with the joy and peace of heaven, and she did not seem to be suffering. There was a vast difference between her last days and those of a woman I saw dying with this dread disease who trusted in earthly physicians. In the one case there was joy and peace, in the other sorrow and disquietness; one had a bright future to look forward to, the other hardly knew where her soul would spend eternity; one was comforted by the presence and glory of God, the other looked in vain for help and comfort from earthly physicians; one was praising God and thankful, the other was moaning and in despair. Truly, “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” God saw fit to take this child of his mercy to himself; but his faithfulness and loving-kindness to her in these her last days, was truly encouraging to those who have put their trust in him.

          There are children in the Trumpet Family who never tasted a drop of medicine, and their health, we feel confident in saying, is far above the average of those who have the best earthly doctors. To God be all the glory. “It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” Many other cases of healing might be mentioned to the glory of God; but these are enough to assure the readers that God is good to his children.

Robert Rothman.

Moundsville, West Virginia,

June 18.

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The Work In Mexico.

          To all the dear saints: Greeting in Jesus’ name. I am glad to tell you I am saved. Praise the Lord! We have health which is a blessing beyond compare, and we thank God for it. We are being much encouraged of late to press on in the work for the Master. We have been printing the little Spanish paper now for about eighteen months, and sending it to many whose names we found in different Spanish papers or had been given to us by some friend. Wishing to know if they desired us to send the paper to them any longer, we sent them each a letter containing a number of questions. The following letters are some of the answers we received.

Cuencame, Durango, Mexico.

April 17.

          Dear Brother: It is with joy we answer your appreciated letter, also the questions you have asked. Yes, we receive the papers regularly, and you have the right address. We have distributed all we have received; as often as you have opportunity send to me and I will distribute them. We wish much that we could send you some money to help in the work, but just now we are very poor. We want to help you after a while, if we can. Yours in Jesus,

Franco Montelongo.

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Rosamorade, Ter. Of Tepic.

          Dear Sir and Brother in Christ Jesus: With much pleasure I direct this to you, to salute you in your good co-operation that has been a good thing to spread the good news of salvation to all humanity, by the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, to liberate us from this wicked world according to the will of the Father, to whom be glory and honor forever. Amen.

          Dear brother, I will tell you how I came to have your paper, “El Evangelio.” They did not come directed to me but to Brother Pablo Mendia; but having authority from him, I opened them and found your already much appreciated paper. I confess my fault, but seeing the confidence that existed between Brother Pablo and myself, I did as I have told you. The truth is, for a little more than a year Brother Pablo has been dead. I have been getting the papers and doing with them as I thought the brother would have done had he been living.

          During the time that the little paper has been coming to my hands, I have not notified you on account of poor health, and because of poor health I had not means to do with. But now, the Lord willing, I will write and answer your questions. To the first three I answer, Yes; but as to how many I could use, I do not know how to express myself. We have no minister at this place to teach us; for this reason we wish to have those things that will instruct us in the blessed Word of God. Blessed be the Lord, he has put it into the hearts of his people to spread the blessed news of salvation! And so I say, Send us as many as you think best, as to those who wish to understand the news of salvation. We have no one to help us to know the good news. Dear brother, we ask you to forgive us for the liberty we have taken. We wish the Spirit of God might put it upon other hearts to send rays of light (papers), as we have many places here where there are neither ministers nor congregations. Please change the address to:

Luterano Q. Merza.

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San Pedro, Laguna, Ter. Tepic, Mexico.

          Dear Brother in Christ Jesus: With much pleasure I take my pen to answer the questions you asked. Have we received the papers? We answer, Yes. Have we distributed them, or have we put them aside? Dear brother, we have not put them aside, for we are not ashamed of the gospel of God. Always when it is possible send me the papers, as various wish to read to inform themselves. Withal receive the love of your brother in Christ. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Amen.

          Fermi Batista.

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Triunfo, B. C., Mexico,

April 26.

          Dear Brother in Christ Jesus: Your letter at hand, and with pleasure I will answer your questions. Yes, I get the paper regularly, also you have my address correctly. I have distributed all I have received. Send as many as you can, also send tracts when possible. Only I must tell you to send them to Brother Macario Morales, as he is the person who has accepted gladly the commission to distribute them. As for me, I expect to go away, and therefore am glad to have some one to take my place.

          I am your brother,

E. Espinosa.

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Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.

          Dear Brother: I will answer yours of April 10 in which you asked the following questions: “Do I receive the paper?” Yes; with more or less regularity. No; the address is not right; it is Galeano, No. 6. “Have I distributed them?” Yes, nearly all. All you will send I will gladly use, also some tracts. I will see how many persons would like to have the paper sent to them all the time and send you their names when I am not so busy. I will try and write a letter later. Yours in the Lord.

Basilio Soto.

          These letters were written in the Spanish language and translated into English. We have had many others besides these, but all about like these, except from one man, an American, I think, who said the papers were full of nonsense. I suppose he does not approve of full salvation. While for a long time it has been bread cast on the waters, I am glad to know it has not been in vain.

          As we read of the different camp-meetings, our hearts long to meet with the people of God; yet we do not feel like leaving the work, as there is much to do. We desire the prayers of the saints for the work here in Mexico. The sickly season is coming on and small-pox is reported near. The authorities are having the people vaccinated. We are trusting that no plague shall come nigh our dwelling. Yours in Jesus,

G. C. Elliott.

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