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The Gospel Trumpet
Volume 21, Issue 13, March 28, 1901
(Articles of interest only)
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Bethsaida.
By H. Wheeler.
By strange Bethsaida's mystic pool,
Friendless and lone he stretched his bed.
In vain for years he'd sought that balm,
But hope lived on, though almost dead.
What chance had he, forlorn and weak,
When all that throng rushed down to lave;
The first alone who entered in
Found healing in the troubled wave.
But hark! a kindly step draws near,
A gentle face bends from above,
A hand descends with healing touch,
A voice - of more than human love.
None can describe the joy he feels
When health and vigor fill his frame;
With new found strength he grasps his couch,
And leaves to be a man again.
No more disturbed by angel touch,
Bethsaida's healing waves restore,
While all but he who enters first
Turn heart-sick from that hopeless shore.
The sinful, impotent, and maimed
Have found a flood to take its place;
Born of the blood divine he shed,
A fountain of redeeming grace.
These waters filled with healing pow'r,
By hosts unnumbered known and blessed,
Shall still, 'till time shall end, remain
A fount of cleansing peace and rest.
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Holiness.
By Myrtle Caldwell.
"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." - Psalms 29:2. If we worship God right, we will worship him in the beauty of holiness - in spirit and in truth. "Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, forever." - Psalms 93:5. Holiness is becoming to God's people, for he has declared that his people are a holy nation, a peculiar people. See 1st Peter 2:9. Holiness prepares us for heaven. We need not wait until death to be holy, for if we do not possess holiness before death, we will be lost. Isaiah says, "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 it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." - Isaiah 35:8.
Praise God for the real Bible way of holiness where no sinners or unclean person can pass over. When we are on the holy way we cease to be sinners. We must really possess holiness - the Bible holiness; the kind that the apostles had and died for, which is extended to us in these last days. And they shall be called The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord. See Isaiah 62:12. Not holiness people, but holy people. There are too many "holiness people," i.e., people who belong to some holiness (so-called) man-made institution, who do not possess true Bible holiness. The sectarians have holiness bands; but only in mount Zion shall be deliverance. Belonging to some of the so-called churches does not deliver people from sin; but only in mount Zion, which is the church of the living God, is deliverance. In the Old Testament it is prophesied that God should have a holy people upon this earth, and in the New Testament we are commanded to be holy.
"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." -2nd Corinthians 7:1. "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." - Hebrews 12:14. If we die without it we can never enter heaven, but will have our portion with the hypocrites and unbelievers. May God awaken holiness fighters to see their need of holiness, and to see they are fighting against God, not man. God teaches in his precious Word that his people are holy, and we are to yield our members as servants of righteousness unto holiness. See Romans 6:13. Being made free from sin, have your fruit unto holiness. Verse 22. God chose before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. See Ephesians 1:4. "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." - 1st peter 1:15, 16. Praise our God! These scriptures ought to convince holiness-fighters; but they still go on in unbelief, and will soon awake with the lost and deceived.
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What Is Man?
Or, Our Present and Future.
By H. M. Riggle.
Article 8.
Conditional Immortality.
I have been surprised of late to find that numbers of people believe in conditional immortality. They say there is no immortality out of Christ. That Christians are the only ones that possess it. For several reasons this is an error. It is nowhere hinted in the Bible that when God saves us through Jesus Christ he transmits to us an immortal soul, gives us immortal existence. Salvation simply changes the soul from a sinful and defiled condition to a righteous state. Every sinner has a spirit, a soul, which must be saved. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" - Matthew 16:26. "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." - James 1:21. "That the spirit may be saved." - 1st Corinthians 5:5. How clear these texts!
Man's spiritual and moral nature became defiled by sin, cut off from union with God - from divine favor. If he continues in that state, and dies unsaved, his soul is eternally lost. But if such come to Christ, their soul will be saved from eternal ruin. Again, if those in Christ alone have immortal souls, then when the child comes to the years of accountability and goes into sin, its soul is taken from it, and is given back again when converted to God. Who ever read such a doctrine in the Bible? Again, if the righteous only have an immortal existence, then they only live after the death of the body. The wicked would go into unconscious slumber. But this contradicts the words of Jesus, who taught that the wicked exist after the death of the body, as well as the righteous. See Luke 16:19-31. Those who have imbibed this false doctrine err in confounding the experience of spiritual life with eternal existence. They confound a condition of the soul with its nature. This is confusion and error.
The following are some of the scriptures they use. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life." - John 3:36. "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:15. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life." - John 10:27, 28. "God hath given unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." - 1st John 5:11.
While "eternal life" implies eternal conscious existence without intermission, and "God hath given to us eternal life," this utterly refutes the soul-sleeping theory. Jesus said, "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." - John 11:26. The body will die, but the soul "shall never die." On the solid Word of God we stand and defy our enemies. But let us repeat, While the terms "eternal life," "everlasting life," etc., imply eternal existence, this is far from their true meaning. Sin separates the soul from God. Isaiah 59:1, 2. As soon as it is cut from union with God it dies. John 15:2, 6; Romans 7:9. This death is not a cessation of the soul's conscious existence, but an alienation from God, whose favor is the normal sphere of the soul's happiness. So every sinner is dead, and yet has a conscious existence. "Dead while they live." This is the sad state of the entire world out of Christ. See Romans 5:12-14; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 8:6; Romans 7:9; 1st John 3:14; 1st Timothy 5:6.
Sinners are now commanded to awake out of sleep and arise from the dead. Ephesians 5:14. When they meet the Bible requirements for salvation, they "pass from death unto life." - 1st John 3:14. Jesus came to give men this life (John 10:10), this eternal life (1st John 5:11); "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent." - John 17:3. Thus the sinner who has been cut off from union with God and abided in spiritual death, is quickened into life, inducted into Christ, who is our life. This eternal life through Christ is union with God, enjoyment of his presence and favor in our souls. Oh, the blessed state of the soul thus united to God! This blessed union with Christ, this eternal life, is here enjoyed by the Christian (John 3:36; 1st John 3:14; 5:11), and, if we prove faithful until death, we have the promise of enjoying the same blessed union and eternal life in the future. Mark 10:30. So instead of eternal life simply signifying eternal existence, it rather signifies eternal union with God, a blissful enjoyment of his favor, love, grace, peace, etc., upon our souls. And all this is granted to us through Jesus Christ. "This is life eternal that ye may know him;" viz., be "no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God." "Brought nigh by the blood of Christ." - brought into close affinity and relationship with him - "our glorious Lord." He is "unto us a place of broad rivers and streams" - streams of love, joy, peace, happiness, and "pleasures forevermore." Jesus Christ is our life, our light, "the bright and morning star," which illuminates our rugged pathway through this dark world of sin; the "lily of the valley," "the rose of Sharon," blooming in our souls, sending a sweet fragrance to all around, until the desert is made to blossom as the rose. "The one altogether lovely, the fairest among ten thousand," living in us, walking in us, comforting our hearts, renewing our strength, our refuge, or "all and in all." Reader, "this is eternal life," a blessed condition of the soul. Let me here introduce for the remainder of this article the following clear argument quoted from another writer:
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." - 2nd Timothy 1:9, 10. He has abolished spiritual death by giving life to the soul, life which is freedom from sin the cause of death, and the possession of divine favor and peace, which is life - yea, the very indwelling of Christ who is our life. And he has abolished all the dread of natural death by bringing to light the immortality of the soul. The fact that the inner or real man does not perish with the body, but enjoys a more glorious presence with the Lord after the earthly house is dissolved, abolishes the terrors of death. The sting of death is sin. But the blood of Christ cleanseth us from all sin and the Holy Spirit quickens the soul into such a precious knowledge of our eternal life, and spirit's immortality, that death, so much dreaded before, is now entirely abolished. This victory over death is not by the impartation of immortality to the soul, but only bringing fully to light, by the gospels, that the soul is immortal.
Through the gospel, salvation, and illumination of the Spirit of God, there has been brought to light that which was always true; viz., that the soul is immortal. But, like many other great truths, it was not as clearly revealed in the Old Testament as it is in the New. In the name of Jesus we maintain that this is a positive proof of man's immortal spirit. If man, in his spiritual nature, were not immortal, there would be no immortality to bring to light in him. If immortality is conditional and only imparted by divine grace, the Word would read that God gave immortality. But the testimony of heaven is, that he brought to light that which existed.
Mr. Wilson, the translator of the Emphatic Diaglott, was a First-day Adventist; hence believed in soul-sleeping. He translated it: "Who hath illustrated life and incorruptibility." But in the direct from the Greek he renders it correctly, "hath illuminated." Could Christ illuminate a thing that does not exist? That this is correct, we can make plain by an appeal to the original word. It is photisantos. Its root is phos, which means light, and occurs in such texts as Matthew 4:16; 5:14, 16, and John 1:4, 5, 7, 8, 9. That "phostisantos" means having illuminated or shed light on something, will be made plain by examining its use. "Will bring to light [photizo] the hidden things of darkness." - 1st Corinthians 4:5. "The shining of a candle doth light [photizo]." - Luke 11:36. "The earth was lightened [photizo] with his glory." - Revelation 18:1. "The glory of God did lighten [photizo] it." - Revelation 21:23. "Photizo" is clearly seen to mean to lighten, and as surely "photisantos" means "having lightened" or "having illuminated," "hath brought immortality to light."
Most people who hold that the soul is only conditionally immortal, that it is imparted to it in salvation or in the resurrection, etc., confound a condition of the soul with its nature; namely, they see a transition from death unto life by the grace of God, and with this life they identify the soul's immortality. But this is confusion and error. Spiritual death incurred by sin is only a condition of the soul. It still lives as we have proved by the Word. The sinner is still conscious of the moral law written in man's being, is conscious that all actions are good or bad; and since, as we have proved, it is the soul that sins, he yet has a conscious soul. Spiritual death is a forfeiture of righteousness and God's favor and peace, not a destruction of the conscious moral being or of the soul in man. It is only a consciousness of the wretched condition of the soul. So spiritual life in Christ Jesus is not the impartation of an indestructible nature to the spirit or soul of man; for that only and essentially is the nature of any spirit. But it is a change of the condition of that immortal element in man, its restoration to divine favor, righteousness, and peace. Death, the fruit of the soul's sin, is so called because it separates man from the enjoyment and glory of God. He is dead to the object of his creation. Life, given by the Word and Spirit of God, reunites the soul to God and makes it alive to his glory. But immortality is an inherent and inseparable nature or property of all spirits. So there is a vast difference between "life." "motion," "activity," the ability to act in harmony with the divine will - and athanasia - "deathlessness," "immortality." The former, when applied to the soul, is a moral condition; the latter describes an endless condition, that which is in its nature imperishable.
That the soul does not pass a period of unconscious slumber between death and the resurrection is also positively proved by such scriptures as the following. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I shall give him is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." - John 6:47-51. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:54. "Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." - John 11:26. Eternal life signifies life, action, and conscious enjoyment in the service and favor of God, without end or termination. We here possess this life (see 1st John 5:11; 1st John 3:14), and if we hold out faithful we "shall never die," "shall not die," but, "live forever." This implies that there shall be no interruption of this spiritual enjoyment. Yet, the death of the body is clearly implied in the same text; for, saith the Lord, "I will raise him up at the last day." How reconcile the two facts, he shall "live forever," shall "never die," and yet shall die and go to the grave, if we do not recognize the fact that man is "both spirit and body?" -1st Corinthians 7:34. On any other basis the Word of God contradicts itself. But, all taken together, there is no conflict. To "live forever" and "never die" is true of the inner man, the soul, while the death and resurrection pertain to the body, the outer man. Nothing but an utter subversion of the inspired book can give countenance to the gloomy and debasing doctrine that all of man goes into the grave and remains unconscious until the resurrection. In fact, to assert it is to squarely contradict the Teacher that came from heaven. To live forever and yet the body die, proves that man is something more than an animal body. The same thing is expressed in these words: "Who died for us, that, whether we wake [remain in the body] or sleep [our body dies], we should live together with him." - 1st Thessalonians 5:10. That is our souls will live right on in a glorious presence with the Lord. The fact is we live forever though our bodies decompose in the grave. So teaches the Word of God, and let the wisdom of this world b dumb before the bar of truth. Thank God life and immortality so clearly brought to light by the gospel.
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A Compromise.
By C. E. Hunter.
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." - 2nd Timothy 4:6, 7. The apostle declared he had "fought a good fight" and as we read in the Bible the account of his life we are convinced that he was a bold witness for the truth. He realized no power in earth or hell was able to separate him from God; for he says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:35-39.
From the beginning of Paul's Christian experience, his life and the doctrine of the Bible which he was so zealous for, were constantly being attacked. It was necessary, in order that he might not lose his soul, to fight against every antagonistic element. He did not fight with carnal weapons; for he declares "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God." He understood clearly that the man or woman who lived a Christian life would have some things to oppose; consequently he says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." - Ephesians 6:11. We understand by this language that there are cunning tricks and plans of Satan to overthrow our souls; therefore Jesus said, "What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." - Mark 12:37.
Paul continues in Ephesians 6:12: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness [wicked spirits, margin] in high [heavenly] places." While we are opposed by powers and authorities, and by those who have made the wealth of this world their God, the worst things we have to oppose as Christians are those wicked spirits who claim a high profession; some of them even feigning to be holiness preachers. Sectism in general is on a very low plane. Sectarians do not profess very much; most of them acknowledge they sin more or less every day. These wicked spirits are to be found where the truth is held up the highest, and where God's people are doing all they can to live by every word of God.
Let us not forget these things, my dearly beloved brethren. Paul says, "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." The very thing that makes times perilous is those selfish, puffed-up, pleasure-seeking, empty-hearted traitors who, under a garb of profession, compromise truth wherever it opposes popularity. Some who once were pillars in the church have changed their manner of preaching. They seem to have forgotten that the way of a Christian is an unpopular way; and thus they try to make themselves agreeable with everybody, and rather than have trouble and be opposed, it seems, they prefer to withhold the truth. To let people go on in a deception rather than tell them the plain truth, is the fruit of a compromising spirit.
Some people can lay the truth down very closely, it seems, when it is to their personal advantage; and when it is not to their advantage to do so, they withhold it. Jesus said, "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." - Matthew 10:35, 36. This means those who have lost their sinful life for Jesus' sake. If living for God brings a man into variance with his relatives, a compromise will bring him into peace with them; and if he compromises in order to be at peace with his relatives, he can not be true elsewhere. Some people have much to say about love in their preaching, and one would imagine them to be the very essence of love. But remember, my dear reader, those who love us with a true love will tell us the truth whether it makes us feel good or not.
Some ask why God's power is not manifested in healing now as it was a few years ago. This is only true in certain localities. Let us see the cause. Some would like to blame the person who pretended to trust God in sickness, and failed to get the victory; said they were healed and were not. This is not the cause. Paul says, Faith cometh by hearing the Word of God. Much of the unbelief manifested is caused by preachers who ought to be holding up the truth on divine healing, which would inspire faith in the people; but instead they will use such remarks as, "No doubt many of the testimonies which we read in the Trumpet are untrue." Because certain ones trust God for healing, and God sees fit to permit them to be tested for a while, they declare God had nothing to do with their healing. If God has nothing to do with healing, except with such as are healed instantaneously, then there is no possible chance for a trial of faith on that line. Some who once strongly preached divine healing, scarcely mention it any more, except when they relate failures on that line.
This is not handling the Word of God honestly. We never can get people to believe in divine healing by telling what divine healing is not. When a preacher compromises the truth he can not trust God for himself, but will resort to remedies; then, as the prophet has said, "There shall be, like people, like priest." - Hosea 4:9. May those who have compromised begin to inquire for the old paths, for the good way, and walk therein.
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A Great Battle.
By John C. Blaney.
We are in the midst of the greatest battle ever fought upon earth. It is the battle of Armageddon (See Revelation 16:16) and is being waged between God and Satan; between truth and error. Many such battles have been fought, but this is the last one. Its importance will not be realized by the masses of the people until the last blow has been struck, and they are suddenly confronted with the final judgment which shall determine their eternal destiny. This last great struggle will end with the appearance of Jesus Christ, bringing consternation to a countless host of people who profess they know him, but in works deny him. The great men of the earth - kings, captains, and mighty men, are arraying themselves against the redeemed of the Lord; but just when they think they are sure of victory, fire will come down from heaven and consume them. "And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them." - Revelation 20:9. This fire is elsewhere spoken of as "flaming fire" when Jesus comes to take "vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 2nd Thessalonians 1:8. Prepare to meet thy God. Many are falling never to rise again; but thank God, there is an army still left which is continually victorious. Each one has the whole armor on, and will not lay it off, even for a moment. Clothed with humility and filled with the fire of God's love; having the breastplate of faith and love the hope of eternal salvation for a helmet; and the sword of the Spirit girded on, which is the Word of God; they are impregnable so long as they faithfully fight and protect themselves with the shield of faith. "Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame." - Revelation 16:15.
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." - 2nd Corinthians 10:4, 5. Bright crowns of everlasting glory will be given to all who fight unto the end. The apostle Paul was one of the foremost in this great war, which was begun in his day, and when he had finished his course he saw with joy his reward awaiting him. Listen to his testimony as it comes ringing in unmistakable clearness through the ages of nearly two thousand years of time: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me in that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." - 2nd Timothy 4:7, 8.
This battle is called "the battle of that great day of God Almighty." - Revelation 16:14. God spoke through the mouth of his prophets concerning this great battle which was to immediately precede the great day of final judgment. It is spoken of as a spiritual conflict, and is so distinguished from literal, or earthly battles, by the prophet. "For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire." - Isaiah 9:5. "I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts mustereth the host of the battle." - Isaiah 13:3, 4. "A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction." - Jeremiah 50:22. God has ordered and set this battle in array, and has brought forth the weapons of his indignation to destroy and consume his enemies. "They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty." - Jeremiah 13:5, 6. His church is spoken of as his chief weapon in this great battle. "Thou are my battle-ax and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; and with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider; with thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid; I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers." - Jeremiah 51:20-23.
As God literally did those very things to the inhabitants of literal Babylon, so he is now visiting spiritual Babylon - which comprises and embraces every so-called Christian institution which is not the body of Christ. This is God's work, and no power in hell or earth can stop it. The battle is the Lord's; let none faint or be afraid. God will win whether with few or many. "For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction." - Isaiah 10:25. What a solemn thought! Let every true soldier be faithful and abide in his calling. We shall receive our reward when the Chief Captain comes to reward his servants. Amen.
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Encouragement In Trials.
By Annie Shipley.
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." - James 1:2, 3. I feel like writing a few words of encouragement to the dear ones who are having trials. Perhaps you do not understand why God permits you to be so sorely tried. The trying of our faith worketh patience; and patience experience; and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed. See Romans 5:4, 5. When we ask God for patience we may expect the trying of our faith; for the trying of our faith worketh patience. Paul says, "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulations." - Romans 12:12. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptations: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life." - James 1:12. In verse 13 we see that God is not the author of temptations, but permits them for our good; for we know that all things work together for good to them that love God - to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28. Do you desire more of the glory and praise of God in your soul? Do you desire more real, true honor from God? We see (1st Peter 1:7) "that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." God wants us to have his glory and praise in our souls, and he wants to give us honor; but will we bear the trials? or will we faint when he begins to use the chisel on us to fashion us like his blessed image? Dear ones, when he applies the chisel and begins to use the hammer (Word - Jeremiah 23:29), let us all "with open face behold as in a glass the glory of the Lord," and be "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2nd Corinthians 3:18. "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." - Hebrews 10:38, 39. "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: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." - 2nd Corinthians 4:17, 18. When discouragements seem to be all around us, and trials are coming thick and fast, we must not look at them, for they are just temporal; but by looking to Jesus with faith he will give us victories which are eternal; for "this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." - 1st John 5:4. Christians sometimes have to suffer. Paul says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." - 2nd Timothy 3:12. But the glory shall far exceed the suffering, and enable us to bear it joyfully. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." - Romans 8:18. Jesus told the disciples in him they "might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." - John 16:33. He promises us peace, but says we shall have tribulation in the world. When the enemy sees we are about to make advancement he musters the fiends of perdition to battle against our soul to hinder our Christian progress. He will give us a fierce battle and then try to discourage us by whispering that we might just as well give up. If we are true and listen to Jesus he will say, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." So, dearly beloved, "think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." - 1st peter 4:12. Do not be discouraged and give up; for if God is for us who can stand against us? He has promised to never leave or forsake us. Praise his name! "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." - Romans 8:35-37. Amen.
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Spiritual Decline.
By C. H. Tubbs.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." If there were no possibility of spiritual decline, or in other words if it were impossible for a person who has been born into the kingdom of God to backslide, then Paul wrote a useless commandment to the church at Corinth. See 2nd Corinthians 13:5. The Word teaches that some do not continue to abide in Christ after they have been converted. Peter was one example. Jesus said of him as well as the rest of the twelve that his name was written in heaven, that he was "not of the world even as I [Christ] am not of the world;" he also had power over devils. Yet, later we see that Peter cursed and swore. God says, "Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." - Exodus 32:33. God is true to his Word and does not look upon sin with allowance. Other scriptures teach the same thing, that some have not continued in the grace of God after they have been converted. Let us notice some of the causes of spiritual decline.
We find Peter enjoyed a blessed nearness to Christ. He was one of the three disciples who were with Christ on the mount when he was transfigured. But see the change that took place in Peter after this; we find him following "afar off." It is dangerous to attempt to thus follow Christ. If we draw nigh to God, he will draw nigh to us. We must not let anything get between us and the Lord, and thus follow afar off. We see the result of Peter thus following. Satan got between the Lord and him; so he began to follow Satan and to deny Christ. There are more ways than one in this wicked world of sin and compromise to deny the man of sorrows. Next we find Peter, as he continued to follow the destroyer, cursing and swearing. Instead of following the Master at a distance, it is our privilege in this world to be
"Walking close to Jesus' side;
So close that we can hear
The softest whisper of his love
In fellowship so dear,
And feel his own almighty hand
Protect us in this hostile land."
The Word of God may be choked by the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, the lust of other things, entering into the heart and causing the Word to be unfruitful. Jesus said, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." He does not require of us more than we can do; he does not give us duties to perform that so tax us that we have no time to spend in secret prayer in our closets. His burden only draws us nearer to himself. No doubt neglecting secret prayer and reading the Word is one of the first steps in many cases of wandering from the fold of Christ. These are the little foxes that destroy the vines. A little disobedience to the Word of God; a little compromise with the enemy of souls; a little jesting and joking; a little pride and conformity to the world, and the Spirit of God is grieved, and real relish for his worship will be gone. These are some more of the little foxes that destroy the vines.
No doubt some who read these lines are experiencing the sad results of not walking in the way of truth after they have once known it (See 2nd Peter 2:20-22), and the sentiment of their hearts is,
"What peaceful hours I once enjoyed;
How sweet their memory still;
But they have left an aching void
This world can never fill."
The only way back to God, and the enjoyment of his love; and the only way to have his peace restored, is by repentance. "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou hast fallen, and repent, and do the first works."
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Redeeming the Time.
By W. W. Titley.
Few people are truly redeeming the time. Time is given to all men to profit with. All our time of probation on this earth is in the hand of God. Man proposes, but God disposes. How glad we should be that the everlasting Father has put it within our power to redeem the time. Wendell Philips once said, "Young man, identify yourself with some righteous, popular cause." This is good, wholesome advice. Righteousness in the true sense of the term is, has, and always will be unpopular with the masses, until there shall be no more time to redeem. If we would glorify our God with our bodies and spirits which are his, we must have the backbone to decide for the right. Decision is half the battle, some one has said, and this is no doubt true. To decide for Christ means to cut all the shore-lines, earthly ties, and the worldly allurements, no more to follow the crowd, but to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. In Isaiah 63:3 we read of him: "I have trodden the wine press alone; and of the people there was none with me." We will not make good soldiers until we are consecrated unto death - willing to endure hardness. Some think they can get along on flowery beds of ease, making no effort, having no definite consecration or real decision, simply a camp follower, so to speak: these do not know the sweet joys of those who have counted the cost and decided to fight the good fight of faith. They flounder in the storms and go down a wreck on the shoals by neglecting to redeem the time.
The devil is a busy fellow and unless we are as diligent in the things pertaining to our eternal welfare, he will catch us sleeping and drifting when we least suspect; and then, like one of these despairing ones, in the hour of death we will cry out, "I have missed it at last - missed salvation." I can hear a sweet voice saying to these sleeping, careless ones, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead; and Christ shall give thee light." He does not say if I get in earnest and do his will, I may get light; but Christ shall give thee light. But, says one, "May I not follow the crowd? I am doing nothing wrong. I pray every day and give my service to the Lord, and why do you disturb my repose? am I not as good as you?" Yes, you may be better in morals than any around you; but your morality and out-ward manifestations of virtue will not profit you in the day of judgment - the more morality you have, the deeper your sleep in sin. The Jews were good, earnest people outwardly, to whom Jesus addressed these words: "The publicans and harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." The nearer we are to right and yet are remaining in the wrong, the greater our deception. There is no such thing as being partly right. Such righteousness is a deception of the devil. Until we can boldly say in the face of the world and the devil, "I know I am right," we need to stir ourselves and find out where we are. God's eternal truth will locate you somewhere on the dark mountain, and Christ shall give you light. Praise God for the light that lighteth every one who has enough earnestness in his soul to abide by the Christ of the Bible, through evil and good report.
There is only one way to redeem the time and that is the Bible way. Are you on that way? The wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. See Isaiah 35:8. It is plain, simple, straight, and clean; yes, it is Christ in you the hope of glory. If Christ be in you, you will surely redeem the time; not only for your own soul's benefit, but also for the encouragement and edification of all around you. "Now is the accepted time." To-morrow may be too late for your decision for the right. We are passing swiftly to the realm where we shall have no part in the decision of our destiny; but with weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth we must bewail our careless-spent life. May we all from henceforth yield ourselves so completely to him that he may work in us, to will and to do of his own good pleasure. By so doing we shall have entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord. See 2nd Peter 1:11.
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Brotherly Love.
We read in Hebrews 13:1, "Let brotherly love continue." It is to be inferred from this that those to whom Paul addressed these words already had brotherly love, as they were to continue in it. We read elsewhere that God teaches us to love each other, and this love is to be pure. The subject of brotherly love is a very precious one, and much of the enjoyment in the Christian life depends on our learning this lesson well. The brotherly love of the Bible is something different from anything the world contains. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John says, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." All who have truly been converted know that at their new birth God gave them a tender regard and attachment to his children. As we have started, so God wants us to continue in our love for the brethren.
It has been said that the best test of a noble character is in its ability to form a true friendship. Some people seem to impress us better at first sight than afterward; while others seem to continually improve on acquaintance. The love of Christ is something that continually grows more precious as we advance in it. Christ testified through the inspired singer, "As the lily among the thorns, so is my love among the daughters." From this we see the love of Christ is pure and spotless as a lily, and as harmless. Now as the divine affection is a gift of God, it is not to be secured by our own efforts, except so far as obeying God's Word is concerned. If we drift away from Christ this love will no longer be a part of our nature. He says: "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I keep my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."
Now to let brotherly love continue, we must live humbly before God and man. If we have a proud spirit we can not love our brethren as God designed we should. If we can say from the heart, "I am less than the least of all the saints," we are in a condition to love the brethren unfeignedly. To prove our love for them, let us keep true to God.
R.
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Questions Answered.
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What is the unpardonable sin, or the sin against the Holy Ghost?
M. F. B., Jean, Kentucky.
The unpardonable sin is not any particular outward act as distinguished from any other act. From a careful study of Hebrews 6:1-9 and 10:26-29 it appears that the unpardonable sin depends upon a disposition to willfully despise and renounce God's law and plan of salvation after having experienced his love and freedom in the soul. This sin would no doubt be pardonable if it were possible; but as pardon must be preceded by repentance and forsaking of sin, it could not possibly be granted the soul where there is no disposition to repent. The unpardonable sin renders true repentance impossible. Many who are under a spell of accusations and who want to be saved and do right are very easy persuaded by the enemy that they have committed the unpardonable sin when they have not and are the farthest from an unpardonable state. God's promise to pardon is to whosoever wills the blessed experience of eternal life. From Mark 3:22-30 we judge it possible that the unpardonable sin or blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, as it is called, may be committed by such as have never enjoyed salvation. To act against ones better judgment and ascribe the Holy Spirit's work to the devil is what appears to be the unpardonable blasphemy here. Christ does not say that the scribes did blaspheme the Holy Ghost, but if they did not, his words may still be taken as a warning that such a thing is possible.
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Please explain (1) 1st Timothy 3:10, which reads, "And let these also first be proved." In what way must they prove themselves? (2) 1st Timothy 5:22 - "Lay hands suddenly on no man."
S. M., New Weston, Ohio.
1st Timothy 3:10 refers to the qualification of deacons, that they should not be novices, or those newly come to the faith, but that they should be persons of experience in the divine life, and that they should have proved themselves faithful and true children of God, before being appointed deacons. This helps to explain 1st Timothy 5:22 - "Lay hands suddenly on no man." That is, in the ordination of elders or other church officers which requires the laying on of hands, Timothy was instructed to not do so suddenly, or before considering whether they have proved themselves and are worthy.
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Is it right to whip a child or otherwise punish one at home or at school? Is it not barbarous, and out of harmony with the law of love as taught in the New Testament?
A. McAllister, Hawthorn, Louisiana.
Good government of children may sometimes demand the use of the whip. Poor government may also demand it, so that it may be both right and wrong to whip a child. It is all according as wisdom and love are used. Whipping is not out of harmony with the law of love. It requires love to use the whip properly. In Hebrews 12:5-11, the apostle seems to endorse scourging as a means of punishment by applying it as a figure to the Lord's method of chastisement. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." This is a figurative use of the word scourge. Taken literally it means to whip with a bundle of whips or lashes. The Greek word here is the same as in John 19:1 - "Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him."
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Known By Our Fruits.
By Elizabeth Bowker.
If we would prove that we are in Christ Jesus and that God has sent us to witness for him ("Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord." - Isaiah 43:10), and that we desire to win souls, preaching alone will not do; we must live a holy life before the people. Wherever we go, the people say, "We have never seen any one live what you preach." Before husband and I heard the Word go forth in this holiness reformation, we had left sectism as far as we knew, and were living up to all the light God gave us on his Word. We were longing to meet with a people who were living a holy life; so when we had the privilege of hearing a full gospel we just watched the lives of those professing to see if they were in harmony with the Word. Not only are the people watching all our actions, but God also. He says if we offend in one point we are guilty of all. See James 2:10. May God help us to be "rooted and grounded in love." - Ephesians 3:17. The "root of the righteous yieldeth fruit." - Proverbs 12:12. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30. We have to live so that any one may see, and hear, that we have the life - Jesus. Let us with the help of God's Spirit go forth with a holy determination to live this life whatever we may have to suffer. "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." - Hebrews 12:3. "A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth." - Proverbs 12:14. Yes, we are satisfied with good, praise God! when we know we have spoken his Words. "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful." Read Hebrews 4:12. "My fruit is better than gold, yea, fine gold." - Proverbs 8:19. The Holy Spirit giveth wisdom and his fruit is better than gold.
Could you bring me the treasures of the ocean,
Could you offer the golden stores of earth,
I would sing Halleluiah, I've a greater wealth;
I have my Savior's love, and heavenly birth.
"Say ye to the righteous that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings." - Isaiah 3:10. Praise God, it is well with the righteous. "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." - Psalms 84:11. "I create the fruit of the lips." - Isaiah 57:19. "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." - Hebrews 13:15. "I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." - Jeremiah 17:10. We should always live only for him who is ever searching us, and does and will give us the fruit of our doings. Let us keep from looking at man too much; but let us always continue "looking unto Jesus." He also says, "But I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings." - Jeremiah 21:14. We must every one beware and "watch and pray." "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." - 1st Corinthians 10:12. "Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men." - Hosea 10:13. How many to-day are "following their pernicious ways: by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." - 2nd Peter 2:2. We hear some saying, "I have my way, and you have yours; we are all striving for one place." Dear erring ones there is only one way (Read John 14:6), and multitudes are trusting in their mighty men and are reaping iniquity and eating the fruit of lies, by false teachers twisting the Word to suit their creed or interests, instead of getting salvation, and eating the bread of life - the Word. "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart." - Jeremiah 15:16. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing [profession]. But inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." - Matthew 7:15-20. Also Matthew 12:33-35. "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. . . Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." - John 15:4-8. Read also verse 2.
So it is only by abiding in Jesus that we can glorify God in our lives. Praise God that we have this glorious privilege to ever abide in him, where we can bear much fruit and be his disciples, so that every one will see that we have been with Jesus and learned of him. "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Christ Jesus unto the glory and praise of God." - Philippians 1:11. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22, 23.
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." - James 3:17, 18. Are you bearing the fruits of righteousness? If not, you are not in Christ Jesus.
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The Power of Elijah.
By Emil Kreutz.
In Luke 1:13-17 we have an account of the angel's announcement of the birth of John the Baptist, and it was said of him that he should come in the power of Elias. Verse 17. Elias was the prophet Elijah. See Matthew 11:12-14, and 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13. I wish to call attention to the power that God bestowed upon this prophet. You remember he was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, with horses of fire, without tasting of death. 2nd Kings 2:1-12. In 1st Kings 18:7-12 we have an account of Elijah meeting Obadiah. Obadiah was the governor of King Ahab's house, and greatly feared the Lord. Ahab the king was wicked "above all that were in Jerusalem." He had married the daughter of the king of the Zedonians, a heathen woman, and she led him to worship Baal, their idol god. Jezebel had the prophets of the Lord cut off or killed, but Obadiah his one hundred prophets in a cave and fed them. This was during the time of the famine when it rained not for three and one-half years. See James 5:17, 18. Elijah had prophesied and told king Ahab there would be neither rain nor dew, only at the prophet's command. See 1st Kings 17:1. This was as a rebuke against the wickedness of the king and Jezebel. See the power God gave Elijah at this time. He controlled the elements that bring rain and dew, for three years and a half.
When Jezebel and Ahab were persecuting the prophets of God, God miraculously cared for Elijah. The king had searched for him in every country and nation (Chapter 18:10), but he could not be found. I believe from the reading of the account, that when he was found or seen at a certain place, the Spirit of the Lord would pick him up and remove him to another place. At least Obadiah thought so, judging from the statement he made to the prophet in 1st Kings 18:12. But the time had come when the prophet would reveal himself to the king, and that the test should be made as to who was God. Verse 21. But in 2nd Kings 2:16, after Elijah had been taken to heaven, and the Spirit of God had fallen upon Elisha, the sons of the prophets met Elisha and tried to make him believe that the Spirit had picked Elijah up and let him down again upon some mountain, or into some valley, and persuaded him to let them go and search for him. They did, but did not find him. From this we gather that there were times when the Spirit of the Lord was upon the prophet, so that it actually picked him up and carried him. We learn that the same thing was done with Philip (Acts 8:39, 40), also with the prophet Ezekiel. See Ezekiel 8:3.
Now if God gave such power to the prophets who lived before Christ, ought it not to stir our souls to a closer walk with God than the most of us have had? God's power is unlimited. Yes, there is nothing impossible with God and him that believeth. We have the promise: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31.
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News from the Field.
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"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." - John 8:36. The fulfillment of this has been experienced in the meetings held from the 16th to the 23rd of February. The will of God and a full and free salvation, pure and clean, was set forth by Brothers Eyster, Zork, Schwieger, and Newcomb. Several strong and living testimonies were heard. Five dear souls who had become lukewarm and were awakened again, and decided to be fully consecrated to the Lord. Several were convicted of the necessity of accepting salvation. Others laughed about the matter, while many mockingly rejected salvation. To some it was a savor of death unto death, and to some a savor of life unto life. 2nd Corinthians 2:16. In the afternoon of the last day we observed the ordinances, in which nineteen free and redeemed children of God took part.
John J. Fast.
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Petoskey, Michigan.
I am happy and saved this morning, and am enabled to rejoice in the love of God and in seeing precious souls redeemed from sin. I left home about the 10th of January and have since been in meetings with Brothers Merica and Simmons until February 17th, when they returned home. Since then I held meetings one week at Conways, and one precious soul made her escape from bondage. I closed there Saturday evening and went back to Hathaway schoolhouse, where we had meetings before the brethren went south. That night six precious souls were at the altar; but only five gave evidence of having entered in, and two consecrated for sanctification. To God be all the glory. Since I came home I have only had one meeting. Expect to go to work for souls this week. Please pray that Father may have his own way with me, and the work in the North. There are many calls and few to answer them. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth more laborers into the field.
Walter Willis.
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Pioneer, Ohio, March 17.
We are praising God for full salvation, and for the exceeding riches of his grace so lovingly manifested to us in the supplying of all our needs; also for victory over all the powers of darkness and sin. We honor God for his dealings with us, and for the manifestations of his power in the meetings which we have been permitted to enjoy. Since the beginning of the year we have been in meetings most of the time. First, at Briceton, Ohio, where God abundantly blessed in the salvation of precious souls. The work at that place is in a prosperous condition. From there we joined Brothers Sinift and Smith in a three week's meeting at Broughton, Ohio, during which six sought the Lord for pardon of sins. At the close of this meeting we met with the saints at Melrose, Ohio, and enjoyed a precious meeting. God blessed in the sending forth of his Word, and everything that hitherto had marred the harmony, was got out of the way, the Lord witnessing his approbation with showers of blessings. The Lord also wonderfully and gloriously healed a number of afflicted. To him be all the glory. From this place Brother Sinift returned to his home at Findlay, Ohio, and I joined the saints in a meeting to be held four miles east of Pioneer, Ohio, beginning to-morrow evening, the Lord willing. We are expecting a profitable meeting, and earnestly request the prayers of the saints to this end; also that I may ever be kept in the order of God, richly abounding in his grace, to whom be glory and praise.
George Q. Coplin.
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St. Louis, Michigan, March 15.
I am glad that I am able to report victory in soul and body over all the power of the enemy. Since my last report I have been earnestly seeking after the lost. I have held meetings in the following places: Sidney, Ohio; also had the privilege of being in a few meetings near my brother's home in Springfield, Ohio. From there Brother C. W. Naylor accompanied me back to Sidney, where we held meeting a week in a saloon building arranged for meetings. One soul was saved in this meeting. God bless the seed that was sown there. From there Brothers Naylor, Fosnight (who was also with us a Sidney) and myself, took train for Darke County, Ohio, near North Star, where we had a few precious meetings. Some sought the Lord for pardon and some for sanctification. May God bless the people there for their kindness. From there I came home. I was taken sick with the grip, but the Lord soon raised me up again. I held meeting about a week in Ithaca, which resulted in the salvation of one soul, and others being won to the truth. My last meeting was held near Howard City, Michigan, in the vicinity where George P. Wilson lives. I am sorry to say that our meeting there was much hindered on account of his crooked life and conduct toward the saints. I wish to drop a word of warning for the benefit of all the children of God who may meet him. He drives from place to place, coming in among the saints, causing trouble and devastation wherever he goes. Beware of him, for he comes in a slick, slimy way; but he soon begins to pour out his accusations upon the children of God, and the Trumpet Home. Thus he goes prating against this way. To receive him into your place of worship, as a teacher or child of God, is to receive deception, and a cage of spirits rebellious against the truth. I start this evening for Grand Rapids to hole a few meetings I solicit your prayers.
William E. Warren.
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Jordan, Ontario, Canada, March 14.
We are happy to report victory in our souls. Since we last reported, we have been diligently laboring for the advancement of Christ's kingdom. We have not been exempt from trials, but have proved they were for our good, and served to sink us deeper into God. We left home the first of November, and went three hundred and sixty-six miles northeast, visiting a few days at the home of Brother John C. Blaney, at Lemieux. Then we went to Pendleton and began meetings in the name of the Lord and God was with us in mighty power, and fulfilled his promise that his Word should not return unto him void; but prosper in the thing whereto he sent it. Praise God, dear souls saw their condition and that they were not right. They renounced sectism, got saved and stepped out into the clear Bible way. To God be all the praise and glory. While at Pendleton God manifested his mighty power in snatching me from the Jaws of death. I contracted a severe cold which settled into inflammation of my right lung. Pneumonia also tried to settle upon me. I was so ill the dear ones thought at one time I was dying; but they plead with God and he heard the united prayers of the saints there and at other places, and once more spared my life. It was a severe trial for me to be so sick while so far from home and relatives. But the Lord provided me kind friends who gave me good care and showed me such kindness that I can never cease praying for God to reward them. After laboring some weeks at Pendleton we went to Fournier, Ontario, where for some time we held forth the Word of life to the people. Two precious souls sought pardon and many others seemed deeply interested and said what we preached was the truth. But people are so slow to accept the truth and stand by it. Brother and Sister Sproule have been standing alone at Fournier for some time; but we have good hopes that God will in the near future raise up a glorious little church there. The Lord manifested his power in healing Sister Sproule of heart-disease. Praise God! We never felt the powers of sectism more strongly than in that vicinity; yet God gave us good congregations, and good interest prevailed. We were told the country was stirred for miles around. The Babylonian lords, seeing their craft was in danger, were greatly agitated and did all in their power to keep their members away. But regardless of all their agitation, the people continued coming to the meetings, and we know God will, in his own good time, search out the honest ones and bring them to their own land where they can dwell in peace and unity. From Fournier we again returned to Pendleton for a short time and held a few meetings which were owned and blessed of God. We paid a flying visit to Ottawa, the capital of Canada, and Hull, Quebec, and then started for home, the last of February. We expect to rest for a short time here, then in the name of Jesus to again go forth to promote our Master's cause. Pray for us, as we greatly need the prayers of God's true children. Our permanent address is Moundsville, West Virginia.
Emma and Arthur Tufford.
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1301 Robberson Avenue, Springfield, Missouri.
I wish to thank the dear saints who have encouraged us so much in the work which is opening here in Springfield. I wish you could have been with us and watched the Lord work. I wish I could enter into details and tell you how our prayers have been directed, and how the answers were being prepared, even before we were led to pray. We are fully convinced that this work is of God. Pray that we be obedient. Springfield has turned a deaf ear too long to the cries of the unfortunate and poverty-stricken souls, and God has taken up the work in such power that we tremble to think of the end of it. Dear ones, it means a close walk. Keep your ear ready to hear the still small voice; search the Scriptures; know his commands; obedience is the only way. His ear is open to the cry of the righteous, and his great heart throbs with love; but woe unto the one that offends even the least of his little ones.
God has greatly blessed our efforts. He does not send in a great abundance of means; but he has so far supplied our needs in caring for those he sends in. We have opened headquarters at the address here mentioned, where we will be glad at any time to see and entertain any spiritual helper that is passing through, or that God leads to come and help us. We also have the Home open to those we feel led to aid spiritually by influence. We expect to open a house next week especially for the rescue of women. We have been caring for some of them; but as soon as God opens to us a suitable house we can do much more. We will have two missions next week, and expect to have others as the Lord wills. With the rescue home will be opened a nursery where mothers may leave their little ones while at work through the day. We do not stop and say, "Have we the money to do this?" but, "Is it God's will for us to do this?" and as each duty confronts us we move on. He has not failed us yet. God seems to be opening a way for a school for the little street waifs; but we are leaving that with him. The devil has been turned loose on us more than once. He spread for us great feasts of discouragement, and Red Seas came up on all sides. We could not do a thing but stand. Thank God for standing grace! Just at the darkest hour the Lord sent us brethren and sisters from St. Louis. The devil said, "You had better leave them alone, they are strangers;" but thank God, we know the saints by their conversation, and oh, the glorious meetings and seasons we have had since they came to help us. Just at this season the sea divided. The devil sneaked out badly whipped and victory reigned. We have heard some glorious shouts in Zion. Precious souls are being saved; others are seeking new light, and God is manifesting his power mightily. The W. C. T. U. and other clubs are very much interested. They are willing to help us if we help them. This is the spirit of Springfield from beginning to end. We want their fallen girls and their wretched poor, because we have a rich Father and he is willing to help all who are weary and heavy laden. Brother Henry is assisting us as superintendent in the work, and has much responsibility placed upon him. Brother Porter is daily growing stronger in the faith. Praise God for his wonderful revelations and manifestations. As for me, I am still trusting. His commandments are sweet and not at all grievous; but his promises are strength to my soul and body. I can not express my love for him and the full reality of his promises to me. Oh, the blessed assurance of any one promise - not one has ever been broken.
Mabel Cox.
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"Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteneth with his feet sinneth." - Proverbs 91:2.
"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." - Proverbs 19:17.
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Divine Healing.
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Much to Praise God For.
I am glad to testify to God's healing power. Truly I have much to praise him for. During the last week I have been badly afflicted with sore throat. My tonsils were so swollen that very few things passed to my stomach. This made me very weak. But, praise God! the devil did not keep me weak very long; for God is mighty to strengthen. As soon as I complied with his Word, and was willing to do what he would have me, I knew the work was done and the victory was mine. Praise God! He has been keeping me for quite a while; medicine can find no room. I intend to stand for Jesus and him alone; for he is my all and all, and keeps me sweetly saved.
Louis A. Berghouse.
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Jesus Christ Forever the Same.
We read in Hebrews 13:8 that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever. We have found the trueness of this verse. I wish to tell you what our dear Lord has done for even me. He convinced me that I was a sinner, and that I needed salvation. "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me," and forgave all of my many sins, and gave me such sweet peace and joy. Love seemed to be written on everything around. After this he led me to realize that it was my privilege and duty to be "sanctified wholly." He assured me of his ability to do it. When looking at some of God's works I thought of the bountifulness of his gifts; how the need of creatures are supplied, even small insects. The Spirit led me to think that if the Lord would supply the needs of these things which are so soon to pass away, would he not be willing to help me who has an immortal soul? He led me to yield up all - known and unknown - to be and do anything for his sake; and not only believe that he was able and willing, but to believe that as I presented all that he sanctified me wholly. Glory to his adorable name, he washed me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleansed me from all sin. Hallelujah forever! He also filled me with love, joy, peace, and light, and at times, though timid by nature, he constrained me to shout praise to his name. For years I had a healed, happy soul in a sick body. I thought I was to glorify the Lord by patiently bearing my affliction; but he sent a minister of God here through whose preaching and prayers I was made whole. Excepting "test" I have not had the headache for years. Now it is a saved soul in a healthy body. Hallelujah! The Lord was so tender and gentle with me in my sickness. He seemed as a great fountain from which every one is welcome to drink freely "without money and without price." At times there seemed to be but a thin veil between his face and mine. He is full of compassion, love, and sweetness; ready and willing to bless every one that comes to him. I am corresponding with one in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, who has been healed of curvature of the spine and other troubles. She is perfectly well, and busy for Jesus. Truly Jesus has the same power to heal the body now that he had when in the flesh; for he is "the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever."
C. A. Straw.
Newfield, Maine.
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My Experience.
For the glory of God I give a little of my experience of divine healing of soul and body. It has been forty-three years since God for Christ's sake saved me. One of my neighbors was taken sick. I was summoned to go for a physician, and thus, by going, I returned good for evil, as he was my enemy. The doctor lived in the next town, three miles away. So I took a horse and started, but found on my arrival (it being on the Sabbath) that he was at meeting. I sat down and waited for his return. In the room in which I sat, ten years before I witnessed rum-selling, gambling, and drunkenness. After a short time the doctor came, in company with a Presbyterian minister. About the first words the minister said to me were: "Young man, if you should die, do you think you would go to heaven?" I told him I thought I would be more likely to go to hell. That was a very short sermon, but it sent conviction to my soul.
At that time a meeting was being held in our town, and sinners were coming to Christ. I thought I would go that same night, as I had not been in the house of God for three long years. So I went in company with some of my schoolmates. I was in my nineteenth year. My conscience troubled me so much that I thought everybody was looking at me. I went the next night, and went to the "anxious" seat although no one invited me. I did not get any relief that night. The minister gave me a little consolation: he said I was out of hell; but it did not seem so to me. I went away feeling worse than ever. It seemed my load of sin was more than I could bear; but I was constantly praying. Through the day I made up quite a long prayer that I intended to pray when I went forward again. The time came when I once more had the opportunity, and I was one of the first to get there. When the opportunity came for me to pray I opened my mouth to say my long prayer like the Pharisee. That was as far as I got: I could not remember a word of it; but like the publican cried out, "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner." At that instant my burden of sin was removed, and I was a new creature in Christ Jesus. I was then born again; born into the church of God, not into the M. E. sect; for I did not unite as a member until six months afterward. If I should ever make shipwreck of faith I could never say that I had not met with a change of heart. I loved every one, and wanted all to come to Christ and be saved. I also resolved before I left the meeting-house that I would not drink any intoxicating drinks; but would give up tobacco, and tea and coffee. I am now standing upon a total abstinence platform, and Jesus Christ. His salvation is flowing through my soul to-day like a river upon whose banks grow beautiful trees, fruits, and flowers. I praise God for this salvation that can save unto the uttermost all that will believe on his great and holy name. "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." - John 8:36. I can say to-day that I am a free man in Christ Jesus. I am not bound to any denomination or secret society. I want to be free like the sea-birds. As they rest upon the waves, so I want to rest upon the ocean of God's love. I have seen so much of the fruits of division and sectism that I am out to stay. I believe in the one body, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
When I was a boy, near the school I attended was a good place to coast down hill. One day I was run into and my ankle dislocated and a bone broken. One year ago I had some business to attend to at another town five miles away, and started for the place on foot. I went two miles when this ankle gave out. I was so lame I could hardly walk. It continued to be lame until 8th of last February. That day I was shoveling snow. When I reached home my ankle was lamer than ever. A series of meetings was to commence in the M. E. church. I started for the church, but my ankle was so lame I was minded to start back. I thought of the text: "And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and turning back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62. So I went on although my ankle was sore and pained me at every step. When I had gone some of the way, something came to me like a still, small voice, whispering in my soul, "Why do you not ask God to heal your ankle?" I stopped and knelt upon the snow and asked God to take the lameness out of my ankle and heal me. I promised to testify of it that night at meeting. I arose and felt a peculiar sensation pass through my ankle, and the lameness and soreness were gone. I went a few steps when I felt so overjoyed that I knelt down and thanked my great physician. I testified to the people what Jesus had done for me. I have tested my healing, and find it is genuine. When Jesus takes our case in hand it will be well treated. He has healed me at other times in the past three years. I like to tell sinners what a dear Savior I have.
Benjamin Franklin.
Franklinton, New York, March 1.
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Healed of Consumption.
About eight years ago I had pneumonia, which left my lungs very weak. I had a sister who died with quick consumption while I had the pneumonia. The doctors said I would most likely take it too. About two weeks after my sister's death I was told that God could heal me. I was under conviction and had very little faith in medicine. So I put myself in the hands of God and was saved and healed at once. Praise God! what a sweet peace filled my soul. I began to search and read the Word of God. I read that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever, and that it is our privilege to trust him with our bodies as well as our souls. I had good health for about a year, until I received more light and did not walk therein. It seemed I had the will to walk in all the light God gave me, but he would show me things that the devil made me think I could not do under the circumstances, such as having family worship. I became sick in about a year from the time I was healed and gave up and took a dose of medicine; but oh, what condemnation! I repented and was saved and healed for about six months; but still I did not walk in the light and so went into darkness. I was in a backslidden state two years and was sick and miserable all that time. Finally I said I could not live that way any longer. Two of the children were sick and I promised the Lord if he would heal them I would do as he wanted me to. I repented and Jesus sent his pardoning love. My lungs bothered me all that time. Two years ago I had the grip, which settled on my lungs and turned into consumption. I had a very bad hemorrhage and grew worse. In May a year ago I was examined by one of the best physicians in Oregon. He said medical aid could not cure me. I already had four cousins, one uncle, and one sister who had died with consumption although everything was done that man could do. One sister had it then and died in July. As there was no one there but my mother who believed in divine healing, husband, family, and I started in a wagon for the Washington camp-meeting. It was about three hundred miles away, and nothing but the power of God gave me strength to get there. I was losing one-half pound in weight every day for about three weeks before I was prayed for. On the 27th of June I obeyed James 5:14-15, and, praise the Lord, I began to amend from that hour. In a few days I could sing and I soon quit coughing. In October I had gained about twenty-five pounds. We left Colfax, Washington, October 2nd and come to California. We traveled in the rain, slept in wet bedding, and I took cold and had two more hemorrhages; but I trusted the Lord and we are now at Lodi, California. I am still praising God for salvation and keeping power. I ask the dear saints to pray that I may keep humble and obedient under all trials and opposition. Jesus says he will never leave nor forsake us if we trust him. I never shall forget what he has done for me and is doing for me yet. Oh, let us not be afraid to trust God and walk in the light.
Mrs. Edna Welch.
Lodi, California.
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Two Classes.
By Emma Casteel.
My heart goes out to God in earnest prayer for those who have a form of godliness; but deny the power thereof. There are but two classes of people in the world: the saved and the unsaved. The saved people are the children of God; they are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. Reader, you belong to one class or the other; you are for God or against him. We can not indulge in worldly amusements and be a child of God; neither can we sin every day and be a joint heir with Jesus Christ: for in him is no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. He said, "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." "If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world can not receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." - John 14:15-17. It is impossible for God's Spirit to dwell in a tabernacle that Satan is occupying, as is seen from the following scriptures: "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." - Titus 1:15, 16. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." - 1st Corinthians 3:16, 17. From these and many other scriptures it is plainly taught that Christ and Satan can not live in the same temple; also that some claim God is their Father while they are not even a distant relative. Jesus said to such: "Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own; for he is a liar and the father of it." - John 8:44. The apostle John said, "He that committeth sin is of the devil." - 1st John 3:8. Many poor deceived souls are waiting, and think they will be saved after death. I fear they will hear these words: "I never knew you: depart from me." Oh, how sad will be the disappointment for all who have listened to Satan's advice instead of Christ. Dear people, do not let Satan cheat you out of your souls; but listen to the tender voice of Jesus, saying, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30. We can not walk in darkness and be a child of God. "If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." - 1st John 1:6, 7. If we live true to God, great will be our reward in the world to come. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12.
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